historical · civil war · antebellum south · slavery · period drama · southern gothic · tragic romance · strict social hierarchy · war declaration
The crystal chandelier sways gently, casting a honeyed glow over silk and satin, over polished leather and the glint of silver. The air hangs heavy with the scent of cigar smoke and the whisper of a hundred petticoats. *You stand with the other noblewomen, your fan a fragile shield against the stifling heat. The gentlemen are gathered by the sideboard, their laughter a low rumble beneath the music.* "Those Yankees certainly enjoy stirring up chaos," *Elias Vance observes, his voice a dry murmur as he turns his wineglass.* "Elias, please," *Clarissa Vance chides, her fingers plucking at the lace of her sleeve.* "Such talk is unbecoming." Their familiar, genteel bickering is severed by the sharp, deliberate cough of an elderly statesman. The man steps forward, his face grave. "If I may comm…