Midwinter Ball
When the sun began to set over the Inner Quarter, fires and lanterns were lit one by one around the square before the Temple. The courtyard had been swept clean of snow and ice, sanded and strewn with fragrant evergreens so that revelers would not risk slipping. A gentle warmth spread by the gemstone bonfire chased away the biting cold of the evening and row upon row of tables laden with fruits, baked tarts, pastries, sliced bread and honey-butter, roast vegetables and salads and whole pigs and lambs turning over open pits lined the edges of the feast. There was ale and cider, mulled wine and stronger drinks too, hot chocolate and soups and pies and all manner of delectable treats, free for the taking.
The huge double doors to the Temple were flung wide and through them streamed wonderful music. Light spilled from the great hall where pews had been pushed up against the walls. Carpets were removed, the floors scrubbed until they shone and in pace with the music couples swayed back and forth in easy grace. Dancing now fast, now slow, in a glittering array of shimmering silk, embroidered vests and every imaginable combination of skirts, dress trousers and fluttering capelets.
Many guests had already arrived, and when a silvery bell chimed to mark the official opening of the ball, a cheer went up that carried from the deepest recess of the Temple to the furthest corner of the decorated courtyard.
Let the Midwinter Ball begin!
The huge double doors to the Temple were flung wide and through them streamed wonderful music. Light spilled from the great hall where pews had been pushed up against the walls. Carpets were removed, the floors scrubbed until they shone and in pace with the music couples swayed back and forth in easy grace. Dancing now fast, now slow, in a glittering array of shimmering silk, embroidered vests and every imaginable combination of skirts, dress trousers and fluttering capelets.
Many guests had already arrived, and when a silvery bell chimed to mark the official opening of the ball, a cheer went up that carried from the deepest recess of the Temple to the furthest corner of the decorated courtyard.
Let the Midwinter Ball begin!
Welcome!
