The air was crisp and clear, filling Arizona with renewed energy, thoughts of dead friends pushed out of his head as the light from the pavilions washed over them, music from the full orchestra waltzing around their heads with the aromas of spice cakes and sugar. A slight breeze blew through the gardens, ruffling the flags and ladies skirt edges playfully before whisking off into the trees, leaving whirls of petals on the floor. Arizona took it all in, breathing deeply and wishing the moment would last forever. He glanced over at Cozhlin, who was fiddling with one of his suspender straps nervously as he looked around. 

“Hey, have fun. You’ve got this. I’ve met no one as good as you at seducing a man.” Cozhlin flushed. 

“Aw, shut up.”

“It’s true. I mean, look. You even got me to fall for you.” Cozhlin bit his lip, then nodded. 

“Your right. I’ve got this.”

“Nice. now, there he is. Go get him.” Arizona prodded him between the shoulder blades, and he made his way over to the silver winged boy, offering him his hand in an awkward bow. Arizona smiled as they laughed together. He leaned against the nearest pillar, enjoying not having to deal with serving for once. He grabbed a cup of punch from the refreshment table, making sure to say hi to Laurie and Morgan, two of the girls who’d been nice enough to take over that night, before retreating back to his corner to resume being a wallflower. 

“Hey. How are you holding up?” Ladin had materialized out of nowhere, her red skirts swishing around her ankles. Arizona shrugged, staring into his cup at the magical color changing punch. Blue to green to orange to yellow. 

“Come on. Truthfully?”

“Truthfully, i’m fine. I’m actually having fun for once, and it’s nice. My friends are happy, i’m happy, and…” He trailed off, something glinting in the corner of his eye. 

“And what?”

“Oh, nothing.” Ladin frowned, but was quickly distracted when Cozhlin ran over to drag her off, introducing her to Keo’s friends. Arizona watched Ladin thread her arms around the neck of a tall boy before running his gaze over the bushes. There. There that glint was again. The Obsidian feather. He scooped it into his hand, brushing dirt and a single ant from it’s surface. It seemed to reflect the light and swallow it up at the same time. He sipped on his punch in thought for a moment, gazing at the gorgeous carving. He touched a hand to his forehead, a pounding headache on the verge for no reason. He set his cup down, tucking the feather into his pocket before searching the crowds for Ladin or Olivia, who he hadn’t seen at all. 

“Hey.” Arizona rubbed the bridge of his nose, right under his glasses, in hopes of stopping the headache. 

“HEY. I’m talking to you, servant.” Arizona snapped back into the conversation, staring up at Connor. Connor had a half drunk smile on his face, and one arm was draped over a girl with fox ears wearing a too small dress. 

“Your highness. Can i help you with something?” Arizona asked, his voice sounding to loud in his ears. 

“Uh, yeah. I’d like you to get me something from the refreshment table.”

“Oh, uh…” Arizona blinked at his girlfriend, grimacing in pain. “I-I’m not serving tonight.” He muttered politely. He rubbed the back of his neck, blinking in the suddenly too bright lights. 

“Oh? Let me guess. That daft brother of mine invited servants to this already lame party? Wh-at a shame. Goodbye.” Connor shoved past Arizona, knocking him back against one of the pillars. Arizona hissed in a gasp of breath, rubbing the back of his head gently where a bump was bound to form. He didn’t feel good. The pavilion spun, and he leaned against the pillar, stomach twisting in knots. He needed some air, that was all. He pushed away from the pillar, stumbling into the garden, the fresh, clear, slightly cold air rushing over him. He took one step, then another, his mind fuzzing. 

Then he collapsed.