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

[flythesurface.livejournal.com]

[ooc; I thought this was gonna be on Friday... SWEET. Luneth'll mingle for a sec before running. He's decided to wear the one on the bird (http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/sumikins/FFIX%20Artbook/ffIX-artbook028.jpg).]

He still wasn't quite sure who this was all for. If this was a normal occurance, this town sure knew how to throw a party! Luneth was, of course, automatically drawn to any places that would be near food. He meandered toward a long buffet table covered in assorted cheeses and fresh fruits, and just munched away. He'd seen many familiar faces, but wasn't sure with whom to speak just yet. He could already tell who the limelight was really for, but he'd only seen her once, and mumbled pathetically.

He pulled the collar on the suit. It was a little tight; the seamstress had to rush things and he kept fidgeting during the measurements. He hoped Refia would show up. He wanted to see what she might wear. And he'd been practising Mjrn's name, so it would be even better if he saw her. He was grateful to the place like Alexandria, though. It was free food and mingling abound! Luneth's favourite.

He looked around for "willing participants" with a piece of celery hanging from his mouth while he absent-mindedly chewed and searched.

[alittlebitesper.livejournal.com]

Terra stood off to the side of the crowd, dressed in this (http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/1a/1a2718-LARGE.jpg) lovely dress, with her green hair done up and her magacite pendant accenting her skin. Her hands are folded behind her back, her head tilted to the side as she just...watched the crowd.

She was sure she'd been to at least two balls back when she was a mind-controlled slave of the empire, usually there to make sure no harm came to anyone important, but they were...blurry memories. Flashes of a dress, the distant hum of music she hadn't really heard, and even the occasional broken greeting from someone who didn't know you weren't supposed to talk to the hired help.

But this was the first time she'd been to one as, well, herself. And she was exceedingly out of her element. The only reason she hadn't felt the place was that she'd promised herself she wouldn't. She was going to see this through, because it was important. It was something she was supposed to be able to do. It wasn't supposed to be so...Frightening.

But just because she was there, didn't mean she was doing much in the way of being present. She was just...watching.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

No stranger to socializing, it had nonetheless been some time since Rydia of Mist had attended a formal event. The last one had been Cecil and Rosa's wedding, which had also taken place in a castle. For a while, the summoner had wavered on attending, worried that the affair might be far more stuffy than that intimate gathering of friends who had saved the world. In the end, she decided to give it a chance. As long as there were plenty of friendly faces and the chance to prod a few of them into dancing, Rydia would be content.

Rydia entered the palace ballroom alone, doing her best to mask her irritation and impatience with bright smiles. Where was Edge? She hadn't seen him all day and though she knew he didn't care much for formality, at least a token effort to join her would have been appreciated. Oh, well. It wasn't as though she couldn't befriend and dance with other people.

The young summoner was clad in garb of Cleyran (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/evilhippygoddess/ffIX-artbook034.jpg?t=1256021669) design. It was a shade of green as brilliant as her emerald-hued hair, which was drawn up into a high ponytail and held in place with an elaborate Cleyran clasp. The outfit felt far lighter than her usual one, and she enjoyed the novelty of sleeves that were neither extremely long nor heavy. Her gold bracelets and anklets clinked as she moved further into the room, wandering around in hopes of spotting a familiar or friendly face. Either would do.

[loveandstrife.livejournal.com]

He had refused to wear anything from this era. Refused and refused... and then gave in because, hey, once you'd worn a big purple dress, tights were nothing, right? Still, he'd managed to get away with wearing his black leather pants with the zippers at the hems instead. Wearing a white shirt with frilly cuffs and a waistcoat that was almost as dark as his pants, Cloud had even kept his boots in place.

He had managed to convince the guards that he really wasn't going to murder anyone with the Buster Sword, and had headed in with Tifa. Cloud glanced around, his abnormally bright blue eyes focusing on very little. He just couldn't take it all in at once...

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Having made the checks and even being asked to help in the guard work, Gabranth made his way into the palace and to the ballroom. His damaged helmet was currently strapped at his hip via a belt he'd bought and he leaned most of his weight on his weapon. The journey had exhausted him and his injuries weren't entirely gone but he was able to feign indifference, as usual.

The crowds parted to let him through and Gabranth set about trying to find one of the Solidors. Preferably Larsa, as he wished to see him in his older state in person, yet he had business with Vayne and had to speak with him.

His master had called and, as any obediant puppy should, he came running.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Gazing around the hall filled with people, Balthier vaguely wondered who would come. There were certain people he hoped to see; Ashelia, Tifa, Penelo, Vaan... Basch, if he had been in this odd world. Thankfully, he had seen Selphie and anyone else he'd come to know would be a pleasant surprise.

In all honesty, he was hoping there would be some sort of big spectacle when the Queen arrived, so he could use the chance to explore but he was quite sure that it'd be more difficult than that.

Crossing a single arm over that golden vest, he sipped his glass of wine, just quietly enjoying the atmosphere.

[light-chosen.livejournal.com]

Being as Ingus didn't like to be separated from his friends he ended up shadowing them to the ball as well. Not that he had much inclination for participating, so he'd just find a wall somewhere out of the way to lean against and be overall a boring stiff.

No amount of badgering would have succeeded in getting him to dress in anything other than his usual armor. So he was, of course, wearing it even now, leaning against the wall and managing to look somewhat sullen.

He wanted to go home, they'd been away long enough.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain still was only attending to keep an eye on things. He would not have come otherwise, and even had had vague thoughts on skipping the ball portion entirely. But the fight against Kefka still hung in his mind. Besides, it wouldn't be right to walk away when he'd committed himself to help guard. Thus, he was in his regular armor, not having had time or desire to bother wearing anything else. Most formal wear was useless for combat, anyway, and Kain wanted always to be prepared for battle.

He hung back from any areas that were too crowded, pacing every so often to get a new view of everything. Once he'd found a good enough position, he paused there and folded his arms... just waiting and watching.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

The scene was not unfamiliar to Quistis. Though she had spent the majority of her life raised within the walls of Balamb Garden, the SeeD inaugural ball was an event she attended nearly ever year since her own induction at the age of fifteen. Though, as her azure eyes scoped the lavish ballroom, she had to admit that the grandeur of the current party made the dances which Garden held look meager in comparison.

She had managed to find herself a rather pretty blue gown (http://i35.tinypic.com/282n61x.jpg) the previous day, complete with matching sleeves (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VlJ9wF3EnVc/SMP5YAOewUI/AAAAAAAABSg/q9bFG4JXwz0/s320/Final_Fantasy_IX_Zidane_Garnet.jpg) for a touch of modesty. Rinoa and Selphie had managed to convince her to let her hair out of its usual clipped up style, and instead was now styled in a loose chignon (http://i36.tinypic.com/eurerp.jpg) resting at the nape of her neck. Her face was relatively untouched with makeup, her eyes only lined at the top in black and lips touched with a light hue of pink rouge. The slight change in appearance made her look more approachable than usual, her standard sharpness smoothed out, and she looked every part a young lady who belonged at such a regal ball.

Of course, though Quistis was a guest invited to celebrate the Queen's birthday, she was also a SeeD on duty- beneath the cascading layers of chiffon, her trusty Save the Queen was wrapped securely around her right thigh, the only place she could successfully hide the weapon for easy access which would also allow for it to slip past the check point. She sincerely hoped that nothing would come about during the night which would require her to retrieve her whip- it was such a lovely evening, a time to celebrate and be merry and it surely didn't deserve to be blemished.

A wistful smile fell on her lips as she watched Selphie mingle with a stream of guests. Though not exactly socially awkward herself, Quistis could never possess the sort of natural free spirit that the petite brunette had. To Quistis, being able to mingle was just a skill required of SeeD as it was a useful approach to subtly draw out important information which would aid in their mission- sincere small talk was something Quistis had little experience in. Not wanting for her anxiousness to show, Quistis slipped on a controlled expression, eyes scanning the area in hopes of catching a friendly face to strike up a conversation with.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

To say that Mjrn was out of her element was an understatement. There were celebrations in the Wood, to be sure, but they were far simpler and more intimate than this grand gathering for Alexandria's queen. Even the sprawling festival preceding this event could not compare to the splendor before her. It was amazing...and frightening.

Mjrn tried not to gape, but it was difficult. The palace ballroom was beyond anything she had ever seen before, and the combined effect of regalia, flowers, draperies and so on was intoxicating. She felt rather small and insignificant by comparison, suddenly fearful that all her careful preparation was perhaps not enough. Many nobles were in attire far more elaborate and she suddenly wondered if her attempt at hume attire was not enough.

The young Viera was clad in a long gown (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/evilhippygoddess/hm4_1_19_1_big.jpg?t=1256021045) of silver and white, a sharp contrast to her dark skin and complimenting her bright hair. She was slightly regretful that said hair was too short to style in any elaborate way, and the seed for thoughts of growing her hair as Fran and Jote did took root. The dress was far more clothing than Mjrn had ever worn in her life, and she felt a little confined as a result, but at least she could now move around in it without tripping. That was an accomplishment in and of itself.

She took a deep breath, making an effort to seem less self-conscious and more graceful than she felt. Time would tell if that effort had any success.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

It wasn't that Refia was shy - far from it - but situations like these were fairly over her head. She was a small-town blacksmith's daughter; sure, she'd saved the world with the boys and could haggle with the best of them, but a large number of unfamiliar people, a lot of whom were clearly wealthy, influential, or noble, music and lights and everything, and the more timid side of nature was coming out. Luneth had dived for the food and she'd left Ingus behind to try and be social, but she just kept losing her way in the room until she finally had to escape from the crowd and partially hide behind a swath of drape. Right at that moment, though she looked the part in a nice dress (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/sumikins/FFIX%20Artbook/?action=view&current=ffIX-artbook037.jpg) in her signature blue, white, and gold and the girly part of her really wanted to be there, 85% of her wanted to be at the forge banging on some project or other. It was hard work, but she understood it, like she didn't understand this.

She would take some time to compose herself and get her nerve back before venturing forth once more. Maybe five minutes, or ten. Not long - hopefully.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Granted entrance into the palace, Ashe was immersed in memory and nostalgia as she took in the luxury and flawless beauty of Alexandria Castle. Not that she hadn't learned to adapt and live among the people both in Ivalice and Gaia, more that she'd been raised as a princess, surrounded by ornate things, and this event brought the fact so close to mind. Adorned in a shoulderless, comfortable dress (http://pics.livejournal.com/mademyresolve/pic/00003fh3) (finding an outfit both suitable for a grand occasion and able to accommodate her substantial baby bump hadn't been the easiest of tasks) Ashe couldn't help but wonder when the monarch herself would make an appearance.

While the atmosphere was lively, Ashe was no stranger to formal dances and could sense the dignified control the guests were sustaining. It seemed very unlikely any misbehaviour would come to pass that night. Composed and curious, Ashe glanced around, watching, gray eyes scanning over celebrants and guards alike. Thankfully, the activity was all external and the unborn heir to Dalmasca was resting.

Already, she was pleased to have made the effort to attend.

[ladiesmanirvine.livejournal.com]

He wasn't exactly the noblest of people in the room, but he had a style that looked like theirs. Irvine made his way into the hall looking respectable in Gaian wear [Top Right Outfit]. (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/sumikins/FFIX%20Artbook/?action=view&current=ffIX-artbook028.jpg) He didn't like the clothing but a saying just kicked into his head:

"When in Gaia, do as the Gaians do."

He observed the party looking at all the new faces. Some, he could tell, from other worlds just like him. It seemed as though Irvine didn't feel so out of place anymore, as he strolled along, mingling with the crowd, and of course eying a few ladies in the room.

[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.

[livelyangel.livejournal.com]

Rinoa felt as though she was in a fairy tale. She was at a formal ball, in a beautiful castle, and the ballroom met all her expectations with ease. True, she wasn't really a princess, but in her gown (http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/1a/1a2677-LARGE.jpg) she certainly felt like one.

She entered with the SeeD party, Squall next to her of course - and he owed her a dance - but she was up for mingling as she looked around to see how many people she recognised.

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

Steiner had deployed his knights in pairs to patrol the castle, and he himself remained in the ballroom, casting a suspicious eye over the guests. Still and stern, he watched for any sign of trouble.

No guest would hurt his Queen while Steiner was there to defend her. He'd make certain of that.

[heartofheaven.livejournal.com]

Tifa had walked in with Cloud, her eyes wide. Everything was so ornate and formal. She'd felt a little self-conscious at first, but she didn't look out of place wearing a long blue dress (http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/1a/1a1461-LARGE.jpg), even if it did reveal more cleavage than she usually felt comfortable with. She had pinned her hair back with silver clasps, and she also wore small silver earrings, but her neck and wrists were unadorned.

It suddenly occurred to her that she didn't even know if Cloud was any good at ballroom dancing. But she was looking forward to trying. Smiling, Tifa watched the guests, taking notice of their steps as they moved about the floor.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

Fran arrived separately from Balthier in the hope of avoiding raised suspicions. There was every risk that someone from Treno would notice them, and she wanted to avoid it if possible. Dressed in this dress (http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3871/pp06blue.jpg) , her armour and headdress nowhere in sight. Her hair sat free, curled in loose spirals down her back. She looked a lot less feral and vicious without her armour and weapons.

Although, she wasn’t completely unarmed; she had her claws, of course, which in themselves were as sharp as any blade, and strapped to her right thigh she had a small dagger, and to her left thigh a bottle of potion. Just in case.

She had arrived in time to see Queen Garnet’s entrance, and was now stood by herself – at least as much as oneself as possible in the crowded room, sipping a glass of wine. Her head was tilted just slightly, her ears twitching as she simply listened to the sounds around her.

[knightedmayrose.livejournal.com]

While others enjoyed the sights and sounds of the party, Beatrix stood strictly on guard. She knew better than to hover right beside Garnet, such was hardly plausible and, and the young queen would vehemently object to it. She remained close enough to step in on a moment's notice, and were that not enough to mark who she was, her attire would. No ball gowns or glittering jewels adorned the general; rather, she stood in what some would recognize as her standard uniform, embossed with a red rose on the back, sword at the ready on her hip.

If some found it intimidating that Beatrix chose to reveal her place, guarding the Queen, so be it. Such intimidation would discourage them contemplating bringing violence into the ballroom.

[xredthespianx.livejournal.com]

The worst thing about formal events was having to dress up! Blank stood, squirming a little. His clothes itched, rubbing against his scarred skin. Still, Garnet was his friend, he couldn't just not attend!

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita knew how these celebrations worked, and he dressed to match, adopting the local customs. This was his best chance to make good impressions upon the people in this land, and he would not let this opportunity pass him by. He knew he must be diligent in his approach towards the nobility and important patrons, as they would be on high alert. It would be more preferable if he was approached, so he perused the ballroom looking relaxed and inviting.

[artemistardust.livejournal.com]

Rosa had taken special care to dress up for this event, choosing a pretty and bright pink dress (http://www.onlygowns.com/dresses/strapless-satin-beaded-prom-dress-1128.asp) for the occasion. Well, in all honesty, she wasn't sure if she'd chosen it or if the shop owner had coerced her into it, but it was a pretty dress and she hoped Cecil would like it.

Picking a place among the crowd, but in sight of the entrance, she waited for her friends, wondering which ones were coming.

[woodguardian.livejournal.com]

The decision to actually attend the ball had surprised Jote herself, but she'd taken special care not to inform anyone what she was planning. Curiosity had struck her in a way and despite the pain of the Hume voices, the Viera elder picked her way around the crowd. A trip to the dressmakers had given her a black and white dress, complete with sash (http://www.onlygowns.com/dresses/strapless-satin-embroidered-prom-gown-36.asp), which she held between her fingers every so often, as though to comfort herself with.

Jote was not used to being out of place and this was about as far past her comfort zone as she had ever been.