𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐒: Closed started for @ladymegwelles 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: Goddess Banquet - The Great Hall at Hampton court. 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: November of 1559
Within a week’s time, the Arthurian glamor of Hampton court had been shrouded in shades of imperial gold and shimmering emerald, the allure of ancient Greece breathing new life into those unapologetically English halls. Kaleidoscopic fauna imported directly from the coast of Athens flourished from rims of ceramic vases and strewn along the paneled walls hung illustrious tapestries that inspired much discussion regarding their histories and meanings. At every turn stood lavish Tudor courtiers emulating their chosen ethereal being, the room practically overflowing with Mediterranean opulence. Goddesses and muses alike twinkled with rare pearls and raw gemstones cascading their gowns as spellbound gods watched their every move with intent. Intricate and ornate environments such as these would always set Mary at ease, for it was in at the nucleus of magnificence that the white lily of France thrived.
The Queen seemed to effortlessly float across the grand scape of the great hall as though she were truly the muse Terpsichore reborn, her curled auburn ringlets bobbing gracefully beneath a neatly wound plait and a crown of pure white lilies all bound together with red satin. At the moment, all four of her ladies (each of them styled as muses themselves to further compliment their dear liege and friend) were absent from her side, having dispersed some moments ago to integrate within the intimate circles at the ball. Never too far from their mistress, Mary could easily call upon them whenever the need arose, however it was not their presence in which the Queen sought this night.
Among the swirling sea of cloth of gold and rich crimson damask, Mary caught sight of the lady Marguerite Welles, a name she had heard often in passing bearing a face that she would not soon forget. The raven-haired lady in waiting to her intelligent, albeit dull cousin Elizabeth was a striking beauty in her white silk and gold embellishments. What a pretty gem in my cousin’s court Mary thought. Gliding across the great hall in flowing silk like a paragon of French excellence, Mary paused once she stood across from Marguerite and dipped her heart-shaped head to acknowledge the lady. “My lady,” Mary greeted with a natural warmth that rivaled that of mother Earth herself. “We have not yet been formally introduced by I was compelled by your radiance to make your acquaintance.” Standing a decent few inches above her in height, Mary’s eyes scanned the lady as she admired her garments and extended her hand for Marguerite to take into her own. “I must call upon your tailor for I am in awe of his work.”