"Lady Mari?" Venna's question was accompanied by her held out arm, her intention to escort me like she did before made very clear. Placing my arm on top of hers yet again, I accepted the gracious offering of her arm, and then with only a slight nod of my head, indicated my readiness to proceed.
As we entered, I finally had my first look at the main ballroom's lavish decorations.
The smooth marble pillars had violet tapestries with the our House emblem of silver galanthus flowers sown on them. The three main crystal chandeliers that marked the center-line of the ballroom were brightly lit, with the smaller and less extravagant chandeliers on the sides lighting the seating and dining areas. The center area was a slightly elevated marble floor, with large violet and silver tiles in a checkered pattern, indicating the massive space available for dancing. The surrounding floors were a dark wood, polished to shining, with only the natural grain of the wood showing through.
At the front of the ballroom were three large tables, each with a very specific number of chairs. The table in the center was slightly larger and set higher than the two to the left and right, with four total chairs, one of which being a bit larger and more lavish in appearance than the others. The table to the left had only three chairs, but the chairs seemed to be slightly off center, as if to provide some extra space on the right side. The last table to the right had only three chairs as well, but these were perfectly centered. On the wall behind all these tables, perfectly centered, was a massive white tapestry embroidered with the symbol of our kingdom, the golden phoenix.
I know from my etiquette lessons that the table in the center would be for the Royal Family. The table to the left was for my family, with the extra space probably for a bassinet for my younger brother. The final table to the right was more than likely for Venna's family, who would be the heads of the envoy. The table arrangements were more complex than just that though.
The Royal Family would be placed in the center at a slightly higher elevation than the rest to denote their importance in our Kingdom. The table to the left, or more aptly to the Royal Family's right, was reserved for either the most important family in the Kingdom that is present, or for the hosts of the event. It's not always for the host as there are occasions where some families would host events for smaller families. The table to the right was reserved for the family of the next most importance, the host of the event if it was being done in someone's honor, or any foreign dignitaries. In this case it would be the Elven envoy. If the Royal Family hadn't attended, there would only be two tables at the front.
The center table had a white tablecloth with gold embroidery around the edges and a gold embroidered phoenix in the center. My family's tablecloth was violet with silver embroidery around the edges and a silver embroidered galanthus flower in the center. The Elven envoy's tablecloth was green with gold embroidery around the edges and a…
"What is the tree that's embroidered on the tablecloth for your envoy?"
I attempted to address Venna in as neutral a tone as possible to not betray my bubbling emotions.
"That's Laurelin, or the Gold Tree, a sacred tree of light to the Elven people of Feyris. Perhaps when we have some time, I can talk about the myths surrounding the trees."
Trees, plural. I wonder why she made that distinction. Because the embroidery isn't a perfect image of the tree it's hard to tell, but the general structure of it looks similar to my Mother Tree. Given that it's such a unique tree, it would be difficult to mistake it for anything else. I can't be sure though, so I'll have to ask her for more details later. I'd have to be subtle of course, and perhaps it would be fun to have a discussion with someone who isn't a servant or maid. It would be nice to keep talking to Venna. T-to talk to anyone really. Yes, I'd need practice talking to people my age, and who better than Venna? She's the only one around now, so it's perfectly reasonable that she gets my undivided attention.
"I'll go sit with my family and you should sit with yours as well. We can speak about trees and such after you've eaten and before the first dance, alright?"
Venna left, my arm suddenly feeling colder with her absence. I need to make my way over to my family's table, so I don't have much time to dwell on it. Maybe my father or mother will want to speak to me tonight. At the very least they'll have to pretend to know me because we're in public.
I took my seat to my father's right, being the last to arrive. The last arrival is reserved for only two types of people. The first is a person of the Royal Family who has the highest station among those present. This means if the Crown Prince and the Princess both attend, the Crown Prince will be the last to arrive and the last seated. The second is if it's a guest of honor or someone for whom the event is being held for. Since this event is specifically for me, I am to be the last person to arrive and the last to be seated.
My father rose from his chair before I even had time to warm my seat, lifting a wine glass up and waiting for silence to fall across the hall.
"Tonight is a joyous occasion, as my firstborn daughter is having her Magi Circle Ceremony. I ask that you all raise a toast to her future success, and I hope our joy as a family can be shared among the many distinguished guests gathered here."
There was an emphasis placed on the word firstborn. It was subtle, but anyone in the Kingdom would catch it, and it felt like a needle had been stabbed in my heart when I heard it. He took his seat immediately after finishing the toast, barely waiting for the murmured acknowledgements from the other attendees.
After the meal, of which I was only permitted a few small bites, the King was the first to rise, indicating his tacit permission for everyone else to do so. Thus would begin the social aspect of the event, which would be the second hardest part for me. The hardest obviously being the Magi Circle Ceremony and the expectations that were placed upon me.
Venna approached me first, as is expected of an escort. She's supposed to stay by my side for most, if not all, of the social portion. She might even join me for a dance. It's not unusual for a girl to dance with another girl because if a girl wishes to dance before she's come of age, then her only choice is to dance with an immediate family member or dance with a girl. Dancing with a man would break the social norms and possibly create a scandal depending on the situation. I don't understand how a thirteen-year-old girl could be held accountable for being with a man in a public setting, but I'm also not ignorant about what happens between men and women. My education on that and the consequences were very clear.
"So…. Any reason why all these people approaching you are treating you like you have some deadly disease?"
Venna is apparently taking advantage of the pause in conversations with others to ask a question that seems to be on her mind. Maybe she doesn't know about the meaning of being a firstborn daughter? She knows I'm the firstborn, so I can't think of any other reason for her confusion.
Suppressing a chuckle, and maybe a little hope that she won't view me the same way as everyone else, I hesitantly mustered up my courage to respond.
"The firstborn being a daughter is viewed as an ill-omen and a sign of troubling times within a family of the Kingdom of Lestryal. It's said that the few times a firstborn is a girl within a Noble family has resulted in natural disasters, the collapse of a family's prestige, or even a scandal large enough to result in the loss of a noble title. The majority of firstborns within the circle of Nobles in our Kingdom are male, so it's already rare, and on top of the historical context it's not typically taken in a positive way."
"And you're okay with that? You're holding up surprisingly well given your circumstances."
"I've been treated fairly well by… my Family, and I'm also used to hearing a lot of rumors and slander regarding my birth. Besides, what they're doing is fairly tame, comparatively."
"The way you say family is weird. It's almost as if I can even hear it as a title. Is there a reason why you're so formal when you refer to them?"
She has a look of concern on her face, but I don't know how honest that is. I've been taught that it's normal for people to fake expressions or interest to keep up appearances or even to try to deceive others for gain. I hope that in the Elven Kingdom it's not the same but given that she has a high position I doubt that's likely.
"It's just the etiquette I've been taught. In any public setting it's required of me to maintain propriety and show respect for my family. During my lessons it was impressed upon me how to act appropriately in any given social situation. Admittedly I'm not very practiced in more practical ways."
I know this is the 'diplomatic' answer, but I can't really reveal a weakness in my family. Even if I'm not exactly in a high position, people need to think I'm still a part of the family because dismissing even a firstborn daughter publicly is frowned upon. Treat them how you like in private, but in public you must appear united. Besides, my family really doesn't treat me that poorly.
The bridge of her nose visibly wrinkled at my words, as if she was smelling something vaguely unpleasant. I'm not used to seeing that kind of open expression from anyone in a position of authority. Maybe she doesn't have good control over her emotions in public?
"You don't need to be that way in front of me. I'm not exactly fond of these formal social events. Besides, my parents are constantly telling me 'Straighten up' and 'act more civilized'. Personally, I think everyone just looks ridiculous and walks around with a stick up their asses."
Those words almost caused me to break my composure. Even now I'm guessing my face might be a little more stiff than usual. It was so hard not to break out in laughter at her frankness. I wish I could act like her, even just a little, or even just in private with my family.
"Well, I can try to be more honest with you, but I can't guarantee I won't still stumble. In front of others, though, my family will need me to at least attempt to keep their dignity."
Wow, that's probably the most critical words I've ever said about my family in front of someone else. Why am I willing to talk like this to her?
"Just like you forgetting to not add Lady when speaking with me privately, I won't hold that against you either." A very slight smirk graced her lips, with a hint of mischievousness held within the creases of her eyes.
Sometimes her charm is daunting to reply to. I should make an effort to keep my composure around her, at least. I'm not sure what would happen if I let her win too much. Before I could gather my wits to reply to her, we were unfortunately interrupted.
"Lady Rhyvenna Ardaine, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, and on behalf of the Kingdom of Lestryal I thank you for your visit." A blonde haired boy arrived, giving a slight but measured bow, showing just the right amount of respect between higher nobles or Royalty. As he straightened his body back up, his striking blue eyes easily marked him as the Crown Prince, William.
"It is with great honor that the Sent-Cari of Feyris greets His Highness the Crown Prince." Venna's immediate shift to incredibly formal speech, her offering of only her title and not her name, as well as a deeper curtsy than the Crown Prince's bow means she defers to his status here but is not of unequal standing. Her behavior draws a stark contrast between the Crown Prince and me.
"You don't have to use such formalities in my presence if they make you uncomfortable Lady Rhyvenna, I'm not one for stuffy conversations."
"Perhaps, Your Highness, but the situation dictates I act fitting of my position as a representative of the Kingdom of Feyris. I apologize if my formalities offend you."
Her tone held a hint of discomfort, but not enough to be offensive. The Crown Prince didn't seem to notice, but I immediately caught it. Have I learned to read people so easily, or is it just her that I can read like this?
"Did Your Highness miss that the Lady of the Hour is here? I'm sure that an appropriate form of greeting from the Crown Prince for Lady Marisilea Arkesh would be most welcome."
Okay, I'm certain even the Crown Prince could hear the sarcasm in her tone now. Surprisingly he didn't seem to take offense though.
"No, I did not forget her, I was told to greet you first. I assumed that my father intended to have me ingratiate myself to your Kingdom first. I'm doing a poor job of it already." He let out a small chuckle and then showed the smallest hint of a sardonic smile directed towards the King.
I'm not sure of his meaning, but he might not have the worst of intentions.
With a quick turn he directed his attention to me, bowing very slightly.
"I apologize for my earlier rudeness Lady Marisilea, and I greet the Young Lady of Arkesh. I hope your Magi Circle Ceremony ends on a happy note for you."
His words about wishing for the Ceremony to be happy 'for me' break a tiny fraction away from the standard social etiquette. Normally he would mention my Family instead of just me.
I returned his bow with a slightly deeper curtsy, befitting of a Lady from a Ducal house.
"I thank the Crown Prince for your well wishes."
After that, any further discussion would have to be put off, as the music for the first dance started. The Crown Prince bowed slightly once again, turning to leave towards the rest of the Royal Family as he saw a gesture from one of their attendants.
"Lady Mari, would you like to give me your first dance?"
Venna's response startled me only a little, but I maintained my calm expression. I was sure I did. My heart certainly wasn't agreeing with me though. It began to thud loudly, as if it were trying to break free from my body and run off somewhere.
"I would be honored Lady Venna."
"Just Venna, Lady Mari."
She flashed another unfair smile at me. Gods, how does anyone from her Kingdom handle speaking to her?