Sneak away.

"We're going to be leaving for now," says Feli. "We were hesitant to come at all, though I admit, I'm glad we did. But for now we should once again leave our children to their devices. We've learned something now, however. Sometimes a little bit of meddling is needed after all."

"See you again soon, Kyle," Lepo says with a bow of her head. She then scoops her girlfriend up into her arms, and you watch what others see from you--a quick squat, followed by a mighty leap into nothingness. She does it so smoothly, and without any effort. You've become far more adept at using Bunny Hop than when you started, but there's no competing with the master. Just like that, they're both gone from view, warped away to a place unknown.

But now that they're gone, you can head elsewhere.

It's Queen Catherine II who finds you, however. She stands amongst her own people. Though many don't notice, those who do you maneuver out of her way like the sea being parted. She takes a firm hold of her hand, and speaks up as best she can through the roar of people speaking and shouting, and through a cacophony of different instruments. "Come with me," you make out, and you respond with a nod.

You, Xiaoqing, and Nyllia follow Catherine all the way out through the park. Even the streets of the city are filled with people--the festival extending beyond the immediate area around the stage. It's at least far less noisy here though, and there's certainly more room to move. As soon as you enter a clearing, three armoured individuals come hustling over.

"You Majesty!" shouts one. It's Lady Turner. "You shouldn't walk off like that." As soon as she comes to a halt, the other guards stop in an instant.

"Apologies, but perfect timing," responds the queen. "Will you please escort us back to the manor?"

With a hand over her chest, she nods. "Right away. You heard her, men. After me."

It's much easier to move now, and if you didn't already feel important after everything that just transpired, you should now, as you walk side-by-side with such stunning women while being escorted by the royal guard. Your cloak billows out behind you as the wind picks up. The sun has completely set now, though the streets are still surprisingly well-lit, both by the normal street lanterns, as well as the many people still running about despite the time.

"After everything, I could do with some time between friends," says Catherine. "A quiet time. You don't mind joining me, do you?"

"Not at all," you reply.

"It would be an honour," says Nyllia with a curtsy.

"Is this really all right?" asks Xiaoqing. "I'm no king or famous adventurer."

"Don't be silly," the queen replies. "Anyone close to Kyle is special to me. If only Lepo and Feli were still here. That being said, even I don't know if I'm prepared to host for gods."

I wonder where Cat went, or Rose, or William. Not that I'm worried about Cat. She can handle herself, and now that it's night, I doubt anybody can harm her. Rose is probably somewhere back at the party, or she's watching from afar. William though, I don't really take him as a party type guy. I'm sure he's already on his way to heading home. I wonder if he knew I had such close connections with people like Feli and Lepo. I doubt he can properly spy on me anymore.

As you walk, Nyllia wraps her arm beneath yours, and then walks very closely beside you. "Would you like me to hold that stein of yours? It looks heavy."

"Don't you worry about me. I'm stronger than that."

"I just thought you might want use of your other hand."

You glance to Xiaoqing. After your eyes return to Nyllia, you nod and hand her the mug, and then after that, you speak up. "Hey Xiaoqing. Are you cold?"

"I don't get cold," she replies.

Nyllia giggles. "I suppose even the suave Kyle Warren can occasionally fumble his lines."

"Well hold on now--"

Xiaoqing smiles. "Oh." Then after a moment, she steps in closer and slips her arm carefully around your left. "I meant to say... maybe a little bit," she whispers.

Queen Catherine II glances back for a moment, smirks, and then returns her focus forwards, to Lady Isabelle Turner and the two other guards clearing the way in front of her. "I suppose I should I have come back there sooner. Now it's too late for me."

"If only I had a third arm," you reply.

"Oh Kyle... I know first hand that wouldn't stop you."