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]

When the guest of honor finally arrived to the party, not a single soul went unaware of it. She emerged quietly enough onto the main stairway, dressed in something that resembled a giant cupcake made of silk and lace. Full, layered skirts (http://www.sosweetboutique.com/fpdb/images/quinceanera-dresses-TIF-2591006.jpg) in ivory and trimmed in a scarlet ribbon, embellished with embroidery and laces in the same color. Strapless, but modest, her arms covered in detached sleeves of the same silk and trim. Her coffee-colored tresses, not a hair out of place, were worn down, and clipped just at the bottom. In her hair was a beautifully ornate tiara of twisted gold and rubies, with matching bands around her arms, and stones dangling from her ears. Around her neck hung the item that had come to be the strongest identifier of her station; a broken luminescent crystal pendant, topped with a silver setting, a stark contrast against all the gold and red. It was stifling, and uncomfortable, with layers of underskirts and steel-boned corsets, but the queen still managed to look radiant; she would have drawn looks even without the necessary introduction.

But that wasn't about to stop the herald from doing his job. Trumpets sounded, and Garnet resisted the urge to shrink away, instead taking it as her cue to pull herself up to full height. Tonight, she had to play the part. Tonight she was...

"Presenting, her Royal Majesty, Queen Garnet til Alexandros!"

For a moment, she could almost feel the turning of heads, the eyes upon on her as she descended the staircase.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia stared along with the rest, though less because of the admittedly beautiful ensemble of the queen's and more because she realized that she knew said queen. It was Dagger! The late arrivals and quick departures, the frequent indications of an extremely hectic life--they all made a lot more sense, now.

Befriending royalty wasn't anything Rydia hadn't done before--most of her homeworld friends ruled a kingdom. Still, it would take a moment to reconcile the sweet summoner girl with the awe-inspiring queen. She remained where she was, transfixed.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

After being bothered by the usual lines of nobles coming to pay their respects (and brown-nose a bit), Garnet was finally able to take in the crowds. Among them, one stood out, as she always did -- dressed in green, from head to toe. Literally, as her hair nearly matched the leafy shades of her clothing. considering Rydia's normal choice in clothing, the fact that she's chosen a Cleyran design didn't really surprise her all that much.

But now, she realized, she was going to have to fess up to the fact that she'd been lying to Rydia. Her, and many others... who knew how many of the people in this room had met Dagger, and were about to be given the revelation that she was in fact the queen of Alexandria.

As discretely as possible, Garnet made her way over to Rydia.

"I'm glad to see you came," she said with a smile.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

As curious as Rydia was, she managed patience enough to wait for Garnet to finish with the nobles. She didn't want to be yet another intrusive soul clamoring for her attention. Besides, she needed a moment to let the unexpected news of Garnet's identity to sink in, so she remained nearby, away from the thickest parts of the crowd.

When Garnet reached her, she smiled. "I couldn't resist. It's supposed to be the celebration of the year, isn't it? Though that pales to the realization that the birthday belongs to a friend." Her tone was lightly teasing; she could not be genuinely hurt by Garnet's need to conceal who she was outside the castle.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn didn't have the additional shock of realizing that 'Lady Dagger' was really Queen Garnet, but she stared in wide-eyed silence, nonetheless. The young queen's attire was predictably magnificent, and if all eyes hadn't been fixated on Garnet, Mjrn would have berated herself for gawking.

As it was, the young Viera took in every detail. She made no attempt to move closer, mindful of security and certain that the queen would be dealing with people far more important than herself tonight. At least she had been able to enjoy her company at the fair, however, and Mjrn took comfort in that.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

There were many a multitude of people in many shapes and sizes (and species), but even among Gaia's diverse society, the Viera were a few, new, and rare. As such, it didn't make much time for Garnet's eyes to find the pair of tall ears that identified Mjrn. Catching her eye, Garnet smiled, and waved from a distance. A silent promise to make time for her sometime in the near future. That is,if she could just get that stuffed-shirted Duke of Treno to let her be.

And thus it was, an hour or more later, that she found Mjrn again, and made a point of moving in her direction.

"It's good to see you again. Are you enjoying yourself?" she proclaimed cheerfully. Garnet gave her a once over, and smiled approvingly. "That dress looks beautiful on you!"

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn startled a bit as Garnet met her gaze and waved, not thinking that the queen would take notice of her for some time tonight, if at all. The brief gesture touched her, though, and she shyly waved back. After that, the young Viera wandered around until the queen approached her once more.

She curtsied, mimicking what she had seen from other women and smiled warmly at the approval. That compliment made any discomfort worthwhile. "Thank you. Yours is quite magnificent. Even were you not the queen, I think all eyes would have noticed you." Oh right, that question. She nodded eagerly--despite her nervousness at being out of her element, she could not regret coming. "Oh, yes! This celebration is far grander than I could have imagined. Everywhere I look, there is a new wonder to behold."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

It would be rude to rush the Queen on her arrival, so Vayne refrained from approaching her until others had their opportunity to pay their respects an offer their well-wishes on the celebration of her birthday. Still, Garnet was a vision of loveliness, even if Vayne harbored no true intents to pursue more than a secure friendship with her. He had no desire to play second fiddle to another's crown. He had spent far too many years in such a position, only to find it was nearly ripped away from him.

Upon his approach, Vayne pressed a hand to his chest, and dipped his head ever so slightly. He was greeting her as an equal and not a subject. "It is a delight and an honor to see you again, Your Majesty." It was a formal salutation and fully expected, but the next was more familiar. He lightly took her fingertips into his palms and placed a kiss to either of her cheeks. "And a joyous birthday to you."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet smiled pleasantly, going through the motions, both glad and surprised that even across worlds, such greetings and customs were the same. The young queen had the decency not to blush at the more familiar gestures, even as those around them took to whispering; such a reaction would only have added fuel to the fire.

"Thank you," she replied, finally drawing her fingers from his grasp. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Vayne. Are you enjoying yourself thus far?"

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

"I am, thank you. Moreso should I be able to secure your hand for a dance this evening." That was possibly the most direct he had been with her in a public setting, and it was impossible to miss the fresh rush of whispering swirling around them both. He admired her fortitude not to give in to blushing to speed the gossips' tongues all the faster.

He leaned in, so he could inquire after something else without being overheard, "I believe the question would be, are you?" These sorts of events were exhausting, maintaining the public facade for hours on end.

Still, despite the innocence of the actual exchange, a friendly inquiry into Garnet's welfare, to outsiders with a penchant for speculation, it would appear they were sharing a private moment.

oops, I didn't check the other one /editttt

[flythesurface.livejournal.com]

As soon as they announced the guest of honour, Luneth felt like an idiot. It was the girl he saw at the festival! The one he stupidly mumbled incoherent words to. Fortunately, if she thought he was stammery back then, well, he was speechless now. Of course, it made sense, any royalty would look positively stunning regardless of the occasion. But this was an exception. He realised that she was the queen! And she had sat there and talked to him like it was the queen's birthday and she wasn't related at all. No wonder everything was so festive and exuberant! The queen's birthday meant that she would reign another year, and they had to celebrate the gift of a giving queen. Suddenly, with a sinking feeling, Luneth realised he had to find a gift, and fast!

He searched all around. Beautiful jewels and garments covered the nobles, shiny, wrapped gifts topped high on a table, the finest food laid out to the guests... but he wouldn't steal anything. The gift had to come from him, and no other. He searched his pockets and found...

A chocobo feather. A single, yellow chocobo feather. This was no gift. This was silly! He would be spat upon or looked down to. But if he could at least show that he was humbled by her presence, for a second time, then it would have to do. He cleaned up the lowly feather, dusted out the lint and straightened the split edges that had opened from his pocket's movement. He scrambled over to the refreshments and doused some clean water over it to make sure it was cleanest, with the blessing of Mistless water (but he didn't know that), and dashed over to Garnet again.

He came close to her a bit abashed, and smiled wide. Then he came to his knee like he would for Princess Sara, and he offered the petite chocobo feather to her. A few, tiny beads of water remained as he spoke to her from his gaze pointed to the floor.

"Happy birthday!"

He hoped he wasn't wrong. If the guards carried him out... He began to sweat a bit.

Re: oops, I didn't check the other one /editttt

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Startled by the sudden, eager approach, Garnet stopped short. The guards were ready to step in and stop the boy from assaulting the queen, however it was deemed unnecessary as he took a knee.

It took a moment, in all the surprise, for Garnet to recognize him. They'd met at the festival. The one who's stammered and looked so flustered around her. And here he was, energetically wishing her a Happy Birthday, and offering her a...

A feather?

She could hear a few nobles nearby, snickering and whispering about what a display the boy was making, and did he really think a common bird feather was an appropriate gift?

Garnet however, simply smiled, bent down a little, and gently took the simple yellow feather. It was a sweet gesture, and she did not want for anything.

"Thank you very much," she replied, tucking the feather into the intricate wires of gold around one arm. Then, she bent a little further down, brushing fingers beneath his chin, lifting his head just a bit.

And then she giggled. "And you needn't avert your gaze."

[flythesurface.livejournal.com]

When she lifted his head and told him that, he was ever grateful. If she allowed him to stand before her, a queen of this place, then those contemptual nobles would be amazed. Not only at her kindness, but maybe even her audacity. He gently came up, but to not be excessively rude, he bowed once more before he finally smiled and laughed a bit.

"I knew there was something about you when I saw you at the festival!" he said and watched the feather sit tightly in her outfit, "I'm sorry I didn't even realise."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita casually waited around while the Queen's friends doted on her. He really was beside himself with the way her subjects groveled before her, but if he was to gain her trust he would need to play the game as well.

When he was aware that the lower citizens were beginning to monopolize the Queen's attention, he approached her with confidence.

Giving the queen the respect due her station, he bowed and responded formally, "'Tis my pleasure to at last meet the Queen of Alexandria, Your Highness."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet was growing so very tired of the endless stream of people wishing to greet her. It was to be expected, to was after all the guest of honor, and the highest ranked in the room. Even so tiring as it was, she continued through it with an unfailing mask of serenity, and at times, even happiness. Every once in a while, her eyes could be seen scanning the crowd, as if she were looking for someone who simply couldn't be found. If was during another such scan, that he caught her. She turned smoothly to him, offering a smile, and a small dip of her torso in returned greeting (and she thanked her corset that, uncomfortable as it was, her back had not caved under the repeated strain of doing this throughout the evening.)

"Am I really spoken of so highly? I'm quite flattered, but please, no formalities this evening. Everyone is here to enjoy themselves. Just Garnet will do fine. And might I know your name, good sir?"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

"Yes, Your High..."

He stopped suddenly, amused by his luck tonight. She had just volunteered her given name to him. He would savor this small victory.

"You honour me with your kind words. I, Delita Heiral, can now understand why your subjects speak of naught but good of you ... Garnet." He speaks her name with the fervor that is always due a member of the ruling class.

[ladiesmanirvine.livejournal.com]

When Irvine heard Garnet's name called out, he quickly turned his head and saw the lovely woman descending the staircase. He smirked and said to himself, "Quite a lovely lady." He grabbed a drink swirled it around a bit, before taking a sip from it. He then placed it upon the table and went in closer to get a better look of her.

He finally got a good enough view of the Queen and was awestruck in her presence. He gave a curteous bow to her, head lowered as if he was not worthy, until she walked away. If Irvine was anything, it was humble towards royalty. And to fine women.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet was getting so very tired of curtsying. She was surprised the boning in her corset hadn't puncture her lungs yet. Even so, she continued to return every bow with the appropriate response. This included Irvine's wordless greeting. For whatever reason (perhaps because he was an unfamilliar face) she stopped to ask, "Are you enjoying yourself this evening?

[ladiesmanirvine.livejournal.com]

He looked up at the Queen who was talking to him. It was, if not anything, a surprise to say the least. Irvine replied, "Y-Yea,I mean yes your majesty...I'm grateful to be part of such an event here in your palace." He was getting nervous, something Irvine doesn't do around women, but since royalty, in her palace, and if he made one wrong move knights would skewer him, he felt pressure.

He shook his head and replied, "Where are my manners, sorry your majesty, my name is Irvine Kinneas, SeeD from Galbadia Garden."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet turned to the latest in her crowd of well-wishers, executing a small bow from the waist. "Thank you very much. I hope you're enjoying yourself!" she said, smiling genuinely. "And might I know your name, sir?"

[heroicmonkey.livejournal.com]

Dressing up in anything remotely formal was, perhaps, more of an enemy to Zidane than any monster. He hated fancy clothes. They always felt so unnatural and suffocating and itchy... But if he wanted to get into this ball and see Dagger as he had promised, well... he just had to deal with it. But he did his best to escape at the same time as his "formal clothes" weren't that formal (http://ech-ztx.deviantart.com/art/Zidane-Masquerade-Design-113054608) at all. Or that different than what he tended to wear.

Miraculously, however, they were enough to get him in. Once that was accomplished, he waited. When Dagger appeared, he smiled. She looked beautiful, of course, but Zidane thought that no matter what she wore. They had traveled all that distance together, after all. No matter what she looked like to him she always looked beautiful. And so it made him smile because maybe her title was Garnet of Alexandria, but she would always just be Dagger.

Uncertain when exactly to approach, he waited leaned up again a wall and watched as she made her way around to the various party guest.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

By the time Garnet truly managed to tear herself away from the sea of well-wishers and brown-nosers, she was exhausted. She was regretting that decision not to say anything about her corset feeling a bit snug, and she'd thought more than once about discarding her shoes it's not as though anyone could even see her feet underneath those enormous skirts.. And what made it all worse, was she hadn't seen any sign of Zidane all night.

Until then. She paused mid-stride. Was that actually...?

Yes, there he was, leaning against a wall, and... dressed...

Well, dressed very nicely. It was surprising, even considering her reminder of the dress-code. Had he noticed her yet? She stayed, frozen to the spot, attempting to make eye-contact from several feet away.

[alittlebitesper.livejournal.com]

It was a bit after Garnet's introduction that Terra would step up next to her and offer her a faint smile, her arms curled around her stomach as she shifted faintly from foot to foot. "You mentioned you were a summoner," she said softly. "But you left out the part where you were a queen."

She doesn't seem upset. Most of Terra's friends were connected to Royalty in one way or another. She seemed almost amused.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

The stab of guilt once again in her stomach; Garnet was beginning to think she'd have quite the ache in her belly by the end of the night, if such encounters continued. She turned to Terra, and then cast her eyes slightly downward. Even dressed in such finery, in that moment it was quite easy to see the normal girl beneath it all.

"I'm sorry... I hadn't meant to lie to you. It's just that... my situation is very complicated. There are certain things I must keep from most. I had hoped to separate myself, from my position. I don't wish for people to always look at me as 'the queen'."