The COVID-19 pandemic had put a halt to many social events. That included several junior and senior proms in the various high schools in the country. Even WSA had to skip a few proms. While Animalians are on average much healthier than humans, they were still not immune to the coronavirus and had to develop their own vaccine for it. As such, several students missed out on either their junior or senior prom, some missed both.
However, Animalia was providing something that other schools haven’t: another chance of having the prom they missed. Though it was a bit more than a simple prom. To make it up to the students and graduates who missed prom, a grand gala was being held for them. It was held in the colder part of winter both so it wouldn’t clash with the prom that will be held in late spring and so that the guests wouldn’t get too overheated in their fancy suits and dresses.
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The Winter Ball was held in Animalia's Great Hall which was well-decorated for the winter theme. The tablecloths were icy blue and white, glittering and silver snowflakes were hung from the ceiling, and large piles of cotton were stacked in the corners and against the wall to resemble snowbanks. And naturally the food and drinks were chilled.
There was quite a big turnout as nearly graduate has been able to reserve time to come back to Lyre. This was largely due to it being so close to Christmas break and the next semesters not fully starting. Probably the most welcome arrivals were the original cast of Animalia Ambassadoria. Abby had kept her old prom dress as it didn't seem likely another girl would be able to fit in it, not unless she was another horse Animalian. The seven couples were quite popular at the ball. Everyone wanted to chat with them or take selfies with them.
"I'm just glad Simon was able to get some time away from the police academy to come," said Malice.
"I'll be a graduated officer before long," said Simon.
"And then you'll have plenty of time for me," said Malice, her tail wagging.
"Assuming I'm not too busy with policework," said Simon, "And aren't you going to be enrolling in the police academy soon?"
Malice's tail stopped wagging. "Actually, I've been thinking that over," she said, "I think I'm more attracted to a man in uniform than being in uniform myself. It's not that I have anything against the police, of course. I just don't know if that's right for me."
"There's nothing wrong with that," said Simon, "Do you know what job you'll get instead?"
"I'm still mulling that over," said Malice.
"Well, you better get on with it," said Travis, "The next year is going to be your senior year and you need to think of what career you want."
"Unless you're planning on being a full-time housewife," said Sarah.
Malice let out a bark of laughter, "Me? Full-time? I'm not gonna spend all day cleaning and cooking and caring for the pups."
"Which reminds me," said Jessica, "My mom's wanting to know what our weddings will be like. Or if it's going to be one mass wedding."
"She knows we won't be getting married until next year at least," said Sophie.
"Yeah, but big weddings need lot of preparation," said Jessica.
"Not to mention we're expected to move out and find our own places to live," said Abby.
"You're not staying on the farm?" asked Sarah.
"I'm still not sure," said Abby, "We always assumed I would inherit the farm when Mom and Dad retire. But now they're basically no older than me and I'm sure they'll be having more foals at some point. I'm not sure where me and Samson will go."
"I think there's still time to work that out," said Sophie.
"So...is anyone going to be crowned king and queen at this ball?" asked Pauline, trying to change the subject.
"I think they discussed it, but they decided not," said Jessica, "They thought it might stir up some old rivalries and they didn't want to ruin the mood for everyone."
"Pity," said Abby, "I was looking forward to being crowned with Samson."
"You'll always be my queen," said Samson.
Abby gave a whinnying laugh and said, "I can only tolerate that kind of corniness from you."