First Dance

[Zana]

5th Saun 718

This party was incredibly important, they both knew it. Wyllum Tariq was hosting it and he believed that he might be interested in Zana as a marriage prospect. Of course, Zana was quite determined that Wyllum Tariq would be courting her and proposing to her and then, marrying her. Because he was filthy rich and that was what they were after. Her and Theo.

"I hope I make you proud, Father," she said, looking into the mirror. It was always how she'd spoken to her father, the Immortal Delroth - by looking in a mirror and focusing on her eyes. His eyes. "I'm not going to stop until I'm rich and powerful in ways people can't even dream of and I dedicate it to you." There was no doubting that the young mortalborn adored her father, and this whole situation was very much an act of worship for her.

"Come in!" Zana called at the tap on the door and she stood as Theo walked in. Her smile lifted at his expression, she had taken a lot of time with her appearance - to the point that he'd tapped on the door twice to make sure that she hadn't died. Or so he said. She'd laughed and told him to go away - she didn't want anyone to see her until she was ready. He walked in and she smiled, demurely and very younger-sister as the door was open. "Close the door, Theo! I don't want people to see!" Of course, that wasn't why she wanted the door closed, not at all, but it was the perfect excuse.

"You look quite dashing," she said, as he stalked towards her having closed and latched the door. As he drew close she whispered so only he could hear. "Good enough to stay at home for, dear heart." He did, indeed, look very fine and she made sure to show her appreciation by kissing him deeply. She purposely had not applied any stain to her lips for this reason, after all. "Lady Ses'ka will be unable to keep her eyes off you." Which was all well and good but Zana found that she was having trouble keeping her hands off him.

With a regretful smile, Zana reached up and stroked his cheek, then turned and sat back down to apply the final touch of her cosmetics, the stain to her lips. Once she had she smiled up at him. Her dress, completely off the shoulder and tightly laced-up at the bodice, accentuated her figure beautifully - her hair was in an intricate style which allowed it to curl and wisp down her neck. Lifting her lips in a smile, Zana leaned forward and whispered to him. Just one word, but it was very much a promise. "Later,"

Then, she said in her normal voice. "Would you get me the cloak in the wardrobe, Theo? It's the same colour as my gown. I had it brought up so my dress is a secret until we get there. Do you think Wyllum and I will get to dance?" Zana rolled her eyes at him as she prattled on, but it was important. "Are you going to dance with Ses'ka, Theo? You should, you know. She's very lovely and, well, you know. You can't look after me all the time you have to have a life too." She stepped forward as he got the cloak for her and as he did, she put her hand out, over his, just for a moment. Then, she spoke again, it was in a tone which meant servants could hear, but that was fine with her. It was rare that she could speak honestly and at a normal volume these trials and, while honesty wasn't high on Zana's list of priorities, this was important. "After all," she said, apparently continuing what she'd been saying about Ses'ka. They both knew different. "You are the only person in this world whose happiness is as important as my own to me."

It was probably the closest to a declaration of love he'd ever get.

Turning, so that he could put the cloak on she breathed in and smiled. It was a sudden, beaming smile which made her look like the girl she was pretending to be. Of course, it was artful. "Oh, Theo, an actual party! I haven't been to one in an age. Do lets go!"

[Theo Nji'Ryn]

Finally, all of their plans, all of their work...all the secrecy and sacrifice...such as that was, was starting to come together. The evening ahead was not the end goal for Theo and Zana. They could have put in a lot less trouble if they'd only been looking to attend a luxurious party. Not, the party was just the first step, if a very critical one and it was important that they made a good showing. Both of them certainly, but considering what was at stake, then Zana above all. Just a glance at her when he opened the door to enter her bedroom, confirmed that she was off to a very good start.

She looked positively regal, Theo thought as he admired her both from behind and in the mirror. And because it was also a compliment that her own brother might pay her, he told her so. "Now that's a sight worth waiting for," he said, before the door was shut behind him. "You'll have every eye on the room on you, little sister, and you'll be the envy of every woman there." And then of course the door was shut and they could do as they pleased. As long as they did it quietly. "Do I?" he asked, his eyes faintly swirling purple and gold as they kissed. And just as well he'd 'inadvertently' locked the door behind him because he let his hands roam a bit before letting her go.

"I'm glad you approve, though I don't think anyone will notice," Theo said quietly. What he'd said before, he'd said honestly. She'd outshine all of them there and dazzle the ones that they wanted to dazzle. Wyllum in particular. And if he did well with Ses'ka? Then all the better. Later though. It was a promise he'd hold Zana too. And if all the the rest were to prove disappointing or dull, that in itself would be enough. "Of course you will," he said, regarding a dance as he got Zana's cloak for her and gently draped it over her shoulders. "He asked you specifically did he not?" Then turning fully back to the ruse they were playing, he added as they neared the door. "As will others. Your dance card will be full before we're able to cross the thresh hold. Mind you, save a dance for your brother."

And as he opened the door and they stepped out of the room, he smiled and squeezed her hand when she looped her arm in his for the trip down the stairs. His happiness? She'd know by the slant of his smile, the shift in his eyes that the same sentiment was true in reverse. Very much so. "Don't you worry about me. I'll find plenty to amuse myself with this evening. Your future and your happiness, is my own." Double meaning if there'd ever been any but of course the servants were none the wiser. "Your carriage awaits," he added then as they left the house...although this was Viden and there were no carriages. Figure of speech, as it were.

[Zana]

His hands on her drove her to the very brink of madness and Zana hated him for it. His touch reduced her to a quivering wreck of a woman who needed and hungered for someone and that simply was not her way. Her kiss was possessive and as their hands explored the familiar and rather wonderful territory of each other, she groaned quietly. "Handsome and dangerous. Just the kind of man my mother should have warned me about," She caught his lower lip in her teeth just for a second and then she smiled and let it go. Staying at home had never sounded so good, but they had work to do, the two of them and she knew that they had to get on with it.

And both of them, she knew, would spend the evening dancing and socializing and playing the devoted siblings. And thinking about later

His smile, the expression on his face and in his eyes were clear - and her happiness and future were his? Zana smiled at that, pleased at the reassurance. Not that she needed it, of course, but her response was quiet, thoughtful. "I think the dances I share with my brother will be quite my favourite." Her grin then was teasing and entirely in role. "But don't tell him, he's quite big headed enough as it is."

As they made their way, she chatted. Zana Malinconico did chat quite a lot and she chatted with her brother as they walked. When they arrived, her felt her arm in his tighten and she smiled, gently. "It's beautiful," she said and she promised herself, there and then and in her father's name that this estate would also be hers and, by definition, theirs. As they got in there, Zana seemed not to notice the eyes which followed them. He knew better, of course, she knew and she reveled in it. It was worship, as was her due. After all, she was the closest to divinity in the room.

Maintaining the demeanor, Zana glanced around with innocent eyes, and she seemed quite pleased by what she saw, although not overwhelmed. Leaning in to Theo, she spoke so softly he'd have trouble hearing it and she was right next to his ear. "I suppose that, compared to back home, it's a little underwhelming. Wouldn't you agree?" Ses'ka, though, just happened to be close to where they had entered and she smiled and moved over.

The youngest Yalta looked gorgeous, it must be said, although Zana knew that she was by far the most attractive being in the room. Still, Ses'ka came over and smiled at Zana, first. "Zana, you look outstanding. It's so good to see you," she demurely kissed Zana's cheek and then turned to Theo and her smile was appreciative. "And Theo, it's so nice to see you," her eyes met his and held his gaze.

"So," she said, turning to them both. "There are lots of people you simply must meet. And I would imagine that you are going to be danced off your feet tonight," she said to Zana with a smile. Zana shook her head. "Theo said that, but I'm a little nervous to be honest. " Ses'ka smiled and squeezed Zana's arm. "You're precious like a jewel, you know. You've been very loved and very cared for and long may that continue." Ses'ka turned to Theo and gave him a slight, almost mischievous smile, but she said nothing more. Zana looked between the two of them and loosened her arm in Theo's, not holding on or standing so close. Giving tacit permission.

Ses'ka smiled and gestured. "Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone."

[Theo Nji'Ryn]

"We should really stop meeting like this," Theo managed to growl beneath his breath when Zana caught his lip between her teeth, nipped him...and the gesture only encouraged him. He didn't mean it, in fact. He meant quite the opposite. He liked nothing better than what they were doing...and even better than that right under everyone's nose. But it threatened to undo him at a time that they just couldn't afford to be caught out. "And your mother wouldn't have told you anything of the sort," he teased when they parted, and he put his clothing to rights, checked his appearance in the mirror. "Considering who your father is."

But he did know his own worth, did he not? Another tease when she talked of her 'brother's' ego. The truth was she wouldn't like him as much, if not for that ego, just as he found her vanity all the more compelling. The ballroom when they arrived, and in fact all of the home that surrounded it, was beautiful, Zana was right. Not as beautiful as she was, naturally, but it certainly suited her nicely. And why not? Soon enough it would be hers. "None of them will notice the room or the finery, little sister, now that you're here," he said, falling easily into his role as adoring brother. And at the same time, he smiled and dipped his head to a young woman gliding past, who looked back over her shoulder when she was sure he wasn't looking, and blushed.

The hall was full of beautiful women in fact. None that matched Zana's beauty. But plenty to keep him entertained, so long as he focused the lion's share of his attention on Ses'ka. Or, just enough, but not too much. "I suppose that it is," Theo agreed when Zana remarked that it was overwhelming, and he patted her hand that was resting in the crook of his arm. "You'll do just fine." And there she was, of course. The woman he'd made a point of seeming to subtly search the room for. "My lady," he said, smiling into her eyes, but also having let his own roam up and down her length so quickly that no one might notice at all. Though he knew that Ses'ka herself, would. "You look exquisite and nothing could please me more than to see you again."

So...introductions? Theo smiled when Zana released his arm, so as expected, he offered that same arm to Ses'ka. "Lead the way, my lady."

[Zana]

They fell into role and she cast a brief, nervous smile to him. "I hope you're right, Theo. It has been such a long time and so much has happened since last time we went to an occasion." Just the right amount of nerves and excitement. Immortals, Zana thought, this was exhausting and she decided that, when they got home and after the servants had left, she needed a massage. That would be lovely. If all of this worked and the two of them, or one of them, ended up married and wealthy at the end of this, they would need to limit their time together, there was no doubt. Zana didn't like it, but equally she knew that they would have everything they had wanted and, soon enough, they would escape with it. Richer than they had ever been, than they had ever dreamed of. "If no one asks me to dance, I'm going to ask Cook to poison your food," she whispered, the teasing, but also meaning it slightly blame-everything-on-her-brother little rich girl that she was. But, of course, it hid a genuine fear for her and her big brother knew that.

Ses'ka smiled in pretty delight but her eyes roamed over Theo's form for a moment and when he complimented her, she looked obviously pleased. "My lord is too kind. If I were able to pull it off, I'd say something like 'this old rag? I flung it on ten bits before we started' but alas I'm afraid I've made rather too much fuss." Zana smiled as Ses'ka said that and the Yalta heiress returned the expression. "There really is no need for your nerves, you know. Everyone is very lovely. Wyllum was wondering if you'd arrived yet, just a short while ago," Zana's eyes briefly lit with delight, although she quickly got herself under control and hid that, but it had been there. Her smile was shy and just the faintest blush tinged her cheeks.

Until, that was, Ses'ka spoke again. "Oh, he'll be delighted to know that knowing that provoked that reaction from you. He was anxious and fretting, wondering whether you might have changed your mind. Might not be coming. He was very clear that he'd been looking forward to dancing with you," Zana blushed at that and Ses'ka permitted herself a slight chuckle. "Your sister is adorable, Theo. Quite adorable." Zana pursed her lips slightly and then replied, in a soft tone. "I can assure you, it does not run in the family." But she patted his arm with a smile. "Don't look too horrified, Theo, I'm allowed to dance with him remember? We talked about this"

She contented herself with that as he offered his arm to Ses'ka and Zana smiled as Lady Yalta took his arm. They made a handsome couple, she had to admit and she pushed a brief, possessive surge of jealousy away. The woman was a pawn, just as Wyllum Tariq was and nothing else. So, she walked slightly behind them, giving them space. Her eyes roamed over the crowd and she caught sight of a familiar, but unwelcome sight. Zane. He seemed to be here alone, or at the very least he wasn't with anyone right at this moment, and when he caught sight of her his expression darkened. Briefly, Zana considered poking her tongue out at him, in the hopes that he'd die from the impropriety of it, but instead she deliberately turned her head and did not look his way.

"So, who shall we meet first?" Ses'ka asked, her arm in Theo's and quite oblivious to what was happening with Zana, other than the fact that Theo's little sister was there with them. There would follow, if they both acquiesced and, in this guise, Zana went where Theo did, a good half break or even full one, where they were introduced to people. Far, far too many for them to remember the names of, but lots of important people. And, during it, Zane made sure that he was always there, always on the periphery and always watching. Should Theo catch Zana's eye she wouldn't gesture or anything, but he'd know there was something and it wouldn't take a genius to work it out. After a quarter bit or so, Ses'ka leaned close and whispered. "I don't know if you've noticed, but Zane hasn't taken his eyes off your sister since we arrived. He doesn't look happy." She smiled, as though talking about something meaningless. She wasn't very good at it, but she did her best. "Would you like me to ask my brothers to take care of it?"

Was it a test of him? Well, she'd never admit it or machinate it to happen. But since it was, it gave Ses'ka Yalta the chance to find out what kind of man Theo Malinconico was.

[Theo Nji'Ryn]

"It has indeed," Theo had agreed, affectionately squeezing Zana's hand when she said that it had been too long since they'd attended a party or celebration. Implication was, that it hadn't always been the case, but those had been different times when their parents were alive and they were all together. Happier times. "Mother wouldn't like this grieving long and hard business. She never did, if you'll remember. Nothing would make her happier than to see you here, the belle of the ball," he teased. Then again, it was exactly what she was. There wasn't a woman in attendance that could hold a candle to Zana. Not Zana Malinconico. And certainly not Zana Delroth.

And never fear, he'd told her, even as Ses'ka approached them. Her dance card would be full before she'd taken a single turn round the floor. "Oh the broken hearts," he quipped, referring to those men who were too late getting their names on the list. Judging by what Ses'ka said when she joined them, Zana had already managed to snag Wyllum's wholehearted attention. Hook, line and sinker just as planned. Theo hadn't expected anything less. Now it was time to focus on making a catch of his own. The lady seemed more than halfway there already. "May I say you look stunning this evening lady Yalta" he said, smiling, and letting his gaze take in all of her. Shamelessly, but briefly too so to not raise too many eyebrows.

Not adorable? "You wound me little sister," he admonished Zana but clearly was teasing her, and dryly at that. "I'm put upon," he added for Ses'ka's sake, as he turned a smile her way. "And yes, dance to your heart's content Zana. As I said earlier, it's been too long and it does me good to see you happy." It was sickening really, all this sticky sweetness. All to a profitable end, however. And with Ses'ka's hand on his arm, they made their way through the gathering. Theo too spotted Zane, and while Zana turned her head, as the elder brother who'd seen his sister wounded, the man received a pointed look from him. If only a fleeting one. Take care, for sooner or later there'd come a reckoning.

And just as he made a point of committing to memory all the names of those he was introduced to, and the faces that went with them, Theo was also aware that Zane was as good as shadowing and haunting them. Though he gave every appearance of ignoring it. He smiled, greeting those he was introduced to, making sure Zana was included in the conversations, and making sure both women had a glass of wine or champagne in their hand. The topic would come up eventually, he knew, and in a quiet moment when Ses'ka herself mentioned Zana, Theo inclined his head, indicating that yes, he was aware. And he smiled then, ultimately shaking his head at the offer to have her brother's handle the man.

"No need. His happiness is no concern of mine. He may look longingly all he wishes." So long as the man was only looking, he meant, then let him look. Theo would not, so long as he could help it, create a scene that would embarrass Zana during her first social outing since their mother's death. "Should he decide to challenge my good will however?" He left it hanging there in the air between him and the lady, and the inclination was clear. Suffice to say that it would be the undoing of the good will he was currently feeling. And moreover, in dramatic fashion besides.

[Zip]

talorswift

Knowledge.........

Theo
Deception: Seeming to be indulgent when actually irritated
Deception: Faking concern for someone you know isn't grieving
Deception: Pretending to be falling in love
Deception: Feigning interest
Etiquette: Videnese high society
Etiquette: Viden nobility
Etiquette: Social gathers of the upper classes.
Etiquette: Ensuring that you take your lady's arm.

Zana
Cosmetology: Know your own beauty to enhance it
Cosmetology: Formal wear for functions
Cosmetology: Bare shoulders and wisping hair is very attractive
Cosmetology: Color of clothing can suggest innocence
Etiquette: Videnese high society
Etiquette: Viden nobility
Etiquette: Social gathers of the upper classes.
Etiquette: Ensuring that you take your lady's arm.

Loot....................

Nein

Consequence......

o_o

Renown..............

+5 for showing up to the ball pretty and strutting around.

Experience...........

15

A) I'm guessing it's a complete farce but I hope they're not actually genetically related on the non-Delroth side. D:
B) A lovely potrait of videnese high society. I admit Taylor Swift as an FC is a bit distracting, but Zana had a lot of little tics and quirks sprinkled within the narrative that point towards a truly vain, materilistic, gold digging little songbird worming her way into the good life, with Theo as her partner in crime. I enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy your points.

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