#i hope i’m not wrong thatd be cringe..

[kidhawks]

i still see ppl worrying about whether hawks’ wings will regrow and obviously we don’t know for SURE but like... look at this panel

it purposefully puts a bunch of emphasis on the wing stubs. they’ve even got their own little gdamn light halo. it’s a dramatic chapter ending moment because it’s meant to be a shocking reveal that his wings aren’t completely gone! it wouldn’t make much sense if hori turned around and said actually that was a fake out your man’s wingless now :/

if his wings weren’t growing back yet we wouldn’t have this panel at all and his back would be flat. i rest my case

#bnha spoilers #hawks posting #i hope i’m not wrong thatd be cringe.. #bnha manga spoilers

[hermannsthumb]

hi maria if u have the inspiration and the time would u perhaps consider writing something where newt thinks they r actual rivals but hermann’s just into the homoeroticism of a rivals to lovers Situation? i just think thatd be a fun time :-) xoxo, Not AJ

hehe hello aj........hope u enjoy. shout-out to twitter for helping me w magazine names lol. this also gives me a great opportunity to write some classic Hermann Screwing With Newt. not enough of that content.

-------------------------

“I read your interview,” Hermann says.

Newt glances up from his workbench: Hermann is standing in front of him, one hand wrapped around the handle of his cane, the other brandishing a brightly-colored magazine at Newt. Newt sets down his hacksaw and shoves up his goggles (oversized, to allow space for his glasses) to properly squint at Hermann. “What?”

“Your interview in Bio,” Hermann says. He holds up the magazine a little higher, and, sure enough, Newt catches sight of a tiny, saturated photograph of himself smiling awkwardly at the top of the page, the Meet Dr. Newton Geiszler, The World’s Top-Leading Expert in K-Biology in bold purple capitals next to it. Hermann has the faintest hint of a smirk on his face. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me they were featuring you. A two-page spread, at that.”

Blushing, Newt snatches away the magazine. “That’s because it’s trash, and I only did it for the money,” he says. The photo they used of him turned out terrible, too, now that he’s getting a closer look at it--the stylist they had on hand spiked Newt’s hair up with a stupid amount of hair gel and made him take off his tie, and they posed him with his arms crossed in a super corny fake lab set. Smoking beakers and everything. Like Newt’s a baby-cheeked mad scientist. “All they did was ask me about my personal life. Not a single question about my research. Who’s gonna give a shit about that?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Hermann says. “I imagine it’s rather humanizing to know the fate of the world partially rests in the hands of--” A mock-thoughtful expression crosses his face, like he hasn’t committed the entire article to memory already, the jackass. “--someone who favors boxers over briefs.”

“Yeah, well, I wasn’t gonna tell thousands of people I go commando, was I?”

“Or, if he was a type of potato,” Hermann says, like he didn’t hear him, “would be ‘tater-tots’. I can’t believe that’s a question they asked you.”

“Ha, ha,” Newt deadpans. “Glad you’re having fun. You done yet?”

“Almost,” Hermann says, gleefully. He hands Newt the magazine and taps a section he’s circled, neatly, in yellow highlighter. Newt snatches it away. “I quite enjoyed the bit where you talk about me.”

Hermann, my partner--research partner, I mean, not--uh--total genius, keeps me on my feet, Newt said, because they’d asked Newt about his personal relationships after interrogating him about his old band for twenty minutes, and, seeing as Newt has no friends, and hasn’t had a steady boyfriend in seven months, Hermann (who is sort-of kind-of both) was the first and only person who sprang to mind. I really admire the guy, even if he can be a total pain in the ass sometimes. He’s not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong. I’m not afraid to tell him when he’s wrong. It’s like--we’re not really friends, more scientific rivals.

The article didn’t edit out anything, of course. Hearing it over now makes Newt cringe in mortification. Scientific rivals--yeesh. He may as well have said half their arguments end with Hermann’s tongue down Newt’s throat.

“Scientific rivals,” Hermann echoes, taking the magazine back. “That’s how you see us.”

He sounds way too amused for Newt’s liking, so Newt snaps his goggles back into place, pulls on a fresh rubber glove, and sticks his hand into the kaiju spleen on his bench with a wet squish (relishing in Hermann’s wince) before answering. “We are scientific rivals. What else was I supposed to call us? Frenemies-for-life? Lab partners with benefits?”

Hermann hums noncommittally.

Newt pulls his hand from the spleen. He frowns. “You don’t think we’re rivals?”

“‘Rivals’ implies that we’re on--ah--equal footing,” Hermann says. “Statistically speaking, Newton--I do tend to win more arguments.” His smug little smile from earlier returns. “Thirty-seven percent more, to be precise.”

“Of course you’ve calculated that,” Newt says. Probably up there on his chalkboard crammed in the corner of all his Breach data. Tally: Newt, 3061, Hermann, 4000....something. Newt’s a biologist, man, he doesn’t care about this shit. “So, what, if you don’t actually think we’re,” he pitches his voice into his Hermann Impression, “intellectual equals, you just like arguing for shits and giggles?”

“Now, I never said I don’t consider you an equal,” Hermann scoffs. A touch condescendingly. Oh, God, he’s probably adding this conversation to his tally the second they’re done--Newt’s jumping to conclusions or tossing out ridiculous hypotheses with unsubstantiated data, or whatever cards Hermann likes to play to shut him up. June 5, 2024: Swiftly explained to Newton that he’s not beneath me, how ridiculous of him to think otherwise. “Or that I don’t--in the broad sense of the term--consider you a rival. Merely that I’m usually right.”

Newt sticks his tongue out.

“Though you’re spot-on about arguing,” Hermann says.

Newt stops sticking his tongue out. “What?” he says.

“You’re spot-on,” Hermann repeats. The tips of his sticky-out ears go pink. “I enjoy arguing with you, and having you consider me your rival. It’s--” He clears his throat. “Stimulating.”

The way Hermann says the word makes it very clear that it’s not in the intellectual sense. More in the clothing-on-the-lab-floor-getting-off-on-getting-pissed-off sense. “Stimulating?”

“And a touch romantic,” Hermann confesses. “The cliche of it all, I mean.” He sounds a bit dreamy when he adds “Rivals.”

Hermann Gottlieb, self-professed dealer of cold, mathematical facts only, scorner of sentimentality in all forms, standing in front of Newt and implying they have a forbidden romance right out of some dimestore bodice-ripper. Newt should’ve known it was all an act from the very beginning: Hermann hand-wrote him letters in the twenty-first century instead of just copying and pasting his email from the MIT faculty page like any normal person. “You drama-loving bitch,” Newt says, grinning. “I feel like I should be offended.”

Hermann’s ears have gone fully red. “I know you enjoy it too.”

“Uh-huh,” Newt says. He tosses both filthy gloves to his bench (enjoying Hermann’s second disgusted wince of the day), wipes his hands off on his corduroys, then pulls his goggles off all the way. “C’mon, I want you to look over my weekly report before I send it off to Pentecost. You can tell me how bad it is and then we can make out.”

“That sounds nice,” Hermann says, and follows him happily to his desk.

#newmann #maria's fanfiction tag #Anonymous

[dndfuckhouse]

Session 36 & 37 - The Shorian Ball Has Come Again

Psalm helps Finn get ready for The Ball - 5/1 🦇🔮

As the party readies themselves for the Ball in the evening, Finn goes to approach Psalm for his assistance regarding his makeup, vampirism impeding his abilities.

Finn: finn wasn't surprised to find psalm in their room, but he was surprised to find him fully dressed already. hes not entirely sure if he should interrupt the conversation (?) though, he'd be a little less confident about it any other time, but todays objective was more important than anything else in his life and psalm surely wouldnt fail him with it. he approaches with a raised eyebrow and waits a moment for psalm to look his way "youre fully dressed... already?" Psalm: Psalm also raises an eyebrow. "What's wrong with that?" Finn: "wont you tire of wearing it before we even get to the ball?" he shakes his head and stems his hands on his hips "besides, wont you sweat in it already like this...?" Psalm: "Not really? And I won't sweat any more than I would in my regular clothes." He pauses. "I was debating going to see my parents actually. And they'd complain if I went there not dressed yet." Finn: finn could say something to that, and he could instantly lose the only person hes willing to turn to for help. "your parents huh? well, actually, you cant leave yet." he lets a moment pass "i need you to help me prepare for the ball. you should be good with your hands, right?" Psalm: "Oh don't worry. It was only after I was already dressed I realised I'd have to listen to them weigh in on my outfit choice for at least an hour, so I'll be staying right here." Psalm just waves his hand nonchalantly. “And that depends on what you want me to do...?" Finn: "a-ah, thats a relief, then" he then presents the various cosmetics to psalm that he expects the tiefling to put on him "i can dress myself but i can no longer apply make up and such... nor can i do my hair particularly well. and yet i cannot afford to present myself in such a sorry state once again!" finns voice is rather dramatic. he cringes thinking about how plain he had been that night... how embarassing. the memory shall haunt him for at least a year. Psalm: Psalm looks over the various makeup with a small nod. "I think I can manage. I used to help my mom with hers sometimes when she couldn't be bothered to do it herself. Although I will say I'm not an artisan by any means ... "Again?" Finn: the recounting of psalm having helped out his mother before lights a twinkle in finns eyes. hes more hopeful about this turning out alright now. surely psalm is just weirdly humble about his abilities. "excellent! just what i wanted to hear!" he nods and smiles to himself "in all honesty though, it shames me to say that i cannot recall if we had met during the first elfonsent ball... perhaps that is for the better. i looked pitiful that night." Psalm: "Alright, sit then and give me an idea of what you want." Psalm pats the space on his bed next to him. "And I can't say I remember us meeting there either, with everything that went on.  Still, I'm sure I wouldn't have forgotten you if we'd met, so it's likely that we didn't."

Finn: finn hesitates at first, not being able to believe he gets to sit on psalms bed for this. this was a bit like his romance stories, wasnt it? he does as hes asked however and begins gesturing as he goes on. "so for the eyes im thinking the eyeliner should be subtle... im almost inclined to go with a red, however, thatd be distracting. and im fairly confident that a certain someone might go for this look as well" he rolls his eyes before continuing "so just black. the mascara should be really strong though... when i bewitch the other nobles with my lashes i want it to work as well as my vampire charm hehe..." something about psalm mentioning that he probably wouldnt forget finn gets misinterpreted by his heart pretty much immediately, but his brain knows of course it wasnt anything like that. "ah... i dont think you wouldve left my memory either... even if youre a commoner. some of them come dressed very nicely after all and youre.." he looks psalm up and down "one such case. yes." he did look oddly handsome...pretty much always. how vexing. Psalm: Psalm does a quick run through in his head of A. Who in this party sans Finn would wear makeup and B. Who Finn absolutely hates before saying "You're worried about matching with Cimmorro? Although I think black would look nicer so I guess it's no real loss. And I appreciate the compliment... I think? Despite it being somewhat backhanded.” > He starts to apply the mascara first. Finn: finn frowns at the mention of cimmorro. "why yes...i cant stand that our outfits match as is, so i must avoid further such implications..." Psalm: Psalm trying to remember what their outfits are :

Finn: hes however happy that psalm thinks black would look better, finn chuckles a bit at psalm calling him out on the backhanded nature of his compliment but he holds still, hes good at that, surprisingly. "forgive me... i had not intended for it to sound that rude. you caught on that it is a compliment however, no?" finn thinks for a moment before blurting out "was i interrupting you and ghester by any chance?" Psalm: "You might want to hold off on insinuating things about commoners, or you won't be making any points with the ones you're contractually obligated to be around I'd think." Psalm deadpans, "but yes... I did..catch on." Huh. Now that he's left snarky/lecture-mode he hadn't really thought about the fact that he was being complimented, which is somewhat rare for him. He's not really sure what else to say. He clears his throat. "Not really. We were just playing a game to pass the time, and I was losing so really you saved my ego a bit." Finn: finn is a little displeased with the lecture, although he can hear his uncle in his mind agreeing with what psalm is saying. how annoying. how ungrateful psalm was. finn huffs ever so slightly and decides to remain silent until psalm continues talking. "hmm.. if ive done so much for your ego i dont see why you cant do something for mine as well" he muses before continuing "what kind of game was it anyway?" really, hes wondering if theres a reason why it had to be infernal but he fears the question might make him look stupid Psalm: "I'll see what I can do for your ego based on the outcome of what I do with your face." Psalm says as he starts on the eyeliner. "Nothing serious, just..word chaining." Finn: "youre not allowed to fail in that case!" he beams but remembers hes supposed to keep still for psalm...curse his excitement. at the solution to the riddle he kind of just goes "ahhh i see i see, word chaining... i suppose that is what would be most convenient if youve got nothing else...... were you afraid of running into your parents had you occupied yourself elsewhere?" Psalm: "I won't. And even if I did fail, you'd never know ^_^ . And yes, somewhat. It's been a while since I've seen them and they'll probably want to know why if they get me alone, so, I'm trying to avoid that for the moment." Finn: "oh ill know if i fail to charm anyone at the ball" the pout is audible in his voice "huh... did you leave home without a word to them?" Psalm: "I should be honoured you're banking your success on me doing your makeup if I wasn't more concerned about becoming number one on your shitlist after Cimm... And maybe I did?   But either way I don't think they'd be too happy to hear I was getting up to stopping cults and fighting thieves and the like." Finn: finn snorts at that and smiles "im flattered youre so concerned with where you stand with me. perhaps if you focus on how youll rise in my good graces youll feel more motivated" he does like how mysterious psalm is, it makes him more alluring after all, but it sure was frustrating too... "i suppose no parent would like to hear such things, no... you ought to leave that out if they question you" the solution seemed awfully simple to finn, although he wondered how concerned his own parents would be if he told them. Psalm: "Of course I am. I don't think I could handle you picking fights with me everyday, otherwise I'd probably start greying...just kidding." He's finished both eyes so now he's just leaning back and scrutinizing his efforts.“The point is to not have them question me. I'd rather not lie to my own parents if I can avoid it. Not that I won't. I just don't like to." Finn: finn isnt entirely sure if psalm is kidding...he hopes he is. he eyes psalm curiously as the other judges his handiwork. "well in all fairness i think id hate having to pick fights with you psalm" he laughs again and tries fluttering his lashes, softly. "so, hows it looking? can i expect to favor you more from here on?" hes not sure if he should comment on the fact at all, that they were entirely and utterly different when it came to the sentiment of lying. Psalm: "True. I'm sure I'd win :). Whatever constitutes winning in a non-physical fight anyways. Also you look fine to me. I can only hope I captured what you were envisioning. If I were a noble or whoever you were after at the ball I think I'd be considerably charmed."

Finn: finn had no time to be mad over the insinuation that psalm would best him in a fight, whatever nasty cocktail of words his mind had concucted getting stuck in his throat the suggestion that psalm would be charmed by his appearance. his heart, again, took it differently than his mind. quite frankly, he must look stupid with his eyebrows raised over nothing, eyes a little too wide.  "i-is that so?... i have no way of knowing if youve captured what i have imagined, but i trust youve done your job well if you would suggest such a thing..." he hoped to god he wasnt blushing. and that he wouldnt blush at what he would ask of psalm next. "i have a couple more things to ask of you however... perhaps when you are done with that youll feel that way whether youre a noble or not" Psalm: Psalm is actually kind if disappointed Finn didn't rise to the bait, completely unaware that it's his fault. "Oh sure, what else did you have in mind, I don't doubt it." Finn: did.....psalm really just say that? it must have been a joke, right? right? if only god listened to vampires prayers. finn remembers he has to answer psalm though so he shuffles around a little and slides two lipsticks towards psalm. he thinks if he touches that mans hand right now in any capacity, he'll spontaneously combust right there. that must be the kind of thing god would be attentive to. "i-i thought of my upper lip being black... red for the lower. i think i neednt explain why i require your assistance... b-but do be honest...if you would fancy such a look" Psalm: "I think that's appropriately stylish if that's what you're asking. You can definitely pull it off." Finn: finn nods, regaining some confidence from that. "then dont hesitate. feel free to begin-" he pauses, remembering that he'll probably look weird for this part. he didnt have to feel embarassed about this kind of thing at home so much. if only katrina had shown up he couldve asked her! "and to guide me, if need be" a small part of him hoped that psalm would have to touch him though. those novels were rotting his mind. Psalm: "Alright, well if you'll excuse me..." Psalm says as he readies the lipstick. Finn need not worry about looking weird, that's how focused Psalm is right now. He's like the patron saint of focus right now. Albeit this is a little awkward he thinks...

Psalm: Finn you need to get laid bro, Good luck pulling at the ball dawg

Finn: finn is caught a little off guard by how focused psalm is, but lets him proceed with nothing more than a nod. Psalm: Psalm does a perfect normal job applying Finn's lipstick. He can appreciate Finn's vision with the two colours, and all things considered he did a pretty good job. Finn: finn feels relieved when psalm is finally done. hes visibly conscious of moving his lips too much though, taking great care when speaking it seems. "marvelous how focused you were... it at least felt like you did a good job yet again" he searches psalms face for satisfaction in his own effort again Psalm: "Hope you remember you said that if things don't go well for you later regarding your whole bewitching plan. I'm sure you can always ask for a second opinion though, although I appreciate your somewhat misguided faith in me 😀 " Finn: "why, with how eager you are to remind me its almost like you want me to be unsuccessful and bother you" he jokes, he hopes it comes across. at the other comment he shrugs. "i would not call it misguided. one only needs to take a single look at our group to know not many here are eligible for such a task - or an opinion for that matter. i simply picked the best candidate available. that was nothing but a logical conclusion." Psalm: "Oh, you've finally caught onto my plan." Psalm says, as deadpan as usual. "Also can't argue with that logic. Although maybe Plum might know a thing or two. I wouldn't be surprised either way." Finn: finn looks like hes just had a revelation. "you raise a good point... plum is leagues above the others." he doesnt say it but, he thinks that cimmorro would be more than adequate if he werent such a lowlife. "in any case, the last part i need help with is my hair. i want to go for a middle part too, but theres no way ill get it right by guessing. now i dont know much care you put into your hair, but if youve ever tried, you know what im talking about." Psalm: Psalm was thinking Cimmorro too but figured it wouldn't be worth bringing up to be honest "Just a middle part is fine? Shouldn't be too difficult?" Finn: "once youve parted it for me it shouldnt be too difficult for me to add the finishing touches. although" he thinks for a moment "you may tie my hair for me, if you so wish. i usually dont offer such an opportunity to just anyone" hes like, completely and utterly serious about this. Psalm: "Sounds good. I've been having fun doing this for you honestly." Finn: "really?..." <- guys who cant see through psalm. "ill leave myself in your care once more then... oh, but i do ask that you to put this bow in. its supposed to be a rather low ponytail." finns hands him a brush and a large red bow Psalm: "Yes, really. Aside from my parents I have a friend with hair about the same length as yours and he'd let me do this for him sometimes when we were bored. And he can't braid for shit." Psalm laughs a bit and takes the bow. "Actually I think your hair is probably longer..." he stares at Finn and tries to compare the two in his head. “Well, anyways, let me see what I can do ..." Finn: finn listens intently. for some reason a part of him is surprised that psalm has friends. not because hes unlikable like that, but simply because of the way he carries himself and how he seems to prefer...keeping at an arms length. or perhaps this all can be attributed to the general awful energy of the vengaboys. "oh? i do like to wear my hair in a braid every now and then. its easy enough to pull off too with my length that i dont have to go and ask someone every time. is this friend someone from back home?" he resists commenting that they must be quite stupid if they cant braid for shit Psalm: "Yeah, I can see that for you. This is the longest my hair's ever been so I've never worn it that way, and yet somehow I'm the more skilled one." Psalm rolls his eyes. "And yes, he is." Finn: "hmm.. lets hope hes managing by himself if youre outdoing him so significantly then" so, hes not able to resist after all. hes finn. "im surprised to hear you say this is your first time wearing your hair this long though. it suits you." Psalm: "Im sure the next time I see him he'll be beyond help, but for his sake I'll be hopeful. And I think so too. Unfortunately I used to wear it cut really short." Finn: “that seems to not have been your own decision i take it?" Psalm: "It's just easier to manage is all."

The two continuer chattering on as the night draws ever closer...

SESSION 36 - 24/12 🕺💃

> 🎵  Tired Rynoka / Moonlighter OST

The night of the ball has finally arrived (for the second time!), after a day and afternoon of the party preparing themselves and chatting amongst friends and family at the inn anyway. At around 3pm or so a courier appears out of the blue, they inform them all of a side entrance to the palace that the kings would like them to take whence they arrive.

They also state that their guests are free to arrive earlier and mingle however, and as such they do so, heading off a couple hours ahead of the party to the palace, giving their farewells and promises to meet up later while pinching cheeks and doing some last minute fussing. Ferris Chris and the dwarves close up the inn early, giving Han the keys to the place as a way to say ‘lock up when you leave please’.

After an hour or so of last minute preparation, the sun has finally set and night has fallen, the time has come for the group to set off towards the royal ward. Han stands at the ready in her gown at the door waiting for everyone to get the tf out, while Plum and Rokka idle around outside waiting for the rest. Cimmorro and Finn bicker while he picks up Jasper to bring her along

(jasper all dolled up)

Keva: the last to leave her room bc she has to work up the will to show herself all dressed up but she eventually gets around to it. shes bringing amos too and amos is also dressed up with the ribbon cimm gave him

Cimmorro: picking jasper up and MOVIN > OUT Finn: finn side eyes you for this Very obviously Cimmorro: "jealous of my date, young finnian? i can tell" Finn: "ha, figures that someone as charming as you could only score an animal" he limps his wrists. "although that is quite pathetic considering how youre riding my costumes coattails after all... put a little more effort, will you?" Psalm: he’s going to walk between the two of them and say “how about we get to the actual ball first“ Cimmorro: cimm raises a brow at finn "and yet you are in your lonesome. i may be pathetic but you're just... sad" he waddles jasper like a doll as they walk past finn like bye bye loser Finn: he stomps his foot lightly and hisses after cimm "no one in shorewater is worthy to be my partner, mind you! were we at home in my dear antessa id be drowning in the affection of a many men!" Psalm: am i like invisible to you guys, is that whats happening?" Finn: "i just cannot let that mutt run his mouth like that! you shant stop me!... except for tonight you may." he crosses his arms and huffs, looking to the side. "i must present myself more elegantly at the ball after all. the only place to fight is here, you see" Keva: "hurry up and get it over with then" Rokka: rokka hearing finn -- Psalm: “or you can just not fight at all” Finn: "tch. how easy for you it is to say that." he grips his OWN sleeve, displeased by psalms suggestion Psalm: he just shrugs "meh, cant say i didn't try"

Rokka: waiting for everyone hopping on one foot to the other in mixture of nervousness and excitement Han: she watches him hop around and just gives him a grin n thumbs up "you look great bro" :) Rokka: he perks up at han "YA THINK SO? U LOOK SUPER PRETTY HAN!!" Han: han goes pink "OH ....... YOU THINK SO? THANK YOU........." 😳 Rokka: he nods his head "YEAH YEAH" Han: han just stands there like 😳 not making eye contact "you too, bro...!" Rokka: rokka blushes too ☺ "thanks!" Han: 😵

The group all head off, front doors safely locked and make their way across the various wards and districts to the palace. As they go they see a few displays of festivity on the way, especially throughout the business district. Though Elfonsent Spell has passed, just as the kings felt fit to rehold the ball, a few people have seen feet to rehold their own celebrations on the same day.

It's not nearly as hectic as the original night but it gives the city a friendly air that it seemed to have been missing for the past few weeks since Theyord’s meddling.

The party all eventually make their way to the now familiar royal ward, the palace coming into view in front of them. They take a moment to glance around the grand entrance where attendees can be seen arriving and where guardsman are dutifully retaining a keen vigil. They glance about for the side entrance they were told about earlier.

Finn remains mostly distracted, putting so much energy into suppressing his scowl to the best of his ability. Though Plum, slightly visually impaired by the tulle of Han’s dress, feels like they recognise a few familiar voices over the nearby chatter and quickly splits off from the group without a word.

As they waddle off a little and squint at the arriving balle(goe)rs, they quickly spot where the familiar voices were coming from. They spy a couple of halfling women, dressed in surprisingly nice looking purple gowns that they dont remember them owning… it’s their ma and little sister! They stand close by chatting with a tall elven woman Plum doesn’t quite recognise though.

Plum: they waddle around the crowd and when they get near enough they yell "MA" as loudly as possible, they're holding the sides of their dress up a bit so it doesn't get dirty

As Plum approaches, the two turn and stare for a second before recognition hits them, ma piping up first.

Pimento: “oh plum there ya are! was worried we got a little lost-” Prune: before she can go on your sister pipes up “what’d you do to your hair!? haha never thought you’d spring for that colour” she begins to reach her hands up as if wanting to mess with it a little ??: behind them the elven woman seems to be giving you a judgmental glance. Plum: "long story" plum says and sticks out their tongue to show that off too, then leans in closer to prune so she can reach. plum then notices the woman and returns the glance, though it ends up looking more like a glare. "who're you? oh and nice threads you two, dad all dressed up too?" Prune: your sister makes and ooooh face at your tougne before messing with your hair a little, you hear her mutter an 'ooh it smells sweet'

> 🎵  Dance of Pales / Castlevania SOTN OST

Katrina: the woman standing behind the two of them hmphs and smirks "i am katrina barvotte, and it t'was i that took care of your family after you so terribly abandoned them so" she sticks her nose in the air her hands on her hips. Pimento: she makes an amused face before Prune: your sister quickly adds on after "buhhhh, pops couldn't drop this work he was doing with the fast notice, so he’s still back home, though ma promised to get him souvenirs” Pimento: she pipes up after “ya didn't tell us where you were staying though plum! i only even realised that actually once we already started heading over, i figured we’d probably see you once we got to the palace, but it was a little hectic i'll say” Plum: "after i what-- oh fuck." plum runs a hand down their face, smudging their makeup just a bit. "i am so fucking sorry, it slipped my mind. and yours too yeah, haha. thanks," plum says to katrina. "guess you must know finn then. also aww, woulda liked to have seen him. i can come with yall to go shopping." Pimento: your ma gives a chuckle "being forgetful's genetic i suppose" Katrina: after you mention finn's name she blinks in surprise and look down at you "you know of my dope of a cousin? hmmm you know this makes sense, serial abandoners are one and the same..." Prune: as she mutters to herself your sister leans towards you plum and whispers “she seemed a little lonely on the airship so ma chatted her up, now she's got this weird idea in her head about you” she says it trying to not giggle, Pimento: your ma swats her a little on the shoulder after "aye that'd be nice, he seemed keen" Plum: "hey, im grateful to you but watch it. i hardly know you, so no need to be rude." plum says and narrows their eyes. plum looks at prune and sighs. "of course she did. what'd you even say about me -_-" Katrina: she raises a perfectly manicured brow at you and hmphs Prune: she replies "that you didn't give us an address, seems like her family didn't either so now shes all dramatic about it, you know the guy? thats kind of funny" she snickers again Plum: "oh, that's pretty fucked up for real when i hear it. and yeah, it really is a long story so when we're all settled how about i tell you then. though just from meeting her for a few seconds youll probably find finn just as funny." Prune: she laughs "theyre all like this? what a riot" Pimento: your ma rolls her eyes Plum: they look up at katrina. "you, are you looking for finn then? how about i show you where he is as part of my thanks. i'll even play hypocrite and help you tell him off." Katrina: katrina responds "hes here? i suppose he would have come after the sun set" she smirks at the offer "absolutely, you are already rising in my good graces... er what was your name?" Plum: "he's, uh, he's making do i guess. you'll see. also that makes me happy to hear," they say and grin somewhat evily. "and its plum." plum holds out their hand to shake, but it is actually unsure if nobles do that kind of thing and retracts their hand. "follow me then." Katrina: she tilts her head at you whipping your hand about but responds "a pleasure to meet you Plum, after you" and follows down the road a little as you lead ahead muttering funny things under her breath as if planning... Plum: "pleasures all mine" they say casually.

Plum’s sister cant seem to get enough of the situation that's now unfolding, with their mum similarly amused. As Plum leads them about the rest of the party continue glancing around for the supposed side entrance, Cimmorro flags down a nearby guard who points them towards a smaller door on the outer walls. Though a few members of the party also notice Plum’s sudden disappearance.

Rokka: hes looking around like "hey where's plummy?" Keva: "weren't they with you?" Rokka: "i...got distracted" he gives a sheepish grin Keva:

Han and Keva glance around but the two cant seem to spot Plum at all... so small and lost so quickly....

Rokka: "wait, we gotta find plum first!" Cimmorro: "wha.... where'd they run off to?" Han: "oh god someone stole plum" Rokka: "they were here just a second ago...." he scratches his head before whipping it towards @ Han "WHAT!?" Han: "i dont see them, they got facking yoinked from under us..theyre so small...." Rokka: "HOW COULD I HAVE LET THIS HAPPEN!!" he holds his head Plum: plum just looking like they know what they're doing but theyre thinkng can i rely on those punks to find me.. or notice im gone.. rokka maybe

As Han and Rokka become panic blind Cimmorro spots them in the crowd and sighs, sending jasper off towards them to tell them where they are. Jasper glides over to Plum’s feet and begins meowing noisily.

Cimmorro: he tries to break up han and rokka's panicking like "ahh stop stop they're fine they're right over there" and he points to the crowed Plum: "ooh" plum says and looks up [seeing cimmorro pointing at them] waves Cimmorro: waves back Plum: [pleased] Han: "oh shit they're fine" han and rokka @ plum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02kxM_S8A0E

Rokka: rokka stops his panic rambling and looks at the direction cimm pointed at "oh, what--PLUM!!!" he hollers and jogs towards Plum: "rokka, hi. meet my mom, and my sis, prune." Rokka: "plum! i thought i lost y---oh! HI PLUM'S MOM AND PRUNE! IM ROKKA, PLUM'S ROOMMATE AND FRIEND!" he waves at them Prune: the two of them look up at you and your cheeriness, prune responds with "hiya :y" Pimento: plums ma laughs "nice to meet ya rokka"

The group see Plum’s new entourage introduce themselves, though before anyone can get too many words in Katrina's eyes quickly rove over them until she spots Finn.

Finn: she raises a finger and points dramatically “AH, Finnian you dog there you are!” she huffs folding her arms haughtily “do you KNOW how long i spent looking for you today and yesterday, augh!” next to her the halfling women look up amused Psalm: Psalm just mutters like "Oh god there's another one." Cimmorro: cimm just like "oh god now there's two of them" under his breath Psalm: LOOOOL can they hear each other Keva: I WAS LITERALLY JUST THINKING KEVA WOULD SAY THE SAME HTING Chip: what is this sitcom skit Keva: keva just groans "oh my fucking god" a little too loudly Han: han is just like :D woah.. people...

Finn: deep in thought, he barely remembers to turn his head and his eyes snap wide open when he recognizes katrina, not having expected her to come at all. he rushes over to her, prying katrinas hands from her folded arms to cradle them both in his own. "katrina! why did you not send word back to me?" he completely ignores her complaining and checks her get up. "if you had, we could have coordinated our outfits! we dont match at all!" despite saying what he does he looks genuinely happy, feeling like hes home for a moment. before realizing... "wait, youve arrived yesterday?" tilting his head Han: han is like WHO ISSSS THISSSSSSSSSSSSS @ finns 180

Katrina: she looks taken aback as you grab her hands like you are ruining the whole bit she just came up with "d-d not try and butter me up right now !! you sent your invitation to me with such swiftness but you did not include a return address! how exactly was I supposed to reply to you, you ruffian… I don't even know where you’re staying, I had to organise accommodation myself, augh! I thought maybe you’d come greet me at port but it was not so…” she huffs again turning her face away from you and her nose up but leaves her hands where they are reluctantly Plum: "yeah Finn you basically left her hanging, kind of cold of you i won't lie." Finn: finn gives plum a look like he just took damage "i did not mean to.." he mumbles so, so quietly...finns face goes blank for a moment before squeezing her hands looking like this at her "d-did i truly forget? how unbecoming of me. i am truly sorry, i did not mean to leave you to your own devices like that." he sighs, now feeling truly stupid for having thought her rude for not replying. "i promise i shall make it up to you!" he beams at her after a moment, although he doesnt know how exactly he will do that yet "and i promise that your troubles will have been worth your endurance! the elfonsent ball shall meet your expectations i am sure!" Katrina: she makes a lopsided face at the genuineness and looks less confident than earlier "th...well i mean.... i had company so...." she stutters for a moment before shaking her head “y-yes, THESE lovely women are my compatriots for the evening. I've forgotten all about you, Finnian, you've no need to entertain me tonight.” she smirks as if very pleased with herself “you may shower me with apologies later but for now WE shall be heading inside to enjoy a bit of the atmosphere, ladies let us go!”

She turns on her heel gracefully, very quickly walking off through the entrance to the palace (almost in a rush). Behind her the two halfling women give her sidelong glances before turning back to plum

Finn: finn feels steamrolled by the whole situation, only able to mutter a pathetic "see you inside, then..." as she heads off. he looks like hes barely put together, like all it takes is a gust of wind to reduce him to dust right now. Pimento: “aye she’s a bit of a handful isn't she?” ma remarks Prune: she laughs before turning back to you plum continuing on “pluuuuum meet us inside later, you need to tell me how you scored this whole ball, sooo much gossip was flying about” Pimento: your ma follows up after her “aye you do! oh and you look so cute too i didn't even say” she reaches forward to pinch your cheek a little while smiling Plum: "yeah, you've really picked up something interesting, ma. like always. and sure, go inside and have fun. i'll catch up later. " they are not excited to hear about the gossip, but they say, "thanks mama," plum says and pats her hand on their face. "you look nice too. even you, prune." plum grins and starts snickering. Pimento: your mum and sister both laugh as your ma responds "aye the dresses are quite nice aren't they? ill be sure to show em off to your pops when we get back" Prune: she turns to you finn to respond "she's just a little moody, im sure she'll get over it if you bring her some champagne" she snickers and pats the back of your leg with gusto.

The two quickly wave farewells, following Katrina until theyre inside and out of sight, leaving the party to themselves again.

Psalm: hes like @ keva and cimm "Until now I was convinced he didn't know what an apology was much less how to give one." Keva: keva snorts quietly at this Cimmorro: "it's simply cause he hates me in particular really" i go pspspsps for jasper to come back Psalm: "Well, true." Han: han leans down to the remaining gang "WHAT just happen"

Plum: "omg wow i take it back, i was kidding. your cuz here basically took care of my family. so thanks for that, though i'm kind of worried about whatever alliance they seem to have formed." Finn: finn stares at you for a long minute and clears his throat. only now registering that that was plums family. "i am... grateful that your family has been so hospitable to her. truly." Plum: "meh, i think it's the other way around. don't worry about it." Finn: "ah, well, perhaps it is simply mutual then." he crosses his arms and grips his own sleeve again before sighing, looking a little more relaxed. "actually... i think this is quite fine. you neednt worry about their alliance." he gives you the smallest smile plum. Plum: "true. it's mostly prune--my sister i'm worried about." plum mumbles, trying not to pinch their forehead. "your cousin seemed nice, though. reminds me a lot of you." Finn: finn raises his hand to his chest, looking almost shocked. there was no way he was as haughty as his cousin! "of me? huh... perhaps you jest" he gives a weak huff in an attempt to humor plum. "but i suppose we are related... i had not the chance to speak to your family proper, but i have a good feeling about them accompanying katrina" the small smile creeps back onto his face Plum: "nah, you're both like. well-dressed. or more like carefully manicured--kind of like a doll." plum says, pointing it out more like they're thinking aloud. "and you're both a bit dramatic. but i like that, anyways. i think my family does too. and thanks, as meddlesome as they are they're still my family, so." Finn: finn tilts his head ever so slightly, taking note of plums thoughts on the two of them. "i am surprised to hear you say that but i shall question you not. i think we'd best make haste now. i imagine that you desire to speak to your family as much as i..." he twirls a strand of his hair idly Plum: "surprised? now i'm kinda curious.. but yeah. i gotta make sure prune isn't in there slandering me." and so they start picking up the pace to get inside as well.

The party sidle over to the palace gate, as they do a few of the royal guardsman on post give them a nod of recognition and point them inside and through. Though as Psalm steps through he hears ghester pipe up

Ghester: “hmm i suppose this’ll be it for me tonight then, do try to enjoy yourself without my company” Psalm: "Oh yes, I forgot about that. An impossible task you've just assigned me but Ill try my best." Ghester: you hear a ghostly chuckle until it fizzles out completely

Han: said while walking "that your guys-ses family?" Finn: finn feels somewhat offended by the question, thinking it obvious. "indeed" he replies, not wanting to sour the good mood katrina has bestowed upon him by such a simple thing. Plum: "yes ma'am. my sis and my ma. pops couldn't make it, unfortunately." Han: "pity about dad, but glad they all make it here" :D "excited to hear what stories they have about baby plumy and finny hehe" Plum: "oh god yeah. can't wait." Finn: finn grimaces a little, because katrina slandering him is a real possibility....if he is not busy charming a man or two, he must keep an eye out to keep han and katrina apart...although he cannot picture her taking much of a liking to han, would she?... he shakes his head subconsciously

The party are all greeted by other roving guardsmen as they enter the walls, one approaches them asking them to follow after them. They lead the party down a few hallways and small buildings until they’re in the palace proper.

> 🎵  Labyrinth V - City of Radiant Ruin / Etrian Odyssey IV OST

Once there they’re led around a corner where the two kings stand together, seemingly discussing something, the walls around them gussied up a little for the ball. As they approach Jeremiah takes notice and gives them all a friendly wave, Peruvus smiles in greeting next to him as he speaks up.

Jeremiah: “ah there you all are, our delightful guests of honour!” he gives a short courtly nod but his grin is taking a bit of the formality out of it. Psalm: hes like should've gone invisible but he smiles like this ---> ^_^ Rokka: rokka smiles at them Han: she waves Finn: finn bows politely and puts on his best Socially Adept Smile. he still hates talking to royalty, but he can hear vorde scolding him mentally if he doesnt. "in the name of the vengaboys i must thank you once more for holding us in such high regard... and for arranging such a lovely ball of course." he feels like words have no meaning, actually. Cimmorro: finn hears cimm snort behind him Finn: finn makes a mental note to snap at cimmorro for this, at some point Rokka: rokka seeing finn bow so he bows too Han: "why dya ask us to come around here?" Peruvus: he smirks at the very strong attempt at politeness "no need for the thanks, were here to bring the community together after all, and celebrate your aid of course" Jeremiah: he follows up, responding to han 's question “oh yes yes, apologies for the subterfuge, but i’d like to announce your arrival before you enter the ballroom and give a quick speech. we don't typically have a herald announce attendees to events here so I wanted to get ahead of you” Peruvus: next to him nods “you’re free to mingle and move as you like after, don't feel too restricted by formalities. though you ought to let us know now what titles and names you’d like us to address you with however” he gives another lopsided smirk Plum: plum internally dying Keva: keva’s the same

Han: "i want to be refered to as "biggest dick around" han" Psalm: Psalm just puts his head in his hands. Finn: finn wishes the sun would spontaneously shine and combust him instantly where he stands Rokka: rokka just O_O at han Jeremiah: he laughs out loud at that, before coughing and putting a hand to his mouth almost like he didn't expect to be that amused Cimmorro: he laughs @ han's thing also Peruvus: he shakes his head a little amused at jeremiah "a fun one to be sure but perhaps we could keep it a little more family friendly"

Psalm: Psalm says, "My first name is fine. Perfectly family friendly. I'd prefer uh.. no title. If that's alright." Peruvus: he nods "perfectly fine" Psalm: psalm also nods in response

Plum: "just 'plum' works for me, thanks." Cimmorro: cimm raises his hand a little and goes "cimmorro from the church of wee jas" Han: han grins at jeremiah cracking up sm but tsks n pouts at peruvus, thinking deeply "okay hmmmmmmmmm............." after cimm says his "han of the swallows perch..? maybe?" Rokka: "you can call me...um" he thinks for a moment what could sound heroic "THE... rokka...?" sounding unsure at the end of his sentence Cimmorro: cimm leans in to whisper at rokka "rockstar" Rokka: his ear twitches hearing that "ROCKSTAR!" he looks back at cimm and smiles appreciatively Han: han whispers to herself "oh my god.. rockstar is so fucking good......" Finn: "finnian of house barvotte shall do" he chokes out, not being able to think of a way to work antessa or vargonia in there this time Peruvus: he nods at the names you put forth, at Rokka's he smiles a little amused 

Keva: after a moment keva realizes she's the last one and just says a bit briskly, tho more polite in tone than usual "you can just skip me thanks" Jeremiah: jeremiah tilts his head expectantly without saying anything Han: han goes to elbow keva then retracts her hand like shes getting burned before she touches keva "whaaaaat? you cant go without name... lame" Rokka: "yeah! at least something!" Han: "like, kevstar...." 🤔 Keva: keva has to restrain herself from rolling her eyes in front of royalty aND THEN PANICKING A LITTLE AT HAN'S SUGGESTION BC SHE'S WORRIED THEY'LL JUST ROLL WITH IT "keva is fine!" Psalm: Psalm snorts at this. "That's a good one, can I call you that though?" Keva: “no!” Han: "only cimm can huh.." Rokka: gasp Keva: "rraghggh he can't either!!!!" Psalm: ^_^ Cimmorro: cimm just watching this all unfold like wow how fun "i still be doing it and i give good names. i think the kings should conider it" Keva: keva wants to go home

Peruvus nods satisfied at keva's proposal, not commenting and the nickname squabble that has emerged, Jeremiah claps his hands together to call attention again, delighted for the moment it seems

Jeremiah: “well then, with that done let us lead the way” he turns along with peruvus who takes his arm, walking ahead with a dignified gait

The two lead the group through the palace until they reach a small balcony area overlooking the main ballroom from a side hallway, followed by some royal guards a little distance away. The two kings step forward slightly and the chatter in the room dies down a little, the music playing throughout the building lowering to a quiet hum.

Keva: keva stands in the back behind one of the taller party members Rokka: Rokka just standing there.....unsure what 2 do Finn: finn tries to look dignified...he hopes he does Han: perched up higher up makes han go into watchtower mode, she scans the whole place lol

Peruvus: pleased with the hush, peruvus speaks first “good evening all, to all our esteemed guests and friends, we thank you again for coming together on this day, after the events of two weeks ago. investigations remain underway and we continue to work tirelessly to extend our security and remain vigilant for the sake of our great city and country, but i wouldn't want to distract from the true purpose for re-holding tonight's ball” he turns and gestures back towards you all with his right hand “to our guests of honour tonight, the esteemed heroes of the city. without their aid we would surely be worse off than we are tonight, and it is thanks to them that we may come together again on this night of community and connection.” Jeremiah: he steps back as Jeremiah steps forward and continues on “Han! of the Swallow's Perch" he holds his arm out and gestures for you to step up a little towards the railing for a brief moment. Han: han looks like she starts to get nervous about this all of a sudden, as if just now realizing the gravity of this situation, but steps forward controlled like a general and stares at the crowd

Han steps forward and is greeted by a chorus of loud clapping and polite cheers, though slightly subdued they are jovial all the same. Though, she feels like she can hear some particularly loud hollering from one end of the ballroom.

Jeremiah: he smiles and ushers you to step back once more, continuing onto the next. Han: when han steps back shes kinda dazed and lost in the rush but when the others start getting called she claps and does those super loud whistles with her fingers

Jeremiah: "Keva, of the Vengaboys!" similarly to Han he briefly ushers you forward Keva: keva closing her eyes in dread the moment she realizes they're gonna be individually called forward lmao, once it's her turn she comes up rather stiffly

Similarly to Han, the reception to her presence is good, though the loud hollering seems to have subsided. Jeremiah smiles at her stiffness before allowing her to step back once again, motioning to the next.

Jeremiah: "The Rokka Rockstar of the Vengaboys!" Rokka: he gets more nervous as he realized they were all being individually presented, taking a step back before reluctantly shuffling forward and giving a small stiff wave

The crowd claps and cheers, and he hears Han give a mighty whistle behind him, Plum also claps loudly for him. As he waves to the room he spies a few of the attendees closer to the balcony waving back almost politely. Jeremiah motions for him to step back again like the others, motioning to the next.

Rokka: Rokka gives a shy smile at han and plum almost shrinking in his posture Plum: thumbs up

Jeremiah: "Psalm, of the Vengaboys!" Psalm: Psalm steps forward and does a small reserved bow.

The crowd responds accordingly, though in the distance he hears two distinct 'woops' followed by the veeery distant sound of a glass shattering, he gets the feeling he probably knows who they belong too... Jermiah gives a little chuckle before motioning for him to step back again, motioning to the next.

Psalm: Psalm's just thinking like "Oh god what are they doing..."

Jeremiah: "Plum, of the Vengaboys!" Plum: plum walks up, gives an awkward wave and then walks back as expected. not sure if they should've curtsied so they think about that as they walk back.

The crowd claps, they cheer! Plum hears a voice giving some distinct cheer out in the crowd accompanied by VERY loud laughing, someone's quite amused... Jeremiah satisfied for the moment gestures for the next to step forward.

Plum: plum heating up like ughhhhhhhhh, mistake inviting her

Jeremiah: "Cimmorro, of the Church of Wee Jas!" Cimmorro: he perches jasper on his arm like an owl then does a little curtsy before going like "YEAHH CHURCH OF WEE JAS LETS GO" like he's a fucking part of a football team Plum: [impressed clapping] Rokka: Cimm yelling pulls rokka out of his daze like omg Finn: finn physically cannot stop himself from facepalming Psalm: psalm is doing the same tbh Cimmorro: you either love him or you hate him Psalm: think it's both for me Han: han is like aw fuck ye u know i cant resist a good chant and joins him for like 2 repeats of it before remembering oh ye fuck church n does a golf clap instead

The crowd cheers and claps almost a little awkwardly but still trying to keep the pace going, though Cimmorro hears a loud man's voice from the crowd whoop and whistle above everyone else until its cut off abruptly. Jeremiah seems to be trying to not laugh as he ushers him back with his arm, pulling forth the last of the group.

Jeremiah: "Finnian, of House Barvotte!" Finn: finn curses the kings for making him go last, feeling the anxiety spike. however, he steps forward with a sly smile and bows to the crowd like edgeworth does in court kinda. yknow what animation i mean. when he comes back up he flips his hair and hopes this will reflect well on his house... he tries to spot katrina in the crowd before stepping back

The crowd love it! thunderous applause as Finn is the last to step forward, its hard to spot anyone from up here truly but he thinks in his head that he defintely nailed that. As he steps back Jeremiah smiles and steps back towards the railing to finish his speech.

Jeremiah: “May Elfonsent Spell’s echo continue to bring us together amidst times of strife, and may we quash all that would threaten peace on Portcus. Make merry and have a wonderful evening everyone!”

He gives a quick bow with a flourish as the ballroom lets out a final chorus of clapping and polite cheers, as a few minutes pass and the ball returns to how it was before the groups arrival. The two kings seemingly satisfied turn back to the group

Peruvus: “and that’ll be that for the formalities i think” he gives a good natured smirk Jeremiah: “do enjoy yourselves, and if you spot any nefarious activity tonight feel free to give us a yell before another stabbing occurs” Finn: finn feels a rush from the thunderous applause hes received, feeling like hes so, so popular...katrina ought to be impressed! he nods to the kings "if we are able to, we shall... haha... thank you..." 

The kings give good natured smiles as the party before heading off, distantly followed by a few royal guardsmen. The group are all left up on the balcony now, allowed to roam around and enjoy the festivities for themselves. The palace around them as always looks ritzy and dressed up, though perhaps a little more than usual, plush rugs, good food and fancy artwork are abound.

> 🎵  Starlit Waltz/ FFXV OST

The party split off, though not exactly knowing where any of their invitees are they most walk about at random, or beeline towards the food.

Cimmorro, Keva, Rokka and Han head over to the left hall towards one of the buffets. As they enter the room, they glance about what seems to be one of the larger food halls in the building. They spy a trio of familiar faces, Finn’s cousin Katrina and Plum's mother and sister, Pimento and Prune.

Keva: keva's preoccupied with getting food but will nod in greeting give a small hello to anyone that happens to make eye contact with her Cimmorro: cimm will wave at the three, all smiles at plum's family while the smile turns a little awkward at katrina Rokka: Rokka gives a big waves at plums mom and sister "HI AGAIN" Also small smile at Katrina unsure of who she really is Han: han will wave to the three n come over  "hey! plum and finn never introduced us, im han! i was up there-" points to the balcony "- moment ago. how are u guys!!"

Approaching they spy the three chatting amongst one another, Katrina telling some sort of tale in lavish detail to the amusement of the other two as they grab some of the food, as if they were watching some sort of show. Recognition flashes in her eyes however as the party approach and make chatter, cutting her tale short and she turns her head a little hmphing to herself as the other two give friendly greetings.

Keva: she kinda snorts in a "figures" sort of way at katrina's attitude and just ignores her on her way to get food Rokka: he also begins chowing down

As Rokka and Keva get to the table a lavish assortment lays in front of them, almost familiar to the last time they were here, perhaps good things can happen twice.

Keva: keva getting a little bit of everything to try, subtly like +__+ and keeping an eye out for smth she can use to tuck stuff away for later....

Prune: she replies to Han with a "were doing great, the food here's killer hehe" she holds her hand out above her head for you to shake Han: han shakes prune's hand gently "i KNOW right?? i stole some for the bosses when we were here last time. dont even remember where it went? what were u talking about before? hot gossip???" >:) Prune: prune laughs and responds in kind "SOOO good, nothing like back home, wonder if we can reverse engineer the recipe somehow..." Pimento: "oh katrina was just telling us of her time back home, a fiery romantic escapade with a nobleman, i sorta' doubt the truth of it buts its entertaining all the same, she could be a performer" Han: "maybe we can find cooks and badger them.... i will ask ferrie chris when i find 'em" >:) then @ pimento "oh whaaaaat, that sounds so cool.. i wonder if finn knows about it? and they certainly see similar with the theatrics" han snorts Prune: she becomes a little starry eyed at the prospect Han: han friendily pats prune on the back and prune experiences about 1/4 force of Han Pat TM as she winks "ill get you in, no problem." Pimento: she replies after laughing "yes certainly peas in a pod it seems, she told me on the way here she wanted to have a fun dance with him on the ballroom but she seems a little torn on the concept now“ Han: "they do dances here...? that would be funny to see" han laughs

Cimmorro: a flash of mischievousness visits cimm and he decides to properly introduce himself as well "hii ladies" @ plum's family "if you're looking for plumby, i think i saw them go into the main hall. i'm cimmorro by the way" also trying to get katrina's attention to his introduction "you're related to finnian?”

The two halflings ‘ooh’ a little at the info on plum but don't seem to be in much of a rush, Katrina looks over at you cimm at the question however.

Katrina: "yes the dope is my cousin, he ought to get his memory checked i swear..." Cimmorro: "oh, katrina, right? you're cousins! that's perfect. why, i've always wanted to tell his kin how well he's been faring in our group, yes. actually, he has taken quite a liking to us. quite obsessed with me in particular, hm" he crosses his arms and nods to himself "you oughta know that he was even inviting me to spend the night with him last night! what a charmer. it was an honor to receive an invitation from such a high class noble such as he, but of course i had to valiantly decline. i too had duties to tend to, you see. so i hope you can comfort him for me hm?" he snickers "ah i'd tell you more but i have my own guests to look for. so i oughta toodle on myself... hehe" Keva: keva smiling to herself overhearing this trying not to laugh.......might have to track this as the night goes Rokka: Rokka mathing this all out in his head hearing this while stuffing his mouth with food and making a confused face, smth not making sense here.... Katrina: as you go on Katrina's eye grow a little wide processing the information dump, she then quickly looks you up and down very seriously as if assessing everything about you from your hair to your outfit to the colour of your eyes ".....didnt suppose you were his type..." she shakes her head a little dazed as you wave her off Cimmorro: "well, what can i say..." he shrugs a little "suppose i am an even more seasoned charmer than he. enjoy the evening miss" he smiles and gives her a little bow

As Cimmorro splits off to go searching for his guests, Keva also splits off to go through the double doors on the balcony, hoping to eat her meal somewhere less crowed.

> 🎵  Brigade Town (Crescent Restaurant) / Battle Chef Brigade OST

In the meantime, as the buffet hall group disperse, Plum decides to head towards the grand ballroom to search about. Peering around they see dancing figures on the floor and the musicians playing in the back, amongst the mingling attendees they spot familiar figures seated in one of the alcoves. There they spy Psalm’s mothers, Ruth and Esther, in jovial conversation with two other women, a half orc and short half genasi women, both seemingly dressed to the nines.

Plum: "oh wow," plum says, "sorry to interrupt. you're all dressed so nicely." upon further inspection they recognize psalm's moms. Esther: As you approach, they turn and recognise you, Psalm's mothers wave you over excitedly. Esther pipes up, seemingly already a little tipsy on champagne “why thank you dear, do join us, we were having a grand time chatting with these lovely ladies” Ruel: she laughs after “the pleasure was all ours, after having the charm on for most of the afternoon it's good to relax a little” Plum: plum goes over quite readily. "nice to see you again," they say to psalm's moms, and then looks around for where they might have gotten the champagne. he turns to the other two. "yeah, must be a bore guessing who's stuffy and who's not. name's plum."

Psalms mothers raise their glasses in hello, Stella and Ruel both give Plum a nod before introducing themselves.

Stella: shaking her head she speaks "its truly hard keeping this turned on all night you know? these two were kind enough to call us for drinks though" she smiles good naturedly Plum: "yeah, can't say i'm much of a performer though so i just steer clear of the ones who look too expensive. and speaking of drinks," plum grabs the pants of some nearby waiter and finally gets their mitts on something to drink. "cheers! what brings you two here?" Stella: she gestures with her arm flashily "our dear friend han invited us, kindest thing shes ever done for me. me and ruel are netowrking here... doing my best to get myself stuck in the mind of every wandering nobleman around" Ruel: she nods beind her "ive already gotten around 8 peoples contact details, i think one just handed stella some coins so she can buy alchohol at the bar" Esther: she laughs out loud at that "there isnt even a bar here!" Plum: "oh youre hans friends? cool. i think she went somewhere near the...entraanncee..? if you're looking for her. i guess she's tall enough to be easy to find. but nice, glad youre getting some use outta this place." plum laughs with them. Stella: stella claps her hands together "oooh... perhaps ill go find her in a bit, she needs to see our outfits! and i want to eyeball her lovely dress too" ruel snorts behind her as she continues "i wanted to play some kind of game while i was here in the ballroom though" she tilts her head thinking a moment "dont suppose you'd like to join in? the ladies here have agreed already" psalms mothers smile good naturedly Plum: "hmm, what kinda game?" Stella: she smiles "since me and ruel are taking a little break from networking right now how about we make a little bet….” she leans in with a smirk “one of you try and charm one of the nobles here into a date or out of their contact details, like i've been all night, and i'll give you the bit of coin i got out of the last lady i spoke with” Plum: plum looks at stella with their eyebrows raised in surprise. leave it to han to have such eccentric friends (though they don't mean it badly, it is kinda just true...) "huh. as fun as that sounds..." plum says in their usual deadpan. "i don't think i'd be any good at that. i wouldn't say i'm the most, hmmm, charming. person around." they look at psalm's mom's like ????????? Stella: stella pouts a little trying to be cute "aww but thats half the fun~! it'd be even more exciting if you suceed, i can point out someone we can all have a crack at" Plum: "won't they catch on if it's the same person?" Stella: she gives you a serious glance putting a finger up, though with a bit of whimsy "you dont know how much these noble types like to think theyre the talk of a party, that every pretty thing wants a go at... they hardly ever catch on"

> 🎵  Valse di Fantastica / FFXV OST

As Plum chats up the ladies, Psalm and Finn split off to the right, entering what seems to be one of the libraries within the palace.Though not the same grand library the others had found before when visiting, a smaller more modest one. glancing around the room however you spy a group of familiar faces. Kavach and Willow stand in conversation with the pair of wizards Jeane and Vinny on the tiled floors.

Psalm: "Evening Vinny." Psalm says. He nods at the other three. "Good evening everyone." Jeane: as you approach you pick up threads of their conversation “-archmage is quite stuffy i’ll say, but those strange stashes really interest me” Kavach: he follows up after “i’ll say, hidden treasures in a palace, how exciting~!” the two laugh like schoolgirls discussing gossip as willow and vinny stand awkwardly next to them. Vinny: hes the first to notice the two of you's approach, almost relieved to see you both "oh er, good evening faring the crowd alright?” Psalm: "Eh, faring well enough considering we just got here." Vinny: he nods ruefully Finn: finn is so very disappointed that he hasn't found katrina, but figured it'd be rude to walk away from these familiar faces. he bows politely to the group. "good evening. what a pleasure that we meet again here!" his eyes wander over everyone's outfits of course and he stops at kavachs thigh, thinking him a harlot for showing off like this. and he just thought hes sworn the man off....ugh! "what lovely choice of dress! i love the pattern.." he quickly says to willow, hoping they didn't catch him looking like that. then to vinny "it has been a while, i hope youre well... your hair suits you quite nicely ^__^ " thinking that vinny looks unusually handsome like this Vinny: he gives an awkward and tired laugh at the compliment to his hair from finn "i try and do...something with my hair on formal nights..." Willow: a little stilted willow also responds to the compliment "...mmm yes, thank you" Psalm: "And you're Cimmoro's guest ..? Sorry to immediately jump to a request, but you haven't happened to see my parents around have you?" Willow: willow replies, looking around them a little on instinct "hmm Ruth and Esther yes? last i saw of them was in the main ballroom, they seemed to be enjoying themselves" Psalm: "I have not a single doubt in my mind about that... alright thank you." Psalm wants to leave and go look for them but he's getting the sense it would be a bad idea to leave Finn alone with any of Cimmorro's relations. Willow: willow nods, though they seem a little amused that you didn't leave after you asked.

Finn: he laughs a little at how tired vinny sounds. "you seem quite tired and the nights only just begun... will you really fare alright?" he nods to what vinny tells him of his hair and flashes a smile, with fangs. "perhaps you ought to try something with your hair more often, then" Vinny: "hmm lets say i wouldn't be here if i couldn't help it but jeane told me its my duty as an accord wizard.." he takes a rueful sip of his drink before raising an eyebrow "ahh the hassle isnt worth it but maybe if it gets too long i'll start tying it up..?" he thinks to himself Finn: if finn had a drink, he might would've choked on it. vinny with longer hair and tied up... it looks good in his minds eye. but the thought itself takes him aback, he never thought the man attractive before and he ought to stop himself here! "hmm.." he thinks aloud "perhaps a breath of fresh air would do you well? your companion is right about your duty, but there are ways to enjoy yourself a little more at such an event" Vinny: he laughs a little too loudly at the suggestion before glancing sidelong at jeane and kavach still engaged in conversation "i dont think jeane's letting me get away from her and my supposed duty tonight anytime soon..." Finn: finn is a little irritated over this...whats so funny? its really not that funny. he shouldnt be laughing so loud. whatever. at least he made one persons night... he thinks. "is that so? i suppose youll have to keep an eye out for an opportunity then aha.. ^__^" Vinny: vinny shakes his head a little at the comment "aha, sorry i guess the idea i'd actually enjoy much of tonight was very amusing" he stares tiredly into the distance as you and psalm begging chatting amongst yourselves

Finn: finn gives psalm a questioning look. "are you not going to look for your mothers? Psalm: "I was just about to actually." He eyes Willow and Kavach somewhat warily before deciding that ultimately it's none of his business. "At the risk of sounding like a nagging parent... well. Actually never mind." He just pats Finn on the shoulder instead. "Have fun." and then quietly so only Finn can hear.. "Maybe I'll be back in a bit to assess the damage you'll no doubt cause to Cimmorro's reputation while I'm gone." Finn: hes as pale as one can be, yet even more color seems to drain from him. if only psalm had said anything else to him.. ah... but this is quite alright. hearing his voice so up close and actually talking about him is quite nice, his cheeks heating up despite the whole being undead thing. he doesn't know why psalm is concerned, but he likes that his damage is being acknowledged, ultimately. he leans in to whisper back "are you worried about him or me?" Psalm: he just raises his eyebrow at the question, before he just starts laughing. "I'm worried about the me that will, no doubt, have to listen to the two of you bicker after whatever transpires. And as much as I'd like to stick around I actually do need to find my parents. I'm sure I had a glass crashing to the floor earlier that's going to haunt me for the rest of the night if I don't find out who's responsible, although I have an idea... 🙂 " Finn: he chuckles a little and rolls his eyes "you ought to enjoy your time with your mothers all the more, then... it is inevitable as you say." he smiles and twirls his hair again "mayhaps ill make it up to you one day psalm" hes just about to wave the tiefling off when he remembers something "if you do come back and have spotted my cousin, let me know, wont you? she looks similar to me, you cant miss her really" Psalm: "When I'm done fussing over them I'm sure I'll find the time to enjoy myself in there somewhere. And trust me I know, but here's the thing, you don't have to make anything up to me if you just- " he pauses. "Never mind. I'm not nagging. I have to save it for when I actually do find my parents." he sighs. "Right I did see her earlier..I'll be sure to tell you, maybe if you're lucky Cimmorro hasn't gotten to her first."

Saying his farwells, Psalm waves off the library group. Vinny and Willow give him their long suffering waves in response, as he heads up he finds himself entering an outdoor garden, there he spies a group of faces standing near some of the greenery. Ollie and Vera stand speaking to some royal guardsmen he recognises, Marn and Ioren and their captain Emerick.

Psalm: in his head like "Right.. I have no idea where I'm going as expected."

He gives them a friendly wave as Vera spots him but continues on searching for his mothers, Quickly making his way to the main ballroom. Almost as if tag teaming out for him Cimmorro passes him by on the balcony as he heads into the library. Spotting his guests as well as Finn chatting with them.

> 🎵  Masquerade Suite / Aram Khachaturian

Finn: he clears his throat before butting into the conversation (between kavach and jeane) first he eyes jeane curiously "i believe we havent met before, have we? youre vinnys acquaintance yes? pardon me for interrupting you two but ive been oh so curious as to what you might be talking about..." he smiles at kavach Cimmorro: cimm immediately gasps and bristles at the sight of finn with his company and stomps over there, grabbing his arm friendlily "finn! my bestie..... my pal!! we're getting along well and nice haven't we huh ^_^" which is definitely forced as if to show willow like look i'm a good boy "say, this is great. you had a nice chat with my folks and i just met your very lovely cousin on the other end of the hall! she seemed to like me! A LOT! 😌 " Finn: finn masks his hostility perfectly, despite how much he hates cimm touching him and bringing up katrina. he cant begin to imagine what he might have told her but he wont break his head trying to figure it out right now. this was the time to counterattack after all. "oh cimmorro, i just got my first words out to them you see? let me finish chatting with them, will you?" he kindly removes cimmorros hand from his arm before devoting his attention to kavach again. Kavach: he turns to awnser “hmmm we’ve just been talking fun magic people gossip y'know, but ol jeanney here says there's-" but upon spotting Cimmorro he shouts out a great big hellow "CIMMYYY THERE YA ARE! ya looked so good up there all snazzy like "he begins coming over to attempt to pinch your cheek completley bypassing finn Finn: finn just about ready to be reduced to dust again

Cimmorro: cimm clicks his tongue at finn and taps his foot a little irritably. although he can't deny he's interested to see how this will go, maybe kavach can embarrass the noble enough for him to leave. and did the old man deliver. cimm brightens up immediately with his tail wagging happily like "YEAH? YEAH? I HEARD YOU UP THERE!!" he goes like GYAH at kavach pinching his cheek, pretending to be annoyed but he lets him though 😔 Kavach: kavach sniggers pleased at you letting him do as he pleases "yessir~! i woulda shouted longer if willow hadnt elbowed me" he pouts dejectedly in their direction which they ignore Finn: finn almost grimaces. almost. but he cant show any weakness now. he keeps his smile up and sighs a little, all in good nature of course. he eyes willow "i had hoped to ask kavach for a dance, since he had agreed yesterday and all but it seems he and cimmorro will be busy for a while. may i ask this dance of you instead? it seems you are a little bored if im not mistaken willow. mayhap we can continue our conversation from yesterday." Willow: you feel willow glance at you as if assesing the whole situation thats just occurred here before them "as much as i would enjoy a bit of relaxtion i need to keep an eye on this one... madam here has been giving him ideas i would say..." Jeane: she titters a little in response “it's just gossip dear, i've seen all sorts of interesting mechanisms in this old palace” Vinny: next to her shakes his head “...it’s true it almost feels ancient” Jeane: she tuts and follows up “because it is you buffoon, tsk tsk i get the feeling the libraries are all connected by some mechanism but i haven't been curious enough to do much searching” Vinny: he mopes silently next to her as she goes on Jeane: “theres probably a room connected at its centre” Kavach: he quickly replies with a “i wonder what trinkets are hidden there~” almost excitedly Cimmorro: cimm fucking SNORTS at finn being rejected

Han: i hope finn and cimm actually break out into a fist fight in front of the monarchy Plum: after they repped their respective houses Chip: everyone knows whos brawling in the hall now Plum: finn?? finn from house barvotte??? AND NOW THEYRE MAKING OUT???? Psalm: WITH THE STEEL CHAIR

Finn: finn tilts his head as if to think. "are you sure i cannot steal you away for just a moment? im sure with cimmorro present no trouble ought to occur... spending so much time with him has taught me what a responsible person he is, after all. quite reliable yes..." he briefly glances at cimmorro before looking at willow again. "or would you suggest that cimmorro is not so capable?" then @ jeane and vinny he wonders out loud "it surprises me that you havent been curious enough...but then again i suppose you dont seem the adventurous type vinny." Willow: willow tilts their head "yes... good to see him making a good impression i suppose" willow stares at you awkwardly for a few more moments before continuing "truthfully i am not much. of a the dancing sort either." Finn: he glances between willow and vinny, disappointed with the way things have been going... he shouldve left with psalm. he sighs a little "quite a shame... what is a ball without a little dancing? i shall pester you no further about it though. pardon me for having pushed the issue." he offers willow an apologetic smile.  Vinny: he responds afterwards to your question attempting to clear the now  akward air "aha...i suppose i dont, do i...? then again the past few weeks have been enough for me, though i am leaving the country soon arent i, suppose i go where life takes me" he smiles a little Cimmorro: only just now is cimm realizing jeane and vinny is here now that his rage vision towards finn is clearing up and he brightly says hi to vinny and a little more broken and forced one at jeane thinking to himself like 'ough... no not you...' he shakes his head to ignore her presence for the moment as to not ruin the night and clasps his hand together "so! you've met!!" glancing between willow and vinny Willow: glancing between themself and vinny they nod "yes, though i admit we havnt had too much chatter between us yet" willow glances at kavach as if to say 'this is why' Vinny: he continues after a bit laughing "aha, well all ive gotten so far is they're people of the cloth who know you cimmorro" Cimmorro: cimm is just like :DDDDD ignoring what the fuck else is going on right now and just goes "so you ARE coming? oh and willow is the mentor i was talking about!!!" Finn: "youre leaving? i believe i wasnt aware. where to, if one might inquire?" Vinny: "that i am yes, Cole will be looking over the store for me-" he turns to finn a little confused tilting his head "aha-er im to be coming along with you on your trip, cimmorro here invited me?" before looking back at willow like ahhhhhhhhh once cimmorro reveals who they are Finn: he cringes a little, having forgotten. "o-oh... i...." he doesnt even know what to say anymore. if only cimm werent his enemy he'd drag him to dance now, anything to get away from this situation. "you see ive.... had quite the evening already, i.....i apologize..... well, i think i shall take to the dance floor and find myself a partner as enthusastic as i! i appreciate the chatter! ^__^" he turns to leave so quickly now Vinny: vinny gives a small wave still a little confused "have fun for the both of us will you" Willow: they bow a little Kavach: he gives a more enthusiastic wave as you go Jeane: shes like... okay w/e lol

> 🎵  Die Fledermaus Overture / Johann Strauss II

Finally feeling too dejected, Finn wobbles away from the conversation. At the same time Psalm finally makes his way to the grand ballroom, where he sees his mums chatting with plum and a couple of well dressed women he doesnt recognise, even from across the way though he can see that daaamn champagne!

Plum: plum smiles at that. "i guess i don't. that sounds about right." Stella: stella stands tall with a smile humming to herself Plum: "i'll think about it. might not be best to start your game while" makes a gesture at psalm "is here to be a worrywart." they reach for another glass of champagne Stella: she leans in "oooh bit of a party pooper is he... note taken" Plum: "yeah, just a bit. i'm gonna dip a bit actually to avoid his nagging, but i'll find you for that bet later if you're still up for it." plum slinks off with a wave to psalm's moms. Stella: stella laughs before seeing plum off with a pout "awww~ come back soon yeah?" Plum: "will do!" plum says

Psalm: he’s going to make his way over to his parents and the ladies... ?and Plum..? He can feel the headache coming on as he approaches them. @ The ladies, "Evening." He just nods at Plum before turning his attention on his parents and narrowing his eyes at them kind of comically. "Which one of you is breaking things in the Kings' palace." Plum: they nod at psalm. Esther: as he comes over she shouts out "there's my boy! looking so fine tonight dear" Ruth: she laughs at the question "hmm im sure you can guess dear Stella: before turning to psalm as well "oooh is this the rumoured son, killed it up there earlier ser" Ruel: she nods behind her approvingly Psalm: "Thank you, Mom, you look lovely as well as always." @ Ruth he just frowns at her. "Of course I do. I'll be taking that!" And takes the flute from her hands before downing it himself before turning to Stella &  Ruel. "Thank you...? I don't believe we've met. I'm guessing you've become acquainted with these two though." He gestures at his parents. Esther: as you snatch the glass Esther lets out a dejected awwww~ before speaking up "no fun psalmy, whens the next time ill get invited to a fancy place like this?" Ruel: she replies after "ruel and stella, were friends of han's who i will assume you know on account of you having your names announced a little earlier" she smirks lightheartedly Psalm: Psalm sighs at Ruth  "You have a point. I'll get you some water first then..." @ Ruel and Stella, "Oh, it's nice to meet you both. I feel a bit awkward introducing myself now that you've pointed that out, but I'm Psalm." Esther: esther smiles "so dutiful you are, raised you well" Stella: she laughs "pleasures all ours dear! nice to seen han has a worrywort around her" Psalm: he just snorts like "Yes well, she kind of needs one doesn't she." @ Esther "I would say less dutiful and more like I know you two are up to no good... somehow." ^_^ Esther: she replies with a smile "i didnt know having a good time was getting up to no good" Ruth: she snorts "dont want us getting arrested by any of the fancy guardsman walking about do ya?" Psalm: he continues to narrow his eyes at them before returning Ruth's glass, which will no doubt be topped up again at some point while he's not looking... "You two can play dumb all you want but I know better. But I'm not here to mother you both so I'll get Maz her water on be on my way." Psalm --> goes to find some water..

As Plum totters off at Psalms approach, back in the buffet Hall Pimento and Prune continue chatting Han up about the ballroom as Rokka funnels food down his mouth nearby.

Pimento: she nods her head "yeap in the main ballroom they leave the center open for dancing, its where they got most of the musicians set up as well" Prune: after she recovers from her excitement she follows up "ooh yeah were a bit on the shorter side for katrina, so I think she was feeling awkward about asking either of us hehe" Han: "oh? you think im too tall to ask for dance then?" han stands up to her full height out of her slav squat as she gauges the parameters of dancing "how is it more awkward? i guess people dance different." Prune: prune tilts her head "aye well for a waltz i probably would really be able to reach your waist hehe" she tilts her head glancing back at katrina "might work with you if you try though :y" Han: "i never danced "a voltz" before but i can try!!" han puffs out her chest as if her musculature somehow proofs that shes a good dancer "i can try with you too, prune!" and then "YO KATRINA! i heard you wanted dance partner?" Rokka: rokka having satisfied his hunger he moves to join han and the others while chewing on his last bite "whats this "voltz" dance i hear?" talking mouth full Han: "oh, perfect time rokka!! i was just thinking you are probably good at dance, wanna try??" :D Rokka: "yeah why not!? i got some of my own moves!!" little do they know that rokka in fact does not have moves Prune: prune giggles at your show "i dunno you might just end up swinging me round... though thats fun in itself" Han: "i can swing you around eeeeeeeeeeasy" Prune: she goes 'weeeee 'in the background out of eagnerness

Katrina: she snaps her head over at the abrupt calling of her what "er-excuse me!?" seems shes finally been snapped out of her finn contemplation reverie Han: "dance? prune said you wanted dance partner!" ^o^ "if im too tall, maybe you can teach rokka" :) Rokka: rokka gives katrina a smile and wave "that's me!" Katrina: she looks a little embarrassed her desire was revealed so openly and messes with the belt of her skirt a little "i-i did yes.... truthfully though i want to get back at finn a little bit as well..." she thinks to herself as if shes forming an idea to do with waltzing Han: hans like lol?????? at whatever katrina has going on "well, if we all want to dance, let follow the music!" and she will. do just that!  Rokka: rokka giggles at prune's excitement, "oh, are ya looking for finn? why not have a little fun first!" Katrina: she opens her eyes wide and awkwardly follows "f-fine but we should try and find my cousin on the way i think..."

The three move onto the main ballroom as Prune skips after them, Pimento gives a wave, deciding to keep by the food and away from the more hectic events of the dancefloor.

Rokka: rokka calls out to katrina and prune "is this how you do that dance?" he awkwardly moves his limbs Han: han tries to copy him Katrina: katrina watches the two of you in the main ballroom, with a bit of a WOEFUL gaze "erm....i would not call that a waltz no..." Prune: she seems to enjoy the display however and starts laughing good naturedly Rokka: rokka tilts his head at her "how do you do it then?" 🤨 Katrina: she briefly lifts her arms as if she's about to explain but thinks better of it "its a slow dance! you move slowly!" she rubs her temples and points a fingertip towards the various other couples doing the dance on the floor Han: han starts trying to copy the other people dancing Rokka: rokka looks around him and studies the couples, holding his arms up in the air and tries to copy them "so like...this?"

As Han and Rokka begin their attempts at waltzing (by themselves) Plum spots them as they waddle along, hanging with Katrina and Prune.

Plum: ill come up behind prune like "boo" Prune: as you shout boo you hear prune you "uwwAUGH!" spinning around and seeing you she goes "auuuugh pluum" and tries to start wrestling you in retaliation

As the halflings playfully tussle, Rokka finds he struggles a little to match the beat on time, he isnt really used to this slow swaying. Though Han seems to handle it quite well despite having similar difficulties, after a bit of practicisng the movements seem to start coming to her, Katrina looks a little impressed at her quick improvment.

Psalm wandering around the ballroom sends over some water to his parents as he does he notices the few of them dancing, Finn also arrives in the large ballroom at the same time, spotting Katrina eyeing their performances.

Han: han notices that she is doing well and looks btwn katrina and rokka starry eyed "see see see! im getting it!!! Rokka: "you're pretty good han!" he gives up a thumbs up Han: han slows down completely n watches rokka jig "whatever u are doing... it ROCKS!!! cooler than the volts for sure" 👍 Rokka: his tail wags at the compliment " YA THINK SO?? HAHA" he starts "waltzing" faster from excitment Han: han just hypes him up more, her own shit forgotten Katrina: she tilts her head and nods "i...i suppose you are a quick study.."

Finn: he looks over to what katrina and the others are up to, briefly forgetting about his absolutely humiliating conversation for a second. finding that rokka looks quite funny, he halts to observe. it seems like katrina is having great fun at this ball, just as he had hoped. hes smiling before he knows it and strolls over to the them. "i see im not the only struggling to find a partner katrina?" he laughs Katrina: at your sudden appearance she jumps a little "AHCK. i mean- no! i am doing just fine in fact i was jsut about to go dance myself" she sticks her hands on her hips and raises her head again facing another direction before getting and idea and whipping it back towards you "in fact dear cousin i have a proposition for you!" Finn: finn chuckles a little at her eccentric behaviour. hes missed talking to her and seeing just how dramatic she is over things like this. at her sudden request he tilts his head and blinks in surprise though. "a proposition? lets hear it..." hopefully this wasnt going to be a challenge about who'd find the hottest most high class noble to dance with, because it sure as hell wont be him. Katrina: "you wanted my forgiveness correct? and to entertain me tonight? let us make this a contest then, both of us dance on the floor tonight with seperate partners" she gestures with hand towards the floor "we see who's dancing the people in the ballroom enjoy more, you win i forgive you and if i win i will thank you for the funny show" she folds her arms quite pleased with the idea shes concoted Finn: "a contest?" he gestures vaguely with his wrist "im all for it, yes... a magnificent idea katrina! but im surprised youd suggest it so confidently, knowing me and how good i am..." he laughs a little. "i hope for you that you thought this through... what a convenient way to earn your forgiveness" Katrina: “do not be so boastful, ive become quite good myself when you've been away.." she smirks and tilts her nose in the air again the essence of arrogance 

Psalm: "Are you two having a competition?" Psalm asks @ Han and @Rokka as he approaches them. Rokka: "just waltzing!" Han: "no? not yet..? katrina said neither of us know how to dance volts, so we are learning. but i think rokka has something better here, waaaaaay better than volts. volts two point oh. volts supreme." Psalm: "Yeah I think you might be onto something there." Psalm says watching Rokka do... whatever it is that he's doing. Rokka: rokka laughs loudly at han's comment and dances harder to show it off to her like watch this Han: han is so taken in by rokka bro......... starstruck rn Rokka: "want to join us psalm?" Psalm: “Sure, although maybe I'll stick to actually waltzing if you're up for it. Not to say that your Waltz Supreme isn't great...! Just not for me. ^_^ " Han: "im sure u could do it if you try, even though the technique is so advanced .." Psalm: "Hmm, I might not be able to nail it.. maybe next time."  (/s) Rokka: "huh? sure! maybe i can learn from you then!"  he moves towards psalm and holds his hands Han: "oh good idea!" hans eyes are glued to their feet to learn the movement Psalm: "You want me to teach you? 0___0)? ....I suppose I'll try then." Rokka: "i thought you were offering...?" he tilts his head Psalm: "Well... alright." Han: "well, we will have plenty of time on the ship" Psalm: 😥

> 🎵  The Slopes of Beauclair / Witcher 3 OST

As Psalm and Rokka begin to waltz together, nearby out on the balcony across from the buffet hall, Keva steps out with her food and greets the evening air. Glancing about however she spies a group of familiar short faces. Ferris Chris and her brothers Jessep and Layne, as well as Mint from the Summer Sunset House theatre group, seems a couple of her fellow troupe members joined her for the trip.

Keva: she internally groans running into more people that know her.... she just wants to eat in peace......

She stands at a distance and watches them chatter amongst themselves, it almost appears as if the dwarves are needling Mint, causing her to get a little flustered... the only seating out here that isnt taken looks to be on the edge of the fountain near the four of them.

Keva finds that she honestly doesn't really want to socialize but... she feels a bit bad for mint... and she is hungry..... so in the end she sighs and makes her way over to sit at the fountain's edge, giving a small wave and hi to the familiar faces before pointing out that there's food inside (maybe hoping they'll move). As she gets close she picks up threads of their conversation.

Ferrie Chris: “-yeah i heard all about it, our girl Han helped you out didn't she? place better not still be haunted” she says with a laugh Mint: she replies nervously “o-of course not! And it wasn't a haunting in the first place… though i suppose i d-dont know really what you’d call it…” she turns to you keva recognising you “a-ah! Hello again, thank you all again for the invitation” Ferrie Chris: her and the boys follow up after “oh there’s yone of youse, outfits turned out spiffy aye? Good picks. We’ve been chatting with this one here” Layne: he follows up after her “we already snagged a bit of the snacks, the rich types are bit too up themselves for our blood” Jessep: next to him he rubs his eyes tiredly. Keva: she shrugs to mint as if to say "not a big deal" @ ferrie's comment, she looks down at herself like she doesn't remember what she's wearing and responds a bit self-consciously "ah, thanks. i didn't have anything to do with it though." taking a seat on the fountain's edge, being careful not to get any of her dress wet, she laughs a bit at layne's comment "mine too, tho i'm happy to put them out some food if they're offering" looking over at mint and the troupe, she asks as she pulls out amos to eat "how's business?" Mint: the dwarves nod in agreement as mint follows up after shyly "weve been going alright! the theatre fills up a little more regularly now, though ill say it’s been an experience seeing the very inside of the palace...” she stares about still in awe as her two companions speak up behind her Helena: the tall woman speaks up “So lavish, i think Mint here’s a lil overwhelmed” Edgar: the tiefling follows after with a scoff “ah its typical noble fare REALLY, what’s annoying is that musician who was troubling our dear Mint earlier” Mint: “a-ah edgar i said it was fine really!” Keva: she’s glad to hear the theater is doing well, and raises a curious brow at the comment about the musician as she starts to eat "what happened?"

Mint: “Well it seems as if one of the musicians playing here tonight lost his -er, instrument..” Edgar: he rolls his eyes “in a BET no less, tch typical well known types, think they can do anything then come crying for help from strangers when it goes wrong” Helena: she follows up after “he was quite glamorous though wasn't he?” she says with a smile, a hand to her mouth. Mint: responds “er he made a bet with one of the noble attendees that he could beat them in a drinking contest, fastest to empty their glass wins.  bet his lute on it” she sighs “we saw him holding his head out on the balcony here… he was so despondent, practically begged us to help” Edgar: he shakes his head “unbecoming!” Mint: “i said id try and help him out but i've no ideas, i suppose we could challenge him to another contest but…i think id get so anxious id throw up” Layne: he speaks up next to her “do ya’ even know this fella’s name your helping” Mint: she shakes her head no in response

Her reply has the three dwarves shaking their heads as if to say oh man..

Keva: she snorts "that's what happens when you make a bad bet. why not just let him figure it out himself?" she says as she starts to look around for this poor sucker Mint: she pokes her fingers together awkwardly "I suppose i just cant leave well enough alone" noticing you look around she continues "o-oh hes not here right now, i think hes looking around in backrooms if there's anything to replace it with but far as i know all the musicians brought their own" Keva: she looks back at mint both questioningly and pityingly, since it sounds like she's not going to give up on her promise "you're really going to try to help this guy?” Mint: she nods her head "i cant go back on it now, besides i feel for him as a fellow performer...." the two behind her stare like ... well we dont 😑

Keva debates for a bit whether she wants to get involved with this or not as she finishes feeding Amos and finishes her plate, which she's cleaned rather quickly. The answer's easily no, but looking at mint poking her fingers together....

Keva: she sighs, a bit annoyed with the situation and herself "fine. who do i talk to" Mint: she blinks surprised "you-er wait you'll help?" the dwarves also look a little surprised by the offer Keva: she gets a bit self-conscious at everyone's reactions "well i don't have anything else to do right now, but i can change my mind" Mint: at your words mint quickly scuttles forward and grabs your hands "NOOO NO NO! thank you, thank you please hee-elp" here eyes are like this >_< like shes about to cry Keva: she’s a bit startled by mint's sudden enthusiasm (or maybe desperation) and tugs her hands away "alright alright, just tell me who i have to talk to first" Mint: she quickly wipes her eyes bowing over and over "th-its an older genetlman in the room just across from here, he's carrying it on its back he's hard to miss really..." Helena: "ive heard hes a bit egotistical" Edgar: he continues "and a noble of course" Keva: "just a noble then"

As Keva cranes her head to glance back into the buffet hall to spot the man in question, back in the library Cimmorro contiues his conversation with the mages.

Cimmorro: "whoahhhhh i'm so glad!!!" he continues to make starry eyes between vinny and willow right now like uwaa uwa uwa... "i suppose i don't have to spell it out anymore that vinny's the one i wanted you to meet? :D" @ willow then back @ vinny "kavach is also my uncle---- kind of!!!! they're both my parents" Willow: willow nods their head "ahh, had not expected him to an accord wizard" Vinny: he rubs the back of his head a little after "aha well.." before staring at kavach then back at you "o-oh? is that right, sorry should i have been speaking a little more formally?" he looks a little flustered until kavach laughs Kavach: "no need, you can even call me kav if you like!" Vinny: he nods his head like uha... a little out of his element Cimmorro: cimm goes like ❓ at the accord thing then whispers to willow in celestial "is that a problem or anything....?" then back to vinny like "oh don't worry about kavach he's good. willow you might wanna, though...... head of our temple which is why i wanted you two to meet too. gotta get permission for the visit after all" 😄 Willow: willow responds back in kind "i told you before theyre a little annoying is all" Cimmorro: cimm nods and makes a smile that's a little more of a grimace and just goes "ah" he thinks to himself a little like, 'could'a sworn i mentioned this to willow before but oh well...' it is a little worrying that willow finds these people 'annoying' by their own words...🤔  he tries not to over think it though... Vinny: at the advice vinny nods his head carefully before looking back at willow "er-uh thank you for having me then willow, i'll be in cimmorro's care..." he seems to blank out a little on what he should be saying after that

Cimmorro: he smiles at vinny then turns to look at kavach and jeane "i overheard you guys were talking about treasures around again? were they the same things as the ones behind the paintings? you know i almost blew a face off of one had vinny not stopped me last time" he laughs Vinny: vinny makes a face recalling the incident now like oh boy... he sure did that Willow: they also make a face that reads ....you did that? Kavach: he’s the first to speak up however "yeeeap, like jeany said we figure theres an entrance in one of these libraries but willow wont let me skulk arouuund~" he leans in close to whisper conspiratorially as they're distracted "maaaybe you can?" he gives you sparkly pleading eyes Cimmorro: "whaa... they won't? i was gonna ask you to come help me.....!!" cimm pouts then turns to willow like 🥺 "can kav and i look around? i'll keep a close eye on him i prommy........ you know kav's going back to mum tomorrow...." he keeps making pleading eyes like please please 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 Willow: willow's makes a very strained looking face somehow with only their mouth staring at you both in pure silence before speaking ".......im not sure if i like the odds of your combination here......." they think for a moment before sighing however "dont be gone too long, and do not break anything please" Vinny & Jeane: they stare between you all wondering what on earth the power dynamics at play here are Cimmorro: "YEAHHH LETS GO THANKS WILLOW" cimm yells enthusiastically as he grabs kavach's arm farther into the library Willow: they say almost to themself "...hmm i am already begging to regret this..."

Jeane and Vinny both eye the the two of them as they scuttle around in the room in a rush a little at a loss.

Cimmorro: "so tell me, what's your first clue" maybe while he's waiting for kavach to spill he'll start a preemptive investigation  Kavach: he speaks up "jeany said if it had to do with secret passages there'll probably be ruuunes ,itll probably something on the walls... so we should check out first id say" he thinks hard, his tongue sticking out a little

Cimmorro and Kavach ready themselves to begin their puzzle hunt as the night wanes on....

SESSION 37 - 24/1 🍸🌙

> 🎵  Dance with the Balamb Fish / FFVIII OST ( Geytkeypur)

Picking up again, the group in the main ballroom continue their dancing tomfoolery, Rokka ends up dancing quite well actually, psalm's hooves are spared his foot crushing wrath.

Rokka: "i think i'm starting to get it! 1 and 2 and....1..." he's focused on looking between their feet and also back up at psalm "you're a good teacher!!"31 Psalm: "Thank you, although I'd say it's more that you're a good student ^_^ " Rokka: "what! no way" he points over to Han "look at her go too!! power of teaching! Psalm: "The both of you can't be good good at the same time?" Han: "no hes right we're just secretly kings of dancing and this is our birthright" 500% sincere Rokka: "oohhhoo" pleased hearing that, he starts dancing a little faster Psalm: "Honestly the nobles here should clear the floor when they see the both of you coming through." Rokka: "i don't think im there for that big stage just yet" Psalm: he just snorts

Han: han like jolts upright and starts scanning the room "oh shit i forgot to get stella and ruel inside....." Psalm: "Oh, I meant to tell you earlier. Last I saw them they were with my parents in that direction." Psalm points in the direction he came from where he hopes his parents still are hopefully not getting up to anything 😀 Han: "oh sweet, your parents are into that sorta thing? i gotta go say hi" and han jogs off 🏃‍♀️ Psalm: "Going to pretend like I have no idea what you're talking about." just watches her run off like.....sigh Rokka: "your parents? i still haven't chatted with them yet! you should ask them to dance too!" Psalm: "Oh feel free, I was planning on asking them later honestly." Rokka: rokka running after han 🏃‍♂️ bolts off without a word

As the two jog off Psalm shrugs and decides to go look for Mint considering he invited her and her troupe here. All the while neaby Katrina and Finn begin their battle of dancing wits.

Finn: he tilts his own nose up, hes 10 frames away from the ojou sama laugh. "ha! you seem quite boastful yourself. ill be sure to put you in your place." he looks around briefly, trying to spot a dance partner already "let us, shall we?"

Katrina hmphs back, raising her head a cm higher than Finn’s as she also glances around alongside for a dance partner from the crowd. Willfully overlooking his companions dancing nearby, he spots a few would be partners on the dance floor, a young woman and man dressed in finery on the floor at current appear to be the most ideal prospects, they sway in an out in perfect rhythm.

Finn finds he’s disappointed that Emerick isnt around, thats the one person he had hoped to ask for a dance aside from Kavach, but he wont complain about what he assumes are fellow nobles. He cant ask psalm either, really, hes been trying to completely block out whatever those three clowns have been getting up to.

Cimmorro: emerick's in the walls <3 Chip: this what happens when psalms the one who sees them all and then doesnt say anything and leaves Psalm: fuck cops ☠ Han: 👉👌 Psalm: NO!!

Finn: yeah. hes not gonna sweat it. at all. he briefly considers his options and decides to approach the young woman first. "good evening my lady" he bows slightly "forgive me for being so bold, but i couldnt help but notice your gallant dancing amongst the crowd...may i join you?" man, what was his brain operating on? that was awful, he thinks

The two briefly slow and the woman looks over, a little surprised she looks over at the young man first who shrugs his shoulders a little annoyed. Though he quickly steps back and away, allowing Finn to cut in.

Young Woman: "a lovely compliment, i wouldn't mind a bit ser" she smiles in return pleasantly, though rolling her eyes a little at the other guy Finn: finn gives a sensible chuckle, thank god his charms were that good still. no. why is he thanking god? hes above this. of course it would work. finn takes the womans hand  gently to pull her away, smirking condescendingly at her company "dont fret. i shall have her returned in due time." before devoting his attention to her. Young Man: he gives you an exasperated expression Katrina: as you look over to katrina you spy her chattering with a young man with a charming facade “i hate to be so rude, but would you like to join me for this dance? this partys been a little dull for my taste” the noble flusters a little in response but quickly nods, taking the lady by the arm, she shoots a smug grin towards you, her cousin.

> 🎵 Hit the Floor / Katana Zero OST

Finn begins to waltz with the lady, he feels himself doing...perfectly average, no major mistakes but maybe not enough flourish he thinks.... as he glances over at Katrina to gauge how she's doing, he finds himself shocked by the stunning display, her and her partner move gracefully in time with the music. She gives him a smirk as she catches his eye, damn at this rate she'll definitely show him up..!

Finn: he clicks his tongue when he sees how well katrina and her partner are doing. truthfully, he finds himself lacking and yet he cant help but feel irritated. he tended to land better with women than men, so why wasnt she infatuated? even if he was average, she should be so happy to be dancing with him regardless and put her everything into it... he pulls her closer and decides to use his vampire charm on her "does milady not enjoy herself?... i had been so looking forward to dancing with you..." Young Woman: at your words as you speak to the young woman she blinks a little confused, seems the charm didn't take "im having a fine time ser, though... have you been eyeing me all night?"

The two pick up their pace, Finn notes their dancing seems to be going a little smoother now, the lady keeps up and seems to be enjoying herself, as he glances at Katrina and her partner he sees an awkward look on her face as they stall, seems in his nerves the young man messed up his footing, he's red as a beet.

Finn: he blinks in surprise as the charm doesnt seem to have worked and decides to laugh it off "ah, forgive me... what a relief it is to see you enjoying yourself like this milady, what a joy..." he sighs in relief and smiles at her, eyes not exactly half lidded but somewhere around that range. "i have only arrived a short while ago, but i am quite taken with you i must admit" seeing katrinas partner mess his footing up gives him a rush of confidence though "bold again, arent i? but one would have to be a fool to not be, your dancing and get up are unrivaled after all" when his and katrinas eyes meet hes gonna give her that same condescending smirk he gave earlier Young Woman: she blinks and flushes a little before laughing "i dont know if im that much of a gem to be coveted, but thank you for the sweet words. if you raise my ego any further im sure you'll only agitate my brother further than you have" Katrina: as you glance at katrina she gives you the evil eye in response... Finn: "ah that was your brother?" he laughs "well, he'll have to live with that i'm afraid..." i have to embarass finn one last time before you tell me how bad the dancing gets Young Woman: she laughs a little in response

The song begins to near its end as the two sway together on the final notes. At a key point Finn feels himself nearly trip on his feet out of anxiety but the good lady catches him in time with a flourish, making it look as if it were intentional.

Finally the song comes to a close, the other ballgoers give a polite applause to the display and the musicians as they gear up for another song, he peers at Katrina who gives her partner a polite curtsey as he embarrassedly scuttles off. Though he isnt quite sure how hers ended, his move move at the end there assures him that they did better.

Finn: finn flushes when his partner catches him like that, staring at her a little doe eyed. "m-milady..." he still holds her close, deciding katrina could wait. "you really saved us there, i knew i was right to think you the best dancer here tonight...my apologies though. i suppose being with someone so beguiling got to me after all" he laughs again, a little more nervous than before but hes regaining his composure, the feeling of victory relieving him of the tension. "do you wish for me to return you to your dear brother? or is milady a little taken with me as well perhaps?" Young Woman: she brushes a strand of loose hair behind her ear as you flatter her with kind words, she seems to note your truthful anxiety beneath the words almost glancing through you a little and smiles "im quite fond of catching men by the waist, but perhaps not tonight, if i should see you around again do call for me though" she smiles with a wink before curtseying and heading off Finn: Finn is both pissed off and relieved she resisted him. he wasnt truly interested in sleeping with her, so that is for the better, but the fact that she was able to leave him so easily doesnt exactly make a show of his supposed charm.

Finn clicks his tongue again as he stares after the young woman for a long moment before leaving to find katrina. This victory over her would have to make do, he supposed.

Psalm: finn you're just the best, like beyond insane levels of insane Han: finn operates on a level where everything is performative Keva:

Finn: "i never shouldve worried about boasting huh?" he says in an almost sing-song tone "im forgiven now, i take it?" Katrina: as you approach you see katrina huffing and messing with her hair, she glances at you before rolling her eyes “hmph… it was a good performance…. I will give you that” she shakes her head "i suppose you are forgiven for now, but i expect you to be a good escort for the rest of the time i'm here” Finn: he has to smile at katrina being so huffy, he'd be the same if he had lost really. he helps her fix her hair a little "i will say that you did quite well yourself... had you had a more... capable partner, i wouldve found myself in hot water i admit" he laughs and bows like their butlers back home, changing his voice a little "i promise i shant leave lady katrina until she dismisses me! id rather die than disservice her again!" Katrina: "he was cute for a fumbling dolt at the very least...." she gives you a look but it seems to simmer out finally and she smirks a little "good, thats the attitude you ought to have around me all the time!" Finn: he did look cute for a fumbling idiot, but he wouldnt say it. finn snorts but decides hes gonna keep the act up a little bit. he ceases his bowing but sticks to her side. "why, yes, ive seen the error of my ways!" he gestures dramatically "now then, what part of the ball does lady katrina wish to see next? we cant have you be bored for even a moment!" Katrina: she makes a face like the act is starting to annoy her but she also wants to lean into it "hmph..... well i havnt seen the gardens yet... just the ballrooms..." Finn: "ah, a marvellous choice as expected of someone as tasteful as yourself" he holds out his arm for her to take and drops the voice "i was actually thinking id love to see the gardens myself...itd be a good place to talk, too" Katrina: she hmms "a palace ought to have nice ones is all i thought, compared to all the swamps back home anyway" 

> 🎵  Orlais Theme / Dragon Age Inquisition OST

The two cousins head off to one of the nearby gardens, having made up for the moment. Nearby, Han meets up Ruel and Stella, with Rokka following.

Han: han runs over and is like * valley girl voice * ohemgee hiiiiii Stella: as you approach the girls stella and ruel look over towards you, stella piping up first "OHH MY GOSHHH haaaaan there you are!! you looked so good up there, you dashing princess you!" she pulls you in for a friendly hug Ruel: she laughs a little, good naturedly behind her Han: han 🤣 face but shes blushing like mad and returning the hug, she actually just forgets to say anything other than scream quietly "your dress!!!! they're so good !!!!!! how goes the ..what you called it... net-rope-working?" Stella: yes! thank you for noticing~! 😌 it was absolutely imperative i incorporated it into the design" she does a little twirl clearly pleased "you should guess how many contacts we've gotten here already, i was chatting with your little friend there about it earlier" Ruel: behind her she nods stoically "raking it in" Han: han pulls a strap on stella and lets it go to smack her lol, then seriously considers how many contacts they couldve gotten "probably over 20 ... i will say 23. you said these rich types love being bossed around... little friend? oh plummy? theyre a good egg" :D han checks out ruel too and goes "oooh, you went the whole cowboy route..." Stella: she smacks you laughing a little as you do that "feeling cheeky are you? and oooh not that much, though combined we'd probably have something like twenty something" Ruel: she nods "felt i oughtas go for some sort of hometown style... stella helped with the stitching" in response stella beams proudly Han: "it looks good!! you do the sexy cowboy thing well" han elbows her playfully and grins sleazily "the whole clothes making thing is so impressive.. its like magic all on its own." but anyway "whats the hot gossip? doing anything fun? i learned waltz, i think" Ruel: ruel snorts a little before rolling her eyes "all part of the job. we were taking a break from schmoozing and chatting with these ladies here before stella tried to rope your friend into a conning the nearby nobles game" Stella: she pipes up in response "a friendly competition of charm~!" Han: she snorts "of course you are. whats the objective?" Stella: she holds up a finger "one of the nobles slung a bag of gold at ruel earlier, we were gonna make a bet, whoever can get the contact details of one of these nearby nobles fast enough wins it for themself!" she pauses before continuing "though your little friend told me not to mention it to the horned fella, bit of a party pooper" she laughs

Han: "ooh, sounds like fun, im in" >:D before she goes confused "psalm? i wonder why... this seems like the game he would enjoy" Ruel: ruel leans in a little close "i think he thinks we were trying to make his parents start swinging" Stella: she stifles a laugh Han: han whisper yells "wait, you werent???" she looks crestfallen Stella: she shakes her head "nah, like i said we were taking a break, i cant be my captivating salacious self all night" Ruel: she thinks for a moment "should we try..?" Han: han gives stella a look that clearly says doubt.jpg and then to ruel "i feel like psalm would (try and fail to) tear me if i hit on his mums, even worse if i was competing against either of you... i was going to propose a.." snaps fingers "coalition. but competition is fun too" :) Ruel: she lets out a proper laugh at that Stella: she smiles "ohh hunting together might be fun too, maybe when im a little more drunk and starting swinging too wide, and i dont know about that han you've got 'saviour of the city' charm to you know, you got the advantage here~!" Han: han huffs proudly "of course i do, i am a fucking casoh-novoh or whatever" Stella: stella smiles with a playful glint in her eye before slapping your arm "the perfect mindset!” she claps her hands “alright hmmm, lets split, and first one back here with someones details wins the bag" Ruel: she nods to agree Stella: "good luck you two...on your marks" she does a mock race countdown before the two quickly split off, giving you salutes

The three of them quickly split off to begin their competition of woo’ing, as Rokka begins to introduce himself to Psalm’s mothers all over again.

Rokka: rokka jogs up to psalm momz and waves at them "HELLO! i haven't properly introduced myself! I'm psalms ex-roommate rokka!" Esther & Ruth: the two look over towards you, ruth snickering a little while esther pipes up "oh, nice to meet you again dear! ex-roomate is quite the funny way to distinguish yourself ill say" Rokka: "is it? we switched inns not long ago and I went to room with plummy this time! so he's an ex!" he makes hand gestures while explaining to them Esther & Ruth: esther tilts her like she's pondering it seriously before ruth replies "he a little too stuffy for your liking?" Rokka: "i like psalm! just not his-" he pauses not wanting to mention ghester in case that would summon the mind demon "...vest  too purple-y " Esther: esther nods like that totally makes sense "his fashion sense can be a little dopey at times" Ruth: she continues "does he just have a whole collection of them now though? his room that much of a nightmare that you just had enough of it?" Rokka: not expecting them to ask further he begins to get nervous "y-yes! so many vest its invading my space! haha!" he clears his throat and attempts to change the subject  "oh! by the way! psalm just taught me how to waltz! did you guys waltz? do you want to waltz? you should waltz!" he frantically gestures over to the dance floor Ruth: she gives you a curious look Esther: she laughs "we need to teach him about space management i swear" at the dance suggestion she laughs but quiets "hmmm i might though my boy just set me down with some water, if i got up he might have a fit, you know how he is" Ruth: she smiles "ill dance with you if you like" Rokka: "i would be honored! but..." he looks around trying to find an excuse to escape after lying to psalms parents, feeling a bit apologetic to psalm for putting him in this spot "you should dance with your son first!! let me go find him for you!!" he bolts off Ruth & Esther: ruth and esther blink at your quick escape before looking at each other like ? ruth whispers to esther "i bet you made him nervous"

Meanwhile, in the buffet room Keva peers around, looking for the noble that tricked the bard out of his lute. As she squints she sees a number of dining partygoers, she spies Plum's mum happily eating. Nearby a tall man with salt and pepper hair is laughing uproariously in conversation another man, upon his back she quickly spots the lute in question... he's pretty obvious.

As she strains her ear she can hear him retelling old stories of some sort to the younger man standing next to him, she picks out key phrases such as '..back then they let you do anything!" "-eye of the storm" "BOOM!" riveting stuff !

Keva: she sighs to herself before approaching the man from behind. if only she could just... take the lute. it was right there. instead she taps the man's shoulder to get his attention Nobleman: the man pauses and whips around, this close he seems to have much more presence (and height) on you, arms on his hips he smiles and speaks "can i help you my dear?" Keva: she just gives a small and strained smile that she quickly drops "hi sorry" she says with a level of enthusiasm that suggests she is not in fact sorry "i'm here to get that lute back for the idiot who lost it. any chance you'll hand it over? Nobleman: the man raises a brow and smirks "ahhh friend are you? that would be quite difficult as i won this in a friendly bout of competition myself you see" he twirls his moustache thoughtfully Keva: "so i heard. i'd think someone like you would be able to just buy a better one instead of taking it from a traveling bard, but they say not to judge a book by its cover" Nobleman: "ahhh its not about the quality, it's about the meaning! besides i thought you'd know, the man's quite famous across portcus, most of his performances are highly coveted" he smacks the strap and laughs "all the more reason for me to keep it around i think" Keva: keva did not in fact know that. she tsks and says "fine then, how about another competition then?" Nobleman: he raises a brow "now you've got me interested" he grins nice and big hands on his hips again Keva: keva wishes she had a deck of cards or dice handy but her options are limited. what a pain in the ass "drink for it then?" Nobleman: his eyes get a fun glint in them "haha succeeding where he failed? i like the sounds of that!"

He glances around before calling over the nearest waiter and taking the whole tray of ye old fantasy champagne from his hands confusing him, the nobleman walks Keva over to a nearby table and sets it down before rolling up his sleeves

She stares at the drinks on the table for a bit before taking a glass. when was the last time she drank? she doesn't even know what this is. she lifts it up to sniffs. It smells exactly like nothing strangely enough. The two begin pounding back shots one after another.

> 🎵  Starlit Waltz/ FFXV OST

Menawhile, Psalm on the search for Mint finds himself getting a little hopelessly lost before finally stumbling out onto one of the balconies, he thinks he spots Keva across in one of the buffet rooms though, in a drinking contest with an old man no less. At the same time, having detached themself from wrestling their sister, Plum also walks into the buffet room looking for their mum, also spotting Keva.

Plum: "ey mum," plum says cheerfully. "having fun?" they eye keva suspciously from across the room. "what's she doing?" Pimento: she startles a little with the end of a cake in her mouth "oh there ya are plummy, lovely food they got here, might stuff some in my bag later" Plum: "hehe, i did the same last time i was here. guess we are family." plum also sits down to eat, and grabs whatever the most appetizing-looking thing is off a plate. "how're things at home and all? been a while." Pimento: she grins a little at that before pinching your cheek "oh nothing much, ol rand at the store nearly blew up his kitchen making a soufflé. but im sure you've been the one having more interesting adventures." Plum: "ain't that the truth," plum huffed

As they chatter Psalm walks up to where Keva’s having her drinking contest, as he does the nobleman gives him a curious glance and a smirktaking the next shot pretty well. In the meantime Keva studies his outfit, noting that he's wearing a fine tunic and white overcoat.

Psalm: in his head like why this guy looking at me like that? anyways at Keva "I was going to ask you something, but now I'm not sure I want to interrupt...whatever this is supposed to be." Keva: shes about to take her next shot when she notices psalm approach, she says "what do you want?" before drinking, she mentally groans a bit hoping psalm doesn't do anything to get in the way Psalm: "I feel like what I have to say is nowhere near as important as... is this a drinking competition?" Plum: noticing psalm appear next to keva now. every now and again they looked over at the two while eating, mostly because any two members of the party together never meant anything good.

Nobleman: he takes the next one like its nothing at all, back on his game "threes a party, enjoy the view young man" he gives a quick wink at psalm Psalm: "No, that's quite alright...  I'll leave you two to it." Keva: she blinks a few times as she sets aside her third glass, trying to clear her head. might as well be a little tipsy tho, if she's going to cause a bit of a scene. "give me a bit" she's gonna lean down to pretend to adjust her shoe, but once she's hidden by the table cloth she instead pulls out amos. she points at the man's leg opening and points upward to ask amos to do some scuttling. once she's set him on his way, she stands back up "sorry about that" she lifts another drink in psalm's direction a bit "i'll explain later" and she drinks Psalm: "I'll be on my way then. ^_^ " Nobleman: the man shrugs "hmm suit yourself"

Keva quickly releases Amos, he scuttles up silently as the man takes his next shot, this one seems to make him woozy as well, blinking rapidly he sets it down as if trying to clear his head before moving onto the next, he has not seemed to have noticed his the creature strangely enough. Perhaps he’s too tipsy.

Plum keeps chatting up their mum as they stare at Keva, Psalm meanwhile takes his leave, before he can fully leave the buffet area though Rokka runs up to him in a rush.

Rokka: target spotted: beeline to psalm  "PSALM!" Psalm: "Rokka... 0__0)" Rokka: "i did something bad.... 🥺👉👈" his ears wilt Psalm: "....Rokka we've been apart for like 10 minutes maximum. What exactly do you mean."

Psalm: psalm at his headache https://open.spotify.com/track/3dhjNA0jGA8vHBQ1VdD6vV?si=3d1cf736adbe471d

Rokka: "i lied to ur parents that i stopped being roommates with you because i didn't like your vest--i love it, great color--and that you have TOO MANY VESTS! but i really meant it was because of your mi-" he cuts himself off to avoid summoning the mind demon, assuming thats how it works, and points to his head "THIS! so now they might yell at youuuuuuuuuuuuuu because of meeee ugghh" he lets out an exasperated sigh Psalm: "Uh...thanks? I think? Why would you do that? And I assume you mean Ghester...why would you do that...?" Rokka: rokka jumps at the mention of ghester "wh-SHHH DON'T SAY THE NAME" looks around almost expecting ghester to magically pop up "...i was just explaining to them why im roommates with plum and i was being honest but i didn't want to, yknow summon the being who shall not be named! i panicked...i'm sorry" he looks down Psalm: "He's... not here right now if you're worried about that. It's temporary but, no magic in the palace so.." he makes a "poof" gesture with his hands "he's gone. And besides, whether I say his name or not doesn't really change his somewhat permanent residence in my mind at the moment 🤔 I have no idea if they took that vest thing seriously, but I guess whether or not an apology is warranted remains yet to be seen  although I'm sure those two probably got a good laugh out of it...Wait... you purposefully chose to room with Plum over me?" Rokka: he begins to relaxed knowing that "really? wait so how do you summon him then? AND DONT SUMMON HIM IN MY MIND!" he points "ya think so? i was just worried i put u in a pickle--oh! uh....y-yeah....(whispers name) ghester scares me a little, i would have still been ur roommate if i wasn't spooked" he scratches his head with a sheepishly Psalm: "He's always there, I don't summon him.  I can tell him to...not do that though if it bothers you. Also no, it's fine, I can't imagine any serious dilemma would arise from you telling my parents I hoard clothing." He crosses his arms. "I apologise if he frightens you though, it's not like I wasn't scared by him suddenly appearing out of nowhere either so I get it. No hard feelings." Rokka: "i would love that! so you're just haunted by him? forever? O_o" he cracks a smile at psalm "that's such a relief!! i really like hanging with you psalm but i was too spooked! oh man, but plum is my friend and i like them too...WE COULD HAVE ALL BEEN ROOMMATES" he huffs a little upset at himself for this? misunderstanding? Psalm: "For the foreseeable future, yes. Ugh, I'd be remiss to not throw in a good word for him even if he's scary to you, but he's pretty much harmless honestly. You feel how you feel though, so I supposed it can't be helped. Also, I'm not sure the rooms can fit that many people, considering how much space Finn's coffin takes up ^_^” Rokka: "so he can't read minds? that's a nono. Aww man, you're right! another time then!" he lets out a good hearted laugh "oh yeah! i told your parents i would find you and bring you to them for a dance! you should go!" Psalm: "No, he can't read minds. I would hate it if he could." Psalm breathes a sigh of relief internally, he likes rooming with Rokka all right but the four of them in one room would be hell on earth. "Is that right. I was looking for someone, but I suppose I'll get this scolding about my vests out of the way." Rokka: "oh, that's a relief!" his fear for ghester decreases a tiny bit "if ya need my help on finding someone you know where to find me! good luck with the talk HAHA" he waves psalm off laughing as if he wasn't the one that caused it LOL Psalm: psalm like this bitch

Rokka: pslam and rokka reconciliation moment Psalm: psalm didn't even know they needed to reconcile iirc help they were dancing 20 mins ago

Pimento: she smiles "never in my days would i have guessed you'd be up there with some fancy royalty, saving cities, you grow up too fast dear! is everyone your age into adventuring now" she quickly chomps another shortcake Plum: "listen, ma, me neither. all a fluke if ya ask me but at least we get this fancy party," they say and hold up their champagne glass to toast. "and god, i hope not. i don't even think i'm into adventuring." Pimento: she shakes her with a laugh but toasts with you "you are the type to get pulled into things arent you? well at least you got some friends around you" Plum: "i definitely am, yeah, don't even get me started," plum grumbles jokingly. she really has no idea. "and i guess they're friends? some of them." Pimento: she laughs a little at the comment "oh? who should I be keeping my eye out for..." she leans in a little jokingly Plum: they think "eh, they're all pretty alright. that girl over there isn't my favourite," plum points in keva's direction, "but whatever, i'm over it." as they say this they get a better look at keva and raise an eyebrow. she seemed a bit off. "hold on mom," plum says and hops away from the table, heading in her direction. Pimento: she nods her head as you say that before staring curiously as you scuttling off

> 🎵  Masquerade Suite - Waltz / Khachaturian

As Psalm heads off to find his mothers again, Plum makes their way over Keva. She squeezes her face a bit as she places down the glass starting to feel drunk. She probably can't drink many more, and he doesn't seem like the nobleman can either. She leans on the table for some support, gripping the underside, before asking something.

Keva: "yknow we could save ourselves a terrible morning if we called it now, you're looking worse for wear" Nobleman: he laughs a little too loudly in response "i could say the same for you, and i dont let any challenge go unfinished!" he holds a slightly wobbly fist up into the air Keva: she rolls her eyes but it just looks like blinking really fast at the moment... oh well! she lifts her glass to clink with the old man's, but she's gonna pretend to stumble (or maybe she's not pretending!) and both spill her drink onto him and tilt the table upawards toward him, spilling the rest of the glasses as well Plum: at that moment plum pops up nearby. "oop," they say and dodge any spilling champagne. plum eyes keva and says, "the fuck are you doing?"

Keva sends that table flying, getting a good amount of champagne on the floor and the man, who almost seems to stumble to the floor but keeps his footing.

Keva: "ohhhh, ohhhhh my gods, i am ssso [hic] sorry" keva grabs some napkins or smth and approaches the guy to try and pat his clothes dry and hopefully agitating amos enough to get him to start shifting around while she tries to get the lute off the man. as she's cleaning she'll say "here, let me get that for you... wai-- [clears her throat] waiter!!!" and lift the lute off, readying herself to gun it thru the double doors the moment it's off Nobleman: he stumbles around awkwardly slapping his legs a little as you accost him confused, youre able to quickly slip the lute off his back in the confusion, before he can make an attempt to grab it back you begin booking it out of the room a little lopsided, leaving plum staring in your wake

As she runs off wirth the lute, keva makes a clicking noise to call for Amos to follow after her, tho it takes a try or two... hoping if he can't keep up he'll at least go to Plum. As they watch her go thjey do infact feel something scuttle up their dress and into their sleeve.

Plum: they make a face like 😐 and walks back to their mom. they're not gonna be the one to stick around after that. "it was nothing they say," and go back to eating. mouse in tow Pimento: your mum raises a brow at the comment as she glances over at the upturned table and confused nobleman now stomping around "....is that right?" Amos: he scuttles around until he finally appears and runs up to nest in your decorated hair Plum: "i'd say this is typical behaviour, unfortunately. and this," plum says, pinching some cake between their fingers and moving to feed amos, "is the group mascot. don't know its name though." Pimento: "oh..well no wonder you've gotten into all sorts since you left" she glances at the mouse and coos a little "oh its so cute... ☺ "

As the two chatter Keva finds herself out in the hallway, and staggers to a stop for just a moment to take off her other shoe and toss it deeper into the hallway... Cimmorro probably won't be happy about it but better to get rid of incriminating evidence. No point in keeping half a pair of shoes anyway. She makes her way back outside into the courtyard to mint and company and shoves the lute at mint with urgency, looking behind her.

Keva: "quick get it to whoever the fuck quick GO" Mint: at your approach mint blinks before she bursts out into a smile, as you approach though your harried comments makes her fumble with it "o-oh uh, he should be nearby he was trying to chug some of the fountain water for some reason.."

The dwarves give Keva somewhat funny looks, and as if speaking his name summoned him, as she hands over the lute to Mint out of the corner of her eye she spots a young man stroll up to her, he seems like hes about to approach her with something before he notices the lute.

Ganymede: stars in his eyes, he claps his hands and quickly draws her attention “oh! dear you actually got it back, oh my gossssh i am forever in your debt” he quickly squats down and envelops mint in a teary grateful hug that seems way too tight. Keva: keva sinks down to sit on the edge of the fountain, taking time to obscure herself from view from the doorway, while the bard and mint hug it out. she lets out a bit of a groan as she rests her forehead in a hand. gods she hates drinking Layne: as you combat the headache layne walks up to you and pulls something out of his pocket, a little flask "this oughta help a little if you're as tipsy as ya look" Mint: in the background you hear mint finally released by the bard's strong hug, she dusts off her tunic and quickly hands it over to him embarrassed “a-ah it was no t-trouble, please keep it close this time” Ganymede: the man nods “of course, i shall not forget this great service you’ve done for me, if you ever need a favour from the great ganymede do give me a call, i’ll get you tickets to my next sold out performance” he stands with a flourish, finally acknowledging you keva with a showmans wink Keva: keva looks at ganymede like this 🤨 but with the flask just inches from her mouth and brows furrowed.... just raises her brows in acknowledgement before taking a swig nad handing it back to layne with a muttered thanks Layne: he laughs a little at the display Ganymede: he is unperturbed by the the little enthusiasm however and with a flourish looks back down to mint "i shall be off then my dear, chugging water has helped me recover from the earlier incident, i shall make my way over to perform once again.... farewell" sparkles appear alongside his face as he slowly backsteps off the balcony into a side door and out of sight. Ferrie Chris: she fills the air after "most glittery bard ive seen yet i think"

Rokka: soon to be keva

Keva: JKFJELKJKLGEKJLGEKLHFELKJF

Keva: "who [hic] even was he?" keva grumbles, looking around for a drink of water that's not from the fountain Mint: she blinks surprised at the question "you haven't heard his name? he's pretty popular lately, the uh... celebrity heartthrob sort" Jessep: pipes up after "his playings kind of.." he wiggles his hand "honestly" Keva: she snorts humorlessly "great, all this shit for a mediocre musician" Ferrie Chris: she laughs at that "if he sends you tickets you could sell them for a good price at least" Keva: "fat chance of that happening, he doesn't even know my name" keva sighs... no shoes, too full of alcohol to keep eating... she pushes herself off the fountain edge, wobbling a bit before steadying herself. she might as well go back to the inn once she's gotten some water and can walk straight again. she addresses the dwarves as she dusts off the back of her dress "anyway, now that that's taken care of, enjoy the rest of your night"

As Keva gets up to waddle drunkenly away, her good deed of the day complete, Psalm returns to the main ballroom to chat with his mothers. Nearby Han attempts to put the moves on a young noblewoman who’s seemed to be eyeing her most of the evening so far.

Han: han catches her eye a couple time while she scouts before deciding to approach. once she actually comes near she leans over coolly like specifically posing herself to the point where its almost awkward before going "..........hi" Noblewoman: the girl blinks as you pose yourself, lifting a hand to her mouth surprised before craning her neck at you "erm..... hello madam...." Han: han does not realize but she has always been flirted at and so has no idea how this actually works when testing waters, so now shes standing here and thinking 'this isnt usually how it goes'. "enjoying.. the...... ball?" Noblewoman: the girl pauses a moment before replying "ah...yes, better than the last i'd say" she lets the silence go on again before continuing "er -i u-uh, saw you up there earlier, very striking" she nods a little seriously Han: "i dunno, atleast last time my boss got stabbed, it was lively" she shrugs, then goes wiwi "ah, really? is that good?" laughs a lil Noblewoman: she nods "yes, absolutely, especially with the lights above you" at the stabbing mention her eyes widen "t-truly? i wasnt here at the last one... ive only heard the rumours of the dastardly deeds" she seems a little scared but also insanely interested Han: han feels conflicted but gives her a smile in thanks, "oh, yeah, so like, i was just chilling out, when my buddy keva walks past, and i was being friendly like hey girl, whats up, and she just rushes past me, and i was like thats rude as hell, i gotta give her piece of mind, and then she just WHOOSH-- dagger out right at vinny!!! bam!!!! stabs him like a tied sheep!!! next second shes out the room--" han retells their the story in morbid detail to this poor girl Noblewoman: the girl takes the story in with wide eyes, enraptured by the tale and your feats of bravery, despite the way you word it. truly she is mystified by it all, maybe she doesnt get out much. by the end she's giving you the biggest mooney eyes "madam han...you're truly amazing..." Han: (poor girl) han is shy about the attention for about 0.5 seconds "mwahaha, you think so?" 😏 "what about you? do anything fun recently?" sip sip Noblewoman: she blushes a little "n-nothing like you! i mostly attend to my work at my familys home, the most excitement ive had lately was the mandated lockdwon a few weeks ago..." she plays with her hair a little Han: "ooh? whatcha do? i think we didnt even know the lockdown was happening cause we were being hunted" zones out trying to recall then brings her attention back to girly

Psalm: Psalm's gonna approach them and just go "So I take it you've found out about my collection." Esther: as you show back up esther clicks her tongue "turning away perfectly good boys with your hoarding" Ruth: she shakes her head jokingly "thought we raised you better psalm" Psalm: "You did, in fact, which is why you've probably surmised by now my friend was just chatting a load of shite. I uh, mean that lovingly though, of course." psalms gonna flag down another waiter actually for a drink Ruth: they both laugh at that before ruth continues "he seemed so concerned though, sure you werent hiding a second warddrobe when we came up there?" Psalm: he takes a few sips before continuing, just waving his hand around. "You saw the room, I have about one shirt to my name I promise you.. and eh, I think he just felt put on the spot probably. Not sure what it is he was trying to say myself, honestly. " which is a lie but you know, lol " But more importantly, before I head off again I was going to ask if one of you wanted to dance." Esther: esther awws to herself "you've got some charming friends there psalm" Ruth: she gives a smile as you suggest it "ive been waiting ALL night for you to offer psalm" Psalm: "Charming's not really how I'd put it for most of them, but Rokka is thankfully not a part of that." @ ruth "I had to do my rounds first, you know how it is having a ball thrown in my honour and all" he says that last part sarcastically but he offers his hand anyways Esther: she smiles "that's how it goes with friends doesn't it?" Ruth: she smirks "hmm you get one fancy party you get too big your your ma is that it?" she says but takes hold of your hand anyway, heading off in the direction of the floor Psalm: "Unfortunately. I feel like Basil would get along well with this group, which is not a good sign." @ Ruth "You've found me out 😮 !" Ruth: esther and ruth both laugh at that as you scuttle onwards, ruth replies "you should have invited him then, i bet he woulda enjoyed a party like this" she shakes her head ruefully at the last comment Psalm: he just shrugs, "Yeah he would've. But we've had a bit of a...falling out, I guess, so I'm not sure he'd come."

> 🎵  Valse di Fantastica / FFXV OST

As Psalm and his mother begin to dance, Finn escorts Katrina to one of the nearby gardens, lit up by the moonlight and the indoor lighting, the fountain in the center sparkles in a serene way. Out of the corner of his eye Finn spots a group of familair guardsmen idling about, the same four Psalm saw earlier.

Finn: he grimaces a little at the memory of the swamps but they are forgotten quickly as the pair steps into the garden. finn eyed the group briefly... there really was a wrong time and place for everyone and everything. he raises an eyebrow and eyes his cousin "unfortunately im familiar with those guardsmen over there...ive no desire to chat but i ought to greet them at the very least. would you like me to introduce you?" Katrina: katrina raises a brow "hmm, i dont mind, why come to a party if i cant chat with some people i dont usually.." she tries to scope them out from a distance Finn: finn sighs, shrugs and takes katrina over to the group. hes back to acting polite in no time "ah sir knight! how lovely that we should meet at the elfonsent ball" he calls out to emerick in particular "although i wouldve expected you in the halls i must admit..." he eyes the group as he speaks Vera: as you approach a few of them turn and recognise you, vera gives you a nod in greeting “-and there’s one of the mighty guests of honour himself, good to see you all keeping well” Ollie: next to her Ollie nods “ah yeah, good work again down there" Emerick: he pipes up as you address him "i was assigned to keep an eye on the gardens, apparently the last ball there was some sort of tomfoolerly going on around here..." he shrugs "besides i get to give my accolades to the two guardsmen here for their great work!" he turns and smacks ollie on the shoulder with an oof Ollie: "its a little weird for me to be wandering around the palace so casually i'll say” he looks around a little intimidated by the building Emerick: he replies loudly after “nonsense lad, i’d say you’ve earned that knighthood of yours, and at such a young age too! very refreshing to see someone so committed to justice in the city regiment, wopuldnt you say sir barvotte?”

Ollie gives a bit of a bashful expression to Emerick’s praise next to him Ioren and Marn seem to mutter amongst themselves about something unrelated.

Finn: finn chuckles a little at how honest these interactions are and nods "indeed" he eyes ollie briefly "you ought to put more faith in your superiors words. not to mention that im quite grateful for your work there as well" before turning his attention back to emerick "i suppose a night out isnt all that terrible though... staying inside can be a little much with so many guests" he lightly clears his throat and gestures to the group in general for katrina "this is sir emerick and his capable guards. vera and ollie took part in that gruesome battle with us you see..." he muses "and as you can see ive brought my dear cousin katrina to celebrate our victory" Ollie: he looks away while scratching the back of his head embarrassed at becoming the center of attention somehow "we do what we can..." Emerick: he responds with a nod, whipping out his hand for her to shake "ah! a pleasure to meet you madam, hopefully the palace has been treating you well during your stay" Katrina: she balks a little at his enthusiasm but politely shakes his hand "yes... well it is quite lovely, you do good work here i suppose" Emerick: he beams at the compliment while ioren and marn keep talking to themselves

As Finn chats them up, off in the library in the meantime, Cimmorro continues hunting around with Kavach to the supposed secret entrances theyve heard gossip about. Though he finds himself so excited at the chance to look for secret treasure, that upon scuttling away from the group with kavach he slips on his own ancy gown and faceplants into the polished floor. Willow, Vinny and Jeane stare at him, worried and amused from a distance away while Kavach bursts our laughing

Cimmorro immediately gets back up rubbing his sore face with both of his hands and a really loud groan, glaring at kavach as soon as he gathers himself.

Cimmorro: "harharhar! if you're done laughing it'd be GREAT if you started LOOKING for SOMETHING" Kavach: his laughter quiets down as he wipes a tear from his eye "haha- aw but i thought you wanted to lead, leave it uncle kav!" he pats you on the head while shaking his and begins looking around the room, after a moment he points towards the bookcases "might as well start with the tomes, wizards love those things" Cimmorro: he snarls at kavach "if you thought i was leading then you're a terrible follower for letting me fall tch...!! fine, to the tomes..." pouting and rubbing his still sore nose as he walks over to check the bookcase (cimm is pointedly not trying to look at willow's group bc of embarrassment) Kavach: "sometimes the best way for a baby bird to learn to fly is to let them fall.." he looks of wistfully following after you (you dont know what faces the others are making but you are sure some are being made) Cimmorro: cimm rolls his eyes exasperatingly "of course, because you're so good at parenting" very /s "what about you just talk about something else instead of poking fun at me huh? nothing interesting to talk about after all this time?" talking while looking around Kavach: he nods his head seriously "of course, look how well you turned out" he grins and begins eyeing the bookshelves "hmmm same old same old, travelling and guarding and smelling new sights and sounds. last time we were here i never got in the palace though"  Cimmorro: he takes a book from the shelf as he chatters "what were you guys doing round here then? some folk had some interesting rumors about you and ma, the bug-eyed wizard told me" Kavach: he laughs "bug eyed? you're right... like a fly. and hmm we were passing through, asking about some rumours, led us to talornia after since its basically treasure hunter central"

As Kavach chatters, their investigation of the library seems to finally bear fruit, behind one of the bookcases they spy a few runes carved into the wall. As they glance back at the books on the shelf, they spy a single golden one, the same colour of the runes, in what would be the center of the formation.

At a glance they look like regular arcane runes, something to do with locks is their best guess, at least from Cimmorro’s strained angle trying to stare at it from the crack. He pulls out the book, on its cover the symbol of a moon is embossed within. As he opens it he sees only a single phrase of writing on the first page, the rest blank.

“Beneath the earth I remain, forever closed, for the celestial key of night’s glow”

Cimmorro: COME TO ME GIRLIES IM TOO STUPID FOR PUZZLES Plum:

Cimmorro: as he curiously takes the book he continues the conversation with kavach "to talornia huh? not through sharden, i assume? i don't recall the templefolk mentioning you two visiting- though i had a pretty long trek myself" then after examining the book he shares it with kavach then he'll suggest to take the book to some moonlight Kavach: "naaah not to sharden, we were doing some proper treasure hunting, just like this~" at your suggestion he thinks "oh, not a bad idea" he glances at some of the tall floor the ceiling ones in the place nearby Cimmorro: cimm glances at kavach a little curiously "ehhh.... did you find what you were looking for then?" he looks up at the tall windows too as he asks and starting to make his way over and hold the book up in the moonlight that may or may not be seeping through Kavach: he nods "a few things, then we had to run off somewhere else like we always do, work neever ends yknooow" he sighs dramatically as you hold the book up to the light

As Cimmorro holds the book up to the moonlight, it begins to glow a faint white, pulling it back again it seems to retain the glow.

Cimmorro: "yeah, don't i know it (re: work) so you two have just been hopping from place to place?" not long after he asks he looks up to beam a childlike smile at kavach when the book glows, showing it to him also like a kid excited to share an odd shaped leaf he found in the yard "i think we should put it back where it originally was, in the middle of those runes" he starts going back as he says that last part Kavach: "mhmm we were for a while, though now we've settled somewhere, taking care of ahhhh...." he thinks for a minute "local issues" he gives a vauge grin before he shouts as you show him the book "haha! putting those brains to work! how fun~ wonder if the old dodger who set this place up liked the moon" he nods vigorously at your suggestion Cimmorro: he lets out a sigh when kavach keeps trying to hide "does that mean i can't come by to visit? at all?" he pouts playfully and snorts quickly after, adding a "i hope you're not just hogging ma to yourself" while he places the book back "who doesn't like the moon really, she shines like a brilliant pearl. i'd say that dodger has good taste" Kavach: "top secret need to know, sorry buddy..." he tilts his head "ten years isn't enough its true, ill take much more!" he smiles at you romanticizing the skies as you hustle back over "ol celestian does his job right thats for sure" Cimmorro: "figured as much" he huffs but doesn't really hold much of a grudge to it "how about you stop being greedy and let me see ma once and a while, at least huh?" he jokes with a tongue sticking out "that errand you have to do tomorrow have something to do with," saying the next words with dramatic quotation mark fingers "local issues?" Kavach: he grins and puts a hand to his chin "hmmmm ill think about it.. and less an errand, i just need to get back quick" he nods his head at the local issues bit Cimmorro: he gives kavach a suspicious look "and you're not just gonna leave without a word are you? you always have that habit, at least let me say bye properly tomorrow." Kavach: "aw.... ill be sure to give you a little goodbye kiss on the top of your head this time if you like" he smirks, Cimmorro: cimm playfully shoves kavach at the suggestion of a kiss "no!!"

Cimmorro moves to set the book back on the shelf, as he does he hears a small fwish- and a gust of air at his feet, before the bookcase clicks and almost seems to come loose from the walls lightly, like a door on a hinge. Pushing it open veeeery slightly he sees a hidden passageway behind it that's now opened up.

> 🎵  Dance of Pales / Castlevania SOTN OST

Kavach has a look of wonder on his face now, Cimmorro matches it with the same on his own that's nearly identical before he tugs at Kavach's loose sleeve, looking back once to see if Willow and the others are seeing it.

Glancing over he sees Vinny giving him a nervous glance, Jeane appears intrigued and Willow looks shocked the two actually found anything in the first place. Cimmorro quickly gives Willow's group a stupid smile as he gestures at the door, tugging Kavach with him as he makes his way into the passageway.

Cimmorro: the last thing those guys see is them being like this

Vinny and Willow’s faces grow more alarmed but Jeane seems extremely curious, she seems to start saying something to the two of them before him and Kavach disappear beyond the bookcase door for the moment. The two enter what seems to be a dark passageway, it appears unlit but further in bright blue runes begin to appear along its walls, pulsing slightly as if magic were flowing through them.

Cimmorro: he goes like ooooh ahhhh at the pretty walls, though a little cautious, eyeing anything that seems interesting or dangerous. "what do you think is waiting for us huh huh" growing excitement showing. Kavach: "hopefully something that'll eat us" kavach laughs Cimmorro: "what, so you can lose another arm? please." Kavach: "ill only need one arm to take down whatever's hiding in here 😌 " he boasts Cimmorro: "why couldn't you save your other arm then if you're so good huh?" he goes bleeeh at kavach

Glancing around it certainly seems the runes hold a purpose, they seem like they come over from all about the castle. Cimmorro walks for a spell with Kavach who seems to be eying the place with great detail, before coming to a small circular room, a glowing arcane mechanism sits right at its center.

He can't even hope to begin to make out how it works, but bits of it spin and rotate around each other almost like a mock planetarium. The room has several other passageways leading out of it, similar to the one the two just came through. Inside it also a few ageing bookcases, as well as a desk with notes and metal trinkets laying atop it. Cimmorro eyes the room curiously as he makes his way towards the desk with notes.

As he eyes the desk he sees a pair of golden spectacles and a metal wand, it has a green sheen to it, as well as a chunky brass necklace with arcane runes inscribed onto it. Underneath them he also spies what look like a few spell scrolls, though some of them are faded. The one that looks still usable seems to be for casting the spell ‘longstrider’ from what Cimmorro can ascertain. underneath that looks to be a book with notes inside.

Cimmorro: before paying attention to the desk before them. he picks up the necklace and takes a good look at it "this looks complicated maybe we should've had willow come..." he gives a shot at reading the runes anyway

He tries to examine the thing but the runes are carved quite small, the fuzzy light and Kavach being pouty certainly isn't helping him concentrate on it either. He figures its enchanted. probably.

Cimmorro: he passes the necklace to kavach "blah you look at it, give you something else to do aside from mope around" cimm's gonna try to go for the notes this time Kavach: he straightens up as you hand it took him, he hmms as he eyes it from odd angles "think its got something to do with......breathing?" Cimmorro: "breathing? the only thing i can begin to assume is for underwater but why would anyone need something like that here...."

As Cimmorro picks up the notes and flip through he thinks to himself that it looks like someones work notes, though theres no author name, flicking to the most recent passage he reads-

“Looking into the phrase Northward Winds has not borne much fruit as of current, the vagueness allows for me to form a basis from anything with nothing concrete. I need to needle the Accord more perhaps, Holace has always been a hotbed for trouble but their liaison doesn't appear to enjoy sharing much of their dealings, very typical of them. Berryl hasn’t been doing many public appearances as of late, wondering if that might be the cause, is the old bastard finally going to croak? Perhaps following the trail of Mephisto cultists would be easier at this point than dealing with the conniving old man, ancient text crawling is preferable to politics. Mardella keeps going on about the incursion in sharrif lately but I can't imagine it's related, church stuff is beyond me, especially when a bunch of them start butting heads over nonsense. We’ve a whole pantheon for a reason you’d think some would get along better.”

Cimmorro: as he finishes reading the notes he goes like "we're uh. we're likely in the arch mages' chambers--" looking a bit spooked but he'll look around again and try to peer how far the passageways go Kavach: he thinks "hmm dunno, could be for clear air too... maybe plane hopping-?"

Before he can finish you notice something click beneath your feet as you step on one of the stones, sensing something is about to happen you quickly bristle-

All of a sudden the two feel the floor beneath them give out from under their feet, despite noticing the tile Cimmorro isn’t quick enough on the draw to avoid it. With a yelp he feels himself plummet through the floor for a moment before something grips the back of his outfit.

Looking down he can see a pit has opened up underneath his feet, he cant quite see the bottom, as he glances up he sees Kavach struggling, his legs stretched out pressed against the walls to hold him in place, and his lone arm grabbing hold on to the back of Cimmorro’s outfit like a cat holding a kitten by the scruff

Kavach: he gives you a strained smile as he speaks "w-whoops, w-watch your step buddy...!"

Cimmorro: they literally look like this rn

Cimmorro tries to gauge the distance under him but the shock has him scared and panicked, especially without his magic. He starts wondering how long Kavach can even hold the two of them until he heas what feels like squabbling voices in the distance above them, Kavach squints up at the sounds.

Cimmorro: "i-... i-" obviously shaken up, he takes a moment to compose himself as best as he can at the situation and looks up at kavach "can you get us back up or-" whispered despite the urgency Kavach: he strains his neck a little looking up "uhhh...l-lets see..." he tries to shuffle a little though as he does the voices start to get clearer ??: you hear a nervous "cimmorro...? helloo?"

After a moment of thought he recognises it as Vinny's followed by another voice

??: "kavach?"

oh, thats willow huh

Cimmorro: HE STARTS GRIMACING UPON RECOGNIZING THE PEOPLE AND THRU GRITTED TEETH HE CONTINUES TO WHISPER "CAN YOU? WE'RE GONNA GET LEASHED BY WILLOW IF THEY CATCH US HERE"

As the two stuffle amongst one another the night of the ball continues on....

—

Notes

🗡 Keva was promised「 VIP tickets ✨ 」 to The Amazing Ganymede’s next show

#recaps #yeeehaww

[hermannsthumb]

Because I am in a mood for horrible things, what do you think of Hermann getting to close to uncovering the truth so Precursor possessed Newt seduces him into bed as a distraction? Bonus if the Precursors taunt Hermann about it later.

i know this ask is from like. august. but i literally filled this ages ago and FOR SOME REASON....NEVER POSTED IT UP. looking over it now it’s definitely because right after i wrote it i was like :( no bonus unfortunately thatd probably kill me to write

so im editing it a little bit but....here is one of the only uprising compliant fics ive ever written LOL (also the “play with your test tubes” line is ripped literally directly from the novelization. which i never bothered to read bc i hated the film but i have some Choice bits saved via a friend. like the test tubes line) rated E/18+ below cut

There’s something off about Newton.

Newton’s always been vain. He always did his hair up with too much product and wore jeans a bit too tight and stressed and fretted over even the smallest wrinkle, but he never wore suits like this before, never kept himself so perfectly shaven, never kept his waist so trim. He’s lost his soft edges, the glasses that used to frame his face so nicely. He’s colder, too—colder to strangers, colder to Hermann. They fought in the past, of course, argued incessantly, took petty jabs at each other’s disciplines, but Newton never outright refused to discuss research with Hermann before.

Hermann’s research won’t matter, Newton says, his drones will make this obsolete, Hermann’s wasting his time, Hermann shouldn’t bother.

It’s been a decade, Hermann knows, people change in a decade, Hermann himself has changed in a decade (Hermann’s a little lonelier, a little sadder, a little more spontaneous, a little messier), but there’s something off. Something wrong. Hermann can’t quite place it. Hermann—

“You should come ‘round for dinner,” Newton says. His demeanor has changed, so subtly—all business before, but now, he’s standing close, eyelids half-mast, lips curled into a lazy smile. “We could catch up. Talk about that experiment of yours. Play with your—” Newton casts a little glance at the door, then takes a step forward, drags a finger down Hermann’s chest, “—test tubes.”

“Oh,” Hermann says, mouth hanging open, and something is very wrong, but it’s been so long since he’s made love to Newton, so long since he’s been the subject of Newton’s raw desire, some ten long, long years spent without Newton’s kisses and Newton’s touch. “Ah. I.”

Newton drags his finger lower, skimming over the fastening Hermann’s trousers, and Hermann’s knees threaten to buckle. “Mm?”

“Dinner,” Hermann stammers. “Dinner would be lovely, Newton.”

“Tomorrow night,” Newton says, snapping his hand away, and he’s as brisk and businesslike as he was before. “I’ll have my people pick you up when you’re done with—” He waves his hand at the mess of Hermann’s lab and wrinkles his nose. “This. Yeah?”

“Alright, Newton,” Hermann says, heart pounding. “Thank you.” He nearly cringes at the words before they leave his mouth—how weak, how pathetic Newton must see him, grovelling like a desperate ex-lover for the slightest bit of attention. (Is he an ex-lover?)

“And, uh, wear something nice,” Newton says, looking Hermann up and down skeptically. Hermann’s hands go to his collar immediately, smoothing over it, self-conscious; he quite likes this shirt. He thought Newton would’ve liked it, which is why he wore it today in the first place. Newton doesn’t notice, just slips his sunglasses back on. He’s gone with a little wave and without a second glance.

Newton’s people pick Hermann up exactly as Newton promised the following night. He sends a big, fancy car, far more extravagant than anything either of them have owned in their entire lives, with a minibar in the back. The driver tells Hermann Dr. Geiszler insists Hermann make himself comfortable, have as many drinks as he’d like. “Why couldn’t Dr. Geiszler be here, then?” Hermann says, politely refusing the man’s attempts to take his suit coat for him.

The driver doesn’t answer.

He gets shown to the front of Newton’s condo complex, gets instructed to the right room, and then he’s riding the elevator up and standing in front of Newton’s door. He almost can’t bring himself to knock. “It’s unlocked,” Newton calls from inside as Hermann raises his hand, almost like he can sense Hermann. Perhaps some strings of their neural link remain, frayed and weakened by time though they may be. “Come on in.”

Hermann pushes open the door. Newton’s condo is far too extravagant, far too elegant for Hermann’s and Newton’s tastes, marble countertops and windows the size of walls, but that’s not what makes Hermann nearly stumble, grip his cane hard, makes him say “Newton?” in surprise.

There’s candles lit on what’s presumably the dining table, the counters, the coffee table, and Newton’s leaning against the table with a glass of wine and in a very sheer robe. It’s more like lingerie than anything. There’s absolutely nothing beneath it. Hermann snaps his eyes up, and Newton sets his glass down. “Hermann,” he says, and swoops in, throws his arms over Hermann’s shoulders. He’s so warm, so close, and it’s so much after nothing for so long, and Hermann very nearly gasps when Newton presses their lips together in a kiss.

“Newton,” Hermann repeats, feeling vaguely foolish, because he’d been hoping the night would go like this but didn’t by any means expect it, “what are you—that is—?”

Newton flutters his eyelashes prettily. “I wanted to dress up for you,” he says, and wraps his fingers around Hermann’s neat tie.

“I wanted to talk about my research,” Hermann says weakly. “We—”

Newton rubs his hips against Hermann’s, bare skin on fabric. Newton’s already hard, the head of his prick flushed red. (This isn’t right, Hermann thinks, something isn’t right with Newton, but oh, Newton is so handsome, so lovely, only more so with age, with the grey at his temples and the little lines at the corners of his eyes that Hermann wants nothing more than to kiss over and over. Hermann should’ve been there to watch him grow old.) “Research?” Newton says. He gives an exaggerated pout. Purposefully silly. It’s more like the Newton Hermann remembers. “That’s boring, man, come on.”

“I suppose—ah.” Newton leans back in and runs his tongue along Hermann’s lower lip, rubs his prick at the front of Hermann’s trousers again, and Hermann’s brain feels fuzzy.

“Come sit,” Newton says in his ear, and he threads the fingers of his right hand with Hermann’s left and tugs him forward. Hermann lets Newton pull him to the sofa and sit him down, lets him set his cane aside delicately, and then Newton settles himself down atop Hermann’s lap. “Hermann,” he sighs, nosing at Hermann’s neck, “I missed you so much, honey. I’ve been so lonely without you.” He picks up one of Hermann’s hands and slides it across his chest, just over one of his nipples, and rubs his prick against the front of Hermann’s nice dress shirt. He lowers his voice. “Do you still remember how I like to be touched?”

Of course Hermann remembers. He remembers how to draw sighs from Newton, gasps of pleasure, how to take him apart until he’s trembling in Hermann’s arms and breathing out pledges of love. He wonders if Newton remembers how to do the same for him. Hermann brushes his thumb over the nipple presented so readily in front of him and feels Newton shiver. “Newt,” he croaks (he came to talk about business, about his research), “I really could use your input on my work. Ah.” Newton worries Hermann’s earlobe between his teeth. “You see. Newton. Ah. It’s not quite finished, you see—”

“Mm-hmm?” Newton hums, working open Hermann’s top few buttons. Hermann can’t help but rub his thumb over the same nipple once more and elicit another little shiver of pleasure.

“The equation,” Hermann says, as Newton kisses his throat and Hermann strains in his trousers, “I’m missing—” Newton takes his other hand, pushes it under the fabric of the little sheer robe and down his lower back, down to the curve of his ass, and Hermann lets out a deep groan. “Oh, Newton…”

“C’mon,” Newton says, and bites at his earlobe again. “We can talk after.” He’s grinning. Hermann’s too entranced by him to do anything but nod.

Newton takes him to bed, then, to his ridiculous, absurd, oversized bed, pushes Hermann down and rides him fast, doesn’t even bother to take Hermann’s shirt off fully and leaves Hermann’s trousers bunched around his knees, cries and begs and tells Hermann how much he missed him, how much he’s wanted him for so long.

(“Why didn’t you call,” Hermann snarls, gripping Newton’s thighs hard enough to leave red half-moons against his inked skin, “why didn’t you email, or text, or—”)

(It’s the best orgasm Hermann’s had in ten years.)

“Stay the night,” Newton says later, propped up on his elbow and idly tracing across Hermann’s jaw with his finger. “I’ll make everything up to you, starting tomorrow.”

There’s a curtain covering something in the corner of Newton’s bedroom, something big, something Hermann hadn’t noticed in his previous haze of lust, and Hermann can’t stop staring. He doesn’t like it. “Newton, love,” Hermann begins.

“I’ll actually make dinner,” Newton continues, not noticing Hermann’s discomfort. Perhaps ignoring it. He nips at Hermann’s throat. “Whatever you want. Or we could go out somewhere fancy. There’s a place—”

“What is that?” Hermann points at the curtain.

Newton steals a little kiss. “Forget about that rocket fuel,” he says, lips brushing against Hermann’s. “I don’t want you hurting yourself. Or worse. I mean, what would I do without you, Hermann?”

Hermann tears his eyes away from the curtain, his chest clenching painfully. Ten years of radio silence from Newton. “You seem to be faring pretty well without me,” he spits out, bitter.

Newton straddles Hermann’s waist again, pressing kisses to his neck once more. “I’m sorry,” he says, “I’ve just been so busy, Hermann, and stressed, it wasn’t on purpose, I’d never blow you off like that on purpose.” He rubs their noses together. “I love you.”

Hermann wraps his arms around Newton, holding him in place. Newton has been busy, he supposes, and stressed, which would explain why he’s been so odd, so distant. He still makes love the same—vocal, enthusiastic, eager to please Hermann and be pleased in return—still kisses the same, still touches Hermann the same. He’s still the man Hermann loves. “I know,” Hermann sighs. He kisses the top of Newton’s head. He doesn’t think he’ll ever quite be able to forgive Newton for all those years, but he’s certainly willing to start something new.

“Forget about the fuel?” Newton says.

Hermann really could hurt himself with ill-advised experiments with kaiju blood. (Besides: Newton’s concern is proof Newton still cares about his well-being.) “Alright, Newton,” Hermann says, unable to help his smile, and Newton steals another little kiss.

“Stay the night,” Newton insists once more. “I’ll cook breakfast.”

Newton’s bed is comfortable. Newton is even more comfortable. Hermann nods.

It’s good to have Newton back.

#newmann #maria's fanfiction tag #this is SIGNIFICANTLY angstier than my usual fills i need to like. cleanse myself #not sfw ////////// #Anonymous