Ayshela

Welcome indeed! And you are most welcome to attend the ball! The overanxious guards at the door checking for invitations seem to have met their better, so getting in should be no problem at all. Just in case, though... Ayshela rapidly writes Autumn's name on one of the spare invitations she always carries with her now There, that will ensure that you have no problem. Come, join the fun!

excuse? oh, like, maybe... Gwaihir is human too? *shrug* works for me.

*nod* it is difficult, sometimes, isn't it? and oooooooooh i know that feeling! very well described. *hugs*

OOOOOOOOOH!!! tiptoes in with a big bowl of popcorn to share with those who want to listen, too..

Ayshela sat on the floor in the corner of her garden room, as far from the doorway as she could get. The room was lovely, but she was so engrossed in her thoughts she saw nothing but the events of the day. WHAT in the Goddess's name was with Salinye? That she was deeply disturbed, Ayshela knew. Why? With a sigh, she had to admit she had no idea at all. That scene in the conference room.. Salinye had been so deeply disturbed as she left that without conscious thought Ayshela had taken two quick steps to follow her, to ask what was wrong, before realizing that her intrusion at that time would be not only unwise, but quite unwelcome. She had spent part of the afternoon in the Infirmary, helping as best she could, and part of the afternoon out scouting the surrounding area. Unfortunately, she wasn't terribly familiar with this area, so while there seemed something subtly not right, she couldn't say there was anything *wrong*. The sound of footsteps outside barely intruded upon her thoughts, as she knew well that the call of nature kept no hours. The sudden squeaking and scuffling snapped her out of her thoughts and she sat up straight to listen for a moment, to identify sounds. With a quick tuck and roll she was on her feet and striding over to grab her blades, cursing her stupidity in taking them off and swearing to SLEEP in them until she knew whatever was wrong had been taken care of and all was as it should be. Blades in place and at the door, she looked out hoping for moonlight. There was just enough light for her to be able to see - nothing. Stepping out her door she looked again, closer, but whatever had happened, whoever had been there, they were gone now. Odd. Ayshela leaned back against the wall pensively. The day had been odd to begin with, but this was quickly becoming bizarre. She cast her mind back over the day again, hoping to find some way to fit the pieces together that made more than a small shred of sense - or even a small shred of sense, but there was none. She was still leaning against the wall thinking, when she heard Annael softly call Gyrfalcon. She stayed where she was, not wanting to risk intruding, but was glad to see Gyrfalcon respond so quickly. She heard only a few murmurs before the whole top of the tree crashed to the ground! Ayshela raced over to make sure they were alright, and started pulling branches aside to find Annael and Gyrfalcon, when she realized they were being attacked. Well! At least NOW she was on familiar ground! She waded in, kicking and slashing, trying to get the attacker's attention at least long enough for Daryl, Gyrfalcon, and Annael to get to their feet and free of the tree. From the sounds of it, these two would have to be dispatched quickly, there was trouble at the outer walls.

*giggle* Here's one... The Drunk Poem Starkle, starkle, little twink, Who the hell are you I think. I'm not under what you call The alcofluence of incohol. I'm just a little slort of sheep, I'm not drunk like thinkle peep. I don't know who is me yet, But the drunker I stand here the longer I get. So just give me one more fink to drill my cup, 'Cause I got all day sober to Sunday up. listens to the sound of silence. no? well, how about this? A woman is in the bar of a cruise ship and she asks the bartender for a scotch and two drops of water. As the bartender gives her her drink she says "it's my birthday today and I'm on the cruise to celebrate my 80th birthday." The bartender says, "Well, since it's your birthday I'll buy you a drink in fact I'll take care of this one for you." As the women finishes her drink the woman to her right says, "I guess I should buy you a drink." The old woman says, "All right. Bartender I want a scotch and two drops of water." "All right," says the bartender. As she finishes her drink the man to her right says, "Since I'm the only one around you that hasn't bought you a drink I guess I might as well buy you one." The old woman says, "All right. Bartender I want a scotch and two drops of water." "Coming right up," the bartender says. As he gives her the drink he says, "Ma'am I'm dying of curiosity. Why the scotch and only two drops of water?" The old woman replies, "Sonny you learn that when your my age you can hold your liquor but you sure can't hold your water."

Ayshela stood near the door once again, wondering who had assigned such hamhanded guards, and if they'd be intelligent enough to get the idea. Her idle curiosity was quickly put to rest as once again sounds of commotion arose outside the doors. Sighing heavily, she started toward the doors - but had yet to reach them when they opened to reveal a very startled and somewhat abashed Tamaranis. With a glad cry, Ayshela greeted him and welcomed him to the ball. Leaning aside to look around him, she glared at the guards and said "Serves you right." She turned back and began to stroll into the ballroom with Tamaranis. "I'm SO glad you could come! i wasn't sure you'd been back to get your invitation yet, and didn't know where to find you, but however you heard - i'm glad you did."

ROFL!! oh, i LOVE IT!!! **falls out of her chair laughing and wakes the kids**

*giggles*

Ayshela stretched gently and moved back toward the door. There seemed to be some sort of commotion outside, but as she took a step toward the door to see what was up, but it was quiet long before she got there. Shrugging, she turned back toward her "duty station" and wished she'd worn lower heeled shoes. A few moments later, Mr. Bunny hopped over and presented her a tastefully wrapped carrot. Thanking him solemnly, she accepted the carrot and welcomed him to the ball. She watched him hop in toward the crowd, then looked thoughtfully toward the door. Placing the carrot on the gift table, she strode to the door and opened it quickly, interrupting the guards in the middle of a less than tasteful joke. Ayshela looked from one to the other, knowing they would see determination and a decided lack of fear. "Gentlemen." she said evenly. "I am, and have been, expecting every one of the Pen Keep's residents and honoured guests to arrive at the ball this evening. While i appreciate the efforts of the Powers That Be who placed you here, know now that i will not tolerate interference in the arrival of my guests. Anyone who appears with an invitation, or without if they are known to belong here, is to be allowed in." She paused for a heartbeat, and intercepted a guilty look passing between them. In a tone that would have frozen seven devils, she asked "Is that QUITE clear?" She looked at the guard on the left, but he was unable to find words. She looked at the guard on the right, who stammered "Y-Yesmaam!" Nodding minutely, she said "Very good." and re-entered the ballroom.

Turning back toward the door, Ayshela caught a flicker of movement in the shadows. Turning to look more closely, she saw Alzorath settling in to sketch. Smiling and raising a hand in greeting and welcome, she turned back and let him be. The shadows were there for those who preferred them, whatever force of life, death, or circumstance it was that made them preferable. Lady Celes Crusader swept in, in a dazzling and very distracting gown. Ayshela tried valiantly to focus on the conversation, but only managed it as the Cafe's cook and waitress appeared with a lovely selection of food to add to the buffet. "Oh! Thank you so much, Lady Celes! i had intended for you to have the evening off and be able to properly enjoy yourself, but food from your kitchen is always welcome! Thank you, and please do enjoy yourself." She stood watching Lady Celes and Cambronne join the rest of the guests, wondering idly how long it would be before Cambronne pounced the moving pearls. Ayshela jumped slightly as Merelas appeared beside her. "Oh! i'm sorry, i was distracted and didn't see you." Merelas bowed and asked her to dance. With a gleeful grin, she said "i'd LOVE to!" and they swept off across the dance floor. As they danced she noticed Salinye coming in, with an understanding smile as she located Ayshela and Merelas. Ayshela sent her welcome with a smile and quick wink, then her attention returned to conversation and dancing. Such FUN, she'd not been dancing in more years than she cared to remember, and with such a splendid dancer it was a real treat. The music ended much too soon, and Merelas began to walk her back toward the door. Stopping at the edge of the dance floor, Ayshela hesitated a moment then said "i do know that it's terrible manners to ask a favor after receiving such a treat, but i'm hoping you'll forgive my rudeness if i do anyway." Seeing his quizzical look, she leaned up and whispered briefly in his ear. "Oh? I hadn't noticed. Of course, it would be my pleasure." he said, with a reassuring pat of the hand still on his arm. "Thank you so much!" Ayshela said, hugging him warmly before they parted ways, she back to the door and he on his small task. The ballroom doors opened with a flourish as Annael entered, scowling slightly at the guards. She came in in a fluster of apologies which Ayshela tried to soothe, but was caught speechless at the sight and sound of fluttering, tinkling butterflies all over the room. Before she could try again to assure Annael that she wasn't at all late, and was more than welcome, Annael had smiled and drifted off leaving a black feather fluttering toward Ayshela's feet. As she picked it up, she looked toward Annael again and made a mental note to speak to her at some point. She looked so sad.. "Oh! Now how did i miss Alaeha?" she wondered, spotting her across the room. "Oh, i bet she came in while i was dancing. i hope she'll forgive my not welcoming her personally. i wonder if i missed anyone else?" Interrupting her moment of worried fluster came the booming announcement "Lady Wren Windsong." Turning back toward the door, Ayshela beamed a smile of welcome and embraced her warmly. "I'm so GLAD you could come!" Hugging her again, Ayshela whispered "we make quite a tangle of green fabric and long hair, don't we?" and giggled softly. She still had a bemused smile when Gyrfalcon, Daryl, and Jehane entered, making a stunning spectacle for anyone watching. She blushed at Gyrfalcon's greeting, but grew a mite concerned as he said "Despite not being a fan of formal events, I think I'll enjoy my time here, thanks to your efforts." Laying her hand softly on his arm she said "As long as you all enjoy yourselves, any amount of effort would be well worthwhile." She greeted Daryl and Jehane as well, then passed them along inside to greet the new arrival. Zariah peered inside, then stepped shyly into the ballroom. Ayshela welcomed her, but must have startled her as Zariah responded in an embarassed flurry and turned quickly away before Ayshela could soothe her or say more than "welcome, enjoy yourself." Orlan came in looking as if he'd been painting half the world, and for a moment Ayshela wasn't sure if he was confused, or if she was. Having found his invitation, his dress clothing, and his extremely scantily clad companion, he stood pondering for a moment and handed Ayshela - a business card? She took it and read it, then looked at him in puzzlement. Suddenly the business card disintegrated into falling sand! Ayshela jumped and caught the sand, which formed back into the business card?? Curiouser and curiouser. Staring at the card in puzzlement, she heard Orlan say "best not to get it wet," as he and Rapier strolled off to mingle. "Indeed." Ayshela said, holding the card extremely carefully and taking it over to the table where the other gifts lay. Tzimfemme and Elladan strolled casually in, though it rather looked as if they were both seething. Looking closely, and judging discretion to be the better part of valour, Ayshela merely smiled, said "good evening and welcome" and let them stroll on. Watching Elladan, she noticed that he looked as if he'd prefer twelve inches of solid stone at his back, a feeling she wholeheartedly agreed with. Maybe she'd keep an eye out, see where he settled, and once everyone had arrived she'd be free to find a wall of her own to hold up. Between the two of them they should be able to keep the place properly covered. Looking over the Ballroom again, one eyebrow raised, she quickly calculated possibilities. Should be able to, certainly. She was pulled away from speculation by a gentle tug on her skirt. Looking down, she saw Rune and felt a huge smile spreading across her face. Quickly stooping down, she greeted Rune face to face. Rune had made a beautiful card! With a twinkle as she thought about how a red crayon could get all used up, Ayshela assured Rune that purple was one of her very favorite colours, and the card was beautiful. Rune suddenly drew a semicircle in the air and touched the card and a million glowing balls of light surrounded Ayshela and spun off rapidly before disappearing. Ayshela hugged Rune gleefully and thanked her again before going to greet the next guests. Caryon strode through the doorway, seemingly preoccupied and suddenly startled by the number of people already at the ball. Ayshela walked up to him slowly, so as not to startle him, and laid her hand on his arm. "Welcome to the Fall Ball. I'm so glad you could come. Please, do come in." As Caryon regained his composure, he turned to Ayshela and said "Thank you for inviting me." A determined look crossed his face, and he bowed and passed on into the crowd. William Azunost appeared hard on Caryon's heels. As Ayshela turned to welcome him, he bowed and said "Good evening, I trust this is the Fall Ball?" With a smile Ayshela assured him that it was, and welcomed him in to enjoy himself. As he strode by, Ayshela backed toward the corner by the door with a weary sigh. Scanning the crowd, she tried to remember how many invitations she'd given out and who might not be here yet. She was quickly reaching the end of her crowd tolerance and would simply *have* to find a few moments to disappear outside, preferably someplace deep in the shadows and in a corner somewhere. "This was YOUR idea" she reminded herself. "I know, i know, and i'll see it through. It's necessary, it's fun, but gods what a lot of people!" Scanning the crowd again, she admitted wryly "and old instincts die hard. It's not that i specifically distrust any of them, but.." Shaking her head and sighing, she moved to the wall over toward the door and leaned back against it to await any further arrivals.

*laughs* umm, yes.. we're rather an.. eclectic.. bunch here however, we don't generally bite, unless you ask really REALLY nicely.

YAY-ness! congrats!

*blush* please, all, any who want to join come in! It was such fun to get going, seeing it take on a life of its own is wondermous!! And a darned good thing it is, too! I was going to pop in and catch up on the arrivals, do some dancing, have some fun and i won't have time until probably tomorrow night. just popping in here to let everyone know that i *will* catch up, i swear i will.. once i'm sure what the water level is going to be around here and make sure it's not going to affect anyone i'm going to have to help evacuate. *sigh* Unless it rains again like they're threatening us with, water levels should start receding tomorrow.. and i'll have a little more time then.. *crossed fingers* please, anyone who wants to be at the ball, assume you're invited and come join the fun!

Greetings and welcome! Please, make yourself at home. I think you'll find us a friendly bunch, and for the most part we don't bite - unless you ask really, really nicely.

*sad smile* i think you might find there are a lot more than you know, who know what it's like. *hugs*

LOL Gods i know some people like that..

Ayshela hurries in, streamers trailing behind her because, as usual, she's lost hold of the ends of several. Probably as well there are no kittens chasing after her this time. Hurriedly hanging them about the room, she then sets out several kinds of bevarages. As she turns toward the door, her attention is caught by the stunning artwork about the room, and she unknowingly spends the next several hours moving from one captivating piece to another. Reaching the last one, she realizes with horror that she's very very late, and rushes out of the room leaving "Happy Birthday!" echoing behind her.

*nod* "can't you take a joke?" is one of the meanest things a person can say.. but i like this. i especially like the awareness of self, of intention, of effect.. i like this. well done.

**yay!!! runs away with Xaious** having actually gotten *almost* seven hours of sleep last night, i wholeheartedly agree!! Saturdays rock!

Ayshela stood near the doorway, anxiously awaiting the entrance of her guests. The smile plastered to her face would only show nerves to one who knew her well, though she felt like half of Annael's butterflies had invaded her stomach and were holding a Ball of their own! The first to enter, praise the Goddess, was Peredhil. His gracious courtesy barely registered on her mind, badly jangled from nervousness. At his calm assurance that the ball would be successful, she hugged him warmly and felt the tension begin to ease. Watching him pass further into the Ballroom, she murmured "thank you, my friend" and turned to greet the next guest. Regel entered, bearing gifts, which brought a broad smile to Ayshela's face. She had hoped for everyone's presence, presents were certainly not expected, though the thoughtfulness was gratefully appreciated. A lovely wine, beautiful flowers, and a small package?? "Candles of Sleeping" Regel explained, which pointed once more to his thoughtful consideration. Smiling at her thanks and welcome, Regel passed Ayshela and moved in the direction of Peredhil, as she carefully set the gifts on a small table nearby and turned toward the door again. Wyvern entered, most peculiarly attired and pushing - a cart? What in heaven's name?? "Dr. Ayshela?" he asked as he reached her. Looking skeptically at his attire, she reminded him that it wasn't a costume ball. As his face filled with shocked dismay, he pulled out the invitation - upside down. Oh dear. Having straightened out the mix-up, Ayshela stood watching him make his way toward the refreshment tables. In fond amusement and barely concealed exasperation, she wondered if she should have appended a fine print notice forbidding any money-making schemes or demonstrations of Almost Dragonic products while at the Ball. Deciding his experiments would probably keep him busy for a while, and trusting Minay's boys to keep Wyvern from making TOO much of a mess of the tables, she forcefully put him out of her mind and turned back toward the door. Well, she started to turn back toward the door, then whirled at once at the sound of crashing lights and smashing china. Oh dear, again. Hurrying to Gwaihir's side and calling to him to be still a moment, she hoped she could reach him before any more damage was done. "I'm so sorry," he said, and at the worried look on his face Ayshela could only laugh and forgive him. "It's all right, there, you're free of that set of lights. Perhaps we should move you away from them before they.. muss.. your most.. unusual.. attire?" Ayshela led him in toward the rest of the guests, then returned to the entrance. The appearance of a flame ringed portal in the center of the entrance area gave pause, and a moment's concern. Before anxiety grew too great, however, a figure appeared, materializing into a stunningly attired Merelas. Ayshela waited for him to locate her, standing in bemused appreciation. As he approached, he suddenly looked nervous, and expressed hope that his entrance had not caused too much commotion. Ayshela assured him that all was well. "It was certainly.. unique." she said with a warm smile. Her attention was suddenly drawn by the next entrance, a downcast looking man with the most stunningly beautiful crimson wings entered and made his way toward her. As he reached her, DoomGaze smiled and bowed, and asked if this was the Fall Ball. Stunned first by the gleaming wings, and secondly by the astonishing transformation of his face when he smiled, Ayshela could only nod to his question and watch him walk on toward the other guests. Tiel and DL Snake swept in as Ayshela was recovering her powers of speech. Without being sure how she managed it, she welcomed them both and hoped they would enjoy themselves. As they swept past, Ayshela looked over at the girl hovering just inside the door. She looked like she might be ill. Ayshela hurried over and put a gentle hand on her shoulder, asking "Are you alright?" As the girl turned to look at her, Ayshela recognized Sam, and smiled reassuringly as she stammered to introduce herself. She watched Sam walk hesitantly into the Ballroom, as if looking for someone. Turning toward Peredhil, she caught his eye and made a subtle gesture of concern toward Sam. Seeing him move in Sam's direction, Ayshela smiled her thanks at him and turned toward the door again, knowing that whatever the source of Sam's discomfort, she was in good hands.

LOL yeppers, i'll take a happy saturday, too!

Ayshela bustles into the Birthday Room, newly cleared of its tropical theme and resembling now a combination library/artist's studio. Hurrying over to a small cluster of tables, she distributes across them several manga she knew Jonathon would like as well as a large assortment of drawing materials. On a separate table she set out a cake designed to resemble a drawing tablet, and many assorted beverages. Hurriedly hanging happy birthday banners and scattering packets of confetti everywhere for the guests, she bustles out again to remind everyone of the occasion and gather them for the celebration. OOC: a very merry birthday to you! i hope it's wonderful!

so very true. *hugs*

do not throw it all away. do not throw yourself away. it's okay here. you're okay, here. just be. *hugs*