Michael
Ah, the Waltz, a true classic among nobles. Twirling around with a partner, spinning in endless circles, Grey had done it many times. Of course, it was far from his favorite, and these days, he would even consider it boring, but it had been fun back in those days. He smiled as he recalled the memory of performing it with his boyfriend at the time, alone in that large and empty hall, just the two of them with no regard as to what the rest of the world thought of them. Things were simple, back then, and part of him wished he could go back.

Of course, with that came the memory of what happened to the boyfriend in question, and Grey's smile soured quickly as she recalled the events of that night, a memory that had a nasty habit of popping up when she least wanted it to. He shuddered lightly, and quickly shrugged off the thought. Best not to dwell on the past, then.

"I'm familiar with the dance you mean, yes," Grey spoke, quietly hoping that Vierna hadn't noticed their shudder - an idle hope, they felt, she appeared to be quite observant. With some effort, he managed to get his smile to return, as calm and carefree as ever. "The Waltz, is it? Not the most interesting dance in my opinion, but I know it decently well." Gods, how long had it been since she'd performed it? It must be over a hundred years at least by this point. As it practically required a partner, Grey hadn't danced that way in a really long time. It was too close, too intimate, and there wasn't anyone in the world that they'd allowed to get that close to them ever since... Yeah.
_ _

Adapting that one into what she wanted it to was going to be... Interesting, at the very least. Grey let out a low hum, pondering that for a moment. "Would you like to have it performed with one or two people?" She questioned, fingers of her right hand tapping the table in the slow rhythm of the dance that Vierna had described, trying really hard to stay focused on the here and now. "Fair warning, I don't usually make up dances that require more than one person. Why would I let someone else take my place in the spotlight, after all?" They winked at her, hoping the statement might discourage her from asking for a dance meant for two. The thought alone was making Grey fairly uncomfortable right now.
Cecil
All that eagerness from her words allowed her the courage to stray from faltering any longer. A drive to make a memory of this dance seemed a clear thought, as she showed her eagerness with a smile. All that composure however left her the freedom to observe those intricate details often missed when forced by a charming glowing stare. One, clearly, noted as she witnessed the light shudder while the Bard remained lost in thought.

Reminded of something else? The topic remained on the Waltz, judging by Grey's reply, so what could it have meant? The faint twitch and altering of her smile alerted perhaps some concern rising from the Drow, this time hidden behind the still eager looks of the one who requested the service. The return of that smile from Grey seemed ever more fake to her, now. A particular intrigue noted from her. 

"Gods, yes, the Waltz. It's nothing special, I know, but you were asking what I know.." Vierna offered a particularly calming smile, seeming to be focused more on Grey than the matter of her dance. There was something particular that caught the ever curious nature of the Drow. The cracks of a supposedly perfect man before her, subtly showing by the topics mentioned. As the Bard continued with a question that practically begged for a specific answer by the shift in lack of comfort by the topic. It caused Vierna to stop and pause. 

It seemed somewhat evident that she could see how Grey was feeling, the very topic something that troubled him. The nature of asking for a solo dance didn't offend her, so much as highlight perhaps the glaring reasoning behind those shivers and lack of comfort. The Drow was good at understanding these things; when she isn't being bombarded by charm, that is.

A tempting thought came to mind, a consideration that related to her very existence on the mainland. To help people, to understand them by way of her own talents. One talent in particular that she hid very well.

"Hey.." Vierna uttered suddenly, seeming to want to shift from the topic rather suddenly. A simple hand calmly planted against the table, inching close and carefree. Something seemed to shift in the way Vierna presented herself, that quick to falter smirky sort now offering the flutter of calmness in her form. It seemed reassuring, simply by the shift of her sways and manner in which her head would tilt seemed to offer a calming presence. That, too, the most noticeable of the change. 

A glint in her eye offered a brighter glow than usual, her gaze upon Grey seeming to shower the very Bard with that feeling of calm. Intoxicating calmness, almost. How Grey had formally locked his gaze with hers, it seemed she had a manner of doing it herself. This time, simply in a way that created the very room of trust. 

**"Relax, Grey. I don't seek to rattle your troubled thoughts.."** Her words, by the Gods, would ring out in one ear like a soothing and tempered orchestra of calm. The flutter in her eyes only brightened further, the influence of a particularly Expert Enchantress on display. Perhaps Grey would note her magical potential now, though she imagined it would be a hard feeling to simply resist. It wouldn't demand, but simply suggest. A forceful suggestion to simply relax. And that was what Vierna expected from him.

And just like that, the calm would ease gently. The glint of magic in the Drow's mysterious eyes slowly shimmered away as she smiled and offered that ever so familiar tone. Back to the topic, after moments of pure and unexpected relaxation suddenly thrown at the hidden Incubi.

"Heh, well I know other dances. Fun ones. I mentioned those Tiefling, right? They always teased me about a dance I could never get right. Solo work. Quick turns and pure expression. Lots of use with your hands, I remember. Salsa, I believe they called it..? You want to offer me a good service, help guide me through that."

Her tone returned to its usual state, a hand calmly rested on her chin as she watched the Bard simply. She was perhaps waiting to see some reaction to it all, but did so casually.
Michael
Well, there was no doubt about it, the woman had noticed their discomfort, judging by the slight change in her demeanor. Or perhaps that was just a figment of their imagination? She didn't seem to want to acknowledge it, yet they couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on with her.

For now, Grey decided not to acknowledge it, preferring to just stick to the conversation instead. Perhaps Vierna would notice the not-so-subtle hint that this really wasn't something he wished to discuss, and just ignore it. If she didn't, well, Grey could always just tell her to back off. After all, the two of them were practically strangers, so it would be a reasonable enough request, they felt.

"Hmm, I suppose you are correct in that. Is that the only kind of dance you know?" That... Was going to be difficult. Grey could imagine her graceful figure twirling around in an endless Waltz, but anything else... Not so much. She simply didn't look like the type to be dancing in their preferred way - though, to be fair, appearances could be deceiving. Either way, it was still hard to imagine it.

Unfortunately, their attempts to simply move past the momentary falter in their confident persona had not worked at all. Grey watched Vierna with some amount of suspicion, although he kept it hidden beneath his usual charming smile. What was she doing? Golden eyes focused on hers, Grey internally prepared to run, suspicion growing by the second. Yet, despite that... There was something oddly calming about her demeanor. He didn't understand what was going on, and although a small part of him was screaming about danger and whatnot, he instinctively squashed that part down.
_ _

And then, she spoke up, her voice like the most beautiful music Grey had ever heard. Now it was her turn to be stuck staring into the other's eyes, and Grey found herself nodding, breathing in and out, perfectly calm. How did that even work? Grey found it difficult to care. All he knew was that he felt calm in this moment in time, and that was all that mattered.

It faded away soon enough, and Grey gave her a curious look. He recognized it as enchantment magic, having seen it plenty of times before, but few people were this good at it. "Now what was that all about?" They questioned, leaning forward, chin in their hand. "Are you secretly a powerful mage?" Resorting to cheap tricks to charm people, eh? That was a little bit sad.

The illusionist nodded upon her describing the other dance that she would like to learn. "I'm familiar, yes. I assume you're interested in learning that, then?" Why couldn't Vierna just give simple instructions. So bothersome. "Are there any changes you would like made, or not?" Hm, perhaps it was time to show a little magic trick of their own.

Still smiling, Grey placed both hands on the table in front of him, cupped as if he were hiding something behind them. For a moment, nothing, and then they opened their hands, revealing a little figure. No, not just any figure. It was Vierna, but small enough to fit in the palm of one's hand, dancing the salsa she'd described. There was no music accompanying the dance, but it was obvious enough what she was doing.
Cecil
Given her words formerly she would make no attempt to answer the question of additional dances, far too busy reacting to the work of her Enchantment. A curious tilt watched as he reacted similarly to her own falters before with those tense gazes. It was a quiet observation, almost like some forced experiment that she just had to perform. 

Most importantly would be the reaction after, curiousity clear on the expression of the Bard. The Drow casually tapped at her chin, looking upon Grey and gauging his reaction closely. An air of guilt, perhaps, at first in her expression. 

"I'm... Sorry about that. I thought it would help to put your mind at ease." A light, ironic chuckle as she looked away. "Looks like it's only raised more questions. I.. Shouldn't have done that." 

Clearly she seemed guilty, perhaps realising of the private space she prodded by getting in his head like that. Of course, her actions didn't seem malicious. Her tone seemed to imply an actual want to help in some way. To remedy this, she seemed to spill some honesty about herself. "My family are well known Enchanters back in Lazaroth. So, it runs in my blood too. I'm.. Here mainly to put it to some good use. Sorry, again.." Vierna wouldn't share in offering that lean, for a moment appearing distant and worried. The Drow wasn't sure if she ruined a good talk or not, perhaps losing the friendly bard that she just met.

The Salsa topic seemed to bring her back to some composure, a faint smile offered as she nodded along in a clearly more quietened tone. "No, no. I just want to learn that.. I'm not sure what change-" A slow in her words as she spotted the cupped hands, curiousity would cause her to slightly lean before such an illusion was revealed. The sight surprised her, an amused look upon the illusion. "That is... Really weird to look at, heh. She's a better dancer than me, that's for sure.."
Michael
Grey was quiet to what Vierna said, choosing to wait with responding until she'd given an explanation. The apology was appreciated, it indeed wasn't a very appropriate thing to do, even if it had helped somewhat. The least she could have done was ask beforehand. Then again, it hadn't really done any harm, and it seemed like it was an innocent mistake to make by someone that seemed inexperienced in dealing with the common folk.

"I see," They replied to her explanation, pausing to think it over carefully. So then, both of them had enchantment magic running through their blood? Grey almost chuckled at the thought of that. It was a little funny, one had to admit that. "I suppose I'll let you off with a warning, this time." A charming smile danced around her lips, showing that she wasn't truly upset. "Although, perhaps you should keep in mind that most people would appreciate at least being asked for consent beforehand."

A thought crossed his mind then, and Grey furrowed his brow somewhat, a little concerned. "Say... You're not able to look in my mind, are you? Because I might have to get a little mad if you do that." His tone was far from serious still, he wasn't actually planning to get mad at her. "It's not that I have much to hide, it would just be incredibly rude."

If there was one thing Grey was glad about, at least, it was that the topic of Waltzing seemed to have been dropped entirely. His thoughts on that matter were his and his alone, and he didn't particularly want to share them with basically a complete stranger. Instead, they seemed to have moved over to a much more cheerful type of dance, which she was glad about.

Noting Vierna's curiosity at the dancing figure, Grey couldn't help but smile, watching her watch the little thing. "Don't sell yourself short, darling," He purred, feeling like he'd earned a little tease after what she just did. "I'm sure you'll be gorgeous at it, if your gracefulness is anything to go off."
Cecil
The Worried Drow seemed relieved to hear that pondering response turn playful once more, a clear smile returning as she nodded along. - "I can handle a warning. And yes, that does make sense.." A mental note would be made of this little encounter. Of course, perhaps it was a simple hint to ask for ones consent but she was a Drow of Lazaroth. Her family history of Enchantment, not uttered in detail, had been one of pure domination. Forcing those against their will to face torture, and questioning years back when the Dragons reigned fire over their enemies. To control, was the theme of Enchantment. By her explanation, she intended to use it elsewhere for good. 

Vierna perked a particular brow at the specific question of the mind, trying best to reassure him with a giggle and shake of her head. "While I imagine you have plenty of interesting stories in there, I can't just look so simply. That needs acceptance, a willingness from you. Don't you worry." Speaking to the Bard as if he were a layperson, truly she was entirely unaware of their similarity of magical potential. Her words seemed reassuring, offering a keen nod.

Truly, she seemed to move past the Waltz topic just the same. Her little calming attempt was a way to try and stray away from that area, to then discuss the talk of Salsa. The Drow's curious gaze remained on the mini Drow, dancing away enthusiastically and almost how Vierna wanted to be. The illusion seemed lively, outgoing to a world she longed to join. An amused narrow of her eyes looked over at Grey's teasing, longing for that interaction after that otherwise awkward enchantment. 

"Perhaps I'll impress you, heh? So... Where do we go? How do we start?" Vierna commented, a quick glance moving over to the Inn as a whole. Truthfully, she had no clue where this private show would be based. A room the Bard rented out, or some such. There was hope that Grey would reassure her.
Michael
The illusionist was content to drop it right then and there, if that was how it happened to be. It seemed like it was an honest mistake, really, and she didn't want to get all mad about it when there was no reason to do so. Of course, she didn't know about the history behind those abilities, as there was no way for her to have found out. Well, maybe Grey might have happened to study that, but she didn't care enough about history to have done so. Why would anyone care about what was cold, dead, and long forgotten, after all? Grey preferred to live in the here and now.

"Hmm, alright, I'll trust you on your word, then." That wasn't all there was to it, Grey simply hadn't heard of any magic that could truly read someone's mind, and after over 150 years of living, what were the odds that one would stumble across someone like that in a random tavern in a random city? Almost negligible. Plus, she just didn't seem like the type to lie about such a thing, and Grey felt they were a pretty good judge of character.

Reaching out a hand to the dancing figure, Grey covered the little thing momentarily, and when she pulled her hand away again, it was gone. "Always clean up behind yourself," He commented with a smile. Of course, he didn't have to actually do that, it was just an illusion, he could have dispelled it with a mere thought, but Grey had always had a flair for the dramatic, and this was the more dramatic way of doing it.

"Well, there's my room in this tavern that we could use to practise, if you're comfortable with that." There was always the chance that Vierna wasn't comfortable with that, and Grey would understand. "I wouldn't suggest staying here to do so, there will probably be many people watching us. I know I wouldn't want anyone to see my first attempt at a dance," They said, chuckling. "But it's up to you, darling. You're the client, after all, and the client is king. Or queen, I suppose." They winked at her, smiling.
Cecil
And it would be the here and now that they both seemed to enjoy, a moment like this in a Tavern often offered that escapism and luxury one would most value. The serving of drinks, good company and of course entertainment! The discussion of Enchantment now becoming simply the past, Vierna found herself back to the usual mingle and eagerness offered from the interested Drow. A clear appreciation noted the Bard's words, a supposed trust being uttered and that was all she really needed to hear. 

She wasn't ignorant to the very threat she just showed as being capable of, the trickery and very control of others being a terrifying magic in consideration. The talk of reading ones mind was certainly exaggerated by her. She of course couldn't do such a thing so simply, more influence areas such as dreams or nightmares. Nevertheless, the matter had eased. Her concern now was upon the matter of this dance, a light shift of her body in anticipation of some movement finally. They had been talking for some time, now, it seemed.

A playful clap was made apparent as Grey vanished the illusion of the small Vierna, perhaps playing into the role of the amused patron too well. "Of course, of course." Nodding along as if disappearing your miniaturised illusions of a dancing self was a given, the Drow chuckled and allowed the topic to move. 

On the topic of a private place, the answer of the Bard was a curious one. She really hadn't thought of that, a room of his own to use. Of course, there was a quiet ponder. How large was the room? What gossip would be made from the eager spectators who couldn't help but flutter their eyes at Gray's every movement? It seemed exciting, to say the least. Throwing oneself into learning a dance, something she never truly had the time for given her harsh duties and minor taboos of sticking around commoners for so long.

"Oh? I mean, if it's big enough for us. Would be better than all these people eyeing us down.." A quiet glance made out to the Inn once more, Vierna would nod eventually. "Works fine with me. As the 'Queenly client', I approve. Tst." Final words uttered in jest.
Michael
Rising to his feet, the Elven man took a moment to stretch, remembering that he should have done so after his dance just now. Always spend some time warming up and cooling down, lest one's muscles atrophy, his teacher had told him decades ago. Oh well, it seemed like he was going to end up dancing soon anyway, only this time as an instructor, not a performer. A curious feeling indeed.

"The room should be big enough to practise in. I myself used it for that same purpose when I arrived earlier today." They had explicitly asked for a room that would fit that purpose, even having received some help with moving the bed out of the way. Of course, Grey had paid back that little extra effort by a lot now, and they were certain that the tavern's owner wasn't complaining about them any more.

He could practically feel the jealous stares from behind him as he extended his right hand to Vierna, picking up the lute with his left. "Well then, darling, shall we go?" Usually, Grey kept the shape of his body the same when he was in a different form, just in case he accidentally - or purposefully - touched someone. It was because of this that if she were to take his hand, the illusion wouldn't shimmer or falter in any way. Perhaps she might notice that his body temperature was slightly above average, but that could easily be explained due to the heat of the tavern, the land, or his exercise from just now.

Grey wondered how she'd go about teaching Vierna the dance. Perhaps an examination was in order first, figuring out if she had the necessary physique to perform it. That was, if they ended up dancing together at all, there was always a chance things would go... Off the rails somewhat. Either way, it was bound to be an entertaining evening.
Cecil
The Drow fluttered an amused smile at the quick spring up and stretches of the Entertainer. It would seem she enjoyed his personality, enthusiasm bound for a dance that she herself desired. An instructor you could trust, or perhaps ever so foolishly follow. Truly, Vierna couldn't help but inspect the Bard again while in his stood up state, amusement upon the jealous crowd that spectated quietly and the attention she was given. Spoiled, it felt like.

"Sounds perfect." Vierna hummed in delight, feeling like this day just flowed naturally. Briefly looking upon the offered hand, the Noble would take it eagerly and allow herself up thanks to his support. As she stood, a light movement of her legs would be made apparent after having sat down for so long. The Drow notably stood shorter than the Bard, having to ever so casually look up at her height of around 5'9. Short, for an Elf. There was no complication in the Bard's illusion, nothing that Vierna could spot. Simply put, the Bard felt real. Of course, he wasn't fake aside from the tanned skin, longer hair and Elven features. Still, a person remained from within.

"I think we shall." Vierna uttered calmly, hand still clutched by the Bard yet unknowing if he would choose to lead her with it or simply have her follow. The heat from his hand wasn't entirely suspicious, that being an energetic entertainer who just made a masterful performance not long ago. Of course, after a moment of collecting herself would she fetch a hand for her items. Bundling it up with one arm, she would cling to her items though perhaps more carefree than anything. The environment, the tavern, the company. All made this place feel safer.
Michael
Hand in hers, Grey simply stood there for a few moments, gaze focused on Vierna. He hadn't seen her from this angle before, after all, and to put it simply, found her to be quite pleasant to look at. "Hmm, that confirms it," He mused with his usual confident smile, "You're gorgeous from every direction, darling." Giving her hand a light squeeze, the bard looked around the room to orientate himself, finding the location of the stairs easily enough - not too far away from them.

"We're lucky it's so busy here, nobody will hear what we're doing, no matter what we choose to do." He gave her a wink, letting the unspoken suggestion hang in the air, free for her to interpret however she wished.

With that, Grey guided her to the narrow stairway, ignoring the other patrons completely. The background noise from the place got noticeably softer as they reached the second floor, although it would likely be there to some extent for the next few hours at the very least. Grey didn't mind, he was more than used to the sound - in fact, he preferred it over silence. It was one of the reasons that while the Noteworthy Brotherhood did have private rooms for all its idols, he often spent his nights in taverns and inns, just to be closer to people, not to be alone with his thoughts.

"I hope you won't mind the noise?" He questioned, somewhat curiously. Of course, even if he liked it, he knew some people weren't a fan of it. It seemed unlikely, as he didn't expect Vierna to actually be in this place if she disliked the noise of the place. But, who knew, nobles were an odd sort, and despite formerly being one himself, Grey felt he would still never quite understand them.
Cecil
"Oh, Stop it.." Vierna spoke out in flustered fashion. Vierna couldn't help but smile at the barrage of flattery offered by Grey, the soft squeeze of her delicate and dark hand adding to the fluster of the Drow. Truly, she could do little but blush at the feeling around her. It was unlike Noble courtship, an experience only shared by her Days and Nights rebelliously hanging out with the more common people back in Lazaroth. Only now, she wouldn't be sternly talked down on by a harsh matron thanks to the mainland. She felt free, an exciting journey of dance and suggestion fluttering her thoughts as the Bard led her along. 

The wink and remark that Gray offered her would only further that intrigue. She seemed speechless in that moment, almost like that was the intention. She could have interpreted it in many ways, yet there was clearly one favoured by all the flirty and teasing remarks. Whatever the case, it seemed this would be one keen adventure with the Bard. To Gray, Vierna certainly wasn't scared off by the remark.

Following upwards through the stairs, the growing background noise that was formerly more present seemed to catch an interesting atmosphere. People living their lives, the general stir of adventurers, travelers and locals alike. Vierna seemed to like it, starting to grow use to it as she clung tight to the Bard's grip and nodded along. - "Heh.. I don't mind. I.. Kinda like it." A shrug came in kind, a brief adjustment of her things that were folded between her arm and side.