3,000 Years

Care to Dance?

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Switch!

Elizabeth watched as endless pairs seemed to twirl to the steady rhythm of the music. Dresses of fine fabric swirled like luxurious wines, the gowns melding into a soft rainbow as the darker and more solid forms of tuxedos and suits hid behind them; pearls, gold and even silver seemed to flash from within the shifting border of voluminous fabric. 

Women chattered as they passed their friends, while men simply grinned as they kept an eye on those who had caught their interest. Even the staff seemed happy tonight, a few of the younger attendants sneaking onto the dance floor while others watched gaily. Merrily. There were even a few of the staff's children who had sneaked up to witness the event, all of them giggling as they smuggled away half a cake. Greedy little gits...

The festivities had began earlier on in the day, nobles and royalty alike arriving to celebrate. They had all arrived in a huge hustle and bustle, all of the citizens of Liones watching as carriages and other modes of transport arrived at the castle. All were in a joyous mood, banter and laughter being shared as the occasion called for lightheartedness and happiness. Celebration and prosperity. 

Even as the full moon began to shine, indicating that a lot of time had passed, everyone was still filled with energy and easily participated in the taxing affair of dancing. Not a single soul showed any signs of slowing nor wanting to go home; everyone who was anyone was smiling as they indulged, all giddy and glammed up for this one event that seemed to be joyous to even the grumpiest of grouches.

Well, to everyone except dear princess Elizabeth herself. The very sake of this jubilant affair.

A sigh escaped the princess' lips as she watched the colorful display, her sadness only blooming as she heard the delighted laughter emanating from the dancers. 

Like everyone else, Elizabeth had been all dolled up, her silver hair pinned into a curled updo and a pretty tiara on display. A dress painted in only the loveliest of blues and whites hung from her form, the skirts arranged in an intricate and quite frankly overly gaudy way. The material was ruffled and puffed, only showing the extravagance a princess could own on her final night of maidenhood.

In effect, the dress looked as if Elizabeth sat on her own little cloud, isolated and yet pure, as she strayed away from everyone else. As she watched and wished for the happiness everyone else had and took for granted.

"Don't look so glum, princess," A blonde nudged the young woman, a small smile spread on her cherub lips. Two golden wings sprouted from her back, intricate and shiny as sparkles seemed to radiate from her form. "You are marrying someone many would die to even talk to! Plus he's a prince!"

A grimace formed on Elizabeth's lips to that, the princess only growing more upset at the fairy's words. That was the exact problem, her betrothed was a prince. Not just any prince either but one that her father had close ties with and therefore was forced into the decision of creating an alliance with. An alliance via marriage.

"How can I be happy with this, Elaine?" Elizabeth sighed as she only sank further, a pout settling on her delicate features as she gestured to the dancing guests. "I'm selling myself away for the prosperity of my kingdom. I'm not doing anything out of the name of true love or mutual matrimony."

Elaine shook her head, golden eyes glancing at the dismayed princess as she took a seat beside her. White fabric ruffled slightly, the huge bow on the back of the fairy's dress getting in the way as Elaine pulled out her wand and sighed. It was rather pretty, golden sparkles intertwining around the wooden shaft.