Descending the stairs into the hall, clad in golden honeysilk, Liara offers an easy greeting to those already present, "Welcome! I am glad to see you all here - please make yourselves comfortable, and the band shall commence presently." The Grayson proceeds towards the main doors to greet further arrivals, answering a quick query from one of the mansion's staff who comes up to her on the way.

Some people are just born comfortable. Others, less so. Others still are so laid back that if they were any more so they'd fall over. Prince Varan is one of the latter category. Since he lives in the mansion, it's rather easy for him to have been here the whole time, sipping from various beverages 'to ensure their quality' and lounging about on a sofa. Though he does eventually stand when Liara makes her entrance, it appears to be for her sake only, as he soon returns to sitting the moment he's out of her eye line.

Treb, a restless direhorn, Dash, a Kite of the Cloudspine leave, following Ivy.

Emberly enters wearing a beautiful Aeterna lace dress that is accented with a tweed jacket and hat. She looks around and she looks over to Lira before she moves a bit closer to the princess "Lovely gown Princess!" she smiles a bit.

Liara offers a light smile towards Varan, though being that she lives in the same building, no especially exuberant greeting is forthcoming. She offers a quick and easy grin to Emberly, "Thank you very much. It is a wonder that they managed to get it to stay in place, and I am really rather enjoying it."

Treb, a restless direhorn, Dash, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrive, following Ivy.

Treb, a restless direhorn have been dismissed.

Dash, a Kite of the Cloudspine have been dismissed.

Stepping into the Grayson Gray Hall with right arm of the Lord Martino Malvici's held by his wife, Lady Kaia Malvici, the two enter smoothly of step. A unison of peach-to-white blend wraps around the two in their outfits, the light click from their shoes as Martino's leaning slight to Kaia's ear, "Oh my dear heart, that perfume you found. Mm. Well let us check in with the host and see who else we might gather in to dance with." Lightly chuckling, his lips fleetingly touching Kaia's temple, Martino's leading the two in to bow his torso lowly to Liara, "Oh High-Lady Princess Liara... such a delight to see you. Truly our thanks for hosting." Fingertips of Martino's free hand touching his pleated doublet, his head turning to dip his chins to Emberly and the other guests.

Emberly smiles a bit and she grins, "who designed it if you do not mind me asking?" she asks the princess before she looks over to Martino and she moves out of the way so that the princess can greet her other guests, a quick smile to Martino before she moves herself along carefully

Arriving on the arm of Prince Nazmir Redrain is one Lady Ivy Blackram. She's given up her leathers for aeterna for the evening, the pristine white cloth shot through with golden thread, the top bearing feathery wisps along the edges of sleeves and hem, with soft lambskin gloves and boots. Head held high to show off the dangling earrings as well, she has a smile on her lips to show off the new outfit. She looks to her companion and murmurs something for him alone before moving them towards greeting the hostess of the evening.

Stepping into the Hall with Ivy on his arm, Nazmir has gone with a gleaming, golden outfit crafted of honeysilk. There's a cloak that's draped over one shoulder and as he takes a moment to look about, he's listening quietly, only to then murmur something back in return, a little nod of his head coming to be offered before he's beginning to follow her over in the direction of the Liara.

Kaia smiles fondly to Liara as she courtesies along with her husband and says, "Your highness, you look like the epitome of fashion. Like my husband said, thank you for hosting and for having us.~"

Liara greets Martino and Kaia warmly, "My lord, my lady, I am delighted to see you here - and so well colour coordinated, too! You are most welcome." She turns then to answer Emberly, "Oh, I conceived the idea myself, although the work was done at the Wild Plains Bazaar in the Ward of the Compact."

Liara then turns to Ivy and Nazmir as they arrive, and she notes, admiring Ivy's blouse first, "How clever! A splendid piece. And an equally splendid companion - I heartily approve of the honeysilk. Welcome, my lady, your highness. Have you met Lady Kaia and Lord Martino, just ahead of you there?"

Prince Varan is wearing clothing. That's the best you're getting. Sure, he could probably go up stairs and change, but that's at least two glasses of wine he hasn't drunk. His eyes rather intentionally ignore the dessert tables as he gazes about the place - there's enough sugar in the room to give diabetes to the entire city twice over and he is watching his figure. Finally standing from his couch, Varan meanders around and heads eventually towards the arriving guests. It wouldn't do for his cousin to do all the heavy lifting after all, though he is wary. This much silk in once place might cause a slip-and-slide.

Kaia is overheard praising Liara: A wonderful hostess!

"Well it is my darling heart who wears the colour best." Turning his head from Liara to Kaia, Martino's eyes are crinkling in the corners down to her before turning on Liara's voie to Ivy and Nazmir, "Oh we have not met. Lord Martino Malvici and Lady Kaia Malvici." Rolling his left hand from the shoulder sash worn, Martino's fingertips wiggle slightly to Ivy and Nazmir in greeting.

Emberly is overheard praising Liara.

Kaia, naturally, glances torwards Ivy and Nazmir. A sweet smile on her face present as they are introduced by the High Lady of Grayson. Her gaze immediately roams over their fabulous outfits. "Oh my! Your ensembles are utterly delightful!~" she beams appreciatively.

"Thank you, Your Grace. Both for the compliment and for hosting. The hall looks wonderful," Ivy smiles towards Liara, dipping into a quick curtsy before her. She looks to Kaia with a smile, "A pleasure, my lady. And thank you, your outfit looks lovely as well!" To Martino, she gives a nod while retaining the smile, "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Malvici."

Emberly smiles softly to Kaia, then she looks over to the honeysilk couple and she smiles brightly she inclines her head to them warmly before she looks over to Volya and she smiles also to him. "Greetings Prince Grayson - its lovely to see you here."

Nazmir is giving an incline of his head in the direction of Liara, only to follow that up with, "And your outfit looks absolutely stunning. Thank you, for the opportunity to attend such an amazing affair." When introductions are then made, he's glancing over in the direction of Kaia and Martino, only to offer a smile and a deep incline of his head, "My Lord. My Lady. It is truly a please to meet you. And I must say that you two look absolutely lovely."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Volya before departing.

Kaia takes note of the familiar Crovane nearby and offers her a little wave. "Lady Emberly.~ So, nice to see you again. This time in a more pleasant scenario." The last bit, claerly, a bit of an inner joke.

"Oh you are /both/ so kind to say. When the music starts, do hope to see you with us upon the dance floor." Crinkling the corners of his sharp green eyes, Martino's head is dipping lowly to both Ivy and Nazmir before commenting aside to Kaia, "I shall get us a drink." Stepping away from Kaia's side, Martino's dipping his head passingly to Emberly in greeting before standing nearer to Varan while catching the attention of a server, "Ah Prince Grayson, good to meet. A drink you would recommend from the Princess Liara's selection?"

6 First Legion Centurions arrives, following Patrizio.

Liara quips after overhearing Emberly, "Usually when I see a Grayson in here, it just means it's dinner time." Then she parts from her spot near the entrance and heads further into the hall, with a gesture to the assembled musicians to begin playing.

Volya is here stag, because....why wouldn't he be? He's literally new to this city and just about everything else Arx related. But a party is a party is a party, so why not show up, even if he flying solo? The high-colar ankle-length longcoat passes for a decent suit when you button it up. He's just taking his time as he enter, getting a decent view of the place, the people there, and more or less enjoying the ambiance for what it is.

"Lady Emberly," Varan says with a small bow at the waist, "How is life in the service of fidelity?" He has finally managed to remember to tell his face that this is placid smiles time, and thus his lips adopt the traditional bland smile of the younger male. He's not quite awake yet. When he is distracted by Martino, however, the Prince's smile turns into an appreciative grin, "Oh, my lord Martino," he says with the enthusiasm of a school boy poking a dead bird, "I can always recommend a Mercier vintage. Something from the later nine-hundreds if you've a taste for bitterness. I find it goes well with dancing."

Kaia smiles back at Nazmir. "Thank you, your Highness.~ I'm sure the pleasure is really ours." A nod given to her husband as he moves away to collect a pair of drinks. It is then, she overhears Liara's quip and a set of musical laughter comes out. "Oh dear, I can relate to that." she admits.

Emberly smiles a bit "indeed, that .... scenario was not something I would enjoy seeing anytime soon, I do not think the Guard is for me." she says to her before her eyes look over to the Grayson prince before she grins to the high Princess, "mmm is it?" she teases softly before she looks over to Kaia "but any adventure with you is a good one M'lady." she says warmly before she gives a smile to Varan, "it is quite lovely I feel quite at home in my devotions." she tells Varan

That it's snowing outside is yet another good reason for Patrizio to be finding something else to be doing - preferably indoors, where he can be forgetting about the matter of the weather itself. He does, however, pause as he's coming into the ballroom to cast his glance about, contemplating familiar figures, before he's making his way over towards Liara to be giving his regards. "Your Grace," he says with warmth. "It feels like it's been but a short time since I've had cause to come to your hall for some delightful affair."

"Mmm later nine-hundred. My a beautiful old vintage." Turning his chin towards a Grayson server, Martino's dipping his head to repeat the order for them to seek before drawing attention back to Varan, "Truly my thanks for a fine suggestion. Oh, shall we be seeing your fine feet upon the floor later?" Turning towards the doorway, Martino's chin is dipping to several more arriving. His eyes crinkling once more.

Cerys enters, armor-clad. These affairs are attended by the swans of Arx and she cuts through that throng rather more like the keel of a boat. A boat headed for the harbor of whoever is distributing refreshments.

"We do like dinner," Liara remarks to Kaia, with a quick smile. She gives a tiny flutter of her gloved fingers to greet Patrizio, replying, "I have rather felt like hosting this and that lately, and there was besides a gap in the social calendar. I hope you enjoy this one just as much, your highness."

Liara then spots Volya as she moves through the hall and approaches to offer a quick greeting, "Hello, and welcome! We haven't met - might you be in need of a few introductions?"

Arriving somewhat late, Lady Kalani Seliki steps into the great hall and pauses for a moment to look slowly around, tracking the ebb and flow of the numerous servants in Grayson livery that are circulating around the hall, and the attending guests, with food, drink and desserts. Once she figures out the flight path that the Grayson servants are moving along, and setting a course that won't end up running into any of them by pure accident, Kalani begins to circulate through the room, looking for familiar faces and spotting a few along the way.

"Quite possibly my lord," Varan says with a small bow of his head, "Though the last time I danced at one of our little gatherings I ended up in the lap of a butler. More of a shock for him than me, frankly. Long dresses and uncomfortable new boots do not make for a good dancing combination." His grin is almost effervescently joyful, now, seeming to have finally come into his element. To Emberly, then, he offers a small nod, "The more people that find themselves a comfortable niche the better, my lady. Everyone deserves the comfort of knowing their contribution matters."

Kaia chuckles and nods to Liara. "Oh, so do we!~" Her wintery eyes then fall on the familiar face of the Pravosi prince, Patrizio. "Ah, Prince of Sins; we meet again! Twice!~" she notes, with some amusement.

"This is....damn." is Volya's first reaction when Liara comes up to him, a hand gesturing out at the room. "Always heard stories about the Grayson Manor, didn't really do it justice." he looks back at her with a warm smile, which turns into a light laugh. "Yeah, you could say that. I don't...nope. I don't know a single person here. But my Marquessa said I should get out and meet people so, here I am." A casual bow then, as if trying to be polite, but not like, overly polite. Y'know, casual. "Lord Volya Malespero. Someone put my name forward to a position as a Confessor here in Arx and well, here I stand."

A laugh from Patrizio as he's hearing Kaia, and he playfully sketches a half-bow. "Guilty as charged, my lady. Though you know me and any attempt to escape the cold." There's a delighted twinkle to his jade eyes as he speaks, before he's considering the matter a little further. "That and I've learned that despite appearances, these formal affairs are far more fun than my parents would've had me believe, from their tales of such back in Setara."

Laughing a wry tone at Varan's voice, Martino's playfully tisking for a moment as he notes, "My, my. Then you and I shall /have/ to change stories about who truly has got up to the worst in a party. My younger days were spent... enjoying them quite-so in the Lyceum." With the servant returning with the drink, the second glass directed towards Kaia, the Lord Martino's head is dipping once more to Varan and Emberly, "But, please. Do both be well. I just saw a dear few friends arrive." Turning on his toes, Martino is partway making his steps to the door at the arrival of a few. His fingertips rolling forth towards Kalani as he's smiling easily to her, "Oh Lady Kalani, my. It is good to see you. You cannot miss Kaia here, being all social." Turning his chin towards Cerys, dipping his head lower, Martino's voice is spilling hush, "And Princess Cerys. A pleasure to meet a good Princess of Velenosa."

Liara answers Volya with a light smile and introduces herself in turn, "I'm Liara Grayson, Princess of Bastion. You are very welcome, Lord Volya, and one hopes that you will quickly solve the issue of not knowing people. Why, there, I see Lady Kalani Seliki." And having remarked on as much, Liara offers a quick little wave to Kalani, inquiring, "How do you do, Lady Kalani? Welcome."

Liara's welcoming spree still isn't done, though - she notes Cerys, with whom the Grayson is passingly acquainted, and offers a light smile, "Welcome, your highness. It is good to see you here."

As more people enter the ballroom, Ivy glances to Nazmir and murmurs, "Perhaps now would be a good time to get a drink and try to make the rounds?" She smiles up at him, giving a small squeeze to his forearm in the process. Seeing a familiar face, however, she starts the process early by lifting a hand towards Cerys, "Cousin Cerys! Hello! I didn't know you were in the city!"

There's a pleased glance given to Emberly in return to her words. "You are so sweet, Lady Emberly. I had fun adventuring in your company as well." she admits with a grin. Then, her attention is back on the 'Sin' (Patrizio). "Oh, dear.~ Well, it's certainly delightful surprise to meet you here. I do agree. These are quite fun. In fact, Princess Liara's Balls were one of the first social events I had the pleasure to attend. Back when I was still a Bisland, unmarried and without children.~" she explains with a hint of nostalgia.

"It is always a good time to get a drink." That's offered with Ivy with a smile as Nazmir gives a nod of his head towards her. Then, following her over towards the drink table, his gaze is playing over towards Cerys when she's called out to and there's a quick smile given, only for him to then look over towards Ivy, "Care to introduce us, my dear?"

5 King's Own Guardsmen, Tulip, a small swarm of pearlescent spiders arrive, following Symonesse.

Symonesse arrives, following Aindre.

Tulip have been dismissed.

a small swarm of pearlescent spiders have been dismissed.

Emberly smiles to Martino before she moves away from Varan and she moves quietly to find a seat somewhere. - she finds herself a drink and she smiles gently looking at ease with the people within the ball, she smiles over to Ivy and then quietly slips upon the drink.

"Though I'll admit that I'm not wholly sure about the matter of being at so many of them. I worry about how it might distract from other things." Patrizio's grinning still to Kaia, even as he's briefly excusing himself to get a drink - as much to have something in his hands and not be fidgeting perhaps - and returning presently enough. Nazmir's comment about always being a good time for a drink, however, gets a low laugh from the Pravusi prince.

Spotting Martino, Kalani uses her good hand to pluck at the skirt of her gown for a moment to offer a curtsy of greeting, "Lord Martino, you're looking dashing, as always." As she straightens she looks toward the Princess Cerys, offers another curtsy as well, "your highness," she offers with a smile of her own. "The hall looks lovely, doesn't it?"

Emberly has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Well, now that he has been well and truly abandoned, Varan claps his hands together and rubs them quickly, "Alright, party time," he mutters to himself before turning on his heel and heading... right towards the band. What is he up to? The Grayson prince bows gently to the pianist who is just organising his sheets. The pianist and he engage in some manner of nattering for a moment before the pianist stands and Varan takes his place.

Varan has joined the a mahogany grand piano with an ornately carved cabinet.

"Appreciate the welcome. The last time few times I ran into someone, I didn't have a shirt the first time and the second time I was blindfolded. But...everyone was blindfolded, so it was a thing." Volya rattles as casually as one would. "So this is well, normal, right? That's what I'm going for at least tonight." A nod is given to both Kahlani and Cerys as their introduced to him by Liara.

The sound of her protege's name, does have Kaia looking amidst the crowd for her. A pleased smile given in her direction once she is spotted. "Lady Kalani!~ What a delight to see you out and about!" she notes, and glances to her arm before leaning in to murmur something, just as she took hold of the drink being brought to her.

Wide-eyed fascination accompanies Cufre as she enters the hall, her hands clasped before her. That lasts for but a moment, as she is approached by a drink-bearing servant. Drink newly in hand, the sweater-clad redhead makes her way nearer to the musicians.

"Princess Liara, this is lovely, and I'm well, thank you," Kalani replies as another curtsy is executed, this time to Liara and Lord Volya, "A pleasure to meet you as well, my lord," she adds, a tip of her head in a nod toward Volya while she's at it. She exchanges a quiet word with Kaia a moment later, along with another reassuring nod!

An arch of one of those well-plucked brows when he's hearing Volya's comment, and then there's a chuckle from the man, the glass finally reaching his lips for him to take a sip. "I think you have far more interesting adventures than I am of late, my lord," he muses to the strange face, before he bobs his head to the unfamiliar face. "Patrizio Pravus. A pleasure."

"You appear to have a shirt now, so I dare say you are adequately equipped to face anyone within the hall," Liara assures Volya. "As to what we are all doing here, I must make a brief announcement."

Liara turns to face the hall at large and raises her voice a bit to carry, "You are all most welcome! I rather feel it is time to start some dancing. Those of you familiar with my functions know how much I enjoy seeing people make new acquaintances, and in aid of that, I would be terribly appreciative if, when picking a dance partner, you were to select somebody you had not met prior to just now."

Cerys looks up from the rim of a drink she'd snared, inclining her head to Martino, "Good evening-" blink. She scans him, lighting on, "Lord Malvici." Smooth. She smiles and is about to take another sip when the hostess herself says hello. Another smile, "A lovely event, Highness. Less gray than I'd expected." Gray is a palette the woman is given to, with her coloring. She bows to Liara as much as a glass allows and straightens, with a lift of her glass to Volya, glad to finally take a sip when- "Oh, Ivy!" She gives herself a shake, not expecting to see Northern kin - but of course she would. With a grunt she grimaces at the glass, downs it at a toss and hands the empty to a passing ... well, that was probably a servant. Maybe. "Cousin," a warm smile, she takes her hands, kisses her cheeks in Lycene fashion, "I arrived a week ago. I would have waited to spring, but my spear needed repair and only Brother Felix would do."

Taking a look around the hall at the assembled people, Jerrica waves at her cousin and brother. She picks up a glass of wine from a passing server before setting off to meet some of the unfamiliar faces. Overhearing Volya's description of his last few nights out she decides he might be an interesting place to start. She heads over to Patrizio and Voyla. "Hello," she nods her head. "Welcome to Grayson Mansion. Princess Jerrica. I do not think I have met either of you."

Emberly shifts her hands over her dress, her eyes shift back over to Cerys as she hears the Princess speak and the Crovane smiles a little hearing the chatter, but for now she seems just happy to sit and people watch. "your dress is lovely Princess Cerys."

"Oh you are dearly too kind Kalani. Thank you." Fleetingly smiling to Kalani, Martino lifts his drink up to his mouth for a small sip of the older drink suggested by Varan. Dipping his chin once more to Cerys before turning his chin and gaze to Cufre, "Oh Messere Cufre! Oh it is oh-so good to see you. How /have/ you been? I was just over in the shop a few days ago visiting, enjoying the work done."

Kaia takes a glance towards the Lord Volya as he speaks of his previous experiences in social affairs before the Ball. A little chuckle escaping her. "Well, that does sound fun!~" she tells him. A smile given to him before she says, "I'm Lady Kaia Malvici; formerly a Bisland. Patron to this lovely Lady," she says, gesturing to Kalani who had just been introduced to him.

"I'd believe that you're absolutely correct in that regard, your highness." Patrizio offers an elegant bow to Jerrica when she's offering up her name, and he smiles, reaching out to take up her hand and press a light kiss to the back of it. "And thank you for the greeting, as well. I've been by, a few weeks ago perhaps, but I don't think we'd crossed paths at that time. Patrizio Pravus, as I was just introducing myself to this good lord here." A shift of his eyes, to consider Volya as they're talking.

It's almost startling how much piano music can be played just with the right hand, especially if the left has a glass of wine in it. Varan isn't doing anything too exceptional at the moment, simply doing his best to add a little ambiance to the conversation. Apparently we're not quite at the dancing part of the evening yet, but conversation about subjects that aren't him are dull.

"So, funny story." Volya starts, taking the comment from Patrizio and running with it. "I had just gotten off the boat to here in Arx. And me, being pretty ignorant of what winter really is, was really starting to pay through it because I'm 'Nah, it can't be that bad, they're just making it up.'. Okay well, turns out I was really wrong about that. But I had been traveling with a family that had, up until recently been held under thralldom. So, since I know it's easy for me to get another coat. And another shirt I just...kinda gave it to them? I mean, I dunno know about anyone else, but can't say I'd want to see anyone freezing if I can help it. I've been there myself." He pauses, taking note of people he's trying to say hello to. "Anyways, I'm walking down through the city, trying to figure out where to go, how to get to Malespero tower, and it is't just. Too. Cold. So I run into, ironically enough, a clothing shop. Now, the twelve guards really should've given it away, but I didn't put two and two together because, well, freezeing to death in a vest. But I should add, a really nice vest. It's a good vest. Turns out it was the Archduchess Jaenelle. Which I didn't find that out until a day later when she wanted every blindfolded and we're all trying to feed another person." A pause. "By the way, don't try it with soup, I'm surprised the Duchess Halfshav took it so well."

It's a little while past the start of the Great Gray Ball that Prince Aindre Grayson arrives, likely too late to consider it still fashionable though it would appear the man has brought a fashion of a sort to wear to the occassion with the shades of blue he's found himself in for the evening. He wears little ornamentation at all and who would spare it a second-glance anyway with the radiant Queen of the Compact, Symonesse, there on his arm. She's right where he's looking as the pair of them are let into the Great Gray Hall by those remaining vigilant over the doors, he speaking something in a hushed tone to she before that one good eye he has takes his gaze wandering across all the people who have gathered for the event. Much more audibly, the Grayson prince remarks, "I really believe Princess Liara can spin a celebration up out of thin air, can't she? Or with such prowess that it seems as if it is so.", this pulling a rather pleased looking smile across his face as he leads onward and into the thick of the people.

Breaking into a smile at Lord Martino's words, Cufre dips into a small curtsey. "I am sorry I was not there to greet you and offer you some tea, my lord. That might have made the trip out of your way worthwhile." She sighs. "I'm afraid I haven't been keeping the cases as full as I once might have. I have been working on a bit of a project between the Crafters and Scholars Guilds and would feel a bit guilty putting my attention on something else. Or, so I tell myself."

Cerys looks down at her armor, and over at Emberly. "It does shine up nicely, doesn't it?"

Leaning in, Ivy returns the Lycene greeting and smiles towards Cerys, "I understand perfectly. I have some of his work myself and like to consider him a good friend. But! Speaking of... this is Prince Nazmir Redrain. My escort for the evening, and more." She turns the warm smiel to Nazmir, "Naz, this is Princess Cerys Velenosa, a cousin! Her father is my father's brother. He married out to the Velenosan's some years back. We still get a letter each summer about the heat." Chuckling, she murmurs to Cerys, "You should have Nazmir dance with you, he's quite good and since you only met him -after- Her Grace's announcement, I believe he counts."

"Did you say blindfolded and shirtless, as your previous attire options for social gatherings?" Kalani wonders, a fine gleam of impish amusement in her eyes as she arches one pale eyebrow at Loard Volya. She tips her head toward Martino then, "Malvici absolutely stole one of the best Bislands, and they're lucky for it," she points out with a smile to Kaia and Martino, her words trailing off as Volya explains the particulars behind the wardrobe choices. The impish smile fades to a more solemn look, respect now in her expression, "That was very kind of you, Lord Volya. It's not every day that someone who says they'd give the shirt off their back to help someone else LITERALLY does so."

"Oh worry not on it Cufre, there will be other times when you and I can sit for tea. I owe you, after all, a good visit into the folios." Flickering his gaze to the floor, Martino is speaking hush with Cufre before offering his hand to her, "But come. Have you met my dear wife who you made our engagement gift for?" As Aindre and Symoneese both arrive, Martino's torso is dipping low to them both in welcome.

Emberly laughs a little to Volyas account of his story to town and she chuckles before her eyes move over to Cerys and she nods her head "indeed it dose, indeed it dose." she grins a little to Ivy as she introduces her Prince, "I would like to drag you away for a moment, perhaps.. when he is dancing with the princess?" she asks the lady

"Princess Cerys, it's a pleasure to meet you, doubly so for the fact that you are related to Ivy." There's a warm smile that tugs to Nazmir's lips as he inclines his head in the direction of Cerys. The mention of dancing draws a laugh from the Prince's lips and he's giving a little shake of his head, "Already passing me off, are you, Ivy?" There's a little tease there, though he does offer to Cerys, "But it would be my honor to share a dance with you after."

Lord Volya's tale those hold Kaia's attention for a good while; and, by her expression, it's quite clear she is very amused and enjoying the account of events. That is until the arrival of the Queen of the Compact Symonesse being escorted by Prince Aindre. She makes a pause to make a deep formal courtesy, as many of the other likely would, before straightening and taking a small sip from her drink. A glance directed torwards the band, and noticing Varan by the piano. "Oh, what a lovely tune."

Patrizio blinks briefly at Volya's story, but there's a mindful sound that strays from him when there's the description of why he was shirtless. "I'd heard about the blindfolded dinner, so not as much a shock perhaps but... that /was/ very kind of you, with regards to giving of your shirt. And you do seem to have cleaned up afterwards." He laughs warmly himself and, offering a nod to Emberly when he notices her, there's a hint of a mindful smile when he's considering the couple standing near her.

Continuing across the hall, overhearing the conversation between Martino and Cufre, Liara stops by just briefly to mention briefly to Cufre, "You are very welcome; I hope you enjoy the ball." She doesn't interrupt further for now, gaze flitting about, likely to check if there was anyone she missed. Then there are Aindre and Symonesse, and Liara offers a cheery little wave to greet both.

Nodding her head at Patrizio, "Nice to meet you Your Highness," Jerrica smiles. Then she takes a sip of her wine while listening to Volya's story. "Those were quite the adventures.. and not quite in the way I was expecting," she ponders. "Perhaps we should have some more adventerous happenings here. What type of parties does everyone like?," she asks the group.

"It was nothing but a thing, my lady." Volya promises. "I can always get another shirt. Another coat. Another whatever, not everyone can or had the ability to do so. And speaking as someone who was in much of a similiar position, as in being grateful for having the clothing on my back, it's something that I have personal sympathy for." There's a mute note to coutenance before it brightens once again. "But, I have been told when it's warmer, I should wear vests more often, and only vests, so I may of unintentionally started a fashion trend. My brother Pasquale says so long as I don't go stealing bread or running along rooftops I should be fine."

Slightly under the influence of that music spell, Kaia begins to move closer to the area where the band is playing. She would be taking small sips of her drink while seeming to be appreciating the sound of the muscicians and Varan's piano playing.

"Oh and the blindfolded dinner was great, if a little messy. Which I think was probably the whole entire point." VOlya makes to sure to add.

Jerrica's question does get a thoughtful contemplation for a few seconds, before the smile returns as if to keep him from getting too serious. "Don't mind me too much. My mind, when I hear of adventures, goes back to my duties," he confesses to the Grayson princess. "And I could use distraction from such things. I find that parties are, though, more the matter of who is there rather than what's being done - even the most staid thing can be made better by having the right company."

Something in Martino's words elicit a blush in Cufre. "No, by lord," she begins before Liara passes by. She curtseys again, deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness." When she comes up from the curtsey, the flush in her cheeks is a touch redder. She picks up the thread she left with Lord Martino. "No, my lord. I have not met your lady wife who had to settle for what turned out to be a long overdue piece of mine. I reget that still."

Symonesse is garbed in shades of alabaster and gold that compliment the same hues to be found in her lily-white hair and golden eyes as she steps into the Gray Hall. Her shimmering gaze glides easily over the crowd as she takes everyone in and murmurs a few words to her escort just before she catches Kaia's curtsy, which is answered with a nod and a warm smile, and Liara's wave, which is returned as she subtly angles Aindre in that direction to greet the High Lady. "Princess Liara, we were just admiring how lovely everything looks tonight. Please do tell me that I haven't missed the dancing?" Her smile is radiant, lighting up her already bright face with warmth.

Cerys inclines her head to Emberly, "And your woolens are wooleny." She nods and then sighs gustily, giving Ivy an arch look that turns into an apologetic one as she looks at Nazmir. "I'm afraid most of the footwork I do is on the sparring sands, Highness," but she'll take his arm or hand when offered.

"Ahh, your brother is Pasquale? He has a particularly discerning sort of mind, and knows his way around a good argument, which is to say, a healthy debate," Kalani sounds delighted to have sorted out who Lord Volya is, in the grand scheme of things. As with everyone else who's spotted the arrival of the queen and Lord Aindre, the Seliki Voice not only bows but curtsies, waiting until the queen is engaged in conversation before she murmurs toward Volya, "Bindfolded soup eating must come with a skilled certificate!"

Volya checks composure at normal. Botch! Volya fails completely.

"I would gladly hoarde you jealously to myself, Naz, but Her Grace has spoken and I would never dare to countermand a High Lord, especially in their own ballroom," Ivy winks at Nazmir before turning to Emberly with a smile. "Of course. Its a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Is there something I can assist you with?" A grin is flashed towards Cerys, "You'll be in excellent hands, cousin!"

Emberly smiles a bit to Volya and then her eyes find Patrizio and she smiles to him warmly as well, her eyes flicker slightly as she laughs a bit to Cerys. "well they are warm and styleish." she grins a little as she extends her hand to Ivy as if to invite her over to sit.

Eddard arrives quietly enough, to skate about the edges of the ball and move towards the stage to listen appraisingly to the band instead of manuevering to meet people or start dancing quite yet. He is not an overhwelming bastion of fashionable attire either. Perhaps not enough time to ready such an outfit.

"Oh, come now Cufre. I was long overdue to settle, you were perfectly timed with your craft." Lighting holding up Cufre's hand, the Malvici Lord is turning to step across the hall to Kaia's presence, "Oh, Lady Kaia... let me introduce you here to Cufre Harrow. The engagement locket of mirrorsilver was crafted by her. Cufre, this is my dear heart and my wife."

Looking to Emberly, Nazmir is giving a smile, only to then look to Ivy, "Lady Ivy, meet the Lady Emberly." Then, he's looking over towards Cerys and there's a soft little smile and an incline of his head, "Then we will take it slow, Your Highness and I promise that I won't complain if you accidently step on my toes." His arm would then be offered so that he can guide her to the dance floor.

Ivy has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

"I think you are right about the importance of the people at parties," Jerrica replies to Patrizio. "Since tonight is about distraction, I will not ask you of your adventures." She gestures towards the stage. " I just love hearing my Varan's music. We've both only just returne to the city and it's been a long time. What are your favorite places in the city?"

"Well, he is my brother of another mother, so the saying goes." Volya says. "The interesting point of Malespero is that I don't believe any of us are actually related to each other. My family, a barony made some...ah, very poor choices and I initially was stripped of everything, until the Marquessa realized that I had Argento lineage on my mother's side, thus her adopting her and my sister into the house." he explains, but his tone suggests it's complicated even for him. He was going to go further onto it, but then he sees the Queen, and about all the color drains out of his face. Now, Volya is completely new to Arx, and whatever he's heard about what happens there is either regarded as speculation or outright fabrication. But, he just stares at Symonesse, slack jawed, and just partially agape. "Wha..." he points, slightly. "Wha..." and what might be like a faux-whisper he looks to the nearest person, likely Kalani and simply says, dumbfounded, "....*they're real?*"

Patrizio checks composure at normal. Botch! Patrizio fails completely.

It isn't hard to pick the Highlord of the Crownlands out of a crowd and Prince Aindre is respectably quick to slide a hand up high enough to be seen as he waves in response to her even while he's being angled in that very direction by the golden-eyed Nox'alfar on his arm as if he were caught up in the gentlest current. In the wake of Symonesse's praise, the Grayson prince follows up with, "The Queen was admiring. I was simply struck by how quick and gracefully you can bring such grandeur together. Now I'm admiring. Now that I've caught up with myself.", with quite the smile still stretched across his lips. There are of course other faces the Grayson prince's single eye falls across. He waves over to Lady Kalani as well and recognition mixes with a rise of something pleased at seeing Lord Martino in attendance also.

"I appreciate about the not asking," Patrizio says to Jerrica with a chuckle, and an inclination of his head, though there's a moment - albeit briefly - that he does somewhat stare in the direction of the queen at her arrival... and then properly remembers himself and brings himself back to the present moment. "I've not had the pleasure of hearing his music, I fear, but I blame my upbringing for my lack of seeking such out." He's grinning again, and contemplating the princess, before he muses, "I could rattle off some list of them, I fear. I do spend perhaps more time in taverns than I ought, but I find them a good source for unusual stories and diversions."

"Not at all! I was just now about to start coaxing people to the dance floor, so you are more than welcome to commence the dancing if you like," Liara answers Symonesse, and then she breathes a low chuckle at Aindre. Then she mentions to both, "I would be much obliged if you could pick an otherwise non-dancing stranger at random and ask them for a dance."

Kalani's eyes lift toward Volya as he's explaining the tangled complex interweb of family connections, one way or another, and is slowly nodding along to his explanation when Volya's expression does rather change notably. She gives a small nod to Volya, lightly patting him on the arm with her good hand, "Mmmmhmm. There are a great many wonderful facets of our world that are, indeed, very much so," she offers in a murmur. She's followed his line of sight in time to wave a greeting to Lord Aindre as well, pairing the wave with another smile and head tip of a nod. MUCH less Seliki-style (which seems to normally invovle yelling, which is Peri's thing, not her's).

Cerys checks dexterity and performance at normal. Cerys marginally fails.

Nazmir checks dexterity and performance at normal. Nazmir marginally fails.

Holding skirts that were cut for someone inches taller than herself, Cufre hastens to keep up with Lord Martino's glide. She makes it without incident, and dips into a curtsey before Lady Kaia. "So pleased to meet you, my lady, at last. I hope you liked the piece. It was my first time, my only time, working with mirrorsilver."

There's a moment after entering where Ksenia pauses to look down at her dress, then back up at all the silks and glitter and dazzling smiles. It's clear she realizes how out of place she is-- and yet she takes a breath and steps forward, swimming forth like the fish out of water that she is. Spotting the only vaguely familiar face in the crowd, Volya, she approaches the Malespero while also looking to see what has his attention. Her eyes go wide, and a surprised breath escapes her. What sights indeed!

Varan checks dexterity and performance at normal. Varan is successful.

Still playing the piano, Varan and the band pick up the pace a touch to a more dancable melody. It's a traditional piece of music, but one of an almost unidentifiable heritage. It's just one of those catchy tunes that everyone sort of knows but can't place. Nobody's favourite, but everyone has heard it at least once. The piano is bright and cheerful, the strings whistle and the woodwinds hum.

Ivy checks composure at normal. Ivy is successful.

Cerys does indeed crowd and mistime and lean away instead of in, combat's instincts counter to dance, dodge, feint, and - well, it goes about as well as anyone wearing armor while dancing might expect. Still she ends the turn around the floor with a laugh, silvery eyes full of knowing apology, "You can't say I didn't warn you. Highness." She bows, "A lovely turn, thank y-" hard blink. The Queen herself. There, over Nazmir's shoulder. Cerys reorients herself on the Queen and bows low. She straightens and resumes address of Nazmir, murmured thanks again. "Cousin," to Ivy, "That was a pleasure, he'll probably enjoy a turn with you more. I've softened him up." A wink at Nazmir, a nod to Emberly where the two, Ivy and Emberly, sit and chat. To their hostess, "Highness, thank you."

Cerys is overheard praising Liara: A lovely great great ball

Ivy lifts a hand and smiles towards Cerys, "Always a pleasure to see you, cousin! Don't be afraid to come around the Fasthold, you're always welcome!"

The Queen opens her mouth to say something to Liara, perhaps to ask a question, but something about Volya's reaction to her has her almost instinctively shrinking away as her smile falters just a touch. She gives Aindre's arm a squeeze and then says softly, "I think I'll go get something to drink first before I dance. Please excuse me." She releases her escort's arm and takes a half-turn away to seek out a servant bearing drinks.

"Mmm wonderful material that, the mirrorsilver." Martino's Lycene tones spilling hush between he, Cufre and Kaia before chuckling a-far to Lord Volya, "Ah Lord, Confessor Volya. My the Argento lineage? Mm welcome, perhaps we might catch each other in the House of Questions soon." Bowing his head afar, once more to Prince Aindre, Martino's eyes are crinkling towards them while lifting the older drink in his hand, "Good Prince Aindre, a pleasure to meet."

Jerrica stifles a laugh. "There are, in fact, worse ways to spend ones leisure time," she teases Patrizio. "I have found myself drawn to some of them at times. I want to meet more people in Arx, but I have been busy since my return. Do you know most of the people here?"

Nazmir checks composure at normal. Nazmir is successful.

It takes a good moment for Volya to reformat and reboot himself, being jarred back to reality by whatever it is that Kalani might've said to him. "Uh huh..." he utters, eventually finding out that he indeed has hands and uses one to rack across his face, rubbing at his beard. "Right. So. That's now officially real. Right. So!" he claps his hands together, trying to get regain some semblance of his own cognition. "Who needs drinks! Because I *really* need a drink right now!" he turns, finally having to tear his eyes off the Queen, but not before dumbly giving a little bow and meek. "Hiiii...." he gives a little wave to boot. "Reality is hitting me, so I need to drink." He points at Martino, "Yep, we should totally do that." Then he's chasing after a waiter with a plate. "You! Get back here. Is that whiskey? No? Burbon? Sure, throw it at my face."

Seton, a Velenosian assistant leaves, following Cerys.

Lowering the glass from her lips, and still admiring the music being played by the band, Kaia's eyes dart away at the sound of her name being called out by her husband Martino. Her wintery eyes falling on Cufre. "Ah, a pleasure to finally put a face to the name, Messere. Your work was exquisite. A welcome reminder of my dear Bisland. I absoultely adored it." Then, she sees someone, a Lord (Eddard) walking close by clad in 'Tweed'. "Oh! That's a coat worth noting!" she says. "Just earlier my distant cousin, the Lady Mabelle Laurent, was telling me all about it!" She directs a smile to the Clement. "I'm not sure we have met." she says, and adds. "Lady Kaia Malvici."

"Heavens, no." Patrizio laughs when asked so by Jerrica, his head turning slightly to give some attention to the one playing the piano, a faint smile finding his lips. "I'll admit that I know perhaps a good half of those present, so there's something to be said for branching out and getting to meet others. I do mean likewise to make more acquaintances, but I've been doing a poor job of making myself available."

Nazmir totally lacks the combat instincts that Cerys has and as such, it's hard for him to accomodate the dance as he normally would. There's missteps and mistimings, but the pair eventually manage to complete a turn around the floor and there's a laugh that falls past his lips, "You did! And I apologize, it seems that I wasn't able to keep us in step. But regardless, it was fun." The hard blink draws his attention to where Cerys had looked and when he spots the Queen, there's an arch of a brow and a smile, only for him to look back to Cerys, "Quite welcome." Then, he's making his way back over towards where ivy has found herself.

Emberly speaks to Ivy her eyes shimering slightly happily as she speaks, she looks relaxed as she looks over to the dancefloor her eyes follow those whom do indeed dance. Her attention shifts back and forth nicely between her company at the couch to the dancefloor.

Again, following Volya's line of thought it's a bit of a eventful journey but by the end of it, as he dashes off to get a drink (either to consume OR have thrown in his face), Kalani is carefully quelling the laugh that is trying to spill out. "Eyes wide open," she murmurs, actually snagging a drink off of the tray held by one of the other (ubiquitous, ever present, constantly moving around the room) servants. Without needing it to be thrown in her face!

Liara offers Symonesse a quick smile, notes, "There's an excellent range from the Merciers out today," and then parts to go about her butterfly-like flitting from guest to guest, which includes a, "Welcome! How do you do?" to Eddard. She then happens across Ksenia entering, and stops to greet the wide-eyed woman. "Welcome! I do not believe we have met - I am Liara Grayson, the Princess of Bastion."

Eddard is spotted! He does in fact wear tweed, it ripples in pleats about his legs as he walks. He'll turn then and smile wider towards Kaia as he spots who was speaking to him. Then a prompt walk up and a pluck of something bubbly from a tray. "Lady Mabelle is a familiar face in the Oathlander ward. I had heard about her achievement and had to have something made of it for myself. Lord Eddard Clement, my lady."

Another dip, in gratitude, and Cufre recedes from the clutch as the Malvicis' attentions seem to turn to others. Winding a bit of skirting into a fist, she drifts around the edges of the dancefloor, quietly peoplewatching.

It is at this point that Prince Varan makes way for the band's actual pianist. Bowing a little to his replacement, Varan frowns slightly and makes a bee-line for the stairs.

"That is the amazing shit I've seen all day!" Volya can be heard exclaiming to the startled waiter he's grabbing a drink from off to the side. "Why didn't anyone tell me that?" Pause as he hears a response. "Pffft. Pfffft. Whatever, that no basis to hold that kind of thing." He downs the drink, coughs, then grabs another. "Oh. I need to write a journal about this."

Prince Aindre's otherwise engaged in conversation with Highlord Liara when the Queen squeezes his arm and slinks away toward a tray-bearing servant to find some wine, his one good eye chasing along in the wake of her with a touch of concern before he mentions to Liara, "That isn't a bad idea." with a little distraction to it all. "Of course, I would a fool to give up the first dance of the evening. None greater than a Grayson, right?". There is a good-natured wink for the Princess of Bastion... but then with the eyepatch he's wearing it's really more of a blink, isn't it? The tone of his expression conveys the rest, he's learning! Then he's off again, splitting into the gathered in search of his companion as he smoothly lifts a glass of red wine from a passing servant to bring it along to Symonesse, "I think this is what you're looking for?".

"Well. You are here now, which is a good effort." Jerrica nods at Patrizio. Unfortunately, I am going to have to leave the party as well. It was very nice to meet you."

Dipping his head to Kaia, Martino is leaning for a moment to murmur hush with her, "I shall be back a bit later, I should find someone for the dancefloor before you and I enjoy it." Crinkling his eyes, leaning to touch a lip to her cheek, Martino pivots on toes before drawing himself across the edges of the dance floor. His gaze seeking a dancing partner after finishing his drink and handing it to a servant.

"Oh, is that so?"~ Kaia says, her attentions presently on Eddard. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Clement. I noticed you were admiring the musicians. Do you play anything, or simply enjoy listening to them play?"

Emberly smiles a little to her table partner, her eyes flicker to watch the Princess Jerrica leave, and her eyes move over all the graysons before she whispers to Ivy.

Liara gets bwinked at by Aindre and she responds with an easy smile, and pretty much insists at him, "Do please enjoy the evening." They're on their separate ways though, otherwise - Liara's attention is very much for the people who she doesn't live in the same building as.

Patrizio looks like he's about to say more to Jerrica when she has to excuse herself, and he laughs, nonetheless, before enjoying a little more of his drink, that head with its well-coiffed hair turning so he might better appreciate the musicians.

Kaia nods to Martino and smiles. "Of course, darling.~ I think I've found my victim." Then, her eyes are back on the Lord Eddard Clement.

Varan has left the a mahogany grand piano with an ornately carved cabinet.

Crossing off the dance floor, Nazmir is distracted by the exclaimation from Volya and there's a low chuckle in the back of the Prince's throat, only for him to change step until he's approaching the startled Lord, "I couldn't help but notice that you seem rather .. startled by something." There's a friendly smile that tugs to his lips as the statement is made.

"Princess Liara." Eddard dips a quick and deep courtly bow towards the High Lady before he turns back to his victimizer. "I dabble. Mostly. I was with the Bard's College awhile until my attention was needed on my house's finances. Oh. You mean to have me make you look good on the dancefloor."

"Oh, goodness, hello," Ksenia is quick to dip into a curtsey for the Princess of Bastion. "This is-- absolutely beautiful," she murmurs to Liara, her smile wide and pleasant and still taking in just how shiny everything is. "I am Ksenia Derugin, a recent arrival from Estroch. It is an honor to meet you. Thank you for--" She's not quite sure how to say it, so she just smiles wider and curtsies again.

Rising up from the silver seating, Ivy smiles warmly towards Nazmir as he's distracted from his approach. Turning to offer a few final words to Emberly, she offers a small bow towards the lady before turning to depart fromt he seating. Casting a glance around, she turns and starts to make her way towards where Symonesse has set up court.

Ivy has left the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Emberly laughs as she nods her head before she stands from her sofa and she moves around the outskirts of the ball. She smiles to people here and there but she seems to be slowly winding herself torwards Patrizio.

Emberly has left the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Volya is in the midst of drinking, holding a finger up while he finishes. The small glass is placed back onto the tray. "Thanks. Okay. Yes." he manages to start in response to Nazmir. "I just had, uh, never met the Queen before! And had a moment. I'm good, I'm fine. How're you." He places a hand on the hip. "Boy, did I just make myself look like idiot. I suppose an odd impression everyone is better than no impression at all, right?"

"Ahh! I can certainly understand how that may be a shock." Nazmir's lips curl to a grin and he's giving an incline of his head in the direction of Volya, "Oh, I am good." A pause and then a quick nod is offered, "Indeed. An odd impression at least means people are going to have a better chance of remembering you." The hint of a chuckle, "I'm Prince Nazmir Redrain, by the way."

Kaia grins to Eddard. "Oh, I very much do! Will you indulge me, and dance with me, Lord Clement?" she wonders, setting aside her glass on a tray from a passing servant.

Symonesse -had- been on a path to get something to drink, but then the band distracted her from such pursuits so that she is compelled to stop and listen a moment. Whatever song Varan had been playing draws that smile to return to her face so that it is almost wistful. As the princely musician starts to trade with the hired one, the Queen begins to address the man, but Varan is gone too quickly for her to get the words out. She doesn't look the least bit disappointed. The expression on her pale face is more skin to empathy. Aindre's arrival at her elbow makes the wistful smile bloom into something even brighter. As she takes the glass of wine from him, she murmurs, "I got distracted by the music. It's the best part, you know. It's always the best part." She leans in as if saying something further and then chases those words and the slight frown that they had conjured away with a drink of red wine. As Ivy approaches, Symonesse says with a touch of brightness to her tone, "Have you come to enjoy the music as well?"

"I should probably go apologize. Y'know, because it's not like I didn't just have a mild meltdown in front of the Queen of the Compact. Nah, no biggie, it's not like that won't haunt you for the rest of your literal life. And here I was thinking, 'Man, you wind up in a clothing shop without a shirt and have to explain to a woman who ends up being the Archduchess how that happened. How you're going to top that?' Well, hold my bourbon and you'll find out, that's what I would say." Volya says, clearly not beyond mocking himself. Especially when he deserves it. "Lord Volya Malespero and I haven't yet decided if dying of embarrassment or noble suicide is perferable at this point."

That little explanation draws a laugh from Nazmir and a little shake of his head, "Oh my. It certainly sounds as if you have no shortage of ... unique introductions to individuals." Another quick grin tugs to his lips as Nazmir nods his head, "Pleasure, Lord Volya. And I would say neither. In fact, why don't you go over and introduce yourself." He looks over in the direction of the Queen and the Ivy who makes her way in that direction, "In fact, I'm heading over that way, myself."

"Lady Kaia! Of all the wondrous beauties in this room, I couldn't find myself yearning to them as much as I yearn to dance with you." Eddard's glass lifts to his lips to drain entirely before settling beside the glass beside Kaia's abandoned one. "Are you attempting to influence the entire fashion season? I didn't arrive dressed to set you off in the proper manner. The invite to dance is enough for Eddard to reach out and wind an arm about Kaia's waist before guiding them both towards the waiting dance floor.

In an apparent effort to verbally propel Ksenia towards other guests, Liara says, picking out a few people in the hall as she sees them, "I am glad you like it, Mistress Derugin. Have you met many others here? Much of the peerage, of course, and there's Cufre over there," - Liara spots the Harrow peoplewatching - "and over there, Prince Nazmir Redrain, chatting with Lord Volya Malespero." She adds to Ksenia, "I shan't attempt to introduce everybody all at once, which is really the sole purview of Princess Sabella."

Flickering his gaze towards his assistant Johannes, likely somewhere near Cufre, the Lord Martino is stepping across across the edge of the dancefloor before cutting in on his own retainer. "Ah Messere Cufre... might I, please, be honoured to dance with you? I do promise that we shall avoid the others and their elbows." Tucking his right arm into his doublet and sash, Martino is bowing respectfully to Cufre before offering out his hand to her.

"Actually, Your Majesty, I came to meet you. Although yes, the music -is- lovely. I'm almost tempted to ask if I can join in. I do much better at playing than dancing..." Ivy's response comes with a brief glance towards the band, gaze lingering for a moment before turning back to Symonesse. She dips a brief bow and smiles, offering an arm, "Perhaps you'd care to try, though? Her Grace did say to try dancing with someone new, and I can certainly guarantee we've never met before." She turns the smile towards Prince Aindre and dipping her head, "If you don't mind my stepping in briefly, that is, Your Highness?"

"Not many-- thank you, Princess. I don't think I'd be able to remember so many at once. Have a lovely evening," Ksenia bids Liara, stepping out of the princess' way with a fleeting smile. A hand waves briefly at Volya, and she watches with some measure of amusement as an introduction is geared up for.

Cufre Blinking in surprise, Cufre takes the offered hand. She lowers her voice as she steps nearer to Lord Martino. "I don't know how, my lord."

Patrizio offers up a smile and an inclination of his head as he's noticing Emberly moving in his direction, though there's no sense that he's in any rush to go anywhere, even as he's turning to murmur to her.

Wryly laughing hush to Cufre, Martino's fingertips lift Cufre's hand slight to his chin before guiding the two across to the dance floor, "Oh then we shall stick with the box steps with following my lead. Imagine we are drawing a box on the floor with our feet. To the left, to the back. To the right. To the front." Crinkling his eyes once more, Martino stands before Cufre with right hand upon her hip and left held within her hand.

Kaia chuckles in response to Eddard's words. "Oh, I certainly would not mind it, my Lord Clement. However, I'm afraid the one behind this creation is not me but my husband --the Lord Martino Malvici. He was by my side earlier." she confides, before being led to the dancefloor in a most exciting way. There's even a little surprised shriek that quickly shifts into laughter, and then she's dancing with Eddard.

Kaia checks charm and performance at normal. Kaia marginally fails.

Nazmir hears his name being offered up to someone and he's looking over in the direction of Liara and then to Ksenia and there's a quick smile given, along with a lift of a hand so that he can give a wave in her direction, followed by a lift of his voice so that he can call out, "Hello!"

Prince Aindre neatly inclines his gaze a little to meet Lady Ivy's face - she's quite tall! - and confesses to her, "There's hardly been anything yet to cut in on but the fetching of wine, though I'd be pleased the hold the Queen's glass if she would care to dance.", he says by way of offer, looking between the two.

Eddard checks charm and performance at normal. Eddard is successful.

One hand held leaves the other free to whiteknuckle the overlong skirts. Cufre shuffles to make way for the approaching part of the box, then skitters to follow the receding part. It's not four steps, but it isn't tripping either. Yet.

Volya blows out a breath, taking another drink, this time a glass of wine. "Yep. Alright. Second verse, same as the first. I figure if you're going to commit social and likely political suicide, might as well own it, right?" He shakes himself out like he's going to get into a fight, mostly with himself. "I'd like to point out if I wind up dead tomorrow, it'll be because Lianne had me put out of my misery." And then he'll head over to actually say to the Queen, but giving a little wave and smile to Ksenia on his way over. "Hey. You. Come say the hi to the Queen with me."

Parting from Ksenia, Liara, not immediately finding any new guest to set upon, instead takes a moment to collect a small glass of wine, which she sips at, leaning a hip against the nearby table as she scans the gathering.

"I will have to pick his brain soon. He is either very well aware of the fashionable trends, or he is the one making the trends." Eddard's imperious pull of Kaia towards an activity SHE invited him on, and her sudden laughter makes him smile. Then its a moment's pause before he has to guide the still off-kilter Malvici Lady into the current dance.

Martino checks charm and performance at easy. Martino is successful.

Trying to keep stepping smoothly with Cufre, the Lord Martino's pivoting on his toes. Right foot of his stepping on the inside of Cufre's own, leg brushing over the overlong skirt as he's rounding a corner of their box-step waltz, "Mmm and now back. One--two--three-four." Pivoting easily on his toes, the Malvici Lord is murmuring hush with Cufre once more.

Cufre checks charm and performance at easy. Botch! Cufre fails completely.

An Unremarkable Associate arrives, delivering a message to Patrizio before departing.

So many people. It's clear Ksenia looks a little... overwhelmed. But she holds onto her skirts and with some careful moving through the guests, she finds herself near Nazmir and Volya with a pleasant and wary smile. "Good evening," she greets, an airy laugh following as Volya gestures toward the Queen. "Perhaps one at a time will be introduction enough?" And yet, she finds herself caught up in it all and will tread after with light steps.

"Hah! I'm sure he would be most pleased.

There's a smile given to Ksenia as she comes over and Nazmir dips his head towards her, "Prince Nazmir Redrain. Nice to meet you." A glance to Volya and then back to Ksenia and he's giving a nod of his head, "No better time then the present to meet someone like that." A glance to the Queen and then to Ivy, "And Lady Ivy Blackram is over there as well, someone else that you could meet."

Patrizio lets a sigh slide from his lips when he's interrupted briefly by a messenger and... there's a distinct frown that finds his features as he's quickly scribbling down a response to the matter and handing it back to the messenger to be re-delivered. "My apologizes," he murmurs lowly to Emberly. "Duty calls, I fear." And with a bow to the others, he's easing back out to into the cold.

"Well, I would recognize a Blackram anywhere," Symonesse says with that easy smile. She takes one last sip from the wineglass that she had only just been given before passing it back to Aindre with a grateful smile as she murmurs in return, "You are always so accommodating to me. Save me a dance?" She then bows her head to Ivy and allows her to lead her onto the dance floor. "I apologize in advance if I step on your toes!"

6 First Legion Centurions leaves, following Patrizio.

Ivy checks composure at hard. Ivy marginally fails.

Symonesse checks dexterity and performance at easy. Critical Success! Symonesse is spectacularly successful.

Ivy checks dexterity and performance at easy. Ivy is successful.

"Hah! I'm sure he would be most pleased." Kaia tells Eddard, as they dance. Oh, and there's just something about the man's smile that throws her off guard and oh-no! She was about to trip. A light blush taking home beneath the skin of her cheeks.

Eddard checks dexterity and performance at easy. Eddard is successful.

Drifting around the room, Kalani takes a seat at one of the many small tables that edge the dance space, fetching a new drink for herself along the way.

Emberly dances a little with herself her eyes close a moment before she seemingly sways a bit just by herself with a drink in hand. Her blue eyes look over the dance floor and those she knows, and those she dose not, very softly she begins to drift to the door

Standing back while watching the Queen dance with Ivy, he produces something from the inside of his coat, handing it to Ksenia, pretty casually. "You said you weren't sure you had many things to wear to something like this. So. Here you go. This was given to me as a token of my welcome here in the city, but it doesn't really seem to fit someone like me, so I'd wager you get more out of it than I would." He then leans back on his heels, watching the dance. "Dang, she's good at that." he observes.

It was truly just a matter of time. Blame the too-long skirt. Blame the inexperience. The probability shift that comes when adding steps. Unskilled, unnecessary steps. And then, there's the distraction of being reassured while trying to count. Whatever it was... Cufre's boot. Yes! Under those skirts is a boot! catches on her hem and she start upward, overcorrecting, which pulls her downward with more ferocity. She heaves forward and toward Lord Malvici's extended leg, toppling...

"Lady Ivy Blackram, Your Majesty. And you can step on my toes as often as you like." There's a moment, brief but noticeable, as Ivy meets the gaze of the Queen. She falters, stumbles a step, then recovers to offer a stammered, "Deepest apologies, Your Majesty. I was.. overcome.. by your beauty." Nice save. Fooling absolutely nobody EVER. Still, a dance has been offered and a dance she will provide! Ivy leads Symonesse to the dance floor, and while she is perfectly competent in the moves, even natural in the way she holds and dances with the Queen... it is SYmonesse who will shine. And in that moment, Ivy will be completely, utterly at ease. Happy, even. Smiling in delight as they move around the floor, the Blackram woman completely outshone and caring not at all.

Eddard audibly 'uh-oh' as Kaia starts to stumble, and instead tucks her in tighter to loft her from the heels of her shoes and up into the air. A graceful spin pivots her about while Eddard remains in place before settling her back to her feet. "Don't get distracted by the queen, my lady. I know its difficult."

Watching as Ivy proceeds to the dance floor with the Queen, there's a smile that tug to Nazmir's lips as he's moving off to one side, to simply watch for a moment. Hands lift to give a little applaud to the way that the dance progresses, especially for the amazing footwork of the Queen herself.

Martino checks dexterity and performance at normal. Martino is successful.

"Ksenia Derugin-- the pleasure is mine, your highness," Ksenia greets Nazmir with a light, pleasant tone of voice. "You're probably right. What other opportunity will there be?" Thin shoulders rise and fall in a brief shrug. As Volya hands her something glittery, she looks to the man with shock and at first holds it behind her back like it's not something she should have. "Ohmygoodness," she whispers, except it's louder than she probably intends. Slowly, she pulls it back around and stares at it a long moment, sliding a fingertip along the edges of copper. Finally, she smiles wider, proudly even, and slides it into those dark curls of hers. Her chin lifts and she gives Volya's arm a grateful squeeze. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

Prince Aindre glances down at the glass of red wine he's supposed to be guarding and helps himself to a swallow of the stuff as he meanders over in the direction of the grand piano and drags a fingertip along the polished edge of it in passing, almost thoughtfully so. The seat for the thing is vacant still while the rest of the band plays on in good humor and excellent skill and the Grayson prince slides onto the bench and begins looking the keys over as if they're a puzzle to be neatly unraveled while he nurses that wine.

With the pivot back in their steps, Martino's body leaning to-and-fro causing his brow to slightly wrinkle in, he feels Cufre heave forward and to his leg in the pivot. Holding leg left planted firming upon the floor, his right hand moves from Cufre's hip to her lower back to support the pirouetted dip as he's attempting to turn the trip into a move itself, "Oh Cufre!" Guiding left hand holding her right to his shoulder sash and chest, his fingertips beneath her lower back spreading to support the weight, "You should have said if you did want dips and twists. Perhaps next time, mm?"

Oh, even though what caused her to slip was not staring at the Queen, Eddard's remark does have her looking torwards Ivy and Symonesse. A dash of awe and amazement in her wintery gaze as the two shine on the dancefloor. "Oh, that may be quite difficult indeed, Lord Clement. They do look otherwordly dancing, don't they?" she says, as soon as she's rescued with that graceful lift and pivot. She leans in to murmur somthing to his ear.

Kaia mutters, "Dear gods, ... ... for ... save ... lord ... A fall would have been an ... ... ... could not bear."

"Ivy? That's your name? Really?" It is Symonesse's turn to seem a little surprised and then... she's just amused, murmuring almost as if to herself, "The Queen has such a sense of humor." It's clear that she is definitely not talking about herself in this case. Despite whatever that moment's surprise might have been, once the music picks up, Symonesse cannot help herself but dance along with it with not just grace but enthusiasm as well. If she is shining on the dance floor, then she is also making sure that Ivy shines with her, even going so far as to laugh in delight as the Blackram lady matches her step for step with ease.

"And before you ask, no, I don't need anything in return. Though I may, at some point do something stupid, like tonight, and wind up needing you to stich it closed." Volya smiles at Ksenia. "I didn't need it, because well, I doubt it would look as good in my hair, right?" But he certainly looks happy that she likes it. "So Nazir," he starts, looking back at the Redrain prince. "How long you been Arx? Just...how much werid stuff happens here?"

Delightedly turning about the floor with Symonesse, Ivy has never looked more graceful in her life than she does right now. The pair turn into a spin and she's letting out a burst of joyful laughter as they whirl. Even as the laughter calms, the bright happiness remains and she delights in having fun with the dance, leading the Queen into a dip that has Ivy grinning. Perhaps trying to draw more of that musical laughter out and into the room.

Eddard glances over his shoulder to follow Kaia's gaze to Queen Symonesse and Ivy, a quick smile before looking back to Kaia. "I've kept my attention away, I'd rather wear green than be green with envy." Eddard's hand finds Kaia's and lofts it up into the courtly dance that they return to after having saved Kaia from a tumble.

"I've been here for a few months, Lord Volya," is what Nazmir offers to Volya with a smile and a nod of his head, only for his gaze to back over in the direction of Ivy and the Queen, a deeper smile bloosoming to his lips as he watches the pair dance away.

"Stitches I can take care of, easily," Ksenia snaps her fingers and slants a smile at Volya. "You just let me know when the moment arises, if I'm not there to see it for myself." Her fingers lightly adjust the copper, her touch gentle as if fearful she might accidentally break it. "You might be able to pull it off..." she notes, looking up at the Malespero before a soft laugh escapes her lips. "A few months is probably enough time to see more than one would ever think," she adds, looking from Nazmir to Volya with a gesture of open palms. "Sometimes, all it takes is a night."

A sharp gasp precedes Cufre's wide-eyed chuckle. The fingertips of her right hand scratch at Lord Martino's as if for purchase. "Yes! Well." She says, blinking, her eyes flashing wide again. "Yes, well. Why stay safe, my lord?" A few moments' pause. "After all, who knows when I might be given the chance to grace this dance floor again?" She draws her hands away, wipes them on her skirts. "But, really, that is about as much excitement as I can take, I think. I could very much use a drink, I think." She dips into a careful curtsey. "My lord, I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have been your partner in this dance tonight."

Oh, and, they dance! Eddard and Kaia, that is. The lady clearly laughing at whatever it is he is sharing with her in private. "Oh, well said Lord Clement. Well said!" She allows him to lead the dance. The peach skirts of her damask and lace dress twirling in an almost whimsical manner across the dancefloor as they did.

Tucking Cufre back upright, Martino's head is dipping as he's chuckling hush tones to her, "Oh you are ever so welcome, yes. Why stay safe? It gets all too comfortable." Tucking his fingertips into Cufre's hand, the Malvici Lord is leading with her back to his assistant Johannes before taking his leave from the two, "But I should go be the terrible husband I am and cut in to steal a step with Kaia, do both be well." Crinkling his sharp greens, Martino is turning on his toes to draw himself closer to Kaia and Eddard, "Ah darling and Lord Clement... my, sorry but one simply - has - to steal. 'tis the rules before Kaia and I must allow our nannies an evening."

Lingering by a table, taking a moment for herself, Liara observes the dancers with a quiet smile. When Cufre and Martino's dance comes to an end and they part, the Grayson slips nearer to mention to Cufre, "I am always glad to see people make their first foray on to the dance floor, and hope you will do so again at some point. As for drinks, there is an ample range from the Merciers' cellars here this evening."

After the dip, which leaves Symonesse laughing, the Queen slowly rises and gives Ivy a bow, shaking her head as she gives Ivy a bow, "You are a delight, Lady Ivy, but I need to go have a drink and catch my breath. You are a lovely dancer and don't let a single person convince you otherwise." She starts to wander back toward Aindre and the glass of wine that she had left in his care, her golden eyes bright with amusement.

It is then, amidst the dance that Kaia seems like she's about to fall. Except, it wasn't a mistake this time; but a planned little stunt. Lord Eddard, she was sure, would catch her. Just in time, before her husband arrived to steal her away for a dance.

Eddard and Kaia move out from the center of the dancefloor towards the edge, then back in to spot Lord Martino and Cufre. And be spotted by in turn. Except someone is being tricksy! The 'fall' is allowed to happen far longer than it should be, but Eddard catches her descent to dip her low before flinging her back upright to her husband. "I shant hog you any further, my lady." He'll guide Kaia's hand from his towards Martino before glancing aside towards Cufre. His smile still there then broadening, "I hope you aren't exhausted, I'd hate to carry you through a dance or two." Then Cufre's hand is snagged to pull her out amid the dancers once more. NO REPRIEVE!

"You know what? There will be other opportunities to say hello to the Queen and not make a bleeding idiot out of myself. I literally do that every day anyways, so why should tonight be any different?" Volya offers his hand to Ksenia, an open offer to her. "Do you want to dance at all? I promise I'm marginally good enough to not step on your feet. At least more than twice."

Jenkins, an armed champion have been dismissed.

Crinkling his eyes to Eddard, Martino dips his chin before tucking his hand underneath Kaia's back. His fingertips spreading over the small of her back, left hand in her right, the two skip easily a few steps before pivoting and making their way from the dancefloor. "Ah darling Kaia, we should... mm? To ensure we still have the small army employed." Exhaling, arm looping into hers once more, Martino is dipping his torso low once more to Liara, "Truly, Princess Liara, our dear thanks for the event. As always the Great Gray Balls light our social calender oh-so much." Dipping his body to Aindre, Symonesse and Kalani, the Malvici Lord fleetingly smiles in parting before turning for the doors.

Ivy offers a bow to Symonesse as well, smiling warmly, "Thank you for making the dance effortless, Your Majesty." She will, of course, escort Symonesse back to AIndre, not the least because Nazmir is over there as well, and that is where she is headed. She rejoins the Redrain Prince and smiles up at him, "You were absolutely right, this has been a wonderful evening and I'm glad to have come. You should introduce yourself and I am going to find that drink I mentioned all the way back at the start."

With an apologetic glance back to Johannes, Cufre hastens to tug at her skirts once more to keep up with Lord Eddard. "My lord, would you not wish to have a quiet drink instead?"

"You're not bleeding," Ksenia points out, giving Volya a once-over. As she does so, she realizes there's still a smudge of blood -- probably someone else's -- on the inside of her elbow. She is quick to grab a napkin and dab away as best she can, while looking around with the hope that no one caught her faux pas. "I cannot promise I'm any good at all, but my hope is your boots are sturdy enough to shake off any missteps of my own." With a bright smile, she accepts the hand offered and moves to accompany the Malespero gentleman to the dance floor.

Martino is overheard praising Liara: Hostest with the most mostest

Bastien, a strapping Malvici escort, Eddard leave, following Kaia.

an immaculately dressed assistant named Johannes, a slightly embarrassed courier called Guido, Cosimo de'Malvici, the Southport banker, Kaia leave, following Martino.

Bastien, a strapping Malvici escort, Eddard arrive, following Kaia.

an immaculately dressed assistant named Johannes, a slightly embarrassed courier called Guido, Cosimo de'Malvici, the Southport banker, Kaia arrive, following Martino.

Bastien, a strapping Malvici escort leaves, following Kaia.

an immaculately dressed assistant named Johannes, a slightly embarrassed courier called Guido, Cosimo de'Malvici, the Southport banker, Kaia leave, following Martino.

"I can dance well enough for the both of us, I promise." Eddard's hand tugging upon Cufre's doesn't abate but it isn't somethign that couldn't be pulled free from with ease. "We'll keep to the edges and not get stepped upon, hm?"

"I could take a drink as well, Ivy, if you happen to be going that way." A smile is given to her, along with an incline of Nazmir's head, "And I'm glad that you are enjoying yourself." He's then looking over towards Symonesse, to offer a smile and a deep bow towards her, only to then follow that up with, "Your Majesty. Prince Nazmir Redrain."

Nodding emphatically, Cufre looks up to Eddard, an earnest appeal in her dark blue eyes. "Yes, my lord. The edges sound good." She doesn't pull her hand from his.

Eddard checks dexterity and performance at normal. Eddard is successful.

Kalani is overheard praising Liara: Martino said it best: the hostess with the mostess!

"Of course! Back in just a moment," Ivy smiles towards Nazmir and moves off towards the refreshments to collect a pair of glasses with a nice red wine. She isn't gone terribly long, returning after a few moments to offer Nazmir his wine while sipping her own and looking to Aindre with a smile, "I'm terribly sorry, I was quite rude earlier, wasn't I? Its a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. And thank you, for allowing me the dance with Her Majesty."

Dimples, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Nazmir before departing.

Prince Aindre remains seated at the bench to that grand piano as he turns his thoughtful expression upward and away from the black and white of the keys in time to see the Queen's approach, the one hand of his falling away from where it had taken the puzzle of them and started to work through it in gentle strokes that do little to rouse the strings inside from their quiet. The glass of Mercier dark red he offers up to her in return, "Your wine. I was mostly successful in seeing it safe for you but the bandits of wine are thick about these parts.". Truthfully, some has gone missing and as it's given over he glances to the empty bench next to him as if in invitation to sit. When Lady Ivy's approaching, however, he smiles up to her and remarks, "The Queen is free to dance without allowance from me. It was a fine dance to witness.", he says before introducing himself, "I'm Prince Aindre Grayson, I don't believe we've ever met before. A pleasure."

Dimples, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Ivy before departing.

Eddard.....doesn't lie, the gingery pair do stay on the outskirts of the dance floor and the man doesn't turn her into the more complicated dance steps. At least not yet. His arm wraps about her waist to pull her along with relative grace. "I'm Eddard, Lord of Clement when I remember it."

Taking the hand, Volya leads Ksenia out onto the dancefloor. "I'm not bleeding....yet." he corrects her with a chuckle. "And I can't promise I'm not rusty as sin at this. So well, we'll be even if we manage to look ridiculous. And you're with me which means there's a good chance that you will look exactly that. The dance isn't anything fantastic, but he can remember the lessons from years ago and he at least takes the lead. It's a simple box step, nothing crazy or breathtaking. But it doesn't need to be. It's just fun.

When Ivy makes her return with the glasses of red wine, there's a smile given from Nazmir as he accepts one of them, "Mm. Thank you, my dear." Lifting the glass to his lips, he's taking a small sip before then turning his attention over in the direction of Aindre, to offer a smile and an incline of his head towards him, "Prince Aindre, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Prince Nazmir Redrain."

As she returns with bright eyes and the faintest cast of rosy color to her cheeks in the aftermath of their shared dance, Symonesse doesn't hesitate to take the other half of the piano bench as offered by Aindre. She sinks down and takes back her wine glass with a knowing glance slanted at Aindre, eyes slightly narrowing as she notices just how much of the wine is missing from the glass as compared with what was left. She gives Nazmir a radiant smile and a bow of her head as she says with quiet warmth, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Nazmir. Have you danced yet? I would volunteer myself, but I have promised Prince Aindre that I would drag him out on the floor despite any protests. I would be remiss in my duties if I let him be a wallflower all night."

Probably not aware that she's looking down toward her feet, Cufre manages to keep to the easy flow Eddard's lead establishes. "Pleased to meet you, Lord Eddard," she says to her feet. "I'm Cufre. Harrow." There's a pause before that last, as if she, too, needed to remember. She glances up for a moment, smiles, then looks back down. "I'm a jeweler. So, not really so used to dancing like this."

"We have not, and its a pleasure to meet you as well, Your Highness," Ivy responds to Aindre with a smile. She sips from her own glass, glancing towards Nazmir and Symonesse, then chuckling. "Impeccable timing, Your Majesty... and I will absolutely claim Nazmir for a dance now that we've both danced with someone else first." She sips again from her wine and smiles up at Nazmir, "When you are ready, of course, my Prince?"

"Ah. A prince of House Redrain. The pleasure is mine, I assure you. I was raised on stories of the heroes of my House, but those more distant as well. I remember as a child how House Redrain's struck such an adventurous chord in me. So few were as larger than life as Prince Weohstan the Monster Hunter. They left an impression on me for their colorful lives, certainly.", Prince Aindre responds, this first to Prince Nazmir and his introduction. As Lady Ivy is offering to steal the northern prince away, the Grayson prince's single-eye'd gaze drifts over to Queen Symonesse where he defends himself, "I'm hardly a wallflower. This is a piano, first off. I don't believe flowers even grow out of them. I was just.. coaxing it into divulging its secrets to me, that's all. A little interrogation while I was guarding your wine."

"I'll be sure to keep an eye out for any stray knives that may fly your way," Ksenia tells Volya in a low tone, with a playful look around as if to watch for exactly that. "One step at a time, yes? The dancing at home was very, very different than here, but I'm sure we can figure it out." Since it's kept nice and simple, she's able to follow Volya without clomping down onto his toes too distractically. There is a time or two where she goes left when she should go right, and a laugh breaks up her mistake, but all in all she seems to enjoy herself among the glittering denizens of Arx. She even hums along quietly with the music, as if putting the tune to memory. "You should give yourself more credit than you do, Lord Volya."

"I had the pleasure of dancing with Princess Cerys earlier," offers Nazmir, only to then follow that up with, "But I have not yet had the pleasure of Lady Ivy's hand in a dance." A glance towards Ivy, a smile tugging to his lips, "So I am most willing to be claimed for such a thing, my Lady." An incline of his head towards her and then he's looking back to the Queen, "Please, do enjoy your dance." His gaze then shifts over towards Aindre, "I fear that my adventurous chords in the North were more flitting between the various Northern houses, plying my trade of conversation." A low chuckle and then, "Come now, Prince Aindre. Let us see you grace the dance floor." A wink and then he's offering his arm to Ivy, "Shall we, my Lady?"

"Ahhh, a jeweler. That means your fingers do your dancing for you. Jewelry is not an easy thing for clumsy hands." Eddard's steps carry Cufre and him along as he compliments her. "You've a shop then? I'm sure I'll need to visit it soon. I've been without a couch to drape myself on and watch the crowds."

"Me? Credit? You're adorable." Volya laughs, shaking his head. "I nothing more than a sum of decisions made by people who're long dead. Not all good decisions either. I am a rock in the stream, a reed in the wind, Mistress Derugin. While I am capable of all the change in the world, I myself cannot affect the world, I merely live within it." The steps continue to be easy, even with the couple times she manages to get a couple of toes, he just moves with it. "Can't say I have much desire to take credit for anything, I'm just doing what comes naturally. But, I appcreciate the thought."

As Nazmir leads Ivy off to dance, Symonesse shifts her gaze to look at Aindre as says with gentle, amused accusation, "You haven't been watching my wine. You've been -drinking- my wine, your highness." Wine that she polished off in a few drinks so that she can pass the newly-emptied glass off to a waiting servant and rise from the piano bench, apparently recovered enough from her dance with Ivy to hold her hands out to Aindre as say with as close to a dashing smile as those pale lips can muster as she says, "Can I coax you away from the instrument and only to dance floor for a turn or two before I impose upon you to walk me home?"

Smiling a bit tightly, and no longer looking down at her feet, Cufre says to Eddard, "I'm afraid my shop doesn't have a couch, my lord. It's fairly cluttered, truth be told." She shrugs, her hold on his hand tightening a bit. "But I find it comfortable enough. I'd have to. It's my day and night, that shop."

"Whether the decisions were your own before, they are yours now, aren't they?" Ksenia wonders of Volya with a tilt of her head, giving the man a curious smile as they dance. "Perhaps the reed should be plucked so it may fly in the breeze, or the stone pulled from the stream so it may roll down the hill. A change of scenery may give you more agency than you have felt before."

"I'll bring the couch, I promise. Then you can deal with me napping while you try to work. Or something similar. Leave a missive with the Clement cottage as to where your shop is, don't force me to come find it." Eddard lied, just a bit. The two turn and meld into the dancers milling about nearer the center of the dancefloor.

"You never know when it might end up compromised. It's only vigilant to occasionally test the drink for strangeness.", Prince Aindre remarks without missing a beat, sounding confident in the length and breadth of his duties toward watching that wine. "It had nothing at all to do with the Mercier knack for bottling truly conversation-worthy wine.", he adds, only so that point is cleared up entirely. The offer to dance from the Queen has his one good eye wandering for the dancefloor briefly, still thoughtful in the same way he's been before a warm smile takes his lips and he tells her, "A turn or two, even though I was getting attached to this seat. It's only right you should have a second dance before leaving, you do so much for the Compact." He rises, dutiful as ever it would seem and then extends out a hand to pull Symonesse along to where the others are congregating to dance.

Distracted, perhaps, Cufre doesn't seem to notice that they're moving decidedly away from those promised edges. "I doubt it's the shop for you, Lord Eddard. It's nestled in the heart of the Lowers."

"Agency. Mm, now there is a word that I have struggled with for better part of my life. Agency, for what? To do what? To be what? I don't know. I'm still looking. Maybe the city will give me answers. Who knows." Once the song begins to wind down and end, he slows. "Thank you for that, Ksenia. I'm glad I happened to run into you at the shrine." A glance is given back towards the Queen. "Think we could finally go say hi? I should really apologize for reacting like that before I'm haunted by it."

"Only one way to find out," Ksenia replies, her tone mysterious and light. "Thank you, too. I'm glad as well." Fondly, she tips her head and gestures in the general direction of the queen, her smile an encouraging one. "Go for it. I need to go step out into the hallway to check on something. I have every faith in you," and she waves Volya on thusly.

Nazmir checks charm and performance at normal. Nazmir is successful.

Ivy checks dexterity and performance at easy. Ivy is successful.

"Then, my Prince, to the dance floor," Ivy smiles up at Nazmir and takes his arm to move towards the open floor for one more dance before the end of the evening. She turns to face him, more than happy to allow him to lead in the dance. She's just enjoying the view, and the company. STriking up a soft conversation while they twirl the floor and move together as if they've been dancing together for years.

Symonesse checks dexterity and performance at easy. Symonesse is successful.

Eddard checks charm and performance at easy. Eddard is successful.

Leading Ivy out to the dance floor, Nazmir is offering her one more smile before claiming her in his arms, beginning to lead her in that dance. The foot work and twirling comes easy to the pair and as they move across the floor in that final dance, there's a cnat of his head to listen to the murmured words, only for him to then answer in kind.

"I promise that the seat will be waiting for you when you return. If I allow you to return. I already know that you're an excellent dancer." Symonesse seems pleased when Aindre acquiesces to her request for a dance and grips his hand firmly as he leads her away from the piano and the rest of the band, who might be grateful to be removed from the closeness of both the Queen and the Grayson Prince and whatever criticism or expectation that presence might have dreamed up. On the dancefloor, the Queen settles into the appropriate stance for dancing with ease. Quietly murmured words are exchanged between the two with the Queen's chin tilted up so that she can gaze into the taller prince's eyes as she smiles up at him.

The pair have begun moving in slowly rotating circles with the rest of the dancers upon the floor. Eddard doesn't say anything and waits for Cufre to notice her predicament. "The lowers don't startle me too much. I used to make a living there."

"If I don't see you for the rest of the night, know that I had a great time, as short as it was." Volya says to Ksenia as she steps away to handle whatever it is she needs to handle. And of course, by the time he's free, he realizes that the Queen is once again indisposed. Coming up to a short stop, he gives a light laugh, shaking his head. "I have literally the worst timing ever."

It's clear by the further clutching of skirts that Cufre notices. Circles? Those are advanced moves. She takes extra care with them, so maybe they aren't quite as rapidly executed as the song demands.

"You just add a half turn with every step. Dancing is just layers upon layers of motions. Don't think too hard about it." Eddard giving such sagely advice as 'don't worry.'

Despite having made a name for himself in Bastion as quite the dynamic duelist, the dance that Prince Aindre settles into with Queen Symonesse is the furthest thing from hard to follow or demanding of footwork. He watches down with that warm smile still upon his lips, the quiet conversation between the pair of them more spirited than the way wanders the territories of the dancefloor with her, a familiar ease to the pace he's set, that one good eye of his rarely leaving her save the times it's needed sweep a look at their surroundings lest they wander into anyone else's more animated path.

Nodding, Cufre, red-faced, chuckles. "It's not quite as easy as you say. To not think so hard."

As things in the hall start to quiet down, Liara Grayson makes to slip out for now too, though not before a little announcement of, "I hope you all had a splendid evening! I need to withdraw for the moment, but the band and the food are not going anywhere just yet."

Symonesse is overheard praising Liara.