Event: Eiko's Birthday Ball

[tidesnpcs.livejournal.com]

Characters: OPEN to all party guests
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: A big party for a small girl. Yep, it's Eiko's birthday and she's having a ball.
Location: Lindblum Grand Castle
Date: March 21st, 1804
Warnings: N/A so far

Nobody could say that Regent Cid wasn't generous when it came to his adopted daughter, Eiko. In fact, some said that he was too indulgent. But on this, the evening of Eiko's tenth birthday, the citizens of Lindblum were ready and eager to celebrate. A free ball! Free drinks, free food, and a free pass into Lindblum Grand Castle. Many had failed to acquire tickets in time and were disappointed, but the lucky few piled eagerly into the castle.

Security was tight, and every single guest was checked by the guards before being allowed to enter. Once inside, they would find a wide and sumptuously decorated ballroom. A small group of musicians played slow and ambient music, while the party guests swayed across the floor dressed in all their finery. What could only be described as a flock of moogles flew or scurried around the room, offering glasses of champagne and various sweet treats. Regent Cid himself sat on a grand throne at the head of the room, nodding graciously at the guests who came to pay their respects. 

The ball was already in full swing, and the party would go on for a long while yet.

[ooc: Don't worry if you didn't comment to Regent Cid's earlier post requesting tickets. Handwaving is just fine if you want to hop in. It's party style - go tag and mingle! Thread jumping and ninja tagging is encouraged.]

[ooc: Eiko has made a very loud announcement about a celebrity couple's engagement. Feel free to overhear, react or congratulate.]

Comments

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Those crowds had, frustratingly, also managed to separate Ashe from Rasler. The princess tried to look over taller shoulders for a glimpse of platinum hair, but to no avail. Sighing to herself, Ashe turned about the spot and headed in the general direction she thought the prince had been heading, toward the drinks table.

Surprise settled upon her face upon spotting a familiar figure - Penelo, whom she hadn't yet seen in person since the dancer's return to Gaia. Her first instinct was to check for Vaan's presence by her side, but it seemed he, too, had been drawn off in the crowds, if he was present at all.

Just a few steps and the princess was standing behind Penelo, having picked up exactly how to walk in her dress (http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/gatekeeping/dresses/?action=view&current=saab3-1.jpg) with the relative ease of someone with a royal upbringing.

"I assume you are searching for your partner?" she asked from behind, knowing her voice would instantly be recognised.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

Penelo turned around, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Ashe!" There was something unique about her ruling friend, an air around her that she couldn't place as having seen before, and she had to assume it was the result of becoming a mother. A mother. Something that still hadn't happened in her time, although she realized that some time, it must indeed come. "You look wonderful."

"And yes, it's seems I've lost him. He can't ever just stay where he should." She sighed and shook her head. She depended on Vaan and they were a team, but there were moments, frequent moments, where she wished she could just tie him down where he couldn't get into trouble. "I'm not quite sure if he seeks out trouble or if it is just drawn to him."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

"Given what I know of Vaan, I should say drawn to is the likelier option," she noted, an equally warm yet slightly more conservative smile gracing Ashe's face. Having Penelo back in Gaia, whether she remembered the past or not, was indeed a void refilled, and the princess was certain she wouldn't be alone in that thought.

Taking in her friend's outfit... reminded her of Dalmasca. Penelo reminded her of Dalmasca; she always had.

"That said, I find myself temporarily parted from my husband," she tried not to sigh, hoping Rasler was nearby so she could re-introduce the prince and dancer. Hopefully Vaan too, if he reappeared.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

"I can't believe he's really here," Penelo remarked, wondering what this meant for Ashe in the future. After all her time spent around royalty, Penelo still remembered and knew her place and felt oddly relieved not to be face to face with her Queen's once deceased husband. She had been fairly sure something was brewing between her and Al-Cid at one point, even if it was another political match and just what could be said that wouldn't be terribly awkward.

Still, it seemed a male trait to vanish when wanted, and the dancer found herself shaking her head in amusement. "It's a man thing. At least you don't have to worry about Prince Rasler being a magnet for trouble." Or a dungeon stay, she amended to herself.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

"Nor I, at times... despite having been reunited with him for almost a year." Ashe looked wistful, remembering her first day in Gaia and the overwhelming emotions at discovering Rasler alive, what it had led to. Now, she was the mother of his child. They were a family in every sense, gifted with all that had been once denied. "Of course, that disbelief can be applied to others, Reks, for example."

Going through the disbelief with Penelo again felt strange and Ashe inwardly frowned upon whatever aspect of returning meant memories were forgotten. Still, age and memories aside, the other girl was a valued friend.

"And no," she smiled faintly upon that final remark, "thankfully I cannot say such about him, particularly now, being a father."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

As they always did, Ashe's eyes brightened at sight of Rasler. Waiting until he had finished his polite greeting and come to her, Ashe slipped her hand into his, holding it between their sides.

Giving Penelo a moment which she's likely need considering her gap in memory, the princess made to answer, her smile softening.

"Not at all; in fact, I was just speaking of you."