Post by Basil Sabal on Feb 10, 2020 2:01:43 GMT
The normally quiet and dark manor was now abuzz with activity; the dark curtains had all been pulled back to display the stained glass windows, spelled so as to let the light in but the harmful UV rays out. There was a cacophony of noise from the music, to the chatter, to the sound of the guests' feet as they twirled, danced, and walked across the ballroom. The sun was almost set, the last fingers of natural light reaching into the ballroom and soon it would only be lit by the high chandeliers. Then the real festivities would begin, and Basil would be announced to the world.
Not often were non-vampires allowed in the manor, but tonight was a special occasion, and everyone was invited in a treaty of peace to welcome Basil into society. Born, not created, into this vampire line of nobility, Basil was one-of-a-kind and a well-kept secret to the rest of the kingdom. There were rumors, of course, from when visiting nobles would catch a glimpse of the not-quite-human, not-quite-vampire girl. Now those rumors would be laid to rest, coming out to the truth that a hybrid of the two species did in fact exist. She was dressed in a fancy black ballgown, the velveteen material fading into the sheer long sleeves. Her right arm had a stack of bangle bracelets, and she was surprised to find that the clinking noise they made every time she moved was surprisingly calming to her. Her voluminous brown waves cascaded freely down her shoulders and forward to frame her face. She couldn't decide if she was excited or nervous about the upcoming announcement; she was a rather shy, quiet, and reserved girl, and her interaction with the world outside of her father had been severely limited.
Not that she had long to dwell and decide on her feelings; her sensitive ears could catch the dwindling tempo of the piano, the loud chatter replaced by hushed whispers, and the sounds of shoes on the smooth marble floor had seized.
Soon the only noise was her father's voice, ringing loud and clear so as to address the entire ballroom. From her place at the top of the stairs, off to the side and hidden from view, she could not see him. But his voice brought her comfort, nonetheless. She listened as her father addressed the rumors that the court had been hearing from other noble families, and to the shock of the crowd admitting that they were true. He had a daughter, flesh and blood that came from relations with a human woman. It had been 18 years since her birth, and now she was of age and wished to become a member of his society against his better judgement. Her father's voice announced her name, and after a deep, settling breath, she stepped forward and turned onto the stairs. Once she could see the assembled party, and they could see her, she thought it impossible that a group so large could be so quiet. But they were, and it wasn't until she reached her father's side that the hush gave way every reaction imaginable - mostly hushed whispers and gasps of curiosity, but they were quickly swallowed as the music of the small orchestra once again resumed.
As the initial shock of the news faded away, the crowd returned to the festivities, however now the talk was louder than before. Slightly overwhelmed, she grabbed her father's sleeve, however he was invested in talk with another of the noble vampires that had approached him after the announcement. Knowing she could not interrupt, she turned instead and walked quickly to a refreshment table set up off to the side of the ballroom. Patrons parted as she passed, some giving her small smiles and others just staring, but no one tried to approach.
Not often were non-vampires allowed in the manor, but tonight was a special occasion, and everyone was invited in a treaty of peace to welcome Basil into society. Born, not created, into this vampire line of nobility, Basil was one-of-a-kind and a well-kept secret to the rest of the kingdom. There were rumors, of course, from when visiting nobles would catch a glimpse of the not-quite-human, not-quite-vampire girl. Now those rumors would be laid to rest, coming out to the truth that a hybrid of the two species did in fact exist. She was dressed in a fancy black ballgown, the velveteen material fading into the sheer long sleeves. Her right arm had a stack of bangle bracelets, and she was surprised to find that the clinking noise they made every time she moved was surprisingly calming to her. Her voluminous brown waves cascaded freely down her shoulders and forward to frame her face. She couldn't decide if she was excited or nervous about the upcoming announcement; she was a rather shy, quiet, and reserved girl, and her interaction with the world outside of her father had been severely limited.
Not that she had long to dwell and decide on her feelings; her sensitive ears could catch the dwindling tempo of the piano, the loud chatter replaced by hushed whispers, and the sounds of shoes on the smooth marble floor had seized.
Soon the only noise was her father's voice, ringing loud and clear so as to address the entire ballroom. From her place at the top of the stairs, off to the side and hidden from view, she could not see him. But his voice brought her comfort, nonetheless. She listened as her father addressed the rumors that the court had been hearing from other noble families, and to the shock of the crowd admitting that they were true. He had a daughter, flesh and blood that came from relations with a human woman. It had been 18 years since her birth, and now she was of age and wished to become a member of his society against his better judgement. Her father's voice announced her name, and after a deep, settling breath, she stepped forward and turned onto the stairs. Once she could see the assembled party, and they could see her, she thought it impossible that a group so large could be so quiet. But they were, and it wasn't until she reached her father's side that the hush gave way every reaction imaginable - mostly hushed whispers and gasps of curiosity, but they were quickly swallowed as the music of the small orchestra once again resumed.
As the initial shock of the news faded away, the crowd returned to the festivities, however now the talk was louder than before. Slightly overwhelmed, she grabbed her father's sleeve, however he was invested in talk with another of the noble vampires that had approached him after the announcement. Knowing she could not interrupt, she turned instead and walked quickly to a refreshment table set up off to the side of the ballroom. Patrons parted as she passed, some giving her small smiles and others just staring, but no one tried to approach.
