The Annual Greenhaven Ball and the Shenanigans Surrounding It

Chapter 1/Prologue

When the trees shed their leaves and snow blanketed the grounds of Greenhaven, it was a sign that the Annual Greenhaven Winter Ball was drawing near. This event was a great diplomacy opportunity for people around the world to put aside their differences and come together. Not only that, but it was one hell of a party. Now that the young heroes of Erdas were 16, they were finally seen as more or less old enough to attend without causing some sort of international conflict.

"Hell yeah!", Conor and Abeke cheered, hugging each other and jumping up and down when Tarik broke the news that they could go in one of the common rooms.

"We're gonna invite so many people!"

"It's gonna be awesome!"

Meilin tried her best to hide the slight grin blooming on her face. Even she had to admit, it was pretty great.
Now Rollan was a different story. He seemed completely unfazed, giving an indifferent shrug towards Tarik.

"Now now," Tarik chided. "I know you, or at least most of you, guys are excited, but you have to promise to not screw it up. Understand?"

"We promise!" Conor and Abeke beamed up at Tarik, their most innocent faces on display while Meilin responded with a smug "Aren't I always?"

Sighing, Tarik gave them a look that said "Why are you all like this", and left the room muttering "Ok you guys keep doing whatever you were doing."

"Hey Abeke wanna continue our game?" Rollan gestured to the cards sprawled haphazardly across the table.

"Who has time for games right now? We've got invitations to mail!", she replied, rushing out of the room with Conor in tow.

Rollan just grumbled in response. "Who gives a shit about this stupid ball anyway." He rather audibly muttered under his breath.

Raising an eyebrow at Rollan's sour mood, Meilin leaned down and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"You doing alright?", she inquired, slightly amused at how red his face had become.

"Y-yeah I'm fine." Rollan stuttered as he regained his composure. "Just kinda pissed that Abeke left our game. I think it was 'cause I was winning..."

"Oh cheer up, you big baby." She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Just think about how much fun you'll have dancing with me at the ball."

Rollan replied with a loud snort, which was not the reaction she expected.

"What's so funny, Rollan?" Her smile began to falter and her voice had begun to take on a somewhat dangerous tone.

"Don't you think this whole thing's kind of stupid?", Rollan said, clearly unaware of Meilin's concerning change in tone.

"No, I really don't." The murderous intent in her voice was very noticeable now. "Now if you'll excuse me," she snapped, "I'm going to get some training in."

As she stalked off, Rollan was left utterly confused.

"Jeez, was it something I said?", he mumbled.
 

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"Hmmm", Conor hummed as he thoughtfully tapped his quill to his mouth. "How about we just invite whoever comes to mind? After all, you can never have too many people at a diplomacy event right?" His face split into a bright grin.