A Ball Rolls Uphill (Fringe)

[Not Ordo]

[member="Phedre Parenthis"] [member="Kitt Solo"] [member="Alen Na'Varro"]

Gavin smiled again as she accused him of being a silver tonged devil. He couldn't resist the truth of the words.

"Guilty" he said, "but on this one it's true."

He watched those sea-green eyes, those soft features, slender neck. Had he been more guarded or simply trying to play games like he did most times, he would have tried to flatter her and ask her to leave with him, but for once he was enjoying the company and couldn't think of something he'd rather be doing. They turned and danced his feet light on the floor and miraculously not on the lovely woman's toes. She promised a dance any time and a proper kiss for another song. Now he didn't know what she meant by proper, but she did and he wasn't going to fight that promise off.

"Name the songs Phedre and I’ll sing for you all night." he said with another actual smile.

 

[Aran Finn]

Several stupid jokes passed through Alen's mind. All of them would end badly. Na'Varro hadn't stayed alive so long by being a fool, so instead he matched [member="Kitt Solo"]'s grin with a matching one of his own.

"Sorry princess, guess it slipped my mind.." Na'Varro pulled the straightest face he could possibly pull under the circumstances. As they continued their slow waltz, it was his turn to notice Gavin again with Phedre. Niiiiiiice. The Arbiter made a beeline for the two of them. Pulling up next to them, he gave Parenthis a quick hug and clapped Jared's cousin on the back.

"Gavin Ovmar, just the man I was looking for." He grinned. "I was just at Vortusa, by the way. Cloning world ... a bit bland but it could shape up nicely if someone pulls their finger out and tidies it up somewhat. Anyway, the place needs a new King or something, and due to your exemplary service and bravery in the face of danger, the High Council has seen fit to appoint you Governor. Or King, or whatever."

His smile turned to Phedre for a brief second, before snapping back to Gavin. He'd felt like embellishing Kitt's student's credentials somewhat ... only because the Arbiter thought he was a funny guy.

"Congratulations, your Majesty." He bowed formally. "Also, I forgot to thank you for saving my life on Lipsec. Myself and Solo are in your debt. Any time you need something, you come to me. Ovmar, Parenthis."

Okay, that had never happened, but Phedre wouldn't know that. Na'Varro made his excuses, and continued his dance with Kitt. There would be a few more dances by the end of the night, and a few more beers ... the bearded man aimed to enjoy himself.

[member="Gavin Ovmar"] [member="Phedre Parenthis"]

 

[Kassandra Distorith]

Before she had a chance to reply to Gavin, [member="Alen Na'Varro"] waltzed himself and [member="Kitt Solo"] right on over. She hugged him back and smiled at Kitt, wishing she knew the woman well enough to greet her properly. But it seemed that Alen had other ideas, or at least his tongue did, as it wandered off on a couple of tangents.

If it was possible to loft a blond brow high enough to launch it completely off of her forehead, then she would have done it at that point. Clearly, the boss-man had been drinking, and Phedre wondered just how much he'd had...and wondered how much of what he'd said to believe. A good man, if a little odd....she shook her head and simply smiled.

She inclined her head politely as he waltzed Kitt away again, and turned a soft, warm smile to Gavin. "So...your Majesty..." she said softly, sliding a bit closer to him than necessary for the dance. "...feel like singing for me?" Phe tilted her head forward and whispered her request in his ear.

Spoiler

[member="Gavin Ovmar"]
[youtube]http://youtu.be/50U4Sm2KkVY[/youtube]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien quickly desired that the queen was incapacitated and returned to the bar to get another glass of wine. Things were so much more interesting when he had a fiance

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Phedre Parenthis"] [member="Alen Na'Varro"] [member="Anders Sivas"] [member="Jared Ovmar"] [member="Mikhail Shorn"] [member="Lucien Cordel"]

The mostly drunk Man that was Gavin gave Phe a kiss on the cheek and moved to the bar to get his Instrument. He walked back up on the stage and handed the band leader a high denomination credit chip, he was a king governor, guy now it seemed so evidently he could afford it. He walked to the microphone and waited for the previous song to end.

"So." he said into the mic "This gorgeous woman said if I keep singing she would over look my relatives and dance with me some more."

He turned away from the mic and laughed then pulled a high stool over and sat down in front of the mic.

"If you're here with someone hold then close. Mikhail, no biting, and enjoy, but this songs for [member="Phedre Parenthis"]."

Spoiler

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EkgO5YLDANg[/media]

" A thousand times I’ve seen you standing
Gravity like a lunar landing
Make me want to run till I find you
I shut the world away from here
Drift to you, you’re all I hear
Everything we know fades to black

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending

I never thought that I had anymore to give
Pushing me so far
Here I am without you
Drink to all that we have lost
Mistakes we have made
Everything will change
But love remains the same

Find the place where we escape
Take you with me for a space
The city buzz, sounds just like a fridge
I walk the streets through seven bars
I had to find just where you are
The faces seems to blur, they’re all the same

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending

I never thought that I had anymore to give
Pushing me so far
Here I am without you
Drink to all that we have lost
Mistakes we have made
Everything will change
But love remains the same

So much more to say
So much to be done
Don’t you trick me out
We shall overcome
So all have stayed in place
We should have had the sun
Could have been inside
Instead we’re over here

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending
Too much time, too long defending
You and I are done pretending

I never thought that I had anymore to give
Pushing me so far
Here I am without you
Drink to all that we have lost
Mistakes we have made
Everything will change
Everything will change

I, oh I, I
wish this could last forever
I, oh I, I
As if we could last forever

Love remains the same, Phe. Love remains the same"

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

The wander revealed little else beyond what she had already been able to see from when she first arrived, and the glass of Whyren's was dwindling. All in all it was simply better to be in close proximity to the source of all libations for this event if she was utterly in lack of another person to trade words with. Watching pairs, couple or not, wind around the floor brought some small smile of fondness to her face, and she swayed for a moment or two to the rhythms of movement, before meandering her way back to the bar for a refill or perhaps something different altogether. Yes - sticking to the whisky would risk embarrassment for the eventual effects, and be a danger to her personal safety. Not that she doubted this event was plenty secure... but it was not their problem to look after her well being, as far as she was concerned.

Returning to the bar, she handed over the now-empty glass as [member="Gavin Ovmar"] started up singing and looked down the bar, seeing [member="Lucien Cordel"], and with him, a glass of wine in hand. She looked back to the bartender.

"At the risk of sounding like I'm playing some sort of game," she started, glancing again at the blonde of the opposite gender, "I will have the same as the handsome gentleman to my right."

At that, the bartender chuckled, she smiled, and he went to fulfill her request. The song went on, a song she did not know, a song far from her preference... but it could have been worse. Always.

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien turned to the lady on his left, she had just complimented him. It had been too long since he last spoke to a stranger. Lucien glanced over [member="Selinica Miriya Cailis"] she had impeccable taste that was certain. He blushed a little nothing too noticeable and replied "I thank you for the compliment but I must admit mine own charm pales before your own beauty". Lucien was glad to see his social skill had yet to rust ... Or at least in his opinion they hadn't.

Lucien did feel obliged to repay the lady's kindness and she seemed like a fine person to build relations with. He couldn't pay for her drink this being a free bar. Lucien himself had a better idea he turned to this farther flattering lady he had just met and extended his hand " may I have this dance?" He asked with an easy politeness.

 

[Darien Cordel]

Darien walked in late. He had no real idea why he was here he knew nobody and had no friends to speak of. But his farther was here and Darien hoped deal down he might be able to spend time with him.

In an effort to avoid the risk of incuring his father's disappointment had instructed his farthers own valet to select him the appropriate attire. He was therfore attired in a suit wich met all of the extensive criteria for correct white tie apparal right down to his shirt studs. Darien failed to see the need for such extensive rules. It was as if rich people wanted to embarrass and degrade the "normal" people ... Oh wait.

Darien spotted his father by the bar and for a brief moment his heart kept before the sickening feeling set in and Darien noticed that his farther was as always otherwise engaged. Darien could only hope his opertunity would come later. In the mean time Darien wanted a drink a strong one. He aproched the bar "Whisky on the rocks" he said as ever remaining aloof and attempting to radiate arrogance. The barman looked him over "ID Kid" he replied no underage kid was gonna get drunk on his watch. Darien sighed and placed his right hand on the bartop "I'm lord cordels son" he indicated the ring he wore engraved with Lucien's adopted crest. The barman nodded "right away ... My lord"

 

[Kassandra Distorith]

[member="Gavin Ovmar"]

She remained where she was, fingertips rising to brush her cheek where he'd kissed her. A soft, warm smile curled her lips as her delightfully marinated mind floated away on the Whyren's flowing through her veins. Phedre would have been concerned at her behavior had she been sober enough, but really, what was there to be concerned about?

Even if nothing came of it, she would enjoy the evening for what it was. That's all there was to it.

Sea green eyes focused on Gavin as he began the song, fingers folding together at her waist. She remained standing in the middle of the dance floor, completely oblivious to the few couples dancing around her. Phe's eyes lit with warmth as she softly sang along to the lyrics...it was another one of her favorite songs, and she knew every word of it.

It sounded even better, in her estimation, when it was being sung for her.

The warmth in Phedre's gaze cascaded onto her cheeks, a blush that made her tear her gaze away from his as he concluded, her name falling from his lips. That..was unexpected...and wonderful...and...

She held out her hands as he approached her, taking his hands in hers and wrapping them around her waist. Fingers gently cupped his face as she kissed him quite soundly, tilting her head back after some few lost moments. "Dance with me now?" she asked softly, the orchestra beginning once more as a soloist took up the quetarra to continue the music.

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

The bartender returned with a different glass, with a fresh pour of the wine the other gentleman at the bar had been drinking, and she accepted it gladly, giving the liquid a delicate sniff before tipping the glass lightly to give it a taste. The wine provoked a small, thoughtful smile on her face when she swallowed. It was starkly different from the whisky, nothing she had not tasted before, but it was a good taste.

"I thank you for the compliment but I must admit mine own charm pales before your own beauty".

She lowered the glass from her mouth and glanced sidelong at him, before turning her face entirely to this man, her smile and expression shifting from thoughtful to pleasant, a light blush rising from it to colour her cheeks. She blinked, and lifted the glass again to her mouth, taking in a slightly larger amount than before. Savouring the wine against her tongue, she studied his face. Young, but not too much so, as she was, and clear, well cared for. The manner of his dressed denoted one that took care in his appearance, and marked him as one that reminded her of many facets of the life she had left behind. A life, it seems, that could not let her go... and if she was honest with herself, the matter was one that held a considerable amount of regret. Had all this, after all, been worth it for what it had cost? But that was not the matter at hand.

Speaking of hands...

"May I have this dance?"

...she swallowed, and considered his query. It had been some time since she had danced with anyone without ulterior motives in the act, and it might be nice to truly enjoy herself for once. The decision made, she tipped her head gently and affirmatively to him, setting the nearly-empty glass aside on the bartop, and placing her hand in his.

"You may... if I might have your name in return?"

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien smiled as the lady nodded subtly affirming to his reqeust . he drank the last of his own glass as she put her hand in his. It was warm and soft, it had been to long since he last danced with a lady the touch had become somewhat foreign to him.

Like all things that were worth having this dance came at a cost. Luckily the cost was only a small one. Lucien turned to the lady "Lucien Cordel" they reached the space devoted to dancing. As they began Lucien smiled "Now quid pro quo, what's your name?"

Though it had been a long time in Lucien's head slow dancing still came easy, requiring very little concentration. There were a number of others dancing alongside the pair ... Lucien wondered how many were wearing rented clothes in order to dress above their station.

[member="Selinica Miriya Cailis"]

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

With a well-practised ease, she followed his lead onto the floor, and in the dancing. Had she a mirror at her disposal, the thought going through her mind would easily be that they were likely the best-looking pair amongst those moving along in the dance. However, with the lack of a decent mirror, she too was left only with the view of what others were wearing, the quality of their movements, and the fleeting, largely disinterested curiosity at the contents of their discourse. Her own thoughts were none too dissimilar from those of her dancing partner - owning to upbringing, and it left her wondering where this '[member="Lucien Cordel"]' had come from in this life. She could make an educated guess, but that would be hefty parts assumption.

"Selinica Cailis," she replied, showing a modest smile, pulling her eyes from the other dancers to a brief glance at his face, "Selinica Miriya, that is."

Then those blue eyes went back to observing their surroundings.

"Now that we have exchanged names... what is it that I may call you? I would imagine I'm not the only one that is aware of the difference."

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien smiled he knew the difference, it was nice to be among another who did "That all depends most people address me as Lord Cordel but you can call me lord Lucien ... Unless you want to say bugger to formality and in that case just Lucien will suffice " he smiled he hasn't had this much fun since Meret left "Now Lady [member="Selinica Miriya Cailis"] what brought you too the fringe?"

Lucien had almost forgot how to engage in small talk. He just hoped it didn't show that would be terribly embarrassing.

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

Say 'bugger' to formality... oh, that brought much more of a smile to her face. Most she had known, no matter where she went (home or otherwise) were insistent on the formalities, and very disapproving of stepping outside those bounds. Already, this was one of the more comfortable conversations she'd had, in the many dances throughout her life thus far. It was, she supposed, because this gathering was just that - a gathering. No other reason to be here other than to celebrate, and socialize. How long had it been?

"Well, Lord Cordel...", she said, looking at him, "...Lucien, to answer your question, I sought a change of pace."

And that was the truth, reduced to its simplest form.

"And you? What is your place in the workings of this entity, this 'Fringe Confederation'?"

[member="Lucien Cordel"]