The band had begun another slow, relaxed song, and a few couples had resumed dancing.

Iris smiled, moving slightly away from Cade as they walked into the illuminated sectors. She stopped by a table, busying herself with a drink.

Silver appeared out of nowhere, dancing alone between the pairs to an invisible partner.

Suddenly Silver was no longer dancing alone, but he was pulling Chert along in his dance, the old tonu sputtering in indignation as Silver laughed.

Keelin, who had been sitting and nibbling on some food struggled to hold back giggles as she saw Silver and Chert dancing. Atleast the small jerboa was having fun at the party. She watched Chert and Silver dance for a few minutes before standing and going over to the two and smiling at Silver. “Can I have a dance with you?” She asked, then looking at Chert and still smiling at him, wondering how embaressed the tonu was at being pulled into the dance floor again.

Silver let go of Chert, who quickly staggered away a few paces in a huff, glanced at Keelin gratefully and made a quick exit. The jerboa bowed low, feather following his head’s movements slowly, then straightened. “It would be an honor, Milady!” He said quite seriously, as he took her hand and kissed it.

Keelin smiled at Silver, then moved both of her hands to take his to start dancing with him.

Cade waved as she moved to sit and went to find himseld a drink as well. He looked to the dance floor and saw Silver with Keelin. Laughing quietly he sat in the grass and sipped on his water watching the people, his tail swishing happily behind him.

Silver giggled in delight, waltzing with the draik. He was surprisingly good, specially considering the size difference he had to deal with among all the taller pets.

Keelin smiled at Silver, enjoying the dancing with him. She didn’t mind the size difference at all, it just made things more fun.

Silver led Keelin along the dance floor, laughing and giggling as he twirled himself around.

Lyuthi smiled, laughing almost the whole time as they danced. She really did enjoy her time with him. “I think we get better with each step~” She said attempting to make Veldahar twirl.

Veldahar grinned, “Seems like it!” He said, letting her twirl him, only to crash into Silver, who tripped the taller pet, and they both went sprawling to the ground.

Keelin let out a eep of suprise, backing up a little and looking at Veldahar and Silver, bursting out in laughter.

Lyuthi had tried to stop Veldahar from falling but her hands slipped from his. As the two fell over she burst out laughing with Keelin. “Oh no!” She said in between laughs, then held out a shakey hand to Veldahar.

Cade grinned as he saw the group and small white wisps creeped up from the ground and twirled around his tail.

Veldahar glared at the tiny rodent, whi was giggling and laughing himself. Finally Veldahar joined in the general laughter, letting Lyuthi help him up just as the song finished. As he was released from being squished, Silver jumped to his feet, bowing to Keelin, “Thank you for the dance!”

Keelin giggled, looking at Silver and bowing back to him a little. “Your welcome. And thank you for accepting my offer to dance.”

Lyuthi hugged Veldahar as he stood and grinned. “Two left feet?” She joked poking his sides.

Cade grinned still as he watched everyone. Looking down he pulled at the grass. He should probably get going soon.

Veldahar laughed, poking her back. “It was Silver’s fault!” He complained. “I didn’t see him!”

——————————————————————————————————

Things continued on for some time, but soon everyone became sleepy and one by one they left for their homes. Finally, after midnight, the party clearing was empty but for a few bonfires glowing in the darkness.

Keelin by now was tired, and after saying her good nights to everyone she walked over to Cade and smiled at him. “Are you ready to go back to your house…?”

Cade had left for sometime during the party but returned when he noticed it was dying down. “Yup! Did you have agood time?” He asked holding out his arm for her to grab. “I think it was very nice.”

Keelin took Cade arm and nodded a little “I did, what abuot you?”

“I had a good time” He said with a nod. “Wish I had gotten to dance with you more!” He laughed as he led her back to the treehouse. “Guess I’ll have to make up for that sometime” He said with a grin.

“Yes you will.” Keelin said with a nod, smiling at Cade, “But for tonight I’m just really tired.

Cade nodded. “Me too.” When they got to his home he ran up the ladder and held out his hand to help her up. “…Want anything to eat or drink before you go to sleep?”

Keelin shook her head, smiling at Cade and hugging him. “Nope, jsut a good night’s rest. You sleep well. Okay Cade?”

Cade hugged her back and nodded. “You too. If you need anything just wake me up. I promise it won’t bother me.” He said walking her to her room. “Good night Keelin.”

Keelin nodded a little, looking at Cade and smiling more. “Good night Cade. Sleep well.” She said before going into her room and closing the door with a soft click.

Cade waved happily and when she closed the door his tail flicked and he turned to look at his house. Maybe he wouldn’t be sleeping tonight. Jumping on a chair he pulled out a large dusty book, then sat on his sofa and began to read it. It was a book all about the world and was in a different language.

The xweetok almost sat on a furry occupant that was fast asleep on his sofa, curled up in a ball, large ears laidback and long tail curled up, fluff blowing this way and that at the roden’ts steady breathing.

Cade twirled gracefully away from the sofa, holding the book above his head. When did he… He looked to the windows then shook his head. Might as well get him a blanket. Setting the book down he walked to his own room, finding a smaller blanket he drapped it over Silver with a smirk. Shaking his head he moved his table gently back and sat on the floor, flipping through the pages quietly.

——————————————————————————————————

Lyuthi continued to joke and poke at Veldahar as the night went on. She too danced a few more times with him but now was slipping off her shoes. “oowww my feet are killing me.” She said with a laugh as she hugged his arm.

Veldahar chuckled, sweeping her into his arms. “Can’t have that!” He kissed her nose and walked off to their house.

Lyuthi let out a surprised cry and held unto his neck as she was swept up. “oh! Thank you.” She said her face a deep red.

He grinned, leaving the party behind. “I had fun.” He nodded, “We need more parties like this.”

“I had so much fun too!” She squealed happily, kissing his neck softly. “..I think we should try to have one of these every few months if ppossible!~” She yawned though and leaned against him.

Veldahar smiled, taking her into the house and to the bed, he laid her on it. “If we can.” He promised, kissing her. “Need help undressing?”

Lyuthi turned dark dark red, as he kissed her then asked if she needed help undressing. “N-n..NO!” She said quickly as she scrambled to her feet.

Veldahar laughed at her reaction. Guess she wasn’t ready. “Okay, good night then.” He leaned over, kissing her lips, then turning and walking to the door.

Lyuthi felt her heart beating out of her chest as he kissed her again, she of course kissed him back but was left standing dazed. Watching him she moved to step forward but stopped. Was he joking when he asked her about undressing!? “O-oh goo-good night!” She called after him, stuttering slightly, still red.

Veldahar looked back once, then closed the door behind him, leaving Lyuthi alone.

Lyuthi let out a long sigh as she fell back onto her bed. That was…..awkward! Wiggling out her dress she kicked it to the floor and curled up in bed with just her undergarments on. She stared at the ceiling as she began to dose off and sighed. Things were moving faster….things would only get more complicated.. Smiling she curled up more and fell asleep.

——————————————————————————————————

Jing had enjoyed the party, keeping close to Bast and having a couple more dances with him as the night had gone on. She let out a quiet sigh now, looking up at him. “I’m pretty tired… What about you?”

Bast smiled, nodding. “Yup, I th’nk tis time fer bed!” He got to his feet, swaying slightly from too many drinks, and helped Jing to is feet. “Yer cap’n. Cn’t rm’br which way that port be.”

Jing looked at Bast, blinking a couple times before laughing. “Your smashed.” She said, leading him off towards the house.

Bast snorted, “M’not smashed! Jus riled up an’ ready fer bottle! I mean… battle…” He waved a fist in the air as he weaved in his path to the house.

Jing sighed, shaking her head a little. She had planned on asking Bast if she could sleep beside him tonight (partly cause of nightmares she was still having) but she desided that wasn’t going to happen with him like this. “No, your smashed.” She said as she got him in sight of the house and pulled him quickly towards it.

Bast made it to his room somehow, ranting int he same accent he’d had most prominent when they’d first met. As he slipped to his bed though, he dragged jing along with him, immediately snuggling against her. “G’night.”

Jing was suprised as she was yanked into bed with Bast, face going pink. “Hey this is your bed… not mine.”

Bast murmured, snuggling closer, one leg wrapped around hers as he slowly fell asleep.

Jing looked at Bast, still blushing but finally she sighed, moving a little to get more comfy and cuddling close to Bast with a small sigh.