Eira stood on a balcony overlooking the ballroom as nobles and royals from across the kingdoms made their way inside, each wearing a mask that covered their face, obscuring their identity--in theory, anyways. The masquerade ball that was to be held tonight was the idea of her advisers. She had initially been opposed to the event, given the state that the kingdoms were in. They had more important things to worry about than throwing parties and trying to marry her off. There were people in the kingdom who had little to eat, and they were throwing a ball with a feast in which much of the food would go to waste. Of course, she would ensure that whatever food was left was given to those in need, but such festivities still seemed to be in poor taste as far as she was concerned.<br/><br/>The main reason she had agreed was because they were right about one thing. The kingdom did need a strong alliance with one of the kingdoms that was less effected by the war and who could provide assistance to their kingdom. Whether the alliance was between the ruler, or future ruler, of another kingdom, or between one of the powerful houses in one of the kingdoms was yet to be seen. So long as the alliance would benefit her people, and she could stand the other person, she would do her duty and marry whomever could provide the assistance they needed.<br/><br/>Her advisers had also suggested that the festivities would be a welcomed distraction for many in the kingdom, but Eira suspected that, while it may be a welcomed distraction to those of wealth and power, it wouldn't serve the same purpose for those who had nothing. They wouldn't have a status that would earn them an invitation, nor the money to buy an outfit, should they be allowed in. Still, her advisers had insisted that it would be in their best interest, and a wise ruler listened to the council of those they trusted, even if they didn't always take that advice. In this case, she had listened. She'd spent years refusing to marry, and she had proved to everyone that she was more than capable of ruling without a man at her side. Now, however, they needed an alliance, so she would play her part in acquiring an alliance and securing the aid that her people needed.<br/><br/>Now she stood on the balcony, overlooking those who were guests at the ball as they mingled and danced as if there were no troubles in the world. A mask hid her face as she observed them, but it did little to hide her identity. She was the tallest woman in the room, as per usual, and her almost ice blue eyes could be seen behind the mask. Her pale blonde, almost white hair was pulled back into a partial up-do, the remaining locks draping down her back and over her shoulders onto the elegant blue and white gown she wore. A necklace made of blue stone that very much resembled ice hung around her neck, with matching earrings dangling from her ears.<br/><br/>She held herself with all the grace and elegance expected of a queen as she looked out over the people, many of them rulers from other kingdoms, others nobles and those in some position of power in some kingdom or another. Many had traveled a great distance to get here, while others had come from neighboring kingdoms. All of them had come for one of three reasons. They wished to have the opportunity to marry or to have one of their children marry the queen of Eirwen, they were invited and simply didn't want to refuse an invitation to such an event from someone such as Queen Eira, or they were looking to escape the realities of the state of the kingdoms, if only for a night. Whatever the reason, they were here.<br/><br/>Rhoswen, one of Eira's most trusted adviser, and the main culprit behind this ball and Eira's potential marriage, stood before the crowd and welcomed them to Eirwen, thanking them for coming and letting them know that they hoped they would have a good time throughout the evening and enjoy the festivities. Once she had welcomed them, she allowed the festivities to continue and the room was soon filled with music and laughter and the buzz of idle chatter.<br/><br/>Eira was not fond of idle chatter, but she would play her part as best she could. She descended the staircase with effortless grace and joined the crowd below. As she entered the crowd, those around her parted, standing on either side of her as she wordlessly passed through the crowd, stopping only once someone finally had the nerve to speak up. She turned  to look at the man who held out a hand, asking her to dance. Normally she would have been hesitant,  but given the setting and the purpose of the ball, she supposed that it was for the best. She gave a bow and gently placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead the way.<br/><br/><br/>Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk