The Yule Ball

[Jack Sexton]

He arched a brow at the little one as she got snippy at him. Had he said something? Did they not like being called pretty, or having compliments? What sort of a place was Tresteria when you didn’t appreciate what was in front of you? No wonder Sev left. “Aye, or maybe he likes keeping his best friend in the dark with his secrets.” He told her. His light browns settled on his buddy in particular, taking another sip of his wine before green eyes took it from him.

He saw Sev’s glare, and just fixed him with a look. Mildly offended he’d think Jack would really leave him unprotected. “I was scoping it out ahead of you, seeing what we were dealing with.” He told him with a shrug. “Besides, last I checked you nobles don’t like to shed blood at perfectly good parties. Especially on Yule. You reaaaaaally think I wouldn’t be here for you?” Jack asked him with an arched brow. If it was one thing about the brotherhood, it was certainly a brotherhood. Despite his copious amounts of jokes, and lack of “seriousness” there was no one Jack would stick his neck out more for then Sev. The brotherhood was his family, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for any of them.

As green eyes took the wine glass from him, like he’d expected, he glanced at her. That Jack Sexton smile appearing back on his face. “Jack Sexton at your service Mi’Lady.” He said with a flourished bow. Leaving out the bit that usually accompanied his last name. These were Sevrin’s sisters he was talking to. He’d show them the respect they deserved mostly since he didn’t want Sev to put a dagger in his belly by being crude. See Sev, I can be a good boy. He thought.

Sevrin Demarais Elyscia Demarais Cassandra Demarais

[Elyscia Demarais]

Elyscia frowned slightly as her brother admitted he was always tired. Based on the letters that he sent her from time to time, always explaining his adventures and excursions, Ely didn’t doubt the exhaustion he must have felt frequently. Of course, his explanations were typically vague and cryptic, never really telling of what he was actually getting himself into. It often left Elyscia feeling worried for her older brother. She was constantly worrying over both her older siblings because she was left in Tresteria without them. Someday they would all be together again, right? She could only hope, though deep down, Elyscia felt that would never be the case again. She tried to push the thought out of her mind and smiled brightly at her brother.

“Well- let’s get you some food!” She slipped her arm around his but did not pull him away, since this man Jack had interrupted and Sevrin was telling him off. Elyscia couldn’t help but allow a smirk to dance along her lips, especially when Cassandra stepped in, somehow managing to put the man in his place without really saying much.

She tilted her head, lowered her brows over narrowed eyes as she regarded Jack. He seemed to be the type who thought he was funny. Or something. What secrets was he speaking of in regards to his brother keeping them from him? That he had pretty sisters? Elyscia smirked again and shook her head, rolling her eyes.

She was about to say something else but bit her tongue as Sevrin scolded Jack and the funnyman gave some sly excuse back to him.

In that moment, she allowed her gaze to drift around, spotting Kaiden watching them. Part of her felt a pang of guilt for leaving him behind, but she would explain later to him that she hadn’t seen her brother in years, and wasn’t sure when the next time she would be able to see him again. Hopefully, he would understand. She gave him a slight smile to at least acknowledge him, and an apologetic look before turning her gaze.

As she did, she spotted Rhysand standing nearby Kaiden and her heart leaped into her throat and then sank moments later. She was suddenly remembering how she had promised him a dance after meeting him yesterday during the chase. She couldn’t remember if she had told him that she was engaged, or if it had even come up at all. Elyscia hadn’t the faintest idea that Kaiden would be returning on Yule. She frowned slightly before averting her eyes back to her siblings and Jack, quietly listening- an anxious feeling churning within her stomach.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Cassandra knew Jack's kind...considering she might've claimed herself one of his kind. Were this any other time, were she not pining for some broody man in another kingdom, she might have played this player more than just bat her eyelashes and throw subtle cheeky remarks his way. He was handsome, for certain, but Cassie was finding herself in a different place in her life, and she was slightly confused and worried.

Still, she couldn't dwell on it, especially when she noticed her sister's eyes wandering. That was when Cassandra got a good look at Kaiden Dellario and Rhysand Sellar nearby, catching Elyscia's reaction. Huh, that was interesting...and something she would certainly ask about later unless her sister wished to introduce any of them.

Smirking, she looped her arm through Sevrin's other and lifted that green gaze back up to Jack. "Well then, Mr. Sexton-" She was assuming he held no titles, especially if he followed her brother. "Do feel free to join us, if you'd like. Or get yourself another glass of wine," she said politely, a hint of a tease in her tone as she brought that glass back up to her lips. Why did she get the feeling that he had other plans?

Turning to her siblings, her expression softened. "Shall we?" Whether they grabbed something to eat or left the ballroom to catch up, she didn't mind either way.

[Kaiden Dellario]

Kaiden hadn't spoken to many when he first left. Rhysand, his commander, maybe one other. Just enough to establish his regrets and that he wasn't sure how long he might be gone. He hadn't made very many connections before and he was hopefully to change that. It was a relief to see his old soldier friend and know he was still in one piece. He smiled at the joke. If he was 'the same as ever' things can't have been very exciting while he was away.

"I've heard a little," he said briefly. More so from Lord Haystone's crowd, he suspected, than any circles Rhysand or the Demarais family gravitated too. Personally, Kaiden didn't know the man behind the exile. That he was able to get in here made it rather obvious who he had offended. Regardless, he understood how important family was, perhaps more so now that he had lost most of his own.

"Merry Yule, Sellar," he replied back, the words a bit awkward in his mouth. It wasn't something he said to people back home. Not like that, anyway. "Dinner would be splendid. I would be thrilled to make the acquaintance of your mother," he replied with an easy smile. His gaze followed his friends back to Elyscia and he had a moment of understanding before he lost it just as quickly.

Kaiden was less worried about Elyscia Demarais's safety (he could tell just from how here brother moved and spoke around her that he cared, let alone what he had heard of her family) and pleased to watch the reunion. He didn't think much of her leaving without him to catch up. Certainly he wanted to continue dancing with her and getting to know her, but she had made it rather clear upon first introductions that she would prefer to break news about him on her own terms. It was probably a bit awkward and not at all traditional, but he only offered his fiancee another smile and watched her leave with her siblings before turning back to the party.

Rhysand's words had felt rather...dismissive, so he didn't immediately strike up conversation with the other soldiers since he seemed distracted.

Maybe that was his cue to turn in for the night. It had been a long day, he supposed. Bit of an abrupt ending, but there was nothing for it. He didn't realize how...jealous and depressed seeing such a reunion made him feel until he was standing there basically alone in a sea of people. He sighed and then smiled. "I'm off to get a drink. Would you like anything?" This to Rhysand Sellar, should the man still be there.