melodiesoflife | Event || The New Year

Event || The New Year

Characters: Anyone!
Where: The Enterprise.
When: The Night from December 31st to January 1st.
Summary: A Ball aboard the Enterprise, for well-dressed (mostly) Heroes of Light and their friends who want to dance and (especially) eat for free.
Warning: Nothing.

While the passing from a year to another isn't as big of an event as the Starlight Celebration, it is no reason to pass up an ocasion to celebrate and have fun. There are fireworks in all major cities and various activities to enjoy. Noticeably, there are gatherings of people in Aqures Ixen and Trano Golsaucia in particular, if only to conclude what is one of the most celebrated week in the year, and wish to each other the best possible year to come-- Though most people are worried about what's to come soon. After all, the end might be nigh with the Calamity about to take over the planet...

To celebrate this, the Heroes of Light have all been invited to stay aboard the Enterprise for a particularly prestigious and animated Ball. Indeed, the Enterprise will from Aqures Ixen and go all the way to Mysidia at midnight-- This way, New Year is going to last even longer than normal thanks to the magic of timezones.

There are tables with foods for everyone to eat and of course, music for people to dance together if they so wish. There is also a consequent number of chairs lined up, for all those who refuse to dance or are too awkward to do so.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Uncomfortable? If such was the impression she'd gotten from him, he would need to fight extra hard to make it pass; perhaps steering clear from confusing reactions for the time being was the key. Easier said than done, though. ]

Oh, I -- [ The cadet politely bows his head. ] I wouldn't mind that at all. [ There was something oddly bold about the offer, but most importantly kind, filling him with a sense of gratitude that she would be willing to make him feel welcome. ] Don't worry, I know for a fact that some of my housemates are going to participate as well, and their personalities make them rather difficult to ignore, even in crowds.

But would I be right to assume that introductions would be rather counterproductive at this point?

[ Ace tips his head downwards, a quiet laugh escaping his throat as he remembers all the evenings that were ultimately less of a secret than they hoped. Should he try to falsely pretend to be oblivious, it would probably elicit a frown on each of his housemates' faces at best.

... Except if Tear did expect him to do so anyway, he could probably handle that.

But ah, here they were again, continuing their little tradition of finding themselves befuddled by the simplest of things. Just as she seemed to struggle with it, spontaneous behaviour wasn't Ace's strongest suit, either. ]

Come to think of it, doesn't using an entire airship for such purposes seem a little odd to you? Then again -- [ Smiling. ] -- it gives you an opportunity to quite literally revel in the moment. Being here, up in the air, we can no longer follow time so precisely.

... And I bet that the views from above are going to be quite impressive.

You might be, we've been seeing each other at your place for so long. [ In a sense, she was surprised (and perhaps a little relieved) that not one of them had approached them about the nature of all those evenings together. That she knew of anyway, but it was something she had begun to think about since he first asked her to come with him. ]

As for using an entire airship... Maybe it seems odd, but as I mentioned when we first met my world has yet to regain flight capability to this degree. Before that, the possibility of travelling in the skies was almost unthinkable. [ So really, everything about it was odd to her. Compared to the Enterprise and even the standard airships, the Albiore seemed so small and simple... But it had no less opened her eyes to the world she hadn't known before. ]

I hadn't thought about it that way until I came to this world, because it was all so strange at first. Though putting it that way, you're right... it makes 'now' more meaningful, doesn't it?

[ Which in turn made the events leading up to it all the more remarkable, and in her mind they were; part of her was still processing that she was actually here, among fellow Heroes and with him. Without realising it she was smiling again, subtle and holding a touch of wonder. ]

With so many worlds out there, technology is merely a small part of what makes them all special, and so different from one another. It's okay not to know these things.

[ Even to him, the Enterprise seemed on par with the inventions of the Empire rather than the level of comprehension possessed by Rubrum, though the fondness for exaggerated scale ultimately applied to both.

But that was hardly the point he wanted to make, if all they had now was unique on its own. Even if it wasn't permanent, for each one of the fateful meetings had its own day of parting already set in stone, their time together was real and that's what mattered.

How is it that each time he came to similar conclusion, it was with her by his side? Perhaps it was that, working in conjunction with her words that sparked a thought in his mind while they were just about to leave the main section of the hall only to retreat to the sidelines, again. ]

... It really does.

[ It was a slightly different, new kind of resolve that caused his steps to come to a halt, his head already angled slightly so as to address the questions the melodist would surely have. After all, it could be considered a rather strange point to stop at, unless....

Conveniently, a new song had just begun playing for those gathered in the hall and wishing to dance along to the music. ]

What do you think about it? The melody?

[ It's okay not to know these things. There was something about those words that made her pause, staring at him in bewilderment—with so much of her life consisting of others withholding knowledge from her, it seemed even more important that she know as much as possible, enough so that there were times she would be upset about it.

Yet those words incited only a sense of reassurance rather than annoyance or concern—maybe it had to do with the person who said them, who perhaps knew more about her vulnerabilities than he realised.

And for once she doesn't mind it as much, the air around her softening with this new acceptance.

The questions she had for him fall silent, dashed away when he pulled her attention to the change in music. Closing her eyes, the melodist allowed herself to be lost in the sound, subconsciously relaxing against the boy with a faint smile. ]

It seems rousing. [ Which given the people making their way to the dance floor, was probably the point. ] Whoever wrote it must have had celebrations like this one in mind, or they are that fond of movement. It... glides in the air, almost.

[ The soft pressure against his shoulder was just as welcome of a touch as it had now put a small twist on what was only the first step in what he'd meant to do. The boy no longer dared to withdraw his arm from her hold, in any case, in return finding her expression to be a soothing remedy for his thoughts. ]

It makes you wonder whether it's even possible to replicate that lightness of movements through your own, especially if you've never been taught how it's done.

[ Between one sentiment and another was an involuntary exhale. ]

... Then again, there will never be a better moment to find out if the present is all we have.

... I don't think it's meant to be replicated. [ Despite having a sneaking suspicion of what he might mean to do, the girl held back on voicing it for the time being. ] Maybe trying to do that could risk doing the exact opposite, so the best thing to do would be to just go on and do it, with a heart and mind as light as those movements. A free spirit.

[ Except she could also be completely wrong, what did she know of dancing aside from what Sein had tried to teach her the past week? What she had definitely learned, however, was how incredibly similar the concept was to singing... albeit much more nerve-wracking.

Yet the look she gives him when she opens her eyes again is nothing but encouraging, perhaps even expectant. ]

If you're ready to find out, then don't hold back.

[ There seemed to be no room left for interpretation in the way she addressed his unspoken request if the glint in her eyes was any indication. Ace had grown to associate it with the same determination that had given rise to their classes together, and yet the circumstances they had now found themselves in charged her gaze with a slightly different meaning as well.

Though the decision forced him to break their contact, it was only so that he could offer to build it anew, placing all of his trust onto his outstretched right hand. There was no telling whether he could apply himself to her instructions, but he did feel his heart growing lighter with this act of compliance. ]

Would you dance with me? [ Having taken that first step, he continues, light smile never leaving his lips. ] I promise to do my best, but I will be counting on your help as well.

[ Even though Tear had anticipated such a move, there was still a moment where she was taken aback by the hand now being offered to her, culminating as a soft pink blush. Nevertheless the corners of her lips curve upward affectionately, nodding as she came closer to slip her hand into his, a warm gesture that was becoming increasingly natural.

Once settled the melodist cast aside her worries enough to meet his gaze, granting him the same trust he had placed graciously placed in her. ]

I'll be sure to give it my best, too. [ Despite their inexperience, the girl had enough faith in his feelings and promise, and in his ability to listen enough to the melody. ] This time I'll be depending on your guidance, Ace.

Edited 2016-01-12 09:03 (UTC)

[ Smiling shyly, Ace had no witty remark to give this time, his fingers gently curling around her palm of their own accord as the boy led them both closer to the center of the commotion, which, oddly enough, seemed to provide a little bit more anonymity. It was when they'd stopped that he realized the error of his ways, the discovery of which leaving him visibly flustered.

What guidance he'd just provided, and they hadn't even started yet. ]

Ah, it would have to be the other hand, wouldn't it? [ The tingling sensation at the back of his throat produces a small, awkward laugh the cadet fails to stifle despite his efforts. It makes him feel so unlike himself when even that ability is taken away from him, keeping his composure in check has always been something he was rather capable of. ] I-I'm sorry, here.

[ Slightly lowering his head, he shifted his position so as to take hold of the melodist's right hand while hesitantly loosening his grasp on the other, delicately resting his own on her waist, in a manner that might have as well indicated that she was made of glass. It was yet another part that had him question his knowledge quite a bit, but he wouldn't let himself be discouraged once his mind had already been made.

After all, he did want to have this experience for the both of them to remember. Mindful of her advice just as he had been every time they sang together, he tried to open his mind for the melody before lifting his eyes to meet hers and pulling the girl along with the first movement of his feet. ]

[ Truthfully Tear hadn't even noticed the blunder since her own experience with the activity was so limited, simply following the cadet into the crowd up until he'd pointed it out. With a quiet "oh!" she moved with him to adjust their stances accordingly, trying to keep the warmness of her face under control for his sake as they settled into the more natural position.

Once they had, though, it occurred to her that she'd never been held like this before, so tenderly that it made her own throat go dry at this new realisation. For so long the girl had thought it would make her seem weak if she indulged in behaviours that might be deemed unfitting for a soldier, but the vulnerability she felt now was... unexpectedly different than what she had felt before. Perhaps it had to do with their similar backgrounds that she so often found herself thinking about such things with him, and would for several moments believe it was okay to have those thoughts. Though she'd had them before with another person, there was just something...

And so she meets his eyes without hesitation as he pulls her along the first movement, listening for the melody herself and resisting the urge to look down at their feet instead. For all the uncertainty Tear had they were still partners in this, and she had every intention of helping and making him feel more at ease. ]

[ Partners. Ace was likewise holding onto that keyword with all his might, despite the rhythm of his own heartbeat ringing in his ears and threatening to disrupt their pace. It's something they had managed to establish, at the very least, he finally noticed with another turn taken, and it was a comforting realization.

It was something he would leave unspoken, but the cadet found himself secretly enjoying being the taller of the two, for it left him with a clear picture of Tear's face, bright eyes always lifted to meet his, but unable to feign composure; she wasn't by any means alone in that. Maybe it's because it seemed simpler to do without relying on verbal cues, that he'd quickly taken it upon himself to provide her with little reassurances, be it through subtly letting his fingers become interlocked with hers, or moving the other hand up to the small of her back for additional support, a motion that nevertheless would paint his cheeks a shade of pink if he was caught.

Every error, each miscalculated response that sent both slightly off track was merely an excuse to rekindle their contact and start anew, and because of that, the cadet had eventually come to the point where their outward appearances no longer seemed any relevant in light of the joy such closeness brought him. Without a doubt, Tear was the more graceful of the two, but he remained agile enough to avoid the terrible mistake of stepping on anybody's feet - perhaps that would be something that made him somewhat wary, still. ]

[ Each subtle touch bringing them closer set her own heart racing, whether it was simply his small reassurances or a misstep that had her briefly resting against him for support. But unlike before the sensation wasn't unwelcome—rather, it only added to the quiet elation felt in these moments together, melting away whatever tension may have lingered as every so often she leads him not because he's doing a bad job, but because it felt right.

As much as the hand on her back demands a response the melodist can't bring herself to point it out just yet, if she would even do it at all. If other couples were doing it then there was little reason tell him to stop, and it did help in following him along better. Though she'd tried to remember what Sein told her, eventually she acknowledged that it probably didn't matter. This was theirs to embrace together, depending on each other and the melody.

Except that as much as she was looking into Ace's eyes, she should have still been paying closer attention to the proximity of the other pairs dancing. When one particular enthusiastic bump into her, it sends her right into him with a squeak of surprise and the blush begins anew, half-hiding her face in his chest as she tried to regain her bearings. ]

[ Ace hadn't seen that coming, either, the collision leaving him the tiniest bit embarrassed for not being able to evade it as he should have, remaining the one in the lead. At the very least, he managed to catch the girl almost effortlessly, arms instinctively wrapped around her to shield her from further impact for the brief seconds that passed before he pulled away, although not entirely. Even with his hold on her loosened, he let her remain where she was, unless she decided to move on her own. Maybe, just maybe, she would get to take note of his own heartbeat that showed no intention of calming down anytime soon. ]

Are you all right? We could take a break, if you'd like, or - or stop entirely.

[ All he needed was to whisper, his mouth a mere inch or two away from the locks of her hair, she'd gotten that... dangerously close. That's how it all felt, threatening, but never unwanted; and yet, he would respect her decision whatever it would be, as it was all that mattered now. ]

I-I'm all right, are you? [ She had been the one to fall against him, and it felt important that she get that out of the way first as she was not quite up to trying to meet his gaze again just yet. Taking a few deep breaths, she lets out each one slowly until she feels the warmth of her cheeks subside to her satisfaction. But now that she had recovered enough, it was that much easier to focus on Ace himself and notice the heartbeat drumming erratically against her ear.

Though a part of her was curious about this, she kept her silence and allowed herself a tiny smile as she gently pulled back further. Maybe he needed the respite more than she did...

... And then it struck her just how close they really were, eyes widening just a little. So much for calming down, now her own heartbeat was beginning to flutter anew. ]

Ah... Just a break would be enough, it's starting to get a little warm. [ Of course, that could also be her own shyness making her think it was. ]

[ Feeling his breath hitch in his throat, he would have simply nodded, except it would make an incomprehensible gesture if she couldn't see him. For that reason, he waited for a moment before answering properly, as properly as such proximity would allow him. ]

Me too. It's been... kind of fun.

[ For obvious reasons, he found himself unable to disagree with her sentiment when the girl had finally created some distance between them, or semblance thereof. In fact, none of them seemed to be in a particular rush to break the contact completely, either depending on another to take the first step, or....

Ace wasn't sure, but he was beginning to figure that out. Slightly inclining his head to the side, the boy smiled. ]

Would you like to walk outside for a bit?

[ While the temperature jump could prove to be a little extreme after everything that had taken place, he knew he could use some air to clear his own mind. ]

That's good, you lead well. [ That small accident aside, it made her happy to know he was enjoying himself despite both of them being so new at this. Taking another step back, she nods as she looks him over only to reach out and try to smooth out the jacket she had so unceremoniously wrinkled a little when she stumbled.

Once finished she offers an apologetic look, wondering if it had perhaps been too out of line for her to do that. ]

We can go do that, I'm sure part of the point of having the ball on the Enterprise was so we could also appreciate the view from outside. If you're ready...

[ With that she reaches down and takes his hand again, this time being the one to try and lead them out of the crowd of people still dancing. Hopefully they wouldn't be bumped into too much along the way. ]

[ Even if a part of him wished to deny, acknowledging the mistakes made as well as his own nervousness, he figured it was neither time nor place for such comments. If she'd meant to lift his spirits with that compliment, all he could do was let her know with a timid smirk that the attempt had been successful.

And then... truth be told, he would have never noticed such subtle imperfections if it hadn't been for that sudden intervention - but he did trust her judgment. If anything, it was the reaction that took him aback, so oddly unsure it made him blink before he settled for a quick nod of gratitude. ]

Yes, let's -- ah!

[ Tear was clearly capable of taking point in every situation. The boy broke into a soft laughter, offering no resistance whatsoever as she led him around, out of the once dreaded ballroom floor onto the more peaceful venues in order to reach the viewing deck, which already seemed to shimmer from afar.

Having learnt his lesson from before, however, he motioned the girl to stop before passing through the doors, giving her hand a light squeeze. ]

Even in the light of what's just been said, are you sure you won't be cold, like this?

Edited (the edit has been had! ) 2016-01-15 04:52 (UTC)

[ Though Ace might not be able to see it with Tear walking ahead, the sound of his laughter was enough to ensure the smile on her lips would last that much longer and further soothing her heart as they approached the deck.

And in a way she's prepared when he stops her at the doors, turning back around to face him but not letting go just yet. ]

I should be fine. [ Which was true enough, having already experienced extreme cold throughout her travels in Auldrant. The night they'd spent together earlier in the month hadn't been too terrible either, but she also remembers debating whether to bring the cape he'd gifted her before boarding the ship.

There was nopoint in lamenting the oversight now that they were here, so the melodist nods reassuringly, meeting his eyes to communicate her point. ]

If it starts to become too much, I'll let you know. Would that be okay?

[ Unspoken was her unfortunate perception of just how much was 'too much.' ]

[ She had another pair of eyes watching her now, ready to catch what she herself wasn't capable of doing, a precautionary measure that wasn't as much a choice as it had grown to occur naturally, to him. That she could perform under any circumstances the boy knew, it was just that his concerns were of slightly different nature. ]

Of course. [ Still, there was no reason to argue with what she'd said. Completing his response with a nod, Ace reached forward to push the door open, and from the look of things, it seemed that what awaited them was worth taking those little risks.

As they'd reached the edge of the terrace, the boy let out a soft sigh at the familiar sights beneath their feet. It hadn't been long since the takeoff, so it only made sense that the still found themselves in that particular area, except there seemed to be something special about the way the Aqures Ixen presented itself that night. Oddly enough, it wasn't just the fireworks. ]

... We still get to see the kingdom from here.

[ Tear, meanwhile, takes her place just against the railing, looking out at the land below with a soft sense of wonder. No matter how many times she saw it, seeing the world from the sky was something else. ]

We can... [ For a brief moment the word "home" comes to her in the back of her mind, sending her into a moment of quiet surprise with herself. Even if it was a passing through, the fact that it had occurred to her to begin with was worth noting.

Sighing softly to better focus herself, she looks away from the view to address the cadet, a little hesitation in her voice. ]

It's different seeing it at night, isn't it? I've only seen the world from so high like this a few times.

It is. This would also be the only opportunity to see this much life in a city that would otherwise be covered in darkness.

[ But it was no longer the kingdom where he'd cast his eyes towards, quickly finding himself reciprocating the gaze without thinking. Only now he realized the importance of this short pause, feeling his shoulders relax and tone stabilize with each intake of fresh air. ]

There's a reason why most airships stick to their daily schedules.

[ ... And yet, his reply is edged with unusual emptiness, as if he wasn't really there as he spoke, or lacked conviction. Truth be told, there was something overwhelming about the silence that would linger unless one of them decided to raise their voice, standing in such stark contrast to mere moments before. He would have wanted to escape that void, but for a longer while, it rendered him unable to continue on that train of thought, any semblance of focus suddenly stolen by the person in front him.

Another exhale.

There was something he'd meant to say, something that had never come up, forever in search for the right moment. To voice it out loud could be a cure to his own concerns... and quite possibly, an inconvenience for the one he wished to address. Now it had all returned with the silence, just like for that one moment during the evening of the Starlight, except this time, the boy felt like he wouldn't be able to escape the urge so easily.

Shaking his head lightly, he turned to lean back against the railing. ]

... But this isn't what I would like to speak about. I apologize in advance if what I'm about to say might sound somewhat sudden.

[ The girl nodded in agreement, though there was only so much she could say about it when there was so much left for her to learn. The changes in the silence between don't escape her notice, however, and the whole while she stares at him with a mild curiosity and patience as she waited for him to say what was on his mind.

Except his words in themselves are sudden, catching Tear off-guard just a little even if it doesn't show aside from her brow furrowing slightly, quietly folding her hands together in front of her as a sign of patience. Whatever it was she had every intention of following through with her promise to listen, so now it was a matter of him being ready to voice it out loud. ]

We'll have to see about that, but what is it you want to say?

[ She genuinely had little idea of what it could be either, as the possibilities seemed endless with so few clues and in turn leaving her with a vague sense of uncertainty she was determined to keep hidden for the moment. Or perhaps, that was just her subconsciously picking up on the nature of what it could be. ]

Let's consider this my last opportunity to remain honest with you before this year comes to pass.

[ Even though his back was turned to the entire spectacle, he could still see the lights' reflection just by looking at her face, he noted to himself with a timid smile before letting it slowly fade. Once again, he would take his time answering, shifting in place to lightly grasp the railing behind him with his fingers.

The cadet watches her with an expectant, and just as apologetic expression. ]

... Mystearica Aura Fende, correct?

[ The name is spoken very quietly, lest it could be accidentally overheard. ]

[ To hear that name pass through the lips of another person, to hear it at all was enough to make the girl inhale sharply before she could stop herself, the shock sending an odd sense of cold settling over her that had little to do with the temperature around them.

It was an unspoken secret between herself and that person, guarding what little of their family and their heritage they had left as well as each other, from the world who might look to them with a more selfish eye if they knew their true origins. That was something Tear had vaguely understood growing up, even though there was so much she didn't know about their past. While it meant she wasn't affected as much as her brother was, there was still the beginnings of vulnerability lacing around her upon hearing her true name spoken by someone who wasn't him.

Reprimanding, lovingly, condescendingly. She had heard it in so many tones, a reminder of the little girl who couldn't reach through to her brother. She hadn't expected to hear it now of all times. ]

Who told— [ ... No, even the people of her world wouldn't know its entirety, except for one person who had the means to find out. However, she had many reasons to doubt he had been the source. ]

How did you find out...? [ Her voice was softer this time, almost small, and for that reason she looks down to her hands now loosely folded together in an effort to wash away her initial reaction. After all, he would surely have more to say. ]

[ Despite remaining oblivious to the origins of her concerns, Ace could still very much sense the apprehension his words had brought into the air between them, and it left him with a sinking feeling in his chest. There had never been a right way to express it without facing disappointment, but this one seemed to be the simplest solution of them all... at one point. Now, he no longer knew, hanging his head, seeming almost defeated for a brief moment before resuming. Even if it was within her right to refuse to look at him, he still owed her a proper delivery of his explanation with his head lifted, and eyes open for any contact. ]

I'm sorry. [ There was no excuse in not having known how badly it would affect her, since he had still acknowledged it wouldn't be a fair game. Especially on a night like this, but he stops himself from uttering another apology in favour of focusing on the obvious question. ]

I spent some time at the laboratory during the looping incident. [ He finishes with a pause sufficiently long to allow the melodist to put things together, in case she already hasn't. ] Not all of the files were locked, and I had heard of Heroes leaving their information in the open for the sake of the clarity.

[ He sighed. ] Once I'd realized it was you, I didn't want to look any further. It's just that....

[ Somehow, it was easier to commit most of what he'd seen to memory knowing who it belonged to. ]

It doesn't feel right.

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... actually, it was an honest ooc mistake that I just decided to roll with

if it works it works...?!

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