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

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Just as her hand took his, Gabranth heard the familiar noise of his sky phone. A frown creased his brow, but he knew only Larsa would contact him personally and he withdrew his hand, reading the message his Emperor had sent. His eyes widened slightly. "Lord Larsa..." he exhaled, panic and worry flashing across his face for a brief second. Slipping his phone away, he swallowed thickly, trying to decide just whether he wanted to chase after him and find out why he was heading home already or whether he wanted to sit in this awkward moment with her. He knew his slip up probably damaged things further, and she had no reason to want to spend any time with him now. He was not the man she'd thought she knew, and he'd never expected her to accept what he'd done right off the bat.

His decision was made. He had to do what duty asked of him. He needed to be with Larsa and ensure his safety now he was returning home. "Larsa is to leave; I must return to his side." Putting away his phone, Gabranth looked at the blonde woman beside him, his heart aching at how he'd truly destroyed what friendship they'd had between them. He hadn't wanted this to happen. He just needed to be honest for once in his life. Perhaps honesty wasn't always such a wonderful thing as many seemed to believe.

Shifting to his feet, Noah sighed gently, his gaze cast down towards where she sat. "Take what time you need to decide what you wish," he murmured, turning to lean down, gently holding her chin as he kissed her softly on the lips. It was inappropriate, it was badly timed, it was probably the worst thing he could do, but what else did he have left to lose? As he pulled away, his gaze fell to her lips. "My apologies," he whispered, before turning away and retreating inside to find Larsa.

It was time to go home, and he could lament his own sorry situation when he was alone.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Quistis was secretly glad that Noah's Sky Phone rang when it had. The shrill noise of the ring tone sliced through the thick tension between them, and as he moved to check the contents of the message, her gaze drifted once again, looking anywhere but at him. His worried tone caught the attention of her ears though, and she glanced up to Noah, concern apparent in her eyes. Was Larsa alright?

"Of course." Quistis murmured, her head dipping into a small nod to acknowledge his words. Her eyes shifted tot he ground, and she watched his feet as Gabranth made to stand from his position on the railing. Her mind was still hazy with her conflicting thoughts, and she couldn't help but feel that maybe with his absence, she could properly sort through her feelings. Having expected him to simply retreat into the crowded ball room and make his way for the entrance as soon as he could, Quistis was taken completely by surprise when his fingers lifted her chin and he closed the distance between them to press his lips gently against hers.

He had just kissed her.

It was quick and chaste, and even she could feel the touch of sadness behind the gesture as there was a lingering sense of finality in the act. Quistis barely heard the whispered apology he left in her ear, and she watched in silence as he walked away, her eyes locked on his retreating form until he had been swallowed by the sea of guests, the crowd too thick for her to distinguish him apart.

A shaky breath escaping her lips, Quistis lifted a hand, her fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as she clenched her eyes shut. What just happened? Of all times to do that, why did he have to choose now? She was already conflicted enough-- the kiss only added another layer of complexity to the situation. Sighing, she opened her eyes, her body shifting as she gazed at the view provided by the balcony, though she could hardly appreciate the scene. No, her mind was far too distracted.

Alone on the balcony now, Quistis sat in isolation, feeling more confused than ever.