The Beaumont Ball [Player Event][CLOSED]

[El]

Raemi

So he was going to leave her side then...

A small tooth nipped at her lower lip as she fought to ignore the way her chest constricted. A wave of anxiety rushed over her, a pressure of dread riddling her thoughts. Suddenly the cold glow of shadows in her peripheral were not comforting nor magical any longer, they were stifling. Deceptive. Full of unknowns. Hiding masked faces with intentions she could never trust herself to decipher. The hands clutched at her heart tightened, grasping at each other for security.

But it would be selfish to let those feelings show. So Raemi smiled through the silent suffocation, the expression warm despite the discomfort behind it. Regardless of her initial feelings, this was a good thing. Carmine worked so hard to obtain even a glimmer of recognition, wingfeathers frayed from plucking at strings from dusk to dawn, his beak stuck dry and voice croaking when Raemi checked in on him only to realise he hadn't paused to drink either. This evening of praise - and opportunity - was well overdue. Then may it prove fruitful and bountiful. The withered curl of her fins relaxed, just a touch, as a quiet pride warmed her from within.

And then suddenly, an accident.

Albeit not one that terrible. A chime of quiet - and poorly withheld - laughter trilled up Raemi's throat at Carmine's assurance that he totally meant to do that. But even as she giggled at his expense she was already moving in to assist, crouching down with pale hands and many a colourful, tinkling tendril weaving through the puddle of rupees. With Carmine's wide wingspan and her many articulate ligaments, they made quick work of the mess. In no time at all the rupees were returned to his lute case. "No need to share, Carmie." The Zora dancer made sure to clarify. "Lady Beaumont has paid me plenty upfront. More than I already need really. Take these tips as yours alone! They're well deserved."

"Plus," She paused to look at him, an excited twinkle to her eye despite the veil which was draped over them. "-maybe this means we can get you those new strings you wanted...? The gold ones we spotted at that music store yesterday! There's a pretty amount here." The shrivelled raisin of a Hylian in charge had demanded what felt like an extortionate price for them at the time, but here, with all this, such a purchase didn't feel like a mere flight of fancy anymore. "...Though, well, if you still want to." Raemi quickly added, her punctuating laugh brittle and brief with discomfort when she realised how presumptuous her remark was.

Nonetheless, with the spillage attended to, she brushed past the Rito to the bench just behind him, collecting a cotton towel neatly folded upon it. As much as she and her scales disliked the fabric it was practically a necessity, especially tonight. Imagine actually managing to secure herself a dance partner for the Ball only to smear them with ink, spoiling their outfit AND their evening! Eugh. Her cheeks reddened at the thought. ...And even if the cotton fibres were almost painfully drying, at least they were initially soft to the touch.

"Give me just a moment and I'll walk in with you?" Raemi offered, carefully wiping down the largest and longest of her head fins. She frowned a little when she spied a few stains already emerging on the pristine white of the towel: she'd need to be thorough after all. "O-or... maybe not." A sigh deflated the splayed flare of her membranes. "Looks like I may need to ask one of the staff for some assistance. I'm not sure a towel is going to-... well..." Her hand froze mid-stroke, knuckles twitching.

...Maybe she just shouldn't try at all.

This was a lot of work. A lot of time. It wasn't really necessary, was it...? This wasn't her Ball, she was just a temporary contractor, and who was to say she'd manage to pipe up some confidence and greet some new people anyway? Yeah. It was unlikely. A silly thought really. Her stage wasn't inside the grand hall and her performance was over: she couldn't hide behind her art anymore, just like she couldn't pretend to be someone else for long.

She was out of her depth here.

"Actually... you go on ahead, Carmie." A tendril wrapped around her wrist as the hand constricted into a fist. With a tight smile she beamed at her Rito friend, "I could use a good drink and a bit more fresh air. I'll be in soon: promise!"

[AmJanky]

"Blunder!? Are you kidding?" Ashley slapped his hands to his cheeks as the gentle breeze around him blew away the leaves, "It worked so well, seeing you in this makes me incredibly happy."
He tittered around her excitedly gasping every here and there pointing at little details, the wand, the mask, the whole thing.

"I have sewn so many hidden pockets on that outfit." Letting the others in on that little secret was harmless enough, even though getting all the streamers and other hidden accoutrements in their place had been a chore and a half. The rest of the little secret was that he had sworn off ever making a transforming outfit again. Even so, having seen the effect now Ashley was beaming. Alyson pulled it off flawlessly.

"Pockets? Ash, are you mad, you don't give girls pockets!" Collin exclaimed and added more conspiratorially, "They might hide pamphlets."
"Well, clearly, these held glitter." Ashley pointed out, rolling his eyes in jest.
"Equally offensive." Collin held Alyson's gaze for a while, a sweet smirk and quick little wink from behind his mask to indicate he was very much playing.

"Hello Alyson," Axel butted in, picking a stuck bit of confetti from between a joint on his arm - despite Alyson's best efforts he was going to be finding pieces for the rest of the evening - "You look every part a hero! And since the opinionated man neglected to properly introduce himself, this is Collin. - An old acquaintance."
"And my uncle..." Ashley added with over-the-top dismay.

Before Collin could voice a 'Hey, now!' It was Mabel who announced her presence. When she had said her hellos with a drink for her brother and hugs for everyone - an extra big one for Axel, who had only just gotten out of Collin's armhold. Collin took a step back and put a hand to his chin, what he had thought to be a techni-coloured dream coat á la Ashley was in fact a costume.

"My goodness, the twins are twinning. Matching butt-capes and all."
"I love it," Axel equaled Ashley's excited trill, "but butt-cape does seem to be the only fitting description." He added under his breath - picking another glittery leaf from a fold on the cloth mask around his neck.


Both twins were wearing the same dress (or suit, or coat?), it was magnificently gender unspecific, elevating both their forms while playing with nonconformity. It wasn't just a costume either, but very much formal evening wear sprinkled heavily with a theme. And in true Ashley Fashion - as Alyson had already demonstrated his style of make to be - it was all colour.

Where three pink jewels configured in a triangle sat slightly askew on Ashley's head, there were three green ones mirrored on Mabel. Where the fabric was a deep blue/turquoise on him it was a dark red/terra-cotta colour on her. The fabrics weren't quite sure what colour to be primarily, given how vividly they reflected a different tone depending on where one stood and how it caught the light.

The base was simple black slacks and knee-high, heeled boots, where the drama started was at the rest; two horns adorning the shoulders, two smaller ones jutted from the low collar, where a black breastpiece was embroidered with long sharp slightly curved tapering lines from the top and bottom. The whole thing gave the impression of a wide open maw with needle-like teeth. Lined by the horns as if they were pincers.
Below the colourful shoulder and breastpiece was a wide belt - almost corset - that was segmented and insect like. Small conical studs - the same colours as the horns - adorned the sides.The fabrics of the coat and corsetry were glistening silks, like a bug's carapace - whereas the horns and spikes were matte.
The butt-cape (As Collin had lovingly named it), had similar coloured spikes hanging at every pleat, got ever narrower towards the end, where a large yellow crystal was embroidered to look three-dimensional and three last prongs made up the end. The front was left open to have the train flow as a tail.

And the drama wasn't even half done at the end of the cape; the sleeves started narrow but puffed out tremendously from the elbows to the wrists, made to rustle at every movement of the arms. A skittering sound that could make the hairs on the back of the neck stand up, when one wouldn't know the origin was just sleeves.

"You are both uncultured swine," Ashley twirled to show the details on the back, the back was cut even lower than the front, the belt fan-laced in equally glistening silk ribbons. "It is called a demi-train, and I'll have you know it took a ton of patterning to get it to fall right. The obvious choice - as my uncle here demonstrates -" Ashley expertly ignored the 'come-for-me-bro'-look he was thrown, and returned the favor with a 'you're-old-news-old-man',  "- would have been to go for the legends of the Gerudo tribe. Obviously their legendary twin witches... Instead I have pored over my dad's bestiaries to find us another twin."

"He went for bugs." Mable said, in a voice that didn't hide she didn't quite agree.
"I did concede to the stars and silvery details on you..." He clearly didn't quite agree with her choice either. "Also, Giant Imposing Dangerous Bugs."
"Children..." Collin shushed, he could hear every capital being pronounced in that last sentence, "You all look lovely. You'll all make lovely Queens of the ball. That means you too, Axel."


This time, before Axel could voice a 'Hey, now', the music slowly went dead, so went the excited chatter around the courtyard. Even their little group of family and friends stopped their squabble and titter to enjoy the next magical display.
The blupee that had been hopping around the mansion's rooftops moments earlier at the grand opening put to shame the to do that was the opening of the ballroom. The spiel was so grande it made a child cry.

What the gathered party were made to notice was the Beaumont Power Couple officially opening their ball with a to do, a smile and a dance. Their kid was as cute as a button in his robotic looking outfit, even though he completely broke off from his parent's theme.

What Ashley noticed was that his grand benefactor wasn't present, not that the was any of his concern, but he'd at least have liked to bump into her.

What Collin noticed was that with the opening of the doors at least half the guard left for the ballroom. A part of him once more wondered if they were exceptionally cautious for a reason, another assured him it was whatever. When Collin excused himself under the guise of getting another drink, Axel was quick to join him, leaving Ashley with his sister and Alyson.


"Whelp." Ashley shrugged, "Come on, girls! Let's score ourselves a dance partner!"
He offered the both of them an arm.

[El]

Ciel

In an upper floor room, not far from the ball...

...Frontlit by a full moon and low candlelight, a man leaned against a doorframe observing a young woman seated at her vanity. She was painting her décolletage now, aided by the enormous mirror before her and a dampened sponge, she peppered glitter across her porcelain-white skin - it clung there, with the damp sheen of chuchu jelly. At first glance this step seemed straightforward enough. But no. No, occasionally Ciel would pause, tilting her chin or raising a shoulder, observing carefully how the different angles of light affected her vision.

Impatience seethed through the man's lips, his head clunking to rest against the doorframe. "...Surely you're almost done?"

The princess did not respond, so naturally he rolled his eyes.

"It's a good job you're paying me a pretty rupee, little miss." Hefting himself upright, he prowled over to her, a sharp smile unsheathing as he caught her expression change. She was pouting now, her frown burrowing deeper the closer he got. That didn't stop him of course. "Perhaps I could be of some assistance? Help speed things up and all that."

The man leaned over her chair, slinking low to rest one elbow only for the other hand to begin delicately tucking loose ringlets into the obscurity of her elaborate headdress. It was art in itself, this piece, the crystalised network of glass and crystal aglow with midnight purple, clustered together to form a crown of horns. The widowpeak hairline framed an extensive eyemask made of rich black scales, faux eyelashes, luscious and frosty, exaggerating the little lady's already expressive eyes. Eyes which now glared at him. With a sharp sting she swatted his hand aside and huffed.

A tinge of annoyance flashed across the fox's wide mouth, yet it was quick to settle back into its toothy grin. He doubled-down, leaning both elbows now as he angled his head over her shoulder, catching her attention in their reflection. "You sure about this?" He whispered conspirately, voice rich with devilish humour. "This could go veeeeery wrong. Not that it's my problem of course, but as your contractor I have a duty to inform you again of the risks involved."

Now it was Ciel's turn to roll her eyes.

Oh please.

A talon-capped finger scrawled in light upon the mirror.

You're going to make me hurl.

The pink-haired fellow scoffed. Even below the golden fur of his eye mask she could see him cock an eyebrow, the back of her bared neck itching with annoyance. Why a Keaton anyway? Pft, honestly, this man was SO full of himself.

Sure he looked great in his sumptuously decadent robe, the striking black patterns and the gold-to-ivory gradients complimenting his physique and lightly tanned skin well. And the three-tailed tie of his roped sash was clever, cinching in his waist with a dramatic flair, almost as obnoxious as the clinky-clacks of his geta whenever he sauntered after her. And yes... the curved eyes of the mask with its sharp nose and pricked ears were oddly a very appropriate reflection of the man's aggravating humour. ...But weren't Keatons supposed to be all-knowing magical creatures? Illusive and beautiful beasts. Omnipotent.

Ciel clicked her tongue.

But Seiran wasn't watching her anymore, his gaze had drifted to the open window where sheer curtains fluttered in the evening breeze. The full moon blazed in all its uninterrupted glory. "Well whatever," The Sheikah acquiesced. "Your Time IS drawing near now, so I guess I can understand the more reckless than usual attitude. Besides-"

He titled his chin back towards the Beaumont princess and gleamed that irritatingly dazzling grin again, "-I'm always up for some fun. Especially PAID fun with a whole crowd to shock. No backsies though, OK? I don't do refunds."

As if I'm that cheap.

Seiran cackled, wrapping his arms around her in one big, snug, far too hot hug, only to add insult to injury and rub their cheeks together! The adoration was abhorrently saccharine, riddling Ciel's skin with goosebumps. "Right right!" He purred. "You're anything but! I dare say if I perform well there's even bonuses up for grabs, hrm~? Y'know it's not just your rep on the line, I- OWWWW!!! THE FUCK??!!!"

Ciel knew his weakpoint.

She tugged on it now with a devious little grin of her own, struggling to bite back her giggle of victory as he writhed. It might've been well-hidden by his mask, but it was still very much there, attached oh so firmly around his ear.

"RUDE!!!" Seiran snapped, snatching her by the gloved wrist and yanking it away: even through the leather-encased silk she could feel his calloused palms. The palms of an experienced swordsman - or a bloodthirsty psycho. "And ballsy as fuck!" He added, peeved but oddly tickled, even as a hiss of easing pain warped his lips into a snarl. "And they call me a sadist. I could DIE if you're too rough."

Yet Lady CiCi simply shrugged,

Shouldn't have provoked me then.

-And resumed applying the finishing touches of her make-up, with more work to do now that he'd just MESSED some of it up! 

"...You're way too comfortable with me, Petty Princess." Sulked the fox, after a long moment's pause. He withdrew in defeat, the movement punctuated with a huff. Hands upon his hips he glared down her incredibly long routine, biting back further remarks. As a result, Ciel became even more comfortable, assured in her victory until-

A cry erupted from her throat.
Her world spun until the yelp exploded into a scream, her sponge promptly dropped to the floor.

She was on his shoulder now, hefted over it like a sack of potatoes!!! THE AUDACITY!!!

"Shouldn't have provoked me then." Seiran echoed with a guffaw of delight. She punched at his back and even attempted to kick him in the crown jewels, but he was prepared - and his grip tight! So instead the best Ciel could do was hold onto her headdress and hope her ensemble stayed intact.

"Or maybe you should've sucked it up and asked that Sword you found to accompany you instead, eh?"

Ciel hissed but Seiran cackled, meandering out of the dressing room to finally make their way towards the ball. He'd set her down before their grand entrance of course, but for now he enjoyed having his power back: a golden fox carrying away a freshly-caught black dragon with all bite and no bark! 

[Emily]

A shift in the air, almost like a distant sound, caught Ariadne's ear. She shifted her head slightly, eyes darting to the side, and heard the distant rattling echo. Her costume- such as it was- seemed to release a sound that wasn't altogether unpleasant to hear, but not what she would have expected. But what of the echo? A distant connection? No, that wasn't it, there was something else. Something strange that she could feel in her eyes and the roof of her mouth. Had she drank something? No, but- now that was interesting, there was a slight pull toward a nearby tray on top of which sat several sparkling drinks. There was a strangely hypnotising element to the party. And even more interesting than that, the effect was subtle. She hadn't been standing there long, but it was long enough to notice.

Was it on purpose? There was a buzz behind her eyes, gentling her mind. Ariadne was used to her thoughts travelling at a rapid pace, jumping between concepts and ideas, losing track of her place in books because her mind was fixated on a puzzle. But now, as the music swirled together with the lights and the gentle chatter of her surroundings, the wind in the trees and the rhythmic splashing of the water in the fountain, she realised there was definitely some effect going on with this party. And it slowed her thoughts down. She had been paying attention to fine details, her mind sticking to moments long enough to comb through them in an attempt to understand the underlying purpose. And she wondered if it might be on purpose. After all, having people relax and happy was a net benefit to any party environment, especially one as high-stakes and high-profile as this one.

Her eyes moved from the shifting colours of the fountain to the perfectly patterned pitter-patter of the water as gravity took over, to the smiling and conspiratorially-quiet wait staff, and finally to the perfect grace of the Zora spinning atop the fountain structure itself. The music that seemed to emanate from all around somehow mixed perfectly with the strumming of the nearby Rito, providing an excellent support structure for the music. And even stranger yet, that water provided an appropriate percussive backing for the entire piece. This entire estate was music. Fascinating! And at the centre of it all was the dancer, almost seeming to control the music in the same way she controlled the space. As she sped up in her movements, there was a subtle pull on the music to up the tempo; as she slowed, it did as well. There was a true artistry and grace to the performance.

As her mind remained entirely preoccupied, her costumed body created an intimidating presence, a mostly-silhouetted, horned creature clad in fragrant grasses, with glowing red and gold eyes. Her head hung slightly to the side, eyes unfocused on anything in front of her due to the overwhelming nature of her thoughts. The only thing that brought her out, as she began to travel in circles, feeling energised by a puzzle and then questioning of that energy came from the puzzle's source, was a sudden hail. She started, a slight jerk setting off another whisper of rattling throughout the grasses and herbs that hung from her. "Oh," she blinked once, twice, and then broke out in a huge grin, shattering the illusion. "Claria! Hi!" Suddenly, brain empty and happy times abound. Her friend was here!

"This old thing?" she looked down at her outfit and swooshed it a bit, side to side. She had never been one for skirts or dresses, but it was kind of fun when the entire thing had a function. "New year, new me, you know how it is. I thought, haven't I had enough of the snow and horses and mountains? Why not become a spooky swamp creature?

"Seriously though, it's absolutely lovely to see you! I can't believe you got hired on as a guard here! How many secret scandals of the high and mighty have you uncovered?"

Ariadne had made a few friends at Rito Village during her apprenticeship there. The Rito, much like her family, were warm and welcoming as long as you were willing to put in some work. Her time there had felt like a summer camp, where she could relax and enjoy the time she had with the people around her. She kept in touch with some of the Rito, mostly through letters. Her time in Zora's Domain had, by contrast, been straining and stressful. There was an expected formality and deliberateness that she couldn't easily match, and she felt the people around her had been somewhat cold and unwelcoming. The one exception had been Claria. Claria had always made a point to check in on Ariadne, to bring up interesting topics of conversation or bring gifts to cheer her up after bad days. They had hiked all around the Domain, which had been a lovely experience every time.

Letters were a difficult thing for Ariadne. She wasn't a particularly experienced or comfortable writer, and often went on strange tangents at the least opportune times. She had learned to measure her speaking cadence somewhat, so at least she could complete thoughts before moving onto something else, but it wasn't as easy in a form that required a slower pace. As far as she knew, Claria would receive her letters and they would be some sort of incomprehensible series of unrelated words, totally impossible to decipher a message from. But it still felt nice to receive messages from her friend, and to send something in reply. There was something about it, a physical heft, a sense of friendship and purpose. It felt purposeful in a way most conversations didn't.

After an unfortunately short conversation, a prickle of recognition descended along her spine as Ariadne became aware of the hypnotic signifiers bleeding away. Wait, that's right, there were hypnotic signifiers! She had gotten swept up in it as soon as she had been chatting with Claria. But now that she was aware of it again, she realised how well it had been working. She had been experiencing nothing but simple bliss during the conversation, the warm feeling of reconnecting with an old friend. Now she had to wonder how much of it was chemically manipulated. If it had been anyone but Claria, she might be suspicious, but nah, this was pretty normal.

"Are you coming inside, or do you have obligations elsewhere?" she asked, admittedly somewhat nervous about the answer. Crowds were a lot to deal with at the best of times.

[LuckyBlackCat]

Well, at least the mishap had amused Raemi, distracting her from her anxious state if only for a few seconds. With a little smile at his friend's giggle, Carmine set about sweeping up the scattered rupees with his wingtips, as her many tendrils snaked in and out of the mess. Between the two of them, it was only a matter of seconds before all the rupees were returned to the case.

"Nah, let's be honest, that was your performance there," he replied. "You've earned these! Use 'em to make a wish of your own come true!" Holding each gem up to the nearest lamp to discern the colour and squinting, Carmine divided them into two equal piles. As tempting as those golden lute strings sounded, it was only fair that Raemi should have this reminder that people had indeed appreciated the show, that the hours upon hours she'd put into rehearsing until her membranes had drooped and she'd limped from exhaustion had paid off.

Placing half the earnings into his rupee pouch, Carmine nodded in her direction as she asked him to give her a moment. He inwardly cringed for her when she tried to wipe away the decorative body ink, only to leave dark smears all over the towel, its surface too small and its fabric too thin to be of much use. In the dim lighting, he couldn't quite make out her expression, but could imagine it all too well as she sighed, her words hushed and faltering.

"Actually... you go on ahead, Carmie."

He stood from his crouch, glancing from the wide open doors to Raemi, and shook his head. Joining the musicians inside could wait, as much as his anticipation of the moment he'd get to do so had grown by the day. "There's no rush. I'll be good to go when you are." He peered through the darkness, looking out for any lingering servants who could offer assistance.


Laughing off the glitter accident, Alyson twirled so Ashley could examine his creation, her ostentatiously frilled coat flaring and fluttering. "Spreading joy is all part of a Feyranger's duty!" And that joy was clear on her fellow artisan's face as he explained how hard he'd worked to implement such dramatic effects. As busy as he'd been lately, he deserved to take pride in the fruits of his labours.

At the ensuing jokes, she gave another chuckle. "The more glitter at this kind of event, the better!" Even if they'd all be finding errant sparkly leaves for the next few weeks. She beamed at Axel, who seemed resigned to such a fate as he plucked a leaf from his arm joint. "Thanks! And nice to meet ya, Collin!" Her eyes flicked towards the older, blue-haired man.

Before the twins' uncle could reply, a familiar voice piped up, another figure joining the reunion in a blaze of colour. "Oh hey Mabel!" Alyson waved to her friend, who approached with drinks. Save for the shimmering stars in her hair, Mabel wore a costume nigh-identical to Ashley's, bearing the same horns, segmented corset, trio of eye-like head gems, and tapering train reminiscent of a tail - or "butt-cape" as Collin and Axel had so eloquently put it. The only difference was in the colour, the rustling fabric a deep garnet-red that shifted to a copper tone in the lamplight, in contrast to Ashley's midnight blue getup with its turquoise glimmers. Undoubtedly his idea.

Alyson's grin spread wider as Ashley leapt to the defense of his patterning choice, insisting on calling it a demi-train. "Eh, butt-cape sounds snappier, don't you agree?" Her mischievous gaze darted to Collin and Axel for a second. Oh the things the twins had to put up with, from both her and each other.

Just as she'd expected, it had been Ashley's suggestion to theme themselves after another pair of twins - specifically, twin bugs. Alyson raised her wand once more. "Ha! Giant Imposing Dangerous Bugs are no match for the Feyranger of Wind!"

Her dramatics paled in comparison to the orb of light welling at the estate doors, fairies drifting and converging into it from all over the courtyard. She shielded her eyes as a dazzling explosion swallowed up the illusory Blupee that leapt towards it. The light faded to reveal doors thrown wide open, an invitation to the opulent and sparkling scene within.

"Come on, girls! Let's score ourselves a dance partner!"

Securing the wand at her belt, Alyson let Ashley wrap an arm around her shoulders. "Sounds like a plan! Let's go!"


Ariadne appeared lost in her thoughts, enchanted by the whimsical scenery in quite a literal sense. It was only upon being addressed that she jolted from her trance, greeting Claria in turn with a wide grin, the dried herbs around her waist rattling as she proudly swished her "spooky swamp creature" outfit.

"How many secret scandals of the high and mighty have you uncovered?"

A soft hum of a laugh issued from Claria's throat. "None yet," she replied, with particular emphasis on that last word, "but the night is young." It wasn't often she showed a relaxed, jokey side, yet Ariadne had a way of bringing that out.

In truth, she hadn't expected to see her friend at such an extravagant event. Ariadne had quickly tired of the formal mannerisms and clipped tones in Zora's Domain, the social expectations draining her as much as the work had. She'd much preferred the leisurely walks they'd shared around the mountains and wetlands, opportunities for her to unwind and forage medicinal algae, over any grand gathering that left both of them on the fringes. Yet the jollity of the atmosphere here, with people of various races and backgrounds mingling, was a change from all that rigid etiquette, and Claria hoped Ariadne would be made to feel more welcome than she previously had.

In any case, the two of them would make this less awkward for each other. It lifted Claria's spirits to know she wouldn't be alone in a crowd after all, keeping guard over the scene from a distance rather than being a part of it. As much joy as the letters brought, chaotic and genuine in their recounting of random events, they didn't compare to reuniting with her friend in person.

It was with a note of nervousness that Ariadne asked if she'd be coming inside. "Well, I'd make a rather poor shadow guard out here," Claria answered, surreptitiously pointing out the horned figures lurking in the darkest corners. Some remained stationed, while others trickled through shadows of hedges and walls towards the estate, somehow making nary a sound despite their heavy platemail. "Besides," she whispered, lips quirking up at the corners, "those secret scandals of the high and mighty won't uncover themselves."

[El]

Raemi

Raemi sometimes wondered what she'd done in a past life to earn a companion like Carmine. The comforting glow of his loyalty was as warm as his crimson-feathered chest, always ablaze, ever present, a flame which surely had attracted more than just her...? And yet, it was with her that he remained - even despite her encouragement otherwise. And now, now he was taking it a step further, his lush-green eyes scouring their surroundings in search of further aid.

Despite her better judgement and its oddly-twisted pangs, the Zora found herself smiling. But this would not do. While she appreciated the Rito's sentiments, she could not stomach the thought of stealing away any more of his opportunities - especially tonight. It seemed there would be only one way to placate him: she'd need to take action herself.

"Thinking about it... didn't Lady Beaumont mention there being lavatories? Inside, I mean." Raemi clutched the dirtied towel to her chin in thought, head slightly askew to tumble loose the recent memories. "I imagine there must at least be some hand basins available. Water is what I need really."

The fountain glittered in her periphery, eliciting an awkward little giggle as she clarified - despite it not needing to be said - "Water that we're actually permitted to use. Goddesses forbid I make a mess out of this beautiful garden!" There was ALSO a high chance she'd make a right mess of the inside basins too, and end up having to inform the staff for assistance after the fact anyway. ...But Raemi decided to omit that little detail. That'd be her issue to deal with, not Carmie's.

Nonetheless she neatly folded up her soiled towel and tucked it below their bench to collect later. Despite Carmine's efforts in meticulously sorting their earnings she still insisted that he hold onto her half - if only for now. (She wasn't sure her little coin purse could even contain them!) Then, without further ado, she ushered the Rito inside with her.

...Well, tried to.

Her habitual familiarity got the better of her in that moment, the slide of her arm to hook around his wing coming to an abrupt and incredibly awkward halt - a mere SECOND before the damage was done! She recoiled. She cringed. Only for that brief flicker of wide-eyed panic to quickly deepen into annoyance. Raemi pouted. Yet, even while the tinkling rush of the fairy fountain drowned out her grumble, and her sparkling veil masked her embarrassed blush... NOTHING could've hidden the way she clumsily jerked her rescinded hand to instead scratch at an earfin. ...-Only to catch a nail on some of her jewellery and tangle herself within it! Eugh. Smooth.

"WOW it's getting hot out here, huh." The dancer rambled as she quickly speedwalked ahead.

It was not hot. In fact,  the ballroom would be far warmer.

–--

Events unfolded pretty much as Raemi had expected - and feared. Yet despite her flustered apologies the staff stationed outside the lavatories took the news with calming grace. Initially she offered to assist them in the clean-up - it only felt right to! - but even that was turned aside, sweet and professional assurances persuading her to leave the task to them.

Eugh. She should've prepared for this. Prepared better.

Letting slip a sigh Raemi emerged back into the bustling and colourful crowds of the ballroom. Many other couples, friends and families had joined the Beaumonts upon the floor, swirling an extravaganza of fabric across pristine marble. Even their footfalls, with their clinking heels, tapping talons, stomping boots, stumbling childrens' sandals and sliding scales, had a rhythm of their own once united, their shared joy contributing to the energising jig the musicians now performed.

Was that what it was? Excitement? The dancer's chest fluttered, a tightening but not entirely unwelcome tickle flaring through her veins. She bit at her lip as her gaze moved past the busiest part of the crowd to instead observe and search the remaining bystanders. There were bog witches and Malice-infected, elaborate costumes which shone like rainbow carapaces, a feathered and frilled suit that reminded her of children's tales, brightbloom motifs in some and mysterious Wizzrobe(?) themes in others. Even the outfits Raemi couldn't quite identify she still enjoyed, her imagination ablaze as it sparked with guesses and delight. ...Though her mouth did quirk into a wry little smile when she noticed a few who chose a more-... minimal approach.

That wasn't why she was looking though - not to guess stories. As fun as that was (and she could do it all night!) she was, to put it mildly, instead trying to identify an appropriate target. As very easy as it'd be to cower in a dark corner somewhere until the night passed her by, Raemi had PROMISED - both herself and Carmine! - that she'd meet some new people today. Maybe make a few friends. Potentially find a-...

The Zora cleared her throat.

Anxiously her slender fingers picked at the bracelets strung about her other wrist, clutching at herself for emotional support only to wring the jewellery with agitated anxiety. How did the heroines do this again? Raemi recalled 'fainting spells' being a popular trope... but she wasn't confident she could pull that one off convincingly - and safely. There were other instances of dropping a fan or glove at their target's feet when they passed them by... of which she had neither. Quite a few times there were accidental collisions too, a spilled glass of wine, a jerked shoulder, or a tripped hem... but they could easily be received VERY badly. 

So that only really left her with...

...Oh no.

..........OH dear, ohno, ohgoddesses, o-oh-... Oh. There was nothing for it was there? Raemi would have be direct. That's it. Just ask. Go up to a stranger and ask for a dance. Yep. That simple. That easy. Just channel some inner 'badass bossbabe' and put DOWN some authority!!! BE CONFIDENT! BE SASSY! TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO MAKE THEM SWOON!!!

...

Raemi buried her face in both hands, swallowing back a high pitched squeal-squeak of distress.

...Then a moment later the fingers parted, her veiled gold eyes peeping through the gaps to observe the crowds once more. She didn't need to go for someone flashy, right? Right. And there was no need to approach the more closely-clustered groups who were already arm-in-arm. Right! Sooo... Hmn. That still left her with quite a few options, so in the end Raemi stopped thinking - and overthinking - and began walking, making the decision based purely on gut feelings.

She would not trip over her feet.
She would not cause a collision.
She would not allow her heart to thunder ANY LOUDER.
She would be calm, collected, demure, mindful- 

"AH!!!"

A taloned toe betrayed her! The world spun! FORWARDS Raemi dove until a desperate hand reached out to grab the burly bicep of-...

...

...Actually Raemi didn't know what that was. Amour...? No. No, but it was most certainly metallic, inorganic. And not at all a bicep in form. Potentially it was robotic though it was definitely a limb of some descrip-

"OH MOONS, I'M SO SORRY!!!" Raemi screeched, mortified as she flinched back upright and promptly released the guardian-tech prosthetic. "IS IT OK?! ARE YOU OK?!" Her hands slapped up to her burning cheeks, though she felt her heart sink into her stomach with dread as her eyes scoured over his Sheikah garb to the 'arm' instead. Panic quickly dissolved into concern, softening her voice with fraught despair as she babbled on- "I didn't yank anything or hurt you, did I? Do we need to do anything? Do I need to do anything? Should I go call for help? Do you need a seat? Do I-... I..."

A bubble of breathless, broken laughter tickled at the back of her throat. Inappropriate, Raemi. Now her hands slapped over her mouth instead, veil and all. But though the laughter almost did stop, her rambling most certainly didn't. "I was actually going to ask you for a dance but... this doesn't bode well for your feet does it? Haha..." Somehow the cave of her folded hands made those words echo, rather than muffle them.

Great.

...Raemi whispered a silent prayer to Carmine.

Though, no! No she SHOULD NOT! She would not tempt fate by summoning him with desperate cries! No. Maybe she'd try performing a fainting spell after all.