Chapter III
A Date for the Party
Eiko was very excited. She walked the streets of Lindblum, looking for a little something to make her date with Atreyu special. She didn't end up buying anything though. So she headed back to the castle. Eiko was walking to her bedroom when she heard somebody calling to her.
"Eiko!" it was her father, Regent Cid, "Eiko dear, are you already for the party?"
"Party?" Eiko questioned, "What party?"
"The party your mother and I have had planed for weeks. It starts soon."
"Oh…" said Eiko, she didn't want to stand up Atreyu, "I don't want to go. I…er…feel sick."
"Eiko, you promised your mother and I that you would go, after you missed our last ball." Cid said. "How about you go into town with Erica and get new gowns?"
So Eiko had no choice but to go into town with Erica, the airship pilot, to get new gowns.
"Why don't you want to go Eiko?" Erica asked as they walked through town.
"I have to meet a boy at dusk, but please don't tell father." Eiko replied.
"Why don't you invite him to the party?" Erica suggested.
"Because….that is a great idea Erica!" Eiko said as they entered the dress shop.
So back at the castle Eiko was getting ready for the party in her new beautiful pale gold party gown. She sat down in front of her mirror and brushed her violet hair which was now just past her shoulders in length. She placed a gold chain in her hair and took one last glance in the mirror before heading down to the party room.
"Sweetheart, you look absolutely beautiful!" said Hilda.
"Thank you mother, as do you." Eiko replied, "I was wondering if I could bring a friend along to the party, please mother."
"Who is it?" Hilda asked
"A boy I know. His father is a play writer." Eiko said.
"Sure you can bring him." Hilda said and so Eiko set off for the trolley as it was already dusk.
As Eiko stepped of the Theater District platform she saw Atreyu waiting for her with a single rose.
"I thought you weren't coming" Atreyu admitted, "You look stunning"
"I have to go back soon, my parents are throwing a party." Eiko said
"Oh," Atreyu said looking down at the ground.
"I was hoping you would escort me there." Eiko said, stepping closer to Atreyu.
He looked up and smiled, "Like a date?"
"Do you wanted to go or not?"
"Only if it's a date," Atreyu said offering Eiko the rose.
She took the rose and said, "A date it is then." And they both boarded the trolley and headed for Lindblum Castle.
And so they arrived at the party before most guest and Atreyu was introduced to everyone Eiko knew, or she had only just met from the party.
And soon Atreyu had asked Eiko to dance and they talked as they moved around the dance floor.
"If you don't mind my saying so Princess, are you a summoner?" Atreyu asked.
"Yes, I am." Eiko replied
"That is super cool." Atreyu said.
"And if you don't mind my asking so, please, call me Eiko."
And so they danced all night and Eiko even gave Atreyu a tour of the castle.
As everyone was leaving Atreyu turned to Eiko,
"This might be the best night of my life, may I come see you tomorrow?"
"I would like that." Eiko answered
"Goodbye." They both said in unison as Atreyu left.
Eiko ran upstairs and jumped on her bed, "Yes!" she shouted, "This is the best night of my life!"
--End of Chapter III--