#{{;asks}}

After a night filled with far too much socialization for her tastes, the offering of a flute of champagne is one heavily appreciated. Not that it's enough to take the edge off of any remaining stress, but Nel continues to retain a smile that's more noticeable than it normally is-- all thanks to a specific someone. A nod of thanks follows, along with a light chuckle. And if there's pink still dusting her cheeks, she's certainly not aware of it. "Ah, thank you, Yunaka. I have yet to sample the drinks provided... although there are several that seem worthy of note." Many of them are described to be sweet, which is enough of a deterrent for her to even begin to try them. Some had been described as a 'fire ball', warranting her investigation into the matter later. "It was perfect. I owe your expert advice for a successful ensemble. Elegant, yet comfortable and easy to maneuver in." The question that comes after has her expression softening almost immediately, crimson eyes flitting down to settle on her glass. "According to his words, I believe he very much approves. It has been a wonderful night, far beyond my own expectations." "And yourself? Your dress is beautiful. I pray your night has been just as spectacular as mine." @dcggersedge

It's weird, really, preparing to set sail without Kazuha on board. Much like the wind he commands, however, he simply goes where the breeze takes him-- most of the time, that's at her side. When he doesn't appear for the Crux's departure, it doesn't sit well with her; when spending as much time with her crew as she does, Beidou's long since come to learn their habits and the method to their madness. Hand on Juza's shoulder, she provides him with instruction to adjust their sails in order to linger in the nearby waters for just a bit longer. He doesn't question her. He rarely ever does. When she hears her name in the familiar cadence of her companion's voice, Beidou's face splits into a brilliant grin as she hops up onto the ship's railing, booming laughter already spilling over as Kazuha flops unceremoniously into the water. She's not Captain Beidou if she won't follow her crew into hell itself, and so it's second nature to dive overboard in order to retrieve him. Kazuha's strong in his own right, but there's no one who can best her strength and speed in the water. So, slinging him over her shoulder is nothing. Climbing back onto the deck is no sweat either, finally depositing him on the ground with a hearty slap to the back that would knock over most men. "You had me worried, you know!" They're both soaked, but she doesn't seem even mildly perturbed by it. "Thought you really weren't going to come this time. Guess I'm glad we waited just a little bit longer. Can't have you drowning on me."

it had been a long time since he'd had a bite, and if that hand was not retracted he just might be keeping it.

This .... is her boss. Yep. It is. Not only her boss, but a leading member of the Church of Seiros, whose influence spans the entirety of Garreg Mach. And he is in charge of her payroll. Yet here she is, about 5 too many drinks into her alcohol after a rather rough mission, about 70% of her covered in bandages for various scrapes and cuts that had been unavoidable. Her head aches, she's pretty sure she has a concussion.... but none of that matters right now as she sways on her feet-- it's rare, really, for Shamir to indulge like this... but it's a night where she'd rather get away from all the images of destruction that haunt her right now. When she slumps against the wall, she's a bit surprised to fall into something soft instead of the cold, hard brick of the hallway, and she blinks blearily up at a familiar face. Seteth? Here? What is he doing? As she opens her mouth to say something, though, the words don't come... and she just falls on him entirely, knocking both of them to the ground. They're a tangle of limbs as she rests on top of him, her face practically plastered in the expanse of soft sinew of his chest, the warm valley inviting her to fall asleep. He's comfortable, really, and that's kind of a weird thought that a sober her can deal with in the morning. Her filter has long since been gone, and her hand rests against his chest as she struggles to sit up. "I never see you work out. How the hell do you manage this?" She slurs her words together, hand patting his ginormous pectoral as if it were a pet. It's so plush... so inviting......... she just wants to fall asleep on it, if she were to be honest. She falls forward again, an uncharacteristic giggle escaping as she leaves a kiss against the fabric of his shirt, and a little further down too, her face smushing against the hard plane of his IMPRESSIVE ABS that can be felt even through his top. She's not even making sense at this point. But something about "if you weren't so stuck up, you'd actually be really hot." And a few seconds later, the only thing that follows is an unintelligible mumble... and some light snores. They never speak of this moment. Ever. Shamir would jump off the top of the Monastery if they did.

The exclamation from an unfamiliar voice has Alear turning on her heel rather quickly, eyes widened slightly as she searches for its source-- sure, it's not exactly uncommon for her to get statements about the interesting dual tones of her hair, or even her eyes; but it never fails to catch her off-guard every time. He seems so genuine in the way that he speaks that she can't help but be a bit bashful about it, hand coming up to tuck a few stray strands behind her ear as she allows a light laugh to escape. There's pink that dusts her cheeks, though she sincerely hopes the light doesn't shed too much on it to make it as noticeable. "Oh, no, no! It's fine, really! There's no need to be so formal. I appreciate your words a lot.....! It's just surprising, is all." Those from Elyos have long since come to expect the difference in shades from both herself and her twin, but the trek to Fodlan has reminded her how unique their appearances really are. "Regardless, it's flattering." The way he bows is endearing, and Alear can do nothing but flash him a smile. If there's any way to make an impression, this is it-- and she extends her hand for a shake with that brilliant grin returning his own. "Nice to meet you, Tsubaki! I'm Alear- I've met a few others from Hoshido; none have shown me anything like this, though. I'd love to try, if you're extending the offer." "Pegasi Knights, huh...? That's so cool! I've always wondered what it's like to have a pegasus for a friend." She takes a few steps over to the snacks offered to her, gingerly peeling the top back to inspect these 'rice cakes' he had mentioned. They look tasty, and the Divine Dragon eagerly snags one of the smaller ones to pop it into her mouth without hesitation. A beat of silence follows as she chews, brows furrowing into an expression of thought as Alear hums... as if she's savoring every flavor, every ingredient. Before she swallows and lights up in front of him. "Woah! Nobody's tried these yet? They're delicious...! Did you make them yourself?"

"Might you be so kind as to enlighten me of why I am here, fellow divinus?

Soleil jolts for the briefest of moments as a cheery voice startles her, and she blinks before her eyes settle on the girl in front of her. Her hair, her bright eyes, and the warm smile directed at her... "Oh.... my....." "Gosh!" There's no hesitation when she takes Patty's hand with both of hers, grin stretching from ear to ear as she practically beams at her newfound companion. Same house, was it? That's a plus for sure! "Patty? You're soooooo cute! The pleasure is all mine, really!" There's an enthusiastic shake that follows, Soleil squashing the urge to fawn over her classmate's ensemble-- though it deserves the praise. "I'm Soleil. If you ever need anything, my lady, I'm your gal! Anything, really!"