Spumoni, Strudel and Sweet Potato Pie

[Ivory]

Entrance from A Raspberry Tart

-----

Although Trev was hunting for Janette, his curiosity got the better of him upon encountering a crowd gathered near the refreshment tables.  Crowds usually meant trouble, and his Treyburn sense was tingling -- because the Treyburns had some experience with trouble.

Stepping up beside Riley, he was simultaneously relieved and disappointed to see no sign of Janette.  "What happened?"

He recognized his family, of course, as well as Lady Valia's, er, assets...  There was, after all, no finer noble pair in all of Connlaoth!  He was reluctant to leap into the fray, however; it seemed they had enough fingers in the pie, and one more could do more harm than good.  Dahlia was on hand, however, hopefully to sensibly end the matter with as little embarrassment to the Family as possible...

[visualspice]

The alcohol should of worked- COULD have worked, had she not already been so far drunk that her body somehow seemed immune to the initial thrust- or.. perhaps it was because the water landed mostly on her 'rescuer's' face than her own, and she, only recieved a glossy dribble of the drink down her neck and breasts.

Remaining limply in Oscar's arms like some sort of a rag doll, Valia was at his complete mercy as she was given a chair and set upon it; and though she might have been spared an awakening from the alcohol from earlier, the movements of being placed into the chair began to rouse her as she gave a soft little gasp of breath, though hadn't opened her eyes.

She could hear the crowd's murmurs, but not their words, for what they were saying was too muhc of a nightmare, and the tone- intolerable at best. She'd have quite the head ache after this, as her mind was positively swimming.

But those thoughts were suddenly broken the moment smelling salts were drawn past her nose- and with a gag a gasp, she sat up so suddenly, her pretty blonde head BASHED clean into poor Oscar's chin- and she winced at the impact and lurched forward, chest heaving beneath the confines of her dress as she held a hand to it ... and.. to her surprise, found herself with a sticky, wet pair of breasts!

Making a face as she looked at her wet glove (which , the drink had seeped through when she touched herself)- she found not only was it covered in cheese puffs.. but alcohol as well! And her face paled, she could have choked on her own breath as the reality set in and her pink painted lips fell open-
and she screamed.


Her wails could be heard throughout that entire palace  as the crowds (both near and far) went silent from her sirening. And it was one long minute she let that voice shriek out as she sat there and realized, through sudden tears,

"OH MY GODS!" and her face blanched, voice echoing and tears hanging in her eyes. "WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY DRESS!?"



Edward, who was now reunited with Riley, had his stomach doing somersaults through this whole event an he was sweating bullets-
and then when the woman screamed- he blanched, and wished he would have been smart enough to plug up his ears, for now, they were ringing and he- too stunned to even speak!

But then, finally recalling the boy's words, he glanced down towards him and rested a hand upon his shoulder, but could, for the life of him in that moment, find no words to console him! But hten again, he was still too stunned! Seriously- what on earth was happening!?

[Vivi]

He could almost have kissed the other party guests for how they rallied around. Valia grew heavy in his arms the longer he held her, and it was with no small relief that he let Badger help him escort her to a chair, arranging her as best they could while Narwhal (surprise, surprise) fished out her smelling salts. Heaving a quiet sigh of relief, he felt his sisters touch upon his arm and smiled, shooting her a wry little smirk as the crowd kept up their murmuring. "Not really my evening, is it?" He murmured, holding up a cake-smeared glove. "Or hers, come to think of it." He sniffed the ruined material, pulled a face. The whole thing stank. Speaking of which, it seemed Riley had retreated after his stunt with the liquor, and for good reason: Oscar would hate to be in his shoes when she woke up.

Of course, this was forgetting that he was still stuck in the eye of the stupid storm. One that was about to resume.

Yet again, he was taken by surprise. She must have already been on her way to wakefulness when they set her down, because the smelling salts brought her back to life with a jolt. Too much of a jolt, her skull cracking into his chin, sadly not cushioned enough by all that blonde hair. Already off balance leaning over the chair, the blow knocked his head back and rattled him from teeth to brain, poor Oscar reeling back with a pained groan. Dizzy, he sank to one knee among the spilled cake and spirits as above him someone started screeching. If that and his brand new headache were any indication, Valia was good and lively again.

He groaned again, his mask askew and feeling momentarily nauseous from the blow - although the screaming certainly didn't help. He really should do something about that, he thought muzzily. Yes, he'd get up in a minute, explain it all in just a minute... Just as soon as the room stopped spinning.

[kleineklementine]

"Hi Trevian." Riley gave a little nod to his uncle. He still looked a bit pale, but was regaining some of his straightforward manner. "The woman in pink is making a fool of herself. I think she's drunk. And I think she's going to take Oscar down with her. I tried to help," here Riley's cheeks colored and he looked awfully sheepish, "but I didn't do a very good job."

Realizing that, as a proper guest at a proper ball, he might have some social obligation, Riley straightened himself up and cleared his through. "Uncle Trevian, may I introduce you to Lord Edward Draven?" His tone was perhaps a little too well-mannered, and it was likely that this performance was a touch cheeky. "Lord Draven, this is my uncle, Trevian Treyburn."

That taken care of, he looked back at the scene with some concern. "But, Trevian, don't you think you can help Oscar out?" Riley gave his uncle his best pitiful child look. He felt quite bad about making the situation with Lady Valia worse. And it was getting in the way of his plans!


Oh goodness. Dahlia was beginning to wish that she'd pulled Riley and Oscar away by the cuff and gotten everyone out of this fiasco. Especially when Valia smacked her blonde head straight into Oscar's. Acting quickly, Dahlia caught Oscar right as he dropped to his knee and steadied him.

"This really isn't your night," she agreed belatedly and hoisted him back on his feet. "Up you get, ragged little lion."

Dahlia had barely gotten Oscar back up when Valia unleashed her scream. She physically recoiled from the noise. What a charming young lady! Still holding onto Oscar, he whispered, "Do you think it's too late to make a run for it? Your head stopped spinning yet?"

While Dahlia was mostly looking out for her brother, luckily for Valia everyone else was thinking of her. Within moments, every gentleman around offered her a handkerchief! Knight-with-Horse even produced a small glass of water in which to dab the little squares of cloth.

[Ivory]

Entrance from The Dessert Table

-----

In spite of her concern, Grand Duchess Kathryn Allarrick moved with a regal grace across the room.  She walked with her head held high and her expression cool, as befitting her rank.  But even with her measured steps, there could be only one destination to where she was headed with her husband stalwartly at her side: the knot of people gathered around her screaming sister.

Trevian grinned and reached out to shake Edward's hand, momentarily forgetting the small disaster unfolding before them.  "Edward!  It's good to see you again!  How's your daughter?  I've been meaning to write..."  He trailed off, then, adding for Riley's benefit, "Edward and I were in the same unit.  Here, hold my hat, Riley."

The floofy hat came off his head, then, and he gently shrugged out of his tabard.  Reclaiming the hat, he stuck it back on his head.  "Thank you.  Hold that thought, Edward." He moved to Oscar and Dahlia.  "While I admire your taste in women, Oscar, I didn't think you were the type to make a scene with a married one."  He grinned and held the coat out to his brother.  Let everyone else dab the girl with their handkerchiefs; he had a better idea.  "Go wrap this around Lady Valia to warm her.  Now.  Smile and be charming -- she loves charming men.  Her sister has just started this way, and you'll be sure to leave an impression on the Grand Duchess if she finds you comforting the poor girl."

(OOC: Feel free to blow him off.  <3)

[kleineklementine]

Dahlia stiffened at the entrance of the Grand Duke and Duchess and her grip on Oscar momentarily tightened. Not, this time, as a gesture of affection. If there was anyone Dahlia held responsible for her husband's death, it was That Man. And now he and his stupid war had Milo, too. She felt her throat tighten along with her grip on her brother. Trevian might be interested in impressing the couple, but Dahlia certainly was not. Realizing the vice-like hold she now had on Oscar, she let him go.

"Go ahead, Oscar, it's a good idea," she said, but her voice was flat. With that, she left Oscar entrusted to Trevian and left the little group of onlookers before she'd have to be within five feet of that...that man. She retreated to a far corner of the room, where she could be alone, but still keep a eye on Riley in case the incident with the spirits came up and she needed to intercede on his behalf.

Cherie aside, Dahlia was beginning to seriously regret having come.

[visualspice]

It was all fun and games until the Grand Duke (and Duchess!) showed up! And if the place wasn't silent before, it most certainly was now, as the pair of them walked, arm and arm, through the parting crowds. By now, the only people that dare speak were a few whispers here and there, one in particular from the narwhal.

"The Grand Duchess.." the narwahl gasped, eyes as large as millwheels (and probably her mind churning just as slow!). She pinched the woman beside her, as the two continued to whisper...
"I heard the pair were on trying terms. It's why they have no child."
"Hrm, no wonder, the Grand Duke looks dreadful. Look at those bags beneath his eyes!" but the whisper grew quiet as the pair drew nearer-

And Lord Edward grew quiet himself. His exchanged with his friend, Trevian, was brief-
A hello, goodbye, then the man was gone, leaving Riley with his hat.  But now, he turned his attention to the approaching pair...
He had met The Grand Duke before, with no small thanks to his acquaintance with Audric Molneux, the current Duke of Allar. But seeing how this small event escalated quickly, he held onto Riley's shoulder and whispered,
"You did good in trying to help." He tried to reassure the boy with a smile. "But seeing how things are quickly escalating, would you like to exit- stage left with me?"
Now seemed a good as time as ever to go and perhaps spare the child Lady Valia's wrath.

[kleineklementine]

Riley watched with satisfaction as Trevian leapt off to Oscar's aid. Good, at least someone was listening to his advice! Why couldn't all adults be so sensible? But while the entrance of the Grand Duke and Duchess made no impression on him - Riley just thought they looked awfully stuffy - he did observe the effect on his mother.

"Hmm," was the only initial response he gave to Edward's suggestion, watching Dahlia carefully. Though he wasn't entirely sure what had upset her - the list of root causes was short - he did know that she'd probably rather be alone. She hated her children seeing her upset, and Riley knew it. "Alright," he agreed, nodding slowly, "that's probably a good idea. I'll stick with you, Lord Draven. Lead the way!"

Instead of finding a dancing partner, it appeared, Edward was stuck with a sidekick!

Exit to wherever Spice likes!



Dahlia heaved a short sigh of relief when she saw Riley exit with the stammering gentleman from before. Out of the danger zone. Anyway, they could probably both use each other's help! But more importantly, it meant Dahlia could escape what was now a suffocating room. Giving one last look to poor Oscar, Dahlia slipped out of the dessert room.

Exit to the Veranda

[Vivi]

Oscar was glad of his sisters hands keeping him upright. Even as the dizziness subsided the headache prevailed, a sizable red mark colouring his jaw below his mask. It would bruise spectacularly by tomorrow, but it was the least of the ragged lion's worries, considering the ongoing fiasco in front of them. Not at all surprisingly, every man in the hall seemed to have converged on her, most likely for reasons too uncharitable for Oscar to admit aloud. It took the attention from him, and momentarily he even considered his sisters suggestion.

The entrance of the Grand Duke and Duchess however, meant that plan promptly went to hell.

He jumped, twisting in Dahlia's grasp with a look of wide-eyed dismay, something that turned to relief and embarrassment just as quickly on the entrance of his favourite brother. "Trevian!" He spluttered, going noticeably pink. "I- N-no! No, that's not what I- I was just trying to help, I didn't mean to be-" He swallowed. "You're teasing. You're teasing me, aren't you?" His face redder still, he cut off his babbling in an attempt to save what little dignity he had left, reaching out to take the coat. His sisters voice however, gave him pause. Of course, he had forgotten about the other concerns the Duke brought.

"Dahlia? Sister, I-" But too late, she was already gone, escaping this farce and the Duke and Duchess. For a moment he floundered, looking to the waiting coat and his sisters retreating back. But there stood the Duke and Duchess, with Lady Valia still screeching... He squared his shoulders, and took the coat. "Charming. Right. The way this evening's been going, I'd say that's a wise move." He smiled. "I owe you."

With a glance back to Trevian and a fruitless attempt to straighten his mask, he pushed through the crowd of helpful men, his best and most guileless smile on his face. "Come now, gentlemen, we can't leave her like this!" He carefully wrapped the coat around Valia, talking all the while. "I can't apologise enough for the mishap, my lady, it must feel absolutely dreadful. But don't worry!" His smile brightened, silently wondering when he'd become this good an actor. "We'll have you taken care of. Are you hurt at all?"

[Ivory]

Trevian chuckled at poor Oscar's expression and clapped his brother on the shoulder encouragingly.  "Go on.  I'll look after Dahlia."

And also find Janette...

As Oscar approached Valia with the coat, Trevian turned back to his sister...only to find her gone.  Fantastic.  Well, at least Dahlia was bound to be in less trouble than Janette...

He caught sight of the back of Riley and Edward's heads, then, and he grinned broadly as a candle flickered on in his head.  Or, maybe, he could find someone else to cheer up Dahlia...

Weaving through the crowd and abandoning Oscar to his fate (which he assumed, already, to be a mixed bag), he caught up fairly easily with his friend and nephew.  "Riley!"  His hands came down on the boy's shoulders lightly to stop him.  "Two questions for you before you escape.  First, have you seen your aunt Janette recently?  Second..."  He glanced at Edward, then lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.  "Do you think you could introduce Edward to your mother?  It would do her some good to make a new friend, especially one as kind and sympathetic as Edward."

[kleineklementine]

Riley rolled his eyes at Trevian's suggestion and gave an exasperated sigh. All the adults were so slow tonight! "Really, Uncle Trevian? I never would have thought of that!" At ten, he was just discovering the uses of sarcasm. "But she's probably angry, so I think it's better to leave her alone for now." Though she never lost her temper in front of them per se, Riley at least knew which triggers caused his mother to suddenly leave rooms. And more than once he'd heard the sounds of shattering glass and pottery from her studio. No, now would not be the right time to introduce her to Edward. "She doesn't make a very good impression when she's angry."

Riley's bright eyes widened a bit and a smile snuck onto his face at the thought of Trevian being tasked with tracking down Unpredictable Aunt Janette. Or maybe she was predictable...-ly unpredictable. "No, I try to avoid Janette. She's trouble."

Riley turned back to Edward now, a little impatient. "Can we go now? I want to get out of here before Lady Valia realizes I poured that water on her..."

[Ivory]

Trevian answered the young man with a laugh.  "Right.  I keep forgetting you're pretty much grown up now."  All the kids were!  "I guess I don't need to remind you to get in some trouble yourself tonight, then."  With a grin, he straightened and extended a hand again to Edward.

"Edward, we'll catch up later.  Right now, I have to go try to find my younger sister before she costs us our title and lands."

And with that, Trevian had faded back into the crowd.

-----

Exit to Waltz of the Sugar Plum Candies

[visualspice]

Her dress her dress! Her most magnificent dress! The hours it had taken to GET into that dress! The weeks it TOOK her to perfect that dress! And now look at her! LOOK AT IT!!!

She was a spectacle! And also marooned as she soon felt her legs becoming nothing more than jelly, as she paused a moment after her shrieking and went still. Her beating heart was moving so rapid and fast within her chest, her mind, barely able to take in all the whispers gushing around her, ad the guests.. all becoming as blotted figures, seeming as far away as the chandeliers. And soon, she felt her body began to shake.

Lady Valia was now a whimpering fool, shaking from rage, shaking from anger, and shaking, consequently from the illness being drawn upon from her booze- (well THAT, and embarrassment). She couldn't help herself, this was a party, meant to be one of the grandest of all, and here she sat, in a rigid, frilly chair, beside a disheveled, (and albeit a bit handsome) lion, and the entire nobility of Connlaoth!

Gods! If she could curl up somewhere she would! But even as tears were threatening in those hot pink eyes of hers, the only things streaming down her face was a few blobs of the cream puff's frosting making it's way down her cheek. But then oh- she felt something warm wrap around her and blinked. Just when she appeared about ready to tear either herself (or some poor sap apart) she craned her head up and oh!

Bubbles of lights from the chandelier glistened from his man, as if he were somehow shining with the saintly light from Angsar himself! And as she gawked at him, she took notice to his strong chin, his kissable lips, and those beautiful green eyes. It didn't help that the mane of his hair was just incredibly sexy, especially as it was in disarray and partially flecked with some of the cheese puff frosting that had come off of her own hair, onto his.

Blinking, she hadn't a chance to find her voice yet as he croaked...

"I..."
But she didn't have to speak when the Grand Duke showed up, wife on his arm. Dressed as a stag and doe, the pair appeared an imposing, but regal sight as their shadows covered the pair before them. And the Grand Duke looked from the lion down to the pink mess on the chair.
And he found it was only proper he be the first one to speak.

"On behalf of the Grand Duchess herself, I ask that all the lords and ladies surrounding this scene please disperse. The lady is now in care of the Grand Duke."
But as he dismissed the gawking crowd still hesitantly lurking around, he gestured towards the lion.

"You there, Lord Treyburn?" he knew it was at least one of them. Damn him for being able to commit most of the guests and their costumes to memory, or, at least he tried. "If you would please help the lady into the other room... we can treat her much better in privacy."
Giving another sharp glance to the crowd to warn them to stay back, the Grand Duke kept his wife upon his arm and turned away, heading off towards a more private room...
At least there, they could get Valia cleaned up and more.. presentable. But really.. it was obvious the young girl was making a fool of herself. Anyone could see that she was drunk! But on behalf of his wife, he'd coddle the wretch thing, even though her younger sister grated on his nerves....



And it was so... Lord Edward had nearly missed what was being spoken as he gaped at the scene before him as Lady Valia was being carried off. Blinking, he turned to Trevian.
"Seems this will be quite a party."
Then he glanced down to Riley and smiled softly.
"How about, for now, you and I check out the Star gazing tower? I heard the view up there is incredible." PLus it would be nice to get some fresh air after this!

[Vivi]

It was a very good thing that Oscar hadn't the talent to read minds, for what was going through Lady Valia's mind would probably sent him running in the opposite direction. As it was, he barely noticed the doe-eyed stare she was giving him, too concerned about the shadow that settled over the pair of them. Oscar's mouth went dry.

"I-" Well, technically he was a Lord Treyburn, but truly the title belonged to his brother. It didn't seem to be a good idea to correct the Grand Duke of ones country though, and with his stomach in knots Oscar nodded, standing up straight and dropping into a bow. A little cake dropped from his shoulder and splatted to the ground between them, and he fought the urge to wince. Wonderful. And here he'd hoped he'd be free of this. "Yes, Your Grace. At once."

But one must do what one must do, and Oscar hopped to it as commanded. Returning his attention to Valia's chair, he enjoyed a brief panic for how to go about this. Charming, Trevian had said. Treat them well. With that in mind - and not a clue as to Valia's reaction to him - he offered a hand. "If you would allow me to help you stand, milady?"

[kleineklementine]

"Alright," Riley agreed hastily. Valia was awake now and he wanted out of there!

Exit to the Stargazing Tower

((Shortest post ever!!!))

[visualspice]

Star struck by the handsome lion rescuer, for the longest time, Valia's pink eyes only remained on him and her head rigidly nodded in acceptance, though when she stood , her pink heels slipped a bit on some cream puff excess on the floor and with a gasp, she fell forward, falling lightly against his chest. And oh! Did the lion smell divine! But she was too embarrassed (again) to care as her face went red and her body, stiffened. What a night this was turning out to be! She could just cry!


And while Valia was fumbling her way with the poor lion, Edward nodded and turned away, guiding Riley with him to the stargazing tower.

[kleineklementine]

Entrance from Triple Chocolate Cake

Since he'd failed at finding any respite in the study, Avery wandered resignedly back into the party. Thankfully his shirt had dried from the incident with Jillian Treyburn, but that meant he still didn't have a drink in hand. More importantly, though he hadn't really been looking for a lady's attention, had he really lost one to Davishire? Ah well, it just wasn't going to be Avery's night.

Maybe that thought had been a little too prescient. For as he passed the threshold into dessert room, here came Lord and Lady Brisby, having been ushered away from the scene with Lady Valia by the Grand Duke. He was a famously overbearing bore and she a dreadful gossip. But, on the bright side, as they approached Avery noticed that Lord Brisby appeared to be carrying a whole bottle of something with him.

"Avery, my boy!" the older man boomed. "Is that an empty glass in your hand?"

Avery's glass was filled and 'manly' small talk about how things were going on the war front and Lord Brisby nattering on about his 'good old days' in the army. Just when that was finally winding down and Avery thought he might be able to make a break for it, Lady Brisby jumped in.

"Enough military talk, please! How is the poor Duchess, she couldn't make it? ..Again?"

"Yes, well," Avery responded politely but noncommittally, "she hasn't been well lately."

"It must all be so embarrassing for her! I mean, her daughter! And now all this news of uprisings and breakouts! And I even heard there are bands of mage guerilla fighters and they claim they have..."

She carried on, but Avery tuned her out, taking a long sip of his drink instead and making the occasional obligatory "oh, of course," "mm," or "yes, it's terrible." All the while looking furtively around for an out.

[visualspice]

It seemed there was quite a lot of people near the dessert table when Lord Davishire stepped in. Still brooding over today's events, he was hoping to at least steal himself a cream puff, or one of the chocolates, but he was, surprised to find there were none- cream puffs that is. He noted, though, idly, from the corner of his eyes as the Grand Duke and company heading for another room, and with it, he sighed. He didn't think too highly of the Grand Duke either and well, to hell with him and politics. He had been there when so many were vying for the throne. Calent's ideals were... different, but the way he rallied men and kept curdling his hatred towards mages was so uncivil. Mage camps? Really? God, what an awful thing to create! And to think he lived in such a time!

So yes.. Today had become an interesting day indeed, especially considering he had one too many run ins with the Treyburns. He did, however, feel a bit guilty for the last girl, and even the bubbly, book loving one before. But Lady Gray, who he saw was torn over the army and it's stupidities.... Could he blame her? He tried not to get involved with that himself. His family always claimed he was too well off anyways but truthfully, war was not his style. Despite being a man of his stature and physique, he actually spent more time in Uthlyn than anywhere else particularly the library.

But something drew his mind from the Treyburn girls as he lifted his head to over hear Lady Brisby's comments about Avery's sistercousin. He knew enough about her poor predicament- let alone the fact her own parents sent her to a mage camp! If he were to just let his inner most thoughts go, he'd knock out her parents teeth. It was a cruel fate, and to see Lord Carwick caught within their social entrapment, he figured he would at least help the poor chap out by stepping in.

His presence alone caused the two Brisby's to stare as Davishire stared coolly, albiet, a bit moodily along with them.

"Lord Carwick, what do you think of cream puffs?"
There, he said it. Something to break up this despicable conversation, and he only gave Avery a bit of a sharper stare, hoping he'd at least humor him. "I think they might be bringing over a fresh tray to the table."

And if Avery thought it was bad enough to deal with that sort of topic- the Brisby's wouldn't even dare poke at the Callister's. Lady Brisby snapped out her fan and stuck it straight up in the air.
"Cedric," she said, turning to her husband. "I think we ought to check out the veranda." And giving Davishire but one snooty look,t he two walked away. Davishire only stared after them, like a wolf giving off a warning glare-
but only as cooly as a man in a wolf costume could.

[kleineklementine]

((OOC: Olive is actually Avery's second-cousin, not sister. XD))


Oh, thank goodness! Avery had been rapidly losing patience with the old woman, but he knew that the last useful thing he could do was snap at old Lady Brisby about it. Whatever their position would have been if their daughter hadn't been in the mix, Avery knew that the Duke and Duchess of Wulfbauer believed that their unwavering support for Calent and, ironically, even the camps was their best way of protecting Constance now that she was out of their hands. Avery wasn't sure about this strategy, but he toed the line none the less. So he was visibly relieved when Davishire showed up and saved him from this test of his resolve on the issue.

"Ugh, thank you," Avery said and meant it, staring after the retreating couple like a mouse who'd been hypnotized by a snake making an unexpected recovery. "I was rather at risk of losing my patience with her. I never cease to be amazed by people's delight in the misfortune of others. Their only child is sent off to the north, not a word from her or about her since and that was years ago, you think that'd be enough to excuse at least the mother from a ball or two. But you'd be amazed. That's probably the fifth time I've had this conversation tonight. I swear they're all secretly hoping to hear that poor Constance has died in an uprising or is running around with escaped bands of mages orchestrating dreadful attacks, or I don't know what nonsense."

Not to mention how amazed he was at how freely they felt talking to him about it! They might not be close relations, but Avery had been the heir apparent and taken under the Duke's wing from an early age, so had spent quite a bit of time with Constance until she'd gone to the university. Hell, he was meant to marry her! That was all off now, obviously, but did any of these chattering gossips give a second thought to how he might feel about it all? What would they have done to poor Duchess Caroline, had she come? Avery shuddered to think.

Avery shook his head in the direction of the now long gone couple and took a sip of his drink. "Anyway, that's what I was trying to avoid in the library." If Avery held any grudge against Davishire for his cold treatment there, he didn't show it. But having said that made Avery look a bit sheepishly (and with an undeniable hint of amusement, but not more than would be polite!)... or maybe a bit slyly at Davishire. "Sorry about that, by the way. I hope I didn't cause too much of a disruption to anything?"

This might sound slightly tawdry, but Avery just meant any possible courting... obviously!

[visualspice]

OOC: Oops! All fixed 8D

---------

Davishire visibly stiffened at the thank you, but nodded his head in acknowledgement just the same. He hadn't a reputation to come to another's rescue. Must be the alcohol (though to be fair, he barely even had two drinks!) Staring down at his cup, the same one he had earlier, he contemplated filling it up to top it off, but then thought better of it. He never was a fan of getting drunk. Perhaps, on occasion when he was in the study, mulling over a good historical read, or when he was out in the yard, target shooting with his extensive collection of rifles and flint lock pistols. Few could boast to own as many as he, and he was proud of such a thing. Outside of his library, gun collecting was his second favored hobby.

But now was not the time to be thinking of guns, or things of the like; for it seemed this ball was working as anything but an anti-reminder on the war. And as he mulled that over, he growled a little and turned from his companion to observe the crowd. He digested what Avery said, but his own thoughts were the same on it about his cousin's family as he nodded.

"The war has turned them all to wolves."
And then realizing what he was dressed as, he grew soured a bit- not meaning to draw attention to that! and it irked him, especially since one damn wolf ear on his costume would not stay up. Pushing up the wilted wolf ear with a large finger, he found himself tensing and nearly breaking his glass at Avery's assumption back at the library.

"I can assure you, there was nothing to assume." Though even as he said it, it made him frown. "Jillian Treyburn and I were just... discussing history." And he glanced away, trying to ignore the fact his cheeks were burning. Bother! Why did that wording make him so flustered?