A celebration at VALKYRI

A celebration at VALKYRI
Date of Scene:	24 January 2013
Location:	Traverse Town - VALKYRI HQ
Synopsis:	Maira throws a surprise party for Avira to celebrate her win in the race and qualifying for the Hades Cup!
Cast of Characters:	Faruja Senra, Katyna, Avira, Maira, Minerva, Angantyr Vespar, TRON, Emi Dennou

---

Maira has posed:
The main hall of VALKYRI HQ has been decorated to the best of Maira's ability at the last minute--which surprisingly, is actually pretty well. Since she didn't have any streamers or ribbon, she has hung colored yard that she braided from the ceiling and walls. A table is set up with punch in a large bowl, with various things to eat that are party appropriate and mostly made by Maira or donated (thank the gods, because Maira burns everything) by some of the people they had helped around Traverse Town, such as the people who were rescued recently from the church, eager to reciprocate however they can.

Maira is bustling around the room, double-checking things and fretting about not having any music or anything--maybe she could sing? She's gotten dressed up for the occasion, draped in a knee length red sweater dress with princess sleeves and a sweatheart neckline. Her wild golden tresses have been tamed about as much as they could ever be without serious salon intervention, and she's tied a red ribbon as a headband to match her dress (which she made!). On her feet are her black boots Aerith bought her, because they are one of two pairs of shoes she owns.

"Oooh...why doesn't anyone play an instrument!" she complains, moving to the door to check if anyone is coming yet. She's never thrown a party before! Maira is obviously nervous but excited.

Avira has posed:
Convieniently, Avira had been out most of the day.

Following the race last night, the huntress had, for the most part, stumbled back "home" and collapsed in one of the many available beds here in the VALKYRI headquarters. It hadn't even been "her" bed at the time, she'd been so darn tired from all the running. Yet after several hours had passed, Avira was up again and one more out of the house, doing the mysterious things that Avira does during the day. Like killing slimes or trying to communicate with chocobos.

Just as Maira moves to the door, it swings open to reveal Avira herself, arms piled high with several delicious-smelling paper bags. "I got take-out for tonight!" she calls into the hall, stopping suddenly as she sees Maira there, dressed nicely in a dress she's never seen before. "Maira! You're all dressed up!"

She looks beyond Maira to see the streamers and food already spread out on the table, a look of surprise on her face. "...what's all this for? Are we having guests?" It would not be beyond Maira to excitedly invite some kind of noble or royalty over randomly-the fire mage had an extremely welcoming personality after all.

Minerva has posed:
Where is the monk? That's been a good qwuestion where is the monk Where is she she's somewhere sleeping prehaps unaware of the party about to happen. Or is she she's had some heavy things to think over. Hororfying things to speak over that could be a danger to all the souls of the world of ruin...and she wasn't exactly taking it well it came from a friend.

TRON has posed:
While Maira checks on the door, there is a strange 'orb' that floats up from the basement stairs. It is a strange, silvery-gray ball with multifaceted sides, which are constantly moving in a near-pulsing fashion. There is also a barely audible 'chi-chi-chi' sound, should one be close enough to it. But chances are, one would see it before they'd hear it.

The 'orb' flits about, checking out the decorations around the walls before finally hovering to a stop directly over the punchbowl. 'Chi-chi-chi'. And it just stays put, apparently at rest. 'Chi-chi-chi'.

Emi Dennou has posed:
The Dennous have come to celebrate Avira's victory...and their own qualification, of course, though they aren't actually saying anything about their own third place victory OR SECOND LOSER. Nevertheless, strangely enough, they've ALL come--they generally prefer moving out in groups of two or three, but for parties? Yeah good luck getting any to skip out on that.

They quietly attempt to slink in after Avira without making too much fuss. WERE THEY FOLLOWING BEHIND? Maybe but the Dennous on their own make a solid contingent. It's like instant busy party!

If that instant party chose not to talk to themselves. Ami is recognizable since she haphazardly shoved her medal in her pocket, but it's Emi who steps forward and says, "We have come to celebrate with all of you, The Network will try not to make much of a fuss."

Maira has posed:
Avira! It's Avira! No no no she's there too soon! Maira gapes as Avira comes in with takeout, notices her outfit, then all the decorations. The young woman colors near to her dress, looking at her feet in embarrassment. "It's actually a party for you...to celebrate winning the race and qualifying for Hades cup...but there were suppose to be more people here first!" she explains, disappointed. "Well...surprise I guess!" she adds, then motions for Avira to go on in and put down the food she brought. The dishes Maira made are distinguishable by the amount of char present--hey, maybe someone will like it?

Maira looks over at the glowing orb that makes the 'chi chi chi' noises and blinks several times, deciding if she is hallucinating. "Avira, what's that?" she asks--Only to then be MOBBED WITH DENNOUS.

Flailing from within a sea of Legion, Maira greets them all and shuffles them inside. "Welcome, welcome! Glad you all came! Uhm....punch is over there! And food too!"

Avira has posed:
Avira stares at Maira in wonderment as she is informed what's really going on here. "You...threw a party for...me?" For a few seconds, she looks like she actually might cry, "Nobody has..." she starts, before brushing the thought away, "Aw, Maira."

Carefully, she makes her way through and sets down the paper takeout bags on whatever space she can find on the table. At least...there are alternate food dishes now with a little less...extra well done-ness. Once she's done so, she turns around and sweeps Maira up into a hug. "Thank you!"

Releasing her, Avira turns to the strange-looking floating orb that has floated up from the basement. Curiously, Avira approaches it. "Well it's not triggering Valencia's defense mechanisms..." carefully, she reaches out to touch it with a finger, "Maybe it's one of her new inventions?"

Right now marks the first time Avira's seen all the Dennous together at once. It's...actually a little overwhelming! "Hello! Welcome to our house."

Emi Dennou has posed:
"Hello!" The Dennous speak simultaneously before they seem to realize this might be a bit much and promptly simultaneously facepalm. This close together they tend to act more as swarm than as semi-individuals. At this point, though, they're realizing they're still doing the whole simultaneousy thing and cease action for a few moments.--and then most are sent towards the punch, milling over there.

"Congratulations Avira." Emi says as Avira swoops Maira in a hug. She smiles briefly, when she thinks they aren't looking, and then adds, "We have never been here before." She gazes about the hall. It actually looks...rather nice, she thinks. "It is impressive. Very...open."

Minerva has posed:
Minerva still napping at this point but she's staring to come aware of something is going on. She's hearing movment and the silver haired woman starts to stir as she sits up she yawnds and stretches. "Well that was good I should see what the noise is about."

TRON has posed:
Chi-chi-chi. The pulsing orb floats up just out of Avira's reach. Chi-chi-chi. It then suddenly compresses, silvery reflective skin becoming sharp red spikes. "<NO.>" It then expands, red returning to silver and the spikes disappearing. Chi-chi-chi.

"It's a Bit, Avira. An object from my home world." TRON's voice echoes from the basement stairs, the owner slowly scaling one step at a time. He appears to be wearing a completely white unisuit, whitish-blue glowing lines tracing over his body. His expression is weary and just a little sad, but he seems quite amused at the fascination all the same.

The orb, this 'Bit', suddenly pulses inwards, then expands out as a floating, 3-dimensional yellow diamond. "<YES.>" It resets to silver orb, flitting about exploring the huge area once again. Chi-chi-chi.

TRON reaches the top of the stairs, tilting his head faintly. He doesn't recognize anyone here, not even Avira herself--since she was still cursed the last he saw her. He almost starts wondering if he should head back down to the computer room and not provide any further interruptions.

Maira has posed:
Once released from the flood, Maira happily hugs Avira back, squeezing her gently but with obvious enthusiasm. "You deserve it! You worked really hard," she says, then places her hands on Avira's shoulders for a moment to look her straight in the eye. "We're gonna get that word shard and save Manhattan."

Then she looks around again, grumbling. "Where are Angantyr and Faruja!? They are suppose to be here! And Mercade, where is he!?" She sighs heavily, placing her hands on her hips before she looks back to the little orb of light and kind of slowly reaches for it. "Maybe its a robot. Maybe its friendly."

Then it turns red with SPIKES.

"Or maybe it's not...." she amends, pulling her hand away.

When Legion speaks all at once, Maira's eyes open very wide. Yes, that really is something! Kind of freaky! Ah but they are all very nice, just...unconventional!

Upon hearing TRON, a voice she doesn't recognize, Maira turns toward him and smiled welcomingly, waving. "Oh, hello! That thing is yours? The ah...bit? Interesting! Doesn't like to be touched huh? Were you in the basement? Avira, why was this guy in our basement?" she asks, though she doesn't seem annoyed nor even concerned by this. Merely curious.

Avira has posed:
Avira puts her hands on Maira's shoulders, "Yes. Yes we are." Part of her feels...awful though. Hades will be a complication, should she win overall.

AHHH DENNOUS IN STEREO. Unable to help herself, Avira actually laughs. "That's kind of cute." she comments, watching the Dennous disperse, leaving Emi behind to carry the conversation. Avira actually has to study her carefully for a few moments before she decides that this IS Emi. "Congratulations yourself for qualifying! Are any of your other sisters going to try too?"

Though the thought of having all the Dennous running in the race yesterday is a hilarious one. "Heh, thanks. I was thinking of giving it second floors again but it's kind of charming like this. Like one of those big party halls that vikings had."

Minerva gets a wave. "Hey! Welcome to the party?"

When the orb floats away, Avira leans forward a little more trying to touch it. Except only to retract her arm suddenly when it goes all red and sharp on her. "Gah! It talks!"

A familiar voice explains the new addition and she turns to see TRON coming up, clothed in a manner she's never seen before, though reminding her far more of the programs she's previously met. "Ohh. Hello TRON." No need to call him Alan, he certainly wasn't looking like a human right now. She watches his confusion for a few seconds, then realizes something.

"It's me, TRON, Avira. I've been cured-this is what I'm supposed to look like." she holds her hands out to her sides as if to indicate...yep. A human. "Maira, this is TRON, he's come to help us against LEXUS."

Avira motions for TRON to come over and join them. "The sleepy monk over there is Minerva. And these..." Avira gestures, "...are the Dennous."

Faruja Senra has posed:
Between being kidnapped by a certain boy, and having a rather significant revelation dropped into his lap by a certain mercenary, Faruja is running quite late. It actually annoys the Templar; when he walks into Valkyri headquarters, he glaring down at a pocketwatch covered in every conceivable spot with devotional symbols. It's quickly flicked back into a robe pocket.

When he looks up, the rat's expression switches like a light to amazement. He stands still a moment, looking about, smiling widely at so many familiar faces.

"My, my, my how lovely! Such a gathering, and so well appointed! But whom is the skilled decorator?"

TRON has posed:
The Bit is friendly! It just had too many queries to respond to at one time and locked on Avira's first. If it could emote, it would sadface at Maira. Chi-chi-chi.

It flits around TRON, circling around him multiple times at dizzying speed, then slingshots over to Maira and rests on her head. Chi-chi-chi. Its sides are still pulsing, probably tickling her hair from the movement.

Avira would probably recognize the glowy lines, even if not his bodysuit. The lines are exactly the same as the ones that glowed through his clothing when he was fixing the VALKYRI computers as 'Alan'.

TRON cants his head still further, then comprehension and understanding light up his expression as he straightens. "Ah, Avira!" He has the grace to look sheepish. "My apologies."

After a moment of further hesitation, he moves forwards to join the party proper. He nods once in greeting to everyone as they are introduced, looking just a little lost. It is, admittedly, the first time he has been around so many Users at one time and he doesn't really know what to do. It's actually kinda funny. "So this is a... celebration...?" Yup, really outta his element here.

Faruja's entrance gains a smile, TRON at least recognizing him even if Faruja may not be able to say the same in return. The last time they crossed paths, Faruja was quite drunk and TRON was 'Alan'.

Emi Dennou has posed:
SPOOKY TRON BIT.

Ami naturally is more concerned with Faruja's arrival. Carefully, she pours a cup of punch and then stares down at it to occupy her eyes.

Emi remains the spokesperson however, as is her general duty. She definitely noticed the similarities between this place and a meadhall though she naturally hasn't brought that up directly. Instead she is (and this is also probably a bit cute) blushing a little at Avira's compliment, though whether it's gracious or embarrassed is a mystery for the ages. Maybe both!

"Thank you." Emi says. "We will probably avoid the other qualifiers so as to not accidentally disrupt another's chances of participating, but for the actual event... we cannot say what teams will be what as of yet. Nevertheless, we will likely let another one of us participate later."

Why say things simply when you can ramble on in an attempt to be mildly more exacting than before! Actually they seem pretty happy to just be chatting with Avira, or at least Emi is. They haven't gotten to 'hang out' much, and Avira helped save their lives! So of course they have positive feelings for her.

The Legion is introduced to Tron, they all take a moment to look him over but again it's Emi who handles the talking.

"TRON...You are... a program then? The Network has had many experiences with programs so far." She bobs her head, if a bit warily. "We request permission be queried for before scannings take place." Medical programs!!

Maira has posed:
Maira extends her hand without hesitation, her smile brightening. "Hello TRON! That's good to hear, LEXUS is pretty scary! Glad you can be here for the party. I like your outfit! It glows! That's so cool--I can be on fire but it would ruin my dress and it took me months to make so--OH! Faruja is here!" she exclaims, waving the rat-knight over to join the party.

To answer his question, Maira beams. "I did! Didn't have any streamers or anything but...it still came out pretty nice! I had hoped there would be music or something...I suppose I could try to find a radio I could borrow...a party should have music--perhaps even dancing?" she says to Faruja, winking. Faruja is an excellent dancer! Apparently that's just knightly training or something.

Minerva has posed:
Minerva finally finds her way into the main floor an looks about seeing the party that's going on at the moment. She seems happy as she sees the party "Oh I heard you made it to the finals I didn't think we were going to pary just yet." She pauses looking at TRON never having met the man before and seems to be sizing him up. "I think I have something for the occasion."

Avira has posed:
"Faruja!" Even more surprise. Just how many people did Maira invite to this? Thankfully, the VALKYRI hall could accomodate quite a large number so even if Maira was zealous in her invitations, they should be fine in this space. "That's all on Maira. This was all her idea."

The huntress helps herself to some punch. "LEXUS hosed our systems pretty badly. Fortunately, TRON was able to eliminate all the nastiness he left behind. You've been busy since then, haven't you? Fending off that CHIEF guy that's been causing havock in Traverse Town?"

Funny how she always seemed to be out of town whenever that happened...

Though on the subject of Emi participating in the Hades games, "I'm still not clear how the team thing is going to work. I think we can only make it after qualifying? Even then, heh, you could be a team of your own." Avira actually watches the interaction between Emi and TRON with great interest. Organic network meet inorganic program.

Faruja Senra has posed:
Some small part of Faruja's brain pokes him, telling him he's seen TRON somewhere. The rest of him steadfastly denies it. "Good eve, Ser! Lord's blessings!" From the sounds of things, the rat's alcohol level is at a minimum right now. No doubt soon to be corrected, that little problem.

Faruja stops in his tracks as he looks to Maira. Whoa. He even blushes a touch! "Lady Maira, you look absolutely radiant...ahh." Pause. "And without being on fire for once. Truly, did you make that dress yourself? My my, I should commission you to make something some time!" Lean forward! Friendhug go! She's looking too cute to /not/ hug, propriety be damned.

Grin! "Maira, we absolutely /must/! First, however, I am quite parched my friend. If you will excuse me! Truly, you have outdone yourself!"

To the punch! And a Dennou-gaggle! Seeing so many at once is a little overwhelming. Ahem. "Dear Ladies Denou, 'tis a pleasure as always. Ahh, Lady Ami, is that you? Well done! Hardly did I expect you to be so fleet footed. No lasting injuries?" A touch of concern colors his voice, even as he pours some punch. Nom! It's all gone in a single gulp. Someone's thirsty. The next glass gets a bit of added kick from his hip flask. Sip. Much better.

"Lady Avira, hello! And congratulations! You have done well, my friend. I still feel your dust betwixt my teeth!" He raises his glass in the direction of the victor! Cue another punch cup down. Hopefully the rat won't steal it all for himself!

TRON has posed:
TRON can't help but smile warmly at Maira's innocent enthusiasm, accepting her handshake before she whirls around to greet Faruja herself. The Bit is passive, just along for the ride on the top of her head like a self-animated silver pom-pom. It just might be enjoying itself. Chi-chi-chi.

TRON's attention is turned to Legion, Emi in particular, and nods once in confirmation to her identification. "Yes, I am a Program." He blinks, surprised by the request, but chuckles softly. "I believe I understand. Do not worry, I cannot scan Users--" He stops sharply, then clarifies, "--humans. I am a Security Program. My duties concern protecting my world and its inhabitants while stopping those who would harm either." Confusion pulls his eyebrows together. "I'm afraid I do not have an equivalent human occupation for comparison."

His gaze shifts to Avira, a measure of sadness tainting his expression a moment before it neutralizes. "...Yes. Master Control--" Another sharp stop, another correction, "--SARGON, as you know him, has CHIEF in custody. I have been assisting with trying to fix his programming." Bafflement crosses his face. "It is proving to be... difficult to untangle." He shakes his head. "But, that is a topic for another time." He reaches over to grab a glass of punch himself before Faruja downs it all.

Maira has posed:
At Faruja's compliment she flushes deeply, clasping her hands in front of her and looking down shyly. "R-really? Thanks..." she says, sure he's just being nice. "Yes, I did make it," she answers, beginning to get over the embarrassment. "I would be happy to make something for you! Indeed, I was making you a scarf but I didn't have time to finish it before the holidays, but I suppose I should finish it..."

"Oh yes! Go have some punch! Then we can dance! That would be excellent! First though..." she says, and begins to slide on over to the door to sneak out and see if she can borrow a radio!

Once outside, she looks up, finally noticing the bit on her head. She giggles and reaches upward to give it a pat. Hopefully without spikes! "Well hello there! Come to help me? Well, lets go!"

.....A little bit later, Maira returns, victorious! She has an old radio that she sets on a table, plugs in, and turns on. After fiddling with the dial for a time, she finds danceable music and leaves it on. "There, much better!"

Minerva has posed:
Minerva says "LEXUS? Luso, I and another faced that /thing/ in Manhattan it was as if something had crawled out from the underworld." She grimaces. "Such a thing shouldn't exist. I'm not even sure what to call LEXUS." She doesn't know much of. "Systems like the things the guilds in goug recover from the lost age?" She tilts her head a little bit trying to understand. Tron gets some more as he speaks she stares for a moment. "Program? What's a program?" Her world /used/ to have computers till they back slid, not that she'd know that.

Angantyr Vespar has posed:
Through the doors of Valkyri HQ...

DARKNESS ENTERS! But not really THE DARKNESS *JAZZHANDS* but it is instead Angantyr, still in his desert garb gear, which is just a desert looking cloak, wrapped over his dark armor. It's an alt costume, and he unlocked it! So he's using it! Naaah!

He pauses...the room is alive with lots of people, and he arches an eyebrow. "Uh...did I miss a memo?" he asks, weirdly. Looking towards people. "Or..." he turns towards someone familar. "Maira, what is going on?"

Maira has posed:
Maira turns from the radio, all gussied up in a red party dress, to greet whoever just came in the door. Her eyes light up and she waves emphatically. "Angantyr! You made it!" she says, though apparently he didn't know he was suppose to be here. No matter! He's here! "Oh, its a party, obviously! I'm throwing a party for Avira, to celebrate winning the race and qualifying for the Hades cup. Come in and have some punch. Maybe we can get some people to dance--that would be excellent!"

Emi Dennou has posed:
"n-no." Ami says, regarding lasting injuries. "This one...is healthy. Yourself?" She sets the cup aside and doesn't drink the beverage, instead choosing at this point to look at her feet.

"The others give their hellos normally, though Umi chuckles good-naturedly at Faruja's extrapolation on Avira's speed.

Emi wonders if, really, Hades will honor this deal. Well, there's a lot of ways he can make things so difficult it might as well be impossible in the first place. He holds all the cards in that regard. So really, everyone will just have to be that much more impossible. I wanna be the guy in 'one life' mode. No save points.

Emi listens to TRON's explanation with interest. In truth, even after 'scanning' caduceus back, they still feel like they have much to learn about this world. "Antiviral?" Emi asks. "Or one supposes, perhaps, 'police officer'?" IT was not quite detective from her understanding, since detectives help those who can get help from nowhere else whereas police officers have to help everybody, by their understanding. It must be rather tough being a police officer.

"Do you find the work fulfilling, this one inquires." Emi continues. Very interested in TRON it seems. The Organic Network has had chiefly strange experiences with Programs before and having one they can talk with that seems reasonable and coherent is wonderfully fascinating.

Emi is about to say more when Angantyr reveals himself. Both eyebrows shoot up. What's he doing here?? She bobs her head towards Angantyr respectfully.

Avira has posed:
"Ahahaah, thank you, Faruja. Though now I look forward to cheering you on in the other qualifying events. I will certainly be there for support." Just like Maira was there for her support the other day. She watches Faruja and Maira hug, pausing as Avira realizes, "You made that dress all by yourself? Maira, I had no idea you were a skilled seamstress too!"

Avira pauses suddenly, looking to TRON. "SARGON? Ah, right, I did hear that CHIEF fellow showed up and caused some trouble at the debates. Very interesting...yes, we'll worry about this later. For now, we relax!"

She gives TRON a thoughtful look. "Hmm, I think the equivalent hume job class for you would be a knight with a secondary specialty in white magic, to account for your skill in fixing programming." Great, now Avira is picturing TRON in knight gear.

Angantyr gets a cheerful wave from Avira. Maira covered the explanation as to what the deal was pretty well.

Angantyr Vespar has posed:
Angantyr nods, "Ah right...I did watch the match with interest." The Dark Knight nods, "You're a good friend, Maira." he says, "And I don't dance." He says, flatly, before walking to get some punch...he gives Emi a nod as he passes her, "Hey. Fancy seeing you here. I guess you qualified...uh...one of you did? I guess you all did.." he says, not sure how that works.

He turns towards Avira and walks towards her, "Nice work...you had a rough start, but you came through in the end. You and the chick that runs Seventh Heaven together." he smiles at her a bit, with a paton her shoulder, "So I guess this means you will need to get a team together...and train."

Faruja Senra has posed:
Lord knows he needs the scarf! Faruja /beams/. "Dear, sweet Lady, you are a dame and a scholar! While you hardly need go to such efforts on my account!" Sounds like someone's had his day made.

Twitch. The rat hardly has to look. He can almost /feel/ Ang's presence. "...Ser Angantyr." He's trying to be polite, and certainly has a touch of sympathy now, but he can't quite find it in himself to be warm to the man.

Avira and Ami are welcome distractions. To Avira, he crosses his chest, and bows. "Please, I shall be needing it. Strength is...not my forte. We shall see if the Lord grants me favor." He may just sound a bit nervous.

The rat frowns likely as Ami averts her eyes. "Quite fine, M'Lady. Ahem. Lady Ami? Begging your pardon, however...do I make you nervous? I hardly bite, you know? A talented young lady such as yourself should hold their head high, particularly after the showing you put on. Not be cowed by a half-ruined wretch such as myself."

Radio! Give him a minute, Maira, he's Dennou-confidence-building here. Also, more punch. Because he can't be sober in a party with DARKNESS in it.

TRON has posed:
The Bit bounces up off of Maira's head as it's patted. <"YES!"> It pulses yellow diamond at the word, not that Maira would see it, then settles back down in its default state back on top of her head. When they return victorious, it pops off of Maira's head as she turns on the radio--and it plays music! It pulses yellow diamond again <"YES!"> in response to Maira's statement then starts bouncing around in the air in time to the music.

TRON does his best to ignore the Bit's antics, though his eyes still crinkle in the corners in his amusement. Slowly, he seems to relax just a little. "Police officer..." He pauses, considering, evaluating, pulling from available User-related data. "...Yes, that is equivical." Avira's suggestion of a white knight gets her a confused look. He is not familiar at all with how the World of Ruin works. He barely understands the likes of Manhattan as it is! "I... suppose?"

TRON's attention turns to Minerva next, his mouth tightening grimly. "LEXUS is a Virus. Like the Heartless, like the Darkness." At her question pertaining to /what/ the definition of a Program is, he has to hesitate for a while. To him, it's akin to a human trying to explain what a human actually is to someone who isn't human themselves. "...We are... beings of data. We have established functions--jobs--to carry out in order to keep our world running smoothly. I apologize if it doesn't answer your question, it is the best I can offer."

Angantyr's appearance is met with a nod in greeting, but he does not interrupt ongoing conversation. Talk about 'dancing' is starting to make him nervous, though. What is this 'dancing' they speak of?

Angantyr Vespar has posed:
Angantyr turns to Tron suddenly, "YOu know LEXUS?" he asks, suddenly sounding...aggressive. "How do you know that man?" Angantyr almost half accuses...but he calms after a moment, "Forgive me. I have issues with this...thing."

Maira has posed:
Maira blushes again at Angantyr saying she is a good friend. "I just...thought it would be nice to have an occasion to celebrate," she replies quietly. As to his flat refusal to dance before promptly walking off, Maira swallows hard and nods, not that he's looking anymore.

The blonde turns to Avira, summoning back her smile only somewhat damaged. "Oh no no I'm not a seamstress I just knit! I knitted this in the round so there really are not much in the way of any seams so I didn't really have to sew or anything...ah--anyway, I'm going to get some punch. There's rum in it!" she says, and retreats to the punch bowl before, again, Faruja drinks it all.

At more compliments from the knight, she just blushes and shuffles her feet a little, looking up to see if TRON's bit is still with her. Aha, it is! And it is dancing! This brings a genuine giggle and a look of approval. "Let us dance little light!" she says, gulps down some of the rum punch, then begins to spin around a little in tune to the music with the Bit as he dancing partner.

Emi Dennou has posed:
The Legion is not fond of Virii as a general rule. Being susceptible to them tends to put one off. "We have heard of the Heartless referred to Virii before." Emi says after a moment. "The Network is Humans. We store data." She taps her head. "In these. We have drawn in data from objects identified as 'Data Disks'." She bobs her head. "That is to say, a Data Disk. We have been informed to not do this in the future without permission." She bobs her head again. "Therefore, you do not need to worry about unauthorized downloading."

She lowers her arm after that. She does not comment with regards to dancing but they DO know what dancing is.

Ami is informed there is rum in the punch she didn't drink. She offers it to Faruja and looking up, asks, "Half ruined wretch? You are not..."

She keeps her shoulders huffed up but is, at least, triyng.

If Tron ever dresses up like that, it'd be a KNIGHT to remember DOH HO HO.

Avira has posed:
Ouch, that exchange with Maira. As she watches, something slowly dawns upon her. ...interesting. Also she never realized that Angantyr didn't like dancing. It's never come up before.

Angantyr watched the whole thing, eh? Avira grins at the thought. "That's right, I need to get a team together. I'll wait to see who else qualifies though. That other woman is named Tifa, by the way." Faruja's unease with Angantyr does not go unnoticed. Although she's never witnessed the two interacting before, well...

Knowing what she did about each, she cannot fathom them getting along terribly well. "Strength is not your forte? That's certainly not what I've seen from you! You are plenty strong, Faruja. I'm certain you'll pass the test."

TRON's confusion earns a thoughtful look. "Hmm, I didn't realize you might not be aware of that job system. We'll have to take you out to visit Ivalice or Luca sometime, TRON."

Detecting an Agressive Angantyr, Avira is quickly on the case. "TRON knows him as an enemy, Angantyr." Fortunately, the Dark Knight calms.

"Still Maira..." Avira gestures at her with her cup-wielding hand, "You knitted a whole dress. A very nice dress too. That's pretty amazing."

Faruja Senra has posed:
A drink! How kind of Ami! It's gone into the black hole that is Faruja's gullet. One might wonder if he has dwarf in his blood somewhere.

"Ahh, thank you Ami. Mmm. You are a kind woman. There we are. Speak your mind, and show off those beautiful eyes of yours more often!" He smiles lightly at the nervous girl's attempts. Must boost Dennou confidence level!

A small bow, and then a small twirl...Maira soon has a dancing bit, and dancing rat twirling about her, complementing her own spinning!

Faruja Senra has posed:
Even mid-spin, the rat can talk. "Dear Lady Avira, you do me too much confidence." Stop, pause, beat. Turn, spin! "I shall seek to not have it be misplaced."

Maira has posed:
Maira happily dances with the Bit--even if no one else dances, /she/ is going to. This is not only the first party she's ever given, it is the only party she's really ever attended! She is determined to make the most of it.

Her eyes brighten as a song she loves comes on the radio. She bounces with excitement, then continues dancing, making her way closer to Avira as she reaches out and grabs her best friend by the hand and tugs her along for a romp around the room. "Dance with meeeee!" she calls.

If allowed, Maira will also grab Emi as she passes her, laughing brightly.

Seeing that Faruja is joining in as well, Maira shoots him a bright smile.

TRON has posed:
TRON does not react as Angantyr whirls on him, folding his hands behind the small of his back and straightening. His expression is calm in the face of the momentary aggression. "LEXUS is one of my many enemies, a Program-like Virus who wishes to control my home world. Furthermore, he wishes to destroy me and take my data for his own." His eyes narrow, light matching his circuitry lines smoldering in his pupils for a brief moment, a glimpse of his own dislike for LEXUS. "Your... issues... are quite understandable."
% The Bit chirps <"YES!"> as it bounces in orbit around Maira as she spins around. Users are so much fun! Oooh, and Faruja joins them too! Chi-chi-chi!

TRON nods to Emi, stance relaxing just a little. "Yes, a Disc is very.. important... to us. It is a part of us." Or will, if CHIEF is of any indication. That's still got him puzzled. "I appreciate your courtesy."

Avira's suggestion to visit the World of Ruin gets a thoughtful cant of his head. He only left Traverse Town once since Manhattan's fall. It would probably do him some good, get him better used to Userspace. "Perhaps after I find myself a new User--" annoyed quirk of an eyebrow, "--human outfit. My appearance would stand out too much otherwise, I believe." He will get used to calling Users 'humans' sooner or later, really!

TRON then watches the dancing and those pulled into it, at once confused and fascinated.

Minerva has posed:
Minerva says "So he's a daemon then." She can uncerstand that muchs he pauses she looks a ittle confused for a moment she understnd the idea of a cast system. At the cvery lest. "Some sort of cast system and do not worry. I was always better with my fists than anything else." She seems to ahve a little better understanding now however. "I shouldn't think too hard about things, your here right and one of us, that's enough. Oh yes I am Minerva, I don't think we met in person before."

Emi Dennou has posed:
Ami heard of 'drink like a fish' before but not 'drink like a rat'. Nevertheless, she's now roughly collarized akin to a tomato. SO MUCH FOR CONFIDENCE. Then again, being shy does not neccessarily mean one isn't confident...OR DOES IT? Either way, she says, "'My eyes'... Or 'Our eyes'..?" Surely this question is an easy one to answer, though she's momentarily distracted by dancing.

Before, however, dance numbers begin--Emi nods to TRON and adds, "We are detectives. If you ever need anything detected, please feel free to call on us or our boss, Mercade Alexander. We have an Agency. We work so that Will Sherman does not eat us."

A long pause.

"...That was a joke." Her arm gets seized up and she's dragged off by Maira in short order. Umi uses this as a call to dance crazy, which she does, even going so far as to yell "WOOHOO!".

Angantyr Vespar has posed:
Angantyr nods after a moment... "He is a monster given flesh, is what it is." he says, calmly. Turning towards Avira he nods to her. "I'm fine...it's fine. Just...I wasn't expecting to hear someone know him that wasn't one of us.." he pauses... "I see." he thinks about this for a long time. "I see."

"Tonight is about celibration...perhaps we should turn the conversation to something more cheerful?" he suggests, looking towards The rat and then back to Avira... "Well when you are ready, I will help you all prepare." he offers.

Faruja Senra has posed:
Some part of Faruja enjoys seeing poor Ami flush. The rest of him just likes the girl period. Out of all of the Dennou, she's possibly the cutest with that shy personality.

As Faruja passes by, he's sure to grab Maira's arm, and twirl her about before returning her in Avira's general direction.

Spinning back Ami-wards, a tail reaches up. Should she not move, poke! To the nose with his tail! "/Your/ eyes, M'Lady Ami. Though hardly do I wish to insult your relations! Family is a blessing, Ami, treasure it well. 'Tis a fragile thing."

Smile! Smile! "Shall we?" He says to Ami, before making an attempt to sweep her off into a dance! The poor girl needs to liven up and have some fun!

One ear perks towards Angantyr. Hmm. He's not one to butt in, but the Dark Knight certainly has the rat's curiousity.

Maira has posed:
Well, since she is apparently forming some kind of line here and dragging people into the dancing, next up she grabs TRON. He has hands, and can thus be grabbed! "Come on, lets dance!" she says, not knowing he doesn't have the slightest idea how. It wasn't difficult. You just...wiggle rythmically!

Avira has posed:
"I certainly agree on this more cheerful thing!" Avira didn't want to think about LEXUS anymore. That program's day got a little bit more bright every time they said something bad about him.

"Oh, Faruja, you're so modes-" Before she can continue with the dragoon templar, Avira is pulled away quite suddenly. "Dance?" Well, she's not opposed to it! And though she's about to offer to take TRON shopping for 'User clothing', that train of thought is completely derailed by Maira's antics.

Dance she will! Awkwardly at least. Parties and dancing were things Avira has not partaken much in.

TRON has posed:
TRON chuckles softly to Minerva. "No, we have not. This is the first time I have been able to meet any of Avira's comrades or friends." He then nods to Emi. "I will remember that." Which reminds him--

Oh, wait, Maira swoops in and steals Emi away. The white Security Program is left blinking, not quite sure how to react. Angantyr's suggestion of keeping conversations 'cheerful' is sound advice, and he decides to store the pending topic away for later discussion. Like LEXUS, like CHIEF, like SARGON... like everything else.

Problem is, that /really/ leaves him at a loss. He is not yet used to the concept of being able to do something that has absolutely nothing to do with his function or secondary directives. 'Having fun' is a foreign concept to him.

Then Maira grabs him by the hand and pulls him along to the 'dance floor' too. "I--Ah--Wha--?!" Error, subject does not compute! The Bit twirls around him, chi-chi-chi and all, and TRON looks absolutely lost. This is not in his programming!

Emi Dennou has posed:
"Help." Ami requests as her arm is swung up and down via Maira. She can't do this on command oh noooo! Or wait--maybe...she can?! She is one of those dancers that only 'sort of' dances, though, in the sense that there may indeed be wiggling but it's so impercetipble she might as well not be wiggling?! This isn't shyness so much as an apathy towards emoting.

Ami lowers her head at Faruja's comment. Her reaction is uncertain. Hive Minds are strange and what may seem charming to one may simply be strange in another. She gives little indication either way though and does, at least, allow herself to go into the dance. She dances along, apparently not having any issue with it. It's just body movements.

"TRON!" Umi shouts. "You gotta GET WILD! The Network informs."

Maira has posed:
Maira looks to TRON, smiling encouragingly. "You can do it! Just listen to the music. Here the beat? The THUMP THUMP THUMP like the beat of a heart? Just listen to it and move your body to it!" she suggests, letting him go and hoping he can get the hang of it. "Your Bit can dance!" she adds, giggling as the little orb swirls around.

At Umi's suggestion to GET WILD, Maira laughs brightly and turns toward Avira, "Perhaps with the two of us we could convince Angantyr to dance?" she suggests.

Katyna has posed:
Katyna had made another trip to the church, seeking guidance..And perhaps a chance to see Sir Kasrillen again. In the end, she'd lost track of time and had returned to VALKYRIE hq a bit tired, and hungry. Nah, doesn't look like she'll have energy to port to Hollow Bastion tonight, besides, she was starting to enjoy the company of her fellow VALKYRI..

When she steps through the front door though, yawning a bit, she is greeted with quite the surprise as she hears loud music and sees the place packed with various people who are dancing. "Woah!! What's goin' on in here!?" Well, so much for a quiet nap!

Angantyr Vespar has posed:
Angantyr steps back, a massive figure at the back of the party. Instead he drinks...

And has a plate of Nachos.

He eats one.

Minerva has posed:
Minerva is lured otu of her stupor and homes in on the Natchos heself she's going to try to get some for herself thes strange things smell so good she's just got to follow her nose.

Maira has posed:
Of course, while forming her little chain of dancer and dragging various people around the room, Maira stops by the door and snags Katyna! "We're having a partyyyy! Don't think to hard about it! Just enjoy!" she sings.

Katyna may notice Maira is wearing the dress she'd been working on last they talked. Apparently it is done!

Avira has posed:
"Get Angantyr to dance...?" Avira actually seems to be thinking about this prospect quite hard. After that moment of thought, Avira's free hand reches over to leave her cup of punch on the table. Without it, she can catch Maira's other hand in his. "I doubt that would be such a great idea. Let him sit there measurably."

TRON has posed:
TRON glances between Umi and Maira, trying to process their advice while fighting off an impending bluescreen. Unfortunately, Umi's advice is lacking in applicable data and Maira's is too based on Users.

The Bit hovers in front of him, filling his vision. It suddenly pulses into yellow diamond form, tremoring as if pulsing rapid-fire. <"YESYESYESYES!"> Clearly it is excited about all this fun and activity!

TRON tilts his head faintly. "So it does..." The Bit resets to default and returns to bobbing and weaving through the dancers in the impromtu conga line, its point made. He glances over to the radio, actually listening to the beat now, and feels the rhythm of the dancing Users around him.

So carefree... is it really alright? Can he really afford to do the same?

Slowly, he relaxes despite his uncertainty and moves more naturally with the others, testing, polling, wondering. And soon, before he even realizes it, he too is moving with the music--nothing major, perhaps just a head-bob or a shift of his weight accordingly, but it's there.

Maira has posed:
SIGH. "Oh fine. I think it would do him some good though," she replies. "I'm stealing another nacho when we go around, I'll grab you one too," she says with a giggle.

Indeed, she does so, and sticks her tongue at Angantyr as she is pulled away by the momentum of the dancing once more.

Maira looks back to check on TRON, finding that he is indeed moving! She smiles brightly and calls encouragement to him, "There! You see! You're doing it!"

Angantyr Vespar has posed:
"Back woman! These are mine!" Munch munch munch. Angantyr is oblivious to many things...including something that should be obvious to everyone. Instead, he is quite and wallflowery...is he unable to dance?

Katyna has posed:
No sooner does she step in, then Kat is suddenly dragged off to Party! She grins, nodding to Maira. How could she ever turn down a dance? "Ooh Maira, you finished your dress! You look gorgeous!!" she chuckles, "Alright, let's boogey!"

Hardly shy herself, Kat strides boldly to the center of the dance floor and starts to dance a lively breakdance step, jumping and spinning around TRON. "Wow, love the moves!" she grins and nods to him as she weaves in an out of the crowds.

She slowly weaves around the room, noting some familiar faces, and grins at Emi (or is it Ami?), "Heey, good to see you again, didja bring Faru with you?" Avira is also given a smile and nod. "Heey Avira, great party!"

Emi Dennou has posed:
Ami shakes her head at Katyna as she boogies. "No, we met him here." She looks Kat over a bit before adding, "It is nice to see you again, The Network reintroduces themselves and is surprised you remember us."

Emi does her small dancing motions too.

"Do the robot!" Umi shouts.

"TRON is a program not a robot." Emi corrects her.

"That's racist, Emi, programs can do the robot too." Umi counters.

Emi sighs.

TRON has posed:
TRON doesn't seem to mind the attention he suddenly gets, oddly enough. Certainly there's still a part of his mind that's downright scared of the 'what ifs' and more than a bit self-consciousness, but he isn't listening. His expression relaxes further, barriers he has built around himself easing as the pain, the sadness, the resentment, everything of that sort bleeds away.

He hears the Dennou's bickering somewhere and chuckles, the amusement soon blossoming to laughter. Just pure laughter, no strings attached. He doesn't reply, though, not for now. There's no need to.

He has not let himself feel this way in a very long time. Relaxed, happy... free. If only Yori could be here, everything would have come full circle. But this is good enough for now.