Event Blossom Ball - Underworld

Mentioning Luka, Anastasia P, Rodion

Interacting with @Selim Faust @Vivian Fletcher

Open for Interaction

Spray Spray Spray

Unacceptable. The underworld mascot tried to slap the annoying pepper girl in the face and failed, of course. Probably the leather rabbit mask whoever that person was wearing had no holes for them to see. Her eyes glued to the scary rabbit with a confused expression as they ran away and back to their lurking business. That was indeed the most peculiar interaction she ever had with a rabbit, if they can be classified as one. While she was standing there, thinking of what just happened, she remembered something about failed transfiguration and a bit of werewolf that she read in the ‘transfiguration today’ when researching about animagi for a club meeting. There were four theories in the Ravenclaw's tiny brain. Either it was really just a costume, or it was a failed transfiguration that made them be half human half rabbit, or it was a failed animagus transformation, or it was a new type of werewolf, which was a, “Werehare? Werebunny? Wererabbit? Wait-“ even though the rabbit person was long gone, moved as far away as possible from the annoying kid who pepper sprayed them out of nowhere, she still tried to scream out the question that probably will make her stay up all night for a week, “-ARE YOU THE WIZARDING BUGS BUNNY?”

If she gets an answer, that’s great, if no? she’ll think that it was a bugs bunny with some sprinkles of magic. It was only a couple of minutes since Aurora harassed the poor rabbit, and the blossom ball turned into a gruesome ball. A girl whimpered like a scared puppy on the ground surrounded by two boys, both with a questionable sense of fashion, some screamed and sang nonsense, was this normal in Hogwarts? She put her creep repellent spray back into her purse and held out her wand for precaution. “STO- STOP SINGING! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? ARIANA BLOODY GRANDE!?”

Outfit

Reducio

Inside her purse : a chocolate bar, pepper spray, inhaler

For Moderation :
Stamina - 4 | Evasion - 7 | Strength - 5 | Wisdom - 8 | ArcPower - 4 | Accuracy - 7
Terrible Presence
Action :

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Arms linked with each other, the duo made their entry into the ball or rather more specfically this curious little place known as the Underworld. Even Hades himself probably wouldn't have been able to pull off such a glamorous layout of his own lair but then again, Hades was more of a grump while they were all students filled with the thrill and excitement of celebrations and not having to worry about death and the more nefarious qualities of the Underworld. Jan supposed the only thing that they were missing was the three-headed dog, not that he was complaining. The room already looked like it gave off the appropiate dark vibes, they did not need a Cerebrus to add to the mix. He'd heard rumors, gossips perhaps that this ball had a notorious reputation for things seemingly backfiring and it seemed to be a running trend every year but so far, Jan could see nothing that caused concern so he dismissed it as merely rumours because in his mind, it was almost unfathomable and silly to think that there would be anything that could ruin their fun on such a enjoyable night with the only person that could make this night as interesting as it already was. "So, this is a yearly thing, huh?" That one night where everyone flocked to such a glamorous layout, he almost wished they had something similar at Durmstrang but knew that was a reality that was almost impossible.

It wasn't just decorations and music that made everything pitch-perfect as his eyes wandered to the punch table he that people were taking from and drinking. The Aalberg boy himself wasn't too terribly accustomed with English cuisine but he was willing to give it a shot, he already was blessed with the fortune and luck to spend this evening with probably the most charming girl he had stumbled upon, a fact that he would remind her of given every chance. "You'll need your energy for tonight, can't have you passing out in the midst of all the fun." The German boy joked grinning as he nodded towards the punch table where different flavors were being sampled and whatnot, there was far too much variety from him to settle on one. Maybe that one, or perhaps the one that was closest to him, he had to take a second to wonder how much preparation all of this could have taken.

Magic could only help some of the way but after that, it was all by hand and that even by his standards was a seriously impressive feat. "Any specific one strikes your fancy?" Jan himself would throw caution to the winds pouring himself a cup caring little about the flavour, it was after all punch and you couldn't mess that up. He had to consider it an achievement if you managed such a feat as he went on to pour the girl a cup as well offering it to Katrina if she chose to take it. "A little celebratory drink to commerate this evening?" He said raising his cup to tap against her's before taking a few sips relishing the taste of the fluids. Decorations, music, drink, he did not regret this choice at all unable to help the grin that was now stuck on his features. It was almost like he wast at home with the dark and slow pace of the Underworld, similar to what the halls of Durmstrang looked like, it worked perfectly and he had no complaints. Draining his cup, he sat it down with a nod of approval. "Decorations, good drink, music..", his eyes flicked towards her as he concluded his sentence, "..and charming people as well." It was a well-packaged deal anyway you looked at it.

"I might have to switch schools."

It was said more out of humor than seriousness really but talking truthfully, Jan was glad he was here. There was a certain friendly atmosphere that you probably wouldn't have gotten at Durmstrang. Perhaps it was Katrina, maybe something else, perhaps he'd find out as the evening progressed.

Walking through the Underworld, amidst countless sharply dressed and extravagantly costumed individuals was a diminutive figure that seemed to stare straight at the ground. With a downward gaze came deceptively open ears, and the stranger did not deign to look up to try and put faces to the names and voices thrown around. There were those he recognized, those of interest, and those he labeled as extraneous and consciously filtered out of his perception. Perhaps the only bizarre thing about the boy, because such stature could only belong to a young child and the style of robes was rather masculine, was how he lingered in the entrance to the ball briefly.

Listening carefully to the commotion and shouting, the tumultuous arguments and apparent drama of it all, his eyes drifted upward and away from his shoes. Though his face was still concealed by the peculiar homemade Spartan helmet he wore, the glance he directed towards a few of the more noteworthy guests was sharp and pointed. The young boy had to dress the part after all, he'd stand out otherwise, and such was what he sought to avoid as an observer of the festivities. Of course, he wouldn't admit that the arts and crafts session in the Ravenclaw Common Room was fun... Creating the cardboard armor, using Transfiguration to change the color of his makeshift cape and armor, taping together toilet paper rolls and some paper to craft a "spear" of sorts, it was just part of his elaborate plans to keep an eye on the ball. Nothing more. The young boy would never consider something so juvenile as worth his time after all.

Thomas adjusted his helmet carefully, in part because it was poorly constructed and was liable to fall apart at any moment, making sure his face remained unseen. His costume was far less gorgeous or glamorous than that of his peers, a labor of love necessity rather than fortune or expertise. The Ravenclaw didn't care, appearances were silly things to get worked up about anyways, and in his humble opinion, the people who went all out were almost certainly pompous nobodies trying their darndest to be someone they weren't: someone of note. His judgment remained internal, of course, and after a few more minutes of metaphorically twiddling his thumbs, he proceeded onward to the Spring Festival.

Deimos, the god of dread, had arrived.

Action: Just passing through to the Spring Festival
Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers, Statistically Relevant
Stats: Sta 5 || Eva 8 || Str 1 || Wis 11 || Arc P 9 || Acc 10

Open to Interactions
Interacting with @Everly Charlton
Mentioning @Vivian Fletcher
Post Tracker: X | X

As she had a sip of the strangely colored punch, it seemed entirely normal. There was no strange taste to it, nothing weird about it as far as Starlee could tell, but it seemed that other people nearby were not having as good of luck. One girl [Vivian] looked as if she had gone insane, yelling around wildly about how perfect she was. Starlee rolled her eyes at the girl - too many people at Hogwarts seemed to think this about themselves, and certainly that wasn't something or someone Starlee would want to get involved in/with.

Luckily, it seemed Everly had arrived to save Starlee from her absentminded punch drinking and people watching. She saw Everly's wild waves and smiled back at her, waving much more subtly, as she didn't want to spill her punch. She was greeted immediately with a compliment from her, and wow, she could say the same thing back! Everly's dress was stunning, and her hair was braided so elegantly into a lovely flower crown. She would have to teach Starlee how she did that someday.

"Wow, so do you! That dress... It's just stunning!" she said, smiling back at her brightly. Everly then gestured at the drink in her hand, asking about it. Starlee shrugged in response, "Oh, its some of the punch! It's really tasty actually." She could see that Everly wasn't so sure about the drink options, but Starlee enjoyed the glass that she had taken. She tried not to eye the rather loud girl again, who had to be under the effect of... well... something.

And then there were the Hero Trials. It seemed many people had left to complete them, hoping to throw their name into the hat for Blossom Ball King and Queen. Starlee didn't really care, she might participate in a few of them if Everly was, but really she had no intention of trying to complete them herself. Part of this was because of the potential for failed spellwork, but it was also just that she didn't care. She was happy with who she was (so long as other certain people weren't trying to tear her down) and she didn't need some stupid trial to tell her that.

"Interesting is right..." she responded vaguely, unsure of what Everly's intended meaning behind the word was. Excitement? Longing? Insanity? Starlee tried to think of reasons someone would do the trials. Well... probably to prove they were the best....... like everyone at Hogwarts. She signed internally. Maybe Everly wouldn't care either? It doesn't hurt to ask... "Are you planning on doing them?" she questioned, wondering if she would be following her there. "I'll go with you if you want!" she said a bit more lightheartedly, but mentally kicking herself for offering. She really didn't want to do them. She then quickly added, "Or we can head onto the actual ball... this area is a bit gloomy..."

Action: Talking with Everly
Stats: Sta: 4 | Eva: 6 | Str: 6 | Wis: 8 | Arc: 6 | Acc: 5
Abilities: Healing Sage

Being the offspring of a single mother in the education field, Thomas’ options of ensemble dimmed in comparison to the more commonplace lucrative aesthetic his peers would display. He sported the same charcoal suit as the past year, with one notable difference. The night prior, Thomas elected to cut into the fabric that covered his trademark scar on his left tricep, effectively exposing this scar for all to see.

He painted over this trident-shaped scar in red, the sign of a cross. Although the allegory behind Thomas Lestrange’s appearance was not of religious values. Instead a representation in his own respective circles of mental anguish. The birth and daily reminder of his imprisonment. This coalition progressively rebranded his purpose, shaping his future to match their vision. Little by little, his actions drift from his own making.

A representation of Dante’s Inferno. Which is not traditionally a Greek tale, but offered enough elements to pass. A tale Thomas could relate, traversing the fires of adversity to escape his brand of damnation. An emotional twinge would be displayed in Thomas’ demeanor this evening, as he understood the time was nearing he would have to answer to them again. With their tendency to intervene in large school functions, this night was a possibility. Thomas was going to be ready to answer if called.

Of course the boy also prepared for the alternative, a night where the students compete to derail an otherwise peaceful event. In the internal suit pocket, he carried his flask with smuggled firewhiskey from Hogsmeade. Not as willing to engage in loose sips throughout the evening as season’s past, but a product he would turn to if the night was a drag.

Upon his entrance to the Blossom Ball of 2021, the typical array was not on display in the Courtyard. Perhaps a result of year’s past, the organizers embraced the somber reality that came with any school dance. The laws of the universe did not cooperate with what’s intended to be a night of celebration, and connection. The somber tones that came from the orchestral arrangement foreshadowed the collective grim demeanor of our seasoned Hogwarts students.

Thomas sifted through the crowd, arriving far later than the majority of his peers. His blue eyes flickered from one individual to the next, searching for his intended company-- Flash Holmwood of Slytherin. A household name amongst school alumni, and his target for the evening.

To his dismay, he would find a prideful representative of king and country, donning no more than a British flag. A position Thomas could relate to, minimal clothing in a public place was not the most flattering position to be, but Matthias Pride’s perception of fashion statement may differ from the traditional. Off to the side, the boy would also notice Erin Ryan lamenting the death of a lantern. Where Pride’s position deviated from normal, Erin’s was an accurate snapshot of expectations.

Thomas would swiftly bypass these two, weaving through the crowd until he located Flash with Howard’s former squeeze. A party of intended approach, it was almost as if Flash had sensed Thomas’ agenda, serving as an impetus for his success. The boy could prove more valuable than initially thought. As he neared, he overheard the end of an exchange. An ideal moment of entry, the boy arrived at Flash’s side with a respectable nod and short smile to the pair.

“Speaking.” Thomas provided Falentra with her answer as Flash’s intended company, providing a vexatious undertone to an otherwise cordial pairing. Given their last meeting ended with harrowing emotions and bloody knuckles. Yet Thomas would display no remnants of ill will when he scanned Falentra’s dazzling mien. “It’s a great shame to see you without a partner. If I had known, I would have asked you myself.”

As is typical, the boy wasted no time to stir things up. Was this statement meant more for Flash, to declare the boundaries of their relationship? Or did Falentra gain the boy’s favor after shedding Howard? “Pleasure to see you again, Flash. Would you accompany me to the refreshments?” The boy’s blue eyes flickered over to the tables that held various beverages to choose from.

If Flash accepts: “Hope to see you again, Black.” Black and Lestrange, ironic surnames after the way their relationship started. Though the pair did not share any relation to the famed Sirius, or Bellatrix, it was as if the air of legacies past still lived on between them.

Turning to Flash, Thomas motioned to the intended pathway. After creating enough distance, he spoke up again. “Drink?” Thomas removed the flask from his pocket, offering it to Flash. Even if underage, it was still a staple in both wizarding and muggle culture. Ideally to calm the nerves, or to loosen the lips. If Flash refused, Thomas would unscrew the top to take for himself before returning it to his pocket.

If anything, the boy offering his own refreshment would imply their approach to the venue's refreshment table was merely an excuse to get Flash one-on-one. “What do you know about me, Flash?” A change of tone paired with the boy’s scrutinizing gaze over at Holmwood. A departure from the cordial introductory act, and a transition to the true nature of this “date”.

As they traveled through the crowd, his eyes would linger on one party longer than the rest. Marion Davenport stood with Varellion of all people, an interesting choice of company. Though perhaps an ideal shoulder to bury her melodrama in, as the boy can relate to exorcising demons. Thomas made note of their location for later approach.

Interactions: @Flash Holmwood | @Falentra Black

Mentions: Matthias Pride | Erin Ryan | @Marion Davenport

Interacting with: @Lucia Fox

Thankfully, Lucia was gracious enough to navigate around Carolyn’s solemn remark. “Yes, she does,” she confirmed without hesitation. In fact, that was probably the only redeeming quality of her maternal grandmother. She was evil personified but she did it with style. She still didn’t feel entirely comfortable in the dress but she was glad her partner liked it, that at least somewhat eased her mind. See, everything’s going to be okay, she encouraged herself, trying to relax a bit more.

“Don’t trust it too much though…I have a sneaking suspicion our professors enjoy playing sick jokes on us,” she whispered to the other girl once the punch was mentioned. She wouldn’t go as far as taking the glass from Lucia but she was definitely keeping an eye out for any weird symptoms. "I can do modern songs. I'm, um, not entirely sure what you mean by 'disco' -" Carolyn mirrored the Hufflepuf’s flush. She tended to forget how diverse this school was. “Sorry, that is a muggle term. Just the general fast paced party dancing young people do to pop songs?” She wasn’t sure if her explanation made sense to the other girl but she supposed she got the idea. And in any case, she would probably do better than Carolyn at any modern dancing, good explanation or not. The young Ravenclaw was great at ballet, contemporary dancing and some ballroom dances but pop was not exactly her thing. She could do the choreographed pieces like some K-pop stuff she watched but she was not good when it came to improvisation.

Their conversation about dancing styles was cut short when Lucia noticed someone in the background. Carolyn was about to ask if she was okay and whether she knew what was up because it sure seemed like it. It was however her time to gracefully ignore the picture at hand. Once she inspected Lucia’s face, it was quite clear her friend didn’t want to talk about it. I guess we all have some people we’d rather avoid. At least hers was not currently present. “Alright, let’s try the Apollo trial then? Sounds interesting and it could be a nice change of scenery.” The witch offered with a gentle smile as she was being pulled away from the gloomy atmosphere of the Underworld.
Post tracker: [1] [2]

For Moderation :
Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 10 | ArcPower: 7 | Accuracy: 7
Abilities : Perfectionist, Healing Sage
Action : Going for the trials with Lucia.

Writing as Ella Forsberg

Nerves have taken precedence this evening for a recently cemented teenager in Ella Forsberg. Nerves for contrasting developments, first and foremost the acceptee of Ella’s company for the evening, @Maksim Preobrazhensky. Secondly, her brother's(@Nichlas Forsberg) reception of this news. Careful to share her choice of company, only providing this information for her closest and trusted friend -- @Greta Fransson.

She could not control who Maksim would inform, if anyone. Acknowledging the likelihood that the boy may just be taking her on a pity date. Though a yes is a yes, being the result of her modest approach in the Durmstrang halls earlier this year. Her connection to the boy was simple, his vibrant energy was a source of excitement, and the type of company she enjoyed to surround herself with.

The girl’s blue dress was finished with a series of gold designs and belt, and sandals that elevated her frame. After passing through the underworld, Ella searched for a source of familiarity. Still battling the discontented feelings that come with her closest friend’s choice of company this evening. Not that she would fault Greta for the feelings she could not control, but she would fault Niche for entertaining them.

“Greta!” Ella lit up on approach, carefully pulling Greta into an embrace if she accepted, attempting to preserve the formal wear and fancy hairstyles they respectively donned. “You look absolutely spectacular.” She beamed, gently pressing her forehead against Greta’s before pulling away. “Where’s Niche off to?”

Blue-gray hues swiftly turned to traverse the courtyard, searching for her intended this evening. “Seen Maks around?” Her tone lightened, a slight hiccup in her verbiage that may imply the anxious feelings swarming. She’s never attended a formal event with a boy, let alone one she actually liked. Breathe, he likes you. So be you.

Interactions: @Evelynn Decipio

Mentions: @Ami Procoppio | @Alan Vanes

Standing in the corner of the room was winter, all alone just bobbing her head to the music. She had come here alone because she had nobody ask her, besides she wasn't the biggest people person anyway. She recognized a few faces from the Hufflepuff common room and even a few from the hallways and other classes. Though she was sure they would be happy to talk to her she decided to keep to herself and see if anyone had wanted to come over and talk. "gosh it sucks being shy..." she muttered under her breath. Her shyness and anxiety had always got in the way of her making new friends. She had surprised herself by even coming here. Scanning the room she noticed the table of food, her eyes widening at the amount there. "Wow...that looks so good.." she mumbles, slowly making her way to the table trying the small finger foods that had been set up on fancy plates. Though she had the fear of speaking to new people, she secretly wished that someone would come and talk to her so she wouldn't be so alone. 'maybe i should just go back to the dorms' she considered. But she decided to just stick around for a bit longer, maybe see if she can make new friends.

(interacting with everyone)

╔════▣ Aaron Hastings ▣════╗

Outfit:

Reducio

Aaron had been practically vibrating with excitement ever since she'd received her first invitation to the ball. She was typically the type of person to immediately forget about an event after being told about it, but the constant reminders from both the organizers and her fellow classmates had kept her enthusiasm burning strong. She had never attended a ball before, or any sort of formal gathering really. Unless you counted church events, which Aaron certainly did not. Nothing killed her enthusiasm faster than getting forced into an itchy lace dress with her hair pulled up into a painfully tight bun, then being made to sit on a hard wooden bench for over an hour. She had stiffened briefly upon reading the words 'Dress Code' on her invitation, only to cackle in excitement when she learned the theme. Wanting to participate as fully as possible, Aaron had paid a rare visit to the library to find a book on the Greek gods and unearth some fashion inspiration. She'd found a thick book detailing the various Gods and the most popular stories attached to them. After spending an evening flipping through the pages, she'd decided upon Dionysus, god of wine, fertility, and ritual madness. The perfect patron for a chaotic being such as herself. After getting her hands on a dress and a comfortable pair of tie-up sandals, Aaron had created the pièce de résistance of her outfit: a Greek style wine bowl which she'd learned was called a Kylix. Seeing as it was nearly impossible to find one in short notice, she had chosen to exercise her arts and crafts skills and throw something together herself.

The night of the ball found Aaron late, messily dressed, and ready to party. She had raced back to the dorm after classes, burning with anticipation for the night's events, and hastily gotten changed. Hopping down the stairs to the common room however, she realized there were still hours before the ball started and decided to take a quick power nap in one of the plush armchairs to recharge her batteries in preparation for a long night. Only her quick power nap had extended into a very long power nap, and when she finally resurfaced from sleep the ball was already in full swing. Just as she was about to race out the door, Eirian came down the stairs from the dorms. Even when completely unintentional, the two seemed to be in perfect sync. They made their way to the ball together.

Aaron was struck with a wave of shock and amazement as they stepped into the courtyard. She wasn't sure what she'd been expecting, but it was clear the organizers had devoted blood, sweat, and tears into the planning. It truly felt like she had just walked through the gates of the underworld. A mournsome tune was haunting the air, sending chills down her spine, and the blue flames blazing in the corner painted the courtyard with eerie light. Aaron loved it. Her face immediately split into a wide grin as she stopped beside Eirian, looking around at the people already inside. She recognized a few faces, but their names were all lost to the dark recesses of her mind.

"Want to get a drink and see what's happening here before going over to the Spring area?"

Aaron turned at her friend's words and held up her wine bowl with a wicked grin, signaling her approval. If she was remembering correctly, Kaz was in charge of organizing the Spring area, but she wanted to experience what there was to experience here before moving on. She started walking towards the refreshments table, already eyeing the colourful collection of punch bowls decorating the table.

"Dionysus is here and ready to party," she called, swinging her bowl up in a toast to the room as she went, her sandals slapping loudly on the stones. When she arrived at the table, she carefully inspected the options. Each drink had a ominous glint to the gently swishing liquid, and the smells they emitted were curious to say the least. One drink in particular had a suspicious smell. Aaron was never good with choices, so she turned to Eirian and held out her bowl.

"I can’t decide. You choose me one. Make it a surprise," she said with a wink, gesturing grandly to the options. "I'll close my eyes until after my first sip."

Action: Entering the Underworld, Investigating punch tables

Interacting With: @Eirian Blake
Mentioning: @Kazuo Shimada

Stats: Stamina 6 ~ Evasion 8 ~ Strength 6 ~ Wisdom 5 ~ Arcane Power 4 ~ Accuracy 6

[quote]Marion Davenport

interacts with: @Alexander Varellion

Interacts with: @Vladimir Athanatos, @Victor Moore, @Thomas LeStrange & @Mathias Pride

"Mhm yes I heard, it is hard to miss someone shouting that you are a psychopath and people should stay away from you. How could you, this could probably fill the Hogwarts Rumour mill for a solid week. 'Student accused of being a psychopath.'"

Dear God, he did hear that. She let out a small laugh, the sort someone inserts rather than naturally makes. "If they cannot remember the actual madness, I doubt most will remember the accusation," she assured him. "Besides nobody will care if you're a psychopath dressed like that," she added.

"Well I can solidly say I am not a psychopath. For one thing I certainly do feel empathy and other emotions."[/b]

"Are you super-sure?" She asked sweetly, "House Slytherin needs to live up to the clichés." She took an exaggerated look at him, "yes I see potential mayhem. Most surely," she smiled a bit wider. He is nice. Alexander was rather different from what was described, a monstrous potential simply forgotten. Perhaps Alex was but a hair's breath from being something terrible or maybe, just maybe it was a misunderstanding. An overreaction. Maybe there was a bit of truth to what she said and the lie in the smile. An attempt to smile a bit more, a bit wider, to laugh even if there is no humor. To appear happy, unfussed - the great farce. He was 'nice' and this was wrong. Marion needed to be nice as well, not some mopey, drab armpiece for the evening. That did not settle the sense of dread that prickled the hairs on the back of her neck. Yes, he was 'nice.' Trust what you see, not what you know. Alexander looked like some sort of prince, the ones she would read about in fairy tales and never expected to see in real life. He was polite, well-mannered, calm. There was nothing wrong with him. He was... is...

She complimented his attire. She meant it but she felt like she was in an echo chamber, the same thought repeating over and over again in her head.

"This ?"

Yes, that. She nodded affirmatively.

"I am afraid it does not fit the theme, but I didn't have the opportunity to get an outfit more fitting for the theme. As this was prepared about 3 months before. And it would be a waste not to use a perfectly good outfit."

"Some people did not even try," she observed. The black on black 'I don't give a broody crap'-look was contagious, noting Athanatos and LeStrange somewhat matched. She would give the Slytherin Prefect a glare as she saw him enter with a friend, perhaps date. If you want to talk about someone 'dangerous' or 'problematic' that is the guy you want to go after she thought to herself. She never quite forgave him for the Owlery or the comments he made at the dance, she had no intentions of either. Yes, this is what one would call a vendetta.

"I would complement your appearance but truly no words have ever been conceived that can even come close to describing your beauty."

Awww... Well, he got her attention again.

"Though amazing could be an acceptable alternative."

Dumbfounded for a moment, her expression akin to her thoughts -- awww. Nobody ever really complimented her like that. She got a 'good it fits' from Vlad. She got a snarky remark about overusing pink from his cousin.

"And so on this auspicious night, with many dressed like the gods, I saw something truly divine. With the moonlight reflecting off her skin I saw a goddess on earth. Ethereal and beautiful, drifting over the earth her feet barely touching the earth. And in her smile, I could see beauty beyond any jewel or crown. "

Dear god stop it. She was red in the face but it was not the angry sort, more the flushed, awkward sort where she had no idea what to say considering what she was just told. Fancy words and poetic phrases. Lavish him similarly? Yes, that was the right answer, "you- I-" help! Words where did you go! "You're so different," no, that was not what she meant to say! Something-something - Greek, laurels and wine. She lacked the mastery of her native tongue to say something in kind.

"Now that that Shakespearian fugue is over, would you care to join me at the Spring section? Things are getting far too chaotic, and though the decoration is well-done, it is somewhat sombre. I prefer the Spring of Demeter to the underworld of Hades. "

Her eyes opened a bit when he said that. She thought she had head something else. "Ah ye-yeah, we super-should," she agreed as she looked around nervously. She would grab onto his arm with both of hers, he would feel the cold once again - like an icicle has latched onto his arm. Nothing was supposed to go wrong at this dance. she was not going to jump fall off a broom, nobody was going to come in to break things up, Vladimir had nothing left to rob. Vic had no body to impress. All she had to do was watch him go.