Realistic or Modern Harcourt Ball (Open)

[NighttimeForest]

"Well my hope is that you keep me company whenever the time allows it," he laughed at this. He was somewhat joking when he said this, though he wouldn't mind it actually happening. Having someone in the place who genuinely enjoyed not being professional was always nice. Who knows maybe he can get them to go along with more of his foolish ideas.

Listening to them talk about what their favorite flower made him think about what he could do for a design on their clock. If they were to get one. He'd certainly look up and make sure to study how these flowers looked, perhaps making something special happen during the nighttime? A simple chime? It'd be a personal flare that he'd hope the other would enjoy, if not just for the fact that he'd show that he wasn't going to dismiss what the other had to say. That would be the flower he'd be? Since they did enjoy moonlight walks he'd have to agree. They were a breathe of fresh air in the nighttime, much like the beauty of the flower was to the darkness.

When they said he'd be a Tiger lily he was rather interested in why. Of course he'd need to find out. "Well I'll certainly try to find out why," shaking his head as he chuckled at the thought that his first day here and he already had a mystery to solve. When his companion stopped so did he. Looking up to see the sight the other set their gaze on, he listened to them. He smiled as he shut his eyes, opening them a moment later. "Well That is certainly solid advice. I'll be sure to keep it in ind in the following days. It will more than likely help me a lot more than one would think,"

Setting his sight back onto his companion he realized how he practically dragged the poor man away from the main event. While they didn't seem to mind he did look back at the area that they were told to go to. "If I'm to be honest, I'm a bit worried that my rather ah.. Out of the norm way may not be to the one who holds the flowers twin to mines liking," he slowly exhaled before looking to the stars. "The stars can take my worry away though. After all even if this is all a bust for me, I at least got to know you from it," He smiled before placing on of his hands on the others shoulder. "I hope you can find happiness in this place. Someone who won't talk simple of themselves but with you," he patted them before letting his hand fall back to his side. "I will certainly back you up in this, my friend,"

 

[Breathless]

Matthias smiled as Ezra spoke about them keeping each other company. "That would be absolutely amazing, my mothers would adore you Ezra!" Matthias could see his parents smothering his newly made friend. He almost cringed at the thought, that would be embarrassing to make Ezra suffer. Matthias loved that he gave Ezra a newfound mystery to solve. "When you do solve it tell me if I was spot on."

It was Matthias's way of getting the other to come, and visit him again. The younger of the two, quieted down as Ezra spoke about his worry. He was opening up about his fear, and it hurt Matthias in a way to even think that Ezra's other wouldn't like him. Matthias reached his arm over Ezra's shoulder, and pulled him close into a side hug. When he spoke his voice was less joking, and softened dramatically.

"I don't think you need to worry Ezra, you are a very interesting man, with many layers. I am one hundred percent sure your future wife..or husband would be lucky to have you. You are fun, and can keep up a conversation, great qualities if you ask me." Matthias wasn't sure where Ezra's interest in gender was so he put in both.

Going back to the topic of marriages, he remembered why he was here, and let go of Ezra, forgetting personal space. "I think all of us here are nervous, so don't feel too stressed out." It is quite hard to think of you as a nervous man, but you are human after all.

"I feel kind of bad for keeping you out here so long. I just guess I want to delay meeting my future, but that is unfair to you, isn't it?" "Shall we head inside to meet our betrothed? I leave the decision up to you."

 

[NighttimeForest]

He was certainly glad that Matthias thought his mother would like him. He'd certainly want to meet his friends family, and hopefully get him to meet his own in return. Of course he'd certainly tell his friend when he found out. It was a when since he was determined to see what it means. He didn't expect what came next, being pulled into a side hug as his friend became more serious.

He smiled knowing he had someone here who was not only as fine with his company as he was with theirs, but someone who was good with talking to him about the deeper things without having so many fake pleasantries on top that ruins it. "I'm glad to hear that though whether my soon to be wife or husband could agree with it.. It'd be wonderful to have that happen. However as much as they may or may not think the same, we may not fit anyway. I also worry they may force themselves to keep with me simple because of the responsibility that looms over our heads. I'd rather if my betrothed did not like me to go find the one they do like.."

He was a bit sad when they let go, it was enjoyable to have such a person who was comfortable around them. "Please my friend, never think you are keeping me away from something. I am not one to stay if I do not enjoy what is happening. However I will say we are kindred spirits yet again. I do not know who my future partner is and I enjoyed the distraction," he paused before he decided to reach his own arm over his companions shoulders before giving them a side hug in return.

"I don't think I should shrink my duty to give them my full attention much longer. If they are not there we should still let ourselves be known to the others. After all we have all the time in the world to talk if we so feel like it. However our betrothed would certainly want to know we have not run off from them," The last was said in jest of course. As he let go he turn to the place that would hold the one he would be marrying. "Simple remember what you won, and if you want I could help you locate your betrothed so you don't have to walk around alone,"

 

[Breathless]

Matthias was more than ecstatic to have such a close companion. He felt like he could really relate to what Ezra said, and he agreed when Ezra called them kindred spirits. It felt true, and he hadn't had any true friends in awhile, sure acquaintances were nice, but friends have a better feeling to them. He smiled when Ezra returned the side hug, it made him feel like he wasn't bothering in that aspect.

When told they should return, Matthias nodded, and gulped down his fear. Ezra's words were wise, and kind. He took his offer about not having to walk alone. "Let us go then my friend." They both turned around, and walked toward the doors to their impending futures. The doors seemed to taunt Matthias, as they knew his fear, they knew a secret, who his other was. He started singing softly to himself to soothe his nerves, forgetting he was with Ezra. It was just him, his voice, and those taunting doors.

Now Matthias didn't really sing, and he knew he was a pretty good singer, but he didn't really talk about it.

"You're the coffee that I need in the morning, you're my sunshine in the rain when it's pouring." Matthias loved this song. It was about love, but those lyrics his mothers would sing to calm him down. His mothers sang beautifully, he wished they were singing to him instead of him singing it alone.

When he reached the doors he took a deep breath, and pulled it open, holding it for Ezra to enter in first.

 

[NighttimeForest]

As the two walked towards the building Ezra couldn't help but look up at times to the sky above. He said nothing as his companion began to sing, figuring he shouldn't interrupt if they wanted to do so. Once they reached the door he felt a new kind of flame to kindle his confidence, it was to make sure his friend found his betrothed. He nodded his thanks to Matthias before heading inside and scanning the room. He did not expect someone to have seemingly passed out. Of course they seemed awake right now, however people where either around them. What all happened while he simple took a stroll with his friend?

One person caught his eye. Mostly from the Cala Lillies in their breast pocket. Reaching back he was soon successful in grabbing Matthias's arm. His gaze stuck on the man as he moved his head a bit towards Matthias to talk to him "Looks like you got yourself a charmer," he smiled as he finally looked back to his friend, motioning his head to the man who had their flower. His smile fell as he said the next part in which worry replaced it "Are you good to head over by yourself?" he let go over their arm as he asked this. As much as he enjoyed their company he did not want to get in the way of their betrothed.

Another part of him wanted to make sure if they needed him to be there just in case. With how nervous they both certainly were to meet the one they will marry, he wouldn't blame them if he didn't exactly want to meet him alone. He knew they'd get along though and his friend would be alright. After all who wouldn't get along with Matthias?

 

[Breathless]

Matthias had noticed how thick the silence was as they walked in. He had heard slight murmurs of someone fainting, all that while they were gone? How did they not notice? It was almost humorous to Matthias, and he had to fight the urge to laugh out loud. Matthias had changed his demeanor quite quickly. Once he knew others could see him, and judge him, he went back to his smiling, and charismatic self. He made sure to show his bright Abbott smile, but on the inside he didn't feel like smiling. He was too nervous.

Ezra had been distracted, and Matthias felt his arm being grabbed, and pulled toward someone. He looked Ezra straight in the eyes, his smile and his face didn't show any signs of fear, but his eyes had so much panic in the depths of them. Matthias also gripped Ezra's left arm tightly as he looked into his eyes. "Would it be selfish to ask you to come along?" That's what Matthias wanted to say, he wasn't sure if he could handle it alone, but it would be rude to keep Ezra from his betrothed.

So instead he said, "Ezra, it would be quite rude if I just dragged you along, away from your wife, or husband. What kind of friend would I be?" He showed his big Abbott smile, that crinkled his eyes, and showed off his pearly whites. He loosened his fingers that had been holding Ezra in a death grip, and his eyes. His eyes that were once full of fear was now vanished, glossy, and glazed over.

He turned around, and slowly walked away from Ezra, who had been so kind as to comfort him in this most terrifying part of his life. He would forever be grateful, but he wouldn't be so selfish. He walked toward the Calla Lilly, not making eye contact to who was attached to the lovely flower. The suit his husband was wearing was black, and fitted him nicely. He slowly looked up, hoping he would be good enough for whomever it was he had to spend the rest of his life with.

The anxiety bubbled inside of him. He saw a handsome blonde man, and his confidence fell. He was a mess, not speaking, he just stood there and stared at this person.

Slowly, and shakily he reached his hand out, "M..Matthias Abbott, pleasure to meet your acquaintance..?" He had said the statement as a question rather than a fact, terrified to the bone. His usual smooth, and soft voice cracked as he spoke, making him cringe slightly at himself.

NighttimeForest

MToki

 

[lion.]

His hand shifted.

On the same nick of time, at the same exact millisecond, the one across from him did also.

He was an ambiguous, brooding man; there was a tundra circling his irses, an asymmetric smile incurving at his lips. He was a man with a clean-shaven chiseled jaw unpopular to social norms and charcoal hair that roughly and discreetly refused to be groomed. The white of his linen shirt peaked from the tailcoat of confidential black, a few buttons left turbantly undone.

His hand reached out towards him, and his fingers breached the solid object of glass. When he went to straighten out his lapels, the reflection mimicked him.

He was going mad!

Instinctively, he had stepped away from the mirror, and headed for the door.

He never had the necessity to look at himself in the mirror. Few and far between did he care how others perceived him. Yet, for some exceptional reason whether that be the slow burning magma of vexation at his parents or the ill humor of the will of God, he did care. His mind pulled the breaks and suddenly he was retracing his footwork across the room.

His room was obscure; It was a chamber of veiled curtains with the only light deriving from three alabaster candles waxing by his bedside. In the far corner, contiguous in position to the four-posterior master bed of maroon sheets, was a simple rectangular mirror.

With dark pupils, he plunged back into the depth of own image. An umbrage illuminated in those cold, blue blocks of ice. Then, his mind flickered with a remembrance and his fingers reached out. He plucked up a red rose placidly sitting still at the corner of his bed.

The red rose was tangibly ethereal soft, the plumes of the petals a velvet that cannot be exacted. Yet, intangibly, it was stinging, burning, coaling the tips of his fingers. Raising it to the mirror, he perpended the significance of the flower, his fingers twirling it for every angle for him to see.

His thoughts could only find one message.

It was a curse.

 

[Alvaris]

When she slid her hand in his he smiled before bringing her small hand to his lips. Her skin was soft to the touch. When her cheeks reddened, the knot in his stomach loosened. Despite his mouth fumbles, she seemed to be less indifferent and more interested in him. Their hands parted and he straightened. At her words, he glanced at her flower. He hoped she wasn't disappointed by what she saw and there was no mistake, this was his future wife. His wife, just that thought lifted his chest.

Adalia. That had a nice ring to it. "Pleasure, Adalia," he said, enjoying the way her name sounded in his mouth. She was beautiful, with her blonde hair and deep eyes. She was quite a bit shorter than him, but height wasn't important to him; though he did prefer his women to be shorter. The pale pink dress accentuated her curves and complexion. Hopefully her personality was as stunning as she was. For some reason , he didn't doubt that he'd like her. Something about the way she looked at him with that strong gaze.

Elijah smiled. "I'm honoured you think so, but I feel I am the fortunate one," he said before chuckling. "That makes two of us and please, call me Elijah." He placed his hand on his chest as he spoke. "The camellias. Or rather, our flower, suits you." He dropped his hand at his side, resisting to urge to run his fingers through it. His mother said it was a distasteful nervous habit, but he was more inclined to disagree. Either way, his mother was far wiser about the ways of women than he was.

Elijah looked around the garden. "Would you accompany me for a stroll?" He asked motioning toward the garden. "It's quite exquisite out here, but I must inform you that I've already discovered the most stunning flower in the garden." He met her gaze and couldn't hide his excitement.

Ghostiiys​

 

[Ghostiiys]

Adalia could not help but smile with every compliment he gave her she felt like she was melting. " I must say Elijah you truly , and I say truly have a way with your words. " she sighed in relief , she could definitely see a bright future with this man. "I would love nothing more than to be by your side this night. " She grabbed his arm , intertwining it with his before whispering " I do think we have a lot to catch up on don't you think?" She smiled widely.

She may have been rushing and dropping the formalities. But she was very happy. This whole day had seemed to be a roller-coaster of emotions. The downs and then the real steep downs before the incline of it all. He seemed equally as excited to spend the rest of his time with her. " I wonder if you are always such a charmer with women. If so I should watch out." She chuckled before continuing.

Adalia could not believe this was happening. One minute she was wondering so many things. What would her betrothed look like, how would they act, would he be as scared as she? But in an instance those thoughts where flushed at of her mind. She looked up to the man she had locked arms with and grinned. "There are so many things I want to ask , I don't even know where to begin!" She pondered for a moment. "If I may ask Elijah, what is it that you do? " She thought maybe a basic and easy question would be appropriate at first. She didn't want to be too bold.


Alvaris

 

[MToki]

Though, not much was accomplished while he stood around, Lucas found that the time to himself had calmed some of his nerves. He twirled the lily in his hand, blankly staring out into the ballroom, thinking about everything that was going on. Why was he here? Why couldn't he just find a man he loved? He only wanted to live a peaceful life, but here he was, being married off to a man he's never met, in a place he's never been, trying to build a connection he's never felt. This, the whole idea of this, was terrifying. So many things unknown, so many things to consider, and yet this was his best option.

Lost in thought, Lucas didn't notice a man approach him. Until he spoke, and the blonde was pulled out from the depths of his mind. The other seemed nervous, more so than the people he'd met so far, then he noticed his flower. Every bit of smooth charm he's curated over the years seemed to dissolve in an instant as soon as he laid eyes on the lily.

"I- Lucas Quinton, and it's a pleasure to meet you as well." He forced his voice to be level, not his usually sweet tone, but one that sounded a little strained. He held out a hand, despite every muscle in his body telling him to run. This meeting was so soon, too soon. All of this, everything was too soon. He wasn't ready for this, he didn't know if he'd ever be ready for this. The first moment with his future husband, and he already felt like he was spiraling down a rabbit hole of bad conversation.

"I never thought I'd actually meet you," Lucas spoke, almost whispered, as if it was a thought that escaped the confines of his jumbled mind. Thank god, the screaming from the back his head wasn't the thing that left his mouth. His betrothed was beautiful, darker skin, curly hair, he looked so... gentle. Oh dear lord, he was going to go insane.

Breathless

 

[Breathless]

Currently Matthias's stomach was doing summersaults as he stared into the eyes of his future husband. He wasn't sure that the man in front of him was going to say anything, nor did he think this was real, he looked just as nervous as Matthias did. He awkwardly reached out, and poked the man's broad chest, and blinked. "You are real.." Once realizing what he just did his face dusted a light red. Shaking his head, Matthias remembered why he was here, why he was doing this in the first place. He took a deep breath, and put on his Abbott smile, taking the lead with his charismatic nature. "So you're the man that I am spending my life with? I must say you are quite handsome, shall we go for a walk, and perhaps get to know one another?"

Matthias sounded so smooth, and formal, but at this point he wasn't quite sure what to say, or what to do. He offered up his arm to be linked with Lucas's. "Also, if this whole marriage thing works out, I don't know if I'm changing my proud Abbott name." Matthias was obviously joking, he figured at times like this it was best to make jokes. That's right, smile the Abbott way, that crinkles your eyes, and shows off those pearly whites, he thought.

At the end of the day he couldn't make someone love him. He should just be himself, and if his other chose not to like him, Matthias would just nod, and understand. Plus he wasn't that unattractive he thought. He knew he was kind, and had an amazing personality. Hopefully this would be enough to woo his new husband.

MToki

 

[StarxLight]

Elodie was not paying much attention to her surroundings, more so in the in and out of her breath. She noticed people as they approach her, attendants pressing water into her hand, guiding her out into the gardens further, but she only noticed then as she was touched or moved or a face was suddenly close to hers. She felt frozen in her place and she jumped a mile high when someone took her hand and kissed it. Her eyes were brought to those of a beautiful redheaded woman. She couldn't see any flowers, but that did not mean anything. The lady had beautiful red hair, and her outfit was mismatched but it suited her. Was everyone here this pretty?

Gasping out "Hi." Elodie felt her breath calming down, if only from the shock. She left her hand in the other woman's and tried to stop the shaking of it as she replied "I-i am Elodie Hale." the smile on her companions face was disarming and her breathing was slowly returning back to normal "My friends call me Nel though, Or Nellie." She confided, blushing as the admission slipped out of her lips. She hoped to god she wasn't asked how the nickname came about. It was mildly humiliating for her to admit her name was a misspelling and her parent's had forgotten to get it fixed. Ever.

At the statement reminding her of her panic, she nodded, and let her hand drop from the others, ducking into a curtsy "I . . . Tonight is such an overwhelming prospect. I just do not know what to expect. I am . . . quite nervous." She gestured frailly back to the ballroom "The attendants accosted me with champagne, which did not help one bit. I . . . I haven't eaten either." Elodie was embarrassed, but could not seem to stop the words leaving her lips, justifying her condition to the stranger.

Cosmos

 

[Alvaris]

Elijah smiled at her compliment before her arm slid into his. "You're too kind," Elijah said with a short chuckle. This evening was getting better and he was looking forward to getting to know her. "I must confess that I am a writer and occasional poet." He looked over at her. "We do have much to catch up on and we have all evening and then some." Was it too soon to say the rest of their lives? He wasn't sure, but he thought best not to lay it on too thick.

He shook his head and laughed. "I will spend my life ensuring you never question my loyalty," he said. He didn't intend to lay it on so thick, especially after he warned himself not to. Regardless, the Ainsley's were fine men of good stature and of even better reputation. He would never do anything to hurt his wife nor his family's reputation. "I saved all my best lines just for you," he added, feeling foolish for how giddy he was behaving.

"I am a businessman and an evening poet." Only when his father wasn't around. "My family owns a goldsmith and I am the heir." He was set to inherit everything once his father retired. He felt more at ease now that they were talking and walking. "I am an open book, please ask any questions your heart desires." His earlier nervousness seemed ridiculous now that he'd met her. "But before you do, I believe I am warranted a question. What is it that you do?" He asked.

Ghostiiys​

 

[Cosmos]

Eliza could not help but give more than a small and hearty chuckle from her lips as the other timidly dropped her hand away and began to ramble, standing up straighter at her full height of 5'7" with a warm and bubbly smile. She was taller than a fair share of ladies she knew, but not so much as to look out of place, rather she thought it to only helped suit her general style more as it aided in her form fitting the more masculine clothes she often chose to wear. "Nellie, ay?~ That's a rather pretty name, haha, Only to match that of your beauty…. I'm well, lets just call me El, hm?" she teased with a comfortable small shrug after having leant in close to whisper the first part.

Looking around briefly she couldn't help but suddenly feel as though she was having far more fun than before. "It's a nice place, though I must say this suitor thing is rather boring, I'd rather just meet all the stunning ladies here myself~" she continued on in more of a self ramble than to her directly, yet another gleaming grin to the other "wouldn't you agree, m'lady?…." She stated as she looked over, posing with one hand on her hip and the other outstretched as she made eye contact. Her own blue orbs wide with child-like wonder and innocent allure.

"Well, I would offer to keep my hand here all day for you to hold in support, but I do reckon' they probably want us back at the ball, lest the old hag send more of her maids to strap me down~" she giggled, grabbing the others gently once again before beginning to walk forwards a few steps towards the large and elegant doorframe. The corner of her eyes catching that of a male and female pair, arms interlocked with one another.

A small hiss escaped her mouth at such which she quickly corrected by looking back at the other and giving an apologetic look, rubbing at the back of her head, "Heh, sorry- guess I'm kinda jealous a man managed to catch one before me~ I'm uh, not fond of that gender" She continued, trying to word it as gracefully as she could without outright stating she wanted to kick the more sensitive area of every man in the world.

If you paid close attention under the moon's light, joined only by the glow of the lanterns and candles adorning the place you could notice the expression on her face somewhat twisted after the statement, a look both resistant yet evidently trying to enjoy the moment, desperate to reclaim the joy she'd felt in her flirtatious behaviour only brief moments before. "So, if I may ask that is, what's a pretty girl like you doing at such a tiresome event as this- oh wait, let me guess~…. parents?" she smirked.
________

StarxLight

 

[MToki]

The blonde slightly startled as the man poked him, but sought not to mention it. Because as the man smiled, Lucas and his worries seemed to melt away. There was no need to overthink a simple meeting, this wasn't going to define the rest of their relationship, and if it was, then he'll be damned if he makes a fool of himself. With a new air of confidence, he linked his arm with Matthias, a light pink dusting his cheeks at the compliment. "A walk with you? I doubt could say no to that charming smile." He responded, finding it easier to get himself together now that the mystery man on his mind was finally there.

"As long as your name is next to mine, I don't think I could care less." Lucas said, his smile growing a bit wider. Joke or not, if his husband wanted to keep his name, he had no qualms about it. Name were just names after all, and he'd be happy to take the other's name.

He wasn't very experienced in flirting, which is one of the reasons his parents thought this was a good idea, but he knew his way around words. "So, what do you do for work, Mr. Abbott? Besides being a muse for painters and poets alike that is." If Matthias allowed it, Lucas wouldn't mind sitting down and painting him, even if he wasn't that experienced in painting people. Perhaps he'd give it to him as a wedding gift, atop the fortune and elaborate presents that he's sure his parents have already prepared.

Breathless

 

[Cosmos]

Mika continued to panic as the other lay on the floor, this- wasn't the first time but it was at a bad place, something that would be embarrassing for not only Melissa herself but the family as a whole if word got out from the other high class suitors…. She couldn't help but blame herself mostly for this, she could've been here to catch her, or- maybe stop it entirely? she didn't know how but- but maybe she could've!-

She was only snapped out of her thoughts and auto-piloted comforting when another woman appeared, looking up and agreeing with a small nod as she offered to help bring the other to the fainting couch with the aid of another pair of this property's maids. Once there she let out a small and polite "Thank you so much" to the other before turning back her attention to standing beside her lady with worry filled eyes, completely different from her normal stubborn attitude.

As her friends eyes began to flicker open she had to resist the urge to full on hug her with all her might in front of the others, hearing her name- or well, what she considered hearing with how accustom she got to Mellisa's mouthing, she couldn't help but tear up with a tight grip on the others hand to return the one given, "It's me, I'm here Mel" She replied.

Looking around to make sure no others heard her use such an informal name for the one she served, it was already bad enough it seemed that she was with her attending in the ballroom from the other maids glares, clearly not all completely informed she actually NEEDED to be there for her ladies aid in speaking. Speaking of which now not completely focused and terrified for Mel's well being she noted curiously nearby another non-suitor figure, giving of hand signals she very quickly noted to be sign language.

Expression lighting up a little as she realised it meant that Melissa had someone she could most likely 'talk' to without needing her to be quite so close-by, "My lady, look! She knows sign language, would you like to go speak with her once you're feeling better?" she asked in her general polite maids tone, seeming to calm down the nearby attending maids from their concern at her improper image. She liked to think the girl wanted some independence…. though after last year it seemed the other never seemed to leave her side without her assuring she'd be back quickly. Her hand twitched a little going towards her stomach before backing away, still giving the largest, most reassuring smile she could.
_______
Sgt Gomez Jess Buck

 

[NighttimeForest]

As Matthias walked off to greet his own betrothed Ezra kept having to fight with himself whether he should have went along with him. He saw the panic in his friends eyes and felt his grip tighten as if he needed to for his life. In the end he figured they needed to do this alone. After all he couldn't simple walk with him going 'Yes, you told me to not come, but I am anyway' as that'd be rude of him. Instead he looked elsewhere, hoping to see the person he was suppose to be with. As he waited he decided he should more than likely get that glass he put down before. Heading over to the spot again he saw that the glass was gone. He blinked before looking under the table. When did they take it away? The staff in this place were really on top of everything.

Well that seemed to take away what he could do while waiting so instead he decided to get another drink. He could sit back and relax while time ticked away. Getting yet another drink he made sure to take note how many he's having. While he wasn't a lightweight he also didn't want to get drunk on the day he's suppose to meet his betrothed. His thoughts not being occupied made him think on who it could be. Did they enjoy talking about anything? Did they like the outdoors or hated it? He was more than worried that their interests would clash.

Getting lost in his own thoughts they made it known that having a wandering mind at this time was not his friend. Looking up to simple see the ceiling of the building he sighed. He didn't want to leave in case his betrothed came in, after all he was lucky he wasn't making them wait when he decided to do a bit of exploring with his friend.

 

[Breathless]

Matthias found himself smiling, and blushing as Lucas spoke. He noticed how Lucas himself was blushing, and Matthias found that absolutely admirable. They both seemed to calm down a bit, and felt eager to converse with one another. It made Matthias feel all sorts of butterflies. As Lucas spoke, he felt himself clinging to every word, and they way his other said them. Lucas just had this beautiful way with words that made it seem that the english language rightfully belonged to him.

"You flatter me, and please call me Matthias...or Matty. Mr. Abbott makes me sound old." Matthias laughed, and looked toward his other with curiosity in his eyes. He wanted to know how adventurous Lucas was. He would do so after he answered his question, "Well, I uh. I own a flower shop, and I work with flowers, that's all there is too it, but I am also a thief because I am great at stealing hearts. I am kind of hoping I could steal yours by the end of the night." Matthias bit his lip gently as he smiled, and winked at Lucas.

He didn't even know he could flirt like that. To say he impressed, and surprised himself was an understatement.

Matthias lead them away from the bustle of the ballroom, he would wander outside with Lucas, once he got Lucas's permission that is. He didn't want to drag the man away from the party if that is where he wanted to be.

"You don't mind if we go outside do you? I heard there is a pond nearby, and I was very excited to see it. Would you do me the honor, and accompany me?"

MToki

 

[StarxLight]

Elodie had never been so embarrassed in her life, although El, as she called herself did start speaking, which stopped her from going on too much. Her cheeks were a bright red, and it made the freckles along her nose stand out more. She smiled a little, looking down at the ground shyly "Thank you, you are too sweet." after all of her panic, she felt her breath taken away again as the woman leaned in close to whisper to her. She shivered a little, straightening up as well, trying not to let her eyes linger anywhere as to not embarrass herself.

She laughed quietly and nodded "It can be tiresome, I suppose. I would adore to marry for love." the blush had been slowly leaving her cheeks but it was back in full force now. She didn't know what to say, so she just extended her hand and placed it in El's. Goodness, if El wasn't her match she wasn't sure how she would react around the person who was. She was usually quite isolated. She was never invited along to dinner parties with her mother, or luncheons or picnics. Those were all, according to her mother for "Refined Ladies" and she had no place there, if she was going to read over reports or argue with others.

That did get a large laugh out of Elodie "Strap you down? Whatever for?" she asked, moving with her companion towards the ballroom. She turned towards her current companion in surprise as a hiss left her but nodded at the explanation. Although Elodie did not have anything against men, she met many a woman who had. She herself found women more imposing and terrifying then men and she voiced as much "Oh? I usually find women to be more difficult. Although that might be an extension of my mother" Elodie rolled her eyes "She wasn't fond of me, so neither were her ladies."

Elodie shook that thought off and nodded "Oh yes. My mother did not realise how gossiping about me might decrease my marriage chances in our local village in France. So she sought in international match, and here I am." she blushed a little and said "Apparently some people don't like. . . curvier women, the four men in my village that were single included." She had no shame in saying why she was rejected. She was not shy about her body and she did not want to change it for anyone. She changed the subject though "So you . . . prefer women?" Elodie asked but she knew at this point, with the level of flirting the answer. It never hurt to ask though.

Cosmos

 

[MToki]

Lucas chuckled at the comments, grin spreading when Matthias began to flirt back. "You've already taken my breath, but I'm afraid my heart will be harder to steal, Matty." Giving him a smirk and returning the wink. He's had some experience with suitors in the past, all of whom were rather uninteresting. He could tell that they just wanted the money and social status, never anything beyond that. Matthias seemed so different from them, adventurous and sweet. No ulterior motive, no mask to hide behind, a genuine man. It was that or he was the best actor in the world.

"The honor would be mine." He answered, tucking his lily back into his pocket. "I should warn you, I'm not very familiar with nature, you'll have to lead the way." He'd be lying if he said he didn't spend time outside, because that's where he spent most of his days off, however, he never really explored it. Instead he preferred to be stationary, basking in the sun, feeling the breeze, reading a book or drawing what was around him. Being a florist, Matthias probably knew a lot about nature, and Lucas could only hope to learn what he knew.

Breathless

 

[Breathless]

"Well, challenge accepted Lucas. Your heart shall be mine."

Matthias felt his heart race as Lucas accepted his offer, and decided to come along. "Well, I am very glad you accepted, and if you see a flower you like out there, point it out, and I could explain why you're far more valuable than it. " Matthias smiled, and almost went to grab Lucas's hand, but refrained from the act, he felt that would be too soon, and he didn't want to scare Lucas away with such forwardness. As they walked along side each other, and out into the breezy night, Matthias asked his question.

"What is it that you like to do? Usually a conversation starts with a career question, usually meaning the other person wanted to know if you had a good or bad career, and if you got a lot of money. Matthias wasn't interested in that, he wanted to know what made Lucas happy, if he liked coffee or tea. How he liked his favorite foods cooked, if he enjoyed baking.

So much to learn about Lucas, and not Lucas's status, wealth, and reputation. Matthias started to take off the jacket part of his suit, it was getting uncomfortable to wear. He rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, and continued walking toward the pond as he gazed at Lucas, trying to figure him out.

MToki

 

[Ashwalker]

Katarina stood in a room alone with a single other person. She had refused her father’s servants and her mother’s dress, so she stood with an old friend who helped her get into her outfit for the event. The only good thing about being back within her families clutches were the resources already newly available to her. She had gone to fine tailors and had clothes made to fit and to her specifications. Clothes not so made never seemed to have straps lower on the leg for her sword. They weren’t necessary to keep her blade on her hip no, but you couldn’t dance with a loose-strapped sword unless you wanted to constantly poke your leg and more crucially your partner’s. Some friends of hers swore by keeping it loose so you could draw from more varied angles, but quite frankly Katarina was very firmly of the opinion that if your opponent had enough control over your movement to block a particular draw, you had already failed. She finished strapping her sheathed blade and was promptly forced to confront her avoidance when her companion spoke, “Never thought I would see the day you of all people dressing up to be betrothed Ryn.”

Katarina fixed her sleeves and gazed through the door that she must soon step through. When she spoke her voice seemed almost an afterthought, “One does what one must. I must trust only that things will go well.”

The other figure, a grey old man in a simple black suit, spoke, his voice not matching his demeanor, “Oh don’t give me that horseshit. I at the least know you too well for that. What exactly are you expecting to find out there.”

Katarina smiled, twisted with certain bitter wryness and then spoke, “I don’t know Adrian, what do you think I should look for. At best I expect my betrothed will be able to look past my reputation, gruffness, poor manners, ill humors, and tolerate me for my impending spectacular wealth. At worst the woman will realize who exactly I am, call the whole thing off, and this farce will begin again.”

Adrian spoke, sounding warm and almost parental, “Still ever the dour cynic when it comes to your own prospects aren’t you.” He raised his hand and brushed her jacket down. Only people as aware of their surroundings as the two that stood there might notice the flash of something shiny or the sudden additional weight in one of her pockets. With that he lightly pushed her towards the door and spoke encouragingly, “Now stop delaying and go face what could potentially be the rest of your life. If nothing else there is free food and drink. Your parent’s asked me to remind you that you shouldn’t fight anybody, because they really don’t learn. If it’s really bad you have a bit of the good stuff now.”

Katarina gave the old butler a nod and rolled her shoulders as she stalked towards the door. As she passed a table she picked up the lilac that had been delivered. As she walked to the ballroom she twirled the flower over and between her fingers behind her back. If the woman holding the corresponding blossom looked too horrified when she recognized her maybe she would just refuse to show her own flower. When she entered the ballroom and scanned the room, neither side of her brain saw much. The military side saw little of interest, and the part scanning for her betrothed saw only another pair, matched by their own set of lilacs. She did see one man she recognized from her father’s description. A fighter of some repute apparently.


Katarina took one last glance around the room, still seeing no lilacs besides the two that were already paired off. With a shrug she set her path towards the De La Rosa man, tucking her flower under her wrist. Why defy expectations now. She had been itching to fight the man ever since her father had told her that under no circumstances should she challenge him. He was standing in a small group that she had little interest in. She spoke shortly after coming within a polite range, “Francisco De La Rosa? Word has it that you are a talented fighter. Would you be interested in a friendly match on the lawn?”

Addressed: Coyote

Spoiler: Her sword

Spoiler: Her clothes

 

[MToki]

"Painting, and really art in general. It's something I inherited from my mother, but my skillset is not nearly as versatile as hers. Perhaps I could paint you sometime, though, no painting could match up to seeing you in person." He stated, giving Matthias a cheesy wink. "And reading. It sounds boring, especially since I read mostly nonfiction, but I've always loved to expand my knowledge. Sometimes I like to sit outside with a book and admire the good weather. For a moment, I'm taken away from everything, and I can just relax. " Lucas followed his betrothed's actions, taking off his suit jacket and slinging it over his shoulder.

Strolling toward the pond, he found himself staring at Matthias. Even if this didn't work out, he'd be happy to have him as a friend. Just to have one person outside of his family that he could trust to have his back was enough for him. If romance wasn't achievable, at least he'd come out of this with someone he could rely on.

"What about you?" He inquired, casually reaching for Matthias's hand. Some would say it was going too fast, and he'd agree, if it weren't for the fact that this man would be married to him very soon, so Lucas considered this as catching up.

Breathless

 

[lion.]

Thaddeus was home.

If he had arrived earlier, his name would’ve been projected by the man whose face was covered by the long parchment script from where he read the names out of.

But, he wasn’t a punctual man.

His long fingers danced the rim of the golden handrails and he descended down the staircase, each step mired of inattentive cadency. Just as his long feet percussed the marble flooring, another dance was struck. He caught a glance at the conductor’s wand; it lifted like a herculean bird, before spiraling into rotational swirls and shapes.

The ballroom was embezzled straight from illustrious books about midnight rendezvouses. From the dome-shaped windows positioned skywards to the lustrous crystals of chandeliers portending over the waltzing dancers, it was an environment that cracked a smirk on Thaddeus’ visage.

So, the wench was here, was she?

In a suit the color of the never-ending abyss with the main juxtapose of color being the rose sedentary in his vest pocket, Thaddeus looked around the masses of people. People of all sorts gathered about him in merriment: ravishing women, men with all different assortments of shades on them. It had to be another coincidence or fate's odd pull of strings that despite the numerous number of ravishing women around him, his dark blues zeroed on a single individual.

A single individual who bore the red rose that was tucked into his pocket.

Ah, his intended.

He tied to conjure up an insult as he paced towards her, condemn her for getting him into this. She, afterall, would be shackling the chains on his freedom. But, the closer he got, the clearer and pristine her appearance she got.

She was a delicate beauty and in that beauty there was a hellishly celestial way that she seated herself on the couch. She was a sprite with doe-like eyes, a sight he could’ve remove himself from. A part of his mind told him to get a grip.

Easily, she couldn’t be the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

Problematically, every figment of his conscious was battling him. Standing an arm-length distance before her, he couldn’t help but shamefully rake her up and down, never being capable of removing his gaze. The provocative way her dress bounded her innocent curves…

“So strange to see a Lady like you sitting out a dance,” he eventually spoke, a torrid wildfire smouldering in his ocean eyes, “I’ll let you know, I’m no boring man.” With that, his hand thrusted towards her, a promise of ambiguous caprice solicitly clear.

“A dance, if you may?”

 

[Ghostiiys]

Adalia couldn't help but smile when he essentially vowed to prove to her his loyalty. It was sweet gesture just in itself. With her other hand she touched her cheek as they where burning from her blushing so hard. She couldn't believe this was real. He was real. Adalia did not even realize that she held onto his arm a little bit tighter. She was just consumed with some many emotions. It was until he answered his question she snapped back to reality loosening her grip on his arm.

"I just had a feeling you were a writer! Frankly , I would of been surprised if you were not. " Upon hearing that he also did poetry she almost jumped up in excitement. " I would love for you to read to me some of your poetry at one point or another. I could never get into it myself. It is very hard to put thought on paper i find. " She could almost imagine a winter night next to the fire and just them. Just them enjoying their hobbies together. It made her heart jump.

"You're a man of many talents I see. " She smiled looking at him. before he asked her a question in return.

"Ah.. well as for myself. Ive been under the wings of my father ,training, he plans for me to be a financial director , much to the dismay of his peers. they don't believe I can do it. He owns an oil rig company. He does want me to take over the company but i believe he also has his doubts if a woman can handle something so intense. " She looked off to the side thinking of all the years of strict and rigorous studying. She did not want to let him down.

"Sorry if I seem like a bit of a downer. " Whenever she thought about what responsibilities she had it always made her a bit sad. "But enough of that! Id love to see the pieces you make. Maybe you can also teach me how to make my own jewelry! " she giggled , knowing her mother would of loved something like that.

Alvaris