On the balcony

Unlike her fellow Dios, Saya made her entrance quietly and wordlessly. Sparing little more than a glance for the other guests at the ball, she helped herself to a glass of wine and made her way to the balcony. She had no desire to mingle, and as most of the guests had gone inside after the entrance of the Dios, the relative solitude was calming. From inside the ballroom, she could hear the commotion between her leader and the head captain.

She could not help but chuckle at the exchange. Not out of contempt, but rather irony. After all, she had no desire whatsoever to involve herself in the politics of this dimension; she'd have all possible contact between the two worlds cut if such a thing were at all feasible.

Finishing her glass, she let out a small sigh. She genuinely hoped the residents of this world would listen to reason and discard their misplaced suspicions. The last thing she wanted - or needed, was enemies.

With the introduction of the Dios the more party oriented hollows seemed to be in full swing. Victarion started his night by seemingly summoning the ghosts of his dead crew members. His only words to them being "Party well lads but don't forget your manners!" followed by a raunchy laugh and an "Aye Captain!" from the group.

As Victarion rounded the tables he took a bottle of sake from a seated shinigami, took a swig and looked like he was going to gag. "I've tasted better piss then this" the seated man looked shocked but Victarion just grinned and slapped the man on the back.

"I only be kidding. It is a fine brew" Victarion said as he walked away laughing never bothering to give the bottle back. He noticed Saya and downed the bottle before grabbing another. He then walked outside to the balcony and stood beside her.

"May I offer you a bottle of Soul Societies finest lass? Drink always taste better with a friend." He says as he offers her the bottle.

"Friend?" Saya tilted her head back at an angle, her expression an impassive glare. "I don't recall ever considering you anything of the sort. And I don't appreciate it when people throw around the term so freely."

An awkward silence momentarily took hold as the two stared each other down.

"But I suppose I'll take you up on your offer." She smiled mischievously, twirling to face the other hollow. "This ball is utterly exhausting."

Victarion gave out a mirthful laugh over Saya's comment about friendship. "Aye that may be the case although i find that the alcohol goes down smoother as friends then mere acquaintance."

Victarion pours Saya a glass. "If by exhausting you mean exhaustingly boring then we'd be in an accord. The lot o' them are little better then bilge rats. Maybe we give a go minglin' wit' the locals, savvy?"

"I'm not like you." She replied with a wave of her hand. "Gatherings like this are anything but invigorating for me. If I could have it my way, we'd be heading back right about now." Briefly pausing, her weary smile twisted into a sardonic grin. "But I suppose that wouldn't be very good for appearances, would it?"

Having voiced her thoughts, Saya sighed as she leaned over the railing, her chin now resting on the back of her free hand. She stared blankly into the distance, taking occasional sips of alcohol from her glass. Minutes passed as silence drifted over the two.

"...I suppose a walk in the night doesn't sound too bad though."

"Bin never be one to cater to th' wills 'o others but th' cap'n be th' cap'n 'n we be his followers. As a result it would be best to follow his example 'n make ourselves mates to 'tis lot." Victarion paused and motioned to the crowds of Espada and Shinigami. "Or at th' very least stay out 'o trouble."

Victarion smiles wickidly as the silence starts. He then nods knowingly as Saya breaks it and says, "Aye it does not sound bad at all. I wonder how different 'tis world be from our own"