Closer starter for @dehimmel || Childe
Night had fallen upon the empire, stars glimmering in the darkened arch of heaven like the finest of gems, the moon bathing the lush countryside with its opal pale luster. Crystalline lamps illuminating the grand manor, carriages pulling up the drive as lords and ladies from all over the land gather for the Empress's Annual Spring Masquerade. It was only the most prominent social event of the year; everyone who was anyone was invited, from local nobility to those of far off lands. Beneath the grandeur and excitement amongst the sea of guests, however, was an undercurrent of unease.
The Celestina Empire was the largest and most powerful of all, flourishing in both economy and warfare. Vast was its resources, its military unparalleled as they ruthlessly expanded the borders, bloodshed and corpses being left in their wake. The Empress of this bloodstained empire, Lumine de Celestina, was admired, feared, despised, and coveted all in equal measure. A fearsome warrior and cutthroat politician, as deadly as she was beautiful. She ruled her country with an iron fist. The empire was viewed as a cruel and unforgiving place where the people suffered under their leader's brutal hands to the outside world. The rumors, while not quite far from the truth, still missed the mark entirely. Celestina's people both feared and loved their Empress; they were far better off with Lumine than the previous Emperor. She was savvier in both the ways of economics and warfare than her predecessor. And their lives have improved.
Brilliant honeyed hues, a trademark of the royal line, gazed down upon the arriving guests from the top of the marbled balcony overlooking the ballroom, gloved hand resting loosely on the railing. The festivities were about to start, a butler offering her a tray with a lone flute of champagne and a small spoon. Taking both into her hands made the sound of chiming fill the room as Lumine tapped the glass with the spoon, a charismatic grin gracing her features.
" Hello and welcome, most esteemed and honored guests to the Annual Spring Masquerade; it is with the utmost pleasure and delight that I get to see you all here. " silvery notes flowed with practiced ease as those striking hues scanned the crowd. The guards were posted at every possible entrance and within the room itself, she had heard from one of her trusted sources that the resistance was to send an agent disguised as a guest, to either weasel intel or to end her life; that dark part of her shuddered in glee--let them try, it was a beautiful night for bloodshed.
" Dance, drink, eat, and make merry to your heart's content; I sincerely hope you all have a most exquisite night to remember. Now, without further ado, let the festivities begin! "
Taking that as their cue, the orchestra begins to play, the best in the empire, did those excellent notes full the ballroom. A beautiful backdrop as people mingled and chatted about before made their way to the dancefloor: the Empress descended the stairs being greeted by both potential suitors and the gossiping wives of the visiting lords; she refrained from rolling her eyes; Lumine loathed dealing with these blubbering fools and gossip mongers--it was tedious and a waste of time. Yet, despite herself, there were images she had to keep--so smiling charmingly as she chatted them up, giving the nod as they sauntered away. Calmly did Lumine cut her way through the crowds, occasionally chatting with the overly ambitious nobles before finding herself outside on the balcony, overlooking the elegant gardens below hand resting comfortably on the railing, head turned to observe the beautiful skies. Approaching footsteps pulled her away from the quiet solitude; she had begun to enjoy, the guards standing even more at attention. Tearing her gaze from the sky, she came face-to-face with brilliant blue hues, hidden behind a red mask.
" Good evening, sir , I do hope everything is to your satisfaction? "