Vier

Vier had been pretty bored during the ball, all things considered. Besides small moments of excitement and the drama of the beginning, nothing really caught his attention. It was partly a matter of scenery. Vier was never comfortable with simply socializing. Besides, what could he talk about to the upper crust? There was no real gossip he knew that hadn’t already made the rounds to those with an ear for these things, and the Iron Roses had the only nobles he maintained constant contact with. Everyone else had mostly split of, either chatting with nobles, or just talking with the other knights.

So for the past few minutes, Vier had mostly been faffing about. A flute of wine, a nice plate and the occasional light conversation with passing knights and nobility were more than enough to keep him awake for the time being. Still, he made the constant choice to decline any invitation to take the floor. It wasn’t as if he was an exceptionally poor dancer. His mother had taught his a basic waltz, and he practiced on occasion, when most of the Order was asleep. Still, he was relatively fine with the proceedings, taking note of place rather than tone.

Renar dueling a Crown Knight, the knight being his brother no less, was unexpected, but not unwelcome. Vier had a fondness for brawls, having started and finishing his fair share. This wasn’t exactly it. It wasn’t planned, that much was obvious. How much was a result of Renar just being better or Felix being caught off guard intrigued Vier, making him note it mentally, in case he got the chance to ask. The taunting at the end drew a chuckle and a bit of clapping from Vier.

”Very good show, the both of you.” He had only wished it lasted a tad bit longer, but it was a good showing on both sides, for very different reasons. At least it was a nice distraction from the festivities.

@Raineh Daze

---

"Oh, you want to meet an Iron Rose knight, away from crowds?" Cecil flashed her a cheeky grin. "Sounds like you were hoping to get a private date with one." She'd tease the elf. A step to the left, to the right. A little bow, as Cecils hands held her elvish partner firmly, but gently guiding her steps as best she could. It was a good thing she had natural grace to her that made the effort much easier, and able to easily correct her mistakes.

"Your mom was an Iron Rose herself, wasn't she?" Cecil would casually inquire, hoping to perhaps glean a bit more of information about the older elf. "Honestly she's about as pretty as the paintings." Shale was remaining mostly quiet, though Cecil was pretty sure she was grumbling something about why always with the flirting.

“The stories of the Knights of the Iron Rose do stretch quite far back,” Serenity responded. “Though in matters of legend and lore, it’s for the better that our task was to put an end to the dregs of the Red Flag, rather than an airborne scourge or a death-profaning sorcerer.”

She flashed a smile, one filled with a valiant desire for greatness, a pure focus on those far-off horizons that any heroic knight would aspire towards. “In ten years’ time, mayhaps, you could expect grander tales spun by Thaln’s bards. For now, however…”

It wasn’t hard to notice the shifting of bodies, the light that sparked off steel. Renar was doing it after all, wasn’t he? Serenity’s eyes flickered towards Fionn, catching his gaze. Princess Maletha was still young, still faint-of-heart. It would do little good for either the Crown Knights nor the Iron Rose Knights if a Royal suffered as a result of these meaningless theatrics, but Serenity herself wasn’t in a position to do anything about it.

“…I hope this display of chivalry will assuage your interests. The Knight with the darker hair, Sir Renar, was one of the few who took it onto himself to single-handedly hold off a group of Jeremiah’s best while the Knight-Captain faced him.”

And as for the Crown Knight, well, she could tell already.

Though skillful in his own right, the blond swordsman approached the duel from the same mindset that Serenity would have…if she were three years younger. Explosive aggression, honed with an honesty that made for a valorous figure, but which was otherwise a detriment. It took three breaths for him to be disarmed. And honestly, it didn’t make for a good show at all. Hardly a breathtaking exchange, and the response from the noble audience was much the same.

Was the Crown Knight truly so weak? Why did the Iron Rose Knight fight in such a brutish manner? Did that even count as an exhibition? The Flower of the North put on a better show; where was he?

Serenity waited for a few seconds, then turned towards Princess Elisandre once more, her smile half-way apologetic, half-way bemused, but always intended.

“Unfortunately, it appears that in your presence, Princess Elisandre, Sir Renar was overeager to impress.”

Fanilly's only response when Velbrance continued to speak was a sharp intake of breath, her hands clenching again. Ultimately, no matter how it had been a death in the line of duty, it was true that Sir Rickert shouldn't have died. But he had nonetheless.

The Lord's words served only to remind her of something she had to do all she could to avoid repeating.

When he extended his arm, the Knight-Captain hesitated for a moment. While his words had not been the most cheerful, her memories of Lord Velbrance when they were both children were not unpleasant. He had been polite to her, after all, and they had met a few times at functions held by their families. Surely, there was no harm in having him accompany her in such a manner.

And yet, she was the Captain of the Iron Rose Knights. It wasn't suitable for her to be taken by the arm such as the average noble maiden might be by a suitor. She was a knight. She was the highest authority in an order once lead by a Saint.

She had to conduct herself as such.

"Thank you for the offer, Lord Velbrance," she began, her tone apologetic but as firm as she could manage, "I don't mind if you accompany me, but it's unsuitable for the Knight-Captain to arrive on the arm of another."

Before she could approach the Princess, however, she paused when she realized Sir Renar and one of the Crown Knights(who bore him some resemblance) had apparently arranged to perform an exhibition duel for the benefit of their host. She hadn't been informed? Why hadn't Sir Renar mentioned as much to her?

Regardless, it was certainly a show of skill. Though, somehow, she found herself worried that Sir Renar's treatment of his opponent was perhaps more intense then should have been warranted. And she was certain murmuring had spread through the crowd. Perhaps they agreed with her assessment?

Still, it was concerning it hadn't been mentioned to her... She'd had to speak with him later.

@Raineh Daze

---

It was around this moment, at the conclusion of the duel, that Cecilia may have caught a far-too-familiar face among the crowds. A young woman, only two years her junior. A familiar head of bright, crimson hair. Blue eyes, gleaming slightly in the light of the hall. A lovely green dress adorned with frills and ribbons.

She was eyeing the dual, beside a handsome young man with dark skin and jeweled clothing of a style unfamiliar in the lands of Thaln or even its neighbors. It was likely he was the son of a Asharaad diplomat or merchant, invited to the ball alongside his father. Perhaps he had come along with the redheaded girl. Perhaps he had met her there and struck up conversation.

But there was no way Cecilia would fail to recognize who her eyes had fallen upon while dancing.

Annika Autmere.

@Rune_Alchemist

---

Of all the things Sir Fleuri likely expected during his dance with the 'Lady Cteline', it was unlikely he expected what came next.

Somehow, no-one seemed to notice her until now. Perhaps some had spotted the tall hat bobbing through the crowds, but she had gone largely unmentioned.

Suddenly she was there.

Tugging at the Flower of the North's sleeve. If he chose to look, he would be greeted with the sight of a pale, green-eyed young girl with dark, shiny hair. She had soft, rounded features, perhaps what one might expect when imagining an endearing young girl. The only truly unusual thing was the ill-fitting travelling outfit she wore. While it was perfectly clean, a tall and wide-brimmed hat with an oversized jacket and long skirt probably wasn't what most people would approve of as party wear. She looked up at Sir Fleuri, pausing only a moment to glance towards the disguised Lein before she spoke.

"I can't find the sweets," she began, frowning, "There's so many adults and I just get turned around, can you help me? Pleeeease?"

She seemed to have no idea she was talking to a pair of Knights.

@PigeonOfAstora@Crimson Paladin

"N-N-Not at all!" Lilia stammered, uncharacteristically missing a step and nearly tripping over her own feet, recovering just in time to avoid tripping entirely. Her brush was practically incandescent as she did her best to look away from Cecilia, which took some awkward positioning given how close they were as a result of a new dance. "I just don't handle crowds the best..."

Although, she did seem to be doing a good enough job of it tonight. Then again, she had been standing quietly off to one side until one of the Iron Roses came over.

"Oh, yeah, mum was one of the first to join! Fastest blade in the order, candidate for its best duellist, and she took part in the really famous battles! She was at the destruction of the Vos Korvungand, and one of the knights that helped fight Volkstraad the Red before Elionne slew him." Lilia continued, enthusiasm creeping into her voice, "She was only part of the knights for a few decades, but she has so many stories. Not just of her, but Elionne, Florian, Agrahn... oh, and all the times that 'those four' would cause some sort of trouble or play jokes on people. I didn't get a good look at her, but Tyaethe doesn't really act like I expected from all the trouble she'd cause with Cyrus or Edwin..."

@Rune_Alchemist

"Ah..."

Their reverie towards the Princesses was difficult to maintain in the face of such information. Of course, as sheltered noble girls, none of them had witnessed first-hand the pain and suffering that could be brought by slavery. But they knew of it.

"My father is a minor knight under the crown, er, if you've heard of a Sir Galfont that's my father! Er..." Angenese paused for a moment, "He tells me stories, at times, never the details but... would you be happy to know he slew a slavery ring's captain, Sir Knight?"

She was uncertain what to say, but it was clear to at least two of the girls that Sir Gerard's mood had darkened as he spoke. While Angenese did love her father, his exploits felt more commonplace compared to that of the Iron Rose Knights. A keeper of the law was someone to be proud of, but the work of knights of legend felt more far away and exotic.

Tenessa remained silent, shifting uncomfortably, uncertain of what to say. Meanwhile, Violette said nothing as well, simply looking away quietly, awkwardly.

Perhaps she'd not had much to say to begin with.

@HereComesTheSnow

---

"Ah, my, I didn't expect such a display...!"

Still, the elder princess was clapping. Even if the bout had been short, a duel between two members of the most famous knight orders in all of Thaln was still something to behold. Elisandre had seen more than a few tournaments in her life, and the fights always seemed to last a little longer than that. But even if it seemed a bit brutal for a duel, no-one was seriously harmed, were they?

"Sir Renar, you said?" she continued, "I should like to thank him for his service personally, after I have spoken to your Knight-Captain."

Pausing a moment, she glanced town towards her younger sister, to see how she was doing after witnessing the duel. While her sister was also no stranger to such performances, at the same time she had seen her flinch and become anxious during some of the more intense bouts.

But it seemed Fionn's presence had worked wonders at keeping her young girl distracted.

"Oh, these are... they're the..." Princess Maletha's eyes shone slightly at the sight of candied fruits, "They're, um... I forgot the name, but they're from Ka... Ka... Kashahn, across the sea, right?"

The younger princess knew some exotic preserved fruits and other unfamiliar snacks from the Near East had been delivered recently, but she hadn't gotten to see them until now. Exotic candied fruits from Kashahn, in the south of that distant land, were quite different from the sweets she was used to. Her eyes wandered briefly to the tables, past the knight, before returning to them.

"Um, thank you! Thank you, Sir Fionn!" she nodded excitedly as she spoke, "I-I'll, I'll use your services wisely! You shall be my stalwart ball knight!"

She seemed at least a bit less anxious.

It was only natural that Veilena had observed the duel as well, arms folded and golden eyes narrowed slightly.

"Those knights... hmmm," she cocked her head to one side, her pigtails bobbing as she did, "Curious that it was those two in particular."

"Ah? Why is that, Lady Cazt?" asked Elisandre.

"Nothing in particular, I suppose. At least, nothing important at the moment," the Cazt heir replied with a idle wave of her hand, "You know, your Highness, if I'm not mistaken, the two most senior knights in attendance are there as well."

"Ah...!"

It was only natural that the First Princess would immediately try to approach the vampire and the elf as soon as she spotted them.

@Creative Chaos@Raineh Daze@Rune_Alchemist@Saiyan@The Otter@Crimson Paladin@Psychic Loser@Richard Horthy@VahkiDane@Psyker Landshark

Gerard Segremors

@VitaVitaAR

"Did he?"

Eyebrows rising in interest, the second sudden change of mood in as many sentences must have come as a cracking whip to the three, excusing the unfortunate metaphor. Though his face furrowed again in a moment, this time it was clearly in sifting through thought, manifest in the world as mutterings under the breath of "Sir Galfont, Sir Galfont, Sir Galfont..." and a gloved hand cupping the chin.

A minor knight under the crown... it was a stretch. He couldn't place the name, but perhaps the deed?

No, a Crown Knight would be closer to the interior rather than the border. As luck would have it, those two fateful days were more than likely completely disentangled from one another. A shame, really...

"I haven't had the honor, but that's a hell of a thing he did." he continued afterwards, an affirming nod following a helpless shrug of the shoulders as the disappointing conclusion gave way to much-deserved, and much more pertinent, praise. "To rid the world of those who would do those evils... Your instincts are good, Miss Angenese."

A smirk pulled itself free from the tight-lipped line of his mouth.

"Had I left myself any drink, I'd raise my glass to him, Sir Galfont." he declared, hammering the name home into his memory. "That's why we're here. That's why we're knights— to be a shield for the innocent, and a sword against evil. Doesn't matter if we're minor, doesn't matter if we're top of the chain."

For all she may have classed the two apart in their prestige, given the order he now called home... Gerard's view seemed to shun the notion in its entirety. For him, there was simply knighthood— the valorous, gentle, and just ideal of chivalry. The way of the pious, the courageous, the generous. Warriorhood given focus. Strength tempered by graciousness. It was prestige all its own, for the purity of simply being such. He couldn't imagine feeling any differently had their positions switched— to hold the title at all was already a dream he'd so nearly let die.

Anything more, such as the acceptance into an order so wonderfully storied as the Roses, was merely the proverbial cherry on top.

"He's fulfilling the meaning of our station, y'know? I can't respect that enough— my recruitment came off the back of a raid on a slavery ring, actually. Perhaps it's naiveite speaking, but I'm pretty proud of that—"

It was the day my life changed.

"—So I hope he's proud, too. He earned it, just as much as me. Now then..."

The elephant in the room was far from lost upon him. Finally, his eyes settled from their rhythmic glances between the pair of blondes down onto the youngest and darkest in both mood and hair. After her exasperated straight-man routine with the excitable duo between them had dwindled away, it was barely two words out of the young Lady Violette, her eyes pinned onto anything but the conversation at hand (mostly the Princesses).

While he was still yet to begrudge a kid for being disinterested in what he had to say, he could feel the disconnect feeding into everything else. A lot of this was his fault, in fairness, whatever the mechanism for it being so you chose—

"You know if you're bored, you can go. It won't hurt my feelings to be less interesting than actual royalty."

—But what that meant was that it'd be his job straighten it out. Clear the picture here up.

"You don't have to suffer on my account... Or is there something else on your mind, during all this dreary talk?"

Although Ser Sergio had yet to be formally introduced to Renar's half-brother, were he a betting man he'd have put good stock in Renar mopping the floor with about 70% of a lot of the noble stock roaming around, especially around at the ball. Truthfully he could have made that bet about any of the Iron Roses (Gerard sprung to mind) but Renar's ferocity and disregard for acting in "good form" for an enemy built him as a dangerous adversary for old-guard style Knights. He allowed himself an impressed grin at the defeat of Felix, and raised his glass to Renar.

"Ser Renar likes to make his points...eh...bluntly, your highness." Sergio chuckled, glancing briefly to Dame Serenity as the First Princess walked away.

"If we're not careful, the Crown Knights will start poaching our stock." The redhead grinned to his compatriot, quietly, nodding again to the victorious Iron Rose.

@VitaVitaAR @ERode

Fleuri Jodeau

"In a way, a dance is not unlike a duel," Fleuri spoke to Lein. "It's all about reading another's movements, and adapting your own movements accordingly. In fact, I'm curious to see if your approach to fighting is the same as your approach to dancing."

It was clear that Lein wasn't much of a ballroom dancer, but he was certainly bold and adaptive on the dance floor. Fleuri wondered, would that translate to how Lein fights?

As they danced, Fleuri was sure to periodically get a look at the duel. Even if he only was able to witness its progress piecemeal, it was evident that Renar was the one in control. Sir Felix, it appeared, was too bogged down by anger, and just maybe clouded by arrogance as well. Indeed, before Lein pulled Fleuri away to ask him a more personal question, the Reonite knight managed to glimpse Renar's victory.

I have to hand it to Renar. He had a plan, and he saw it through.

"I wouldn't say I flew far to the house of the goddesses," he answered the Hundi's rather deep query. "More like, I flew far away from the goddesses, then returned home." Fleuri wasn't entirely sure if Lein was asking this just to keep up the appearance of an elegant Hundi noblewoman, or if he was genuinely curious about Fleuri's past.

"You see, for the last century, House Jodeau has been dedicated to serving Reon, but I came to resent it. I wanted to get back the wealth, power, and prestige that we had given up. But then, I realized I was wrong, that in grasping for those things I was failing to honor my house, and had turned my back on the goddess. Ever since, I've sought to...."

It was at this point that he felt a tug on his sleeve, and looked over to see a young girl, attired in clothes too big for her, pleading for help to find where the sweets were.

"Of course, child, it's this way," he replied to the girl, gesturing for her to follow. "Come, Lady Cteline, we can spare a moment or two to help this youngster out."

@VitaVitaAR @PigeonOfAstora

@Raineh Daze@VitaVitaAR

---

Make an elf blush like a pure maiden and completely mistep her footing. There were some things Cecil never thought she'd accomplish in her life, but sometimes she simply was the best at accomplishing the impossible, wasn't she? A bright grin spread from ear to ear as she'd listen to Lilia's response about her mom. That was, at least, until Cecil's eyes fell on someone she hadn't expected to see. Or maybe even didn't want to see.

And then, it was Cecil's turn to completely misstep with the dance as her body simply stopped moving, nearly face planting into the elfs chest in the process.

"Cecil I know you have a penchant for indecency but wait until after the dance at...oh. What is the child of those boorish fellows doing here? Shouldn't they just die already so they don't have a chance to bother me anymore?" Shael's somewhat harsh scolding was quickly silenced as she'd realize what exactly Cecil was staring at. "Well, I suppose she could do worse then someone who looks like that, but really-Cecil don't do anything reckless! I refuse to go back to those idiots!"

"Sorry, Lilia, but uh," Cecil pulled away from the elf. "Not feeling to well all of a sudden." A lie, a rather obvious one too. She hadn't been able to take her sights off Annika for the past minute, though she wasn't wearing an expression of interest. Her mouth was curled down into a slight frown as she'd internally fight with her own thoughts on the matter. "We'll have to dance again sometime, alright? I just...have to go do something..." She'd walk away from the elf, her hand leaving hers as she'd approach Annika and the dark skinned man. A duel, huh? Well, she was glad she didn't get roped into it.

She wished she had a flower on her. Then she might be able to just slightly emulate how she had met her previously. A wine glass would have to do so she picked one up from a nearby servant before continuing onwards.

"Well, Miss, forgive me for saying this but I couldn't help but notice that lovely hair of yours." Cecil would say approaching her casually, trying to keep her voice even. "I don't suppose you'll grace me with a name and accept a drink or shall I have to down it myself?" She'd offer the drink in her hand. "Cecilia. Knight of the Iron Roses."

“It would be a bold statement to make indeed, Sir Sergio,” Serenity responded lightly, “though those who find themselves called to pledge their blades to the Iron Rose oft root such callings in higher matters.”

A glance towards Gerard. The expressions on the faces of the young ladies who flocked around him, as well as his own, certainly spoke a different story than the gaiety of the rest of the ballroom. There, certainly, were those of the Iron Rose who had no real interest in gaining the favor or friendship of the nobles. Hopefully the ladies’ patrons weren’t keeping a close eye.

More curious, however, was Veilena’s own input with regards to that, as well as what she chose to do next: highlighting the presence of Tyaethe and…hm.

Serenity cast a glance towards the Cazt heiress, offering to take her hand before they followed after the First Princess.

“With knights of such prestige present, I suppose it’ll be a while still before you’ll be able to seek an audience with Her Highness.” The presence of the Paladin had become a normal thing for her, and the Knight-Witch regularly maintained contact with the order in her own way, but for the Gentle Blade herself to be present? That storied master of the sword, the polar opposite of Tyaethe in martial philosophy? It was almost a tragedy, that Renar and Felix had dueled, if there had been any chance at all of a duel that allowed Dame Lilette to display but a sliver of her prodigy.

But unless Princess Elisandre requested it, there was little chance of that.

She likely would have kept trying to make progress on arranging a proper exhibition match--they had all evening, after all; it couldn't be too hard to send someone for a change of clothes (or find a page or something who would jump at the chance to attend a royal ball in exchange for lending Tyaethe an outfit for a little while) before everyone had to make their leave. However, there were some things that took precedence over continuing to be a pest in a foreign language.

The presence of royalty was one of them, the vampire turning and making a deep bow in one continuous movement. It was almost surprising that she didn't manage to catch anything and trip in the process. "Your highness, to what do we owe this pleasure? As I am sure you know, I am Sir Tyaethe. This is..." what followed was definitely not the name anyone would have expected, longer and distinctly unfamiliar in sound; no doubt the elf's common name was a translation rather than a mere foreign pronunciation, "More commonly known as Lilette."

The elf's curtsy was considerably more restrained, yet no less polished. "Good evening, your highness. Ithainne's craftsmanship suits you."

@VitaVitaAR

---

"O-Oh, okay," the elf responded, looking crestfallen for a second before schooling her features back into the same cool expression she had been wearing before they started, "It was... nice dancing with you."

Lilia did seem rather adrift looking, abandoned on the edge of the dancefloor--it appeared that Ithainne had temporarily excused herself from the proceedings, as she would have massively stood out even with the thickening crowds. And, of course, her mother was now at the centre of attention, quite removed from the rest of them.

Lein

---

Location: The Royal Ball
Interactions: Fleuri @Crimson Paladin Lost Girl? @VitaVitaAR

---

Lein was surprised at Fleuri's candidness. He didn't expect Fleuri to give a proper answer, rather to merely brush things off and redirect the conversation. Which wasn't to say the honest recount was unwelcome, as familiar as it sounded. A departure of one's home, frustrated at one's own family. A journey to find glory and fame, and then a return home. Lein trusted little of faith but he understood what the name Reon meant to those who did - at least, enough to know that a pious supplicant could happily give up his epithet and all its glory. And all that for a chance to return back home. Homecoming. A memory of a taste thrusts itself unannounced betwixt the tang of the fruit punch. It is at once chillingly cold and warm like a still living, squirming thing. Metallic. Salty enough to prick one's scars. And it disappears as quickly as it came. The only acknowledgement of it is a confused twitching of Lein's ears, though it is soon washed away by the interruption of a little girl.

A lost girl? Lein rustled as he laid his eyes on the child. It was a tentative description. Thoroughly out of place, for sure, with clothes that would fit someone twice her stature and belonging more so on the wild-claimed road than a furbished dance hall. He could take the easiest road and take what he sees for granted. Fleuri and Lein drop her off at a banquet or wave a guard down, drop the girl off to somewhere safe and resume their business.

Or... She didn't dress like an urchin who somehow snuck into the venue, nor any noble figure he recognized. If she was indeed a lost child, wouldn't they be more likely to seek an adult they know or at least ask after a familiar face rather than "find the sweets"?. The vagueness of her proffer did play right into the handbook of a confidence trick. Besides - a name floated up in his mind with a matching bedraggled and cynical side-eye - children were far more crafty than most people would give credit.

And just as Lein was actually starting to enjoy himself in this god-awful place. Hopefully it was just Lein's nerves getting the better of him.

Whether Fleuri of the same opinion, Lein couldn't tell. At least, he seemed to act as if he took the girl for granted. Lein wasn't sure. Not quite yet. A conglomerate of yet unnamed logic hissed a warning at him, but it would be far too early to veil now. He'll just have to make sure to keep a lookout now, and cover both his bases.

"Must we?" The look on his face was playful as ever. Smitten, even, as Lein laid a hand on Fleuri's shoulder. The grip from his dead hand, warmthless and animated with fickle strings, was anything but. It was a grip strong enough to press each bone digit through the fabric of his gloves, its pressure hidden from view by Lein leaning on Fleuri's shoulder. The same kind of tension from a sailor hauling the rigging, eyes keen on an approaching storm. Hopefully, it served as alarm enough that Lein wasn't entirely on board. "An interlude, then. For you my dear Knight I shall spare a moment, but I expect recompense in full afterwards."

Lein withdrew and smiled cordially at the girl who approached then. "Good evening, young lady. My name is Cteline, and though I am neither the hostess nor the master, please make yourself at home. Come, let's allow our lovely charge to lead us."

The crimson-haired young woman blinked, surprised by the sight of the blonde-haired Archer-Knight for a moment.

"Ah, well, it is a pleasure to meet one of the Iron Rose Knights," she responded, bowing her head and raising her skirt as she curtsied, "I am Annika, of the Autmere family, and this-"

The dark-skinned young man in jeweled clothing eagerly stepped forward.

"Were your hand unoccupied, I would shake it!" he declared. While he did have the accent associated with Asharaad, his Thalnan was clear and, while very formal, spoken with confidence, "I am Samir Nadeem Bashar, son of Farid Nadeem Bashar! It is a great pleasure to meet one of the storied Rose Knights."

"-... Lord Bashar here has taken a great interest in our people's history and culture," Annika continued after a pause, smiling somewhat, "His father is a diplomat, so getting to know the people he practices his craft with only makes sense."

"Indeed, indeed!" declared Samir, "Not only your people, but all the peoples of the west. My father has told me much, and I am quite eager to learn more!"

"As you can see, I don't suppose either of us would mind sharing a drink," added Annika.

@Rune_Alchemist

---

"Thank you, mister!"

The little girl was practically bouncing in place, her huge hat bobbing atop her head, as Sir Fleuri accepted her request for help. Indeed, while her outfit was rather strange, it wasn't difficult to understand why such a small girl would struggle to make her way through the crowds. The fact the hat kept nearly falling over her eyes certainly couldn't help. She kept having to push it back and adjust it in a bit to prevent it from occurring once again.

Pausing a moment when 'Cteline' spoke to her, the small girl tilted her head slightly.

"Why are you wearing a dress, Mister Cteline?" she asked, "Do you like girls' clothes?"

It was spoken in such an innocent manner, but it seemed that the little girl had managed to immediately recognize the fact that 'Cteline' wasn't exactly a noblelady.

Exactly how she had realized this was not likely to be answered, as she happily followed Sir Fleuri to the table.

Adorning the sweets portion of the party's food was all manner of confections and baked goods. The exotic candied fruits of less-familiar shapes and colors originating from Kashahn, honey-sweetened pastries finished with a rich glaze, crisp wafers with a white-and-black marbled pattern, fruit-filled puddings, and above all of them was the enormous cake coated in purple and gold.

"Ooooh...!" the little girl's green eyes sparkled excitedly as they travelled over the assortment of treats on display, "They all look so tasty... I want that one!"

The sleeve flopped as the girl raised her right hand to point at the cake.

Given it was nearly bigger then she was, this couldn't possibly be an advisable decision.

"Thaaaanks, Sir Knights!" she continued, brightly, waving for Fleuri to lean closer.

If he did...

When the girl whispered in his ear, it would be far less bright and cheery.

"That Princess could meet an unfortunate fate, if no-one is watching her. It's better to be safe then sorry, right?"

And then she was gone.

Alongside the entire cake.

@PigeonOfAstora@Crimson Paladin

"As you wish," Velbrance conceded, irritation glittering in dark eyes for but a moment before the polished veneer returned. The scion still did everything but take the captain's arm, never quite overstepping the bounds of simply going the same direction, but taking every effort to appear to be with her.

He politely applauded the duel, remarking, "Strange; for an exhibition I would have expected something flashier and less practical. I suppose even the Iron Roses must have trouble arranging on such short order."

Any designs or plans involving the princess were promptly scuppered by said princess's running off to talk with the knights... a conversation that Velbrance seemed to have no interest in pursuing, instead pivoting to the nearest member of high society: Veilena.

"Your Grace, it is good to see your participation for once," he said, offering a deep bow, eyes flicking around the girl, "It makes them far more bearable than standing to one side. Of course, I'm sure you know of Knight-Captain Danbalion. If your bodyguard is around, surely the opportunity to meet such storied knights would interest them?

"And Lady Arcedeen! I'm glad to see you looking well this evening. I must congratulate you on your accession to the Iron Roses; I believe my father's gifts should have arrived for your father and yourself?"

@VitaVitaAR@ERode

@VahkiDane @ERode @VitaVitaAR @The Otter

The duel was over, and the response to it...well, he should have seen this coming. Admittedly, it wasn't exactly his finest work performance-wise, but Renar had never been one to be particularly flashy with the blade. Besides, he couldn't risk even the miniscule chance of actually losing to Felix, of all people. No, better to end the duel conclusively and disappoint those looking for a show than to drag it out. As much as Renar looked down on Felix's sword skills, his half-brother was still a Crown Knight mostly on his own merits.

Also, it wasn't a bloody exhibition in the first place, no matter what that fossil in armor would claim.

Still, Renar did make out a few appreciative glances from those of a more martial bent in the crowd that actually knew proper swordplay. That was fine. If he could make inroads with even one person here that actually understood his value, then tonight would be a rousing success.

As he made his way off the field, Renar spotted Tyaethe with...good word, was that the Gentle Blade? And the First Princess approaching them? Now he was almost starting to regret not putting on a better show. But he wasn't going to approach. The princess hadn't asked for his presence, and he'd already stood out enough for the night as it was. Instead, Renar fell in next to Sergio, who was currently with Serenity and some others of the princess's entourage following after Elisandre.

"Have I missed anything?" He murmured quietly to Sergio, keeping an eye on...wasn't that a Velbrance? Well, well, well. Small wonder he'd approach Serenity, if what he knew of that family was still accurate.

---

@VitaVitaAR@VahkiDane@ERode@Psyker Landshark

---

With the younger girl's attention pulled from the clash of steel behind him, Fionn smiled warmly down in response to her earnest words. "I shall trust in your wisdom, then, your highness," he replied, before straightening back up as the others started talking about the short 'exhibition' they'd just witnessed. There wasn't any doubt as to who'd won, of course—not in Fionn's mind, at least. Any fool brazen or stupid enough to challenge their own brother to a duel in the middle of a royal ball likely wouldn't have the cleverness or true experience to keep up with Renar's blade work.

Certainly not after all the various tricks and strategies that were shared on the practice field between multiple of the knights. Somehow, he doubted that Felix would be particularly receptive to such things from his fellows, if Fionn's initial read on the man's demeanour was accurate.

"Now, shall we follow along with your sister and the others? Or, perhaps, go and peruse the rest of the banquet tables. Why, they had the largest cake on display, nearly as large as you—" As he turned, about to point the cake out (perhaps pointlessly, it began to occur to him, as it likely wasn't a surprise to Maletha), he was shocked into a sudden silence by the cake's conspicuous absence. Surely it had been there when he'd last looked in that direction a few moments ago?

"Wait, where'd the cake go?"

Hopefully being a 'stalwart ball knight' did not come with cake guarding duty. It would be a poor showing for both himself and the Roses if he was to be fired before the night even ended.

Fleuri Jodeau

Fleuri should have known there was something odd about that girl when she effortlessly identified "Lady Cteline" as a man. He had simply assumed that from the girl's low vantage point, she had managed to notice something amiss about Lein's figure or some small detail about the way he moved. As he escorted the girl to the cake, he couldn't help but wonder if Lein had gotten a little too excited about this game, beyond that which would be conveyed solely by tail-wagging.

When the girl whispered her warning into Fleuri's ear, and when the cake vanished in the few moments that he had turned his gaze away, however, he knew that there was something very strange going on. This little girl was no doubt magical, and probably not nearly as young as she looked. It also meant that Lein's disguise took more than a child's glance to see through, but that wasn't important anymore. What was important was that the Iron Roses be alerted and the Princess protected.

"Did you catch that?" he whispered to Lein, visibly spooked at both the message and the very unnatural disappearance of the massive cake. "That was no ordinary girl. She told me that the princess could meet an unfortunate fate if nobody watches her."

At least he assumed that the girl was talking about the Crown Princess. They'd better keep an eye on the younger princess as well, just in case she was the one that the mysterious girl was warning them about. It figured that a mage couldn't be bothered to give a straightforward answer even in the matters of direst urgency.

"We need to find the Princess, the Captain, and Tyaethe," he told Lein, as he took the Hundi's hands as if to dance again. "Just follow my lead." As he began to step around the Hundi, he looked past his disguised partner, carefully scanning the room without ever turning his head. After three rotations during which he was able to spot both , he stopped, having spotted the princess speaking to Tyaethe, and the younger one with Fionn. If it weren't for Tyaethe's striking white hair, Fleuri might have failed to spot the small-statured vampire.

"I see them, the older princess is speaking with Dame Tyathe, the younger one is with Sir Fionn. I'm heading over there to warn them." Fleuri was no longer asking Lein to play along- he trusted the Hundi to use his own judgment. Some might question the logic in placing any trust in that roguish gadfly's judgment, but after that stunt with the griffin, Fleuri wasn't exactly in a position to criticize or question Lein's choices.

Fleuri made his way through the crowd to where he had seen Tyaethe and the elder princess. He tried to avoid having to present himself to Elisandre directly, and consequently, he instead came up behind where Tyaethe stood.

"Dame Tyaethe, we have a problem. Lein and I just encountered a mage of some sort. She vanished the entire cake, and informed us that the princess is in danger," he explained, pointing to where the cake had once stood. "Unfortunately she didn't specify what danger or which princess, only warning me that we need to watch them closely."

@Raineh Daze@VitaVitaAR@PigeonOfAstora

Lein

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Location: The Royal Ball
Interactions: Fleuri @Crimson Paladin Cake Thief? @VitaVitaAR Fionn @The Otter

---

If only the girl had told Lein about her plans! Had he been in coarser company Lein would have broken out in open laughter. All that security and guardianship, and all that was needed was for an unassuming girl to swoop! and take the whole-ass cake and disappear! Lein's intuition that the 'girl' was no doubt an enchantress of some kind was right, but he couldn't have known that she had a roaring sense of humor. Lein started, "What a strange lass! We really ought to have known better to - Herr Fleuri?"

Lein nodded along as Fleuri explained and scarce broke character. Still, for what it was worth, the disguised rogue was taking Fleuri's word and did not interrupt the flurry of action. While Fleuri lead them around the dance floor, his eyes darted around the rafters and entrance ways, looking for any misshapen shadows leaning out a corner or watching the center of the room with too much intensity.

Lein had no sympathies for the princesses, and cared even less that it was technically within his duty as an Iron Rose to protect the nobles who had gathered here. If anything, he was suspicious of why a strange mage of no clear identity would even warn them. Still, a whole lot of chaos would mean a headache on his part, and will most certainly sweep up the Roses in the process. Lein had never bothered to learn of Thalnese politics and probably never will, so he'd have to rely heavier on his experience of subterfuge to untangle this whole cloak and daggers business. Putain de merde, at least things were easier back up in Ithillin where everyone was dumber and had a fetish for open dueling.

"My, aren't you a little forward? Are we at that stage already?" Lein joked with a smile, but his eyes did not reflect mirth. "Are you sure that's the best move? We're not even sure if that girl's not bluffing. If this is a plot against the princesses, our would-be assailants would be watching a danger like the First and Last closely. If it isn't, that's two counts of public humiliation against the Roses in front of the royals." Lein rebutted Fleuri's suggestion to warn the Paladin as they danced, though he could tell that Fleuri had already made the decision. The Champion was on the straight and narrow, and he had already knocked all the dominoes in his head, it seemed. Trustworthy, but also too trusting. "We'll need to try and keep things discrete. Don't warn the princesses directly and do try not to tip off our 'guests'?"

As he sent Fleuri off with a dramatic wave and a curtsy at the end of their dance, he looked for the younger princess and started to run through what he knew. Clearly, despite the wards in this place magic was still available to those who knew to squeeze past them. Most of the Knights carried their weapons, at the behest of the Princess, though it was still unclear if the Princess knew she would need extra security for the night. It was indeed a bit strange that the ball invitation and the ball itself was within a day of each other. And in a crowded room such as this...what would be the best kind of attack?

In a couple steps, the Hundi strutted up to the knight for the second time this evening and tapped him on the shoulder. Thankfully he can just skip the explanations even if it would have been amusing in other circumstances. "Herr Fionn! I had a lovely time with the Champion, and I would love to thank you for your recommendation. He's quite a passionate one though a little rough in his handling. But in our enthusiasm I'm afraid your cute little bow's been ruined." Lein said, pulling in close as if to show off the supposed 'ruined bow' in his laces. Lein whispered a warning in Fionn's ear in a very different tone. "Hey, word from Fleuri that something's targeting the princesses. Didn't get much more than a vague warning. Know anything about it?"

The ball was bustling. People were everywhere. The girls talking with Sir Gerard. Lady Veilena, briefly eyeing Velbrance as she prepared to speak. The First Princess, excitedly approaching two of the three living founding Knights. The grim visage of Haelstadt observing the ball from the sidelines.

Fanilly opened her mouth. She was going to greet Veilena, and Dame Serenity.

But then there was a voice in her ear.

It was a little girl's.

"Ahead of the First Princess. Look now."

"Ah...?"

Her eyes travelled swiftly across ball, and widened when they fell upon something that shouldn't have been there.

A hooded figure, exceptionally small, a short crossbow in one hand, leather and cloth in dark colors covering her body. Almost-gleaming yellow eyes beneath the good. Somehow no-one around her seemed to notice as one delicate hand trained the crossbow on First Princess Elisandre-

Fanilly was already turning, running. She didn't understand what was happening, how the small assassin had managed to get so far without even a single person seeing her. But she had to be stopped, she had to!

"Stop her! Stop her now...!"

The trigger was pulled.

The bolt flew.

But it never reached its target.

It had stopped, one delicate, elegant hand gripping it and having ended its trajectory instantly.

Lilette's stern gaze fell upon the would-be Assassin, as she lowered her hand. Crimson dripped from her palm, but still she held fast on the bolt.

"Iron Roses, to arms!" cried Fanilly, "Stop her! Do not let the assassin escape!"

An attempted assassination of one of the royal family, here, now? So brazenly in the middle of the ball? But how was it that no-one had seen the assailant until now? These questions raced through the Knight-Captain's mind.

But that was why the assassin had to be captured, not killed.

"BAR THE EXITS!" bellowed Sir Adeforth's voice over the crowds, "What in the blazes were you doing!? Bar them now! Now!"

The crown knights were moving as swiftly as possible to bar any potential routes of escape. But the small assassin was moving, too, swiftly, even after having frozen in shock at being discovered she was darting away as quickly as possible.

"Haelstadt!" came Veilena's voice as well, "Get ahead of her!"

The towering black knight as moving now, as well.

They had to stop the assassin. They had to capture her.

The had to know what was going on...!

@Creative Chaos@Raineh Daze@Rune_Alchemist@Saiyan@The Otter@Crimson Paladin@Psychic Loser@Richard Horthy@VahkiDane@Psyker Landshark@HereComesTheSnow