Anti-Socialization (ST Ball/Sayrn)

Looking in the mirror, Ardere sighed slightly. It had been a long time since it had been required for him to wear fancy clothes, and while he actually liked wearing them, he was still nervous. Nervousness was not an emotion he would rarely show, however tonight called for it. He had been invited to the legal guild ball hosted by Sabertooth, which on it's own sounded fine, but it almost meant that this would be the first time he introduced Sayrn to the guild, and the guild to her. Straightening up his suspender, he took a deep breath, examining the white suit and black shirt he was wearing. You look fine, stop stressing over it like some teenage girl. A squawk came from his phoenix, perched on the table near him. That's easy for you to say, you don't wear clothes. The fire mage retorted, prompting a slightly laugh from his partner in crime, so to speak. Buttoning up the white suit jacket, he ran pale fingers through his brown hair, tightening up the red headband he chose to keep on. Tonight was supposed to be special, and he would make it so. Tossing the orange and white blade he usually kept on his back, Celica would catch it with her talons. Let's go.

The fire mage had been staying in a hotel for the night in Hargeon, the fish town as he often referred to it as. It was easier than getting ready at Sayrn's house, which he felt would be intruding a bit. It was a fairly easy journey, even though her residence was in the forest. Luckily today had a nice cool breeze to it, enough to make sure he did not sweat in the suit. Though with his resistance to heat, he highly doubted he would sweat easily anyhow. With his phoenix in suit, he arrived at the house promptly. It had been a few weeks since the two mages had seen each other, though they had kept in contact the entire time. Needless to say, he missed the young woman. Celica landed on his shoulder, allowing the fire mage to hold his blade. He had picked up some white roses for her on the way in, and he held them in his hands. White suit, tattoos, suit and all he knocked on the door three times. Exhaling a bit, he kept his cool. Ardere waited for her to answer the door, flowers and sword in his hands.

Hearing some screaming coming from inside the lab, Ardere was a bit concerned. Looking to Celica, they exchanged confused looks, an odd sight between a phoenix and a human. Waiting for a moment, it seemed like a sort of ruckus was going on inside. Unsure of whether he should bust down the door to see what was going on, or just wait and see. Fortunately, this choice was made for him as the door was opened. Then a demonic figure, greeting him like some sort of door man, called Celica a pigeon .Hey who are you calling a pigeon you- Closing her beak, the fire mage sighed slightly. I'm here for Sayrn. Glaring at Celica, he knew she had been insulted, but it was in their best interest to not piss off whatever was standing in front of them. Well actually I- And then, he froze in fear. It was like every vein and artery in his body had gone cold, at the mention of being 'knocked up'. Knocked...say what now? Even the phoenix was surprised, rather than making a sarcastic comment she just sat back for a moment. And then Sayrn came to the door, dragging the demon doorman back to the cabin.

Scratching his head, he felt his heart racing a bit. He was slightly confused, but after hearing what she said he was under the assumption that she was not actually pregnant, though he was unsure at this point. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath. Ardere noticed that she was in his bra and panties, which while he found that attractive, was not proper ball attire. Sighing slightly, he stepped closer to the woman who noticeably was getting her green hair back. Why not? It'll be fun. Come on, you'll get to meet all the brash Sabertooth people. Free food and drinks, you'll be fine. Just do it for me, please? Giving a smile, he hoped he would be able to convince her to go, luckily they had some time until the ball started.

Ardere was going to speak, but it seemed Sayrn had her own reservations about going to the ball. Even arguing with the demon like being that stood before them, it seemed he had been the one she mentioned last time he was here. Why she chose to keep him around, he was unsure of. Regardless, he wanted her to go to the ball, and he would not go alone. It won't be that bad, plus you can hang out with me in the corner and drink a bit. Patting his phoenix partner, he drowned a bit as it seemed his lady love was intent on not going. Her demon friend however seemed very intent on annoying both him and his phoenix. Who are you calling a pigeon you bottom feeder?! Closing the mouth of the bird, the fire mage sighed. She squawked and flapped a bit, but eventually gave in to her owner. Sighing slightly, which was a bit odd to see from a bird, but she was no ordinary bird.

Walking close to Sayrn, he listened to what she said. Sighing a bit, he placed his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes. I'm not going without you, I care for you very much, and I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Even if you did change, no one would mind. There's demons in my guild for god's sake, you'll be fine. Keeping his eyes locked on hers, Ardere seemed very passionate and serious. The two mages had not been a couple very long, but he had grown fairly attached to her quickly. I want you to go, and I can promise you'll be fine. No one is going to hurt you, and you're not going to hurt anyone. The strongest mages in the country will be there, we'll be fine. I'll teach you to dance a bit, we'll drink, then we'll leave. I'll just introduce you to some Sabertooth friends, and we can leave early. I promise. Wouldn't you like to meet some brash and bullheaded mages? Smiling a bit at her, his phoenix glared at her demon.

Ardere smiled back at her and laughed a bit, taking his hands down and putting them by his sides leisurely. Of course not, now go get changed. Watching her run to her room, he stretched a bit and took a deep breath. Her place seemed to be in bad shape as usual, but it didn't bother him much. Waiting for a couple of minutes, his phoenix continued to glare at the demon in the room. Flicking her on the beak, she nipped at him, prompting a glare. Sighing, he was a bit stressed until he saw Sayrn return in a gorgeous looking dress, with her hat as usual. Well, you look magnificent. Smirking slightly, his eyes scanned up and down her body. The dress was very elegant and stylish, not that he really cared, but it was a ball after all. Then, he watched as she argued with her demon for a moment, launching some sort of acidic liquid. Widening his eyes a bit, he slid to the side to back out of the conversation which was between them. Looking over to the wall, she seemed to have done a bit of damage. Arching a brow, he shrugged it off. It's no problem, I don't mind. Although he was curious as to when she had come back into venom magic.

Tilted his head, he shook it. No, I wouldn't leave you cause of something like that. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he pulled her in. I care too much about you to leave you. Listening to what she said, it seemed he was correct in his assumption about the demon. The one who had taught her god slayer magic seemed to have taught her another, he must have been a very good teacher to be able to do such. Keeping his hands and arms around her, he looked into her eyes. Pfft, I'm not gonna judge you. I'm lucky to have anyone at all, and I'm especially lucky to have as lovely a gal as you. Stepping back a bit, he watched as she slit her wrists, causing him to grit his teeth a bit. Her blood was very acidic, even enough to melt the floor. Handing her a towel laying over by the couch, he chuckled a bit. Were you really worried about that? You're not going to hurt anyone, you're a good person. I'll keep watch over you. Now clean yourself up, and let's go have some fun. Leaning in, he planted a kiss on her cheek, then patted her on the shoulder. His phoenix scoffed a bit, not the biggest proponent of romance. Blegh, get a room.

~Re-entry about an hour later~

Ardere had noticed that Sayrn was in need of some fresh air, she didn't do the best in spaces full of people. While he did not mind it, he understood her reasoning, and so he would wrap his arms around her. Guiding the gorgeous green haired woman outside to the balcony, which was attached to the guild hall, but not necessarily the ball room. An instant wave of fresh, cool air would hit the two mages. It had been quite hot in that room even for the flame god slayer, full of so many people. While he was not one to socialize with everyone, he did find it interesting to see so many people. But he was willing to give that up for the sake of his lady love. Patting her on the back, he guided her to the railing. Phew, it's much nicer out here. Running pale fingers through his brown hair, he loosened his tie a bit. Leaning over the railing, looking off into the distance.

Tonight was cleared, the sky was full of stars, but he was not focused on the stars. The mountainous terrain below was gorgeous, the lack of clouds providing a clear view. Sure is nice out here. Looking from the mountains back to her, Ardere took notice yet again how great she looked. It was not often he had the opportunity to bring someone such as her to the guild hall, especially for a ball. The two could hear music being played from inside, but it was nowhere near as loud as in there. They also seemed to be the only two on the balcony, which worked in their favor. Not as nice as you of course. After his lame cheesy little line, he winked at her, chuckling a bit. Fortunately for her, he seemed to brighten up around her. Truthfully, it was because he was trying. He had never felt for a woman like he did her, and he surely didn't want to look lame in front of her. It was actually quite humorous, a man who had never cared what others thought about him, trying so hard. Feeling the cool breeze on his skin, his body next to Sayrn's, tonight was not so bad.

Chuckling a bit, Ardere was fully aware of how cheesy his comments could be, but that was the sort of person he was. His lady love accepted who he was, and that was something he admired about her. His face turning slightly red as he felt her soft lips press against his cheek. He was not nervous, but every time her lips pressed against his body he felt a tad bit warm inside. It was a strange feeling, to be all gushy. It was not often that he found himself like this, he was normally so calm and did not need to be responsive. But honestly, he did not care around her. He felt comfortable being himself, and that was important. Well I mean, I did get scratched by those lycans I fought a while back. Who knows? I might be one! Laughing a bit, the both knew that was not the case. The form of lycanthropy was spread through the curse, not through bite or scratch like other breeds. Kidding of course. Wrapping an arm around her, he looked into her eyes. Smiling a bit at her moon comment, he arched a brow. Is that right? I've heard it before, but I have yet to find it true. Sliding in closer to her, he felt her pull. Sometimes I feel like I'm a thousand years old. Sometimes I feel like I have seen the entire world, but then I remember I haven't- Gazing directly into her gorgeous yellow eyes, he returned the kiss she initiated.

Pressing his warm body against hers, he picked her up slightly, and spun with her in his arms. Her feet a few inches around the ground as he attempted to twirl her, if she allowed. Resting his forehead against her's easily, as she was quite tall for a woman. Still holding her in his arms, he let out a deep breath. You're the best, but sometimes you are a bit whacky. Smirking slightly as he let her go slightly so they could look back over the edge. But I love that about you. Feeling the slight cool breeze of the night, it seemed the stars were shining brighter than usual. It was probably because of all the damn celestial spirits in the room, he imagined at least. Not that he disliked them, but it was intriguing to hear of so many. So I take it you're just loving the party aren't you? He knew the answer to this one, but it was a question worth asking, primarily due to her reactions, at least the one he expected. He did not mean for her to have a bad time, but dragging her out of that lab every now and again was seeming like an important action, that should probably be recurring.