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be our guest, be our guest!
[Look the part, they said. They brought out the fine clothes, reminded him of the relations he had with this noble and that noble, what he had to bring up over the course of the night. He had to make an appearance, chat with the other lords to assure them, yes, the head of House Gardios was fine and would be returning to his lordly duties soon enough. The task itself wasn't very daunting. Formalities was something he could handle without much thought.
Halfway into the night, however, Guy's beaten a hasty retreat to a less-populated corner of the ballroom. Some of the guests remark on the troubled look on his face as he rushed by, all of which he waves off with a feeble grin and an equally weak excuse about stepping out for a breath of air.
A pleasant party, was it? He should've expected more with Jade involved. He lets out a sigh as he leans against one of the food tables, forgetting all appearances. The masquerade was still going on strong, with no signs of ceasing in its festivity. No matter where he looks there's bright faces, colorful skirts swaying in time to the music--
They were much too polite to say it to his face, but he knew how they whispered and giggled behind their fluttering fans. Despite the pep talk he was given before, Guy has a sinking feeling he won't be braving the dance floor again just yet. He adjusts his mask, grateful for the partial cover it gave.
How embarrassing.]
Halfway into the night, however, Guy's beaten a hasty retreat to a less-populated corner of the ballroom. Some of the guests remark on the troubled look on his face as he rushed by, all of which he waves off with a feeble grin and an equally weak excuse about stepping out for a breath of air.
A pleasant party, was it? He should've expected more with Jade involved. He lets out a sigh as he leans against one of the food tables, forgetting all appearances. The masquerade was still going on strong, with no signs of ceasing in its festivity. No matter where he looks there's bright faces, colorful skirts swaying in time to the music--
They were much too polite to say it to his face, but he knew how they whispered and giggled behind their fluttering fans. Despite the pep talk he was given before, Guy has a sinking feeling he won't be braving the dance floor again just yet. He adjusts his mask, grateful for the partial cover it gave.
How embarrassing.]
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As impressive as his endurance is, Jade doesn't give Guy a chance to catch his breath. As soon as the unfortunate man settles in one place, he's sweeping over, neatly avoiding dancers and conversationalists alike. His own mask glitters in the light of the fonstone lamps, the colours of Malkuth interwoven with the score of a fonic hymn. It's a bland design; the mask had been casually fished out from one of the Curtiss manor's storage rooms.
He approaches Guy like they're strangers. It doesn't mean much, when he's all but watched him put on his costume and vice versa.]
It's quite a lively party, isn't it? [It's subtle, but he's being more formal than usual. It's all part of the illusion.] I'm ready for a break myself. Would you mind if I joined you?
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I'd let you if you've given me a warning beforehand. [Remarkably, he's managed to avoid close contact with noblewomen until tonight. More importantly, he's a little peeved at having been put through what feels like an experiment.]
But who am I to turn away a stranger? That'd be rude of me, right?
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Dropping his formal mannerisms, Jade moves to stand beside Guy in a way that is...still pretty formal. It's part of the walls he had carefully built up over the years, and he's not particularly inclined to let them drop, especially at a function like this. Not even his reputation is enough to deter prying eyes; if anything, his presence invites more of them.]
So, Lord Gardios, I trust you've been enjoying yourself? If I remember correctly, you were with a lovely lady earlier.
[Several, actually.]
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He rolls his eyes at the remark, but answers nonetheless.]
With all due respect, it's inconsiderate to send them over to me when I can't entertain them. You know that, Colonel.
[In other words: you're terrible.]
aughhh sorry for late, trying to adjust to being in a game again
[He's far from the only one who enjoys seeing Guy lose his usual composure and squirm.]
it's ok IM PRETTY MUCH THE SAME... sobbing
You don't count.
[With that said:]
Though you seem awfully happy by the outcome.
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[He adjusts his mask.]
That's quite a bold claim to make, considering you can't even see my face.
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Forget it. Whatever you wanted to test, you got it. I'm just glad His Majesty isn't here.
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Guy! I hope you aren't slandering His Majesty.
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If he heard me, he'd forgive me because of my extenuating circumstances.
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[A lord should be capable of dealing with suitors, you know.]
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You. [It's clear by his tone that he's teasing.]