As the hours passed, drawing closer to the ball, there was a general hype of excitement in the air. Games officals worked hard to keep the atmosphere positive, but behind closed doors there was worry that something would happen. Rune Knights were already plastered about, and council members were seen. Carrie herself was studying the security with a practiced eye, giving a weary sigh. Just how had she got herself into this position, she wondered, not for the first time and certainly not for the last. She smoothed her dress, a bold yellow that had stripes of silver-blue colour running down it, almost like lightening. It was perhaps a bold statement, to remind people that she could very well beat the ever loving crap out of them with ease. Although perhaps not tonight, she thought wearily, rubbing a sore spot. She wasn't quite up to fighting standards, but no one need know that. Except, of course, Zephyr. Giving a sigh, Carrie nodded. Everything was, perhaps, as ready as they ever could be.

[hr]

Penny, returned from back home, stood in front of the mirror in her room. While she wasn't adverse to wearing dresses, something puffy like a ball seemed to demand just wasn't her style. She shook her head, why should she go with conventional? Smoothing her hair back, but leaving a strand either side to frame her face, and tugged the sleeve of her dress down just slightly, so her guild mark would be revealed. The dress was red and black, with a smattering of gold thrown in here and there. It fell in a line that hugged her body just enough to show of her body's shape. And she still felt ridicolous in in. 

Sighing, Penny slipped the communication Lacrima and teleportation lacrima that was essentially standard operating practice for the guild now, into a clutch purse that she was only carrying for that damn reason. Not that she expected to be attacked, or parted from the others, but it was always good to be prepared. Ready, Penny went to the door, to head out. 

[hr]

Jamie crouched, tugging Sam's dress down gently, and tying up the bow that came with it. Sam was a child in form, whehter or not her mind had been altered by her fifteen year death. Best she look the part. Not only would it go a long way to protecting Sam, but she did look positively adorable in her dress. Rising, Jamie herself was dressed in quite a simple dress that nevertheless looked striking. Perhaps it was due to her long stint on wearing clothes that were niether male or female, or perhaps it was merely the simplicity of it that caused such an affect. Even the boots she wore-practical and smart if there was a battle-and chances were there could be-didn't ruin the effect. 

Of course, the reason why she wasn't wearing heels was simple. They hurt like hell, and she couldn't walk in them. 

She glanced about, noting that there was a little bit of time, [color=f26522]"Everyone ready? Amelia, did you need a hand?"[/color]