Oh goodness dear reader, my head is swirling and pounding like the sea itself. I have often dreamed of going to a fancy ball like the maiden in some enchanted faery tale, dancing the night away with a handsome prince. I wish I could say that my first ball was just as dazzling, but now as I lay in bed I think I feel more like the little water maiden, a fish out of water so very far from home.
It all began like the stories; everything was perfect. Earlier that same day Alexander had received the reviews from his written exams, and he cried out loud when he got his paper, “I did it! I passed every subject!” Baron Rhodes was so puffed up with pride, he reminded me of a bird. Lorenz beamed, and I could not help the tears of relief that rolled down my cheeks. All that remained was the speech before the Council of Barons and the King that would take place in a week, but Lorenz said that it was really more of a formality. We could all relax in the meantime and enjoy our evening at the ball.
And what an occasion it was to be! Lady Leland’s annual ball seemed to be the stuff of legends in Alvena, and everywhere we went people came up to Lorenz to ask questions or confirm rumors. He refused to say whether or not there would be another life-sized lion carved from ice, as there had been the previous year, but he did admit he thought he overheard his aunt talking to a familiar merchant. While I was intrigued by the coming festivities, I was also growing more and more nervous. There were to be over 300 guests, and I had no notion of what was expected of me! I had never attended such a grand event, and I felt certain my simple dress would be completely unsuitable for mingling amongst such fine folks.
But George and Alison did not leave me to fend for myself. Indeed, they even had a special surprise waiting for me upon my return to the mansion that afternoon. They were waiting in my room, holding a large package tied in string. Alison, in her delicate voice said, “Miss Sonya, we keep in close correspondance with your sister. Both George and I adore her and her husband’s craftsmanship, and when she heard that you were to be in Alvena, she sent this here for you.” She held out the package, and when I removed the lid I gasped. The finest gown I’d ever seen, in ocean blue and seafoam green, lay before me. Lettie and Peter had outdone themselves, and I laughed to think that even now my sister was looking out for me. “What a superb garment!” Alison declared, and George teased, “Take care, Sonya, lest Alison steal it for herself.” I couldn’t help but giggle, and the three of us prepared for the evening in my room. My hostesses were gracious enough to help me dress and do up my hair according to the latest fashion, and by the time we were ready I did not recognize myself. Even Lorenz seemed surprised by the transformation; when he met us coming down the stairs he could hardly speak a word. His aunt teased him relentlessly, saying “This young lady has subjected herself to hours of poking and prodding, and you can’t even manage a single compliment on her fine appearance!” “Miss Sonya, forgive me,” he stammered, blushing as much as I was, “You look radiant.” He hadn’t needed to say it. I could see how he felt in his eyes, but his words… Dear reader, in my heart, in that moment… I believed I was as fine as any lady of Alvena in his eyes. It was magical, and I wish it could have lasted.
Soon the guests arrived, and before I knew it, the magnificent hall was spinning with hundreds of souls, all sparkling and glittering in gold and jewels. There was extravagant food, music and dancing, and there was indeed a huge ice sculpture, but tonight it was of a magnificent ship sailing over a swirling sea. Some distance off, I could see the baron conversing with a group of gentleman, and even Alexander was laughing with some of the other young people who had also come to take the exams; I watched as he walked with one young woman to join a row of dancers. Lorenz and I stood at the far end of the hall, and though I knew no one, many came to speak with us. Some knew Lorenz, some did not, but all of them wanted to know about me! …Who was I? Where had I come from? How on earth was I green?! And could I teach them how to change colors too!? At first, I tried to answer. I felt extremely shy and overwhelmed, but I did not want to be rude, especially to guests of Lorenz’s family. I tried. I told them the only magic I knew was Impressional magic, to which they answered “How quaint!” But even as I opened my mouth to answer the dozens of other questions they asked, they rolled on to even more. Was I not quick enough? Was I being rude? I looked to Lorenz, who was usually so eloquent, but even he seemed troubled. A small crowd had gathered around us. My heart was beginning to pound. There were too many people, all speaking at once. Then quite suddenly Lorenz begged everyone’s pardon, and excused the two of us. He led me away from the party, and to a quiet balcony that was unoccupied. I found I was shaking. “Lorenz,” I murmured, “I’m so sorry.” He shook his head. Had I disappointed him? “Sonya,” he began, “you have nothing—” but we were interrupted by a figure that made me shake all the more: Lorenz’s father. Without a look in my direction, he asked Lorenz if the two of them might speak. I asked if I should leave, but Lorenz said they would go elsewhere. He squeezed my hand, then they departed.
I turned and looked out at the soft, dark ocean. The salty breeze was cool and refreshing. I tried to breath deeply, to let it sooth my anxious heart. Things did not seem to be going at all as I’d imagined; I wanted to be dancing with Lorenz. I wanted all the beauty and finery to fade into the background of a lovely dream. Instead I had been overcome by a sea of faces… I felt like I was drowning. I heard a gentle tap behind me, and there stood Mr. Alfaro, notes in hand. “May I join you?” he asked. Goodness! Gladly, I welcomed my new friend. At first I though he might dive into whatever was written on his notes, but I think he must have seen something in my face. He folded the pages away into a coat pocket and looked out at the ocean too. “You know,” he mused, “sometimes late at night when I look out at the waves, I think I can hear singing. It always makes me think of the little water maiden.” He asked if I’d read that tale, and I replied that I had. He admitted that it was one particularly close to his heart, for he often felt “like a fish out of water”. He had not grown up in the city as a gentleman; education and schooling had brought him to the capital, and for all that he loved about Alvena, he sometimes still felt out of place. “But then I meet exciting young people like you, my dear, and it all feels worth it.” I smiled, and thanked him for his kindness. He grinned back, and then excitedly pulled out his papers again. He had been able to do quite a bit of translation, but he wondered where Mr. Lorenz might be. I took a deep breath, and the two of us went back to the ball to find him.
It did not take as long as I had expected. After politely pushing through the throng, I spotted Lorenz and his father standing by the grand fireplace. They seemed to be having a rather serious and tense conversation. The gentleman certainly did not make a scene, but I could see Lorenz’s shoulders were stiff and his father’s brow was furrowed. Lorenz tried to hand him something, but Lord Leland refused. The elder gazed at his son, focused and stern, and said something I could not hear. Whatever it was, it made Lorenz sigh heavily. He put the item into his pocket and moved away. As he did, I could see his father try to follow him, but suddenly he stopped. He fell to one knee, and he began shaking. My heart sank; something was wrong. The other guests around him turned to look, confused and concerned. I rushed forward, leaving Mr. Alfaro behind, and knelt down beside Lord Leland. I tried to ask if he was alright, but his eyes were shut tight; he seemed not to hear me. I touched his hand and immediately felt the storm swirling inside him; it was chaos, but through it all, I could feel his strength. It was fading! Remembering what Dorothy had taught me, I closed my eyes, shut out everything and everyone else around me, and began to send what strength I had through his hand… giving it to him. I didn’t know exactly what was wrong, but the more strength I gave the more I felt the storm calm. Somewhere far away I heard Lorenz calling to me, to his father. Finally I opened my eyes. Lord Leland was staring at me in astonishment. I wanted to reassure him, to let him know everything would be alright, but my vision was blurring. Lorenz clasped my shoulders. I was so, so tired… I closed my eyes…
The next thing I knew, dear reader, I was back in my room… and now here I am… sharing all this with you… I think it must be very late and I cannot hear any music. Perhaps that means the guests have gone home. I wish I could see Lorenz. I wish I could make sure everything is alright, oh, and poor Mr. Alfaro! But my head is still spinning. At least I feel confident that I was able to help Lorenz’s father. Whatever strange ailment he might have been suffering, I could feel his strength return. Though, it troubles me that he and his son were quarreling. Hopefully they were able to mend things again.
And now I must rest.