#𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗡, happily ever after, right?
upon the final eve of fantastical retreat, each of new york’s elite returns to their chambers and finds another golden envelope waiting for them. letter’s seal, displaying a bow and arrow trapped in crimson wax, broken reveals message within, which begins, as another famous author would, with:
dearest new yorker,
the final joust’s been won, the yellow knight declared victorious above all others, and their name forever engraved in history as the champion of robin hood’s court. well done, sir oberyn. you have succeeded where your namesake could not.
it would seem these authors, cunning as we are, have placed our bets on the wrong horse. while we might have playfully disagreed on just who might prevail, our preferred knight, the orange knight, has disappointed us for the last time. our luck shan’t be so poor again. unlike many of you.
indeed, your fortunes are displayed so clearly upon you in the form of the jewelled bracelets upon your wrists, decreeing the knight who your bets were placed upon. hand selected by your benevolent hosts with your failings made obvious for all to see, it’s rather adorable. and some of you were rather unfortunate, weren’t you? your knights proving their faults in just one ride after you spent all that money. how dreadful. those who claimed the winning champion: congratulations to you as we crown you kings and queens of the tournament, the first dance of the night yours to claim with whoever you may wish along with a very special gift sent to your homes. what is it? that’s for us to know and you to ponder. for the rest of you, perhaps you should be grateful for your poor luck today.
for those whose knight came second, the dear silver knight, we've done you the honor of naming you princes and princesses of the night. how honoured you should be. and because this is a charity event, and we do so love being charitable - do not worry, you have not been left out. you too will receive our gifts upon your arrival home.
do be mindful of the information included in this letter if you don’t wish to embarrass yourself before returning home. decorum is of most importance at a ball, and your hosts will be quite cross if their rules aren’t followed. as a reflection of the palace and the decor waiting in the ballroom, your hosts demand excess - only those wearing their finest gowns, suits, and jewels will see the marble room’s doors open. within you shall see a sight fit for royalty with glittering chandeliers and spectacular florals spread throughout, crown jewels on prominent display as they tease you for what you are not. at the head of the room, the royal table where only the kings and queens of the tournament are permitted to sit. don’t fret, seats have been prepared for the unlucky masses; the remaining tables are tied to the knight you bet on - a chance to drink and mourn your losses with those who share in it. these authors hope you’ll take advantage of these arrangements to make new friends . . . or enemies.
once the kings and queens have completed the first dance, the floor shall be open for all. the feast will also be served. beyond the dance floor you’ll find artists ready to paint your portraits so you never need forget this week, games of charades and cards in the parlor room, and the gardens illuminated by sparkling lights.
these authors certainly hope you shall continue embracing misfortune at tonight’s farewell ball. it’d be a tragedy to leave anyone out of our next post.
yours truly, the merry men
