Bastian of Fayre was in anguish. His heart was breaking and there was nothing, Nothing, that he could do about it.

It wasn't that Lucia didn't love him. He was used to that.

It wasn't that she was in love with someone else. He had prepared for that.

It was that she was pining over a man who barely seemed to notice her. The count was in no way ready to watch her heart break. Particularly not over Renning. Bastian massaged his forehead. Renning thought of Lucia as, well, a child. A niece. At least to the best of Bastian's knowledge, and even when it came to rumors Bastian was generally the most knowledgeable noble in Crimea, if not all of Tellius.

It was torture, watching the woman he loved suffer. He watched her eyes light up as Renning spoke. He would listen to her hum as she walked, her closed eyes betraying a dreamy demeanor. And to make it worse, Renning led her on. Even if it was, as Bastian knew (hoped...kind of...maybe...), accidental, that didn't make it more fair or right or less enraging. Bastian was forced to remain silent as Renning would smile at Lucia, brush her hair from her eyes or kiss her on the forehead.

The Count didn't know if he should pray that Renning returned the feelings or not. If the Duke did, then he and Lucia would wed and attain a sort of "happily ever after", leaving Bastian heart-broken. If the Duke did not, Lucia would hurt, and Bastian would still be heart-broken. He wanted to hope for their happiness, but some human bitterness within wouldn't let him.

Noon struck, the bells echoed through Castle Fayre. The Count was sitting in his library, discussing matters with a shadow (one that I might add was insisting on 1500 gold simply for showing up) when it was announced that he had vistors.
"Forgive me, my dearest Volke. It seems that I am summoned, wouldst thou join me?"
"100,000." The shadow replied, his surly voice a warning that the moment Bastian produced the requested amount the price would increase.
"But I have not yet finished your latest report."
"I'll wait here. 50 an hour."
"So cheap? Surely you jest."
"I've nothing better to do." The shadow said, its tone indicating that there was a shrug commencing.
"Very well, make thineself comfortable. I'll not tarry long." The sage laughed, knowing full well that so much as another sylablle could easily raise the price by leaps and bounds.
"meh." came Volke's reply.

Bastian made his way down to the great hall to greet his unexpected guests. Much to his surprise (a thing that didn't happen often) he was greeted by a envoy of Queen Elincia's, consisting (not surprisingly) of Lady Lucia Delbray, Kieran (I beg your pardon, Crimean Royal Knight Second in Comand Captain Kieran), and Marcia.
"Ah! How good to see such friends. But come, sit, relax, I wouldst know what business her majesty would have of me."
"Ever the silver tongue." Lucia said, her snide comment a joking front. Bastian grinned all the more.
"In beauty such as thine, 'tis a wonder I can speak at all. Thus, not so surprising that when my voice is heard it speaks with eloquent wings, seeking not to shame itself before thee."
"... Thank you..." Lucia said, she shook her head, rolling her eyes at her age old friend. "Any way, Her Majesty was wondering if you would host the Gala here at Castle Fayre."
"It would be an honor." Bastian replied with his usual flourish, "Who doest the guest list contain?" Marcia produced a scroll. She let the bottom go, causing the parchment too bounce twice as it unrolled itself.
"Um...The Greil mercenaries, Queen Micaiah, King Sothe and their guard, Empress Sanaki and her guard, Queen Nailah and Prince Rafiel and Volug from Hatari, King Tibarn and co. from the newly created Bird nation....she's sent someone to find the hermit Stefan...." Marcia said, skipping over the numerous idividual names and just listing groups. Bastian listened "attentively" his eyes on Marcia's face, but his perferioals watching Lucia.

"Again, 'twould be an honor. Thou I fear I willst need minor help with preparations."
"I'll be here, to help out." Lucia said, "Marcia and Kieran are going to be delivering invitations." The swordmaster smiled, "Duke Renning will also be here."
"Wonderful! I shall hurry with all haste to have rooms made up for thee and our guests."
"Excellent." Marcia smiled, "Well, blockhead here and I oughta hurry. Party's in about....2...3 weeks?"
"Never fear! Crimean Royal Knight 2nd In Command Captain Kieran will not fail to-"
"Maybe you didn't hear me. CHOWDERBRAIN! WE'VE GOT TO GET A MOVE ON!" Marcia shouted. Kieran jumped slightly and gave the Pegasus knight a sheepish look.
"Yes, of course."

Bastian excused himself and wandered back to his library, where Volke was sitting. The "fireman" gave him an odd look.
"So, anyway, to conclude my report you're going want to keep an eye on Lord Kendrick in the southern region, he's taxing a bit heavily."
"Thank you, my friend. How much are you owed?" Volke looked at the clock,
"2,300."
"Very well." Bastian handed over the gold and watched with some amusement as the thief vanished out the window. "Oh, damnation, I nearly forgot. Dear Volke!"
"Yea yea, I heard about the gala. 10,000." Volke's voice came from somewhere outside the window.
"So steep, dost thou not wish to attend?"
"Meh."
"Very well, though someday I shall learn where this money goes."

The shady figure didn't respond, leaving Bastian feeling totally alone. The sage sighed heavily and looked up at the ceiling.
"So close, yet so far my angel..."