[center][img]http://68.media.tumblr.com/72b45b2fcf34ee627bb3597543574896/tumblr_o0t2d7Nczu1ur81opo1_500.gif[/img][/center]
[h2][color=9e0b0f]░[̲̅L][/color]𝔞𝔡𝔶 [color=9e0b0f] ░[̲̅A][/color]𝔩𝔦𝔠𝔢[/h2][hr][center][color=9e0b0f][b]Location;[/b][/color] The Kingdom of Abhainn
[color=9e0b0f][b]Interacting With;[/b][/color] Sir Chester [b](NPC)[/b], Jetta [b](NPC)[/b], Future Queen Julianna Hardin([@HushedWhispers])[/center][hr]

Drops of sweat fell from Alice's sore, overworked arms, and from her various spots along her face and chest. Though the sword still feels, per usual, as an extension of her arm, the weight became more apparent as the harsh sparring would continue. The room grew silent from grunts and the clashing of their blades, save for the panting that the two, Chester and Alice, were releasing endlessly. It was only after a few short rounds that Alice finally seized the match,[color=9e0b0f]"Stop!"[/color]. Alice dropped her arm to her side and proceeded to the servant that stood in the same, presentable position for the entirety of the long match holding out a small towel for Alice's use. Alice grabbed the towel and patted the sweat from her body, finally releasing her grip from the, now heavy, longsword to give it to the servant.

[b]"Are you alright, Lady Alice?"[/b] Chester questioned from the other end of the room as he dealt with his equipment,[b]"You were fighting more -- forcefully, than you usually would. Something on your mind?"[/b]

Alice winced as she removed her worn gloves, eying her shaking, rough hands to see the familiar blisters and calluses that became more severe from the match that seemed to have lasted all day,[color=9e0b0f]"I was merely just letting out some built-up anger. It is nothing, Sir Chester, you need not worry."[/color] She began to stretch out her fingers to try to bring back the usual comfort of her hands while exiting with a smile and a sincere voice,[color=9e0b0f]"Thank you for the match, but we'll have to save the conversation for next time -- I'm late."[/color]

[b]"Wait!"[/b] Sir Chester exclaimed abruptly as Alice halted and looked over her shoulder to Sir Chester. He continued, hesitantly, with a stern, yet heartfelt tone,[b]"I heard she returned -- I heard Lady Amaryllis has-."[/b]

[color=9e0b0f]"Yes, she is back. I'm not sure for how long, but what you heard is correct,"[/color] Alice interrupted coldly,[color=9e0b0f]"Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready for the 'celebration'."[/color] Alice emphasized celebration, indicating her disinterest in the event and what it commemorates.

Alice proceeded to her room to prepare for the celebration that was explained to be a masquerade. Her mind trailed to Sir Chester and the history they shared, containing nothing more than just sparring and a trusted friendship. It was proven that Sir Chester still remembered the feud Alice and Amaryllis indulged in, and that word travels fast in this kingdom. During the dramatic time of the rivalry, Alice expressed many of her opinions to both Jetta, her maid, and Sir Chester, her sparring partner. Though Sir Chester doesn't know the majority of the details, he still is well-aware that the relationship between the two ladies was a very hostile one -- primarily on Alice's side.

Alice finally reached her room in which Jetta, and a few other maids were running around to perform any last-minute alterations. Thread, fabric, and clothes scattered along the bed, and an abundance of makeup was laid out on the vanity. Jetta looked relieved that Alice finally returned to her chambers,[b]"You're going to be late, my lady!"[/b]

Alice sat rather insensibly at her vanity and let the  flustering maids tend to her as they usually would, occasionally looking into the mirror to see what look they were giving her; an even skin-tone, light blush and eyeliner, and a dash of shimmer along her cheekbones. Her hair, left curly and natural, but brushed carefully to let it fall nicely. She didn't doubt their abilities, but she always loved to see the process. In this moment, Alice let her mind ease by taking a few deep breaths, trusting in their great ability to beautify her appearance, but seeming to have increasing apathy towards the rest of the night. Alice was rushed to get ready, though she still looked just as spectacular had they had more time. She slipped on a [url=http://www.dhresource.com/0x0s/f2-albu-g4-M01-7E-D8-rBVaEFf7V5qAQOg0AAPdqtolLxI195.jpg/2017-victorian-gothic-masquerade-wedding.jpg] black and red dress[/url] that was embroidered with beautiful lace patterns that had an alluring, revealing concept. Alice paired the dress with a matching [url=https://www.maskshq.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Red-and-Black-Masquerade-Mask-with-Glitter.jpg]mask[/url] that had mild traces of glitter and a lovely design. Alice was sure to give her maids a kind thank you, though she didn't dwell long enough to really admire herself and have her regular vain moment. 

Alice was soon welcomed into a beautifully decorated ballroom full of a plethora food, beverages, and unfamiliar faces, causing a small, foreign feeling of anxiety to form in the pit of her stomach. Amidst the boastful crowd, the clinking of dishes and glasses, and the servants already rushing to maintain a comfortable and cheerful environment, there was a recognizable woman dressed in pink that formed a faint expression of distaste. The figure was none other than the future queen -- elegant, youthful, and stunning. Alice took a confident deep breath before approaching her slowly, dismissing her rising disdain to properly execute a pleasant conversation, hoping to befriend the woman for the sake of any future schemes.

Alice performed a sincere, respectful curtsy as she greeted the future queen,[color=9e0b0f]"It seems as though you've made quite the entrance, your majesty."[/color] With the vague statement, it could imply that her beauty stunned the Abhainnians, or King Jack's hostile act devastated them instead. Alice lifted herself from the curtsy to stand in with good posture, adjusting her flowing, curling hair to fall over her shoulder. [color=9e0b0f]"I suppose the rumors are very true, your beauty does exceed the already high expectations we had,"[/color] Alice complimented,[color=9e0b0f]"I do hope that Abhainn is welcoming you to your liking. We definitely do not want to disappoint." [/color]

Alice reached over for a glass of red wine that was laid out, taking a sip from the beautiful chalice before a rush of memories entered her mind from the familiar taste. The wine was one of the finest of Abhainn, one in particular that was fond of Alice and Lady Amaryllis from commonly drinking it with her now-enemy. Alice blinked rapidly for a second to bring herself back to the conversation,[color=9e0b0f]"So how do you like your new home in comparison to Slibah?"[/color]