The room filled with a quiet and intense chatter as the two stepped gracefully into the ballroom. The clicking of their heels against the hard flooring of the palace drew more eyes to them. Vivienne and Sarliah always seemed to have that effect on people. The pair was introduced, they bowed, and the guests had a sudden lack of interest. The Enchanter sashayed and chatted with them, easing into her soft facade. The Inquisitor slipped gracefully through the crowded hall, wishing only to eavesdrop. She chose her mark, the first of many. They welcomed her into their cluster and she listened as the ringleader spoke incessantly about useless things. What she considered to be useless, anyhow.

"Oh, I do love your shoes, Comtesse. I'm so very pleased that phoenix feathers are in this season."

"I heard the Marquis is having an affair with his elven servant. Disgraceful."

"Inquisitor, your dress is magnificent. I wish I had Madame de Fer to buy gowns for me."

Sarliah was quite fond of her dress. Its dark green velvet and gold trimmings made her pale skin and blue eyes seem more exquisite. But her dress was also not her main focus for the night. She politely dismissed herself and searched for another group. The first one was not as fruitful as she had hoped. The next hour or so turned into a cycle of assimilating and gathering. When she estimated she had enough dirt on the nobles, she searched for Vivienne. Sarliah found her up in a small balcony and made her way there.

"Inquisitor. I trust your time has been profitable," she greeted as she gestured to the empty seat next to her. Sarliah sat down and adjusted herself.

"It has, Lady Vivienne. I see you have escaped your admirers."

"Yes, darling. This entire affair has grown a little dull, no?"

"Care to leave early and get some tea?"

"Sounds delightful, but I promised the hostess I would not leave too soon," Vivienne stated. Sarliah remained silent and the two observed the droves of men and women below them. Each participated in their own unspectacular ritual of small talk and waltzes. When they became redundant, Sarliah and Vivienne chose to entertain themselves.

"The Comte is obviously compensating for something," Sarliah gossiped. "For what?"

"It's probably best not to think about it overmuch," Vivienne sassed. "Did you hear of Lady Mari?"

"Too much, in fact. I need to know how anyone can find so many goats."

"I will find out, darling," Vivienne offered. She rose gracefully and turned to her companion. "I believe I have fulfilled my obligation. Shall we?"

Sarliah nodded and rose. They strutted out as they had strutted in, drawing the eyes of many as they often did. The cafe was not far from the soiree. For that, the elf was grateful.

"These shoes are torture, Vivi. How can you stand it?" she questioned, pulling them off with a sigh of relief.

"Practice, of course. Your posture is also terrible." Sarliah did not argue and placed her carefully adorned footwear on the ground. The two of them spent the rest of their afternoon sitting in the small restaurant, enjoying their tea and pastries. They were glad to escape the pompous party. Especially since they later learned of a murder that occurred shortly after their departure. Orlesians.