Venitia has a minion!

Prism the Spectrafie

life is a masquerade

The warm Southern air swept down the streets of New Orleans, ruffling bits of paper that scattered the ground. In an elegant manse in Vieux Carre, Madame Venitia sat at her vanity adjusting her masque one last time before her ball was to begin. Mardi Gras was the very next day, and the who's who of 'Nawlins were throwing magnificent balls all over the city. Each well-off family tried to out do the next, but without a doubt, Madame Venitia's party was the one to be invited to.

Downstairs, the grander that was the spacious ballroom was tastefully decorated with golds and silvers, with the floral arrangements sporting beautiful purple flowers. You have to have the traditional gold, purple and green, of course. There were balloons, streamers, and strategically placed tables that allowed plenty of room to rest after a long turn on the dance floor. There were two bars set up on either side of the room, fully staffed, and a stage directly in front where the band could be heard tuning their instruments. The caterers had tons of hors d'oeuvres lined up, and the wait staff had already been given their instructions. It wouldn't be long now, and the party of the year would commence!

Venitia waited another hour, pacing restlessly, hearing the bustle of guest arriving below. When she heard a soft knock on her door, she welcomed her best friend, Sorciere, inside. Giving her friend a tight hug, Sorciere said, 'Bonsoir, ma chere!' Returning the embrace, Venitia stepped back and quickly said, 'Hello, darlin'. How does everything look downstairs? Are the guests enjoying themselves?' Sorciere moved to sit in an armchair by the door, arranging her skirt as she sat. 'Oh, oui! It's beautiful! Your guests are drinking down the spirits faster than l'aide can pour out the bourbon! I imagine that they will all be drunk as skunks in no time.' Venitia clapped her hands together in excitement, 'Excellent! Did you bring it?'

Sorciere pulled out a necklace of pearls that oddly shined blue and gold in the dim light, and stood to fasten them around Venitia's neck. 'Oui, here is the talisman. You must remember to keep it on at all times, especially when you're around someone you don't know well.' Venitia fingered the pearls and then smoothed them out against her gown. 'I understand, sugar, and merci beaucoup!' Sorciere stepped back in front of Venitia and said, 'Pas de probleme! You know I'm on your side, chere, always.' Venitia sighed and said, 'I wish I could trust everyone like I do you. I just can't fathom why someone has been digging into my past. It needs to go deep out into the bayou where only the gators can get to it! I need it all to just leave me be!' Trying to calm her friend, Sorciere placed her hands on Venitia's shoulders and quietly said, 'Where do you think I put him, bebe? No one's going to find him and you're going to move on with your life.' With a wink and a smile she said, 'Alright, get a move on bebelle, you have guests waiting. They need to lavish attention on the reine du bal! In fact, I know that the very riche Monsieur Deveraux can't wait for your appearance.'

Calmed and ready to make her grand entrance, Venitia nodded and walked out of the bedroom door. 'Laissez les bon temps roulet!'

Story and concept by Ellie.