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@Anastasia Beckett
Closed to Interaction (for now)

After the whole family fiasco with her parents, Scarlett had been informed that they were to attend the Beckett's New Years Gala, hosted by the one and only Anastasia Beckett. It was apparently necessary to attend a ball of the highest class to get their reputation up again, as put by her father. She had protested, of course, refusing to go and all that, but eventually her parents threatened her with the looming prospect of moving to America, snatching away her school and her friends in one quick word. Reluctantly, she had agreed to go. How horrible was it that a parent would threaten their own child, just for her to go to a gala? Disgusting, really.

Scarlett had rebelled in her own way, wearing a choker along with the dress and shoes her parents had selected out for her. Thankfully, the dress wasn't a ballgown. Even at the Masquerade at school a few months ago, Scarlett had refused a ballgown. They were too long and frilly and complicated.

She sullenly slumped to the fireplace of Marigold Villa, her mother anxiously checking the time, resplendent in her white ballgown. Her father stood as stoic as always in his generic suit. They looked up at Scarlett as she arrived with a scowl.

"Straighten your posture Scarlett," snapped her father. "We can't have you looking like an adolescent Muggle boy at a gala."

Evelyn glanced at Scarlett, giving her an inspection. She turned around silently to the fireplace, signalling that it was all fine. Scarlett refrained from punching her mother in her pretty pale face. How could she be so weak? So indifferent? And to her own daughter. It hurt but Scarlett managed. Though she would sometimes wish her mother loved her a bit more - although that was also weak.

The family silently stepped into the fireplace, Scarlett giving one last look back at their living room before they Floo-ed away.

***

They appeared out of the Beckett's magnificent fireplace. Evelyn looked at it with envy whilst her father checked the time with a quick glance at his watch. "On time," he announced. We have minutes to spare before the first hour is up." Evelyn nodded and dusted down her strapless white ballgown, matched with the little white purse she was carrying. Scarlett glared at her mother, hoping that she would spill something on her dress that night. Unlikely though. Her mother was the epitome of grace.

"The Beckett Gala seems even better than last year," remarked Evelyn with an approving nod. "Anastasia seems to have - what is it that Muggles say - gone all out."

"Agreed," nodded Levius. "I believe they're announcing us."

Scarlett frowned. "What do you mean announcing?" she asked whirling to her parents.

"Now announcing the Aden family - Lord Levius Aden, current owner of the family estate and his wife and daughter, Lady Fulton and Miss Scarlett respectively." A booming voice came, almost ironically and immediately afterwards. People glanced at the new arrivals, some recognising Lady Fulton from her family.

Scarlett clenched her fists together. "Way to bring the fucking attention to us!" she snapped, still unable to tell her parents about her and Beckett's little...issue.

"Don't curse Scarlett," frowned Evelyn. Anyway, as your father said, we simply must get our reputation back up. Oh, there comes Anastasia! Doesn't she look stunning?"

Scarlett glanced over to where her rival was standing. She narrowed her eyes. Of course she was dressed in red. She was a Gryffindor after all. But now she was fucking blonde, and blonde hair worked well on anything. Why must everyone be so perfect at the stupid ball? She felt out of place. Scarlett had never attended a pure-blood ball before. Scarlett had never been raised in the aristocratic society before. Scarlett had never even known how big her family was and how they had all these connections. All she wanted to do was go back to Godric's Hollow, play with her friends and have tea with Fiona. Not this.

"Let us go speak to Miss Anastasia," said Levius, after a quiet moment of thinking. Evelyn nodded in agreement but Scarlett didn't go so easily.

"I will not," snarled Scarlett. "I will not go to 'Miss Anastasia'."

Evelyn sighed before dragging Scarlett by the wrist. "Remember the warning," said Evelyn. "And...is there something you're not telling me about you and Anastasia?"

"It's not like I keep secrets or anything," snapped Scarlett sarcastically. "And don't fucking touch me."

She decided if she was going to meet Beckett again, she would do it with confidence. Head up, she strode over to the hostess with her father, who had a smile plastered on his face.

"Miss Anastasia! I must say, you've done splendidly well with the gala this year. Me and my wife attended a while ago and it was incredibly beautiful then, but this is true splendour. Have you met my daughter Scarlett? I believe you two go to Hogwarts together."

He pushed Scarlett forward. She stuck her tongue out at Beckett. He pushed her again. She made cross-eyes and loopy fingers.

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Roleplaying as Beauxbatons iNPC

Interacting with: Nobody in particular
Mentioning: Alexander Baron (@Mars T'ien), @Katherine Labrouder
Status: Open for Interaction!

English: #6C4971
French: #AE989A
German: #5A7189
Mandarin: 2A3C54

Post tracker: [x] [x]

"Now announcing Miss Viola Rhia Tempete, heir of the Tempete family."

Viola entered the ballroom with a natural air of confidence. She strode with class down the long line of stairs. With her nose in the air and her eyes looking straight forward, secretly assessing every person she saw.

Alexander Baron, of course. The choice of a mainly white tuxedo intrigued Viola. Maybe she would talk with him about it later in the night. Maybe she would not.

Katherine whatever-her-surname-was. Oh. Ew.

A bar in the corner. Perhaps she would get some non-alcoholic wine.

Finally, she arrived at the bottom of the stairs. Making her way over to the bar, she had enough dignity to ignore Katherine. She spoke to the bartender with a with a charismatic smile.

"May I please have a non-alcoholic Cabernet? Thank you."

Soon her drink was made and given to her, and she made her exit, avoiding any drama which could have started if she had approached Katherine. She wished for something interesting to happen, yes, but she did not mean "a little girl in big girl makeup throwing a tantrum" when she said "something interesting".

So, she strolled around, waiting to be approached, or, finally, although it seemed more unlikely by the second, for something actually interesting to happen.

Action: Getting a drink, strolling

[/font]

Interacting with @Katie Palsorette Mentioning everyone at scene

Open to interactions! hair+outfit

Fitzwilliam | Carolyn | Edmund | Lindsey

Okay, okay, stay focus. Sipping lemonade, Lindsey’s eyes went scanning the whole ballroom. People were talking everywhere. They were dancing, laughing, making their way to their old acquaintances. But anyways, they were all merry. Very happy.

“The Duke Springhall is not feeling well…” she heard her mother’s voice saying. A small smile slowly floated onto her face. People had already started inquiring about the 94-year-old wizard? Merlin, that was quick.

“Hello.” she was alarmed by someone making their way to her. Putting her glass down as quick as she could, Lindsey turned towards the newcomer. It was a girl. One brunette, and rather young of age. Lindsey perceived that she was a first year, or even younger, since she had never met her around before.

“I am Katie, Katie Palsorette. Heir to the ancient and noble family of Palsorette.” she heard the girl introducing herself. “Hi—” she opened her lips, and started, but suddenly stopped. No “hey”. No “hi”. No “hiya”. Duke Springhall had told her those on the very first day she arrived at Springhall Heights. That was extremely impolite, as he had said. Though Lindsey had never believed in this, she had decided she’d better follow his instructions tonight. Her parents shouldn’t be blamed for her “impoliteness”. They should never.

“Lady Lindsey Florence Evanthe Springhall of York.” she answered quietly, and curtsied. She felt weird when announcing her name. Her own name. Edmund had always said that “Lady” didn’t match “Lindsey”, as they had the same initials. And she agreed. Mostly she wouldn’t agree with Edmund and tend to bicker with him, but not when he said that. Never.

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Miss Palsorette.” finally she gathered all the strength to speak. It was difficult. She was panicking. What if she didn’t do that well? What if others started laughing at her? Obviously Lindsey wasn’t raised like a pureblood. She was more of a child of the wild, as the Duke had judged. “I go to Hogwarts. Do I have the pleasure to know yours?” she asked, with a charming smile on her face. Maybe she could do it. Maybe she’d behave “properly” tonight.

Not a very bad start. Hopefully this girl wasn’t that sort of snobby pureblood like her great grandfather. Hopefully.

[1][2][3]

Reducio

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.

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Roleplaying as iNPC Enzo Delcroix
When speaking in English uses: This Colour
When in French uses: This colour plus Italics & Bold
Madeline Delcroix [Mother]: This colour
Adrien Delcroix [Father]: This colour
Interacting with: Everyone present
~ Open to Interactions ~
Outfit:[/font]

Reducio

[font=Monotype Corsiva]
“Now announcing Monsieur Delcroix, Madame Delcroix and their son”

Enzo forced his eyes not to roll all the way to the back of his head as he felt his mom’s hand land on his back and lightly nudge him forward causing him to be the first one to actually step into the Ballroom. He stopped and looked around at all the decor and the caterers while he listened to the soft music playing in the background, but he was neither impressed nor disappointed... just rather uninterested.

His parents stood behind him stoically, his mother’s arm daintily linked with his father as they finally stepped forward as well.

After strolling around the ballroom a caterer approached with a tray of drinks offering a beverage to his parents. His mother all prim and proper, accepted a glass of champagne for her and his father. The two clinked their glasses together and took sips before Madeline turned to Enzo and spoke.
”Enzo, you’re free to go off on your own now. ” His mother stated to him while she nodded in the direction of where most of the children seemed to be gathering. Although it was worded like a suggestion, the tone and the look he was given told him otherwise. She was getting rid of quicker than usual... whatever.

”But Maman, I would rather stay here” He replied to her boldly.
There was no doubt that he would rather listen to the adults drone on about all their boring adult-y things then go find all the people his age, but he knew that it most likely wasn’t going to be an option, though it was still worth a try.
She rose an eyebrow at his impudence and then spoke up sternly once more.
“I wasn’t really asking Mon Cher. It will do you a lot of good to socialize with these children. Now off you go”. He looked over at his father hoping possibly that he would speak up, say something helpful, but to no avail. He had just stayed quiet.

Enzo couldn’t stand his parent's sharp gazes anymore, so he quickly looked down and respectfully bowed his head, then turned and walked away while softly mimicking his mother’s words under his breath.
”It would do you a lot of good to socialize... pfft”

Now time to undertake dealing with the children.

Interacting with N/A.
Mentioning @Scarlett Aden and @Anastasia Beckett.
Actions: Enter the ballroom, loose her sister, watch Scarlett and Ana in uttermost horror.

Reducio

Normally, Lucia Fox wouldn't mind going to a New Year's Gala, especially one hosted by one of the richest and most famous pureblood families in England - but today was a little different. Today, the gala in question was hosted by Anastasia Beckett, a third-year rather famous in the Hogwarts halls as being associated with fire, fights and coffee - none of which gave the Hufflepuff a particularly good impression of the older girl. It also didn't help that the Gryffindor had completely beaten up one of Lucia's close friends, Scarlett Aden. But now she had to go to a gala Anastasia was hosting, and pretend to be nice and civilised and pretty all whilst trying to avoid the host. Fun times.

At least she liked her outfit. According to Ebony, who was far more well-versed in the terms of social events than her daughter was, it would never do to be seen wearing the same dress twice. This was a statement which Lucia Fox didn't entirely understand - surely, it didn't matter as long as she looked neat? In any case, Ebony had exchanged Lucia's blue gown from the Hogwarts Autumn Ball (oh, how she had loved that dress) for a shimmering pink number, surprisingly light, which swished around the raven-haired girl's legs as she moved. Her dark hair had been put half-up in a bun, while the rest tumbled down her back, and out of habit she carried her wand in her bag. Lucia's favourite thing about her outfit, however, was definitely the fan. She had been given it by her sisters (it had been a joint present) for Christmas, and the Hufflepuff held it, closed, in her right hand.

Though Willow had been left in the care of the Fox's house elf, Rosa, due to being only six years old, Briar Fox had not yet managed to escape the Gala and stood awkwardly next to her older sister in a long purple dress which Lucia adored. Briar herself seemed to have different opinions, however, and picked at the skirt until Ebony slapped her hand away and gave the girls a short lecture about how they were representitives of the Fox family and had to be polite and ladylike.

Still looking rather sick from apparating to the Beckett Manor, Briar watched in barely disguised horror as Ebony gave their names to the butler - woah, Lucia couldn't stop herself from thinking, a butler - and he began to call them out to the assembled guests. "Announcing Ebony Marigold Fox and her daughters, Lucia and Briar Reyna Fox."
The names sounded rather flat after the long titles and excessive middle names of the families before them, but that didn't seem to matter to Ebony as she gave her daughters a nod and encouraging smile before sweeping forwards. Lucia quickly followed, grabbing Briar's hand as the other girl didn't seem likely to move by herself, and as she hurried into the crowd she heard a few whispers.

"Why, isn't that Ebony Fox? Antony's wife? She has a nerve..."
"Oh, look at her daughers, aren't they just her splitting image?"
"I'm surprised the Foxes made it onto the guest list... they're supposed to be dreadfully poor."
"Don't they have some little shop in Oxford? Very quaint."

Lucia gripped her sister's hand tighter and hurried through the crowd. "Bree..." she murmured, but the Hufflepuff didn't have to say anything else. Briar knew how she was feeling.
"Yeah..."

It was barely a moment before Lucia found herself distracted, and the distraction was in the form of her friend Scarlett entering the room. The black-haired girl stood on tiptoes to get a better look, loosening Briar's hand for a moment. "Is that-"
"...Lord Levius Aden, current owner of the family estate and his wife and daughter, Lady Fulton and Miss Scarlett respectively."
"What the-" Scarlett didn't live with her parents, Lucia knew that. So why was she attending a gala with them? Why-
"Lucy," Briar's voice broke through Lucia's thoughts, "Lucy, I told Faith- Faith was one of Briar's friends- "I'd meet her at the bar over there, so I'm gonna go see if she's here yet."
"Okay," Lucia agreed, then began to make her way towards Scarlett. But she stopped short when she realised something - Scarlett's parents were talking to the hostess. And the hostess just so happened to be Scarlett's biggest rival. "Oh no..."

Interact with : @Katherine Labrouder Mentioning : Everyone at the scene Open to other Interactions

Hex code : #008080 - English #000080 - French #4B0082 - Spanish

When Cash and their mother arrived at the Beckett's Winter Ball, the gala already full swing. The strings played some ballroom songs and it is what Cash expected from one of infamous Beckett's Gala. Cash only met Ana once or twice. Recently Ana's house, Gryffindor beat Cash's house, Slytherin in Quidditch match.

The lost was a sore blow to the green eyes but Cash always have sportsmanship in them. Cash and their mother are standing, queueing, and waiting for one of Ana's butler to introduced both of them. When it is time for both of them to be represented by the butler, Cash's mother speak lowly to the butler. Not long after that the voice of Ana's butler filled the room.

"Presenting the Ironwoods Family - Lady Aleta Ramiréz and her heiress, Phoenix Cassandra Acosta Ironwoods"The butler expressed. Cash can not stopped themselves to let out a sighed when their mother choose to told Ana's butler their full name and now the whole people that goes to Hogwarts will know their first name.

"Way to go revealing my first name, mother"Cash muttered under their breath. Cash's mother already some steps in front of the purple hair. She turned around. "What was that you saying, dear?"Their mother asked them with perfect Cuban accent. "Nothing"Cash smiled a faux smile on their face. Cash mother nodded her head and continue climbing down the stairs.

On the way down, Cash can spotted some familiar faces. Cash tried to keep their balance on their 7 inch heels. It is been so long since the last ball they attended and used this kind of shoes. When the mother - daughter landed on the floor of the Ballroom, Cash looked at their mother. "Now what we do?"Cash questioned.

"You go there,"Cash's mother point to a vague place for Cash to set off. "And you?"Cash asked again. "I will be over there"Cash's mother point to where all the grow up stands around. "Or you know at the foyer"Cash's mother told them. Cash nodded their head and with that the mother - daughter duo went to their separated ways.

The first stop Cash decided to stopped by are the bar. The purple hair flagged down the barkeep. "Can I have a Virgin (non alcoholic) Mojito, please?"Cash told the bartender. The bartender nodded his head and not long before that the cold, fresh, mint, and sparkling beverage of Cash choosing is in front of them. Cash turned around and scanned the room.

One person caught their eyes. Cash walked up to her, Virgin Mojito on their hand. "I guess you got roped into this too, huh?"Cash took a small sip of their beverage and waiting for the other girl to respond back at them.

☆ Open to Interactions ☆
Interacting with -
English • #2E8B57 | Welsh • #0080BF | French • #804080
Jacob's Outfit | Sarah's Outfit | Helena's Outfit

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Sarah had put up a fight, she really had, one which she knew even her Great Aunt had been surprised with. She’d been arguing with her father about attending this ridiculous gala since he’d first brought up the invitation. He’d of course taken up upon himself to RSVP for her and had claimed it rude to not go now. Sarah disagreed. Surely it would be ruder for her to attend an event and stand sour faced all night because she didn’t want to be there. She’d tried to reason that he Aunt Helena could go without her, leave her in the company of the house elves. It hadn’t gone well. There’d been shouting and harsh words which Sarah would never admit cut her deeply, before her father had threatened - once again - that if she didn’t comply, he’d be removing her from Hogwarts.

“It’s those wayward friends of yours causing you to act out like this,” He’d said as she slammed her bedroom door behind her. He was wrong, of course, any wayward thoughts settling within her because of him, no one else. But it was enough of a threat to cause her to get dressed and ultimately follow him through grand entrance of the Beckett Manor. She knew, realistically, that she could end up enjoying this evening. She loathed the fact that most of the guests were invited purely because of their blood status, though knew many of them were likely not as bigoted as her father. Still, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her having a good time. “Cheer up, love,” Her aunt had whispered and Sarah was eternally grateful that at least she’d not be suffering tonight alone.

Despite all of her reluctance, she couldn’t stop the small smile from curling the edges of her lips as they entered the ballroom. The gala was already in full swing, the Lightwoods having arrived fashionably late due to the youngest member of the party - much to her father’s chagrin. Still, even Sarah couldn’t help the momentary awe which came with the sight before her. The decorations and lights were beautiful, the music seemingly swirling around her and tempting her to dance, and the people, all dressed in gowns and suits as extravagant as hers. She wasn’t a stranger to lavish balls, having grown up surrounded by them, but it was still a sight to behold.

She felt herself patting down her dress, dusting invisible marks from its skirt - a nervous habit she’d picked up somewhere which she was desperately trying to break. Her father and aunt’s voices seemed faraway as she was lost int thought, waiting in a line to be introduced as if they were some sort of royalty. Sarah grimaced at the idea. Pretentious Pure-Bloods. Still, the custom was something she was used to by now. She let her hand wander towards her hip where she could feel the outline of her wand pressed comfortingly against her leg. Pockets were always a must in her opinion, even in ballgowns. She knew she was underaged and therefore not allowed to perform magic, though it didn’t stop her from bringing her wand everywhere. She often felt lost without it. The thought was cut short as her father straightened and the butler began his announcement.

“Presenting the Lightwood Family,” Ana’s butler said loudly. Sarah forced herself not to outwardly cringe. “Lord Jacob Lightwood, Lady Helena Lightwood, and Miss Seraphina Katerina Mòrag Lightwood.”

It took all of her will power not to roll her eyes. Seraphina. Only her father ever called her that. “Play nice,” Her aunt’s words were whispered hastily into her ear as the trio made their way into the ballroom and towards the crowds of people. No doubt her father had already spotted one of his business friends and she’d be forced to act interested when they spoke to her.

“I don’t want to be here,” She grumbled, knowing full well she sounded like a petulant child but doing nothing to correct herself. Her aunt’s eyes were fierce but kind, telling her to behave herself whilst also offering her some comfort that she likely felt the same. She’d been unfortunately right about her father, the man talking animatedly to a slightly older man with a funny moustache which Sarah longed to make a joke about. She kept her mouth shut, if only because of the threat which still loomed over her. She couldn’t imagine not going back to Hogwarts.

She glanced around the ballroom, eyes landing on a few guests who she recognised, just none enough for her to want to approach. She sighed as she became resigned to the fact that she likely wasn’t going to want to approach anyone this evening. The majority of those she considered friends - or at least those she was friendly with - were not Pure-Blood and therefore would not be gracing this ballroom tonight.

“Yes, my daughter, Seraphina,” Her father’s words caught her attention. And there was that name again. The man her father had been speaking to offered her a tight-lipped smile, one even the least observant could tell was forced. She’d been taught the etiquette expected from her at functions such as this for many years and knew full well her father would like her repose to be a nod or smile. Perhaps that was why she reached for the man’s hand and shook it enthusiastically.

“Hi, I’m Sarah. It’s lovely to meet you,” her tone was over the top, words dripping with sarcasm as she grinned at the man. She heard her aunt cough, no doubt an attempt to cover her laughter. She prided herself on the fact that she could make the older woman laugh with her antics. Her father’s scowl and fierce eyes were less amused. She could practically here his thunderous voice which would no doubt be directed at her the second they were alone. Her own amusement was worth it though, as she looked at him with big, innocent eyes.

“Why don’t you go and find yourself a refreshment?” He asked, though it was a clear order which was not to be disputed. Despite herself, Sarah actually listened this time, politely tilting her head towards the man with the funny moustache and excusing herself.

She felt overwhelmingly out of place, anxious and alone despite how many people surrounded her as she made her way to the edge of the ballroom. Not that anyone would notice the anxiety riddling the girl as the mask she’d perfected many years ago was firmly in place. To anyone looking, she’d appear unimpressed, bored even. She found she liked it that way. She didn’t make her way towards the bar as her father had suggested, instead taking a seat at one of the empty tables surrounding the ballroom floor. From here, she could partake in one of her favourite activities - people watching - which would hopefully make this evening a little less painful. A small part of her still held hope that one fo her friends had somehow made it onto the guest list, though she knew it was likely misplaced. Instead, she focussed on those on the floor who were dancing, a part of her aching to join them though knowing she would not be dancing tonight. She sighed, rested her elbow against the food-laden table she sat at and popped a small chocolate into her mouth. "Buckle up, Lightwood. It’s going to be a long night."

Open to interactions!
Interacting with: @Anastasia Beckett
Outfits:
The Father | The Daughter | The Mother
The Father: #000040 | The Daughter: #400040 | The Mother: #800080

What was the point of balls, truly? Surely there were more practical ways of displaying your wealth and power that didn't include forcing yourself to endure the company of other, and equally, rich and powerful people? Maybe it was just because, as Silver's mother always told her, she was too young and stubborn for now, but the girl simply could not wrap her mind around willingly inviting a crowd of judgmental, ever-watchful people to your home. It didn't help, either, that with this particular ball, Silver and her family had been invited and were now required to come.

Yes, there was a certain brilliance to the gathering of so many magical people in one area- a certain powerful feel to the air- but overall, the whole premise of balls was too tiresome to be attractive to the girl. After all, it was really nothing more than a quick "look at me!" for the host or hostess, but for the attendees, too. Silver's mother, at least, had been adamant that they take this, in her words, "so kindly offered" opportunity to advance the Ventress's ties in England. This, of course, meant a busy evening for her mother and father, but Silver knew that she, too, was expected to create connections at this ball.

"Do remember, Silvia," her mother reminded her now, as they neared the entrance to the ballroom, "I have not dressed you like this for your fun. You are a beautiful woman; I have made sure of this, now is your chance to use it. There will be young men present today from noble, fitting famili-"

"Beatrice, darling," cut in Silver's father as she felt him give her hand a quick squeeze. "Not today, please, dear. Our daughter is yet too young for our... theatrics, wouldn't you say?" Silver would've quailed in an instant under the cold, sharp look her mother threw her father, but his gaze did not falter. She watched carefully as her parents stared intently at each other, a wordless argument flashing between their eyes. Finally- her mother looked away, and Silver fought the urge to smile.

"You are spoiling your child, Atticus."

Your child, Silver thought to herself. As if by saying that Silver was only the child of her father, her mother could remove all of her own responsibility and connection to the girl. As if it was a disappointment to be related to her. Silver's jaw clenched, but her gaze remained clear as she stared straight ahead, and, without faltering a step behind either of her parents, entered the ballroom. Now was not the time to show weakness. It never was, when Beatrice Ventress was present.

She saw her father lean over and whisper a few words into the ear of the butler, who promptly looked back away from the man and declared in a booming voice, "Now announcing, Sir Atticus Ventress, his wife, Lady Beatrice Ventress, and their daughter, Silvia Ventress." It was excessive, but it was rather less painful than Silver had expected. She rather enjoyed the formality, actually.

The enjoyment was short-lived, however, as she soon felt her mother lean down next to her and smoothly whisper in her ear, "Your father may not want you married yet, but that is no excuse to not present yourself with regality. Everyone here is always watching, remember that. Do not make a fool of the Ventress name." With dull pleasure, Silver realized her mother's voice carried a trace of breathlessness in it, though she doubted that anyone other than her or perhaps her father would be able to detect it. Not as "regal" as you make it seem, are you, mother?

But these thoughts, again, didn't have time to last long, as she now felt her father's hand settle softly on the back of her spine and guide her along the floor to where she could see a vaguely familiar girl- lavishly dressed- standing. "That's Anastasia Beckett, the hostess. Try to get closer to her today, if you can, honey." Having neared the girl, Silver stood with her father on one shoulder and her mother on the other: the image of a perfect family. Of course.

"Miss Beckett, lovely to see you! I must congratulate you on putting this all together, I myself could never have done it. Isn't that right, Atticus, darling?"

"Of course, my dearest. Really, Miss Beckett, excellently done."

"I trust you've seen our lovely daughter, Silvia, before, at the Hogwarts ball? Silvia, darling, come-"

Silver stepped forward, flashing a bright smile at Anastasia. It really was impressive that the girl had organized the entire ball by herself- if she truly had, that is. Nevertheless, she would leave the cajoling to her parents, for now- she was sure she would have to flatter Anastasia enough later on in the evening as it was, anyways. "Pleasure to see you again."

interactions [--]
interaction status [dm to interact]
mentions Lord Neptune, Lady Chou, butler, npcs

position standing alongside Lrd Neptune
abilities: terrible presence | lovely creature | spell spread

Three new figures standing tall at the landing of the grand staircase- of dramatic monochrome natural colouring and highblood elegance-, their expressions blank and posture perfect amongst layers of fine silk and good fabric. "Introducing Lord Liu Wei Neptune, Lady Sovann Chou, and their young heiress." A crisp, booming voice to announce the latecomers- perhaps it would have been uncouth to have arrived nearly an hour since the gala's start if only the arriving family hadn't seemed so unbothered. A good handful of attentions turn up to recognise the long-standing internationally-tied family as they descended the steps, content to allow their state of traditional dress to become a deviation from the western attire of many in attendance.

The poor announcing butler seemed almost afraid as the noble family passed him by at the bottom of the grand staircase, his upper lip trembling ever-so-slightly from the corner of their eye as a great wash of baleful energy brushed up against him. How strange his accent was against the Lord and Lady's foreign names, their juvenile daughter spared from the mangling though its origin matched the white marble of Ancient Greece. Dignified as it attempted to manoeuvre the splash of ethnic blood into the dish of pureblood society, knowing that the sweetness of aristocracy had long accompanied the family from the moment their blood founders had advanced in old society.

A silent tap against the hand and the two highblood figures parted ways, one heading to the east and the other to the west- two birds upon a wire setting off for opposite sides of the world for winter, unknowing or perhaps uncaring of the dilemma they were to cause to their followers- er, child. Two parts of a heritage- one in rich navy hanfu and the other clad in pale skyblue hanbok. Astrea- one of the few children compliant in this societal manhandling in a way only one who had truly thrown their protests to the wind long before they had formed them could be- was sadly very used to this brush off and instead took a few ticking seconds to form a quarter of a plan for now, silvered eyes flicking between either adult as they left each other for more appropriate circles.

Ever the socialite, Lady Chou found easy acceptance into the crowd of propriety, quickly sucked into a tittering bout of gossip and small talk about the finer things in life with others of the same standing. In Lord Neptune was her exact opposite in personality, content to be merged into a small cluster of fellow educated men complete with the occasional monocle and listen rather than speak. A rare choice of matter, which of her parental figures Astrea was to associate herself within the genteel eye until dismissed- better to be acquainted with the older generation as a trophy child than be criticised as the wallflower she was.

Off to her father's side did she drift, offering polite nods of greeting and quiet introductions into a conversational topic perhaps better fit for a more structured setting than in the midst of the great ballroom. If Astrea had visited her mother instead, she would have gotten closer to the theme of possible betrothals rather than the underlying theme of familial alliances hidden under gentlemanly good-naturedness.

Some hidden part of her heart hoped that her same-age acquaintances find her place and quickly. Ideally, the arrival of a well-stood peer would be able to relinquish her of her duties for even the shortest time. Else she was bound to boredom.

Reducio

As iNPC Caroline Carla Belindez

[font=century gothic] OUTFIT [x] HEX CODE English | Spanish

[font=century gothic] 12/31/2020 00:00 AM/PM

[font=century gothic] From the moment Ilvermorny's stupid boat came back from a very confusing stay at Hogwarts, Carol's Ami had gotten more and more insistent she needed to attend to her duties as the Belindez Heir after her first betrothal had gone south.

That's when the Beckett New Year Ball invitation came. A perfect time for Caroline to remember her priorities. And now, the night was finally upon them.

A few moments before being announced by the Beckett butler, another family@Astrea Soleil Neptune
had made their own"fashionably late" appearance. The Neptunes by the sound of it.

"Another European family." Carol's Ami whispered almost disappointed,"Do you know them from that little trip to Hogwarts mija?"

"Ami, I don't know everyone from Hogwarts." Carol sulked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Know your place Caroline. That's your grandmother, not one of your unpure European friends."
A voice hissed from another direction. Cousin Quinten. The young man's stare was stone cold, almost as cruel as Ami's.

The Horned Serpent scowled back at her cousin.
"How bold of you to assume I even knew anyone from Hogwarts."

Ami sighed."Good to see you Quinten. I hope the floo problem was resolved."

"It was fine."

"Be presentable children. This is important."Ami said in a serious tone.

"Presenting the Belindez family. Madam Carmen, young Lord Quinten, and the teen heiress Caroline."
Boomed the Butler as the group walked into the large room.

A few heads turned as they walked, no doubt that most of them had never even heard of the Belindez family, but hey, if everyone knew them they wouldn't need to have come.

The family all wore custom gowns and suits, Caroline's a silk turquoise and her grandmother's a black lace. Cousin Quinten's suit was just as perfect. A light navy blue in color.

"Don't mess this up."Quinn gritted to Carol with a perfect faux smile on his face.

The young witch barely looked at him. "Don't listen to him." She reminded herself.

After all turned heads turned back, Caroline half-heartedly listened to Ami's usual "Be Perfect" instructions before looking to find a certain Miss @Anastasia Beckett.

☂ | Stamina: 6 ☂ | Evasion: 6 ☂ | Strength: 5
☂ | Wisdom: 7 ☂ | Arcane Power: 5 ☂ | Accuracy: 6

Perfectionist

wc: 360

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[font=ZapfEllit BT]I didn't come this far just to come this damn far.
| Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 7| Strength: 6| Wisdom: 8| Arc Power: 7| Accuracy: 6|
's Grace | shop | club |
trunk |