ooc: no signups will be required! If you played in my other thread A Trip in Amethyst you should know what you are in for. an ooc will be started if needed for discussions but do take time to read this thread before you jump in. Obey the site rules and overall I think you know how to play in threads like these so the rest goes without saying but goofy nonsensical drive by posts will be ignored. This is a party with class, this is not a ballroom blitz! Please have written your characters as already ENTERED THE BALLROOM and Let's have fun.
Salutation one and all for you are now invited to attend a most delightful and special event hosted by Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Euphyllia of the House of Hyacinth the Order Most High, Divined by the Great Goddess Amethyst the Empress celebrates her Bronze Jubilee, signifying her 15th year of being the Empress of all Elvwitand in the current Elfen Era marked by her name, the evening of Twenty-First of June at the Great Castle of Caerleon in the Imperial Capital of Amethyst. The party begins upon the setting of the sun, emergence of the stars and moon. Such a gala invites the most high and esteemed of society to dance, dine and mingle with Her Imperial Majesty as well as a great deal of many of the Empire's nobility of the like, and other figures of great prominence from across the Empire. Will you be so kind to join us for this grand occasion, topping off a delightful week of celebrations for her Imperial Majesty?
Dress in your best but hopefully your best represents the great traditions of your own people! Ours does too, naturally. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Looking down upon her fair capital city from her high tower in the castle, the Empress Euphyllia now officially 16 years of age but no less wise, I mean how can you not be when you have a treasure trove of endless books from all over the land, a host of tutors at your beck and call any number of servants who can also share their real world knowledge beyond what you can learn in the castle walls. Such a young age to be deemed an Empress for sure but tradition was firm, an heir upon death of the prior monarch must take the throne as soon as they are of age, in this case 14 in the Empire. But it hasn't only been two years, essentially since she could walk, talk and make any decisions (with advice of her aunt and others) Euphyllia has been able to make decisions regarding the Empire as a whole. She's bright and reasonably intelligent for her age but she's also no genius, but what leader really is?
This was to be a most exciting night, a great grand ball to celebrate her first 15 years on the throne, who could believe it? So much changed in such a short time, it was considered a whole new era and not just by name. It also was a sign for another thousand years of Elfen Rule at least, following in the wake of her mother and grandmother before her. It was coming upon the time when guests were to be arriving and she'd make her entrance. All the Empires nobility were expected, the Church's highest clergy were expected, just about everyone would be in this castle tonight.
Looking at the setting sun, she seemed rather lost in thought, hardly pensive, a bit nervous perhaps but still eager to see her adoring court (hopefully adoring, again we're talking another elf dynasty here) only interrupted by her chambermaid, Ilia Pessier entered the bed chambers, hoping to be rather quiet and go about her duties, less she interrupt her Mistress in some great deep thought. "Ilia...." Euphyllia turned to see her maiden getting the lamps ready for lighting "I don't think you need to waste your time with lighting the lamps. After all, I'll be about the ballroom most of the evening."
"Oh, Your Highness, I see what you mean. I only hoped to have your chambers turned down and ready for when you intend to retire for the evening."
Smiling and walking to her maid, Euphyllia gently took the lamp from her and setting it down on the table at the bedside, speaking further, "There's no need. It's a full moon tonight, this room will be bathed in the moonlight and I find it so soothing and beautiful, so why spoil with the light of the flames tonight?" As if she was against the beautiful warm glow of fire either but the moon was pretty and she enjoyed it.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
"But do take care to light the lamps for Sharian, for when she returns. She's still quite fearful of the dark."
"Yes Highness. Oh and for Irrin and Darfin as well? Shall I see to their chambers?"
"Best do so for Darfin but I don't think Irrin needs so." Those names in question are her younger siblings, Irrin, her brother, adopted by her estranged father during his travels in Lananvu. Darfin, her other younger brother and Sharian, her youngest sister, both fathered through mistresses, meaning Euphyllia was the only Princess by blood of her mother and father.
"Yes Your Highness, I will see to it then."
"Please do so. And when you're done, please see that our guests are taken care of as well. Obviously we have the host of maids and kitchen staff down stairs but still, you as my personal maiden I give my trust to you."
"As you wish." She bowed and excused herself. Taking a look at a pocket watch, one of the few gifts bestowed by her father the time was ticking away and the sun was changing over to a moon. It was nearly time.
The Ballroom
Before the doors would be opened that separated the room from the entrance corridor, it was a busy hive of activity. Every member of the castle staff, from the kitchen and chamber staff to the lowest of the classes worked to make the room ready. Food laid carefully on the tables for people to chose from if hungry, drinks a plenty, the finest fresh made wines from around the Empire, sparkling champagne poured from a lovely fountain placed on said table. If someone desired to not consume alcohol, plenty of choices would be available as well. Quietly with a watchful eye stood Xalana Lunapelt, the guard to the Empress and the subjects to plenty of rumor. Some say she was the secret mother of the Prince Irrin, (after all the other two were born of an affair who's to say he was really "adopted" from the mean streets as was talked about. If not a secret parent, maybe a secret lover? Nothing suggested the Prince and a common Royal Guard were having some secret love affair, but it wasn't without precedent in the long history of this nation. She too took a look at her watch and gave the floor a tap with the heel of a spear. "May the room come to an order."
The maids all aligned into nice neat rows with their heads bowed. "His Royal Highness, Prince Irrin." Irrin walked in first walking along the row of servants to greet him to his place, a set of small thrones set out for the royal family upon a small stage set up for them. Each arranged according to their rank, the Princes and Princess would occupy chairs with their heights according to their stature and status in the family. Even though they weren't by blood, their sister saw to it they were treated with the dignity a royal deserves, which is far better than the illegitimate children of monarchs of eras past but that's another story. "His Royal Highness, Prince Darfin." The little boy entered shortly after, taking a small stumble but nobody would snicker, lest they find themselves out of a job. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Sharian." Sharian entered holding the skirt of her own long dress and took her own seat next to her brothers. She was giddy as can be, cheerful and excited. "You two, hold still, and don't fidget so much." Irrin whispered to both of them. "Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Euphyllia." Finally Euphyllia's turn to enter and she took her seat as well. "The High Cleric of the Church of Amethyst, Her Holiness Azrael." The Second Highest rank in the Empire, the High Cleric, Azrael she took her spot behind the Empress' chair but to be honest she wouldn't have much to do besides stand their in solidarity with her monarch. "Ladies," The Empress said to the maids, "Please open the doors for our guests."
First thing was first, anyone who hadn't yet came to pay their respects to the Empress and congratulations to her, these were the rank and file of the Empires nobility, Lords, Ladies, Counts, Earls, Barons, Dukes and Duchess alike. Old and young and everyone else in between. Members of the Churches came to pay their respects and wish all the blessings on her family and her rule to come. With that out of the way now any foreign dignitary was welcome to come up and give their greetings to the Empress.
