The Stylish Sentinel of Solm

Black Eagles Student at The Officer's Academy! Solm's Loyal Knight, here to represent Solm with style and class!

[classybrawler]

It is time to have a ball!

Panette is quite excited for the Ethereal Ball this year! Turns out, it is a much more enjoyable affair when given time to prepare, unlike last year where she had only been in Fódlan for four days. Back then? She was quite terrified of how she would come off; representing Solm, representing Elyos, and not knowing a single person. Now? Well, she still needs to represent Solm the best she can, but she is a bit more relaxed about it, and she has friends old and new she cannot wait to see here!

And, her outfit is much more glamorous! Sure, it is basically her regular outfit, but the shoulders are poofier, the bow in her hair is bigger, her handwraps have been replaced with lovely silk gloves, her shoes are pointier and poofier, and the dress has way more layers, adding in a whole rainbow of colours instead of just the three. Her makeup is bolder and even more elaborate too; she's not sure it would still offer her magical protection but it is not like she will need it at this event. Right? Stepping into the glamorously redecorated academy, she gives the professor a thankful curtsy as she receieves a lovely bouquet of orchids.

Flower Tracker:

-Roses: Berkut, Hector, Kurt -Orchids: Yunaka, Fogado, Sothis -Lilies: Alear, Sara, Poe -Hyacinths: Diamant, Ashe, Joachim, Chrom -Tulips: Leo, Camilla

[licehn]

    “I don't know much about what makes things glamorous... but this is pretty fancy for me. There was nothing like anything here at my village, so... it's all new to me,” Joachim answers, a bit of amusement to his mouth enough to make a small little smile there. That being said, it's all fairly intimidating. The bustle of people is even more than at the festival or on a normal day of classes, and those have already been mind-boggling to a bumpkin like him.

But at the same time, as intimidating as it all is, it's been nice to be included. The orchid he's been given, indeed all the flowers he's been given in this bouquet of his, are a kindness that his child self wouldn't have been able to fathom.

When he thinks of it like that, it's all too easy to let his smile grow ever so slightly past the confines of politeness to something more genuine.

“Though you've piqued my curiosity. Man-made hot springs...?” he repeats after her. “I'd heard about hot springs in some villages, but how does man make those? Wait, aren't you supposed to bathe in hot springs?”

With how dressed up everyone was around them now, he could hardly imagine it...!

[classybrawler]

"Truly, I do not quite understand it myself; all I know is that it felt just as lovely and relaxing as a hot spring, whilst being inside a bathing room." She shakes her head.

"That entire night was quite bizarre, to tell you the truth. It was at the beach instead of the academy, there had been a rough thunderstorm so we all crowded inside a posh noble's house, hence the hot springs, I had went ghost hunting inside some caves..." When she recalls it like that, it sounds quite a lot more awesome than what it actually ended up being.

"Ah, but I digress. I hope all these new experiences are not too much! I know first hand just how overwhelming all of this can be." She thinks to the first few proper parties she had participated in after becoming Timerra's retainer, and just how stressful they were.

"There is nothing wrong with taking a step back at any point, if you need. After all, this is meant to be enjoyable first and foremost!" Alright, well, that's not exactly always true at all but telling her friend who's new to all this 'oh by the way some people will judge your each and every move so good luck' kinda doesn't seem like the best idea.

[malignantknight]

[ GOSSIP ] - For those who don't want to be the center of attention, sitting on the sidelines and observing those who do is a time-honored tradition. Exchanging thoughts with another while doing so is a rite of passage for a student—it is a slightly worse look for the staff to take part.

"Panette! How nice to see you again!" She greets her warmly, holding out an orange tulip for her. "How have you been darling? Your studies are going well I take?"

Camilla listens intently as Panette gives her polite answers, all the while smiling.

"Any word about how the White Heron Cup is going? I'm afraid I've been confined here for most of the night. I twisted my ankle earlier."

[classybrawler]

"My sincere condolences about your ankle, Lady Camilla. Truth be told, I had left after the first round of dances, but for what I have seen it truly was... eventful." She chuckles awkwardly.

"There were some breathtaking dances, of course. Some less than breathtaking ones, too. I think one of the contestants ran off crying?" She might have been the same oaf that cut in front of her earlier, but she can't help but feel slightly bad.

"Oh, and someone I am not fond of at all had barely scraped by, saved not because her dancing was in any way good, but rather because her opponents messed up even more." She laughed; that DID feel satisfying to see.

[serraic]

[ CHOCOLATE ] - Stefanelli's has partnered with the monastery to make the most of the supplies left in excess of their workshops earlier in the year by offering packages of sweet chocolates for attendees. The offerings appear generous... that is, until you open your box to find it only half full.

"Panette!"

Erk had wandered off to get some food for the two of them, and Serra happened to be standing near the chocolate table... which is whereabouts she sees beautiful Panette. "Ohmigosh, you look, like, so stunning! Look at you! Wow... My boyfriend abandoned me for the moment, come, sit with me! Let's share some chocolate and flowers and talk!"

Panette doesn't truly have a choice in the matter...

In moment's time, Serra's found two little chairs tucked away, and is offering Panette one of her orchids and opening their chocolate box to find...

It's. It's half full. The look on Serra's face falls into disgusted.

"Um... Has someone else eaten out of this box before us?"

Without another word, she passes it on a table next to them. She's no longer in the state of her life where she needs to go dumpster diving for food. Best to leave that behind...

"Nevermind... Anyway, hi! You look so nice! Are you here with anyone tonight? I'm here with my boyfriend, as I said... Erk, did I mention? What about you?"

For once, though, they match! Serra, too, is wearing black. Head to toe, except for some ribbons accentuating her delicate dress, and dark make-up dots her eyes and lips. She smiles boldly.

"We look so alike right now... Hehe! You're so cute!"

[classybrawler]

Panette has been minding her own business, taking a moment to breathe by the chocolate table, seemingly mostly abandoned due to all the mishaps with the chocolate (she almost feels bad for poor Stefanelli), when suddenly a familiar voice rings out!

Turning to face her with a smile, Panette is left momentarily stunned just by how fashionable Serra looks! The make-up, the dress, the ribbons; it is all quite stunning! So much so that she finds herself only being able to smile and nod until they sit down...

Wherein she realizes she had forgotten to warn Serra about the issue with the chocolates, leaving her to stare awkwardly as she puts them to the side. Whoops.

She shall have to remedy that in a moment. Serra seems to be able to move on quite swiftly from one topic to another in quite the invigorating way, Panette finds.

"We really do look quite similar!" She chuckles, trying not to blush at being called cute. "Your outfit is absolutely breathtaking, Serra, I truly think it is one of the most gorgeous ones I have seen today." True, she may be a bit biased but hey.

"Alas, I have been here for a year and I am yet to find any luck with romance." She shakes her head, smile still stuck on her face. "Mayhaps the lucky lady shall appear one day, but right now, it seems I am simply scaring away all the fish said to be in the sea." She chuckles. It is fine, it is not like she really expects anyone would fall in love with her anyways, she's long since accepted that.

"I hope I shall get to meet this elusive boyfriend of yours at some point; I can only assume he is just as wonderful of a conversationalist as you are!" She smiles. He better be at the very least, her dear friend deserves someone who will treat her right.

Glancing over to the chocolates again, Panette considers taking one or two, but truthfully, she does not care for confectionery enough to reach out. Instead, she offers what she knows to Serra.

"I do not believe anyone has eaten those chocolates, if you still wish to consume them. I believe the chocolatier has simply underestimated the amount of attendees by a significant degree. That, or he is doing it on purpose, both versions have been floating around as gossip." She chuckles.

[hresvelged]

[ MOVIE - FARCE ] - A techno-magical reproduction of a performance following the double lives of two young noble men who so happen to share a name.

Under the setting sun, they walk away. Never to see one another again, only to share the memories of a life they would never have.

.. ..

And never will. Or so they think?!

— The End, the screen concludes as the images fade away into darkness. The people around her are whispering into one another's ears, no doubt recounting their thoughts about the piece before them. Laughter bubbles to the left and right. While she deems it longer than intended, the princess prefers this story over others she has encountered. It's happier; a room of cheer rather than one whisked by what's yet to come.

When the spectators around her stand up to leave, she lingers a moment longer. Edelgard readjusts the flowers in her hair and looks to her classmate: "An intriguing tale, hm? The ending isn't particularly satisfying, but I suppose it can't be helped." A beat. "Did you enjoy it?"

[classybrawler]

"The tale was quite interesting, but I cannot help but feel as if that ending was poorly thought out" She shakes her head. The idea of the story was one that definitely piqued her curiosity; she knows a thing or two about adjusting to a life so much different than usual, after all.

But the ending? It just kind of left a bad taste in her mouth. "I feel like if they had stopped it before the last line, it would be a bit sombre, but overall positive. But then simply saying 'Or so they think?!'" Panette says in a mock voice. "It has just left me with my emotions confused. If they are implying that they are in fact going to have these opposite lives, why not simply show that to us?" She shakes her head. Maybe she would not be so riled up about it if the premise did not remind her of herself so much.

"Still, other than that blemish, it truly was a good time; it had managed to draw many a chuckle from me." She smiled; maybe she is complaining too much, after all, it was really hard for her to remain composed instead of bursting with laughter far more brutish than usual.

[classybrawler]

We are siblings and we have the same hair!

Panette and Pandreo, continued from here

[martyrdance]

That means it's been...a year. Almost exactly a year, that Pandreo hasn't checked in. He thought about it quite a lot, and it would've been easy enough to ask anyone at the palace about Panette. But every time, he stopped himself. He was just being an overbearing big brother, he told himself. She would just get frustrated if he kept popping in.

(Maybe he was worried about reminding Panette of the life she had escaped. He was so overjoyed to find her again, but what if he was an anchor? What if she looked at him and saw their mother's scowl, their father's arms gesticulating in rage?)

"Oh," Pandreo bleats, "Fogado's here, too? I'll just have to look for the guy making the most ruckus then, huh?"

(He hadn't even known his Prince was here. Has Pandreo's head been that far in the sand?)

"Hey," says Pandreo, a slightly more somber tone cutting through the heavy beat echoing around them. "I'm sorry that I haven't kept in touch very well. I guess...I figured you were living your life. Didn't need me weighin' you down, right?"

[classybrawler]

She lets another snort escape her as she gives his quip a nod. He's still here to talk to her. That's quite nice.

Trying to think of what else to even say proves to be pointless. Pandreo beats her to the punch, and proves that he's able to put celebrations to a stop just as well as he's able to start them.

All she's really able to let out is a sigh. She isn't surprised this is what he thinks of her. She's basically ditched him twice while trying to run from her own issues.

The fact he's apologizing for it hurts. She'd rather he get mad, scream, be upset. Anything rather than being understanding! She's the one that fucked up, not him!

...then again, he always was better than mom and dad. In running a church, and in being family.

He deserves her trying to be good too; not like she's ever been, but there's never a bad time to start.

"You dolt..." She smiles sadly at him. "You would never weigh me down, alright? Not ever. If anythin', I'm sorry for making you feel like that. I mean, it's been a damn year, I coulda reached out as well. I should have done so. It's always just been me, Pandreo, all the... plentiful issues I've got, that have been weighing me down. Not you. Never you." She casts her gaze down for a moment, before shaking her head and looking him straight in the eye once more. No more cowardice.

"I know I've been... bad, at showing it." She can't help but laugh a bit. "But I do care about you, Pandreo. I want you around. Besides, someone's gotta reel you in, can't have too many parties at an academy like this, think of the grades!" She grins, punching him in the shoulder gently enough to not hurt at all.

[licehn]

@classybrawler sent: [ NETWORK ] - One of your fellow ball-goers is being accosted, and getting into earshot, you realize it's by someone who claims to be one of the scouts looking for talent. But they're being a little pushy, aren't they? And are you sure they're really who they say they are? ( ethereal ball — first half. )

    From the moment the man in the gold suit approached Joachim, the wolf's night became unexpectedly busy. Without even meaning to, the things he begins to spot are not his fellow guests but instead predominantly the talent scouts. Each direction he looks, there's a new one, each with their own flavor of eccentricity.

Outsiders in their own right, all looking for something. He couldn't intimidate them very well, but he didn't want his peers to have their night bothered the way his had originally been...

“Nora! You really liked that mint flavored shaved ice, right? They just got in more syrup.”

...so he simply took to handling it in a way he only felt he could. One silver-haired scout had been badgering Panette, insinuating she could afford more high quality makeup if she were to choose the path to stardom, when all of a sudden their cool mask falls at Joachim's comment. A delighted smile lifts their face, lending it a more open air to it than had been present before.

“Oh, is that so? I certainly can't miss that,” they hum. To Panette, they say, “We'll have to continue our conversation later. Do think of me, won't you?”

And the woman is then handed a card before the silver-haired beauty promptly weaves their way through the crowd, making a bee-line for the shaved ice servings. In their place, Joachim stands, somewhat sheepish.

“Sorry. They're odd, but I can't quite chase them off. That'll have to do,” he admits. “It's been a while since I've seen you, 'destined friend'. Have you been doing well? Here, a flower for your thoughts.”

With that, he pulls one of his hyacinths for her to take.

[classybrawler]

Panette has promised herself that she shall not cause an incident today.

Panette is very close to breaking that promise.

The moment this obnoxious gnat of a person (with apologies to gnats) had approached her, trying to neg her about her makeup. How very well dare! Her makeup is immaculate and intricate; this asshole wouldn’t know proper elegance if it hit them in the face! Which is very close to happening!

Still, no, deep, subtle breaths. She needs to remain polite, and calm, and pleasant, and not make a scene. Even if it means enduring this torture for heavens knows how long.

Or, at least, she thought she’d be trapped in this neverending conversation, until they suddenly decide to leave, spurred on by words from a familiar sounding person.

Letting out one last bout of niceties (she shall certainly think of them; next time she is at the training grounds), she turns towards Joachim, weakly giving him a thumbs up as her pleasant facade crumbles, making way for exhaustion and annoyance.

“You have my sincerest gratitude for trying to deal with them. I do not know in what world is criticizing the make-up I currently have on a sound business strategy. Eventually they shall find someone less composed than me, and they will find themselves receiving a knuckle sandwich for their troubles.” She lets out an annoyed grunt, as she rips their card in twain.

“No more on them, though, I care not to have them occupy my thoughts for longer. It has been quite some time! I have been doing quite well, thank you.” She gives him a relaxed smile, happy to simply be having a normal conversation.

Taking the hyacinth, she happily puts it in her bouquet and takes out an orchid in exchange; the least she can offer as gratitude.

“It has been quite a pleasant ball, I must say. Last time I had just barely arrived in Fódlan, so I was absolutely petrified; this year has been far more enjoyable. Better refreshments too.” She chuckles.

“Though I must say, I miss the man-made hot springs that were available last time, they were quite relaxing.” Not much of anywhere to hide in the academy; last year she would have simply retreated to the caves had she been faced with these awful talent scouts.

“How about you, ‘destined friend’?” She lets out a small laugh; calling each other that is silly, but she does rather like it. “Has your night been as glamorous as the academy hopes it ought to be?”

[berglietz]

[ CORN ] - A new strain of corn has been bred in Bergliez with a curious trait—it pops when exposed to heat, becoming light and fluffy! Help yourself to a bag; it's a little bland on its own, but you get the feeling you could find something to spice it up.

"Greetings Caspar!" Panette gives him a cheerful smile after managing to finally flag him down in the dimmed monastery.

"The corn your lands have provided truly is incredible! I have seasoned it in quite a delicious way with my spices, would you care to try?" She asks, opening up a bag of corn pops and illuminating the both of them with a faint, red glow.

“Whoa, did you bring in your own?”

He’s gotta try a bite, obviously!

“Oh, wow, that’s-” Even words that short fail him for a couple seconds, dissolving into a full on coughing fit. His eyes are watery by the time he recovers. “...Intense!”

The wet sheen in his eyes only makes his expression all the brighter. His mouth feels like it’s on fire. It’s awesome.

“What did you use? Is it stuff from your homeland?”

[classybrawler]

"Indeed! Various spices from back in Solm, generously sprinked and tossed over the corn pops, as I have taken to calling them." There is a lot of enthusiasm in her voice; overjoyed at how much her friend seems to be enjoying the snack.

"If you so wish, I can put in a larger order than usual next time, so that you may have some for yourself." She happily offers; she would give him some of her spices then and there but at a big party like this, one never knows when you may need to season something.

[classybrawler]

We are siblings and we have the same hair!

Panette and Pandreo, continued from here

[martyrdance]

Panette's hugs have always been seldom but crushing - the same arms that she uses to swing an axe with wild abandon are wrapped tightly around him now, with no sign of letting go. In his current party-mode, Pandreo wonders if it feels like she's hugging a fish; like he'll be too slippery to hold, too eager to return to his best-suited environment.

She...howled? "Y-you did?" Pandreo is nearly stunned into silence, imagining his sister howling in his honor. "I actually just got here today! I should've checked up on you sooner - I figured you were off, y'know, doing your retainer thing."

The same should probably be said for him, but he'll dance off that bridge when he gets to it.

Pandreo pulls back to meet her gaze. "For all I know, the howl's what did it!" he continues cheerfully. "I was gonna decorate my room when I got this feeling that I should go outside, and bam!" Pandreo pumps both fists in the air. "Here I am! AR-AROOOOOOO!"

[classybrawler]

Panette cannot help but laugh as Pandreo howls yet again; the stares she knows they are getting are something she could not care less about. "Well, I'm glad I did it then; it wouldn't be a true party without ya, would it?"

As happy as she is, his words do make her ponder if she should even be here in the first place. When she left, it was so she could better herself as a person; so that she could flourish instead of stagnating like she felt she had been. Are extravagant, larger than life parties like this one really how she should be spending her time?

Still... she can feel bad about that later. For now she shall keep on trying to feed herself sugary spoonfuls of arguments against worrying; most of her friends are here, Fogado himself is here, it is not like she could be getting any training in this night... her stomach will ache later, but it is enough for now.

"We've both got funny timing, now I think about it. When I arrived here in Fódlan it was just four days before the previous ball; barely any time to prepare at all." She snorts.

"And who's to say I'm not doing retainer duties, huh?" Her tone of voice sounds slightly annoyed, but she hopes the smirk on her face conveys it is mostly in jest. "Learning the dances and songs and celebrations of various different lands; surely that will help out in some way." Whilst that IS true, truthfully she's just saying it to give him a bit of pushback.

"Besides, the Boss may not be here, but Fogado is, so, closest thing to retainering I've got, right?" She does wonder whether Pandreo knew of this; if not, he certainly does now.

Hopefully it won't cause him to slip out of her grasp and bolt immediately, though it's not like she wouldn't understand.

[classybrawler]

[ MOVIE - ??? ] "I found him." Sara doesn't waste her breath on a long-winded explanation, burying the lede as a playbill depicting a clown is brandished. Apparently the techno-magical reproductions include retellings of pre-existing stories as well as new plots which star well-known celebrities to draw in audiences.

"Pagliacci has reprised the role. You're interested, right?" They have always been kindred spirits in Sara's mind, sharing a love of the unconventional and occult. "I figured we could go together when I saw you here. Let's make haste, I'll show you the way."

Intrigue quickly gives way to shock, happiness and a vigorous nod; she had never gotten to see the great clown that night.

"I heard whispers he had vanished without a trace that night!" She says with hushed excitement; to hear that one of these moving pictures is starring him; Panette would not miss this for the world!

"I wonder if this is meant to disprove those very rumors." She ponders, moving swiftly towards the viewing area. "Or, if perhaps, this is a recording from beyond the grave, meant to illuminate what had happened to him!" Oh, she can hardly contain her excitement now!

As they sit down to view the show, Panette quickly slips one of her orchids into Sara's bouquet; a showing of gratitude for thinking of her.

The moving picture starts quite swiftly afterwards, and Panette is on the edge of her seat as she awaits its contents; at worst, it shall still be a bemusing time.

Though, it might also be an irritating time if the clown in front of them continues booing the movie; Panette is more than ready to dish out some harsh words. How shameful, he really ought to put a bit more respect on the name of the great clown Pagliacci.

[contempenitent]

[ GRANNVALE ] - An old waltz from before the rise of Emperor Arvis. It was popular during its time in the 750s but has now become a relic of the past, one that may not be as appreciated by the newer generation.

In the ebb and flow of various dance numbers, Mauvier flits in and out of the cloying crowd. The more erratic, energetic dances, he avoids; he's simply not nimble enough to trust himself to keep up without stepping on a slew of innocent feet.

This one, though...it feels familiar in a hazy sort of way, like something he heard through the mists beyond Destinea Cathedral on the less-dreary of his days in Elusia. It's a somber sort of nostalgia, but he decides to give himself over to it.

He doesn't necessarily expect Panette, of all people, to be attuned to such an old-timey one-two step. He might have expected her to tear up the floor during a song geared toward the younger and bolder of the crowd. Yet, here she is; a lone wolf on the dune, her fangs rendered inert.

Despite their difference in height, Mauvier musters the courage to approach her. He does not fear those fangs; just like himself, she honed them to survive. "Miss Panette," he calls softly, "may I have this dance?"

[classybrawler]

Waltzes are quite the beautiful and elegant dances; a prime example of the kind of discipline and refinement that Panette eternally strives to seek. She thinks back on all the early days in the palace, frustratedly trying to learn so many different dances as to not embarrass herself in front of everyone.

A Waltz was one of the first dances she truly felt like she was good at; one that made her feel like she could be more than just a no-good, unruly punk.

...which is why it's so damn frustrating that nobody wants to dance with her! Sure, the waltz does not seem to be the most popular of dances, but surely one of the cowards on the sidelines could stand to buckle up and join her!

In the end, the one to join her is Sir Mauvier; whilst she is still slightly disappointed that no stranger dared to approach her for a dance, she is more than pleased with the choice of dance partner.

"It would be my honour, Sir Mauvier." Her expression softens as he offers her the dance; she wraps her right arm around his waist as she prepares to lead.

Stepping into familiar rhythms and movements, Panette cannot help but feel at peace; a comforting dance, with a soul who she feels understands some of what she's been through.

Her troubles will return sooner or later but for now? She is content.

[cotharach]

[ PHOTO IN MOTION ] - And in addition, this year boasts a similar device bolstered by new advancements that allow it to capture more than just a moment; now, even motion and sound can be immortalized forever. Take a video with a friend—or catch something juicy you'll want to keep up your sleeve for later.

#TOABall2026 — Week 1

Flayn had been standing in front of the photo artifex long enough that a small queue had formed. There was an orange-haired lady who seemed particularly keen on taking her turn with the gadget. But Flayn had yet to get her portrait taken!

"Please spare me one moment more! It should happen any time now..."

Flayn spoke through gritted teeth, for she could not break out of her posture even if she desperately wanted to. This device was made to take still images, and so any subtle movement she dared make would be recorded on paper forever—or as long as paper existed, at least. So she kept her smile on her face, persisting for the minutes this device seemed to need in capturing a 'photo.' Not knowing that she had been recording footage of her trembling and grinning at the camera all this time.

[classybrawler]

The laws and rules of the queue are something Panette respects deeply. It would take a lot to make her break or otherwise rustle these laws.

This is definitely pushing it.

She feels bad, because this girl most certainly does not mean to cause issue, but her hopelessness with the photo-artifex is painful.

So painful in fact, that Panette cannot handle it any longer, stepping forward to move right next to her.

If she were still a young punk, she is not sure she would handle this situation with the grace it deserves, but thankfully, she has grown quite a lot.

"Please, do allow me to help; you need not strain yourself so much." Her voice gentle, a smile on her face, Panette takes a glance at the device.

"I believe this is a video, not a photo." She offers without judgement; as annoying as the mix-up is, she would feel quite bad if she were in the girl's shoes.

"Would you like for me to take a photograph for you? I promise I shall do my absolute best to make it the best photo you shall see." She offers; a bit boastful but hopefully it will put her at ease.

[tomatotactician]

[ LYTHOS ] - A complicated dance performed by Lythian clerics, incorporating the choreography relayed to the former Divine Dragon Monarch by tales and demonstrations from pilgrims of the main four nations on Elyos as well as those from the Emblems. It requires mastery and control of tempo changes and willingness to move one’s body in many different ways.

        A young lady approaches Leo as the music changes once again: an unfamiliar tune to the prince's ears, but he has been watching the floor carefully. Surely he can grasp the basics of this one.         “A dance? It would be my honor.” Leo bows politely, offering his hand. Back home in Nohr, the only people who approached him for a dance so brazenly were equally forward in their affections for him... but in Fódlan, he is a foreign dignitary, native to an unknown kingdom. Just another partner to share a dance with, then off to still another. Ironic. He kind of likes it.

        The movements are strange: flowing from one form to another, then stepping swiftly as the tempo picks up; next, a dreamy refrain as the couples on the floor float round one another. Leo's gaze is fixed in utmost concentration, a look that usually makes the others shy away under the intensity of his stare. Alas, he doesn't notice, honed in as he is on his partner, their movements in sync, and the ebb and flow of the music.

        The prince's expression clears as the dance ends in an elegant flourish. Finding his bouquet, Leo offers a tulip to the young woman, smiling: "Thank you for the dance. I am Prince Leo, of Nohr. May I ask your name, miss?"

[classybrawler]

As a familiar tune plays out, Panette is quite eagar to prove herself on the dance floor; she can handle the increased attention on herself if it means showing just how well a representative of Solm can dance.

That and she wants to wow people a bit; slightly conceited maybe, but she did not practice dancing back home AND here only for those skills to go unused.

She approaches quite an elegantly dressed man; he seems like he will be quite the adequate dance partner.

Offering a curtsy, she takes his hand, making sure to temper her eagarness in order to remain calm and polite to this stranger.

A decision that proves slightly difficult as his gaze feels like it is burning holes in her body. There is a part of her that wants to look away, but a bigger part of her feels like it'd be quite cowardly of her; she instead steels her resolve and does her best to meet his stare the same way she would meet someone less intense.

Besides, if the intense look is what is helping him match the song as skillfully as he is, then it is a small price to pay.

The dance ends quite marvelously, and Panette cannot help but smile at how well it went; a smile that widens as her dance partner offers her a tulip. She takes it and puts it near the centre of her bouquet, before offering one of her Orchids in turn.

"The gratitude is all mine, I am most pleased someone was able to match me with such skill. It is an honor to meet you, Prince Leo. I am Panette, retainer to the Princess of Solm." She gives him yet another curtsy. She figured by his attire that he might be a noble in some way, though she had not expected a prince. Well, that just made their dance all the more impressive, then!

"If you wish to share any more dances at any point, I would be most pleased." She gives him an affirming nod. Maybe they should wait a bit to do so first, however; lest the other dancers feel inadequate to their skills.

Maybe that's a bit too braggadocious of her, but then again, they've most certainly earned it.

[classybrawler]

We are siblings and we have the same hair!

Panette and Pandreo, continued from here

[classybrawler]

Pandreo's words convey happiness at seeing her, which does make her heart swell, though he seems to be about as unsure on how to proceed as she is.

She supposes she has herself to blame for this; after all, she had left him behind twice now.

Which is why it falls on her to breach that gap once more.

Instead of simply taking his hands, she pulls him out of the spotlight fully into a crushing hug.

"Of course the first time I see you here, you're partying it up. And to think I made an ass of myself by howling in your name earlier; then again, maybe that's what summoned you here in the first place." She laughs, loosening her hold on him a bit so he doesn't suffocate or break a rib.

"How long have you been here anyway? It cannot be too recent, can it? Figured I would have seen you by now if it wasn't."

@martyrdance

[heriteur]

Divinity, help them both.

Diamant could hardly believe she was still willing to go. Then again, she was Panette, and her drive for competition truly seemed to rival even a Brodian's. But he can see that she is reaching her limit, and he knows he's fast approaching his...

Unlike her, he didn't have a love for spice.

Still.

He grabs a handful of his own, and dumps it into his mouth. Just one more for the road. Morion of Brodia didn't raise a quitter.

"G-Great—" Diamant coughs after swallowing it down, trying to discreetly breathe through his nose as he reaches for a hyacinth from his bouquet. "Hah... fun—mmmrngh, f-fun as this was, I'm afraid I've got other," He grunts, "Mhm. Other matters. To attend to."

"But here," He offers the flower, "as thanks for the challenge."

[classybrawler]

"W-why thank you." Panette takes the flower with pride; a monument to being able to compete directly with Diamant.

Or, at least, she shall be able to look at it with pride later. For now she feels proud of being able to muster words of gratitude and a curtsy to acompany them after taking the flower.

"Enjoy your- fffff- things! Your matters. I shall hopefully see you around!" With these words and one last pained smile, Panette walks off.

There are many feelings she will feel in a moment; happiness at getting to share the joy of spices with another, pride in managing not to back down against Diamant, excitement at the prospect of further friendly competition.

But right now the only one she has, as her legs begin to drag her to refreshments, is desperate need to put out the raging inferno she has unleashed upon herself.

End

[lobeiro]

@classybrawler sent:

[ SHAVED ICE ] - Served with a wide assortment of sweet, fruity syrups. Traditionally, it is served in bowls, but some are saying it makes for quite a refreshing sip when drank from a glass.

A woman in the loudest outfit Kurt has ever seen inserts herself in front of the refreshments table, cutting off someone else who'd been on her way over, before taking off like a colorful whirlwind with an equally colorful glass. Kurt meets eyes with the poor woman that had gotten cut off, bewilderment clear on his face as he watches the errant partygoer disappear back into the crowds.

...Although, now that he takes a good look at the woman who had gotten cut off, her outfit and makeup combination is only slightly less loud. Maybe that's the trend this year?

The style of dress popular in Ast is rather conservative compared to the outfits he has seen here tonight. It seems that a few months time is not enough to fully numb someone to culture shock. Perhaps one day this culture will spread across continents all the way across the sea to Ast. It's a little hard to imagine, but as prince, he believes in keeping an open mind about these shifts in culture.

"Well," Kurt says, trying to regain composure, "these must be quite delicious if they're that popular. If you tell me which flavor you'd like to try, I can grab you a bowl for your troubles."

Nor can he can't neglect the point of this party. He produces a flower from his bouquet as an offering.

"And a rose, as well. My name is Kurt. I am..." Midway through his sentence, he seems to think better of it and shakes his head. "No, tonight I am an attendee of this ball like anyone else."

[classybrawler]

It is a sign to how far Panette has grown that she does not pick a fight with the gaudily dressed woman who had cut her off in line.

She is still seething mind you, but at the very least she is not fighting the oafish girl.

She takes a deep breath and tries to calm down; glancing around to see how much rage she is allowed to show outwardly has led her to lock eyes with quite an elegantly dressed man. Upon closer look, his ears and tail remind her of Merrin; not the first time recently that she has met someone and thought of her dear friend.

Mayhaps the way she dresses has managed to catch on and spread far and wide. Wouldn't that be something!

Her gaze softens quite considerably; further helped by how pleasant and nice her new acquaintance is being. Any and all rage has long since evaporated at this point, gone like shaved ice left out in hot Solmic weather.

"If you do not mind the risk of strange women tripping you up, then I would quite appreciate it, thank you." She chuckles, before giving him a gentle smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kurt."

Accepting the rose, she hands him one of her Orchids in exchange. "Mayhaps you can use it to fend off queue hoppers if push comes to shove." She finds herself unable to stop an unladylike snort from escaping her at the thought, sheepishly covering her mouth with her hands for a moment before continuing.

"If you do not mind, peach flavour sounds quite pleasant right about now, thank you." Truth be told, it is not a flavour she cares for much without hot sauce, but after how much spicy corn pops she had eaten tonight, she needs a palate cleanser. Mayhaps getting reminded of how much worse peach flavoured ice tastes without that spicy kick shall make her ready to consume hot food once more; absence making the heart fonder and all that.

[aliberation]

classybrawler asked:

[ FLOWER ARRANGEMENT ] - No matter how many flowers you gather, your bouquet won't look its best unless you have the skill to make it so. A couple of students have taken upon itself to imbue their peers with the knowledge of flower language and the art of flower arrangement, and as a result the garden has become something of a workshop.

"I don't know much about these kinds of things, honestly... but I've done a little research on my own, and Nel knows a lot! I can't remember for sure, but I think my mother loved doing this sort of thing as well." With enough effort, Alear's managed to create some complimentary colors between the two of their bouquets, easily exchanging blooms with a smile. She makes sure to pluck an orange hyacinth before extending it to Panette, smile as brilliant as ever. "Here! This one reminds me of you! It's really pretty, and has a sort of elegance to it that I admire." Employing utmost caution, she gently places it in the center of her friend's ensemble of flowers. "And it fits right in with everyone else! What do you think?"

@classybrawler

[classybrawler]

Panette's not the best at this, to her slight annoyance; she really ought to know better about a concept as refined and ladylike as this.

Still, with Alear's assistance, the bouquets look quite gorgeous! It's basically impossible for Panette to be in anything but a lovely mood through it all, even despite her lack of skill.

"You are way too kind, Al- Divine One." Panette meets her smile with a bright one of her own. "It is absolutely beautiful, you have my utmost gratitude." Such a lovely bouquet, and such a lovely, meaningful gift for it.

Panette looks at her own flowers, trying to pick one out that would match just as well. It takes her a bit, but eventually she settles on a pink orchid.

"I may not be as skilled at picking out flowers but I would like you to have this one for your own bouquet." Panette moves to put it near the centre, voice slightly bashful as she does so.

"I think it matches the colours well? And pink is a colour I cannot help but associate with kindness and warmth and other similar feelings; all of which you emanate with ease." She offers a shy smile; even if she is wrong and it is a horribly clashing flower, Panette hopes Alear shall appreciate it and the meaning behind it all the same.