Welcome to the Masked Ball . . .
‘Excellencies, Honoured Guests, ladies and gentlemen . . . and charming Others of course,’ the Direttore’s lips gave that curious twist that was a contained smile and so very much his signature.
‘Excellencies, Honoured Guests, ladies and gentlemen . . . and charming Others of course,’ the Direttore’s lips gave that curious twist that was a contained smile and so very much his signature.
From Rebecca.
The tapping on her window was so faint that if she hadn’t been listening for it Sarina would not have heard it. Although the term ‘listening for it’ in no way captured the anxiety and anticipation with which she had awaited Hugh’s visit. Yet, when he finally did arrive, it was unexpected. The hour had grown so late that she had given him up, retiring for the evening to read a little in an attempt to distract herself. Fortunately, she had just received from Parthenope an exquisite little book about a Masked Ball, which she was enjoying.
Niccolo . . .
Niccolo traced a strand of my hair away from my neck as we lay in bed. ‘You are otherwise engaged, Lucia.’
Just before you read the next chapter of the novella, we need to let you know that whilst almost all images have been re-instated, some have been lost. Including the one that related to the first question of the Scavenger Hunt. We have therefore introduced a new first question and ask that you go back to the list of questions to check that you have answered it. Our apologies, but it was beyond our control. We hope it won’t deter you from entering and completing the hunt. Goodluck!
We are offering a pre-ball competition in the form of a scavenger hunt. Find the following and email your answers via the contact page of http://www.pruebatten.com There are ten objects to be found. Nine of the questions are listed here and you can submit your nine answers by quoting the chapter title before the Ball on any day. The tenth object to be found will be listed as the first endeavour on the night and the first person in with the correct ten to the comments section on the night will win the prize.
THE MASKED BALL PROGRAMME:
Saturday May 1st, 10pm-midnight London time.
We suggest you use this time converter to work out the exact time in your part of the world so that you can log onto Mesmered and not miss a moment. And we also wish to say that as the evening progresses and as you all (we hope) become involved in the inevitable chat and gossip behind hands, pillars and aspidistras that happens at Balls, the timing may slow down and the event placements may even change a little. We also hope that by releasing the programme at this stage, that it gives you time to prepare the writing challenges that you have proved are within your ambit.
We are rapidly approaching the night of the famed Veniche Masked Ball and whilst some of the guests know the canal state well, there are those who have never been to Veniche and who barely know the world of Eirie as we know it. Just for a moment let me be your travel guide and take you on a journey that will give you an idea of where you shall be spending this glittering night.
Rebecca’s next chapter:
“Annabelle, my dear, how charming to see you again.” Sarina sank gracefully into a beautifully polished bergère covered in straw colored satin. Following her into the room, a footman deposited her package on a nearby table.
A quick post with an enticement to talk!
As we get the pre-ball notifications and nonsense under way, we invite you to click on the Masked Ball tab at the top of Mesmered’s home page and read away. We also want you to leave all coyness at the door and comment as much as possible prior to, through and after the Ball. The programme (subject to moving faster or slower as the case demands) will be posted for your edification in two days. Our stomachs are fluttering with excitement. I may need smelling salts as Mesmered, but as Lucia Brabante, writer and lover of Ser Niccolo de Fleury, I am fearless. Can’t speak for my co-conspirators!
(Parthenope seated at her workbench, Bacigalupo in an easy chair by the fireplace.)
Bacigalupo: ‘May I speak?’
Parthenope: ‘One moment. Counting.’ (pause)
Bacigalupo: ‘Is this one of the very tiny ones?’