Hey, Journal, I've got some news to share with you!
Before my recent change I saw a posted notice for a masquerade, hosted by Nyx Astra in the free company Reclamations Untited. I had pre-planned a set of clothes based on the listed theme of some inter-dimensional title called '1920s casino royale' but had to suddenly revamp my entire look. Incredibly short notice, especially with some of the images that I peered through the tech provided by the Ironworks but I think it turned out well, including the specialized wig I purchased for the occasion.
Hmm...not the most flattering look. Let me give a better one.
There. Better. I did have to remove some personal makeup temporarily to accommodate the headdress/mask but overall I'm really satisfied with the work. And I managed to buy some of the materials for the skirt for much less than the skirt itself. I know, I know, not very proper of me but still a necessity and proof that I still know how to tailor for myself. A gil saved is a gil earned as the saying goes.
Anyway, on my way there I was pinged over the free company link pearl system. I had been so caught up in the work to accomplish the last touches of the ensemble that I had nearly forgotten about the weekly meeting. So, still in costume, I arrived. I may have drawn a few heads my way, as the full company doesn't generally know what happened to me. I smiled, faintly blushing a little as the rundown of the business from the week, which wasn't much.
When it was open to other announcements I took to the stage and advised, as the company engineer and captain of the fleet of airships and submarines are in excellent condition and exploration continues. Scanners on the submarine even seen traces of a small, capturable creature but as yet have been unable to pin down the habitat. Once that's been discovered, and hopefully it doesn't move, we'll decide on who gets to take care of them as new pets.
I checked the wall clock and realized that the party was getting started. Politely excusing myself, I quickly used my teleport shard to the Broken Tail, located in the Lavender Beds. it was a walk and let me tell you; the trying to walk in high pump heels is tricky business; especially if you're not used to it.
Upon entering the building I heard music rising from downstairs. There was an attendant on hand. After making polite inquiry I went down to take a look at the main floor. I must say it was quite packed. Showed up just in time for Nyx giving her opening speech about attendance and a special raffle as a part of pre-registering. Mind you, I did enter the raffle, but had no expectations on winning (though I think deep down wanted to).
There were a few people I recognized, despite the fact that they were hiding behind masks. Kieryn was one of them. I think I surprised him with my present form, though he deduced my identity with a little reasoning. I may have changed physically, but my mannerisms are still known. We chatted amiably and then he hurried off, placing a little kiss on my cheek. I think it was reflexive on his part. A small stirring in me wanted to do more, but I lost track of him in the press of the crowd. Looking back at the emotions and feelings experienced, I think it was a desire to bed him. I clubbed that down; hard.
Anyroad, going to the bar, I grabbed a glass of wine that the bartender was setting up for guests to take at their leisure. I turned back to the floor, watching and sipping carefully. Wines I can handle better than hard drink like beers and mead. A random stranger walked up to me and commented on my choice of color in my dress. I blushed and smiled, thanking him. He then invited me to dance on the floor for a number. It was a little awkward, internally, but I rose and danced with the gentleman. I never did get his name as, when the dance ended, he flitted off to flirt with another woman.
Sighing I returned back to the bar and I recognized an associate of mine; or thought I did. The side profile, despite mask and what might have been a wig, looked like Eretria Mist, but the voice and speech syntax was very different. Still, I invited her to dance and she accepted.
It was actually after this dance (which I enjoyed) that a special announcement was made to the group. One of the co-hosts actually took a knee and proposed to someone in the crowd! My heart gushed affection for the two of them as she accepted and they embraced each other. Clearly, they knew one another for awhile prior to this, but still it was bold of him to propose in a crowd and bolder still that she accepted, despite all the onlookers.
I thought I also heard Estelle Winters milling about, but never got a chance to speak with her. She's a cousin that came recently from Ishgard, but the elezen heritage was prominent in that line. I wonder if she and Cassandra are sisters or half-sisters, given similar features.
During the course of the dancing, there were the announcements of three prizes given, though I didn't hear what had been awarded too clearly. Then the party really started to get crowded. With the press of people, I thought it was wise to leave. While I couldn't find Nyx in the crowd, I penned a small message of appreciation to her and handed it to one of the bartenders on duty, expressing that it was a marvelous party.
I arrived home and found my love waiting for me, slightly concerned. The hour was later than I thought. We shared dinner and I described the party to her. Ever being honest, I also let her know what I was thinking about Kieryn yet promised that I wouldn't follow through. She eyed me for a moment, then blushed. "I trust you, husband," she said, and I led her up the stairs...
-Drail Silverleaf journal entry
