Completed Two Sore Thumbs

[Prakash]

Timestamp: 2nd of Spring, 514 AV Walking from Atri's to the meeting point for his date, The Glass Gull, Prakash and Drath were in a lighthearted mood and dressed at their finest. Which in truth wasn't far from their normal attire as they didn't own any classy outfits, even so the Glass Gull had accepted his reservation for him and his date. Walking the short distance from Atri's to the Glass Gull, the Akalak eventually arrived at the high class place-to-be. It was apparent from the moment he made it clear he wasn't simply passing by, that he was rubbing the waiter, stationed outside to open the door for clients, the wrong way. It seemed as the Akalak had inexplicably insulted the good man's dying mother or something as he was treated with the most reluctant, disdained and offended manner he could possibly be greeted with. After the waiter decided Prakash wasn't worth the time to check his reservations list, Drath took over and plainly told the waiter that either he was going to check the list or the Akalak would storm inside to speak to the manager, whilst inviting the waiter to try and stop him. Although the waiter didn't stop mumbling and gritting his teeth, he did in fact check the list and saw Prakash's name on there, at that point his attitude completely changed and he let Prakash in as he opened the door with a bow. "Disgusting..." Drath bluntly said to the sniveling weasel. As Drath walked through the place, he couldn't help but feel every single person in there burning him with their glares. It was true that all the people there were seemingly accustomed to being surrounded by the creme de la creme of high class, but as much as he tried, he couldn't find anything classy about these people's attitudes. He quickly went to the garden where there were at least less people to give him the Death Glare. Surrounded by neatly decorated and well maintained flora, brushes and flowers twined in colorful harmony and hanging grapevines from wooden constructs over paths running through the garden...It was impressive and harmonious, but the serenity quickly faded as he got adressed by a wine waiter asking the Akalak 'Sir' with the most mocking and insulting tone ever heard from a stranger by Prakash, if he desired something to wetten the throat. Drath was losing it fast in this place and atmosphere and Prakash struggled to keep him in check as he glanced over the list and ordered to taste a glass of one of the cheaper wines, to which the waiter smirkingly replied to: "Of course...I'll bring it right to you, Sir..." As the waiter disappeared and returned with the wine glass, the Akalak went towards the small area inbetween a few trees and bushes, where a couple of benches were placed at the borders of the round center. He sat himself there and placed both arms on the upper edge of the bench as he threw his head back and tried to relax and enjoy his time here, Prakash tried to soothe the still angered Drath by telling him it'll get better once their date arrived...Who was already quite late...

[Reven Heath]

The night had only just begun and Reven already felt the need to run away from the party. Her anxiety was through the roof not only because of the fact that she was being forced to attend yet another meet and greet with her caretaker, but she was clothed in such a way that made nearly every set of eyes turn to look at her. The gown she wore was form fitting, however, loose around her knees and complimented her sun kissed skin in a way that even the gold necklace and bracelets could not compare to. All of this had been borrowed from the Konti female back at the Sanctuary. Reven nearly fell on her face gazing at the gowns Kavala had stored in her closet and wondered how the woman didn't take pride in it? She had pushed a very red, very scandalous looking dress into the Kelvic's arms, prior to her departure to Endrykas, and told her to try it on. Amazingly, it fit her frame fairly well. The only thing that disappointed the Kelvic was that a certain Drykas would not see her in it. That was a bundle of emotions left to figure out for another day.

So there she was, looking feverishly attractive, standing within a sea of men and few women looking like she was about to keel over with panic. Gods, she should have explained to Mutaldi before leaving for the party, she should have explained to herself about coming here. Reven was uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people and it should in her demeanor. "Oh, how nice..." Was her monotone response before she ideally walked away from a man who was doing everything in his power to entice her. There would be none of that this evening, she'd make petching sure of it.

Escaping the crowded area, Reven ventured into a sectioned off garden where it appeared few had relocated to. Glancing around the area, she noted the spring flowers just beginning to blossom, the bushes and how the leaves were beginning to sprout anew once more. It was breathtaking, peaceful, and beautiful but it was not a place the Kelvic fit into very well. Her feral nature was more suited for the plains than a manicured garden full of high class society. The hunt, the running, hot breath rushing out into clouds of warm air, the comfort of territory, the safety of her land. That is where she belonged, not dressed up as another face in the sea of the nobility and that's exactly what she looked like.

Once more, she was wrapped up in her thoughts, a habit she was failing to break. It never occurred to her than another being was settling onto a bench when Reven perched herself there as well. Her hair was tousled about, messy from the wind the persisted while hazel eyes stared ahead at nothing in particular, painted with gold and bronze hues while red marked the curve of her lips. Sucking in a breath, Reven exhaled, trying to calm herself once more. She needed something to relax her, something to take her mind of the outing, off of how much she really didn't want to be there right now. What Kelvic liked being in an ocean of Akalaks?

"Petch!" The Kelvic jumped, finally noticing the form of a man sitting next to her and quickly scooted away from him to give him personal space. "I'm... so sorry. I didn't notice you there. My apologies..." She mumbled, watching as a waiter approached them with a glass in hand. There was a permanent scowl set into his complexion making the Lioness wonder what could have happened between the two. Reven had always been a curious cat. When the waiter left, she turned to the man an inspected his garb. He looked as well dressed as the rest of them but seemed put off and in somewhat of a foul mood. Looking to the glass of wine that had been delivered to him, Reven noted its red pigment and eagerly licked her lips for the sweet poison. Truth be known, the Lioness had never tasted such things and had been tempted numerous times to pick up a glass but refused in fear or returning back to the Sanctuary in a mess. However, that fear was slowly slipping into the wind.

"What is that? What did you get?" Reven asked, pointing to the glass. "I think I might have one myself. These parties can be overwhelming, don't you think?" Noting the blue hue of her skin, Reven knew he was of Akalak race and was slightly put off by the simple fact. Social interactions with Akalaks never ended well for the young woman. Grumbling softly, she gave a slight tug to the hem below her collarbone. Cursing underneath her breath, Reven made an oath never to wear such a contraption again.


The Gown

[Prakash]

He had been so annoyed and lost in his own train of thought that he hadn't even seen the woman in the red dress already seated on the bench he took for his own. Just as he placed both arms on the edge of the bench and moved them outward, he was about to inadvertently slide his fingers through the windbrushed hair as his fingertips would carelessly and unknowingly glide over the back of the woman's neck. Before aforementioned awkward situation would arise, the woman took notice of the Akalak and seemed to think it was her fault for it all, eventhough she was the one who had already 'claimed' the bench before Prakash and Drath took place there. "Woah...Oh....It---It's alright, no need to apologize, I didn't notice you when I took place here! Must've been a deception of sight caused by the shades, or..." He was about to confide in the unknown woman what was the very plausible reason he hadn't noticed her, which was being angered with the way he was being discriminated against, simply for his appearance. He decided against it as he didn't want to spoil the woman's mood as she was obviously at the Glass Gull for a party or gathering of sorts, judging by the beautiful garnet gown she wore. Drath was quick to judge her for her appearance and warned Prakash that she was one of those 'fancy folk' who was going to lift their face in disdain and walk away from him. But, eventhough the thought occured to Prakash too, the more lighthearted side of the Akalak told the cynical side, Drath, that he shouldn't be so easy to judge, or he'd be the same as those judgmental waiters he encountered so far. Before he had the chance to continue his rambling explanation of why he was there, the woman suddenly asked in a charmingly curious manner what exactly it was the 'rebellious' waiter brought him, before confiding she was not fully at ease at whatever gathering she was part of. Prakash took his time responding, not because he didn't know how to respond to her seemingly absent upbringing to the debauchery of red wine, but because the leaves and branches of the tree were shifting and the sunlight started to reveal this woman's beauty. The garnet gown, the smooth and silky sunkissed skintone and hairtints...As beautiful and enthralling as they all were, none of those aspects even compared to the occasionally revealed piercing eyes the woman possessed. The shade teasing him as they only showed the woman's eyes for brief moments at a time, all of this took him completely by surprise and the sensation he felt made him wonder if he hadn't drank already a few bottles of wine and simply forgot about it. This surreal sensation only overtook him for a few split seconds, and he did his utmost best not to show it, as he answered the woman. "This? It's red wine, a drink mainly known to be made of grapes. If you want you can take a sip? But keep in mind that if you're unfamiliar with wine, not to drink too much or you'll regret it in the morning, I can assure you." He spoke lightheartedly and as fast as the sensation of overwhelming beauty drowned him, as swift it left him as well. He wasn't one to easily be intimidated by beauty nor to be mislead by it, not to say he didn't like women 'easy on the eyes' but he wasn't quick to be lead astray by it. As he offered the scarlet drink to the woman, he responded to her other question, with a slightly bitter tone. "Overwhelming? It's not the party that overwhelms me, it's the realization how quick people are to judge and treat others, for superficial reasons....Ah well, not going to lose any sleep over it.." He spoke with slightly frowned brows and narrowed eyes, pretty much revealing that eventhough he might not lose sleep over it, it didn't let him untouched either. After venting about it, he felt less annoyed by it and flashed the woman a smile before speaking again. "I'm Prakash, nice to meet you." After stating his name, he moved the hand holding the glass, slightly, to indicate the woman was free to take him up on his offer to take a sip if she wanted to.

[Reven Heath]

Her brow rose as she waited for him to finish his sentence but all that came was steady silence. Reven inwardly sighed as it appeared he was just like the many other Akalaks who noticed her features. She assumed next that he was going to asked her if what she was, as if it were some sort of game to be played by children. The Akalak men she had encountered were keen on noticing the small differences her human form displayed like her eyes and her teeth. By the end of the conversations, Reven wanted to strangle them men as they attempted to dote and fawn over her, cooing somewhat obnoxiously.Frowning, Reven was becoming increasingly annoyed at the man as ticks went by, wondering what he could be staring at. Was there something on her face? Did her makeup smudge? "Is something wrong?" The Kevlic called him out on his staring, tilting her head as she waiting for an answer.

Then he began to speak again, seemingly unphased, as if nothing had happen. The man continued with ideal conversation and for the, Reven was thankful. She didn't want this to be yet another instance where she had to get up a leave because of the Akalak's behavior. A smile returned to her lips as he explained the wine. "Oh, you don't have to..." Declining politely, Reven eyed the drink. She could smell the sweet aroma even from this distance and it was making her mouth water. "Well, if you wouldn't mind? I don't mean to be so forward, I haven't had a taste of wine yet, if I may have a sip?" Taking him up on his offer, Reven breathed in the scent and sighed. This wine smelled absolutely fantastic..! She took a sip, slow and steady, tasting the sweet, tart texture of the liquid as it slid down her throat. Unfortunately, the Kelvic didn't stop sipping and before she realize it, she had taken nearly all of the glass. "Oh! Sorry, I can pay for it." Reven assured him. Why didn't more people drink wine?

The Kelvic motioned over a waiter and quickly ordered another two glasses of the same wine before thanking the gentleman, watching him go. Turning back her company, Reven felt guilt rise up within her from his words. He was right. One of the reasons she disliked Akalak men, nay, most of society was because of that very reason. Most people tend only to judge and criticize others before actually getting a chance to know them and understand who they are. To think, she had done the very thing she hated. "I agree." The Lioness said, relaxing against the bench as they waited on their drinks. "People are quick to judge. I suppose that's mainly the reason I'm over here though, because I don't like any of those people and I don't want to get to know them. Not right now. I don't suppose its judging, more of dislike for the situation, but who can help it when it's a natural part of human emotion? I don't like to judge others and that's why I won't tell half the men in there that I think their shirts are too tight or their breath smells, or their hair cuts make them look funny."

Pausing, the Kelvic ran a hand through her hair and chuckled. "Sorry, my mouth gets the best of me sometimes. I wasn't suppose to be here today but one of my... friends dragged me here. Now I'm just trying to get a hold of myself before I lose it." She let out a breath, looking down at her nails. There was dirt still underneath her finger nails from her outing into the Fringe Forest with Larik. "I'm Reven, nice to meet you."

The waiter approached the two and with a sharp gaze, handed over the glasses of wine. The Lioness settled back onto the bench and glanced over at the man as she sipped her own glass of wine. "What brings you to this event, Prakash? Friend trying to play match maker for you as well or do you simply enjoy the taste of wine? Or maybe both?"

[Prakash]

Amused by the bubbly woman, even though she drank all his wine carelessly! The Akalak teasingly scoffed and harumpfh'd as if gravely insulted, truth was he couldn't care less about a glass of wine. He was enjoying his time with this Reven and forgot all about his date, who seemed to have stood him up anyway. When the woman offered to pay for the now empty glass of wine, he waved his hand around lazily, as if he was brushing 'thought dust' off of her, to get her to stop worrying about it. The light, crisp, wind glided over them and made the leaves around and above them rustle gently. As Reven called over the waiter, requesting more wine to flow, he couldn't help but notice the difference in attitude from the waiter, the courteous and civil manner he treated the woman with was in heavy contrast with the sideways scowling glare he shot at the Akalak as he turned to get the drinks. He didn't let it get to him anymore though, probably because of the pleasant company he was residing in. As the woman spoke, it seemed to Prakash as if she had endured her fair share of prejudice and discrimination as well, without prying into her past, he heard her out. She was speaking words of truth and probably selftaught people skills and knowledge. Still with both arms resting on the edge of the bench's back, he leaned his face sideways to face her as she spoke and realized why it was her eyes had been so enthralling when she looked at him. Her eyes spoke of an animalistic prowess and soul. He was about to ask if she was a Kelvic or not, but decided against it as he figured it was up to her to share that information or not. That secret was her own to share if she wanted to or not, not to mention the Akalak, in its entirety, knew their fair share about keeping secrets. Since the entire race of blue men has a well kept secret regarding the dual nature or soul even. "You're right, Reven, it's a part of our humanity. Nobody is perfect, and nobody needs to be. All I ask for is the desire and effort to be a good person, to evolve your flaws into boons and enhance, even share, your blessings. There are far too many people thinking you are what you are, and that won't ever change. I am not of that opinion, I think people of all kinds can change, evolve, improve themselves for their own sake or for others. They only need the desire and effort, granted there are things you can't change. Things out of your hands, but in that aspect you can try to gain the strength to accept those things, and have the courage to change the things you can change...Ow, seems like it's not only you who has a mouth with a mind of its own..." It was during his speech that the waiter came to bring them their glasses, as such he missed the glare he shot them, not that it mattered anymore... "Oh, I had a meeting here, but it seems my date never made it. To be frank, I'd be bummed now if she showed up, I'm already having fun."

[Reven Heath]

It was that look again.

Prakash had given her the same examining look as if trying to decipher her words, maybe her appearance, or maybe her personality. Reven didn't know but the look roused yet another uncomfortable feeling from her. She appreciated the man and his understanding of proper behavior, it was one of the reasons the Kevlic remained perched on the bench talking to him. Karlak had been among the very few Akalaks she knew that Reven cared to converse with. Granted, the man couldn't keep his mouth shut about her with his boisterous greeting. "Reven! If it isn't my favorite Kelvic!" Why he felt the need to greet her in such a manner every time they met, Reven never knew. In a way, she enjoyed it because even though he knew what she was, he never liked her any less. She was unsure about the Akalak sitting before her though, in a way, he reflected much of the same moral values she often spoke of with Karlak. During their crafting sessions, Reven was able to learn a great deal about the man. For this, her instincts guided her to believe Prakash was as decent as Karlak and offered him a friendly smile.

The smile was simply that. Friendly. However, the meaning behind the smile showed much more of the woman than Prakash would ever realize. She demonstrated courage in that moment because the Akalak would be able to see her fangs clear as day. Reven also showed a form of trust and silently offered it to the man as well, hoping to receive it back. It was a big step she had taken but as of late, Reven was becoming use to taking those steps. Maybe it had been the affect the Drykas man had on her ever since their meeting or maybe it was simply because of the wine she had downed just moments ago. She didn't care to understand it and let it be just as it was.

Sipping on her wine, Reven chuckled softly. "I can only assume you and I are going through the same thing, to have thoughts like this. No matter, I feel the same way you do and I've thought about the same things you're speaking of. People learn their mistakes in their own time, whether the realization comes about moments after or years down the road. Sometimes, that thought alone give me comfort at night." Reven's expression appeared distant.

Ticks past before she surfaced from her thoughts and brought the wine glass up to her lips, noticeably drinking it down in a very abrupt manner. It was obvious the Kelvic was bothered by whatever was on her mind. "Oh? You had a date? That's disappointing, who would want to miss out on such a great night? Maybe it is lucky that she didn't come, I'm having a nice time talking to you..." She laughed. "Most of the men in there talk too much of themselves for me. Their combat skills, how they got whatever scar, how they obtained their mark— I'm sure if I was to challenge them in a duel, half of them would lose their wits! Heheh... Why can't anyone realize that it's not about appearances or how well you are at something to attract someone to you?" Sighing, she tossed her hand into her hair, appearing slightly flushed. "That thought is overlooked most of the time, in my opinion. To me, it's not about that. Finding someone to be with... It's about... listening to your heart when your mind protests... moving forward when everything tells you not to or simply doing want your instincts tell you to do, without hesitation, with the intent to love, care, and protect them everyday or your life..." Reven paused, letting the background noise of the party fill the silence in the air.

A tick went by before she spoke, looking for the waiter again. "If more men thought like that, women wouldn't be so quick to deny them what they want most." Her cheeks were a shocking shade of pink now. "Sorry, I'm not usually this forward hahah. Or this talkative about love. Truly, I could live the rest of my days out in the books that I read. They at least entertain me more than most of the people here."

Rubbing her temples, Reven sighed. The wine was slowly getting to her. She could feel her lips numb and her body weigh down as if her blood was lead. "So do you come to parties like this often? What do you do in your spare time?"

[Prakash]

The Akalak listened intently, fascinating and amused at the same time, to the woman who showed more and more proof to be a Kelvic according to her eyes and fangbearing smile. None of that Kelvic stuff mattered to Prakash nor Drath in the least, but he started to understand the meaning behind the words she spoke and the distant, even sorrowful, look that appeared on her face when she spoke about the hardships she seemed to go through, cryptic messages as they were. Granted, he didn't realize she showed a great deal of trust in him, as she revealed her animalistic soul features, so he couldn't thank her for it or soothe her inner turmoil by comforting her and persuading her that he wasn't going to let her origin or race make any difference in how he treated her. All he could do, and wanted to, was show Reven a good time and help her get her mind off of everything. Prakash couldn't help but to laugh and smile at the woman as she kept on talking and asking questions, it was a cheerfully breath of fresh air for him. "Slow down, woman, don't forget to breathe inbetween your questions! I'm teasing, but yeah, maybe we are going through similar things, maybe not...Regardless, nightly comfort like that is a cold blanket I'm sure...I experienced, personally, that relativation of things that have come and the realization that there is much more to come, helped me alot. I mean, no matter how tough I think I got it, I know there are people in this world who have it far worse off so I try to not let it get to me that much. That, in addition to the realization that life has only just begun and there is much more to experience, enjoy and endure in times to come...Somehow gives me the strength to accept the things I can't change and the desire to change the things I can. I'm not saying it's the way to go, but it helps me in a way." The Akalak's lips finally stopped moving, before opening once more but this time to down his glass in one go, mainly because his tongue felt like dry sandpaper but also because no matter how bad the service and atmosphere of this establishment, they do serve tasty wine! He held up his hand to indicate he'd be right back, and stood up to get the waiter. Which might have been the wrong call, as the moment he had stood up and taken a few steps, the wine started to kick in already and he felt it rush to his head. Even so, he didn't want to stop or go home, he was having far too much fun with Reven. After wobbling a little bit and regaining his stability, he tapped a waiter on the shoulder amiacly and requested an entire bottle of wine this time, which was provided to the Akalak after he paid for the bottle and the 4 glasses he and his friend had consumed already. "Well I'll be damned, I don't see you ask anyone else to pay in advance. Fine, here, take your damn coins." He paid the waiter the amount due, snatched the bottle from his hands and wobbled back to Reven, instantly forgetting about the snarky waiter as he saw Reven seated on the bench.Raising the bottle triumphantly upon arrival, he filled the woman's glass before his own and responded to her description of love. "Love, is irrational, undescribable and experienced in a different manner for everyone, I'd say. You can love the most deadbeat and worthless girl or guy in the world, and nobody will understand why...But you'll still love that person. Love is more than a feeling, a sensation, an emotion. It's something unique, trying to properly describe it, is a lost cause. Mainly because it's subjective, some might find love to be about passion and being with someone. Others might find love to be about caring and even loving in such a manner and in such a situation, that they'll let that person go...Simply because they love them and know they'd be better off without the loving person...Love, so complex, so wow." The last sentence was said after he had drank again from his glass of wine and accompanied by a raising of his glass, as if emphasizing his 'so wow' with another inexplicably silly act. "Not so quick to deny what us men want? Now now, Reven, I'd love to hear you out as to what I want." He laughed and smiled at her before taking another sip and revealing to her she wasn't the only one having fun here! Teasingly he started to poke her side and urge her to share her thoughts and speak her mind on what she meant by that.

[Reven Heath]

It surprised her how open he was about the subject. Not too many men would discuss such things with other, especially a stranger they just met. Reven smiled as he teased her but listened intently while he confessed his own opinions on the matter. He was right, there were people who had it a lot worse than them and here she was, complaining about the absence of love as if that was the worse thing in the world. To her maybe, however, Prakash's words gave a new perspective to the Kelvic. It was quite funny how often that was happening to her. "Hahah, sorry. I have a lot to say on the matter, it appears." She smiled and watched him down his glass. "You know, I'm shocked. It's not often I come across men who are as open mined as you, when it comes to life. Honestly, I find it refreshing." Reven complimented, leaning back.

He pardoned himself, stumbling away with the intent to locate another bottle for the two. This gave Reven enough time to compose herself. The wine was hitting her fast and while it was refreshing to finally relax from the stress, she didn't know how comfortable she was becoming intoxicated with sweet, delicious poison. In Prakash's absence, Reven mulled over the last few days; how she had such trouble getting Vanator's attention at the ball, how he was ignoring her and the way she felt, and even though the urge to bond was pulling at its strongest, neither of them took the step forward to create it. This was the reason she was convinced by Mutaldi to come out tonight. She didn't tell the old woman that she had her interests aimed at someone now and partly the reason behind that was because she didn't want to get her hopes up just to have them crushed. The thought lingered in her mind even after Prakash had returned back with a new bottle and words of wisdom regarding love. The cougar settled against the back of the bench and tilted her head up toward the night sky. The stars were absolutely breathtaking.

"You're so knowledgeable on the topic, Prakash. Tell me, what have done to know of such things? Has someone broken your heart before?" Hazel eyes turned to look at his, curious and playful, but serious. Reven wanted to know his stories.

His playful gesture sparked a chuckle from her but the cougar was not the ticklish type. Though, Reven complied with his request and shook her head. "More wine?" She laughed. "You caught me! I suppose assuming men are always thinking of bedtime activities is wrong of me. I don't necessarily mean that to be true in all cases, but... Life, happiness, success, I believe it would be much easier if people were honest, open, and fair. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of people like that and I praise the Gods for their existence... I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish it was easier. It never is and as time passes, it never does. I'm thankful, very thankful for what I have and where I'm at now. The friends that I have, the roof over my head, the food in my stomach, it's all a reminder and a comfort that my life is good... It's great! But none of that means anything without purpose... It's sad, really. I came here tonight to forget about these things. Hahah, oh how life can be so complex, not just love. I always think, who needs it?.." The Kelvic laughed but it sounded pitiful as she washed her words back with wine.

"This place is so quiet, where's the music and dancing? I never thought wine tastings could be so... boring." Reven looked around the area. "Do you know of any songs? We need music, or dancing, or both..! Do you like to dance? I love to it!" The feline stood and wobbled on her legs, catching the bench to help steady herself. "Wooh! Sorry, sorry. Pardon me for a moment, I'm going to locate some entertainment. Heheh." The woman stumbled away, wading through the crowd of people, not only bumping into some of the guests but stepping on their toes. "Oh, emh— Sorry, s'cuse me..! Move please..!" Finally, in the very back of the tasting area, she found a small band playing out soft, soothing, mellow music. Reven leaned forward, into one of the musicians, earning her a scowl.

"I'm sorry, this is normally not like me." She flushed. "May I request that you change it up? The music I mean... The people here have been talking and they don't like what you're playing. I didn't want to be mean and tell you... but I think you all deserve to know." Reven was trying so hard not to let the wine get to her, not to giggle and show that she was getting near drunk at this point. "Sir, please. I promise you. The gentleman that owns this establishment can put truth to my words. Maybe change the music to something more... appropriate to dancing..!"

The musician frowned. "If you want me to change the music then bring the man to me, I will not take on such a request until then."

Reven nodded, turned, then rolled her eyes and with wobbly legs, returned to Prakash. "C'mon." She said, pulling on his wrist. "Get up, I need your help to change the music. Just fake it, he doesn't know you're not the owner... Come, come." Reven mumbled out, trying to tug him from the bench and push him toward the band. "Don't stumble! They'll catch on! Once we change the music then we can dance!"

[Prakash]

Prakash raised his glass at the compliment and managed to fumble a simple 'Cheers' into 'Ktsjiers!' Seems the wine was getting to him as well and got his lips to speak of things he shouldn't share with someone he just met, regardless of how breathtaking she was or how comfortable he felt around her. But when she brushes the topic of the painful aspect of love, he grimaced and responded in yet another truthful yet too revealing manner: "I loved...And lost. My heart, as dramatic as it may sound, is non existant anymore, in that way. Maybe one day I'll be able to love again, but for now? I don't believe in love, not the way I used to and not the way I want to." He took in a deep breath and let out a pensive 'mmmmmmmmmmmm' as he continued. "If I was that knowledgeable about love, I would have tried everything in my power not to fall in love. The pain is causes, the void it leaves, it's ridiculously powerful, love..." He turned to face Reven's gaze, with eyes clearly drowning in memory lane. He almost shook his head to release himself of this melodramatic sensation, before continueing. "But this is not the time for that! We're on a night out, let's have a blast, drown ourselves in blissful ignorance and look on the bright side of things!" The Akalak seemed to have brushed off the memories and the pain it brought, and spoke in an amused and cheerful voice. Which was as equally sincere as faked, he wanted to have fun but he hadn't forgotten... Regardless, he wasn't the type for selfpity and especially not the type that wants others to feel pity for him. Before he could respond to her statements about life, love and thought; The Kelvic woman disappeared through the trees, wobbling like a drunken penguin and diving unafraid amidst the crowd, until he lost sight of her. After a while she came back and seemed to have comed up with the strangest idea. Not drunk enough yet to think that plan had any chance of success, with the way he moved and was clothed, he downed the remainder of the glass and stood up, still with one hand into Reven's. As she turned to lead the way towards the band, The Akalak swung her back into his chest and held her tight. With a smile he told her they should make their own music. As he held her close, one hand in hers, and with the other on her back, he glided his fingertips over her spine and dress, until it rested just above her lowerback and started to move his body. Sensually slowdancing with the woman in the red dress without a second thought, clearly the wine had done its job quite a bit already.

[Reven Heath]

Reven couldn't believe how drunk the Akalak was and it made her giggle noisily as she hauled him up from the bench and pushed him forward into the crowd. The Kelvic was having a fun time with the man, even if they were two jokes at an event. She was just about to pull him into the crowd when she was suddenly spun back into a hard torso. Reven could feel his hand glide over the curve of her body, settling against her lower back to push her closer while her other hand remained held within his.

The spin had thrown her mind off balance as the alcoholic poison was making it hard for her to think. The cougar could feel the kick start of her heart as it started thudding against her chest while her eyes slowly peered up to gaze at the man. The cougar was confused by the situation, what was happening? Their bodies were pressed together tightly and with every soft movement and step, Reven could feel the muscles under his shirt move against her own. The close proximity sent the poor feline into a cyclone of terror and before she gave thought to her actions, found her knee rising up and striking him in the groin. Reven pulled away, her hands silencing the gasp exploding from her mouth at what she had done.

If the man had not anticipated her strike, and went down because of it, hazel eyes would stare down at him with utter shock and confusion. Reven stood before the Akalak feeling regret wash through her. She hadn't given any thought before kneeing him and after the conversation the had, felt completely horrible for her actions. Needless to say, it was uncalled for... Reven wasn't looking for a close time with any man there and even in her less than focused state, that was still her idea. What was even worse were his sweet, smooth words before she had clocked him.

Reven didn't know whether to feel bad about kneeing him in the groin or whether to feel justified. He knew that she felt for another! So why did he put the moves on her so blatantly, was he too drunk to realize his own actions? She couldn't blame him though... Their conversation had given her insight into the man he was, but that still didn't mean she wanted to be handled so sensually. Reven release her mouth and slipped over her words. "I—I will NOT be making... any music with ANYONE tonight!" She nearly hissed, grabbing a fist full of red fabric so her feet wouldn't step on it when she stomped away. Pausing in her step, she turned back to the Akalak with guilty, confused eyes. "And... I'm.. um, I'm sorry.. Well— For the..?" She sighed loudly and shook her head, moving away from the man to find her caretaker. That had been enough adventure for one evening...

Even though she didn't want to be touch in such a way, Reven wished she could have thanked Prakash for the time spent. He had successfully taken her mind off the Drykas, at least for a moment, and that's what she wanted from the night.

LedgerDear Grader, I'm not sure if this is the correct price to deduct from my ledger. For a bottle of Bluevein Topaz is 8gm and I'm deducting 5gm from my ledger for... 3 glasses of wine. If this is wrong, please correct me. Thank you!