MaryGold
terrified to be known, desperate to be understood
Original poster
STAFF MEMBER
FOLKLORE MEMBER
- Posting Speed
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Slow As Molasses
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Adaptable
- Genres
- romance. angst. drama. modern. fantasy. supernatural. adventure. crime. period pieces.
Ouvrir
Autumn Dreams
Candles lit the palace ballroom alongside pure balls of light hovering around the air like sprites. Their light illuminated the grandest aspects of the room, during the day the ballroom appeared differently with darker and deeper colors, paintings of the old vampiric gods and those of humans. That night, however, the walls were a spotless white with the purest gold accents and paintings of the beauty and ugliness of the world, paintings that moved and looked back. The right side of the room had windows large enough to be walls, two of which were doors that opened to a courtyard with those sprite-like lights dancing around the natural beauty of flowers and the benches they surrounded.
The sun may have been set, but the palace was alight, bright with life, joy, and magic. The room with a magnitude to fit a thousand and more soldiers was filled with guests. Guests that came from far and wide. Courtiers, nobles for Cervia and overseas, and soldiers of high and standard rank, all laughed, ate, and danced around the shining doors that reflected the lights of the gold chandeliers and the ceiling art. Those who did not stand at standing tables in conversation or danced on the floor to the booming music of the orchestra stood on the balconies above, watching, ladies waved their fans at suitors and lovers hid behind the curtains to embrace. And servants remained vigilant, swooping in to replace refreshments, keeping the banquet buffet full, cleaning any mess, and answering any requests.
After all, it was an important night, one that was celebrating the accomplishments of the King's sons, Julian and Cain, and therefore the magnificence of Cervia and its monarch. Just months prior there had been dangerous talk of an uprising growing in their country. And now they were clinking glasses to the news of Prince Cain succumbing it in what seemed like less time than it had grown. With less than a hundred soldiers, he tracked the group and their leaders down south to the wasteland of their country. It was there that the final battle took place, those who unsheathed their swords and resisted arrest were killed. And when their most fierce leaders fell, the rest fled, and those who could not be taken captive.
The news was more than pleasing to the king who kept the prisoners in his very dungeons. The entire ordeal was spread to his citizens as a cause for celebration "how the treacherous were dealt justice!" and as a not-so-hidden reminder that those who dared to oppose the throne would end up very similarly as the ragtag group of Were traitors whose blood has been spilled.
The success of the throne continued with the crown prince who rarely stayed long in the palace. With his dragoons and recruited help, he played a large role in aiding the building of stable municipalities in their broken land, making changes to help the fae folk who were not familiar with living near others let alone other species, and the merfolk who had to adjust to land living. Most importantly, his security helped in stopping bandits and criminal groups alike that took advantage of the still somewhat shaky country of Cervia. His presence had made it more stable than ever though.
They were thriving. Trial after trial, the Blackes succeeded. And finally, his two boys had returned home after nearly a year. Half in Cain's case.
The king stood at the top of the staircase, opposite of the entrance, it was decorated with flowers weaving around the gold railing, with a landing that was the perfect stage for royalty. However, Orion stood out the most, separate and enchanting, poisonous and lovely. He had a face that was unforgettable even without the crown that rested atop his dark and grey locks or the glorious robe over his shoulders. His eyes drew the gaze of most almost appearing to glow hazily from where he stood with a pleased smirk on his lips.
Orion held his glass high and the second he was noticed, the crowd fell quiet as he spoke. His voice was loud and clear to every ear, with a charm that was as alluring as it was dangerous. "Tonight we celebrate the return of my sons!" His eyes easily found their faces in the crowd. "We celebrate our wins, our labor, our country! To Cervia!" He cheered and the crowd followed suit, clapping and yelling joyously without missing a beat. "Dine, drink, dance until you can do no more. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest, and later there is a surprise for all of you, my loyal subjects." he tipped his glass toward the people and downed his drink, indicating the end of his very short speech that was met with loud claps and the music growing louder as the party continued.
Finally, the real drinks arrived. Young men and women dressed appropriately but not as glamourously as the guests lined the wall with straight faces. Their clothes had the insignia of the finest Blood House in Black City, making note of their organization. And the owner seemed to have picked the prettiest faces to send to the ball tonight.
There were no reservations for tonight's events. It was a celebration yes, but a sign to their enemies to show how unbothered and strong they were. As well as a sign to their potential allies from overseas to see their strength and value. Allies who could very well be friends and family.
"Sorena," Orion caught his daughter in a sea of people. His hand rested against her shoulder blades. "Look there," the man gestured toward perhaps their most special guests of the night. The Fishers. "That is Malachai Fisher and his parents. They will be staying with us for .. an indefinite period of time. I would like you to befriend him. They're important to us." It was as much a request as it was a command before he kissed the top of her head and moved on to his other guests.
Connections must be maintained even amidst drinks and dances.
GM NOTES
- All characters should be attending the ball as a guest or a worker. Have them interact with who you please, totally free start here.