A Winter's Ball Ballroom PV Beckett Gala Guests

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Mentioning @Bridget Collins as Phylicia Stanwood

There was always a first for everything. This first was an invitation to the event of the season, or so the rumours claimed. A New Year’s party hosted by the Becketts, a well known pureblood family. Kazuo didn’t know the hostess, Miss Anastasia Beckett; they were years apart and didn’t even share a House but his family had all the right qualifications to be graced with an invitation. Qualifications that, to Kazuo, seemed spurious and outdated but he was beginning to believe that many of the traditions these wizards followed were spurious and outdated.

There had been some discussion on what to wear that had led to his mother threatening to send him in a furisode if he didn’t stop arguing with her. He had considered pushing that line for a brief moment but the look on his mother’s face warned him that it was no idle threat. So it was that he found himself in a tailored black suit and dress shirt, accented by a thin red tie and a silver tie pin in the shape of a cherry blossom. Red was traditional when celebrating the New Year and it was Kazuo’s favourite colour so he couldn’t complain too much even if he would have preferred something more comfortable.

Though it had been advertised that the Beckett manor was connected to the flu network, a method of travel the Shimadas found quite strange, they chose instead to drive to the event. No doubt it would cause a few whispers, purebloods using muggle transportation and all that, but the Shimadas didn’t particularly care about such judgements. They paused only briefly in the foyer to shed their coats then continued into the Grand Ballroom, pausing as Shirou gave the butler a quick lesson on how to properly pronounce their names.

“Announcing Ambassador Shirou Shimada, his wife, Lady Kyouko Shimada, and their son Kazuo Shimada.”

Kazuo rolled his eyes at the unnecessarily elaborate announcement but followed his parents into the radiant ballroom, drawing his expression into one of perfect polite interest, a mask he was all too used to donning. As his parents made their way around the room, exchanging small talk with the other guests, Kazuo watched for others closer to his age. After about the hundredth comment from some adult or other about what an adorable young man he was his mother finally granted him the small mercy of escape.

“Kaz, why don’t you go get yourself something to drink?” She prompted with a hint of sympathy. He took the opportunity without regret, slipping away from his parents and finding his way over to the bar where he caught a young girl he didn’t know making a terrible face at her coffee cup. A hint of a smile twitched at the corners of his lips as he requested a grapefruit juice from the bartender, eyes shifting to the nearby table loaded with an absolutely ridiculous amount of hors d’oeuvres. None of which, to his disappointment, appeared to be sushi. With a disappointed sigh, he chose a random selection of canapés and moved to a quiet spot at the edge of the dance floor, scanning the crowd of adults in the hopes that he might recognize someone closer to his age.

Outfit

Reducio

@Anastasia Beckett & @Willow Anderson
{Outfits - Art & References}
{Continuing from the Foyer}

"Presenting Lord Dralt, Commodore of Dralt Trading Company, and his heir:
Lord Pericles Pontius Dralt."

Commodore: a title carried by commanders of multiple vessels, or captains recognized for their exceptional navigation capability and seagoing seniority in merchant services. The six-foot-three undead cut an intimidating figure in his exotic sherwani and regal tricorn, an ensemble which bespoke years of exploration and experience. Besides his father, Pericles felt dolled up like a skinny soldier in a foppish dress uniform. Aside from their curious coloration, the two looked little alike the longer one looked. Pericles' features were gentle, tranquil, like a face carefully crafted from marble. Isaac's were jagged and forbidding, cheekbones jutting like craggy rocks from a gloomy sea. There was a consistent coldness to him, stare always sharp, seeming capable of snatching up every detail of the room with a glance.

Pericles, in complete contrast, was in a semi-conscious daze. He hardly saw who was around him, instead reciting outlines of etiquette while he walked. She was an heir, not the matron, thus he must address Ana with her title followed by first name. He would not hand her the gifts, but pass them off to an attendant. One mustn't preoccupy the hostess too long, particularly not when names were being announced, as it was rude to draw her attention away from other guests. With a reassuring murmur, his father hung back, folding his hands behind himself to observe the exchange from a considerate distance. Isaac was well aware of the unfavorable aura he naturally radiated, and seemed to suppose it best not to darken their interaction.

Pericles brought a black bag in his hands, something expanded on the inside by an extending enchantment. The heir called a cordial "Lady Anastasia," with a formal bow of his head, then turned to mutely extend the same politeness to her companion, who he did not recognize, until-
Pericles did a double-take at Willow, and for just a moment, the numb expression became dumbfounded. Several thoughts flitted through his head: hadn't she claimed to be a muggleborn? Yes, she was; Willow wouldn't have lied about something silly like that. But she was here! Dressed to the nines and accompanying Anastasia no less. "Willow!" Oof- off script. A boyish grin was growing, expression shifting from confusion to delight, followed then by an unspoken apology for what she was about to witness. There was an excess of formality that came with any proper pureblood function. With any luck, she would be entertained by it all in the end as opposed to intimidated. He quietly, contritely began again, looking back to the hostess with a light clearing of the throat.

"Lady Anastasia: on behalf of my family, I thank you for your hospitality, and ask permission to present our favors." Once granted, he began by presenting an ornate crystal container brimming with golden liquid. "Irish honey from my sister, Lady Abigale, with her apologies at being unable to attend." Next were several apothecary jars. He briefly stressed over the idea of presenting every single one, then opted not to do so, instead lifting a large container of emerald leaves as an example. "Valerian, peppermint, lavender, dittany, and asphodel, grown in my mother's- in Lady Dralt's garden, with her apologies as well." Lastly, a simple satin sack, though he tilted the top towards her to expose a sliver of its contents. Countless ethereal silvery threads. "Unicorn hair, humanely collected in Finland, imported by my father's shipping company." Thank Merlin. He had rehearsed those lines in his head at least ten times while crossing the room. They were delivered, and all that was left was to wait for her to hopefully accept them, then hand the thing off to the nearest household staff.

Presenting appreciation favors to the hostess and being excited for their mutual muggleborn
OOC permission given to auto-engage

Open to any and all interactions.

・．━━━━━━━━━━ 𝑀𝒾𝒸𝒽𝒶𝑒𝓁 𝑀𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓇™ ━━━━━━━━━━ ．・ Interacting With: TBD Mentioning: TBD Action: Entering BallroomI II III IV V Hex Color: Dark Green ・．___^_ ║▌║█║▌│║▌║▌█ _^___ ．・

The Miller family decided that only half of them should go two days before the Ball. Next, They decided it should only be three people. Finally, in the end, Ana Nicole and her son were the only two to come. Ana was wearing a long green dress with lace covering the chest area, it lacked straps. Michael was wearing a white suit, with black buttons and black cuffs. They entered the hall with a brief announcement of their entrance, just a " Presenting Lady Miller, and her Heir, Michael Miller."

Miller and his mother quickly separated, the woman going to get her first of many drinks, the boy going to sit at a table. His gaze falling on many people and then leaving as quickly as it came. He was bored, his father refused to let him bring his books, whether it was one to read in or one to draw in. He drummed his fingers on the table, before blushing at some of the disapproving looks he received. Gosh, you leave one strict parent for about thirty more. He decided it would be easier just walking around until there was someone he could talk to, or something for him to do.

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Past Posts: [I]

Half a look and Alexander was wholly underwhelmed. Same drinks, same music, same swans. He understood the need for a theme but please, a little creativity couldn't hurt. Fighting his sigh, he stepped inside. Oh well, at the very least, these guests seemed more interesting.

He'd always preferred people his age. Maybe it was odd, since he'd always been regarded as mature for his age, but he found that young people were more flexible, more bendable, and all the more aware. It was easy to fool an adult. It was also easy to fool a child, but at least he had to put a little more effort in. At least it was a little more entertaining. And wasn't that the purpose of a gala? To have a little... fun.

With his smile still wedged gently against his teeth, Alexander walked further to the center of the room. Ah, it was so nice to be rid of his parents. Let them play their games. He didn't need them for his.

Alexander surveyed the room. No one jumped out at him as particularly worth approaching yet. And he wasn't really one to approach anyway, not unless he could get something out of it. Everyone here was of high standing, he was certain, but not so recognizable that they were worth extra effort on his part. People would come to him. They always did. If not, well... he looked around once more. It wouldn't be hard to convince someone into small talk. Not for him.

Alexander stopped at the edge of the dance floor, keeping his stance relaxed and inviting. Ahh. Well, perhaps this would turn into a fun night after all. Perhaps.

Action:Entering the ball and sitting in the bar, waiting for her friends.

Interacting with none at the moment Mentioning everyone at scene

Open to interactions! hair+outfit

Fitzwilliam | Carolyn | Edmund | Lindsey

Seriously speaking, Lindsey was actually looking forward to this gala. It might be very, or extremely stupid and boring, but she just wished to attend — to flee from the Springhall Heights, that was.

So much had happened this autumn and winter. First she wrote a letter concerning her weird aunt, and then her grandfather sent their whole family to York. She had to leave Kensington, her lovely home, the Serendipity Garden, and all the gorgeous London streets. What’s worse, her parents, her brother and herself were now under the protect of an old wizard of 94 years old of age — her great grandfather. Grandfather Herbert’s father. The Duke Springhall of York.

Yes. Her great grandfather was a Duke. At least people called him so. She wasn’t very sure whether he indeed had that title, but at least in the wizarding world he was one, of a honorable all Slytherin family. And her kind, good grandfather Herbert was called as Marquis Herbert Charles Aryan Springhall. Everything seemed crazy and weird. Everything.

Her father Fitzwilliam became a count as soon as he arrived. Or, he, and Uncle Andre were always counts, only they had never been to their original home. The Springhall Heights. Best house in York. She soon learnt that her grandfather had chosen to leave this home when he graduated from Hogwarts, and to start a new life in Kensington. The reason was basically that he couldn’t bear those strict rules.

But why did he introduce his children and grandchildren back to that crazy old manor again? Lindsey did not know. Okay, so even if she had spent tons of time reading in the library (the Springhalls had a library) in the Heights, she found nothing about it. And Edmund did not know. Even her parents knew nothing. The air in the Springhall Heights was dull and boring, and Lindsey perceived that it was not a place for kids to grow up healthily. The strict rules, and the dull manor! Oh! She was never used to being a pureblood, as her parents even let her attended a muggle primary school.

“Time to set off, children.” her father Fitzwilliam went into the apartment where Lindsey and Edmund were staying, and whispered to them. The Springhall siblings nodded, and quietly followed — they should not alert the Duke. From the time her parents signed up for the event, the Duke was not aware of it. Yes, he was sick. At least he was supposed so. Lindsey chuckled a bit for her parents’ clever excuse. A 94-year-old man should be sick, wasn’t it?

Quietly, Lindsey changed her outfit. Her mother helped her to braid her hair, and Lindsey casted a thankful look towards her. “You are gorgeous, my dear.” her beautiful mother told her. “Thanks mom.” she whispered back, and stepped into the fireplace.

And there she was. Back in London, only in the Beckett’s house. “You like it?” Edmund asked. “Maybe.” she pressed his hand. “Though I still prefer Serendipity Garden.”

“Now announcing Count Fitzwilliam Nicholas Bertrand Springhall, Countess Carolyn Heather Isabella Springhall, Lord Edmund Lucas Adrian Springhall and Lady Lindsey Florence Evanthe Springhall.” a voice suddenly started. Lindsey shivered a little bit. It was cold indeed…

Her parents went off almost immediately, to socialize with others. They would probably have a hard time explaining why the Duke Springhall was not present…when she felt Edmund patted on her shoulder. “Apparently we are not the first. So do you want to socialize a bit, like mom and dad?” he asked. “If you are not, then I’m going on my own.”

Suddenly she began to panic. Something that was definitely not used to Lindsey. She was rather afraid. Her etiquette were definitely not that well as kids grown up in a completely strict pureblooded family, and all she possessed was the things her mother taught her when she was young. But that was only a little. The Duke Springhall had complained about her lack of ettiquetts at the very beginning, when she just arrived at the Springhall Heights. And she was terrible at dancing. Terrible. What if someone invited her to dance? Then she would be laughed — by everyone, that was.

“Wait a sec, okay, Ed?” she begged him, in a low voice. “Please…you know I’m an extremely terrible dance.” a small smile appeared on her pretty face. “See you later then, Lynn!” her brother announced. “I should be seeking thrills in this house!” and Lindsey was left alone near the food table. Thoughtfully she picked up a glass of lemonade. The girl could be seen sipping it, and observing her surroundings.

Merlin. Why was the pureblood’s world so difficult for one to survive? Hopefully she could get back to Springhall Heights not injured — Lindsey was not a big fan of this gala anymore. She swore, next time when her parents decided to attend a ball, she should refuse to go with them. This gala was dull, just like staying in Springhall Heights. It was definitely, definitely not as interesting as the Hogwarts ones.

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OOC Note: As a pureblood, you might have heard about/met the Duke David Daniel Darius Springhall of York, who is the current head of the honorable Springhall family. And, although he is already 94 years old, he loves to attend all sorts of upper class balls. You might would like to inquire the Duke’s grandson Count Fitzwilliam Nicholas Bertrand Springhall or his wife Countess Carolyn Heather Isabella Springhall about why the Duke is not present at such a large event. The youngest members of the family, Lord Edmund Lucas Adrian Springhall and Lady Lindsey Florence Evanthe Springhall would love to tell you about the Duke’s absence if you ask them about it as well.

A glimpse of the Springhalls at the ball:
-Fitzwilliam: tall, good shape, dark brown hair, clear blue eyes, in a well made suit, handsome, eye catching.
-Carolyn: medium height, slim, brown hair, black eyes, in a long light blue dress, charming and beautiful.
-Edmund: reaches his mother’s height, athletic built, black hair, clear blue eyes, in a suit, handsome like his father.
-Lindsey: medium height, slim, golden brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, in a dark blue dress, very lovely.

Open to any and all interactions.

Open to interactions
Mentioning: @Katie Palsorette | @Michael Miller | @Pericles Dralt
Interacting: @Santario Martin

Action: Trying not to judge anyone entering, Dancing with Santario while conversing

For Mods: Stats: Stamina: 6| Evasion: 5| Strength: 10| Wisdom: 4| Arcpower: 5| Accuracy: 10| Total: 40
Abilities: Evasion Maneuver, Lovely Creature

_{Charles ~ Russian|French|Spanish|German|English
Andrew ~ English|Russian}

Charles would catch the others eyes and nod slightly to let her own that he understood upon turning to his own family who were busy introducing his brother to someone who worked for the ministry. Charles kept a matured look about him as he spoke softly with a British accent toward his father " I wouldn't like to get in your way father so if you'll allow I will be over there for the time being," he gestured with a head nod toward the raven hair girl as his father merely glanced before saying " just stay out of trouble and don't embarrass this family," Charles restrained himself as he spoke " of course father."

He felt his older brother watching as the thirteen year old walk through the ball room and toward the raven hair girl, stopping at a point that would be bothering her personal space. Hearing her introduction first with a French accent, Charles would smile toward her and give a small bow before saying with a pure British accent " Charles Alluring, Dumstrang. I would certainly," the boy then would look over his shoulder toward his family that was still sadly there and is brother who was watching him probably watching to see if he would escape which meant he couldn't yet as he held a hand out toward Santario before stepping closer toward the center of the room where he saw a white hair duo probably father and son enter the room.

Charles after stepping closer to the center would bow toward her before holding out his hands and after she would take it, he would dance rather slowly as he spoke " thank you," a slight glance toward his family which were sadly still there before continuing " I assume this isn't your scene then?" He then saw a family of three enter before another duo; this time what looked like a mother and son. Charles looked back toward his family still there which meant he had to keep up this act for a bit longer at best.

Interacting| Charles Alluring (@Henry Knight)
Mentioning|
Open to interactions

Action| Dancing and conversing with Charles.