The ballroom was a grand, decorative dance hall, with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a stage beside the window, where the orchestra would play. Gradually, crowds were filling the royal blue carpet, with their partners by their side.

One man was standing by the staircase alone, sipping on a goblet of wine. He had shiny blonde hair and wore a plain cyan tunic. Although he didn't have a partner, he was content simply watching the guests enjoy themselves in his family home.

His aqua blue eyes turned to the doors of the dressing rooms, where two men had just emerged: one dressed in a pale blue gown, which was too small for him, the other in a golden tunic. The smaller, rounder of the two was scanning the room for a face. He called out to a pair standing nearby: "Bella!"

Running over to greet them, he held his arms open to hug a woman with blonde hair. She looked a little surprised, but at the same time delighted to see him.

"Julius! I'm so glad you could make it!"

"Hello, Julius." said the man beside her. "I see you've brought Lamatte with you."

The taller man in the golden tunic joined the group. "It's great to see you two." His eyes were still daring around the room. "I don't suppose you've seen a man and a woman around?"

"There are lots of couples here, Lamatte." Bella giggled. "Including me and Julius."

"What? You two are together?"

"Well, sort of..." Julius mumbled. "We've been writing to each other ever since the tournament. I'm so glad we've finally found each other again."

"What about you Jerry?"

The man wearing a brown hat which overshadowed his face was Bella's brother. "Oh, I don't plan on dancing tonight." he said modestly.

"Neither do I." Lamatte sighed. "I don't have a partner anyway."

"I'm sure you'll find someone." said Bella sympathetically. "You're a handsome guy."

"That's enough flirting, Bella." Julius warned her with a grin. "The ball is about to begin."

Suddenly, the dressing room door opened again. All eyes from the group turned to see, including the man with the cyan tunic. A man and a woman emerged simultaneously. She wore an elegant lilac dress with a silver crescent-shaped necklace, and earrings to match. He, on the other hand, wore a plain black tunic, with a black cape draped over his shoulders, which reached to the floor.

"I told you to hurry up!" the girl hissed. "We need to find Lamatte!"

"This tunic is too tight!" he grumbled, and began to shuffle the belt around his waist.

The man sipping on his wine stopped as he recognised the male in the black cape. The tall man in the golden tunic also recognised them.

"Ningan! Oneiro!" he called. "I'm over here!"

Oneiro's eyes followed the voice and she smiled and waved to Lamatte across the dance floor. Ningan also glanced across, looking less than amused, when he paused at the sight of the cyan tunic. Before any of them could move, the deep slur of a double bass sounded, which was the cue for the ball to begin.