OCC: This one goes way way back to the beginning. The first meeting of Selene and Balthier.

FFXII- Dance

The House, as Rabanstre's underground den of guilty pleasures was fondly called, was as always full of the spices scents of incense and perfume. Fran hated the place and always shoved him into the bath the second he walked in the door, all the while grumbling at the stench that clung to his clothing and skin. Baltheir didn't mind it at all however. The House was this city's best kept secret- well one of them. Completely illegal in the Empire occupied country it ran every delight known to man with in it's walls. From bed partners of very choice and preference to it's gaming tables and stage entertainment. Even it's alcohol was the best in the region. Over all it was an excellent place to both unwind and do the type of business that was right up the Pirate's ally, as Balthier was doing now. After all places like this made tongues loose and the name of the game tonight was 'information', as was this beauty. Balthier thought as he turned eyes to the stage as the dancers came and took their places. His attention now only half on the cards in his hand, his table companions not yet drunk enough to participate in any worthwhile conversation. So Balthier temporarily ignored them as the dancers started their performance. Up until the Occupation these dancers would have been celebrated members of their society, Dalmascan dancers had once been well renowned for the grace and beauty for which they moved. But now under the harsh thumb of the Empire these girls, who's very existence was the only thing keeping the traditions of Dalmasca's artistic past alive, where nothing more then cheap entertainment for the seedier side of the city's population. It was sad in a way, that such talents could very well be lost forever if given enough time. But that was not what had caught his eye.

This was the third time Balthier had had the pleasure of seeing this particular troupe perform. Their Lead being was drew his attention. She stood out for many reasons, one being the fact that unlike her companions she remained completely covered, head to toe in various costumes that both hide and tease, a good way to stand out when the rest of the girls around you were half to mostly naked. Tonight was a fiery arrangement of yellow, orange and red silks with golden accessories. Little more then artfully woven scarves. It perfectly set off the goldenrod hair and sunkissed skin. She was not native Dalmascan he could tell that much. Her hair was too dark a gold and her skin, while tanned, lacked the pure natural dusk of the natives of this country. But it was her eyes that really gave her away. Never had Balthier seen a more pure and piercing shade of ice blue.

She always moved to the rhythm all her own as she spun her steps to the music. Once she started it was easy to see why she was so popular as she wove her stories through the fluid grace known to Dalmascan dances, with the fiery passion of Rozzarian dances and with the sharp tight twists he recognized as distinctly Archadian. All together it made for great entertainment indeed. Balthier knew more then one man tonight would be going home 'entranced' by this Siren.

"Hey Drak, come on you can't play that... it's worthless." One of his companions was complaining.

"It's all I got... come on it's worth more then it looks." The Rozzarian Pirate who called himself Drak responded.

"Let him keep it." Balthier was quick to stop the argument about to start. His companions might not be drunk enough to share anything useful in the information department, but they were certainly drunk enough to start a brawl.

"You aren't even looking at it." The first to complain stated

"That's because he's too easily sidetracked by a pretty face. " Drak teased. "Careful 'friend' if you keep letting the sluts distract you you'll lose this game."

"Don't be so sure." Balthier drawled turning back to his table. "Looking at them is certainly more pleasurable then staring at your faces." He tossed back a shot and laid his bet. A small fortune but he already knew what cards where in his hand.

"Are you calling us ugly?" Drak asked

"Of course not." Balthier smirked

"Good." Dark went to his hand.

"I'm calling you less then pleasurable to look at."

"Huh?" Drak didn't get it but his second companion did as he burst into laughter as he laid his bet.

"Nevermind Drak, way above you. Just play."

Balthier turned back to stage letting the other two bet back and forth as the pot grew. Finally it was time to lay down the cards. As predicted Balthier won.

"No way... you cheated." Drak accused

"How could I possibly cheat when you dealt the cards?" Balthier asked.

"I don't know but you did." Drak growled. "We're playing again..."

"Maybe later." The dancers were moving through the crowd now that their show was done. Joining in at the tables to play with the patrons of the House.

"No now..." He fisted a hand in Balthiers vest

Balthier's eyes narrowed. "You don't want to do this here 'friend.' Trust me." the Sky Pirate held his hands loosely at his sides, close to his firearms. "The Matron won't like it and I for one would rather her on my side."

Drak's fist shook in rage. The Lead from the dance troupe slid up to Drak. Putting a soft, ringed, hand on the one twisted in Balthier's vest. "Come now Sir. We're all friends here aren't we?" She asked sweetly. Balthier was struck by her beauty as she lowered her eyes teasingly. Red painted full lips offering a promising smile. "There are far better times be had then beating someone to a bloody pulp." She leaned in, whispering into Drak's ear. "Why don't you come with me and I can show you heh?"

Drak looked at the girl, something entered his eyes and his skin paled. Which perked Balthier's curiosity... was that recognition? If it had been then why was the other Pirate suddenly so ill at ease over the a simple dancing girl. Balthier studied her but saw no reason for the reaction of the Rozarrian Pirate. Still Balthier's senses were telling him something wasn't quite right here. "I..." As quickly as it came on it left and he growled again. "Fine." He shoved Balthier back, but the taller man kept his feet. "Later." He then stomped off.

"That was close." Balthier's other table mate sighed. "Sorry for my partner, drink doesn't always agree with him."

The Lead smiled brightly. "Oh that's alright, but it might be a good idea for you to make sure he doesn't cause anymore trouble."

"I will, thanks." The man left as well. Balthier sighed as he started gathering up his winnings. Looks like it what he wanted was going to have to wait for now for that information.

"That's some winnings." The girl said. "To think you Pirates had so much to play with."

Balthier said nothing, his gut feeling that something was off was growing.

"Not very talkative are you?" The girl asked slipping closer. "That's alright, I don't mind the silent type."

"Why did you interfere?" He asked her

"Why wouldn't I? It would be bad for everyone if a fight broke out."

"But that is not all."

"Oh come on... you really think someone like me could possibly have an alternative motive." He eyed her again.

"I suppose not." He offered her a roguish smirk, not for once believing that statement. "Care to join me tonight?"

Now it was her turn to smile. "Sorry but I don't do that sort of thing."

"No?"

She shook her head. Reaching for and picking up a locket from the pile. Drak's bet...the worthless thing. "How about I just take this as payment for my services."

"What services? You've hardly provided me with any 'services' yet this evening to note"

"Funny and here I thought keeping you from getting your nose bloodied was a service."

He grabbed the locket from her hand. "I think not."

"Why not?"

"Because beautiful women deserve beautiful things and this...' Balthier held it up. "Is definitely not a beautiful thing." he watched her closely, there it something in her eyes. She hid it well... very well... but it was there.

She seemed irritated at first, far more then she should have been, but she easily smiled "What is it your suggesting?"

He leaned down. "Come with me and see."

She looked fleetingly at the locket he was holding then at him and back. "I already said I don't do that sort of thing."

"Pity." He straightened shoving the locket in his pocket. "But if you are completely sure..." he let the innuendo fall off. Waiting to see what she would do. At her silence he nodded 'Good evening then Miss." he walked away. Missing the coldness that entered the ice blue eyes of the dancer as she glared at his back and the determined purse of her lips.