Let the Ball BEGIN!

[Zelda]

HEHEHEEEEEEE
The joys of an earlier time zone!

[ 09-01-2001: Message edited by: Zelda ]

[Zelda]

The Queen stood at the top of the stairs, surveying the ball room. Considering she had been ill and directing preparations from her sick bed she was impressed.

As you walked down the split main stairs the marble railings were decorated with ivy twines. The wall on the other side was hung with the heraldry of all the realms present. Lochinvar’s, Schoolcraftia, Muu and of course Arconian. The riot of colour looked splendid against the deep grain of the oak wall.

The Queens eye moved down the stairs to the main reception area. The theme of Ivy had been carried through here, with all the candelabra having an Ivy and Rose circlet at their base. Greenery was also present in the large vases of red and pink Roses and white Lillies which were dotted around the reception room. The vaulted ceiling had been cleaned (THAT was an episode which the Queen still cringed to remember) and glistened in the muted light from the candles. A small table at the end of the stairs held dance cards for the ladies to note their dances on. Each card was engraved with the name of the Lady who would carry it, attached with silk ribbon was a small pen for recording the names of dance partners, as well as any other details which may be pertinanent at a later date. For the men on a separate table were rose bud button holes in a variety of colours, reds and pinks, through to whites and yellows.

The Room to the left had been set aside for dancing. A small stage had been set up at one end, and the band was tuning up. The conductor looked up and acknowledged the Queen with a nod. In here it was brightly lit, the walls hung with swords and other fighting instruments from many different cultures. The light cuaght the swords and the armour and sent glints of light flashing around the room, bouncing off the mirrors which were hanging on the walls. The full size glass doors had been opened, and lead out onto the grounds, where muted garden lights lit pathways, ripe for wandering in the balmy evening. The open doors also allowed for air to flow into the dance floor, and hopefully preventing people from fainting of which there was a rash of at the last ball.

To the right of the reception area a room had been set aside as a buffet. The Queen walked in there now, to be confronted with tables groaning under the weight of food. The cooks in the kitchen had outdone themselves this time she thought. From wonderful looking canape’s to cold roasts, salads and some very delectiable looking deserts the Queens mouth watered. Set off to onside was the bar, which Steve from the Bitter End had stocked with every imaginable kind of drink, both alcholic and non alcholic. If the guests couldn’t find what they wanted here, they were out of luck, ‘cause it pobably didn’t exsist in Arconia!

Satified that everything was ready the Queen went back upstairs to change. As she passed Serana’s room she saw both Serana and Jo having a deep conversation about something. The Queen smiled and hoped it wouldn’t end in an argument as it generally did with those two.

[ 09-01-2001: Message edited by: Zelda ]

[ 09-01-2001: Message edited by: Zelda ]

[Swordsman]

Serena? Where'd she come from? I thought I left her behind in Nova Servaya. You mean Serana?

[Foil Girl]

Ya, I think she did mean serana. Or maybe I'm just confused...

[Zelda]

Yes, it was a typo.... its fixed now OK! BTW Arcon dear you had better get your butt over here NOW as I cant enter the Ball unaccompanied.

[ 09-01-2001: Message edited by: Zelda ]

[Foil Girl]

BTW Zelda, that's a terrific discription, I can totally see it in my head.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Yea, I can to, and the Real scary part is. . thats how I imagined it. Oh well, as they say great minds think alike!
Master Rosaline


---------------------
Carpe Diem

[Jeeves]

Meanwhile in a storage room off the kitchen Jeeves has just now finished polishing the last of the silver that will be used for tonights gala ball. He pauses and pulls a silk hankerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow. Picking up the last silver tray he replaces the hanky in his inside left suit pocket. As he brings the huge silver tray out into the kitchen he surveys the wonderous foods and treats to be served later this night and held now in reserve in the massive kitchen of castle Arcon. This will truly be a night to remember.
As Jeeves makes his way through the kitchen and out into the serving hallway he smiles and nods to those who greet him but takes great pains to say nothing. Jeeves turns and walks through the servants hall toward the guard tower by the castle gate. Taking a large well worn skeleton key from his waist pouch Jeeves unlocks the narrow door made of thick oak and exits the castle at the base of the north guard tower. He turns and securely relocks the door from the outside. As he removes the key he watches to make sure the false oak panel returns to cover the key hole, replacing the key in his pouch.
Jeeves makes his way to the edge of the forest and stops at the beginning of a dirt pathway as dusk arrives. He turns back to look at Castle Arcon one last time. The castle glows warm orange and pink in the last rays of the sun. Torches and lanterns outline the towers and ramparts for the gala evening that has begun. Jeeves smiles happily as he turns to walk into the woods. He knows good King Arcon and Queen Zelda will have many more wonderful adventures and that Arconia will have a long and happy future.
Jeeves removes from his pouch a device with several stacked disks of different metals, each engraved with a set of symbols, letters and numbers. He carefully rotates them in different directions until he has a row along their edges that shows the sequence L o n d o n 1 9 3 0. He presses the disks together and they click once softly and gather warmth. Jeeves begins to walk farther into the woods and the darkness engulfs him. A small light appears, like that of a firefly and then that too, along with Jeeves disappears.

[Zelda]

Right will everyone PLEASE stop posting dress decriptions elsewhere and GET YOUR BUTTS IN HERE NOW!!!!!! The queen is NOT happy.

[arcon]

Zelda I am here My Queen. You are beautiful!
Please except my apologies for being late.
(arcon extends his arm to his queen)with the radiance she is so well known for she smiles back and says,"you been a really bad boy but I forgive you." Arcon smiles to himself, thinking everything is fine. When under the queens breath she says, "but you WILL make it up to me, later".

[Zelda]

The Queen and King waited at the top of the stairs, near the oak-panelled doors for the footman to announce them.

“Ready your majesties?” the footman asked. The Queen nodded her assent. The footman swung both the massive doors open and banged his staff three times.

“Her Majesty Queen Zelda, Queen of Arconia, scientist, fencer and traveller. Accompanied by His Majesty King Arcon, King of Arconia, defender of the innocent, purveyor of a safe haven for people running away. ”

The last comment earned the footman a scathing glare from the king as he took his Queen's arm and moved forward into the doorway.

The mummering crowds stopped and all heads looked up to the head of the staircase. As the Queen entered all eyes were drawn to her gown. It was long and slightly fitted, with a small train at the end.

It was a red colour, not quite fire engine, yet quite ruby. It seemed to change in the light. As the Queen descended the stairs it became obvious the colour change came from the crystals embroidered into the bodice with fine gold thread. They were small, no bigger then pinpricks, but they caught the light and reflected it. In fact it almost made the bodice shimmer. Once people’s eyes moved from the bodice, they were drawn to the train. It was only small, but it too was delicately embroidered on the outer edge in the same gold thread holding even tinier crystals in place. The dress itself was sleek, not quite figure hugging, but not flowing. Her shoes were gold slippers that had a slight heel.

The King was dressed elegently but simply. He was wearing a red frock coat of similar colour to the Queen's dress. His trousers were a silver grey, accented by a gold fob chain. His hose were the same colour as his trousers, and his shoes were black with silver buckles. Around his waist he wore the sign of Arconia office, a black scabbard containing a sword. Its golden hilt engraved with the Arconian coat of arms. On his chest he wore the medal he had won for bravery, when he was just an ordinary knight. His brown hair was recently cut, the clean shaven king smiled as the crowd looked up.

As the queen swept down the left hand side of the stairs her hairstyle and jewellery became more apparent. Her hair was caught at the back in a low net, also of the same gold thread with crystals on it. Her face had no makeup, except for a hint of lipstick. Her ears had small diamonds in them, her neck was bare. Around one wrist was a diamond tennis bracelet.

The king moved down the right hand side of the stairs, keeping perfectly equal with his Queen on the other side. As the both reached the bottom the Queen moved to the right to pick up her dance card, the King to the left to choose his button hole. As they came together the King whispered in the Queens ear,

"You look like heaven dear...."

"Thats not going to get you out of being late...." the Queen whispered back with a smile on her lips, "but keep it up and I might forget!"

The king smiled at the Queens known love of flattery and made a mental note to be as attentive as possible throughout the night.

As this exchange finished both the King and Queen turned to the assembled company and said,

“Well? Why aren’t we dancing?” and proceeded to walk to the dance hall.

[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: Zelda ]

[Moonitic]

Zelda,

Now that I have some time on my hands, I can finally post.

I found your description wonderful. You definitely have a flair for that kind of thing (wanna coach me on that? lol).

Just trust us on when we start posting "at the ball"...I think some of us have tricks up our sleeves!

I'm glad you're feeling better, by the way. It's certainly NO fun to be sick. Of course, my illness will last at least two more months before it stops, but I can't complain!

[Swordsman]

Sir Nækos of Nova Servaya, commander, Strike Force Aiovus, entered the ball, accompanied by the maid Serana Ra'Walden.

Nækos was dressed in the black pants, tunic, and sash, with color donated by the weapons, hand-wraps, throat-pin, and his eyes. All else was black.

Serana was dressed in a silvery-white gown which seemed to catch the light as she moved. Her shoes matched, and earrings and a necklace of some brilliant gem completed the radiance, a perfect contrast to her companion's black.

Entering, they parted to pick up button hole and dance card, respectively, then re-joined a moment later, and headed for the dance floor. Nækos eyed the band, then grinned widely at the number of pieces from his collection he saw on the wall of weapons.

[lochinvar]

For the first time in several hours, Lochinvar was able to relax.

They had managed to get home from the Bitter End and to their rooms without notice or confrontation, and that was all to the good. He had no idea what story Arcon may have concocted for Zelda, and he frankly didn't care. The king deserved every castigation that Zelda might heap upon his head, so far as Lochinvar was concerned. Damn the man, with his "…one more for old time's sake, what do you say?"

Lochinvar faced the coming ball with vague trepidation. The son of a minor border lord, he had never learned the ways of the court and was often not comfortable mingling with those who moved in higher social circles. He much preferred the barracks room to the throne room.

But, there was no help for it. The queen herself had invited him, and he must appear.

And maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He sang passably well, and his mother had taught him how to dance, though his lack of progress with lute and flute had practically driven her to despair. With luck, he could avoid embarrassing himself or his hostess, and escape at a reasonable time. He set to looking through the garments that the queen had thoughtfully provided, since he had not brought clothing in his saddle packs suitable for a ball.

He settled on a subdued tunic of royal blue with half-sleeves, embroidered about the base of the sleeves and around the collar with a thin band of Celtic knot-work in gold and green. An unbleached linen shirt, with small blossoms stitched at the cuffs, and fawn-colored trousers tucked into plain brown boots with a fold-over cuff completed the outfit.

He attached a plain leather belt, polished to a high shine, with a bronze buckle in the form of a turtle. And, finally, the black braid of his late wife's hair, which he never removed, encircled his left wrist. He stepped back to examine the result in the mirror.

He was a man of middle height, running to the stocky side, built for endurance, rather than speed--a mastiff rather than a greyhound. The tunic brought out the color in his blue eyes, and his brown hair was confined at the base of his neck with a red silk band. He wished he could braid it, as was customary in his homeland, but he didn't have time. It would have to do.

He toyed with the thought of wearing his sword, then dismissed it. Where he came from, wearing a sword in a peaceful assembly was a provocation, an invitation to trouble, a sign of distrust, and therefore an implied insult to his host. He wanted to do nothing that might mar tonight's festive mood.

He threw a gray cloak about his shoulders and fastened it with an enameled brooch bearing a leaping fish, the badge of his house. Then, with one last glance to make certain nothing was out of place, he took a deep breath, opened the door, and made his way down the hall toward the stairs.

[DamedEscrime]

Gee, was that last fit of Zelda's directed at me? I'm trying to ease myself in. Never rush a lady. You know?

Ok ok...I'll be right there.

[arcon]

Arcon needed to relax. Why couldnt he sit and enjoy his brandy? The ball was a success. Iochinvar, was well accepted by the guest moving about the ball getting a little more attention from the ladies than he expected. Zelda was so radiant, she seem to shine from one end of the ball room to the other. Nearly a dozen couples were dancing upon the dark black marble ball room floor. Everything seemed ok, but yet he sat there running his finger around the edge of his brandy mug. Something wasnt right. He
had spoken with both Sword and Angel and they had agreed to double the gaurd around the Castle Estate . Why wasnt he at ease? The gaurds were competent,very well trained. Angel had picked them personally.
If Zarcon would just wait til after the ball
but there was no prediting his brother. Evil has a way of running its course at its own speed. So much had gone on lately and for so long. Arconia needed this ball.
Zelda, was so beautiful, watching her glide from social encounter to the dance floor was like watching music. She played so well to his tired and weary eyes. It was hard to believe that just short time ago she'd been chaseing enemies through the forest in search of Lady Moon. He still felt the pain of the arrow he'd recieved that foggy morning after the rescue. It was an ichy irrating pain that never went away. One inch from death he'd been.
There was still much to be thankful for.
And it appeared that all attending the Ball were at their best. Maybe after a couple mugs of Brandy he would be at ease but first he'd go and check with Angel and his Capt. of the gaurd.
Zelda would be ready for a dance upon his return. Hopefully so would he as he reached for his brandy mug he quickly made his way to leaving the ballroom but there just entering was Lady Jo, first he would greet her. Security could wait that long....

[ 09-03-2001: Message edited by: arcon ]

[ 09-03-2001: Message edited by: arcon ]

[DamedEscrime]

Now entering the ballroom. The Lady Josephine Aldora of the House d'Escrime. Escorting her...er.....Master Steve McDonough, proprieter of the Bitter End Pub.

All eyes turned to see the oddly matched couple. People on the floor below put there heads together, whispering and shaking their heads knowingly. Jo gave a small smile and nodded ever so slightly in first one direction and then another as she descended the grand stairs. Steve seemed oblivious to the activity around him, looking only at Jo.

JO's dress was stunning, red crepe peeking through black lace. The bodice was a low cut square pulled together in the front by corestt ribbon. The sleeves were long,the ends cut into exaggerated V's which dangled and flowed from her wrists. She added black stockings and hightop button boots to complete the ensemble. Around her neck and dangling from her ears were black star saphires surrounded by blood red garnets.
She had pulled her hair up in a French Chingon fashion and added picks studded in more garnet. Tiny curling tendrils of her dark silky hair framed her face. Finally she had pinked her cheeks and donned a bit of eye colour and lip rouge.

Steve had dressed plainly, being a plain man. Oh he was pleasing to the eye, but he lacked that special ambience that some men have. He wore a dull grey waistcoat over black knickers and stockings. Underneath a grey vest was a dull white frock. His boots were not polished. He was a stark contrast to Jo.

They were nearly to the bottom of the staircase when Steve's boot heel caught the carpet and he tumbled headlong to the floor carrying Jo with him. There they lay in a tangled heap at the king's feet. Jo was crimson, but managed to contain herself as King Arcon reach down to help her up.

"Why, Josephine, you're looking exquisite this evening," he graciuosly said, purposely avoiding mention of the tumble.

Meanwhile, Steve pulled himself to an upright position and sat there shaking his head. "Wot appened?" he wondered aloud.

Zelda shot Arcon a glance as he seemed to be holding onto Jo a bit too long. "Welcome, my dear," she directed at Jo. "I look forward to speaking with you later. Please come in and enjoy the ball."

With that Jo pulled free of Arcon, helped Steve to his feet, brushed herself off and headed for the bar.

[SteveMcDonough]

When I stop laughing, I'll say something.

[Foil Girl]

Squire Serana Ra'Walden entered the ball, attempting to make her walk lady-like, and succeeding for the most part. She was accompanied by the Sir Nækos Servaya, Commander of the Strike Force Avious. As the Maid Serana entered, you could tell she was a bit self concious about her looks, but she was in fact very beautiful. Jo had done her job well.

Her gown, silver with white twining designs coming up the side, seemed to gleam as she moved. Her shoes, and gloves that came up the elbow were similarly silver. To top off the collection she had also borrowed a single-jeweled necklace and earings.

Nækos had worn black, black and black. The only colors that showed were the brightly hued scabbard and hilt of the ornamental weapons he wore, making his dress strikingly handsome.

Serana made her way down the stairs, shyly smiling at anyone who came her way. She picked up her card and pen, meeting back up with Nækos. She, too, heard the band and smiled at the grin that spread across Nækos's face when he saw the weaponed room. Her eyes wandered again to the food (the display was wonderful), the dance floor (it looked surely big enough for the antendees and more), and the ivy decorations (exquisite). Exquisite? she thought, Since when did I think like that? She closed her eyes for a moment and smiled, taking it all in. It was for sure to be a good night.

[Fermion]

Enters wearing a pale white mask, black silk shirt, Black leather pants and boots. I look around from the top of the staircase.. People are already at the bar, and some are dancing. I feel slightly awkward, at that I myself have no companion, having just arrived in Arconia. I look down the stairs, and see the king at the bottom with an aide. I figure he has been injured somehow, but not wanting to spoil a nice evening, resign myself to trying to ignore this.

At the very bottom of the stairs, a man is lying on the floor, in hysterics, I also notice the girl who is trying to help him to his feet. She looked awkward, with a "Get me out of this" expression on her face. She looked up at me, and smiled. I smile back, and start to walk down the stairs.

Fermi.