Announce Post #3168: Seal of Beauty 2021

Autoposter · September 2021

The theme "Wake" brought to mind all manner of imagery for the designers of the Basin, who brought their creativity and ingenuity to the Trial of Beauty. Some focused upon the events of Li-varili and the awakened Sea Spirit, while others focused on the events of years gone by, while still others took the theme in other directions entirely. The difficulty the judges panel faced in determining the victor was no small feat, and selecting the list below involved sifting through dozens of outstanding designs. The competition, like the storms that had all too recently gripped Lusternia, was fierce indeed.

In the end, it was the design of Falaine Coldwater of New Celest that emerged victorious - a sea glass lantern of a reawakened warrior heart. This beautiful lantern displayed the events of the Curse of the Sunken Heart as witnessed by an old warrior, valiantly defending the innocent through the storms and floods.

Second place was awarded to Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh of Glomdoring, for an ashwood chest of apocalyptic awakening.

Third place was awarded to Niralahi Coldwater of New Celest, for a sculpted glass easel of awakening love.

Fourth place was awarded to Xiran Stormcrow of Serenwilde, for a black hammock crocheted with dreamcatching mandalas.

Fifth place was awarded to Lilalue Ka'liati of New Celest, for a cascading collar revealing a receding tidal wake.

Though these five designs rose to conquer all others, the following designs merit honourable mention for their craftsmanship and interpretation of the Avenger's theme, in alphabetical order:
o Eritheyl Ryseni of Gaudiguch (a coruscating ring of the Eye awakened)
o Fillirriqili Skydrifter of Hallifax (a piercing needle of dreams)
o Jolanthe Myeras of Serenwilde (dazzling drapes revealing the awakening of Spirit Sun)
o Kailanna n'Kylbar of Magnagora (a crystalline rapier of piercing clarity)
o Majestadt of Magnagora (a stygian gorget-style collar awash in red tide filigree)
o Nepenthe Dahyu of Gaudiguch (a funeral veil of wilting bromeliads and winding roots)
o Zalan Shevat of Hallifax (a Hallifaxian long coat of mourning)

Jolanthe · September 2021

Heyo, I always like seeing everything that didn't quite make it in the rankings. We get to go see the designs that placed whenever we want for the next year - so if you're still proud of your own designs and want a place to show them off, this seems like as good a place as any, yeah?

I honestly struggled with the theme a lot myself, but once the idea of "sun drapes" came up I couldn't let go of that one, even though I didn't think it'd hit the theme in the way the judges wanted. Still pleased with the end result:

#: 34191 Item: Drapes Type: Drapes Org: Artyart Designer: Jolanthe

Commodities: silk 30 gold 8 silver 4 orangetint 4 goldtint 2 silvertint 2 bluetint 1 redtint 1

palette 1 gems 1 fireessence 2

Mortal Reviews: Allowed

Space: 25% Furniture Type: Wall Furnishings

Outdoors: No Container: No Can Have Lock: No

IMPORTANT: The main noun MUST use one of these: DRAPES, CURTAINS

Appearance:

dazzling drapes revealing the awakening of Spirit Sun

Dropped:

Dazzling drapes hint at a sunny ritual, even when parted.

Examined:

Deep saffron penetrates the depths of the dupion silk that composes

these drapes, rendering any space lacking in embroidery with its rich

orange-yellow hue. The weave renders a pattern of gently sloping lines

that sweep along a bias, bleeding into one another in such a way as to

resemble a field of tall summer grasses. Upon this backdrop, the forms

of dozens of star-shaped figures have been rendered in scarlet threads,

arms outstretched and hands interlinking in alternating triangles. Many

are vague and unfamiliar, but a few notably stand out: the Elders

Aslarn, Elfenehoala, and Lisaera appearing distinguishable at the least.

The forms of the Elder Gods are arranged in a funnel shape, with

silver-blue threads tucked between warp and weft that form a lattice

webbing through the formation in ever condensing fractals that spiral

towards the apex above. Positioned at the top is a figure rendered in

vibrant gold that could only be Rahm the Radiant, whose arms branch out

upwards towards the very top of the drapes. It is here that a disc of

white gold rests, radiating changeant threads of prismatic silk in all

directions. As the material of the drapes bunches and spreads, a

shimmering form becomes visible through the saffron of the silk.

Coloured in every hue of gold imaginable with eyes of burning amber, the

body hidden just beneath the weave of the silk appears as the awakening

presence of Spirit Sun, with limbs thrown wide and the white gold disc

anchored where the solar plexus should be. The form of Spirit Sun is

positioned perfectly at the centre, so that His form is only whole when

the drapes are completely shut - creating an opportunity for the drapes

to open or converge upon the heavenly sun through an appropriate window

for an added layer of theme. As a final touch, the hem is stitched with

yawning embaruli, stretching coronuli, and blinking nimbuli that flutter

in and out of visibility within the folds of the drapes whenever they

are shifted or moved.

Closed: (NOTE: Same as dropped, only shows when closed.)

The awakening of Spirit Sun proudly sprawls across these dazzling drapes.

Luce · September 2021

Here was Luce's design for this year:

#: 34278 Item: Platter Type: Gourmet Org: Dre Designer: Luce
Ingredients: eggs 4 vegetables 4 meat 4 grain 2 milk 2 salt 2 kafe 2 fruit 2 spices 2 sugar 1
poultry 1
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
IMPORTANT: The main noun MUST use one of these: PLATTER
Appearance:
an abundant breakfast platter
Dropped:
Heaped with various breakfast goods, a platter lies here, steaming slightly.
Examined:
An assortment of foods is heaped on almost every available inch of this
platter and the plates, saucers, bowls, and glasses it bears. Central to
the array is a porcelain plate barely visible beneath a veritable
mountain of scrambled eggs that have been dusted freely with shredded
cheddar cheese and salt. To one side of this pile of protein is a plate
stacked with crepes that have been all but smothered in various fillings
and dusted with enough powdered sugar to top a cake. Across from these
is a bowl of shredded and browned potatoes, liberally coated with
sauteed and salted mushrooms, and all but drowned in butter. One corner
houses a bowl stacked with orange slices and a saucer loaded up with
sausages and crispy strips of bacon. Apparently a concession to a more
healthy lifestyle, there is also a bowl of plain porridge with a sprig
of mint right next to a tankard of piping hot kawhe. It almost begs the
question of whether anyone could possibly finish the whole platter
before it cooled.
Consume:
A moment's exploration allows you to discover the forks and spoons
hiding beneath each of the plates, and you take one up to begin
conquering the eggs. Each bite brings a heavily buttery and cheesy taste
with barely a hint of texture, but the more you eat, the more frequently
you discover green and red bell peppers and small pieces of ham that
have been cubed and piled in with the eggs. Toward the bottom of the
pile, you find a stack of three omelettes that each contain chunks of
fried chicken in a delicious irony. You take a swig of the kawhe to wash
the last of the omelettes down before turning to the pork platter,
alternating between crispy bacon that had been smoked over an oak fire
and the juicy sausages that had apparently been grilled over them. Soon
enough all that is left of that saucer is a small puddle of grease,
which you dribble liberally into the oatmeal. After mixing it into some
semblance of edibility, you tuck in, only to find that the apparently
plain dish had been prepared in black strap molasses, which mixes
pleasantly with the savoury flavours from your previous course into
something not unlike a Delportian toast. After more kawhe, you move
laconically onto the potatoes, which have been fried to a pleasant
crisp, then drenched in melted butter and sauteed mushrooms, all of
which seem to be competing for texture on your tongue with each bite
until the entire bowl is emptied. Next are the crepes, of which there
are a half dozen. The first of them was fairly straightforward, with
roasted hazelnut spread and a kafe drizzle, and the next is filled with
strawberry and peach preserves between the flaky layers and topped with
whipped sweet cream. The third contains a savoury paste, likely made
with fond from the chicken and the sausage, and the fourth is a
tooth-achingly sweet blueberry jam. The fifth is filled with a cinnamon
and clove-based spread of some kind, and the sixth with a tiramisu
mousse. All that remains now are the orange slices and the last dregs of
your kawhe, which you sip idly between each slice to give the start of
your meal time to digest.
Smell:
The scent of salt, protein, and butter is nearly overwhelming from this platter, accented by the
bitter tang of black kawhe.
Taste:
You sample some of the fluffy egg scramble pile and find it buttery and tender to the point of
nearly melting in your mouth, with just a hint of some kind of mild pepper fighting against the
sharp cheese.
Comments:

Saran · September 2021

#: 34316 Item: Robes Type: Greatrobes Org: Moonlace Designer: Saran
Commodities: silk 50 silver 2 emerald 2 spectre 2 mote 2 greytint 2
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
Layer: NORMAL Bodyparts: chest, gut, arms, legs, back, waist
IMPORTANT: The main noun MUST use one of these: ROBES, ROBE
Appearance:
a tulle robe of Seralem
Dropped:
Emanating a pale spectral glow, a silvery-grey robe lies on the ground here.
Examined:
Layer upon layer of wispy silk tulle composes this silvery-grey robe, obscuring the wearer within their engulfing shroud. To complete the envelopment of the wearer, the long sleeves of the robe descend notably further than the wearer's arms might reach, while its hood more closely resembles a veil that falls just short of the ground. The outermost are little more than tattered strips that waft around the wearer on the lightest breeze, their translucence emphasised by a peculiar blurring that lends them the seeming of dream-like tendrils of mist. The inner layers remain whole though still left to flow freely, each layer concealing the wearer more and more. A pale spectral glow emanates from the deepest layers of the robes, revealing subtle embroidery which depicts the fallen: Taking up the upper half of the back of the robe is an image that displays the wilde, whole and free from the scar that divides it, stretching out further to the east than any mortal has seen. Along the hems are outlines of beds, nests, and other places of rest all formed from plants growing out of the land. And lastly, representations of myriad ancestors, animals, and fae have been scattered around the remainder of the robe, some depicted in slumber while others look outward, their eyes ever watchful. A perfectly smooth emerald orb hangs from a silvery chain that holds the robe closed, dream motes twinkling within its depths, the words "Basala'oren Seren" scribed around its circumference.

With Seralem and Wake seemed like it'd be a pretty natural. The enshrouding concept came from linking to the death aspect, kind of a different funeral shroud almost that wrapped the wearer in the promise of respite and awakening that the mists of Seralem offer. The sort of thing we might dress our dead in with the hopes that they might find a place there, but also something (impractical of course) we might wear into battle for similar purposes if we fell cause even if we truly die in that fight we will rise again in Seralems embrace.

The idea with the imagery was that the embroidery would reveal the images of the things that have been lost by blocking the glow and creating an absence of light in those places. All held together by the promise/command to awaken Seralem.

Misericorde · September 2021

#: 34301 Item: Crown Type: Crowns Org: Seamist Designer: Misericorde
Commodities: iron 70 ruby 50 gems 10 spices 10 redtint 5 purpletint 4 salt 1
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
IMPORTANT: The main noun MUST use one of these: CROWN
Appearance:
a razor-sharp seaweed crown burgeoning with scarlet bromeliads
Dropped:
Razor-sharp bronze seaweed wrought into a crown lies here, its fiery metal dappled with water spots and salt.
Examined:
Water-dappled and stained with long-dried salt, this crown of fiery bronze seaweed bleeds from vibrant red at its fronds to wine-brushed purple stalks. Their delicate petals sculpted into distinct points, faceted ruby bromeliads thrive between the flowing blades of razor-sharp kelp, each blossom an oasis of beauty amidst promises of grievous pain. Glass ampoules scintillate upon the rubescent flowers like stray droplets of spindrift, redolent with cinnamon perfume as cloying as it is exotic; echoing the ebb and flow of seawater currents, the scent of brine courses beneath the luxuriously heady fragrance, a perilous undertow evoking the persistent stirrings of a bitter memory best forgotten.

I had tons of fun with the theme this year! Congrats to everyone who placed!!

Afollia · September 2021

#: 34312 Item: Desk Type: Desks Org: Brf Designer: Afollia

Commodities: ruby 2000 ravenwood 4 redtint 100 wood 300 wasp 8 silver 40 gems 100 rose 5
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
Space: 25% Furniture Type: Normal Furnishings
Outdoors: No Container: Yes Can Have Lock: Yes
Appearance:
a rosewood desk of dreadful memories
Dropped:
A rosewood desk with open drawers gazes upon its surroundings furiously with a thousand red eyes.
Examined:
This desk is assembled from a group of obscure stained rosewood lumber panels sawed to reveal a myriad of faint spiderwebs in its grain. Lovingly crafted with care and attention, the tops of the thick supports are linked with a pole from which hangs a planter of dried black roses, titillating the senses. The outer sides of both panels are engraved with the depiction of a colossal arachnid. Chiselled with attention to detail, its body is composed of an untold amalgam of leaves, insects, twigs, stones, soil and blackened animal bones. Its eyes are represented by a thousand blood rubies encrusted in a haphazard design upon its form. Forming a stark contrast that draws the eye downwards, four pairs of vicious silver wasps are entwined by the stinger. Situated to the left of the chair's hollow, each was moulded with meticulous attention to detail and attached to provide ease of access to the drawers as handles. Attracting the eye with its saffron-hued surface, the countertop is fitted upon the desk's midsection. It is fabricated with an astonishing relief carving of a shattered woodland frozen beneath a polished pane of translucent amber. The artwork's rendition features such notable landmarks as the broken tower ruins, the great tree's blasted remains, the caved-in underground tunnels, the collapsed musical hall and a massive snake-like creature frozen mid struggle. Forming the rear of the desk is a solid back panel with eight globular eyes cut into the wood itself. Occasional faint shadows skittering behind them, the orbs gaze upon the broken landscape below sealed within a circle of runes. Seized of beauty beyond mortal means, an exquisite statuette of bewitching femininity stands proudly upon the crown moulding's summit. A vicious scythe of amber, grasped in both hands, extended in challenge to all that dare lay eyes upon her.
Closed: (NOTE: Same as dropped, only shows when closed.)
A rosewood desk with eight silver wasps gazes upon its surroundings furiously with a thousand red eyes.

Tikki · September 2021

Tikki's design for the year! I would have gotten this posted sooner, but I got pretty heavily invested in my hopes and it hit extremely hard when I didn't place or anything. I'm better now though, and congratulations to the winners, placers, honourable mentionees, and everyone in between! I plan on making the triptych into three separate tapestries later, as well as creating other black velvet tapestries depicting other Elders and players who so desire one!

#: 34332 Item: Tapestry Type: Tapestries Org: Public Designer: Tikki

Commodities: silk 100 iron 10 palette 2 powerstone 2

Mortal Reviews: Allowed

Space: 25% Furniture Type: Wall Furnishings

Outdoors: No Container: No Can Have Lock: No

IMPORTANT: The main noun MUST use one of these: TAPESTRY

Appearance:

a triptych tapestry of dusk till dawn

Dropped:

A triptych tapestry depicting the awakened heavens hangs here in reverent display.

Examined:

With great care a triptych of black velvet tapestries has been hung from

a long pole of dark wrought iron. A braided cord of gold-painted silk

has been tied to each end of the pole to allow for easy hanging. The

trio of tapestries has been painted in painstakingly great detail, each

one depicting the artist's interpretation of different Awakeners and

their respective Spirits. A verdant green canopy spreads across the top

section of the first tapestry, vibrant leaves displaced by an unseen

breeze. At its centre the canopy is parted and two figures lean down

from above. The Goddess upon the left, pale-skinned and raven-haired,

reaches Her left arm downwards, Her plaited braid cascading down from

Her shoulder while the corners of Her silvery-blue eyes crinkle softly

in a loving smile that matches the beauty and grace of the crescent moon

resting upon Her brow. The ever-shifting nimbus of storms that surrounds

Lady Lisaera fades smoothly into the vivid aura surrounding Her sister

upon the right. The sylvan Goddess' visage too seems filled with

affection, like that of a mother for Her child, Her almond-gold eyes

gazing downwards. Free-flowing locks of ebony hair frame the sun-kissed

face of Lady Elfenehoala, draping down either side of Her form as she

reaches Her right arm out in a mirror of Lisaera's own gesture. Beneath

the sibling Goddesses, a figure reaches her hands up to meet Theirs.

Dressed in beautiful silvery robes that seem to almost glow with the

softness of the moonlit sky, the fair-skinned Spirit Moon's joyous mien

gazes up towards her Awakeners, her long and pale hair cascading down

behind her, partially blocking the view of a waterfall in the distance

as she rises effortlessly from the serene lake surrounding her. Below

the Spirit and completing the framing of this tapestry's section is a

series of eight small moons, depicting the cyclic phase of the heavenly

body. After a short gap from the first scene, the second tapestry is

darker in colour, letting more of the black velvet show than its sister.

Upon the left half of the second tapestry looms the figure of the Elder

God, Nocht. Much of the Silent Lord's figure is left unseen, covered by

a dark violet cloak and embraced by stygian shadows and small swirling

nebulae that glitter faintly when the light caresses them. The

dark-skinned Elder's oft stoic countenance is graced by an unreadable

smile that only just reaches His beautiful, ethereal blue eyes, the gold

that rims them twinkling like the myriad stars that seem to dot the

Elder's otherwise jet black hair. Left arm outstretched, Lord Nocht

reaches His hand across an endless cosmic void. Whorls of galaxies

composed of prismatic colour lead the eye to where another figure has

extended her hand in kind to reach for the Awakener's. The stellar

backdrop coalesces into the dark and flowing hair of Spirit Night, a

wreath of braided jasmine crowning her head and intermingling with the

stormy locks. The spirit's hauntingly beauteous visage carries the same

air as her Awakener, one that suggests quiet, contemplative affection.

The third and final tapestry depicts a much more sombre scene in spite

of its subject's colours. Fallen to Their knees rests the golden glowing

form of an Elder amidst an empty and still plain, Their features hidden

save for the burnished musculature of Their back and the locks of wavy

golden hair flowing like sunbeams down upon Their shoulders. Arms

outstretched towards the sky, the Elder snatches desperately at a figure

floating above Them, every toned muscle straining with effort as They

try in vain to grasp the fleeting Spirit. Draped across the slumbering

Spirit Sun rests a burial cloth that bears the shimmer of finest silk,

like sunbeams pulled to earth, but it lies with an unnatural weight.

Every edge of the shroud seems weighed down by the grief of his Awakener

and is pulled taut across his contours. Beneath the pall, the spirit's

limbs hang limply beneath him as his fading form ascends towards the

cloudless sky. High above in the empty sky, the mere star itself appears

faded, almost sorrowful as its spirit is laid to rest.

Gurashi · September 2021

#: 34383 Item: Shield Type: Greatshields Org: Public Designer: Gurashi
Commodities: steel 50 silver 20 platinum 20 onyx 5 opal 5 ruby 2 gems 4 mammoth 1 palette 1

Appearance:
a spectacular curved tower shield of pelagic scenery

Dropped:
An imposing curved tower shield sits here, ready to defend its wielder at a moment's notice.

Examined:
Large enough to fully protect the average human in their entirety, this tower shield is a majestic display of oceanic hues and striking platinums. A masterful example of beauty and functionality, a polished steel frame supports the edges and corners of this tower shield, curved slightly inwards at the corners to offer a protective cocoon for the wielder to duck behind. Resembling the tumultuous waves of the sea, ornate filigree has been carved into the entirety of the steel frame from its apex to its base. Dividing either half of the tower shield in half is a stark line of gleaming platinum that has been molded and chiseled to resemble the tumultuous crest of a wave, though the direction the wave is moving is entirely reliant on the way the shield is held. To the left of the wave, deep indigo and burgundy hues resemble blood-stained waters dotted with countless infinitesimal specks of crimson and white. Upon closer examination, the shapes are revealed to be tiny figurines, the scarlet heads of intricate little nereids seeming to cling to the ivory-white skeletal remains of just as many corpses. Flakes of ruby and powdered onyx add a reflective sheen to the darker waters, further enhancing the figures within when held towards the light. To the right of the cresting wave, bright cerulean and aquamarine hues swirl with sunny whorls of citrine to resemble warm ocean shallows dotted with a myriad of rainbow hues. As one leans closer, the dots of color reveal themselves to be numerous tropical fish swimming alongside auburn-haired kelpies, their tiny arms outstretched within the waters as if dancing joyfully. Crushed opal and peridot sprinkled upon the water's surface give life to the already vibrant surface. At the center of the tower shield sits a replica of a compass, its silvery needle pointing up along the tumultuous divide. In lieu of an 'n', a tiny stylized heart denotes the standard for north, cradling the compass's point between either half of the shape.

Edit: wtf formatting

Sapphira · September 2021

Appearance:

a bewitching stained-glass music box displaying a weeping goddess

Dropped:

A resplendent music box is here, its bejewelled goddess weeping above intricate stained-glass panels.

Examined:

Encased in a frame of sterling silver, this music box is an exquisite

cube of intricate craftsmanship. Resplendent stained-glass panels secret

clockwork mechanisms, while an ornate figure resides despondently above.

Kneeling, the goddess Li-varili has been impeccably rendered in

sea-green tourmaline, with cascading ruby curls and faceted scales that

glint upon Her arms. Minute detail reveals Her complete anguish; face

contorted and hands spread, the Awakener visibly weeps bitter tears. The

gem-wrought deity rests atop glass of turquoise, evocative of a lagoon

that flows down to the front face, where Callysto, the Siren arises from

frothing waters. The nereid is detailed in aphotic tones, from

voluptuous indigo torso to inky-black tentacles crowning the fae. Hands

upraised towards the Lady of Lagoons, Callysto cradles a spectacular

cobalt sapphire, the faceted teardrop of divine melancholy caught

tenderly in her palms, recreating the poignant moment of her first

awakening. Further images are created in rich jewel tones and argent

delineation around the box; on the first, more exotic nereids breach the

aquamarine lagoon, each bewitchingly feminine with flowing tresses and

voices raised in song. To the back, the stained-glass depicts tangled

mangroves and bright, stinging fireweed blossoms, all beneath a

magnificent sunset of dramatic violet, carmine and amber. The final

panel reveals a lone nereid perched on a rock; combing her hair, the

beauty's aureate piscine tail skims the surrounding lagoon, upon which a

myriad of bromeliads drift - in vivid hues of scarlet and crimson, the

prickly blossoms skate serenely over the mirrored surface of the pool.

Internal illumination ensures each stained-glass scene has an effulgent

brilliance, while a simple press of the glittering teardrop evokes a

haunting nocturne, filling the air with its wistful, enchanting strains.

Eritheyl · September 2021

Appearance:

a coruscating ring of the Eye awakened

Dropped:

Broken sandstone and scintillating gems compose this fighting ring, depicting battle between the

Enigmatic and Kethuru Almighty.

Examined:

Sustained upon a base of lacquered palm wood, this artfully-sundered

display takes shape from jagged chunks of sandstone and clouded quartz,

culminating in a circular arena nearing three feet in height. As the

warring of miniatures is carried out within, another war is perpetually

fought amongst the broken peaks that form this boundary. Fused onyx shot

through with polluting veins of viridian and carmine rises as though

questing to utterly consume the dioramic scene, claiming three-quarters

of the mountainous circle in a salvo of tentacular grotesquery. Where

the dozen and more mirror-slick appendages meet stone, angry fissures

blossom, the web of splinters inlaid with pallid citrine that radiates

from within a haunting portent of corrupting power. Only one figure is

shown in defiance of this onslaught, held aloft on a rod of glass that

elevates them from the crags and aims them straight toward the epicenter

of destruction: enshrouded in tattered wisps of silk, the valiant and

enigmatic being soars among a shower of prismatic bicone beads speckled

along nigh invisible wires. This veiled one could only be the Vernal

Tzaraziko, her identity made all too clear by the blackened, skeletal

arm she raises to threaten the hungering extensions of Kethuru, that

wretched orb that is the Eye of Illith itself reproduced as well in its

grasp. For long spans of moments the Eye alights with amethystine hues,

and the quartz that breaks the mountains' facade responds in kind, at

once illustrating the fleeting turn of the tides as the Enigmatic makes

war against the Almighty over the barren desert.

For an off-the-cuff panic design while on vacation, I'm actually really pleased with an honourable mention this year. Also really happy to get to showcase my reignited obsession with Tzaraziko. If you've never read the diaries from the Scorpion Cult quest, get yourself to a sandworm burrow asap!

Great job all around, everybody

Nepenthe · September 2021

I tried to intentionally not go over the top with mine.

#: 34263 Item: Veil Type: Accessories Org: Public Designer: Nepenthe

Commodities: silk 4 leather 2 flower 1 bird 1 palette 1

Appearance:

a funeral veil of wilting bromeliads and winding roots

Dropped:

An alluring floral redolence and the repellant stench of rot hang about this somber veil in a befogging miasma.

Examined:

Secured snugly about the crown by a hidden ribbon of grosgrain silk, this striking veil boasts darts of vivid red and green leather, arranged in the unmistakable starbursts of exotic bromeliad blossoms draped over the eyes, scaffolded by dun braids of gossamer silk, and interspersed with charming pink spoonbill feathers. All this vibrancy is quick to fade, however, as the blooms emerging from the veil's lower portions increasingly bear the distinct pallor of rot, their petals and leaves wilted and shriveled. Descending from the garment's apex, the feathered accents' inviting blush dims first to a cadaverous grey before becoming frayed and blackened. Even the rootlike cords of woven silk bear signs of neglect, appearing ever more knotted and gnarled as they cascade down the neck and shoulders. A faintly sweet and sickly scent of floral decay clings to the withered roots and blackened bromeliads, both a reminder of life-that-was and a cloying memento mori.

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Announce Post #3168: Seal of Beauty 2021

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