#//omg thank you for the ask oomfie and hiiii hello welcome kliff!!

[swiftscion]

[ Mulled wine ] - Warm red wine spiced to perfection, ideal for staving off winter’s chill.

“Now this is something I can enjoy.”

Kliff approached the drinks table to see that the wine was brought out. He was rather fond of the more refined foods—aged cheese, caviar, and the like. Those, however, were rather expensive and difficult to come by. For the young mage, nothing topped a nice glass of bitter red wine.

And this was also a good chance to get a new brooch, of course.

He eyed the nearby people as he picked up and poured himself a glass. Among them one stood out more than the others—perhaps due to the fact that, from behind, she looked far less imposing than the other figures about. Or maybe it was the fact that she seemed a little less enthusiastic about the actual activities. Even better, she also had a brooch that Kliff lacked. He had found his next goal; the owner of the String of Pearls.

A quick approach, weaving through the crowd. Footsteps light so as not to spill the wine. Arrival. A glance from the lady. Eye contact. Now words. “Excuse me, but would you be interested in exchanging brooches?” A question in response. “Do I have anything? Well, I have my White Feather.” Disappointment. “...not enough? Oh, uh…” Disappearance. No brooch. Not an option.

Perhaps it would be wise to bring more than just my own brooch … perhaps she’ll enjoy a glass?

He poured out another, bubbles rising—bursting—as the dark red liquid clashed with the edges of its new host. Now with two glasses in hand, he made his way to the hero, who’s status he was unaware of.

“Hey,” he opened rather casually, “Not very fond of social gatherings? I’m not, at least.”

Just get it over with, Kliff. Pearls and wine in one go.

“I came to ask for an exchange of brooches, but … I also brought a glass of wine—if you’re interested.”

For Larcei, the game of brooches was all a bit beneath her. A long-time student, she had already received her fair share of prizes from the Ethereal Ball. Most of them weren’t any good. Maybe this year would offer her a half-decent sword, but the natural counter-thought was that she already had several half-decent swords–and plenty of excellent ones. Trumping them all, however, was the stellar Brave Sword passed to her by her mother. Nothing this stupid stamp goal could offer her would take its place.

But seeing Kliff put a smile on her face. It must’ve looked way different to him, from her moody resting expression. “Yeah, I can tell. You didn’t even drop me your name, or anything…” Not that she could fault the guy. She was just at a dessert table, away from everyone else. Helping oneself to a baker’s dozen candied fruits without anyone to share them with gave off sad. She probably didn’t seem the type to care who or what he was.

“Just desperate for my pearls. I’ll give it to you, but next time?” The wine was snatched from between his fingers, and promptly hit against his glass, “Feel free to come up ‘n ask. This stuff’s meant to be given out, y’know.” 

In its place, she slipped him her pearl string. It looked just as dazzling and sterile as the hundreds of others that glittered in the torchlight. Congratulations to Kliff, who became one of the many others donning a technicolor sheen. “I’m big on repaying debts, so for this,” she took a sip of her drink to draw attention to it. It was so gross she thought to retch, but then again, that was sort of the point with alcohol, “you can come to me for a favor. Ask for Larcei, Blue Lions House.” 

She was quite convinced she hadn’t seen that one before, and if she was lucky, maybe they’d be classmates. But, probably not. Even if he was new, she believed she’d have caught wind of his existence at least once in class. Probably just an Eagle or something. 

In any case, she smirked to herself as she took her second swig of the drink. She was quite content to help some poor soul on his quest for a ballroom prize, and prayed they could offer him something of value.