Stuart offered his open webbed hand towards the cat-woman. "Weel if ye dornt min' a dance, Ah can try again at thes. Lady Janu? If yoo'd leid?" He felt really uncomfortable around the other man, there was just something about him that put the merrow at unease. He wasn't sure what it was but he didn't want to stick around to find out what it was. There wasn't much that he had encountered that made him feel this way; every once in a while one of his sisters would get in a way that he would steer clear of them, but this was different.

~~~

Jacky kept inching closer to the dark-elf until she was nearly in her lap. If she thought she could get away with that she would and she was feeling pretty brazen. "Mmm. But I would much, much rather watch your gorgeous mouth move with words spilling from them. Or I have a better idea for something that mouth could be doing..." Reaching out to pull Pandora's face closer, the raven placed a soft kiss on her lips.

[[oh dear... Poor Pandora! XD then again... She could easily fall for the raven like Cyris did for... Hum... Darn it I forgot his name! >w<;;]]

Pandora blinked a couple times when Jacky kept scooting closer to her. She actually didn't feel weirded out about the female being so close. Before she could speak when Jacky had finished talking, her words were blocked by a kiss. Her eyes widened from the sudden kiss, her cheeks flushing to a bright red.

[[that's the best I could think of to post. >3< sorry if it seems short, Cat...]]

Of course, he forgot how people find it confusing at first that a human would represent the fae. "I am a changeling. Stolen in my younger years I was raised by the fae in their ways." That should put aside any questions she had, or perhaps raise even more. At least it would steer away the conversation from anything romantic. Uriel didn't know what would happen if the subject arose once more in any way.

Rose offered a smile to Stuart before turning expectant eyes to Nivedus. Hopefully she'd at least be able to learn how to dance in such a setting. The blonde couldn't forget the friend she'd gained either, but wanted to meet more people as well. Maybe this white haired man could help her with that.

Finally calm again, Calder brushed wrinkles from his suit and half turned away from a still chuckling Aden. Somewhere in discomfort caused by simply standing beside his brother, like a pet monkey or worse, Calder found it in himself to get over the irrational fear that while surrounded by so many unfamiliar races of sorts he’d be overpowered and again frightened. Surely those attending came with mostly good intentions. Anyway, the three ladies he’d briefly come to contact with seemed nice enough, despite preconceived notions that everything nonhuman is intent on eating him (a fear that he could trace back to his brother’s stories)

Clearing his throat, Calder turned to the one he’d first spoken to, the dryad. “In the conversation and excitement, we entirely forgot to take that seat, shall we go now?”

Flora blinked, snapping back to reality when she heard Calder speak. "Huh...? OH!" she said, "Yeah. Sorry... I seemed to have zoned out for a moment there." She laughed slightly, then looked around for a couple free seats. When she noticed some, she pointed to them. "There's a couple seats there," she said.

"Pandora, you are precious. And I still know so little about you." She switched from her flirt mode to a more serious tone, "Yes, my family is in 'that' sort of business it's something our type is exceptionally good at. Which makes me a princess of sorts, people respect the name Corvus. But you didn't bat an eye at it, beautiful eyes by the way." She interrupted herself with more flirting, "I'm used to getting what I want, but what I want right now, is to know you better. And well, more kisses would be nice too." She was surprising herself with the wonder-lust. Granted she was a raven and constantly curious, but she was more attracted to shiny things than mysteries.

Pandora's cheeks were still flushed. She didn't even blink when Jacky was talking. Once the raven had finished speaking, she simply nodded. "Well... What would you like to know about me?" she asked, "I'll try my best to answer." Her voice was a tad bit softer, a hint of startledness seeping through. Yep... The kiss caught her off guard. So off guard that she didn't know what to think of it.

Uriel was a changeling huh? That put a different perspective on things. Rachel allowed a challenge to enter her steel eyes. Might as well see what this guy was made up and what hidden motives he might possess. "So you were kidnapped as a child. That must make you feel rather bitter towards the fae. Or have you completely turned your back on your human origins? She allowed her body to become loose, ready to flex in any direction needed. Those could be considered fighting words back home. She remembered just making fun of one of her sister's hair styles once had resulted in broken bones. She pushed the memory back so it wouldn't interfere.

Jacky tilted her head side to side as the thought, "Well we can start with the basics. I know your name and a bit about your family. But what are you? What kind of things do you like? Can I be on that list of things?" She wanted to, she really did. Pandora went from being a cutie she had seen across the room, to someone she wanted. The fact that she didn't run away from the kiss made the raven want more. "You already know that I'm a Raven-shapeshifter. I'm only 6 years old, we only live for about 25 or 30 years, if we make it. My dad wants me to take over the flock when he dies, I really don't. I'd rather someone else do all that dirty work, I'm much better at manipulating from the shadows. I like sweet pies and I breed betta fish." She was spilling her story hoping that she would get something back from the other. She would get something one way or another as the raven stole a quick kiss.

Really without thinking of it, Calder let out a sigh of relief. To think, he was the first to leave the side of his brother and the safety of a group. With a secretive glance, he shot a look of triumph at the elder, not only having gotten over his own fear, but also being the first of the two to take some control, again.

"Yes, my mind was starting to slip to wandering as well," Calder took slow steps toward the seats pointed out, "But it only takes an interesting word or two to keep it from falling entirely. So, perhaps you could share with me a few of your words."

Pandora listened to Jacky, her eyes not drifting from the young raven. She was indeed quite young, being only six years old. She chuckled slightly. "I feel old now," she said, "I'm a dark elf... around 900 years old. We live for quite a while, too. I think the oldest dark elf that I've seen is close to 2,000 years. He doesn't even look as if he's in his fifties yet, either!" She paused for a few moments, thinking of what to say next. "I enjoy gardening, painting, and the company of animals," she said, "I have a knack for knife throwing. I never miss my target, either..." Once again, she paused to think, but couldn't think of what else to say. "Anything else you want to know?" she asked.

---

Flora followed alongside Calder, listening to him talk, even if it wasn't for very long. "Share a few of my words?" she said, "To get a conversation started?" She smiled sheepishly, a faint dark green blush rising to her cheeks once again out of embarrassment.
[[sorry for this being a short reply, Golly. D;]]

Uriel tilted his head to the side with an amused look. "I was raised by the fae, but was never considered one of them. Admittedly I've not had much contact with those of my own race, but I could never forget what I am." How could he when he longed for life as a fae? Yes, their current courts were cruel but they had not always been so. Besides, the fae were different then humans with values that were strange to the other races. It was simply how things were, and one of the reasons why stories circulated so easily about them.

Noting the woman's fighting stance had Uriel tensing readily for battle, but he would not begin any fight. Not now. If the duchess attacked, then the white haired man would defend himself as he was allowed to.

She felt confused and tried to keep it out of her face. But it slipped into her voice when she spoke, "You weren't treated like them nor have you forgotten your human upbringing. Why then do you work for them? I'm not saying you should fight back, but what has kept you here? Have you never tried to live among your own kind?" This was the most unusual man she had ever met. Also the way he physical shifted just slightly told her volumes. He had training and could defend himself. The fact that he picked up on her stance so easily hinted that he was could too. The fae had trained him well. Why did he stay with them when he could leave? She remembered her own eagerness to be away from the main manor her father ruled from. Her brazen attitude led to trouble with him easily. Perhaps being with another race was easier on the nerves.

Shaking his head, Uriel sighed. "You misunderstand. I cannot forget that I am human, but I remember not a bit of my life with my parents. I was too young when I was taken. The only life I've known is that with the fae. Loyalty to the royals, to the queen and her son. They are my only family." Explaining himself to a complete stranger was difficult. At the same time he couldn't very well anger this Rachel. The fae needed all the allies they could get in their time of need.

Absentmindedly he noted how she stared at him, and smiled a little to himself. He supposed his situation was confusing enough to someone who didn't know very much about the fae.

Rachel mulled over that a little bit. Uriel must care about them then, in some sort of fashion. They obviously had an open relationship for him to be raised knowing his background. Yet he didn't seem to mind that he had been kidnapped. That baffled her. Yet there were many things she didn't understand. Her family was from the deep mountain forests. They had had no contact with other races for so long. At least not in society. Only with those who dared enter their land and the dangers that it held. She figured the best way to get caught up was to make use of this ambassador and ask questions. Leaning against the wall and crossing her arms, she let him relax. "Okay. I'll admit it. Your situation baffles me. Forgive my lack of understanding. When the wars started long ago between the races, my family would have no part of them so we left civilization behind. Perhaps you can catch me up on some things that I was raised not knowing?" She looked him over as she spoke. He was clearly on his guard, though most would not notice this past his polite exterior. She wondered at that. He was handsome. Surely he wasn't worried about his looks or rejection.

Heiro couldn't help but smile at her bashful, flighty appearance, she seemed quite young because of it. "Lord Heiro Kiyomizu, it is a pleasure, Lady Lunalla." He said, giving her an elegant, sweeping bow. When he rose, he looked to his drink, which had become quite watery by now, the combined heat of the dancers and other guests having warmed the room considerably. "Could I interest you in any refreshments, my Lady?" he asked his new companion.


Nivedus's pleasant smile never fell as Janu agreed to the partner switch, his emotional mask remaining firmly in place. He gave a nod to her and turned his peridot eyes to the Merrow again as the man seemed to contemplate his response. Before any of them could hear it though, another name was called and a dark woman swept through the dance floor, her dangerous saunter scattering the dancers from her path. Nivedus's gaze snapped up to watch her pass, eyes narrowing slightly as the potential for trouble seemed to roll off her in waves.

Once she had settled against a wall, he turned his attention back to the three guests before him, just as Stuart spoke. Giving another smile, he nodded and stepped away from Janu and towards Rose. "Ah, very well then. Shall we, Lady Rosellen?" he said warmly holding his hand out for her to take as he dipped into a shallow bow.

((Sorry for the short posts, guys, I'm distracted today.))

Nodding politely Uriel looked over the dangerous seeming woman. Her people were warriors, perhaps they could aid the fae. "What questions do you have?" He couldn't begin to answer anything without knowing what it was she didn't know. Though a changeling he couldn't read minds.

It was with relief that Rosellen took the hand offered to her with a clumsy bow of her own. She simply wasn't used to this setting, and had to concentrate on trying to be proper and graceful. It was one of the many reasons why she paid no heed to anything that didn't directly involve her.

Lifting a hand she adjusted her mask carefully, then offered up a warm smile to the man. She wasn't even quite sure how to talk with him. He seemed more formal then Stuart. "Yes. You'll have to forgive me if I say anything wrong, this is my first masquerade. Well first time in any situation like this really." Of course a blush had swept over her cheeks at Nivedus' words. She was no lady after all, and being called one was very strange indeed.

((It's enough to work with Kage, don't worry about it. XD))

She hoped he wouldn't be offended with some of her questions. Her family and clan had been out of touch with most of the world for eons. They were content to remain in their mountain haven with the dangers of the night protecting them. She wasn't so naive to think that the consequences of the outside world's actions wouldn't touch them though. That was part of the reason her family distrusted her. She was a bit too dark in her thoughts for even them. "When the human race began to start their conquests for more land and wealth, even at the expense of others, my clan and all the families within took to the mountains to avoid warfare with that which we felt didn't concern us. I have no idea what happened. Why there are so few of the other races left? Why, when I walked down the street, did children bully non humans and women give me a suspicious stare. I felt like I was a demon from hell. Not that I blame them. I love my black attire as I can always defend myself in it. But that doesn't explain why the fae seem so unpopular. Though kidnapping children would do that." She gave him a pointed glance. Kidnapping children, why had nothing been done to gain him back after he disappeared from his family? It was another question that she would ask when a framework had been created for her. That is, if this diplomat didn't mind a question that could be taken as personal.

Calder
Senses threated to overwhelm him, if he dared pay mind to all of them at once, as did fears. It seemed that listening to conversation and music at the same time as throwing glances to look at all of the others and trying to process all else was too much. To save himself trouble, Calder, instead simply heard music (rather than listened), saw people (rather than looked at) and overall only gave half of his attention to the moment, as the other half worked on suppressing any impulse to dart back to that safe place beside his brother. Relief was only found in the way his fear of looking childish cancelled his paranoid fear of an attack.

Unconsciously, Calder’s steps began to sway with the music. He only became aware of his staggering step when he turned to sit and found himself feeling as though he was just too still.

“Yes. Tell me a story all about you,” Calder leaned an arm against the table and rested his head against an upturned palm, “I’ve never met a… what exactly are you?” There was something so playfully innocent in how Calder asked, entirely unaware of an almost offending tone.

((Pandora: I don't mind~))

Aden
Without the job of overseeing the younger, Aden was again left out of any of his elements. In all honesty, it was a relief that the younger had begged to be taken along, as Aden had never before gone to any social events alone. Usually, it was a father and son deal, but at the masquerade, he was left to be the one to make ties with all of the others, and he still found himself failing.

Aden couldn’t help but be just a little bitter about it. Calder seemed to be doing a better job socializing than he, and that was something that had never before happened. Then, there was that showy glance that had been tossed by the younger, meant to provoke him further. Having turned away, Aden did his best to keep from looking as though he’d noticed.

Finally through feeling sorry for himself, Aden turned to the first lady who had greeted them, opening his mouth to speak, but only standing awkwardly still in a position that suggested he had been ready to take on the responsibility of carrying a conversation.

“I like your mask; it’s very pretty,” the forced words came with wide gaps to separate his short comment. A tiny smile accompanied it as though he sought to draw attention away from that uncertainty.

Lunalla blinked, her golden eyes full of innocence as she stared at Heiro. She almost got lost in thought as she stared at him, studying his features, even as he had bowed. When he asked if she would care for a refreshment, she snapped out of her thoughts. "A refreshment?" she said, "Uh... Sure..." Her voice seemed to trail off as she said the last bit.

---

Flora sat down, then looked at Calder. "You've never seen one of my kind?" she said, her head tilting to the side a bit, "Hmm... I thought we were quite known. Oh well... I'm a dryad. We're like... Spirits of the forests." She paused for a moment. "You want to hear a story about me?" she said, "Well, that would take quite some time!" She giggled softly. "So instead of me telling you all about me," she said, "What would you like to know about me? I'll try my best to answer." She smiled softly.

((sorry I haven't been on lately. Hectic life ^.^'))
A soft blush skittered across Cyris' cheeks as Ignatius kissed him. He smiled softly. "Well uh... I want to know what your lifes been like. The whole deal with being a fae prince."

(Sir Golly, who are you talking to with Alden? I think it was Kisala that first approached them but I can't recall ^.^' )

Laughing a little as he caught the centaur's blush, the fae quieted soon enough. "It's been lesson after lesson and the need to know everything about politics. Caring for my people has been ingrained within me since my birth, the way of it and the how." With another laugh, he lifted a hand to brush it trough Cyris's hair. "A blush! Truly I was't expecting that." Perhaps he would brush his lips against the centaur's again to cause the reaction once more.

Cyris frowned. "Simply that? Just politics? What about play? What did you do for fun? And friends?" Cyris couldn't imagine growing up with no fun and games. Just as the thoughts crossed his head, Ignatius played with his hair. A soft gasp exhaled from his lips, and the blush darkened a little.

It took a long moment for Uriel to gather his thoughts together in order to form an answer for this woman. Dressed in black and with her demeanor, she would have been welcomed easily enough into the Unseelie courts. "Human expansion. The cities with their cold iron, their streets of stone and the pollution of water. All of this destruction of the natural world has made it difficult for the other races to thrive as they once did. Most humans of this time don't even believe the other races exist, preferring to think they are nothing more then tales." It made him glad to have been raised by the fae, even though he'd never be one of them. His people, they destroyed without a thought. Not everyone though, conceded the white haired man silently.

The corners of the fae's lips twitched up into another smile at the sound his friend, more then friend, made. Hand entwined in the golden locks, Ignatius fluttered his wings to check if they were dried. Finding them so he grinned. "Play, yes but alone or with Uriel. He is very much like a brother to me. Other then that, politics all around even with those who said they wanted to be my friends." So many false pretenses, was it any wonder he'd not chosen anyone before now to be his consort?

Rachel narrowed her eyes at that. Again, his answers baffled her. Her family lived far from other societies. The few that came to trade were only humans. And they barely survived the trip to her family's lands. She doubted they made it home again. Yet her family knew of other races without seeing evidence of them. How then could humanity deny what existed closer to their world than hers? However, such was the stupidity of man. Such was the redemption needed as well as why she was here. To find and eliminate those who would bring harm to the peace and order of the world. If those individuals were humans, then so be it. Such dark thoughts were hardly considered civilized. She felt confined in the restraining etiquette of society. In her mountains, deep in dark woods, such things as tact and civility were not common place.

Forcing the gloomy thoughts and irritation at the lack of rational thinking on humans' part, she focused instead on the future. He was clearly in full support of the fae. Like her, they seem to find the cities of iron and stone as an unneeded evil. For her, you simply needed such for outposts. The actual homes should be built into the scenery, not the scenery destroyed to make room for them. Where would it go now though? "Obviously you feel much the same way the fae do since you were raised by them. What does the fae plan to do? They have been pushed back by humanity. What options do they have?" Genocide was hopefully not one of those options or she would murder the fae leadership that was present in the room that instant. Again, she was humored by her dark thoughts. Blunt was her method. Her dark eyes glinted at the memories of previous fights and encounters.