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Her mind raced with the anticipation of finally being freed from the extremely cramped confines of the solid oak wine cask, a place she’d been essentially smuggled in for the better part of a few hours. It hadn’t been her first choice, but then again, [i]free choice[/i] was rarely given within her family, and considering the dire situation -quite literally life or death- Czigani chose whatever methods her mother decided on in such a small window of time. Inconspicuous? Absolutely. As your typical Fotian royal would rather die a horrible death than be caught hiding themselves away in a filthy, dank barrel that held aged liquor and who knows what else...but then again, the young girl was far from a typical Fotian. But one thing was for certain; she had a lot to be thankful for, and she owed her mother a great debt of gratitude for putting her own life at stake for such a treasonous act. Czi only hoped to one day be there to repay her when she mosted needed it...

“Thank you Mother.” Were the only words uttered as she emerged from the barrel, a bit of strain in her otherwise soft voice. “...for everything. I will never forget you...”

Stretching her sore limbs, not only from the small space, but from the violent duel she had still been recovering from a few nights earlier, she stepped out and onto the cool floor of the wine cellar before covering herself with the clothing given. Czigani couldn’t help but smirk slightly at the garment, that even though it was necessary for this time, flowing ornate robes was just not her thing, not like her mother anyway. Although, it did help to cover what she’d been wearing since she escaped Fotia, which was her black leather leggings and boots from her armor set, and a black braided-leather top covering her petite breasts, and a strap that criss-crossed in the front. Her lean, muscular arms, shoulders, and torso were exposed, as was customary for many Fotian female warrior types, and as she slipped the hood over her head, she was glad that it cleared enough to hide her horns. 

As her mother’s words drifted after a brief hug, she spirited away back to the party, leaving her daughter with the choice of a new identity, and hopefully a new life in a strange land. Of course first, she had to get the hell out of the cellar, even as her stomach gurgled to remind her that she needed to eat…

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The main floor where the party was being held was bustling, and it seemed more people were coming in as the minutes rolled on. Czigani allowed the lovely smells permeating from the kitchen as well as the banquet table to assault her senses, the myriad of foods from all over turning her stomach against her as a slight hunger pain surged before passing. She kept closer to the walls as she casually walked a long, keeping the hood dangling just above her eyes enough to see where she was going, but not looking too obvious that she actually had something of significance to hide. However, the likelyhood of the girl running into a guest who would know her true identity was not all that great, but she still had to practice caution until she was clear of the castle. Czigani, made her way toward one of the side tables which held a wide array of delicacies, many of which she recognized as favorites within her own realm back on Fotia. Without trying to look too much like a starving warthog, the girl quickly shoved a few small pastries, rolled meats and cheeses, as well as a large roasted leg of [i]something[/i], which had the most wonderful smokey taste. Lastly, she poured herself a tall gold and silver stein, filling it nearly to the top, of a rich, fruity cider that she hadn’t had in ages, the warm liquor running smoothly down her gullet.

“You know the food isn’t going anywhere, right?”  

The voice startled her, as she peaked past the brim of her hood and noticed one of the guests looking over at her with a smirk as he filled a small metallic plate of various items. Feeling a bit awkward as it was, Czi smiled and nodded while still trying to swallow the mouthful of meat, and casually strolled away to another part of the room.