Despite Noble's protestations, a PTV came and picked her up from the Academy and whisked her away across the NQSC.
'I guess I should be thankful the events are here and not somewhere else in the world.'
The places fit to house humans were growing fewer every day, but there were still other choices. Some of the honorees were being transported via Saint to the gala, while Noble had heard that the mundane humans from other continents traveled in convoys led by the Nightwalkers. As far as Noble knew, none of the members of that Clan would be in attendance, though. That was a bit of a relief. While it would be nice to see Saint Naeve, Noble remembered how warily Aether had spoken of other members. If they were as suspicious as he claimed, then Noble would feel the need to investigate. That rarely ended well.
'I just need to keep my head down and get through the event.'
Noble would miss sleeping in her own bed tonight. The party was supposed to go late, and the arrival time for the ceremony the next morning was early. Rather than ferry herself back and forth between Realms, Noble opted to stay in the NQSC. She didn't plan on sleeping anyway.
'If I hadn't left Leo to watch the boys, I could pop into the Dreamscape after the party…'
Noble shook her head. She was gone for the night, and she wasn't about to remove her family's protection just for her entertainment. Would Nectar count as an Echo?
Even if she did, Noble wasn't about to parade her for the whole world to see.
'I suppose I could spectate.'
Of course, she would have to set a timer so she wouldn't be late the next morning…
'We'll have to play it by ear.'
Committing now would be silly when she had no idea what the night would hold. Hopefully, things wouldn't go as late as she anticipated, and she would have a little time to herself in between.
'My classroom could stand to be reorganized. Though less fun, it would be a better use of my time.'
More students were beginning to arrive, and soon an entire group from Ravenheart was planning to take on the Nightmare around the same time. If they all succeeded, and Noble was fairly confident they would, then a new set of Dreamers would be finding their way into her lecture hall very soon.
Before Noble had committed to either entertaining option, the PTV at last came to a stop.
"We're here, ma'am." The driver opened the door and allowed her to exit.
Noble's fingers stung. It had not been the smoothest ride—it seemed the roads were not as well-maintained as they had been in the past—and Noble had used her palms to absorb the worst of the bumps.
'I know other people have worse Flaws, but this one is particularly unpleasant at times.'
Thanking her driver, Noble left the road behind to join the other arriving guests. The party was not held at one of the Clan's family homes or in a government compound. Some elderly, wealthy philanthropist had opened his estate for the event and was at the door to greet each guest personally.
"Master Noble!" He exclaimed over his cane as she neared. "You are most welcome this evening! I have been looking for your car especially!"
Noble had planned to say a polite hello and head inside, but the effusive greeting caught her genuinely off guard.
"Mister Ambrose." She curtsied lightly. "Thank you for your hospitality. Forgive me, but have we met before?"
The emotions coming off the man were full of warmth, yet Noble did not recognize the emotional signature at all.
The gentleman's face crinkled as his lips puckered.
"Do you think I am too old to memorize all of the nominees by sight?"
Ambrose tapped his cane against the marble step.
Noble's eyes widened slightly.
"I did not mean to suggest…"
The host held up his free hand, a breathy chuckle escaping his lips that sounded more like a cough.
"Forgive me, Master Noble, for the joke at your expense. We might have met once or twice, but I remember the encounter about as well as you do. I do, however, remember your father and his government work. He was one of the finest people to ever live, if I do say so."
"On that we can agree." Noble smiled. Few people remembered her father nowadays, beyond those who saw his statue at government headquarters.
To have him mentioned so fondly was an unexpected blessing.
Ambrose took her hand. "However, the reason I know your name has nothing to do with your father, amazing as he was. That train incident a while back, where you fell into the gate. I am sure you know the one. My precious granddaughter was on that train."
Noble's mouth dropped open. "How…"
How could the granddaughter of one of the wealthiest men in two worlds have a granddaughter who rides on public transit?
Ambrose shook his head sadly. "How is not important. What is important is that you saved her. She's married now and expecting a son. That would not have happened without you."
"Congratulations!" Noble was delighted that the old man had lived long enough to see his family grow.
"To you as well, Master Noble. I will be presenting your award tomorrow. As the head of the committee, it is both my prerogative and my pleasure." Ambrose bowed his head over her hand.
"I look forward to it." Even if Noble didn't feel like she deserved the award, the gentleman's gratitude was enough to sway her attitude in a positive direction.
"Enjoy the party! If you need anything, please let me know." Ambrose released her palm after squeezing it gently.
"Thank you!" Noble looked over her shoulder only to realize how many people had overheard the exchange. She flushed and dipped her chin before hurrying inside.
The mansion was every bit as large as the main structure of Clan Valor's estate and arguably more ornate. In place of banners and flags along the walls, there were oil paintings in gilded frames.
'Surely they are reproductions. None of these would have survived the fall of Europe!'
Noble wouldn't be surprised if these were genuine, though. Few things would shock her anymore.
The rooms were full of people. Having no escort, she had no natural conversation partner, so she milled about, smiling at the few acquaintances she recognized as she passed.
'Maybe I should have brought a plus one…'
Fort couldn't have come, but maybe Sarai or even Julius would have been good company in the sea of people.
'Actually, Julius would have been a perfect choice. I wonder if he is still in the NQSC. It's a little late, but maybe I could convince him to join me. I am sure he still has the tuxedo from his wedding lying around somewhere…'
Noble pulled her communicator from her handbag and sent a message to her mentor. When he didn't answer right away, Child of Promise lamented her lack of foresight.
She would have to fly solo.
'Well…float.'
At least the food looked good. Noble headed toward the long table of hors d'oeuvres when she heard a voice behind her catch her attention.
"Would you like to dance?"