[IC] the supernatural costume ball

[Vampiretwilight]

start up:
the ball is soon to begin. the family and the servants have finished setting up and are now expecting guests to arrive. There will be food dancing music and fun. you may find your soulmate or simply make more friends. That is up to you. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

[DestinyStar]

The time had come for this young siren to gain her land-legs and join in the ball! She had never been to an event as grand as this, though it was certainly not her first time on land. The young woman had been sure to arrive after many of the other guests- the less chance she had to be alone, the less likely she was to be discovered. If the other guests knew she was a siren, they were bound to be frightened of her. As she approached the mansion, her dark gown twinkling in the twilight, she clutched her shawl tight around her in anticipation. I can't wait to finally see what else is out there... or who else... This is going to be so fun!

[Vampiretwilight]

Eric Edwards let out a sigh. He adjusted his tie. He had just finished getting ready for the ball he and his family were throwing. His parents hoped that he would find someone special. He shook his head at that thought. Anyway, he headed for the front door to greet the guests.

Elizabeth Valentine had been dropped off. Her ride had left right after that. She took a breath. She moved some hair out of her face. She was careful as she walked. She approached the front door to the mansion. She was anticipating the ball. She took a breath. She didn't get her hopes up.

[DestinyStar]

As she approached the door, Ari hesitated a bit. Standing there was a young man, presumably the one who was throwing the party. He was greeting each of the guests. Just act normal. Be confident and don't behave suspiciously and no one will realize... As she approached him, she made eye contact through her mask and gave a polite curtsy before moving to continue into the mansion without a word. Her smile was calm and her movements were graceful for someone who had been raised beneath the sea.

[MissCapnCrunch]

The Ojos' family had been in preparation to send their oldest daughter to the grand ball for weeks now. Eileen's father had packed a special treat to give the royal family, and Eileen's mother had packed her a suitcase for the trip. Most of her kind lived far from the castle- cast away for their odd looks and odd traditions. After a three day travel Eileen arrived at the castle- it's size magnificent and it's stature even more breath taking in person! Stepping from her carriage, a servant took her luggage and brought it off to the place where she would be staying for the duration of the ball.

Sauntering behind several other guests, she made her way to the front door as well. Keeping her eye to the ground.

[Vampiretwilight]

Eric nodded at a quiet girl who gave him a curtsy. He watched as she entered the mansion. He raised an eyebrow. He sensed something amiss and wondered what could be wrong. However, if she was not going to tell him or was not wanting to say anything just yet, then it was probably none of his business, at least at this time. But, he could not really help but be a little concerned. He had a good heart like that. Anyway, he greeted the rest of the guests after that. He adjusted his tie again a bit. He did his best to be a good host as the guests entered his home.

Elizabeth had since entered the manor. She had a servant escort her to her room. She sighed a bit. She was unsure if she really belonged there or not. There was a slight noise and she jumped. She nearly changed forms. As a shape-shifter, she had to be careful at times. She frowned as she thought about it.

[DestinyStar]

Ari soon found the room in which she was staying and was relieved it had a large bathtub. Although she could stay in her human form for days, if needed, it could get exhausting. After splashing her face a bit, she made her way to the ballroom where people had begun to gather. Her eyes sparkled as she stood by herself, watching the many different types of creatures as they arrived. Some appeared human- others had scales or fur, one eye or many. She saw one particular woman in a bright red dress and immediately felt out of place. Maybe I'm underdressed...?

[Vampiretwilight]

Elizabeth passed by the various rooms while Eric remained downstairs, greeting more guests. He was rather distracted at the moment. She noted that much. Anyway, her room was nice enough. after taking care of what she needed to do, she headed down to the ballroom. She heard the beautiful music and sighed. she felt rather alone. She did not know if she should talk to anyone or not.

[DestinyStar]

It was so fascinating just to watch the creatures finding their rooms and milling about. Ari couldn't help the smile plastered on her face. I still can't believe I'm actually here... Her eyes scanned the room as she was suddenly handed a fizzy beverage in a tall glass. Curious, she tried the mystery drink- champagne, as she would come to understand was its name. The young siren blinked in surprise at the strange sensation the bubbles left; they did not have anything like this back home. The feeling made her giggle a bit, but she quickly covered her mouth and hoped no one noticed how out-of-place she felt. There are so many new things to be discovered here... but I can't go around looking like some tourist.

[Vampiretwilight]

Eric was still busy with other guests. it would be a while before he was free.

During this time, Elizabeth had chosen to take a seat at a table near the buffet. She moved some hair out of her face. She sighed a little bit. She felt out of place there. She took a sip of fruit punch and was soon lost in thought. The young lady was wishing that she had not been made to attend the ball in the first place.

[DestinyStar]

Ari noticed a blonde woman standing nearby, looking rather awkward. She appeared the same as the young siren felt- uncomfortable with this type of setting. After a bit of hesitation, she decided to approach her. How am I going to learn what these people are like without speaking to them? She walked up to her with a gentle smile. "Not much for parties?" Ari asked, quietly. Her own expression was curious, yet kind.

[Vampiretwilight]

Elizabeth gasped, startled and caught off guard. She accidently changed into a mouse before she changed back into herself. She blinked and spun around with another light gasp.
"oh, um, hello. I'm sorry you saw that."
She took a breath and continued to speak. She shook her head no.
"I was sent here. I don't really care for fancy affairs like this."

[DestinyStar]

Ari stepped back a bit, caught off-guard by the sudden change. So she changed shape? I thought she was a human... She knew better than to judge someone by their appearance. Still, it was an interesting ability. Her head cocked to the side, curiously, when she apologized. "Why are you sorry?" She inquired and then grinned. "That was quite adorable, if it's not too forward of me to say. Your ability must be very useful." The young sea-dweller sipped her champagne, glancing around the room. There was a bit of awkwardness as she rubbed her arm. "I see... I am sorry to hear that. I hope you can at least enjoy yourself some."

[Vampiretwilight]

Elizabeth sighed.
"I was told not to change shape at all. shape shifters are not exactly popular."
She noted the grin. She turned red. She shrugged a bit.
"I suppose it is, I guess."
She took a breath.
"I'll try."
She just managed a faint smile. She could not help but think the girl was nice.
"I...never caught your name."

[DestinyStar]

"I... can understand that." Ari's expression was a bit sad as she responded to her claim of shapeshifters being disliked. It was definitely relatable, given that her own kind was similarly despised. She noticed the woman's face was quite red. I must be making her uncomfortable... She pulled her shawl a bit tighter."Oh, I'm Ari. It's nice to meet you." A small smile crossed her lips, and she was very glad the mask was there to help conceal her own nervousness. "What is your name?"

[Vampiretwilight]

Elizabeth nodded at that first thing spoken. She heard the response and proceeded to respond back in return.
"I'm Elizabeth. It's...nice to meet you too."
She managed another faint smile. She really was actually thinking about how nice she seemed to be. She wondered if the girl had any friends or anything. She was tempted to ask.

Elizabeth hesitated though. She was not sure if it would be right to ask a personal question like that. she knew that some people/creatures hated it. They usually had a good reason. She knew that much.

[DestinyStar]

Elizabeth... It was a beautiful name, and one that to Ari seemed very unique. Unsure of what to say, she remained quiet for a moment and continued to scan the room. What do humans- er, shapeshifters- like to talk about...? She sighed, quietly. The young girl just wasn't very good at this. Elizabeth was very easy to talk to, but she didn't seem to enjoy Ari's presence very much. After some silence, she glanced down at her glass, awkwardly. "Sorry, I... am not very good at conversation." Honesty was best, right? "Forgive me. I come from far away and am not sure what people out here discuss."

[Vampiretwilight]

Elizabeth shrugged.
"I haven't had too many conversations with those outside my family either."
She sighed. She took a breath. She kept herself rather calm as she spoke. Elizabeth did not wish to scare her or anything like that. That was the truth.

"we can talk about anything. we do not have to bring up anything that you are uncomfortable with."
Elizabeth found herself coming out of that shell of hers a bit. It would seem that talking to Ari was helping with that. It was nice. Hopefully, she was at least making a friend. However, her parents were hoping for her to fall in love so that she would not be the only shapeshifter left without a mate.

[DestinyStar]

Ari smiled toward Elizabeth once again. Something about her presence was warm, and her presence put the young siren at ease. "Thank you..." She replied, sincerely. "I suppose I am what you would call... nervous. I have never been to an event such as this." She sipped the last bit of her drink before handing the empty glass to a passing waiter. Maybe it was the champagne- she could feel the drink was having some sort of effect on her- but she was beginning to feel herself open up more, as well. "At the very least, I am glad to have met you... Elizabeth. I think we will become good... f-friends..." Her cheeks flushed red when she realized what she had just offered. She had never had a friend outside of her clan, before. Was she being too forward? "I-I mean, only if you want, of course...!" She waved her hands frantically, only to laugh when she realized how ridiculous she was being.

[Vampiretwilight]

Elizabeth nodded. She could relate. She listened carefully. She did her best to be respectful.
"I was nervous when I arrived as well."
She was being honest with her. She nodded again and agreed with her, telling her that she was glad to have met her as well. She was quite sincere when she told her that. Elizabeth blinked. She paused for a moment before she replied.
"Are...are you sure? I mean, do you really want to be a friend...of mine?"
Elizabeth suddenly sounded nervous again.