Cherubplay

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He looked a little flustered to refer to her by her first name, but he nodded, testing the name out as he spoke, "Oh, okay, um. Well, Aradia, do you think we could move out to the balcony?" Tavros fanned his free hand by his face to produce a gentle breeze, "Between dancing, uh, and all these people, the rooms have become muggy. It is much nicer outside." He edged towards where Gamzee and, upon further inspection, Doc Scratch were standing, encouraging her to follow after him with a smile. Tavros felt bad that he was sort of tricking her and luring her away, but he needed to.

Due to the severe lack of pockets on her dress, Vriska simply slid the necklace down the front of her dress for safekeeping; no one was going to manhandle her just to find some necklace that the owner probably had multiples of. "The woman was an absolute bore," She gave a flick of her wrist, as if waving off her entire existence, "It was always such trash that dribbled from her mouth. She told me I was surprisingly relaxed for a pirate from the Screechlands. It seems to me that everyone here has a skewed idea as to what the other castes are, and only those with any real authority are force-fed the more serious lies. The general populace just seems to think whatever is taught."

"Back when we were younger, maybe just a few sweeps, they used to cull purples in masses." Sollux frowned, "For any reason, really, even just on the foundation of being purple. Of course, slavery had been outlawed by then but the slaughtering wasn't. The Queen at the time ceased the murders, but, take it from a government worker, legislature is not something you can just /outlaw./ There are always loopholes. That's where the mixed towns come in. They used to be more leveled out, but highbloods were soon pushed into the highest authoritative positions within those mixed cities to continue oppression. Meanwhile, cities like Undlegire were carefully constructed to ensure no one knew about the issues just outside those fortified walls. I've noticed while in Starnette that people will believe anything." He shook his head in disbelief, "You tell them all their life that a purple will kill you and, naturally, they believe it without any proof. Tell them navy and below are all serial killers and, well, of course they'll flock to the safety of warm hues, it's only psychology. The laws might say you can't kill any one of the seadwellers, violets, rainbowdrinkers or any mutant outright, but you can murder them in cold blood under what's called 'the basis of aggression.' Meaning if one of the so called 'problem castes' even /appears/ threatening or is not wearing their blood color outright, you are, legally, allowed to slaughter them without a moment's hesitation. And there is not a single law stating that you can refuse lower castes than you service, or that you must not beat them or humiliate them, not a single law. When people began to gravitate towards their own colors, the knowledge of the law became something only the highbloods were aware of. Which is why Gamzee had been forced to wear his paint even though he did not, under law, have to. And it is also why Kanaya has to activate her glowing in places that are not familiar with her strand of species. And, also, why seadwellers must display their earfins at all times. It's a load of horse hit and I am exasperated with it all."

"I plan very little," Scratch mused, wondering how he should word things to make the most sense, "He met you purely out of chance. I foresaw that he would speak with you and become your matesprit, yes. But I had minimal input. Really, the most that I had in any of this journey were the riddles and the coins. The choices you have made thus far are but a product of my initial doing, but not anything consistent or perpetual. You would have seen me far more often if I knew you would all fail."

2014-08-25 04:54:55
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Well, that was a little ominous but then Tavros was approaching with the princess and Gamzee had to smile at not being left alone again. Though he was helpful he still wasn’t all that fond of the white rabbit. “We still have to figure out the coins. Thought he might have to give them away at first, from the first Alice’s history, and thought we might try translating them like the map. Is that the right track?” He hoped that was a clever enough way to ask a question so it wouldn’t make a doomed timeline to have it answered.

“Oh, sure, looking upon the gardens at night is quite nice as well!” Aradia smiled, seeing they were approaching The Rabbit and Tavros’s tall friend. She saw her chance to actually get to talk to a purple blood by sneaking onto the balcony with Alice, and gasped lightly. “Oh, Alice, might your friend join us? I’ve heard such awful things about purples but I just can’t help but wonder if it isn’t all poppycock,” she whispered to the copperblood. “I mean, just look at how handsome and gentlemanly he looks, surely he can’t be all that bad.”

“Oh yes, Vriska. The pair that came up to me said they were taught about the brutality of us purples, or really anyone below navy, in school! Schools, Vriska! Such flawed drivel,” he took a deep breath to calm himself from a minor tirade. “So since they were curious I told them some things, and they got curious about Gamzee and Tavros, so I said a little more, but not really anything much. Just that they were friends really, and they changed their tune a little! Apparently they aren’t keen on the yellow police brutality much either, and one of them saw the stint in the street. It looked to them as if the slapping was unprompted entirely.”

Karkat mulled on all that information. “I remember the cullings...I like to think that my childhood nagging annoyed her so much that the law got put in place, good that it’s done, apparently,” he scoffed. “Just like them to instate fucking loopholes into everything like that. Just another way of maintaining control. That and the absolute ignorance. We’ll have our work cut out for us if we want to change minds. Though maybe we’ll find some and they’ll help out spreading the word. Like the yellow that liked your styles, Kanaya. Maybe they’ll start thinking all rainbow drinkers are fantastic seamstresses!” he smiled, trying to make a joke to lighten things marginally.

2014-08-25 05:44:05
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Tavros grinned toothily, straightening out his dress somewhat as he made his way over to Gamzee and the White Rabbit, "Gamzee is a darling. He is the sweetest troll I have ever had, the pleasure of meeting and travelling with," He sipped his champagne as he walked, soon standing in front of both Scratch and Gamzee.

"Translating would be an excellent idea, yes," Noticing Tavros and Aradia approaching, Scratch did the customary thing of straightening his posture and giving a deep bow, "Your Highness."

"What bullshit," She spat, peering down at her claws before looking about with mild disgust, "This is worse than I thought. At least a troll or two understand the issues that are present in the world right now. I cannot say much for the rest of them. I want to get their manicured little hands dirty," Vriska decided, "I want to show them all, first hand, the kind of shit we're subjected to, moreso you than I."

She strained a smile, "Wouldn't that be something? I am thinking that we will have to begin from all angles," Kanaya swirled her champagne a bit, "The government's hold is unimaginably strong. It begins even with the wrigglers when they are in school; they learn the blood colors to steer clear from, what the Problem Castes are. It is a shame, really, how much we have fallen apart," She sighed, and Sollux voiced a 'no kidding.' "Things had never been perfect, of course, but it disheartening to see the state in which our country has receded."

2014-08-25 19:04:23
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Gamzee mimicked Scratch's behavior silently. Aradia just smiled and curtsied a little in return. "Hello Rabbit, and Gamzee. Alice and I are going to the balcony; would you join us?" she asked. The purple just nodded shyly, unsure if being seen so close to the princess was the best idea, but everything seemed fine so far.

"Hattie, dear, it could be worse. Let's just concentrate on enjoying ourselves and ignore their stupidity for the moat part. We can show them how wrong they are subtly and it may change their minds or broaden their horizons some. Violence towards them will only set us backwards." It was surprisingly wise for Eridan, but the encounter had made him less uncomfortable with the surroundings and he felt as if they might accomplish a little something while they were here.

"Hmm," Karkat wasn't all that surprised. Instilling fear in the young was easy, and stayed with them until adulthood. But if they never saw proof of such information some individuals might be liable to doubt. "I supposed they've censored historical texts to reflect what they want people to believe?"

2014-08-25 19:32:10
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"It would only be proper to do so." Scratch opened the door for all three of them, allowing them to walk outside to the balcony before shutting the glass door and peering down at Tavros, who stood beside Aradia at the balcony's railing. "Um, Aradia? Can I talk to you about something serious?"

She huffed and crossed her arms, "We can at least tell them about the things we've seen or dealt with in our daily lives. Especially why we're from the Screechlands to begin with. Just a slip into normal conversation," Vriska decided, though she could understand where Eridan was coming from; as frustrated as she was, she couldn't just smash her fist into someone's face every time something went awry, "A seed that will eventually grow into understanding."

"Not just censored." Kanaya muttered sadly.

"There was a book burning at the time of a huge sweep of so-called 'beneficial' legislature. That onslaught of loopholes and whatnot." Sollux furrowed his brows, "Some lowbloods started burning their town or city's copy of Wonderland's newly instated constitution, among other important documents. Of course, you can't just go against the Queen with a simple riot. So the Knights were employed and the Book Burnings started."

"We were much younger at the time," Kanaya interjected, "Perhaps four or five sweeps, but we both saw the Book Burnings in our respective places of residence."

"I was still learning how to defend myself against sea dwellers in school," Sollux felt a hand on his arm, and he immediately clasped Kanaya's gentle hand with his own, continuing with a more solemn inflection, "The Knights stormed cities and ransacked low blood schools and any library they could find. Parliament had constructed a long list of materials in which to burn. The Smoke Sweeps, they called them. In the city squares, the Knights burned every book, scroll, or map that gave any inkling of equality or doubted the Queen, fiction or not. And if you opposed? Then you'd be engulfed in flames like the text you tried to save."

2014-08-25 22:08:14
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Gamzee gravitated toward Tavros's side, but stood away a little to give the highblood's space.

"Certainly, I rather thought we might get around to talking about your quest and the like," Aradia was still smiley as she looked over the banister at the flowers below illuminated by the moon and stars.

Eridan nodded. "That's kind of what I did, I think it'll work. We'll be helping Tavros further his mission, too, which is nice." He was quiet about all this, as anyone could be listening to them and revealing their somewhat subversive aims would be disastrous for the continuation of the quest and future improvements of Wonderland. "So how should we go about it? Taking little breaks like this to chat with people? Or more actively seeking them out for dances and implanting the seeds of understanding as we do?"

"Good lord," Karkat commented. "Well I'm not glad they've met my expectations for terribleness." He was getting a little impacient with their standing in a corner by themselves. Sure he was nervous and not keen on going around by himself, but he wanted to /do/ something about all of this. "Perhaps we should start chatting with others, but we'll need some way to attempt enlightening the masses. Hatter, Hare, and Gamzee can all manage just by sharing their experiences, and you too, Kanaya. But I don't know if it's such a good idea for me to be telling people about being shoved in a tunnel for sweeps on end even if some of these people already know about it... Then again I'm not all that interested in talking. Perhaps it's better just to look open and allow the curious to come up to us?" All this was musing and partially rhetorical, as he was just thinking out loud for the most part.

2014-08-25 22:28:10
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"Well...there is much I would love to discuss with you about it," He was not sure how to bring up the fact that Wonderland was in turmoil and the separation between classes was nearly impossible to ignore, so he just tried to be blunt, "But I think some preliminary, um. Information is necessary in order for you to understand why I am here at all."

Scratch, seeing his struggling, and having looked to determine if his interference would result in a doomed timeline, interjected calmly, "If you would like the succinct version, your like-hued brothers and sisters have slaughtered and oppressed the castes below you, among other things."

Tavros swallowed thickly, "Um. Yes." He raised his hands in slight defense, uncertain as to what he should expect as a reaction, "But, Your Highness, it is not too late, change can still come about, you hold much more power than, uh, I think you realize."

"We should just mingle," She decided, inching out towards one side of the room, "Just say something random, like, 'Oh, sir, your tie is so fetching!' or 'Miss, your hair is lovely, did you do it yourself?' Everyone likes a compliment, even if they don't deserve it. How about we return to this spot in, say, half an hour, and see what we have come up with."

"But how long would that take?" The yellowblood scowled, looking irritated at the prospect of talking to people, "If you want to make an impact, you'll have to actively seek. Kanaya can go off with you and initiate conversation. Just see where the people stand in terms of the caste system. You should steer clear if they've got anything denoting a government uniform. Usually the really devout, loyal members of the royalty will keep their blood color bands on, even in formal functions."

2014-08-26 00:36:07
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Aradia had been looking curiously at Tavros before Scratch spoke. She was quite shocked at such a statement, but the Rabbit had never been much for jokes, and she trusted him because of their length of acquaintance. “Surely not,” she couldn’t keep from saying at first. But she looked back at some of the times she had been suspicious of her mother’s actions. She could be quite shifty on occasion, and had gotten more so as Aradia had gotten older and had less reason to be looked after in separate rooms by nannies.

“But why?” she still couldn’t quite believe it. It was such big news! How could it possibly have remained hidden from her all this time?

“Alright then, see you in half an hour,” Eridan pecked Vriska’s cheek before moving off in the opposite direction, glancing around for anyone looking at him curiously that he might interact with. He wasn’t quite comfortable with starting conversation, lest it be seen as some sort of attack.

“I feel a little bad, leaving you alone,” Karkat frowned. “We’ll just do a short trip, I think, and come back. I don’t think I have as much energy for interacting with bigoted idiots as I think.... Shall we, Kanaya?” he offered her his arm courteously. "Thanks, Sollux."

2014-08-26 01:54:28
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Tavros looked worried when she refused what he was saying, wondering if she was so brainwashed that she could not take the White Rabbit's words seriously, or his own. But her second question gave him more hope, and he was quick to jump in and explain, "From what I understand, the first Alice set up things so that the kingdom of Hearts would, uh, have the most power, since it was doing well from the start. This spiraled out of control once she left; think of it as a snowball down an incline. It starts off small, but it gains power and rapidly gains speed and mass until it becomes a force to be reckoned with. Those that were in authoritative positions were, unsurprisingly, those of warmer hues. They have done treacherous things, Aradia, and I say that not to scare you but to inform you." He glanced to Gamzee, taking hold of his hand as he urged him to come a bit closer, "My matesprit is a violet. People automatically assume that he is some type of, monster or savage because of the absolute rubbish instilled in them for so many sweeps. Whenever we are in a town or city, I must pretend he is my servant or bodyguard to ensure that nothing happens to him. Gamzee," He peered up at him, "Do you mind telling the princess a couple, uh, things you have had to deal with, maybe?"

A couple minutes later, a redblood approached him, pompous as ever and probably one of the more loyal members of royalty. He looked at Eridan with mild disdain, questioning, "Eridan, is it? How ever did you manage to come across Alice?"

Vriska moved off, trying to not to dwell on the kiss to her cheek. She still did not feel extensively red for him, but she did like the new sweetness that had developed between the two of them.

"Don't worry about it, I'm used to these types of things." He shook his head, offering a slim smile as he waved them off, "Do try to keep the rants to a minimum, Vantas."

Kanaya looped her arm through his and headed off into one direction, trying to maintain an air of elegant nonchalance, "I am much more anxious than I may look."

2014-08-26 02:35:10
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She listened to Tavros's explanation and nodded along. She raised her eyebrows at the mention of matesprit, smiling a little. She had thought it was ridiculous to classify a whole region of color as brutal. She looked over at Gamzee at Tavros's suggestion, but frowned a little sadly at his expression. He didn't look like he wanted to share at all, looking away from both of them.

"Um, the city near where I used to live was a mixed one, and it's not the best place for lowbloods... the blues live in some shitty conditions and I can't live in town, 'cause the police are as brutal there as some of them here...uh," he glanced at Tavros, not sure if he needed to continue. He wasn't really interested in talking about the worst parts of it in too much detail.

Aradia had heard of some of the yellow blooded officers who liked to be more savage with their policing and take advantage of their power, even if they had tried to keep that from her as well. "Oh some of those officers really are horrible, I couldn't imagine what it would be like for lowbloods dealing with them!" She knew there was more, but didn't want to pressure the purple too much, he looked so anxious to her already.

"Oh, actually Alice came upon me," Eridan replied. "He came to the Screechlands and found both Hatter and I."

"I can't believe /he/ is telling me to keep rants to a minimum," Karkat smiled. "I am too. I have no idea how to go about this...'hello, how do you feel about the hemospectrum,' or 'do you have time to talk about oppression today?' don't really seem like the best openers." He made jokes to diffuse some tension, but honestly it didn't work much for him.

2014-08-26 02:53:45
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Tavros hadn't expected Gamzee to tell much, but it meant so much more coming from someone that actually had to live through it, day by day. He squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek, gestures that meant Gamzee had done more than enough and he was proud that he shared at all. Offering a weak smile to Aradia, he continued, "As you have probably guessed, it is much worse than you could have ever thought, and even I am still unaware of many things. However, I feel I should get you up to speed on recent events. Surely your mother has tried to keep Karkat Vantas' existence hidden from you...?"

Doc Scratch watched this all with a mild tint of amusement in his eyes, and he leaned over to murmur to Gamzee, "Let Alice know he has fifteen minutes to leave the balcony or else he is dead." He left then after giving a kiss to the hand of the princess and of Tavros, bidding them all farewell for the remainder of the night; he had business to attend to.

"How did he do that?" He seemed puzzled, "Are there not beasts in the Screechlands? I mean, in addition to the pirates and the purples..." He held his chin, contemplating, "There are all types of stories. People used to say all the purples lived wild amongst the monsters."

That brought a laugh out of her, and Kanaya grew quiet for a few moments before she began, "Ah. No worries, dear, I believe I have a sufficient initiate." She headed over to a small pocket of coppers and yellows, beginning with a curtsy that was returned with the proper bows and the like. "Good evening, gentlemen, ladies. You all appear to be of the sophisticated, scholarly lot," Kanaya thought she should flatter them a bit to make them more inclined to listen to her, "As you could imagine, my close friend Karkat, here, had very little quality text to read whilst he was imprisoned in the dungeon just below your feet." She smiled thinly, a great contrast between her white teeth and her black lips, "Might you have any recommendations?"

2014-08-26 03:10:14
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"Oh, yes, I had not heard of him until this evening! Though I do not know why she would keep a fellow red from my knowledge..."

"Uh, he's a cherry," Gamzee filled in. "Anyway, I don't mean to be rude, but the Rabbit says we need to leave the balcony in less than fifteen minutes now or you're dead, Tav." Gamzee looked almost as white as a rainbow drinker, all the color draining from his face as the words had hit his thinkpan.

"Oh dear, well. We'd better leave, the Rabbit is always right about things," Aradia looked worried too. "And I wouldn't want you to be culled. And so soon after becoming friends!"

"Hmm! Well, I've never seen a purple in the Screechlands...and the monsters have been getting scarcer and scarcer with all the hunting done. The Screechlands are really quite barren." Eridan paused, sipping from his remaining champagne. "The In Between is equally barren. And the only land dwelling purple I know lives in a hive like anyone else, with no monsters to speak of."

Karkat had to enact all his self control not to widen his eyes and laugh like mad at how Kanaya had introduced them into the group. It wasn’t any more subtle than he had been, and kind of short and rude! He may have been in love, he couldn’t tell yet. She and Sollux both had such attitudes! The group looked quite shocked themselves at her backhanded comment. There were a number of muttered things about’ imprisonment’, ‘beneath their feet where’, and ‘but he’s clearly a red’. He thought it might be weird if he didn’t pipe up. “Oh yes, I really could use something good. All they had for me was dreadful romance novels by candlelight. Though the fact that I couldn’t always read the words may have saved me some of the pain of the subpar writing.” This was almost too much fun. Probably not good for them to be having fun this way.

2014-08-26 03:40:01
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"Uh, right, definitely. Fifteen minutes..." What could he get accomplished in fifteen minutes? He fumbled about in the pocket of his dress, -Kanaya always made sure he had pockets for all his various items- and produced one of his notes from his time with the Bibliosaurus and a tiny pencil. The pencil hadn't always been there, nor was it something Wonderlandians used, and he suspected it had been the Rabbit's doing, but he paid no mind to specifics now. Instead, he quickly wrote down Sollux's address if in the case she could ever find a way to stop by, then wrote down a haphazard shorthand of the palace courtyard at tea time tomorrow. The courtyard was open to the public and Tavros was sure he could speak with her extensively there, "Here," He handed over the paper to her, "Some important information. We should probably not linger too much around each other, uh, for the remainder of the night, but there is still so much I want to talk to you about."

The man gave a nod in Vriska's direction, who was speaking animatedly to some woman with curly hair, "And what of the blueblood? She looks much like that Mindfang character," He hummed, "The pirate captain, thief and the murderer."

"It is a shame, really, Karkat," Kanaya swirled her champagne in her glass, giving a lightly mocking saddened look as she peered over at the small group, "You would think a bright red like yourself would at /least/ be granted the proper writings but, alas, you were stuck with rubbish." She shrugged, "I suppose that is what happens when someone is too afraid of their throne being challenged."

A woman piped up, "What are you getting at, miss?"

"Me? Oh, nothing at all!" She waved off even the very idea with a flick of her wrist, "I am merely stating that, for someone that ought to be ruling, Karkat should have something entertaining to feast his ocular globes on. 'Tis all, dear. you needn't sound the alarms."

2014-08-26 04:04:28
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The princess quickly took the paper offered her and stuffed it down her front after reading it and folding it in half. She didn’t have pockets and no one was ever going to try manhandling her that way. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow for tea, though! It was very nice to meet you both.” She waved before heading back inside, smiling happily and going to get more champagne for herself and her mother.

“Perhaps she looks like her, but does everyone at so like their ancestors? Certainly a murderous pirate captain wouldn’t attend a ball in such a friendly manner.”

The cherry blood’s eyes did widen a little, partially for the effect of showing his color off a tad. “Ah, also a shame that none of these fine ladies and gentlemen seem to have any recommendations... Let us move on and see if someone else has read anything good lately, eh?” He inclined his head in a short bow of parting to the group and pulled her away.

“You... are the loveliest troll I have ever met. But I don’t think I’ve ever been more delightfully terrified!” he whispered to her, moving back toward Sollux slowly in case any of the group wanted to approach them after their departure.

2014-08-26 04:21:53
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Tavros said his goodbyes and told her it was lovely to meet her, watching as Aradia made her way back into the ball. He lingered some before going inside after her, having taken hold of Gamzee's hand once more. He thought, at this point, it was obvious how he felt and he would do little to hide it. Still, the news about him dying should he stay out on the balcony was unnerving, "Do you think my cause of death would be, some type of quick assassination attempt?"

He put a hand into his pocket, questioning, "She is a lovely young thing, is she not? What is your tie to her? Moirail? Matesprit?"

She smiled brightly, obviously amused, "After you, dear. Nice speaking with you fellows and ladies," Kanaya directed her smile to them and began walking with Karkat back to Sollux, who had been keeping his eye on them through his clearly disinterested conversations with ladies and men. No, he did not want to dance, nor speak, nor run out to the balcony for some fresh air and the suggested fooling around. He just wanted to wait for his moirail and friend and sip more champagne than he probably should have. Unable to help her laughter, she gave a slight shake of her head, "Thank you, Mr. Vantas. Sophisticated wrath is a gift." Kanaya had finished her champagne by the time they returned to the yellowblood, and he noticed that the light flush of her cheeks could only be that of mild tipsiness. He relaxed a little bit, "Did everything go alright?"

"Splendidly," Kanaya nodded, "I have even earned the title of 'loveliest troll' Karkat has ever met. How's that for a successful discussion, eh?"

"I fear you've given her a larger ego than she deserves, Karkat."

2014-08-26 04:33:09
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"Tav..." Gamzee let himself get led by the hand, but was quite unsure about showing their affections openly lest something bad happen to either of them because of the vast difference in caste. "Dunno, don't wanna find out either.... Though it would have to be quick to get through me." Did the rabbit just expect him to stand by while his matesprit was attacked? Perhaps it would have been something ranged he couldn't properly defend against.

Eridan was not liking where this troll's thoughts were going, but was sure that she could take care of herself. He wanted to lie, really he did, but Hatter wouldn't know to lie with him and he thought it might upset her if he claimed something they weren't. So, with a heavy heart he told the truth. "We have been friends for a very long time. And we are Hatter and Hare, those are our ties."

"She's terrifying," Karkat said to Sollux. "She just up and said... It was amazing, and hilarious, but I think we may all get culled," he nodded along with what he was saying as if he didn't really mind that. "Your designs may be subtle but your speech sure wasn't."

2014-08-26 04:48:32
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"Well..whatever it is, I am definitely not in its path," He tried to be reassuring for Gamzee's sake, and Tavros smiled up at him, "Please, do not fret. The difficult part of the night is over, I think. And I also think that if people see how loving we are with each other, they will broaden their minds a bit. Perhaps come to the conclusion that, purples deserve love, too." He kissed his shoulder, "You have already displayed what a fine gentletroll you are. Even the princess called you handsome."

"Ah, excellent. But, please," He raised a hand in defense, giving a shake of his head, "Do not get the wrong idea! She may be gorgeous, but she is still but a blue," The man sighed, "A tragic flaw, really. I could never venture anything long term."

He snorted in disbelief, "Lovely. A culling over her babbling. If you have any outstanding thoughts about each other, you may want to get them out now before the blade comes down."

"I see not why I must be a prim and proper stick in the mud to appease them," She stated simply, "But, I must commend you for following along so easily. I was worried that you may falter."

2014-08-26 05:06:36
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"I..." Gamzee trailed off. "Well, so long as you're sure. Some places they don't allow that, quadrants so far different in caste, dunno if we told you." So long as Tavros had an intuition about it he was fine with going along with it. He did worry still, but tried to hide it.

Oh hell no. He gaped a little. "Well, I'm afraid she'd feel the same way. Though truly her loveliness shines more the longer one is with her." Maybe the slight stab would get him. Oh, Eridan was furious and really had to keep a lid on it again to avoid offending /too/ much.

Karkat laughed at Sollux's statement. "You sound like one of those fucking horrible novels. What a cliche..." He sipped more at his champagne. "And I didn't mean that you should have, Kanaya. And how could I not? That was priceless. Sollux really missed out on the spectacle. Maybe you can play along next time," he smiled. "So how was amusing yourself while we were gone? How many people wanted to mingle? Half a dozen? More? Were there propositions? It looked like that last one wanted a good snog," he teased back for the insinuation he had made.

2014-08-26 05:22:56
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"Ah, you did not explicitly tell me, but it was definitely implied. Still, I think we will be able to get the point across without anything denoting an obnoxious amount of affection." He laughed, trying to keep things lighthearted and easier on his poor matesprit, "No lip to lip contact, dear! Your hands mustn't stray below my waist and I will attempt to keep mine in a similar fashion, though, uh, no guarantees can be made." Tavros joked, tugging on his hand to lead him to one of the tables holding small slices of cake and other finger foods, "I bet you will feel better with something in your tummy."

He looked confused, "You do realize how flushed you appear at the moment, don't you?" Or perhaps he was misunderstanding, but he doubted it, "You needn't lie! If you and she are an item, do not hesitate to let me know. It could make further advances less strange on my end."

He made a face like he would vomit any second, "Ugh, please, do not remind me. I have noticed that the more cold and stoic I seem, the more appealing I become. Which only infuriates me." A reddened crackle zipped by his eye, and Kanaya patted his face, "Normally," She elaborated to Karkat, "I am his date for these kinds of things. He is required to show up to formal events since he is a government worker and all. As you saw back with that pocket of warmbloods, I am sometimes not quite...friendly. Moreso when a lower standing yellow or even a copper tries to prey upon my dearest Sollux for his social standing."

2014-08-26 05:43:00
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“Aw, but you know how much of an exhibitionist I am,” Gamzee muttered, continuing the joke a little, smiling wryly but more genuinely. “Maybe a little. Is there anything around that /isn’t/ champagne?” Gamzee looked around for something else to drink. Water was just fine, and he found some easily enough. He let Tavros pick out what kind of snacks they’d have, not exactly up to eating much. Tavros was being so wonderful to him, though, he couldn’t help but bend to murmur in his ear, “Love you,” before straightening up quickly.

“I assure you we are not in a quadrant. It is just that I do not wish to see her treated as some throw away fling just because her blood is not warm enough.” His words were rude but his tone was cordial as ever. “Just because we are lower than you does not mean we are not people with the same feelings and emotions as anyone else.”

“Well, you make yourself more mysterious, don’t you? Of course they think you more attractive... Oh lord I really do need some different reading material,” Karkat groaned into a hand. “I really shouldn’t have taken you away from him then I suppose. Though you wouldn’t have been able to plant that nice little wormling of dissent if we hadn’t.”

2014-08-26 06:20:28
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As always, Tavros was a happy little thing, and he looked close to lavishing Gamzee with as many kisses as he could, but instead, he just pressed his lips to his chest and urged him to sit at a small round table. "I love you more," He grinned, scampering off then to grab them whatever snacks he could find. He returned with three different things, all of which were situated in decorative glass bowls to avoid spills of any kind, and he sat down the items on the table. "Look, they have all types of things," Tucking his dress beneath him, he sat down delicately beside Gamzee, otherwise, he'd have his back to the remainder of the room. "I got us, uh, a little slice of cake. And these peculiar red slices of something with honey on them. They have teeny seeds on the outside, I have reason to believe they are a type of fruit." He waved the little fork he had around, pointing to the different items, "And also, there are pieces of smoked meat wrapped up in a leafy vegetable. How fascinating these snacks are!" He laughed a bit, going for the strawberries with honey before holding out a few of the small slices near Gamzee's mouth, "Open wide, 'Zee."

The man seemed to consider his words with an odd mix of shock and offense, then, he finally just brushed off Eridan with a flick of his wrist, "I'll see what the blue thinks." He said finally, moving over to where Vriska was speaking with someone else. The conversation looked to be going splendidly enough, but there was a strange, though swift, flash to Vriska's eyes, and the man left her alone soon enough and returned to Eridan. He bowed deeply, then straightened up, his gaze somewhat blank, "My apologies, sir. I should not have spoken about The Mad Hatter the way that I did." He held out a hand to shake, "Do I have your forgiveness?"

"It is awfully fun, Sollux, dear. You should come along with us the second go around, yes?" She couldn't tell who she wanted to speak to yet, so she looked to Karkat, smiling, "See anyone that is just begging for a rude awakening?"

2014-08-26 15:49:19
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"Oh, they're strawberries; they grow wild in Tulgey." Gamzee took the bite a little nervously. He thought it pretty affectionate, honestly, to feed someone that wasn't a kid or something. However, it was very hard to tell Tavros 'no' about anything. The strawberries were very good, though he thought the honey was overkill with how sweet the fruit already was. He couldn't tell what the meat thing was, and wondered how it tasted, and why they'd wrapped it in a leaf, and what it was called. "Thanks, Tav," he smiled after he finished chewing and swallowed. "I think you'll like those."

Eridan was somewhat perplexed, but shot Vriska a knowing glance across the room. He shook the troll's hand, "I suppose if you are honestly sorry I can forgive you. Remember what I said, though. Cold bloods are people, too." Eridan strode off, then, looking for someone else to talk to for the res of his half hour.

"You mean besides for everyone?" The cherry's smile was wry to say the least. He gazed around, finding a similar group to the last. "That lot. But let's chill out here for another moment so I can mentally prepare myself for your attack."

2014-08-26 16:57:29
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Of course, people watched and stared, as if trying to figure out if Gamzee was hostile. Alice seemed adjusted, feeding him and even going so far as to kiss his cheek or his shoulder while they snacked. One woman even questioned Tavros if what he was doing was safe, but he assured you as cordially as he could that Gamzee was as loving as the next troll and would do no harm to anyone. She left with flustered look. Tavros picked up one of the leaves with meat in them, not giving a second though to the woman or the stares; it was inevitable that there would be some shock and curiosity. However, Tavros was not prepared for a man to stride up to them confidently and growl, "Get out of here, you fucking violent blood. The likes of you are a menace, especially to Alice!"

The copperblood gave a quick glance to Gamzee as if to assure that he would do his best not to make a scene as he stood, "And on what basis do you find shouting that necessary?" He questioned, "Think what you like, but, my matesprit is more of a gentleman than you will ever be."

The man looked flabbergasted that Tavros, a brown blood, would oppose him, "Alice, you would do well to step away from that beast and cease spouting nonsense!"

A tiny crowd was beginning to form now, and Tavros shook his head, "Leave him alone. Say, uh, what you would like to me, but you are just attempting to upset him so you can point and laugh and say what a 'savage' Gamzee is. He has been nothing but polite, upstanding, even, and I refuse to allow a barbarian like you to continue harassing him." He glared up at the taller man, who took a small step back, "Do you understand?"

Once the half hour was over, Vriska moved to their former place, unable to hide her giddiness. Highbloods were so much fun to manipulate!

The architect did not seem too keen on going around and speaking to people he would much rather punch in the face. Sollux peered around a bit before stating, "I have to take care of something," and moving away from the ballroom and down a hallway that held restrooms, among other rooms that were clearly marked for personnel. Kanaya quirked a brow curiously, but the wave of inquisitiveness left immediately; she assumed he just had to use the restroom. "I suppose we could go on without him. He does not seem exactly ecstatic to speak to others for any reason."

2014-08-26 19:05:50
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Gamzee was petrified in his seat. He had flinched away at the initial shouting at his person, terrified they would do worse than that in front of Tavros. But then Tavros was standing and he was telling the intruder what for. It was ridiculous to try and make Gamzee mad by shouting at him directly--he was much more likely to cower and hide if not move away than lash out. But this time he just stayed sitting, glancing around at the surrounding trolls more afraid and confused looking than anything. He hoped the other would back down and just leave them in peace.

Only a little after her Eridan returned to their spot. "That was very tricky with that highblood...I could have throttled him for talking like that. Though it looks like you enjoyed yourself."

Sollux's behavior still seemed odd to Karkat. "Are you sure he's alright? That just...seems odd." It wasn't that he didn't trust the yellow, just that he was worried about him. He was fond of all their companions, but Sollux was special for some reason, and honestly he could understand not wanting to deal with people. He was only really going along with it because it was important and he got a surprisingly dangerous thrill from Kanaya's rudeness to highbloods. He liked seeing her knock them down a peg.

2014-08-26 20:03:34
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The small crowd of onlookers whispered with each other now, murmuring all sorts of things: 'What is that man doing, talking to Alice like that?', 'Even if he is a purple, it isn't like he's hurting anyone.', 'What a fool, Alice isn't here to argue.'

The man furrowed his brows and took a step back, poise straight as he tried to regain some of his honor, "I've warned you, Alice. Don't fall into tears when that heathen goes berserk." He went off then, and Tavros rolled his eyes before resuming his seat, though he was swarmed once again by several different men and women from the dispersing crowd. "Are you quite alright, dear Alice?" One asked, "That man didn't hurt you or your beau, did he?"

A bit surprised by the kindness displayed, Tavros shook his head, offering a slim smile, "No, no, everything is fine."

One man gave a huff of annoyance, "What a moron! He should know better than to talk to you like that; and you both were minding your own business."

"We're awfully sorry on his behalf," A third spoke, "We hope you and, ah, Gamzee, I believe, have an uninterrupted remainder of the evening."

Tavros thanked them kindly and watched as they dispersed, and he came to the realization that most highbloods, the ones that were not aware of the oppression to others, honestly opposed the abuse dished out to lower castes. "Sorry," He began softly, rubbing at Gamzee's shoulder with his hand, "Was that too brash of me?"

"Oh, but of course. It was enthralling to use my powers so freely after those fuckers blocked it,": Her odd eye flashed somewhat again, and Vriska laughed in good spirits, "I am absolutely thriving here! Thievery, mind control, I feel as though I am on a quest for treasure."

"If he thought something was seriously the matter, he would have told me." Kanaya stated matter of factly, then gave a grin, "If you have not noticed, he has a penchant for not keeping his mouth shut. Anyhow," She held out her arm to him, "Shall we move on?"

2014-08-26 21:49:27