Azrealla half blushed a moment and it was her turn to look tender... Someone to come home to... It had been a long time since she had even thought of such things. Still, the tenderness faded as she thought of the idea of the other woman becoming a rusalka. The only way to become one was to be murdered, she would never let Jo become a rusalka. She'd kill every man before she let that happen. She said nothing, however, and focused instead on the rest of what she was saying.

"I...could. Are you sure that this is what you want?" She asked quietly. She tilted her head to the side as she watched the other girl. She reached forward, and took the other girls hand again. She held it delicately in hers, thinking a moment. the other girl would leave her home for her? Why? Ella couldn't help but thinking she felt alive again for the first time in some time...

***

Janu watched the group silently for a few moments. The Merrow seemed wary of the man and that added to Heiro's earlier hesitation made her a little uncertain. What were the men picking up on that she wasn't? Had his handsome face and politeness tricked her good nature? She was beginning to think so. Still she showed no sign of it, or anything really until Stuart spoke to her.

"I'll try, though I'm rather new at this myself." She said with a small, bashful smile. She then stepped forward, so they could start the dance. Inwardly her mind stayed on Niv and she decided she'd have to keep her eye on him. There was something hidden in him... something dangerous. She hadn't picked up on it earlier, to focused on Heiro.

***

Estella decided to stand and try getting something to drink as she nursed her headache. She didn't mean to watch Uriel out of the corner of her but she did. She noticed the woman he was speaking with looked rather dangerous. She wondered absently what they were talking about but didn't think to much of it. She grabbed a few snacks on a plate and a large drink of water before she headed towards her table again. She leaned her head on her hand again, noting Audrial seemed to have finally calmed down... even if he was telling her how stupid she was still.

"You enjoy playing with my hair far too much." Cyris raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe I've met Uriel yet. You'll have to point him out for me when we rejoin everyone." Cyris smiled. But thinking about false people made him frown. "I can't believe creatures would dare bring politics into friendship. My best mate Mickkel would've thrashed the first centaur that attempted to befriend us without pure motives." He laughed. "What else was it like. You must have met nearly every creature around the world. What was that like? Or your hobbies? What are they?" Cyris couldn't deny his curiosity at every aspect of his companion.

Calder sat for a second as though in thought, crossing one leg over another in a theatrical motion only to quickly find it was the most uncomfortable position he’d ever taken and quickly undo the awkward knot to place his legs at a distance again, turning himself to fully face the dryad. A spirit of the forest, just what that meant went over his head, so Calder only nodded in reply. All at once the world had grown from the small island to something entirely impossible to know in one short lifetime. To be a spirit would have been nice- surely they had more time to familiarize themselves with more wonders than he could ever even simply hear of in passing.

Finally, Calder shrugged, “Oh, I don’t know. What is the most important thing to learn about someone? How about this one, why are you here?” Again, he’d taken on an innocence in clearly not knowing just how rude he came off, as he spoke as though prodding questions were something casual. “Is it a serious quest for companionship? No one really bothered explaining any of this to me.”


((Codette: Yeppers, that was indeed Kisala. I really should have been clearer about that~))

Jo tilted her head to the side eyes focusing on the hand that picked hers back up. Her pupils dilated a bit, trying to take in more detail. "I think so. I would like to see your home, and would like you to see mine," she said slowly, making sure as she said it that she really did want it. "It took me a week to fly here from Eerie, with only the bag of my outfit for tonight weighing me down. With a basket and harness, it might take me a few more days, and if your river is close by, it won't be too hard to take you." Then she could stay with Ella for a bit, then take her to Eerie and spend a week there.

Part of her mind spun off planning: what to take on the first trip, and what to take on the second, what paths to take over the mountains, and what waterways to travel with Ella in tow. It was a good thing Eerie had the river so close, she could follow that for the last leg of the journey. "That is, if you are not adverse to flying." Everything would change if she was, and she started thinking of taking other routes, and flying lower.

Flora thought over his question for a moment, then sighed. "I had gotten an invitation to come here," she said, "It was for both me and my... I guess he would be counted as an ex-husband. But he went off on a journey and said he would be back in a few months to a year, but he never returned. My friends had convinced me to come here so I could get my mind off of the love I had lost and possibly to find someone new." She intertwined her fingers, resting her elbows on the table before resting her chin on her hands. "And why are you here?"

Shrugging Uriel leaned against the wall companionably while crossing his arms thoughtlessly. "They are already working on finding homes far from human habitation upon which they shall cast spells to make sure that humans will thin nothing is there. Only those with the Sight or magic of their own will ever realize that anything is there. To others it simply won't exist." The thought of such a haven was a dream come true, and a nightmare. IF it was hedged in by humans the fae would have no way of leaving and visiting others. Their magic would fade slowly, until the wonderfully magical being would die out. It was such a painful thought! Grimacing Uriel shoved them away and replaced them with images of Estella and his very few friends.

Sticking out his tongue playfully, Ignatius pulled Cyris's head down to place a gentle kiss upon the centaur's lips. Raising an eyebrow, he grinned as if to ask if that was any better. "Oh if weapons craft and playing tricks can be considered hobbies ... As for what it was like, well it was rather boring meeting all the other races, because after a while it becomes a common affair." Though meeting this centaur had been anything but. A prank had turned into a romance, and in the process had broken the heart of someone Ignatius had wanted to treasure. It was messes like these that had stopped him from falling for anyone until now.

Rachel looked at him with concern. His grimace seemed to have some sort of pain attached to it. Obviously he wanted such a dream to come true because when he talked of the place, his eyes had almost glowed with happiness. Yet there was shadows there too. Something that worried him. She reached out and touched his shoulder to prevent him from staying in the unhappy thoughts that were conflicting inside of her. Moving to stand in front of him, she thought quickly. She was a princess. Her uncle was in charge of the clan and her father was a ruler in his own right as well. She did have permission to do some things. She could open negotiations if it was for the betterment of their clan. "Perhaps my clan can be of assistance. Past our mountains, no one has ventured there. It is still mountainous, but without the dangers our forests foster. It is a dangerous trip there and those who have tried have all been unsuspecting, simple-headed humans. They die by the nightmares that patrol the forests of our lands. Yet with some education and advice, the fae could safely pass through to the peaceful mountains on the other side. You wouldn't have to fear expansion again like in the past because no one dares offend my family. She paused a moment and then added, "We know the secrets of our forests and how humanity could take away the danger. But the danger is a shield for us so we keep it a secret. So you can trust the route to be safe with us as a guide." Then she waited, knowing her offer was both a bargaining chip and the answer to both their problems.

Kisala blushed behind her mask. "Thank you. It's an heirloom. A symbol of Sirens." She smiled warmly. "If you don't mind me saying, you seem a bit... uneasy without your brother. Why is that? I'm always pleased to be away from my younger sisters. The handfuls they all are."
The woman couldn't resist taking a look to the dance floor, and realizing that she still hadn't danced. Not that she really minded, it was awkward enough being on two legs.

Cyris grinned and returned the kiss. "Oh playing tricks is definatly a hobby." he nodded. "Well thats not nearly as amusing as I hoped. Here I thought being a prince would be grander."

Azrealla blinked as the other woman spoke so easily of a plan and for a moment her eyes dipped to her hands. What dangers would she bring to this girl? She was so innocent. She couldn't help but reach forward again to stroke the other woman's hand. She loved the feeling of her skin... there was warmth there. It seemed to chase away the cold clammy feeling of the river that permeated her being.

"I don't mind flying..." She said quietly, though she was inwardly uncertain. There were those that sought her death, for her job or sometimes for what she was. Being tied to the river like she was it made her easy to find so that left her a target. If this girl was with her, she would be a target too. Could she really allow that? She wanted to... so badly... but for once the indomitable Azrealla was afraid.

Jo's smile brightened, the set of plans for low-altitude dropping off her list. "That's good. It's easier and faster to go higher," she said, fingers starting to return the attention, stroking Ella's thumb in tandem with her. The other woman's slightly cooler skin felt good against her sometimes too warm skin. Opposites attracting, maybe?

But the look on her face made the smile falter. "Did you want to do this? You look... Uncertain." What if she didn't share her wish? Could they at least still be friends? She was still willing to visit, even if Ella wouldn't visit Eerie.

Looking at the woman speculatively, Uriel could feel his eyes widening at each one of her words. Such an offer had to be considered, there was no doubt of that. But Uriel could not rightly accept it on the fae's behalf. Though there were certain things he could accomplish. "That is a very generous suggestion. I'm certain her majesty, Queen Phryne, will consider it carefully." It eased some amount of worry within the pale haired man's heart to think that the fae would finally have a safe place to call their own. It would make him a little less guilty for leaving them, if the opportunity ever arose.

With a chuckle, Ignatius shook his head. "There are far too many obligations for it to be seen as grand. " Sometimes he found them confining. Usually though, he wanted nothing more then to take the crown and rule. Until a consort that his mother approved of was found, there was no way that such a thing could happen. Though Ignatius held the hope that Cyris would change all that.

Azrealla couldn't help but make a soft sound of pleasure as she stroked over her hand, her body relaxing instinctively. She hadn't actually planned on this... having no intention of falling for someone at all. She hadn't even expected to really be attracted. She simply intended to represent her people and go home after spending a night with a little harmless flirting. Still as the girl spoke she seemed surprised, not realizing she'd let the emotion show on her face.

"I want this... it's just... there are dangers I'm not sure you realize. To be with a Rusalka with my duties is to be a target. There are those who will try to kill you or worse. You will be treated with scorn by non Rusalka and treated as an outsider by Rusalka. nothing about your life will be easy if it is spent with me" She finally said matter-of-factly. She watched Jo, a mix of uncertainty, sorrow, and longing in those strange green eyes.

Jo blinked, not having quite thought of it that way. Becoming a target, being scorned and rejected everywhere? Well, not everywhere, but around the river. Looking back down, more through the table than at it, she thought about it. She'd had only basic combat training, her artistic nature almost guaranteeing she would stay in the city. But she had natural weaponry that some wouldn't know about, and her speed at shifting was unrivaled.

A sigh escaped her lips, she just didn't understand other people. "They would want to hurt me because you killed someone?" It made sense in a kind of twisted way, but Jo's straight-forward mindset refused to fully wrap itself around the idea. "I can fight back, even an untrained gryphon like me is a formidable opponent when cornered or angered," she said, trying to tell herself that she could take anyone. But part of her wasn't so sure of it.

Rachel watched Uriel's face, taking in the surprise and relief that flitted there. Suddenly she was grateful she had fought to be able to come to this. There was a chance after all of making the world a better place. Also there was perhaps the opportunity for making up the sins of her clansmen's past. Their running away when the world needed them most was unforgivable. However, now they were stronger for it. A better chance they had now to protect this earth that gave them everything they needed to live. "Then perhaps negotiations can be made. At least the subject approached. There are a lot of stipulations. Things that if not followed will get you killed. Not by us, but by the forest that covers our deep mountains. I must warn you, it has a mind of its own and swallows those it considers unworthy." She felt concern at this sudden feeling inside of her. Was she actually worried for someone other than her clan? How could that be? These were strangers. But perhaps, given time, they would be friends and then this suggestion and the accompanying feelings would be justified.

Cyris pouted. "Obligations, blah. I think I need to stick around and shake your court up a bit." he winked. "Just mess with everyone's minds and preceptions of proper and obligations, and tradition." He shuddered.

(why are we so short Pap? *laughs*)

Rachel's words made a smile tug up Uriel's lips. Inclining his head forward the white haired man fought not to make a fool of himself. Living forests! The fae would adore the place despite all it's dangers. It would be beautiful and deadly, just as they were. "There will be no need to worry. For the moment, perhaps we should join the dancers upon the floor?" For a moment, before the need for testing became too pressing.

The thought of Cyris wreaking havoc in the courts had Ignatius laughing while holding the centaur tight. Leaning against the other man as he quieted, the fae couldn't help but think that things were definitely going to be changing. "I'd no doubt you'll manage to do so. For now though, I believe it might be a good idea to rejoin the others." Releasing the blond man, Ignatius moved to grab his coat, chemise and tie with a small sigh. A grimace crossed his face as he closed his eyes and forced his wings to fold in upon themselves once more to hide within his back. Once that was done he clothed himself once more and moved to offer his arm to Cyris with a wink and a smile.

((I have no idea ... *tries to fix* ))

Cyris gave a wolfish grin as Ignatius laughed. Holding the fae, Cyris could feel his laughter vibrating through him. "Just promise when I start wreaking mayhem, you wont throw me to the wolves." The Centaur pouted and batted his eyelashes. Cyris let him go to get dressed, silently watching the fae. Cyris never would've believed a simple prank would've worked out to this. He could only imagine Mickkel's reaction when he finds out that Cyris fell in love with not only a Fae but a Fae Prince.

Cyris gave a small laugh when Ignatius returned. Looping his arm around Ignatius', he smiled. "And let the rumours commence."

Rachel allowed a smile to cross her face at the offer. A dance was a good way to spend time at such a party as this. She knodded in acceptance but warned, "I've not had many chances to dance, so I may be a bit rusty." This was true, but she was a superb dancer. Dancing required the same skills a fleet warrior on her feet must possess so having that ability was natural after all her training. She felt a little joy at the thought of returning to the dance floor. This time to actually dance instead of intrusively walking across.

((Very sorry for the delay on this, everyone! Things have been hectic over here, and other threads took a lot more of my attention than I thought they would. But, I am doing much better and I really hope you guys are all still willing to continue this! ^^))

Heiro smiled slightly at Lunalla's dreamy appearance, her mind obviously preoccupied as it took her a moment to answer. "Is there anything in particular you prefer?" He asked, before glancing back towards the tables, trying to pick something suitable should she answer with no. As he did, his eyes caught sight of Ignatius, the Unseelie prince and his escort being rather... close. He had no doubts now of who he, Uriel and Nivedus were taking to the testing rooms first, as the Queen would surely jump at the opportunity despite other couples that may have already come together.

He gave a slight frown, remembering the last time the prince was taken to the dim rooms, but quickly corrected it and returned his gaze to Lunalla with a pleasant smile as he waited for her to decide.


Nivedus gave another smile to Rosellen as she spoke and shook his head slightly. "Say something wrong? This is a formal occasion, but you don't have to worry about keeping your tongue in check, Lady Rosellen. I promise the court members here are much less stuffy than the pomp and circumstance makes them out to be." He said with a light laugh as he started them off in a simple dance in time with the music.


((Sorry for the short post with Niv again, Pap-chan ><' he's as difficult as ever.))

A small blush crept across the blonde's cheeks at the white haired man's words. Well at least that was one less thing to worry about. "Then why does it seem like everyone is stepping on glass?" The words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them as she quietly tried to learn the dance with a concentrated frown. It took a few mishaps, mainly stepping in her dance partner's toes, before she got used to the dance and his taller height as well.

With a wink and a laugh of his own the fae led Cyris inside once more. Eyes followed them oh so nervously. Some held envy within time, others relief or even anger. Ignatius would have to warn the blond centaur about any enemies of the court he had made by capturing the prince's attention.

"I won't, but I should tell you the wolves are already circling." With a raising of his head the prince showed his subjects that he would let no such thoughts alter his decision. This time was the right time, and Cyris would be able to pass the tests with him he was certain.

With a bow, Uriel grasped his dance partner's hand and led her carefully onto the dance floor. As they joined the others in a graceful waltz, he frowned. It seemed like they would only have time for one dance. "No need to worry." Offering up a small reassuring smile, the grey eyed man continued to let his eyes rove calculatingly trough the dancing crowds.

((It's fine Kage, don't worry about it. ^^))

Azrealla bit her lip, not so sure about it. Still she could not deny her emotions and lifted the other woman's hand to her lips. She kissed it gently and started to say something when the glass of water at her side began to churn and boil. Soon the image of a nude woman with soaking wet golden hair appeared with in about the size of a small hand. She would raise up out of the glass. She spoke in a fluid, strange tongue but what she said made Ella pale. For those who could understand those creatures of the water like the Rasulka why would be clear... Her clan was under attack!

A band of necromancers had found them and were trying to take control. They had succeeded at taking the weak willed ones and so the sisters were being forced to fight there own. Instantly she stood, responding that she would be there momentarily. She would have to apologize to the queen and find the nearest river... she could travel through the rivers like a fish, even though it required stripping nude except for her mystical comb which was one of the reasons she hadn't traveled by the river here. She would pause at jo's side first, her hand on her shoulder.

"I... I'm sorry. My clan is under attack...You can find me here if you wish to see me again...You should probably stay away for a week or two to let things settle down" She said quietly as she took out a notebook from her purse and wrote it within it the name of her river and the nearby town and how far the shack she used when on land was from the town and so on. She handed Jo the whole notebook and the pen as she would not be able to carry it anyway... It was good she had brought no personal items with her but her comb apparently. Then with a warm smile she was gone to let the queen know she was leaving and why.

She would apologize and bow as needed but anyone looking at her would see she was agitated. She kept looking at all the nearby glasses of water for some sign of another distress signal but she would do her duty and say good bye to the queen well. She would then nearly run out the door and head to the nearest river. She would take out her comb and push it into her hair as she dashed forward. She would drop her dress in a pile of silver at the side of the river along with her purse before jumping in. Soon her skin would turn slightly blue and look truely dead before she began to disappear into the water and leave only a few strands of her hair behind.

***

Janu found a bigger threat to her safety then Niv momentarily as she felt her father's presence slid through the shadows. He was looking for her. He would gladly attack this ball and she knew no one wanted that. She had learned to evade him and easily could but it would require she leave. She sighed and pulled from Stuart before she whispered a soft apology. She gave little explanation and simply headed for the door. As she walked out she would give heiro one, however, as well as a gift. He alone would be able to hear her message through the shadows, so there was no worry of getting caught. Sadly it was probably the best thing for them both...

"I can feel my father searching, however, so I need to leave for a little while. Please don't worry, i'll be alright. I've become much stronger since you knew me. I will leave a piece of myself with you so you can find me through the shadows when the ball is over. The shadows will tell you, and you alone, where I am. Just speak my name while connected to the shadows and a cat shaped shadow should form and lead you to me. I...I..I love you Heiro, please come find me when you can" was the message the feline sent to him, along with a piece of herself true to her word. It would diminish her power ever so slightly but not enough to make a difference should battle come up.

Janu then headed out the door, not saying good bye to anyone. She didn't run and seemed unhurried but she was deliberately minimizing her aura. She also separated herself as much as she could from the shadows as she stepped out the door. She would head to the fae friend's house she had met recently to return the dress and mask. To her surprise the friend told her to keep it so would pack it with her other things, say good bye and head out... out into the night where she knew precisely what to do.

***

Estella yawned, bored out of her skull. She remembered all urie had said and decided it was better if she left. She trusted him to keep his word... that after this was all over he would try and get his freedom from the court to join her. She would show him the world as she promised and maybe... just maybe... if they were truly lucky and meant to be together they would have a future. She focused her powers then and what appeared to be a small white crystal would form in urie's pocket. When he found it later and he was alone, most likely after the Masquerade, it would spell out a message from her in light. It was a simple short message.

I am at the Silver Horse Inn and can't wait to keep my promise to you. It was a simple, short message that only he would understand. with that completed she would head out to return to the inn. She would stay close, just as she had promised and stay out of trouble as well. How much trouble could everyone get in over the course of one night she figured...clueless as to what would happen to the others later.


((there all my characters are out of the way but have left messages for their love interests to find them or not find them after the balls over xD))

Lunalla pondered her thoughts for a few moments. "Water or something fruity will do," she said, "Alcoholic or not, I don't mind." She smiled slightly, shifting slightly in her seat. She felt a bit odd without her wings out, and also slightly off balance, but that might be due to the heels she wore as well. She tucked a few strands of loose hair behind her ear, waiting for a response.

Cyris smiled as Ignatius lead him into the dance. "let them circle, let them talk and let them work themselves up. I'm not going to be influenced by anyone else." The Centaur laid his head on Ignatius' shoulder. What he said was true. The only way he would leave the Fae's side would be if Ignatius forced him away. And even then he wouldn't leave without a fight. Soft whispers and out spoken disagreement with the two of them together but Cyris ignored it all. Naysayers weren't going to ruin his perfect moment.

Jo took the notebook, eyes still staring at the glass of water. The rusalka, it looked like, were a bit more than Ella had explained. She nodded to her, though, and watched her walk away, worry lining her face. "I hope she'll be alright," she whispered, starting to fiddle with a corner of the paper.

She tried drawing her thoughts away from the fight the other woman was speeding towards, looking down at the notes she had been given. The river was far from Eerie, as she'd expected, but not horribly far from here. And having the name of the town would help her find the right place. She took the pen and started scribbling a list of what to take, and who to ask for what. "She wanted me to wait a couple weeks, that's fine, there are a couple of pieces that I have to finish yet..." her voice trailed off into murmurs, and her drink stood just beyond her hand, forgotten.

Rachel watched Uriel's eyes as they swept across the dance floor. Her warrior instincts were correct. He knew how to handle himself and had the awareness of a fighter. She effortlessly glided along and found herself wishing she had made more friends among these people instead of alienating herself ever since her arrival. The guest room the fae had given her was remarkable. The food delicious and healthy. Everything was to her satisfaction. Yet she had done nothing but look for a fight when no one here, particularly the fae, were wanting any trouble. She kept up her poise and grace, but allowed some of her inner kindness to soften her eyes. Ambassador, you have been a remarkable host this evening. Perhaps later I could impose on you some more. Would you be willing to introduce me to some others here that you know? I wouldn't mind getting to be better acquainted with those that are considered friends or allies."