Hotel Lobby
Interacting with: Jane Addeson
@Zarkun
A young man dressed in a neatly pressed dress suit and apron was tending to the bar tonight, a little disappointed that he had been assigned to work his shift during the ball. He kept his best customer service smile plastered across his face like a mask, eager to serve anyone who walked up to the bar. When they left, his shoulders would slump and he'd let out a sigh ripe with melancholy. He was getting into the rhythm of polishing the crystal glassware when he heard the sound of a bar stool being pulled out from behind him.
"
Welcome! How can I help-" The young man turned around with the same smile he'd given everyone all night, though his speech slurred and trailed off when he met eye to eye with the young lady sitting across from him.
Isabella reeled back a little at his response, feeling a little self conscious. Despite being no stranger to dressing up, the young lady was feeling rather nostalgic in her outfit of choice. The strapless gown was a light rose in color, with white trimmings and ribbon that held the outfit together with a trio of elegantly tied bows that descended down her back from small to large. The dress clung nicely to Isabella's bust and waistline, showing off her petite figure before elegantly draping around her hips and thighs in thick layers. The dress fell down to her ankles, with white lining clearly visible near the hemline. On her feet were a pair of white canvas ballet shoes, decorated with pearls and more ribbons. From her feet all the way up to her collarbone, a see through white leotard clung to her skin with a floral pattern expertly embroidered down along the right arm all the way to her wrist where a silver corsage of white roses sat. A white rose also sat neatly in her hair, tucked just behind her left ear. Her long, pink hair had been pulled up into a tight bun with a french braid woven around the circumference. Her fringe had been left in tact, lightly curled and parted to better frame the sides of her face. A pair of pearl earrings dangled down by the sides of her face. The look was topped off with just a touch of make up, highlighting Isabella's cheekbones and defining her lashes with mascara.
The bartender caught himself staring, pulling his jaw back up from the ground before regaining his composure.
"
Uh, I mean. How may I help you, Ma'am?" Isabella noticed that he was trying to avoid eye contact, keeping his gaze down. Perhaps she had overdone the outfit a little. Though if she was being honest, she chose to dress this way because it reminded her of her childhood. The extravagant outfits during a performance, all eyes on her while she danced and that feeling of being so mesmerizing and untouchable to the audience. Isabella leaned over the counter, getting a good look at that selection on the back wall.
"
A glass of Pinot Gris, please." Satisfied with her choice, Isabella put down the jewels on the counter whilst the bartender removed a glass from down below and went to fetch the wine. As he began pouring, he awkwardly made small talk which Isabella half heatedly responded to. In truth, she was hoping to have a drink now to take the edge off the evening. The nerves of actually attending the ball with a date, especially someone like Jane, was starting to get to her.
Taking small sips from her glass, Isabella closed her eyes in appreciation of the sweet, fruity richness of her beverage. She scanned the lobby, awaiting Jane to appear with mixed feelings of both anticipation and anxiousness.
---
Hotel Room
Interacting with: Marlene Evangeline
@Lmpkio
The hours of the day had slowly trickled away from Bullet up until now. The young man sat on the bed in his trousers, a towel draped around his shoulders. His hair looked like a right mess, all tangled and wild as a result of hastily drying it off. The young man stared down at the blinking communication lacrima that rested on his bedside table. No doubt it was a message from Marlene that he had forgotten to check. He clenched his fists in frustration, angry at himself for being so afraid. Marlene was nice, and he had enjoyed spending time with her today. What was holding him back?
He looked up at the mirror hanging from the wall opposite him, where he was forced to meet his own gaze. Those unnatural, striking red eyes and the strange markings that covered his skin. He'd never felt self conscious about these oddities before. Perhaps he had grown too complacent with Isabella; sticking by her because he was too afraid of being rejected by anyone else. Though now he was met with the possibility that Isabella had moved on from him. His thoughts wandered to images of her and Jane dancing, having a grand time at the ball. Standing up, Bullet swallowed his fear and grabbed his dress shirt off the bed. He wasn't going to sit around and mope. Not tonight. Not when there was someone waiting for him.
---
"
Sorry to keep you waiting!" Bullet scrambled in front of Marlene, smirking awkwardly. With everyone dressed so nicely, it was hard to tell who was who. Bullet himself had cleaned up quite nicely. His hair was combed through of any knots, but it was still painfully obvious that he'd tried to style it to look messy. A definite improvement though. He wore his long sleeved, red shirt with the top buttons undone. It was tucked away messily into his black trousers, fastened to his waist by a brown leather belt. Bullet was sporting a pair of newly polished, black dress shoes. They were a little bit uncomfortable at first but he'd quickly gotten used to wearing them. Over his shirt he wore a matching black vest with golden trimmings.
Bullet stared down at the floor, blushing a little at Marlene's own outfit.
"
I, um, I mean you. You look..." Cutting himself off, Bullet shoved out his hands in which a silver box with white ribbons sat. "
I got this for you. To say thanks, for asking me to come with you." Bullet lifted the top off of the box to reveal a corsage of pink roses and lavender held together with white ribbon and a silver chain. Bullet continued to awkwardly fumble about, babbling on about how he was worried it wouldn't match. He was completely oblivious to whatever reaction Marlene might have to his gesture.
---
Ballroom
Interacting with: Carrie
@Caits, Sayatachi Nijiki
@Lmpkio
If Rosalina was being honest, she'd completely forgotten about tonight's ball. The event seemed like a moot point considering how abruptly the games had ended. It was supposed to be a celebration of the winners and a sign of no hard feelings between guilds. No doubt there were a lot of participants that were attending for the sole purpose of an explanation on behalf of the Royal Family. Rosalina saw Carrie, bustling about as always. Though she took note that her fellow Council Woman seemed to be quite on edge. Approaching her from behind, Rosalina stood besides her with her hands behind her back.
"
You dressed quite nicely for the occasion. Perhaps I should have attempted to prepare a last minute outfit." Rosalina gestured to her own, usual attire. As much as she hated dressing up, she stood out like a sore thumb right now. A server walked past, offering the two ladies a glass of champagne which Rosalina happily allowed herself to indulge in. She took a small sip, savouring the sweet, fizzy taste.
"
Try to enjoy yourself tonight, Carrie. My Knights have the area completely secured." Rosalina watched the various Knights scattered across the ballroom, her own team even present in adding extra security. Though she also happened to catch a glimpse of Sayatachi and her own guard entering the ballroom.
"
Those of us on the Council rarely get days to ourselves. Make the most of it. Now, if you'll excuse me." Rosalina departed from Carrie, leaving behind her reassuring words that tonight would be fine. Though if she was being honest, both women knew that the events that would unfold tonight were uncertain to them. Still, Rosalina knew that if they acted tense the guild wizards would pick up on that.
Rosalina approached Sayatachi, extending her hand out to the other Council Woman with a smile.
"
Good evening, Lady Nijiko. I wanted to thank you for signing those papers for me, as well as apologise for any rudeness on behalf of Constantine earlier." Rosalina beckoned over a server to bring a couple refreshments over to Sayatachi and her entourage. She took another sip of her own champagne, staring up to one of the higher balconies where she knew Constantine to be watching.
"
She doesn't trust easily, but she's fearlessly loyal. Unfortunately she has a tendency to be quite harsh to anyone she doesn't yet trust. I hope you didn't take too much offense." Rosalina took a step closer to Sayatachi, walking with her as they strolled through the ballroom.
"
I came across a few very intriguing individuals today. A man named Sora and a young girl named Ethel. They're interested in joining the Knights. I haven't confirmed anything with them just yet, but I did say I'd consider it." She neglected to inform Sayatachi of the rather strange presence of the young girl, nor the arrogance of Sora. These details would need to be addressed later. For now though, Rosalina hoped to get any discussion with her fellow Council Members out of the way. She intended to spend the evening congratulating the Guilds for their efforts. Despite not really caring for the games, she thought it'd best to start building rapport with the mages especially since she wasn't present for the New Council introductions.
Ballroom
Interacting with: Nobody
The members of Team Veritas were scattered throughout the Ballroom. Constantine was up above and in full uniform; something that she didn't wear all too often. Her sniper rifle was hidden behind a table. She would have preferred to be wielding it, but Rosalina informed her that carrying around her weapon like that would only make people wary. Zen was on the ground floor, right near the tables where the food was being placed. It was a shame he wasn't allowed to have any; it all smelled so good. Finally, Bayard was outside at the door; making sure there were no uninvited guests showing up. His large, imposing appearance made him quite a good bouncer.
Bayard's thoughts drifted back to the young boy from earlier. There was an odd sense of joy when he thought of him, as if he was already anticipating their next meeting. Next time, Bayard would convince him to join their cause for sure. For now though, he simply waited for the guests to start showing up.
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Lunarlord34
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