Hugh~

I had to admit, dancing with Callie was enjoyable. She twirled and flitted around like a bird, in perfect sync to the music. She was mesmerizing, honestly. But I couldn't get the image of Raven out of my mind. Raven, sitting in the corner, by herself. Raven, looking forlorn. Callie must have noticed me looking in her direction, because she turned to glance at Raven as well. An odd look came over her face, but before I had time to decipher it, her face molded back into its usual happy smile. "Is everything alright?" I asked her. "Oh, yes," she said. "Everything is perfect." Not quite satisfied with her answer, I glance back over to Raven. But she wasn't sitting in her corner anymore. Instead, she was walking right towards us, her face unreadable. 

Blaiyre~ 

After I take my first bite of the red velvet cake, Max asks me, "How do you like it?" I chew and swallow, contemplating the taste. "Mm, it's yummy," I tell him. "The cake itself is dense and rich, and the frosting is, well, frosting. And you can't go wrong with frosting." I grinned at him with a mouthful of cake. Max opens his mouth, about to say something, but then to my left I glimpse someone's hand reaching out to grab one of the snickerdoodle cookies. I start and turn around. But I recognize the person, it's Silvern, another of June's AEs! They look at me apologetically, probably feeling bad that they scared me. "Oh, hullo," I say. "Your name is Silver, right?" 

Trevor~

I observe my sibling and friend's social interactions with a grin on my face, trying not to laugh out loud. From what I can tell, there is a love triangle brewing in Hugh/Callie/Raven's lives, and Blaiyre? Well, it's too soon to tell. I'll just have to wait and see. I unwrap another chocolate coated strawberry and pop it into my mouth, curious at how much more drama will unfold tonight. 

Switching styles...

Hey! You're not supposed to be here! Get out!

*already gone*

Nymph~

The music changes style with every song, but every one with lyrics is about love. I drink my punch and watch the AEs filter in. Maki is here, talking to 360 Degrees. There's also Raven, Cú Chulainn and her date, and Lights Out. I don't know most of the others, and I don't really care. 

I spot Devin as soon as he walks in. He's wearing jeans and a button-up that I almost want to spill punch on just because it's white, and he doesn't seem to have a date. I'm by his side in a flash. Not literally. 

"Devin! Hi!"

He looks up and smiles. "Hey!"

I stop the butterflies from turning into actual butterflies, but my smile does glow. "I haven't seen you in days! What's up?"

"Oh, not much," he says. "Leeli kinda disappeared for a while, but she's back now, for the most part." Inwardly, I sigh, remembering how little time I've actually spent with him. 

"You're glowing." He's got an eyebrow up in a question, but what is he asking, and how can I answer without sounding like an idiot?

I have to say something, anyway, and it ends up being "I, um, yeah. I am." The glow is fading, and changing colors. I will it not to be a rainbow. Obediently, it is not a rainbow. I fidget with my fingers behind my skirt.

Sea Glass~ 

Just before I knock, I get a flicker of a vision. Celeste is already at the ball. I quail and make my way to the location, hoping to the passively watching skies that I don't look overly remarkable.

The ballroom is packed, but thankfully this means that those who would be looking at the door have their views blocked by those others who are engaged in talking or dancing. A glow catches my eye, and I notice that it is exuding from Nymph, who is speaking to Devin. She must be happy. I look away and search the room for Celeste. 

Max~~

I contemplate Blairyes words. Ahhh, yes, Frosting, the mortar, the binding source of the world. I lick a bit of frosting of my lip. Mmm, it is quite good frosting, sweet and creamy and light. A hand reaches out for a snickerdoodle cookie. Blaiyre jumps around surprised, then says.

“Hullo. You’re name is Silver, right?” 

Silvern contemplates that for a moment, nibbling on the cookie. 

“Yes, my name is Silvern.” I stand, watching them, then reach for a chocolate chip cookie. 

Raven~~

I take another step toward them, and now I’m right in front of them. I smile and give Hugh a little wave, the turn to Callie and smile at her to. Then I take another step, and I’m right next to them, then another and I’m past them. I’m within a sea of Æs, threatening to swallow me. I feel terrified, and like a small animal, trapped without a way to escape. Another step...I wish I could run..run out of the ball...run back home...run to the beach...run along the beach with the wind in my hair...but, no. I can’t. Because if I did, Silvern and Max would follow, and then I would have ruined There night as well. So I don’t. I walk. Another step. Panic takes over. Another step. I break into a sprint, as fast as I can go, everybody stares at me, I bite the inside of my lip bit a whimper still escapes. I crash into the women’s bathroom, breathing hard. I walk, shivering, over to the sink and splash my face with water, then dry it with a paper towel. I throw myself into a stall, locking the door behind me. Luckily the toilets have lids, so I step onto the toilet, then remember how dirty they are, and open the door a bit and slip out to grab to paper towels. I wet one, and put a squirt of soap on it, and leave the other one dry. I enter the stall again, and lock the door. I wipe down and dry the toilet lid, throw the paper towels away, and step onto the lid. Then I crouch, hugging my knees to my chest. I feel overwhelmed, just as I have since I entered the ball. But now I don’t have to hide it. I begin to cry, softly, tears steaming down my face, smudehing the little make-up I did wear.

Silvern~~

“Yes, my name is Silvern” I say. I’m watching Blaiyre, but out of the corner of my eye I see Raven sprinting toward the bathroom. I hear a faint whimper. Everyone is starring at her. I feel quite bad for her. I step backward, taking a bite out of my cookie. I turn my head toward where Raven was, but she isn’t there anymore. The door to the women’s bathroom swings slightly. I sigh. Poor, poor, Raven...I glance back at Blaiyre. 

Devin~

Me and Nymph stand there for a minute. An awkward silence passes. She—if she is a she, I don’t really know anymore—seems oddly happy to see me. More than usual, even. It’s making me a little uncomfortable. I notice her glow changing colors, but I don’t say anything. I shuffle my feet and look down, and as I do, I notice she has hooves. They look really good on her, in a sort of weird way. I feel a little jealous for a second, wishing I could control my shapeshifting as well as she does. I almost want to try growing something, maybe a tail, but I decide not to, not here in front of lots of people when I don’t know what will happen. I almost say something to Nymph about her hooves, but then I decide it would be weird, so I don’t. Instead, I say, “You look nice tonight. I like your hair like that.”

Ugh, that sounded way too awkward. I feel my face flush and I hope Nymph doesn’t notice. 

Wren~

I tug on my skirt absently, looking around the ballroom for Storm. My heart sinks when I don’t see him. There are a few others AEs I recognize—Cú, Ocean Song, Coral—but I don’t bother talking to any of them. I see Sea Glass, and across the room Devin’s talking to Nymph. He looks uncomfortable, and I think about trying to intervene, but I decide not to. I’m a little worried about him. He hasn’t been acting himself lately. I don’t think he’s taking Nymph’s changes well.

The music switches to a slow, sad song. It intensifies my loneliness. I suddenly notice how chilly I am, and I wrap my arms around myself, feeling the goosebumps. 

Far~

This music is strange, unlike what I’m used to. I’m not sure I like it. I watch the other AEs twirl and glide across the dance floor, curious as to what makes dancing so appealing to them. I always feel a bit out of place at balls. In fact, the only reason I came to this one was because Leeli said I needed to get out and get to know the other AEs; I’d much rather be in the woods. Well, that, and I suppose I hoped Seren might be here. I don’t believe she is.

I see Devin talking to Nymph. I wonder what’s going on with them now. I also notice Wren standing alone, watching the others dance. She has her arms wrapped around herself, and she looks so lonely that I feel a pang of sympathy. I move to her side and stand there for a moment.

“Are you alright?” 

She jumps. I don’t think she noticed me. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. You should go talk to the other AEs. You know, get to know some of them.” I consider telling her that I could say the same, but I don’t.

I leave her and see some AE I don’t know at the refreshment table. I go up to them. “Hello. I’m Far.”

~~~

(Anyone who would like can be the AE Far talks to, I didn’t have anyone specific in mind.)

Ocean~

Ace smiles down at me, as he is taller than I am. I'm getting a little tired from dancing, and I can tell that he is too. I catch a glimpse of my acquaintance, Wren, up against a wall looking as lonely as a lost puppy. I look back at Ace.

"Is it okay if we take a small break? I'm a little tired." I smile gently. He looks both relieved and disappointed.

"Okay, yeah." He replies whistfully. We break apart and he heads over to the refreshments table, while I walk nimbly over to Wren. She smiles, telling me that my company is greatly welcome. I smile as well.

"How are you tonight?" I ask. She shrugs.

"Lonely, cold, lonely..." She tilts her head towards me, only a half-joking look in her eyes. I make a sympathetic face. She smiles gently.

"Want some punch? Food...?" I shrug and smile.

"Yeah sure let's go get some!" She laughs and we walk over to the refreshment table together.

~~ 

AAAH AHH I FORGOT ABOUT THIS WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO! *paces around in agitated circles* Oh, and there's also the small matter of rennovation? AAAAh SO SO SORRY EVERYONE ESPECIALLY SEA GLASS! Uh, Shy Peacock? I really don't think you're supposed to be here. I've kind of been told to report you, but....

Fine, I'm leaving, sorry everyone.

I'll alter my appearance: I'll be there with dark reddish-brown hair, olive eyes, and a soft, deep green dress and dangly gold earrings.

Celeste~

I entered a while ago, too early and still hesitant. I sort of sat awkwardly in the corner, daydreaming and wondering what to say to Sea Glass, when I realize that xe's standing by the door waiting for me. Xe looks like xe's been there a while. Just so nervous.... I quickly stand up and rush over to xyr, trying not to blush, although failing, as usual. My slippered footsteps seem to make no noise in the chaos of the ball. But when I finally get close to Sea Glass, I stop. Xe's breathtaking. Last time I saw xyr, xe was in a t-shirt, pants covered in sand, (That might be my fault. Gotta remember to let go of the kitestring. Anyway.) but now.... Now, xe's decked out in a beautiful teal suit edged with folds and folds of intricate white lace, delicate as snowflakes falling in a brilliant teal sky. Xe's wearing knee-high brown boots, with fancy little designs all up and down them. Xe's also wearing a little necklace with a beautiful piece of aqua sea glass on it. (I can't help but wonder if xe picked one similar to the one I found on purpose. Probably not, but still.) The whole ensamble reminds me of our moments at the beach together, with the teal suit being the ocean and the exquisite lace being the sea foam. Xe's dirty blonde hair falls on the suit in a way reminiscent of sand, and the little piece of sea glass glints in the light the same way the one I found glinted, allowing me to find it. 

Nymph~

Devin doesn't say anything, just kind of looks me over. My glow is gradually shifting towards a sort of orchid purple. He seems uncomfortable in the silence. I try to think of something to say, but then he opens his mouth--hesitates, speaks.

"You look nice tonight. I like your hair like that."

I shake my head slightly to show it off. "Thanks." 

He smiles, almost a cringe. I feel bad for him, but I can't figure out exactly how. No time, I want to take the pressure off. What should I say? Anything! Ugh, this has all gotten so complicated lately.

"You can still call me she."

He blinks. "Wh--oh." 

"Yeah, I... I still use, um, female pronouns. Even when I'm a boy."

The song that was playing ends, and I recognize something Viola? sings along to, something sad. I really hope this isn't a movie, or it might mean trouble. 

Sea Glass~

The pendant hangs from my neck like a millstone shaped like the glass found by ae who I cannot now find. I take a step away from the center of the entrance

Suddenly, Celeste appears from out of the crowd. Ae stops in front of me, olive eyes wide, skirt swinging back from its brief flare, something gold and sparkly suspended in aer auburn curls. Aer dress is an even bottle green, swirling gently around her ankles. It looks perfect for dancing.

We spend a moment simply staring at each other before we both simultaneously remember to speak.

"I--" ae begins.

"You--" I start.

We laugh, together. I feel heat rising to my face, and when I look up, aers is touched with pink.

"You first," I say.

"No, you," ae insists.

"You're certain?" I ask.

"Yes," ae assures.

I nod and try to keep the words from crumbling apart in my mouth. "W--f-first of all, you lo-look lovely." She smiles, and I cannot help but smile back. "I'm sorry I-I'm late." 

Cú Chulainn~

Eris takes her corsage, giving me my daffodil one. I fumble as I try to tie it one handed around my wrist - this is as bad as three-legged racing. Eris, having a similar problem, eventually asks, "Do you want me to help?"

"Oh!" I say, surprised, letting my right hand drop away from the ribbon. I extend my wrist. "Yes, please." She loops the ribbon around my wrist, carefully arranging the daffodils. I feel a surge of respect for this pretty corsage - she actually made it herself. "Now let me do yours," I say, taking her wrist and tying her ribbon. Her poppies look gorgeous. I should tell Feather later. When I'm done, I say, "There, that okay?" Eris nods.

Now we're both just standing by the punch bowl. I can feel my mouth go dry. Should I ask her to dance? Isn't that what we came here to do? We can't just stand by the refreshments table forever. I'm about to say something - I'm not sure what, something dumb, probably - when she asks, "Do you - " Please ask me to dance please ask me to dance " - um, want some punch?"

My heart sinks. "Thanks. That'd be nice." She scoops some punch - I could have done that, she doesn't have to do it for me - and I jump in before we can get into another awkward silence. "I had to run. 'Cause I was worried I'd be late. Feather and Dev had this big fight just before we left." The words come easier as I continue, and I'm even grinning by the time I'm done - hey, it was funny. I glance at Eris to see if she agrees. She laughs.

"What about?"

I shrug, shaking my head. "Honestly, I'm still not sure. I think Dev dyed a bunch of her stuff purple. It happens more often than you'd think." If Feather and Dev don't fight at least twice a day, something's wrong, I think to myself with a wry grin. By this point I've learned to tune them out. It would explain why Feather was only wearing her second-best dress, though.

"I can imagine. Your place must be wild," Eris says.

I roll my eyes and laugh. "Yep, never a dull moment and the Owls'." As if to prove my point, Dev shrieks something about tennis courts and launches himself at a punch bowl.

This pause isn't as awkward, but it carries a lot more weight. Small talk is over now. This is a party - no, a ball. You have to dance at a ball. Will she ask me? She hasn't yet. I shuffle my feet and glance at the ground. Do you even dance during friend-dates?

One . . . two . . . three.

I look up and into her eyes. They're a gorgeous hazel color - I can feel myself getting lost in them. So I take a deep breath to steady myself. "Do you want to dance?"

Feather~

My wanderings find me at the refreshments table, staring forlornly at the mounds of drinks and desserts. I'm not that hungry. The only thought on my mind right now is to avoid Cú and Eris, who seem to be in pleasant conversation. I don't want to ruin their moment.

"Hello. I'm Far." An AE I don't know walks up to me. He's wearing a handsome embroidered tunic, dark blue, and leather boots. Excellent fashion sense, in any case.

"Hi," I reply with a smile. "I'm Feather. Did you come alone, too?"

((I'm not super comfortable with controlling another person's character, especially one I don't know that well, so I'll leave it at that. Hope you don't mind I had Far approach Feather, Leeli.))

Devil Owl~

As I prepare to splatter everyone in the room with a barriage of brussels sprouts, a squirt of punch hits me square in the neck. I cry out and spin around, blaster at the ready.

"Stick 'em up, Devil Owl!" cries a tiny, bow-tie-wearing tennis ball. I stare at it.

It's a tennis ball.

And it just hit me with some punch!

I cannot accept this. I charge at the miscreant, screeching, "WHEN I'M THROUGH WITH YOU, YOU'LL WISH YOU'D NEVER LEFT THE TENNIS COURT!" 

It dives out of the way, and I crash into its weaponry. The punch stains my suit, but I don't care: they're tokens of war. I spin around and start shooting broccoli anywhere I can get myself to turn. With luck, I'll catch that cocky tennis ball before he gets too into his game.

I decided not to write the whole post in italics, as it may get annoying. Please enjoy my narration.

~Narrator Thirty-Three

I stood somewhere in the room near the many trays of food, watching the ball as it took place. Every detail wove it's way into my narration. Hopeful faces. Nervousness. Gowns that glitter in the light.

It was all so perfect. A perfect scene for a perfect narration. I began to narrate, my voice rising as I did so. I didn't know if they, my audience and characters, paid attention to my narration or not--but I, strangely enough, didn't seem to care. 

Every word of my narration was a spell--something wild, magical, and untamed. Yet it gently flowed from my lips, every word smooth and almost flawless. At home, I would be tempted to repeat sentences and savor them. Here, I barely even considered it.

"They glided across the dance floor, barely seeming to notice that they were dancing--their attention was completely taken by each other." I spoke, my lavender eyes squeezed tightly shut as the words filled the air. The chattering of AEs in the background (Who were laughing and talking as they completely ignored my narration) made nice background sound for my narration. It was perfect--

"Uhm, excuse me, but I'd like to get to the cake." An AE spoke. I immediately opened my eyes, but didn't bother to look at the evil creature that had interrupted me. "Can't this rude AE tell that a narrator is narrating? They could've minded common courtesy and waited, but they just had to interrupt!" I snapped at the (deserving of anger) AE.

I stormed away, searching for refuge elsewhere. 

Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no. I'm late, I'm super super late to this ball! I promised Trevor-- I promised him-- that I'd be here. How long has it been? I don't even want to look back.

Whoa, chill, Zo. You're not that late and all that matters is that you're here now. Trevor will forgive you. He's a good guy. 

Thanks, Star. I just... *breathes deeply* Okay. I can do this. You're right. *waves a hand glittering with magic* *velvet hunter green gown shimmers into existence, replacing old clothes*

You look beautiful. *ties an amber sash around Zoey's waist* *quickly and carefully pulls her hair up into an elegant braided bun* *drapes amber jewelry around her neck, wrists, hair, and wings* You're ready. Tell Trevor hi for me, all right?

Okay. I will.

~~~

AT THE BALL

I walk carefully into the room, my heels brushing against the marble floor. I feel gorgeous-- like a princess. A wry smile tugs at my lips. It's fitting, I suppose, to feel like this, considering who I am.

Then my smile fades away as I see Trevor.

He's standing at the other end of the room by the food table, studying a strawberry that's been carefully dipped in chocolate. He pops it into his mouth and reaches for another one.

I lift my wings and fly over the heads of the dancing crowd, reaching him in one fell swoop. I land behind him on silent feet, my dress puffing gently out around me. I reach out to tap his shoulder-- and hesitate.

No matter what Star said to me, I can't... I can't help worrying. What Trevor means to me-- I can't express it in words. It's like-- like-- the first warm day of summer, the joy of a budding flower in springtime, the red and gold of autumn leaves. And his opinion matters to me. I care what he thinks. It's a surprise to realize it-- that I do care. I haven't let myself feel that way for someone in... a long, long time.

And I've let him down-- I promised him something, and I let him down. I swallow with difficulty. I need to at least talk to him, explain myself.

I reach out again and tap his shoulder.

~~~

~Zoey (Starseeker's AE)

~~~

@Vyolette-- I do apologize for Zoey's over-dramaticness. She's always been this way. She gets it from me, I suppose; anyway, do with it as you will.

~Starseeker