He had been doing his diplomatic duty, mingling amicably with the gathered wolves. Admittedly, the amount of those attending the ball was slightly overwhelming-- his aptitude for following conversation decreased exponentially the more voices added in. Nevertheless, he made it a point to make himself accessible this evening, should anyone seek to approach him. It was when he finished his brief chat with the Diveenian leader Orion that he spied his siblings off in the distance, with Alexander's keen blue eyes focused on their Lady leader. Alistair quirked an eyebrow. He was not as sensitive to these things as his younger sister might be, but even he could see that there was something a bit... off about his brother's affect. No coincidence, then, that his gaze might linger on Zelda.

The corners of his lips quirked upwards in a smirk as he saw his little sister looking towards the woman with an expectant eye. Ah, so Samia was here to play matchmaker once more. She was not a terrible one, all things considered, already with two nephews and a niece to her love-matching name. Alistair knew that Alexander would do everything in his power to stop her, but the male was in high spirits from the energy of the evening. It was a good distraction for all of them. Moonstone and his children had given him a bit of a playful side... and what would a ball be without a little good-natured fun? He strode over to the pair swiftly, giving Samia a bit of a nudge as he passed her, placing himself squarely in the center of the two. Her little plan, whatever it was exactly, would need someone to play the role of distraction. He hadn't spoken to his brother in quite some time, and his approach was naive enough.

"Ah, Alexander, Samia. It is good to see you both together." His piercing white gaze remained focused on that of his littermate's, before flickering briefly to Samia, who seemed to still have her eyes upon Zelda. "Don't be shy. Lady Zelda is a gracious host, I am sure she would be pleased to speak with you." There was a glitter in his eyes, the subtlest smile on his lips, that was meant to convey that he was... for this plan of hers. It was his job to read people, no? Inexperienced as he was in love, Alistair had never been blind to body language. Expecting her to go on his cue, the male once again turned towards Alexander, all hints of illusive playfulness gone from his face.

He cocked his head, seeking to trap his brother in conversation. There would be other times, he supposed, to speak with no ulterior motive. They had not had much time together since their days as tiny den-mates, after all, and even then Alexander had preferred spending time with his little troop. Alistair remembered peering from the den, enshrouded in Natu's white fur, watching the leggy males range out and around the plains. It was a curious union, as their father's had been, but he supposed companionship was nothing to be scoffed at. Though to call others your brothers and yet be a ghost to those of your blood was somewhat confounding. "How is Champion-ship treating you, Alexander? Hand-picked... you must be honored." Ah, small talk, the bane of any party. But, tonight, a necessary evil.

"Lady Zelda has always spoken highly of you. I suppose it was only natural." His monotone voice had always lent itself to being rather... obfuscating. It was frustrating at times, but in situations like these it seemed to be of a greater benefit than anything.