The moment that Cora stopped focusing on how embarrassed she was, the feeling began to dissipate, though it did never fully dissipate. She and Akane had been close since they met, "kindred spirits", as Lucien had said. But she had never before been so aware of the kistune's physical presence...

Her eyes widened slightly at Akane's explanation. [color=00a99d]"He's a good dancer...but it wasn't, well...it isn't the same a--as this."[/color] She struggled with the words, not because of her understanding of the language, but because her tongue suddenly felt like it had swelled to twice its normal size. [color=00a99d]"Oh stop!"[/color] she said, her voice a little higher and a little louder than she would have wanted. Her eyes rolled away from the girl's face and if the redness in her cheeks could have intensified, it would have. After a beat, she added, [color=00a99d]"If that's true for you, then I have the perfect mirror..."[/color]

The more Illyana relaxed, the easier it was for her to avoid stepping all over Aurel's feet, although she could not stop entirely. She just wasn't coordinated. The longer they danced, they easier it got, but just as she felt like she was getting the hang of the steps, the song ended. She looked up at Aurel, her hands still in place on his shoulders and said, [color=598527]"I hope I wasn't too embarrassing..."[/color] as she slowly let go and stepped away.

Geralt had been contemplating his next move, knowing that this particular song was soon coming to an end. In a perfect world, he would have strode up to Lucien, asked him to dance and ended the night with a kiss, possibly more, but he knew that was not in the cards. Lucien, of anyone, respected the long game and Geralt knew that he could not jump the gun to woo him. He also knew though, that the way to his heart was through his troupe...

He had gotten through more than half of his drink by the time he'd decided what to do. As he only had thirty seconds left, he decided to return the favor and quickly made another drink for Lucien. He'd decided on a German Sidecar made with Brandy instead of Cognac, and simple syrup as he had not Cointreau at the ready. He placed the glass in the cold water, and walked out onto the dance floor just as Ivory was disengaging herself from Lucien.

Instead of tapping the girl on the shoulder, he tapped Lucien, keeping his other hand in his pocket until Cora was safely and securely back in her chair. [color=crimson]"Would you mind terribly if I cut in, sir?"[/color] he said, then let his eyes roll to the vampiress, [color=crimson]"Your partner is wickedly talented..."[/color] a smile curled across his lips as he noticed his intended's eyebrows raised in surprise. Even annoyed, she was simply stunning.