474 Dance and Abductions (1/2)

Raine returned his smile while tightening her grip on his hand. Shae's advice to her was to keep ahold of him, there were a few members of Inferno who would sneak him away if given the opportunity. Although the Salamander hadn't named anyone, the Fir'Dhassi glanced toward the area where Ronnie was sitting. She had noticed very quickly that the three women in Nix's life kept tabs on the dark archer's location.

The mud-pit from the day before had been smoothed out and then tempered by flame until it shone like red marble. Although it took up a chunk of his pasture, Nix was tempted to leave it when the festivities were finished. It could very easily be turned into a guild gathering area with a few tables and benches.

/Inferno: Ducky: The band's here, we're done talking to them.

/Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, escort them to the dance floor.

Hyai knew several traveling musical troupes that could be brought in to entertain them, she had chosen one of her favorite ones and made the necessary arrangements. Aside from the smooth dance floor, there were three large tables where drinks and snacks had been set up. Several round tables and chairs were placed around the edges and a small stage that had been built for the band resided in the middle.

/Inferno: Semmi: I heard these guys perform at the Emerald Inn. All of them are players who specialize in music.

/Inferno: Nix: Music? Like crafting or lifestyle?

/Inferno: Semmi: It's one of the new non-combat occupations that was introduced with Everspire.

Semmi, Wind, Pon, and Beta joined spotted Nix across the dance floor. The small group sat at the nearest table and watched as people filtered in. The instruments for the band had been placed at the stage ahead of time.

Semmi whistled softly. ”Holy crap.” She gestured toward the dance floor entrance where Jun Li was entering. Junie had one hand placed casually on the white mane of the large lion next to her. ”You make her dress?”

Nix nodded. His dad wouldn't have made something so daring. Red velvet and cut low in front, a long slit on the sides showcased Junie's long legs. She requested privately that he make her something sexy. The Inferno Vice Commander spoke casually with her small group that included Chiba, Elan Mtui, and her date. ”I did, it wouldn't look nearly that good on anyone else.”

”Agreed.” Semmi waved at her friend but decided to give her some space.

Wind glanced toward the Inferno tank, although neither he nor Pon was interested in Sharl, they could both agree that she was outrageously sexy. ”Never seen him before. Nix?”

Nix smiled slightly, instantly recognizing the animator. ”His name is Wally. He's an animator from Free Trader City.”

”Puppet guy like you?” Pon grabbed a pitcher of beer from the center of his table and started filling up their mugs.

”Better than me. His shop is right next to the R \u0026 B Pawnshop. Ronnie probably fixed him up with Sharl.”

Pon frowned. ”He looks odd. I don't like him.”

Wind nodded in agreement. ”Me neither.”

The music started a few minutes later, Beta was the first to stand up and pull Wind towards the dance floor. She was wearing a short, sleek black dress that ended quite a few inches above the knee.

”I think he looks nice.” Semmi rained on their hate parade and pulled Pon to his feet. ”Let's go!”

Nix sighed heavily when the last couple from his table left. He stood and moved behind Raine's chair. ”Shall we?”

The dance floor was dark, lit only by a few lights around the bandstand. The couple moved slowly with the music, gradually spreading out on the spacious floor.

Raine swayed gently with the music, her arms linked around her partner's neck while her chin rested on his shoulder. ”I like it here. I wasn't sure what to expect when Fajii brought me to Haven.”

Nix didn't comment. The Scorched Earth Mage had definitely changed the mission parameters he'd given her. Instead of running off the Fir'Dhassi Clan leader, Raine had been invited into the Inferno Guild. As someone who was always honest with himself, he found that it really didn't bother him.

Raine leaned back slightly so that she could see his face, even in the near darkness, his yellow eyes seemed to catch the light. She paused for a moment and then kissed him, her lips lingering against his for several seconds before she broke it off. In the darkness, her deep blush went unseen. ”Will you take me on the next quest?”

[Whisper: Bev to Nix] Making out on the dance floor? Are you back in high school?

Nix spun his partner around slowly, his eyes quickly finding his older sister. Donri, the former Seneschal, was accompanying her. Bev danced stiffly, her natural shyness making it difficult for her to relax around people she didn't know well.

[Whisper: Nix to Bev] Congrats Froglegs, the lifetime wallflower is finally on the dancefloor.

[Whisper: Bev to Nix] Don't make me beat you up in front of your friends, Stixx.

As the evening wore on, dance partners switched fairly often. Nix danced with a dozen different members of Inferno as well as Deidra and Tai. Everyone recognized that it was a good time to unwind and no one held serious conversations regarding their missions. He was getting ready to call it a night when he received one last whisper.

[Whisper Gideon to Nix] Did you save me a dance?

Nix raised an eyebrow at the Salamander Guild leader. He knew he was actually a female in real life, but he also had no interest in being pressed up against another man.

[Whisper: Nix to Gideon] No way.

Gideon grinned from across the dance floor and casually slipped on the ring that changed his appearance to Mai.