Forward - This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person, place, or name is purely coincidental.
The masquerade ball was in full effect by the time she had arrived. Night had fallen while she was travelling to the castle. Having spent many hours riding in an enclosed carriage just to arrive here, she was happy to finally be at her destination. She felt a myriad of emotions upon arrival, with anxiousness being at the very top. The coachman opened the carriage door slowly and silently offered his hand to help. She stood up from the dark green velvety seat and stepped forwards toward the door. She smiled softly and accepted the coachman’s help to step down the narrow steps of the modest chestnut-colored carriage. Turning to her right, she moved toward the front of the carriage to thank the centaurs that brought her to Cimmeris’ immense castle, Shadewood.
“Thank you, my friends, I would like to offer this gift as a showing of my appreciation” She stated softly and handed each of the centaurs a pouch heavy with coins. Each of them graciously accepted and nodded their heads in approval.
After saying what she needed to say, she turned toward the walkway that stopped at the base of a large staircase. Taking in the sight of this castle, she felt a bit more jittery.
A cool night breeze blew little whisps of her long dark hair across her face. Slightly annoyed by the strands of hair crossing her delicate masquerade mask, she reached up with her left hand and tucked the hairs behind her ears.
As she walked up the stone steps to the ballroom door, her silky silver gown flowed behind her. Quickly, she glanced down to make sure the dagger on her thigh was unnoticeable, then continues upward to the entrance.
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, two guards stopped her and requested to see her invitation. She stopped and fumbled to give the invitation to the guards. Her voice cracked a bit as she nervously said “Oh, of course, my apologies.” The guards looked over the invitation and spoke quietly to each other. They then let the court crier know who she was and provided her entrance, then they opened the massive oak doors to the grand ballroom.
The court crier made the announcement of her arrival:
“Lady Elara, of Broadcove Keep, of Kingdom Ravencoast”, he stated loudly as he ushered her to the entrance way. The crier turned toward her and spoke softly, “Where is your father? He was supposed to be here.”
She turned to speak to the crier. “My father could not make it this time. He is on official business and sent me in his place.” She then turned back toward the ballroom. The crier scoffed at the remark but turned away quickly.
The sounds of instrumental music and the smells of food and wine wafted out of the ballroom and assaulted her senses. She slowly walked into the grand ballroom and began looking around. She noticed more Fae than humans present. A few high elves quickly glanced at her, and she felt like they were judging everyone, including her. She was not trying to hide who she was while attending this celebration. How could she hide? She was a satyress after all, and they were not exactly common in this kingdom.
Glancing around the large room, she takes more notice of the different types of beings present at this masquerade. She sees a few trolls and orcs at the feasting table, unsurprisingly. There were a couple of woodland fae present too, including some fairies. They were bumbling about attempting to be social with other creatures and humans. Elara couldn’t help but notice the elves situated perfectly around the ballroom, in small groups of three or four. Muttering sarcastically to herself as she headed to a table of drinks “Of course they are. They might faint if they were any closer or farther away from each other.”
“What did you say to me?” asked a rather large troll that was standing at the drink table.
“Oh, pardon me, I was talking to myself.” Elara stated, embarrassed, and stared blushing. “I did not mean any offense.” Elara bowed her head slowly and curtseyed. When she looked up again, the troll looked at her and turned away, muttering something Elara could not make out.
The music stopped abruptly, and everyone turned toward the band. The court crier stood on the grand staircase at the opposite end of the ballroom and waited for everyone to fall silent.
Loudly the crier proclaimed, “Ladies, gentlemen, and all distinguished guests. Please allow me to introduce our lady of the castle, Queen Cimmeris Gilralei”
The guests instantly and unanimously began their applause. The room was filled with the intense sounds of clapping. The crier raised his hand and waited for the clapping to slow down and then turned to watch Cimmeris descend the staircase. On either side of Cimmeris were two large guards. The one on the left was dressed in a dark blue dress uniform adorned with gold leaves and yellow flowers; the one on the right was dressed in a dark green dress uniform adorned with silver leaves and violet flowers. Cimmeris was breathtaking as she was wearing an elegant red and orange ball gown with flared sleeves and a long flowing train. The gown matched her bright orange and red hair perfectly. Near the bottom of the staircase, Cimmeris stopped and flashed a smile to all her guests and addressed the room. “Welcome one and all to this year’s Autumn Solstice Celebration. This year I have chosen the masquerade ball instead of the traditional festival activities.”
.... more to come later
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