OOC: Alpha! ^__________^ I'm afraid I probably won't be able to post much... but figured I'd at least say hey.

IC:

Arco moved past the ballroom entrance, smiling automatically when his name was announced, and stepped directly up to the server with the wine goblets.

"Two, please," he said, pointing to the reds, and the waitress would later remember splotchy, dark skin--almost coal-colored in places where it wasn't just a dead-grey hue. And as Arco walked off to an empty table with his wine, some part of her subconscious registered a smoky scent about the Sheikah.

Once seated, Arco enjoyed a draught of one glass before lowering his face towards the other, as if inspecting its contents. Satisfied with this inquiry, he dipped one finger into the wine, then dripped it over his opposite wrist before rubbing it into his skin.

A faint, yet disturbing look of peace crossed the bard's face before he turned back to his drinking glass and finished the rest of the beverage.

It was too much.

Too much familiarity and perhaps, too much honesty.

Arrika had sat on his lap countless times, spent afternoons peering over his shoulder to catch glimpses of books in languages she would never understand, tinkered with the mysterious chemicals in his experiments. They had coexisted. Every line and feature of the man before her were identical to the Tempest in her memories. Even his hair smelled the same- like ash and the dried concoction he was constantly smoking from that pipe. The weight and even the warmth of his new hand were just as she had remembered it. Dreamed of it, even.

But she had said goodbye to him and that life a long time ago.

"I..." She bit her lip, tried to smile. "It's okay," she said. "I guess it was all for the best anyway." She thought for a moment, then leaned in and kissed him gently on the forehead.

The Sheikah slid off his lap and onto her feet. The distance had shortened in the years, the floor meeting her before she expected it to- yes, she had grown. Outgrown him, perhaps. She had learned to fend for herself.

"I'm glad you're okay." They were not empty words.

No promises were made. No invitations, no requests for any. No what-if's and if-you-need-me's.

With Kobas dead by your hand, you ended all that doubt, didn't you?

She had. It felt good to be understood.

"Goodbye, Sovelis," she said. "And if you change your mind about..." She stopped. No, it wouldn't do. A dance wouldn't mean anything, wouldn't take her back in time to a life that was far simpler.

So she smiled and turned away, melding into the crowd.

It was time to move onwards, and in a roundabout way, seeing Sovelis again had reminded her of that.

She had fought and literally torn the heart out of one of the most depraved parasites who were more demon than man in the world. Striking up a conversation with another man should be nothing.

"Alpha?" she said, brushing her hand against the tall Sheikah's.

He watched her go. Sovelis had watched so many go. It was his curse. It was always this way and always had to be. Eventually Arrika would grow old and pass on. Sovelis would always be young. Always. Immortality was never worth it. "Never is..." He muttered, staring back into the fire, drawing from his pipe slowly. "I guess I am cursed. Cursed to always be alone. At least i don't have voices in the back of my head anymore... Truly alone..."

The smoke burned in his lungs as his body fought it. His immortal body healed itself from the tiny damage everytime he took a drag. He was used to the small pain, since his body would never grow used to the smoke. Just another reminder that he'd live to see the end. That everyone he would ever care about would be gone, and he'd be left with the memories. The holidays always put Sovelis in a bitter mood. "I guess I'm the ultimate Scrooge. Bah Humbug and all that... Heheheh..." He chuckled at the joke that only he would get, since no one in Hyrule would know that story. Or understand what it was like to have the weight of eternity on their shoulders.

OOC: No worries, Weien! We're all here to have fun; no need to force yourself to post any more than you want.

IC:
A hand brushed against his own.

Grab hand -- attack pressure point -- bring up other arm -- stab nec--wait.

It was harder than he had remembered, keeping his reflexes in check. As far as he could tell, there really was no reason to be on guard here -- even if there was danger present, the chance of it going after him rather than the gathered nobility was slim. Not non-existent, but low enough that he felt safe not spending every other second ready to strike or dodge an attack. It was in stark contrast to life in isolation, where he'd had no reason not to perpetually anticipate an attack.

Fortunately his mask was always on in public locales like this one, and it kept most of the signs from showing. At the most, one might have seen him tense up for a moment; he blinked twice to rid himself of it before turning his head away from Nogare -- unusually unresponsive at the moment, it seemed -- to the new arrival. "Arrika!"

His smile and joyed tone were not fake in the slightest; she was yet another of the many Adventurers he had returned from his hermitage in hopes of seeing tonight. Memories of the Gossip Isle Expedition and of the craziness Shada had forced them and Sakiko into at the Ruto party long ago returned to the surface of his mind. Despite the fact that such thoughts brought along with them thoughts of Dogura's fall and Shada's idiocy, they remained fond memories in their own right. He stood up and turned towards her, allowing her full view of his new wardrobe.

The outfit he had donned was, of course, still mostly black, but it was obviously not the clothes he had worn throughout his time in Hyrule. He now wore a black tunic with long sleeves and a collar, cut from cloth that shimmered like silk while still appearing sturdy to a trained eye for fabric. His black pants seemed cut from the same cloth as well, and the black boots looked a flexible yet strong leather. Even his cape was brand new, showing none of the wear that his regular one had endured during his time as an Adventurer. Yet his outfit was not monochromatic -- the collar, trim, sleeves, pockets...all were adorned with a golden trim, and in some places sat golden markings that could have been runic in nature. Something (read: someone) had obviously convinced (read: forced) him to wear something more suitable for this kind of environment (read: he liked his normal clothes better).

But, at the least, he had to admit that they were comfortable; otherwise he'd have burned them to ashes a long before tonight. And it made it easier to ignore the outfit and instead focus on his old allies.

"It's been quite a while," he commented as he looked over her, taking in her crimson dress in an instant. "You look well."

A thought struck him, and his eyes shot over for a few seconds to the dance floor, nervously searching for... Ah. There. Through the crowds gathered around the dance floor, his height allowed him to get a peek past them to find Shada there, dancing the night away with one of the men. Her eyes met his for a moment, and then he saw an excited recognition on her face -- she'd seen Arrika, he knew intuitively. So then the question was how she would react...

She spun away, continuing the dance with a slight rush that belied her less-than-sober state. He exhaled in relief; Shada wouldn't be trying to murder a girl just for looking at him the wrong way. Not tonight, anyways. With that settled, he returned his focus to his fellow Sheikah. And to Nogare, if he decided he wanted to talk after all.

"How have you been?"

As the Zora looked around the room, several notable names were called. He was intent on fighting his way through the crowds to meet with them, but suddenly, another name was called- the first member of his crew to arrive:

"Announcing: Darkin, The Goldfeather, of The Overwatch!"

Taint grabbed Lilly by the hand, and began the struggle to get to the door. After several "excuse me's" and "pardon me's", they'd made it to the door, where Darkin was still surrounded by mages and scholars. Darkin was easily more famous than The Overwatch. One of the pioneers of magic as he's become known, he was simply drowning in the public clamber.

Taint blinked a few times. "We didn't even get swarmed like that..." he stated in a somber tone. Lilly sighed before casting a small magic signal that she was sure Darkin would recognize. It was a spell with a unique magical pattern that every member of The Overwatch would recognize. Only Lilly could cast such a beacon, which made her quite important if the crew ever got separated. In that instant, many of the scholars around the Rito went silent, and turned their attention to the great fairy that stood not far from them. Not just them, but half the noise in the room vanished as surely every scholar present would be confused with a spell pattern they didn't recognize.

Suddenly, a Rito took flight from across the room. His golden feathers which identified him, shined brilliantly off the light provided from the many chandeliers that lined the ceiling. He flew directly towards the beacon, and landed in front of the two. Taint extended a hand towards the mage. "Glad you could come," he said with his infectious smile on his face. Darkin couldn't help but smile at the captain before taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "Not everyday you get an invitation like this one. I'd have to be namelessly saving the world again to miss this party." The three laughed heartily at that. Lilly approached the Rito, and gently wrapped her fairy arms around him. "Good to see you again, Quill." The Rito felt her magic enveloping him, and healing his very soul. "Great Fairies give the best hugs in the world," Darkin said happily as the embrace ended. "Good to see you too, Willow."

Darkin's face suddenly got serious. "Willow, you ought to be careful casting any kind of spell here. There are a LOT of notable scholars here. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if we saw some of the most powerful magic users in Hyrule here, and they might tense up at such a mysterious spell."

Lilly put her hands to her mouth, "Oh! I'm sorry! Do you really think such powerful people are here?" She asked nervously.

Darkin nodded. "Hm. I'd wager my wing we'll see Kasei, the Rebel Flame. Sakiko, the Ice Princess. Sovelis, the Ageless. Perhaps even Zane, Battlemage of the Royal Guard. I'm not sure of Alpha would attend such a public setting... Especially with that announcer up there."

Taint smiled a big crooked grin. "Oh yeah. He's here. And he was announced."

Darkin's face paled. He checked the guard manning the spotlight for scorch marks before returning his gaze to the Zora, who was chuckling silently. Taint folded his arms, "I just wish I could have seen his face when he was announced. He's here with some lady, probably his wife." Darkin's eyes widened to a respectable size. "Are we talking about the same Alpha, Captain?"

Lilly butted in, "It's unfair to make such assumptions, Taint."

The Zora's face suddenly took a more serious fixture. "And Darkin... Among these people... Dogura?"

Darkin's eyes matched his tone, "Yeah. He's here. Not anywhere we can find him, but I can sense him."

Lilly gripped Taint's arm, "Would he really be invited? He's a wanted man in every part of the kingdom..."

Darkin chuckled. "A guy like Dogura doesn't need an invitation. He doesn't fear the entirety of the Royal Family's knights. It would take the combined efforts of the adventurers here to bring him down. Either way, he wouldn't be so stupid as to start something here. I don't think we'll see him all night."

Taint's face drooped, "He doesn't even want to say hi to his friends?"

Darkin looked towards the sky, "I don't think he considers any of us friends anymore..."

"How have you been?"

"Good," Arrika said instantly. "I've been good." Not wholly a lie. "I've been away from crowds for a long time. Compared to the desert, this is quite overwhelming." She bit her lip, cleared her throat.

Nervously, she fiddled with her ring. Had Alpha always been this tall? The gold detailing on his outfit did little to belie the black, a stark contrast to the pastels and glittering jewels worn by the other guests. His quietly commandeering presence had always made him stand out, drawing some and intimidating others. She was fascinated by it.

Words ran dry. She reminded herself that she had crushed a demon's heart in her hand and left it smoldering at her feet; small talk should be nothing.

But she had never been raised in the presence of people, and became acutely aware that her dress was nothing but a costume, and a cheap one at that. When the night was over she would return to her thick-soled leather boots and dusty vests, and these people to their porcelain and parlors and taffeta coats.

Someone coughed politely to her left; it was Seth, with a mountain of cake topped with a dozen cherries on the table before him, and his white scarf thrown over his shoulder to keep from mussing it. He jabbed at the dance floor with his fork.

"I don't mean to interrupt," she said, glancing at Nogare, "but would you like to dance? I've been turned down already tonight, and I'd like to have danced with someone other than a snotty 16-year-old."

"Eighteen now," Seth replied gruffly through a mouthful of frosting.

"You can tell me what you've been up to. I imagine you've been knighted, by the way everyone swarmed you." She smiled winningly.

“Oh dear! Just look at that Azador! A celebration, how wonderful!” Edward exclaimed in glee. The red hooded gentleman beheld the annual festivities with childlike enthusiasm. To his left stood his regular companion.

Azador usually has a phlegmatic demeanor. But even he could not hide his surprise, and a slight grin appeared. “Well didn’t I say so Edward, It looks like the time of our return is favorable.” The mage replied.

Edward responded with a theatrical hand gesture, ending his fingers on the edge of his hat.”I was expecting no less from you.” He quickly took off his top hat and swiftly put it on his friend’s head. “I assume you will be taking the lead, dreamer?” He added, expecting his friend to reject his playfulness.

But surprisingly, Azador started to laugh out loud. “hahaha.. I think I will just do that! But don’t expect me to return that ridiculous headgear, your lordship.”

In the blink of an eye, Azador took a dash and ran off toward central square. It took a few seconds for Edward to realize to notice what was going on.

“d-eh..eh, Azador!!!” He uttered and gave chase.
“If something happens to that hat, you are going to pay for it! Habsberger Silk! It’s Irreplaceable!”
“And…It’s not ridiculous! It’s Stylish! STYLISH!!!” Edward’s voice could have been heard far and wide if it weren’t for the voices the festivities had brought.

The two of them quickly moved through crowds and around the booths. Azador grin widened, as he to effortlessly kept running through the snow. He knew that Edward wasn’t physically up to the challenge.

“You have to be kidding! Azador, we have walked..uhg.. miles to reach town! And you …uhg….uhg… start running again…..I can’t…uhg.. “The man stopped running, gasping for air.

Whilst the red hat and purple cape disappeared, merging with the crowd.

"Be that as it may, Goldfeather," a new voice spoke from behind Taint and Lily, "there is little doubt that many gathered here would be happy to welcome Shadowclaw back if he returned. It is always a shame when a man throws away such friendships as those."

With the clack of his walking staff supporting his weight, Sage Artorius stepped into the little circle of conversation that Taint had established with his wife and friend. He smiled and nodded at each in turn - first Darkin, then Taint, and finally Lily. An extra moment was spent regarding the Great Fairy. "Quite an interesting little spell you performed there, my lady. But Lord Darkin is correct, such things are best avoided. Not only will some fear your spell, but those that do not may be tempted to try and top it." A soft chuckle escaped the elder's lips. "Such a thing has not happened here in, oh, thirty years. Let us simply say that this side of the castle was once contained a great deal more ... elemental decorations, and leave the tale at that." The mirth behind his smile said that there was a great deal more to the story.

OOC: Been wanting to say this for a while now, so thanks for the chance ZV -- If anyone wants to interact with official HA2 NPCs, feel free to shoot me (Alpha) a PM (via my personal account or the RG account). Especially if it looks like your character is in limbo -- we don't want anyone to be waiting for days for someone else to respond to their post.

Also, something cool I noticed: this topic began on December 14th, which was HA2's 7 1/2 birthday. I hadn't realized that before I posted it, so...dang, talk about your crazy coincidences!

The piece of parchment lay folded in her hand like a small bird snuggling in its nest, and Sakiko bent her fingers again just to make sure that it was still there. This was against her better judgment. It had been far too long since she had seen anyone, and she was afraid that people might judge, critique, whisper…She was afraid of rekindling the past. And yet she had come.

A soft flake of snow landed on her lash, momentarily letting fall a curtain of whiteness. A small, warm, laughing body - not bothering to look as he gleefully ran from someone who seemed to be chasing him - bumped into the cloaked stranger and promptly bounced away with an apologetic giggle. “Sorry ma’am!” Although the chubby child didn’t stay for a response, Sakiko lowered her head slightly in acknowledgement anyway. Her eyes longingly followed the two running figures, wishing that she could join in on the fun. Who was she trying to kid? She couldn’t fit in. She didn’t belong here, in the midst of these merry festivities. She’d just end up making a fool of herself.

Sakiko began to walk away, albeit slowly. Her ears twitched not unpleasantly as the sounds of joyful laughter and the dim buzz of animated talking filled them. She turned to see the lonely footprints in the freshly fallen snow. They looked so depressing; a broken trail in the pristine blanket of white. She realized that the paper was cutting into her skin - she was clenching at it so tightly. I don’t have to talk to anyone, right? I can just…I can just watch. I can just stay in the warmth for awhile. If I don’t like it, I’ll leave.

She stood stupidly in the cold for some time, then slowly turned to the castle. Her pace quickened with each step. Don’t give myself time to think this over. Just go.

Before even she knew it, she was inside.

A slither of electric warmth tugged at every pore of her skin, and the mage froze mid-step. She glowered through the moving, swaying, dancing bodies, her gray eyes gleaming. It was a sensation she had never felt before, and the part of her that had lived in solitude, jumping awake at every hint of danger, screamed to be paid attention to. Don’t be silly. This is a ball! Still. Sakiko weaved through the crowd, trying to find out the source of this strangeness…

“….my wing we’ll see Kasei, the Rebel Flame. Sakiko, the Ice Princess. Sovelis, the Ageless. Perhaps even Zane, Battlemage of the Royal Guard. I’m not sure of Alpha would attend such a public setting…”

Darkin! Sakiko’s eyes widened, although she shouldn’t have been surprised to find him here…of course he had been invited. And Taint…She suddenly felt stupid for not realizing that it was he who had been chasing that chubby child earlier. Memories of Gossip Isle flooded her head, and she could almost smell that salty breeze of that expedition. In a way, she wished that they were all aboard again, sailing out for adventure… she felt so awkward and misplaced in this formal, elegant setting. She considered saying hello, but was bumped out by the arrival of new guests.

But he had mentioned Alpha.

As if on cue, her eyes caught sight of a tall figure clad in all black. She bit her lips, fidgeting with her gray cloak. Sakiko wondered how he’d react. The past with him seemed as though a dream. And yet her heart. It was beating.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw Arrika smiling - coyly? - at the Sheikah. Would the old Sakiko jump in and intrude on the conversation? They seemed so comfortable and friendly, conversing together, that she felt the heavy weight of hesitation and embarrassment weigh down her feet. The mage lowered her eyes and began to back away, wondering if she should just leave…

…The pale girl suddenly felt her shoulder collide with something, realizing too late that she had probably bumped into a fellow guest. She whirled around, only to discover Sovelis standing there, looking the same as ever. Although she was incredibly happy to see him, she felt that the smile on her face resembled more of a snarl than a…well, smile. Instead, she offered her cold, pale hand and said quietly, “Sovelis. It’s been too long.”

Ooc: YARG I'm sorry I'm lateee!! I HAVE MISSED YOU ALL.

My writing skills have plummeted down...way down... please pardon me.

The small bump brought Sovelis' mind back to reality, looking at whomever had jarred his awareness. "Oh! Sakiko. Yes.. erh.. It has been a long time. Too long for some people, I guess. Years seem to have a way of blurring past when you don't pay attention." He took the offered hand, holding the mage's cold hand in his. "You're freezing though! Come, stand next to the fireplace with me until your bones have warmed a bit?" Sovelis spoke through clenched teeth, his pipe stem clutched in them, a small wisp of smoke emanating from the pale bowl.

He led Sakiko through the crowd, not remembering when he had risen from his chair. Oh, he had gotten up to get something to drink. Perhaps something stronger than wine since he had such a higher tolerance. But that drink could wait. "It's odd seeing so many old faces. I would go greet them all but I'm starting to feel my age, especially in this cold weather. So I've just been hiding near the fireplace, keeping these old bones from shivering apart." Sovelis offered the larger chair to the younger mage, smiling warmly.

"The desert, you say? Heh, well, better that than the swamp..." Alpha smirked at his own joke. Though, it wasn't much of a joke at all -- no one ever came to Midoro, hence why he had chosen to hide out there; at least people sometimes traveled through Tantari, and there was an entire village in Parapa Desert. "Trust me, you aren't the only one overwhelmed by all this..." He glanced around the room, feeling the weight of all these presences far more acutely than he would have expected. The sensation passed, at least for the most part; something of it still lingered, and after a few seconds focusing on it he figured it would probably remain for the rest of the night.

"I don't mean to interrupt, but would you like to dance? I've been turned down already tonight, and I'd like to have danced with someone other than a snotty 16-year-old."

"Eighteen now."

"You can tell me what you've been up to. I imagine you've been knighted, by the way everyone swarmed you."

He actually laughed at that one. "Knighted? Me? My dear Arrika, I'm afraid you must not remember me very well at all." With a shake of his head he dispelled the silly notion, simultaneously taking the moment to consider her request.

Dancing was never something he had been particularly interested in, and there was a time when he would have thought the mere suggestion absurd. But then...he had danced with Sakiko in the Ruto party, and it hadn't been the disaster waiting to happen that he had always expected it to be. Some part of him must have softened up to the idea since then, if he was seriously considering it.

And then the decision was made, for reasons he wasn't quite sure himself about. He took her hand in his own, lifted it up, and brushed the scar on its back with his lips. "It would be an honor, milady," he said with even tones, admiration if not adoration suddenly coating each word. Without further ado, he gripped her hand and led her out to the dance floor, then smoothly slid a hand around her waist as the pair began moving along with the other dancers.

Some part of him had obviously decided to play off that 'knighted' joke.

OOC: Godmodding performed with permission.

OOC: It's like new topics pop up whenever I go on family trips. I should do it more often.

IC:

A thin blanket of snow began to form over a man's fur coat as he left a trail in the snow. He raised his right hand to once again brush a bit of it out of his azure hair while the left held on to his cane with an iron grip. After finding an overhang to rest under, the man reached into his pocket to withdraw a slightly-crumpled letter, his scarlet eyes examining it once more. Certain that he was not mistaken, Kasei could not help but let out a small smile.

"Maybe Silva or one of the others let it slip to his highness that I survived..." Only a select few knew of the Shiekah's lease on life; his companions in the Seven Stars, Sovels, and Orpheus were the only people he revealed himself too. Each had been sworn to secrecy - but there's no other way that the postman could have found him, deep within the caverns of Death Mountain, unless someone had a slip of the tongue.

But it did not matter now, he was certain that the time was right to come out of hiding. His training had payed off in some ways, even if his body might never recover. He stashed the letter into his pocket again and turned to the streets, weaving his way in and out of the crowd on his way to North Castle.

Walking up the steps, the Rebel Flame had been halted for a moment as some doorman demanded to see an invitation. He wasted little time in whipping out the letter and giving it to him. The man looked puzzled for a moment as he went down the list. "Don't worry, you're not mistaken." Kasei said softly, but sternly, like a father would to a boy who fell off a horse. The doorman stepped aside, apologizing for the wait as he ushered the Shiekah through the entrance.

His coat was taken by a castle worker - Kasei kept the cane - revealing the lavish suit beneath it; a Crimson Tuxedo, adorned with Gold trimming and luxurious patterns across the sleeves and back that danced in the light, a golden inferno that dazzled all.

Kasei looked on in admiration at the sight that lay before him. Nobles, party-goers, adventurers and more spun around the room in a variety of dances. Some preferred to linger about the edges of the room rather than mingle. He recognized several individuals; Sovelis, Alpha, and Leth, people the man had fought alongside and against on several occasions. He stepped forward with a slight limp as the announcer behind him called out once more.

"Announcing: Lord Kasei Dornmos Gobi, of the Adventurers!"

The warmth of Sovelis’s hand did little to thaw the mage’s unusually icy skin, and she doubted that the fireplace would do any better, but she allowed herself to be led nonetheless. As she moved away from the crowd, she looked over her shoulder just in time to see Alpha leading Arrika to the dance floor. A clawed hand squeezed her lungs painfully, and she was grateful when Sovelis offered the chair to her. While she slipped out the burdensome and rather coarse cloak and hung it over the chair, she hid a small smile at Sovelis’s remark about his old age. Sovelis may talk of old age and feebleness, but he’s still The Tempest. He’d be one of the first to leap into battle, shivering bones or no. Instead, she said, “You and I both, Sovelis…although I wish I had old age to blame."

A waiter passed by with red wine, and Sakiko lightly picked up two glasses with a nod of thanks. She held one out to Sovelis and sipped at hers. She muttered, “Wine to bring youth to your days. Cheers.” The bitter smoothness coated the roof of her mouth luxuriously, all the more pleasant with the time that had passed since she had last wetted her lips with alcohol. She felt a tingling heat rise on her porcelain face. (Ooc: Yes, Sakiko is a cheap drunk. A cheap, cheap drunk.) Her head felt delightfully light, and she finished her glass quickly.

“Announcing: Lord Kasei Dornmos Gobi, of the Adventurers!”

She turned around and peered intently at the newly arrived guest. Still too shy and hesitant to wave, she hoped that Kasei would notice a pair of glowing gray eyes drilling invisible holes into his head.

OoC: Anyone mind if I draw your characters? I'm pretty bored. And I think Sovy's the Gandalf of the group now. lol.

"Cheers." Sovelis downed the glass easily, holding his pipe away from his lips. Being a heavy drinker, and immune to alcohol poisoning, he looked around for another waiter. Giving up quickly, he turned back to Sakiko and noticed the blush rising on her face. "Whats wrong?"

"Announcing: Lord Kasei Dornmos Gobi, of the Adventurers!"

"Wha- Well look what the dodongo dragged in." he raised an eyebrow, noticing the stare that made the sharpest sword look dull. I'm guessing something happened between you two?" Sovelis cocked his eyebrow at the mage, a smirk on his face as he started to refill his pipe.

Kasei nodded and smiled, exchanging brief pleasantries with the nobles that swathed around him as he moved deeper into the ballroom. In time, he made clear his desire to relax, warding off many of them as he grabbed a small glass of wine.

He turned his head, surveying the party around him. It had certainly been a long time - two years, in fact - since he had interacted with more than a few individuals. He sighed, contemplating his decisions. Yes, he had resolved to come out of hiding, but in such a grandiose manner, and with so many people, he was unsure now of his decision.

As he watched the twirling dancers and drunk party-goers, the Rebel Flame could not help but feel a strong gaze upon him. He turned, slightly, to spy Sovelis, the Tempest, a man with whom Kasei had such a complicated past. He eyed the sword at the immortal's hip, but thought nothing more of it; surely, Sovelis would not be so arrogant as to start something here.

Instead, he spotted the girl with whom the Tempest was sharing a drink; Sakiko, the source of the stare. Adopting a smile, the Rebel Flame moved towards her slowly, holding his drink aloft as he got within speaking range. "It's been a while, the both of you." He said, resting slightly on his cane.