“Good lords and nobles ladies, in honour of our most dignified guest I believe we should call upon our court dancer to honour us with a performance.” The announcement from the High Pontiff saw the murmur of the assembled guests silenced for a moment though only until weary, reluctant applause took over.

The High Pontiff fell back into his grand chair at the head of the hall, white sacred vestments now stained with grease and flaked with crumbs from the very fine food he had been enjoying. The honey chicken was a particular delight to his Most Holiness, with such indulgences on offer surely nobody could blame him for gaining some weight since he had taken on so many further responsibilities.

The great oak doors at the far end of the hall creaked upon and servants blew out half the candles giving the room a more intimate glow than a few moments before. Though the guests at the feast had resumed something of their murmur about themselves now everything was deadly silent, as the dancer made her entrance.

Bare feet stepped silently across the cold stone and yet her presence was deafening. Her gossamer silk dress was so fine it was like she was draped in mist, the effect even more so as her form melted into the first sway of her performance. Gold ringlets hugged neatly on her arms, her ankles and her neck. Each connected to others by sparkling, sleek chains that blurred behind the mist as she swayed, arching back before seemingly tumbling forward with controlled grace.

“High Pontiff…” the visiting dignitary, a cardinal from a distant land, leaned half discreetly. “Am I to understand the Princess has been appointed as the Court Dancer? A bit unusual isn’t it?” pale, aged fingers stroked as a greying beard as he posed the question. The Pontiff did not fully turn to face him, instead just shifting some of his corpulence towards his guest. His eyes however very firmly stayed on her.

“And why not?” the Pontiff continued, voice calm as you like. “It's always been said that dancing for the court is a high honour. If it is true for any other girl, why not a Princess? With the King confined to his bed these last few years, the Church has been more than happy to step in and provide guidance and leadership in these troubling times. I believed it most appropriate for the Princess to be given this duty, are the Royal family not the highest servants of that land? Just look at how she serves her people.” as if to highlight the point the Pontiff found himself licking his lips, one hand going between his legs to shift some comfortableness.

“Ah yes, of course. I believe I understand you perfectly.” if the Cardinal continued to see any strangeness he gave no sign. In fact he seemed to be completely put at ease by the Pontiff’s explanation. Indeed everything was perfectly clear now. “And High Pontiff, am I to understand you might be able to arrange a….private performance?” the Cardinal posed the question with a cup hovering by his lips as if to conceal his words, a measured sip soon to follow. “Oh yes good Cardinal, certainly I believe our Princess can be made available to you.”

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Hello~ I'm seeking a partner for a longterm RP based around a fictional (possibly fantasy) Kingdom that revolves around a corrupt & indulgent clergy having taken power, primarily at the expense of the royal family (and likely the higher points of the nobility). I plan to primarily take on the role of the Princess turned Court Dancer, though our own plotting may open up other characters that have been obligated into servitude under the new power.

An ideal partner would have strong interest in plotting & world building. If you are seeking to immediately jump into the RP I may not be the partner for you. While I'm seeking a partner with long term interest, due to RL commitments & a preference not to burn out I would prefer posting at a relaxed pace (though we can certainly chat & plot between posts). I use Discord for plotting & Google Docs for the RP exclusively.

PMs only please, and I would appreciate an opening message to include some of your own thoughts for the RP. Even if we don't use them it will let me know you can help out with plotting and I won't be caught carrying. Thank you!