[ Balls were, by and large, onerous events. Aldercapt had enjoyed his pomp and ceremony, and there was no better way for the Niflheim upper crust to flash their military ranking without appearing to grandstand. Ardyn had flitted in and out of them, a word here, a smile there, lingering where not wanted and avoiding where he was. They'd never been enjoyable - just a means to an end.

In many ways, this Firialia Eve Ball was much the same. Ardyn had a reputation to uphold here, too, and though he didn't need it as much as he had needed the trappings that came with Chancellor, he still had to put some effort into it. A little, a least.

He milled around. The handsome, well tailored suit he wore was only partially marred by the three scarves had had refused to leave off: they'd clashed so erratically with the elegant black lines. He actually looked quite formal, handsome even. All a part of the show.

A small crowd had gathered in one particular area. Ardyn sauntered over, his tread careful, yet still with that deliberate, lupine heaviness despite his slight limp. He peered over a shoulder at the object of interest --

-- and almost did a double take.

It wasn't a surprise to see King Regis Lucis Caleum, 113th of the line of Lucis, here in Lunatia. Word got around in the Lunar Scientia about newcomers, and Ardyn looked out for any who called 'Eos' their home, and especially any with that surname. He'd known he was here.

He just hadn't expected to see him so diminutive, and sporting such delicate little wings.

If he'd been under my boot like this, he thought, I'd have squashed him like an insect, Bahamut or no Bahamut.

Clearly his throat, he pushed his way through the little knot of strangers and, with a wide smile and a carrying voice, proclaimed: ]

King Regis Lucis Caelum! Imagine my surprise to see you here - and so changed, at that! Has a forth moon lit up our perilous skies, or is this simply a danger of this most delightful gathering?

[ His smile was wide, his bow flourishing and flamboyant, and his eyes sharp and cruel. ]