The Ballroom

Taking one more glance in the mirror, she quickly turned to exit the closet, then the bedroom itself. She didn't realize, of course, that the bloodstained paintbrush and needle were still lying in all of their secret horror on top of her dresser, in plane site. Making her way quickly down the hallway, and eventually, down the stairs, she advanced rather quickly to the ballroom a few floors below the Royal's Chambers. Would Naili and Sachiel already be there? Would other people? She was running late, later than expected. She hurried, now, following the sounds of music below her. Making her way steadily down the staircase, she made her way speedily to the door of the ballroom; only to stop. Yesterday she hadn't taken the time to take in the beauty of the room Sachiel had created; it was like an unstoppable force now, holding her from entering, instead, keeping her eyes wide and surprised, baffled, amazed, by the beauty in front of her. An audible gasp formulated on her lips, passing the air gently. She'd have to find him at some point during the night and thank him for this, it was more beautiful than she could have ever imagined. In comparison to her dress, she was suddenly unhappy with the little extravagance it held as opposed to the room itself. She held her stance there in the doorway, letting her eyes travel around the room in amazement, not needing to go into the ball just yet.

As they rotate around the dance floor Ashling scoots closer to him so their bodies are almost touching. For her part she felt the electricty passing between them. It was having a dizzying effect on her, so much so that she moved that last inch so there was no room between them and she put her head on his shoulder. He was warm and smelled good. What would he say about this? What would his reaction be?

Nerves had shot through him in a moment and had felt his feet carry him away from the woman he had been talking to. As he moved away from Ashling, he found himself standing near one of the large metal trees that decorated the area. A cuss shot under his breath as he thought about how stupid this was. He hadn’t felt nervous like this before. Maybe it was the fact he felt slightly threatened to talk to the woman again because of the lost conversation they had at the bar. He shook his head and chuckled lightly as he turned back to walk towards the woman once more. His feet stopped in their tracks as he watched another woman enter the party on the arm of a man. He only recognized her slightly. Then when her eyes turned toward him and she gave him a small wave, he instantly knew. It was the woman from the beach. He chuckled lightly and raised his hand in a hail back to her. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her outfit. He chuckled under his breath as his hand went back to resting at his side. His eyes slowly turned to the man with her. He looked like he was important, and quite strapping. His best guess would be this man was a type of soldier for Siram, maybe. He shook his head as he watched the two walk past for a moment and whispered under his breath. “Lucky man there.”

Another chuckle left his lips as he now looked over to Ashling once more. He saw that the man he had been talking to at the bar had mad his move on the woman and they where now dancing. Shurik dropped his head for a moment and mumbled at himself. “Idiot.. Second time you let another man move in like that.” He lifted his head back up and shook it off, making his way over to a small group of people and introducing himself to a few of them. Maybe he would talk to the strange beach-runner, If he got the chance to anyway.

Jin-E walked through the door of the ballroom. He did not know what a ball was but from what he learned, it was a social affair for dancing and entertainment. His brown eyes looked around him at the people dancing and laughing. Some of them were just sitting around or talking. He ran a hand through his red hair as he looked around for Shurik. His right hand was twitching in a state that showed his anxiety at being here. His gaze fell to the ground for a moment as he clenched his twitching hand. Looking up, he spied Shurik standing beside what looked like a metallic tree decoration. A small twitch of his lips under his mask made him shake his head. He began to move forward only to back peddle quickly as a dancing couple almost ran into him. Jin looked around and saw a clear path through to Shurik. Taking the wall route, he never let his gaze draw past Shurik. As he walked towards him, a attendant offered him a drink. Holding his hand up to decline, he reached Shurik. " This is your fault." He had no one else to blame but Shur for getting his attention at this ball.

He leaned up to whisper in Shuriks ear " I hate this already" He turned his attention towards the dance floor to see Ashling dancing with someone. He blinked in surprise, not expecting her to be here. Looking over at Shur, he shook his head " What is dancing?" He was still rusty in his vocabulary so he did not understand what dancing was or why people did it.

His eyes scanned over the dance floor, watching as various couples danced about the beautifully decorated ballroom. He stood next to this particular tree because the bulbs, every once in awhile, gave off a strong burst of heat and it comforted him while being in a cooler environment. So many people, yet so little without dates. He laughed to himself and sighed, his eyes dropping to the floor as he let his thoughts travel around, keeping his mind in a singular place as to not push himself into his state of meditation. As he let his mind wander some, he felt a heat source that was beside the ornaments that hung among the trees. He chuckled lightly as his thoughts collected and his eyes shifted to beside him, just as Jin had walked up to him and spoke. He shook his head and looked over to the man as he claimed that his discomfort in the public place. Shurik could only laugh again as he stared over at the man.

"I only told you about it, I didn't say you had to come, sir." He laughed as the man also whispered to him that he already hated it here. He shook his head and looked around. "Jin, My good friend. Your going to have to get used to these situations." He smirked at the man and nodded out on the dance floor, his eyes on a couple of people in particular. "See what those people are doing out there, Jin? That is dancing. It's people moving together in motion. There are all forms of dancing and many different styles." He smirked at the man as he nodded out towards the dance floor. "Go pick yourself up a partner, feel the music, and just move with her. You'll get the hang of it." He folded his arms over his chest as he smiled at Jin. He sort of enjoyed all the questions the man posed of him, made him feel brotherly.

He looked at Shur as though the man was crazy if not stupid " I dont know how and it seems how is it said...." He thought for a few moments before turning towards Shur " Not worth it?" He looked back at the dance floor and at Ashling for a moment or two before looking around again " It seems their having whats the word...Fun" He looked at Shur for a few moments before sighing out loud " How long is this going to be going on for? Most people would get bored or tired it seem" He placed his hands into his pockets as he looked around again. Why o why did he come here. " You made it seem like i should come here Shur, so that is why i am blameing you for this entire affair. I doubt that i will enjoy the.......festivity of others?"

He laughed lightly as Jin spoke ill about the entire event and dancing. He shook his head and threw out his hand, gesturing towards the crowd. "Really.. It's time to get close to someone you want to get close to." he looked away from Jin and onto the field of dance once more. "Moving around the floor in motion with the one you like, or love, someone you want to be close to. Then when a slow song comes on, you pull one another close, chest to chest, you can feel the other ones breathing like your almost one being, one person, but still two separate people." He looked back to Jin for a moment and then nodded toward Ash and Ichi. "Or get close to someone you want to be closer with." He smirked lightly and called over the waitress, who instantly brought him a bottle of Sake and gave him a nice smile. He looked to Jin as he poured two glasses and handed Jin one. "Loosen up, friend. Enjoy the music and the Atmosphere. Ignore the people, and just bask in the ambiance." Shurik raised his glass to Jin and then down the liquid within.

He shook his head slightly as he took the glass of Sake in his hand " I don't know if their is anyone i really like here besides you and possibly Ashling. Others irritate me still." He pulled down his mask and downed the drink as he looked around at the people. Their were a few women that had caught his eye already, but he didn't know how to act or what to do to get their attention. Sighing slightly, he poured himself a glass from Shuriks sake. He downed it again and got himself another glass. Wondering what or how he should get a womens attention began to revolve around his mind as he played out different scenarios in his head about the affair.

He chuckled at Jin and patted the man on the back as he pushed the bottle of Sake into the man's chest and looked into his eyes. "Drink up, friend. I have to tell you, if you plan on wooing any type of woman here, There is one thing you have to remember. Just be yourself and be confident." He chuckled and patted the man on the back as he took in a deep breath and looked around the room once more. His eye caught notice of someone standing in the door. He had heard of her before and decided to introduce himself. He turned to Jin and smirked lightly. "Go get yourself a dance, friend. Once you feel the music, you'll understand why it is fun." He laughed and walked off into the crowd.

Shurik gently pushed his way through the crowds of people, standing in place or dancing, as he made his way back across the room. He put on a smile once more once he reached across the ballroom and stood in front of her. In respect, Shurik bowed and gave her a toothy grin. "Micah Masi.." He chuckled lightly and closed his eyes. "My name is Shurik Sidorov. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am the Guard Representative from Incendia." He stood back up straight and placed his left hand across his chest, putting a fist against his heart as he took in a deep breath and dropped his hand once more. "I have to say... It's an amazing Ball you have thrown here. If I don't meet them, Give my compliments to your decorator."

He turned to Shurik as he felt the bottle being placed against his chest. He was going to ask what wooing was when he sees Shurik walking away towards somebody. A small growl of annoyance left his lip. This was the second time Shur had left him to talk to someone in the middle of their conversation. He sighed and looked around him, trying to find someone to talk to at least. He shook his head slightly and began to sip the Sake in his glass before pouring himself some more. What a night this was going to be. He figured that in about an hour or two he would possibly leave the ball and head home or back into the wilds for entertainment. It wasnt that the ball was not entertaining, it was just that Jin was not used to being in crowded places and other people near him.

Micah was quiet at the doorway of the Ballroom, watching the newcomers and greeting them with small smiles and waves. To be honest, she wasn't quite ready to enter. She spotted Naili and Sachiel, but felt it best not to disturb them this time. A few others were familiar right off hand, but they were either dancing, or otherwise engaged in an activity, and so she did not wish to disturb them either. Instead, she leaned rather carelessly into the door frame, leaving plenty of room for others to enter through the double doors; as she was just a small, childlike figure off to the right. It was entertaining to watch the others enjoy the beautiful masterpiece of a ball Sachiel had created, so much so in fact, that she considered not even attending, and letting the others to their fun. Would this be alright, would Naili be upset with her? She was sure Naili wouldn't even notice her presence, or lack there of, with Sachiel around. And so, she figured it best to head back to her room and get some sleep... But as she turned to go, it appeared her appearance had caught the attention of another, one unfamiliar to her, for the most part. Maybe she'd seen him around somewhere, but where she could not place. Would it be alright to step out as he was momentarily lost in the crowd on his way over? No, that would be rude... It seemed he had broken away from a conversation just to see her, the least she could do was give him the respect as to stick around for a short while. Maybe he needed something? But as he came to stop in front of her, this notion was somewhat cancelled out. "Shurik, its a pleasure... I see you already know my name, under what circumstances I am not quite sure, however." Had they met before? The memory was a temporary loss to her, though the smile remained. "Isn't it brilliant? Sir Sachiel over there is responsible..." A small and seemingly frail hand lifted from her side to point toward Sachiel, standing at the side of Naili across the room. She took a moment to stare, then. They truly were a beautiful couple.

About halfway throught the dance Ashling gets bored. Ichi had stopped speaking and part of the fun for her was the vebal sparring. Leaving Ichi standing there on the dance floor, she walks back over to her chair. Adjusting her gray dress, she sits and studies the room. Spotting Jin and Micah and Sachiel and Shurik she smiles. So many faces she recognized. It made her feel warm inside. She smiles softly and waits to see who else the night would bring her.

He chuckled lightly and shook his head. For being the leader of her clan, she was so young. He grinned to her as he leaned against the wall next to her and stared out onto the dance floor. "No, we have not crossed paths before. But I arrived here a day before the ball and learned much from the Family that let me board with them." He grinned at her and nodded. She didn't look much older than Lilli, the little girl he had become friends with in Incendia. She seemed so much more mature for her age. He took in a deep breath and let it pass back through his lips. She pointed to the decorator of the ball and he recognized the man. He was the one he had seen enter with the woman he had seen on the beach. He chuckled lightly and looked back to the lady beside him. "If I may ask, Miss.. Why are you not out there enjoying the ball. You are hosting the event, and all." His eyes turned back to the couple she had pointed to, watching the pair for a moment before turning his eyes back to Jin and nodding to him. At this point, he finally looked up and took in the full effect of the decorations Above head. So much time and work into this place, just for a group of people. It was truly an event to remember.

Her posture shifted only slightly as he came to lean against the wall with her, easing some into a more relaxed and casual stance. The lights filling the room were almost bright enough to match her warm smile; the childish places of her face and her naturally down-curved lips meeting to form dimples in her creamy cheeks. She hadn't even truly entered yet, and she was already in good company. The hours she had spent up, crying over the loss of Lux, and working on this dress, they were worth the happiness she would experience now. Which reminded her... Did Shurik know about his King's death yet? Her eyes shifted uneasily to his face a moment, curiosity and worry mixed into a peculiar little mask upon her pretty little porcelain face. A quiet nod was managed as he assured her they hadn't yet met, taking a moment to build up a steady smile again, in order to console him. "Oh? Interesting..." She wondered idly who the family had been, though her attention quickly shifted back to that of Sachiel and Naili across the room. His question took her off guard, for even she didn't know the answer. It was of her original idea to have a ball, why not enjoy it? Then again, who would she enjoy it with? Its not like she had a date or anything, and her sister was preoccupied with the only other person she presumed would want to hang out with her now. A small smile curved her lips as she answered, eyes distant, as if focussed, or uncaring for that matter. "I suppose its because I have no one to really enjoy it with, without interrupting something. Besides," her eyes shifted then, sapphire gems cutting across the space to meet his own. A glimmer could be seen in her eyes then, delight plain on her face. "Its just as enjoyable to sit back and watch everyone have fun, and take in the beautiful scenery, sometimes..." "Her eyes then diverted from his own, wandering the room. And as this took place, the quiet, yet mystifyingly musical giggle of a small child erupted gently from her lips, eyes brightening all thw while. "Don't you agree, Mister Shurik?"

He grinned. He had noticed that once he had positioned himself against the wall, she, too, relaxed a little more around him. He enjoyed this fact, mostly because he didn't like people being too tense around him. He chuckled lightly as his head nodded. "Yes it was quite interesting. The family was very nice, indeed." He closed his eyes, remembering the people who had so kindly let him stay in their home, and his promise to visit again. But a vibe came from the young Queen and he picked up in it as his eyes opened and her face gave a small expression of disappointment, or sadness. He folded his arms over his chest and let his thoughts wander for a moment. From the decorations that hung upon the trees and the ceiling, to the events he had suffered and heard of back in Incendia. It was all a little much to take in in such a short time, but here he was. He was in public and now he was talking to a new person he had only heard about from locals around the main Island of Siram. His deep violet eyes seemed to take on a darker hue in the light of the ballroom and as his eyes locked into hers for a moment, he could practically see the contrast between the two. A grin played upon his lips as he nodded his head in agreement with the young leader. When their gaze broke, his eyes followed her gaze out onto the floor. "Sometimes it is best to stand back and observe. So much to see in one small area can be much though." he smirked and looked to Micah once more. "Sometimes you miss the small beautiful things right in front of you when there is so much." He smirked at his compliment to her and moved himself from the wall as he bowed to her once more. "I would be honored if we could enjoy the ball together." His eyes flashed a deep blue as he straightened himself up and held his hand out to the young miss. "May I have this dance?"

He looked over to see Ashling leaving her dance partner. He shrugged to himself and thought, why not. Walking up to her, he bowed slightly " Its good to see you again Ashling. I hope that you enjoyed your stay with me and the two boys." He straightened back up and smiled at her. His mask was off now so she could see his face. He looked around at the people that were still dancing then looked back at her " Did you enjoy dancing?" He held out a glass of Sake incase she wanted a drink.

Ashling looks up at Jin as he approaches her. " Aw. Hi Jinny. Yes. I enjoyed my stay with you. You are a sweetheart." She smiles a full smile at him, unleashing the full power of her smile. She tosses her hair over her shoulder and takes the sake. She sips it and sighs softly. Turning back to Jin she asks " Are you enjoying the ball? I know you dont.. enjoy being around people, but I hope seeing me here made it better." She giggles softly.

He smiled at Ashling as he chuckled slightly " Not one bit. Its a little better now that i have someone to talk to" He looked at her up and down slightly to see her dress."You look stunning this evening" He smiled again as he took a sip of his sake. He enjoyed being around her and Shur. "And im not a swe...swe..swee..Gah i hate my vocabularly" He sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

Ashling giggles at his response. She figured he wouldn't be having fun. " Thank you for the compliment Jinny. I was going for stunning. And yes, you are a sweetheart Jin. Never ever doubt yourself. You were kind to me, and still are. I'm glad you talked to me in that bar." She touches his shoulder lightly for a few seconds to let him know she meant what she said. " Well Im enjoying myself so far, but I'm glad you showed up. It has made my night. As for your vocabulary, you'll get there. It takes time. Don't beat yourself up."

He shook his head at her. It seemed like she knew that she had all the answers. With a small laugh, he finished his sake and got another one. " I am not and as for me being kind to you, have you given me a reason not to?" He chuckled again and looked around them. He saw the others still dancing here and their. Looking back at Ashling, he smiled " At least i made someones night instead of ruining it." He took another sip and looked around for a place for the two to sit and talk

Ashling shakes her head. Convincing him of his worth was going to be harder than she thought. With a small sigh she shrugs. " No Jin. I have given you no reason to be mean to me but that doesn't stop people, as Im sure you know. After all, the beasts in the wilds had no reason to be mean and yet Im sure they were. It's instinct for some." Taking his hand, she leads him to a set of chairs far from the crowd. It was chilly on the outskirts and she shivers.

He shook his head as she led him to the chairs. As he sat down, he noticed that she was shivering. Holding a hand out near her, he created a small ball of fire so she can get warm. As he went to answer her, his voice held slight offendedness at her calling the creatures beasts. " But the creatures their in the wild were only doing what they are taught to do by their families and race. I was the intruder into their territory so i was the threat. You would be surprised to see them act almost just like us."

Warming her hands by the fireball she stops shivering. She had offended him by calling the animals beasts. She could see it on his face. " Did I offend you? I'm sorry. They act like us you say? Hmm.. well I take it back then. Perhaps humans are worse." She smiles ruefully. The people she had met so far were kind but she knew the other side of people. "Jin, listen to me.. No matter what you see in this world, stay true to yourself. Please?" He was a good guy. That time in the wild had scarred him but perhaps it had saved him as well.

He looked at her trying to think wether or not she thought he was afraid of the time spent in the wilds. Most people thought he was and he left it at that. It didnt really matter what others thought he felt then. He knew the feeling and to be honest with himself, it gave him peace and tranquillity. Letting the fireball go out, he laid his warm hands on hers " I always am true with myself Ashling. DOnt worry about it"