Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Apr 28, 2020 22:55:01 GMT -5
Helene was laughing through her singing. Oh she quite liked this. It gave her life, in a time that surely would have sent her tipping over the edge in despair. Not tonight! Tonight her cares were to be thrown away, and joy was to be had. For her and Marinette. She twirled her sister with a giggle, and then came to a stop when they'd been approached. She squeezed Marinette's hand and then smiled like a mad woman at her sister before her eyes shifted to that of the man who had started this whole thing. "She would." She spoke for her sister. Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before she leaned in. "I'll be here. It'll be okay, have some fun." She told her, before nudging her forward. Practically shoving Mari into the waiting DeGrey's arms. She laughed. "Have fun!" She wiggled her fingers at the two of them before she finished off the wine glass. and set it on a nearby table. Clapping her hands to the beat of the song that was nearing it's end. Helene was laughing and picking her skirts up as she walked to one of the more open area's of the "dance floor" and twirled herself around. She was perfectly find dancing by herself, letting her dress's skirts fan out around her while she stomped her feat. When they came to the end of the song she started right up with the next one. She started by clapping out the beat before she sang, "Near Banbridge town, in the county down one evening last July down a bóithrín green came a sweet cailín" It was a faster paced song, but she didn't let it stop her as she danced her self around with a slight skip in her step, twirling the black skirts of her dress around. "And she smiled as she passed me by. She looked so neat in her two bare feet to the sheen of her nut-brown hair such a coaxing elf, I'd to shake myself to make sure I was standing there..." She laughed.
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on Apr 28, 2020 23:34:33 GMT -5
Leave it to Wesley to get the party going. William was chuckling, standing off to the side by himself as people began to gather together. It would appear that one of the ladies was doing an even better job than his young brother, already beginning to start up another tune.
Finishing some of his drink, he looked sidelong to find Eleesa quietly standing there watching. She was trying to hide it, but he noticed the gentle smirk on her graceful face. She was trying so hard, and he silently admired her for it. Perhaps this whole dance and singing routine was making it clear that it was okay to be okay.
"Whaaaat?" he droned on as Wes wouldn't stop shouting his name. He managed to get Lucian into the fray, and Triston got up on his own accord...so that left the eldest deGrey out. He supposed he had no choice (not that he was ever opposed to some dancing). With Olivia in bed, perhaps he could enjoy himself.
Dark eyes flickered towards Helene who appeared to be dancing by herself. William was already taking one step before his obnoxious brother came barreling out of nowhere with sweet Avalynn in tow, trying to drag him onto the dance floor as well. Stumbling a little, he caught himself and laughed and swatted at Wesley before he was out of reach. Finally able to approach Lady Hewitt, he'd wait for her to pause in her merriment to notice him before dipping into a bow. Even if the dance was far from a waltz, he still made himself appear a gentleman. "My lady, would you care for a partner? Before my brother steals all of you away..." He smirked, listening to the gathering of people continue in their song.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Apr 29, 2020 17:41:57 GMT -5
A wide grin as he watched Lucian finally get his act together and ask the other cute blonde to dance, he cheered in the middle of the song. This was bound to become a huge group spectacle by the time Wesley was done. And, as it would seem, that doe-eyed brunette was just as into this as he was. Aric was even enjoying himself alongside his laughing wife. Everything just kept this deGrey smiling.
Also, whiskey. The whiskey definitely helped.
Leading Avalynn towards the dance floor, he paused in his singing as she set her glass of wine down. "You don't need to know them," he told her, giving her only a few seconds to gather herself before he was twirling her beneath his arm. "I've got us both covered." Wesley, personally, loved to dance. Perhaps it wasn't the usual and formal dances one would see at court, but that didn't seem to bother him. Even still, he was drawing the young woman near as his free hand fell to her hip, before attempting to guide her into some quickstep waltz to the beat of the tune. All the while, continuing to sing, "At the risin' of the moon, at the risin' of the moon!"
He moved them through the group of people, every so often calling his oldest brother's name in between the lyrics, managing to snag him during one turn. The song had ended, but Helene was quick to keep the party going so there was barely a halt in his steps. He laughed, knowing this one as well, and was quick to join in with her. "To make sure I was standin' there!"
Apparently this wasn't as difficult without the musicians as one would have thought. Wesley swung out so now that he stood beside Avalynn. "Watch," he directed her. Who needed instruments when hands and feet could carry the beat? Using his hands to clap, he began to step and lightly kick, performing a simple jig. Slow at first so the girl could attempt to follow, before it picked up. Laughing, he stopped then with a grand gesture towards her to give it a try.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Apr 29, 2020 21:02:11 GMT -5
Marinette's hazel eyes flew wide at her sister's answer, and she opened her mouth to argue, but her sister interrupted her, and before she had time to try again she was being pushed none-too-gently toward Lord DeGrey. To make matters worse, she tripped on the hem of her dress, and barely managed to catch herself so that she wouldn't tumble face first into the man's chest. One hand managed to catch the arm he'd already offered, though it landed in the crook of his arm rather than his proffered hand, while the other landed on his opposite shoulder. Mortified, she rushed to push herself back up and did her best to ignore her treacherous mind which was supplying her with several rather conflicting facts: 1. Triston DeGrey was very handsome. 2. He hadn't been bowled over by her tripping, which was more than a little impressive, in her mind. 3. He was most likely regretting the fact that he'd been paired with the clumsy, shy sister. 4. She was already making a fool of herself, and they hadn't even started dancing. 5. She could feel a blush rising, the burning heat of her embarrassment making its way from her cheeks down her neck and shoulders, all of which would be extremely evident against her naturally pale complexion. Rather than focus on any of those things, she regained her footing and then took his offered hand the correct way, apologizing all the while. Her voice was soft, and she tripped slightly over her words, but she did manage to be mostly coherent. "I am so, so sorry. I wasn't expecting--and then I tripped--I do apologize, my Lord."
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Soleil
28
Married to Aric Demarais
Queen of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais on Apr 29, 2020 21:56:54 GMT -5
Alexandria didn't know the words of the song, or the steps to the dance. But she was in Aric's arms, and there was a smile on his face. He was laughing, and it was the most beautiful sand wonderful thing in the entire world. She admired him, unable to take her eyes from him as she watched him belt the words of the song out. Though when he admitted he didn't know the steps either, it had Alexandria burst out into laughter.
She spun with his direction and when he drew her back and then lifted her off her feet, spinning her again, she continued laughing until he set her back down. The grin on her lips remained and she leaned into him, staring into his eyes. "I love when you smile like this." Her fingers lifted to touch his grinning lips. It was nice to have this distraction from the impending doom that lingered over them back at home. She'd not allow her mind to wander there, however, and she just focused on the smile on Aric's lips.
The song ended and yet someone was starting another one, which had Alexandria laughing. She leaned into Aric. "Is this where you get it from? Are they normally so musical like this? Is this a Tresterian thing?" She asked him curiously, her grin never fading as she looked to her husband with a playful curiosity. She rather enjoyed it. His cousins were quite pleasant, it seemed.
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Soleil
22
Single
Lady in Waiting to Eleesa
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Avalynn O'Shea on Apr 29, 2020 22:15:44 GMT -5
Well, wasn't he the confident man? Ensuring her that she didn't need to know the steps and he had them both covered. It caused a low giggle to escape her thoat. But as he drew her in closer to him and rested a hand on her hip, she blushed ever so slightly and she glanced to him with those brightly blue colored eyes. The words had been repeated several times by now, that as Wesley sang "At the risin' of the moon, at the risin' of the moon!" Ava joined in, laughing between the words.
The song had ended, but without a beat, a new song was being started. And there was no surprise that Wesley knew this one, too. When he swung out and stood beside her, she watched him as he demonstrated the little jig. She grinned, studying the movements as he showed her. Avalynn was quite the fast learner, especially with dance moves. So when he gestured to her to give it a try, she picked up the hem of her dress to avoid tripping over it and she followed the steps Wesley had showed her, quite flawlessly it seemed. She looked to him with a coy little smirk on her lips and a rise of the eyebrow as if daring him. Was that the best he had? That was far too easy.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Apr 29, 2020 22:27:44 GMT -5
Helene let herself go, and the usually prideful, quiet woman let loose. A nice change of pace that was desperately needed. "From Galway to Dublin town no maid I've seen like the fair cailín that I met in the County Down..." She sang, she spun and caught sight of someone standing there close by. Watching her. She spun to a halt, her chest rising up and down a bit rapidly from all the movement she'd been doing. She curtsied when he bowed, and she grinned at him. Lord DeGrey? She thought. Or at least one of them. Yes, probably a DeGrey. She didn't know them personally but had heard of the brothers. Especially about their looks, but certainly now believed the rumors didn't do them justice.
She laughed and looked over to where Wesley DeGrey was trying to teach one of the girls to dance, and to where Mari was with another. "I think one of them stole my sister already." She chuckled. "It would be my honor." She smiled at him. Dipping her head before she stepped up and place a hand on his shoulder and take one of his hands. It was...sort of a waltz. But a more quicker, bouncy waltz that fit more for the beat of the song. "Your brother had a great idea starting this. I think everyone needed it." She confided in him as she glanced up at him and smiled.
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Soleil
28
Single
Captain of Tresterian Army: Infantry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lucian deGrey on Apr 30, 2020 20:35:27 GMT -5
Lucian smiled gently at Anemone when she accepted his hand and offer to dance. He led her out to the makeshift dancefloor and kept hold of her hand while his other hand rested on her hip. He led her in a waltz of some sort, he wasn't really sure-- he was just trying to go along with the beat of the song. And he wasn't the greatest- but he'd try.
He laughed slightly, at himself. "I apologize... I am not as wild as that one." He gestured towards his older brother, Wesley. "And I'm not too great with dancing... I will try not to step on your toes." He grinned a little. Truthfully, he was nervous and felt rather awkward. "I'm Lucian, by the way. DeGrey." He knew she was one of the queen's ladies, but regretfully, did not know any of their names. He was hardly around the castle much to know all of these things.
He didn't really know what else to say at the moment, so whenever that awkward silence would start to linger, he'd hum along with the music and continue dancing with the lovely woman in his arms.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on Apr 30, 2020 21:13:42 GMT -5
Triston was grinning slightly as Helene seemed to literally push her sister into him. He hadn't been prepared for such, and when Marinette tripped on the hem of her dress and fell into him, he had to move a foot behind him to catch himself and her. When he had his footing, he helped steady her. "Oof... Are you alright, my lady?" He asked gently, his smile remained, though he did not laugh, not wishing to humilate her or draw anymore attention than was needed. He noticed her blushing against her pale complexion, so it was easy for him to tell that she was already embarrassed.
Triston wasn't regretting anything. Truthfully, he was hoping she would be the one to take his hand to dance. She was beautiful and had kind eyes. He could handle clumsy and shy.
When she apologized, Triston shook his head and offered a reassurring smile. "No need to apologize. It's quite alright." He wrapped his fingers around her hand, holding it into his and placed his other hand on her hip before he began to lead her through the dance. He wasn't singing along, though. At least not yet. "Does your sister always push you into men like that?" He laughed, because he could kind of understand. His older brother and mother were constantly trying to urge him to find a wife. Though Triston did not wish to settle on just anyone.
Dark eyes watched her for a moment, glancing in to her eyes briefly before he looked to the rest of her face, as if he were trying to read her somehow--to see if he could tell what kind of woman she was just by looking into her eyes. She was rather tall, too, he had noticed, as she nearly stood directly in front of his face.
When the song ended, he laughed and looked away from Marinette. Her sister was starting up a new song and Wesley was already making up, and teaching dance moves to one of the queen's ladies. Triston laughed and shook his head. "Be thankful she didn't push you into that one." He motioned to Wesley. He removed his hand from her hip and swung her slowly to his side, not yet letting go of her hand, however. He would watch Wesley's dance steps before looking back to Marinette, questioningly. "Shall we?"
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Apr 30, 2020 22:02:01 GMT -5
Marinette's eyes flickered to their hands as he adjusted, and she realized how small her thin 'pianists' fingers looked compared to his. Swatting away the thought she looked determinedly past his shoulder for a moment as she tried to focus herself on dancing. Thankfully, this came relatively easy to her, although she didn't believe she was a very good dancer, she knew she could follow someone else's lead well enough. She laughed with him at the remark about Helene pushing her into men.
"No, actually, but I think she's been waiting for the opportunity," she replied, turning to meet his gaze. That brought her blush back to full force, and she did her best to return to a more dignified smile, but she found that she couldn't swallow it entirely. "Helene is a force of nature."
She noticed that he was looking at her carefully, but she bit her lip nervously rather than ask what he was looking for. Whatever it was, she doubted he would find it there. And with that, her demons came sweeping back in, despite the brief respite she'd gained. She shouldn't even be here, dancing with a handsome lord. She didn't deserve it, plain and boring creature that she was, and she shouldn't subject Lord DeGrey to dancing with her. Even if she was enjoying herself, and if he seemed nice, it could all be an act, just like her father's. It couldn't last. Soon she'd be back at Pearlwood, under her father's thumb, with no chance of escape.
She didn't even realize that her face had fallen, and her eyes had drifted into a distant stare, somewhere over Triston's shoulder. When the song ended, however, so did her reverie, and she quickly perked up and gave Triston her full attention. More aware of herself, now, she reminded herself of what Helene and her mother had said: not all men were as two-faced as her father. She should test the waters and see. She smiled at his comment about his brother, appreciating that he was not picking on her directly.
"Believe me, my lord, I most certainly am glad." She wanted to say that she appreciated how gentle he'd been with her despite her clumsiness, but she wasn't sure how to say so without sounding like a lovesick idiot. She was certainly flustered, but she wasn't about to say something so silly out loud. Instead, she continued to follow his guidance as he swung her out to his side and they paused to watch Wesley's little jig. When he suggested they follow it, she blushed but nodded. "If you'd like, I'll do my best."
She used her free hand to lift the hem of her skirt to avoid tripping again and mimicked the steps that Wesley had just made. She did stop and re-do one step, but she managed to replicate it fairly well. She didn't realize she had done it, but as she focused, she scrunched up her nose tightly. She released it as soon as she'd completed the steps and looked up to Lord DeGrey for approval with an earnest expression.
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Magpie
21
Engaged
Lady in Waiting to Eleesa
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Anemone Sellar on May 1, 2020 19:13:02 GMT -5
Anemone giggled at Lucian's comment about Wesley. "He is a bit wild, at that! But no, that's nothing to apologize for. I'm quite happy to have you as a dance partner, Lord DeGrey. I'm Anemone Sellar. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
She followed him happily in the dance, listening to the joyful voices of those around them, and chiming in for a phrase here or there where she knew the words. She was more than happy to be quiet and lose herself in the dancing for a moment; she didn't find the silence awkward in the least. It was a lovely opportunity to let her mind wander as she considered how she had never been quite so grateful for a drunk man's singing before. She genuinely appreciated Wesley DeGrey's having pushed them all into this impromptu little party; it was exactly what they had all needed after such a horrible day. She wondered if any one of them truly regretted the loss of King Edward for anything other than the effect it might have politically. She was starting to think not, based on the way everyone had thrown their cares to the wind so easily.
As she and Lucian moved past, she winked at the queen as she caught her eye, but nearly tripped and had to turn her attention back to her partner.
"Oh now look, you didn't have anything to worry about at all! I'm the one stumbling because I wasn't paying attention," she joked. "You're a lovely dance partner, so you needn't downplay yourself."
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Lunari
28
Widow of Edward Demarais
Former Queen of Tresteria
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Eleesa Demarais on May 2, 2020 16:50:08 GMT -5
Maybe she shouldn't be standing there watching this. What if someone in the council saw her remotely close to enjoying herself? Eleesa already knew the servants didn't care for Edward so she wasn't nearly as worried about them lingering around. But with each passing moment, her gentle smile widened just a little bit more. Not a terrible lot, but enough to be noticeable if she hadn't been trying to hide it behind the rim of her glass.
The queen beamed as she watched Avalynn easily prove she could dance with the rest of them before Anemone swung by with Lucian, nearly tripping over herself. That, unfortunately, had a small laugh spill from her mouth, and she was quick to cover it with her hand. She loved watching her girls enjoy themselves. All of them, honestly. Even Alexandria and Aric were having fun. If one didn't know any better, a person could stumble in here and have no idea there had just been a funeral, despite all the black clothing.
Pressing her lips together to try and keep herself from laughing again, she glanced down into glass to realize it was empty. Oh, fancy that. Drifting from the wall, she went in search of another glass or passing servant.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on May 2, 2020 18:54:57 GMT -5
Wesley watched the girl beside him take only a moment before jumping right into the dance. Bright eyes bugged wide but the expression on his face made it clear that he was very surprised and very impressed. Lovely and talented, eh? That was a rare thing these days, he felt.
He cheered and applauded, nodding his approval for her ability to pick up on the steps. When she looked to him, expecting something harder, he cleared his throat and stretched his arms out wide in concentration. Everyone else could continue with singing the tune, but he would keep the beat going with the clapping of those hands and the sudden stomping and tapping of his shoes upon the marble floor.
It was far quicker now, every now and then accentuating the beats of the song with a heavier click of his heel, carrying him across the floor as he also turned. Perhaps Triston was the brother that could carry a tune the best, but one would have to wonder if this deGrey should have been some sort of showman. Waltzes weren't usually his forte, but this wildness clearly was. It came from traveling years with sailors who did nothing but this and belting out sea shanties to pass the time.
He came to a sudden stop as the song did, standing right beside Aric and Alexandria. His chest heaved as he tried to gain his breath, but the glint in his eyes made it obvious that he wasn't done yet. "One more!" he announced to the gathered dancers. "This time, switch 'em up!" Even through all of this, Wesley had realized he and his brothers hadn't been able to spend much time with Aric's new bride. Granted, they'd have more time after tonight, but...why not start now? Baptism by fire, as they say. Just...a lot nicer, of course.
Wesley began to sing another tune. This was still quick but not incredibly so. "Step we gaily, on we go...heel for heel and toe for toe. Arm in arm and row on row, all for Mairi's wedding!"
Once others joined in to keep it going, he was acknowledging the newlyweds. "If you don't mind, cousin?" he asked of Aric, gesturing to Alexandria. Those blue eyes turned to Aralore's queen then, holding his hand out. "May I have this dance, majesty?"
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Lunari
36
Married to Alexandria
King Consort of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Aric Demarais on May 2, 2020 20:27:21 GMT -5
Really, there weren't any exact steps to this song. It was more like shuffling and bouncing around, whatever seemed to flow with the tune. And that was the fun of it, something he hadn't done in quite a long time. Even in Aralore, it had been more subdued than whatever Wesley was currently doing, and hopefully Aric didn't trip over his own feet.
Still, if this ridiculousness kept his wife smiling and laughing, he'd make a fool of himself even more if he must. That grin remained when she commented, kissing her brushing fingertips before he spoke, "I'm not always a broody man." A pause, he twirled her once more before drawing her back to him. "Which, I know...is probably hard to believe." That grin of his turned cheeky, and he laughed quietly.
Aric brought their dance to a slowing halt (because the song was ending), however, someone else was already starting up a new one, and it wasn't his loud-mouthed cousin this time. Although, Aric didn't have to look to hear him. "Definitely a deGrey thing," she answered her in his amusement. Edward or their parents hadn't really been this way. Aric, though, appeared to have gravitated towards his cousins' musical nature. How could he not?
Turning his attention, he found Wesley and one of Eleesa's girls trying to do a jig, and Triston appeared as though he was contemplating it as well. Dark gaze shifted to look down at Alexandria, questioning her with a look. Was she feeling brazen enough to try? Honestly, he wasn't, so he was shaking his head. Before he could continue dancing or possibly even draw her away from the dance floor, Wesley was making his way over and beginning yet another song. And this time, he was asking Alexandria for a dance.
Chuckling, he pressed a kiss to her temple. "I promise, he's mostly harmless," he whispered in her ear before he was leaving her side to find Avalynn. Wesley was demanding people swap dance partners, so he bowed before the lovely lady-in-waiting to extend his hand. "A dance, my lady?"
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on May 2, 2020 21:11:01 GMT -5
Not many seemed to recall the eldest deGrey. Perhaps it was because he didn't mind the sidelines. It wasn't as though Lucian or even Triston desired the limelight, but they were noticed perhaps a lot more. Wesley put himself out there, which was quite evident by tonight's display. William, though...it was nice and quiet in the shadows, he felt. It also allowed him to watch and let his brothers make any mistakes first.
Dark gaze flickered towards Triston and Marinette. "At least it's the harmless brother," he commented in light humor. Grinning, it was clear that he didn't mean it. Not entirely. Wesley could just be...eccentric at times. But tonight, this was blowing off steam, and it appeared as though everyone had the same idea.
"I'm William, by the way," he added, figuring he should introduce himself. Taking her hand, his other resting against her back, the two traversed across the floor in this fun, bouncy kind of waltz where every now and then, he would twirl Lady Hewitt out to the extent of both their arms before reeling her back in. It wasn't long before the song ended and Wesley decided they needed just one more for the night.
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