Concordance Grimoires

To say that Queen Ashelia has spared no expense for this fete would be the understatement of the year. The palace grounds and gardens have been thrown open to any who would come to mark the anniversary of Dalmasca's restoration and the end of the war. A heightened guard is present to ensure that peace and order are maintained at all times, though they are kindly not obtrusive enough to make one feel ill at ease. It was the queen's wish above all else that her people be granted a brief reprieve from the pressures of life. A small happiness.

The entertainment alone must have cost a queen's ransom. There are dancers and musicians scattered throughout the crowds. A company of sword jugglers in the east garden. A fire eating Bangaa to the west. A lively group of acrobats flip and spin through the crowds, inducing oohs and ahhs as they go. The height of the evening is marked with a remarkable 30-minute fireworks display set to music by the court's musicians.

And the food! The queen has made arrangements for nearly all of the city's merchants to have a small booth to provide tasty delights for the party. Of course, none of the edibles are free, but they have all been paid amply enough that their base costs have been covered, so their charges for the nibbles are minimal. Most are offering finger foods and street snacks, in addition to the ample piles of nuts, fruits and tiny handheld loaves of bread. Pastries and petit fours abound in more than one corner, and naturally the enticing smell of spicy kabobs permeates the open air. The wine flows freely, at least until supplies have run out, though more than one person catches on quickly that Tomaj has watered it down. At least his ales are hearty enough to quench a parched throat. Cinnamon and mint teas are being offered to anyone who has drank their fill of more intoxicating liquids.

***

The internal party is far more subdued and dignified that the outside celebration. Only those with specific invitations are being allowed inside, and small wonder. Among the guests are the royal family of Rozarria, some of that nation's highest ranking generals, the young Emperor Larsa Solidor, a contingent of elite nobles from Archades, the Marquis Halim Ondore IV and his cortege. Then there are those who helped the queen reclaim her throne. She has insisted on their inclusion for their aid in the restoration of Dalmasca. This isn't as much a fete within, as it is a dangerous dance of political plays. There are smiles and well-wishes, but everyone present understands this is less about being friends and more keeping tabs on ones neighbors.

The entertainment present is like that outside, though in smaller in number and performers. Music is provided by the queen's own court musicians and plays all through the evening. While the entertainment has been scaled down for interior purposes, the banquet is anything but. The royal kitchens have been at work for days in advance preparing the most astounding and delectable creations they could: roasted poultry, rack of lamb, a whole suckling pig, little cakes shaped like birds and flowers, fresh fruits and nuts artfully displayed, wyrdhare pies shaped like rabbits, starfruit surprises in star shapes, tiny brioche filled with buttered wild mushrooms, toasted breads smothered in caramelized wild onions and melted nanna milk cheese. Truly a feast for the senses and not merely the mouth alone. The finest of the Dalmascan wines have been brought up from the cellar, a few bottles of Bhujerban Madhu as well. (Though the winemaster is keeping close eye on who has had how much of that.) If there is anything at all missing, it is the absence of drinking water, though who would choose something so basic when so much better is available?

((ooc: Feel free to use action or prose tags, as per your preference.))