Tehr nodded, but was spared the indignity of repeating his platitudes to her by the palace coming into view.  "We're almost there.  I've done a little asking around and you're to be one of very few non humans in attendance tonight."  He silently added to himself that this was an honor he was bestowing on her and her house, to have her escorted to this grand ball would raise the estimation of her house.  But she seemed to be enjoying lording over him the slight that he'd be forced to give her later, and he didn't want to upset the balance she felt at the moment.  "Arieli d'Riversong and Tren ir'Forgefist are the only non human houses that were invited to the ball as near as I can tell.  No doubt they're bringing their spouses, but there will be largley a sea of human faces.  While some guests may have chosen to bring a non human date, I doubt it as that's not currently in style."<br/><br/>Tehr rolled his eyes.  He of course didn't bother to mention demihuman guards and servants.  In the game of courts, they didn't matter, only nobility.  "Even if they did," he said with a charming smile, "None could look as lovely as you do."<br/><br/>Then the carriage pulled into the palace courtyard and ground to a halt.  Tera leapt from her seat to open the door and place the stairs so that Tehr could step out.  Thankfully the rain had slackened off just a little and there were groomsmen there with umbrellas.   Tehr then helped Emily to descend and took her hand as they strode into the palace, eager to see how the ball was shaping up.  Protocal usually dictated that they would walk arm in arm, but the vast height difference allowed for some changes to formality.  Tehr was glad that he'd listened to Angelique and had worn the thin white gloves.  For some reason he was more nervous now then he had been in ages.  More nervous then facing mountain lions, bears, or rampaging dwarves.   Thankfully, his mother had taught him the art of a good fake smile.<br/><br/>It was that, plastered on his face, that hid his nerves as he entered the ball room escorting Emily d'Ravos.