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Click for larger version (PNG); click for PDF version. Click here for the list of dolls.
After three years of black and purple mourning clothes, Linnetta’s gown for the masquerade ball — a playful representation of a demon princess — was a blaze of glory. She felt as if its crimson lining was burning her skin, and her cheeks glowed with, if not perfect good health, a fair imitation of it considering all she had gone through. Even after so many near brushes with death and grief, no one was as beautiful as she was tonight: such thoughts consoled her on such a difficult evening. Linnetta bowed her head demurely as she made her entrance at her father’s side, ignoring the buzz of voices. It was distasteful to hear people placing bets on when she was going to die, but she had gotten used to it.
Linnetta found herself trapped in polite conversations with Lady Someone-or-another, and then Duchess So-and-so, and (so it seemed, in the rush of masks and spangles) every woman at the ball; in her absence from society, Linetta had forgotten most of the titles she ever knew, but she’d lost none of her charm. She didn’t really want to talk about her sisters, but whenever a conversation partner made sympathetic noises about her unfortunate loss — five sisters, and so young! — she made grateful noises in return, so each nosy woman could leave feeling like they had comforted poor bereaved Linnetta without actually sharing in her tragedy.
The cursed sisters all should have been there that night, and Linnetta felt their absence keenly, as if she saw them from the corner of her eye. The masked faces were all focused on her, trying to predict the manner by which the youngest and fairest daughter would meet her end, and wondering if it might even be tonight. Linetta ignored them, taking refuge in a cluster of acquaintances. She couldn’t even lose herself in the dance, for it’d be unseemly to be too carefree at her first appearance after her long illness, and the period of mourning.
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… Don’t worry, I’ve written the whole story out in advance this time. In terms of site news, no one has guessed the correct singer / group that I learned to draw gold from. (Hint: look at my about this page link for an idea of possible dates – this isn’t a trick I picked up recently). Also, I’m going to put up a poll tomorrow for week 3 of costumes: please post any suggestions in the comments.
Gorgeous piece!!
Gorgeous! First thing I thought when I first saw this was just wow. I can’t wait for the rest of the story.
I love the detail in the layers!
Are we only allowed one guess?
I love the story and am intrigued! I can’t wait for the rest of the story (and gowns!)
Thanks everyone! :) I hope I can pull off the rest of the series like this…
Em… let’s say one guess per person per day, as there’s a lot of singers out there :)
great i guess new main street singers.
oh and by the way… this dress (and the storey) are great…i want this dress…
beyonce
Madonna
cher
as for the poll one option could be audrey hepburn inspired outfits
Taylor Swift??
i love taylor swift im her friend on youtube!
i love the way you did the jewels
Wow, that is gorgeous! I’ve been staying with some friends the last few weeks and showed their 8 year old daughter your site and she LOVES all of you outfits! We printed out Ivy and some of her dresses and she has me check for new ones every day. You are a wonderful artist!
A Mighty Wind?? and I love the dress… but i love all your designs… :) beautiful!
Oh boy, I love the dress and can’t wait to read part 2 of the story…..Wonderful design….
magnificent!
: D
Wow. That is one spectacularly bright gown. I can see how someone who’s been wearing black and purple (one of my favourite colour schemes) for three years would opt for something like this. You nearly have to put on sunglasses to look at it.
Not that that’s a bad thing.
You have, at last, outdone yourself. A feat I did not think possible.Great work and great story!
GORGEOUS dress!!! I LOVE it. As for the poll, could you put up Final Fantasy costumes? (I keep on asking ;P) I’m a real fan, and I remember you once wrote that you maybe would make a Great Gowns Of Final Fantasy series, or something like that. I think that would be a great idea.
It’s a great story too.
i think you shoud do a dark green dress
Oh this story is so great! I am cant wait to hear the rest!
I have one word for you…fabulous!
Hey,
My Names Lizzie, And I found a picture on google of one of these dresses. That I apsolutly love, and would love to wear to prom.
Do you make them into dresses?
could I buy it off you?
email me please !
asap !
Is that the beginning of the story? It doesn’t matter. I can’t wait till the rest!
You really should make these into real dresses!
hey. Im doing this thing for halloween of me being a masquerade girl and ive been searching for months on the perfect red dress. and here it is! Do you make these into real dresses? if you dont do you know someone who could make it for me? and can i do that?
I was looking around for dresses for a book that I am writing and when I saw this I thought it was amazing! Do you take requests? Cause that would be awesome!