[center][h2][color=lightseagreen]Artemis[/color][/h2][color=lightsteelblue] [color=mediumturquoise][b]Time:[/b][/color] Late Afternoon [color=mediumturquoise][b]Location:[/b][/color] Roshmi Grand Hall [color=mediumturquoise][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@Helo] Cade [/color][/center] [hr] [color=lightsteelblue]Artemis managed a delighted giggle at Cade’s words. The ‘bull’ comment had paved the way for her amusement to shine through. She had figured that feline demis were graceful, but it didn’t appear as if it were true. She couldn’t help but picture him plowing through and knocking over things. The idea of it made her giggle. Noticing she had been laughing, she quickly smirked to hide it. It might have been rude, she realized. It had been a long time that she had cared for other people's feelings or their well being. She sucked in a deep breathe and quickly frowned. She wasn't sure how to exactly cross this bridge, but she hoped to figure it out soon. Artemis had spent the last decade almost caring and worrying for only herself. Unfortunately, old habits would die hard. Darous and Myra - they were easier. Still, she felt uncertain of how to broach the subject. [color=mediumturquoise]”I am sorry if my laughing were rude. I hadn't thought of you as someone stumbling. I do hope you understand that."[/color] Artemis paused to allow her words to sink in and then continued. [color=mediumturquoise]"As for your question: my favorite thing about the world is…”[/color] Artemis wanted to say being underwater, but that would only hint to what her species was. It was a snesitive topic and she didn't like talking about it. Not only that, what could she say? It wasn't as if she remembered much of her past anyways... [color=mediumturquoise]”My favorite thing about this world would have to be the food.”[/color] Artemis decided, already planning on consuming as much of it as possible. Her stomach growled in response and she smirked. Her trauma was beginning to dissipate. [color=mediumturquoise]”What about you? Do you have any favorites?”[/color][/color] [center][h3][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/610964561553522698/610976734258659379/up-divider.png?width=960&height=83[/img][/h3][/center] [center][h3][color=lightcoral]Corvina[/color][/h3] [color=silver] [color=lightcoral][b]Time:[/b][/color] Late Afternoon [color=lightcoral][b]Location:[/b][/color] Roshmi Grand Hall [color=lightcoral][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@Helo] Bowyn[/color][/center] [hr] [color=silver]The flinch from the fairy caused momentary guilt in Cora’s eyes. She wanted to apologize, but they unfortunately had to participate in this dancing. His question caused her to pause momentarily, unable to think. She had attended many dances prior to this one, but none as grand as this one. Was this some elven custom she was unfamiliar with? She wanted to be careful with her response, since nobody had any way of telling who was friend or foe. Despite this, she had to pass on Risa’s information and make a good judgement call. It gave her a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. What if she told the wrong person? Still, he wasn’t displaying any malicious intent. His displeasure with dancing and being with a stranger was understandable. His bird was stressed, and Cora judged it had to be due to Bowyn’s own energy. She was able to catch the slight flinch, and care he had with his words. She couldn’t blame him. Dancing with others and forcing small talk was painful. Lucky for her, her extroverted nature was able to capitalize off of it. [color=lightcoral]”Well, Bowyn and Boreas, I think we’re paired together because it was fate.I think the butterfly papers were a nice touch. I must say, a wise fairy once told me…”[/color] Cora carefully leaned near Bowyn, being careful not to lean towards the shoulder Boreas was perched on. The last thing she wanted to do was startle the bird enough for it to attack her. That would cause one hell of a scene that neither of them wanted. Her voice was hardly above a whisper. She had also beckoned him to lean in towards her ear as well and was slow and careful as not to startle or cause him to flinch yet again. [color=lightcoral]”...if you follow the coast up northwest from Roshmi, you will find a small port town. We will be meeting there on the coastal outskirts. Spread this message to any allies you know of.”[/color] As she finished, she leaned away and winked at him with a mischievous smile upon her face. Her green eyes shined with innocence. She cleared her throat and smiled kindly. [color=lightcoral]”I must say, this is a spectacular ball though, don’t you think? The food smells delicious.”[/color] Cora’s voice was now casual, as she allowed her impassiveness to resume. She waited, painstakingly, for Bowyn’s reaction. She was studying his ration carefully. What if she had told the wrong person? She was worried, but she had to trust her judgement. With a deep breath, she calmed her racing heart and the tension building inside of her.[/color] [center][h3][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/610964561553522698/610976734258659379/up-divider.png?width=960&height=83[/img][/h3][/center] [center][color=#40C4FF][h2]Belladonna[/h2][/color][/center] [center][color=#40C4FF][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=#CFD8DC] Late Afternoon [color=#40C4FF][b]Location:[/b][/color] Roshmi Grand Ball [color=#40C4FF][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@princess] - Malachi [/color][/center] [hr] [color=silver]The sudden movement by him to touch her waist had her startled briefly. She managed to relax, however, as her emotions were needed to be in control. She wasn’t used to physical contact - in fact, even hugs were foreign to her. Nonetheless, she remained calm and took small, deep breaths. Belle listened to Mr. Save-Your-Breath and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Still, his approach was smart. She was going to mimic it until she knew better as well. He didn’t seem interested in formalities or the ball. Rather, he seemed irritated with the ordeal. Thankfully, that made two of them. His name caused her to pause slightly. She had never heard such a name prior to now, so she had to react as if it were an everyday occurrence. A quick friendly smile was enough for her. [color=#40C4FF]”Nice to meet you, Hagmer,”[/color] Belle paused and contemplated a name quickly. She didn’t have experience with literature; but thankfully, college had opened her up to it. She had been lacking in her educational background but her mind was stronger elsewhere: lying. [color=#40C4FF]”My name is Aerin.”[/color] Belle smiled calmly and watched him closely. [color=#40C4FF]”I came to dine and dance with the finest of Roshmi. And you?”[/color] Belle kept her statements short as well. She didn’t have interest in small talk and rather regretted being here. The whole night already felt like a mistake. She sucked in a deep breath and began repeating to herself: [color=skyblue][i]”54321,[/i]”[/color] Belle began naming things she could see, touch, and smell, as she danced with her partner. The grounding technique was useful and helped her keep her emotions in check. [color=skyblue]”[i]You’re not in control. Calm down. The enemy could already know you’re a human and it won’t help any if you don’t keep it together. What would Lys say? 54321.'[/i][/color] Belle repeated it to herself over until she was able to regain control over her anxiety. While internally battling herself, she was calm and displayed outward pleasantness to Hagmer. [/color]