#fleurs.event

[fleursdelisx]

versailles is crossed by an undercurrent of tremors ...

                in honor of the new engagement between Duc d’Orléans and Charlotte of England, in honor of the spring, the litter of stars stretching overhead, or perhaps simply the lavishness that comes nestled within existence, the ruling house of Bourbon opens its gates.

         fluttering invitations spell in obeisant letters: La Grand Fête du Charité — a name which creates maelstrom through Parisian neighborhoods. ‘ those who live below ’, as the saying has it, consider it naught but a mockery of their own wishes ; a parody of the manifestos they struggle so ardently to compose. to associate charity with what prepares to be the most prodigal excess the Bourbons have allowed themselves this year can only mean one thing. pure defiance of the people.

                    but for a king & queen to a country in debt — whose commercial alliances depend solely on the image it sells of itself — any pretext for joy is rapaciously seized. everyone is called upon to attend, all curtains cast aside; in the eyes of decadence, there is scant difference between actresses & barons. even the newest pieces on the political firmament are invited: several representatives of the Jacobin party. a gesture of peace, or an appraisal of worth ? either way, it did not quell the common people’s indignation. perhaps, at the core of things, it only offered them more claims to be incensed. word on the street is that wood pallets are pried from coffins to make enough chairs for all the guests. the same streets also say that coffins might be sooner needed.

                       at 11 sous per loaf of bread in the spring of 1785, charity is no longer just a virtue. it embodies the salvation of an entire country.

we are now officially open for interactions ! don’t forget to have a clear description of your character’s name and position, as well as a small intro somewhere on your blog. tag all starters with fleurs.start and remember you can situate them anywhere at Versailles. even those without an invitation are welcome to see the fireworks vie against the stars themselves !