The sound of trumpets filled the grand ballroom, calling the attention of the guests. The same announcer from before cleared his throat loudly then gestured to King Edin, who rose from his throne. “Thank you all for coming to my amazing ball! I know you all had a wonderful time, because well, I hosted it, so how couldn’t you?” He laughed at himself, chuckling for perhaps too long. Those nearby chuckled reluctantly but he soon waved them off, ” Alas, the event is now over. My servants will now escort our guests who are remaining for the night to the guest house. The rest of you are expected to now make your departure.” King Edin and Queen Alibeth were quick to leave the ballroom. However the Queen had lingered a moment longer to gesture to her children to depart hastily. She did not want them to remain alone with any strangers in the soon-to-be-empty ballroom.

The crowd started to slowly pile out the door into the grand hall, then back outside to make their way toward their carriages across the draw bridge.

Countess Liliane found her daughters, Violet and Crystal. Count Cabert had joined them briefly to kiss each of his daughter’s heads. He was surprised by Crystal’s amazing charisma and ability to speak to so many people. Calbert was impressed that she had charmed two princes. Certainly, Crystal would be the topic of the night. Keeping her locked up was possibly one of their biggest mistakes. As for Violet, there was an issue that needed swift handling.

Liliane then led the girls out of the ballroom, but paused in the grand hall to ask them if they wanted to do anything else tonight. Meanwhile, Count Calbert had remained and was currenlty craning his head and searching through the crowd.

The Varian King and Queen found their offspring and servants. The Smithwood Duchesses followed suit. They were then escorted outside to the guest house, which could be located by following an outdoor cobblestone path to the side of the castle. It was exceptionally large and comfortable inside. Once here, they were shown their rooms. Most of the Varian nobles retired for some sleep while some remained in some of the parlors of the house to chat and drink tea. Additional servants were provided for the Alidasht and Varian guests by Queen Alibeth.

The Sultan Raif retired to bed, exhausted from the long journey and ordeals of the night. However, the Grand Vizier seemed to have other plans and made way for the castle once again.

For those that were not satiated, there were plenty of options ahead of them. King Edin had ordered all restaurants, shops, and taverns to be open late until at least midnight in celebration of the Alidasht’s arrival. At the Prince Callum Tavern, drinks will be free to all royals and high-ranking nobles.

In the Park of Sorian, food stalls and games are currently set up for the entire Summer. A firework show is planned for tomorrow night, but tonight there will be plenty of sweet treats to discover under the moonlight. If all of this does not appeal to one, then exploring the Kingdom streets or within the castle walls will certainly entertain one eager for adventure. The castle may be open for entry, but guests are not permitted to leave the first floor without an escort.

The starlit heavens were always a sight she loved.

Charlotte leaned onto the stone of the castle wall as she stared up at it. The moonlight shone on her in its bold glow. The dark emerald of the grass before her was lit up by the array of buildings in the close distance. She raised her gaze and admired the stars. Though there were clouds tonight, it was still a view to behold as always. It did not take long for her mother to cross her mind and for her to feel a sense of nostalgia.

There had been rare moments when she had been able to pull her mother away from it all and convince her to sit outside on a blanket to look at the sky. She’d smile up at the stars, her expression for once at peace. There was no expectation to meet nor was she invested in yelling in desperation at a husband. For once, they had been able to sit there as mother and daughter.

Glancing down at the ground far below, she watched the last few guests climb into their carriage. If it hadn’t been clear where Lorenzo had gone after searching the empty ballroom, then it certainly had been after going outside and finding her carriage missing.

She hadn’t expected Lorenzo would actually abandon her here alone.

Charlotte knew to hold her breath until she found out more information, but it still stung all the same. She had taken a moment to collect her thoughts and also to avoid Count Calbert Damien. There had been a staircase to access the top of the wall that allowed her to climb up and access the walkway on top of the wall. Perhaps she was not supposed to be up here, but it was ever the excellent hiding spot.

As her gaze moved again to the twinkling sky, she wondered if this was the sight her mother could have beheld in her final moment. Had her mother really looked to the stars and decided that’s where she had wanted to go? Charlotte bit her lip, pausing before she climbed up on the elevated stone of the wall border. She steadied herself then she shut her eyes. The breeze was all she felt and heard.

“Just like this… Is this how it happened?”

Charlotte opened her eyes as they brimmed with tears. The clouds began to dissipate as more stars twinkled down on her. “Please just tell me something.” Everything inside her screamed that her mother would have never done such a thing, but she just wanted to know for certain more than anything.

Did you really…

“Kill yourself.”

Charlotte looked over her shoulder rapidly, bewildered. Count Calbert stood there a little ways away. The moonlight cast his large shadow across the floor beneath them as he stared at her with no notable expression. His blue eyes were void of emotion. She blinked away tears.

“What?”

“Isn’t that what you’re about to do?” His expression was unreadable to the stammering young woman. She had never been able to predict the insane things he would say, but this was out of the realm for him. “No sense contemplating it. If you are not longing for this world, go to the next. “

“I-.... I wasn’t…”

Count Calbert suddenly smiled at her and waved his hand as he walked forward, closing the distance. “I’m kidding, Lady Charlotte. “

Charlotte hastily climbed down and turned defensively on her heels to face him. How dare he joke about such a thing knowing very well… She glared at him as he moved to stand at her side. With a smile, he mused, “What a gorgeous night. Do you still use that old telescope of yours?”

When she did not answer, he continued, “Your mother used to tell me you’d sneak out late at night with it even as a child. Interested in becoming an astronomer perhaps?”

He was acting as if this was a completely normal conversation… As if he hadn’t just told her to kill herself! She was at a loss for words for a moment, but then she finally asked, “What do you want from me?”

“Hmm… What do I … want from you?”Calbert repeated as if tasting the words. His eyes suddenly flashed and he stared down at her once again. He smiled, venom behind his eyes as he asked smoothly, “Do you remember that little talk we had about Duke Vikena?”

He went on without letting her reply, “You agreed that we were at an understanding that…Lorenzo would. not. attend. events.” As he started to put emphasis on his last words, his voice only slightly changed in tone but it was ever so calm. Somehow it still made her wince. “...And we both know very well you’re the only one he listens to for the most part… Don’t we?” She opened her mouth but he held up his hand, quiet anger in his tone, “Then we also know that the most probable reason he came tonight was to make you happy,wasn’t it?”

Charlotte did indeed recall him saying this very idea to her more than once over the past year; that he wanted her to put effort into keeping Lorenzo essentially cooped up. She let out a shaky breath and spoke as steadily as she could manage. “Please understand that my father wanted to attend… He wants to socialize too. It isn’t fair for either of us to simply never leave our home again, Count Damien.”

“Oh please, he’s not your father.” The tone got worse. She started to step backward away, but he only stepped forward toward her at the same pace. “You know as well as I do that you’re an orphan... An orphan with the baggage of a deranged man she lives with.”As her eyebrows start to furrow, he pressed on, “Be rational, Lottie.”

Charlotte clenched her fists to hide how they trembled. He had always been unusual, but this was something else. He’s gone mad. Fear gripped her, paralyzing her in her spot. She felt like a cornered rabbit in the woods. She averted her gaze as it was hard to think with the look he was giving her. …As if calling anyone other than himself deranged right now could be considered rational!

Charlotte forced herself to look back up at the long-haired man. She had planned to tell him off, to finally stop withholding what she really thought. But then she saw the deadly gaze that was upon her. When she felt the cool stone directly behind her, she then realized he had walked her back into it.

Is he going to push me?

“You… You forget yourself, Count Calbert. I hope you do not intend your beloved reputation to be upheld with this sort of behavior.”

Count Calbert raised a brow with intrigue, “Do you really think you could do anything to my reputation? After you offered to be a concubine for the sons of the Sultan in front of everyone?”

The color drained from her face. Did everyone see it that way? She had thought she had been offering to be a maid. Not a…“That’s not what I meant!” Charlotte cried out indignantly. The anger finally filled her voice and she pushed at his chest to get around him. He seemed to let her move him out of the way as she then made a beeline down the wall, heading back toward the staircase.

“Even if it was not, it’s what everyone thinks!”Count Calbert called to her. This all had to be done if things were to go according to his plan. It was too important. “Just wait until I talk to Crystal.”

Charlotte paused and turned to stare. “Then imagine how Lorenzo would feel knowing you were just about to throw yourself to your death just as his wife did. “Her expression broke apart and he grinned victoriously as she lowered her gaze to the floor.

“Listen.” The Count walked over and lifted her chin up and let his tone become more gentle, “It doesn’t have to be this way, okay?”He wiped a tear from her eye and she smacked his hand away. He scowled as he struggled to keep up the gentle tone, “If you had stopped Duke Vikena, then he would have never been in that situation. You would have been to blame if the Sultan demanded his head. Then how would you have felt?”

“I…“ He was right as much as she did not want to admit it. All she had to have done was tell Lorenzo she was not ready and he might not have gone.

“All you have to do is never let him attend another event… With the exception of the dinners with the Sultan. Keep him home where he’s safe. Otherwise, it will be you who will be your family member’s undoing once again.” He started down the stairs as she hung on to his words like a rope. Her response was delayed enough that she did not notice him taking his leave.

Again?

Her heart sank. “Wait… W-What do you mean again?” Charlotte asked, her voice cracking. She then did a double-take. He was no longer in front of her. She then hurried down the steps. She ran out into the grass, her eyes searching the castle grounds.

Nothing.

She stepped forward until she finally sank down in the grass to her knees. She leaned her face in her palms as tears spilled silently down her cheeks. Had he meant that her mother killed herself because of her?

Flashes of her mother arguing with her hijacked her mind. A silent view of her mother pointing at her and yelling, her face twisted with anger as she chastised her over something now irrelevant.

There was then a hazy view of the sight of her mother’s body sprawled out in the grass from a distant position, the moonlight illuminating her fair skin.

Blood seeping into a nearby dirt path.

This was his goal… Wasn’t it? To make me feel this way… But why?

She repeated his words in her mind on repeat, dissecting them, as her hands moved away from her face and she seemed to stare off at the grass beneath her. Calbert was a cruel man, but he always had a motive. For him to attempt to bring her to a lower state of mind, he must have been afraid of something himself. Charlotte’s countenance gradually changed.

---

For a first ball, it had proven to be a most interesting and wild evening. As fun as it was, it eventually had to end which came about through King Edin giving a speech. A bit odd when not long before he had a bunch of women rubbing the man all over.

Now that the party was over, Kazu was left two options; a quick glance over in Asteroth's direction to see that the man was scanning the hall likely in search for his ward with the angriest face imaginable. Make that one option left to him and so procured the crumpled paper princess Ani had given to him. Giving it a quick read over to remind himself of its location then slipped it back into his pocket.

" Looks like its time for me to twenty two-skidoo." There were things he wanted to do, but Asty was in far too a foul mood to bother asking anything of him tonight and no idea where Percy had gotten to since leaving her though knew she was capable to handle herself for the night.

And so, the cowlicked blonde used this chance to slip into the crowds of people leaving to sneak pass the fuming Baron and before long was outside. From there he made off for the warehouse; hands in his pockets and whistling a merry tune as he went like a person on a nice casual nightly stroll.

Time:Evening
Location: Outside Prince Callum's Bedroom
Interactions: @Helo Leo & Callum, @Rodiak Zarai @ReusableSword Roman
Mention:@13org Mayet @Rodiak Nahir @Layla Potter @Infinite Cosmos Munir @Tae Thea @Heartfillia Crystal
Attire:An Outfit that would make her mother faint, a floor-length light-purple Cape with a hood, tied shut with a ribbon

---

Anastasia had snuck off to the guest house immediately before the ball had even ended. There she waited for Thea, who eventually did arrive but not in a good sort. After some time comforting Thea in her bedroom, she ended up pushing Anastasia to wear one of her outfits, using this opportunity distract herself in helping her friend get ready for the party. No amount of pleading seemed to be able to convince the Varian blonde to come tonight as she had fallen into deep despair over what had happened with Prince Felix. Anastasia had offered to stay with her instead, to which Thea had declined. Thea insisted that she needed someone to watch out for Leo and Anastasia knew she needed to watch out for Callum too.

"Thea, my love, I am coming back for you and I am going to bring a lot of alcohol."Anastasia had dramatically declared after giving her a fierce hug. "Try to have fun and talk to all the cute boys here in the guest house. I'm sure it will help cheer you up! If all else fails, I'll beat up Prince Felix! I'm very menacing! He'll run for the hills!" She winked at Thea and opened the door, seemingly to leave. Anastasia grinned as a maid had strolled in with an outrageous cart of desserts and snacks. "Oh, Diana, don't forget to bring her some sexy books to read or something. If such a thing exists I guess. You know what, bring her some beautiful men please. Find them somewhere." Diana stared at her in disbelief. Anastasia gave her shoulder a reassuring pat, "I know you can do it, sweetie! You're doing great. Much better than Helga. I'll make sure you are repaid for your good work."

Next, Anastasia moved to Thea's brother's room. She knocked on Leo's door(probably a little too obnoxiously) and waited for him to come out. "Hey curly! It's party time. Come with me, we're going to go get my brother. Then I'll bring you boys over to the stable. Our horses are fast!"

While in the Varian Kingdom hallway, she paused, spotting Zarai, "Lady Zarai!"She had not gotten a chance to give the girl a proper greeting earlier since she had been too busy sneaking out. "No way a cutiepie like you didn't get invited. Come with us! I just gotta pick up my brother and I can take you all to the stables to ride there. If you need some more time to get ready, then you can meet me there in a few. Orrr come with me now! Whichever you prefer!"

Anastasia also noticed Roman and ran up to him to give him a quick hug. He had been a drinking buddy of both her and Callum and a great one at that! She knew he was certainly coming to the party and if he wasn't, she'd make sure he was now! "YOU! You are coming to the party! Pleaseee! Meet us by the stables soon!"

She had then taken a moment to stop at the Alidasht's hallway too and call down it, "Hey! If anyone received an invitation to uh... SOMETHING... Meet me by the stable in ten minutes!"

The Sultan had yanked open his door to glare at her. He looked exhausted. It was obvious she had just woken him up out of his slumber. Anastasia had waved and smiled, "Sorry! I'm done!" Anastasia hastily ran out of the guest house in her excitement, hoping Leo and Zarai had followed. She made her way back into the castle. It was clear to see that the ball had ended. The entrance hall was quiet and the ballroom was closed for cleaning. Anastasia ascended up to the second floor and to Prince Callum's Bedroom, knocking quietly once she had finally arrived. Her voice then took on a singsong quality as she spoke into the crack of the door, "Psst. Heyyy it's Lady Crystal. I got more smoochies for you Callum. Better open the dooooor..."

Anastasia had indeed heard about the cheek kiss and had been holding this bullet in the chamber all night.

Time: Early Evening
Location: Castle > Stables
Attire: Her dress
Interactions: @13org Mayet ☼ @Infinite Cosmos Munir ☼ @Rodiak Nahir ☼ @princess Anastasia


After the dreadful ball ended, Layla had retired to her room with Zilal. She glanced around her quarters and let out a sigh. She rolled her eyes and turned to find Zilal curling up on the bed next to her. Smirking, Layla started stroking his head in deep thought. She had been given an invitation to an after party and wondered if it was worth her time. The room was bland. She had seen peasant rooms like that looked more exciting. On top of that, the person who had designed it had the fashion sense of an infant. She thought she was back in the nursery room.

Layla sighed and glared at the boring room when the voice of Princess Anastasia filled the corridor. She listened to the girl’s obnoxious voice and sighed. Did that girl know anything about the word ‘secret’? Was she another bubblehead bimbo? Rolling her eyes, Layla stood up and moved over to the closet without a word. Layla grabbed a small purse and hid some perfume and dagger inside and draped it over her shoulder. Next she combed her hair quickly and blew a kiss to her reflection, then went back to her bed. Layla patted Zilal’s head and whispered to him, ”I will be back, love.”

She patted his head once and then went over to her bedroom door. She cracked it open to see her dad peeking out and waited for him to disappear. After a few minutes, she slipped out silently and nodded to the others quietly. After a few minutes, she had led her siblings to a large stable nearby.

Groaning, Layla sauntered inside and gazed at the others with an eye roll. "We’re riding horses there?” She scoffed and chose a horse at random and began taking it up. ”Tacky,” she whispered to Mayet, Nahir, and Munir under her breath so the others wouldn't overhear.

---

It was the end of the night for many of the nobles which attended the ball, but not for Mayet and her siblings, thanks to the mysterious 'after party' invitation they received. Unfortunately, the time for them to go to the next 'event' haven't arrived yet and during the downtime, after having changed her clothes to something less formal than her previous dress, Mayet was left waiting in a... barely passable room, according to her standards at least.

"At least the bed is comfortable enough, right Nala?" Mayet asked the tigress, which was lazily laying down on the bed just above Mayet, before she laid down herself, resting her head on Nala's stomach, using her as a pillow.

"The ball was already interesting enough. I wonder what's waiting for us on this 'after-party'.... And more importantly... Who will we meet there..." Mayet said with a chuckle.

It was exactly on that moment that a bubbly, cheerful voice suddenly called from the outside, loud enough to wake up anyone who might be sleeping. The way Princess Anastasia called them to the after party was not discrete at all, truly making one think if the whole 'after party' thing was indeed supposed to be a secret... And if it was, how it had remained so.

Nonetheless, the bubbly, air-headed and overexcited behavior coming from Princess Anastasia had caught Mayet completely off-guard, making her laugh, especially as she heard the sound of one of the doors being yanked open, clearly coming from someone who not only didn't know about the after party, but also didn't care.

"I guess the 'secret' party is not that much of a secret anymore." Mayet said with a chuckle as she got up from the bed, grabbed her ring blade, which was, once again, carefully wrapped with a long, silken cloth before she went near Nala, who was still laying down and gently caressed her.

"I know the ball was already boring enough for you, so I won't force you to come to this one as well." Mayet said to Nala, whom in return let out a low, satisfied growl as she rubbed her head against her hand.

"If anyone enters this room while I'm gone, you can just rip them to shreds. Try not to kill them if you can avoid it though. I will deal with whatever happens next." Mayet said with a smile as she kissed Nala's forehead, before she went got out of her room.

A few minutes later, Mayet, Nahir, Layla and Munir were already reunited on the nearest stable, where Princess Anastasia told them to meet her.

"I guess they really want to go with the 'no titles' theme, huh?" Mayet replied as she heard Layla, chuckling as she approached one of the horses and mounted it.

"That might make things a bit more interesting though..." Mayet said, with a mischievous smirk as she looked to Layla, Nahir and Munir, clearly showing them the big, circular blade, which was completely wrapped by expensive silk.

Time: Night
Location: Caesonia Palace Guest Rooms/Callum’s Room/Stables
Interaction: Anastasia@princess
Mentions: Lady Thea, Lady Zarai, Lord Roman, Lady Crystal

Leo had left the ball for the guest house following King Edin’s announcement but his time in the guest room was brief. A loud banging on the door to his room, followed by the familiar voice of the Danrose princess grabbed his attention. It was time for the after-party which promised a far more relaxing vibe than the ball; no worries of intense rules of what is proper and appropriate, just an opportunity to unwind, indulge, and let go. As he accompanied Anastasia to collect the others he was surprised to find Thea would not be among them. Strange, as this was the sort of party he knew his sister rarely missed. Most of the time sudden declines in Thea’s mood were easily blamed on his mother and her off-putting lover, but this time he had the sinking feeling the blame lay on Prince Felix. He was liking the Varian prince less and less any time he thought of Felix. Leo followed Anastasia without his sister, giving her the night to settle some and planning to check on her in the morning.

They set forth the princess inviting the often unconventional but always interesting Lady Zarai, and Lord Roman, who despite being respectable often spoke of manual labor as if such a thing was an interesting way to spend one's time. Leo only offered a brief but amicable greeting to both of his fellow Varians.

Next, the princess headed toward the rooms which housed the royals from Alidasht. Discretion was certainly not Anastasia’s strong suit and Leo ducked into a doorway the second he saw the sultan peak his head out from his room not wanting to be associated with the disturbance. Once the sultan had returned to his room Leo popped back out from the doorway, the Danrose princess was certainly brazen and he could see why she and Thea got along so well.

“Very secretive, I’m sure no one will decipher that one Stas,” Leo spoke shaking his head. Despite his curiosity about the mysterious party Leo asked no question; he craved the unknown and being able to see it all firsthand rather than ruining the surprise.

Soon, Anastasia began knocking on the door of her younger brother Prince Callum. Leo found the youngest of the Danrose siblings to be insufferable; to be born a prince and use his time only to create a mockery of all the nobility stood for only served to insult the rest of them. It seemed that four children had been too much for the Danrose family, all the admirable qualities had gone to the three eldest leaving nothing of worth for the youngest to inherit. Still, Anastasia’s voice mocking him through the door gave Leo an amused grin.

"Psst. Heyyy it's Lady Crystal. I got more smoochies for you Callum. Better open the dooooor..."

Callum rolled his eyes, of course, his sister had seen that, and now he was doomed to never hear the end of it. Still, remembering Crystal and their conversation from earlier made him smile a bit. It was a rare occurrence to speak with anyone in court who felt like breathing in fresh air on a perfect day. Not even his sister’s teasing could really spoil that memory, and to Ana’s credit at least she hadn’t said anything in front of their brothers.

He had used the distraction he’d helped create to slip out of the ball a little early and change into a far more casual set of clothes. No more tightly tailored suit or noose-like tie adorning him at least left him feeling more comfortable in his own skin and looking much closer to a commoner than a noble.

“Ana, you seem confused, unable to recall your own name, should I send for Helga to keep watch over you? Or perhaps you’d prefer Wystan?” He offered, returning the mocking tone and following Anastasia as they headed towards the stables. He was a bit surprised to see Leo was going with them and he doubted the Varian noble would be able to forgo his precious title for any length of time.

When Peter saw Duke O'Hare and his adopted son Verrick in the crowd exiting the ballroom, he was ready to bolt the other way, but he was just as quick to talk himself out of doing something so obviously suspicious. Just because he recognized them didn’t mean they would recognize him. In fact, there was no reason for them to remember some random street rat.

From the hallway, the redhead stared at the Woodsmen with childlike wonderment. No matter how much time passed or how many times he tried to give up on the idea, there was a part of him that still aspired to become a man worthy of the green cloak. He knew, though, that it wasn’t going to happen. Peter screwed up his chance to join, so he was going to have to suck it up. Not every dream was meant to come true.

Peter’s target came into view as he walked past the O'Hares. Count Calbert’s head rotated side to side, his gaze hunting for something or someone. Peter covered his blazing hair with a dark cap before he began tailing the count.

It didn’t take long for Count Calbert to find his own target standing alone at the top of the castle wall. Peter followed the other man halfway up the wall, then hid himself in a nook under the stairs filled with wooden barrels. He would’ve preferred to be perched on the roof if he had a choice, but he didn’t think he’d make it up there without someone noticing. Peter didn’t realize how right he was until he heard a different set of footsteps come up the stairs.

A blonde wearing a fancy light blue dress and carrying a stuffed bag was making her way up the stairs when the count’s voice broke through the summer night ambiance. “Kill yourself.” Both bodies froze in place. Didn’t realize Caesonian ‘good evenings’ were so dark. While the other woman glued herself to the wall, Peter focused on the conversation happening above them.

“You… You forget yourself, Count Calbert.” An all too familiar kind of strain in Lady Charlotte Lottie’s voice caused the ginger’s hand to pull out his dagger. The voice of someone who feared for their life. A cry for help.

Years ago, he would’ve jumped out and shanked the man. Peter was different now. Different enough to remember what his orders were. He was supposed to follow Count Calbert around for the night and watch what the man did. Nothing more, nothing less. If Count Calbert decided to kill someone, then they’d have something to blackmail him with. If Lady Lottie killed him, then they’d have someone else to use. Simple as that. So don’t try to be a hero, Pete.

Peter sat on his arse to make sure he’d have to put in the extra effort if he was going to stab Count Calbert. He pulled up his knees closer to his chest and used them as armrests as he closed his eyes shut. The muscles in his fingers contracted and relaxed repeatedly, itching for the count to give him a reason to use the dagger which remained in his hand. But he stayed focused on Count Calbert and Lady Lottie’s exchange. Trying to be neutral and detached.

Heels against the stone alerted Peter that one of the two people was coming down the stairs, but it was the loud scrambling of his fellow snooper that snapped his eyes open. He watched the woman practically trip over herself to make her escape. Considering how restrictive ballroom gowns were, Peter was impressed that she managed to run as fast as she did and climb a tree. She wasn’t lucky enough to be unnoticed by the count, though.

As soon as Count Calbert passed the barrels, the ginger sheathed his weapon and stood up. “Wait… W-What do you mean again?” He heard the faint noise of movement and softer footfalls come from above. By the time the young woman started to run down the stairs, Calbert was up in the tree.

Just as Lady Lottie passed him, Peter quickly followed right behind, masking his own footsteps with her louder steps. She was too distracted by her pursuit of the count, her vision narrowed considerably. Worryingly so. Had the plan been for her to have an unfortunate accident, all he had to do was extend his arm and lightly push. Then she would’ve went tumbling down the stairs. It was that easy. Duke Lorenzo should know that. But where was he and why was his stepdaughter alone? Where were the guards? Was he so stingy that he didn't think to hire bodyguards? Couldn't she have a damn attack dog at least? Anything to protect her? Was he even trying to protect Lady Lottie from Count Calbert?

Right as Lady Lottie reached the last flight of the stairs Peter made a sharp turn and silently dropped down from the ledge. He turned to see if the Duke’s daughter noticed, but as he thought, her attention was consumed by what Count Calbert said. He silently dashed towards the tree he saw the other two climb up and hid behind a neighboring tree trunk.

”I wonder what the punishment for stealing from a royal castle would be. Certainly death, yes?”

Death, kill, execution, suicide… Count Calbert threw these words around like an alcoholic threw coins at the bar. How casually he used the words only convinced Peter that Count Calbert didn’t truly know what death was —that or he was a bona fide psychopath. The count was a learned man, so he knew the definition of death and he might’ve even seen a couple of dead bodies before, but he didn’t actually understand how terrifying dying was. He never felt death’s chilly breath down his own neck or was overtaken by absolute dread as he watched the lights fade from his loved one's eyes. Death, especially the less peaceful variety, was something that happened far, far away from him. Maybe he believed himself to be above it. A harbinger of death, of sorts. Having control over those who lived and who died. Schnockered by wielding such power for so long. So long to forget. Peter smirked, tongue licking the gap between his teeth. Predators rarely see themselves as prey… but death. Death played no favorites.

The woman in blue, on the other hand, was of the unruly kind. Peter liked unruly. She had a certain quality to her which felt… familiar. Deliciously illegal. He would’ve liked to get better acquainted with her. Although, based on the satchel she was carrying and the mismatched boots under her dress, Peter was pretty sure the blonde’s name was nowhere on the party guest list.

Even better. Fritz could use someone like her. It never hurt to have another rogue in the crew.

Interactions: The Alidasht contingency,@13org Mayet @Potter Layla @Rodiak Nahir @princess Anastasia

Munir had returned to his room, prepared for him by the servants of Edin's house, to get a moment's rest after the ball. His mind was filled with Mina, and their conversation while at the ball. The trip to Kolonivka would obviously be reported to his father the Sultan, but Munir did not see a reason for him to deny him of the trip.

If anything, Munir will frame it as a diplomatic trip to strengthen their ties to the Northern country.

Once he returned to his room, Munir got out of the formal evening attire that he was required to wear, and changed into a set of clothing that is more normal to him. A flow-y, thin body-lengthed tunic, adorned with stitching of gold silk around the collar that started at the base of his neck and plunged to just below where his chest ended. The cuff of the sleeves, which stopped at his elbows, were similarly adorned with gold stitching. Around his waist, he went with a simple silk sash, with leather fasteners that were tied loosely and left hanging just above his left thigh. As his own custom, he kept the earrings and wrist accessories that he had on for the ball.

At one corner of his room sat a copper bowl of water. Munir walked over and splashed some water on himself, across the face and neck/upper chest area. Letting out a heavy sigh, Munir walked over to the specially prepared table and drawers setup and took a look at his pets. The carapace and hardened shells of his scorpions glistened under the candle lights. With whatever water droplets were left on his hands, he sprinkled it over the top of the metallic cage. Opening one of the drawers, Munir took out one of many small glass containers of insects. Giving the glass bottle a small shake, the crickets inside jumped to life, buzzing and moving about frantically. Through a circular hatch at the top of the scorpion cage, Munir snapped the glass bottle in place. With a nonchalant motion, he removed the glass partition that kept the crickets contained and the contents of the glass bottle emptied into the cage. The cricket, upon landing, started jumping about, looking for places to settle. The scorpions, however, remained still and waited for their dinner to catch a false sense of security.

Walking away, just as he was about to settle in and call for a slave to inquire about Lady Mina, Munir hears a unfamiliar female voice call down the hallway, speaking about a secret party. "This must be the party Mina spoke of. I suppose I'll just see her that... Standing up, checking the bronze disk against the candle light, he made sure he looked presentable and stepped out, only to be ushered to the stables.

"Ah. Sister Layla, Nahir, and Mayet. How surprising to see all of you here... Especially you, Sister Layla... These events are usually not your cup of tea... But, a pleasant surprise nonetheless... Sister Mayet, please, I don't know if you're going to be able to sneak something like that in... " Munir said in jest, giving his 'sash' a small tug in the meantime.

Time:Evening
Location: Outside Prince Callum's Bedroom --> Stable --> The After Party
Interactions: @Helo Leo & Callum, @Rodiak Zarai & Nahir @ReusableSword Roman @Infinite Cosmos Munir @13org Mayet @Potter Layla @samreaper Kazumin
Attire:An Outfit that would make her mother faint, a floor-length light-purple Cape with a hood, tied shut with a ribbon

---

Anastasia grinned, excited to see her brother again this hour, petting his head in greeting once he had emerged from his bedroom. His reply had entirely gone over her head. "No silly, Helga knows not to ever come within a ten feet ... Ummm... radish... of me... Come on Callum! I think you missed the point of my joke. Why would you call Wystan if I forgot my name anyway?"

The crickets had chirped as the group had made their way to the stable. It was dimly lit contrasted to the dark night around them. Horses neighed occasionally. Anastasia had went up to the one stable boy in the building currently, who was brushing the mane of a horse, and tapped his shoulder. The young man turned and tipped his hat to her. He had a freckled, youthful face and messy brown hair. He looked to be in his early twenties.

"Right on time as always, Darryn! You have a carriage hidden for me as I asked, dontcha?"

The young man gave her a crooked smile, blushing,"Y-Yes Your Highness. The big one too. "

Anastasia smiled up at him and took his hand in hers, swinging it, "Won't you fetch it for us, Darryn? Pretty please" Darryn was one of the many staff she had built a bond with. Though she was a bit of a ditzy girl at times, her vibrance had often won over quite a few people, especially since she kept flirting with them.

"Anything for you, Princess."He bowed awkwardly, starting to ramble as he rose. "The guards...I think they're in the towers of each corner. So if you stay away from the windows inside the carriage, this should all go okay-... I can drive it for you all! Okay, okay I'll go get it. "

As Darryn had gone to prepare the carriage with horses for them, Anastasia had moved to the Alidasht siblings to greet them, "Hi! Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Princess Anastasia. It's super wonderful to meet you four. You're going to have so much fun tonight. Promise! " Anastasia had assumed these parties were always a lot of fun since every time she and Callum had both managed to get so wasted they never remembered much about them the next day. Also, they were always very hungover, which was a great sign of a good party. She had gone quite often as they seemed to be happening biweekly the whole last year.

The three women from the Alidasht were all very beautiful. She couldn't help but admire them from head to toe as well as the pretty boy with them, Munir. She had blown him a kiss in greeting. As lovely looking as they all were, the question was more so how much fun were they all?

Soon Darryn had the carriage prepared, however, there had only been so many seats so some had to either sit on each other's laps or on the floor. The carriage rocked as the horses rode them through a secret back exit in the wall that mostly only the royal family knew about. It had blended in with the stone wall, which an archway would be revealed as part of the stone would roll upward upon the use of a secret lever.

The ride was not too long, but Anastasia had made them stop in the middle of their journey upon seeing Kazumin walking along the road.

"KAZOO! You can come with us! Come, come!" Anastasia had thrown open the door and beckoned him excitedly. There wasn't really much room so a few of them had probably looked at her incredulously, but if Kazumin had agreed, he would have squished in with them for the ride or perhaps climbed on top.

Finally, they would indeed reach the warehouses and Anastasia would lead them to the correct one. Of course, the inside seemed to look like a boring, dark warehouse with goods inside. A masked man revealed himself from the shadows and led them to a secret stairway. As the group descended, bizarre music would grow in volume. The masked man took a box of black and white masks out and offered it to everyone in case they wanted to conceal their identity.

Anastasia had refused a mask and opened the door to the party room. Colorful lights filled her vision that she only paused to mentally question for a moment or two, before continuing to run inside. She undid the ribbon of her cape and let it fall. She turned to look at the others as they had entered. Those insides had glanced over in surprise, not expecting to see the royal Princess in revealing clothing.

"Is this amazing or what!?"

---

---

The end of the ball was announced by the trumpets. His father stood up, and concluded with a paltry, egoistic speech. Wulfric stared at the king neutrally, but knew he could do so much better. He had influence as the first prince of Caesonia and the heir apparent, true, but it was not enough. Not while their ruler was such scum. It truly was high time to force the issue of his succession to the throne – one way or another…

With the party’s conclusion, Wulfric departed from the ballroom. He was one of the first ones to do so, and gave his mother a brief meaningful look as he passed her. As was their habit after important events, they would have a meeting later. But first, everyone needed to settle in, and either go to sleep or go pursue other activities. Besides, Auguste, mother and he all had their respective matters to tend to as well. Their mother the foremost among them, depending on whether Edin required anything. Though it was just as likely the man would go enjoy his concubines.

Wulfric’s lip curled, and his steps quickened. He didn’t linger on the distasteful image; it soured his mood needlessly. He retreated to his room, and called for a servant. He ordered the retainer to ready a bath, a change of clothes, and to come fetch him when that was done. Then, he opened the doors leading from his bedroom to the balcony, and headed outside.

As he waited, lounging in a cushioned wicker chair, he observed the stars, and let his mind wander. Now that he was in private, he finally had the chance to relax. However, after a few minutes, he was inevitably drawn to ruminating. He reviewed his day so far, especially the ball. It was practically habit for him to mentally organize; making note of highlights, separating factual happenings from supposition of their implications, forming goals and priorities, and so on.

Not long after the chill of the evening had thoroughly cooled him down, the servant arrived. At the polite knock on his door, Wulfric felt his body tense, his public mask back in place. He brushed himself down as he stood up to undo any wrinkles, and went to open the door. “Curran, good,” he greeted. “Your Highness,” the man replied.

The walk to the royal bathroom was short, and passed in silence. There, Wulfric simply ordered, “Come for me in half an hour.” He turned to enter the room before the servant’s acknowledgment fully passed his lips. The aroma of lime and lavender greeted him, and he nearly smiled.

He quickly undressed himself, washed himself with plain water to get rid of the sweat, then entered the scented bath. Here, with this, he could genuinely rest – if for a short while. He leaned his head on the ledge, closed his eyes, and let himself enjoy this one simple pleasure.


All too soon, it was time to leave. However, he was refreshed and energized, and so did not resent the end to his repose. Dressed in the freshly prepared attire, he not only felt ready for the meeting, but was rather looking forward to it as well.

---

It truly was a splendorous night for a nice casual walk through the city which was still lively as if it was daytime in thanks to some festival taking place currently. And this being his first proper look at the town only made his nightly stroll all the more enjoyable; passing folks with family, kids whom were understandably excited at the opportunity to stay up late for a fun festive night. All of this and the wild roller coaster that was the ball left the cow-licked blonde farmer in an impossibly happy and excited mood of his own. How can he not be? With all the wondrous and beautiful sights one can only beheld in such richly build towns or the wide assortment of deliciously enticing smells coming from food vendors off in the distance. The influence of the drug also aided in Kazu's jubilant energy, albeit faintly as most of its effect have faded away by this point, but just enough remained to give him a boost of energy.

As a man that grew up among farmers and peasants, he was someone that carried the mentality of being kind and respectful better than most. For the young farmer kindly greeted and wished any he passed a most enjoyable time at the festival; at one point even stopping to entertain some kids with some elementary magic tricks like the classic coin behind the ear and a bit of miming that led to a kid snipping the rope to have a piano dropping on him.

Some boastful and cheerful laughs with the kids and parents that had come over to watch before he carried on. Not before being asked by some of the kindly folks to join them." A most gracious offer and one I would happily accept were it any other night. But, alas there is a different kind of...festivities I'm headed. Perhaps another time." He winked with a thumbs up, using the motion of lifting his thumb to flip the coin used for his tricks and used the cover of the kids scrambling for it to slip away.

Kazu walked on. Somewhere along the way, without noticing it had started to walk with a little skip to his steps as he found the music that he could faintly hear uplifting. It was here where he started to lose himself in the music that he failed to notice getting a bit close to the street with a carriage running by. Only able to barely avoid it in thanks to the loud thumping of hooves and click of wheels and quick reflexes having him step back just enough to avoid a gruesome trampling though not quite enough to avoid falling back onto his butt.

A brush with near death and all Kazu could do was laugh while his heart thumped heavily like a beating drum in his chest. A beating thrum that strangely seemed to play in tune with the faint music then the faint clack of his feet; a myriad of sounds that left him with some strange feeling welling up within him.

" ♬I get knocked down...♬" He sang in a halfway hesitant manner while looking around him to see no one had even taken notice of him or the stain on the pavement he just narrowly avoided.

The confused expression quickly turning back into a wide grin as he pushed to hop back up onto his father." But I get back up again!" He exclaimed following with a quick spin and flicking tug of his shirt.

Immediately following up by tapping his feet in rhythm with the faint festive music to combine the clack of his heels to have an energetic and upbeat sound and kept it up as he strolled and hopped forward breaking out into song.

" ♬You're never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down,
but I get up again

You're never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down,
but I get up again

♬"

Hopping and sliding along the path as he went, giving quick greeting salutes to those he passed leaving the confused passerby's behind him as Kazu got more and more into the groove.

" ♬Pissing the night away

Pissing the night away♬ "

"♬ He drinks a whiskey drink
He drinks a vodka drink
He drinks a lager drink
He drinks a cider drink♬
" Pointing to some random passerby's that have clearly been drinking while spinning or skipping away afterwards.

As he sang he slid his way up to a pair of guys who looked to just be having a fun time drinking and draped his arms across each of their shoulders.

" ♬He sings the songs that reminds him of the good times

He sings thet reminds him of the better times♬ " Motioning his head towards the other as he sang each line in turn then gave the two a friendly parting pat on the shoulders eliciting confused but excited cheers before pulling away resuming his upbeat stepping.

Coming upon a low-rise wall, Kazu ducked and hopped up onto it where he moved as if traipsing over a tight rope.

" ♬I get knocked down,
but I get up again

You're never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down,
but I get up again

You're never gonna keep me down!♬" Hopping down from the wall with a loud stomp of both feet as his voice grew in tempo and volume.

His steps grew in tenacity and fervor as he came upon a large puddle and jumped into it making a big splash-

"♬ Pissing the night away

Pissing the night away ♬"

Hopping onward as he took notice of some pointing at and laughing at the fact the lower half of his pants were now wet and slid past them sideways-

" ♬Don't cry for me,
next door neighbor ♬ "

Singing this to those laughing as he went, his spirit as high as ever with no sign of humiliation getting him down.

"♬ I get knocked down,
but I get up again

You're never gonna keep me down

I get knocked down,
but I get up again ♬"

Kazu began humming loudly as he danced along with a good spin and slide along the way, all the while keeping his taps to the rhythm when another carriage came rolling up, but this one actually pulled to a stop a short distance away.

He spun in place giving a flick of his head to the unexpectedly pleasant sight of Princess Anastasia offering him a ride to join her and others.

A beaming smile at this most fortuitous and timely chance meeting to which the jovial blonde responded by hopping up grabbing the rails on the back of the carriage.

"♬ I get knocked down,
but I get back up again♬ "

A wide wave of his hand before giving a good jerk of the hand holding the rail to hop his way up on top of the carriage where he gave a grandiose spin throwing his arms up and out.

"♬ You're never gonna keep me...♬" Inhaling deeply for his big finish

" ♬Doooooooooooooooooooown!♬" He sang with all the gusto and breath he could muster with one final tap of his right foot.

He held that pose even after finishing wanting to relish in the utterly ridiculous fact he just sang and dance like a drunken buffoon out in public.

Thwack!

A tomato landed on the left side of his head as a most grumpy fellow who clearly did not much care for his abrupt and noisy singing." Will you shut your fucking cakehole?! My wife and I are trying to fucking sleep!" The tired man bellowed out angrily with another tomato ready in hand.

He broke the pose finally to peel the tomato off then gave a low bow of his upper body." I do so apologize, good sir. Meant no trouble or offense. Merely got too into the spirit of the festivities, I shan't disturb the good sir or the lovely wife again." All of it said with that big friendly grin and through pants which had the disturbed man taken aback by such a respectful apology.

" Well..uh. Just...keep it down alright." He muttered out with dismissive wave of his free hand before closing the shutters.

Snickering, Kazu dropped down onto his belly poking his tomato-stained face to peer down at those on horseback and into the carriage." Well dang, wished I brought something to protect my eyes from all the dazzling beauty coming from this gathering of ♬beauties.♬" His tone playful and a bit sing songy at the end, the sensation of his singing still lingering a bit.

Taking a look over at the individual faces; each of them familiar with some he already knew personally and would give a quick wave to those before turning his head towards Anastasia." I owe you thanks both for the lift and the invite, *princess* Ani." Making sure to put emphasis on the princess part with a teasing lift of the right brow wanting to tease her for neglecting to mention the whole being a princess bit of their introductions." Well I'm sure all of you are heaps excited to party so I shall not hold us up a moment longer. Let us be off!" He exclaimed while springing up onto his knees where he then rolled onto his back making himself comfortable.

The rest of the ride spent humming and munching on his newly acquired tomato.

Before long they would arrive at the warehouse. Even before the carriage came to a stop Kazu had sprung up and hopped down as he was simply too eager and anxious to check this secret party out." Finally, we have arrived and ready to partay!" He cried out in a cheer.

As if this party wasn't already exciting enough, but to find they were even offering up masks had his eyes sparkling as he grabbed a black one." Oooh...we've all heard about these mask parties back in the country." Heard of how such secretive parties where all sorts of debauchery and sin amongst bored nobles took place. The kind of party that held the best and widest variety of booze and drugs with plenty a nobody peasant like him likely never heard of.

" If I'm gonna wear a mask its only fitting I do so under a different identity..yes?" Musing to himself while rubbing at his chin with his left index finger. A brief pondering to himself before he turned away to don the mask then turned to stand back up but in a much more dignified and somewhat pompous manner with a cocky expression to match." Time to let them see that senor Chavez, chicken fighter hath arrived." Even giving his tone the air of a dignified noble with his right arm held up and folded against his chest with the elbow pointed outward similar to how a bullfighter would stand.

He entered only to find it difficult to maintain his persona after seeing what awaited inside. A whole bunch of activities rife with debauchery was going on while amidst these strange see-through light shows going on all over the place.

" Jeebus....this place makes the ball looks like a lame house party. Bored nobles really do go all out." Laughing in a mix of disbelief and delight as Kazu was trying to figure out what he would even do, that is until he caught sight of the bar and more eye fetching were the mystifying cocktails.

After gawking like an idiot, the masked blonde recomposed himself back into his dignified pose then cleared his throat." Yes, Chavez very much approves and shall take this chance to enjoy the sinful frivolities taking place."

Ryn ended up spending the remainder of the ball acting both as Luz’s party buddy and chaperone. When others paid no heed to them, he had a grand time with his friend conversing about silly, unimportant things. In front of the more esteemed guests, however, the count did his best to cover up the future duchess’s missteps that were becoming increasingly more prominent as time went by thanks to the effects of the drug. Though he derived some satisfaction from goading Luz’s mother, Ryn had no intention of marring Lady Zarai’s reputation. He may have not known Luz’s identity until tonight, but he was well aware months in advance that, like many of the other noble houses, Duke and Duchess Lesdeman were utilizing the annual summer gathering to find a husband for their daughter. Ryn had his own thoughts on the matter, but he knew it was not his place to voice them. All he could do was make sure Luz did not unintentionally limit her options by scaring off eligible bachelors.

When the party finally came to an end, Ryn escorted Luz to the guest house outside and helped her to her room all while a furious Duchess Lesdeman watched with unconcealed disapproval. After properly bidding each other a goodnight, the count lifted Luz’s hand and planted a kiss on the back of it as a final bras d'honneur to the duchess. “Te deseo dulces sueños, Lady Lesdeman.” Ryn smiled at Luz and turned to lightly bow at her mother before leaving the guest house.

Ryn could, and maybe should, have retired to his room in the guest house. However, as Peter pointed out, this may as well be the last night the palace's security would be as lax as it was. Ryn was going to take full advantage of this while he still could. The count wandered along the castle walls, comparing it to the map of it in his head, until he came across a figure sitting in the grass. He squinted his eyes to get a better look at the person. “Lady Vikena?” Ryn approached the woman slowly so as not to frighten her from his sudden appearance.

The tears streaming down her face gave him pause. He stared blankly at her, eyes locked, before frowning slightly. The first words out of his mouth, "Is something the matter?” was rhetorical. Needless to say, something was wrong. Why else would Lady Vikena look so distressed? “Are you hurt?” He walked closer to her, checking if there were physical injuries.

A mix of emotions had been overwhelming Charlotte as she had been rooted to her spot. Her countenance had been that of one who had seen a ghost as he had Despite Ryn’s attempt to not startle her, she was still a little surprised to hear a voice as she had been so deep within the confines of her own mind. Her gaze slowly moved to meet him as she digested the questions he was asking. She shook her head, hastily wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her palms. "I’m so sorry-... I didn’t mean to worry you…Um, Count Fritz, right?” She rose to her feet, stumbling over her own dress in hurry to do so, however, the red-faced girl kept her balance. "I feel awfully embarrassed being found in such a way, but I am physically just dandy..” Charlotte brushed the dirt off herself and used the movement as an excuse to grip the fabric to hide her trembling hands. She met his eyes and managed a smile, "I hope you are all right as well?”

Was he all right? What a curious question to ask. He was currently not the one forcing himself to smile when a storm of emotions was tearing him from within. "I am doing quite well, Lady Vikena, so don't worry about me.” Her trembling hands made his voice drop to a softer tone. "In case no one has ever told you this before… there’s no shame in feeling what you are feeling. Ever. No matter what others may say.”

"I am glad you are well.” Charlotte was grateful to hear kinder words after how her last conversation had gone. Old habits did indeed die hard as the ways of her mother’s teachings still did find a way to haunt her. It had always been taught to her that getting upset in public was rather improper; Emina would say that it simply just gave ammo to those who wants to speak ill of you. However, she herself had never thought that way.

Ryn inched closer to her and put his hand in his pocket, ready to pull out a handkerchief, then stopped himself. There was only one handkerchief on his person, one which Duke Vikena already used earlier in the evening. His gaze dropped to the grass as he rubbed his neck bashfully, "I’d offer you a handkerchief, but I just remembered I’m out of stock at the moment... Who knew it would be in such high demand? Clearly, I’m losing my touch as a merchant. I’ll be sure to have a bundle of them at the ready next time I’m invited to a party.” The smile directed at Duke Vikena’s daughter lasted a short while before the worried expression resurfaced. Ryn quickly surveyed their surroundings, trying to spot any signs of the man who should have been close by. “Are you alone, Lady Vikena?”

His statement about the handkerchief managed to pull at the corners of her lips. "Ah, it is the thought that counts..” His next question made her pause before confessing with a sigh, "Yes… Yes, I am alone.” Admitting such a sentence out loud brought forth a new wave of sadness that she did not expect. She rubbed her own arm, continuing as her gaze moved back to the exit way in the wall. "My father seems to have left without me. It is rather unusual of him so I fear he may have perhaps drank too much.”

Duke Vikena leaving Lady Vikena behind in what he himself admitted to being a court of snakes was a thought Ryn had difficulty swallowing. After all that transpired, would he willingly have left his daughter here, alone? Was it possible that Ryn read the man wrong? He closed his eyes, recalling the conversation he and Dr. Williamson had with the duke. “You two are both absolutely right.” His voice was fueled with renewed determination and love for his daughter radiated from him. “She needs me… Lottie.” When Ryn opened his dark eyes, he leaned in closer to Lady Vikena, careful not to miss a single microexpression. “Does he… have a habit of doing this whenever he drinks too much?”

Charlotte shook her head in reply, telling him, "He usually just goes to bed early.” Her expression saddened as worry overtook it, ”... Maybe I better ask around to see if anyone saw him leave.” She paused to watch as more guards came out of the castle and moved to ascend the stairs to take their positions.

One man stopped curiously nearby the duo, seeing Charlotte catch his gaze, "Everything all right?”

"Um, actually, I was wondering if anyone perhaps saw Duke Vikena leave… Do you know who was on duty while the guests were going in their carriages?”Charlotte told him. He paused thoughtfully and held up a hand to gesture for them to wait before hurrying away towards the other castle guards. The same man returned only after a moment and notified them, "The gatekeeper at the time saw Duke Lorenzo Vikena leave in his carriage.”

Charlotte let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you so much… He must be at home then.”

“Excuse me,” the count who had been silently observing spoke up. Ryn smiled at the guard, "I am sorry to bother you, but did the gatekeeper see anyone else in the carriage with him?”

"Some servants led him to the carriage and helped him get in alone.”The guard answered him. "They returned to the party afterward.”

Ryn ignored the prickling sensation in his chest, “His Majesty’s servants?”

"Yes.” The guard answered blankly then turned on his heels to return to his post.

The discomfort in his chest swirled and expanded into a larger mass. Something felt out of place, yet Ryn could not pin down what exactly was nagging him so. It could have been the way the guard answered his questions; maybe it was how he left without giving a chance for them to ask more. Perhaps he was just disappointed or it was his gut trying to warn him about something he was not consciously aware of. The count called out to the guard to thank him for the information, though even that was ignored by him.

Charlotte had been thoughtful as the two had spoken. She had a feeling it had not been King Edin’s order for the servants to do so nor had they simply just led her father to his carriage on a whim of sympathy. The puzzle pieces all fit together. Maybe not perfectly yet, but she could make out the picture before her. "I-... I think I better make my departure, Count Fritz. I’d like to make sure my father made it home.” Her gaze locked on the path that went down through the entrance to the round road. Her mother had never allowed her to freely walk through Sorian, especially outside of the noble district and at night.

Who knew freedom could taste so bittersweet?

She wondered if it was really dangerous to walk alone at night or if her mother had just told her tales to scare her. It was only now that she had the choice that she could realize just how sheltered her life had been up until this point.

Lady Vikena’s voice pulled Ryn away from his thoughts. “Yes… I agree,” was all he managed to say in response.

Her blue eyes met Fritz’s dark ones once more, giving him a genuine smile this time. There had been no need for him to wonder about her wellbeing or stand with her here all this time and she knew that very well. It had been a little easier to bear the crushing weight she felt with someone that seemed to care at her side. "Thank you for worrying about me. You’re very kind.” Now that she felt a bit more grounded, she was able to take in his appearance and look at him without thoughts racing before her eyes. Count Fritz was a little shorter than her with a head of lovely dark hair to match his eyes. It was, however, difficult to pinpoint what kind of person he might be other than possibly a kind one.

“Think nothing of it, Lady Vikena. Any person would’ve been just as worried. I simply got here earlier than the others.” Ryn’s eyes softened as he felt her gaze on him. He preferred this smile to the suspicious glare she gave him when he first approached the Vikenas. “Oh! Speaking of worried!” he exclaimed out of the blue, “Since you’re still here, am I correct to assume Duke Vikena took your only ride back home? Do you have another way to return home safely?”

"If you count my legs.”Charlotte responded.

The man glanced down at where he assumed her feet were. "Ah.” Though Ryn had not the faintest clue what kind of shoes Lady Vikena was wearing, it was not hard to imagine that neither her dress nor her shoes were made for long-distance walks.

"I will gladly escort you to your residence if you’d like.” There was a pause as he weighed the options. Ordinarily, the proper course of action was to take a carriage from the stables. It was faster and arguably the safest choice. If the glimpse of curiosity he saw on Lady Vikena’s face when she stared down the road was any indication, however, Ryn suspected that she was more inclined to take a walk under the summer night sky. He would end up having less time to look around the castle, but ultimately one of Count Hendrix’s roles in the crew was to form and cultivate connections that were not normally accessible to commoners in order to open as many doors as possible. Connections like this one. “We can take a carriage or we can walk,” the count placed one hand behind his back and extended his other hand towards the younger woman in offering, “whichever you prefer, Lady Vikena.”

"Oh that’s kind of you…”She had replied thoughtfully, pausing before speaking again. "Truthfully, I was going to walk. I’ve never been through the town before and I’m dreadfully curious… But I’d feel guilty taking so much of your time.”

“You’ve never been through town before? What a coincidence, neither have I!” Ryn grinned. “Ever since I saw Sorian from the carriage, I’ve been itching to see what’s in town. So excited, in fact, I was on my way to get a little sneak peek.” He held his hands out in defense, “Truly, a terrible way to spoil the surprise. I admit. A good guest would’ve patiently waited for the hosts to provide the grand tour… Alas,” he sighed longingly, "I simply couldn’t resist the allure of a small adventure under the stars.” The count returned his hands to their previous positions. “You would be doing me a great service by accompanying me, Lady Vikena.”

"A grand adventure under the stars it is then!”Charlotte agreed and joined him at his side to begin their walk. ”... You’ve never been here before?” She asked. Charlotte could not recall seeing Count Fritz at gatherings before, though she might have had simply never run into him.

"In Sorian? Technically I’ve set foot in the dock for business. Crosswinds Tradings has a warehouse down there and we’re renting space to serve as our office, but I’ve personally never ventured any further… Never had the courage to, if you can believe that.” Ryn’s laughed weakly. "I’ve visited other places in Caesonia many times, though, so I’m not a complete stranger to this country. What about you, Lady Vikena? Why have you never walked down these streets?”

Charlotte was thoughtful for a moment then smiled as she answered him excitedly, "Ah, how interesting! A businessman. I bet you’ve seen all sorts of places and have accomplishments with a story to each one... I have only ever been set foot here, Breoven in the Varian Kingdom and my home of Veirmont of course. I can’t wait to someday explore everything I can…”Her voice drew off for a moment as she stared up at the stars as they walked.

“...To answer you, I certainly can believe it…As I did not dare to disobey my mother all these years… She would say always it’s too dangerous for a girl like me to wander about at night.” Sheltered and pampered up like a prized pig, the daughter of a Duke has been raised with almost infuriatingly care as if she had been glass. Ever since she had been a child, others had made decisions and planned her life out as if she was simply a piece on their chessboard. She had put up with their rules as she was able to spend time with her ever-busy parents the more she had done so. Even after her father had no longer been there to dictate her every move, her mother had doubled down on her goal for Charlotte. Lady Emina had wanted to raise her to be a well-mannered wife to some wealthy nobleman. However, she had known all her life that’s not all she wanted to be, even if she had not dared to yet admit it.

Nonetheless, knowing what one is not is easier to determine than what one is. With no one to breathe down her neck and tell her who to be or where she was allowed to go, the world before her had felt as if she were immersed in her dreams. Each step felt forward felt unreal.

What kind of girl am I, if not the one you saw in me?

“Sadly, your mother’s concern was not without reason. It’s true that we live in a world where it’s… difficult for certain people to walk out in the open at specific times, if any time, of the day.”

Straight ahead of them was Sorian, the less gilded part of the city just beyond the segregative walls that the aristocracy wanted nothing to do with yet could not exist without. “Even the richest kingdom has problems with poverty and when people are deprived… we tend to rely on more unsavory methods of survival.” He turned to look at Lady Vikena apologetically, “Which unfortunately includes mugging women wearing expensive clothing in the middle of the night.” Fear briefly crossed Charlotte’s expression, but it was clear she tried to suppress it.

He did not want to ruin her very first attempts to defy the rules that bound her, but he knew that ignorance had a way of putting people in danger. Some are more fatal than others. “The world outside the one you’ve been confined to is extraordinary in every regard, both bad and good. It is just as dangerous as it is beautiful. I don’t want to dissuade you from experiencing it and I even applaud you for mustering up the courage to do what you want to do… but I can’t let you, in good conscience, walk out there without arming you with the knowledge that it can be dangerous. Even with me by your side.” The count stopped right before the border that separated the upper district from the lower. If his caution scared her enough to change her mind, now was the time for her to tell him. He waited for her to answer a question he did not ask: did she still want to walk back home?

Her affirmation made Ryn beam, “Then let us be on our way without further ado!” As they proceeded through the gates, the count talked about how his family, especially members of the fairer sex, tended to carry themselves when they had to walk through the bad parts of town. "If we do get attacked, the best option is to run. It’ll be hard to do that if you have heels on, so it’ll be wise to take them off, but never leave them behind. They make excellent weapons.” He swatted at the invisible assailant with his equally transparent shoe. “Once you’ve mastered the art of shoe-chi, then any shoe will become deadly. That’s why you never mess with my grandmother if she gets her hand on a slipper.”

"Oh the protagonist in a book I read once did that. She took off her heel and stabbed it into her attacker’s eyes. Gruesome, right? …However, I am wearing a flat shoe so I suppose I’ll have to find another weapon or.... “ Charlotte had smirked at him pretending to swat someone with a shoe. She pretended to hold a shoe as well and motioned her hand in a slapping motion, informing him firmly, "I shall slap them.”

Ryn barked a laugh. “The next great shoe-chi master in the making!”

The two had continued chatting as they had passed through the walls of the noble district. The streets were alive with people, especially by the outdoor market outside. Fruits, jewelry, and all sorts of exciting things were being sold under lit-up tents. Most people were indeed dressed down compared to them and the duo of nobles did garner quite a few stares. Charlotte even heard her “Lady Vikena” get tossed around through the crowds nearby them. The street wasn’t so crowded as they came upon the Sorian Library.

She had paused to marvel at the grand building in its beautiful architecture, her eyes lighting up like a child in a candy store. She could recall her late father taking her there once as a child, but it had been so long! It would certainly come to good use tomorrow with the task she had on hand. Charlotte took a moment to express to Ryn her interest in reading and how she’d be spending a lot of time there this summer, if not in her piano room at home.

Charlotte paused before making the turn toward her own home, her curiosity pulled by the bustling tavern. She peeked her head in but regretted so as the gazes that met hers were not friendly at all. Someone was playing a violin but the tune was very upbeat and there were a couple of people joyfully dancing around the wooden room. One man with a large mug in hand did smile at her, perhaps an eerie one, but it was indeed a smile. She gave him an awkward wave and returned the smile, then followed her gut instinct to move out of view.

She turned on her heels and stared down the road that would lead them to her house. They now would have to proceed and pass Count Calbert’s estate… “Lady Vikena?”

Ryn was staring at the estate just down the road when she turned her attention to him. Based on her reluctance to walk down this particular road, it was likely Count Damien’s. “Forgive me if I’m being too intrusive.” He hesitated if only for a brief second, "Is there bad blood between the Vikenas and the Damiens?”

Charlotte glanced at Ryn with surprise at the question, her body tensing for a brief moment. "Bad blood.”She repeated. Tasting the words brought about an unexpected feeling of anger. "...If there wasn’t before, there is now.” She had so much to say yet so little of it came out. Could she trust this man? Why would anyone believe that the beloved Count Calbert could do such a thing?

She sighed, letting go of her tension after some thought, "I have reason to believe Count Damien is not the man he presents himself as…However, it wouldn’t be very proper of me to say much of it until I collect my proof.” Charlotte met his eyes with an apologetic smile, "I do not like to create gossip.”

Ryn nodded. Lady Vikena’s response cleared up another question he had rattling in his head. At some point, Ryn assumed Lady Vikena knew the cause of the animosity between the Vikenas and Count Damien, but the words she carefully curated seemed to imply that she was left in the dark by both her step-father and the count. The feeling in his chest slowly returned. This was no family feud. It was more intimate.

“That sounds like quite the undertaking, Lady Vikena. Are you… sure that Count Damien left proof to collect? If he’s managed to deceive everyone for so long, I’d assume he would’ve destroyed all tangible evidence long ago or has it especially well hidden somewhere. Though I cannot fathom why he’d preserve something so damning unless he intends to use it later.” The raven-haired man rubbed his chin and mumbled “unless the proof wasn’t left for him? Hm.” He waited a bit for his words to sink into the woman. “Ah, I’m sorry. I can get lost in my head sometimes. Terrible habit.”. It did not take much effort to see that his words upset her. As uncomfortable as it was to hear that there was no proof left, it was a possibility she, and to a certain extent he, had to consider. She was upset and what was fine. What Ryn wanted, needed to see, and hear was what Charlotte Vikena would do despite that. Validation that he was right to consider her a potential ally.

Charlotte was silent as he spoke, though her gaze saddened with his words. His last words did, however, get the gears turning in her brain. "...It is alright. No need to apologize.” It had been a long time and she knew tangible evidence of the event would be impossible to find, but she could not turn back now, even if all the odds were against her. "I… I’ve spent the last year alone with a gut feeling that very well could have torn me apart some nights. I knew that what I had been told could not be true, yet I think I tried to believe it anyway… However, now I know that I was fooling myself and I refuse to do so any longer.”

Her gaze set straight into his, the breeze picking up around them, "Even if it takes me years, I will uncover the truth.”

Whether it was the breeze or Lady Vikena’s intense gaze that gave him goosebumps, Ryn wasn’t sure. He stared back at her in silence for much longer than he intended. Ryn’s mouth opened, then closed before nodding. "I believe you will.” He somewhat reluctantly tore his eyes away from hers, “May I give a word of advice, then? Your investigation might yield better results if you have others to lend you a helping hand. You’d have to be careful of whom you choose, obviously. If the count is as manipulative and unpleasant as you and your father are suggesting he is, then there’s no telling who’s under his thumb.” It could be the entire kingdom if Count Damien was really good at what he did. All he had to do was charm the right people and coerce those who posed a threat. Having King Edin’s ear also worked in his favor, bolstering his influence without any additional burden of responsibility.

As they slowly walked passed the Damien estate, Ryn glanced up at the building. “Don’t hesitate to use whatever you have at your disposal… I know they won’t.”

"I appreciate your faith.”Charlotte began as they passed the estate. Its large gates had more foreboding energy than usual. She bit her lip thoughtfully before speaking again after a long pause, "Even after knowing nobility all my life, I’ve never really been sure whom I can trust. I’ve been forewarned more times than I can count to view this all as a pit of vipers. I don’t have as many close friends anymore, however, I do think I have at least one friend I can rely on.” She had not been certain if Fritz had been offering passively, but she felt it would be too nervy of her to ask someone she had just met to help with such an ordeal. Perhaps foolish as well.

Something about the way her lips twitched and moved during the weighty silence told Ryn that Lady Vikena was struggling between the options of asking or not asking Ryn for something. “One friend means that you have at least two people who are willing to assist you in your endeavors, no? I think that’s better than zero.” He placed one hand over his chest and lightly leaned forward. "I will help you wherever I can if you ever need it,” he clarified, in case his previous statement was not clear enough. He smiled weakly, “Though, I’ll understand if you don’t trust me.”

Charlotte had smiled, "I want to trust you. Maybe I’ll take you upon it.”

As they finally came upon the front of her estate, she halted and turned to face him. "I suppose after a conversation like that, maybe this won’t mean so much..” She knew it was possibly even more daunting for someone, especially a man new to nobility, to come all the way from the Varian Kingdom to stay in a “pit of vipers” for the summer. When Lorenzo had first become the Duke of Veirmont, it had been so nerve-wracking to watch him attempt to fit in without anyone to help him. Charlotte gave him a warm smile as she told him, "...But if you ever need anything, I will always be here to return the kindness you’ve bestowed me, Count Fritz. ”

Charlotte suddenly blinked her eyes fast with a small gasp as she realized her possible rudeness, "Oh! Oh goodness. I just realized you’d have to walk home alone. I can arrange for our carriage man to come out and bring you. Y-You’re also welcome to come inside if you like for some tea.”

Ryn chuckled, "It’s quite all right, do not trouble yourself for my sake. Taking walks happens to also be one of my favorite pastimes. Although…” His eyes glanced at the Vikena estate. He couldn’t see from here, but from where they stood he saw no signs that the Duke returned to his abode. “A cup of tea for the road, does sound tempting…” He shook his head, “Ah, I forget myself. It would be improper of me to barge into your house at this hour if your father is not awake… or home. Maybe we should check?”

Charlotte had nodded her agreeance and opened the iron gates. A cobblestone path led up to a brick manor. Her gaze moved toward the side of the house, where the carriage that had taken them to the ball was right where it should be. As soon as they were coming up to the front door, it swung open to the sight of a little woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her attire was what one would expect of a maid, however her behavior perhaps not. She was into her thirties but her excited smile lit up her face like a teenage girl.

"Welcome home Lottie! I see you’ve brought a fine gentleman…!” She moved to the side, gesturing for them to come in. Charlotte tilted her head to look over the maid’s shoulder at Nathaniel’s slightly-exasperated face in the background. It was easy to tell despite the well-groomed mustache that covered his lips. She didn’t have to ask to know he had been begging Delilah to get away from the window for the last ten minutes.

"Come you two. It’s a breezy one out there!” She giggled as the duo had stepped into the entrance hall and then she shut the door behind them. "Nathaniel! Won’t you be a doll and get them some tea?”Delilah had called to the man in the background.

"Certainly…” Nathaniel was a tall, well-dressed man. He served Lorenzo and had been loyally serving the house since he and Emina had wed. The servant turned his body to face Count Fritz and gave him a bow. "Welcome, good sir. Please let me know if there is any way I can assist you.” His gaze then fell upon Charlotte with worry, "Did… everything go well, Lady Charlotte?”

Charlotte managed a smile upon seeing Delilah and Nathaniel. It was a comforting sight to see those she had considered family after such a long night. Things had certainly seemed normal until Nathaniel’s question dawned on her. "Um, have you not spoken to my father yet about it?”

"No. Benjamin informed us that Duke Vikena had gone straight to his room after arriving home... He was feeling rather ill, my lady.” Benjamin was the name of their carriage man. As Nathaniel had spoken, she noticed the perplexed look in his eyes. He obviously wanted to ask why she had not accompanied Lorenzo home, yet he did not, and simply turned on his heels to fetch the tea. Charlotte furrowed her brows.

Ryn listened carefully to Lady Vikena and Nathaniel’s exchange. He was going to speak up before he reconsidered discussing what was on his mind in front of the servants. Soon after, Ryn was led to the drawing-room by the maid, to whom he made certain he properly introduced himself. While they waited for the tea, Ryn chatted with Delilah and Lady Vikena about mundane matters, and when Nathaniel brought in the tea, he continued to chat with the group a little longer. Only after the two servants had left the room did he dare to bring up the subject of Duke Vikena. “When we were at the party, he seemed adamant about protecting you from Count Damien. So, you can imagine my shock when I heard that he just…” He narrowly avoided using the word abandoned, “left you at the castle… alone, unsupervised. With Count Damien still around.” His reflection in the teacup stared back at him, "I can’t help but feel like something is amiss.”

The count faced Lady Vikena, eyes asking, Is your father actually home?

Charlotte looked at Fritz, gripping the teacup in her hand. "I was shocked too.”She replied distractedly and stood up. "I apologize, but I need to check if he is all right.” She made her way up the stairs and to Lorenzo’s room. Immediately, she knocked on the door, but alas there was no answer. After a moment, she jiggled the knob. The door was locked. After tapping her foot anxiously for a moment, she moved to a nearby painting and took a barely visible key that was stored in the frame. Charlotte then used it to unlock the door. She barely noticed Fritz at her side as she opened it.

Letting the door swing open, she moved into the center of the green bedroom,"Lorenzo?”Her gaze set onto the round, empty bed. Silence followed and she turned back around to look at Fritz.

Ryn stared at the empty room as he placed a hand over his chest.

Maybe it was a warning after all.

---

Mayet couldn't help but to laugh as she heard Munir's words, mentioning how it would be hard for her to keep the fact that she brought her weapon unnoticed.

"It's a good thing I'm not trying to hide anything then." Mayet replied with a chuckle and confident smirk as she looked at Munir.

"Things are always more interesting when there's a bit of risk involved. Besides... What's the fun in dancing when there's not blades involved?" Mayet asked, laughing as she looked at Munir.

"Don't worry though. I don't plan on spilling any blood tonight." she finished, waving her hand as she gave a small wink towards him.

Unfortunately, Layla had decided in the last moment not to go to the party and ended up returning to her room. Still, her other siblings were still with her, looking forward to the party.

It was at that moment that the same bubbly woman whom called them in the first place finally arrived, introducing herself to the Alidasht siblings after asking one of her servants to prepare her carriage.

"Princess Anastasia, it's a pleasure to meet you. I have heard quite a bit about you and your... 'unique' personality." Mayet said with an amused expression as she looked at her.

"I certainly have high expectations for this party. Especially now, after hearing your praises about it." she finished as the preparations were ready and the group was about to go on their way to the party.

In the middle of the way though, an unexpected guest came in as Anastasia made sure to stop and invite him to come together.

"Kazumin. Such a coincidence to meet you again." Mayet replied, looking to the blonde man with a raised eyebrow and a chuckle.

The moment the group arrived at the party, Mayet was greeted by quite an amazing sight. From the fog and the loud music to the colorful, vibrant lights gave the party quite an unique atmosphere. The strange shapes floating in the ceiling only made the entire party feel even closer to a fever-dream or an hallucination.

"Now this... Is quite something, isn't it?" Mayet said with a surprised expression as she looked around, amazed.

When she was greeted by the strange, masked man offering her a mask, Mayet let out a small smile as she considered the options he gave her.


"A masquerade... Sure, why not... This might turn out being much more interesting than I thought it would be." Mayet said as she grabbed a white mask.

Time: Night
Location: 420 Wicker St; Rave Warehouse
Interactions: None

Callum was convinced that they were all going to suffocate in the cramped carriage. They were packed so full of people that every breath of air felt like it had already been breathed in by half the occupants of the carriage and surely they would run out of breathable air before they even made it to the warehouse. He decided not to say anything because any conversation would only make the air problem worse and his sister seemed keen on picking up more people off the streets. Why hadn’t he walked? That certainly sounded like a much better idea now but he was trapped in the carriage.

The discomfort was only amplified by the presence of several of the Alidasht royals, none of whom Callum knew, and he spent most of the carriage ride trying not to stare and study them as if they were some sort of museum exhibit. Even without really looking at them his mind was filled with questions that all felt too rude to ask of those who hailed from the strange and mysterious desert lands.

Did they really drink the blood of camels? Was it true that women danced on the streets of Genasea barely clothed and uninhibited? Was it really a land of vice and debauchery and barbarism? Of course he knew that with all Caesonian rumors one had to take them with a grain of salt but there had to be some reason Edin was so clearly on edge about them.

Was it only Alidasht wealth and military might that made them so intimidating? There had to be something more to it, Edin wasn’t easily intimidated. Was this group of royals truly so cold that they would slaughter each other to be the next to wear a crown? That the last question troubled him the most. It was often said the custom in Alidasht was for the royal siblings to kill one another off in order to prove their worth for the title of Sultan. It was hard to imagine; for all the flaws he could see in his own family, he couldn’t imagine any of his siblings would kill any of the others in cold blood like that. That seemed a level of callous only Edin was capable of sinking to and, as far as Cal knew, even Edin hadn’t killed his own kin.

Callum was immediately thankful the second the carriage finally came to a stop near the docks and even more thankful when he finally got out of the carriage and was able to breathe fresh air and move freely again. Somehow his feet remembered exactly where the right warehouse was without much looking around. Although he’d been to these parties before he couldn’t for the life of him remember much about them, a sure sign of a good time, certainly worth risking his life being packed in a carriage just like cargo. Walking through a dark and dusty warehouse didn’t feel the least bit out of place, nor did the masked man who led them down the stairs. Everything felt familiar even though he remembered none of it.

Callum slipped on one of the masks that were being handed out without thinking much about it. Strange music thumped and beat loud enough that he felt the vibrations in his chest, sounds so unlike anything he was used to and he didn’t question it. Lights and haze danced around the room and the unmistakable presence of magic could be felt in the room. Cal didn’t acknowledge the magic out of a fear that to mention it would make it all disappear. He only spent a long moment taking it all in, noting how much better and brighter a bit of magic made everything. How because of a bit of magic and a dingy warehouse now felt like an amazing dream.

Leo wasn’t entirely sure what he’d expected this after-party to be like but the sights and sounds that greeted him upon his descent down the staircase were so far from what he could’ve ever anticipated. He looked around the warehouse with a sense of awe and confusion. Strange music that thumped like the beating of a heart but in a way that sounded unnatural, unlike any instrument he’d ever heard before, and seemed to be coming from the back of the room but still, he held no understanding of what made the sound. Upon the ceiling, mystifying lights of all colors danced around the hazy room, and an unnerving whisper of unnatural forces filled the room. He accepted the mask offered by a man at the bottom of the stairs and continued forward. His first thought was of how much Thea would’ve enjoyed all this, and he hoped this would not be a one-time occurrence.

“Amazing indeed.” Was all he said in reply to Anastasia as he continued to glance around the room. A boxing match in one corner and pole-dancing in the other, a large bar serving odd-looking drinks, and a smattering of triangle-shaped tables. Leo wasted no time in continuing to take in the sights, like a child at a fair he wandered off towards the first thing that caught his interest, tonight it was the boxing match at the far side of the room.

This side of the room held the faint scent of sweat and blood and the sounds of cheers, jeers, and the impact of fists could be heard just over the music. Leo melded into the crowd around the match, noting quite a few people holding the colorful cocktails where things moved inside the glasses. Some glasses contained rainbows or hearts, some glimmered and shone, while others had strange creatures swimming about in the drinks. One man must have noticed his interest in the cocktail as Leo found it impossible not to stare at the drinks.

“You simply must try one. Careful though, they pack a punch.” The man said with a laugh.

Despite his interest in the boxing match, the beat of the music made it impossible to hold still. Like a siren’s song it had a compulsion to it, told his body to move, and while every good noble knew several dances suited for a proper ball he had learned nothing for music such as this. Still, he moved through the warehouse, his eyes now drawn to the other side of the room where people danced. This was clearly not a place where one’s movements had to be precise and practiced, this, so unlike the ball they were just at, was a place of freedom.

Soon Leo found himself at the bar, eyes glancing over a drink menu that listed the names of the odd-looking cocktails. He had originally planned to keep his wits about him at this strange after party, but Thea staying at the palace altered his plans a bit, he didn’t have to keep an eye on her, tonight he could be as witless as he wanted and that was welcomed break he’d admit to only himself. One name jumped out at him, Conquer the Mountian, and liking the sound of the name he ordered one for himself. He watched as the bartender mixed it up, his head bobbing independent of his control to the music that filled the room. Once the drink was set in front of him he watched it, entranced, as clouds floated about encapsulated in the blue liquid. He carefully picked it up, moved away from the bar, and briefly brought the drink to his nose, noting its smell before drinking a sip. The sharp taste of alcohol was cut through by the sweet taste of berries and a gentle swirl of the glass only made the clouds float faster rather than mix them into the liquid. How strange. He thought as he wondered if the drink really was as strong as people around here said it would be. Leo then shrugged and downed the rest of the drink that looked like a pleasantly cloudy sky.

Interactions: The Alidasht contingency,@13org Mayet @Rodiak Nahir @princess Anastasia @samreaper Kazumin

Munir was idly chatting with his siblings when Layla had to abruptly return to her quarters. "Aw Sister Layla! I was just kidding about not seeing you at these sorts of things, you can totally come along~" Munir said, again in jest. In truth, he doesn't care if Layla was present or not. She knows how he is at parties, he knows how she is at parties. This was just a party, after all. No surprises, no new developments.

Right?

A Princess Anastasia walked up to Munir and his siblings and introduced herself. As she was walking over, Munir had already 'measured' her up and down. He chuckled inwardly. She was a Danrose. An issue of Edin. Oh how glorious it would be if he were to rendezvous with dear Princess Anastasia tonight, only to have to stories of it whispered to old Edin, the arrogant fool. From the moment Munir and his people set foot in their great hall, it was not hard to tell that Edin disliked their grandeur and would have preferred it to have them arrive like the sandy cave dwellers he thought they were.

There was no way Munir suffers that unspoken insult, by the name of the Sun Gods.

"The pleasure is all mine, Princess." Munir said as sweetly as possible. As the princess moved away form them, Munir definitely saw that she blew him a kiss. Was she serious or was she going to be as easy as it seemed? Munir smirked and made a mental note to himself to find out at the party. Soon, the carriage that will take them to the venue had been prepared. As it was never meant to accommodate a party of their size, Munir shifted a bit and tried to take up as little space as possible without actually sitting on the floor.

Part way through the ride, Anastasia had the carriage stopped as she looked to pick someone up who was walking. As the other person entered the carriage, Munir saw that it was the person he thought was the court jester. As Munir thought he was going to have to shift more to accommodate one more passenger, Kazumin grabbed on to the back railing and the carriage set off again.

The man sang some inaudible words the whole ride to the venue...

As they arrived at the venue, a masked man came by and offered Munir a mask. "A masquerade, huh. very well. Even though my radiance will easily shine through this facade, I shall play along for now..." Munir said to the masked man as he grabbed a mask that was more mundane than he would have normally chosen, to nay a reaction at all.

Time:Evening
Location: The After Party
Interactions: @Rodiak Zarai @Alivefalling Marek
Attire:An Outfit that would make her mother faint

---

Anastasia whirled on her feet, her glittering eyeshadow sparkling as she smiled at Zarai's words. Each piece of her outfit was all the same shade of pink, quite similar to the dress she had been wearing earlier. However, this time, she was showing much more skin. She was never one to mind something like that. The blonde reached her hands out toward the pretty brunette as she approached, a familiar scent becoming more obvious the closer she got to Anastasia. Her gaze took in Zarai's outfit, perhaps enjoying the way the corset cinched in her waist more than she should. "Look at you! This look is... Everything! Oh my my... Women really should wear pants more often." She winked at her just before Zarai left to go get a drink, something she'd soon be doing.

She bounced back and forth on her heels in her spot for a moment, biting her lip once she was on her lonesome again. She could feel quite a few eyes on her. Since she was unmasked, it was obvious just who she was, but she did not mind that. In fact, she even kind of liked it that way. Though being a princess did not mean much to her, it was nice when she could go places and have people interested in talking to her as if she was important to them. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze finding Callum to note his presence before moving to the bar. It was an easy choice for her to order the drink named "Oh My Darling." For one, it matched her dress, and two, it looked and sounded adorable. The bartender woman had smirked as she had poured her the drink and Anastasia had only briefly wondered what could have been so funny about it.

The peach-colored drink was soon in hand. Anastasia paused to watch small little white hearts ascend through the liquid, leaning in closer and squinting at it. How is this possible? She racked her mind trying to understand it for a moment before shrugging it off. When she finally took a sip, her eyes widened. It was so sweet and tasty. She couldn't help but proceed to take another long sip. It was as if it wasn't even an alcoholic drink. There was nothing bitter at all about it.

It was then she noticed the party-man himself. She had known Marek for quite some time the last few months, running into him and there. He was one of her favorite friends as he always seemed very interested in hearing about her day for some reason. It was hard to find good listeners. "Marek!"She called and moved over to him, her drink still in hand. She looked up at the tall man, excitedly stating, "Oh my gosh! This is crazy. I can't believe you threw such a great party. " Anastasia then quickly added, "I mean I'm sure all your parties are always great but this one's got that extra UMPH!"