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

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

It wasn't much fun, at all, but Kain had come with a bad attitude to begin with. Still, he didn't want to disappoint Cecil.

"I've only just arrived... and a certain summoner was very persuasive about my attending this event." Kain made a quick pointed glance in Rydia's direction. "Otherwise I would have avoided this in the same way that I avoided such events back home."

He sighed lightly, as if deciding to give in to the inevitable and at least tolerate the rest of the evening. Perhaps it wouldn't turn out as bad as he assumed. "Then... very well, I'll join you."

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

Reaching up, Cecil put a hand on Kain's shoulder and nodded. "It can't be so bad, Kain. And I sure am glad Rydia managed to be so persuasive." He grinned slightly, briefly, and gestured to where everyone was, beginning to lead the way.

Really, it was time Kain at least tried to mingle and put the past behind him. Cecil had forgiven him on more than one account, beginning to put it all behind him. He wished his friend would do the same.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"Well... I suppose I'll have to endure it now that I'm here." Kain's expression even lightened a little as he half-smirked at that.

But it was difficult for Kain not to dwell on the past, even at a time like this where everyone should be enjoying themselves. Perhaps because the others all seemed to enjoy themselves with such ease... where for him it didn't happen as readily. Too many negative emotions got in the way.

But he followed along after Cecil, anyway, at least willing to make some effort.

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

"Rosa would like to see you," Cecil offered, looking over at him. "I think it's safe to say we would both like to spend the evening with you. We can't allow the wall to occupy all of your time here now can we?"

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

At mention of Rosa, Kain fought to keep his expression neutral. It was good to hear that, of course.

"...The wall and I were becoming quite fond of one another," he remarked dryly. "But... I understand. I know I haven't been around a great deal." He could blame his own guilt for that- when it wasn't actually working to keep him around as he was doing now, it made him push away.

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

Cecil lifted a brow at that dry response. "You won't find many women near the wall, my friend," returning with his own dry remark, but sobered at Kain's words.

"..As I forgave you all those times before, I have forgiven you even now."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

But he already did find a woman, Cecil. YOUR woman. ...Arrgh... Kain knew that he was going to have to cast aside his feelings again, just bury them deeper inside so that they didn't interfere. As always. Some things truly hadn't changed, despite all that they'd been through.

"I don't deserve that forgiveness this time, either."

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

Cecil stopped in his steps, turning to face his friend. "Kain- speak to me. Share with me what disturbs your thoughts."

He wasn't dense, he knew when something bothered Kain. Like now.

"You are a good friend, of course you deserve it."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

One thing was certain: Cecil was a far better friend than Kain deserved. He'd given him so many chances, despite the fact that Kain continually ruined them. He sighed. Was his inner distress that evident? He was going to have to try harder to keep such things from the surface.

"...It's nothing, truly." He hesitated. "I don't think it fair to burden you, anyway. Not when you intend to enjoy the evening."

*needs a serious Kain / Cecil icon*

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

Cecil was too forgiving for his own good at times. But really, Kain was a good friend to him despite the faults of their past- er past not on Gaia. "To see my friend not enjoying his evening will only lead to my own displeasure of the eve," he pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest.

Face it, Kain, there was no arguing with him.

"It would be no burden at all," he added then. "Do you promise then? To share with me these thoughts one day?"

aw! yes a good BFFS 4EVER one XD

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

It seemed there was no getting away from this talk. Kain similarly crossed his arms, silently challenging Cecil's insistence. He stood like that for a moment, eyeing him, before finally relenting.

"When a better time arises for such a thing... I promise."

Agreed! DX They definitely need this in their lives. STAT.

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

It was like a stand-off of them eying one another, neither stepping back.

Cecil sighed to himself and nodded. He gave a faint smile. "Good. Then perhaps once the ball is over, and I have settled in with this new, strange world?"

YES! XD

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

That at least seemed to work. Kain didn't want to disappoint his friend, after all the other things he'd done against him. At the same time, he was still reluctant to confide in him, ...in anyone, for that matter.

"It does take some time to get adjusted in this place... so that will be fine."

I also need to get my icons uploaded D:

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

It was understandable. But Cecil wasn't one for secrets.

"If you say so, then. As long as you keep to your promise, my friend," he added, teasing slightly.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain, on the other hand, had lived by secrets for years. To be fair, they were secrets kept for the sake of preserving their friendship...

"I swear to it. I wouldn't break a promise..." ...at least, under normal circumstances where his mind was his own.

[sandrubies.livejournal.com]

Cecil, unaware of that, smiled and nodded.

"Then I shall hold you to that." He made a gesture towards vibrant green hair peeking in and out of the moving crowds. "Now, our friends await us. Should we keep them waiting another moment?"

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain glanced to follow the gesture and noticed Rydia. Where she was, no doubt Edge would be close behind. He wasn't looking forward to that, but... he'd promised Cecil and promised Rydia before arriving, that he would make the effort to be around for this event.

"...We'd better not," Kain agreed. "Let's go, Cecil."