Go to the ball.

It's around noon when the two of you arrive. Fortunately, you don't seem to be late nor early, as there are guests already in, as well as some on their way. You walk beside Niki as you pass easily through the front gates when you hold your invitation out. Their courtyard is gigantic, and the mansion itself looks like it must contain dozens of bedrooms. You pass by a fountain decorated in magical lights, a sea of flowers, and hedges trimmed to the shape of various animals. Finally, after following the path, you arrive at a set of opened mahogany doors. You're greeted by lights, music, and the sound of chatter before you step foot inside.

After passing through a grand foyer, you're lead to the banquet hall.

The room is gigantic. One side is filled with cloth-covered tables, each decorated with flowers in vases, napkins, plates, utensils, etc. The other half is where the people currently reside. Light casts through great windows with flowing white curtains, as well as comes down from magic chandeliers that line the ceiling. Across from the windows is a stage with a performing band, which are dressed up just as formally as the guests. The music they're playing is calming and elegant. The men and women garbed in suits and dresses mingle with one another, and there are so many that it all becomes an ocean of unintelligible noise.

"This place is like a whole other world," Niki says.

Waiters and waitresses do rounds with platters in their hands, offering various snacks to the guests. One steps by you, a gentleman, and both you and Niki pick up toothpicks piercing through tiny sausages. You plop it into your mouth, and it's so much tastier than you expected. Surely it's been cooked with the most expensive, exotic spices, by well-paid chefs.

"Mmm. All right. This place is pretty great," Niki says as she grabs a second one.

The waiter waits for you to place the toothpicks within his hand. "Thank you, sir and madame. I hope it is to your liking."

"It's great," you say. "Thank you."

"I'll take a third one, just in case," Niki says.

"In case of what?" you ask.

"Im cfafe ma rnn ow."

So elegant.

It isn't long before the little fun you're having is cut short. A familiar blue-haired elven man approaches you, lavished in the most gaudy golden suit you've ever seen in your life. He steps up and bows formally, and smiles with perfect, almost luminescent teeth. It's without a doubt Sir Elyndar Imaeris, the high level paladin from the other day. Well, he said he'd be here I guess.

"Greetings to you again. I see you were not lying after all," Imaeris says.

"Of course not," you reply. "Niki and I were sent an invitation from House Relestel."

"Of course you were. I suppose as new adventurers, the Lady wishes to see if you are worth anything at all. Well, at least you can enjoy stuffing your faces during your first and final visit here."

"Well aren't you full of yourself?" Niki says. "So did ya come alone, or were you given a plus one too?"

"Hmph. As a matter of fact, I was."

He looks to a half-orc woman devouring the food on one of the waitress' platters. She's garbed in what almost looks like a pure white wedding dress. It doesn't really fit her personality at all. Then, he looks back to you.

"Pardon her," he says quietly. "She insisted she come."

"I think she's the only one that gets it."

Once again, he turns his head, and you follow his gaze to two figures stepping into the room. One by one, people cease conversation to bare witness. Two bunnyfolk, garbed in lavish crimson and silver dresses, gain their attention. One looks to be in her forties or so, but still possesses a beautiful elegance. Her hair is dark brown, but cut short, and tied back with multiple bands of beads. The younger one's hair rolls down her shoulders, and there's something strangely familiar about her.

"Who are those two?" you ask.

Imaeris glares back. "How dare you. That is the Lady of the house and her lovely daughter, Sabrasa and Lalarin Relestel. You are looking at the woman that allowed you to be here, fool. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

He immediately approaches them and bows once again. "A pleasant, humble greetings to the most lovely of hostesses, and her blossoming daughter. I thank you for allowing me to partake of your ball. How does the day fair for you, Lala?"

The younger of the two looks taken aback, but tries her best to remain formal. "Please. I asked you not to call me Lala anymore, Sir Imaeris. But it is a pleasure to have you today." She curtsies.

"Indeed," Lady Relestel says.

Wait a minute. There's no doubt that I've met Lalarin Relestel before. I recognize how she looks... her voice... Hold on. No way. It can't be. That eye-mask she wears does nothing to hide her identity! That's Rabbit's Foot, for sure!

"Hey, Niki?" you ask.

She turns. "What's up?"

"Do you mind waiting for a second? I'd like to speak with the ladies of the house. I did get an invitation, so I'm curious what they have to say. Just please don't start any brawls."

"You worry too much. I think I'm gonna go investigate more food in the meantime. Maybe I'll join that orc chick."