Let The Spectacle Astound You

[tidesnpcs.livejournal.com]

Characters: OPEN
Progress: Continuous
Summary: The party you've all been waiting for: the Grand Ball of Alexandria!
Location: Palace Alexandria
Date: June 21st, 1803
Warnings: TBA. Eventually, Violence.

For weeks, the palace had been abuzz with activity; even more so than usual. On top of the usual hustle and bustle of daily life, there were the extensive preparations to be done for the festival, and this, the grand finale. The palace's largest ballroom had been decorated from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. Long elaborate draperies of silk and chiffon in white and cream, the stairs lined in a rich, crimson carpeting. Gold and silver everywhere, framing the large windows and the door opening out to the courtyard. A warm summer evening, with the roses in full bloom. Flowers adorned every table, column, and doorway. It wasn't just the ballroom that had been decorated, however; the entire palace was decked in regalia, the staff having obviously anticipated the crowd to be much larger than usual.

All around the palace, inside and out, the guard was on high alert. Every guest was greeted, checked, and in the case of the higher-ranked, announced to the company at large. The sun had not quite set, and already the ballroom was half full; nobles and low-born alike, natives and foreigners, all dressed in their best. The guest of honor had yet to make her appearance, but no one seemed to be fussed by the fact.

But the night was young, and there was bound to plenty of seeing and being seen before the night was over.

[[ooc: Here we go, everyone! Party style still applies. Tag in, tag each other, mingle, HAVE FUN!... while you can. Thread jumping and ninja tagging is encouraged. ^.^]]

Update: A fist fight broke out on page two. Feel free to ninja in to spectate, generally comment or gasp, or just read it and have a laugh. Appropriate authority figures... Squall, Steiner, etc may need to step in.

Comments

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Was this man a noble? He behaved as one, but she was unfamiliar with him. Perhaps a displaced lord of a foreign land? Garnet dared not make assumptions, but she smiled; genuinely, this time.

"I am very glad to hear that my people are pleased with my work. I only wish the best for them. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. May I call you Delita, or would you prefer Sir Heiral? Perhaps Lord Heiral?"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

This queen thought him of noble birth. While it was tempting to mislead her into rewarding him with privilege, he must be press forward carefully without any untruths.

"'Tis with apologies, if I've mislead you that I be of noble birth. I was raised only to serve my land as a Knight, but if it pleases yourself, you may call me Delita as my friends do."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

This news seemed not to make a bit of difference to her. She did not so much as flinch. In fact, her posture seemed to relax a bit.

"Delita, then. Being a knight is a very noble pursuit, though! I'm certain you've done more than your fair share for your homelands. Where is it that you're from?"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

This Queen intrigued him. Her responses were unlike any of the nobility he had met. Since her nature was difficult to ascertain, he was pleased that he was able to monopolize more than his share of her time.

"It was my honour to serve Ivalice. My only lament is that my Queen will never have the opportunity to meet you."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

"It is regrettable, though perhaps it is for the best. I cannot imagine that she would feel well, being displaced from home and responsibility, nor would I."

Garnet paused, a perfect mask of serenity in place. "Ivalice, you say? I've heard that name passed around several times in the last few months. It seems like you're not here alone. Have you managed to find any of your countrymen?"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

"For that reason alone, have I purposed in my heart to be thankful, that fate decreed I alone should be detached from my home. It would seem that Ivalice is not unique to my land, for I have met others claiming its residence in a world foreign to me."

Thinking back to his time spent with Ovelia brought a tinge of sadness to an otherwise emotionless figure. Her heritage was ripped from her, as his from him bounding them together.

"Yet I fear this speech would deter you from your celebration if I were to continue on this day."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet tilted her head ever so slightly, giving the young soldier a sympathetic look.

"I am sorry that you have been so displaced from your home... perhaps this is not the time to discuss such sad matters, but should you have any need of anything while you are here, please don't hesitate to ask. I would do all that is in my power to make sure that no one has to struggle unnecessarily."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

This was a strange noble indeed. She actually looked sincere with her offer. How exactly was he supposed to respond to this unexpected response. Surely, this was all just an affront to extract taxes and servitude from him.

"The hospitality you offer is treasured I assure you, but lest I be remiss in my manners, cheerfully do I wish you happiness on your day of celebration"

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

The queen smiled sweetly, and thanked him warmly. It was difficult, however, to maintain her appearances after so many identical greetings; not because she did not appreciate them, but because, in years past she'd begun to think that it was highly unlikely that this was really her true date of birth. Ironic, really.

"Please, Delita, do enjoy yourself this evening. While there may not be anyone from your home among the crowd, I know there are many who are not from this world, either. You are not alone in that respect."

And then, with a warm smile, she dipped her head, and politely excused herself. She still hadn't found that person she was looking for.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita was outwardly gracious to the Queen, but he would watch her carefully for any missteps with her people. She may be different, but nobles were not a trustworthy sort.

As she walked off, he took care to study her walk. He must know everything about this one if he was to be prepared for all eventualities.