Royal Ball Gathering

AEDRE- DARK NATION QUEEN

Aedre smiled briefly feeling slightly aged on seeing the familiar scene before them once again. "Yes" she murmured before tilting her head to look up at him "Except i wont have to beat you with my heel this time- unless you want me to" she mused gesturing down to her high heel cladded feet. She remembered last time being thrown over his shoulder at the last minute like yesterdays kill trying to cause some injury with a high heeled sandal in one hand and presumably getting no where. Reminiscing, Aedre felt that their generation seemed bigger, they'd been youthful but she remembered Garion being something else entirely- some hulking monster from the underworld if she recalled correctly but what she meant was- they seemed more prepared- it seemed different this time- no one seemed ready. Perhaps that was how they had felt when she was at the gathering for her own purpose.
She caught the smile on Garion's lips and followed his line of sight to Stella and...that maid clowning around the ballroom.
'Clouds on high give me strength' she thought but felt her own lips upturning. Would she miss seeing her daughters laugh from a safe distance.

Aedre allowed her eyes to linger on stella, like she wanted to put away the scene for times when her daughters were absent. The queen gripped Garion's arm tighter giving him a weak smile. No doubt they were both feeling the weight of loss that resides just a few hours away.
"Is your sister not here" she murmured suggestively turning him away from Stella before he charged forth and swooped his daughters up in either arm and casaded from the ball declaring war on his way out.



GETHEN- DARK NATION PRINCESS

Gethen shot her brother a boisterous grin. "Of course you do. You've been booked to drag a cloud girl back to our kingdom later it'll take quite a few shots to get you smiling about it" she taunted with black humour.
She turned to Hanza with a smile "Hanza hear, hear have you ever seen this dashing chap around before he claims to be my brother" she exclaimed gesturing to Zenith with a wink. He certainly brushed up well.

Hanza already alittle red in the face from the heat blushed when Zenith pulled up beside both him and Gethen claiming to join them for a drink. He looked marvallous in the suit Hanza had spent hours picking fussing over what would look best on his prince. He'd picked rightly and would like to challenge any princess who didnt admire the prince. When Gethen rose up about Hanza having ever seen such a dashing chap the dance instructor fell into his usual routine of babbling nonsense.
"Well- I- I wouldnt say i recognise him in such a fine suit" Hanza managed to blurt much to Gethens openly displayed amusement. He was glad in some sense that she was smiling. Glad that he had both Gethen and Zenith in sight. His last sight.

They reached the bar and Gethen managed to command her way into the bar tenders sight who after picking up his bottom jaw from the floor served them drinks. She acknowledge vincent skulking at the bar head hung low over a drink and gave him what she considered a supportive slap on the back then turned herself towards Zenith taking a swig of her drink as hanza sipped his on her right. Gethen couldnt help but stare into every male face she saw giving most the false pretenses that she was interested in them- looking for something that screamed 'I live on a floating nation'

"Zenith- what are we to do. There is only so long we can go without bumping into our other halfs. What if mother or father betray us and point us out to them. How will we know its them even- everyone here looks the same" she muttered over the rim of her glass. Eyes flickering left she spotted Stella with ease contorting with two men that she naturally presumed were princes. She turned her eyes back to Zenith. All of them were at the bar save Stella.

Evelynne stood by herself, away from the crowd of royals, observing the room. Her brilliant emerald green eyes watched everything unfold as she sipped at the sweet gold liquid in her glass. She wanted nothing more than to go back to the Earth Kingdom where all her friends were and spend her days cleaning the stables and running errands. Well, that wasn't true, what she really wanted was to be free but there was no way that was going to happen. So, the best option would be spending her days in the Earth Kingdom... not the Wind Nation.

Across the hall she could see the King of the Wind Nation conversing with a young man. Next to him stood the Queen and the handsome Prince she had noticed out in the gardens. He was smiling, obviously having just said something funny, and didn't seem too put off by the entire evening (unlike some). She dropped her gaze, sighing loudly, and quickly finished off the rest of her drink. Veta and the others still hadn't come into the ball, so there was no one she could speak to due to her status. Sure, there were other servants around but they were all busy tending to the royals.

Placing her empty glass on a near by table, Evelynne made her way to the large doors across the room that would lead out into the gardens. While her movements did not draw the same jaw dropping attention as the princess in red, she felt a number of pairs of eyes linger on her white clad body as she moved quickly through the crowd. Her long golden waves shifted and bounced freely against her bareback, tight white pants showing off the curve of her hips and long lean legs.

Finally she made it out of the doors and into the garden, breathing in the floral smelling air deeply. There were a few people out in the gardens, but all in groups of two or more and clearly deep in conversation. So, Eve did something that she rarely ever did. She stood silently, letting the world continue on around her without interacting with it in any way.

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Vincent stood to the side of the bar, leaning against the glass counter as he casually sipped on his fourth drink. The familiar numbness of the alcohol was beginning to return and he relaxed slightly, feeling better able to deal with the situation with the alcohol running through his veins.

His dark eyes observed the dance floor where his sister and the blind servant twirled and spun like children. Their carefree dancing seemed incredibly out of place in the incredibly proper atmosphere. He watched in amusement as their dancing was abruptly ended by crashing into a pair of young men. By the looks of them they seemed to be royalty (or at least one of them did). He narrowed his eyes at the pair of men, waiting to see their reaction. Fortunately for them they seemed to respond kindly, helping his sister and the servant up. His muscles relaxed, though he was almost disappointed that he didn’t have to go over and tell the pair of them to fuck off.

Gethen had entered the room, that much was obvious by the way dozens of men whipped around to stare and whisper among themselves, but it was someone else that caught his attention. While the blond woman from the Earth Nation was stunning in a I-know-I’m-hot-but-tough-shit-for-you sort of way, this woman was breath taking in a damaged and tragic way. She was clothed in a flowing black dress, dark hair curled and tossed so that it partially covered her face. Even from across the room he could see that her eyes were the most brilliant blue he had ever seen. He watched as she made her way to a couch on the far side of the room after grabbing two drinks for herself. Her pissed off attitude and general dislike for the ball made it obvious to him that she was a princess.. but from what nation?

A sharp smack on his back thrust him out of his thoughts and back into the present. He turned to see his sister and brother next to him, each drinking. Vincent smirked into his glass, sipping some more of the strong liquid. Leave it to his family to meet at the bar.

"Zenith- what are we to do. There is only so long we can go without bumping into our other halfs. What if mother or father betray us and point us out to them. How will we know its them even- everyone here looks the same" she muttered over the rim of her glass.

“We’ll meet them eventually.” Vincent commented with a shrug, not caring that her question was addressed to Zenith, “Have some fun with it, Gethen. Go play with some unsuspecting men.” He said, casting her a knowing smile as he ran a hand through his dark wavy hair before looking back to the dance floor.

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King Henry was standing outside of the large doors that would lead into the castle. He was currently stuck talking to representatives from a number of the nations while he awaited his wife. He hoped she would hurry so that he didn’t have to continue to feign interest about what the others were talking about.

In the distance he could see Veta, Azure, and Lucian next to the Earth Nation carriage. It seemed that they were taking their time as well, making them the last to arrive. He couldn’t very well blame them, this was not an easy night to handle.

“Excuse me, will you?” King Henry said, cutting off the gentleman who had been speaking, and walked away from the group before anyone could respond. He moved swiftly, his royal robes (emerald and gold in color) flowing around him, and made his way to the carriage. Once there he peered inside, a kind smile on his face, “Children, could I persuade you to please come inside?” He asked, reaching in to take one of their hands, “I assure you it is not as terrible as you may think.”

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The conversation flowed smoothly between Hayden and Zooey, connecting them like old friends. There was no spark of romance or jolt of attraction, just the comfort of finding someone with a similar heart and mind.

Their attention was called towards a woman dressed in the tightest fitting red dress Zooey had ever seen when the men around her spun to stare. Hayden didn’t whip around like the others, but did turn to see what was so interesting.

“It looks painted on.” Zooey observed with a smile, amused by the reaction the beautiful woman had gotten, “She looks stunning, though.” The princess added earnestly, turning her attention back to Hayden whose eyes were currently taking in the trio of obvious siblings at the bar.

“It always struck me as odd that women feel the need to dress themselves in such a revealing and sexual manner.” Hayden observed, letting his cool blue eyes flick back to the face of the Wind Princess. He had never been attracted to the overtly sexual women of the world, rather finding them unappealing. The idea that they put themselves on display for everyone was not attractive to him. Of course he would never say such a thing to a woman, he was far too polite.

Zooey smiled and shrugged her delicate shoulders at his comment, “If it’s what makes her feel beautiful, then I don’t see what the problem is.” She responded honestly, looking back to where the gorgeous woman stood. Next to her was the tall and broad shouldered prince she had noticed earlier. He was handsome in a dangerous way, with eyes so dark that they seemed black from across the room. She was about to see who was on the other side of the princess when she noticed the first prince staring at someone crossing the room.

“Ciara.” Zooey sighed as she saw her sister. Her sister looked striking in the jet black dress, but her down cast eyes and two drinks in her hands showed that she did not feel like it. Poor Ciara.

“Who is Ciara?” Hayden enquired, following his new friend’s gaze.

“She is my younger sister. If you’ll excuse me, Hayden, I’m going to go and sit with her for a moment. It was truly lovely to have met you.” She said, politely turning her full attention back to him with a radiant and genuine smile that lit up her face.

He took her hand, placing a gentle kiss on top of it, and smiled back, “Thank you for the enlightening conversation, Zooey.” He let go of her hand, nodded once in fair well, and then made his way into the crowd to find Athy and Orchid.

Zooey walked around the outer corner of the dance floor, her movements fluid and almost angelic as her blush pink chiffon dress flowed around her like a cloud. She smiled at her sister as she approached the couch, brushing a long dark wave of hair from her face, “Are you alright, Ci?” She questioned, gathering the soft fabric of her dress in her hand in order to sit down.

Zooey took a seat on the edge of the couch, letting her dress fall over the edge of it, and looked towards her sister while waiting for an answer. Cian was making his way over to the couch, she noticed, and Zooey smiled at the adorable cat in greeting.

Nereus wondered what was wrong with saying they were princes of the Water Nation. Although, this impromptu disguise would give them more freedom speaking to everyone in the gathering without much added pressure. So, he simply gave a refined bow as Oliver took the initiative to introduce themselves. But at his brother's next words, he inwardly released a sigh. He should expect that there would be certain moments where people might think of him badly since he simply speaks his mind. This was his honesty despite its tendency to be cruel. Noticing the discomfort of 'Blind' female at the inquiry, he could not help but apologize for this.

"I apologize for Oliver's choice of words. He did not mean any ill will towards you. It was simply him inquiring. Yet, I found Lady Ava a strong individual despite the situation you are in. I would have never guessed. Moreover, I do find the color of eyes refreshingly unique."

Speaking with much noble bearing that he had grown accustomed to. His words had no presence of false flattery or malice. The Elder Water Prince was simply implying the facts as he had seen and observed. At the end of his statement, he gave a sincere smile although it could not be seen by the female named Ava. Gazing at the other female now known as Bella, he was quite amazed at the humor of fate. The two females had come from the Dark Nation where he and Oliver's wives had come from. Based on what he had from the Queen Mother when he was young and from what he had observed now, it would be correct to say that rumors of barbarism were exaggerated ridiculously.

"It is nice to meet two lovely young ladies from the Dark Nation, Lady Bella and Lady Ava."

He presented his hand to them as the elder prince waited kindly for their hands. It was only proper to show his courtesy with a kiss upon their hands. When they did, he gently kissed the tops on their hands. Smiling with much manners, a thought wondered in his mind. When would he and Oliver meet their betrothed. After all, the princesses could also be hiding in the midst of this Grand Occasion. If their reactions would be similar with his sisters, Nereus had a strong belief that they would avoid meeting their husbands or even pretend to be someone else as they had done now.

"Would it be a bother if we asked you two to a dance? I do know you were already having much fun. Would you kindly share that with us?"

-Amaury-

Amaury could feel their eyes on him. Was this how it was for the King all the time? All these nosey little brats staring you down like you were a piece of lunch meat? No wonder the man looked like he was half starved and hadn’t slept in days. He would feel highly uncomfortable if he had to be stuck in this type of atmosphere all the time as well. Not only were his advisors rather,… uppity but his children were no better. He could feel the weight of their eyes on him, staring him down like they would prefer the ground to open up and swallow the young man whole.

The assassins face was rather sore by now from forcing the smile to continue to linger on his lips but he didn’t dare let it slip.

“Maybe you’d like to get away from all this?” He asked innocently to the older man. “Your Majesty.”

He knew it was forward, but how could he figure out anything. Being the subject of all these annoying stares and snickers were almost worse than lurking in the shadows trying to figure things out from the shadows.

Emma laughed, shaking her head. "I do not mean for us to dance, Mr. Skyheart." She smiled. "Not just yet, anyway." She turned behind her, checking to make sure the rest of her her little family made it into the Gardens. Poor Oliver was looking a little ill, and she smiled at him reassuringly. The poor dear--at least he wasn't being married to a total stranger and being uprooted from his home all in one night. "Perhaps we can just walk through the crowd--I'm looking for my brother."

Emma frowned as Nereus passed among them, unnerved by his lack in faith for her. It had been a niggling problem more and more these days. Brushing it off, she smiled and leaned in conspiratorially to Kvan. "My son the Crown Prince has been eagerly adjusting to his title as of late. He seems to forget that he is not yet ruling." She stepped forward into the crowd, bringing him with her. "Recently it seems he does not remember that I helped his father for twenty years prior to his newfound sense of responsibility." She was a little annoyed, she might admit, but she was practiced in turning such emotions into something that can be easily laughed off.

Besides, it was good to see her son was interested to take over the post when the time came; she was just exasperated that he seemed to find it necessary to overstep his bounds on occasion. His mother was not all tea parties and flirtations--she had, after all, been raised in the ruthless Underground, and not just that, she was raised to rule. She knew how to behave and she knew how to organize her children's outfits; she didn't need someone else assuming she would do it wrong, let alone her own son.

SERAPHINA

Soothing her tumultuous mind with the elegant music playing for the Gathering, she closed her eyes for a few moments as she did not mind everyone around her be it fellow royalties, guards or her brother. Entrapping herself within a relaxing solitude, she stood still yet beautifully upon the dance floor. One would mistake her to be a wonderfully crafted statue if not for the fact she was breathing. Platinum blond hair falling like waves adorned by a uniquely made hairpiece and a dress that denoted allure and innocence at the same time, she was a vision and without a doubt a Princess in every sense.

Soon enough, she heard a voice near her. It was not of familiarity as she opened her eyes and gazed upon the stranger who bid her a greeting. The voice had a tinge of icy coldness and yet had a certain charisma to it. Olive green eyes gazed at the man before her. She was not certain if he was a royalty, a companion or her husband. Last time, she had heard that her betrothed was from the Earth Nation. Could it be him? Well, there was no harm in having a conversation. After all, this was a gathering where one would meet the other Nations' Royalties.

"Good evening to you as well."

Spoken with much eerie calmness and politeness as one could expected. Although, there is a melodic tone wrapped around her voice. Tilting her body to face the man, she gave a small smile as a greeting. It made her angelic beauty more bright than before. From her observation, he was quite the looker and somehow she has this feeling that he had made his way with countless women. It was only her intuition however, it was never nice to judge people from that without getting to know them first. Thus, she received the man with much amiable aura.

Kvan Skyheart:

Kvan chuckled softly at her words, though he was still a bit unnerved that she'd left open the possibility that they might dance. Who was he, a mercenary, to dance with royalty? Not to mention she was married and how dangerous that could turn out to be. Still, the night was nice. The location of the ball couldn't have been more perfect, he'd decided, as it held within it's lands a conflux of styles from each and every one of the nations. As he Nereus passed, he calmed down enough to participate in speaking, so as to keep things from becoming awkwardly one-sided.

"I think it's good that he's looking to the throne, your Majesty. I don't mean to sound impertinent by saying so, but with King's ill health, perhaps he should retire." He nearly smacked himself for the words that came from his mouth, but instead of showing that it was a mistake, he continued, hoping to cover it. "But then again, I'm simply a mercenary, and a commoner at that, so there really isn't any reason for you to take my advice. Plus, I'm not even a commoner of the Water Nation, so I truly have no right to say what I said. My apologies."

He mentally berated himself to adjust to the people around him. It would not do well to speak as if he were in one of the Sky Pirate brothels he usually stayed in.

Kvan Skyheart:

Kvan watched as his employer ignored formalities for a moment and acted like any of his own friends might. He chuckled softly, but only at his thought, not at her actions. He couldn't imagine what it must've been like for either of them to have gone for decades without seeing one another. His chuckling ceased and became a wan smile, one that showed he too missed his loved ones, though he could never go back without risking death or imprisonment for life, the latter being more terrifying to anyone of the Wind Nation.

When introductions came about, he bowed deeply, since he was still only a mercenary compared to the royalty before him. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesties. Please, do not worry about me too much. I would rather you be comfortable and not think of my presence too greatly, as I'm only a guard." He smiled larger, showing his teeth a little, before bowing again. He hoped to any of the gods that he wasn't overdoing it, but then an odd thought struck him. The princesses of his home would be the daughters-in-law of the rulers before him. Was he meeting them before the royals of his homeland?

-Amaury-

Amaury simply seemed oblivious to the exchange, although he was secretly studying the protectiveness of the others around the King. It was almost disgusting how smothering they were. As if he was idiotic enough to do anything here, even though he was sure his partner in crime wouldn't have minded getting things over and done with. He was a bit more fast and furious to Amaury's slow and cautious.

A wince escaped him when the King described him as a little older than his own sons. Really? Could he be so close in age to these whiny little flee bags? He felt at least a hundred years old already and it was difficult for him to compare himself to other people who were his own real age. But then again it wasn't like most men his age had been through half the things he had been through. No one understood him, he was certain. Not even his other fellow assassins.

However his inner turmoil over his age was quickly washed away by shock he was unable to hide when the strange creature at the wizards feet, Ephros suddenly seemed to come to life. He watched as it stretched, his eyes the size of quarters, his red lips parting in horror.

"What the hell is that?" He blurted out helplessly, unable to keep the words from escaping him. It was an assassin eating demon. Amaury knew it. He was going to get eaten.

OOC: Sorry for my absence. I've been very sick with mono, dealing with family in the hospital stuff, school work, etc. But I'm back now! It looks like all the people playing the Earth Princesses and Earth Prince are no where to be seen... I'm wondering if someone should PM them? Also, should we get this show on the road and have the official introductions done?? P.S. feel free to talk to hayden or eve... they arent doing much right now and i wasn't sure who was still around.


IC: Hayden was having little luck finding Athy and Orchid and was left hoping that neither of them were causing trouble somewhere at the ball. While he had had the luck of meeting and talking with one woman, who had happened to be very pleasent, he was having no such further luck. Standing off to the side of the room, he plucked a few pieces of fruit from the table and watched everyone else socializing. Everyone seemed to either be dancing or already involved in a conversation and Hayden wasn't the type to be rude and interrupt. So, he stood silently and patiently awaited an opportunity for a conversation with someone... anyone...

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Evelynne was finishing off her fourth drink of the evening, making sure none of the Earth Kingdom royalty saw her induldging in the alcohol. She had a calming buzz going and knew she should hold off on having a fifth drink, unless she wanted to be thrown out of the ball for insulting a princess or making out with some woman's betrothed husband. Eve rolled her bright emerald eyes, wishing the evening weren't quite so dull. This would be her last night of freedom before she was thrown into another kingdom and made to be a slave for not one, but two people.

"Fucking ridiculous." She muttered under her breath, playing with a long strand of golden hair as she noticed an older couple staring at her. They had obviously heard her and, judging by their tight lips and narrowed eyes, they were not impressed. Eve scoffed loudly and clapped a hand to her chest in mock shock, "Do pardon me, I don't know where I learned my manners." The pair turned around and quickly hurried off, muttering under their breath and glaring back at her.

"That's my cue." Eve dead panned, turning on her heel and making her way back inside. More people seemed to be dancing, but the statuesque blond payed them no attention. Her long white clad legs carried her swiftly across the room and towards the servants on the far side. She could tell that they were making the final preparations to announce the royalty, and she wanted to ensure that everything ran smoothly for the Earth Kingdom. Well... that wasn't true. She didn't really care all that much, but it was something to do at this otherwise boring ball.

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"Good evening to you as well."

Vincent smiled down at the woman before him, impressed with her etheral beauty. He tilted his head to the side, a confident and arrogant gesture that somehow still exuded sexiness, and spoke in a deep voice, "I was having a difficult time deciding who to dance with, but you caught my eye. How would you like to join me on the dance floor? I won't dissapoint you." He asked, leaning forward in a slight bow as he extended his hand. His words had an edge of coldness to them, but were not threatening in anyway. In fact, they were almost alluring in that you could hardly tell what he was thinking behind those coal black eyes.

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"True! At least we'll be in hell together!" Ciara said, overly enthusiastic. She embraced Zooey. "Now I think we should have some fun. A last hurrah of freedom. Anything to get me through this sadistic tradition."

Zooey finished her drink, tripping slightly as her sister embraced her enthusiastically, and laughed at her words, "I certainly hope it won't be that bad. But, yes, lets have some fun!" She agreed, smiling sweetly at her younger sister before she narrowed her eyes in a warning way, "But nothing too drastic. I don't want to embarass mother and father." She said, casting her eyes back towards her family on the other side of the room. Some young man was talking to them, someone who Zooey didn't recognize, and there seemed to be confusion as to what they thought of them. Her father seemed unconcerned but the body language of those around him showed less confidence in what the man was saying.

"Someone looks interested in having some fun with you." Ciara winked.

Zooey was pulled out of her thoughts and turned back to face her winking sister, "Excuse me?" Zooey asked, her thin dark brows knit together in confusion. Her bright blue eyes flicked to look behind her sister and locked with the dark eyes of a mysterious looking young man next to the bar. He was dressed very well and was standing alone, eyes looking directly at her. Zooey's cupid bow lips slipped into a welcoming and amused smile before she mouthed 'Hi'. He was nothing like the prince she had met earlier, Hayden. Hayden had been all smiles and politeness with an air of confidence and grace that only came with being royalty. This young man, on the other hand, was hard to read and seemed very mysterious and may not even be royalty. He was certainly not her usual type, if Zooey could be said to even have one, but there was no denying that he sparked an interest in her.

Amaury

The assassin looked highly doubtful at the creature as it spoke. No matter what it said, he didn't rust it one bit. That thing could probably smell his sweaty fear miles away. For all he knew it could smell the knives hidden along his body under his clothing. Right now though he could see its beady little eyes focused on his pineapple...

"You cant have that," He snipped and pulled the plate back to his chest protectively away from the creature before taking a few dancing steps towards the King, almost cowering behind his form. It was perhaps the only good thing about his discomfort for the demon, he could use it as an excuse to pull the damsel in distress card.

"This is for me, and him, " Amaury informed the thing, although he wasn't really sure if it even ate pineapple. He was pretty sure it ate baby flesh. With assassin skin on top.

-Amaury-

A sly smile erupted on the boys face when he heard the creature's words. While he wasn't one hundred percent about this creature yet he had to admit he was highly curious about what the thing was saying. Had the King been a rowdy young man? That could always play into his hands, encouraging the older man to remember his younger days. What man didn't like another to remind him of his boisterous youth? While most men preferred young ladies...well...Amaury would just have to do for the king.

"Your highness," He peeked up at the older man with wide eyes. "Were you...naughty as a young man? It sounds like you got in a great deal of trouble."

Innocently he reached out, linking his arm with the elder male. It was beyond every royal rule in the book of every land what he dared to do so boldly. Not just touching the king but linking arms like they were old friends...it was positively scandalous. And Amaury practically basked in the looks he knew he was getting.

"Perhaps you could tell me all about it?" The assassins eyes took on a hopeful look.

OOC: No Hayden and Eve this time. Feel free to talk to either of them if you’d like… :D


IC: "Let me join you then and see how satisfied I would be, Sir."

Vincent smiled down at the beautiful woman as she took his extended hand in her own. She was stunning, olive green eyes that seemed so tranquil, but Vincent hoped there was a spark somewhere inside her. The alcohol that was burning through his veins was making him crave flesh to flesh contact and a quick romp would help calm his nerves. However, something in the way the woman moved seemed to show that she wasn’t the type to do something like that. Ohh well, a dance or two and he’d find someone else.

A deep chuckle escaped his mouth as he lead her onto the dance floor, “I never disappoint.” He said softly, the sexual innuendo hanging in the air between them as he pulled her into his strong arms and into the throng of dancing bodies.

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Zooey watched curiously as the man straightened his posture, placing an empty glass on the counter at the bar. His movements were more fluid than she had imagined would be possible. His dark clothing and raven black hair stood out in stark contrast to the brightness of the ball around them, looking truly dashing as he made his way towards herself and Ciara.

He stopped just in front of Zooey, ink black eyes locked with her own shockingly blue eyes, and smiled. There was something in the smile that caught her off guard. Zooey had always prided herself on being able to read people, but this young man managed to present himself in a very interesting way while still hiding the innermost part of him. His smile coaxed her lips into forming one in response, though hers was more sweet and open. Zooey never hid who she was from people.

“Care for a dance?” He offered, holding out his hand.

Zooey kept her focus on the young man’s face for a few seconds longer, considering whether or not to accept the offer. She didn’t want to do anything to embarrass her family or bring shame to her betrothed, but ultimately decided there couldn’t be any harm in dancing with this handsome stranger.

She dropped her cool gaze to her side, placing the empty champagne glass on the table and cast a small smile to her sister, “Excuse me, Ciara.” She said, a hint of laughter evident in her voice. Ciara had been right about the man, as Ciara often was about men, and she was glad that Ciara would be joining her in the Dark Nation. She didn’t know what she’d do without her.

Turning her attention back to the gentleman before her, dark brunette hair tumbling over her delicate shoulders in thick cascading waves, she stepped smoothly forward and slipped her soft hand into his own, “I’d like that.” Zooey said softly, smiling warmly at him.

Ciara - wind nation

Ciara began humming the tune "matchmaker matchmaker give me a match" as she slipped away from her sister and the man. After grabbing a glass of wine she made her way to a door that led to a courtyard. Trees and bushes with magnificent lights framed the exterior and an intricate fountain stood in the center. The twinkling of the lights entranced the princess and the buzz she had going made her giggle. This was the perfect thing to cure her boredom and misery. She sat on the edge of the fountain and ran her fingers through the water.

"Peace at last."

++Seraphina, Princess of Fire Nation++

A certain chill crept within her as the man before her took the hand she had offered. she was not certain if it was a sign of danger or something else. Drowned in this mystery of her feelings, she failed to notice the spark of sexuality in his voice as she was now dragged into the crowd of people dancing. Normally, she feels very uncomfortable surrounded by strangers she had no idea of. However, she felt quite secure as he pulled her into his arms. She had never been held like this by any male except her father and brother. The fire princess was bewildered at this but decided to hide it with a mask of pleasantries.

Upon their present situation, Seraphina had took a whiff of alcohol from her dance partner. She gazed at him and gave a small smile at his reply of never disappointing. She wondered where she got the urge to say her previous statement. Thinking about it, she wondered if the prince assigned to be her husband would be similar to him or not.

"Let us put that to a test."