|
Post by Diocles on Nov 24, 2021 23:33:59 GMT
"Worthy Kindred of Constantinople,
It is my pleasure to extend a warm invitation to you all to a formal gathering at the Great Palace grounds on the 25th of March, on the occasion of my childe's Embrace and introduction into Cainite society. Do Zoe and me the honor of attending her ball, and I will personally ensure your safety.
Kind regards, Petronius"
You each receive this invitation, though each one has a postscript with some personal and private words for each of you (not to be shared in an open thread).
Assuming that you all accept this invitation, you find the Great Palace grounds alight with festivity on the night of the 25th, and Petronius, dressed in a beautiful robe of black and gold, stands at the gate, with little Zoe all dolled up, beside him, greeting you all together and individually.
(Anything that happens here, I will address each character by name so as to differentiate who is being spoken to or who is being referenced. Anything you want to do privately--or if you have private questions--just open a concurrent Zoe Ball thread in your own boards. Thanks! -ST)
|
|
Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
|
Post by Nobody on Nov 25, 2021 5:03:14 GMT
I reply in the affirmative.
The night of the ball I arrive in a simple but elegant outfit of shimmering green with highlights of gold. Around my neck is a golden torc, a serpent of exquisite craft with two heads facing one another at my throat, one curving up, one curving down. On the head that is lifted up is an Egyptian nemes, striped with gold and lapis lazuli. The head of the other is unadorned, but in its mouth is an apple, carved from a perfect ruby.
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Nov 25, 2021 5:21:58 GMT
I reply that I shall attend, and I wear a formal ball gown of blue and green, the colors of spring. My hair is deep red, as autumn sunset. My eyes are black, glittering like onyx, with a coronet of silver, set with an alexandrite, which glows almost like a living thing. My earrings are also alexandrite, and I wear a choker of silver with a pattern of alexandrite in the shape of a bird.
|
|
Aida
Aida Group
In search of knowledge
Posts: 874
|
Post by Aida on Nov 25, 2021 6:01:24 GMT
I, too, send word that I shall be attending, and when I arrive I am wearing a dress of shimmering gold. It is of a simple cut, one expected for a formal gown, but with it I have an overlay of matching gold, semi-translucent fabric, shawl-like in shape that I have held in place by golden cuffs on my arms.
My hair is in long braids, piled intricately on my head, and my braids are adorned with golden rings and cuffs that shine like stars amid the deep black of my hair. I wear teardrop shaped earrings of gold and onyx, and with them I wear a matching necklace of thick gold that lies flat.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Nov 26, 2021 12:50:39 GMT
I respond in the affirmative and attend suitably dressed. (How do you all have such amazing imagination for your characters' clothing? I'm envious.)
|
|
Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
|
Post by Nobody on Nov 27, 2021 6:41:03 GMT
Upon seeing you all I smile and greet you warmly, each in turn.
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Nov 27, 2021 6:43:17 GMT
"Alexios, darling." I hold out my hand to him. "How delightful to see you here tonight! Little Zoe looks ravishing, does she not? Just as a girl should at her debut."
|
|
Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
|
Post by Nobody on Nov 27, 2021 7:15:12 GMT
I take your hand, kissing the air above it as ever.
"Lady Chrysalia, dearest friend. You are a vision, as always. And yes, Zoe is a star set upon the velvet of the heavens this night. Petronius must be so proud. What a marvelous ball. And how fare you this evening?
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Nov 27, 2021 7:16:26 GMT
"As well as can be when my childe is on a journey." I give a little sigh. Etana's absence is heavy in the air, along with my own breath.
"But what of you? How does this night find you?"
|
|
Aida
Aida Group
In search of knowledge
Posts: 874
|
Post by Aida on Nov 27, 2021 7:22:53 GMT
"Ah, my darling Chrysalia!" I walk up to you, Chrysalia, and kiss your cheek. "I am so glad to see you this night. Isn't it wonderful?"
"And Alexios, I see you made it as well!" I smile small and hold out my hand to you, Alexios.
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Nov 27, 2021 7:23:45 GMT
I kiss Aida's cheek in return, though not interrupting her speech with Alexios.
|
|
Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
|
Post by Nobody on Nov 27, 2021 8:17:27 GMT
I take Aida's hand, and press my lips to the air above it.
"Aida, dear friend, greetings this evening, and well met. What a delight to see you!"
Without breaking stride I nod sympathetically in answer to Chrysalia.
"I can only imagine. Still, the pang of parting will pass into the sweetness of returning, I am sure. May it be, and soon. As for me, I am well this evening, and far better than I deserve, to be in the company of two such dear friends and radiant jewels of this fair City. And now three, with the debut of Zoe."
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Nov 27, 2021 8:21:06 GMT
"Indeed, she is a delightful little one," I say, "and I hope that in nights to come, we will see more of the flames of Petronius' fire in Zoe's brilliant eyes."
I incline my head a little. "Is that Frankish music? I wonder if Sir Roland will favor us with a dance tonight? But regardless, the music itself is a joy, one with a depth that we in the East have rarely heard."
|
|
Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
|
Post by Nobody on Nov 27, 2021 9:59:54 GMT
I nod agreement.
"Indeed she is, and I certainly hope so. And I do believe that you are right! What lovely music! How wonderful! And oh, that Sir Roland would dance for us, and lead us into the very heart of this music!"
|
|
|
Post by Diocles on Nov 27, 2021 10:04:31 GMT
"Sir Roland requested the music so as to better introduce the Kindred to a new kind of dance," Petronius says.
|
|