both were silent.

there were ways for kicking and screaming.

Really, this had been quite the night, some drama aside. Or maybe that drama helped to accomodate the excitement of it all? Alex, or perhaps Nick Chopper as he was going by tonight, was probably going to enjoy himself. It was a night of no consequences, where one could do things they would never do, be who they would never be, and not have to worry about it all in the aftermath. That was the magic of the Masquerade, and he made sure that he was going to take full advantage of that. Find someone nice, maybe even have a fight with another member here, within rason. He didn't want to get thrown out. He also didn't want to accidentally assault some snooty noble.

So for now, he simply leaned back at the table and continued to have a drink. He would make sure not to get shitfaced like other people had, that would just be rude, and also embarrassing. It was one thing for a night of no consequences, personal shame was another. But it seemed to have paid off, someone had come, and while her dress and mask were lovely, she herself seemed to be well, the best way to put it would be that she was on the verge of a breakdown. "No need to be so nervous." Nick Chopper chimed in, putting his glass down. He'd tried to get a dance with her earlier, but never had a shot. Why was she nervous?

He slid on down the table before pushing himself off and offering his hand to the girl known as Trot. "You walked right out of a fairy tale." He said with a smile and a wink, the upper part of his face hidden behind a silver mask. He was surprised that the other guy had let her go so quick, but hey, worked for him, he guessed.

both were silent.

there were ways for kicking and screaming.

Ah good, it seemed that she was up for another dance. She was definitely nervous though, no matter how much she tried to deny as such. For now, the rest of the Masquerade and dancers wouldn't matter, it would be rude of him to focus on anyone else. He took her silk glove into his hand, leaning forward to plant a kiss on the back of her hand. Always be the gentleman when possible~ "At this Masquerade, I am Nick Chopper. I guess I'm the Tin Man." Of course, he wouldn't use his real name, not for a while. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he leaned in with a smirk. "But right now, you may call me yours." He gave as a whisper.

He led her out onto the dance floor, where others were joining in on the fun. Sure, there were some dancing, but others were currently taking advantage of the food and drink laid out. For now, he kept his attention on Trot, keeping his eyes locked on hers, what he could see beyond the slits of the mask. Her eyes didn't lie. "What should I call you?" His feet began to move as he started to lead the dance between them. There was no need to have something eclectic and fast paced, something more slow, more romantic.

He led into a simple twirl, nothing elaborate, something to keep her immersed in it all without having to worry about complicated moves. "How did you mask your mask? It's absolutely lovely." He asked, looking at her mask. He wondered who the face behind it was, but he doubted he'd ever know.

both were silent.

there were ways for kicking and screaming.

Ah, there it was. A small crack. Really, he hadn't expected it to be something so simple, yet there was a certain sense of endearment for that. It also told him that this girl wasn't really used to compliments and as a result, probably wasn't one of the nobles. Either that or a really tomboyish noble that didn't get a lot of compliments for some reason. He found that one odd, she really was gorgeous. How could someone like her not have a nice boy, or girl, if he thought about it, waiting for her back at home, or pining after her, or something? Really, sometimes the world just made no sense! "For which I am glad. You have too much natural beauty to hide it all behind a glamour."

But he simply moved on for now. The Tin Man was not what one would call slow. Well, he was slow at dancing, so maybe he was slow there. With them talking, he wasn't even thinking about the dance anymore, and humorously, his performance improved for it. Apparently it was a case of mind over matter, if you thought you were going to screw it up, then there was a good chance that you absolutely would. "And your dress?" He inquired, his hand slowly moving up her back. It would only take a second. "It fits your figure exquisitely." He said as his fingers brushed against the bare skin of her upper back.

That told him a lot right there. Someone who enjoyed the outdoor life. Who enjoyed the roughness of camping and made it something that they did on a regular basis. An adventurer maybe? Perhaps a Warden. Her round ears said she was human. "And the colors compliment your skin and your hair." Really, there was something rather nice about dark hair colors. His hand traced back down her back with a wink before resting again at her waist as they continued their dance.

both were silent.

there were ways for kicking and screaming.

Ah, he had her. The blushing made it clear that she was not exactly used to this sort of treatment. The fact that she had closed her eyes and let out an exhale and a sharp inhale made it clear that she was pretty clearly into this. The song was beginning to wind down. Perhaps after this he would take her outside the Masquerade or somewhere more private. Yes, he'd found his company for the evening and was quite content with not needing to mosey around the crowd. He could notice the signs, and sometimes it was more enjoyable not to continually strike it up with others, but to explore it with one.

That being said, he smirked as she tried to say that she saw right through him, she was trying to play the game just as well. He had to admit, she was dangerously good at it. Very dangerously good at it. If she ever tried to put it to work elsewhere, she would probably find quite a bit of success. Alex feigned a look of offense at her suggestion that he was faking it, but he didn't seem all that bothered about it all. "Oh? You don't believe me?" He came back as he grinned. Oh yes, if she was going to go in this direction, then he would play along. He wondered if his little Trot knew what she may have just gotten herself into~ At least he'd make sure she'd enjoy it.

Well, maybe. He leaned in, brushing past her mask and her hair to her ear. "Then allow me to prove it." He spoke in a low whisper, before leaning in just a bit further to give the lobe of her ear a quick bite before pulling away for only a moment. His arm wrapped itself entirely around her back, bringing her fully into his grasp as he leaned his body forward into a dip. Leaning down, he attempted to capture Trot in a kiss. It was a nice for romance and passion, he figured~ And he also figured that it would either go one of two ways, either she would reciprocate, or she would slap him. Fortunately, it was a night of no consequence, so any embarrassment would remain only with Nick Chopper~

both were silent.

there were ways for kicking and screaming.

To be honest, there was a part of him that was nervous. This was still for the most part unfamiliar territory for him. Had he ever known a woman? Why in the world would he give something like that up? There was a strange bubbling of excitement, but also inner apprehension as to whether this was even a good idea. While the idea of no consequences was a pleasant one, there was still the fact that he was still kissing a stranger. Who knew who it was behind the mask? In all honesty, he really wanted to know. It was clear that she was new to all of this, the way that she trembled and tripped over her own words as he pulled her to her feet were proof of that. Really, it was all so endearing to him.

He grinned as he watched her trip over her words, trying to apologize and insist that she really did enjoy it. He knew that much, if she didn't she would've pushed him away. She had put herself in that position before simply accepting the kiss. They were anonymous, not like any trouble would come from her embarrassing him or something. He didn't really say anything reassuring as he continued to grin. He had his own way of calming her down, lousy as it may have been. He simply wrapped his arms back around her and pulled her into another kiss, before pulling back once again, showing in his own way that he didn't take any offense. Instead, he simply kept his reddening face behind his mask and gave her an inviting gaze. "Perhaps we can go outside for a bit? You may like the gardens."

Yes, if they went outside, then they could perhaps enjoy each other's company a bit more without the music and dancing and without all the eyes. He had a feeling she was shy enough that she would enjoy herself more just a little in problem. Leaning in again, he simply whispered to her. "I think I've found my partner for the night." Oh yes, this Trot was quite the catch, he wasn't going to be letting her go tonight, in fact, he doubted he would even make it back to the dance tonight depending on how things went~ Breaking off from her, moving to her side, and offering his arm for her, he gave her a wink. "If you would wish to be mine for the night~" Just let go for a bit, breathe, and enjoy.

both were silent.

there were ways for kicking and screaming.

As they stepped outside the ball room itself, Alex found himself filled with a new wave of energy, not that he didn't feel the adrenaline pumping from what he was going for with this lovely Trot, but still, he enjoyed being outside more than he did being cooped up inside, in full view of the public, where everyone could see him. Yes, they were anonymous, but there was just that extra bit of security. There was something about the fresh air of the outside compared to the inside. He didn't smell the food anymore, nor did he smell the copious amounts of alcohol and in all honesty, he was a bit more thankful for it. The flowers of the garden provided a much more pleasing aroma anyway.

Her question seemed like a mix of curiosity and a bit of a probe, perhaps there was a game she wished to play? "That seems fair." He airily remarked, as if we was just enjoying the event of asking questions with no real goal in mind. "I will start. I travel Hyrule and do as I please, and rarely do I stay in one place for long." There were many professions that could go by such rules, so he doubted it'd be so easily simplified to Warden. If it was then perhaps he had already blown his cover. "And now I believe it is your turn to answer?" He wondered what she did. Did she have a humble calling like him or something a bit more grandiose for someone like her? Especially if she was able to get such a nice dress.

At last they came to a bench away from any prying eyes and he seated himself, not releasing her arm from his. There was of course, a reason for that, simply put, he wished to pull her down with him, but not simply to sit on the bench; he'd rather have her on his lap. There was something he found exhilarating about holding her to him, pulling her close to him and enjoying her general warmth. Of course, there was no telling how she would react to it, but he doubted he would mind either way, she did seem to be enjoying his company after all.