Erin closed the bedroom door behind her with a soft click. She was wearing red. A lot of red. A red dress, red shoes, red lipstick and even some red eyeshadow. It was overkill, really, but she was excited. Very excited. Heels clicked down the stairs as she hurried to the door. That was her destination! And once she got there she pulled the door open with a smile.

Hair a mess of curls, she pushed it out of her face to let in the caterers, all dressed in white and carrying trays. "Nice to meet you! Come in, come in... I'll show you to the dining room." Erin led them through the hall and into the dining room, pointing out the table she had set up to hold the food. She figured people would be coming and going and it would be best to have it be buffet style.

The three caterers hurried to work, laying white linens with pink overlays and setting out the trays on those little racks with the small flames underneath. It was very official looking.

Leaving the staff to their work, Erin worked on ambiance. She had gathered records for the event and settled on a selection of crooners. Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, etc. She had set the record player in the drawing room, starting her particular favorite Sinatra tune as she readied the bar. It was almost time for people to start arriving, and Erin was nervous.

It was a day for love. Romance and passion were the themes of the hour, but Dameon couldn't bring himself to wander to such thoughts, what with the very recent passing of his would-be significant other. He handled it well enough, the words of friends and loved ones helping him through the most ironic of times to have one's heart broken.

He stepped up the road toward the manor, his armor absent for this occassion. Instead he had a long-sleeved red button-up shirt buttoned to the collar-bone, overlayed by a black vest. His pants were also black, tucked into a pair of black leather boots which he had noticably put forth effort into polishing up. He still had his black cloak thrown over his shoulders, as the weather was still cold in the late winter. His hair was neatly spiked up, and the sun brought out the deep sapphire lusture in his eyes.

He stopped just short of the front steps, seeing as his dear friend Lydia had beat him to ringing the bell. He placed his hands on his hips, and awaited an answer to the door.

She appeared just as Lydia, a man she had never met, and Erin all walked inside.. and the door was closing. The Guardian elongated her next steps, which was a sight, since she was in a dress and low-heels. Not that she lost balance or anything.. but... unless you went to the Ball, you've never seen her with a dress... or shoes.

Her dress was the color of a soft, light pink. Pink?!? Oh yes, Storm was able to make a run through the MarketPlace before coming. The cut was bowl-shaped... exposed skin hardly ever seen, but modest just the same... and long sleeved. The fabric wasn't silky, but a bit stretchy, so it fit her like a glove... without looking painted on. And starting from the right ribcage, a gradually increasing swirl of gold went all the way down to the hem of her dress, which was her mid-calfs. And her low-heeled shoes were a light pink to match. She even had the slightest hints of make-up.. the most obvious was her eyelids.. starting light pink on the inside... and shifting to gold on the outside.

After the few previous nights, Storm had really contemplated on coming. She was just sooo tired, not dealing with emotional stress very well. And who has seen Storm upset, or stressed? So very little. She was the type who could handle herself well, a nice balance between logic and emotions. Ah ha, but not as of late. But... Erin was there. And Lydia would be here. It was enough, to support the pair of them. And why not? Wearing the dress, and the faintest signs of make-up was doing wonders on her self-esteem. Though under the make-up, her eyes were tired... but her skin was glowing, and her grey eyes were bright.

Now she just had to make it inside!

"Mind if I join you all?" She says with a smile, a hand bracing the door before it shuts on her.

"Come in, come in!" Erin smiled even wider as she caught sight of Storm and waved her in. "Now what do you all want to drink? I have a semi-full bar, and tea and coffee... and I could get a soda from the kichen if you want..."

Yes, Erin was bouncing with excitement as she moved through the drawing room, grabbing glasses and waiting for orders. One more look at the now closed door. Who would come next? She smiled yet again, her bouncing out of time with the soothing music.

He smiled to Erin and Lydia respectively as they acknowledged him, and stepped inside the manor with a grin, happy to be attending his first true social event since coming home. As Erin gestured to the coat rack, he nodded, unfastening his cloak and sweeping it off of his shoulders, hanging it neatly.

He stepped gracefully, keeping close to Lydia as she was the only person present so far, aside from Erin, with whom he was acquainted with.

He did, however, find time to offer a confident smirk to the girl who he caught looking his way. Old habits seem to die hard.

"Crick! How nice of you to come down. And aren't you pretty?" Smirking she poured Lydia a glass of bottled water, adding some ice(also from bottled water!). She shook her head as she poured a whiskey for Cricket offering it over.

"Just try not to scare anyone. " That was said as she looked over to Lydia, making sure she survived that entrance. A soft smile as she saw that she seemed okay. And that Dameon at least seemed a little comfortable so far...

"I love this song... " She turned the record player as "Luck be a Lady" sang by the formidable Frank Sinatra came on.

Erin giggled. And sighed. At the same time. She stepped forward so that she could present the other three people without letting them feel like fresh meat for the Cricket on the prowl.

"This is Lydia. My sister. You've probably seen her room across the hall from yours, though she doesn't stay here much anymore." Lydia was pointed to. Then she pointed at Dameon, tilting her head as she thought of an introduction. "That handsome young man is Dameon. He's free game for your attentions. Erin winked then, shaking her head a little. "And this lovely lady here is Storm. You may remember her, she was one of my first friends when I got here... when you still came out and partied." Snicker snort.

With a smile Lydia accepted the.. iced water? Oh dear. She and ice didn't get along so well anymore. But it'd be rude to say something about that now, right? In front of all these people? No sips taken just yet though. A grateful nod was offered in thanks to her sister before she turned back towards Cricket, head canting a little at the introductions.

"It's nice to meet you finally Cricket." A little nod offered to her before she glanced among the gathered, feet shuffling a little more. She was just a little nervous. Social situations... that glass was lifted to her lips for a sip, but then she remembered. The ice! So that glass was lowered before she sipped.

"Oh, ah... Erin, I think I hear Snowflake crying." Pause. "Over there... I'll go check on her, yeah?"

Lydia turned and shuffleshuffled on over towards the ballroom and went in there. Perhaps not the most mannered thing to do, probably some sort of social faux pas sin committed, but she didn't know any better! Truthfully, she didn't really hear little Snowflake, she just wanted a brief moment to herself, and to figure out what to do with that ice.

Glass was shifted from one hand to the other as she looked around, head tilted a little to the music. It wasn't bad per se, but her sister did have.. interesting taste to say the least. She wasn't used to the music she listened to. Pale blues paused on a nearby houseplant then. Droopy thing, looked like it could use some water... she could pour some in there, melt the ice in her cup, and her problem would be solved!

She glanced around quickly, then moved over towards that plant.

Poooour...

He simply watched everyone quietly, smiling as each person's name became known to him. He offered a polite nod to Erin to show her that he was, indeed, quite comfortable, after which he offered a chuckle. "So, I'm fair game now, am I? That's an awkward thing to announce when I'm the only bloke here so far, don't you think?"

He placed his hands on his hips, tilting his head as he looked over his apparent 'selection,' grinning all the while. Placing Dameon in such a situation... why it was almost like throwing a child into a candy store, so to speak. To think, he was the only gentleman in a room full of attractive female, albeit not all single. But still, this realization seemed to put some spring in his giddy-up.

He turned his gaze back to Erin, with a confident smile placed across his lips. "We'll just have to see how fair it is by the end of the day, now won't we?"

Erin had frowned when Lydia left the room and almost followed after, but really there was too much going on to try and contain the herd that was growing in her downstairs. She rolled her eyes at Dameon and was about to speak when she heard the knock at the door. She bowed her head in an excuse me and headed back out into the hall.

Erin clicked all the way, heels and hardwood floors having that affect, and again, didn't bother to check the peep hole before pulling the door open. She shivered from the cold air that rushed in as eyes leveled on Jewell, but her smile didn't falter. A quick step to the side so that the woman could pass her.

"J! You look absolutely stunning. I'm going to have to go upstairs and change to even look half as good." Erin giggled just a touch, shaking her head. "Get in out of the cold and I'll get you something to drink. That dress is pretty, but not particularly weather appropriate." .

Erin had decided to herself before she even had gotten dressed this morning that she wasn't going to mention any unpleasantness at all today. Sure, it was a bit impractical and even unhealthy, but it would do well to embody that hostess myth of everything being grand. It was her hope that for at least two hours of one day people could be friendly and together without being upset, drunk or attacked. So far, so good.

After pouring a bit of water into that plant, she lifted her glass up to examine it. Since she had lowered the level a bit, it wouldn't be a problem to melt the ice, which is just what she did. Pale eyes glowed faintly and the hand gripping the glass warmed a bit, melting the ice. The water wasn't as cold, but it would do!

A swig of water was taken from the glass as she glanced around the empty ballroom, then back towards the door. Lips pursed faintly as she started back that way, her steps a bit slow.

"Don't be so ridiculous..." A bit of a mutter to herself.

Head poked out the door to peek back at the crowd, a breath was taken in, then she moved back over. Brows lifted faintly at the sight of blue hair. Jewell must have shown up when she was off saving Erin's plant. A warm smile and wave was offered to her before she took up a spot close to Storm.

Smilesmile. Sipsip. Shuffleshuffle.

Grey eyes light up slightly as Lydia returned... and smiled as she realized the ice was gone. And of course, she also scooted a bit closer to Lydia. Have to stick with him you know.

Her grey eyes then turn to Dameon, who apparently caught sight of her. She shakes his hand firmly, but gently. "A pleasure Dameon.. I'm Storm.. do you know my friend, Lydia?" Asks as she looks over at the green-haired elf, releasing his hand. They probably had already met, she told herself. But if not... well, a good deed for her then.

She turned to Lydia, lilac suited her very nicely. "Is Grem going to be joining us?" The question seemed appropriate to her, at least. Though she was close to Lydia, being the only person she knew.. other than Dameon, she kept her eyes on Erin and Jewell, just waiting for the right moment.

Jewell laughed appropriately as she was ushered inside, "Nonsense, E, you look lovely as always." She pressed a kiss to her friend's cheek for emphasis and perhaps to show her that she was sincere.

"Thanks for having me over, I really did need to get out of the house and dress up nicely--it's been too long! The whole world looks brighter when you look pretty."

She moved further inside, both to greet people and to get away from the door in order to let her limbs warm up. She flashed a bright smile seeing Lydia and Storm, waving to them both, "Afternoon ladies."

Ah--and Dameon too! His presence was unexpected but not at all unpleasant; "A round of whiskey? I'll never turn a good looking man down for a drink, we'll have to set a date for that." Though it would not be 'a date' she quickly reassured herself mentally, her smile never faltering.

She took the initiative to step over to Storm, hand outstretched. She did not get through years of political and social functions by being shy, "Storm, right? We've crossed paths and seen each other hundreds of times but I don't believe we've been formally introduced. I'm Jewell Ravenlock."

She had been near to Storm before in the Inn, but here, with very few people around, her elemental 'scent' was more noticeable. She commented upon it softly to Storm, "And you smell delightfully like the wind."

Dameon smiled politely to Storm as they shook hands. "Yes, I know Lydia somewhat. She played nurse for me one evening at the bar, although not exactly in the way I normally prefer." He laughed a bit, turning his attention back to Jewell.

"Yes, we will definetely have to arrange it. Although I wasn't aware that agood looking man 'ad asked you. I must not 'ave heard that." He smirked a little, feigning modesty, and looked over at Erin.

"Oh, and while you're at it could I possibly get something in the way of iced tea? I think I'll wait a little bit on the alchohol." Dameon waiting for alchohol? This was certainly a change of pace for someone who normally starts the morning with a whiskey on the rocks or a Midori sour. Nevertheless, his request was made with utmost sincerity.

Lydia canted her head a little, brows lifted just a touch in confusion to Dameon's statement. Naivety was definitely a word that could be used to describe the green haired elf. "The way you'd.. prefer? What other way is there to..." She trailed off a bit, a little more confused by the questioning. "..play nurse?"

A blink then, before she looked towards Storm, a little bit of a smile forming, then a nod to her words. "Of course." Her own voice lowered as well. "There's always time for you Storm. Anything you need to say or ask about, we're here." A firm nod along with her words. Storm was there for her and Erin whenever they needed her, so she was more than willing to return the favor.

Water was lifted for yet another sip as Jewell approached. Another smile was offered to her but she fell silent when she and Storm were exchanging words. No need to interrupt and all, especially if they were just now meeting! Her gaze roamed over towards little Tina then she waggled her fingers to her. She regarded her and Erin for a moment, taking note of how happy the two seemed together. Particularly Erin.

King Gavilean of Westridge put on his deep burgundy doublet over the white poet?s shirt, then pulled on the deep gray pants and shinned black boots. He looked to Des as he worked the fasteners on the doublet. "Sweetheart, do you think this looks alright for the Valentine Luncheon? This doublet is as close to Valentine red as I think I want to get. I don't want to look like a strawberry with long hair."

His wife glanced up from adjusting the fall of matching velvet burgundy skirts. Tera chuckled warmly while navy blue eyes that twinkled merrily drifted over him from the tips of those boots to the top of his head, then lowered to capture his cobalt blue gaze. "Babe it would take more than a red doublet to make ya look like a strawberry, although I wouldn't mind takin' a little nibble of ya I will admit; however, then we would be late for this here party that we were invited to, and since we are running a bit late already I do believe ya look very handsome just as ya are in that color." She smiled charmingly to her sexy husband as she picked up the cloak that matched her gown along with the gloves, and moved toward him.

Gav laughed and grabbed his cloak to put over the doublet. It had a single clasp at the neck and would serve quite well to keep him warm for the short journey. He moved to Des and nibbled on her neck, "This strawberry thinks you're just peachy." He winked and went to the table by the door. "Can't forget the most important items - the boxes of Westridge Dark Chocolates to hand out."

She shivered at the nibbles and rubbed her cheek to her shoulder trying to ease the tingling sensations while laughing with delight. "Definitely can't forget the chocolate, Babe. Did ya remember to RSVP for us or are we unexpected, because I sure enough forgot to reply in the madness that has been this past week or more?" Her cloak was swung over her shoulders and clasped, and then gloves were tugged on to keep her hands warm as she too crossed to the door.

"Oh, I told Erin that we'd be there, so I don't think they'll be surprised. Let's go before I eat all this chocolate myself and show up with empty chocolate-smelling boxes. I think that would be a crime demanding the ultimate punishment!" He laughed and headed out of the room with Des. It would not take long to get from their Ryh'Din mansion to the West End.

She was smiling as she slid her arm through his and strolled out into the chill of the day with him. "I can't wait to see who all is gonna be there. We haven't been to a party like this since we went to Brian and Jenai's winter one, and I had such a good time there. You remember that, Babe?"

"Remember it? I sure do. I'd have to be unconscious to forget a single moment of my life with you, my love." Their carriage was waiting for them and he helped Des inside and shut the door quickly behind them both. "I suppose we can't stay too long since we need to get back to Gwenilb?th, but I'm sure going to enjoy this break for a date together."

Fast as could be, she scooted across to make room, then scooted right back up to snuggle with him as they got situated together in the warmed carriage. This was one of the things Des had to admit she adored about having servants. Bricks had been placed in the carriage earlier to warm the inside for them so that instead of getting into a cold, unwelcoming vehicle like most would have had to, they were entering into toasty warmth for the trip to the luncheon. "A date with most handsome man in RhyDin. I think I might be persuaded to do that. Although I should probably warn ya right now it has been a while since I have been on a date, so my behavior may not be quite as good as some other woman ya could ask out." She slanted a grin up to the man that she loved most in the world.

He tossed his head back and laughed, "That's just the kind of date I was hoping for, baby. I'm a lucky man to be with the most misbehaved, beautiful woman in the land. I could get used to this." He put his arm around her and cuddled until they reached Isis Manor. Once there he helped Des out of the coach and grabbed the boxes of chocolates.

Des carefully stepped from the carriage with her beloved husband's assistance, then smoothed her skirts beneath her cloak, then straightened her cloak before at last glancing to Gav. She gave him a regal nod with twinkling navy blue eyes and a charming grin as she extended her hand in an imperious demand that he offer her his arm.

He offered his arm and they walked up to the door and were welcomed inside. ?Erin, happy Valentine?s! Hi Jewell! Cass, I?ll volunteer for some of that champagne.? He gave her a wink and looked about as he helped Des with her cloak and then unclasped his own cloak.

?Lydia! Storm! Wow?we must have all the pretty girls in one place! Hi Dameon! Anyone want to help me unload all these big boxes of Westridge chocolates from my arms??

Gav looked over at Des and winked. There was no way he could resist the pleading eyes of a little girl. Gwenilbeth was surely going to have him wrapped around her little finger.

He put his finger to his lips and smiled at Tina, then gave her a look as if they were on a very secret chocolate mission. "Don't let anyone else see," he whispered as he bent down on one knee. Tina, as would any little girl, loved the idea of having a special chocolate secret. Her head nodded and her eyes lit up.

"This is our little secret," Gav whispered.

Tina made a "zip of the lips" sign with her fingers.

Gav opened one of the boxes of dark chocolates (not the brandy filled ones), and held it out to Tina. "You better take three," he whispered softly, "just in case, for you never know when a piece of chocolate will come in handy."

Tina's hand went over the chocolates as she decided which were the very best to select. It was obviously a difficult decision for a little girl. After she made a selection she gave him a "thank you hug" and went skipping off.

Gav put his arm around his precious Des and winked, then looked at Erin. "Erin, everything looks wonderful; and you sure don't have to invite Des and I twice to a buffet table." They moved into the dining room, happy to be with such friends.

Cassie laughed at the descriptions yelled out to Erin by the little girl and handed the bottle off to Erin. "Goodness! She seems to be quite a happy handful!" Watching as the child immediately and effortlessly wrapped Gav around her little finger. Cassie didn't blame her, that was some good looking chocolate! She'd definitely get a box before leaving! Smiles and greetings were given all around for everyone she saw. Valentine's Day wasn't really Cassie's thing, but she did enjoy getting together with good company for good food.

She paused to give Erin a quick hug after she rambled on, to reassure her."Everything looks and smells wonderful, you've done a fantastic job! Now you need to eat and enjoy the company!"

Then she was making a bee line for the buffet! A plate was grabbed and stacked high with food. Good thing that dress had a little extra room, because Cassie wasn't leaving until she'd tried a little bit of everything! Once her plate was filled, she found herself a spot to sit and began to inhale the food. She did pause to join in the chatter and conversation, and even manage to swallow the food before opening her mouth to speak. She did have some table mannersafter all!

Attention started to shift and divide as more people showed up. At least they were familiar faces. Lydia smiled and nodded to the new arrivals. Cassie, Gav, Des... For a while she just stepped back and fell quiet, watching and observing the others. At Erin's announcement of food and since everyone else was moving to the dining room to the buffet she followed along.

After the crowd had cleared back from the setup, she picked up a stick of garlic bread and nibbled on it a bit, letting pale blues roam once again. Wallflowers never did do good during social occasions did they? Why did this have to feel so different than the inn... Another nibble of bread, a shuffle of feet, then she ventured over towards an empty spot near the wall, not too far from Dameon.

She was mostly staying around Lydia, since that was the best person she knew. Not that she minded, meeting the other people was fantastic. The woman in the purple hair.. she made a mental note to meet. But her eyes lit up at the sight of the next newcomers. "Gav.. Des!" It had been a long time since she had seen either.. and she just had to make time to see the baby sooner or later. Speaking of children... she watched as little Tina begged for chocolate.. and Gav giving in. She had to hide her laughter behind a drink. Then at Tina's next words.. she started to choke on her water, laughing and coughing at the same time. She would wave any concerned faces away, she just had to catch her breath back.

And then everyone was making a beeline for the food. She followed the crowd, happily being next to last as she filled her plate. It was a decent size, considering her metabolism.. it would only be a few more hours before becoming hungry again. So she sat, somewhere between Lydia and the rest of the crowd. mindful of all conversations around her, adding her input when needed. Another sip of her water, before her attention turned to Lydia, taking note of her quietness. Storm wasn't a wallflower.. but she wasn't exactly outspoken either. "So Lydia, how are you doing?" It was rare for her now, to catch moments with Lydia in the Inn. The only time she really sees her is when she is helping with the new shop.. which she loved.

Lydia offered a smile to her sister's inquiry. "No, I'm fine Erin, thanks." Another bite of the garlic bread was taken, then brows lifted to little Tina as she looked her way.

She nearly choked at the first statement. Handcuffs? Oh gods, they matched those furry panties, and... gods. The thoughts in her head! The water in her other hand was lifted to her lips for a bit of a sip to keep from choking on bread. Gaze flickered away from Tina for a brief instant and towards Storm. She was coughing after all, Lydia just wanted to make sure she was okay. Seeing all was.. well, she turned back towards Tina, blinking a little, opening her mouth to address something spoken, but never got the chance to speak because Tina started back again...

Finally, the little girl quieted down.

Lydia just.. smiled at her. She was a very sweet and honest girl really.. spoke her mind just like most children do, and the fact she wasn't put off by the green hair, the eerie blue eyes, the pointed ears.. it was nice. She really has scared children before, not the best feeling in the world. She'd speak to Tina, but she was busy now, and it'd be best not to get her riled up again, right?

Sooo, the lilac clad elf turned her attention towards Storm. Both Tina's outgoingness and Storm's presence had helped put her a bit more at ease. "I'm doing great." A hint of grin flashed. "The store's coming along nicely.. but you'd know that, wouldn't you?" Pausing to nibble at her bread a little more. Really, all this great food and she eats bread. Tsktsk.

"It shouldn't be much longer at all before it's ready. Really, after the paint dries, I think all we need to do is relocate all our stuff to the store. When we get things up and running.. it'd be great to have you around."

Another pause, before she leans a little closer, necklace around her neck shifting a bit with her movement. Voice was also a bit lower and softer as she spoke. "You mentioned needing advice earlier? Nothing's wrong..right?" Brows furrowed a bit in concern, because it was true, they didn't get the chance to talk much lately. They worked on the shop, yeah, but as far as anything serious...

...then Dameon caught her attention. She leaned back from Storm, shifting pale blues his way. Did he just..? No, she's misinterpreting, right? Just taking it the wrong way.. but...

"Oh. Ah..." Think Lydia, think! "I have a boyfriend." Blink. God. That just bubbled on out. "I mean..." Oh God. "Anyone would have done that you know.. well.. they should at least, if someone's hurt and needs help." Glance to Erin, glance to Storm, glance to Dameon. "I consider you a friend too.. and I have no problem with us being friends, yeah?" Smilesmile.

Friends though, nothing more.

But it'd be her luck she'd be taking this the wrong way anyways.

Social faux pas! Gods... just what she needs.

A rather large bite was then taken of the bread stick, a substitute for the 'foot in mouth' really.

The door! Again! Erin left her plate and the still occupied Tina to head back through the hall, pulling the door open. A bright smile as it's Alain there on the other side. "You made it!" She clapped her hands as she moved out of the way to let him in. "Come in, come in, you can hang your coat there on the rack... Everyone is in the dining room eating, can I get you a drink?" She smiled easily, smoothing the dress over her hips.

Once he was in, she shut the door behind him. "Go, get some food, have a seat and I'll get your drink." Erin was excitable, and was pleased with the outcome of her little party. It was hard not to be proud, glowing even at the unsuspecting Alain. He was one of her best friends and her desire to ramble and ramble to him (just because he was there) about how she could still throw a party and how things were going so well was suppressed into the bounciness he saw. Her heels clicking away towards the drink cart before he had even answered her...

She continued to carry on her conversation with Lydia before they were interrupted. "I would love to help out more with your store. I cannot make much... though Erin has a teapot I made for her somewhere around here. I am willing to do whatever it is you need... I find it very exciting." She manages to get a bite in between, or a drink here or there. At the mentioning of the advice... it was only the smallest dot on her wonderful day. Hardly enough to upset her, she wouldn't let it.

Her voice was soft, even though for now they were left in peace. "Well, nothing is endangering me.." Well... maybe that was a little white lie... but what she needed advice on, wasn't. "I was.. courting a man, many months ago. I will admit now, at the time, the relationship was not exactly.. healthy. But, that's not the point. He left middle of November, without a word. He as shown up again as of a week ago." Small sigh. "He... wants to continue where we left off.. said he realized he had made a mistake. Though.. I cannot bring back feelings that I do not have anymore.. besides.." She was so close to saying it.. but she couldn't. Wouldn't "I do not think..." Whatever she was going to say, was lost as Dameon unceremoniously joined them

But, then they were saved by Gav, and she grinned. He was very good with children.. she had no doubt he would be a wonderful father, well... he was, she supposed. It was now, that she took the time to glance around. Erin was still busy being host.. which was fine. The new addition caught her eyes though. Another one she needed to meet.

She gave her head a shake in response to Erin's questions, and went ahead and finishing chewing and swallowing the bite she already had when Erin introduced them. "Uh uh, I haven't met Dameon yet. It's nice to meet you, Dameon." Smilesmile. Food!

She wasn't trying to be anti-social. There were just so many people and her attention was bouncing back and forth between everyone, and she was inhaling bite after bite of food as well. So she was content to let everyone else around her chatter. She looked up as Alain arrived, smiled briefly, and then went back to munching and listening.

She looked up again as Des called her name and she smiled. "Things have been going pretty well for me these days. I've gone into business with that bum over there," nodding her head towards Alain with a grin, "and it's doing well. I certainly can't complain. How is the little one? She'll have Gav around her little finger in no time, I'm sure."

After smiling, and even blushing faintly, at Storm's compliment regarding what she sounded like, Jewell allowed herself to fade into the background of the party a little. It wasn't her usual place--The Empress usually enjoyed being front and center--but she was more comfortable there at the moment.

She greeted all the other party-goers, each familiar to her, with a smile and wave as they came in: Des and Gav, Cassandra, and Alain. She smiled to the little girl, Tina, as well but kept her distance; she spent enough time around rambunctious five year olds on a daily basis.

She took a fair amount of food onto her plate, taking a seat at the table. After eating a few bites, sampling everything that didn't contain meat, she was content to make it look like she was eating the rest while she just listened to the conversation around her.

"Is your business going well?" Directing her question and eyes to Cass and then to Alain.

Erin swished back into the room with a vodka for Alain. Nevermind where she had that bottle hidden! A smile as she handed it off, doing a quick check on the eating Tina, who was happily playing with forks and toothpicks? Erin shook her head and smiled, eyes running over the gathered. "If anyone needs anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She retakes her seat by Lydia and Storm, lifting her fork. A bite, and then another bite. She turns to the other two girls finally. "So, what's the topic with my favorite ladies?"

He had to laugh when Alain responded, "Now what kind of guy asks for more males at a party? Not that Rhy'Din has many to offer to begin with..."

"I can't believe I said that myself! All I can say is I just must be the kind of guy who is so deeply in love with my Valentine here. . ." he looked to Des, "that the advantage of being in the gender minority is now totally lost on me."

With that he stood up and moved behind Des placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a kiss on the cheek as she was eating.

"Now, let me at the food!"

He grabbed a plate and soon had it piled high with the delicioius food, then he sat next to Des, gave her a wink and started eating.

"Mm." He bites back laughter, not wanting to seem rude, and buries his grin in another sip of his tea. What he would like to say is, I wouldn't know what that's like... but he resists. Curious gaze continues to travel around the room as he eats... pausing on Dameon. He wants to say he's new to the area, though he's not sure, and yet seems to be quickly making friends with his friends. So he offers a hand his way, along with a smile: "I don't think we've met before... I'm Alain."