Tetsuo Alastar
Talks with the nobles were going about as well as could be expected. The Alastar family already held strong trade deals in each of the kingdoms, so it was more keeping contacts then making new ones. Tetsuo was satisfied that he was making a positive impression for his family, especially comparative to the other two commoners in the room. In fact, the two seemed to have isolated themselves from speaking with the upper class. Not entirely by their own choice mind you; Tetsuo knew the highbrow of society well enough to anticipate that theyād be more than a little intimidated by the dress and stature of those men. That saidā¦ The doors to the ballroom had closed by this point. This indicated that everyone had arrived. Or at least, all the important people. Intriguing. Why was it that only the three of them had been invited? It was peculiar, and hinted that something more might be going on.
Three commoners at a royal ball with a bunch of noblesā¦ It would have to serve some sort of purpose. Thereād be more of them if it was a token gesture of goodwill to the people, and given his familyās position in society and the Mithii diplomat over there, it seemed that the trio might have been handpicked to some extent. Just what was their intent? Hand to his chin as he thought this over, Tetsuo looked up to the balcony where the actual nobility and royal families had been sectioned off. They were the ones pulling the strings, and if the nobleman here were in on the plan, it seemed odd that they were treating him with such warm reception and the other two with a wide berth. Excusing himself from his current conversation, Tetsuo saw fit to retrieve a drink for himself as he thought through the clues. It certainly was a unique situation, and understanding the purpose of his attendance was now something of a mystery to solve.
Why would the royalty want him here? Looking to the balcony again, he noted that most of them seemed to simply be enjoying the party in their respective area belonging to their house, but there were a few looking over the ballroom itself. Some were simply enjoying the view, but othersā¦ Following their gazes revealed that not only were the other two commoners under scrutiny, but him as well. Not entirely out of the ordinary given how they were something of special guests, but it seemed like further confirmation that perhaps something was expected of them. Continuing to casually make his way about the room as he idly contended with his thoughts, Tetsuo subtly made another glance to the balcony, and noted some more movement as a woman he recognised as the current Queen of Althuum was making a purposeful effort to try and see to the north end of the room - a feat that was fairly futile given the layout - but if there was something or someone important here besides himself, the Mithii and the one who he could only assume was some mercenary or general, that might help him deduce the purpose of this event.
Kindly thanking the attendant girl as he placed his empty glass onto her tray, Tetsuo made his way towards the small set of stairs leading slightly upwards on the north side, adjusting his waistcoat and giving a short nod and smile to the couple he passed. Now overseeing the rest of the ballroom, Tetsuo did his best to identify anything or anyone that stood out. The nobles themselves didnāt seem to be anything special, no different from the men and women on the dancefloor. People in positions of power they were born and raised into, not earned, but that was how life was. His position was born through his own talent, yes, but a large part he owed to his familyās already established success. Then there were the guards on the perimeter. More than he expected really. In factā¦ Perhaps there were more for a reason? Maybe they anticipated trouble with the different royalties here? No, that didnāt entirely make sense. They werenāt watching upstairs, they were protecting something down here. In factā¦
Eyes drifting out the doors leading into the courtyard, Tetsuo stopped to observe the two figures there. Far grander than the other women in the ballroom, it was quite clear that these two young ladies were a cut above the rank and file nobles if their dresses were anything to go by. With further study, Tetsuo recognised the current princess of Althuum. Those ears were a bit hard to miss, and even he knew enough about the political climate and coup that had occurred in his home nation. The other lady, the one in the striking redā¦ Was sheā¦? Heād heard rumours of a wild Irilenean Princess, and this lady seemed to fit the bill. Why would they be on this floor? Shouldnāt they be up with the rest of their royal families? Why were they mingling with each other? Or ratherā¦? Slowly, a realisation began to dawn on Tetsuo as he turned his attention back to the ballroom. Was thereā¦?
Sure enough, there was a third princess. An elven woman of Gheresh, possessing all the elegance and beauty expected of her race. Was it coincidence that there were the three male commoners and three female princesses from each of the kingdoms? Unlikely, and yet, the other prospect seemed equally ridiculous. No, strange as it was that the princesses were alone on the dance room floor, it was more likely that this was some sort of educational experience. Perhaps the women planned to interview them and gauge the community consensus outside of the castle walls? That would explain why they might have been chosen. Perhaps it was a way of controlling the view those princesses got to see of the outside world? After all, Tetsuo was no fool. There was plenty of unrest among the populace of each nation; but heād be foolish to say anything and risk his familyās business. Likewise, it wouldnāt be entirely unreasonable for a diplomat to have his words tied. An elaborate illusion designed to fool these children into agreeing with their advisors or parents? Perhaps. Maybe he was jumping to too many conclusions.
Still, he was intrigued now. Perhaps there was some merit to his theories, and what better way to get answers then to go straight to the source? Observing the two princesses in conversation outside, Tetsuo wisely decided that approaching them in private was probably asking for trouble. The guards were already giving him a bit of scrutiny with the way heād lingered near the exit, and it was probably improper for someone of his standing to interrupt their talks. Instead, Tetsuo made his way back into the ballroom, noticing that the Ghereshian Princess was mingling amongst the nobleman by the dancefloor. Picking his moment, Tetsuo made his approach, giving a slight bow when he entered her line of sight.
āI beg your pardon Milady. It may be presumptuous of someone of my standing to ask, but if it pleased you, would you permit me a moment of your company? I confess, there are some thoughts plaguing me that I feel would be eased through your counsel.ā Returning to a standing position as he awaited her reply, Tetsuo reflected on his expectations. Even if she was elven, she looked incredibly young, as they always did. That made it somewhat difficult to read her. Age often reflected intelligence and wisdom, but there was a small notion in the back of his mind that a princess would be naĆÆve and easy to obtain information from. Hopefully he could discern the purpose of his company this evening without arousing too much suspicion. Assuming she was aware of it. Even her reaction to his approach would be an incredible bounty of knowledge, and so he carefully observed her response while taking in cues from her outfit. The blue and silver were a pleasant complementary mix of colours, but what most drew his eye was the necklace of water that sparkled in the lights of the room. The fact it contained liquid while completely sealed made it a delightful piece, likely crafted through a brilliant artisan's magic, but no doubt it was special to her. A reflection of her character perhaps? Or something else? Maybe, if his presence didn't displease her, he'd find out momentarily.