Make That Two Balls (Maelstrom Ball)

[Kender Bard]

(Setting is Autumn of Year 1017.)

Like Lya's had been, Shadow's ball was set to be a magnificent spectacle. A number of bards had been brought in (though not quite as many as Talen'sul had. Lacking a college, they had to rely on freelance bards answering the offer of work.) The food was rich and the night held the promise of being the talk of court for months. It helped that the rich and noble had all been invited....

Luminous had the tact to not rewear the same dress she'd donned at her mother's ball, instead slipping into something in shades of dark green and not quite as form fitting. She looked a trifle less mature than she had in the other dress, but it didn't bother Luminous. Instead she focused on applying a bit of kohl and rouge before slipping out of her room to go find her father.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow wasn't far away, having just put Dami to bed. Seeing his daughter, Shadow smiled warmly and gave her a gentle hug. "You, sweet heart, grow more breathtaking every time I see you," he murmured. "Forces, but when did you grow into such a beautiful young woman?"

[Kender Bard]

Luminous blushed brightly at that and returned the hug warmly. "Thank you, father," she murmured. She held the embrace for a lingering while before finally pulling back. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked earnestly, concern creasing her brow. "I know you don't like audiences and with the guest list being what it is, this isn't going to be much different except there'll be food, wine, music and dancing."

[Northen Light36]

Shadow smiled and gave her a gentle pat on the back. "Don't you worry, Lumi-love. I'm more then capable of dealing with a ball." He laughed softly. "Forces knows, I've been to enough of them. You just enjoy yourself and don't fret over me, all right?" He kissed the top of her head. "If I need a break, I'll use your brother as an excuse to get some fresh air."

[Kender Bard]

The worry went out of Luminous at that. "All right. Thank you, father. Who knows? I may join you." Queen twined between her ankles with a soft meow. "Did you invite anyone outside of Maelstrom? I've forgotten."

[Northen Light36]

"A few people from Talen'sul, as well as Ann and Alyssa and Flame, Gemma and Libre, though I don't know if they'll be able to make it," Shadow replied. "And of course, everyone you requested be invited was invited. You should have a lovely time." He smiled and offered her his hand. "Shall we go greet your guests? They should be arriving about now."

[Kender Bard]

"Let's," Luminous replied, beaming.

Gareth was the first to show up, alone of course. The man seemed a bit worn but he gave Luminous a genuine smile when he saw her on her father's arm. "Princess," he greeted with a deep bow. "Majesty," he added to Shadow. "Thank you for inviting me to the ball."

[Northen Light36]

"It's good to see you, Gareth," Shadow replied with a warm smile. "I'm glad you were able to come."

Bas and Pas arrived soon after, with Letha trailing along behind them but with no sign of their parents. Not surprising really, given Acqua and Shadow's dislike for each other. The twins waved to Lumi, but waited for her to come to them rather then interrupt anything.

[Kender Bard]

"I'm happy to be here, my lord," Gareth replied. He looked a bit hopeful. "Will... Flash be in attendance, do you know?"

Aries was with his siblings this time, well dressed and he'd even managed to get his hands on a bit of feather dust, giving his cream and brown wings a slight shimmer.

"Hello everyone!" Luminous greeted cheerfully. "Thank you for attending!"

"And pass on free food?" Aries retorted. "Not to mention the most beautiful lady in all of Maelstrom."

Next came the Fortis family; Lord Xanus with his wife Dorotea as well as their two adult children, Mirana and Edmond. Edmond, of course, had brought his wife Elize. Fortunately, none of the young children of the family were in evidence.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow was pleased he was able to keep his sour feelings towards his former friend off his face. He couldn't blame Flash for choosing Lya over him, but it still stung. "Lord Calder was invited, of course, but his attendance will depend on whether the Queen can spare him or not," he replied.

---

"Notice Aries thinks of his stomach first and your beautiful self second," Pas teased, smirking playfully at his brother. "It's good to see you again, Lumi. You look fantastic."

"Thank you for inviting us," Letha added. "Muma and Daddy send their regrets they can't attend." The polite lie never hurt.

[Kender Bard]

Gareth nodded, deciding it would be wise not to bring up the subject again. "Well I do hope he can come," he replied lightly. "I have missed my friend." Perhaps he should send a personal invitation at some time for Flash to visit his home. He glanced about and smiled, trying to change the subject. "Did you do me the favor of inviting some lovely, available women I might woo?" Not that Gareth was actively searching for a companion, but at his age, and the last of his House... He knew he had a duty to find a wife at some point.

---

Luminous chuckled at Pas's remark. "Thank you, Letha," she replied. "Send them my regards when you leave. But for now, what would the rest of you like to do first? Eat, dance, or just talk?"

[Skittlebug]

Next to arrive is the Antonius family, in full force. A new family in the nobility, they aim to be noticed, perhaps forge some alliances or find someone of worth to marry off the daughters to, and this is a good place to start. Not to mention the daughters would hardly have been left out of such an event. Munro and Kristiana Antonius lead their five children, her significantly younger than her husband, being his second wife after the first had an accident. They family makes there way to greet Shadow before mingling, Kristiana sparing a dissaproving look in Aries, Bas, and Pas' direction as they pass. You'd think Beryl and Astrid were her own daughters with how well they mimic her glance.