Welcome to Gaia! ::

A few moments after the latest guest arrival, the doors opened up wide with a loud thump, and once again a large snowy boot print decorating the wood. Caine entered, brushing the light coating of snow off his shoulder from his landing.

He was dressed rather neatly, a long-sleeved red and black button down shirt, and black jeans with matching belt. He still had on his boots, but had forgone the shredded bandana he always wore tonight. Instead, he had donned a pair of thin black shades, slightly obscuring his dual colored eyes.

It seemed that most of the guests had arrived already, and none that he really cared to socialize with. So he headed for his usual haunting area, the bar. There was a kitsune in red speaking with the Jedi, so Caine decided to take up a few seats down from them and sit on the bar itself instead of the stool. He'd finished the bottle from the night before, and used his tail to pull out a fresh bottle of Jack for himself.

He had some thinking to do, and while he wasn't sure why he decided to come, at least there was booze.

Valin knew how angry, bitter, and anti-social Red was.

That's what he proceeded to give the woman a bear hug. If she didn't beat him to death, he may just yet get her to cheer up. Or she would beat him to death. It didn't matter much, he hadn't seen a friendly face in some time.

"Red! Long time, no see! You're a rarer sight than grass on Hoth!"

Some things were lost in translation, of course. But he was sure she got the idea that he hadn't seen her in foreverish.

As he let the hug go, he looked at his uniform after he realized what she had said about it, "Uh yeah, this is my uniform from when I served in the Galactic Alliance Defense Fleet."

Soneko had noticed Deity awhile ago but figured he wouldn't go over just yet. He seemed busy enough with other people. It's not like he and Deity talked much, but Soneko still had alot of respect for Orinion. He got out of his chair and walked closer to the group of people, but still kept his distance. He never did like being in large groups of people. Which was another thing that made him wonder why he had decided to come, but he needed to stop thinking about that and at least try to enjoy the Ball.

McKlain only saw Miyuki as she was walking toward him. Imediatly, and to his intense iritation, he felt more at ease and even a little excited. The emotions that came with the woman, and his consistant failure to rationalize them, made him more than a little uneasy, but not enough to keep him from enjoying them. He just had trouble getting over the look in her eyes...

The big mercenary surpressed his smile into a grin as he savagely fought back a blush when she picked at his collar and and kissed him on the cheek. Despite his obviously expensive suit, he felt out of place and uncharacteristicly selfconcious.

"I... am glad I came."

Even though he failed to make a whitty comeback, he did surprise himself by telling the truth. He was smiling openly and gazing at her when she looped her arm around his. The look dropped to one of mild panic, then resetted to a neutral expression as she tugged at his arm and directed him to join her with the others.

After the initial shock wore off he forced his face to produce his usual, trademark cockey half-grin on the unscarred side of his visage. He didn't want to be around others but he would be damned if it cost him any loss of face. At least I know who Keno is...

But he fallowed her.

The only thing on his person that could be considered jewlry, other than the ring on his right hand, was the single, thumb nail-sized blood-red daggerstar on the right fold of his coat, just at chest level. He was worried about bringing the pen, as it was the only one he had and it head a great deal of sentimental value to him.

((hello all. everyone enjoying the new year so far?))

"Nothing for me thanks," Keno responded to Unks. He didn't like many types of alcohol and wasn't thirsty just yet, but at least he had confirmed that Unks knew what he was doing. Good to know for the future.

"Welcome McKlain," he began immediately as Miyu returned with him. "This is the Orion, my home, owned by that rather tall guy with the hat over there," he said pointing over to Fierce with a smile. "His name is Deity and the lovely young lady by his side is my sister Jade. If you ever find yourself in need of anything in this corner of the Earth, you should look them up." That was about it for the formal welcome. He'd introduce more people as necessary, but hopefully they'd be a bit more social and do so themselves. He was still trying to keep up with everything.

There was now, User, Sabrina, Jade, Deity, Red, Valin, Caine, Unks, Soneko (whose name had only just returned to him), and himself. Still no Satomi, and of course that meant no Ren. He really hoped they would show before the end of the night.

Her eyes darted for Jade pensively. She held nothing against the girl, but her voice struck her. The happiness as she called out for KenoTao, the man she called 'brother.' Why did he get to keep his siblings? Why did his get to survive despite her rage? Should he not, by karmic retribution, suffer as he had caused others to suffer. She was sad, but all she could show was indifference. She didn't know she was sad for her emotions told her not to care, to act as if it were nothing, and that is what she did.

She felt a stronger blow to her ego as User made his way to Jade and Deity. Surely he had a reason, but still, she only had Valin right now. When would the music start? She didn't mean to brag, but she was a decent dancer and it actually calmed her when she took the time out to actually participate. Tonight would be on of those nights and all would be well the moment her body started to flow like liquid on the floor. For now though she had to be constatnly reminded that she was an outcast.