Today, a huge ball was held in the castle of Berdenrog, one of the Seven High Mages, in honor of his wedding. Venugdor Castle was divided for the ball into a hall for adults and a hall for children—children should not see alcohol or listen to adult conversations. The children's hall was occupied by 50 homunculi, with whom the children of noble families did whatever they wanted, so they were not bored. In the adult hall, everyone socialized, danced, discussed business matters, and found partners. Along the wall, the guests' "riding slaves" lined up naked on all fours, some of whom were homunculus, the rest actual slaves. The nobles paid no attention to the riding slaves—they were merely a means of transportation, nothing more. The young men and women, who had recently come of age, were slightly embarrassed by such a celebration. Some had already fallen in love, while others dreamed of throwing a similar ball at their own expense.