"The Ballad of the Winter Ball"
It was a cold December night,
And people gathered, all,
In eastern courtyard, near the arch ...
Dressed for the Winter Ball.
The seras wore long formal gowns
Of glittering jewel-like hues,
And beautiful bright necklaces,
Soft slippers for their shoes.
The sers were all in doublets gay
And rainbow shades of hose,
Though some did seem to blush quite oft
To wear such dazzling clothes.
Sir Launfaul, the Lord Chamberlain,
Arrived with formal stride
To ope at last the green bronze arch
And let the guests inside.
So many rooms! So many sights!
How to absorb them all?
The floors of polished ebony!
The chandeliers so tall!
The cake made of cerulean squares!
The leaping stag of stone!
The wintry silent garden where
Such ancient trees are grown!
The brilliant starlight shining down
From sky so deeply blue!
And, finally, the Ballroom, where
There's even more to view ...
The walls, with silk of icy blue!
The mirrors in gold frames!
And Haerk the Herald, at the door,
Announcing new guests' names.
Musicians played their merry tunes
On instruments of cheer,
And candles glittered all about
So everything was clear.
Lord Sicard, Champion to the Queen,
Swept Lady Amoret
Across the dance floor in a waltz
And graceful pirouette.
The merry Jester Dagonet
His jester's stick did shake
And joked of cookies made in shapes
And dangerous bundt cake.
The lovely Miriela, kind,
A handmaid to the Queen.
The prideful Lady Berthe, clad
In gown of hunter green.
Sirs Alrik, Cyril, Gaudis, all
Respected knights and true.
His Highness the Prince Bertram
With his hair of auburn hue.
So many others! Ladies! Lords!
I list not every name ...
But many much-respected folk
Did lend the evening fame.
But how can all of this compare
To She who entered then ...
When first we saw Her Majesty,
Beloved Queen Vivienne?
She entered as if trailed by stars,
Pale like the winter moon,
And suddenly a silence reigned ...
Musicians stopped their tune.
So tranquilly She walked the room
Up to Her marble throne.
Lord Boreas was by Her side ...
So brilliantly they shone!
Then lovingly She spoke to us.
Her voice was calm and clear.
She told us of Her care for us,
That each of us is dear.
"There is a greater purpose to
Your presence here," quoth She.
And it will be important when
We learn what it may be.
The role that destin plots for us,
She told us in that hall,
Shall bring both succor and release
Somehow to one and all.
"We cherish each of you," She said,
"... Ourselves at your avail."
And peacefully She smiled at us,
So noble, lovely, pale.
Then gifts were offered, honors too,
A knighthood challenge set ...
At last there came a moment which
I know I'll ne'er forget.
When formal speeches had been spoke,
She held the crowd in thrall.
She clasped Her hands together, said,
"There's magic in us all."
A faint light glimmered 'tween Her hands,
Raised up above Her head,
And then a graceful gesture showed
The truth of what She said.
A sudden silence, so complete
Fell soft upon the night ...
A musical vibrating sound,
Then white and brilliant light.
The mirrors hanging on the walls
Reflected not our eyes ...
No more we saw the stately hall,
But starry midnight skies.
And then Her Majesty the Queen
Did join us on the floor
To dance with Her Lord Boreas ...
More people danced, then more!
Soon all did dance among the stars
Her Majesty had made,
And though the Ball is ended now,
Its memory will not fade.
For how could one forget a night
So famous? Such an e'en!
We danced amid the stars thanks to
Her Majesty Our Queen.