Soiree

[Colette Moreau]

Lady Misaki Armendariz

Misaki was left in the foyer patiently looking around until her turn came. Her cloak had been taken by an ornately dressed servant, as well as her gloves, and another had come to offer her a warm towel to freshen her neck and dab her hands. She'd never seen a man in heels before, and she was suddenly aware of the flatness beneath her slippers. The Andoran girls she'd shared the carriage with also wore heeled shoes, but theirs were elaborately worked with thread with sparkling little jewels gleamed at the points of their toes.

"Lady Misaki?" She startled, pulling her eyes from the chandelier overhead. She nodded, sweeping two small palms across her skirts. They were formed in the style of her mother’s, with a shimmery black laid across milky cream.  White and silvery flowers were tightly sewn across the front and matched a belt that draped long from her waist. Her dark hair was pulled gently back at the sides and adorned with a ribbon. She felt so different from these Andoran girls brushing past her even now. A honey haired Lady a few years older than Misaki adjusted her bust and curled her ruby lips into a smile when she caught Misaki watching. Her curls were tight spirals bouncing by her ears, and a sparkling tiara held the rest of her hair into a bun.

The servant tapped a cane in the doors beyond, and Misaki heard her name and titles proclaimed. House Taravin's great hall was dazzling. It was filled with so much warmth, light, and richness. Music circled and soon, Misaki was swept into the outstretched arms of Andoran society. Her mother was no where to be seen, but there was little time to search for her. An arm twined through her elbow and she was pulled in practically against her will, though she wasn’t fighting it exactly. The first girl to find her was was that of young Lady Coraline Carand. She was a distant cousin of the High Seat of House Carand, and the same age as herself. Misaki smiled down politely, she was the taller of the two girls. Even with her heels, Coraline was several inches shorter. They were introduced several days ago at the Darwyn’s estate. 

“Lady Misaki what a lovely dress, I never would have thought the lack of color could be so cheerful." 

Misaki laughed a little, her face alighting with the compliment. She then gestured at Coraline's sapphire silk and amethyst velvets.  "Oh my honorable friend, Coraline. I am in your shadow tonight. You are a pure vision."  Coraline seemed amused, and she continued onward, leading the Shienaran guest on a full circle of the room. Misaki returned the many eyes that studied with her a polite smile, hoping such was sufficient to meet their honorable customs. Hopefully the Lords and Ladies of the evening did not find her rude for not stopping, but Coraline tugged her onward like a willing trophy.

Then a tap on Lady Carand's shoulder and the girls paused. Misaki slowly circled about and she saw what was undoubtedly the most handsome girl she'd ever seen.  She had a stern face that flashed heat toward her company, a stiff dress with an ample bosom despite being barely fifteen. Coraline seemed to recognize her and greeted her familiarly, "You look well as always cousin."

"Cora, you're going to exhaust the poor girl before the night has even started. We all know what you're doing strolling about like girlfriends, now shoo away for a bit and give the child some rest. There's still dancing to come.  Now go on.” This newcomer had drawn a few pairs of eyes, Misaki noticed, glancing around her. A young man in the company of nearby gentlemen turned to look at them. He had sweeping blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that made Misaki distinctly uncomfortable just to look upon him. He was clearly one of the most beautiful men she’d ever seen before, and she recognized him as one of their hosts in Caemlyn. Drake Darwyn, the young Lord of the House of Darwyn. Nephew of the High Seat and first heir since his cousin’s abdication. She recited what she knew of him and looked away.

That was when she noticed the loose thread on the handsome woman's sleeve.  Some of the embroidery must have been caught, perhaps getting hung up on the clasps between her pearl necklace.  "Oh my."  Misaki started, and both girls looked at her as though surprised she'd spoken up.  She was embarrassed, but she pointed out the flaw on the lady's dress, "Perhaps you should have that tended to?" Wide eyes looked between the two, questioning whether it was the right thing to say. 

Coraline studied her own shoulder, looking shocked, and moments later the two spun on their heels and stalked off, skirts swaying, to tend to the clothing emergency as soon as possible.  Misaki understood the rush for the one girl, but why did Coraline leave as well?  "What did I say?” She asked herself, startled when someone actually responded.

"Something brilliant, my lady." 

She turned, uneasy to discover it was indeed Drake who came close.

He signaled to a nearby servant who promptly hurried at his request to their sides. He presented her with a crystal flute of sparkling wine and took another for himself.  Misaki looked at the liquid but did not drink. Her mother would never allow it. “What was so brilliant about that, My Lord?" Her question was genuine.

He momentarily glanced the way the two ladies had gone.  They were no where to be seen by now. "The Lady Carand was using you as a puppet to show you off to her friends while the Lady Exion came to pull rank to seemingly rescue you yet at the same time she intended to do the same thing. Your rebuttal, pointing out the flaw, refused the latter's attentions while yet avoiding defending the former's.  In one simple, brilliant move, you rid yourself of both. And they had no idea you had it in you. That is Daes Dae’mar. It seems you’re a natural. And at what? Twelve? Thirteen?” He lifted in glass in toast and then wandered away.

“Thirteen,” Misaki replied, blinking.  She did all that?  Her lips parted to correct him, assure him that she'd intended no such thing!  But only silence trailed in his wake, so she put the glass to her lips and took a tiny sip of the wine.