[h1][center][color=E77298]Anastasia[/color] & [color=ad1207]Marek[/color][/center][/h1]

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Marek had been standing above the party on the balcony around the perimeter of the room. He was looking downward, with disgust in his eyes, at these [i]depraved[/i] and [i]repulsive[/i] people who knew nothing of the reality they were in. They so easily ignored the obvious in pursuit of an escape from their lives. Their lives were filled with excess. So, excess is just what he would give them here. However, this time they’d finally bare the consequence of said excess. He watched as infuriated nobles on one side of the room in the ring beat each other to near death. The rage in their eyes was unlike anything seen before. In another corner, a couple, who was certain had just met each other, were practically ripping the clothes off each other in the middle of the party before being escorted into a back room. 

He grimaced in disgust. [i]...Animals. But what a show this will be.[/i] 

Speaking of the depraved, the voice of the young princess came from below as she called up to him. 

Marek looked toward the voice. He smiled and made his way down the stairs towards her. [color=ad1207]“Come with me.”[/color] He said not giving another word as he made his way towards one of the secluded rooms. 

Anastasia followed after him like a clueless puppy. [color=E77298]”Woowwee!”[/color] She darted into the room and spun around in a circle to observe her surroundings. It was like a fancy-schmancy room with lots of couches and… She took a long sip of her drink as her eyes set on the bed, stifling a laugh. [color=E77298]” There’s a bed in here? Are these like… Sex rooms!?”[/color] The laughter burst out as she asked, [color=E77298]” Hahaha! What is this, Marek?”[/color]

Marek walked over and sat on a chair in the side of the room. [color=ad1207]“One could call it that I guess but I am only here to talk. So, how was the ball anything interesting on your part?”[/color] He wasn’t entertained by her giddy personality. She was always like this, so he would have to deal with it if he wanted to get what he wanted.

[color=E77298] “Mmm kay.”[/color] She downed the rest of her drink and set the glass on the side table. Next, she plopped down on the bed. Anastasia took a moment to enjoy the softness.[color=E77298][i]This is so comfortable![/i][/color] 

[color=E77298] “Oh yeah!  The ball.”[/color] She had been distracted by the bed for a few seconds. [color=E77298] “You know that Duke Lorenzo Vikena guy? He walked in late and thought the Alidasht were performers. He said a bunch of dumb stuff, then totally managed to trip all of them. Even the Sultan fell out of his chair thing.”[/color] She giggled as she explained. [color=E77298] “I took the opportunity to lead these cute people I found to my bedroom and play some strip poker so I don’t know what happened next… BUT! I did come back later and I had the opportunity to dance with my Wystan. He’s so sweet, Marek. You don’t even know.”[/color]

[color=ad1207]“Ah, well it seems you had fun… Did Wystan say anything interesting?”[/color] Marek was intrigued by her side of things he had been told about most of the big events of the ball that had happened already but personal conversations were key to everything.

[color=E77298] “Everything he says is interesting!”[/color] Her eyes might as well have had hearts in them. [color=E77298]” I think he might care about me, but… I dunno. Sometimes I’m not sure if I mean anything to anyone or if I’m just a burden.”[/color] Despite the words having some heaviness to them, her smile did not waver.

[color=ad1207]“Of course you mean something to someone. I mean I took you aside to talk. That must mean you have some importance to me if I pull myself away from the party I hosted.” [/color] Marek knew that if he wanted to keep the girl under his wing, he would have to play a few games to do so. It didn’t seem she had any good information but that did not mean she would not the next time. She had divulged important information in the past after all.

[color=E77298] “Really! Are we best friends now, Marek?”[/color] She suddenly hopped up to her feet. Her tone had changed and she had a new look in her eyes. It was clear the cocktail was starting to enchant her. [color=E77298] “I feel like giving you a hug right now.”[/color] Anastasia announced and reached out her arms, wriggling her fingers.

[color=ad1207]“I guess you could call it that. But I am not one to enjoy hugs. Also, it would mess up my clothing so I have to refuse. I apologize.” [/color]He told her, resting in the chair with his hands on his lap.

[color=E77298]”Marek… Come on. You need a hug.”[/color]

[color=ad1207]“I assure you, I really don’t but I appreciate the offer and your insistence.” [/color] He gave her a pleasant smile. [color=ad1207]“I don’t really want to hold you from the party too long. Maybe we can talk a little later, besides I have some things I need to handle and make sure everything goes well with the night.  Your brother must be lonely out there after all. Thank you for coming to talk with me.” [/color] Marek subtly dismissed her, while keeping a friendly demeanor. No information was found yet but maybe there would be a few to open up tonight.

She had frowned but upon mention of her brother, she did feel a rush of appreciation and concern for him. [color=E77298]”Okay! Thanks for the chat and party!”[/color] Anastasia waved and then walked back out of the backroom, in pursuit of checking on her adorable little brother.

Marek had made his way out after, back to his position above the party. He talked to a few masked people in passing as he moved about.