[Altria cosplay] Fate/Grand Order: Shocks and Surprises at the Avalon Festival

From the moment I received the notification that my package was lost, my mind went completely blank. Just the night before, friends in our group chat were wishing me smooth sailing, so while doing my makeup in the morning, I felt anxious, wondering if the costume was truly gone and when the courier would call. Waiting endlessly with no news, anxious tears ended up smudging my makeup once. By 11:00 AM, still with no call, my mood turned pitch black, quietly resigning myself to the thought that my first time attending FES might end in disappointment. Just as I felt utterly hopeless and ready to give up, my phone lit up with a text from the courier saying the costume had been found. I was spacing out in front of the mirror, and seeing that message brought a sudden rush of joy beyond words. Once the package was in hand, I raced against the clock to redo my makeup, style my hair, and slip into the heavy petticoat and dress. The Avalon Festival outfit is truly majestic; the massive tulle train accented with pale blue blossoms looked stunning under the venue lighting. When I arrived at the convention, the crowds were already massive, but the hall setups were magnificent. The stage with a grand piano and greenery was especially remarkable—pairing the white tulle gown and blonde hair next to the black grand piano created an extraordinary atmosphere. To capture flattering shots, I had to carefully adjust my stance to fan out the skirt like a peacock while avoiding nearby foliage. The festival featured diverse activities, including official photography sessions. Being candidly captured by official cameras made me a bit nervous surrounded by lenses, with staff giving pose cues that gave me a taste of how challenging professional modeling can be. Other cosplayers at the event were of such high caliber, and everyone shared mutual appreciation. Touring the hall included engaging interactive activities like clue hunts and puzzle solving; I jumped into several and met wonderful fellow fans. Looking back on this journey, despite the terrifying start, the ending was complete. Normally I might have given up in frustration, but this time support from friends and a stroke of luck carried me through. Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated courier and friends in the chat who kept reassuring me. Wearing a beloved costume among kindred spirits brings an irreplaceable joy. This first trip to FES gifted me countless unforgettable moments.