A pair of fountains gushed at the entrance of the Grand Throne Room Hall, bejeweled with strings of rich diamonds- both white and blue, that had been imported from the exotic lands of Essyrn. Their colors danced along with the waters, while the Great Door they were set before was framed in an equally fancy framework of flowers, feathers and more sparkling jewels, something that did not distract from the hand carved mahogany scenes chiseled into each panel of the decadent wooden door.
The Grand Duke Spared no expense, as the red carpet was laid, stretching from the steps outside the door all the way up to where it settled beneath the throne room chairs, where there sat the Grand Duke and Duchess themselves, sitting like a pair of fancy wild deer (as their costumes were as such), poised like a pair of porcelain figures, until the doors were officially open and Vesrik Delcheux stepped forth, announcing the start off the ball. Those who had been waiting outside were eager to come in, and it was at this the music began, a man playing on the harpsichord while the Grand Duke and Duchess rose and stood before their golden chairs to await their guests...
Once the guests would step inside, they would be overwhelmed by the enormity of the room, with it's walls coated in gold and ivory sculptures, tapestries and massive oil paintings and hand carved mahogany wood framing all the banisters. And up high, the ceiling faired the same, with ivory and gold sculptures blended into the stucco, and hanging with beautifully ornate chandeliers, with one massive one, hanging and strung out with diamonds, int he center. And all the gold, filagree detailed scones on the wall were lit up- and the place was positively glowing.
And the Grand Duke watched behind his mask and bowed to each duke or minor lady, as was customary while they all funneled in through the door. Off to the side, Vesrik continued his announcements, informing all wine and champagne were available by the passing servants or the refreshment table, the dessert table also made open, and the back parlor rooms ready for games. And dancing int he ball room, of course!
The Grand Duke perked up to this, but then found himself glancing up at towards the ceiling a moment when he thought he saw movement, but then noticed the servants working up there to ensure a few unlit candles got relit.
It was here, the Grand Duke, decked out in his grand costume as a wild stag, brushed back his dark green cape lightly to bow before his first royal pair of guests in one deep motion before rising his green eyes to them through his mask.