Tony
Once the great Iron King had taken his leave of the stage, yet another herald took his place. Allowing the crowd to mingle for but a moment longer, the well dressed man cleared his throat and began his announcement, "Now, ladies and gentleman, we have a special treat for you all arranged by our dear Princess Delsandra." Extending his hand to the eladrin princess that was standing near the back of the ballroom beneath the farther balcony, which the woman subsequently returned a wave to the crowd before returning to her relaxed pose. 

The herald then continued, "Princess Delsandra has decided to offer a demonstration of the waltz for your viewing and learning pleasure, though not by her own hand. Instead, someone has offered to do the honors for her grace." Dipping his head towards the princess, the herald then finished, "Introducing Lord Lysanthir Tauriel Olagwyen, Law Master of Lazaroth." As the man spoke the vampire's name, it was clear he was a bit nervous to do so. Many hushed whispers and gasps filled the air at such an announcement, but soon, the man himself emerged from the stage dressed in a blood red suit.
Althea
Stepping out from the stage, Lysanthir took in a heavy breath and exhaled shakily. It had been far too long since he had been seen so publicly. Every eye was on him. At least at Findara's Thunder Fest many paid him no mind or simply didn't know who he was, but now the entire room would be watching. As the herald stepped away and gave Lysanthir the floor, he stepped forward at the front center of the stage. Two thousand years ago and this would be a breeze, but now Lysanthir felt as though his heart and head were both about to burst. Collecting his thoughts, the lord knew he had to push through it, if only to be close to *Her*.

It had been a gift from the gods that Princess Delsandra had allowed him to do this, let alone perform yet again later in the evening. Nevertheless, Lysanthir wouldn't pass up the opportunity. Perhaps performing as he did so long ago would help with- well, whatever the hell was going on with him lately. It had been miserable, and the Gods knew he'd been neglecting his duties as Lazaroth's Master of Laws. Trying his best to keep his gaze off of Caleesi, Lysanthir quietly sighed before speaking. "Good evening, ladies and gentleman. Princess Delsandra has graciously allowed me within her walls to present to you a demonstration of an age old dance known as the waltz."
_ _

Slowly but surely, the vampire descended from the stage onto the greater floor of the ballroom. Many began to back away and clear the floor, though one would have difficulty deciding if it was out of fear or respect. Standing at the center of the crowd, Lysanthir waved his hand gently, a candle appearing in his hand. "The dance itself is not complicated. The following dancer places themselves slightly to the left of the lead and then its six simple steps one after the other." With the candle in hand, Lysanthir began walking around the newly formed center of the crowd, eyeing each person he passed. "However, the true test to the perfect waltz is for it to be so swift and so smooth that a candle's flame will not be extinguished in the hand of the lead dancer." The moment he stopped speaking, the candle wick lit aflame. Eyeing it for a short moment, silence fell over the vampire as he contemplated his next step.

*There was no turning back now.*

"Such a delicate performance, however, requires the perfect dance partner." Eyeing the crowd, Lysanthir's eyes fell upon Caleesi who was standing next to her bird companion Karl. Not even offering the man so much as a glance, Lysanthir's icy gaze was instead fixated on the Grandmistress, his eyes much softer than their first encounter at Thunder Fest. She was a visage of pure perfection and grace, one that Lysanthir had felt drawn to since the moment he laid eyes upon her in Findara. The thought of Calitherien appeared in his mind, and all he could see was her standing before him. It was hard not to be so drawn to Caleesi. After all, she was a spitting image of his lost wife, but was this fixation just a delusion? Was this nothing more than more torment for him to endure?

Perhaps it was a chance instead, to be the man he failed to be for someone he cared greatly for. Approaching slowly, Lysanthir held out his free gloved hand for the lady to take, his voice calm and welcoming. "Would you be mine, Lady Scarleth?"
Farah
Lingering within the company of Karl for as long as she could, Caleesi's attention would yet again be pulled away by another act yet to unfold. So far, all the musical performances that had started off the festival had been nothing short of spectacular- each one having their own unique touch to them that moved every soul to the rhythm of their desired tune. As the herald upon the stage began prepping the next guest however, Cali's eyes surveyed the peculiar look in his eyes when they caught the light. He seemed... Frightened. Of course, it didn't take much for the vampire to pick up distinctive details. She could sense fear just as she could smell it- by honing in her sharpened senses, Lady Scarleth could even *Hear* The beads of sweat on someone's skin as they formed droplets onto the floor. With a narrowed expression hardening on the grandmistress face, Caleesi had completely zoned into the servant upon the stage. Examining his sheepish posture he tried so well to hide. 
_ _

When the herald announced the arrival of Princess Delsandra however, almost every head shifted in unison to look over at the Thyseerian royal. Her presence held a stiffness to the air, as many bowed their heads in respect to the woman who was surprisingly lurking within the shadows. As Cali shifted her head to follow suit, she couldn't help but feel the bubbling heat of Delsandra's eyes burning into her- the pair locking eyes within seconds. One could call it a gut feeling, but Caleesi could tell there was something off about that eladrin. Despite it all- the high elf simply returned the awkward exchange with a no lipped smile. Her chin gracefully dipping to show a sign of mutual respect. The announcer's voice trailed back to the crowd, only this time more noticeably shaken up by each word he forced from his throat. With the way the man had started his speech, it would have seemed as though the princess was to lead the opening act with a dance of her own. However, what came next brought a pang of shock to not only Lady Scarleth herself- but every other guest within the radius of the heralds words. 
_ _

'*Lord Lysanthir Tauriel Olagwyen'*. What an eerie ring it had as it slid down Caleesi's spine, penetrating her cold bones like a stab to the heart. The shock alone of vampires arrival made an audible gasp fumble from the woman's throat- but as the Master of Laws emerged from the stage.. Caleesi physically buckled. Gripping onto the songbirds arm for support, Scarleth stumbled backwards one small pace, her wide eyes never leaving the bright red suit. There was a pain of disbelief written all across the woman's face as her mouth was left agape. No words leaving them, just simply, frozen. 

What possessed Delsandra to allow such a.. 
 *Monster*. Was he a monster..? Being a vampire surely set the line for Caleesi, but then again she would be hypocritical to herself. *Lying* Too. If she could justify herself as not a monster, then what was to say the same for him? Cali felt far more safer within the sea of bodies surrounding her- as well as Karl by her side, which allowed the grandmistress to ground herself from any anxious outbursts. Steadily, the high elf watched as Lysanthir entered the spotlight. His blood red attire seemingly swallowed the crowd whole with just how eye catching it was. Questions upon questions rose within the sorceress the more she consumed Olagwyen from afar... Why would *He* Be demonstrating tonight's dance? Certainly the man must know how but- wasn't he with a cane? Darting her eyes around, Caleesi swept over Lysan's form as he walked. There was little to no hint of a limp within his strut- leaving cause for concern and doubt about the councilor as a whole. A twitch of anger bit the forefront of Lady Scarleths brow, the night of the fireworks now flooding back to her. *Who was he truly..?*
_ _

Once the reverberating sound of Lord Olagwyen's voice carried through the air, everyone within the ballroom floor fell silent. Perhaps it was the fact a vampire was let among them, or perhaps it was the simple fact that Lysanthir had a way of speaking. His tone a low register of inky shadows that could easily wrap around one's soul- Demanding. Commanding, but somehow still carried a melody of softness between each line. As Caleesi bore witness to the elvens conduction of the history of waltz- her mind shifted from the questions and anger she was so bitterly holding onto. Waltzing was a cultured part of the Scarleths history. Traditions for each style was often celebrated within her district, and by the gods did Caleesi know each one. Step for step. However.. Listening to just how much the lawman knew of a dance as old as he... It put an odd perspective on the man known for being a 'monster.'

Chills invaded Caleesi's pale skin upon the High Lord's departure from the stage. As everyone else was still just as wary as she, an oddly formed circle was unironically made to clear the floor. Shuffling back along with the songbird by her side, Cali couldn't keep her eyes off of Lysanthir for whatever damned reason. She felt as though she had been locked in some sort of trance, once again, not of her will. The way Lysnathir held the crowd at his mercy was magical within itself however- as many other guests shared the same fate as Lady Scarleth. Frozen and starstruck. Like a predator stalking it's prey, the High Lord lingered 'round. His broad yet slow strides gripping the attention of every man and woman he brushed past. At times, Cali found herself getting lost in the mannerisms of Olagwyen rather than his words. Those bright, cold eyes danced around the crowd as if he knew exactly how to sway them. It was almost terrifying, his confidence. 
_ _

Nevertheless, when he had started to come to a close, Caleesi noticed just how close Lysanthir was to heading her way. A stir of what felt like wild leaves anxiously climbed within the high elf's chest as he began to approach her, causing Cali to lock up at the joints. Flexing her jaw to the primitive words he drew, Lady Scarleth fought the urge to look anywhere *But* Lysanthir- His daunting presence making itself known as his leather boots stopped directly in front of her. The grandmistress couldn't help the way her breath began to soften. Hushed, quiet inhales of sharp air staggered her nose as she did her best to regain control of her nerves- but alas, they were taken over by the heavy scent of warm musk in black and white. Imbued with hints of ichor and rain. It was eerily familiar, though Cali didn't have the time to ponder on it- because before she knew it, the man's hand was outstretching for her. 

Caleesi's pale blue eyes shot up to meet the icy mountains of Lysnathir's. The two undoubtedly shared a silent moment so strong- it felt as though his shadowed soul was binding her right then and there. Nevertheless, to the High Lord's offer, Cali's gaze only hardened. Her eyes narrowing in response as she pursed her lips together spitefully. "Oh, Surely not me, i don't think that i would make your presentation- But I'm sure Princess Delsandra would be delighted to." It was in those brief moments that the sorceress's eyes threw daggers behind the vampire's shoulder and straight into the eladrin princess's own. A fiery remark that held weight within her words for the Thyseerian. Lysanthir was brave in asking such an invitation to the woman he borderline harassed. Part of Caleesi was shocked by it herself- her eyes still swimming questionably in his. Why would he ask to dance with her out of all people? Did the Lawman even know if she could? Surely he wouldn't proceed to ask her twice... But if he did, *How could she say no?*
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Tanya
*This one again. Had Delsandra learned nothing from Thunder Fest? Or was she simply being malicious towards them in ways they knew not, orchestrating this sort of thing in front of their eyes so that there would be some sort of conflict for her to seize upon and then use in some way? Astalios knew not, but as the announcement hit his ears that the man to follow him was the same that had made advances on Caleesi at the festival and reminded her so strongly of her parents' death, his legs sprung into action, and he was already forging his way forwards through the crowd of people as the creature made his appearance. 

Hollow words about a simple dance had drifted through his ears as he kept his own eyes on the destination - for he had been sure that Lysanthir's aim was to be shifted from teaching a crowd to a very specific dance partner, one of his choosing, and one that for some reason he had a fixation with. What was it about her that he so desired? His experiences as a statesman were certainly sufficient enough to put him in contact with people that had enough sense to advise him not to engage. For Devinah's sake, the man was Master of Laws. Did he not know how people worked?

Through the flurry of dresses and fabric Astalios made his way, the golden sabatons and heavy gold-antlered crown adorning him, shining like a gilded sun in the ballroom. A duty had revealed itself, clear and present, and though he was far from Lady Scarleth at the moment, a duty he would fulfil. The metaphor, he noted offhand, was weak at best. He had read about waltzes, and as a child he had learned them. Though his steps were never clean, and his dancing instruction had faded, he knew there had been fast waltzes and slow, a friendly dance or a coordinated effort, not simply captured in one particular jape about a candle. The song set the tone for much of it - and he doubted that the creature that made his way down towards his Mistress of Magic would choose a light or upbeat tune.*

_ _
*So what was a man to do? He moved forward, nearing the spot as Lysanthir's gloved hand reached out for Caleesi to take, and he extended an offer that was an implication in its own right - that he would not simply take the hint proffered to him among the fireworks, the guard detail that he had offered her, the silver stag given as a ward. No, now this was going far enough that it required some measure of intervention. In a party setting, it did not have to be a draw of a sword or dagger, but there were words one could use as weapons - courtesy was its own set of tools.

So it was that Astalios broke the ring of onlookers calmly, like a ship's prow emerging from a wave, and met the eyes of Lysanthir first, so focused on his mistress of magic, then Karl's behind his mask, then Caleesi's, those blue chips of ice. His were only a muddy brown like silt at the bottom of a pond, but they were filled with enough purpose for him to act, and carried with them the weight to avoid being ignored by a foreign minister. His sympathy went to the songbird, but a heavier hand was needed at the moment.

'Surely Princess Delsandra would be delighted'. That one almost brought a smile to his face as he took the final step, appearing finally at her shoulder.*

"Indeed." *His voice rang like a deep bell in concurrence with Caleesi's, cutting through whatever spell remained between them for the moment. His face was impassive as ever, as if it had been carved from stone, immovable as rock.* "I bid you enjoy your dance with the Princess - I have heard tell she is quite excellent at the waltz, and would be an appropriate choice for a demonstration, given that she is our gracious host."

*He turned, then, giving Lysanthir no more attention than he was due, and extended his own hand to his Mistress of Magic, a polite nod of the head towards her accompanying the golden-armored gauntlet that extended in askance, offering a small change of scenery, one that was beyond contestation.*

_ _
"If you wish, my lady. I am afraid that my dancing is as rusty as I am, but I shall attempt my best." *He offered, voice clear and confident, brow set in consternation as he wondered what was the way to proceed. There was a time when he had known the waltz backwards and forwards, but that had been what seemed like a lifetime ago, and he had learned a different dance in his later youth, the song of bowstrings and steel on steel. 

It was not likely to help in a ballroom, but everywhere courtesy could be applied, so too could honor, and easing the situation was something he knew how to do well.*
Althea
Furrowing his brow in disappointment to Caleesi's reaction, he could feel and smell her fear a mile away. Her words only deepened his expression, but the approaching footfalls of another man sent a shockwave of fire through Lysanthir's bones. *King Astalios Dilitrios.* Without so much as allowing the vampire to reply, the Iron King had already laid claim over a dance with Caleesi, causing Lysanthir's gloved hand to recoil back to his side. Still holding the candle in the other, the vampire's expression darkened significantly, though he kept his eyes from turning as red as his suit as best he could. The stag and bat's eyes met for but a moment, Lysanthir resisting every urge in his mind to send the king backwards into a wall. How dare he interrupt them, publicly no less. *A king, but still a child.*

"I believe if Princess Delsandra wished to dance with me, she would have told me when we arranged this, your majesty." Dipping his head ever so slightly in respect, Lysanthir had to keep up appearances, less he wished a war to break out in Thyseer's ballroom. The onlookers watched in stun silence, and poor Caleesi was now stuck between two of the most powerful men in the room, both wishing for her hand to dance. Looking to where the eladrin princess had been standing, she was still there, but instead of approaching to aid the king in saving poor Caleesi, she watched on, sipping a glass of wine idly and seeming to have no intention of approaching. "My dear Iron King-.."

_ _
Lysanthir's eyes dragged over to Astalios as he turned his back to the vampire. Rage coursed through the man, but on the outside not a hair, expression or hand was out of place. Instead, he looked as calm and collected as the king himself, "-perhaps we should allow the lady to choose, hm? After all, I dare say I asked Lady Scarleth, not Princess Delsandra. A man who's as, as you put it, *Rusty* As yourself at the waltz should likely not be the demonstrator, hm?" Turning his hardened gaze back to Caleesi, his eyes noticeably softened, the hard look in his brow doing the same. It was hard to find the right words to avoid offending the king enough to garner a more violent or forceful response or reaction, but Lysanthir refused to miss this opportunity to be close to Caleesi, whether the Iron King liked it or not.

Stepping to the side of Astalios and remaining in front of Caleesi, Lysanthir turned to look at the king, his eyes dull with boredom. "I promise to return her to you in one piece your majesty." Dipping his head with a respectful bow once more, Lysanthir just knew the waters he was treading were as treacherous as ever. Queen Runacri was likely watching the entire thing, which was probably not helping with her hym issue at all. The man's brow furrowed a bit as he waited for an answer, the candle in his hand still lit and waiting. His ice-blue eyes almost looked even lighter than usual when they fell upon Caleesi once more, but depending on her answer perhaps his night in Thyseer would end sooner than expected.

So now it fell upon Caleesi. Would she accept the king's offer or Lysanthir's? The crowd began murmering, and rumors and whispers began flying to and fro like birds in spring. Who was Caleesi to either of them? What of the man the she-elf had just finished dancing with? Lysanthir could hear each and every word, the rumors only making him wish this encounter would be over soon.
Farah
A sense of pridefulness leveled out in Caleesi's chest as she watched Lysanthir's hopeful expression melt away. Something about the dissatisfaction of a man who thought he played his cards right only to be told the simple words of 'no'. It was satisfying for the young she-elf. Challenging the hardened glare that formed within Lord Olagwyen's iris, Cali narrowed her expression even further. Her fits balling to catch her growing claws in the flesh of her pale skin. Tensions were growing, but why? What were his motives? It was hard to tell, as Lysan had an unremarkable poise and control to his demeanor. Before the two could even begin to fight further however- a distinguished sound of armor sliding against each other clanked up behind Cali- closing her space even further from all sides. All that pride and self control began to wither the moment Lady Scarleth heard the sharp tone of her King speak out. A mixture of embarrassment, anxiousness, and even anger swelled within the woman's stomach. Climbing its way to her throat. It was understandable for Astalios to assert himself within the ongoings of his people, as he was her King. However, there was nothing more Caleesi hated than men speaking on her behalf- *King or not.*
_ _

Part of Cali wanted to stop Astalios right then and there, as she knew she could hold her own. But more importantly- she wanted to show her King that. Alas, this was not the time nor the place- as appearances must be kept in such a setting. Perhaps she would have a word with him back home. Even still, Caleesi hated the hole she had found herself in. Even more so that it involved the thing she was weary of most– *Men.* Now stuck between two of them, heat was rising against the grandmistress's cheeks. Her mind was racing just as quickly as her heart within her chest, hearing nothing but the many whispers surrounding her. Plummeting her glance to the floor, the high elf swallowed the lump that stuck in her throat. It would be an embarrassing show to carry on such petty argument, and this *Was* The High Lord's demonstration... '*Oh Caleesi.. What have you gotten yourself into.*' Scarleth thought to herself, slinking in her shoulders ever so slightly. The air around her felt as though it was suffocating her, thickening between the two bodies of dominant male figures.
_ _

When Lysanthir spoke up to King Astailos, saying exactly what she was thinking, it surprised Caleesi enough to look back up towards him. She saw the way he looked at the stag, so harsh and precise with his words. Yet, when the vampire shifted his gaze back towards the sorceress... There was no anger. Just simply a longing not even she could understand. Blinking away the bitterness within her stare, Cali lifted her chin up towards the High Lord. Weighing his words with the most caution. Somehow... He was right. *What harm could a dance truly do?* Lingering a moment within the hushed silence, Caleesi hovered her gaze between the open flame in Lysanthirs candled hand before she took a step to the side away from both men. The cool of the spacious air filling her lungs as she casted a look towards Astailos. Within the woman's ocean blues swam a promising light, as much as she would have liked to cower away from this crowd, she did not want to ruin a night meant for everyone. Even if that *Everyone* Meant Lysanthir. "I will be fine, your Majesty. Let's not spoil the night, no? " The grandmistress murmured quietly, dipping her head in the form of an apology that still held respect. 
_ _

Now turning back to the massive figure before her, Caleesi drew in a long sigh through her nose. Straightening out her posture, relaxing her shoulders, as well as keeping her chin held high, the counselor went to offer her hand to the High Lord. However, once she realized the reality of what she was doing... She hesitated for only a moment. Something grimy familiar about this.. It all felt off. Nevertheless, Cali pushed her fears aside and slipped her small hand into the visibly larger glove. Stepping forwards with the vampire as they moved to the center of the ballroom. The size difference between Lysnathir and Lady Scarleth was quite the show in itself. Truth be told, when the myth of vampires spread about, they never truly focused on the factor of growth spurts. As it was found true when you die in your mortal form, you stop aging as a vampire. For Caleesi, this meant she remained still short and youthful as her young body did, leaving her to constantly dress in heels to try and mask her vampirism in any way she could. 

Even so, with how close up and personal the high elf was to Lord Olagwyen, she couldn't help but realize just how tall he truly was. Biting down on her cheek, Cali awaited for the demonstration to begin. Her eyes unable to look at the crowd simply due to the thousands of whispers that invaded her ears. She hated the feeling of prying eyes upon her, and it was made apparent by the light tinted pink that now coated her cheeks and nose. So, the grandmistress fluttered her gaze around the fabric along Lysanthir's chest. Hoping he wouldn't embarrass her further. However, one thought was eating at the woman, so much so that Caleesi found herself too angry by it to not say anything. "Did Delsandra set you up to this?" The high elf asked, her weary blue hues shooting up towards the Lawmen. "There were hundreds of other women you could have chosen, Lord Olagwyen.. Why me?" 
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