Raymond expressed his apology for startling the mare with a penitent swivel of his ears that did nothing to cast a shadow over his features. The two of them sharing space made for an interesting contrast: she, soft and buttermilk-pale with a fay creature's diaphonous grace and bearing; he, hard and sleek as the blade he bore, gifted with an entirely different sort of elegance. One artist sees another.
He nodded graciously at her recognition as a connection was made. "Much appreciated! I can't recall ever having a better audience with which to share it," the red stallion replied without hyperbole. In another universe, where things had transpired very differently in his life, Raymond imagined he very much would have been quite the socialite and tale-teller.
But then, would he ever have lived a life that would give him such stories to tell?
"Name's Raymond." He bobbed both head and tail blade, offering the height of rendari respect in response to the pale mare's curtsy. "I'm new in town."
Messalina must have been from Dawn court - strangely the first he had met since Ipomoea who was not obliged to entertain him by virtue of being a merchant or server. The festival seemed to have attracted all manner of attendants, which he assumed was the point given the sheer variety of performances and decor. "Where did you learn to dance like that, Messalina? I must say, I've never seen quite such exquisite choreography before."
and at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns
when the man comes around
@Messalina Pfff why put off later what you can do right now
aut viam inveniam aut faciam