Return of the Dämmerung Royal Ball (Open to all)

[Kyros Forthe]

The Dämmerung Royal ball has been a story of legend. It accounted how the world leaders, heroes of the lands, and amazing people have all come the ball in celebration of peace, unity, and overall positive feelings for the planet. The ball wasn't held since the Nachtundtag battle almost a year and a half ago destroyed major sections of the city. Now, all of the city has been rebuilt, and the ballroom where this was held was even more magnificent than before.
"Alright, this looks good." Kyros said as he got his royal clothes all on. This was his official first appearance as being the ruling prince of Crepusculum, so he had to look good in front of the heroes, to make his ideal for peace without death an existence,, "Let us begin the ball!"
The guards opened the door, and let nobles, heroes, and foreign leaders come into the ballroom for the Dämmerung Royal ball.

[Benjamin Kírix-Unda]

As the doors opened Benjamin, dressed in way so the colors of his clothes matched the Undian flag, stepped into the room astounded by the wide open ballroom and the extravagant design. It seemed like the marble flooring was shined to perfection, so much to the fact that he hoped dearly that he would not scratch or dirty up the hard work.

What was more assuring was the fact that Crepusculum was getting back onto its feet, he eagerly wished to meet the ruling Prince. He wanted to judge his character and attitude, would he be one to further Undian national interest and halt them? Benjamin would soon be able to tell.

[alexanderthegreat]

"Ah, the Dämmerung ball, I missed you...not."

Alexander spoke quietly as the carriage he and Zeke had been riding in came to a stop in front of Crepusculum's castle, staring at it analytically and trying to piece together what had changed since he'd last been here and what had not. Zeke remembered the castle well enough on the outside, nostalgic feelings (good and bad) coming back to him from when the former queen was still in power.

"I thought you liked parties, sire," Zeke playfully nudged Alexander in the seat beside him, his actions being responded to by a bored look on Alexander's face and an overly-dramatic sigh.

"I missed the last one as I'd taken a voluntary, temporary leave of my position as prince of Santo-Luce and also cared not for another disappointing year of being forced to dance with clumsy daughters of rich--foreign--lords," Alexander threw his hands sarcastically around like his voice as he emphasized how 'important' it was he impress men from another country so they want their daughters to marry him, "this year will be much different, though...my father isn't here!"

And that last part he said almost too cheerfully. Despite living with the king for somewhat over a year now Zeke couldn't say yet whether or not he fully understood the relationship Alexander had with his father--some most days Alexander spoke bitterly of the old man. Other times he was a bit sensitive about it, though supposedly only he and Holmes had ever witnessed this sensitivity from the young blond man.

Regardless, Zeke shrugged the comments off and leaped out the door, steady hand held out to help the king to the ground safely with a big smile.

"Well then let's get on with it, shall we?"

"Brilliant idea, Sir Zeke!" Alexander cheerfully announced as he was helped out of the carriage and made his way towards the castle entrance, "now make sure you watch carefully so I make it there safely!"

"Oh, your majesty, you know I just can't take my eyes off you," Zeke chuckled and Alexander grinned widely.

"It's almost like you get paid to do it or something."

"If I do, it sure doesn't feel like work. I'll work overtime every day if you ask of it," Zeke shot a mischievous grin at Alexander which grew as the king's eyes met his but his voice remained silent. Alexander tried to put on his best 'I see what you're doing and I don't care' attitude by flipping his hair back and speeding up his march to the door, overly confident waving servants and commoners out of his way and semi-announcing once he stepped inside...

"Santo-Luce is in!"

[Andy Jammer]

"I hate this goddamn ball." Andy said to himself, arms folded, eyes narrowed. "The first one wasn't fun, and do NOT get me started on that disaster of a ball Zelos hosted..."

"You're a party killer," Leah told him, taking a sip of a drink. Andy didn't feel like fighting her today so he scoffed.

"You haven't been in Allorum long enough to know: something always happens."

[Xïza Tyrmond]

After some of the guest came in, there was a parting of the people to let the king of Ketulunanox, King Xiza Tyrmond through. He walked into the party, to show that there was no ill-will to the kingdom, since the battle. Still, as he walked, people backed away from the intimidating man that was once their enemy.

[Kyros Forthe]

Kyros stood as he met with some of the other lords and ladies of Crepusculum, when Xiza Tyrmond came in. "Tsk, why is he here?" He said accidentally a little loud, so that people behind him, Andy and Leah heard him.

[glitters]

"Oh Andy, just as bitter as ever at a dance when you're really the lucky one..."

Jasmine's voice was soft and playful as she snuck up on Andy and Leah with hair let down out of her usual braid. She wore a simple, blue dress with a light shawl overtop (she preferred to keep covered up as much as possible) and smiled.

"...you're the man who at least has someone who wants to share a dance with him."

[alexanderthegreat]

Regardless of Xisa's intention, Alexander still considered him an enemy. Upon seeing the man show up shortly after him, Alexander raised an eyebrow and unlike most of the guests he didn't cower or step aside, though he wasn't feeling particularly up to socializing with him either.

It was something Alexander didn't entirely get yet, someone who could do horrendous things in their life--pure evil if anything--and just get away with it, hit a reset button and act like nothing happened. It didn't sit well with him. Zeke's odd ideals consisted of "hey, even bad guys can change their act" but Alexander found it a lot harder to forgive.

He made no motion to speak with Xisa, though stood off to the side already with a glass of the finest whatever the servant brought him (it tasted of raspberry and was alcoholic, which was a recipe for awesome in Alexander's eyes) and observed the king and scanned the room. He could already spy out Benjamin, and whom he presumed to be the heir to Crepusculum's throne. And out of the commoners stood that ugly fire-headed kid and two beautiful girls by his side. Really? It just didn't make sense.

[Benjamin Kírix-Unda]

"From one party to another, hm?" Benjamin said as he approached Alexander from behind, not a month ago had he been in Unda for a celebration marking Santo-Lucian and Undian formal ties. He was happy to see the King, it was good to see a friendly face in a crowd of strangers.

"I have to admit, Crepusculum knows how to throw a party. This place is crowded with people."

[alexanderthegreat]

Alexander grinned at Benjamin.

"I do have to say, sir, it wouldn't do much good for our agreed-upon goals for me to not show up at an event such as this. It is a time of peace, a time of getting to know each other better, a time to strengthen bonds," Alexander's passionate speech ended abruptly as a finely-dressed young woman walked past him with a smile, "and a time to dance with the most gorgeous women the world's ever seen. I love Crepusculum."

"The king's priorities change as the weather does here," Zeke cut in playfully, though the look he gave Alexander was one that the young king recognized as a warning sign. Alexander was left with the choice of not having fun at the ball by standing around acting like his stuffy old father, or doing what he did best at social gatherings.

You already know what he chose.

As he downed his drink--old informal habits from his 'party-crashing' days when he wanted to annoy his father--Alexander gave Benjamin a wink.

"Mostly about business I am, but who do you think taught Crepusculum how to throw a party, Mr. President? Someone has to keep these ladies entertained, afterall."

[Kouichi - Yami No Kuro Raion]

Kouichi fidgeted, again wearing an outfit hand-picked for him by the Queen herself, and getting the feeling that he was again wearing something that was worth more than his house back home.

Which he was. But don't tell him that.

A black surcoat made of soft cloth like none he'd ever felt before hung over a blue shirt of a light, airy silk, tying around the sides with leather strips that were edged with gold. Black pants tucked into high, black leather boots.

He felt like he was at a costume party, and his ears twitched, lying back against his head as he looked nervously around for someone, anyone, he could talk to.

'Just relax and have fun,' Lady Elexa had said. 'I'll likely be arriving fashionably late so mingle a while before I show up, hmm?'

He sighed.

Mingle. Right.

[Alex of Santo-Luce]

Alex's wings shuffled against his back, on display because it fit the image of Santo-Luce, having an angel for Alexander's bodyguard. And, of course, the King was ever about image. He sighed and smiled, shaking his head as he finished his patrol of the room.

He'd've preferred to be unobtrusive, but a large part of a grand ball was, after all, being seen there. So his gold-bordered white tabard hung over a crimson silk shirt and black pants tucked into gold-trimmed white boots, making him absolutely, completely, one hundred percent see-able.

Not to mention his wings. Which stuck out almost as much as the nervous Nerezzan Hero's ears and tail did.

He came back to Alexander's side and gave him a smile.

"DOn't have too much fun, milords. I'm not strong enough to carry you both home."

[Benjamin Kírix-Unda]

"Well I too am here for business," Benjamin agreed. His goals were probably pretty similar to each other, for their both of their nations had a new foreign policy and he planned to make it pretty clear tonight. This required the Prince's assistance, though.

"If you would excuse me..." he nodded as Alex (guard) approached, "I have some work to attend to..."

He stepped past some people and approached the Prince, "Excuse me, my Lord..."

[glitters]

In the crowd Jasmine recognized another face, one she hadn't seen in awhile.

"Mr...Kouichi, right? I apologize, the last name escapes me," Jasmine moved to speak to the cat boy. She had a lot of catching up to do with him, though she couldn't say she knew him too well to begin with, which was a shame as she always thought of him to be a nice, well-mannered young man.

Which really confused her as to why he'd have hooked up with such an angry, reckless red-head. It just didn't make sense, what kind of sweet, soft-spoken sane person feel any kind of attraction for someone so obtrusive and violent? Of course she'd never do that, no way.

[alexanderthegreat]

Zeke laughed.

"I won't be having too much fun, I have a job to do--protecting his majesty is top priority," he said loudly but then lowered his voice so only both Alexes could hear him, "I do know my priorities, though."

Alexander's eyes narrowed to give a pouting look at Zeke as he also lowered his own voice and said, "I have an image to uphold, Sir Omoihake. I'm sure you'll understand." The two exchanged subtle daggers through eye contact but were both soon back to grinning widely as though nothing had just happened.

"Let's go mingle, shall we, gentlemen?" Alexander said as he turned his gaze back out to the floor.