Haron made way for himself through the multitude. It was a nasty business: he had to elbow relatives and strangers alike. His father's guests were quite interested in the upcoming attraction: the Cuthintal vessel and the one who owned her. Haron grimaced remembering the unpleasant remark.

All bitterness faded, though, when he saw her. He was still in the middle of the never-ending crowd, but he stopped dead in his tracks and looked up. There she was, at the top of the stairs, bringing light to the room from above, like the sun. Her gown's beauty paled in comparison to her own: she had dressed to impress the cruel scrutiny of Gha'alia and she had succeeded. Nevertheless, the black silk and provocative yet elegant cut were just tools to emphasize her beauty. She was breath-taking in rags and her carefree laughter in those was much more enticing than the uneasy look she had now.

That expression that didn't seem to fit her forced him out of his reverie. Of course she felt uncomfortable. Her arm was trapped in an iron grip by her escort and jailer.

The Onyx Chandler. Duliae Laushust.

Everyone was staring at them and whispering... some quite loudly.

"Do you reckon they're lovers?" said the most distasteful man in the room.

Haron made sure to elbow him extra hard when he passed by his side.

The two surprise guests began walking down the stairs, slowly, one of them enjoying the uproar and attention; the other, intimidated and feigning confidence with the tiniest smile.

No sooner had they set foot on the floor than they were surrounded by the crowd. Everyone had questions, and those who didn't wanted to be heard. Because if there was something in Gha'alia it was people with opinions and the need to share them.

Haron reached them when the crowd began to disperse, in time to see Duliae whispering in her ear.

"Now go mingle, my dear. Try to be discreet... but not too much."

She nodded and turned around, coming face to face with Haron. Her surprise disappeared immediately, leaving room for the most dazzling smile. He couldn't help but smile in return, his sour mood soon forgotten. A relieved sigh escaped from her lips.

"It's good to see a familiar face."

Haron offered his arm and she took it gladly.

"It must not have been easy to be escorted by that ghastly creature."

She laughed quietly but shook her head. Her hair moved gracefully and grazed his left shoulder. The smell of citrus reached his nose. It was nice, but Haron was sure that a sweeter scent would fit her much better.

"He's very kind to me. I know it's only because I'm useful to him, but I have no complaints."

"I would have liked to be your escort. I assure you, I'd make my best effort to be entertaining company. Besides, this is my father's house. It'd only make sense."

A new voice interrupted their conversation from behind.

"It's because this is your father's house that you'd make a poor escort." Duliae had two glasses of wine and gave one to her. She thanked him politely but didn't drink. "She needs to make an impression. To be seen with someone of influence. I'm afraid you don't live up to our needs."

Haron rolled his eyes.

"You're certainly infamous."

Duliae smiled behind his glass.

"And you," he said, turning to the human, "should be mingling with the elves you don't know already. Talking to Haron is pointless. In more ways than one."

"He's telling me about the most distinguished guests. I'd rather have some intel before I converse with them."

Her quick intervention surprised Haron only momentarily. By the time the Onyx Chandler looked at him with suspicion, he already had a mask of seriousness on.

"As you wish, my dear. Just remember our goal here. No fooling around."

"Of course, Duliae. You can trust me."

Duliae scoffed.

"As if you were the one I'm worried about."

He left them to their own devices, not without throwing one last glance over his shoulder. Once he was out of sight, the girl giggled nervously.

"Oh, I was so sure he was going to catch us."

"He probably did. But it's not like he can drag you away and force you to make connections."

She frowned a little, probably feeling guilty.

"No, but... I should."

"So soon, madralee? I missed your laugh."

And she laughed, embarrassed but so obviously happy. Haron tightened the grip on her arm ever so slightly.

"I missed you" she said. 

Haron knew it was probably a bad idea to kiss her breathless right there, but she was making it so hard for him...

"Agh! Your ghoulish patron is giving us that look again. Quick, nod and pretend I'm telling you the darkest secrets of that lady in the green gown over there."

She didn't even have to pretend to be interested: Haron knew the darkest secrets of said lady.

"You really will be a fearsome spy someday."

Haron looked at her, feigning indignation.

"Am I not fearsome enough already? Ask away and I'll frighten every Gha'alian child to gift their candy to you, madralee."

The girl laughed out loud and clung to his arm, moving her body closer.

"How valiant is my knight!"

"You mock me, madralee, but the Gha'alian children are a scary bunch."

In between all their banter, they also found time to actually mingle. It wasn't until the dinner bell rang that they decided it was time to part ways. Reluctantly so, Haron let her arm go. In exchange, he stole her gloved hand.

"There'll be a ball after dinner. A proper one."

The girl fidgeted on the spot.

"You mean like... waltzing? I'm not sure I..."

"You don't have to. But just so you know, I'm an exceptional teacher."

"And I can't risk making a fool of myself in front of the people I'm supposed to impress."

Harsh words. Which didn't make them any less true.

"Perhaps you could give me a lesson or two in another occasion. Preferably, when we're alone."

Haron smirked. She made it so easy.

"We're still talking about waltzing, of course..."

"Of course."

Haron entertained the idea of cheating and trading his seat at dinner with whichever lucky bastard would sit at her side. He felt her hand gently slipping from his grasp and quickly kissed it. Only then he freed her hand. The girl clasped both hands behind her back, blushing slightly. She couldn't look him in the eye, but her smile was signal enough for him.

She likes me too.

"I must go now..."

"I'll find you later" Haron said, as she turned her back to him.

And he would. It was a strange certainty: he was convinced he'd always find her in a crowd of thousands.