∴.·:*¨ ¨*:·. ☙.·:*¨ ¨*:·.♡ .·:*¨ ¨*:·. ❧.·:*¨ ¨*:·.∴
The road that leads up to Antitheocra hall is still wet with the midday rain and rocks you to and fro on its cobbled surface as you make your ascent. Perched atop a mountain it sits, lights pouring out of its dozens of windows like a shiny eyed bird surveying its kingdom. Night has just fallen and the moon is fresh from the horizon, but a cloudless sky means the path is softly illuminated with its glow.
You pull out the invitation you received earlier that morning. It had been slipped under your door with no knock nor return address, just a blanche envelope with a golden eagle wax seal holding it shut.
You double check the address. This seems to be the place. Your heart thrums with excitement as you approach the main entrance, iron gates pulled back as if you were entering the opened maw of this hilltop predator. Music faintly thumps through its walls, outlines of bodies moving across drawn curtains as if to entice those lingering on its doorstep to come in and join the party.
The front door is imposing, ebony oak dotted with carvings of various flora and an impressive gold handle begging to be touched. Entering the streamer strung veranda, you raise your fist to knock, but the door swings open before knuckle can meet wood.
“You’ve finally arrived!” The voice shouts, competing with the sounds of life and laughter behind them, “And you’ve brought a gift, wonderful! Please, come inside.”
The figure steps aside, allowing you to enter. Shutting the door behind you, she sweeps the coat from your shoulders and hands it to a nearby waiter. “Don’t worry, Nikandr is just taking it to the coat closet. You may retrieve it at the end of the night.” The man is gone before you can protest and the woman is already walking out the foyer, beckoning you to join her and the party.
✧༺♥༻✧ 
Moth to flame you follow, trailing behind as she leads you down the corridor. The sounds of the party are getting louder, piano keys nearly drowned out by shrill laughs and glasses clinking. Just as you are about to round the corner and enter the party hall she stops, so abrupt you nearly crash into her tall, slim back.
“I almost forgot!” Whipping around, the woman reaches into her breast and pulls out a poppy pin similar to the one fastened to her top. “The Minister is quite fond of these, you’ll want to be wearing it when they arrive.” She takes your hand and closes it around the pin before whisking you into the main hall.
The room makes your head spin. Two floors with a balcony to overlook the dancefloor that dominates the center of the lower level. A band plays to the side of it, a grand piano with a motley array of stringed instruments to accompany it. Roman columns support the upstairs surveyors, each one wrapped in streamers and spider lilies. Light streams in from above and you realize the ceiling is nearly one big stained glass dome, illuminating what the flower sconces speckled about the walls do not. Tables line the outskirts of the room, the one closest to you holding what seems to be dozens of carefully cut pieces of strawberry shortcake. Next to it stands a fountain proudly gushing milk tea, petals of lavender sat atop the waves of drink. You turn to ask the woman a question, but she’s already disappeared into the crowd of bodies dancing and laughing and milling about. Luckily, the gift table is quite obvious as it’s already been stacked high with a thousand different colors and shines of wrapping paper. You quickly deposit your gift before joining the party.
∴.·:*¨ ¨*:·. ☙.·:*¨ ¨*:·.♡ .·:*¨ ¨*:·. ❧.·:*¨ ¨*:·.∴
Congratulations! You arrived to the party in one piece. How have you dressed yourself? What gift did you bring? Do you dare try the punch? Where is Polly and that woman who let you in?
This contest is a birthday surprise! Dress your best and describe how your ximbo found their way to this lavish celebration of life! Build your character and story, it will be considered during prizing ;).
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Rules:
☙ Shop screenshots are allowed for all players regardless of level (and here’s a thread on how to do that).
☙ Even though Antitheocra has been so kind as to host the ball in their Hall, this contest is open to all states!
☙ You can’t wear two outfits to the gala, so only one look per player! If you’d like to edit before the deadline, just delete your previous entry and resubmit your outfit.
☙ You may submit from an alt, but that will count as your only entry. Do not upvote your own posts. If you submit from multiple accounts at once, please specify which account you would like to be prized or both entries will be disqualified.
☙ Himbos! I realize you all do not have a poppy flower pin in your shop, so instead, just wear whatever flower suits your outfit best!
Prizes:
☙ 1st place: 600D
☙ 2nd place: 500D
☙ 3rd place: 400D
☙ Polly’s Choice: 800D + a special banner
☙ Banners for anyone who asks!
Timing: Now until 23:59 PM on April 20th!
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