Château de Pendragon

Château de Pendragon
brittany

Built in 1008, Château de Pendragon is a medieval castle in Josselin, Brittany and home to the House of Pendragon. It sits along a flowing river and sits in the middle of a beautiful flower garden that hosts several events throughout the year. All Pendragon balls are hosted at the Château de Pendragon and are exclusively invite-only.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Everything about tonight is far from how he had been imagining it, dreaming a nightmare each night as he pictured what his seventeenth birthday would encompass. Now it's somewhat of a *dream* in its own right. Everything is whirling around him, and he temporarily forgets that he's a teenager still and he's destined to return to Hogwarts in the days that follow. It's a little ethereal, which his theatrics aren't to be blamed for. An universe in which he spent the night dancing with his *boy*friend in front of a crowd of royalty in Brittany of all places had felt so far away... and said boyfriend is so breathtaking and full of his own strength and optimism (or to *him*, anyways). He's more than comfortable bragging about him throughout the night, introducing him to his parents and his sisters then his few French friends. His giddiness overcome any sense of formality eventually, falling too far into the joy of celebrating with his closest family and friends. A whisper in his partner's ear is enough to suggest they leave for the Château's courtyard and the pair to vanish from the floor. His hand guides him through the hallways before exiting into an elaborate field of magical flowers and a flowing fountain complete with little moving statues. Lights hang through the night sky, illuminating the magnificent garden. "*Ici,*" he tells him, gesturing towards the fountain as they begin trekking through the rows of flowers. "We should sit here," he elaborates, glancing at him with a smile.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian is no stranger to political parties like this one, so he is familiar with going through the motions of being introduced to this prince and that duchess and everyone else Elouan is willing to show him off to. It really is a good thing that the two of them are dating because Kian can imagine how anyone else would get overwhelmed in such a situation. Apart from his anxiety regarding meeting Elouan's parents, which quickly dissipated upon actually meeting the pair of them, he has been generally level-headed and calm the whole night. Nevertheless, it is still a welcome reprieve when Elouan suggests that they leave the party at least for just a short while. Ever the responsible one (these kinds of functions seem to bring it out in him), he makes a quick note of what time it is when they leave so that they don't vanish for too long and give people reason to suspect that they are up to something. That would be a bit unbecoming for a prince during his birthday ball. Sitting where Elouan gestures towards, he takes this moment to admire his boyfriend without thinking so much about everything else. "Are you enjoying yourself so far?" he asks. It's very, *very* important to Kian that Elouan is enjoying himself on his birthday. Well, technically it is *not* his birthday but the sentiment still stands.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Once his partner is sitting, he's left standing for a little while as he does a few glitzy gestures to show himself off under the light, but he settles down soon after. His hand searches for the other boy's, taking it into both of his own with care. "*Oui,* of course!" He says. This time the French is purposeful since it tickles him. Visiting Greece had been manageable considering he was with someone who was fluent in Greek, but it's a little sweet having the translating responsibilities fall on him this time. He feels a little stronger, less reliant on the other though he's usually comfortable enough with playing into the need to be cared for. He enjoys the security; he can't be blamed. "Who would not?" He laughs a little before going into a mild trance. Reflecting, he remembers that Avenie's might have been more luxurious than this, but she had gone storming around to ensure everyone was having the funnest time possible... A little competitive, he knows that his was more beautiful if only for the fact that everyone is happier. Even his not-friend was enjoying himself, socializing with French politicians. He must have studied some French at *Sognarry*, but it's abundantly American-sounding. He smiles a little mischievously before laughing again, turning to stare at the lights overhead. "Are *you* enjoying yourself?" His question is posed casually, but he soon turns and stares in concern as he realizes he shouldn't be so cocky.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian has picked up only enough of French to know when people are complaining about Mel being too hyperactive, though the tone makes that evident in any language, really. Kian does not smile as widely as his boyfriend, instead his expression settling for a very slight upturn at the corners of his mouth. It should be obvious he is enjoying. Kian would hope that he's made it very clear that any time spent with Elouan is enjoyable, but tonight especially so when this party is in celebration of someone he loves so much and the someone in question is actually getting to enjoy himself. "I am." he says, knowing it's still important that he expresses as much. He would appreciate the verbal confirmation if he were the one asking. "All our friends seem to be enjoying themselves too." Choosing the word 'our' purposefully, it is important to Kian that Elouan feels that Kian gets along with his friends too. They can be a bit much, but Kian is managing. Chrys, as always, is a joy to be around and Molly has proven to be agreeable. Lemon is a pest but survivable and Rayy is nice to be around for as long as Lemon is not egging them on. It also helps that Zenia is very, very clearly interested in Summer (Kian has caught her looking over to where the other girl sits with Honey multiple times as if summoning the nerve to approach them – luckily though the Hufflepuff duo ended up being the ones approaching. Any longer and Kian would have felt a need to intervene, seriously) and Katiya is dating Yves (though he still hasn't completely wrapped his head around that one, but they have been so ridiculously happy for quite sometime now that it is difficult to continue being so shocked by that development). Honey is still a bit annoying when he doesn't manage to tune her out. Kian thinks to himself, rather amused, that maybe one day Leighton can date her and then she can be another person he learns to like as an extension of one of his best friend's feelings for them. Even without such a development, Kian supposes she has her moments. Hm. Maybe it isn't that much of a stretch to refer to the group as 'their' friends after all. "It's nice that it was able to turn out like this."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Even if everything pointed towards him enjoying himself, it's better to have the confirmation that he is, and he grins in response. Unconsciously, he drifts towards him in relief, resting against him as his arm runs around his. He flinches a little in excitement when Kian purposefully chooses to identify the lot as *their friends*, which warms his heart. Even before he was aware of his feelings for the other boy, he wanted him to be included more than anything. He was always bringing him around to hangouts with his friends (even Molly). Not that he was doing the heavy lifting. Without his boyfriend, he probably wouldn't know how to interact with some of them... or maybe without some of their other friends, who seem quite interested in them. Summer, he thinks, is quite tickled by Zenia, who he is quite nervous around, and he thinks that that helps him not be so nervous around her. "It's so cute," he says quietly. "Chrys and Molly danced together. I should have pointed it out... It was cute." He wonders if Summer will get the courage to go for Zenia at some point tonight, but maybe not so. He wants to say something about it but decides against it with a little shake of his head. "Maybe she will have an *awakening*," he jokes, laughing a little before glancing over at his boyfriend and shaking his head again. "*C'est une blague!* Not how it works." He respects Molly's heterosexuality and knows that there's more to her problems than just the fact that she dates boys. It's a little funny to joke about though– only with Kian. "Oh, and my family thought you were nice. My sister Avenie thought you were funny..." Elouan giggles a little to himself. It's not often that other people find Kian funny. Someone once told him he only does because he doesn't understand what he's saying; he thinks that person was calling him stupid. "It's nice."

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian chuckles at Elouan's little joke, but then makes a face at the comment about Avenie. It's not offended, just confused. "I wasn't trying to be funny." he comments, furrowing his eyebrows. In fairness, Kian is nearly never trying to be funny but he acknowledges that sometimes he can be amusing if his close friends' reactions are to be trusted. It's nice having them here tonight, especially given that he knows Elouan is nervous around Zenia, he doesn't have the best opinion of Kian, and Katiya especially when she's with Yves is... well, they're *Katiya and Yves*. That's all the explanation necessary, really. Kian loves his friends, so it warms his heart that Elouan was so willing to have them be here as well. "I thought your family was nice, too," he says. "I can tell why everyone was so excited for your mother to be queen." Of course, apart from the previous queen being who she was, it's obvious that Elouan's parents are very beloved by the Breton community seeing as whenever they've come up in conversation people sing their highest praises. Elouan's mother was kind to Kian during their conversation, but of course there is much more to being a monarch than just kindness. Watching Elouan as he talks, Kian is filled with an overwhelming gratitude for whatever gods above conspired to make sure that Elouan was able to properly enjoy this night. He looks so happy... It would have been really been a shame if he wasn't able to. It's a *ball* in celebration of his *birthday* – two things that are so very Elouan so for it to just be a source of anxiety would have been truly unfortunate. "I love you," he says, "I'm really glad that you get to have this." It is very well-deserved after the months he spent agonizing over what a misery this night was supposed to be. "It's nice that we got to dance together." he comments. For Kian personally, it's probably the biggest win of the night. It says a lot considering that Kian is definitely not one for dancing.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Quite the mother's boy, he gets a little excited at the confirmation that they're in agreement: his mother *should* be Brittany's monarch, probably a long time ago. Nothing to get himself all in a knot about now though; it's settled, and his mother has the position she always deserved. It isn't as if Queen Thuria would have given the title to an eighteen year old, but still there's nothing much to do about it now. He has complained enough to his grandfather over his own abdication. Since returning to Brittany, he has wondered if his sisters would change their minds over inheriting the throne. Everything about it has made him anxious. Enough of that for now, he tries to focus on Kian. "Thank you," he says, once again speaking quietly. Life outside of the Chateau de Pendragon is silent with not even a single chirp from any insects outdoors. "It wouldn't be as magnificent without you," he adds honestly, leaning in to place a kiss on his boyfriend's cheek. "I love you." He lets that marinate for a moment, mostly because he's rejoicing the memory of having that first dance with him in front of what felt like all of Brittany. Honestly, even with the confirmation that his actions would not be shamed, he was fearful that they would be still. Even throughout his public displays of defiance, he would have never dared to do something as risky as this. It had always felt so far away and unrealistic. To finally have it was almost as terrifying as it was freeing. Having someone as solid as Kian with him helped him through it, and he knows he will forever cherish him for that (among other things, certainly). "We should dance some more. No one will be watching us, so you can really dance like no one's watching." He's teasing a little, tilting his head to smile playfully at him. "Were you nervous dancing in front of everyone? Or do you enjoy putting on a little show, *hmmm*?" For whatever reason, he thinks Kian dances as if everyone is watching all of the time. Maybe he's just stiff, but he's always thought it was showing off. Elouan sure does, and he also believes he's worth the showing off. He wouldn't settle for anything less.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian flushes red at the suggestion that he enjoyed 'putting on a little show' for everyone at the ball. Throughout the whole thing he was trying very hard to focus on the fact that dancing together publicly like that was a quick way to make sure everyone in attendance knew that Elouan was his boyfriend, but even with that knowledge he had been anxious about having to do that to the point that he had complained about it to Leighton, Katiya, and Zenia. (Even so, 'complain' is an overstatement with Kian being Kian. He made a comment or two in passing about how he wasn't looking forward to it and that felt whiny enough to him.) "I was nervous, but I think it turned out fine." No one is teasing him about any mistakes so he thinks that means that they did very well, especially since the 'Lovers in the Forest' would surely take this opportunity to make lighthearted jokes about something like that. "It also helps that I'm used to these functions..." he says. What follows starts out as an attempt at a joke but it's actually a lot more serious than it should be considering the thought had actually crossed Kian's mind multiple times throughout Elouan's impending betrothal. "Hm. Maybe the reason why your family was so nice is because they recognized that I am also a politically advantageous match." he muses, only very slightly self-aware of what a ridiculous statement that is to make.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Having been surrounded by constant obsessing over titles and fortune his whole life, it's difficult to not mind other people's even absentmindedly. Consequently, he has never forgotten just how powerful his boyfriend's family is, and he was sure to mention it when telling his parents about him months ago. He laughs, thinking it's a ridiculous suggestion though he supposes it might be true. It's a bit funnier knowing that it might be. "Maybe the reason is that you're an important guest of mine," he tells him, laughing a little more. "Or that my family is nice to everyone!" He gently caresses his arm, a silent sign that he's simply suggesting other alternatives and not necessarily trying to shoot him down. "Wouldn't it be better if they were nice because they knew how much we care for each other, not because they thought they could use us for politics? I think so..." He seems a little disappointed for a moment before shaking it off, lifting his free hand to fix his hair afterwards. He still finds the comment humorous, but only because it comes across a bit arrogant. Somehow he has never minded this arrogance though it appears every so often. Maybe that's because he doesn't think of it that way, finding him to be just as important as he says he is. He's easily Kian's biggest cheerleader. Speaking of which: "It turned out wonderfully! Your dancing has improved, and you were so attractive... It was *so good*!" Dancing is so intimate. As someone who has spent years learning how to dance, it's very important to him. It's an opportunity where you can be so close to someone, yet you can stare them in the eyes and admire them (if you have the audacity to, which he does). He can find some joy in it every time.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian considers what Elouan is saying and nods. Yes, Elouan's family does seem like the type to just be nice to everyone. That makes perfect sense, especially since Elouan himself is very nice or at least a lot nicer than Kian could ever claim to be. "You're right." he says, noting the way Elouan trails off and his tone takes on a more disappointed tone. Kian has always been perspective when it comes to Elouan, but having been his boyfriend for a couple months now these things are more noticeable and spur him to reassure Elouan more quickly in his own way. "I'm sure it's very obvious to them how much we care for each other." he says, hoping that will make him feel less disappointed. "One of your siblings told me it was, so I'm sure everyone else in your family noticed if not everyone at the ball." Everyone at the ball *should* know by now just because he doesn't think anyone else would have been willing to dance in front of such a large number of people with anything less than love as a motivator, but quite rationally Kian realizes quickly after that there are people who are in fact willing to put themselves at risk of that much embarrassment. Elouan, for example, but Elouan is good at dancing, very graceful, and not at all awkward so there isn't as much of a risk. Kian has accepted though that he will have to get used to dancing because he's sure that for as long as he is with Elouan, it will be a non-negotiable considering how the other boy enjoys it so much. Kian plans on being with Elouan for a very long time, so it makes sense to have accepted this as early as now. "It *was* good." he confirms, "And you were very attractive too. I am very lucky to be your 'important guest'." The words come out with a small, amused huff at the term. As if he would actually be bothered by such a phrasing – it should be obvious to everyone at the ball tonight that they're dating. It's a bit overwhelming how willing Elouan is to be seen with him, but it overwhelms him in the best way and makes him feel especially loved.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

He cares a lot, and it would be ridiculous for his family to not at least notice that. Before everything changed, he had been hesitant to disclose too much information about what was going on between him and Kian, but he's done spent copious amounts of time yapping about him since returning home for holidays. As verbally affectionate as Elouan is, he's equally as affectionate when describing his loved ones to others, especially when it comes to his boyfriend. "Oh! Of course they do," he adds to the efforts to reassuring himself. He knows better. There's no point in making himself upset over nothing, but maybe he's a little used to worrying about this sort of thing. He really doesn't need to anymore, but again it's difficult snapping out of that so quickly. "Of course," he repeats, basking in that for a while longer. He appreciates that they're in agreement because it's almost some sort of confirmation that Kian *does* care a lot, and hearing that one of his sisters mentioned as much is exciting. He doesn't want to know which, so he can play detective later. "You're the *most* important guest," he teases, giving him a soft pinch to his arm as he watches for his reaction. "My parents mentioned inviting you over on your own, and they have never said that about any of my guests. Not even the French ones." He grins, lifting his brows to really highlight that statement. "My sisters' partners are always coming over, and they're usually... pampered." A little shy, he curls in on himself a bit as he continues. "It always made me a little jealous." To be fair, his sisters are far in age from him. He's a little over four years younger than Adela, so his sisters had started dating when he was still being homeschooled and he was at the perfect age where dating is more of a dream that you ogle at in movies. "Oh! What if they invite over *your parents*?" He gasps, a bit scandalized but it invigorates him from his previous shy state.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Being so readily acknowledged by Elouan and his family makes Kian feel exceedingly loved. For somebody who places so much value on words and tries very hard to communicate his own feelings, they are so overwhelming that they have somehow become difficult to talk about though Kian doubts his love for his boyfriend will ever be underwhelming enough to be properly conveyed. "I'm sure now that your mother is queen she and my mother will probably have to run into each other sooner or later." Kian is only mildly intrigued by whatever politics they might discuss whereas a year or two ago he probably would've said he would be interested to hear that discussion. Having reevaluated what he wants to do one day, he accepts that perhaps he's only ever been mildly interested in his parents' work this entire time and has been convincing himself otherwise. He sees no real reason to angst over that because at least he has more of himself figured out now than he did before, which is a natural consequence of growing up. It makes sense to him. "I'd love to come over on my own. Just tell me when." He's sure his break is free enough to be able to go even on short notice, but even if it wasn't he would prioritize this with no reservations. "You should come over again to Greece sometime soon." The last time Elouan had been in Greece is now the standard for Kian's perfect day and he uses the memory of it in Defense class when they have to practice summoning their patronuses. "It would be nice to watch the sunset again in Leipsoi now that..." The memory of that day comes back to Kian as he's talking – the silly questions and the supposedly 'surprise' reveal to Elouan that he was *not* straight, how he held out his hand only for Elouan to stare at it and not take it... The two of them are so embarrassing, honestly. It's a miracle they've gotten here. Kian turns a bit pink. "Now that we're dating. A lot has changed." he adds the last part, sounding very amused.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Naturally, he had assumed that that *would* happen at some point, but he must have forgotten somewhere within the haze of excitement he's been in. As far as things go, their parents might have met in passing before his mother was considered as important as she is now. It's a little more daunting with the fact that their are policy decisions at play now. Elouan makes a little miserable noise, resting his head against Kian's shoulder. "What if they don't get on? What if they disagree too much politically? We could become Romeo and... Jules!" Said quite dramatically, he isn't even sure how serious he is though the feeling sure feel genuine. "You would have to be Jules. I know Romeo's lines better," he adds a little miserably, but he notices what he's doing and tries laughing it off. Their Shakespeare performances had gone well with no thanks to Harry and Treasure, and he had been quite serious about it. He's sure that he could recite both Romeo and Juliet's lines from the scene. It's funnier to him if he's Romeo though; he's self aware enough to know that others wouldn't expect that. The memories of Leipsoi are complicated in emotion, much sweeter in hindsight yet much more embarrassing too. He creates another little moan into his boyfriend's arm. "Stop *teasing*," he says, but he laughs a little while going red. "It's not *funny*, Kian." He pretends to believe that. Elouan finds that he embarrasses himself so much – much more than he had ever realized before meeting the other boy. Everything is a lot less embarrassing nowadays since Kian knows how to reassure him it's fine. Hickey debacle and all... Oh, sometimes he wants the ground to swallow him whole. Maybe not today though. He wants to enjoy his time here. "Leipsoi would be wonderful! It was *so* beautiful last time," he properly answers after a moment's recovery and a wistful sigh. "We can hold hands this time!" Maybe he can gift him some nice sunglasses during that trip. It would be good timing considering it's a necessity to spending time so close to the water. He giggles to himself but swiftly turns his head to face his boyfriend again. "A lot *has* changed! I love you so much."

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian is well-aware that Elouan knows Romeo's lines quite well after watching him and Molly rehearse so much and also after being on the receiving end of so many of them while his boyfriend was preparing for that presentation. He lets a little huff out at Elouan's theatrics before dropping a kiss on the top of his head once Elouan rests his head on Kian's shoulder. Until now it still comes as a surprise to others that Kian would fall for someone so dramatic but to him it makes perfect sense. Of course, the same argument could be made that it was not expected Elouan would end up dating someone someone like Kian, who is so dry and not nearly as spirited. In Kian's mind, it works out. In him, Elouan will always find a very captivated audience for as long as he should have him. "I love you so much." he tells him before anything else. "I'm sure that we won't find ourselves in a Romeo and Jules situation." He says 'Jules' so casually as if not acknowledging the ridiculousness of it. Kian is very good with just going along with his boyfriend like that, finding it endearing. "Our parents are both reasonable and mine at least aren't the type to have sworn enemies or forbid me from seeing you. My mother likes you." Celaena *does* like Elouan and Kian thinks quite smugly that Elouan is probably his mother's favorite of all the guests he and his siblings have brought to Greece. Well, *actually*, Elouan's only real consistent competition is *Fionn* and though he is a bit off-putting, Fionn is still very polite and charming in his own way that very specifically appeals to his sister. "And yes, we *can* hold hands this time." Kian is tempted to make a quip about how it will be much easier to hold hands now that Elouan will know that is the purpose of Kian holding out his hand, but his boyfriend seems so embarrassed that he decides to keep that to himself and smile instead. Thinking of being able to go to Leipsoi with Elouan again, his heart swells. "I'll ask my mother when the best time for you to come over is." he says, "I'm excited. I'm sure it'll be a perfect day."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

He's forever tickled by how smoothly Kian bounces off of his ridiculous now. It's endearing and sweet how willing he is to entertain shenanigans that he's certain he would've grumbled over a year ago. Elouan remembers when they first met, and he would've sworn a thousand times over that they wouldn't have been friends just because he didn't seem very amused by him. So, truly a lot *has* changed for them. "My parents wouldn't either," he says, admitting that his boyfriend is right. He's very intelligent, so Elouan generally trusts his opinion on these things. Regardless, he is fibbing. His parents *have* banned significant others before. Adela in particular had a boyfriend that was in the business of starting a cult, which she had joined before their parents dragged her home. That situation is extreme though, and he doubts Kian would ever live to be so extremely disappointing. All of that concluded, he isn't convinced Celaena is actually ever *that* pleased to see him. He tries to accept the statement for what it is, but the woman is just terrifying. Kian obviously inherited his demeanor from her. Not that he finds his boyfriend to be particularly intimidating anymore. With the confirmation that they might see Leipsoi together again, he is bursting with enthusiasm. He gently squeezes Kian's arm before mumbling to him. "I'm *soooo* excited. I can't wait." He smiles with his face pressed against the fabric of the other boy's suit, squishing his face slightly. When he tilts his head away to face him, his cheek is a little red and he has to caress it to try to coerce it into going away. "We have a lot of perfect days. Don't we?" He's asking sincerely, almost as if checking in to see if Kian enjoys himself as often as he does. "Tonight is *close*..." He draws off as if disappointed, but he's smiling.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian nods. "We do," he confirms. It concerns him for a second that perhaps Elouan does not feel Kian is enjoying this relationship as much as he is, which he has tried his best to communicate though he is aware that his personality makes that difficult and sometimes the message falls short. He tries not to think that much of it. If Elouan were truly that concerned, then this would be a more serious conversation. "Tonight is *close*..." Kian repeats this, sounding confused. Elouan is smiling, which means that he isn't *un*happy but it is still concerning to him that tonight is not perfect for his boyfriend when it is practically a fairy tale. Not to mention, this is *his* night which means it *should* be perfect. While Kian himself does not feel strongly for parties or celebrations like this one, he does feel strongly for Elouan and if something about the ball is amiss then he will do what he can to fix it. "Why 'close'?" he asks, "Is there something off?" Already, Kian is reviewing the night in his head and trying to take note of the whole affair and whether or not everything is up to El's standards. "The night isn't over yet. We can fix it."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Hearing how eager he is to solve whatever is plaguing him stirs the butterflies in his heart, and he feels glittery all over except he doesn't want him to worry. His head tilts, peering past the other boy and towards where they came from to verify that no one is there. Not that he wouldn't mind performing for an audience, but it's sweeter if it's just the two of him like how he had been imagining in his head. Facing Kian again, he's smiling still. His brows lift, appearing perplexed by how his boyfriend couldn't see such an obvious problem. "We haven't danced under the stars yet! It's on the *itinéraire*." He separates himself from the other one, using a gentle hand to glide his fingertips along the edge of his boyfriend's face as he stands and floats away from him. "Come onnn! What's more perfect than that? A dance under the stars with *mon étoile*!" He's enthusiastic yet speaking softly. His face flickers with embarrassment at the previously secret pet name, but he regains his momentum soon after. Elouan loves glitz and glamor, and stars are so glitzy and glamorous. It just so happens too that a lot of their time first spent together was for Astronomy class. To him, being *son étoile* is the highest honor and is absolutely perfect for Kian. At least it's much better than calling him his bread. "Just one, and then we can go inside again." He almost jokes around about not wanting anyone to suspect anything, but he assumes it's inappropriate for the moment. He huffs a little though, a hint that he's holding in at least something.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian suddenly feels like a hypocrite for rolling his eyes at all the times he has overheard Katiya call Yves her 'sakharok'. Being Elouan's *star* is cheesy, yes, but it's Elouan saying it, whom he loves very much and because of that it cannot possibly be insufferable. Kian wonders to himself if he missed something because Elouan seems so shocked that he did not realize that this was the goal of leading him out into the garden. How was he supposed to know that Elouan wanted to dance? Except it's Elouan, so of course he wants to dance and of course he wants to dance in such a romantic setting. Very quickly Kian realizes he should have seen it coming, yes, definitely. Standing in front of Elouan (Kian notes that his boyfriend's face is a bit nearer now, so perhaps being 5'11" is not so terrible after all), and acquiesces to his wish. While Kian appreciates deeply showing off and being seen by everyone, he supposes that having this private moment to themselves is also very sweet. Private and secret are two different things, after all, and not once since they started dating has Kian ever doubted that Elouan is proud of their relationship. "I was *not* aware that this was on the itinerary," he begins, because if he *had* known then he would have whisked Elouan away from the ball much sooner. "But you're right that it would be... perfect." It's important to Kian that Elouan knows that this is not just something he is agreeing to or putting up with, so even if referring to it as such sounds silly then he will. "I love you."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Once he's standing in front of him, he brings him into his arms. "I love you," he says in return, leaning in to kiss him. He pulls away, smiling like an idiot. "I'll lead!" He declares cheerfully. Elouan always practiced being *the man* during dances. It's been strange dancing with someone taller than him, who seems to automatically guide him even with less dance experience. He's never minded it, but they don't have music this time nor is he sure that Kian enjoys the effort that dancing takes. Maybe it's better that he guides them this time then. One hand snakes around to hold onto his boyfriend's waist while the other holds his before he slowly begins dancing. "Hmm," he lets out quietly to himself, too caught in admiring Kian and enjoying the moment to formulate words, a very rare experience for someone as talkative and expressive as Elouan. He will have to show him some extra tender love and care after this for all of the time he's spent dancing and socializing all night. He appreciates everything Kian does for him, and the least he can do is ensure that he has something to know *just* how appreciated he is. For now, he's too enamored and caught up in the moment to figure out what it will be, but he's certain it will be special.