Paragons Gala

The Paragons pass a vast indoor garden, where an Elven maiden in a sapphire-blue dress - seated by a fountain - is feeding the swans that mill around her. She looks up, and Karl feels a flash of recognition: It's the same girl who guided him to the path, earlier. David, with a deliberate glance at Quelliar, wolf-whistles - Only to be checked when Lady Aminata elbows him, sharply. The maiden beckons them closer, and Quelliar greets her (rather formally) as 'my Lady'; He introduces her as his cousin, Princess Folia of House Virida - His fiancee.

The Prince clearly admires her, but she seems more taken by the Paragons. She curtsies, graceful in her blue gown, particularly interested in David (offering him her hand to kiss). She's polite to Karl, but doesn't betray a flicker of recognition other than a slight smile. She has an odd, sharp reaction - quickly guarded - when she notices Willy's Neo augmentations, but doesn't comment further. She's all friendliness to Lady Aminata, who can't help but be a little surprised by her warmth; Folia mentions that today is the grand anniversary of the Twilight King's thousand-year rule - A great gala is planned. Surely the Paragons don't intend on attending like this, in their travel-worn clothes and armor?

She dismisses Quelliar, playfully reproaching him: He's been negligent of their guests. Clearly charmed by her, he hurries off to find a servant to make arrangements, finally giving them a chance to speak alone. Karl thanks for her help, and she laughs, delighted: She'd snuck out of the palace to watch the chase, and decided to even the odds. It's unspoken, but Folia enjoyed having Quelliar taken down a peg.

*He means well, but he *is* a little full of himself,* she says. She supposes he might be unbearable when they get married, but that's in the future.

A little miffed that he's being ignored, Willy comments that this place seems really technologically advanced. He's curious as to where the broadcasts are coming from, but he keeps it to himself. The Princess seems startled that he can talk - She rallies, recovering from her surprise, and says that he should ask her uncle (the Twilight King) about it. He's a genius at such things. Before they can probe further, however, Quelliar returns with a small army of attendants. The Paragons are ushered off to be fitted for the gala, leaving the Princess behind.

Hours pass in a whirl of fabrics and last-minute coaching. Karl is attired in a simple, but exquisitely-tailored cassock, marked in silver, gold and lapis-lazuli with the symbols of his calling and all three Gods. David looks rakishly handsome in a dress uniform (vaguely reminiscient of a French lancer's) with lots of gold braid, and Willy emerges in - his words - 'the outfit Antonio Banderas wears in the Mask of Zorro's ballroom scene', but with a half-cape and a small sombero. They're allowed to carry their weapons in with them, but they're peace-bonded by intricate Celtic-esque knotwork to prevent usage. Karl's great mace is simply too big and conspicuous to carry, but a minor Miracle temporarily transforms it into a stylish walking stick with his D12 set into the head.

Aminata's the last to arrive, but she's positively regal in an emerald gown: David can't take his eyes off her, but he *can* take her hand as they're led to the great hall. It's actually a free-floating structure suspended above the palace, glittering like a star - Guests are ferried up via flying platforms, artifact birds, or transformed animals like huge flying swans. Quelliar informs them that all this is made possible by the powerful magical field that permeates the city; To the Paragons, this sounds strikingly like how the Crown of Winter was used to power Chiaroscuro.

The grand crystal structure is full of Elven nobility. In colorful, tasteful and sometimes positively wispy outfits, they orbit the constellation that is the Twilight King and his family (two daughters and two sons). The group mingles, to various degrees of success - Surprisingly, Willy finds himself the center of attention, with a gaggle of girls fascinated by his mechanical enhancements and his outfit. Karl, too, is promptly accosted by