Rukhnis arrives, following Rysen.

Martino bows his torso low as people file in, the Master Bard and the Lady Kaia with an unfamiliar person beside. A few more soon after. "Ah welcome... welcome. I have set you up an area by the throne Master Bard." His eyes crease pleased, apprecitive, at Kaia's arrival before gesturing his cucumber-water carrying servant to pour a glass for Lisebet, "Oh, truly, I do appreciate such Duchess. Your moves, grace upon the ballroom floor does carry on the whispers of some in the city." Turning his head to newly arrived folks he asks, "And might I have you interested in a coffee, tea or a cucumber water before we start?"

Rysen enters with Rukhnis and both come to stand before Martino. Rysen bows, and to Martino's question, "Coffee would be most appreciated, My Lord." He steps away as more people enter, and smiles to see Evaristo, and bows respectfully to Lisebet.

Evaristo is here just early enough to have time to set up and syncronise with the other bards, and just late enough to make the other bards nervous having to wait for him. "Thank you, Lord Malvici," he says and bows to the host, smiling wide and charming. "I'll not dawdle - I'll go get started, let's have some background music before the real deal, hmm?" He's looking lackadaisally relaxed, no performance anxiety to be seen, a charming rascally smile danding on his lips. They small band starts playing but keeps the volume low and dulcet, as people start to enter, just a soft background music. Keen violet eyes study the arriving guests. Findgers move expertly over the lute strings.

Merek has put on his best dress pants as well as shirt, while he has a vest upon it also. He makes his way to the ballroom with the beltcape adjusted about his waist as he makes his way to a place he can relax while he listens to what the thing will be about.

Rukhnis whisks briskly in after Rysen, trailing him at a respectable distance while keeping her eyes fixed on some indefinite point far ahead of her. As they come to halt, though, her gaze begins to flick sharply and restlessly around the ballroom, as if there were some terrible danger that might be lurking unseen in any corner.

Rayne has joined the Inviting Couches.

Lady Kaia Bisland arrives early to the Velenosan Ballroom accompanied by her loyal escorts, Luela and Colin, and the Navegant lord, Dion. She seems to be in a good mood, "Ah, dancing lessons...if the Lord Martino performs as outsatndingly as he did at my party last time, we are sure to learn a thing or two." she comments to Dion, as they made their way over towards where the host was at. A beaming smile on her face as she greets Martino, "Lord Malvici, the place looks wonderful. I'm looking forward to the lesson.~" she says, offering her hand, just briefly for their customary greeting, before politely introducing the man beside her. "Have you met the Lord Dion Navegant? He's just arrived to the city, and was a former Stonewood (vassal of Bisland), he seemed quite eager to come learn a thing or two about dancing."

Rayne has left the Inviting Couches.

Lisebet chuckles softly and accepts the cucumber water as it is handed over. She inclines her head to Rysen as he bows, politely acknowledgign the man. "Lord Rysen, good to see you." She sips her water, and settles off to one side, waiting to see what happens. Though she does add, "I think this is a lovely idea, Lord Martino. I am pleased to be able to assist."

2 Ashford House Guard, Bethany, 1 Ashford veteran guards arrive, following Olivia.

Martino inclines his chin here-and-there as people file in, "Good morning, good morning..." His servants follow with tea, coffees and waters for those in need of a morning refreshment. He dips his chin, first, to Evaristo as he says, "Oh please, good Master Bard." His fingertips gather around Lady Kaia's own as he lifts them to his lips, customary as always, he graces upon them, "Thank you my sweet Kaia and, thank you, for bringing the Lord Dion." Low his head bows to Dion before he turns to step onto the dancefloor, "Thank you, all, for coming. We shall start shortly with the basic box-step for this class. Have people come with prepared partners already?"

Evaristo checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

Rukhnis casts yet another glance around the ballroom, looking deeply dubious this time around as she observes each of the other guests in turn.

Rysen glances at Rukhnis. "I swear, dance floors make your more nervous than the walking dead," he mutters to her under his breath.

Dion strolls in with Kaia, clearly amused by what he's walked himself into with such a small amount of convincing. Dance lessons. He quickly takes in the room and looks everyone over with a jovial, unfaltering smile that sticks around. Hearing the host's name to go with the appropriate face, he offers a dip of his head to match Martino's gesture, "No, I don't think we've met before. I did pass through Southport on occasion..." But he's polite enough to spare everyone a long story about the more memorable times. "I'll have whichever has the most rum in it, with thanks, my Lord Malvici." As a quieter aside to Kaia he says, "I apologize if I'm rusty. The last time I danced was at spearpoint while being held captive. Good fun in retrospect, but it put me off dancing for a time."

Rayne has joined the Inviting Couches.

Lisebet shakes her head negatively to Martino. "I did not bring a partner, but if everyone has one, I am quite happy to sit and watch." There's a nod to the newcomers, and a "I'm Lisebet Ashford." Course her name wasn't /that/ long ago in the news, when she married Duke Harlan.

Olivia looks around. She is looking a bit nervous about dancing... Especially after last time. She tries to remain unnoticed and she makes her way over to Lisebet. "If they see you I will be safe from anyone dancing with me."

"I am not nervous about the dance floor," Rukhnis mutters back at Rysen. "In fact, I am not nervous at all," she adds in an outrageous lie completely belied by an actual drop of sweat standing out on her forehead. As Rysen says something else quietly to her, she gives him a sharp incredulous look, and another bead of sweat appears.

The group of bards are entertaining but also discreet - they're not here to overshadow the main event, the dancing. Only to facilitate it. Evaristo is the front figure and keeps the pace. He smiles encouragingly at the prospective dancers, eyes glittering in good humor.

Lisebet grins at Olivia, a gentle smile on her face. "You are more than welcome to dance, sister-dear," she says. She waits though to see if anyone is hoping of a dance iwth one of the Ashford ladies.

Rysen smiles when he notices Olivia walk in, but tries hard not to look too long.

Kaia smiles at Martino and nods, "I thought it'd be wise to bring a partner, I need to be gracious and allow the other ladies to dance with the best dancer I know." she tells Martino quite teasingly, along with a wink, before turning her attention back to her newly found Navegant friend. Adter he finishes his tale she chuckles, "Well then, I am not the best of dancers, but hopefully the little I know will allow us to keep you from falling my lord." she says to Dion in between laughter --meanwhile her hand reaching out for a glass of refreshing cucumber water.

Martino curls his lips into a slight, wry smile as he shares with the room, "It looks like we have Kaia and Dion... Lord Rayne, was that you and Lady Olivia? And Rysen, are you with your friend... there?" His voice trails as he does not recognise the last person. Finally he turns his head to Lisebet as he offers, "Shall we, lead everyone through this?"

Olivia shakes her head, "My dancing may or may not be considered treason Lord Martino. I shall just watch."

Rysen nods to Martino. "Yes, my servant Rukhnis has graciously allowed me to step on her toes as I try my best to improve, Lord Martino."

Merek looks up then around while he takes a moment to shift his attention to the others, "Ah, who am I with, m'Lord?" he asks, while he offers a nod to some of the others a bit also.

Rayne smiles " I feel honored Lord Martino but I am what you could say a bad dancer and I guess I am content just watching "

Rukhnis presses her lips together tightly and manages to look still more uncomfortable as she's marked out by Martino as the only unrecognized partner in the room, but only bows in slightly stiff acknowledgement of Rysen's response.

Martino realises the Sir Merek as he offers instead his place from Duchess Lisebet, "Oh! Please, do take my spot." He steps back to the front of the ballroom floor as he instructs, "Please, do gather your partners to the floor here. Those leading in the dance, your left hand up for your partner to hold onto light and your right hand on their hip. Those following, place your free hand on their shoulder." He curls his lips aside to Rayne and Olivia as he dips his chin to them both, "Ah next time."

Martino has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Rysen has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Rukhnis has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Dion has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Lisebet inclines her head, moving to set her water down at a seat, and then return to stand near Martino, waiting. She pauses then, and suggests, "The way to improve, my lord Rayne? And Lady Olivia, is by practice. Perhaps you will join me for a dance next round, my lord?" She acquiesces gracefully to the change in dancers, easily moving to join Merek for this round.

Kaia has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Lisebet has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Merek has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Keeping a close eye on things, Evaristo realises it's time to play actual dance music, so they fade out their current tune and start on a more appropriate one. Not too fast paced to begin with.

Rysen and Rukhnis follow Martino to the dance floor. Rysen comes to stand in front of Rukhnis and takes a step towards her, holding out his left hand for her to take.

"I need to learn more about dancing, it's something I am looking to," Merek admits, while he offers a bow and hand to Lisabet, gloved in silk while he shifts his attention to the floor, so that he can take a proper position for the dancing.

"I think to avoid disaster," Dion says, to explain why he suddenly stops and puts toe to heel and pops his feet out of his boots, "I'll take these off. I don't want your crushed toes on my conscience, Lady Bisland." As for refreshments, he takes a pass, as no one has assured him that any of the choices contain rum. Ready, he looks to the others to see how they're setting up, and offers a hand to Kaia.

Rukhnis casts a single brief, longing glance back towards the doorway out of the ballroom, but exhales sharply through her nose as she seems to recognize and accept that no escape is humanly possible any longer. With an air of deeply resigned stoicism she extends her right hand to take Rysen's.

Martino folds his hands behind his lower back as he stands at the front of the dance floor. He nods aside to the servants to clear the area, to serve those on the couches and have a jug ready for the muscians. Now ready to lead he lifts his chin to instruct, "The basic dance step we will be doing today is named the box, called that as..." He pauses, almost adding obviously, "We step in a simple box." Adding with a smooth comment after, the corners of his eyes crease, "It is used for the waltz, but also a great number of other dances. It can be perofmrned individually but today we shall do so with a partner." He glances from person-to-person as he watches them get ready for the instruction.

Kaia seems to only take a brief sip from the water, before setting it down somewhere (Who cares where?!) and then turns back to face Dion. An amused smile on her face as he takes off his boots, and she nods, followed by yet another chuckle. "I'll trust you on this, Lord Navegant." she says, before placing her hand in his to be directed to the dance floor. "Will you attempt to lead, or should I?" she wonders, still with clear amusement lingering all over her face.

Olivia watches the people on the dance floor, hoping to soak up some knowledge.

Rysen looks down at Rukhnis, and places his hand on her hip. "I apologize in advance for your toes," he says to her wryly, and turns his attention to Martino, nodding to the Lord as he speaks.

Lisebet places her free hand on Merek's shoulder, and takes his hand as directed. She's easily able to do this dance, not at all nervous about it. "I think that you have come to the right place then, with Lord Martino's instruction."

Rukhnis flinches slightly at the touch of Rysen's hand on her hip, and hardly even seems to notice his implied threat to her toes. Sweatdrop No. 3 appears, as No. 1 trickles with delicate grace down from forehead to cheek.

Rayne sighs "they look amazing don't they, Lady Olivia?" He says as he takes everything in

With a lift of his chin, bringing his hands from his back to his front, the Lord Martino begins with that typical Malvici command in voice, "The leader follows with these steps, the follow performs the opposite." He steps forth, performing for a moment with a ghost, "Begin by taking your left foot forward, a pause. The right foot moving diagonal right." He adds, to help those completely new, "The follow would, therefore, be moving their right back, pausing. Then their left in a diagonal move behind them towards the left." He gives the first basic steps to begin.

Merek moves to do box steps with Lisabet, as he looks to Martino and back then to the woman, while he takes his time with it. "Indeed, you seem to know what you're doing too," he says, with a chuckle as he nods a bit.

Evaristo is now standing up as he plays, watching everyone with that charming smile plastered to his face, but it seems genuine enough. There's encouraging nods at everyone here and there, and he makes sure the music is suitably slow for now as they pick up the steps to begin with. Just as an extra help - or perhaps because he subconsciously is into this - his feet do the steps too up there, while he plays.

"Attempt being the key word. I'll give it my best, and should I fail, you'll have no choice but to relieve me of the lead." Dion replies with a breezy smile, clearly not as concerned as perhaps what he's trying to suggest with his words. "It'll be a matter of self preservation, and I'll not think unkindly of you for doing so." He quiets after that, if to turn his head and watch Martino explain and demonstrate. "Mmm. We can do this." He's confident.

Following Martino's instructions, Rysen carefully makes the steps, trying his best to move in sync with Rukhnis. He moves stiffly, but manages not to crush his partner's feet - so far, at least.

Olivia nods to Rayne

Lisebet flashes a grin and nods. "It comes of being decorative," is her comment, teasing, as she makes a bit of fun of herself. She moves her steps in time with Merek, keeping watch to see if he goes unexpectedly in a different direction. "And thank you, I really do love to dance. I suspect that has made it reasonably easy for me to learn."

Rukhnis's brow furrows in mild concentration as she executes the steps in reverse of Rysen, managing neither to step or be stepped on. Every now and then she gives the slightest little flinching twitch again, but these become less frequent as she seems to become more absorbed in simply repeating the steps, one after another in light succession.

The Bisland lady chuckles at the Navegant's response and she nods. Placing her free hand by Dion's shoulder and the other up against his. "Certainly." she confirms, with a small grin, before glancing over to Martino to observe the example. For her it would be left feet backward...pause...then diagonal left--mhm she was making mental notes of the right steps. Hopefully luck would not betray her. "Alright, my lord, whenever you are ready.~"

Martino turns his sharp green eyes from parter to partner, ensuring they have made those first few moves. A curl of his lips, pleased as the instruction seems to have worked so far, "Back to the lead. Next you bring your left foot back to stand beside your right foot, and the right foot going backwards." His feet drift ofter the floor, leading himself back with his ghost-partner, "The final movements, in the basic box, is the left foot going back diagonal to where it starts. The right following soon after." With such, he claps, commenting pleased, "That, my friends... is the basic box."

Merek checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Lisebet checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Rysen checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Merek does manage to keep with what Martino says to them, while he shifts his hips as well as feet in the movements. He steps through the box as he does while he nods a bit, managing it well enough. He looks then to Lisabet, "How'm I doing?" he asks with a husky drawl.

Rukhnis checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Dion checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Kaia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Rysen listens to Martino and follows the instructions as best he can. As Rukhnis relaxes, he does as well, and the excellently played music of Evaristo and the bards adds fluidity to his movements and brings an unconscious smile to his face.

Lisebet chuckles, used to having to look up to meet eyes and see faces. She's petite, but a good dancer, and so she smiles. "You are doing very well, Sir Merek," she replies to that husky question, relaxing a bit and adding a bit of pizzazz to the simple movements. But not too much, as she doesn't want to confuse things yet.

Rukhnis doesn't do anything so incredibly extreme as smiling, but she seems able to handle the steps well enough as she and Rysen repeat them in decent coordination. She does cast the occasional flash of a glance downward at her partner's feet every once in a while, as if she's a little bit suspicious of them still, but she too loses most of her earlier stiffness as they go.

Very subtly and slowly, the speed of the music increases - not so much it will make it hard for beginner dancers, but enough to put some more life into the dance. Evaristo makes subtle gestures at the other musicians to indicated it and they tag along.

Martino lifts his left hand a moment, curling the fingers just a moment, as he says and watches people repeat, "The rhytem of the steps vary. That is where your different dances come from... but..." He claps his hands as he notes the rhythem, timing it with Evaristo and the other bards, "One----Two-Three. Four----Five-Six." He explains as people move through their steps, "Slow, quick, quick. Left-Pause-Right-Left. Right-Pause-Left-Right. Start again."

As Martino claps out the rhythm, Rysen steps. He makes occasional errors as he tries to keep his mind on the steps and the changes in pacing. He glances down at Rukhnis to see if she's noticed, and, if she has, what manner of glare he's likely to receive.

Right, Dion is leading so he makes sure their hands and feet are where they ought to be, and off they go, adding the final movements Martino demonstrates on the fly. He's not exactly Fred Astaire, but practiced enough to avoid a dance floor tragedy, and confident enough to seem perhaps more competent than he likely is. "This reminds me of the Grayson ball I attended, back before I married. There was a Lady I danced with, had the bluest eyes, like ice. I never got her name either, to my great regret. Though I saw her near the end of the night doubled over a balcony railing, looking quite ill." The music starts to change up, and there's a glance to the bards and Evaristo, paired with an appreciative nod before he's looking to Martino in an attempt to follow along with the new steps. "No problem at all. You're a natural, my Lady." He compliments.

Olivia waves to everyone

2 Ashford House Guard, Bethany, 1 Ashford veteran guards leave, following Olivia.

Merek thinks for a moment, then he nods as he switches to the next steps that are mentioned with Lisabet, nodding thankfully at the words of hers while he shifts his hip to move into it.

Lisebet moves with the music, keeping her attention on her partner, as is only proper. She lets out a bit of laughter as the music speeds up a bit, glancing over at Evaristo with a bright smile.

Olivia waves again as she comes back

Rukhnis's movements become less constrained as the tempo of the music picks up a little, her slippered feet following both it and Martino's counting in time. Occasionally she makes a soft clucking noise of her tongue when Rysen missteps, or when her own rhythm starts to depart from his, but no glares seem to be forthcoming at this time. Perhaps she's too occupied in checking her own errors, or trying to subtly correct the slight deviations from coordination.

Evaristo gives Lisebet a wink - a familiar gesture, the two have probably met in the past. He does a few dance steps too and grins wide, a silent message to her. Maybe they danced once? The music, still not overpowering any conversation, is nevertheless more lively and entertaining now.

Olivia has joined the Inviting Couches.

Olivia takes her seat again and watches the dancing.

Kaia smiles, at Dion, following the steps quite neatly, "Thank you, my lord. You are doing quite splendidly yourself. No toe stepping so far! So that's good!~" she says with a grin and a chuckle, before she proceeds to repeat the steps once again, following Martino's pace.

Evaristo's wink and dance gets a peal of laughter from the petite duchess. She may well remember that dance. But aside from that little bit of amusement, Lisebet's attentive to her dance partner. "It's not so bad, is it?" she asks.

Feeling Rukhnis's movements, and becoming more used to the rhythm of the music, Rysen smiles. "Careful, you're starting to look like you're having fun," he says teasingly to his partner.

Martino curls his lips as he steps across the dance floor, his hands clapping a moment as he watches people step through the box-steps. Going from group to group as he praises them, "Oh well done... excellent form Rysen." He creases his eyes to Dion as he says, "And you, Lord Dion. Good work..." He inclines his head to the Duchess Lisebet, "Thank you, Duchess." He indicates his servant to bring a cup of coffee to his presence as he says, "Shall we, once more through the steps again? You have done so very well."

Rukhnis fumbles her footing for a moment and frowns at Rysen, as she seems to take his words as some kind of dire accusation. She grumbles, "I am only doing what you asked of me. Nothing more and nothing less." Having emphasized this important point, she seems to devote herself with greater seriousness to the dance, though the grimness of her expression is completely belied by the grace of her footwork.

The bard's go through a repertoire of practiced music for balls, Evaristo making sure they don't speed up too much out of old habit. He interacts in his own way with the dancers - when they sweep by near, he smiles encouragingly, or offers things like 'Looking good there!' or 'Wooah, you're a born dancer!' - in fact he does seem quite impressed with the whole crowd.

Martino he adds smooth to his voice, "Oh and let us switch partners now... Kaia, did you wish to dance with Rysen? And Lisbet to Dion? With Merek now with..." He glances to Rysen to catch the name, hopefully, "Rukhnis."

Merek dances with the woman, Lisabet, while he moves as asked of the man who is teaching them. He manages with the movements while he does so, "So, you been dancing a while?" he asks curiously.

"Thank you, my Lord, but I owe my success entirely to my graceful and elegant partner." Dion says to Martino, before thinking to add a compliment to the band, "And these bards. A far cry from the off tempo drunken fisherman of Escuma playing the spoons on their knees." At the mention of switching partners, he looks down to Kaia and lifts a brow questioningly, "Are you done tempting fate for now? I can go step on the Duchess' toes."

Evaristo can't help himself; he makes some tapping sounds on his lute. Sounds a bit like spoons clicked together... He works it into the music rather flawlessly, his expression dead pan.

Rysen grins at Martino as he correctly pronounces the Eurusi name. He whispers something to Rukhnis, and nods to her, and takes a step back. Walking to Kaia's side, Rysen bows, and says, "I'd be honored to dance with you, if you are willing, My Lady."

Lisebet inclines her head to Merek. "My whole life, I think. I am the youngest child in my family, and always enjoyed dancing." She smiles at Martino's thanks, acknowledging them, and offers a curtsey to Merek as Martino suggests they switch up. "A pleasure dancing with you, Sir Merek." She steps back gracefully, moving to switch to her new dance partner. She waits though, as Dion politely makes sure all is well. "Such a lovely group," she comments lightly.

Rukhnis makes a quiet grunting noise at Rysen and flicks her gaze away from his face, then bows deeply to him before he walks over to take the next dance with Kaia. She looks over at Merek a bit dubiously, as if unsure whether he's actually going to keep dancing with a different partner.

Kaia smiles at Dion's compliment, a slight glow on her face, "Ah, it was a mutual effort." she says, before glancing over to Martino and then Rysen, before returning to Dion. "I'm up for a change." she agrees, gazing back at Rysen and couteously nodding to him before placing her hand in his. "Well, of course Lord Rysen.~" she chimes.

Martino steps anew across the dance floor, around the outside, as partners group up anew. He claps his hands to time with Evaristo anew, "Ah... back to it now. Left-PAUSE-Right-Left. Come my leads. Follows, remember, the opposite. You are going Right-PAUSE-Left-Right."

Olivia watches as everyone switches partners.

Dion points at Evaristo, like my man. He heard that suspiciously spoons-like meander on the lute. Respect. Turning back to Kaia, Rysen and Lisebet, he addresses the Bisland lady in a loud whisper, with a nod to Rysen, "Show this yearling him how it's done." Then he's turning to offer Lisebet a bow, "Duchess Ashford? Shall we dance?" And with a look of suspicion he has to ask, "I have to admit some shock. How do all the duchesses keep getting younger while I keep getting older?"

Taking Kaia's hand in his, and placing his other hand on her hip, Rysen begins to dance with Kaia, performing the movements Martino has taught them. He is a little stiff at first, but after the first few steps, he glances down at Kaia's face and smiles a little. He begins to relax, and move with more grace in time with the music and the movements of his partner.

Evaristo smiles rascally and switches to another tune, equally up beat and the same pace, keeping an eye on Martino for his cues. He's a practiced performer, clearly - with a sense of humor, and throwing in little 'solo acts' here and there when he gets a bit bored with everything. Bit more flourish on the lute with more complicated finger-work now and then. Or playing with one hand while the other taps the wood of the instrument like a drum. But, never so much it steals the show, reigning himself in quickly.

Kaia checked willpower + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Merek nods, while he moves to find a place to relax at he moment, while he nods a bit, he then looks about to see who might be free, "Anyone?"

Lisebet curtseys, and then she laughs at Dion's comment. "I cannot speak for any other duchess," she says, "But in my defense, I am literally just married to Duke Harlan." Hey, she comes by her youngness naturally! Also, she's not been a duchess long. Perhaps she'll get younger over time? She arches a brow briefly at the other dancers, and then turns to her new partner, as the music starts up again. She's easily willing to let herself be led around the dance floor. "It is good to improve one's dancing skills, as there are many balls in Arx," she offers, as bait.

Rukhnis eyes Merek sideways as she seems to be wondering whether he simply missed the cue from Martino to switch out with her, or, as her expression seems to suggest she finds more likely, has purposefully and maliciously snubbed her. After a moment's consideration, though, she seems to decide to give him the benefit of the doubt and crosses the room over to him, saying politely, "You may dance with me, if you wish to, as my own partner has also been switched."

The Bisland gets into position, and at first all seems to be going fine, however she catches a glimpse of her bestie across the room galncing at her dance with Rysen and a smirk curls slightly on her lips. She looks back up at Rysen, with a beaming smile. The first sequence went well, but when they went for the second repetition her ankle "twisted", "Ow...ow!" she cried out for a moment. "Ah...I- I think I've just twisted my ankle...oh no, it seems Olivia will /need/ to take my place...oh no.~" she begins to say, slowly stepping away from the dancefloor -likely with the aid of someone.

Merek did in fact not notice the cue, and blinks a bit as he looks to Ruk, "My apologies!" he says, then he moves to bow and offer a hand to her also, while he nods a bit.

Olivia looks up and looks a little confused. She sees a limping Kaia. "Kaia do you need medical aide?"

Rayne goes quickly towards kaia " Cousin are you ok?"

Rukhnis offers a gracious bow to Merek in return that seems to dismiss any apologies as unnecessary, and takes his hand, albeit a little gingerly.

Martino winces a moment as the Lady Kaia twists her ankle, "Ah Lady Kaia... let us... sit you beside your... cousin, I assume." He considers, most Bisland he has met have been cousins to Kaia. Most people he has met... have been cousins to her actually. His right hand out, elbow, to led lead her to the couch, nodding to Olivia, "Ah, my Lady Olivia. You shall - have - to take our dear Kaia's place."

"No, silly! You /need/ to take my place! You /cannot/ leave my partner here partnerless!~" she urges, giving Olivia a 'go for it girl' look, as she pretends to have been injured and limps over to the seat where Rayne was at (yes her cousin) -with Martino's aid.

Olivia looks around, "If the Iron guard comes I was never here." She rolls her eyes a little and mKe her way to the dance floor. "Lord Rysen" She curtseys.

Rysen laughs softly - and then quickly kneels down beside Kaia, "Gods and spirits! Are alright, My Lady? I am so sorry - that was certainly my fault." He stands as Martino assists Kaia to the couch, and turns to smile warmly at Olivia. "Lady Olivia," he replies and bows. He holds out his hand to her.

Evaristo is overheard praising Martino: Teaching the world to dance!

Olivia takes the hand offered and looks around at everyone else to figure out what to do with the other. She clearly has not payed a whole lot of attention. Goodie.

Fancy, the highly discerning Graypeak Mountain pup, Alena Sparks, unamused first mate leave, following Evaristo.

Olivia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Rysen has rolled a critical success!
Rysen checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

"More balls than in any other city in Arvum, I'm sure." Dion agrees, "Wall to wall, and stacked ten deep." As before, he dances with a certain confident aplomb, if not the greatest of skill. Lisebet's toes will be spared, which is probably the most important thing and he's able to offer some conversation at the same time. Win. "So, newlywed then? Exciting times, aren't they?" He might have said more, but he looks off and watches Kaia a time, looking worried and paternal. He naturally has to add his voice to the small chorus of concern, "Are you alright, Lady Bisland?"

Martino sits the Lady Kaia down his his fingertips, murmuring low to her, "I shall have a servant bring you something cold now." He nods, directing Johannes off to return soon to Kaia's aid. Stepping to the edge of the ballroom, he firmly sounds his hands to them "And now step four----- that pause. Then five and six. Quick movement, we make these sharp at the end."

Rysen checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Kaia is overheard praising Martino: A most wonderful dancer and teacher!

Rysen is overheard praising Martino: An excellent dance instructor!

Merek smiles to the woman, and nods a bit as he considers Rukhnis, "Ah, Ser Black, Merek Black," he offers, while he bows to the woman, and looks then to Martino as he waits for more instructions about the dancing.

Kaia nods to the echoe of concerned voices with a reassuring, "Yes, I am fine. Just a simple ankle twist...nothing some rest and ice cannot fix.~" she says, and nods to Martino. Proceeding to watch the dancing from her seat.

Lisebet glances at Kaia, then over to Rysen and Olivia and a brow arches gently. She smiles though, her amusement obvious. "I do hope Lady Kaia is alright," she murmurs, in agreement with everyone. Of course, Kaia may have saved Lisebet the trouble, so it's all good. With her toes spared, Lisebet continuses to dance, not tiring yet, and easily following the steps called out by Martino. "Newlywed, yes," she replies easily. "And very exciting. So much so that I expect I am not the only one to be wishing for a little less exciting at times."

Rukhnis checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Rukhnis slants a glance over at Kaia, then at Olivia and Rysen, and briefly turns her gaze heavenward. Turning her attention back to her new partner, "Rukhnis al-Katibi," she introduces herself to Merek. "It honours me to make your acquaintance." A look flickers through her eyes that might almost be impatience, and she unobtrusively yet firmly guides Merek into the proper position and starts the steady right-pause-left-right steps herself, helpfully counting them out quietly, either for the benefit of herself or her partner.

Rayne is a little concerned for his cousin " kaia you sure your all right? "

Once he is certain Kaia is alright, Rysen gazes at Olivia. Perhaps due to his recent practice or familiarity with his partner, he begins dance more fluidly, seeming to lose himself in the music, unable to keep from smiling.

Merek checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Lisebet checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Olivia tries her best to keep up. She does. Just barely though. It isn't pretty. She mKes little "Oh!" sounds when she makes a wrong step or almost hits a toe. Olivia is turning bright pink.

Martino smiles pleased at the graceful steps of Rukhnis, perhaps caught off guard by the Eursai woman's steps, "Oh well done miss Ru-kch-nis." He attempts, perhaps mastering, the accent for her name. A smile goes to Rysen and Olivia as he survives, the first half at least, of the dance, "Try smaller steps Olivia. Smaller. You do not need to leap the chasam."

Merek nods a bit, and moves into the maneuvers, managing the steps well as he does the correct order of them. He then shifts a bit so that he can keep track of Ruk's movements as he does.

Olivia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Rysen chuckles to hear Martino's great advice to Olivia. When Olivia whispers something to him, he laughs happily, as he continues to dance with her. He shakes his head, and, glancing at Kaia, says softly to Olivia, "No, but I think someone else might have."

Kaia nods at Rayne, "Yes, cousin, I promise you I am fine." she tells him, and then adds a little wink after having whispered something to him.

"Sadly, from my experience," Dion says to Lisebet, after he's been mostly assured that Kaia is going to be okay, "Arvum is almost always in turmoil of some kind or another. It always has been, and probably always will be. From what I gather, if you want less excitement, you'll have to pick up and move to Jadairal for the peace and tranquility of life in the Undying Empire." The dancing continues, and he's ever the gentleman about it, careful to not maim the new duchess.

Olivia does her best to take Martino's advice. It works! She shortens her steps up a little and her form picks up a little. Less danger to feets also.

Rukhnis inclines her head in grateful acknowledgement of Martino's praise as she keeps up the steady pattern of steps across the ballroom floor. She is still keeping the occasional wary eye on her partner's feet, perhaps moreso than she had with Rysen, but even so they seem to be managing to avoid any disasters or even any particularly pronounced errors, and the grace of her motion becomes more noticeable the more at ease she becomes with the repetition of the same steps to the cadence of the music.

The young Lord can't help but look at everyone and smile as how much fun everyone is having " that's good" he says happy his cousin was alright

Lisebet shudders a bit, at that comment. "I think that might not be quite what I had in mind. A little less excitement is not quite the same as none." She shakes her head a bit, continuing to dance easily, and since her partner is doing well, she starts to add small fluorishes to her steps. "I suppose I could be wrong, but I think I'd rather be here in Arx."

Rysen continues to dance with Olivia, pulling her a little closer into his arms with less fear of having his feet crushed. A little bit of color rises to his cheeks as he moves with her about the dance floor.

Martino curls his lips, a faint smirk touching them as he cheekily glimpses to Rysen and Olivia. Privately pleased with his potential matchmaking skills. With such he brings himself to the front to bow his head low, "Ah... my good dancers, Lords, Ladies. Knights, guests of the city and Duchess. Today, well this morning. We should call this to a close." His waves his hands low, signalling and end as he adds, "Truly I thank you all for coming along, for taking the time to learn the simple box steps. Truly, mastering these will have you adding more soon." He curls his lips a moment as he says, "Perhaps next time even, we shall add a spin."

"My sincere thanks for the lessons, Lord Martino," says Rysen, as he steps off the dance floor with Olivia. "I learned a lot, and had an excellent time."

Merek nods a bit as he backs from Ruk and bows to her, "Thank you," he says, then to Martino, "And to you, it's truly nice to learn more about dancing," he adds with a smile.

"I think it would be a curious place to visit, but not a good place to stay." Dion says with a mild, untroubled smile, "Arx is surely the place to be. Though, I would love to get my hands on one of their ships... that beast in the harbor was-" Something, though he's slowing as Martino speaks up to put the lesson to an end. He looks vaguely disappointed, but neatly steps away from Lisebet and gives her a bow, "Thank you kindly for the dance." And Martino, "Thank you for the lessons, my Lord. It's been enjoyable."

Rukhnis glances over at Martino, managing to look both dubious and intrigued at the same time at the mention of spins. She also appears just the least bit regretful to have the class and her dance come to end, despite her extreme reluctance to have it start in the first place. Bowing to Merek, she says solemnly, "All thanks go to you, I am sure."