Cherubplay

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The purple blood had felt a bit overwhelmed by everyone crowding around them. He felt like he stuck out with his height and purple eyes and didn’t like it one bit. At least they gave him some space, looking a little nervous about the purple in their midst, instead of crowding him. When Tavros took his hand he almost jumped, but saw it was Tavros and smiled when he heard his question. “Most certainly,” he answered, moving them together somewhere less crowded so they could dance. He let Tavros put them in the proper positions, smiling as he picked up the beat to start dancing together.

Eridan returned the grin, showing his sharkish teeth, as he pulled Vriska in for a dance. “I’d be delighted, dear Hattie.” As soon as he caught the beat he danced her around with experience and flair, showing of in front of the onlookers and people who had gasped at their titles. Let them watch and perhaps look in awe for their dancing instead of their criminal records among other things.

The cherry blood wasn’t keen on being alone in this crowd, and as four of their group were busy dancing, he gravitated toward Sollux and Kanaya, looking almost imperious. He felt uncomfortable and stared at, and as if he’d put himself in some notable danger here. He was hoping the public nature of the event would give him amnesty for the moment. He kept hearing the word ‘mutant’ off of the other red’s lips in quiet but not hidden conversation and it only heightened his discomfort. “Hey,” he said to the not quite openly pale pair. “Mind if I hang around?”

2014-08-23 23:54:30
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The ball was in a tizzy, most everyone keeping their gazes on the new comers. They were much like celebrities, especially Karkat and Tavros. The common public had been keenly unaware of Karkat's existence until somewhat recently when news got out that a mutant was on the run. The highbloods had all expected some type of monster, something akin to a newer Jabberwocky, but instead, it was Karkat, someone that looked completely normal, if not higher than them in their caste system. The Queen had her own plans, though. She would pamper the newest Alice and strictly enforce her rule so as to ensure Karkat was in some type of strange blood color limbo, then use Alice's influence to take over other lands on the planet as she had always wished to, perhaps even other planets while using the Grand Transportilizer. Vaguely, she wondered where the White Rabbit had gone off to.

On a similar thought, Tavros danced with Gamzee easily, but his mind was clearly preoccupied. He was searching the crowds as they spun about; he was glad that the others were having some type of fun, but he was still in a mission-oriented state of mind. He was looking for the White Rabbit, but was not entirely sure just what he or she would look like. He leaned in a tiny bit, noticing the widening eyes of a couple people closer to them, and they whispered in near horror that Alice was going to kiss a barbarian, but Tavros simply rolled his eyes and murmured, "Gamzee, if you see anyone that looks like they may be the White Rabbit, please let me know. I am here for more than just formalities."

On the other side of the room, Vriska was spun around, giddy at the looks, the stares. She was without her usual hat, but she still wore an ornamental hairpiece. The pearl glinted in the light of the many chandeliers above them, and the Jabberwocky's feather had been cut at the bottom and then stuck to one side of the pearl in a pin that kept back a lock of hair. Vriska's dress cut low against her chest, but was relatively simple with its open back and tight ribbon corset; it truly gave little to the imagination, as did her dancing. She made a point to grow closer to Eridan, to ghost her lips past his own or his neck - the reactions made by the surrounding patrons was heavenly, and she grinned to Eridan, "Rattling their poor little souls is proving more fun than I had anticipated."

"Not at all, it would be lovely if you did. Sollux and I were just going to move towards one of the emptier sides." Kanaya gestured some towards the left, her other hand currently occupied by Sollux's, who was more nervous than he liked to let on. "Most everyone else are occupied with our more adventurous friends, so I believe we should be left alone, largely." Sollux tugged on her hand, and Kanaya gave it a tiny squeeze as she motioned for Karkat to follow them to the left side.

2014-08-24 00:10:08
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“Sure, Tav, no problem,” Gamzee smiled fondly at his matesprit, ignoring the insults slung in relation to him and Tavros. He used his height to their advantage, a gentle smile on his face to try to belay fears of his barbarism. It hurt to be so judged. He’d gotten used to being judged by who he was in the company of their small group, and knowing what it could be like made the names hurt like they hadn’t before he’d known such acceptance. It wasn’t so hard to act like he always had, though; trying not to draw attention to himself and to be docile. Eventually he caught sight of something odd in the corner of his eye, and moved himself and Tavros closer so he could get a better sight of the individual. “Tav...look over there... do you think that might be them?” The person in question wore a red waistcoat over a white button down, a watch chain extending from a button into a pocket. The get up seemed somehow familiar, and stuck out somehow from everyone else.

Her flirty actions were rattling Eridan a little, too, but he was used to her ways so was careful not to react. It made him feel free to be a little wilder with their dancing, a little saucier. “Mmh, indeed, Hattie...” he trailed off with a tone of mischief before he dipped her at an appropriate time during the song. “I hope they play something a little more upbeat, then we can really swing,” he grinned. “Or maybe something a little more... sensuous? Are you enjoying yourself besides for our aggrieving of the ‘descent’ citizenry?”

Karkat followed along, just as eager as Sollux to get out of the lime light. Sure he knew that potentially part of the plan was for him to be part of the government eventually, but he really wasn’t looking forward to it. He would have preferred a quieter life where he didn’t have to worry about his blood color or the oppression of the world. Once they were more alone and away from the crowds, he sighed in minor relief.

2014-08-24 01:22:03
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They turned and twirled and Tavros looked over to where Gamzee had been speaking of. Sure enough, a mysterious looking man stood off towards the side of the dancefloor, occasionally checking a golden watch that Tavros immediately recognized. Rather than staring blatantly or causing any other type of commotion, he smiled up at Gamzee, murmuring, "That has to be him, I recognize the watch. When, uh, the song ends, I think I will try to talk to him. Although," He looked over at him again, noting the pale skin and the lack of horns, then gauged that he must have been a human, "There are humans in Wonderland?" He supposed that there must have been some on the planet itself just not in the country of Wonderland.

"I would probably find myself in higher spirits if there was champagne around," She glanced around herself briefly, then found that refreshments were in the rooms flanking the middle one, but she was not ready to go and get tipsy just yet. "Do you think they take requests, Marchie? It may be farfetched to think that a highblood would have any idea as to what kind of music we are inclined to, but it may be well worth a try."

"I cannot stand these formal things," The yellowblood grumbled, moving to grab them glasses of champagne. Kanaya just smiled at his retreating form before turning to Karkat, "It seems most everyone is catching on to where you truly stand in this current system," She initiated, "How does that feel?"

2014-08-24 02:10:26
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Gamzee thought the person looked /very/ strange, this ...human? "I never seen one before, so I don't think so." Gamzee thought about the little he knew about humans. "On the other side of the planet I think there's supposed to be some maybe, I'm not sure, though." He danced them closer to make ease of progression off the dance floor after the song easier. He figured Tavros would have a number of 'rescuers' for the next dance. "...do you want me to join you? Or should I occupy myself elsewhere?" he asked, hoping he'd not be left alone in the mass of highbloods.

The seadweller thought about this for a minute. "Do you think we should be adventurous? Show these reds how to really throw a soiree?" He did kind of want to kick it up a bit, just for a distraction from all the looks they were getting. He couldn't really tell if they were positive or negative or just flabbergasted by their slightly provocative dancing.

"...intimidating," Karkat answered honestly. "I don't think I'm looking forward to anything having to do with it. It's important, I know, but..." just looking around them was aggravating. People stared and gossiped behind hands and he was already sick of being there. What he wouldn't give to sit and enjoy a slice of something Gamzee had baked in front of the fire with just them around. "...I wouldn't keep things the way they are, and that would probably upset most if not a number of them to think that they weren't considered royals anymore. Just people the same as everyone else." He made sure to say all this quietly just in case there was someone looking out for such dissenting speech.

2014-08-24 02:29:17
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"Come with me," He nodded, offering him a smile and a daring kiss to his chin that made a few observers look mildly afraid, as if they were expecting Gamzee to lash out at him and try to murder the petite copperblood. "Sorry if this is, uh, mildly possessive of me, maybe, but I kind of do not trust anyone here and would much rather you be beside me." He wasn't about to take any chances with anyone here. As the song ended, he immediately pulled from their dancing position and made his way over to the apparent human, who checked the time, nodding down the seconds and glancing up as Tavros stood right in front of him. "Hello," He began, mildly breathless as he moved to curtsy, "My name is-"

"Tavros Nitram, ten and a half sweeps, five foot one and three quarters and one hundred and two point six pounds. It is a pleasure to meet you in a context that does not include forcing you down an interdimensional portal." He stood straight once he pocketed his watch, holding out a hand that Tavros reluctantly shook, "Um. Yes, it is nice to meet you as well, Mr...?"

"Doctor Scratch, you may refer to me from any manner of names. Scratch, Rabbit, anything is alright. Giving you free reign is what I have been doing since I placed you here, after all," He turned to Gamzee, face impassive as he held out his hand once more, "Gamzee Makara, wonderful to make your acquaintance. Enjoying yourself so far?"

Vriska laughed, "Now now, my seadwelling companion. We do not want to cause any bloodpusher attacks, fainting spells, or spasms of the muscles! It would be best to ease these prudent fellows and ladies, go from a medium, spunky tune to something that'll really get them rustled." She grinned, stopping their dancing as the music ceased and sheet music was turned, "Let's go ask before they begin to play."

She placed a hand on his shoulder, as reassuring as always, "Understandable. Just know that our little band of misfits will always be together, even if that is not physically," Sollux returned shortly, passing out champagne to the other two as he sipped his own. Kanaya thanked him and sipped hers delicately to avoid smudging her lipstick, and she withdrew her hand, "We have all become rather close, and I, for one, would much rather stick with this lot than deal with /him./" Sollux's eyes flashed red and blue briefly in annoyance as he threatened to flick a claw against her dress and rip it. Kanaya hit his arm playfully, looking to Karkat with glee, "Between you and I, I find you all absolutely lovable. I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to make such wonderful friends."

2014-08-24 02:44:33
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At the kiss Gamzee smiled and blushed a little. It didn’t matter if he tried to hide his affections; it would be obvious to an observer (who would let their mind wander in the direction) that the purple blood was in love. “I don’t mind none, Tav,” Gamzee smiled back. The admission of some possessiveness made his heart swell. Even if he knew Tavros wanted him around it was still nice to hear, especially among all the other voices with very different opinions.

The human he found off-putting, knowing all that random stuff about Tavros. It made him feel protective himself, although he was, supposedly, why they were on this mission. He had expected to be forgotten in the background as Tavros talked to the white rabbit. Hearing his name was quite surprising! “...yea, suppose so, sir,” he shook Scratch’s hand too, making sure to be gentle. He had no idea how delicate humans were, or if the rabbit was just being polite and thought him a brute like most everyone around them.

Eridan looked at her appreciatively, glancing around the room. “You may be causing blood pusher attacks and fainting spells already, my dear....and probably some muscle spasms,” he whispered the lewdly connotated observations to her as he led them over to the musicians. “...you could have your pick...” he mused, “I told you I’d need to kick it up a notch to keep you from straying to some other dancer.” He made sure to grin jokingly at his last statement. When they reached the stand, he went to the conductor, clearing his throat politely for attention. “Excuse me, might we make a request?”

The champagne was nice at least in order to keep one of his hands busy. Karkat thanked Sollux too, and grinned at their interaction. “And I’m sure all of us are glad to have met you. I certainly am. I think you’re another source of emotional glue, the mother that keeps us all from getting to ornery with each other,” he thought aloud. He glanced around to gauge the crowd while they mingled by themselves for the moment.

2014-08-24 03:42:58
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While Tavros had really wanted to find the White Rabbit since he had first fallen into Wonderland, he questioned a bit abruptly, "Did you really put me in that dress and all? And give me all those clues?"

Scratch peered at him with his green eyes, giving an nearly imperceptible nod, "But of course. Though, if you would not mind, it would be best if we moved someplace more private," He smiled thinly, almost as if the smile was not there to begin with, "You never know who is lurking, hm? Come along now, Alice, Gamzee." He turned then, pulling out his watch and checking the time as he would usually, and Tavros gave a glance to Gamzee before taking his hand and following Scratch. He eventually moved to a balcony outside the rightmost room, and Tavros scurried after him, shivering a bit at the cold. Scratch closed the glass doors behind them once they were both outside, and he shoved his hands into his pockets, "Yes, all of that was my work, coupled with magic."

"But how? Are all humans like this?"

"Only those born through magical means. And even that is a slim chance. Queens often take their time in picking a suitable White Rabbit," Leaning against the railing, he looked over at Tavros somewhat curiously. He knew what he was going to do, but never what he was explicitly thinking. "I...oh, gosh," Tavros held his face, brows furrowed, "I am at a loss." Scratch just nodded, knowing that would be the case as Tavros continued, "Gamzee, do you have any questions? I think I need to sort, uh, out all of my mine.."

Vriska rolled her eyes, making her way to the musicians with a hardly contained smile, "It seems these men and women need to learn to keep their bulges tucked away neatly in their bottoms." At the stage, the conductor gave an annoyed look, but Vriska gave a sharp snarl in retaliation, earning some cooperation from the highblood conductor. She put a hand on her hip, giving the name of a song she found popular in her travels, and the conductor played a couple practice notes with the band before Vriska nodded curtly, "That is the one. Thank you." She turned to Eridan, "After this, let's get a drink or two, hm?"

Most people were still in the middle room, as they had been looking and whispering about Gamzee and Tavros, as well as Vriska and Eridan. There were some that moved into the other two rooms, but it was still mostly in the middle. "I'm glad someone else sees it," Sollux remarked, "I tell her she should be a guardian all the time."

Kanaya sipped her champagne daintily, "Thank you, Karkat, dear. As for you, Sollux, you are a handful enough, adding a grub to the equation would likely give me wrinkles." She smiled widely, "Taking care of the odds and ends produced by the rest of you proves enjoyable. It just warms my bloodpusher when I am able to assist any one of you, especially you, Karkat." She hid a laugh behind her hand, "You can be so grumpy at times! You appear so huggable that way."

2014-08-24 04:35:30
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Gamzee followed, wary and on edge. This guy was totally shifty as all get out, and he wasn’t keen on going anywhere with him. He held Tavros’s hand tightly, but let go when he shivered outside. Quickly he took off his suit coat, draping it over Tavros’s shoulders to keep him warm. He could deal with the cold, and stood close to Tavros in case his matesprit wanted to soak up a little more heat more directly.

What Gamzee really wanted to ask was if Tavros had a choice in staying or not, but felt it would be selfish to ask and wouldn’t get them anywhere toward their immediate goal. And he’d rather not have his ‘priorities’ questioned again. Instead he thought back to something he could ask, or perhaps that they were supposed to. “Why are you doing this? Do you really want Tavros to fix Wonderland?” Maybe it was a little rude, but he was kind of seriously skeeved out by this guy’s attitude and how much he just knew. He wondered if it extended to all people or just Tavros because he was Alice and probably had to know about him in some capacity since it had been his job to find the Alice in the first place.

Leading his partner back to the dance floor, Eridan nodded at the thought of drinks. “Yes, I think that’d do. Oh, if we loosen up it will be even worse for them to watch, you know.” He waggled his earfins a little. “I think I know this one...” He took up her hands, leading them in a looser dance to the more upbeat music. It was like the second dance they had shared in the guest respiteblock; not dancing as close but very fun. He twirled them both around the floor, careful not to hit anyone or anything. Besides all the talk, they hadn’t been bothered /once/ and that was relief enough that Eridan found himself smiling in earnest.

The cherry blood smiled at Sollux’s comment and chuckled at Kanaya’s retort. He looked shocked at her comment about him, and looked at Sollux in earnest. “What the hell have I gotten myself into?” he asked the yellowblood. Huggable?! And how in the hell did grumpiness make you huggable, he wondered to himself. Probably the special love only motherly figures could distribute, he decided.

2014-08-24 05:15:35
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Outside, he smiled at Gamzee and pulled the coat closer to him before moving to stand snugly against his side. He felt better now that he had something covering his bare arms, and he leaned against Gamzee sweetly as his matesprit questioned the White Rabbit.

He paused for a couple moments, thinking of just where he should start before he rubbed at his chin and began, "You see, boys, I believe you are both missing a large junk of prior knowledge that is essential to understanding both Tavros's role as Alice, and the way Wonderland operates as a whole. The White Rabbit is born through, as I mentioned, magical means, which ultimately grants me this omniscient power. However, it is limited; I cannot read minds, and I cannot tell the futures of beings that are not within this planet. Thus, I knew next to nothing about Tavros until I had arrived in Alternia. While I was snooping throughout the gardens he attended to, the information of all those within the planet of Alternia came to me. Selecting Alice is a tricky business; there are several candidates within Alternia, all of which had very plausible fates, but Tavros was the only one that I saw that had real potential."

He looked worried, "Real potential to do what?"

"To dismantle the entire Queendom, of course. Which is precisely why I want him here. Not exactly to 'fix' Wonderland, per se, but to improve it, at any rate. The system will never be perfect, but it can at least be ideal."

His brows furrowed as he bit at his lower lip, "And how am I to manage that?"

"If I told you, I am afraid that your journey would come to a gruesome end, a doomed timeline. Sadly, I am not in charge of that intuition you use. That is beyond my control. Your decisions are yours, as well."

"So you see all the outcomes?"

"Yes," He nodded, "Timelines, if you will. Each decision you make results in something different. For instance, if you had sought to shrink yourselves down while in the In-Between and forego the Jabberwocky, then you would have actually returned home to Alternia when this ends."

Tavros found that hard to believe, as he did not quite see the correlation but it made sense to him that events just piled on top of each other. He remembered, vaguely, how the Jabberwocky cemented his feelings in wishing to do as much as he could for Wonderland, but he wasn't certain about the leaving part.

"Well, what else can you tell me?"

"I can tell you why Tulgey is so full of threatening beasts, or even why the sky is blue. Or why Vriska maintains a constant mask of toughness, but I believe you know that answer."

Tavros frowned slightly, thinking, "No, I need information regarding, um, this journey, in general. Things like...Do I have to go home, when this is all over? When I finish demolishing the Queendom?"

The dancing was more than fun, and she was delighted to see how people watched in awe and a few talked about getting a dance with the blueblood or the seadweller, though most wanted to see if it was just a practiced act courtesy of Alice. Vriska, mildly offended but mostly wanting to show them how wrong they were, offered a slim smile to Eridan, "We may have to cut the champagne short. Seems we are being propositioned."

"Her stupid unconditional love." He wrinkled his nose, "At least you aren't in a quadrant with her, then you'd be in a whole world of trouble." It was one of the few rare times in which Sollux actually acknowledged the fact that they were moirails, and Kanaya beamed proudly, "It is not stupid!"

He sipped his champagne, looking to Karkat with all manner of annoyed seriousness, "When this is all over, head for the hills. Don't let her know where you are located or else she'll pop by every now and again with a pot full of pasta."

"I only do that with you," She interjected, "Because you scarcely eat even half of what you should. You struggled to even finish that slice of cake Gamzee prepared, and it was /delectable./"

2014-08-24 05:39:49
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When Tavros snuggled up to him Gamzee put an arm around his shoulders loosely. Partially it was a protective move. He was glad to know that their minds weren’t /actually/ being read, but this guy could get pretty close, obviously.

“So can you tell us this chunk you think we’re missing? Or will that make a doomed timeline?” Gamzee had hitched onto that tidbit and wanted to know what he meant, adding it to Tavros’s questions.

He actually got slightly annoyed and defensive about his home. “Tulgey doesn’t have threatening beasts. Maybe some sick bugs but not much else. I think I woulda run into one over the sweeps.” Sure it was pointless information and completely off task, but screw this guy, he wanted to know what monsters he was supposedly living with so peacefully.

Eridan looked uncomfortable. He hadn’t been paying much attention to what was going on around them. “I’m not sure I want to be propositioned.” He liked dancing with Vriska, and knew she could keep up. He was worried that any highblood would attempt to take over, and bully him into giving up his leading position or just not be able to keep up with him and be generally terrible.

Unconditional love did not sound so terrible to Karkat. “I dunno, I think you might be pretty lucky, Sollux. And she already knows where I’ll be spending most of my time! Creeping around that flushed as fuck pair just for the food. So long as their Jabberwocky and I get along, I think was the sole condition of that agreement...” he grinned, half joking.

2014-08-24 06:12:23
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"Oh, but you have. For instance, that gigantic bird that nearly plucked the both of you from the ground. Smart thinking with hiding, otherwise it would have been doomed from the start." Knowing that Tavros was worried, despite not looking at him, Scratch continued, "The Jabberwocky finds those birds delicious, if that is any consolation. Alas, I cannot detail to you that chunk that is missing, for it is much too early. A hint would be helpful though, hm?"

"Yes!" Tavros agreed, looking a tad more at ease, "A hint would be lovely."

"Pick through legislature with a fine toothed comb, lest you don your paint and slander your lover."

Tavros frowned, stamping his foot, "Must you always give me hints in riddles?"

"This one was easy, sport. Quite simply just speech."

"Does dancing with me honestly tickle your fancy that splendidly?" She questioned, and she almost felt as though she were in the middle of a hungry pack of wolves with the way they were being stared at and mindlessly spoken about. "I doubt anyone can dance as well as you, Marchie. Probably best to stick with one another."

He smiled slightly, a laugh leaving him, "Now she will never leave you alone! Perhaps you should consider finding a different place of future residence." Kanaya elbowed his side, which only made Sollux laugh harder, "You see what I must endure? He always pokes fun at me but he is the first one running to me when things go awry in Starnette. 'Kanaya, I don't know how to fill out this paperwork for the new taxes.' 'Kanaya, do you have any idea as to how to iron a coat?' 'Kanaya, the royals are hosting another event and I need a date for some reason or another.' He needs me more than he would like to lead on."

"Like hell."

2014-08-24 06:32:47
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Oh, well, he’d never considered the birds part of Tulgey, he guessed. They were more over the fields than anything. But the riddle statement was not at all reassuring. “I dunno if you’re talkin’ to me, but I ain’t never wearin’ that shit again if I can get away with it. And I don’t think I could say nothin’ wrong about Tav... but we can go through the legislature sure enough with some help.”

“Well, when I have the best dancing partner in the room, why would I bother switching to someone subpar?” he told her quietly, not wanting the reds to hear the insult. The song was close to ending and he made their moves with more of a flourish just to show off what the reds were not allowed to have. “So, champagne then?” he asked, heading over with their arms linked.

Karkat laughed at that, heartfelt and good natured. “Oh no!” he just couldn’t stop the spout of mirth. “You two...” he shook his head. “You two are just so perfect sometimes.” It was so refreshing and enjoyable to be around two people who cared so much. Sollux was just as grumpy as he was, so he kind of got to see how she could consider grumpy huggable. The yellow blood could be so frumpy at times; his interactions with Kanaya were always a joy to behold. At least for Karkat.

2014-08-24 06:54:31
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"I do not completely understand," He sighed, leaning his head against Gamzee again, "The second part confuses me. Are you saying the legislature is, uh, much more devious than we thought?"

Scratch gave a shrug, simply stating, "Doomed timeline."

"Then what about my next course of action?"

"Follow your intuition, as always. You have been blessed with a stronger sense than the first Alice, if that is helpful to you."

"You never told me if I have to go home or not."

"It is less going home and finding it."

"Is Wonderland my home, then?"

"As we humans say, 'home is where the heart is.' "

He looked puzzled, "So..yes?"

"I can give only but so much blatant information."

"How do I get rid of the Queendom?"

"The smallest of rusts give way to the grandest of obliteration," He hummed, checking his watch before moving fluidity back into the room, "It would be best if you began there. Goodbye, for now, Tavros, Gamzee. Wonderful to meet you both." Tavros made no moves to go after him, not feeling any need to if he was going to go around in circles again. He tugged Gamzee's coat closer to him, wrinkling his nose as he stared out at the gardens and the like below them, "The smallest of rusts give way to the grandest of obliteration..." He stewed over that riddle for a couple minutes, then, chirping in surprise, he whipped around to Gamzee, suddenly excited, but he knew that anyone could be listening, so he leaned in close to Gamzee, murmuring, "The princess. We must speak with her before the night is over."

She nodded curtly, pressing into place a few random strands of hair as they walked, wondering aloud, "Wherever have Tavros and Gamzee gone off to?" Vriska had seen them before, even when they were dancing, but now they were completely out of sight, as were Kanaya, Sollux, and Karkat, "I suppose we have all disbanded for this ball for the time."

The yellowblood shook his head, sipping his champagne if only to keep his mouth occupied, but Kanaya voiced what he was thinking, "I would not go so far as to say that." Then, she whispered with glee, "It may give our dearest Chief Architect a larger ego than he deserves."

2014-08-24 17:43:46
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Gamzee nodded. "Perhaps...with the legislature he's warning us against trusting the wrong individuals, 'cause they could report to the queen." At mention of the princess, he nodded again. "Maybe you should ask her to dance, as the formal sort of thing to do bein' the special guest and all. Then ask her to meet somewhere away from the queen while you do so you can actually talk about things?" He didn't really know what he'd do with himself while Tavros and the princess were occupied, but he guessed that wasn't important. If the Alice didn't talk to her, nothing would change.

"Maybe they're accomplishing something; you know how Tavros was about this whole ball issue," Eridan said, picking up a couple glasses once they got to the table and handing one to her. "Maybe we can act as something of a distraction. After we've had a couple drinks, what do you want to get up to next, Hattie?"

The grouchy mutant just smiled. "Hm, I don't supposed you'd like him getting arrogant," he muttered back. "Bad enough he's kind of a stick in the mud," he joked. He sipped at his champagne, thoughts wandering slightly but more than content to mingle with Sollux and Kanaya for as long as possible.

2014-08-24 19:22:46
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He nodded, finding his guess to be as good as any; Tavros never claimed to be a genius with the riddles. Shedding Gamzee's coat, he handed it back to his matesprit and smiled, "I will try to fetch her. Do you mind staying out here? Or, uh, even just outside the door? I would like to have, a semi-safe place to speak with her, and I think this is a good spot." He kissed his cheek, then his lips, offering a little purr, "I will be right back, only a couple minutes gone."

She shrugged, "Not a clue. Alice has not relayed any information to me about any goings on. Maybe he had that planned out, though?" If there was something that she and Eridan needed to do, then Tavros would have let them know ahead of time, but so far, nothing had been told to her. "I suppose this really is a ball, in regards to us, at least." Vriska sipped her champagne regally, watching the highbloods move about them. She considered dancing with one of them, if only to pickpocket; it was a skill naturally acquired from her pirating, but she wondered if she could really get away with it now. Another song started and people filled in the dance floor. Vriska sipped her champagne again, then handed the glass to Eridan, "Watch this." She walked out to the marble flooring, formally curtseying to request a dance from a woman that had been eyeing them all night. She agreed immediately, and they began to dance, but if one knew Vriska well, they would be able to tell that she had something up her sleeve.

"This is making me uneasy," Sollux said after a while of peering around everyone closely. "No one has tried anything underhanded, which is underhanded in itself." A whole group of people that were generally disliked or thought to be below highbloods were in the midst of the Queen, and yet, they were safe? Or under the illusion of safety. "Maybe we should have stuck close to the copper."

"Gamzee is with him," Kanaya reassured, "And Vriska is never too far from Tavros, meaning Eridan is nearby as well. Besides," She nodded to Karkat, "Both groups are harboring rather unique guests. Have you noticed anything strange, Karkat?"

2014-08-24 19:33:01
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Gamzee purred back, taking back his coat and putting it on to warm it up for when Tavros got back, sure he’d be cold again. “Sure Tav, no problem, I’ll be right here...unless are you sure you’ll be alright alone?” He really hoped that it was only a couple minutes that he’d be gone if he did leave alone. He would probably stand somewhere so he could see a little of what Tavros was doing. While they were separated he hoped he’d be unnoticed by anyone else.

The seadweller was a little miffed about being left, but figured Vriska wanted to pull some sort of stunt. He hoped she wouldn’t get into trouble as he watched her dance with the woman, sipping his champagne and essentially ignoring most everything else. If anyone came up he’d have to assent to a dance for politeness sake, even if he wasn’t too keen on it.

Karkat thought about that and glanced around. “We haven’t been given much attention... which does seem quite strange. And... I don’t know if it’s just because it’s early in the night, but I haven’t noticed the queen dancing, or the princess, or the white rabbit though I haven’t really been looking for him. Normally they get danced with by the higher members of court. So that /might/ be suspicious.

2014-08-24 20:21:21
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"I will be absolutely fine," He assured, smiling brightly, "Just stay in this, uh, general area. I will get a dance from the princess to avoid looking too suspicious, then I will get some champagne with her in this general area so you can see me. Then we will both come over here, to the balcony, with you, and we can all speak. Otherwise, uh, it will appear much more underhanded than I would like."

A redblooded male approached Eridan almost immediately after Vriska had left. As arrogant as the rest, he was flanked by a second woman, who readjusted her suit coat and gave Eridan a brief once-over before mentally deciding that he dressed well. The man spoke, "You are a seadweller? I thought the Screechlands were devoid of water."

"Let's just keep our eyes open," Kanaya decided, "Lest we make a fool of ourselves." Being observant was helpful, but being paranoid was not. "If anything looks out of place, we shall find Tavros and report to him."

Sollux gave a small nod, peering through the crowd that was starting to even itself out between the three rooms. Women and men seemed to glance at their attire, and one woman, a yellowblood, approached Karkat with surprising ease, "Excuse me, Mr. Vantas, is it?" She raised a slender brow, "Where on Wonderland did you buy that exquisite vest! Not a single store nor boutique has a vest like /that,/ not even a three piece that sports such fine taste. I must know where you bought it."

2014-08-24 21:50:47
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“Okay, Tav. I’ll stick right around here,” Gamzee said, smiling a little so Tavros knew it would be alright. He held the door open for Tavros politely and followed him back inside, but stayed to mull around the balcony doors, hoping people wouldn’t bother coming over to use it if he was there. He watched Tavros subtly as he moved away to find the princess.

Eridan recovered from his hidden shock quickly, putting on his usual airs. “Well, certainly the land is devoid of water, but much of it is coastal area so I can go into the sea as often as I like.” He answered, giving both of /them/ a once over in judgement of their attire and appearance.

Karkat nodded, slightly on edge at the yellow blood’s approach. At her question he smiled thinly—something reserved for dealing with people but not the warm one that he used with his friends. “Ah, my dear Ms. Maryam made it for me. She is quite the seamstress and has exquisite taste; certainly perhaps you’ve noticed the rest of our groups’ attire? All of her making.” He gestured to the rainbow drinker next to him. Oh he was up for embarrassing her with excessive praise, and giving her some business. It was the least he could do for all her kindness.

2014-08-25 01:01:35
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Tavros moved a bit swiftly, carrying his dress as he moved into the middle room. He spotted the princess, among others, and weaved his way through the crowd as quickly as he could, though it was difficult with his horns and people constantly asking him if he wanted to dance. Finally, he approached Princess Aradia, and he curtsied politely in front of her, the action deep to signify he was below her before holding out a hand, "May I have this dance?"

The woman spoke with a mildly nasally voice as she looked out at the dancefloor at Vriska, "I heard the inhabitants of the Screechlands were all bloodthirsty pirates." Her companion looked to Eridan for clarification, seemingly fascinated with the both of them, "Is that true? Truthfully, I was under the impression that colors colder than navy were all but eradicated."

Of course, it was difficult to hide the jade blush that dusted her cheeks. The only person that regularly wore her things in Starnette was Sollux, but most of the time, he was out and about in his uniform for work and only wore her clothes to events or at home. The yellowblood, reasonably surprised, looked to the rainbowdrinker with widened eyes, "Even that dress the Mad Hatter was wearing? And the ensemble of the violentblood?"

"Violetblood," Sollux quickly corrected, and the yellowblood paused before realizing her mistake, "Ah, yes, yes, violetblood, excuse me. But you honestly made all these things, Ms. Maryam? That must have taken so long!"

She blushed further, taking a moment to sip her champagne before replying, "Yes, well, I usually only make one set of clothing and copy it with magic," It saved her plenty of time and made the more popular items readily available, "However, the clothing presented before you today is all custom-made and will likely not be for sale in Starnette any time soon if the demand is not there..."

"What a shame!" She unfolded her fan and flicked her wrist to give a gentle breeze to herself as she tsked, "Everyone has been blabbering incessantly about the state in which you all arrived. Most of us have never even /seen/ a seadweller nor a violet, especially not one dressed like this. Not only are they presented well, their personalities match it, how peculiar! You are stationed in Undlegire, correct?"

Kanaya, somewhat flabbergasted, nodded shyly, "Yes, I am."

The yellowblood smiled, though it was as polite and calculated as most everything the highbloods did, "I will just /have/ to stop by and find a suitable coordination that you have in stock. Why, all my friends will be so jealous! Really, you should consider having a second place within Starnette," She moved to leave then, fanning herself as she called over her shoulder, "You would have so many customers!"

Kanaya blinked blankly for a couple seconds, then furrowed her brows as she spoke, "People in Starnette are fond of my clothing?"

2014-08-25 02:00:42
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The princess smiled kindly and nodded, placing her hand in Tavros’s lightly before they walked out to the dance floor. “I was hoping to get a dance with the Alice,” she said happily. “Would you like to lead, or shall I?” She didn’t suspect anything other than a dance, and wondered only for a second where the large troll he’d been dancing with was but didn’t much care at the moment.

Eridan had to prevent himself from getting angry. “I am not sure who you mean by inhabitants, as there are only two of us and the creatures in the wilds of the In Between occupying the area on land.” He paused, sipping his champagne to steady himself even as his earfins flicked once in annoyance not betrayed by his tone. “And as you have surely seen there are at least two of us purples in the world, though we come from different places altogether.”

The cherry-blood’s eyes had almost bulged out of his head at the mention of ‘violent’ blood. He kept it together though he felt like he might pop a blood vessel. He was quite thankful when she left after being kind to Kanaya. “At least that one does. So there’s one individual with good taste in this gilt city.” His voice relayed his frustration.

“They are just so ignorant and quick to judge I could just /scream/,” he muttered into his glass before finishing it. “If we’re going to be dealing with more people I think I need a second. Should I fetch one for either of you?” he asked, willing to take the short trip to get them beverages by himself.

Gamzee just mulled awkwardly near the balcony doors, hoping to remain mostly unnoticed while being able to observe.

2014-08-25 02:41:13
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"I would like to lead, if that is alright," Tavros smiled in return, taking her hand and straightening his posture as he placed a hand on her hip and began to move about the dancefloor. She seemed like a kind young lady, lovable and blessed with the type of grace and personality befitting a princess. He made idle conversation with her, mostly focusing on getting her closer to the right side of the room before he began, "I have never had champagne before," Tavros admitted, "Would you like to get a glass with me, when this song ends?"

"Do you think there are more?" The woman questioned with a mild tremor of fear in her voice, "More purples, I mean. You and the other, you two seem as well adjusted as ever, but I surely cannot speak for the rest."

"You know they even taught us in school that purples were monsters," The man informed, "Anything colder than navy is a brute."

The woman added, "When you first all came here, I heard through the grapevine that the violet was trained by Alice and that was why he was so wellbehaved."

He nodded a bit to solidify her words as the truth, "I even saw the policetroll slap him. I thought he was going to rip her limbs off, but he was so calm. It was remarkable. Is your purpleblooded friend still around?" He questioned, "He sticks close to Alice. Do you know why that is?"

Kanaya had finished her glass and handed him the empty one to place on the table for servers to take them away and replace them, "Yes, another glass would be wonderful. We can discuss the many issues regarding highblooded culture when you return," She was definitely not as angry as Karkat was; she had heard so much worse when she worked for Sollux.

The White Rabbit, having been slinking around the general area, returned to Gamzee's side with a quirked eyebrow, "He is off wooing the princess, hm?"

2014-08-25 03:00:34
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“Oh that would be lovely,” she beamed. “Truly you have never had champagne? It is quite nice. I am surprised a fellow highblood would not have had any; it is typical for celebrations and parties. She twirled about with him, quite enjoying herself and their chit chat. She’d been getting bored just sitting on the throne and was thrilled at the excellent distraction.

They were pushing all of his buttons at the same time and it was nearly intolerable. He thought hard about the quest and desperately making a good impression to maybe help fix the perspective of purples. Certainly he was bound to have a rant after the ball was over and they were safely back in the apartment. “I can say for certain that there are more sea dwelling violets, though dear Gamzee is the only land dweller I have seen in a long time. Though others of our party I believe have seen some in passing, just normal trolls the same as either of you or I.” Maybe he could subtly get out some of his annoyance by potentially upsetting them with comparisons made to them.

“And he is actually one of the kindest trolls I have ever met, and has always been so by Alice’s account. He was the first person Alice met in Wonderland, they are good friends. As for why he sticks close to Alice, well,” he paused, looking around for the other purple and nodding in his direction when he saw him. “He’s used to being abused when he goes out, and Alice stops that from happening as badly. And for that same reason he’s protective of dear Alice; he doesn’t want him to be treated that way.” He wasn’t entirely sure if it was okay to share that much, but he was trying to change opinions here and maybe if they felt /something/ other than fear for his palecrush it would change their minds some.

He looked a little anxious to Eridan, standing by himself glancing over the crowd. His brow twitched a little. Where had Tavros gotten off to? To lighten the mood, he added. “Gamzee’s our chef, actually. He made this positively delightful cake the other evening, oh, it was resplendent! Though all his cooking is superb.”

Karkat knew that there was much worse to be said, but one blessing of his isolation was that he hadn’t had to deal with hearing all the abuses at least. Dropping the empty glasses off, he brought back filled ones and handed them around. “I’m sure some of the nuances have changed since my...incarceration.”

“Of course,” Gamzee replied. “Woulda thought you’d expect that with all your knowledge. Wasn’t a hard riddle either, not compared to some of the others.”

2014-08-25 03:34:35
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Tavros smiled a bit sheepishly, "As my introduction stated, I am from Alternia. There, I did not have many opportunities in which to drink champagne." He was still not sure where Aradia stood when it came to how lowbloods were treated and the greater injustices towards the Problem Castes, so he tread lightly. The song ended soon, and he looped arms with her as he made his way to the long rows of tables holding drinks and small, bite-sized foods. He plucked two glasses, one for himself and one for Aradia, now in the sight of Gamzee. "What do you think of Wonderland, Your Highness? Do you think you will be, uh, up for the challenge when it is your time to rule?" That was mostly just empty talk if in the case someone untrustworthy was listening in on them.

"I wish your friend Gamzee the best, then, especially with that abuse you spoke of, how horrid!" The woman said, a hand on her hip, "Anyone close to Alice has to be good of heart somewhere, right? The White Rabbit wouldn't choose just /anyone/ to advance Wonderland, thus Gamzee must be rather pure."

"I guess so. He looks, to me at least, to have good thoughts, which is more than I can say for plenty of Starnetians," The man shrugged, "I'd just try to keep him from public eye. You know they can still kill purples on sight on the basis of aggression, right? And that is up to the policetroll to decide."

"Which is crazy to think about!" The woman exclaimed, "I heard the policetroll just slapped him without him even being provoked. If you ask me, if he attacked, the yellowblood was just asking for it."

Before anything could be talked about further, Vriska returned, a thrilled grin on her face as she greeted the couple, who appeared to be more afraid of Vriska than any purpleblood, "Hello, how do you do?" She questioned, and they were quick to respond to her with a curtsy and a bow before finding some excuse to leave. The pirate captain shrugged her shoulders, peculiar eyes watching for the person she had danced with to be out of sight before she held up a golden chain with a tear-dropped diamond on it, surrounded by petals of gold. It was an understated piece of jewelry that the woman she had been dancing with paired oddly with more jewelry. Vriska looked pleased, "I may not have a sea to dive into for pearls, but I do have the cunning to find you a gift, Marchie." She winked, "I hope you do not mind that it comes from a background of thievery."

Sollux looked quite ready to go into a full blown rant, and Kanaya patted his shoulder to try to keep him somewhat calm, but did not do much to stop him from speaking, "You bet your ass it has. Maybe for the better in terms of how the outside public thinks it. You would not /believe/ the type of shit I hear around here. It is not even the most common public that is horrendous; they're all sheep that have been herded. Propaganda has been pumped into these lifeless sacks of shit since they had the semblance of consciousness. It's sickening."

"Things are becoming quick-paced now. I would hate to hinder him too greatly if I can help it. Especially since this is the only timeline in which everyone lives," Scratched tapped at his glass with his fingers, sipping nonchalantly, "It does seem to cut close every now and again, though."

2014-08-25 03:57:02
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Aradia was mostly just an ignorant, sweet girl. Her mother hadn’t let her in on all the cruelty behind the scenes, knowing she wouldn’t take it well. She’d always been compassionate, and had often gotten upset when she was younger when one of her pets would get hurt or some small animal would be injured in the garden, or when the workers wanted to kill something they thought of as vermin in front of her. Obviously she had heard the rumors of how monsterous the violets were supposed to be, but, being the innocent creature she was and seeing the good in most things, had always wondered if that was really true. She was quite excited when two, one a seadweller!, had showed up at the ball, and planned on meeting them later to see what they were like. Of course the rainbow drinker was also interesting, but she had seen a couple of them before, as they were higher up on the spectrum.

“I do hope I am!” she laughed lightly. “Please! Call me Aradia. Hardly anyone uses my name and I’d like to be friends.”

Their quick turnaround was quite surprising! He’d thought it would take more effort to convince the pair of their civility. Eridan was sure Gamzee was aware of such a stipulation, hence his constant near cowering whenever they were walking about outside. He was equally surprised by Vriska’s sudden return, and bid the pair a pleasant goodbye when they departed. He glanced at her gift with slightly widened eyes before moving in to hide it from view as he grinned at her. “You’d better hide that for now, dear; thank you.” The gift was unexpected, but he did not mind at all receiving it or the theft, giggling in delight. “Unless you thirst for more champagne I would like another dance! Something upbeat, yes? How was the rest of your dance with that lady?”

Sollux’s rant was music to Karkat’s ears, and he was wanted to tell him so but didn’t know how. Nodding, he spoke, “I would have to agree based on how complacent everyone seems to be. Though...” he paused glancing around, “there haven’t been any debacles yet with the purples in our company. Surely with their bad reputation people would make a fuss. Maybe they’re learning something tonight, if they’re capable of learning anything.” He smiled a little at Sollux, “please go on, though, I’d like to know what’s changed. Might make it easier to combat the overwhelming ignorance.”

That gave Gamzee some pause. “Ah, well, that’s reassuring...thank you.” He caught sight of Tavros with the princess and watched them subtly, and also saw Eridan looking over at one point as he talked with a couple of reds who looked over. He wondered what they were talking about. Gamzee simply clasped his hands non-threateningly in front of him, not at all interested in getting even remotely intoxicated in a crowd of highbloods. “...So, did you plan for Tavros to meet me or was it just a random twist of fate?” he asked finally.

2014-08-25 04:32:45