Enjoying the warmth that had instantly cloaked itself around his ice-covered form, Squall gazed round at the familiar sight of the citadel's elegant entrance hall as he patiently waited for the male attendant to return. A faint harmony could be heard coming from somewhere within the citadel's innards, curious, he moved in the direction of it's melody. He was lead to one of the many entrances to the banquet hall. The doors, which consisted of a doorframe that were decorated with impressive engravings in its wood, only separated the two rooms with a thin curtain of material. Squall slowly drew back the curtain so that a tiny gap was made and peered through to witness rows of tables of guests were seated and watching a dancer perform. The dancer was a stunning young woman, who was clad in a fine silk attire and lightly painted face. A miniature red mark was decorated her forehead, as most performers wore these when attending high-class events. He watched, enticed by her refined movements and luring voice. The song drew to a close and the guests applauded loudly at her efforts. Squall was jolted back to reality when something tugged at his damp sleeve; he turned to see a memorable face, Noriko.

"So it is you." She said in a flat tone. "Well, you've come at a hectic time, tonight a banquet is being held for Seifer Almasy's promotion."

"Promotion?" Squall echoed, with a slight hint of disbelief in his manner.

"Yes. He's a commander now and I imagine when General Utsumi shall retire, he will attain his place seems as you left your post.. You'll not be worthy of such a title." Stated the maid, it seemed she wasn't pleased by his return.

"…A lot has changed…" He mumbled, before trudging back to the entrance hall.

"Well what do you expect? You've been gone for so long!" Noriko informed as she followed him. She had never actually been fond of Squall, she constantly accused him of being cold and callous towards her mistress and now he had the nerve to show unannounced, Noriko doubted he'd even give a reason for his disappearance. "And where have you been all this time?" She questioned

"It is none of your business." Squall replied coolly and turned his back to her in disinterest towards her inquiry.

"Maybe not…but you upsetting my mistress is!" Noriko insisted, placing her hands on her hips in a demanding stance.

"I will not speak to you about this…I wish to see Rinoa."

"She is occupied attending the banquet at the moment."

Squall peered over his shoulder at the young maid; she seemed annoyed by his presence. He turned to face her yet again.

"I have my reasons…and though I won't discuss them with you…I shall tell her." Seeing the sincerity in his words, Noriko's domineering expression, softened slightly.

"Very well, but you'll have to wait until the banquet has finished…I'll send an attendant to see you to a room and give you dry clothes." She turned and strolled away in the direction of the banquet hall.

After her breathtaking performance Rinoa was seated at one of the many tables that stretched along the hall. She listened to the enthusiastic conversations of the aristocratic women with curiosity. They were constantly discussing marriage, as most of them were soon to be wed or indeed married. Most of these weddings were arranged, mainly for the reason of social status, it was far more profitable if your son or daughter wed into a richer, renowned or higher class family. Rinoa was slightly thankful such an array would never fall upon her. Due to the unfortunate loss of both of her parents, and no other relatives to speak of, such arrangements wouldn't be made, besides very few man wanted a blind woman as their bride!

"So, Miss Rinoa, what about you?" Came the noble voice of Lady Mai

"Marriage you mean?"

"Yes."

"Well…I can understand why it's such a important event in a woman's life but…"

"Your not keen on the idea?"

"To be honest.. No."

"I see..." Lady Mai took a sip of her tea and spoke again, "Please don't tell me your one of those women who believe you should marry for merely love?" Her question was followed by a clear, tuneful laugh. Though sadden that her beliefs were comical to this woman, Rinoa smiled and said,

"I'm not entirely for arranged marriages yet I'm not against them."

"Hmm a neutral." Lady Mai commented a smile formed on her brightly painted red lips. "It is most wise for someone to approach such things neutrally. You're not the young girl I expected you to be and for that I apologize."

Rinoa's smile broadened and she bowed her head in gratitude. The conversation of marriage had drawn to a close and they discussed more light-hearted topics. After the meals had been eaten the event moved onto Seifer's promotion. When such members of Qin's military were promoted to a higher rank, they would receive a higher grade of weaponry and Armour in place of their old ones.

A silence fell upon the hall, the musicians had ceased in playing, chatter had stopped; everyone's attention was focused on its center where Emperor Jinn and Seifer stood. Seifer knelt before the Emperor with his head bowed.

"Seifer Almasy, you have displayed the initiative, bravery and strength needed to become our great army's commander." Declared the Emperor, his baritone voice echoed in the large space of the hall. "You will operate under the authority of General Utsumi, take charge of many difficult situations, and command the many soldiers that compose our forces. Do you except this superior rank and all it's prospects?"

"I do, Emperor." Answered Seifer and drew his sword from its sheath, he held it horizontally and offered it to Emperor Jinn. Two attendants appeared either side of the Emperor holding red cushions with gold trim; the attendant on the Emperor's right had an impressive sword laid on his cushion, while the other's was empty. Emperor Jinn retrieved the sword from Seifer's hands and placed on the left attendant's cushion. He then turned and picked-up the sword from the right attendant's cushion. He held it by its handle that had a complex design woven in it's from, and admired the blade's gleam.

"Then arise, Commander Seifer."

Seifer did as commanded and stood. Emperor Jinn placed the sword horizontally and outstretched his arms, offering it to the young man. Seifer grasped the sword by its handle and placed it in his sheath before yet again bowing his head. The Emperor turned to the witnesses of this ceremony. "Finest people of Qin, with this young man as commander, our army with go from strength to strength and will banish the vermin rebel alliances that attack our wondrous empire!" With that said the hall erupted into applause.

Rinoa, though pleased of Seifer's success couldn't help feel a twinge of sorrow attack her. Her father had received as similar ceremony when he was promoted to General and though she was merely a child when the event had occurred she remembered it well. Another explanation for this sorrow was that Squall Leonhart had been expected to take her father's place, not Utsumi, but he disappeared shortly after her father's death…