4/1/99

Massive Open Air Pavilion

Obvious exits:

Aerie Hotel Steading Gate Bonded GuildHall Java Quarter Complex Gate

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

Jay comes down the wide steps from the Aerie Hotel Verge.

Jay has arrived.

Niko, apparently waiting for someone, from the glance he gives towards the Complex, pauses to chuckle. "A knight and a deity. This party's getting some entertaining guests."

Elasia arrives from the Central Atrium.

Elasia has arrived.

Jay snickers, pausing to give Niko a nod. "You ain't even kidding." He brightens at spotting Ela, of course, and bows, stifling a snicker. "St. George and the dragon? I'll protect ya, my dear."

Elasia offers Jay a bright grin, she starts to reply, but thinks better of the first comment that comes to mind. "Nah, I'm a tame dragon, there's no need for him to destroy me or anything."

Audity arrives from the Bonded Guild Courtyard.

Audity has arrived.

Niko just rolls his eyes. "I'm not quite a saint." Besides, Ela wants to be... vanquished, though he's hardly going to -say- that. "Thanks for the offer, though," he says, heading towards the hotel.

You head up wide steps incised in a sandstone cliff, taking you to the verge in front of the Aerie Hotel.

Aerie Hotel Verge

Obvious exits:

Hotel Pavilion

Audity comes up the stairs from the Pavilion.

Audity has arrived.

Audity walks towards the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Audity has left.

Elasia comes up the stairs from the Pavilion.

Elasia has arrived.

You walk towards the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Aerie Hotel Lobby

Contents:

Audity

Riley

Obvious exits:

Wide Stairway Ballroom Verge

You walk here from the Aerie Hotel Verge.

Niko, clinking along, pauses to snicker at Riley's costume. "I should've known. Hiya, Riley, you look great."

Elasia walks here from the Aerie Hotel Verge.

Elasia has arrived.

Riley is leaning against one wall, holding it up. He beams a greeting to you both. "Y'all are a riot." He grins, "Thanks. Work's taking over of course, I'm waiting for Ranshek to get back again, and Clara's about. But I'll be inside in a bit."

Niko shakes his head at that, with a faint grimace. "Anything I can do to lend a hand?" He draws his foam rubber sword and offers, with a sidelong amused look to Ela, "I'm good at vanquishing things." Oh, yeah, he's almost snickering.

Audity walks towards the Aerie Hotel Verge.

Audity has left.

Elasia looks entirely innocent. Vanqishing things? Gee, who'd'a thunk it. She offers a clawed wave to Riley, smiling.

Riley shakes his head amiably, "Nah, just this that and the other. Go on in and have fun."

Niko considers for a moment, then attempts a clinking shrug. "Kay, Riley. But give me a buzz if you need anything, okay? Don't work too hard." That said, he reaches for Ela's hand, making his noisy way into the ballroom.

You walk towards the Obsidian Feather Ballroom.

Obsidian Feather Ballroom

Contents:

Tara

Tarrant

Corian

Obvious exits:

Lobby

You walk here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Riley walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Riley has arrived.

Riley walks towards the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Riley has left.

Elasia walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Elasia has arrived.

Niko clinks. Clink clink clink. He looks vaguely thoughtful about something or another. Spotting Tara, he just stops, as does the clinking, and snickers. "By all that's holy... talk about role-reversals."

Now Tarrant's heard a goodly number of versions of address, but 'Mr Sir' is new even for him. That garners an even more amused grin. "Please, call me Tarrant if my last name is a bit more than a mouthfull. I'm not going to object."

Tara glances over, and has to snicker at Niko's comment. "Holy, unholy, what's the difference? Nice costume, handsome. Suits you to a tee." She gives Tarrant a grateful look. "Tarrant it is then, thank you."

Corian glances towards the newcomers as well, and can't help but chuckle. "An excellent pair," she approves. She casts an amused look to Tarrant, adding, "Mr. Czolgosz is his father, you see. He is not Mr. Czolgosz."

Niko grins as he catches the comments. "Thanks. I really couldn't see myself going as anyone else." He peers at Corian, and grins rather stu--erk, no, Ela's there, he doesn't do that. He turns back to his fiancee. Yeah. Good man.

Elasia pads cheerfully along next to her clanking knight, perhaps as far from frightening as it is possible to be. Her eyes are alight at the dancing and the swirl of people and costumes. She nods to the others, smiling brightly. Corian's costume gets a delighted look, "What a lovely cloak ma'am." She nods to the others.

Tara chuckles, both at Cori's comment and Niko's reaction to the leafy lady.

Tarrant looks a bot abashed at Corian's comment, but is still grinning. "Some people don't seem to be willing to buy into that however. I have endless difficulty. Still, I am attached to the latter name, and find myself unwilling to alter it, although it's been suggested." His words are polite, the accent a drawl.

Corian offers a nod to Elasia. "Many thanks. I am most glad that you approve." She likes this one. This one complimented the -cloak-, which Corian actually likes, instead of the dress, which she doesn't. At Tarrant's comment, however, she blinks. "Alter it? Van'chela, you cannot." She adds something else to him, a bit more quietly.

Jay walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Jay has arrived.

Niko pauses. Like Jay--good timing, Jay--he recognizes the voice, but can't quite place it. He murmurs to Ela, "Do you know who that is? The one in the... uh, dress?"

Ryoshia walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Ryoshia has arrived.

Tara snorts softly. "Any who'd suggest that aren't using their brains."

Ryoshia is proudly escorted in by Jay.

Tarrant brightens at Corian's comment, nodding. It's as if he's all but about to begin snickering. Tara;s comment does get a snicker and a nod. "But then so few do in this day and age. Brains are considered overrated."

Elasia shakes her head, setting several padded spikes to shifting. She murmurs, "Can't say that I do, sorry hon." She seems amused however at Niko's eyes being drawn Corian-ward.

Tara shrugs amiably. "Brains have their advantages and their disadvantages, depending on who you're dealing with."

Niko's eyes are, in fact, drawn Corian-ward. He just boggles for a moment, then shakes his head. "Maybe you can borrow the dress from her, whoever she is?" he suggests to Ela, sotto voce. "You'd look -great- in that dress." He mumbles something about vanquishing.

Corian nods her agreement to something that has been said, though there's a certain hint of amusement in her eyes.

Elasia looks decidedly amused, leaning up to comment in Niko's ear quietly, offering Corian an apologetic look for the goofyness of the males of the species.

Jay does indeed look proud as he hands Ryo into the ballroom. Of course, he has to smirk at Niko's reaction to Cori. Coming up beside the knight, he nudges him with an elbow. "Careful. That one's too hot to handle."

Elasia whispers "Nope, see knights vanquish dragons, not trees."

Briga has connected.

Niko mumbles to Ela, "I could vanquish a tree if I tried hard enough." Jay's comment gets a quick grin. "I just, uh, like her dress." Yeah. "Do you know who she is?"

Corian manages not to sigh, and, in fact, looks rather amused. She's likely smiling in response to Ela's apologetic look. Fortunately, she doesn't catch Jay's comment, or she'd have to throw a pine cone at him.

Tara snickers softly. "Handsome, you'd be safer staring at me than her."

Jay nods amiably to Niko. "Yep." He's evil too.

Kyara walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Kyara has arrived.

Ryoshia follows Jay over, glancing at Tara and smiles. "Going for the looks?" she asks.

Tarrant lifts a hand up to tilt it in a so-so fashion. Too bad it's the hand holding the ox, the effect is lost. "I am partial to the helpfulness of brains." He grins at Niko's reaction as well, innocently rfraining from 'I told you so' looks.

Roland walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Roland has arrived.

Niko looks just a little put-upon. "I'm not starying at anybody, except Ela." Maybe he needs to borrow Tara's halo? It'd look suave with armor, really. Peering at Jay, he inquires, sotto voce, "So who is she?"

Tara's eyebrows rise in amusement. "Only when it's useful." She offers Tarrant an apologetic grin. "Again, it depends on who one is dealing with."

Jay positively smirks. "Niko, ole boy, you've been ogling your sister."

Kyara leads Roland in, humming an annoying little song as she goes. She sticks quite close to him. Yes, this is definitely the blind leading the blind.

Niko just stares at Jay for a moment, then he squints at Corian for a long moment. "You're right," he decides. "She -is- my sister." Then he blinks. "Ack! Iew."

Elasia is casting looks dance-floor-wards, although she glances back at the mention that this is someone familiar. *click* "Ms. Treston? Oh goodness, I'd've never guessed."

Corian is starting to look just a bit uncomfortable at all the attention. With a murmur about Honalee, she offers a smile, though, of course, the mask obscures this. "Thank you, Elasia--I believe that may have been the intention. You look lovely."

Tara laaauuughs.

Tarrant murmurs a quiet comment, looking somewhat amused. It probably involves what kind of parents spawn trees, penguins, and armored knights. He nods to Tara, "I have found few situations where brains are less than helpful."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay snickers. "Of course I'm right. I'm always right." Seeing Cori's discomfort, he makes an attempt at distraction, tugging Ryo forward. "Have you all met my lovely companion?"

Roland's head darts around a bit, moving his ears not his eyes. "Pretty noisy," he notes to Kyara.

Tara cocks her head, giving Tarrant a grin. "Lack of brains on the part of one's adversaries is always a plus."

Briga pads over to Roland and Tara with a happy purr of greetings, 'Hello'

Corian offers a brief look of gratitude to Jay. "I have not, cousin," she murmurs. At Tara's comment, she nods firmly. "I have found that so, in the past." One gloved hand rubs absently at her wrist.

Kyara nods, agreeing with Roland. "Well, it /is/ a party."

Roland shrugs. "Sounds louder than any party than I've see-ah, heard."

Niko, still looking just a bit sheepish for his error, inquires of Elasia, "Want to dance, hon? Feet in the mouth are not good at all, especially with all this metal." See, the sooner he gets the dancing over with, the sooner he can flee.

Tarrant considers this a moment and then shakes his head, "No, I find it often important that the forces one works against have something of a brain. It is the madman, the brainless one who's the most dangerous. Those with a brain are logical, gotcha? But then my department tracks down paper crimes mostly, so it may be perspective based. We paper-pushers are a bit twisted."

Jay looks as proud of his date as Nick does of Ela. "Cori, all, may I introduce Ryoshia, of the Bonded Guild. The feathery guy out in the hallway, if you happen to tread out there, is Meloss."

Elasia brightens perceptibly at this suggestion, reaching to catch Niko's hand, "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, feet on the dance floor instead of in the mouth."

Corian offers a graceful bow to Ryoshia, one gloved hand resting lightly over her heart. "I am most glad to meet you. I am Jay's cousin, Corian." She glances towards Tarrant, with a brief nod.

Aliana walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Aliana has arrived.

Tara gives Cori a curious look. "Somehow I don't picture you as having adversaries at all." She considers Tarrants words for a moment. "Perhaps, perhaps." She flashes a grin. "I'm afraid I can't disagree with that statement, Tarrant. No offense. Paper is one of the banes of my life."

Aliana struts in..much like a chicken looking for food...wings aflappin' and all.

Ryoshia nods her head. "I think we've met once in passing. Not formaly, of course." She returns the bow.

Kyara grins, though Roland can't see it. "Hey, the louder the better. At least that's what I've always heard."

Niko grins rather crookedly as he allows his hand to be caught, moving with Ela to the dance floor. Creak, rattle, clink, this should be fun. "Just watch your feet, eh, hon?"

Tarrant nods at the introduction of Ryoshia, offering a polite half-bow in response to the introduction. Noting the nod he offers a questioning look before replying to Tara, "There is a place even for lunatics, and the buearocracy has kindly provided it of course."

Corian murmurs in response to Tarrant's questioning look, "It is of no moment, van'chela." To Tara, one shoulder lifts in a graceful half-shrug. "It is a rare person who makes it through life without encountering an adversary. I am hardly so rare."

Roland shrugs. "It's confusing," he says, then turns his head vaguely towards Briga. "Briga? Is that you?" he asks.

Tara laughs quietly. "You almost sound serious, Tarrant." She gives Cori a shake of her head with a slight smile. "You're rare, believe me."

Elasia tugs Niko floorwards and into the pattern of the dance, relatively graceful despite her oversized shoes amd gloves.

Jay turns his charming smile on Ryo, bowing slightly. "I think Nick's got the right idea. Would you like to dance?"

Briga rumbles a soft greetings,'It is....Nice costume' She notes before turning to Kyara.."And yours as well is very interesting'

Tarrant stifles a quiet laugh, "Heaven help I should sound serious." He nods again to Corian, looking perhaps a bit abashed.

Kyara beams at Briga. "You look just beautiful!"

Briga purrs her pleasure at the compliment,'Thank you'

Niko is somewhat less graceful, but seeing as how he's all in metal, that shouldn't be surprising. He still manages the dance aptly enough, though with the manner of one who -really- doesn't do this too often. Clink. Rattle. Clank.

Tara grins. "Still, this certainly does seem to be the proper place for lunatics. And I ain't talking about the ballroom."

Ryoshia glances towards the floor then looks back at her date. "My, pretty fast, aren't we?"

Aliana pauses to move the beak out of her way. Spotting Tarrant and Corian she struts that away, wings folded neatly to her side.

Roland frowns slightly as they discuss costumes, his head drifting around.

Corian pauses a beat at Tara's words regarding her rareness. "Many thanks," she murmurs. Aliana's appearance makes for a perfect distraction, however, and she offers a nod and a pleasant, "Good evening." Her tone sounds a bit curious.

Jay shakes his head. "Nope. I want to get the dancing out of the way before I'm too stiff to enjoy it."

Kyara gives Roland's hand a comforting squeeze. "I heard you had a bit of trouble last night, Briga."

Elasia apparently does this somewhat more often that Niko, although her tail is something of an impediment. Well, to her skill, not to her apparent enjoyment of the experience.

Ryoshia sighs softly, smiling. "Still on the upper end of healing, hmm?"

Aliana oohhhs softly at Corian's costume as she comes close enough to see...beaks make it hard, 'Very nice....Corian. Nice to see you again Tarrant"

Briga rumbles softly as her ears flatten slightly, 'Attention will be paid...in due time'

Jay shakes his head again, smiling a bit. "Clara said it'd be a few days before I'm fully fit again. I'm about halfway through."

"I think my relative state of sanity, or lack thereof, is hardly in question." Tarrant comments as a near wry aside, stepping back rather politely. He nods to Aliana, smiling. "Nice to see you again." Briga's words cause him to turn just a hair, ears all but perking up.

Niko is apparently having fun as well, though he seems to be taking care not to step on feet, tails, or random trailing bits of costume. "Having fun?" he inquires.

Tara's eyebrows rise. "I do beg your pardon, Tarrant. I was not referring to you."

Kyara gives Briga an odd look. "Be careful," she cautions.

Corian's warm smile is evident in her voice. "Many thanks... it is Aliana, yes? What a fascinating costume." She, too, catches Briga's phrase, and blinks, glancing briefly at the Zaeltan.

Elasia just nods at first, eyes altogether alight. Woosh, swish, twirl, step, swooshy. "This is terrific." She looks a bit sheepish. "Holding up?"

Roland returns the squeeze then glances around. "I think I can pick up a few people I know," he notes quietly.

Kyara blinks at Roland. "Hey, you're not supposed to be picking up girls tonight."

Niko nods agreeably enough, though he sighs as the gesture causes his visor to snap over his face. "Mostly, yeah," he says, lifting the visor so his smile can be seen. "It's fun, just haven't ever danced in armor, that's all."

Roland's head turns to Kyara and his eyebrows furrow. "I meant the voices. I can pick out a couple familiar voices."

Ryoshia nods her head. "I'll be gentle then."

Elasia does not make the first comment that comes to mind, but her brwos do arch in amusement as she continues the pattern of the dance. "It certainly makes interesting noises, a whole rhythm section yourself."

Kyara ohs, relaxing, and glances around. One particular familiar face makes her blanch. "Like who, Rol?"

Niko grins suddenly. "Hey, yeah! I can send Sochos some armor, Cip and Stavros would love it! And maybe if the new baby is a boy..." He keeps up with the dance as well.

Jay acks softly, laughing as he leads Ryo to the dance floor. "Don't you dare."

Tarrant starts to reply to Tara, but instead simply grins and shrugs. It's not good to explain to relative strangers that one is insane after all.

Corian, as she knows Tarrant well enough to guess what he's not explaining, shakes her head and chuckles quietly. "But you aren't, van'chela."

Roland hmms then frowns slightly. "Tara for one, Briga's right here, there's that Jay guy, and I think another is Casmyd."

Elasia stifles a quiet laugh, shaking her head. Of course this causes the hood to fall back down around her shoulders. "Cip and Stavros would be thinking of ways to have you on a pike, love. And I prefer you un-shisked."

Tara looks confused for a moment, and finally shakes her head. "Anybody need something to drink while I'm headed in that direction?"

Kyara nods before remembering and vocalizes a confirmation. "Yes, they're all here, although..." She glances around curiously. "Who's Jay?"

Ryoshia shrugs. "Some guy who likes to hit on women. I think I might have heard talk of him being related to half of the AF or somehing like that."

Tarrant glances over at Corian, looking amused but almost seriously so. "I am afraid I shall have to chose to disagree, but I appreciate it anyhow."

Roland shrugs. "Some guy who likes to hit on women. I think I might have heard talk of him being related to half of the AF or somehing like that."

Niko looks a little disappointed, but nods nonetheless. "Yeah, you're probably right." Attempting a turn of the dance, he accidentally steps on the tail of someone who is, fortunately, an Edreeni -dressed- as a Zaeltan. The tail separates from the body with an audible ripping sound. Niko pauses, turning, and promptly starts to apologize.

Elasia can't quite stifle a chuckle, noting, "I guess her tail was not part of who she was."

Kyara looks amused. "That's quite a feat."

Briga bows to Kyara slightly, bead clinking, "Always."

Corian shakes her head to Tara, smile in her voice. "Thank you, Tara, it is unnecessary." She casts an amused look at Tarrant, and merely shakes her head. "As you wish, van'chela."

Kyara blinks at Briga. "You're related to half the AF too?"

Aliana shakes her head to Tara,'No thank you' Course that sets the feathers into motion.

Tara gives Ali a cool look. She wasn't asking /her/. After a few seconds she nods to Cori.

Roland gives Briga a puzzled expression from behind the glasses.

Briga peers at Niko...then prompty checks her tail with an aidible sigh of relief.

Niko picks up the poor, severed tail and offers it to the Edreeni, who is fortunately vastly amused by the situation. As the Edreeni leaves, he turns back to Ela, somehow managing not to snicker. "Guess not. Hoo, I'm glad that wasn't a real Zaeltan. That could've been really bad."

Aliana either does not see the look or chooses to ignore it. Head tilting this way and that as she watches. Indeed she almost does look like a chicken.

Ryoshia shakes her head at Jay. "Then why shouldn't I be gentle then if you're still hurt?"

Tarrant nods to Corian, "Perhaps part of my lunacy is to orefer to accept it?" He grins, noting Tara's comment and offering to Corian, as he is her escort after all, "Would you like me to go acquire a drink for you?"

Jay coughs, swinging Ryo into the dance. "Hon, gentle is /my/ job, not yours."

Tara's eyebrows rise slightly, and she gives Tarrant a measuring look.

Aliana considers Tarrant for a moment, 'Weren't some of the greatest Terran thinkers considered lunatics?'

Corian, voice puzzled and amused at the same time, shakes her head to Tarrant. "Van'chela, I am still not thirsty. Though perhaps I can impose upon you for a dance? Honalee would be most disappointed in me if I managed to make my way through the evening without a dance." At Aliana's question, however, she pauses.

Elasia gently tugs Niko back into the dance, although she keeps an eye on where he's headed, in hopes of steering him away from tails.

Niko is more than willing to be tugged back to the dance, especially by his fiancee. He's also more than willing to avoid tails. "Maybe," he suggests quietly, "We should sit out the fast ones."

Kyara brightens suddenly, pointing through the crowd toward Terrence. "Rol, did I tell you about that scientist I met, the one who's interested in the temple? He's here too."

Tarrant is obviously as loony as he professes to be, having not heard Corian's reply. Maybe he was watching Death again. He offers Aliana a grin, "But I'm neither Terran, nor a great thinker." His words are a quiet drawl. At Corian's comment he brightens however, offering another bow and finding someplace to stash the ox. "Heaven help us if Honalee were to be dissapointed."

Aliana offers Tarrant and Corian a bow, 'Enjoy your dance.'

Elasia nods to Niko's comment, smiling, "That sounds like a terrific idea, love. I don't want you overtired after all."

Tara glances around, looking for a smooth escape. Last thing she wants is to be left alone with Ali. A night digging out of a temple with Addison of all people is more appealing at the moment.

Aliana showered...Honest! Her gaze does move to Tara...and while her mouth is hidden by the beak, the amusement does fill her eyes.

Corian returns Aliana's bow. "Many thanks, I am most certain that we will." She starts for the dance floor with her usual grace, cloak practially floating behind her. "You are quite right, van'chela," she informs Tarrant. "Even heaven would not be able to help us."

Ryoshia can't help but to snicker as she steps into the dance. "Oh, I see."

Niko's brows waggle briefly. Gee, he almost looks like Terrence over there for a moment, perish the thought. "No, you don't," he murmurs to Ela, pulling her just a bit closer, though she's still far enough from him to satisfy the bounds of propriety.

Jay grins down at Ryo. "Me, I prefer strong passion from a woman, no matter the condition I'm in. In whatever she does, that is."

Tara shrugs, her expression a tad annoyed beneath the halo. "Evening, Aliana. You find something amusing, perhaps?"

"Nor hell for that matter," Tarrant moves to pace Corian to the dance floor, grinning. As it's reached, and the dance begun he attempts to match Corian's natural grace. With his limp it's a doomed effort, but what he lacks in grace he makes up with in flair. Years of experience are helpful as well.

Elasia's brows lift in response, beaming at being pulled closer, her tail is missed as well by another dancer as she tugs it close. "Thank you for bringing me this evening."

Aliana moves the beak to make talking easier,'Yeah...the fact that I am dressed up like a chicken...Your outfit, on the other hand is quite beautiful'

Corian seems to relax somewhat when she reaches the dance floor. "This is... quite entertaining," she murmurs, gray eyes shining with humor. "Are you enjoying yourself, van'chela?"

Tara blinks a few times. "Um... thanks." She looks quite confused. "Yours is more original," she returns grudgingly.

Niko kisses Ela's cheek, then muffles a laugh at the disgusted noises from a pair of young Sectassians. "Oh, wait til you grow up, kids," he says goodnaturedly. Turning back to Ela, he adds, "You're welcome, hon. I'm having fun, even with the tail-severing and all."

"I am dressed as a lumberjack, dancing with a tree, who also happens to be a very close friend, and I nearly just got mowed down by the Easter Bunny," Tarrant replies, his eyes glinting with amusement, "I am either having a great deal of fun, or the food in the vending machines is even more evil than usual. And yourself?"

Aliana laughs softly, "It was Islien's idea tho...so I can't claim any credit for it."

Terrence sidles away from a rather lovely woman, perhaps because her husband chose that moment to return, and heads for another section of the crowd. "Good evening, ladies," he offers, heading past Tara and Aliana.

Riley walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Riley has arrived.

Tara's mouth quirks. "Figures. She's a tad biased, I think." She gives Terrence a fleeting nod, automatically sizing him up.

Elasia stifles a laugh at the Sectassians, sticking her tongue out at them in a highly adult manner. "Tail-severing is unfortunate, yes."

Aliana smiles as she sees Terrence,'Good evening' Okay..the beak does hide her smile..but it is reflected in her eyes.

Briga eyewidens at Ela's comment and her tail moves into her hands almost protectively.

Clara walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Clara has arrived.

Corian chuckles very quietly at that, carefully tucking her cloak a bit closer--because of all the people, of course, not because of anything it might disguise. "I am enjoying myself -now-. I was not quite so much earlier, though I have to say that Jay's reaction was amusing."

Ryoshia twists around extra fast, just for Jay and gives his hand a squeeze. "You dance well for a man who's been beaten up.

Roland tilts his head. "What was that about tail severing," he asks of the two ladies around him.

Jay overhears Cori and sticks his tongue out at her as he whirls past with Ryo, but is immediately distracted by Ryo's... movements. "My dear, for you, I would excel in the Herculean tasks, much less dancing."

The Sectassians flee, jabbering about telling their mother. Eyes rolling once more, Niko mumbles something about kids. He doesn't notice Briga's widening eyes, fortunately, but instead continues with the dancing. "You really picked the right kind of costume hon," he decides, watching a decked-out lady struggle with her heels. He adds, maybe a bit wistfully, "Looks comfy."

Briga rumbles softly, "Not mine" She says solemnly.

Kya shakes her head, chuckling in amusement. "Nick stepped on one. A fake one, thankfully. Oooh, Riley and Clara're here." She gives the couple a cheerful wave.

Terrence pauses briefly to tilt his head at the dance floor thoughtfully, absently adjusting his mask upon seeing Niko and carefully turning his attention to Corian rather admiringly before resuming his lascivious survey.

Roland ohs and nods vaguely in Briga's direction. "Thank fully."

Riley re-enters with Clara, looking somewhat amused and much less startled at the crowding this time. He grins down at Clara, "Dance? Harass people? Any preferences, love?"

Ryoshia rolls her eyes. "Just you wait, Zuessy," she says wryly.

Briga turns to see Clara and Riley arrive...and miss Rolan's nod and words..thankfully.

"The costume is very lovely, Honalee has marvelous taste. However, considering your desire not to garner attention, perhaps it was not best chosen." Tarrant shifts carefully, so as to keep up with the dance, he's obviously quite accustomed to compensating for that leg. "Still, the required portion of the program is completed, you have been polite, and now may do as you will. Dancing's safe enough it seems."

Clara practically hurries in with Riley, occassionally casting the briefly puzzled looks over one shoulder, then forces herself to relax and lean into the taller be=penguined man. Grinning broadly at various greetings, she sighs with relief. "Either is fine. Maybe a dance, first, then torture?"

Tara nudges Ali with her elbow, nodding toward Terrence with an amused expression. She mutters to Aliana, "... one to watch..."

Aliana glances at Terrence..moving the beak out of the way, She mutters to Tara, "... Why..."

Elasia nods cheerfully, "It's certainly cosy enough. The sweatshirt especially." She eyes the armor, "Yours however looks a bit less comfortable. Would you rather escape the dance floor?" She doesn't look dissapointed at the prospect, she got to dance, she's happy.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay beams at Ryo. "Is that a promise?"

Corian catches Terrence's admiring look, and quite firmly turns her attention to her partner, with a fractional shake of her head. "Honalee wished for me to garner attention," she says, voice touched with wry amusement. "I suppose I can put up with it this one evening, for her, but, yes, I am most glad to have completed her instructions."

Riley offers Clara his arm to lead her to the dance floor, grinning. "Sounds like a plan of attack." He looks distinctly pleased.

Roland grins coyly, eyes shining behind the mask. "Maybe," she says slowly and moves in a bit closer to avoid being bowled over by a bit more excited pair.

Tara keeps her voice low. "Wanna make a bet on who he'll hit on first?"

Niko nods, after a moment. "If you wouldn't mind, hon? There's so much to think about, between my feet, and various tails and tentacles and other fake body parts, and it's kind of awkward in this evil getup. I don't think I'll be a knight any more. The armor's just obnoxious."

Aliana thinks for a moment, then points to a rather fully haired blond...beautiful,'Her' Ali descides.

Elasia finds a place to exit the dance gracefully, careful of her own tail. "I think you're still a knight, with or without the armor, hon."

Tara hmmms, considering that particular possible target. "Maybe. What about..." She nods toward Cori. "God, I want that dress."

Terrence's glance glides away from the tree and lumberjack pair to fall on the saloon girl. No, he doesn't whistle. Bad idea when she's got a partner that big. Okay...hmm. Angel. He bows low, oblivious to any possible lightening. "Pleasant evening, no?"

Aliana hmmms softly,'Considering the fact that Corian is currently wearing it...I don't think you will get it'

Isis walks here from the Aerie Hotel Lobby.

Isis has arrived.

Isis says, "okay. i give. what's going on?"

Tara smirks. "I'd pay to see her out of it." Eyebrows rise at Terrence's greeting. So much for that bet. She offers a polite smile. "So far, it has indeed."

Tarrant can't quite help but grin, "It certainly garnered attention, yes. It's quite striking. One evening is not such a terrible thing, certainly. Especially when there are so many people to make fun of."

Niko raps lightly on his armor, with a soft clang. "If I can still be a knight without the armor, maybe I'll keep up with it." One bemetalled arm sliding around Elasia, he heads back to where he was standing before. Incidentally, that's not all -that- far from Aliana and Tara.

Isis says, "what is going on? i heard noises, so i decided to come on in"

Someone asks Isis, "Do you have an invitation?"

Clara allows herself to be led, catching up the edge of her skirt in preparation. No, she's not going to can-can, but waltzing is far safer. "I think the rest of Copper Hill showed up while we were gone," she notes, amused.

People are dancing, drinking, chatting, and enjoying themselves. There's music. It's obvicously a festive event.

Aliana smiles as she sees Ela and Niko...eyes widening in appreciation of their costumes. Beak is again lifts so she can talk. "Niko...You look wonderful."

Elasia looks content to be be-armed, looking amused. "You're a knight without help. It's the attitude."

Corian, spotting Clara and Riley, offers them a nod--she can't smile with the mask on, see. Turning back to Tarrant, she nods her agreement ot that, eyes shining. "It is most entertaining, yes--though I feared I would injure myself when you commented on my poor cousin."

Terrence adds a charming, if anonymous smile at Aliana as well, crossing his arms cheerfully. "So far? Ah, but certainly ladies of your caliber should be having an evening beyond dr-..." He pauses at seeing Niko and Elasia so close, then smoothly continues. "Dreams."

Riley slides into the pattern of the dance, waltzing he can do. "I would have to agree." There's a grin, "Still, we know all these people pretty much, I just keep reminding myself of that."

Isis walks in the door, her platform heels tapping on the floor.

Aliana doesn't seem to notice the pause,'It truly is a night beyond dreams.'

Ryoshia grins coyly, eyes shining behind the mask. "Maybe," she says slowly and moves in a bit closer to avoid being bowled over by a bit more excited pair.

Tara chuckles. "I think you need a refresher course in judging caliber. Mine, at least. And I suppose you can supply such an evening, sir?"

Niko offers a grin to Aliana. "Thanks. Hey, a chicken, that looks great. Fun costume. It looks lots more comfortable than this." He raps the armor once more, flashing a grin to Ela. He pauses upon hearing a particular voice. Hey. He's got metal. He's got gauntlets. He's got a sword--okay, so it's made of foam rubber, but it's still a sword.

Isis walks over to Niko, and taps on the armor to see if it's metal or plastic.

Tarrant's expression brightens at that, half nodding by lieu of a bow under the circumstances. "Hey, it's my job after all, to make the distressing comments. Although the point is that you are to wish to injure me, not cause yourself pain."

Isis says, "cool."

Niko peers at Isis. "Hi, yeah, please don't do that. It's a rental."

Isis says, "whoops."

Isis picks up a feather that fell off of her, and brushes her fingerprints off of the armor.

Terrence has a whip? Besides, he's incognito. Everything's safe. "Me? Ah, I could only but offer my humble hand to a lady such as yourself. To dream, perchance to dance," he adds warmly.

Aliana grins at Niko before turning to Ela with a slight bow of her head,'Islien sends her compliments on the costume..she is truly honoured.'

Elasia notes the pause, glancing up with some confusion, looking for the point of difficulty. The woman poking at Niko gets an askance look.

Isis says, "hey, sorry. didn't mean to bug ya."

Elasia brightens however at Aliana, "I'm glad she approves, I looked for red, but I couldn't find the material."

Isis scurries off towards a corner.

Niko leans closer to say something quietly to Elasia.

Aliana nods her head, the beak flopping creating a rather silly look. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

"And you look like a penguin," Clara replies dutifully, composure regained with a faint smile. "And we do know everyone here, and I had no idea," she adds, voice dropping and eyes lighting after a brief grin over at Corian and Tarrant. "This is nice."

Isis sighs, and watches the couples on the dance floor with a slightly faraway look in her eyes.

Niko says "Terrence is here--I didn't see him not really looking but I heard him I think. Maybe we should get out of here hm?" in Hellenic.

Tara ahs softly. "I haven't danced in quite a long time." It is a wistful glance she sends toward the dance floor.

"No idea?" Riley echoes by way of question, waltzing smoothly. That Edreeni heritage is good for something it turns out. "It is nice. Vastly silly, and wonderfully nice.":

Isis takes a glass of some green punch, takes a small swig, swishes it around in her mouth, and swallows it.

Elasia ahhs quietly, nodding and gesturing towards the exit. "Shall we then?"

Isis sighs, and sits down in a chair near the dance floor.

Terrence starts to slide in another even more sappy compliment, then hesitates at the comment in Hellenic and peers over somewhat sadly at its direction and offers a comment in the same language.

Corian shakes her head to Tarrant at that, with a quiet chuckle. Like Riley, she's demonstrating the joys of Edreeni heritage, as she's grace personified, except that grace usually isn't leafy. "I am unlikely to wish injury upon you, van'chela."

Isis mumbles something in a language that noone has ever heard of.

Tara arches an eyebrow, her gaze following Terrence's. Not that that's very enlightening- it's just Niko, after all.

Terrence says "You don't have to go lad. I thought that might be you...a good evening to you both." in Hellenic.

Isis downs the rest of her punch, and makes her way to the dance floor.

"Then you would likely be the first," Tarrant notes with an amused chuckle, "Who has known me long without at least wishing to smack me once or twice. It's in my script after all."

Niko starts to nod to Elasia, arm still around her, though he pauses at the comment from Terrence. "Good evening." Ooh, wow, did he actually make icicles form in the air? He's certainly trying. "Ela, this is Terrence Veruzac. Terrence, my fiancee, Elasia Iakovu." And there's something about his tone that suggests that only self-control is keeping him from adding, 'so stay away from her'.

"Never mind," Clara replies, stealing one arm back to push a wayward curl from one eye. Obviously she had training along the way somewhere too. Not a real surprise. "Have you seen Kathlyn yet? Did she say if she'd be here?"

Aliana may not understand Hellenic...but it does not take a meterologist to feel a drop in the tempature. Beak hides most of her face as her eyes darts between the three.

Elasia's brows lift, and her tone is cordial, but frosty as well. "Ah, I've heard so much about you sir."

Corian shakes her head at that. "Tarrant, I can hardly be the only one. Why, there's..." She pauses. No, most of those people, she's actually -seen- hit Tarrant. "Someone," she decides. "Of course, there must be. I will think of one later."

Riley's shoulders lift slightly in a shrug at Clara's never mind, grinning. He's in too good a mood at this exact moment to worry over it. "Kath? She and Shan are around here somewhere. They passed through earlier, want me to radio one of them?"

Terrence offers Tara and Aliana each apologetic smiles, then actually clicks his heels as he inclines his shoulders in a polite bow at Elasia. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Iakovu." At her comment, his lips quirk. "I was afraid of that. Well. I'll not make any efforts to create liquid nitrogen. Please excuse me," he offers satirically, then turns and heads off in stalk of new feminine prey.

Tara gives Niko a questioning look that's a bit annoyed. "Okay, what was all that about?"

Elasia got a heel-click. She's special. She doesn't look thrilled however, still just simply polite.

Niko shakes his head, with a creak or two. "Nothing important," he says flatly. "Nothing at all, matter of fact. Doesn't even matter." Maybe he intends for Terrence to hear that. It's pitched so that the overhearing would be conceivable, though not inevitable, in the crowd.

Briga pads over to food tables..considering the offering rather critically, her tail lashing from side to side.

Tara throws her hands up in exasperation. "In that case, handsome, you owe me a dance."

Clara's laugh rings out happily as she shakes her head. "No, silly. Do you mean to tell me you've still got your...never mind. Of course you do. Leave those two alone, you bad ol' man." The orchestra flashes by for a moment, getting a quick peek.

Aliana watches after Terrence thoughtfully, hand moving to tap her lip thoughtfully..but simply tapping the end of her beak. Eyes cross as she looks at her finger...oops.

Tarrant just grins, at that, carefully following the dance's pattern. With anyone else he would seem a good dancer, but Corian's grace makes him once again a mere pretender to the art. "I am afraid you'll come up short. It's a common occurance, although people seem good natured about the fact they need to beat me."

Terrence is already off and laughing almost over-contentedly with a rather middle-aged brunette, once again only to melt away as this woman's husband interferes as well. What -is- it with husbands tonight? Sheesh.

Roland moves his head about, catching sounds, then moves back to where Kyara last was. "How about we find a seat somewhere? Maybe a drink. I think I got enough hand cordination to reach my mouth with a glass."

Niko shakes his head once more. "Sorry, Valentine. I'll go away. Maybe he'll come back, though it'd be better for you both if he didn't. He's bad news."

Riley looks decidedly sheepish, "The only time in seven years I've taken the thing out were the two times you've made me do so, love. It's habit." He nods amiably, "I will leave them alone, they seemed to be having a great deal of fun."

Isis walks over to the man in black, with an odd loon on her face. She keeps running a finger down each scar on her face.

Morrigan has connected.

Tara's mouth quirks. "Then we should mesh nicely, no?" Yes, she's annoyed and being snide.

Jay melts. "Ryo, my dear, even a maybe from you is music to my ears."

Elasia just shifts closer to Niko, maybe Terrence was giving off ick waves or something, she seems unthrilled.

Ryoshia shakes her head. "More dancing, less prose," she teases and moves again to avoid another wild pair. "People are frisky tonight," she notes.

Aliana lowers her tone as she does spot Terrence,'He seems to be unoccupied now...perhaps you could catch him?

Corian laughs quietly at that, still moving to the cadences of the dance. "Ah, not the first time I have been termed short, I am afraid. I suppose I am able to cope. And it is kind of them to be at least merry about the beatings. That must make it more entertaining."

Niko rolls his eyes. "Valentine, let's put it this way. I'm warning you about him. That should answer your question." Turning to Elasia, he summons a smile from somewhere. "Ready to go, hon?"

Morrigan pauses at the doorway as she returns, dark eyes sparking in her excitment.

"And one of those, you weren't awake to tell me no," Clara agrees rather irrepresibly, then peeks up past another pair before breaking into a smile. "Riley, look. It's Jones and his wife. I did tell you they'd gotten married, didn't I?" Most appropriately, Jones is an overlarge teddy bear, and is dancing with a rather small woman dressed as Tinkerbell.

Jay grins, moving fairly smoothly along with Ryo. "Hon, you don't know the meaning of frisky. I'll be happy to teach you thou..." He trails off, and suddenly gives Ryo's hand a tug, trying to lead her toward the doorway. "There she is."

Aliana turns back to Niko and Ela as she moves her beak aside,'It was a pleasure meeting you...and enjoy the rest of the night...both of you'

Tarrant seems to consider that a moment and then nods agreeably acquiesence, "Somewhat more so usually. And there is usually that I have done something to deserve it after all, made some remark, pointed out some helpful thing, so usually I cannot blame them."

Ryoshia raises an eyebrow then tries to peer over his shoulder (fat chance.)

Elasia nods to the question, stepping to allow Niko to lead the way, her hand in his.

Tara gives Niko a frosty look, along with a single one, and a biggie fries one. "Hmmm. You've got a point there, Ali."

Terrence notices the doorway, too though, and brightens as much as a man in a mask can, heading forwards. "Ah, the musician returns to eclipse the music of the hall. Welcome back, my dear."

Corian inquires innocently, "But if you were being helpful, van'chela, shouldn't they have welcomed your assistance?"

Jay sees Terrence coming, and growls. He remembers /that/ guy, and moves a bit faster, so as to get to Mori first, hopefully.

Morrigan brightens considerably at the greetings, as if taken by suprise.

Niko likes frosties, so it is unfortunate that he misses the frosty look. Fries are good, too. Hand in hand with Ela, he heads in the direction of the exit, careful to avoid Terrence. He'd like to warn Morrigan, really, he would, but he'd rather leave.

Riley looks in the indicated direction, stifling a pleased laugh. "I am not sure if I ever will manage to look half of these people in the eyes again after this evening. It's like Disney decided to sponsor an evening at the Complex." He shakes his head, "I do not recall mention of it. They look happy."


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