The Grisett Function

The 1st Mithambian Guard stood fast, their colors slowly drifting in the wind as the gates of Castle Manhesto were opened. As the great doors came to a stop, the first motorcades began to enter, flanked by the soldiers of the 1st, and further protected by embedded Talons within their formations. As limousines rolled to a stop, servants rushed to roll out carpets, and ushers stepped forward to assist the honored passengers within out of their vehicles, and into the Castle itself.
"I have heard plenty about Castle Manhesto, but seeing it in person for the first time is quite a... breathtaking sight," Prince Xavier Malbur of Sherland admitted to his partner and date. "And you regularly come here for gossip and tea?" he incredulously asked.
"That is what friends do, no?" His date, Princess Alice Bellamy of Pehamber cheekily replied, even as she graciously took the hand of the maid assisting her out of the vehicle. "Besides, I've yet to introduce you to those who I am proud to call peers and friends. I think you're going to love them~"
"And to think I would be actually making friends at the Grisett, out of all places. I guess this beats listening to old drivel," he mused, even as Alice took his hand, and gently led him inside the castle.

The Grisett Function is one of the largest galas that happens across Vinesia, once a decade. It is considered the go-to event for those ambitious enough to ascend the social ladder, as the Grisett is hosted by one of Vinesia's many royal families, including the True Royals of Porfodia, Cleolinia, Pehamber, and Mithambe.
What once started as a simple gathering between two rival kings grew into the spectacle that is the modern gala, with fashionistas, designers, artists, and the top of the cultural scene flocking to make names for themselves. Nobles will vie to be recognized by their betters, or to secure prestige for their children. Alliances are started and solidified in the weeks prior to the gala itself, and it is not uncommon for engagements to be announced at the Function. The Grisett Function also acts as a diplomatic safe haven, with hostilities suspended during the course of the Function. It is not uncommon for enemy leaders and commanders to meet with their counterparts and discuss a ceasefire or other forms of treaties during the Function, and de-escalate conflicts shortly after the Function's conclusion.

The Programme

Regardless of the host kingdom, the Grisett Function follows the same format:

Reception

The Opening of the Gates

At the timing of dusk, the outer gates of the Function's hall will be opened, allowing motorcades to proceed into the central courtyard for the disembarking of their passengers. Vehicles that are not affiliated with a royal motorcade or a security detail are not permitted to remain on the grounds.

The Promenade Walk

The dignitaries and guests of honor are escorted in front of the host kingdom's finest military forces, arrayed in full dress uniform. The royal parties of each kingdom are greeted with royal salutes as they pass the formation, and that kingdom's colors are raised as they pass through and enter the Function hall.

The Coat Check

The invites of each person are surrendered and inspected at this point, at the entrance of the Function hall. Outerwear may be checked by servants, and each person who is not a member of a royal party will undergo security screening for weapons, foreign invocations, or evidence of subversion.

The Appetizers

As people begin to pass through the Check and mingle within the antechambers of the hall, appetizers and helpings of drinks are offered by servants. The bar is opened to those who fancy themselves a drink.

The Main Service

The Host Entrance

When the final guests of the night have safely passed through the Check, the Host of the Function will advise their staff to open the inner doors of the Function hall, into the dining and ball areas. As people enter, they are directed to the appropriate tables by ushers and wait staff.

The Master of Ceremonies and the Toast

The Master of Ceremonies - often the majordomo of the royal host - will take to the center stage, and formally announce the commencement of the Grisett Function. They will lead the entire Function in a toast celebrating peace, prosperity, and perpetual providence.

The Dinner Service

Once the Toast has been completed, the MC will announce the commencement of the dinner service. Waiters will take the orders of each table, and the kitchens are set into full gear, accommodating hundreds of nobles and royals and bringing forth the best dishes of the host kingdom.
Throughout the dinner service, special performances may be conducted by approved citizens or groups, or even by guests of honor. Live music is also a feature for the Grisett Function, and is often synchronized with any live routines that are being put on for entertainment.

The Waltz of Precession

The first dance of the night will be held in honor of the current host and the previous host sharing a dance, following the tradition of the first companionship dance years ago. Occasionally, both parties forget to compensate for their partners, resulting in suboptimal dancing performance that is often enjoyed by all present.
The spouses of said partners may offer to substitute music to the live orchestra, in an attempt to trip their mates up. Such incidents are taken in jest, and are often a highlight of the night.

The Dance of Companionship

The second dance of the night is open to those with their spouses or their dates. This dance has the reputation of spurring the rumor mills into high gear, as it is revealed who has been fancying the other, or whose relationships are either strengthening or in jeopardy. Savvy eventgoers will tuck this information in the back of their mind to utilize in political maneuvering in the near future.

The Dance Hall is Open

At this point in the night, the dances are available to all, and the floor is open to all who desire to stretch their legs. The orchestra will take requests, and occasionally showcase songs of their own.

The End of the Night

The Last Waltz

The last slow dance of the night will be called, and is an open invitation for couples to enjoy the last dance of a long night. It is common to see peers needle each other to finally muster the courage to ask potential partners for the last waltz.

The Waltz of Succession

The final dance of the night is held in honor of the current host, who will be dancing with the Function's next host in line. Unlike the first waltz, this waltz is considered sacred and is not tampered with, as a symbol of the passing of tradition and honor from one royal to the next.

Closing Call

Once the final dance has concluded, the Master of Ceremonies will take the stage, formally closing the Grisett Function. Servants and staff will be on standby to assist inebriated eventgoers to their motorcades, while other staff will begin the cleanup process.

Grisett Function Years

The Function is hosted by rotation, with each kingdom receiving its notification two years in advance.

Year	Hosting Kingdom	Monarch/Ruler	Location
1885	The Kingdom of Pehamber	King Asher Bellamy	Castle Jusset
1875	The Kingdom of Mithambe	King Marcus Mitfield	Castle Manhesto
1865	The Kingdom of Cleolinia	Queen Isana	Harton Castle
1855	The Kingdom of Porfodia	Queen Sasha Juzen	The Cavalcade Ampitheatre
1845	The Kingdom of Saini	King Weston Strixel	The Gardens of Reminiscence
1835	The Kingdom of Sherland	King Conrad Malbur	The Hall of Clarity

Participating Kingdoms

The Grisett Function is hosted and attended by the following kingdoms:

• The Kingdom of Sherland
• The Kingdom of Cleolinia
• The Kingdom of Mithambe
• The Kingdom of Saini
• The Kingdom of Pehamber
• The Kingdom of Porfodia

Admission

Admission is by invitation only. Invites are forwarded a year in advance, though a kingdom's royal courier. Letters bear the mark of the Grisett Function, and are open to the invitee and their immediate family, or a peer of their choice.
In practice, only the royalty and upper nobility are invited directly, with lower nobility reliant on being a guest of an invitee, and commoners virtually unheard of. An exception exists for knights and soldiers who may form a part of a royal or noble retinue, or commanders who may be recognized as having the same prestige as the liege sponsoring them. Citizens recognized in the highest orders of their kingdoms may also be forwarded an invitation, or sponsored by a noble or royal.

Security

Security at the Grisett Function is handled by the host kingdom, who is responsible for the safety of the dignitaries who will be present. Royal parties are permitted to have their own escort of armed security. In addition to the heightened security level and the increased frequency of patrols, certain kingdoms utilize other methods in lieu of/in addition to their main defenses:

• The Kingdom of Mithambe is known for its Talons - the paramilitary organization that answers directly to Mithambe's Royal Court. Furthermore, the Monarch of Mithambe is protected by their own detail of Talons who are capable of responding to any immediate threat. During a Grisett Function, no other military or security personnel are permitted within Castle Manhesto that have not been invited - Talon patrols will apprehend and silence any who violate this decree;
• The Kingdom of Cleolinia utilizes its Valkyries as a royal defense, excluding general line forces from the security detail. As each Valkyrie possesses a distinct and personal connection to the Queen, they make the perfect defense and offense against threats to the Grisett and its attendees;

Dress Code

The Grisett Function is a formal dress event. Royals will often wear their regalia, including their crown jewels. Exemptions are dependent on the host kingdom - for example, the Kingdom of Mithambe allows its Talons to forego formal wear, as their duties are dependent on them being prepared for combat in full gear.
Symbols of office are only permitted among royal rankings. Weapons of any sort are prohibited except to those as part of a royal escort, or to military personnel in the form of dress sabers or drill rifles.