The Chocolate Ball: Society's Sweetest Scandals

     Dearest Reader,

     The invitations have begun to arrive.

     As always, the Chocolate Ball has caused quite a stir among Neopia's most distinguished citizens. Though the guest list remains a closely guarded secret, that has done very little to prevent speculation. Indeed, one might think that every Neopian in the land has suddenly become an expert in reading the expressions of others, judging by the number of citizens whispering in corners and pretending not to be interested.

     Naturally, I would never encourage gossip. I merely report what I hear.

     The Featherwingtons Are Making an Appearance

     If there is one family that has made their intentions particularly clear this season, it is the Featherwingtons.

     Mrs. Featherwington and her daughters have been spotted at nearly every social gathering of consequence in recent weeks. Charity events, garden parties, exhibitions, luncheons—you name it, the Featherwingtons have attended it. Mrs. Featherwington insists that her family simply enjoys being sociable.

     How fortunate, then, that they always seem to find themselves standing near the most influential Neopians in attendance.

     One wonders whether their enthusiasm for social gatherings will finally earn them the invitations they so desperately desire. I suspect Mrs. Featherwington has already selected her daughters' gowns, although whether her daughters have done enough to earn an invitation is another matter entirely.

     The Bridgertails Needn't Worry

     The Bridgertails, meanwhile, appear to have no such concerns.

     An established family with impeccable connections, the Bridgertails have never seemed particularly troubled by the question of whether they will receive an invitation. Why worry about something that is practically expected?

     Their daughter, Rosabelle Bridgertail, has been particularly visible this season. She is, by all accounts, charming, gracious, and genuinely pleasant company—which is, of course, terribly inconvenient for anyone hoping to find something unpleasant to say about her.

     Finestia, a rather polished young Zafara who has recently become an enthusiastic participant in Neopian society, has apparently discovered a few things about Rosabelle that the rest of us have somehow overlooked.

     According to one rumour, Rosabelle is rather conceited. According to another, she is only friendly when important Neopians are watching. According to a third, she once claimed not to like chocolate.

     I have spoken to Rosabelle.

     She does like chocolate.

     As for the other rumors, I shall leave it to the reader to decide how much confidence to place in the words of a Zafara who seems to know rather a lot about everyone else's business.

     A Matter of Fashion

     While some Neopians are concerned with who will be attending the Ball, others are far more concerned with what they will be wearing.

     Unigalia, for instance, has been preparing for the occasion with admirable dedication. Her tailor, however, may use a different word.

     Unigalia has reportedly visited the tailor so many times in preparation for this year's Ball that her measurements are now apparently known from memory. A sleeve was too long, a ribbon was the wrong shade, and a neckline was simply not dramatic enough. One gown was apparently perfect until Unigalia saw another Neopet wearing a similar colour.

     She ordered another.

     The bill has reportedly become a matter of some discussion within the family. I am told that Unigalia's father recently asked whether she truly needed another gown.

     She replied that she needed the *right* gown.

     I am sure that distinction was very reassuring.

     There is, however, one small problem.

     No one knows for certain whether Unigalia has actually received an invitation yet.

     A Certain Mysterious Guest

     Of course, this year's preparations are nothing compared with the events of last year's Ball.

     There was, you may recall, a rather mysterious masked guest.

     Masks are hardly unusual at a grand event, and there was initially nothing particularly suspicious about this individual. They mingled politely, danced among the other guests, and appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely.

     There was only one problem.

     They were not supposed to be a guest. They were supposed to be working.

     Yes, dear reader. Working.

     Somehow, this clever little Acara managed to leave her duties behind, change into formal attire, don a mask, and slip into the festivities.

     I suppose one could criticise her decision. After all, the Chocolate Ball is a formal affair, and employees are expected to do their jobs. But I cannot help wondering whether anyone could truly blame her. Perhaps she knew that she would never receive an invitation. Perhaps she simply wanted, for one evening, to know what it felt like to belong among the guests.

     And so she found another way.

     I could tell you exactly where she stood during the evening. I could tell you which chocolate statue she admired. I could even tell you when she disappeared. But I think I shall keep those details to myself.

     For once.

     Lady Danderbury Knows Something

     There is, of course, one Neopian who seems to know more about these matters than anyone else.

     Lady Danderbury.

     The distinguished Aisha has spent years cultivating friendships throughout the highest circles of Neopian society, and she has an uncanny ability to appear wherever something interesting is happening. If there is a secret worth knowing, there is a very good chance Lady Danderbury already knows it.

     When asked whether she knew who had received this year's invitations, Lady Danderbury merely smiled.

     When asked whether she knew about the rumours surrounding Rosabelle Bridgertail, she smiled again.

     When asked whether she knew who had started those rumours, she gave a particularly knowing smile.

     At that point, I decided to stop asking questions.

     Lady Danderbury is not a Neopian one should interrogate. She has a way of making you feel that you have already said far more than you intended.

     Still, there are worse people to have on your side. Lady Danderbury has been known to offer the occasional bit of advice to those hoping to make their way into the higher circles of society. Whether that advice is given out of kindness or simply because she enjoys watching everyone else scramble is difficult to say.

     One thing is certain: if Lady Danderbury has an opinion about this year's guest list, I suspect we shall all know soon enough.

     Sir Dwiddle's Unfortunate Evening

     Not everyone left last year's Ball with quite such pleasant memories.

     Sir Dwiddle, for instance, would probably prefer that we forget the Chocolate Fountain Incident. Sir Dwiddle has maintained that nothing embarrassing occurred. Witnesses have maintained otherwise.

     The evening had been proceeding beautifully until the distinguished Peophin ventured a little too close to the chocolate fountain. Some say he was attempting to retrieve a dropped glass. Others insist that his rather impressive fake mustache was the true culprit.

     Whatever the reason, the mustache went into the fountain.

     Sir Dwiddle followed shortly afterward.

     The Chocolate Factory staff were reportedly not amused.

     Sir Dwiddle has since declined to discuss the matter.

     The mustache has never been seen again.

     Who Will Make the List?

     And so, as the 15th day of Gathering approaches, speculation is reaching its peak.

     Will the Featherwington daughters finally receive the invitations their mother has worked so tirelessly to secure?

     Will Rosabelle Bridgertail attend, despite the rather unfortunate rumors circulating about her?

     Will Unigalia's family survive the expense of her preparations?

     Will Finestia continue her campaign of whispers, or has she perhaps said one thing too many?

     And what of our mystery attendee from last year?

     Perhaps she will receive an invitation this year. Perhaps she will once again find another way inside.

     As for Sir Dwiddle, I sincerely hope the Chocolate Factory has installed a railing around the fountain. One can never be too careful.

     Until the invitations are revealed and the ballroom doors open, all we can do is wait, wonder, and listen carefully. And should you happen to hear an interesting rumour of your own, dear reader, do be sure to tell no one.

     Except, perhaps, me.

     After all...

     Chocolate may melt, but gossip never does.

     The End.