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 Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:21 pm
ANNOUNCEMENT!!! The Winter Ball will be extended for several days until one of our crew members can return from her excused absence. While I do not have a definite day for the ending, just know that you've got a little more time to enjoy the festivities! [The air was chill with the kiss of winter, and a thick blanket of snow lay all over the Academy grounds. Inside an old building on the outskirts of the Academy, Headmaster Kaien Sordeau sauntered around the ballroom with a sense of pride. Sauntering was one of the last things he could ever be accused of doing, but upon seeing the effort put into the event by his staff – both those of the human world and of the Other Realms – he couldn’t help but feel a sense of immense pride. Everything had been placed perfectly from the Ballroom to the Gardens. He brushed his special brocaded jacket – made especially for him by Charlotte-Elisabeth Vernier, the Molinè clothier – and watched as the finely dressed students emerged from the main campus.
He had designated this old building to be used especially for the Winter Ball. It had all of the elegance of the old architecture with dark wooden accents and the original sparkling chandeliers. Everything was clean and sparkling thanks to the human workers he employed, but there was much more about the atmosphere that was felt and not seen thanks to the skill of his Other Realms employees. Even the gardens, with their thick blanket of white snow, had been enchanted to feel warmer than they actually were. The snow shimmered with the crystalline white and above everything the clear black sky shone with stars like diamonds.
It was a magical night, one in which anything could happen. Headmaster Sordeau could feel the steadiness of the gateway – the first time in weeks it had felt so stable – and could feel the quiet that the snow had thrown over the land. Only the gentle music of the small chamber orchestra could be heard and the excited voices of the approaching students. Kaien Sordeau smiled quietly, knowing that all was well within the Academy walls]
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:35 pm
  [The sky is quickly darkening as students walk into the gardens leading to the Event Hall. The air is charged with excitement for the coming evening. More and more students have joined the academy, and one is bound to see others that have never been seen before. Though the campus is relatively small, many people tend to keep to themselves or their friends. Now is the time for making new ones. There is magic in the air and the night is waiting expectantly.
Inside, the hall is warm and students are ushered directly onto the dance floor. The opening waltz is performed by everyone despite the varying degrees of ability. However this sets the tone for the evening and everyone departs on his or her way with joy in their hearts. The adjoining dining room becomes busy with people getting ready to eat and meeting their friends. Teachers prowl the perimeters, looking for any signs of trouble but not sensing that there shall be any despite the close proximity of both the Keystone students and Human students. The night, all agree, will be absolutely enchanting.][Pathway to the Event Hall] – All students will travel this path to the Event Hall. The ankle deep snow may cause some trouble for girls in heels, but the Headmaster was sure that with the help of an escort they could navigate it effectively. Each of the bushes was enchanted with Fairy-lights, glittering specks that light the path way and cast a festive mood. The path also splits into different and much smaller paths, giving a quiet escape from the commotion of the Ballroom. There are secret places hidden among the pathways, if you look you may find enchanted fountains, quiet gazebos, and elegant statuary. [Ballroom – seating area] – The Ballroom is split into two different sides. On one side there is the dimly lit, but lavishly decorated, seating area. Here groups of friends or even separate couples can meet to eat and enjoy the ball. The food is buffet style, so grab your plate and serve yourself! The draped canopy gives the effect of dining under the night sky. [Ballroom – Dancing area] – The Ballroom is split into two different sides. This side is wide and open, perfect for dancing. On one end of the floor is a space reserved for a chamber orchestra. Though the music is not grand, the intimate sound invites people to come together and chat rather than be oppressed by loud music. The golden light of the Ballroom’s dancing side is sure to make any gown sparkle and every gentleman seem like a prince. [Lounge] – the lounge is a quiet space that people not willing to brave the chill night air can come to and relax away from the crowds and music. There is a fire lit in one corner, and a cozy alcove full of entertaining books and comfortable couches and chairs. The warmth of this area is enough to banish anyone’s nerves and encourage a feeling of peace and tranquility. General Rules for the Event:1. Please keep in mind the Guild rules. 2. This is an RP event. You will be playing your characters. 3. Posting is mandatory for all members. 4. This is the first time that Keystone students and Human students will be in such close proximity (Other than around the school grounds). 5. Play nice, kiddies, this is a celebration!
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:36 pm
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:45 pm
Samyule walked through the snow crusted path. There were footprints already made in the fresh snow, and he could tell that the entire student body had turned out for the Ball. He was glad, really, because he hadn't as of yet met many of the other students.
In his stiff formal attire sent to him by his sister who had recently gone back to India, he felt the warmth of the ballroom radiate on his face when he entered. Taking a look at the other young men all constricted in tuxes and suits, he was glad his were so much less restricting. They were different, but looser.
He glanced around for Ella and her group. Feeling vaguely strange all alone, he wanted to see someone he knew.
Sebastian walked with Evy in silence down the entry path. He had left his wings unfurled, realizing that by throwing this event Kaien was forcing keystone students and humans to be aware of each other's presence. If he didn't display his wings, he was exactly the same as a human except to those people who knew the difference.
He was glad she'd come with him, though, social gatherings like this were difficult for him to stomach alone. There were too many memories of the past and he preferred to forget them. "Too cold?" He asked her casually as they walked.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:27 pm
Colin made his way up the path with his hands in his pockets. Adorned in a white button up shirt that he looked great in, dark pants and shoes along with a jacket, he looked like most of the other male party goers, save the tie he loosely had about his neck. Seemed he wasn't letting go of that 'punkish' nature.
His body was there, but his mind was somewhere else, mostly on the subject of Rosie. What did she look like? Had she said something to Ella and Danni? A million and two questions buzzed about in his brain, coupling with nerves to create the perfect atmosphere to let him freak out as much as he allowed himself to. But of course, that giddy feeling didn't go away, and he couldn't keep the grin from his face as he made his way into the ballroom.
Evy shook her head with a smile.
" No, I'm just fine." She too, had her wings out, though they were tight against her back to make sure she didn't bump anyone with them. When Bastian had asked, she'd been thrilled, though it slowly became obvious it was exactly like that, and her enthusiasm had dropped a few points. Nevertheless, the Fallen female was determined to have fun. Thet only sort of social gathering was that of the occasional military ball on holidays, where she did her best to sink into the background and remain unnoticed by the party-goers.
Three young female in dresses that suited them to the letter, waltzed up the path, chattering and giggling into the night air. Their manner was that of girls who had been friends for a very long time, they were so comfortable with eachother.
" And then there was that " Real men wear pink" shirt we bought him last year. I swear, Colin looked murderous." Ella said with a good mannered chuckle.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:35 pm
 MaryAnne paused at the mouth of the path, blue eyes watching the other students go past. She ducked her head and fell into the flow of students, holding her cream satin skirt up off the soggy path; her feet could feel the chill of half-melted, crushed snow underfoot. Due to the weather, a long, cream capelet of fur rested on her shoulders, the only source of her warmth from her dorm to the event hall. She watched the glittering fae lights in the bushes that lined the path, smiling; it was beautiful.
She looked behind her, pausing again at the main entry. Her hands dropped her skirt to its proper length and smoothed the fabric habitiually. Attempting to be descrete, and probably failing, she moved over to the seating area and claimed a small loveseat, draping her capelet over the back of it as she sat. MaryAnne crossed her legs at the ankel, clasping her hands in her lap. She didn't recogonize anyone yet, save for Sebastian, who'd she'd seen coming into the ballroom ahead of her with a winged girl she didn't recognize. Was she a Fallen, also? The angel's wings, unlike both of theirs, were folded against her back, though not as tight as usual, weren't terribly obvious at a glance.
Her mind wandered as her head tipped back, eyes taking in the details that completed the elegant and magic feel of the night.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:36 pm
Sebastian nodded, breathing out and watching the puff of air disperse like a cloud. He was painfully aware that they made a startling appearance, the two of them, with their wings displayed and looking far too old to be attending an Academy Ball. The experiences of their lives had written their true ages on their faces.
Inside, everything was glittering and warm. Clearly the Other Realms decorators had outdone themselves when creating the atmosphere. The subtle touches were just enough to enhance the lighting put there by the human decorators, but it lent something magical to the night. Feeling better than he had in a while, Sebastian chose them a table not completely on the edges of the room, but secluded enough to grant them a relatively quiet evening.
He glanced around, attempting to see if any of the people he'd met earlier in the Gardens were there. But not seeing anyone, he turned his attention back to Evy and the room. "Nice, huh? They've gone all out - and the gate is steady. It's almost like being back home." He said with a smile.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:39 pm
Rosie giggled at the very idea of Colin wearing that shirt, and yet it wasn't an odd thing at all. Colin would wear such a thing, and with grace and good humor. Both things she needed terribly right then: grace for making her entrance, and good humor in case things went terribly wrong.
But they wouldn't... right?
All three ladies made their way inside where they placed their coats in the proper care of the coatroom, and with a bit of ceremony, stepped inside the beautifully decorated ballroom.
Rosie had never seen anything like that in her entire life. And yet, for all the finery and beauty about her, her eyes were constantly searching the crowd for Colin.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:45 pm
Of course, he found her first.
Attacking from behind, Colin poked Ella to get her out of the way, and then wrapped his arms about Rosies waist in a hug.
" Hello ladies." There was a good natured grin on his handsome face. The girls beamed at him and chimed:
" Hello, Colin." With a flourish, they pulled him about to face Rosie and each flung a hand towards her.
" Presenting our masterpiece." Ella said with a large beaming grin.
Colin looked, to say the least, stunned.
Evy smiled slightly at Bastian, adjusting her sitting position so her wings were comfortable. She fiddled self consciously with a white ribbon in her hair while she spoke.
" Somewhat, though the balls I experienced were far less..exquisite than this. Kaien and the staff have done a number on this place; it looks incredible." She said, looking around and observing the place. It wasn't just the scenery; it was also the atmosphere. Everyone seemed to relaxed. Humans and non humans seemed to be blending together easily, laughing and chattering as was their wont.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:50 pm
Rosie blushed brilliantly at the way she was gestured to. Looking at him, though, rendered her a little speechless as well. He was dashing and slightly ruffled. Funny thing was she couldn't ever see him being completely neat and organized.
With a little wave of her hand, Rosie squeaked a small,
"Hi."
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:57 pm
"It's because we're all young." Bastian said in reply, re-arranging his wings around the chair back. He never could get them to arrange correctly while sitting, but Evy seemed to be having little trouble. "And it's also probably because every one of these people is looking for someone else." He smiled crookedly, knowing how he was teasing her. He wasn't unaware of her intentions for him, but he couldn't break from his past...not yet.
Samyule looked around, feeling awkward standing all alone. He could recognize the voices of the girls who'd just come in, however, and made his way over towards them. Seeing Ella separated from the others slightly he managed to walk silently behind her, though not grabbing her as Colin just had done to Rosie. He simply spoke quietly in her ear. "All alone? or waiting on someone to come later?"
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:01 pm
Fern Everlasting made her way into the room, wearing a slightly outlandish but rather extravagant gown specially made for her as a fae. Her dark, knowing eyes scanned the crowd for anyone she might know, and finally, resting on the beauteous face of an angel, her heart gave a leap.
"MaryAnne!" she cried out in her lilting way. Fern hiked up her skirts and pranced over to her friend's side.
"Goodness, look at you! You look like some kind of model out of one of the human papers. All pressed and fine, like a bride almost." She giggled and looked over the dress with appreciative mutterings.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:02 pm
........... / Previous /Despite the chill in the air, Gerald had tarried along the path for quite some time, waiting until a good number of students had already made their way to the ballroom. He probably would have stayed out even longer if he hadn't spotted MaryAnne picking her way through the snow. She was dressed in a gown of silky cream, her hair falling light and elegant around her face, and in the soft light, she literally took his breath away. Not for the first time, Gerald thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He should have gone out to the main path then, offered her his arm. It wasn't in good manners to let a lady make her way alone along a path that could be treacherous. He told himself these things, but he couldn't seem to get his legs to move. He stayed frozen, even after she moved out of his field of vision. It took him a few moments to remember that he needed to breathe. When he finally spurred his feet into action, he made his way up to the manor, mentally berating himself the entire way for freezing up during a perfect opportunity. Once inside, he followed the milling crowd to the ballroom. He spotted MaryAnne immediately, picturesquely seated under the starlit canopy. Gerald was careful not to make eye contact; he had already been caught staring at her on at least one other occasion. No need to get a reputation as a creepy stalker. He was startled to see her arrive alone. He had been certain someone would ask her, beautiful as she was. Perhaps she was waiting for her escort to arrive? Suddenly, he heard Fern's voice and risked a glance over as the fairy rushed to greet the seated angel. Well, at least MaryAnne wasn't sitting all alone any longer. If Fern was going to be over there, Gerald knew he would rather not be. He tried to look nonchalant as he moved away and made a circuit of the seating area. He looked for people he knew and tried to decide if he should join a group or start a new table by himself. The place was decorated expertly; the Academy obviously had spared no expense. He had to admit he was as impressed with it as everyone else appeared to be. ((Edited to include Fern ^_^; ))
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:03 pm
In an very un-Evyish action, Evy rolled her eyes and stuck her tounge out at him for a few seconds, happy that she didn't blush.
" Shush, you." She waved her hand at him and let a small grin tug at her mouth. In truth, she felt like a complete idiot, and could almost tangibly feel her self-esteem take a hit, something else very unlike her.
Ella squeaked, jumping a few feet in the air and turning at the same time. When she saw it was Yule however, she calmed and let herself smile, flushing as the other four burst into laughter.
" No, I'm basically alone, except for them." She said, ignoring her friends.
" And yourself?" She asked, beaming and blushing.
Colin rolled his eyes at the two of them, easily coming beside Rosie and placing an arm around her waist. He smiled down at her in a loving way.
" You look..incredible, and that's a weak word for such a vision." He smiled, and kissed her cheek.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:09 pm
"I feel pink." Rosie looked up at him with her glittery eyes and laughed without regard for herself. Pink indeed, with her dress, eye makeup, and blush. The makeup at least wasn't what she would have done, but was certainly beautiful. "Ella and Danni helped me out a lot... but you, you look charming. I can't find the right word, either." With a teasing gesture, she poked at his loose tie a bit. "All laid back, even here."
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