Emerald shifts uncomfortably. he still has that knife with him.

Emerald mentions how he was almost kidnapped yesterday and that he was a little scared about going out so he brought a knife with him, which he then pulls out and hands to the guard. He says that he didn't want to hurt anybody and that he was just scared and that he hopes he's not in trouble. He can feel the start of tears welling up in his eyes.

The guard gives a piteous smile when the knife is pulled out, and he takes it and gives the knife to the second guard.

"Don't worry lil' missy. I assure you this party is one of the safest places in all of Whitherwater right now. I will have to take the knife though, but if you want it back you can come get it after you leave, alright?"

Emerald nods and hurries up to meet Joyride, who is clearly trying very hard to surppress laughter.

"Man, you had more balls than I thought, bringing a knife to a party like this!"

Emerald hangs his head in shame, and after Joyride's chortles disappear she says, "Hey, come on now. If you were really that worried about getting kidnapped I'll give you a knife. A better one that you can actually sneak through those shitty detectors."

Emerald and Joyride walk through the door into a ballroom filled with people. The din of the happy party goers drowns out all the sound except for the band, which is playing a nice waltzy sorty of music. The guests are gathered into big groups and speaking about one thing or another. Joyride starts walking and after Emerald asks where she is going she says,

"Food. Food and then gossip."

Emerald looks around, he doesn't see Hope anywhere. He supposes he'll have to search for her if he wants to find her. Just looking around though he sees the food table Joyride spoke of, as well as some kids his own age sitting around looking bored in a corner.