29-11-YC123

I was not going to attend the Saint Razhden's Masquerade.  Not because Lunarisse does not host the most wonderful events in New Eden - I have no doubt that even the most popular event-planners and influencers in the Federation must be intolerably jealous of her.  However, a little voice over my shoulder persuaded me to go, and I am so pleased that it did, it was just an enjoyable evening.

Everyone wore such wonderful costumes that it really was like being transported back those many thousands of years to the days before we, or indeed anyone, took to the stars.  There were merchants and warriors, slavers and sailors.  The stories that people told were so imaginative too!  I particularly liked Utari's', which I found very moving and thought-provoking.  Of course, he and Lasairiona won the prize for couple's costume, but then as they have always been, are, and shall always be the absolutely most gorgeous couple, it cannot be unexpected.  Not so say that Lunarisse and Franco could not offer them a close challenge, with Lunarisse so radiant in her pregnancy, but, as usual, the ever modest Directrix disqualifies herself from any competition at an event she herself hosts.

Lilya's costume and story were both so enchanting, based around her home of Nafrivik.  The colours of her clothes really brought out her eyes, and I could not but help remember my feelings toward her.  When she came to speak to me, I honestly thought I would not be able to reply for my emotions.  I do hope she did not think me cold toward her.  Oh, Lilya, I am sorry.  Will you ever forgive me?

A Lady Munory also attended, though I do not know her.  Her costume included a retinue of actual slaves - her own - and her story was focused on slavery also.  There was something about her I did not entirely trust, though I cannot exactly say why.  Perhaps it was her rather probing questions regarding Aldrith and his recent insanity.  I must admit I was somewhat irritated by her statement of equating that fool with we Praetorians, and made sure she now has no mistake in her mind that we are represented by any one, self-interested egotist.  We are one made of many.

Arline was also there, and looked magnificently ferocious as a Khanid warrior of old.  She even had skulls on her belt!  I do hope they were imitation, but knowing Arline, I cannot be certain.  Alas, I did not get to speak to her for she disappeared somewhere during my own story-telling, I think.  I hope she is not unwell, for I know she has been troubled lately.

So, yes, my own story.  I honestly had no idea what to dress as, but inspiration hit me and the story flowed from that.  So long ago, my family was not even noble, nor did we even hold the family name we do now, but still we were scouts and explorers of sorts.  So I dressed as the horse archers of that day would have.  A very plain and simple outfit, as one would need when speed and movement are of such importance, I really did not think anyone would notice, not with the wonderful clothing on display by so many others.  Yet that is how my ancestors dressed, and I hope they looked on me with a degree of pride, for I am proud of them, and never more so as I shared the story of the Athran wild-cat.  It was a deeply special moment, and again it just rather came upon me.  Not even Ishta has heard that story, though of course we all know it, as does anyone in Nakri who descends from that same stock - which is most of us - but we rarely speak of such things with others.  I am glad I shared it.

And apparently both my clothes and my tale were impressive enough that so many people voted for me at the end of the competition that I jointly won.  I still cannot quite believe it now.  People are so kind for what was really such a humble effort.

I stopped at the Chapel of Saint Junip on Oris on the way home.  Perhaps it was a twist of fate that I wore the clothes of my forebears and told their story, for I am bound, like them, to scout ahead into dangerous territory for the army to follow behind soon.  Like them, I go knowing the dangers, but also knowing that there is no question about my having to return.  Knowledge of the land, the seas, the stars ahead, and what may face us, is far more valuable than the life of one person, and so it must be brought back.  

I pray as my ancestors did, for speed, stealth, and good fortune.  And for warm food when I get back.