Grimacing, Dietrich began making his way back towards the party proper. The sudden breeze teased at the wetness on his neck, sending shivers through his body. The entire encounter had left him confused and aggravated. [i]What debts?[/i] He thought to himself, careful not to get lost in the dark halls. He and his father had found little in the Underhalls beyond a damp ruined room in which to work and starve.

As he returned once more to the world of light, he rubbed at the itch left on his neck. He was beginning to look forward to the night's end. The Queen Julia had given her birthright to her new husband, and the ceremonies were all but complete. Now it was all drinking, frivolities, and whispered threats in dark corners.