Open [Seasonal Event] The Winter Ball

[Weylin Quickshot]

She scrambled for the glass, picking up the shards in rapid succession. Even as the red haired man came over she found she could truly not focus upon him, embarrassment still had a firm hold on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him crouch and turn his own attention to the glass.
“Are you all right?”
“Fine, fine. You do not have to-”
Weylin stopped herself from finishing her sentence, he seemed too set on helping and her words of protest she found were ignored. She continued, reaching further to grasp the shards. The edges pricked against her skin, but she did not flinch away she was use to dealing with a variety of similar objects, from arrow heads when fletching to the rough stony ground that she was thrown upon when brawling. Not that she did not appreciate his concern; it had been a while after all she could mostly look after herself. The man let out a hiss of pain when he cut himself, and placed the bleeding finger in his mouth before continuing with the other.
“God damn it!”
She reached out and placed a hand over his, meeting his eyes with a firm gaze “Enough.”
She quickly removed it and brushed up the last of the shards, placing them on the tray before returning her attention to the man. She held out a hand and gestured to the finger he had placed in his mouth “May I?”

[Valo]

The way she looked at him sudden, cause a great wave of blush upon his face. Despite being a charismatic and self-aware individual, the feelings of embarrassment were not a stranger to him. And what was more embarrassing than thins. Though perhaps Valo had a strange description of embarrassment, for he did not become embarrassed easily. It was only around people he tried to impress that this more 'primary' of emotions came to him with such ease.

She held out a hand and gestured at his bleeding finger. "May I?" she asked simply and Valo felt ah so compelled to do as she said.

With a quiet "Of course..." removing the finger from his lips. The metallic twang of blood was no one he enjoyed.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin took his hand, momentarily analysing the cut before releasing it and pulling her shirt sleeve around her hand. The man had yet to object to her words, if anything it seemed as if he was obliged to - almost as if he had become shy she mused. She watched the blood bloom from the cut, with the fortunate knowledge that the sight of blood did not bother her; she would of been a poor hunter otherwise. She wrapped her covered hand around it, gentle pressure, but her eyes remaining focused and intense.
"I apologise, for turning you down," her eyes slid briefly to his before snapping back "But as you have just laid witness to, I am rather... poor with my feet."
Her lip curled for a moment as she pulled her hand away and dabbed at the flecks of blood that formed. She rolled up both of her sleeves, her ornate Drykas tattoos on show.
"You will live," there was a subtle sarcastic tone in her voice as she released him, a sense of composure taking hold "I am Weylin so you know sir."
She stood, picking up the tray with both hands watching the glass with suspicion, before returning her attention to the man, "Perhaps some other time? Another day, a different scene?"

[Valo]

He smirked a little at her comment about her dancing ability, for Valo believed everyone could dance. And the lack of tuition would cannot stop one from moving their body to the sound of beautiful music, in a way that just came naturally. That for sure was the best way to dance. The truth is, Valo was never fond of constricted stiles of dancing allowed in polite society.

"You will live," there was a subtle sarcastic tone in her voice .

"Ah I was so sure I was a goner." he laughed at her sarcastic remark. How pleasant indeed it was to talk to her.

She then proceeded to pick up the tray ever so carefully, minding that nothing fell back on the floor. A precondition to prevent another deathly cut. "Perhaps some other time? Another day, a different scene?"

Valo's heart leaped inside his chest, a fain glimmer of hope. "Any day and any time that suits you lady Weylin." he smiled, preventing him self to grin in a stupid manner, but joy seemed to have overcome him. "And my name is Valo and I will be waiting with utmost anticipation."

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky and his partner finally came to a slow pace in their dance, allowing him to guide Inkanta away from the crowd as he felt himself relax. It was nerve wrecking when he attempted it but nevertheless he did so in a gentle fashion, and he had a fun time doing so as well. "Thank ye my lady for this dance." He humbly stated as he turned to her, bowing as he pressed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. She giggled and curtsied once more, as they both drew closer to watch the party. "You did well Ricky, for such a first timer." She japed with a smile, they both laughed together as she took him as her escort. They weren't heading anywhere but Ricky's guess was that Lady Inkanta was wanting a sense of security, either that or she very much enjoyed a man's bicep nesting her hand; Ricky did not object nor give any thought to it though. "You two were both brave and bold," She said rather calmly which made Ricky looked to her in curiosity, "To take on such a daring feat and risk so much. The both of you are very courageous." She assured him with a wink, Ricky smiled after hearing those kind words. "Thanks." Was all he could say, though he wished there was more words to come by. He was at a loss really, unsure of what exactly to say in this moment. He looked to Sebastian once again and watched his friend as his dance was now coming to a stop as well. 'He's the braver one,' Ricky thought in silence, 'I was just there to help.' When Sebastian would appear to look their way Ricky would wave, in a attempt to direct his attention to the two of them as they would wait and watch the rest of the party.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin gave a nod, noting the smile that was growing on Valo's lips. She turned on her heel, giving a final glance at him.
"Any day and any time?" her lip curled "Then tomorrow afternoon, I'll let you decide where, it is only fair after all. Ask for me later when you have decided... or if it is an issue."
Weylin paused her eyes scanning the room, before she stepped away holding tightly to the tray. She continued her duties, firstly dealing with the broken glass and then returning to serving the guests. She drifted around the hall, composed, in control, dulling down the restlessness that was growing in her. It took her a while to realise what she had asked of Valo, and perhaps she thought it was too quick, too soon.

Perhaps it was the occasional glance that kept her satisfied, a quick careful look before returning to her duties. Serving with a smile and to the best of her abilities. She felt herself growing apprehensive, various thoughts going through her mind, namely that it was her first time seeing a man on perhaps a more flirtatious level. Most of the men she did know were either her older brothers, or good friends, but that was a lifetime ago back in the Sea of Grass. The Drykas cleared her throat, and begun her rotation around the hall, hunting down empty glasses and swapping them with filled. She took a moment to observe a couple that were dancing, before they left the dance floor. The pair seemed enjoy themselves, happy with the amusements of the party, and so Weylin began to feel pleased with herself again. As long as the guests were enjoying themselves, she too would be content. For the moment at least.

[Paragon]

Maria smiled pensively. "I remember you, Master Eclatante," she said smoothly, "a man of many words. I wonder what it is you seek exactly." Her final words were cryptic, concealed in that powdered visage. She took his hand willingly as they made their way into the centre of the dance floor proper. Many moved to allow Maria the dignity and grace of her own space. Since the storm, she had become a more respectful figure in Zeltivan circles, even if she still gripped only a fraction of the city's tentative power base. "How fares your association," she whispered into his ear, "I had been wanting to get an update, it interests me greatly."

[Arianthe Swansong]

Arianthe watched Sebastian disappear into the crowd then turned around with a light smile. Not sure what to do next, and hardly noticing a couple of men hovering near her, she made up her mind to find the man who she had brushed aside earlier... maybe she could make ammends, perhaps repair his wounded pride. She looked around, not sure where to head. There were so many people, and not all human, not all completely 'normal' to use that oh-so-ambiguous word. There was a man in the corner asleep, standing up against the wall, dressed in completely white robes - almost frilly in a rather unusual way. There was no shortage of ladies, and even less of men. Aristocrats and commoner, shopkeepers and students, doctors and lawyers, all mingled here together in a basket of reverie to celebrate the end of the winter season; for Arianthe, the best winter of her life. The first winter where she was living truly on her own terms, independent and, it suddenly struck her, in two days, she would have gone a full year of freedom. A full year since her husband had died. The thought was almost like a breath of fresh air, a wind of something new and exciting; if she had made that decision to wear black and go into mourning, she could now be out of it. It had been a delicious winter, maybe not for everyone else but, for her, it had been magical. She had seen a street of Zeltiva, empty, in early morning, the almost golden stone of the street covered in a light layer of frost, making it sparkle in the light of the moon and a single streetlamp. A road to another world, a path into her future because, now, she was determined more than ever that she would make it work.

Arianthe turned around and noted the fiery red hair that could only be Valo's, not that she would speak to him, not after the way he spoke to her last time. Then she turned around again, as if in a dream, and turned to look at the crowd with interest. It was really a spectacular sight.

[Sebastian Stalinsa]

Sebastian savored the last brush of lady Swansong’s perfume before it was swallowed by the sensational torrent of Zeltiva’s winter ball. The wine gave a warm glow to his features and the encounter with Arianthe left a pleasing calm about his person. He was relaxed and happy, more than willing to recede into the background for a bit and just find an empty seat to have another drink. Picking up a glass of something red that smelled like rich earth Sebastian perused the d'oeuvres table sampling a number of things in great satisfaction. He couldn’t imagine the amount of money needed to host such a party, but instead of pondering a better use for such expenses simply gave thanks that at last there was something besides fish and mollusks on the table. Casting his eye about for an empty seat Sebastian’s attention was caught by a man standing a little ways up a flight of stairs. Not only was he above the party’s majority but, he was also alone two things which made him stand out considerably. The man was focusing on something and following his gaze Sebastian beheld Trent and the Lord Council preforming an elegant dance across the floor. Good for them. He approved while brushing the tips of his fingers off on the table linin. It was encouraging to see Maria’s public support of the martial association, though the smoldering glare Trent bore her could foreshadow a radical change in opinion later tonight. Shaking his head ruefully Sebastian made his way up to the observer catching a second wine glass from a convenient tray. He didn’t know what interest the man might in have for either Trent or Maria, and while his face was stern his cheeks were already ruddy. An offer of friendship and Sebastian figured the two might pass a couple of moments in conversation. “Care for another glass friend?” He asked with an amiable smile while leisurely holding a wine cup towards the man.

[Valo]

Valo watched as she walked away, a smile radiating from his face as if some great miracle had happened. Tomorrow would be a great day indeed to get to know this new acquaintance of his. And her eagerness flattered him incredibly. But it wasn't the kind of flattery that fed his vanity, instead it humbled him somewhat for she was definitely a romantic interest, just with a little more substance than most shallow women he frequently had the pleasure of dancing with.

The red haired Inarta drifted around the tables a little before finding a chair to settle down and watch the merriment. No longer had he the wish to dance. He spotted his friend Ricky who seemed to enjoy him self with a lady and it made Valo very happy indeed. the good man had every reason to forget about his troubles for just a day at least. Above him two men who stood out somewhat in the eyes of the artist, conversed. Weylin went about her job, on the prowl of guests to serve. From the corner of his eyes he stopped Arianthe Swansong shooting him with disapproval on her face. Then again she disapproved of pretty much everything he said or did, so that did not matter any more. All was well indeed.