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Roleplay - A Masked Ball in Padova

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AuthorMessage
Gunner's Mate
May 28, 2013
294
"The first thing we must do," Magdelena told Sam, "is find you some fashionable clothes and a mask."

"I tried that once in Monquista," Sam responded despondently. "This fashion thing doesn't mix too well with my profession."

"Oh bother all that," the unicorn replied haughtily. "I know someone who will know what to do..." And so they sailed to a small island on the outskirts of Valencia where the Armada had yet to make serious inroads. They landed in an elegant town filled with shops and homes. It would be a pity should it all be destroyed by the Armada. That had to be prevented - at any cost.

"To the shoppe of my dearest friend, Esmerelda. She will know what to do with you." Magdelena put her arm through Sam's and escorted him down the narrow street, nodding to some people and studiously ignoring others. 'Oh great,' Sam thought, 'politics.'

Esmeralda turned out to be a silver unicorn. "Madre mia, not another customer just before the ball!" she complained half-heartedly. Her shop was filled to the brim with costumes, feathers, hats covered with birds, and other affectations.

"I need this one dressed well, love," Magdelena smiled at her friend. "He is going to be my escort to the ball, and could end up being a quite special friend," she added with a nod and a wink for subtle effect. 'Great, the whole world is going to think I have a unicorn for a girlfriend,' Sam thought to himself. 'This cannot end well.'

The measuring was only mildly embarrassing, and the fabrics and colors confusing, but in the end they reached an agreeable compromise. Magdelena's family favored more traditional styles, so Sam found himself fitted with a tawny colored doublet trimmed with gold, trunk hose with gilt embroidered panes contrasting a brown velvet lining, amber silk stockings (showing a fine leg, both lady unicorns agreed), and the final detail: an ornate lion mask - complete with mane.

All that remained was endure the teasing of the crew after they got a good look.
Commodore
Sep 20, 2009
989
Anne Radcliffe on Sep 28, 2013 wrote:
"The Doge expects the Vinaldi family to attend the ball," Dona Graziella continued. "His invitation, though polite, hints in no uncertain terms that to refuse to attend would be behavior most suspicious, and perhaps worthy of arrest as potential traitors. However, if the Vinaldi family goes, it is almost certain that the ball would serve as a cover to secretly arrest the family members present. Duca Vinaldi would then have to surrender himself to the Doge -- and the Armada. And it would be for nothing, for his wife and children would not be released, even so."

"This is our plan: we will covertly rescue the children while volunteers don masks and take on the roles of the Vinaldi youngsters at the ball. Duchessa Alcina refuses to have a double, as she believes that the deception will have a higher chance of success if she is there to lend it veracity. We have a Resistance member who is able to take on the role of her son, but the four daughters are adopted. They are human, and it is their roles, as well as their lady's maid, we would like you brave captains to take on."

Graziella turned to Scarlet. "You are tall, and I believe you would do best taking on the identity of the oldest girl, 16-year-old Isabella. The next oldest, Kara, is 15, and you would be a good match for her, Emma," Graziella nodded to the musketeer. She then looked at Elizabeth and Anne. "It is a blessing that you two captains are small of stature, as you can convincingly play the role of 13-year-old Mariella," she told Lizzie, who stood just over five feet, "and you, Anne, the role of little Violetta, age 11." Anne nodded in willing acceptance, although her cheeks burned. She lacked a full inch to five foot tall, and it was always embarrassing to be seen as younger than she actually was.

"And Chrissy," Graziella turned her attention to the last captain, "You will take on the role of Lucia, a human woman of a respected middle class family who became an attendant to the young ladies when she took service with Vinaldis at the age of 12, a standard age to begin service in Valencia. As their trusted lady's maid, you would be expected to accompany them to the ball. As it is a masked ball, you would also be permitted to dance as well, but your real job would be to keep an eye on your charges. We will have people at the ball to watch for danger, but as you would not be under constant watch -- unlike the other captains here -- you would have more of a chance to watch for trouble yourself, and more flexibility in what you are able to get away with," the Valencian Unicorn finished with a slightly somber smile.
[OOC: Thank you Anne for the compliment on Scarlet's improved accent. I've been wanting to thicken it for awhile, but did not want to change her accent in the middle of a roleplay. I thought it might be a bit strange. May I also assume from my limited knowledge of historical societal conventions that Scarlet is going to be expected to be dancing with a few more strangers than her new younger sisters will be? Being the eldest daughter of a rich and apparently influencial Valencian family? I know Isabella is only 16, but that is getting close to the 18th C appropriate suiting age is it not? If you want to ignore this that is perfectly okay with me.]

Isabella,... Isabella, Je m'appelle Isabella. Scarlet thought to herself memorising her new name.

It was probably best for Scarlet to play the eldest, 16 was close enough to her own age that she could pull it off well enough. Besides, not only was Scarlet an actual elder sister, she was tall, almost a full foot taller than her new "little" sister Anne. But Scarlet could see one potential problem.

"What about my accent? Won't zat give me away, or is Isabella Polarian as well?" Scarlet asked Graziella.
Actually Scarlet had a few more questions for Graziella.
"Et, what are ze names of Isabella's friends, if she 'as any? Does she always go by Isabella, or does she shorten it sometimes? Do I choose my own dress and mask for zis? Exactly 'ow much dancing am I expected to join in with, I really know nothing of Valencian dances."
Commodore
Feb 29, 2012
892
Anne Radcliffe on Sep 28, 2013 wrote:
"The Doge expects the Vinaldi family to attend the ball," Dona Graziella continued. "His invitation, though polite, hints in no uncertain terms that to refuse to attend would be behavior most suspicious, and perhaps worthy of arrest as potential traitors. However, if the Vinaldi family goes, it is almost certain that the ball would serve as a cover to secretly arrest the family members present. Duca Vinaldi would then have to surrender himself to the Doge -- and the Armada. And it would be for nothing, for his wife and children would not be released, even so."

"This is our plan: we will covertly rescue the children while volunteers don masks and take on the roles of the Vinaldi youngsters at the ball. Duchessa Alcina refuses to have a double, as she believes that the deception will have a higher chance of success if she is there to lend it veracity. We have a Resistance member who is able to take on the role of her son, but the four daughters are adopted. They are human, and it is their roles, as well as their lady's maid, we would like you brave captains to take on."

Graziella turned to Scarlet. "You are tall, and I believe you would do best taking on the identity of the oldest girl, 16-year-old Isabella. The next oldest, Kara, is 15, and you would be a good match for her, Emma," Graziella nodded to the musketeer. She then looked at Elizabeth and Anne. "It is a blessing that you two captains are small of stature, as you can convincingly play the role of 13-year-old Mariella," she told Lizzie, who stood just over five feet, "and you, Anne, the role of little Violetta, age 11." Anne nodded in willing acceptance, although her cheeks burned. She lacked a full inch to five foot tall, and it was always embarrassing to be seen as younger than she actually was.

"And Chrissy," Graziella turned her attention to the last captain, "You will take on the role of Lucia, a human woman of a respected middle class family who became an attendant to the young ladies when she took service with Vinaldis at the age of 12, a standard age to begin service in Valencia. As their trusted lady's maid, you would be expected to accompany them to the ball. As it is a masked ball, you would also be permitted to dance as well, but your real job would be to keep an eye on your charges. We will have people at the ball to watch for danger, but as you would not be under constant watch -- unlike the other captains here -- you would have more of a chance to watch for trouble yourself, and more flexibility in what you are able to get away with," the Valencian Unicorn finished with a slightly somber smile.
Emma, quite jubilant that she was lucky to be acting someone her age, nodded. "But wait a second..." The blonde realized, soon comprehending what she did not want to happen. "Am I... Gonna have to wear a dress to this occasion?" Well, duh, Emma. She nearly slapped herself for asking a question such as that. Though she had always been into shorts and pants rather than skirts and dresses, she could make an exception... If it fit her likings. If the ball gown she'd have to end up wearing was black, violet, or maroon, it'd work for her.
Captain
Mar 09, 2011
709
Sam Underhill on Sep 29, 2013 wrote:
"The first thing we must do," Magdelena told Sam, "is find you some fashionable clothes and a mask."

"I tried that once in Monquista," Sam responded despondently. "This fashion thing doesn't mix too well with my profession."

"Oh bother all that," the unicorn replied haughtily. "I know someone who will know what to do..." And so they sailed to a small island on the outskirts of Valencia where the Armada had yet to make serious inroads. They landed in an elegant town filled with shops and homes. It would be a pity should it all be destroyed by the Armada. That had to be prevented - at any cost.

"To the shoppe of my dearest friend, Esmerelda. She will know what to do with you." Magdelena put her arm through Sam's and escorted him down the narrow street, nodding to some people and studiously ignoring others. 'Oh great,' Sam thought, 'politics.'

Esmeralda turned out to be a silver unicorn. "Madre mia, not another customer just before the ball!" she complained half-heartedly. Her shop was filled to the brim with costumes, feathers, hats covered with birds, and other affectations.

"I need this one dressed well, love," Magdelena smiled at her friend. "He is going to be my escort to the ball, and could end up being a quite special friend," she added with a nod and a wink for subtle effect. 'Great, the whole world is going to think I have a unicorn for a girlfriend,' Sam thought to himself. 'This cannot end well.'

The measuring was only mildly embarrassing, and the fabrics and colors confusing, but in the end they reached an agreeable compromise. Magdelena's family favored more traditional styles, so Sam found himself fitted with a tawny colored doublet trimmed with gold, trunk hose with gilt embroidered panes contrasting a brown velvet lining, amber silk stockings (showing a fine leg, both lady unicorns agreed), and the final detail: an ornate lion mask - complete with mane.

All that remained was endure the teasing of the crew after they got a good look.
Oh my goodness, Sam! You made me cry with laughter! As I was reading your post aloud to one of my friends (she's the one who likes to read about roleplays but doesn't have the ability to participate in them herself, if you know which one I'm talking about) I was having difficulty sitting upright in my seat, and sniggered horrifically at every funny thing you said, from having a unicorn of a girlfriend to both of the ladies agreeing that the amber silk stockings showed a fine leg. Poor Sam, your costume sounds ridiculous! Sadly, though I must say -- authentic. XD I look forward to writing about Lizzy's barely contained reaction when the group meets up with your character. May you avoid ridicule until then, dear Sam Underhill.
Captain
Mar 09, 2011
709
Quentin Atherton on Sep 28, 2013 wrote:
The Masquerade was in full swing, Quentin had just arrived with Valona. Quentin's brothers were anxiously waiting at the front door of the palace.

Quentin: What amazing outfits you guys.

Bernard: Thank you, now it's time for us to enter.

The group donned on their masks and entered the palace. Everyone was in fabulous outfits.

Griffin: The Vinaldi family went all out for this ball.

Valona: Indeed, good thing we are all expert dancers.

Alexander: One problem though, who are we going to dance with?

Quentin: Find the most beautiful ladies you can find with great personalities. Remember, we are here to not just sabotage the Armada support group, but to kill their spies and capture The Doge.

Chrissy heard the whole thing, she went on over to tell Dona of the arrival of the Athertons.

Chrissy: Dona, we have a problem that might jeopardize the plan.

Dona: What would that be?

Chrissy: It seems Quentin and his family have arrived, and they have planned to kill the spies and capture the Doge.

Dona: Those nitwits! If Kane takes notice he will blame the Vinaldi family and have them all hunted down and executed! You need to keep Quentin busy, I'll keep his fiance away.

Chrissy followed Quentin through the ballroom until Quentin headed inside the library. Chrissy sneaked up behind Quentin and pinned him against the wall.

Chrissy: What are you doing here rich boy?!

Quentin: Same as you, trying to save the Vinaldi family. Now let go of my arm.

Meanwhile back at the ballroom, Dona was following Valona. Valona noticed her and turned around.

Valona: Hello, what is your name?

Dona: Dona Graziella.

Valona: Hello Dona, I'm Valona. Now tell me what you're up to.

Dona: What, I'm up to nothing really.

Valona: Don't try to lie, I catch on quickly.

Dona (thinking): Darn, she is good, but not good enough.

Dona: Would you like to join me for some tea?

Valona: Sure, if it will get you to tell the truth.

Dona:

Back at the library.

Chrissy: Your plan may be well thought out, but didn't you take in the account that once Kane notices, he will blame the Vinaldi family and have them all executed?

Quentin: Ugh, no I haven't. Thanks for telling me. Maybe we can work together to lead Kane off both of our trails.

Chrissy: I'm listening.

Quentin: Simple, we combine out plans and make a few adjustments. Then once we offed the spies, we will pin the whole mess on the Doge, and he will be the one taking the heat and the execution from Kane.

Chrissy: Interesting compromise, but will it work?

Quentin: Lets just pray that it will.
Erm... Quentin? May I request that you do not use other people's characters, drastically change the storyline (such as put our current group in the future, where we are currently not) and wait to see how other people react before you solidify an idea? You may not have used my character (which I greatly appreciate), but Chrissy doesn't seem like the kind of person to sneak up on a 16 year old rich boy, insult him, and pin him against a bookshelf while snarling in his face, demanding to know why he was at a very public ball. This would also be extremely unlikely, considering that Chrissy and many others are in a tavern cellar a good deal before the ball started. I understand your eagerness to get to the ball, but would you mind too much waiting for the rest of us?

Having that aside, I'd like to say that I am impressed with your post. I like the way you used a emoticon in the middle of a roleplay and you did an excellent job describing people's actions and reactions. I could very clearly see what was going on, an impressive quality to have in one's writing. I usually have a difficult time reading in script form, the way you wrote your post, but I was able to not only read it but understand it with ease. Bravo, Quentin!
Pirate Overlord
Mar 10, 2009
6204
Chrissy gave a graceful curtsey. "I can do servant" she laughed. "Plus servants are generally considered invisible so I will be able to hear much without being seen and I can hide lots of weapons in my clothes and be available if needed. Wherever you need me, no one will think twice to see a serving girl standing or serving food, or handling cloaks. This is a great idea." She looked around the room with an impish grin. "Now who is it that I will be attending again?" "Our costumes should coincide somehow, don't you think? Or would that be inappropriate?"
Admiral
Jul 27, 2012
1196
CdeWinter on Sep 29, 2013 wrote:
[OOC: Thank you Anne for the compliment on Scarlet's improved accent. I've been wanting to thicken it for awhile, but did not want to change her accent in the middle of a roleplay. I thought it might be a bit strange. May I also assume from my limited knowledge of historical societal conventions that Scarlet is going to be expected to be dancing with a few more strangers than her new younger sisters will be? Being the eldest daughter of a rich and apparently influencial Valencian family? I know Isabella is only 16, but that is getting close to the 18th C appropriate suiting age is it not? If you want to ignore this that is perfectly okay with me.]

Isabella,... Isabella, Je m'appelle Isabella. Scarlet thought to herself memorising her new name.

It was probably best for Scarlet to play the eldest, 16 was close enough to her own age that she could pull it off well enough. Besides, not only was Scarlet an actual elder sister, she was tall, almost a full foot taller than her new "little" sister Anne. But Scarlet could see one potential problem.

"What about my accent? Won't zat give me away, or is Isabella Polarian as well?" Scarlet asked Graziella.
Actually Scarlet had a few more questions for Graziella.
"Et, what are ze names of Isabella's friends, if she 'as any? Does she always go by Isabella, or does she shorten it sometimes? Do I choose my own dress and mask for zis? Exactly 'ow much dancing am I expected to join in with, I really know nothing of Valencian dances."
[OOC:Modeling this on 18th C.- pre 18th C. Europe, at 16 you would be old enough for suitors -- and this will be made apparent by the kind of gowns you wear. Most boys and girls are not going to be getting married in their midteens, but the upper class is more likely to do so.
And N.B. to Quentin: 'Dona' and 'Don', like 'Duca', 'Duchessa', 'Marquessa' etc. are titles, rather than names. Sorry for the confusion]

~

Graziella smiled at Scarlet. "Those are excellent questions, Captain. First, your accent. Polaris is a powerful civilized world. While we Valencians may like to imagine that we are the best, we would be foolish to ignore Polaris' importance in the Spiral. Many of the upper class have Polarian tutors and governesses for their children. That you might have picked up your governess' accent would not be considered very unusual -- though Isabella's friends would think it strange, perhaps. However, this is a Masked Ball, and even friends may not know who is who. If any are directed to you, they will likely assume Isabella -sometimes also called 'Bella'- is playing a game. I understand she is a rather imaginative young lady."

"As for the dances," here Graziella gave a smiling nod and graceful wave of her hand to the human woman, who gave another smiling curtsey, "Maestra Lia will be teaching you a number of dances as we head towards Valencia. She, Signor Filippo, and I will be giving you lessons on a number of things you will need to portray your roles with confidence and veracity. This mission will be most dangerous, as you know, and we will do everything we can to ensure you are as prepared as possible"
Admiral
Jul 27, 2012
1196
Chrissy Th'Blesser on Sep 29, 2013 wrote:
Chrissy gave a graceful curtsey. "I can do servant" she laughed. "Plus servants are generally considered invisible so I will be able to hear much without being seen and I can hide lots of weapons in my clothes and be available if needed. Wherever you need me, no one will think twice to see a serving girl standing or serving food, or handling cloaks. This is a great idea." She looked around the room with an impish grin. "Now who is it that I will be attending again?" "Our costumes should coincide somehow, don't you think? Or would that be inappropriate?"
Graziella then turned her attention to Chrissy. "You will be no mere serving girl, Captain. A lady's maid to the Vinaldi family is a person of lower rank, but excellent reputation and good family. The family would have strong obligations to treat you well and ensure that you are dressed well -even elegantly-, and certainly the Vinaldi family has done so. At a public event, your task is to keep an eye on the young ladies, and see they don't get into trouble --a sort of duenna, you might say. However, since you are also expected to be doing this in a largely unobtrusive way, if you decide you need to do something else -- become a serving girl or follow someone suspicious -- it is unlikely that your disappearance would be noted, except for us."

Graziella looked thoughtful. "I think a change of clothing or two on hand for you might be arranged. Just in case you need it."
Captain
Mar 09, 2011
709
Highlander Fox of ... on Sep 29, 2013 wrote:
Emma, quite jubilant that she was lucky to be acting someone her age, nodded. "But wait a second..." The blonde realized, soon comprehending what she did not want to happen. "Am I... Gonna have to wear a dress to this occasion?" Well, duh, Emma. She nearly slapped herself for asking a question such as that. Though she had always been into shorts and pants rather than skirts and dresses, she could make an exception... If it fit her likings. If the ball gown she'd have to end up wearing was black, violet, or maroon, it'd work for her.
Lizzy set the clockwork bird down on the crown of the fireplace where all others could see it, then turned to Emma with a twinkle in her eyes. "Well, big sis, looks like we're going to have to go shopping." She looped her arm through Emma's and smiled, unable to prevent herself from doing so. "Name the day. I'm sure we'll be able to find something that you like." Lizzy gave Emma an encouraging smile, still unable to stop smiling herself. She looked to Graziella and nodded at Scarlet's questions, although curiously having a more difficult time than usual to understand what she was saying. "Yes, also, is there a theme for the ball?"
Gunner's Mate
Oct 05, 2012
273
Just Add Bacon on Sep 29, 2013 wrote:
Erm... Quentin? May I request that you do not use other people's characters, drastically change the storyline (such as put our current group in the future, where we are currently not) and wait to see how other people react before you solidify an idea? You may not have used my character (which I greatly appreciate), but Chrissy doesn't seem like the kind of person to sneak up on a 16 year old rich boy, insult him, and pin him against a bookshelf while snarling in his face, demanding to know why he was at a very public ball. This would also be extremely unlikely, considering that Chrissy and many others are in a tavern cellar a good deal before the ball started. I understand your eagerness to get to the ball, but would you mind too much waiting for the rest of us?

Having that aside, I'd like to say that I am impressed with your post. I like the way you used a emoticon in the middle of a roleplay and you did an excellent job describing people's actions and reactions. I could very clearly see what was going on, an impressive quality to have in one's writing. I usually have a difficult time reading in script form, the way you wrote your post, but I was able to not only read it but understand it with ease. Bravo, Quentin!
Thank you, and sorry for using your character without permission.
Pirate Overlord
Mar 10, 2009
6204
OOC; Sam, I just love your stuff, as usual. I can picture it all & practically feel your emotions as your character goes through this. Exquisite writing, you have pulled me right in and made me giggle on top of it. Well done.
Anne & Elizabeth, well done on the reactions to Quentin's posts. You have said all I feel so eloquently that all I can do is to second every bit of it.
Lizzy, your ending your critique with those kudos to Quentin's writing are brilliant. I echo her remarks Quentin, your writing is really easy to read and your sense of imagination is wonderful. Just gear it down to our speed & lead and I can just tell how fun you are gonna make this.
I just love Emma's fight with her tomboy self, it is so well done. I remember having thoughts just like that at her age and even now, lol . It is gonna be really fun to see how she gets in touch with her delicate, feminine side. I suspect she is gonna love it much more than she realizes.
Oh and Lizzy, all the emotional grappling with her past and what all this must mean to all of us is really good. How we all got to where we are in the plot has Had to leave some serious emotional scars and It is great to see someone have the depth to show that there is a lot to deal with and we all have those doubts and fears and you are portraying them beautifully. Keep it up, it really gives your character such wonderful richness and well done realism.
And last but not least, I love all of Scarlet's questions. I have the same ones and it is great to see her jump right in and start firing out all the questions and fears that we all must be feeling in order to pull this dangerous mission off. Just brilliant. Plus I cannot wait to see what romantic twists you are gonna insert in because you are quite right, Isabella is sure to be a hot commodity and the competitions going on from her hopeful suitors will add wonderful twists to this already intriguing plot.
This is a high quality group to debut with. I hope I do you proud.
Ensign
May 31, 2012
28
(OOC: Hey all, I'm Highlander's friend from central. Mind if I hop into this thing?)
Commodore
Feb 29, 2012
892
Anne Radcliffe on Sep 28, 2013 wrote:
"The Doge expects the Vinaldi family to attend the ball," Dona Graziella continued. "His invitation, though polite, hints in no uncertain terms that to refuse to attend would be behavior most suspicious, and perhaps worthy of arrest as potential traitors. However, if the Vinaldi family goes, it is almost certain that the ball would serve as a cover to secretly arrest the family members present. Duca Vinaldi would then have to surrender himself to the Doge -- and the Armada. And it would be for nothing, for his wife and children would not be released, even so."

"This is our plan: we will covertly rescue the children while volunteers don masks and take on the roles of the Vinaldi youngsters at the ball. Duchessa Alcina refuses to have a double, as she believes that the deception will have a higher chance of success if she is there to lend it veracity. We have a Resistance member who is able to take on the role of her son, but the four daughters are adopted. They are human, and it is their roles, as well as their lady's maid, we would like you brave captains to take on."

Graziella turned to Scarlet. "You are tall, and I believe you would do best taking on the identity of the oldest girl, 16-year-old Isabella. The next oldest, Kara, is 15, and you would be a good match for her, Emma," Graziella nodded to the musketeer. She then looked at Elizabeth and Anne. "It is a blessing that you two captains are small of stature, as you can convincingly play the role of 13-year-old Mariella," she told Lizzie, who stood just over five feet, "and you, Anne, the role of little Violetta, age 11." Anne nodded in willing acceptance, although her cheeks burned. She lacked a full inch to five foot tall, and it was always embarrassing to be seen as younger than she actually was.

"And Chrissy," Graziella turned her attention to the last captain, "You will take on the role of Lucia, a human woman of a respected middle class family who became an attendant to the young ladies when she took service with Vinaldis at the age of 12, a standard age to begin service in Valencia. As their trusted lady's maid, you would be expected to accompany them to the ball. As it is a masked ball, you would also be permitted to dance as well, but your real job would be to keep an eye on your charges. We will have people at the ball to watch for danger, but as you would not be under constant watch -- unlike the other captains here -- you would have more of a chance to watch for trouble yourself, and more flexibility in what you are able to get away with," the Valencian Unicorn finished with a slightly somber smile.
"Madame Graziella," Emma piped up once more. "Puoi descrivere le ragazze saremo in qualità di?" She asked in polite Valencian. (Can you describe the girls we shall be acting as?) "I would like to know how to behave, and what are the interests of Kara? I'm curious, and I cannot restrain my curiosity. I'm assuming Kara goes by her name and such, but does she speak different languages? Is she blonde? Apologies for my barrage of questions, but I love to properly behave as I'm ordered to. I wouldn't want to mess up anything for our plan, oh goodness no. Do we end up with escorts?" Emma was quite excited, in all honesty. And she wasn't even really into fancy dress occasions!

(OOC: Off topic, but I believe my friend is now going to join and I will no longer have to find a way to include his character. XD)
Captain
Mar 09, 2011
709
Anne Radcliffe on Sep 30, 2013 wrote:
[OOC:Modeling this on 18th C.- pre 18th C. Europe, at 16 you would be old enough for suitors -- and this will be made apparent by the kind of gowns you wear. Most boys and girls are not going to be getting married in their midteens, but the upper class is more likely to do so.
And N.B. to Quentin: 'Dona' and 'Don', like 'Duca', 'Duchessa', 'Marquessa' etc. are titles, rather than names. Sorry for the confusion]

~

Graziella smiled at Scarlet. "Those are excellent questions, Captain. First, your accent. Polaris is a powerful civilized world. While we Valencians may like to imagine that we are the best, we would be foolish to ignore Polaris' importance in the Spiral. Many of the upper class have Polarian tutors and governesses for their children. That you might have picked up your governess' accent would not be considered very unusual -- though Isabella's friends would think it strange, perhaps. However, this is a Masked Ball, and even friends may not know who is who. If any are directed to you, they will likely assume Isabella -sometimes also called 'Bella'- is playing a game. I understand she is a rather imaginative young lady."

"As for the dances," here Graziella gave a smiling nod and graceful wave of her hand to the human woman, who gave another smiling curtsey, "Maestra Lia will be teaching you a number of dances as we head towards Valencia. She, Signor Filippo, and I will be giving you lessons on a number of things you will need to portray your roles with confidence and veracity. This mission will be most dangerous, as you know, and we will do everything we can to ensure you are as prepared as possible"
Lizzy nearly collapsed of relief at the prospect of being taught how to dance Valencian dances, but gulped when she heard a certain word. It was that word that kept on popping up in her head and in the dialog spoken between her friends and the instructors. Dangerous. She very well knew this was dangerous, as this had danger written all over it, and was once again unsure of whether or not she was truly up for it. Then she remembered why she was doing this. She swept her gaze across the room.

Beside her was Emma, the tomboyish musketeer who didn't let anything get in her way. The two friends had first met on a mission in Sivella, in which case she was undercover hoping to learn more about the armada's pieces of the map, and Emma had been helping her friends find a Krokotopian manuscript. The mission was a success, yes, but it was a taxing one and had left Lizzy emotionally scared, although this helped to increase the future bond she would have with her friends that she held in such high regard.

Next to them was Scarlet, and Lizzy and Scarlet had known each other for a while back, having met when their individual research studies had once coincided. The two friends had grown closer together during the mission of Sivella, and nothing would stand in Lizzy's way for risking her life to give Scarlet a hand. The two were excellent friends, as both of them held knowledge very high on the list of important things.

Close by was Chrissy, an extremely experienced pirate that had known for a great deal of her life that being kind to others is the best way to be. Lizzy strove to be like Chrissy and her friend was a big reason why she was kind to others, regardless of skin tone, origin, or belief.

(OOC: Chrissy, you will find this true of my persona on the message boards and real life )

And then, finally, there was Anne. Anne was such a wonderful person and knew so much about The Spiral and it's history, and had remained kind to others on top of it all. She had accepted Lizzy right away when they had met in Mooshu, which had involved a very large fiasco with some tea leaves, and since then their friendship had only grown. Lizzy knew Anne as the wonderful sister that she never had.

These are the people she was doing this mission for. Each of them had been so kind and accepting to her from the start, and they were all so remarkable in their own way.

Lizzy made up her mind. Nothing anybody could say or do would prevent her from helping her friends, both those she had met and those she hadn't. She straightened her back proudly at being apart of such an incredible group of friends. "When shall we set sail?" Lizzy asked eagerly.
Admiral
Jul 27, 2012
1196
Serpent996 on Oct 1, 2013 wrote:
(OOC: Hey all, I'm Highlander's friend from central. Mind if I hop into this thing?)
(Sure! Do you want to meet us on the Valencian ship? That's where we are headed very shortly)
Admiral
Jul 27, 2012
1196
Just Add Bacon on Sep 29, 2013 wrote:
Oh my goodness, Sam! You made me cry with laughter! As I was reading your post aloud to one of my friends (she's the one who likes to read about roleplays but doesn't have the ability to participate in them herself, if you know which one I'm talking about) I was having difficulty sitting upright in my seat, and sniggered horrifically at every funny thing you said, from having a unicorn of a girlfriend to both of the ladies agreeing that the amber silk stockings showed a fine leg. Poor Sam, your costume sounds ridiculous! Sadly, though I must say -- authentic. XD I look forward to writing about Lizzy's barely contained reaction when the group meets up with your character. May you avoid ridicule until then, dear Sam Underhill.
(No, no, you would like it Elizabeth! Think of a court gentleman of the late 16th C., in Queen Elizabeth's court -- a fine shirt with a falling band adorned with blackwork ("spanishe stitche") embroidery, a well fitted doublet with the waist seemingly made smaller by the puff of trunkhose below it, all in excellent materials, and the legs well displayed by knitted stockings -- a rather new invention of the time. In fact we know a lot about those knitted stockings thanks to the diatribes of a certain Puritan gentlemen who felt that these stockings and the high prices paid for them were destroying the moral fiber (haha) of England. But I digress. And, yes, I wrote the sequence about the clothes (minus the mask and Sam's musing at the end; those were Sam's ideas, and the rest of the writing was his, of course), since he threatened me, thusly:

'Sam': "I'd like you to write the bit about Sam's new clothes."

Me: "Me?"

'Sam': (smugly) "Would you rather I did it and did it wrong?"

Me: "No, no, I'm coming."

However, when he writes about dance -- that's all his. )
Admiral
Jul 27, 2012
1196
Just Add Bacon on Sep 30, 2013 wrote:
Lizzy set the clockwork bird down on the crown of the fireplace where all others could see it, then turned to Emma with a twinkle in her eyes. "Well, big sis, looks like we're going to have to go shopping." She looped her arm through Emma's and smiled, unable to prevent herself from doing so. "Name the day. I'm sure we'll be able to find something that you like." Lizzy gave Emma an encouraging smile, still unable to stop smiling herself. She looked to Graziella and nodded at Scarlet's questions, although curiously having a more difficult time than usual to understand what she was saying. "Yes, also, is there a theme for the ball?"
(OOC: Unless there is objection, I am going to invoke 'revisionist history' and not have the presence of Quentin's clockwork bird. I just can't imagine it getting through the Resistance's security, and besides, I think it would be more fun for Quentin at the ball, when he suddenly realizes something is up... and more than the usual politics)

Signor Filippo now spoke, bowing to the captains with an elegant flourish. "No, no, gracious ladies, we would not ask you to risk your lives and burden your account books," his eyes twinkled as he smiled. "We have on board our ship mantua makers*, milliners, a glover, a staymaker, a fan maker -- in short, all the skilled laborers you will need to be appropriately outfitted for your adventure. There are many Valencians who support the Resistance, but not all who serve wield a pistol or sword."

"A good thing too," Maestra Lia quipped. "As I would be terrible at either."

The twinkle in Filippo's eye deepened as he made a bow to his colleague. "She needs no sword who can pierce one's mind and heart with the elegance of her wit."

The human woman could not help but giggle at the extravagant compliment, and whipped out her fan, fanning with practiced ease at bosom height. This obviously conveyed some message, for Filippo outright grinned. "Flatterer," she replied. "However, I fear such weapons as you mention would be of no use against the Armada."

"We will need diverse weapons in this battle," Filippo smilingly countered, and returned his attention to the captains. "As for the theme of the ball, it is simply that all comers are expected to don masks. The masks you choose, the colors you wear, they are all up to you. I believe it is the practice for very young ladies - such as Mariella and Violetta - to wear white or pale colors, but at a masked ball, so many rules are broken."

"Well said," Graziella concluded. "Now, shall we head towards the ship? You have much to learn and we have much to do if we are to be fully prepared for the ball in a weeks time."

*mantua maker= a dressmaker for women
Commodore
Sep 20, 2009
989
[OOC:Thank you Chrissy for the huge complement in your last post, honestly sometimes I feel a bit invisible in these message boards, (not that I mind too much).
Anne, thank you for the information, I was only thinking that Isabella's parents might begin lining up potential suitors for Isabella, but I do really love to learn as much as I can about everything so thanks again.]

After thanking Madame Graziella for answering her almost impulsive questioning, Scarlet noticed Emma and Lizzy discussing their shopping plans.

"Mes soeurs [my sisters], you cannot go shopping without me!" Scarlet said laughingly. "Personally, I am picturing a dress zat is of a dark emerald green colour for me, perhaps with black trim? Et, of course we cannot forget about ma petit cochon, Violetta." Scarlet continued trying to hide her own discomfort at having to dance with complete strangers. Scarlet wasn't exactly shy, but she did have reservations about dancing with Isabella's potential suitors.

[OOC again: Petit cochon literaly means little pig, but is in fact a french term of endearment]
Pirate Overlord
Mar 10, 2009
6204
Serpent996 on Oct 1, 2013 wrote:
(OOC: Hey all, I'm Highlander's friend from central. Mind if I hop into this thing?)
Welcome to the message board family Serpent . You are most welcome and have been eagerly anticipated.
Pirate Overlord
Mar 10, 2009
6204
Anne Radcliffe on Sep 30, 2013 wrote:
Graziella then turned her attention to Chrissy. "You will be no mere serving girl, Captain. A lady's maid to the Vinaldi family is a person of lower rank, but excellent reputation and good family. The family would have strong obligations to treat you well and ensure that you are dressed well -even elegantly-, and certainly the Vinaldi family has done so. At a public event, your task is to keep an eye on the young ladies, and see they don't get into trouble --a sort of duenna, you might say. However, since you are also expected to be doing this in a largely unobtrusive way, if you decide you need to do something else -- become a serving girl or follow someone suspicious -- it is unlikely that your disappearance would be noted, except for us."

Graziella looked thoughtful. "I think a change of clothing or two on hand for you might be arranged. Just in case you need it."
Chrissy being a bit ignorant of Valencian society thought quickly and asked questions to make sure she understood her role properly. "Dona Graziella, so I am to be like a very young nanny or mentor?" "How old is Lucia? Am I to be a role model or teacher, or am I more like an older friend that gets into adventures with the girls but with a bit more maturity?" Will I be seen as a figure of authority for them or am I an older child that is there to have fun but to make sure no one 'Shoots their eye out' in the games of childhood?"
Thinking more she asked on.." What kind of clothing do you mean? What would I change into?" Upon seeing the bemused expression on the patient Dona's face Chrissy blushed slightly and said: "My apologies Dona Graziella." & curtsied slightly. "My brain has rushed ahead of my manners again and I haven't allowed you the space to answer even my first question yet." "Please forgive my impetuousness and teach me at your earliest convenience." Looking across the room she caught the laughing eyes of Emma who was thoroughly enjoying watching her friend do what she would have had she gotten a word in edgewise. Chrissy sighed and said "Dear Emma I think I am need of some serious calming chocolate or at least something to occupy my mouth so that others may have a turn with their questions."
Ensign
May 31, 2012
28
Anne Radcliffe on Oct 1, 2013 wrote:
(Sure! Do you want to meet us on the Valencian ship? That's where we are headed very shortly)
(OOC: Sure! Now to think of why he'd be on the ship...)
Admiral
Jul 27, 2012
1196
Serpent996 on Oct 2, 2013 wrote:
(OOC: Sure! Now to think of why he'd be on the ship...)
OOC: Presumably to sneak into Valencia with everyone else on this mission . But, you have some options:

1)Your pirate (what is his name, by the way? And appearance perhaps?) is joining with the group that is taking on the roles of family members of the Vinaldi family. You have already been apprised of the plan and joined up with the Resistance ship earlier. You could be planning to pose as either a footman (an upper servant) or perhaps a cousin (if so, conveniently another family member adopted a human kid)

2) You could take on another role that is not your pirate. There is a Valencian unicorn youth who is taking on the role of the Vinaldi teenaged boy.

Or something else?
Gunner's Mate
May 28, 2013
294
"The second thing we must do," Magdelena told Sam, "is teach you some etiquette. Without proper manners, you'll embarrass yourself, my family, and me."

"I drink tea with my pinky out," Sam volunteered. Hopefully that would be the extent of it.

Magdelena sighed theatrically (again). "It will not be a sit down formal dinner, simply tables and tables of food and sweets. I am speaking more of what is being said when nothing is being said by whoever is saying or not saying it."

"Huh?" was Sam's intelligent response to this enlightening treatise.

Another sigh, followed by the Unicorn opening and closing her fan rapidly several times. "Now what did I just tell you?" she queried.

"That you're exasperated with me and thinking of asking Umberto to reconsider?" Sam answered hopefully.

"No, I told you that you are cruel. I was using fan language." She repeated the motion. "And that is how I told you." This was followed by several motions while she explained the meaning. "If I fan myself with my left hand, it means do not flirt with that woman. A half open fan in front of my face means we have to be careful, someone is watching. A folded fan at my right cheek means yes, left cheek means no. If I hold the fan folded in my left hand, it means you may come and talk to me."

The lesson progressed for the next hour with Magdelena patiently testing Sam as they went along. The Unicorn was an excellent teacher as well as good company. He actually found himself enjoying the game more than he expected he would. "That means you're impatient," he told her when she started hitting things with the fan.

"Now what does this mean?" Magdelena asked, holding the handle of the fan at her lips while it remained closed. Sam thought carefully; she had covered this one. His eyes widened happily as the light went on.

"You may kiss me!" he blurted out. Magdelena smiled coyly, then leaned over and kissed Sam gently on the cheek.

"I thought you'd never ask."
Commodore
Feb 29, 2012
892
CdeWinter on Oct 1, 2013 wrote:
[OOC:Thank you Chrissy for the huge complement in your last post, honestly sometimes I feel a bit invisible in these message boards, (not that I mind too much).
Anne, thank you for the information, I was only thinking that Isabella's parents might begin lining up potential suitors for Isabella, but I do really love to learn as much as I can about everything so thanks again.]

After thanking Madame Graziella for answering her almost impulsive questioning, Scarlet noticed Emma and Lizzy discussing their shopping plans.

"Mes soeurs [my sisters], you cannot go shopping without me!" Scarlet said laughingly. "Personally, I am picturing a dress zat is of a dark emerald green colour for me, perhaps with black trim? Et, of course we cannot forget about ma petit cochon, Violetta." Scarlet continued trying to hide her own discomfort at having to dance with complete strangers. Scarlet wasn't exactly shy, but she did have reservations about dancing with Isabella's potential suitors.

[OOC again: Petit cochon literaly means little pig, but is in fact a french term of endearment]
"I don't think it'll be too hard for us to play sisters, Madame, as I already consider us a family," Emma laughed. "And of course y'all are comin' too, Scarlet! Emerald would look great on ya, I think so!" Emma called for another group hug once more, a sparkle of excitement gleaming in her eyes. "Now, do ya think teal, royal blue, violet, or maroon would look better in my case?" She asked quickly, and turned to Chrissy for a moment with a grin on her face. "I'll get to it for ya, Chrissy. And I'm certain we're bound to have a lot of fun and excitement."
Commodore
Sep 20, 2009
989
Anne Radcliffe on Oct 1, 2013 wrote:
(OOC: Unless there is objection, I am going to invoke 'revisionist history' and not have the presence of Quentin's clockwork bird. I just can't imagine it getting through the Resistance's security, and besides, I think it would be more fun for Quentin at the ball, when he suddenly realizes something is up... and more than the usual politics)

Signor Filippo now spoke, bowing to the captains with an elegant flourish. "No, no, gracious ladies, we would not ask you to risk your lives and burden your account books," his eyes twinkled as he smiled. "We have on board our ship mantua makers*, milliners, a glover, a staymaker, a fan maker -- in short, all the skilled laborers you will need to be appropriately outfitted for your adventure. There are many Valencians who support the Resistance, but not all who serve wield a pistol or sword."

"A good thing too," Maestra Lia quipped. "As I would be terrible at either."

The twinkle in Filippo's eye deepened as he made a bow to his colleague. "She needs no sword who can pierce one's mind and heart with the elegance of her wit."

The human woman could not help but giggle at the extravagant compliment, and whipped out her fan, fanning with practiced ease at bosom height. This obviously conveyed some message, for Filippo outright grinned. "Flatterer," she replied. "However, I fear such weapons as you mention would be of no use against the Armada."

"We will need diverse weapons in this battle," Filippo smilingly countered, and returned his attention to the captains. "As for the theme of the ball, it is simply that all comers are expected to don masks. The masks you choose, the colors you wear, they are all up to you. I believe it is the practice for very young ladies - such as Mariella and Violetta - to wear white or pale colors, but at a masked ball, so many rules are broken."

"Well said," Graziella concluded. "Now, shall we head towards the ship? You have much to learn and we have much to do if we are to be fully prepared for the ball in a weeks time."

*mantua maker= a dressmaker for women
"So we don't 'ave to buy our own dresses? I don't mind paying, really. I am a pirate after all, I 'ave quite large piles of gold, some from Marleybone, some from Mushoo, I even 'ave real Valencian gold." Scarlet stated most matter of factly. "I must request 'owever, zat I use my own mask. It's a bit old but in very good condition. It used to belong to ma mère [my mother], it is one of ze few zings I 'ave left from my parents." Scarlet continued quietly, "It is made to resemble the face of a Peregrin Falcon, I know it might be a bit dangerous, zis mask was sort of my muzzer's trademark when she did not want her identity easily guessed." Scarlet blushed a bit as she explained about the mask. Usually she tried very hard to hide her emotions, and didn't want anybody to think that she was weak in any way.

[OOC: Just to be clear, the way I picture Scarlet's mask, it would be white with the peregrin falcon's tear drop mask around the eye holes, the mask does have a slight hooked beak to it which would be positioned over the wearer's nose. I don't think the mask should have any feathering.]
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