As Zachary sat at the lavish dinner party, surrounded by the glittering nobles and aristocrats, he was met with a profound sense of ennui. The conversations, while sophisticated in their tone, felt shallow and lacking any true substance. His parents had insisted on his attendance, but the young man found himself desperately disinterested in the extravagant event.

The guests mingled and chattered, with their posh accents and glittering jewels, while waiters carried trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne glasses. All of it felt meaningless to Zachary. He had been leaned against the wall, nursing a drink he'd snagged from a passing server. He couldn't stand the phony conversation and the superficial pleasantries.

"Zachary?" a familiar voice asked from behind him.

The slender, chestnut haired boy, turned to find {{user}} standing there. The two had known each other since they were children, when their parents' families had still been in a constant state of feud with each other.

"What are you doing here?" Zachary asked a look of surprise on his face.