Sir Riven's Ball

As they stepped into the carriage, the world outside the window transformed into a blur of gas lamps and shadows, the cobblestone streets leading them to the heart of Vellaris's aristocratic playground. The journey was short but tense, the silence between them punctuated only by the rhythmic clack of the horses' hooves.

The crimson banners of Sir Riven's mansion loomed ahead, the mansion itself a monolith of stone and iron, a stark contrast to the soft, romantic light that spilled from its windows. The air was alive with the sound of laughter and music, a cacophony of violins and voices that grew louder as they drew nearer.

Aldwyn and Lila stepped out of the carriage, the sound of their footsteps on the cobblestone path lost amidst the chatter of the arriving guests.

"Your invitations, if you please," a servant with a practiced smile greeted them.

Aldwyn retrieved the cards from his pocket. The servant's eyes widened at the sight of the cards, the smile never leaving his face as he took them and nodded his head in a deep bow. "Welcome to the House of Riven."

The doors to the mansion swung open, revealing a grand hallway that stretched before them like the gaping maw of a beast. The crimson carpets were plush beneath their feet, muffling their steps as they approached the grand ballroom. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes.

Another servant, dressed in a crimson livery that matched the banners, glided up to them, his movements fluid and practiced. With a courteous bow, he held out his arms to take their cloaks. Lila felt the warmth leave her as her emerald gown was revealed to the chilly air. He taking their cloaks and hanging them with care on a rack adorned with the coats of a hundred other guests.

The grand ballroom was a riot of color and sound, a stark contrast to the grim streets of Vellaris. Chandeliers of crystal and gold threw a kaleidoscope of light onto the dancers below, their faces a masquerade of painted smiles and feigned politeness. The air was thick with the scent of opulence, a blend of expensive perfumes and fine wines.

Aldwyn and Lila entered the room, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. The murmur of the crowd grew louder as they took in the newcomers, whispers and glances following them like a second shadow. The room was a sea of velvet and silk, the aristocracy dressed in their finest, each outfit more extravagant than the last. The music, a haunting waltz, filled the air.

Sir Riven, resplendent in a crimson suit that matched the decor, spotted them from across the room. His eyes lit up and he began to make his way through the throng of guests. Lila felt his gaze on her, a weight that was almost tangible, and she had to resist the urge to shiver.

As he approached, the music seemed to crescendo, the dancers parting before him like a river around a rock. His smile was wide and welcoming, but it didn't reach his eyes, which remained cold and assessing. "Miss Lila," he said, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. "You look absolutely enchanting this evening."

Lila felt the chill of his touch but managed a gracious smile in return. "Thank you, Sir Riven," she said, her voice a perfect blend of sweetness and steel. "Your ball is quite the spectacle."

Sir Riven's eyes slid to Aldwyn, who remained stoic as ever. "Mr. Aldwyn," he acknowledged with a nod.

"Your attire is quite... intriguing," Sir Riven said, eyeing Aldwyn's midnight suit with the silver threads. "It seems you have an appreciation for the dramatic."

Aldwyn returned the nod with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I prefer to think of it as functional elegance," he replied.

Sir Riven chuckled, a sound that didn't quite match the chilly assessment in his gaze. "Ah, a man who appreciates the utility of his attire," he said. "I can respect that."

With a graceful gesture, he offered his hand to Lila. "Would you do me the honor of granting me the first dance, Miss Lila?"

Lila's eyes flickered to Aldwyn's for a brief moment before she placed her hand in Sir Riven's. "It would be my pleasure, Sir Riven."

Aldwyn put his hand on Lila's shoulder to stop her. Sir Riven's eyes widened and he looked at Aldwyn with a questioning look.

Aldwyn's gaze lingered briefly on Lila before turning to Sir Riven. "Excuse my behavior, but could I speak to you privately?" He asked him. "You have plenty of time to dance with the dear lady."

Sir Riven raised an eyebrow but nodded, his grip on Lila's hand loosening. "Of course, Mr. Aldwyn. I have a study this way." He led Aldwyn through the crowd, his movements as smooth as the silk of his shirt.

The study was a stark contrast to the opulent ballroom, its walls lined with leather-bound tomes and the faint scent of cigars and aged whiskey lingering in the air.

"What is it you wish to discuss?" Riven asked, his tone a blend of curiosity and wariness.

"Two matters," Aldwyn replied, his voice as cool as the silver eyes that bore into the man's soul. "First of all, I would like to know if you are a true collector of artifacts."

Sir Riven's smile grew colder. "Indeed, I am," he said, his eyes flicking to the crimson liquid in the corner of the room. "I have a particular fondness for rare and powerful objects. They can be quite... enlightening."

Aldwyn pulled out the crimson amulet he had secured from the creature from the sewer. "This," he said, holding it up to the light, "any idea what it is?"

Sir Riven's eyes widened with a greed that was almost comical, but he quickly schooled his features back into a mask of polite interest. "Ah, yes," he murmured, his gaze never leaving the amulet. "That appears to be an ancient artifact known as the 'Guardian of Innocence'. It's quite rare and powerful, said to protect the wearer from the darker aspects of the world. Curses, ill intent, even the more... malevolent of emotions."

„protect the wearer from the darker aspects of the world? Strange, I didn't have the feeling that the former man who became a creature was protected." He mocked mentally.

Aldwyn was of course aware of the limitations of this amulet and that it had little to offer against a powerful force such as the one in Helgarde.

"How much is it worth?" Aldwyn asked, his voice as unyielding as the steel of his resolve.

Sir Riven's gaze remained on the amulet, his greed palpable. "The value of such an artifact is... difficult to quantify," he said, his voice low and measured. "But I am willing to offer you a sum that would make even the most seasoned of adventurers weep with envy."

Aldwyn's smile was cold. "Let's not play games," he said, the amulet glinting in his hand. "I need a number. How much are you willing to pay for this... 'Guardian of Innocence'?"

Sir Riven's eyes narrowed, the greed in them sharpening like a blade. He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Five thousand Nexus," he said, the words heavy with desire. "But only if it's authentic, of course."

Aldwyn's eyes widened at the sum. „It's worth as much to him as the Nightmare Blade... Is its only purpose really to stop the darker aspects of the world?"