*Walks over to refreshments table* 

*Tries to scoop out a cup of punch but ends up catupulting a scoop of punch across the room, accidentally splashing Narrator 33 in the face* 

*Stares in horror* 

I'm just going to go ahead and post for my AEs, I guess.  

Oy, no CBers allowed, remember?? Shoo!!  

*is shooed*

~Hugh 

As I walk into the main ballroom with Trevor and Blaiyre close by my side, I smooth down my dark tie and adjust my blue polo shirt. I don't want to admit it to them, but I am a bit nervous. Why exactly? I don't really know. It is just a "Ball", a party with dancing, food, and... "ships"? Whatever those are. I shake my head and force myself to concentrate. Most of the other AEs have already arrived, and are busy mingling about the room, talking and eating. I remember June saying her AEs would be here, but I don't see them yet. Max said he would be "somewhere"... hm. I break free from my companions and start roving the room, searching for him.  

~Blaiyre

I can see Hugh's Adam's apple bob up and down as he gulps rather dramatically, taking in the sight of all these people. I remember my first AE Ball rather well. It was awkward, to say the least, and I mostly just sat in the corner listening to other AEs talk. I tell myself that that won't happen again, that I have to at least try to make some friends here. I lift the hem of my long, flowing dress so I won't trip, and make my way over to the dessert table. I had chosen to wear a somewhat-fancy dress today, definitely a change from my last AE Ball outfit. My dress was a sort of grey ombre, dark grey at the bodice and slowly shifting to light grey at the hem. The waist was partially fitted, but not too tight so that I couldn't breathe. The sleeves were off the shoulder, with a few sequins sewed into the fabric to make it shine as it caught the light. 

~Trevor

I enter the ballroom, knowing right away that Zoey wouldn't be here. Yet. She said that she would come and dance with me whenever the ball started, but I'm not quite sure when that will be. People seem content to stand around and talk. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep myself busy until she comes and start making some friends. I see Blaiyre out of the corner of my eye, raiding the dessert table, and Hugh, who seemed to be walking around the room in circles. I was confused for a second, wondering why on earth he would be doing that, but then I realize that he's probably looking for Max and Raven. After about a minute of staring into space, trying to figure out what to do, I decide to do the same and go join my friend in his search. 

I will include a post in proper story format later, but for now, this is it.

How...how... *put a hand to her now-covered-in-punch mask*

How could you, you despicable little round excuse for an AE! I've done nothing to you--I even refrained from pointing out that you are most definitely NOT an AE! You have physical representation on earth, while us AEs--who are no doubt real nonetheless--are mentally represented! 

You might try to say that it was an accident, but I know better! I know that this was a purposeful attack on me! I don't understand why you would do this to ME of all AEs, but it's obvious that you are a spy and an impostor! No AE in their right mind would--would--would do what you just did!

And PUNCH. You chose the one thing that could possibly stain my beautiful white gown! It was a strategically devious weapon!  

N-now, I'll be in th-the bathroom trying to wipe this punch off and...and trying to regain my ability to narrate. *Storms off, still ranting madly to herself as she goes*

*Please note that all beliefs/mad ravings of a punch-splattered AE expressed here are not mine, or true. Roger is a cute lil' tennis ball and belongs here. This was merely Thirty going into mad raving/ranting mode. I don't personally believe anything that was expressed here.* 

Narrator 33 let me help you! *Makes odd movement like grabbing something* *All of the punch floats out of 33's white dress, leaving it as white as it used to be* I like helping. Um, what do I do with the punch...?

Nymph~

I fling open the doors with a bang and stride into the ball. Once I reach the center of the room, I stop and look around for anyone interesting. No one stands out. In fact, the ballroom is half empty. I roll my eyes and get myself a cup of punch. 

Sea Glass~

I feel like an idiot. I have no idea what I'm doing. Viola? had to tell me to pick up Celeste instead of simply following Nymph straight to the ball. So I'm walking up the steps of her house now, and knocking on the door...

Jett:

I amble through the crowded ballroom, keeping an eye out for the snack table. It seems as if Coral hasn't arrived yet, but I hope she does soon. I don't like being alone; it doesn't feel right. Especially at place like this. I'm a little nervous, this being my first ball and all, but I'm trying not to show it. I might as well get to know a few people and make a good first impression. I think Cassie's in the bathroom trying to work up the courage to talk to Hugh. Taking a deep breath, I adjust my jacket and approach a random AE who looks slightly awkward and alone.  

Cassie:

I'm so stressed! There are so many people in the ballroom, and I feel like the odd one out. Is it my dress? My hair? Whatever it is, I desperately need to get it together because I DON'T want to make a fool of myself in front of Hugh. Smoothing down my hair, I start to approach the door when another AE dashes in and pours something that looks like punch down the sink. They dash out again and seem not to notice me. Curious, I follow her out.  

Maki-

I glance around the ballroom. AEs mingle about,  exchanging glances. I can almost see the delacite threads connecting us, pulling everyone closer or farther with the needle of emotion. A fragile balance, able to change at any moment. I look back at 360 for a second. He looks deep in thought and I feel heat rise to my cheeks awkwardly. Across the room, Narrator 33 says something angrily to Rodger. A very fragile balance indeed.

Well, the food should be near that punch... 

Raven~~

I’m standing over in the corner, feeling awkward as always. Max is over by the dessert table, ‘taste testing’ the cake. Silvern is in the PILLOW WAR ZONE. I glance through the crowd, looking for my friends, Vyolettes Æs. I don’t see them, but that might just be because of where I am situated. I sigh, wondering if I should go look for them. I decide that would be best, and begin my way into the crowd, but just before I join the other Æs, I start to panic. There are so many Æs here! I think, fear taking over. I stumble back to my spot in the corner, trying to calm down. I pull my a book out of my bag. The Hobbit. Oh, how I love that book. I sit down, and hide behind the book. I start to read....the feel of the ink and paper beneath my finger tips already begins to calm me..then I get lost in the words...sinking into the story...

Max~~

I’m over at the dessert table, eating. My favorite cake so far is the carrot cake, because of the bit of crunchy-ness. I cut myself a slice of Red Velvet cake, a quite large slice, and take a small bite. It melts in my mouth, and I smile. “Mmmmm..” I take another bite. Somebody else comes up to the desert table, I’m not really paying that much attention to who. “You should try the red velvet.” I say, licking frosting of my lip. “It’s good.” I turn toward the newcomer. Then I realize who it is, my friend! “Hi!” I say, exited. 

Silvern~~ 

I am in the PILLOW WAR ZONE, building a pillow fort, waiting for somebody to threaten my power as Ruler Of The Pillows. I think, to myself, so, what exactly do I do at a ball? Dance? Should I go dance? And then would I have to dance WITH someone ELSE? And if so, who? Raven? “Hmmm..” Or, I could just dance by myself. Yes, that’s what I would do. And what were these ‘Ships’ everyone spoke of? None of this stuff made since, so I prefer to stick to what I know. Pillows. War. That I could understand.