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Post by Whitebrand on Jun 2, 2016 21:35:40 GMT
"That is the trick," Brand agreed. "Balancing the inclusive against the selective. Trying to impress one without triggering the defensive instincts in the rest. It depends, of course, on what you're after. And sometimes the amount of drink available helps a bit." He shrugged. "Tonight it's all about fun."
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Post by 1ring42 on Jun 2, 2016 22:02:31 GMT
Jackie spotted the large man in the tuxedo'd crocodile (?) costume. He seemed to be waving towards her. She had been hoping to get something to drink, but if someone wanted their picture taken then who was she to deny them.
She'd just have to make sure she got his email so she could send him a coffee. Jackie beamed at herself as she dug out her notepad, inwardly pleased at how well this attire supported her mission of getting pictures and vice versa. At times she felt as if she and the costume were one and the same.
I should have gone with this from the beginning instead of mucking about with that safari outfit. Even though the safari outfit went better with the con's theme. Ah well, you live you learn.
As she got closer to the large man she realized how suave and comical he appeared at the same time. In fact she could definitely see this as a painting! She grinned as her creative spark blazed with inspiration. "Yes? Would you like a picture taken? If so may I use it as a reference for a painting?" She noticed the empty glass. "Or perhaps you wanted a refill? I'm sorry I'm not a waitress... well I am but I don't work here."
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Nathan nodded along with the dragon, obviously listening and agreeing with each word he said. That is until he mentioned alcohol. He frowned a bit, of course he didn't necessarily abstain from giving a particularly tasty girl a drink every now and again, especially if it gave him a happy secondary buzz later on. However those instances were few and far between.
"On the topic of alcohol I'd have to quote the great Eric Idle and say, 'Well where's the fun in that?*' After all you were the one who compared courtship to the hunt in the first place. And lowering your quarry's inhibitions is downright unsportsmanlike. After all, you said tonight is all about the fun, and life is unbearably dull without a bit of a challenge." He finished his drink and ordered another. Sometimes he wondered if his odd sense of fair play came from the Fae blood that was coursing through his veins. Of course in those situations, as in chemistry, alcohol was always a solution.
((*From The Adventures of Baron Von Munchhausen. I highly suggest it))
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Post by thecountalucard on Jun 2, 2016 22:15:40 GMT
"Actually, a picture would be lovely," the crocodile-man manages with a smile, "but I think your lens cap is on." One of his catcher's mitt-sized hands cups under her camera and lifts it up for her to see.
"I take it you're an artist? I must have missed you in the booths… here, why don't we both get a drink? First one's on me…"
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Post by Whitebrand on Jun 2, 2016 22:28:35 GMT
"Alcohol is a tool like any other," Brand said, but he conceded the point. "But you're right. It can be unsportsmanlike depending on the circumstances, and it's not a tool I intend to use tonight. Tonight is all about the fun."
Suddenly he spotted an armored figure passing by the door of the ball. He immediately set down his drink.
"Speaking of fun," he said. "I think I just saw someone who hasn't been having enough. If you'll excuse me."
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Post by canace on Jun 2, 2016 22:35:41 GMT
She looked at him, maybe even stared, but only for a moment. She was in awe, apparently, impressed with his hokey but endearing way of speaking and his impressive knowledge. Oh, yeah, and his skill on the dance floor. After they exchanged bows and curtsies, it was on to the dance! She blinked as she was twirled, blushed as her butt was all but groped, and found herself wondering just who this gentleman was! Ah, his name. It hadn't been given and she had so been caught up in the moment she forgot to ask.
"N-No, thank you. It was. . a lot of hard work. . " She managed to say, making a sheepish smile as she glanced off to the side. She wasn't sure if she was grateful or annoyed for having made those wings.
"S-So. . mister. . . what should I call you? You've clearly done this several times before." Was he really nobility from Europe?! He could've been.
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Post by darkduran on Jun 2, 2016 22:45:32 GMT
"Tch, you would ask a man that wears a mask his name?" Krithix replies to the request, slowly leading Esther on a tight, circular path around the dance floor, always rotating inwards as per European standard of leading.
"Perhaps I am a dashing prince from across the sea, hiding myself from the cameras of the press. Or mayhaps I am just a cad and a rogue, out to take advantage of a beautiful young lady's naivete. Maybe even a family man, escaping his cold, loveless marriage for a few fleeting minutes in the arms of a passionate stranger. Whatever your fantasy is, I am, so long as this mask remains upon my face."
"Ah, the blush upon a young girl's cheek is like the color of a blossoming rose. So tell me, my unfolding flower, do you really wish to know, or would you embrace your wildest imaginings for yet a few revolutions around the dance floor more?"
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Post by canace on Jun 3, 2016 6:20:44 GMT
The dance was getting busier now. More people were filing in, but that didn't stop the duo from gracing the dance floor with their footwork. Esther's partner proved very deft and surprisingly so. She was beginning to believe he was better than her! He could very well have been! If he were a dashing prince or even a rogue. He certainly provided a few magical possibilities and scenarios. It was enough to make her laugh. She just couldn't hold it in.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. . " She said, turning her head as she tried to stifle it. "I don't think I've met too many people like you."
Maybe it would be better if he didn't spoil her wildest imagination and ruin what ideas she had of him in her head. Oh, it'd happen eventually when the event took reached its climax but for now she was left believing he was a silly man with incredible, hammy charm. "What do I call you then. . . or how a bout Faux Prince?" She teased with a smile as she glanced back at him. In a way, she hoped the moment would last. And if she knew the horrors that await, she would realize how much more she'd want that wish to come true.
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Post by darkduran on Jun 3, 2016 6:35:12 GMT
The song is in full swing and it is with stately grace that Krithix replies, "Perhaps it was true that you have not met overly many such as my humble self, but still, even in this you have me at the disadvantage, as I have never met a work of art before now."
"Call me your footman, your servant, your slave..." Krithix replies, sweeping Esther around in a grand gesture. If he is put off by her laughter, he does not show it, smiling perhaps a little more broadly and a little more genuinely. "For now, whatever you call me, know that I shall respond to it with the dutiful aplomb of one whom can be of service. You have only but to command me and I shall do."
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Post by canace on Jun 3, 2016 6:45:54 GMT
Oh sweet mother.
She blinked as the honeyed words dripped from the tip of his tongue. She was starting to believe this was how he always spoke and not just some act for the ball. How did she feel about it? Oh lord, who could say. Esther was getting a bit flustered. Hmm, would she be putty in his hands or meat in his gut? Tee hee.
"I. . I. . all right," she cleared her throat, "we'll give you the benefit of the doubt and just call you my Prince Charming."
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Post by 1ring42 on Jun 3, 2016 20:02:00 GMT
Jackie smirked. "Of course it is, do you think I'd really want to risk accidentally breaking my lens? I'm not an idiot." She chided as she unscrewed the lens cap and stuck it in her pocket.
However, she paused and chuckled at his sweet attempt at flattery. "That's because I didn't have a booth. Too broke to set one up and I don't make enough money off it for it to be a job. It's more of a mildly lucrative hobby. And I would appreciate a drink, but mine will have to be nonalcoholic. I won't be legal for another few months."
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"Exactly and the fun is in the challenge. As they say variety is the spice of life."
He was a bit disappointed when Brand excused himself, but he figured plenty of people will be drifting towards the bar for refreshments. He should be able to find a new companion soon enough. If not watching the courtship attempts, both successful and disastrous should prove entertaining.
"Sure thing. Would you like me to keep an eye on your drink while you work your magic?"
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Artemis stood outside the ballroom, partially because it afforded her an unimpeded view of her charge and the majority of the threats directed at her. However it was mostly because she had zero inclination of attending said ball. For one, she didn't want to lose her protective armor, and for another most formal clothing for females tended to be a bit revealing. And there was no way in hell she would ever make herself appear in the slightest bit appetizing to the monstrous con-goers.
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Post by darkduran on Jun 4, 2016 0:39:18 GMT
"Ah, you would name me Prince Charming, though I fain deserve such a title. Hmm... no, I think that instead, I should rather be a thief of hearts. For though stealing a kiss may be petty larceny... at times, it can be quite grand."
And then, with this somewhat straightforward statement, the mantoid twirls Esther around, sending her for a mild twirl, then drawing her in, dipping her low to the ground. Though her hair will drag against the mats that have been laid down on the carpet to protect it, his lithe arms do not drop her.
And that is good, because the brazen knave in fact steals that kiss, leaning into Esther's face and planting his lips against hers, as bold as he pleases!
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Post by thecountalucard on Jun 4, 2016 2:43:49 GMT
Quite a sharp tongue on this redhead! The makeup covers Bek's face blushing. Mostly. "I don't touch the hard stuff, myself," Bek admits as he begins walking, going slow as to keep his balance. Of course, as long as his stride is, it might look like he's just trying to keep pace with Jackie.
Alcohol would not help with his balance right now.
"So is paint your preferred medium? I'm guessing the muse visited you when you saw me?" He chuckles softly.
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Post by canace on Jun 4, 2016 4:32:57 GMT
"Then a thief you shall be." More like a rogue, she thought. A dashing, hammy rogue who had endeared himself to her. Somehow. Could he get anymo--oh. Oh wow.
Esther was about to speak, to say something back to the silly thief of hearts and kisses but then her world spun and suddenly she was at his mercy! At the mercy of his lips. Bold? In this day and age, if she wanted to she could've screamed rape! But she didn't. What she did do was stare up at him, her eyes wide in shock as her face turned a bright red. She was frozen, or perhaps she was melting, but she did not pull away. She remained in that kiss with that lecherous rogue! Trembling nervously in his embrace.
D-Did he just. . ?
Yes.
He did.
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Post by Whitebrand on Jun 4, 2016 6:08:47 GMT
Brand approached Artemis in his finery and bowed.
"Well met again, My Lady," Brand said."As you may have noticed your particular attire is not as against the rules as you had feared. Please do me the honor of joining me in the evening's celebration of being alive."
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Post by darkduran on Jun 4, 2016 7:22:02 GMT
He did.
He will again.
Before it is Krithix that breaks the embrace, pulling the girl upwards and twirling her around so that her back is all but pressed up against one of the room's support columns and his body all but pressed up against hers. It may be a bit rough on her butterfly wings. He speaks in a low, hushed voice, pregnant with excitement, mystery, and just the right kind of danger.
"On the third floor, back hallway... there is a little used terrace. For the sake of discretion, wait fifteen minutes until I leave the room, then follow. Then, we shall be, you and I, quite alone with only each other for company. Adieu, mon papillion."
And then as quickly as what can only be a proposition (if a politely worded one) is given, Krithix glides backwards in one smooth motion, as if recovering from a fencer's lunge. He pauses, for a moment, to give the young lady a single bow with a sweep of his hat and a rakish wink as he rises, before he melts backwards into the crowd and makes his way to the door.
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