[hider=Selma]
“They teach us lots of things. Recognizing value is one of them.”

Of the two cadets available, Selma’s partner is the less Selma-sized. He’s perhaps a head shorter, though he appears to be making up for it in sheer confidence. His arm encircles hers gamely, hardly a pause to consider before they return to the dance. The hand that comes to rest comfortably at Selma’s side guides easily through the motions of the dance, proving that the young man is a competent partner and her feet have less to worry about that with her previous. 

“Nice to meet you, Selma. I didn’t think they grew Ars Magi quite as tall as you.” The steps become faster now, the tune changing to something more upbeat. “I’m Hyun,” The boy introduces himself soon after, seeming to have no trouble keeping up with the neat steps. “I’ve actually wanted to meet one of you for a while. Since we came here, but this is the first chance we’ve had.” 

“How has Nova Lux been treating you? The Officer’s Academy is a bore, all drills and exams. I imagine a school where they teach magic would have to be much more exciting.” He steps, twirling Selma out, drawing her in again. 

“The word is that you’ve already fought your share of Voids. Is that true?”
[/hider]


[hider=Rivka]
“I see.” Says Rivka’s partner as the purple-haired girl explains the origin of her musical ability. The cadet listens with clear and rapt attention, though she still manages to hit each step of the winding waltz that takes the pair through the crowd. Occasionally she nods, more enthusiastically as Rivka continues to expound on the nature of art. 

“I think so too. I mean, the way you put it is so much better that I could, but, I agree.” Another nod comes from the girl as the music begins to a little faster, a little looser. “I used to play piano—just, I mean, I took lessons, so I’m not very good, but I’ve always loved music.” 

As Rivka speaks more of magic as her ability the girl agrees: “I see—I have a hard time believing that could happen, too. That there could be another person like you, I mean.”  She pauses, as if realizing what she said, and begins to stammer out several less-than-coherent words before she takes the opportunity to change to the topic to herself.

“Why become a cadet? Well—it’s sort of a family tradition. I’ve been preparing for it since I was a little girl, mostly.” She pauses there, adding with a sheepish smile, “And, you know, I want to help make the world a better place, and the Academy is one place I can do that.” 
[/hider]


[hider=Chie]
With Selma off on her own adventure, Chie is left to her new partner. The tall cadet is dark-skinned and dark eyed, hair shaved short. He’s not quite as tall as Selma, but still easily taller than Crystal herself. His hand reaches to take the offered one gently, other hand settling on Chie’s shoulder as he begins to lead her back into the lilting steps of the dance.

“Cayman.” Her partner answers, “Cayman Sow. Nice to meet you.” He’s not as good of a lead as Selma, but the boy is a decent enough guide to keep Chie and his own feet in the right general area. It becomes clear soon enough that this one is less talkative than his companion, the dance continuing on in silence for a minute or so before he cadet ventures forth a topic of conversation:

“You’re nervous.” He observes. “Don’t worry. You’re doing fine.” The music becomes faster, a little looser, and though the steps are quicker they seem to at least be a little more free-form.

“Is this the first time you’ve been to a ball, Chie?” The boy asks as they sway, “I know most of you, the Magi, might not be used to this. Where are you from?” Another few steps and he supplies a pre-emptive answer to his own origin: “I’m from Osca.“
[/hider]


[hider=Crystal]
The topic of machines will have to be broached later, as Castra vanishes into the crowd momentarily. There’s no one left to save Crystal from his inevitable return though, and he brings with him one of the many young officers that are scattered throughout the ballroom. The boy is of average height, his hair dark, a small blotch of darker skin under one cheek marring an otherwise beige complexion. 

“Liam, this is Crystal von Caelestis. Crystal, Liam Neptune.”

With introductions made the younger man extends a hand to Crystal, leading her out toward the dance floor. Castra seems satisfied enough with this, nodding his head before he vanishes into the crowd, his work completed.

“I’m sorry about him.” The young man, Liam, says Crystal. “I didn’t want to cause a diplomatic incident, so I thought it would be better to humor him. You don’t have to dance, if you don’t want to.” He smiles weakly, confessing, “I’m not very good at it, anyway. I skipped all my lessons.”
[/hider]