• Closed • Good Impressions

[Olivia Warrick]

Cylus 13th
The Winter Ball
7:00 to 7:30 PM

OOC Note

A spinoff thread from the Masquerade Ball, starting here: /viewtopic.php ... =20#p34224 with Andraska Venora

“As opposed to backwards? If I wasn’t forward, this would all be very dull in my opinion.” Olivia had to respond to Andraska, a sly smile on her lips. He’s got a lovely voice. She couldn’t help but notice. That wasn’t the only thing she noticed, however. Her eyes were stuck staring into his as the male in front of her dropped into a low, formal bow. It almost made her feel bad that she had not given one herself. Almost.

Even so, she smiled at the contact of his hand, his gloved thumb soothing against her bare, cool hands. “Oh I don’t know… I’m pretty bad at names, and I must get it from my parents. I’d name my daughter Elodesia, Elodie for short. It’s just pompous enough to fit for royalty, just cute enough that she wouldn’t be teased if she went by Elodie. Then, for a boy… Lazarus. After my cousin, Lazuli. We’d call him Laz. Or Lassie, if we wanted to mercilessly tease the boy. If we wanted a name fitting for both genders… Mavis.” Thinking up random names for future children was amusing to Olivia- though she realized perhaps that was taking the mocking of her parents wishes a bit too far. “But, I jest.” Her mother would scold her, after all, for frightening the noble with talk of children when they had just barely met! Though it's different if she does it with Baroness Venora...

Her eyes were drawn, however, to the bird companion that Andraska seemed to have. At first she had almost considered it to be a prop, perched on his mask like it was, until it moved to his shoulder. Olivia’s eyes widened, and it was only because Andraska was holding her hand that she didn’t reach out on instinct. “Ah but it appears you’re already a proud parent. Does it have a name?” She asked, gazing curiously at the bird.

As music started for a dance, her attention was stolen as she was pulled into a twirl, stumbling slightly in her heels as he guided her to the dance floor. Moving herself to be in a better position for a dance, Olivia smile as she looked up at Andraska, peering at him through her own mask.

“Whose behalf are you making the impression for- yours, or your parents?” She asked, smirking slightly. It was, in her opinion, a reasonable question.

The song that began was one for a faster paced dance, a quick step of sorts. Many other couples flooded onto the dance floor, but Olivia kept her focus on Andraska, giving his hand a light squeeze. She enjoyed dancing but too often had she skipped out on her mother’s dance lessons, more interested in fishing with her dear cousin Lei’lira, or playing with her little sister, Vivian.

Her nervousness at dancing showed in her expression, and as the dance begun she had to admit, “Apologies in advance for stepped on toes. Not all noble ladies are as graceful as we seem.” Still, she followed his lead, not willing to give up. If she could get the rhythm of the dance, Olivia was sure she’d be just fine.

Common ✦ Draketh

[Andráska Venora]

13th of Cylus, 716

Elodesia. Lazarus. Mavis.

After her extensive collection of names, Andras was surprised, but couldn't help the laugh that bounced from his chest, “Pompous enough for royalty, huh?” he thought her names creative, and from her tone, he assumed her talk was just an empty fantasy, he smiled, “What of my name? Is it pompous?” Andras twisted his body to face her and pulled her closer, placing a hand on her hip and re-situating their hands, “Sorry, love. I don't think I'll mercilessly tease my children. In fact,” he stepped forward, patiently waiting for her to step back in response, “I imagine I would love them very much, which is why I would never name one of them Elodesia.”

His voice was light and playful, and she had begun to stare at his mask, and in particular his pet bird. He followed her movements, watching the expression on her face shift as she admired his companion. He could spot the interest in her eyes and he hummed, “I am,” he admitted, slowing down, despite the speed of the song. He released her, his hands dropping from her bodice and one lifting to hold out a finger by his face. Andras could not see his pet, but he felt the creature shift its weight, stepping carefully along the pointy perches of his mask, and finally he felt the small talons wrap around his forefinger. “This...”

Andráska lifted Olivia's hand and molded her hand so that it was pointing, and brought it to his, whistling at the avian affectionately in hopes to coax the tiny bird onto the girl's finger, “...is Pride.” The baby sigh seemed unsure, glancing between him and Olivia Warrick, extending a foot to tentatively touch her fingertip, and just when it looked like he was going to shuffle over, he hopped away and to the safety of Andras' wrist. Andras smiled at the little bird. He couldn't fly yet and often snuggled up to him for warmth. It looked like he wasn't quite ready to leave his side, “He's a little shy,” The noble shrugged apologetically before letting the idea drop and returning Pride to his mask, “Named him Pride 'cause...Ya know. Supposed to be a parent's pride and joy? I just haven't found Joy yet.” Suddenly the reasoning seemed a bit foolish. He had never had to explain it to anyone before.

They glided across the dance floor, Olivia stumbling and Andras trying to think of an answer to her questioning, “My family controls Venora, but they have never been able to control me,” he picked up his pace, trying to dance with the music, yet his body seemed to move on its own. It was a silly made up quick step, and he glanced down at their steps, making a game of dodging Olivia's foot with his equally clumsy feet, “I would say the arrangement was their idea, but this impression is entirely my wish. It's good that you're not that graceful, otherwise I would be far too intimidated,” he extended their arms, creating space between them and then pulled her back towards him. Her foot scuffed against the toe of his shoe and he grinned, a light chuckle leaving his lips, “How am I doing so far?”

[Olivia Warrick]

Was it? Olivia had to think on this for a moment. Andraska Venora certainly was a mouthful of the name. But it was a strong name… graceful, but strong. Fitting of the man who so effortlessly guided her, pulling her closer. As she followed his lead, stepping back when he stepped forward, she glanced up to meet his gaze and responded softly, in a much more serious tone than before. “No. I think… it’s a perfect name. A child can be given any name- but so few grow into them. I think you have… Andraska.” She gave him a brief smile before going back to being light, by commenting, “My name is an eloquent way to say olive. For whatever reason, my parents named me after fruit.” Despite this, Olivia was glad for Andraska being a good sport and playing along. Even more so, she liked his answer. I would love my children, too.

Olivia was surprised as Andraska’s dancing slowed, her own movements slowing to match. Her breath caught as he guided her hand to his, knowing from the position that he was trying to coax the baby bird onto her finger. Suddenly nervous, Olivia found herself wide eyed as Andraska introduced the tiny thing. Her expression very quickly warmed, melting into a grin as Pride retreated to Andraska’s wrist. “He’s… wonderful.” She breathed, her eyes shifting into a bright blue- happy. “Did you truly raise him yourself? It’s… It’s not a hobby many nobles keep- raising birds, that is.” Even so, Olivia’s smile didn’t faze as he explained his reasoning behind the name. “Pride is very fitting for a name… It shows you cared enough to put the thought into it. Most people would name their pets something utterly ridiculous.”

The Lady from Warrick found herself wishing she could have spent more time admiring the bird, but alas the dance continued, and Olivia was swept away with it. She did stumble to keep up, more than once almost falling into Andraska as they moved, a rosy blush on her cheeks as her eyes shifted back to the gold they’d been before. It was a strange balance- glancing down constantly to watch her footwork while simultaneously trying to keep eye contact with Andraska. His words made her smile- again- and she found herself wondering if she could say the same of herself. Nobility comes with certain freedoms… and lacks others. People often claim to be free, but is that true? Am I? Is Andraska as free from the will of his parents as he claims? It’s such a confusing game we nobles play.

“You, intimidated? Hard to imagine.” Olivia responded, only to wince a moment later as her foot made contact with his. Knew that would happen at some point. Instead of apologizing, Olivia looked up at Andraska as he asked how he was doing. She thought about teasing him some more, perhaps responding with a coy, “I haven’t decided yet.” or finding a way to avoid telling him. Instead, her voice was genuine.

“Well… You are not… disappointing. You’ve yet to yell or flinch at me for my horrid dancing, either, which is a plus. Overall you’re… very charming. I’d say you’ve started with a great first impression… but that you have a long way to go.” Olivia said, “I’ve never trusted what my parents have thought would be good for me so I’m… giving you a test period, of sorts. Hope that’s okay, Lord Andraska.”

With a charming smile, as the dance changed tempo, so did Olivia. She adjusted their hands and pushed forward- leading him, instead. Those who were watching the dance floor would get quite the eye full, she imagined, of a woman leading a man. After a moment of clumsily leading the quick step, Olivia lifted her arm to spin him- though she wasn’t near tall enough to pull him into it. Instead, she winked and whispered, “Well? Spin for me.”

As they reconnected again, Olivia had to laugh as she was pulled close against his chest again, her eyes bright. “It’s only fair I ask, since you did. How am I doing, Andraska?”

Common ✦ Draketh

[Andráska Venora]

13th of Cylus, 716

The mask Andraska wore was a bit of a blessing. When Olivia commented on his name, it hid the smile and slight blush that rose to his cheeks. He liked the way she talked of his namesake and he could feel his ego swell. He enjoyed how each syllable seemed to bounce off her tongue. It gave his name power. It honored him, “As a child, I was often teased about it,” he sidestepped, responding to her steps, “In fact, when I was about... nine arcs, I remember a boy from one of the lesser houses in Venora calling me all sorts of names. Sissy, that sort of thing. I had an unrequited crush on his sister, and she laughed at me, and I was so angry and embarrassed, I punched him right in the nose. Of course... He started bleeding and my mother was horrified. I don't even think I saw either of them again. My father,” his voice lowered, the amusement fading into something more serious, “My father was furious.” Then the conversation was moved to to Pride and he remembered how he had come into ownership of the animal.

“Oh, sweet Oli, I'm sure I have a lot of hobbies most noblemen don't share. But, as for my avian friend,” his voice seemed to brighten again, the mischievous tone sneaking back in, “I won him in a card game,” In Rharne he almost added, but quickly finished the story, “He hatched the same night and we've been inseparable every since.” He left out the fact that he was drunk, or that the incident had incited a mini panic from him at the time. By why focus on the technicalities?

The music took them, and Olivia's skirt swished across the stone floor as they moved. He listened to how she talked of his first impression, and kept his feet moving, smirking as he did so. A trial period? Well, then they were on the same page, even with the talk of babies and the like. He wasn't completely sold on the marriage idea, but a few dances he could do. “I would expect nothing more, Lady Olivia.”

The song shifted and changed tempo, and he felt Olivia's hand shift beneath his. He lifted an eyebrow and was surprised when she pushed forward, guiding him backward. Never been taught to follow in dancing, it was a completely new experience and he stepped backward, trying to move with her. He thought he saw a few masked patrons watching them, and he grinned at what they must think, “So forward,” he teased again, winking.

Just then, Olivia lifted her hand and he saw her golden eye flash, and he stepped forward involuntarily at her whispering. She wanted him to spin for her? His eyes burned with interest and he glided under her arm with a flourish, grinning. “Anything else, love?” 'For you, I'm sure I could be convinced to do much worse. He had to bite his tongue from speaking his mind.

Around they moved across the room, Andras being unfazed if she stepped on his toes. When they pulled one another back in, he felt her pressed against his chest and he was captured in her burning gaze and the scent of wildflowers around them. He was slow to answer her question, to break contact, “That depends,” he whispered, “Do you charm men often or am I a lucky exception? I'm not sure I can answer honestly. I think you're at an unfair advantage.”

Andras did not care for the music anymore. He didn't particularly like what was being played – it felt a bit stale for his tastes, and while it was fast, he started moving slow. Once again he shifted their hands, guiding hers to his shoulders and his to her waist. A few dancers nearly collided into the slow dancing couple among all the quick steppers but he hummed a different tune, one for them that fit the steps they were taking, “What do you do for fun?” he finally asked, resuming his humming before twirling her again quickly and taking the lead. He used her clumsiness to his advantage, stepping forward and wrapping his arm around shoulder and back. And then, as smooth as he could possibly manage, and a silent prayer to whichever immortal helped with dancing, he dipped her.

[Olivia Warrick]

Children can be so mean… Olivia thought, reflecting on Andraska’s story. As they danced, she bit her bottom lip. “I wish I had that kind of bravery. If I had the will to punch those that bothered me, I’m sure certain childhood events would have ended up much more… fulfilling. If that makes sense.” She had never dealt much with bullying, but there had most definitely been a time or two where she’d imagined hitting someone, only to not do it. It wasn’t really a regret, but more of a wonder what might have happened. However, as Andraska mentioned his father, Olivia’s eyes turned from gold to a very dark purple. Only for a moment, until they flickered back. “I… I-I’m sorry to hear that.” She murmured quietly. She knew parents could be… difficult. It reminded her of the day her mother slapped her- though she had no clue that Andraska’s father was a hundred times worse.

Oh, sweet Oli. The nickname made Olivia’s eyes widen, a rosy blush rising to her cheeks. Most people called her Liv, and while she had been called sweet before, hearing it from Andraska was… nice. No one had ever called her Oli, but she found herself smiling again from the use of the name. She could imagine her mother’s reaction to such a nickname, screeching at ‘how improper it was to dice a young lady’s perfectly respectable name into someone peasants might be called’. “A card game, huh? I’ve never played anything like that, but it sounds like a great deal of fun.” I wonder if, were we to meet again, he could teach me.

New experiences were something Olivia lived for, and leading the dance was exactly that. She had never lead, but mirroring what Andraska had done when leading wasn’t terribly hard, and as he grinned, she let out a laugh. “Let them stare.” She teasingly whispered, also aware of the looks they were getting. Her laughter increased as he continued to be a good sport, and glided under her arm. That wasn’t bad! For a guy who’s never been lead by a girl before. She thought, eyes bright as Andraska spoke. “I will let you know.” She said lowly, surprised at how flirty that sounded as a response, which only made her blush more. “You’re very good at this, you know.” She said suddenly, before adding for clarification, “The dancing.”

Then, finally, he was answering her question, and the answer he gave make her take a sharp breath that hitched in her throat. As he moved her into a slow dancing position- once again completely disregarding social rules, which seemed the be the theme of their time together- Olivia bit her bottom lip, peeking up at him as she admitted, in a soft whisper, “Unfair though it may be, I was not trying to charm you at all. I’m just… enjoying your company… but if you find me to be so charming, I’m glad.”

And it was true. She liked this. She liked his wit, the way their words bounced off each other, bringing smiles every other sentence. To hear his own answer had been beyond flattering, and Olivia was, for once, at a loss for words. He had managed to stun her.

For a moment, she focused on their slow dance, on the lovely tune he hummed, swaying with him. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck slightly, leaning ever so gently against him. She was almost lulled, comfortable with him- until his question.

Oh, you know, charity work. Was the first thing to pop into her head. However, for a brief second she wondered if she should admit to that. Most nobles gave money and little time- Olivia did the opposite. “Ah… well… I like the arts. Painting is a passion of mine, though I’ve yet to become very good. I like visiting museums, temples- places with art. Music is another passion of mine. I like the water, too, so I’m likely to enjoy any day spent on a beach or a boat. Admittedly, I spend a lot of time working with chil- Oh~!” She had been going to say children, but...

Her words were cut off as Andraska took charge of the dance- twirling her. Having been unprepared for it, Olivia stumbled in her heels and had been certain she was going to fall- but was instead caught in Andraska’s arms. Her eyes widened, a soft gasp leaving her, as she found herself being dipped. Her back arching, so low her blonde hair brushed the ground, her shock all over her face.

“Andraska…” She found his name slipping out, gazing into his eyes, her own having changed to a pink- surprise. One of her hands slipped from holding his neck, her fingers absently tracing the metal rim of birds on his mask. Her heart was beating a little quicker, both because she was nervous being in such a position, and she feared Andraska may drop her.

Finding her voice, Olivia said the first thing to come to mind.

“C-Care to toast a glass of wine with me? For… good impressions?”

Common ✦ Draketh

[Andráska Venora]

13th of Cylus, 716

Around they moved, and listening to Olivia's voice had him grinning. He liked that she liked the arts, and visited museums. Seven, he thought it was quite an improvement that she had passions at all. Plenty of noble women enjoyed reading vague poetry and gossip. It was nice to see she had depth, and he swayed their bodies when she talked about music. She would fit in well in Venora. Music and art was in abundance there, and he wanted to know desperately what songs or instruments she liked. His excitement stole his rational and he felt himself closing the distance between them. Time slowed when he felt her back arch beneath his hold and her hands were cool against the back of his neck.

“Andráska,” she whispered, stealing his breath with the a swirl of gold eyes dipping into pink, and he was captivated. It was like watching a sunset rise and fall, and he found himself returning the name, his mind blanking of anything else.

“Olivia,” Andras was very aware of the way the fabric of her dress felt beneath his fingertips, and the soft perfume of wildflowers the lifted around her with every swish of her skirt. He was slow to straighten their bodies, and he smiled at her question, staying very still while she touched his mask and caught Pride's attention.

“C-Care to toast a glass of wine with me? For… good impressions?”

“Good impressions,” he repeated, the laughter on his voice, “I could toast to that.” He was a bit distracted watching her to care for whatever stares they must have been getting. Had he really not noticed Olivia in the past? Perhaps he should have reevaluated his hooky policy when it came to these sorts of things.

They moved from the dance floor, stepping towards a servant offering wine, and he grabbed two glasses. His wine was red, and he handed her one. While Olivia began to lift the glass to her lips, he hesitated, remembering a very fine detail. He needed to remove his mask to drink, and a flush of embarrassment flamed his cheeks, “Hmm,” his eyes darted upwards to glance at the Warrick,giving a sigh. Pride was sitting on his shoulder and gave a flutter of his wings when Andras set down the drink.

One hand covered his face, gloved fingers splayed to hold his mask while the the other moved to the back of his head and untied the strap holding it in place. The tie released, and he hesitated, peeking at Olivia through his fingers and the metal covering, “Funny story,” he began, clearing his throat and closing his eyes. He lowered the metal mask and another one awaited beneath it.

The second was painted upon his skin, black and white, following the curvature of his cheek bones and strong brow bone. His eyes were still closed, his lids depths of black, and he looked like a skeleton – a type of costume, eerie and yet alluring. The lines of the mouth curved slightly upwards, illuminated the realistic cracks that lined parts of the disguise. He contrasted a striking image to the lace and fringe around the room, and shrugged, “I had my face painted to scare you off if you were awful,” his eyes flew open, shocking the black pigment with a burning green. The boyish, embarrassed grin gave his intimidating costume some warmth, and the smooth laugh that followed was almost endearing. The Venora made death charming, and he picked up his glass again, looking down at the contents and swirling the liquid.

Andráska could feel the nervous energy building within him, and he lifted his drink upward, very gently clinking their glasses together in the process. His little escapade was funny in a way, and he tried to hide the smirk that wanted to counteract the reddening of his ears. He lifted the wine to his lips and took a small sip, the tart settling on his tongue as he watched her reaction, “To good impressions.”

[Olivia Warrick]

Olivia was caught. She had expected a lot of things from Andraska Venora- but liking him was not one of them. Yet as he said her name, the young noble shivered, her eyes slowly shifting to blue and then back to gold in the few seconds that their eyes were locked together. She had imagined the night going many ways, but never did she think that Andraska would somehow manage to have her hanging on his every word, wrapped around his finger and clinging desperately not to let go. While she was in no way interested in the marriage her family wished- at least, not right now-, she could envision it. She could see herself living in a little villa on the outskirts of Venora, by the name of Olivia Venora, with Andraska at her side. She could envision the children- ones with Andraska’s dark hair and her colorful eyes- and how she’d stubbornly insist on naming at least one of them Elodesia, and how they would be very loved. In the passing moment, with her breath stilled and Andraska holding her dipped in his arms, she could see it.

And that was terrifying. Olivia found herself gulping, her cheeks burning, as the lord pulled her upright again. She had always imagined her parents to fail in ever finding her a suitable match- but here Andraska was. He seemed… perfect, in every way. But no man was perfect. Where are his flaws? His damage? Am I being blinded by the enchantment of meeting someone like him, or is it just that he hides them well? She wondered. It could also be that it was too soon for her to see anything other than the well mannered, charming male who had danced with her- but that in no way eased her nerves.

As Andraska laughed at her suggestion, Olivia found herself giving her own breathless laugh, slowly pulling her arms from his neck as she was back on her own two feet. Her hand raised to clasp lightly over her mouth, trying to take a deep breath. But alas, it was hard to focus when standing so close to Andraska, briefing in the soft scent of his cologne, listening to the tone of his voice. Calm yourself, Olivia. You’ll act the fool and shatter what good impressions have been made. She reminded herself.

Olivia gave a brief smile as they moved off the dance floor, giving a quiet, “Thank you” as Andraska handed her a glass of white wine, his own a shade of red. As she moved to take a sip, she paused when she noticed Andraska’s hesitation, raising her gaze from her glass to him. Only, a second later she found out why, watching as he removed the mask.

The sight beneath made her gasp, eyes widening as she caught sight of his painted face. Olivia, for a second, just gawked at him- but soon melted into a grin.

“Scare me? Are you kidding? That’s wonderful! Oh, my handmaiden Azure would simply die if she saw you! She loves makeup, and a full face like that is just…” She trailed off into a laugh, unable to take her eyes off his face. “I think it’s a wonderful ploy, though, to get rid of a girl. I find it quite interesting. I guess I’m not like most girls, hm?”

Raising her glass to his, Olivia still had a grin as it clinked. Unthinkingly, she said her part in Draketh, “Good… Impress-ion.” Her accent was clunky and her words were hesitant, but they were two words of Draketh she knew. She didn’t think Andraska would recognize the language, however, so she murmured in Common, “To good impressions.” as she rose the glass to her lips and took a good sip of it. She had just revealed another thing about her to the lord- though she had no clue if it’d be significant to him.

Swallowing, she absently licked her lips of the sweet taste of her own wine. However, she was still focused on his face, and the paint on it. Hesitating, Olivia moved her glass to her less dominant hand and asked in a soft whisper, “...May I?”

Her empty hand lifted, fingers pausing by his face for a moment so he could pull away if he wished. If he didn’t, then she lightly touched them to his skin. Gently, with cool finger tips, Olivia traced the face paint. Under his beautiful greek eyes, along the rounded curves of his pronounced cheekbones, down the hollows of his cheeks, along his strong jawline. She was mesmerized, murmuring absently, “This must have taken many breaks… Incredible…”

However, as she reached his chin, her thumb unthinkingly traced across his lips, pressing his bottom lip gently- admittedly focusing on the structure of his face as much as the face paint. The realization of what she had done earned a bright blush to cross her cheeks, and Olivia moved to pull her hand away.

“S-Sorry!” She exclaimed, dropping her gaze. Taking another sip from her glass- this one more of a gulp because of her nerves- she gave an awkward laugh, “I tend to touch more than I look. My mother always would get cross with me, leaving fingerprints over everything, breaking things from being clumsy. It’s… an unladylike habit.”

Olivia winced at her own words. Unladylike. When have I ever cared about being unladylike? Damn it all, he’s making me way too flustered.

Eager to change the subject, Olivia asked, "So. I told you what I enjoy. What does the great Andraska Venora enjoy? I'm sure the stories don't do the truth justice."

However, Olivia wasn't content to deny she liked to touch things. She didn't like covering up that side of herself- so she knew she had one other thing to ask. Clearing her throat, she lifted her eyes to him again before murmuring, “Ah… but since I did touch instead of look. Do you think I could… p-pet Pride? I know he’s very attached to you but I wanted to ask earlier and didn’t get the chance. He won’t bite, will he?”

It never hurt to ask, and since she had already been too touchy… might as well.

Common ✦ Draketh

[Andráska Venora]

13th of Cylus, 716

Olivia liked his face paint and a great relief washed over him. He hadn't quite realized how much he wanted her approval until he had it, and he nodded. When she had asked whether or not she was like other girls, well, it reminded him that in no way were they alone. He glanced around at the noble faces that gawked at him, unsure if he had just set the trend of the season, or was a mad man, “Look around,” he said, waving playfully at those that stared. Their mouths dropped and they turned away, or continued whispering in compatriot's ears, “I would say you're quite different.”

They toasted, and Olivia's use of another language surprised him. He arched an eyebrow, something about the sounds feeling familiar. Was it Draketh? On multiple occasions he had heard fellow Iron Hand knights use it, but he didn't know it himself. He opened his mouth to ask, but Olivia was already coming close, holding out her hands. How did she know Draketh?

Realization made his mouth drop open slightly as he saw her hand lifting up. She wanted to touch him? He took another drink of the wine, setting it down and swallowing carefully. Stepping closer than was really necessary, he forced the grin from his face, and leaned his cheek against her hand, “Please and thank you,” he whispered, smirking.

Her fingers trailed the contours of his brow, and he sat proudly. She was admiring the artwork on his features, but Andraska watched her carefully, at ease until her fingers brushed against his lips. His eyes widened slightly and his eyes burned bright, and when she pulled away, he was frozen.

What a little tease.

“I tend to touch more than I look. My mother always would get cross with me, leaving fingerprints over everything, breaking things from being clumsy. It’s… an unladylike habit.” She tried to change the subject, but he refused, wanting to revel in the little detail she just exposed to him.

“I like playing music and breaking rules,” he answered smoothly, moving with a catlike grace towards her, and stealing her hand to bring it back to his face, “I'm sure the stories say I'm a poster child for bad habits, so indulge all you'd like, love.” He flashed a wink, placing her fingers back to his lips and giving them a soft kiss.

He wanted to pull her closer, wishing he had painted more parts of his body, but he could practically hear his mother squealing in delight once they left. Using a great deal of will power to turn away from the girl in front of him, he was smiling to himself when he sipped on his wine.

How cute. She wanted to pet Pride. Andras once again coaxed the tiny bird onto his finger, stroking his neck, “I don't know,” he answered, still somewhat distracted by the need for physical contact and keeping his hands to himself, “You're free to try, of course. He's never bitten anyone, which is more than I can say for myself.”

He held out the bird, which felt more like a temptation than a offering, “Good luck.”

[Olivia Warrick]

Olivia liked the closeness. It was like they were still dancing, the way Andraska moved to be so close, almost pressed together as she examined his face. His whisper, his smirk, everything seemed so… seductive. It had Olivia with an ever present blush, wondering how he managed to make her so flustered. Though, if she was fair, she was being just as flirty.

His smooth reply brought a smile to her lips- but Olivia had not expected him to take her by the hand. Her breath hitched, eyes widening as she watched him kiss her fingers. It was such an odd gesture- but she was entirely thrilled. Her eyes melted from gold to a beautiful light green, the color of jade.

“Ah~” Olivia murmured, giving a light laugh. “I really should have more discipline…” She had said it quietly, as if she had intended him not to hear, dropping her gaze as he pulled away from her.

Sipping her own wine, her smile was clear as she watched Andraska coax Pride onto his finger once more. Glancing up at Andraska skeptically, she commented idly, “More than you can say for yourself? Are you admitting you like to bite? That’s… quite curious.” She was teasing him, of course, her tone ever so slightly flirty, her eyes continuing to be green.

Reaching forward slowly, she manages to gently run her finger along the feathers of Pride’s head. That is, before the bird gave her a reproachful look, an irritated chirp, and hopped further down Andraska’s finger. Olivia gave a laugh, grinning up at Andraska.

“I don’t think Pride likes me very much.” She said, though she didn’t mind at all, her eyes bright. Yet, hesitating, Olivia’s grin faded into a small smile, biting into her bottom lip. “But… I’m hoping you do.”

It was a bold thing to say, but it was true. Olivia, to her great surprise, liked Andraska. She liked his company, and she was certainly attracted to him. Hopefully, he felt similar. It was strange- normally Olivia wasn’t so willing to be drawn in. But Andraska had surprised her plenty in the short time they’d shared- and she had managed to surprise herself as she realized what she wanted.

Taking a step closer, Olivia set down her glass, looking up into Andraska’s vivid green eyes, shrouded in the black of his face paint. She hesitated, thinking of what to say, and finally settling on just being honest and simple.

“I’d say sharing a kiss would be quite… improper. Breaking the rules, turning all the heads in this room. And… I like to break the rules, too.” Her voice was small, almost timid, giving a smile that displayed both her hope and her nervousness that he would reject her idea. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, her thumb idly brushing his lips once more as she asked her question.

“What do you say, Andraska? Shall we give them something to look at?”

Common ✦ Draketh

[Andráska Venora]

13th of Cylus, 716

“I don’t think Pride likes me very much.”

Andras was calming the tiny bird, petting him and retrieving him matchbox from his pocket. He pushed it open with his thumb and set it on a table. This seemed to get Pride's attention, he watched the crushed food that had been inside it and began hopping down Andráska's arm towards it. It was a simple gesture that showed how fickle the chick was, and it almost distracted the noble from a very important sentence.

“But… I’m hoping you do.”

Andráska pulled his hand away from his feeding and wiped his hands on his pants, staring at her.

“I’d say sharing a kiss would be quite… improper. Breaking the rules, turning all the heads in this room. And… I like to break the rules, too.”

“Really,” he whispered, attention dropping to her lips. His excitement jumped up, and his breath was caught, “Well then... I would hate for my stories to lose the interest of my audience. After all...Image is everything,” his voice had changed, and he took a step forward, suddenly very focused. He glided to her, hands reaching out to pull her close, pressing his chest against hers. He could feel her breath on his chin, and he craned his neck slightly, leaning in.

She would not need to ask twice, Andras was a man of opportunity. He wrapped his arms around her waist, his thumbs running up the bone ribbing of her corset, and his lips hovered over hers for just a moment before admitting defeat. His parents had picked a pretty girl with sharp mind, and as much as he wanted to resist...

She had suggested it so nicely.

Who was he to deny the requests of a lady?

His lips found hers, gently at first, but the smell of her perfume awoke something much more carnal within him. One of his arms tightened around her, flattening the full skirt between their legs and he deepened their contact, one hand moving up her spine and to the back of her head. He broke the kiss only for a moment to nip at her bottom lip, and then kiss her again. He craved her mouth, parting his to coax her tongue with his own. Andráska forgot where he was, or didn't care, trying not to grin when he heard gasps around them.

He was hyper aware of her body, of the way she tasted – still sweet from the wine. Their tongues danced and their breath was hot as his need increased, and he could feel the familiar pit of lust lurking at the back of his mind, and he pulled away with regret. He remained close to her for a moment while he caught his breath, opening his eyes to look into hers. No doubt their families were gawking, and he wondered if the Gazette would talk of this. He smiled boyishly, giving a peck of her cheek, but no words came.

He retrieved Pride and his mask, turning it over in his hand. No doubt he would have to part ways with her soon. Any more contact and someone's parent was due to reprimand one of them. Such a public display of affection, at an event like this was so... so... scandalous! He liked it, and he caught the eye of more than one shocked patron, “A very good impression, Lady Warrick," he smiled devilishly at the crowd, looking like a man with a secret, "I hope I can have another."