The servants had finished the preparations with time to spare and Penelope stood in the ballroom, eying the decor with hope in her eyes. Now that she was seeing everything fully coming together, a new boost of both energy and confidence ran through the knight. Everyone believed she could pull it off, so perhaps she really could thanks to all the help she had received along the way. With that thought it mind, she put on a pleasant smile as guests began to trickle into the room. She watched as some gravitated towards servants with hors d’oeuvres while others already began to form small groups, starting up conversations. 

As she was observing the room from where she stood, someone nearly bumped into her. The knight blinked and back out of the way in time to avoid the collision. Her gaze landed on the young noblewoman. She had a dark complexion with short curly hair and a freckled face that was staring back at her with mild surprise. "S-sorry." the woman stammered. 

"It's fine." Penelope smiled reassuringly. She eyed her for a moment longer. There was something familiar about this woman but she couldn't put a name to the face.

"Beatrix!" 

Penelope watched as the woman reacted to the name and suddenly she was able to recall exactly who this woman was. She had been one of the few noble children that Penelope was able to play with growing up. Her parents had separated them quite a few years ago and Penelope hadn't heard from or seen her since.

A nobleman with messy brown hair came trotting up besides her. His gaze flickered between the two women confusedly. "There you are.. Uh, is everything alright here?"

"Yes I just didn't pay attention to where I was go." Beatrix admitted in a quiet manner.

"Beatrix Warner?" Penelope questioned with excitement seeping into her voice. As Beatrix responded with an unsure look, the knight smiled at her. "It's me, Penelope Vermillion. We used to play together as children."

As Beatrix's eyes widened in recognition, the nobleman that was with her eyed Penelope with newfound interest as well and cut in before she could speak. "Vermillion? You're the one hosting this party then, aren't you?"

"Yes I am." Penelope smiled. "At least, one of the ones hosting."

"Penelope is good to see you again. It's been so long I barely even recognized you." Bee mused, a small smile crossing her lips. 

"Same to you." Penelope nodded. With the years that had passed, Bee had changed quite a bit and the knight could tell it was not only on the outside. Her memories of her childhood friend were of a much louder and rambunctious kid. The woman standing before her was near timid and rather quiet. It seemed that growing up had shaped her into a much different person. Regardless though, the knight was excited at reuniting with her old friend. Unfortunately it seemed she wouldn't be able to stay for long. 

"Penelope!" Naida's familiar voice called out from behind her.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw her friend grinning and waving her over. Penelope smiled and turned back to Beatrix and the man. "Guess we'll have to catch up another time though." she said with an apologetic look. "Have a good time and hopefully we can get a chance to talk more later!" She turned and headed off to join Naida. As soon as she reached her, the princess hugged her in greeting and stepped back with a bright smile. 

"I love your dress! You look great tonight, Penelope!" Naida beamed. A more mischievous expression crossed her features. "Trying to impress someone?"

"Yes, the whole crowd." Penelope responded, rolling her eyes at Naida's insinuation. She sighed and then smiled at her friend. "Have you already been drinking?"

"Maybe a little." Naida shrugged innocently. 

Penelope shook her head with a hint of amusement. Of course, she wasn't surprised to hear that she had drank before coming to the event. Having been friends with Naida for quite some time now, she knew her usual routine for getting ready for parties and the like. Sometimes having even participated herself. "Well you're ahead of me then. I think I'm going to go grab a glass of wine." she mused, suddenly thinking it might not be a bad idea to have a small drink. 

"Shouldn't you stay sober?" Naida questioned, folding her arms. 

"I'm only having one drink. I know how to practice self control." Penelope stated, giving her friend a small poke. "Plus it'll help me relax, and gods know I need to that right now."

"Alright fair enough." Naida smirked. "Let's go!" 

The two headed over towards the servants with drinks, weaving through the crowd that was slowly growing as more people appeared. Just looking around at the various passing nobles made the knight all the more eager to grab a bit to drink. And perhaps some of the hors d’oeuvres just to keep the alcohol from affecting her too strongly.