Masquerade Ball - Totally not an ambush

[hiken]

Who: Anyone going to the Corsair Island Masquerade Ball!
Where: ...IDK?
When: April 26th - 27th (Early AM)
What: The Masquerade Ball + Ambush (12am)
Warnings: D for dancing, V for violence, A for Ace, L for Luffy
Style: Action or prose.
Status: Open to anyone attending!

There are going to be two main threads. One for the ball itself and the other for the Ambush! There will be an obligatory third thread for FASHION. Just remember to tag your muse in the subject header and OTA or 'Closed to ???' as you comment.

Comments

[bloodheels]

Lenalee had her arms crossed, standing towards the side. She had spoken with a few Naval men before and even danced with a couple who just seemed lonely. It was quite sad really. They seemed okayish people when they didn't know who they were and yet when they did they wanted them dead or hunted. She wondered if they knew who they were would they change their minds or still consider them pirates?

Glancing over she shook her head. He asked a question and she knew she should politely answer. "Nothing so far. Just a few men talking about small things. Nothing to note."

[orderispeace]

There was always some petty reason humanity would find to fight over. In this case it was piracy, a situation caused by the foolishness of the Navy in the first place or so Haytham now fully believed. If people brought here against their will could not take up residence on an island with out being attacked by the locals they had no choice but to take to the sea and doing so made them pirates. The problem could have been solved very easily if only the Navy had settled on a more diplomatic response, an island willing to take the new arrivals and amnesty would do a great deal to limit piracy. But, the Navy had never been very willing to listen to outside opinion.
At the Ball however, they were all 'friends', the idea would be passed on to a few notable looking Officers before the night was out. Anything to get the narrow-minded Navy to see beyond itself and consider other more peaceful options.

"You are not enjoying the party then?"

Sounded like tedious small talk from the way she spoke. That could get dreadfully dull.

[bloodheels]

"It's certainly an experience, but I'm more focused on other things."

She said happily watching people walk by, taking note of people she would be willing to talk to later. She wanted to know more about these people and what they did. If she could avoid having to fight then it was better than nothing, at least to her it could be. She knew it might not be the same to the other crew members.

[orderispeace]

It was the same for Haytham at least. He was planning on doing much the same thing Lenalee was, speak to the others and then find a quiet way to exit. The less drama the better.

"And what 'other things' might you be hoping to find?"

[bloodheels]

She paused, before looking at her hand, playing with the gloves she had decided to wear for such an event.

"I think talking to the others, finding out things about them. I would like to think it could help in some way."

[orderispeace]

Elegant gloves for an elegant event, the action was noticed but when it turned out to be only a simple straightening of the fabric over her fingers he looked back to her eyes. It was a very simple wish she had, if only there were more who felt as strongly about finding a peaceful way to live.

"It may in time. As it stands now there is too much hostility between groups, both sides expect the worst from the other. If that could be changed then perhaps talk would gain enough power to make a difference."

[bloodheels]

She wished there could have been a way, but she knew deep down war is always a thing that will happen, and she will always be thrown into it without much choice on the matter. Fighting, death. These are the things she doesn't want to see. At least, to the friends that she has made here anyway. Not her world.

"I know it probably won't happen, as war is always something that happens no matter what, but I guess I just like to hope." She said giving a small laugh. "It seems silly doesn't it? Just a silly wish, but after what I've seen somewhere peaceful would just be a nice change."

[orderispeace]

"Hoping for peace with not achieve it. Only action will."

This was a matter of fact for him. People could hope and pray for certain outcomes all they liked but only by stepping into situations and making the changes nessacary to steer the course of human nature and mitigate the damages people could cause through foolish actions could a better future founded upon the principal of peace become possible.
But um... perhaps now was not the best time for such philosophical messages. This was still a party.

"At least we should not have to worry about these concerns tonight. Do be careful, but you might also find the chance to enjoy yourself?"

[bloodheels]

"I know..." She wished it just wasn't the case, but she'll deal with it in her own way. She gave a small nod, she knew this was a party and that she should be having more fun.

"I'm always careful. Always prepared for anything to happen." She said her hands moving to her ankles slightly. Innocence a thing she really couldn't go without considering it's connected to her blood and all.

"But having fun might be something. I could try things I didn't before."

[orderispeace]

He didn't normally offer things like this but... there was a certain Officer that was beginning to take note of the pair who were simply standing and talking. It was unusual to see such serious expressions on their faces when all of the rest were laughing, eating, or otherwise engaged in party activities. Besides given the direction of their conversation this offer sort of followed it, a little fun could do no harm after all.

"Do you dance?"

[bloodheels]

She was surprised at that question. She knew she didn't really dance due to her work.

"Ah, I've never really danced before. So if I did it wouldn't be well."

She had noted people staring and understand the reason for the question, but she stood up with a smile "I'm sure I could learn though."

[orderispeace]

"There isn't much to it."

So said as he held out a hand to take hers.

"Just follow my lead and you'll do fine."

He chose the simplest dance he knew. The steps were very basic and left out many of the more technical skills while still managing to look quite elegant on the dance floor. Gradually those who had taken an interest in the pair before began to look away and go on about their business. If they were dancing they were meant to be here, right?

[bloodheels]

She nodded slightly, knowing full well that if they get caught that only bad things could come of it. They needed to keep their cover for a while yet. So taking his lead she choose to learn to dance.

Thankfully easy steps meant she could learn quicker and not look like much of a fool while trying.

"Have they stopped looking yet?" she asked as she turned her head, looking at various people eating, drinking, dancing and generally enjoying themselves. It seems they were safe for now.

"That's good. It's fine for now."

[orderispeace]

"Should be safe enough now."

As the dance finished Haytham bowed, as the other gentlemen in the room did, and escorted Lenalee away from the dance floor. Closer to the growing throng of people near the buffet tables they stood out a good deal less here. This he felt was a decently safe place to say their goodbyes.

"I will leave you to enjoy the rest of the evening."

[bloodheels]

She did a curtsey like any lady should do before moving

"Thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening yourself. Don't forget to try some of the food, I've heard it's delicious."

And with that she had started to walk off, her eyes trailing to see who else she could speak to this nice and make nice. Talking was better to not get you noticed after all.