The Forest House was bedecked in finery because The High Lord was throwing a ball, he'd invited all eligible females into his home because he wants his second eldest son to meet someone worthy of his attentions, unlike the ladies he has been dallying with.

The ballroom had long tables set up along the sides full of decadent foods and wines, at center stage a band played music that the crowd danced to, and sitting on a chair to the side of his parents was Eris' brother who looked absolutely miserable, he tried to hide it but Eris could tell he wasn't happy, even as lady after beautiful lady approached and introduced themselves to him.

Eris hung back, watching everyone from afar, he noticed people coupling and slipping into alcoves and others whispering behind their hands after meeting his petulant brother. Eris knew if he didn't at least pretend to be enjoying himself soon the punishment from his father later would be severe. His back still stung from the whipping his father gave him with faebane, ensuring it took him a long time to heal so he'd remember his punishment days after it was given.

He tucked his hands into the black trouser pockets he wore and leaned back against the wall, mindful of his back as he leaned, his eyes going to the doors that led to the gardens, deciding to take a breather he pushed from the wall and walked through the ballroom with an air of confidence that men envied and women were drawn to. The gold embroidery on his red jacket seemed to shimmer under the light of the ballroom, drawing even more attention. Eris kept on walking until the heat from the ballroom shifted into a cool autumn breeze.

The gardens were spectacular, the oak and the beech, the maple and the willow were all in various shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. The hedges were well maintained and the flowers in bloom added an array of colour to the grounds. Eris stopped when he noticed a woman sitting on one of the stone benches reading, of all things. He looked back at the ballroom, then to the female again before a little smirk curled his lips, he decided to approach and question why she was outside in the crisp night air reading rather than dancing inside and fawning over the High Lord's sons like the other females in attendance.