Courtly Masquerade

─ˋˏ Ballroom ˎˊ─

The Grand Lobby is decorated with hanging lights, and a bright glass chandelier is on the middle of the ceiling. Ladies in their best dresses and men in the best suits loiter around, some of them entering what seems to be the ballroom. 

Unsure of where to go, you look around. When you feel a light tap on your shoulder, you turn around to see a brunette. She wears a short, black dress, and has a gleaming necklace around her neck, along with a matching set of earrings.

"Hello! You seem lost. Is this your first time here?"

Quickly warming up to her friendly personality, you say, "Sadly. I got tricked by Raj and Jax at the entrance!"

She laughs. "They did that to me too!"

"Oh. Is this your first time here?"

"Yep." She pops the 'p'.

"Cool. Do you want to maybe...find our way around together?"

She looks relieved. "Yes, please! And my name's Jenn. Some of them won't tell you what they go by, by the way. Feel free to call yourself anything appropriate. And don't bother asking for names unless they tell you. A rather rude man yelled at me for doing so."

"Oh, alright!" You pause. "I'd rather keep my identity a secret, if you don't mind."

"Of course! Let's go. Do you want to go anywhere first, or would you like to head straight to the Ballroom? I don't mind either way."

You ponder it for a moment, but decide quickly. "The Ballroom! I want to see what all the fuss is about."

She nods animatedly. "Off to the Ballroom, then!"

Both of you walk up to what seems like a ballroom, and a kind lady smiles.

"Hello, there! Both of your first times?"

You both nod.

"Great! Just head right in. The Banquet will start once all guests have been accounted for!"

You and Jenn step inside, and both of you gasp simultaneously.

"Oh, gods. This — this is gorgeous!" You say, hands flying to your mouth in awe.

"I know, right?"

The Ballroom is full of jolly chatter. A great chandelier, bigger than the one in the Lobby, is the most beautiful thing out of all. The light reflects off the tiny crystals, brightening the atmosphere. Waiters and waitresses in matching suits and bows hurry around the room, offering drinks and mini appetisers and snacks to the guests. At one side, dancers decked out in pretty silk costumes twirl gracefully in the spotlight. At the other end of the room, instrumentalists play a slow, alluring tune that many sway to.

You turn to Jenn. "Time to have some fun?"

"For sure!"