The children chased after the phantom cat. They laughed and called out happily. Their small feet pattered across the lawn as the image bounced and weaved ahead of them. I watched them go with quiet relief. At least that crisis had been avoided.

[b]"And here I was thinking I was going to have to rescue you from a mob of curious children."[/b]

I turned at the familiar voice. Lady Agnes Larimar stood beside me. She moved with the kind of grace that came from years of noble training. Her golden hair caught the light from the arcane lanterns. Her violet eyes seemed to shift slightly in shade. The Larimars were all beautiful. Every single one of them. But Agnes was something else entirely. Sometimes I caught myself staring a little too long. Wondering things I didn't usually wonder about women.

[b]"I actually enjoy social gatherings,"[/b] I said. [b]"Just usually with far fewer people involved. This is..."[/b] I gestured vaguely at the crowded lawn. [b]"A bit much."[/b]

I glanced back toward where the ceremony dais stood beneath the ironwood tree. [b]"But I'd do whatever I could to be here for Professor Finch today. She deserves that much. This is a special day for her."[/b]