THE LOVERS MASQUERADE

[marilka 552]

 

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T H E

L O V E R S

M A S Q U E R A D E

 

A Lesson in Love, c. 1788

 

A N N O   D O M I N I MDCCCVII

Penned by the hand of Her Grace Wilhelmina Novellen, Duchess of Helena.

 

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To the subjects of the Holy Orenian Empire, with substantial exhilaration does the retinue of the Household of the Duke and Duchess deem it befitting to host a masquerade ball to commemorate a virtue representing human benevolence, compassion, and endearment- alternatively declared as "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another,” that which we know as love. All are welcome, and as such none should be afeared of making their presence known.

 

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As expected for an event such as this, guests are encouraged at the Duchess’ behest to dress in shades of scarlet, crimson, and ruby, likening themselves to a sea of nectareous blushing roses. Masks are equally as advocated, and may even provide an advantage in entertainment to come.

 

TIMETABLE

     I. The Grand Regale 

To inaugurate the Lover’s Masquerade, the Augustine commissariat will dole out an array of food and drink as guests are permitted to mingle freely. In this time, the Duke and Duchess may take to privately assigning unescorted guests to a companion, based on their compatible personalities.

 

   II. Merriments Abounding

In her grand return, Francesca the Fortune Teller will be offering free readings pertaining to a guest’s future in matters of the heart. Furthermore, there will be other such entertainments such as portrait painting, a coupling service, and chiefly, there will be freshwater pearls from the estate of Whitcombe hidden around the ballroom and adjoining chambers in the palace. Whoever finds the most pearls are entitled to compensation of their choosing come the conclusion of the masque.

 

 III. A Test of Luck

Couples will participate in a Test of Luck. They will be betting a price of their choosing on something of value, with full knowledge of risk and hope of gain on the outcome of the game; a contest, or an uncertain event whose result may be determined by chance or accident or have an unexpected result by reason of the bettor's miscalculation. Prizes include mina, jewels, gowns, and vouchers.

 

 IV. Dance of the Pens and Cobs

The Duchess finds it apt to liken our dashing ladies and gentlemen and their love to that of pens and cobs, the pen being the female swan and the cob being the male variant. Thus, it is a perfect poetic example of courtly romance, as when a pen and cob find tenderness in their hearts, it is to last for a lifetime. With this ideal in mind, couples are encouraged to engage in this waltz of adoration, with the pairing who best emulates the graceful pens and cobs drifting across the water’s surface as though they were the clouds of heaven themselves.

 

 V. Competition of the Best Dressed Lady and Lord.

Nearing the end of this occasion, couples will present themselves to the judges in the center of the ballroom for the Competition of the Best Dressed Lord and Lady. The couple will describe how their outfits compliment each other, and how it symbolizes their love for each other; equally as important as their attire will be their masks, which should play off each other in tender harmony. The Best Dressed couple will win a mina prize and two golden Lover’s Eye lockets that will represent their affection for each other forever.

 

If one seeks to take up arms against the guests

Of the Imperial affair, they will be swiftly dealt with.

All citizens and peoples are invited, save

For those of the enemy states of

The Holy Orenian Empire.

Weapons and foul play will not be tolerated.

 

 

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IN NOMINE DEI,

 

HIH Princess Wilhelmina Beatrix, Duchess of Helena

 

 

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OOC:

 

Date: Sunday, February 14th

Time: 6:30 pm EST, 11:30 pm GMT, 3:30 pm PST

 

 

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[ydegirl 2357]

Francesca the Fortune Teller rejoiced at the news that she'd finally be put in the line of work again!

[libertyybelle 6187]

The Palace's Majordomo, Anna Henrietta, immediately begins preparations with her pseudo mother to ensure the event is well staffed and smoothly run.

[Mannyy 982]

Elijah readies his mask in preparation for the event!

[valecu 2128]

He'd read the news, smiling... "An event to last through someone's lifetime memory..."

[Marilyn Monroe 362]

Penelope O’Rourke powders her finest wig for the occasion.

[Urahra 5777]

Dame Yuliya Styrne scoffs when she notices the Duke and Duchess scheduled the event a mere Saint's Hour before her show's opening night. 

 

"Damn it," she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Let's hope Karosgrad doesn't decide to throw a lover's ball of their own or else I'll have no audience at all."

[Timer 1978]

"Fortune telling? Sounds like heresy is brewing.." The Cardinal would grumble.

[Benjikhei 698]

Beryl Edmund Carrington sighs, being rather lonely- and would walk off to tend to his birds, wondering why he's still alone "Well, I didn't want to attend a masquerade anyway, so that's that!" He'd huff, staring at his birds "I don't suppose one of you would care to accompany me?" The Carrington chuckled dryly as he held out some more birdseed.

 

 

 

 

[latte 2238]

Infanta Florentina de Savin is ready.

[Axelu 4333]

Helena Augusta hurriedly spoke to her brother upon concluding their spar, in the midst of his preparations to Ba'as, 

 

"A Ball? Well, I suppose I'll have to attend; Maybe I'll even bring along my sword!" 

[MRCHENN 4741]

George pens a letter with the missive attached, to the homies.