These
Masquerade Balls were definitely not a thing she was used to. Lance had insisted she come along with him to this one in Ishgard. He had to come to mingle on his family’s orders. Even if he was not the one to inherit the family business he was still expected to put on a good front for the Aurifore. Somehow he had managed to convince her into joining him. If she had to guess it was to avoid the ladies if he was seen to have a date this evening.

Lance had even gone out of his way to see she had a dress and mask specifically for this evening. A shimmering silver dress. Her mask in shades of teal and silver. At least if nothing else her cousin had good taste. It definitely seemed to make a nice statement when she walked in on her cousin’s arm. Whispers seemed to be plenty from a few ladies. Why not? She was a mystery masked woman with one of Ishgard’s upper class family sons. A son who was yet unmarried.

“You look positively enchanting this evening.” 

Destiney blinked as she was interrupted from her thoughts of the other women and her cousin. Her hand went to her chest as she gave a polite bow to the other woman. Not surprised it was beautifully dressed elezen lady. Eyes looked the woman up an down, assessing. But… This one seemed different. Not like those who seemed to give her hateful stares and whispers.

“Thank you. I must say you look equally as lovely this evening.”

(Thanks! @sorceressofdurendaire)

(From here)

Destiney wasn’t sure why she had allowed her friend to talk her into coming to this Masquerade Ball. Such large gatherings were not a thing she was fond of. Too many faces. Too many people she didn’t know. But everyone was hidden behind masks.

Her fingers reached up to trace the edges of her own. Shades of blue and white with gold accents. It went well with her cerulean dress. She should not feel so nervous hiding behind a mask. But this mask was not the one she was used to. Nor was she feeling as gloomy as she usually did when wearing -that- one. Her stomach felt full of nervous butterflies instead.

“Champagne?” 

She was brought back from her thoughts by a male voice. Ishgardian if she was to judge. Her eyes scanned over his taller frame. Elezen. The mask made it harder to judge though if the man was Wildwood or Duskwight. Not that it mattered. Though curiosity drew her to him like a moth to flame. Of all the pretty ladies here he had seemed to single her out. The one standing to the side trying to hide from the rest of the party.

“If you are offering I shall gladly accept.” She tried not to make it sound awkward. Staring was not exactly polite. Neither was standing there ignoring someone being polite to her. She added a warm smile to her answer.

(Thanks @housealderscorn)

(From here)