The Banquet

Beside almighty Baz'Auran stood his beloved cupbearer, the Maiden of the Dusk, as colorful and bright as he was purely grey and brilliant, the jewel set against silver. Her shining gown was made from the purest silk, and its colors seemed to shift whenever it caught the light, a rolling blue-green hue that seemed reminiscent of the sea below the White City. A deep brown sash crossed it, from shoulder to hip, and it would be easy to mistake it for a deliberate addition - but, no, it was simply the strap for her harp, which she could not help but carry to dinner. It still looked marvelous on her.

The light of the stars themselves was caught within the grey jewels set into the silver crown she wore, and they flashed and blazed with fiery glory, not quite the equal of Baz'Auran's glorious aura - for what could compare to that? but still, it set her apart as the cupbearer of Baz'Auran. She wore no other jewelry, or marked her face with cosmetics, for her mere beauty was enough by Baz'Auran's side.

She stepped forward, to the left side of Baz'Auran's throne, and brought the great goblet of Baz'Auran to her lips, taking the slightest sip of Possibility. It was heady, and sweet, and it brought to mind everything that could happen tonight, all the different ways that Baz'Auran would decide her fate that night. She shivered, ever-so-slightly, and then said, "All is well, my father." No one had ever attempted to poison Baz'Auran's cup, but some things had to be done for the sake of tradition. She passed the goblet to him, allowing him to drink from it, and then accepted the goblet when he returned it to her hands. She looked out at her siblings, all her wonderful, lovely siblings, and smiled softly at them.

Tonight would be the most wonderful night.