Act 3: The Ball - Crisis

Hortensia reacts to her name, but that's all.

Steve looks over at the young woman and can't help but agree with Mihai's assessment. "Hey, you okay over there?" He waves his hand in front of her eyes to get her attention.

"Uh, yes, yes! I am." She regains her countenance and joins her hands together. "Thank you for speaking on my behalf."

He shrugs. "What are friends for?"

"What the hell, man? You gotta work up to these things. Now it's all awkward and crap."

Hortensia blinks and looks at the two men, unsure as to whether or not they're being serious. Amber and Fluffle watch this from the side, amused. As for Théo, he seemingly remains his stoic self, but does appear to be listening more attentively than before.

Florolf licks his paw.

"Of course she's invited. Her brother too if he wants to come. In fact, bring the whole family if you want to."

"I, um..."

"If I may?" Femke unexpectedly steps forward. "Politically speaking, it would be at your advantage to accept. To be seen in their presence might provide you a boost of influence among your peers, as well as the general populace. Furthermore, on a personal level, I can assure you that you will enjoy the celebrations that will follow. I am speaking from personal experience."

Steve gives our resident Tyke a big smile and thumbs up. "Aw, you're such a sweetheart, Femke. I like it when you come to our parties too."

"The parties are most enjoyable," she replies with a deadpan expression.

"She doesn't look like it," Amber says, pointing at Femke, "but she really brings life to the party when she wants to."

"Yeah!" Fluffle agrees. "It really surprised me too."

Hortensia considers the offer for a moment before she joins her hands together and finally says, "I would be honored to come to your weddings."

Then bows.

"Excellent. The information will be in your official invitations. Keep an eye out for them in your mail," says Steve with a laugh, "Unfortunately, we must get going now. Still have things to do."

"Thank you again for everything you've done."

Konrad clears his throat. "We have to get back out and make our exit. Goodbye, Lady Hortensia."

Having said their goodbyes to Hortensia, the party sets out for the hostel so Steve can leave a message for Sean. We'll look for a cab while we walk.

Walking on the main street leading to the western bridge of Prosperitatem island, the adventurers pass by an abandoned carriage with two horses harnessed to it. Fluffle flies up ahead to examine the transport, then turns around and says to the others, "It looks intact. Maybe we can drive it to the hotel ourselves?"

"Ah, an unattended carriage. This is perfect." Konrad moves to climb into the driver's seat.

"Just make sure not to drive us into a wall or something, Konrad!" Amber shouts as she climbs into the back.

"I'll stay with him just in case he needs help," Fluffle says as he takes a seat next to him.

OOC:

"Tsk, easy as pie." Konrad slaps the reigns. The horses whicker in surprise and shake the wagon.

"YO!"

Théo carefully walks up through the wagon to the driver's seat and joins Konrad and Fluffle there. He says quietly, "Hey man, I'll take over. She's complaining now, but you don't want the kid laughing at you. She'll never let you live it down."