Carlisle had received the invitation to the ball and written it off. Sadly his mother had also received an invitation and it became her sole desire that her son would go and actually interact with some 'nice ladies'. "You don't meet anyone staying in your office all day." She had reasoned with him. Carlisle had disagreed whole heartedly. "Thats not true, I meet lots of people." She crossed her arms and glared at him. "Just do this for your mother Carlisle, I'm old and you won't have to put up with me much longer. Let me watch Erin and you go yourself just this one night." Who could argue with logic like that? 

The fitting with the tailor had been uncomfortable. The nice clothing he was given being darker and flashier than what he would have picked for himself. But they fit him well after being taken in. The man making the offhanded comment about his height and that he would be beating the ladies off with a stick. His eyes appeared hooded as he smiled and nodded along. But then came the day of the ball. Erin was happily playing with her grandmother when he left. His mother tossing the comment at him to find a 'nice young woman' to settle down with as he left. It was hard to think about whisking any lady off her feet when his thoughts still lingered on a certain fire mage.

He arrived slightly late. Unannounced he was able to slip inside with only the lingering hungry looks from a few women. He smiled genially at them and continued onward to watch the earlier arrivals of notability dancing. It was the sheen of copper that caught his eye, it being none other than Ea himself. And he looked to be dancing with the Dufour Princess. He knew that Ea was someone of importance. Someone with coin to spare. But to think that he could dance so openly with royalty. It shouldn't have made his spirits sink like they did. It was silly to be so affected by someone he scarcely knew. This little crush was fated to end horribly and he knew as much.

He pursed his lips and let the crowd surge around him. His dark eyes flicking to a woman that curled herself around his arm. Cooing at him and laying a hand against his chest. "Carlisle! Your mother said I would find you here. But she didn't mention that you would look so...." Her eyes rolled down him in a way that made him blush, he squirmed and rubbed the back of his neck. Looking around for a way to escape.

“While I would tend to agree, I don’t think I’ll fancy drinking tonight. I feel as though our presence makes a lot of these people a little uneasy, and I’d rather not contribute to it by presenting them with a drunk wolf.” Not that she would’ve shifted in this place. Shaking her head, a quiet chuckle escaped her. “That is dually noted, should I change my mind.” The small squeeze of his hand had almost caused her to pause. Almost. She knew it was a gesture of comfort, but it was certainly not a contact she had dealt with recently. That last time… She diverted her thought, not wanting to feel the empty space in her chest right then.

Alvina’s hand reached up absently, brushing a stray hair from her face between watching the vibrant, twirling crowd. She was all too aware that many in this room had likely slaughtered her kind before. Even now, the unease with which some regarded them caused her some mild form of disgust. They used each other like pawns, murdering indiscriminately and without purpose. It was like a game… Fortunately, their closest neighbors, the Mages, equally persecuted, seemed at least inclined to keeping to themselves. Again, she made an effort to brush the thought aside. After travelling to reach this place, she desired to at least enjoy some of it.

Feeling Warin’s arm rise under her hand with his shrug, she turned to regard him. The look that flashed in her eyes might’ve come across as extremely calculating, or extremely amused. Perhaps a little of both. The knowledge that he didn’t have the experience wasn’t telling significantly by itself, though given his age, she would’ve guessed he’d have at least tried it. If only she knew of the dilemma facing the Immortal Commander on the other side of the room. “It is just my luck that one that asked me to go to the ball isn’t able to dance.” The mutter wasn’t angry or accusatory, merely bemused. A small jab, to make up for the fact that he had jokingly asked her to come.

She’d relished in the stunned look on his face when she’d accepted a few short weeks previous. Alvina relished, too, the small look which crossed his face at her teasing. Seizing his hand, she did not wait to take the lead out onto the floor. When they found themselves situated in a small, open area, she took one of his hands in her own, and used her other to guide the opposite to her waist. Shifting, glancing to make sure he wasn’t recoiling away, she placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m going to lead by pulling. When you get the step down, you’d ideally want to nudge and I’d follow.” The Alpha explained softly, a surprisingly gentle look of concentration crossing her face as she proceeded to explain the steps, pulling him back, around, left, and right. Slowly but surely, she hoped they might waltz with some success. It was after several minutes, when he was beginning to pick up the teachings, that a small quip came to her thoughts. “So what were we betting for before, eh? What will I get if I win?”

Years. It had been many many years since Solara had graced anyone with a dance. Her slender form she had found was much better suited for work, toiling away. Not twirling. But surprisingly she could dance, very well. Her mother had been very strict about such things. Not because it was fun or enjoyable but because all noble women should know how to dance. How to make their partner look commanding and in control even if she were pulling the strings. She briefly worried for the wound that had been on Connor’s leg, at least it hadn’t been horribly deep so it might have healed enough to handle the strain of a dance.

At his question about the dance steps Solara smirked and stepped in much closer that might have been proper to whisper to him. ”I’ll push you in the right direction. Just look confident.” Fake. Fake smiles. Fake confidence. It was what these kingdoms were made of and it frustrated her. But there was little she could do and at this point it was a matter of Connor and herself not looking like a fool amidst the other couples that had been nudged onto the floor.

Her free hand moved to his shoulder and she clutched his hand that he had given her. All at once she began to move. Slowly at first but not conspicuously so, even glancing down to act as if she were watching her footwork. She was the one clueless about dancing, or so that was the image she would portray. He was the Commander after all. Soon enough she would slip away from the reaches of court again into the freedom of the wildes.

She picked up an easy pattern, one that a few other couples had taken upon as well. One that had only a few steps that would repeat over and over. She knew that Connor being as analytical as he was would quickly pick up on it. The man was perhaps supposed to make the woman look like something to be treasured, a beautiful flower that he cradled and shaped. But it was the woman who made him appear powerful enough to do so.

”We can’t have any of these ladies thinking their crush can’t dance. Who would whisk them away in their dreams?” For all she knew he had been with any number of these women, and from the rumors possibly many of them. It didn’t matter, but she did enjoy teasing him so. This bit of normalcy in a life that had been turned upside down was refreshing. She was starting to enjoy herself despite this being a stuffy formal occasion. It was perhaps the less than stuffy companion she was with that made it so. She smiled and watched as the couples of lesser standing began to dance as well, many with less rigidity to their forms that the nobles.

She could see the occasional pair of eyes drift her way but as to if they were judging her as the woman who abandoned her life at court or simply drinking in her feminine form was unknown.

The ball. Ives hadn’t seemed very thrilled about attending but thanks to his rank it was required. Rook could have stayed home or offered himself for guard duty for the elves in attendance but he had decided that he wanted to be at Ives side. Not because he wanted to dance, the idea actually made him cringe. But he did want to deter anyone that might try to feel up Ives. Some nobles certainly felt they could do as they wished.

Upon their arrival the herald belted out an introduction for Ives. Rook pausing at his side silently. ”Ives Beaumont, Lore Keeper of Aelfmenn.” Rook would then hook his arm with the other man’s and lead him down into the crowd. Ives certainly looked handsome tonight. He wore fancy clothing more often than Rook and the fancy apparel suited him. Rook, however, felt like a child playing dress up. His suit felt stiff and confining. Had he not downed some wine on the way he would he would have likely been more bothered by everything. As it was he was comfortably buzzed.

That comfortable feeling faded quickly when the guards ushered Ives away from him and out onto the floor with the other important people. ”What the hell?” He snapped at one of the guards but fell quiet after a threat to escort him outside. This felt uncomfortable. He didn’t trust these war hungry people. He didn’t trust anyone here. His blue eyes were locked on his companion as the man was whisked away, the corners of his lips turning down as he watched the entire reason he was at the damn ball to begin with dance away with someone else.

Well if this isn’t just damn fantastic. He was obviously unhappy and crossed his arms, one hand idly scratching at his beard as he watched the couples dance. A familiar head of red hair caught his eye and immediately made his gut sink. Shit. It would figure that the master of fire would be here as well. Hopefully he wouldn’t feel the need to come say hello. As it was Rook was letting Ives think that it was all lies that had been forced upon him by Siofra’s influence. The mages presence here was certainly a fly in the ointment.

His blue eyes moved back to Ives where they lingered, he was rigid and stiff and ready for this night to be over already.

Rook's Suit

Ives Beaumont

Ives entered the ball. He had come along with Rook, who fortunately stood near him amidst the crowd of all these disgusting other races. He was fortunate to have him there alongside him. As they entered, he could hear his name and title be called. He could feel the heat immediately rise to his cheeks, however he had to remain with an upright posture, trying to ignore the wandering eyes on him as he gladly accepted Rook's arm as he escorted him into the ballroom. He briefly glanced at him as they walked, indeed Rook looked more different from normal. He hadn't seen him wear his hair down so, or ever see him wear any formal attire even. It was very unusual, but he couldn't deny the fact that he looked especially handsome. His eyes moved back into the crowd upon which they were entering to. For a second, time seemed to have slowed, as they walked he thought he saw a flash of white. Passing among the many people, Ives' head was turned in that direction, toward the direction of the lithe woman in white. His eyes lingered for longer than they should have, but it was her. The almoner was here. He and Rook continued walking, and just before he lost sight of her the woman turned her head slowly, deceivingly sweet chocolate eyes facing his direction before disappearing. Siofra. It was her, the same one that had somehow cast the spell upon them a few days prior. His head turned back forward nervously, wondering what all of this could mean. What would they do, since she was here? He decided not to mention to Rook, not when she could so easily hear. Instead his focus then returned to the main event, the king beginning to speak. He looked up at him as he talked. Perhaps it was times such as these Ives was more quiet than usual. He wasn't sure if Rook had ever seen him at any other formal meetings, but if he had the Lore Keeper was almost always quiet, in the back and silently there in obedience. There was a certain air about him, he had to look knowledgeable in front of the whole crowd. He had learned to do so over time, learning during his apprenticeship. Stay quiet and not say a word, they can't tell the difference if you don't say anything stupid, Orin once told him. Perhaps one of the only things his mentor had told him. Ives had stayed quiet of course as an apprentice, a shadow under the Lore Keeper. But now it was his turn.

Then, the speech was over. His head glanced toward the bearded man, making his way toward into the crowd with the rest and standing behind the guards. He thought that everyone was going to watch the leaders dance first, and he continued to look in that direction but then a guard approached him, nudging him into the direction of the dancers. His eyes looked at him surprisedly, then back to Rook as another guard came, pushing him in that direction. Desperate eyes faced backward, worriedly peering at him. He didn't know what was going on, or why he was being taken away but he wanted to call out to Rook. He could only look at him in nervousness, feeling another harsh push from the guard. He then straightened, dusting off his sleeve as he turned to see others being forced into the circle as well. His eyebrows furrowed, taking one last look at the guards, as if not to push him any further as he reluctantly obliged, walking into the circle amongst the dancers. He hardly recalled how to dance. Orin had taught him only a few times, although rarely. He couldn't recall the steps very well, but as long as he appeared to maintain his posture he should be fine, Ives thought. Then the music began to play, and the elf turned his head, seeing all sorts of people begin to take their places and start the dance. He took his position as well, holding out a hand however the women in front of him moved to each side of him, taking the men's hands on his sides as they made way for a new woman. He looked back to Rook one more time, and felt someone take his hand. Turning his head back, he was in shock as he nearly jumped back.

It was the woman in white.

Touching him with a bare hand, the petite woman smiled. Knowing that he could not risk his position now, he continued to dance, following the lead that she had started. He could barely contain gritting his teeth. She was the one that had all the answers. She had done something to Rook, then to him, but what? All what was needed was her touch. The woman didn't say a thing, and continued to smile as they danced. The Lore Keeper kept silent as well, though his eyes were full of hatred upon her. Gently he had to spin her around, then take both of her hands and their bodies remained ever so close. How much how he wanted to pull away. But everyone was watching him. He hoped she wouldn't put him under the spell again, whatever it was. Not in front of all these people. However, if she would then she would risk herself as well, he assumed. He then spun her around again, the little woman spinning then taking both of this hands once more. They moved in rhythm along with the others, making their way around the dance floor. Dipping sideways and spinning around, the two continued to move along with the music. It wasn't until a few moments later the vile woman spoke, her body leaning against his. She whispered in his ear.

"So you've been sleeping with that soldier? How scandalous," she said. Ives' eyes widened, then the circle moved in the opposite direction, and he twirled her again, then spinning around with her once more. His eyes were twitching with seething anger. A few moments later he spoke, with surprisingly a calm, leveled tone. "How would you know?" he then asked, letting her twirl on her own before joining hands. Twirling then he picked her up from the ground, white gown flowing around him before dropping her again. Picking her up and dropping her again. Each time to the beat of the music. The music returned to a different beat, and they resumed the other direction, moving closer to each other again and dipping sideways. "What did you do to us?" he had to ask in a civil tone. It was only responded with a laugh, a dainty chuckle from the lady. She knew his voice was full of skepticism, even though he tried to hide it. "Oh dear Lore Keeper wouldn't you like to know," she said ever so sweetly, then releasing one hand as she spun in one direction, then moving toward the other as her white dress formed a spiraling circle hovering over the ground. She returned to his tense arms. "I've only done what needed to be. I only briefed you a visit," she said ever so politely. Ives didn't buy it of course but one had to know how to play the game. They continued to dance, more and more did Ives begin to hate her as they did so. What was her intention? Why was she there that day? How or what, did she do to them? Why couldn't they remember? The music then finally began to quicken up its pace, and twirl after twirl the dancers moved the fastest they have ever done, then a long note played, Ives holding Siofra in a pose as he faced directly toward Rook then. His eyes were blue and dull, full of gravity. He didn't find out anything of what happened. But they needed to be careful around her. The final dance was done and many began to clap, although the two had to keep their pose. Then when they were allowed to leave, Ives gently lifted her back onto her feet, hands moving quickly to his sides. Fortunately he still had his senses. But the woman then moved closer again, whispering in his ear.

"One word about it and I will tell everyone what I saw," she warned. His eyes widened again then watched as the little elf then moved way, smiling as she reentered the crowd of many people. Ives stood there in bewilderment. What did she mean by that? What in the world did she see? He then faced to Rook, seeing that all the others began to mingle with the crowd again. A suspicious gaze on his face, his eyes turned toward where she had run off to. "I couldn't find out anything," he told him, although in a low voice. His posture remained firm as he stood straight, then walked in his direction. "We must be wary around her," he then told Rook cautiously. But he probably already knew that. Though this wasn't like as if they were alone. They were amongst many people and they had a reputation to keep. The woman knew her way well around these sorts of events it seemed. He didn't know what to do, but hopefully they could avoid her for the rest of the night. He then offered Rook an arm. "Shall we?" he then offered with a smile, hoping to bring him onto the dance floor.

Outfit