They spent some more time in the gazebo. Draco listened with interest as Forth tried to spot and point out the more interesting places. It was immediately apparent that the vampire was not accustomed to this perspective, but he was trying. Ari, on the other hand, seemed to be trying to show as clearly as possible that his lack of understanding of the Grand Master's greatness had offended him. The dragon took this rather amusedly, especially since the elf was clearly doing it for show and was not actually offended.
-I don't want to interrupt you, but I think we've been here too long,- Ari said just as the vampire was describing the harbour market and the exotic goods that could only be found there.- We should go back to the party. Or rather, you should, Draco.
-Ugh, I knew it was too good to be true,- the dragon muttered and, without further resistance, tore himself away from observing the city.
Draco took his time returning, but still found himself at the door of the crystal palace too quickly for his liking. Luckily, all the younger guests were focused on crowding into small groups and engaged in feverish conversations. Their parents were doing exactly the same thing behind the transparent wall. The dragon looked around for familiar faces. Sofia's canary-yellow dress was so eye-catching that even if the young wizard hadn't been looking for her, she would have caught his attention anyway. The elf was standing with the rest of his now somewhat familiar company near one of the snack tables, and as before, she pretended not to be interested in the conversation going on around her. Draco approached James, who was standing with his back to him. His friend was busy choosing his favourite snacks.
-I see that you only have to leave for a moment and everything changes,- said the dragon.
-Well, not everything,- said the armourer, glancing behind him without surprise. -We've barely moved.- And he returned to the snacks.
-You picked a good moment,- Robin smiled crookedly. -You disappeared just when everyone started looking for you
