Cyran wasn’t sure why he’d opted to attend this event. He never enjoyed gatherings, especially not ones that took place in large, sprawling mansions like the one he stood in front of. They reminded him too much of another life, one where he regularly mingled with socialites. In the end, the sole reason that he decided to attend was because there would be no chance of running into ghosts from his past. It was best to let those sleep. Besides, despite his old family’s standing, he doubted they would have ever obtained an invitation for an event this exclusive.

Which brought a single question to mind- why had Cyran been invited?

Ever since his fall from grace, he was under no illusions that he had somewhat stumbled his way through life. Even his current profession had been a spur of the moment decision, and it was not a job that lent itself to fame and glory. He much preferred the shadows that anonymity granted him, but apparently, he had been noticed by someone.

At least there would be free food.

As per the requirements on the invitation, Cyran had come in costume- he was not a man who had dressed up often, so it had been somewhat challenging to come up with a costume. In the end, he decided on a rather plain, if not skintight, black suit that was embellished with bits of lace and embroidery in fine reds and purples. He had pulled his hair up into a bun, keeping it out of his face to accentuate his black mask, which was rather plain compared to the rest of the ensemble. Stitched into his back were two pieces of lacy fabric that, if he extended his arms, would resemble wings.

While those who knew him would have expected him to come dressed as a raven, Cyran had opted for something a little more simple to construct for the evening- a bat.

He readjusted the fake, pointed teeth in his mouth, trying not to feel too out of place. He wasn’t used to wearing clothes like this, and without his weapons, he was feeling rather naked. He would endure, though, for the night’s festivities.

Lapsing into old habits, Cyran straightened his back and walked with a confident gait into the party grounds proper.

Minora was used to these types of parties, usually upper crust society types talking, usually about nothing or other families or politics. As a child she found these things terribly dull, being the older of her and her brother she had to present herself in a graceful and dignified manner. Now as an adult she found that these parties were a very dull and boring necessity, as a mage her whole goal was of course just furthering her own ambitions and powers. She knew these parties were her chance at expanding her goals, this wasn’t just any kind of party though this was the Black Harvest. Important people, adventurers and powerful magic users will be there she had to dress to impress.



“Okay, soo what am I going to wear exactly… Hmm? Red? No too much red, blue? It doesn't match my hair or eyes. Great nothing but fancy clothes and still nothing to wear. Hmm… Ah!”



She finally decided, her usual mixture, she wore black fingerless gloves with a black dress that led into a corset tied up in the front with a burgundy open V dress top. Her long red hair she placed in a ponytail with bangs lightly covering her eyes, around her neck was her golden amulet with a large red stone in the middle. Fully dressed now for the hardest part and what takes the most time… Makeup, for at least an hour she spent in front of her mirror applying blush and eyeshadow. Then wearing a black mask resembling a raven where in the middle of the mask's forehead is another red gem looking like a third eye, her whole outfit gave off hints of black bird aesthetic throughout. To say some excitement flowed through her, she also knew she had to be very careful. The Ball could be the opportunity of a lifetime but it also could be a powder keg ready to go off.



After readying herself she made her way to Marrowvine’s, she was familiar with the family and location. She didn’t have to wait long before entering the party. Stunned was one word to describe how she felt looking at the party now going on, before making it to the main floor she was announced to the party a young elf man dressed to the nines he walked in front of her and spoke loudly.



“Introducing Lady Minora Aurora Fracheska Albis, of the mage’s guild from Sol City!”

Marik sipped on her mead sitting at the tavern she had become a regular at. Looking over the inventation in her hand, honestly confused. 
"You have to go!" Shaleen said with excitment in her voice. 
Shaleen was one of the bartenders in the tavern, and somewhat of a friend of Mariks at this point. 
"No, I dont HAVE to do anything." Marik replied emphasizing have and looking back up at the half-elf.
'Oh come, it would be rude not to."
"I highly doubt these people would even notice if I didn't show up. This is probably some generic thing anyway, they probably dont really know who I am. Besides it says here Costume are mandatory, i don't dress up." She folded up the letter and put it back in the evelope and went back to her drink.
"Okay, think of it this way then. This could open up some new contacts. Get you into some circles you normally wouldnt be able to reach? and maybe get some really good jobs that pay well." Shaleen gleamed at Marik knowing that would get her attention. "And I think I have the perfect costume for you, its not to extravagant or over the top. I think it would be good for you." 
Marik thought about it for a moment, she really hated to admit it but she had a good point. Marik picked took another big gulp of her drink and just looked up at Shaleen. 

---

Marik staired up at the beautiful mansion before her, she was nervous she knew this place would be crowded which was not something she was fond of. 
Marik pulled the wolf mask down, took a deep breath and walked up the steps to the front door.
Walking in she looked around, this home was breath taking. The decorations laid out perfectcly, the music played at the perfect tempo, it wasnt to loud that you would have to yell over it but still able to enjoy it.
She did not recognize anyone in her line of sight, though the costumes did not help. As one of the butlers passed by with some glasses, she politly grabbed one and walked towards the garden, which was just as beautiful. Finding a spot kind of off to the side she leaned against one of the mansions walls sipping on her drink. It was some kind of punch, it was pretty good. 
Not sure how this going to get me anywhere. She thought to herself. 
Marik stayed there for a while, and just kind of watched as the party continued. 

---

Marik's Costume
imgur.com/nSEP3Wz
imgur.com/1JLrS7P

It had been the first invitation she had ever received and it had come as a huge shock.
"A ball..? In Sol City? This has to be a mistake."
Reading the invitation, clearly addressed to her, over and over again she began to think. Something had been off about this. She didn't recognize the names on the invite. She hadn't met them. Or maybe she had, she really couldn't remember. Still, she was desperate for social interaction at this point and began to try and reason with herself.
"Maybe going to this ball won't be an awful idea. Costumes are required so there wouldn't be any way someone could recognize me.." And just like that her mind was made up.
She knew she didn't have long before the ball and spent the entire night sewing a dress to wear. The next morning she got up early, putting the finishing touches on her costume.

At the entrance of the ball she became nauseous. She worried about how her costume looked, who was there, and if she was truly welcome. Her costume had been a long fish tail dress that went just below her knees. It was white but carefully faded into a light blue. Home made angel wings hung loosely on her back, made out of whatever paper she could find and feathers she found scattered around the forest. Valxi didn't care how the wings looked, just as long as she gets to be an Aasimar. Even if it's only for a night. She walked in the ball and immediately all the lights, noises and people caught her off guard.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all..."

"An invitation for me? That can't be right." 

Vi'ira whispered to herself as she shuffled through stacks of parchment on her father's desk. A raven had dropped off a small amount of letters on the ship, and for the first time in a while, Vi'ira had a letter addressed to her. The parcel was a dark purple with script dancing across the front. She had quickly opened it, not wanting to wait any longer for what could be inside, but upon seeing an invitation, felt lost.

Perhaps she had made a bigger impact in Sol City than she had thought, but by no means had she reached this level of nobility. Had her name been heard through word of mouth, or mentioned in a story that was picked up by noble ears? Her mind raced, but not before her father's voice cut through the silence like a blade. However, the timing couldn't have been better, as the Night Galley was expected to arrive at the Gold Port come morning.

"What is it yer reading?" Torkum huffed, setting down a large wooden chest full of assortments of metal.

"I've been invited...to a ball it seems." She extended the letter towards him, and his large hands grasped the envelope, making it look much smaller than it did in hers. 

"Ye've made friends! I was startin' teh worry you'd be stuck mucking about with the crew for teh rest of time." Vi'ira rolled her eyes, but a smirk forced its way across her face. 

"It's not from a friend. Marrowvine. It's a familiar name, I've heard them mentioned from time to time...but how they know of me is a mystery." She looked up to meet her father's gaze as he stood above her. His large hands were resting atop the parchments she was shuffling through, an immovable paperweight. He looked back down at the letter.

"Costume's mandatory, aye? Ye could dress up like a high priestess! Or a royal princess!" This caused Vi'ira to laugh as she shook her head from side to side.

"Ye don't know me one bit," she uttered through chuckles, "I haven't a clue what I could be."

At that remark, Torkum looked up at the brim of his hat. He grasped onto it and promptly set it down onto Vi'ira's head, smushing her hair and crescent moon shaped bangs as he did.

"Ye could go as me!"

As silly as the idea was, Vi'ira wasn't all that opposed to it. Arriving as a pirate to a costume party would make for great conversation starter into who she is, after all. It was impossible to turn down an invitation to family that was held at such high esteem, as well as their parties. Everybody across the High Seas has heard of the lively shenanigans that have gone down at the Marrowvine's, often staying a hot topic for months to come. She flicked the brim of the hat and smiled up at her father.

___________________


Vi'ira stood at the base of the hill as she watched grand carriages ride by, some pulled by horses while others pulled by creatures she had only read about in books. Her eyes were hooded under the brim of her hat, casting a shadow over her gaze. She wasn't sure what was stopping her in her tracks, perhaps nervousness for what the party may bring, or uneasiness from the whole situation. Never the matter, a party was a party, and a Fenpeiros never turned down a time to bask in the social life of townsfolk, both noble and not.

She had dressed in an outfit eerily similar to those that her father would wear. His large dark brown brimmed hat was accented with a blue feather, one from which he had collected on the day of his wedding to Vi'ira's mother. A thick, black cloak rest on her shoulder, held up by taught straps across her chest, while the rest of the cloak fell to cover her back. She wore a flowy white top that grew looser over her forearms, but they were then held down by her hefty leather gloves. Over the top was a blue vest, decorated with smaller silver designs along the edges. Her dark gray pants were held up by a bulky belt, lined with satchels, cartography tools, and a hilt for her rapier, paired with similarly colored leather boots that reached her mid-calf.

She looked to the moon and closed her eyes for a moment. "Watch over me on this night, nin ithil (my moon)," she said to herself, before ushering her feet forward up the hill. It was moments like these when she had wished that she had be gifted the privilege of carriages and comfortability, rather than challenging this hill on foot. Never the less, a party awaited her at the top, and who knew the social interactions that would commence. And who knew the spirits that she could indulge on, perhaps some that she had never tasted before. The idea of this ball began to excite her for the first time, finally without her thoughts of impending doom intruding.

She gazed upon the entrance, watching as people in decorated outfits laughed and conversed inside. Everything was much striking than she had thought it to be in her mind, for she was not used to such lifestyles. For just a moment, she shuffled through the satchel attached to her belt and pulled out a small leather-bound journal. She began to jot down notes on the architecture of the building, the time period in which it could have been built, and other smaller notes on the things she especially liked. That was one of her favorite things about Sol City: its use of diverse and unique architectural plans, with almost every corner appearing to be a new city.

She returned the journal to her bag and inhaled a short breath. Tonight was bound to be one to remember, and if it wasn't, at least she would remember the sights.

A few hours before the Ball...

Two people could be seen walking into a shop. The man seemed a bit anxious about something. The woman was trying to calm him. The man had apparently received an invitation to the Black Harvest Ball, and he was not all too excited about it. 

They walked into the shop, and the woman manning the counter looked up in excitement.

"Ah, Madam Gwendolynn! I didn't expect to see ya in here," the woman exclaimed happily.

Gwendolynn strode up to the counter excitedly, meeting the woman with a hug, "Meena! Oh it has been a while! How is the family," she asked after their friendly embrace.

"Aye, they're fine! Just fine, Madam!" She then notices Ulrich walking up after Gwendolynn. "And who do we have here," she cocks an eyebrow at the unassuming man in front of her.

"Meena, this is Ulrich Ambriz! I've told you about him before!" Gwendolynn gestures him over excitedly.

Ulrich walks up to the counter and holds out his hand with a warm smile, "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Meena takes his hand and shakes, "Oh, Madam Gwendolynn has told me a lot about you, Sir! She's lucky to have a friend like you! Ah, I remember her telling me abo-"

Gwendolynn interrupts Meena with some polite clearing of her throat.

"We're looking for some costumes, Meena. Ulrich here has been invited to the Black Harvest Ball."

"You don't say! That's very high profile, y'know, Mr. Ulrich! How did you manage that?" She gives him a light hearted punch on the shoulder.

He chuckles, "I'm not so sure myself. I'd made my way into the city and decided to ask Gwen for her thoughts. Now here we are." He shrugs as he finishes his story.

"Well, ya came to the right place! Let me see what I can do for ya!"

---

Present

A carriage came to a stop in front of the manor. A man clad in a suit of various violet hues steps out into the night. His hair has been dyed a sickly green, his face painted white with the nose painted red, a wide red smile pained onto his mouth, and blue triangles surrounds his eyes.

"Gwen, I feel like this is a bit much. Look at me! I look like a clown," he says looking back to the carriage.

"A fancy clown," Gwendolynn answers back. She'd already made her way off the carriage, and was now standing in front of Ulrich. She— on the other hand— was not dressed for the Ball, "You look fine, Ulrich. Rather dashing, if I might say so myself." She put her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to calm his jitters, "Relax. You'll be fine!"

His shoulders sink as he takes her advice. "I guess you're right," he says as his glasses slip forward a bit. Was it from the make up or the slight sweat he had going from his jitters, or both?

Gwendolynn reaches up and gently removes his glasses, "I know you can see well enough without these," she says with a smile. She folds them and places them into his jacket's inner pocket. 

"Thank you, Gwen."

"You know, ever since I met you, you've always helped me out with something. This is the least I could do for you. You don't let yourself enjoy things like this nearly enough, Ulrich," she says to him in a soft tone.

"It's just the way I am." A warm smile plastered on his face.

"I know. Now you go and have some fun for once, Ulrich Ambriz." She pulls him in for an embrace, and she quickly gives him a kiss on the cheek before breaking away. She makes her way back onto the carriage and it takes off at a quick pace. She waves bye to him as he stands there a little dumbfounded. She mouths the words "HAVE FUN" as the carriage disappears with the curve of the hill.

"Huh, well then," he straightens himself up and clears his throat. He turns to the manor to see lots of guests inside already. He can see a few people he might know. It's a little hard to tell with all their costumes. "Like Gwen said, let's go have some fun, shall we?"

As winter approaches, the Rabbitaur of Dragon’s Cradle experience a shift in their appearance; as the storms give way to blizzards and ice, so too does their fur. As the days grow shorter, it’s natural for her people to shed the natural browns and tans to blend amongst the snow when it falls… and it is in this transition into the fall season that she finds herself most unfortunately at the gala. White streaks through the young woman’s hair; and lighter uneven piebald flecks, speckles, and splotches stretch across the lapine portions of her body. One of her four legs has already given way to white fur, giving her appearance the oddest of contrasts.

She is not a noble, nor does she have a home here, nor does she know the Marrowvines. She is here in place of one of her caravan members; and she doesn't like it, but nonetheless, she is here; and without her spear, she feels smaller. Her hands feel empty without it, and she fills the void by wringing them together in front of her as she tries to navigate through a swath of costumed nobles.

She is costumed, dragging behind her a train of white and tan-speckled feathers settled along thin fabrics, and false wings on her back. Her ears have been weighed down with jewelry, and cling, white-speckled, against her oddly highlighted hair, which hangs loosely around her bare shoulders. Her costume is greatly feathered, but tastefully so, Alora said; it makes her look more like a griffon this way— and no, she cannot bring her spear to the party. She has false claws— jewelry— attached to her paws, to give her a more bird-like visage, which she could use in self defense, but…

She has never felt more ridiculous in her life.

Her only source of comfort at this time comes from the weight she feels on her back; a little drake, who is equally showered in feathers and fabrics to make him appear more bird-like. She hears him chirp, nosing his snout beneath her chin; Leni-Aura closes her eyes for a moment and takes a breath to calm herself before the sound, sights, and smells can overwhelm her. “Thanks.” she mumbles, scritching beneath the drake’s chin, as she looks back up to the party.

She is unarmed, she feels silly, but she will be fine… right?

It is just a party, right? And she has had to fight for her life before!

… So why does she feel more nervous about this than she would about that? Every unfamiliar, masked eye that falls on her makes her want to shrink away; and that gives way to a tiny, internal frustration that she could find any part of this ridiculous event intimidating.

Another squeak resounds from her shoulder. She looks anxiously towards Nimbus, and meets his bright blue eyes; he flutters his wings, thrumming against her back; and a wave of fondness rushes over her at his small encouragement. “Stupid.” she mumbles affectionately, poking the small drake playfully in his gray-painted snout. He rumbles a clicking purr, nipping at her hand as she pulls away, and she turns to slowly hop into the gathering— nervous as she may be— to join the events of the gala.

Making her way down the large steps to the party floor, creepy decorations and dark curtains really made this party interesting. Parties she was use to attending had nowhere near as much imagination and effort, the people that surrounded her and the people that trickled in from outside were people she’d never seen around before. Some she could remember from either the guild or from actually seeing them at important events, her heels tapped lightly on the marble steps and floor she wasn’t even on the floor for longer than a few minutes before a waiter made to look like a skeleton approached her a silver tray in his hands with various drinks and little finger food that was the usual for such an elite party.



“Good evening mi’lady would you care for a drink or perhaps something to eat.”



“Sure, I'll go for a drink.”



He handed her a smaller champagne glass, and she smelled it. Though the drink didn’t smell very strong or the type of drink that she would have, in the absence of her book that she always kept with her she figured drinking was the next best thing to do. Minora didn’t bring her book because she knew if she did then her nose would be in that book and not focusing on the important part of this event. Making connections and maybe some friends, mages always could use more friends.



After downing one drink to calm her nerves then another for luck… Then maybe another cause is that they actually taste not too bad…



“These drinks are awesome. I've only had three and I feel great… Usually I get a little carried away.”



“Uhh mi’lady you’ve had seven…”



Minora looked at him and then looked at his silver tray once filled with drinks now completely empty or more actually now filled with empty glasses that she had chugged down without even noticing it.



“Oh… I have a serious problem. You’re free to go but uhh keep bringing drinks around… Or i’ll find you..”



The last little bit she spoke in a sing song voice, the waiter leaving in terror walked quickly away before Minora thought to herself “I just damaged that young man.” She continued with the drink in her hand making her way to the middle of the ball hoping to bump into someone interesting or she really will feel bad she didn’t bring her book.

Edward was somehow invited to this event. He doesn’t know why, he’s not part of the Ardent family anymore and doesn’t have the privileges that comes with being a Ardent. Maybe the hosts of this ball heard of his adventures and decided to invite him for some reason. Regardless, he wants to come and enjoy the festivities after being through a lot of danger in the past few months. He has never been to a ball either, although he has heard its supposed to be fun according to his brother, Alexander. Apparently, they are currently celebrating some sort of holiday that requires one to dress up at the ball. So he decides to get some fancy clothes from a shop in Sol City. A dark black jester costume with some blue patterns and accents with a white creepy mask.

As he walks up to the estate, he sees that there are many participants here. Fancy carriages swarm in front of the estate, with many people wearing extravagant costumes littering in the front. Edward enters the big mansion, ready to go meet some people. He takes a champagne as he walks through the door and looks at everyone here. He recognizes the black skinned tiefling Zarius and the small halfling wagon Veliky near a tall woman and a tall pale white man. He decides not to go to them yet. He wants to see what more there is deeper inside.

A party. A celebration of sorts. Within a gated grounds, guarded, and barred for invitation only. No servants nor personal coterie. Best to send a sacrificial lamb to test the waters. Maude stood now in the greater hall of the event in a uniform he thought to never have to wear. Formal events weren't what his skill set was called for. He'd had no experience in etiquette, nor how to respond to those of continental renown beyond kowtowing. Silence had been his best friend for some time after his capture and much longer in serving his keepers. It could be his friend again here amongst strangers of every walk with too much time and money on hand for their own good. Assuming that the invitations purpose was to draw forth wealthy individuals divorced from their regular alliances. The King's law should defend them here but to rely on something so ephemeral as safety like that was a fools gamble.

The nobles of the house were as mysterious as the reason for the gathering. Dark in silhouette and complexion. Fine pointed ears and regimented placement of every facet. Classic elven grace before the hedonism below. Sol celebrate plenty and often for their kingdom stood strong amidst the rubble of the Runes. The longevity of their leadership and its spies guaranteed that. But most celebrations were meant for friends and family. Brothers and sisters at arms. Not strangers of note from the many 'settlements' beneath their gaze. This seemed a ploy. Some way of measuring potential tools about the field to pick which would serve crown and country best on the fringes.

Lavishness adorned every corner of the ball. Instruments magically played and projected their lilting to the enjoyment of dancing costumed patrons. Alcohol in abundance. Spells flew to enhance outfit and conversation alike. Food to unending replenishment appeared upon each dish at every table. He was glad to have eaten and drunk plenty before his arrival. If the plan was to assess or manipulate then his best friend would save him the same as it always had. Silence would keep him from notice, from regard, and hopefully from magical influence. He would take up position to mirror the present guard and embrace his stoicism to blend into the environment as any guard knew how.

For Vasilia, it had taken her a little longer to get ready for the Marrowvine party than she had planned, but that was just so, a woman's prerogative. She was looking for fun and romance mostly, however who knew what the night might bring. Maybe she'd make a few new connections and see some old ones. There was many a rich noble going to be at this party and she was excited to see what Sol City offered.

Vasilia had managed to talk her way onto another guests carriage in Sol City who she had met at a pre-party drinks. She now looked out as the carriage came to a halt and she was there before the manor. The door of the carriage opened and she took a step out. This was indeed a massive complex and beautiful setting. It seemed like a lot of other guests had already arrived and they were a bit later. Her carriage companions were hot footing it over, but Vasilia took time to take in the surrounding before making her way to the entrance, taking a glass of wine from one of the servers on route.

Above all she was glad she'd spent so much time on her costume and felt satisfied she was pulling the gaze of more than a few noblemen. Vasilia had taken the guise of a white winged angel for this particular event, having had a hard time decided which demonic or angelic force to choose. However in the end she didn't want to give her game away. She was dressed in a short white pleated skirt decorated with white feather and had a tight white corset above that made of nice white lace and silk. Her curled hair was complimented with nice sets of small bells and ribbons. Over her head there was an angelic halo attached through her hair and to a lace piece that went around her neck.

Her make up for immaculate and her red lips stung out from her pale skin. Her lovely rounded shoulders were bare, but she did wear a set of long white silk gloves to compliment her other white attire. There was also a couple of jewelled bracelets on her lower arms, but no one looking needed to know where they were from. On her back hung a bear of angelic white feather wings, making her costume whole so everyone knew she was the angel of the evening “A shining symbol of purity”.

She loved her wings and liked how they bobbed as she strutted through the entrance. There was nothing like being a wolf in sheeps clothing she thought. 

Under her risqué short skirt she wore a white lace garter and pair of white stockings. There was no hiding the fact she was trying to draw eyes with this and would bring her a lot of attention. On her feet she wore a nice pair of white heels which increased her appeal. If anything, she was going for elegance first and foremost.

She scoured the halls with her eyes and wondered who she might encounter.

Some weeks prior...

Charles, the sort of nanny-bot assisting Astrid mostly with her decision making, approaches the half-dwarf as she works on a few armor tweaks and repairs. His robotic voice chirps, "Mistress Astrid, announcement: A letter has come in the mail."

Astrid, without pausing her work but looking over at the Blixtbot^TM, has a surprised expression on her face. It's not often she receives mail. "Really? Who's it from? What is it?" She bends a piece of metal back into place with only her hands.

The bot mechanically opens the letter, pulls it up in front of its glowing red eyes, and reads the invitation. "It appears to be made of the finest parchment and ink, likely sourced from overseas, hand-written in cursive fon-"

"No, ya brass fer brains, what's the letter say?"

Charles shifts his head forty-five degrees to look at Astrid. The expressionless bot looks upset. "Mistress Astrid, emote: There is no need for insults. I am providing the information you requested." Then he looks back at the letter. "It appears to be an invitation to an autumn costume ball. From its contents, it seems your deeds have reached the ears of the Marrowvine nobles in Sol City."

"Fancy people in Sol City know who I am?!" She immediately jumps to her feet. "We've gotta make a good impression! The best costume in the whole party! Maybe even somethin' ta revere Avasha!" And then she makes a list of materials and gets to work, hardly pausing except to make enough coin adventuring to fund her project.

---

The night of the party...

The trek to Sol City took a lot out of Astrid and her BlixtbotTM companion, but luckily the worrisome Pawnbot has plenty of storage for what she has prepared in order to make a (hopefully) good impression both with her crafting skills and dedication to the god in whose domain she found some belonging. Along the way, they also picked up another friend - a certain blue ooze with whom Astrid was happy to reunite. They found a great spot to stop near the manor and get everything assembled. And by assembled, this is the most truthful thing one could say about Astrid's costume. Charles is designated handler for the evening (as if he weren't already designated the role for the child).

The staff outside of the event watched the spectacle of the small girl tromping up to the gates, presenting her invitation, and making her way inside with the bot following closely. Finally, she reaches the inside and stands in the doorway, not waiting to be announced. Instead, she announces herself. "I'm Astrid Stormstone, and I'm gonna be the greatest smith the world's ever known!" 

At the entrance to the ball stands what appears to be a bulky, shiny, metal bird person, for lack of a better word. The head is a helmet covering the top half of Astrid's face. The eyes of the bird, which appears to be a raptor of some description, are alight, glowing blue with bits of electricity arcing behind tiny glass panes. Nearly every part of the body where a full suit of armor might cover is donned in perfectly polished silver metal. The gauntlets have claws much like talons, and the boots are donned with something similar - though both sets had their pointed ends shaved down to not pose a danger to anyone. (Astrid learned this necessary after receiving a few cuts and stitches during creation.) Decorations line the arms, elbow guards, and shins shaped like feathers made of intricately welded metal wires. On her back sits two large wings with feathers made of shaped metal from sheets. There are joints built into the heavy metal wings, and when Astrid announces herself, electricity sparks through the suit, and the wings flare out briefly. Beneath the polished outer shell, bits of machinery mimicking the limbs of the Blixtbots^TM and the lifts in Skypeak Village make these limbs functional in some capacity. To finish the costume off, Astrid wears a bright blue tabbard over the suit, and a skirt that falls longer in the back than the front mimicks tail feathers. 

Once she's satisfied with the announcement, Charles helps her fold the wings then clumsily make her way down the stairs. This suit is in no way practical by any means. But it's a prototype she hopes to show off to a certain few folks that may be present. 

Blue Raspberry is excited to see the party that Astrid told them about and invited them to come with her to. They were told that a costume to the part was mandatory, whatever that means, but they're super good at pretending to be something they're not. They practically do it all the time! But, they don't want to go as their usual knight costume. That wouldn't be very fun since they wear it so often. Instead, they want to match Astrid's costume.

As Astrid'd metallic, sparking wings stretch wide as a grand entrance to the ball, a tiny blue bird on her shoulder also stretches its wings wide in excitement.

"Roll roll roll a ball gently by the stream..." - a tiny squicky voice was singing out of tune but with gusto. If an unknown observer cared to check where the voice was coming from, they would spot a tiny figure, rolling a big blazingly orange pumpkin up the hill. If their gaze lingered any longer, they would see how the tiny figure nibbles onto the vegetable like an eager beaver. And, with a zeal that could be used for a better cause, she "carves" holes, extracts all the soft parts, and lets her petite self in, wearing it as a costume. Pixies are well-known to be practical creatures: not knowing whether the hosts stand on their promise of food and refreshments, Cheche decided to take some precautions. She made sure she had both a costume and a snack! And what marvelous apparel it was! Shiny, round, moreover, absolutely delicious! The leafy top of the pumpkin made a wonderful little hat with plumage. Some discarded pieces served as a pair of pumpkin shoes. Cheche looked at herself in the nearest puddle, and beamed with happiness: an elegance itself! She cast a final look at the pumpkin field behind her, sighed, and left a little pile of beautiful beads as payment for the farmers' hard labor. "Thank you, oh kind farmer! You have just made this world better by giving me a tool to shine!" - she said solemnly. Then she continued up the hill into the direction of the mansion.





After a long journey through fields and forests, the pixie finally arrives at the gates of the huge mansion, lit with the fanciest of lanterns and adorned with the most distinguished guests one could possibly find. She hears the charming sounds of orchestras playing. Somehow, even though they play simultaneously, their melodies don't compete, on the contrary: they play in perfect harmony. Cheche's heart tingles with a happy sensation. A ball! Who cares, how the hosts know her, who cares if it is dangerous, a place like this cannot be bad! She catches on something else: a captivating smell of dishes somewhere close by. Cheche hurries through a gate to the nearest table with munchiness on it! Hoho, not bad!

(This takes place several hours later, deep into the party. If you currently have a separate running ball topic, you may continue it with everything taking place in your topic happening before this response. You can respond to this topic again reacting to the newest update, and even match up time lines in your own topics to continue the festivities!)

Several hours have passed as the night continues to roar on, the party going just as strong as it had been at the start. A large clock in the main ball room slowly records the time, the rhythmic ticking eventually indicating the passage from one day to another, as midnight quickly descends upon the mansion. The house remains as packed as ever, groups of people dancing in the ball room, a packed food table, collections of friends and allies laughing and sharing drinks all across the grounds of the home. 

As the clock strikes twelve a loud ringing echoes out, alerting the crowd of the new day. Shortly after Madam Marrowvine in her long black dress approaches the front of the room, slowly attracting the attention of all those in attendance. The bands of bards slowly begin to stop playing, a deafening quiet and calmness coats the crowd as groups of party goers begin to realize a speech is about to be made. Clearing her throat Madam Marrowvine addresses the crowd, instantly drawing everyone's attention. The party abruptly comes to a halt as all eyes avert themselves towards the lady of the house. 

"Me and my husband can not thank each of you enough for such an amazing and wonderful time tonight! We want to thank you all for joining us, helping us celebrate the arrival of the Black Harvest. This has been a good year for both my family and all of Charon! And even though there is still much progress to be had, there is always something to celebrate! Tonight we have more than just the harvest to be grateful for! "

The dark elf woman took a quick sip of her wine before turning back to the crowd, the majority of the party goers now in full attention, slowly being drawn in by her words and excitement.

"For years we have lived under the yolk of the great King Eldenwar Solarian, he has been a kind and generous king who has made it his priority to bring peace and unity back to Charon. It is no secret that for the last few generations the great elven families have not seen eye to eye, bickering and quarreling like spoiled children. Well his majesty has just announced a plan to reunite the elven families, Sun, Moon and Dark! A council has been created, consisting of members from each of the head elven families. For the first time in years elves from each branch will sit alongside the king, advising him and guiding his hand towards the future of Charon!"

A few cheers and claps begin to echo out through the hall as the Madam lifts her wine glass high into the air. You can feel the electricity flowing through the crowd. Her speech has elevated those in attendance, as it appears that most of the guest that were invited are in support of her speech.

'While this alone is fantastic news, we have even more to celebrate, for my darling husband has been chosen by the king to sit on that council! The Dark Elves will once again sit at the side of the Great Solarian Family!'

More cheers ring out, this time filling the entire ball room. The crowd erupts as the band of bards go back to playing their music. Drinks are passed out once again as new life is pumped into the ball, things amplified to another level by Madam Marrowvine!