Cometh the Big Crying Wheel

[initiates]

Date & Time: Sept 15th
Location: A refurbished castle on the outskirts of Exsilium.
Characters: Anyone at the party!
Summary: Vanadi hosts a party that goes very poorly.
Warnings: Violence, probably! Let a mod know if we should update this.


It’s a lovely night for a party!

The venue at the outskirts of town is, unfortunately, a bit drafty — and actually rather sparsely furnished, as well. In fact, party goers are encouraged to mingle, drink, and enjoy themselves in the courtyard, as the castle itself wasn’t able to be renovated in time, and has proven to be a little bit architecturally unsound. Any explorative guests might find a small hail of dust and pebbles on their heads if they venture too far in — and who knows what else, if they continue on.

But the drinks and snacks both are plentiful and delicious, and the large canvas set up from castle wall to castle wall keeps off the sprinkling rain. The weather could even be described as warmish and pleasant, if one were feeling generous. A group of Exiles plays classic instruments in one corner of the courtyard, having been paid enough to even smile at any Transports that wander near.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a good night. Until about 10 PM, that is. Come 10 PM, the Misery rolls into town, tearing down the canvas, nullifying powers, and crying corrosive blood everywhere. That’s the cue for all hell to break loose, as the final wave of mind-controlled characters snag their victims and make for the hills — or at least for the UE. The mind-controlled characters will also have the backup of a squadron of 20 of the Masked, the UE's special ops force. The Masked's main goal is to grab those on their list and get away, but they're certainly not above shooting to kill at anyone that gets in their way. They're also highly trained in hand-to-hand combat and physically enhanced by their suits, so they're a good bunch to try to avoid.

But do have a wonderful time until then, won’t you?

Comments

[velveteened]

( he laughs before holding out a hand, all proper gentleman )

You caught me. So, would you like to do me the honor?

[quackery]

Of course.

[Her smile widens, taking on a gentler tone, as she reaches out to take his hand.]

You know, I've never seen you dance before. I bet you're good at it.

[velveteened]

( he leads her out onto the dance floor as the music changes to a slower, softer melody. )

I could say the same. Do you know how to waltz?

[quackery]

Only a little...

[She knows enough to put the hand that's not held in his up on his shoulder, at least.]

I'm really sorry if I step on your feet at all!

[velveteened]

It's easy, don't worry. Just follow my lead.

( he does the same, then pauses as he listens for a good time in the music to start before doing so, slowly so it's easy for her to follow. )

[quackery]

[She does as he says, nervous and clumsy for the first few beats, before she starts to calm down. It's easier with him than it would be with most others; there's trust and ease and comfort.]

Am I doing it right?

[velveteened]

( dances like this he learned long enough ago to be able to do without too much thought to it, so it's not too difficult to adjust to make things easier for her when it seems like she's about to misstep. )

You're doing fine. I wouldn't have guessed you're a beginner at all.

[quackery]

You're better at it than I am.

[He's flattering her, she's sure. Still, she looks down at her feet, modest. Watching her feet makes a good excuse for avoiding eye contact for the moment. Why are you so embarrassing Oz gosh!!!!]

[velveteened]

( he laughs, continuing to lead. )

I've just had more practice!

[quackery]

That doesn't make what I said not true!

[She laughs too, though, and looks back up at him once she's more sure of her footing. She relaxes into it, sliding in rather than stumbling in, and - though she's not great by any stretch of the imagination, she's at least holding her own with the simple steps.]

[velveteened]

I'm going to try something, okay?

( he offers it by way of warning before gently pushing her out into a turn. )

[quackery]

[Her hands tightens on his shoulder and she almost tells him to stop, but before she can start, it's already begun. the skirt of her dress trails along after her, and she can feel the wind move through her hair. She doesn't feel like she's stumbling along like she had mere seconds ago ago; she feels like she's gliding for that one moment.]

A-Are you supposed to do that?

[velveteened]

( she really does look beautiful like that.

he makes sure to keep a firm grip on her as she turns before pulling her back, returning his hand to her shoulder. )

Why not?

[quackery]

I don't know, it was just - unexpected!

[She laughs, though, because there's a certain giddiness to how unexpected that was. A certain giddiness about everything, really; it's dry here for once, warm and safe, and people are laughing and dancing and smiling all around them, and she's with someone she cares about immeasurably.]

[velveteened]

( he can't help laughing at her laugh, leading her back into the steps, a little faster now that she's getting used to it. )

But you're having fun, right?

[quackery]

Of course I am! Are you?

[velveteened]

Of course!

( the music starts to swell and slow, winding down. )