Prologue - New Year's Festival

Nightgleam bows to the Crownforger in a manner that could be seen as either apologetic or thankful, "Worry not, I am sure you meant no harm, and surely whatever your deeds would be, they would be of no harm to the petty babble of two small folk."

He then turns to Celune "And I do think you have a good suggestion." He offers his left hand to Sahrethe, and his right to Celune.

However, Sahrethe almost immediately pulls him towards the circle of dancing students, giving Celune but a moment or two to decide whether to grab onto his hand.

Meanwhile, Ngofu gives Shadow a measuring look. "No, though given what awaits us for years ahead, it would be improper not to begin acquiring those," and then hurriedly walks in the same direction, catching up to and overtaking Sahrethe. Ngofu hesitantly extends her hand to Sahrethe, causing the latter to hesitate about as much, but then withdraws it and continues walking ahead with no contact.Still, once everyone joins the circle of dancing students, the aversion to contact seems to subside, as the newjoiners begin doing their best to mimic the movements of the more proficient students, locking arms with their neighbours in the circle when the dance calls for it. The complexity of the movements exhibited by those in the central dance floor doesn't compare to that of the professionals on the upper stage. And none of the newly-joined trio seemed to know the movements, but one of them did seem to adapt better than others - Sahrethe - thanks to having a better feel for the melody and rhythm.

Art pauses, watching Nightgleam's Reflection abscond with the moment. The language of choice befuddled him. There was uncertainty whether it was merely a display of humility or something more. It did not take the bystander long to realize that he was one of the few still left behind. Not wanting to cause offense or draw the wrong kind of attention to himself, Art joined in mimicking the Shik-style dance.

Celune takes Nightgleam's offered hand and gives her other hand for Danikle to take if he wishes before start to focus her attention on dancing along.

Danikle takes her hand and joins the dance!

After watching the others dance, Shadow's smile extended slightly and he pitched in as well with a will.

As the dance proceeds, the movements change. Sometimes the circle of people spins around its centre. Other times it stops, and handholds broken, letting some dance in place and a few others - usually three or five at a time - take a couple of steps into the middle and briefly become the centre of attention. Everyone assertive enough to step forward is given such an opportunity at least a few times.

Ngofu and Nightgleam's performance in the spotlight seemed unremarkable. The two Ruby Moth citizens were lively and confident, even though unfamiliar with the style. Sahrethe, despite lack of familiarity, is fluid and expressive. The two Shik citizens, on the other hand, seem to compensate with experience for what they lack in artistism. The two Ingastese likewise.Eventually the melody comes to an end, and the master of ceremonies stands onto the stage once more, making an announcement. "The song is over, but the festivities have only began. Take a few minutes to catch your breath and grab a glass to drink before the next event of the evening. Today we will have many of those - music and dancing, charades, miniature stage plays, art contests, sleight of hand shows, stickfighting and more."

The master of ceremonies steps off the central raised stage, replaced by a group of other performers. They enacting a silent show of various magic tricks involving handkerchiefs, cards, flowers, and ravens, though it seems they're meant more as a background entertainment while everyone catches their breaths after the dance.Meanwhile, the muscal ensembles began playing a quieter melody in the background.

---

The students once again mingle. Some seem enthusiastic about some of the upcoming contests and challenges. The two Ingastese Karposarks and the Shik Monomorph discuss something by a table with glasses in hand.

As the dance came to an end, Celune accepted a glass from one of the nearby tables, though her attention lingered elsewhere. During the dance, she had noticed the two Ingastese students repeatedly keeping their distance whenever their paths crossed. It was too deliberate to dismiss as coincidence.

Taking an unhurried sip, she waited until the trio's conversation seemed to lull before approaching with her usual composed smile.

"Forgive me," she said evenly. "You looked as though you recognized me. If it's because of my family name... I wouldn't be surprised. Even so, I'd rather introductions begin with who we are now than with old stories."

The two Ingastese look mildly surprised by the approach, and not exactly happy, while the Shik is more neutral.

"So it seems, judging by the response, that the rumours are true. A Tomeu is joining the ranks of the Seminary. But very well, introductions there will be. I am Ceaseless Wheel, or Nedgelao, and this is Akkiu, or Salt Flower," she extends a hand to the Shik companion. While still wary, she doesn't seem entirely unapproachable now.

The heavy-set Ingastese gives Wheel a disapproving side glance, then looks back at Celune with a cold, almost scornful expression. "So be it. I am Canopy of Stars
, or Shektuzeo, of the Emerald Quill dynasty."Akkiu says nothing, seemingly deferring to Ceaseless Wheel.

"A pleasure to meet you all."

Celune accepted the introductions with a courteous nod, though the mention of the Emerald Quill dynasty was not lost on her. Her gaze settled briefly on Canopy of Stars before returning to the group as a whole.

"History has left many families with grievances. I won't pretend otherwise." A faint, restrained smile crossed her face. "Still, we're here as students now. I'd rather judge and be judged by the choices we make here than by those made generations ago."

Art wipes the sweat from his brow with a deep exhale as the song ends. One might mistake it for the sweat of fatigue if they were not aware of his physical fitness. He was fine with that misunderstanding. The announcement from the master of ceremonies set only more tension within the young karposark until the mention of art contests graced his ears. Perhaps there would be something more to look forward to after all.

After a few moments of enviously eyeing the Ruby Moth citizens following their display of confidence and carefree nature, Art walks toward the two of them. "I admire your confidence in the face of new challenges. Is that a common characteristic in the Ruby Moth Realms?"

Akkiu ultimately decides to chime in in response to Celune's statement. "Makes sense. Besides, you two seem to be angry at her dynasty for opposing reasons."

Wheel merely glances at Akkiu disapprovingly - not with dislike nor with anger, but with worry, as if his words could be dangerous or at least troublesome.

Canopy gazes at Celune sceptically. "We shall see."

The words sound hollow.

---

Both of the Ruby Moth Realm citizens smile at Art's comment.

"Probably no more than anyone else. But it was a welcome warm-up after all the waiting in this weather," says one.

The second nods in approval, and adds, "Plus it's not like anything bad could happen from dancing 'wrong'."

"Speak for yourself, embarrasment can go a long way to undermine a career," counters the first, though the tone seems amiable even if the concern is genuine.

"It is not so in Smithland. Follies on the field cost lives, whereas follies in the ballroom only cost face. The Autarch is a wise ruler, and values the former a good deal more than the latter." Shadow remarked benignly, sipping from a glass he had procured at one of the refreshment tables.

Meanwhile in the background, Sahrethe and Nightgleam approach another of the tables, and grab a couple of bisquits for a quick bite, while seemingly chatting about something.

Shadow's smile widened as he grinned towards the citizen, inclining his head. "Would you be led, on a personal basis, by one competent monarch, or a panel of a dozen corrupt and incompetent bureaucrats? At the very least, with the former, you only need to judge a person's character correctly once to secure a lifetime of honorable servitude in line with your principles. With the latter, there is no such chance."

"The Autarch rules based upon merit. It is how my family has risen to the levels they currently enjoy. As for how one makes someone like the Autarch avoid corruption..." Shadow trailed off uncomfortably, unwilling to point out that all who rose to power through feats of war had to be careful about such repercussions in turn.

It seems by the time Shadow's words fell silent, some of the classmates already took note of the discussion, and took place around those engaging in the discourse, choosing their position in ways that may subtly signify favour.

The two Siirla Poikilomorphs seem to gravitate towards Shadow's side. The redhead in Smithland ceremoninal armour hesitantly steps away from his companions and also takes this side.

Two Moth Realmers, meanwhile, are joined by the two scarred nobles (who have been 'abandoned' by the aforementioned Smithlander).

Finally, the Ouvb-makeup-wearing companion of the two Poikilomorphs merely comes closer to listen, but stands equidistant from the two 'camps'. He is then joined by Ngofu.

---

Once it is clear the listeners stopped moving around, Moth-Realmer speaks in a polite, pleasant, yet assertive tone. "Indeed how does one. The closer someone's power is to absolute, the harder it is to take away when it is abused."

Joining the circle but taking no definite side Danikle tosses a few words in with casual disinterest.
"I have always believed the maxim that those who wish to rule are the least fit to do so for that very reason. It is a terrible burden and any who honestly want the mantle must have some selfish desire around how they could abuse it."