Post by Glade on Jun 5, 2022 18:30:31 GMT
Dressing up for the children of Thea's Refuge
The Meet-up
After the magical celebration last tenday, Lolli found me the following days and invited me to participate in a fashion show that she is organizing to raise money for Thea's Refuge orphanage. The moment Lolli spoke of the charity I immediately agreed without a second thought. However, I soon realized that some details were escaping me. "What's a fashion show?" I asked. Lolli looked at me as if it should have been common knowledge. I explained that my environment wasn't the most social friendly, so there is still a plenty amount of concepts that I am still learning of. She told me that a fashion show is an event in which a collection of newly designed dresses and costumes are being displayed in front of an audience. I clearly lack the capability to understand how simply displaying some dresses in front of an audience leads to acquiring money for charity. Maybe they are being sold after? I did not ask, mostly because a small sliver of fear crept up at the mention of an audience, and because another realization struck me. "Um... I may need some help." I say pointing at may fairly crude attire. She gleefully accepted my call and guided me to the clothing store she works in.
A tenday later, I went to Lolli's shop, Fitzgrove Fashionables, owned by the lovely couple Brendan and Annabella Fitzgrove, to pick up my dress that we discussed. Upon arrival, I was greeted with the lovely sight of not only Lolli, but also Lucky and two other friends I've met before. Pipper, whom I've met while her and Sterling were trying to get some sort of curse off of them, was there to also pick up a dress, and Beets, whom I've met while she was trying to get Aurelia on a much needed vacation, as she was trying to spruce herself up.
The Opera Hall
The Preparations
The Show
The Meet-up
After the magical celebration last tenday, Lolli found me the following days and invited me to participate in a fashion show that she is organizing to raise money for Thea's Refuge orphanage. The moment Lolli spoke of the charity I immediately agreed without a second thought. However, I soon realized that some details were escaping me. "What's a fashion show?" I asked. Lolli looked at me as if it should have been common knowledge. I explained that my environment wasn't the most social friendly, so there is still a plenty amount of concepts that I am still learning of. She told me that a fashion show is an event in which a collection of newly designed dresses and costumes are being displayed in front of an audience. I clearly lack the capability to understand how simply displaying some dresses in front of an audience leads to acquiring money for charity. Maybe they are being sold after? I did not ask, mostly because a small sliver of fear crept up at the mention of an audience, and because another realization struck me. "Um... I may need some help." I say pointing at may fairly crude attire. She gleefully accepted my call and guided me to the clothing store she works in.
A tenday later, I went to Lolli's shop, Fitzgrove Fashionables, owned by the lovely couple Brendan and Annabella Fitzgrove, to pick up my dress that we discussed. Upon arrival, I was greeted with the lovely sight of not only Lolli, but also Lucky and two other friends I've met before. Pipper, whom I've met while her and Sterling were trying to get some sort of curse off of them, was there to also pick up a dress, and Beets, whom I've met while she was trying to get Aurelia on a much needed vacation, as she was trying to spruce herself up.
The Opera Hall
Aside from Pipper and Beets, the rest of us knew where to go this time. Sadly, this did meant that we wouldn't get to visit lady Autumn. I wonder if she got invited as well. Alas, we made our way to the Feylight Gardens. As per last time, we were greeted by Tassel. However, this time we unfortunately were not able to enter the theater. Tassel explained to us that Kundar has been assaulted by Githyanki forces and that many had to flee and seek refuge here in Daring Heights. Among said refugees is the Night Circus. He explained that the theater is currently having a rehearsal for a play called Heart of the Woods. As if he knew we may be saddened by the news, Tassel immediately reassured us that even though the fashion show will not be performed in the theater, the opera hall is still open and available and we can host the show there.
And thus, Tassel lead us to the same staircase we passed last time, but instead of going down towards the theater, we went up towards the opera hall. Upon reaching the staircase, I noticed something that, in my awe, I missed last time I was here. There was a bust of an old tiefling, at the base of which there was a bed of forget-me-nots, accompanied by a plaque. I was not able to read it in its entirety, but I did get a glimpse at the name written on it, Faust Greyheart.
The opera hall was equally grandiose as the theater. The theater made you feel as if you were in the middle of a forest clearing, but the opera hall made you feel like you were in a palace. Not that I've been in any, I've only heard stories of how extravagant they look. The fanciest place I've been to was the mansion of someone named Var Zaenthis, but it paled in comparison to the opera hall. Tall ceilings, filled with paintings, engravings and stained glass windows, suspended by large sculpted columns decorated with mosaics.
The Preparations
As per the previous spectacle, we had to help out with the arrangements: setting up the stage, gathering people for the show, help in making the costumes and, of course, getting the children from Thea's Refuge. This charity was for them after all. Pipper and Beets both volunteered to go and get the children from the orphanage. I offered to help with that as well, which is why I summoned Snowball, a massive and fluffy mastiff to accompany them. Surely, the children will be delighted to follow something as fluffy as Snowball. However, a couple of minutes later, she returned. When I asked why, she told me that the other two bolted a high speed in some sort of race, and she was having none of it. I sighed and told her to see if she can lend a hand with the stage setup, since it's too late now for her to follow on the trail of Pipper and Beets.
Lucky, as before, was the designated person to go and gather people for the show. Last time, he said he went to The Gilded Mirror. When he came back he said that he also went to a place called Four Fair Winds.
Lolli stood behind to work on completing her dresses and I, of course, remained with her, aiding her with various flowers that she needed for detailing the dresses and costumes. They were absolutely gorgeous, multicolored and filled with flowers and sweets. I was a bit skeptical on the sweets being in the dresses, since they may attract insects, but I had confidence that Lolli knew what she was doing and thus I did not question it further. They all looked exquisite.
One last element that needed to be dealt with was apparently a boat. Lolli had a token from one of our previous adventures that allowed her to create a boat resembling a swan that she planned to use for the show to have the children, all dressed up, be in it. The stage even had a hole large enough for it, but one that required water to be filled up with. One which I happily offered to help fill.
One last element that needed to be dealt with was apparently a boat. Lolli had a token from one of our previous adventures that allowed her to create a boat resembling a swan that she planned to use for the show to have the children, all dressed up, be in it. The stage even had a hole large enough for it, but one that required water to be filled up with. One which I happily offered to help fill.
The Show
Finally, the show started and we all found ourselves behind the curtains, waiting for each of our turns. We all decided to perform this evening.
However, before we could start we noticed that the voices in the hall suddenly stopped, some even gasping. Out of curiosity, we all peaked out to see what was going on. It is then that we saw what drew everyone's attention, or rather who. He had short blue hair trimmed with silver, and wore a white shirt with a peculiar black coat on. Everyone seemed to be shocked by his appearance, and not in a good way. He made his way towards a booth in front where there was already another person. She wore a sparkling white and gold dress, sparkling jewelry and had a blond and pink hair. When the man approached her, there seemed to be some tension. It was only when the two greeted each other that I realized who the woman was. It was Queen Merla. I froze as panic swelled up in me 'I have to perform in front of Queen Merla? IN FRONT OF ROYALTY?' While the other were excited by the prospect, I was horrified, my heart was racing and I almost started to sweat, knowing that I have to perform in front of a prestigious audience. 'I am not prepared for this!' My mind whirled with bad scenarios: what if I trip, what if I have a panic attack, what if my magic doesn't work. I took a glance at Lolli, wide excited eyes, and I tried to calm down. I promised Lolli that I will help her with the show, so help her I will. 'I-I will do a light show... w-with a deer... yes... with a deer...' "Oh Great Mother, please help me steel my nerves." I pray clutching my amulet.
First went Pipper. She was dressed in a blue dress that had an interesting design to it. Lolli made it in such a way, so that Pipper can fully form her armor without hiding or damaging the dress. I still have no idea how she does it. What I could say is that it made her look like one of those warrior princesses I read in some children's books. The armor made her gleam and with the use of her magic managed to create three other copies of herself. It looked like a tandem of four Pippers on skates.
Second went Beets. She was dressed in an interesting yet simple red dress with black spots. It made her look like a ladybug. Fitting for a beetle fairy. My heart leaped when halfway she tripped. But before my mind could fill with panic knowing of the embarrassment that may follow, Beets corrected herself and... ripped the dress... which seemed to be magical... and underneath there is a black, slimmer dress and she started dancing. The dance wasn't captivating in a normal way. Usually, the dances I have seen had a flow to them in which the dancers moved their entire body to convey certain emotions: slow, wavy movement for a more soothing experience, or fast sharp movement for a more intense number. Beets' dance was different, her feet produced a satisfying clack when she danced, her body barely moving. It was a display of footwork more than anything else. But it worked wonderfully. Her number even led her all the way to Queen Merla's side... on top of Ulorian's headrest. Panic swelled up again. If Ulorian, the person who drew the eyes of everyone in the hall when he entered, was sitting right NEXT to Queen Merla, then it means he is also of equal status to her. 'What is Beets doing?' The man clearly seemed upset about it. 'Oh no...'
Lolli was next. She didn't dress up immediately at first for the children and their costumes were the main important part of her number. With the use of the boat and her magic, she made sure that her number not only was entertaining for the audience but, more importantly, it was entertaining for the children, for they all had an amazing time playing with the boat. After the boat spectacle, and all the children were lined up for a post play bow, Lolli, in a time that seemed to short, put on her dress and stepped along side the children. Her dress was a sparkly candy pink and filled with flowers. She even wore a magnificent flower crown to go with it. Where Pipper seemed like a princess dressed for battle, Lolli seemed like a princess dressed for a main event. Her talent is truly impressive.
I was next. My dress, as per my request, was a simple green dress that stopped shortly before my ankles, as to not get it dirty, adorned with branches filled with plumb flowers. I even made sure to change the flowers in my branches to plumb. All except one. I rehearsed my number in my head multiple times now. 'Must not fail.' I kept telling myself. Unlike Pipper and Beets, I merely did a simple walk till the end of platform. I had one element prepared, a small amber-colored butterfly, resting on my head. I took it and held it close, spun with it and then released it, transforming it into the most magnificent deer spirit I would think of. It pranced around from seat to seat, leaving behind a trail to help emphasize its journey. through the crowd. At the end, it leapt towards me and I welcomed it with open arms. Instead of trampling over me, it disappeared, leaving behind a cloud of amber petals and fireflies. I looked into the cloud and saw Queen Merla clapping at my performance. 'Thank you Great Mother, for steeling my nerves for Lolli.'
Lastly, but not least, it was Lucky's turn. He wore a magnificent white suit with silver trimmings and pink elements that made it stand out, all covered by a fanciful white cloak that was pink on the inside. As per last time, Lucky recited a story, but this time he made sure to have Tassel with him. The story was about the Pied Piper of Icewind, he later told me that it was from his collection of children's poetry that he wrote himself. The story was about a miserable town called Icewind where there were never any present. To help emphasize the miserable aspect of the town, Lucky asked me if I could summon a rat for him, to which I responded by lending him Skrit. One day, the story goes, a piper appeared, played by Tassel, to take the children away from this miserable place, to a magnificent castle filled with presents. The castle is Ulorian's and that he will be giving away the presents. Sure enough, all the children gathered around him waiting eagerly. Judging by Ulorian's expression, it was clear that last bit was changed for this occasion. Begrudgingly, he did indeed offered them presents in the form of various, if not odd, trinkets.
The children were happy, the audience was delighted and a hefty sum of gold has beed raised for the orphanage.
First I wished for a way to spread the joy of spring and then Lolli wished to promote Fitzgrove Fashionables and raise money for the orphanage.
Both our wishes came true.
'The Gardens truly are magical, aren't they?'
First went Pipper. She was dressed in a blue dress that had an interesting design to it. Lolli made it in such a way, so that Pipper can fully form her armor without hiding or damaging the dress. I still have no idea how she does it. What I could say is that it made her look like one of those warrior princesses I read in some children's books. The armor made her gleam and with the use of her magic managed to create three other copies of herself. It looked like a tandem of four Pippers on skates.
Second went Beets. She was dressed in an interesting yet simple red dress with black spots. It made her look like a ladybug. Fitting for a beetle fairy. My heart leaped when halfway she tripped. But before my mind could fill with panic knowing of the embarrassment that may follow, Beets corrected herself and... ripped the dress... which seemed to be magical... and underneath there is a black, slimmer dress and she started dancing. The dance wasn't captivating in a normal way. Usually, the dances I have seen had a flow to them in which the dancers moved their entire body to convey certain emotions: slow, wavy movement for a more soothing experience, or fast sharp movement for a more intense number. Beets' dance was different, her feet produced a satisfying clack when she danced, her body barely moving. It was a display of footwork more than anything else. But it worked wonderfully. Her number even led her all the way to Queen Merla's side... on top of Ulorian's headrest. Panic swelled up again. If Ulorian, the person who drew the eyes of everyone in the hall when he entered, was sitting right NEXT to Queen Merla, then it means he is also of equal status to her. 'What is Beets doing?' The man clearly seemed upset about it. 'Oh no...'
Lolli was next. She didn't dress up immediately at first for the children and their costumes were the main important part of her number. With the use of the boat and her magic, she made sure that her number not only was entertaining for the audience but, more importantly, it was entertaining for the children, for they all had an amazing time playing with the boat. After the boat spectacle, and all the children were lined up for a post play bow, Lolli, in a time that seemed to short, put on her dress and stepped along side the children. Her dress was a sparkly candy pink and filled with flowers. She even wore a magnificent flower crown to go with it. Where Pipper seemed like a princess dressed for battle, Lolli seemed like a princess dressed for a main event. Her talent is truly impressive.
I was next. My dress, as per my request, was a simple green dress that stopped shortly before my ankles, as to not get it dirty, adorned with branches filled with plumb flowers. I even made sure to change the flowers in my branches to plumb. All except one. I rehearsed my number in my head multiple times now. 'Must not fail.' I kept telling myself. Unlike Pipper and Beets, I merely did a simple walk till the end of platform. I had one element prepared, a small amber-colored butterfly, resting on my head. I took it and held it close, spun with it and then released it, transforming it into the most magnificent deer spirit I would think of. It pranced around from seat to seat, leaving behind a trail to help emphasize its journey. through the crowd. At the end, it leapt towards me and I welcomed it with open arms. Instead of trampling over me, it disappeared, leaving behind a cloud of amber petals and fireflies. I looked into the cloud and saw Queen Merla clapping at my performance. 'Thank you Great Mother, for steeling my nerves for Lolli.'
Lastly, but not least, it was Lucky's turn. He wore a magnificent white suit with silver trimmings and pink elements that made it stand out, all covered by a fanciful white cloak that was pink on the inside. As per last time, Lucky recited a story, but this time he made sure to have Tassel with him. The story was about the Pied Piper of Icewind, he later told me that it was from his collection of children's poetry that he wrote himself. The story was about a miserable town called Icewind where there were never any present. To help emphasize the miserable aspect of the town, Lucky asked me if I could summon a rat for him, to which I responded by lending him Skrit. One day, the story goes, a piper appeared, played by Tassel, to take the children away from this miserable place, to a magnificent castle filled with presents. The castle is Ulorian's and that he will be giving away the presents. Sure enough, all the children gathered around him waiting eagerly. Judging by Ulorian's expression, it was clear that last bit was changed for this occasion. Begrudgingly, he did indeed offered them presents in the form of various, if not odd, trinkets.
The children were happy, the audience was delighted and a hefty sum of gold has beed raised for the orphanage.
First I wished for a way to spread the joy of spring and then Lolli wished to promote Fitzgrove Fashionables and raise money for the orphanage.
Both our wishes came true.
'The Gardens truly are magical, aren't they?'
