Imma had been excited when she had received the invitation to Evie’s party. She adored the beach and because of her age, had never been there at night. How would the sun look, she wondered, as it set over the ocean? She had thought about bringing her art supplies but had decided against it. Tonight was for enjoying the company of her cousin and the others who would be joining the party.

She had planned her outfit carefully. A few weeks ago she had bought a beautiful length of fabric in variegated hues of gold, pink, and purple that reminded her of the sunset. It had been fashioned into a chiton and was perfect for this occasion. Her maidservants had fastened in at her shoulders with opal fibulae to indicate the rising moon. Myriad stings of white iridescent beads were wrapped around her entire torso from beneath her growing bosom to just below her tiny waist. The ends came together in the middle and at both sides and fell to the hem of her chiton.

Attached to the fibulae were more strings of beads that spiraled around the entire length of both arms ending in golden cuffs adorned with opals. She wore an elaborate beaded necklace with several hanging opals, as well as matching earrings. Her long platinum hair was arranged into many tiny braids woven through with pink and purple ribbons. A circlet of gold and opals rested upon her forehead.

Imma had made her mask herself, using her artistic skills to fashion it from the silk that had been cut from the bottom of the chiton so that it wouldn’t be too long. It was trimmed with tiny opals around the edges and eye holes and had a beaded rosette on both sides. Opals formed the centers and several strands of beads dangled from the rosettes and over the young girl’s shoulder.

She was one of the earliest arrivals, having taken a carriage from the Leventi manor to the beach. Immediately, she removed her beaded sandals so that she could feel the sand beneath her bare feet. They swung from one small hand as she walked toward the tents that had been set up. It seemed that Evie had spared no expense for this party. The delicious scent of broiled fish filled her nostrils and her stomach rumbled. As usual, the youngest Leventi girl was hungry.

Imma commandeered one of the handsome servants to bring her a blanket to spread out on the beach and a few fluffy pillows to lounge upon. She had no idea why anyone would prefer a tent to the beauty of the ocean in the setting sun. The servant was then instructed to bring her a large portion of fish and oysters as well as a glass of wine.

She heard Evie’s announcement just as the servant handed her a heaping plate of seafood. So the reason for the masks was so that they would all be incognito? Though she hadn’t paid much attention to the other guests yet, she was fairly certain that she would be able to recognize them even in masks. In the spirit of the evening, she would feign ignorance of everybody’s identity, assuming she was not left alone on the beach to eat by herself.

It was simply amazing what a few scraps of material turned into a mask could do. Evangelina had always assumed that a mask couldn’t hide a lot of things, couldn’t hide you from the people who you knew well and deeply. As her gaze passed over her guests, she began to question that theory. Unless you stared uncomfortably long and hard at someone, with a mask they were just another faceless stranger.

The air seemed to crackle with an unknown force similar to that of the bonfire but different. It had an energy all of its own. Something would happen tonight, she could feel it.

Lifting her wine to her lips, she took a deep sip. Dafni was here. She’d known that not because of recognizing her or the flamboyant way she’s arrived but rather her striking horse. While there were some things that could be hidden from Evangelina, she never forgot the face of a horse. For an instant, she wondered if she’d seen Imma and Theo but softly reminded herself tonight was about anonymity and forgetting about reality, even if it was just for a night. Giving Dafni a hug and an air kiss on the cheek before she gave her speech.

After the speech and she’d hopped down from her driftwood podium, she picked up a strawberry and bit into the delicious little fruit before washing it down with a sip of the sweet red wine. Moving back to the tent that Dafni was in, she smiled and produced a tincture of opium and held it up in offering to the youngest of Fotio’s daughters.

“Mel asked if you would hold onto this, she’ll be around later to pick it up.” Her lips curved knowing full well she was setting temptation in front of the younger Leventi. “I trust you’ll keep it safe.” Sliding her cousin a knowing look, she smiled and drifted away, content that things were about to get a bit more interesting.

Now, who else should be corrupted?

Even though the nobles of the Taengean court were known for their prowess in the art of gossiping, it turned out that they were far from the only ones that had a propensity to talk. This event might have been about anonymity and secrecy so that all of the invited girls might have great fun, it turned out that there had been no such privacy when it came to ordering the masks that were needed for this event. Arete had gotten lucky and had gone to visit the same tailor that at least a few of the attendees had commissioned this necessary part of their outfits from. The poor fool had thought that because Arete had come in wearing the same finery that all the other girls had, he had made a grumbled comment about needing to make another silly thing for a party. That had been enough to pique the potter’s-daughter-turned-mistress-of-Nikos’s attention. After getting this tidbit of information, it had only taken a bit of digging in Ophelia’s room to find the invitation and learn all about the masquerade that would be occurring on the beach.

Although Arete had every intention of crashing this party from the moment that she heard about it from the tailor, finding a copy of the invitation solidified her desire to go and stir up a little trouble. Apparently, Evangelina of Leventi was having a bachelorette party. Arete might not have known the girl personally, but she was more than well aware of the rumors that had been flying about in regards to this particular Leventi girl and her Niky. For nearly as long as Retta had him wrapped around her finger, there had been whispers about how close the Condos Lord was to her. Given that these came more from peasants that had heard the tricklings of what spread among the noble class, they were far more exaggerated than the reality of the situation. That was something that Nikos had set Arete straight on during the few times she had confronted him with what she had heard and she was inclined to believe him… but still those whispers were frequent and raunchy enough that they were too close for comfort to the girl who needed to keep her boy toy wrapped around her finger.

It didn’t matter to Arete that the mere fact that this horse-loving tramp was clearly not getting hitched to her Niky. Truly, the girl should have realized that this was a good thing as someone else’s ring going on her finger would mean that there would be a major wedge in any chances they had of rekindling old flames. She should have just let Evangelina have her night of youthfulness and freedom as if Arete had known who her bridegroom was, she might have even pitied the girl as she was never going to get either of those things again. How unfortunate was it that poor, poor Evangelina was going to soon find herself the lady of the Taengean forest and married to the ancient Gavriil? If she even had an inkling that this was what was going to occur (as she was still fairly removed from the gossip that infiltrated the courts) she would have been content to call the whole marriage as the perfect revenge within itself.

But Arete didn’t know this and she wasn’t going to let Evangelina have a pleasant evening after being so closely tied to her Niky.

The sheer jealous rage was enough to encourage her to steal Ophelia’s invitation and keep it on her own person as she went about ordering the necessary dresses and masks that her newfound partner-in-crime Eleni would need. Her blonde counterpart didn’t know that Arete didn’t have fun and revelry on her mind in the days leading up to the festivities. Instead, the mistress portrayed her desire to crash the party as just being a way to help cheer the poor merchant’s daughter up in the wake of learning that her pretty boy toy Silanos had been conscripted to fight in Egypt. Certainly, Eleni needed some cheering up after quite a bombshell like that and that was the same excuse she had told Nikos when she needed a good amount of coin to pay for the luxurious outfits that now adorned the two girl’s bodies.

Arete was dressed in a pale pink (her favorite color) peplos that draped over her lean body. At her feet, the fabric fluttered out into small waves that danced over her toes like oceans would on the sands. Her hair was pulled up elegantly into an up-do with various gemstones tucked into the many braids that kept everything together. Although it looked beautiful, Arete had done this purposely to hopefully hide her hair as best as she could as she knew that her lighter sun-kissed tips would likely give her away as someone who wasn’t born into the nobility if too much candlelight caught the color. All of this combined with the few accents of gold and pink jewelry not only gave off the impression that Arete was some kind of rose come to life in order to join the festivities but also hopefully masked her true identity as much as she could. It was not perfect and surely if anyone questioned her, she would be caught immediately… but Arete was certain that if she could play the part for long enough, she could get away with seeing what the party was like and formulating some sort of grand plan for territorial, jealous revenge.

With Eleni looking just as lovely as her, but in her own style, Arete was nearly certain that they would look the part of the invited noble girls perfectly. However, knowing that the two of them arriving together would cause a reasonable amount of suspicion, the two girls made their way to the beach together before parting with a brief hug as they joined the festivities separately. Truly, Arete cared for Eleni. Not only was she great fun, but her heart truly hurt for the girl in the wake of what happened to Silanos. She couldn’t imagine what she would do if her Niky was also conscripted like that, so the mistress made sure to go out of her way to make sure that the girl that the Colchian left behind was happy… However, if she had known that the crimes she judged Evangelina so harshly for had been committed by Eleni (and to an even greater extent) she would not have been so kind to her fellow party-crasher. This whole event should be a warning to Eleni that she should never reveal the nature of her relationship with Nikos lest Arete turns on her next.

Though that was something that would be dealt with later when the truth finally came out. In the meantime, the girls had a party to get to. Arete was the first to cross the dunes and slip into the party just as easily as she brought her jer black mask down upon her face, knowing full well that Eleni would be close behind. However, Retta did not pause to wait for her friend. Instead, Arete knew that if she didn’t want to be caught, she would have to make herself part of the crowd so that she didn’t stand out. That didn’t seem like it would be a hard thing to do as the woman of the hour seemed to start some chaos by offering another a girl a drink, causing another to protest the action. Arete had to roll her eyes at this sight, maybe her goal in ruining Evangelina’s night wouldn’t be that difficult after all if she was already stirring up trouble. Wanting to wait for a better opportunity, Arete made her way over to another young woman who seemed to be on her own in the crowd. Not knowing these nobles, as well as Nikos, did, she didn’t recognize the young girl as Imma of Leventi, but she did take note of the small frame, blonde hair, and pretty face obscured by the mask. That alone made Arete guess that she was one of Georgios’s girls as she heard that at least half of them had that look to them, but again, she didn’t know for certain. Not that it really mattered to her anyway. Imma was alone and that was all Arete needed.

Picking up two small glasses of wine (probably spiked if Evangelina was already handing out Opium like it was candy) the Mistress who was certain that she would one day be Queen of Taengea made her way over to the artist. Offering her the drink, she addressed the young girl who looked somewhat out of place in this party. “You look lonely. Here, drink.” She held out the second glass for Imma to take as Arete downed a good gulp of the alcoholic beverage herself. Even with some of it going down her gullet, she couldn’t tell if the drink was spiked or not. Oh well, with Imma being such a little thing, a few gulps should reveal the answer. “It’ll make things more fun!” A giddy smile influenced by the drink began to take over the half of Arete’s face not covered by the mask. Revenge or no revenge, this was going to be a fun night and it seemed to be no fun to let poor Imma miss out on any of it.

But, of course, that would depend on the youngest Leventi accepting this stranger’s offer of a drink filled with wine and gods only knew what...

Opium. A drug. An alteration of her consciousness. Euphoria. Relaxation. All these definitions and ideas swirled around in Dafni’s mind as she held the small bottle of clear liquid. It had such an innocuous look about it. It’s container simple and elegant. The substance carrying about it a stigma of freedom and fun, dependence and scorn all wrapped up into one confusing package. Dafni was shocked as from Evangelina’s hand it transferred to her own. Fingers clenching reflexively around the exciting possibilities its very existence whispered to her. This was for Melina? Her dear quiet, gentile, rule following big sisters took such things? The thought was enough to shock the youngest of Fotios daughters into utter and complete silence.

No words, not even a confused sound wriggled its way free from her vocal chords. As Dafni’s wide green eyes met Evangelina’s sly dark brown ones a smile slowly started to infect her startled facade. Evangalina was up to no good. In many other circumstances their interaction may have been more tense. Her cousin had been able to wrangle herself a husband while Dafni, who thought herself a much better catch, remained unwed. Then again, Evangalina was to be the wife of an aging gentleman, and Dafni envied her that not. Still, he should have courted her, every man should look to her first- obviously. She was after all, much more beautiful. Where Evangalina was becoming, Dafni was stunning. And it was these conceited thoughts that led Dafni to indulge her engaged cousin and carefully relieve the bottle stopper of its task.

Even as she watched the stopper fall to the ground and was lifting the tincture to add to her wine Melina, as if summoned by Envengalina’s impish plan, appeared before them. The shock and rage on her face made Dafni wince. Like a kid caught stealing the cooks fresh baked cookies Dafni stared up at Melina guiltily from where she still lounged on the silk pillows. Woopsy! In one smooth movement, hopefully so Melina would not catch onto what was happening; Dafni tapped the contents of the vial into her glass, chucked it behind her, and yelled in fright.

“Melina behind you! The horses got loose!” She let her voice rise in pitch until it was nearly a shrill scream, her hand now free of the opium, pointing over her sister's shoulder. Her eyes were wide and mouth agape as if she could not believe what she was seeing. Melina hated horses, and like the good little sister she was, Dafni was well aware of the aversion. Hence the many equestrian implements and artifacts that could be conspicuously found lying about and hidden within Melina's rooms so that at the most inopportune moments, her older sister may come upon them and catch a fright. As Melina spun about in abject horror at the possibility of loose horses, just Dafni knew she would, the youngest sister tipped her head back and downed her glass of wine in one go. The tart red liquid coated her throat and smoothly caressed her throat as it went down, the red color of it staining her lips and she licked them with satisfaction. Popping to her feet Dafni quickly exchanged her now empty glass with a full one a sexy servant was giving out just a few feet away. Hopefully Melina would not have seen what she did, and assume the glass in her hand was the one that contained the Opium. That way if she were to react harshly to the whole incident, this glass of wine could be spilt or taken from her without Melina being any the wiser that it was not in fact the spiked one.

Dafni thought herself rather clever with this whole gambit, even if the whole scene undoubtedly caused a stir with the other women. She could feel stares and laughter being hidden behind hands. But she was a little too tipsy to care at this moment; having already been on her second or third glass of wine by the time this whole affair had started. If she remembered in the morning (though now that she had taken the opium that was looking less and less likely) she would take her revenge on all those who tittered. They should mind their own business, the jealous twats.

“Huh I could have sworn that was a horse..” Dafni murmured to her sister as she meandered up to her side, eyes and tone much too innocent, and her lips just a little too quirked at the edges with repressed mirth. There was in fact no herd of horses stampeding towards them. Instead, a few opportunistic birds fluttered and hobbled their way across the sand about the party to see if they could scavenge some scraps. It was debatable whether Melina would believe Dafni had truly mistaken the small rather unassuming winged animals to be freed steeds, but she had been known to say stranger things, and was banking on that fact to keep Melina’s suspicion from narrowing in on her deception. Blinking wide doe eyes at Melina, Dafni let a big smile take up her face and strategically changed the subject.

“Come sister, drink, be merry, and admire our fine servers!” She cheered, wrapping her arms around one of the only people in this world she cared about. Giggling Dafni tried to pull Melina along with her into the tent. Her hips were already swinging to the beat of the songs the musicians were playing. Tipping her head back she started to hum along with the melody, her hair a beautiful curtain behind her, or so she mused in her mind. In fact, her eyes were no longer open, only images and imaginations played for her irises from the black canvas of her closed lids. Realizing she forgot what she was doing she blinked and squinted at her surroundings. Oh yes! The party!

Perhaps it was the wine, hitting a little stronger than normal. Or maybe it was a placebo effect of taking opium for the first time. But most likely, Dafni’s empty stomach had sped up the absorption of the drug and already she was feeling the effects. Rosy cheeks framed the beautiful young Leventi’s euphoric smile and her eyes, glassy and a little unfocused, were dark. The green but a sliver of color, like a new moon, against the dark all encompassing pupil.

Dafni did not know when she had left Melina but now she was dancing and spinning and paying the musicians exquisite playing homage with her even more arresting body. Across the sand, between the tents, and below the heavens she dipped and swirled and ran her hands along her body in rapture of herself and the world she lived in. Extending her arms towards the stars that twinkle above Dafni watching her fingers in fascination as they wiggled and moved seemingly on their own. Between her digits she caught sight of the constellation as they joined in her fun and revelry. They beckoned to her beseechingly, admiring her fine form and bewitching nature. They flattered her with praise and adoration as she so deserved, and it brought a sappy expression to her refined features.

It was unclear how long Dafni explored the ebbs and flows of the music but eventually a sensation caught and held her attention. It was enough to reel the scattered wisps of her conscious back to her skull. However, it was hard to stay so focused on the present and Dafni yearned to let her mind spread back out into the oblivion of endless wanderings. Her mouth desired differently. Dafni’s throat and tongue were so dry she struggled to swallow. Poking at the insides of her cheeks with her tongue, Dafni frowned utterly confounded. Opening her mouth she played with the motions of her jaw in an attempt to make the parched feeling abate but it refused. The sensation not heeding her command to cease as it should.

Humming disjointedly as she pondered her predicament she came to a conclusion. More wine! Wandered towards the closest tent she let her arms spread out to play in the chill evening air, unaware of the instability of her movements. The large fabric draped tent glowing like the homes of the gods in her blurry mind. The light of the fires casting alluring and hypnotizing shadows on the, rather unfortunately inebriated, young woman as she entered. Zeroing in on the closest tray of drinks Dafni sidled up next to the attractive young man that held them. Like an offering to a goddess, he bowed slightly and offered her his selection. Simpering at him she raked her eyes over his scantily clad form and plucked a single glass from its perch. Sipping on it she stepped into his space and ran one well manicured finger over his large bulging bicep.

“Well helooo there,” Dafni crooned. Sipping at her newest glass of wine as she let her hands wander further, the gritty feeling in her mouth soothed by the balm of liquid, and her mind enjoying its newest and rather pleasant looking distraction. Even as her fingers traced the dips and valleys of the servants abs and back she was drawn in another direction. Just ahead of her was beguiling beauty the likes of which made her desire to destroy it. Seemingly weightless she flowed forwards, the progression of movement happening in what seemed like a single second. Moments before, she had her hands on a fine specimen of a man, and now she stood face to face with two of the most enchanting females she had ever laid her sights on. Getting a little too close to both of them she blinked blearily and over extended her eyelids to try and focus her eyes. Two women stood before her. One blond, like a goddess taken form, and the other a brunet, with eyes like the ocean waves and beauty akin to the sirens beneath their depths.

“You're both so lovely…” Dafni gasped with a nearly enamored fascination about her face, a giggle erupting a second later; like bells tinkling it tickled the ears of all who heard it. “I hate it!” the giggles devolved into a peal of laughter. Dafni had to wrap her hands about her stomach to try and contain the joyous sounds. Though it did nothing to soothe her mirth. In fact she only started to laugh harder. These women were each enchantresses in their own right, but the jealous rage Dafni felt upon that egregious conclusion could only be expressed with sincere jubilance in her current state. Hence the chortling. Even as she turned away it did not fizzle out, continuing in bursts and spurts, hiccuped breaths intermingling in the collection of hysterics Dafni was quickly weaving into an unfortunate pattern that night. The gods only knew what she would get up to next.

The princess had woken to thoughts, memories really, of hands on her skin. It was a delightful thrill. The secrecy of the affair. The allure of holding onto something that no one else knew or would understand. And tonight would lend itself to further anonymity. That was another delight of the times, she supposed. It was not often that anyone held a party solely centered on the women of court while simultaneously allowing them to cover their actions with masks. To receive such a letter had been exciting for the young baroness and she had begun to prepare immediately.

She would not be available to Fotios that night, but she was sure she would have much to tell him about after the fact. Honestly, having a night where she did not need to think of duty or responsibility was a breath of literal fresh air.

Xene had taken to her bath early in the afternoon, soaking in the warmth of the waters, imported oils, and fresh flower petals. Admittedly, before she had moved to the Mikaelidas Manor, she had been sure that she would miss the Palatai's baths. Though, now, the princess was sure that her new home house better baths than what the Palati had provided. Xene had just never had the luxury of witnessing them herself until now.

She had slipped out of the waters, patted herself dry, and then allowed her ladies to help her dress for the event of the night. There had been a time, a few months previous when the princess had purchased a bolt of fabric to craft a gown for Lady Olympia, when she had been queen. Now, Xene had ordered a gown be made for her, simple, but shimmering like the gold of a sunset. Especially in the dimness of firelight. The rest of the fabric? Xene had a plan for that, as well, and it included the young Queen Theodora, once she had thought to pull her aside with a seamstress and a plan. When the King returned to these shores, the Queen would look splendid and well.

Of that, Xene was entirely sure.

Decidedly keeping her golden curls free of tight braids for the evening, she instead pinned the front ends of her hair back with golden floral pins and then adorned herself with a jet black mask. Heron, at first, protested that Xene would not be allowed to attend alone, and Xene relented to allow him to escort her, but only halfway across the stretch of beach that she was to be walking.

Forgoing her horse with her man, the princess slipped her sandals off and carried them with her across the sands toward the meeting place. She was not the first lady to arrive, nor was she the last, but her gaze did wander from lady to lady, assessing who was there. Being one of the few blonde ladies of Taengea, Xene expected that she would be found out rather quickly, if only because her gown was eye-catching. Then again, Lady Evangelina still put everyone to shame in her deep green chiton. She did approach Evangelina first, humming a soft greeting before she was flitting toward the tent that Quen Theodora was settled within. She heard the tail end of Evangelina's shaming of Lady Dafni, and shook her head just slightly.

That served to make Xene smile as she approached the Queen in her turquoise gown, lounging against one of the chaises under one of the three tents. Slipping in and around the back, she leaned down to greet Theodora, just so that she knew the royal wasn't here alone. The princess' fingers reached out to brush along her cousin's arm in tender, supportive greeting.

"You look like a vision," the princess murmured softly, unaware fo the sea lion at first, but letting her blue gaze flick upward when she spotted the movement. "Oh," Xene laughed a little, "That's peculiar," she commented, though she didn't move from the protection of the back of the chaise, the slightest bit of frowns setting her lips into a look of disapproval.

Melina’s eyes got wide with fear at the mention of horses, but when she turned there were none. She didn’t… She did. She tried to pull the innocent card, but soon Dafni’s arms were wrapped around Melina with far too much affection than she was ever comfortable with. “Get off… Dafni!” Dafni was pulling Melina into the tent. Something Melina did not want to do.

And then Evie spoke again, and Melina just felt exasperated. “We are not shaving off her eyebrows, Evie! I still have to live with her!” Melina felt her hands go in the air. “And you knew perfectly well what Dafni would do when you offered her the vial! Don’t think me an id- Where did she go?”

How could she lose her sister? She was hopped up on way too much opium. Maybe Melina was an idiot. What if Dafni did something even more stupid? What if she wandered into the ocean and realized she had forgotten how to swim. What if she forgot how to breathe. Could she do that? Melina didn’t know. Dafni surprised her every day with new levels of lunacy, so that was certainly possible. Her sisters drove her up the wall.

There was one person that brought calm to the overly stressed out girl, and it was the arrival of Dorothea. Thank gods someone was here that Melina wouldn’t have crippling anxiety over being with. Maybe she could help corral her sister and get her somewhere where she wouldn’t be a danger to herself… and most importantly Melina’s sanity.

“Dorothea!” Melina said brightly. “Can you he-” but suddenly he cut off. Was that… a sea lion?

I don’t suppose you know how to shoo a love-struck sea lion away?
A little help would be nice!!

Melina stared at the scene before her. She had read about sea lions. She had seen sea lions. She had never seen a sea lion go after a person quite like that before. And what the Queen was doing did not look to be helping. Melina looked around and grabbed a mug of wine. She ran towards the sea lion and threw it at it. It bonked its head and it made a loud sound as the stinging alcohol hit its eyes.

“Uhhhh…” Melina took a step back. The sea lion didn’t look the be in love anymore. It looked… angry. “Oh gods! Run!” The sea lion started tearing through the party, crashing into one of the tents as it blindly maneuvered, flaying this way and that, and bringing the entirety of the cloth to the sand with a thud.

Melina took off sprinting away from both Princess and Queen, returning to her cousin and best friend. “I’msorryI’msorryI’msorry.” Melina said quickly as she hid behind Dorothea. She made things worse. Of course Melina made things worse. Who was surprised? No one. “You don’t happen to have your bow with you?” She squeaked to her friend.