Cora moved her hands to her cheeks as Akane twirled before her, and her face reddened slightly. [color=00a99d]"You're beautiful..."[/color] she said quietly, as if just realizing it. Akane was so graceful, her limbs long and pale, and her eyes bright and intelligent. Her hair was long and red, like flames...Cora took all of this in as the girl danced before her, her heart suddenly beating a little harder.

Ivory's voice broke her from her trance, and the Mermaid looked over her shoulder. After she gathered her thoughts and brought herself back to the present, she nodded, [color=00a99d]"Oh, yes, Ivory is amazing with hair."[/color] Her voice was quiet and a little far away as the last of these lingering thoughts drifted away. Akane really was so pretty...

Illyana was almost startled by Lucien's approach, she had been so wrapped up in arranging everything on the table. She looked over at him and forced a small smile, then nodded and wiped her hands on the front of her dress. She moved her eyes to Aurel after his comment and raised her hands, palm out, in a defensive posture. [color=598527]"Alright, alright, I'll try to relax...but I won't be able to with you too hounding me all night."[/color] She made sure to keep her voice light and playful. They were both right, she knew that her mind and her body needed a break. It was always hard for her to let go of all of the thoughts and worries that plagued her, but she would make an honest effort tonight, she could tell it was beginning to effect her negatively and did not want to continue down that path. She'd have to take this opportunity while she could.

[color=598527]"Oh, and I saw Jade, Liquorice, Bengal, and Ginger come back earlier,"[/color] She said to Aurel, remembering that he had asked her to watch out for them and that she hadn't gone to find him when she saw them return. [color=598527]"They're around her somewhere...not sure where Ebony, Ripple, and Amber are."[/color] She paused, picked up a sandwich finger and offered it to him with a smile, [color=598527]"Sandwich?"[/color]

It was then that Geralt had returned, with a bottle tucked under each arm, a metal shaker in one hand, and another bottle in the other. [color=crimson]"My apologies for my brief absence, but I promise you all, it was worth it."[/color] He made his way to the table with the beverages and began setting everything up, his face alight with devilish glee.