(hehe, i like the swear there, Sim :) )

"Thanks," she said, and started to smile again. "It was a kind gesture, though."
She watched and listened as the people came in, actually for anything unusual and not for comments on style as she pretended. She then heard Allene being introduced, and she giggled a little, glad that she thought to come in before it started. Not that it mattered, she could've easily snuck in anytime she wanted. She was actually quite the shy person, only acting outgoing around people she'd already met or watched for awhile first.
"Oh, look, it's Allene," she commented. "Doesn't she look lovely."

XXXXXXXXX

Niniel was relieved when he took the sword, it really wasn't like she had much use for it other than as a really large keepsake of sorts. She stood up. "Well, we aught to keep going, we're not quite out of Greater territory yet, Night... er," she said, and blushed a little, "That isn't really your real name, is it?"

"yea" he winked then looked over to his good friend. He blushed deeply from pure embarrasement, he then ducked behind Emi and took in a deep yet shattered breath "this is too awkward" he commented "seeing both of my good female friends in stunning fomral attire" his voice nervously trembled.

--

he timidly stood to his feet, fastened the sword and sheath at his side then nodded "well, it's my birth name. Most people found themselves calling me 'Nathaniel' i dont know why, but they thought that night was a short version for it" he sighed softly then tilted his head to the side "why do you ask?" he thought that he would save her somewhat embarrasement if he hadnt brought attention to her lightly blushing cheeks.

"Awkward?" Emi asked. "I could see maybe if we were in bikinis or something..." She giggled a bit at his odd behavior and then gave him a friendly smile. "Hey, if it helps, I'm not wearing any formal attire. Uh, I mean, I am wearing clothes, but it's still just my simple dress from before." She shrugged. "If you're feeling so awkward, I can leave and go listen elsewhere..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Oh," she said. "I thought that couldn't possibly be your name since that's what I was calling you when you were a squirrel... but I suppose that could make sense since you were responding to it." She continued to walk down the beach. It felt a little strange not being 'alone' anymore, but she was a little greatful for a bit of companionship other than just a squirrel that couldn't really respond. It still felt a little strange and awkward that this guy had been the squirrel the entire time, but she was starting to get used to it.

"no, please dont leave" levi begged and pleaded "i'm just not used to seeing girls in these dresses.. i mean" he sighed then leaned his back onto the wall, the blonde part of his hair from earlier had shifted to silver "it's just out of the norm y'know?"

((>Levi< ))

--

"i'm sorry if this seems wierd for you" his voice trailed off as he walked beside her. His gaze shifted to the abyss, he seemed almost emotionless, it was either this, or scared. The distinction couldnt be made just yet

"Fine," she said, "I'll stay here." She looked around the room, so many different kinds of people were here, of all kinds of races, she needed to be on the lookout for anything strange. "Yeah, but I think that's kind of the point. Ladies like to get noticed sometimes, you know? If they wore this stuff every day, it wouldn't be special, but at an occasion like this... it's different, almost like hunting season for some single ladies, like a competition to get guys' attention." She pointed out a woman in a particularly scandelous and outlandish dress. "See her? I bet she's single and feeling a bit desperate. However," she said as she pointed out another woman, "That lady is more modestly dressed, so my guess is she's in a committed relationship of some kind."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

She shrugged. "It does feel a little strange," she admitted. "But I'll get used to it. Just don't try any funny business."

(I'm so tired, so this is my last post for the night.)

he nodded then sighed, realizing that he too was single, he had never once asked odette to be is, nor had he taken the time to consider it. She had run out one too many times for this to work between them. He yawned softy and widely before nodding to what Emi had said "i like your dress though" he blushed softly and shyly, this reaction surprised himself, and so, he started to pull himself back into his 'invisible shell'

--

he stopped for a second then chuckled, shaking his head from side to side "me? funny business?" this caused him to turn a deep shade of red as he continued to laugh. He had forgotten the many times he brought certain women over to Niniel and Galen's house. He had saved himself for the one woman he would marry, but, this didnt stop him from being a flirt with the single women.

((sleep well!!))

Allene walked down the stairs slowly surveying the room. Everyone danced and laughed and smiled and talked in gay delight. She smiled, though the gesture was not heart felt.


Neil looked over at Faul and titled his head to one side. "Should we go take a look?" he asked.

Lland approached Allene as she was announced, watching the odd expression on her face. "What are you smiling about, Vampire? Nothing smile-worthy has even occurred at this point." During the time Allene had gone Lland had managed to slip into a fancy feathery dress that in a way, matched herself.

"It wouldn't hurt." Faul replied, then stood. "Lead the way, please."

She looked down, a deep blush fell over her face and she looked up at Lland with a smile that was all mischief. "Who wouldn't smile if they had a strapping young man sleeping in their bed?" She then laughed making what she'd said more a joke than anything else. Though she had paid for the room so Kirin was technically sleeping in her bed. "And you my darling, what hath put thee in such a temper?"

Neil nodded, not sure why Faul wanted him to go first. Maybe Faul wanted him to be the first to be killed in the event that something violent was happening.
Outside the bunk he heard the metallic sound of crashing pots and pans. He followed the ruckus to the kitchens where he saw a man chasing about a small red fox cub, he seemed almost insane bent over running after the little critter.

"Maybe the lady just want's to have the man in bed with her" Lland retorted. "And they are imagining that situation, thus the smile" She gave a slight smile to Allene "And what makes you think I'm in a bad mood? Why, Im wonderful. The only thing that would make this better would be if a pile of bricks fell on your bed."

"Well it looks like someone is breaking the rules to bring an animal on board" Faul laughed, watching the man chase the thing 'round. "Well it looks like this man is in a bit of a pickle, why ever it's called that. You gonna help or something?"

Allene smiled wider. "Leave my thoughts to me and I'll leave your moods to you." Though it was not an all together bad idea Allene thought. Then she shook herself of that. Never again.... she told herself as she remembered the cruelty of Dorjan, her sire of long past. "So, where is your date?" She asked, curious about Lland's taste in men.


Neil looked at Faul. "What? How can I help the man, and isn't there a sign somewhere saying something about this being a very bad thing to do? Bringing an exotic pet like that on board?" He said a little scared. Does he know? Neil feared but as a chef cried out, he thought it best to save the kitchen, he did after all want to eat.
He lowered himself to one knee and smiled at the poor frightened creature. "Come to me little one." He called to it through his thoughts.

"She's around" Lland answered, Looking around the room a bit.

"Well, we could corner it or spear it's tail or something, you know?" Faul answered "But I suppose trying to make friends with it works too" He said sarcastically, looking over at the creature. "We could toss it off the ship afterwards, too" He said, scratching his head.

Allene's mouth almost hit the floor from how far it dropped. She couldn't believe it.... "You, do not enjoy the company of men?" She asked cautiously.

Neil glared at Faul. Then looked at the fox who also seemed to understand what he'd said. "You want to Kill me?" It asked in a soft youthful voice. It was still very young. "No, I'll keep you safe until we get to port." He reassured it. It then walked cautiously over to him, smelling at his outstretched hand, before jumping on him to be picked up. "We'll release it or something when we get where we're going." He said firmly as he petted its head.

"WHAT!" A man shouted. "That there cub is mine, not yours to be all releasin'!" he declared. "I'll not have it, I paid good money for the little beast and I paid my way on this boat." he said as his already flushed face became redder and redder with each word.

Lland laughed at Allene's reaction. "I wasn't being serious..." She trailed off "But its not like men are all that high on the scale either, I come with no date, I see no reason" She replied rather simply.

Faul glared at the man who had started shouting "And where is your carrier's pass?" He asked. "And why is it not locked safely in your room to keep from ruining a good meal?"

She nodded. "Granted, few men are worth the trouble they cause... But my eye is never drawn anywhere but to their side of the room I fear." she laughed. "I never had a taste for any but men. In any case, I came alone as well. My darling" she said sarcastically, "is still fast asleep." She tried to shrug this fact off though she truly did miss his presence. "So, I suppose we are both on the prowl this night I take it?"

Neil petted the poor little creature and then slowly slipped out of the kitchen allowing Faul to take care of this. He only cared about the little animal in his arms.

"Feel free" Lland replied "Just know that sounds like a thieves words." She stated, looking up at the large clock on the wall. "Well, as some would say, the night is young. I will be off to listen to gossip. Enjoy whatever sad things you will be doing" Lland said as she walked off into the crowd.


Faul argued with the man a while but eventually left the room and came back to Niel. "How did you do that?" Was the first thing he said as he closed the door behind him.

Allene sighed as she watched Lland leave her alone. She needed to be seen around the room a bit more before she went off to her shady business. She smiled and flirted with a few young men, and talking and gossiped with a few young ladies as well. Then as the hour chimed she smiled and said something about needing some air. She then walked out into a nearby courtyard. As she looked up she noticed the balcony that she had meant to use to gain access to the higher levels. She pulled up her skirt and with one simple and graceful movement leapt up to it. She then made her way up to the top most level of the palace without too much hassle. Only a few dodging of guards and waiters.

Neil looked up at Faul with wide and innocent eyes. "Do what?"

Faul glared at Niel. "We both know what I'm talking about" He said. "Now spit it out."

Slipping into the office she sighed a bit relieved at how easily she'd gotten up here, but her better sense told her not to get cocky this could be a set up of some kind. She walked to the desk and tapped around under it for the but key, she felt it and pulled it out. It was a small scan card. She then walked to the painting on the wall and slid the card just under the frame of it and as something clicked the painting swung as if on hinges and she saw a the door to a vault. This she already had the code for and so she entered it and then retrieved the documents. A few minutes of taking pictures and she was done and so made her way back and down to the balcony. She then sent them over her visual com-link and then was back on the ground in seconds walking calmly back into the party.

Neil looked down. "I'm a shapeshifter... one of my gifts is ..." he paused, Faul to was a so called Lesser and so he shouldn't do anything to him. "well, I have a good deal of sway with animals." he said.

"Oh" Faul breathed, sort of laughing. "Heh, right. That makes sense. Sorry about that." He lay down on the floor, feeling the ships movements as it rocked through the waves. "So your gonna hide it in here?" He asked.

Allene sighed as she stood in a corner her arms folded over her chest. She was alone again, as usual. Not that it mattered, she was used to it by now, though it had been nice while it lasted with having Levi and Kirin around. Even Lland was kind of endearing in her mind. She cast a glance around the room and sighed once more.

He looked at Faul and said almost stammering. "I--I, well I guess..." He admitted. "I won't let it be killed if thats what you're asking." He said a little more hotly. Neil tightened his hold on the little animal.

"Im sure your grip is really helping it breathe that fresh air" Faul replied "And no, Im not planning on killing it, but you better be prepared for the consequences of keeping it." He warned.

Neil loosened his hold. Not realizing that he was almost strangling the poor little one. "I get tossed instead?" he asked, a little scared. He knew dragons were stronger than Shape shifters most of the time and he didn't pride himself on his strength. More his skill in nature and of understanding the animals.

"What do you think I am, some kind of barbarian?" He laughed. "No, but you may get fined or have something on your record saying 'Niel whoever blah was caught smuggling an animal on this ship to this place' so you know, trying to hide from all those things with that...." He thought a bit, then sat up. "Assuming thats your issue"