[center][h1][color=1e4fff]Crystal[/color] & [color=5B89A6]Matthias[/color][/h1] [sub]& [color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color][/sub][/center] [hr] Crystal tensed up when a man suddenly started speaking to her, despite his attempt to not scare her. Her cheeks glaringly red on her white skin as she looked up at him. He introduced himself, but she did not recognize the last name. Of course she didn’t know the names of every noble in the kingdom so this is not a surprise. She looked over to where he glanced to see two older lady’s that seemed quite annoyed. He continued, and her eyebrows raised….He needed HER help? Apparently he needed an excuse to get away from them. She sighed softly as she wrung her own hands together. [color=1e4fff]”I-I… [/color] she stared. Her eyes fluttered to him and everywhere else as she tried to work up the courage to speak more. That is until she saw her father AND mother looking at her. Just the jumpstart she needed. Her face somehow obtained yet another shade of red. [color=1e4fff]”I am C-Crystal Damien… [/color] She curtsied to him. Looking up into his eyes full of desperation. [color=1e4fff]”I suppose I can help you escape. I do understand that predicament quite well.” [/color] She said with a very soft giggle that died halfway through… realizing it was only an inside joke. As long as she can avoid her parents' anger she would certainly go anywhere but stand there any longer. His attempts at being gentle fell short as Lady Damien introduced herself with a shaky voice. He could tell that she was not a big fan of social gatherings, much like himself. Perhaps he should have been more gentle with his introduction and not dumped his current problem on her- or maybe she was a very skittish person. Thankfully she had seen the source of his own desperation as she agreed to help him. He smiled again, nodding slightly as he offered his arm to her. [color=5B89A6]"I am forever grateful for your help, Lady Damien."[/color] Mathias looked down at her, a welcoming smile ever-present on his lips. [color=5B89A6]"And I deeply apologize to you for startling you once again, my lady. That wasn't my intention."[/color] He bowed his head again along with his apology. She smiled a little when he thanked her for helping him, but when he apologized she waved her hands in front of her tightly as she realized she made him feel guilty somehow. [color=1e4fff]”Please, you don't have to apologize…I just…” [/color] She said starting to get nervous again. She turned as an indicator she was ready to follow him and talk at the same time. [color=1e4fff]”This…this is my time here so I am not use to…”[/color] She used one hand to generally wave towards everything. [color=1e4fff]”All this…”[/color] She looked up to him and smiled sheepishly. He must think she would be strange to never come to one of these before. She was like an awkward little cute duckling, and it almost made Mathias want to protect the little duckling and bring her under his wing. When she gave the signal that she was ready, Mathias gave her a slight bow again and began to lead them towards one of the many food tables, leaving behind the two older ladies that had been glaring holes into the back of his head. [color=5B89A6]"You have no need to worry; I am in a similar situation, Lady Damien."[/color] Mathias confessed, looking around them for a second. Ever since Karla's passing, Mathias had devoted himself to his work and son that he had no time for any sort of soirees of any type. This had been the first time in almost fours years that he was back on the nobility scene- and he was still quite nervous. [color=5B89A6]"It feels like a fairy tale, does it not? We have our own grand ballrooms back in Varian, but this is so different."[/color] He looked up again, almost mesmerized by the grand chandelier that decorated the ceiling of the ballroom. She smiled politely, saying in her head [color=1e4fff]”Oh did your parents also lock you up in their castle all your life?”[/color] But she appreciated the effort. But she did look up at him excitedly, her eyes wide like a child almost when he did mention how it was like a fairy tale and that he was from Varian. [color=1e4fff]”It does! I’ve always heard how grand the King makes these events. I’ve always wanted to see it since I was a child!” [/color] She stopped walking suddenly and couldn’t contain herself. [color=1e4fff]”I- I never met anyone from the kingdom of Varian, I’ve always wanted to see it.”[/color] Her mind suddenly went to one of the main reasons she wanted to go. Princess Beatrice and her famous Bodyguard. Her face grew red once again. [color=1e4fff]”I know this must sound strange…but do you know the Princess and her Bodyguard very well? Is it true that he threw a duke out a window? That he speaks to the royal family candidly or That he lives in the forest despite having a room in the castle?”[/color] She caught herself and pulled her hands into her chest and looked down embarrassed, [color=1e4fff]”Forgive me I get too excited at times.”[/color] Mathias was caught off guard by Lady Damien's sudden enthusiasm when he mentioned he was from Varian. It was refreshing to see such curiosity about his home that he couldn't help but smile again, this time more honest and relaxed. It looked like she was also somewhat informed about Princess Beatrice and Verrick, something that surprised the knight. [color=5B89A6]"There is nothing to apologize, my lady. Queen and King Camille do throw some of the grandest balls in all of Varian,"[/color] He paused to look away from her to the wall around him. [color=5B89A6]"and if I must say, a lot grander than the Caesonian ball."[/color] Varian was more liberal, from what he had seen and heard so far, and he knew sometimes that balls could get out of control. [color=5B89A6]"I do know them, both of our families work together in the palace. We are both quite close, in fact."[/color] Verrick had become one of his closest friends over the past few years. They often trained together and Sir Oliver would invite Verrick and his father over for dinners from time to time. Lukas loved Verrick as well, always playing with his bow and trying to mimic how he shot. [color=5B89A6]"I could introduce you to Princess Beatrice and Verrick if you would like, Lady Damien."[/color] Mathias offered, [color=5B89A6]"And if you are ever in Varian, I would be delighted to host your stay."[/color] They were close to the food tables now, he could spot Lady Vikena there too. She smiled warmly when he didn't mind her questioning, feeling a bit more comfortable now. She listened to him and imagined something even grander than this place. It was hard to, but somehow her mind did it. Her smile opened even more when she heard they happened to work together. And that they were quite close! She could hardly contain her excitement and smile, putting her hands to mouth as if the act could contain it even a bit. Without thinking she reached and grabbed his hand [color=1e4fff]“Are you serious?!” I would love to meet them! Thank you!”[/color] She hesitated and looked down at feeling the warmth of his hand through her silk gloves. Pulling back red as a tomato. She tried to push past it by forcing her to continue the conversation. [color=1e4fff]”I am very honored you would do such a thing for me, as well as offer your home for me to stay…”[/color] her smile weakened slightly, if she was ever healthy enough to make such a long journey….or if her parents didn’t literally lock her up in her tower after this stunt. [color=1e4fff]”I would really love to see it someday. I never really been out farther than my fathers lands. Only to the capitol really ....once or twice in my life.” [/color] She said as she absently reached up with her hand and played with her pendent again with her thumb and forefinger. She switched topics again, realizing how rude she was getting all excited to meet another man. [color=1e4fff]”S-s-s- you mentioned you worked together with Verrick’s family at the castle, Are you an Advisor?”[/color] She assumed as she heard Duke O’Hare was the queen's advisor in her research that if Sir Verrick and Sir Mathias were close due to their parents it would make sense if he followed in his father’s footsteps. A bit surprised, Mathias tried not to make much of the lady's sudden outburst of energy as she grabbed his hand. He understood she was excited and did not wish to squash that fire in her. [color=5B89A6]"No need to worry, my offer will stand until you are able to visit Varian."[/color] He assured her. [color=5B89A6]"No, my fa- Sir Oliver is captain of the Royal Guard but we all work closely together to ensure everything runs smoothly. I'm just a knight serving the Royal Guard."[/color] Although he was aiming for a high position, and the role of advisor looked tempting he doubted it would leave much free time in the end. He couldn't do that to Lukas. Quietly, one of the many servants walked up to them with a bowl. He motioned them to take one of the many pieces of paper from it. Mathias compiled while Lady Damien did so just after him. Sir Oliver had given him a brief summary of the many traditions in Caseonian balls, and this was one of many. He thanked the man, giving him a slight nod before looking over to Lady Damien. [color=5B89A6]"I suppose we don't have the same number, Lady Damien."[/color] He unfolded the paper to reveal his number, letting Crystal take a quick look at it. [color=5B89A6]"I suppose this is where I depart,"[/color] Mathias turned to face her. [color=5B89A6]"Thank you, again, for saving me from my little predicament. If- "[/color] He hesitated for a second before he spoke again. [color=5B89A6]"Lady Damien, would you do me the honor of dancing with me after the first dance? "[/color] While Crystal looked at his piece of paper, she was a little sad they were not paired for a dance. But he continued, thanking her for helping, but then suddenly asked her for a dance. She smiled up at him and placed her hands together in her lap. [color=1e4fff]” I would love to thank you Sir Larson, I already cannot wait.”[/color] She gave him a curtsy as he left, feeling a slight flutter in her heart. Someone just asked HER to dance with them. She really wished she could tell Charlotte. Crystal then watched Mathias go up to the front and followed suit just a little after. Coming to a stop in her spot among the Ladies of the court. She looked again to see either him or Charlotte, and was surprised to see him standing in front from her best friend.[color=1e4fff]”Charlotte!”[/color] She said with a bright smile. Suddenly running over to her and not giving her a moment to reply she nearly knocked the poor girl over when she didn’t slow down to give her a hug. She then pulled back [color=1e4fff]”Surprise!”[/color] She said with a very happy giggle. Just as Charlotte had been stepping up to meet her partner, a force basically charged into her. She stumbled in surprise but then wrapped her arms back around her best friend once she caught her footing. The timing was a little off and she knew it would most likely be frowned upon for Crystal to interrupt a royal event, but it mattered not to her. Though she was not sure if that was due to the fact she had underestimated just how much of a lightweight she was. She had overdone the wine just a little. She greeted the enthusiastic girl with a genuine smile, [color=BBC7E1]”Hi! I’m so happy to see you Crystal!”[/color] [color=1e4fff]”Me too! It's been so long! I really missed you!”[/color] She wanted to say more but she then noticed a glare from one of the ladies next to them. Looking around to see even more people staring at them she turned bright red with embarrassment. [color=1e4fff] “ I-I’m sorry.”[/color] She said before pulling Charlotte into an embrace again. [color=1e4fff]”I have so much to tell you.” [/color] Charlotte glanced around as well. They were holding up the event. [color=BBC7E1]”Me too… After this dancing is finished, let’s meet up and chat. I’d love to hear it all.”[/color] She told her softly then glanced in the direction of Matthias. She squeezed her Crystal’s hands and smiled encouragingly, [color=BBC7E1]”Go make someone swoon tonight, okay?”[/color] Letting go, she moved over to face Matthias again, giving him a curtsy in greeting. Mathias blinked mid bow as air blew against his face from the speed Lady Damien had rushed to embrace Lady Vikena. He watched them as the corners of his lips tugged upwards as they greeted each other. Somehow Mathias found Lady Damien's impulsive nature quite charming- whimsical even. When the goodbyes were done, he gave Lady Damien a slight bow as she left before turning to his dance partner, Lady Vikena. [color=5B89A6]"I'm Sir Mathias Larsen; it is an honor to share the first dance with you, my lady."[/color] Once more, Mathias bowed- more profound this time as to make up for the first interrupted bow.