To Imagine...

The Ball

Guests had trickled through the tall doors of the ballroom for over an hour since they opened, fifteen feet high and opening into a huge floor with a ceiling too high to measure speculatively. Simple conversation and sweet laughter was mingled with low voices and chuckles, each group pocketed with men and women. Despite the cool weather on the spring night, some women flourished small, beautifully crafted fans about their chests. Big, bright, colorful dresses, accentuating makeup, hair tied back formally and beautifully. Each and every one had a reason to be here tonight, and we planned on delivering their expectations.

My cool gaze swept the crowds as they gathered and I moved from one group to the next, offering my greetings and thanks. I had glanced over my shoulder before to my brother, whose steadfast eyes connected with mine and smiled. He was confident in tonight's ball, though I had never formally attended one. And now I was a host.

On the far end of the room many couples gathered, drawn to the painted-glass doors opening to a wide balcony that led a gentle wind into the ballroom. I ached to follow into the breeze, but I was swept away by another couple just as quickly. And to all the better, I loved the scent of her perfume.

My eyes wandered as we talked, sometimes behind them, sometimes to her light, leather-brown curls, sometimes across her skin. The man's strikingly dark brown hair, swept cleanly back, contrasted alarmingly with his bright blue eyes; I found it unpleasant to look at him, addressing him minimally. He seemed not to notice as his wife went on about her daughter's marriage in the far East in Irrington. A relatively wealthy region with irresponsible government, but that must not have been found important in their eyes. I could see the gold swimming in their jewelry and exemplary dress. From Qalar, maybe, but no--they say they are from Terrinpoint. I doubt that greatly.

As I wish them well at the dance, she curtsies, and I eye her one last time. What a treat. 

Feeling the hunger in me, gnawing even after my leave, her perfume clings to me and I sigh.

"Looking down already?" The quip was barely a question, but it made me turn my head with veiled surprise. My voice went low.

"And who brought you here?" Though I spoke deeply, I relaxed on my heels for the first time tonight and my hands found my front pockets--almost childish. He smiled and something sparkled, mirth genuine in his eyes. I squinted at that.

"Well, I can never miss a party. A more formal invitation would have been more appropriate to an old friend, though." I made a small smile, almost relieved that he had made it here. He seemed to appreciate the gesture and his smile never left.

"Raven can only travel so fast," I provided, glancing about. There were eyes on us all about, mostly those that looked away on contact. I nodded my head to the side and put my hand on the back of his arm, leading him to the side of the room.

"Perhaps you should have come by yourself." His eyes were lighthearted, and I glimpsed a shine within his mouth again as he spoke. I shook my head.

"You know that I have no place leaving my duties before such an important time. I knew you'd tidy up nicely." I pulled at the coat of his suit--very fine, beautiful on him actually, which I found quite uncanny. He straightened his collar comically.

"Don't chide me on my decisions, young master." I nearly choked on the name, but swallowed it in one hard gulp. I scowled at him viciously.

"That was far from appropriate," I grumbled lowly, switching feet and glancing about slowly again as I held a handkerchief to my mouth. "You should have kept them at home."

I slipped the piece back inside of my pocket as if I had not spoken and watched his eyes carefully. The mirth never left them--tongue-in-cheek, he glanced away, and I felt my irritation rising at his careless display of such a preposterous oddity. I started to take a deep breath.

"Calm down princess, you didn't actually expect me to remove them, did you?" My throat closed, my hands itching to do the same. I smiled and tipped my head.

"Enjoy the ball, Lolan." I tried not to look callous as he smiled and walked away, bending at the waist before he turned. The shining behind his teeth set me on edge. 

Rustled from the encounter, I found myself wandering to the far end of the refreshments, pouring myself a drink from behind the counter and sipping on it passively. I was relieved to see him here with me, but he had me frustrated, irritated, and worried. My eyes wandered the crowds lazily, but I saw nothing past the rim of my drink.

"For throwing such an extravagant ball, you seem to have a great disdain for your guests." I glanced beside me to see a young girl sidle up, to my surprise nursing a steaming cup of tea. Her eyes didn't meet mine, but instead watched as the liquid swirled around in her cup. The scent met me and I breathed deeply in pleasure.

"For such a beautiful girl, you seem to have demanding tastes. Romaseva leaves are no short price to come upon." Her eyes raised to mine then, and an eyebrow raised. "An expensive leaf."

"And I hope that I have not inconvenienced my host." She blew on the tea and tried a small sip of it as I watched. I smiled.

"I am pleased to find a guest who shares fine interests with me." I had lowered my drink when she approached without realizing, entranced by her black stare, and I sipped it again then. I hardly tasted the thick drink, her dark, chocolate brown hair shining and falling freely in perfectly spiraled curves to her breast. Fair skin, delicate hands, and a beautiful white and black dress beyond words. I felt at a disadvantage.

"Your servants hardly had a clue what I was speaking of when I made my request," she said simply. An amused look cast upon my face then.

"I would expect, then, that you asked the wrong man. At your wish, I could have offered you a plethora of fine teas." She smiled then, a look that cast down her face and turned her eyes up towards me, almost shy.

"You would have me speak to you as a servant, sir?" A small blush crept into her cheeks and I smiled wider.

"Well, your manners already fail you, my lady. I might have taken offense to your otherwise rude introduction, it truly disappoints your finesse." She seemed to startle then and looked side to side, as if to check if anyone had overheard their conversation, and then she stood straight.

"My apologies, sir. I am Melevier of the kingdom of Silai; as a neighbor, we found it only fit to visit. I meant no disrespect." Her head was bowed, and I might have been annoyed if she had not caught my attention so fully.

"Litian of the kingdom Salan, I am pleased to make your acquaintance." I bowed to her and she returned the formality with a curtsy, a red blush still creeping up her cheeks. She covered it with her tea, her change of subject comically abrupt.

"I hear your sister is to be wed tonight?" I turned my head suddenly to mask the laugh into a cough that burst from my throat. 

I'm too nervous. 

She watched me peculiarly for an answer.

"Yes... Titania is to be wed to the son of Victor of Zinefeld. The joining of our houses will be a great step for the kingdoms. Spirits are high, tonight. I am glad you were to join us." The change to formal conversation was immediately unpleasant to me, so I offered to take her arm and led her to the balcony, my drink taken by a passing servant. "So, what does my lady Melevier of Silai occupy herself with in passing time?"

She looked to me with the first small smile I had seen from her tonight; I smiled naturally, and the time passed quickly without either of us noticing.