1.Beeston's First Beauty Contest

Originally Posted Sept 10, 1455

ATTENTION ALL LADIES IN CHESTER!!!

Have you always wanted to be a beauty queen? Now is your chance. The Miss Chester County contest has arrived.

The contest will have three events.

1. The Evening Gown Competition: Find a picture of your ideal dress and post it in this thread.

2. The Talent Competition: You can sing, you can dance, you can juggle...whatever you want. Just be creative.

3. The Questions: Our three judges will each ask you a question.

Then, the people of Chester will vote for a winner and crown the first Miss Chester!

To enter, reply to this post. Introduce yourself including your name and town please. I would like to have all entries by Monday so we can begin the competition.

The day is finally here. Cecily peeks around the curtain at the gathering crowd. She pushes down a feeling of nervousness and hurries to the dressing room to assist the ladies with their gowns.

Once it appears that the crowd has all been seated and the ladies are all in their dresses, Cecily step out on the stage.

Clearing her throat to get the people's attentions, she begins to speak loudly.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to begin Chester' beauty pageant and crown the first Miss Chester. Please let me introduce our judges, Father Bloodstone of Holywell, Krovian, Mayor of Chester and Jertydo of Beeston."

Cecily waits for the applause to die down.




"Without further ado, let the Evening Dress competition begin!"

Cecily leaves the stage and whispers to the ladies (and TheFool) You're on.

OOC: Please start rp-ing your appearance now.

The Fool having spent most of the day transforming himself into a woman using his paints of his trade. Taking off his jesters cap he had oiled and washed his shouldur long black hair into a mane worthy of a princess, using pins and thread he fluffed it up and and pinned it in place. Abanonding the usual white face paint he so loved he used a more skin coloured paint to mask his terrible scars that crossed his face, Using a touch of darker paint he added some tan to his cheeks. Using some of his wood paint The Fool coloured his lips red. Digging out the dress he found under the bartop in the Chester Palace, he used his puppetering skills to add some pink ribbon and some lace to the dress.

The Fool stepped onto the stage looking perhaps the most womanly there in his opinion

Yovela

Yovela sighed to herself as she looked down into the basen, catching her reflection in the water pooled within it. She'd wasted a good bit of her day on this silly project. Her hair, normally pulled up out of her way, now hung loosely around her face, down her shoulders, soft curl tickling her skin. She had spent a good while rummaging thru her boxes to find her old rouge. She hadn't had a reason to dress well in so long, not since her family had divided. There was too much work to be done, she'd never needed her old things. But of course she had held onto them. You can't just let these kinds of things go.
She painted her face, using the skill she had honed so well in her days of privilege. It was the sort of habit you never forgot, no matter how you tried.
She gave a satisfied shrug and put on her dress, one that she was surprised was still in such good shape. It fit her more loosely, now, but it would do. As she glanced at her reflection once more, she couldn't help but think...
"A sow with a silk purse"
[ooc: she's not ugly by any means, she just doesn't think well of herself, in case you just can't get that, lol]

Elmix

Elmix watches all contest from the first row

Man...you all look great! If i didn't know that TheFool is dressed like this i don't know if i recognized him!

So far Elmix liked all contestant outlooks and apearances, including TheFool and he can't wait to see the next ones

Jenibelle

Jen fidgeted with her skirt as she stood back stage. "What on earth was I thinking ...?" She questioned herself as she continued to press her fingertips through the gossamere fabric of the over skirt.

It was the salesman. The shop keeper that promised that she would look like a vision from heaven. He had to have been blind, she looked like a puffy, arogent, daughter of a low rate merchant. Trying to look better then she was. Sighing she watched the others pass infront of her.

They all looked gorgeous. Even the Fool, and e was a man. As her turn approached, she visably straightened her shoulders. Her feet pressed her onto stage as she kept her body graceful. "If you don't like the dress ... act like it was made for you." Her mother's voice rang in the back of her head.

The white fabric flowed onto the stage and made a quiet whisper as she glid to the spot where they were all to stand. In a single, fluid moment, Jen curtsied. Her skirt flowing into a ephmeral pool around her on the stage. Her head inclined slightly before she stood and continued her path to the backstage. "Well ... one part down ... two more to go." She kept the thought to herself as she moved to get changed and to tune her fiddle.

Jertydo

Jertydo sat there, stunned at how glamours everyone looked. TheFool was a sight alright. It was werid how well he could pull off a woman's physical appearance. Once Jenibelle walked out on stage he couldn't help but stare. She was absolutly mind boggling. His whole center of vision narrowed to her. He tried to play it off like he was just examining her by quickly looking to the next contestant.

Amarth

*stands off to the side as sitting down just didnt appeal to him. He watches as the constantants walk out one by one. He can't help laugh when the fool comes out but must say that he did well. But when Jeni walked the stage he could do nothing other than stare. An honestly he didnt care if anybody seen.

Pegars

Pegars walks In Hoping nobody says anything about her being late Cause the horse Wouldn't move in the mud.

Her make up done ever so carefully. crushed flour and fat to make porcelain fondation, a coal stick to line her eyes, and red paint to make her lips as red as a rose with just abit on her cheeks, her raven hair tied up with curls cascading down to her shoulders

Pegars walks out,Trying not to let the stares from everyone in the room
scare her knowing that all eyes are on her.

Walks and turns and walks back to stand where she has been told to.

Arriving late, as usual, Mackenzie rushes up to the doors, her skirts in her arms and hiked up to her knees to prevent the soft white garment getting stained.

She stops on the stone steps, listening to the cackle of voices inside and forcing herself to breathe deeply and let her body relax. Running her hands down the soft silky cloth she straightens the wrinkles and adjusts the dress in other places as well. It was actually a good thing now that she'd spent the majority of the summer in rags, the deep tan she's received from it offset the white gown perfectly.
Finally, with everything as perfect as it could be she holds her breathe and pushes open the doors, stepping into the buzzing room and looking around. She spots Cecily toward the front of the room with the other contestants and steps forward, feeling several pair of eyes turn toward her. This was what happened when one was late, and her excuse wasn't even that great!

Elmix

Elmix continues to watch to contest
After appearance of Jenibelle and Pegars Elmix said:

Man! They realy look realy great!

After Macenzie , Seffira and Ice_girl went out, Elmix coundn't stop stare at Macenzie and Ice_girl

They look awesome! Sure Seffira looks realy great!

After that Elmix waited what will happen next

Cecily smooths out her skirts and straightens her hair before taking the stage. After all the beautiful ladies that have taken the stage before her, she does not want to look like a total disaster.

"I believe that all the contestants have modeled their dresses for us. Let's give them another round of applause."

~Waits for the clapping and whistling to die down~

"Our next event is the talent competition. Each of these lovely contestants has prepared a special show to display her talent. So, without further ado, let's have our first contestant take the stage."

Cecily hurries into the back to help the ladies (and TheFool) prepare.

The Fool

The Fool always being the trend setter steps up on stage hauling a large chest, setting it the center of the stage he opens it and has a quick rummage inside. Tossing out juggling balls, a ball, a reed flute and several other jesters tricks he turns holding up 3 knives proudly. Grinning smugly he starts to juggle them carefully, building up speed he finally gets each knife to a spinning blur, Taking his eyes off the knives he proudly recites this pointlessly difficult tongue twister flawlessly getting faster during each repetition

Betty Botter had some butter,
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter,
it would make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter--
that would make my batter better."

So she bought a bit of butter,
better than her bitter butter,
and she baked it in her batter,
and the batter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
bought a bit of better butter.

Betty Botter had some butter,
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter,
it would make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter--
that would make my batter better."

So she bought a bit of butter,
better than her bitter butter,
and she baked it in her batter,
and the batter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
bought a bit of better butter.

Betty Botter had some butter,
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter,
it would make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter--
that would make my batter better."

So she bought a bit of butter,
better than her bitter butter,
and she baked it in her batter,
and the batter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
bought a bit of better butter.

The Fool catches his knives cleanly and bows deeply with a smug grin on his face, he didn't even break a sweat

Pegars

As Pegars Is peeking from behind the curtin watching thefool display his talent she turns to the other contest Ladies and ask " are you as nervous as me you all look so beautiful".

When thefool has finished his talent he walks passed her " well done fool" she whispers.

Just before Pagers walks out she looks in to a bucket of water to check her make up and hair, with nothing out of place she takes the stage.

Taking A deep breath just before she opens her mouth to sing.

Pagers sings a Hymn that her mother used to sing her to sleep




All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
O brother sun with golden beam,
O sister moon with silver gleam!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O brother wind, air, clouds, and rain,
by which all creatures ye sustain,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O sister water, flowing clear,
make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
O brother fire who lights the night,
providing warmth, enhancing sight,
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day
unfoldest bleassings on our way,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God's glory also show!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

All ye who are of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
praise God and on him cast your care!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

And thou, our sister, gentle death,
waiting to hush our latest breath,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
and Christ our Lord the way has trod,
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Not missing a note or word and singing in a operatic voice she holds her tune and tempo.
When she has finished, trying to hold back a tear as memories of her dearly departed adopted mother come flooding back to her , she stares at the crowd to see there reactions.
then turns and walks gracefully back to the curtin to head back stage.

She stays there peeking from behind the curtin to watch the other ladies talents, still holding back tears.

Jenibelle

pplause errupted as the last performer finished. So far it had been a steep competition. Jen's hands pressed against her skirt to dry her nervous palms. It had been one thing to perform in Jack Cade's or even the Unicorn. But this was a stage in front of everyone; not a small intimate crowd.

Cecily gave a motion to let her know it was her turn. Taking a clensing breath, her feet quietly took her out to center stage. Jen curtsied again, nodding slightly at each of the judges. This time she was grateful that she had time to switch to a simpler dress.

Slowly she set down a box on it's side and rested her foot on it as she struck her first chord. Closing her eyes she continued to play the song 'The Ashoken Farewell'. Every note reminded her of home as she tried to show the audience her emerald isle, through the bars of the number. Lightly her body swayed to moving note progressions as her fingers made her fiddle sing. Jen could almost hear the sighs of the crowd. The noise only spurred her fiddle to sound more moving.

Opening her eyes she looked over back stage where she saw Cecily spell bound by her song. From her jaunts in the tavern she knew that this was Cecily's favorite. Out of gratitude for the fiddle, Jen played the song now. Jen drew out the last chord a fraction longer then it needed to be.

With a wink to Cecily, Jen's foot tipped the box down onto the stage with a slam; as she jumped upon it's hard top. Her feet starting the jig beat of the next number. The audience started to clap along as her tune speed up as 'The Condradiction' became it's full speed. Her toes still tapped to the quick pace as she opened her eyes. Her body danced slightly in place on top of the box as her fiddle sang.

The audience melted away as she became more imersed in the song. Her eyes transfixed on the fiddle strings as if she found a long lost love. A smile grew on her face as her heart even made a counter beat to the jig. Her whole being lost to the song.

With a flurish she played the jaunty end. The applause from the audience snapped her back to the present. With a flush of her cheeks, Jen held her fiddle at her side and took another deep curtsie to the judges and another half bow to the audience. "Thank you." Her lips mouthed before she bent and picked up her box to go backstage.

Joyous laughter erupted from her lips as she leaned against the wall backstage. Her body rejoicing from the delightful tune.

Krovian

Krovian's heart stopped more than once at Pegars song and Jen's playing, both so beautiful.

Yovela

Yovela had met up earlier with The Fool and convinced him to assist her in her talent portion. She walked on stage, a smile for the crowd, and began to set up.
She stood her victim, er, volunteer against a wall, placing a bright red apple on his head. With a wink she handed him three other apples to juggle. He had more than enough skill to keep his head still while juggling, so things should work out fine. She then walked back a very fair distance, and turned to see her target. 10 paces more might be pushing it, she thought, as she continued stepping back. She spun on her heels, and drew her bow.
She had always loved archery, and has excelled in it since she was a small child. Her skill was a talent that not many knew of. One of her very favorite hobbies had been rabbit hunting, a sport that required precision and speed, but she had perfected it to an art.

She released the first arrow, which zipped into one of the apples, pinning it to the wall to the right of the Fool's head. In one fluid motion she had already drawn her next arrow, and released it, sending it into the next apple, the arrow embedding itself to the left of the Fool. Again she drew her bow, the string snapping lightly against her bracers as the arrow shot forward, catching the last apple as it passed right over the apple atop the fool's head, pinning both of them to the wall.
Before the crowd had a chance to blink, all four apples were pinned in just three shots. trapped against the wall.

The distance from which she had shot with such precision was impressive by itself, especially for a simple farm girl. But what was truly astounding was her speed.

"Quick like a Foxx"
She said with a wink.

Mackenzie shuffled her feet and wringed her hands. She'd become more nervous as the night progressed and the other ladie's sang their beautiful songs. Jen's fiddle playing was amazing and Yovela's use of bow and arrow astounding. She hoped her talent would suffice as it wasn't anything comparable to the other ladies. During the night she'd slipped into the back room, removing her silky white dress and donning a pair of leather pants, white chemise and calf-high leather boots while tying her hair back with a leather thong. For her talent she didn't have to worry about appearances.

Stepping forward Mac (as she was called around town) cleared her throat and spoke;

"I hope you all don't mind but for my talent we must all go outside."

Walking through the crowd Mac lead the way into the bright daylight. When everyone was outside she stepped forward, wiping her sweaty hands on her pants and putting her fingers in her mouth released a very loud shrill whistle. From around the corner of the building came a thunder of hooves.

She knew her friends here would be surprised at the appearance of her horse. Previously he'd been stabled at a friends in the country, but with her new job as baker she was financially able to bring him to her farm. Her family had been known throughout the Highlands for their beautiful horses, and Crusher was her personal gift from her father, bless his soul.

Feeling the ground vibrate under her feet, Mac counted the strides of the gigantic black horse. She held her hands braced in front of her and when he swept past her in a full gallop, she reached up and in one fluid movement grabbed his mane and leaped upon his back. Squeezing her legs, for the horse wore no bridle or saddle, Mackenzie directed him toward a 5 foot cross-board fence. They flew over it without even breaking stride and made a short turn back toward the onlookers.

Holding her breathe, Mac buried her hands in Crusher's long black mane and quickly slid off of his left side, only to hit the ground and bounce over his back and to his right side where she again bounded off of the dirt. She did this two or three times before sliding to a stop only a few feet in front of the onlookers, dirt flying into the air.

Now came the hard part she'd been practicing for a very long time. She kicked Crusher back into a full gallop, letting his legs stretch out and his gait become a soft wave, as if riding on a boat. When she felt he was settled, Mac pulled her knees up beneath her and gently placed her feet on the broad, solid back. With a very delicate balance, and arms spread out, she slowly raised her body until she was standing on his back. She was able to hold this stance a few seconds before sitting back down.

Mac knew she was breathing just as hard as Crusher when she turned him back toward the people. Her hair had come out of the thong and flew around her, getting every so tangled but she didn't care. She patted Crusher joyously on the neck and knew her face was beaming with delight. It was worth the entire pageant to have an excuse to bring her horse home.

Cecily watches with pride and amazement as the contestants perform their talents. As Mac leaves the stage, Cecily helps the next contestant prepare.

OOC: If you have not performed your talent yet, please hurry. I would like to start round 3 tomorrow.

Seffira

With a graceful stride, Seffira takes her place at the center of the stage. She smiles at the audience and begins. Her words, soft and gentle, caresses her heart; it was a song that made her remember many things - her past, her present; her family, her friends. She had come a long way now.


Longer than there've been fishes
in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars
up in the heavens
I've been in love with you.

Stronger than any mountain cathedral
Truer than any tree ever grew
Deeper than any forest primeval
I am in love with you.

I'll bring fires in the winters
You'll send showers in the springs
We'll fly through the falls and summers
With love on our wings.
Through the years as the fire
starts to mellow

Burning lines in the book of our lives
Though the binding cracks and the
pages start to yellow
I'll be in love with you.

Longer than there've been fishes
in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars
up in the heavens
I've been in love with you
I am in love with you...



As the applause came with the end of her song, Seffira curtsies and exits the stage.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, I've been busy with assignments and hadn't had the time to work on my talent. That, and the fact that I had to sleep last night to make up for not sleeping at all the night before (to finish my work )

Cecily steps back on the stage.

"Well done ladies! We are moving on to the question round today. Judges, please post your questions. Contestants, please answer each of the judges questions. Good luck to you all."

OOC: If you have not done your talent yet, you can still post it.

Krovian

Stands up from his desk and decides to ask the first question
Why did you run in this Beauty contest?

Seffira

Seffira decides to speak up first for a change. Carefully, she steps up to the podium and addresses the question. "I think I speak for most when I say that the prizes offered were an attractive factor that influenced our decision. That's not to say that we're shallow, but people are motivated by incentives. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Secondly, I felt that someone from Holywell should enter. No one else seemed to be, and since there wasn't really any requirements, I decided to join and represent our little town.

And lastly, because it's a contest, and contests are usually fun. I think this was an interesting idea; people can shine, discover themselves, and form friendships. Regardless of who wins, everyone gets to participate and generally have a good time," she ends before bowing with a soft, "Thank you."

The Fool looks at Krovian and thinks very very hard

I can think of 3 reasons

1. that no matter what i'm wearing i can push my self to reach any goal

2. i was feeling foolish and still am

3. I felt that i could win and i still feel that