[center][color=c2b280][h3]Fleo Plector[/h3][/color]
[@Roseletta][@Joshua Tamashii][/center]

In a near-constant state of retreat from the large crowds, Fleo found herself near the buffet tables.  As of yet, more people were intent on wearing themselves out with dance or socialization that taking advantage of the luxurious spread.  However, the dusty woman's current locale brought her close to none other than Amaya van Isis, her old teammate.  Nothing was old about her garment however; the Ice Dragon Slayer was stunningly dressed.  Drawing closer, Fleo smiled and waved.  [color=c2b280]”Amaya!  You look amazing!  ….Uh, mind if I stick with you for a while?  There's so many people around here, I'm a little lost.”[/color]  Her focus shifted to Amaya's companions.  [color=c2b280]”Er, h-hello!  I'm Fleo, from Phoenix Wing.  It's nice!  To meet you.”[/color]  Keeping a smile on her face proved difficult indeed when Fleo felt overwhelmingly that every word coming out of her made her seem more of an idiot.

[center][color=CCCCFF][h3]Joakim Fortinbras[/h3][/color]
[@The Wild West][@Raijinslayer][/center]

As his new comrade spoke, Joakim ran his fingers through his hair.  When he withdrew them, he found small clumps of scraped-up, dead skin cells collected beneath his nails.  With little regard the the impropriety of such an action in the public realm, he flicked the specks away and replied,  [color=CCCCFF]”No problem.  It is a shame that we didn't have an extra dress uniform available that could have been yours, but even Edith can only stock up so much.  Perhaps it was for the better, given your...er, situation.  Forgive me.  I understand if it is rude of my to pry, but I have been plagued by curiosity since Belka.  Maybe, since we're just standing around at all, you wouldn't mind sharing your story with us?”[/color]

Despite the trepidation with which he asked, Joakim gave off no vibe of awkwardness at all.  If anything, he projected the air of someone with a genuine curiosity in an equally sincere attempt to be polite.  A waiter passed by, offering the trio a silver plate loaded with stuffed olives, and the cryomancer took a handful to pop in his mouth.

[center][color=CD5C5C][h3]Jane Putcher[/h3][/color]
[@Caits][@Silver Fox][@Burthstone][/center]

When two ships pulled up alongside one another to do battle, neither could expect any quarter.  At that range, a barrage from either side could spell doom for its opponent, so not a single cannon could go unused.  Jane, no stranger to the sort of emotive warfare that Karn provoked, packed her full arsenal.  The intruder pointed out that Gabriel hadn't been comfortable for a while now, and without a moment's hesitation Jane barked back, [color=CD5C5C]“An ye think yer meddlin' is helpin' that?”[/color]  The usage of the word 'honey' pestered the former piratess—as if this pipsqueak had any reason to look down on her.  Jane did not flinch as Karn's gaze probed her head to toe, and she responded to the ensuing taunt with a dangerous grin even as her foe's wink made her temper boil.  [color=CD5C5C]”Ye noticed?  Huh!  Well, does it stir yer black lagoon, or raise yer jolly roger?”[/color]  One way or another, this bothersome tease would drop that manipulative look in her eyes and learn that Frenzy Plant soldiers weren't to be toyed with.

Her featured hardened when another guest approached with a name on his lips: Karn.  [i]Karn, Karn, Karn.[/i]  Where had Jane heard that name before?  Memories of past days seeped into her mind.  Like water rolling off a duck's back, Mayt's niceties rebounded off her, but he did succeed in fitting the last puzzle piece into place.  Jane, arms unmovingly crossed despite Mayt's offered hand, smirked.  [color=CD5C5C]”Oh, aye?  Karn, the shapeshifter, an' Phoenix Wing...that be explainin' a lot!  Ye think us easy targets, do ye?”[/color]  Her expression became a frown with teeth exposed, and one eye open wider than the other gave her a definite leer.  [color=CD5C5C]”Go find yer playthings elsewhere, ye treacherous gut aches.”[/color]  Plain to see, this confrontation was no longer about Gabriel.