The more Alizeh hesitates, the more Ianora’s smile deepens. “Don’t be alarmed,” she reassures the half-elf. “You have only to follow my lead.” A slight, but insistent, tug draws Alizeh nearer, and Ianora takes her arm and steers her towards the dance floor, where waltzing couples move in precise steps, turning and gliding to the music.<br/><br/>As they await an opening between the dancers, Ianora turns Alizeh to face her, and assumes a formal dance position. She steps nearer, slightly offset, contact at thigh and hip and tummy. Her left hand clasps Alizeh’s right; and her right moves to Alizeh’s back, gently pressing inward to dip her a little, guiding her to arch her back, and then moves closer to her shoulder blade.<br/><br/>Although the dance position is as it should be, Alizeh has the impression that this won’t be a proper, chaste dance. Perhaps it’s the sparkle in the elf’s eyes. Or the way her thigh moves slowly, sensuously, over Alizeh’s, gliding across the silken fabric between them. Or the way her fingers brush in a delicate caress along Alizeh’s spine, each fingertip a font of delight.<br/><br/>* * * * *<br/><br/>The well-dressed patriar smiles at Erica. “As you wish, Erica. And I am Lucas Caldwell. My curiosity about sleight-of-hand stems from a fascination for the arcane arts. Having no talent for them, I studied the next best thing. And what started as a lark, became a hobby and a passion. In truth, I’ve found the arts of illusion and misdirection to be quite instructive. The value of surprise cannot be underestimated. People love it. Enemies fear it. The unexpected can be both terrifying - and delightful.”<br/><br/>Lucas makes a flourish and a small package appears in his hand. For an amateur, he isn’t bad; Erica can tell he has a hidden pocket sewn into his coat. “I hope you will accept this small token of my appreciation,” he says, making a short bow as he proffers the gift to her.<br/><br/>The gift is contained in a small silk bag with a drawstring. Inside is a set of hand-illustrated playing cards. The face cards are famous rulers from the history of Baldur’s Gate.<br/><br/>* * * * *<br/><br/>The Calishite woman seems deeply amused by the formality of Henry’s greeting. She tries to stifle a giggle, but doesn’t quite succeed. “Oh, I’m no lady. Just an upstart peasant girl who likes to dance. I’m Soraya. Also a performer. That makes us competitors, but I don’t take that too seriously. Others, well - you’ve already met Luciana.”<br/><br/>She follows his gaze, surveying the waltzing couples in bright gowns and dark coats, the patriars conversing over drinks and canapes, the floral arrangements, the paintings of lords and ladies and manors and ships, and the soft glow from gold candlesticks and crystal chandeliers (magical lights disguised as candles). “It can all be overwhelming at first. Shall I show you around?”<br/><br/>Her dark brown, soulful eyes meet Henry’s (or at least, she’s looking into his spectacles), and she gives him another small grin.