Have a Ball (Cecilia/invite)

[Preston Salabim]

The time had come for the ball of 260, all of the nobility and high ranking members of society were present, dressed in their best as music filled the ballroom.  Preston was dressed up, his hair neat for once, and not a sign of ink or blood to be found on him or his clothing.  He was all smiles and small talk as he moved through the hall greeting guests, thanking them for coming, and chatting for the appropriate amount of time.  Being careful to give foreign dignitaries extra attention, while not ignoring his own nobles.  A polite, if potentially deadly balancing act. 

[Cecelia Riddel]

Celia was present at the ball, swelling with joy and delight and dressed to the nines in a pastel gown. Every inch was groomed to perfection, down to the fact she managed to finagle her qi sprite into a dress by some mystical power unknown to anyone who hadn't been in the room when it happened.

Some faces were familiar to her from political events in her home territory, but now she represented another. Polite, soft greetings and smiles were exchanged with the familiar as well as the new, noting which ones were also from 260. It never hurt to be able to call on a powerful name. It was refreshing to be back in her own element, in a land where she could breathe clean air and smell the ocean again.

"High Chancellor." Her smile warmed as she greeted Preston, curtsying before him with her usual fluid grace. "It is an honor and delight to see you again."

[Preston Salabim]

"My Lady Cecelia, it is a pleasure." He'd bow in return, taking her hand and pressing the back of it against his lips before straightening up once more. A spare moment is given to adjust his glasses as he beamed at her, far more chipper than the usual studious Preston. His battle face was on, in a manner of speaking.

"I am pleased that you decided to accept my invitation. I hope the journey did not trouble you too much."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"I was pleased to receive it. The chance to be here tonight outshines any difficulty." It had been worse when she had traveled to Cabal itself, though she was beginning to realize that the opinion was a mix of early homesickness and relishing a new chance at freedom to be here. The ability to be here at all after the castle had fallen in the east was a surprise in itself, but regardless of what the future had, this was one thing she deemed she could have for herself and still benefit the people she served.

Ignoring her sprite's nettled silence, she continued with confidence. "How are you this evening, your grace?" He seemed at ease and chipper than the last time she'd seen him, if only just. It was a pleasant thing to see.

[Preston Salabim]

"Magical. And please, Preston will suffice. You are my guest, there is no need for such formalities."

He'd say with a grin as he took her hand and lead her deeper into the ballroom.

"Would you like a drink? Or perhaps something to eat?"

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Thank you, Preston." Her smile brightened with the pun, letting him lead her deeper into the coliseum of socialites. Mentally ticking off who noticed and what reactions she got as they went. "Please call me Cecelia, then.

"A drink would be lovely."

[Preston Salabim]

"Very well Cecilia."

He'd say, grabbing two drinks from a passing servant with a tray, handing one to her as he held up the other for a small clink of the glass.

Cecilia would notice more than a few people giving them glances, which was only natural. What was less natural was the couple that was snickering as they looked at her. Preston either didn't notice or was ignoring them as he'd smile holding his glass.

"To prosperity and the future."

[Cecelia Riddel]

Cecelia was aware of the eyes on her and moved about as if nothing were wrong. People were bound to notice who the ruler of a prestigious territory was, and she'd be more worried if they didn't take note. It was the snickering that had her attention, but with so few people, nothing could be amiss in her appearance or manners. She'd have the whole room if that happened.

"To prosperity and a bright future," she agreed with a warm smile, raising her glass to toast. When finished, she'd take a small sip before indulging her curiosity.

"Is something the matter? The couple farther back seemed to find something about us rather amusing."

[Preston Salabim]

"Hmmm?"

He'd glance back, adjusting his glasses before turning back to Cecilia.

"Not really, they are readers. They probably just read your spell list. Or uh, Qi abilities I suppose you'd call them. I wouldn't pay them much mind. They think anyone that wasn't in the top percent at the Academy are lamentable."

[Cecelia Riddel]

Maybe it was just her imagination, given he barely paid them any mind. The hope didn't last long when he mentioned the gift they had, her cheeks tinging pink as she imagined just where she'd rank among those at their academy.

"I see." She took a long, long drink to buy her a moment to breathe, but her cheeks heated further. The build up of gas in her chest soon after, though she fought to keep it down.

"I'd never think to find people with that sort of ability." She smiled. "But you're right. We should pay them no mind." The gas built up as she raised her free hand to her lips, a tiny bubble escaping.

What she wouldn't give to melt through the floor, even as she looked away and trying not to hide at the same time.

[Preston Salabim]

Preston saw the bubble. There was no way he didn't, but he'd also not skip a beat.

"Don't worry about it, they make it very bubbly, you know these formal functions." He'd try to disarm the situation by making a small joke to give her cover and move on. "They exist outside of Ayatlan as well, but they are not as common outside. We have a unique way of handling our gifts at the Academy. It's the primary reason we are so selective about who is admitted."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Some more bubbly than others," she agreed with a smile, warming up to him more with the jest that would gave her a gracious escape. It was strange to hear someone consider their qi a gift, even with the brief time she'd spent in Zekunft and Cabal's academies. Even the way he spoke about the academy here suggested a level of understanding she wasn't ready for.

"That's quite the accomplishment. Your academy's reputation is almost as far reaching as your homeland's." She smiled, sipping at the drink once to fully get back into the grove of socializing.

"Forgive my being forward, but would you care to dance?"

[Preston Salabim]

"We work very hard to further the knowledge of our people every day. It is only by understanding the fundamental ways the world works that we can shape it to benefit us all."

He smiled and would sip from his glass, setting it down on a nearby surface as she asked him to dance. Taking her hand in his he would nod.

"I would love to." And with that he would lead her toward the dance floor, the music playing a nice easy waltz.

[Cecelia Riddel]

Not even a gift, then, but a celebrated. A level of power told in old stories in old books. No wonder they laughed at her. But as Preston led her to the dance floor and the familiar rhythm of a waltz filled the room, , her enjoyment returned in full, waiting for Preston to take lead.

"And what do you do when you aren't learning the great mysteries of the world?" This wasn't embracing a birth defect. It was interesting, though she expected it would go over her head. It was romantic, learning to shape the world not just politically. And intimidating to think that one person could do such a thing.

So instead she focused on the pleasant company. Let them give those watching something to truly see.

[Preston Salabim]

Preston might not look it, but he was a rather good dancer himself. Having grown up in the embrace of nobility it was all part of his schooling and education. Functions like these were just a part of life for him.

"Honestly, that is what most of my time is devoted to. There are many mysteries to uncover and I am asked to use my expertise quite often on behalf of our patrons or in part of our diplomatic dealings. But when I do have time for leisure I enjoy drawing, reading for pleasure, or listening to music. I find it pleasing to let myself get lost in art in its many forms."

Though as of late he has had less time for that.

"And what about yourself? What are you passionate about?"