Ianora sits down beside Alizeh, facing the fireplace so the half-elf sees her in profile. Firelight casts a golden sheen over her blonde hair, and brings out the color of some of the ribbons woven into her tresses while muting the hue of others. The side slit in her gown faces Alizeh, revealing a tempting amount of pale thigh so close to, but not quite touching, Alizeh’s own legs.<br/><br/>Ianora sips thoughtfully at her glass. She turns her head to gaze upon Alizeh, firelight reflecting dizzily in the depths of her eyes. “And I must confess to being a little off balance as well. I am not sure what came over me tonight.” She catches herself and shakes her head slowly. “No, that isn’t true. I know what it is. I have seen the splendors of many a ball, and enjoyed the rustic pleasures of many a village festival. I have watched the sun set over the Spine of the World, and glimpsed the dawn breaking over the shores of Evermeet. I have danced with sprites and centaurs, with dwarves in the deeps, with a dragon, and with the Queen of Air and Darkness. And somehow,<em>you</em>make it new all over again.” She gently places her hand over Alizeh’s, giving her a soft smile and a come-hither look, her fingers moving in a silken caress.<br/><br/>She appears to sense Alizeh’s nervousness, for the motion stops. “Why don’t we play a small game to help steady our nerves. It’s something we teach at the temple of Alobal Lorfiril.” Ianora leaves Alizeh for a moment, returning with the vase of roses, setting it before Alizeh. She reclaims her seat beside Alizeh. “Choose one,” she says, indicating the red rose and white rose that have had their stems stripped of thorns.