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[img]http://68.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7dqh4ojNi1rtzlzf.gif[/img]

[hr][color=forestgreen][b]Location:[/b][/color] Her Chambers --> Lady Julia's Chambers --> The Masquerade
[color=forestgreen][b]Interacting With:[/b][/color] Lady Julia {[@HushedWhispers]-mentioned}[/center][hr]

Keir would have been hesitant to leave her Lady's side so soon, but she knew that she would be in good hands with Lord Aedan. She hoped the matters that they had to discuss were not too serious in nature. The atmosphere surrounding their arrival already felt too heavy and who among the observers could disagree after the spectacle to which everyone was exposed.

Her escort took Keir to her own room first, and at Keir's insistence, showed her the way to Lady Julia's room from there. She used the trip to start memorizing the layout of her new abode--at least for the time being. Her own quarters weren't too far off and they were far from bare. Even when she stayed at court, Keir did not live with so much finery around her. Then again, she did not actually stay in the royal palace for the majority of her time with Lady Julia. Her family had been granted an estate near the palace like all the other lords and ladies when her they were given the title. Of course, the Farren Estate wasn't as vast or as well decorated as all the others, but you couldn't find finer gardens save at the palace.

She'd brought few evening gowns of her own. Her family's allowance hadn't raised so much that they could spend wantonly, but luckily for her, Lady Julia was a kind and sharing soul and always humbled Keir with a pick from her wardrobe for many an occasion. It was a fine collection, to say the least, but what else could one expect from a future queen? Keir had searched through some before giving up and deciding on a bath first. Her thick locks always took an inordinate amount of time to dry so best to get it out of the way early. After a good soak and scrub to rid herself of the invisible layer of filth she had felt settle with being so close to the gruesome scene, Keir felt much more refreshed and ready to face the evening.

Her feelings were a bit split on the revelation that this gathering was to be a masquerade. On the one hand, this was a great boon for Keir. Whereas the company she walked among had been raised into this life, Keir was still learning the finer points to being a lady in high society. It had been a slow and painful assimilation for her thus far and she still had some ways to go; she still remained quite awkward in many interactions. On the other hand, this means that unless someone could tell whom she was, she would be free of any judgment or ridicule on behalf of any faux pas she committed. She decided to go with boon.

To embrace her new anonymous role in society, she opted to leave her hair down for the evening rather than tidying it away from her face as was her custom. Now she just needed to find something to wear before she could complete the ensemble. As she retraced the steps she took earlier in the day to Lady Julia's room, she wondered if she had already left for the party. It was for her, after all, and it wouldn't do for her to miss the festivities and her curious guests--how could they not be curious about their incumbent queen? She gave a gentle knock on the chamber doors as she arrived but heard no response. She gave a second louder knock in case she hadn't been heard the first time. Still no response.

Keir pushed the door open slowly now and spoke out as she did. [color=forestgreen]"My Lady Julia? I've come to pick out a dress..."[/color] She trailed off as she entered the room fully, seeing no one inside. She knew her attendants had been in here earlier, but perhaps they were off to spy on the party now that their patroness was off--as they were want to do. Pushing the door closed behind her, Keir decided that she could finish changing in here after he selection. As she turned back, two large shapes and bright colors caught her attention at the periphery of her vision. Turning fully to face them, she saw two boxes. They almost looked like presents.

Keir's mouth dropped slightly as she peered inside the boxes; it was a gown and matching mask. A thought occurred which made her most pleased. She moved forward now to look for a note, but found none. With further investigation of the room, Keir found all the telltale signs that her ladyship had come, bathed, dressed, and gone. For whom else could the boxes be? It seemed clear to her that Lady Julia had played an unfair but most loving trick on Keir when she'd told her she could pick out a dress but had a gift prepared all along. Perhaps she retrieved the mask in the time between their arrival and Lady Julia's departure for the party. That had to be it. Somehow Keir made all the puzzle pieces work, and of course, Lady Julia was so generous with Keir that it was completely within the realm of possibility in her mind.

She couldn't debate it another moment and immediately set out to putting on the lovely velvet purple dress with gold trimmings. It flowed beautifully around her and fit quite well, though the top dipped down a bit lower than Keir usually liked, but no matter. She gasped as she pulled the [url=http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-130817123929166/purple-decorative-metal-venetian-half-mask-1.jpg]mask[/url] from the smaller box. She loved the curves and the colors and she hoped that those stones she saw laid in it were purely decorative. She could never pay Lady Julia back for such a lavish gift. After donning her disguise, a little color for her lips was due; another habit she did not generally practice except when required. Tonight certainly required it. She decided to go with a lovely violet to match her garb.

Her ensemble complete, she took one last look in the standing mirror before making her way to the ballroom. She was ecstatic with anticipation. Of course Lady Julia would recognize her since she picked the outfit out, but Keir did not mind if she knew. In fact, she preferred it. As she entered the ballroom, she stopped the announcer as he was about to say something and motioned for him to stay quiet. She descended the stairs to the floor below, searching faces in the crowd for any signs of familiarity or any signs of recognition from others.