A Party Where Nothing Bad Happens

Sitting with a darker color wine in hand, a beautiful low cut dress that shimmered even under moonlight adorning her, Maristela was having a wonderful time among Rory's family once more. Even dear Elliot had donned one of his glamorous dresses for such occasions today, leaving Stela that little more pleased among familiar faces. Another family had joined them at the table, but one she once took many orders from before they found a very highly sought personal fitter and seemster of their own. On the side, Cloud and Araceli were being as sweet as they could be, snuggling even if the atmosphere wasn't quite suited for it. Both dragons donned in some clothes Maristela had saved for special occasions, and looked lovely in.

The Argyris family had joined them today at the table, for once most of the family minus their youngest was seated with them. The parents were having the better of times, but the pair of sons seemed to be holding their facade well as they kept a lookout for the youngest who Stela knew was around somewhere.

Making idle chat, doing her best to make those bedroom eyes at Rory, she eventually let her eyes wander and spotted the last missing from the two family circles. Vonius was making his way over, though chatting with people as the mentioned 'friend' had his arms interlocked with Von. They did seem cute, but with Vonius so young who knew how it would work out.

"Rory, darling, I think I can spot Vonius. His friend is with him too~" She spoke softly enough that the brothers weren't alerted, knowing Von needed to make connections along the way before arriving. (edited)

Elliot was busy sneaking the finest bits of steaks over to Cloud and Araceli, ordering more whenever 'his' plate was cleared. "Such a cute couple," he cooed to them, "I'm sure you'll make very cute babies. We'll have a lot of St. James bats flying around." Every now and then, a man would approach him, some with flowers and letters. He took each gift with a kiss, made sure to twirl in his extravagant dress, posed nicely with the men and the storm duo for some pictures, and then sent them on their way. He was so conveniently busy with tending to the suitors and dragons that he was much too far to explain the older woman doting on Rory. It was coincidental, of course--he would never do such a thing on purpose. Never. "You two are going to have such nice pictures," he cooed to the two bats again.

Rory sighed. His father was looking at him proudly, while his stepmother looked a bit confused. They were definitely misinterpreting things. At least they were too busy chatting with the senior Argyris household to interrogate him and Maristela, but he had a feeling he would need to smooth things over later. Cloud twitched his ear and--for just a moment--his attention was drawn away from his flirting by Stela's words. "Oh, Rory! It's the nice man from before," he said, his tail wiggling a little bit.

Elliot gave him a beef medallion. "Oh, Rory, you're meeting some interesting men now?" He glanced at the two and then his eyes started to shimmer. "Oh, they are interesting men. Two beautiful jewels among rubble, and yet, they're already set in stone. The world is cruel." He gave Rory and Maristela a wink and continued his pampering of the two dragons. Rory just did his best not to blush. He barely knew those two people; He recognized one from the other noble family, and the other he vaguely recalled as a Militia worker. Trust Elliot to make up brand new misconceptions.

Tenderly taking the steak from rhe sweet male, Araceli was very good when it came to being hand fed. It made her the cuter option that begged for food, once a big enough piece received she was back to share it with Cloud for impromptu kisses. Even Stela would stop to coo how cute they, but alas Rory seemed to be turning a blind eye as he did. She wanted Rory to approve of them too, but the storm in her also wasn't going to worry if he didn't ever. Araceli was also enjoying the pictures, hoping that Stela managed to get a copy so they could display them at home.

Eventually though, the meat snacks flowed a little slower as the oldest son of thr Argyris family laid his own moves on the oldest son of the St. James family currently there. Two families colliding, with similar insensions if different courses to it were usually taken. That didn't make it less fun for Araceli to watch, sweet words being shared, some memorized later to be said to Cloud.

Smiling in that devious way as her small mention also drew Cloud's attention, followed the dear Elliot, she didn't plan to cause misunderstanding for Rory but oh was it fun at times. "Such teasing, Elliot." She purred, leaning closer as she wrapped her arm around Rory for added confusion and she was sure a discussion later.

Vonius had made his way over though, his usually happy demeanor actually seemed to be less of a act and more true. He was having a good time with Curt, a wine glass in his free hand that wasn't looped with Curt's, and now he got to see his family who were equally happy to see him.

"Vonius, I'm glad to see you." His father started after Vonius’s brothers got in their greetings and introductions, the morher getting her turn after to shower her baby in kisses and love. Though more reserved, there was that shimmer of happiness as the Sir was with his family. As his eyes turned to Curt though, it became a different look. A knowing look, though he could only hope otherwise.

"My name is Curt Svoboda," said the blond with a short bow. "Your son has been taking good care of me this past week." Normally he would lean in to Vonius and squeeze his arm a bit tighter, but he sensed apprehension in the father. Perhaps his reputation preceded him; But what harm had he done so far? Nothing yet. He held his place and kept his merry persona up. "He's a talented doctor, and he tells me he might even go into engineering. If that happens, I'd be glad to have him as an apprentice." He looked at the other members of the family--which ones were Halcyon, and which weren't? It wasn't as easy to tell by looking, as it was with the Irrit male looking, who looked tremendously uncomfortable under the embrace of a teasing woman. At the very least, all the children looked like full siblings, so if Vonius didn't work, he could just try with the next. There were plenty of ways to go about things, after all, and Grim might even like a few. His thoughts happened in a moment, so he raised his glass towards them without delay. Were Halcyons matriarchal or patriarchal? There were so many things he hadn't looked up. He hadn't expected the boy to be noble, so didn't expect to meet his family, either. Hopefully he didn't screw this up. "I'm thankful to you two for raising him."

Rory, on the other hand, didn't know whether to be thankful. His brother was preoccupied with gentle--albeit loud--flirting, and all those gossipy nobles had shifted their attention to him and whatever was going on with Maristela's regular. At the same time, that meant Cloud and Araceli were finally able to get up to their own devices. For once, he thought it would be good if they stayed put and cuddled, but he sensed Cloud growing antsy. "Cloud, don't cause any trouble. The tables here aren't nailed down, so don't walk between them."

"I want more food to give to Araceli," Cloud complained. "Ellie is distracted making googoo eyes, so now I'm going to go get some."

"No, no, just wait here while we order some more." He waved down a waiter and ordered a few more steaks, but the Storm dragon just looked at him in disappointment. There were better things on the menu; Why not order something nice for a nice lady like Araceli? Rory did his best to ignore Cloud's puppy dog eyes and instead worked to pry off Maristela. "Maristela, is Araceli actually hungry? I can order more so Cloud stops bothering her."

Though his expressionless didn't change outwardly, the father's suspicions seemed to be true. Vonius still got his fathers affection, it being popular in this family, before a response was given. "I'm glad to hear Von has been treating you well, Grim is doing well too I hope?" The fact his father knew Curt and Grim left Vonius curious, though he didn't ask how or why. What did his father know that he didn't? "I am Aubin Argyris, Vonius’s father." Hearing his wife call him away, he pat Von's head with that sweeter smile before he excused himself. "Be careful, Von."

It was a pleasant seeming meeting, full of all the usual greetings and small talk, but Vonius did look worried and confused once the greetings were done and his family calmed. He still seemed in high spirits even if he gave Curt a quizzical look, not being any less affectionate or apprehensive then before. "My family is quite close so sorry if the greetings seemed strange, I travel too much to see them regularly so it's quite a fuss until they are satisfied." With most of them preoccupied today, it was shorter then normal. It could be the more formal setting as well, wanting to seem more regal among others who would judge them for such affectionate ways. He had a feeling they weren't done quite yet, side glances being taken towards the interest, but if he played his cards right they could scurry before too much of a interrogation happened.

"Araceli is always hungry, darling. You should know that by now." Not starving, but the later dragon always had room for more. Feeling Rory grow nervous, she did release him after a cheek smooch, her lipstick leaving a mark on his face as she pulled away. A shame being given to the curious parents but she wasn't going to touch on the subject and left it to Rory to explain.

"Is there lobster?" Araceli piped up, her tail wagging a little at such ideas. "Or lobster? Steak is fine if not." She loved those more exotic foods, not realizing she was just egging Cloud on. Maybe she did though, in some deep and chaotic part of her brain. Becoming a bat bun for now, at least one of the larger dragons were calm. It only took one to make a mess though. (edited)

Curt gave Aubin a small nod. "She's very well." He must be a veteran; That would explain the apprehension, too. He stayed quiet until the man was out of earshot, then soothed the increasingly-confused Vonius. "Don't be too worried; I think your father must have met us when we were young. I was a pretty good engineer back then, too, so we made a few ripples. I'm glad to see him and your family doing very well." He blushed a little and looked away, but tightened his hand on Vonius's arm. "It's a shame I didn't meet you when we were younger, too."

Rory cocked an eyebrow as Araceli asked for lobster twice. Still, Cloud did that sometimes too, so it was more amusing than surprising. He called over the exhausted-looking waiter and ordered a platter of lobsters for the whole table--just for Araceli, of course, but 'bottomless stomach' wasn't a size option on the menu. Cloud did a little dance with his head, indicating that he was getting impatient, but putting in immense effort to stay put. His head was ready to go, but he was keeping his legs in the same spot. That meant he was on good behavior, technically. Rory sighed, hoped the orders came out quickly, and did his best to wipe the lipstick off his cheek with a cloth napkin. "Maristela, can the food order come out of--" he whispered it, given the present company--"My debt?"

February 20, 2022

Keeping his worried expressions a bit longer, but mentioned not why. He didn't know what his fathers young years were like, and he learned it was best not to ask either. But his young and flutter heart distracted him for now, leaning on Curt this time as he felt the squeeze. "I was a little deviant when younger, according to family stories. So maybe for the best we met now once older and more refined. Who knows what sort of bad influences I could have been for such a hard worker like you~ We met now, isn't that all that maters?"

I wish it was a little longer before you met. Monty added in, peeking out to squint at Curt, but was being behaved.

That's rude, you know better.

Leaning back over as Rory whispered for some leeway, humming as if thinking about it even if her mind was already set. "You can always not order, darling Rory." She suggested, but they both knew what would come of that outcome, as Cloud was doing his dance of impatience and chaos. A stark contrast to Araceli, but also not surprising either. If only the oldest sons weren't making passes at each other, Cloud could be held off that little bit longer, but it was entertaining in its own way watching the varying ages of love occurring.

It was none of her business what Von was up to, but she was still curious as always. Looks of worry passed over and were brushed away, but she was too far to hear any conversations on how things went down and then were soothed. What secrets did they have over there? She wanted to know but her place was there with a worrying Rory and the pair of storms who desired some chaos. It's own fun that kept her busy. "Maybe I should have wore a brighter lipstick so it stained more... always next time." (edited)

Rory took that to mean the lipstick was fully cleared and stopped rubbing at his face. "I appreciate your consideration when wearing darker this time." No, he would have to order anyways, lest Cloud make a mockery of the event.

It's not mocking, it's just hungry. Dad should have made a plate for me and Araceli. We had to split it. It was customary to give Cloud a plate large enough to pose a problem if it collapsed, but only one such plate had been prepared.

Just be patient. We'll get you and Araceli fully fed after this. We can even throw in treats--the biggest lobsters and crabs Araceli can dream of. Lots of beef jerky. The biggest bugs they can find. But right now, just be quiet, and sit patiently.

Cloud gave him those big puppy dog eyes. I've been a good boy, haven't I?

Yes, but we still have to wait for the food to get here.

A good boy gets treats. I'm going to go get treats. And with that, his chaos began, even as Rory sent thoughts of protest. The St. James' side of the table was picked clean of goods, so Cloud went over to the Argyris' side, nudged the sparkly couples aside, and leaned his head over the middle brother's shoulder. This plate still had meat! He gulped down the whole crab, remembered he meant to get Araceli food, and wandered on to the eldest brother's plate. This one was unattended, so he grabbed the whole thing and scurried back. "Araceli, treats for you!"

"Oh course, only the best was thought of you." Next time she should remember, at least if seeing the family again any time soon. They were all lovely, even if the parents had their questioning eyes pointed at them.

Calling over one of the rotating waiters, serving shrimp in a very fancy glass, she took a few. Calling Araceli closer for feed her the shrimp tail and all as Cloud was off. Where was he off too? Probably food hunting, but that was just the best guess Maristela had.

Aquilo was doing his best attempt to woo the finely dressed son from the hosting family, though paused for a moment as Cloud leaned over to grab food off the plate of his sibling. He was in the middle of cutting it up the eat it, but made no protest aside a deep sigh. He himself was next, a silent stare being given as Cloud went back to Araceli who had snacked on all of the shrimp and had returned to being a patient bun. She did unravel as Cloud came back, excited bat chirps being had as she seen Cloud return.

"Thank you!" She told him, giving him some nose kisses before taking the plate from him, ignore the noise from the table as she started consuming.

Watching as the pair of dragons started their own sorts of fun, on the search for more snacks to be had, Von looked to his parents who had been slowly a

eating But gave him a nod as they handed over the plate. Leaning over to nuzzle into Curt, he knew the male didn't like dragons and wasn't about to drag him into feeding the bigger ones to keep them calm. "I'm going to feed Cloud and Araceli so they don't go snatch things from other tables. If you want to sit with the dark skinned madam she's a tailor, maybe you two can share secrets." He offered, feeling bad but if Curt didn't want to enjoy the dragons he wasn't going to make him (edited)

Oh, so the little snow bunny noticed, Grim messaged him.

Curt was doing his best to look unfrazzled, but even he had his limits. Would it really do to leave Vonius's side just to sit down and rest? Sometimes you had to suffer for knowledge. Still, as Vonius went to feed the huge dragons, he let the boy go without him. He wasn't going anywhere near that pair. He trudged over defeatedly to Maristela, taking a seat across from her, and continued to keep up his glamor. From here, he had a good view of the chaos and could evacuate if it got to close. He would take the opportunity to make connections of his own, so it wasn't a complete loss. "Nice to meet you, madam. I hope you don't mind if I shelter here for the storm?" He gave a half-bow from his seat.

Cloud excitedly bounded around Vonius like a puppy; At this point, he was completely uncontrollable. The rest of the St. James family was cheering him on, which wasn't helping Rory in the least. Good man gives me treats for Araceli, everyone says I'm such a good boy. The dragon tried to reassure his Rider that he was indeed still being good--everyone else was giving him treats now, so of course he was good.

Rory just sighed, waited for the bat's snout to be in reach, and then grabbed it to hold shut. "That's enough." Cloud looked at him with big puppy dog eyes, and when that didn't work, he stuck out his tongue in a little blep. Rory shut his eyes. No, no matter how cute Cloud was, he shouldn't let him get away with this. He looked at Vonius worriedly. "Don't trouble yourself over him, both he and Araceli are full enough. They have their own plates on the way, Cloud is just too impatient. Please excuse us for the thefts; We'll make sure the dragon doesn't attend next time."

Sipping at the dark colored wine, Maristela was watching the dragons closely as things happened. Cloud was of course Cloud, but she couldn't control him, her own dragon was well behaved and sat. Araceli knew Cloud would brings things back to her with time. Seeing Curt come to take a seat though, she gave a sweet smile to the youngling as he approached. "A pleasure to see you too, darling. You are free to have a seat, the storm tends to move to wherever there's food so you should be safe. You're Vonius’s special friend, correct?"

Vonius, on the other hand, was happy to help. He felt terrible having to abandon Curt even if it for a moment, but he didn't want to see the dragon bound off to make more trouble. Cloud was usually tame enough, just a short attention span with a want for food and affection when he asked for it. He got in a few bites, before Rory grabbed the snout of his dragon to stop the dragon. Vonius jumped and watched for a moment. Cloud gave large puppy dog eyes, begging to be let go, but Rory seemed to be having none of it. A fair reaction, though it left Vonius wandering was it maybe a over reaction as well. Was Cloud being that misnamed? Perhaps...

"It is no problem, storm dragons will be storm dragons. Did you want the rest of the plates to feed in the mean time? It'd be easier then holding Clouds mouth shut. If you space it out should be enough to tide them off until the food is done." Rory always did his best with the dragon, and it wasn't like Cloud wasn't being egged on by everyone else saying he was so cute as he made trouble. (edited)

Rory sighed as Cloud's eyes looked even more pitiful than before and gazed at Vonius with a hint of persecution. How could such a good boy be contained? This light dragon knew how to turn up the drama. Okay, if I let go, you're not allowed to go more than ten feet from Araceli. You have to be as behaved as her. Understand?

Yes, yes. Cloud gave a weak tail wag. As soon as he was released, he added, Be as close to Araceli as possible, okay! He also piped up and gave Vonius a thank you. "Good boy Von! I like plates, but Araceli likes plates more. I'm going to be a good boy by Araceli, so can you give us plates over there?" Rory sighed and rubbed his temples. This was the last time he could bring Cloud to events like this, even if Elliot was insistent beyond compare. Together, the two of them were a powerful force. Cloud went back to Araceli obediently and resumed his snuggling, as if this was the plan all along.

"Well, he's behaving. Thank you sir Argyris."

Curt started getting goosebumps as he saw the chaotic Storm returning to their part of the room. He did his best not to move and attract their attention. Hopefully this Stela person was right and they only went after food. But what if they smelled fear? What if he smelled like prey? He gave a small shiver, then stifled it down with a bit of determination. He was here to woo, not to cower. Grim sent him a feeling of pride that was laced with doubt and glee. It was the closest thing to emotional sarcasm she could muster. That wasn't the most encouraging, but he didn't need encouragement, so long as Vonius returned quickly and they could return back to the table. He remained pristine as ever. "I suppose I'll have to wait for dessert, then. It won't be attracted by my wine glass, will it?"

Watching what looked like a private conversation between dragon and rider, Von always wondered what it looked like from the outside when him and Monty argued more obviously but not out loud. This was apparently it, cute a could be until the rider gave in. With Cloud let go, he returned to the dam that had taken his interest.

"I can set the plate over there, you two behave now." Vonius left the dragons with the plats of food, giving a bow to Rory as he decided it was now left in the hands of the riders. "It is of no issue, I do not speak for my family but I'm used to some meddlesome dragons." Popping his head out, Monty have a squeak, looking to Rory but his eyes seemed to be glued on Curt. As always, wondering what the dragon seen around Curt that made him so distrustful of him. "I wish you the best of luck, I'm going to take my companion and return to our seating for now. I wish you the best of nights."

"My girl isn't fond of wine, it looks like your savior is coming for you though." Watching as Von took his depart, he did walk around and give the sweetest smile she had ever seen grace his face. He was so happy seeing Curt, as he held out a hand to the blond male.

"I'm sorry about that, Curt. Let's head back to the others, there is more familiar faces I'm sure will be comfortable to you." He could see his father watching, but said nothing. Was Curt right from earlier? He had a feeling if he made a good lasting impression there should be a different reaction, but he tried to push it out of his mind as he stared at Curt with such sweet and loving eyes.

A sigh of relief escaped Curt. He took Von's hand and stood, giving a little bow to Stella and  leaving his now very empty wine glass on the table. He turned up his glamour to a flush and leaned on Vonius. "I'm glad," he said with a bit of an emphasis, smiling and cuddling even closer than usual to him. "Lino is small enough to handle over there, and it's about time we give them those drinks they demanded so nicely." He gave a big uncovered yawn and looked a little sleepy, put a bit of weight into his lean, then sprung back and let go of Vonius's arm. "Ah, sorry, just a little bit tired. Nothing a drink or two won't fix." His smile was even more infectious than usual, and his eyes twinkled with mischief.

Getting finger wiggles from Maristela as they left, Vonius did take a moment to nuzzle into Curt despite any mouse like hissing happening in his mind. He looked absolutely adorable, even the yawn added to his cuteness, only stoking a fire inside his small dragon who wasn't into this. Kaiser was quiet though, and that was the main one he took orders from. "Yes, let's go."

Waving to his family as he left, he seemed more determined to seduce Curt now. Though, a small part of his mind said that might be a long road. Curt seemed into him, but Monty could only tell him so much with aura colors. That would improve with his magic, right? Hopefully so, Vonius was becoming curious of what was actually on the mind of the other male.