Event: Eiko's Birthday Ball

[tidesnpcs.livejournal.com]

Characters: OPEN to all party guests
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: A big party for a small girl. Yep, it's Eiko's birthday and she's having a ball.
Location: Lindblum Grand Castle
Date: March 21st, 1804
Warnings: N/A so far

Nobody could say that Regent Cid wasn't generous when it came to his adopted daughter, Eiko. In fact, some said that he was too indulgent. But on this, the evening of Eiko's tenth birthday, the citizens of Lindblum were ready and eager to celebrate. A free ball! Free drinks, free food, and a free pass into Lindblum Grand Castle. Many had failed to acquire tickets in time and were disappointed, but the lucky few piled eagerly into the castle.

Security was tight, and every single guest was checked by the guards before being allowed to enter. Once inside, they would find a wide and sumptuously decorated ballroom. A small group of musicians played slow and ambient music, while the party guests swayed across the floor dressed in all their finery. What could only be described as a flock of moogles flew or scurried around the room, offering glasses of champagne and various sweet treats. Regent Cid himself sat on a grand throne at the head of the room, nodding graciously at the guests who came to pay their respects. 

The ball was already in full swing, and the party would go on for a long while yet.

[ooc: Don't worry if you didn't comment to Regent Cid's earlier post requesting tickets. Handwaving is just fine if you want to hop in. It's party style - go tag and mingle! Thread jumping and ninja tagging is encouraged.]

[ooc: Eiko has made a very loud announcement about a celebrity couple's engagement. Feel free to overhear, react or congratulate.]

Comments

[livelyangel.livejournal.com]

Rinoa entered the ballroom dressed in a cream gown similar to the one she had worn at the SeeD graduation ball, but longer and with a lacy patterned bodice. She was familiar with Gaian fashion now, and she had grown to like the style. It made her feel like she was in a fairy-tale.

And she was just as impressed by the ballroom of Lindblum Grand Castle as she had been at the one in Alexandria. Rinoa had dragged a reluctant Squall along with her - after all, they'd gotten tickets for everyone before he'd vanished and reappeared from the past. That was strange. She'd felt so overjoyed to see Squall again, and then she'd discovered that he was still at a stage where it seemed like he could barely stand her.

Rinoa was dismayed, but not for long. She knew that Squall could love her. It had happened before; it could happen again. And she'd grown up enough to know that she shouldn't try to force things too quickly.

Besides, she had a lot of friends to meet and mingle with tonight. So Rinoa took a glass of champagne and smiled as she looked around for familiar faces.

[brewing-storm.livejournal.com]

Orders were orders. That's how Squall rationalized it. It wasn't his intention to be emotional, to cause emotional strain-- he just didn't want to be emotional. Simple as that.

Somewhere along the way, though...

Regardless, Squall was there. Wrangled into... something-- something for a ball, and in the end wasn't sure what to make of it all. Parties weren't his thing. Especially when he was in no mood to deal with anyone. Let alone find himself in a room full of people.

Needless to say, he was fairly adept at distracting himself; Mission Mode. Alert, aware, ready for... well... almost anything. At least in what felt like a completely unfamiliar place.

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

One of the few times he had to depend on someone else for an outfit (http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/suits/?action=view&current=00450m.jpg), Genesis was told the color was all black. He was grateful as if he ever wore any color it would be of his choosing and in his style. From what he could feel, this outfit was a simple suit but it allowed him to push up the sleeves.

Needless to stay, Genesis was still not happy. He wanted to glare at Ondore. Look at the man's eyes and just GLARE but he could not. And curse Vossler for taking his staff! So what if he tried to beat the man with it when he was all but pulled from Sephiroth's room. Granted, he was assured nothing would happen to Sephiroth (and really, the bodyguard just didn't trust Genesis' presence in the house. He snorted at the thought, what was he going to do? Break things that he couldn't see?) and he would get his staff back once they were in the Castle and so there would be witnesses to his swinging were it to go near Ondore or Vossler (again). Genesis wanted to continue smacking the man with it. It was the only thing he could do at the time when he was all but dragged away.

Technically, Genesis could defeat Vossler and Ondore combined but he was loathe to actually hit the Marquis and Vossler could eventually get out of his way, leaving Genesis flailing for some kind of rooting as to where the two men were. So, it was safer to stop trying and let them drag him here.

'Where are you, Angeal? Should you not be here by now?', he thought idly.

"Come near me again with that hat, Ondore and I will not hesitate to hit you this time," Genesis frowned, ready to actually swing in the general direction of the Marquis. He still didn't understand why they insisted to bring him here. He didn't know the child and he would be damned if he let Vossler really let his line of reasoning be respected (again, what was a blind man going to do?). And they were in the Castle now, so that meant Vossler owed him his staff.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

Trying not to see the humor in Genesis' childish antics, the Marquis of Bhujerba kept his composure even when the blind man threatened to smite him. He ignored Genesis' complaint as he slapped that black hat upon the young man's head for a second try. Honestly, Genesis had no idea how dashing he looks with that sleek black hat. "Come now, you're embarrassing me." Ondore said with a faint chuckle as he stalked ahead of the duo.

Knowing it was a tad cruel of him to drag a blind man to a party, Ondore had little say in this idea. Vossler was adamant about dragging Genesis along not because he was fond of the blind mercenary, but because he didn't trust Genesis to be left alone in his estate. With no one but the servants to watch the two mercenaries, Vossler feared for the worst.

"May the gods strike me dead for deciding to venture here with the two of you...” Halim murmured with a slight sigh. Unlike his sour faced companions, the Marquis knew how to ‘smile’ and that smile looked rather good with his modest black attire (http://i39.tinypic.com/29qo5r9.jpg). While the crimson vest offered him a hint of color, Ondore made sure to stay away from too many colors in fear of looking like a mummer.

“Vossler, you wear your scowl still?”

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

While royal balls weren't exactly her style, Penelo could hardly turn down the opportunity when it was open to the public and everyone around was eagerly looking forward to it. It helped that it gave her an excuse to pick up a lovely dress (http://andrejpalinsky.com/images/Arabic_Belly_Dancer_01.jpg). While the majority of the clothes she'd seen were nothing to her style, eventually she'd found something that more than suited, 'fit for a dancer.' The bronze color set off her tanned skin and sunny hair, which she had left free-flowing around her shoulders like sheets of free falling gold adorned with beaded barrettes.

An inordinate amount of time had gone into getting ready for the ball, and the majority of that involved coaching, nagging, and reminding Vaan that they were guests and he was absolutely forbidden from stealing one blessed thing. Lectures that stood little weight, as almost immediately upon entering, she was separated from her pirating partner by the incoming crowds.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet was very used to these situations; in the course of her lifetime, she'd been to and hosted more gala's than she could recall. She'd come with Zidane, but of course, it was hard to stay together -- She was socially obligated to mingle, and Zidane had his own fair share of people to see. Of course, moving anywhere was a bit of a chore; Alexandrian fashion consisted so much of laces, corsets, and absurdly full skirts, and her dress for the evening was no exception. (http://www.superquince.com/quinceanera/wp-content/gallery/mori-lee/quinceanera-dresses-mori-lee_86003.jpg)

Still in the midst of moving from person to person, she paused,eyes catching on a strangely familiar face. She'd not seen that face in a very long time -- since the last gathering of this sort. Garnet had heard from Larsa that she'd gone, so to see her changed, somehow... was surprising, in the least.

"Excuse me..." a cautious question as the young queen approached, a hopeful smile in her voice. "Penelo?"

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Night had fallen, and a steady stream of guests were beginning to filter through the castle gates as the celebration began. Quistis, however, separated herself from the rest of the Garden group as soon as they headed inside. Instead, she stood near the entrance, her hands clasped before her as she tried to appear as poised and composed as possible despite the slight fluttering in her stomach, a sensation she was trying her best to mentally suppress.

The blond hadn't informed any of her friends that she actually had an escort to the ball as she had a suspicion that a certain pair of girls would blow the whole thing out of proportion. Gabranth had offered to accompany her simply as a friend, and nothing more-- but she knew that Selphie and Rinoa would probably get the wrong idea, and so she kept the whole thing to herself. Quistis knew they would most likely pester her about the whole thing after (or even during) the ball, but at least she had cut off any possible suffering pre-celebration.

She had even taken the precaution to shop for her dress along during a quick excusion into the city, and successfully found a pretty silk chiffon dress (http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/quistis/00360m-1.jpg) in a delicate shade of cherry blossom pink. After a brief couple of hours of preparation, her usual pin-straight blond bangs were done in two simple plaits (http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/quistis/updo-s-for-curly-hair-05.jpg) along the crown of her head, the rest of her mane twisted into a simple chignon curling along the nape of her neck. She hadn't done much with her makeup -- her face was relatively untouched shaved for a thin lining of black kohl around her steely blue eyes, a couple sweeps of mascara to further accentuate her plush lashes, a light dusting of soft pink rouge along her cheekbones, and a slight sheen of gloss on her lips. She didn't want to appear to be too done up for the occasion, though admittedly she put in a bit more effort compared to the last ball.

Quistis shifted her weight between her legs as she stood, the slight motion causing for her weapon to press further into her skin. After the incident during the Queen's birthday celebration, Quistis didn't hesitate to take the same measure to ensure that Save the Queen would be accessible if anything were to happen. So after a careful taping to protect her skin from the barbs and blade of her whip, she had wrapped the weapon around her right thigh once again, knotted securely in place. Hopefully there would be no reason for her to draw her weapon to night-- it was a child's birthday party, after all, and the little girl deserved a celebration free of any sort of danger. Gaia had its tricks, though, and Quistis knew better than to let her guard down.

So Quistis stood outside, her eyes briefly glancing this way and that as she tried her best not to appear too eager to spot a certain tall gentleman-- she was already feeling a bit silly for arriving earlier than their scheduled meeting time. Her hands nervously smoothed over the front of her dress, ironing out the nonexistent wrinkles of the light fabric-- mid-sweep of her hands, she stopped, mentally chastising herself for being so jittery.

Hyne, she was acting like a teenage school girl.

At the thought, Quistis clasped her hands down once again, her chin lifting slightly as she straightened her posture, switching on her professional mode. She was an adult, there was no need for her to be so nervous about attending a ball with someone... or so she tried to convince herself, repeating the mantra in her head.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

After accompanying Larsa to the building, and allowing him his freedom from being guarded all night (though he'd definitely keep an eye on him), Gabranth had found his way through the crowds with less ease than he would've done if he'd wore his armour. Of course, this ball called for formal attire and though the armour was decorative he highly doubted it was proper to wear a suit of full plate armour while escorting a woman to a grand ball. Instead, he had opted for a much simpler yet more appropriate choice of attire in the form of a black tuxedo (http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/gabranthtux.jpg) with bejeweled cuff links.

He felt highly out of his comfort zone in this get up, especially since he didn't have the luxury of his helm to hide his face, but this was no doubt going to be awkward for Quistis as well. She didn't seem the excessively girly type and would likely feel nervous like he did.

Managing to get through the hustle and bustle, blue eyes fell upon a vision in pink and Noah felt his stomach tighten and his pulse quicken just a little.

Damnit, he was acting like an adolescent!

Taking a slow breath to calm himself as he approached, Gabranth bowed slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching into a ghost of a smile. "You look astonishing, Quistis," he murmured, drawing out a flower he had concealed from Larsa and offering it to her. It was, thankfully, yellow which was the colour of friendship.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia entered alongside Edge, a whirlwind of green. Her jade-colored gown (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/evilhippygoddess/article-1149505-0392F224000005DC-95.jpg) was more formal than her Cleyran garb, but still far removed from what she saw as typical Gaian formal wear. High collars, corsets and the like were far too restricting for her, so she went in the opposite direction, fashion-wise. The neckline was low, the skirt was long and loose, billowing out at every step. Her emerald-green hair was long and loose as well, though, she had woven gold ribbons into it and glittering clips kept it from falling into her eyes. What jewelry there was -jade earrings and a thin chain around her neck- did not overshadow her ensemble.

Fortunately, she had purchased tickets for herself and all her Troian friends far in advance. There was no reason for any of them not to enjoy the festivities, not even Kain. She hoped he would be true to his word and arrive at some point, but for now, her attention was elsewhere. There was a growing smile forming on her lips as she watched other guests move in time to the music, resplendent in their formal attire. She turned to Edge, about to say something when a high voice disrupted her chance.

"Here, kupo! Enjoy!" A moogle waiter approached them, offering glasses of champagne. Rydia shrugged and took one, taking a moment to scan the area for more familiar faces. If they were here already, they would be soon....

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

The atmosphere within the Grand Castle tonight was one of pure excitement since Regent Cid Fabool was always known to throw such elaborate parties. It was rather beautiful here in Lindblum, beautiful enough to warrant the bard’s favor. Still silently giving his thanks to Rydia, Edward allowed his eyes to wander as he watched the guests wander into the main hall.

Like his companions, Edward chose to dress right for the occasion in the form of velvet crimson suit (http://www.gq.com/slideshows/mens/fashionshows/F2010MEN/GUCCIMEN/RUNWAY/00350m.jpg) that was tailored made for his slim stature. He combed his blond locks neatly over his ear but the long wispy bangs did drape over the right side of his face. Looking rather regal for once now that he was out of his bard-like attire, Edward helped himself to a glass of champagne once a moogle strolled by.

“What a jovial event!” He exclaimed with a small smile. “I may not know the young princess, but I am certainly glad I’ve came.” Taking a small sip, Edward set his sights upon Rydia’s gown. While he honestly wasn’t a fan of the summoner’s love for plunging necklines (she is like a little sister to him), the Damcyan Prince was certainly thrilled to see Rydia in such a breathtaking dress. She looked like an exotic princess in that endless sea of green. The hues of her gown were quite soothing unlike some of the brighter dresses the Gaian women seemed to favor.

[lastsummoner.livejournal.com]

Waiting to get to her own party stunk, Eiko had concluded as she heard music starting up from her bedroom. Hilda spent most of the day impressing how important it was that she make a grand entrance since she was the guest of honor, but it was her party and she wanted to be in the thick of it. Instead, her mother had slipped off, leaving her with some of the moogles and a servant to scratch at her petticoat. Her dress was pretty, but it was also really itchy underneath and stiff everywhere else. She gave her leg a scratch, only to be chastised, "You're not supposed to do that, kupo." Man.

She couldn't deny she looked like a princess in her white and gold dress (http://www.formalkids.com/cgi-bin/shop/pid_2208.htm), and little tiara and dainty silk gloves. The skirt belled out around her, and swished out delightfully when she spun around on her satin slippers.

Unable to resist a moment longer, she burst out her door and marched right down to the ballroom. She elbowed her way to the front of the line and issued a sharp tug on the announcer's coat sleeve. After he blinked in surprise at her early arrival, he capitulated to the child, and made the announcement:

"Lady Eiko Carol Fabool!"

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

At the announcement, Rydia turned and paused to stare at the little princess that was Eiko. She was so precious! The green-haired summoner couldn't help peer at all the detail, though she snapped out of it and headed over. Her smile was wide as she caught up to Eiko at last.

"There's the birthday girl! You look wonderful, Eiko."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

It had taken Refia forever to find a dress she was happy with - why were all the Gaian dresses made of enough fabric to make up half her body weight? Their skirts were all too wide and unmaneuverable, though she had to admit that they would probably be pretty in some situations. However, a crowded room wasn't one of them.

Her dress (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2007/12/cg1a.jpg) wasn't nearly as revealing as some, with a rich blue bodice and gold skirt, but she didn't mind that at all. She might have been fairly scandalous for her world by wearing trousers, but she was still fairly modest. At the moment, she was peering around, looking for anyone she knew and trying not to get crushed in the press.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"...Refia?" Rydia emerged from the crowd, having caught sight of familiar bright hair while searing for friends. She was wearing a very un-Gaian jade green dress, plenty of fabric but all of it light. It seemed to practically float along with her.

A smile formed at her lips as she realized that her guess was right. Oh, good. It had been a while, too. "Hello again! That is a lovely dress. It suits you so well."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita made his appearance at the ball. Waltzing in, he bowed his head as ritual dictated to the Regent before stepping off to the side. He observed the ball from afar determined to ascertain whom he should grace with his presence.

He stood casually, comfortable in formal affairs such as these, even if his distrust of nobility kept him from frequenting the nobility's engagement.

[pinkgospel.livejournal.com]

After having a dreadful time trying to pass through the main gate, Aerith managed to set foot within the grand castle with a bright smile upon her face. She looked stunning tonight despite slowly suffocating thanks to this too tight corset.

Her ensemble was a Gaian in style but a tad different from some of the more luxurious gowns worn here. It was a slimming white and red dress (http://www.fairyfashion.de/sw/1.JPG), one with long white lacy sleeves that adorned limbs with fancy patterns. The crimson corset she wore matched with the deep hued red bow nestled within her long lengthy brown curls. Her hair was styled as usual with two long curls draping over her ears and her bangs hang over her eyes. However, instead of sporting a braid or ponytail, Aerith wore her hair up for a change with that bow sitting upon the bun.

Searching for both her date for the evening and for her friends, Aerith wandered about aimlessly before spotting the young knight nearby. “Delita!” She cried with a happy grin as she rushed over towards him. “You came after all! You look so nice! Is that what all the knights wear for occasions like this?” She was speaking a mile a minute but hopefully poor Delita could understand her excitement. This was the first time she’s very attended such a grand party.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

As anxious as Mjrn had been during her previous ball, she had come to realize that aside from the disastrous ending, it had been rather enjoyable. The sights, the people, the dancing--the combination was an event that she was willing to experience again...hopefully with a better ending to the night. She also hoped that Penelo's attendance would trigger some memories for her friend. It was a long shot, but she held a small hope that it might happen.

The last ballgown had been lovely, but Mjrn decided that something less restricting was in order for this time. With Penelo's aid, she choose a flowing dress of light blue (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/evilhippygoddess/00240m.jpg) with a slit up the skirt. It contrasted nicely with her dark skin and gave the impression of her being surrounded by a waterfall. Her short hair was free of any alteration or adornment, though she gave in to the desire for a little jewelry--thin silver bracelets adorned her wrists.

She moved to the side after the guards had given her permission, taking a moment to savor the view before her. The elegant ballroom wasn't quite the shock to her senses that had been her first experience, but it was still hardly something she saw every day. Thus, the the result was still a feast for the eyes, and the Viera was still for a long moment, absorbing it all. Only when a moogle approached her to offer champagne did she snap out of it and shake her head. Perhaps later, but at the moment, she realized the crowds had separated her from her friends and partner. The young Viera moved away from the moogle, peering around for them...and perhaps other familiar faces as well.

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

While Edge intended to stay close to Rydia the whole of the evening, chivalry won out as he quietly excused himself from her to obtain some sweet delicacies for them to share.

While at the dessert tray, he couldn't help but notice the other guests.

"I hope this tastes good," he said as he picked up one of the assorted offerings.

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

Zidane's feelings towards these sort of gatherings were pretty varied. On the one hand, he loved the socializing, seeing all the girls in the pretty dresses looking beautiful, enjoying all the food...but the downside was, he had to wear something nice.

And he was! He'd let the Alexandrian castle maids have their dressing way with him, and now he was looking fairly smooth in, well...something as close to a monkey suit as he was willing to wear. His only concession had been that he was still wearing a poet's shirt.

He'd come with Garnet, but she was socializing and so he was out and about, wandering through the crowd, stopping to swipe food off the passing trays and even flirting a bit with the help. All in good fun, of course.

[lastsummoner.livejournal.com]

"ZIDANE!!" All it took was a split second's look and Eiko was racing across the ballroom to her favorite Genome. He'd been her first love, after all, and had exacted a promise from him that he'd dance with her when she was a fine lady. And a fine lady she was today in her uncomfortable dress with the heavy petticoat. A fine lady flinging herself at him for a big hug. She'd almost even forgiven him for disappearing and then acting strange, and well, dumping her for dagger.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke reminded himself as he and his companion(s) entered the ballroom that he had been to many banquets and feasts before. After all, he was friends with a King. Still, he was more comfortable in a cave than in a ballroom. He was still shocked that he had allowed them to talk him into dressing for the party. He felt naked without his bandanna, but begrudgingly left it hidden away on his person. He knew it was risky bringing it here if one of them should find it, but he wasn't going to be unprepared should this party take a turn for the worse.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"Locke!" Rydia waved to catch his attention, as she waited for Edge to return. She flashed him a warm smile, upon approaching. "It really has been too long since we last met in person, hasn't it?"

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia was nearby, watching Edge head off to gather them both some sweets. It was a nice gesture and she didn't mind the moment alone, as it gave her a chance to look around. There was so much to see, and were it not for the desire to dance and look up friends, the summoner could easily be content watching the ball unfold around her.

However, wallflower status was not destined to be hers. Despite her wish, she was unable to simply fade into the background. Just after shaking her head at a moogle offering more champagne, Rydia spotted her friend not too far away. She immediately brightened, moving past the waiter with as much speed as her gown would allow. "Yuna!"

[alittlebitesper.livejournal.com]

Terra stood at the edge of the party, much as she had at the last ball, her hair done up in a fancy style and dressed in this dress. Her father's magicite hung around her neck as usual, though it stood out in stark contrast now to her pale skin, instead of being hidden beneath her clothes.

She had a glass of wine in her left hand, and sipped from it every few moments as she watched the crowd. She had every intention of socializing, unlike her last appearance at such an event, but she hadn't quite worked up the nerve just yet.

Hopefully the wine would help. (http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/dresses/siriano02.jpg) ()

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"...Terra?" Rydia perked up as she nearly passed her by, but a quick side glance revealed that familiar green hair just in time. She turned and flashed a warm smile at the girl as she approached. "It's good to see you! That dress is so lovely."

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

Sup, Reks. You may notice one of your former captains lurking about in formal attire. It was completely unlike him, but of course Vossler was looking as manry as usual--even wearing the usual lineface scowl. >/

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

Raine stood off to the side of the crowd, as uncomfortable as she possibly could be. Even with reasoning to herself that this was no different than the crowds at the village festivals or even the business of the pub during lunch or dinner, there was no escaping that she was entirely out of her element. Laguna, and Ellone, had put on a good case, him making puppy dog eyes at her, and both of them having picked out a dress. But it took the promise that she'd get to visit with both the children that finally won the day and brought her to the party.

The dress (http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/dresses/saab6.jpg) they'd chosen for her was perfectly lovely, in soft shades of silvery grey. Yet it still felt far too dressy to Raine, who had not once in her life had occasion to wear such a gown. Her discomfort manifested in her fussing quietly with the neckline of the dress, which she was attempting to tug just a touch more closed. Obviously Laguna appreciated her cleavage, but she wasn't all that convinced that everyone else needed the view.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn was off to the side as well, taking a momentary break from mingling and dancing. She didn't appear to be any more in her element than Raine was, attempting to look more comfortable than she felt in a long dress and not quite succeeding. Then there was the fact that it was hardly proper Gaian attire, which made her more self-conscious than what it revealed. Viera didn't understand modesty as humes did.

Upon moving away from her spot and glancing around idly, Mjrn perked up when she spotted a familiar face nearby. Was that...yes, it was. Well, it wouldn't hurt to say hello. Forcing down her shyness, Mjrn headed over. "Good evening, Raine."

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

Once the band began to play, Edward found himself frowning once he heard the first trumpet sound. While to inexperienced ears, such music would seem simply divine, the bard was far from impressed. "They are missing notes..." He muttered to himself in a low huff. Taking a moment to frown at the comically dressed musicians, Edward was about to make his way towards the nearest table until he accidentally bumped into a certain well-dressed fellow.

"M-my pardon!" Edward laughed sheepishly. While he was sure that the gent wouldn't cause an argument over something so trivial, the Damcyan was ready to flee at a moment's notice.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain really didn't want to be here. He felt terribly out of place. Mass gatherings of any sort bored him, not to mention made him bitter and jealous of certain happy individuals. He'd much rather be out stabbing monsters. So it had taken a great deal of coercion on Rydia's part to even get him to come. In the end, it had been guilt that won out... since she'd reminded him how he owed it to the others to be there, Cecil and Rosa particularly. He'd relented on one condition: that he not be forced into any pathetically unprotective dress clothes. So indeed once again he had shown up to a formal event fully armored.

It wasn't as if he planned to enjoy this or even to mingle. He would remain here long enough to show the others that he'd come, and then promptly take his leave. So once Kain arrived, he walked around the room, doing his best not to make eye contact with anyone. After what he thought as a decent lap around the room, he settled against a wall with his arms folded.

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

Really, it wasn't hard to miss Kain. Not when he was the only person dressed in armor at a formal wear function. Upon spotting him, Cecil made a beeline for him, slipping past the throngs of people to approach him wearing a suit made entirely of white. An odd pick. "Kain. You won't join us..?"

Cecil glanced back to where Rosa stood, spotting Rydia with a woman in purple and Edward elsewhere. He looked again to his friend, coming to stand next to him, facing the crowds.

[exploreskies.livejournal.com]

Not to steal one thing. Not one thing. Vaan had to keep his natural mindwork in check at Penelo's insistence. He may have been brand new to this world, but it was obvious that Penelo had gained quite the popularity. The last thing he would wish was to tarnish his partner's name with his handiwork.

Thus, he was on golden behavior tonight. Though truth be told, Vaan already felt horridly awkward from the moment he stepped in. His idea of formal wear (http://www.costumeshoes.net/images/couplescostumesarabianaladdinbellydancercostumepartycruise.jpg) was apparently foreign to Gaia, having a constant brigade of odd glances come his way. He barely avoided being escorted out by a servant via some "shirt requirement" dress code. Vaan made a mental note that he did not prefer Gaia's climate.

Not one to stand idle, he figured it was best to slowly browse the room keeping an eye out for his dancer friend, of whom he was quickly separated with upon entry.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Someone had noticed that rather oddly dressed young man lurking around and had no idea what to make of it - that was formal wear? When he wasn't fully dressed? How... strange.

Refia was peeking around a rather portly native Gaian to try and get a better look at him, since she really couldn't believe what she was seeing. However, her own long skirt and sleeves (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2007/12/cg1a.jpg) (blue bodice and gold skirt) weren't meant for sneaking in the least.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

For the third time, Ashe found herself attending one of the Gaians' formal gatherings. Quite a spectacle the last had been, with Kefka's interruption spiralling the Alexandrian Queen's celebration into chaos, and Ashe herself having been far along in her pregnancy.

In honesty, the Dalmascan had been reluctant to travel to Lindblum at first, though she hadn't said so. Vayne's assassination was still fresh in the minds of many, after all. Not only that, but the confusion over Figaro was still on-going. Of course the guards had assured her all would be well in hers and Rasler's absence (there was always the possibility the enthroned 'Edgar' would make an appearance that night himself).

Having been reassured by Rasler that she needed this; some time for simple, relaxed enjoyment, Ashe agreed and now, escorted by her husband, she entered the grand ballroom, dress (http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/dresses/?action=view&current=saab3-1.jpg) swirling around her feet, her uncut hair, which was quite long, now, draped about her shoulders. Glancing around she could see the Regent, whose people were kindly caring for Shain for the course of the evening, and many other familar faces.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Eventually, Celes' roaming eyes caught sight of Lady Ashelia. For a while, the ex-general deliberated over whether or not to speak with her. On the one hand, they'd seen a lot of each other recently, but on the other, Lady Ashelia was one of the people Celes felt relatively comfortable with.

Taking care not to step on her red dress (http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/sites/default/files/images/sigourney-weaver0030710.preview.jpg), Celes made her way over.

"I'm beginning to think half of Gaia came to this," she murmured once she was near enough.

[ladiesmanirvine.livejournal.com]

Course a certain cowboy was there looking sharp as can be. He would have gone with the outfit he wore previously to the ball, but lord knows that wouldn't be right given the fact he had to make an impression, plus now he was more accustom to Gaia this time around. Wearing a Black Suit and White Tie (http://www.groomstand.com/gsblog/White-Black_Zoot_Suit.JPG), the stylish cowboy walked around the party observing the area.

A glance over to where the drinks were, had him grabbing a simply glass a taking a sip from it watching on. This time around he wasn't exactly going to cause a fuss over anything. This time he was here to have a good time, and celebrate a young girl's birthday. If only someone made this much of a fuss for his own birthday. Seriously.

[artemistardust.livejournal.com]

Rosa had turned up with Cecil, of course, though she wanted to mingle with the rest of the guests, particularly the ones she knew. Whether Cecil was with her all the time or not, she would be walking as much as she could. Her dress (http://historyshop.piratemerch.com/images/renaissance_gown_882017.jpg) was something she'd picked up as soon as she's heard about the ball, and now that she was there, she was glad she'd chosen it. The fabric seemed to work just right for her.

Rosa glanced around at the other guests, hoping that some of the people she'd spoken with before would be there as well.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

While he had expected for the nobles of Troia to attend this ball, the Marquis was a tad worried for Lady Rosa's health. The last time he spoken to Lord Cecil's fiancé, she was quite sickly and pale. Sending nothing more than a few 'Get well' wishes in the form of cards, Marquis Ondore hasn't spoken directly since the day of the assassination. While Halim missed what exactly happened thanks to Lord Margrace's heroics, he won and unlucky front row seat to the carnage that took place afterward. However, now isn't the time to think of such terrible imagery.

"I see you are well, milady." Ondore said with a polite smile. "Is all well in Troia these days? I certainly hope so."

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes considered herself dragged to this event. She didn't do balls normally, but there seemed to be quite a few of them on Gaia and she'd gotten convinced, conned, dragged, and whatever other verbs worked. So there she was, standing around the edges. Vaguely, she wondered if Beatrix and Steiner were around, but she wasn't particularly in the mood to look around. At any rate, though, this would be a good chance to see what was going on in the world again. Sometimes traveling so much made her feel very disconnected to what was really going on.

So she stood on the edges, dressed in red (http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/sites/default/files/images/sigourney-weaver0030710.preview.jpg) for comfort and to attempt to blend in, sipping a drink and letting her eyes take in the other guests.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

Having managed to convince Raine and Laguna to come to the ball, Ellone, wearing a lovely blue dress (http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/15th+Annual+Screen+Actors+Guild+Awards+Red+80TmH3iWI3wl.jpg), wandered around for a while, looking through the crowd for any familiar faces. It seemed that everyone had managed to come out here for the day, which was all right. Just meant that she had a lot of looking and searching to do.

Passing by the drinks, she managed to snag one just so her hands would have something to hold onto. She wasn't very fond of alcohol or even champagne. It just wasn't her thing. But she needed something to curl her fingers around to dispel her nervousness.

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

There was just one thing Blank hated about formal events - having to wear formal wear (http://i42.tinypic.com/i3a1ah.jpg). But he couldn't let Eiko down on her big day - after all, a tenth birthday was an exciting thing for such a fine little lady.

Stood off to the side of the room, Blank sipped his champagne as he watched the people dance together and enjoy themselves.

[pinkgospel.livejournal.com]

Noticing something quite fluffy and black within the corner of her eyes, Aerith spotted the Prima Vista's pilot nearby and couldn't help but smile. While she barely knew anything about the business savvy thief, she certainly wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to make more friends. That is why the flower girl approached with such a lovely smile upon her cherubic face.

"I didn't think I would see you here."