Venus Rouge

The Saga of Light (Part 2)

June 26, 515IE, Golden Ray Theatre, Hyssop Street, Northern District, Arcluz City, Rozario

Unfortunately for everyone in our group who had their heart set on visiting the theatre, Rain put a damper on that planned outing.

The early morning drizzle turned unto intermittent showers that doused everything in fitful bursts for four consecutive days.

The night we chose for our little theatre trip was still a bit drizzly every now and then, but we decided to take our chances.

We would be travelling in a proper covered carriage this time, not a buggy, and most of this trip would be spent indoors anyway; there was no need to worry overly about the rain as long as it didn't get too heavy to safely drive.

So, on one damp evening, those of us who would be attending the production at the theatre donned the appropriate finery and set out from the Red Crane.

Now, I don't avoid being overly social in this world just for the sake of being antisocial. There are plenty of good reasons why I choose to avoid the whole song and dance.

For example, did you know that in a world without parking lots, or traffic regulations, one single organized event could congest an entire street for blocks?

Well, I sure as fuck do!

Events that involve a large number of rich and influential people are sure to involve said people showing up in personal carriages that inevitably line up outside the venue like a very large, very slow-moving caterpillar as each carriage drove up to the gates of the theatre and unloaded their well-dressed cargo.

What? Getting out and walking the last couple blocks to the venue?

Are you concussed?

Why the very thought!

If you don't show up at the gates in grand fashion, others might believe you a commoner!

How else will you let others know of your respectability?

No respectable lady or gentleman wouldn't be caught dead walking to an event! (Perhaps even literally if they were truly foolish enough to walk along the street covered from head to toe in valuables.)

So, walking the rest of the very short way is a social no-no. Most of the reasons are down to pride, but there is a real risk of being targeted by rogues even in Arcluz.

We had no choice but to sit in the carriage simmering in slowly mounting irritation and moving at a snail's pace.

By the time we finally pulled up to the gates of the theatre, we had been waiting in the carriage for twice as long as it took us to actually drive here from the hotel.

I just got here and I was already pissed.

I was tempted to vent my irritation, but firmly put a stopper on my temper. My face remained impassive as I lightly stepped down from the carriage and held out a hand to help Ronnie down behind me followed by Leon, Bunny-sensei­, Lisa, Tish, Alex and only two body guards, one of which was Alto.

The rest of Silver Hawk would be hanging around outside the theatre tonight.

It would be a bit too improper to show up at an event with a large armed escort. Not only was it improper, but it sent the wrong message to the organizers about how you viewed their security.

Two was an acceptable number of guards for this particular setting.

Alex would not be counted, as he was not wearing our house's crest. He always seems to be the one chosen by their team to accompany us anywhere the rest thought better of following us to, which is fine with me, as he surprisingly seems like one of the stronger if not as experienced members of Silver Hawk. There's also the fact that he makes for a satisfactory guide.