Goblin Town -- Logs

Once the group finally arrive on Coblyn Street, October is closing and the days are shortening. Josie excitedly talks about various upcoming celebrations... including, apparently, Caradog's ball. She's bouncy as she talks about it, "He's gone kinda human-ish with it! He likes doing a masquerade! So there's costumes and stuff!"

Cinnamon blinks curiously at Josie, pushing up her glasses, "Humanish?" She considers that for a moment... then giggles, "Does that mean you and Spicy are going to go as a human fairy tale, then?"

Spice rolls her eyes, "I am not Red-fucking-Riding Hood!" -- then grins and snorts, "No way am I that demure or that naive!"

Josie grins, "Nope. I usually actually take my human form and look for some kind of costume to wear. I don't know what I'll go as this year yet, though."

Spice adds somewhat slyly, "But maybe you and Shane could do some kind of Snow White and the Huntsman thing, huh?"

Cinnamon blinks puzzledly at Spice, "Snow White? Me? But... I don't sleep that much, do I?"

Josie (who really can be a little naive) looks puzzled, "Why?"

Spice tries looking innocent as she adds, "Maybe not the Huntsman, then. Maybe more Prince Charming." She absolutely knows Cinnamon is missing the hint at a couples' costume!

Josie giggles, "Elias will wear something ridiculous! It will be wonderful. I know he won't do the paisley-sheet ghost again, but that was wonderful too!"

Cinnamon laughs, "Oh, yes! Shane told me about that!" She considers for a moment, then shyly adds, "I, um... dunno... maybe I could be a pumpkin or something?" That way, she figures, she can at least hide both her size, and who she is, maybe?

Shane has his normal luck with arriving just in time; he smiles, "No way you're going as a pumpkin, acushla. Aisling would string me up by my... ankles. We'll find something else amazing for you."

Cinnamon blinks puzzledly at Shane, bemusedly wondering what it is about Hallowe'en that makes people... sort of odd? "Aisling? Er, why would she..." She pauses, considering... then even more confusedly adds, "Aisling surely isn't going as a pumpkin?!" That's the only explanation she can think of: that she accidentally stumbled upon the costume that Aisling already wishes to wear! But even that doesn't make sense to her -- because pumpkins aren't sensuous at all! Er... are they? She wonders in fascinated confusion, then decides -- well, if anyone could make an orange squash sensual... it'd surely be Aisling!

Thorn arrives with Shane, as well. "A masquerade?" he asks curiously. "Huh, I admit I'm surprised that Caradog would hold one!"

Cinnamon blinks at Thorn, this time, "You are? Er... why?"

Thorn says, "Oh, I'm just surprised -- not Caradog specifically, but in general for the non-mundane world. But pleasantly surprised!"

Cinnamon grins and nods, pushing up her glasses, "Yeah, I can see that!"

Shane chuckles, "There are rules. You can't use magic at all. You have to use the same rules any human would use... unless it's something that would harm you. Hair dye, for instance. Some of us can't use that kind of chemical, so could use a glamour for that. But only for that." He smiles at Cinnamon, adding, "Aisling would kick me in the shins for letting you go as something as simple as a pumpkin."

Cinnamon blinks again, though this time at a sudden thought, "Oh! Maybe I... maybe I could go as the Ugly Duckling!" She grins excitedly at her friends, "But the, er, the costume could be the swan maybe, right? Because that'd be... like, kind of my story, really -- finding out I was a dragon and all?" She beams hopefully, "That's not, um... not too vain of me, is it? Do you think?" She's thinking of perhaps a nice, simple white dress with a few feathers and a white domino mask. She has no idea whatsoever, in fact, of the glorious extremes of shimmering feathered wings, sparkling sequins, and other ballgown extravaganzas that Aisling and Cinnamon's other female friends will likely come up with!

Shane was about to open his mouth to protest -- but then he grins: oh, Aisling will love this! "There you go -- something like that! I've already got my costume picked out. I actually got an invite this year, and of course all the Counselors are invited." He adds cheerfully to Thorn, "You can be my plus one! I think you'll enjoy it."

Thorn blinks. "I'm definitely curious about it -- thank you!" Then he hesitates, "Now I have to think of what to wear...."

Cinnamon blinks curiously at Shane, "Oh, what did you pick?" She doesn't realize it, but she's slightly relieved to hear Shane isn't inviting some staggeringly beautiful young woman that'll make Cinnamon feel like a pumpkin in spite of herself!

Shane grins, his light eyes twinkling, "It's a secret. What fun would it be to tell you now?"

Cinnamon blinks at that... then laughs! "Oh, no fair -- I shouldn't have told you what I was thinking of, then!" She grins relaxedly, clearly not really bothered as she adds to Thorn, "Well, what was your favorite fairy tale as a child, Thorny?" She wonders happily what costumes Marcus and Hilde and Jalil will choose -- and will she recognize them? Then she abruptly realizes she's absolutely going to recognize everyone by scent, whether costumed or not -- unless she's careful! After a moment's thought she decides that she will indeed be careful not to flick her tongue at all, so she doesn't lose all the fun and excitement of figuring out everyone's costuming. She grins as she adds to her friends, "Bet this is old hat to Nasteexo -- after all, in a sense they're always in a body costume!"

Thorn muses, "I'm... not sure, to be honest?" After his exposure to the Trod, fairy tales have been very far from his mind, in a way. "I'll have to think about it and, uh, ask for some advice."

When Aisling hears Cinnamon's idea of 'Ugly Duckling/Swan' being a simple white dress with some feathers and a mask, she's horrified -- not with the idea, but rather with Cinnamon's assumption it would be something that simple! The little dragon blinks startledly up at Aisling, "But I, um... I don't know how to make anything more elaborate? Plus..." she blushes slightly, "I... I d-don't want people to think I'm being, uhmm... more vain than my, er, l-looks would allow?"

Aisling's dark brows both go up, "You're not making it, dearling -- my dressmaker is. Plus, it's a masquerade -- vanity is encouraged! Now: sequins... crystals... beads... oh! Also feathers."

Cinnamon looks slightly startled, "It is?! Uh, I m-mean... er, wait, what?!"

The beansidhe taps her lips with a fingertip, "I might even be able to get you a bustle made in time... and a hood. Definitely a hood with the mask, or your hair will give you away." She beams enthusiastically, "You are going to make a fantastic swan, dear! A dress with a bustle will be simply marvelous for a lovely swan shape." A moment later she cheerfully adds, "I'm going as a harlequin: simple, but no one expects simple of me. I'm also going as a male -- also not what anyone will expect! The padding will be interesting to achieve with no glamour. Of course, it helps that we sidhe types are mostly slender..."

Cinnamon blinks worriedly at mention of dress shaping... but then sighs in relief. A bustle isn't too scary! It's just a... a padded roll or something at the back, she knows. What she doesn't know is that there are actually several different kinds of bustles -- and some of them are routinely worn with corsets! Consequently, when Cinnamon comes to get fitted for the dress she finds it to be Edwardian in styling: not only is there an elaborate bustle, rather than the simple padded roll she'd expected -- with a flounce that becomes a short train -- but there's also an incorporated corset! "Oh, don't worry," Aisling airily assures her, "It's not a really strict corset -- I know you aren't used to wearing them! But this dress simply must have some... ahh..." she makes a sort of lifting gesture, "structure!"

Cinnamon's eyes get really wide behind her glasses, but she's too stunned for more than a small, worried squeak to escape her! She tries valiantly to rally, "Buh-buh-but I, I -- I d-don't know how t-to wear a, a..." she gulps, amending the shocking (to her) 'corset' to: "uh, s-structure!"

Aisling cheerfully continues, "And that's why I'm here! A good corset is actually comfortable, helping support your entire body -- not just your bosom. You have all the ingredients in your larder, after all. We're just going to help you with plating them up properly." Her expression is a little wicked. By the time the beansidhe is done with her unwitting little protege, she fully expects Shane to have to make a move simply to keep someone else from doing so!

Cinnamon blinks confusedly up at Aisling, distracted by the sudden shift of subject to... a kitchen?! "Whah... wait, what's a good one?" She's currently shocked enough that she finds herself wondering if the plate is supposed to support the body... then has to stifle a slightly hysterical giggle as her bemused mind offers up the mental image of a stuffed pig on a platter, with an apple in its mouth. She's pretty darned sure she doesn't want that as a costume, actually!

The dress is a confectionary dream of silver and snow, embellished with creamy satin and lace. There are very few actual feathers, but somehow ample suggestion of them. The sweep of the train and the shape of the bustle are sculpted to look like a swan's wings, with glittering lines of beading and crystals in the shape of feathers. There's a high, fanned ruff that goes behind the head (along with the mask) to help disguise Cinnamon's face and scarlet hair. Also, the neckline itself is rather high and prim. However, there is a very daring, lacy cutout that's going to quite temptingly display those ingredients Aisling mentioned previously. Since the beansidhe is almost positive Cinnamon's never so much as worn a pushup bra, this should be quite the revelation! "A good corset. Now... let's get this on you."

Cinnamon simply gapes in awe at the incredible dress, her mind refusing to encompass the possibility of something so... so delicate and ethereal and -- and gorgeous! -- as being able to occupy the same space as fat, plain, simple little her! Aisling claps her hands, "Come on! Off with the clothes, on with the costume!" She starts helping Cinnamon out of her clothes and explaining how the corset and other underpinnings work, "We'll want to get you a garter belt too, probably. This sort of thing will require boots and stockings." Cinnamon has no words -- she's almost fumbling, she's so shocked! That's actually helped along by Aisling's calm pragmatism, since otherwise Cinnamon would be a stuttering fountain of denial, in regards to this amazing, terrifying, dangerously glorious dress!

Aisling has Cinnamon into the sculptural fantasy of a dress in almost no time at all. It fits near-perfectly; there will be very few adjustments needed. The beansidhe turns her friend toward the mirror and beams, "Now... the mask isn't quite ready, but look how amazing you look!"

Cinnamon stares in bemused awe into the mirror. That isn't her -- it can't be! That girl looks... she looks like... like a princess! A real, fairy-tale princess... and certainly not like boring little (former) Mary Brown! The little dragon mumbles confusedly, "She looks... but I... but... she's pretty!" She blinks a few more times, then tilts her head to ask with genuine puzzlement, "Is, um, is your mirror magical or something?"

Aisling steps up behind Cinnamon and lays her hands on her friend's shoulders, smiling quietly, "No, sweetie, it's not magical. It's just a plain mirror. It's just letting you see yourself as you actually are. You're pretty! It was your idea. You knew it. You just didn't realize you knew it." Cinnamon is, despite Aisling's encouragement... momentarily speechless. Her brain is in a whirl: this gorgeous, scintillating dress is so beautiful on this girl! ...and yet, at the same time, her shocked mind is sure: this just can't be her! Once Aisling realizes Cinnamon is simply speechless, she takes (gentle) pity on her friend and helps Cinnamon get out of the dress. The little dragon mumbles a slightly confused, "Oh, th-thank you..." and nearly totters off. This is a truly shocking (to her) conflict on-going in her head! Could she really, actually... be pretty?! Maybe... yes? No? Is that even her? She almost walks into the doorjamb on her way out, she's in so much mental turmoil.

On the day of the ball itself, the mask is ready with the dress and Aisling herself is in her costume. She's wearing what look like they could be white plastic go-go boots, a day-glow orange dress with pink and white daisies on it with long, belled sleeves, and fishnet stockings. The neckline on the dress swoops low and her neck is adored with faceted pink plastic beads, while the hem of the dress is the shortest thing Cinnamon has ever seen on Aisling -- it barely reaches below the usually-elegant beansidhe's backside. Her black hair has either been bleached or she's wearing a long, straight blond wig, and her lips are almost pearlescent with the pink lipstick she's wearing. In all... this looks as far from the normal Aisling as you could possibly imagine. She beams at Cinnamon when she arrives, "I decided to go with something other than the harlequin. Someone said 'So, you decided to be elegant even on Hallow's Eve?' and I got feeling stubborn." She twirls, "What do you think?"

Cinnamon covers a giggle, then grins, "It's very, um... 60s, I think?" She laughs, adding, "Maybe you're a daisy harlequin!"

Aisling nods, "Oh, yes -- human 1960s. I spent some time out and about in Leeds then. It was quite fun. People were quite open." She laughs, adding, "No, I am not a daisy harlequin! I just couldn't bring myself to be more garish than this. Come. Let's get you dressed."

Cinnamon happily adds, "Will we be meeting with the guys at the ball? I want to see what Thorny and Shaney are wearing -- and Marcus too? -oh, and Sparrow and Jalil and Hilde and all, as well!" She excitedly does her best to help with getting herself dressed, though it's still quite obvious that she's not entirely sure how to wear all the pieces -- and that it's a good thing Aisling is there to help her. It took the little dragon a while to come to terms with the vision of beauty she remembers being in the mirror... but she finally gamely decided she'd do her best to be as good a masquerade-wearer as she could be -- to do right by the glorious costume Aisling has designed for her! -even if, in her more uncertain and/or timid moments, she finds herself wondering if this is all maybe a huge mistake... and it wasn't really her in the mirror!

Consequently, as she gets dressed, Cinnamon almost chatters with nervous enthusiasm, "So I figured m-my voice would likely give me away, right? So, um, do you think I should stick to, er, to sort of gesture to communicate? Like with that lovely feathery fan that goes with the dress? And, um, I, uhh... w-well, do you think it would be weird if I, er, sort of tried to... like, to pretend to be someone I'm not really? Like a, uh, like a real Swan Princess might behave?!"

Aisling pauses in helping get the mask on, "But... you are a princess, in a way, dear. You're the scion of essentially a noble bloodline. I mean, Liam had no title, but you are a dragon, and they are very special." She nods thoughtfully as she adds, "People may know your voice, true. If you wish to use the fan and hide your identity completely from those that aren't going to know you in other ways, that could be fun." She motions to herself, "I didn't disguise myself quite enough." Cinnamon nods in relief -- it'll be easier for her to convince herself that she's someone new tonight, if she doesn't have to speak.

When the two women step out of Aisling's home, they find one of the carriages that sometimes plies Coblyn is there to take them to the ball. As Aisling cheerfully notes, "There's no way you're walking all that way, in that dress!"

Cinnamon sighs in relief, leaning to whisper to the beansidhe, "Oh, thank you so much, Aisling! I was a bit worried about that!" She steps with eager care into the carriage, looking around excitedly -- this is so cool to her! She's getting to really be like a real princess! The carriage is a simple one, but big enough for Aisling and Cinnamon with the dress. The footman helps them in and makes sure the dress is tucked in. Further, Aisling assures her the driver and footman are good about not telling anyone where they pick people up for things like masquerades. Cinnamon beams excitedly behind her mask and fan, feeling quite mysterious! She wonders how long she'll be able to keep her identity hidden. This is going to be fun!

When the carriage reaches the palace, the party-goers find they are part of a line of carriages and other small, non-motorized vehicles (like the occasional pedi-cabs that ply Coblyn), as well as people arriving on foot. It's all quite lovely and colorful and exciting to the little dragon! She spots elaborate, gorgeous costumes, and also silly ones -- though nothing as tacky and silly as is sometimes seen at human parties. Even Aisling's go-go girl costume seems to be a real dress.

However, it appears there is one exception to the 'not very tacky' rule, which makes Aisling laugh. Stepping out of one of the pedi-cabs not far in front of them is a fellow wearing a very large, very white Stetson hat. He's also wearing cowboy boots with spurs that are chattering, but not actually hitting the ground. The western-style shirt has some extremely elaborate embroidery. He's also wearing what seems to be an actual tin Texas Ranger badge on his chest. Of course it would be Elias wearing the silliest thing there. Ugly Duckling Cinnamon giggles as she spots the elaborate cowboy -- then laughs and whispers excitedly to Aisling, "Is that Elias? Oh, I love it! Though for a moment I wondered if Shane was coming as a lawman, you know?"

Aisling considers that, and mmms, "No, I don't think he is, though if you could get him into blue jeans and chaps, I would buy you dinner for a week. They would frame his ass ever so nicely, and it's a nice one to start with. But yes, that's Elias." She grins, adding, "It's fantastic! Caradog will appreciate that the spurs aren't actually going to scar the floors, too. I'm certain as well that Elias checked with Josie before wearing that getup."

Cinnamon blushes at the abrupt mental image of Shane's, er... well, um, right, anyways! She coughs, relieved the mask covers her flushed face... but then confusedly whispers, "Er... Josie? Why wo-... oh! Oh, right: cowboys and Indians." She thinks for a moment... then smiles up at Aisling, "Wow, Elias really is a sweetheart, isn't he?"

Aisling smiles, "Of course he is. He's Elias."

The guards at the door check invitations and gesture people in -- either there's no worry about fake invitations, or there's some kind of security measure in the invitations themselves. Once inside, the palace is festooned with small twinkling strings of lights and draperies done in autumnal colors. There's music coming from... somewhere, though the musicians aren't immediately evident. People stream toward an enormous room where there are chairs and tables and couches and other such places to sit and chat and be comfy around the edges, but with an enormous, gleaming dancefloor in the middle. Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon brightens a little behind the mask, at sight of the dance floor -- but then realizes she really wants to wander around a little and check out all the lovely costumes first! She beams happily as she looks around, then whispers to Gogo-Girl Aisling, "I'd like to mingle a bit, to admire folks, if that's okay with you?"

Gogo-Girl Aisling grins at Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon and whispers, "And now... you get to fly and be free!" With that, she too slips off into the crowd! Just for an instant the Ugly Duckling/Swan feels a moment of worry at the Gogo Girl's whisper -- but then the little dragon straightens a bit and scolds herself silently. She is a dragon! Aisling has faith in her! Plus, she gets to be a princess tonight! The Ugly Duckling/Swan takes a deep breath... then raises her chin a little and begins a carefully graceful promenade about the room. So many beautiful outfits! So many sparkly people! It's absolutely glorious tonight, to her shyly beauty-loving soul. She doesn't realize it consciously, but her delight is reflected in her demeanor -- she truly is, for the moment, moving smoothly, gracefully, and without fear through the crowd.

Around the perimeter of the room, the little Ugly Duckling/Swan spots what might be a familiar form -- she's spend enough time with Thorn that his stance might give him away! He's dressed in a costume that seems to be from a movie from the last decade or so. Perhaps it's because they've been on Valkyrie so recently, but someone has convinced him to dress as a pirate. But not just any pirate! No, he's been dressed as one of the cursed pirates from Davy Jones' ship, with carefully applied starfish and shells on his neck and face. They're cunningly crafted and don't seem to be uncomfortable, and whoever did the makeup blended it well. The tricorn hat he's wearing is elaborate, with a ragged plume on it, while the greatcoat swings with weight around his calves.

Another outfit from a slightly older movie also might catch Cinnamon's eye, if only because the person wearing it is sporting rather a lot of cutlery on their hands -- in fact, the hands look as if they are made of knives and large scissors. This tall, thin person has very pale skin, with what looks like several small scars, and dark circles around the eyes. The dark hair is in a wild tangle that sticks up all over in spikes. The clothing is mostly leather with a plethora of belts, buckles, straps, and studs. The little Ugly Duckling/Swan hasn't seen the movie -- the concept had rather creeped her out -- but she certainly recognizes the Edward Scissorhands look. She smiles at that, and keeps looking around with interest. Plenty of historical outfits, she realizes... though that's not really surprising when she reflects that a lot of folks here actually lived through that time! She grins, wondering if those outfits are truly costumes, then... or are really clothing saved from that time.

Pirate Thorn remains near Shane -- at least at first, if the sturdy man will let him. He's a bit lost in this sort of situation, though he does his best to mingle while assuming the best, gravelly English accent he can. Thus there's another pale, darkly-clothed character -- the one near Pirate Thorn -- though he's dressed in a more sci-fi than fantasy style. The outfit is still black, and still has quite a few straps and buckles -- but it's a stillsuit rather than an Edward Scissorhands getup. The soft black boots were created out of a pair of Shane's own shoes, while the rest was carefully put together out of Coblyn-safe materials. Still, it does look rather like he could walk out into the deserts of Arrakis and be fairly safe. There's even a hood laying along his back, while his dark hair is carefully braided. He's done something to color his eyes blue all the way across, but he hasn't done much to hide his face. The Ugly Duckling/Swan brightens a bit as she spots Fremen Shane -- yay! She's starting to turn towards him when she remembers: she wants to try and hide her identity for at least a little bit! She grins to herself, and continues her slow, graceful glide around the room, admiring all the lovely costumes. She wonders if she can spot Caradog -- she doesn't doubt he'll be positively luminescent in such a crowd!

Across the room, Fremen Shane grins down at Pirate Thorn and murmurs, "So, your first royal ball. Having fun?"

"So far!" Pirate Thorn replies. "This is incredible -- I never imagined even half of these costumes could be possible." He's resolutely not thinking of what might go wrong, or who might show up and cause DRAMA, of course... or at least he's trying to not think about that!

Fremen Shane nods at Elias in his sheriff costume, grinning, "He suggested I go as that, actually. I told him no way was I going to!" He looks around and then grins again, as the person Sheriff Elias would have spoken to about coming as a cowboy arrives with her date on her arm. Josie is dressed in a full and elegant morning suit, but with an exaggerated top-hat that has a "9 1/4" tag in the hatband. She's also wearing an elaborate pocket watch. Next to her, Spice wears a beautifully embroidered and decidedly steampunk Alice in Wonderland dress. It's in the expected white and blue, with what looks like maybe four different petticoats in various shades of cream and white lace. The dress itself is a gorgeous cobalt blue satin, while the pinafore she wears over it is shining white, with a delicate hem embroidery of tiny silver leporines. Spice's hair is covered by a blonde ringlet wig with a white Alice band and she's wearing black Mary Jane's with a three inch sole and heel. She also has on bright red lipstick, fake lashes, and dramatically winged eyeliner.

Pirate Thorn blinks, "Is that... Josie and Spice? They look terrific!" Mad Hatter Josie beams as people look in their direction. She's wearing a rather elaborate mask, but no one that knows Spice and Josie could mistake them for anyone but Spice and Josie. Across the room, Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon giggles internally as she spots them -- she thinks they look fabulous as the Mad Hatter and Alice!

Fremen Shane blinks slowly, "That's... the girliest I have ever seen Spice." Elsewhere, the little Ugly Duckling/Swan is thinking much the same! She wonders why Alice in Wonderland was okay, but Red Riding Hood wasn't... well, a question for another time, perhaps! She continues looking around eagerly, hoping to spot... oh, Marcus, maybe? Or Jalil or Hilde?

There are some costumes that are really simply fancy dresses with hints of some theme or another, worn with a masquerade mask. There are a lot of tall, thin people that could be sidhe of some sort. Eventually Gogo Girl Aisling returns, towing Sheriff Elias along with her... only partially to show her little Ugly Duckling/Swan off to the vampire! Cinnamon grins to herself as she does a carefully silent curtsey, then offers her gloved hand to the vampire... while lightly fanning herself. She hopes Sheriff Elias likes her outfit, and doesn't think it's too much! The sheriff smiles his terrifying (to strangers) smile as he bows over the little Ugly Duckling/Swan's hand, drawling in a passable Texas accent, "Charmed, ma'am." Then in his own voice he adds, "You look beautiful! Aisling was right: this sort of thing suits you wonderfully." He motions around the room, "I think I've spotted Hilde and Marcus. Jalil has not arrived yet. Sparrow is here somewhere, I think, though I was somewhat surprised."

Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon beams delightedly behind the mask, blushing hotly and relieved her face can't be seen! She laughs at the comment, murmuring softly, "But isn't that Sparrow's... standard? To surprise?" She too glances around, mentally adjusting her search -- maybe Hilde and Marcus arrived together?

Sheriff Elias laughs quietly, "True; it is..." -- but before he can say more, an elegantly dressed man in Venetian masquerade finery comes up and politely interrupts, "Pardon me, I don't mean to be rude, but..." He turns to the little Ugly Duckling/Swan and offers a hand, "Would you care to dance?" The young Swan Princess beams at that, nodding and accepting the man's hand even as she gives a small, polite curtsey! She's excited as she heads out to the dance floor with the gentleman -- half of her is wondering if she's heard that voice before. The other half is delighted at the opportunity to dance! Almost dreamily she wonders if it'll be as lovely as that scene in the Disney movie, where all the dancers were like brilliantly flared, multi-colored flowers swirling around the floor.

The man's voice might be familiar, but she's heard a lot of voices. Hmm... his skin is almost completely covered -- he's wearing gloves and an elaborate hat, as well as one of the long-nosed Venetian masks. Still, there's something of a smile in the voice, "You look exquisite! That dress is..." and here the smile becomes... something else, "delicious. You must tell me, after midnight, who designed it for you." He takes her into the dance with care and grace, leading with the lithe ease of someone who has been doing this for a long time. He isn't grabby, but he does handle the Ugly Duckling/Swan like something lovely and delicate. When she doesn't speak, he fortunately doesn't seem to take it amiss. Further, while his flirtation isn't at all pushy, it is definitely flirtation.

Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon is almost breathlessly delighted -- he's treating her like... like guys would treat Candi, but even nicer! She laughs softly, and whispers a thank you, and doesn't say more than that -- mostly because she's not sure she trusts her voice! Instead she pours her joy into her dancing, doing her best to be a truly beautiful partner. Tonight is turning out to be startlingly wonderful, so far! She wonders happily if this is Jaeger -- because if so, he's being just super-awesome! Even if it's not Jaeger, too, this is still totally yummy!

When the dance ends, the little dragon's partner raises her hand beneath his mask, for him to kiss her knuckles and murmur -- almost purr, in fact, "It was an absolute pleasure! I do hope I get another chance for a dance with you later." He releases her hand -- and the little Ugly Duckling/Swan somehow gets the impression that he just winked at her, when he leaves her on the edge of the dancefloor! She finds herself standing next to someone dressed in an elaborately ragged suit. In fact, it's more than just elaborately ragged -- they're also wearing the facepaint of a sad clown. They say with a smile in their voice, "My... he was charming."

Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon laughs softly again, fanning herself as she nods! She grins as she tilts her head in invitation to the sad-faced clown -- is it Charlie Chaplin? -- and would he like to dance? She's also, of course, curiously checking to see if she recognizes the individual. The sad-faced clown's voice is actually quite familiar! But female -- that voice belongs to Hilde, "I'm almost sad I decided to wear a male costume. But I wanted to not deal with a lot of flirtation from people I didn't want to flirt with." She grins down at the little dragon, "And you do look quite lovely. I have an idea who you are, but only because I heard rumors about the costume. It's gorgeous."

Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon beams up at Charlie Chaplin-Hilde and curtseys again, though she's a bit perplexed -- why would Hilde not like flirtation? The little Swan Princess can't imagine that Hilde gets the 'I really just want something from you' style of attention from men, after all! The Ugly Duckling/Swan is, after all, quite inexperienced when it comes to attracting men... so she takes a deep breath -- being utterly unaware of what that does for her cleavage! -- then leans to daringly whisper, "I bet if you went after the charming man, he'd dance with you too?" She also hasn't a clue, of course, that he might be precisely who Charlie Chaplin-Hilde is avoiding!

The sad-faced clown leans down to whisper back, "Possibly, but I'm looking for someone in particular and I don't think he's here yet... and you are really looking beautiful, C." She grins and looks left, looks right, then lowers her voice even further as she admits, "A couple of my hold-folk have come to town, and I invited one as my +1. He's not arrived yet. I'll introduce you when he gets here, though -- he's a sweetheart and absolutely lovely inside and out."

Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon laughs again as Charlie Chaplin-Hilde correctly identifies her, cheerfully whispering back, "You can call me, um... Cygnet, if you need a name for introductions? -and thank you!" She bounces lightly on her toes as she adds, "This is so much fun -- I've never felt this pretty before!"

Charlie Chaplin-Hilde grins and stands up straight again, "I wouldn't know it was you if Ash hadn't slipped up about the costume once. It's amazing! You need to wear corsets more. They suit you." She motions around the room, "I love people-watching at these things. The Edward Scissorhands is a sidhe, I think... though a sidhe that would purposely have a scarred face is interesting. Shane is a lovely Fremen. Thorn as a pirate... and Josie? Is that Josie as the Mad Hatter, with Spice as Alice? I love it." She giggles, adding, "The thing about a masquerade, even for people like us, is that you get to be a little silly."

Ugly Duckling/Swan Cinnamon laughs and nods happily about the other costumes, though she's once again relieved the mask hides her hotly blushing face! Wear corsets more?! Eeek! She hastily changes the subject, whispering, "Elias says Sparrow's here in something surprising... and that he heard Jalil was coming too, I think? Any other costumes that really stand out?"

Charlie Chaplin-Hilde looks around the room, then points subtly across to a gentleman wearing an elaborate Edwardian suit, with a dapper top hat. When he turns around slightly, it can be seen that he's not just dressed in an Edwardian suit -- he's dressed as an Edwardian vicar, complete with the priestly white dog-collar, and a cross. But he also seems to be wearing a waistcoat that allows him to quickly and easily tuck the cross away. The gentleman is masked, of course, but the color of his skin is visible. "Is that surprising?"

Cygnet Cinnamon blinks slowly at the vicar, her soft whisper awed, "That's... Sparrow? As a christian?!" She laughs! -- then blinks again, "Wait... is that something he should ask -- or no, wait -- he's indigenous himself, right. Okay!" She grins wryly, shaking her head once -- she's quite impressed! Plus she can see how it would certainly surprise Elias! Then she pauses, frowning thoughtfully behind the mask, "Or wait... would a non-believer have any effect at all on a vampire?"

Charlie Chaplin-Hilde shakes her head, "Sparrow wearing a cross has about as much effect as Sparrow wearing a glob of misshapen rock. He doesn't believe in the Christian god, in that way."

Cygnet Cinnamon laughs again, relieved that Elias wouldn't have had any unpleasant response! She grins almost mischievously as she whispers to the sad-faced clown, "Does Sparrow dance?"

Charlie Chaplin-Hilde grins, "Sparrow dances like he breathes. You should go be gorgeous in his general vicinity!"

Cygnet Cinnamon giggles delightedly up at Hilde, "Okay! Don't tell anyone who I am, please? -and have fun!" -- then turns her wandering stroll in the direction of the faux Edwardian vicar. She happily decides, in that exhilarating moment, to dance with all the nice folks she knows here, that are willing to dance with her -- she knows Hilde doesn't really want to, after all! She's pretty sure Sheriff Elias would dance with her, after all... maybe Vicar Sparrow too? And Fremen Shane and... hmm, maybe not Pirate Thorn -- if she's remembering correctly, he's not fond of dancing -- but others probably will? Yay!

Cygnet admires all the pretty costumes she sees as she's strolling, mentally noting those with whom she hopes to dance. Fremen Shane, naturally... but between he and she there's a rather dramatic Jack Skellington -- that skeletal look works well on that tall, skinny person! Over there is a beautifully fierce looking Lion King with a heavy African stylistic theme to it, while a very dramatic Jareth the Goblin King is nearby in a small group, one of whom is the Lion King's Nala... or wait. That black-furred feline face has pointed cat's ears, not a lion's rounded ones... oh, and her jewelry is Egyptian -- that must be Bast, not Nala!

Cygnet giggles softly to herself, fanning a little more briskly as she regards Jareth the Goblin King. She'd had such a crush on him as a girl, when Labyrinth the movie came out! She grins almost mischievously at that thought, her eyes twinkling with happiness and excitement as she tilts her head in silent invitation to the Edwardian vicar: would he like to dance?

The Vicar smiles as Cinnamon comes near and bows in a very dapper, very properly graceful way. The dark eyes visible through the eyeholes of the mask are gleaming with appreciation, while the voice that emerges sounds familiar but has no trace of the deep Georgia drawl, "Good evening, my lady. You are ravishab-... I mean ravishing."

Cygnet giggles softly behind her fan, offering one gloved hand as she turns towards the dance floor. She feels curiously... free, almost wild (for her), behind the mask. It's like she's someone else -- not herself at all! -- and that beautiful personage has far more confidence and �lan than little Cinnamon. The Vicar takes her hand, and even though the eyebrows aren't visible, their arch is audible in the voice, "I take it I am being commanded to dance. Well, how is a humble parson to resist such beauty?" Somehow, 'humble' comes out sounding lascivious! Yes, this is definitely Sparrow. Who else could play tricks like that with words? He takes Cinnamon's hand and leads her onto the floor. Once there, he spins her around and ends up with a hand on her back, holding her ju-uuust close enough to be flirtatious.

Cygnet responds happily -- thanks to Jaeger, she knows how to dance, yay! She swirls dramatically, then tilts her head back to grin up at the Vicar... and when he's looking her in the eyes, she winks! That seems to be a way that folks show they're having a really lovely time with the person they're with, after all. Plus, in the corset, she feels quite well armored, oddly enough. She waits for the music and the vicar's lead... and she sways with easy enthusiasm into the dancing, alight with real joy.

Elsewhere on the floor, someone dressed as Morticia Addams sways her way up to Pirate Thorn and smiles, "You want to dance with me."

The pirate blinks at the person's directness -- no, this isn't directness; this is... he isn't quite sure what it is, but he's not about to tell them 'no!' So he jokingly replies, "I do indeed! May I have this dance?"

The woman's voice is mellifluous, and she's clearly pleased at Pirate Thorn's reaction, "That is the correct answer." She offers him an opera-gloved hand. The mask she's wearing is elaborate white leather, covering about two-thirds of her face -- and putting the bottom third into intriguing shadow. She stands just about at Thorn's height in the shoes she's wearing, meaning she can look directly into his eyes as she moves onto the floor with him, "And how are you finding this lovely festal evening?"

"I'm enjoying it a great deal, ma'am," Pirate Thorn replies, not quite certain how to address her, so falling into the default American honorific. "And yourself?"

Morticia gives Pirate Thorn another approving smile, "I am quite enjoying it. This festival spans many pantheons, but it is especially nice for those of my... kind. It was always one of the times of year that we felt safe going out and about." She traces a fingertip along his jaw line, "Of course, perhaps it was because humans were a little more wary then."

Pirate Thorn's mind starts to work again, and he briefly wonders what 'kind' his dance partner is -- fae, of course, but aelfar or sidhe? He doesn't let his dancing with her pause, however; that would be rude. He can't resist a shiver, though, when she touches him -- he hadn't expected that! He doesn't think it's rude to try to think of who she might be -- who does he know who is this tall, and dances so well? Pirate Thorn remembers Athala is a couple of inches shorter than him; it's... possible this is Athala! It would appeal to her sense of humor to come to Coblyn Street without announcement. Of course, he can't be certain; that's the whole point of glamour and masques and costumes, after all! Though her words about humans being more wary 'back then' should be setting off warning bells -- the implication being that humans (e.g., him) aren't as wary now. Even so, he's quite enjoying the dance, and the movement of his partner with him.

Hilde's statement about how Sparrow dances proves to be correct... but then, who would doubt that the embodiment of fire and trickery would be deft on his feet? The only surprise, perhaps, is that he knows ballroom dancing. He manages to whirl Cinnamon through the dance whilst seeming to never look away from her face. Cygnet beams up happily, behind the mask, at her lovely dance partner -- how marvelously he dances! She does her best to put a bit of extra sway into her motions, to show just how happy she is, partnering with him... though it doesn't occur to her to try flirting back... just yet. That's something she still will need to observe and try out cautiously on folks she trusts!

The Vicar/Sparrow hums along with the music. That Sparrow not only knows ballroom dance but knows the music enough to hum along with it might be a surprise, "I do enjoy this particular holiday. People dress as things they aren't and yet manage, by that, to show us exactly what they really are. It's a wonderful thing." Cygnet brightens at the humming -- she loves this music too! Just for fun, she hums with him, but in harmony... though she politely pauses when he speaks. She ponders his words for a bit, considering... is she really the lovely and assured Cygnet? She... actually doesn't think so, honestly? So she tilts her head in slightly perplexed curiosity at the vicar -- oh! That too, actually: she's quite sure Sparrow isn't a colonizing priest of an indigenous-hostile religion!

The Vicar catches the tilt of her head, and laughs, "Oh, I don't mean it literally. I am most certainly not priestly in the way this vestment would indicate." The flash of his teeth shows impishly, "But I am clergy... and I find it funny that when people hear that word, this is what they think." He leans in very, very close to whisper right up next to her ear, "And perhaps I like to have pretty little things confess their deepest secrets to me," -- and then he's standing properly upright again -- as if he hadn't just been kissing-close!

Cygnet blinks at the whisper -- then laughs softly, tossing her head in agreement! She can see that, in that she effectively is the Ugly Duckling, grown up into a sort of dragon-swan! She grins up at the vicar and winks again -- she knows quite well how unwise it'd be to confess deep secrets to a Trickster! The Vicar grins again at the toss of Cygnet's head and the wink. She's not speaking, but he seems to count the winks and body language as conversation somehow... and he's still dancing quite happily with her! She cheerfully starts humming again, since she loves all the (small handful of) ballroom dance music that she knows.

When the dance ends, Cygnet curtseys happily and gently squeezes his hands in thanks -- she had a wonderful time! Then she looks around with interest: who else might she dance with? Curiously enough, despite knowing that Caradog must be here somewhere, she finds herself unafraid that she might end up dancing with him. It's somehow different to her, when she's wearing a nice, disguising mask!

Elsewhere, as the dance starts to wind down, Pirate Thorn's partner touches her gloved fingertip to the center of his lips, "Thank you for the dance. You'll find me for another one later, won't you." Again, somehow that doesn't actually seem like a question.

Thorn blinks and feels suddenly warm about his cheeks, as he kisses her fingertip and murmurs, "I would very much like to, ma'am." Part of him feels like he's throwing caution to the wind, but why not tonight of all nights? Especially if the mystery lady is Athala? He's smart enough to not even think 'what's the worst that could happen,' at least.

Elsewhere, Cygnet turns around and just about walks straight into the chest of the Goblin King. She gasps, glancing startledly up at his pale, masked face... then grins and drops a graceful curtsey before offering her hand and tilting her head towards the dancefloor. The costume is... very accurate. Whoever had this created has either seen the movie a lot, or went to a costumier who did. Wow, maybe she'll get to fulfill a childhood dream here -- and actually dance with the gloriously beautiful, dangerous Jareth! There is a scent about the man that's warm and inviting, but not overpowering. The mask he's wearing is even the mask from the ballroom scene. Whoever this is takes her hand, raises it, and nips the fingertips through Cygnet's glove before almost purring, "Oh, and just as I was thinking I was going to have to go a-hunting swans. Shall we?" Cygnet laughs delightedly -- this is a perfect Jareth! She nods happily and turns with him towards the dancefloor. There's an extra, insouciant swing to her hips as she goes; she may not be Sarah, but she's still gorgeous -- Hilde said so herself!

Jareth is, if anything, an even more lithe and graceful dancer than Vicar Sparrow -- or perhaps it's just that the music is a little more lively, so he's swinging Cygnet more swiftly through the dance. His eyes are blue and intent behind the mask, but they're anything but cold. That scent smells of spicy, earthy things, too -- enticing and warm... the kind of smells that make you think of things to nibble. "And are you the Swan Princess? Or simply a lovely but dangerous bird?"

Cygnet grins behind the mask, up at her partner, and whispers, "I'm Cygnet!" She wonders if this is Jaeger -- he did mention hunting, after all, and 'Jaeger' is German for hunter. If it is, this is going to be a simply awesome dance! Her soft whisper is both amused and delighted, "And you... are the dangerously alluring Goblin King!" In fact, the dance is swift enough, and her partner skilled enough, that she simply lets herself flow in his arms, following his elegant lead through the beautiful spirals and sways.

Elsewhere, Fremen Shane steps up beside his friend -- who is staring a bit blankly after Morticia -- and just... whistles quietly. Pirate Thorn glances to his friend, murmuring lamely, "That was... unexpected."

Fremen Shane grins at Pirate Thorn, "Nothing is unexpected tonight. I liked her... gloves." His eyes move around the room and alight on Cygnet dancing with the Goblin King. He has an idea just who both of those people are; his eyes narrow slightly.

Pirate Thorn quite intensely remembers the touch of those gloves as well! But Fremen Shane's narrowed eyes make him concerned. "What's wrong?" he asks, looking around to follow the Fremen's gaze. Then he blinks again: that's the best Jareth costume he's ever seen!

As they're dancing, Jareth mms and briefly touches his upper lip with the tip of his tongue, though the gesture is mostly hidden by his mask, "Cygnet: a young swan... and whispering. Are you shy, little swan? How intriguing. Of course, the shy are often the most rewarding to... explore. You usually have hidden... depths." Another flash of a smile, and one gloved hand slips up to tease fingertips just behind Cygnet's ear beneath her hair and behind the mask. It's an oddly intimate touch -- there, and gone again -- and the word 'depths'... like Sparrow with the word 'humble,' there seems to be multiple layers in the use of the word 'depths.' The blue eyes twinkle as he adds, "Me? Oh, I am the most biddable of monarchs... I could be your willing slave, lovely Cygnet." There's that purr again, "Or you could be mine? If your desires leaned that way."

Fremen Shane is watching that as he murmurs to Pirate Thorn, "I've just... seen Labyrinth a lot. Mom loved it." He then quotes one of Jareth's most famous lines, having no idea just what the Jareth on the floor is whispering to Cygnet, "Just fear me, love me, do as I say... and I will be your slave." The Fremen smiles crookedly, "Of course, she also very slyly used it as a lesson in, 'You know, Jareth is a pop culture example of how you were never supposed to trust the fae.'"

Pirate Thorn shivers a bit. "Yeah... I can imagine," he murmurs. He sort of feels that particular boat has sailed, for him. Even so, he's sensing Fremen Shane's... protective impulses, and he wonders who the gorgeous, elaborately-feathered Swan could be, to garner the Fremen's concern so thorough- oh. Oh! Could that be... Cinnamon?! That alone is amazing, if so -- she looks absolutely gorgeous! But if Fremen Shane is concerned, that concerns him as well.

On the dancefloor, Cygnet grins excitedly; this is so perfect -- just like the movie! Her eyes sparkle as she thinks quickly, then replies with the growing conviction of someone realizing their strength, "Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered I have fought my way here, to the castle atop Coblyn Street, to... to take back my birthright, that others stole. My will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great -- you have no power over me!" She hasn't quite registered that Jareth's flirtatious offer is actually sincere -- to her, this is simply a marvelous modernization of the movie scene!

Jareth laughs quietly, "No, no, I don't... not unless you willingly cede it." He's starting to understand she's missing the cues, but he seems to find it amusing, "But that sort of willing offering up of power is intoxicating. And from one so delicious as you? Ah... so sweet. Like a ripe peach." Yes, he's still drawing from the movie because she obviously knows it, but he's being sincere. However, the music is coming to an end, so he guides her to the edge of the dancefloor. Instead of a simple bow, he raises her hand again; instead of the fingertip nip, he turns her hand over and presses a kiss to the inside of her wrist, murmuring, "Perhaps another dance before midnight?"

Cygnet grins as she curtseys in return, and her delight is audible in her whisper, "Indeed!" She fans herself a bit as she glances around after that, considering... did she recognize the voice? She doesn't think it was Jaeger, actually, since he's usually sort of... well, avuncular around her? Much like Elias is, in fact. The voice didn't seem Jaeger-ish, either -- and whoever it was, was definitely being flirtatious with the movie lines. Could it have been Caradog? Or maybe... what was that guy's name -- the one that hangs around Athala. Odel-something... ah! Odalric! She's not sure, yet. Either way, though: this is so much fun! The little Ugly Duckling takes a moment to cool down, and admire the rather nice Avatar costume someone's wearing. Admittedly, they're not 9' tall, but they've got the blue-furred cat person look down beautifully!

Elsewhere, Fremen Shane starts steering himself Cygnet-wards -- or rather, he's pretty sure it's Cinnamon in the lovely swan costume. He knew there was an Ugly Duckling costume in the works, and Aisling talked about the corset. She was actually teasing him about it, but Shane missed that part. He doesn't exactly sidle, but he does slip up quietly and murmur, "You're a lovely Ugly Duckling."

Cygnet glances over -- then lights up behind the mask at sight of Fremen Shane, "Oh! Hello! Would you like to dance?"

Fremen Shane grins, "Oh, I would love to dance with you. You've been floating across the floor like a dream." Cygnet blinks. Shane -- her first bestie and secret crush/asthore Shaney -- just said she was like a dream, and that he'd love to dance with her?! She doesn't even notice her tiny, delighted squeak as she promptly steps forward! Left hand on his right shoulder; right hand out for his guiding left hand... and she's ready to roll: bring on the dance music!

Fremen Shane smiles down at Cygnet and moves her out onto the floor, gliding easily with her. Of course he can dance -- it should surprise no one. He might not be quite as tutored in it as Marcus or Jaeger, or some of the others that were raised at court or that are centuries old, but he knows the basics and he's beansidhe-graceful. He smiles down into Cygnet's eyes, "You're beautiful." He clears his throat as he realizes the unalloyed thought got through and might scare her, so he goes on, "You look amazing. The costume suits you so wonderfully -- you're just glowing tonight."

Cygnet laughs softly, brilliant with joy, "Thank you, Sh- Mr. Fremen -- that's so lovely to hear!" Excitedly she whispers, "H- er, Charlie Chaplin said I looked gorgeous too. I could hardly believe my ears! It's been..." Her eyes get almost dreamy as she considers for a moment, then breathes, "magical tonight!" She has no idea, of course -- and would be mortified were she so informed -- that a dreamy gaze is much like bedroom eyes! She's just utterly thrilled (and delightedly shocked!) at how well the ball is going. She feels so thoroughly... not-herself but rather magical-other tonight, in fact, that Fremen Shane's clear admiration isn't any scarier than any of the other marvelous compliments she's received tonight. They're all for Cygnet, of course! She fully expects the fascination and interest she's received to wane once the midnight unmasking occurs... which is why she intends to completely enjoy it while it lasts!

Fremen Shane smiles and dares enough to lean down and whisper, "I think if you're re-eeeally quiet, you can call me by name, acushla... and I promise to keep your secret." There's no way he could kiss her through the mask, but it's intimately close... close enough, in fact, that the blue over the entirety of his eyes is almost eerie. He raises his head and grins, "I've had fun playing 'guess the guest.' I think I know who Jack Skellington is, and I'm pretty sure Edward Scissorhands is one of the Apples from upstate. Thorn danced with a Morticia that I thought was going to turn his brain to jelly... and Ash grabbed me almost immediately. She's having so much fun."

Cygnet giggles happily and nods, "Okay!" She glances over one shoulder as she dances, then grins, "I know who the Edwardian vicar is, and the cowboy sheriff -- though for a second I wondered if it was you! Oh, and I know Charlie Chaplin, and she let slip who the charming Venetian was... though I'm still wondering who Jareth the Goblin King is -- isn't that an awesome costume?!"

Fremen Shane looks around and smiles, "Oh, Sparrow the Priest. That was amazing. The sheriff costume? I had it suggested because there's a Western called Shane." He looks around at the Venetian dancer, and arches a brow, "I've been trying to figure him out. He seems to know everyone and he's dancing with a lot of women. He's being a perfect gentleman too. I thought I knew who he was. Jareth's being... very Jareth-y. Like... if I didn't know David Bowie's dead and was definitely human..."

Cygnet grins mischievously, "Oh, don't you know the Venetian? Like I said, Charlie Chap-" She falls silent partway through her sentence as it suddenly occurs to her: actually, Charlie-Hilde Chaplin didn't say the Venetian was Marcus -- she just said he was very charming! Cygnet's whisper is intrigued, "Ohhh... I think I was wrong!" She tilts her head thoughtfully, then muses, "I wonder if he's Caradog, then? Or... maybe Jaeger?" She mentally reviews the conversation she had with him... then shakes her head, "No, actually... I don't think he's Jaeger. Jaeger acts more like an uncle to me, and he didn't." She pauses, considering a bit more... then laughs and nearly bounces on her toes with excitement, as she dances, "Which means... we still don't know who Marcus is!" Cygnet laughs happily again as she adds, "I'm wondering if maybe the Lion King is Jalil, too, though I haven't danced with him yet -- have you noticed the eye slots are covered with a colored film or something? -- and in that tall, carved-wood African mask, you can't really tell his true height! Plus I love that huge, fluffy, multi-colored mane!"

Fremen Shane feels a bit of a lump in his stomach, and covers it admirably well. He's pretty sure he knows exactly who Marcus is, but he'll abide by the rules of the masquerade and not say. "The Venetian could be Caradog; he seems quite confident enough. Jaeger's definitely here somewhere.. and Jareth is definitely a sidhe -- has to be. Most of the otherworldly, slender ones are likely to be. Though some of them have likely broken character because they're fae and can be capricious..." He swirls Cygnet around and looks at the Lion King, grinning, "It's a gorgeous costume, but I was wondering if that..." and he whirls her again, so she can see another mask that's got a colored eye-covering: a beautifully crafted dragonfly mask with faceted eye coverings, "was him -- for similar reasons. The Lion King would be more his region, though."

"Oooooh!" Cygnet is impressed, "That is a truly gorgeous dragonfly costume!" She grins mischievously as she adds, "I want to dance with everyone tonight, while I'm still Cygnet -- and maybe I'll even figure some of them out!" She laughs as she adds, "Well, I don't think the councilors are necessarily sticking to their regions?"

As the secretly-crushing couple dance beautifully across the dancefloor, Sheriff Elias moves up next to Pirate Thorn and glances around the room. The spurs on his boots jingle a bit, as if he wants to make sure people can hear him. Pirate Thorn can't help but smile to the sheriff. "Evenin', suh," he drawls cheerfully.

Sheriff Elias chuckles, "I love the Davy Jones pirate look." As he's starting to continue, the sad clown/Charlie Chaplin-disguised Hilde comes almost skipping up, giggling. It's hard to hide that energy! With her is a tall, broad-shouldered gentleman who looks extremely stoic -- aside from the twinkling of his eye. He is dressed in attire that could have come from the props department at Disney, prompting Sheriff Elias to drawl, "You actually talked a ljosaelfar into dressing as... ?"

The man speaks, his amused voice surprisingly gentle, "Thor. Yes. I lost a bet." Indeed, the costume is a note-perfect reproduction of the Ragnarok costume, right down to the eye-patch and the flat-top haircut. The man doesn't look precisely like Chris Hemsworth, but is still quite blonde and buff!

Pirate Thorn smiles warmly, "It's a magnificently-done costume, for what it's worth."

The new arrival stands a good four inches taller than anyone else in the little group; he murmurs, "If I was going to have to do it, I insisted on doing it right." He offers a hand, "Love the starfish." He continues, "If I had won the bet, our dear Little Tramp here would have been coming to the party as Pippi Longstocking. I admit, I picked it because she would have pouted about having to be a redhead. She says it does not flatter her skin." The man's accent is gently Nordic.

Thorn shakes the offered hand, "Thank you!" He doesn't ask what the bet was; it would probably be a bit rude! "I hope you're both still enjoying the masquerade."

Elsewhere in the glittering room, Fremen Shane chuckles quietly, "Well, Sparrow is sort of sticking to his purview... or... maybe not. I guess he's gone sort of English, with that Vicar thing... no, you're right; they're not. There were no sheriffs like that in the Balkan st..." He gets turned around enough to see Hilde, Elias, Thorn, and the new arrival -- and snerks.

Cygnet blinks at the snort, turning to glance herself as well... then gives Fremen Shane a puzzled glance, "What's so funny?" She doesn't realize yet that Charlie-Hilde Chaplin's companion is the previously mentioned hold-mate.

Fremen Shane grins, "Hilde told me she won a bet and had a friend coming she wanted me to meet..." He smiles back down at Cygnet -- and blinks because he catches her eyes again, "Wow, you... you're amazing, though."

Cygnet giggles happily, "Thank you again! Yeah, she told me she wanted me to meet him too." She leans towards Fremen Shane before she cheerfully confides in a whisper, "It's an amazing costume, isn't it? Aisling's dressmaker is a miracle worker! In it, I can be someone I'm not -- someone gorgeous!" She cheerfully adds (without the faintest inkling that what she said might seem odd to anyone else), "Let's go meet him, okay? Oh, fair warning for when we're there, okay? I'm hiding my identity by not speaking to folks who don't yet know who I am!"

Before the Fremen can stop Cygnet and correct her -- that she's not being someone else by being gorgeous -- she heads over to the side of the dancefloor... where Thor chuckles, "I'm having a wonderful time. I haven't been this side of the ocean for a while, and Charlie here has been making it quite worthwhile."

"I'm glad, and welcome to this side of the ocean!" Pirate Thorn isn't quite sure who Thor is, but he's comfortable not knowing just yet. He's about to continue speaking, but pauses when he sees Cygnet and the Fremen coming over.

Fremen Shane smiles as he joins the group with Cygnet... whose hand he has conveniently forgotten to stop holding. Charlie-Hilde Chaplin beams, "Here they are! Cygnet, this is my holdmate Thor, that I was telling you about. He's here on serious business, but he's indulging my capriciousness. Thor, this is Cygnet and..." She looks at Fremen Shane and arches a brow.

The Fremen grins and says, "Muad'Dib. Might as well go all-out." Cygnet laughs delightedly as she glances up at Muad'Dib, then grins and holds out her free gloved-hand to Thor. Her eyes are sparkling with happiness, and she drops a polite curtsey. She too, after all, doesn't seem to feel any great need to release Muad'Dib's hand!

Thor takes the Swan Maiden's hand and kisses the knuckles, "Pleasure." He shakes Muad'Dib's hand, "Likewise a pleasure. I hope she's actually been telling people good things." He smiles at Pirate Thorn again, "I like this side of the ocean. I was here... a while back. Things were..." he chuckles, "less crowded then."

Cygnet smiles, recognizing in Thor someone who currently wishes to talk rather than dance. On the other hand, she does need to sit out every third or fourth dance herself as well, to catch her breath... and Muad'Dib is extraordinarily nice to stand next to! So the little Ugly Duckling takes the opportunity to (like Charlie-Hilde Chaplin) people-watch. She wants to know more ways to talk without her voice, after all, and to learn more about flirtation. She's noticed certain voices seem to get people to listen more, curiously enough, and she wants to be able to do that with her voice too. She also wants to figure out just what it is about Cygnet (aside from the costume) which is drawing so much admiring attention!

Thor does indeed seem to have one of those voices that people wish to listen to. It's warm and inviting and has the sort of rhythm that is easy to follow. In fact, he seems like the kind of person whose job might well be speaking. Cygnet idly wonders, as she listens to his lovely voice, what business he's here on. The next council meeting is in Iceland, after all! So this can't be council-related... maybe some kind of business deal? Pirate Thorn has been keeping mostly quiet, also people-watching. Though he is keeping an eye out for Morticia, he's also watching the ebb and flow of the crowd... admiring the costumes and their intricacies. This is a lot more elaborate than every other costume party he's been invited to. "Is this your first visit to Boston?" he asks Thor curiously.

Thor says, "In about... ah... seventy-five? -years. Seventy-five seems right. The cars all look very different. I'm..." he oofs as he gets an elbow in the ribs, "not supposed to talk too much business." Indeed, before they can get any further into business, both Morticia and Jack Skellington arrive. The Pumpkin King asks Cygnet for a dance, while Morticia simply arches a brow at Thorn. Cygnet delightedly accepts -- she's been wondering who Jack Skellington is! Maybe she can figure it out while they dance! Pirate Thorn too needs no further prompting: when Skellington asks Cygnet for a dance, the pirate politely asks Morticia, "May I ask for another dance, ma'am?"

Morticia smiles, "Yes, you may." She nods to the others as she tucks her hand into Thorn's belt, "I'm going to steal him away," then leads him off. That leaves the Little Tramp blinking, and Muad'Dib gives another low, admiring whistle.

Thor murmurs laconically, "He... knows her, yes?"

Sheriff Elias chuckles, "If he doesn't now, she certainly wants him to by the end of the night."

The Pumpkin King's request for a dance was delivered more in gesture and body language, but once they're on the floor the tall, nattily dressed man in the large, head-enveloping mask murmurs, "You're looking very lovely, my dear." Cygnet recognizes the voice immediately! The accent alone would have given him away -- because, as old as he is, Jaeger has never quite been able to smooth the edges of it out of his voice. The Ugly Duckling laughs softly, beaming up at Jack, and flutters her free hand like a fan, at about chest height. She's seen several women do that, so far tonight, and as far as she can tell it signifies the woman's pleasure at some nice thing said by the gentleman. She doesn't speak, though -- both because she's being someone else tonight, and because she's not entirely sure Jack Skellington knows precisely who she is. Heck, she'd wondered momentarily if maybe this was Jalil... since the glowing-eyed pumpkin head would be a perfect disguise for one's own eyes glowing!

Jack Skellington chuckles, though the smile cannot be seen behind the mask, "You are quite the talk of the ball, as well. Several gentlemen seem to be quite taken with you." Including his son. Jaeger is quite well aware of just who he's dancing with -- because he's the one who provided the actual swan mask... and he is playing something of a long game, "I do hope you are enjoying everything?" Cygnet tilts her head, intrigued. She glances around as they dance, then turns up a palm as she looks back at the Pumpkin King: who is he referring to? She grins and nods enthusiastically at his query, however! The Pumpkin King laughs warmly and motions around the room. The Venetian Gentleman, Jareth, and several others she has not yet danced with, "You are a very striking figure, dear... and intriguing."

Cygnet brightens at that, laughing softly, then whispers, "You're so nice! I want to dance with everyone I can before midnight -- it's so much fun to be seen that way!"

Jack leans down to whisper back, "You'll not lack, dear. Just be sort of alluring and alone in the vicinity. I would warn you to be careful who you are near, around midnight, however. There is a tradition of stealing a kiss at the unmasking."

Cygnet blinks, realizing he must know who she is! She grins wryly, whispering, "Aww! You figured me out. What gave me away? Don't tell anyone, please? This is too much fun to lose early!" She's not worried about midnight, naturally -- since she fully expects that whomever she's dancing with then will be quite shocked that it's just plain little Cinnamon, and will be happy to not push the kiss issue.

Pirate Thorn, of course, makes no resistance to being dragged off. He's still not sure who she is -- he thinks she's Athala, but he can't be certain. For the time being it's no matter, though. He simply thoroughly enjoys the dance with her, no matter who she 'really' is. It's a comfortable mindset to slip into, and he considers himself very, very lucky -- not just because of his dance partner, but also, on reflection, for the good friends he's made here. He barely even remembers he's color blind. In fact, with Morticia the color-blindness doesn't actually matter -- since everything about this woman is in greyscale. The hair, the dress, even the nails are black. The mouth is in shadow, but the lipstick itself looks black. She chuckles softly as Pirate Thorn dances with her, "You are a very accommodating partner." She traces a nail tip along the edge of his ear, "Tell me, what do you think of the ball? Of Coblyn? It's so rare to find a human living here."

Pirate Thorn isn't quite able to suppress a shiver at the touch. His estimation of this being Athala (unless she's very, very good at posing the right questions to draw away the thought that it's her -- and he hasn't ruled that out yet!) goes down a little bit... but that just raises more questions. He smiles a little shyly, "Thank you, ma'am. It's certainly hard to say 'no!' I've been enjoying the ball, and Coblyn Street. It feels like home-" He blinks a bit -- that came out unexpectedly! But then he realizes: of course it feels like home. He nods thoughtfully, "Yes... like home. I've been made to feel very welcome, despite being on the mundane side."

Morticia mmms and keeps her eyes on Thorn's face, "Mundane? You're living in the heart of the fae and the wildlings, and you say you're mundane? I'd say you underestimate yourself..." The fingertip comes to tap on his bottom lip, "Most humans would run mad."

Pirate Thorn can't resist kissing the fingertip, his eyes never leaving hers, "Thank you, ma'am. I'm always finding myself surrounded by the most fascinating people."

Elsewhere on the dancefloor, Jack laughs softly, "My dear Cygnet, I would not tell a soul! I know only because I helped to procure your mask. I have not even told my son... and I won't tell you who he is, either. I warned you about the kiss in case there's someone in particular you'd like to be dancing with at that time." The smile is audible in his voice as he adds, "I am very happy to see you finally feeling as lovely as you actually are."

Cygnet beams up at Jaeger, abruptly feeling almost overcome with emotion. She was right -- Jaeger really is an awesome uncle-type! Impulsively, as the dance ends, she throws her arms around him in a tight hug, whispering, "Thank you so much, Jae- Jack... for everything you've done for me!"

Jaeger hugs the little Swan Maid back tightly, laughing his warm, affectionate laugh, "You are very welcome, Cygnet." The hug barely has time to finish before the Lion King, in his flaring, multi-colored mane, comes to claim a dance. It's going to be a whirl if this keeps up!

As it turns out, Cygnet is actually quite delighted to get caught up in the whirl of dancing! She tries to suss out who the Lion King is as they dance -- is her guess about it being Jalil correct? He likely is, just from the color and warmth of his skin. Also, he flirts in Jalil's playful and joyous way: none of the innuendo of Jareth, but much complimentary teasing about her beauty. He also teases about hunting swans despite them being fierce birds. The African accent is very familiar, as well... so even were she not sure at the beginning, Cygnet is almost certain by the dance's end. After that, Charlie-Hilde Chaplin's friend Thor asks for a dance. She doesn't know it, but as time passes, Cygnet's dancing grows more fluidly lovely, in synch with her increasing confidence and joy. She's cheerfully trying out various bits of flirtation as well -- a stroking palm touch here with this gentleman, a light tickle of her gloved fingertips on the earlobe of that gentleman... leaning in warmly during this dance, and winking mischievously on that one... to her, this is an amazing, glorious, transformative night!

By the time three hours have passed Cinnamon has danced with everyone she wished to -- some of them several times -- and even had to gently admonish two gentlemen who were getting a bit shirty with one another over who was next going to squire her around the floor. Cygnet grins to herself, remembering the incident. The two young men had started glaring and growling at each other -- something Cygnet has seen young men do often with Candi -- and she had no intention of allowing it to disrupt the beautiful evening for everyone! So she'd flicked open her fan and shaken it lightly between both their masked faces. When they'd blinked, paused, and glanced at her, she'd pointed between them both, then held out one gloved hand -- first in a fist, then flat and palm down, and then palm down but with the first two fingers extended. The fact that she was suggesting they play rochambeau for the honor of the dance had actually struck both fae young men as amusing, and caused them both to laugh. The loser had taken his loss in good part, as his rock lost to paper, and bowed to Cygnet as he courteously claimed the next dance with her. Also amusing -- though not visible to anyone there -- was Cygnet's assumption that the argument was more about status! She had no idea whatsoever that they were, in fact, arguing over her.

By the time midnight nears, Cygnet is fairly certain the Venetian Gentleman is actually a gealsidhe visiting from Caradog's trod -- while Caradog himself is the magnificent Avatar she'd greatly admired. She's also gotten a dance with Sheriff Elias, and even Mad Hatter Josie took her friend out for a whirl! Further, the so-teasingly flirtatious Jareth is -- Cygnet is (again) almost certain -- Marcus! He's been very flatteringly teasing and attentive through a handful of dances with her, through the night... and Muad'Dib too has been sure to steal her away every few songs. In fact, as midnight approaches, Muad'Dib gets anxious -- he very much wants to make sure he's the one dancing with Cygnet as the bell tolls for midnight! His worry that he might have to compete with the Goblin King is starting to show up as a justified concern.

Marcus -- the Goblin King -- has been greatly enjoying his flirtation with the woman in the Swan Princess outfit, and she really is very lovely in that dress. He has a few suspicions about who it could be, but tonight is a masquerade -- and it's Samhain! -- and he's feeling all the subtle tugging of his nature. The connection he's feeling with her feels quite genuine... and so he decides he wants to be the one she's dancing with at unmasking! As midnight approaches, the Pumpkin King (Jaeger) has arranged things carefully. He is aware his son is intrigued by forbidden fruit, but he also knows that Cygnet -- no matter what happens tonight -- will likely pull a Cinderella on his son: even if he gets his kiss, she'll scamper off! When she does, the canny elder elf knows whose arms she will scamper into, as well, since it's wildly obvious to anyone looking. Those particular arms belong to a tall, noble, protective half-beansidhe -- the one even now working his way toward her from one side of the room... as Marcus works his way toward her from another point.

Jaeger's eyes twinkle behind the Pumpkin King mask -- he can see Marcus is moving just a little more easily through the crowd! The Goblin King will reach Cygnet a mere step or two sooner... and then a brightly smiling Gogo Girl seems to materialize out of nowhere in front of the Goblin King, stopping his progress by a second or three! Cygnet, meanwhile, is glancing around thoughtfully, considering who she should ask... oooh, there's Muad'Dib! Recklessly she decides: yes, she is going to risk it! After all, Muad'Dib knows who's behind the mask... so if he really didn't want to be there, he wouldn't be! She beams hopefully as the tall figure approaches, almost tentatively holding out her gloved hand -- would he... maybe like to dance?

Nearby, the Goblin King doesn't stumble, but he does stop a little suddenly -- then smiles roguishly down at the Gogo Girl, "Why, aren't you the bright flower in this dangerous garden tonight." Inwardly he curses as he sees Muad'Dib reach Cygnet, and accept her gloved hand.

This time, however, the Fremen kisses Cygnet's hand while also keeping his eyes on hers -- there's nothing at all tentative in his gesture! As a result, Cygnet completely misses the marvelous intrigue occurring behind her! Instead she blinks down at her hand, feeling a flush across her (fortunately mask-concealed) cheeks... and then she looks up at Muad'dib with shining eyes, and beams... then daringly whispers, "Y-you know this is the midnight dance, yes?"

Gogo Girl Aisling's golden eyes glint with every evidence of flirtation as she says playfully, "I have always wanted to dance with the Goblin King. The clock won't strike thirteen, but I do promise you a kiss at the unmasking. I'm told I'm quite good at kissing..." She is flirting -- the kiss she'll give Marcus/Jareth will probably curl his toes -- but a kiss is all he's going to get from her.

Nearby, Muad'Dib whispers back, "I know." He grins, his heart beating a little fast as he adds, "I planned it that way!" He straightens and slides his arm around her waist, holding her other hand in his; he knows this is not a 'proper dance frame'! He's been handling Cygnet with metaphorical kid gloves, after all... but about an hour ago both Sheriff Elias and Gogo Girl Aisling essentially told him that if he didn't at least try to kiss Cygnet at midnight, they would box his ears for him! Cygnet blinks up at Muad'Dib, her eyes a little wide with shocked delight -- such that she completely misses her tiny, adorable squeak at that comment! A moment later she blinks again, looking down at the dance pose... and so hopes that it's a waltz!

Seconds later the lovely, swirling music begins... and Cygnet sighs happily and relaxes -- it is indeed a waltz! As the two of them swing easily into the smooth three-beat steps, she beams up at Muad'Dib again... then brightens, "Oh! Oh, I know this one!" Could this be any more perfect a night?! Her sparkling eyes are warm and delighted -- almost wondering -- on Muad'Dib's, as she softly sings along with the lovely music, "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream! I know you, that gleam in your eye is so familiar, it seems...!"

Elsewhere, the Goblin King blinks behind his mask, somewhat taken by surprise. He'd mostly thought the Gogo Girl was just going to impede him... but a kiss? Even if it's just a kiss? He's quite willing to accept that! After all, Aisling is beautiful and her skills as a lover are well-known. He may have been stymied in his pursuit of Cygnet... but that just means he can enjoy the chase a bit longer! "How can I say no?" He takes Gogo Girl Aisling's hand and leads her onto the floor. She grins impishly at him and -- to her surprise -- actually finds herself enjoying the dance.

Elsewhere, Muad'Dib laughs warmly and hums along as Cygnet sings the Disney song from Cinderella. He doesn't say the cheesy, silly thing about being happy to be her Prince Charming, though... instead he just holds her close -- like she's something precious and lovely and delightful -- and does his best to make this the most wonderful and magical dance of the night for her. As they revolve gracefully around the floor with the other dancers, the lights lower and change, colors rotating through the spectrum and washing shades of chromatic beauty over them all. As the last minute approaches, the sounds of a ticking clock begin to supercede the music, and the light begins to brighten again. The last few ticks are quite loud -- and then a bell begins to toll. As the first tone reverberates through the room, someone cries out, "Unmask! Unmask!" Around the room, people are laughing and cheering and starting to take off their masks.

Cygnet laughs as well, glancing around with everyone else as the dancing couples pause... then laughs again at the tolling bell! She grins up at Muad- no, wait, it's Shane now, right! She feels so... so nice tonight, even though she won't be Cygnet any more -- warm and safe and... and right, here with Shane! She's still laughing softly as she lifts the large mask up and off, over her head... then beams up at Shane. Her eyes are alight with joy, and her scarlet hair tumbles down in a soft tumble over one sparkling, silver-clad shoulder, once the hair pins come away with the mask, "Happy Halloween, Shaney!"

Shane smiles down at Cinnamon, "Happy Samhain, acushla." Then -- because he made a promise, because he doesn't want to get slapped upside the head, but mostly because he's wanted to do it for a very long time now -- he takes Cinnamon's face in his hands and leans down. He lets her see he's doing it, so she can run if she wants... but he tips his head and sweetly, firmly, warmly kisses her. It lasts for the space of a couple of heartbeats before he raises his head again and looks into her eyes, "You are beautiful. Not just tonight. Every night."

Cinnamon's eyes get very large as Shane leans close, and her thoughts are a tumbling whirl: he's -- he's going to... to kiss her?! No, wait, that's silly -- or... does she have... what... something her teeth, and he's going to whisper to her about it so she's not embarrassed or- or... whoa, maybe this is a ki-... Her thoughts cut off at that point, however -- she's completely overwhelmed with the sheer, amazing, astonishing, honestly rather unexpected... [KISS OHMYGOSH HE'S KISSING ME he's kissing ME HE's kiss- oh my go-oooosh!!] Her eyes remain closed as he straightens, and she's completely still for a few heartbeats... until it registers that he spoke to her, and her eyes slowly open. She feels rather dazed, in fact, "Uhh... huh?"

Shane smiles, but resists the urge to chuckle at how adorable she is -- he doesn't want her to think he's laughing at her, "I said you're beautiful. Every night. Not just tonight. You look amazing in that dress, and the corset is definitely something you should wear again... but you are beautiful every night." Then he does it again -- another kiss, sweet and warm and soft. He's not trying to make out with her -- he doesn't know with 100% certainty what her experience is -- but he wants this to be romantic, not salacious. Cinnamon sighs happily, still a bit dazed as she's kissed again. Shane is so... so nice to her! She's not entirely sure why, but... well, she's really happy about it? She suspects she'll have to sit out the remainder of the dances on this evening, since people won't be interested now they know she's just Cinnamon... but this is sure a lovely closer on the dancing, she thinks! Maybe she can talk Shane into one last dance too?

Across the room, Jaeger watches the gentle kisses, and amusedly thinks, "It's about time that happened!" Aisling is distracting Marcus admirably for the first kiss Cinnamon receives... but the young gealsidhe sees the second one. He is self-contained enough not to gnash his teeth, but he does find himself thinking that he needs to step up his game!

By this point, of course, Cinnamon's brain is starting to come back on line... and, unfortunately, that includes her inner critic -- which means she's also starting to panic. If Shane kissed her, then... does that mean he's going to leave soon? In her (terribly limited) personal experience, once friends become lovers, they break up! She fervently does not wish that to happen with Shane -- he's her very first real, true friend! She's simply got to stop this kissing thing -- or it will all go bad! In the fractions of a second it takes for those thoughts to flash through her brain, she also realizes how she can maybe fix things if she can somehow distract him. But what should she... ah!

Cinnamon smiles hastily up at Shane, fervently praying she doesn't babble as she (pretty much) babbles, "Oh! M-mask -- dress! Gotta tell the Venetian Gentleman who my d-d-dressmaker is but since I don't know who I should ask Aisling to tell him because it was her dressmaker uhh where is she ah!" Cinnamon's heart is pounding with anxiety, and her voice is unwittingly getting faster and faster as all her words sort of run together, "There she is let's go see her okay oh look there's Marcus too-" She whirls to head for Aisling and Marcus, still chattering nervously, "D-didn't Aisling look cute oh and wasn't Marcus a fabulous Goblin King wasn't this an absolutely wonderful- hi there Aisling could you do me a favor please and tell the Venetian Gentleman who your dressmaker is he wanted to know who made my dress after midnight?" She draws in a huge gasp of air, after getting all those words out as fast as she can!

Shane is smiling down at Cinnamon, feeling relieved he finally just did the damn thing and maybe things will... and then there's something like a record scratch in the moment, as the little dragon goes from apparently enjoying being kissed to scurrying off... toward Aisling. And Marcus. Who danced with her several times. And was dressed as. Fucking. Goddamned. Jareth. And looked good dressed that way. Even Shane's mum had a crush on Jareth, and she knew better! He takes a deep breath, pulls on his best calm and affable face and follows along.

Marcus is standing with Aisling; when he sees Cinnamon flee from Shane like her tail was on fire, he manages not to smirk too obviously... but he is grinning when the little dragon-Swan Princess scampers over and begins chattering. Aisling herself blinks, because she was dead certain Cinnamon and Shane would now either be dancing again, or quietly talking in some out-of-the-way place now that the ice was broken. Instead she says with only the slightest hint of confusion, "I'll let him know, though I'm quite certain if he was commenting on the dress, it was a way to flirt with you, dearling. Just like half of the rest of the men here. Isn't that right, Shane?"

Marcus smiles, "Who could blame him? You look divine tonight, Cinnamon. The red of your hair looks brilliant against all of that white."

Shane (who is normally almost implacable) almost stares daggers at Marcus, over the top of Cinnamon's head... then he rests a hand gently -- very gently, very carefully, and not at all pushily or grabbily -- on Cinnamon's shoulder, "Yes. She looks beautiful. Just like she always does. Like she always has. And always will."

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Marcus. What did he just say?! He said she looked... 'divine'?! Her eyes narrow slightly in thought: huh! She'd not realized she had anything Marcus wanted! Okay, no problem... she'll just have to be careful to keep him at a cautious distance. He's so freakin' cute! -- just like Shane is! -- but unlike Shane, Cinnamon doesn't trust him as much as she does her first friend. She should be polite, though, right... so she smiles courteously and drops a quick curtsey, "You're too kind, Marcus. Thank you!" After that she sighs slightly as she glances around. She wishes they hadn't had to take their masks off -- because she's all restless now, and still feels like dancing!

Shane feels the tension in Cinnamon and says quietly, "Acushla? Do you want to dance again?" His voice is... Shane. The concerned, gentle, protective paladin. Her friend.

Marcus smiles, "And if you do, I'd like the next after Shane. You really do look lovely, and the lessons have paid off. I'm glad Father had me partner you." Aisling is watching this little byplay and considering trying to signal someone else to swoop in and ask Cinnamon to dance... because she knows what the dragon doesn't: this is definitely not the end of the dancing!

Cinnamon nearly gasps in relief, "Oh! Yes! Awesome-" she seizes Shane's hand and almost whirls for the floor, "-more dancing, yes please!"

Elsewhere, Morticia has edged Thorn off toward a quiet area before removing her mask. Behinds the white leather, the face is indeed familiar. Why on earth Athala wouldn't have warned him she was coming down for the ball, only she would know, but sidhe aren't known for their lack of caprice. Thorn's quiet smile is genuine as he bows, murmuring, "Welcome to Boston, my Lady." He feels somehow relieved, though he couldn't put a finger on why.

Athala smiles and strokes the side of Thorn's face, "If I were human, I would apologize for making your heart race so. Thank you for the welcome."

"Nothing to apologize for, my Lady," Thorn says warmly, tilting his head into the touch. "I enjoyed -- and still do enjoy -- it. May I ask, if you may say, what brings you to Coblyn Street?"

Athala replies, "There have been a lot of important goings-on, and I want your take on them. I asked you to stay here to be my eyes and ears, after all." She's also curious because it has gotten back to her, in her own quiet and secret ways, that there may be something... unusual... about her liegeman.

Thorn nods, "Oh, there have been, my Lady." He pauses, then adds dryly, "Quite a great many things, actually... what would you like to know?"

Athala smiles, "Find us somewhere to sit quietly. Tell me your thoughts on the people you've fallen in with."

Thorn nods, "Certainly!"

Elsewhere, Shane slides an arm around Cinnamon and guides her back toward the dancefloor, leaving Aisling and Marcus behind. Cinnamon calms down once they're dancing -- it's not kissing, so it surely can't be the beginning of the end of their relationship, which means it's safe now -- whew! Since she's been critiqued and criticized all her life -- including, unfortunately, by herself as well -- it simply doesn't occur to her that her thoughts are both absurd, and even unfair to Shane. She's simply desperate to maintain this relationship that's become so terribly important to her!

After they depart, Aisling arches a brow at Marcus, "Yes?"

Marcus grins, "That didn't quite go the way you expected, did it?"

The slender beansidhe wryly replies, "Either ask me to dance or go be smug somewhere else, Marcus." He chooses the former, laughing, because he's in a good mood.

Out on the dance floor, Shane smiles quietly down at Cinnamon, "She's right, you know. Comments about your dressmaker are code for how good the dress looks on you." He's good at acting like everything's fine; everything's just hunky-dory. He still cares about her just as much as before -- and he would never change how he behaved simply because she doesn't reciprocate.

Cinnamon blinks up at Shane, "Oh, dear -- it is? I hope he wasn't insulted by my reaction, then!" She considers for a few seconds... then grins shyly up at Shane again, "Well, I guess it was a really good idea to not speak, then, as Cygnet!"

Shane chuckles, "I don't think anyone tonight was insulted by you, acushla." [Even me,] he thinks to himself.

Cinnamon smiles quietly at that, "Hope not. I really had a wonderful night!" She grins almost teasingly up at Shane as she adds, "Thanks for dancing with me even after the mask came off, too!"

Shane replies quietly, "Acushla, I would happily dance with you every night, mask or no mask." He takes a deep breath and makes himself back off. The flirting and the kisses scared her, "After tonight, I'm quite sure you'll have no shortage of people asking you for dances on other nights."

Cinnamon laughs relaxedly at that -- she thinks Shane is being so sweet! She dances very happily with him, and gives him an impulsively exuberant hug once the music concludes, "Eeee, that was so much fun!" She has no idea what Shane is thinking, so she also doesn't realize what... confusingly mixed messages she may be giving! Instead she links arms with Shane as they start strolling towards the sidelines, her voice low and amused, "Whatcha want to bet Marcus has changed his mind already, eh?"

Shane smiles wryly, "No... no, I don't think he will have, acushla. Marcus may be sidhe, but he's not that capricious."

Indeed, Marcus approaches them as they reach the edge of the floor, blue eyes twinkling. He looks incredibly good as Jareth, even without the mask. He went so far as to shape his brows into the high arches, and to do the eye makeup, "Cinnamon? Would you still like to dance with the Goblin King? Or are you leery now that you know it's me?"

Cinnamon looks a bit surprised again, pushing up her glasses as she studies Marcus for a moment... then she grins at Shane, "Huh! You were right, Shaney!" She laughs and does a polite curtsey again, "I'd be delighted, and thank you, Marcus!"

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Last modified: 2019-Jun-12 19:53:32

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