aterat | A Winter's Ball

Entry tags:

A Winter's Ball

Who; Everyone!
What; The Ball promised by Halcyn!
Where; A newly (and quite abruptly) renovated ballroom in the Noble District
When; December 15th, evening
Warnings; None as of yet, though there is some mischief afoot for those looking for it

The morning of the 15th, the day of the Ball, opens with a letter under every door, reminding the residents that today is the day, that the Ball to celebrate and be merry is upon you. It also includes a small golden ticket that all attendees are asked to present at the doors to be allowed into the hall in the Noble District. It bids the attendees to enjoy themselves, forget their worries for a time, and is each personally signed by Halcyn.

Arrival | Under the Mistletoe;

The chill in the air at the change of seasons makes for a cold journey to the Noble district, though the streets are well-lit (an improvement in the otherwise dilapidated quarter in the first place) and at the end of the street indicated in the invitation letter, stands a beautifully restored building wreathed in white lights and adorned with wreaths and holly. All roads and citizen paths have lead to the ballroom today, and it is a beacon of civilization in the otherwise unused quarter. A guardsman is checking tickets at the door, and allowing admittance to the foyer of the ballroom.

The foyer is also decorated in trees adorned with shining lights. There are people flitting about with trays of champagne and people are greeting each other, gathering in groups and generally enjoying one another's company. Six archways lead further into the ballroom, and into what seems to be a seating area with round tables atop which glittering floral arrangements sit and to which servers bring meals for those who have a seat. At the top of each of the six arches hang six bundles of mistletoe.

Some are able to pass beneath the bundles with no issue, but others may find their way blocked by an unseen wall, unable to escape the arch until someone joins them, and a kiss is exchanged. It could be innocuous, even a cheek would suffice, but who's to know that without experimentation?

Try the Grey Stuff, It's Delicious

In the dining hall, meals are limited, but there are options for various palettes and even a vegetarian option. There is wine and champagne, and also non-alcoholic options of you're less inclined to partake. The music from the main ballroom, accessible through a set of ornate double doors, is muted here, providing a sense of ambiance but not overpowering the conversations that may occur at the tables scattered about the room.

The desert is the same for all who try it, though, and fluffy (is oddly colored) meringue that is simply to die for, but it seems to have some strange side effects. As the night progresses for those who've eaten the strange confectionary, they will begin to feel more and more happy and carefree, but also much more open. Those who are reserved about their feelings or their thoughts, even their histories, will feel less inclined to be so withdrawn. That couldn't possibly make anything awkward, could it?

Shall We Dance the Night Away?

The main even by far is the grand ballroom. A 15 piece orchestra sits atop a small stage to the north of the dance floor, their music varying between melancholic, haunting, warm, and uplifting, and the citizens are quite enjoying the time to let loose and dance the night away with their partners.

Spiral staircases lead to the balconies on the second floor overlooking the dance floor below, affording tired dancers chairs and refreshments with which to rest in order to return to the floor below. The music here, due to acoustics, is muted which affords a more intimate place to converse.

Even more intimate are the outdoor balconies accessed from either side of the second floor. Here, small sconces have been lit to afford a romantic glow to the area, but the light is dim enough to enjoy the glittering starlight above. The flames also give the area some warmth, warding away the chill in the night air and allow guests to enjoy the solitude of the area without freezing. The music out here is a pleasant background hum, making the setting even more romantic and ethereal.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Well you can certainly do that." He leaned down to kiss Nida very briefly because of where they were and how many people would still be able to see them. "I suppose we'll have to take a trip about town. I can also ask the hunters and some of the people at the shops if they know of anyplace that might be open to have us look."

Who cared if people would be able to see it. But he smiles at the suggestion.

"If I had any skills, I'd suggest restoring one of the manses, but they aren't conveniently placed."

"That in itself would require quite a team." Gladio immediately came to mind but obviously the man wasn't here. "I can ask my sources and see what comes up."

It would be a treat just to see Nida's face at walking around and looking at the place, only to find out that it was indeed theirs. And that thought definitely gave him something to look forward to.

It would. So he knew it was not likely viable. Which was sad. He felt like he deserved a retirement home.

"You have sources? How lovely."

He smirked. "Just the hunters and the shopkeepers. But they should prove to be an invaluable source of information about local goings on." He reached for Nida's hand to kiss it. "I'm sure they'd be far more knowledgeable than us simply viewing places we think are ready to move into."

"True enough. I'll talk with the guards I suppose."

But who knew if the goes here would let them live somewhere beyond the dorms.

"Expanding our sources wouldn't hurt." Ignis observed quietly. It would at least be nice to get out and see, and ask around. It would allow them to gather information and make use of it.

"I'll check with the captain," Nida suggests. Maybe he'll know.

Was it silly to want this so soon? Perhaps not. There was only so long they could be together.

"He does seem like a decent fellow." Ignis observed. If the man really was he personally wasn't aware. But if Nida thought the man's opinion would help, the advisor would put his faith in his lover.

Nida had absolutely come to trust the captain. So hopefully he could find answers there. In the mean time he offered his arm to his lover.

"I suppose I'll have to return you to the party. I would hate to tire you out. Unless you're ready to leave?"

The blondish head shook. "I'm alright here with you. But if you'd like to return to the party or go home, I'm not stuck on any particular course of action."

Being with Nida was more than enough of a party for him.

"I just want you," Nida shrugs. Whatever that means, he wants. Just being next to his lover. "I think I might be addicted to you."

"Addicted to me?" Ignis asked, trying to keep his tone light. "Well I suppose that isn't really an issue." Considering Ignis at least thought he was good for Nida in a lot of ways. Just like Nida was good for him in return.

"Seeing as you intent to give me my fix?"

Nida laughs and shakes his head. He cracks himself up sometimes.

"As often as you'll allow it." Ignis replied, leaning down to give Nida a kiss. Honestly he would be by the man's side as long as it was allowed for as long as he could. The only reason that he parted was for personal reasons or work. Other than that, he was always happily by Nida's side.

Nida chuckles and pulls the man against him so he can revel in that kiss. The must be embarrassing to look at. He doesn't care. He loves this.

Ignis of course doesn't plan to make a spectacle out of this given he's pretty private.

However.

Nida.

This makes his lover happy and he's all about that above his own personal mannerisms. So as long as Nida is happy, that's what counts.

Once the kiss passes he smiles and pulls back.

"Come on. I think I've danced enough tonight."

"Then you're ready to go home darling?" Ignis was kind of surprised though they'd danced plenty already. However, he was willing to stay. "We haven't eaten anything if you'd like to do that first?"

He just wanted to make sure.

Nida had been here nearly since the party had begun, dancing and spinning and cavorting with all who would take them.

"I suppose we could eat, but nothing would be as good as you would make for me."

"Flatterer." Ignis smirked. But he took Nida's hand. "If you're ready to go, then I'll make something for us to eat when we get home."

He'd only sit here and pick apart the recipes anyway and Ignis knew damn well that he would do that.

"Works for me," Nida smiles, kissing his boyfriend's cheek before tangling their fingers together. "Or, if you have someone you need to talk to, we can visit them first."

"No.." He looked over and saw Yuna talking to someone he didn't know and Namine was with who she knew, so he trusted the ladies would be off enjoying themselves for the evening.

"We can certainly leave now."

"Well then," Nida smiles, leaning in to rest his head against his lover's shoulder, "let's be off."

"Alright, but I daresay I like when you lean against me like that." And this is the part where Ignis didn't move because he really did like that Nida did that to him.

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