Page 54 of Chivalry in the Meadow
As the ladies continued to the food tents, the delicious scents of roasting meat filled the air. Everyone it seemed was milling about. Likely with the same idea of eating before the ball.
“This will be quite a large ball,” Mia said. “Look at all the people!”
“The fair still closes at the regular time for the general public,” Lilly said. “And the only way to attend the ball is to wear a mask. No mask, no entrance. Finn explained that this is a celebration to start the season off right, a bonus for the employees.”
“Oh!” Mia said. “So, we won’t be dancing with complete strangers.”
“Even if we don’t know them, someone here likely will,” Lilly said. “That’s much safer.”
“I agree.” Mia was feeling better about the idea now. She mostly just wanted to dance with Sir Cedric and Sir Alaric.
Hopefully neither would get mad at her for wanting to dance with them both.
“I think we’d best find something filling to eat for dinner,” Lilly said. “Finn told me that some of the men who make mead will be offering tastes tonight, and I want something solid in my stomach before trying anything with alcohol in it. But not anything that could get on our fine dresses.”
“Good idea,” Mia said eyeing Lilly’s dress. “That yellow will show every stain if you drop the littlest thing. Mine is a little more forgiving but we still should try not to soil them. I’m thinking roasted chicken sounds good. It sure smells good.”
“I could go for that,” Lilly said.
“Are you ready for a night of enchantment,” a woman dressed as a fairy asked as they passed her on the way to dinner.
“Yes, I am!” said Mia.
Lilly laughed. “I am too!”
“Then come by the fairy grove before you dance,” she said, “And try some of pucks pink surprise punch.”
“Oh, that sounds dangerous,” Lilly said.
“Is this ball just an excuse for a drinking party tonight then?” Mia asked.
“No, it’s an actual ball with dancing,” Lilly said. “And all the knights are supposed to be there. Which one would you most like to dance with? If you must pick one.”
“I don’t know,” Mia said, not as quick to answer that as she had been before. “Sir Cedrick, I guess.”
Though she’d been leaning more toward Sir Cedrick since she’d arrived, it was becoming harder to do that as she got to know Sir Alaric.
“I would say you should dance with them all, but I don’t think there are enough men to go around for all he ladies that are here,” Lilly said.
They purchased chicken and biscuits, then found seats and enjoyed their supper. Both had eyed the corn on the cob but neither of them wanted to arrive at the ball with something between their teeth.
“Oh, I did find out where the showers are,” Lilly said. “There are two. One for ladies and the other for gents. And they are behind the costume shop, where the permanent buildings are. Finn said there are busy times and times no one is using them, like during the jousting.”
“I’m glad you found out,” Mia said. “And glad there is a building, not a curtain strung up outside somewhere. So then there should be lights, like in the costume shop.”
“Yes,” Lilly said. “I got the impression that is where they have water lines and electric run. The other areas of the encampment don’t have either one.”
They finished eating, cleaned their hands and bought some chocolate mints from the candy lady, then walked to where the ball was being held.
The central fire pit glowed orange and gold shooting flames up and lighting the area around it. Lute music wove through the air. Everyone was in costume with masks, some with cloaks, anddramatic flair. A violinist played a haunting tune near the beer cart, the tune drifting toward them.
Performers danced with flaming hoops, brightness against the darkening evening.
The atmosphere shimmered, drunk on fantasy, candlelight, and smoke.
Mia twirled, laughing. For the first time, she fully relaxed, ready to have fun.
What could be better than a Renaissance Masquerade Ball!
