Console, Video Announcement

[redlightgreenlight]

[When the video feed begins, there are not one but two figures visible. Valdis should be familiar to almost everyone. The other is probably only familiar to those Foreigners who frequent the Midnight Hotel: ostensibly male, he's wearing a bright blue frock coat and a wide-brimmed, feathered hat that covers most of his face, except for rouged lips. They're seated close together in what looks to be one of the tea houses in Keeliai, with patrons and servers wandering in and out of view behind them.

When Rue speaks it's with a very poncy, nasal English accent.]

Now then, darlings, my dearest new friend Valdis and I have a bit of an announcement to share with you all. [The hat turns slightly, to indicate that he's looking over at her.] Would you care to do the honors, love?

[A brilliant smile lights up Valdis’ face.]

Of course, after all, it was my idea . [She laughs] My dear Rue and I have decided that we need to have a bit of fun. We are going to put on a Masquerade Ball and everyone is invited. [She glances at Rue, then back to the screen.] It will take place at the Courtyard of Public Opinion on the evening of the 30th. As it is a ball, formal wear is a must, and of course, being a masquerade, masks as well.

This is a chance for all of us to come together, Kedan and Foreigners, to celebrate our individualities as well as our similarities. After all, who doesn’t love a good party?

[Rue, meanwhile, has become visibly distracted by one of the men wandering off to the side in the tea house, just barely visible on the screen. There’s a very definite smirk on those rouged lips now.]

I know I do.

Comments

[redlightgreenlight]

I don't actually know my parents...

[As far as she knew, she had been born from hellfire, but that wasn't exactly information she spread around.]

That is a mouthful.

[deadclumsy]

[O o p s. Her discomfort shows in her expression - just a wince, but enough.]

Sorry.

[How to fix this?]

It's not a bad name. Valdis. It's quite nice, actually.

[It might be all this poor woman has from her parents. Best not poke that particular spiders' nest any more than necessary.]

[redlightgreenlight]

It's alright.

[She sighs]

It isn't the name my parents gave me, but it's the only name I've ever known.

[Its meaning wasn't very pleasant, but it was who she was, no matter who Wan had thought she was, she was Valdis and that was that.]

Anyway, you like the idea?

[deadclumsy]

[Grateful for a change in topic, she smiles:]

I do at that. I don't suppose you know a shop I could visit for fancy dress? I've only got the barest of necessities, here. No masks at all.

[redlightgreenlight]

I know of several shops and making a mask shouldn't be too difficult to do yourself.

[Fancy dresses were something she hadn't worn in a long time, it was one of the things she was most excited about]</small.

[deadclumsy]

I'm not terribly handy with the more domestic things, to be honest. It's best if I find someone else to do it for me, or just pay for it.

[You should see her try to clean a room or pack a suitcase.]

[redlightgreenlight]

Well, I know of a few shops that might be able to help with that too then.

[This was going to be fun]

Are you more subtle or sparkly minded when it comes to formal wear?

[deadclumsy]

I do believe I will need as much glitter and glamour as humanly possible.

[After a beat:]

You're not half bad, mate.

[redlightgreenlight]

So I've been told upon occasion.

[Her smile says that she is teasing...mostly]

[deadclumsy]

So about those shops. I don't suppose you'd be willing to show me around a bit?

[redlightgreenlight]

I would be delighted.