Event: Eiko's Birthday Ball

[tidesnpcs]

Characters: OPEN to all party guests
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: A big party for a small girl. Yep, it's Eiko's birthday and she's having a ball.
Location: Lindblum Grand Castle
Date: March 21st, 1804
Warnings: N/A so far

Nobody could say that Regent Cid wasn't generous when it came to his adopted daughter, Eiko. In fact, some said that he was too

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[eidolon_soul]

Rydia entered alongside Edge, a whirlwind of green. Her jade-colored gown was more formal than her Cleyran garb, but still far removed from what she saw as typical Gaian formal wear. High collars, corsets and the like were far too restricting for her, so she went in the opposite direction, fashion-wise. The neckline was low, the skirt was long and loose, billowing out at every step. Her emerald-green hair was long and loose as well, though, she had woven gold ribbons into it and glittering clips kept it from falling into her eyes. What jewelry there was -jade earrings and a thin chain around her neck- did not overshadow her ensemble

[melodiesoflute]

The atmosphere within the Grand Castle tonight was one of pure excitement since Regent Cid Fabool was always known to throw such elaborate parties. It was rather beautiful here in Lindblum, beautiful enough to warrant the bard’s favor. Still silently giving his thanks to Rydia, Edward allowed his eyes to wander as he watched the guests wander into the main hall.

Like his companions, Edward chose to dress right for the occasion in the form of velvet crimson suit that was tailored made for his slim stature. He combed his blond locks neatly over his ear but the long wispy bangs did drape over the right side of his face. Looking rather regal for once now that he was out of his bard-like attire, Edward helped himself to a glass of champagne once a moogle strolled by

[eidolon_soul]

Rydia took a sip from her own glass, peering at the prince's attire. It definitely suited him well, and though she had no issue with his normal bard's clothing, a change of pace was nice. While she had no interest in him romantically, the summoner was objectively aware that Edward was quite handsome. He would have no trouble getting attention tonight. A warm smile emerged at mention of her young friend. "Eiko's a dear, I promise. I'll have to introduce you when I see her."

She glanced around expectantly. "Yuna ought to be here, soon. I really want her to have a good time tonight." The fact that Tidus didn't join them rankled at her for Yuna's sake but regardless, she was determined to see her fellow summoner have fun tonight. Hence, enlisting Edward's help.

[melodiesoflute]

“I am quite sure she is. You wouldn’t make a friend out of a mean spirited girl.” Wondering a bit about the royals native to Gaia, Edward decided he would pay his respects to the Regent before the evening is over. He heard good stories revolving around the elderly ruler and so far, he was impressed with the man’s blatant generosity to allow so many to attend his daughter’s birthday.

Giving Rydia a curious gaze once she mentioned the woman’s name, a soft smile settled upon the bard’s lips. “I trust she shall arrive here soon, Rydia. Do not be worried.” While the summoner spoke very little, about whom Yuna was, Edward was anxious to meet her.

[eidolon_soul]

Rydia nodded, trying to settle down and not look at the entrance every few seconds. It wasn't easy, though. "She just needed a little more time to get ready, that's all." Another, very brief, sip was taken.

The music wound down to its end and Rydia watched the dancers pause as it did. It would soon pick up again, though, which reminded her of something. That grin returned. "Her happiness comes first, but don't forget; I want a dance with you before the night is over."

[melodiesoflute]

Seeing how much Rydia was fretting over the no-show summoner, Edward could only hope that Yuna would make her arrival with haste. Taking yet another small sip of his glass, he glanced over to Rydia slight sigh.

"There is no need to coach me. I know how to treat a lady and I am sure Yuna and I will get along well on the dance floor." Although, he wondered if the young summoner was graceful upon her feet like a certain blond haired dancer he knows. A wistful smile appeared as he thought about Penelo, his thoughts straying away from the grand festivities around him.

"I wonder if she's is here..." That was an accidental thought said aloud by the bard.

[eidolon_soul]

Of course, Rydia heard it and zeroed in on it quickly enough. "Hm? Who?" Her thoughts automatically went to Anna, Edward's lost love. If she had arrived recently, they would have heard about it by now. Then again, something about Edward's tone lead her to believe that he was speaking about someone whose entrance was far more likely.

[melodiesoflute]

It was then that Edward realizes that his quite thought accidentally was voiced into words. "N-n-no one!" The bard stuttered looking quite embarrassed to be caught thinking about another person other than his beloved Anna. "I was just wonderi--Bah! it's not important." Taking another swig of champagne, Edward actually drowned it finally and sat the glass upon the table close by.

[eidolon_soul]

At that interesting reaction, Rydia blinked. She hadn't thought to provoke anything even close to that. Then she tilted her head and smiled. "Oh, really? Come, Edward. You can tell me." No point in hiding that nosiness, though she couldn't help but be intensely curious...and excited about anything or anyone that made him happy. He deserved it, after what he had been through.

[melodiesoflute]

Actually searching for a good way to diffuse Rydia's interest in his complex love life, the bard decided to bring up a certain 'ninja' into this conversation. "O-oh, its nothing grand. Not like Edge and you, I'm just musing about dear Penelo." Edward managed to stammer out without flailing too much once he said the dancer's name.

"She's an interesting one, Penelo, I mean. I think we share a minor kinship, both hailing from desert lands and all..." Taking a moment to think, Edward wondered why in the world was he blabbing so much about that girl.

"She's quite nimble upon her feet, a real performer with a lithe form."

[eidolon_soul]

Edward earned a confused look at mention of her and Edge. There was...something...between them, but they hadn't really gotten around to defining it, and she hadn't thought anyone else had paid notice. Apparently, she was wrong.

Before a blush could form, however, she listened with avid interest at Edward's rambling. A slow smile began to form. "I've met her before. She's a really friendly person and easy to speak with. I can see why you're attracted to her."

Why deny it? That surprised her, given Anna's somewhat recent demise, but...she wasn't going to shoot down anything that might make Edward happy for just that reason. The poor man could do with something to make him smile.

[melodiesoflute]

Noticing the confusion lingering within Rydia's eyes, Edward wondered if he accidentally offended her. It was obvious to anyone who has eyes, that the summoner and the ninja had something going on. At first, he was honestly a tad skeptical about Edge taking such a fondness to Rydia; especially since Edge is the kind of cad who flirts with anything that walks. Over time, Edward became less disturbed by this idea and grown to accept it. Edge still didn't seem trustworthy enough in his opinion, but if he breaks dear Rydia's heart the ninja will find himself as a toad for all eternity.

"You've met her before?" He asked with in mild surprise. Turning a tad cherry now, Edward was at least glad that one of his good friends approved of Penelo. "I-I wouldn't go so far and say something like that...I'm not attracted, not like that." Lies, pure lies since Edward was turning beet red over some girl he's not attracted to.

[eidolon_soul]

"...and yet, the tint of your cheeks says otherwise." Rydia chuckled, unable to prevent a little good-natured teasing while they were alone for the moment. Besides, it was easier to focus on him than his comment about Edge and all the confusing thoughts that brought to mind.

Her tone grew more gentle. "If you're not ready to admit it to anyone else, fine, but it's pretty obvious to me." And probably anyone else paying attention. "We met months ago, well before your arrival. I can't say that I know her extremely well, but everything about her that I've seen, I liked. You have good taste."

[melodiesoflute]

At the mention of his rosy hue, Edward actually tries to hide his face from her by looking the other direction. Honestly, only Rydia could make him feel this childish at times. "I-I...I.." Completely at a loss for words, the bard let out a deep sigh as he slapped his hand to his forehead. He truly felt like a hopeless love struck fool no matter how much he may deny such a claim. This girl only been in his life for less than a day or so, and he was already this flustered about her. Perhaps Penelo placed a hex on him, a curse of some kind with her swaying hips and rhythmical dancing.

"So, you approve of her?" Edward replied once he managed to form words again. Glancing over at Rydia apprehensively, a tiny smile blossomed upon his lips. "I see. Well, I'm certainly are fond of women who have class." He jokingly bragged.

[eidolon_soul]

Rydia bit her lip to keep from chuckling as she watched poor Edward struggle for words. Her heart went out to him regardless; it couldn't be easy admitting to any such attraction with memories of Anna lingering. Even so, Rydia was ever a blunt soul and had to cut right to the heart of the matter.

She chuckled softly and gave him a gentle shove. "What are you doing talking to me, then? Go find her and ask her to dance. That's what balls are for, right?"

[arrogant_flirt]

Edge stepped into the ballroom alongside Rydia, his sash flowing green alongside. While his comfort with such formal clothing was lacking, his experience and appreciation of such events more than counteracted his discomfort.

It seemed that the Regent had pulled out all the stops in celebrating the birthday of his daughter. He knew it was imperative that he make a good impression with the local leadership.

Taking his own glass of champagne, he was impressed by the quality Cid had offered. Nodding towards Rydia, "Almost as good as Eblan's"