A Debut For a Princess (IC)

[AHSCA]

"I understand what you mean, sometimes I like to just sit back and relax in my own space, but stuff like this has always come naturally to me, I quite like parties like this. Though, I must say, I prefer the ones that my Uncle and Aunt throw, whenever I can stop being royalty it's pretty fun."

"I think I know what you mean." She nodded but before their conversation could continue some of the evening's real pageantry began, with the lights in the room dimming and changing from the golden yellow warm ball room blitz, to a deep blue color. Stepping out atop the high balcony was the Queen here to introduce her daughter, the star of the evening, Princess Peri. Watching Peri descend the stairs, Gisella could tell, she had a lot of grace and class. Somehow, Gisella got the feeling if it were here in this situation she'd probably trip but oh well no time to worry about that. The Princess took time to introduce her own siblings, her brother the Prince, wow he's handsome. Gisella thought to herself, and also introduced was her little sister, and she just seemed pretty small and cute.

Well so far it seemed not many were rushing like mad to meet her, maybe all were biding their time? Gisella turned back to her new found friend, "Well, it seems our guest of honor has arrived, would you like to join me in saying hello?" They seemed a bit far back to make it to her before anyone else would but hey she could always get acquainted and friendly with the others. Also the name of her brother rang familiar....Right, he did try to offer up his own opinions over the recent fallout between the UIS and Kyrenaia, some say it was an empty hollow gesture, that the prince was simply trying to play both sides of the matter. Well whatever, she was gonna meet them anyway.

[Eritei]

"I think I know what you mean." She nodded but before their conversation could continue some of the evening's real pageantry began, with the lights in the room dimming and changing from the golden yellow warm ball room blitz, to a deep blue color. Stepping out atop the high balcony was the Queen here to introduce her daughter, the star of the evening, Princess Peri. Watching Peri descend the stairs, Gisella could tell, she had a lot of grace and class. Somehow, Gisella got the feeling if it were here in this situation she'd probably trip but oh well no time to worry about that. The Princess took time to introduce her own siblings, her brother the Prince, wow he's handsome. Gisella thought to herself, and also introduced was her little sister, and she just seemed pretty small and cute.

Well so far it seemed not many were rushing like mad to meet her, maybe all were biding their time? Gisella turned back to her new found friend, "Well, it seems our guest of honor has arrived, would you like to join me in saying hello?" They seemed a bit far back to make it to her before anyone else would but hey she could always get acquainted and friendly with the others. Also the name of her brother rang familiar....Right, he did try to offer up his own opinions over the recent fallout between the UIS and Kyrenaia, some say it was an empty hollow gesture, that the prince was simply trying to play both sides of the matter. Well whatever, she was gonna meet them anyway.

"If you don't mind me accompanying you I would love to!" Tieria said. She lifted herself from the wall she was resting on and started to lead Gisella towards where Peri was now. She was hoping that Evelyn and Anna were still around, she was hoping that they would be able to meet the princess too.

[New Visayan Islands]

Victor Cui
Castle Liek

"It's no real issue; I remain charmed to meet your acquaintance, Blazes," Victor replied, bowing as he did. "Again, feel free to call me Vic," he added, noticing the debutante as she made her grand appearance.
"May she live a peaceful life," Victor said to Blazes sotto voce. "I must be honest: I've never really been one for ceremony. Sure, one might find me in formal occasions such as this--and a tuxedo like the one I'm wearing is probably the best part of these, if you ask me--but I find myself more comfortable in less...pompous, for want of a better word...events; the parties I attended during my college years, all of which were during my father's presidency, have made me tire of the pomp. Then again, I'm a civil engineer; put me on a project involving the design of an offshore aquaculture facility and I'll be just fine." He smiled, eyes conveying what his mask covered.
"Shall we dance?" he then asked.

Francis Cui
Castle Liek

"She is indeed a child," Francis said to Elizabeth as they noticed Peri's grand appearance.
"At fourteen, it is obvious," his wife replied. "Shall we go?"
"You stole my line," he said.
"You stole my heart," she replied, with her eyes indicative of the shit-eating grin the mask covered.
"As did you," he conceded as they went to introduce themselves to the princess. They would keep some distance, but with the inevitable line being formed up, it was just as well.

[AHSCA]

"If you don't mind me accompanying you I would love to!" Tieria said. She lifted herself from the wall she was resting on and started to lead Gisella towards where Peri was now. She was hoping that Evelyn and Anna were still around, she was hoping that they would be able to meet the princess too.

Now with her new acquaintance at her side, Gisella made way through the crowd up the Lady Princess herself, along with two other acquaintances at her side along with her siblings. "Milady." Gisella greeted with a curtsy "Good evening, and may I say how lovely you are looking tonight. Milord, how lovely it is to meet you as well. And young Lady." She acknowledge both Prince Linely and young Princess Chrysanthe "I'm Gisella Villa, Princess of the United Island States of AHSCA. I hope you'll also forgive me for not bringing a gift tonight."

[Abetton]

Now with her new acquaintance at her side, Gisella made way through the crowd up the Lady Princess herself, along with two other acquaintances at her side along with her siblings. "Milady." Gisella greeted with a curtsy "Good evening, and may I say how lovely you are looking tonight. Milord, how lovely it is to meet you as well. And young Lady." She acknowledge both Prince Linely and young Princess Chrysanthe "I'm Gisella Villa, Princess of the United Island States of AHSCA. I hope you'll also forgive me for not bringing a gift tonight."

"If you don't mind me accompanying you I would love to!" Tieria said. She lifted herself from the wall she was resting on and started to lead Gisella towards where Peri was now. She was hoping that Evelyn and Anna were still around, she was hoping that they would be able to meet the princess too.

"Milady Villa, how lovely it is to meet you. I shall hope we get to talk plenty more later, I've been very much looking forward to meeting you. Don't worry about the gift, it wasn't required but I suppose some went out of their way to bring me some anyway, but oh well. " Turning her attention to the other young lady at Gisella's side "Good evening to you, Milady, and you might be?"

"She is indeed a child," Francis said to Elizabeth as they noticed Peri's grand appearance.
"At fourteen, it is obvious," his wife replied. "Shall we go?"
"You stole my line," he said.
"You stole my heart," she replied, with her eyes indicative of the shit-eating grin the mask covered.
"As did you," he conceded as they went to introduce themselves to the princess. They would keep some distance, but with the inevitable line being formed up, it was just as well.

(ooc: Just to keep things moving along)

"Good evening." Peri greeted "Thank you so much for coming." She again curtsied to greet them, she'd certainly be doing that plenty tonight. "I hope you're having a nice time here?"

[Ezhara]

The lights dimmed a little...

The lights had dimmed, and Kaz smiled. "Seems our host is making her grand entrance." He adjusted his tuxedo, pulled the coat taut over him. Only, that wasn't who he was expecting, but had he really expected for his princess to come out first? Next to him, he heard Eiko snickering.
"Ah... Kaz, that's what you're—"
"You think I knew, Eiko? Hm." The Idol tilted his head. "I'd have thought you could make a better insult than that."
"If you break a princess's heart," Eiko said, "that'll be all the insult you need."
Kaz shifted his weight and shoved his hands into his pocket, looking up at the speaking princess.
"Please, Eiko, when have I ever broken someone's heart? You know me. I've only ever been happiness for so many people — more people than you and your melodrama, I'll bet." He stopped himself, then glanced at Kasem, who stared back. They were thinking of an incident from a while back.

And when Eiko turned to see Kasem, the actor felt Kagutsuchi's fire bubble and boil, and his fist clenched around his cup.
Not good. Lyosha glanced at the pairs, Ibrahim and Kasem rolled their eyes, and the two boys pulled apart the rivals. "Can the two of you please just keep your distance from now on?" their chaperone said. "The last thing I want to do is explain to the Mascots why—"
"Maybe it'd be better if he learned to stop criticizing me," Kaz said. "Wouldn't be too hard for someone like him to shut up."
"God... Kaz." Ibrahim yanked the Idol's arm, spinning him away from Eiko, with Ibrahim's red swirl of hair on the front of his head spinning alongside them. "Look man, can you cool it?" Ibrahim said. "The last thing I want is for us to get kicked out. If he bothers you that much—"
"Please, it's his own remarks this time. I'm not the villain here."

Ibrahim shook his head. "Sure, sure." He glanced away. "Villain, huh?"
"Are you thinking," Kaz said, smiling, "of that time on the beach?" Silence. His friend shoved his hands into his pocket, and Kaz took a step closer, one shoe touching Ibrahim's and the other shoe pointed on the ground. The Idol's voice sank to a sleepy whisper. "As I said, I'm not the villain here, Ibrahim." His words unraveled from his mouth like a snaking ribbon of faint incense. "You should know this. You should know better than this."
Ibrahim nodded.
"Good." It was faintly a breath, a breath of intimacy that no fourteen-year-old should know of, but the other could hear it and knew what it was and felt a shiver wrack his whole body. Kaz's voice never rose when he was angry or emotional, unless it was the song's requirement. To him, shouting drew too much attention too easily, but his faintest whispers still carried his power like the poisoned tips of a spider's bite, like a dose of poison in a drip-fed cake. Ibrahim had heard it many times before, that whisper, whether when recording or just when Kaz was speaking, but he had only ever been able to resist the romantic one.

The angry whispers reminded him of what their families had fled from all those years ago, an oral tradition carried on his boorish grandfather whose voice, soaked in rakı — Harikunin alcohol like wine, with a sweet anise aroma — bubbled and boomed to hide the trembling memories. Other times, it was his father who muttered rumors and paranoias, his own voice dry as Sessenan's desert and heat-fractured rocks, like his broken scar from ear to ear.
It was all for their service for Kaz's family, that service that let them live so long ago, that threatened them, that let them live again. It was a fear long dead, but a fear of mortality that still lingered in Ibrahim. Maybe that was why he helped preserve Kaz's voice, beautiful and wispy, forever to be heard...
"Have faith in me, Ibrahim," Kaz said. "Have faith." He turned away, stepped away, turned head half-back, so that Ibrahim could see the corner-gleam of his amber eye. "Now then, why don't we meet our princess? Call me..."
"A hero?" He chuckled. "That'd be hilarious. I'll give that moniker to Eiko. It's stupid and moralistic and responsible enough for him, wouldn't you agree?"

His retainer nodded, and followed his lord to the princess. Once there, both boys bowed, Ibrahim behind him. He spoke quietly to some staff nearby, then handed off a boxed headset to them.
"Good day, Princess Peri," Kaz said, his voice mellow and gentle. "I'm Kaz. Kaz Mansur. It is a great honor to meet you." He pulled out his album and handed it to her; it depicted him, in his usual outfit of a loose white jacket and mummy-bandage scarf surveying a pure-white cityscape. "And this, dear princess, is my gift." He looked behind himself. "I do hope that I'm not holding up the line, much? We can always talk later if I am."

[Eritei]

"If you don't mind me accompanying you I would love to!" Tieria said. She lifted herself from the wall she was resting on and started to lead Gisella towards where Peri was now. She was hoping that Evelyn and Anna were still around, she was hoping that they would be able to meet the princess too.

"Milady Villa, how lovely it is to meet you. I shall hope we get to talk plenty more later, I've been very much looking forward to meeting you. Don't worry about the gift, it wasn't required but I suppose some went out of their way to bring me some anyway, but oh well. " Turning her attention to the other young lady at Gisella's side "Good evening to you, Milady, and you might be?"

"Princess Tieria of Eritei, it's an honour to meet you," Tieria said, curtsying a little towards Gisella. "I hope we can become good friends by the time we depart," she said.

[New Visayan Islands]

Francis Cui
Castle Liek

"Of course, Your Highness," Francis replied. "I am Francis Cui, former President of the New Visayan Islands. With me is my wife, Theresa Alexandra Cui."
"It's an honor," Theresa added. "Our two children are also here, but they're introducing themselves to everyone else." Which was true; Victor was becoming more acquainted with a certain Prusso-Pole, while Elizabeth was flitting from one group to another. "Worry not, though; I'm sure they'll introduce themselves to you in all due time."
"That being said," Francis continued, "please accept this gift from a private citizen who once served his country in the highest office." He produced a small, sleek USB drive--a WORM, essentially a red-only drive--that had the Seal of the President of the New Visayan Islands on one side and his name and terms in office on the other. In it was a comprehensive factsheet of the Visayan Confederation as recorded prior to his departure from Malacañan de Cebu; each former President was entitled to have one hundred such drives upon leaving office, and Francis' presidency saw the opening of the Confederation to the greater world around her.

[Katase]

At long last the event everyone had been awaiting, that was Peri finally making her appearance, the real lady of the hour in all her beauty, even the two sisters were just a bit in awe how she looked tonight. "Wow she is really pretty in that dress." Yuki said

"No kidding." Momiji agreed. Well the spectacle came to its conclusion soon enough, Peri introduced herself, her mother and her two siblings, though Yuki and Momiji weren't really acquainted with either yet so it was likely they'd get a chance tonight. Wow the Prince was handsome, that much Yuki was feeling right now as her cheeks began to glow a bit of red, only hidden under her makeup.

"Well, I guess we should go say hello, eh?" Momiji urged the party before her, "Come along, we can help introduce you."

Moving along up to Peri as soon as a handful of others made their greetings it was their turn too. "Peri, or should we say, Your Grace, good evening." Yukiko greeted with a bow

"Good evening." Momiji also bowed before her "How lovely you look tonight and what an entrance too. You should be proud. And may we introduce some new friends we made tonight."

[The United Anime Kingdoms]

“Ah,” Kazuma says to Prince Naofumi looking at both Princess Peri, “It seems that her highness has appeared”. Naofumi was beginning to feel some dread. Politics and marriage are dangerous, and he had to experience it with his last fiance, which was an experience he doesn’t want to go through again.

“Hey, son. You know, if it cheers you up. Remember, I had to go through the same experience you had with Lady Myne. I remember Lady Aqua just being a complete… shall we say, A-hole to me before I could marry your mother”.

“Well, I suppose your right father” Naofumi replies begrudgingly.

“Who knows my dear boy. Perhaps things would be different”. Kazuma makes a gesture with him to follow him. They walk up to the princess, and politely bowed in a gesture of greetings.

“Your highness. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. We are both from the Empire of the United Anime Kingdoms. I am Prince Kazuma Satou, Duke of Isekai. And this here is my son, Prince Naofumi Iwatani, Duke of Melromarc”.

“A pleasure your highness”.

[Abetton]

His retainer nodded, and followed his lord to the princess. Once there, both boys bowed, Ibrahim behind him. He spoke quietly to some staff nearby, then handed off a boxed headset to them.
"Good day, Princess Peri," Kaz said, his voice mellow and gentle. "I'm Kaz. Kaz Mansur. It is a great honor to meet you." He pulled out his album and handed it to her; it depicted him, in his usual outfit of a loose white jacket and mummy-bandage scarf surveying a pure-white cityscape. "And this, dear princess, is my gift." He looked behind himself. "I do hope that I'm not holding up the line, much? We can always talk later if I am."

"And it's good to meet you, Sir Mansur. Oh so lovely, thank you kindly for the gift, it wasn't required but it is appreciated and I'll be sure to treasure it. Don't think much of holding it up a bit, I'll be sure to make rounds on the floor this evening to see all my dear invitees are welcomed and noticed. Please, keep enjoying the party, plenty fine food and drink to indulge on."

"Princess Tieria of Eritei, it's an honour to meet you," Tieria said, curtsying a little towards Gisella. "I hope we can become good friends by the time we depart," she said.

"Milady Princess, how good to meet you as well. I'm so glad the both of you have taken time to get aquainted. I would hope many more can leave as friends this evening, including with little old us in Abetton. Please, enjoy the party. Actually, Linely, I believe you were most interested in some of the young ladies attending, why not keep them company for a while."

"Well sure, it'd be my pleasure ladies."

"Of course, Your Highness," Francis replied. "I am Francis Cui, former President of the New Visayan Islands. With me is my wife, Theresa Alexandra Cui."
"It's an honor," Theresa added. "Our two children are also here, but they're introducing themselves to everyone else." Which was true; Victor was becoming more acquainted with a certain Prusso-Pole, while Elizabeth was flitting from one group to another. "Worry not, though; I'm sure they'll introduce themselves to you in all due time."
"That being said," Francis continued, "please accept this gift from a private citizen who once served his country in the highest office." He produced a small, sleek USB drive--a WORM, essentially a red-only drive--that had the Seal of the President of the New Visayan Islands on one side and his name and terms in office on the other. In it was a comprehensive factsheet of the Visayan Confederation as recorded prior to his departure from Malacañan de Cebu; each former President was entitled to have one hundred such drives upon leaving office, and Francis' presidency saw the opening of the Confederation to the greater world around her.

"Oh I'm truly thankful for the gift, thank you so kindly. I'll make good use of it soon enough. Anyway, I'm not trying to rush you fine folks or anything, I'm certain I'll keep moving along the floor for those who'd rather wait than line up. So enjoy the party some more. I'm sure I'll be giving a few dances too tonight."

"Good evening." Momiji also bowed before her "How lovely you look tonight and what an entrance too. You should be proud. And may we introduce some new friends we made tonight."

"Momiji, Yukiko, it's so nice you both could make it. I hope things are good back in Katase. Please give my regards to your family and how warmly I was treated when I visited the both of you."

“Your highness. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. We are both from the Empire of the United Anime Kingdoms. I am Prince Kazuma Satou, Duke of Isekai. And this here is my son, Prince Naofumi Iwatani, Duke of Melromarc”.

“A pleasure your highness”.

"Milords, all of you, it's go great you could make it. I'm delighted to make your acquaintances too, have you been enjoying yourselves this evening?" It seemed the line thinned for a moment which was good, she could take a few extra minutes to speak to the Princes and Dukes before. "I'm eager to learn more about your Empire, maybe even visit in the near future. It will be summer holiday for us soon enough, means I'll have a little spare time as will many classmates of mine."

[Mervay]

Princess Siham bint-Idris.
Mahmut bowed his head lightly at the compliment - he knew, that he looked charming, but it was always nice to hear it from somebody, who you weren't related to. And she was related to Pandereos, his sister, telling us, that he was working as a medic and advisor to his sister the Queen.
I knew, who he kept in touch with, too.
And Corette was also her twin, as her mother and former Queen pointed out. I knew, that her husband had abdicated and while Kyrenaian Culture viewed it very crossly, I didn't give a damn. As long as you did good work while in office, I thought it was better to quit while ahead - I knew, that Mahmut thought similarly, having seen the effects of Emperor Pirmin's abdication in Auwalt, but he had retired due to failing health and him feeing unable to fulfill his duties properly.
I thought, that something similar was at work here.
I was also not surprised, when Mahmut returned the curtsy with a bow and a smile, me following suit. He spoke: "It is a great honour to meet you, Milady. I do hope, that I can have a dance with you later, as I hope to have a dance or two with you, Princess Corette."
I looked at both with a smile, that conveyed an unspoken He's never one to aim low.
Then... Princess Peri made her appearance.

Corette V of Mervay and Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay
If there's one thing she knew, was that monarchs in Kyrenaia weren't of the kind to abdicate; rather, they would serve their duties until their bitter end and the reaper decided their time had come. An entirely different idea to the one they had at home if said on simple terms, but; Aurora nor her mother came to explain the whole cultural differences nor the fact of why they decided to abdicate in the first place; perhaps add why is the youngest of the silbings at the helm rather than either of them if the topic appeared.

Both mother and daughter watched the display and the expression the sister made before giggling lightly with a hum at the unspoken declaration, Prince Mahmut was certainly an bold person that indeed always aimed high. Lady Rosalina was at the brink of answering.
Until...

The lights dimmed a little bathing the once golden room in a shade of blue and at the top of the stairs stood a tall woman for a moment with a couple of maids at her side, first caste in shadow but illuminated with the adjusting of the ballroom lights. "Good evening, guests." She spoke, "As Abetton's Queen it's my mother and matronly duty and honor to introduce my beloved and beautiful Peri. Nobles of Abetton and guests from abroad, I'm honored to Debut Abetton's Crowned Princess." Queen Latimer standing aside allowing Peri to come into full view, decked out in her ballroom dress, her hair partially tied and partially flowing long. No decorative jewelry on her head or really much on her dress save for a nice broach at the chest line. Daintily and gingerly, Peri began her decent down the stairs stopping just before the base. "Ahem." she politely cleared her throat, a signal that her two siblings would join her at her side. Now she was ready to speak.

"Welcome my friends, old, new and soon to be acquaintances. Thank you all so much for those of you who could make it to my special night. Whether you came from far or here in our lovely Kingdom, I'm delighted to have you. For those of you who are unfamiliar with my family, the woman you saw who introduced me, is my beloved Mother. Here at my side, my younger sister, Chrysanthe." Chrysanthe grabbed the hem of her dress and gave a curtsy. "And of course my older brother, Linely." Linely placed his right hand over his heart and gave a small bow to greet. "For my party, I wished to have them here to enjoy it with me. I'm excited to meet you all tonight."

With that the darkened room lit up again to a bright warm glow. Peri smiled and now made her final decent to the floor itself. Whoever was closest would certainly get to her first but she had to greet everyone once so not to much time could be taken, more socializing would come as the night moved along but for now this was the time for Peri to aquatint herself. Flanked immediately were a couple of her closest friends Briony and Gwenell "Goodness so formal of you." Gwen chuckled

"But stylish, guess every Princess has to make her entrance in some way." Briony concurred

"Well nothing can beat your grandmother, right? Now you gonna let us tag along and introduce us to some cute guys?"

"Hehe well I suppose not. Of course, come on."

The woman of the night made her appearance. Princess Peri had finally shown up for her grand entrance -which they thought would be more grandiose-, but it was certainly more heartfelt. After the introductions were finally over and the lights returned; the two women stared at the other before looking at their Kyrenaian counterparts.

"My, my. Guess the young lady of the night made her appearance." Rosalina let a giggle out that was hidden by her hand in her mouth elegantly while her daughter just nodded with an smile, of course; their focus then went back to the Kyrenaians.

"I think that is an wonderful idea Your Highness, It will be a pleasure to dance with you." The blonde woman answered while her daughter nodded.

"Let's have two then!" She exclaimed gladly before an more; mischievous glare appeared on her. "But I must warn you, if you try to charm me; I'm already taken." Aurora winked with a giggle before her face and demeanor switched to normal.

"We will see you later, we must congratulate the girl of the party after all!" She smiled warmly before taking her mother's hand and beginning to walk away. "Enjoy the party you two, and send our regards to your sister." And with that, off they went to greet Peri.

The two woman exchanged glares the moment they found themselves near her, no doubt, busy welcoming her guests and entertaining them. The moment she was free of course, they approached the Princess with an warm smile on their faces.

"Your Highness. We must congratulate you on such important day, we hope you are enjoying this day." Lady Rosalina smiled, before doing a curtsy. "Lady Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay, Duchess of Bartolomeo at your service. And the young girl besides me, is my daughter; Princess Corette of Mervay." Aurora smiled while doing a curtsy.

"Your Highness. My dearest congratulations!"

[Hospe]

Daniel met Calista and Ayla at the edge of the dance floor.
Princess Peri currently had a fairly large audience so they waited for the numbers to thin out a bit.
"I noticed you haven't set anything on fire." Calista said with a grin.
"That was one time and we both know Laurence is the worst."
"Maybe..." She still had an irritating smile.
"Let's get this over with. I need more food." Ayla said grabbing Daniel's arm possessively.
Noticing that Princess Peri's audience had reduced, Calista led the small delegation over noting the young woman's beauty and elegant fashion.
"Lovely to meet you, Your Highness. I am Duchess Calista from the Kingdom of Hospe. This is my brother, Prince Daniel and our friend, Ayla Toro."
"Honoured to make your acquaintance, Your Highness." Daniel said with a bow.
"Nice to meet you, Your Highness." Ayla greeted with a small courtesy. "I must say that I love your dress."

[Abetton]

...The two woman exchanged glares the moment they found themselves near her, no doubt, busy welcoming her guests and entertaining them. The moment she was free of course, they approached the Princess with an warm smile on their faces.

"Your Highness. We must congratulate you on such important day, we hope you are enjoying this day." Lady Rosalina smiled, before doing a curtsy. "Lady Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay, Duchess of Bartolomeo at your service. And the young girl besides me, is my daughter; Princess Corette of Mervay." Aurora smiled while doing a curtsy.

"Your Highness. My dearest congratulations!"

"Milady and Your Highness, so good to meet you both and so wonderful guests from the fine Kingdom of Mervay could make it tonight. Oh let me introduce a couple friends of mine, future noble ladies in their own right, Lady Briony daughter to the Duke and Duchess of Mead."

"My pleasure to meet you." She curtsied

"And Gwenelle, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sudbury."

Gwenelle did too and spoke up "Pretty minor compared to our Lady of the Hour, Princess Peri but..."

"But two of our easterly provinces thus important to Sauville as a whole. Anyway they're two of my dear friends."

"Lovely to meet you, Your Highness. I am Duchess Calista from the Kingdom of Hospe. This is my brother, Prince Daniel and our friend, Ayla Toro."
"Honoured to make your acquaintance, Your Highness." Daniel said with a bow.
"Nice to meet you, Your Highness." Ayla greeted with a small courtesy. "I must say that I love your dress."

After the Mervay group came those from Hospe, not in Abetton's radar but no less important as a guest tonight.

"Good evening thank you for the lovely compliment on my dress, took me and my maiden a good while to get me prepped in but we managed, it's beautiful and I picked it myself." She also again introduced her two friends at her side "Have you been enjoying yourselves tonight? I know it took me a while to finally enter but I would hope you found time to mix and mingle with the many guests tonight."

[Hospe]

After the Mervay group came those from Hospe, not in Abetton's radar but no less important as a guest tonight.

"Good evening thank you for the lovely compliment on my dress, took me and my maiden a good while to get me prepped in but we managed, it's beautiful and I picked it myself." She also again introduced her two friends at her side "Have you been enjoying yourselves tonight? I know it took me a while to finally enter but I would hope you found time to mix and mingle with the many guests tonight."

"You have a great eye for fashion then, Your Highness." Ayla said with a dazzling smile. "Perhaps if I'm in Abetton sometime in the future, you can show me some of your favourite stores."
"Lovely to meet you both." Calista greeted Briony and Gwenell with a polite nod, turning to the princess she said. "I hope you're having a great time. I know how stressed I was at my own debut."
"And I'll say you hit the sweet spot of not too early and not too late." Daniel added."We've gotten to meet new people but not to the extent that we know the names of their cats or something."

[Kyrenaia]

Berengar nodded. "...can't keep everyone happy, I guess. Still, Italy was an undisputed victory...noone's complaining about that, at least. Noone important, anyway. They're starting to send troops home now, I think..."

He fell silent. Perhaps it was a bad idea to bring this topic up. Unlike Italy, there would be no 'victory parade' for the troops returning home from Afghanistan -- one to welcome them home, perhaps, but there would be no triumph, no throwing of the Taliban's banners beneath the treads of tanks like they did for the Fascists or the British. Afghanistan would not be the first campaign Prussia-Poland had lost, but it stung all the same.

Berengar shook his head, as if trying to throw off those thoughts, as Ida shifted the topic to economics benefits. "I can imagine, aye. I think we ordered a ship from the Free Lands? A logistical one, not the patrol boats." he said. "Something for our submarines, I think."

Another pause, and he tried to change the subject again. "You know, I think your Polish is good enough that you could work in the Commonwealth." he remarked.

[...]

Ida Findehoof.
I saw, that the topic of Afghanistan was hurting him - if it were in my power, I would glass the entire place for hurting him, but as it was not in my power...
"Thank you.", I said at the compliment about my Polish, "I actually already got the idea out, but... my first assignment, I was told, would be the Free Lands. The Consulate in Ironcastle." I gave a sad shrug. "With me being a Half-Selkie and knowing the country, it is only logical, but... I would love to go to Poland, if not as an Ambassador, then as your friend."

"I've had a few dances," Kairan allowed with blush and a small laugh.

...such a handsome young man as yourself...

"The family doesn't do schooling fully in-house anymore but we're all still heavily socially educated, I suppose that's the right way to put it, and I didn't expect dance lessons to be as fun as they turned out to be. Oddly enough they've been great for my rugby playing as well, it's done a lot for my coordination and agility even though I did get some ribbing from my teammates for mentioning it since apparently it's girly or whatever. I'd have more fun if all my dance partners were as charming and beautiful as you, but one can't have everything in life," he added with a smile.
[...]
Maris reappeared with a glass of something age-appropriately nonalcoholic and tugged at the sleeve of Kairan's uniform jacket. "C'mon Romeo, get with the program," he stage-whispered in Brettain to get his brother's attention as the lights went down, getting another annoyed look from his big brother before he himself was distracted by the female of the species when Princess Peri made her appearance. "You're blushing already, for the record," the older boy said offhand, making his brother choke on his drink.
"It's that obvious?"
"Oh, yeah. She is cute. Too young for me, but you've got a fighting chance."
"Huh. You really think so? Thanks."

[...]

Princess Aischa bint-Idris.
He did blush at my tease, which was a victory, and then explained to me his social education, which apparently had helped him with rugby, despite his teammates teasing him. I knew, what he was talking about, dancing and some sports went well together - the Lasite Terror, the HGA's own Nora Muqilraas, had quite the reputation as both an axefighter and as a dancer.
He then added a tease, maybe a very honest one, at the end, which got me to blush.
As I wanted to reply, though, the belle of the ball appeared and was almost immediately swarmed by people greeting her and wishing her well and... I glanced to the two brothers, the younger of which was blushing.
The two exchanged a few words in Brettian, which I did not understand, but I did get the gist.
The younger of the two was crushing. And he was crushing hard.
Who could hold it against him, Peri was a cute young woman, but he was not the only one, as it seemed, who wanted at least a spot on her dance card.
He would need to be quick, though.

Corette V of Mervay and Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay
If there's one thing she knew, was that monarchs in Kyrenaia weren't of the kind to abdicate; rather, they would serve their duties until their bitter end and the reaper decided their time had come. An entirely different idea to the one they had at home if said on simple terms, but; Aurora nor her mother came to explain the whole cultural differences nor the fact of why they decided to abdicate in the first place; perhaps add why is the youngest of the silbings at the helm rather than either of them if the topic appeared.

Both mother and daughter watched the display and the expression the sister made before giggling lightly with a hum at the unspoken declaration, Prince Mahmut was certainly an bold person that indeed always aimed high. Lady Rosalina was at the brink of answering.
Until...

[...]
The woman of the night made her appearance. Princess Peri had finally shown up for her grand entrance -which they thought would be more grandiose-, but it was certainly more heartfelt. After the introductions were finally over and the lights returned; the two women stared at the other before looking at their Kyrenaian counterparts.

"My, my. Guess the young lady of the night made her appearance." Rosalina let a giggle out that was hidden by her hand in her mouth elegantly while her daughter just nodded with an smile, of course; their focus then went back to the Kyrenaians.

"I think that is an wonderful idea Your Highness, It will be a pleasure to dance with you." The blonde woman answered while her daughter nodded.

"Let's have two then!" She exclaimed gladly before an more; mischievous glare appeared on her. "But I must warn you, if you try to charm me; I'm already taken." Aurora winked with a giggle before her face and demeanor switched to normal.

"We will see you later, we must congratulate the girl of the party after all!" She smiled warmly before taking her mother's hand and beginning to walk away. "Enjoy the party you two, and send our regards to your sister." And with that, off they went to greet Peri.

[...]

Princess Siham bint-Idris.
After the belle of the ball had made her appearance, the Former Queen and the Princess turned back to the two of us, and both agreed to Mahmut's proposal of a dance, even raised him by one.
Aurora warned him to not to charm her, to which he replied: "Do not worry, Milady, I am not a man, who fights battles he knows he cannot win."
After that, he threw Corette a wink and a roguish smile.
The two ladies excused themselves for a meeting with the belle of the ball and we both bowed our heads in respect, saying our 'Until later'.
And they were gone.
Mahmut grinned.
"That went well.", he said in Kyrenaian, then glanced over to Peri, spotted Linely... and Gisella. He exhaled. "Let's wait for a bit before we follow them. One doesn't want to harass."
I nodded, grabbed his hand. "You know, there is a man missing on my dance card tonight."
"Would the young lady be willing to dance with me?", he asked.
I giggled and playfully punched him in the arm, which made him laugh - we went to the dance floor together.

[Mervay]

"Milady and Your Highness, so good to meet you both and so wonderful guests from the fine Kingdom of Mervay could make it tonight. Oh let me introduce a couple friends of mine, future noble ladies in their own right, Lady Briony daughter to the Duke and Duchess of Mead."

"My pleasure to meet you." She curtsied

"And Gwenelle, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sudbury."

Gwenelle did too and spoke up "Pretty minor compared to our Lady of the Hour, Princess Peri but..."

"But two of our easterly provinces thus important to Sauville as a whole. Anyway they're two of my dear friends."

Corette V of Mervay and Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay
Not only did they met the Princess, but also two of her friends; Heiresses to their respective Duchies possibly, but they shouldn't jump to that when everyone back at home is trying to get all they can on one of the nation's that made headlines during the crisis.

"Our pleasure to meet you Young Ladies." Her mother replied in the name of both, smiling politely as her, but evident warm. Of course she wouldn't stay quiet, plus she was curious on the last part the Princess said before she introduced them.

"I suppose that you two didn't had your debut in noble society yet like your friend, I'am right?"

[Abetton]

Corette V of Mervay and Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay
Not only did they met the Princess, but also two of her friends; Heiresses to their respective Duchies possibly, but they shouldn't jump to that when everyone back at home is trying to get all they can on one of the nation's that made headlines during the crisis.

"Our pleasure to meet you Young Ladies." Her mother replied in the name of both, smiling politely as her, but evident warm. Of course she wouldn't stay quiet, plus she was curious on the last part the Princess said before she introduced them.

"I suppose that you two didn't had your debut in noble society yet like your friend, I'am right?"

"Indeed not, Milady, correct on that assumption. Gwen here, will be having her own on her birthday in a month from now, mine won't be until June. They usually fall on or close to our birthdays. Peri decided to launch hers a little early this year"

Peri nodded with a smile, she'd omit this had something to do with the recent going ons in the region.

"Quite, but it won't be nearly this spectacular but oh well, the Princess is the most important young figure in our country."

"Even so, it's going to be lovely for all of us. Might even draw a few more of the Kingdom's own. Given more notice and well probably a lot less foreign guests."

"Yes don't imagine many turning out for a minor noble but that is how it goes we all have our place in society" Gwenelle said sipping on her champagne, yes even the young ladies were allowed a single glass tonight.

[Ezhara]

"And it's good to meet you, Sir Mansur..."

"The gift is my pleasure," Kaz said with a slight bow. "My friend here, Ibrahim..." He briefly pointed his thumb behind him at Ibrahim, who nodded. Now, as Kaz spoke, his voice transitioned to his usual sleepy intonations, as though giving the princess a preview of the way his voice slipped about like a swirl of scented smoke. "Had also given a pair of headphones, though they were given to a servant for later, since a box isn't quite as practical to carry as a few disks... but, do be sure to use them — there's no better way to listen to my singing." Would the princess enjoy his songs? He couldn't quite guarantee it, but it wasn't like many had ever defied him and his performance. If nothing, it was the thought that counted: no need for gifts made the few gifts given all the more precious, all the more endearing.
Whatever the case, now was not the time for any such guesswork. He would have to examine the princess and her tastes later. A dance? A song? Something like that, something live to make her come alive in his mind, so that he could analyze her full shape?
He glanced back, seeing Kasem, Eiko, and Lyosha behind him. "I'll be sure to enjoy the party," he said, turning half-around with a raised open hand that then curled its fingers, but not into a fist. Some sort of goodbye, it seemed, as a replacement for... something he wanted to say, some strange beat and phrase passing by, unsaid.

"Oh," he said, "but do be careful with the green actor behind us. Eiko's his name. He's a little... judgmental. Don't let him sour your night if he goes on a rant." With that, he departed, his lithe steps half-dancing, half-sliding across the polished floors, his sandy-blonde hair glowing. Ibrahim followed, but glanced at the princess once, and then left. The boy had remained silent through the entire meeting, and Kaz had introduced Ibrahim for him, as though he could not be trusted with such a task.
Trust, or power? Laziness? Ibrahim's face had merely been ambivalent, betraying nothing of his thoughts.
The princess wouldn't have much time to dwell on it, though: Lyosha came up next, holding a box of three pens. One pen had a silvery exterior, its back end covered with decorative holes. A second had a cylinder of transparent plastic at its top end, filled with shining quartz. The third was a simple black, its opposite sides adorned with columns of gleaming white diamond shapes.

"Happy debut, princess Peri. I'm Lyosha Korobov," he said, handing the box towards her. "Sorry if this isn't quite what you expected... I don't really know what kids these days might want, but I hope you enjoy it, anyway." Compared to Kaz, he wouldn't stay long. Assuming she said similar things as she did to Kaz, Lyosha would thank her for her hospitality and then be on his way.
Finally, Kasem came up, a bouquet of purple asters and daffodils in hand. "Thank you so much for the invite," he said. "I'm Kasem Chuquivitu. Dunno what the others gave you, but here's mine." He leaned slightly forward and held the bouquet towards her. "The asters are symbolic of royalty, and the daffodils are new beginning." He looked around. "You guys wouldn't happen to have a vase lying around..."
He suddenly trailed off and turned around, towards Eiko, whose free hand was on Kasem's shoulder, while the other held a small lacquer wood chest adorned in gingko leaves. "Oh, and this is my—"
"Eiko Michori." He gave a slight bow, his regal confidence like that of a prince's, and Kasem stepped behind him, sheepishly grinning. "And it is my pleasure to be here, princess Peri. I, for one, have brought some matcha tea for you to enjoy."

[Abetton]

"The gift is my pleasure," Kaz said with a slight bow. "My friend here, Ibrahim..." He briefly pointed his thumb behind him at Ibrahim, who nodded. Now, as Kaz spoke, his voice transitioned to his usual sleepy intonations, as though giving the princess a preview of the way his voice slipped about like a swirl of scented smoke. "Had also given a pair of headphones, though they were given to a servant for later, since a box isn't quite as practical to carry as a few disks... but, do be sure to use them — there's no better way to listen to my singing." Would the princess enjoy his songs? He couldn't quite guarantee it, but it wasn't like many had ever defied him and his performance. If nothing, it was the thought that counted: no need for gifts made the few gifts given all the more precious, all the more endearing.
Whatever the case, now was not the time for any such guesswork. He would have to examine the princess and her tastes later. A dance? A song? Something like that, something live to make her come alive in his mind, so that he could analyze her full shape?
He glanced back, seeing Kasem, Eiko, and Lyosha behind him. "I'll be sure to enjoy the party," he said, turning half-around with a raised open hand that then curled its fingers, but not into a fist. Some sort of goodbye, it seemed, as a replacement for... something he wanted to say, some strange beat and phrase passing by, unsaid.

"Oh," he said, "but do be careful with the green actor behind us. Eiko's his name. He's a little... judgmental. Don't let him sour your night if he goes on a rant." With that, he departed, his lithe steps half-dancing, half-sliding across the polished floors, his sandy-blonde hair glowing. Ibrahim followed, but glanced at the princess once, and then left. The boy had remained silent through the entire meeting, and Kaz had introduced Ibrahim for him, as though he could not be trusted with such a task.
Trust, or power? Laziness? Ibrahim's face had merely been ambivalent, betraying nothing of his thoughts.
The princess wouldn't have much time to dwell on it, though: Lyosha came up next, holding a box of three pens. One pen had a silvery exterior, its back end covered with decorative holes. A second had a cylinder of transparent plastic at its top end, filled with shining quartz. The third was a simple black, its opposite sides adorned with columns of gleaming white diamond shapes.

"Happy debut, princess Peri. I'm Lyosha Korobov," he said, handing the box towards her. "Sorry if this isn't quite what you expected... I don't really know what kids these days might want, but I hope you enjoy it, anyway." Compared to Kaz, he wouldn't stay long. Assuming she said similar things as she did to Kaz, Lyosha would thank her for her hospitality and then be on his way.
Finally, Kasem came up, a bouquet of purple asters and daffodils in hand. "Thank you so much for the invite," he said. "I'm Kasem Chuquivitu. Dunno what the others gave you, but here's mine." He leaned slightly forward and held the bouquet towards her. "The asters are symbolic of royalty, and the daffodils are new beginning." He looked around. "You guys wouldn't happen to have a vase lying around..."
He suddenly trailed off and turned around, towards Eiko, whose free hand was on Kasem's shoulder, while the other held a small lacquer wood chest adorned in gingko leaves. "Oh, and this is my—"
"Eiko Michori." He gave a slight bow, his regal confidence like that of a prince's, and Kasem stepped behind him, sheepishly grinning. "And it is my pleasure to be here, princess Peri. I, for one, have brought some matcha tea for you to enjoy."

Peri had her tastes in music but hey, she wasn't going to say no, besides she might like it so she accepted it happily. "Thank you, I'm looking forward to listening to it." Next up was a bouquet of lovely flowers, how beautiful, "Of course. Sara!" She called for her maid servant whom promptly arrived, "Please display these in a vase, I would think the guest table would be a great place." She handed over the bouquet gently.

"Of course, Milady it will be done."

"Delightful, I'm quite the lover of tea of all kinds, I'm going to enjoy those as well." Two more castle attendants took care of that to store it in a safe place. "The gifts are truly lovely, I thank you all so much and thank you for coming. Continue to enjoy the evening, although it seems there's a lull in those wishing to meet me so you're welcome to stay and chat a little bit."

[Kyrenaia]

Peri had her tastes in music but hey, she wasn't going to say no, besides she might like it so she accepted it happily. "Thank you, I'm looking forward to listening to it." Next up was a bouquet of lovely flowers, how beautiful, "Of course. Sara!" She called for her maid servant whom promptly arrived, "Please display these in a vase, I would think the guest table would be a great place." She handed over the bouquet gently.

"Of course, Milady it will be done."

"Delightful, I'm quite the lover of tea of all kinds, I'm going to enjoy those as well." Two more castle attendants took care of that to store it in a safe place. "The gifts are truly lovely, I thank you all so much and thank you for coming. Continue to enjoy the evening, although it seems there's a lull in those wishing to meet me so you're welcome to stay and chat a little bit."

Princess Siham bint-Idris.
Our dance ended with my toes intact, like my brother would ever step on anyone's toes, and he saw an opening.
He glanced to me, I nodded gracefully.
Arms linked, he led us over to Peri. His smile was charming, his gait was purposeful and his posture that of self-confidence. He looked smashing and really like a younger version of Prince Damir - yet I knew, that the two weren't related.
Disgusting rumours... still, I knew, why half of my class asked me for daily updates on his relationship status.
Aischa was not with us, but as we approached, her Handmaiden and the ones of myself and himself were behind us, stilly carrying the gifts.
The interesting part was, that his self-confidence came not from him being a Kyrenaian Prince or from his dress, but from inside of himself. He was a confident young man.
Kaz (I did not know his name) would find himself with a role model very soon.
"Princess Peri.", my brother greeted and bowed his head, "I must say, rarely I have attended a debut, but among them, the beauty of the belle of the ball stands alone tonight. I hope, that the evening is as beautiful to you as you are to my eyes."
He let a beat pass.
"My apologies, where are my manners?", he said, "Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta." He motioned to me. "My younger sister, well, one of them, Princess Siham bint-Idris."
"It is a great pleasure, Peri-Amira.", I said, bowing my head, "Although not as flowery as my brother, I must say, that you look as beautiful as a rose in one of the gardens of our Uncle. Yet, I do not thorns..."
I trailed off and regarded her with a smile, unlinking myself from my brother.

[Abetton]

Princess Siham bint-Idris.
Our dance ended with my toes intact, like my brother would ever step on anyone's toes, and he saw an opening.
He glanced to me, I nodded gracefully.
Arms linked, he led us over to Peri. His smile was charming, his gait was purposeful and his posture that of self-confidence. He looked smashing and really like a younger version of Prince Damir - yet I knew, that the two weren't related.
Disgusting rumours... still, I knew, why half of my class asked me for daily updates on his relationship status.
Aischa was not with us, but as we approached, her Handmaiden and the ones of myself and himself were behind us, stilly carrying the gifts.
The interesting part was, that his self-confidence came not from him being a Kyrenaian Prince or from his dress, but from inside of himself. He was a confident young man.
Kaz (I did not know his name) would find himself with a role model very soon.
"Princess Peri.", my brother greeted and bowed his head, "I must say, rarely I have attended a debut, but among them, the beauty of the belle of the ball stands alone tonight. I hope, that the evening is as beautiful to you as you are to my eyes."
He let a beat pass.
"My apologies, where are my manners?", he said, "Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta." He motioned to me. "My younger sister, well, one of them, Princess Siham bint-Idris."
"It is a great pleasure, Peri-Amira.", I said, bowing my head, "Although not as flowery as my brother, I must say, that you look as beautiful as a rose in one of the gardens of our Uncle. Yet, I do not thorns..."
I trailed off and regarded her with a smile, unlinking myself from my brother.

Next up was the delegation of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, yes indeed this nation was on Abetton's radar, hopefully a good friend and future partner if the Royal family could play their cards just right on the matter, even with the recent hiccups aside. The young man certainly laid on the charm but who didn't at an event like this, it was nice to be flattered by a handsome young man. Holding back a small giggle in her throat Peri offered her hand if he would like to give the cordial kiss to it otherwise a nice gesture of 'pleased to meet you' "You have a silver tongue, Your Grace, it's a fine pleasure to meet you as well as it is to meet your lovely sister, Milady." She bowed just a slight bit. "Thank you both for coming to my debut, it's an honor to have you both here tonight. The Great Sultanate has been a nation we have yet to properly broach with for some odd reason. And maybe you've seen my two siblings around, my brother, Prince Linely and sister Princess Chrysanthe. If you've seen Chrys she's probably eating her weight in the delectable baked goods."

"Milady." Sara offered a glass of water to Peri, after all talking so much does dry the throat "Thank you, Sara, on top of things as always."

[Kyrenaia]

Next up was the delegation of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, yes indeed this nation was on Abetton's radar, hopefully a good friend and future partner if the Royal family could play their cards just right on the matter, even with the recent hiccups aside. The young man certainly laid on the charm but who didn't at an event like this, it was nice to be flattered by a handsome young man. Holding back a small giggle in her throat Peri offered her hand if he would like to give the cordial kiss to it otherwise a nice gesture of 'pleased to meet you' "You have a silver tongue, Your Grace, it's a fine pleasure to meet you as well as it is to meet your lovely sister, Milady." She bowed just a slight bit. "Thank you both for coming to my debut, it's an honor to have you both here tonight. The Great Sultanate has been a nation we have yet to properly broach with for some odd reason. And maybe you've seen my two siblings around, my brother, Prince Linely and sister Princess Chrysanthe. If you've seen Chrys she's probably eating her weight in the delectable baked goods."

"Milady." Sara offered a glass of water to Peri, after all talking so much does dry the throat "Thank you, Sara, on top of things as always."

Princess Siham bint-Idris.
Of course, Mahmut took the hand and breathed a gentle kiss on its back, smiling as his 'silver tongue' was complimented. He did perk up at the mention of Lineli (and shook his head with a small, sad smile, he hadn't met him or his sister with the sweet tooth) and smiled as Sara brought out a glass of water.
"Ah, yes, the Handmaidens... where would we be without them?", he asked rhetorically. He knew, that he would not be able to dance as well as he could without Shirin's lessons. He did pretend to remember something for a moment. "Speaking of which... to our understanding, a debut is always accompanied by a gift. As my other sister Aischa should be around here somewhere, too, we have a total of three. Shirin...?"
With silent, almost feline grace, his own Handmaiden stepped forward and offered the small present my brother had commissioned for her: A necklace, the chain slim and of silver, the pendant an amethyst, a violet, which brought out Peri's eyes. It was also not a large piece, but small, enough to accentuate, but not enough to yell. The pendant was cut to show a a stylized desert rose, a curious thing, not a plant, but beautiful like one.
"I must admit, to my utmost shame, that my Father advised me in this selection.", Mahmut said and smiled, "But now, that I see both you and it, I must say... he was right."
Two to go.

[Mervay]

"Indeed not, Milady, correct on that assumption. Gwen here, will be having her own on her birthday in a month from now, mine won't be until June. They usually fall on or close to our birthdays. Peri decided to launch hers a little early this year"

Peri nodded with a smile, she'd omit this had something to do with the recent going ons in the region.

"Quite, but it won't be nearly this spectacular but oh well, the Princess is the most important young figure in our country."

"Even so, it's going to be lovely for all of us. Might even draw a few more of the Kingdom's own. Given more notice and well probably a lot less foreign guests."

"Yes don't imagine many turning out for a minor noble but that is how it goes we all have our place in society" Gwenelle said sipping on her champagne, yes even the young ladies were allowed a single glass tonight.

Corette V of Mervay and Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay
"A pair of heirs to their respective duchies aren't minor nobility if I may say." Lady Rosalina spoke surprised, sharing the thoughts that went on the Mervayan's minds, interestingly enough that was surprising of them as while it wasn't royalty, a duke's title was still pretty much completely important.

Her daughter nodded while looking a bit surprised, the only reason must be that their consideration was completely focused in local nobility in their case as the nation was only beginning to appear in the headlines with the recent events around them. Then again, that fiasco between AHSCA and Kyrenaia would be the talk of the year even if the collective conciousness moved on to something else; the memories will remain. But out of that, the Princess decided to give some advice to the young ladies.

"It can be understandable the thought reasoning as to why you two believe that, but, the positions you will hold are entirely important, and I think that with hard work, determination and wits; you two can accomplish greater goals in your futures." Aurora smiled kindly at the two heiresses. "So take that in mind for the years to come young ladies."

[Abetton]

Princess Siham bint-Idris.
Of course, Mahmut took the hand and breathed a gentle kiss on its back, smiling as his 'silver tongue' was complimented. He did perk up at the mention of Lineli (and shook his head with a small, sad smile, he hadn't met him or his sister with the sweet tooth) and smiled as Sara brought out a glass of water.
"Ah, yes, the Handmaidens... where would we be without them?", he asked rhetorically. He knew, that he would not be able to dance as well as he could without Shirin's lessons. He did pretend to remember something for a moment. "Speaking of which... to our understanding, a debut is always accompanied by a gift. As my other sister Aischa should be around here somewhere, too, we have a total of three. Shirin...?"
With silent, almost feline grace, his own Handmaiden stepped forward and offered the small present my brother had commissioned for her: A necklace, the chain slim and of silver, the pendant an amethyst, a violet, which brought out Peri's eyes. It was also not a large piece, but small, enough to accentuate, but not enough to yell. The pendant was cut to show a a stylized desert rose, a curious thing, not a plant, but beautiful like one.
"I must admit, to my utmost shame, that my Father advised me in this selection.", Mahmut said and smiled, "But now, that I see both you and it, I must say... he was right."
Two to go.

The good Prince did give the gentle kiss to her hand which was most appreciated.

"Indeed they are a treasure, Sara really is always on top of things from getting me dressed for tonight to every other little detail"

"All in your service, Your Highness." Sara bowed her head in thanks as she shuffled back a little more to stand behind. "Gifts indeed, I honestly didn't ask for any but I will accept them because people chose to be so generous to me. This necklace is a beautiful work of art that I would like to wear now. Sara if you'll please."

"Certainly, Milady." Sara just as quickly shuffled back to help Peri get the necklace on. "Relay my thanks to your father as well for helping in picking a gift that is so lovely. You both have great thanks from me." She giggled hiding her mouth behind her white glove "I suppose picking gifts for special young women is a task that evades most young men of our age groups does it not? I'm certain even my dear brother would have his issues." The orchestra struck up an easy waltz. "Milord, might you accompany me in this dance?"

Corette V of Mervay and Rosalina Anna Maria Da Mervay
"A pair of heirs to their respective duchies aren't minor nobility if I may say." Lady Rosalina spoke surprised, sharing the thoughts that went on the Mervayan's minds, interestingly enough that was surprising of them as while it wasn't royalty, a duke's title was still pretty much completely important.

Her daughter nodded while looking a bit surprised, the only reason must be that their consideration was completely focused in local nobility in their case as the nation was only beginning to appear in the headlines with the recent events around them. Then again, that fiasco between AHSCA and Kyrenaia would be the talk of the year even if the collective conciousness moved on to something else; the memories will remain. But out of that, the Princess decided to give some advice to the young ladies.

"It can be understandable the thought reasoning as to why you two believe that, but, the positions you will hold are entirely important, and I think that with hard work, determination and wits; you two can accomplish greater goals in your futures." Aurora smiled kindly at the two heiresses. "So take that in mind for the years to come young ladies."

The girls blushed to be complimented of the lady before them with her stature of society was truly flattering. "Wise words, Milady, wise words indeed." Gwenelle thanked.

"Yes thank you so much, Milady. Mmm Milady....Might you accompany me in a dance?" Briony requested of the lovely woman.