[hr][hr][center][h2]The Unexpected Trio[/h2][/center][hr][hr]

Cassandra had taken every champagne flute that walked past her on servants' legs. It was a bit of a Russian Roulette game, as she wasn't versed enough to be able to tell which were actually wine, and which were just sparkling juice. She had taken a few dances, and spent some time trying to guess at familiar figures through their masks, with varying degrees of success. Presently, she spotted a familiar face, or hair anyway. When she recognized Lilie, the fire she was using as a mask flared briefly, and she made her way over, swaying with surprising and unusual grace around other ball goers. 

She put a hand on Lilie's arm, and sang out in a voice wavering with contained laughter. 
[I][Color=f26522]"Iiiii saw Salem kissing Aaaaaron… Clause![/color][/i] her laughter broke through, punctuated by the green flames around her eyes flaring out and in. [Color=f26522]"Lilie! Good Revel? It's my first time!"[/color]

Lilie jumped when she was addressed, though she was happy to see another familiar face, hoping she didn't look too flustered. She returned Cassandra's laughter with a slight giggle, though her jaw dropped as she realized what she said. Salem did [i]what[/i]?! She pursed her lips, teetering on whether or not she should tell her, but she decided to return her greeting first. 

[Color=00BFFF]"So far, so good!"[/color] She replied cheerfully, scratching her cheek. [Color=00BFFF]"And, um...Salem kissed me, too, so I guess he's doing to to everyone."[/color] Well, that solved that mystery.

[Color=f26522]"Maybe it's a Revel thing, I didn't talk to him, though,"[/color] she looked briefly around as if to see if anyone else was doing so. 

[Color=f26522]"Who did you come with, by the way? Aaron?"[/color] she asked, suddenly changing the subject and looking back at Lilie. [Color=f26522]"I'm here with Ama- um, Countess Marivaldi. But I didn't see Sinenodel or Astorio, so I hope I'm not the lame one."[/color]

Were they supposed to come with their vampires? She couldn't imagine Count Sinnenodel or Count Astorio attending this sort of thing if she was being honest, but both their mages had come. She was glad Cassandra didn't comment any further on the kiss, feeling her face finally lose its heat. She was a little surprised that she had assumed that she came with Aaron, though. He [i]would[/i] be the type to come to this sort of thing, wouldn't he?

Lilie shook her head, though she did wish she thought of asking Aaron to accompany her. She had been so caught up in wearing a pretty dress she didn't even think to ask anyone to go with her. [Color=00BFFF]"I came alone, actually,"[/color] She admitted wholeheartedly. [Color=00BFFF]"I think it's nice that you came with Countess Marivaldi."[/color] She looked around the ballroom for him, catching herself a second too late. [Color=00BFFF]"My countess said to go socialize, so...here I am. Salem said we should all hang out later again, too, but I wanted to hang around here a little longer. I've never been to such a fancy party."[/color]

[Color=f26522]"Aw man, I [i]am[/i] the lame one!"[/color] she lamented with a facetious laugh. [Color=f26522]"I dunno that I'd call this 'socializing' though. Half the people don't know who the other half is. Do you think we should try to meet some people?"[/color]

Lilie was a little confused at the comment, though she guessed that maybe Cassandra meant coming alone was better than coming with a vampire. Maybe it was like bringing a parent to a dance? She didn't think it was lame, though she had to agree that she did have a slight point. As much as she wanted to socialize (and made the same comment to Salem) there she was, sticking to who she knew. Lilie hung her head in disappointment, though if she was being honest, there were way too many people for her to be comfortable trying to get to know total strangers.

[Color=00BFFF]"I mean...we're talking. That's socializing!"[/color] She tried to defend their actions with a small shrug, ultimately failing and giving up shortly after. [Color=00BFFF]"I just don't want to start chatting someone up and then have some vampire come creeping up on me, I guess."[/color] She frowned, deciding to change the subject. [Color=00BFFF]"So...did you say this was your first Revel? Were you not allowed to celebrate?"[/color] It was an odd comment, striking her curiosity.

[Color=f26522]”I can protect us from vampires,”[/color] the final “S” came out in just barely a slur, [Color=f26522]“They’re like, afraid of fire, right?

“But yeah, it’s my first. I had dancing lessons on previous Revels, and watched some parties on TV and stuff, but I did’n actually go to a party.”[/color]

Lilie wondered if that was a mage thing. The Revel was always a huge party that the whole town used to celebrate, so hearing someone that didn't get to participate came off as odd. She frowned a little at the mention of burning vampires, feeling like that was something that was known but shouldn't really be said. Now that she was really looking at her, though, the other mage was a little off. Her dress and mask were wonderfully creative, but her speech was a little weird and the things she said seemed pretty open. For someone so usually aloof, she sure was super friendly. Not that she minded, but it was still a little strange.

[Color=00BFFF]"Are you okay?"[/color] She finally decided to ask. [Color=00BFFF]"I thought there was a two drink limit."[/color]

[Color=f26522]"Is there? Well, two drinks for me is pretty different from too drinks for, like, Aaron, right? Maybe I just shouldn'ta had them so quickly. Don't go taking advantage now."[/color]

Her mouth formed a small 'o' as her mask hid the rest of her confusion. Well, this was certainly something. Lilie wasn't sure what she meant by take advantage, but instead she looked around, hoping she could find help or something. How [i]did[/i] one help with drunkenness? Water? Food? Both seemed good, right? 

[Color=00BFFF]"Why don't we get you some water?"[/color] Lilie tried to coax Cassandra to a chair.

Victor had taken his time enjoying the evening air and the sounds that came with the giant party. People laughing, talking, giggling, this atmosphere was rather calming he had to admit all he needed was to get used to it. Leaving his glass outside with a sigh the large vampire started to make his way back inside, perhaps finding someone to dance with could ease his mind a little more.

It sure was crowded in the ballroom, wasn't until he overheard a familiar voice did he finally slow down and look around for the small water mage. He could only make out a few things through the commotion of dancers and spectators around them. Something about vampires being afraid of fire then another thing about being drunk. This was sure to be fun.

He wasted little time to get right into Cassandra’s personal space while lilie tried to coax her to a chair, [color=92278f]“Most Vampires are afraid of fire because it damages us easily and it's hard to regenerate that damage.”[/color] a sly smile creeping through his mask, grabbing her hand into more of a dancing posture and slowly twirl her around,[color=92278f]“But some vampires like to play with fire,even if we get burned,”[/color] winking at her from under his mask, [color=92278f]“Count Astorio at your service.”[/color]    

Maybe Lilie was the one drunk, her eyebrows shooting up as Count Astorio entered the scene. He had overheard their conversation, it looked like, though this more playful side was definitely different than the sterner, more tactful side she was used to. Suddenly feeling like she was intruding, she decided that maybe she should go take another stab at mingling with the crowd.

[Color=00BFFF]"I leave her in your capable hands, then!"[/color] She giggled, giving the pair a small wave before she left the two.