aterat | 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

“Must have been something pretty important for that kind of reaction.” Sounded like the sort of thing one of the members of his team would have, and sometimes had, done when someone was exceptionally irksome or had withheld some important information from them on a job.

"Yes, my sister failed to tell her of all that was coming with space problems," Lauri-Ell sighs. She supposes that was something that should have been done.

But really, everything happened rather fast.

“Ah, yes, that does sound rather like something that would evoke that kind of ire...” He smiled wryly, “In my world, there are two courts... They tend to not get along, and communication if one is going to do something that encroaches upon the other is very important. The consequences in the past have been similar or worse.”

He’s crossed one and was just running his first job for another when he arrived here.

Ah, that she can understand.

"The Kree and Skrull rarely get along," Lauri-Ell agrees. "We are blessed to have the Emperor make us better and unite us. But humans seem torn still>"

Humans were always torn, fighting amongst themselves or others... He knew good ones, certainly. A few worked for him, connections to keep the network flowing. It was only that he spent most of his time being a pain in the ass for the bad sort. The courts were hardly unified, it was a tedious balance... “Yeah, I would say the courts I know could use a little more to unify them. They’re more different from night and day, I’m afraid.”

More to unify them. Yes, that would be nice. However she does not think that will come for Earth.

“Our Prince-Consort is human. He will help some, but Earth remains torn, in ways I fear not easily fixed. I do not understand it. I was made for war. However there is much to be said for peace. Like flowers.”

“Hm, that definitely would help. Still, ‘fixing’ anything, let alone a world can seem like a never-ending task.” Caelan offered a smile though, “Just because one is made for one thing, doesn’t mean they can’t find other callings.” After all, according to his family, he should be frolicking in the bloody ocean without much thought or care for the things that he’d come to do and care about.

“Flowers are definitely a pleasant thing to look upon, if you’re going to enjoy anything on earth that’s a good one to go with.”

Hmmmm, perhaps. She might agree. However it can all be so confusing here that she doesn't know what to do with that. Was fixing so want to reach for? Was it good to aspire to, or damagin? Oh, it's all so much.

"I wish to find other callings. I am learning my new trade well. Blacksmithing is very fun. I like it better than making war, as you can make practical things. Nails. Pans. Hooks. I do so love it quite a bit."

If only flowers could be so easily trusted. Even now she loves them, she has to... worry.

Now that gets an interested little tilt of his head. “Is that where you’ve found work? I wondered why I hadn’t seen you around much at times, at least aside from the obvious.” He referred to his temporary blindness with a wry smile.

“I don’t spend much time in the part of town where metalworkers set up shop. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying yourself though?” And he shrugged lightly as he continued, “I suppose I know who to find if I need my blades looked at.”

"Yes," she says, clearly eager to talk. "It is much work, from sun up to sun down. I expect we shall go longer as the cold approaches, as long as light holds."

She tilts her head at his comment.

"We work by the docks. You should come see. There are beautiful blades. I do not touch them, though, save to sharpen."

Yes, he knew well where they were. Instinctively he tended to take other routes and detours to get to the docks and waterside. Metalworkers were often avoided by the fae, aside from a few specific sorts. Still, Laurie-ell was an exception to that rule... He’d just keep his gloves on and be mindful of his surroundings, it would be fine.

“Well, with an enticing invitation like that, how can I not?” He responded with a grin, head tilting up at the woman.

Though he didn't really realize that there was a risk to be given to her friend. If she knew, she'd insist that the other man would never come to see her.

"I shall look forward to you!"

And if Caelan had it his way, she wouldn’t know unless there was good reason to tell her.

Or if he somehow managed to end up in a mess and she was around to see it. That was something he’d try to avoid at all costs, considering how unpleasant that would be.

“Excellent, I’ll be by when I can. Just let me know if you’re too busy, wouldn’t want to distract and cause an accident.”

The iron issue would be one she respected. Thought his secret was hardly secret. And hardly a concern to her.

"I am busy so long as the sun is in the sky on the 'week days'."

What a concept. That there were days one could just... rest.

He’s a silly, foolish man sometimes, Lauri-ell. It’s a problem that his group had never been able to shake out of him.

“Then I shall keep that in mind when I visit.” He responded with a grin, and by her tone he wondered if she had ever had weekends off before.

Soldiers didn't get time off.

Lauri-ell bows and smiles at him.

"I shall be honored. Thank you, for the potential visit. I would like it very much."

“You’re welcome, Lauri-ell.” He grinned a little and returned the bow, “For now... You should try out some of this evening’s festivities. You never know, you might just enjoy them.” He added with a little nod around, the food, the atmosphere, it could be a good experience for her.

"I will seek the food," she agrees. With that hte woman turns and walks away. How could she not? Hunger calls to her.

“Always a good place to start, depending on the party. Enjoy, Lauri-ell.” Caelan said with a little grin and a wave, watching her go with a little shake of his head. As long as she found something to enjoy, that was a good start.

A Winter's Ball

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