Host a noble's party.

The galley is entirely clear except for one specific individual awaiting your coming. Dinner is some time away, and lunch too was hours before, so the tables are spotless, and most of the leakage from the storm has been thoroughly mopped and dried. Malakae Vraelion, if she truly still desire her full family name, sits at a table in the center of the room with legs together and to the side, and fingers crossed over her lap. All her life she's been taught proper manners and what's expected of a high class woman, though her spoiled demeanour often betrays that image. She is who she is, however, and you wouldn't wish any of your allies to fundamentally change who they are. Still, you can see a glimpse of happier dragon, or at least one more relaxed.

She's so wound-up most of the time, you expect her to unravel and start spinning.

First, even before speaking a word, you approach her table and place a glass jar holding a lavender candle in the middle. You raise a butter knife, gathering her attention, and then with a smile you whisper the words, "Flare Blade," as it becomes engulfed in a tiny flame. You lower it to the wick, and slowly a pleasant scent begins to waft up from the stream of smoke trailing towards the ceiling.

With a flick, the knife goes out.

A smile comes to her lips. "All right," she says quietly. "You've impressed me so far."

"I hope you don't mind, but we won't be drinking alone," you say as you make your way to the back of the room. A low rack holds a few bottles of wine, and after inspecting them, you find one you wish to withdraw.

"Is that right?"

You take four tall glasses between your fingers, and carry them over to the dragon's table. "That's right. And this wine hasn't been opened yet. Fancier than the others, though yes, probably nothing like what you had back home."

"I'll survive. So who else is coming? By the glasses, I count two others."

Then right on cue, a pair of footfalls make their way to the doorway. The first one to step inside is Eva Beela, cute and bouncy bunny wizard, and the moment she enters she sniffs around herself. "Something smells nice," she says. She may come from a noble family, but she long discarded that life. Nobody would expect upon meeting her that it were ever the case, and she doesn't mind. Though once in awhile, her upbringing shines through, whether it be how she decorates herself, or all the knowledge of proper etiquette she remembers, even if she rarely exercises it.

Next is Lalarin Relestel, though she doesn't really go by her full name. But she isn't quite as disconnected from that life as her fellow rabbit companion, even if she refuses to admit it. She's done her own thing for a long time, but her high class upbringing is a lot easier to guess. It's the way she moves--graceful, but moreso than a monk-classed warrior normally would be. Still, right now she's dressed more like a beautiful swashbuckling pirate than anything else. Upon entering the room, she removes her hat and scopes the room. "I think it's a candle burning, Eva."

"... Ah. Them," Malakae mutters.

"Is there a problem?" you ask.

"No, it's fine. They may be a Relestel and a Beela, but after everything, I suppose I don't really see them as children of any noble estate. One is an unruly, unladylike bundle of chaos, while the other plays pretend like a kid wearing a blanket as a cape."

"Play nice."

"I--" She looks to you, puffs out a cheek, and then crosses her arms before looking away with pink in her cheeks. "All right."

"Welcome, everyone!" you call to the others. "Come on over and we'll have something to drink."

Eva hurries over and grabs a chair for herself, opposite facing to Malakae. "Ooh. Something yummy?" she asks.

Lalarin isn't far behind. She sits herself down on the other side as yourself. "Hmm," she ponders aloud.

"What is it?" Eva asks.

She places her hand down on the table. "Kyle, I understand what you're doing."

You look back to her. "Angry?"

"Not at all. This is incredibly sweet of you."

Eva stares blankly. "What are you two talking about?"

"... Ah. Yes." Malakae rolls her eyes. "Of course you wouldn't catch on. What do the three of us have in common?"

Lalarin chuckles. "I can't believe we haven't done this already, truly. Yes. All three of us are of noble heritage, but for one reason or another, left that life behind. Mostly family drama. Perhaps in the past, we've even seen one another. I definitely knew of the Vraelions. My family is rather important, though not at the level of yours, Malakae."

"All I got is my dad," Eva says with a shrug. "And he's just some bearded old man. Sure, we had a huge house with servants and the highest quality food and drink, but whatever. I don't really care about that."

"But your father is one of the few chairmen of the Circle of the Unicorn," Malakae responds. "And what do you mean you don't care?"

"I don't know. I'd rather be my own woman. Do my own laundry. Make my own coin. And then when I become a famous, beautiful sorceress, it'll have been all from my own efforts."

At that, Malakae is silent.

"That's so admirable," Lalarin says. "I never really considered that was your view of it, Eva. I knew of the Beelas too, you know. Most noble families are famous for their wealth and power, usually by owning businesses, making investments, and most importantly, making strategic political decisions, but everybody knows the Beela family has some incredible mages. Rada Beela is the most talented pyromancer I know. And now, Eva, you are a famous and beautiful sorceress."

Eva swallows nervously. "W-Wait. You think so?"

"Imagine how many people will look to you now, after all that's happened."

"... How many are gonna be looking at me?" she mutters under her breath.

You look to see Malakae's discomfort. "Hey. Let's have some wine already, huh?"

"I'd love that," replies Lalarin.

"Woo! I hope it's extra fruity," Eva cheers.