The Baron smiled at Nessa, even his eyes seemed to shine. "Ah dear High Baroness Feyal. The pleasure is all mine." Everything about him seemed so sincere, but it was a lie. This is what made Baron a dangerous man, he could hide his emotions like no other, and he was manipulative. He could lead you on that you are his best friend while he manipulated forces in the background to get you a shiv between your ribs. "If you will excuse me and my daughter, I would like to dance with her through the next few songs." With that Baron led his Elisha away to the center of the ball room, an area that was filling up since Desmond had returned to the stage.
Desmond took one last sip from his drink, it was sweet and smooth, his preference. He readied his bow and started to play "The Grand Baroness" but he left off the the opening bars, which would be fine, the song itself was rather lengthy, it takes several minutes playing to get to the bridge of the song, then even longer to finish it out. The people dancing were just eating up the music, reacting to the magic. Desmond himself was having a novel time. He half considered taking up playing for parties more often, but it was more rewarding to play for free and have people give you money just because they were moved by the music. As his first song close he quickly brought up another.
Elsewhere in the ballroom there was a plot brewing, headed by Baron. "Now remember dear," he whispered to his daughter as they danced, "We need to convince Desmond to come with us. I was surprised that he remembered me, that was one night over three years ago, this may help us."
"Do you really think he can get mother to smile again?" Elisha squeaked to her father.
"If he can't no one can." It was at this time that Desmond brought his fifth song to a close and stepped down from the stage, "Now is your chance, try to avoid making eye contact with Nessa."
Desmond walked through the crowd, rarely stopping to talk, making his way to where the food was being served, he hadn't eaten since before he went out to play that morning and now night was fast approaching, he was a bit peckish. He grabbed up a few pieces of cheese and meat and another glass of the smooth wine. 'Eating cheese and drinking wine at the manor of a High Baroness, if only Strata could see you now Desmond', he thought. Desmond turn to find that the Daughter of the Baron was approaching, he leaned back on the table and took a sip of the wine "This should be fun."
"Hello Desmond" Elisha Smiled and curtsied.
"Ah sorry miss but I don't dance, also it seems that the music performer has gone and run off somewhere." Desmond mocked looking around the room which made Elisha laugh
"No silly I just wanted to talk."
"Alright then whatever shall we talk about?"
"I'm not sure but I think Nessa wants me to stay far away from you, at least she made it evident when she approached us after you left."
"Then what are you doing here?" Desmond was interested as to why she would outright disobey the Baroness.
Elisha hadn't expected to be challenged like that, "Well, er... I um"
"Tell me Elisha, what does a daughter of a powerful Baron want with a lowly performer."
"It's not like that, well it is, but," Elisha sighed, "My father has a proposition for you?"
"A proposition?" That was when Desmond happened to glance behind Elisha, only to see Nessa fast approaching, "Something wicked this way comes." Desmond took another sip from his wine. Elisha nodded and curtsied again and walked away, as the Baroness got closer, Desmond bowed deeply. "Ah Baroness! You throw such alluring parties, I'm impressed."
