Tar Valon Times Fall Ball 2004 Review
Review of Fall Ball 2004, originally featured in the November 2004 Tar Valon Times
Partygoers started arriving as early as Thursday in Albuquerque even though the official events didn't start until Saturday night. People flying in on Saturday arrived as early as 10:30 AM. Fortunately, a shuttle ran between the airport and the hotel.
TarValon.net was constantly represented at Village Inn across from the hotel. As one group was finishing up, another group would arrive. Saturday afternoon was mostly spent either catching up on sleep missed by catching flights or hanging out in the hotel lobby. After splitting up for dinner, we all met in a conference room for the official welcome.
After Mother gave her welcome speech, the traditional Goldschlagger toast went around the table. After the toast were the raisings. Many were raised at the Fall Ball: Kyla Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Cataia Sedai of the Green Ajah, Triste Accepted of the White Tower, and Tian Accepted of the White Tower. We were witness to three first-sibling ceremonies, which bonded Ninya and Vallah as first-sisters, Faeril and Lyoness as first-sisters, and Jakeb and Jasin as first-brothers.
The slave auction concluded the evening. After the auction, the group split up. Some went out on the town, others gossiped in the hotel lounge, and still others gossiped in hotel rooms. Sunday morning brought the beginning of the official programming. The sa'sara preliminary competition took place. When it was done, the room was openned for a snack and dance lessons. Katarianna and Cathel taught the waltz and swing dancing. After the dance lessons, the White Tower Pursuit game was played. The Blue team, made up of Arisaema, Kyla, Yelenia, and Ninya, won after a three hour competition.
Sunday evening brought the official ball. The head table was announced and entered as a procession. After a toast by Mother, we proceeded to eat. The menu included prime rib, pasta primavera, and chicken marsala as entrees and chocolate mousse as dessert.
After dinner, the dancing began with waltzing and swing dancing. Interspersed in the dancing were raffle drawings for such items as TarValon.net pins, a mousepad, a calendar, and jewelry donated by Jenarra. The two annual awards, the Contributor of the Year and the Philanthropist of the Year, were awarded to Randle al'Ren and Arisaema Draconis, respectively.
A new format for the sa'sara was introduced at the Fall Ball. Participants performed for a select group of judges who chose three finalists. The finalists performed at the ball and were voted on by everyone. Finalists at the ball were Cataia, Katarianna, and Marlinya. Cataia won the vote. Also, everyone voted on the best costume; this title went to Sharradin.
Monday morning brought tearful goodbyes and the onset of post party depression. At the airport, a large group gathered in the observation deck to await flights. In groups or one-by-one, we dispersed to separate airplanes with many hugs and well wishes of friends old and new.
Tower events are always times of reunion though there has been only physical separation. The Tower is very real; it exists through the online work of many people. Real-life events make the Tower physically real, and the Fall Ball was no exception. First-timers felt welcome, and for those who have been to a party before, it was a true reunion. For many who can only go to one party a year, the ball is special and is a time to see old friends, many for the first time.
