#far-from-common

[ladyleonster]

[ 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.

"That man, right over there, with the long green hair?" Ethlyn's eyes narrow and she practically snarls as she speaks. She hasn't been able to pull her eyes off him since she noticed he was here. How could she! She doesn't trust him, not for one moment. It's horrifying that someone like that would even be allowed here.

"He's terrible. Stay away from him as best you can, alright?"

To lighten the mood, to let L'arachel know that she's looking out for her, Ethlyn offers one of her hyacinths. "You look really cool, by the way."

[willowitxh]

[ REVIEW AND REVISE ] - The White Heron cup is mere hours away, but that still leaves plenty of time to reconsider your approach. Ask a friend for a second opinion, or drag a passerby into an impromptu rehearsal.

"I may not have become the Rose Royal, but with my magnificent outfit and my overall splendor, surely I shall become the White Heron, would you not agree?" L'Arachel asks her friend as she idly practices some dance moves.

Watching L'Arachel dance, Thrasir hummed softly. At the end of the day, she didn't think any of them should have become Rose Royal, least of all, Katarina... but their mission had ended and her friend was looking forward. So too must the lich. A simple and easy smile was on Thrasir's face.

"No, I think you're missing something," she replied, stepping forward. "Such a beautiful outfit needs to be enhanced. Here, allow me to give it something."

Stretching out her hand, within, gently pinched by her gloved fingers, was a rose. Nothing to stand out, one of many that she would be handing out today. And would pin well on an outfit. No longer and never again would Thrasir's expressions be fake for her friends.

"An elegant accessory that doesn't take too much attention away from the star," she hummed. "And now said star can win the White Heron cup."

[viridescent-lance]

[ 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.

Forsyth has quite the sweet tooth, and the confections at the ball are as alluring a vice as any. He's back for a third round of shaved ice when he spots a familiar figure sporting a delightfully bedazzled outfit.

"L'Arachel! It is good to see you, my friend!" He almost feels underdressed beside her. Perhaps he should have chosen a more vibrant green? "How has the night treated you thus far?"

He's filled his cup up once more before he realized how terribly rude he's been--he's not even offered a floral exchange! He nearly spills it fishing for a rose of sufficient vibrancy, settling on an orange-and-yellow one that perfectly compliments her vest and fiery nature alike.

"There we are! A bloom befitting of your ensemble. I must say, it stands out among the crowd!" Some may call it eye-searing, but Forsyth finds it to be a delight not unlike the brightly-colored drinks they currently nurse. "May I ask where you procured it?"

[ulircursed]

[ CHAOS ] - A dance that is difficult to define by virtue of its nature as a medley of popular dance moves across history that somehow come together to form an entertaining, if chaotic, whole.

An unfamiliar face paired with a complex dance is the best he could hope for at an occasion like this. With his concentration poured into making the correct movements, it leaves little room to dwell upon those in the vicinity who could possibly cause trouble for him.

His partner, exuberant in her display of energy, seems better suited for something like this, but he manages to keep up with the steps as best he can.

The music, raucous and undefinable, comes to a halt, and though it seems just as incongruous as the rest of the chaotic dance had been, Andrei bows, as is customary.

"It was a pleasure," he says.

[boundlesschaos]

[ SPARKLING WATER ] - Fresh spring water that has been magically carbonated. Served with a squeeze of lime or a dash of one of the many fruit syrups available at the bartender’s disposal.

"You look quite marvelous!" L'Arachel says with a smile as she approaches the masked woman. "I am reminded of some theatrical performances I was quite fond of when I was younger."

She holds out one of the two glasses of sparkling water she has, one of her lilies at its side as well. "Care to have some of this delightfully energetic water? Some peach flavouring has been added as well to make it exceptionally refreshing. I was going to seek out one of my companions to share it with, but after seeing you, I figured I ought to pay my respects to such a fabulous outfit!" She chuckles, before taking a sip of her own drink.

When the lights had dimmed, not all had lost their color to the darkened halls. The person before her wore her excitement and awe on her sleeve. Wonder and awe towards the food, the event, and...her outfit?

"Is that so...?" She had not intended to look the part of a performer. Yet, given the shows that had appeared after the lights were lowered, perhaps it has some logic behind it.

Niamh examines the outfit of the person who's complimented her. Despite the darkened atmosphere, the bright colors of L'Arachel's outfit shines through. There's a lot of patterns and decor that Niamh wonders how long it may have taken to make - or how expensive it may have been to hire someone to craft.

"You're matching..." she points a hand towards the flowery patterns. "It works well with the bouquet...I like it a lot..."

She takes another look. L'Arachel had white flowers in her hands, so she didn't want to give a white tulip. But, when she sees that there are some red flowers patterned on her pants, she finds a red tulip from her belongings. When the water is exchanged, she in turn hands her the bright, red flower.

"Here..." she offers. "For the energizing water...it'll keep you matching..."

She'll have to test and see in what ways the water will improve her energy, too.

[nyxanthemums]

[ 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.

"Excuse me?" Nyx walks up to a brightly dressed fellow ball-goer. "Pardon my ignorance, but could you shine some light on how to operate such a trinket? It is my first time seeing a mechanism quite like this one."

She rotates the device in her hand, inspecting every edge, eventually settling the lens facing her, "Like this?" A sudden click and a red light begins to flash. "Oh, did that do it? The red light is a good thing yes?" She looks up, her gaze seeking confirmation.

"Ah perfect. Here, as a thank you for your time." Nyx takes a pale purple orchid and hands it off to the stranger. "It would go perfectly with your well crafted outfit."

[shystratagem]

📝"Quite the marvelous tale, hopefully!"

Friendfiction

"Oh-hohohohoho!"

The princess's laugh echoed through the dimly-lit halls. The knight at her feet did not share her mirth; Dame Serene could only manage a grimace in response. This was to be her captor? It was an alleged friendly exchange of knights between kingdoms, yet she knew in her heart what she truly was: a hostage. A great general of her home, brought low before a haughty princess as naught but a servant. Should any hostilities between their nations occur, she knew what her fate would be.

"Come, now," Princess Rachel insisted, "surely you can muster a smile for one as radiant as I!"

From her throne, Rachel could just barely hook the toe of her boot underneath Dame Serene's chin, forcing the knight to look up at her. Serene could not contain her scowl, and her frustration only deepened with what she saw. Loathe as she was to be in this position, she could not deny the princess's immense beauty; "radiant" may indeed have been the most apt descriptor, though such a word would never leave Serene's lips.

"I will only smile for my own liege," came her rebuttal, her words barbed with anger she cared not to camouflage. It seemed this only entertained her captor; the smile on Rachel's face grew ever broader with each word Serene spoke. It would be wise, she thought, to keep her speech to a minimum to deny Rachel that satisfaction.

"Then surely you will smile for me," Rachel goaded Serene, "your new liege! Come, I will see you turned into a proper member of my court!"

[verseandrhyme]

“My utmost gratitude for healing me during the battle!” L’Arachel gives her fellow combatant a smile. “And for helping me off the ground afterwards.” She lets out a boisterous laugh.

“That was quite a joyous battle, and I do believe we have you to thank, telling the others to introduce themselves properly. Some people can take things so seriously.” She shakes her head.

“Of course, we all gave it our absolute best regardless, but this is merely an enjoyable battle, in the end. One really ought to enjoy themselves! And I most certainly did.” Though she does wish she got to shoot at Sin the same way he shot at her. Next time, she shall have a proper duel with him!

“Do you require any healing yourself? I did not get the chance to showcase it, but I am quite a marvel when it comes to it. It is the least I can do for such a great ally!”

L'Arachel speaks in such a whirlwind of excitement that Mitama nearly loses track of it all. After a moment of staring vaguely at the other student, she is finally able to blink herself back into coherent thought. She nods in response. "You certainly are spirited, for someone who just lost a battle quite badly." Is it Mitama's own skill at healing or L'Arachel's disposition that should be commended for this?

Mitama sighs as she smooths out the creases of her skirt. "I am quite alright. This battle happens every year, and every year there are fools who get far too emotional about it. It is not as though any of it really matters. Our entire life's course is not dictated by how well we do in a single battle." At least, she would like to think that fate puts more thought into it than that.

"But, nevermind. If you are satisfied with the events, I am glad." She is...uncertain how she feels at present, but she is at least satisfied to see that those she fought with are relatively healthy. "And if you are offering healing, I will gladly accept it. I am not too badly beaten, but there is no sense turning down something offered."

Maybe, if she is lucky, she might inherit even a half of what energy seems to possess L'Arachel. Oh, that was a scary thought.