Behind The Masque

Urth
1

February 8, 2025
Al Mahadiyya Palace, Sayyed

The Sultana Scheherazade sat at the elevated “Throne of Roses”, one of the finest examples of Sayqidi craftsmanship. It was made of pure gold, molded and sculpted to look like leaves, thorns, and petals, with plush velvet cushions that were adorned with gems in each quilt. It had been crafted during the reign of Sultana Abreshmina, who was its first occupant.

The young Sultana tilted her head as she looked over her Viziers in silence, her icy blue eyes glazed over with boredom.

The Haqmi Vizier, Anoush Safrayan, was just as bored, and had resorted to scribbling little cat doodles on official cardstock.

The ever-so-serious Grand Vizier Mahmoud Al-Ahdal stood by Scheherazade’s side, as any loyal subject would do.

But, the boring silence was broken by an excited yelp from the Sultana herself.

“I HAVE AN IDEA!” She grinned.

“What is it now, Your Imperial Majesty?” Al Ahdal sighed as he looked at his Sultana.

“What if we had…” Scheherazade paused for dramatic effect.

“… a masquerade!”

Everyone’s eyes widened at the idea. A masquerade? What sort of trouble was the Sultana trying to get into now? Sayyed was known for lavish parties, especially hosted by the young leader, but controversy can and will arise depending on how she handles it.

“A masquerade?” Al Ahdal repeated, his eyebrows furrowed. “That’s just a disaster waiting to happen. It’s an opportunity for anyone to do whatever they wish and get away with it… are you sure?”

“Am I sure?” Scheherazade grinned, “Of course I am! I wouldn’t be suggesting if I wasn’t serious.” She stood up, her shimmering silk kaftan shining beautifully under the lights. “It’s not a public event. It’ll be held in the Dimangala Palace to ensure proper security!”

Al Ahdal looked away to ponder. Dimangala was a near-autonomous state famous for its security of high-profile places, no doubt it’d be safe there. With a heavy sigh, he turned to Scheherazade once more and nodded. “Fine. But this is from your personal funds, and not the states, alright?”

“Oh, my dear Grand Vizier…” Scheherazade drawled. “I would never use government funds for lavish personal parties!” She tilted her head. “I’m an Empress, not an idiot!”

The other Viziers spoke amongst themselves, some of them were against the idea, but some showed great interest.

“Alright!” Scheherazade clapped her hands together. “This hearing is dismissed. Enjoy your afternoons!” She smiled at the Viziers before leaving the room, the Royal Guards trailing behind her.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

From Al Mahadiyya Palace, the residence of the Sultana of Sayyed

You are duly invited to Sultana Scheherazade’s Dimangali Masquerade!

It will be held in the Dimangala Palace, on the coast of Sayyed. Don’t worry, there are several spare rooms, and my staff would be happy to accommodate you.

It is a masquerade, so please wear a masque that can conceal your identity! Other than that, go all out on your outfits, I can’t wait to see what you, lovely leaders of Urth, will come up with <3

More details will be given to those who will participate.

Much love, and may Al’Qamir bless you!

xoxo, Hera Al Sayyed
Sultana of Sayyed

1 Like
2

9th February, 2025
Tordalen, Rikevaarland

The Council President of Rikevaarland, Reile Henretedotur, took a sip from her wine glass as she opened a letter that had been sent to her. Her dark eyes glancing over its contents with some intrigue, though having continued stoic and calm face. She glanced up to her servant, who was holding her wine bottle. Said servant being a cute male kelf, likely much much younger than her though. Not that she could say that has stopped her that often.

“You can take your leave.” She spoke coldly as she put down her glass. While also gesturing for him to leave the bottle.

“Want me to call up your husband?” The servant asked in a polite tone, as he put down the wine bottle.

“I doubt he’d be a fan of wearing masks, no matter how fun it would be to make him wear one.” The dark haired elf with a joking tone, though her ever stoic personality made it hard to hear for anyone who doesn’t know her. And for her servant, he simply was not paid enough to know her that well. “I will bring it up to him in due time.”

As her servant left her for her own devices, Reile looked down once again on the letter, her finger going around in the circle of her wine glass. She was a busy woman after all, especially her new ambitious plans to reform her country. Yet who was her to deny a little bit fun in Gondwana? Especially when she could see up close and personal on how this extremely young Sultana does business. If she knew how to do business that is.

Either she be amused or she might come out richer, so why not take it?

__

To, Sultana Scheherazade Al Sayyed.

I will state my gratitude to being invited to your prosperous country and am more than happy to join a masquerade. Haven’t been one in several decades in fact, so I’m happy to use this as an opportunity to relive some nostalgic memories.

I will state in advance that I will be asking for extra closet space in any room given to me and my partner. We both have our needs for extra space for all our clothing, that is of just the highest end of Ulvrikian fashion. One should dress to impress, no?

I hope to see you there, Sultana.

From. Reile Henretedotur, Council President of the Confederation of Rikevaarland.