✦ event i. — the ethereal ball
before each series of ancient games can commence, all fae that have traveled to the hosting court are invited to a ball to celebrate coming together once more and gearing up to cheer on their chosen competitors. many sponsors use this time to curry favor for their competitor, dig up secrets that might help them once the games begin, or even select a competitor to back if they have not yet. competitors use this time to garner support, size up their competition, and even potentially pick up more sponsors as one can never have enough. those here to witness it all? well, they get a front row seat to it all. no matter who is attending, they all get to reap the benefits of the great hospitality of the aurelion crown, wining, dining and dancing before the opening ceremonies begin the next day.
as the entrance of the grand ballroom, all great nobles and royals alike were announced upon arrival. staff moving about with trays filled atop with aurelion's best sparkling wines and champagne's, and the entire ballroom had been transformed for this occasion. the high queen and king of aurelion hadn't spare a single dime nor effort in ensuring their guests found not a single reason to complain. at the ceiling of the ballroom, there was a center strip made of glass and above it as the night sky filled with stars, so did an endless sight of floating lanterns that illumination a portion of the ballroom. the decor consisted of an endless paths of candle that illumination the rest of the room. fairy lights dangled from the ceiling as well as crystal chandeliers, and the marble floor, shiny and impeccable that one could see their own reflections, framed by the soft glowing lights.
a large feast was spread at one side, a long expansive table filled with food ensuring every guest would something to their liking. music flowing as well as the drinks did, and the rulers of aurelion had not shied away from entertainment, offered in the form of performers, acrobats, as well as inviting fortune tellers who did readings for guests. this night would not only be a night of indulgence and gaining allies for competitors, but offered a chance for some ambitious individuals to gain a chance of marriage offers from royals and nobles. one thing is certain - their lives will never be the same after this.
what will the night bring you? prosperity? allies? a generous sponsor ? or for the lucky few, perhaps marriage alliances with the royals and great noble houses?
let the games commence.