(Open) Between the velvet lies

[Drogon]

Aang had been slightly miffed when Dio had completely ignored his outstretched hand and insisted on bringing himself to his chair by his own power, but understanding. Dio was certainly... Independent, and such a personality would be even MORE miffed at having to accept such a form of aid. Of course, Aang was summarily distracted by the copious and attractive array of desserts promptly displayed before him. He munched his way through them all (Bar one, which seemed to have a bit of a... Gamey taste) while awaiting the finish of Dio's prepared presentation. Finally, he was allowed to remove this heavy, itchy mask, and when Dio's finished his speech and rejoined his gathered party of primes, Aang left it on the table to stand and address him.

"Dio. I'm not sure how relevant this is, but in my home world, I was what was called the Avatar. Basically, I have the innate ability to bend all of the elements. Right now, I can only do air, and I'd need a master of the art to teach any other elements. But it remains that no one else here seems to be much associated with the element of fire, and you said you needed someone with that ability in order to defeat the Tarrasque. If you can help me find a firebending teacher, we may have a greater chance of success." Of course, he didn't hope for much. Such a development was unlikely, but surely it would at least tickle Dio's apparent desire for security in success. If performing better at an activity he'd already agreed to was a potential ticket to learning another element, Aang was absolutely happy to take that deal. "In fact," he said, addressing the rest of the table, "If any of you knows someone who could teach me fire 'magic,' as people seem to call it here, in aid of our quest, I hope you'll talk to me or Dio before we finish planning. Dio, I'd like to stay here for the night, if that's alright."

After a brief set of directions from Dio, Aang wandered off to find Faren. He'd need to at least deliver the ring that had brought him here with a bit of an explanation before getting too caught up in the new affairs of the evening. The crowd was beginning to disperse through the entryway, and Aang caught a flash of purple robe nearing the door. Dashing up to him, Aang called out and tugged on his cloak to get Faren's attention. Except it wasn't Faren. Embarrassed, Aang apologized, and backed off, but as he WAS in the middle of the crowded doorway, he bumped into a few other people in the process, one of whom seemed to recognize him. He was hefted to his feet and pulled out of the crowd, then spun around and addressed with gusto. "You again! Looking for me?"

"Actually, yes. I can't really accompany you out the door right now, I have a bit of a task to take care of, but I wanted to make sure you got this first." Aang pulled out the ring pouch from his inside shirt pocket. "Again, it's from Don, he said you wanted to get at it. So, here." He handed the dubiously-described heirloom off to Faren.

Faren's eyes immediately brightened. "Ah, yes! Actually, I've been trying to get him to send me this for a few months now, but he never let me take a look before. Thanks, kid, I'll be sure to let him know I got it safely." And with that, the purple-clad mage was gone, on his merry way back to Dalaran and his appraisal equipment before Aang could ask any questions.

Aang yawned. It had certainly been a longer evening than he'd expected already, and he suspected that the night and following morning would be similarly arduous for his new makeshift party. He began to make his way through a smaller door at the side of the dance hall, and then up a rather intimidating flight of stairs towards his temporary quarters.