[He does move silently, and rather like an apparition slinking from shadow to shadow to those caught off guard by his sudden presence. But Ferdinand is one of the few who has grown accustomed to this habit of his, so much that even coming up from behind to untangle hair caught in the local flora does not so much as make the other man bat an eye.

Hubert is sometimes uncertain how to feel about that. Having lost a fragment of surprise wrought from intimidation is the equivalent of shedding a semblance of control, but there’s nothing for it. And he finds the familiarity taking its place is not particularly unwelcome, in the strictest sense.

Still, whereas Ferdinand is open and congenial with those around him, Hubert is decidedly... not. A predilection shown in the way he crosses his arms across his chest, huffing out a sound of dour amusement.]

I had been observing her and those around her from afar, if that is what you mean, yes. [But he had not been subtle enough, apparently.] But she soon suggested that I spend my evening entangled in a dance or two, instead of merely watching the festivities come and go. So I am here, biding my time until I return.

[Pointedly not dancing, as he can see.]

And what of yourself? It’s strange to see you out here alone. I thought I’d spot you sailing by with someone on your arm, spinning around on the dance floor ad nauseam.