Potter

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Kingdom Ball
Interaction: @Infinite Cosmos Munir
Attire: Here
Hair: Here

Persephone had taken plenty of food again, although this time with plates. Her stomach rumbled and she felt like screaming. It felt as if she’d been stabbed in the stomach. Fatigue was beginning to settle in as she downed her water quickly. As she watched the nobles, anger rose inside of her. They would never experience hunger or pain like the commoners endured. She slept anywhere she could now, sometimes in homes or otherwise, outside. Finding food was rare but she’d been lucky to find a roll of bread for herself. She kept most of her good food for Buttercup. Her heart broke at the thought of her horse. Luck had been given to some while the rest struggled. It disgusted her. She clenched her fists and turned to face the food so she wasn’t glaring daggers at these obnoxious, no good nobles.

It was then she felt the heat in her nose and groaned. Again? She grabbed a napkin and held it to her nose and dabbed at it quickly. No, no, no,. This was not the time and place for it! Panic shot through her. The napkin was stained with red now as she held it to her nose. She hardly heard a male voice speaking to her and turned around in confusion. Standing behind her, for whatever shit reason, stood the Shehzadi of Alidasht. Persephone stared at him and would have laughed at the circumstances if she wasn’t dabbing at her nose. Her voice came out a little nasally when she responded cheerfully, ”Never better. How about you?” A devilish grin crossed her face while she kept the rag to her nose. Scaring the noble would be the highlight of her evening.

Avalia

Tigerlily

Time: Morning
Interaction: Lizzie @Tae, Barboda @Alivefalling, Helio @princess
Tesoro aka “Rat” @Infinite Cosmos, Nym @helo,
Location: Aboard the Harem

Equipment

Wearing: new outfit, sword strapped to her belt, enchanted with return enchantment; daggers in her boots, sheathed and one hanging from belt, plus hat/cape from her outfit below
In her bag inside: Location sender, time teller, eye protectors & dark sight, glasses; Outfit Bought from Sailor’s Emporium

Tigerlily watched the crew descend into Ardyn’s schooner and sighed. There wasn’t any need to join them and they could all take care of themselves. She waited in the water until she heard Tesoro. With surprise she listened to him and smirked. With a quick flick of her tail, she swam back to the schooner. Her long, iridescent pink tail glistened in the sunlight. ”Not leaving me to the sharks, huh?” She grabbed the rope as she waited for him to pull her up.

Once on deck, Tigerlily’s tail transformed back into legs with sickening crunches and pops while her bones returned to their proper positions. She stood up and shook her head. A grin crossed her face to continue teasing him instead of facing the fact he had been nice to her… again. ”Going soft on me?” She shook her head finally and replied, ”No I’m not injured, takes more than that." She paused as she realized she should be grateful. Her skin crawled as she added "Thank.. you...” Tigerlily struggled to find the words but managed to do it. She grabbed her braid and began ringing it out to distract herself. Then, her attention was drawn due to commotion over at the schooner.

The sight that soon laid before her confused her. Lizzie was… dying? Wide-eyed she faced the Captain and dropped to her side. ”What happened?” Her heart hammered as she searched for Helio. She grabbed her cape and tore more of it off to begin creating a tourniquet for Lizzie’s abdomen. Tigerlily wasn’t sure if she’d be able to help or not but it was worth a try. Sympathy filled her: poor Lizzie was a human, and shouldn’t have been here in the first place. That meant light elves were on Port Vanarosa and had summoned her. The shock radiated through her as she stared down at her. ”That bastard’s going to pay.” She clenched her fists and shook her head.

Avalia

Rue

Time: Morning
Location: The Inn
Interaction: @Omni5876Arn @Helo Bowyn
Equipment: Small backpack, two knives, rations, water flask, hygiene products, new outfit

Rue could have laughed at how Bowyn choked out his thank you. When he told her about the demon, she frowned. She was thankful she had missed it. How were the others feeling though? Was he upset by it? She needed to find out. ”That’s terrible.. The poor humans didn’t ask to come here.” The story about Valerie made her realize she was a human and pondered the thought; how many more were hiding here?

Motion behind her made her glance up. Arn massaged her shoulders and wasn’t wearing a shirt. Her cheeks flushed as she sat up slowly, while the dwarf went and found her another drink and a makeshift shirt using the tablecloth. Rue giggled and thanked him, and went to reply to Bowyn, when another dwarf came over. He whispered urgently in his ear and beckoned for Arn to leave. Her frown increased when Arn explained he had to leave urgently. ”Be safe, Arn, thank you for your help!” She called as he left.

Rue sighed and turned to Bowyn. He looked worried and worn, and it tugged at her heartstrings. ”I feel okay, a bit lightheaded but much better, thanks to you both. How are you?” Her voice was gentle as she looked at him. A sudden idea came to her. She held both glasses over her eyes and giggled. The cold felt refreshing and rejuvenating to her. ”Should I walk around like this?” Her voice was light and teasing, and she turned to Moonlight who huffed and set his head down on her legs. The wolf had enough of her antics and was recovering from being worried and afraid to deal with it.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Ezra Turner

Time: Evening
Location: Caesonia Castle Ballroom
Mentions: @Silverpaw Wulfric @Mantou Wystan @princess Anastasia @Inertia Auguste @Helo Callum, @samreaper Kazumin

---

The grand ballroom was spectacular and beautiful and not admitting it was downright silly. The cakes and pies he’d created were laying on an elegant display. Ezra had researched every recipe he could find for this occasion. It was of the utmost importance that everything was perfect. He knew he had to greet King Edin and Queen Alibeth to announce his arrival and bakery. He didn’t care for politics but had to tonight for his goal to work out.

The display of drama with the all too haughty Alidasht Kingdom was something he’d remember for years to come. He had sit and ate his food, some he’d stolen from a few nobles nearby who were too stupid to notice. He tapped his foot and folded his arms, unsure why he hadn’t seen her yet. Ezra was halfway to his feet to go find her when the angel graced the ballroom with her presence. However, the sight beside her made him growl under his breath like a wild dog. That mutt was with her. He relaxed his posture after realizing he looked too intimidating and sighed. It would be a cat and mouse game, but he’d be the one to win the cheese.

With the brothers and the entire continent in view, he couldn’t do anything. Ezra moved over to grab some food, noticing the Varian and Caesonia nobles conversing nearby. Keeping to himself, Ezra grabbed more food and went back to his table. Unexpectedly he noticed the servants and maids going around with a bowl and papers inside of them. Panic rose inside. Was his dream dancing with anyone? To his relief he noticed no she wasn’t, and he decided now might be the appropriate time.

Standing up tall with his chest forward and a charming smile upon his face, he started forward when some blonde boy intervened. Ezra frowned as he watched the scenario play out which resulted in them both twirling like tops and finding themselves upon the floor. How dare he let her fall? What an absolute moron! He’d never allow that to happen! Before he could approach, Wulfric and Auguste’s pet were at their side and were likely scolding them. What a duo of idiots. They were nothing compared to him. The images of her brothers, Wulfric, Augsute, and Callum, mangled and lifeless, was music to his ears. He sighed and shook his head. Such misfortune, but he’d wait and play the long game.

Just like a cat would catch a mouse in its trap, so would he.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Ezra Turner

Ezra Turner🍰 21 🍰 Male

---

Appearance

Height: 6’4
Weight: 220
Eye Color: Light green with yellow tint
Hair Length/Texture: Long and usually in a ponytail. Tidy and neat
Hair Color: Green
Skin Color: Fair
Facial details: Scars along his cheeks and neck
Distinguishing features: Scars and bright green eyes
Clothing Preferences: Formal, noble clothing, fancy enough to blend in and also loose enough to be physical in.

---

Psychology

Likes:
🍰 Dark humor
🍰 Piano
🍰 Painting
🍰 Bakery
🍰 Romance
🍰 Hunting
🍰 Reading
🍰 Swordsmanship
🍰 Crows

Dislikes:
🍰 Being alone
🍰 The cold
🍰 Boredom
🍰 The Danrose Family with the exception of one
🍰 Losing
🍰 Unintelligent people
🍰 Rejection

Sexuality:
Heterosexual

Hobbies:
🍰 People watching
🍰 Hunting
🍰 Painting
🍰 Daydreaming
🍰 Gathering secrets
🍰 Archery

Life Goals/Dreams:
🍰 Being with his soul mate forever.
🍰 Didn’t you read above?

Personality Summary:
Ezra is a quiet and secretive individual. It takes a long time to get to know him and he doesn’t always open up. He’s a pathological liar and can spin a lie or truth out of thin air. Ezra is quite charming and polite in conversation. He is known to be very likable to chat with. His words often ooze as much sugar as a cake. Behind closed doors or when he feels open to being himself, his humor usually is at others’ expense. This is one of many traits he keeps to himself.

He spends most of his time with his head in the clouds, often all encompassed into one train of thought. As a child, he’d be obsessive and would not stop until he got what he wanted. Despite being a daydreamer, he has a sharp mind. He’s cunning and spends a lot of time planning ahead since it isn’t like he could quite get his topics of interest off his mind.

Lonely and starving for affection, Ezra has had a certain topic of interest that he has not been able to get off his mind in years and never plans to.

---

Background

Current occupation:
Princess watching Baker

Any past occupations?:
None you should be concerned with.

Relatives:
Too many to name and care about.

Skills:
🍰 Agile and strong
🍰 Archery
🍰 Climbing
🍰 Manipulation
🍰 Poison
🍰 Baking cakes….
🍰 Painting portraits

History Summary:
Ezra is the sixth child of nine of a family in the Caesonia Kingdom. He was neglected from birth. To make matters worse, he was a bastard child that made his mother feel guilty and his father angry. His mother always wished he had never been born. He had caused a rift between her and her husband that led to constant quarrels. Their relationship was on its last leg that was held together by a thin string. Some of his other siblings helped take care of him, but his mom didn’t care. He was another mouth to feed and thus, outcast him.

Ezra learned to fight and take punches as long as he won in the end. He began to bully and intimidate the other children and would hoard his food. Ezra excelled in school and took on many hobbies to find distractions. He learned how to shoot and fight. Pain wasn’t a stranger to him and he found he didn’t mind it either. It was a distraction from his life.

One day when he was out in the streets, Ezra found companionship with a group of criminals. He befriended the leader’s son, Louis, and the two got along great. For the first time, he had a friend and was shown kindness. He became like a brother to him. In the end, he was well cared for and loved. One day the two decided to rob a noblewoman’s house and were caught. In the battle that occurred, Louis was murdered. Ezra vowed revenge and took it personally. Ezra found the noble and tortured him to death. He found himself even enjoying it.

A new leader, named Mortimer, took over their group and he had much more ambitious ideas. After seducing a certain princess, he kidnapped her in the pursuit of ransom. Ezra was tasked to bring her food and keep her in line. However, he did not expect to speak with such a friendly girl. He found her kindness contagious and became attached from the moment he met her. He even found a new love for baking when he discovered she loved cake. When the Danroses did pay the ransom, he asked Mortimer not to give her back and he did not seem to care what happened. He was more interested in all the money he obtained, so they kept her.

Sadly when Ezra was away from the hideout, the Danrose sons along with their knights came and found Anastasia. When he returned and found out, he went ballistic. He never forgave himself and swore vengeance on them. From that day forth, he began training and fighting to overcome them. He learned how to shoot with a bow and rifle, began using a sword, and also learned the art of poison. To blend in with society, he got a job as a baker and used the money to fund the crime group he still held connections to. Ezra grew stronger and soon became a menace, often disguised so his cover wasn’t blown.

Ezra soon took over the bakery after… unfortunate accidents took out the owner. He then offered his services to King Edin for the ball. The King agreed and Ezra baked the sweets and prepared. Tonight would be the night his dream would come true.

---

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Ezra Turner

Ezra Turner🍰 21 🍰 Male

---

Appearance

Height: 6’4
Weight: 220
Eye Color: Light green with yellow tint
Hair Length/Texture: Long and usually in a ponytail. Tidy and neat
Hair Color: Green
Skin Color: Fair
Facial details: Scars along his cheeks and neck
Distinguishing features: Scars and bright green eyes
Clothing Preferences: Formal, noble clothing, fancy enough to blend in and also loose enough to be physical in.

---

Psychology

Likes:
🍰 Dark humor
🍰 Piano
🍰 Painting
🍰 Bakery
🍰 Romance
🍰 Hunting
🍰 Reading
🍰 Swordsmanship
🍰 Crows

Dislikes:
🍰 Being alone
🍰 The cold
🍰 Boredom
🍰 The Danrose Family with the exception of one
🍰 Losing
🍰 Unintelligent people
🍰 Rejection

Sexuality:
Heterosexual

Hobbies:
🍰 People watching
🍰 Hunting
🍰 Painting
🍰 Daydreaming
🍰 Gathering secrets
🍰 Archery

Life Goals/Dreams:
🍰 Being with his soul mate forever.
🍰 Didn’t you read above?

Personality Summary:
Ezra is a quiet and secretive individual. It takes a long time to get to know him and he doesn’t always open up. He’s a pathological liar and can spin a lie or truth out of thin air. Ezra is quite charming and polite in conversation. He is known to be very likable to chat with. His words often ooze as much sugar as a cake. Behind closed doors or when he feels open to being himself, his humor usually is at others’ expense. This is one of many traits he keeps to himself.

He spends most of his time with his head in the clouds, often all encompassed into one train of thought. As a child, he’d be obsessive and would not stop until he got what he wanted. Despite being a daydreamer, he has a sharp mind. He’s cunning and spends a lot of time planning ahead since it isn’t like he could quite get his topics of interest off his mind.

Lonely and starving for affection, Ezra has had a certain topic of interest that he has not been able to get off his mind in years and never plans to.

---

Background

Current occupation:
Princess watching Baker

Any past occupations?:
None you should be concerned with.

Relatives:
Too many to name and care about.

Skills:
🍰 Agile and strong
🍰 Archery
🍰 Climbing
🍰 Manipulation
🍰 Poison
🍰 Baking cakes….
🍰 Painting portraits

History Summary:
Ezra is the sixth child of nine of a family in the Caesonia Kingdom. He was neglected from birth. To make matters worse, he was a bastard child that made his mother feel guilty and his father angry. His mother always wished he had never been born. He had caused a rift between her and her husband that led to constant quarrels. Their relationship was on its last leg that was held together by a thin string. Some of his other siblings helped take care of him, but his mom didn’t care. He was another mouth to feed and thus, outcast him.

Ezra learned to fight and take punches as long as he won in the end. He began to bully and intimidate the other children and would hoard his food. Ezra excelled in school and took on many hobbies to find distractions. He learned how to shoot and fight. Pain wasn’t a stranger to him and he found he didn’t mind it either. It was a distraction from his life.

One day when he was out in the streets, Ezra found companionship with a group of criminals. He befriended the leader’s son, Louis, and the two got along great. For the first time, he had a friend and was shown kindness. He became like a brother to him. In the end, he was well cared for and loved. One day the two decided to rob a noblewoman’s house and were caught. In the battle that occurred, Louis was murdered. Ezra vowed revenge and took it personally. Ezra found the noble and tortured him to death. He found himself even enjoying it.

A new leader, named Mortimer, took over their group and he had much more ambitious ideas. After seducing a certain princess, he kidnapped her in the pursuit of ransom. Ezra was tasked to bring her food and keep her in line. However, he did not expect to speak with such a friendly girl. He found her kindness contagious and became attached from the moment he met her. He even found a new love for baking when he discovered she loved cake. When the Danroses did pay the ransom, he asked Mortimer not to give her back and he did not seem to care what happened. He was more interested in all the money he obtained, so they kept her.

Sadly when Ezra was away from the hideout, the Danrose sons along with their knights came and found Anastasia. When he returned and found out, he went ballistic. He never forgave himself and swore vengeance on them. From that day forth, he began training and fighting to overcome them. He learned how to shoot with a bow and rifle, began using a sword, and also learned the art of poison. To blend in with society, he got a job as a baker and used the money to fund the crime group he still held connections to. Ezra grew stronger and soon became a menace, often disguised so his cover wasn’t blown.

Ezra soon took over the bakery after… unfortunate accidents took out the owner. He then offered his services to King Edin for the ball. The King agreed and Ezra baked the sweets and prepared. Tonight would be the night his dream would come true.

---

Avalia

Xavier

Time: Morning
Location: Avian City
Interactions: @Helo Orias, @CitrusArms Aiko, @princess Yuka, @FunnyGuy Augus
Xavier’s Equipment: His sword, and outfit

Xavier noticed the smoke emanating from the carpet and glanced down. He noticed the holes and grimaced when he looked at Augus. He opened his mouth to apologize when an image of a horrifying monster and human appeared. He stared with horror and then found his view blocked. Yuka came up behind him and covered his eyes. Unfortunately he found it difficult to block out the screams and shivered. He’d heard men dying, but nothing quite like this.

Xavier tensed as he realized that could be him. He glanced at his companions with wide eyes. It couldn’t be only him, what about those who aided humans? He swallowed and pulled Yuka into a hug, worried she was traumatized from the horrible scene she must have seen. Not only that, but he felt it to be a duty to protect her and the other’s. He listened to both Prince Orias and Augus but remained silent. Xavier remained impassive with a fire in his eyes. That horrible monster would pay for what it had done. He wanted to make sure that other humans didn’t die either. The “Dark Elves” must be afraid of the humans otherwise they wouldn’t be hunting them down. What a bunch of cowards. He despised cowards. Xavier scowled as he waited for what came next and shook with anger at the injustice.

Avalia

Saoirse

Time: Morning
Location: Beach
Interactions:
Mentions: @princess Annya @Tae Raven “Valerie”/Eris

Appearance

New Appearance from Disguise Ring & New Outfit

Equipment

-Backpack filled with brass knuckles, multiple knives, lighter and some matches, mask.
-Left at room: wad of cash, black long sleeve shirt, leggings, black combat boots, and red leather jacket with hood.

Saoirse came running into the scene, huffing. She struggled to catch her breath. The tornado around Raven was diminishing before and she felt relief fill her. She ran forward and pushed through the crowd and didn’t care who she knocked down. All she cared about was getting to Raven. The horrified screams of the human chilled her spine. She had seen some fucked up shit but nothing like this. Violence didn’t faze her too much, but she knew Raven wouldn’t handle it well and had immediately changed and ran out, not needing to be told twice. What had been with the Hunger Games like presentation anyways? Fucking copycats.

Saoirse flipped over the ice barrier that diminished and passed the red eared elf she didn’t trust and then Annya. ”Raven!” Though her appearance was different, her voice was not. Saoirse skidded to a halt. Saoirse collapsed at her side, pulling her into a tight, protective hug. She rubbed her back and dried her tears with her shirt. ”It’s okay now little bird, it’s okay. I won’t let that happen to you. I swear on my life, you’ll be okay.” Saoirse then glanced up at Annya with a stony expression as if to say ‘you should cover us’ then turned back to Raven. The last thing they needed was anyone trying to come at Raven while she calmed down.

Avalia

Rue

Time: Morning
Location: The Inn
Interaction: @Omni5876Arn @Helo Bowyn
Equipment: Small backpack, two knives, rations, water flask, hygiene products, new outfit

The sensation of cold startled Rue. It was different from the blazing hot sun that blasted her with its unforgiving rays. Snow, something she coveted, was blanketing her. Loud voices, mixed with hysterical laughter, screams and yells, sobs and cries, were mixed together. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but the familiar cold was comforting. Another voice, this one panic stricken, reached her too. Rue tried to open her eyes and found it difficult. Why was her heart rate so high? The blazing sun, roaring wind, and the coldness all dissipated and she slammed onto a hard surface. She gasped with panic and pain and gazed around. Where did the beach go? Did they run her in here and drop her?

The chaos in the air was unmistakable. People were running, shouting about a demon, and a tornado? In the distance with blurry vision, Rue noticed a red haired elf gazing at her. She turned to see Arn and Bowyn at her side, looking concerned. ”Bowyn, Arn; what’s going on?” She touched the snow around her that began melting due to the heat and recognized its work. The soft pillow behind her was unfamiliar and she noticed the cold drinks under her armpits and next to her neck. She smiled up at the two; then watched with surprise and concern when a giant wolf leaped down the steps and bounded over to her. It instantly snuggled up against her legs and stared at her with big, worried eyes. ”What happened to you?”

Rue smiled and reached for his head, causing him to move forward so she could pat his head. ”Just a little fun in the sun, don’t worry.” Rue knew he wasn’t convinced and swallowed hard, turning to the other two for an explanation. Her skin felt cooler and she could feel her heartbeat relaxing.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

John Layla

---

John did not have to enjoy the plain glass of water plainly alone for too long. He could see a couple of servants making their ways around the room with a bowl, and people were getting a slip of paper from it. Unfortunately, and perhaps because he didn’t look important enough appearance-wise, the servant casually ignored him and handed the bowl to a…more lavishly dressed older gentleman, apparently a duke in Caesonia as well, standing next to him. All of which made the doctor perch his lips and shrug his shoulders. After all, it was revealed to be for a dance, something he was fine with staying out cause he never was a good dancer.

However, the duke too wasn't a big fan of this ordeal either.

”Bah, humbug…I thought this was for some gift draws.” He muttered, and swung his head both ways, stopping as he noticed the doctor looking at him. ”Here. You look lively, you can dance right young man?” It wasn’t a question though, ”Take it.” as the duke drilled that slip of paper onto the doctor’s hand and quickly walked away.

”Wait, wha-” John couldn’t protest, as the duke was already out of sight. ’Oh man…out of all the occasions to have to do this.’ He thought, hoping his partner tonight was someone he knows, like Lady Mina, Lady Charlotte or…hell even Thea works. But no…

When his number was called, he approached the front of the room to find out that his partner, out of everyone, was one of the Alidasht’s Shehzadis instead. Her tanned beauty, her more revealing dresses, lavish jewelry and most importantly her steely gaze told him enough where the doctor stood in this hierarchy. She knew where she stood, and she was proud of it.

With some initial flusters, the Varian royal physician presented Layla with the same traditional bow she had known and expected all her life, but the posture was slightly off, especially the shaking hands from the unnatural pose.

”Your Royal Highness, peace be upon you.” John spoke, allowing a moment between them before standing up, but his pose led to him losing balance. He would have sprawled out to the floor, and potentially caused yet another Lorenzo situation, if he hadn’t quickly supported himself with his hand. As he stood up, he gave her another bow, but not as deep as the last one, with his hands crossed above his stomach. ”I sincerely apologize, I have not practiced enough.”

Layla sat at one of the tables with wine, water, and food brought to her. She was surrounded by guards and a few curious admirers, none of which she paid attention to. Zilal had uncurled from her and onto the table instead. She stroked his head gently as she watched the proceedings. Her ears still rang and she had glared in the Duke’s direction. Layla gritted her teeth. Dinner with these vermin would be the highlight of her week. That clumsy imbecile and his sickly-vampire daughter would not be left off easy.

She sighed as she watched people mill about with bowls and numbers. Eyebrows raised, she watched a nervous maid come toward her. The poor thing kept glancing at her snake as if it might attack her. She rolled her eyes and made sure the brat noticed. The woman flushed and averted her gaze and with shaky hands, handed the bowl to Layla. She stared down at the woman as she took her slip of paper. Unfortunately, she matched with one of these imbeciles for a dance. How ridiculous. What if she didn’t want to? Slowly she stood up and flipped her hair over her shoulder and didn’t notice it hit the same maid in the face. She continued forward and found a lowly looking man? Was this a joke? The music began playing rather loud and drowned out the ringing.

Layla looked down at the short man with raised eyebrows. Was he noble? Had this been pre-planned to match her with a non-noble looking vermin? She decided to smile instead with amusement. The poor bastard was fumbling and looked ready to take flight at the first provocation. She couldn’t help but smirk at his attempt to mirror the Alidasht customary bow and had been close to complimenting him, when the bastard nearly fell and took her down with him. Layla let out a hiss akin to her snake’s. She heard Zilal in the background mirroring her and knew the snake was likely staring him down as well. He tried again and this time was more fluent in his movements. She sighed as she flipped her hair and waited for the man to get his act together. She listened to him and replied with a sniff nod. Clearly these people weren’t spending their time well. Was being clumsy a norm here?

”What is your name?” Layla quizzed, glancing around at the other dancers, then back at him. ”And what is your title?” She placed her hands on his shoulders which amused her. She was taller than him.

John felt a little less stiff as soon as the toes were dipped, without them getting shredded, yet. ”I am John. Dr. John Harling Williamson.” He said, as he took her other hand and locked eyes with her. ”I’m a royal physician in the Varian court.”

”A Doctor, huh?” Layla replied as fell into step with him gracefully. Her movements were agile and quick, much like a predator stalking its prey. It was evident that dancing was not a stranger to her. She stared down at him and was less venomous in speaking. Like a hawk she watched his movements and mannerisms picking them apart one by one in her brain. ”I don’t think you know my name yet, which is a pity. I’m Shehzadi Layla.”

”I am honored to be your dance partner tonight.” John nodded his head slowly, trying his best to match her movement, but it seemed pretty clear he was pretty stiff and hadn’t really danced much. However, he did know his limits, so he let the Shehzadi take the lead, making few but complementary movements, allowing her to essentially wrap around him whenever she liked. ”I hope I am not tarnishing your elegant steps, your highness.”

”I’d be honored too.” Layla replied with a smirk crossing her face. Her voice was honest but teasing. She remained graceful and spun him like top and then caught him again. Amusement showed in her eyes and face though she was torn between scowling. As she assessed him, Layla let out the tiniest smile. ”Dancing is more fun when you allow yourself to be light and free. Ignore anyone or anything else going around you. All that counts is the time and space between you and your partner. And you’re not, actually, I’ve seen worse.” She grimaced at the memory and wiped it away as if shooing a fly. Her hand returned to its place on his shoulder. ”As a Varian physician, are you required to come to all these boring events?” She scanned the room and then looked down at him again. ”Your King and Queen - are they near King Edin? Point them out to me.”

”Thank you, and yes you are certainly right.” John had no objections. By allowing himself to be light, like any servant and physician, he continued to mirror her important movements, content with letting her have him at her will, like a snake entwined around a mythological staff. He briefly looked away for a bit and quickly spotted the Varian rulers with his keen eyes for details, then proactively took one step towards their direction. ”They’re over there.” He said, as they continued. ”And no, I’m not royalty, but they insisted. They said it would be like a vacation, but with our nobles, they probably think some old sod wouldn’t be able to take it. So here I am, a young upstart sod instead.” He was clearly joking, referring to himself a little self-deprecatingly.

Layla smirked in approval. She followed his gaze and assessed them. They were as pale and stuffy looking as the others which made her cringe. When he spoke, her expression became stony and the Shehzadi remained quiet in reflection. The ringing in her ears returned and she bit her tongue to not scowl. Then, the arrogant smirk returned. ”Lovely.” She rolled her eyes and turned to face the music. The waltz music was beginning to end and she wondered if there would be a second dance. Gross. She eyed John once more and noticed his stuffy suit and dropped her hands from his shoulders. ”It was nice meeting you, Dr. John.” Layla performed the Alidasht customary bow and had a ghost of a smile upon her face.

”Thank you, Shehzadi Layla. I hope to see you again.” John bowed with his hands once again crossed on his stomach. As both emerged from their bow, John gave Layla a wave and a bright smile before they broke eye contact and retreated back into the crowds.