Liana's Paper Doll Blog

Halloween Masquerade Costume Series #2: The Cursed Sisters, Part 1

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After three years of black and purple mourning clothes, Linnetta’s gown for the masquerade ball — a playful representation of a demon princess — was a blaze of glory. She felt as if its crimson lining was burning her skin, and her cheeks glowed with, if not perfect good health, a fair imitation of it considering all she had gone through. Even after so many near brushes with death and grief, no one was as beautiful as she was tonight: such thoughts consoled her on such a difficult evening. Linnetta bowed her head demurely as she made her entrance at her father’s side, ignoring the buzz of voices. It was distasteful to hear people placing bets on when she was going to die, but she had gotten used to it.

Linnetta found herself trapped in polite conversations with Lady Someone-or-another, and then Duchess So-and-so, and (so it seemed, in the rush of masks and spangles) every woman at the ball; in her absence from society, Linetta had forgotten most of the titles she ever knew, but she’d lost none of her charm. She didn’t really want to talk about her sisters, but whenever a conversation partner made sympathetic noises about her unfortunate loss — five sisters, and so young! — she made grateful noises in return, so each nosy woman could leave feeling like they had comforted poor bereaved Linnetta without actually sharing in her tragedy.

The cursed sisters all should have been there that night, and Linnetta felt their absence keenly, as if she saw them from the corner of her eye. The masked faces were all focused on her, trying to predict the manner by which the youngest and fairest daughter would meet her end, and wondering if it might even be tonight. Linetta ignored them, taking refuge in a cluster of acquaintances. She couldn’t even lose herself in the dance, for it’d be unseemly to be too carefree at her first appearance after her long illness, and the period of mourning.

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… Don’t worry, I’ve written the whole story out in advance this time. In terms of site news, no one has guessed the correct singer / group that I learned to draw gold from. (Hint: look at my about this page link for an idea of possible dates – this isn’t a trick I picked up recently). Also, I’m going to put up a poll tomorrow for week 3 of costumes: please post any suggestions in the comments.

Tags: ball, ballgown, demon, devil, gems, gold, gown, halloween, halloween costumes, mask, masquerade, necklace, off the shoulder, orange, overskirt, red, ruffles, scrolls, sky blue, tulle, underskirt, white, yellow

Costumes, fantasy, gowns, holidays, new doll, paperdolls | Liana October 14, 2009

26 Comments

By Diana Dang, October 14, 2009 @ 6:08 pm

Gorgeous piece!!
By Sami, October 14, 2009 @ 7:39 pm

Gorgeous! First thing I thought when I first saw this was just wow. I can’t wait for the rest of the story.
By Celestina, October 14, 2009 @ 8:00 pm

I love the detail in the layers!
By Em, October 14, 2009 @ 9:09 pm

Are we only allowed one guess?
By Noel, October 14, 2009 @ 9:10 pm

I love the story and am intrigued! I can’t wait for the rest of the story (and gowns!)
By Liana, October 14, 2009 @ 9:16 pm

Thanks everyone! :) I hope I can pull off the rest of the series like this…

Em… let’s say one guess per person per day, as there’s a lot of singers out there :)
By Molly, October 14, 2009 @ 9:29 pm

great i guess new main street singers.
By Molly, October 14, 2009 @ 9:30 pm

oh and by the way… this dress (and the storey) are great…i want this dress…
By Allegra, October 14, 2009 @ 9:58 pm

beyonce
By Ana, October 14, 2009 @ 9:59 pm

Madonna
By Breanna, October 14, 2009 @ 10:00 pm

cher
By Breanna, October 14, 2009 @ 10:05 pm

as for the poll one option could be audrey hepburn inspired outfits
By Kathleen, October 14, 2009 @ 10:37 pm

Taylor Swift??
By electricknite, October 14, 2009 @ 11:29 pm

i love taylor swift im her friend on youtube!
By electricknite, October 14, 2009 @ 11:31 pm

i love the way you did the jewels
By Colleen, October 15, 2009 @ 2:01 am

Wow, that is gorgeous! I’ve been staying with some friends the last few weeks and showed their 8 year old daughter your site and she LOVES all of you outfits! We printed out Ivy and some of her dresses and she has me check for new ones every day. You are a wonderful artist!
By Keegan, October 15, 2009 @ 3:25 am

A Mighty Wind?? and I love the dress… but i love all your designs… :) beautiful!
By Chrissy, October 15, 2009 @ 3:39 am

Oh boy, I love the dress and can’t wait to read part 2 of the story…..Wonderful design….
By boots, October 15, 2009 @ 9:18 am

magnificent!

: D
By Eleanor, October 15, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Wow. That is one spectacularly bright gown. I can see how someone who’s been wearing black and purple (one of my favourite colour schemes) for three years would opt for something like this. You nearly have to put on sunglasses to look at it.

Not that that’s a bad thing.
By Sue, October 15, 2009 @ 10:02 am

You have, at last, outdone yourself. A feat I did not think possible.Great work and great story!
By Martine, October 15, 2009 @ 2:08 pm

GORGEOUS dress!!! I LOVE it. As for the poll, could you put up Final Fantasy costumes? (I keep on asking ;P) I’m a real fan, and I remember you once wrote that you maybe would make a Great Gowns Of Final Fantasy series, or something like that. I think that would be a great idea.
By Martine, October 15, 2009 @ 2:08 pm

It’s a great story too.
By roxy, October 15, 2009 @ 2:12 pm

i think you shoud do a dark green dress
By Celestina, October 18, 2009 @ 7:06 pm

Oh this story is so great! I am cant wait to hear the rest!
By Min, October 20, 2009 @ 4:40 pm

I have one word for you…fabulous!