Preparations started two weeks from Iris' birthday. It seemed like the entirety of Illuminana helped out, with a heavy assist from their worshipers. Many of the Priests and Priestesses where there, arranging the flowers, putting up the decorations, and decorating the cakes. The entirety of Castle Dayspring was covered with rainbows, Iris' symbol.

Iris was supervising the whole thing, checking off items on her list. The list itself was as long as a summer day, and Dia made a promise to herself to make her birthday party a lot more informal.

Dia asked Iris if she could invite a "new friend" of hers.

"Yeah, of course, Dia. It's nice seeing you make new friends."

"Mom, I'm 1,045 years old. You're talking like I'm still six."

"It only gets harder to make new friends with age, Dia. The invitations won't be done until Wednesday, so you just focus on the lighting."

Dia's responsibility required her to make sure the electrical system didn't go out during the ball. The system was powered by fire, Dia's forte. So long as there was enough kindling, there was nothing to worry about.

The invitation reached Noctave, but there wasn't one for Urainia.

As she explained to Noctave, "Iris could never forgive me for loving Umbrum. I couldn't afford to go anyway, Starlight University needs me at that time for the graduation ceremony."

Noctave was disappointed."Oh, I see..."

Urainia comforted Noctave. "Don't worry about me, I don't need to go to a party. Go and have fun!"

Noctave didn't want to go all out with her outfit. She didn't like wearing giant ballgown dresses, but she knew she was required to wear something more formal.

She took out a knee-length dress that was pastel gray and black with a cupcake shaped skirt. There were three arctic blue bows on the bodice, one on the collar, small ones on the butterfly sleeves, and around the skirt. There was lace and ruffles all around, as well as an underskirt showing the moon phases. It required her to wear a petticoat, but that was never a deal-breaker for her. It wasn't high fashion, but it was cute, and that was enough for Noctave.

She knew she couldn't wear her fur gloves or boots, due to the heat of Illuminana, but she did have some lace gloves made of some more breathable fabric.

For shoes, she had lacy ankle high-boots that showed the crest of Noctaria on the sides. She looked at herself in the mirror, light indigo hair down. She looked cute, but more of a Lady of the Court than a proper princess.

Then she remembered the treasures in her jewelry box.

Inside was exactly what she was looking for: it was an elaborate circlet showing the full moon, made of silver and studded with black pearls. It was part of a matching set that included 2 bracelets, a necklace, earrings, and even an armlet, like the ones Dia likes to wear.

They were given to her as an offering by her favorite priest and passionate lover, long since dead.

She tried it all on, but felt that the necklace combined with both the bracelets and armlet was too busy. Noctave never really liked long, ultra-detailed necklaces over simple chokers. So she took off the bracelets and swapped the necklace with a black ribbon choker that had a crescent moon charm in the center.

She tried to do an up-do, but she felt she looked more like herself with her hair down. She knew that Illuminana was hot, but it would be colder on the trip. Noctave wore a white wolf-skin shift over the dress, a massive status symbol in Noctaria. Her makeup was rather smoky yet had a subtle shimmer to it.

Noxis strolled in her room. He approved of the look, saying "I'm proud of you for wearing traditionally Noctarian clothing. I honestly expected you to dress like you were an Illuminanan."

"What is the deal with you and backhanded complements?" It was defensive, but still inquiring on Noctave's part.

Noxis smiled and disappeared.

Noctave decided that was a good sign.

Dia picked her up before sunset, driving a massive carriage, marble white with golden ornaments.

Noctave was glad to see Skypainter again, and hugged her neck and gave her a carrot as a snack. Dia was dressed fairly casually, with a white top with orange stripes that tied in the front and ripped gold jeans.

"Are you really going to the ball in that?" Dia looked at her clothing to understand what Noctave was talking about.

"Um...Well, the ballgown I picked out wasn't good for travel. Or doing anything more than speedwalking. Just so you know, I'll be in my chambers at first, getting ready, and I'll meet you later. The early hours of the party won't have very many people, because everyone wants to show up fashionably late, and I guess that includes me."

Noctave couldn't really hide her disappointment, but she understood it. Being punctual isn't very trendy in Illuminana, she thought.

Noctave sat inside the carriage, with Dia driving it. When they arrived in Illuminana, it was right at sunset. Dia helped Noctave out of the carriage and they walked into Dayspring Castle side by side. Noctave handed her wolf-skin to a servant once she walked in.

"I'll see you later, Noctave." said Dia.

"You'll be able to admire the castle's beauty more with less people."

Noctave wasn't a fan of Dia abandoning her, but she was right. The palace was beautiful, with lots of natural light and arches everywhere. Eventide had murals, too, but they weren't as cheery as these ones. It was mostly landscapes of the surrounding nature, from the forests to the reefs. The artists were clearly skilled, it looked like you could reach out and touch the shells of the sea turtles. Noctave wandered about, not caring about if it was polite or not.

She came upon Cumulus, in full ceremonial dress, a sky blue silk suit with patterns of clouds all over it. A crown that was painted with every type of precipitation was on his head.

He didn't recognize her at first, but when he saw her light indigo hair, he knew exactly who he was talking to.

"You're Urainia's daughter! You're friends with Dia, right?"

I'm not Dia's " friend", though I'm not sure how to tell you that.

"Yeah, me and Dia are good friends."

" I never thought as the sun and moon being friends, but I guess I'm just narrow-minded. There'll be more guests coming soon, so make yourself comfortable."

Noctave nodded, and turned away to find a place to sit.

But Cumulus interrupted her, asking "Is it true that Urainia has a tail?"

Noctave didn't turn to face Cumulus, and kept walking.

"It's not true! Don't slander my mother like that!"

Noctave sat on a soft, red and blue window seat, it having a good view of the ballroom, but far away enough to be relaxing. The pillows were all the colors of the rainbow, and there was a thin blanket that was patterned with rainbow colored stripes.

Iris probably naps here on hot days, thought Noctave. I hope she doesn't mind me sitting here.

More people came. First a trickle, then a steady stream, and finally a rushing river.

They were divine and mortal, self-made and old money, native and foreign. She felt nervous just looking at the crowd of strangers, and didn't see Dia anywhere.

It's not as if she wanted to get any closer, anyway. Just looking at the crowded ballroom made her nervous. She wondered what was taking her so long.

She heard heard the click of heels on the marble floors. She looked up and saw a woman, far taller than her. Her skin was light brown, her figure was curvy, and her hair was a dark brown with magenta streaks, pulled back by a semi-transparent sea green hairpin. She wore a plum A-line dress with ample ruffles, turquoise jewelry in the shape of eyes, and magenta, thigh-high, high-heeled boots. It proudly displayed various psychedelic patterns. Her makeup was very smoky with lots of blues, purples, and magentas.

"My name is Halucina. I've heard a bit about you."

"That's great! You can sit down if you like." Noctave scooted over, and Halucina reluctantly sat down. Noctave was glad to finally have someone to talk to.

"What have you heard about me, Halucina? Is it good?"

Halucina crossed her legs and lounged on the window seat. "I hear that you've got a thing with Dia."

Noctave was suspicious, but remained polite. "Yeah, that's true. Do you live around here?"

"I live in a neighboring queendom in the desert. Noctaria is a cool place, but it's absolutely freezing."

"How's Dia been treating you?"

"She's been very relaxed and kind. We share the same interests of plants and writing, and Dia never started an argument with me."

Halucina glared at Noctave, making her uncomfortable.

"Oh, I'm sorry Halucina."               

Noctave wasn't sure what she was apologizing for, other than making Halucina glare at her.

Halucina's expression softened and she smiled. "Don't apologize. But don't you think Dia is a bit, well, boring?"

"Boring? Dia is a more reserved sort, but I wouldn't call her boring."

Halucina scooted closer to Noctave. "But wouldn't you prefer someone who'll sweep you off your feet and send you on a world of adventure?"

"I'm not really into manic pixie dream girls as romantic partners... Hold on, are you trying to steal me away from Dia?"

Halucina smirked. "I might be. And I'm not a manic pixie dream girl, I'm an edgy succubus dream girl."

Noctave's eyes darted around for an escape. "As in sexy sleep paralysis demon succubus?"

Halucina chuckled a bit and her green eyes glowed. "Is there any other type? Aren't you wondering what you're missing?"

Trumpets announced the arrival of Cumulus, Iris, and Dia, and Noctave was relieved. Iris wore a bright rainbow body suit with ruffled off-shoulder sleeves, her open toe wedge heels had a holographic sheen to them, as did her crown, which was adorned with the most valuable and colorful gemstones.

Cumulus was wearing the same ceremonial dress as he did when Noctave met him before, he just carried himself differently.

But Dia's dress really caught her eye (well of course it did, they're dating).

Rather than it just being gold and white, it was the resplendent colors of the sunset and sunrise. The dress was the massive ballroom types Noctave never liked wearing, but it looked fantastic on her. It was studded with gems of the same colors, and she wore a crown of roses with long, spiral horns, akin to a unicorn's, representing sunbeams. Many of the guests present bowed to them, and they joined in the festivities.

But the minute Dia saw Halucina with Noctave, her blood boiled. She speed-walked at fast as she could over by the window.

"Halucina, would you care to explain what you're doing with Noctave. She's already taken, in case you didn't know."

Halucina smirked. "Oh, I knew. It didn't stop me though."

Noctave commented "Y'know, I would've thought me and you would get along better, but I guess not."

Halucina was taken aback by her comment. "What are talking about, Noctave?" "Well, I'm the goddess of the moon, and you're the goddess of dreams. Shouldn't we be... friendlier towards each other? Respect each other?"

Halucina smirked and put her left arm around Noctave. "That's right, Noctie. It makes more sense than the sun and moon being together!"

"Halucina! That's not what I meant-!"

Dia interrupted her. "Get out right now, Halucina. The door is right there."

Halucina rolled her eyes. "I have just as much right as to be here. But I'll leave you alone with your girlfriend." Halucina walked away, heels clicking on the marble floor.

Noctave tugged on Dia's dress. "What is it, Noctave?" 

"What happened between you and Halucina? Was it a messy breakup?" 

Dia sighed, it was a draining experience seeing Halucina again.

 "The whole relationship was a mess, mostly due to Halucina not respecting my boundaries. I kept thinking we could work something out, but in the end, I was mistaken." 

Noctave hugged Dia, knowing that the memories of the relationship were unpleasant. Dia was surprised by this, but she felt a lot better. She changed the subject. "I'm hungry. How about we get some snacks?"

It being Iris' birthday ball, the food was all of Iris' favorites. Smoked pork, mozzarella cheese on toasted bread, and a chocolate fondue fountain to name a few examples. The snack bar wasn't full of people, which made Noctave want to go there even more. Noctave immediately went to the chocolate fondue fountain, and met Tellulah there.

Tellulah was taller than Noctave, but not by much. Her skin was a shade or two lighter than Dia's, and her ocean blue hair in a box braid ponytail. She had noticeable heterochromia, with one green eye and one blue eye. She wore an empire style dress that showed a meadow full of beautiful flowers, naturalistic makeup, and jewelry in the shape of plants and animals.

She recognized Noctave easily. "My name's Tellulah. I'm a close friend of Dia. She's told me a bit about you." 

Noctave dipped a strawberry in the fountain. "Then you'll know I only showed up because Dia came with me." 

"I'm comfortable in crowds, but I know where you're coming from. I like the chocolate covered pineapple rings better than the strawberries. Try it." 

Noctave tried it, finding it interesting, but she still liked chocolate dipped strawberries a lot better.

Dia came over. "Hi, Tellulah. Where have you been all night?" 

"Well, I've been dancing with my husband for most of the night. You dress is beautiful, by the way." 

"Thank you, so is yours. Hey, Noctave, once you're done stuffing your face with the chocolate fondue, would you like to dance with me?" 

Noctave's teal eyes grew wide. She glanced at the crowded dance floor and froze up. Dia put her hand on Noctave's shoulder, startling Noctave. Dia said, "It's OK, Noctave. You don't have to if you want to. I'll stay by you, don't worry." Noctave responded with a quiet "Thank you."

Tellulah left to dance with her boyfriend, the god of time. Dia and Noctave went on the outskirts of the party and spoke with each other. 

"I know you don't like how cold Noctaria can be, but we should have a picnic later in the month. It'll be much warmer, and the scenery will be beautiful!" 

Dia wasn't convinced. "What you Noctarians call warmth is anything over freezing point." 

"But it'll be well above that when we have our picnic!" 

"That's a relative term, but I have no doubt that the flowers of Noctaria will be beautiful. It will be nice to finally see them in person."

Iris and Cumulus came over to check what their daughter was up to. Iris didn't recognize who Noctave was, at least until Cumulus told her. 

"I'm sorry about that, Princess Noctave. It's just that you're not a very common sight around here. Dia, why aren't you on the dance floor by now? When you were with Halucina-" 

Dia cut her off. "Don't say that succubus' name around me. Noctave isn't very comfortable in crowds." Noctave felt a bit shy around Dia's parents, not making eye contact with them. 

Iris kept pushing, though. "Oh, c'mon, it'll be fun. This night won't last forever (thankfully), so you should at least make some memories while you're here." 

Dia shook her head. "No. If Noctave not comfortable with it, I won't be doing it." 

Cumulus said, "Well, you're missing out. Let's go back to the ballroom, Iris." Iris began to have a suspicion that Noctave wasn't just a friend of Dia's.

The party winded down from that point. It was long past midnight, and people were starting to get tired and leave. Noctave knew that she'd have to go soon, so now was as good a time as any to ask. 

"Hey, Dia?" 

"Yes, Noctave?" 

"Do you think we're officially dating now? We've moved past attraction and now we're officially in a relationship?" 

Dia hid her surprise well. "I believe so. I hope we can see each other more in the future." Noctave hugged Dia, she was that happy.