Social Season

(Year 234, Summer) It's Social Season! Summer is the time of year when nobility and other members of aristocracy will step aside from their everyday formality, and enjoy a series of more relaxed gatherings, often on a much shorter notice than these residents are used to. Some events are small excuses for that extra glass of nectar, or they are bigger traditional gala events which are the perfect excuse for bringing out your tiara.

Garden Stroll with the Queen
The Queen's Garden Party is one of those traditional events, and surprisingly much less formal than it sounds. To most, hanging with the Queen might sound like a serious affauir, but mind you that normally only members of high nobility get invited. And, as tradition says, only females are welcome!

Left to right: Duchess Gloria of Meadows, Lady Corva Saxor, HRH Crown Princess Emireza, Duchess Luna de Cavalier, HRH Queen Venezia, Duchess Prudence de Aarbyville, Duchess Riba Lynn of Rossie, and Countess Elisabeh of Ticktop.

The Garden Party is more like a club for the same old gang. No press, no expensive jewellery. The Summer lunch normally takes place on the huge palace terrace, but not without a stroll through the garden.

So, what's the intension, you might ask? Well, this event is the perfect place to share some noble gossips, of course, but also to stay updated on future grown ups and possible future partners for your own high society children. Because, in these circles you can't just marry for love, although love has lately become more accepted as at least one of numerous factors.

Jungle exhibition in Windenburg

Duchess Mandy von Windenburg arranged an ad-hoc art exhibition at the conference center of Hotel Lykke (Windenburg). As you might be aware, Mandy lead a rather normal life before marrying Duke Merlin von Windenburg many years and 4 children ago. She was not even member of Aristocracy, but her folks were rich enough and well known as her mother was friend of a duchess and her father held a central regional position in politics. Some raised a brow or two when Mandy's wedding was announced, but in general it was accepted.

This exhibition was actually left over works from Mandy's big exhibition at Kasbah Gallery few years back. Motifs from Selvadoradian Jungle. That jungle is where Mandy and Merlin met, so these paintings are personal to both of them.

Well, we don't know yet if she sold any paintings on the nectar toasting night, but her works will be up for sale for at least a couple weeks. Many collectors have already grabbed one of her works, hoping value will increase due to the artist's new role as duchess. And Mandy has announced that this will be her last and final exhibition.

Queen Evez Equestrian Contest

Another tradition is the biannual show jumping contest taking place at the roayal stables in Newcrest. Ten Houses sign up to win the 1st prize and some fun honor, and normally a couple outsiders are included, too (not members of aristocracy). The contest itself is mainly for fun, and not all contestants are well trained. The royal family is always represented, and the event is packed with mingling, punch and big hats.

1st: HRM Prince Bazil (royal House of Luxe-Hamper), 2nd: Mr Jaspor Mux-Raisser (House of Mux-Raisser), 3rd: Dorina F. Druemann (outsider). Left: Mr Robert Calves.

Last week this all took place again, and this year the royal contestant won! HRH Prince Bazil is not known for horse riding, but he is a sporty young man currently in boarding school. Summerfield High, where 3 of the 4 children of King Tarriot and Queen Venezia studies, focuses on high society etiquette and some hours with horse riding is involved. Two years ago HRH Crown Princess Emireza placed outside top 3, but for Bazil it obvious turned out much better!

The Mazaloom Grand Ball

Yet another tradition is the grand ball that to many is the highlight of the year, and also is the event that closes the Social Season. This is well planned with invitations sent out minimum a year in advance, and it is the only big event at the royal palace where guests are permitted, not to say expected. Attendees will often bring the youngsters of their House, even late teens are accepted. This is where you introduce your young offspring to society, and this might of course involve a tiny bit of hopes and lose planning for future marriages between Houses. This was more common before, though, but is still a thing.

In arriving order: The Duke and Ducess de Cavalier (Brindleton Bay), The
Baroness and Baron de Verte (Tartosa), and House of Hyggeloth (Nordhaven).

The Mazaloom Grand Ball is basically a gala event - guests dress up but the atmosphere is slightly less formal. That occational weird dance is allowed, a few punch drinks too many is quite the norm, and in the past there were scandals that can not be described on a public blog. Photographers are not allowed inside, but every now and then a private photo might leak, especially now that most attendees carry a cellphone behind their shiny sash ribbon.

So, with this little summary, it's a full year until next Social Season.