faefeasts: the midwinter gala - IC

Are you alright? Nothing happened to you in the gardens, did it? I-I'd still understand if it had.

[pause]

My luck was rather good.

I tire of unimaginative revelry. If we are to seek our own entertainment, then ought it not be to our liking?

I l-like this one.

[a pause as he eyes his wisp.]

I had g-gott-gotten it to stop writing my stammer and show s-some compassion, but I'm afraid I just said s-something very rude to it. One day, I'll c-crush this ridiculous creature with a very- with a very large book. In any c-c-c-c-c-c-case-

[he very well might crush it with an encyclopedia or an old world atlas within the next five minutes.]

I d-d-d-d-did not stutter that many t-t-t-t-t-t-

[another pause as he searches for something complimentary and truthful to say.]

W-w-wisp, you are useful. I appreciate that you l-let me talk to others without h-having to see their faces. And now I c-can read and hear what you all really think of each other.

I've been thinking, turning over a question in my mind. As I've come to no good end, I put it to you: where, do you think, is the difference between fae and human? What makes us different and yet so similar?

[Her dry voice breaks through, pondering, edged by curiosity masking itself as dullness, or perhaps that is the intent.]

Who knew so many broken hearts could still beat so fiercely. Tell me, what is it you're so afraid of?

It's taken me far too long to admit, or even realize, this. The proverbial cat should've been let out of the bag at my first ball, but I suppose my pride got in the way.

I don't know how to dance.

Could someone teach me? I'm not aiming to learn anything complicated. A tarantella or salsa is quite beyond me. A waltz would be enough. Just teach me to lead and possibly not to step on her toes.

That was...

Interesting. And not unpleasant.

[With a voice utterly laced with amusement.] I do hope you all had quite the time.

I know I certainly did.

As I had thought. I missed the certainty of solitude. If one does not wish to be found, then there are a plethora of options available to them. Tell me, what benefit does being surrounded by the masses bestow?

What did you say to her? To L-London? I'm not saying I'm not appreciative but well. W-well. You said something.

She didn't even like me before you spoke to her. That's not a silver tongue you have. That's- That's platinum. At least.

You didn't enchant her, did you? Because I d-don't- I really don't want that.

WHO: London and Talos.
WHAT: Prototype recovery.
WHEN: After this thread.
WHERE: Outside the library.
WARNINGS: None atm.

( There were half a dozen of Talos' creations scattered about the palace. )

[She clears her throat]

You create objects, yes?

[The voice curling out from the wisp is familiar to those who have been in the realm as long as broken love has existed. It's a sultry tone naturally, without the intent of seduction, there is a touch of monotone boredom to the words as they make their way into open air.]

Well, well, well. Another Midsummer brings yet another ball, persuading me out from the mortal realm. I do hope you have all been enjoying yourselves to the fullest, and I do mean to the fullest.

[Mavis]

Please tell me the batch at this ball is better than the last.

[ranvir, fiach, talos, gemma, aoife, oletha, arda, aimee, nia]

This? Is the best Midsummer feast we've ever had.

[His voice keeps cracking, as he's straining to speak in his usual register.]

I understood the masquerade. I-I mean, I didn't understand it, but... It seemed a more legitimate experiment. Certainly a more entertaining one. At least.

This... [clears his throat] This is just inconvenient.

Enchanted masks? I really should stop getting distracted so early on at the ball. I miss everything fun.

I- I- I- oh.

As I was going to St. Ives,
I met a man with seven wives,
Each wife had seven sacks,
Each sack had seven cats,
Each cat had seven kits:
Kits, cats, sacks, and wives,
How many were there going to St. Ives?

I find myself lacking in amusement. Surely there are those who seek to entertain, and yet I find myself bereft of their company. Or perhaps this is the Seelie court's definition of revelry.

A pity.

I seem to have missed the King's masquerade. Such a shame. The dancing is always so enjoyable when he commands it.

WHO: Uaine & Talos.
WHAT: A crash course in watches.
WHEN: Shortly after the masquerade.
WHERE: A common room.
WARNINGS: TBD.

( She was easy to find. )