[center][color=a187be][b][i]Annabeth Gulch[/i][/b][/color][/center]

Annabeth stood by, vigilant of any danger nearby. She used her magic in low bursts to sense any otherworldly presence nearby, that way nothing can get the jump on them. But she was still paying attention to her friends conversation. She was tempted to smack Athalus for his sarcastic comment, but now was not the time for slapstick. She’ll chew him out later once they were safe from danger. [i][color=a187be]”Though considering the college danger is always around the corner.”[/color][/i] Soon after thinking that there was a scream further into the darkness. It may have been the other students, and Annabeth was faced with a tough decision.

In these dark, unknown depths, Annabeth wanted nothing more than to get herself and her friends out of here ASAP. She wasn’t going to try and risk their lives needlessly. At least that’s what Annabeth would think, if the first thought when she heard those screams wasn’t “We have to help them.” Annabeth may not know whoever is over there, but she couldn’t forgive herself if she willfully ignored them to save her own skin. But she did understand Athalus and Helena’s choice to not go. Annabeth couldn’t blame them. But she could certainly blame herself.

[color=a187be]”Colette is right. I have a job to protect the students… The rest of you stay back and head towards the exit. I’ll catch up with you later.”[/color]

[@Luna][@May][@Fallenreaper][@Rtron]

[i][b][center]DIPLOMACY MISSION[/center][/b][/i]

It wasn’t long before the main events of that gala occurred. As everyone was socializing there was a loud ring of a bell. From the top of a large staircase was the host of tonight’s gala, Sanguine. He stood with his wife, holding the guest of honor: The baron’s son. Everyone paid their respects as the baron gave a large speech about the miracles of Aarem and thanking everyone for their contributions. [b]“Tonight is a monumental night for my family. Vampires are blessed with immortality, but while they are never truly dead, they could never give life. But our godly host Aarem has seen fit to change that law, and has given to me an heir of my own flesh and blood! Oh sweet child of mine, who will one day grow up and uphold his legacy. And I thank all of you for coming tonight in honor of my son. Let us toast tonight, for our glory today, and our fortune tomorrow!”[/b]

Everyone gave the baron their rapt attention, even those who were trying to harass the college students. Keri would find that she’s no longer hungry, and the psychomancer who Lyn had pranked was trying his best to look presentable, with mixed results. The barons that the others were talking to also gave their respects to tonight’s host. Soon after the small speech the baron and his wife took their seats at a pair of grand thrones, flanked by imposing looking knights. Everyone went up to the Baron to personally congratulate him, and a few were even allowed to be near the baby. Still, anyone who tried anything untowards the child or the family, they were quickly dealt with. The closets that anyone saw was a particular noble who must have not been in the Baron’s favor, because when he approached one of the knights blocked his path with his halberd. Upon closer examination, these knights appeared to be armored Eyesires.

Soon the college students would be given a chance to meet and greet Sanguine and his family. He seemed rather at ease and his wife was utterly ecstatic, hardly paying attention to the going ons around her in favor of her child. The knights, their faces hidden behind their visors, remained dutiful and on guard. Everyone seemed quiet eager to speak to the Baron however, so chances of a long conversation was slim. Once the students came up to Sanguine, he greeted them.

[b]”Welcome and thank you for coming to my gala. From your sigils you must be from the college. Tell me, how is college life? It’s been so long since I attended.”[/b]

[@Fallenreaper][@Demonic Angel][@Konan375][@EliteCommander][@Ryonara]