The Christmas Ball

Chapter One - December 1st

Asra shrugs his coat up as he walks through the snowfall. It's quiet in the city, the snow muffling all and any sounds. Around him, people hurry about, desperate to get into their warm homes. However, Asra is not heading home today.

He turns on the street, walking past all the closed shops. It's December 1st, too cold for the outside shops of Vesuvia. Asra still visits the baker sometimes to get bread and he's always welcomed with warm arms.

Asra's coat shifts and Faust pokes her head out. She doesn't like the cold, so Asra is surprised at her appearance.

"What's up?" He says, lifting a hand to better shield her from the snow.

"Where go?" Faust asks, tilting her head as Asra.

"The palace." He replies, but this still doesn't seem to suit her curiosity, so he continues. "The Countess requests our presence."

Asra doesn't say more, mostly because he doesn't know much more than that. The previous day he received a letter from Nadia, saying that she could use his assistance.

Finally, Asra arrived at the palace gates, where he was promptly brought inside. He shrugs off the snow as he comes in, stomping his heavy boots.

"Asra!"

Startled, Asra turns to see Portia in the hall.

"Hey." Asra grins, holding up a palm. Portia, grins, lifting her dress with one hand and scurrying over.

"We're so glad you're here!" She says, throwing her arms around him. Asra laughs, receiving the hug with awkward tenderness.

"I was a bit worried with the letter and all." He digs around in his pocket, producing the letter.

Portia waves her hand, "Ohh, no need to worry about that." She takes Asra's hand, leading him down the hall. He leaves a trail of melted snow behind him. "Milady's waiting for us in the drawing room!"

Asra follows her, his mind still on the letter. If it's not something urgent then what has Nadia brought him here for?

Portia bursts into the drawing room, "Asra's here!" She chimes.

Nadia's sitting on a couch, a teacup poised in her hand. She smiles as Asra enters.

"Thank you, Portia." Nadia says, setting the teacup down on a tray.

"Of course, Milady, I'll wait for the other guests." With that, Portia closes the door.

Asra tilts his head at Nadia, making his way further into the room. "Other guests?" He asks, taking a seat in a chair.

"Yes." Nadia clasps her hands together. "I've invited Muriel, my messenger had a terrible time finding his place in the woods, and Julian-"

Asra flinches at the name. After all his history with Julian...

"- He was a bit difficult to locate as well, with his traveling and all. And lastly-" Nadia shuts her eyes, letting out an annoyed sigh, "- my ex husband, Lucio, was invited."

Asra is surprised at the list, it certainly is an unusual bunch. "So why exactly have we been called upon by you?"

"As you know, this year's masquerade was... less than a success." She sighs. "It didn't quite bring the people together like I had hoped it would. So, I have come to the conclusion that what Vesuvia needs is a Christmas Ball."

"Christmas Ball?" Asra echos.

"Indeed. I think it would unite Vesuvia together."

Asra nods, bringing a hand to his chin. It certainly does sound like a good idea, but why bring him there to help? Before he can ask, the door bursts open.