Zeon ~

My palms are sweaty as I run my hand shakily through my neatly combed hair. Today is the day when I see Arwen again... it's almost too much! Quill is beside me as we wait for the doors to open, yet I know she doesn't want to be here. Ashlee dazes off at the dazzling ceiling, humming a TTT song in her head.

"You look nervous," Quill says suddenly.

"Uhh... a bit, yeah," I say.

She opens her mouth to speak right as the doors are swung open. The crowd pushes us in, her voice lost in jumbling voices. It isn't long before I see Arwen, looking beautiful in her outfit. I run up and embrace her, feeling tears of joy rush down my face.

"Arwen my love, I am here at last!" I cry into her hair.

She smells great today, like the ocean breeze and huckleberries. I smile at the thought, enjoying the whispers of "Arweon" (love that name, by the way, Leafpool! Can't believe we didn't think of it before xD).

We walk into the ballroom, faces beaming, as the music begins to play. Oh, Arwen will love the surprise I have for her. Just to find the right time...

~~~~~

Quill ~

Dashing, this place, yet it still is missing something so fundamental. So... much. I turn away from every face, even familiar friends seem like reminiscent echoes to me. They must know by now. My past. I shut my eyes, teeth clenched, as the doors open. Automatically, Arwen and Zeon are embracing. They are so fortunate, having been together for over a year!

Ashlee wanders off in some aimless direction, with the intent of meeting up with her nerdy CBer friends. I wonder if there is a library nearby? I slip into a shadowed hallway and wander away from the party, glad to have avoided any contact.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlee ~

We enter the room and I am already bursting with excitement.

"Listen to this: how does Arweon sound?" Leafpool whispers beside me.

I turn to her and grin, nodding. "Perfect." 

Sure, I am busy, but this is a good break. So many memories and Zeon seems so happy to be with his constant love, Arwen. Yet Quill... I can feel her sorrow, but it bewilders me. What is wrong? I turn to talk to my beloved AE but find she has slipped away.

Time to socialize, I suppose. Goodness, never been good at this part. 

----------------

I will have to do more later, the beginning of RPs are always tricky. xD

As for "Zeon's surprise", well, it's a surprise obviously! 

Since we didn't really get to go to the last CB party, would you care to go with me to this one?

Cockleburr~

"Do you think Jammira's going to be there?" Counter asks, fiddling with his Eye of Agamotto clasp.

"I don't think so. Haven't seen her or Embers in the Ashes for a while," I reply. He glances away.

"Ah, ok. I was wondering." I grin and adjust my epic blue trench coat. I'm trying to focus on the excitement, not the nervousness I always feel before this type of thing. I love my costume, I know everyone there.

We walk in just in time to see Zeon rush up to Arwen. They're sweet, the two of them. I scan the room uncomfortably, trying to find someone who looks like they're willing to talk. But I don't like starting conversations very much. I decide to get some food first, and wander over to the snack table, tucking my wand behind my ear. Just as I pop a cream puff into my mouth, I hear someone say, 

"Nice outfit, Cockleburr!" I turn, attempting to swallow as quickly as possible. Doesn't it always happen like this?

_______________________________

Counter~

I look around, and realize I don't know anyone. I've hardly gotten to know any AEs, except Jammira, of course, and here I am at a party. And Roselyn. I knew her, but she's returned to Hawaii. I start to tell Cockleburr, but she's gone. I spot her next to the food, talking to Brooklyn Newsie. Alright, then.

It's too loud in here. The music's too loud and the flashing lights are too bright. I dart for a secluded corner, where the music is slightly muffled. But it's not enough, I just need to get out of here! I head for the door, swiping a napkin and a pile of cookies on my way. Then I'm outside, and all that's left is to run. Which I do, racing down the dim hallway as though my life depends on it. I enjoy the feeling of my cape fluttering behind me, until suddenly I slow. I don't actually know the way out. Better find a room to hole up in until I feel like coming back to the party. I quietly open a random door and slip inside. There's a sofa and a few chairs in here, more for looks than comfort, but I don't really mind at this point. Anything works. Better yet, there are bookshelves placed asthetically around the room. Most of the books look old, or for research only, but I'm sure I'll find something. Then I hear a quiet noise, and stifle a scream as someone emerges from behind the sofa. 

"Quill? Oh... I didn't realize you were here! Um, sorry... I'll leave..." I can feel my face heat. This is awkward.

Nymph, do you want to start now, or wait for Devin? 

Can you ask Leeli? I don't really know what to do.

Okay. Leeli, do you and yours want to go first, or should Nymph and I? 

Yay, finally we can post!

No thanks to you.

Jarnen--!

~~

Jarnen~ 

I watch anxiously as Pepper Star, Cilantro, LilyCat, and Tahki enter the room. Tahki looks amazing, in her weeping angel costume. I self-consciously run my fingers through my hair.

All of a sudden, she's standing next to me with a strange expression on her face. Then she blushes and stammers, "H-hi! Sorry I'm late. Um, do you want to dance or something?" 

I take her arm. "Sure. You look great." Why can't I think of eloquent words, at the very moment that I need them?

I steer her through the growing crowd, grinning at Zeon as we pass him and Arwen, who are holding hands. Ahh, those two.

Tahki and I step out onto the dance floor, and suddenly all thoughts of pranking the party with my watermelon gun--which I stowed away in one of the deep inner pockets of my trench coat--vanish. All I can think of is how beautiful Tahki is.

We begin to dance, and slowly other Æs pair off and come join us.

~~

Arwen~

Æs are beginning to move off into the middle of the floor to dance, while their CBers stay on the edges of the room to chat. I smile up at Zeon. "Shall we?"

We walk out onto the dance floor and start dancing. Everyone else is just a blur around us, I only have eyes for Zeon.

"It's funny, you know," I say slowly.

"When Leafpool decided that I was going to have a crush on you, I was kind of mad. I mean, who was she to dictate my love life? But then I saw you and...well, here we are, aren't we? Finally we're getting to dance together again. I love you so much."

Zeon smiles. "I love you too."

~~

That's all for now because my mom's telling me to get off the computer. Oh well. 

Okay! RP. How do I do this...

Just as I finish putting the last touches on Nymph's costume, the doorbell rings.

"Hey, Nymph, what do you want to bet that's Devin?" I grin.

"Not betting. Let's just go," she grumbles, stalking off to answer the door. I skip after her, giggling.

Nymph gets to the door first, opens it. It is Devin, so I won the nonexistent bet. Nymph practically lights up when she sees him. She probably could light up, but I don't think Zelda is phosphorescent.

"Hi," Nymph says.

"You look beautiful," Devin answers. Nymph blushes.

"Hi!" I interrupt, waving over Nymph's shoulder. 

"Hi," Devin echoes, then turns back to Nymph. "I brought the limo. Alfred's driving."

"Alfred? Like Batman's butler?" I gush. Nymph rolls her eyes.

"Okay, okay, I'll let you two lovebirds ride together alone," I laugh. Both of said lovebirds redden. I grab my bag, duck past Nymph, wave at both her and Devin and the limo, and call my Post-its to whisk me away. 

The paper cloud drops me off at the address, and I thank it and send it off. Inside, the party's already started. Music, people, the works. Looks like Devin and Nymph will be arriving fashionably late.

I don't really dance, so I find my way to the far corner and just sort of stand there, my exuberance draining away. I'm not good at parties, and I'm here alone. I don't know what to do, and I don't know many of the people here. I look around and spot Arwen in the crowd--I know her from a description on a picturing thread--dancing with who I assume is Zeon. 

"I ship it," I whisper to no one, the feeling restoring a bit of my confidence. I glance around the room some more, and oh, that stage looks heavenly. I leave my bag in the corner and summon a giant Post-it to cover it, then start walking towards the fabulous sculpture of dreams. It's a really fancy stage. Actually, the whole ballroom is really fancy.

The music, disorientingly, is the same volume next to the stage as it is everywhere else in the room; loud enough to hear, but quiet enough to talk over. They must have either some sort of sound magic or a really good acoustic setup.

I notice steps going up to where the DJ is, but steps and stairs aren't nearly as fun as climbing. So I climb the beautiful, swirling designs a few feet up to the stage and sit with my legs dangling. Anyone could see me, but nobody's looking. I think belatedly to bring my sketchbook. I have a good view of the room, though, so I sit looking at it, feeling lofty and swaying to the music. 

I watch Nymph and Devin come in. Nymph sees me, but doesn't say anything. I decide I'm done here and hop down. I haven't thought about where to go next, so I wander back to my bag and pull out my phone, look up the name Alfred. Elf counsel, huh? I wonder if Alfred's an elf. I wonder if he gives advice.

Nymph~

Viola? is finishing my costume when the doorbell rings.

"Ooh, I'll bet you that's Devin," she smirks.

"No bet. Come on, let's go," I say, striding off to get it.

I open the door, and sure enough, Devin is standing there. I see his Link costume and remember that Zelda, who Viola? insisted I dress as, is Link's significant other.  

"Hi," I say.

"You look beautiful," Devin replies. I feel heat rise to my cheeks.

"Hi!" Viola? calls from behind me.

"Hi," Devin says. I hope Viola? doesn't embarrass me. Or him.

"I brought the limo," Devin tells me. "Alfred's driving."

"Alfred? Like Batman's butler?" Viola asks. There goes hope.

"Okay, okay, I'll leave you lovebirds together alone," Viola? bubbles. She slips out past me, waves, and flies off in a whirlwind of sticky notes. 

"Sorry about her," I say to Devin.

"It's okay." Thank gods. 

"So..."

"Right."

I take his proffered hand, and we walk to the limo. It's big. It's really big. And loud. And it smells, of leather and of something I don't like. But I have to get in it. Devin opens the door. I can't move.

"Is something wrong?" Devin asks. He looks anxious.

"Oh, um. I don't... No. It's nothing." 

"Oh. Okay," he says, relaxing a bit. I smile, take a breath like it's my last, and get in the limousine.

It's weird and maybe a little harder than I had anticipated, but I make it inside. It's unnervingly like being in the belly of some huge, growling beast. I try not to let my tension show. Devin shows me around, although it's mostly a blur. I hope I'm interacting okay. 

The limo begins to move forward, and I nearly fall over. I feel clumsy and small.

"Nymph! Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah, I'm just--n-not in cars much."

I remain stiff and scared throughout the entire ride, which I know isn't long, but feels like forever. The smell surrounds me. I try not to touch anything. I don't know why. Every turn sends me off balance. Devin looks concerned, but I don't know how to convince him I'm fine. I'm not fine.

And then, finally, it's over. The limo stops, the growling subsides. Devin opens the door for me, and I'm glad to be out of that monster. The place stands in front of us. I focus on that. The limo drives off. I take Devin's hand.

"Come on, let's get this party started!"

Leeli~

We arrive at the party, and I wait until Devin and Nymph go inside to follow. I take a deep breath and adjust my hair. I hope I look okay.

I push open the double doors. The ballroom is huge. And so elegant. I feel a presence beside me. Wren. She seems just as nervous as I am. The whole affair at the beach ball kinda threw off her self-confidence. I decide to walk over to the refreshment table and get something to drink. Wren follows me. I nudge her. "Why don't you go find Storm?" I smile encouragingly, trying not look as nervous as I am.

"Ok," she says. I see her wander off, but I don't think she's gone to talk to anyone. 

Not that I'm much better. I glance over and see a group of CBers talking in a corner. I should go say hi, I think. But I don't. Instead, I grab a handful of colorful pink and green mints in a bowl. I look over at the dance floor. Devin and Nymph are so cute together. I find myself smiling. And then I glance over at the corner of the room. And I notice something is amiss. As I get closer, I see it. A staircase disappearing into the wall.  

Devin~

As Nymph and I walk into the ballroom, I remember what Viola? said about Alfred. I chuckle to myself. He'll be so annoyed when I tell him that.

I open the double doors, and everything hits me. The music, the rushing air, the smell of elegance and mints. The ballroom is so...big. And fancy. I suddenly feel out of place.

I see someone glance our way. "Aw, aren't those two cute?" they say to their companion. 

Then a new song starts. "Shall we?" I ask Nymph.  

And we start to dance.

When the music fades, we go to get some cookies. And then I see something under the table move. 

"Nymph, did you see that?" I ask.

"See what?" she replies.

"That--that movement under the table. I think someone's hiding there."

I lift up the tablecloth.

Wren~

The ball is overwhelming. And I'm so nervous. I hope my costume looks okay. I notice people looking at me, and I hope they mean it in a good way. Leeli tells me to go find Storm, which figures. She's been trying to get me over the whole incident and pair me up with him ever since the summer ball, and I'm sick of it. I wish she wouldn't. I don't really like being shipped.

I grab some lemonade from the refreshment table, and take a sip. I look up at the ceiling of the ballroom, and for the first time realize how beautifully painted it is...

"Oof!" I bump into someone, falling down and spilling my lemonade all over my dress. "Oh, gosh, I am so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." I say, getting to my knees and picking up my cup. And then I realize who it is. 

Storm extends a hand. "No, my fault, here, let me help you up."

~~~~~~

I hope I didn't control anyone! 

Moi! -

I walk across the tiger maple wood floor, admiring the grain of the wood beneath my feet.

Dr. Crusher's uniform is weird. Key and I sewed all of our costumes (a heartless task). I had chosen to make the clothes out of mostly loose fabrics, the shirt is silk, I'm not really sure what the pants are, actually. It was the only black fabric I could find in our old chest of magic (aka my mom's fabric/sewing/craft chest xD). I don't really like the way the fabric feels. The shoes are stiff as well, made of black shinny leather. My hair is pinned back the way Beverly sometimes wears hers. Over all I'm pleased with the costume.  

I look around, wondering if there are any costumes that I can place. A lot of people chose costumes from T.V. shows that I don't watch, but I did know some. I remember there was another CBer going as a Star Trek character, but I can't find her. 

I spot Leeli in her elven costume and wave, wondering how Storm and Wren are making out. I told him to go find her, but I'm not sure he listened. Sometimes I wish my AEs were a little more outgoing. I sigh, trying not to worry about their love lives, even though I can't really help it. Key of course can't get someone even to dance with her, let alone go out with her. I can't imagine her keeping a boy for more than a week or two...but then again, she never really tried. Lock was very upset when he saw Sib wasn't coming...and Storm? I can't even tell sometimes. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. 

"What's wrong?" Someone asks behind me. 

I turn and look up at General Waffleson. "Oh, nothing!" I say smiling. "I was just wondering how Storm is getting along."

General Waffleson nods. He looks like he is about to speak, but before he can, Maggy comes dashing up, pigtails flying. 

"{Silver! Silver!}" She cries excitedly. 

Trying not to blush, I turn to her and fake a smile. "Yes, dear?"

"{Can I go play with the other CAPTCHAs?! Pleeeeaaaase!?}" she asks excitedly. 

I bite my tongue so I won't snap at her. "Is that really an emergency?" 

Maggy nods  vigorously. 

I roll my eyes. "Fine. But do not go outside, and do not get into any trouble. Stay with the other CAPTCHAs. Okay?" 

Maggy nods again, this time jumping up and down. 

"Okay, go ahead." 

She spins on her heel and dashes off, calling a thank you over her shoulder.

I look back up at General Waffleson and see that he is smiling. I try not to blush as I ask shyly. "Would you, er, care to dance?" 

Storm-

I glance around the ballroom, looking for Wren. Silver told me to find her...but I'm afraid I'll muck things up like I always do... I spot Wren standing by some refreshment tables. I walk shyly towards her wondering what to say. She's getting herself some lemonade. I hover behind her, trying to get the nerve up to speak to her. I step forward, about to speak, at the same moment she steps back. She stumbles and falls to her knees, lemonade splashing her blue dress.

"Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going!" she says, picking up her cup and looking up at me. 

"No, no, my fault. Here let me help you up." I reach down, blushing and cursing myself for not making myself known. I know this would happen! I reach down and take Wren's hand, helping her up. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking, I'm so-"

"You look really nice." I finish, and smile. I finally said something worth saying.

Tahki~

Jarnen takes my arm, and we walk together towards the dance floor. Miraculously, I'm not so nervous anymore. I look around quickly as we walk, and see Zeon and Arwen happily embracing each other, Cilantro and Pepper Star helping LilyCat get food, other AEs doing AE-ish things.

Dancing is fun. Cilantro was right, when earlier today she told me that. I didn't quite believe her, because every nervous butterfly in the world had decided that there was only one good place for them to be; my stomach. 

"You look really nice too. Um, so, how are things?" I ask Jarnen, smiling.

Me~

LilyCat grips my hand with her smaller one. 

<Can I have some food?> She asks, smiling sweetly.

"Sure, what do you want?" I reply. 

<Chocolate-dipped marshmallows, a giant gummy bear, pineapple rings, creampuffs, a macaron, brownies, a lemon-strawberry cupcake, orange slices, a slice of cake, chocolate-covered fruit, gummies, and root beer!> She tells me cheerily. 

I give her a chocolate dipped marshmallow, orange sices, a couple of pineapple rings, a small piece of cake and cider. She skips off to play with the other captchas, feeling sucessful at having gotten some sugar.

I glance around the room. I know everybody here, but still, I'm very shy for some reason. But it'll probably be better for me if I talk to somebody, so I walk up to Cockleburr, who is dressed as Newt Scamander. Nobody dressed as Newt Scamander could ever be at all, well, scary, right? 

"Nice outfit Cockleburr!" I say, before I can think twice about it.

She spins around, swallowing some food. "Hi!"

"I like your scarf and bowtie!"

**********

Um, Cockleburr, I'm pretty sure you're a girl, but if not, very sorry.