Welcome to Gaia! ::

Even the halted movements of dancing they'd been doing stopped, as she stared for a handful of seconds, before her head tilted back in frighteningly genuine laughter. It was almost a cackle, but still not the kind of outburst she was known for. It was moments like that, when it suddenly became obvious that Riley didn't really have a lot to laugh about, in her life. Her calm elegance was a constant that just seemed the status quo, until a moment like that shone a light on just how strange it really was.

Oh, no, She was still chuckling when her head tilted forward again, and she tried to recompose herself in embarrassment. He was right, in a sense - she thought him quite naive, in that moment. Ah, I couldn't have imagined you would take me so seriously. Mot, dear, I was teasing you. And I wasn't even teasing you about your own traits, but I can see why you would have thought such a thing. Please, oh, just give me a moment. Her chest rose and fell as she forced her composure back, but her face still looked flushed with dark color from laughter. I said I saved you from a terrible fate, not myself! I mean to say, ah, perhaps it's not worth explaining. She chuckled one last time, and her arms returned to their places, envigored into dancing anew. You must know that I find you extremely brave. I am very picky about those I entrust with my companionship. You are a fine specimen of a man, but you would not want my, mm, how to put it. My romantic overtures. Hah. Her body shook, threatening to burst into laughter again.

I'm very persuasive, Mot. If I wanted you, well. It was best to leave it at that.

No! I mean, well, maybe. But that's not. Her eyes narrowed, pausing to recuperate and plan out her sentence instead of flustering. They are not frightening. They are just persuasive. And I think you, of all people, deserve to have full discretion in your choices. We just spoke of that. If that.. creature was still inside of me, and if her desires had become my desires, then this would be a very different kind of dance. And I just believe that wasn't in your plans. So. You're welcome.

She reached up and patted his cheek gently, and then not so gently. If I was a lesser woman, I would have risen to the occasion and proved this to you right now. But instead, you will take the word of your Captain. She knows best.

She looked to the side, where Jericho was still raiding the concessions tables, and then hesitantly returned to that intense stare Mot had given when he tried to figure her out. She really is gone, though. Why did that one sentence make her blush? Perhaps it was just Mot's penetrating stare. Unlike you, my alternate lives don't get second chances.

Riley fell suspiciously quiet.

Well, what else could anyone have expected from her? Just as Mot thought, it wasn't much of a surprise. She'd murdered that wilted flower before it could have corrupted her with its sweet sensibilities. But it hadn't been enough.

Even then, she remembered the rattling door. That one, waiting presence that was not wilted or sweet. It was fighting, with every ounce of its own being, to escape.

At least, she assumed it still was. She hadn't felt it, in a while.

But you consciously knew him, for a moment. That moment he spoke to you. And in that moment, he existed as his own presence.. perhaps he fights for that existence, even now.

She dared to look back up, returning the penetrating gaze that he'd been giving her a few moments before. When you look at me, who do you see?

Mot's answer did not offend her. She looked faintly pleased at the response, but shook her head. There is nothing wrong with those traits, Mot. I am not insulted by the idea that I frighten even those who care for me. But truly, this doesn't answer my question either. So, let me be more specific, to aid in clearing this up.

She felt the slow, hypnotizing movements of their continuing dance soften the hard edges of her question. When you look at me; when you touch me, or talk to me, or even hold me in this dance - am I the woman you first called Captain? Am I the same Riley you followed and trusted, all that time ago?

Of course Alexander wanted to dance. At least it was a slower song, a song that had been on for a very long time. Yin gave a put upon sigh, but at the same time there was a slight, fond smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he nodded his agreement.

And if, while they danced, Yin started maneuvering them toward the door, well that could only be expected. There was always the possibility that one dance could turn into two, or even three before things actually ended.

Then again, if he counted on Alexander realizing that dancing actually took energy, or possibly made a few well time comments...yeah, he could sway this to his advantage. "Well then, shall we leave before they request your assistance with cleaning up?"

It was now, that Mot finally blushed. Somehow his admitting his fear of her made her demon heart flutter. Greater still was the feeling of her head rest on his shoulder as they danced. She was comfortable with him. Comfortable enough to look at rest.

He smiled softly, shyly.

"I assure you, you never fail to impress me, Captain. Simply being a powerful, confident and inquiring mind makes me proud you call me friend."

Neithan had been perfectly comfortable just standing there. Watching. Observing. Taking in the festivities and antics of those around him. To say this was all a tad new to him was... an understatement. Never once did the balrog shift his weight or fiddle with a piece of his clothing. He simply absorbed what he could, trying to make better sense of what was going on. He watch images flash across a screen--video games? He still didn't get the appeal--listened to bits of chatter and conversation. The music only vaguely interested him. His surroundings though... were entertaining. As a new voice came over the room, Neithan only really moved once. Hearing something about a "new year's kiss." What... was this mandatory? His brow furrowed, a deep frown cut into his features, and he just stared at the stage. The countdown meant little to him. His memories did not even span a year. What was the end to a calender year to him, when he had no others to compare to? He kept his gaze forward, listening to the revelry around him.

It almost drowned out the small voice behind him. Brow still furrowed, frown however vanished back into the stone of his features, Neithan turned and... for a moment saw nothing. Till his golden eyes turned downward, taking in the wisps of pink hair and brush of color over pale cheeks. The ghoul stood, and the balrog was less than surprised to see yet another who was shorter than he... but the fact she came to under his chest was a tad amusing. It was only then he realized she'd bumped into him.

She was apologizing for hurting him.

Neithan was not one to laugh. He barely smiled. But a smile came to him briefly, one corner of his mouth hitching up a notch higher as a rumble echoed out of his chest. A chuckle, if you were willing to stretch your imagination a bit. "You didnae do a thing tae me, lass." He turned towards her fully, arms crossing at his chest as he peered down at her. Really peered down. Scanned, assessed, evaluated. Judged. "You're a wee thing, aren't you?" Rhetorical question. He felt sure even calling her wee didn't quite cover it.

Her squeak registered in his brain, and the boil blinked. That was about it for a moment. Before his wide shoulders bunched and moved, a stiff shrug. "Not sure what's tae be happier about in this moment than the previous... But a happy new year to you all the same." He paused, head inclining before faintly lifting a brow towards her. "Though I suppose starting the year in conversation is better than ending one in silence."





Planned on eating the--? For a moment, Agsil just stared at the reptilian boil. His lack of inflection didn't help her the slightest bit in trying to determine exactly how he meant that. Was he... serious? Her displeased expression faded into one of pure confusion. Could he devour the table as well? Was his stomach that much of a void? Violet gaze had just begun to scan his figure, looking for a visual clue to such a riddle, when his next words were met with a snort. "Insults bring out some of the best first impressions of creeple I find here, though," she explained easily, lifting her eyes and raising a delicate brow in silent challenge. And obvious amusement. Perhaps a touch of mocking. "For example. I would have never guessed from your physique you had such an appetite." Not just counting his possible intent to eat the table. He'd already downed a bit of food.

The volume around them had heightened, and Agsil turned towards the source. The festivities. The countdown. The number of couples that seemed to suddenly pop up. Though one rather furry individual caught her eye, watching with renewed interest as Tavi scurried up another student. A rather tall student, she'd have to admit, seeing him clearly as she was. Smiling lightly, she was amused to see the tiny kitsune having to climb up another. For well wishes in the new year..? --um.

No.

No apparently not.

Least not the kind she had assumed.

A rather long, low hiss snuck its way between her fangs and dark lips, eyes scanning the unknown boil Tavi had just kissed. Who was this boil? How did he know her little friend? How long? There were too many creeple around for her to march over and start demanding questions. Well. Not really. She'd stand on the stage and snarl through the mic if she had her own way. But to see the way the kitsune sparked and smile... she turned her attention back to the Mahamba and did what she could to squash her desire to get her answers. She'd have time later. Brand new year and all. Besides. She knew what the fiery boil looked like. "May the new year bring you happiness," she finally got out, offering a forced smile and polite nod towards the boil. She didn't understand the customs here. Why say the new year is happy before it's barely begun? Or kiss so much? "Do you not wish to join in the... festivities?" As she asked, she gestured with one arm towards the rest of the room, while the other plucked a glass of the Sparkling Cider, knocking back half the drink in a gulp. The bubbling sensation was new to her, as was the rather delectable taste, and she eyed the liquid with more interest. Hm. Maybe he had a point staying by the food.