starter one
where: vespera malfoy's room, malfoy manor
when: minutes after the event began
while vespera knew it would be best to make her way down to the main floor of the home and greet any guests that had arrived, she was intentionally delaying herself. everyone knew that anyone who was anyone showed up late to an event, and that extended to the host as well. besides, the others who had helped set up the event would be downstairs to greet anyone who showed up on time.
vespera could be fashionably late.
dusting a trail of blush along her cheekbone, the blonde noticed a figure appear in the reflection of her vanity. not turning towards them, she merely acknowledge them through the reflection. "i thought i specifically told the house elves to inform everyone my room was off limits." closing the blush compact, she finished off by brushing her curls into the perfect position. "did you need something?" she asked, finally turning towards the guest.
starter two
where: the staircase, malfoy manor
when: thirty minutes after the event began
the youngest malfoy stood towards the top of the staircase of her family home and smiled brightly at the numerous guests that began to collect at it's base. she waved at those she recognized, noting the numerous boxes and gifts that were being collected and placed under the large tree along with any other donations.
once the majority of the guests were within the room, vespera spoke, amplifying her voice easily with a spell. " i would just like to extend a thank you from the franseca fudge foundation, to everyone who has shown up tonight and donated. we are certain these gifts will help brighten the lives of numerous wixen children and grant them a most happy christmas." she paused for a moment, allowing her voice to take a more serious tone. "once more, we'd like to remember franseca fudge, taking from our community too soon, and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to her family." after a moment of silence, vespera's smile grew once more. "thank you all, again, for coming. we hope you have a wonderful evening."
once the speech was over, vespera descended the staircase as many of the guests began to enter the grand ballroom. finding a friendly face, the blonde approached them and said, "the night seems to be off to a good start, do you agree?"
starter three
where: the grand ballroom, malfoy manor
when: two hours into the event
this was vespera's third drink of the night, a cranberry gin martini that tasted of the holiday. between the alcohol and exhaustion from setting up for the ball all day, vespera found her body feeling heavy. attempting to move to a more private area, one of the many entertainment rooms that guests were filtering about, the blonde eventually made her way into the home's game room. the billiards table was in use, as was a small table in the far side of the room where a card game was taking place.
ignoring how strange it felt to see so many people in her home and using their private items, vespera made her way to one of the couches and sat down. realizing she wasn't alone, she tried to quickly come up with an excuse as to not seem lazy. "i hope you don't mind that i join you, i fear i haven't taken a moment to sit all day." taking a sip of her drink, the blonde turned to the person fully. "i do hope you also needed a moments rest, and aren't seated due to boredom. that would mean i'm not doing my job as host."