[hider=Aoife]
“The best team there is.” Noel agrees to Aoife’s question, a wide grin cutting her face as the two move across the dance floor. 

When Aoife requests that the other girl take the lead she nods gamely, the blonde Ars Magi taking a firmer grip on her partner and beginning to move her along the dancefloor. Their steps become more graceful as she and Aoife work in sync, their dance transforming into something smooth and elegant, yet simple. A far cry from the earlier, clumsier movements. 

When the music finally dims Noel gives her partner one final twirl, dipping her low before coming to a stop. She grins again, a broad and toothy smile.

“Alright,” She says, “Now you’ve got it. Round two, coming up!” 
[/hider]

[hider=Chie]
“I see.” Chie’s partner responds to her inexperience. “I’d guess there’d be less of you familiar with this sort of thing. Just, things being what they are.”

He keeps the motions of the dance simple, an uncomplicated sway to allow more focus on conversation and less on the complexity of the dance.

“We have teams, yes.” He replies. “They change fairly often, but it’s supposed to instill comradery and personal skills and all that.” He falls silent a moment, musing before explaining further: “It’s probably not as exciting as your school. We drill mostly, learn tactics and history, strategies for dealing with Voids and how to direct and deploy assets. We’re supposed to be working closer with you all in the future.”

The swaying continues, a bit more idle conversation before the music begins to wind down. The officer offers a polite smile, dipping his head and offering: “It was nice to meet you, Chie. I’ll let you go—but thank you for the dance.” 

She’s given a reprieve after at last, freed from obligation for the time being. At least, if she’s quick enough to escape the dance floor before more partners come looking.
[/hider]

[hider=Crystal]
“It’s fine.” Says Liam to Crystal’s apology.

The young man offers a small smile after, and in return to Crystal’s advice he replies, “I do assure you, I have better things to do than learn the waltz. I enrolled in the Academy to be an officer,” He says, “Not to dance with pretty girls.” There’s no condescension in the words, just a mild amusement.

“That said, I would rather not cause a diplomatic incident. So, if you’ll join me...” 

The officer takes Crystal’s hand, and the dance commences. He provides competent enough not to step on her feet, taking the girl on a slow jaunt across the dance floor. Once the motions finish and they part again he gives a polite bow in return to her curtsey, replying,

“Thank you, Crystal. Try to stay sane out there.”

He parts after, a brief smile before the boy vanishes into the crowd. 
[/hider]

[hider=Selma]
“My guess is magic takes more work than most of what we do.” Replies Selma’s partner, his hands moving the tall girl easily through the motions of their dance.  

“We’ve seen recordings from a few of your exercises,” He replies to her question. “To get an understanding of what you’re capable of. We’re supposed to be supporting you, so we’ve got at least a working knowledge of Ars Magi.” 

The steps slow now, a brief lull as the conversation continues. “We’re supposed to be receiving individual dossiers for our next exercise. With most of you having unique powers, we have to understand what you’re capable of to do our jobs.” 

“Personally I’d rather hear what Selma has to say about Selma than read about it in a report.” The boy says with a grin.

As the final notes of the waltz die out the cadets grip loosens, separating himself from his partner with another smile. “I hope we’ll meet again soon, Selma. There’s a spot for you over at our table, if you want to take a break.”
[/hider]
 
[hider=Rivka]
“I haven’t had much of a chance.” The girl replies to Rivka’s question of keeping in practice. “But I should. I don’t want to forget entirely.” She offers a small smile as they sway, adding, “Hopefully I can get back to it.”

There’s a nod after, a reply of, “I’ll come and see. I enjoy listening, when I have free time. Maybe we can talk again there?”

The dance comes to a close on that hopeful note, the girl bowing her head and allowing Rivka to part after.
[/hider]

The night wears on, the crowd eventually thinning as the dignitaries and military officials make their exit. The cadets too eventually begin to make their exodus, a few final dances before the band winds down and the great hall is emptied for the night.

The Ars Magi return to their dorms afterward, the common room briefly abuzz with giddy chatter and shared stories. 

Soon it will be time to retire to bed though, the evening finished and the festivities over.