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Twisting her fingers around in nervous manner, Caitlyn stood outside the ballroom biting down on her lower lip, not sure if she should go in or not because she have been holed up in her place ever since the day azrein she bonded with died in that terrible battle. "I need to do this..." She mutters to herself under her breath as she smooths the front of her green skirt with silvery spiderweb fabric on top of it and adjusts the silvery mask (pretend this pic is actual mask) before she finally takes a step into the ballroom. Her eyes moves around the elegant ballroom, taken back by the decorations and the sights of costumed people mingling, dancing and enjoying themselves. She lifts her gloved hand to her long wavy hair adorned with small gemstones here and there to give it a sparkle, stopping herself from touching her hair and her hand drops to her side and a small ball of anxiety settles in her chest and gradually begins to grow.

Fully aware that if she allows the anxiety whelm her, it won't be good for people around her and this room surely will burn but she promised her daughter Tamsine that she will stop being a hermit and start making herself known to others so that's why she's standing near the door, not making allowing her muscles to move an inch. Caitlyn closes her eyes as she takes several deep breath before she convinced her body to cooperate and move away from her spot, heading in the general direction of the food and drinks because she feels like its a safe decision to just stay near the general proximity of food and drinks for awhile before heading home so her daughter won't be able to accuse her of not trying to socialize at all. A slight smile appears on her shimmery silver smile as she watches people dance around and she knows that she will not being able to dance with her husband because he's a ghost (though he could make himself solid for a short while.)

Caitlyn chews on her lower lip as she picks up a small plate and starts to pretend to peruse the food because she feels like she is just standing there, staring at people when she was supposed to be enjoying herself. Tugging little bit on her green corset top (ignore the steampunk things except for belts), the female sighs as she glances at the dance floor once again before she turns toward the door, intending to flee to the garden or safety of her home.

Beneath his Bauta mask, Cairne was absolutely grinning. Was he amused? No. Well, kinda. Here was this little thing, so fragile, so young, speaking with someone that could probably snap her neck before she could blink. Only a fool would be tempted by such things. Cairne was no fool. He allowed her indulgance over the difference of Lady Chance and Lady Luck. There was a difference. She just contradicted herself. Good gods, the girl had no idea what she was talking about, did she? Still, points for trying. Quite a few points actually.

Still, neither of them were in the clear. "Yet, they be nearly one in the same as you say, why point out the differences? Does that not disprove yourself then and there? But I must disagree. While you have your hand in everyone's pocket...Is it not that the Maiden of Fate's will to decree what will befall despite the younger sister's tug? " His eyes flashed in a smile, "Or have I dabbled too far in the Arcane to warrant credibility. I could start listing of deeds of notoriety, but they're a bit flamboyant for this crowd." No really...He burned an entire village down because they didn't have a baker, but that was after the town had failed to comply with most simple demands. Apparently building a book store to promote the education of children and adults alike next to a place of worship was against their codes. ... The town now has a bookstore where the repressing house of whatever nameless god from below had been. See, he does good. Just with fire and blood. "I'm quite notorious for promoting the building of blasphemous centers of education. The priests don't like book stores apparently." It was for her to decide if he was being serious or joking.

Her irritation at his really bad original attempt to help was noted. Beneath that mask he raised an eyebrow and snorted, "Considering my original idea was to ever delicately slip something in your drink, I think a verbal warning was much more polite. Besides, we got a dance out of this, didn't we? The night isn't a complete loss. " See that, honor amongst thieves. Or something like that. Well, more like professional nudging to keep well away. But her words soon did turn to hushed, and those around who had been keeping track had to strain their ears...not that it would do them any good. The din was quite wonderful for such quiet talks, especially in the throws of the dancers.

It pleased him that she finally was catching on that those that were a danger to not only her troupe, but the rest of the Island were present and mingling. Perhaps she finally caught on that he was indeed quite dangerous--even more hopefully that she caught that Carine could be reasonable and civil. That point may be bit of a stretch considering he 'stole' her for a dance. "The hearts that I steal are for a most interesting purpose. Though how and why they fall before my feet, I have not a clue. It really does keep me up at night. " His voice was litted, filled with concern for those poor, poor souls that followed him off his charisma. Poor Fiavel and her brother... If he cared, he would feel remorse for how much he has used both of them to his advantage. Such an innocent thing...she deserved such a better life than a petty highwayman and mercenary. Ah well. Such were things he dwelt on for no more than a couple seconds. "Perhaps the fair Lady Luck is right. A silly ram like I tends to stomp on those hearts stolen like the fool I am. Or perhaps my purpose is to bolster the hearts of another by shattering and sowing thorns and brambles in the shattered wake?"

It was a curious concept he presented, but was most curious was the scenario she presented. Yet it was the most common now with trade routes blocked from the current war, and unfriendly Azrein roaming the woods. He tried to stay clear of the Romani and their camps, heck, some troupes he mingled with and exchanged his own trade goods for their company and warm meals. Cairne smiled at the challenge, "My dearest Lady Luck, you dance with death most graceful and entertaining that I'm sure he would turn an eye to such things...though perhaps a fun game would be to add a bit more to one and take a bit from another. " His eyes briefly pulled away from his dance partner and eyed the Peacock that had been staring at him with a scowl, "Perhaps the fancy fowl has what you seek, all I have are pretty glass beads."

Was he subtly pushing her to try to take something from the king? Why yes! Yes he was! Why? .... Um, why not? He'd settle for a feather at least. The music paused for a bit while the musicians turned the music over for the next song. Politely he bowed and released his rather firm hold on the woman. This time The Shadow King offered her his hand at a half bow, "Would the Sister of Chance grant another dance, or has Fate called and you must flit away elsewhere in this sea of beast and men?"



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Still, back at the punchbowl with the swimming Salamander, Zel huffed as the little thing avoided the cup. "Hold still! Ed! Stop squirming. You're getting your mucus all over the place. Easy!....Easy.... Hah! No! Stop being so slimy! Ehhehhedddd! " The bird pouted, sniffed beneath his mask and ruffled his sleeves to pull them back, only he wasn't wearing his robe so this only accomplished pushing the puffy sleeves up his arm some.

This time, he used the ladel only, and caught the slippery blighter, quickly plucking Ed from the happy fun time juice. The little hiccuping amphibian was held with a few fingers and a thumb in his left hand. Holding the creature to his face, tilting his beak to the side so he could really eye the individual, Zel got this absolutely wicked idea. It was awesome. Fantastic.... BRILLIANT! It would also be excellent payback for giving up a night at the pub with the duke. "Okay...Blink and close your eyes." He waited for the little thing to comply, then tossed the salamander in the air, aiming at His Majesty....Or...well until a stray wind caught the little thing... "Oh....Well, s**t."

Requests? Oh how Eir would have loved to get a drawing done of her beloved Aurori, but she couldn't talk about him without breaking down into tears. Even just thinking about him, caused her to have a hard time keeping her composure. At that moment, a wave of guilt came over her, for the elf was there at a party and her friend was dead. Unable to enjoy the nice things that life had to give.

"P..Please excuse me. I need a drink." Her voice wavered and cracked slightly as she spoke. Eir turned and left the artist to her work, feeling bad for being rude and leaving so abruptly, but she just didn't want to break down crying in front of others. As it was, a small pool of tears was forming in her eyes, being caused from feeling guilty about still being alive, and now for being so rude to the kind artist. At one point in her rush to find a quiet and secluded place to regain her composure, she bumped into someone, but she didn't stop to see who it was or even apologize. She was to close to crying and didn't want to stop. Why in the world did I come? I can't do this.

Note to self. Never trust a Zel in a raven costume. Getting tossed down someones bossom wasn't the worse thing that could happen but it was embarassing enough. And worse yet she was carrying him away from his clothes! So in 45 minutes he would be the only one NOT wearing any costume except the skin he was born into. Ed squeaked at Zel as Lotte carried him off.

The gypsy woman danced very well with her leading gentleman in the unique mask with their rather interesting conversation that was very unconventional to normal conversations yet seemed to sit well with the two that could pretend they were of this glamorous world. Chuckling softly Kali kept her faint smile. ”I said nearly in the purpose of Luck and Chance is there but the differences because we are needed for reasons personal to an individual’s needs. It truly matters not when the whole point is to have an outcome. Though for the record I don’t have my hand in everyone’s pocket. You have obviously seen to that.” Kali motioned to her hands being otherwise occupied to hold to the gentleman for their dance. It would be rather inappropriate to have her hands in his pockets simply because….Well image the scandal! The woman fell silent to listen to the Ram’s words still with her faint smile yet it somehow seemed to have reached her sharp, cool gaze to warm up her brownish gold eyes.

Curiosity perked in Kali and wondered what sort of deeds this gentleman had done. Truly she wanted to know which she doubted he would want to tell her since well….This was just one meeting wasn’t it? ”By all means my lord, flamboyant or not share your deeds. I am a good listener and truly curious to know.” The Ram mentioned the next words and for a moment she thought he was joking. But then he couldn’t be joking because the air of dangerous left a lasting impression. He didn’t seem the type to joker in hilarity unless it was really hilarious and if he did joke it would be in a different way. Just like her sense of humor could be morbid, dry and sarcastic and….sometimes brutal. Shaking her head the mention of books lit up her eyes. It was frowned upon for a woman to read and write, to have education like a man.

The vast majority of the women in the troupes she had encountered lived to that old way but in her troupe it was showing to beneficial to read and write, to know letters and numbers. If she didn't her and the other troupe members wouldn't be there! It helped make profits better. ”I like books but it’s hard to come by them in the trades. You know gypsies shouldn’t read.” Then she grinned. ”Of course priests don’t like books. They think themselves to be all a person needs as far as knowledge and wisdom goes. I think they can be guides or help us see something but truly books and our experiences teach us.” That was her two cents on education.

Listening to the Ram she twitched and her grin turned mean. ”You know…That wouldn’t be nice to put anything into my drink especially when I’m not like your idiot females here who sip, sip, sip not paying attention to protecting the drink and end up debauched or whatever not and ruined…I must prefer you telling me. Indeed, this lovely dance came about it. A much better alternative to drugging a drink, my lord Ram.” Indeed it was, since this was the lesser of the evils the gentleman could have done to her. Once again her attention was riveted on the Ram and listening to his words yet while the man was very charismatic, he presented an interesting view about those hearts he encounters. ”This is foolish my lord, so do not scorn me however, what if you do those things to other’s hearts because it was done to you or others can’t seem to reach far enough to touch it?”

Kali shook her head and looked towards the gentleman who dressed like a proud peacock, narrowing her eyes a bit and looked at the Ram. ”Then perhaps I am more courageous then I appear if I dance gracefully with death and entertain such a frightening creature. What game my lord? A cruel game no doubt.” She wouldn’t put it past him to do something like that but then what did she really know about this man? Nothing, that’s what except the very surface things that one saw and heard from him. ”You don’t know what I seek my lord.” The woman leaned close lowering her voice to a whisper for his private ears only. ”While I would like to tell you exactly what I would do to you for such an assumption….I have more respect for the dangerous you pose to me to hold my tongue.” Of course she would hear him out about the game but if it was something that would endanger her livelihood then another would have to be proposed.

The song ended and she was let go from the firm hold of the Ram, not having realized the extent of the hold until there was distance between them. She clapped along with a few others at the musicians when another song started up. It was surprising, by the widening of her eyes and the slightly parted lush lips when the Ram bowed and pretty much asked for another dance. Who was she to refuse? Smiling and relaxing, Kali the Lady Luck on this night placed her hand on his and curtsy deeply. ”Yes my lord. I would be honored to grant you another dance, if you are not otherwise engaged elsewhere. Perhaps you have some hearts to steal but I believe they can wait.”

(OOC:Sorry that it’s long and late >>)

Because, seriously, these posts were growing and growing and taking up too much space and time for the casual Meta-goer... Puddle decided to edit, and edit, and edit...and... edit... Good gods, walls of text! Hiiiiiide!


"It is not that they do not see the value in the written word, it is that the Word is Written that has their panties in a twist." An icy eye had a mirthful twinkle. Yes, he was joking and it was clear. Altias' humor was rubbing off it seemed. Throw in something about a monk, a priest, and a theif walk into a bar and you got yourself a great ice breaker, if you could remember the rest of the joke.

It didn't even phase him when that pretty smile grew a razors edge. He found himself quite proud that such simple words, especially those untrue, would draw such a reaction. It warmed his little heart two degrees. "While not schooled in culture and polite society, it brings a challenge to bring a spiked drink to those of us that step in their shadows so easily. Though it would be a shame. You really are far more intelligent than they are. " '... Maybe. Possibly. They could probably out sum you while you run circles with situational knowledge. ' he mentally added. He did, though, politely bow his head accepting her approval to his honest dishonest nature. And still, yet even after so many warnings, she asked what did indeed lead his motives. "The lady asks to much of a stranger to bare such matters of blood and soul, and speak of things to come and gone. " Aka: Ha ha, no.

She drew close, spoke words that weighed hard faught wisdom, and Cairne did his best not to throw his head back and cackle madly. There was a self indulgant chuckle ( you could call it a giggle, if you dared) and he simply reply, "Such matters of soul and blood are subjective moral stepping stones. An assumption, as I have learned, is better confessed veiled through innocence. And such wise words I haven't heard yet all evening, discounting prattling ravens. "

Was he even remotely surprised when she daintily took his hand and accepted the offer of another dance? To say he was would be a lie. To say he wasn't, too, would be a lie. Cairne settled for mild surprise and amusement, pleased that the gamble paid off. "A dance more wouldn't put my schedule off too much. And those hearts can wait. It's not like they grow mould or something silly like that. " Unless that heart was a pastry. Then it did.



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** GM Note **

I"m going to start throwing potions around, heavily. As in, I may have to GOD MODE to get the potions where they need to be. ( Ie: Mysteriously appering potions in glasses of drink, or sudden vials stuck in purses, even sitting on folks heads! ) Also, if you guys have an idea for where you want next Meta to be loosely based around, shoot me a PM!

There was just way to many people here, and she was having a hard time finding a spot to be alone. The elf looked around finally slipped through a door leading outside. At least being outside she could calm herself and be at one with nature. Eir slowed her pace and found herself a small dark little corner against the wall of the building, and slid down to the ground, leaning against the wall. Sure it wasn't very proper for her to be sitting on the ground like this, all dressed up, but at the current moment she didn't care. Just so long as she was alone, and she wasn't expecting anyone to come and find her. As far as she knew, she was just a nobody here in this great big place. No one would go looking for her.

"Aurori, my dear, I'm just so miserable without you." She spoke quietly, tears falling down her face. "I don't even know why I bothered to come. I knew a party wouldn't make me smile. I can't even bring treats back to you, because well, you can't be found anymore." Eir looked up at the sky, and tried to smile, but just couldn't do it. "I know you're there somewhere watching me. And I know I should try to be happy, but...I just..I can't." Her voice was quiet, and she paid no attention anymore to her surroundings, feeling sure that no one would find her here. And so she kept talking sadly to her Aurori, one who had been killed for no reason and was now named among the Fallen. As she talked quietly to the air, she wondered if maybe she should just leave the party.