[center][h3][color=c2b280]Fleo Plector – Ballroom[/color][/h3][/center]

As the saying goes, there's a first time for everything, and for a dusty-ridden country gal tonight was no exception.  More than a decade had passed since Fleo Plector last danced, or even attended an event at which dancing would be a significant affair, and so it was with great trepidation that she entered the ballroom unescorted.  Due to the anxiety inspired in her by such a high-brow occasion, she arrived earlier than she would have liked.  Thoughts about socializing, politics, Crocus's elite, and the big names from other guilds all whirled around her, threatening to make her dizzy, but she had managed to dress well enough.  Phoenix Wing's dust wizard wore an old-fashioned, long-sleeved, chocolate brown gown that reached all the way to the floor.  A red ribbon wrapped around her shoulders and wound around itself at the center of her collarbone into a roselike shape, but other than that it was unadorned.  She couldn't exactly afford anything fancier, after all, and nor did she want to.  Simple and traditional dress suited her just fine.  With any luck, nobody would pay her any attention at all, and save her some embarrassment.  The last thing she wanted to do would be to hurt Phoenix Wing's image by coming off as some kind of bumpkin.

[center][h3][color=DA70D6]Hyun Sasithom – Ballroom[/color][/h3][/center]

Punctual as always, the soldiers of Frenzy Plant arrived en masse.  They entered the castle in no formation at all, but nevertheless a very formal air surrounded them.  Not at all the least contributing factor to this serious aura was the fact that, with a few exceptions, every member of the war guild was attending the ball in a ceremonial uniform.  Dominantly a dark, pastel green, and adorned by various medals according to their owners' merits, this attire exuded a class founded in discipline.  Few of the soldiers who wore them knew their touch well, but as an acute observer might have guessed, they'd done some rehearsal beforehand, so hardly anything was awry.  The gentlemen wore black undershirts and red ties with their ceremonial dress, complete with corresponding black shoes and gloves, while the ladies' uniforms featured knee-length skirts over black stockings.  Furthermore, every soldier wore a red beret.

Hyun stood as an exception.  Frenzy Plant's S-rank members had been given the option to choose their own attire, and while Zander did not deviate from the standard uniform save for red trim, both Hyun and Indigo took advantage of the privilege.  Tonight, the war guild's champion swordswoman wore a Sevenese kimono of extravagant severity.  Predominantly cream-colored with a plethora of violet and lavender imagery, it sported enormous sleeves that touched the ground, and a burgundy sash tied into a huge bow behind Hyun's waist.  Even her hair was done up, styled and pinned with a silver comb into a pattern that to a Fiore native could only be described as a croissant-shaped bun atop her head.  A Sevenese eye, meanwhile, would recognize it as a modified kushi-maki style.

If her guildmates' apparel denoted reservation and staunchness, Indigo's choice of attire went the other way entirely.  Clad in a sapphire-blue, backless (and, to Hyun's cynical eye, rather close to frontless) top with its strap behind her neck and a voluminous, pitch-black gown below, she exhibited grandiose showiness.  Her long, blonde hair had been formed into a single, sizable braid that swung behind her with every step, a pendulum punctuated by the steady [i]clack-clack-clack[/i] of sparkling azure heels.  Among the green dress uniforms that surrounded her, she stood out like a sore thumb; practically anyone would have a hard time looking away.  If Hyun had to pick a word to describe her, it would be 'dazzling'.

She could offer much more respect for the chosen garb of Frenzy Plant's master.  Like her, Sanders had opted to represent the culture of his homeland.  He wore an intricate chiffon robe of ash-gray that went past his knees.  Its unique collar supported a necklace that resembled a belt, each one of its many 'buckles' sporting a different medal.  He wore a short, cylindrical hat as well, mistakable as a another beret at first glance.

Several wizards from other guilds had arrived.  Hyun waited idly, the very picture of dignity, and wondered what the night might bring.

[center][h3][color=d8bfd8]Nero Lemure – Outside the Castle[/color][/h3][/center]

A wooden sign, hastily painted and erected in the grass beside the walkway leading to the castle, read 'Genie Garb!' in big letters, with an addendum beneath: 'Wishing you had something to wear to the ball?  Look no farther!'  Next to the sign stood Nero the Genie himself, dressed in a cheap purple suit with matching bow tie.  In a unique twist, he wore his usual tattered cape, no doubt to maintain the image of a mystical guru.  The dark mage's winning salesman's smile told each and every passer by that should he or she require his services, all one needed to do was make a wish.

Of course, the stick-thin sorcerer wasn't alone.  An adorable little girl bounced around the sign and its maker, seemingly unbothered by her usual shyness.  The excitement of the ball had infected her, lifting her typical somber mood.  Opposite Nero stood a remarkably portly young lady with dark hair, warm brown eyes, and a pleasant expression who Nero introduced as his lovely assistant.  Whenever someone stopped by the sign post out of curiosity or dubiousness, Nero demonstrated the Law of Raiment by transforming Evelyn's clothes.  One moment she wore a simple dress, the next a pantsuit, the next a marvelous ballgown.  More than a few ballgoers, enchanted by the Genie's feat of magic, offered a paltry sum of jewel for him to modify their clothing.  Several onlookers without the money for special clothes, upon seeing this, came to him as well.  In short, business was booming.  Nero, out for gladness rather than cash, still managed to rake in a notable profit, and in terms of bringing joy to others he couldn't be more successful.  [color=d8bfd8]”Whoo!”[/color] he breathed after another satisfied customer went off.  [color=d8bfd8]”I oughta thank the king and queen, nyeh heh!  'Cause they cut the Games short and came up with this ball to cover the loss, there's loads of hopefuls pining away for something nice to wear!  What a time to be a Genie!”[/color]  He turned his beaming grin at Evelyn, who returned the favor.