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

I should not be tagging new threads at this hour, but...Golbez!

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

One person recognized him, though at least she wasn't ill at ease as a result. "Theodor!" Rydia made her way over as she called out, happy surprise on her features. She did her best to weave her way around the crowd toward him, though it took a little effort and some delicate timing. To Rydia it was well worth it, though.

She grinned upon reaching him, also clad in finery though seeming to be much more at ease in it. The fact that the attire was actually not too different from her usual probably helped. "I hadn't expected to see you here! This is a wonderful surprise."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia nodded, still amazed that he was actually here but she refrained from saying so. There was no need to play it up like it was a sign of the apocalypse. "It was a last-minute decision for me, also. I almost didn't attend, but it seemed a better idea to see it for myself and then leave if it wasn't to my taste than never give it a chance."

She shrugged, then looked him over with a smile. "You're looking very handsome this evening. It suits you." There was a sympathetic look to go with that smile--she understood well that not everyone could be at ease within Alexandrian finery--one reason she had gone the Cleyran route, instead.

That icon will never not be awesome.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

He didn't need to be skilled at compliments for them to be appreciated. Rydia's smiled widened at that, looking past any awkwardness to the sentiment involved. "Thank you."

She tilted her head, suddenly curious. "Do you have any experience with dancing at all?" Well, wasn't that a loaded question. His answer didn't really matter, since either way she had an idea, one that involved taking advantage of the current music selection winding down.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

If he was thinking that she might ask him to dance, he was right. Rydia nodded, unruffled by the answer. "Well, this is a good place and time for fixing that. I wouldn't mind showing you what I know." At least she had fresh experience teaching someone (Locke), though doubted much instruction would be necessary. The waltz that started after a moment had a beat that was simple, the movements following it were simple as well.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"I don't mind at all!" Rydia flashed a warm smile, pleased that he was open to the idea. She was curious to see if he did have any hidden talent in that area--but even if he didn't, that didn't mean they couldn't have fun. With that idea in mind, she lead the way to the dance floor.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Upon reaching an unoccupied spot on the dance floor, Rydia turned to face him. "It's easier than it seems, really. Here...." She set about arranging his hands where they should be on her. "See my stance? That's how yours should be. Now, just follow my lead." She waited a few beats, then started them off. "Once you feel comfortable with this, then you lead."

[ava-illumina.livejournal.com]

Cecil was feeling strange as he continued to make his way around the ballroom. At one point he stopped and made his way in another direction instead, simply because he felt compelled to go that direction. Without really understanding why, he veered off to the right slightly, and finally caught sight of Rydia, who was dancing with... someone he didn't recognize. He stared, and then suddenly felt an odd sensation like something cold being dropped in the pit of his stomach. He knew this person. But who? After a couple of seconds, it came to him.

Golbez.

It was him. He was damn SURE it was him. Momentary panic seized him, but he forced himself to relax. The man didn't appear to be doing anything particularly terrible at the moment, besides dancing with Rydia.

THAT sent another cold feeling to the pit of his stomach, and caused him to frown ever so slightly. But he forced himself to relax. Feeling awkward, Cecil just stood there, quietly watching them.

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

The young Archadian emperor found himself migrating through the crowds and pausing temporarily to speak with guests in general. Unlike those who retreated out of fear of social situations, he found it suited his purposes to take the time to watch and observe others.

Which is how he came to stand beside yet another stranger. He intended little more than to linger briefly, before engaging an acquaintance.

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

If Vayne were surprised by being addressed, he made no outward sign of it. It would not be impolite to ignore the man, so he nodded once. "Indeed. I consider myself most fortunate to count her among my friends. And yourself, my good sir?"

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

Another displaced individual. It put Vayne in a mind to take a census of the gathering to determine the sheer magnitude of "Sky People" present. "The taking of people from their homes is most lamentable. Too many gone from where they belong."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

Vayne gave the man a curious look and prompted, "Why is that?" It was not normal for him to be so direct, but it felt like an invitation to inquire further. In the following pause, he added to the query, "I myself stand opposed to being taken from where I belong, despite the graciousness of these peoples. I have a people left without leadership, and such thought is troubling."