On the northern wing, Markus spotted the Dwarfs speaking to a few very fat rich men, likely merchants. There was a tall man resplendent in robes standing with them along with a small slip of a woman in a sparkling gown. As they spoke, Hugrin held out a rifle to present as Branvaldin gestured his hands for the onlookers to be at ease, all while Sketti scratched his balls, the bulge prominent even under his thick cotton trousers.

"I wish I had my priorities straight like you," He whispered back to the sorceress, planting a small kiss just above her cheek. As he did so, he could see across the hall where various aristocrats congregated in a small group where most of the drinks seemed to be. As much as he wanted something stronger, it seemed the majority of what was being served was wine. Tilea was famous for it, so it didn't irk him nearly as much as it would have were he in Altdorf. Even as he looked, he saw Galadel with his scepter standing next to three other elves among the group in question. 

The rakish swordsman slid a hand to rest on Emmaline's lower back. "Let's go over there, make a good impression, then when the Duke shows up I'll have a few words with him and we can get the hell out of here." Emmaline showed she was ready by fluttered her eyelashes with a blank, stupid look on her face. Markus hid his grin. He knew the aristocrats had their work cut out for them. 

The two of them made their way over to the group, giving the dance floor a wide berth. Two abrasive couples, both clearly either very entitled or a little drunk, spoke to one another and blocked the entirety of the lane between the wall and the dance floor. They didn't acknowledge Markus nor Emmaline when they halted before them. The women in their fur coats and the men decked in embroidered surcoats and talking business were rudely interrupted and flabbergasted once Markus placed stepped between them and pushed his hands outward so they would stumble out of the way. It made way for Emmaline in her dress and magnificent necklace. Were it not for the shining sapphire they might have been rebuked loudly, but it was just extravagant enough for them to wonder if she and her date were not an Elector Count and his wife from an Imperial province. 

Strutting over, the two had expected to be on the periphery of whatever conversation was currently being held. On the contrary, the nobles had noticed the small spectacle and had noticed The Captain and his beautiful date approaching. The Elves had too, it seemed. At their center, a gorgeous elven maiden in robes of saphery regarded them, and it was a long moment before Markus realized she was actually lightly floating over the ground. Her brown hair was long and luxurious, held back by a tiara of silver upon her forehead. Next to her was an Elven Prince, grounded but no less respectable in an ethereal way, wearing red and gold, a saber at his side. They had taken Markus' sword at the door, but apparently the Elf was given special treatment. Beside them was an Elven guard in a doublet, similarly armed, and Galadel. 

"Better late than never, eh?" Markus said, speaking to Galadel first. 

There was a very pregnant silence that followed, as he clearly should have regarded the elves of higher status, or even the Tilean aristocrats first rather than his old friend. Galadel knew to say nothing, but he smiled. The tension was cut by a mustached Tilean baron who cleared his throat. 

"And who might you be, sir?" He said, accent dripping from his pouty lips. 

"Yes, I suppose I am being rude." The swordsman replied easily, inclining his head ever so slightly. "I am Markus Flintbrook, heir to the Flintbrook Estate set upon the Lodestone River." He wasn't exactly lying. If his father passed, he might actually inherit a bit of land. Technically Rhinehold Flintbrook was a Border Prince, albeit a minor one. It was a fact he hadn't even told Emmaline yet. He could imagine her reaction once he did, now that he had reminded himself to. No doubt she thought it a full lie now. "And Captain of the Hammer, a sloop of the Imperial navy. This is my date, the Lady Emmaline Von Morganstern. No doubt you've heard the name, as you [i]are[/i] people of substance."