wsk - Invitation to a Fancy Dress Party

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

As a twist on the Casting Game we love to play so much, think about which character in the books you would cast YOURSELF as, and come to our New Year Fancy Dress Party as that character.  And let's not worry about the sex!  If you want to be Ambiades, then come as Ambiades.  If maccalla wants to come as Attolia, go for it, Mac!  Maybe it's someone you relate to, perhaps it's a personality you would like to try out. 

Then tell us why you chose them, your thoughts as that person, or reveal some of the things you (as that character) has done or witnessed that Megan is so Not Telling us.

If you would like to bring a date from another book to the party, by all means bring them along!  Introduce them to us, and let us know how they are fitting in and who they are conspiring - I mean, dancing - with.

*Sends out the Heralds with the Invitation, while the musicians start to tune their instruments*

Let the Party Begin!

Comments

[elle-winters.livejournal.com]

Oh oh, I call Eddis!!

:]

...I'm doing this all wrong aren't I?

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

go for it! And I just bet you can fill us in on all sorts of "not telling" tidbits!

what is it about Eddis that has you so interested in her?

*is also eager to see just what Eddis is wearing to this ball*

[aged-crone.livejournal.com]

Ooooh - I can raise one eyebrow, and I'm told I'm intimidating. Can I be Attolia, so I can pretend to be slim and beautiful?

[aged-crone.livejournal.com]

As to why I chose Attolia (besides the slim/beautiful thing):

It was the mention of "the row of carved beads on a shelf and the assortment of tiny amphoras on a tabletop." It is clear to me that Atollia is a Collector. I collect tiny glass bottles, myself. Among many, many other things. I don't have any carved beads (I'm assuming here that the beads are separate objects and not a decorative feature of the shelf. I have this feeling that I read something else about them, but can't think of where right now; which means I may have imagined it). At least, I don't have any *yet*.

Anyway: Something that Megan Isn't Telling about Attolia: We all have these various theories about why Attolia didn't move into the traditional Queen's Rooms, and Gen didn't move into the ones Attolia currently occupies (or even into the Queen's Rooms). It's all this psychological stuff about Gen's being homesick, wanting to fool people about their true feelings for one another, symbol of power, etc.

Well, the truth is much simpler. She can't move into those rooms. Neither can Gen, or anybody else. She's a Collector, remember? They're full. Very, very full, of all her various collections.

(This is from someone who is trying to cram all of the stuff she has moved from her house in Germany into the house she has bought in Indiana, which already had plenty of stuff in it anyway, and understands about Not Enough Space).

As to what I'm wearing ot this fancy dress ball: A lovely pink dress, with ruffles positively foaming at the bottom of the skirt. Shading from paler pink at the top to a darker pink at the bottom. (Attolia decided that after all those deep reds and such, and even the light green, she'd do something different just for a change).

As to whom I'm bringing to the dance: Peggy said she could totally see me with Claverhouse, so I figured, why not? He's very bonnie, and since I've discovered to my complete staggered astonishment that my husband was actually jealous of Dite, I think it would be fun to tease him with another handsome man with long curls.

[inkasrain.livejournal.com]

I would like to be... the Minister of War. Because he is mine, and I shant let go of him, not never!

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

oooooooooooh. I bet HE could fill us in on some Not Tellings

: )

[thelasteddis.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm... I don't know, I don't know!!!!!!!

I think Agape. Oh yes, I would like that very much. It's possible I won't be able to make it, or that I'll be late. I'll try and mention it if that's going to happen.

I'M GOING DRESS SHOPPING WHO'S COMING?!?!?!??!?!?

[elle-winters.livejournal.com]

mee mee mee!!

*wisks giant pink purse*

lets go!! :]

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

I'll go as Chloe :-)

I like her because she's not as smart and careful as the other attendants and is sort of tactless ("something that goes better with that beard"). She is a lucky girl to keep her job. It reminds me of all the times I've been lucky despite being a brat.

I like to think she learns from that and from watching Attolia and Gen's relationship evolve. After listening to Phresine she comes to accept Gen. She found Dite's song funny. For 30 seconds. Then got a Pointed Look from Phresine. She teases Ileia about Costis but is secretly jealous how nice and angelic Ileia comes across as.

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

Em, I can totally see you coming as Chloe.

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

*is predictable*

I'm Heiro, in my very best earrings and a really stunning dress (but elegant and tasteful, of course). I'm pretending not to notice that heads are turning when I walk by -- people don't recognize me dressed like this. I've brought Alan Breck from Kidnapped, who is schmoozing with everyone. He's a great dancer, and would never forget me in the corner. Of course, the King's keeping an uneasy eye on Alan, just...not quite sure what he's up to, or whether they're on the same side (they are). Alan keeps saying loudly, "I bear a King's name!" even though I warned him not to...oh well. I get along with Alan because he never underestimates me, and he brings out my rarely-seen sense of humor. Also he picked out the dress. I think the Queen was relieved to see me with Alan. The King often dances with me, and I know she's not really jealous, but she...notices.

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

oh! nicely done.

and here I thought you'd come as the merciful goddess from QofA. I admit I was tempted to come as her, dressed in silk robes reminiscent of cool, flowing water.

[attackfish.livejournal.com]

*Has the overweening gall to claim* Gen. I lack his ability to pull off successful crazy schemes, but I'm a sullen sarcastic misanthrope with dozens and dozens of cousins who I only get along with intermittently, and I practically live in a library.

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

who are YOU bringing to the party?

oh dear my arm seems to be firmly twisted

[fabricalchemist.livejournal.com]

At the risk of not being fancy enough as Costis, I would just throw on a giant ruffle and come in balancing on a sparkly ball! Get with it people its FANCY DRESS TIME TO ROCK OUT.


(though dressing as the gods give one ample opportunity for glamour)

Re: oh dear my arm seems to be firmly twisted

[fabricalchemist.livejournal.com]

regular clothes in addition to the ruffle are implied, of course

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Much as I'd enjoy being a lady in a fancy gown, I think I'll be the magus instead.

I'd dress in a dark suit--such a dark blue that it looks black--and wear a nicer cloak than usual. A medium blue with lots of gold trim. I'd wear my fanciest fibula pin, the one with the large sapphire, even though the sapphire always makes me wince a little because it reminds me of how Gen, that sneaky little reptile, stole Hamiathes Gift from me. From around my neck! And then let me wade in the river for an hour looking for it. And wince again because he deflected my plan to see my king as ruler of Eddis, and King to her Queen.

I'd dance with all the ladies while I observe everyone--who talks with whom--and watch for palace intrigues. And if I could manage a few words with Relius I'd like to talk to him about some ideas I have...

Or better yet, I'll be Ekaterin Vorkosigan, and go to the party with the Magus. I think the magus would like Ekaterin. But if I were Ekaterin there'd be none of those dowdy long skirts and boleros jackets. I'll have a proper ball frock. And not a gray one, either.

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

I take that back. I *will* wear a gray gown, and this one. (http://www.sentimental-value.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/winter-ball-gown.jpg)

[rosaleeluann.livejournal.com]

*claims Phresine*

I may not have any grey hairs yet, and I may not be as awesome as Phresine in many, many ways, but I would LIKE to be. I would like to be the one to recognize that there really is something to this boy with one hand who wants to marry my queen. I'd like to be the one to kiss the king in his sleep, and joke about the liberties an old woman can take, with even a king. I would like to be able to tell awesome stories, complete with Hilarious Interruptions.

My date would be... um... I'll take Cazaril. Because we could both be Awesome People Behind The Throne.

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

Oh, SNAP! *pouts* I DO have teh gray hairs! And I DO like dear Cazaril! What a good idea. Hmmmmmm, now who shall I be?

*puts on thinking cap*

[deirdrej.livejournal.com]

OH, I'm coming too (even though I have laryngitis, bronchitis, whatever.....) I'm desperate to come as somebody beginning with "e," so I pick -- Heiro's friend Eunice!

And here's what Megan is not telling about Eunice -- she is actually part Edissian, and is, in fact, related to Helen's head lady in waiting, Xanthe. Which is why she knows what "ice blue" REALLY means. They know a lot more about ice up in the mountains! And why, you ask, should she care about "ice blue?" Well, because she's going to wear this dress!

http://www.gownsbysimpleelegance.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/alrq215f.jpg

Isn't it gorgeous?

As to who she's going with, she's an extremely sensible girl, and would really like to go with Bunter. But if he's busy solving a crime tonight, she might have to go with one of Gen's cousins, like Boagus. (He gets a bad rap, but he's not THAT bad....)

[rosaleeluann.livejournal.com]

Bunter. Heee.

I'm finding people's proposed dates much more entertaining than the people they want to be themselves...

Ileia

[tearoha.livejournal.com]

Because I cannot resist the prospect of dresses even for the sake of being a more major character, I call Ileia! I have the hair for it :D

Re: Ileia

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

what'cha gonna wear?!?

This is like shopping for prom dresses, w/o worrying about the cost or if it will fit.

conspiracy?...yes, I think so

[velvetrose09.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I can't believe I've been missing the fun!

I shall come as. . . Lady Heiro's voluptuous older sister~!
wearing this lil number: http://imestore.com/images/ed06029-purple-1.jpg

The king may yet be mine!

*muahaha!*

*puts on irresistable purple earrings*

http://unu.magazyn.pl/images/artykul/1243/ametyst.jpg

Oh, and I shall be bringing Legolas *mhmm*

(I would like to say that I velvetrose have no interest in stealing Eugenides...however, I can't not say the same for lady Heiro's dear elder sister-:O)

Re: conspiracy?...yes, I think so

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

oooooooooooh

the drama!

*sits back to watch*

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

I believe I shall come as Xanthe. Not sure about the outfit or the date yet...but I have to go to keep an eye on Eddis. All of a sudden she has gotten taste in gown and earrings and such and I am sure a certain Mede-y type person will be eyeing her up. I feel the need to have a powerful date for some reason, but right now I am at a loss.

Wait! I have it! My man Teleus! Just the ticket!

*runs off to find Teleus*

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

Oh Teleus. Gooood choice. You know, Checkers and I once got into a debate whether Teleus was hot (what I thought) or not (what she thought) and we scheduled a chat (note first and only abuse of official chat notice powers) to especially debate the issue. Which took all of 10 minutes. Anyway to ice the cake, a very good authority said "duh well of course he's hot".

[readsintrees.livejournal.com]

I'll go as Moira. I'm not much of a fancy dress person, and something tells me that her white dress is elegantly simple. Plus, she seems like the type that would sort of hover around the edges of the ball, like I tend to do in large crowds.

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

*bets Moira can fill us in on some of those not tellings, too*

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

http://a4.vox.com/6a00d09e7f5829be2b00d414450464685e-500pi

I don't know my way around computers, so I hope this works. This is my gown. (btw, Idk where they got that model. She could be my long lost twin *nods solemnly* yup.)

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

Oh, TG! She is totally your twin (except you are a bit more slender and lovely, I think) and you will look smashing waltzing around the room in that dress.

Those boys don't stand a chance.
*nods solemnly*

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

(as Xanthe) Ileia! *calls*

Here is one:

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01429/Queen2_1429134c.jpg

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

Of course it is the one on the left. It is not really pink, but I understand in Attolia you have something called, ah, Image-Market? Or something like that. Perhaps using that it could be made pink.

I cn haz shoes!

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

Here they are:

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:F8eICda2PE10NM:http://www.traderscity.com/board/userpix15/15715-ladies-heel-shoes-1.jpg

[crazededdisian.livejournal.com]

I would try Attolia dancing under the orange trees, actually. Don't ask me why.

dresses...

[aged-crone.livejournal.com]

I haven't found the one I want, but look at these fascinating antique gowns!
http://www.antiquedress.com/gallerymuseum12new.htm

Rethinking pink...

[aged-crone.livejournal.com]

Oh, zowie! Look at this one!

http://www.antiquedress.com/item1915.htm

[maccalla.livejournal.com]

Sorry, Peggy, I don't think I'll be Attolia this time. I'll be Boagus instead. Mainly because I also enjoy sitting on people, particularly my little brother, which I understand isn't quite the same relationship, but it's close enough. "Like a kitten in a sack" :)

ANYway, Boagus is wearing this to the party, http://www.mangabullet.com/galleryimg/2009/11/14/xxblah-girlxx-on-14-11-09-at-02-45-21.jpeg, because he lost a bet with Gen. He figured it would take Gen 100 days to overthrow the house of Erondites, which means he only had two days more before Gen would have shown up here spray-painted pink, with a pink plastic glove on his head, clucking sadly. As a plucked rooster.

And Boagus is bringing his girlfriend, Ginger, the milkmaid/movie star from Terry Pratchett's "Moving Pictures". Because. Just because.

And he's sorry he's late - he had to stop a giant woman carrying an ape up a tower. Apparently, "'twas a beast killed the beauty".

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

lol! very good. Love the dress, and the date.

I was just holding you up as an example, being the one sounis-guy who comes around regularly.

[tencups-i-swear.livejournal.com]

Hi! I hope I'm not too late! I've come as Thalia (Costis' sister) And I've brought Scipio from 'The Thief Lord' BD
I couldn't be stuffed to go look for a dress so I made them. Two of them because I couldn't decide whether or not to come in my bellydancing outfit or a balldress. http://goat-foot-baa.deviantart.com/art/Dresses-for-the-Sounisan-ball-149156522

*Dances*

(Just noticed typot in link. D:)

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

oh, very clever! Being Thalia, and new to the court, I'd suggest the balldress.

I couldn't be stuffed to go look for a dress
hahaha! I've not heard that phrase before! *nicks*