King's Castle

Michelle

Hands on her satchel while her eyes flitted from the castle's exterior to the decorations inside as they entered the palace, 'oohs' and 'ahhs' constantly escaping her lips. Her dark blue dress was exceptionally different from the other women's clothes, but so were the Vikings' attire from the rest of the men of Aether. Their group strolled in the party where marvelous and lavish decorations, people of fancy clothing, a long table of delectable, mouth-watering food, and lively music greeted them.

"This is amazing," Michelle murmured to herself. She was so awestruck that even Trym's noisiness was blocked out of her hearing, and she only focused on the ball itself. There were pairs of humans who were... holding hands and moved to the music in grace-- "Oh, oh! That's dancing?" She pointed out, watching specifically the blonde Atherton and the lovely baker engage in a graceful waltz.

So many things to do, yet she was only one, she could only do one thing at a time! Now what should she prioritize...? The people, the food, the alcohol, or dancing...?

Music and chatter flooded his ears once Emil stepped into the castle. There was many people, more than he suspected, however he wasn't too surprised. Some were talking casually, and other's were dancing. He took note on how strange they must've looked to the rest of the guests, but they looked strange to him as well. " We're on the same page then, good." He mumbled to himself before looking where she was pointing. The dancers were engaged in a rather nice Waltz, Emil silently complimented their steps.

He turned his head to Michelle, "That's dancing." He repeated, " What would you like to do?" Emil asked. Please don't say alcohol, I'm going to have to keep an eye on her.

Michelle

The alcohol and food were quite tempting indeed, but since Trym had no motive (yet) to get to the booze and Michelle was obviously fascinated in the sight in front of her, the answer was automatic: "Dancing." She said, turning to Emil with a brilliant, eager grin. "You told me earlier you would teach and do it with me." While all of those steps seemed graceful and smooth, she had a feeling it was harder to do it in actuality, but that made her all the more determined to go for it! "If I mess up though, please forgive me." She giggled as she held on to Emil's sleeve.

"May we join in the dancing?" The brunette looked up at the two older blondes, Lukas and Trym.

Trym

"You don't need my permission to dance! Go ahead!" He laughed. He didn't mind being asked, though, it made him feel like he was in charge, and the viking was a huge fan of being in charge. It wasn't that he wanted to boss people around, he just wanted to have the option to boss people around. "Don't get married without Lukas' permission, though!"

Ludwig Ritter

"Uhhhhhh...."
Ludwig's noise of confusion was followed by a shake of his head, while he had yet to perfect the art of lying he could still hopefully get away with being dishonest if he just didn't say anything. So with that in mind, he shook his head once more, as he was sure that if Lovino wanted to talk to the adults then he would have done so himself. He'd surely go to the king in his own time anyway, he was just...
The blond glanced at feliciano and Lovino again. Well he was just...catching up with feliciano, and after that he'd go see his father by himself if feliciano didn't drag him there first.
And so, rather than answer his father, Ludwig shook his head a third time, because of course shaking your head was less suspicious than any verbal lie he could have come up with.
He really did try to make it a convincing head shake.

Alfred Atherton

He knew had urges before, but he always had been distracted by other things that it was never his priority. "You're suggesting that I should...?" The thought was enough to make him blush. No woman had make him so interested in her before, except maybe for the Czarina, but Alfred had no such ideas for the lady. But admittedly enough, Natalya would leave a lasting impression on the knight.

"Maybe in due time, my king." He looked over at Natalya. "I have a dance to claim."

Ivan Czar

"I'm sure you would find cause to enjoy it." He latched her arm around his, escorting her back to the sides, heading for the Lord Commander. "You mentioned you promised him a dance."

King Romulus Vitus

"Aye, in due time." He nodded in agreement. "I see no problem in that, of course with the woman you love."
Love is a strong word, he would have to think. But either way, it will come into a man's life once or twice whether he likes it or not. Romulus scanned the room, finding the Czars returning to the bylines. And just as they moved from the center, he finally managed to get a glimpse of his son once again. This time, talking to another of his children... "Lovi..." He breathed out. Remorse written all over his face. How would he even approach them?

"Lady Czarina, Lord Czar."He met them with a greeting once they approached. "Lord Ivan, I'm glad you have come safe from your travels. I was anxious to see Lady Natalya alone earlier, but alas -- Ser Alfred was kind enough to keep her company." The king grinned, avoiding to see Feli and Lovi from the distance while talking to them.

"Now would you please excuse me, I'll be right back." Bidding them with a respectful nod, Romulus stirred himself to the younger Vitus' direction. His pace slow and anxious, hands clenched into fists that he attempted to hide by resting them behind him.

Natalya Czarina

"How can you be so cruel to give me away with ease?" She teased, but following his lead without comfort. Her muscles were far from full recovery, and the arm that he lead her with was the one with the wound. It caused her to stiffen but she managed to press all her pain down her throat. "You were wonderful, brother."

To the King's presence, Natalya curtsied before letting go of her brother and offering Alfred her hand. "Well?" She raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to take it.

Lukas

The small group entered the rather large castles, Lukas walking right beside Trym as if not wanting to be separated from their group. Even when he had a high rank among his fellow Vikings, he still did not like being in large groups of people he didn't know to socialize. He didn't mostly do that. If he was in a large group of people he didn't know he would be busy taking them down or stealing from them or something. He was a Viking after all.

Lukas simply grumbled to himself about how Trym was talking nonsense and about how he shouldn't be saying that out loud to such occasions as these and averted his gaze, landing them on the other guests' lavishing clothing and bright jewels that they wore. The bright assortment of colors dazzled his dull blue eyes yet he refused to show that he was enjoying such a sight. A few more caught his attention. The food was one that got him to stare the most apart from the other people who seemed to already start to dance. They were great at dancing, he commented in his head.

He heard Michelle's words and then Trym's, flashing the boisterous male a questioning look about why he was getting involved with such matters such as Michelle's marriage. But he nodded nonetheless, letting the eager young lady to dance. And if his eavesdropping served him well, she would be dancing with Emil tonight. Poor kid.

Ulrich Ritter


Ulrich's eyes remained narrowed when he saw Ludwig's answer. He lied, that much was clear. He could see that even with his eyes closed. But his glance kept returning to the two brothers. On the other side of the room, however, he saw Romulus noticing the same person too and approaching.

Honestly, if Romulus wouldn't notice them yet, Ulrich would give the older Vitus son a piece of his mind. He didn't know the kid well, and he somehow understood why Lovino had ran away, but he was well aware of how much suffering and worry the disappearance caused Romulus. And he wished for the boy to be aware of it.

He gave a glance to Ludwig again. "I don't appreciate you lying to me," he simply said before giving him a pat on the shoulder and walking away. He moved a bit closer to where the Vitus boys were, but he kept his distance, of course. He will let the family talk their issues out, he had no right to stick his nose into the matter, but if his assistance was needed he was prepared to jump in.

Feliciano Vitus

He yet again, had to feel disappointment wash over him. Lovino would not come back to stay here. How many more people he cared about so much would leave him behind..? He shook the thought from his head, forcing a small smile for his brother.
"It's alright Lovi, I understand,"

His hug tightened just a little. It must have been a rare chance for him to see Lovino at this ball at all. That thought continued to surface again from the back of his mind. Who would leave next..? He already knew the inevitable fate that his father would one day... No. He did not want to look that far into the future. He needed to fight these thoughts.  

Lovino wouldn't be gone forever, Feliciano will still see him! Yes... And... Maybe Loino is just taking a really long vacation right now! And he'll come home soon!
It wasn't the most believable thing he could think of, but it certainly helped chase away those sad thoughts for a little while.

"Oh so... Where are you staying now..? I'd really like to come visit some time... I don't want us to not get to see each other for years at a time... It's not as fun here without you."
He smiled a little, it wasn't as powerful as his smiles normally were. All this disappointment this evening was surely taking a bit of toll on his mood.
If he could have some reassurance he could see Lovino a little bit more.... Well... That'd be nice... Part of him was so tempted to tell his father Lovino was here, so maybe he could make Lovino stay, but... That wouldn't be fair to Lovino. Who knows? Maybe Lovino is living in a big palace of his own somewhere! That was a nice thought.

______________________________________


Roderich Ritter

Roderich just arrived to the ball, incredibly late obviously, but he didn't really care. He walked in, taking in the beauty of the castle. All this beautiful architecture, the music, the love simply put into building such a grand place. He gave a nod of approval as he continued walking about, taking in his surroundings. The music was certainly lovely, they should have asked him to play with the rest of the musical performers. Then again if they did, he wouldn't really get to enjoy his own time here at this magnificent ball.

He walked past the musicians, taking in how much skill they must have had to play the ways that they did. Marvelous. Surely his own skill was close to theirs, if not a little better. He nodded in approval again, before walking over by the tables where food was placed out incredibly elegantly.
He picked up a small... Whatever it was, and popped it in his mouth. It was very delicious what ever it was. He nodded in approval to himself yet again, before glancing around, and seeing Ludwig who seemed to be speaking with Ulrich.

He began to make his way over, surely they'd be a little surprised, since at first he decided he wouldn't come to this ball before, but... He changed his mind.

Ludwig Ritter

'He...knew I was lying?!' The realisation that nothing got past his old man had reminded Ludwig of his childhood. Trying to sneak another cookie? More like destined to get caught.
He went to the snack table to get a drink, a glass of some of that infamous Vitus wine, which he finished rather quickly. Tonight was certainly a long night, and he felt he needed it.

Ludwig saw Roderich enter. Ludwig saw Roderich walk around and Ludwig saw Roderich heading towards their father.
Normally he would not care if Roderich was irritating someone other than himself, and with the long period of time since they saw their father it was only fair to let them have a moment.
But...
Roderich being back at the castle was the only reason that Ludwig could think of for their father to let him stay with feliciano tonight and tomorrow. What if Ulrich reconsidered and he had to go back right after the party ended?!
He briefly considered asking Roderich to just not speak to their father and to hide behind a bush or something, but knowing his brother...that...that definitely wouldn't happen.
So, rather than risk asking Roderich for a selfish favour and not having the brunet pull through, he made a beeline for their father himself. He knew that he walked faster than Roderich and was quickly by the other blond's side. "Father! Uh..." He spotted Roderich out of the corner of his eye and quickly hugged Ulrich to stop him from turning around and seeing the other Ritter as well. A few seconds into the hug he realised that it had been a foolish idea from the start, and he was now stuck holding his father in place in the world's most awkward hug.
Unsure of what to do, he lamely mumbled an incredibly lame excuse in an incredibly lame way. "I...uh..love you, father."
Hopefully nobody would see this. It was mortifying enough already. Hopefully Roderich would just go unseen, maybe be weirded out by the hug and leave.

Francis Vitus-Atherton

Francis smiled at her. "Well it's a crime against humanity to have a pretty girl get all dressed up and come all the way to the castle for a ball and be totally ignored," he stated. Unfortunately, some people were so snooty that they would hardly say hello to someone beneath their station. He knew that Romulus would chat with anyone and everyone, but he was only one man, and couldn't talk to everyone that had showed up. Though he would likely try.

By the end of the song, he bowed to his partner. "Thank you," he murmured, and smiled at her again.

Ulrich Ritter


Ulrich didn't notice Roderich yet. His look was focused on the direction of the Vitus family, and he was slightly leaning on the food table. He left the food alone for anyone else to take it, he didn't feel hungry at the moment.

A few people seemed to approach the food table, and Ulrich moved away in order to not stand in the way for anyone who actually wanted to grab something to eat. But before he could move in another direction he was grabbed and turned around, and suddenly Ludwig captured him in a tight hug. This caused major confusion in Ulrich's head - what the actual hell? Excluding that the situation became extremely awkward, he couldn't figure if Ludwig just had an episode or he wanted something. It was a very long time since they actually hugged, and the setting was anything but appropriate. "Uh..." He tried to think of a proper response. Should he buy it?

"Yes, ehm," he shrugged and patted his shoulder awkwardly, "I, uh, love you too, now tell me what you want."

Lovino Vitus

"It's alright Lovi, I understand."

He expected another barrage of "Brother please stay" from the younger Vitus, but instead, this response just sort of surprised him-- in a way it made his features and heart soften quite a bit for a brief moment. "Y-Yeah, alright, g-good..." Lovino replied awkwardly, for once surrendering himself to the hug and patting Feliciano's back lightly. It felt warm and nice, he had to admit.

While Feliciano's thoughts were focused on seeing him again and stuff, Lovino needed to break away from his nostalgia and sentimental thoughts to find an escape now. No way was he in the condition to be stealing from pretty ladies at the moment.

Though his train of thinking was quickly interrupted by Feliciano's question, and he blinked at him. "W-What," Lovino's face returned to its sour frown, and took another step back. "I won't tell you, of course! I'm not a fucking idiot!" What, he'd let himself be found in the taverns drunk as hell? Or sleeping with bandits and stray cats in the outskirts of the Capitol? Or be dragged back to the kingdom?! "What's the sense of running away if I tell you?!" Jeez.

His face remained annoyed for the next ten seconds, before it flushed red again and the older brunette had to look away "I-If you w-wanna see me, though... W-We can meet up somewhere, sometimes... Just don't tell Romulus about it." He couldn't look at Feliciano comfortably now. He hated to admit that he wanted to see his younger brother again after today.

The king was drawing nearer to the duo, but Lovino was still too occupied with Feli to notice.

Ludwig Ritter

His arms remained around Ulrich's torso, the younger blond struggling to find anything to say that could explain his odd behaviour. A glance over his father's shoulder revealed that Roderich was still there, and he really wanted to stay here for tomorrow like Feliciano had suggested.
"Uh...I was just....I uh..." He pulled away, patting Ulrich's back and clearing his throat. "I was just...the panels on that wall are really impressive." He stated, nodding towards the wall that was opposite his older brother, trying to keep his father looking away for long enough to think of a way to keep Roderich from being seen. However he considered that maybe he should just go back to Unire Tonight...Roderich wasn't at adlerhorst, and at least one of them really should be. Being the responsible one had its downfalls, that was for sure. A glance in feliciano's direction revealed that his old friend was still with his brother, and that the king was now growing closer as well. If Lovino were to stay then that would rightfully take priority over Ludwig's visit, and he would probably have the opportunity to reconnect with Feliciano on another occasion.
He returned his attention to the wall, sighing and folding his arms. "Yes...wonderful panelling don't you think, father..?"

Ulrich Ritter



They get weirder every day.

Ulrich was even more confused than he was before, and even more he assumed something was up and Ludwig didn't want him to know about it. The older Ritter tried to think of a logical explanation that would explain his son's behaviour - except there was none. Well, almost none at least.

"Ludwig, son," he shrugged. For a change a hint of concern was able to be heard in his voice, on the contrary with his usual cold, sharp and neutral tone. "What have you been drinking lately?" Even if Ludwig wouldn't request staying here for another day Ulrich wouldn't allow him to leave. He wasn't going to let him ride in that state.
He brushed off his clothes and pierced Ludwig's face with his look, awaiting for an answer.

Ludwig Ritter

Ludwig was certainly surprised by the change of tone, looking at his father with blue eyes that were narrowed in confusion. "I had some wine a moment ago." He answered cautiously, confused by the question.
However his confusion was not long lived, considering his behaviour the nature of his father's inquiry made a lot of sense. The fact that a simple act of affection led only to the suspicion that he was under the influence of alcohol was probably a sad thing, he supposed.
"But I'm a Ritter, father, it really hasn't affected how sober I am." He defended himself and his tolerance for alcohol. It was nice to hear that he was concerned about him though, and Ludwig cleared his throat again. "...it's a shame that Roderich couldn't make it tonight." He said, loud enough for Roderich to hear and hopefully take the hint that his younger brother didn't want him here right now. Nothing personal.
Ludwig looked away from his father's look and instead focused on the panelling that he had faked an interest in previously.
Oh....
Oh GOD that panelling was actually really good..
Must have been expensive, but he knew that the sense of style in Vires was clearly the best, and the castle's design clearly proved that.

Ulrich Ritter



It was not the hug itself that made Ulrich suspect of Ludwig being drunk; it was rather the quick change from suddenly spilling emotions to talking about the decorations of the room. Of course that striked him as odd, Ludwig wanted his attention away from something... Either that or he really was drunk.

"Ritter or not, even for a Vitus it's possible to have a cup too many," he responded. His arms returned to their standard position, crossed on his chest. "Roderich? Yes, I suppose he would quite enjoy an event like this. But I am pleased to know that he took responsibility and stayed in Adlerhorst." It made him feel better that at least one of his sons was present in the castle. He had no idea how wrong he actually was.

Ludwig Ritter

Well this had to be the first time he had heard the word 'responsibility' used in a sentence that implied that Roderich was responsible rather than the opposite.
"Yes well, he said he didn't feel like coming so.." Ludwig gave a small shrug, looking aside. Wow, the other wall was just as well decorated as the other one. Was it possible that all four were this good?!
"And I doubt that the first cup would constitute as the 'one too many',
He felt a slight chill, there must be a window open, either that or Ulrich was looking at him.
He shifted his Weight from foot to foot, and looked up at Ulrich. Well, the distraction was working so far. Ludwig was sure that his old man didn't have a clue..!
Well...no, that couldn't be true, since he was well aware that his father was good at seeing through things like this, but the distraction was still a success whether or not his father doubted the reasoning behind it.

Trym

"It was a joke I meant- Okay, so they're dancing together and I mean he's you're brother and-... I'm just making fun of them, okay. It was... forget it" Jokes weren't funny when you had to explain them. Trym sighed and shook his head. "You know what, I'm gonna go get a drink, you know why? Because I'm sad, because you don't appreciate my glorious sense of humor" Was Trym capable of going more than three hours without being overly dramatic? Probably not. Was he ever gonna check out if he could? No. That was a waste of time. Acting like this was fun. "You wanna come?"

Trym had always wondered what Lukas was like when drunk. He wasn't completely sure if he had seen Lukas drunk before, seeing as when he was drinking, the entire night usually turned into a blur. Impulse control and self restriction really wasn't his biggest talents. Anyway, it was possible he had seen Lukas drunk and then forgotten about it, or it could be that Lukas was one of those people who were still completely poker faced when drunk. Maybe he was a crier, or maybe he laughed a lot. That would've been interesting and probably incredibly weird to see. Now Trym was really curious.

Ulrich Ritter


Ulrich was more than aware that something was up, but he couldn't point his finger on it. He had no idea which game was Ludwig playing - certainly not something casual. He assumed that, at least judging by the last conversation they had, the young Ritter wanted to be everywhere else but trying to make another conversation with Ulrich.

"That is a bit odd for him. One would think he liked this sort of events. Or did he change that much while I was gone?"

Ludwig Ritter

Ludwig shook his head. "No, he does enjoy things like these, the music, the food, perhaps he just wanted to be responsible and stay at the castle since Gilbert and I would be gone and anyone with an ounce of common sense would know to remain there rather than convincing me to leave by promising that they would stay and then changing their mind and coming anyway." Again, the sentence was said with slight aggression aimed towards his brother.
"And I honestly doubt that he's grown up- I er..I mean changed at all since you last saw us..."

Ulrich Ritter


"I suppose that makes sense," Ulrich nodded in response to Ludwig's explanation. He still believed that the younger blonde was up to something, but he decided to drop the matter for a while. Maybe Ludwig would accidentaly tell him what was going on if they would change the topic and flow into a less odd conversation. Despite trying to have a light conversation before, and they both knew how that turned out.

"So, do tell. How are you getting along with Romulus' heir?" He turned to Ludwig again, still keeping an eye on the Vitus family members. "Plain curiosity asking."

Ludwig Ritter

"Feliciano..? I uh...yes I...well we got on well as children and hopefully we will be able to get on well again..." He answered, and cleared his throat. "I mean..we were good friends so..I suppose we'd be able to go back to being that, which is why he offered to let me stay for a day so that we could catch up.."
Ludwig straightened his clothes for lack of something else to do, blushing faintly. "And..how are you getting on with the King?" He asked, looking down at the floor.

Ivan Czar
"I'm curious as to what would happen if I let my sister mingle with others. You've been with the same company all these years."

Ivan gave the king a courteous smile and bid him brief greetings. His eyes then met Alfred's, observing him for a moment. His stare was scrutinizing his features, wondering what type of lad was he. He found him unenjoyable. "Ser," he greeted, letting go of Natalya's arm. "Don't get too comfortable."

Alfred Atherton

Ivan's face was friendly, the kind that would make people feel at ease. But his words, his presence, the mere disturbing thought of not knowing what was inside the confines of his mind was what made Alfred wary of him. But he was not who he wanted to talk to anyway.

"Right, my lady." He curled his fingers around her hand, escorting her away from her brother to claim his dance, so they may talk in peace. Grinning, Alfred bowed formally in front of her, signaling the start of the dance. It was a struggle to suppress the pain from becoming too evident, and for a moment he lost his footing but regained it just as quick. After so, he grabbed her hand again, his other resting on her waist. "Can you still manage to dance? We'll go slow if that favors you."