The Yule Ball

[Kaiden Dellario]

She gave him just enough attention to suggest she was listening but hardly answered him. Was she interested? Should he had even bothered? They had had a nice conversation before but now...he felt almost like he was imposing. The lack of eye contact suggested she didn't believe a word he said. But he meant it. Kaiden shrugged then. If she wanted it to be a joke then that was what it was. He'd be as serious as she wanted him to be.

Maybe he shouldn't have asked what she would be doing if not for him. But it wasn't like he would feel any different if he was home with his own cousins.

Her distraction didn't go unnoticed but he only offered the familiar figure his easy smile. He was curious but not defensive.

"Well, perhaps you should-" and then the commotion at the entrance to the hall caught both thwir attention. Kaiden raised an eyebrow. Pain of death? And the person had made it all the way to this room? Either that was hyperbole or Tresterian guards were rather lacking.

He moved with Elyscia more on instinct. He didn't keep her from moving, but simply positioned himself halfway between her and the arguing. At least until it was clear by the second time she said the man's name that he realized she knew him and simply followed her in curious silence, stopping nesr the edge of the crowd when his date threw herself at what he was pretty sure was her brother.

"Happy Yule, everybody," he chuckled, not really speaking to anyone. Kaiden watched Elyscia with a smile, glad to see her happy. It wasn't her sister or her cousins but...family seemed plenty important to her. He was a bit less excited avout the men with Sevrin, but he wasn't a man quick to hostility, nor was he particularly judgemental. But really, the joke was a personal distraction. He knew nothing about Elyscia's brother or her relationship with him. But he did know he would never get a reunion like that with his own brother.

[Rhysand Sellar]

Rhysand's eyes widened when the couple swirled close enough for him to see the man's face--and what he found there was a familiar smile. Kaiden Dellario ?! She'd asked him to save her a dance, tonight, which was a bit of a flirtation, or it could be read as one, and implied she was free… But it seemed that perhaps she really was engaged, and since he hadn't been sure by the way she'd hinted around it, he hadn't even considered it might be someone he knew. In fact, he hadn't even realized Kaiden was back in the country. He was too bewildered to manage a polite smile in return, and he hoped (too late) that his friend wouldn't mind. They weren't overly close, him and Kaiden, but he did like the man, and he'd hate to cause trouble between the three of them, particularly if there was something between Kaiden and Elyscia.

He moved toward Elyscia Demarais when she broke away from the dance, automatically going to the aid of his new friend. She moved more quickly through the crowd than he did, but he thoughtlessly reached after her as if he could catch her when she broke free of the circle of onlookers and threw herself between a sword and one of the new arrivals. When she spoke up to order Lord Haystone to put down his blade, he quietly stepped to her side, his hand already on the small knife he'd hidden under his jacket. If Haystone wanted a fight, Rhysand would give it to him--once he was sure Elyscia was safely out of the way. After all, hadn't he promised to step in if and when she needed someone more imposing than herself?

He didn't want to undermine her authority--quite the contrary, he was acting under it, in his mind. If she hadn't already acted and spoken so confidently, he'd be trying to usher her away right now, not standing at her side with weapon ready.

When Elyscia broke away from the conflict to hug the man--whom Rhysand was now wondering if she was related to or engaged to, this night was making his head spin already with how complicated things were becoming--he stayed facing the 'enemy' to ensure that a fight didn't start up. Lord Haystone may have backed down, but that didn't mean he was giving up entirely.

[Eleesa Demarais]

Unfortunately, the young Lady Demarais did not have the authority to tell a man to stand down. Many of the women in this room held little, thanks to her deceased husband, their king. However, her word carried a little weight because of the crown she still possessed. She had slightly more authority...which would only last for so long, she was sure. Until the court tried to pry it from her fingers and put someone else in charge of the kingdom as well as her son. A part of her was worried Triston would no longer fight for the position, especially since he didn't seem to be here this evening.

The very idea of losing what little control she did have was what made her clench her jaws while watching the display. It was dangerous for Sevrin to have returned- he knew the risks, he knew his banishment was not going to be taken lightly or so easily thrown aside, even at Aric's word. Her brother-in-law hadn't informed her that he had been in contact with their cousin, but Sev would not have been this stupid if it wasn't true. Eleesa knew that much.

Lord Haystone turned his annoyed gaze towards Elyscia, scoffing right in her face. Anyone could see that he understood he could not go against his prince's word, but Aric wasn't there to prove this to be true. And that was dangerous. "You, my lady, have no business interfering in what you do not understand," the man spat back.

Eleesa's steps were quick and calculating before fingers were wrapping around Lord Haystone's knife-wielding wrist. She barely put any pressure, urging him to lower his weapon. Her guards were already behind her, prepared to strike should he dare attack their queen. "Your prince called for Mr. Demarais, so you will lower your weapon, my lord, or be thrown out of here by force." It was eerie just how calm and soft her voice was, and yet her words still bit in warning. She was not joking.

Haystone grimaced, his upper lip twitching into a barely-there snarl. Eleesa could see how annoyed he was, especially to be told away by not just one woman, but two. But she had no doubt that her men would take care of the situation should it come to that. He hesitantly lowered his weapon as the guard he had stolen it from grabbed it back. With a growl and one more lingering glare at Sevrin, the lord turned away and disappeared back into the crowd.

Something told her that Lord Haystone wasn't about to simply let this go easily.

"You better not be lying, Sevrin," she said to him quietly when it was safe to. Stepping forward, she held a hand against his cheek in gentle greeting. "It is good to see you, though. Please, stay out of trouble." And with that, she stepped away so that Elyscia could finally run to her brother. Knowing her sons were being looked after, she made her way to the side exit of the ballroom to find some air, and peace and quiet in one of the halls.

[exit Eleesa]

[Cassandra Demarais]

Look, this stranger was fun to look at, but he wasn't going to hold her attention for very long. Especially when she heard a familiar name being called out.

Those green eyes drifted over the crowd, recognizing the voice to be her sister's. Cassandra caught sight of her as she rushed towards the crowd, and her attention moved ahead to find Sevrin there near the ballroom doors, and a knife to his throat.

Without even looking at Jack, she was shoving the glass against his chest as she, too, hiked up the hem of her skirt to charge in that direction with a purpose. Cassie watched as Ely tried to get Haystone to back down, watched as Eleesa had to intercept because the prick wasn't about to listen to reason. It was a good thing, too, because unlike her younger sister, Cassandra would have been far more venomous and brutal.

Not that it would really help matters any, but it would have made her feel better. It probably wasn't Orin's intention to give her that particular poison ring...but she might just be itching to test it out.

Is this what boredom did to her?

The queen was stepping away and Elyscia was immediately embracing Sevrin as Cassandra's pace picked up. Shoving Haystone's men out of her way who were currently retreating to follow their lord, she flung herself at her siblings and hung on tight. "What the fuck were you thinking?" she berated him, although she felt the sting of tears in her eyes. He smelled of booze and the salty sea air, and yet somehow still so very familiar. Although he had written his sisters, she and Ely hadn't seen him in years. Cassandra felt like she was shaking in relief and happiness.

As the other guards filtered away and the party resumed around them, she didn't seem to notice Kaiden or Rhysand standing nearby. She didn't notice much else in that very moment because nothing else mattered. The three of them were together again...and although she was glad for it, she was also worried.

Drawing back from the embrace a little, she glanced up to him. "Why are you here? And I know it's not just to piss Haystone off."

[Sevrin Demarais]

Was someone calling his name? He swore he heard it through Haystone's annoying words. He dared to look away from the man to finally spot his youngest sister filtering through the crowd. It was a good thing he was tall enough to see over most of the people because she was so adorably short. It made him grin, and he could tell Haystone was confused and only further annoyed, because Sevrin was hardly listening to him.

His grin only widened further when Ely dared to talk his "attacker" down. Despite his clear amusement and the pride on his features, he was also very prepared to turn that knife right back around on the man should he dare to say or do anything to her. His hand began to inch upwards, as though to grab Haystone's wrist, but Eleesa took them both by surprise.

And to think Tresteria looked down upon women, dared to call them inferior. Meanwhile, all the men in this room weren't stepping forward to help him. Just his sister and the queen.

"For once, your majesty, I am not lying," he told Eleesa with that ever present cheeky grin. He didn't know why Aric had called for him necessarily; he just knew it had something to do with an upcoming war and possible recon. The funny thing was, his cousin was calling upon him to do something stealthy...and Sevrin was quite the opposite of that. He was curious but right now only cared about see his family.

When Eleesa stepped away, he caught Elyscia in his arms. Hugging her tightly, he chuckled, "Of course I came," he told her. "I wasn't going to miss another Yule if I could help it." Then, he nearly lost his footing as Cassandra crashed her way through the crowd and threw herself at them. Releasing one of his arms from around Ely, he was able to embrace them both, crushing them against his chest.

"I don't think, Cassie. You know that." Maybe he shouldn't sound so proud of that, but...no point in taking it back now. "Aric has a job for me, apparently," he reiterated. He would have elaborated if he knew what it was. Not that a holiday party was the best place to discuss it anyway.

Sevrin was quick to notice the dark-haired man standing nearby. He recalled seeing him follow Elyscia (along with another man), and his eyes narrowed in slight curiosity. His low chuckling comment had Sev watching him for just a second longer before, unamused, sent his attention back to his sisters. "You both look well." He was certain he looked exactly the way he felt- tired, annoyed, and hungry.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Avalynn hadn’t fully thought her words out before she spoke them- then again, did she ever? So when Shane was calling her out on it, asking if he had already impressed her, she nervously laughed and grinned widely, averting her gaze from him to glance down at her hands, maybe to hide her embarrassment or the foolish grin she wore at the moment. When she was able to compose herself again, she returned bright blue eyes to him and raised a brow, giving him a nonchalant expression as she shrugged a shoulder. “I didn’t quite say that, my lord. I said it might not be too difficult for you to impress me. I think you may have a little more work to do.” She smirked and gave him a playful wink. 

She laughed softly as he explained she deserved the gift for the mishap at the chase and he was now taking the blame for it all. Her shoulders lifted and fell in another shrug but she smiled at him. If he was willing to take the blame for it all, well, then she’d let him, of course. But still, it didn’t mean she expected a gift or anything like that. But, it was Yule, and despite them only just meeting, she appreciated his gesture. It was very kind and thoughtful of him. “Well, thank you,” she said sweetly. 

The bracelet really was perfect, she thought. And as he questioned her, she smiled and looked back at him, nodding. She laughed softly as he adorably explained the reason behind getting her a bracelet made with sea glass. It was very fitting. “Of course. It will definitely remind me of you whenever I look at it.” She glanced back down at the bracelet, admiring it again for a moment before she returned her gaze at him with a warm smile. 

Avalynn sat quietly, propping her elbow on the table and leaning her chin into the palm of her hand as she watched him open her gift. Blue eyes eagerly watched his expression and although she knew that it was a common- maybe even cliché gift to give a sailor, somehow, his reaction and statement of never having enough of them, nearly made her heart sink. She forced a small smile though and nodded. At least he was in need of a new one?

She caught sight of Shane’s gentle and sincere smile as he assured her she had perfect timing in giving him the compass. She smiled back and nodded, her lips parted to tell him he was welcome, but he hadn’t finished his sentiment. “I'll take better care of this one, I promise." Panic suddenly set in, causing her chest to constrict tightly around her heart for a moment and she inhaled a sharp breath, but quickly reminded herself to remain calm and she smiled to him. “Please take care of it…” Her voice was quiet and somewhat shaken. Avalynn shifted in her seat slightly and then leaned forward, resting her hand on his wrist of the hand that held the compass, as if to gain his attention. “It’s not just some ordinary compass… This one…” She hesitated, suddenly feeling foolish again. Her eyes averted from him and focused on the compass in his hand for a moment. “This one comes from someone who meant a great deal to me.” She forced a small smile and removed her hand from him as she sat straight in her chair. 

She was expecting him to decline the gift, then. If it meant something to her, then why was she giving it to a man she hardly knew? Maybe she honestly didn’t know why herself, but she felt it should be used by someone rather than collect dust in her trunk. Shane also reminded her of her father a little bit, too. She let out a quiet laugh and shook her head. “I told you about my father, right? How he tried to be part of the Navy at one point...But he was never made out for the sea.” Avalynn smirked and then laughed. “I think he used that thing maybe once or twice...And then it just sat in a box for years.” She shook her head before letting out a sighed breath. “It should be used rather than remain in a box. It should belong to a true sailor...Not a trunk full of memories.” Avalynn couldn’t remember if she had told Shane already that her father had died- she typically said a lot of things and could never keep track of what she told some but not others anymore. She hadn’t mentioned his death in their conversation now, though, and maybe Shane would ask her if he would mind that she was giving away his things. And almost as if he did ask her that question, Avalynn shrugged. “I think he would be happy to know it was going to a sailor and not remaining forgotten about. He probably had actually forgotten about it before he…” She paused and shook her head before glancing back at him with a warm smile. “So yes, please take care of it for me? But also-- Please use it.” She laughed softly. “It’s been held in a box for way too long... And it no longer deserves to be.” 

[Shane O'Sullivan]

'I think you may have a little more work to do.' Shane only grinned lightly at that, turning his attention to one of the burning candles upon the table. The thing was, he wasn't trying to impress her, and that was a little sad, honestly. He wished he could be the type that tried to woo and whisk her right off her feet...but it wasn't what he did. Any type of connection, any form of affection outside of his mother and siblings was something he couldn't do. It was this unspoken fear, this worry that something terrible would happen.

Every single time, he thought about Eithne. She died because of love.

Her gift, however, actually did lighten his spirits...until she explained further. Shane had been able to tell that there was more to it, that there was something she wasn't telling him, and he couldn't help but get nervous about it. Perhaps agreeing to this and coming here had been a bad idea- what if he was giving her ideas? Maybe there was no "ifs" about it, because why else would you give someone a gift and agree to meet them at a ball? No, this wasn't good, and he didn't know how it had gotten here. She was a nice girl, and she was going to think he was horrible and cruel.

Suddenly, the panic in her voice had not gone unnoticed, and Shane didn't realize how straight his spine suddenly became. What was going on? His gaze was back on her, his brow furrowing in slight confusion and worry before she was beginning to explain...and that was the very thing he did not wish to hear.

He was most certainly on the verge of declining that gift, but he was still so taken aback that she continued before he could muster up the words or courage to do so. All he could do was sit there and blink, and desperately try to figure out a way to give the compass back without completely hurting her feelings. Any way he thought of, he knew she would hate him for it or get upset. There was no winning here for him.

The mention of her father dying, although not blatantly obvious, was just another nail in the coffin. The guilt was becoming heavier and he silently kept berating himself for coming here. Maybe she would have hated him less if he simply hadn't shown up. Shane avoided court for so long, he could have continued to do so to assure he never ran into her again.

Why did all of these thoughts hurt?

"Avalynn..." His voice was quiet and his throat was tightening up. She would be able to tell, just by the look on his face, what he was about to say. She already knew this was happening which was why she tried to express further how much she desired for him- or any sailor- to have the compass. "You cannot give me this. You cannot give me such a precious item..." From the way she had spoken, how softly her face contorted, it was clear she had loved her father. Even if this item sat in a box, it was still a memory of him, and not worthy of Shane's hands.

Prepared to say more, he was halted by the announcer yelling out a name he really did not wish to hear right now.

"Viscount Eamon O'Sullivan!"

His entire body went cold and his eyes widened. His back was mostly facing the ballroom doors, and he was too nervous to turn around and look. Really, he didn't need to, because he was fairly certain that his dear old father was already drunk. The man rarely attended court these days, so he was only here for a reason...and that was to seek Shane out. And that was never a good thing.

His attention drifted to Avalynn in apology, over so many things as he rose up from his chair. "I...cannot be here right now, my lady. Is there another door to leave through?" She would know this place a little better, right? He was clearly asking for her help, his words rushed, but she did not have to leave the party just merely point him in the right direction. It was possible he had already ruined her evening.

[Jack Sexton]

Jack knew he was going to get the wine in the end. What he didn't expect was to have it shoved at him, and the pretty green eyed vixen to quite literally run away from him. Did he have bad breath? It was a miracle he didn't end up wearing the wine, as he managed to not spill a drop with his quick reflexes. 

He brought it up to his lips and looked curiously in the direction she'd run off too. From all the ruckus and the name, he realized Sevvy had shown up. He placed his free hand in his trouser pocket and slowly began to meander his way over. His dark eyes looking taking in the scene before him while he sipped that sweet Tresterian wine. The grin on his face definitely resembled the devil's as he realized Green eyes was currently hugging Sevran, demanding what he was doing here and where he'd been. Just your luck Jack the first woman you set eyes on is your best friends sister... He thought. He winked and grinned cheekily at the rest of the boys who hadn't thought to dress up for the event, watching one of them do a double take as they realized the smartly dressed one winking at him was Jack. 

Just rule number one of blending in boys, know the party attire. He got closer, and when he was within Sev's eyesight he glanced at his sisters that he'd certainly heard of, but hadn't had the pleasure of meeting. Until now. "Seeeeeeev," Jack drawled his eyes looking down at the little one before he gave Green Eyes a cheeky grin. "You never told me how pretty your sister's were." He said as his dark eyes flickered back to the man. He sipped the wine, arching a brow at the other man. You've been holding out on me buddy...Was what the look said. He looked back over to Green eyes and gave her wink.

Sevrin Demarais  Cassandra Demarais  Elyscia Demarais  

[Elyscia Demarais]

She had barely noticed as Kaiden stood between her and the trouble at hand, though if she had, she might have appreciated his instinct to be protective of her. Regardless, she didn’t let him get in her way of her and her brother, and she pushed past him, rushing forward. She hadn’t even noticed Rhysand following behind her until he caught sight of him in her peripheral vision. Still, she needed to focus on the matter at hand.

Regardless of whether or not she had authority, Elyscia paid no attention or mind to it- simply forgetting at the moment that she was a woman and that she would most likely go unheard or pushed aside. This was Sevrin- and she would risk her life for her brother, especially not seeing him for so long. That is what family did for one another, right? She also may have trusted that Sevrin wouldn’t allow her to be hurt, and even though she didn’t know much about Kaiden, or Rhysand, something told her that she had them on her side, too. So what was the risk in taking a risk here?

Elyscia was a short little thing, and even though the man was much taller and bigger than she was, she barely showed any sign of fear or intimidation. Instead, she stood there with her eyes fiercely narrowed at the man as he scoffed and spat at her that she had no business interfering in what she didn’t understand. Of course she understood- Sevrin had been banished from Tresteria- it was what prevented her family from being together. It’s what forced Cassandra, and now her, into marriages.

But Eleesa was interjecting before Elyscia could speak again to Haystone. Her features softened slightly as the queen calmly threw her own authority at the man, causing him to finally back down. She grinned as the man grimaced and then lowered his weapon and turned away to leave. Bright green eyes watched Eleesa as she spoke to Sevrin and then took her leave as well.

Elyscia cried into her brother’s chest as he responded, telling her he wasn’t going to miss another Yule. And before she could respond, she felt another body crashing against them and the sound of her older sister’s voice. Ely laughed at Sevrin’s response to Cassandra’s question. Did any of them in their little family, truly think before they acted? She slowly and reluctantly let go of her siblings and stood back just enough to look and admire both her sister and brother- both of which she had been separated from for far too long. She felt blessed at the moment, to have both of them here with her now.

“You look…Tired.” She wrinkled her nose as she looked him over. “But you came just in time for dinner, too.”

Behind them, she heard another voice calling at Sevrin. She slowly turned to look at the man, watching as his eyes looked her and then Cassandra over. Her hands went to place on her hips and she raised a brow as if to warn him to put his eyes elsewhere. Apparently, this man knew Sevrin, and he had failed to tell him how pretty his sisters were. Elyscia rolled her eyes and then laughed, “maybe because you didn’t need to know,” she said with a slightly sarcastic and venomous tone. She was on a roll tonight, apparently.

[Kaiden Dellario]

If he wasn’t so tired, he would have recognized Rhysand Sellar much more immediately, but as it was, as social as the man was, he was more focused on his date and attempting to be attentive to the young woman under his escort (but not overbearing considering he didn’t know her). Eventually, however, he did notice the man in the growing crowd around the entrance of Elyscia Demarais ’s family and he smiled at the familiar face. Whether the other man noticed or not, he wasn’t concerned. It was simply nice to see someone he knew, especially as he didn’t have all that many friends and he had been away for so long. He made a mental note to seek the man out at a later date.

The soldier didn’t expect there to be a fight. While he was quite the martial sort, he was indeed a ‘ask questions first’ sort as well and while he was a bit frustrated at the lack of acknowledgement and a bit angered by the outright hostility his date’s words garnered from Lord Haystone, there were enough voices that he erred on the side of silent support. Plenty here knew more than himself. Best to observe the flow until he was really needed. If he was needed, really. The Queen seemed much more familiar with how to speak to the man in order to resolve the situation. It was admirable, how much control she had even without control. To think what tings would be like if she did have it…

Kaiden didn’t intentionally eavesdrop on the family reunion unfolding so publicly. Family events were rather more private where he was from. Of course, he couldn’t help but overhear most of it. Instead, however, he moved to Rhysand’s side. “Hey, old friend,” he offered in a pleasant greeting. He glanced over the retreating nobleman and then back to his friend. “Good to see you again. Seems I picked quite the night to return to Tresteria, eh?” he mused. “How have you been?”

[Sevrin Demarais]

It was probably good that Eleesa intercepted. The last thing they needed was more drama...and it would seem the three black sheep of the family had a knack for it. Sevrin knew that if Elyscia didn't speak up again, Cassandra would have, and sometimes she had a worse mouth than a bloody sailor. Although Ely was a little more soft spoken (maybe even gentle), both his sisters could be feisty in their own right. They were his sisters after all.

As Elyscia drew back a little, he did the same so as to look down at them both. How many years had it been? At least five, but he had forgotten to keep count after the first year. They seemed to have grown up so much in that short amount of time, the few years that felt like a decade, and he wished he could just stay. Even if he was allowed to, Sevrin had become so accustomed to life on the sea, to being a mercenary-for-hire, that he wasn't sure he could come back to court. Yet, it would be nice to be able to visit whenever he damn well pleased.

"Aye, I'm always tired, little one," he told her with a small smile. He wasn't too tired for dinner, though. And he was about to say as such when he heard that familiar voice that often grated on his nerves. Those bright eyes alighted upon Jack, dressed in fancy clothes Sev didn't think he owned. And he immediately didn't like his words or his insinuating look. That was strike two. Already.

Why did the man have such a death wish?

He canted his head in Ely's direction. "What she said, mate." But the humor slightly faltered on his face as he glared at him. "You want to tell me what you're already doing here and why you weren't at my side?" Sevrin could threaten him...but he didn't. Yet. "What if I had needed you?" So much for having each other's backs. When there was booze and women, Jack was a lost cause.

[Rhysand Sellar]

“Hey, old friend,” he offered in a pleasant greeting. He glanced over the retreating nobleman and then back to his friend. “Good to see you again. Seems I picked quite the night to return to Tresteria, eh?” he mused. “How have you been?”

Rhysand turned towards the speaker, and his eyebrows rose. So it was Kaiden Dellario , then. An old children's song echoed in his head: "it's a small world after all." He hadn't known if or when the Ithian man might return, and while he'd been disappointed to lose a comrade he could count on, he couldn't hold it against him--after all, a family came first. He smiled softly and greeted the man with a nod.

"Aye, and good to see you too. I've been...well, the same as ever, really." He glanced up at the retreating Haystone, then back over his shoulder at the reunited Demarais siblings. "Until about three minutes ago. Things get exciting pretty quickly when Sevrin Demarais is around, from what I've heard." His voice was bland, but his blue-grey eyes were wary. Elyscia clearly trusted her brother, but there was a reason that Rhysand recognized the name. It had been used as more of a threat than an inspiration, in his home. Still, the man seemed well enough, now, save for being a bit travel-worn. After all, the queen herself didn't stand up for just anyone.

He looked back to Kaiden with a shrug. "But Merry Yule, Dellario. I hope you'll have a good evening." He paused, considering. "I'll have mother send you an invite for dinner one of these days. She'll be thrilled I have a distinguished guest, and we can catch up." A hint of mischief sparkled in his eye for a moment, but his stern nature took over again just as quickly.

He cast one more worried glance at Elyscia Demarais , just in time to catch the deadly glint in Sevrin's eyes as he told off his comrade. Ha. It seemed she was safe as houses among the rogues--unless they were stupid enough to risk their leader's wrath. The thought drew a soft laugh from him before he turned and moved away. He had hoped to dance this evening as he promised, but seeing how excited the siblings were to be reunited, he wasn't in any hurry to interrupt. Should she wish to find him, he was sure she would.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Oh, he had returned. And it appeared that he was one of Sevrin's friends...so to speak. At least, Cassandra assumed her brother was close with the man. If Jack had been just someone under his command, he wouldn't be standing there still. Unscathed, that is.

An amused smirk curled her lips at Elyscia's retort; green eyes proudly flickering from her to Sevrin as she moved to stand beside him now, listening to him berate Mr. Sexton. It didn't sound like it was the first time, either. The conversation was quickly making her wonder just what her brother had been dealing with all of these years away, what he had gotten himself into. She and Ely knew he had joined the mercenary group, but he often refrained from giving too many details about the jobs he took. It made Cassie worried for him, but she was aware that he could handle himself. Still, she wished he could just come home, stay with their sister and keep her safe when she could not.

The smirk widened a little more as she stepped forward to casually pluck the wine (that had miraculously not spilled) from Jack's fingers. "Thank you for bringing this over..." her voice trailed off as she appeared to contemplate something. "I'm sorry, what was your name again?" He hadn't said his name, and she knew he hadn't, hence the humor glinting in those kohl-rimmed eyes.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

The more Avalynn spoke and explained things to Shane, the more she began to feel like a naïve and foolish girl who put too much hope into others. Maybe she was and maybe she did. But that is what made her who she was. She tried to see the good in everyone, tried to be as positive as possible, despite the hardships she had been through and dealt with in her own life.

She could tell by the look on Shane’s face that either he thought she was crazy or that he wouldn’t accept her gift. Even with her explanation of why she was giving it to him, she knew it wouldn’t be enough to convince him. And just as she had predicted, he was saying her name. Her mind began to race with the various things he could say to her. That she was silly and stupid for wanting to give it to him. That he had no intentions of ever seeing her again after tonight and that he did not deserve to take the compass from her.

He may not have called her silly or stupid or foolish, but she couldn’t help but feel that way when he finished his thought and told her she couldn’t give him her father’s compass. She really was silly, wasn’t she? Avalynn suddenly felt horribly embarrassed and she looked away from Shane and down at her hands. What else could she say to him? She couldn’t force him to keep it, nor would she- she had just thought it was a nice gesture to honor her father. Perhaps Shane didn’t see it that way or understand it.

“I--” Avalynn’s voice cracked with nervousness and she slowly lifted her eyes to look at him again. It was then that she noticed the panicked look on his face. Oh no, she had gone too far, hadn’t she? Bright blue eyes widened slightly and she began to panic herself. For once, she had no idea what to say.

But before she could think of anything to say, Shane was letting her know he needed to go. She blinked a few times and her lips parted. She was so shocked that her voice cracked again, “O-oh… I…um... Okay...” She frowned and turned away from him to look around the room. With the anxiety that she was feeling, she hardly recognized the name that had been announced and hadn’t put two and two together- convincing herself that he wanted to leave because of her. And then he had the nerve to ask her where there was another exit? Her brows furrowed and she looked back at him, with an expression that showed she wasn’t exactly pleased. It was then that she noticed his expression as if he were asking for her help rather than trying to get away from her.

Avalynn stood up, smoothing out her dress before she nodded to him. “Sure…” She reached for his arm and grasped hold of his wrist, pulling him in the direction of a side entrance to the ballroom. It led into a banquet room that was used for smaller gatherings. Once inside, she let go of Shane and turned to face him, raising a brow and motioned towards the exit of the banquet room. “You can leave that way.” She frowned and looked down at herself. The beautiful dress she had chosen in hopes to get someone to notice her. Well- she supposed the night was still young.

“I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable… I did not mean to. I will take the compass back if you really don’t wish to keep it. Perhaps I should not have been so forward. I just--” She forced a tight-lipped smile and shook her head. “I hope you have a good evening Lord O’Sullivan.” She had reverted back to formally addressing him, because what was the point. She nodded to him and curtsied before she turned away from him and began to walk away to head back to the ballroom.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Oh, this was becoming such a mess now, wasn't it? Of course he didn't wish to take the compass, but not for the reasons she might think. And that was the problem- she didn't know. She didn't understand everything that was going through his head, nor did he expect her to. It also wasn't anything you would share with someone you only met yesterday, either.

Yet, he still held onto that compass as he stood there in a panic that just kept on growing. He still didn't turn to look, but he swore he heard his father's ramblings growing closer and closer. Lovely, he was already drunk. Eamon O'Sullivan didn't need a party to get inebriated, it would seem.

Lips parted, seeing the displeasure cross over her face, but he didn't have time to explain. He was asking for help, not necessarily requesting they part ways. Although, that would be the only logical thing to do once he left the ballroom, but Shane could only think as far as one step at a time.

He chanced a look over his shoulder as Avalynn led him towards the side exit, spotting his father shuffling through the crowd. One would think he was afraid of the old man. That was laughable, really. A grown man, a sailor that braved the storms of the sea...was afraid of his own drunken father. It wasn't so much the viscount himself, though, it was the memories that struck him whenever he looked at him, or spoke to him.

It had been Shane's fault that Eithne died, and he couldn't let go of it.

Slipping into the other room where a couple of servants glanced at them curiously, there didn't seem to be anyone else there. He let out a breath he hadn't even known he was holding before Ava was speaking...and swiftly reminding him of the blunder he had unknowingly caused. Shit. "No, my lady...you didn't," he tried to say, even if it was a partial lie. She had  made him a little uncomfortable, yes, but he didn't blame her for it or hold it against her. And right now, it was the least of his concerns.

A frown found his face as that forced smile fell onto her own, and he sighed lightly once more. Yeah, this was precisely why he hated court and these damn gatherings. He was too much of a fool to attend.

Then she was bidding him a good night, and that guilty feeling got worse. Before she could get too far, he was instinctively reaching out to gently take her hand to halt her. "Wait, please. This isn't-" He paused in light frustration with himself. "I can explain." The door to the ballroom had still been open, and it was when Eamon's gaze fell upon them.

"Shane!"
A curse fled his lips and he was drawing her back into the banquet room to quickly shut the door. Now, running and dragging a lady along with him was probably a very dumb idea, so instead, he gently ushered her towards the wall...just as the door opened. It was fairly abrupt, but Shane shifted to guard her from it, an arm reaching up to stop it. The drunken fool didn't even realize it hadn't slammed against the wall and the two were huddled behind it.

"Shane?" Eamon called out, deep annoyance lacing his tone. The sailor assumed his father was looking at the servants when he spoke again, "Have you seen that prick son of mine?"
A slight turn of his head, he glanced over Avalynn to catch the eyes of the servants, quickly shaking his head as if begging them to say no. When one of them did, Eamon growled in frustration and stormed back into the ballroom. The door promptly slammed behind him.