The Akins New Years Ball

[Geoffrey Akins]

Although the Grand Hall was often brightly colored and decorated with paintings done by the Earl himself, on this evening it seemed even more festive and bright than usual. The top floor balcony jutted above the hall, and two grand staircases lead guests from one to the other. The staircases were positioned so that they came down from the sides, one on each side. Every inch of the railing was covered by shining and glittering wrappings, wrappings so bright they were nearly blinding.

However, for once, it's festive spirit and bright decorations were not colorful. Rather, they gave the whole place an icy appearance. With many shades of white and shining silver, the guests would likely have to stop in their tracks upon entering, wondering when they had stepped through another universe. The floor, usually a vibrant red, was now an icy silver, as were the carpets that ran along the stairs and the balcony above. Even the walls, which were white to begin with, had been dusted with a material that gave them a shining sheen. Over all, it was a brilliant set-up, one that Geoffrey was quite happy with.

The master of the house, Geoffrey Akins, was standing in the middle of the great hall, silver eyes taking in the beautiful artwork that his home had become. He himself matched the setting, dressed as he was in a simple but stunning silver suit. He was almost like a chameleon, blending in with his suit, pale skin, and blond hair. The only thing that set him off from the background was the battered brown hat that still, as always, perched on top of his head.

"It's...perfect!" He breathed, a tone of excitement buried in the awe of his voice. "Of course, I knew it'd be beautiful, but this is far more amazing than I would have guessed! I knew these colors would flow, I just knew it." Feeling nearly overtaken with the sight of his masterpiece, the young man walked to the staircase and laid a hand upon the decorated railing.

"Truly amazing, what art can do. Even these, the most basic of colors, have created a masterpiece. The guests will just love it!" Indeed, he had quite the party planned. Along the walls of the hall stretched tables of food and favors; after all he was expecting quite the crowd. There was always a crowd.

"Everything is perfect, everything is set...Oh," The last word was drawn out in an excited cry, "this will be the best New Years Ball ever! No time for waiting, no more dilly-dallying! Release the masses, it's time for a party!" He said, clapping his hands together in a rush of excitement he simply couldn't control. There was a small spring in his step as he made his way to the large double doors separating the outside from his home. He grabbed the handles and whipped the doors open; at least as much as one could whip open doors of that size; and beamed out to the night.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Akins home! It is time for the ball to start!" He cried, his arms held open in welcome and the smile still on his face.

[Editha]

While Geoffrey Akins had been announcing his excitement to seemingly no one but the hall, the glaring eyes of his Head Maid, Editha, stayed on him. Editha Primrose, a light blond haired woman with soft peach skin and a piercing gaze was in service to Geoffrey. The woman was never far from her master, and made an effort to never let her eyes off him.

Editha, usually clad in a black maid’s uniform, was instead garbed in a silver variation of her uniform. The black band and heels had even been replaced for tonight. Thankfully she was not instructed by her master to forgo her black lipstick. The hassle to set up the ball, though easy for a prideful maid such as herself, had been last minute decision by her master.

She didn’t understand why everything had to be silver, it was unnecessary. She didn’t understand why her master had not simply kept things the way they were usually. Extravagance was such a needless commodity amongst those with wealth. Had she been given a chance to voice her opinion she would have suggested they keep everything the same. Her place was not to question why, but to do.

Editha had been directly behind Geoffrey when he swung the doors open, her eye not covered by her hair glaring over his shoulder. She wasn’t glaring at anyone in particular; it was just the way she always looked. Editha bowed her head slightly while leaning a bit forward so that she could speak lowly towards her master’s left ear.

“You should probably move, lest the animals trample over you while trying to get in.” Editha’s tone was strict, as always. “I have no doubt they’ll push past without offering you any sort of acknowledgement.” Editha pulled herself back away from her master slowly, “What can you expect from animals?” A snide sound escaped the Maid’s lips as she finished speaking, amused at her depiction of those about to enter.

[Lady Antoinette]

As Andrina rode in her carriage on the way to a ball of some sort, she could do nothing more than to mentally yell at her father. Honestly! How in the world could he just tell her to go without so much as a week’s notice? She was in the middle of creating her latest torture device for Pete’s sake! Worst of all, he had made her wear IT. Yes IT was a dress and heels. Though it was in red-one of her top three favorite colors- she absolutely hated the dress. She didn’t even know why her father insisted on making her go.

‘No, wait. Yes I do.’ Andrina thought as she stared out of the window.

He claimed he was too busy and everyone else had something important to do. So that only left her. She tried protesting, but everyone knows how that goes: Father always wins. At least she convinced him to let her take William. The said dog looked up at her and released a small bark. She rolled her eyes before the carriage slowed to a stop. She opened the door and accepted the help out. Once she was on the ground William followed her down and bumped her waist. Andrina pet him and proceeded to walk forwards to the doors where others were waiting.

“Feel free to leave now, but be back by midnight.” She called back to the coach.

She heard a grunt then a snap of reigns before the trotting sound of horses started to fade. She looked down slightly to her dog and nodded her head forward. She walked forwards and nearly jumped at the sound of a male’s voice. Ah, it was the head inviting them all in was it?

“William, you are to be on your best behavior. Understood?” She asked.

He barked and she pat his head. Once everyone got to moving, she did also. She wanted to be one of the last ones in. She didn’t like doing in first, because she had a habit of tripping and falling. Going in last saved her the trouble of being embarrassed. Once she was almost at the door, she turned to the head and gave a small curtsy.

“Thank you for inviting me to your home Sir Akins.” She said with a smile.