Deep breaths. Okay, this was a bit different from the last Contest that El had gone to - definitely a lot less... Formal, they guessed they'd put it, for lack of a better term? But it was still recognized all the same! It was still a contest, ultimately! And it was one that they wanted to give a try - even if they honestly had never done anything drag before.

Though, they couldn't help but wonder why they didn't do something like this sooner (albeit the answer was probably in them having been cooped up for the longest time.) Drag appealed to a certain part of them - the part of them that was never sure where they sat on a certain binary, or even the spectrum between (and beyond) it. To be able to experiment with one's gender presentation and have fun with it, it felt like some amazing new world!

A new world that they were prepared to step into.

It was with the announcement of 'Lady Fairytell, of Elegance and Majesty' that El and Baron made their way onto the stage. It was, perhaps, a bit of a stupid-silly pun upon their own name, but the fact that it made them snicker clearly meant it was perfect.

The scene was like that of a princess making an appearance - El garbed in a long flowing dress, one with trails to the skirt and sleeves that would drift across the ground... Or would, if it wasn't carried by a pair of attending knights - Iron Valiants. Through a use of Double Team, three clones of Baron's would each hold the trails; two for either sleeve in one armored hand - the opposite hands each gripping a spear like loyal bodyguards - and the third holding the trail of the skirt up by both.

Slowly, carefully, El made their way across the stage - a prop scepter that they made acting as their walking cane, to help support their bad leg. They kept their head held high, attempting to put on every look of that of royalty, or a composed noblewoman.

But, once they reached front and center, they'd come to a stop as a fourth Iron Valiant - the real Baron - approached before them, and knelt with an extended hand.

El glanced down to regard the kneeling knight - and with a prim smile, they would reach out to accept the offered hand. Baron slowly rose to his feet, holding El's hand in turn...

... As the Double Team clones were suddenly pulling away the trail of the dress - revealing that it was more than just that. A portion of the skirt and trails to El's outfit were torn away to show that the true outfit underneath was something more akin to something like wedding suits, or perhaps even if a dress met that of a royal guard's garb. It still leaned plenty into the dress end of the spectrum - but it was clear that this was something made to move in, and to have that hint of masculinity included in it all.

And without the trail to get in the way, it was safe to say that El was ready to move. The clones disappeared once the excess cloth was brought offstage, allowing for trainer and Valiant alike to move in a twirling dance. It was one that had Baron actively using Future Sight, general telekinesis, and his natural empathy so as to avoid any moves that would put too much strain on El's knee. It wouldn't do for him to hurt his charge, after all.

It wasn't one as formal as one may expect of a Lady, but it was clear to see that El was here to have fun, even if they had general antsiness about getting onto the stage in the first place. Their laughter was likely faintly audible over the music and ambience of the establishment - face lit up with pure enjoyment. It had taken a bit for them to get Baron in on the shenanigans, after all - but now that he was on stage with them, it was oh-so worth it!

But, the dancing couldn't last forever, of course - this was meant to be an introduction, not the full performance. Thus, the time would come when the two had to come to a stop - Baron catching El in one arm, so that they could lean back with a gestured flair of their hand, smiling as brightly as could be. "Personal enjoyment should be a big part of beauty, don't you think?" They questioned the audience, rhetorically. "It should be about what makes you feel good, in the end!"

To be able to be happy and confident just following one's own flights of fancy, rather than acting to appeal to some nebulous group of people... This was what beauty - and life as a whole - should be about, right?

But ultimately, they also couldn't help thinking to the other contestants - particularly a certain Alexei Ivanov , who they recognized as the gym leader in the very same Fortree that they were stationed in as a Ranger. It was certainly a coincidence for the two of them to be in the same contest - but El was eager to see what sort of show he'd put on, for the crowd!

INFO:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Drag Name/Monicker chosen
- Coordinated w/ a pokemon move (Double Team/Future Sight)
- Gif used!
- Dress described!
- Contestant mentioned
- Beauty defined
- Striking a pose! (special prompt)
Normal Roll: XsXer5xa
Special Prompt Roll: