Azariah started forward as the music began, he was entranced drawn forward as if nothing existed other than him and the music. As he moved towards the building there was a dull thud against his leg baffled he glanced down. There a puppy was crouched on the ground staring up at him with unmitigated fear.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">What in blazes have I done to this creature to warrant such a response?</span>he wondered as the owner appeared and swooped up the puppy into her arms.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">â€œBelle, you naughty puppy!. I am so sorry about her, Mister. Please forgive her..... she is only a puppy and not even 3 months old.â€</span>The woman seemed even more scared of him then the puppy, he looked her over noting that she didnâ€™t seem dressed for the event at hand. Her attire seemed more casual then most of the attendees, but perhaps that was what she was going for.<br/><br/>Wishing to quell her fear of him Az grinned and reached out to let the pup sniff his hand before stroking her fur. His eyes drifted back up to the womanâ€™s the grin never fading. â€œRest at ease, my lady. I have no intention of berating you and a pup for such a trivial offense. Not even an offense really, more of an accident.â€ His hand dropped back to his side and he glanced back at the building before him. His ears twitched and he strained to hear what the man within was saying, he listened carefully a chill going down his spine as he did. Something was amissâ€¦ but he couldn't place what it was. Azariahâ€™s hand fell to his sword at his waist. Perhaps it was fitting that he had dressed as a warrior general. The armor he wore might serve him well tonight. His eyes narrowed though the mask he had put on just after stepping out of the carriage. He glanced back at the woman standing near him. He bowed slightly before her his eyes now sparkling playfully as he looked up at her.<br/><br/>â€œAzariah Letholdus, at your service, my lady. It would be my honor to escort you into our lovely party this evening.â€ His grin didnâ€™t waver and eyes never lost their playful light. He waited for her response, not fearing rejection he knew might come. Such had happened before and he would take it in stride, however he didnâ€™t want her to have to wander in there on her own if she wished to have some measure of companionship he was more than willing to offer.