Galas and Proposals!

<-- I cut out a lot of the Gala b/c there was ... so much! And it was so fun.

LOOKIT SHE
She is a feathered storm trill demigoddess, a statuesque and imposing woman that stands well over six and a half feet tall. Her face is full of strong, rough edges, evoking imagery from a battlefield: her skin's hue is reminiscent of dusty, sun-bleached bones, long since stripped of their flesh and vitality; her lips are the tone of blackened earth, and her eyes the tint of a cloudless morning sky polluted by plumes of smoke. The feathers that adorn her head, the expansive wings upon her back, and much of the rest of her body are the color of a stream into which bodies were carelessly thrown, their blood staining the water. At the end of each of her well-muscled arms are hands hardened by callouses, and the nails that tip each of her fingers are curved and appear to have been sharpened, giving them a talon-like quality.
She is wearing:
a stunning silk gown of burgundy and gold, the gold pauldron atop her left shoulder polished fastidiously
a pair of disciplined roseate wings, protruding elegantly through the plunging back of her gown
stately high-heeled shoes of sleek black leather, striking against her ivory-hued skin.

LOOKIT ME
They are a feathered trill kindly demigod changeling. Downy plumes of vibrant orange cascade in a tumble around their head, the cluster of feathers stopping just short of their shoulders and moving at the slightest breeze. A cluster of snow-white feathers grow near their right temple. A natural mask of downy black feathers have sprouted around their eyes, covering the upper portion of their face and fading in with the colorful orange feathers at the hairline and temples. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, pink where it would otherwise be black. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. Two tufts of feathers gather where their ears would normally be, adorned by long, curling feathers that react to their mood. Their eyes are wide and inquisitive, a stunning gray that looks almost blue against the bright orange and striking black feathers. They stand just shy of six foot even, with a thin, willowy build, their skin sandy and smooth. Hanging half-limp behind them are a pair of great apricot-colored wings, the covert feathers nearest to their back the same ebony-violet as the feathers that cover their brow and cheekbones. Their wings are sleek and shiny, evidence of recent grooming efforts. Two tendril-like scars akin to burns wind their way up the trill's arms, marring their knuckles, the backs of their hands, and ending just before the elbow. A brilliant ivory light suffuses the air about them, pulsing occasionally with a sense of childlike joy. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
They are wearing:
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a sunset cloak of the darkening sea which hangs off of their right shoulder asymmetrically
a luminescent firefly squid hair pin tucked in among their bangs
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
a handsome silk suit of burgundy and gold which fits their figure flatteringly
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of teal-coloured petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
polished, formal shoes of mahogany brown leather which have been polished to a shine.

<-- after dwarf wrestling, where it was LOUD and my brain was brrt

Softly, you say, "Sorry. I was having a hard time s-seeing over the crowd."

Calioliahali shakes her head swiftly, roseate headfeathers swaying. "It was, ah. Loud. Crowded. I am not disappointed to leave it."

Looking up, you say to Calioliahali, "But teh goodly news is..." Their face brightens, "the ballroom. The ballrooms is pretty empty, yes."

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Eyebrows lifting, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Ah?" She then nods several times, her hand tightening its hold on theirs. "I am ready. I have been ready."

A breathtaking, mirrored ballroom.
The true heart of the chateau is revealed in this ballroom, from the sprawling murals that adorn each elaborate, gold panelled wall to the expansive dance floor that spreads like a sea of gleaming amber from one side of the room to the other. Pillars resembling trees worked in scaled, gold-leaf motifs rise at even intervals on either side of the room, their circumferences narrowing the higher they go - spreading into sprawling, candle-lit branches just below a vaulted, mirror-enhanced ceiling. Like miniature dancers themselves, hundreds of candle flames burn mesmerisingly, their reflections accompanying those of any dancers that might twirl below. An orchestral pit is arranged out of the way to one side, sinking into the floor between curving panels to allow acoustic amplification. Draped in white silks, an ornate table stands here, various platters, bowls, and trays stacked high upon it. Winding their way about the area are opulent streamers comprised of dozens of glass bubbles, each filled with glowing liquid. To the side stands a bromeliad lantern atop a bronze pedestal, metal leaves splaying forth to present an illuminated blown glass flower. Mistress Afifah y'Bolgari paces with great animation as she hums a guttural tune. A handsome waiter stands idly here as he balances a tray for champagne in one hand. A handsome waiter stands idly here as he balances a tray for champagne in one hand.
You see a single exit leading north.

You have emoted: Gurashi carefully leads Calioliahali along with them as they descend the stairs into the ballroom, laughing, then immediately laughing less loudly once they hear the echo of their own voice. "Oh my gosh. It REALLY emptied out," They whisper, watching the waiters still bustling about, cleaning up any mess, preparing for a returning crowd.

Calioliahali's smoky blue eyes hone in upon her own toes as she descends the stairs alongside you, eyes widening as she looks up to also behold the emptied ballroom, black lips curving into a relieved, warm smile. "Ah, yes, it is ah... All ours? For a time." She glances down at the amber-hued floor, and then her gaze drifts back up to settle upon your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi waits at the base of the stairs for Calioliahali to join them, laughing quietly. "For a time!" They sing softly, suddenly collecting Calioliahali's hands within both of their own. "Am certain peoples will join us eventually. Would you dance with me? Would you be willing to dance with me, dearest?"

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

You see the following people here:
Calioliahali, Gurashi.

Calioliahali's breath catches in her throat for just a second at your question, cheeks filling with color as she stares quietly back down at you for a time, her hands within your own growing warmer. Eventually, she nods several times, excitedly whispering, "Yes, ah... Please! Nothing would make me happier."

Inclining your head forward politely, you hold out a hand to Calioliahali and ask her, "May I have this dance?"

Calioliahali eagerly extends her own calloused ivory hand to again grasp your own, nodding again as her other hand settles against your shoulder.

An interplay of shadows and light grants movement to the space around you as the reddish glow of a bromeliad lantern flutters and flares.

You have emoted: Gurashi slips the hand that isn't already holding Calioliahali's to the taller trill's waist, beaming up at her. To whatever melody they can find drifting about the gala, they begin to sway, not lifting their feet, swaying slightly in their spot as they hold Calioliahali's hand tighter. They gaze up adoringly at the trill and begin to step slowly side rather than stepping back, smiling.

Calioliahali's black lips helplessly melt into a smile as she gazes down at you, her hand in your own squeezing lightly as she sways along with you. As you step to the side, her heeled feet carefully mimic the movement, the burgundy silk around her left side shifting to expose much of her long, ivory leg in the process. She seems either unaware or unconcerned by this as she seems entirely enthralled with you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't seem to notice Allixea arriving and leaving, their own gray gaze locked on the trill dancing with them. They smile and turn slightly, still swaying, taking slightly bigger steps. "Ah," They warble happily as Calioliahali matches their step, attention drawn immediately to the bare skin before flying back up to her face. "You look so stunning, yes you do. The shiniest being at the Gala, though, I may be biased."

Calioliahali's pale countenance fills with rubescent hues, not for the first time this month, at your words, but the smile upon her black lips remains and she gently nods, near effortlessly keeping pace with your movements. "I am in, ah, good company, then. I have been unable to look away from you for long since we have arrived. Ah..." She leans in just a fraction, her voice lowering, "Nothing else matters to me. Only you."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip quivers at this, and they let out a gentle warbling laugh, stepping a little closer, sighing loud and happily. "I have been trying to be my usual jovial selfs," They whisper. "Trying to say hello to everybody, yes! I promised. But I want to dance with you and so it has honestly been all I have been able to thinks about," They laugh as they take another step, guiding Calioliahali with them. "Have been so many things on my minds about this Galas."

You give Calioliahali a friendly squeeze.

Calioliahali releases a soft sigh of her own, her fingers upon your shoulder curling somewhat as she continues to mirror your movements. "I ah... I appreciate that you have so many people that care for you, that you care for, Gurashi. You are an individual who loves many, and is loved by many. I knew this when I ah..." She takes another careful step, heels clicking against the amber floor beneath her. "When we resolved to ah... Be together, regardless of the ah... complications." She inhales through her nose, then exhales again, still smiling warmly at you. "I treasure every moment spent together with you, whether near or far, merely in memories, or dreams, or letters." She then finally tilts her face forward so that her nose is bumping against your own. "Thank you for allowing me to be here with you. To share this experience with you. To dance." Her black lips then descend upon your mouth, and she murmurs just before they make contact, "I love you."

Addressing Gurashi and Cali, Agent Qillilitli Skydrifter says, "Ah, you missed the dwarven wrestling. The Ironbeard bloke won, of course."

Qillilitli squints suspiciously at her surroundings.

With Qillilitli's hand clasped in their own, Yilan comes down the gala stairs to the dance floor and immediately twirls their wife with dashing flair.

Calioliahali is entirely engaged with you in a dance, and seems not to hear Qillilitli's words.

You see the following people here:
Qillilitli, Yilan, Esei, Calioliahali, Gurashi.

Trader Bob shouts, "Refresh your glasses and relax for a moment but do not get too comfortable! I will see you at my game parlour before long."

Qillilitli gives Yilan her full attention, ignoring all other social etiquette. She holds Yilan close as they sway to the rhythm, gracefully moving about the dance floor.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles as they listen to Calioliahali, taking another slow step, swaying as they dance alongside the taller trill, seeming equally engaged in the dance with the taller trill, returning her kiss briefly before their attention is drawn to the new arrivals and Qillilitli speaking to them both. They blink, their whole face turning bright red and their plumage puffing up to be twice their size as they warble. "A-ah? Ah!"

Humming to himself, Norin "the Lily-Livered" Saltfeather strides in eagerly from the north.

Norin Saltfeather creases his brow in a frown.

Norin Saltfeather says, "I guess she left."

You tilt your head curiously at Norin Saltfeather.

Shyly, you ask Norin Saltfeather, "W-who?"

Norin Saltfeather exclaims, "Oh! Hell!"

Norin Saltfeather exclaims, "Hello!"

You chirp happily at Norin Saltfeather.

Norin Saltfeather says, "Clear."

(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "Lmfao."

Norin Saltfeather clears his throat.

Norin Saltfeather says, "Goodness, too much cocktail."

Norin Saltfeather says to you, "I was chatting with Cheliyi, but I guess she left."

Nodding, you ask Norin Saltfeather, "Y-yes! It is, ah, a goodly time! Heads are full of fun thoughts and happy thinks... oh?"

Your melodic voice sings into Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters's mind, "Mine-child! Norin is looking for you! Did you leaves without bidding farewells??"

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "I was getting... something."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Norin Saltfeather, "I am finding out if she is gone-gone or just stepped a-way, do not worry!"

The chaotic rumble of countless conversations forms a constant drone in the background of the Gala, punctuated by a juxtaposed mixture of raucous laughter and polite titters.

Cheliyi enters from the north, emanating an aura of immense power.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Norin Saltfeather, "She is coming back, friend! Mine-child is coming back." They smile. "I recognize you, from the ships? From the ships. Hello a-gain! I hopes-- oh!"

You point accusingly at Cheliyi.

Norin Saltfeather blushes furiously.

Norin Saltfeather exclaims, "You don't h...oh!"

Holding something in her hands, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Ah, uh."

Gingerly) should be small enough for your cabin, Cheliyi gives a playful paper dolphin to Norin Saltfeather.

You have emoted: Gurashi's pointing hand returns to Calioliahali's waist, and they smile faintly. "It is too late. She is already here."

Gingerly, Cheliyi gives a chubby bumblebee origami to Norin Saltfeather.

Calioliahali continues to hold your hand in her own, her hand curled upon your shoulder as they slowly waltz together across the ballroom floor. Her eyebrows knit together as she seems finally to realize that more individuals have joined them upon the floor, but she retrains her gaze wholly upon you.

Gingerly, Cheliyi gives a chubby bumblebee origami to Norin Saltfeather.

"Oh?" Norin Saltfeather exclaims quizzically.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Norin Saltfeather says to Cheliyi, "Thank you! They're very cute."

Blushing, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "They should be small enough for your cabin?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "And a nice decoration."

Norin Saltfeather nods his head emphatically.

Cheliyi fidgets impatiently.

Norin Saltfeather says, "I can set them on my table."

Afifah y'Bolgari begins to draw the low, sinuous notes of an exotic melody from her viola.

Sworn to the Oath, Reyqae Indara, Disciple of the Lotus yells, "Hey guys did you know this fella tells stories?"

Norin Saltfeather exclaims, "Ooh, a dolphin. I do love dolphins!"

You have emoted: Once Norin Saltfeather and Cheliyi have been reunited, Gurashi returns their full attention up to Calioliahali, gray eyes scanning her face. They hum, then laugh, suddenly and very gently twirling her, having not completely forgotten their dance.

Patting his pockets down, Norin Saltfeather exclaims, "I don't have anything to give you in return. I'm sorry!"

Afifah y'Bolgari closes her eyes as she plays, the swell of music intensifying as various strains intertwine and meet.

Placing a hand on Calioliahali's shoulder while clasping her other hand, you lead your duet with a side step, drawing the other leg along for a toe tap by the first foot, then repeat the movement in reverse, maintaining a steady rhythm.

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift to their peak as her hand is lifted over her head and she's directed into a twirl, a soft birdlike laugh helplessly fluttering past her black lips, which remain curved into a giddy smile long after she's returned properly to your grasp.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Norin Saltfeather blinks incredulously at Ticshae.

Ticshae spasms in pain as his drunken body suffers the effects of severe alcohol poisoning.
Ticshae takes a long drag off his pipe.
Ticshae eats a wafer of purity dust.
Ticshae sips a potion of healing from a vial.
Ticshae sips lucidity slush from a vial.

Humble Ticshae, Avower of the Archons says, "WoOLo!"

You have emoted: Gurashi tip-toes as they collect Calioliahali back into their arms proper again, humming, stepping slowly alongside her still, careful not to bump into Yilan or Qillilitli either. Another step and a gentle spin, wings flapping behind them as they follow the melody of the nearby viola.

<-- Ticshae spammily shit-faced, myself and others asking for people to help on city

Norin Saltfeather says to Ticshae, "Are you ok?"

<-- Kagato helps!

Norin Saltfeather opens his mouth as if to say something, but pauses.

The crystal-clear voice of the announcer rings across the room: "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the Ascension Gala the daring Lord Malarious of the esteemed House Kalas, the Bearer of the Medallion of Death, Protector of Creation, Bane of the Soulless, Illustrious Challenger for the Staff of Ascension!"

Swathed in dramatic billows of fog, Malarious appears atop the stairs and takes his sweet time down the steps, glittering confetti swirling in the air about his figure.

With a flourish of his arm, Malarious bows deeply.

Opening his mouth wide, Norin Saltfeather gapes in wonder at Malarious.

Norin Saltfeather exclaims, "It's The Malarious!"

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Norin Saltfeather says, "I've met all of the Sealbearers at the Gala except Uzriel, and I got to meet his wife. So exciting."

Calioliahali's heeled feet almost glide along the amber ballroom floor as she matches your movements, another delighted noise escaping her lips when they spin. Her own roseate wings begin to flare outwards somewhat, but then resettle upon her back as she remains entranced with you.

Norin Saltfeather firmly shakes Malarious's hand, looking him directly in the eye.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says to Norin Saltfeather, "It's ah, uh. Fine." She grins at the fan-boying, settling by the side of the ballroom, out of the way of the dancers. "And yes, -the- Malarious."

Norin Saltfeather hands a ram-shaped meringue with cobalt-blue candyfloss fleece to Cheliyi. "Here, try that one, it looks good."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi takes the treat with a slight smile, looking it up and down curiously.

Cheliyi quickly devours a ram-shaped meringue with cobalt-blue candyfloss fleece.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Norin Saltfeather says to Cheliyi, "Was it any good?"

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs too, shaking their head as they step and sway along with Calioliahali, attention drawn briefly to the nearby commotion, seeming to relax once it is resolved. More viola music, and they begin to hum along with the nearby melody, plumage ruffling and settling. "Good thing we practiced," They say to her suddenly, laughing. "You look beautifuls, you do, you doodly do. I am so happy you came here withs me - thank you."

Sworn to the Oath, Reyqae Indara, Disciple of the Lotus looks surprised and says, "What's a vengeance game?"

Norin Saltfeather shrugs helplessly at Reyqae.

Cheliyi looks visibly pained, and she washes down the food with a gold-rimmed, crystal Gala glass. "It was... very licorice-y. Thank you for getting me a treat, yes." She offers Norin Saltfeather a slight smile, shrugging.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters thinks to herself: Why are there so many burny foods...

Norin Saltfeather studies Cheliyi thoughtfully. "If it wasn't very good, you can always just tell me." he says with a laugh, turning back to the table.

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

With a slight laugh, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says to Norin Saltfeather, "Honestly, it was terrible."

Trader Bob shouts, "I await you north off the terrace!"

Calioliahali's expression remains lit with utter joy and contentment as she waltzes along with you, once more seeming oblivious to the growing crowd around them. "And you remain, ah... The most gorgeous creature that has ever walked the Basin, my apotheosis." She leans in again, pressing her black lips to the corner of your mouth. "I would not have missed this moment for anything."

Norin Saltfeather utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Trader Bob shouts, "You can teleport to me!"

Norin Saltfeather says, "I'm sorry. I was hoping it was tasty, but the food here is so strange. I'm used to fish and salted pork, and hard biscuits."

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at Norin Saltfeather.

With a hum, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Do you like sugar foods, by the bys?"

Moving in graceful circles, Luce dances a slow waltz with Tikki.

Tikki hums a happy tune.

(OOC Clan): Reyqae says, "I need Shiner of Pearls on my title now."
(OOC Clan): Reyqae says, "That's a boss title ok."
(OOC Clan): You say, "You're GR3 I think you can do that now."

Norin Saltfeather hands Cheliyi a muffin instead. "Here, this doesn't look horrible."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Norin Saltfeather blushes furiously.

Trader Bob shouts, "If you're not sure how to get here and you cannot teleport to me for some reason, let me know!"

Cheliyi nibbles on a blueberry chiffon muffin, just in case.

Norin Saltfeather says, "I mean, it looks tasty."

Cheliyi tentatively sticks out her tongue and licks a blueberry chiffon muffin.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Cheliyi eats a blueberry chiffon muffin with obvious gusto.

Norin Saltfeather puts his hands on his hips and goes "Hmmm!"

Cheliyi sighs contentedly.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Norin Saltfeather says, "I think I'll check out this Vengeance thing."

Norin Saltfeather smiles softly at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Yeah, me toos, yes."

Cheliyi points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Cheliyi leaves to the north, emanating an aura of immense power.

You have emoted: Gurashi's plumage ruffles and settles as the corner of their mouth is kissed, and they giggle, turning their head so that they instead capture the full of Calioliahali's mouth rather than accepting just the corner. They quickly flare up their wings, the feathers offering a brief orange veil of modesty between the couple and the surrounds, and the appendage just as quickly folds closed when they pull back. smiling dazedly at Calioliahali. Then, they step back and lift their arms, twirling Calioliahali and then themselves, warbling in delight.

Clasping Calioliahali's hands, you raise one elegantly above both your heads in a gentle curve and use the other to push her into an easy, smooth twirl.

Calioliahali's eyelids flutter closed as she surrenders fully to your kiss behind your orange-feathered veil, her movements faltering just a fraction in the process. As your wings finally recede, she again releases a laugh not unlike birdsong, twirling along with you in turn, then gratefully returning her hand to rest upon your shoulder, her smoky blue eyes finally re-opening to gaze down upon you with utter adoration.

You chirp happily at Calioliahali.

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles at Calioliahali's birdlike laugh, shoulders bunching as they do all they can to not break into laughter. They tighten their grasp on Calioliahali's hand, slowing but not quite stopping, their twirls and steps stilling back into small, slow steps. They finally glance out at the other dancing couples, face lighting up as they tip-toe again, bringing their face closer to Calioliahali's. "The sun is gonna rise a-gain, soonly. Do you want to go watch?" They warble hopefully.

Calioliahali's slows her movements to match your own, content to sway and step at a much slower pace after such a long time of twirling and gliding across the floor. She still pays the others within the ballroom no mind, attention wholly upon you as she nods her assent, black lips curved into a loving smile. "Yes, I would be grateful for such an ah, intermission." She then captures the tip of your nose with her lips, then releases her hold upon your shoulder, prepared to follow your lead.

With a tiny nod, pale eyes fixed to Illyria's rosy colored ones, Gael smiles as he moves slowly forward with his left leg, leading Illyria in a gliding kind of waltz to sweep along the ballroom floor in a steady rhythm, the hem of a furtively florescent, caliginous formal coat trailing lightly behind him while a crisp, shadowed tunic suit of bioluminescent splendor remains nearly pressed to her through the steps. Forward and straight, at first, and then sweeping in a gentle arc to one side to circumnavigate the periphery of the ballroom floor, he guides the pair along slowly, his attention remaining lovingly on Illyria's face even as his feet move along with her.
You give Calioliahali a peck on the cheek.

A relaxed beachfront terrace.
A wood panelled terrace runs out to meet the Toronada sands. Upon it stand various wicker tables and cushioned chairs, each with a differently coloured parasol from the rainbow spectrum. A barbecue and grill are also present, as well as a bar which food or drinks can be served at. In the sands itself sit bright white beach chairs in groups of varying numbers. A court for ball games has been set up near the edge, in the shade of the nearby palm trees. As one looks out, they can enjoy the view of the bright blue water and the calming sound of the waves. Draped in white silks, an ornate table stands here, various platters, bowls, and trays stacked high upon it. Winding their way about the area are opulent streamers comprised of dozens of glass bubbles, each filled with glowing liquid. To the side stands a bromeliad lantern atop a bronze pedestal, metal leaves splaying forth to present an illuminated blown glass flower. Crimson magnolia flowers bloom form an elegant arrangement here, a sphere of colour resting atop a fluted silver base. Jinlu Ilithyia bustles around the partitioned off section, fiddling with some antiquities. Calioliahali Skydrifter looms here, lingering with an unsettling aura of strict severity.
You see exits leading north, northeast, and northwest.

You have emoted: Gurashi wordlessly guides Calioliahali away from the hustle and bustle of the ballroom, away from the noisy insides of the chateau, stopping only when they reach the terrace. They giggle, looking about and out over the water. "Oh, the timing...!"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods politely towards Jinlu Ilithyia, the Boneseer before guiding Calioliahali towards the edge of the terrace, warbling happily at the brightening sky.

Calioliahali's smoky blue gaze follows your own as she arrives alongside you, keeping pace as she's guided toward the edge for an even better view of the rising sun. Attention fixated upon the horizon, she murmurs, her words unmistakably meant for you, "Thank you, for everything, Gurashi. I love you."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

Warm rubescent light spills over the area as the glow within the bromeliad lantern flickers, its glass petals glowing a vibrant orange.

You have emoted: "I love you too," Gurashi says as they watch the water, head tilting slightly to the side, coming to rest upon Calioliahali's shoulder. "You always thanks me. But it is me who needs to thanks you." Their hand in Calioliahali's tightens slightly, and they glance down towards their polished shoes, then up at the taller trill beside them, blushing. "I will never be able to do enoughly or say enoughly to express how muchly you have done for me. Or, how muchly you mean for me..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, looking down at the water, then again up at Calioliahali, slowly turning to face her. "How specials you makes me feel and how perpetually kindly you are to me. How considerates you are, and how well-matched we are, in, ah." They puff their cheeks, then relaxing. "You are, like my better halfs. Ah, you ARE my better halfs, even..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Calioliahali, "...at least.... you makes me want to be a better me. Lots."

Calioliahali's roseate wing again unfurls so that it can drape around your form, pulling you closer against her as she releases a deep sigh of contentment, her own eyes still upon the water and the light playing upon it. As you look up toward her, she tears her attention from the view, and then again is enraptured by your gaze, smiling lovingly down at you as she listens. The familiar rubescent hues skip straight past her cheeks and fills her countenance in its entirety as you continue to speak, and she blinks a few times, moisture rolling down her cheeks with the action. She seems entirely unable to form words of response, and for a time merely stares down at you, tears streaming down her face.

Jinlu Ilithyia, the Boneseer says, "Bobemy is going down."

Jinlu Ilithyia, the Boneseer exclaims, "I best see it!"

Amidst a clatter of bone jewelry, Jinlu Ilithyia leaves to the north.

You have emoted: Gurashi's own gray eyes start to slowly grow watery as they spot Calioliahali's tears, bringing up a hand to sweetly wipe at her face, doing their best to dry her tears. "I might have screwed up 'cause I wanted to talk to your sister sooner. And I do not know if she would be mad at me for doing things before talking firstly, but," They look down, shuffling in their spot before whipping up their head again, gazing wide-eyed at Calioliahali hopefully. "I do not feel like this is somethings that am... rushings. I do not feel like am making a mistakes."

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand leaves Calioliahali's hand, dipping into their pocket, fidgeting. "I have never felt more certain of any other things in my life, no. I do not feel any regrets or hesitatings. Be-cause I wished for you."

You think to yourself: *heavy - their pocket is h e a v y*.

Calioliahali allows your hands to wipe away beneath her eyes, mutely listening to your words for a time before her eyes begin to widen, as though in understanding and surprise and any number of other expressions. Her black lips begin to tremble, and her chin quivers, and she slowly lowers her now misty blue gaze down to your hand as it leaves hers, watching as it disappears into your pocket. Her roseate wings at her back seem unable to contain themselves, flexing and stretching and ruffling every feather in anticipation.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the north, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei.

You see the following people here:
Calioliahali, Esei, Gurashi.
Tikki arrives, following Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat.

Tikki hums a happy tune.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up hopefully towards Calioliahali, brow knitted together. Awkwardly they sink to a single knee, producing a striking wedding ring bearing a miniature black ghodak stone from their pocket and holding it up to the taller trill. "I loves you a whole lot. Will you marry me?"

(OOC Clan): Esei says, "."
(OOC Clan): Tikki says, "Luce and I had the BEST timing LOL."
(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "Yeah and you gave me the squid right before so you're part of this now."
(OOC Clan): You say, "XD."
(OOC Clan): Esei says, "WEEP sorry LOL I DIDN'T KNOW."

Esei blinks, then begins staring awkwardly at the arrangement of magnolias.

Calioliahali's eyes appear to widen until they simply can't anymore, her entire ivory form flushing rubescent hues as she gazes down at you. When her voice finally comes, it's little more than a squeak, or a squawk, and she clears her throat several times. Finally mustering all the strength within every fiber of her being, she intones clearly to you, "Y-Y-Yes. Yes. Yes, Gurashi." Once she no longer needs words, the tears return in a veritable torrent down her cheeks.

You get down on one knee and, while holding forth a striking wedding ring bearing a miniature black ghodak stone, you declare your eternal love for Calioliahali, and ask her to marry you.
Once married, your family name will become that of your spouse.

Calioliahali, with a look of utter joy on her face, accepts your proposal of marriage.

Tikki claps his hands together merrily.

Esei glances askance.

Esei stands completely behind the arrangement of magnolias.

(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "Lmfao."
(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "I love you Esei."
(OOC Clan): Esei says, ""I'm not here"."

You have emoted: Gurashi rises from the floor, wobbling awkwardly as they pass the ring into Calioliahali's hands, tears threatening to spill out of their own eyes. They laugh softly, pulling out a second ring form their pocket. "I-I, ah, ahaha. I hopes it is O-K? Ohhh, don't cry," They cup Calioliahali's face between both hands now, wings flapping. "I loves you."

Ripples of dapppled light and shadow cascade over the ground, shining down as the liquid-filled streamers here pulse with the eerie light of the lagoon.

You see the following people here:
Luce, Esei, Calioliahali, Tikki, Gurashi.

You reach out, pulling Calioliahali into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs loudly as they continue to squeeze Calioliahali into an embrace, doing little more than rocking slightly side to side as they hold Calioliahali. They glance up, inhaling through their nose before letting out a breathy laugh., noticing Tikki, Luce, and Esei at last, looking at the bystanders with a sheepish smile.

Calioliahali does her absolute best to blink away the flood of tears, and manages to clear them just long enough to fully glimpse the ring that she accepts from you. She then refocuses her misty blue eyes upon your face as you hold her cheeks in your hands. She inhales deeply through her nose, and then her writhing black lips again part. "I l-l-love you as well, m-my apotheosis. I am ah..." The corners of her lips then tug downwards and she presses herself fully into your embrace, her arms pulling around you firmly, managing nothing further for now.

Esei resumes examining the flowers closely, fingers coming up to brush against the petals of one.

Calioliahali Skydrifter thinks to herself: *the trill isn't able to voice it aloud, but the phrase and the sensation echo enough times in her mind for the sentiment to be clear: I am so happy.*.

Tikki hums a joyous little tune and claps his paws again. "Congratulations, you two!"

Luce gives an unobtrusively encouraging smile.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Laughing quietly, you say to Calioliahali, "It is O-K. You do not have to words."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs deeply and happily, squishing their chin and mouth against Calioliahali's shoulder as they continue to squeeze her tight, smiling at Tikki's comment. "I yam too. Me too." To Tikki they smile and warble out a gentle, "Thank you dearest Tikki."

Ticshae arrives from the north.

Ticshae takes an gold-rimmed cocktail glass from a latticework vermeil tray.
Ticshae takes an gold-rimmed cocktail glass from a latticework vermeil tray.
Ticshae takes an gold-rimmed cocktail glass from a latticework vermeil tray.
Ticshae takes an gold-rimmed cocktail glass from a latticework vermeil tray.
Ticshae takes an gold-rimmed cocktail glass from a latticework vermeil tray.

"Uhh..." stalls Luce.

Grinning into the taller trill's shoulder, you say to Calioliahali, "I have to talk to your siblings. I have to talk to all of them stills. I hopes they will not be too upset with me for asking without asking but I could not wait."

You glance askance at Ticshae.

Ticshae tilts his head curiously at you.

Humble Ticshae, Avower of the Archons says, "What?"

Tikki thinks to himself: Well at least they don't have a drinking problem. It seems that they have it down to a science.

Humble Ticshae, Avower of the Archons says, "Just getting snacks."

Esei coughs, leaning away from the arrangement and stepping closer to Tikki and Luce.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Ticshae, "As long as you is having fun, yes! They are goodly drinks and snacks, yes yes."

You give Calioliahali a friendly squeeze.

<-- and then more stuff and things! But it was like 5 hours later and I was so tired XD <3