Snippet #2766921

Within the confines of the ball room, Korose observed the crowd carefully. Many of the nobles around him were avoiding his presence. In fact there was a circle of free space at least four meters in diameter around his position. Nobody was going anywhere near him. So he decided to test the stigma a little by coming off of the wall and walking towards the crowd. And surely enough they all began backing away like schools of fish avoiding a predator.

It was understandable to a certain extent. Korose was a head and a half taller than most present. His body larger and more muscular. Even wearing a loose-fitting formal outfit such as that he wore now, it was almost impossible to hide his build. Was it that which drove everyone away, or was it his status as a commoner?

"Good evening," he said as pleasantly as he could with a smile to some of the nobles.

The nobles all gave him half-hearted grins which quickly evaporated and were replaced by over the shoulder stares and glares. Whispers began to circulate, but he couldn't make them out. He tried reading a few lips, but it was no use. They turned their heads before he could make out what they said.

Korose continued trying to find someone to spark a conversation with, but it was no good. Everyone avoided him like he was some kind of disease until the Mithii came and clasped a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry about them big guy. They're all fluff and overstuffed nonsense."

Korose looked to the Mithii and arched an eyebrow.

"That's not very kind of you."

"Bah. These noblemen are all the same. They see themselves as the elite and look down on anyone wearing less than one thousand gold's worth of clothing like you and I. I've dealt with enough of them to know. Believe me."

Korose spied the badge on his shirt.

"I see... Still, it is impolite to speak like that so loudly at such an event."

"Ha! Try not to take things so seriously big man."

"Korose."

"Korose. Don't be so serious. This is a royal ball and you're invited. You're free to speak your mind just as they are."

"Mm..."

The Mithii walked away to request another glass of wine, leaving Korose standing not far from the dance floor. He eyed it warily, knowing that dancing would be an important part of the event later. He didn't want to be rude by not dancing, but who would dance with him? Surely none of these noblewomen would dance with him if they were all so keen to avoid him like this...