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

[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."

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

Oh hey there! The pretty lady from the mooglenet and the trip to the creepy old woman. He gave a smile, handing his empty glass to a nearby moogle. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. My little lady turning ten, it's a big deal."

Another smile. "Are you having a good time?"

[pinkgospel.livejournal.com]

"You know the Regent's daughter personally?" Aerith asked with a little blink. While she certainly wouldn't expect someone like Blank to be friends with Lady Eiko, Aerith was slowly realizing that everyone here in Gaia had some form of relations with the other regardless of class. This truth made her smile since it means people regard each other by who they are, and not the titles they wear.

"I am having a great time! I never had been to a formal ball before." She admitted with such a darling smile. "It’s so lively here. I almost feel as if I could dance the night away."

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, I know Eiko. She's a great kid." He got on well with the Regent too. Funny, considering the way he destested the Nobles over in Treno. Maybe it was because they looked down their noses at him - he was nothing but a thief to them, whereas the Regent, and Hilda, and Eiko saw something more.

He held out a hand to Aerith. "Well then... want to dance, m'lady?"

[pinkgospel.livejournal.com]

"Really? Then maybe I should have you around when you introduce her to me." Aerith was one-hundred percent adamant about meeting the young princess in person. This was her first time amongst such royalty, and she wanted to make the most out of it.

Staring at Blank's hand for a just a moment, a wide grin appeared upon her cherry painted lips as she took it. "Why I don't mind if we do, good sir." She picked up that line from one of the many lavishly dressed ladies parading about through the ballroom.

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

"Yuna! Hey~ stranger!" Blank gave a grin, waving a little as Yuna came over to him. "How have you been? I hear you're getting married? Congratulations. He is one lucky guy!"

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

"Heh, I look forward to it." Now that blush on Yuna's cheeks was absolutely adorable. But it was beginning to seem that more and more of the pretty ladies were unavailable. Of course, in his younger days, it wouldn't have made much difference whether they were taken or not, he'd still've put on the charm, but as he grew older, he respected people's choices more.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn wandered nearby, clad in a light blue dress (http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/dresses/00240m.jpg) that didn't much resemble Gaian fashion. She was grateful for that, seeing as how it gave her much more freedom of movement than her earlier gown. Still, she wasn't used to long skirt and her steps were careful, measured so as not to trip. She bit her lip a little as she glanced around, looking as self-conscious as she felt.

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

Gosh... she was so beautiful. And she looked absolutely wonderful in that dress. Blank was torn between rushing over to greet her or waiting back until she maybe, by chance, noticed him instead.

He walked over as calmly as possible, giving a smile. "Mjrn. You look wonderful."

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Blank was rewarded with a warm smile as she perked up, glad not to be alone. Solitude was fine in its place, but that place wasn't a crowded ballroom, where she needed an anchor. There was a self-conscious but pleased nod at his compliment. "Thank you. Your attire is quite dashing, as well. I hope you are enjoying yourself, thus far?"

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

Blank gave a nod, swiping two glasses of champagne from a nearby moogle's tray, holding one out to Mjrn. "Yeah, I'm having a great time. They really went all out to celebrate, huh?"

He took a sip from his own glass. "How about you? Are you having a good time?" He glanced around the room for a moment. "Here with your partner?"

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn nodded, a small smile forming at her lips as she took the glass. "Yes, though it seems the crowds have parted us for the time being. I do not mind; we shall find each other again. And until then, I am pleased to see you here."

She scanned the area, though more as a general thing than looking for anyone specific. Her gaze quickly met his again. "Do you have a partner, as well?"

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

Suddenly, Blank would feel the hard slap of a hand on his shoulder as Zidane fell into the space next to him, giving the other man a grin.

"Hey Bro. How come you aren't out there dancing?"

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

Blank let out a loud 'omph' at that hand, followed by a huff. Yet, he could never really be annoyed at Zidane - a fact the monkey knew all too well.

"I'm merely waiting for the right girl to come along so I can sweep her off her feet."

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

"The right girl, huh?" He laughed. "I saw you dancing with a pretty girl earlier, what was wrong with her, hmm?"

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

"Aerith? There's nothing wrong with her, she's a sweet girl."

He gave a smile, glancing around the room until he spotted a pair of long Viera ears, nudging Zidane lightly. "That woman right there... she's my dream girl."

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

Zidane was about to say 'then why aren't you still dancing with her?' when Blank directed his attention at the nearby...Bunny Girl? Well, huh. Zidane couldn't disagree that Mjrn was gorgeous.

He laughed, slapping the other on the shoulder again. "So why aren't you dancing with her?"

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

"Ah, Blank!" Steiner approached him, armour clanking away. Blank was probably more used to knights in armour coming to arrest him, but Steiner had no such intention. "I wished to congratulate you on winning the race! I must admit, I did not think that old ship had it in her."

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

"Hey Rusty!" Blank was pretty good at dodging the law when need be. It was a skill he had mastered a long time ago. "Thanks. Heh, the Prima Vista sure proved what she's made of, huh?"

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

"Indeed she did!" Steiner agreed. "It is a great pity that the rest of Tantalus were not able to cheer you on."

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

Blank's smile faded a little at the mention of Tantalus. He really missed them. They were the closest thing to a family he had. "Yeah... It'd have been cool if they had been there too."