Aranée 30: The Gala by NetWorthy
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Description
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The two Elves had become fast friends. Mubela clearly had missed Elvish companionship and threw herself into Aranée's gala preparations. At times, though, she remained quite aloof. When asked if she would attend the gala, she shrugged and said she could not make it. Also puzzling: She had no obvious trade or profession yet had ample funds and comfortable quarters near the castle. She would disappear at odd times, sometimes for an entire day. Aranée was curious, but could not bring herself to ask about it.
Guests began arriving from remote parts of Jobil lands, and Galen's stature among the people was readily apparent. Lord Jobil was also highly regarded - most of the guests brought small gifts for him. Aranée wanted to gift him too, so she surprised his kitchen with a large mountain buck from a hunt the day before.
Finally, it was time to prepare for the gala. She bathed and put on the fine clothes Mubela had borrowed for her. Mubela hovered around like a bumblebee, helping to fix her hair, settle her gown - all of the mysterious things that Aranée had yet to master. At last she was ready and Mubela hugged her, wished her luck and left.
It appeared that galas had rules: Attendees were required to arrive early and wait in the main hall for the grand entrance. Men and women guests of honor were kept apart and made their entrances separately. She thought it all quite silly.
At the appointed time, the chamberlain loudly rapped his staff against the staircase landing and called out Galen's name in a booming voice. She furtively watched Galen descend the staircase in a borrowed dress uniform. He had never looked so wonderful. The crowd applauded and cheered as, somewhat embarrassed, he waved and acknowledged their greeting. Lord Jobil shook his hand and put his arm around his shoulders.
Galen said to him, "My Lord, this really was not necessary."
Jobil said, "Nonsense, look at them - this is good for our people AND for you."
The chamberlain rapped again and boomed out Aranée's name. Everybody looked up as she made her entrance and the entire hall droned to silence as she started to descend. At first she thought she must be doing something wrong, then she realized the room was a sea of delighted smiles. When she looked back at Galen, the look on his face made her heart leap into her throat.
Lord Jobil exhaled a barely audible whistle. "This is the woman who provided tonight's venison? Galen, I think you might be a fool to let this one get away..." Galen absent-mindedly nodded, acknowledging without really hearing. Releasing him, Lord Jobil leaned in conspiratorially and gently elbowed him. "Well, boy, what are you going to do?"
Eyes fixed upon her, Galen advanced the few steps to the bottom of the staircase - and then slowly, loudly, deliberately, began clapping his hands.
The entire room erupted into applause.
--- TO BE CONTINUED!
View the series in numbered sequence to get the entire story.
Once again the amazing Loretta Lorez helps populate the scene. Believe it or not, this is a single DS3 rendered scene, no layering. Took a LONG time mind you...
As always, PLEASE leave your comments or criticisms
- your words mean SO much to me!
Image and story © 2009 by Larry Hodge
Comments (25)
magnus073
Wonderful job on both the scene and story Larry. You really have Aranee looking so natural as she descends down with all eyes upon her.
gabrielle_bri
Just wonderful and your story is awesome also!
PhilW
Wonderfully done - Aranée has certainly had a make-over, she looks like a different woman! Love the framing and attention to detail in this!
NetWorthy
Mostly eye makeup and hair are all that has changed. Except she has finally acknowledged what (who?) she wants - and as you would expect, it clearly shows. Seriously though, this "makeover" DOES have a purpose in the story, you'll just have to ride along and find out...
restif
Great Job, looks really good. Nice to see your scenes populating well!
Faemike55
Fantastic image and story! well worth the wait! masterful work!
neelzonline
Now this is top notch.
jandunne
It's about time you got Aranee all dolled up. Great work and the storyline is first-rate!
elfin12u
WOW!!! She looks just gorgeous as she descends the steps, so resplendent!
mgtcs
Excellent scene and story,great details, well done!
brewgirlca
Great image and story Larry. I love the point of view on this one, as if one is standing in the crowd. Aranee looks really radiant. Your story is excellent, well written and insightful.
Cimaira
Oh my! She is gorgeous!! Wonderful image and of course story.
Minda
she look stunning and excellent story larry!!
adrie
Fabulous artwork my dear friend, superbly done in every way....just love this and the story is also fantastic.
mikeerson
nice character placement. looks good.
joaq
Wow,my Friend!The composition is fabulous and the lighting is excellent!As always wonderful scenario!!!
Rainastorm
GREAT story and image here...Well done!!:-)
E.Houser
Well written and wonderfully displayed. Nice POV and scene!
KaiArt
Excellent work!
crys-laura
Awesome image and story! The dress is absolutely georgous!
drifterlee
Beautiful dress and scene!
PSDuck
I think she dropped the carcass on his head: he was temporarity stunned! Well, things do change when someone is seen in a completely different light, as this story tells.
amirapsp
Beautiful
myrrhluz
Like many women, I'm a sucker for makeovers, so I'm enjoying it even without a reason, but I am curious now. I like that she is still in green. Great expression, with her eyes on Galen. Nicely done!
RJS
Once again, the framing, posing, expressions, and lighting in this image are superb. You really outdid yourself for this one - as befits a royal gala! The story is also taking an interesting turn. We see a new side of Aranée here, and perhaps Galen is warming to her? As usual, we have more questions and can't wait for the next episode...