[color=A0A0A0][h2]Fleuri Jodeau[/h2][/color]

Fleuri drooped his shoulders a bit at Jarde's reply, which was a bit sadder than he had expected. "Everyone has to start somewhere, and you're off to a decent start.  Iron Rose, veteran of the skirmish that slew Bandit King Jeremiah.  In my book you've done more to earn your place here than a lot of nobility your age," he assured the younger knight.  "With Thaln's aristocracy diminished by Cal's rebellion and the Iron Roses' role in squashing it, it is an opportune time for aspiring knights to cement themselves as nobility by their deeds.  And the prestige of being part of the order is far more meaningful for warriors like ourselves than the prestige associated with being born to an influential family."

"And I'm sorry about your attire.  Not really anyone could have done about that, with how little advance notice we were given for this party.  Ideally, we'd have a few days to prepare for it, sort out everyone's formal attire, and perhaps ensure everyone is familiar with dancing and etiquette."  Fleuri took another careful sip of wine.  "But I suppose it couldn't be helped that our triumph over Jeremiah coincided so closely with the date of the ball, giving just enough time for the Princess to extend her last minute invitation, but not enough time for us to make adequate preparations."

"Oh, and speaking of your borrowed outfit, a word of advice.  Be careful if you sample the red wines, they leave very noticeable stains," Fleuri cautioned.  "I made that mistake once and ended up spilling it on a tunic that had been in my family for generations."

[@PaulHaynek]