As the blanket of Nite shrouded the calming sky, the palace of Xenthos illuminated most of the city. The palace was like a beacon, inviting any and all people and races to flock to the gates. Everyone was dressed in exquisite, and fine clothing.

Inside the palace, people were preparing for the Grand Ball. The ball always signified the beginning of the Festival of Victories. It was the perfect way to end the first day of the festival and, as with all events held in Xenthos around this time, ALL were welcome to enter the Palace's magnificent walls. The only places off limits to the public were the living quarters, and the dungeon, and not a single soul was brave enough to desecrate those sections of the palace.

The main place where people were gathered was the Gallery. Ordinarily, the Gallery was more of a trophy room, or a meuseam to visitors. But during the ball, only the many wonderful paintings, and some valuable busts or statues are left. During the festival, even the Bard stage from the Tavern floor was brought in. It was a very large and spacious place. One of the many wonders Xenthos held. It was here that the ball would commence.

The gallery of the palace was filled with soft lights, and the golden haired blonde's music, couples were dancing, gliding across the floor. The music was just as lovely as the guests who attended. Whispers and conversations were disappearing into the angelic plucking of her strings. Her angelic voice, sounded sweat as honey, and melodious. The bard was very talented.

In the center of all the people dancing, two people were lost in each other's movements.

Her ball gown was beautiful, in every way.

She wore a blue sleeveless bodice, it was fitted to her body perfectly. It had a frilled collar. She always had such a shapely figure. Her skirt was long and wide, it's colors matched her bodice. It looked comfortable, but Keenio knew she felt hot. She wore white, leather gloves, on the back of the hand, the owl of Athena was engraved in them in gold. She wore matching, boots, that went well with her dress. The stitchings and outlines of her dress, where they fitted her, were woven with a rare golden thread.

Over her bodice she had an outer corset, that had bows and tied in loops. It was also made from white leather.

Her hair was styled in a chignon bun. And she wore a gold tiara. Veronica's dress was fabulous in every way. And Keenio enjoyed looking at her.

Keenio was wearing a fine suit. He wore a white undershirt, that had frills as cuffs. He wore blue pants, that contrasted well with Veronica's, and a black vest,. Over his vest he wore a long blue tailcoat. The cuffs folded back, just above his wrist. His tailcoat's accents were made from a golden thread, to compliment the golden outlines woven into Veronica's dress. Keenio also wore a fine black cloak, that draped around his shoulders, its outlines were a golden thread too.

Keenio's soft white hair seemed to be laying down perfectly, but as he and Veronica continued dancing, he could feel his hair begining to revert to his normal spiky appearance, ever so slowly. He was obviously frustrated with it, but he did his best to remain locked into Veronica's eyes.

Keenio was dancing with Veronica flawlessly, his movement were flawless, matching Veronica's movements step by step.

"..I'm so glad you kept your promise to me.." Veronica smiled ".. tonight is refreshing."

They continued moving in sync. They were dancing as if they had been dancing for years.

"...yeah..." They shifted positions, "..it has..."

Suddenly, his focus became twisted, withdrawing into his mind. He began thinking, about this mission he was about to go on. His mind wondered.

As he attempted to hide his thoughts, to anyone else, he could fool them, but to Veronica, she knew him inside and out. She knew Keenio so well, she didn't even need to use the magic in her eyes. Veronica could break through to Keenio's soul without any special ability at all. She could slip deep through the cracks of his shields.

"..is something wrong?.."

"Hmm?"

"Is something wrong?.."

"...no..." He returned his focus, "..I'm just thinking about this mission..."

"..the Contract for Avalon?"

Keenio nodded, as they shifted into another dance, crossing each other's arms above their heads.

"I just... Wish we had more information..."

"..whys that?"

They moved back and forward through the ball room. Keeping their attention focused.

"..These shadow creatures... Or.. demons as Selene called them.." they continued to move, "..and on top of that, Critias Roxwall is said to be in the mix too..."

As another single begins, Veronica and Keenio transition into an entirely different dance once more. Their eyes locked into one another.

"...I just feel like these last 5 years of peace are about to come to an end..." He huffed, "and I don't think I'm ready for that yet.."

"Keenio..." She misses him as they struck a loving pose, "..it'll be okay.."

As they dance, everyone begins surronding them in formation, as each participant spin their partner around. And they shifted in a different dancing pattern.

The music grew slower. Haulting so the Bard can take a short break. As soon as the music stopped, everyone stood in front of their partners.

"..Whatever comes in our future..." She wiped the sweat from her brow, "..you will lead us through... You always will.."

Their fingers intertwined, as their hands fell to their side, and they walked down the hall, reaching the Tavern in the palace.

The tavern floor seemed more decorated and organized, made perfect for the ball. They say together at the table.

"I figured I'd find you guys here.." the confident sound of Theseus drew their attention, "..I didn't wanna disturb you while you two were having your moment on the dancefloor..."

Keenio and Veronica turned their attention to him. His ball robes consisted of a Silver tailcoat, with a black color and black cuffs. It was unique, not many people would wear silver robes, but it still looked fine, and fancy. His pants matched, and his stitichings for his suit matched his cuffs and collar. The white undershirt he wore looked allot like Keenio's, only with no frills.

"Man, you got a cloak with yours Keenio?" He huffed, "I wish I had one.."

"..I didn't even know I'd have one until Veronica showed me my clothes..." His voice was calm as ever, "hmm, silver.. that's interesting..."

Veronica looked around.

"Where's your date?.."

"Even better," Keenio smirked, "who was you date?"

Just then, she navagated through the crowd, holding two drinks. Her long white hair was styled in a complimenting bun, her dress was made from a silver thread, and left her collarbone and shoulders exposed. It had black silk frills, and a beautiful black bow. She wore translucent arm covers, they too are black.

"Selene?" Veronica's jaw dropped, "..that looks so pretty"

"You both look really good..." Keenio hummed, "..in glad you decided to come Selene.."

"Thank you Keenio.." she nodded, "..I didn't expect this dress to look so good..."

"There you all are!!" Another friendly voice called out, "we've been looking all over for you!!"

As she med her way to them, Everyone saw her dress. Elizabeth looked stunning. She wore a fabulous bodice, and the skirt was just as extravagant. The stitchings were Sapphire blue, and framed her body perfectly. Elizabeth wore a jade bracelet and a jade necklace, and they looked like they were made for her dress. Her hair was styled differently too, not like the other girls, but still, it look amazing with her dress. She stopped infornt of them. But she was alone.

".. Elizabeth..." Keenio waved, "...where's Balthazar?"

"..he... Well, got bored..." She scoffed, "he said," she mimicked, "..this is boring, dancing is pointless, I'm going to bed..." She gave a frustrated frown, "then he went upstairs to his room..."

"..damn..." Keenio chucked slightly, "...I've never known something like that was possible..."

"..it sounds like," Theseus gave a mischievous grin, ",.. Elizabeth May have a crush..."

Just then, Elizabeth grabbed him by his throat, and gave a frustrated glare.

"..m-my mistake..." Theseus choked, "maybe not..."

She gnashed her teeth, and Theseus felt her hold loosen. As she left hi completely, he took a deep breath, and coughed.

"By the gods.." he huffed, choking on his words, "..you're so damn strong..." He rubbed his neck, "..you're the most beautiful woman in Xenthos, and the most terrifying..."

Veronica held her hand over her mouth, hiding her laugh. Keenio on the other hand, he laughed directly at Theseus. Elizabeth stood there, looking as if smoke was about to escape from her ears. Selene stood there, confused as to what was going on.

"..I'll show you terrifying," she gave a cold growl, and clenched her fist firmly.

She let loose a heavy punch, but on instinct, Keenio moved his hand to block her fist's path, as it landed, Keenio squeezed down on her fist.

"Now, where's Akida..." Keenio's eyes began scanning the tavern floor.

"I don't see her..."

Theseus began searching, and in the distance he saw a girl in a red dress. It looked wonderus. Next to her was an elf in a matching red suit. Upon seeing her brown hair and her eyes, he recognized them immediately.

"There they are!!" He held out his hand, "over there.."

He waved until he saw Zalpa point. And it wasn't long till they took navagated the sea of people, and was there with the rest of the group.

"Where have you guys been?" Theseus asked them, "..we were looking everywhere for you guys.."

"We were having trouble finding you guys too..." Akida answered first, "we looked around the entire ballroom, but we didn't find you, so we came back here.."

Keenio, Elizabeth, Veronica, Theseus, Selene, Akida, and Zalpa, sat together, and they talked, and laughed. Ignoring everything around them. They truly were a family.

From the hallway to the east of the palace, a beautiful woman enters the tavern floor. Her blonde ponytail, and her blue eyes could dazzle anyone who looked at her. Her outfit also drew attention. She was dressed as the dancers did from the desert to the south in Pangea. Her make up complimented her blue dress perfectly, and she kept her lute, strapped to her back.

The first thing she notices, is how full the tavern floor was. She's been here before, numberous times, and she has played many songs. Her favorite song though, was the one she wrote, for Keenio and the others. She spent a brief amount of time with them on their travels, make noticably, when Keenio, Veronica, Zalpa, and Elizabeth, escorted her to Sparta, five years ago.

As she enters the tavern floor, she is swarmed by a sea of fans. She was a celebrity now. As the sea of fans rushed her, they asked many questions, questions about her life, questions about how she makes her songs, and they were even begging for signatures form her on various objects. She talked very little, giving simple answers, until they were satisfied, and as the hoard broke apart and retreated into the rest of the crowd, she peered into the masses, searching for something. Once she found who she was looking for, she began to navigate the almost impossible ocean of people.

They continue to sit and talk, tease each other, and joke. They are so relaxed in each other's company. And even Keenio didn't notice, that the bard was coming to them.

"Keenio! Elizabeth!" Her friendly tone cried out, "I haven't seen either of you in years!!"

She had a genuine kindness in her smile, and Keenio and Elizabeth both responded almost immediately, waving almost in perfect sync.

"Elise!!" Elizabeth grinned, "finally you're off stage!"

"Well, Keenio did make sure I could take breaks throughout the ball.."

Keenio said nothing, neither claiming her words, nor denying it.

".. you're such a big softie now.." Elizabeth teased, "..you used to only allow the bard to take one break during nights.."

Keenio remained silent. He didn't even react to her words. Then he proceeded to slowly lift up his tankard, and take a long refreshing drink of the tea he ordered. He then sat the cup down, and looked at Elise.

"..I just figured since we booked you, I could be nice and give you more breaks..." He gave a mischievous grin, "more breaks means less songs, and less songs mean, less dancing... And I really don't enjoy dancing..." He teased, though, maybe it had a single strand of his blunt honesty.

Veronica frowned, then gave her own mischievous smile.

"Then if that's the case," she teased, "Elise, would you be willing to play none stop just fod tonigh? I promise I'll pay you double what Keenio is paying you."

Elise gave an even grin, as if she was in sync with Veronica's joke.

"...well.."she answered, "..let me finish this drink, and then I'll take that extra coin.."

"..wait... Wh-what.." Keenio's grin turned into sorrow, "I was just joking..."

Veronica, Elise, Elizabeth, Zalpa, Akida, and Theseus all broke down in laughter. Then Keenio dropped his facade, and laughed with them.

They all sat together at the table, and ordered their food and drinks. They continued to laugh and talk, together they were all truly happy.

"So Elizabeth.." she smiled, as she took a drink form her goblet, "I heard you spent some time in Avalon.."

"..I was.." she cut a piece of cake, and ate it delicately, "..whys that? Are you wanting to write a new song about me?"

"...maaayyybeee.." she rolled her eyes "..but mostly, I was wondering if you've ever come across any bards who sung Fae songs, id like to learn some..."

"..not really..." She finished her cake, "the fae have songs, but I've only noticed them, in the palace, or on holy places..."

"Interesting.."

Elise scoped the table, noticing the new faces.

"So, Keenio, who are these?"

"...hmm.." Keenio shrugged, "these are some of my companions..." He thought for a moment, "that's right.. you haven't met them yet..."

He looked at his friends.

"Don't wait up for me..you can all introduce yourselves.."

Theseus went first.

"Hi.. I'm Theseus," he gave a slight hint of flirtation, ".. I'm an X-Rank member of the Xentidos..I come firk Thebes, and I even killed a Minotaur.." he gave a confident smile, "..oh, and I helped Keenio over through Lemos.."

"..oh wow.." she smirked, "tell me about the Minotaur. It'll make a good song..."

Theseus smiled, and began recounting his harrowing tale, about how he saved Balthazar, and how he himself, killed the Minotaur. He exaggerated his story, with flawless confidence, he even added a princess into the story, that he saved and got a lovely kiss from.

Keenio and Elizabeth BOTH shook their heads at this false tale. Theseus told them many times about the true story, and they don't remember these details. They didn't even correct any of his false details. They just let him go on and on.

"...ooh wooow.." Elise smirked, "what a lovely tale, too bad it's all bullshit.."

Theseus's face turned bright read, he felt caught in his lie. His only response, was that, he couldn't respond. His mouth felt removed.

"..man, if it is all true, I'll bet that Balthazar character, would be very pleased..." She teased, "..I.. guess I can make a good song about that..."

Theseus's brow twitched. If she really write that take as a song, all he could think about is how bad Balthazar would pummel him. He felt his heart sink, and a cold chill crossed his spine. If Balthazar heard this false event, Theseus was sure the barbarian would kill him. Atleast that's how severe he felt that would play out.

"..um.." he coughed once to clear his throat, "..I would like to, perhaps.. alter.. the.. um... Information I gave you..." He crenged, "...That tale was not how it happened..."

Elise smiled and pulled out a notepad, and held out her pen.

"Tell me about the Minotaur.."

Theseus swallowed his pride, and humbled himself. He told her how Balthazar broke the Minotaur's horns off, and how together they killed the monster. He told her every detail, including his own, less masculine, feelings that he felt back then. He didn't exaggerate any details, and only spoke the absolute truth. She wrote Theseus's words down, and closed the notepad.

"..hmm.. the truth actually sounds more amazing than the lie.." she smiled, "isn't that better? Theseus the Lightning Archer... Maybe you'll get a nickname too..."

Next to introduce themselves was Akida, then she turned her attention to Selene, who was remaining quiet this whole time. She felt so out of place in Xenthos. This kingdom was unlike anything she had ever seen, and the people were so strange to her. Fae Culture, and Xentidos culture seemed so alien to her. She still wasn't used to it.

"Hello.." Elise tried getting her attention. "..you okay gi-"

As Selene looked up to Elise, she couldn't finish her words. She felt frozen in time for that moment.

"...are you..... A..." She whispered, "..fairy?.."

Selene blushed, the others smiled about her embarrassment.

"...yes..." She spoke softly, ".. I am... My name is Selene Silver, and I'm..."

She looked at Keenio. He gave a frustrated look. So she quickly changed her tone.

"I am here to request a mission for King Keenio directly..." She was calm, "..mg people need his help especially.."

"Ooh.." Elise wrote all of it down, "and Keenio... What mission is it?"

"Ask me when the mission is finished..." Keenio huffed, displeaingly, "..I'm sure it'll make a great song.."

"Geez..." Elise gave a pouty look, "..just as grumpy as ever..." She mumbled, under her breath.

The next thing she noticed was how close Veronica was sitting next to Keenio. In fact, she has been slightly leaning against his chest throughout the whole conversation, and Keenio was draping one arm over her shoulder. They were sitting like this so casually. Elise thought for a moment, and put the evidence before her togeyher. She then grined brightly.

"..no... Way!!.." she fanned, "...the Princess and the Assassin..." She smiled, "..are you two finally together?"

Keenio and Veronica looked into her eyes. Then Theseus began to laugh.

".yeah..." Theseus teased, "..these two really are an item, and have been one for a while now.."

"..I called it!!" Elise laughed, "haha.. I knew it!!"

"Actually, I called it first.." Theseus continued to pester, "I claim it!"

Elizabeth sat there, and took a single sip from her beer mug. She was going to let Theseus have this one, he needed something for his ego. And Elizabeth wasn't willing to deflate that balloon.

"Yes.. we are together.." Veronica smirked, "..so what?"

"Well.." Elise smiled, "I think I'll write a balled for you guys... I've always wanted to write a balled..."

Keenio frowned, but deep down, way deep inside the most hidden part of his heart, he was happy. He actually began thinking that a balled like that wouldn't be so bad. It's better than the darker ones that were written about him anyway.

"You really want to write a balled about me and Keenio?" Veronica smiled brightly, "..ooh.. I'd love that!!"

"Well Keenio?" Elise smiled, "what do you say? Guilded Hero?"

"Guilded Hero?" Keenio tilted his head in confusion, "..I've never er heard that title before.."

"Um.. that's because, that's what the people will be calling you..." She smirked, writing down some lyrics and rymes, "..once I sing my new song I wrote after you left Sparta.."

"...it took you almost 6 years to write that song?" He was in shock, "..that's a long time.."

"Well, that's because I only witnessed 1 moment with you, when the pirates tried attacking the Athena..."

"...oh... I see.."

"Yup.." Elise grinned, "I think in my songs you'll be the Gilded Hero..."

Keenio sat almost emotionless, he hated all of his nicknames in songs. The only nickname he really liked was the Snow Devil, or the Ghost.. but the Gilded Hero?... What's wrong with Starchild, or Devil of the Snow? What's better than the White Shadow? The Gilded Hero? What kind of name is that? It didn't sound like him at all... He also didn't even think he was a hero. He just had an entirely different outlook than everyone else.

"Well? What do you think?" Elise smiled, then spoke with her hands, "it would be an awesome name wouldn't it?...GILDED.....HERO.... It has a nice ring to it doesn't it?"

Keenio was unamused. He didn't care. If that's what she wanted to call him, then sure. Why not?...

"...that's fine..." Keenio faked a smile, only Veronica could read, "..it has a nice ring to it.."

"It's better than Snow Devil..." She tried to get Keenio to show his true emotions, but failed, "..atleast it's better than that..."

Keenio shrugged in agreement. A bell than rang from the gallery hall.

"Ooh shit!" Elise scuttled, jolting up form her seat, "I forgot, I have to be on stage again.."

Elise flew over all the people in the tavern floor, rushing past everyone, careful not to damage her lute. She disappeared in the hallway.

Theseus and Selene stood up first, then exited the tavern floor. Next Akida and Zalpa left, and Keenio found himself stuck between Veronica and Elizabeth.

"So Elizabeth, what are you gonna do now?" Veronica asked, "since Balthazar went to bed already.."

"You know..." She gave a fake yawn, acting as if she was tired, "I think I'll go to bed too.."

Veronica frowned, she could tell Elizabeth was frustrated.

"You do know, that if you act like this when Balthazar decided to go to his room," Veronica teased, "it's a good sign that you have a crush on him..."

"..Not you too..." She sighed, "..is it to hard for you guys to believe, that I just feel bad for him?"

Veronica then sat as silent as Keenio. She hadn't thought about that.. out of all of the friends of Keenio Veronica ment, Balthazar really has had a hard life. And Elizabeth could understand that better than anybody, she lost someone she cared about too. Elizabeth was devastated when she found out about  Atraus' death. She even left after she found out, she didn't return for years. Elizabeth grieved though, and seemed to be healing. So this ball was her way of trying to get Balthazar to grieve and begin healing. She knew she was the only one who could understand what Balthazar has been going through. They both lost someone they cared deeply about.

"...I see..." Veronica quieted down, "..I understand now... Sorry Lady Elizabeth..."

"It's fine..." Elizabeth finally gave an honest yawn, "I'm about ready to turn on for the night anyhow..."

"Goodnight Elizabeth.." Veronica smiled, "see you tomorrow.."

Elizabeth stood up form her seat, have a long dramatic stretch, and waved goodbye. Then she disappeared within the crowd of people in the tavern floor.

"Well Keenio?" Veronica grinned, "ready to dance?"

Keenio looked up at her, he wanted to say now. But, he loves seeing how happy she was, so he stood up, and offered her his hand.

"Of course..." Keenio smiled, "..let's go..."

They weaved through the noisy guests with ease, and made their way down the hall, and to the gallery.

As they arrived, they saw Selene and Theseus first. They were moving slow, swaying ever so slowly. As they danced arms-length apart. Their hands barely touching, it was like they were reflecting each other. But still seemed to be strangers to one another.

"Okay guests.." Elise called out, "..ready for another melodious tone to move your feet to?"

The crowed all said "Yes" in unison, and Elise began plucking a new song, it was upbeat, but still steady. Steady enough to Keep couples swaying.

Theseus, Selene, Veronica, and Keenio were together in the middle of the room, they moved their hands and began almost marching in tone with this new song. Their arms crossed, and they senedxti glide and shift in unison, the slow tapping of their feet, the sokins they did. Then Theseus and Keenio moved their hands, switching partners, almost in one motion.  Veronica was now dancing with Theseus, and Selene with Keenio.

Half way through the repetitive cycle, Keenio found himself dancing with Akida.

They moved in sync with the others,

"So.." Akida smiled, "..the mission you took from our fairy friend over there," she whispered as they continued to move, "who are you taking with you?"

"Why does it matter?" Keenio answered, as he spun her, "..are you volunteering?"

They continued to move to the angelic hum of Elise's lute, her skills really did testament to her skill as a bard.

"..maybe I am.." she moved to Keenio's side, skiming his shoulder with hers, "..I still want to show how much I've learned over the years.."

He twirled her around, and lifted her up in a glide.

"..I know you've gotten powerful.." the shifted through the motions of the dance, "..but, why do you need to prove yourself?.. you already have proven allot..."

They encircled each other, their hands crossed with their palms flat.

"..But I'm stronger now .. and I get even stronger..."

They walked counter clockwise.

"..you can't gain strength like that..." He gave a serious look as they continued dancing in unison with the others, "..strength comes to us when we need it... Not when we seek it out .."

He spun her under her arm twice more.

"..but you seek more power even to this day don't you?"

"..Not exactly..." They twirled together, and he caught her, "..I seek power so that I can defeat Ahriman, and keep Xenthos safe from all outside forces.. I have a reason to seek power... "

He twirled her again.

"..Do you seek a reason to get more powerful?" He asked, "do you see a force that you have to overcome with strength?"

As they encircled each other again, she began to think. A force that she has to overcome with strength? Did she have a reason to seek power? Is it really that important?

"Well?" Keenio asked again, "do you have a reason?..."

"...I um .." she struggled to speak as they continued dancing, "...I seek.... Um..."

He twirled her again.

"....I um..." She fell silent, for a moment, lost in the abyss of her mind, "........ I...." She spoke softly, "....no...I don't.... Not one I can think of... Not yet..."

"..good, it's good that you said that...." He spoke softly in her tone, "..trust me, you'll get stronger .. and it's good that you do train... That alone helps make you stronger... But listen..." He twirled her again, "..you're about as strong as you can be right now, and I know one day you'll find a reason... So until then, focus on trying to find that reason okay? Be it to protect, or to destroy... Find a goal, then focus on what you need to do to complete that goal..."

She was in shock. She didn't tell him anything, and yet, he spoke words that she felt she needed to hear. Words she hasn't even considered. She didn't need to prove anything. It was as if Keenio could see how hard she pushed her self.

Ever since they fought Lemos, she felt so useless and powerless. On that battlefield then, she tried to use all of her healing on the injured in Xenthos. Most of the city was evacuated, but some citizens couldn't get out in time.

When they fought Lemos, Akida felt so useless, because all she could do was put shield up after sheild up, but she couldn't put up more than 3 shields then, not in that quick succession. If her spells weren't protecting, she tried healing, but Lemos hurt everyone so much and so fast, that her healing coukdnt affect anything. She knew no combat spells, all she could do was defend and heal, and if those didn't work, she had nothing. She had her reinforcement spells, but even they proved ineffective then.  There was nothing she could have done.

But when Zalpa launched spell after spell, combat after combat. She knew she had to learn a new way to help. And she became obsessed with that need for strength. That's when she decided to go with Zalpa after the battle.

Zalpa trained her for 5 years, and he made her stronger. But as she grew in power, she wanted more power. That's why she studied gravity magic. And she mastered them faster and flawlessly. She always kept it hidden, until the tournament earlier today that is. The subtleness of her use in gravity magic was what made her reach the finals.

She was overconfident, and when Theseus countered her. She felt helpless once more. And with that feeling of helplessness, her desire for more power returned.

Keenio's question still echoed in her mind, as they continued dancing. She needed a reason to get more powerful. A reason that was beyond herself. She sive deep within her subconscious, as her body moved on its own to the dance.

A reason huh... Keenio... That's what I need? Well .. how about this... I want to be useful to you, to Theseus, to Zalpa. I want to be relevant, so none of you have to face your destiny alone... You're our leader. Theseus is my brother. Zalpa is my father. I want to keep all of you safe. I read the prophecy that's written in our books, and, I'm... Afraid of what will happen if I can't become stronger... I can't let any of you bare all of our burdens. I want to be able to stand beside all of you, and take all the weight you'll have to carry one day. I refuse to be helpless anymore....

She now had a reason to gain strength. She gave a kind grin, as she continued thinking about it. Keenio's words remained lodged inside her mind. They continued to dance.

"You know Keenio..." She smiled as they continued dancing, "Thank you, you d given me allot to think about..."

She then shifted from Keenio, to Theseus.

"Akida!" His grin was obvious, he was happy to see her, "..you know... I'm so glad you're back in Xenthos... Have I said that?"

"..no..."

"..oh.." he looked disappointed in himself, yet still spun her perfectly in sync with the dance, "...I'm sorry I didn't say it earlier..." They crossed their hands next, and encircled each other, "I guess I've been so busy with everything... I forgot... Sorry about that..."

"It's okay" she glided across his arm, "..it means enough to me that you apologized..." She smiled, "...I missed you too... I missed all of you..."

They continued to dance, talking in rhythm with the songs that Elise played, and they traded partners again. Over and over again they
repeated the cycle, it was obvious that the ball was the most popular event as they continued to move in sync with the beat of Else's lute.

Everyone rotated and rotated, this dance carried on for hours, until everyone returned to their original partners. As the beautiful song stopped, everyone stopped as well, and everyone was sweating.

"Ladies and gentlemen.." Elise announced as she stopped playing her lute, "I'm afraid that this concludes our annual ball..thank you for coming out tonight, and please continue to enjoy the festivities of the Festival of Victories." She huffed, "I will be here in the Tavern all week, so please come by and watch my performance, but don't forget to listen to our story tents, and play our carnival games." Elise then picked up a small pamphlet and read off of it, "Also...the next tournament will be the Archery contest which will take place on the final day of the festival, so please don't hesitate to sign up at the Tavern Bar if you plan to participate, thank you..."

Elise bit everyone farewell for the night, and one by one they exited the gallery.

Keenio yawned loudly as the gallery cleared out. The only people in the gallery now was Keenio, Veronica, and Elise.

"What's going on Keenio?" She blushed as Elise started playing a strong patterned beat. "Wait this song..."

She recognized the lyrics, it reminded her of home, and Keenio grabbed her hands, and they began a familiar dance. One she hasn't done since they were 9 years old.

"Keenio.. this is..."

"The Ballet of Deimos and Annabeth, your ancestor..." Her body moved on its own, to their familiar dance, "and... If I recall, you're favorite song..."

Elise began singing the mystifying song, it was slow and ruthmaric.

Veronica looked at Elise, then she turned her gaze to Keenio, and gave a passionate kiss. She almost had forgotten, this song was everything to her. She always had the bards play it in her palace at Athens. But she didn't know that Elise knew it, and she didn't know that Keenio remembered that song. She then noticed as her body moved with his. This dance was something from Athens too. They were moving in the dance that only the Dawnstars were to know. She remembered teaching it to him, but she again never thought he would remember those days. He seemed to be solely focused on the future. He remained focused on the prophecy that was told to him so many years ago. She didn't think he had any reason to focus on anything but his missions or his destiny. She was in awe, overwhelmed to tears at this moment. She also felt homesick, and hearing this song, and dancing with him like this, it made her feel like she was back in Athens again.

He sees her tears in her eyes, and gives a look of concern.

"Veronica... Are you okay?.."

"Yeah.."she wept, and and smiled, "everything is perfect."

Keenio nodded, as they continued to dance on. Lost in each other's embrace. Elise continued to play for them, singing and playing songs about Athens, she sung songs about home. It was just what Veronica needed. In this moment, she felt completely at home, in her element, with the man she has always loved.