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[right][sub]Interactions: The Count and Countess Damien, 
[@Tpartywithzombi] Violet Damien[/sub][/right][hr][hr]
As the first prince of Caesonia, it was only to be expected that Wulfric arrived at the ballroom after his parents, shortly before the early invitees would arrive. His outfit was predominantly white; dress shoes, trousers, shirt, vest, jacket, gloves, cravat, and fur-lined cloak included. There were tasteful embellishments woven into the outfit in golden thread, and the lighting in the room glinted off of attire to a truly magnificent effect. His only accessories were his cufflinks and a thin circlet of interwoven metal, both crafted from gold.

As the guests begun trickling in, he strolled towards them, heeled dress-shoes clicking upon the polished floor, cloak gently swaying behind him. The Damiens were one of the first to make their way in, and thus, the first among those Wulfric exchanged words with. [color=ab274f]“Count Damien, a pleasure. Your promptness does you credit, as per the usual. Though I doubt you require it, I do wish you all the best in your endeavors with Duke Vikena; with your influence, that man may yet surprise us all.”[/color] 

Alongside the words was a nod/bow of the prerequisite degree, perhaps a handshake if Calbert seemed inclined to it. His wife would receive an air-kiss upon the back of her hand when she laid it upon his offered palm, as protocol dictated. [color=ab274f]“Countess Damien, enchanted. I have seen it many times, yet your natural beauty manages to astound each and every time. I am afraid the rest of us can hardly dream to match it, regardless of how much effort we expend,”[/color] a small, playful smile graced his lips as honeyed words glided past them.

Soon after, Wolfric’s gaze landed upon Violet Damien, who was attending with her parents. [color=ab274f]“Ah, and I see your lovely daughter has accompanied you as well. Truly a pleasant surprise,”[/color] this was said to the three of them, mostly as a declaration of intent that he would greet her directly as well. Violet then received an air-kiss above her hand just as her mother had, and a tailored compliment as well. [color=ab274f]“My lady, your presence is quite a rarity at these events, but all the more appreciated for it. I must say, the rumours of your allure are inadequate. Even the sight of a starred sky, no matter how majestic, entirely pales in comparison to you,”[/color] he bowed, then politely excused myself. [color=ab274f]“Alas, I am unable to linger at this moment, but perhaps you shall allow me to make amends after I am done welcoming the rest.”[/color]

It had been fortuitous that the Damiens had been so early; the Count was a close ally of King Edin. Adelard took him to be the kind of man who was the most likely to usurp the throne – or play shadow-king, as he may or may not be already doing. As much as he agreed with his father that a marriage within their kingdom was best, and as advantageous as strengthening the alliance with Count Damien might be, marrying his daughter would be akin to wielding a double-edged sword. However, it was not an option to be disregarded out of hand, and one he had to appear he was considering.

Following that short conversation, he proceeded to continue greeting the lords and ladies as they came in order. He exchanged brief pleasantries with those more familiar to him, but ensuring that no one of import would be overlooked. It was not strictly necessary for him to do so, but today was a special occasion. Besides, he preferred making his presence known by mingling rather than standing aside. It made him appear personable, and brought him within hearing range of potentially intriguing tid-bits of information. Not that he expected to unearth any such thing during the initial meet-and-greet, of course.

In the case of the King and Queen of Varian, who were his social superiors, Wulfric couldn’t approach them at his leisure. However, that was not to be said he did not take any initiative; no, quite the opposite. He simply arranged to be in exactly the place at the right time for them to happen upon him. It happened quite naturally, despite an underlying design guiding him, since welcoming the guests brought him to the vicinity of the entrance regardless.

After the entourage from Varian, there was an interlude, during which Adelard had time to approach personal acquaintances for further conversation. He was looking forward to speaking with Lord Leo, with whom he’d gone on a hunt or two together, and who had been unable to visit their Kingdom in some time. If at all possible, however, he would prefer to avoid his sister, so he knew he’d likely have to wait a while for that to happen.

Some time later, the expected guests from Alidasht arrived. Their extravagant entrance caused all kinds of commotion. Wulfric doubted his father appreciated being shown up like that, but he was unlikely to criticize these most esteemed of visitors. This was a monumentous historical occurrence after all, and no one could say that the Alidasht sultan had not ensured to make it a memorable one as well. 

[color=ab274f][i]The animals are a bit much, though, aren’t they?[/i][/color] Despite his silent dubiousness, Allard showed no hint of distaste outwardly. Admittedly, some of the exotic creatures were intriguing, but bringing them into a ballroom was certainly questionable. That, and the majesty of the whole procession itself caught everyone off guard. Wulfric himself had to control his initial surprise. Now, he was somewhat anticipating how things with these foreigners would go.