Episode 70

Everyone does their own things for the day before the party. Some train, others run errands around town. That afternoon, the party has a group meeting in the common room. Lily tells everyone about her meeting with Nexus and Anthos reveals that he is a walking time bomb. He says that he made a bargain with the flame emperor. The curse won’t just bind him to the circlet, it will burn him to a crisp. They have a little over a week until the first stage begins.

They all brainstorm options. Seipora finds a spell that can keep Anthos’ explosion from hurting everyone else, but the process to acquire it would take time. They put that issue on hold. Lily also mentions that hellhounds are hunting her sister. They brainstorm some more. Both Anthos and Lily’s new problems are added to the party’s to-do list.

Everyone splits off for the rest of the day. The following night Marisol can be seen injured in the common room. She dips into her bedroom before anyone can question her. K is nowhere to be found.

Everyone does their own thing in the morning. Most of them prepare and that night the group heads to Velden City to attend Hank’s party. As they arrive in Velden’s lyceum the party sees attendants, all wearing tuxedos, awaiting them with name-tag signs held up. One reads “Soulfire”. They are ushered into a carriage with plush red and gold upholstery, tinted windows, and champagne. They wind through the streets, passing many aristocratic homes, before arriving in front of a lavish 2-story mansion. The golden letters “CN” are hung on the front gate, with marble statues of pegasus-riding knights sitting on both sides. A large fountain can be seen in the front of the mansion. A statue of a semi-naked woman is in the center of it. The carriage drops Soulfire off at the front steps. A butler goes to the carriage doors and helps the ladies out. Everyone is led to the foyer, which has a stunningly grand double staircase made from cherry wood and decorated in a blue trellis. The room is filled with marble accents and has blue diamond-esc tiles along the floor.

The party is led under the staircase and is stopped in front of the guest book. A butler asks them to sign it, seeing as almost all the other parties present have done so. The party agrees and everyone puts their signature in the book before heading inside. They are surrounded by beautiful flowering vines in the tunnel leading them to the ballroom. They hear an orchestra playing as they enter and see many beautifully dressed people.

There are trays with various foods and drinks, with quite a lot of fruit. The servants bow as the party steps inside. Lenard, the head of staff, welcomes them and says that they are free to mingle, drink, and eat whatever they desire. He bows once again before leaving them to their own company. Lily asks the party if they’ve made a mistake. Everyone says yes except Seipora and Ingred. Some grab drinks to blend in, others just drink for the fun of it.

A woman approaches the group in a friendly manner and asks for their names. She holds her hand out to Anthos, who kisses it in return. She blushes and giggles at the gesture before introducing herself as the Duchess Mary Highrose. The party all introduces themselves in turn, and the Duchess gives them her welcome before leaving to mingle with others. Marisol mocks her once she’s out of hearing range. Seipora offers Marisol an arm, which she refuses, but still follows the bard to the tables at the side of the room.

The rest of the party separates. Anthos pulls Lily away for a dance to blend in with the other guests, and Ingred is invited for a dance by a handsome, blonde elven man. After a short chat with Marisol, Seipora interacts with Jared, who is seen handing out drinks in a butler’s uniform.

Amongst the crowd, K uses Kova to get the peoples’ attention. He stands up on a chair and taps on a glass before giving a short speech. “Hello friends!” He says, “My name is K”. He introduces himself as a member of Iridescent Soulfire and starts with thanking the one who found the red dragon hide. “Whoever found them has saved a whole town”. K gives a toast to them and the host before wishing everyone a good night. Those who listened to the speech gossip among themselves. Some found it endearing, impressive, or a cute attempt at acting civil.

Anthos and Lily have a conversation as they make their way around the dance floor. Ingred also has small talk with her new elven companion as they dance. At the other side of the dance hall, Marisol notices the two and seems disturbed by the sight of the unknown gentleman. While retreating deeper into the crowd she bumps into a large dark minotaur. The two chat for a bit before she slips away from the scene.

The music suddenly dies down with the sound of a ting glass. Hank Asprig, the host of the auction and the party, arrives onto the stage wearing his signature black suit and red pocket square. He holds up a glass and thanks the audience for attending the party and spending their money. He looks around the crowd and announces that there are some famous individuals present tonight; the adventuring parties of Iridescent Soulfire, Quiet Thunder, Reverse Sleep, and Brutal Energy. He also mentions that a Tarlie is here. Entertainment will arrive soon, which includes a storyteller from Hank’s home region. There is also a duelist willing to take on any challengers. He tells the crowd to continue enjoying themselves before disappearing from the stage.

Ingred stops dancing at the mention of the Tarlie and excuses herself from the dance floor. The elven man is seen giving her a kiss on the hand before she heads towards a more open part of the hall.