This one's going to start with an OOC note. Appearance and setup is important in fey courts. I'd like both of you describe the outfits you'll be wearing, as well as any special things you'll be doing for it. Once that's done, I'll move you along a bit and we'll get going into it.
Moore would find out ahead of time whatever colors or symbols Illsenine's court uses and make sure he has those on hand. He'd wear something with those colors -- likely a vest with a matching shirt and pants. However, he'd also make sure to continue wearing his hat, as it's in Erathaol's colors, and he wants to be sure those are represented. Unless wearing a hat like that would be bad form (for the actual hat, anyway) in which case he'd make due with the same pattern on the vest pocket or something similar.
Basically a slightly more formal "bard outfit."
Beyond that he'd brush up on his formal court etiquette.
Even if she doesn't like it, it's happened often enough that Afina has a system worked out for such things by now. So she arrives early for court dressed in a leafy patterned orange dress befitting her status as baroness rather than general, the skirt taking the image of pale petals falling over her legs clad in black leggings spotted with little green and blue discs and squares as her little rebellion against coordination, effectively discrediting the 'burnt flower' motif she has going on with little hints to water. Atop her head she sadly lacks her customary hat and wears instead a floral coronet made up of myriad flowers, no two alike in shape nor hue.
Upon arrival she pays homage to her Majesty as is her due before taking position to the side at a respectful distance her to lend any support or deal with any threats as are needed.
The hat's fine, Moore. See Afina and her hat.
Like this the two take their places. Afina takes her place near Ilsenine's side. Moore takes position back a ways, in the general crowd for now. It's full of fey of all types. Pixies flutter in the air, satyrs laugh and talk, nymphs simply being seen and far more fey and odder creatures yet. The outfits of the court are outrageous, a endless clash of color and design. Cloth - and odder things as a few nymphs wear leaves or tree bark woven into an outfit - is cut in ways Moore's never seen before.
Crystal stands near Afina, clad in a gown of misty white-gray that matches her white hair. The top flows into a ceremonial breastplate, tiny bands of clear silk wrapping around her wings from it. Her hair is done up in an elaborate bun, topped by several white daises. Her longsword is sheathed at her side. She glances sidelong at Afina and sighs ever so slightly, but then smiles to her.
Lady Skye stands before Queen Ilsenine, the two sharing a few quiet words. She's dressed in a bright red dress with a long trailing hem, bright blue and yellow flowers decorating her hair and joined with a silver tiara. She clears her throat loudly and steps aside, silence coming to the court.
But it is Queen Ilsenine that speaks. "First, let us mourn the lost," she announces, "Lief was a friend of this court and fought bravely for Lifasa." Her voice is soft but carries well, better than it should. "A moment of silence for him."
Afina clasps her hands before herself and bows her head, acknowledging the loss of Lief and hoping the time soon comes when she can put an end to whatever mockery Lixer has made of him.
Moore likewise bows his head and stands in silence of the one he never knew, but hopes to somehow aid in rescuing.
The court goes silent. Crystal bows her head, lips silently moving. What she says is unknown, perhaps a prayer to the Court of Stars. Lady Skye is likewise silent, head down and eyes closed.
"But as winter comes, so does spring. We have a new member of our court," Queen Ilsenine announces, "His name is Moore and he will be one of our diplomats. We find him worthy and he will help in the overthrow of Hell on Lifasa. Know that he has already helped us find more aid from the plains and strengthened Aurora and this court. Soon our generals of war," A sweeping gesture towards Afina and Crystal, "Will be better equipped to end this mockery and restore our precious world."
Moore raises a hand in greeting to everyone, but doesn't say anything, as Her Majesty is still talking.
A murmur runs through the crowd, eyes turning to Moore. Being seen, sized up, looked at and altogether studied by dozens of eyes, most of them at least friendly.
Crystal nods slightly when Queen Ilsenine draws attention to her.
"Let us mourn and celebrate as we will," Queen Ilsenine declares, "For so long as we live, there is still hope for Lifasa. We are diminished but grow anew, for our spring comes as winter comes for the devils."
"Even now new weapons are being prepared, and new allies rally to our cause," Afina speaks up as the Queen concludes her part. She's not great at the public speaking bit, not like Moore claims to be, but she knows the ins and outs of the Crusade and can at least speak with authority. "Perhaps we grew overconfident, and this is a timely reminder of the threat we face. It's a hard lesson but one we'll face up to, and we will overcome all that Hell sets before us and our goal of a free Lifasa."
"Yes. Even Lief's sacrifice holds a greater purpose. Even now, it furthers our struggle against Baator." Crystal says, "We will avenge him. I swear to Queen Ilsenine and the Queen of Stars that we will do so."
Although Moore could do a lot of talking, for right now he's content to just see how things go and if anyone comes over to introduce themselves to him.
At this the event starts to move. Music is played, conversation fills the air and jesters come out to juggle and jest. A small crowd immediately comes over to Moore - nearly a dozen, he can see.
Meanwhile, Crystal goes and gets two flutes of champagne and heads over to Afina. She offers one and says, "Do you feel like mingling?"
"It's the done thing," Afina says, hoping she might be able to reassure some of her fellow fey or lift some spirits with her presence. Losing Lief was a blow, but it's important they pull together in these circumstances. Accepting the flute but not drinking she decides to let Crystal determine the pace of their mingling at first, since she's more adroit in these settings.
Crystal isn't so restrained, drinking hers as you go along.
> roll 1d20+40 diplo Crystal, this is right up her alley
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+40 diplo Crystal, this is right up her alley --> [ 1d20=9 ]{49}
At first it's just a blur of faces. People you know in passing, comrades you've trained or fought with. Court people you're familiar with through work. That sort of thing. Soon you're talking to a pretty nymph - to state the obvious - named Virylle. All blonde hair and a devastating smile, clad in a weave of leaves that serves as a scanty dress. "My goodness, I'm glad to see more pixies," she says, "Though isn't it funny that our Queen is a pixie? I would think a nymph would come out on top, of course."
"Ah, hello everyone." Moore says with a flourishing bow and wave to all those around him. "As Her Majesty said, my name is Moore... it's a pleasure to be of service to you all. Some of you may have heard and some of you may not have -- I am a member of this court but also follow the path laid out for me by Erathaol of the Hebdomad." Moore says with a smile and a gesture at his hat. "I hope my first act within the court has proven my intentions in case there were some concerns."
A satyr comes forward, slapping Moore on the back, "Welcome aboard," he says, passing him a goblet of wine. He's tall and ruddy, red hair and fur. Another is a little female pixie, blushing and smiling, something that clashes with her blue hair. "H-hi...!"
"Say," Another pixie flies up, this one male and with a little smirk, "Who's Erathaol, anyway?"
Moore oofs a bit from the satyr but takes the goblet nonetheless (in both hands) with a smile. He nods to the blushing pixie but then looks to the one who asked.
"He is a member of the Hebdomad of Mount Celestia. He is also known as Erathaol the Seer, as he is always planning and knows things before they happen. It would not be untrue to call him one in direct confrontation with Taelfagn, the Duke of Destiny. He rules over Venya, the third layer of the mountain." Moore answers, giving the briefest of answers but hopefully answering the question nonetheless.
I figured that doesn't call for a K:R check for most of that info but if it does I can roll it.
"Our court back on Lifasa - Alfheimr, was almost entirely made up of pixies," Afina explains to Virylle. "Then since we found each other after the fall we've so far only found pixies from Lifasa, although Crystal, her Majesty, and I are the only ones from that particular court. I'd hoped we'd find some nymphs or nixies, but after this long I think we've found all the fey who made it out of there and yet live." No hope of ever finding any dryads from Lifasa, sadly.
"Or they're lost to the winds," Crystal says, "But Queen Ilsenine has acquitted herself well with fairies of all types. She's a most exceptional pixie, one for exceptional times. Don't you think?"
The blonde sips her own champagne, "I suppose you must work with those who survived. I hope she is exceptional, for Lifasa needs exceptional fey right now."
You're fine on the info front, Moore.
The satyr scoffs a bit, "Sounds like another of those angel sorts the spirits worship," he says, draining his own glass in one massive gulp. "But drink up, drink up! Have a drink and we can dance!"
The blushing pixie nods along, "The satyrs already want to drink and make merry, don't they? They're never serious."
A long laugh from the satyr, who grins. "Life is but a festival, one celebration after another. We celebrate today, so let us make merry!"
"Only if you promise to read up on Erathaol when we're done." Moore says, taking a sip to taste the wine to make sure it won't affect him too terribly. "It would be a disservice for you to get the wrong impression based on what I said." Moore then turns to the other pixie.
"It is their nature, isn't it? That's fine. I can handle myself at dancing." Moore says with a wide smile.
It's strong! Really strong stuff, the sort that'll have you wake up somewhere you don't remember falling asleep. "Yeah, yeah, sure. After the party."
"Go dance," The pixie declares, "Go find a dance partner. Oooh, maybe ask one of the generals or even Queen Ilsenine!"
Oof. He'd better stop at a sip, then. Don't want to start the party off like that...
He'll put the goblet down somewhere safe and nod to the pixie. "I think I need to work my way up to that level, but I've got an idea..." Moore will glance over, seeing Afina and Crystal together, he'll go try and find Skye. That's a pretty neutral person to ask for a dance, right?
Lady Skye is chatting with a small collection of nymphs. She's floating at eye level for them as they all chat. Moore could approach if he wishes.
He'll wait a moment or two to see if the conversation is dying at all. If not, he'll simply get close enough but make himself obvious so he doesn't look to simply be eavesdropping for no reason.
The conversation's going strong.
Are you trying to listen in at all or just waiting?
He'll basically just try to integrate himself into the conversation in such a way as to be in Skye's line of sight so he doesn't surprise her.
This naturally requires a little bit of listening.
"...and is a scandal, if you ask me," One of the nymphs says, this one with leaf-green hair and a rather conservative matching dress.
Lady Skye titters, "Yes, berries in her hair? Unbelievable. If I didn't know better, I'd say it's her first time in the court."
"I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that," A red haired nymph says, this one a bit taller than the others and clad in a silken gown of green. "Unless you wish to attract the attentions of wild beasts seeking dinner. She should have taken a page out of General Afina's book. That multicolored bouquet of flowers for her hair is daringly revolutionary."
The fourth and last, a brown haired nymph with a smirk, "Yes yes, though I personally find it gauche. A single type of flower is complimentary, as General Crystal shows. But all of those? Add a few bees and she'd be a field in the summertime."
Oh dear. He would have to resist his urge to pursue the art of the Fashion Constable, but for now he'll clear his throat politely.
"Lady Skye, as rude as it would be for me to take you away from this conversation, I thought to possibly ask you for the honor of a dance?" Moore will ask, doing his best to still remain deferential as much as he can.
I'm going to call for a Charisma check here as part of the way of determining this.
[22:36] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11 pure charisma
[22:36] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+11 pure charisma --> [ 1d20=3 ]{14}
The entire conversation stops as Moore poses his question. "Thank you, but no," she smiles. "I am currently being courted by another - it's quite recent - and dancing with another would reflect poorly on that."
The redhead giggles, "Oh, you're adorable in that outfit," she gushes, "Can you dance when you're flying? I'd dance with you?"
The green haired nymph gasps at that, but doesn't comment. The brown haired one chuckles and smiles.
"There were others that held more personal power or commanded larger followings, but they're gone and Ilsenine yet remains. That speaks to her Majesty's mettle if nothing else," Afina says, taking a small sip from her drink.
Moore smiles and bows gracefully to Skye. "Of course, no offense meant to you or to your suitor, Lady." He turns his attention to the red-haired one. "I'll certainly give it a shot. I think I can manage." Moore says with a smile.
Afina finds its a fairly mellow drink as it goes. No danger of a repeat of the Court of Stars, you think.
"Oh yes, she's a survivor," Crystal murmurs, then frowns. She drinks and then says, "A bad turn of phrase. She's endured so much and still stands strong. She's the Queen our court needs, one who has been tested and proven strong."
Virylle's good cheer dims, "Yes, I heard rumors of her being a devil hostage. Are those true?"
The red head smiles and goes with Moore to the side, where several couples are dancing.
Quick question, any relevant skills here?
I can do anything relevant.
"Aside from myself, all of the Lifasan pixies here have been captured by devils at some point," Afina answers. "Though the indignities her Majesty suffered go beyond the pale, and would have doomed the Crusade were it not for the weapon carried by the human Sylvie."
I'm looking for something related to dancing, like perform: dance or similar. If you have that, roll it.
"It's...unpleasant," Crystal murmurs, finishing her glass and fluttering off to get another. "Do either of you want a refill?"
"Please," the blonde says, then, "I heard...rumors. Terrible things."
Due to Bardic Knack I can literally do anything called for, so I'll use that for Dancing.
[12:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+23 Perform: Dance
[12:34] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+23 Perform: Dance --> [ 1d20=11 ]{34}
EDIT: It's apparently rounded up, so that should be 35 if it makes some significant difference.
"Not for me," Afina says, still having a fair amount left in her glass. "It's no secret," she then tells Virylle. "Her Majesty deserves better than to be whispered about or pitied. She's overcome Hell's depredations and we will grant her her redress."
As you talk, you can see Moore on the dance floor. He's joined by a red headed nymph, the two starting a slow dance. Immediately Moore's easy technique and grace get attention, skillfully taking command of the dance floor.
"Yes, but one hardly goes and asks about something like that to her face." The blonde looks at the dancing duo, "Well, well. That pixie knows how to dance."
"I do apologize for pulling you away from Lady Skye's review of the clothes." Moore says with a smile to his dance partner. "I did not catch your name, however, so you have me at a bit of a disadvantage."
He continues to do elegant yet easy moves so as to try and not put off an air of superiority. He wants to make sure everyone continues to have a good time!
"No, but there's no fault in asking Crystal or I," Afina says, following Virylle's gaze. "That's Moore, a new recruit from Celestia. He specialises in motivating people, so bardic talent isn't unexpected." He's probably a better dancer than she is, but then she is fairly out of practice.
As they dance along, "Syrei," she answers, the two making quite a pair. She's dancing easily and without reservation, following Moore's lead.
"Yes," the blonde murmurs as Crystal returns. "Still."
Crystal looks over with a slight frown, murmuring something under her breath.
Moore smiles and nods as he does a spin. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Syrei." Moore continues to dance, keeping an eye on both his partner as well as anyone else nearby.
As is usually customary, Moore thinks, he doesn't want to spend the entire time with just one partner as that would be an extraordinary faux pas. He keeps his attention up for anyone who looks like they may want to come in and swap for -- male, female, pixie, nymph, satyr or what-have-you.
Afina does a poor job of hiding her smirk at Crystal's poorly hidden pique. "Caught your eye, has he? You should get in there before he gets tempted away by the big folk," she teases.
You're getting space to dance, people watching - including Afina and Crystal, and even Queen Ilsenine from her throne.
Crystal's scowl deepens, 'Not for me. I told him to ask you!" she says with ill grace, "Yet there he goes, dancing with a big one!"
The blonde nymph giggles at that, "Not even pixies can ignore us, General."
Am I close enough to see Crystal's bad manner face?
Make a Spot check, say.
[13:51] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+33 Spot
[13:51] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+33 Spot --> [ 1d20=5 ]{38}
"Oh don't worry about me," Afina says blithely. "My days of dancing for the court are long gone. Still, I suppose some people just like it large," she shrugs and looks up at Virylle. "It's pretty decadent, isn't it?"
Moore can indeed see Crystal's look of annoyance.
Crystal scowls even more, "It's not for the dancing." She slowly sighs, "Fine, by Faerinaal's ears, be dense."
Virylle laughs, "Poor baby," she reaches out and pinches Crystal's cheek, getting a yelp from her. "Not at all. You're the short ones to our point of view."
"I don't need help, Crystal," Afina chuckles before nodding to Virylle, "It's all about perspective. The cloud giants probably see you the same way you see us. I know, you're 'medium' and we're 'small' just because your size is most common, but it's still abnormal from a pixie or goblin's perspective."
Moore smiles just a bit. Crystal, you wear your heart on your sleeve!
Moore will continue his current dance, but as it starts to come to a close, he will speak up. "You have my most humble thanks for spending some time with my, Lady Syrei, but etiquette requires I ask my comrades-in-arms." Moore says while doing his best to find a partner for Syrei so as to not simply abandon her in the middle of the floor. However, presuming he can't, he can trust her to handle herself and will maneuver the dance so she can find a partner if she desires.
He will then fly over to Afina and Crystal. "You two don't look like the types to put on appearances and do things purely for show, but if you'd care to mingle and dance, I'm sure we could improve the morale a bit and get people talking." Moore says with a smile, though he's ready to accept immediate scorn from Crystal -- he hopes she can see the logic in his actions thus far.
"Fine, you don't need help. Excuse me for trying to help you get a date!" Crystal says snippily, knocking her back her glass of champagne and fluttering away.
"Oooh." The blonde murmurs, then goes on. "Yes, yes, perspective is everything. At least you aren't small like those courres, they have it even worse."
Meanwhile, Moore finishes his dance, "You're welcome," she smiles winsomely and gives him a brief hug, then he flies off. He can see Crystal's flying away from Afina.
Moore notes this as he flies up to Afina. "Oh, she's mad at me, isn't she?" Moore says to her with a small frown. "She had mentioned a few things about you, but I didn't want to put you on the spot, Miss Afina, at least not out of the blue..." Moore says as he rubs his chin. "Maybe I can try and calm her down..."
She saw Crystal with a coure once too, but she's not one to gossip! Smiling at Moore she nods and offers her hand, "Certainly, you look like you know a thing or two about dancing, Moore. Virylle it's been a pleasure, I hope we can talk again later," she bids farewell for now to the nymph before fluttering onto the dance floor with Moore. "I was the court entertainment before I became a general, so I know about putting on a show," she reassures Moore as they go. "And don't worry about Crystal, she's not one to hold a grudge."
Moore smiles and takes the offered hand. "Was that before you found a love of crafting, or was that part of it?" He asks. "Let's see if we can raise some spirits, knowing full well how many eyes are on us, hm?"
The two dance, skilled and going at it slowly amid the others. Eyes turn to them anew, more than last time.
Go ahead and chat for now, it's largely a situation where the two of you can do so.
"Oh long before," she answers, shaking her head as they set a sedate pace with their aerial dance. "On the surface I served as a dancer for the entertainment of her Majesty and nobles like Lady Skye, and in the shadows I served with my blade murdering any who displeased her - and there were quite a few, you'd be surprised at how much more forgiving she is now," she explains. "Then Lifasa fell and I found other scattered souls like me. Together we found Aurora, and our freshly born Crusade needed far more than a mere dancer or assassin. I only dabbled in woodcarving before, but I taught myself to forge armour and weapons, how to enchant them to equip our growing army. Just as I had to learn to lead rather than follow, to be a general rather than a servant. It's surprising what one can be capable of when pressed, don't you think?"
Moore smiles, occasionally throwing extra flair onto a move so that Afina can captivate on it. She's of higher rank than he is, so he's going to do what he can to make sure she can impress should she want to.
"People can certainly change when their entire world comes crashing down." Moore says quietly. He perks up at Afina's last comment. "That's precisely the reason I found myself enjoying motivation." Moore nods in agreement. "Motivation is just another name for willpower -- all I do is help people find the willpower they need to draw out what's already there. Many circumstances conspire for and against people... it's my job to make sure the person knows what they can do." He says while doing a double twirl. "I look forward to working with you in your forges -- your talent and expertise is clearly noted. I'm happy to be able to push you to even greater lengths... you strike me as the type who's not satisfied until you know you've done a good job with something."
"That's true," she shakes her head ruefully before stretching out into a dip, resuming her talk as she closes the distance with Moore once more. "We were recently in Lathander's realm and I offered to help the angels in their goldenfire forge. I used magic to enhance my native skill in a similar way as the techniques you likely use, and had we been in my workshop I've no doubt it would have been a weapon of legend. But the goldenfire rebelled against my forging so it was left as merely adequate. I felt like I'd been slapped."
Moore winces, as if he was slapped himself. "That must've been a blow. But you have to have failure before you have success." Moore says. "We'll make something of legendary quality together, I'm sure of it. Maybe it won't be goldenfire, but we'll make it work. Ah... hm. It makes it sound like you need me when I say things like that, doesn't it? I mean no offense to your skill." Moore says with a grin and another flourish. "We just all have to know what our strengths are."
"Like I said before, the main thing is enchantment which is more a matter of power and focus than skill or expertise. Anyone who puts their mind to it can make a 'masterwork' that serves a fine base for any weapon or armour. But it is possible to take crafting further, and the facilities here are ideal for it. We'll probably be busy after the next round of attacks when people have money from their loot to finance equipment upgrades."
Moore nods. "We can give poor Crystal the wrong idea by working so closely together. Why is she so worried about you, anyway, if you don't mind my asking? Is she concerned you'll end up married to your work forever?" Moore asks with a small laugh.
"She has a bit of the busybody in her," Afina says dismissively. "She means well but her priorities and mine aren't the same. Speaking of priorities, you could be a great help to our collection of sages with your skills. They tend to be called upon even more than my crafting prowess is."
Moore can't help but chuckle at that. "No worries on that front. I won't try and court you, despite her protests. We can always make up a scandalous story for the court if we need to, though." Moore says with a stretching of his shoulders as he does a quick spin up and backwards. "Sages, hm? Like Sir Tepen? I'll have to ask him how I can help. I haven't tried drawing on too much of my connection with Lord Erathaol yet, but I'm certain he'd appreciate my sharing the tools to reach more knowledge." Moore says with a considerate look.
"Tepen and Vul'lath are the main two, Muirfinn was as well before we lost him," Afina says, slowing down as she draws their dance to a natural conclusion. "There's Sylvie as well, but it mostly tended to be those three who collaborated. Anyway, I'm sure you have other admirers looking to create scandalous stories of their own, so I'll leave you to getting to know everyone here," she smiles and flutters off to do her own mingling.
"Of course. We'll talk again, General Afina." Moore says with a gracious bow to his superior.
At that, he'll scan the crowd to see if there are any others who look like they might be waiting. Perhaps even her Majesty?
Clapping follows as the two part, coming from all quarters. Even Queen Ilsenine adds her approval, the two parting as they return to mingling. Afina finds Lady Skye approaching, "Ah, a fine dance," she complements, "Her Majesty approves."
Moore can see all the clapping about - Queen Ilsenine does seem to approve, in case he wishes to approach her.
Moore thinks about it... he decides he may as well. He flies over towards Illsenine, but keeps his distance to wait for her to beckon him closer.
Moore positions and waits, until Queen Ilsenine gestures for him to approach.
Moore will fly in and offer a formal bow, the type with one arm out and the other folded over one's stomach.
"Your Majesty. I hope you do not think myself a rake for asking, but I can see you enjoying the festivities without truly enjoying them. I cannot say if no one has approached you because they simply know better and I am making quite the slight, but, if you would care to partake of a dance on the floor, I would be most honored. Ah, of course, if you prefer to simply watch, then I would simply offer you some hopefully pleasant company." Moore says, offering his sincerest smile.
Make a Charisma check, +3 bonus.
[23:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+3 charisma
[23:02] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+11+3 charisma --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
This is a case where an exploding critical may be relevant, so roll 1d20+34.
[23:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+34 and this is where the 1 happens
[23:04] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+34 and this is where the 1 happens --> [ 1d20=10 ]{44}
Queen Ilsenine is quiet, not reacting. Well, she does react in one way, for she blushes. "We..." she begins, but she stops.
Moore clears his throat and moves just a bit closer. "I meant no disrespect to your station, Your Majesty. I have no qualms about simply enjoying some time together, if you so wish. I cannot take the burden of leadership off your shoulders, but maybe for a time, you could simple be 'Illsenine,' if that is something you might enjoy?"
"Thank you, Skye," Afina says to the other pixie with a little nod. She wasn't trying to put on a show but if people liked it then good enough. "How are you finding the festivities?" she asks next, seeking for some sort of conversation topic.
Queen Ilsenine shakes her head, "Thank you, but no." Her gaze doesn't meet Moore's, the pixie shifting on her throne. She's still blushing as she says, "Please go back and enjoy the celebration, I'm fine here."
Meanwhile Lady Skye smiles, "A fine celebration. We needed it, don't you think?"
"It's important that we can pull together in the face of adversity," Afina says, not getting deeper into it since she knows Skye and Lief didn't exactly like each other. During that lull she glances towards the throne and does a double-take, never in all her years having seen Ilsenine look so... girlish. "Goodness that Moore must know how to turn on the charm like nobody's business."
Moore smiles and offers a half-bow. "Then I will leave the door to that open as you see fit, Your Majesty. Know that you are always welcome to request it." There's no sense in pushing for something that might make her uncomfortable, especially in the presence of so many others.
He turns back to the party at hand and scans the room for anyone who might be trying to vie for his attention. He also looks around for Crystal.
Skye turns and matches that double take, "I never!"
Queen Ilsenine merely dismisses Moore with a wave of her hand. As he goes back, he sees Lady Skye not so discreetly gesture him over. No sign of Crystal right away - no, check that. She's off in a corner, a full fledged pout on her face as she drinks champagne.
He'll talk to Crystal after -- for now he'll fly for Skye!
The moment Moore comes over - a fair few eyes watching him - Lady Skye hisses low, "What did you say to Her Majesty?!"
Moore blinks. "I asked if she would prefer to dance instead of watch. She politely declined." There's more to it, but that's the basic idea!
"I've seen Her Majesty propositioned many a time before. Often I've had to kill the one doing the propositioning, but I think you're safe. She's never reacted like that," Afina tells Moore, radiating quiet surprise.
"I certainly meant no... ah... hm. I meant no amorous intent by offering it to her. I just know that sometimes, people in her position can feel the burden of leadership in such a way that they have a difficult time even enjoying themselves." Moore explains. "But I am glad I asked nonetheless, though I hope it did not embarrass her. That was certainly not the intent."
"Intent or not, you made Her Majesty blush like a girl at her first formal dance," Lady Skye waggles a finger at him, "Let me warn you of one thing. If you hurt Her Majesty at all, you'll wish the devils got you instead. Do you understand me?"
Moore clears his throat and straightens his posture. "I completely understand. I have no romantic intentions with Her Majesty and will apologize to her later for putting her in such a spot."
Now she's just going to feel disappointed if she's that taken with him! "See that you do," Afina says, figuring she'll back up Skye here, she knows better about propriety standards in these settings. "Anyway, I should go freshen up my drink, I'll talk to you both later," she says, fluttering off for a refill and more mingling. Until she gets called over and ordered to kill someone anyway.
The celebration continues as everyone goes to mingle, losing themselves in the fun and pleasure of a good time.
Going to cut this one here, see the Kascha topic for why. As stated, we'll pick up on Sunday/Monday with the preparations to get revenge on Lixer.