[center][h1][b][url=https://fontmeme.com/fonts/shit-happens-font/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220414/9ff585aaab5e65819c0c211d9788b787.png[/img][/url]
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[color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1]
Interaction(s): Zarai [@Rodiak]
[url=https://youtu.be/fJBKndr1fdA?t=140]♪ Santiana ♪[/url][/center]
Sometimes in life, one encounters other people who are impossible to please. Everything one did was wrong in the eyes of these people. One’s success was their greatest fear and one’s failures tasted sweeter than honey. For Ryn, or rather the Hendrix family, those people were Duke and Duchess Lesdeman of Puerto Vira, Erwynn’s closest neighbor. According to his grandparents, this had not always been the case. When the Hendrixes were merely one of many merchants in Varian, they presented the family with business opportunities and connections. The Lesdemans benefited most from these exchanges, of course, but there was no denying that they played a role in the growth of Crosswinds Tradings. Things started to change when the company grew a little too big for the Lesdemans’ tastes. Though they were never openly hostile, they began interfering with the family business in various ways, some more subtle than others. The one and only time the Lesdemans publicly opposed the Hendrixes was when the royal family was considering ascending the merchant family into nobility. The Lesdemans lodged a complaint to the Varian crown, declaring the Hendrix family unfit to rule over any land. Fortunately for the Hendrixes, everyone else disagreed, and the title of Count was bestowed upon Fritz Hendrix. Ever since, relations with the Lesdemans became ever more complicated. 

As the leader of a Dukedom, Ryn knew that one or both of the Lesdemans would be participating in the annual gathering so he steeled himself for an awkward meeting. While he was mingling with the nobles, he spotted Duchess Lesdeman but found no signs of her husband. She too must have noticed Ryn, because every attempt Ryn made to properly greet her, she managed to evade him. The count understood why she was disinclined to converse with him and he had no real desire to talk to her himself. He could not, however, leave the ball without properly greeting her lest she used it as an excuse to complain about him. So he waited for the opportune moment to approach her.

The moment came when Ryn found her distracted and unaware of his presence. He armed himself with a practiced smile and a chipper voice as he opened his arms towards the duchess’s direction, [color=9354FF]“Oh my, is that you Duchess Lesdeman?”[/color] he said loud enough that those around the duchess witnessed his arrival. When she turned her attention to him, Ryn gasped, [color=9354FF]“It [i]is[/i]! Fortune smiles upon me, I am happy to see you here, Your Grace.”[/color] He bowed theatrically, [color=9354FF]“It has been far too long! How do you fare?”[/color] 

This evening, Duchess Francesca Lesdeman had been searching for a nice young gentleman who could dance with her innocent yet misguided daughter. She had heard from other mothers of a knight from Varian, whom Francesca thought could be a fine fit for her daughter. An assertive man, one in command was sure to handle and tame her Zarai. Instead, she found herself facing that [i]Hendrix boy[/i]. She'd been avoiding the man ever since spotting him during her entrance to the ball and ever since she'd been trying to avoid this situation altogether. 

[color=silver]"Count Hendrix,"[/color] Francesca's voice was melodic and welcoming, but her cold eyes betrayed the sweet words that poured out of her mouth. [color=silver]"Far too long, indeed."[/color] She could see other nobles around them looking in their direction; there was no other option than to go along now. [color=silver]"Excellent! How have you been faring? I hope your family and business are faring well."[/color]

Not far from them, Zarai stood by the dance floor, eyes still on the commotion, until she saw Prince Callum step in and defuse the situation. She still had to say hello to the Princes and Princess of Caesonia; Anastasia would be upset if she did not stop by to at least say hello- and her mother would think it rude. Eyes still on the youngest Prince, she followed him with her eyes until she spotted a somewhat familiar figure standing with her mother. 

[color=95AA71]"What. The. Fuck."[/color] Zarai's heart sank to her stomach watching Fritz, a commoner man she'd befriended months ago during one of her visits to a tavern in Erwynn. It couldn't be; her eyes must have been deceiving her. She took one step forward, but the image of her mother's angry voice filled her mind and forced her foot back. No, it couldn't be. 

But the more she looked at him, the more she was sure that it was, in fact, Fritz.

[color=9354FF]“It is, it is, and it is all thanks to House Lesdeman. Your family’s contribution was [i]paramount[/i] to its success. I believe I would not be exaggerating by saying that I wouldn’t be standing here tonight if it were not for you and your husband. Words are not enough to express how grateful we are.”[/color] Ryn looked around the ballroom, pretending to search for the duke, [color=9354FF]“Is Duke Lesdeman here too? I absolutely must convey my—…”[/color] His eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar face and froze, [color=9354FF]“Deepest…”[/color] A face that he didn’t expect to see here, of all places. [color=9354FF]“Gratitude.”[/color] Luz.

The individual Ryn knew by the name of Luz stood in the distance dressed in a lavish attire befitting a Lady, a far cry from the usual clothes he had become accustomed to seeing her in. Based on her physique, specific mannerisms, and occasional slip of the tongue, Ryn suspected that she hailed from a well-to-do family, however, it never occurred to him that she was wealthier, more influential than she led him or the other tavern patrons to believe. A high-born. 

Francesca gripped her fan with both hands, glad that the silk gloves covered the discoloration of her knuckles. [color=silver]"Of course, we are most impressed and overjoyed at the rapid success of your family, Count Hendrix. We are so very proud to have been a part and hope we can continue to form such strong bonds."[/color] She smiled sweetly at the count as the ornate fan in her hands began to twist slightly. [color=silver]"Duke Lesdeman decided to stay back in Puerto Vira to take care of business."[/color] The Duchess arched an eyebrow at his pause.

Behind her, Zarai's eyes narrowed when she saw recognition on his face. Before she knew it, she slowly made her way to them. Fritz, or who she thought was Fritz, looked far from a commoner, but so must she. Zarai had no idea what she would say to him or her mother. Why was he talking to her mother? Did they know each other? Had she sent him to spy on her?! Had he, someone she had grown to consider a friend, just been a plot from her mother to keep a close eye on her during her trips out?! 

Her steps became quicker the more she questioned his involvement with her mother and the more she cursed herself for falling for such a ploy. 

It took a bit of effort on Ryn’s part to tear his gaze away from Luz to face the duchess. Right before he succeeded in doing so, he noted the change on Luz’s face. At first, there was shock, a sentiment Ryn shared wholeheartedly, yet the scowl that followed soon after was unexpected. Did he do something to her recently to warrant the glare? As far as he could recall, the answer was no. This, unfortunately, did not change the fact that she looked very cross with him and approaching fast. Considering Luz’s temper at the tavern, he doubted this would be pleasant. In front of Duchess Lesdeman no less, the one woman in this room who would use anything and everything against him. [color=9354FF][i]What to do…[/i][/color]

[color=9354FF]“Forgive me, Your Grace. I must have spaced out there for a moment. It is just that… This is so overwhelming.”[/color] He sighed deeply, placing both of his hands over his chest, as if he was trying to still his racing heart, [color=9354FF]“I truly cannot believe we made it this far. It all feels like a dream.”[/color] The count lifted his hands and pointed them to the general direction of the ball, [color=9354FF]“Absolutely breathtaking.”[/color] He turned to a random group of nobles nearby without lowering his hands, [color=9354FF]“Do you not agree?”[/color]. The group of nobles who had no part in the conversation up to this point, caught off guard, stared at the count in confusion, but politely smiled and nodded in agreement. He smiled back at them and he held his arms tightly behind his back as he turned to the duchess, faintly aware that Luz was only a few strides away from them. [color=9354FF]“Truely, a dream that House Lesdeman made into reality. It is a pity Duke Lesdeman could not be present tonight. Will he be joining later in the week? Perhaps we can meet after he arrives so I can properly thank the both of you?”[/color] He firmly planted his feet to the ground, ready for whatever was to come. He only hoped that if Luz was going to hit him, that she would go easy on him.

As unusual as it seemed, there was a reason for the dramatic display: to show exactly where his hands were located when Luz confronted him. Ryn resigned himself to being punched in front of the duchess. There was really not much he could do to stop Luz if she wanted to hit him. Though it would be an uncomfortable experience, to put it mildly, there was only one thing that he needed to protect at this moment in time and that was Count Fritz Hendrix’s reputation. Ryn and his family knew very well the lengths the Lesdemans took to tarnish the Hendrix name. More than once have they twisted the truth, ever so slightly, to portray the Hendrixes in an unflattering light. Had Ryn’s hands been anywhere but behind him if ‌Luz hit him, there was no doubt in his mind that there would be rumors about Count Hendrix assaulting a Lady —who justly defended herself by striking him back— circulating through the guests by the end of the party. So he made sure that there were eyewitnesses and, more importantly, that the duchess knew others were watching as well. 

The Duchess looked at the count with a bewildered expression. While not out of character, his actions were, in fact, a tad strange. Count Hendrix, for Francesca, was no doubt an odd man, one that she would consider a scoundrel and opportunist. Though, she never considered him one to be into the theatrics- from what she had seen so far. His actions, however, seemed to her like he was trying to gain some sort of ground with her following the over-the-top flattery. 

[color=silver]"You flatter us, Count."[/color] Francesca's hands continued to wring the fan as he continued, even bringing in some lesser nobles into their conversation. [color=silver]"Unfortunately, he will not be joining us this week. However, my husband will be-"[/color]

[color=95AA71]"Mother."[/color] Zarai stepped beside her mother, gloved hands folded in front of her. Though her expression had somehow softened, much like her mother, Zarai's eyes remained cold. [color=95AA71]"I see you found a dance partner for me."[/color] She flashed an innocent smile at her mother, the years of lying and deceiving her seemed to pay off when the Duchess took no notice or indication that Zarai knew the count. However, she did notice the change in her mother's face. [color=95AA71]"Would you ever be so kind as to introduce us?"[/color] She grinned at Fritz, much as she did before landing a punch at some drunkard's face. 

Ryn’s hands gripped his arms tighter behind his back, but his face returned the smile with ease. A beat later he realized he almost missed something important. [color=9354FF][i]Did she say “mother”?[/i][/color]

The Duchess, despite the bubbling in her stomach, smiled. She could not scold her daughter, not in front of the Count or the other nobles around them. Years of shielding her oh-so innocent daughter from what the Hendrix were; a bunch of thieves, liars, and no good-for-nothing family. And now, her Zarai was finally going to meet the man she had been warning her about; the awful Hendrix boy. 

[color=silver]"Count Fritz Hendrix, this is my daughter Zarai Lesdeman. Zarai, this is Count Fritz Hendrix."[/color] Francesca said in a tight voice.

[color=9354FF][i]What?[/i][/color]

[color=95AA71]"Wha-"[/color] Zarai cleared her throat, completely taken back by the introduction.  [color=95AA71]"I mean, it is a pleasure and an honor to finally meet you, Count Hendrix."[/color] She curtsied, smile still in place despite the shock in her eyes. He was [i]the[/i] Fritz? The man who her parents always warned her about? The one villain in her parent's stories? The Fritz who loved to sing and dance and drink-- at least one thing was clear now. The Duchess had not sent him to spy on her.

Ryn studied the young woman in front of him with fresh eyes. During the many visits to Puerto Vira and social events that the Lesdemans participated in, the one person the Hendrixes were unable to meet was the ever-elusive heir to Puerto Vira, Lady Zarai Lesdeman. Every single time they her questioned her absence, the duke and duchess had an explanation prepared: she was ill, she had lessons or an important event to attend to, she was traveling, et cetera. Even if all the reasons were true, Ryn knew they had no intention of introducing their precious daughter to the Hendrixes. Not when they put the extra effort of hiding all imagery that depicted her from their sight. Little did they know that their plan had failed long before this party. Or did they? Was it truly a coincidence that Luz walked into that tavern that night? Would the duke and duchess use their only child for espionage? Unlikely did not mean it was completely out of the realm of possibilities.

Ryn relaxed his body to bow, [color=9354FF]“It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance, Lady Lesdeman. I have heard much about you from your parents. You are as lovely as your mother described you to be…  and then some.”[/color]

[color=95AA71][i]And then some?[/i][/color] Zarai rolled her eyes when her mother wasn't looking.

[color=silver]"Of course she is,"[/color] Francesca said through a tight smile, too focused on her own growing rage to catch her daughter's small slip. She did not want to appear rude to the other nobles around them, and there was nothing else she could do but watch her precious daughter now dance with the very man she had so meticulously tried to keep her away from. While she knew it would happen eventually with their territories and business intertwined, both the Duchess and Duke had hoped for a later meeting. One where Zarai was already married and under control. Nonetheless, Francesca motioned Zarai to step closer to the count, and like a good lady, she followed her mother's orders. 

Zarai stepped closer, and without waiting for the Count of Erwynn to offer his arm, she hooked their arms together and pulled him towards the dance floor. Only stopping to wave back at her mother briefly before continuing on. Once they were far enough from her mother, Zarai glanced up at Fritz. [color=95AA71]"Count Hendrix, huh?"[/color] She turned to face him when they reached their spot, arms up and ready for him to take his position. 

[color=9354FF]“Yes, [i]Lady[/i] Zarai Lesdeman, future duchess of Puerto Vira. I am, in fact, Count [i]Fritz[/i] Hendrix, your friendly neighbor from Erwynn. Quite the promotion from a merchant is it not?”[/color] He took his position and began to lead her in the dance. Their movements were mechanical; automatic and perfectly executed, but no enthusiasm or spontaneity from either dancer. It was obvious that neither of their hearts were into it. Ryn was more invested in what Luz had to say for herself than the dance itself. 

[color=9354FF]“I must admit, I had not expected to see you here, Lady Lesdeman. I was under the impression that you abhorred this type of gathering, preferring a more… casual setting. Does your mother know about your favorite pastime?”[/color] The count did not drop the formal tone even though he was aware Duchess Lesdeman was too far away to hear their conversation. He did it because he sensed an accusation in Luz’s voice. As if he was the only one who lied about, or at the very least hid, their true identity. Could it be that he was merely projecting onto her? What a hypocrite that would make him. 

[color=95AA71]"Quite a large promotion indeed."[/color] Zarai kept her tone calm and relaxed, primarily thanks to her little smoke break on the roof. The effects of the drug were slowly enveloping her mind with its effect. The initial shock had pumped enough adrenaline into her bloodstream to sober her up momentarily, but it was fast dissipating now. 

[color=95AA71]"Count, if my mother knew of my excursions, I would not be standing before you, enjoying this lovely dance together. I would most likely be shut in my room like the Damien girls."[/color] She continued, [color=95AA71]"Or far worse, here in Caesonia serving as a lady in waiting for Queen Alibeth and around the waste of oxygen these people call a king."[/color] Zarai tried to keep her eyes on his, even as the timed spin came; she did her best to maintain eye contact with Fritz. Sadly, she couldn't hold his gaze without thinking of the many nights at the tavern together singing and playing their instruments until their fingers couldn't anymore. The shared laughs in the candlelight, unaware of who they were, just of who they wished to be at that moment.

[color=9354FF][i]So she wasn’t sent to spy on us then.[/i][/color] There was a great sense of relief when Luz essentially told him that their meeting was pure happenstance. It felt good to know that the time spent together was not riddled with malicious deception. Though it also made him wonder why she seemed so upset with him. Ryn opened his mouth to ask the question.

[color=95AA71]"Luz is short for Luzero. My middle name."[/color] She said before he could reply. She would not allow her mother to ruin another friendship, directly or indirectly. 

When Luz’s eyes kept swimming, Ryn initially thought it was because she didn’t want to look him in the eye due to anger or guilt, not because she was in the process of letting her kite soar high into the sky. The distinct smell of recreational Alidasht herbs with a hint of cigar followed Luz as she spun around. Ryn sniffed the air multiple times to confirm it. Ryn sighed, [color=9354FF]“Oh, Luz.”[/color] Ryn stopped spinning the woman and stepped closer to her to plant a hand firmly behind her back, worried that she might stumble over if there was nothing to secure her. Even though this made their waltz look awkward, at least he’d be able to catch her if she did fall. [color=9354FF]“Couldn’t you have waited until [i]after[/i] the party to get high? Now your mother will think I drugged you.”[/color] 

Upon hearing him call her by Luz again, she couldn't help but smile up at him, visibly relieved that her words had worked- to an extent, but at least he dropped the formal tone. She leaned into him, her head a mess from either the spins or the drug or a combination of the both. [color=95AA71]"If I had known you'd be here, I would have saved it for later, maybe even shared it with you."[/color] Zarai grinned, glad of the hand behind her back to help her ground herself enough to not stumble during their dance. [color=95AA71]"I suppose you don't happen to have a perfume bottle on your person?"[/color] 

[color=9354FF]“That’s sweet of you, but I’ve yet to properly say hello to your childhood friends and I’d rather not go down in history as the count who was high during his formal international debut.”[/color] Ryn readjusted his posture when Luz leaned into him in attempt to compensate for the change. The further change in position turned the barely passable waltz into a dance that simply wasn’t. Ryn did his best to maintain the pace to avoid running into any of the other dancers. [color=9354FF]“So, no. I don’t conveniently have a perfume on me that can magically cover [i]that[/i] smell. What’s [i]your[/i] excuse?”[/color] He smirked, [color=9354FF]“You’ve managed to hide what you’ve been doing from your parents this long, shouldn’t [i]you[/i] be the one with the magic perfume?”[/color] 

A laugh emerged from Zarai's lips at the thought of a high Fritz going around meeting all the royals and nobles alike. With bloodshot eyes and a goofy smile while bowing to the Princes and Princess that she called friends. [color=95AA71]"It would be quite funny, but you are right. Wouldn't want you meeting Wolfy and smelling like me- don't ever call him that either. He hates it. I can go with you, to meet them. I still haven't greeted them."[/color] She pulled away when she felt him change the position, suddenly remembering that they were still on the dance floor and her mother was most likely keeping a venomous eye on them. [color=95AA71]"I usually do, must have dropped it in the broom closet..."[/color]

Memories of the food when he was talking with Duke Vikena and Dr. Williamson reminded him what he could and could not smell. [color=9354FF]“Then again, with the amount of perfume the majority of guests are drenched in, maybe you won’t need one.”[/color] 

[color=95AA71]"Hmm, or maybe some of yours will rub on me."[/color] She returned the smirk.

[color=9354FF]“Or, more likely, what you smoked will rub on me.”[/color] He looked down at his dancing partner when he felt Luz’s footing falter slightly and began to rub her back, [color=9354FF]“Luz, if you’re not feeling well we can stop dancing.”[/color] 

Zarai shook her head, correcting her posture, even more, when he suggested that they'd stop dancing. [color=95AA71]"I'm fine, grand even. Really."[/color] While the heaviness of the drug had begun to spread over her person, she did her best to keep her movements as graceful and natural as she could. She did not wish to give her mother any more fuel against Fritz or his family. 

Ryn eyed her with unconcealed suspicion, but made no further comment. For a while, the future duchess and count danced in silence before Ryn finally asked the question, [color=9354FF]“Can I ask why you were upset with me when you saw me with your mother?”[/color] 

She lowered her eyes briefly, opening her mouth before closing it again unsure how to start. Finally, after a few moments of gathering her already weightless thoughts she answered his question. [color=95AA71]"My parents, more specifically my mother, have always tried to control who I speak to. I thought that if I got out of the social circle she controls I would find a real friendship- and I did."[/color] Zarai shrugged a shoulder, [color=95AA71]"And when I saw you with her I just thought she had done it again... but it turns out that that wasn't the case."[/color] She frowned, [color=95AA71]"I am sorry that I hid my real identity from you, Fritz."[/color]

[color=9354FF][i]Fritz.[/i][/color] Ryn almost barked a laugh at the name. If there was one truth Duchess Lesdeman unintentionally told to any ear that would listen, it was that Hendrix was a House built on half-truths. “Luz” symbolized freedom for Zarai Luzero Lesdeman, a respite from a world she wanted no part of, while “Fritz Hendrix” was a ticket to enter that world she desperately avoided. Was an apology necessary? If it was, then was she the one who needed to apologize? To him?    

Ryn’s brows furrowed slightly as he stared into Luz’s face, [color=9354FF]“Don’t be. I was surprised, but I understand why you did it… and how betrayed you must’ve felt. Just know that I never have or ever will conspire with your parents against you. As… plain old ‘Fritz’, Luz, you are a dear friend and I wish you only the best. I hope that one day Lady Lesdeman doesn’t have to pretend anymore.”[/color] He truly did. At the same time, he also knew that Luz being Lady Lesdeman forever changed their relationship. Whether he liked it or not, every interaction would be subtly tainted by the knowledge that she was Zarai Lesdeman —someone close to the Danroses’ children, close enough to call the future Caesonian king “Wolfy”.

He inhaled deeply and in a barely audible voice said, [color=9354FF]“I am sorry for—...”[/color] Hiding? No. That night, he did not conceal that he was Fritz Hendrix, he simply introduced himself as Fritz, because Luz introduced herself as “just Luz”. However, was Ryn truly Fritz? No. Then there was only one apt word to use. [color=9354FF]“...lying about mine.”[/color] Even now, despite her honesty, he kept up the charade. 

Betrayal would have only been the start of it. Zarai nodded slowly, a smile returning to her lips with ease now that Fritz knew and she knew too. But something in her chest twisted, a tiny but painful feeling that she blamed the drug for. [color=95AA71]"Thank you,"[/color] Now, they could go back to normal. After this, they'd be able to meet up at the tavern again and have drinks like they used to. Sing and dance without the weight of both of their families or their feud between them, right?

Ryn quickly switched topics, [color=9354FF]“Speaking of overbearing parents, is she all right? I think she’s changing colors.”[/color] He turned Luz’s attention to Duchess Lesdeman by leading their gaze in her direction. Displeasure was evident on her features, a miracle that the duchess had not snapped her fan in half yet. All because her [i]precious doll[/i] wouldn’t do what she wanted her to do; what she was supposed to do. A sudden urge to see the fan in pieces bubbled up inside the count. [color=9354FF]“On a scale of dirty looks galore to hiring assassins, how much would you like to rile up your mother tonight?”[/color] 

Zarai spotted her mother when they had last left her staring at them, unmoving and unreactive. Her face was red with what she could only assume was anger, and even from their spot on the dance floor, she could see the fan bent in a way that at any moment it would sure snap in two.. She would have said dirty looks galore if she'd been sober, knowing that her mother would get over it quickly. But she wasn't sober, and Zara didn't care right now, nor did she want to think of the consequences.

[color=95AA71]"Enough to see her make a fool of herself."[/color] She grinned excitedly up at Fritz.

Ryn mirrored Luz’s expression. It was a terrible idea, and they both knew it, but stupid fun that hurt no one, aside from the duchess’s pride, and painted the new noble as eccentric at most, was a hit Count Hendrix was willing to take. If everything he did was wrong for Duchess Lesdeman, then the least he could do was to do something right for Luz, no matter how dreadful of a friend he was.

A ruckus caused by two young individuals momentarily distracted Ryn. A pair of blonds were twirling around batting the air to catch something that was not there. Butterflies, if the yelling were to be believed. He turned his head back to Luz and cocked an eyebrow. [color=9354FF][i]You didn’t.[/i][/color] Zarai just laughed and shrugged, giving him an innocent look of [color=95AA71][I]I have no idea what you're talking about.[/i][/color]

He shook his head with a smile. With a performance like that happening nearby, it was less likely that they would leave as much of a lasting impression as they originally thought when all was said and done —not that that bothered him, he would even argue it worked out in Count Hendrix’s favor. The only audience they needed to captivate was the duchess. And she was already obsessed with both of them.

The man wrapped the arm he had anchored to Luz’s back around her waist, pulling her closer to him, as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. He deliberately leaned to the side of her face that was facing way from the duchess, leaving much to the imagination for her mother. The two nobles swayed side to side, gentle as the light ocean waves on a calm, windless day. 

[color=9354FF]“This is not the ballroom in Sorian filled with nobles. We’re in Ye Olde Bone. Where nobody has a title. Just cheap ale —that, as Karleen so eloquently described, tastes like donkey piss— and the best company anyone can ask for. Everyone is being their rowdy selves. Somehow Peter is hanging upside down from the chandelier. I don’t know how he got up there or how the old thing hasn’t dropped from the ceiling and burnt down the tavern yet, but it still hangs there. Sturdy as the tavern keeper. It doesn’t stop Udo from trying to make Peter fall off though. We just finished one song request.”[/color] The sounds of feet tapping and hands clapping cut in from a distance. [color=9354FF]“And they ask for more. Because they can’t get enough of you.”[/color] He focused on the rhythm the other dancers were producing and then began to hum a familiar tune. 

The tune started off slow then gradually sped up as he tried to time the tempo just right. He added tapping of his own to the noise playing in the background, creating a music of their very own. The marble floor lacked the impact wooden floorboards made when stomped on and his shoes were not fitted with metal, so the sound barely reached the count and future duchess’s ears, let alone the couples dancing next to them. It was not as great as it could have been, but the makeshift instrument for the impromptu gig did its job well enough.

Once he knew what he had to work with, Ryn released Luz’s waist and stepped back. Zarai had picked up the tail of her emerald coat and draped it over one arm, excitement running through her body.They stood there, unmoving. One final check between the musicians before the show began.

And just like that, they were back in the tavern. The smell of the stale ale and the scent of cigarette smoke hung heavy on the air making her nostrils tingle with familiarity. The audience cheered around them, banging on the table in anticipation for the next song to start. Marline in the back whistled their way before breaking out in a burst of belly laughter. Everything so far away from her mother's ever judging eyes. Zarai looked at Fritz, a wide smile on her lips before giving him the signal. He nodded.

[center][color=948DA0][I]"Santiana gained a day
Away Santiana
Now, pull the yan up the west, they say
Along the plains of Nexeio"[/i][/color][/center]
Their voices blended together in harmony as the music filled their minds. They were no longer Count Hendrix and Lady Lesdeman but just Fritz and Luz now. The ballroom of Sorian had been left far behind them as hips and feet began to move along with the rhythm of their song. Laughter escaped Luz's lips as the speed of the song picked up. She could feel her kite reach the stars now as she took Fritz's hand and lifted her arm up high for him to spin. Once, twice, three times, and then it was her turn. 

[center][color=948DA0][I]"Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Nexeio [color=95AA71]Hey[/color]

She's a fast clipper ship and a bully good crew
Away Santiana
And an old salty Vank for a captain too
Along the plains of Nexeio"[/i][/color][/center]
She could feel Fritz's hands-on hers and hers on him as they twirled and spun along with the beat of their song. Other dancers around them began to take notice of them now, some laughing along with them and others whispering amongst themselves. And neither of them seemed to be paying any mind. No matter how clouded and light her mind felt, Luz, kept her eyes on Fritz. Her cheeks burned, but she was unsure if it was from blushing or smiling so much.

[center][color=948DA0][I]"Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Nexeio [color=95AA71]Hey[/color]
Santiana fought for gold
Away Santiana
Around Kait Thorn through the ice and snow
Along the plains of Nexeio"[/i][/color][/center]
She heard them, Peter clapping and laughing from the chandelier and Marline from the bar laughing in a drunken stupor. All of them banged their tankard against the worn-out wooden tables as their voices echoed in her mind like endless ripples on a lake. It felt like she could almost fly as they spun, fingers digging into the fabric of Fritz's tailcoat as she threw her head back and stared up at the ceiling of the ballroom. The giant golden plated chandeliers twinkled from the reflection of the many candles that lit the place, and Luz wondered if it was magic that made them shine so bright.

[center][color=948DA0][I]"Well, heave 'er up and away we'll go
Away Santiana [color=95AA71]Ho, hey[/color]
Heave 'er up and away we'll go
Along the plains of Nexeio

So leave her, Johnny, off we'll go
The drunken sailor Wellerman whaler
Bound away for Nexeio"[/i][/color][/center]
Luz stood there, staring up at Fritz as their song came to an end. His shoulders visibly moved up and down, trying to catch his breath, as his smile beamed down at her. Applause erupted around them; whistles from the drunks and cheers of others drowned out her laughter. She finally let go of Fritz's hands, taking a step back to bow for her partner. In return, Fritz playfully curtsied. And just as she rose, the applause subsided and slowly dissipated into the monotonous melody of the waltz. There were no more cheers of joy, no laughter, no Peter, and no Marline. They were now back in the Sorian ballroom, back under the ever-watchful eyes of high society, back to Lady Lesdeman and Count Hendrix. Yet, it didn't matter. Not to Zarai. 

Ryn rushed over to Luz’s side when she stumbled over slightly, locking their arms together to support her. [color=9354FF]“Bravo, Luz. Bravo.”[/color] He carefully guided her away from the dancefloor, back to the duchess to evaluate exactly how much damage they caused. [color=9354FF]“Let’s go see if she’s made a fool of herself, shall we?”[/color] 

The ornate fan’s durability far surpassed Ryn’s expectations. No matter how much torsion the duchess applied, it refused to snap. It tempted him to ask where she bought the item, however, he was not sure if the red duchess would answer honestly even if he asked. [color=9354FF]“Oh my, would you look at that. I’ve never seen her in that shade of red before. It looks absolutely smashing on her, really brings out the blue in her stone cold glare.”[/color] Ryn said quietly to Luz. After giving her a wink, Ryn returned to the role of the count. 

The heavy haze still covered Zarai's mind from the drug as she held onto Fritz while she tried to regain her composure. She giggled at his words, glancing up at her mother, expecting to see her face full of nothing but rage, but instead, she was met with an icy cold stare despite the color of her face. There was an uneasy stillness to the Duchess and if Zarai were not soaring through the stars right now, a cold shiver would have run down her spine. 

[color=9354FF]“Your Grace, you have taught your daughter well in the art of entertaining guests. I have not had that much fun dancing in ages! So avant garde!”[/color] The count lowered his gaze to the floor, as if he was ashamed to say what came next, [color=9354FF]“I confess, I had the misconception that the ball would be strictly formal. I was terribly nervous when I got here. So worried that I would make a mistake and become the laughing stock of the season.”[/color] Ryn eyes focused back on the duchess, eyebrows arched high and a broad smile on his face. [color=9354FF]“But it seems I cannot hide anything from the sagacious Duchess of Puerto Vira. I tried to put a brave front and you saw right through it. That is why you paired me with your daughter for the dance, yes? Your kindness knows no bounds, Duchess Lesdeman. I feel much more relaxed now. Thank you for allowing me to dance with your daughter.”[/color] The count looked at Luz, expression soft and warm. He purposely waited for the stare to last long enough to raise the duchess’s hairs before letting out a long sigh. [color=9354FF]“She is truly delightful. It is such a shame we’ve not met sooner.”[/color] His free hand reached up and enveloped Luz’s hand, adding more to further sell the illusion that Lady Lesdeman besotted Count Hendrix.

Zarai stood beside the Count, an innocent smile in place to help suppress the giggles that were threatening to slip past her lips. The Duchess, however, just stared down at her daughter without sparing a glance at Fritz as he spoke. Some of the nobles that surrounded them looked at the Duchess, whispering amongst themselves about the display they had just witnessed, from them and the other blond couple as well. 

[color=silver]"I am glad you enjoyed the dance with my daughter, Count."[/color] Francesca said, her voice void of any emotion. She finally looked at Count Hendrix with a cold gaze that contrasted the color of her face. It was evident that the Duchess was trying, and failing, to keep her composture. [i]Crack.[/i] The wood of the fan fractured just the slightest at the sight of the Count looking at her daughter in such a disgraceful way. Zarai swore she saw her own mother crack in a similar way.

[color=95AA71]"Oh mother, it truly was lovely. How have you kept me away from Count Hendrix for so long?"[/color] Zarai had held onto Fritz's gaze as long as he had, ignoring the needles in her chest as she did. [color=95AA71]"Thank you so much for the dance match; I could not thank you enough!"[/color] She looked at her mother with a wide grin, reaching over with her free hand to take her mothers. 

The Duchess pulled back, her hands twisting the fan further. [color=silver]"I apologize, Count, but it looks like we will be retreating to our chambers,"[/color] Francesca looked back at Zarai, [color=silver]"Now."[/color]

[color=95AA71]"But mother, I've yet to greet the Princes and Princess. Oh, and I must say hello to the King and Queen! I mustn't be rude; that is what you always tell me, is it not? Besides, I had promised Count Hendrix I would introduce him to them, and a lady must always keep her promises."[/color] Zarai gave her mother another smile, knowing she could not say no lest she'd be seen as rude. It was common knowledge that the Lesdeman and Danroses were close friends and -

[color=silver]"I said, we are leaving, Zarai."[/color] Francesca's voice was tight and direct. [color=silver]"You've had your fun, my daughter, and now we must leave."[/color] Hearing this, a few of the nobility around them murmured amongst themselves, shooting side glances at the Duchess. Francesca lifted her chin up high, not willing to give in. She would not allow her daughter to be near Count Hendrix for another minute. [color=silver][i]"Suelta lo, ahora Zarai o vas a ver cuando lleguemos a nuestro cuartos."[/i][/color] Out of instinct, Zarai's arm tightened around Fritz's. The hand covering hers gently patted it reassuringly.

Ryn gasped loudly, [color=9354FF]“By the Creators! You haven’t greeted our hosts yet!?”[/color] The count quickly covered his mouth, turned around to look at the spectators and then lowered his voice to a normal volume, [color=9354FF]“Mea culpa. Had I realized the both of you were jeopardizing House Lesdeman's reputation just to make a newcomer like me feel welcomed… I, I am at a loss for words.”[/color] The count closed his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose, brows furrowed as deep as he could make them, [color=9354FF]“I am mortified that I caused such disgrace!”[/color] After a dramatic pause he released himself from the pose, [color=9354FF]“No. It is not too late to rectify this, Your Grace. I will personally accompany Lady Lesdeman to greet the hosts and explain that I am entirely to blame for the delay.”[/color]

He held his hand up when Duchess Lesdeman opened her mouth, silencing any protest that would have come out otherwise, [color=9354FF]“I insist. I must repay your generosity. The least I can do is apologize in behalf of House Lesdeman.”[/color] Ryn finally looked back at Luz, [color=9354FF]“Lady Lesdeman, would you kindly lead the way?”[/color]

Zarai watched as her mother's hand trembled with rage. Tiny little splinters of wood had settled on the white silk gloves embroidered with golden thread. [color=95AA71]"Worry not, mother! Count Hendrix will help us save face."[/color] She smiled, knowing that her mother was screaming and kicking from the humiliation in her mind. How dare a Hendrix come to the rescue of the Lesdeman? With that, she beamed at her mother before looking up at the Count. [color=95AA71]"This way, Your Excellency."[/color] Zarai hooked her arms with the Count again before leading them away from the Duchess.

Behind them, a few of the nobility and servants stared in disbelief at Duchess Lesdeman. It seemed like they cared very little if the Duchess heard them or not as Francesca stood there glaring at their hooked arms. The whispers around her grew louder and louder until she had enough. [i]CRAAAAACK![/i] A few ladies around Francesca gasped as splinters flew. The fan snapping in two.

Backs facing the duchess, Ryn smirked a little upon hearing ‌wood breaking. Without looking at Luz directly, he offered his free hand for a fist bump. [i]Mission accomplished?[/i] Zarai returned the fist bump with giggle. [i]Mission accomplished.[/i]