A Glorious Ball, and a Meeting of Royals

Eira was absolutely stunned by Marcus' words, so much so that she looked like a Magikarp out of water. No one had ever talked to her so harshly before, not even her parents back when she lived with them. Eira looked at him for a moment before she actually smiled brightly. "You're right. I did do pretty well and Spheal and I really enjoyed ourselves today. We are still no good yet, but that just means we need to practice more, right? Maybe one day the two of us will be able to beat you and Sofa in a rematch."

"No, it's fine," Eira waved off his apology with a small sigh. She looked down sheepishly as she continued to fiddle with her belt. "No one has really ever talked to me like that before and I guess it was kind of the shock I needed to see I was being silly. I mean, I really had a lot of fun performing with Spheal, so that shouldn't be wasted just because I lost."

When Zandrophin and Mentus arrived at the palace, there were lights, sound, and a whole mess of guards.

Sir, we may be running a bit late.

We arrived after everyone else to the contest, why break precedent? Besides...that shop had a lot tougher security than at first glance, but at least we got some new clothes.

In truth, much of his outfit had not changed from his contest attire. He decided to forgo the green he wore earlier, for a more area-appropriate crimson.



The guard at the gate was the orderly from the contest hall. Zandrophin took note of this.

They must have a staffing issue...odd for a peaceful nation.

The orderly tensed up, not actually expecting to see this man again.
"Damn...thought I'd seen the last of him."

He allowed Zandrophin through the gate without any trouble.

He must've learned from what happened last time. Good.

Zandrophin came through the door of the ballroom, adjusting his cufflinks. These were silver cufflinks with an eye etched into the head, a symbol synonymous with Psychic trainers.



The first thing Zandrophin did was sweep the entire room, top to bottom, side to side. This was standard procedure, since neither he nor Mentus liked to be caught without an escape route, or six. Comforted by the fact that he was not trapped. Zandrophin ran his eyes over every patron in the room.

Many lovely ladies in this crowd, Mentus.

Be careful, Sir...in your profession...

I know...I know....I was just pointing it out.

Zandrophin found the people he was looking for: his fellow competitors, and his host. Rather than move into the crowd, he decided to lean up against one of the columns along the left-hand wall of the room.

We'll be noticed eventually...just give it time...

"That sounds wonderful," Eira said in almost a sigh of relief as she pushed herself away from the wall she had almost flattened herself against. She really was far too uncomfortable at these sorts of events and she was sure she had to get used to them soon if she was to form her own contest hall in Silvertree. "Shall we go so I can introduce you to my other friend? I'm sure it would love to meet Sofa now that he is more active."

Just as Zandrophin said, eventually, they were noticed. Lady Akane glided over to the pair. She was accompanied by an Houndoom. Zandrophin slipped his left hand into his pocket. The creatures had always unnerved him a bit, and the contest didn't help much.

"Greetings Zandrophin. Don't worry, that's my personal houndoom. He was not at the contest." She laughed; Zandrophin could only assume she was laughing at the comical display he'd put on earlier. She bowed and curtsied to him to greet him. "Welcome to the party. I've noticed none of you seem to be comfortable here. So sorry about that."

The dress she wore was much more elegant than earlier, as to be expected. Zandrophin couldn't help but comment, his decorum wouldn't allow him to remain silent.

"Greetings, Lady Akane." He and Mentus bowed, as usual. "Interesting how I've met you in three different places...and each time, you dress more elaborately. Your wardrobe must have quite a wide selection. I appreciate the invitation to attend such an elegant soiree. As far as feeling comfortable...I cannot speak for the others, but my discomfort comes from being in a room with four walls and very few windows and doors, filled with people I do not know. This room is a bit of a strategic nightmare, if you don't mind my boldness. Also..."

While he was talking to his host, Zandrophin's eye caught Marcus and Eira talking.

Why does he invest so much time in helping that girl, Mentus?

I'm not sure, Sir. It may just be because he hates to see people tear themselves apart from the inside.

Heh...he needs to get his own issues sorted out first before he can help anyone.

Zandrophin's eyes were locked on Marcus for several moments. He watched Marcus gesture to the doorway.

He's going to take Eira somewhere, Mentus...perhaps to continue their pep talk outside?

That is possible, Sir. She doesn't seem very comfortable in this place.

Once again, his efforts are misplaced in my opinion.

Sir, Lady Akane is waiting for you to continue speaking; you trailed off mid-sentence.

With this realization, Zandrophin came back into the conversation with his host. Aloud, he said,

"Apologies, Highness...I was distracted."

Silently, he said

Is there somewhere else we can converse? Perhaps an upper-level balcony, or just somewhere out of earshot of this room?