inactive

Jackson grinned slyly. "Perhaps… you'll just have to find out later." He glanced over to where his parents were, wishing they'd finally just call the dance to a close so they could get away and up to mischief.

Zani shook her head. “With all due respect, the Queen gives my orders, not you.” She moved to stand in front of her and placed her hands on her shoulders. “You’re not okay, Efos.” She said sternly. “Tell me what’s wrong, I’m not leaving until you do.” Her voice and expression softened. “I’m here for you, you can tell me anything.”

Hava blushed deeply at his compliment, "Why thank you! You look very handsome yourself," She said, gesturing to his unique suit. "Did you get to dance much?" She asked, hoping he might ask her. "It was so thoughtful of the royal family to do this for us," She added quickly.

"I did get to dance a little," Vetiver said. "It was nice. I saw you dancing with Alejo! I'm glad you got him to loosen up a bit." His smile softened. "Actually, I was hoping we could dance, too, if you want. If you're not too tired." He asked, sounding hopeful.

"That's good!" Hava said with a smile, then laughed, "Yes, I did manage to actually carry on a conversation with Alejo for a few minutes. I think he's warming up to the idea of having friends," She said with a smirk. Then she stepped closer to him, overjoyed that he had finally asked her to dance. "Yes of course! I would love to dance with you." She said, beaming.

(Alejo is cold blooded dang 21savage over here)

Bundling up the material of her dress in her hands, Efos bit her lip hard. She never shared her emotions with anyone; she was lucky if she shared them with herself. With an exasperated sigh, she sat back down on the bench, for once in her life just wanting to be alone. Deep inside, though, she was grateful she wasn't out in the cold night by herself. "Just guard troubles," she replied with a shrug, though it were ad simple to explain as that.

"Perfect," Vetiver said, taking her hand without hesitation. He lead her to the dance floor and began to lead her in a dance. "It's not so often we get an opportunity like this. The musicians are so talented."

(here comes the drammaaaa llammaas)

Tristan's face grew red at being called out. Alejo's accusation made him think about the reality of a relationship with someone else in the guard. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea. He collected himself and shook his head. "No sir. I promise, there's nothing there." Tristan thought the way Efos had run away meant that she didn't return his feelings, so he would make sure to put a cap on his attentions and not let them get in the way of his duty.

Alejo sighed "Even if you think any relationship you had with her is gone I still need a report. I don't need any spill over from your relationship to contaminate the guard." He put an extra emphasis on his last sentence to make it clear that he was annoyed with the whole situation. His frustration with Tristan's constant lack of respect was growing stronger.

(don't worry, they'll have their happy ending, they just gotta have some drama too. can't have it be too easy now...)

Tristan nodded, "Yes sir. I promise, it won't." Then dropped the subject, trying to think of what to tell him about their "relationship" that wasn't quite a relationship.

Zani looked at her, concern filling her gaze. “You may be immune to physical pain, but we all feel emotions.” With a sad sigh she put a hand on her arm. “Just… I’m always here if you need me.” Her hand slipped off and she walked away, occasionally glancing back at her. When she reached the ballroom, she pushed through the guests and walked up to Tristan. She stopped, looked up at him, and slapped him in the face. “I don’t know what you did, Tristan, but you better go out there and bloody well fix it.”

(whOA ZANI exCUSE you. poor tristan just can't win)

Tristan said nothing, though Alejo's words stung. Although they didn't sting as much as when Zani came up moments later and literally slapped him. He stumbled back, and put his hand to his face, shocked at what had just happened. "Wait, what? I didn't do anything! Why is everyone mad at me all the sudden?" He asked, anger bubbling up inside of him. He pushed Zani aside and followed Alejo. If the man wanted a report, he was going to give it now. He couldn't stay in the dining hall for a second longer.

(Zani and Efos probably never had a full conversation together and she still ride or die like that. What a gal)

Watch Zani disappear back towards the feast, Efos found herself breathing a little easier. Then, a wave of guilt washed over her. Did she really just send away someone who was just trying to help? Zani showed up out of the goodness in her heart, and she had been rude. Efos made a mental note to thank the maid inna few days, once she could safely walk to corridors of the castle again. With a deep sigh, she leaned back in the bench, admiring the stars, multiple thoughts running through her head. She had ruined tonight with her foolishness. The guard was going to hear about everyrhing; they probably already knew. Was it too cold for her to be outside? Deciding she should head inside, Efos found herself lacking the strengt to do so, and remained seated on the old wooden bench, less worried than she should've been.

Alejo heard Tristan's outburst and turned around as the guard approached him. He turned around annoyed and just let the guard approach him. He was prepared to put the man in his place then and there if he had to.

(OMG BOG I LITERALLY JUST LAUGHED OUT LOUD AT THAT GIF)

Hava smiled and looked at the ground as she nodded, "Yes I suppose we do." she said quietly. Then she winked her eyebrows at him, "Although I don't think you know everything about me." She said, trying to sound mysterious.