Praetor Terrace was alight with thousands of sparkling lights; the round paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling by gossamer strands, subtle phosphor lights affixed to the columns, various candles. The light danced off of crystal wine glasses and bowls, silverware and women's jewelry. The terrace was alive with movement. Galdori wove in and out of crowds, laughing and talking. A live chamber music band played a slow waltz from a decorate platform, and several groups of galdori were dancing. Passive attendants, looking red-faced and harried, carried around golden plates of food and poured wine for the guests.

A brilliant marble-floored pavilion held huge thrones upon which the King and Queen, dressed in lavish finery, were seated. Dozens of attendants flanked them, bringing the King food and drink; the Queen, however, seemed limp and tired, and leaned her cheek on her hand as though she could not wait for the Ball to be over.

The terrace was overshadowed by the Palace Clock, an huge, austere affair with a crystal face and hands made of pure gold. As it ticked down the hours to midnight, the pendulum made a steady throbbing noise, which the band used as a metronome.

The entire effect was that of a star-filled field of gold. Warm colors and the smell of delicious food created a sense of peace and contentment. The sound of conversation, the tinkling of glass, the fine music and the clock drowned out any individual words - everything blended together, like the noise of a very fancy wind storm.

Seventen guards, looking stiff and uncomfortable, guarded the enclosed area with an especially watchful gaze. Their glaives shone in the light and reminded everyone that if there was any trouble, they wouldn't need magic to solve the problem.

Khymarah walked into the ball, her stomach a tight ball of nerves. She wore the dress Fion had made for her, and it was absolutely beautiful in turquoise and white. She wore white gloves and boots, and had put her rich ruby hair into a half updo, adorning it with a silver filigree hairband and fan. She wore a silver filigree and white pearl necklace as her only jewelery.

Nervously smoothing out non-existent folds in her dress, she walked slowly across the terrace, scanning the room for familiar faces...well...mostly one familiar face, but she was keeping an eye out for Annie and Scarlet as well. Walking through all the other galdori, Khymarah suddenly felt extremely stupid and vulnerable. She began to start looking at the floor more than the room, old habits dying hard.

Annie stood outside on the stairs, waiting somewhat patiently for her two assistants to arrive. She checked her camera--plenty of film, that's good--and made sure she had loads of empty space in her notebook to write in. Pulling a small mirror out of one of the pockets of her dress, she checked her hair again, making sure her hat was on just right, and then adjusted the neckline of her dress. Remember, she told herself, over here we gotta be civil, can't let them see us doin nothin wrong, it's all about them. No shenanigans. But once we're done, it's across the street and it's all about us. And it won't make one bit of difference how low this dress goes.

She rather liked it. The green suited her eyes well. It was pretty, daresay attractive, and would hopefully attract a certain, shall we say, furrowed eyebrow. Annie smirked at the thought. How long had it been since she'd seen him? Wow, girl. Don't let him go to your head tonight.

Annie checked her pocket watch, then looked up to see if Scarlet or Emme had arrived yet. Where were those girls?

Scarlet looked down at her dress. It went just above her ankles and was very soft to the touch. Scarlet had even put her hair up, but it was only a twisted braid as she couldn't afford to get it done professionally nor did she know much about hair care. In fact this was the first time she had been showered in months. In the tiles she looked almost as though she could pass for a galdor.

Unfortunately her clothes hardly mattered to her. She felt naked without Tilley and Scarlet started worrying about what could happen to her. She didn't even have her leash with her.

Scarlet suddenly looked up and around for Annie. Annie was just up the stairs and Scarlet ran up to her, with a bit of trouble in her heeled shoes. "How do chips run in these confounded stilts?" she asked herself. She then realized that perhaps she should avoid Tek while she was at the party.

"Annie!" she called to her friend. "I'm so sorry I'm late. I can't run in these shoes and I had to make sure Tilly was alright." The wick spoke very slow and clearly, trying not to sound out of place.

Emme could barely walk in this dress - it was very nice, of course, a little fancy, but it constricted her movements. Hania had done her hair up, like a proper lady, and she felt rather foolish. It had been years since she'd worn a dress...

The Caoja was difficult to manoeuvre through - there were so many people, all intent on pushing and shoving and blocking the way. She felt odd, heading through the crowd of her own people to attend a galdori ball, and she wondered briefly whether Triar would make good on his offer...

Finally, she spotted Annie and her assistant. Waving furiously, she picked up her dress and ran towards the entrance to the ball.

Edguard arrived fairly early at the ball, taking a coach with a few professors from Brunnhold. He was dressed in a simple, yet fashionable outfit. Black dress pants, a white dress shirt, and a sharp, robin's egg blue doublet. A silver chain ran from one breast pocket to the other across his chest.

Amid so many bodies pressed together, the librarian felt hot and loosened his bow-tie a little. As a passive servant handed him a glass, he smiled and thanked them. For now he hung about a group of professors, swapping theory and chuckling politely at dry humor and terribly witticisms.

Annie put her hands on Scarlet's shoulders, holding her still while she looked her over. The dress Fion had made looked most wonderful on Scarlet, and despite the girl's hair being done simply, she looked all around very nice. She'd even showered, which was a definite plus, since it wouldn't do to be kicked out of the ball for having an assistant who displeased the nostrils of the guests of honor.

"It's alright. And I'm sure Tilly will be fine. Khymarah's place could house a zoo, and she seems to have a definite way with animals. Don't worry about the shoes. I only plan on stayin here long enough to take a few pictures, get a few words, make good to the gollies, and then we're off to Crosscourt, where shoes are optional and fun is required."

She did a few last minute adjustments to Scarlet's braid and straightened out a few slight wrinkles in her dress. "Now, when we get inside, remember: we are inferior. We don't count for nothin. We're low. At least, that's what they believe. Let's not give 'em any more amunition for thinkin so, either. Mind your manners, stand up straight, speak when spoken too, and don't provoke anybody. And," she added as an afterthought, "you're right on layin off the Tek. They don't much care for it round these parts."

Now if only Emme were here...



"Oh look! Emme's here!" Annie walked down the steps to meet her.

Whoever had made her dress worked a miracle. The girl had emerged from her cocoon most definitely. "Didn't I tell you? With your hair, blue was an excellent choice!" Annie smiled.

"Now, let's all put on our brave faces. Whatever they say, let it come, take it with gratitude, and if you say thank you for any insults they'll get confused and leave you alone."

She turned towards the main entrance, pulling her press pass out of her hat brim to show to the guard at the door. "Ladies, let's go make a scene, shall we?"

"Yes mommy," Scarlet joked. Annie sounded just like she always imagined a mother would. However joking aside she tried her best to do as Annie explained.



"I assume that's the girl who's goin'... going to be using the camera?" she asked. It took her a minute, but then she recognized her from the article. "Oh, you are Emmy!" She then looked over at Annie, wanting to say how nice it was that they patched things up, as she did figure the photo had not been given consent, but then she wondered if that would be polite.

She then turned back to Annie, "I'm ready. Just tell me what you want to do." Already there were many eyes on the three girls.

Annie nodded her head. "That would be a correct assumption."


Keeping an eye on the crowd and the arriving guests, Annie brought the two girls closer as she lowered her voice. "Emme, you're gonna be workin the camera. It's real easy; I'll show you how to work the spell in just a sec. Scarlet, you are gonna be my gofer and grabit girl. Don't take it personally; you're also gonna be my extra set of eyes and ears. Keep an eye out, make note of anything you see and hear, and we'll get everything together tomorrow."

"Now then," Annie said as she turned and headed up the stairs, "let's get to work." With that, the group entered the Terrace.

Amid a throng of galdori students stood Jasper. He leaned against a white dusted pillar close to the raised dance platform, talking to a girl who was seized by awe. She looked about the room, hands clasped, cooing at every delight. Her excitement was infectious, and Jasper smiled, but his eyes betrayed his weariness and some hard edge which had been creeping into him of late. His father was still sick. And they had found out what it was that made him so…

The boy was dressed in a simple white shirt, suspenders and dark trousers. His jacket had been discarded, as, despite the coolness of the evening, he was uncomfortably warm. It had something to do with nerves. He was looking into the middle distance, holding a glass in one hand, swilling the liquid absently.

He’d planned on getting sunk beforehand, or at least drink enough to unwind the anxious knot in his belly. Then he’d thought better of it, but couldn’t refuse every glass offered of him.

[[Sorry, must keep this short and sweet as I'm rushing off to work.]]

Scarlet nodded and marched as well as she could in the wobbly shoes. In a way she wanted to ignore the heavy crowd in the room, but in another way she couldn't help but look around.

Everything was so grandly lain out, including a buffet table. "Uh... Annie? That table there looks mighty interesting. We might get some good information from it if we question it." Yet again, her stomach controlled her.

<Nappers time for me people. My Kitty Pillow awaits me.>

Annie laughed. "Remember, tonight we don't question. Tonight we observe. And yes, you may get something to eat. Just don't...overdo it."

Whilst Scarlet was busy with other things, mainly the food, Annie showed Emme how to work the camera. "It's pretty easy, really. You speak the spell for 'light', then wind the crank to start taking pictures. And you don't have to do anything fancy with them, either. Just shots of the galdori, the decorations, people dancing, talking, the orchestra...y'know, stuff like that. If you run out of film, let me know. I've got plenty more. And," she added, only quieter, "if you see anything you think I might find...interesting later, snap a quick shot and keep on doing whatever. You're the eyes that I get to keep record of." Annie winked at the girl. "Have at it, kiddo!"

Tonight is shaping up to be a good one, Annie thought. I just want this part to get over with faster so I can get to the better stuff across town. I wanna show off this dress big time!

The Viverti Twins swept onto the terrace, taking in the glitter and glitz. They arrived in gowns of matching design, though Scuro wore hers with a bodice of black and an aqua skirt. She straightened her silver gloves with just a bit of fuss. Their silver and cool colors amongst all the warmth and gold made them stand out amid their peers, though they could see here and there a few women in cool colors. One in particular with strikingly red hair in turquoise stood out, though she seemed nervous.

This was the first time they would be out on their own. The twins had been to the celebration with their parents, with schoolmates, and with fellow trainees, but this time they were alone. Just the two of them. Scuro looked at Chiaro, conveying her excitement.

Off a ways she could see the Seventen whose posts she and her sister would have to relieve in a few hours, but for now they were simply guests of the finest gala of the year. Off to one side they saw a group of older men and women who could only be Brunnhold professors, and at the opposite end from them clustered a group of starstruck students. Her eyes roved over the crowd, looking for familiar faces until she found one. Though not someone she knew. She spotted a small blond in the crowd following a reporter (or it could be safely assumed she was one by the pass in her hat) with a camera. Scuro began to fume.

She turned to Chiaro and drew her attention to the girl, "You see that?" she pointed furiously, "She was in the paper just the other day. She's just a common wick. That shouldn't have been allowed!" She looked up at her fellow seventen, who seemed not to have noticed the wick, "Well then, we'll have to take care of this!" she grunted and began to storm her way over to the hapless girl.

Khymarah looked around, looking for Jasper without being to obvious about it. She saw two twin galdori walk into the ball, dressed in similar silver and green outfits. They were new, she'd never seen them before. A familiar figure stood across the room.



Khymarah's stomach flip-flopped. She didn't know what to do. Here he was, but he was with someone it seemed. Should she go over? She didn't want to make a fool of herself. Part of her had expected he would be alone, looking for her, the romantic in her. But he was a handsome young man, and he was bound to have attention. Well, she couldn't very well just leave. Fion had put a lot of effort into her dress, the least she could do was say hello. Taking a huge breath, she walked over to where he was standing.

"Hello Jasper, have you been here long?" She smiled at him despite the girl, she couldn't help it. He looked really good, almost rebelliously casual.

Athrym glanced around the ball, glaring at any of the servants that walked near her. She would cast them all down given the chance. Dressed in her red ballgown, she'd had her hair pinned up tightly into a fashinible updo. Sipping on a Starfly, she saunted around the room. There were a lot of students here. She noticed Jasper Reel, he was in one of her classes. Bit of a pretty boy for her. There were two twin galdori here, and they looked mad, one of them was making a beeline for a blue dressed girl. Athrym narrowed her eyes. The girl was not a galdor, she smirked, hoping the firey looking twins would give her a good reason to leave the ball, fast.

She stopped, spying Edguard amid a throng of stuffy looking self imports, guffawing over how wonderful they were. He looked hot and rather uncomfortable. Smirk still on her face, she strolled over to where she thought she could catch his eye, raising an eyebrow at his formal attire. Perhaps this evening wouldn't be all bad.

As Annie made her way up the stairs with Scarlet and Emme in tow, she saw a very angry galdor in a most beautiful dress coming their direction. She went down a step and stood in front of the two girls, lowering her voice just enough so they were the only ones who could hear her. "Girls, leave this to me. It's usually like this when trying to get in, but the idea of being glamorised in the papers usually wins them over."

Turning to the galdori woman and cranking the charm to eleven, she exclaimed "Why, my lady, what a most beautiful dress!" (which it was, indeed) "I see it is the direct opposit of, I assume that's your twin sister over there? Most stunning. Shall my assistant take a picture of you two for the paper? I'm sure everyone else will be talking about you by morning."

Annie gave her most beaming smile, ready for just about anything the chick could throw at her. Nobody messes with my friends! she thought.

((Annie, the spell is "light"))

Emme fumbled with the camera, not used to working any magic - the most she had ever done was start the oven with a spark. She felt grateful to Annie for giving her the job and the beautiful dress, but she had no earthly idea why she was there; all the galdori were making her nervous with their sneers and upturned noses. She felt extremely small.

Speaking the soft words of Monite that Annie had given her, she was surprised to see a ball of light erupt in her open palm. She cranked the camera's handle and began taking as many pictures as she could - of the galdori in their dresses and finery, eating and drinking, waltzing and talking; of the Queen and King, from afar; of an angry galdori woman...

Emme squeaked as she saw Scuro storming towards her. The woman had murder in her eyes. The witch panicked, tapping Annie on the shoulder as she backed up, trying not to bump into anybody or trip in her borrowed heels. "Annie..."

As Annie took care of the situation, Emme stood nervously by, hoping there wouldn't be a scene.

"Yes ma'am," Scarlet replied as she made a beeline to the buffet table. After getting a couple peices of fruit, one big yellow pepper and a small pile of deep fried hingle, Scarlet quickly ate. She did not want to stay too long away from Annie.

Looking around she saw many people. The galdor were creepy. Although a few had stopped looking at her, she noticed how stiff they moved. Where was the dancing? Then she saw an open area where couples were going in circles with each other in a orderly patter.



Scarlet quickly rushed back to Annie. The other read head, whoever she was, obviously wanted them gone. She didn't want to accidentally be kicked out if Annie wasn't near by.



It was a good thing she had gone back to Annie. Looking back she saw a Seventen officer who was fallowing her turn away slightly, but he did not go away. Scarlet then looked at the woman before her. For being a complete bigot, she was pretty.

There were so many people arriving that Jasper couldn’t make out one galdori from another, and so had turned slightly to scour the inner terrace. The girl followed his gaze and was about to enquire who he was searching for when Kyhmarah’s voice caused both students to turn back, startled. It took Jasper a moment to respond.
“Khymarah…?”
He hadn’t meant to say it questioningly. He made a move to put down his drink but upon realising there was nowhere to place it, stepped forward instead and held up his hand – for no apparent reason except in greeting. Then he shrugged back and smiled.
“No, no I haven’t.” He gestured to her and the lavish ball gown, “You look lovely.”

The sound of voices crowded them, as did the bodies from which they came. Jasper wondered briefly whether Khymarah had been accompanied to the ball. It didn’t seem like she had, but he was waiting at any moment for a handsome gentlemen to step smartly from the crowd and introduce himself as her fiance.

He threw the drink back in one gulp – not looking too dramatic as there wasn’t much left.

“How are you? I’m sorry I was in such a rush the other day… I uh… well, it’s great to see you again.” He smiled meekly and the girl, sensing his awkwardness, touched his arm briefly and left the two alone.

A heavyset galdori with greying hair, square shoulders and a tight jaw stood dutifully near the entrance of the Terrace, surrounded by Seventen. He wore his uniform - a smart green and black affair - and clinked glasses with a fellow roughly his own age and stature.

They broke out into hearty laughter that caused a few arrivals to glance over at them inquiringly.

"Why is it we only see each other at these fancy balls, Dom?"

Dom shrugged and took a swig of his chilled tonic water, eyes prowling the crowds for anyone who looked like they shouldn't be there.

You always got the odd wick sliding in, although to be fair it usually took place later on in the evening when most galdori were too preoccupied with drink or dancing to notify the guards. Dom, however, wouldn't be caught unawares.

He caught sight of a motley crew consisting of a human wearing a striking green dress and hat, and two wicks. One was holding a camera and one looked noticeably uncomfortable and out-of-place, at least to his well-trained eyes.

He audibly growled.

His companion followed his line of sight and chuckled to himself, "The press. How delightful." He spoke as if they were something brought in to entertain, rather than serve any real purpose.

Dom broke away from the rest of the guards to approach the three, but it seemed as if another galdori had beaten him to it. She was vaguely familiar and he guessed she was an initiate. He smiled to himself and watched from a distance, ready to step in if needs be.

Scuro balked at being addressed by the human reporter. She wanted to blast that silly hat right off her head. "I'm sure, along with every other pretty thing at the ball. I don't give a bander's ass for your paper. I want to know what she's doing here," She pointed vehemently at the blond in the blue dress. It was then that she noticed the field of the other girl behind the reporter. "And you, too. Two wicks at the Clock's Eve Ball? Is that what this world is coming to?" Her eyes glanced at the reporter's pass in the girl's hat, "Oh, I get it. They're here 'with you,' are they? You get in for your job and you bring your little pals to go golly-watching, eh? Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about, you little guttersnipe. You use that word all the time, don't you? You come in here with that pass, waltzing around like you're one of us, bring your little friends along for the ride, and for what? Get a few pictures of the pretty gollies all in their getups? Maybe a spot of gossip for your readers? Huh? Huh?" She seemed to grow taller with every word, shoving at the reporter's shoulder angrily.

"Eh, sister, please!" Chiaro gripped her sister's shoulder, "You'll scare the poor thing! I'm sure the wick meant no disrespect, she was just admiring our gowns. I mean," she said this in an almost exaggerated tone, trying to comfort her disgruntled sister, "I'm sure anyone would want to see even one such beautiful girl as yourself, dressed so exquisitely, and then they have one who looks almost exactly the same, if a little less attractive..." She smiled sheepishly at her sister, not wanting to invoke her wrath, though her eyes expressed what she wouldn't say aloud; We came here to have fun, sister, remember that. "Of course you can have a picture," she turned to the wick, "If you could please show us in a better light than you were just shown... my sister has her reasons for.... disdain... at your presense... please do not mind her."

"Oh, hush," Scuro snapped, "We look just the same." She was about to turn back to the reporter and give her another round when she caught her sister's look.



Scuro glowered at her, but took a deep breath. "Fine. Take your picture. But stay the clock away from me. If you're still here by the time my shift rolls around, I'll have no qualms about tossing you out myself." She composed herself and took her sister's arm for the picture.

((I think Scuro's smile at this point is a slightly more satanic Paris Hilton press smile.))

Annie November stood her ground. She refused to budge, and she also refused to raise her voice. Let the galdori woman cause a fuss all she wants, Annie thought. It won't embarass me one bit.

"My, what a number of questions! Where to start?" Annie laughed. "First, I'm sorry you don't like our paper. I suppose it's not to everybody's taste. I hope you've found something suitable to read instead. You're right, they are both with me. It takes quite a bit of work to write a good story about all this finery, you know. And for your information, I rather look forward to this--the dresses you ladies wear to this event every year are really quite spectacular."

Her tone changed quickly from a kind one to a more serious one, but stayed at a constant low volume. "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't make any accusations you can't explain. I refrain from using slang terminology when it comes to all the races. It's rude and inappropriate." Granted that was a boldface lie, but what did this golly know?

"I know full well I am not one of you. I am a wick, you are a galdor. I am aware of my place. I have no intentions of waltzing in and acting higher than my station; I do, however, intend to write about the celebrations going on tonight, and I'll need my help in order to do so. I'm sorry if you disapprove, but I'm certain you'd rather have an accurate account of the night's activities rather than one that's bolsterd by viscious rumors and falsehoods."

Turning to face Chiaro, she bowed her head. "Thank you, miss. I understand your sister's troubles. This is, after all, the galdori ball. Of course, I would much preffer a lovely shot of the two of you together." Taking the camera from Emme's hands for but a moment, she cranked the reel and snapped a few photos of the two twins in turquoise.

Annie smiled again, motioning behind her for Scarlet and Emme to stick close and follow. Turning, she directed her words at Scuro. "Now, if you'll excuse me, miss, we need to get on with our work. It would be a shame if we missed out on any of the details because we stayed too long with one person." She curtsied deeply, bowing her head at the same time, and motioned for Emme and Scarlet to do the same.

"I do hope you enjoy yourself tonight, miss. It was a pleasure making your aquaintance." With that, she turned and walked towards the back of the room, staying close to the wall. "Come, ladies, we need to get shots of the rest of the room."