XII. The Yule Ball [Saturday 15th, Evening]

20:39:32 [Jake] The attraction to the French beauty had been much more than the simple allure of the siren, or the need for the best of prizes. It was no secret that the boy yearned for a challenge, that he strove for it. Lara offered that and more. Having not fallen for his good looks, charm or attempted seduction, she instead made him work for it. That was what he liked about her. The fact that she was so wanted didn’t hurt either. The passing glances and whispers upon their entrance merely sustained the already smug grin up his lips, clearly pleased with himself. Their time apart would be brief, luckily the performances of the band, and reverence of the event would keep his date occupied whilst pranks were to be done. “I can’t believe you brought Lara, lucky bastard.” Charlie piped up, the disbelief in his tone evident. The suspicious gathering of boys would be hastily broken up by curious chaperones, not before they had added their own special ingredient to the beverage.The motley group had spread out amongst the various punch bowls, an attempt at assuring everyone who drank would feel the effects of their work. The elixir was considered to be a very potent alcoholic substance, drinking it straight out the vial would have bee dangerous, yet mixed in with the likely bland punch would make those that tasted the drink all the more wilder come nights end. Returning to Lara’s side, drinks for each of them, he slid into a seat of his own. The reluctance to drink had been all too clear, subtly trying to urge her to drink, he inhaled that of his own, chugging as he customarily did so, draining the glass. Wolf senses tingled, the addition untraceable but the effects to himself were noticeable. Better take it easy Jakey-boy, the night is still young. Jake beamed upon Lara’s reaction, his own gift hardly matching a solid diamond but the sentimental value was what set it apart. “I am glad you like it. Buying for a beautiful girl is harder than you think.“ For all his witty wiles and flirtatious dalliances, he was still just a youthful lad, still learning, always learning. The soft peck of her lips brushing his cheek brought a welcomed warmth, her accompanied comment cementing his curiosity. “I will make sure to remember that. So tell me Lara, how would you like us to spend your night.“ His wording was careful, sepia hued stare never phasing from her own.

21:00:20 Lara turned, provided that Jake had in fact fastened the necklace about her, and turned once more in her seat. She occasionally stole glances across the Hall toward Xander and Professor Weir, the minute irritation distracting her enough that she barely realised she was drinking her chalice to it's end. Easy to do, for the tasteless elixir failed to hint at sabotage and the fruity taste of berries was one she enjoyed. A barely noticed warmth began to seep within her, presumably the cause of excitement and the cluster of many students all in one place. “You're trying to charm me, oui?” He was, and Lara was no novice at the art of seduction and temptation. “How I would like to spend my night? First, tell me how you intend to spend yours.” With Lara on her back, no doubt.

21:05:49 Erinn had gotten ready for the ball on her own in her dorm, her hair fell in beautiful spiral curls, some were pinned up so her hair was a half updo. Make up was done, eyes were lined and shadow applied to give them a smokey look. Her body was hugged by a gentle flwoing dress that was an ashy violet sort of color, it was stunning on her, not over the top and bright, but elegant, heels were worn but the length of the dress left them hidden away. Her back was still cut open from the lashings, but she did her best not to be self conscious about it as she walked into the great hall and looked around at all the decorations for the ball. She smiled to herself a bit as she ventured forward, Ignatius never had said whether he was coming to the ball or not but she hadn't waited, she was happy to go alone, a smirk spread across her face as she ventured in. She caught her reflection in the glass as she looked around and she couldn't help but smile at herself a bit, she loved what she saw, sure it was vain but it made her stand a little taller, not feel like fidgeting or standing with her back against a chair or wall all night so it didn't look so bad. She heard whisperes here and there, people still thought she was pregnant it seemed and the lashes were a punishment when the school found out about the baby. Really? Well alrighty then, gotta love the rumors in schools, she ignored it and just moved forward.




21:13:47 James` had rushed back from his first aid duties, his time had been taken up quite a lot lately from the Gauntlet and since he has been able to show off his study they haven’t let him go. Today had worked somewhat in his favour as it wasn’t overly busy and he was able to get washed and changed into his suit on time. He had agreed to meet Lilia outside the hall so that they could walk in and be presented together, thus the whole point of having a date. It didn’t take him long to make his way over to the hall where he’d be standing outside at the designated meeting area, his mind fell back to the other night when he saved Sydney’s life with the aid of Calyope and Lilia. There was something about Lilia that was so honest and well grounded but at the same time, there was a hint of magic and enigma about her. James straightened his tie whilst waiting and imagined Jake would already be inside either charming his date....s? Or kicking of the first round of pranks for the night. There always had to be time for both, unfortunately in James’ case all that had somewhat given way to his new found duties as ether aid assistant. James took in a deep breath and glanced up at the evening sky, the stars seemed to shine brightly as if they were watching on from the heavens, waiting to see how the universe would unfold the events for this evenings Yule Ball.




21:26:38 [Sydney] The woman was in all ways flawless. She was a shifter and could make her body, mould her shape, her scope, her physique and complexion into anything she wished and whilst she was her natural self, it was indeed a heightened version of Ms. Sydney Reynolds. Ravishing strands of mahogany rolled in scrumptious curls, abounded over her shoulders, down to the small over her back and framing her tapered face like an angel of darkness that added to the smooth complexion of her flesh. Sun-kissed, with the hint of freckles, her face was a Venus sculpture, perfectly formed from the deep set hues of sea-green, to the full, blossoming lips of red that heralded her face. Kissable in how they rolled, and delightful in how the smash of lipstick offered them a vibrant splash of coloring. Made up smoky eyes offered a smouldering look, with a touch of mascara that allowed her lashes to appear far longer than what they word added to her guise, but it was the dress which offset her the most. Fashioned snug to her curvaceous and lithe body, the silver gleam of metallic presence shifted with her mannerisms, the material sliding against her body like a second skin. Formed in the right places, emphasising the upper swell of her well rounded and heavily cleavaged breasts, to the beautiful bare of her back that was accentuated by the swell of hips, and pert buttocks of her make up. A slit upon the left side allowed the succulent tones of her well shaped thighs and calves a impressive view when she walked, giving her an elegant grace and enchantment in her styling. Sydney was veritable delight to the eye, her posture and form much akin to the grace of a ballerina as she manoeuvred her way from her room, silver shoes dancing sweetly over the stone flooring, toward the common room. It was upon there she met her date for the evening, Kyran who offered a subtle bow to her presence. She enjoyed the reaction upon his face, eyes alight with mischief and mirth, while the male held out his arm to her and soon enough they were gracing the main hall, moving toward the entry way into the space that had ornately been decorated in a the theme of winter. Her breath held it, it was a beautiful scene to behold as the brunette squeezed the arm of her date. “Shall we?” She offered, while the Captain of the Tritus Durusball team nodded in response. Moving with her to entice her into the room that was quickly filling with students. A quick sweeping gaze, she soon set sights on Mila and Emri, Lara and there was Jake, though her gaze held a little longer upon the male before looking away. They hadn’t been as close as they use to be as of late and part of Sydney missed their friendship immensely. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but since the candy cane fiasco things had seem taught. Others were equally spotted, Erinn as she entered with him and Calyope just outside the hall whom the woman waved to with delight, a charming smile upon her features. “I’ll go get us some drinks..” Kryan spoke, being the gentleman while the vixen nodded in return, left alone for the moment as she raised her eyes to the ceiling. What a beautiful scene this all made.




21:35:47 [Lilia`] Adorned herself with impassioned abandon. As a sixth year, she had not long to go until high school and the frippery that accompanied that stage in her life came to an end. She had found herself a date at the lass possible moment, the request both awkward and initially aimed at three girls, when tradition generally begged for one. It had be she that James eventually picked, and she wished to ensure that his undivided attention was hers, and hers alone. Petite but with the feminine curvature of a nymph, the mage had gowned herself in a dress that danced between pale mauve and muted sky blue. The pastels complimented her flaxen beauty, the oceanic hue of her eyes. Slim legs were bare and easily viewed for the odd cut of her dress left it suggestively short, while still speaking of elegant grace with a floor length sweep. Heels and accessories of silver, with a precariously formed wreath of wound silver sat at the crown of her head upon her curled, blond hair. She came down the steps in a sweep of her gown, holding the longer sections of her skirts in one gentle clasp to save herself from a disgraceful trip. Lilia arrived in his gaze with the aura of an ethereal. Comely and inviting, the provocative vixen who looked far more innocent than she was approached with swaying hip. Tilting her head she let the length of silence stretch before them before biting her lush lip. “Fancy seeing you here.” His handsome visage was not unnoticed. Attraction stirred, but Lulu kept it at bay. This boy wasn't hers, and he wasn't deciding deserving in her mind. Not yet. With a deep breath that strained the hold of the tight bust line at her full breasts, the blonde's oceanic hues found the doors of the Hall. Instead of just taking his arm, or waiting for him to do so, the teasing mage backed a step or two and beckoned him with the crook of her finger. Blonde's always had more fun.




21:36:31 Jake was all too happy to oblige to help fasten the necklace about her porcelain skinned neck. Pulling his own chair closer to hers, he would take each ends of the soon to be connected chains, the soft hot breaths fell upon her back as he brought together the latch, a faint clicking secured the silver in place, falling to rest upon the nape of her neck. “Beautiful.“ He complimented, admiring his handiwork. The sudden distraction, emerald orbs seeking out another had gone unnoticed. Jake’s own glances had been cast out across the throngs of students, eyeing the last of the elixir to douse the final fountain. Now all they had to do was wait, to see what would unfold. Seeking out the success of their plan was not all that culled his curiosity, spying Emri and Mila together, smile never faltering but a confused developing feeling had turned his gaze away. Returning once more to the exotic beauty. Her words begged the mischief to become ever more prominent in his white toothed smile. “Nothing gets passed you does it Lara.“ He joked, her observation was quite correct. “You’re right, I am trying to charm you, are you not deserving of it?“ If she didn’t believe so, he would undoubtedly make her believe otherwise. The next question had made that exuberant imagination of his run wild, escalated passions taking precedence over many of the night’s ongoing events. “A lot of drinks, as much dancing as you can bear, breathless chatter and then who knows, we will have to see where the night takes us.“ A twinkle in his eyes suggested that what Jake had in mind was all too easy to guess. With the changing of the song to something much more upbeat than the welcoming tune previously played, Jake stood and offered Lara his hand. “Dance cherie?“ His French was certainly bad, but some foreign words fell from his lips as easily as if they were his very own.

21:51:33 James` took in another breath, it wasn’t that he was tired of waiting but it was in fact that he was a tad nervous. He hadn’t seen Lilia since his initial invitation that was given to her and two other ladies at the time. He had actually taken time to think about that and he realized it was a ballsy move, but it spoke volumes about the three that he had asked. It was that reassurance that made him glad Lilia was indeed the girl who had said yes to his invitation. Reaching into his evening jacket he clasped his jacket watch that hung from a silver chain attached to the inside pocket of the said jacket. His green gaze fell upon the time as he glanced around looking for the blonde mage who had so far been very impressionable without even meaning to do so, now that is honest charisma. His eyes moved along the view around him before passing the stairs seeing a female figure as his eyes kept moving but his mind shouted, LOOK BACK! Whipping his gaze around his deep green hues rested on the beautiful visage that was Lilia. Lips subtly parted, eyes drawn up as if looking at a vision from heaven, she was beautiful. As she came closer, he went to hold out his arm but watched as she stepped back towards the door, beckoning him to come in with a cheeky but seductive wriggle of her finger. James gave an amused smile, one that showed genuine fun. Moving to follow he pursued the beautiful lady with not one word, not yet. He found himself closer to her and reaching out to take her hand in greeting, or even to be lead further down the rabbit hole of what was sure to be a very interesting evening. If contact was made he would lower his lips to lightly touch the top of her hand, his eyes staying on hers, “Good evening Lilia.” His cheeky smile returning as he stood up straight, “I was in the neighbourhood and I just happened to see a beautiful girl that I just had to say good evening to. Now that we’re both here would you happen to be going my way?”

21:52:04 [Thane] Typical attire; almost. Three piece suit sans tie in exchange for a slightly more festive polka dotted bow-tie. House colors of course. To all but the extraordinarily perceptive folk, Professor McMahon was doing his job well enough, keeping a seemingly keen set of eyes on the southern half of the Ballroom. Sure he had noticed the punch being spiked; they’d been smooth, subtle even, but boys will be boys, yes? And why not let them have their fun – for now at least. It’d be a distant thought in the back of his head, one he’d check up on every now and again to make sure it’s effects weren’t getting to out of control. In the meantime, he nursed a spiked drink of his own, one that quelled the pinching sensation that plagued his temples. Almost absentmindedly index and middle fingers reached up to massage the problem area if only for a moment before he flashed a nothing-but-polite smile at an entering cross-house student couple. The lady siren was dressed in borderline-scantily clad red dress, while the smug young man had a hand lingering dangerously low on her backside. Thane cleared his throat, raising a brow as the Magnus housed boy swiveled his head around and met the new professor’s sharp gaze. In an instant, the hand was respectively placed at the flat of her back while a little swagger faded from his step temporarily at the silent reprimand. A moment later Thane rolled his eyes, and puffed out a quiet breath if only slightly amused at the elicited reaction. After another sip from his medicated beverage, a glance was tossed about, a nod between teachers exchanged, and Thane ventured through the large doors that led out to the Great Hall. A stray female, dressed in black, with a look on her face that didn’t require his seeing abilities to read; I don’t want to be here was written across her forehead. A pause, a brief mental debate soon had an easy going stride carrying him towards the young woman. “You got all dressed up and you’re not even going to walk through the door?” He inquired with a slight, but distinct southern drawl.

21:55:59 Lara was indeed, a smouldering beauty and the locket enhanced the effect of her garments, dancing ether-casted butterflies at all. Resting where it did, it was any wonder that Jake could keep his eyes from the full swell of her breasts, enhanced and tempting by the clever fit of gown's bust line. “Nothing,” came her confirmation. “You do not charm, because I am deserving. You charm because you are wanting,” the belle leaned closer so that only a finger's width separated them, even her breath alluring as it dispelled in a caress of his own lips “Things you cannot have.” Aha. Unknowingly, she had cemented in his position – not only with she, but his unrequited feelings for Mila, taken as she was by one of his closest friends. Loyalty and ties years old could only constrain so long. Did love not always take from others, what it wanted? A victor in this world, and the next. Any cutting expression her remark may have inspired was met with a wink and a melodic giggle, as she listened to his forecast for the night to come. “I promise you, no amount of dancing will have me where you're wishing the night will take me, but I'll allow you to try.” Flattery and undying attention was her muse, the darling belle requiring the nourishment to her vanity and in return, she would grace him with her presence. A simple placement of her hand in his, and she was silently accepting his tempting offer. Artistically inclined, the grace and precision of dance was one she longed for, indulged in and enacted with alluring prowess and expertise. Again those emerald orbs of envy sought out Xander, ever noticing his placement, so close as it was to the beautiful Seer instructor.

21:58:06 [Sydney] The moment Kyran had asked her to the dance was a moment Sydney couldn’t go back on. Despite the inner rule of not dating or seeing a team mate, both of them had crossed the line, Kryan almost kissing Sydney that very day, drawn into her by natural pull. It had been a moment of lust that spurned between them, perhaps building up for some time, but something Sydney needed to put an end to immediately. It wasn’t something she could focus on and tonight they were together simply than rather go alone. That’s what she told herself. So that as Kyran was getting drinks and speaking with his friends, the silver adorned female meandered through the hallway, saying hello to various people and stopping to chit chat with other Durusball players, complimenting them on their dress and / or suits that were being worn. Everyone was dressed so beautifully, which added to the setting overall. Everything thing fit. Perfectly, in all ways.Kyran returned swiftly with a glass of punch for her. Readily brought to her lips, she could already tell it was spiked by the strong taste to the liquid, though it wouldn’t stop her from drinking such things. Not that she drank on a regular basis. Far from it. It wasn’t in her fitness regime to do so. However, on occasions such as these festivities, she allowed herself to relax, and to enjoy the moments of pleasure that came with them. “Thanks.. “ She’d offer that winning smile of her to Kryan, who in turn motioned to leave her once more in order to find some of his friends. Apparently they had something to do this evening, but he promised he’d be back quickly and they would dance. Finger tapping on the glass of punch, she surveyed the area with keen interest, finding her hips moving in a hypnotic fashion to the beat of the song being played. As with most things, Sydney kept a charming smile upon her elegant features, her mature expression peering with curiosity to those dancing, eyes once more landing on Jake before looking away. He was otherwise preoccupied, obviously having scored Lara as he date to the ball. Of course, it was only fitting he’d chose her, being perhaps one of the most, if not they most popular girl in school.

22:00:46 [Calyope] The siren offered a half nervous grin. 'Well, Professor McMahon, it's not excactly that I don't want to be here. It's more I'm ya know, terrified of being here. So many boys, and music and dancing. I'm a siren. In large groups I have a problem over controlling my abilities." She offered a secondary nervous smile. "That and I may or may not have ditched my dates, in case I wanted to run. I'm a siren that often prefers solitude to be with music, or mystudies." Or the water, but he didn't need to know that. She chewed on her lower lip now. "By the by, you look very nice, sir." Just a sweet, simple compliment. Everyone looked fantastic, at least of those she'd seen. She moved to spinning her ring on finger with her thumb. Wow, Caly. Really? That nervous to enter a room of your peers? Oh, by the gods, yes. More than yes.

22:14:42 [Lilia`] She caught the apparent double take her grande entrance inspired, his honest and instantaneous reaction thrilling her in the same indulgent fashion it would turn the head of any young woman. Her hand was gifted him, and when he wooed her with a well placed kiss, she blushed some, and revealed a discrepancy in her controlled and sportive mannerisms. So she was not made of stone. Water that ebbed and flowed on a whim, in waves gentle and lax as often as abrasive and murderous. She could drown a man in his need for her. She could ensnare with ever changing temptation. A storm could not be controlled, and for as often as a man might quake in fear there was always some to be found, some that lived for the rush of it's tempering grip. Lilia intended to find if James was up to the task. Their play acting continued for the moment, Lulu failing to give. "Evening James. Oh were you?" Eyelashes stopped their batting, and then she was giving him a sultry and inviting look. “I am definitely going your way.”

22:22:09 [Emri] Emri fought her hand that had begun to trail its way down the front of his jacket with his own hand, grabbing it up gently, kissing it once before stepping even farther through the crowds of students and teachers alike. Seemed that, despite their inclination for pain and torture, even the worst of the teachers enjoyed a night to themselves. Would have been funny if not for his now inherent desire to burn them where they stood. But, such were temptations to be held for another time. Off to his side stood a desire much more prominent and needing of his attention, after all. "How about a drink or two—then a dance? I know how badly you're dying to get to dance with me again," he playfully comments. He's aware of the likelihood that the punch has been spiked, but its sought after as more of a relaxant than entire inebriator. Possibly, they'll spot a familiar face or two during their endeavors, but ultimately (and hopefully soon) he'll have her out on the dance floor, nestled comfortably where she belonged.

22:24:23 [Thane] Professor McMahon; Professor. A proper title he was still getting used to. He’d never had much need for formalities as such before Hex. Yet as much sense as it made, it was still an odd sound to his ears. An opposite brow quirked and his head offered a small tilt in response to her open admission of terror. The reasons for such fear however didn’t seem to warrant such a powerful flight response. As a sixth year, her control couldn’t have been terrible. Not to mention the array of professors around he was sure could handle any outbursts. A smile played on his lips as they touched the glass of the already poised beverage yet again. It wasn’t doing much soothe the ache, so he ignored it and peered through his glasses at Caly once more. “Not too terrified it would seem, because you’re still here instead of b-ling back down that hall in fright. “ Thane rolled his shoulders back in a shrug, her compliment noted humbly before stuffing his free hand in his pocket and motioning with his chin towards the doors. “C’mon –“ He prompted with an half glance over his shoulder. “..Unless you’d prefer to write a paper on the epigenetics of silverfish.” Or something.. Weir really didn't prepare him for this part of the job..

14:28:31 Sydney wished the music had been a little faster, for this gave him much more reason to hold her closely. And in doing so she caught the scent of mothballs upon his suit, which in turn caused a shiver to run down her spine. The smell almost pungent but mingled with the cologne he adorned it was enough to make the scent almost tolerable. Her eyes closed as a rush of goose-bumps flared over her arms, though she allowed him to hold her, whilst she listened to his words, their bodies swaying in time to the music. “Yes, I play Ball. I’m a Forward and most likely I did.” She smiled somewhat, her eyes opening in a languid fashion at the memory. Syd made it a habit to know every D-baller in school. Not just on her team, but every team. It was better to play against if you knew the weaknesses and such of others. “I dare’say you likely deserved it though.” She commented in a lax position, the second glass of punch readily pumping through her system. “I’ve no doubt that this coming season we will whip Arcadia’s butt on the on the field. We’re a stronger team this year than last.” She uttered with utmost confidence.

14:38:58 Erinn had been enjoying herself well enough at the ball so far, she'd been picking at the food now and then and had been sipping on the spiked punch. She had expected it to be spiked so as she started to feel a bit of a light buzz build, the warmth spread through her body, her suspicions were confirmed. She smirked to herself as she left the dancefloor that she'd been tearing up with several different boys through the night when it turned to a slow song, she'd made a B line for the tables and took a seat to watch as people paired up and danced together. She sighed softly to herself though she didn't rest against the back of the chair as she sat, her back was still torn open from the 30 lashings she and the others had recieved for their involvement in the food fight. It wasn't until a couple nights ago that she had realized she was the only one that still had her lashings. The others had been healed and kept it secret, went against what they'd been told, but she was the only Mer in the group, so if she got hers healed, the teachers would instantly know when she got in the pool for class, so she kept her lashings while the others pretended to still have theirs. It was proving to make life a bit difficult for her, having to worry about making them break open again, not being able to rest back, having to sleep on her side or stomach instead of her back. Showers were still rather excruciating, they were deep lashes, some almost down to the bone, but she was managing and tolerating it well enough. She was a bit selfconscious tonight in her ash violet dress, the back was open since that was more comfortable for her, but that meant everyone could see her back plain as day. She looked beautiful though, her hair in soft spiral curls, some pinned up away from her face while others cascaded down around her head for a very romantic sort of look. Her eye were lined and shadowed but she gave off more of a natural beauty, her smile was in place and she looked a bit amused as she looked to Aleister and Sydney, she'd seen the professor more or less bow out instead of saving her when Aleister had rolled in and asked for a dance, she didn't envy the girl but at least it was just one dance, who knows she might find she wouldn't mind a second dance.

14:43:22 Aleister nodded in agreement, lips pursed but twisted in a little grin; he most likely had deserved it. Aleister had racked up more fouls for Arcadia than any of other players combined; a blemish on Arcadia's record of good sportsmanship, but an inconvenience tolerated on account of Aleister's even more terrific record as a forward. "Wot? Pffha!" Aleister snorted and took a step back from Sydney to give her an incredulous look. "I can piss in a Natty Lite and make it stronger, but that don't make it a strong lager. Your defense is still shit."

14:50:20 Sydney was truly trying to enjoy the dance. Even so much she kept a smile upon her features as they turned to the music, her eyes capturing Erinn gazing toward them as she raised her hand in a little wave toward the woman. Her eyes however seemed to plead to let this be over and soon. She felt uncomfortable in some ways, though she couldn’t truly narrow down why. It was only when Aleister took a step back from her during the middle of their dance did her attention fully fall upon the male. Mid dance floor, he suddenly stuck up for his team, though at the talk of sports, Sydney wouldn’t back down. She was a prominent player, with fame to her name through the school because of how good she played. “Oh please. Dream on. Your team is nothing but a wish wash of players put together at the last minute. I don’t even know how they function as a team. All -you- do is play up the fouls. That’s dirty play. Not game play!” she wasn’t yelling, far from it. Her voice was controlled, but it was enough to get her thoughts on the matter out. Things were perhaps taking a turn for the worse between the two.

15:02:29 [Aleister] Sydney might have been getting her hackles up, but Aleister didn't seem to mind. "Ha! I am a brilliant forward, and you just can't stand to admit it." He closed the distance between them and slipped his arm around her waist--again oblivious of her body language--and embraced her with all the sense of a toddler picking up a riled cat by its tail. "When your defense can actually hang on to the Dee, I'll worry about your team. Until then, I'm afraid you'll just ave to concede to Arcadia's obvious superiority." Aleister pointedly turned his face away from Sydney and stared up at the ceiling, expectantly awaiting the concession.

15:07:01 Sydney would not concede, nor would she thru her team under the bus. “We’ll have to agree to disagree. That’s the only concession you’ll get from me. Although I know what the truth is.” She chanted, her voice refreshingly smug as she shook her head slowly, her body stuck in the position it was, not moving. Even though his arm was around her, and the music still played, she wasn’t dancing further. Not at the moment. “Our defence doesn’t lack in any area. We’ve most certainly got a far better defence than the other teams do. Hence our record. This year we play to go all the way to the top. Where we belong.” She quipped loosely, finding the banter less than rewarding currently. “I don’t this dance is working out all that well. Do you?” She questioned, her beautiful features expressing her concern.

15:17:10 Aleister snapped his gaze to hers again, wearing a look of genuine surprise--and fleetingly, pain. Now the body language spoke to Aleister; the tension in her body, the set of her mouth. Aleister's hands dropped away from her. "No. Yea." He stuck his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "You dance like you play forward. With a stick up your arse." Aleister ducked his head so she wouldn't see his face as he turned and started to push through the dancers and toward the punch bowl.

15:23:34 Erinn let her eyes wander about as she sat at the table and she sipped her third glass of punch lightly and sighed softly. She shifted in the chair a little so she leaned forward against her forarms on the edge of the table top since she couldn't sit back. She listened to the music, it seemed like the longest slow sing ever by this point but as a confrontation broke out between Sydney and Aleister, her attention was recatptured and she smirked slightly. She found it all amusing really, it's part of why she came to these functions, because there was always so much drama, like watching a soap opera really but you were in the middle of the drama and action. Well it seems those two weren't getting along well, though as she saw Aleister turn from Sydney, she saw his face, the pain and hurt was there, clearly he didn't know what he'd done wrong, he was unhappy about the way things turned out, it made her frown slightly before her eyes went to Sydney curious to see what she would do. She wasn't close enough to know what the disagreement had been about and she did not intend to get involved in any way shape or form, so she just took another sip and watched the story continue to unfold before her eyes, that small smirk returned to her features.

15:26:35 Sydney was left standing there, mouth slightly agape. Frustration within her at the situation and the riled up blood that flowed through her veins. Sydney was very stubborn when needed to be and her temper was known to be a killer by those who’d experienced it before. She took D-ball seriously enough that it was her life. It held a big part of her life in it’s palm. It’s what she worked toward, what she longed to do. Competitive nature was all she knew. It was a matter of survival, especially in a school such as this, with it’s barbaric and torturous ways. Her ample chest rose and fell under the confines of her dress, while her hour-glass figure remained in her spot for a moment, others dancing peering toward her on occasion wondering what she was doing there alone. Though, she held her head high, shoulders reared back as she began to make her way off the dance floor and elsewhere in the room. She had seen Aleister’s look. Caught it within her eyes no matter how fleeting it was, and the woman realized all to late how she’d been. But he had riled her up once more, just as he had before and Sydney was quick to respond, like a viper pushed into a corner with no escape. She left him to his own devices, despite the fact she wanted to say sorry. It was better perhaps that they didn’t talk for the moment, fear of butting heads yet again and all that.

5:35:37 [Ester] ‡ Shifted. Hooves beat heavily down on the field's soft soil as the horse ran aimlessly onward. It's mane billowed and tail as well whilst it sprinted. As it ran forth, it began to change. Began to shrink and change shape. It's brown coat became light and it's black hair began to recede. Quickly it's long sturdy legs shortened and ears extended. In a matter of seconds the horse had minimized and was no longer a brown horse, but a gray hare. The lagomorph bound hastily across the stretch of field with the same determined speed. It's heart raced as it picked up speed. Front paws in lane and placed between hind legs as it sprung, propelling itself forward again and again. After several yards the rabbit now began to change. It's soft gray fur began to diminish and it began to shrink further than when it had gone from horse to hare. It leap from the ground and wings seemed to burst from it's side as it reshaped from hare to swallow. A mixture of blue, white, and green plumages replaced it's fur.- -The tiny bird fluttered a couple of times it's wings and then glided gracefully through the air. From horse, to hare, to swallow, the distance of the field had been trekked and the bird shortly arrived on castle grounds. It found a perch amongst a thicketed area of the gardens and rested it's weary limbs. It's rapid heartbeat settled slightly as it took a moments rest. It took flight once again and ascended to a window that had been opened a smidge and latched so it opened to further. The small swallow perched on the window sill and hopped through the crevice, into the room. A familiar scene invited the bird as it hopped from the window onto a pile of clothes that lie on the floor and shifted into the wee woman that is Ester. Humanized. Ester stood upright, undid the latch that kept it barely open, then closed and sealed the window. She freshened up and re-dressed, not into the same attire that was lying on the floor, but in another set of clothes that had been set aside. It was insisted that she- -she dress for the Ball, even if only attending as a chaperone. After she was clothed Ester approached a small desk set up in the room and took a seat in it's chair. She marked something off in her time log, and then stroked a finger down the page. Time to report to the Yule Ball. She'd gotten her evening exercise scheduled in for today. She checked the time, closed the book containing the pages of her time log and took it with her as she left her quarters. As she began wandering through the halls she pondered security duty at this Yule Ball. ♪~Whistle~♪ She carried a pleasantly but not distinctly recognizable tune as she headed towards the event. Once she arrived she'd take up her post at the perimeter of the room and one of the other guards left the dance to go patrol the hallways now that Ester had arrived as his relief. Ester stood quietly, the book containing her time log clutched gently against her bosom as she observed the festivities taking place.

17:53:10 Mila hadn't quite managed a dance in Emri's arms yet, but they had only just arrived and first on their wish list, was beverages. Suspicion over sabotage plagued the Seer's mind, but this time she would not be fooled so easily, or so she told herself. Seated at one of the white clothed, tables with a circumference large enough to seat six, was Mila. Students had place cards but by the end of the night, it was typical for everyone to roam and gravitate to their cliques, usually defined by race and discrimination. She was one of the few students who had friends from every corner of Ether. The rebellion and shenanigans of the Meth Lab drew together some unlikely accomplices, not to mention the fact that one so socially inclined and whimsical as this infectious lass, was more than capable of finding an ally anywhere. With more friends than acquaintances, she was sure to be seated beside someone she knew. As Emri was collecting some punch, rather than helping himself to the water or non-alcoholic cider placed at their table, Mila took the time to fiddle with the name card beside her seat. Izak. Another Senior Were, lovely. Taking solace in the fact that at least he wasn't Jake, she ignored the thought. Quite the Cinderella, the girl who had been spoiled and truly feeling the title of Princess, as one so aptly called her, she sat like a demure little doll in her place. Her countenance was exotic and dominated by almond shaped eyes of crystalline and dusk, while a light dusting of smoke accentuated the striking feature. Plush lips were cherry-stained, even so after the attentions of her date, and nails painted in French manicure as Lara insisted, were woven in the ends of her sleek, sable locks. She was waiting on Emri the arrival of any friend or anything. All about her the Yule Ball was at it's beginning. Luthor had already addressed them all, a number of songs had played and almost everyone was already in attendance.

18:29:56 [Izak] High tempo’d music was matched with a pulsating throng of students moving about the center of the dance floor. The Ballroom itself sparkled, as did the many extravagant gowns being carted around on the dapper arms of his peers. Arm candy He mused, nose scrunched, and toe tapping to the beat absentmindedly as a set of stormy grey hues scanned the crowd for familiar faces; a few here and there, but none enough to pull him from his observant perch. The room smelled distinctly like perfume and cologne bumped uglies and the result of their union proceeded to then projectile vomit a clusterfuck of different scents all over the place. Overall his senses were a little overwhelmed; however, when his stomach decided to voice its opinion, it was the only one that mattered. The adolescent Were straightened as he came to a quick decision, lifting his forearm from the marble railing and fishing through his jacket pocket. A moment or so later he’d plucked out a crisply folded piece of parchment on which the time, locale, and his individual table number were printed in a fancy-schmancy font. Fourteen~ “Must be…’thata’ way.” He muttered sauntering his way down the remainder of the staircase, uselessly dangling suspender straps swaying about from his waist to his knees. A quick Nine…ten…..thirteen.. “Ah-hah.” Arriving at his table with a brief exclamation of discovery, he couldn’t help the visible tilt of his head upon seeing the stray, familiar female sitting all by her lonesome. Shrugging off his jacket, revealing a simple grey vest and white button down, he placed it atop his chair back and proceeded to whistle just loudly enough in an attempt to get Mila’s attention for a moment. Should she spin ‘round, the were would flash a lopsided smile as he sunk into his seat. “Hey there, Cinderella.” He’d greet genuinely, the kind of guy to give everyone a nickname.
18:34:07 [Ester] ‡ The music continued to play and Ester scanned over the Hex student's dancing around the floor. She shifted her gaze to observe any students off by themselves or engaging in suspicious actions in the nooks of the room. For the moment there was no blatant misconduct and the suspicious activities she observed turned out to be nothing. Ester shifted her stance and lowered her arms from their crossed position over her bosom. She gripped her time log firmly in her left hand, and lightly grasped her left wrist with her right hand as she let her arms hang before her. She idly shifted in place, scuffing the toe of one of her black mary jane flats back and forth on a small spot of the floor. Ester's dress-up clothes were fairly simple compared to some of the outfits of others. She wore a white dress with a black decorative design around the skirt hem and minimal accessories. Ester wore only a little make-up, which was the extent of color in her ensemble. After a few more minutes in her current spot she began to case the perimeter. She walked slowly and carefully, patrolling the great hall. She noticed the other guard supposed to be stationed opposite the room of her was not present. She briefly pondered the various reasons for his absence before re-focusing on her own task of observing the room.

18:47:24 [Trix] The moment he saw her. Truly looked at her, she felt that fluttering of her stomach happening all over again. She could tell by his response alone that her attire had been a hit and she’d truly taken care to dress herself this evening. Feeling like a million dollars, the smile would retain upon her elegant features, soft hues resonating with pride and affection as she peered toward Jeremy, the male inching closer to her, bridging the distance. How handsome he looked. How smart and utterly gallant did he appear to her, like a Prince Charming who was coming to rescue his damsel from the tower. Her body showered in affection, she truly felt wanted and well liked, Jer elevating her above all others which Trix had never had the opportunity to feel before. All of this was new. The bookworm, the nerdy girl - the solitary fae now had a man in her life whom she felt at times she didn’t deserve - but she was secure in that caring that he showed for her, for there was no reason to doubt him at all. The kiss was heartfelt and deep, while tiny pleasure centers within her small frame exploded in array of delight. Only one man has made her feel that way. Granted she didn’t have much experience at all, but that one man was enough for her, and she gladly accepted him for who he was. “Ready..” She nodded back toward him in response to his words, hand motioning toward his while he may notice in her other hand she held a small box with a tiny bow atop. She didn’t do anything with the box just yet, but would move with Jer through the hallways to head toward the Grand Hall. Her first real date to such an event. This was a night of many firsts for Trix. She wanted to take in all the scenery, the moments, but most of all she wanted it to be the best night of her life, with Jeremy.

18:50:17 Mila turned in her seat, Izak garnering her attention at the whistle. His nickname brought a becoming flush to her cheeks and enlightening her features beautifully. The lass flashed him a winning smile, and infectious and chipper as always she was piping up with a retort, “Hey there, Big Bad Wolf.” Glancing around, the Australian couldn't help but to notice he was very much alone. “Where's Red Ridinghood?” His date, that was. Sixth years seldom came to the Yule Ball alone. It was their last, it was a far more intimate affair than the Masquerade, and looking as he did? Playing Durusball like he did? Izak secured himself a place on Hex's Most Wanted. As for Mila's date, he certainly was taking his time at the punch fountain, but she could only presume he had stopped to talk to a friend. She shifted sideways in her seat, the cut of her floor-length at the back, above the knee in the front revealing the slim line of her shapely legs as she crossed one over the other. “So, are you guys ready?” Ready for what? Who? Perhaps a little obsessed with the game, the devout Highlanders fan and Crux player could only be talking about Durusball. Spring was just around the corner and to say Mila was excited would be a vast understatement.

19:14:41 [Izak] Big Bad Wolf – Red Riding Hood; clever, clever. With a playful roll of his eyes, Izak offered up a breathy chuckle, his shoulders jostling slightly from the humor. He’d toss a glance over his shoulder, the left then the right before rolling them back in an effortless shrug. “Well damn. She must be off to her Granny’s house again. I’d really need to keep a better eye on ‘er.” The young Were played along, shifting in his seat and resting his arms casually atop the table dressed in white but stained with liquid here and there. “How ‘bout you? Where’s Prince Charmin’.” The Pollock would pause, raise a brow and make a move to peer under the table. “And don’t’cha dare tell me ‘es off finding your fancy slipper.” More corny jokes, of course. Izak was full of ‘em. The infectious lopsided grin still danced about his features at the mention of Dball. “You kiddin’ Princess? When am I not ready? – I’ve been preparing for this rematch since ya’ll kicked our arses last year.” A stray hand found its way into his tousled hair, currently a controlled mess. “I’m itchin’ to see your grudge match against Magnus though, I’ll make sure to bring a video camera this time ‘round.” It wasn’t hard to catch her meaning, once a Dball fan, always a Dball fan. At Hex, it was somehow less of a sport, and more of an outlet for many a student. Izak wasn’t one to take it terribly seriously, but that didn’t mean he was excited for the season to kick off. It kept him busy, and gave him less time to get into trouble.

19:32:14 Jer likely doesn't understand the full depth of meaning Trix is entertaining in this Yule Ball dance. The night might as well be any other night, except with some live music and a gussied up Hall. Clothes are simply clothes. So where does all the mysticism and allure of the occasion come from? Probably from a girl's heart and mind, and it hasn't yet reached him. This isn't his first shindig, after all. But does that mean he's completely devoid of any and all sentiment for the night? With the emerging fae on his arm, no. There is a merit in going through the motions with her - to take her to dances, to go on dates, to do the things expected of official couples - and he really doesn't come out worse for it on the end, either. So as he leads their mutual path to the Great Hall, meeting already the boisterous rhythm and bass of the band that's leaking through the building, he decants his gaze upon her with a soft and endeared smile. After a wordless moment, he asks "...What's?" nodding to what seems to sit in the curve of her other hand. It's about the last thing that's said before they're crossing over the threshold, their presence at the dance established.

19:32:37 Mila laughed at the joke, easily amused though her mind wasn't necessarily small, simply distracted at every given moment. “You really should,” she said between giggles, “Or next thing you know she'll be leaning over another wolf in bed and saying Granny what a big... you have. All the better to?” The sable-headed minx followed, head ducking to peer beneath the lifted table cloth and then back up, with a huff to remove a stray, sleek lock from her line of vision. “Probably with one of my step sisters.” Or getting her a drink, either way. When the conversation drifted from fairy tale to sport, she grew all the more animated and lively. Mila was one who drew attention with her zest for life, constant movement and whimsical nature. It was impossible to anchor her. Jake, of all people, would know that. “Yeah we'll see. I bet I can get one past you,” she taunted with endearingly light hearted pride. “I know, right? But it's going to be good. We have some new plays, we'll show them who's boss. The dragons wont win again.” Friend who was also a boy and spent plenty of time with her or no, Emri would not pull into question her loyalty. Excellent sportsmanship she had, and a fair loser, but Mila played to win.

19:43:12 [Trix] The Great Hall ahead of her, she literally stopped in her path looking out toward what stood before her. It was beautiful. Like a winter wonderland that simply bewildered the eyes. Whilst inside, yet opening the out of doors and pulling it within. Floating candles, the large tree all of it appeared to wondrous, Trix was taken back for a moment as she inhale slowly, the small gasp escaping her lips moments later. “Look at it. It’s.. so beautiful”. Her words offered were like silk from her tongue, rolling with ease in that natural effort it took to be her. Bedazzled by her dress, and Jer on her arm, she was much in a fantasy world, this entire moment being significant to her in only the way it could be for a girl like Trix. Her lips partook in an elusive smile however as Jer spoke, pointing to the item within her hand. For a moment, she hid her hand before her back, playfully standing there as her features took upon them an impish notion. Mischief in those dazzling eyes of hers. “It’s a secret Santa gift for you.” She had already given him his main gift. The Quietus Arcanum, a room to himself that was enchanted and hexed and impossible to find save those who knew where it was and none of the Professors, teachers or the like had any clue it existed. It lived in myth only, but Trix had worked with significant effort to trace the room to it’s exact location. “It’s part B of your present. I didn’t want you to be empty handed. “ She pulled the box from behind her, then offered it toward the male. Inside, once opened, he’d find that what lay within was a Key with a tiny ribbon attached to it. On the ribbon it had her name entwined into the thread, followed by a heart. Giving him opportunity to open it up, she’d wait for his initial reaction then lean close to whisper in his ear her free hand moving toward his face, gently caressing it lightly, her body pushed close to his own, feeling the heat rising from him. “It’s the key to my heart. You‘ve won it.”

19:50:05 [Lachlan] Arms swayed loosely from side-to-side in unison to the beat of the music. For the first time in a while, Lachlan found himself to be unhindered by a stressful exam or worrying about his friendships—the feeling was short-lived, however no sooner than he spun around with a laugh leaving his breath, Lachlan halted at the sight of Jeremy and Beatrix. In that moment a knot formed at the base of his stomach and the Manxman did not know what to do. His discontent with the situation wanted for him to simply leave and abandon all desire to speak to the couple; however the friendship that had been forged so strongly with Jeremy certainly outweighed. Lachlan drew in a deep breath before making the trek across the hall and towards the couple. He forced a smile to his features, “Ello…” he said with his tone holding some awkwardness, “ye both luke very nice,Oy mus’ say.” The Manxman then clapped his hands and rubbed them together. For a moment longer his eyes lingered over Jeremy—surely the West Countryman would know what the expression was all about.

20:10:09 [Izak] Her latest fairy tale quip earned her a funny look, and quite the quirked brow; followed shortly after by an amused shake of the head and stifled laughter. “I – ya’ know – If Granny has a bigger one than I do, than that’s a whole ‘nother issue I should be worried about.” A whole ‘nother issue indeed. In all honesty, she had struck the winning blow in their unspoken fairy tale pun war, and he simply didn’t have a comeback. Point – Princess. Besides, it wasn’t like this pretend Red Riding Hood actually existed. He’d come Stag, and if only for the fine cuisine and cold refreshments. His stomach chimed in quietly but before he postponed his b-line towards the dinner table and cocked his head at the dazzling dressed femme’s statement but left well enough alone. If her date was off gallivanting with another gal, then it wasn’t his business to pry. So as the conversation progressed, the polish lad took comfort in the lighthearted talk of Durusball. Partway through the conversation, the snarky shifter flashed a playful wink. “Ahh. We’ll have to see about that.” He responded to her taunt. “Maybe I’ll let one slide by, for your pride’s sake.” Grey hues flickered from the damsel to the dancefloor, curiously observing. “Are you anchored at this table waiting for Mr. Charmin’, or can I get away with draggin’ you over to the dance floor? I figure I gotta’ get at least one dance in ‘fore I bail.” Yes, or no Izak would rise to his feet, his posture casually slouched.

20:16:17 Jer thinks he might have gained more beauty off Trix's awestruck and enchanted eyes than he ever did at Yule Ball decorations. His gaze lingers there, drinking in the sight of her for a little longer, before his attention and tender smile redirect to the embellished interior. "Yeah..." It's only by the clandestine little gift in her hand that he's rallied back. "But ya already--" he quips off, grin tugged on the loaded chuckle. She'd given him a gift to end all gifts already; how - or why - could she possibly go out of her way to give him another? "Ya didn 'ave ter..." he trails off as she presents the small box to him, which by all means looks like it should contain jewelry. Shouldn't he be the one giving her things like this? But, upon opening it, he is struck by the full intention of the gift inside. Unable to really say anything in response, he can't take his eyes off the symbol. "...Trix." He doesn't get far on that train of thought before a familiar face crops up beside them. Quite hastily, the Somerset boy closes the small box and subtly tucks it into a pocket of his suit. "'Ey, Lachy," he greets, smiling wide. "An you, auways," he adds, though the jesting nature of his attitude and mood marginally fades in the midst of that look received. "Uhh," he starts, cutting through this, "should we?" With a cant of his hand, he begs the both of them farther inside. A drink may be in order.

20:22:54 Mila couldn't keep the giggled from those tempting lips, but eventually their conversation led to tame waters, if even briefly. She popped a blueberry from the platter in her mouth idly, and rolled her eyes heavenward in disdain for his apparent show of chivalry. The brunette would earn that goal, fair and square. All the while, her striking gaze scanned over the vicinity in search of a few notable faces. She saw none, amongst the finery. Emri certainly was taking his time. Speaking of, Mr. Charmin'? Mila's teeth sunk down against her plush lower lip and guiltily she wondered at female ruling – things she was unfamiliar with. If she was a boys date, was she allowed to dance with another? A ballad the girl liked had sounded and excitement stirred within. She was never the type to sit out and fall into invisibility – a girl like her, without intending to, demanded attention. Smiling with glowing charm that was simply Mila, the minx rose gracefully to her feet. “You can.”

20:24:54 [Calyope] Caly needed a break from her dancing around with the curly haired Chase. She slipped off the dance floor. COnfident that Chase could find another pretty thing. For now she moved and dropped into the first chair she came too. Izal and Mila's table. She was in a much better, more social mood now. Dancing had helped her immensely. She tossed a smile to the pair and spoke softly. "Evening you too." If she knew there name, it was lost in the music that was swimming in her head. She looked over, batting her eyes at a young Crux male and soon had a drink in her hand. She grinned. "Perfectly spiked deliciousness.".

20:27:10 Trix is innocently watching his face, his features as she hands him the gift, wanting to see the reaction. There is no thought to her scaring him off with the ideology behind the gift. It was meant as it was said. He did hold her heart, but the overall impact of that impression never full grasped within her mind. It was an offering she wanted to give. To let him know of how she felt, of how he’d helped her feel over time, the months passing from friendship into now dating. The significance behind it was just one for the par based on where they were, but could put the male into an awkward position if not ready for such a gallant task. She continued to gaze as he started to speak, her smile widening further, only to be interrupted by that of Lachlan who had approached them both. The same smile retained upon her face landed on the new arrival, eyes alight with the glory of the evening, cheeks flushed at the compliment he offered them both. Whilst she felt that Lachlan didn’t like her very much ,this was one evening she wasn’t going to let that affect her. “You look handsome too Lachlan. Very sharp.” Her words were genuine and caring, for he did indeed fit the part. Though as the look was garnered from Lach to Jer, she paused in her motion - catching it but not knowing what it mean. Allowing Jer to lead the way however, she would never know the meaning of her gift to the male at least for now as it was placed away in a pocket, hidden from sight. She would be unaware the drinks are spiked, of course. That knowledge not even a thought for her.

20:43:38 [Emri] Just as he was certain Mila both could, and would do, Emri had taken an indulgence at the table that hosted the punch and begun to linger longer than thought he initially would. With a cup of punch in one hand, and a buzz that would only build throughout the night in his body, he allowed a quaint laugh escape his lips as a joke spills through the gathered crowd at the table. There are a few more mumbles, and then the rambunctious teens are even offering a toast to one another in an obnoxious cheer that is luckily drowned out by the noise of the dance. Off to one side, though he's likely unaware of it, given his immersed self, is Jer, Lachlan, and Trix slowly working their way towards the table; on the other, Mila is accepting a dance with Izak. Fate had a way of fucking with the elemental, it seemed.

20:46:39 Lachlan caught sight of the gift being tucked away in his pocket, he looks to his partner’s pocket and then leveled with his eyes—quickly the Manxman shifted between the two of them and smiled. “Thank ye, Oy did try a bit today!” he looked down at his outfit; in truth he was surprised faculty even allowed him to be dressed as he was with a denim vest over his white button-up. Lachlan ran his fingers through his hair and then shoved his hands into his burgundy chinos, “Lead dhe way...” he said to the Somerset boy. As the other passed by him, Lachlan passed one final look to Beatrix—he lightly bit his lip (a nervous tick) before sighing. With that moment of anxiety passing, Lachlan walked in unison with the other two towards the concession table; he certainly felt like a third wheel being without a date and in the presence of his best friend and his girl. However this was sort of a trend that Lachlan had only this year begun to accept. Tonight, however…he would try his hardest to forget any and all feelings of discontent for the sake of enjoying himself.

20:59:15 [Jer] On their way to the refreshments, Jer couldn't help but notice a certain someone standing at their destination, decidedly poised with his back towards the oncoming group. There it is - the temptation in his hand. He gives it a light shake out at his side before curling in his fingers close and tightening the forming fist. Not at all worried for the sake of his present company on either side of him, he calls out in the last pace or two of their path. "'Ey, Emri." And as soon as the fire mage should turn around to see who, the seer's arm is already in motion to connect with fate's design. "Jus kiddin, mate." With every muscle in his arm having restrained and resisted the thrown inertia, the only thing that socks the other in the jaw is a brush of air, the remnant push just ahead of the false punch's blunt end. "What're ya doin 'ere?" he asks as he pours out a cup of punch, handing it to Trix. "Should yer be in Mila's shadow?" Another cup is doled, this one to Lachlan. Finally, a cup for himself - which he sips.

21:01:40 Izak watched as Mila had some sort of inward debate. Was it or was it not proper to dance with another fella’ whom wasn’t your date. The inquiry had been harmless, the Were wasn’t a home-wrecker, nor one to start drama or toss feces at the fan for that matter, but she must have garnered as much as she promptly accepted the offer. Returning the smile that danced about her features, Izak extended a hand in a gentlemanly manner, dipping his chin if only for effect. When his head rose again, he swiveled it to the right motioning silently towards the swaying and bustling group of students before, catching site of Calyope at the same time. A quick grin and nod were offered to the dame as he led the way, maneuvering through the crowd with careful steps.

21:11:15 [Trix] Things appeared to slow down, though for a moment her heart near leapt out of her heart as they approached the concession table. Jer’s actions giving her a near attack of palpitation as his arm drew back, Emri in the near distance destined to be the one receiving the punch. “Oh!” she exclaimed, feeling her body suddenly tense, the moment building up for her, stomach flaring in butterflies of fear of the violence -what was Jer doing!?.. And then it stopped. Relief came all to sweet for the girl as she stood then, expelling a breath of air that was released through pursed lips. Her gaze going toward Lachlan, then to Jer, then to Emri. She knew the males had something between them, some sort of fight that needed to be done, but this certainly wasn’t the place for it and Trix truly didn’t want the night to be ruined with violence of any kind. She didn’t realize it, but she had in fact, moved closer to Lachlan during this, one hand having reached out toward his arm, squeezing it while tense, only to let go as once she realized what she had done. Giving the male an apologetic gaze, with long lashes that batted against soft tender cheeks, she murmured the words, “Sorry” for him to read of her lips before taking the glass of punch from Jeremy. Readily brought to her lips, she gulped the drink back, providing relief for her as she swallowed the glass entirely on it’s own. Perhaps un-ladylike, it was done to hide the tension she’d felt inside thinking Jer was about to smack Emri in the face. The drink was readily welcomed, though she had no knowledge of the sweet elixir inside it, or the effects it would start to have on her. Being one that has never done any kind of alcohol, suffice to say it wouldn’t take long for the breath of air that is Trix to readily feel something flowing through her system. Eyes widening in their glance, she offered Emri a sweet smile, her hand raised in a wave as she spoke his name. “Emir.. Nice to see you..” while she held her glass toward Jer. Another one was in order and since he was closest to the punch bowl, it only seemed right he could pour more into her now empty glass.

21:20:35 [Emri] Combining the unexpectedness of both Jer and his action, and the alcohol that had begun to work through his system, Emri was entirely too slow to avoid the punch. Had it connected, he likely would have been sent back into the actual table–rather, though, Jer's attack seized before it could land, and nothing but shock was sprayed across the elemental's face. "'m gettin' a drink," he boasts gleefully, lifting the cup as to prove it was, indeed, a drink. "I probably should be. Told 'er I'd get her a drink a while ago..." Despite this realization, Emri doesn't release from his position among the students that had gathered at the table. Rather, he casts first Lachlan a glance - one that would likely reek of hate and revenge, had they been anywhere else - before turning to Trix–her face alone recalls an obligation he had been given earlier in the year, "I owe you a gift! Later tonight. I have it around here somewhere." The comment, simple as it was, died out as quick as it had been summoned, and soon he's left to linger around the table, waiting for a particular, unknown something.

21:30:21 [Lachlan] The sudden pressure of someone’s hand laced itself around his arm; his eyes shifted to the female and his eyebrow lifted towards his hairline. He was not upset by the motion, but it did certainly catch him off-guard. Lachlan let his eyebrow return to its normal placing and once she apologized for the action, the healer shook his head, dismissing the whole thing all together. “No problem…” he said under his breath. The appearance of Emri, however provoked a different feeling within the Manxman, his eyes focused in on the elemental with uneasiness. While Jeremy may have dealt with it all, Lachlan was certainly holding a grudge against the other. He did not speak to Emri, instead offered him an up-nod. He then took the moment to down the drink that Jeremy had handed him. The taste was interesting and went down easy, but something did seem a bit off about it. The healer in truth paid no mind to it.

21:43:20 Jer , as Emri is feeding him an explanation in reply, gradually exchanges a glance downwards into the drink he'd just tasted. There's something... Regardless (or perhaps because of) he polishes off his glass entirely with a mouthful tilt. Thereafter tossing it to the bin, he takes Trix's cup in its stead. Admittedly he hesitates, armed with a certain snapshot he'd acquired a month back; but throwing caution to the wind, flippantly acting against his better judgment, he refills it anyway and hands it back. "So yer the one who 'ad 'er," he addresses Emri, coining a convivial grin. "T'better be good, les ya really earn this." He illustrates what he means by a friendly showing of that fist once more. "'Ey," he then quietly says to Trix, leaning in with a hand pressed around to the small of her back. "Be auright a min? I need a talk ter Lach." Though he should probably await her permission, he simply sideswipes her with a kiss at her temple before making off, his gaze set on his roommate and an indicative nod tossed aside to guide them elsewhere. "Luv," he calls him by once they've reached a sufficiently invisible wallflower section of the Hall. "Out with it, then. I 'ave ta know if yer gon make it through this."

21:48:51 Trix was caught of guard by Emri’s words of owing her a gift. So he was her secret Santa this year, to which she allowed a soft blush rise on her cheeks, eyes widening in their almond shape toward the male, lashes once more batting on smooth cheeks. “Later is just fine.” Trix wasn’t use to getting gifts. Certainly her Christmas’s had never been good. Except for when she was a little girl, but all that died the day her mother passed away. Since then she had spent Christmas at Hex, getting the occasional package from her Father’s secretary. Meaningless and often shoddy gifts that had no place in her World. Though that didn’t stop her loving them all the more. So rare were they, she kept them safe within he room, hidden by hexes and charms. The fact that anyone would be giving her gift was something that Trix could only think of unabashed as the thought of such things, or her being even worthy enough to have a gift for, would barely pass the woman’s thoughts. It simply was her nature and the way she was brought up. Alternatively, knowing what it’s like to rarely receive gifts, makes one a very good gift giver as she would never wish that feeling of an empty Christmas morning upon anyone else. It was always her best duty to make others feel happy. Trix most certainly wouldn’t want anyone fighting over a gift she received, but took Jér’s words lightly, offering a small laugh that embellished the smooth natural curve of her lips. As he whispered within her ear, she nodded due process, new drink in hand that was readily brought to her lips as she gave it a sip. Suddenly she was left alone with Emri, who seemed quite content to be on his own. Luckily the drink had loosened her lips and gave her the courage to speak further. “So are you having a good night, Emri?” She quipped lightly, eyes alight upon his form, while inside she curiously wondered just what Jer was talking about. She had to wonder if Lach would be spending the entire night with them. It would make it awkward when the time came to dance. But what if.. Jer wasn’t going to dance with her? Perhaps he would be spending time with his roommate instead. A myriad of thoughts plagued her mind, uncertain which way to think. Either way though, she kept her dainty features of Em for now. Unless he walked off and left her alone.

22:11:08 [Lachlan] So much for a pleasurable night, thus far the only thing that was building up in Lachlan was this overarching feeling of coming undone—however not from the anxiety, but from the elixir that was slipped into the punch much earlier; a warm tingling sensation filled the Manxman and everything had started to “loosen” up—he casted a glance to Jeremy as he motioned for them to meet with each other away from the others and he found himself passing a look to Beatrix, then once more to Jeremy. He nodded, “Fer sure…” The two then made their way off to the side, Lachlan staying silent until they came to a stop and Jeremy’s question was placed on the air. He snickered with a shake of the head and a look towards the ground, “Does it really matt’ah?” he paused, pushing his gray eyes back to Jeremy’s. “It’s become clear dhat we aren’ like we used te be…ye made new frien’s and what not. Who am Oy te try and keep ye fer myself, aye?” Lachlan shrugged and looked away, “Oy jus’ though’ we were more than jus’ roommates,” his eyes came back to Jeremy with a glossy nature to them, “Neva min’, Oy’m jus’ bein’ foolish…I should ‘ave neva thought more of us.”

22:37:11 Jer should probably feel guilty and at fault for having left his date alone (or alone in strange company) to go talk with his friend instead. But whether it's because the drink is starting to leak into his brain or because the impulse is truly a founded one demanding pursuit, the matter still stands: he's with Lachlan rather than the girl he came in with. "Fuckin 'ell, man," he breathes out. Suddenly so labored with the heavy issue, he borrows the wall for support, planting his shoulder into it while his posture otherwise slouches slim and hands shove in his pockets. The answer - or, really, just the type of words he'd like to say - rattles around in his head, sounding tinnier by the second. To adequately construct the reassurance he wants to convey, to convince his roommate not to keep crumbling apart day by day - nothing seems to sound sufficient enough. "...Shut up." Maybe that elixir is getting to his head because, suddenly, all the good ideas have destroyed each other on the battlefield, leaving on the bad and stupid ones behind to survive and repopulate. "Jus shut up." Nudged from the hard surface, he leans in, just enough between Lachlan and the wall, to slip a kiss against the boy's cheekbone. "Bloody Manx," he whispers before he withdraws. "No one's takin me from ya."

22:45:33 Trix was left alone to her own devices, having just arrived at the ball. She hadn’t even been taken to the dance floor yet, let alone to see the room on it’s entirety. She remained as she was momentarily, sipping her drink as the feelings washed over her, a sense of suddenly being out of place, out of time. Perhaps it was the elixir and it’s affects acting against her in a very different way, but the woman feels oddly different. Never having experienced such a phenomena before, the second glass is finished and placed on the table, before she glances around. The crowds of students surrounded her all seem to gaze toward her, watching her as she realizes just how much by herself she is. Her brow furrows, but her lips part into a soft smile as the light she is fights to beckon forth and break through these strange feelings harbouring her. She cannot see where Jer or Lachlan went to, if she had things would turn out much worse for her with the given kiss to the cheek, leaving her to question quite a lot about her relationship. Luckily though, she is out of the way and thus begins to move toward the crowds, pushing through the massive flow and influx of others to simply find someone, anyone she recognized. Her steps are swayed, the music and lights flickering over head causes her mind to daze, but she begins to dance on her own, motioning toward the dance floor, hips starting to sway in beat to the music. She hasn’t had the opportunity to dance very much. It’s just unfortunate her first dance at such an event had to be alone.

23:03:02 [Lachlan] Shut up? That was Jeremy’s winning response to the way that his dearest friend felt about all that had transpired this semester? At first anger flared in him, unchecked due to the effects of the elixir “What—“ he stopped himself as the other placed a kiss to his cheek and with it came a reddening of those pale cheeks. Lachlan offered up a smile once the other had pulled away—he never thought that Jeremy would display such affection in a place so heavily populated. “What about ‘er?” he said motioning to Beatrix as there was a momentary break in the people, leaving the dance floor visible for a moment or two. “She is smitten with ye, ye know dhat righ’?” his eyes shifted back to Jeremy, “an’ what of ye fer ‘er? Ye don’ treat ‘er like dhe ones before, did ye really catch feelin’s fer ‘er?”

23:08:21 [Emri] As the group of them dissipate every which direction, Emri finally places the now-empty cup down, his eyes slowly switching between the two distinct parties: Jer, and Lachlan, and Trix off by her lonesome. Caution is thrown to the wind, and soon he's managing his way through crowds that seem to thicken too unpredictably. In place of a smooth transition, rather, is him elbowing through couples and individuals alike, before he's finally caught up to Trix. Succesfully and finally working his way up to the girl, Emri steps to her front, his hands demanding her own two as suddenly they're involved in a dance that's likely all too comfortable for her. But, with hesitation comes a slight retreat from the elemental until they've managed a closeness that is just right for the two of them. After all, he doesn't want to step on any feet, figuratively or not. "Where'd Jer go?"

23:21:49 Jer has the unfortunate propensity to entangle the situations he's meant to be a part of, interrupting one with another and folding his priorities into a labyrinthian system. Who knows if this trend stems from his knowing involvement in too many things, his simple nature of distractibility, or - more likely - a combination of the two? Regardless, such musings are neither here nor there. "She gave us the room," he voices, his sights momentarily transfixed on the subject of their discussion before the crowd shifts once again. "An she still 'as its access." One can tell that the seer is truly trying to sound detached from the matter, from the girl herself. But the process hadn't wholly been a manipulation, had it? He's watched her grow, watched the walls around her slowly crack. In the end, in the purest, amorphic form of undeniable truths, he does care for her. That much manifests in the sentiment of his eyes for Lachlan to read, much to the chagrin of his for-the-good-of-the-team act. Yet right alongside it sits another obvious strain: does he care about her enough? "...Dunno." Her heart's already in his pocket, pretty and polished, and yet here he is measuring out just which highway marker it'll be when he inevitably drops her off. "I don want a think bout it," he finally states, closing the issue on a strong, "jus don worry." His gaze on Lachlan to drive that commandeering reassurance in, he then peels away from his friend's company. For the sake of all things, he goes to reunite with Trix on the cluttered dancefloor. (Little does he know that he may have to cut in just to get her back.)

23:26:00 Trix is thankful when Emri arrives on the dance floor, grateful to the male for arriving and offering a hand. At least it was someone she knew, and while hesitant about actually holding the hand, the lax feeling of her nature due to the elixir comes into play. Fingers grasp his as she finds herself now dancing with the elemental, her body swaying and moving in time with his own. Eyes shone with a light gleam as she gazed toward the male, that natural fae charm no longer repressed as it unleashes itself around her. Openly giving her appearance and gait a smooth notion of lust and wantonness. Innocence and beguiling flickers of her personality that were usually under lock and key. To Emri’s question she pauses for a moment, then shrugs lightly, the rhythm of the music flowing through her. This dance being among her first of many balls. “He went to speak with Lach..” she called out, her voice melodic as it flows, reaching the male like the song of a siren, though not quite as powerful. Hair shone in an enigmatic manner around her oval frame of her face, the tips licking bare shoulders, while the dress adorned upon her form gives her feminine curves and wiles appeal to others who look her way. This was a side of Trix not too many had seen, but it was asserting itself as a stronghold, the woman simply letting herself relax. Thoughts on Jeremy though continued to plague her mind inside -- was this to be the whole dance? She truly hoped not. “He’s his best friend.” As if to make excuses for Jer and the reason for his absence, but was there truly a good reason for him to abandon his date the first chance he had? “Where’s Mila? Did you come with her?” Trix asked politely, keeping the motion going with her movement, the smile upon her features widening with each passing moment, in particular when she see’s Jer returning.

23:46:00 Mila 's turn around the dance floor with Izak had been both swift and tame. With the music drifting into a ballad, the lass had politely declined a continuation and instead, parted ways with the handsome Were. Throat parched, she made way first for the punch bowl and helped herself to a second drink. Again, the tasteless lacing of alcoholic elixir went unnoticed, while her body reacted slowly, but readily. There was a notable light in her striking crystalline depths, one that reached the tempting smile of her full lips. Now, where had that date of hers gone? He'd been missing from her side at least fifteen minutes and without the irritation that might plague an average girl, this little minx saw no fault – not to say she wasn't intent on finding him again. She'd been longing to revisit their first true meeting, without the anonymity. Dutch courage in the form of an elixir, the femme smoothed her deep blue gown over the accentuating nip at her waist, and the flow over her hips. Legs for days peeped from between the shortened front and though not entirely a Princess in manner, despite being dubbed so by two Were's, there was a certain grace and balance to her steps. Apparently, the fine silver heels that lifted her petite stature slightly higher didn't hinder in the least. Mila's fingertips brushed over her necklace then, the diamond nestled just at the meeting juncture of the full swells of her breasts. The line of her dress was daring, emphasising and alluring. It wasn't the Seer's style, but Lara was well versed in the art of persuasion. Feeling quite like Cinderella, albeit a little more exotic and erotic, the femme swayed her hips on over to the dancefloor where she spied, from beneath lowered, long lashes the man of the hour. Emri had captured her room mate Trix in dance. She'd not quite made it there, only reaching their side when Jed had snagged her around the waist. Mila cried out in laughter, and allowed herself to be twirled about. A little puppet, paper doll and in the hands of one of Meth Lab's finest, she could only catch the tail end of the other couple's conversation. Where was Mila? “Here!” She called between endearing giggles, almost as though a Professor was marking her attendance.

23:51:04 [Emri] Lach. So that was the boy's name, to at least some degree. Emri offers her an understanding smile, one that he's careful not to overdue, while one hands rests nicely on the curve of her hip. From what he had known of Trix (which was little, to be fair), she wasn't the type of girl to so acceptingly allow a boy to dance with her. It was an even bigger surprise to know that beneath her nerdy exterior laid a rhythm that could escape if given the opportunity. "Ah, yeah, best friend; don't have to tell me twice," he muses solemnly, recalling the brief fight for a moment before his attention is pulled back to her question. "She's..." Over either side of Trix's shoulder he casts a glance he know won't magically produce his date. "Somewhere! Maybe. Hopefully," But despite his wanting of his own date, like Trix likely was of her's, he shrugs the manner off like the one before. "So, he's your boyfriend, ye?" Its presumed that Jer is that particular person. "Get 'im anything good for Christmas?" Below them on the dance floor, his legs demand her own go back, forcing the girl into a started rhythm that manages to blend into the crowd while producing something far more unique than her smashing her ass in his groin. But before he could truly meld their bodies into a display of practiced amalgamation, Emri catches noise of Mila's rather signature squeel, and his eyes divert to his side towards her. The laugh is instantly contagious, and in place of furthering the dance with Trix, he bids her a polite nod of his head before he's slipped off towards his own date, ideally brushing his way between the Seer and Jed to take his rightful place. A shame he hadn't stuck around long enough to poke fun at Jer, but more pressing matters were at hand, were they not? "Long time no see," he playfully cooes out to mistress in blue, spinning her around and about in a manner that had begun to spread out amongst couples.

00:02:16 Jer , via paths of least resistance, soon steps around another dancing couple to inevitably emerge into his quarry's view. And like a mild starstrike, merely seeing the flaxen-haired fae so dolled and infectious instills a lump of guilt in his chest. The delightful smile she grants his way doesn't help in the slightest, either. Nevertheless, the country boy's a method actor, the black fly on the wall that his cufflinks dare to admit in his sneaking vanity. So, he smiles right back, like there's not a thing wrong in the world. Approaching, with glance sliding after Emri as he goes to rejoin his own date, the humored Tritus seer restores all attention and adoration on Trix. "Sorry bout that," he apologizes, instantly filling up the void to take her hand and drop it off at his shoulder before threading his own hands around her waist. "Promise I won't be disappearin again." One supposes he can at least accomplish that much of a courtesy as he starts to lead their slow sway to the band's requested ballad.

22:31:23 [Jake] If Jake was an inexperienced player in their game, he would fall for every careful word and eyes would stray to every all too appealing sight. Luckily for him he had played this game before and the prospect of a challenge merely brought rapture to his interest. Chiselled features were decorated with daring, sprinkled with that arrogance he so often struggled to keep at bay. “Right again, but why would we have such feelings of want, if we were never meant to eventually have.“ Tricky words and rhythmic old quotes freely fell from his lips, his own belief in them made it all the more compelling. As she leaned close, everything inside his body urged him to kiss her. Sight, scent, phantom touch and the prospect of taste, he ached for it but he managed to keep himself calm, mask unwavering despite the inner battle trying his patience. A difficulty for the youthful Were’s keeping a bottle on that heightened lust, a taxing experience for most, Jake was no exception. As he stood before her, hand held out to take her own upon accepting his invitation her next words were matched by that trademark Connolly smile. “I wouldn’t rule anything out just yet love, take a chance, I dare ya.“ Everything about him at that moment was equally as inviting as her own allures, albeit his were the wolfish pheromones which urged the baser instincts, encapsulated by the siren like qualities Lara answered with. A delicate hand placed in his own, he would plant a chaste kiss upon her fair skin, a playful wink before leading her onto the dance floor. For now the beats were of the modern variety allowing the dancers to take it upon themselves to loosen up. Jake would take her hands in his own and with the rhythmic sway of his hips and the occasional twirl of his partner he sank into the music, grinning all the while yet his gaze never leaving Lara.

22:33:10 [Calyope] She was a relatively smart female and with a smirk she rattled off, 'In biology, the term epigenetics refers to changes in phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence, hence the name epi- (Greek: over; above) -genetics. These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell's life and may also last for multiple generations. However, there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism;[1] instead, non-genetic factors cause the organism's genes to behave (or "express themselves") differently." She grinned at the professor. Her control wasn't bad at all. She just used it as a rue to the real problem . Caly had acute agoraphobia. She stopped fidgeting with her ring and took a deep breath. Come now Calyope Elena Kirras, get your self together. Calm yourself. Sing. Hum. Ah, the inner monologue of a stressed out teenager. She let a breath escape her. On the second breath a low soft musical hum was heard. None too loudly, but loud enough the Professor and, of course, Caly could hear it. Finally she seemed to visibly calm and nodded. "Very well, sir. I'll go in." The clicking of her heels sounded as she took a few steps toward the Great Hall door. "Now or never kid." And with that she made her entrance into the Yule Ball.

22:39:01 Mila cast another of those effervescent, unique smiles as he caught up her hand and kissed it like a true, traditional gentleman. Now guilt found her, and more unfamiliar with treachery and lies than the average femme, her smile faltered if even for a millisecond. The sabotage of candy had been a simple, and everlasting endeavour, one that brought a flush of shame that had no right to compliment her exotic features so beautifully, to the surface. Even so, it couldn't quell her excitement at being his date, even if a sidelong glance told her that Jake was enjoying Lara's company far more than he could ever enjoy hers. A simple notch, and she'd always known she would be. Hadn't their kiss meant anything? Not to her, Mila assured herself, for she had been inebriated and swayed against her right mind, acting only on base, physical attraction and any girl that claimed Jakeyboy wasn't attractive was a liar or possessing poor taste. Emri was easily as pleasing in that same manner – it was only unfortunate he'd not been present when the candy had taken full effect. “Is that so? Cocky bastard.” She swatted him playfully, but Mila wouldn't tell a lie and deny that it was true. “A Drink sounds great. Do you think they've spiked it again?” Socially inclined, the pretty lass was easily in on the goings on of the jock boys. Knowing when they had spiked the punch at the last dance, even if they had failed to inform her about besmirched canes of the candy variety. Jerks.

22:49:16 [Emri] Any apparent falters that overcome Mila's face are, unfortunately, missed by Emri. And though he was aware of how emotionally troubling the candy cane incident had been, he didn't bother thinking that it was still plagueing the small Seer. Rather, assumptions had been made weeks ago that, with their rivaling confessions to one another, and her acceptance to the dance, that the ordeal was over with. "Oh please," he reponds back to his date once they're at the table. "Maybe this time I won't have to do all the work?" He asks her, again with a glint in his eyes that makes the tease obvious, while scavenging two drinks for them. A quick nod or two, along with a quiant chuckle (almost a snort) answer her question. "Isn't it always?" Rhetorical or not, Emri couldn't recall an event he had managed to attend where there wasn't some sort of background shenanigans that had taken place. It was, despite the unnerving faces of discipline, a tradition that likely wouldn't ever leave Hex.

23:00:51 Chase` had gone a-wandering in his finery after giving Mila her present. He was contemplating things in the same manner in which he had been for the past week or two. But now as he crossed the threshold of the Great Hall and looked around he saw Mila standing with Emri, Jake taking Lara out onto the dance floor. He let his tongue dash across his lower lip as he considered his options. his chestnut eyes wandered over the other students in their finery and he finally found his eyes resting upon a figure in light purple. His lips spread into a grin as he approached her from behind his arm moving around her waist as he moved smoothly to be in front of her, "Well well. If it isn't the girl who poked the bear. No date tonight?" It was a simple question to satisfy his curiosity. For if she had no date, he was free to steal her for a generous portion of the night. Of course, he couldn't simply spend the entire ball with one girl, not when he came stag. Besides, how would that look? There had been enough rumors spread about him already, and he didn't want there to be any about him and the pregnant girl.

23:06:57 Erinn could feel her jaw tense slightly as she stood there and looked around at everyone, she saw Jake and Lara, Mila and Emri and as she started to turn slightly, she felt a hand on her waist. He came? she thought to herself but as she turned it was not the He she had been expecting. She looked up to Chase and offered a soft smile, "I'm still waiting to see if the bear will poke back," she would say to him and laugh softly. The mention of a date made her quirk a brow at him, " Does it look like I have one?" she asked and smirked, "I see you seem to have chosen the funner option as well, " she would say to him, of course she was saving face. It's what she normally would have done anyways, come alone so you can dance with whomever instead of being stuck with someone like a ball and chain all night. But, she was a bit unhappy about Ignatius not showing up, it didn't show though, that was something she would deal with better. After all, wasn't there a saying about hells fury and women? She looked around at the other couples, the people dancing before her eyes moved to Chase once more, her eyes roamed over him before meeting his gaze, "Don't you look dashing, " she would say with a pleased smirk.

23:32:48 Chase` grinned, at her responses and shrugged, "This isn't the fun occasion to be single. No, that would be the Masque. All the anonymity adds a certain zest to the whole affair." He stepped back to allow her to properly admire his finely-dressed figure. Then he cut a quick bow, and grinned at her, "Well thank you. And you looks simply ravishing tonight. Light purple suits you, Erinn." He grinned and moved beside her, wrapping his arm once against around her waist and began escorting her further into the hall, his eyes on her, "So be honest. Who were you really supposed to be coming with?" A girl with Erinn's looks and reputation, however fraudulent that reputation that may be, did not come to something like this without a man on her arm. His eyes darted once to Mila and Emri, though they moved to the tables where people were eating finger foods. He had had little to eat today, what with his nerves about giving Mila her present, and a little food in his stomach before he went near the obviously spiked punch would do him good. He guided her to the table, looking over the choices whilst keeping an attentive ear out for Erinn's words. The bear had yet to poke back, maybe, but then again, the bear hadn't been feeling well lately.

23:39:30 Erinn couldn't help but grin a bit in turn as she looked to him and would nod in agreement to his words, "That is very true, makes it all the more exciting." she would admit to him then roll her eyes as he bowed to her compliment. "But of course, you earned it, so no need to thank me." she would say and give him a sultry smile in turn to his compliment, "Thank you for noticing, " she would say to him as she leaned himto him and he wrapped his arm around her waist and he escorted her along. She smirked as he asked her to answer him honestly, "I didn't officially agree to go with anyone, actually. Though Ignatius was supposed to be coming, I really don't like going to dances with an actual date. Like I said, coming single is more fun.. I get bored so I wouldn't want to be obligated for a whole night." she said simply with a shrug. It was true enough though she didn't feel it was the whole truth on the inside. She had quite the reputation, especially with the rumors going around, but she was hardly a slut really, it just looked that way to those that didn't really know the facts. "Why did you come alone?" she would ask him curiosuly as her eyes went to his once more and she let him lead her to the table, his look to Emri and Mila hadn't gone unnoticed and then she
remembered his reaction after she had dared Mila to kiss Jake with the starburst. "Ohh, I see." she would put the two together in a moment before he answered and wouldn't press the topic further.

23:52:03 [Calyope] Caramel eyes flicked around the room, taking in the ice sculptures. Really the hall looked gorgeous. That was no lie. Something Calyope couldn't do was lie. She was humming to herself. Letting the notes coarse through her brain as she moved in the silk and tulle gown more forward, CLicking with each step she brought herself toward the punch bowl and getting a cup of it. Oh, how awkward she felt being here alone instead of with her safety net of her younger house mate and the Arcadian Seer. She ached to run her fingers through her hair as it was her most nervous habit. However she could hum and could sing to herself. Scooping the cup into her hands she moved to a table, her eyes focused on her cup, so she wasn't 100% aware of whose table she'd sat at. But she did hear voice and if they, [Erinn and Chase] asked her to leave, she would, with out qualm.

00:09:55 Chase` arched a brow, "Ignatius, huh? Got a thing for werewolves, Erinn?" He grinned at her, and then the question he had been expecting came from her lips. He reached down to one of the platters and picked up something, not really caring what it was. Into his mouth it went and he used the few seconds it garnered him to calm himself, "Yeah. The person I would have asked has a date. I wasn't going to come at all but a friend suggested it would be a good idea. I figured I could come, watch people get wasted and make fools out of themselves at least." By the sound of it, she had put things together, and no doubt Jake also knew, but he didn't really care. He glanced over as Calyope joined them, a sixth year Tritus girl in a black gown. He looked her over and shot her a grin, "Nice dress." He looked back at Erinn, "In all seriousness, though, you should have yourself some fun, even if Ignatius never shows. You only get one more Yule Ball after this one. Make it count."

00:11:20 James` felt a drop of excitement and anticipation run from his lips down to his stomach as he kissed her hand and was well received. To her words he matched a glance that suggested he would sweep her off her feet tonight if given the chance, "Excellent, would you do me the pleasure of your company to the Yule Ball, I feel letting you go in there alone would do me a great disadvantage for I'm sure all the other gentlemen would surely acknowledge your beauty aand I'd very much like your attention this evening." Keeping up the little game for amusement and becaise he was excited he moved forward offering at last his arm. If taken we would alowly begin to make his way to the Yule Ball's entrance, "I think tonight should be fun." Breaking the game he looked to her, "You do look beautiful." His tone was honest and said without expectance of an answer but to simply be known. James would eventually lead her inside the ball, "Wow..." His wonder at the ball's set up was easily spotted on his face, "This place looks great." He looked to her again and smiled, he wanted her to settle in with her surroundings.

00:15:34 Erinn nodded with a bit of a smirk as he mentioned Ignatius and having a thing for werewolves, "I guess he caught my attention, though after tonight he might have some trouble keeping it." she would say with a laugh before she picked up a mozzarella stick and took a bite. She nodded as he answered her question, "That's pretty much why I come to these things, plus I love to get dolled up, but it's like watching a soap opera or something a lot of the time so it can be entertaining to be at dances. Plus, I love dancing." she would sa to him and look up as Calyope came over, she smirked to her, saw Chase's grin and then added with his comment, she nodded to him. "Oh, don't worry, I always have a good time.. I more worried about You making it count." she would say with a wink as she nudged him in Calyope's directioin and she started to leave the table, "Have fun, " she would say to the girl with a wink, though she didn't truly know her well before she would disappear in the crowded dance floor and dance the night away with several different males and pour herself into bed in the wee hours of the morning.

00:24:08 [Calyope] The Nice dress made her look up and go wide eyed as she was now seated alone with Chase. 'I uh. I.. uh. Thanks?" So eloquent, Cal.She finished her drink and took a deep breath, letting caramel hues settle on the well dressed, handsome man. "I didn't mean to make your friend run off. I just grabbed a seat at the first table I arrived at. "Always apologetic for whatever. She really was socially awkward. "I'm Calyope, and you look very nice." Smooth kid. She looked at her cup and took the last sip from it and set the empty glass on the table. "Are you having a good evening and enjoying the ball?" Yes, small talk. She didn't know what else to say, she actually was feeling guilty that she'd made his, she assumed his date leave.
00:30:59 [Lilia`] Only too pleased to accept his elegantly spoken request, the femme nodded her approval. “Then only you should have my attention.” For the majority, if he came to be entertaining company. Meeting her match was something the incorrectly presumed meek mage longed for. She was not the most popular found at Hex, but she was certainly not overly studious. Intelligence came naturally and with determination enough to assist in projects both scholarly and leisurely she snatched for herself distinctions above most. “Thank.. you.” He didn't scrub up so badly, himself. She wondered then if any of the girls might regret declining his poorly spoken invitation? Flaxen haired and pretty, the wreathed girl allowed her newfound friend to ease her into the Hall, where she too was struck by the splendour of decorations and guests alike. Ocean hues were wide with enchanted wonder, and then she was meeting James with a giggle. “Yeah, wow.”Water need never settle, it was always flowing and adapting with the alterations to it's placement. Her soft touch slipped from the crook of his arm down to ward his arm and then she was tugging him along behind her. “Oh look, it's Caly.”Her quick movement stopped, and she turned to face him while her hand continued to keep his captive. The invasion of his personal space was met with an extremely close step that almost pressed her elegantly gowned form to his. “Will we say hello? Or...” Her tongue skimmed over her lower lip, head tilting to the left and upsetting the array of blonde curls prettily. “Are you thirsty?” Lilia awaited an answer.

00:43:09 James` liked fun, that is what this event was all about and it seemes that at this point his date matched the purpose of this event. Only a grin was given back to her words of gratitude at his compliment. He felt her soft touch run down to his hand, a grip that soft beckoned his presence to follow on, his eyes following her indication to Calyope. His attention pulled right back to her as sje stepped forward and into his personal space. With a smile he leaned down bringing his face closer to hers, "We will do whatever we like." Ot was an open invitation to have fun and not to worry, with a hint of suggestion to what that fun might be, only in a playful innocent manner and nothing more, he did have class afterall. Standing up he looked to her ocean blue gaze, "How about I get some drinks for us and I'll meet you over with Caly?" His tone was relaxed, he was no control freak or stalker she can do whatever she liked if she was having fun.

00:53:13 Chase` couldn't help but laugh when Erinn told him to make it count, then nudged him toward the new arrival. Then she was walking off and he was left alone with Caly. Her stammered reply to his compliment made him chuckle as he took a seat beside her, "You're welcome. And don't worry about Erinn. She's just a friend of mine, not my date. I actually came to this little shindig stag. Figured I could find myself a pretty face to dance with for the night and then do the gentlemanly thing and not take advantage of her inebriated state." He grinned, winking at her slyly. He glanced around for a pair of heartbeats before looking back to Caly, "You know, I do believe this is the very first time I have ever been at this thing alone. It's a strange kind of feeling." And then the music shifted into one of the many slow songs that would be played tonight due to the theme of this party. A more intimate affair, of course. He stood up, "Shall we?" He grinned. It seemed he had picked her to be the pretty face he would be dancing with this evening.

01:03:42 [Calyope] She found her self somewhat charmed by him and found herself rising to go with him. "Oh, well that's good. I would have hated to have caused a rift." She offered a warm smile, letting her natural charm slip out and over take her. "I usually try to avoid dances in general. I was going to be bringing two others, but backed out to kinda force them together.' And to get rid of the handsy seer, but that was neither here nor there. She chuckled softly. "I'm Greek with a high alcohol tolerance, it will take more than one cup of punch to make me, ah, inebriated." She let a slow simmering smile slip over her lips. "And I would honored to be the pretty face you'd like to dance with." She grinned and offered a wink at him. "Mostly because I get to dance with a very handsome face, myself."

01:04:16 [Lilia`] She took his suggestive invitation with an impish smile. Will they? So close to him, there were a few things she could think she might like to do, but she gave him leave to see to their drinks. “Alright.” Her voice had dropped to a conspirational whisper, dramatically glancing around them playfully. “Sounds like a plan. You take the left, I'll take the right. We meet at ground zero. Operation C.” For Calyope. Unfortunately for their mission, when she parted ways with James she found that a slow ballad began to play, and the boy Calyope and another girl were talking to had taken the siren up in a dance. As her own date was gallivanting away in search of the punch, the blonde turned half way to ground zero and moved back toward the punch. She came up behind him and obstructed his gaze with two well placed hands. Too sweet to sound sinister, even when she tried her very best, Lilia asked of him. “Guess who.”

18:48:15 [Trix] Within her bedroom the girl began to get ready though it wasn’t so much as pulling out a dress and putting clothes on - that was the easy part.. No - she wanted this ball to be particularly special being it was going to be spent with Jer. The male had certainly changed her life in many ways especially as of late. She felt closer to him than anyone she had allowed herself to ever get close to. In some ways, it frightened her. Scared her considerably, but on the other hand, it was perfect. It was the way things were suppose to do and never in her dreams had she imagined she could feel as she did. Long strands of blond curled down over the flow of her shoulders and curve of her back, subtle waves brushed with a sheen that resonated with a pale light that softened her features. Accenting the oval shape of her face, she left it long, though the tresses length illuminated the ivory smooth column of her neckline which daringly ventured further south with a beautiful strapless, sequined bodice of her dress which allowed the mound of her breasts to be amplified leading to a slight hint of cleavage. The subtle mannerisms in which her gown gave of a most ethereal and whimsical motion to her person amplified who Beatrix was. Accentuating the waif’s form, and her delightful curves that were subtle and genuine. Banded at the empire waist in a thick hand pleated belt, embellished by a singular flower, Trix felt in every way a woman - delightful and enchanting. The above knee skirt floated with layers of tulle toward the hemline, where sequins and more flowers made the cute style really pop. With flare and eccentric passion, Trix was ready to face the moment when she turned to leave. Gold shoes upon her feet, along with topaz bracelet and earrings completed the over all package, along with a hint of rouge on her cheeks, mascara upon her long, slim lashes and a splash of red upon her lips. She motioned from the room with careful step, getting use to the shoes before she meandered her way through the common room. Jer was to be waiting for her outside of the Crux area and Trix was running a little late. She’d spent some extra time on completing his Secret Santa gift - something special just for him that had set her back a moment or two. Fae charm and irrevocable nature of pure wanton innocence, she opened the door to the common room and stepped out into the hall, eyes immediately landing upon the male who waited for her. i.imgur.com/oq2po.jpg

18:59:04 Erinn had been enjoying herself well enough at the ball so far, she'd been picking at the food now and then and had been sipping on the spiked punch. She had expected it to be spiked so as she started to feel a bit of a light buzz build, the warmth spread through her body, her suspicions were confirmed. She smirked to herself as she left the dancefloor that she'd been tearing up with several different boys through the night when it turned to a slow song, she'd made a B line for the tables and took a seat to watch as people paired up and danced together. She sighed softly to herself though she didn't rest against the back of the chair as she sat, her back was still torn open from the 30 lashings she and the others had recieved for their involvement in the food fight. It wasn't until a couple nights ago that she had realized she was the only one that still had her lashings. The others had been healed and kept it secret, went against what they'd been told, but she was the only Mer in the group, so if she got hers healed, the teachers would instantly know when she got in the pool for class, so she kept her lashings while the others pretended to still have theirs. It was proving to make life a bit difficult for her, having to worry about making them break open again, not being able to rest back, having to sleep on her side or stomach instead of her back. Showers were still rather excruciating, they were deep lashes, some almost down to the bone, but she was managing and tolerating it well enough. She was a bit selfconscious tonight in her ash violet dress, the back was open since that was more comfortable for her, but that meant everyone could see her back plain as day. She looked beautiful though, her hair in soft spiralcurls, some pinned up away from her face while others cascaded down around her head for a very romantic sort of look. Her eye were lined and shadowed but she gave off more of a natural beauty, her smile was in place and she looked a amused as she watched the couples dance.
19:19:41 Lara 's night, thus far had been spent in a game of wills between herself and the Were she had eventually, after much persistence, allowed to entrap for her the night. She graced his presence often, but she was not without a careful departure here and there to see to her own fancies. With friends, connections and an entourage of her own, the popular, French belle couldn't fairly permit the boy to sequester her for the entirety of the night. Impounded so, how would her followers survive? She had danced a suggestive modern tune or two with him, and then the two had decided of a need for another drink. Playing the chivalrous escort, Jake had moved to tend her needs and, left alone? Why, the beauty would wander. Hips swayed beneath the silk of her tempting sable gown, flowing from the line of her hips while nipping in at an enviable waist and accentuating the plush swells of her full breasts. It danced the fine line of being inappropriate, and yet managed still to be elegant. Fashionably and artistically inclined, Lara had taken her outfitting for the night as a masterpiece – painting lightly upon the canvas of her heart-shaped visage to express her beauty without dominating what she already naturally possessed. Smoky shadow dusted about the felinesque eyes of emerald, while a touch of rose coloured her plush, cupid-bow lips. Her manner was loosened only slightly with a small consumption of the tasteless elixir that had sabotaged the punch fountains – a subtle step up from the antics of the Masquerade. Faint jealousy, possession and need had those graceful steps weaving through the crowd in search of Xander. She had seen him with Professor Weir earlier, and this, simply wouldn't do. A spoiled child would never choose to share her toys. The Siren manipulated the senses, willing others like puppets. Her voice was both beautiful and sultry, the melody spawning addictions in those she charmed with intent. Appearance turned the eye, while her touch could simply seer. Everlasting desire could burn for her. Persuasion ruled. The taste she carried was sweet and maddening, and her scent? Always alluring, though this night the familiar was laced with Wolfsbane and Jake, his carried upon her like a temporary mark of ownership.

19:38:52 [Thane] Having left to give Miss Reynolds and Mr. Irish there space to battle things out verbally, Thane found himself just now returning to the grand entrance of the ballroom. Vaguely he wondered what had come of the situation and there were a few moments where brown eyes wandered and surveyed the dancing and socializing throng of students but to no avail. His curiosity may linger for a while in some recess in the back of his head, however in the meantime long, languid strides carried the young professor about the sidelines as were his chaperoning instructions. A glance was given to the spiked fountains and the general air of intoxicated minors all but smacked him upside the head. Just a few more of the already numerous transgressions he’d let slide by tonight thus far. Pulling a hand from his pocket, it soon tangled its way into his muddy locks for a moment until the mangled sight of raw flesh revealed by an open backed dress. Thane’s brows furrowed, counting the marks absentmindedly temporarily ignorant of his unabashed stare.

19:45:02 Erinn leaned against her forearms on the table top as she sat there and took a break from dancing, she could see girls get upset when no one asked them to slow dance, a couple girls glaring at each other over a boy. It was all petty drama but it amused her, she sipped her spiked punch again before setting it down with a soft sigh. She wanted the normal dance music to come back on, not really one for sappy love songs, she sure as hell wasn't going to dance with some guy and have him end up following her like a puppy. She could feel eyes on her though as she sat there and soon sat up slightly as she looked to see the Professor that had left Sydney to Aleister earlier, she arched a brow at him slightly. "There should be thirty.. though some might be hidden.. I'm guessing you're trying to either count them or make pictures in them since you're staring." she would say to him, an expecant look on her face as she expected a confirmation of one of the two, maybe both, or maybe he would surprise her with another reason. She wasn't sure but her features softened into a bit of a smirk as she looked to him, classic Erinn.

19:45:52 James` turned to head towards the punchbowl before pausing at her whisper, leaning back slightly to listen as he gave her a shifty sideways glance, "Copy that Monsoon, eta five minutes. Weaver out." With a grin he turned and went over to the punchbowl, taking two cups he begun to fill them. A quick glance was given as his hues scanned for James, knowing him something will kick off tonight. Looking back down his vision was covered by two hands as he grasped the two drinks, "Conventina?" His reaponse was the celtic name for water goddess, "Was operation C abandoned? Mission too risky or not enough intel on the target?" Keeping the playful vibe up he stood and turned to her, "Your drink." Smiling he gave her a cup before raising his own cup, "To heavy rain and healing hands?" Grimning he'd take a sip of the punch, it was fruity, standered really. James took a step towards Lilia, "Would you like to dance after this drink?" He was ok on the dancefloor, more of a slow dancer then a hiphop flash dancer.

20:06:11 [Thane] Glossed over, with a far off look. Sure he had been counting the scars and pondering what may have been done to earn them, but somewhere in between basic arithmetic and stray thoughts he found himself watching an entirely different scenario play out in front of his eyes. One that didn’t occur during the Yule ball, nor in Grand Ball Room. A vision, foresight, a premonition Whatever you’d like to call it was what the professor was in the grasps of. “since your staring…” Hm? He’d only caught the tail end of that statement, but it gleaned just enough information for him to sloppily assemble some sort of retort. “..Oh, excuse me.” Was all he uttered, still vaguely distracted as he pressed the glass to his lips and drained the cup of its contents.

20:12:44 Erinn noticed the look on his face, his eyes far off and face reflected a sort of nonresponsive nature. Her eyebrows drew together slightly, she wondered what he was seeing as she looked to him and saw him sort of snap out of it. She smiled softly and shook her head, "It's alright.. What were you seeing? You looked to be somewhere else for a minute there.." she would say to him, curiosity in her tone as she watched him drain his cup, she took a sip from her own and waited to see if he would answer her or maybe correct her for being too straightforward and sticking her nose where it didn't need to be. "Are you alright?" she would ask him, her head canted to the side slightly as green-blue eyes looked him over. He was attractive, very much so, but a professor so she kept her soft smile light and her eyes carefully on his face. She pushed a stray curl out of her eyes a bit as she moved to stand, she felt she'd been sitting too long and she couldn't really get comfortable in the seat anyways.

20:38:56 Xan had not remained near Weir for too long. Well, not until after Lara and Jake had headed out onto the dance floor did he move away from the mysterious Divination teacher. A little jealousy would be good for the French girl. Not too much, of course, but a little. He made his rounds through the room. He'd lost sight of Lara on the dancefloor, but if the Connolly boy went to far. . . well, suffice it to say there would be yet another covered-up murder on Hex grounds. He told off a number of students who had been hitting the tainted punch hard, he lectured girls on the inappropriatness of their dresses. And as he moved through the gaggle of students, he saw Lara. She was missing her date and seemed to be looking for someone. Him? Probably wondering whether or not he had gone off someplace secluded with Weir. But he knew, probably better than anyone, that Weir didn't put out. He had tried it on her years before Lara had ever shown her face at Hex. He moved through the students and his hand slid around Lara's arm to stop her in her tracks, easily turning her toward him. He took in the scent of Wolfsbane and couldn't help but grin, but there was also the scent of Connolly on her, which soured his grin almost instantly, "Enjoying your night, Lara?"

20:42:07 [Thane] She was still talking, and he still hadn’t recovered complete composure, nor focus. A tenseness would linger about his eyes and temples, with twinges and aches coming more frequently than before. The drink helped little to drown them out. Her initial questioning pelted his scattered psyche pestering it for answers of some sort. Answers that he wouldn’t give, nor were they answers that she should be privy too regardless. As a result, brows furrowed and he stifled the defensive look in response to her probing. The first inquiry was bypassed entirely and Thane skipped right on to the next one purposefully. “Oh, I’m just fine; Miss…” An intended pause, meant for her to state her name. Of the many students at Hex, she was one of many he had yet to meet, never mind commit to memory. In the interim, the young professor busied his hands with setting his glass down on the nearest surface and fishing through his jacket pockets for a moment or two. It would seem whatever he had been searching for was given up on, or perhaps he had just thought better of it. Instead he cleared his throat, adjusted his bow tie and hissed out a quiet breath. Assuming she had by now given her name, Thane would address her properly and introduce himself if need be. But in order to keep the conversation moving, he’d return the attention back in her direction with an inquiry of his own. “Is it by rule, stupidity, or pride that you haven’t had those marks healed?”

20:50:36 Erinn frowned slightly as she continued to look up to him, he really was out of it a bit, it made her all the more curious, what was it like to See things? She shook it off though, remembering the last discussion that had come up about that with Mila saying the one girl had been murdered, it was intriguing but not the sort of thing to discuss at a ball in public. when he skipped ahead to answering that he was fine, she nodded and didn't press the other questions. "Erinn, Erinn O'Driskle." she would say with a bit of a smirk. She saw him set his cup down as she had set her own down now that it was empty and she wondered what he searched for but it seemed he was a little defensive, she'd seen the flash in his face at her questions and decided not to ask so many questions. As he cleared his throat and adjusted his bow tie, she canted her head to the side a bit again, he was on edge, tense, something was bothering him, either she was or what he'd seen or maybe something else, she wanted to know but instead she settled for answering his question. Her jaw raised a fraction slightly at the word stupidity, a bit of defiance in her eyes. "It was part of the punishment, thirty lashes, you have to heal on your own. Since I'm a Mermaid, I don't heal fast like some of the others." she would say to him and look out to the dance floor a moment before looking back to him. "What do you teach?" she would ask him since she didn't recognize him.

21:01:09 Lara halted in her swaying step as none other than the devil himself, grabbed for her slender arm. Turned toward him, she was but a doll in his capable hands and it was a fact that brought a mischievous smirk to her full, rosebud lips. She could feel his jealousy, and possessed by green envy herself, the tempting belle dared to taunt to him. “Oui,” she purred, giving Jake more credit than he was due. Her night had been fine, but inwardly she wished to be on the arm of her Professor, than any other. “He is very... sweet.” It was a term not often used to describe the playboy, but the brunette had only straws to grasp at. Fingertips grazed the locket that nestled just at the meeting of her full bust, worn in replacement of her usual medallion – an X, gifted by him and a mark of his claim on her and their forbidden relationship. I wear his necklace now. She was blind to her own hypocrisy. Allowing herself to be escorted, and yet expecting he to remain chaste and far from temptation. Professor Weir was not a woman she wanted her man anywhere near. As fiery as the element she wielded, the girl yanked her arm back and disengaged his grip. “Are you?” Simpering, and with a flutter of those desirably long lashes the Siren was well versed in the ways of keeping the poison she felt from detection. Actresses, Politicians – Siren's weren't restricted to the manipulation of men between the shits, contrary to human belief, myth and lore.

21:16:25 Xan rolled his eyes at her attempts to make him jealous by called Jake. . . sweet. But then, well, she succeeded. His eyes moved to her bust where the locket rested and he failed to see the gold chain that his pendant usually hung from. His lip curled and her arm slipped from his grip easier than she had probably anticipated. His expression was one of anger but. . . if she looked up into his eyes there would be hurt there. But it wouldn't remain. He fixed his expression so that others wouldn't see that anything was wrong with him. His hand dropped to his side and he shook his head, "No. I wasn't." His voice dropped to a whisper that only she would catch in the commotion, "Because I could not be here with you." He took a deep breath and rolled his head around on his neck, his eyes closed as his head rolled back into position, "I'm enjoying it even less now." He looked down at her, eyes flecked with the gold that could only be his inner animal's, "Have fun, Lara." His voice was cold, arctic with distilled rage. That she had wanted to make him jealous he understood. But to actively try and hurt him because he had been standing next to Weir? That was going a little too far.

10:35:28 [Sydney] So far Kyran hadn’t returned leaving the vixen to be alone as she wandered the hall. It wasn’t that Sydney was unsocial, in fact she was quite social -- and extremely well known within the school being the Durusball Star for Tritus among others of the team. She had made a name for herself over the years but more so during this year where she had really placed herself on top with a lot of hard work, conditioning of her body, routine training every day and staying clear of alcoholic beverages. However, the ball punch was readily spiked, which Sydney was aware of. Anyone could taste the liquor in the drink - but she indulged the moment to enjoy herself. Quite content to be a butterfly flitting from one person to the next, she finally came to stand near the entrance of the hall, taking a moment to be by herself. Listening to the music, the silver --clad Goddess felt the rhythm pour through her body, hips on occasion swaying from side to side while she’d take the occasional sip. Smokey Sea-green hues surveyed the area beyond as she watched various couples dance, the odd few kissing and groping where they could. Her full lips curved into a delightful smile while she inwardly laughed, feeling the remnants of alcohol within her starting to offer her a nice buzz. Where Kyran had gone to, was unsure, but he’d been readily avoiding her since he had asked her to the dance, and even more so now they were at the Ball. It irked her to be left alone by him, but at the same time offered a relief. They shouldn’t have gone together in the first place. They were on the same team after all and that always spelled trouble. They were better of separated, as far as Sydney felt.

11:01:00 [Thane] Epigenetics. Either she had a photographic memory and the obvious ability to regurgitate written facts, or she was rather intelligent. Either way, it was fair to say that Thane raised a rather intrigued eyebrow at the Siren-students sudden spewing of scientific information. The smooth glance over his shoulder lingered that way as she spoke up until the point that she smiled successfully upon completion. Words were poised on his lips, somewhere between a ‘Well Done’ or calling her ‘Smart Ass’, however he wasn’t sure how the latter of the two would go. Instead the young professor simply smirked, and waved her onwards into the main ballroom. Well, not that her confidence was up, Thane would emptily threaten another scientific sort of assignment before making sure she at least made it over to the punch table. He nodded subtly to himself, a job-well done, before topping off the nearly finished glass of relief he’d been nursing all night from a bottle he pulled out of his jacket pocket. --Yet again eyes dulled slightly by lenses peered around catching more of the so-called inappropriate behavior he was supposed to be keeping tabs on. A grope here, an shameless dance move there, and there – but Thane let them all slide as he weaved about the sidelines of the pulsating dance floor, shoulder vaguely bumping into that of student clad in a silver – glittery – sparkly – potentially blinding ensemble that caused him to furrow his brows. “Excuse me.” He chimed, beginning to brush past and continue on his way with the lingering thought of ‘where was her date’ – surely he could find her whilst she was wearing that.

11:12:29 [Sydney] Wasn’t lost, nor was her partner. He knew where to find her when the time came to it, but he was off doing boy things - what boys did when they got together with alcohol and such in a group. Regardless, the woman was moving to the beat of her own dance song, allowing hips to sway continually while sipping her drink. That was until someone bumped into her causing her to near spill the item, which would have been such the waste had she not been able to pull of some quick manoeuvring to save the liquid in the cup. “Hey! What where you’re going th…” she began to say with an audible shout for her smooth tones to rise above the music. Though she stopped mid-sentence to realize it was Professor McMahnon. Her cheeks flushed immediately, dusting with red, while the eyes widened at the sight of the teacher. He was one that was most likeable to gaze at. Having pleasant features that a girl could start at all day. In fact, there was something to -- the man that made Sydney wish all the more she was older, despite her level of maturity. However, it wasn’t the case. “I’m sorry.. Sir.. Really I wasn’t aware it was you..” Her voice oozed of confidence despite the fact she could get a lashing for speaking out as she had. If that was the case, she’d not show the school how their ridiculous and barbaric methods of torture would hurt her. Sydney wouldn’t give them the time of day. Those sea-green hues remained on the figure before her, hoping that he’d easily let her slip, slide.

11:42:34 [Thane] Bold – Rude – Almost refreshing from the stuffy atmosphere Weir had highly recommended he become a part of. Second thoughts, always second thoughts. However the apology came much too quick, dripping with a bitter perhaps defiant and rebellious confidence that made him wonder what had caused it. Nonetheless he could only look forward, never backwards. A pity. Though, that didn’t prevent speculation. Thane proceeded to cock his head ever-so-slightly to the side, letting the dazzlingly dressed femme finish speaking before he bothered to properly respond. “Relax.” He breathed the words, quietly amused at the sudden display of dancing emotions on her features. He indulged a fainst twitch of the lip, hidden promptly by another sip of his beverage. Maybe it was the drink in his hand, or the maybe it was nothing new – but he was feeling lax, and just as he had the spiked punch, and quite a few wandering male hands, he let her transgression slide without much of a second thought. “I should be the one -- apologizing. I bumped into you.” A wonder how, it wasn’t like she was hard to notice. Quite the opposite, in fact. Brown eyes narrowed briefly though, in silent thought and calculation as his postured returned to an attentive, yet casual slouch making it known that he wouldn’t be moving on as he had previously intended. Curiosity struck again, and piqued as he lifted a stray hand to adjust his glasses, and even remove them hanging the spectacles on his coat pocket. “I’d find it hard to believe that you’re here Stag, Miss Reynolds.” He voiced the thought as his gazed surveyed the crowd observantly.

11:56:47 [Sydney] There was a resilient moment of relief that washed over her. Most likely visible upon her features, although she’d much rather try to hide what was going on internally. Shielding her emotions as best she could, though not yet skilled enough in that art to have truly mastered it. Her lips however formed in a beautiful smile, smoky hues of sea-green batted lashes in a coy, sleek manner towards the male in response to his words. “Thank you..” She whispered softly, only to take upon her once more that decided air of confidence which Sydney exuded most times at school. Mahogany strands fell loose around her face, curled into a delightful manner that accentuated the smooth ivory column of her neck, toward the subtle curvature of her breasts well enhanced within the confines of the dress. She had chosen the gown specifically as it revealed the features she’d worked readily hard to maintain with her avid work outs each morning, performing gymnastics, plus working with weights and the like. She was well toned, her smooth skin caressing the musculature form that was feminine and near exotic in how she presented herself. Hood lids faced the male as canted her head toward his statement, lips parting in idle moment before speaking with that so eloquent form of hers. “I do have a date, Professor, but it seems as if I’ve been left alone at least for the mean time.” Her gaze left the man before her to peer around the room before landing back upon him. “Apparently hanging out with friends, is far better than hanging out with a date. Perhaps there is something lacking in me that I’ve yet to discover that puts one of from wanting to spend time with me. Arm Candy is the word in this case. He was mine, I was his but now the moment’s done.” The smile continued to play on her lips as the words spoken were light and airy, her gaze shifting toward the glass. “Enjoying the punch are you?” questioned in a sultry tone before bringing her own glass to her lips. “It’s very good this year. very good.” It was refreshing to see a teacher at Hex actually relaxed and lax. Especially a teacher with looks as good as Mr. McMahon. “And how are you enjoying yourself this evening, Sir?” She smiled warmly once more casual and polite.

12:24:34 [Thane] The thick guarded air that surrounded the girl let up, her smile cutting through the fog long enough for a genuine thank you to slip through and reach his ears. Thane’s head swiveled, and his eyes flickered in her direction as if surprised by the change of attitude. Hardly. Another visible twitch of the lip, and a hiss of breath from his nostrils revealed, however briefly, a man out of his element. The avid gambler never had been meant for such an establishment yet here he stood, playing the part as a rather convincing, if not slightly indifferent actor. Flying under the radar. He removed his eyes politely once more and returned them to the crowd as she explained her relatively unfortunate situation. Hanging out with friends is far better? “Is it?” He noted, playing along with a slight nod and ‘hm’ noise escaping his lips. Something lacking. Arm Candy. A finished moment. Thane quirked a brow for the umpteenth time this evening, settling his gaze on the student once more. “Is that what these -events are all about? ..Who knew.” Oh, sarcasm. Oh, Irony. The topic quickly shifted, and at the mention of his drink the young professor eyed the glass thoughtfully whilst running his tongue against the back of his teeth. Old habits die hard. “Something like that.” He voiced, taking another sip knowingly. And still the conversation progressed, Thane licked the remnants of the liquid from his lips and rolled his shoulders back. “If anyone asks, Miss Reynolds. I’m having oodles of fun. As are you, I assume..” Not quite a question, but not quite a statement. Regardless, he would also assume she picked up on his meaning.

12:39:09 Sydney would like to have had had more fun. But the situation was, Kryan just wasn’t around. Like he had all week, he was avoiding her again now. That sense of him getting to close to her, the rule of not dating someone on the same team had been applied and now the Male wasn’t sure how to deal with things. In the end, Sydney had convinced herself that her date had been a casual meaningless question of going with someone just for the sake of going with someone, and as such, Kryan believed he could just run of and do as he pleased, rather than sticking around for her pleasure. Suffice to say the oodles of fun she was having were rather out of reach for the time being. She could be more social with people, but the majority were paired up and it struck a nerve with Sydney that she’d been left alone. Not that she’d show that though. Utter confidence would remain upon the woman’s façade, while inwardly, she was grateful for the Professor’s presence next to her locale. It gave her reason to be standing where she was, and a conversation to share. “We, I endeavour to have oodles of fun too. Only my company has been lacking since I arrived. And most people are paired up. It makes it quite awkward at times to say the least.” Her eyes had glanced over the area, and around the hall before coming to land back upon the Teacher once more. “The question I suppose that should be asked though is if we’re both feeling similar in regards to the Ball currently, what can we both do, to make it better?” Her smile was wide, the subtle tease in her voice a slight flirt that she’d allow. There was a lighter side to Sydney that some people knew. Though for the most part, she could be quite serious - focused. Driven.

12:52:43 [Aleister] "AAAY!" hollered Aleister as he waded through throngs of classmates, three glasses of punch held high above the fray. He sloshed to a halt in front of Sydney and Thane. He was dressed in a chocolate brown suit that looked as though it had been rescued from the last-chance bin at a thrift store, and had a bendy straw tucked behind one ear. "They tell me I'm a shit wizard, but ay! Lookit this! I ave a premonition to pick up free drinks for me and me two dates--oo I can't find for the life of me--and I run into you two instead! Me power's good for somefin after all." Aleister pushed a glass of punch onto Thane--mindless of whether or not he had one already--and hooked Sydney under an arm. "Well, well. ere's another premonition come true, yeah? Ere you are goin' stag, ere I am goin' stag... Looks like we might do this after all."

13:17:41 [Thane] Was he being too lax? Dare he say this young woman was getting a bit too comfortable with his easy going attitude for proper appearances to tolerate? Was that a subtle, albeit harmless, flirt in her voice? More importantly was she requesting that he, as a professor, pull some sort of prank? Break a rule? Or act unprofessionally? Tsk. Thane shut his eyes for a moment, serious, as he pinched at the bridge of his nose the twanging sensation behind his temples reaching a new climax. It passed and he angled his newly steadied gaze at her dangerously for a few more prolonged moments. He would hope, wait, and watch for the bright smile to fall from her lips as she realized her mistake and just when she thought she’d properly fucked up, he’d wait just another second longer before breaking the act and shaking his head, mischief playing rebelliously on his features before it was quickly bottled up, his spectacles returning to their proper place on his nose. “Miss Reynolds, you do realize –“ // “AAAY!” -- Attention faltered and swung from one student to the next, this particular one carrying a tray of no doubt spiked alcoholic beverages. One of which was soon being pressed to his chest, and spilling a quarter of its contents onto his vest as he lifted a hand to grab it. The amusement was long gone from his features, replaced by an unreadable, calculative thoughtfulness. The gears were turning, a proper response forming behind his brown orbs. A fellow Seer mage? - If he even earned that much of a title. But a drunk, rambunctious one at that. For the moment, Thane let the situation run its course as the young man up and snagged Sydney by the arm almost spewing good ol’ Irish charm. Both brows were elevated, as he cleared his throat and let the young lady put the boy in his place. Of course..that was only speculation. However, he had this inkling that this boy could prove to be the entertainment the pair had just been seeking. Regardless, he would wait for Miss Reynolds to react before acting accordingly.

13:29:31 Sydney watched the Professor going through a series of emotions that played upon his features - whilst she was teasing, and perhaps flirting a little, it was apparently too much and as such, her own smile faltered slightly, and a nervous wipe of tongue flowed over her lips before she took a sip. Finishing her drink, she placed the glass on a table behind her before clearing her throat and acting slightly more proper given the situation but she couldn’t keep the chuckle in from wanting to burst from her lips. The situation was funny and to see Mr. McMahon’s face was quite the moment. As seconds passed, she felt more wrong for speaking at all and the overall feeling that the Professor would be fun to speak too seemed to be incorrect, Sydney had been wrong in her assumptions. But then - the light faltered just slightly in his eyse and she caught the subtle hint of mischief that squared within the depths of his hues and she felt a rapid moment of relief once more assuaging her emotions. Listening to what the male had to say, he had begun to speak. His tone quelled that chuckle that was planning on rising from her lips until he was cut off with a veritable annoying AAAY…Sydney had already survived one near fiasco with Aleister and as she saw the male approaching her stomach churned in that “Oh no..” sort of way. Was he coming their way? She sincerely hoped not for the male was absolute couth. He’d already tried to ask her to the ball once by saying he’d had a vision they were going together. Sydney had managed to escape that particular situation after a short while, leaving him to the like of Calyope who had stepped in to take the date instead. Yet now it appeared, and indeed he was coming to them. Glass shoved in hand, she was ready to down the hold thing, but instead as she felt his hand moving to her arm, she stiffened suddenly. Sydney wasn’t keen on being touched by someone she didn’t trust or like for that matter and her body reacted accordingly. “We already established that our going together wasn’t going to work out. What part of the word “No” don’t you understand Aleister?” As she shrugged her arm, breaking free of his grasp. “There are plenty of other females you could go bug and pester that are far better than I am in all ways.” As she hinted for him to leave. Something told her though that things were just getting started.


13:46:09 [Aleister] "Well. Ey now." Aleister hadn't noticed Sydney's tense shoulders or crystal-clear body language, but he wasn't so dense that he didn't notice when she squirmed away from him. "You don't ave to be like that... I'm not tryin to make ya uncomfortable; so wot if I'm not a fishstick like every other bloke ere?" To illustrate, Aleister slapped his hands to his sides and made his body rigid, head cocked back, eyes bugging out. "So I touched ya. So I lied about avin a vision. Would you ave gone if I'd been tellin the troof?" Aleister sighed and waved the question away, satisfied to let it remain rhetorical. "Jus ave a dance wif me. If it's so terrible that you still want nuffin to do wif me, I'll leave you alone.”

13:57:40 Sydney was hoping for some kind of rescue from Thane, however the Professor instead opted to take his leave at this particular point in time, leaving Aleister and Sydney alone. She could have shot daggers with her eyes as Professor McMahon motioned away and she could have sworn she saw a hint of laughter upon his face. Turning through to face Aleister, she listened to his impassioned plea and offered a resigned sigh. She wasn’t trying to be mean, but the male had the ability of coming on very strong and in turn, it riled Sydney up. Her back feeling against the wall, she didn’t like to be in a position where she felt she had no choice and her first meeting with the Arcadian had left that feeling alive. “Okay. Just one dance.” She truly had little else to do, and the male did seem to show some kind of restraint, his words making her feel just a little guilty in how she acted toward him. She wouldn’t move however until she finished her punch. The second glass of spiked liquid which went down rather well. Giving her enough of a nice buzz, her lips formed into a pleasant smile as she motioned toward the dance floor, music in the background softening for something a little slower, her hand offered to invite the male forward with her.

14:20:05 Aleister slugged his punch and passed off the empty glass on a bewildered first-year. He grinned like a jackal as they took to the dance floor. He pulled her in close for the slow dance. His suit smelled like mothballs, but it was warm and velvet-soft to the touch. There was a hint of cologne beneath the mothballs; elusive, male, and pleasant. "Cal-io-pie said you're a Dee-baller, yea? I think I reconize you now. You cracked me in the back of the ead with your elbow last season, didn'ya?" Aleister grinned. They swayed and turned slowly to the music. His palm radiated warmth against the small of her back.

00:11:46 [Trix] The dance with Emri was fun, she found herself becoming all the more flexible in her motions, not as stiff as she may have been had she not drank and had she even accepted the dance from the male. For now though it was as if all was well with the world and his questions made a flush rise over her cheeks. Nodding to her dance partner, she does indeed notion to the fact that Jer is her boyfriend, the two having gone official just a few days prior to the dance. “Yes, he is..” She confirmed, leaving that mystery solved. Though to the next question of what she got him for Christmas she merely spoke a few words, leaving the rest to the imagination. She wasn’t to go about spilling information upon the room she discovered. It was secret after all. “I got him what he wanted..” Though she smile with that delightful look upon her features, until Mila approaching in time for their dance to end. Saying goodbye to Emri, she turned then to glance at Jer who had arrived last minute, feeling the male’s arm slip around her waist, her own arm resting up around his shoulder as she stepped closer to the boy. Her tiny frame enhanced by the dress is strikingly evident of her feminine grace, the fae charm peeling from her pores, charismatic and whimsical at the same time. The looseness felt one of amazing result for the woman who was glad to have Jer back in her arms. Where it felt right. “I’m glad you came back.” She spoke, her tone soft. “Everything okay though” As her hips swayed in time with his to the gentle music now playing, her body inching closer as if addicted to the heat he gave off, bridging whatever difference of space there was between them.
00:27:14 Mila barely noticed the lack of greeting from her room mate, instead taken up in a lively little dance with Jed that didn't quite fit the sedate tune that played. She was giggling, smiling and easily relinquished when her date sidled on up, stealthily finding his place between she and the thief. With Jed distracted by his need to yank up another passing girl, Mila was left in Emri's arms. Her cheeks were colored prettily with exertion, entertainment and drink. Playfully, she cooed in response, earnest in her words, “I missed you.” She followed his lead easily, moving with liquid grace and effortless precision. “I was beginning to think you fell in the punch.” Now that it was the two of them, dancing as they had months ago.. That stirring within her that she was often interrupted by had come into play again. Still never building up a tolerance, her heart began to beat a little faster beneath her breast. Again, Dutch courage provided instinct where experince could not. Leaning up and canting her head to a tilt, the sable-headed lass pressed her lips to his in a kiss. A gentle, novice brush and when it seemed she was pulling away she leant forward again. This time, there was a hunger to her longing kiss, a need for him that had her eyes fluttering shut and softest mewl muttered against him. Never play with fire. Her hands slipped from his and his shoulder, skimming up to hook about his neck in a movement that pressed her flush against him, breast to chest and, well.. Mila's kiss came to an end with a gentle nip of his lip and then she was smiling with that same, endearing charm as always. “Did you miss me?”
00:45:09 [Emri] A relinquished sigh escapes Emri's barely parted lips, but its a comfortable expression. Holding Mila close was far more familiar to the fifth-year than Trix had been. "Sorry 'bout that," he quietly begins through the noise of the students around them. He assuredly leans in closer to her side when the sounds requires such, but before he can elaborate on the funny, albeit false nonetheless explanation, his lips are interrupted by a kiss. A kiss that, as soon as he's past the surprise (which is a quick recovery), is poured into, crafting a display for the couples around them to long for. His hands dip low and secure themselves on the curve of her hip as the kiss deepens and he prepares to hoist her up into a position that is all but called for at the Yule Ball. Before the hormones can spark into more, though, Mila breaks the kiss, and all Emri can do to relish the kiss is flash his tongue against his lips. "Of course; I noticed you were trying to make jealous earlier, after all." His hands down by her side rock her into a reigniting motion that puts them back into the rhythm of the song, and he continues on, "I won't say I'm a jealous man, but it worked."
00:49:49 Jer , in his secret ambiguity towards her, steadily envelops the girl in his arms as they press near and together slip away into a rhythm of a song barely even listened to. "Course I did," he smiles, making light of the ridiculous notion. She'd already been stood up once before at the Masquerade; having grown to become such close friends over the semester, he's not such an idiot as to repeat her last date's critical mistake. "Yeah," he affirms thereafter, "s'all brill." And hopefully it would remain so for a long while yet. At the very least, let them make it through this dance. Let this night be perfect for her. Only after can the floodgates break and the problems of a discontent group of boys be allowed to sweep through the hallways. With any luck, Jer will have figured out the perfect rock to set the fae upon by then, saving her from the deluge that's quite sure to come.
01:03:34 Mila barely heard his apology, not that she needed it of him. What she needed was contact and of course, she'd gone and taken just as she wished. The whimsical lass had pulled back, inwardly seared by the heat he exuded and the fire of their kiss. She was a naturally ardent thing, and her coy behaviour at the Meth Lab as of late had only awakened her and inspired desires and longing that only he could subdue. Mila dared to keep their intimate closeness, his hands on her hips as hers about his neck. Fraternising so was sorely against the strict ruling of Hex, but with them carefully placed in the midst of a throng of dancing students they were, for the moment, out of the line of vision of any faculty member who cared. Some, lazily overlooked such menial rule breaking, choosing instead to help themselves to the punch or others, others lewdly looking at their fellow employees, or worse, the students. This was without mentioning that some were bored out of their adult brains by yearly playing out the fripperies of a youthful dance three times every school year. Now Mila, a little breathless, bit down against her kiss-swollen, lower lip. “Oh really?” It hadn't been attention, but now the Seer why she hasn't thought of it. “Good. I like a guy who doesn't like to share.” That particular quip was almost a little odd for her to have said, but Mila acted on impulse and considered repercussions and embarrassment later.
01:16:44 [Emri] Thoughts that had once clouded his mind and had only recently begun to peak back into his mind were seemingly dispelled of entirely, and in place of him questioning the integrity of the school or the efficiency of the teachers in power stood a bliss that in truth wouldn't linger past the next day. Perhaps that was what the boy needed. A night where he couldn't indulge his practically inhumane desire to probe Seers, or cloud his right-mind with the influence of drugs. A night that, instead, was wholly occupied by Mila. "You're mine to keep to myself," he informally announces to any daring ears before another kiss is stolen from her lips–a kiss that, secured by the veil of students that likely wouldn't disperse outside of an extreme, was far too tempting to simply stop.
01:29:49 Mila smiled impishly at this proclamation, news to her ears. She didn't receive it as any formal status between them, but simply indulgence. These were words she was discovering she liked to hear. With her latest, strongly sabotaged drink slowly making its way through her, her actions loosened ever more. Gone was rational thought and any paranoia about being caught and receiving a stern word or beating for their careless behaviour. In it's stead was pure want. This time, when the sweet crescent of her mouth met his, she writhed in his grasp. She cared little for their dance and just barely formed the steps that followed his lead. One hand traversed from behind his neck up along to his hair where her fingers entwined their grip in his hair. As for the other, her nails skimmed lightly at his flesh, failing to score through the material of his formal attire, but keeping her to her. When it ended, she breathed from the haze of desire, “And you're mine?” For the night, she needed him to be.








14:00:51 [Sydney] The music lulled as the slow ballad began, its tune soft, almost enchanting. Syd, who was still by her lonesome was standing of to one side, leaning against a table, close to the concession stand. On occasion she’d reach toward the punch and refill her glass, sipping it slowly so not to get overly intoxicated, but she was feeling good. At least alcohol wise. As for everything else, she was rather down. She was the type of girl to truly complain about much. She was easy going and well receiving of most things, but so far her night had been utterly dismal. Abandoned by her date first chance he had, she had given up trying to look for Kyran, He’d utterly disappeared from the ball. It angered her in some respects, but she had to accept it for what it was. There were no excuses she could make for the boy. For some reason that avoidance of her had continued, little did she know it had to do with his feelings for her. The male was distancing himself from Syd because they were team mates, he was her Captain and any destroy the dynamics of the Tritus game. Rather, Syd was left to her lonesome as she expelled a soft sigh. Several males had come to ask her to dance throughout the night so far. And she would dance, but overall the night was lacking for her. It needed sprucing up and whilst she may gaze at Thane at times, she knew even that was a lost -cause- and inevitably she’d go back to taking a drink. Adorned to the nines, looking like the mahogany bombshell she was, it was almost sad to see her all alone, a hint of anger burning in those tumultuous stormy eyes that surveyed the area with malcontent. Lips pert, full - kissable in how they shone under the light of the Hall parted on occasion for a quick swipe of her tongue, moistening them further before she would take another sip of drink as she contemplated leaving for the night, or alternatively doing something crazy. Either one had it’s merits. Regardless, she placed the drink down upon the table and began to meander through the crowds, making toward the exit of the Great Hall.

14:32:43 [Izak] The dance with Mila had been quick and entertaining, they’d shared a few good laughs but soon the soon the song had ended and the young were escorted the Cinderella look-a-like over to a crowd of familiar faces and promptly excused himself. Famished. Starving. Perhaps an exaggeration, but regardless his appetite was getting the better of him as he followed his stomach’s lead towards the concession table. He slipped through the multitude of his peers with a few smiles tossed around, and a similar number waggling fingers. People he knew, or that had recognized him, but on none of them did he linger for more than a few moments. Gong Stag to such an event left him with an abundance of freedom, but little direction or reason to dawdle. Indifferent however, Izak sauntered to the beat of his drum, scooping up a plate and riddling the piece of dinnerware with one of each of whatever Hex had decided to have catered for the event. He popped a grape, or two in his mouth and it was about this time that he noticed the dame dressed in an striking silver ensemble. A slightly prolonged gaze and it only took a little imagination to view the femme in her number Dball jersey and her hair up in a ponytail. Vaguely resembling a chipmunk, if only temporarily, Izak promptly consumed the round bits of fruit and took a step over to the girl. “Tritus – forward right; no left wing?” As a goalie you learned to remember the focused gaze of a threatening forward with one hell of a corner shot. The suspender sporting senior swaggered over with a sincere smile, casually prodding the lady for conversation.

14:43:48 Sydney had made it partway to the exit, the rest of the Great Hall loomed ahead of her. Her mood soured further as she motioned, knowing she shouldn’t be leaving. That she -should- try to have some fun at least. Being unhindered by a date was probably among the best thing to be at a ball, but for a girl who saw all her friends and others with their dates it was a little disheartening. Not everyone had come stag to the shindig, most seniors had dates and whilst Sydney had come with one on her arm, it hadn’t lasted very long at all. She knew people were staring at her, no doubt saying things behind her back - it was common standard for those with a partner to do such a thing, point out those who have no one. She felt something similar to a wall flower and Sydney was use to more attention that that. At least on the D-ball team. She was a star, a player who knew the game and knew it well. She had scored many points for Tritus over the last year, being on it’s top players, along with Jake, the forward right. It was a male voice however that brought her from her reverie, her steps paused as she glanced toward the direction of the tone, her sultry hues in their decadence coming to land upon Izak. Cheeks flushed momentarily, though she knew who he was. Who didn’t? 6th year Were, goal of Arcadia. “That’s right yes, but you may call me Sydney. It sounds so much better.” She offered a small smile, the smouldering hues shifting lightly with a hint of a gleam within them as she gazed casually toward the boy. Every bit feminine and alluring, it was obvious by her physique she took good care of herself. Her figure, the allusive nature behind the elegant features captured the male in her look, long lashes batting against cheeks as she spoke further, the flow of alcohol in her calming her voice despite her feeling inside. “Arcadia, Goalie - correct?” She responded. “Izak, if I’m correct in my thinking..” She smiled, the look enveloping her features in elegance and light.

15:08:33 Mila had again, found herself without the company of her relatively attentive escort, if even for a few moments. Waiting on him to bring her yet another chalice of peculiarly spiked punch, the already lax femme turned her social intoxication toward the nearest people. Striking eyes of crystalline and dusk spied Sydney and Izak nearby and so, without much consideration, the spontaneous Seer acted on whim and sidled up to the duo with a graceful sway of her hips. Even with the added hindrance of alcoholic consumption, the tasteless kind, her movement was limber and dance like. Poised atop heels and gowned in a flowing navy ensemble that dipped low at the line of the full swell of her bust, and cut high above her knee in the front. The back trailed the floor in a slight train, but she'd not tripped on the hem once. With the precision of a careful stepping athlete, this little Miss wasn't so clumsy. Another of those infectious smiles had painted itself about her cherry stained, plush lips. On the way she was accosted again by none other than Jed. The jock had slipped one granite-like forearm around the nip of her minuscule waist and pulled her back. Mila yelped with a giggle, and after a good bit of squirming in his grip he eventually relinquished her hold and busied himself with another. It was any wonder he'd not been reprimanded for his elixir induced playful abandon. Tasting freedom, the flustered little lass huffed a long lock of sleek sable from her line of vision – disrupted from an endearingly useless tussle against the 'hulk', himself. Speaking of fictional characters, she regained her poise with a single hand on the curve of one hip. “Hey,” her purr was made in the Australian lilt, breathless with exertion, “Wolverine, Sydney.” A social little minx, Mila paid no mind to the fact that she was not entirely friends with the other girl, mere acquaintances and ones that had left off on an awkward foot, after the candy-cane incidient. A typical problem for Mila – being so flippant and easily distracted, she always forgot when she was supposed to be holding a grudge. That said, she'd hold no ill will over any girl that had Jake. Doing so would make her at ends with the half the Institute, and this was a girl who wasn't so petty. “You look great.” The compliment, with her eyes on the athletic girl, was meant for Sydney. She felt a little meek and small in comparison, but doing so would be foolish. Mila's exotic beauty was not one to be overlooked, and Cinderella, earned attention without quite realising her affect. As for the Big Bad Wolf? He was gifted a sidelong glance, that lingered a little too long.

15:20:11 [Izak] Plate set down, hands would be buried into the pockets of his slacks, only thumb’s peeking out to hook on the front most belt loops. His posture would sag ever-so-slightly to match his demeanor, languid and relaxed. Those same shoulders rolled back in a shrug in response to her retort; so formal, so proper, “Sydney it is.” At least until he knew her well enough, or came up with an appropriate nickname. “I almost called you Hotshot. Pretty sure you fired one at me last year that stung my hand for a good ten minutes.” He voiced, matter of factly before giving her a firm nod confirming her inquiry. “That’d be me. – Now I feel bad for not knowing your name.” However the disarming smile he sported would likely erase or distract from the slight transgression and or memory lapse well enough. A casual glance around would inform him that either she was also dateless – or like Mila, her date had ventured off into the abyss that was the mood lit and extravagantly decorated Ball room. “So, is you’re date MIA? Or are you and I both here Stag?” The young goalie questioned innocently, blissfully unaware of Sydney’s teammate fraternization date-gone-bad scenario. It was news to him that so many a male escort were of the un-chivalrous nature, however a pattern appeared to be forming. So many breathtaking women in one room, sans their masculine counterparts. A Disney gala gone wrong. Speaking of Disney Princesses, the distinct voice of the lass he’d only just recently parted from once again reached his keen ears, causing his head to swivel in her direction as she greeted the silver sparklingly dressed Sydney. It seem even with his late arrival, he was graced with such company. Just as lax as he had been on his own, Izak shifted on his feet to attentively flick his gaze between the two, whilst lifting a partially inked arm revealed by a roll up sleeve to brush unkempt tawny locks from his line of vision. “Cinderella.” He greeted again. “Long time no see. Find your glass slipper, yet?”

15:32:25 Sydney watched Izak as he spoke, her lips forming a line of smiles that turned into a chuckle when he mentioned the shot she’d taken. “Yes, yes.. That was me.” There was no effort to her grin, it came naturally while the light in her hues gleamed further with the hint of mischief within them. “That was a good match.” She offered a wink, before glancing around them. Spotting Mila coming, Sydney inwardly felt a tense reaction, considering the last time they’d been together a cat fight had almost ensued. Of course that could well be blamed on the amorous candy canes they’d eaten that day. “What?” She questioned, hearing Izak speak further. “Oh yeah. Might as well be here stag.” The light shrug that followed her words was representative of trying not to care. But in truth, it did smart on the inside. She was about to speak further when Mila approached and sauntered to the group. The exotic woman looked beautiful as always - her looks far different from Sydney who was more plain - or at least how she thought. “Hey Mila..” she offered a smile however, the punch within her indulging her mood, allowing a convivial motion about her. “Thanks! You look wonderful yourself! So pretty.” The words were genuine, even heartfelt, despite being just acquaintances. “Aren’t you here with Emri?” She questioned, looking around for the male before back to Mila then remained quiet as Izak spoke to the girl, letting his own conversation flow without her interruption.

15:47:29 Mila 's full lips formed an endearing pout. “No.” She said, her accent all the more notable – particularly in that word, so much so that Jake, Chase and Emri often teased and imitated her. Jerks. Ever the playful thing, she met him fairy tale remark for remark. “I thiiiiink.” Her poised index finger prodded at his chest. “You have it. Thief.” Meanwhile, with both her silver, ballet strapped shoes still about her feet, the femme was garbed in quite the ensemble. When Sydney took note, a pleased flush rose becomingly to her cheeks and she was toying, by force of habit, at the ends of a lock of sable hair. “Thank you. Lara casted the dress for me.” Hard to pick, no? Had anyone ever seen this girl so daringly dressed? She was near to spilling out of the constraint at her bust, but there was no denying the elegance in her apparel. Lara was an intelligently skilled caster, and clearly quite the fashionista. At the mention of Emri, her smile faltered a little, but she poorly tried to hide the expression. Not the very best of liars, there was no invisibility to the fact that her smile was a little less genuine, and her endearingly excitable voice a little less enthused. “Yeah. He had to go.. for a second.” Everytime he disappeared for a drink or the bathroom, he was on hiatus indefinitely. Last time, she'd found him sharing a dance with Trix. Jealousy hadn't spiked at the intimacy between her room mate and her date, but then, Mila was still disappointed that he wasn't so intent on spending time with her. Not to worry, for a friend had passed by and handed her a chalice of punch. Suddenly noticing she was parched, she brought the chalice to her lips and took a mouthful or two. Rumours had told her that Sydney had scored an escort in the Tritus Captain. Returning the question, Mila enquired, “Where's Kyran?” Ironic, how the boy who had come stag seemed to be in the company of girls more often than their dates.

16:32:19 [Audrey`] Moving out of the Crux dormitories, she was now supposed to be ‘on duty’ to this supposed Yule Ball. She wasn’t exactly looking forward to it but with her long brown wavy hair curled down her back and her body clad in a short red dress, snug about her waist and flowing down to about an inch above her knee. Strides forward brought the female were towards the Yule Ball, held in the Great Hall which was winter themed. In fact, she could even feel the slightest chill on the tanned skin of her bare arms. Caramel colored eyes scanning the room as she came to stop in the doorway, she pursed her lips. This chaperoning thing? It wasn’t really for her, but then again if something were to go wrong, she was one of the few women on staff that would not hesitate to stop it. Of course, that’s not to say she wasn’t reasonable about every move she made. Smiling towards a few other teachers and staff members, she would even raise dainty digits to wiggle in their direction. She wasn’t really sure what she was expected to do, so moving towards the side of the room, she would press her back to the wall as she leaned there, allowing eyes to continuously scan the students and other teachers that lingered in the mesh of bodies on the dance floor and surrounding tables. Fingers found her hips, a soft sigh brushing past her thin lips outlined in a soft pink gloss. Her first couple weeks at Hex? They’d been okay, though she was surely insulted when it came to some of the students. They didn’t have the highest love for her, though she had heard quite a bit at how ‘smoking hot’ she was. Yet, no essays had been too eye catching to her. A disappointment. She liked the intelligent ones.

16:33:12 [Izak] Despite generally being one of the more oblivious types when it came to the underlying meaning and encoded interactions between females it was a little hard, even without his wolfy senses, to not notice the however brief wave of tension that hung in the air when the two gals intermingled with each other. But it was just that, brief, as if both had silently decided now was not the time nor the place, or perhaps that whatever the issue simply wasn’t worth it any longer. An old grudge, something over a guy, who knew. The possibilities were endless, and Izak wasn’t one to throw himself in the middle of such a conflict where he had no business. Regardless, his thoughts didn’t linger on the subject for more than a moment. He’d been about to say something to the effect of Sydney’s datelessness – since she was the second female he’d bumped into to have this problem – but the prod to the chest caught his attention. He quirked a brow at the ever playful femme and shot her a funny look whilst lifting his --
16:33:34 [Izak] hands and revealing their emptiness as well as their subsequent innocence. “You got it all wrong, ‘Rella. I ain’t that kind of wolf.” Sporting a toothy grin, he lowered his hands and crossed them over his chest casting his stormy grey hues to Sydney for a moment as the inquiry of Mila’s missing Prince Charming arose once again. Were these two women both really sans dates? Were there dates blind? Or just careless? Either way, Izak didn’t want either of their nights to go to waste. So the gears began turning as he thoughtfully wracked his fingers through his hair in an attempt to come up with some sort of plan to spice of the night. In a moment when there was a break in conversation, Izak would make a point to politely interject. “..Neither of you happen to be a water mage, by any chance, do you?” He thought not. “Plan B. Would either of you be willing to bribe a water mage by means of your devilishly good looks and sultry charms? – I might have an idea to cheer up both of your nights. Assuming you don’t mind getting a little wet.” Izak would try and stifle a chuckle at the obvious pun. “You know what I mean…” As he waited for some sort of response, it was clear by the impish glee in his eye and twitch of his lips that he had something mischevious in mind. Mischevious, but harmless of course. All in good fun.

16:38:24 Aro eyes wondered about the halls trying his hardest to avoid that of the Yule ball the other students might have been attending, he has been to this school for awhile now and he had only a few run ins with people from the other Houses and even his own, but none the less gossip and rumors raced around from time to time about who the man with the freaky eye was. 'Children and their imagination.' Aro thought bitterly to himself adjusting the collar on his white turtle neck, his fingers barely brushing against a thin scar that laid against his fair skin, only to be matched with scars upon his hand. He had done well to hide these from the student population, even more so from most of the teachers he had met, as Aro began to trace the scar he shook his head gently causing the black vial he normally kept in front of his eyes to shift away for a moment revealing his unnatural sky blue one, it seemed more of life then his left slate grey. That one just looked like a dead corpses eye. As minutes passed he had noticed the sound of talking coming from somewhere up ahead and he groaned in response. Aro had found his way closer to the other students then he had realized or hoped for, the cheery sound made both eyes seem to narrow and he huffed in annoyance as he walked forward running his right hand fingers through his hair to recreate the dark vial he did so well to maintain his nervous picking then began to move his fingers down to his bottom lip where two glittering silver snake bites embedded the fleshy muscle on both sides, they began to play with the one on his right side, slowly unscrewing it, then screwing it back in. It seemed little Aro was nervous behind his wall of antisocial behavior just in time to have walked smack dab into the seemingly talkative area were other students had gather. 'Damnit' she thought to himself looking to several of the students that seemed to have gathered and looked quickly for a corner to hide himself in, with no luck he stood by the door and kept his eyes on the ground or in the air scanning it pretending that it was far more interesting then these people and their event hoping that no one would bother him if he acted like a stuck up prick. Though he did very well to avoid these types of encounters at all costs, not being one for crowds mostly because since he last school before Hex was so..."Accepting" he had whispered under his breath, the word seemed more forced that it came out as a gentle hiss that rattled his snake bites in his lips. His hands moved down to his black tailored pants, shoving them deep into the pockets at his side. 'How annoying, stupid feet betrayed me while I was distracted and brought me here. It might not to late to run off' he thought coldly as he leaned against the wall and looked to the ground.
16:44:03 [Sydney] The rumours were indeed true. Sydney had come with Kryan. Walked in together, arm in arm and that was it. The last time she’d seen him. Her own smile faltered a little when Mila asked the question that Syd had been answering all night long. “He’s around. Busy doing something with his friends.” She tried to make it sound like it didn’t affect her, pushing the winning smile back onto her elegant features, hand raised to brush aside a loose trail of mahogany strands from her face, pushing them behind her ear. The question however raised the fact that the girl was alone, but by the sounds of it, Izak had come stag. Maybe they would hang out together for a while, but of course, assuming he wanted to do that. He may not be one for hanging on to one girl most of the night, preferring to dance with many. Though it was surprising that he too was stag. A guy good looking with dirty-blond mop of hair and a winning, charming smile as well as a D-ball player was a catch and a half. She wondered what his story was, idly curious. Her own dress had been fashioned by a friend in Tritus, one of the fifth year Fae who could glamour up and weave quite the spell for such evenings, giving Sydney something different to try. The silvery ensemble, including silver shoes were quite eye catching especially with how curvaceous her form was, and how the dress stuck to her like a second skin. Revealing every inch of the woman she was blossoming in to. Izak’s words pulled her back to the now as she blinked a few times, those long lashes caressing the smoothness of her cheeks as she canted her head. She didn’t know a water mage personally - no. One had helped save her life a few days ago when she was close to death, but the Shifter hadn’t actually met her well enough to know the girl named Lilia. “What exactly do you have in mind, Izak? “ She questioned puzzled for the moment, though getting the tone and the pun of the male that left curiosity etched within her eyes. Her gaze going from Izak to Mila, then back to the male again looking for confirmation. She’d gotten all dressed up - did she feel like getting wet now? It would remain to be seen.

16:48:33 Chase` waited as Caly returned to the fountain to grab herself a refill of her spiked drink before he took her hand once again. He smiled that charming smile of his before he headed out onto the dance floor with her for their slow dance. He lead the way, naturally, and into the crowd enough so that what he had planned wouldn't be disrupted by a teacher. Once they reached a appropriate place on the dance floor he stopped, turned toward her. He pulled her in close, his left hand holding her right, his right hand sliding around her waist as he moved right into the measured steps that went along to a slow dance. He was surprisingly light on his feet for an Earth Mage. Most people expected them to be firmly grounded, what with their element being the ground beneath everyone's feet. But he smiled at her, "So tell me. What's the most important thing I should know about you?"

16:59:18 [Ester] ‡ ?~Hum~? Ester softly hummed a pleasant tune as she slowly made her way along the outside wall, observing the festivities and trying to catch any unfortunate actions. The second guard scheduled to be present in the Great Hall was still missing from his post. Ester wasn't even sure if he'd reported for duty. Members of the faculty were present and helping to chaperone as well, which helped, though the spiking of the punch seemed to have gone unnoticed. Ester began to ponder on the matter as she noted altering behavior from an increasing number of students. As of yet, there was no conclusion to the cause, simply speculation on Ester's part. A sudden tap on her incited a startled jump from Ester and she immediately ceased humming and stepping forward. Wide eyed she turned to peer over her shoulder at the tall male student that was assumed to have tapped her shoulder. "May I have this dance?" the boy asked with a grin. He extended an arm towards her and gave a partial bow. Ester stared blankly at him. She blinked a couple of times before shaking her head, "Oh, I'm sorry, no." she commented bluntly before turning back around and hurrying away from the student. She left him standing there cold and went back to her rounds. She neared the entrance to the Great Hall and it was at this time she happened upon Audrey whom graced the room with her presence. She examined her for a moment as she made her way over to a leaning spot on a nearby wall. She'd tail the woman, and in turn was being tailed by the boy she'd just turned down. "E-excuse me." she'd address Audrey, "Professor Ran...court? Was it?" she said with an unsure tone. There were so many new faculty & staff joining Hex lately, Ester being one of them. The security office had small dossiers regarding the people in Hex. Not so much of official record, as it was a hobby of the guard. Ester recognized Audrey's face from her file. "Could you entertain him for a moment? I must attend to another matter." Ester spoke again after a brief pause. She gestured to her tall skirt-chasing pursuer, who'd stopped to scope Audrey up. Ester then left them and hurried off to another area of the room.

17:00:07 Mila could sympathise with Sydney's situation. Her date had more or less done the very same, and she was certainly pleased to be spending her unescorted time with players of Durusball players. All alone, the trio could easily hang out a while. What could possibly be more fitting? “Sure you aren't.” Cinderella was a mite more worldly than naive little Red Riding Hood, and wasn't prone to trusting strange wolves. Perhaps this was why she had managed to keep from being accosted by one in bed? Ha. With Izak's peculiarly questioning and hinting proposal, the minx canted her head, causing the veil of sable to shift with the movement. Exotic eyes were narrowed, and curiosity killed the cat. “No.” Seer or not, she had no inkling, not even small, as to what the boy was getting at. A glance was gifted to Sydney and then back to Izak, she waited to hear more. Long hair and beautiful, casted gown or not – Mila wasn't a girl who minded getting a little to dirty when push came to shove. Had she not pulled herself and Chase into the loch fully clothed? Rough and tumbled in the snow in the dead of winter? Sultry she may be, this little lass would leave the bribing to Sydney. Though she shifted in appearance, Mila would always look to her as the more adult of the two, even though she was in the year below. Stronger, larger and experienced in all things she was not. Her use was found in swiftness and being rather impossible to catch. Few could could keep the whimsical Mila at bay, and without meaning to, she'd become quite the rebel. Spontaneity and her lack of wary thought and consideration had her throwing all obedience to the wind and acting in the moment. “Hmm. Interquesting.” Another of those Milaisms. With her poised index finger no longer assaulting his chest, she tapped the lower of her tempting lips in thought. Then she was purring, “Tell me more?”

17:33:54 [Izak] He had them both interested; Or interquested in Mila’s case. The idea was relatively simple. Step 1: Find a water mage; arguable the easier part of the plan. Step 2: Find a water mage or two that they could convince to douse the room with a quick sprinkle of rain. Step 3: If for convenience sake, as well as restricting the number of students involved, convincing that same water mage or two to simply flick off the lights and make the wonderfully decorated hall cast into an unexpected shadow. With the music still going, and the refreshing splash of H20 would change things up, throw the guests for a loop, and give rise to a little playful havoc. It was with that same toothy smile that Izak took a step or two closer to both female’s and began voicing the same plan he had just run through in his head. It wasn’t fault proof, nor flawless so any input that they to make this less conspicuous would be appreciated and put into effect. From his height, he slouched slightly to their level, and his stormy hues twinkled with the potential excitement of a plan coming together. “So - What’dyou ladies say?”

17:47:20 Sydney certainly had no idea that Mila though of her in such a way, especially with Mila being an upperclassman to Sydney. It would surprise her to know the thoughts Mila had. However, her attention was more so upon the male at her side, her brow arching as the plan was devised. Granted, Sydney wasn’t one for getting in trouble. Anything that could ruin her chases upon the Team was off limits as far as she was concerned, but a harmless bit of fun might not be such a bad thing in the light of the given situation currently. Here in she expelled a soft sigh from those full lips, pondering a moment upon the idea. Part of her liked it. Part of her did. She definitely didn’t want to be one of the wet ones. Her sparkling as it was, would just get heavy if wet and it wasn’t an idea that thrilled the Shifter. Her subdued hues matched the tone of her voice as she lowered to a whisper as she responded in kind. “Well, if we can find a water mage, then perhaps it’s something we could consider. People will likely get pissed of though! Most spent so much time to get ready this evening.” She wasn’t a spoil sport. She didn’t want to come of like one either - but Sydney kept a level head about her. Even if a little drunk at the time, thanks to the wonderful spiked punch she’d been drinking for some time now. First Kyran had left her, and now she was dealing with this particular situation. What to do what to do!? The woman’s hands lowered to each side, while the confines of her chest rose and fell with her breathing, her body inching closer to Izak due process as her arm came to move, hand resting upon his shoulder as she squeezed it firmly. “If you are sure - there are plenty of Professors about tonight. It may just prove to get you into some serious trouble.” It was the voice of reasoning that Sydney spoke, keeping that same level head that she did in most situation bored to tears of the Ball, I’m not sure getting into trouble is exactly my idea of fun. However, don’t let me stop you if this is what you wanna do, Izak.”

18:07:18 Aro sighed gently looking around the room and the other students, several seemed to be having fun with there dresses and there 'Purse boys' he thought to himself as he wondered if any of the teachers were around, he knew they had seen him before, but recently he decided to change his look with the too little silver snake bites that he had done himself. As minutes passed he eyes a set of students dancing in the middle of the floor and rolled his eyes, they seemed so perfectly content, it would almost be a shame to ruin the fun of other students just because Aro himself was bored of the quiet, sadly he seemed to hate that of peace, he had to have alittle chaos every now and again. As he moved himself from the wall, a girl strolled up to him and before she even asked for a dance he glared down at her, the way that these people sometimes looked down on the lesser, he shook his head gently before murmuring a sorry and walked past her hearing the small echo of a murmured sob as though a rabbit had just died. As younger student looked to him and then to the girl he had heard the whispers of them and the names that was so easy for them to call him, and sadly they were right. With a sigh Aro glided past the pair who were dancing (Chase and Caly) he accidently hit Chace with his shoulder as he walked past not technically meaning to, there just happened to be alot of people in this horrible area as he slowly walked to the door on the other side he had slipped past taking one last smug look at the crowd that former and started to walk the halls heading towards the door to go outside of the school running past several adults who were talking, only to nod and walk even faster so they never seen his snake bites.


18:26:08 [Izak] On one side, Sydney was the voice of reason, the level headed hand on his shoulder that had the good of their little misfit trio in her best interests. She had him second guessing what was already a flawed plan at best. His head swiveled in her direction, slightly cocked and with a set of raised brows. Grey hues met green ones as he had a bit of a mental debate, somehow still hoping he could convince the femme otherwise, to throw caution to the wind and say ‘what the fuck’! His tongue leaked out to run over his bottom lip before catching it between his teeth for a thoughtful moment. Ever the impulsive, and in the moment type of were perhaps it was best that Sydney was keeping his feet on the ground. It would be smart to consider the consequences, but the way the higher ups at Hex divvied out punishments, it was difficult to tell how lax or severe they might be. But on the other hand, he was itching to liven up this place, and he’d only just arrived compared to most. A hand lifted and rubbed at the back of his neck, fidgeting with the hairs that. “Ahh. I dunno’” Hesitant as his response was, Izak was not so easily swayed or disheartened. Not yet at least. There was still another one third of their trio who had yet to chime in with her thoughts on the situation. “I can see where you’re coming from, but – “ Another thoughtful and hopeful pause, still clinging to the prospects of a half assed plan concocted with only the best intentions. “I’m all in, but it looks like you’ve got the deciding vote Cinderella. Taking the risk, or playing it safe?” He inquired, a smile waiting to either fade with logic and reasoning or erupt with impish glee onto his features.

18:55:04 Mila was instantaneously rapt by the idea. What better way to ignore the fact that her date had wandered off again, perhaps to dance with other, than creating a little fun of her own? Flippant and whimsical, her spontaneous nature yearned for some havoc. What did she say? Yes! That was, until Sydney spoiled the reckless idea with the adult voice of reason. Mila looked adorable flustered and undecided. Her striking gaze shifted from Sydney to Izak and back again – almost as though one was a devil on her shoulder, and the other an angel. Easily swayed, simply deterred.. Why, it was any wonder a good natured girl like herself had been swayed into errant behaviour by the Meth Lab and all those that called it sanctuary. “Uhm.” The impish, infectious smile that decorated the sweet crescent of her mouth was attempting to calm it self. She bit on the lower of her lips to keep the grin at bay, but resulted only in a mischievous combination of both. Ultimately, it was his last challenge that tipped the scales. Take the risk or play it safe. Really, the vanished scores from her back should have taught her better, but these were thoughts that didn't barrage her senseless abandon. Act first, think later. It was a trait that served her well in the heat of a game – quick thinking and speed working in her favor. When it came to the field of a day to day life? Mila sorely tested the patience of others. The exotic beauty leant forward, sparing Sydney a guilty expression before she turned undeniably close to Izak. So close, that she could intimately, playfully whisper in his hear behind the guard of her raised hand. “I'm in.”

19:12:09 Sydney was outnumbered it would seem by two. But she still didn’t agree with the situation, and would pull herself from the conversation when the time came. Glancing to Izak, she was happy to see she’d given a voice of reason to the situation he planned to concert. But, as Mila spoke, something inside of Syd fell - stemmed by disappointment in both of the students. She wasn’t there to judge however and merely nodded. “Well if you two want to go ahead, go ahead. But just be careful.” She stated, knowing her words would likely fall on deaf ears. Syd didn’t want any part of this situation however. “I know thing. I see nothing. I won’t tell. I won’t give you guys up but I can’t be a part of this. I can’t risk being kicked of the team. “ Beside that she’d never been lashed before and it did have it’s fears that even she felt within. It wasn’t something she looked forward too anytime soon, and hopefully never by the time she graduates. “I don’t know of any water mage personally, not in a friendly term but I do know one who is here at the dance. At least just in passing. I’ve never spoken to her myself. “ She pointed toward a girl on the dance floor, with red hair that hung to her shoulders, dressed in a pink frilly dress that seemed almost out of place. Dancing with a partner who was wearing an old time tuxedo. Surprisingly enough, they did make a cute couple overall though. “I’m pretty sure she is on. You should ask her. But before you do, I’m going to take my leave and head over for another drink. I can’t say here while you do this. I can’t be caught.” And with that, the sultry femme shifted her way from the gathered two, eyes on Izak for a moment, holding her gaze before looking to Mila. “See ya..” she spoke softly, then carefully moved off toward the concession table.

19:40:13 [Izak] One reasonable no, & all the were could hope for was one reckless yes to turn the tables and live in the moment. Izak stood stark still in anxious anticipation as Mila’s wore a face that visibly expressed the debate going on in her head. Similar in impulse, he found his grin growing as she fought to keep hers at bay. He could sense her answer before she even voiced it, the look dancing across her lips and sparkling in her eyes was a dead giveaway. Izak had nearly been about to erupt with enthusiasm when the femme began the distinctly slow lean-in towards his face. Needless to say his initial reaction was put on pause while one of confusion and perplexity reared his head. What was she do—Oh. It was hard to ignore the warm breath tickling his ear, or the quiet, playful tone of voice confirmation her involvement in the Operation: Lets get wet…with the lights out …..Erm.. Operation: Cinderella with a Super Soaker…something or other. Moving on. Instantly, his eyes crinkled and his lips twitched about into his signature lopsided smile. “Fantastic.” The smile fell slightly in guilt as he twisted in time to see Sydney’s level headed exit. He couldn’t blame her, she was being logical like he and Mila probably should have been – but – the decision had been made and with a slight waggle of his fingers in her direction and a quiet ‘Thanks’ for her suggestion, he turned back to Mila and furrowed his brows. “Alright Cinderella…Step 1: Water Mage. You ready?” The Pollock inquired, glancing towards Sydney's red headed suggestion.

19:57:41 Mila 's common sense reared it's hideous head again, as Sydney wash her hands of their havoc and sidestepped, if even with a little assistance offered. Odd assistance, given that with six years going at Hex she basically knew the names and races of all the fourth years and above. So her knowledge of the underclassmen, save those in Crux, may have been a little sketchy – but the skill required for a skirmish such as Izak was planning, called for the precision and intelligence of someone a little older. “Bye.” Was all she gifted the departing girl, preferring to get down and dirty with their plan. Operation; Mila and Izak flip the switch and get everyone wet. With a conspirational look shared with Izak, Mila nodded and grinned. Sugar and Spice, and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of. This minx, may have had an extra helping of spice. “So ready.” Now, exotic eyes of crystalline shifted their attention to the closest Water wielder, the very one Sydney helpfully pointed out. “I'm thinking, this may call for the Wolverine charm.” She'd not be getting anything out of her good looks, the girl was presumably straight. Right on cue, the song came to an end and the girl's dance partner helpfully left her stranded and for the taking. Shoving Izak playfully with the gentle bump of her hip, the sable-headed lass played the part of spectator -for the moment. She'd help with the lights. God help the little fool if she was caught.

20:05:02 [Jake] As usual the resident playboy could be found getting into trouble. With a chalice in hand, half full with the spiked concoction he had heartily drank all night, he was surrounded by some of the other guys who sought relief from the monotonous pleasing of their dates. Likewise there was only so much dancing Jake could take, and when his date had slipped away, no doubt tending to the gaggle of girls she usually entertained, the Were chosen to do the same. Sat at one of the tables which skirted the borders of the dance floor, the small group spoke amongst each other enthusiastically, eyes darting between one another and their unsuspecting prey. Cotton or lace? A game they couldn’t often play but when the opportunity rises, they took to it with urgency. It didn’t take long for a target to be pinpointed amongst the masses, a particularly short green dress fitting snugly around the girl’s curves. Customarily the question was asked and answers were called around the table. Jake’s voice joined the group. “Lace.“ And with the unenthusiastic wave of a hand from an air mage, an eerie gust of wind whisked up the girl’s low cut dress and a pair of white lace panties were revealed beneath. Laughter and applause rang loudly about the group, yet after several more games the fun came to an abrupt end. The boisterous noise making had attracted the attention of faculty and the group quickly broke up, the Were slinking away to join a familiar face at the punch fountain. “Date managed to get away from you? Lucky girl.” Charlie jested, filling up two cups for himself and his own date. “For now, us Were’s are a predatory species after all, we like the hunt.“ A wicked smile was met with the agreed grin of his friend. Heartily filling up his own cup, Jake drank deeply earning a concerned look from his friend. “We spiked the punch ya know, maybe you should take it easy.” The slightest glint of worry in his eyes had earned a sceptical look from the wolf. “Sorry mum.“ His words unnecessarily elongated. Before finishing the contents, to ease the worries of Charlie, he left his cup by the fountain, shooting a reassuring grin before leaving him, his friend eager to return to his own date. Okay Jakey-boy, there is fun to be had at this dance, time to amuse yourself. The brown eyes of a hunter surveyed the dance, eyeing various prospects until a familiar group stood out. Sauntering his way through the throngs of students, appearing behind the blue gowned petite brunette, tapping her on the shoulder but appearing on her opposite side, watching the same scene unfold. “And what do we have here, looks like you’re up to no good again Princess.“ The pet name rolled from his tongue easily and never straying too far from his comfort zone, Jake was seeking to involve himself in any and all trouble to be had.

20:25:42 Aro stopped and sighed as he looked back to where he was just at and blinked at the guys from the fourth year class had followed him out of the Ball, the same boy that said something when he rejected the poor girls offer to dance, was this the way of getting back at him for hurting the poor girls feelings, with a sigh he turned fulled around to face them and smirked abit as he waited for what was to come, with a sigh just in time he looked at the boy who might have been about sixteen walked forward and straight past him uttering the word "Freak" so loudly it echoed through the empty hall way and forced a slight growl from Aro. With a sigh he walked forward back to the room he had just left and looked around to see several people dance and drink what looked like to be punch with his an annoyed look upon his face once again Aro settled close to the wall, his hair barely covering that of his ocean blue eye he just stared at several of the fifth years and sixth years and rolled his eyes at some of the jock purse dogs as he called them, the boys who were stuck to ladys sides like a well trained pet.

20:30:27 Sydney had curtailed her form toward the concession stand where she had taken another glass of the lovely punch. Feeling the need to warm her innards with some of addictive elixir. Her eyes careened the crowds, watching through gathered, though she soon sought to make herself elsewhere, not wanting to get wet with the situation that was currently being planned. Glass in hand, - make that two, on in either, the luscious form meandered through the swell of people, making her way swiftly as she could, hips swaying with minimal effort by the natural gait of her walk. Heading toward the doors that lead into the Great Hall. Here she would pause, then lean up against the back wall very much like a wallflower in some ways, but she had her reasons. She wanted to see the fun, the chaos. Even though she couldn’t bring herself to be a part of things. Getting into trouble was a notion Sydney couldn’t factor. It was something she’d always prided herself in. Now, if the group were doing something that she could get away with, without the chance of being caught, or at least the chances being very minimal, she’d definitely do something, like going to the Meth Lab for example. It wasn’t out of her character to go and enjoy some fun times there. But at the Ball under the eyes of all the Professors, granted half of them were sipping the same punch, she just couldn’t shake of that voice of reason that remained in her mind. Mature for her age, she felt oft times out of place, though one would never guess such a thing. She wouldn’t show anything on the outside but that lovely façade, one she could shift into anything. She could be anything she chose. Some things were more difficult than others, changing her sex for example wasn’t an option she could do. But, she could change her looks, her body, her hair --all of the things that made her who she was. For now though through smoke shaded, sea green hues she gazed ahead, allowing those eyes to survey the given scape, curiously looking for no one in particular, or so it would seem. It didn’t take long to catch the sight of Jake who’d joined the others, but she continued on her purpose, seeking out an illusive prey.

20:32:03 [Calyope] She had been happily dancing with Chase, but hehad opted to go slip off to do soemthing Earth mage-ish. She took the opportunity to follow the adorable dark haired peirced face boy. "Way to bump into someone." She offered a smirk. Her voice was still touched with the siren skills. She offered a warm smile and touched his elbow slipping him the dance floor backward to the back side of the dance floor. She'd find Chase later. They had a talk to finish. She thought a moment. "Since you interrupted my dance, darling, you owe me one." That was the best thing she could think of. And now, 3 drinks in, She was letting more of the side she reeled in , out a little at a time. She offered a warm smile to him. "My name is Calyope. 6th year, Tritus. Half-Siren. You can call me Caly, or Cal." She turned on her brightest, most enticing smile. 'Now, can I get your name, doll?"

20:33:37 [Izak] Wolverine charm? Izak pivoted from the petite fairy tale princess to the dainty little redhead just a few long strides away. His stormy hues flickered between the two dames for a moment before settling on Mila as she hip checked him over towards his blissfully unaware target. He didn’t say a word, but his face read ‘You’re serious? Her? The innocent fourth year with freckles? Now if this went badly, he’d feel all the worse. But the look shared between the senior Durusball players gave him a kick in the butt as he raked his fingers through his locks and puffed out his cheeks in pent up anticipation. Here goes nothin’. Just conning a pure, delicate younger girl into pulling a prank that could potentially get her in loads of trouble. No big deal. That’s not sleazy or anything… It was with reckless abandon that he kept walking, with focused and committed steps towards this un-expecting victim. There had to be a way to do this nicely, right? Explain the situation properly and not simply charm her and use her for her powers. Yikes, this sounded worse and worse – but there was no turning back now. No, especially not when the red head peered up at him from her five foot four inch height – with heals – and blushed as he flashed her a smile he pulled from out of his sleeve. A tattooed arm and hand continued to fidget with his hair, a nervous habit, as he introduced himself. A glance around confirmed her date was nowhere in sight. “Hey – Lindsey. I’m sort of in need of a favor. A specific water mage extraordinaire favor.” He began, stuffing his hands into the depths of his pockets and shifting from one foot to the other. The redhead appeared hesitant, but was clearly quite a people pleaser as she simply nodded her head like a little kid whilst smiling nervously and shyly. Izak cleared his throat and shrugged. “Alright – well—I’m gonna’ need you to make it rain. & I mean that literally. Think you can do that?” The wide eyed girl fidgeted and chewed her lip, looking around for teachers but Izak offered a reassuring chuckle and a dismissive wave of his hand. “It’s just a joke, yeah? I’ll own you one, or two. Maybe even three.” Her reluctance was cracking, and against his good guy nature, he flashed her winning smile and uttered the word “..Please?” The girl caved, suddenly nodding furiously and Izak’s smile spread. “Great. Just – when the lights turn off, that’s your cue. Got it? Thanks!” A final peck on the cheek was offered, if only out of excitement as he twirled round and sauntered back toward Mila and their new arrival. He gave her a funny look whilst thinking. Oh yeah.. /Wolverine/ charm – at its best. Coupled with an eye roll, he reached the group, jerking his chin upwards at Jake in greeting. “Hey.” He’d wait for some confirmation from Mila before dubbing their plan safe to discuss in front of the resident playboy. If and when the cue was given, he'd grin. "Step 1: Complete."