1: Entrance-The ballroom
As I enter the room, I am first struck by its immense size. The broad stares lead down on to a expansive floor which stretches Hundreds of yards. The open areas are broken only by the symmetrically placed pillars which stretch up into arches across the vaulted ceiling. Broad plate glass doors and windows form the outside wall on two sides, leading out on to an expanse of concrete and then grass. The remaining walls hold towering murals depicting epic battles of armies and dragons. A magnificent chandelier hangs down from the ceiling with crystal shards of light dancing from the lit candles
I then begin to notice the people. Like myself they are all arrayed in fancy dress and period costumes.
The men are dressed in smart cotton and velvet jackets and waist coats. White frilled shirts accentuate the more dower colored and loosely hung ties and shashes. The masks are understated, yet conceal facial features and provide anonymity.
The women are arrayed in flowing gowns as wide and varied as flakes of snow in a storm. Their costumes are more elaborate then the men, and more colorful. The masks too are more detailed and ornate, covering not only eyes and cheeks, but also lips and hair with plume feathers and vibrant colors. As if in contrast, the bodices are plunging and elegant, revealing tantalizing glimpses of paler flesh tones arrayed as if on display.
I am self conscious as I review my own raiment. A simple deep red velvet cloak drapes down from my shoulders covering a form fitting jacket, waist coat and pants of the same material. A single black pendant clasps an indigo handkerchief in my lapel pocket. My cotton shirt is a lighter pinkish white color with a colorful and flowing tie hanging down my chest. I am grateful that the dark mask covers my eyes and nose. My hair is trim short and slicked back and my face is clean shaven to further conceal my identity.
There is music in the air. It is strong and elegant and carries well amongst the laughter and conversations. I am amazed at the number of people attending tonight. I move further into the room and over to a railed balcony overlooking the main hall. From here, I begin to see patterns forming in the crowd below. Many of the patrons have broken off into clusters, usually centered on some group or person. It is a show, within a show.
I begin to make my way down to the main floor now. I am intrigued by the complex interplay of the people and want to be closer. As I move I pick up bits of conversation, yet not enough to decern any real meaning. The groups continue to swell and flow to the sound of the music. In one group an attractive woman relates a tantalizing story to the men prostrated around her, hanging on her every bated breath. In another, a young couple are talking spiritedly about some exploration or another that they have shared., the crowd making cooing sounds at the peaks and curves of the tale.
Off in the corners, I see several quieter conversations taking place. Men and women talking more intimately about their private lives. Stolen glances are exchanged, and passions lit amongst strangers and lovers alike. I find myself drawn to these more intimate moments, listening to the words spoken in hopes of catching some of the intensity there. Still I move on.
Sparkling champagne is served in tall crystal glasses by a wait staff which moves seemlessly through the crowd. They dance amongst the rhythm of the party as if they are ghosts or fairies capable of alighting and the disappearing at a moments notice. As one passes, I collect a glass and drink deeply of the bubbly liquid. I feel a rush through my entire body as the alcohol courses through my veins. I decide that smaller sips would be wise, or I may lose control.
As the evening moves on, the music changes subtly. The tempo slows and the deeper baritones resonate throughout the hall. The groups begin to break down into smaller and smaller numbers. Eventually I begin to see that the crowd is thinning out. The doors on one wall open revealing a long hall, leading to other chambers within the house. The thought of exploring the insides, probing deeper into the darkness intrigues me, but the champagne has begun to cloud me, so I decide to get some air.
It is growing evening as I approach the glass doors. The stars are out and can be seen clearly above the tree tops at the edge of the clearing surrounding the house. The doors are thrust wide to allow entrance and exit to all at the party. As I move on to the concrete terrace, people mingle around me. I gaze up into the warm open sky and allow myself to be engulfed by it for a moment, lost in its vastness. And then I notice her.
She is standing away from the crowd, and off to the left. Her back is too me and her hand rests against an iron rail which separates the upper deck from some steps down to the grass lawn. Her dress is long and flowing, yet simple and understated. Her long dark hair is wrapped tight and held firm to her head. The moonlight accentuates her curves, and the fabric of her gown shimmers making her appear to be a goddess or apparition out of some dream. The stars cast a bluish light on her pale neck and revealed shoulders.
As I stand there, awed, she speaks to me, as if she has always know that I was there. “Beautiful isn’t it?”. Her voice is deep and crisp. She speaks with an accent which I don’t fully fathom, yet it entices me. “The sky, I mean” she says without turning. I must agree on both counts.
As I look around, no one else seems to have heard her and somehow I know that her words were meant for me alone. I stand there for long moments wondering if I have dreamed the voice, or if the alcohol has finally taken hold. “Yes.” I venture, not daring to hope that she will be real.
“I can sometimes lose myself in it’s embrace.” she says as I take a step closer to her. I see that the others around us have not heard my words either. Too my eyes, they seem to be moving in slow motion. Their words and conversations lower to a soft din and then fall distant. “I just love the night sky.” her voice surrounding me and carrying me away to the deep dark places of the night.
“Come, stand with me, and I shall reveal its wonders to you.” I approach and stand at her side next to the railing. I am enthralled by night and her closeness, the world seems to melt away and leave nothing but the dark and the stars far away.
I turn to her, and she to me. Each one of us has our masks perfectly in place, yet somehow we know one another. Her black velvet mask covers her eyes and curves down one cheek, as if to hide a tear. She smiles at me, and I want it to last for ever. Almost in answer to my thoughts she says “It doesn’t last long enough you know. The night, I mean.”
