Having a Ball! (The First Grand Ball) [05/07, Evening-through-Night, Everyone, OPEN]

[Narcisse Fleurant]

The room was full of colours and shapes and people. The masks gave the evening a feeling of mystery and a flavor of being unreal, and Narcisse was loving it. These people on their own might be unsavory, ugly in face or in personality, but hidden behind masks and taken as a group, it was all very beautiful. It was bound to be interesting, as well, because in theory since they were behind masks, people would be more true to themselves tonight. Women's tongues would move a little freer, and men's hands would be a little less controlled. It would certainly be interesting to see what unfolded.

Narcisse wandered alone, her ivory gown standing out in the sea of bright, saturated colours. It was cut in a style more akin to the fashions of Enos than the mainland, made up of many flowing layers. Aside from the style, the only hint of her house colours was the thread the gown was put together with: ice blue provided just enough of a difference from the white to make her gown seem to glitter. The whole thing had something of a wintery feel, and her mask echoed the theme, its simple lines and slight texture reminiscent of a snowflake. Nevermind that Narcisse was not familiar with snow; she moved with the grace and silence of a soft snowfall.

Moving through the crowd, she kept glancing up above the crowd to see if she could spot her brothers. Being of one of the taller families of the land did have its advantages, after all. Renate, she was sure, had his own agenda for tonight, and she knew better than to get in the way. Etienne was a different story; whatever business he had could likely be put off in favor of a dance with his sister. Or at least she could hope so, anyway.

It didn't take long, however, for her to find someone else that she was just as happy to spend her time with. Abrielle was looking beautiful, but a bit lonely, and so Narcisse slid through the crowd and offered her friend a smile. "Abrielle, you look gorgeous!" She stepped back to take in the full effect before stepping in closer, linking her arm with Abby's. "But where is your little four legged companion? Were there no masquerade costumes small enough for him?"

[Nessa Montrose]

The night had only just begun, but Nessa felt like she'd been over the entire ballroom floor a million times. Damn all these masks! She only wanted to find one man, but these disguises were making it impossible. He hadn't even replied to her note with a hint about what he'd be wearing...she was as in the dark as she could have possibly been. If it were her father that she had to be finding she could do it easily; not only was Craig rarely quiet, but she would have known him anywhere after years of living with him. But she'd only just met Larson...and while she could clearly remember the feel of his lips, the hauntingly familiar look in his eyes...none of that would help her find him in a crowd of strangers.

A few times she thought she'd found him, but as she had approached to say something she'd realized that she had the wrong man. Thankfully she'd managed to avoid embarrassment thus far, but if she didn't find him soon she was going to end up making a fool of herself.

It was then that a strong hand on her shoulder made her heart leap. Turning, she saw a man very much like the one she'd been looking for this whole time, and her face lit up. But the man before her shook his head. "Wrong twin," he said, his voice kind even though she could see his eyes laughing at her behind his mask. "He's looking for you, though. You were the only thing on his mind, last I saw him." Nessa couldn't keep from blushing, and she was glad that the mask probably hid most of it.

"Do you know where he is?" She tried to keep her voice from sounding too eager, but she wasn't quite sure she succeeded. Lexington could only laugh and shake his head. At least his love-sick brother had found a woman who was just as crazy for him as he was for her. "Last I saw him he was over there looking discouraged," he said, taking her by the shoulders and turning her toward the back of the room. Turning her head back to him and nodding, Nessa thanked him and hurried off into the crowd.

Now that she had been given a direction, Nessa was relentless. Her eyes were scanning the crowd at all times, until finally she saw him. It could have been the same man she'd just been speaking to, but the subtle differences told her she had the right twin, finally. Still concealed in the crowd, Nessa took a deep breath. It wouldn't do to look eager, after all. Then she circled around, approaching him from the side.

"These masks really make things difficult, don't they?"

[Thelonius Larson DeLauncey]

Larson heard her voice, his eyes got wide, and he almost choked on his wine. Finally! It only took the whole damn night! He had such plans for finding her too, some romantic gesture, this and that. But now she was here and he almost threw his glass down in a rush to get off the shelf he was perched on.

When his feet hit the floor he picked Nessa up, and spun in a circle with her in his arms, pressing his lips to her cheek.

"I have been looking for you for what seems like forever, I have also made quite the ass out of myself tonight, but all that means nothing now that we're here together."

He spoke in hushed tones, as if their love was a secret. Wait! It was still kind of a secret! "Shall we dance?"

[Nessa Montrose]

Nessa tried to keep her cool, coy approach, but his astonishment at her appearance was just too much. She grinned and blushed like a school girl as he stumbled down from where he was perched and took her into his arms. It took all her restraint to not squeal and giggle as he spun her, and it was honestly only the collision of their masks that distracted her sufficiently from it. When her feet once more found the floor, she did a quick spot check, making sure her mask and her hair were in place before adjusting her skirts once more.

"I wouldn't have found you if it wasn't for your brother...I'm afraid I almost made a fool of myself thinking he was you." She couldn't help the blush of embarrassment, but it passed quickly. It was amazing how she felt just being around Larson. It really was as if they'd known one another for...well, forever. She felt instantly comfortable around him, and yet her heart still leapt as if she were a young girl with her first crush.

It was hard to remember that they had only just met a few days before, and that nobody yet knew of their affection for one another. Well, nobody but Lexington. But she hadn't told her father yet, and she didn't know if he had mentioned it to any of the rest of his family. Smoothing her skirts one more time, she took a little step back and curtseyed. "I would love to dance."

[Abrielle Laroche]

Abrielle smiled, seeing Narcisse was a wonderful surprise, and she blushed at her compliment. "Thank you so much, but I must say your dress is absolutely stunning, it's wonderful!" she shook her head, taking in the splendor of the white dress, all while Narcisse took her arm in hers.

"Al is in my room, I couldn't find an outfit that fit him size and personality, he just couldn't be here naked!" She giggled. She remembered how horrified Narcisse was at first when she met Al, though he is kind of an odd pet, she would admit most people look at him as just another pest.

"Are you having fun? This ball, and everyone, it's just so grand. So beautiful, I almost feel like this isn't real, you know?"

[Narcisse Fleurant]

"It simply wouldn't be proper for him to be here without proper attire," Narcisse said, smiling at the silliness of their conversation. The lizard had...well, at first she'd thought he was entirely creepy and gross, but by the end of their night by the pond she'd gotten used to him. She still wasn't sure he was proper, but Abby loved him and he made her happy, and if it was something that gave her joy and was harmless to everyone else, what right did she have to look down on it? "I bet you could have worked him a nice perch on a mask or something, though. There certainly seem to be a few with enough going on that a small lizard like him would be perfectly camouflaged."

The crowd made it next to impossible to stand still for any length of time, so with their arms linked the girls wandered slowly through the fringes of the crowd. "It does seem like something out of a story of a painting," she said, nodding in agreement. "Many people have gone for a subtle look, but then there are a few who stand out. And what do you want to be that those are the quietest people in their normal lives? It seems like many have gone for house colours, but I wonder if anyone's worn those of another house, just to throw people off? I think that might be fun," she said with a grin.

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

After sending the lovely Miss Montrose on her way to hopefully find her man, Lex watched the crowd close after her and just shook his head. Now that they were, in theory, paired off, he was pretty sure he'd not see his twin alone until he went to bed. He was still baffled at the change that had happened so quickly, but it seemed to make Larson happy, so Lex could only stand by and watch and hope it went well. He had to admit, though, it kind of sucked being the odd man out. He'd had a partner in crime his whole life, and now some girl was stealing him from her. It was enough to make a man bitter, if he let it. Lex, for the good of everyone, was trying not to let it.

As he wandered through the crowd he saw a grouping of people who seemed to have nothing in common, and yet were all seemingly engaged with one another. He knew all of them, though, in a way, so he approached, putting a hand on the small of Marchie's back so she'd know he was there before he spoke. "My dear, you look marvelous," he said, grinning at her. Even if he hadn't heard her speaking of her dress for what seemed like eons, it would still be easy to tell it was her.

Turning, he bowed to Elanor, holding it for a beat before rising. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Fitzwulf." He'd seen her in passing when they were young, although he couldn't remember exactly when or where. Something to do with Jon, of course. He thought of expressing condolences, but she was probably tired of hearing it by now. And anyway, it would not seem genuine if done before an audience.

Then he turned his attention to Craig, holding his hand out for a handshake and grinning. "And so we meet again, on slightly more sober terms," he said with a smile. "My twin has found the woman he's lovesick over, if you were curious to see her. They're at the other end of the room, I think, and we're dressed the same. So if you see me, but with a girl, then it's him." He chuckled, but then realized that something had been overlooked. "But I just remembered we haven't been introduced yet. Tiberius DeLauncey, but I prefer to go by Lex. My twin, who you met before, is Thelonius." He'd let Lars mention his nickname if he felt the need if this man and he ever met again.

[Sunniva Vulferam]

To say that Sunniva had been looking forward to the ball, would be an understatement. It was the biggest social occasion in her life so far by a wide margin and she had been looking forward to it, since the very moment she had heard of it. After a lot of thought she finally decided to go in different shades of blue, together with some yellow and silver. She had to specially commission the different layers of silk, all in some sort of blue interwoven with fine fibres of silver to make it glitter. Her seamstress had used yellow to emphasize her curves. Together with the dress went a simple full mask in deep blue. Sunniva had considered painting her skin blue as well, but she finally had decided to take a scarf in the same deep blue as her mask with her.

The Vulferam’s had all arrived together in the great hall and Sunniva had sat during the meal between her sisters at the table. Finally the king spoke and the ball begun. She watched the other nobles for a while before she got up as well to mingle with the crowed to see who she would meet and more important to see if she heard anything interesting.

[Cadwallader Prothero]

Cadwallader felt awkward. Being dressed up wasn't hard, it was just uncomfortable. He was so worried he was going to be clumsy and spill wine on his nice tunic and trousers. He was dressed in Prothero colors yet there were a few threads of purple on it- some of the vines and leaves of his tunic were done that way in a nod to his betrothal to Lady Morgandy. So instead of sitting with his family he sat with the Morgandys, as was appropriate for him to be so. Still part of him wished to be with his own family but it was only for one night.

His mask was off his face as he had lifted it off to take a sip of wine. He was busy watching a few of the couples dance when Reagan's voice distracted him. “Yes?” He said all of a sudden, blinking then realized he hadn't been paying attention. She had mentioned something about dancing. “Oh yes! It would be only fitting at an occasion like this.” He smiled politely at Lady Reagan. They were at least on civil terms, or attempting to be. She was to be his sister and Cadwallader did not wish to be on her bad side. “I would not think the Lady of Enyon anything but graceful- and ferocious.” He stood up, nervous as he was. He was certain dancing was going to be the end of him.

“Shall we dance then Lady Cordelia?” He offered her his hand. This was inevitably going to be a disaster. He had about as much grace as a bull in a china shop. He was certain he was going to be made a fool of but Cordelia he was certain deserved to shine- just not on his own arm. He was going to do nothing but weigh her down.

[Cordelia Morgandy]

Cordelia stood with an intoxicating ruffle of silks, elegantly reaching out for Cadwallader's hand. He hadn't mentioned being a good dance, for all that he had neither mentioned being bad.

"Ferocious, am I?" She smiled audaciously, quite amused. "I have not before heard myself described as such. Best watch yourself, my lord."

She stepped out gracefully, however, in spite of her words. Cordelia enjoyed dancing, and held the aspiration that both she and her betrothed might impress the lords and ladies of the court. "You never told me you were a dancer, lord Cadwallader." She probed, hoping for a detail or two concerning his prowess with the skill before they even began.

[Melari Forthwind]

Poor Melari blushed rosy when Caelain's Lord nudged his son forward, blue eyes lowering to the floor. Everyone was watching them! And how had Lord Faerald known about this, anyway? Of course, she'd told her relatives about the kiss; it would make sense if Aiden had done the same even if he didn't seem to be the best of friends with his father. It just made her shy...mostly because seeing Aiden again was causing butterflies to dance in her stomach. She hung back, uncertain in the view of so many eyes, but not a moment later her uncle stood before her. Bradyn's smile was reassuring, and little Melari returned it softly before slipping her hand into his. She let him lead her, following the Authority of War as trustingly as a lamb. Mel still looked shy, but she pressed her uncle's hand in thanks before leaving him to go to Aiden. "Hello."

She blushed again, unable to help herself around the handsome boy who had given her her first kiss. "You look very lordly tonight." Melari smiled, swaying uncertainly from side to side. "And I like your Rascal mask."

[Cadwallader Prothero]

He smiled as his betrothed took his hand and then suddenly choked on a laugh and an awkward smile. “I didn't mean it like that my lady! I only meant...well perhaps you dance passionately.” He quickly went to correcting himself. Oh no had he caused her offense? “Have I caused you offense? I did not mean to do so. Only that you must be a good dancer, but perhaps I should have worded that differently.” He always had a feeling he was going to be forever apologizing. Still he took her hand and placed one at her waist, raising the other.

“I can pass well enough.” But then when he moved to step he stepped on her foot- and in that instant he cringed. “I am so sorry! Are you ok?” He turned red still. “I just never said I was that good.”

[Kenna Merrick]

Kenna nodded over to the glass, “So if we have a compromise, my love, can I at least finish my wine so I can tolerate all these foolish, I mean lovely people?” She tried to grin, but she wasn’t good at the gesture and gave up and simply let her eyes remind him that she loved him. The rest of the people here really could be damned. She couldn’t stand half of them, and the rest were probably too stupid to see past their own noses.

That was the wine talking, she realized, but still. “I wonder if my cousin is roaming about. He did want to want to meet you,” she muttered. “And there is my uncle and your brother and sister-in-law. After that then?”

She squeezed his hand back, making the tally in her mind. Hopefully those would go quickly. Already, the room felt far too warm.

[Craig Montrose]

There was something heartbreaking about the gratitude in her eyes when her gaze met his. Loss was an almost a tangible thing in the air around her, but she accepted her life with such demure grace and calm that it became tragedy incarnate. All he wanted to do was wrap her up in his arms and tell her everything was going to be alright, even though that wasn't really his style. "Ya can tell, ma lady." He took the flask back when it was offered back and took a swig himself, looking at Nessa fondly. "She is for sure. Jus' like her ma."

The Montrose shook his head, remembering his wife and how glamorous she managed to look regardless of the situation. It was definitely a trait Nessa had picked up. Even from this distance though, he could see her talking to someone, so had thought it best to leave her to it. But Marcheline Delauncey took that moment to steal away Elanor's attention. "Lady Marcheline, pleasure's all mine." It wasn't a problem, of course, but it left him thinking that bit too much. And if he got thinking, he got drinking.

Thankfully, his own rescue party arrived shortly after. It was one of the twins from before, to which he involved the flask in the handshake to slip it across to Lex. "Le' us hope it ain' gonna stay tha way all night." He grinned and looked up to his friend and noted there was something oddly familiar about his costume. Not that it mattered right now. "Pleasure, friend. I'm Craig Montrose." He grinned as he looked around for the matching suit, eager to see the woman of his twin's dreams. "Call me curious as ta how he's to find her in this mask foolery, but she has ta have a damned well curved body for him to tell it apart in this crowd. I'm jus' glad no-one's eyeing up my..." His face fell as he found the other man and who he was talking to.

"...Daughter." His face twisted from happy to angry in a matter of seconds. If steam were able to come from his ears, now would be the time it would happen. Snatching the drink back, he drained it all in one gulp. There was a danger to his tone, which was raised loud enough to be noticed. "So, he's wantin' ta take advantage of my daughter is he? Hope he does nay want his face in one piece." He began to rise, almost daring Lex to challenge him.

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

"Indeed, my friend," Lex said with a warm laugh, tipping the flask to its owner as a gesture of thanks before taking a drink. Upon hearing the man's name, he paused for a moment...it sounded familiar, although he couldn't place why. But as second in line, he'd been trying to learn and remember everyone's names, so that was probably it. "I think there was a note involved somehow in them finding one another," he said, trying to remember. "Although I'm surprised it's any help, considering." Somehow, even with the costumes and masks, the majority of the crowd looked strangely similar.

Oh, shit. For a moment, Lex couldn't help but be endlessly entertained at the circumstances. Who ever would have imagined that Larson would fall in love with the daughter of the random dude they'd met while they were out drinking? It would be funnier, of course, if he didn't look about ready to go kill Larson. "Peace, friend," he said, reaching out to him. He didn't touch him, or make any move to restrain him, but if it came to it he wouldn't hesitate to get between Craig and Larson. "This is the first girl I've ever seen him NOT want to take advantage of." Okay, so maybe that wasn't the best way to phrase that. But could he not see how happy Nessa looked, dancing with Larson? Or was he the sort of man who didn't really care? Gods, what had Lars gotten himself into with this girl? "Please, you don't want to embarrass your daughter, do you? Stop and look for a moment." Maybe that tactic would work better. He hoped. The last thing he wanted to do was to get in a fight in the middle of the ball, all over some girl that he wasn't actually involved with.

[Elanor Fitzwulf]

"Lady Marcheline, well met! I think you might be the prettiest peacock I've ever seen." The other girl was harder to recognize now that she was wearing a mask, but Elanor remembered the voice. Besides, the sentiments expressed were so innocent and sweet, she couldn't imagine who else it would be. "Thank you for the compliment. I do indeed like to dance, but...I'm afraid this isn't the most enjoyable ball I've ever attended. I don't feel much like dancing right now."

She smiled, a little sadly, but left her seat to take Marchie by the arm. "My brother would have danced with you. Married, of course, but he loved House deLauncey like it was his own blood. Still, with as pretty as you're looking tonight I'm sure someone will ask you, and in the meantime you can keep me company."

Elanor already had an idea for the surprise she would arrange for Marcheline, but for now it would have to wait. They had additional company -- one of the strapping deLauncey twins, although she'd be blessed if she could tell which one. She returned his bow with a curtsy, rising in time with him. "Likewise, my lord."

Lady Fitzwulf kept closer while the young man spoke with Craig, noting his name and doing her best to memorize his features. It was odd, though; everyone she knew to not care for Jon was making it a point to offer condolences, while a great many who might truly have been sorry were saying nothing at all. Why was that?

Just then, though, Craig made a discovery that changed the friendly mood of this little gathering. Apparently the other twin's great love was Nessa Montrose, and her father was not pleased to see this. Elanor left Marchie with a quiet "excuse me," moving instead to put her arm through Craig's. "Lord Craig? Your daughter is my friend, so I can truly say that she is one of the smartest women I've ever met." She lowered her voice, murmuring a reassurance to the man who loved her better than anyone else. "She wouldn't let anyone take advantage of her that way. If she's letting Thelonius keep her company, it's because he truly makes her happy. And Nessa is special so...I think that would take a rare man." She touched his hand, soft. "It will be all right."

[Craig Montrose]

All he could see was red. He had been sat in a bar talking about this tight little piece that this man had found and...it was...his daughter? Urgh. Had Lex not stepped in his way, his daughter's suitor would have been lying on the floor bloodied by now. Instead, he became the object of his wrath. Craig was still sensible enough to, barely, restrain himself from hitting either brother but his words dripped with venom and fury. "Don' ya dare tell me peace. 'Specially if ya brother normally does want ta take advantage of girls, but won' because he's in love." He stepped closer, not trying to intimidate, but doing a damn fine job of looking like he was. "Ya protect him and he hurts her, you suffer jus' the same as he does. Now get outta my damn way 'fore I get mad."

He took a glance up at her as he asked and...it just hurt more. She was there. She was happy. But he couldn't make her happy, a man she'd barely met? It just added fuel to the fire. He wasn't angry with her, or even with Lars. He was angry at himself but Lars was the one at fault, or so his mind was telling him. "Step outta the way, lad. This ain' your business."

He wasn't ready to swing at Lex. Not yet. Then Elanor intervened and he really had to control himself. Her words bounced off him, none of them landing, just serving to reinforce that oh so many knew better than him. Every single one of them knew better than him what was best for Nessa! "Tha's how it is then, is it? I don' have the right to think anythin but what you all want me ta think?" He turned back to Lex, disgusted. "Get outta my way now, lad."

[Deirdre Faerald]

Deirdre watched Aiden proudly, laughing as Lord Faerald ushered him off to Melari. "Oh, I'm so happy for him," she exclaimed. "I worried that he wouldn't enjoy the ball, and now look at him. It's so sweet!" Her attention soon shifted to Adrien and Aurora, who had begun dancing in the center of the room. As usual, the king was as handsome as the princess was beautiful, and their lively volta was a more than fitting start for the festivities. "Father, let's move closer to them! I want the king to be able to see me..."

She was observing the two with an eager smile when she was jarred out of her thoughts by the sudden appearance of a lord in a fox masque. "Oh! My lord, you're too kind, and I would be so happy to dance with you. But..." Her face flushed. Even with a masque, he looked handsome, and it grieved her to have to protest. "I must confess, I have a prior arrangement with the king. He promised me the first dance after his sister, and I fear that if he cannot find me, he'd think I had forgotten his words." It had been nice, for a time, to keep their moment together as something that was hers alone, when every other conversation with Adrien had been shared with half of court, but she supposed it was only a matter of time before everyone saw them anyway.

She was speakly quickly now, hoping he would not think this was a rejection. "I would be so honored if you would seek me out afterward. In the meantime..." Fortunately, a quick glance around the room was all it took to pinpoint who she was looking for. Although though Marchie had simply spoke of wearing purple when they'd discussed their ballgowns, she stuck out in the crowd. "Do you see that young lady wearing a blue peacock masque? If it's not too forward to suggest, I know she would make a wonderful dance partner."

[Adrien Fontenot]

Adrien whirled his sister for one last turn, then his eyes spotted Deirdre. The note, the promise, the time spent with the hawk came back to him. She was his cousin, blood, and beautiful as well, and he had enjoyed being with her. Besides, he wasn’t going to break his promise. He bent his head to whisper softly in Aurora’s ear, telling her it was time to find her first non-sibling partner. Then he broke their hold in a majestic way and bow, waiting as the crowds around them clapped their delight.

The musicians began a new tune and he turned around to the sight of Lady Deirdre. Adrien bowed, but his gaze lifted so that he was still looking her in the eyes. “I believe, my lady, that we had the promise of a dance?” He rose and offered his arm, and then a smile. “And I couldn’t imagine breaking that promise. You look beautiful tonight, cousin, in that dress...”

He noticed the man next to her then. “I hope I’m not interrupting, but the lady and I had prior plans and for this dance, she is mine.” Then he whisked her onto the dance floor as other couples fell in around them. Now that the floor was open, anyone could join in the fun. “Are you having a good time, Deirdre?” he asked, dropping the formalities immediately.

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

Lexington put his hands up, stepping back from Craig. Internally he was cussing up a storm; not only had this gone entirely wrong and it was all his fault, but this meant that Larson was in love with a girl whose father was not happy about it at all, and on top of it all Cassius would probably be disappointed in him for seemingly gaining an enemy. But he kept his face passive, not wanting to make any of this any worse. He took the man's words, took the brunt of his anger, and resolved to say nothing. So it was a surprise to him when he found his mouth opening again, although his voice was much quieter this time, almost as an aside to himself. "If he hurts her you won't be the only one he's got to worry about getting a beating from..." If he was going to get shouted at just to treat the girl poorly, Lars was in for it.

He stepped away, still keeping his hands fairly high so that Craig could see he wasn't going to try to do anything. He followed the man's gaze to where Larson and Nessa danced, oblivious to what was going on here, and he felt a pang of regret; he had so hoped that his brother would be able to find happiness in this girl, even if he didn't understand how he'd fallen so fast and so hard for her. But with a father in law like this, he had the feeling that nothing would be easy.

Hearing Elanor intervene, Lex breathed a sigh of relief, albeit a small one. If he'd had to deal with this on his own, it probably would have ended more terribly than it had begun. But he lashed out at her, too, and Lex found himself standing up a little straighter, half stepping in front of Elanor. He knew she didn't need protection, but it was a strong instinct with him, and he wasn't thinking of anything but preventing a fight. He managed to bite his tongue rather than point out that he was already out of the old man's way, and the only thing holding him here was his need to spread hatred everywhere, which likely saved him from getting punched in the face. Instead, he simply took another step back, giving Craig even more of a space around himself than he'd created with his shouting. "Apologies, my lord," he said, his voice perfectly measured and neutral. He turned to Elanor then. "Lady Fitzwulf, I feel the need for some fresh air; would you like to accompany me outside for a moment?" If Craig wanted them away from him so badly, Lex wasn't going to leave her there alone with him without at least an offer of company. He had other reasons for asking the lady Fitzwulf to come with him, too, but if she refused, his needs could be served another time.

[Deirdre Faerald]

"Your grace," Deirdre greeted with a curtsy, feigning some degree of aloof decorum - though the way her face lit up at the sight of him betrayed her true feelings. She gave the lord an apologetic smile (his identity still entirely unknown to her, having never had a chance to see Isaac Harcourt up close), as she was whisked to the dance floor by Adrien. Of course, he was a man of his word. One of his many admirable qualities, she thought.

"I'm so glad you recognized me! When I arrived, I thought the ballroom alone looked a dream come true," she commented. "But now, Adrien, I must admit it pales in comparison to seeing you again. You and Aurora danced so beautifully, it was a magnificient sight to behold!" She sighed happily, her steps light and airy. "I've been meaning to write your sister an invitation to go riding. Does she like that sort of thing? Getting to know you has been such a joy, I feel certain that I'll treasure spending time with Aurora as well."

Deirdre glided with the unconscious ease of one who had practiced often throughout her life. Dancing had always been one of her greatest interests, and to dance in the capital with the king... Why, that was everything she could've ever hoped for during all those years of plague and warfare. If anything was proof that such a dark time was over, it was this night, Deirdre was sure of it!

[Elanor Fitzwulf]

For the briefest of moments Elanor's eyes flashed with surprise and then hurt, but by the time Tiberius stepped in front of her it was gone. Lady Fitzwulf had slipped into the blank, serene expression she knew so well, and that plus a voice rigid with calm made it impossible for anyone to know she'd been close to panicking. Not even province ruler two days and already it seemed she could not keep her banners under control; an incident with the leaders of the Vandermark would just be another nail in her coffin. The worst part was that the trouble would come from Craig, Nessa's father. Aside from the horrifying vision she'd had of having to place the man under arrest, how bad was it when the complete unbalancing of one's homeland came at the hands of someone considered a friend? Maybe she'd been wrong to warm up to people so quickly, especially when it seemed to be costing her such precious authority. "Indeed my lord, I never thought such a thing. I apologize for any misunderstanding."

She followed deLauncey's lead, stepping back from Craig with her head lifted. Elanor swiveled to face Lex as gracefully as she could, just as carefully neutral. "I would be pleased to join you. Thank you for the kind invitation."

Mistake or not, she truly would be pleased. This deLauncey had rescued her from what would have been a horrible situation, and at the moment she was feeling profoundly grateful. Elanor didn't wait, but slipped her arm through his and began moving straight away, wanting to put as much distance between herself and Craig as possible. Nessa could handle her father, and Marchie...well, Marchie was probably better served removing herself from the situation. Elanor offered a suggestion as she passed, hoping the other girl would take it. "Marcheline, dearest, that boy in the corner looks lonely. Why don't you go tell him hello?"

[Craig Montrose]

It only took a quick look around before he collected himself. People were looking. His daughter was happy and unaware, but wouldn't be eventually. Elanor and Tiberius were about to leave because of him, while Elanor was convincing Marcheline to clear the area. Then it hit him. They weren't leaving out of fear, or because he was right - He was being an embarrassment again. This time, not just to the family, but to his daughter and his daughters friends. Shame flooded his expression and his resolve left him. The anger ebbed straight out from him and his voice emerged, little more than a ghostly whisper. "Ya don' need ta excuse ya selves on my accoun'. I wain't trouble any of ya any longer."

Not even waiting for a response, hoping against hope that he did not get one, he strode carefully out of the way and made to leave the ball. He cast a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure Nessa was undisturbed and after seeing her happily still dancing with the man, made his way out of the doors.

He wouldn't be showing his face for a few days, that was certain.

[Adrien Fontenot]

Adrien grinned. Deirdre was flattering him and he did like it. His nerves were dulled and his inhibitions looser from the wine that had flowed with dinner all evening and when she smiled at him so brightly, he forgot everything else for the moment and concentrated on her. Deirdre was beautiful and noble, and she was a Faerald, and he did like her. “How could I not recognize you? With a smile like that, you light up the room!” He’d had enough not to notice just how lame his lines were.

At the mention of his sister, Adrien glanced around to see where Aurora might have gotten off to. But instead his eyes passed over Lady Elanor with another man, who he didn’t recognize through the costume. He felt a moment of darkness, then pushed it away and turned his attention back to his bright and bubbly cousin. “I’m sure she would love that, Deirdre. Aurora could use some company. I’m oft too busy these days and she should have someone to attend her and keep her busy. Maybe you could show her hawking skills,” he suggested.

He swirled her lightly, keeping her close enough for the pair to hear each other over the music. The song was light, not too fast or too slow, with simple enough footwork that extreme concentration wasn’t required.

“Have you met many of the other young ladies?”

[Malcolm Montrose]

Malcolm barked out a laugh in response to Arianne's comment concerning stepping on his toes. The woman was a ray of sunshine, truly. Comparing her to Eilidh would have been unfair, but he could not have been more happy with her as his wife.

"We should oblige them before they carry you away." The man observed, stoic as ever in his mannerisms, though there was an undertone to his words, a certain softness, reserved only for her. Eilidh had been his first, true love, but still Malcolm cared for his second wife. In a way, she kept him young. Her vigour for life, her fervour... In her own way she was intoxicating, and that was a very welcome thing.

Casting his eyes over the gathering, however, Malcolm could not help but take note of what was happening over by his younger brother... some kind of scene, it appeared.

"Already my kin causes trouble." He murmured beneath his breath, the telltale crease of a frown marring the roughness of his brow.

[Cordelia Morgandy]

Her betrothed corrected his earlier accessment of 'ferocious' with 'passionate' in its stead. "Some might argue that passionate can be even more dangerous than ferocious." She smiled, a teasing hint, something of mirth dancing in her dark, wide eyes. "You have caused me no offense- we Morgandys are made of far sterner stuff than to be insulted by such slight remarks." If he truly wished to offend her, then he would need to try a good deal harder, than that. Besides, Cordelia was becoming somewhat accustomed to her betrothed's awkwardness. She still held out the hope that it would vanish in time, that Enyon might prove compelling to Cadwallader's character.

And then, he stepped on her feet.

The look on Lady Morgandy's face was one of mild surprise, although she handled her companion's slip rather well. "I will live, Cadwallader." She managed a gracious, beautiful smile. "But what was that you said about passing well?"

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"Those would be the important ones, my love. I can handle all these other foolish people without you, I'd think." He chuckled, though he felt comfortable enough in allowing her the rest of her wine. At this point, a small measure more was unlikely to make all that much difference.

"Which cousin?" He queried next, knowing that his wife happened to have a few. It wasn't as though Nathaniel had any real objection to meeting people- it was part and parcel of what he lived for, after all- but he was curious enough to want to learn 'who.'

[Theoren Fleurant]

I don't really want to be here. But... I should keep up appearances. And at least there will be food and drink. Those were the thoughts that went through Theoren's mind as he entered into the ballroom. Things had already been started, and he noticed some of his family members in the area where they were designated. But he didn't feel comfortable sitting with them at this time. They had already had a family dinner some time ago, and he figured it would be fitting for him to meet with new people.

He wore a deep red tunic that reached to just above his knees, richly embroidered with a repeating geometric pattern across the neck and around the top of the arms and wrists in gold thread. Around his neck was a golden torc, that was inset with rubies. Over his shoulder was draped a dark brown cloak, clasped at his right shoulder with a simple unadorned gold cloak pin. On his legs he wore brown breeches, and calf length leather boots with a slightly raised heel.

For his mask, he wore one that covered the entire top of his head and most of his face, stopping just above his mouth, and sloping down to partially cover his cheeks. It was covered in red enamel. What made the mask interesting however, was that it was adorned on the top with chestnut coloured horsehair, that went to his shoulders, covering his natural golden locks. He had shaved off his beard, and given that few knew him from before, he had a feeling that even Pepin and Renate would not recognize him now.

As he walked, he did his best to hide a grimace of pain. He had sustained wounds from fighting Aashiq Linnet in the melee previously, and they had not healed fully. It was nothing especially serious, but they were not pleasant. He had bruised ribs on both sides, which were the colour of deep purple, from the result of his hastily fitted armour crushing his sides as they got dented from the blows, and he had a very minor fracture below his knee from falling onto it. The doctors unfortunately could do nothing for this wound, as it was not the sort of thing which required a cast. They gave him medicine to dull the pain, but Theoren did not bother with it much. It usually caused him to feel sluggish and drowsy.

He looked towards a common table where others were seated; not with their houses. It was fairly close, and he wanted to get off of his damned knee as soon as possible. He sat down in the chair, and as a servant walked by, he motioned to them to come by. As they did so, he said, "Bring a tankard, and a large decanter of mead." The drink was not very common in Enos, seeing as how it was more a drink of the north, but Theoren had become accustomed to the beverage and it's wonderfully unique flavour that very few drinks could match. It was soon brought, and Theoren waved away the man from pouring it, indicating to just leave it on the table.

Letting the contents settle for a moment, Theoren looked and noticed some sort of commotion going on. He wasn't entirely sure who they were though, so he poured himself a drink, and sipped slowly at it. And then not thinking, he said out loud, just enough that anyone passing by could hear him, "So many highborn individuals gathered in one place, and drama starts to ensue... Exactly what I expected."

[Deirdre Faerald]

Deirdre beamed at Adrien's praise, fortunately being the sort who finds such comments flattering as opposed to cheesy. "Not as many as I'd like! I feel I've spent much of my time since arrival with my own family... But of the ones I have had the pleasure of meeting, they've all been wonderful company." As she performed the steps, gazing at him adoringly all the while, she added, "Though I do love this opportunity to see so many people, my greatest joy is still having the chance to get to know my dear cousins."

At that, her mind was set: she'd write Aurora a letter after the ball. Typically, she would have hesitated to invite the princess to anything sporting, since she had looked so dainty every time Deirdre had seen her. It just seemed fitting that she'd prefer some sort of ladylike activity. However, if Aurora's own brother believed she'd appreciate a day out hawking, Deirdre was far more confident that she would be open to such a suggestion. They could go riding, at the very least!

Her thoughts did not linger on future plans for long though. Despite her determination to seem a mature lady tonight instead of a giggling girl, she was positively giddy. The first to dance with Adrien! After his sister, anyway, but she didn't believe that counted. The fact that dance order was likely fairly inconsequential at a masquerade, where most people didn't even know who their partners were, was not even on her mind. By now, Deirdre was already growing quite smitten with him, and becoming certain all this had to mean something. To think that he could possibly share her feelings! It was such a lovely thought, she could hardly bear it. She had hardly sipped any wine yet herself, but a young lady this excitable barely needed much prompting to be just about dizzy with happiness.

"This lively atmosphere reminds me of Caerthynas... Just about everyone in Caelain has a passion for music! What about you, Adrien? I don't suppose you play any instruments? Sing?" There was a playful twinkle in her eye. "I promise to forgive you if you do not."

[Arianne Montrose]

“No one could carry me away. Not when I have such a husband. A lion. A toe crusher! A man of strength and deep churning passion. You’re the only one I get carried away for.” She told him. Arianne tried to be a good wife. Even if sometimes a tinge of sadness glistened in her eyes. Did he know how hard the north was? How difficult it had been to go there. She was pleased he was a good man and had given her a good life. Still…she wasn’t his first love and he wasn’t hers.

“The trouble seems over. Craig gets carried away but look…he’s leaving.” She glanced across at Nessa to make sure the girl was unaware. It seemed as if she was blissfully ignorant.

A hand reached up to smooth his eyebrow and the crinkle that had started, “Oh no you don’t. Tonight you worry only about drinking, stepping on my toes and eating good food. Your brothers troubles cannot be yours. Not now.” Her hand brushed his cheek.