the homecoming dance begins... (backdated to last Saturday)

[wrnpcs]

[Night has fallen on Balamb Garden; the halls of Garden are mostly deserted besides the stray student walking about, and even the usual faculty members are missing from their posts around the school. There's a certain festive energy through the air, the source coming from the happily decorated Ballroom located on the second floor

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[ofherfate]

[Padmé's there early to help with any set up, but as soon as the chime sounds and the Headmaster's speaking over the intercom she takes a deep breath and looks around the ballroom. She notes how lovely it looks and that the caterers waiting expectantly.

Tonight should be interesting, what with the Homecoming announcements!

Deciding to head out onto the balcony minutes after cadets and staff alike begin to arrive, Padmé gathers her flowing skirts and slowly begins to head in its direction across the dance floor.]

[focusedfate]

[Spotting her from across the dance floor, Cid walks over to join her on the balcony. He pauses briefly at the door to greet her before stepping further out.]

Good evening. [He smiles at her as he moves to stand beside her.] Enjoying yourself thus far?

[ofherfate]

Raines.

[She's turned to look back at him and returns his smile as he stands next to her. Padmé looks up at him and then out to the darkness of the area, the lights of Balamb Town twinkling in the distance. She reaches up to twist the end of her loose plait hanging over her shoulder around her fingers, the gesture done unconsciously and in thought.]

For now, yes. It's lovely out here, the stars... the hush...

[focusedfate]

It is indeed a very fine evening...

[He follows her gaze before his eyes lift skywards, at the stars twinkling above.]

As one who has traveled the stars, do you still find them beautiful?

[ofherfate]

Looking at them, often times I find myself homesick. I miss my loved ones, my friends and family.

[Her gaze lowers and with it her head as she lets her eyes focus on the darkness of the area closer to the ground.]

The stars will always be beautiful.

[focusedfate]

My apologies. [Cid says this quietly and lowers his gaze as well.] I had not meant to bring up an uncomfortable topic of conversation.

[ofherfate]

[For his sake and for the sake of not ruining the evening before it's even started, Padmé forces a smile to her lips as she looks over at him.]

Raines. You've gone soft.

[Gently and playfully, her elbow nudges his arm.]

[focusedfate]

[He glances back up at her, an eyebrow raised. A small smile creeps onto his face.]

Have I now?

[ofherfate]

I do believe you have.

[The look on his face has her chuckling under her breath, her smile not so forced now.]

[focusedfate]

[The smile of his face broadens.]

Whatever shall I do then? I will be ruined if I'm found to have lost my edge.

[ofherfate]

I assure you your secret is safe with me.

[focusedfate]

Then I shall sleep easily tonight. You have my thanks.

[ofherfate]

I do what I can to help.

[waylights]

Padmé! You look lovely.

[ Elika approaches, her gauzy dress billowing lightly in the evening air. She goes to meet her friend out on the balcony, admiring the starlight. ]

Getting a bit crowded inside, isn't it?

[ofherfate]

I could say the same for you, Elika.

[A smile widens her lips as she takes in her friend's gown of choice; simple and elegant, white over top of her tanned skin that's somehow accentuated everything.]

It was too nice of a night to spend mostly inside. Are you enjoying yourself?

[waylights]

Very much. Back home, we... [ She glances over her shoulder at the light and noise inside. ] ...rarely had evenings such as this. I'll admit it's probably why I need so many breaks. It gets overwhelming, after a time.