WEEK ZERO: MINGLE

[retellers]

WEEK ZERO: MINGLE (43 remain) Rise and shine, gremlins. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it's the start of a new week. Speaking of new, if participants turn on their PHS, they'll notice another section available. There's also an alert for a new message, titled TEAM ASSIGNMENT. Opening it will reveal which Leader they have been assigned to. Furthermore, at the corner of the PHS screen is an icon of an animal, depending on who their Leader is. It is visible only to them and no one else. That's not the only change, though. Participants may not notice at first—or perhaps they will?—but sooner or later, they may realize that they're... missing something? Strange. Three Leaders can be found around the area, open (?) to approach. If participants want to speak to them more privately, or to an absent Leader, it looks like they'll have to go through another channel. Which is to say, the Planetarium is now open! Finally, for the rest of the week, the participants will inexplicably have the urge to be physically affectionate. That person you just met days ago? Time to cuddle! This complete stranger you ran into? It sure is tempting to hold their hand. This urge can range anywhere from minor to impossible to ignore, depending on the situation. Enjoy your bonding!

NAVIGATION locations ₓ˚. statuses *+:｡ ic profiles :ₓo ic rules ･ﾟﾟ･｡ audience requests murder proposals ｡✧o private conversations ･ﾟo｡ curfew ･ﾟ✧ memories

Comments

[axecessory]

[ she may not be awkward, but this is long overdue. she very delicately takes his hand where offered, but doesn't quite step off with him yet, putting on her sweetest smile. ]

What's in it for me?

[riegan]

(Once offered, he takes it, and even more than that, he dips down to give her his most practiced bow. It would look serious if he wasn't grinning like a total menace the entire time. He also gives her hand a small squeeze, holding it firmly in his,)

Really? (He laughs.) I guess this is the part where I should say something like, "A night to remember." But what if I just promised not to step on any toes.

[axecessory]

[ She responds in kind with a little curtsy, as is proper for a lord and lady of the Leicester Alliance. Which of course, they represent with all respect and dignity— ]

I'd throw you out of your own party if you stepped on my toes, Claude.

[ —or not. ]

I liked your first try better! Promise me a grandiose night. The best dance of my life.

[ There's no pressure amongst friends though; she very casually sets her other hand on his shoulder, with no real expectations besides a good time. ]

[riegan]

Oof. And I don't doubt you could...

(So much for being a delicate flower. She could probably pick him and throw him right out the door from here! )

Lady Hilda Valentine Goneril. (Careful to accentuate each name for maximum effect,) Would you give me, Claude von Riegan, the honor of being your partner tonight?

(He takes a step closer, wrapping an around her waist so he can rest his hand on her back. He's probably closer than he really needs to be but it's fine. This is fine.)

If would give me nothing but the greatest pleasure if you would let me carry you away.

(This is so extra. He can barely keep himself serious and yet hERE HE IS BEING SERIOUS)

[axecessory]

[ She's a delicate girl! A gentle flower that bends in the wind. The perfect picture of a noble lady, knowing all the steps when they start and when to lead with the point of her toes.

The tiny snort she answers with is not so ladylike, though it somehow sounds dainty when Hilda does it. He's so full of it. She gives an exaggerated eyelash-flutter to match. ]

How could I deny such a heartfelt request, my good Lord Riegan?

[ She doesn't mind the proximity, they know each other well enough there's no room to blush. But it does mean they're close enough that her slanted smile is obvious, challenging herself not to laugh. ]

I've no greater want in this world than for you to sweep me off my feet. I'm just so glad you feel the same.

[riegan]

(She might have been able to restrain herself but Claude can barely do the same. He tosses his head back and lets out a light laugh. Maybe it's the atmosphere (or something else) but he's in a particularly good mood tonight,)

My dear Lady Goneril, I hope I won't let you down.

(And he steps off on the beat, taking to the floor immediately with her. It isn't their first time dancing together so its likely they both know what to expect from one another. He's a much better dancer now than he was when he first arrived at the Dukedom. Back then, he'd had as much grace as a baby deer but now, no one would ever be able to doubt he belonged among Fodlan's elite.

It would be easy to stay in step, follow each step exactly as he'd been taught and yet... he finds himself pushing it. Those moves that were meant to be precise and and contained feel a little more free and grand. There's no dance instructor to correct them. No stuffy noble to criticize them. Instead of dancing for show, he can let himself relax and have some fun.

And he believes in Hilda. She can certainly keep up with him. As if testing her, he raises his arm, signaling a twirl.)