Nessa let the maid tie the corset. Green velvet fell in cascades around the pale woman with black hair. Jadestones glittered in her hair, a golden net keeping the black strands in place. Golden emerald rings and bracelets littered her arms and fingers. Nessa wanted to be seen, to be known. No one would leave her party, saying that the Baroness couldn't dress up. Still, the dress was modest for nobility. The skirt followed Nessa's 'natural' shape, rather than using steel cages to expand hips and the like. No, Nessa preferred to show the real merchandise rather than a fake. That's what she would have everyone believe. Most people knew that something wasn't right about the Jadebaroness. Those living in her Barony knew she should at least be as old as some of them. Not looking like a young flower in springtime. But they knew better than to ask and so they kept their mouths shut. "Don't talk about the elephant in the room!", some people would say. Nessa looked into the mirror and turned around slowly, inspecting herself from all angles. Satiesfied with what she saw, Nessa gave a final nod.
"I am pleased. Announce my presence to the guests".
No Nessa hadn't been there to greet her own guests. She preferred to make an entrance too. Some would consider her rude. Most considered her to be excentric. It all depended if you wanted to be her friend or enemy.
Was the choice mine then I'd choose not to come. Seriously, who'd spend time with a Baroness who'd throw a fit if someone happend to ask her age? Nope, I'd like to keep my head, thank you very much. But let us not bother ourselves with my thoughts. Let us instead speak of our other main characther for this evening;
Desmond Jacque. The blue-haired musician who played the violin and gave hope to little boys.
The servant waited until he was sure Desmond followed him before walking away. He led him through the mansion's many corridors and doors, through birght-lit areas and a dim kitchen. He motioned for Desmond to come closer and opened a small unseemly door. When one peeked out it was clear this door was a trapdoor. It lead into the ballroom, concealed behind a drapery. Next to it was the stage. The servant looked at Desmond.
"When her ladyship, the Baroness enters and has descended the stairs and welcomed the guests you shall begin playing. Sneak out when everyone's attention is on the Baroness and claim the stage", the servant sighed, looking out "I do not envy you, boy. Being thrown out there with those vultures", he looked back at Desmond, placing a hand reassuringly on the boy's shoulder.
"I think you'll do fine. Play three, four songs. Then get yourself something to eat. The nobles will be wanting to mingle and talk to you. If you ever feel intimdated by them, excuse yourself and go back to the stage to play. If you can't go to the baroness. She won't let any harm come to you. Her honor can't allow that. Good luck lad, and see you later", the servant said before slipping away, leaving Desmond alone in the darkness, by the trap-door.
Almost immediately the colorful ballroom had its lights die down, focusing on the top of the stairs. There stood Nessa from the great House Feyal, Baroness of Videns, ruler and protector of her domain and all those who resides there. Silence enveloped the crowd as she made her descent. Chin held high, glare stony. Not a smile, only determination. Nessa let her eyes wander over the crowd, never looking directly into somebody's eyes. This might be seen as a weakness for some, to not be able to meet someones glare. Those who knew their Noble Houses knew why the Baroness averted her eyes. Many of the Feyal bloodline had some power connected to the eyes. They could make the persons they looked directly at feel things. Anything from love or fear, or maybe even other things. But one thing was certain. In this room of vipers, Nessa was by far the greatest predator. Her own grounds, her barony. But when she reached the bottom of the stair, she smiled and threw her arms wide in welcome. Tonight she would not bite, because tonight all the nobles, with their daughters, nieces and chevaliers were her guests. Tonight they shall rejoice and dance!
Her choice of words when greeting them, told them so. Tonight, friends. Tomorrow, maybe bitter enemies. But let tomorrow be tomorrow and tonight be tonight.
"Friends! I, Nessa from the Great House Feyal, Baroness of Videns, welcome you all. Dance happily with me tonight, and feel welcomed. Tonight we shall forget the burdens of tomorrow. Let us live all through this night and may good fortunes rain upon us all! I say once again, be welcome!"
Nessa shot a glare from the corner of her eye to the stage. Was Desmond there or not?