Briarwood Family/Liliyana/The Ball of Thorns

Roleplay from Lilyana Briarwood

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Lilyana: The Ball of Thorns

In the soft glow of the moonlight, Lilyana Briarwood stood regally at the entrance to her family mansion. The delicate beams filtered through the overgrown garden, casting ethereal shadows that danced upon the walls of the small, purple-hued mansion. Its exterior, adorned with thorny vines that had long lost their vibrancy, seemed to meld with the night, creating an air of both elegance and eerie mystery.

She wore a wispy black dress that flowed around her curvaceous figure like wisps of smoke. Lilyana's midnight black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her burgundy eyes held an eerie depth that shimmered in the moonlight. Her presence exuded a captivating charm that seemed to beckon the moonlight to her side.

With a serene exhale, she smoothed out the few crinkles in her dress and straightened her posture. Tonight, a grand ball was to take place within these walls, a gathering of the elite and the powerful. Lilyana's gaze turned wistful as she contemplated her missing younger brother, Malachi. She hoped he was safe, somewhere far from harm's reach.

Her introspection was broken by the authoritative clearing of a throat. A middle-aged man, marked by a salt-and-pepper beard and cold navy blue eyes, approached her. "Are you ready to receive our guests, Daughter?" he inquired, his voice resonating with both command and underlying tension.

Lilyana nodded gracefully, her countenance unwavering. "Yes, Father," she replied, her voice a soft, soothing murmur, "will Mother be joining us?" A subtle note of concern laced her words, a question left hanging in the air.

Her father's gaze narrowed, and his tone turned sombre. "No. Not tonight," he replied tersely. Leaning in, he spoke in hushed tones, a venomous undercurrent tainting his words. "You look the part but do not forget what your duty is. Try not to enjoy yourself too much tonight, Dame Briarwood."

Lilyana's smile remained steadfast as she met her father's gaze. "But of course, Ser Elias Briarwood," she responded with unruffled grace, her words a gentle reminder of her stature and resilience.

With those words, her father walked away, leaving her in the moonlit silence. A sigh escaped her lips, and she turned her attention to the rising moon, a symbol of change and new beginnings. "And so it begins, time to put on a show," she murmured to herself, her voice carrying a sense of purpose.

A clap of her hands brought forth a servant, adorned in a silver elk skull mask, from the shadows. "Ma'am?" the servant inquired.

Lilyana turned to face them, her expression composed and decisive. "Inform the others," she instructed, her voice carrying the weight of her authority, "let the musicians start and have the guests admitted in. It's time."

The servant bowed respectfully and retreated, carrying out Lilyana's orders with quiet efficiency. As the night progressed, guests began to arrive, drawn to the mansion by the enchanting melodies that emanated from within. Lilyana steeled herself, her warm smile in place as she greeted each guest with poise and charm.

The mansion soon echoed with the lively strains of music, its haunting beauty resonating in every corner. Lilyana stood, a figure of elegance and mystery, presiding over the Court of Thorns. As the moonlight continued to wash over her family's mansion, she embraced the role fate had cast upon her, ready to navigate the dance of intrigue and nobility that awaited within the shadows of this most auspicious night.

(Music I have playing for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxFS1DFRnrk )

Roleplay from Juste Lamphear

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Pirouetting Under the Lunar Gaze; The Briarwood Ball.

The music was serene. Perfect, even. The ensemble of strings called out into the night like a siren song, entrancing the young knight as he stepped from his buggy.

"G'luck to ye, laddie, advisor says with a glint in his eye. No chaperone needed; Juste would brave this night alone.

The night seemed to be Sir Juste's favourite time. While his family colours were white and red, Juste opted for a full black garb with red trimming. His trousers fit tightly and had red pinstripes that tucked away under knee-high leather boots that had cuffs at the tops. He wore a red undershirt with a black vest and coat, both adorned with crimson trimming and the family crest on his back. Ultimately, he wasn't dressed too regal, but enough to pass for a proper guest.

The young knight's stark hair was let down to flow over his back as he took long, purposeful strides into the moonlit mansion. A knowing grin was plastered over his face as he is finally given the chance to meet with Dame Liliyana for the first time. With the grace of a ln ebony cat, he would reach out for her hand with a bow of his head, offering a kiss to her fingers while greeting her. "Well met, Dame Liliyana. The night is perfect."

Roleplay from Lilyana Briarwood

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Lilyana: The Ball of Thorns

As the guests filed in – a collection of rich merchants and minor nobles of Aix – Lilyana greeted each with a polite and serene smile. Her lips curved gracefully, but her thoughts danced in cryptic patterns as she observed the unimpressive arrivals. These were her father's friends, a network of connections tied through social and financial bonds. Some faces were familiar, acquaintances from the echelons of nobility, and she could already foresee the pattern of the night.

It was a ritual repeated far too often. Her father's companions had brought their sons, suitors preordained by familial aspirations. Lilyana's heart sighed with resignation; once again, she would have to deflect advances that held no genuine interest for her. With a soft exhalation, she prepared herself for the chore of the evening.

Amid the sea of mundane interactions, one figure stood apart. A lone silhouette, purposeful and regal, strode with conviction toward the entrance. His attire spoke of higher nobility, befitting someone of her own stature. Her eyes traced his movements, recognizing the distinction in his bearing even though she was unable to discern his colours or insignia.

Politely, she extricated herself from the clutches of an old soldier turned merchant, Rickard Trask, who was ensnaring her in a web of tedious war stories. With a smile that concealed her distant thoughts, she addressed him, "Perhaps thee can finish thy tale inside, Good Lord. It sounds like one best shared over drinks and one not to be kept to myself. I hear Mr. Astigar has a love for such tales." The old man nodded, grinning, and ambled indoors, leaving Lilyana free to pursue a more captivating conversation.

As the lone figure drew closer, Lilyana's gaze remained locked on him. His presence resonated differently, sparking her curiosity in ways that others couldn't. His steps were deliberate, each one carrying an air of calculated elegance. When he reached her, their eyes met, and her cryptic smile shifted subtly into one of genuine warmth.

The soft rustle of fabric accompanied her movement as she extended her hand. In the pale moonlight, her cheeks took on the faintest hue of blush as he pressed a gentle kiss to her hand. "Greetings and grace upon thee, Ser Juste," she said, her voice a soothing melody wrapped in an eerie cadence. "The night is beautiful, isn't it? But I would not call it perfect. There is much yet to be seen. I am grateful thee came."

His presence, his energy, was a fresh breath of air to the night. She offered him a delicate curtsey, her eyes gleaming with inquisitiveness as she spoke, "Welcome to my home. The Court of Thorns welcomes and embraces thee for this night. May thee enjoy it."