James
The night was cool- not cold, the air was wet- not dry- and the spirits were unimpressively high... Calve hated the fact he was essentially forced to attend this 'event' in the Night Kingdom of all places- and of course it'd be no less than the coronation of their new queen. He hated being here with every scale on his beautiful body- but alas- he had to fulfill his duty. 

Nyx had naively sent invites to the various members of icewing royalty and nobility- none of which wanted to attend... So who better to pin this on than the faithful butler who couldn't- literally couldn't- say no... Eugh- look at all these dragons, nightwings, rainwings, sandwings, silkwings- all in one place, a hodgepodge of tribes- asking for some sort of political assassination- he couldn't tell of Nyx was *Stupid* Or if she was just *Ignorant* - but this was not the time to plan a public coronation - three moons- all nightwings seemed to be as dense as the volcanic rocks they climbed out of thousands of years ago- made a-fool by the once lazier, apathetic rainwings - certainly that left a scar on their reputation- if only their queen at the time, Glory- was it? Had simply sealed their miserable fate on that island all those years ago- then perhaps this peninsula could belong to the sandwings- or dare he think... The icewings?

Well- regardless... He made his flashy presence and affinity for cold solitude known by sitting alone - drinking from a champagne glass filled with more dignified fluid than *Honey mead* Or whatever they were serving at the front. 

Any time a dragon tried to approach him- his glare shot them down one by one - he was *Not* In the mood for socializing with *Any* Of them- and not a single one has the status worthy of even *Speaking* To him- Calve was sure Hyperborean would be pleased with his demeanor- and with a scoff sipped his wine- though the sight of a set of pale scales out of the corner of his eye caught his attention- as a spark of surprise lit up his visage as the sight of Snowstorm's approach... He hadn't been expecting another icewing to be here- let alone an icewing he *Knew*- with a sarcastic chortle he welcomed her approach- holding the body of his glass between two talons as he looked her up and down with a smirk. "Well, aren't *You* A sight for sore eyes, commander Snowstorm~ How in the moons did *You* Get roped into this pathetic excuse for a party?"
Barbara
*She had, underestimated the temperature in the Night Kingdom, it wasn't the worst she had ever dealt with, but it did make it a little difficult to actually relax like she was trying to. A fact that was fairly evident thanks to her expression, seeming even more dour than usual, of course, many dragons avoided her for exactly that, but, it didn't bother her much at all really.*

*She found it rather odd to hold a public ceremony like this even with the myriad of disappearances recently, but it made some amount of logical sense, show whoever had killed the last queen that Nyx wasn't going to live in fear. It put a target on her back for sure, but it at least opened one chance to spend time on herself for once.*

*Eventually, she managed to spot one of the few flashes of the pale scales of an Icewing in attendance, getting closer revealed it to be none other than the Head Butler, practically sulking in the corner alone. The General snorted a chuckle as she caught sight of him sipping at the dark wine, probably something he brought himself given his expression.*

"Believe it or not, I am here willingly, a, friend, of mine suggested I try to take a day for myself, so I came here while working on a personal project. From what I see, it is the exact opposite for you, Calve?"
James
He raised a brow at the fact she was here willingly- somewhat scoffing at the idea of having a choice. "An 'exact opposite' isn't doing it justice... Eugh." He took another large sip from his glass- as if trying to expedite the intoxication process. "I can't count the number of nobles on a dozen talons that made me come to this awful event- It's absolutely horrid- I have no clue why *You'd* Come of your own will." Calve gave a pained look as if he were trying to imagine the strength, he'd have to muster to come here for any reason other than being made to do so.

"It's so- *Stupid* Everything about it- there's so much wrong with having this ridiculous display of courage- at any point a leafwing or one of the Night Kingdom's many less cordial enemies could simply take her head off with a single swipe-" He glanced around them as if making sure no one was listening before he made his joke- that was perhaps in terrible taste. "I'd do it myself if it weren't for the guards... Maybe then I'd get more time off for being a hero to my tribe-" He snorted at the idea of such a title before taking another sip of wine. "Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad time if my new boyfriend decided to come..." He ran a talon along the rim of his glass, his eyes following the talon intently. "I understand why he couldn't though- but that's enough about *Me* - I'm sure there were plenty icewings party someone of your prestige could've attended tonight - so why choose this place? Hoping there's a little action - some excitement? Certainly, you'd be no pushover for whatever political enemy of Nyx decides to strike."

He gave a long, exasperated sigh. "Oh- right- you said something about a 'personal project'?~ Do tell- I promise I won't spill the ice water to the nobles- you know how dreadfully chatty they can be- Ah- don't tell me you're looking for love~?" He teased, sipping from his glass - eager for her reaction.
Barbara
*The ghost of a smirk crossed Snowstorm's snout as Calve complained, she was a little familiar with this side of him, and of his feelings towards Nightwings. It was understandable of course, it was practically impossible to read into the history of Pyrrhia without seeing the conflict between the two tribes,* "It could be perhaps difficult for some, the journey here was the more difficult than deciding to come, with crossing the desert almost completely unviable."

*Calve could see her frown deepen for a second when he made his joke, before it reset once again of course,* "My guess is that a Nightwing with one of those powers told her it was safe, whether or not it was true, remains to be seen," *Her curiosity was piqued by his mention of a boyfriend, and she let out a deep chuckle,* "Found someone, did you? I wish the both of you well."

"It is because it is inter-tribal that my interest is here, both because I have no wish for over half of the attendees to bow and scrape every time they see me, and because I hope to talk with the other tribes. Though I cannot deny that I am ready to fight, should anything happen," *She shook her head slowly,* "As for my project, it is only in it's beginning stages, and may not be complete in my lifetime even if it begins this day, but it's completion will be for the good of all of Pyrrhia."

*A moment after her vague 'explanation', she seemed to realize what else he said, which apparently hit some kind of weak point as she looked away, but not before he caught the embarrassment on her face,* "Perhaps, in the background," *She said in perhaps the smallest voice he had ever heard from the General.*
James
"I suppose you made some stops on your way then? Some of the more... Ambitious of us- on the dreadfully rare occasion we come to this drab dominion- sometimes like to fly out at sea with the cover of nightfall - or early in the morning- saves the dreadful conditions present in the desert, especially if you fancied flying in the heat of the day- though I trust a brilliant tactician such as yourself would have some common sense, no?" He grinned- as if he had certainly already assumed she had decided to fly last minute in the sweltering heat of the Sand Kingdom's sun- the only reason he wasn't utterly exhausted was because he knew he had to go and thus flew during the night when the desert was coldest. 

"Oh... Right- those *Powers*- honestly, they're so forgettable I hadn't thought of that- but aren't they... Dubiously reliable as best?" He raised a brow and took a sip from the violet-colored liquid within his glass. "I think I remember reading an old scroll on 'the dragonets of destiny' - supposedly, it was something dreamed up by a nightwing named Morrowseer - and there was supposed to be a skywing, but it ended up being a *Rainwing* Instead- not only that, but they had a defective sandwing too- it was truly a miracle if the texts are to be believed- that *They* Ended the war of sandwing succession."

Calve smiled and nodded with an air of pride. "Mhm! You'll ever guess who- oh - but he does visit the palace from time to time, loves his little pet penguins- and is wearily romantic for a businessman." He chuckled and put a talon in front of his mouth as if he wasn't supposed to say the last bit. 

"Hm, you've thoroughly hooked me on your project then- something that'll be for the good of the entire continent... *Hopefully* Putting icewings first, I trust?~" His face lit up like the northern lights at her unusual demeanor. "Oh? Eying someone- misses big bad icewing commander?~ You know I could *Always* Put in a good word for you here and there- no strings attached." He snorted with a smile- "I don't think I've ever seen your face turn so blue ever since I've known you- so now you *Have* To tell me- don't tell me- is it Caribou? No- Borealis? No no- it has to be Cyclone- never knew you cared for romantics~" He teased openly- hoping for her to cave in like a snow tunnel for the sake of correcting his guesses.
Barbara
"I stopped to visit my sister, she lives in the mountains," *She confirmed, leaving out the small visit to the Rainforest on her way to the party, as much as she disliked the temperatures there, she liked her friends somewhat more.*

"As far as the records go, the details were off, but the broad strokes still happened, begging the question, what makes a prophecy, the words themselves, or the actions of those who believe?" *She ignored the referral to the Sandwing as 'defective', reports, of course, were conflicting, but she still didn't think that calling anyone defective was very, right.*

*How he acted just talking about his boyfriend made her smile, it was something she hoped for herself, eventually,* "I do not have anyone, specific, but, I suppose I do not make myself very, available," *His teasing brought a chuff of, admittedly lighthearted, annoyance,* "I would be lying, if I did not admit that I regret not looking earlier. I would be, grateful if you were able to help in that regard," *It would seem that even saying what she had so far had her blue-er than even Calve's usual colors, alongside her body language, which practically screamed the nervousness and embarrassment that her practiced stoicism struggled to hold in.*
James
He nodded at the visit to the mountains- thinking of a moment in time where he had visited the mountains in the Sky Kingdom only to come across a peculiar ashscale - or what looked like an ashscale - towards the peaks of the claws of clouds mountain. "I trust your visit went well seeing as you made it here..."

He thought on her comment for a moment. "Touche, I suppose... But is it not the nightwing's job to deliver a prophecy with the utmost clarity?- I recall they used to pride themselves on their little prophecies- more than they do these days- and that's *Saying* Something- being wrong must be nothing short of an ego death." He snorted at the thought of a nightwing in dismay about getting something wrong- surely it must've been a hilarious sight to see the 'mysterious' - 'arrogant' nightwing at its lowest - certainly it was a somewhat sadistic nature to Calve that even he was taken aback by for a moment as his snout wrinkled as if his win had spontaneously gone sour.

Calve leaned closer - once sitting in a prim, proper posture, now somewhat curling towards Snowstorm as she seemed to open up like a mollusk before his very eyes. "Hearing those words from *You* Of all dragons... My my- what has happened to the *Real* General Snowstorm?~ I should certainly warn Hyperborean his best general's been replaced with some kind of mimic~" He feigned a worried expression that faded into a sly grin. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't nice to see this..." He gestured to her as he took a sip of his wine. "Side of you- Obviously- we're much different dragons on the jobs, but even still- it's hard to believe the battle worn soldier who's quick to scold those under her command for laziness- is really as soft as a seal's fur. No worries, dear- I'll see what I can do..." He placed a gentle, reassuring talon on her shoulder. "You know- you've had many admirers - you've just had a knack for scaring them off~" He chuckled in a lighthearted manner as he began to think of potential suitors for his colleague- though in truth, he had no clue what her type was- or if she had one... "Well- what do you *Look* For in a dragon? That has to be the foundation for my ability to make *Any* Calls of course."
Barbara
*As 'mad' as she was at his teasing, she couldn't deny that she had bottled those emotions for decades, and it took quite a bit from her to admit them. She doubted she would be able to at all for anyone other than Calve, not just for considering him a friend, but also the relative closeness of their ranks in the palace.*

"Great Ice Spirits, why did I think coming to you with this was a good idea?" *She asked exasperatedly, shaking her head in a surprisingly cheerful way,* "To be frank, being able to talk about this side of me is, refreshing. You can thank my sister for convincing me to do this, by the way, I would never have had the, courage, to talk about my feelings without the talk I had when I visited her."

*She didn't react that much when he put a talon on her shoulder, but at least she didn't immediately try to push him off. The realization that a lot of dragons were interested in her was a surprise she certainly wasn't expecting,* "Really? I had never noticed, I suppose I was stuck in my working mindset, and I never even realized that from anyone..."

*With his question, she stopped to think, fully considering her words before responding,* "Truthfully, I hope to find someone who..." *She shifted her stance, apparently struggling to say what she was thinking,* "I want someone who will treat me like 'Snowstorm', and not 'General Snowstorm', someone who will make me feel like a dragoness," *Her words were barely a whisper, apparently only wanting him to be able to hear, despite the fact that there was no one around them,* "It would be nice if they were close to my age and size, but I know most don't wait until their sixtys to find a mate."
James
He had a good laugh at her comment - seeming overjoyed by her reaction to the circumstances. "You came to me because I'm the *Best* In our great king's court when it comes to giving advice, duh~" He chuckled, finishing off his glass of wine and setting the glass down on a decorated table behind him. "*The* General Snowstorm is *Scared* Of something?~" He raised an eyebrow, his voice in an exaggerated questioning if not suggestive manner. "Seems out of all the foes she's faced - only the great, magnificent, oh - and might I say royally handsome Calve is the only one that can help her fend off such a mighty adversary as...*Her own feelings.~*" The butler had another goo round of hearty laughter - waving a talon dismissively. 'Okay okay- I'm *Done* Teasing you for now- no promises as the night progresses." 

He nodded at her question. "Most certainly- though I suppose us palace dragons aren't exactly known for being particularly expressive of how we feel - but the language of the court is *Subtlety*. It's of no surprise you might not have noticed, your duty as a soldier leaves you somewhat removed from the more social aspects surrounding the palace and its members... Little things like posture, softer expression- maybe you received a late-night cup of tea delivered by yours truly?~ All of those were little nudges from your admirers- If I knew you didn't *Know* I would've told you." He chuckled nervously tapping a talon to his chin.

Calve was taken aback by her transparency tonight - it felt almost uncanny- like he was talking to a completely different dragon that just so happened to be wearing Snowstorm's scales. "I believe that's something all dragons are looking for when it comes to the realm of romance, so no need to be embarrassed about such a thing- Your best bet it to find someone while you're off-duty- Oh! Perhaps you could find someone in one of those quaint little outskirt villages? I'm sure no one out there knows of your title or authority like the dragons within the palace walls do. If you went out there, you'd just be 'Snowstorm' like you've wanted." He seemed to realize he said something off- particularly in the way of romance outside of your prescribed caste, which wasn't typically encouraged within their society - nobles and members of the court were typically meant to mate within the circle. "Apologies if I spoke out of turn- must've been the wine- aha..." He gave her a nervous smile, hoping his words didn't offend, even if she seemed to be in a lighter mood than usual. 

He made sure to keep his voice low - just in case someone might've been eavesdropping, or trying to - "I understand - though, there are certainly individuals in your bracket- though perhaps not as overtly emotionally available as someone a snowflake or so younger." He seemed to be giving Snowstorm's conundrum a great deal of thought as he rubbed his chin. "We're... Off duty, yes? So- I suppose I don't have to have a facade as harsh as I do when I'm standing right next to his majesty- but..." He seemed nervous all of a sudden, but eager to get the words out, nonetheless. "I *Know* We're not supposed to- *But* It would increase your opportunities to find someone if you... Perhaps looked outside of the tribe?" He cringed at his own words, more so because he half expected to be scolded for such a suggestion.

"L-like I said, plenty of snow rabbits in the taiga of our home- but, it might be worth considering. I only worry what such a thing would mean for your position as general if someone *Knew*- and... I'm sorry for suggestion something that could put your career at risk- I shouldn't've said anything..."
Barbara
*Snowstorm actually seemed to laugh alongside him, but it was still shorter and a lot quieter, it wasn't much all things considered, but it was something,* "You should hope for your sake you are, I was getting ready to start hitting you," *She said, while lightly slapping him on the shoulder with her tail. Moving on from the banter, she thought for a second before nodding,* "I do remember that, aye. I thought they were from you, making sure I kept myself feeling well. I do suppose it makes sense, it's not like training included courtly manner training."

*She saw his reaction to her speaking candidly, and said,* "What? Did you think you had a monopoly on lightening up a little while off duty? I just happen to, not let myself go off duty much, at all," *She thought about his advice, and considered it for a good few moments, before she realized what it was he actually apologized for. She had learned about the ancient 'Circle' system when she was a Dragonet, and about the end of it, but as time went on, the noble court soft adopted the system again, something about bloodline preservation, nonsense to her, but as the Head Butler, of course Calve would be immersed in that system at all times. She shook her head,* "You forget Calve, I am only a 'noble' in that I spend most of my time in the palace, if they have problems with me going outside of the noble class, then they can have their problems, they won't have the guts to say anything about it, and no one would try and have me removed from my position, not without a fight," *She said, pulling herself up to full height, she was, of course, rather massive, thanks to her lifetime of training and combat experience and age.*

*The General let out a deep 'hmm' at his more quiet suggestion,* "I suppose it is not impossible, my sister has a dragonet with a Skywing, but she lives outside of the kingdom. A last resort, possibly," *Though her mind did turn to a Sandwing, it could help ease tensions...*
James
He chuckles at her playful tail whack- "And rough up the palace's most valuable dragon?~ You know I can't stand a scale out of place on myself." He scoffed and turned his head up with a grin- though returning to meet her gaze as she spoke about her recollection of events. "Don't get me wrong- I love checking in on other dragons- but if I'm not explicitly given a request, I'm not *Exactly* Allowed to go off on my own - I have to stay somewhere around the main hall so the staff can find me and compromising that availability without a good reason wouldn't exactly bode well for palace affairs." He explained it in a meticulous manner, ending it with a shrug. "Well, it's never too late to learn from the best~" He struck a dramatic, but regal pose with a soft chortle escaping his lips. 

He seemed to lighten up at her bold take on his words, giving a reassured nod and smile. "Of course of course- silly of me to be worried about *You* Of all dragons- I just don't want dragons you think of as friends to rapidly turn from smiles to glares the moment they *Know* Something's up... The lot of them are more venomous than dragonbite vipers- best not to trust a word that slips through their toothy grins unless it's about business and *Only* Business." He gave her a cautionary glance out of the corner of his eyes.

"Either way... I hope the best for your romantic endeavors- and I'll support whether you marry in cast or out of kingdom entirely... Yes, *Even* If you choose a *Nightwing*." He chuckled at the thought of it- finding it to be ridiculous, but still willing to respect his friend's relationship even if it wasn't something he'd ever sign up with - for obvious reasons. "Oh! And if you find someone, I *Have* To be the first to know, okay?~ Unlike those icicle snouts I've been speaking about, I can keep a secret." He flicked his tail with a sly grin on his snout. "Though... Perhaps I should be calling it a night. I've enjoyed our little chat though- and I'm looking forward to constant and consistent reports, general.~ So if there isn't anything I can do for you- I think I'll retire for the evening... Somewhere." He gave a half-disgusted glance around them as if nowhere in the Night Kingdom sounded appealing to him.
Barbara
"Urgh, if I marry into a noble house I might actually have to take you up on that offer," *She said with faux-disgust, if anyone was used to teaching people about noble etiquette, it WOULD be Calve,* "They are like to gossip that I've gone soft just for looking for a mate at all, let alone question my choice of who, it will do well enough to weed out the political climbers from actual friends in any case. I do appreciate your concern though, you likely hear of most rumors going around, simply because many don't even see anyone they think are below them."

*She nodded,* "Of course, I may end up needing your advice again once I find someone, after all, you know the most of male's desires of any I know," *She said with a smirk,* "Go and try to enjoy yourself, if anyone needs an official from the Ice Kingdom, I am qualified enough to take that position. I believe Queen Nyx has set up some rooms for Icewings, somewhere, made them cold enough to be bearable, they say. I do not know where they actually are however."
James
He seemed rather pleased with her faux-disgust, softly chucking under his breath. "Then I'll be crossing my talons for such an opportunity to present itself.~" He did a little bow as if honored to has the prospect of teaching the great General Snowstorm -it'd certainly contribute to his ego that had already gotten out of hand many- *Many* Moons before this meeting. "I suppose good on you, wat a marvelous outlook on like- If I had any wine left in my glass, I'd toast to it - even if my peers wouldn't be too thrilled at such an idea as breaking the social order." He said the last bit in a mocking manner as if he were somewhat fed - up with it as well despite his compliance. "Eugh, indeed- so... Much... Nonsense, and none of what they have to say is interesting. It's always petty garbage- though I suppose I should be pleased to hear there aren't any recent assassination plots making their way around the circle." 

"Pffft-" If he had been enjoying drink- he would've surely choked at her statement about 'knowing male desires'. "I suppose I had that one coming to me tonight, hm?~ Now I'm going to have to get you back with a speech at your mateship ceremony." He rolled his eyes playfully as he stood and turned away from Snostorm, craning his neck to the side to continue before he took off. "Hmm, I'll have to see if their rooms are up to par with my... Refined standards. I'm sure if I look annoyed wandering around the square while refusing to ask anyone- someone will eventually point me in the right direction." Calve laughed one last time before giving her a respectful nod. "It was... Interesting- but nice speaking with you this evening. I hope we can talk about soon- keep in touch, okay?~" With that- he took off, flying towards the heart of the kingdom to find the rumored 'rooms for icewings' Snowstorm had mentioned.