It's Swing Time~

[cipherspeak]

It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out Elisha's motivation for organizing - or, honestly, delegating the organization of - a semi-formal dance party. Lucinda had suggested a ball, with stars in her eyes. She probably had already picked out ballgowns and themes in her head when Elisha had nixed the thing and - in a moment of desperation, with the memory of the swing-themed Fox wedding still in his head - suggest a Spring Swing, instead.

Everyone had run with it, and Elisha was pleased to say it had come out well. He was even more pleased to say that he didn't have to wear a suit, even if he stepped out into the lantern-lit gardens in everything but the tie. He paused near the raised dais provided for dancing and gave the small band the signal to start up the music before he attempted to fade back in the crowd. Not that that ever worked.

"Let the games begin," he murmured to no one in particular as he picked up a glass of champagne off a tray.

Note: Open to everyone and their brother; tag around, have fun!

Comments

[hommesadique]

"Because, if we only ever care for ourselves, and we neglect others at all times, our home will fall. But if we look after others, and then look after ourselves, the theory is that we will flourish."

He didn't want the cake, but another beer would be good, That's why he was waving a waiter down for one, and absolutely gesturing for a glass of champagne to be given to his little Ace.

[lowtohigh]

"Isn't that counter-evolutionary, though?" Not that she doesn't agree with it. She does, clearly, even around her nibble of cake. It's just that her most recent legal father had been something of a philosopher--and her mind had a natural predilection for tearing ideas into their smallest components. "Shouldn't we want to be self-interested?"

[hommesadique]

He shrugged again. "I don't have all the answers, little lady. But humans are social creatures, and that means that for us to flourish, the surrounding society has to flourish." It was the best answer he had -- and it wasn't a very good one.

[lowtohigh]

"So we don't mind sacrificing self-interest of the immediate in order to complete the self-interest of being surrounded by society."

Which, well. Is getting just a little heavy for a party.

"What about uncomfortable pretty dresses? Are those part of sacrifice for the preservation of society?"

[hommesadique]

That, at least, had him laughing, and he nodded. "Something like that, at least. If we men have to wear uncomfortable suits, I think it's only fair that ladies wear uncomfortable dresses. Particularly if it means preserving society."

[lowtohigh]

A laugh was a much better reward than the neglected cake and flute of champagne could possibly be. It's absolutely got her own smile firmly in place.

"And pinching shoes all around for good measure, yes?"

[hommesadique]

He didn't care, really, but the closer he lured her, the better his chances of fulfilling his ultimate goal. So he winked at her and raised his chin. "If the shoes pinch, you ought to have them made custom for a better fit, Miss Eileen." Clearly. "But if everyone is in the same discomfort, then it probably preserves society a little more."

[lowtohigh]

"And probably teaches us some lesson or other about endurance in times of distress and trouble." Shoes started to fit better sooner or later, after all. "It's a shame we aren't born tougher."

[hommesadique]

"Unfortunately, we're born weak, and can only strengthen ourselves after the fact. That's why our training requires diligence and dedication, little lady: if we let our minds stray, we will harm ourselves and only suffer more."

[lowtohigh]

"You sound like Julien."

Which, well. She gives as a compliment, no matter how it might be taken.

[hommesadique]

He didn't know how to take that, so he simply didn't. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "I just try to give the best advice possible. The decision to follow it is, of course, yours alone."

[lowtohigh]

"I hear that's the most frustrating thing about children. Their general reluctance to accept that the best advice really is the best."

Then again, anyone who grouped Eileen generally with children wasn't overly attentive to details.

"I'll think on it. Thank you, Pierre."