In a ball of laughter, luxury, and alcohol, Nicholas has never felt so alone. Even with the black mask adorning his features, his identity hidden, his demeanor full of his usual contempt and bitterness has left others a wide berth from him again.

His only salvation in this hell-like hall is, quite unfortunately, a boisterous and exuberant nobleman, too foolish and oblivious to sense the danger of the man he is speaking to.

Entertained and slightly amused by the man, Nicholas finds himself dancing with dancing with the cheery man's daughter, feeling somewhat bemused that he has allowed the unfamiliarity of the man's chirpiness lead him into this situation.

"Your father," he begins, a rare interest with a slight undertone of mirth seeping into his silky voice as he leads you into a dance, dictating your every move, his grasp on you firm. "Is he always such a person of laughter and nonsense? Such an entertaining and foolish guest...I may have to keep him around."