Seacombe Halpworth Annual Winter Ball

[Shini]

Students who have been here a while will know the drill by now, for those new students who are enjoying their first winter here at Seacombe Halpworth, something new is happening. On the first of December, posters appear in hallways and on noticeboards all around the school.

'Tis the seasons, boys and girls, and the entire school seems to be in on it. Shortly after the posters appear, the school is decorated for the winter holidays and all everybody seems to be able to talk about is who's going to the winter ball, what they're wearing and who they're going with. The shops are involved as well, Rajah's is doing deals on formalwear and Meeko's is advertising special chocolate boxes just right for asking that certain someone to accompany you. It's one of the few events the school runs that pays no attention to who or what you are, everyone is welcome.

On the 15th at 7.00pm precisely, the doors to the Events Hall open to allow the students in. A red carpet leads up to the large double doors and into the plush foyer, where staff are on hand to take coats and hand out welcoming drinks of sparkling (non-alcoholic) wine. There is a booth set up for couples to get their photos taken and staff with trays of canapés. The plush stairs lead down into the ballroom, elegantly decorated with tables set up around the edges, a bar serving a variety of drinks and a buffet table with a selection of delicious food to choose from.

On the stage, a band are playing - gentle music for ballroom dancing, though later in the evening things will pick up more and a DJ will take over with some more modern dance music.

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For Role-Playing purposes, the ball is now open for posting and people can post in this thread. In character the ball doesn't actually happen until the 15th, so if anybody would like to RP out preparing for the ball/asking people out/etc either before or while they are posting, that's fine too, however you want to do it.
Have fun and enjoy!

[James Florian]

James stood in front of his dorm room's mirror, carefully inspecting his outfit for flaws or oversights. He nervously pushed a hand through his soft and styled hair, messing it up slightly, but he honestly did not notice. He was far more concerned about his attire. He had never worn a suit such as this one before, since Seacombe’s customs were not as old fashioned or deeply rooted in tradition as his homeland had been. This explained the modern monkey suit that he was wearing instead of the princely garb he was accustomed to wearing for events such as this one. It felt weird to the seventeen year old, constricting, unfamiliar, and especially unnatural. It wasn’t adorned with the usual embellishments that signified who he was, but instead it was just a dark grey suit with matching trousers. The cuff links and edges of the jacket were lined with a darker material. However it was surprisingly light compared to what he wore to parties and galas back home. At least there was now one good thing about this ridiculous suit.

Now if it was up to James he would’ve rather worn something else, something that he was used to, but no, the school dress code for the Winter ball told him otherwise. He had only two options, wear the suit or spend the night in the dorm room, and there was no way James was spending the evening tucked away in a little box. So James was just going to have to get used to the suit, no doubt he would have to wear it again sometime in the future.

At least it could have been worse, James silently thought to himself as he took one final glance at his attire, Mother could have sent something from home instead. Now that would have been ten times more uncomfortable and embarrassing than the outfit he was wearing now. Granted he did love his mother, but if James’ personal choice would have been out of date, Snow’s choice would have belonged in the land before time. That alone would have been bad enough, but factor in that he was also one of the “new kids” and everyone was still creating their opinions about him into that mix. He was not going to label himself as a buffoon, who knows what the repercussions of that would be since here at Seacombe Halpworth the future leaders of the world were training for the roles they would someday be assigned.

Tonight, however was all about impressions. Everyone at Seacombe Halpworth would be at the holiday party that evening. Prince, Princess, Villain, Sidekick, everyone would be going. James had to be a part of that everyone. Who knew, maybe one day the fate of his homeland would be dependent on these school days.

Though that probably wasn’t going to happen. Still you never know, he quietly thought as he pulled himself away from the mirror and opened the door to his dorm room satisfied that the outfit he had bought in the town at the foot of the school grounds was not damaged in anyway shape or form. It was time to face the music, James’ first gala here at this fabled school was going to occur in a short amount of time and the Prince was beyond nervous. After all anything and everything could happen tonight since both Good and Evil would be in the same room tonight, at least hopefully the holiday atmosphere will prevent anyone from attacking each other tonight.

Since James’ dorm was on the uppermost level, he had quite a few flights of stairs to go up and down whenever he wanted to go to his dorm room. Which he didn’t mind truth be told, the view that his room had for being so high up in the air was worth it. He also still didn’t share his dorm room either so if he accidentally locked himself out he would be in some deep trouble and would probably have to crash on the couch in Grove’s room until the security guard could be bothered to go and unlock the door.

Speaking of Grove, James paused in front of the ninth dorm room, almost walking past after being lost in his own thoughts about rushing to the Agrahbah building. He knocked on the door and called out, “Hey Grove, are you ready?” He hoped his friend wouldn’t take too long to enter the hall as well. It would have been far more awkwarder for the Prince if he entered the building on his own.

[Grove]

Grove did not want to go to the ball. He hated them. There were too many people and he always felt so overwhelmed. Balls at the palace were grand affairs that he was forced to go to because he was always personally invited. He was forced to wear something completely ridiculous and so horrifically expensive that he tried not to eat anything. And he didn't know how to dance, but he was always expected to especially because so many people thought he was attractive and always wanted to talk to him about stupid things like the weather. Or things Grove knew nothing about. Balls were uncomfortable and he didn't like them.

Grove had absolutely not gone last year. He had spent a lovely evening by himself not talking to people he didn't want to talk to. It had been great. But this year James was here and if James was going to the ball, then he was going to drag Grove with him. So he'd gotten himself those stupid fancy clothes and had put them on because James insisted. James was his best friend. He couldn't let him go alone. He would go too and try not to be completely miserable the entire time.

Grove looked at himself in the mirror. The navy blue suit was a nice cut and color. The woman had insisted on the blue. She said it brought out his eyes or something like that. And she'd insisted on a pale blue button down under the suit jacket. He had to admit that he looked good, but he could not, for the life of him, figure out how to tie his tie.

He opened the door at the knot, frowning heavily. "Do you know how to tie a tie?" He held the offending item in his hand. "The lady at the store insisted that I get it but I can't remember how to tie it and I tried to look it up on the internet, but it was confusing and I...the tie," he finished helplessly. Grove at least wanted to look the part.

[James Florian]

    James honestly felt bad that he was pushing and prodding Grove out of his personal safety bubble by making him go to the ball, but secretly the Prince was just as nervous as the red head. This was the first time he would be attending an event such as this one without his family. There has never been a party either in his own kingdom or a neighboring one where James went on his own. Regardless of what type of event it was he always had someone familiar in the corner of his eyes to guide him in how to act, speak to others, or which dance was required given the situation. Now he didn't have that, James was essentially going in blind. 

    Well not exactly, now that he thought about it. He had Grove by his side who knew the students and the schools customs far better than he did and to mention he had been to so many of these types of events before, that no doubt within the first few minutes everything will come naturally to him once again. James was just letting the apprehension of what may or may not happen get to him. He would be absolutely fine, there was nothing to worry about.  It would be just like the over dozen or so events he attended over the years. 

    He didn't mention his apprehension as Grove opened the door. After all James was the one who was dragging the both of them to this winter ball. No doubt his friend would be really mad at him if he revealed how he really thought about the evening ahead. Instead he focused on what was going on now, and that was that Grove was almost ready to go. "Well someone is looking rather dapper in his blue suit." James said with an light and cheery attitude that was only somewhat forced, after how could he not be all smiles around his best -and so far only- friend? Especially since the two of them knew each other since the prince was learning how to crawl.

    "It looks really nice Grove, a lot better than my boring grey one, at least yours looks winter themed." He added before a necktie was thrust into his hands and Grove began to ramble about not being able to tie it. Instinctively James looked down at his own black one that stood out against the white undershirt he was wearing beneath the suit. Now the knot looked like maybe it had taken the Prince only a few seconds at most, but by god was it such a pain. The sales woman had told him it was as simple as over, under, and through the loop, but in the first five attempts there had been no loop! It was just a disaster and also a miracle that James hadn't given up altogether. However he did succeed in the battle verses the fabric, so maybe he could replicate the results he got?

    "Alright, just calm down, here let me show you." James said as he gently threw the tie over the lumberjack's neck and adjusted it so the tie would be straight and not look like someone who was shorter than Grove did it for him. His fingers then got to work as he remembered and replicated the steps he had took when he actually got it. "Over, under, and through the loop." He said with completion of each step. When the tie was successfully knotted the seventeen year old removed his hands and said "There, now are you ready to go?"

[Grove]

Grove knew that it was stupid to get so worked up about a tie, but he really didn't want to go to this ball and he had to look the part. So it was a relief that James knew how to tie a tie and not only knew how to, but tied it for him. He sagged a little bit in relief as James tied the stupid thing for him. When James was down he smoothed down the tie with one hand, then nodded. "Thanks." He'd try to remember for the next tie wearing occasion, but it was more likely that this exact scenario would play out again in the future.

Grove sighed. "Yeah, let's go." He quickly stuffed his hands in his pockets, finally looking at his friend and really taking him in. He looked good in that suit. Grove huffed ad ducked his head. "You look really nice," he commented softly. "Better than something your mom would have picked out." He shuffled his feet before realizing that he had basically just insulted James' mother and his queen. "Not that your mom doesn't have taste," he added quickly. "It's just a bit...medieval."

Grove kind of wanted to slap himself for that comment. Pretty people were bad for his health because he made stupid decisions regarding them. He felt as though he had put his foot in his mouth again. If he didn't say anything at all then, then he couldn't get himself into any more trouble.

[James Florian]

    James could tell that Grove was stressing over the ball from how worked up he had become over such a petty thing as the tie was. It made the prince feel awful inside, as if the guilt of knowing that Grove was acting this way because of him, was eating him from the inside out. He made a silent oath to himself that if the lumberjack wanted to leave during the festivities, James would go with him, no question asked, no concerns raised. If Grove wanted out, he would be okay with it. After all isn't that what friends were for? 

    The way the both of them were viewing the event that would start shortly showed just how different lifestyles the two of them have led so far in their lives. James was used to these balls, banquets, and galas, and due to that he actually looked forward to them. They were just second nature to him, while it was like sticking a penguin in the desert for Grove. The burly lumberjack was used to small gatherings for holidays at the very most, and only attended large events such as Seacombe Halpworth's party when someone else invited them to come along, such as James had done, and went in order to not be rude. It made James wonder if the two of them still would have been friends if they had happened to cross paths in some other way instead of certain events occurring before either of them were born. Would the naive prince and silent miner formed such strong bond as well if they both had grown up with other friends that had been their ages and didn't give two damns about titles or places in society like the two of them had?

    The raven haired lad offered the red haired one a small smile and a "You're welcome" in response for tying the stupid piece of fabric, as they made their way over to the staircase which led to the bottom floors of the dormitories. He paused though when Grove commented on his suit, something about the way he had said it tugged at James' brain. However he just shrugged it off as Grove being nervous about the evening ahead, "You look rather dashing yourself." The prince said regaining his composure as well, the momentary confusion passed through him. Soon James would forget about it altogether, he would just remember he had complemented his outfit.

    He scoffed though at Grove's comment about how his mother's taste were simply out of date, "Medieval? More like prehistoric and childish." The prince said with an eyeroll as the two of them reached the stairs and began to descend to the lobby area. He then realized that maybe his own comment was rather unregal so as a way to cover it up he added, "Don't get me wrong, I love her, but I just don't love her choices in fashion. Sometimes I think that she still believes that I'm a little boy who can't do anything, and it's just frustrating. Thank god we were able to get these things here, otherwise she would have probably torn apart both yours and my own wardrobe looking for the most embarrassing and most uncomfortable outfits she could find. She's just so out of touch!" Not surprisingly it turned into a mini-rant, because like most teenagers, James no longer saw eye to eye with his mother. He cringed at the memory of some of the outfits that she had made him wear in the past. They were embarrassing, uncomfortable, unflattering, constricting, and just awful overall. Although unfamiliar at least the two of them could actually move around in the suits they were wearing. 

    Within no time the two of them were outside where lanterns lit the way between the dormitories and the event hall. Suddenly the nervousness came rushing back to him. He absently pulled at his shirt collar and said, "Hey Grove, is it bad that I'm nervous?" 

[Aristeides]

While the boys were busy debating fashion and nerves, Aristeides was having trouble with neither of those things. She had selected the perfect floor length one shoulder gown - in black, of course, but with just enough sparkle to draw attention - and she'd spent all morning preparing. She was not, ordinarily, the type to spend that much time on her appearance, but this was the social event of the season and she was fully expecting to walk away with the Queen's crown (or rather, she better walk away with the crown, or somebody was going to pay), so she had to look the part. Her hair had been piled into an elaborate up-do, and she'd even got her makeup done - nothing too over the top, but just enough to enhance her best features. Admittedly, she thought all her features were her best, but the make up artist had done a good job nonetheless.

She glided into the event hall with all the confidence of somebody who was already crowned, moving to the voting area after handing her jacket to a member of staff and graciously placing her votes - after all, there had to be runners up, and she'd like to do her part to make sure they were suitable to be sharing her stage.
She was on top form of loveliness tonight, even giving some attention to those who'd normally be beneath her notice; every vote counted after all, and those who tried so desperately to get her attention would most likely be swayed into voting for her by an unprecedented kind word or pleasant smile.

Voting (and minor campaigning) accomplished, she collected a glass of champagne and mingled through the crowds. Hardly anybody had made it down into the main hall yet, so she stayed where she could see and be seen, there were still votes to be cast after all.

[Grove]

Dashing. Grove didn't really know what to think about dashing. The woman in the store hadn't called him dashing, but it wasn't a bad thing. Except that sidekicks weren't typically the sort to be dashing. The heroes were handsome and dashing. Grove was just a miner/woodcutter. He wasn't supposed to do dashing. "You're dashing," he replied petulantly. "I'm just...me."

Grove shrugged. He didn't mind when Snow fussed over him. Not that he would admit it, but he kind of liked the fussing. He knew it was only the queen's way of looking after him and he liked feeling cared for like that. Granted, he didn't have to live with it on an everyday basis like Jim did. He was sure it made Jim feel coddled and babied. "It's not always so bad. You may not like what she puts you in, but she always makes you look good. Even if it's horribly uncomfortable. Pain is beauty or whatever." The queen's tastes were a bit out of date, but she had an eye for what looked good on a person.

Grove only started to really catch on that Jim might be nervous too when he pulled at his collar. He was putting on a show of being confident, but now he could see that James was nervous too. He'd probably only been faking confidence for his benefit. "No. I'm nervous too. There's going to a bunch of people we don't know. Parties here are different than back home. Back home you knew what you were getting into. Here, we're walking in blind. Even your parents would be nervous." He gave his friend an encouraging pat on the back, then gestured for him to walk into the party. 

People were beginning to mill around and that's when Grove caught sight of the blue haired girl. "Hey," he said turning towards his friend. "See that girl with the blue hair? Stay away from her if you can. She's not a witch, but she's got magic."

[Admiral]

Admiral was super excited about this year's winter ball. He remembered that last year had been super fun. He wasn't a good dancer back then, but it had been fun anyway.This year he hoped that his dancing had improved. He'd actually taken some classes about dancing. Humans were funny about their dancing, but it was really fun. He could see why they danced.

It was just his luck that his clothes from last year still fit. Suits were great, but tails and a top hat were just that little bit extra dapper. So he happily donned his tails and top hat and walked into the party. He bowed to someone he had classes with, grinning at them and so excited that he forgot to remove his hat.

Moving further into the room he handed his over coat and top hat off to some staff member with a polite smile. Then he was moving around and engaging in polite conversation with some of the students he knew. He turned away from one of sisters when he bumped into someone. Turning, he noticed that it had been a blue haired girl. "I'm so sorry," apologized, feeling bad for bumping into her. He was totally blaming that on his sister for distracting him. "Are you okay?"

[Isla Triton]

Isla wasn't really a fan of big events. Even at home when they had parties and everyone was invited Isla didn't stay for very long. Too many people made her feel truly insignificant. But Isla had the Triton name to uphold and so she would go to this party. And she was dressed to the nines, even if she did say so herself. She felt every bit the princess she was supposed to be.

The dress she had picked out reminded her of the scales she used to wear on her lovely tail. The color reminded her of her mom. It was as flowy as she would have liked, but it made her feel like a mermaid again. And of course she had accessorized in an ocean theme.

Isla made her way through the crowded room. She hadn't spotted Eli yet, but she was sure he would be here soon if he wasn't already. Then she spotted Admiral in the crowd speaking to a blue haired girl. Isla had seen her before and she didn't particularly care for the girl. There was something about her that just made Isla dislike her. Instead Isla grabbed a glass of the sparkling wine and stood off to the side, watching people as they milled about. At least that was interesting enough. Hopefully she didn't look too awkward.


outfit here!

[Cyrille LeFoux]

Cyrille adjusted the collar of his suit, a fidgeting habit he hadn't realized he'd had until he had to wear a suit. What he wouldn't give to rather be going to a party in his home world... No suits or ties there; the royalty wore ever-elaborate gowns and the fanciest double-breasted suits and all of that kind of thing, but peasants like him didn't really have any fancy clothing.

You had what you could pay the town seamstress for, what you needed, and not much else. Scraps of torn cloth, or clothing and rags to help during the winter and with colds - everyone had some less-worn clothing they would wear to church, or weddings, but that was it. So a suit to a ball was an entirely new experience for Cyrille - the past parties at Seacombe he'd either lurked in the back or not gone at all. Not stellar for his popularity - or his people skills - but he hadn't needed either back then. Now, he was working on both...using small steps. Wearing the right clothing for the occasion would help.

Arriving at about the same time as everyone else, Cyrille leaned against one of the pillars in the room, watching and trying to pick out certain people. The hero he'd gotten into a fight with, the villainess he owed a favor - and the one he'd grown up with, who was nowhere in sight yet. "Leave it to her to want to make a big entrance." He muttered, amused. One hand slid into his jacket pocket; the slim flask held the most powerful alcohol he'd been able to buy from the bar at his own provincial little town; it could get a horse stinking drunk, he'd been told.

Now, wait til people had started dancing and talking, and he'd just slip a little in and watch what happened. Cyrille smirked to himself; who needed drama class? This was much more fun.

[James Florian]

    James shook his head slightly and rolled his eyes at Grove's comment about how the two of them both looked and to no one's surprise Grove was still insisting that he was not handsome in the slightest bit. "Why do you keep on insisting that? You know it's not true, you look amazing in that suit and we both now that's it not the everyday version of you. Just admit what you already know and save me a whole lot of trouble Grove." James countered, it appalled him how blind his best friend was being, why couldn't he see that Grove was not ugly. Regardless of what the red haired believed, everyone knew the truth. If only Grove himself could open his eyes to James' words...


    "If pain is beauty, then I would much rather look like my step-grandmother and I'm not talking about when she was sitting on the throne either." The Prince said with a small snort to add emphasis on what he really thought of his mother's fashion sense. Though he could see where Grove was coming from, after all she was the only maternal figure that the lumberjack had grown up with. So clearly he didn't mind the fretting and fussing over his well being that occurred when either family made a visit. Despite what the dwarfs believed they couldn't exactly replicate a mother's love and caring nature, since you know; they're seven little men living in the forest. Not even Uncle Happy could copy the relationship between James and his mother with Grove. It just wasn't possible. "I get what you're saying though, it's just that has to be the one thing we never saw eye to eye on." He said with a small shrug. It was no secret James wasn't exactly the mini-version of his mother anymore. He was finding out who he was, he already knew who his parents were. 
        
    James was relived that Grove wasn't perturbed by the revelation that the raven haired lad was nervous about the winter ball. Secretly the prince had been afraid that Grove would have judged him or even turn around and walk right back to the dorms to spend the evening whittling instead. However James realized that it was just a silly and unlikely fear. There was no way Grove was just going to abandoned the seventeen year old just because he was jittery, and James would stay by Grove's side as well if it was a role reversal. He smiled weakly and said with all sincerity, "Thanks Grove, I guess I'm just letting it get to me, and yeah I could definitely see Father getting paranoid. He never liked going to places with different customs then ours. It's no wonder he dragged me and Mother with us every single time." He added a small joke to the end which he personally knew to be true. His hands would fidget, constantly readjusting his attire, stammering slightly, rambling off facts and statistics about wherever they were visiting. Luckily Snow had always been there to calm him down, she always had that ability. Just thinking of how his parents would react if it was them instead of him formed a huge knot in the prince's stomach. Although it wasn't as bad as it had been when he arrived, the prince was still terribly homesick. He face contorted a bit to match the actual pain he felt over missing all he had never known, but it had been momentarily. Soon he regained his composure and quietly muttered to himself as his friend gave him a reassuring pat on the back,  "I miss them."

    However it was time to put all nervousness and mushy gushy feelings about missing home behind them as the two friends entered the event hall. James kept his suit jacket on at least just for now while everything was calm and everyone was just arriving, maybe later when things kicked up he would leave it hanging on the back of some chair at one of the tables that were shoved around the edges. It seemed like everyone was there and James recognized a few people from several of his classes here at the school as well as few faces he had run into previously and not all of them were good. Take for example that Cyrille kid he had fought with earlier was leaning up against one of the poles, and subconsciously reached up to rub his jaw in the same spot the kid had punched him. Luckily enough time had passed that the bruise had faded, or at least nearly faded, but the same could not be said about the jabs the kid had aimed at his chest. Those were still standing out against his pale skin and hurt like hell whenever he leaned to far to the side or lifted his arm to a certain height. Hopefully the holiday atmosphere would prevent from round two from occurring, his body was already sore enough. 

    James nodded in response to Grove's warning against a girl with blue hair of all things. She definitely had that aura of powerful being. The prince could sense it from over here, he had no intentions of patronizing with anyone that had magical powers. Time and time again he had been told magic was always bad, there was no good sides to magic. "Will do, Grove." The prince said over the music, he then pointed in Cyrille's direction and gave the lumberjack a warning of his own, "Stay away from him as well, he's the one who gave me all those bruises and broke the library's window. He's insane that one."

    Granted it might have not been the most polite thing to do, pointing out a blacklist of people they weren't going to talk to, but let's keep in mind these two young adults were raised in either the woods or surrounded by four stone walls. There wasn't much stranger interaction to be found in either place, which explained their quick judgement. 

    Inspired by the cheery atmosphere around him, the raven haired lad said with a cheeky grin, "Grove do you remember how to dance or must I teach you again?" It was an annual tradition of sorts, the prince would teach the lumberjack how to do the basic waltzes quite literally before the holiday party was to begin, or they pulled each other out of the festivities to refresh the red head's memory once again. 


    

[Eli Triton]

Eli hated formalwear more than any other type of clothing, there just seemed to be so many layers to it; shirts and waistcoats and jackets, and then all the accessories! He'd had it drummed into him from a young age that it was important to wear everything properly and neatly, whether it was smaller versions of his father's naval uniform or fancy suits when they were a little older, he was a prince and he had to present himself as such at formal events.

He tugged at the collar of his shirt even as he was walking into the foyer, wishing more than ever that he could throw this all off and go for a swim, but he didn't want to leave his friends to have fun at the ball without him, and it was good practice for when he went home. Like Admiral, he'd gone for a top-and-tails ensemble, though he ditched his coat and hat even quicker than his roommate had. Tidying up his collar again, frowning at the snugness, he went in search of somebody he knew - a pleasant conversation would distract him from his discomfort.

Admiral seemed quite happy chatting to a young woman with blue hair, though she didn't look particularly pleased about it herself. He resolved to keep an eye on the situation and move to rescue the puppy if it looked like he needed it. He looked around for a viewpoint from which to observe and spotted Isla standing alone. He grabbed himself a drink and headed over to her.

"You look wonderful," he complimented with a smile.

[Aristeides]

A familiar figure caught her attention as he entered the ball, and she watched him out the corner of her eye as he pointed her out to his little friend. No doubt warning him away from the dangerous witch with the fire. Honestly, she'd helped him get his little fire started and he'd got all prickly about it, it was hardly her fault. She was about to go over to him and make him even more uncomfortable when something caused her to stumble, spilling her drink. For a split second, there was fire in her eyes, and it was barely under control when she turned slowly to look at the person who had dared to trip into her.

"Watch where you're going," she practically hissed at him, narrowing her eyes at the overly excitable wretch that had caused the champagne all over her hand, though none of it had actually spilled onto her dress, the very fact that it could have was enough to enrage her, and she was only just keeping it in check. "Clumsy idiot."

[Grove]

"But I'm a ginger," Grove complained. "Nobody likes a ginger," he groused. "Social media even said that gingers don't have souls. People don't find it attractive." It was stupid, it was. Grove knew that he was being stupid, but red hair was unattractive. He'd always known that. Everyone preferred a blonde. Or tall dark and handsome. People had types and ginger was not one.

"Well you weren't the only one shoved into clothes that were uncomfortable. She fussed over me too," he reminded his friend gently. He knew though that James wanted a little more freedom from his mother. He understood that. Grove had seven little men as fathers. He understood the need for space. 8 personalities in one small space wasn't always pleasant. "You're not always supposed to see eye to eye with your parents."

Grove nodded. He understood that things were nerve wracking when they were new. Having lived his life fairly shut away from people, he wasn't really a fan of big crowds. "You'll be fine," he reassured his friend. "Just do the kind of thing that you'd do at a party at home." As a prince Jim would be fine.

He was still watching Aristeides when James pointed out another person. The kid didn't seem outwardly aggressive, but Grove couldn't rule it out completely either. He nodded. "Noted. Try to stay out of trouble with him. We don't need to be making enemies." He'd heard about the fight and it had happened shortly after Grove had told him to stay out of trouble. Grove was still pretty angry about it, mostly because that other kid tried to beat up his best friend.

Grove sighed sounding very put upon at the question about dancing. "I know how to dance," he told his friend. James always liked to show him how to waltz as if Grove needed the refresher when he didn't. "Do you remember how it all goes?"