Our names and reputations proceeded us. As the Blood Knights, there were some of the guests of the party that knew of us even though they were not aware of our full prowess in the tournaments. That was good. Being able to talk to even more nobles gave us more chances to get on their good sides. Fabien and Anthony were nobles by blood, low status though they may be. They knew how to address their betters and attend to them in intellectual conversation. I was on the bottom rung because I paid my way in. I was approached by the young knight I had defeated. His name was Sir Timothy Gurion. "Hello, fellow knight." I said, raising my glass to him. He did not look too pleased to see me. "How is it that a man with no honor is invited to this party of esteemed noblemen and ladies!?" he demanded. The people around me went quiet. "The same way a man who did not advance as far as me in the arena is invited here: merit." I said with a big smirk. He began to fume. In this place, wit and humor was king. He stormed off and I continued talking with the guests nearest to me. It was nice.
After all the conversation went dry, I caught a glimpse of someone. It was Father Humphrey and Brother Henry. They were siblings who became men of the cloth. I often saw them at the church nearest to us. We lived on the outskirts of the city. I made my way over and said "Father, Brother. It is nice to see you here. I was wondering if I would know anyone besides my companions at this party." Both of them looked at me with guarded expressions on their faces. While I was working there and did a good job, I never actually attended service. All the other humans of the household did. "Blessings Sir Rhombus. We are here attending to Bishop White" Father Humphrey said to me. I must have looked confused. "Bishop Gerald White is an auxiliary bishop along with one of his triplet brothers. Their father, John White, is a wealthy merchant in this region while his heir, Mark lives in luxury in their own manor." Brother Henry explained calmly. I thanked him. "As we are not lowborn, it is our... privilege to assist him during this gathering." Father Henry said reluctantly. It seemed they were not on good terms.
Just as he finished, a man in episcopal robes approached. He was an albino. Gerald White's hair was snow white and his eyes were blue violet. "Greetings, good sir. I do pray my attendants were not boring you." he said. I just bowed and said "Not at all, Your Grace. I actually know them as they preach and serve at the church nearest to my home in the city. I approached them to inquire how they were doing." He smiled and held out his hand to me. I was following the motions I was taught by both Fabien and Anthony. On his hand was a jeweled ring denoting his station. I gently kissed it. He held his hand towards Henry who wiped off the ring. I nodded and stood up. "I have not yet heard your name, sir. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting this fine day?" the bishop asked. He actually seemed interested. I gave a small bow to show my humility. "Your Grace, I am simply Collin Rhombus, attendant knight to my noble lord Anthony Swiftheart." I said. Humphrey and Henry were silent. Both looked really uncomfortable. That made me confused. As far as I knew it, they were nice enough people.
