Who: Oliver and Ilinca. What: Holiday. Where: Orchestra ball! When: November 19th, evening. Warnings: Likely none, but TBD.
Oliver had not one but two dates to the balls, something that amazed him. He was good company, of course, and had the advantage of being able to throw around money like there was no tomorrow, but he was not the fine, dashing gentleman that women tended to dream of escorting them to a high society event. Still, he was going to put effort into this, for his own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of his dates, and he perused the schedule of events, taking into account the differing personalities of Ilinca and Iris, even though he didn't know either of them very well. Still, taking Ilinca to one of the more formal, expensive affairs and saving one of the more novelty-based balls for Iris.
He met Ilinca at the tunnel out of the Cirque into the park, dressed in his finest tuxedo, all impeccably tailored to someone of his unique physique. Offering her his arm, they walked through the city park, already decorated with Christmas lights wound around the trees, making it a picturesque setting for a necessary walk to the street for their awaiting transportation. And, while Oliver had never really been a huge fan of the holiday season, given all the obligations and awkward functions that had to be suffered, even he couldn't help but get in the spirit as they passed the skating rink, pausing to watch as children slipped and fell and got right back up again. Their enthusiasm was catching and Oliver felt cheery as he led Ilinca over to a small hut selling hot, spiced punch for the skaters, passing her a mug.
"I'm sorry about the walk." He told her after sipping at his punch, thinking it could use some alcohol but not wanting to pull out his flask this early in the night. "I suspect Management wasn't thinking of the logistical concerns that stem from plopping us down in the middle of a park, a good five minutes' walk away from the nearest street." Still, it wasn't too bad. The decorations were pretty and, of course, Ilinca was very pleasing to look at. Eventually, they made their way to the street, where there was a limo waiting for them; Oliver smiled up at her as he pulled the door open to hold it for her.