"Mail for enlisted 3078!" Yelled the mailman as he pushed open the door of Jackson's barracks, immediately startling Jackson from his wood carving. The mailman, who had a black curled mustache, like in all those early 1920s movies, black slicked back hair, and sharp green eyes, came over and put the letter on his workstation. Jackson nodded to the man as he left, slamming the door behind him. Jackson set down his tools and his wood block, half shaped into the image of a human, particularly of his friend Jason. He picked up the letter and his hands, unclasped the red wax from the paper. He didn't know if he was seeing things right, but was that the King's seal? He unfolded the letter, revealing a note:
The King has summoned you to his royal court for the Balliester Ball, which is a very special occasion. The ball is set to start at a quarter to eight for tonight. You will be expected to be there, for the King has some very special plans for you. You shall embark on a quest based on the King's orders. We expect to see you there.
Yours Truly,
The King's Royal Court
As he finished reading the letter, his barracks door was swung open again, bit this time not be a mailcarrier but his best friend Jason. His skin was a chocolate sort of brown, with short black cropped hair, dark mocha brown eyes, and a jawline most women would die for. Today in particular he was wearing his army suited button-down, green stitched trousers, and brown moccasins. He stared at him intently, his eyes browsing from the letter to Jackson's face. "What is that?" He asked, sticking out a long lanky arm to point towards the letter. Jackson smiled and handed him the letter, "The King has invited yours truly to the Balliester Ball, whatever that is." He said cheekily, quickly adding in that last part. To be honest, he had no clue why he of all people were summoned. An idea sparked into his head, but Jackson didn't think anyone other than Jason knew his secret. Jason finished reading the letter, "Lucky you." He replied, pulling up a chair from a nearby table, "You get to miss the Captain's meeting tonight." Jackson smiled in response, adding, "You know how much I don't want to miss that." Jackson peeked out the nearest window, and saw that the sun was beginning to set. To get there by a quarter to eight he knew he would have to leave immediately. "Well I should be getting ready." He told Jason. "They should have sent the letter sooner, they are putting me on the clcok." He finished, walking over to his bunk and looking for any decent clothes. Luckily he had brought a decent looking suit on this trip. He pulled out a darker purple velveteen suit, fitted with a white stitched shirt, and came with light tan pants. It wasn't his best fit, but it would have to do. He quickly put everything on, and put on his sword sheath. He picked up his sword, Briffindears, and placed the gold and ruby blade carefully into it.
Jackson then quickly made his way to the stables, where he found his trusty steed Reckless, all saddled up courtesy of his friend Jason. "Thanks buddy!" He called out. Jason nodded as Jackson mounted his horse. The sun was almost set by this point as he rode out of the stables and towards the King's castle. Which was located only two miles away. As Jackson's unit had recently been moved back to serve protection after the recent incident, which may or may not been Jackson's fault.
...
About an hour later Jackson eased Reckless into a steady trot, as they approached the hill leading up to the King's grand castle. It's walls stretched to the end of the hill, the steeples looked like they touched the sun. The red banners lined with gold and beard the King's Eagle draped from the castles walls, and mixed with the setting sun made an amazing scene. Other people approached on horseback, ready to see the King. All were more well dressed then him, wearing expensive suits and shoes that probably cost more than every possession in his mother's house.
As Jackson neared the Gate, the guards approached him. But apon further inspection, allowed Jackson through without a single word. "Welcome Jackson Spears, Son of John. The King welcomes you to the ball." Jackson barely nodded in shock. How did they know who he was? Did everyone know what happened?
The castles grand doors opened to the most magnificent thing Jackson had ever seen. Now this is what it was like to live in riches. Hundreds of people danced to a symphony of violins, trumpets, piano, and other instruments Jackson had never heard before. The King's throne stood on a balcony above the floor, which the King sat. Jackson had never been to a ball before, and therefore had no clue what to do. But he didn't have to wait long before a Royal Servant came up to him saying, "Welcome Jackson Spears. The King has been expecting you."