Arkymikarus is walking around in the large hall, watching the other nobles dance during the masquerade, Baruki close behind him.

Mikhail walks nearby while Alex is dancing reluctantly.

Arkymikarus looks over, "Good afternoon.

Baruki bows slightly, "Are you having a pleasant time?

Mikhail bows in return and nods, "Yes. thank you. However, my lord, Alexander, doesn't seem to be enjoying himself at the moment." He points to Alex, who is dancing with a noblewoman, a hint of disturbance in his visible eye.

Arkymikarus smirks and walks over to the noblewoman, asking her for a dance.

Baruki smiles, "He's amusing."

Mikhail nods, "Seems so..." His face turns serious, a hint of recognition in his eye. "My apologies, I never introduced myself. I am Mikhail, servant to Lord Alexander Blackburn."

Baruki speaks pleasantly, "I'm Baruki, servant to Lord Marukai and a fellow stalker of the night."

Mikhail smiles gently, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Alex pops up, "I see you've made a friend Mikhail." He bows to Baruki, "As he has probably told you, I am Alexander Blackburn."

Baruki bows again, "Of course, it's nice to meet you"

Alexander looks at Mikhail, "Did you get the list dealt with?"

Mikhail answers, "Yes. Everything is at the mansion, organized by price, and stacked neatly on the floor in the front left side of the room. I also took the liberty of buying new China and silverware."

Alex nods, "Very good."

Baruki looks over at Arkymikarus when he approaches.

Arkymikarus nods in acknowledgment before looking at Mikhail and Alex, "Nice to meet you both."

Mikhail looks around nervously, which is rare, to say the least, "Something isn't right here. I feel like the place is being watched... I've felt it all night but it just got much stronger."

Baruki shrugs, "That has been clear for a while"

Arkymikarus nods.

Mikhail sighs as he recognizes who it is, "It's him...I swear that reaper doesn't know when to stop."

A figure can be seen standing outside looking right at the four of them, taunting them.

Arkymikarus and Baruki seem indifferent.

Mikhail looks at the figure for a second. He speaks to Alex, "Should I dispose of him my Liege?

Alex shrugs, "Go ahead. I don't see the point though. He's no threat. He can't even properly wield a rapier, let alone kill me with it.

Mikhail nods and walks off, returning moments later, "And the nuisance is gone. Back to whatever hole he was conceived from I hope."

Baruki looks at his pocket watch, checking the time, "We need to leave."

Arkymikarus nods and walks out.

Mikhail watches them for a moment before looking at his own lord, "We should do the same, my Lord, it's almost curfew."

Alex sighs in relief, "Thank the Lord. I hate balls more than anything."

Baruki smiles as he follows Arkymikarus.

Alex facepalms, "I just realized how ungodly crass that sounds..."

Mikhail chuckles.

Arkymikarus stops in the doorway, looking outside, silent for a moment. Then, he darts forward suddenly, Baruki following, just as silent.

Mikhail and Alex walk out and board a horse carriage. Mikhail speaks, "They seem like nice people" He has that glimmer in his eye.

Alex, while in thought, says "Indeed they do..."

Iet: Haha! I finally put this story up here! Whoo! So what do you guys think? Suspicious, no? :) Anyway, please tell me what you think.