Asra shrugs his coat up as he walks through the snowfall. It's quiet in the city, the snow muffling all and any sounds. Around him, people hurry about, desperate to get into their warm homes. However, Asra is not heading home today.

He turns on the street, walking past all the closed shops. It's December 1st, too cold for the outside shops of Vesuvia. Asra still visits the baker sometimes to get bread and he's always welcomed with warm arms.

Asra's coat shifts and Faust pokes her head out. She doesn't like the cold, so Asra is surprised at her appearance.

"What's up?" He says, lifting a hand to better shield her from the snow.

"Where go?" Faust asks, tilting her head as Asra.

"The palace." He replies, but this still doesn't seem to suit her curiosity, so he continues. "The Countess requests our presence."

Asra doesn't say more, mostly because he doesn't know much more than that. The previous day he received a letter from Nadia, saying that she could use his assistance.

Finally, Asra arrived at the palace gates, where he was promptly brought inside. He shrugs off the snow as he comes in, stomping his heavy boots.

"Asra!"

Startled, Asra turns to see Portia in the hall.

"Hey." Asra grins, holding up a palm. Portia, grins, lifting her dress with one hand and scurrying over.

"We're so glad you're here!" She says, throwing her arms around him. Asra laughs, receiving the hug with awkward tenderness.

"I was a bit worried with the letter and all." He digs around in his pocket, producing the letter.

Portia waves her hand, "Ohh, no need to worry about that." She takes Asra's hand, leading him down the hall. He leaves a trail of melted snow behind him. "Milady's waiting for us in the drawing room!"

Asra follows her, his mind still on the letter. If it's not something urgent then what has Nadia brought him here for?

Portia bursts into the drawing room, "Asra's here!" She chimes.

Nadia's sitting on a couch, a teacup poised in her hand. She smiles as Asra enters.

"Thank you, Portia." Nadia says, setting the teacup down on a tray.

"Of course, Milady, I'll wait for the other guests." With that, Portia closes the door.

Asra tilts his head at Nadia, making his way further into the room. "Other guests?" He asks, taking a seat in a chair.

"Yes." Nadia clasps her hands together. "I've invited Muriel, my messenger had a terrible time finding his place in the woods, and Julian-"

Asra flinches at the name. After all his history with Julian...

"- He was a bit difficult to locate as well, with his traveling and all. And lastly-" Nadia shuts her eyes, letting out an annoyed sigh, "- my ex husband, Lucio, was invited."

Asra is surprised at the list, it certainly is an unusual bunch. "So why exactly have we been called upon by you?"

"As you know, this year's masquerade was... less than a success." She sighs. "It didn't quite bring the people together like I had hoped it would. So, I have come to the conclusion that what Vesuvia needs is a Christmas Ball."

"Christmas Ball?" Asra echos.

"Indeed. I think it would unite Vesuvia together."

Asra nods, bringing a hand to his chin. It certainly does sound like a good idea, but why bring him there to help? Before he can ask, the door bursts open.

"Nodi, my love, I knew you'd want me back."

Lucio stands in the doorway, looking as regal as ever. His golden arm glistens in the lamplight and there are still snowflakes scattered in his hair.

Portia stands behind him, arms crossed and rolling her eyes, "That's not why you're here, idiot."

"Oh." Lucio's face turns to confusion. "Well why else would you invite me."

"Just take a seat, Lucio." Nadia sighs, rubbing her forehead with one hand.

Lucio flops down onto a chair near Asra, giving him a look. Asra rolls his eyes. He certainly can't imagine why Nadia would need Lucio's of all people's help.

"You won't take me back, then?" Lucio asks.

"No, Lucio." Nadia says. "Not if you were the last man in Vesuvia."

"Ah come on, I've been living in this boarding house, I had to a job, Nodi, a JOB-"

Lucio's complaining is interrupted by the door opening once again.

Muriel's hulking figure stands in the doorframe, looking flustered and awkward. Asra relaxes a bit, glad to see his friend.

Muriel shuffles over, taking the seat farthest from Lucio.

Nadia smiles at him, "Welcome, Muriel, I'm glad you made it."

Muriel mumbles something, but Asra can't make it out.

"You don't need to worry, I'm only requesting your help, you're not required to do a thing." Nadia assures Muriel. This seems to make him relax a bit, but he still watches Lucio unevenly.

The door opens one last time.

"I'm not late to the party, am I?"

Asra's heart sinks. This was the moment he had been dreading. Glancing over, Julian stands in front of them, hands on his hips.

"Well, judging by this solemn crowd, this can't be good news, can it?" Julian grins.

"Oh shut up and take your seat." Portia tells him.

Julian laughs, "I was just making my appearance." He says, flopping down on the couch next to Nadia. Julian knows his sister is only toying with him, yet he always loves a chance to annoy her.

As he's sitting, Julian finally gets a good look at who all is in the room.

Lucio. Like Julian could ever forget that man. You know, the whole causing the plague thing. Still, he supposes Nadia must be on semi-good terms with him if he's here.

His eyes nearly skim over Muriel before doing a double take. Julian remembers him, if barely. Muriel seems ready to run at any moment.

Julian freezes when his eyes reach the last person.

Asra.

Julian feels his face go white as he turns his head away, biting at his lip. The last time he and Asra spoke, Asra told him that he didn't love him.

No. That's all in the past. Julian wouldn't let his past decide who he was now. Not again.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, we can get started." Nadia says. "I've called you all here for one reason, we need to put on a Christmas Ball in the palace on December 25th to unite the people."

"What?" Lucio makes a face. "That's what you called us here for? How can we unite the people?"

"You each have a special connection. Asra, the common people adore you, they listen to you. Lucio, you're able to appease the upper class. Muriel, you speak to the outsiders, those uncertain of my rule and Julian, the doctors and medical practitioners." Nadia takes a deep breath."Plus, since implementing some more humane rules, much of my staff works less hours, so I need everyone's help."

Julain nods, thinking it over. Fear was rampant in Vesuvia since the end of the masquerade, the chaos scaring the public. This could be the chance to finally ease the people's worries.

Before Julian can speak, Asra does, "I'm in." Asra says, looking up at Nadia. For a second Asra makes eye contact with him before he quickly looks away.

"I'm glad to hear."  Nadia smiles.

"A party? I'm in." Lucio agrees.

"I suppose I can." Muriel mumbles.

Nadia smiles, looking over at Julian. "Will you join us, Julian?"

Julian sighs, scrunching his face up. His heart screams at him to take the opportunity, to spent the time with Asra, but his head...

"No, I can't." He says, Nadia's face falls. "I have my travels and my work-"

"Oh nonsense." Portia bonks him upside the head. "My brother will do it."

Nadia laughs, "I think you're spoken for, Doctor."

Julian gives a small smile, "I guess I am." He sighs.

"Perfect. We can meet again tomorrow for the start of the work. For now, you can each stay here for the night." Nadia says.

Julian bites at his lip, stealing a glance at Asra. What has he gotten himself into?