Faerietale Endings Fall Ball 2022 Locked

Rita`s outfit:
Rita was just talking to her friend Kay when her other friend Tesla, who promised to dance with her, finally arrived at the courtyard and was wandering around the ball at first, before seeing her and greeted to her. Word cannot describe Rita`s delight when she saw her friend Tesla, so she even held out her arms and attempted to give Tesla a hug, hoping Tesla would not mind that.

"Hi, Tesla! On cloud nine to see you here! You look stunning wearing your sky blue dress with tree branches and tree leaves on it! It`s OK, you are not very late, at least you finally come here! I was even worrying that you will never come here! I hope you don`t mind a friendly little hug from me! I am just too excited! Rita said to Tesla delightedly, "Now, let`s dance together! Let`s just put our arms together and dance a waltz, shall me? I hope you don`t mind that!

Rita also said to Marius, Ash, and Elena, "I`m sorry, guys! Since my dance partner Tesla has arrived, I may dance with her for some time, so, sorry I can`t dance with you guys for now! It`s great to meet you guys, and I hope you have a great time tonight at the ball!" "Alright, I finally has a dance partner now! I would no longer be jealous of those who have partners to dance with!" Rita thought while attempting to hold out her arms and start dancing with Tesla.
Word count: 253
Interacting with: @Tesla Stone
Mentioning: @Marius Brown @Ashleigh Hazelwood @Elena Jangleton @Kayla Realma

Dialogue: ✕ | Thoughts: ✕ | Quotes: ✕
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Monica stood outside the entrance to the ball, lurking slightly in shadowed spot, not even the moonlight graced her skin. Kiwi perched on her shoulder, tucked under Monica's blue hair as it fell in perfect curls past her shoulders. Her black dress. elegant, and tossing in the breeze was everything she had hoped for. Her only addition to the garment was adding a small sling to the back of the corset, for Kiwi to rest if she so chose.

Monica watched as different people passed by entering the Ball. Doubtful she was noticed, she made a point to wait well out of the way, and out of eye sight. For some odd reason, looking like she was waiting was far worse then just walking into the festive area alone, but there was a set plan, to meet Beatrice and Skraele outside of the Courtyard, and enter in together.

Monica leaned against a tree, stroking Kiwi's head, many people that walked by were friendly faces, and ones that Monica knew fairly well, but she didn't engage with anyone, just let herself remain unnoticed. Kiwi began to stretch, letting out a rather large yawn for such a tiny creature, "I know... I'm sure it wont be too much longer a wait." she said to the rat, but in all honesty, mostly to herself.

As the wind brushed by her, shaking the leaves that hung above, Monica began to worry, "what if they don't show up? What if they are already inside and didn't bother to wait for me?" Her thoughts began to spin with every moment as it passed. Watching more and more file into the party, the noise growing with every addition.

"They wouldn't have done that... I am sure they are just late... that must be it!" Monica shifted her feet, her soles growing soar from idol standing.

"Alright....5 more minutes and I'll just head in." It seemed fair, she didn't want to be waiting all night, but she didn't want to end up being the jerk who was impatient if they were just simply running late.

She watched a bird landing on a branch just above her, it's silhouette in the moon shining just behind it.

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Action:
Arriving at Ball, Waiting outside the event for her other Fiends to Arrive.

OPEN TO INTERACTION

| 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Skraele Valasse |@Beatrice Langstreth |

IIIJ

Colin smiled. "Yep! Once I get to know someone. I reckon it's a lot like recognising someone by their voice, right?" Keith seemed to worry over Colin a bit. He really did feel out of sorts. Wait. Did Keith just say he'd --- done research? Colin raised one eyebrow, but then he thought about what that might mean. "N---No, Keith, that's actually pretty cool! You can tell me all about it!" He laughed a little. That felt good.

Colin smiled when Keith said he'd look good with a headband like crown. A vision of himself carving out a magical kingdom and being crowned by his trusty purple haired comrade in arms flitted across his imagination. He wondered, though, had he hurt Keith when he poked on his crown just now? Maybe there was some sharp bit that stuck out?

He lost focus a bit though as Keith started talking with Violet and Taizu. He sat up straight when he saw Clair gesturing dramatically as she talked with Lily. "Colin lad, you really were being stupid," he said under his breath. He had thought before that Clair didn't want to go with him, that maybe she'd found someone else. Turns out he was really stupid for thinking that in the first place. AngelFyre had gotten him to see sense on that. Eventually.

And now, as he watched Clair and Lily talking, it was clear they were friends. He liked Lily from the start, back at the first night feast. She seemed smart and cool.

And then things started getting weird. Started shifting in his mind. He watched as his best friend, AngelFyre, entered the courtyard with her beloved Simon. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he could guess it was probably something sweet. He kind of wished he could hear them above the sounds of the gathering, though. Simon was a little older. Maybe he could learn something --- Colin's eye's flew open --- romantic? to say to Clair...

Er.

At least something other than about chasing after rabbits! AngelFyre had taken Simon's hand. That was a good one, Colin noted. His older sister Moira had always said that you've got to take the young lady by the hand when you enter the ball. And she could quote dozens of ancient stories where that happened just like this! Mind you, Colin usually lost interest at about that time, since he was more interested in the bits about hunting the monsters and adventuring. He now wished he'd paid a little more attention.

And then they were dancing! So close to each other! And they kissed. And in Colin's mind, it was no longer AngelFyre and Simon, but Clair and Colin, their arms around each other dancing slowly under the brilliant stars. It was Colin who had held Clair's hand and Clair who had begun the dance he realised that he was staring through Violet --- she probably thinks I'm weird, now --- and at Clair. Colin began to feel like he too was being watched --- and he realised that Clair had actually been looking at him all this while! He smiled at Clair! AngelFyre had admonished him not to mope or sulk --- there was no way he could do that! Just seeing her seemed to stoke him and he felt energized!

He took a deep, ragged breath as he came up out of his reverie. The sounds of the ball slowly returned and he realised that he hadn't heard anything his friends were saying. Clair had turned her own gaze away from him and the memory of it was burned into Colin's mind. "That's a great idea guys! Let's do it!!"

A look of shock crossed Colin's features. He looked from Violet to Taizu to Keith. He realised that he must have been zoned out. He had no idea what they were talking about. Surely they must think I've gone mad! he thought. He laughed: "I have no idea what you lot are talking about! Whatever it is, let's do it! Wait. Where did Rebecca go? Did he leave already?"

Colin shrugged. He'd show up again eventually!

Colin hopped down from his perch on the stone sill. He'd pay for this bundle of energy tomorrow, but for now, he was looking for Clair and wanted to do something fun!

@Keith Moore | @Violet Grace | @Rebecca Loops | @Taizu Miyashiro|| Mentions @Clair Fernandez | @Lily Blaze | @AngelFyre McCubbin

Inventory: Wand; miscellaneous bits of this and that in his pockets.
Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 7 | Arcane Power: 6 | Accuracy: 6
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─────Astrid put on her converse and almost ran out of the Durmstrang cabin. She tripped over her long dress and almost fell but recovered her balance at the last moment. She knew very well that as a Quidditch player, she had to have a minimum of balance but it was quite dark and it must have been a year since she had worn platform converse. And she had excellent balance when she wanted it.
─────Before arriving in the courtyard, Astrid wrapped her front locks around her finger to make them curl slightly. Finished, she took a few steps into the courtyard and turned around to admire the decoration. Astrid, an absolute fan of cottagecore and fairycore aesthetics, was mainly there to judge the decoration. And she had to admit that they had done a good job.
─────After having well judged almost all the decorations present in the courtyard, Astrid paid attention to the people present. There were obviously her Durmstrang comrades, some students she recognized from the summer camp, and sitting on the edge of the fountain, a girl who had participated in the mutiny with Astrid. They had both been werewolves and they had won. Astrid approached the fountain and saw the frog and the fairies in more detail.
— Hi fairies! Hi... Della, right?

Fall Ball Outfit:

Reducio

"Thank you," Beatrice said. Her voice sounded different than normal, but not in a bad way. It sounded sweet and gentle. By the look of her face, Beatrice also seemed to be self-conscious about it.

Rani nervously watched in anticipation as Beatrice carefully opened the envelope. The card fell into her hands, and she read it. Rani couldn't quite tell what the girl was thinking. She hoped she wasn't weirded out.

Then the girl looked into the envelope where the bracelet was, at Rani, and into the envelope again. She looked touched. Rani was relieved. It felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She wasn't entirely sure why she'd been so nervous about this. It was just an ordinary friend thing to do, right? They were just friends. Or did she really feel that way? Rani didn't know anymore. This was the first time she was confused by her own thoughts and feelings.

"Thank you, Rani. That's so cute." Beatrice's voice sounded all breathy. She took the bracelet out of the envelope and put it on her wrist. "Could you help me tighten it?" She held out her wrist in front of Rani.

"Of course. I'm so glad you like it," Rani replied, as she reached out and, as gently as possible with her slightly shaking hands, she tightened the bracelet around Beatrice's wrist.

Partner:@Beatrice Dupont
Action: Talking to Beatrice, helping her with her bracelet.
Inventory: Wand

Blue in English, Red in Korean

Eun-ji’s smile grew when she heard Flash chuckle. It was a beautiful sound and she longed to hear it more often. It was an impossible wish however. As things were, there was not a great deal to laugh about in either of their lives so all she could do was treasure these little moments for when she needed them the most. “As you should,” The Ravenclaw retorted graciously, rewarding him with a short curtsy before chuckling as well. She was already in a good mood and the evening barely started.

“You look phenomenal.” Eun-ji couldn’t help but blush at the praise. Phenomenal seemed like a strong word especially since she could tell Flash truly meant it. It was not just an empty compliment many liked to give during such events simply because that was what you were supposed to do. “Thank you. I’m sorry for going a bit over the top but my grandmother isn’t capable of doing anything less than that I’m afraid.” If it was up to her entirely, the woman would probably choose a Red or Snow queen just so she could send something even more fancy. The fairy tale theme was lovely but somewhat dangerous in that regard. Eun-ji was honestly relieved that this time, at least her opinion wasn’t completely disregarded.

Listening to the Slytherin’s next words, the witch simply nodded in agreement. “Me too. I wasn’t discouraged enough to not attend the previous ones but I have been plenty cautious and a bit paranoid. This time, I’m just happy to be in a good company.” She said while smiling at her partner. To be fair, she always had a good company but today just felt different. Eun-ji honestly couldn’t care less what would happen this time. She felt oddly calm in Flash’s presence and she knew whatever came their way, she’d do her absolute best to protect him. That is also why she made sure to learn all possible healing spells before the ball. It was not a one sided deal however. The truth was, even with all that was going on in his life, she too felt protected with him by her side. “Thank you.” The Ravenclaw said once again as she accepted his arm, holding it gently...just enough not to lose him had someone bumped into her. What used to be a simple social gesture in the past felt like so much more today. Eun-ji quickly elected to ignore this discovery. It would do her no good. She’d probably only end up more terrified than she already was.

The Ravenclaw listened to Flash while doing her best to avoid any possible collisions. Despite being led away from the biggest masses, she was swiftly reminded how much she hated crowds. “Well, there is the petting ZOO but I’m not feeling particularly cruel today so you shall be excused from that activity.” The girl teased once again. It was probably clear from her expression that she didn’t mind in the slightest. Yes, it was right up her alley but the mere prospect of them just talking was plenty exciting to her. It felt like they never had enough time to do so. “Alright then. If you are feeling okay then how about one dance while we figure out what else we wanna to do? My only rule for Hogwarts balls is don’t eat anything. I’d rather take you to the kitchens and cook something myself if you are hungry than risk whatever lays on those tables.” Honestly, no food was safe at the school events. Either the staff made an unfortunate mistake or students thought it would be fun to ruin everybody’s day with a food prank. No thank you. She would one hundred percent leave the ball for a simple dinner with her date than playing the medieval food taster game.

Interacting with: @ Flash Holmwood
Action: N/A

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Others words
Violet's words

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Hearing that she looked like ‘’cutest fairy godmother ever’’ from a giggling Colin made Violet feel a bit shy. She wasn’t used to compliments. Colin introduced her to 2 other boys who were there with him. Red realised she didn’t even consider them before she saw a familiar face go to talk to him. The boy with purple hair (which Violet noted that was interesting) , Keith, complimented her too and she thanked him with a nodding smile.
Another face joined the little crowd, it was Rebecca who was wearing a shirt with flowers and a tied ribbon around his neck.
Rebbecca joined in saying “Evening, Gentlemen! And Lady! Looking quite sharp!” and gave Violet a thumbs up. Violet couldn’t reply, feeling a bit shy but grateful for the sudden multiple compliments. Sure, she thought her starry dress fit her well but again, she wasn’t used to compliments.
Colin smirked at Rebecca. "You should talk! You look quite the charmer tonight! Sorry I'm not half so charming tonight as I usually am.’’
Violet had thought he was fine, so she wondered if there was something hidden going on with him. ‘’Don’t worry Colin, you are fine’’ she said with a friendly smile, not sure he even heard it with the whole ball crowd’s noises, he also was also looking somewhere else.
‘’Hey! Look over there! Isn't that Jannette running out? I wonder what happened. Hope she's okay." he said and Violet noticed Jannette Applebottom was running out, was she crying?
Both Keith and Rebbecca showed their concerns about Janette. Rebecca decided to run after her before anyone could stop him. Violet called after him but he kept going, looking after Janette.
Then red noticed that Colin looked like his mind was somewhere else.
‘’Hey Colin, are you ok?’’ she said, waving her hand to make him notice. After that he came back to normal and admitted he didn’t know what we were talking about for the past few seconds and asked where Rebecca was.
‘’He went after Jannette, should we follow him? I’m worried about her too, I think she might have been crying’’ Red said with her arms around her chest, thoughtful.

Bubba was on the verge of sensory overload at this point. All he had wanted to do was get to the ball and find Sam. Instead, he'd been run into, had a doll thrown at him, and apparently, everyone wanted to talk to him. Bubba didn't mind talking to people but this was a little silly, he wasn't very good at holding twenty-five conversations at the same time. He seemed to have reached something of a conversational lull. Then, it happened.

There she was, looking resplendent in a dress of feathers, her normally wavy hair straightened and tied behind her. She was wearing a beautiful swan necklace and matching earrings. The whole effect was quite something but he had almost not recognized her. He had always considered her cute but tonight she was absolutely stunning. The whole outfit wasn't lost on him. He tried to place it - the feathers, the swan necklace, and the theme of the ball. His first thought was Swan Lake but it didn't quite fit. Instead, he thought maybe it might be The Ugly Duckling, although he didn't really know why, she was quite pretty without the whole getup. But that didn't matter now.

The stately, suave, and confident boy he'd been since he arrived seemed to evaporate with each step she took toward him. What the hell was he doing? Why the hell was he here? His throat was tightening and going quite dry. He could feel himself break out into a sweat that had nothing to do with the heat. As she kept walking toward him he realized he hadn't gotten her anything. In a surprisingly smooth move considering how he was freezing up, he dropped to a knee and felt the doll leave his hand. In the same motion, he picked up a Love-in-a-Mist flower that had fallen from the broken bouquet. It all happened so fast that it could've easily been sleight of hand.

He turned and broke from the group and took a couple of steps until they were face to face. She said hi and he was as beet red as she was. He opened his mouth and tried to say hi but nothing came out. He took a deep breath and steeled himself to try again, this time it worked and he broke through. "Hello," he said with a broad, but very nervous smile, "you look... absolutely stunning." He still couldn't quite believe his luck. As the last words left his mouth he extended his hand, offering her the flower.

Interacting: @Samantha Salwis Mentioning: N/A

His mood seemed to have brightened tremendously from what it had been at the start of the evening, and that lightened AngelFyre’s heart quite a bit. Not for her, but for Simon. Dancing, as it would turn out, would be a way for the two to connect and shut out the rest of the world for the rest of their lives. It would never exactly solve the cause of whatever problem they may face, of course, but it was never meant to. Its power was even greater than that as by the end, they could each walk away from it feeling stronger individually and even moreso as a couple, ready to face anything. It was not a one-off go to by any means. AngelFyre had begun to think of it as the way in which they recharged themselves as a unit. Maybe it was not the dancing per se, but the closeness. Whatever it was exactly did not matter really. She just knew it worked and she was glad that the Ball had been something for them to look forward to. Simon had needed it.

She knew her fellow had been having a hard time with dark moods since mid-summer and was not feeling at all like his usual, sunny-dispositioned self more times than he would like to admit. She also knew he was scared. Really scared. Probably more scared than he had ever been about anything in his life, including the possibility of never really knowing his father. Never getting to truly know his father would be a mystery and a sadness, but his imagination could fashion Adrian Hawthorne and their relationship into anything Simon dared imagine it to be. That he had some degree of power to control, but on the subject of his dhampir aura he was floundering. He was uncertain where to find his power to control it or how to even access it.

On more than a few occasions Simon had tried explaining to her what was happening to him, but even that had been a struggle for him, which only added to his frustration. He had said enough that she thought she had an inkling of what he was trying to convey. It sounded as if he was feeling like his own self was retreating into a void within as an inherited darkness was steadily creeping forward, leaving her love struggling to hold onto himself; the self who felt like a friend in his own skin; the self who was a child of God, warm, patient, outgoing, and eager to know everyone and to be of help to them if he could.

Simon was still all that he ever was… and more… but he was doubting it. And the sad fact was there was probably little AngelFyre could say to him to make him believe otherwise. She could only be with him and try to help him see the Simon she knew and loved through her eyes, but would a reflection be enough? Probably not, but maybe it would be enough of a life preserver for him to hold onto until they found the answer. Everything they had researched indicated that his dhampir aura could be controlled. That was promising, but it was easy to say. If true, little by way of concrete information had been given to direct them as to how he was to go about controlling it exactly. And of course, he was closer to 14 now than he was 13, so it was likely he was also having to contend with a tidal wave of hormones coursing through him with the onset of puberty. That alone would have been troublesome enough to navigate through for any young male even without the added burden of his dhampir aura kicking in on top of it.

In short, Simon Kincaid was dealing with a whole heck of a lot right now. Amidst all of it, however, he could still muster… did still muster…. glimmers of the boy she fell in love with less than 30 hours after first meeting him. That boy, the boy standing next to her in this moment, well that was the boy even Simon would recognize as himself.

He did not know how brave he was, but AngelFyre did.

As they left the dancing area, AngelFyre decided that their dressy selves needed the extra bump of formality that mere hand holding just could not deliver, so she hooked her arm through Simon’s and smiled over at the living, breathing, in the flesh embodiment of her very own, real life, Prince Charming. She smiled to herself as she recalled writing to her father about Simon for the very first time the night he kissed her hand in the Library. She should have gone straight to the Common Room, but she instead ran directly to the Owlery to pen a letter to her father. When she received her father’s reply, he referred to Simon as her Prince Charming. AngelFyre bristled at that upon reading it, determined never to need a Prince Charming, but looking over at Simon in this moment, she knew it was less about the need to have one so much as it was about the blessing to have one. If one is to believe the poet John Donne, “no man is an island”. We all need to be rescued at some point.

Feeling a little nostalgic and sorely missing her father in that moment of all things, AngelFyre blinked hard a few times and laughed softly. “Do you remember, Simon, the night in the Library when I placed my hand to your heart for the very first time and you then took it in yours and kissed it? Well, that night was actually my father’s first introduction to you,” and their pace slowed just a little as he turned his head towards her, cocked just slightly, which AngelFyre knew meant he was eager to hear more.

“I shamefully left you there all alone to stack my books because I needed to go fill out my dueling application in the Common Room if you recall. I swear I really had planned to do just as I told you I would, and I did eventually, but I was so over the moon happy in that moment that I instead ran directly to the Owlery and penned …or should I say quilled?” and she shot him a quick little smirk before continuing, “... a letter telling my father that a boy name Simon Ezra Kincaid had just kissed my hand. I assured him most earnestly he should not worry about it because Simon was a perfect gentleman AND had a girlfriend,” and at that point, AngelFyre laughed right out loud, squeezing Simon’s arm. “But here is the best part,” and she came to a full stop, looking steadfastly at the face she loved most in the whole world, “I also told him that I was going to marry you, though you did not know it yet,” and at that she really started to laugh. “Oh my God, Simon… can you believe that? I then followed that little bombshell by telling him that it did not matter how long it took, I could be patient and wait for you. I ended by telling him that he was still my best fella,” and she looked down at that point, just as a single tear fell to the ground. “And he always had been, right up until February 15, 2022,” she said in a voice just barely above a whisper.

When she was certain no more tears would threaten to ruin her perfectly applied make up, she looked back up and squeezed his arm, prodding them gently and slowly forward once again. “So why am I telling you all of this now you may be wondering?” and she quickly glanced at him to see a little nod of his head as curiosity danced in his sparkling eyes. “Well, because when Daddy sent a reply back, he told me that he hoped to be able to meet my Prince Charming sometime before the wedding, but that my Prince Charming could take as long as he needed…. you know, like 30-40 years,” and then they both laughed after which AngelFyre sighed deeply.

“I used to balk at the idea of a Prince Charming because I knew I would grow into a woman who could take care of myself, thankyouverymuch, and maybe I can, or will be able to, but that function really is not the point of a Prince Charming at all as I see it now. At least not the whole point, anyway. The point is to have that special person by your side, through thick and thin, who charms you simply by doing nothing but being themselves. His very presence has the power to soothe because he is the puzzle piece that completes the bigger picture of the princess’ life. Prince Charming is more than a rescuer and a savior. He is a help mate….a faith partner… a friend… a lover… a support system… a problem solver…. a receptacle in which to deposit abundant love, affection, and nurturing…and yes, a provider and protector. But one thing he is not, nor should he ever be, is a solo actor. His Princess Charming should be the puzzle piece that completes the bigger picture of his life as well, delivering to him the things he needs and craves.”

They were almost to the food laden tables at this point, but AngelFyre stopped one last time. She took a few moments in silence to look him over in his princely garb, and smiled as she once again took it all in. Just as she had done in the Library on that night so long ago, AngelFyre stepped forward and placed her hand over his heart, feeling the strong, slow heartbeats beneath begin to quicken. Turning her gaze towards his, they both understood the solemnity of that gesture and that which was about to follow. “My hand to your heart, Simon, you have always been, you are still, and you always will be, my Prince Charming. That is just who you are, mo chridhe (my heart), and nothing you are going through right now changes any of that,” and as she finished, she moved even closer to him, bringing both of her hands up to cup his cheeks as she softly kissed his lips.

When their lips at last parted, the happy couple made their way to the tables, once again hand in hand. Maybe she was imagining it, but Simon seemed to have a little more bounce in his step. He truly surprised her when in response to her question he told her he trusted absolutely nothing on the table, yet he picked up two goblets anyway, offering one to her. Even though shocked, she accepted the goblet and could not help but smile as she listened to his wonderful toast. "To us; Angelfyre McCubbin and Simon Kincaid. To our past days, our current days, and into our happily ever after - may we continue to laugh, love, support, and strengthen." Just beaming, she cleared her throat and tried valiantly to erase her heartfelt smile in order to assume a more noble air about her. While nodding most regally in his direction, she lost the battle and the beaming smile once again returned. Simon just made the girl happy. There was simply no hiding that fact. But now she was momentarily left with a dilemma.

Should she pretend to drink from the goblet or should she actually drink from it? Her fellow was feeling particularly emboldened it would seem, and she was ecstatic about that, but what if it went awry? What if the beverage had been spiked and trouble was about rear its ugly head. The love potion laced cupcakes immediately tripped across her mind. Simon was clearly going to drink from his goblet. That looked to be a given. Would he need her to help him? Would she be able to if she drank from hers? Then she looked at him again and his whole demeanor was inviting his partner to join him, come what may. She smiled. It was another trust fall moment between the two.

Come what may, my love.

Offering a toast of her own, AngelFyre’s would simply acknowledge the immediacy and adventure of the moment before them. “Take everything in moderation, including moderation,” and she laughed giddily as she clanged her goblet against Simon’s, after which they both took a welcome drink to slake their thirst from all the dancing they had done.

She was immediately relieved when neither of them seemed to be acting or feeling strangely. Whew! What a relief. Perhaps everything really was safe to eat and drink, so she looked over the offerings. Like her fellow, AngelFyre was drawn to the stew. Yes, it contained meat, but it was steaming hot and it smelled delicious. She could see vegetables in it a plenty so that sealed the deal. She successfully avoided ladling any meat into her bowl and happily joined Simon as they secreted away to a dark corner away from the food table and ate in silence. She watched him looking around, probably looking for Clair. She took a few seconds to look for Colin, and then as if scripted, their eyes came back to each other at the same moment.

“Since you gave me authority to direct the order of our itinerary, I think we should head to the petting zoo next. And I - uhhh - I also heard something about a pumpkin carriage ride as well,” and she looked steadily at him as if to say, without actually having to say it, that such a thing would only add to the faerie tale magic of the night. “That sounds romantic, right?” and she incrementally scooted as close as she could get to him without actually sitting in his lap.

But she had not ruled that possibility out either.