---

---

His reaction will be posted after the ceremony is.

---

---

The stars are out tonight, Ao thought, night wind blowing through his hair, as he leaned against the deck railing, looking at the revelers. He wore a white coat, and sipped dark wine from a tall champagne glass. It really is a lovely night for such a party.

His sharp eyes picking out the two individuals that he cared most about from the other people, he found Jerall and Shryke dancing together. Smirking and shaking his head, he sipped his wine. No matter what the two kids said, they did cut up nicely, and looked like a cute little couple. No matter what they told him otherwise.

Concentrating a bit, he condensed an infinitesimal amount of the sea spray into a little stormcloud, about the size of a fingernail, and made it fly around his glass. He watched it for a bit, tiny lightning bolts shooting through the small black cloud, before he was nudged out of his reverie by an elbow to the ribs. Surprised, he looked up, and there she was, Jerall, smiling. Finding Shryke, he saw that the Orc had moved onto another partner.

"So, master Relvas, would you care to dance with a lowly Knight?" Jerall held out her hand, raising her eybrows at him, as if there was no question at all. Sighing, and shaking his head, he set the glass down upon a nearby table, and took her hand, and the two walked to the dance floor, side by side.

The music changed, and they began to dance, moving in time to the waltz. The soldiers, a Knight and her Captain, took the spotlight, natural grace and practiced form weaving together to create a beautiful scene.

---

---

The entire ceremony Rini had marveled at everything. The decorations, the customs, the massive amount of people, the music...absolutely everything! The bride was stunning! In these moments, things felt right (for now). Occasionally, the White Dove grimaced at the thought of Ludelle using a tone as if she were a child but her attention was immediately brought back to the lovely couple. (Oh Mr. Shard! You got a keeper!) The woman never considered being in a romantic relationship, it didn't help that her looks brought in the worst kind of suitors. This isn't saying she hasn't tried 'things' but when it comes to men or women she has a night time of fun with, Rini can be particularly selective and luckily for her, her night experiences weren't all that bad. Granted, the first time was a scarring memory... she felt terrible for the guy who had to deal with her blood. Nope, nope. That didn't end well.

An admiration was building up for the Master of Stars. He truly was a great man and to see the gleam in his eyes made Little Red smile. One day, perhaps, the woman would find her significant other but it wasn't necessary. Her heart was set on mending the broken relationship her half sister had with their late mother. Settle all misunderstandings and befriend her... befriend her sister. (I wonder where she is...)

Staring at the large selection of food on a unreasonably lengthy table, Rini contemplated her options. (What would Mr. Calder like...) She examined each option like it was some sort of foreign specimen. Picking up a fanciful bread, she brought it to her nose and sniffed it, long and good. After that, not really caring who was around her, the snow haired woman decided against eating it and put it back down on the table.

There were too many options!

Prior to getting food for her and Calder, Rini had passed the wedding gift table and felt ashamed she didn't have anything to give. To fix this problem, her tiny hand slipped in some random dude's pocket and pulled out his wallet. He had a decent amount of money on his person so she took it all! Once she was done stealing probably some random stranger's alcohol money, Little Red safely returned his wallet without getting noticed and strolled to the food table. Stealing was for survival! The fact that she did it with complete ease revealed that this wasn't the first time she indulged in her sin. Sometimes, Rini got into sticky situations but not today! The guy seemed mentally detached and pretty well off so, she'd like to think he'd be fine. It was for the greater good!

While (and still) at the food table, she used some of her time to fold a cloth napkin in a heart formation and hid the abundance of money in it. She would need some kind of writing utensil to put 'From Rini' on it. Holding the heart in one hand, Rini brought her attention back to the food.

With a sigh, the White Dove decided to throw a bunch of random shit on a large platter with appetizers already on it. (This will do.) And like a waitress, she picked the platter up with one hand and made her way through the crowd back to the last place she remembered her friend being. Many people had to make way for her or an accident was bound to happen. Before getting to her destination _@Jangel13, Rini passed an ebony hair man, entertaining a bunch of children. Stopping in her tracks, Little Red watched as he grabbed an apple and cut it in two with little to no effort. A blush fell on his face and the woman couldn't help but giggle at the sight. (I wonder if Mr. Shard and Mrs. Shard plan to have children...) Within time, the children were pulled away by their parents.

"Hey Mister. That's some nice tricks you got up your sleeves! I was amused!" Her candy apple stare waited for him to make eye contact with her before she contined, "If you don't want to be bombarded by children, you should go mingle with some of the guests! Oh, and to answer your thoughts, no. I am not a child. I stopped growing a long time ago. Come! Join me and my new best friend for life! He's a cool troll. I'm Rini, by the way. The new face of the Tower! Like literally... I just came two days ago. WELL EITHER WAY. I can't make Mr. Calder wait forever, so you can adventure into the mass of strangers or sit by your lonesome self, your choice."

_@Tracyarmav Approaching the troll, Rini placed the platter on a nearby table and then looked up at him with a grin, "Can I use your blood? I'd use mine but then all my hardwork would be ruined!" Both her hands were holding onto the napkin origami she had made, waiting for her friend's response. Blood was a good writing implement, Rini would use it all the time if she could!

---

---

---

---

_{@Themerlinhawk@Grin}A private project Lethal had worked on for the bride and groom was a more advanced version of ROB. Something to capture their sentimental moments and possible family memories if Shard and Raven were considering expanding their bloodline. This AI could also dual role as a baby monitor with a smaller metal ball called Kody that is an extension of it's mother AI and must be activated when ready for use (It's main function is to follow the child wherever he or she may go and become the child's companion sending any information it analyzes to the main bot. It even has a hover mode). Lethal has had plenty of years to study ROB and his functions, so perfecting his system (with an entirely new creation all together) was not challenging at all but it did take quite a bit of her time. She instilled a child friendly mode in the small bot and a parenting and advisory mode in the mother bot. The demon blooded woman was proud to have a successful Advanced Observer Android, having put the metallic inventions through many tests (which include tests of destruction). She called her creation KodiaKapture CAM or "Kodia" for short. Of course, these AIs could be used for more than just children scenarios. They were camcorders (and cameras) with a computer brain that had different modes they could switch into depending on what the user wanted them to do.

Now, they were in a box waiting to be unwrapped and turned on. Yes, Lethal put an instruction manual in it just in case the happy couple needed it. She had no doubt they had AIs that could record things but at the same time, there's some moments a massive AI wouldn't be able to capture and that's what Lethal wanted to focus on when creating Kodia. Something small that could record the overlooked yet significant bits in their lives.

An oddly sentimental gift for someone who preferred not to feel. It was the least she could do for everything Christian has done for her. A gift that showed her respect, since she was unable to tell him outright that she was happy for him.

After the 'incident' with Levi and Bunny, Lethal needed to go lurk in the shadows somewhere and not be disturbed. However, she did keep a look out for the emotional green hurricane, knowing where Bunny was at all times. The Cambion didn't mind seeing what the Paladin's emotions were capable of making her do but for the Master and Mistress of Stars, if things got out of hand, the apathetic woman would intervene. Another fine reason why she stood away from everyone else was so she didn't tear their self confidence down and make them regret ever being alive. The woman knew she had a problem but Lethal was too far deep to change the fact that she needed poison in her lungs constantly.

"Lethal,"

As if the gods had sent her companion, who was the original cause of her irritation, to her, Lethal's single red eye observed Gibraltar like a hawk. Before the cyborg gave the box of death that belonged to her back, he too grabbed a cigarette for himself, knowing very well that it would do nothing for him. Nonchalantly accepting her cigarettes, she placed the stick between her lips and stared at him, waiting. Without having to say a word, he leaned in close and lit her poison with the lightning in his fingertips. The relationship the two of them shared was strange to those who didn't know a thing about them. Some people believed they had a romantic affair going on, but that would be an ignorant assumption since 'romance' and 'love' was not something Gibraltar was programmed to experience anymore. After all, he was Lethal's experiment. Plus, why the fuck would she want a pestering lover to take her away from what she loved the most? As long as she could work with steel and expeditiously grow in her art, Lethal would be satisfied with this godforsaken long life.

Letting the smoke slither down her throat and into her lungs, she kept the toxin in her body for a good while before releasing it in a large filthy cloud. There was a long silence between the two companions that have known each other for longer than they could mentally remember. As she watched the green haired woman walk around the party, Lethal lowly asked, "Do you miss it? The ability to feel."

The night breeze ruffled the black robes Crow had doned earlier. Climbing the stairs to the forecastle; Crow perched on the railing hanging his legs of the edge of Blackwing. The ceremony had been more or less enjoyable from his vantage above it. The staff rested in the crook of his arm as he sat tapping his foot against the railing. The reception was in full swing behind him but it didn’t seem to phase Crow as he continued to kick his foot.

It really was a beautiful sight from the top of Blackwing. Funny how such things contrasted; the aura from the other side of the Veil was almost palpable. One of the great battles of the first Stygian War had occurred just a few hundred miles away at Westhaven. The destruction had been so grand that even to this day he could feel the restless dead moving. And to think that Raven and Christian had taken part in it. The memory records that Shard kept under lock and key had shown Crow everything he’d wanted to know.

Thousands of Stygian Deatheaters had climbed the sheer cliffs of Westhaven. Christian’s form leaping from roof to roof with Raven on his back as they had taken the city by storm and steel.Years later the city would be destroyed by a group of Galendar’s defenders as they made their escape via airship. The young Garick Darksand among them as Westhaven burned. Another strike back at the Stygian invaders

Shaking his head to clear the memories Crow turned over the Deathmask in his hands. There really wasn’t a reason to peer beyond the Veil. He knew what he’d find.

It was so tempting to just leave.

A voice floated up from the deck of Blackwing; Crow’s eyes almost popped out of his head as he heard the unmistakable tone of Kaela the Tarot. This was bad. Very very very bad. Slowly Crow looked over his shoulder towards the deck of Blackwing where the voice was coming from. This night just kept getting better.

@lovely complex @Tracyarmav

Shiba sighed when the children finally left with their parents leaving Shiba some peace. At least for the first few minutes Until a small white haired child sites up saying he had some nice tricks and she was amused. That made him cover his blushing cheeks with his hood. He really wasn't used to this kind of attention from children but then she surpassed him by saying she wasn't one. That was surprising even more so when she said she was best friends with a troll then that she was the new face of the tower. If nothing else this little girl had confidence even if she did act like a kid. After a sigh he aid up and followed behind her. Shiba didn't want to be taking to a bunch of strangers so two people shouldn't be to bad plus if nothing else this girl was interesting.

When he followed get and saw the troll he gave a small bow Shiba, a pleasure Shiba said before sitting down to join them. Shiba wasn't much for conversation but at least he could be polite...

The sound of wood clacking against each other resounded in the hot afternoon sky, flowers bloomed and birds sang, the wind caressed the grass as it floated over, each blade dancing to the motion. The summer was unusually warm that year, but it hadn't stopped Gibraltar from training and honing his skills with a sword, his face was full of concentration as he stepped, and moved, and parried, and struck. The motions he had been practicing were becoming more fluid and slowly he was becoming more and more confident, bolder even as he tried to strike at his sparring partner, who's swordplay far exceeded his own. In a miscalculation, however, he missed the strike, his opponent parried and...

THWACK! THWACK!

Down Gibraltar went with a loud thud, flat on his back, groaning slightly in pain, but more so panting from the exhaustion of training all afternoon. Sweat drenched his clothing and glistened on his skin in the sunlight, his chest rising and falling with the motions. Marks and bruises were pecked all across his body from getting struck so many times and falling to the ground.

"Ha! You're getting better every day, keep that up and you might actually be able to hit me for once." A hand reached down for him, the grin of his comrade wide across his face.

"Ass, I'll get you yet," The half orc graciously accepted the hand and was pulled up from the ground.

"I think that's enough for today, sun's hotter than an infernal in heat, plus beating you to a pulp works up quite the appetite."

A swift jab to the shoulder was Gibraltar's response as the two men shared a laugh and started heading back down from the fields towards the village. They followed their way down a dirt path through a forested area, the tree shade a welcoming relief from the beaming sun. This was a path they had traveled many times before and one that Gibraltar in his young age was certain he'd be travelling through many more times in the future. The two would talk, make plans as to what they would be eating, tactics to give them an advantage, village gossip and all the sort, but there was one particular conversation that peaked his interest above all else.

"You know, Rosanna has been asking a lot about you."

"Oh?" curiosity peaked, an eyebrow raised, but his voice remained calm, "And what exactly has she been asking a lot about?

"Normal things, curious things, like what's your favorite food, where do you like to go, how big are his muscles~." The last part was expressed rather dramatically as the orc batted his eyelashes and clasped his hands together in a feminine action. "Girls don't ask those kind of things unless they're interested in a guy."

"I'm sure she's not that interested in me."

"Oh don't give me that kind of crap! Just talk to her, see where things go!"

"Mathias..."

"Look, I'm not asking you to marry her, just talk to her, ask her how her day was! Girls love it when a guy is interested in their every day life, they eat it up!"

"...well...I suppose it couldn't hurt."

"That's my champ!" A firm hand clapped against Gibraltar's back, "You'll have to tell me how it goes."

Their talking had stilled for a few moments before Gibraltar asked, "She didn't really want to know how big my muscles were did she?"

"Nah, I made that last part up."

---

*gasp* Gibraltar shot his upper body up from his prone position, he was panting heavily and his eyes darted around the room, rather panicked. It was just his room....just his bed...everything was in order and it was still dark outside...just a dream...
He sighed and laid himself back down, gently and eased himself back into a comfortable position.

"Have a bad dream?" The shifting form asked him as it perched itself close to him. His eyes were properly adjusted to the darkness as they set themselves upon the feminine form of his partner, Rosanna.

"Yea..." He sighed and raised a hand to his forehead, wiping away at the cold sweat that had formed there.

The woman shifted herself closer and laid her chest against his, tracing her fingers lightly against his skin, "What about?"

"It wasn't important...nothing you need to worry about."

"Dreams are always important, that's why I'm asking, and I'm curious too."

Her curiosity always got the better of her, and Gibraltar was always more than willing to oblige in his partner's requests. Sighing he looked up towards the ceiling, "I only remember bits and pieces, but there was fire, and death everywhere, the village was in flames..." he looked to her, "You were gone..."

"Hmmm~" Her fingers continued to trace the contours of his firm flesh, "But I'm not gone, am I? I'm right here."

"Yea...you're right here" his hand snaked around her and pulled her closer, before he planted a gentle kiss on her head "Sorry...I'm just feeling a little fearful right now."

"You don't need to be afraid love," She nuzzled her face into his, "I'm not going anywhere."

"I know..." His eyes began to flutter close and soon, sleep took him once more.

---

The cyborg was mid-inhaling when Abiteth posed the question to him and he suddenly stopped, somewhat shocked at the rather impromptu inquiry. He considered her question very carefully, so carefully that his inaction might have been considered alarming. Eventually he did exhale, a small cloud of smoke exiting his mouth.

"To miss something, would be to regret something. I do not regret the decisions I have made that have changed my life...my body."

He plucked the cigarette from his mouth and gripped it in his closed fist, a small jolt of electricity running through it before he opened his palm and the ashes of the partially remaining fag were carried off in the wind. He stared down at his hand, testing each digit as they contracted and extended before clenching his fist once more. His attention turned towards the bride and groom, they looked quite happy together, "However...nostalgia does at times invade my mind. I can still dream, and my dreams feel quite real to me."

He went back to his hand and turned his wrist over, staring at the back before turning it back to his palm, "I'll feel the grass beneath my feet, the sun's warmth against my face, the gentle caress of a woman against my skin," He paused, considering his next words carefully, "Maybe I do miss it at times, but I wouldn't change my decision, not for anything." He turned to his companion, "Why do you ask? Do you regret turning me into what I am?"

---

---

---

---

Bunny was currently beyond the human comprehension of drunk, having spent most of the before now taking more shots than she could count. Her entire body was numb, her eyesight less than reliable, and she moved with the grace of a rampaging bull through the crowd. Despite her inebriated state, it seemed the woman was quite intent on drinking herself to death on account of the three tall drinks she was carrying in both hands. In fact, it was a miracle at all that she was still standing. She had spent the whole ceremony crying, much to the annoyance of those around her, and comparing her tiny form to Ludelle's curvy body. Her negative thoughts cut herself down, lacerating her self-esteem until the Paladin felt absolutely worthless. Though some had tried to console her and told her it wasn't worth crying over a lost love, there was no reaching her. Downward, she spiraled into the abyss of depression, only finding solace at the bottom of an empty bottle.

Onward Bunny stumbled, until she reached the two creatures that had captured her fancy: Lethal and her cyborg companion, Gibraltar. The mechanic had kept her company at the ceremony, ensuring she didn't do anything stupid during Christian and Raven's happy moment. "Ledhalll, Gibbyyy! I god you two trinks!" she called to them and interrupted their conversation, her words absolutely mangled by the corrupting substance in her system. Unfortunately, just before she arrived before them, her foot caught a loose board on the floor and she tumbled onto her face, now drenched in what smelled like pure rubbing alcohol. The liquid spread outward, halting at Lethal's feet and dared to go no further, as if even the inanimate substance quaked in fear of the Cambion.

Her face twisted into a look of despair and without hesitation, her puffy red eyes began leaking tears once again. "I cand do anydang riiiiiiight! I should jus' go home and die... she sobbed, attempting to pull her wet self up but failing miserably. Crawling on her hands and knees, she got to Lethal's leg and used the woman's dress as a handhold to get back up. Finally on her feet again and now embracing the mechanic, Bunny wiped her tears on Lethal's dress. "Now 'm wed, colt, 'n miserable... Dish dressh coshted sho much too... 'n I am in shoooooo much debt! Like... 400,000 creditsh. I 'unno how I gonna pay it off. Maybe Rini can work da streetsh..." the woman drunkenly ranted, wondering where her Aspirant had wandered off to. Hopefully she wasn't causing too much trouble. Hiccuping she turned her attention to Gibraltar and gave him a drunken wave. "I am sho shorry I look awful righ' now. I jus' shad..."

Behind the cyborg, her bleary eyes caught the whimsical Hellspawn that had caused her state right now. He was merrily dancing with that new whore of his. "Eider of you know whosh that ish over dere? Da sluddy Elf wid da Hellspawn I shot." Bunny changed the topic of the conversation, a wobbly fingering pointing towards Izual and Ludelle's location. She wanted a name, for a fire had ignited within her. The Paladin really wanted to deck that chick in the face for stealing her man.

At the knight's suggestion of a beverage, Necro demanded it from the bartender, who gave her an incredulous look before filling her stein with a some manner of potent brew. While she was unable to smell it, she gave the beverage a brief molecular analysis. Whatever it was, it seemed potent enough to kill all of the bacteria in the mug... and for a few inches around the mug. However, in the time that Necro had been staring in mild disbelief at her drink, the knight had downed several mugs of his own.

Not to be outdone, Necro quickly downed her beverage. "Another," She shouted at the bartender, and downed her refill as well. "Another!" Another down. "Another, dammit!" Once more. "Just gimme the damn bottle!" At her sharp insistence, the bartender timidly handed over the bottle, which was nearly as long as Necro's torso.

Without any hesitation, Necro lifted the bottle up over her head, and began to chug its contents. It didn't bother her, of course; she couldn't taste the liquor. She didn't even have a stomach to keep it in. The trick was quite simple, actually. Her holographic body had been made hollow for this prank, and so she was just transferring the the liquor from one receptacle to another (herself). As it happened, most of it was sitting around her knees, still frothing.

When the bottle was finally empty, Necro gave a triumphant hoot, and smashed the bottle against the deck of the Blackwing. The sudden noise of shattering glass drew the attention of several nearby guests, who looked to the source of the raucous disturbance.

"Ha ha!" She laughed in the knight's face, her "breath" stinking of firewater, "Now I'm not sure exactly, but I'm pretty sure I'm beating you! So much for all that 'outdrinking death' crap or whatever, huh? Pretty sad to be drank under the table by a girl that's not even sixteen!" She was shouting, quite intentionally, to allow any onlookers or eavesdroppers to get a perfect idea of what was going own between the two of them.

Meanwhile, Levi was congratulating himself on his suave introduction and inherent charm. He did his best to keep his eyes on Kaela's face, but it happened that her assets were quite... prominent. Under normal circumstance, Levi would have been more than capable of keeping himself from leering. However, he had a bit to drink that evening, and so spent an unsubtle amount of time with his eyes pointed downwards. However, as the fire witch asked what he did around the Tower, his attention snapped back up to her face.

"I happen to be an artificer, by trade. Craftsman of wondrous and miraculous inventions."

To demonstrate his point, he summoned his fiery spell cannon CTHUGHA from the hammer-space of GRIMOIRE. He twirled the pistol efficiently around his right hand as he retrieved his cigarette case with his left. He tossed the gun in the air long enough to place an elegant black cigarette in his teeth, catching it behind his back as he put the case away. With a final flourish, he placed the barrel of his gun at the tip of his cigarette, which then issued a single lick of white flame to ignite the smoke. Dispelling the gun, Levi puffed luxuriously on his spiced cigarette, crossing one leg over the other, and smiling with self-satisfaction.

Maelyn gazed up at the night sky with wonder and awe, she hadn't seen such a beautiful aurora since her travels took her far south, it reminded her of days on the gypsy caravan, the group gathered around the fire and the music she played to them. Those were peaceful days, and very peaceful nights, and here she was, performing for the bride and groom, the master and mistress of stars, on the night of their wedding. For her, to be a part of such happiness and love, even in such a small way, it filled her with glee. Looking over at her brother, however, a small frown graced her lips, as he fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, looking like he was absolutely hating life.

"How in the hell you convinced me to wear this stupid monkey suit, is beyond me." The hot-headed young man complained, having worked off four of the seemingly endless contraptions that bound this cloth to his body.

Maelyn shook her head and stepped in front of her brother, slapping away his hands, and working a couple of the buttons back together, "I didn't convince you, I asked you, because I wanted you to look nice and actually wear clothing for this one time (That's far too open, you'll scare the children). Plus, you're going to be coming onstage for the final song, and I don't want you up there shirtless little brother." Smiling at her handiwork she smoothed out the wrinkles in his shirt from all the fidgeting he was doing, "Besides, I think you look very handsome"

Elias snorted, "Says you..."

"I did though, didn't I?" she raised an eyebrow, a small smirk growing. Maelyn knew her brother didn't exactly like to wear a shirt, or any upper body attire to begin with, but for the times when he did wear clothing, she did appreciate it. He even had his crazy and wild hair tied back in a pony tail, still just as crazy, but much more tame than usual. She on the other hand, was wearing a very class and elegant blue dress knowing that this was a wedding, she didn't want to capture too much attention away from the bride, especially since, when onstage, there would be plenty of eyes on her. "I know it's a lot to bear Elias, but you've done well so far, its only for a couple more hours, then you can tear the clothing to pieces or what have you."

Elias raised a questioning brow, "...Promise?" Maelyn nodded in reponse and Elias tucked his hands into his pocket, "Fine, I'll deal with it a little longer." His eyes looked over to the stage and the group that was playing music was beginning to finish up their final song, "I think you're up next sis, good luck, I'll be at the bar." He started walking away.

"Don't forget, you're playing with me for the final song, that's why we got you the rental!" He raised his hand and waved in a 'yea, yea, I got you' sort of manner as he continued to trudge off. Maelyn smiled, despite how uncouth he was appearing, he was actually being far more cooperative than she could have hoped for. She breathed in, then out, and with confidence and starry eyes, she made her way towards the stage.

---

Elias was in quite a pickle, the longer he was wearing this shirt and jacket, the more he was hating life, but he insisted on having a good time tonight. What better way was there to have a good time, other than getting blitzkriegingly drunk at the bar. Just as he was arriving, some rather petite looking girl had just downed the last of a bottle of some liquid and smashed it on the deck before laughing in the face of some armor plated behemoth and calling him out on some challenge they were in. He already liked this girl and slid his way over to a seat next to her.

"Hell yeah! At least someone here knows how to party! Barkeep, I'll have what she's having"

"Apologies sir, but she...drank it all..." The rather timid man looked petrified, now having to deal with another raucous individual.

"You're shitting me?! Fine, give me the strongest thing you have back there, I need to get on this girl's level. Got room for one more in your little competition?"

---

Breathe in, breathe out.
Maelyn took to the stage, her light steps tapping on the wooden planks, with violin in hand she began to pluck at the stings and pass the bow across them, fine tuning them for the performance ahead. She paid no mind to the crowds in front of her, this wasn't her first live performance, though it was the first in quite a long while, and in front of such a large audience. She was excited, nervous, anxious, normal things to be feeling in front of a crowd of people, but she knew she could handle them. Christian himself had personally asked her to perform for the reception, despite being one of the newer members of the tower, her reputation had preceded her. She spent several weeks picking and choosing from different songs, practicing her heart out, and incorporating a harmony within her melody. She wanted something that encapsulated the beauty of her instrument, but wouldn't be so dull and boring that only slow dances like 'The Waltz' could be incorporated into them; she wanted the guests to have a little fun.
Breathe in, breathe out.
She played a few notes across the instrument, channeling her magic through them, and in a few flashes of light, four gleaming totems appeared. Small and glorious beings, conjured by her magic, they would serve in her performance this evening, for as she played, she'd be able to channel her magic to allow the four totems to retain a beat and harmony to her songs. The young woman gave a slight curtsy to the crowd, and the totems also bowed in motion with her. Violin and bow in hand, she began her first set.

Akime’s attention was all over the place and she had a hunch that she was grinning like an idiot. The reception was almost like a drug. She felt drunk on happiness and it wasn’t just from seeing so many familiar and unfamiliar faces in one place. It was also a stage where everybody’s auras were twisting and dancing around each other in a magical carnival of colour and texture and she felt like she’d have an epileptic shock any minute now even just from taking it all in.

There was Zachary! He always stood out and not just because of his somewhat frightening aura. Most often it was because of the grim expression on his face, the grimmest expression she’d ever seen (and not because of the mask!). In this case, the reason he stood out was because the mask was off!

So she couldn’t help herself, attracted to his face like a moth to the flame. She almost skipped towards him, well aware of how awkward he usually felt around her. Frankly, she’d always found that adorable.

“Hey there, gorgeous! It’s been too long since I’ve last seen that face, you know I think you’re very selfish to always keep it to yourself? Or have you finally found a lady to share it with?” She did giggle like an idiot just now. It came as a bit of a surprise but it made her smile even wider, turning to Cole, whom had never met Crow before. “His name is Crow and as you can see, he’s heavenly. But he’s usually too morbid to share his looks with any of us.”

“That’s not good.” The griffin commented. “I think many females would be interested in his genes.”

“You’re such bullies.” Amber commented, smiling at Crow and offering a handshake. “Want me to distract them while you run away?” Behind her the other two were giving him even more reasons to consider the offer.

“Why would he run away?” Cole quizzed.
“Because he’s shy.” Akime explained shortly.

In his preparation to abandon Blackwing the trio had snuck up on his and Crow just about fell off the side of Blackwing from the shock. “It’s just because Shard told me I wasn’t allowed to wear it around his guests. Hence the hiding.”

A look of pure horror spread across Crow’s visage at the suggestion that he had found a woman. While he’d never openly admit it; the sudden convergence of females always made him uneasy when he was without his mask. This was the perfect example of such a situation with Akime peering at him like this along along with her companions. It wasn’t like he hated people it was just odd to see women go from looks of disgust to rapture when they saw what he actually looked like. It was clear that was all they were looking for. Which posed another problem which had resulted in the Wyrdmask.

Taking Amber’s hand Crow shook it. “I prefer not to be swarmed though if you must know. It's uncomfortable and let’s be honest I don’t exactly have a flock of women following me around when I look like I normally do. Is there something I can help you with?” It was clear in Crow’s face that he wasn’t at all comfortable with Akime; it was something between fascination and fear.

It didn’t help that she didn’t stop giggling and in the background he could still hear her and Cole’s hushed voices.

“I don’t think you can help me with anything really, it’s more of an offer for me to help you if I can. I have no idea what they’re talking about but I know Akime can be a bit... much sometimes. I think she’s trying to be friendly but she might be a bit drunk. Anyway, you don’t seem like the shy type. Why is she picking on you?”

“Because he is shy!” Akime chimed in, Cole quickly covering her mouth. After the fit of laughter died down she added, a bit more composed. “I mean, look at his face. Do you have any other explanation?”

Everyone stared curiously at Crow now.

“Don’t take this the wrong way but this is the perfect example of why I don’t understand women.” Crow dropped the comment without batting an eyelash. “Additionally I avoid you in particular because I’m concerned Vulture will suddenly have the urge to ask for your heart. And not in romantic fashion.” Turning back to Amber he gestured at her. “I’m not sure it's just usually I don’t get the response that you gave me. Normally it's an invasion of personal space and outrageous flirting. Its even better when it's from women who have previously given me disgusted looks and turned away. Infact I suspect that there is a small subset of the Tower’s female Knights that have one day avoided me and then when I’m forced out of my mask thrown themselves at me.”

Crow gave Akime a long look. “And then there is her.”

“Hey, why the hell is everyone constantly worrying over that antique Yshenrook?! If he had a problem with me, he’d have found me ages ago.” Akime pouted a bit, throwing her hands in the air.

Amber’s eyes were wide as half of what that guy said was incomprehensible and the other half went right over her head. “Wait so… you’re some irresistible thing and the only way you can avoid it is to wear a mask that pushes people away?”

“You’d know what he means if you’d seen his mask. It’s anything but appealing.” Cole commented.

To prove his point Crow moved his right hand over his face replacing his Wyrdmask for Amber’s benefit. The face it presented wasn’t horrific it just wasn’t generally considered beautiful. It was the face of a Shaitan Djinn without their innate ability to project a sexual allure. Much could be overlooked with the right magics. That was the idea at least. That or Crow’s mother had had a different motivation for sleeping with his Father.

Crow casually left the mask in place, “I’m surprised that you’ve never seen me like this before but then again I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in the Tower before.” Crow simply let the remark hang as he gave Akime another glare.

Amber stared at him curiously and had to agree he looked better without the mask on. Being dead, she couldn’t say she had any hopes for any romance ever but objectively he looked better without that thing on. Then again, she wasn’t one to judge people based on looks. Her own had to change every few years, she was used to the fact that looks had nothing to do with what’s inside. At his remark she had to look away slightly embarrassed.

To punctuate his next statement, Crow held out his left arm and Vulture landed on it lunging its head in Akime’s general direction. “I somehow doubt Vulture has forgotten you.” The bird made a strange sound. Almost like a laugh.

Akime rolled her eyes with a smile. “I’m hard to forget.” She joked, the irony being that she had erased her name from history quite successfully. She noticed Cole’s eyes fall on someone all the way across the room and slip away with a wave at Crow. “Anyway, I’m glad to see you’re doing okay.” She grinned at Vulture. “Both of you.”

Crow gaze a grimace of a smile. “Okay is the best you can hope for in all reality. Random chance dictates that your chances of being purely, okay, are rather high.” He was toying with her now since she’d felt the need to come and do the same with him. “Of Course not all of us can court death.” And even sicker grin tugged at his lips with the implication.

Turning back to Amber; Crow tilted his head to study her. “Wait..” Crow ran both his fingers over his eyes and peered beyond the Veil. Before he turned back to Akime with fury on his face.”What kind of a binding is that?!” It was clear he was not happy having found out that Amber wasn’t exactly alive.

Amber visibly started at his sudden outburst and while Akime’s expression had been that of mock-offense a moment ago, now it was quickly becoming more serious. The smile remained but there was a coldness behind it that reminded just what she could do to a person if they weren’t careful. She stepped forwards as Amber took a step back and wrapped her arm around the girl protectively.

“Be careful, little fledgling. You might be young but even so you should know how much words can hurt and if you still choose to launch them, then you should be well prepared to get some pain in turn.” Her voice was sweet but it seemed to fall to the ground like frozen crystals.

“It’s okay.” Amber mumbled, looking at her feet. “It’s not like I’m hiding it. And it’s not like I care either.” She lifted her eyes to Crow, a slight accusation hidden within. “I chose to be here.”

Crow shook his head rage boiling below the surface of his visage. “You fucking amateur” Crow practically snarled the words. “I see why I should have been concerned when it comes to you and why Vulture might send someone after you. There is a reason that Necromancers exist and why we are the priests and priestesses of Yishreenok. Others who tamper with Necromancy do things like this. I have no doubt that you chose to be here.” The anger faded from Crow’s face. “You just bound her; why didn’t you bother to actually come to a Necromancer?”

As if to prove his point Crow stepped forward with Violet fire covering his hands and pressed them gently to Amber’s shoulders. Running it through her form he purged the form of its current defects. “I’m sorry, you’ll have to forgive me.” His face looked almost sad as he ran his hand over his forehead. “I’ve seen too many poor attempts at Necromancy over the years. And too much pain.”

Turning back to Akime he sighed “Just don’t make Lazarus kill you; that would be unfortunate.” Wiping his face again Crow removed the mask. “I think I need alcohol.”

The two women, and a few innocent passersby, stared at Crow wide-eyed and shaken. His words were sharp as razors and had definitely made some cuts but Akime was in no state to dwell on them and apparently neither was Amber. His final words marked the end of his outburst in a rather bizarre fashion and the two couldn’t help but exchange puzzled looks.

“Rum or vodka?” Was the best thing Amber thought of saying.

“That’s not gonna be good enough” Crow, took Amber’s hand gently just above the wrist and made a beeline for the bar.

Amber blinked at the unexpected tenderness and let herself be dragged off. There was something odd about the way walking worked… something lighter. And she definitely wanted to know more. So did Akime, that’s why she followed suit.

Getting to the bar the two women sat on either side of Crow, with Akime well aware but generally uncaring about how he felt about it. It was obvious by now that he had a problem with her but like many necromancers he seemed to have a soft spot for the dead and she didn’t intend to stay long anyway. She just had some questions she wanted to ask before making sure Cole was staying out of trouble.

“So.. what did you do to me?” Amber started, feeling somehow awkward..

“Eldrian Firewater, or whatever stupid name you’re using for it. Daggerfall Firewater maybe.” The first shot of it Crow snapped back with efficiency without even looking at either Akime or Amber. Turning the shot glass over he pressed it against the bar and twisted it a half turn. There was a sizzle as the rim of the glass seemed to sear a circle into the top of the bar. “You know, this stuff makes you look like badass because everyone thinks you’re drinking some sort of acid or combustible but in reality they put some sort of chemical in it that reacts with wood in this manner. I haven’t a clue what it is.”

With that he gestured for the Barkeeper to refill the shot glass and turned to look at Amber. “I purged your form. You know how some asshole Death Wardens bring the dead back as walking corpses? The only reason they do that is because magically it’s cheaper. I think it’s disgusting personally. I mean; we’ve been given power over the dead and yet they have zero respect for the mortal form. If they really wanted they could restore the corpses completely.”

The Croweater’s whole demeanor had changed. Dropping any pretenses of being shy he took another shot and looked at Akime “You know, supposedly Lazarus can bring inanimate objects back to life if they had enough of a soul before they died. It’s the same thing; we can literally reverse death. It's not cheap and it's not easy but it's doable.” Crow wrinkled his nose at the third shot of the substance that smelled like an open flame might ignite it. The rim seared a third ring into the bar and he paused in his drinking. In mere seconds Crow had consumed enough alcohol to floor an Orc. The effect was a light buzz and some confidence.

Akime looked at Crow with quiet approval of how much alcohol he could pack. Despite everything she’d always considered him somehow endearing – hiding so much care for people behind all that logic. And maybe one day he would find someone to open up to but for now he didn’t seem to need anyone’s approval and that was another thing she liked about him.

Amber gaped at him and what stood out from the whole tirade was that he had called her disgusting. Maybe it was the alcohol? Or perhaps he really did have the shittiest people skills she’d ever seen. “So… you’re a necromancer and you just brought this body back to life… literally? Does that mean you can revive my own body?”

Akime shot her a weary look. Apparently Crow’s “no-nonsense” attitude was spreading.

Crow hiccuped slightly as he stared straight froward. “Maybe.” The silence dragged on for a moment as he stared straight forward. “It depends on a lot of things. “And for the record I didn’t bring your body back to life. I just fixed it. Sort of like how if you replace parts on a vehicle and clean it; it runs better.” A look of revelation spread across Crow’s face. “I’m not calling you a machine that is just a metaphor.” Zachary held up both his hands and waved them in front of Amber. “Don’t misunderstand I have no problem with you being dead and coming back to life. Thats pretty normal for me. I have an issue with how she did it.” Crow whirled on Akime and stuck his finger in her face as he leaned in until they were nose to nose. Zachary stared right into her eyes with his strange violet and gold eyes. “You suck at Necromancy.” A chuckle escaped his lips as he leaned back enough to return personal space to normal.

Taking another drink he looked at Amber. “How old are you? And how did you die?” Two of the worst questions to level at a female, but it didn’t seem to halt Crow as he kicked back his fourth shot.

Akime didn’t say anything and just seized the opportunity to take in the unusual beauty of his eyes. It wasn’t the right time for morbid talk and so she didn’t point out that she’d never wanted to be a necromancer, nor that soon after she came to Galendar she’d considered hunting down necromancers a favourite job. And pastime. But that was ages ago and the bird on Crow’s shoulder was probably the only one who remembered.

It occurred to her to ask whether it was possible for previous avatars to have left an impression on the mantle that were then transferred to the newest bearer. If it was, then that was bad news for her and Lazarus. Then another question arose: was Crow actually implying that he knew about them just then? And if so, what did he know? It would be nice if someone explained to her as well why she’d been getting quite a few weird looks around the Tower lately, and not just because she’d been absent for a decade.

Akime slurped on her cocktail (‘virgin sex on the beach’, because she liked irony) and hoped Amber wouldn’t be too disappointed with her expectations. Akime had asked the few necromancers she’d met on a peaceful basis if they could help her friend but the answers were always negative. She wasn’t hopeful, even though Crow was special in his own right.

“I’m twenty two…” Amber started, the reassurance that he didn’t hate her helping somewhat with trusting him. While his looks didn’t help her concentrate, she had the weird feeling she was seeing a doctor. One that specialised with patients beyond salvation. She paused and corrected herself. “Was twenty two when I passed… which was about a thousand years ago. I… Shard killed me.”

“Her body was badly burnt when we found her.” Akime corrected, eager to avoid an anti-Christian rant on the man’s wedding. “There were stab-marks as well. ”

Crow made a face. “You mean bite marks right?” It was like he was hearing something that didn’t make sense. With a shrug he turned back to Amber. “This must suck then.” Genuine empathy in his eyes he reached down to his bag and produced a silver bell. Taking Amber’s face in his hand he rang the bell next to her ear and peeled back the veil for a moment. “Christian is a jerk for the record. Not because he’s actually a jerk but he’s a jerk in the same way that you call a tornado an asshole. Or you swear at a landslide. Unfortunately he just sort of happens to everyone else around him. It’s not like he isn’t trying but it's hard to co-exist with a force of nature, there are always innocents that get hurt.” A sad smile crossed Crow’s face as he sat back from Amber; his inspection complete.

“The simple answer to your question is yes. I can. The problem is that I don’t have the magic for it. Yet.” The look on his face said it all. He know that it was going to be a let down for Amber. “I don’t have a second path yet. I’m a Ghost Walker,I deal in spirits. Not bodies” the sad smile returned. “At least not on the same level that a Death Warden or a Pale Master. I need more training to do something like that.” It was all too clear Crow felt bad about not being able to deliver. It had been years since he’d found something he couldn’t do. “I mean. If you hadn’t passed so long ago it would be different but…” He trailed off before slowly returning to his drink. “Lazarus could do it but he won’t. Not really his fault either. Don’t put him on the spot by asking; he turns down lots of people all the time I’m sure. Guess that's the sucky part of being all powerful when it comes to life and death. You have to play by the rules more than those who don’t have all the power.”

Crow crooked his finger at the bar tender who leaned in while he whispered. The barkeeper took a bottle and something else and then set a glass on the bar. Crow carefully pushed it over to Amber. “Its called an Old Fashioned, they always tasted good in my opinion but they are no help for getting drunk.”

Trying not to flinch at his touch was hard considering some recent and past experiences and the temperature of his skin but to his credit, he was really gentle. In a way it made her feel worse because she’d asked.

“Oh…” Amber lowered her gaze and smiled bitterly, asking the bartender for one of Crow’s shots. “It’s okay.” She shrugged, her smile brightening a bit after the grimace the drink produced. She didn’t think it was just reacting with the wood. “To be honest, even while I was alive I was a shapeshifter so I suppose it’s a bit silly to be hung up on your own body after so long. Especially considering we have illusions and all sorts. But please don’t look so defeated. If there’s one thing death taught me it’s that looks don’t matter.” She smiled at him and put her glass out for a toast.

Akime smiled and slipped away from her seat, leaving the glass where it was. Amber was in safe hands.

Tatiana strode confidently through the masses of people present at the reception. She cradled an ornate platinum inlaid ebony carving in her right hand, intended as a wedding gift for Christian and Catherine. She had been told of the marriage well ahead of time and still had barely managed to finish the gift - requiring the help of several professional and expensive woodworkers throughout to aid her in the process. It would’ve been simpler to just commission it from them - but she figured the two would appreciate the personal touch that came from her spending her own time to make something for them. She’d enchanted it with a secret spell she’d learned centuries ago, hopefully to do her part to help keep the love the newlyweds had for each other burning bright and strong for millenia to come.

Placing the carving down on the table she admired it for a second. It wasn’t a small gift - about a half foot tall and just as wide in some sections. It depicted in intricate detail both the Tower of Stars and the Blackwing. Every detail that could be included was there, with the platinum inlay highlighting certain parts of the carving for an aesthetically delightful contrast. In front of the Tower and the ship were upscaled carvings of both Christian and Catherine, with Christian’s dragon form and Catherine’s Coat of Arms behind them. While their expressions were intentionally unclear, one of the few details that had been left out, their stances suggested a bright future, full of happiness, and side by side. Hidden here and there throughout the carving were references to significant events and funny moments between friends.

Yes, this gift would do.

Tatiana would wait until a bit later to congratulate them personally, for now… her stomach was rumbling.

She made her way over to the long table overflowing with dishes both exotic and familiar, her silky deep crimson dress billowing out behind her as it caught the air. There were many faces here, some she knew well, some she vaguely remembered, and some completely new.

Tatiana decided that socializing could wait for a bit, and she examined the food closest to her, eventually plucking a few appetizing looking bits of food from the area before setting off back into the crowd.

Cole sniffed her out from a mile away. He had a thing for older, or should we say, “experienced” women, but could barely believe his luck today – so many of them were leisurely strolling around that he even had a choice.

One of them ticked all the boxes. Tall, beautiful, strong, redhead. His heart fluttered with joy as he looked around and didn’t see a man accompanying her. Win. He smiled to himself and approached, only hoping that his fathers were well pruned – oh. Wait, he was human now. Well, he didn’t know much about what human females found attractive but his mistress was always making sure her followers are as glamorous as possible and he trusted she knew what she was doing. After all, who could know better than someone who could only get the visual satisfaction from the opposite sex?

So, with a confident stride, he presented himself to the lady of his interest and asked her name as politely as possible.

Tatiana paused as an attractive man introduced himself as Cole. He seemed… somewhat familiar, especially once he’d given his name.

“Well hello there,” she began, studying him for a moment before giving him a tacit nod of approval, “I’m Tatiana. Tatiana Winchester, lover of fun, alcohol, and a general fire hazard anywhere and everywhere.” She quirked an eyebrow at him, giving her head a quick shake to get a stray lock of hair out of her eye, “You seem rather familiar, if I do say so myself. Cole, yes? What brings you here?”

Cole raised an eyebrow at her, the charming way she flicked her hair not going unnoticed. That was a sign, right?

“You’ve heard of me? That’s certainly flattering… I hope.” He hesitated, frowning slightly confused but shook it off quickly. He was certain he’d have remembered her if he’d seen her before. “I’m afraid that I can’t remember having met you before. I hope it’s not too late to fix that?”

Tatiana smirked, “Well, I certainly have no problems with fixing that. Hopefully I’ll remember what it is that’s so familiar about you.” She cast a quizzical glance at him, trying to recall some distant memory. “Regardless, tell me about yourself.”

“I’m not that great with words.” Cole smiled shyly. “But I can try to show you.”



Cole put just enough distance between their lips to suck in a shallow breath. He really wasn’t that great with words. With actions, however….
“Does it ring a bell yet?” He smiled softly.

Tatiana’s skill with words and actions tended to fluctuate more depending on just how much alcohol was in her system. As it was she’d had several glasses of champagne and a full flask of whiskey - the buzz was coming on now, and a faint red tinge colored her cheeks from the mixed effects of the booze and Cole’s flirting.

She studied him for a moment, a lightbulb going off in her head. “Wait! Now I remember!” She stared at him, “Damn, you haven’t aged a day…” quirking her head again, she let a seductive smirk play at the corner of her mouth, “Then again my memory could still be a bit fuzzy… perhaps a little something to give it a bit more of a kickstart, hmm?” She learned forward, flashing him a winning smile and blowing a kiss at him before sticking her tongue out playfully.

Cole still wasn’t sure he’d ever met her before but then again, constant transformations between human and animal did have an effect on the clarity of his memories sometimes. He wasn’t bothered either way, whether he’d seen her before or not, her kisses felt hot and novel and that’s all that mattered.

And he was sure that he’d been pretty diligent trying to perform the best he can so far but that didn’t mean he couldn’t turn things up a notch. After all, she was a mature woman and surely she would stop him if he was crossing the line of what was appropriate.

He smirked and leaned in, swiftly sneaking his tongue in her mouth.

Tatiana’s definition of “appropriate” probably varied considerably from most others’. She leaned in as well, not at all surprised when Cole took things up a notch by introducing his tongue.

She definitely remembered him now - though his name hadn’t been Cole back then, but that could wait for later. “Well, now I do seem to remember quite clearly.” She quipped, kissing him again, “I seem to remember you were better at much more than kissing. Much better at much more than kissing, in fact.” She smirked at him, pushing her own tongue against his, brushing another stray lock of hair away.

Cole grinned under her lips, their teeth clanking lightly but he hurried to kiss them better. He heard someone clear their throat somewhere close but ignored them. His arm wrapped around her, quickly tracing her muscles down her back and reaching the base of it…

That “ahem” again, and this time closer and this time he recognised her. Cole looked up to his mistress slightly guilty but really not all that much. Akime was cocking an eyebrow at his new love interest.

“Tatiana? I didn’t know you were into bestiality now?” She grinned.

Tatiana grinned at Akime, “Last I checked it wasn’t bestiality if they were capable of rational thought~” She shot a sultry look at the both of them, raising her eyebrows, “You’re welcome to join in of course, Though last I checked…” she studied Cole for a moment. Unlike most, alcohol didn’t affect her too much, but it still didn’t do her powers of deduction any favors. “Hmm… I gathered you weren’t actually him, even if you’ve got his talent.” She looked back up at Akime, “Friend of yours? I seem to recall we both enjoyed the company of a dashing fellow who looked rather similar.”

“Her…” Cole cleared his thought, the next word slipping out through a smirk. ”…pet. Though not hers alone.” He practically offered himself to the woman. A little known fact was that Cole wasn’t only devoting time to his mistress.

Another, even less well-known fact was that long, long ago said mistress had had a brief but intense “encounter” with a very handsome young man who looked strikingly like Cole’s current human body. And apparently said young man also wasn’t only devoting time to one woman alone.

Akime all but gaped at Tatiana, embarrassment and horror bubbling in her dizzy head, ready to erupt. “I--” She stammered and tried to simultaneously cover it up and sweep her emotions under the metaphorical rug. “You must be mistaken; this griffin has chosen his visage on his own accord.”

“Except I haven’t. You’re the one who made the whole transmu---” Cole’s voice faded as he saw his mistress’ eyes widen in horror. Apparently he hadn’t said the right thing. “Well whatever.” He turned back to Tatiana and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Shall we continue?” He leaned in for a kiss again. Akime pulled his shoulder back but was looking at the other attractive female.

“Well, for the record, Kedrian was mine during April and June 5701. And this guy is still mine.” She grinned despite the blush and patted Tatiana on the shoulder. “So give him back when you’ve finished with him. And friendly advice, don’t agree to the whole kids business, he’s a really overbearing father.”

“No need to advise me, I’ve no interest in kids. Now, the process for making them? I’m highly amenable to that.” She winked at Akime, blowing a kiss in her direction as well, “Sure you don’t want to join us? I’m sure you wouldn’t mind getting to undress Kedrian again, even if this isn’t actually Kedrian. I sure won’t have any objections.” Coyly pushing her hair away, Tatiana beckoned at her with a finger, before raising her hands in a sign of mock defeat. “But I can see you have little interest in broadening your horizons.”

Turning to Cole, she grinned mischeviously, “Now, my ‘pet’, I suggest we conclude our business here and get down to business elsewhere.”

Cole sent Akime one last smile before obeying his new mistress’ first order.

---

---

“Oh! I didn’t know that.” Rini responded to Calder’s advice with a nod. Superstitions were such an odd thing. The woman wondered to herself where the root of such an omen came from. Her bubbly expression immediately switched to being puzzled, when a random thought popped in her head, “What… what if it’s a woman’s...BLOODY… time, is it still bad luck?” The obvious topic that Little Red was mentioning was that time of the month that every female creature that could give birth absolutely dreaded. Rini didn’t as much, since she was use to losing blood all the time!

As Mr. Calder chatted with Shiba, the White Dove looked at the tray of assorted food. Her little fingers dug into the mountain of food in search of what Mr. Calder had said would be a good ink like substance. A roll of bread fell on the floor and within time, she did indeed find berries. The purple loot was resting beside a tiny cooked meat leg. Before she accomplished her main quest, Rini grabbed the honey glazed leg and ate it ferociously. Being detached from society has made the pale skinned woman quite unpolished.

Her intentions weren't meant to be rude. When Little Red sets her mind on something, her goal is to accomplish it at all cost-- even if things got messy. Once all the meat was cleaned off the bone, she threw it behind her. The cartilage flew into someone’s alcoholic beverage, a table behind them. Satisfied with the delicacy she had just eaten, but still preferring squirrel over extravagant things, her attention returned to the succulent berries.

Picking up the fruit with ease and with greasy hands, Rini placed it gently on the table. Her candy apple orbs stared at the fruit for a minute or two, contemplating her next actions. After a brief moment of silence, she brought her right fist up high in the air. Then, without further ado, Little Red fervently dropped her clenched hand onto the table, smashing the berries with a thunderous strike.

Bang, bang, bang!

This ultimately created a pool of juices that made a trail on the clothed surface. Most likely staining the expensive fabric. Along with the pool of vibrant purple, berry juice had splattered all over the place and the woman had even gotten some on her porcelain face. Licking her lips, she grinned at the pleasant taste, “Yummy!”

Using her finger as a utensil, the White Dove dabbed the tip of her nail in the tiny puddle and went to her napkin envelope. With surprisingly charming handwriting, she wrote: Rini’s gift for you.

With a gleam of accomplishment, she looked up at her two companions and beamed her adorable, dimpled smile, “What did you guys get Mr. and Mrs. Shard!?” However, the moment the question was brought up her attention went to the stage. Like a child watching a magic show, Rini watched the musician prepare for her set conjuring up totems and looking elegant in her blue dress.

“So coool~” Unfortunately, some tall people went in front of her vision... blocking the violinist. Grabbing a napkin off the table, Rini quickly cleaned herself off, dropped the cloth on the floor, and then stood on her chair so that she may see the lady over the tall people. If only she was the height of Mr. Calder, this would not be a dilemma. Her wedding gift was resting in the grasp of her left hand as she tiptoed on the chair.

---

---

Slowing down as the first song was a bittersweet, melancholy, yet altogether happy song, the two Knights were the center of attention among the dancers, and Jerall loved it, blonde woman smiling and following Ao's lead. The Elf-Djinn was smiling, which was rare. It appeared that the magic of the evening had gotten to him as well. As the first song ended, the two even got applause, after the dancers applauded the wonderful musician. Bowing with smiles on their faces, they waited for the next song to start.

Jerall looked over at Ao, smiling. "You know, Captain... I never would've pegged you for a dancer. You're usually always so grumpy." She nudged him with her elbow as she said this, making sure he knew it was a joke.

Ao shook his head, and offered her his hand as the music began again, which she took. "After four-hundred or so years of living, you learn these things." Raising his eyebrows, he pulled her close to his face, and leaned her over suddenly, whispering in her ear, eliciting a gasp and a blush from Jerall. "And grumpy? I'm hurt, hurt I say."

The second song was a light tune, one that led to many spins and leaps from the dancers. Ao and Jerall weren't the center of attention, rather, two elves which literally danced on air, about two feet above the deck. They didn't feel angry about this at all, in fact, they even went over and personally complimented them. The four dancers then all agreed to dance together to the next song, which was a simple, nice love song.

The dance was shorter than the preceding ones, but it was wonderful. The four traded partners constantly, the male and the female both dancing with Jerall and Ao equally, and once it had finished, they all were smiling and laughing, blonde Elves introducing themselves as Orial and Potemos, twins, and Nephilim, son and daughter of a bloodline descended from Raphael, the Archangel of Air.

Then, the fourth song began. The haunting chords and melody lead to a slow, methodical dance, with many steps to the front, back, and side, while still remaining in the same general area. It was a nice little dance.

On the last one, Ao grinned like a shark. It was time. Although it was played on the violin, Ao recognized the song as a popular club song, which Ao had danced to many times over the centuries. Letting Jerall's hand go with a wink, he said, "I'll be right back. I've just got to school all of these kids." Jerall was somewhat confused, but she nodded and followed him, to see what he was doing.

No one except Ao knew what was coming. As the first few strains rang out across the deck of the ship, Ao just cracked his neck. Looking at him curiously, the crowd didn't know what to expect. Then, he broke out of his stillness, dancing like a king.

The crowd behind him, stunned, did nothing, until Orial, Potemos, and Jerall walked up next to him, and began dancing alongside him. It was like a music video, they were so coordinated. Dancing along with the music until the lovely little lady finished her last note, the four guests laughed, shook hands and hugged. The other dancers let out a cheer, and about a dozen or more people congratulated them on their skill. Pulling away from the group, Jerall and Ao made their way to the stage, looking up at the lovely human girl who was taking her bow.

"That was quite lovely, young lady. Might I have your name?" Ao bowed slightly to the violinist in respect of her masterful performance.

---

@BeastofDestiny
(Sorry I'm not the best at writing dance scenes. :\)

Shiba grabbed a glass of wine and drank it slowly as he watched the two of them talk and how the little girl was so excitable and his tell companion was asking how he felt about the reception and in all honesty Shiba wasn't used to this at all. Being around so many people like this made him jumpy even more so when he is meant to PROTECT people instead of assassinate them. Shiba took another sip of the wine before answering calder.In all honesty sir Calder I am not all that comfortable. I am not used to taking protection jobs like the bride and grooms honor guard. The reception itself seems like a nice one but I honestly can't enjoy being in this type of environmentsShiba said softly not wanting to seem rude in any context of what he said but it was just his honesty opinion that he wasn't used to this kind of celebration...

---

---

---

---

Intently, the mechanic listened to her one true companion as he answered her sudden and odd question. Ah, yes, the feeling of regret. When was the last time she felt that feeling? Did she ever experience such a thing? Everything she did was for her own self growth, to understand, dissect, and create. None of her actions were done without intent. Regret. Something that prevents mankind from moving further in their pursuit. Something that holds them back because they are not looking straight ahead. There was no recollection of such an emotion in her memory bank. When she did something, Lethal did it out of own will not because someone forced her to. Even with something like this wedding, although she despised such jovial occasions, she owed Christian Highfell more than she would like to admit. Those who desired to go back to a cherished time were weak in the ominous woman’s eye.

To her gratification, Gibraltar’s response was something she expected and approved of. Behind the machine, there was a mortal soul. Yet, there was a reason why they became partners. Likeminds do think alike.

“I wouldn’t know how ‘regret’ felt even if I deliberately tried to feel such yearning. You are walking proof of my capabilities. I do not regret making you my personal project.” She paused and took her cigarette out of her thin lips, dropping the ashes to the ground, “I do wonder how much humanity you still have left in you. I may be a being of intelligence but that doesn’t mean I fully comprehend the...” Lethal’s voice trailed off when the green hurricane had approached them.

Dropping the cigarette on the ground, the mechanic rubbed the bottom of her boot on it and watched the drunkard fall forward. The intolerable woman proceeded to wipe her tears on the bottom half of Lethal’s dress (jacket). With a sigh, the Cambion observed the cyborg help the Paladin up, having to pull the sad creature off her leg. At this point, the cold woman droned out the blabbar and began slowly unbuttoning her dress. For those looking, some could assume she was stripping in the secluded area of the reception.

“It can’t be helped.” Her dress came off to reveal her casual attire she was more fond off. With Gibraltar’s help, she put the coat on the drunk woman to cover up her wet dress. As she buttoned up the jacket on the woman, like a mother taking care of a child, Lethal growled, “Again with that damn hellspawn. Perhaps the best course of actions is to find a room where you can sober up.” Her red eye looked up at her cyborg and mentally projected that she would prefer if he took care of the Paladin.

”Prostitution would not bode either you or your friend well, young paladin.” A quick biometric scan indictated that her blood alcohol level was at .12%; the young woman was decidedly drunk. His gaze met Lethal’s and he understood that she wanted him to take charge of her, to make sure she could sober up and not get herself into any trouble. ”Come paladin, let us walk and speak a while.” He nudged her off towards the opposite direction of the hellspawn. Whatever her distress was, it was clearly involved with the young hellspawn and the woman he was speaking with. Getting her away would hopefully help to calm her down.

Bunny was getting quite impatient with these two since neither of them would tell her the name of that damn Elf! ”No! I not gonna go nowhereee! I gonna stay righ’ here.” the Paladin protested, feebly pushing again Gibraltar’s massive form. Try as she might though, there was no way she was going to be knocking him down. With a whine, she fell to her knees in defeat. ”I jus’ wanna know da Elf ladiesh naaaaaame!

Wait, why did she need that chick’s name? Bunny looked perplexed at her own question. She didn’t need that! She just needed to hit the girl a lot! ”Nevah minddd! I go kill her now. I will teach her that she ish nod gonna shteal my man.” she called out, foiling her own plans immediately. It’s not as if she was going to get anywhere very fast either, on account of the fact that she was still struggling to get back to her feet. The green haired woman was moving at a crawl, on all fours as she made her way back towards Izual and the Elf.

The cyborg sighed in frustration as he turned around and knelt down beside the crawling paladin and hoisted her up in one arm. ”Come Paladin, you and I must speak of those two.” With that he started walking away, a very drunk Bunny under his arm. Once he felt he was at an appropriate distance he sat her down in a chair and stood above her, a towering presence in comparison to her tiny form. ”It may not be my place to ask this, but why do you wish to harm the young unknown woman?”

The inebriated woman moped in her chair, her grey eyes down cast and away from the cyborg as one of her long legs kicked at his shin. She mumbled something that didn’t make any sense at all before flicking her gaze to his face. ”Becaush she ish more pretty than me. Izual wantsh her, but not me. Nope nope nope! Nobody wantsh Bunny…” she muttered, a gloomy expression filling her face. The Paladin was filled with a hopeless sense of despair combined with jealousy’s rage. Fortunately, Gibraltar was the wall that separated her from a potential blood bath. Whether or not it would be her or the Elf’s blood… well, that was up for wager.

Ah...young love, something he was all too familiar with in his own youth. Though he could not feel, he was compelled to help ease this girl’s troubled mind, even if he wasn’t good at this kind of advice. “Paladin...Bunny, why waste your affections towards someone who doesn’t reciprocate those affections back? You should find someone who is willing to share those affections with you. Just know, somebody always wants somebody, no one ever wants to feel alone or unloved, and there is someone out there, who does want a ‘Bunny’”

Bunny listened, as well as her drunk state would let her, but there was still that shadow of doubt in the back of her head. She never had a family, never had friends… For most of her life she was just a tool, an experiment, but even they didn’t want her. After all she was a failed experiment. Her face twisted and the tears came flowing out once again. ”I don’t think datsh true at all…” she whispered. ”...How can you wand a failure? Somebody wid no name, nothing at all… I don’ even hash a race to identify wid...”

”Why should any of this matter?” Gibraltar knelt down in front of the young woman, ”You are Bunny,” he stared into her face, ”You need no names, and no titles, to matter to the person who cares about you the most.” visions of Rosanna invade Gibraltar’s mind as he remembers days long past with the young orc woman. ”And you are not a failure, the fact that you are alive and sitting before me today is proof of that. Never doubt yourself, even if you sometimes doubt what you are.”

For probably the first time tonight, a small smile flashed onto the sad woman’s face, a chuckle emanating from her mouth. ”You’re a cheeshball, Gib. But thanksh.. I feelsh a liddle bedder now…” she told him before giving him a big hug. Despite being mostly robotic, he somehow knew how to make her a little happier. Maybe it was something to do with his circuitry? Bunny didn’t have a clue. She was simply glad to have someone who spoke kindly with her right now.

A cheeseball? He wasn’t sure what to make of that, but he acknowledged her appreciation of his words when she wrapped her arms around him in an embrace. ”Never forget, I shall always assist you if you require it,” he was somewhat worried about leaving her in her inebriated state, she honestly needed an escort for the evening, ”If you will allow it, I’d like to remain by your side this evening, to ensure your safety.”

Letting him go and hopping out of her chair, Bunny gave the cyborg a sloppy salute. ”Of couresh! I will warn you thoughh! It will cosht you!” she told him, giggling like a silly little girl. ”If you gonna be wid me, den you gotsh ta dance wid me! The woman attempted to drag him out of the room, apparently forgetting the last time she tried to move him, but at least she was wearing a smile this time instead of an intent to kill. ”Oh waid... I gotta find my Ashpirant firsht… I hope there’sh no pedos trying to abduct her…” A sincere look of worry crossed her face. If Rini got hurt, then Lethal would probably flay her alive! Suddenly, the whimsical Bunny took off, headed back towards the crowd to find that tiny albino.

Gibraltar took off after the Paladin, his strides long and methodical as he went after his charge of the evening. The price a dance though? He supposed he could live with that.

Kaela, Sir Henry Bleakwind
Day 3, Evening

Sir Bleakwind’s eyebrow shot up at the women who was clearly consuming far more than she should have been physically capable of drinking. Finishing his own drink he suddenly shot forward and jabbed his finger into Necro’s stomach out of curiosity. It wasn’t inconceivable that she stomached it; it was just highly unusual. This was the true test of if she could hold her alcohol a swift jab to the stomach might cause her to at least retch if not spill all of the liquor she had just downed.

“I bet Tatiana could out drink you easy. I don’t mind losing to people who are clearly out of my league.” Sir Bleakwood’s whole demeanor changed. “Sit down.” With a sudden kick Henry sent a stool from the bar skittering towards her. Looking down the bar he furrowed his brow. “Quite the collection we have. Amber and Crow were seated a bit down from where he was quickly followed by the other pair of Marielle and Adela. This was certainly shaping up to be a rather interesting night.

“Alright, who the hell are you? There is no human in all of Galendar that could drink that much Daggerfall Firewater. I’m pretty sure that would have laid out even the legendary Croweater.” Henry jerked his thumb at the gorgeous Elder Sidhe sitting down from him at the bar who was currently engaged in a conversation with Amber. “Fucker had me drinking that stuff last time we were here and then the bastard managed to get Kaela into bed. Although he swears up and down that it was all her but I don’t believe it for a moment. I mean have you seen Kaela!” Henry was clearly much more drunk than he had started. “Speaking of which where is she?”

------

Kaela smiled and clapped setting her drink on the table next to her and gave a little kick of both her feet at the trick. It really was rather neat to say the least. With another shift she leaned in even closer to Levi. Uncrossing her legs she took the cigar from his mouth calmly and took a slow drag on it. This was all too amusing for her as she shifted it to her left hand calmly propping her left arm against her left hip which she kicked out to provide a nice place for it to rest.

As his eyes flicked downward Kalea finally caught the look she’d missed until recently. With a sudden twitch of her eyebrows something changed in her demeanor. It was very small as her eyes focused on him as though seeing him for the first time. Kaela flicked the cigar out of her hand and prophetically leaned forward extending her delicate and exquisite left foot to slowly crush the life out of the cigar.

“So Levi, why did you come over here to talk with me. I’m just a little unimportant witch and you’re such a fantastic artificer. Why did you take time out of your night?” The fire witches eyes flicked down to the side as she leaned forward to take the collar of his shirt and play with it slowly. “It seems so strange to me. I don’t understand your intentions.

@Dead Cruiser

Dancing amongst the crowd with the lovely Ludelle, Izual had one hand on her waist and the other clasped in her own hand. He led them elegantly in their waltz, swaying in tandem with the violinist’s song. After all the times his mother had made him practice, he had gotten quite good at dancing and he had found a certain solace in it. The Hellspawn’s expression was smooth and affectionate, yet there was something lingering behind those dark eyes of his: a voracious maw that awaited its prey, patiently biding its time to strike. Ever since Izual had taken a couple shots earlier, his demeanor had gone through a subtle metamorphosis though he did not seem the least bit intoxicated. He was more assertive and resolute, and there was a certain cunning to his speech. Now, the Devil in him truly revealed itself.

As their dance came to an end, Izual skillfully dipped the gorgeous woman before he planted a kiss onto her neck. A sensual air surrounded the two of them, and it was quite clear where this night was going to lead. The Hellspawn was no longer worried about the Overseer or screwing his engagement up. Oh no, he was beyond those things now, concentrating intently on this sweet lady in front of him. ”Would you like to find a place where we can… dance alone?” his voice amorously whispered into her ear as the vixen was pulled into his embrace. The bait had been cast, but would she bite?

Ludelle didn't really enjoy slow dancing but her partner made it feel good and soon she'd relaxed in his arms. She let him lead and tried to follow the best she could and gradually she found herself enjoying it. They hadn't spoken much but the few words they'd exchanged had been short and sweet and increasingly indicative of their growing desire for each other. The man expressed it even before he asked and his kiss was so tender it stole her breath. And when he asked she didn't speak but pulled him in and kissed him instead. And she made it long and sweet but erotic in the end, promising him a good time.

But then something happened. Something bad. She found a flaw in his kiss. It was hot and it made her toes tingle but there wasn't that small bite at the end that he knew really drove her crazy. And she realised it wasn't Marcus she was kissing and it made her start and pull back. He could see panic on her face now, right beside the lust and the embarrassment. “I can't be with you.” She whispered, looking at his face as if it had suddenly changed. “Not after tomorrow. I love someone else.”

And it hurt saying it because it wasn't fair on him and it wasn't fair on her and she wanted to scream and hit something and he didn't digestive any of this. “But be mine tonight...” She pleaded and her eyes were already filling with tears.

Izual was terribly confused, confounded by the change in her lustful charge. So many questions were floating through his head now. What was she doing here with him if she loved someone else? His abyssal orbs floated to the towering Troll on the other side of the room. There was a creeping suspicion that he had something to do with this. Forcing a woman into an arrangement she didn't want to be a part of…? Absolutely despicable.

With an audible clink of his fangs, he glowered dangerously at the Overseer. If only he had brought his Novabuster, then maybe he might've been able to solve this easily. ”I'm right here, Ludelle. Don't worry…” he reassuringly told the distraught Elf. ”Let's get you some fresh air, okay? Also, I’m sorry if I came off too strong… Mother always did tell me I was an oaf.” With his words, he let out a small chuckle, doing his best to cheer her up. A comforting hand rested itself on her back, guiding her away from the jubilant crowd. Silently, he resigned to understand this woman… There was clearly much he didn't know about her.

Meeting the hellspawn's gaze Calder noted it was not a look that one enraptured with their partner would give to a third party. Something had changed, and not for the better. Calder suspected the man named Marcus had just ruined Izual's evening, or more accurately Ludelle's memories of Marcus. Calder didn't know much about Ludelle's relationship with Marcus, since neither Ludelle or Adela was comfortable speaking about it, but that in itself told him that it had not been a relationship of convenience. The poor elf might have actually been in love with this Marcus, she certainly seemed to believe that they had been in love, from what little she would say of him. Calder considered dragging his patient home, before she caused a scene, but it seemed Izual knew to do that much at least. Calder watched them a moment more, and decided that he couldn't ignore them. Stormlord would likely rend him if his failure managed to dampen the celebrations this evening. Time to check on his charge then, and perhaps on Bunny as well. Or both at once, Rini could fetch Bunny and bring her to him, and if was talking with the elf when they arrived, that would kill two birds with one stone, that was a human saying yes? Surely that would be the best way to sort this out.

Ludelle smiled a weak smile at Izual and reassured him that it wasn’t his fault at all and that she wouldn’t let that ruin their evening. She hoped that wasn’t one of her many lies. She could shake off the memory of Marcus, she’s been ignoring it for weeks now, although somehow it was getting harder and not easier. Anyway, if she lifted her eyes she could still see the party being in full swing and that helped, it definitely helped. Then she noticed Calder walking very deliberately towards them again and almost felt like slapping her forehead. For all his gentle care and skills in judging people, he had a terrible sense of tact. Did he really think he’d help?

She thought about dragging Izual away again but at the same time she had to admit his display of aggression towards the troll was quite attractive. The way his jaw clenched and his teeth bared had an undeniably erotic effect. She glanced at Calder again as Izual’s hand lead her in the opposite direction and wondered if he’d noticed the reptilian move. Was he ignoring him or simply didn’t see him? And what would Calder do in response - pursue? Would there be a fight or a lecture on protection? Perhaps even a fight? She had to admit, all of the above options sounded pretty amusing and served to ground her in the moment. She wouldn’t intervene, just follow Izual’s lead and observe what would happen afterwards. Let the men settle things for once, she was going to get what she wanted in the end anyway. Surely, she would.

Grimacing, Izual noticed the Troll tailing the two of them and a sense of paranoia gripped him. Perhaps it caught wind of the situation over here, and it was making its way to come deliver righteous fury. Or maybe it was just going to get a drink? There was no real way to tell, but the Hellspawn assumed the worst. His mind clicked through possible scenarios as they continued to walk. There was no way to lose it, considering it could see just about everything in the room with its massive height and though it moved slow, the Overseer would reach them soon enough at this pace. If it were just him, he could easily outrun the Troll, but staring at Ludelle’s body, he judged her light enough not to hinder his pace.

Without warning, his hands lifted her off her feet and into his arms, much like a groom might carry his bride for their wedding’s consummation. In this moment, he realized very quickly that she was not a pure Elf. At first, his back surged with an alarming shock of pain followed by the quivering of his poor arms, bombarded by her unprecedented weight. Had he known that she was not as she appeared then he might have prepared accordingly, but alas, such were the circumstances. Gritting his teeth and rolling with the punches, Izual adjusted himself to better hold this woman. ”I’m okay… Just hang on.” he muttered to her, flashing a struggling smile before beginning his mad dash.

The man blazed a path through the sea of people, swift as a coursing river even under the duress Ludelle put him under. Most people were fortunate enough to get out of the way, although he may have accidentally knocked a person or two over in his race to the exit. As they sped passed the celebrants, he heard quite a few things about the two of them, comments such as “That Hellspawn looks very eager…” and “Well, we know who’s getting married next.” Not a few feet from the exit and a sense of relief dawned upon Izual. They’d be able to get out of this ballroom and lose the Troll somewhere else on this ship.

Unfortunately, a familiar, green haired woman came bounding towards him. She looked none too happy with her arms crossed and a curt frown upon her lips. Behind her a bulky cyborg loomed, watching the Paladin’s every move. ”Ishual! Did you get married or someding?” she called out to him, forcing the Knight to stop in his tracks. ”Uh…” His black eyes went from his friend to the woman in his arms to the corridor that awaited them. Of course this would happen right now. ”Not yet, Bunny. Er… We really have to go, so…” The Paladin scoffed at his reply, shaking her head in disgust. All the while, her grey eyes were practically drilling into Ludelle’s skull, absolutely pouring hatred.

Suddenly, the usually quite friendly and excitable woman spat in Izual’s face before she marched off. ”Whadever, ashhole. Enjoy your nigh’ wid dat whore.” Bunny seethed, a sarcastic smile sitting on her face. Izual was left with more questions. He was totally clueless as to why she was angry with him. Worse than that, he noticed the Troll was within sight. Had Bunny not interfered, then they probably would have been able to get out of here without any conflict. But now… there was only a single option left: fight.

Dropping his companion back onto her feet and wiping Bunny’s spit from his face, a sudden, euphoric sensation of fearlessness seized him. He knew what he had to do now: protect the sweet, kind Ludelle at all costs, even if it killed him. ”Guess it’s time for the main event…” he mumbled to himself. The silver haired man fell into a foreign martial stance, the small claws that adorned his fingers exposed in a hostile manner. His fangs ground together and his body steeled itself for the worst, unknowing of what powers the creature before him possessed. Naked without his Novabuster, the Hellspawn could only hope to overcome this beast with brute force. ”Troll, how could you separate this poor woman from her lover? And, instead, you force her into this engagement with me, against her own will? That’s just awful. They’ll be calling me Trollslayer after I’m done with you…” Izual thundered out, malice dripping in every word. While it was nonsense to everyone else, he thought the scenario was clear as daylight and needed no more explanation. Without so much as waiting for a response, the Knight flashed forward in the blink of an eye, a hellbent Devil radiating with blind fury.

Ludelle’s mood was now swaying between excitement and worry as the hellspawn carried her across the room, finally settling on worry when they ended up bumping into someone who seemed to know him. And from there it was only one small step away from rage. Did she just call her a whore?! Who the hell was she, even?!

As the needle vibrated dangerously close to outright rage, Ludelle glared daggers at her “date”, who seemed completely oblivious as he suddenly decided it was time for a fight.

“Are you serious?!” She shouted after him, her voice drowning in the sound of his rage.

Shiba sighed a little as he joined him and followed, he had no other choice at this point since he was uncomfortable and he did say that he would make Shiba at least a little more comfortable. As he followed he noticed that he was introducing Shiba to someone else named Izual. Shiba really didn't know much about them but apparently the first thing he does after introducing Shiba to Izual was start to nag them about something Shiba has nothing to do with. Shiba simply drank more of his wine watching the exchange of the arguing. Shiba could sense that a fight would happen soon if nothing changed and emotions ran high. Shiba sighed softly putting his drink and he said I want to say I don't know anything that is happening here and you could kill each other for all I care but since this is a reception and I am part of the honor guard for this event so if emotions run high and you think that you can fight here I will make sure to rip your arms off before you get the chance. So argue as much as you want but leave if you plan on fighting Angelo said softly sighing a little not wanting to disturb this even but a fight would make him feel more comfortable. After all it was where he was the most comfortable

“Jealous”? “Apology”? “Thorough”?! Calder’s words were sharp knives launched mercilessly one after the other and she couldn’t believe she was hearing any of it from the man she believed to be her friend. It was ludicrous, not just because he was always tailing her in an attempt to ruin her evening. And then he said Marcus’ name and all sound faded around her, as if she was sinking, her ears filling with water.

Lightning flashed in Ludelle’s eyes and a moment later it left them to strike at Calder, and she made sure the force of it would be enough to down a horse. Her hand came up threateningly in front of Shiba’s face and she warned “Don’t you dare touch me”, her voice dripping venom. With that she turned on her heel and left the ballroom behind, uncaring whether Calder was left standing or dying in agony.