[sup][h1][center][img]https://i.ibb.co/9mVRb1Tc/dd481008ff3d3f667ad169071c234896.jpg[/img][/center][b][center]  
[color=#000000] Sir Nikolai Dragos Berova [/color]
[color=gold]Sir Nikolai Dragos Berova [/color][/center]
[/b][/h1][/sup][COLOR=gray]
[b][color=gold]Time[/color][/b]:Evening
[b][color=gold]Location[/color][/b]: Ballroom
[b][color=gold]Attire[/color][/b]: [url=https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1461196182406561894/1461196183321182320/ChatGPT_Image_Jan_14_2026_10_06_13_PM.png?ex=69f0ce3d&is=69ef7cbd&hm=c5a08b3d93be8a04d4defce4799f1db287c4c0048bd015facbd8c2c1c422edc0&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=576&height=864]All black with mute gold/grey embellishments.[/url]
[b][color=gold]Interactions[/color][/b]: [@Redking0380] Fareed & [@Lunarlord34] Freya
[b][color=gold]Mentions[/color][/b]: 
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[color=7354A2]"I was looking for Gwen-"[/color] She caught herself, pausing and clearing her throat as she corrected course. She kept forgetting these blasted titles and it irked it something fierce. [color=7354A2]"-er, I mean Captain Durmand, because she's the only person I know here bar a few colleagues I spotted before."[/color]

It made sense to Nik, why she would seek out her sister first. It didn't exactly scream maturity too him since it seemed more like she just wasn't willing to interact outside of her sister, but here she was anyway. Interacting. So, at least she had that going for her. 

[color=khaki]"Then, it sounds like we need to do some introductions for you. I assure you that there are likely [i]some[/i] court patrons worth being introduced to. The hard part is knowing which ones."[/color] Nikolai mused, hand lifting to his lips thoughtfully. 

He turned when she faced him, after saying her pleasantries to Fareed. What? Had something he'd done offended her? He shifted slightly under her gaze. It wasn't one he was used to. The gaze he elicited were usually far more... lustful in nature. This felt like he was being examined by a doctor of some kind, seeking out each weak point and strength. 

[color=7354A2]"...Its quite alright then I suppose Mr Berova."[/color] Clearing her throat again, [color=7354A2]"If that is the case, then I don't mind you staring. Physical attraction is but one of many starting points to fruitful relations and endeavors, and while I don't see much appeal in my own appearance, it is appreciated to know a handsome man like yourself sees something resembling beauty in my own. I find that you yourself are also rather...uh...what is the term again? Ah right, 'rather easy on the eyes', if I am recalling it correctly?"[/color]

He stared back at her a moment, blinking. If this was her attempt at flirting back, she was as stiff as they came. He had a sudden image of her in bed with him listing off all the reasons he could be doing better and shivered. 

[color=7354A2]"Though, I'll have you know, physical attraction is but that; a starting point. And I am not so shallow as to dwell on your obvious good looks much more than that. In stating as such, I believe we should discuss ourselves in open dialogue in an attempt to better know one another before pursuing relations beyond that of friendly chatter, it would only be fair on both parties in such cases, as I would state I am not opposed to such relations, but only if there is sufficient compatibility on the mental front. Of course there is an emotion needs basis for either party which comes later down the line if sufficient chemistry is established and formulated, requiring a thorough investigative discussion between individuals to discover and feed, so to speak in regards to metaphorical terms I have been told in order to comprehend such complex feelings in easier methodology. I am rather inexperienced in such regards however, my studies have kept me rather busy since I came to the capital and flirtations with colleagues and fellow students would just lead to awkward workplace relations if things were to sour, so I have taken a more professional route in that regard and would rather leave professional and personal matters separate. In this instance, it wouldn't be a professional relation, so a personal one can be pursued if we so desire, and as previously stated I am not against such a relation currently as things stand, granted there is enough common ground found in conversation to establish the foundation of a more solid relationship, as I am not particularly fond of the idea of one built on whimsy and fancy over one built on something more concrete. You should always start with the foundation of a house, not the roof, and relationships are much the same in that regard as far as I am aware. If nothing else, this should serve as good experience in the ways of 'flirting', so please do continue."[/color]

Nik's eyes glazed over as she spoke, rattling off her views on romance. It all sounded so clinical and sterile and he could tell she'd never actually been with anyone before. It was [i]painfully[/i] obvious. At the this point, he wasn't sure how he was going to pull himself from this situation. He'd never had an attempt at flirting end this badly. 

Had she said something about a deeper relationship? What relationship? He said she was pretty.

Nik continued blinking for a moment, unable to hide the furrow in his brow. Eventually, however, he collected himself and smoothed his expression into that once again easy smile. 

[color=khaki]"Lady Drumand... I appreciate your.. enthusiasm for romantic relations. I think that everything you have said is true."[/color] He started with a nod. Did he know everything she said? Of course not. He basically blacked out for a moment there. 

[color=khaki]"I was merely admiring your beauty."[/color] How the hells does he get himself out of this?!

Nikolai lifted his glass of scotch to his lips, downing it rather quickly. The amber liquid disappeared almost as quickly as it had come. He would have to lament not being able to enjoy it to it's fullest later. 

[color=khaki]"Oh my, well. I seem to have run out of my drink. Would anyone like something?"[/color] He asked, already making his way over towards an attendant. 

 

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