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Salem made his way around the room, taking in the splendor that was offered until he caught a ghostly image by a window. The outfit alone made him think twice as to who he thought it was, but much like Aaron, that hair was unmistakable, or at the very least not something he'd seen elsewhere on campus. As he strode on over towards her, Salem pulled out one of the dime bags of sproutlings and held it in his right hand. 
[Color=82ca9d]"It's good to see you again Lilie."[/color]

The voice pulled her out of her thoughts as she turned around, surprised. She didn't think she was going to see anyone she knew,  but seeing a familiar face was always welcomed. Lilie beamed at Salem, hands behind her back as she turned towards him. He was so dressed up it was hard to believe it was the same person!

[Color=00BFFF]"And a Happy Revel to you!"[/color] She grinned. [Color=00BFFF]"You look great! I love the flower!"[/color] It was a little biased and she didn't recognize the type, but the shape was unmistakable. 

[Color=82ca9d]"I'm glad to hear it. I brought one for you in hope that it would match your dress."[/color] He had expected her to wear something plain or white, nothing golden and glitzy but luckily he hadn't given Aaron his flower so this would work out better than previously anticipated. 

He plucked the sprout gently from its soil, shaking free and dirt that may be left before holding it near her gown. Salem could feel his magic extending outwards, leaving a trail for the roots to follow as they spiraled their thin roots around the threads holding the lace in place, weaving themselves in so as to not fall off. Soon a white Lily would bloom, the one previously meant for Aaron to compliment his golden hair. 

[Color=82ca9d]"I have another, golden hued like mine if you'd like it in your hair, though I think your mask is marvelous enough."[/color] There was a slight shift of his mask as he winked at her playfully.

Salem's display made Lilie's jaw drop, though it didn't stop her grin as she looked at the blossoming lily. It added a nice touch to her dress, the white petals resting peacefully on the lace. She looked up at Salem with a bright smile, though her hand went to her mask first. It was already decorated with a variety of jewels and feathers, she would feel bad that no one would really see the flower.

[Color=00BFFF]"Oh, you're too sweet, but I wouldn't know where to put it. I appreciate the thought, though,"[/color] Lilie told him sincerely. [Color=00BFFF]"You're really getting along with your magic! I'm going to have to work harder to catch up."[/color]"[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]"Thanks. It helps that I did have some minor training before entering the academy. Now then, I believe this [i]is[/i] a masquerade [i]ball[/i] is it not? Let's go out there and dance."[/color] Salem extended his hand out to Lilie for her to grasp so that they may begin.

Lilie looked out at the crowd before looking back at Salem, blinking a few times. He was right, but watching the gracefulness of everyone else made her uneasy. She teetered on the spot for a moment before making her choice, nodding. [Color=00BFFF]"Okay!"[/color] She agreed, taking his arm. Should she mention this kind of dancing wasn't something she was used to? How hard could a waltz be, anyway?

He pulled her in close. Holding her much the same he did Aaron just moments before. [Color=82ca9d]"Don't worry I'll lead you. My hips will dictate left and right, lean against my hand on your back so that when I step forward your body naturally moves back with it."[/color] He gave her a kind smile, knowing full well that the daughter of a Baker most likely felt out of place in such an environment.

[Color=82ca9d]"Shall we?"[/color] Salem initiated the dance, taking the water mage into the fray of the dance floor and hoping her fluidity would translate into their waltz. [Color=82ca9d]"I wanted to say I'm sorry for how absent I've been aside from our training. I...I haven't been getting much sleep to be transparent with you. But that's luckily all over now."[/color]

There was little time to ask how he knew she didn't know what she was doing, but as he pulled her into the dance, her chance was gone. It was just counting to three, right? She hoped Salem would be talented enough that she could just follow along without too much of a hassle, but she felt herself stumble just a little. She was definitely overthinking it. Fortunately, his apology let her think less about her feet and more about him, frowning as he confessed that he hadn't been sleeping.

[Color=00BFFF]"Why haven't you been sleeping?"[/color] She ended up asking, clearly concerned. 

[Color=82ca9d]"I've been having nightmares for the least two weeks. Well, nightmare, the same one playing on repeat every night. Every night that is except last night. I slept soundly and feel better than I have in ages. I just...i didn't want to worry you unnecessarily."[/color] He looked down, trying to avert his gaze as he felt ashamed for lying to his friend. 

Lilie's frown deepened, contemplating her response. She would've liked to know, especially if it was affecting his well being. She had taken his word for granted before when she had asked if everything was okay, though she didn't want to press him on it at the time. After a few seconds she sighed, shaking her head at him. [Color=00BFFF]"Mmm...I'm just going to have to really look after you going forward, I guess,"[/color] She mused out loud, taking a misstep and accidentally treading on his foot. [Color=00BFFF]"Oh--sorry, sorry--but that's what you get for keeping things from me!"[/color]

Salem couldn't contain his laughter as Lilie attempted to both apologize and reprimand him within the same breath. [Color=82ca9d]"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Though I have no intention on keeping anything from you, I just didn't want to add an unnecessary distraction into your life while you're attempting to adjust to a new sleep cycle, juggling classes, as well as learning how to manipulate your affinity. No doubt you'd have lost sleep over it and I can't vers well have that happen now can I?"[/color]

Lilie pouted, dissatisfied with his response. [Color=00BFFF]"But that's what friends are for!"[/color] She insisted cheerfully. [Color=00BFFF]"I mean it. Please, even if it's just venting, I want to help you out. Okay?"[/color]

Salem let out a defeated sigh. [Color=82ca9d]"Ok. Ok. I'll make sure to do so more often now. But really I'm fine now and tonight is such an amazing night."[/color]

She seemed a lot happier to hear that, nodding enthusiastically. [Color=00BFFF]"It is! I'm so glad to see you here,"[/color] She told him. [Color=00BFFF]"It's funny, I've always wanted to go to one of these things, but I should've known it would be better with more familiar faces."[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]"You're not wrong. Maybe we could gather a few more? I saw Aaron not too long ago and I'm sure Max is on a leash skulking someplace nearby. We could try to find  the cul de sac kids and hang out of you'd like? I could look for Max since you're closer to Cassandra than I am"[/color]

Looking around the room, Lilie wondered if that was a good idea. She didn't see the blonde anywhere--though that was easier said than done considering he probably had a mask on--but as much as she thought gathering up with everyone would be fun, she felt she should at least try to make an effort here. Mariette wanted her to mingle, so she should.

[Color=00BFFF]"Maybe later, I think I'll try to meet some new people and socialize or whatever,"[/color] She grinned at Salem. [Color=00BFFF]"Maybe I'll meet some more excellent dancers.[/color]

Salem leaned in and kissed Lilie on the corner of her mouth. [Color=82ca9d]"Enjoy becoming a socialite then, anyone would be lucky to be graced by your presence and dancing. I'll go and see what else this festival has to offer, maybe try and see if I can pull Max away from Eris so he can enjoy his night as well."[/color]

Her eyes widened at both Salem’s action and words, and for the first time that night she was glad she was wearing a mask. She could feel her face getting hot, averting her gaze from him and nearly tripping over herself. Was he flirting with her? No, he was just being friendly. Right? She dared herself to look back at him, torn between asking and not wanting to make a fool of herself.

[color=00bfff]”That sounds--sounds good, thank you,”[/color] She inwardly screamed at herself, wishing she could just be cool for once.

Salem lead her back out of the dance floor the only way one could, by dancing their way through it and ending it at the edge. He bowed his head at her as he stepped back. [Color=82ca9d]"Enjoy you're night Lilie. My phones always on if you need me."[/color]