[ OSTIA ] - An Ostian court dance where the leading partner wields a ceremonial sword as a part of the routine. This dance, meant to resemble a knight with his lady, is getting some attention from the students of Fódlan.
As if Ike would pass up an opportunity to bring a sword.
Naturally, the sword gets confiscated from him before he can even enter, but it's swapped with a ceremonial sword with a promise his real sword will be returned to him later.
He's never been much of a dancer, and less the type to enjoy a fancy ball. Still, here he is, willing or not. He at least knows how to dance, even if the lessons also had been unwilling. Even if he's not having fun, it doesn't mean he can't help others have fun, too.
He spots Seadall in the crowd. Ike realises belatedly, embarrassingly, that he knows so little about a man he feels like he spent an eternity with.
No time like the present, right?
"I can't pretend I can dance," Ike tells him, "but I can try." Seadall looks the type who can dance, and maybe it won't be too bad. If it is, maybe it'll be a good laugh, rather than painful humiliation.
He bows as he takes Seadall's hand, like a knight to his lord. Can he still remember this dance? He can give it his best shot. Ike's free hand unsheathes the sword, before pulling Seadall in close. (This is too close, it's weird. His whole body feels like it's breaking out in hives. Ike swallows the discomfort down, as much as he can.)
With a protective arm around Seadall's waist, they twirl, as if gracefully avoiding the attacks of enemy soldiers together. Each step, each turn, it's all in time with the music - at least, Ike thinks it's in time. His eyes are somewhere far away as he tries to think of something else, anything else, to distract from the embarrassment crawling up and down his skin.
Maybe after this, he can get a drink.
For now, Ike carefully tucks a rose inside Seadall's pocket as they dance, and hopes he won't notice until Ike is long gone.