Red and Gold Plumed Firebird Mask
Bare toes passed over the grass of the Sanctuary, peeking from beneath a swirl of dark cloth with every step. They paused at the table of masks and long fingers hovered indecisively over the many colorful offerings. A glint of red and gold drew the attention of sharp eyes and was swiftly plucked from the festive pile. It was bold and bright, feathered and bejeweled, beaked over the nose and trimmed with chains of gold that hung down over the curve of each cheek. A peacock plume of crimson with an aureate eye bobbed above the flashy ensemble. Slipping it on sent a shiver of sparks down the reveler’s body, clothing it in a tight-fitting bodice of citrine and ruby that darkened as it flowed down into skirts that rippled over slim hips until they were black at slippered feet. Tiny crystals of red and gold woven into the fabric flashed with every shift and rustle that revealed them within the skirt’s folds.
A slender hand ran down the curves that were now sumptuously bedecked, lingering over the rich fabric. An indrawn breath of surprise and delight caught in her throat and she gave a cautious, experimental twirl of the dress before lifting the heavy skirts and proceeding in to join the party with her head held high, fiery red hair piled into an intricate up-do except for the loose curls that framed her hidden face.
Bare toes passed over the grass of the Sanctuary, peeking from beneath a swirl of dark cloth with every step. They paused at the table of masks and long fingers hovered indecisively over the many colorful offerings. A glint of red and gold drew the attention of sharp eyes and was swiftly plucked from the festive pile. It was bold and bright, feathered and bejeweled, beaked over the nose and trimmed with chains of gold that hung down over the curve of each cheek. A peacock plume of crimson with an aureate eye bobbed above the flashy ensemble. Slipping it on sent a shiver of sparks down the reveler’s body, clothing it in a tight-fitting bodice of citrine and ruby that darkened as it flowed down into skirts that rippled over slim hips until they were black at slippered feet. Tiny crystals of red and gold woven into the fabric flashed with every shift and rustle that revealed them within the skirt’s folds.
A slender hand ran down the curves that were now sumptuously bedecked, lingering over the rich fabric. An indrawn breath of surprise and delight caught in her throat and she gave a cautious, experimental twirl of the dress before lifting the heavy skirts and proceeding in to join the party with her head held high, fiery red hair piled into an intricate up-do except for the loose curls that framed her hidden face.
