Masquerade Mingle

[thespaceopera]

[The night has finally come--the Gravity Rush is nearly upon us! What normally serves as a large performance hall has been gutted, emptied of its boring furniture and rigged up into a fantastical mismatch of technology and old culture. No matter where you go tonight, you're encouraged to move around, dance, play games, whatever helps you sleep in late tomorrow morning.

If you aren't one for scurrying around a ballroom all night, there's always plenty of people-watching to do. After all, so many people are wearing extravagant costumes and elaborate masks. How can you even tell who is who? Get lost in a crowd of sequins, chatter with a sun and a moon, or try to beat the guy in the monster-mask at a game of cards. Meet your friends or make some new ones--this masquerade party has begun!]


[[ooc: All sections are up now, have fun! A related ooc post is HERE for any questions or plotting you'd like to do.]]

Comments

[invigorates]

[ her brows furrow then, her expression a mix of concern and mild frustration. at this point, she had no doubt there were plenty that might want his head — or his money —, but his seeming disregard for any potential danger always baffled her. without realizing it, she squeezes his hand tightly.

such thoughts do not linger for long, not when phantom memories of a dance shared long ago flicker to life in her mind. flashes of orange, of amber eyes not unlike the ones that oppose her now — or did, before varric looks away.

his gaze torn from hers, the elf snaps back to attention. no, she cannot think of such things, can't linger on the past like she has for so long now. when they take their next step, she makes a point of inching just a little closer to the dwarf. ]

A long time, perhaps, but you know your steps perfectly. [ carrying on the conversation, ignoring the thrum of her heart that makes her leylines pulse a little faster. ]

[merchantprince]

[He looks up again when she inches closer. You'd better believe he noticed that.]

A dance is a story, and I never forget a story.

[He always has the answer, doesn't he? For her inch, he gives two, until they're very nearly nose-to-nose.]

Are you sure I don't annoy the hell out of you? You don't have to be nice all the time.

[invigorates]

I wonder what story this dance will tell.

[ they're close enough now that any misstep could have either of them falling into each other, or stepping on toes. So Lioriley moves carefully, trying to focus on what Varric says as opposed to how warm she suddenly feels.

To his question, the elf shakes her head. ]

If I found you annoying, surely I would not so eagerly seek your company as often as I do. [ the song seems to be slowing now, making their closeness look just a little less odd.]

Though I sometimes question certain aspects of your "business" none have caused me discomfort. You, in all, are a good man more than worthy of kindness.

I only wish I could offer you more than that.

[merchantprince]

[He feels warm too, but it's warring with his memories. The last time he felt this good, it didn't last. Maker, it hurts. It hurts to be open. He's always been warm and kind to those he cares for, but never wide open, like a corpse with his ribcage pried apart. That's what it feels like.

He's going to die.]

You could be doing it because I'm your boss. It's called obligation. It's not a sin.

[And Varric keeps lying to himself.]

I'm not a good man, Velvet. [He laughs but there's no mirth in it.] Good men don't launder money. They tell the truth more often than I do-- and they probably go to church more often.

[He breathes in, pauses, lets it out. His voice is low, now.]

And they're not cowards.

[invigorates]

Nonsense. [ said quickly, too quickly perhaps. ] I am kind to you not because you are my boss, but because you are my friend, someone I care for deeply.

[ she shakes her head, her gaze set intently on the dwarf as she speaks. ]

Just because you do those things does not make you a bad person. You have a noble heart, one I have seen countless times since we met. You bring joy to those around you when you tell your stories and jokes, you help those that ask for it like you did with me. And you care so intensely for your friends you seem to put them above yourself at times.

[Another squeeze of his hand. ]

What makes you think yourself a coward? I have seen no evidence of such.

[merchantprince]

[If he was young enough to blush, he might. But he doesn't. He's surprised-- his eyebrows up and his eyes wide-- and then he laughs it off.]

Guilty as charged. [Not that he tries very hard to hide it. But it's her last question that makes him hesitate. He doesn't return the squeezing.]

You know, I'm all about airing dirty laundry out in public, but I think it'd be better if we talked about this somewhere else. Maybe a hallway or something.

[invigorates]

[ it's only at his suggestion that Lioriley even remembers where they are. Anyone could hear their conversation if they made even the slightest effort to, and she has a strong feeling - if varrics tone is anything to go by - they are about to discuss things random party goers do not need to hear.

So she nods her agreement, reluctantly pulling back from him just enough so they can move properly. ]

I believe most everyone is in here, so the halls should be clear enough. [ a wave of her hand as if to suggest he lead the way. She's close behind. ]

[merchantprince]

Thanks. [He smiles in a way that normally would ease people's nerves, but hell if it actually works.

He knows where there's a hallway-- he always knows his surroundings-- so he leads her through the throng of people toward the exit. He doesn't let go of her hand, though.]

[invigorates]

directs ur attention over here