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

[senseandcecilbility]

We did not get that far! He mentioned a girl!

[A girl!]

[crocodilesmiles]

Who? Ahiru?

( Asked with a twitch of her lips. )

Would you rather a boy?

[senseandcecilbility]

[His face turns beet red and he makes an incoherent, pleading noise.]

COLLETTE!

[crocodilesmiles]

Ahahah, yes, that's my name, no need to shout or anything!

( She brings her hands to her mouth, hiding her smile there. )

Is the thought of dancing really that scary?

[senseandcecilbility]

...

[Well, that only makes him more embarrassed.]

If it is a hidden talent, it I fear it is rather well hidden.

[crocodilesmiles]

Well you can't possibly be worse at it than I am.

( And so said, she reaches out, setting her glass of half-full water on the nearest surface.

And holds out her hand to Kevin, quirking up an eyebrow. )

[senseandcecilbility]

[Girl on a wheelchair.

Asking him for a dance.

That is.just.cheating.]

Well, I would be remiss in my duties as gentleman if I---

[He bows politely and takes her hand. This is going to be the most awkward thing ever, he can tell.]

[crocodilesmiles]

( Collette isn't expecting grace, and that is probably the one reason she actually made the offer. It's easier, and more fun, to be able to laugh about it as it happens. )

Lead the way, Mister Kevin!

( She uses her free hand to make sure she keeps a decent page with him, not sure if he'll actually realize the way she holds his hand in return it to help with a steady, easy and responsive roll of her wheels. It's much lighter and smoother coming along than he might expect -- particularly with his century's version of a similar device. )

What kind of dance should we be doing to this?

( She asks, not readily able to identify what kind of song is playing. )

[senseandcecilbility]

[His face pales rather noticeably as he tries to imagine poor Collette suffering his cakewalk, cotillion or gavotte. His final answer is an incoherent groan as he holds her hand in a slightly panicky fashion.]

P-perhaps we should...follow the rhythm...Slowly?!

[Maybe after this is over, he will understand how she is operating the wheelchair in order to make things easier, but right now he is mostly concentrated on not falling on top of her and causing a scandal.]

[crocodilesmiles]

( A scandal largely built on laughter over a mishap on the dancefloor? But Kevin! They could be Transport Famous!

Also how does one follow the rhythm at any speed what is that nonsense -- Collette nods, watching him and moving herself accordingly. Or, more notably, letting him move and keeping from tripping him up. Poor man is so nervous as it is!

So she does try to stay out of his way, but how well that goes depends on Kevin. After all, it does take two to tango, so to speak! (Even when tangoes were not involved. Neither were mangoes, and the lack of mangoes was rather more saddening.) )

Okay. Sounds simple enough!

[senseandcecilbility]

[That is the sort of fame he would like to avoid, really. He very much wishes to keep his eyes tightly shut out of embarrassment, but that only would cause that very same scandal he fears so. With a few stiff steps, he carefully, carefully, leads the way, which mostly involves going back and forth, and turning one or two semi-circles. Why is the song still going on? Can't this be over yet? He looks down at Collette, hoping she is not too traumatized.]

I do not...recognize it either.

[crocodilesmiles]

( Her tongue's sticking out the side of her mouth as she concentrates on moving with him, watching his legs and feet over the rest. Thus she's looking down with that concentration when he glances down to her. )

Must be a modern Exsilium style!

( She says a beat later, risking a glance back up at him with a guileless smile. )

[senseandcecilbility]

[Guileless smiles are also cheating, and he cannot help but smile back, finding some peace as he does so. He manages to relax, even if he was not lying about his dancing skills. Not by far. ]

A..a little too modern, if I dare say so.

[crocodilesmiles]

( She giggles; )

Too modern for either of us! Be glad you never saw a party like what my brother talked about though.

( The dancing there was far less... uh.

Or far more.

.... The dancing there was much more blatantly not about dancing. )

[senseandcecilbility]

[Kevin has the strong intuition that it is a good thing indeed that he was never been present at any such parties.]

I feel...unexpectedly fortunate.

[He takes one more awkward step with her before the song abruptly ends. He bows like a true gentleman and even refrains from showing any signs of relief. ]

[crocodilesmiles]

( Collette gives him a grin like the cat that knows very well when the canary will be left unattended. )

Now you can tell Oz you did dance with a girl!

( AND THUS HER PLOT IS so clearly devious and about teasing at least two people in this process. )

See, that wasn't so bad!

( Now let's navigate out of the dance floor and back to the tables! )

[senseandcecilbility]

[Why is Collette so perfect. Kevin laughs that angel's laughter of his.]

I see I have been tricked for my own good. Though Collette, gentlemen should not brag.

[Especially when she did most of the dancing.]

[crocodilesmiles]

( She has to admit she enjoys the sound of his laughter. )

Then I know a lot more non-gentlemen than I know gentlemen. And I think a little bragging's all right! Mostly when it's true, and even then, mostly among good friends or in private.

Though most boasters boast loudly and in public.

( She grins. )

I suggest the quiet approach with Oz.

[senseandcecilbility]

[He accompanies her back to the corner. Yes, much safer this way.]

...I dare say Master Oz does not strike me as the quiet type.

[There is some obvious fondness in his voice. It is quite apparent that Oz has caused a good impression.]

[crocodilesmiles]

I think it depends on his mood.

( Comes her noncomittal response. She feels Oz has a variety of moods -- and his type is harder to define. Some elements are quiet. Others are far less so.

Still, she focuses on the fondness in Kevin's voice, glad to hear that over anything else she could have heard. )

But you may be right. Should I leave you to attend your tables, Kevin?

( She grins, shotting him a wink to go along with her playful tone of voice. )

[senseandcecilbility]

[Depends on his mood. That particular group seems full of surprises.

He smiles cheerfully at her comment.]

It is rather fortunate for those like me that, in spite of all this world's advancements, waiting on tables is still a possibility.

Thank you for the dance, Collette.

[crocodilesmiles]

Anytime, Kevin! You know where to find me if you ever need a partner again.

( Because helping people to laugh with each other, or thumb noses at each other over silly things, is something she enjoys. )

Catch ya later!

( And with a wave, she's off! )