The Fall Ball

[Regel]

Peredhil was as good as his word and one by one he was introduced to many of the individuals that comprised The Pen. “Who is that Peredhil?” I asked pointing to a couple in one corner of the great hall. Peredhil answered “Ah that would be Tamaranis.” “Not the vampire P, the young woman.” I said. “Oh my of course, that is Salinye. They appear to be in conversation at the moment, remind me later and I will introduce you.” Replied Peredhil.

 

Mr. Bunny had extended me a polite greeting but I supposed that he might have sensed that I had often dined on such of his kind and our conversation ended quickly.

Peredhil must have been on a tight schedule because the introductions began to blur one into the other when finally he reintroduced me to the lovely hostess Ayshela.

 

“Excuse me for a moment Peredhil while I ask this lovely lady for a dance before someone else has the same thought.” I said and then ask Ayshela for a dance.

Ayshela was an excellent dancer and she matched me step for step. I watched her carefully as she gracefully moved across the dance floor. Such thoughtful eyes I thought to myself with a kind smile for me and an attentive glance now and then on the needs of her guests. Her gown flattered both her beautiful red hair and her figure. No sign of sadness on her face tonight. The music ended and the band took a break.

“Thank you my lady, for the dance and for hosting such a lovely social. Can I offer you refreshment?” and with that we walked over to the punch bowl.

[WrenWind]

Wren follows Regel with her eyes for a while after thanking him for the lovely dance then heads off to ask Wyvern to dance. and takes his claw only to be interupted by a huge purple bubble forming in front of her nose. Bigger and bigger until it starts to push Wren backwards onto the dance floor again. Wyvern !!!!!!! help!!!!

[Wyvern]

Wyvern's jaw drops open, his eyes widening into the sizes of small serving trays as he watches the purple bubble grow larger and larger on Wrenwind's face... Still recovering from the shock of actually being asked to dance, not to mention the shock of being mistaken for a "capable dance partner," the lizard stutters and glances left and right at the watching crowd before managing to meekly murmer:

 

"Is that a giant purple bubble on your face, or are you just happy to see me?"

 

Wrenwind glares at Wyvern angrily as she's pushed further towards the dancefloor, and frantically exclaims:

 

"Shut up and help me out here you overgrown lizard!!!"

 

Wyvern trembles as the purple bubble begins exceeding the size of Wrenwind's head, and winces as she actually begins to float into the air carried by the helium contained in the bubble balloon. The reptilian Elder curses to himself frantically and finally decides to act as Wrenwind lets out a shriek, running towards her levitating form as fast as he can. The lizard jumps onto a table and propels himself upward by means of a chair, grabbing onto the bottom of Wrenwind's flowing dress as she continues to ascend towards the ceiling of the room. Unfortunatly, rather then pulling her down by his weight, the lizard ends up floating along with her due to the enormous size that the bubble now has.

 

As Wrenwind continues to ascend higher above the crowd, she angrily shouts to Wyvern:

 

"Damn it we need to do something! Ow, stop pulling on my dress like that!"

 

Wyvern whimpers, clinging onto the bottom of Wrenwind's gown for dear life as he notices the growing distance between them and the dancefloor below. Turning his head upward to Wrenwind in the hopes of responding that he has no choice, the lizard accidentally glances underneath her gown due to his position and is overcome by a bloody nose. The blood from the lizard's nose rains down upon the dancers below just as the Prince song "Purple Rain" begins playing.

 

Briefly glancing down towards Wyvern and noticing his peeping, Wrenwind lets out another shriek and proceeds to commence bashing Wyvern's face with her right foot in the hopes of keeping his head down. Wyvern grips the bottom of her gown tightly, his hold slowly weakening...

 

Neither Wrenwind nor Wyvern notices the sharp chandelier that the bubble is rapidly approaching...

[DL_Snake]

Snake untangles himself from TIel's arms as they danced to Purple Rain. He noticed something floating in the air and a familiar shriek. Glancing up, he saw his old time friend Wren and not so old time but still friend Wyvern floating upwards on a strange looking purple bubble.

 

Quickly encanting, he concentrated as he arranged his thought patterns to recognize an enchantment causing the bubble. Ah-hah! Wyvern trick! he thought to himself.

 

Watching the duo float upwards towards the chandelier, he waited patiently for the inevitable.

 

POP!

 

Wyvern let's go of Wren's gown as both of them begin their descent from 30 feet above the ground. Quickly weaving his hands in a complicated motion, Snake encants another spell and releases it towards the falling duo.

 

The ground is coming closer! Oh, no! Is this the hour of doom? Is that why it seems that I'm slowing down? So this is how it feels like to have time slowed down as you die. Wyvern was quietly whimpering as these thoughts flashed through his mind.

 

The crowd onlookers were gasping in astonishment as the falling pair were suddenly slowed before their very eyes. As they continued their slow but steady fall, Snake moved his hand and Wren't gown was adjusted to the proper modesty.

 

Once planting his feet on the firm ground shakily, Wyvern immediately fell to his knees and kissed the ballroom floor, to the amusement of the crowd. The lady Wren walked over to where Snake was standing as he lifted his Slow spell.

 

"Thank you, sir, for saving us from the fall and..." she trailed off as she looked at her old friend. "Hey, it's you!"

 

Snake nodded and his face was splitted by a huge grin as he hugged Wren and kissed her cheeks. "It's been too many years, old friend. And you still look as beautiful as ever."

 

Wren blushed and smiled appreciatively. "You don't look too shabby yourself. Why, last I saw you, you were dressed as a hermit in some stupid cave, hiding from Tiel," she said as she laughed.

 

"I think Wyvern has got to work on his bag of tricks. THat bubble was pretty impressive though," Snake mused as he glanced at Wyvern recovering his composure.

 

"Oh that! Stay here Snakie, I'll be right back," said Wren as she stalked to where Wyvern is and started doing some not very pleasant things to the half-dragon....

Edited October 27, 2003 by DL_Snake

[Lady Celes Crusader]

While poor Cambronne gets his spilled milk replaced by water, a drunken Celes answered to Tamaranis after his little showdown with Salinye. The pattern the pearls made on her dress are now totally erratic.

 

- Hum... Not great... my head is spinning...

 

The pearls detached from the robe and turns into tiny sylphes, that decided to play all around the ballroom.

[Degenero Angelus]

Sometimes I wonder why I let people talk me into this. I'm too big, I can't dance, and I don't look good dressed up. Degenero sighs as he stands outside the entrance to the Fall Ball, building up his courage to enter.

 

In actuality he looks as good as he ever does. Standing there in his new suit, bought just for the occasion, of course. Black on red, black tie, black shoes. His wings tucked carefully away inside of the suit as to not accidentally bump any of the guests. The long white hair slicked back and put into a pony tail over one shoulder.

 

An initiate who's name he cannot recall bumps into him on her way into the ball, jarring him back to reality. I've always hated these things, going back as far as Cerulean's Masquerade. I just feel so out of place, with all the happy people dancing their days away.

 

Degenero grimaces slightly, and braces himself as he opens the door and walks in. The music begins almost instantly after he opens the door, and he frowns completely now.

 

He slowly scans the floor for anyone he knows, seeing Wyvern, Snake, Regel, Wren, and finally settling his eyes on Peredhil, who is just standing around, seemingly lost. Many things could be said to happen to the half-elf often, but being lost would never be one of them. He slowly approaches his mentor and greets him with a gentle "Hello."

 

5 seconds later, after he's done prying the half-elf's arms from around him, he manages to get a "Hi Deg' " out of him before Peredhil gets swept off into the crowd of people on the floor. Left by himself, Degenero slowly makes his way over to the refreshments table and begins slowly drinking his way though it.

[Zariah]

Originally, Zariah headed back toward Sam, when she decided to position herself along the wall and observe the dancing couples across the room.

 

I suppose it would be pleasant to have a significant other. I wonder what it would be like if I had friends of my own. Perhaps I can attempt to play a part in this fascinating event, since Nyyark and Crow have NOT shown up yet. Not that I can have high expectations of anyone… I am sure there is some explanation. And from what Crow has told me of Nyyark, the reason must be amusing. Oh! Good, Sam is talking with another; I think his name is Merelas.

 

Zariah found a bench and moved it to the wall. As she sat, a commotion with the lighting from the direction of Saylene caused her to become motionless.

 

Interesting….Magic can be alarming. Perhaps, I will read for a while.

 

As Zariah, began to involve herself, a huge commotion sounded from the entrance.

 

There is A sofa? The Mighty Couch!? What the….?

 

Sticky popped up from the middle cushion.

 

Oh…hmm...whatever that was about.

 

Zariah turned the leaf and read on. Moments later, the lights went away and a spark flew into the air, and then it appeared as if there were indoor fireworks without the loud sound accompanying. Zariah, annoyed, put her book down and stood up to stretch her legs.

 

 

To her right, Wyyvern was making a commotion of his own.

 

What is with that lady with a purple boil on her face? My goodness, it’s growing! That’s really funny, but I should refrain from laughing. I GIVE UP on this reading; I believe I am going to move elsewhere!

 

As Zariah headed to the door, she felt a presence behind her. Zariah turned around and withheld herself from laughing.

 

What is he wearing?! Well, I guess that is the custom? I have no clue what is normal….perhaps there is nothing normal around here. Is he going to talk to me? Oh boy, I am not good at these things. Oh no! If he asks me to dance, we will surely cause a jumble, because I am clumsy AND poor at customary dancing. Ok, Zariah, DEAL.

 

Zariah took a gulp, and slightly nodded her head.

 

“Hello, I don’t believe we have formerly met. I am Zariah, Lady of the Crows.”

[Quincunx]

Minta prodded the barely conscious doorman with her toes, first with the left and then with the right, just to make certain he wasn't napping. "Dontcha wanna see my invitation?" she pouted, spilling crumpled candy wrappers from her pocket as she tried to get the corners of the invitation unstuck. As soon as it finally came loose, though, the doorman sighed and lost consciousness. Minta was about to hurl herself into a pouting fit, but there was something funny about how the doorman didn't look hurt at all. . .

 

"Neato!" she squealed after a quick magical inspection. "I bet it's a vampire without a mage too! I bet Rose will be really happy if I bring back another vampire for her so she can have somebody to bring to the ball!" She picked up the invitation, carefully smoothed out the crinkles, then jammed it back into her pocket. She braced herself against a gap between two floor tiles, ready to struggle with the imposing door, amending "I hope it's not an icky yucky boy vampire."

 

*****

 

She parted from Elladan with a bit of relief. He lacked a bit of whatever was the opposite of self-preservation--other-people-preservation maybe? No. Extreme reluctance to let others make amends for having been born, that was closer to the truth. Tzimfemme had, she felt, exercised her mind enough to be an asset to humanity, but Elladan was one-quarter humanity at best and certainly not appreciative of it. Immediately she mingled herself in the direction of the refreshments table and away again with a tray of pre-sliced paninis and about three dozen cocktail napkins; recalling years of waitressing various Archmage functions, she balanced the tray upon her head and kept a hand upon its rim.

 

First she stopped by Orlan for ogling and explanation of the night's plans, setting one of the miniature dark-chocolate Orlan figurines atop the tray, but drifted away to let Rapier inquire--in detail--why she had been encouraged to wear formal attire but Tzimfemme had not. Professional courtesy demanding no partisan behavior and no eavesdropping meant that Tzimfemme had to leave discreetly and stifle her amusement. As she wound her way towards Wyvern's Dinette of (Profitable) Discovery cart, Rune and Minta tuned in to the magical word "sugar!" and almost tripped half the dance floor while zooming across it to follow Xaious.

 

Soon the tray bore the krispy chocolate figures of Wyvern and Regel, the peanut-butter filled Peredhil figurine, and a plain milk chocolate, features obscured, but not hollow as he had insisted, Vigil Stargazer. Tzimfemme nibbled on another panini to make more room on the tray; who to pick next, she ruminated, thoroughly missing the spectacle Wyvern was making of himself (again) as the tray prevented her from looking upward. She meandered out of the range of the slowing spell, but tingled with the knowledge of her type of spell being cast in the area and began to scan the crowd. Merelas! She partially knew him and not at all his companion: perfect.

 

"About when we met," Tzimfemme began as she approached, not noticing Sam almost melt into the wall to try to avoid her. She locked herself into place before Merelas. "I know what I felt now. Grave wind but not yours." Conservation died in the radius of her voice; eyes looked sideways at brimming Tzimfemme, turbulent Merelas, tidal Sam Carmichael. The tide began to turn.

 

"You're thinking about different people," blurted Sam.

 

"I hadn't known there were others with grave wind."

 

Sam made an encouraging motion, not wanting to say it herself, but for the moment Tzimfemme was lost; she tried to follow and found only a stark gray beach and foul-smelling sea. Merelas looked curiously at Sam, and she snapped back to the present. Tzimfemme took a bit longer, but finally shook her head slightly, rattling the contents of the tray. "Oh, yes. This." She steadied the tray with her hand.

 

"You see the Miniature Chocolate Mages up here? They're Ångels of Åpocalypse series," and she touched the Serra Angel clipped above her right ear. "I've been trying to make a Pen series for the longest time, but so few people were willing to be measured for the molds. Here we have a festive event and no one can dance all night, plus there's a zero calorie enchantment on the hall if I'm not mistaken. Perfect situation. As a fire-mage-type, you would be made of krispy chocolate, and your companion there. . .not sure, but she seems like a caramel-filled chocolate type. . .well, let me demonstrate."

 

Tzimfemme snapped open a pocket portal and removed a comb-like appendage, attached to a cable that ran back into the portal. "Fiber optic mana cable," she explained, and made passes with the comb up and down, left and right, front and back, all around Merelas. Another portal popped open parallel to the tray and displayed a perfect hand-height miniature of Merelas. The hologram bowed, then held out its palm and produced a spark for the audience. "A bit of a showman, I note," said Tzimfemme dryly. "Now you're in the master file. Hold out your hand the same way the hologram is, and think about yourself and chocolate." All three did; the chocolate figurine formed immediately for Tzimfemme, after a few moments for Sam, and in just under a minute for the bemused Merelas.

 

"That's all there is to it," concluded Tzimfemme, perching the new figurine atop the tray. "Who else would like to be immortalized in chocolate?"

[Annael]

Annael looked up as something dripped onto her face. She blinked in surprise as she saw Wyv hanging from WrenWind's dress, high above the dance floor, carried higher and higher by a big purple balloon.

 

"What in the high Heavens??" Annael asked as they started to fall to the floor. Doomy looked up at the falling couple to see their fall slow down, and then Wyv, kissing the ballroom floor.

 

"Interesting things always follow Wyvern around, don't they." He asked as he helped to wipe the blood off Annael's face.

 

"I don't think they follow him around so much as he creates them." Annael said with a wink. "Hmm...not quite sure what the DJ's playing now, but I can say that I'm not a fan of this. Let's go to the bar and get a drink. Lady Celes is there by herself, let's go over and join her."

 

Doomy nodded, and taking Annael's arm escorted her over to the bar.

[Gwaihir]

Gwai chewed his finger as he watched the girl walking towards the wall. He wondered if she knew how beautiful she was. She wasn't snotty either, she was pretty in way that suggested she felt uncomfortable. He admired her from afar, as he always did...But then it occured to him--this was a ball, maybe this was a chance to at least ask her to dance. He chewed on his finger a moment more before he walked up to her. It didn't even occur to him that he couldn't dance at all or that it was a bit strange to approach a person from the back, he just did it; that was Gwaihir. Oh no! She was walking away! He hurried up and stumbled after her, tripping on Celes and he ran at the girl who was walking towards the door.

 

She turned around and saw him "“Hello, I don’t believe we have formerly met. I am Zariah, Lady of the Crows.”

 

Gwaihir blushed deeply "Umm no, I mean I'm ....I'm Wig...I'm Gwaihir of something....I'm not sure what. But! Oh, this isn't going how I meant for it to.

 

It wasn't going quite the way Zariah might have wanted it to either. She was quite unsure enough of herself as it was without this blundering elf to make her more uncomfortable. She wasn't sure whether to run away or burst out laughing and as she tried to do neither the effort made her more uncomfortable yet.

 

Gwaihir started speaking, I mean umm, you're beautiful and I'd love to dance with you. May I?

 

Dancing had begun to sound easier than this conversation and at least this rather strange elf (or were all elves like this?) was polite. Zariah nodded and allowed Gwaihir to lead her to the middle of the room. She was certainly the less clumsy of the two, but she was the only one who worried about it or even noticed that they managed to step on two seperate pairs just as they made their way to the dance floor.

 

Gwaihir looked into her eyes and at first he was inspired as he very rarely was. Apparently he had been trained in dancing at some point and he spun her around the room with a ease and smoothness that no one would have ever ever expected from him.

 

Zariah had been rather scared of this dance, but the strangely dressed elf seemed to be far exceeding all her imaginings. He was even making her feel graceful.

 

Such luck could not go on long.

 

And sure enough it didn't. As they waltzed past the refreshment table, Gwaihir spread his arm in a big gesture...and knocked the cake off the table. He didn't even notice and smoothly pushed Zariah right into it. Just in time she saw what he was guiding her into and stopped rather step into it. Gwaihir did not notice and stepped ahead, right onto her her dress. She fell backwards and Gwaihir tried to save her, but he only made it worse. The two of them went sliding across the floor with Zariah on her back sliding in the cake and Gwaihir, still holding onto Zariah stumbled next to her for a moment before he fell on top of her and added more momentum to the slide.

 

As he helped her up, even the elf knew enough to be incredibly embarassed. He looked into her eyes and said earnestly "I am SOOO sorry!" Gwaihir didn't even notice the ruined cake on the floor, he saw this girl who was probably totally furious at him and he wanted to help.

[Lady Celes Crusader]

Celes had been pushed a bit foward over the bar and chuckles when she sees Gyr in an embarassing position. Meanwhile, the sylph that were Celes' pearls decided that an olive fight was an interesting idea. Taking advantage of their summoner's drunkiness, they started to throw olives oon each others, hitting guests along.

[troubled sleep]

"Oh yes, thank you." she said, accepting the drink from Merelas. "You're right, I don't believe we've met before, Merelas. My name is Sam," she said with a smile, "Oh, and I apologize for not answering sooner I...I guess I was zoning out a little, it's so easy to get lost in the large crowds." Too bad getting the crowds out of your head isn't quite so easy... she thought, frowning inwardly at the dull roar of everyone's broadcasted thoughts which she had pushed to the back of her mind.

Edited October 28, 2003 by troubled sleep

[Wyvern]

Wyvern continues happily kissing the floor of the ballroom out of joy of his survival, savoring the taste of every fancy shoe that had tread over the area as he celebrates his ability to breath. The overgrown lizard's moment of happiness is abruptly shattered, however, as the looming shadow of Wrenwind slowly makes it's way over his crawling form.

 

Glancing upward from his position on the ground and noticing Wrenwind glaring at him angrily, Wyvern gulps and meekly hisses:

 

"Ahah... hah. Well, at least I don't think we'll have any trouble winning the next dance contest... uhh... aviation contest... I mean, errr."

 

"The next time I catch you so much as trying to lightly lift my dress" growls Wrenwind, cracking her knuckles as her eyes magically flame in colors of fury "I will see to it that you'll go bankrupt while being buried!"

 

Wyvern frantically crawls away as Wrenwind aims a finger at his cart of scientific beakers and casts a spell that causes it to suddenly vanish from it's dangerous position near the refreshment table. Grinning to herself and brushing her hands off as she watches the cart reappear in a shadowy corner of the Ball (which happens to be near Yui Temae), she turns towards Wyvern only to find that the overgrown lizard has scurried away.

 

-----

 

Enticed by the familiar smell of dwarven ale coming from the failed tail-paralysis formula Wyvern had previously concocted, the Elder Dwarves of the Mighty Pen steadily march towards the front entrance of the Ball and pass by the unconscious forms of the bouncers. Entering into the Ball in a single file line, the dwarves grin and jovially greet all of those present.

 

Bravery enters the ballroom wearing a bizarre yet elegent comination of a fine elven tunic and newly-ironed dwarven mining overalls. Laughing and bravely engaging in mini-dances with numerous members as he passes them, the dwarf immediatly heads towards Ayshela to openly thank her for the event.

 

Greedy walks into the hall next sporting the corniest dwarven get-up imaginable: baggy "Saturday Night Fever"-type jeans that slightly ressemble golfing pants, a white T-shirt that plainly reads "I couldn't afford a tux," and orange sunglasses in the shape of dollar signs. Glancing around the room in search of excitement, the miniature lizard notices Salinye's expensive-looking gown and quickly gets to scheming...

 

Silly the Elder dwarf/resident intelligent orangutan is next to enter the Ball, and shows off his costume proudly. The orangutan is dressed completely in white cardboard signs, on which there have been drawn pictures of parts of an elegent tuxedo. Adjusting the mini-sign that had been cut into a shape of a tie that rested on his neck, the dwarf quickly heads towards the refreshments counter in the hopes of finding banana bread.

 

Shiny energetically twirls into the ballroom after Silly, her small, shiny, silver gown with gold sparklies illuminating as she does so. Adjusting her glow-in-the-dark earings and making sure that the twinkling tiara resting on her green hair is firmly in place, the Elder Dwarf goes into a trance as she gazes at the shiny stars on the ceiling created by Vigil StarGazer's star seed.

 

Sexy struts into the Ball next in a typically sexy (though dwarven) manner, wearing a 60s "Austen Powers"-type attire and sporting several gold chains around his neck. Reaching into the depths of the large afro that rests on his head, the dwarf pulls out a small black comb from the hairset and twirls it around in his hand. Winking towards Rune, who happened to be a babe that was just his size, the Dwarf suddenly catches sight of Tzimfemme's chocolate platter and decides that it wouldn't be right to try out pick-up lines on an empty stomach.

 

Though not present as an individual source, Shady partakes in the Ball as well, dressed in only the finest of shadow puppets and elegently dancing with each Pen members shadow in turn. Her form fades in and out with the dancing lights of the Ball as she attempts to contact the Ancient Pen Dwarves through a rift in the shadows...

 

-----

 

While the dwarves enter into the ballroom and go about their seperate affairs, Wyvern continues crawling over the ground, thoroughly enjoying himself. The greedy lizard had managed to pick up two geld pieces that people had dropped as well as a piece of an appetizer that had only been stepped on once in his skirmish of the floor. Sniffing at a delicious scent, the reptilian Elder suddenly notices the cake that Gwaihir had accidentally pushed off of a table and licks his lips... Jack pot!

[Gyrfalcon]

Gyrfalcon watched Salinye walk away and hesitated. He knew that he should probably continue to accompany Salinye, but he also knew that she would want some time to work through her embarrassment without him hovering around. Nodding to himself, he decided to bring Salinye something to make her feel better, to make up for the letter incident with Tamaranis.

 

Gyrfalcon slid through the crowd, exchanging smiles and words of greeting with those he knew, and chuckling and shaking his head at Wyvern's latest failed escapade. As Gyrfalcon approached Peredhil, he felt a cold stare boring into him. Turning his head, Gyrfalcon locked eyes with Elladan, who was standing near a wall across the room with a small, bright smile on his face. His eyes were cold and lifeless, though, and Gyrfalcon fought to suppress a shiver and failed. Elladan was one of the few people at the Pen who could truly scare the half-elf, and the only one that scared him all the time. Gyrfalcon could see something in the half-elf's eyes. Elladan did not see the living, he saw only those waiting to die, and he was more then happy to help them reach that state.

 

Gyrfalcon broke eye contact with the cold-blooded son of Peredhil and shivered again before turning and speaking a quick greeting to Peredhil and Regel before allowing the two to continue on their way to talk to Ayshela.

 

Finally reaching the refreshment table, Gyrfalcon eyes Wyvern's cart before blinking as it vanishes, only to reappear in the shadows at the far end of the Ball Room. Gyrfalcon narrowed his eyes to pierce the gloom, then nodded. The figure jumping away from the suddenly appearing cart was none other then Caryon. The half-elf was surprised the artificer would come to a Ball, which was a function solely designed to engage people in human interaction. Then again, it was odd enough that Elladan was here, so why not an artificer intent on remaking the world in machines?

 

Gyrfalcon reached the refreshment table and recovered Salinye's wine glass for her, and loaded a small plate with a variety of delicacies in the hopes that they would help raise her spirits a bit. Looking around to see where Salinye had wandered off to, Gyrfalcon noticed that Jehane and Daryl had flanked him, grinning. Gyrfalcon winced, knowing that their grins meant that they were planning something.

 

"Gyrfalcon, would you care to dance?" Jehane asked, smiling. Gyrfalcon opened his mouth to begin to make his excuses when Daryl cut in. "I saw that Salinye and Tam didn't hit it off very well. Since you were directly there, she might be a little sensitive still. Do you mind if I go and cheer her up a bit?"

 

Gyrfalcon closed his mouth and smirked, then handed Daryl the plate and the glass. "I was going to bring these to her to cheer her up." the half-elf explained, and Daryl grinned. "Bribing her into a good mood, I see." the werefox observed in light-hearted humor, winking.

 

Gyrfalcon chuckled. "Something like that."

 

Daryl nodded. "Well, I'll make sure to ply her with food and drink in addition to my sterling wit and character!"

 

"What character?" Jehane mumbled lightly, and Daryl shot her a mock-wounded glance.

 

"Well, now that Daryl is going in your stead, I guess you're up for a dance, correct?" Jehane asked, eyes Gyrfalcon shrewdly. He chuckled and looked around. "I could go sprain an ankle..." he suggested.

 

"Nope, don't get to do that." Jehane said, firmly shaking her head.

 

"Not even a little bit?"

 

"No."

 

"Darn. Ah well, then let's dance, shall we?"

 

The two started out onto the dance floor, and Daryl wove his way towards Salinye, deftly keeping people from bumping into the loaded tray or the still mostly-filled wine glass. As Daryl approached Salinye, he noticed that she was talking to a man attired in white and gold, and wondered who this new person was.

[Peredhil]

[Peredhil]

It was with a rueful mixture of laughter and sighs that Peredhil watched the party "get interesting" as only Wyvern's catalytic presence could do.

 

He'd long ago quit interfering with the mayhem around Wyvern - it only made it worse. Besides, he'd noticed that no one ever *quite* died, and they all had such marvelous stories to tell...

 

He frowned as he remembered that fellow with whom Elrohir used to talk, something about living in interesting times.

 

Drifting about the room, he automatically released small teardrops of power, activating some of the embedded Cabaret Room enchantments. The long sticky cake trail absorbed into the floor before it could become a safety hazard - although the cake was far too large for a trivial spell. The MADD spells changed alcohol into sugar in bloodstreams, leaving any drinkers at that golden buzz state, without slipping over into drunkeness. Funny how that spell automatically shut off whenever the Endless Booze Artifact entered the room. Healing a few bruises on Wyvern and Salinye that would've ached the next day, such were minor habits.

 

He ended up next to Elladan and just let his love burn for him as he stood silently watching the party unfold.

[/Peredhil]

 

[Elladan]

I hate big parties. Large crowds. Too many potentials and you just never know. The obvious threats, like Tamaranis, weren't a problem. If they were confident enough to be threatening as a habit, they were unlikely to act without reason.

It was the shadow behind the smile, the plotters and crazies you have to look for.

 

He dwelt on these thoughts as he ceaselessly scanned the crowd, with unselfconcious irony. Really, the only thing he feared was himself in another.

 

He felt Dad approaching, and almost resented the warmth that melted away much of his tension. If Guido and Nuncio were here, especially Nuncio, he realized he might actually relax enough to dance. He'd long since determined the patterns and threat levels of the Pen's regulars, and he'd managed to model all the newcomers thus far.

One of his teachers, a saint of swords, had taught him the mushin - no mind combat state, that allowed instant reaction and response. One of the few humans since Aragorn who'd deeply impressed him. That had been their first time on that Plane, but it was a favorite - Dad still did most of his shopping there.

 

With Dad safely at his side where he could protect him, he relaxed even more into a quiet latent tension, and actually began enjoying the party.

[/Elladan]

 

[Nuncio]

I looked at my wardroom, and even Guido's, in despair. There simply was nothing suitable. Guido may forget, but I've always been aware that a Bodyguard reflects on their employer, and simply must always look their best for the situation.

 

I didn't really like what I thinking, but I saw no choice. I needed to get to the Ball; Guido somewhat rubbed Elladan the wrong way. Actually to be fair, given our job, Elladan simply saw Guido as the slacker whenever he was here at the Pen Keep that he was. How, after all we've been through Guildo could constantly forget our professional paranoia and always enjoy himself is beyond me.

 

By this time, I was in The Boss's room, and had my FD Ring off. Before events like these, he always would unbind almost off of his latent links to other Planes and "hook" them around the room haphazardly. No, not really haphazardly, there was definitely a pattern, but never one I could decipher. I looked in all the ways he'd taught me, until I saw the one for London. We carried a revolving account there, and the British tradesmen with whom The Boss had dealt for the last several centuries prided themselves on unflappable good service for anyone who could pay enough - and Giant Guinea Pig or not, our account was deep enough for anything.

Hooking my claws into the link (attached this time to the third slat of the bed), I Twisted and stepped through the Portal. Something moved at my back as I was through and I slammed it shut in reflexive protective instinct, drawing my 9mm with my other paw.

 

And realized I was looking at a finely paneled, highly polished mahogany wall. I'd accidently broken the link. Shoulding my weapon, I pushed the swirling knot in the board which lit the light in Mr. Brooks' office and settled in to wait. Might as well get my suits first. The time differential in this Plane worked in my favor.

[/Nuncio]

 

[Elrohir]

I slammed into Dad's room with sword at front and a combat spell writhing on my tongue, in time to see a large figure disappear into the Portal's light. I lunged across the room after it, but it closed the Portal as touched it - and I almost put my blade through Dad's wall.

The Portal was closed - and had been broken. With difficultly I reimpressed the runes I'd readied, and sat on the floor to center myself and consider the situation. Since the Werewolves, not many non-humans had visited that particular place in that Plane. Most of them kept out of sight, or like the Vampires, hid behind advertising and illusion.

The Ball would have to wait. I'd have to go after it.

I slipped to my feet and went to get my Vest from my room. It had many small pockets with items I'd found useful over the years, and the kevlar didn't interfere with magical flow.

 

I considered asking Elladan to come with me, but I wanted to question whoever'd had the gall to use one of Peredhil's Portal without permission - and how they'd broken the locks on it - or even detected it in the first place. Even other Planeswalkers shouldn't be able to find these.

Unless The Dreamer? No, very unlikely and even masking himself, his power was unmistakable.

As I began the Ceremony of Opening, I spared a thought to be glad Guido and Nuncio were with Dad at the Ball. There might be a need for a Bodyguard tonight after all.

[/Elrohir]

 

[Guido]

Da tequila had begun to really slam me, and I considered moshing down and grabbing da floor to stop it moving. But somebody upped da spells, and I was flying high again. With a mental yeehaw, I had a vodka and watched da fun. Wit all deese people here, what could go wrong?

[/Guido]

[Yui-chan]

The sudden, startling appearance of Wyvern's (rather smelly) cart of colorful chemicals in the real space just outside her hidey-hole within the shadows was enough to break Yui out of her miasma of worry and insecurity. She bit her lip, scowling darkly at herself.

 

Enough is enough. You're going to a party, dammit. Move. Her thoughts were as sharp as her anger at her own weakness, but not quite sharp enough to get her legs actually moving. Instead, she scanned the room, looking for a familiar face she thought she might not disturb. The Huntress smiled slightly as Peredhil took up a relaxed position on the wall beside his son, Ellrohir, the two of them combining in the light to form a nice, healthy shadow against the wall behind and beside them.

 

Peredhil, a friend good enough to easily be a substitute anchor. Her apprehension faded.

 

With a thought and a few sideways 'steps' through the strange non-place within the shadows, the little woman's point of view changed. She waited just long enough for the shift in Peredhil's attention that let her know that his ring had alerted him to her presence before she tapped the wards between her and the Ballroom. At their answering chime of recognition, she grinned and pushed through the now-permiable barrier built around the reality of the Pen, stepping out of the Shadows and into reality, emerging from the darkness at Peredhil's left side.

[Peredhil]

[Peredhil]

I took a sideways step to the right to put myself between Yui-chan and Elladan. Poor boy was just beginning to unwind and I didn't want him to startle.

 

As she came into real space, I gave her a special warm hug, and then one from Aegon that I knew he'd want to have.

 

"Aegon would be proud of you," I whispered softly by her ear, "I know I am." I think it's important to recognize true bravery - not the foolishness that knows no fear, but the everyday heros that act despite fear.

 

"You know..." I winked, "I should introduce you to Regel!"

 

[Peredhil]

 

[Elladan]

The Huntress was behind us, it was unmistakable by the itching in my shadow. It still amazes me that Dad can know that someone is that powerful, and has an inner core of darkness, and still can love them.

 

Of course, that could apply to me, so I'd rather he not change.

 

I kept myself loose to honor him.

 

I wonder is she knows how to dance? She knows the dangers of power and is totally fixated on Aegon (now there is another one of which to be wary); neither of us would be careless, which is as safe as life can get.

 

Of course, Elrohir and I are twins, although he is the older. Maybe she thought I was him?

[/Elladan]

[Yui-chan]

As always, as expected, Peredhil was a bastion of warmth and security. Yui returned his hug gratefully and blushed slightly at his keen discernment of why she'd stayed hidden for so long. She didn't think she was so transparent, but then... this was Peredhil. Even if he hadn't known her as well as he did, his heart and mind were so sensitive that shielding the truth from him was a challenge of epic proportions. She hadn't managed it, yet, and for some reason it was a bit of a relief to her.

 

At the elder half-elf's question, she grinned. "I've had the lucky opportunity to speak to Regel a handful of times in recent weeks, Big P. Don't trouble yourself. I will make sure to say 'hello' to him soon."

 

A motion on Peredhil's other side brought her attention around to his son, and she offered him a smile. "Good evening, Elr--..." She paused, mortified with herself, as he met her eyes. That hard, cynical and wary line in them was unmistakable, and she realized just which son was with his father.

 

"Elladan..." she finished after a little stutter, trying very, very hard to deny the blush that she felt creeping into her cheeks. "I'm glad to see you've made it."

 

She offered him her hand by way of a greeting, feeling foolish and inept. Her first mistake, already? It didn't bode well for the rest of the night.

[Peredhil]

[Elladan]

It was with a bit of a shock that I realized that yes, she'd mistaken me for my clerical brother, and that, no, she wasn't afraid to shake my hand. For some reason, after a lifetime of being able to completely fool everyone outside my family, I was in a place where nearly anyone with power enough to be a threat not only recognized me for another threat - but was able to set it aside.

 

Must be the Peredhil effect. I've seen it and still don't understand it - Elrohir told me once I was similiar to a colorblind person in that regard. Well, he told me that warily and made sure we weren't alone together for a while. Even at six he was a wise one.

 

I didn't bother to correct him. I remember the colors he talks about. All life died when our Mother died. The woman in her flesh may have lived. Dad always treated her as if she were the same. But even at two, I saw inside and knew that wasn't my mother.

 

I've seen her death in everyone but Dad since. He hurts, but he never dies.

 

Pulling my thoughts together as I saw the shadow of rejection at my rude pause reflected in the Huntress' eyes, I tried my real smile, which my brother calls a grimace, in hopes she'd know the difference, and took her hand with uttermost gentle precision, careful to squeeze firmly without damage.

 

"Huntress, it's a natural mistake, we ARE twins you know," trying to put her more at ease. The pulse in her throat and the pupil dialations since she'd come through, the tension in the small muscles everywhere on her body that give most people away, they all said she liked crowds as much as I do.

 

I can't call her Yui, or Temae or anything but Huntress. No other title fits her than the image of a great hunting cat. Smooth, timid, provoke at will.

 

Releasing her hand, I gave myself a mental shake to avoid laughing. She might take it wrong.

 

I guess Dad's had a mellowing effect on me after all. I no longer had the urge to destroy anyone who could be a threat.

 

Stepping back, suddenly everthing slowed outside and sped up inside. I saw something dark strain in her eyes to match me, but she wasn't it.

 

Somewhere Glamdring had been drawn.

 

I opened power and prepared to port.

[/Elladan]

 

[Peredhil]

It was a pleasure to see Yui, and even more to see the non-hostile awareness of 'Dan. This was a wonderful occasion for him to grow, but I kept a wary eye out for potential threats. 'Dan is so fragile and easily hurt.

 

When I saw his smile go to bared teeth and his eyes flash from dark to obsidian, I smoothly stepped in and hugged him, putting my Will on his surging power before it could reach far enough to flash his aura. I reached out and Knew the Pen for a moment, before I snapped back into myself. I let myself stagger from the effort to encompass the entire Keep, knowing 'Dan would stop everything to catch me.

 

Enough bits remained in my knowing mind to reassure him.

 

"Elrohir's okay, he just doesn't know that it was Nuncio who used one of my portals." I saw the sudden yellow glint to his eyes, and went on, "Nuncio had to go get some new clothes, Guido used his for target practice," I continued with wry humor and a certain tone, "and you can just picture Nuncio's distress."

 

The leap of humor as he caught the image I'd sent of Nuncio trying to enter the Ball in torn cloths replaced his rage in one of his sudden shifts, and he was with me again.

 

I finished the hug, the moment over in a heartbeat, and turned back to Yui.

 

"So," I smiled, "Will Aegon be coming?"

[Peredhil]

 

[Nuncio]

"I think I'd like the silk shirt and the satin lapels on this one. Can we make sure the guns and knives don't show, but that they are accessible on these?"

[/Nuncio]

[Yui-chan]

Elladan's smile was obviously rather foreign to his features, but it was clear from those little details about his posture and body that she got as warm a reception as the wary man was capable of, despite her mistake. Yui-chan was unaccountably pleased with both his acceptance and his understanding, and her smile brightened.

 

But when he let her hand go, his expression changed so suddenly that she worried she'd done something to alarm him. She tasted Power in the air for a moment, then Peredhil-of-the-many-hugs turned and put his arms around his son, and it all faded. Yui watched the exchange worriedly, wondering if she'd somehow threatened Elladan, but when Peredhil turned back to her with nothing more than a smile and a polite question, she decided to let the moment pass.

 

"So, will Aegon be coming?"

 

The smaller woman's smile became a bit brittle. "I'm afraid it's not very likely. He had a ... last-minute problem that needed his attention at home. It will probably keep him too long." She followed the statement with a little shrug and a concerted effort to brighten her expression. Humor seemed the way to do that, so she winked and added, "I'll have to thank Ayshela for giving me the perfect excuse to leave and let him do all the work, won't I?"

[Nyyark]

Earlier that day…

 

Nyyark looked at Crow glumly. Crow cocked a bright eye and looked back impudently and cawed softly.

 

“Easy for you to say. I’m going to have my first date and I’m not even sure she knows

I’m alive.”

 

Crow cocked her head the other way, and cawed thoughtfully. And then again. Nyyark looked around the Courtyard nervously to see if anyone had overheard.

 

“Even I know that you can’t just walk up and peck a human being to get their attention. And the shiny rock is a great idea, but I don’t have one. Minta has the area pretty well cleaned out.”

 

They looked at each other and both sighed. The Fall Ball had seemed like a perfect opportunity. With the entire rookery of Pen people in one place, maybe Zariah wouldn’t notice his total lack of social skills. He was still amazed that no one at the Pen realized he didn’t quite fit in. Or maybe they were just really really tolerant.

 

He hoped Zariah was as tolerant as she was beautiful.

 

As though his thoughts had summoned her, Zariah appeared, walking through the Courtyard, gazing avidly at a book, reading as she walked.

 

Wow, Nyyark thought, she’s gorgeous. Her dark brown hair was wrapped up into a bun. The sun sparkled off of her olive skinned forehead. Eyes wondering further down, Nyyark took in the tight fitting green tunic and all that it concealed. Even further down was a pair of beige pants, finally ending in dainty little feet encased in cute feminine sandals.

 

“Yip!” squeaked Nyyark as a sharp peck from Crow brought him back to reality.

 

Zariah stopped walking and lowered her book in surprise. A smile lit her face as she looked around. Nyyark almost melted.

 

“Oh hello Crow! I’m surprised to find you here. What a coincidence.” Zariah said happily.

 

“Kaw Ahh ahCaKaw,” Replied crow, “Kaah Caw cawAhh Nyyark”

 

“Nyyark,” Zariah said turning to him, “I am Zariah, Lady of the Crows.” Her warm brown eyes melted both Nyyark’s heart and tongue.

 

“Anyway Crow, I really would like spend some time talking with you. I am very interested hearing about the local crow community.”

 

“Uh hi, I’m Nyyark,” He stammered, “and even though we just, err I mean threads of fate or, uh what I mean to say is that although I’ve never seen you before I’d really really like it if you’d come to the Ball tonight”

 

“Pardon?” asked Zariah.

 

“The Fall Ball…tonight…” Nyyark said in a small, desperate voice.

 

“I do not really see how a dance is an opportune situation to spend time with Crow, and I don’t really like crowds.” Zariah responded, then after a thoughtful pause said, “But I have been meaning to meet some of the other members of this establishment. Alright Crow, I’ll meet you tonight at the Fall Ball. Will you be coming Nyyark?”

 

“Really, you’ll go? Okay, see you there.” With that Nyyark leap into the air and let out an exuberant “YES!” before dashing off to get ready.

 

“I do think he is rather excitable” Zariah told Crow.

 

“Kaw” she agreed sadly.

 

 

 

Earlier that evening…

 

“You’re sure you don’t have any black hair dye?” Nyyark asked the Pen’s shop keep.

 

“Well sir, no one around here seems to have much need of it. Odd as it sounds, those colors are all natural. Now, I’ll tell you what, you can put in an order for it and I’ll have it delivered in two to three days time.”

 

“But I need it tonight!” Nyyark tried to explain.

 

“I’m very sorry sir, there’s nothing I can do.”

 

“Alright,” Nyyark said more to himself than anyone else, “I’ll just get some from the nearest city myself.”

 

Nyyark and Crow left the shop to head back to their flying keep.

 

“Alright Crow, I need to change my contacts and get ready, then I need to go find some hair dye, these roots are awful. You get ready and wait for me, but if it’s been a while and I’m not back, I need you to go to the Ball and keep Zariah there.” Nyyark explained.

 

Crow just shook her head in resignation.

 

Back in his room Nyyark surveyed his handy work. His new contacts made his brown eyes silver rather than the grey of his normal contacts. A nice touch for a formal occasion if he did say so himself. In the way of attire he wore tightly fitting black pair of pants, and a black V-neck shirt loose only in the sleeves. Yes, everything was perfect except those blasted roots. His natural brown was very apparent in his long black hair.

 

Nyyark sighed and went to look for Crow. He found her sitting on the obsidian perch in her room with her feathers glossed to a very shiny black.

 

“Okay, I’m off to find the hair dye. It’d be nice if you waited, but make sure that Zariah stays at the party. If she asks where I am tell her an urgent matter came up. Oh, when I get there I might try for a little alone time with Zariah, you’ll help me with that right?”

 

Crow just looked at him and gave a non-committal Caw.

 

Nyyark turned and left, unsure how exactly he was going to get his hair dye. He began walking to the gate of the keep. At least up to there he knew he was going in the right direction.

 

Rounding one of the twists of the Pen’s corridor Nyyark spotted Elrohir. He had always been very polite, and would be the perfect person to help with directions.

 

“Excuse me Elrohir? Can you help me get to the nearest large city?” Nyyark asked.

 

“Oh yeah sure.” Elrohir responded. He ran is finger through the air which unzipped behind it. Through the opening Nyyark could see buildings.

 

“Hey that’s really cool, thanks a lot.” Nyyark said as he stepped through it.

 

“No problem” Elrohir said as he closed the portal.

Edited October 29, 2003 by Nyyark

[Nyyark]

[Crow]

 

What is taking him so long? Crow thought. Nyyark could get himself in the worst situations. If we hadn’t met in the nest, I doubt he would have survived being a fledgling.

 

Crow could never really fault Nyyark though. He was the only one that had accepted her even though she was enchanted to be so huge. Besides, he was a really nice person in general, and his only real failing was his inability to see why he should consolidate reality with his personal world.

 

Not that he couldn’t see both, she thought. At this rate he could take the whole night. Hmmm that might not be so bad. A social function without Nyyark. And he did say I had to go to keep Zariah there. And she could translate.

 

Having made up her mind, Crow leapt out her window and began to wing her way down to the Ball.

 

Crow landed outside the Ball room. Approaching the doors she noticed to bodies on the floor. Could it be? Did a hostess finally take into consideration the carrion eating members of this establishment? Crow was disappointed to find that the figures were merely unconscious bouncers. Walking past them Crow rapped on the Ballroom door.

 

As it opened her senses were assaulted by a barrage of colors sounds and smells. It took her a second to see Ayshela holding open the door.

 

“Hello Crow is it?” she asked.

 

“Kaw.” Crow responded merrily.

 

“I didn’t expect to see you without Nyyark, nonetheless please enjoy yourself” responded Ayshela.

 

Crow Cawed her thanks and hobbled into the Ballroom to look for Zariah.

[/Crow]

[Xaious, Master of Time]

About a week earlier, after noticing his invitation, and then eating enough sugar to put five people into comas, Xaious went forward in time to the ball...about three times.

 

Xaious walked up to the band, having loaded himself full of yet more sugar, and requested a song.

"Is this the real life, or is this just fantasy", he began, and surprised the people as three more of him appeared.

 

"I didn't know he could copy himself!" exclamed an unnamed person.

"He can't. He must have gone through time, he looks a few days younger. What a planner." Answered Ayshela.

 

The people stared in wonder as more than Xaious's than actually existed sang the entirety of Bohemian Rhapsody.

When the song finished, The three extras disappeared, right off the stage. A great round of applause went up for the Master, who downed another bag of sugar for the next song, Grammatrain's Jerky Love Song.

"..." "...""...Crap that's fast" was all anyone could say, although it was Aleaha who said it.

"Yea, All of that in what, 36 seconds? Holy Crap!" was Ayshela's response.

And surprisingly, from Rune,"Cut back on the sugar pwease mister."

 

"Thank you folks, I'll be crashing in three, two, one..."Xaious fell down in the mightiest sugar crash/coma ever seen within the walls of the Pen.

 

"Wow" Said everyone, who then continued their dancing, chatting, and drinking, using the Master's body as a pillow and also a prop for any physical joke they chose to pull.

[DoomGaze]

DoomGaze followed Annael who led him to Celes. He silently cursed at the DJ, who was starting songs even before the ones before it had finished, ultimately cutting his dance with Annael very short. Several moments later, they came up to Celes who was drunk because she was alone and had nothing else better to do.

Annael was the first out of the 2 fallen angels to make contact to her.

"How are you, Celes?" she asked politely, ignoring her drunkeness.

 

Celes turned her head and blankly stared at the 2. "I have visiterrrs?!?! Come sit downnn, have a drink or twoo."

 

The 2 angels smiled and sat down, but refused any on coming drinks from the lady.

She continually checked to see if we had changed our minds about the drinks every 5 minutes. The two visitors remain silent, because Celes was rambling slurred words and DoomGaze and Annael tried to decipher them.

 

"Dirinkss rrre vuury guud heeere, I's drwunk sooz maaanies ooov tzem ndd dey floooow in meee," Then she started to speak in french. "juue vuuuulay dansai

avuc mooi?" She got up and very dizzy and confused. She took one step forward, and almost lost her balance. The 2 angels looked at her all confused

as they watched her pet her cat. "Weeell," she asked "whill yuuu?"

She stared at DoomGaze, who didn't know what to do, and simply nodded because he needed a quick answer. She took his hand and ran awkwardly to the dance floor. In the meantime, he still wondering where he was going.

[Zariah]

Covered in Cake, and ready to leave, Zariah headed toward the door. Crow appeared and Zariah thought, Great timing with a sarcastic tone.

 

Zariah sighed. Well, at least I danced. At least I wasn't the clumsy one this time. Better off that Crow wasn't here. I want to make good impressions with her. After all, she is the only one who can really understand me. Except maybe Nyyark too, but....he's different. Different than the members here at the Ball. Perhaps...

 

Crow glanced over to see Zariah covered from head to toe in cake icing. She quickly made her entrance and hopped over to poor Zariah.

 

"Caw Kah Kaw Kahh kaw," Crow mentioned with a tone of pity.

 

"I know. I KNOW...." Zariah sighed, "I wasn't the clumsy one though... Gwaihir was when he was dancing with me."

 

"Kaw cah?"

 

"Yes, I know. I just thought I'd try to socialize. After all, I have been here for a year and never spent any time with ANY of the members here. You do understand, Crow?"

 

"Kaw."

 

"Anyways, you look lovely Crow. Your feathers are so shiny and fluffy!"

 

"Kaw?" Crow cocked her head to the side in curiosity.

 

"Oh, um...nevermind. Where is Nyyark anyways?"

 

"Kah cah kah kaw kah caw cah kaw." Crow quickly said as if she were willing to tell the truth, but knew she couldn't betray Nyyark.

 

"So he has an urgent matter, huh? Well, that sounds fishy to me, but I won't ask." Zariah said with curiosity. "Let's go to the refreshment table, so I can wipe this cake off with a napkin."

 

"Kaw."