The Masquerade (WIP)

Evening was setting in, and nearly all the lights from candles to lanterns illuminated the Cirillium estate. The world was preparing for bed but the residents of the manor were wide awake attending to last minute things. Tonight a very lavish event was being held somewhere in the noble quarter. A grand ball. Any Ishgardian who was anybody would be in attendance. It was a get together of the many high houses that resided within the district, the Cirilliums were of course invited. Addressed to the young head of House Cirillium, a formal invitation printed on the finest of parchments with a notable family seal embossed in wax on its backside arrived but a day prior. Little notice was needed, for generally any nobleman was prepared for an impromptu formal affair.

Members of the house staff barreled through the hallways, grabbing all sorts of things from shelves and storage closets. They had their usual duties to attend to while also preparing for this occasion. Zavanis Lumireis, sat on a loveseat outside one of the washrooms. Her legs shyly closed together. Many aids wandered past her. She was used to the hallways being empty at this time of night, and finding herself on display in such a manner was uncomfortable. Of course these men and women were no more curious about her bare body than dust on a countertop. It was a way of life. They would without question assist in dressing and undressing their patrons whenever asked. A little skin was no big deal to them, they were numb to all the flesh they saw on a daily basis. Of course, to Zavanis who was the modest sort, this was terrifying. A handmaid or two was as much as she could handle. 

The polished white wood door creaked open and a younger woman, around her age peaked out with her arm outstretched to her. “The bath is ready, madam. Please come in, we have only an hour to get you dressed for the evening.” She complied and stood from her place, clenching the bottom of her short robe so that no peeking eyes could see her undergarments. The door shut quietly behind them. The room was uncomfortably bright and three other maids turned to her, bowing politely before going back to their tasks. A warm, lovely scented bath had been drawn for her. A small bucket, nicely decorated for what it was sat at the foot of the tub, with a small bottle sitting inside. The young woman who invited her gently slid off the robe from her, placing it on a hook nearby. “Whenever you’re ready, m’lady” said another who stood before the bath. They politely waited for her to undress out of her bra and panty, something she did reluctantly. She walked over to the tub and was assisted into it. The handmaid softly held her hair from the water and tied it atop the hyur’s head with a clip. The third woman was pulling out several cosmetic items from the cabinets and drawers that lined the long marble countertop. 

Zav sunk into the water, only slightly. Taking a bar of lavender soap from beside her and lathering up her dry skin. Her mind was prepped for the ‘assistance’ she was about to receive but she still wanted some control. The maid then sat upon her knees on the bath mat, taking a brush to the bathing woman’s hair before filling the bucket with lukewarm water. She lifted it beside Zavanis “Ma’am I’m going to start now, hopefully it's not too warm for you.” With that she tipped the bucket and out poured the water over the hyurian’s body. This would be repeated several times in between pauses while the maid applied the shampoo and conditioner. One final tip of the bucket and she was done, for now. She picked up a comb and placed some bobby pins between her fingers. The obviously well trained maid began to section off parts of her hair and pin them apart and out of the way. Another maid wandered over with a small tray holding multiple hair rollers. One by one, they would roll up the sectioned pieces tightly around the cushiony objects. It was a bit uncomfortable but did the job. They rose to their feet and bowed to her, picking up two towels and bid her exit the tub. She did as she was asked, slowly balancing herself while she stepped out. The two wrapped her in one towel, then dried off her arms and legs with the other. The young aid then pulled out the vanity chair for her. Zav sat down upon the soft cushion and watched as they surrounded her. 

“Alrighty then, M’lady. Shall we begin with your makeup then? The young lord asked us to keep it ‘natural’.” She said with a small eye roll. “The young one giggled and muttered quietly “How’s one to look natural with a face full of product?” Zav was fine with this kind of talk, she encouraged it. They had all seemed far too formal for her liking and she had explained that a little fun and bubbliness wasn't a bad thing. These girls were starting to catch on to her sensibilities. They each brought a few items closer to Zav, so she might inspect them. They would show her a product in numerous styles and brands. Zav always opted for the most basic looking of the bunch or just allowed them to pick which they deemed appropriate for her. After a few rounds of displays they had a nice collection of products for her look. Opening and closing compacts and tubes of cosmetics they would ‘doll her up’. Some mascara, smokey eyeshadow, light blush and lipstick would all be applied after they prepped her face with the essentials. Her eyes would flutter as they did so. 

They clapped softly. “All done madam, let's get you back to your quarters now.” They would look at the clock. Two would remain in the washroom, tidying up while the young maid walked her down the hall in her bathrobe. Traffic had died down a bit as they made their way. The double doors to her room were held open by two additional aids. One was a tall elezan woman with short silver hair, her bangs pinned to the side. Her eyes were a similar purple to Zav’s and she was in her early 40’s. This was Zavanis’ personal handmaid, Mireille. Mireille waited on the hyurian lady nearly everyday. Zav asked so little so as not to ‘intrude’ on their lifestyle but Mireille insisted every so often. She was welcoming and kind. “Come come, let us hurry for the night is still young, Madame Lumireis!” Mireille hurried them through the door and shut them in one quick motion. She sat Zav down on her large bed. “Wait just a moment, we’ll bring in your gown. Not to worry!” The senior maid was always so polite with her words even in a rush.

The three were all involved in retrieving the dress. It was a long ball gown made mostly in royal blue fabric.It would be tied around the neck, with off the shoulder sleeves adorned with black lace, and draped along the waist. The bottom would expand around her frame, with layers of black and blue. With more ruffles and black lace at the bottom. They laid it beside her on the bed, gently, not wanting to rip or tear the delicate fabric. Mireille beckoned the younger maids to retrieve the undergarments. Zav rose to her feet, ready to begin this painful ritual. She had never dressed this nicely or been to such an extravagant event, but she often fantasized about it. They slipped a chemise over her and she stepped into her stockings and drawers. A grey corset made of cotton and baleen wrapped around her torso, tightening it with a quick squeeze. The air from her lungs exited her body with a quick jolt. Then they brought out an elliptical crinoline cage. Laying it on the floor as they prepared to lift it from her feet to her waist. She stepped in, a bit confused. When they brought it up then secured it tightly, it was rather bouncy. A thin petticoat was placed over it, in hopes of hiding the sharp edges. The silk satin skirt was next. Over her head and down her back they draped it. Normally a corset cover was next, but Mireille thought it over and opted not, as her lady would be caught up dancing all night and the extra layer would cause her to overheat. Finally the matching silk bodice was placed around her. Her maid tied the last bit around her neck then fluffed the bottom quickly. She stepped out in front of her, her fingers to her lips as she judged her handiwork. The other two stood beside her waiting for approval.

“Alrighty then, dress is good and well fitted for a night out!” she turned to the girls “Grab the gloves, shoes and mask please ladies.” They nodded and made for the vanity again. Fetching a pair of black laced gloves with a ribbon around the wrist, matching blue heels and a simple white mask. Mireille began to take out the hair rolls gently, revealing layers of curls. She brushed through it sweetly. Her aids returned, slipping her small feet into the heels and her fingers into the sockets of the gloves. Mirelle was handed the mask to which she kept. “Good, good. Let’s make our way to the foyer then, shall we?” No purse was needed, anything she would need or want, be it to fix her look or just keep her occupied would be provided at the venue. The four of them exited the suite making their way to the main hall. Her suite was on the main floor, so no hassle with stairs. A huge chandelier hung down from the high ceiling on a seemingly fragile chain. Though in truth it was very secure. A long carpet covered the main entry over the white marble tile. Butlers, maids, and other attendants gathered there, talking amongst themselves. Mireille came around the corner and opened her arms wide.

“Quiet now, everyone quiet please. Madame Lumireis is all dressed and ready for her first event. Please allow me to present her to you!” She said so proudly, almost mother-like. Zavanis walked down the hallway into the open space, her skirt nearly reaching the floor. The sound of her heels echoing before they hit the carpet. She looked stunned. So many faces looked at her. Each gentleman bowed as she walked by, the ladies lowering their heads with smiles of envy. Zavanis came to a stop before the head of staff, Aldebrande. Everyone hushed waiting to see how he would respond to her look. As head of staff, it was on him to make sure his patrons left and returned with a dignified look representative of their house. Zav stood, somewhat awkwardly, awaiting to be judged. Her hand fidgeting with the end of her sleeve. Aldebrande stood silent for some time, probably assessing the entire situation. Her look, his staff, the appearance of the estate, many things would run through his head as nothing ever truly stopped in the Cirillium Manor.

“Madam Lumireis…” he started, the staff hanging on his every word. “Might you join me in the parlor? There are things that must be discussed.” Anticlimactic the staff would think. They were used to the normal send off of Lord Magnus and Lady Lilian, but sending off the lord’s better half? That was something to ignite the spark in them. They were all quite excited to see a commoner, probably of similar standing to themselves, put on a pedestal. They all bowed and curtseyed as the pair moved to a separate room. Mireille had had enough gawking. “Off you go then, back to work!” she said shooing them out of the main hall. 

Aldebrande motioned to a door close by, gently turning the handle and keeping it open while she passed through the entryway, securing the door behind her. They found themselves with the parlor now. It was a small room, compared to the rest of the estate. Two floor to ceiling windows sat opposite each other on the wall before her. With a white frame and royal blue curtains draped along the sides. The walls themselves were white with decorative molding and specially made sconces attached on each of the four walls. In the center of the far wall was an ornate fireplace, small yet beautiful, with a large mirror just above it. The room was made up of two main arm chairs on either side of a lovely table and some additional seating options around the edge of space. Some paintings also hung in the otherwise empty spaces. None specifically depicting the Cirilliums, but a slice of noble life. A decently sized, gold chandelier hung from the ceiling in the center of the room.

Zav sat in one of the arm chairs, or tried her best to. The skirt of her dress with the cage underneath didn’t want to mold to the shape of the chair, forcing her to sit on the very edge of it. Her hands were laced together in her lap as she took in the sights of the room. She could see Magnus having small business meetings here, but figured there was a much larger and fancier office somewhere in the estate. Aldebrande adjusted some things near the door then turned to face her, walking forward and stopping just a foot in front of her. Zavanis seemed tense. She had not dealt with him personally, and not one on one before. Of course Magnus introduced all the big names around the estate but she typically referred to Mireille for any pressing matters. Her opinion of him thus far was neutral. He brushed aside her fears once he placed a hand atop hers. “You look lovely tonight, Madam.” She would see a soft smile run across his lips as he cupped her hand with his, gently so as to assure her. Zav smiled, somewhat relieved she had ‘passed’. The man withdrew his hands from hers and poured a glass of water from the pitcher sitting on the table. Zav was uninterested in drinks, she was ready to go to whatever she had agreed to. The man sighed with a bit of a chuckle in his throat. Surely Magnus had mentioned her attitude and personality on several occasions. All of which she was living up to. 

Mireille was out in the hallway giving orders and fixing problems while the head of staff was preoccupied.  Aldebrande knew this, and decided to retrieve the young lord. “Madam, if you’ll excuse me for a moment..” he moved to the door in seconds, his speed unmatched by anyone on staff. He exited the parlor, one could see a few underlings dart towards him as he left, bursting with questions and concerns about menial tasks. 

Zav was left alone. Her eyes darting around the room, her body tense not knowing what she should do in the meantime. She ended up staring at the pitcher of water. Watching the contents spin until it is balanced out. It was only a few minutes before the door opened again. Aldebrande’s arm held out, extending the door wide. He beckoned the silver haired elezan in before him. Mireille smiled as she entered, going to stand beside the table and out of the way. Another body stepped through the entryway. Lord Magnus Cirillium himself. He strode out into the open room, adjusting his white jabot tie. He wore a lovely blue and white long coat with gold accents across it. His pants a muted black to go with it and dress shoes with white gloves. His hair looked freshly washed as it fell on his face. He would brush the bangs out of his eyes, ever the perfectionist. Then his right hand man shut the door as he also entered the room.