~*~Tempting Whispers~*~ [Archive]

elizaTrickster

07-19-2007, 02:25 AM

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i57/elizaTrickster/rav_zodiac1000.jpg

"Twelve children bound by fate
Four houses locked in hate
One night to tempt them all
Hundreds wonder, if in love they'll fall?"

In the land of Danl, twelve families rein as bitter rivals. Alliances have been formed amongst them for protection from the others. Each family has one heir that they hope will marry allies to strengthen bonds. But at the annual Masquerade ball in the circular neutral territory, those alliances will be put to the test. The setting? The Masquerade Ball. There, the twelve heirs will be tested and tempted.

~*~

Allegiances:
(Allies of Fire) Proud, Walsh, Fletcher
(Allies of Earth) Sweeney, White, Cardinal
(Allies of Air) Payne, Tairney, Shepherd
(Allies of Water) Sanderson, Wickham, Starveling

The Foes are simple to figure out. The people of the Fire hate the Water and the Earth and Air are rivals.

As I mentioned before, each family has an heir. Luckily, there are six boys and six girls, so that makes things easier. :D

If you didn't guess, this RP is loosely based on the Zodiac.

Rules:
1. Be literate! RA!
2. Must have both a male and female character!
3. Have fun!
4. Keep things PG-13!
5. Remember the Allies and Foes!

Now, we need six people to be actively involved in this RP! Tell your friends! Spread the word! And please, please, don't join and not post.

~*~

Form:
Name:
Age:
Personality:
Bio:
Looks:
Is this an awesome idea or what?:

~*~

Cast: (Will fill in first name when you create it :) )
Nikolina Proud (Leo)- Nikki Jekyll
Jasper Walsh (Aries)- crazy chick
Aurelia Fletcher (Sagittarius)- Ravenheart
Orla Sweeney (Taurus)- premiumdancer
Inwë White (Virgo)- bronny334
Damek Cardinal (Capricorn)- Nikki Jekyll
Darran Payne (Gemini)- elizaTrickster
Fran Tairney (Libra)- premiumdancer
Diana Shepherd (Aquarius)- crazy chick
Darnel Sanderson (Cancer)- bronny334
Alaina Wickham (Scorpio)- elizaTrickster
Starveling (Pisces)- Ravenheart

elizaTrickster

07-19-2007, 02:30 AM

Name: Alaina Wickham
Age: 17
Personality: Alaina has a fiery personality, if she lets you in on it.
Bio: Alaina was trained to hate all of the Fire allies. Hate and remain cold to. Her mother and father were nurturing enough, but they just couldn't see past the boundaries of their hatred.
Looks: http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i57/elizaTrickster/yaya_mask.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?: Most def.

Name: Darran Payne
Age: 20
Personality: A very grounded fellow. He always thinks things through.
Bio: Not much to say really. He lived a very boring life.
Looks: (The guy)
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i57/elizaTrickster/c_masquerade_fin.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?: well... yes.

premiumdancer

07-19-2007, 02:47 AM

Name: Orla Sweeney
Age: 21
Personality: Orla is a pretty agreeable, sensible person until you get on her bad side. If you do...take cover.
Bio: She is the oldest child in her family.
Looks: She has long, glistening straight black hair that is her one vanity, and dark grey eyes flecked with green. She usually wears earthy colours with little ornamentation.
Is this an awesome idea or what?: Yes, it's wonderful. :]

Name: Fran Tairney
Age: 24
Personality: Fran has a bit of a vanity streak he's convinced he doesn't have that causes him to find mirrors and ponds and all reflective surfaces to be rather irresistable. He lives in fear of the thought that his hairline might begin receding prematurely like his father's did. He finds it difficult to disagree with people, and likes to make both sides of an argument happy, though he'll do anything possible to avoid being one of the sides in an argument.
Bio: Fran has had a reasonably good life so far, and enjoys the finer things in life. His life has been unmarred by tragedy and abnormalcy.
Looks: He has medium brown hair that sticks up in odd places here and there in a pseudo-bed head way. He has a peculiar facial structure that in some lights can be bird-like and in others can be rodent-like. He usually wears vibrant, rich colours and is a bit of a peac-ck.
Is this an awesome idea or what?: Yes, it is wonderful.

Since they censor the name of a particular bird, anyway, I thought I'd re-censor it myself. At least now it's more aesthetically pleasing. (Laaaame. I really hate that it gets censored. It's just The Man trying to bring me down.)

Ravenheart

07-19-2007, 03:15 AM

I'll be Sag and Pisces. Hang on, I'll make my profiles...

elizaTrickster

07-19-2007, 03:46 AM

Thank you for joining. I'd hoped we'd get a larger response, but I guess we'll just have to wait.

Nikki Jekyll

07-19-2007, 04:24 AM

Name: Nikolina Proud
Age: 19
Personality: Nikolina appears to be docile and coy, but looks are decieving. She puts on an act for her family, but when she is being herself, well... she's been described as a wildfire. When she's angry, you don't want to get burned.
Bio: Nikolina's father always antagonised over peace between the clans, and she doesn't want to screw this up and let him down.
Looks:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p266/x_coulrophobiaa/art/masquerade.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?: I'm joining aren't I?

Name: Damek Cardinal
Age: 18
Personality: Emotionless and dark, Damek tends to scare women away rather than attract them.
Bio: Damek always had a feeling that he'd be forced into marriage as a truce. Right before the Ball he had an epic argument with his father about the fact that he wasn't a bargaining chip.
Looks:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e204/Newplague8_9/Masquerade.jpg
He's the guy obviously.
Is this an awesome idea or what?: Yes.

elizaTrickster

07-20-2007, 11:37 AM

Thank you, Nikki! :D

crazy_chick

07-22-2007, 12:09 AM

((I'll take Leo and Aquarius! ^^))

crazy_chick

07-22-2007, 12:32 AM

Name: Diana Sheperd
Age: 19
Personality: Quiet, watches all the time
Bio: Diana's mother and father believe that she was replaced with a fairy at the childhood. This alone attests to her strangeness and withdrawal from society as a whole. Her father, a large, passionate man finds it hard to look her in the eyes when he talks with her and her mother, though she dotes on both her father and little brother, keeps contact with her to a minimum. She prefers the outlook from the holes of a mask to that of her two eyes.
Looks:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/Sheska16/Anime%20Or%20Anime%20AMV/MASK.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?: It looks like it's going to be fun!
_____________________________

Name: Jasper Walsh
Age: 20
Personality: Proud, adventurous, ambitious, strong-willed, determined to have what he wants
Bio: Jasper takes the crisis between the families very seriously and though he is his families' son body and soul he is not so tied that he cannot take a break from it to enjoy a pretty face even if it is the daughter of a water family.
Looks:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v675/MadHattergirl/guy%20anime/good/__Sire___by_Divine_Star.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?:

Nikki Jekyll

07-22-2007, 12:39 AM

Name: Jasper Proud
Age: 20
Personality: Proud, magnanimous, strong-willed, determined to have what he wants
Bio: Jasper takes the crisis between the families very seriously and though he is his families' son body and soul he is not so tied that he cannot take a break from it to enjoy a pretty face even if it is the daughter of a water family.
Looks:
((Where do you find good pictures??))
Is this an awesome idea or what?:

I've already claimed the Proud girl.

crazy_chick

07-22-2007, 12:57 AM

((Ooops!! Sorry! I'll change that now!))

elizaTrickster

07-23-2007, 11:42 AM

Thank you, crazy chick. Sorry if I have been inattentive to this RP, priorites you know. I had to finish the last Harry Potter book. :D

bronny334

07-23-2007, 12:57 PM

Allo! I'll join as well.

Name: Inwë White
Age: 16
Personality: Fun loving, nature adoring, Inwë actually is sarcastic at times, a little shy with new people and wild with those she gets to know.
Bio: Her parents were loving and warm to her, so Inwë kept in check the desire to be cold to her rivals at the masquerade. Her life was full of mischief with her friends and family members. She usually spent her time in archery, climbing trees, riding horses, feeding the birds, helping in the garden etc.
Looks: http://www.labyrinthmasquerade.com/aspects/fonda/loj_masquerade.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?: awesomeness. Is it all during the masquerade then?

bronny334

07-23-2007, 01:05 PM

Name: Darnel Sanderson
Age: 19
Personality: Darnel is lively but usually keeps to himself. He likes to roam, read books, but when he gathers friends he's usually around with them, searching for something exciting to read or learn about.
Bio: He has a fine family, though they do get cold to him once in awhile. He got the belt more than once by his father, but Darnel shows no remorse for those days.
Looks: Dark skinned, Darnel has black hair cut close. He usually wears a black velvet tailcoat with frilled white cuffs. He also has amazing hazel eyes.

premiumdancer

07-24-2007, 11:35 PM

I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but we can't start without Ravenheart's profiles...

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 08:05 PM

Okay, okay, I'm here now *sigh* sorry.

You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find these pics...

Name: Aurelia Fletcher
Age: 18
Personality: Philosphical and romantic
Bio: Aurelia was always thirsty for knowledge, even as young as three years old. In an effort to understand the reasoning behind all this insane and useless rivalry Aurelia became scholarly at a fairly young age. It put a damper on her social life, but she didn't mind. For years her books have been her only love, the world of the fantasy and fiction she read more real to her than the real world, like an escape. But now she's attending the masquerade ball in an effort to learn more about the one forbidden subject: the other families.
Looks: http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w6/ravenheart737/mask2.jpg
Is this an awesome idea or what?: Hell yeah!

And here comes the guy

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 08:12 PM

Name: Joseph Starveling
Age: 20
Personality: Quiet, but intellegent, and a sap in denial.
Bio: Being born a boy and therefore with the ability to carry on the family name, he became VERY important to his parents, and not simply out of love. Sick and tired of constantly fighting with them, he decided that the best tactic with them was to put on an emotionless face. nod, and say 'yes' whenever they wanted to hear it. It eventually became part of his personality. Going to the ball, however, was not one such case. Overcome by curiosity he agreed to go, no acting involved.
Looks: http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w6/ravenheart737/mask3.jpg ((The only decent-looking guy in a mask I could find -_-;; ))
Is this an awesome idea or what?: As before, hell yes.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 08:13 PM

Yay! So, when shall we begin? :]

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 08:29 PM

((I guess now))

The distant twinkling of music flooded the courtyard where Alaina stood. She could make out the forms of others in the darkness entering the grand building. Sighing heavily, she decided to climb the stairs and face the, ahem, music. Light blinded her eyes. It was the grandest affair she has ever beheld. Picking up her skirts, Alaina made her way over towards the tables and claimed one as her own.

There was no way to tell who was friend and who was foe. Darran, the ever faithful and somewhat closed-minded, bull complained to himself. He was to afraid that moving or drawing any attention, would excite the enemy if they recognised him. What is they did? What if right now they were planning something? He shook his head slightly. No. He was too level-headed for this kind of fear.

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 08:34 PM

Diana made sure the ribbons holding on her whole face mask where secure then lifted up the skirt of her skirt and descended the stairs into the ballroom where she headed towards a table and sat.

Jasper strolled into the room with a self-assured smile and looked around. His eyes caught on a Alaina sitting at her table and he walked over and smiled. "Hello," he said casually.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 08:37 PM

Fran strolled down the extravagantly decorated hallway. This was living, he thought to himself. Before exiting the hallway, he made sure to carefully rearrange his hair in the mirror. You never know when you'll next see a mirror, he reminded himself. Better to be safe than sorry.
Fran took his appearance very seriously.
With one last flicking of a strand, he turned away from the mirror, satisfied. Smoothing down his flamboyant outfit, he entered the grand room where others already sat, masked and waiting. He shivered a little. Don't put it like that, he scolded himself.

As Orla studied all the fascinating and fancy decor, she found herself scoffing at the waste. It was unnecessary, she thought. She pushed those thoughts from her mind. She didn't want to be taken off-guard by anyone, so she needed to be more concerned with the people around her. She sighed mentally.

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 08:39 PM

"Hello." Alaina replied. She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to see, the bright light was annoying.

Darran pushed himself off the wall on which he was leaning. He decided to make an attempt at conversation. "Hello, sir. Enjoying the eveing?" He asked a flamboyent man whom he thought he recognised. "Fran?" He whispered in question.

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 08:42 PM

Aurelia had been so excited to attend the ball, and had dressed her finest. But now that she was here, it all seemed so different. Behind these masks, somewhere someone doubtless hated her.

At a party full of people, her own shyness kept her alone.

Rather than take her seat right away, she kept backed against a wall, trying not to be noticeable. At least everything was beautiful here... still, the place and people could only keep her so distracted.

~~~

Joseph was not the type to be startled by anything. Rather, he often came off as having the upper hand, and this was no exception.

Rather than hang back, he went into the middle of everything, seating himself at a table and just watching everything around him. A grand occasion... he planned to make the most of it.

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 08:45 PM

Jasper smiled, "You looked rather lonely and such a beautiful lady should never be alone at a ball," he said. He had an idea of who this was, but what did it matter of identity? They would all know at midnight.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 08:47 PM

Taking the cue from Darran, Fran replied in his normal voice, "It is a grand night, do you not agree?" Lowering his voice he added, trying not to smile, "Yes, of course. Who else could I be, Darran?"

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 08:51 PM

"Hm. I suppose you are right. And at a ball such as this," Alaina gestured to the room, "who knows what dangers there are?" She smiled up at the man. She decided it was best not to guess at his identity. She loved mystery.

Darran laughed. "I don't know anyone else who's dress like that. And I'm sure no one else does either. You play a dangerous game, Fran."

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 08:53 PM

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 08:54 PM

"Did you want me dressing like some fool who has no idea what colours go well with what others?" He gestured vaguely to his right, where he knew someone less fabulously dressed had to be. "I thought this was rather an undertone, to be honest."

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 08:56 PM

To occupy himself, Joseph tried to pick out who was who, just to get an idea of who he was dealing with. Some of them he was almost sure. Others... he had no idea.

~~~

Aurelia tried to walk away from the wall a few times. But every time she re-thought it and quickly decided against it. Well, at least her parents would be pleased, but she certainly wasn't!

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 09:00 PM

Diana examined the people in the room through the eyeholes of the mask and felt a kind of power at being unkown. She looked at the two men talking, they seemed to know each other.

"Only the usual ones for the twelve, I suppose," Jasper remarked, he was glad she had accepted his compliment, some girls didn't like them. "It's hard not to be in danger as one."

Alaina nodded in consent. Certainly the danger found here was normal. "How far do you believe the tweleve will take things?" No one could have said that with a straight face. No one but Alaina. "You know what I mean. Just last week there was an attempt on Lady Wickham's life. Let's not talk about these things. It's too early." She smiled.

Darran looked down at his clothing. He didn't know how well dressed he was for Darran didn't think like that. "I-I guess you're right... undertone." He mumbled.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:03 PM

Fran couldn't help grinning. "You know," he began in a way that suggested the handling of seductive secrets, "I could help you with that, if you'd like. Maybe the ladies would be more keen to get to know you then." He took a deep breath. "If we both survive anyway," he added in a less playful tone.

Orla sat alone, somewhat bored. She knew she should be alert, but she couldn't help her mind drifting of its own accord, could she? She tried to watch other people, but she found herself completely apathetic to the idea of identifying individuals.

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 09:06 PM

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 09:09 PM

Diana stood and walked silently till she stood behind Orla. Just as she had suspected Orla didn't notice. She probably won't last the night, she thought as she glided back to her seat. Such experiments were good for her, they kept her in practice with her ability to move quietly and also helped her judge the people around her.

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 09:10 PM

Jasper shrugged, "As far as they feel is needed." He smiled. "At this occasion I believe that such topics of conversation are discouraged. Instead we are encouraged to have fun and try to kill each other. Speaking of which," he said, "do you have any poison catches or the like that I should know about?" he asked and looked down at her ring, "Like in your ring perhaps?" it was all said in a light tone of voice, but the questions were serious.

Alaina laughed. "Indeed. No I have not. Believe me, I would never consider breaking the nutrality of this place. But I do not intend upon letting myself be killed either. And since we are incouraged to have fun and be merry, I suggest we drop it."

Darran flushed. "Wha-? I- No no. That's perfectly alright. It's not my... my place to... erm. woo?" Darran tripped over his words as gracefully as he could manage.

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 09:13 PM

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:15 PM

Orla flicked her long hair behind her shoulder. It felt as though it hit something...someone. Turning slowly around, Orla saw there was in fact someone behind her. Cursing silently, she greeted her.

Fran chuckled softly. "Good man, you could woo anyone you wished." He stopped and blinked, confused by his own words, which were merely his first reaction to Darran's poor excuse for a sentence. Normally inital reactions worked out so well for him. "Erm. Whatever I mean by that..." Fran trailed off awkwardly.

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 09:18 PM

Diana smiled curteously. "Hello," she said smoothly offering no explanation for why she had been standing behind her. There was none needed, they both knew.

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 09:18 PM

Jasper smiled. "How could I refuse? I will drop it immediately," he looked around the room then back at Alaina. "Wasn't there something supposed to be happening now or was I mistaken? Some kind of introduction or the like?"

"Possi-." Alaina was cut off by a loud voice that seemed to come from the sky. She nearly jumped out of her seat.

"Welcome one and all to our annual ball!
Welcome to our world of masks and fate!
Be sure to- to- erm do I have to say it? Fine. Fine. Be sure to visit the souviner stall... damn product placement. Anyway, remember revelers of love and hate: This is neutral teritory. Any feuds must die at the door. Stay, dance, there is more in store!"

Darran was glad that the announcment cut across the now akward conversation with Fran. "So Fran?" He said all laughter and swung his arm around him, "Dressed up for anyone special?"

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:26 PM

Only slightly flushed, Fran said jovially, "I'll keep that to myself, thank you! Be concerned about your own affairs, if you please! What cheek! Ach, what would your mother say?"

Orla couldn't think of anything to say. She didn't want to say anything to anyone or do anything at all. She wanted to be home, safe and unharmed. But she shook those thoughts away. She was here right now, and she had to survive the night. That would be her one concern.
"A fabulous night, isn't it? But dangerous...you can almost smell it in the air."
She knew it wasn't the beginning of a conversation she was prepared to enjoy, but her mind was otherwise blank.

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 09:30 PM

Aurelia was jumped by the voice, but quickly realized her own foolishness. Just a voice...

A stupid voice. Did it not realize the difficulty of what it was saying?

Tempted though she was to listen, it wasn't that simply. She was shy, she knew nobody, and she ettiquite (sp?) dictated that as a lady she not dance until asked by a gentleman.

~~~

Jospeh's reaction to the speech was more one of 'imbicile, what does it look like?' Despite the tension, people were at least TRYING to get along, ladies and gentlemen both chatting together.

Come to think of it, he thought, he should probably try interacting with SOMEONE...

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 09:31 PM

Jasper heard the musicians strike up a tune and offered his arm to Alaina. "May I have this dance," he asked, his eyes twinkling.

Diana smiled detachedly. "Yes, it is almost palpable, but what else to expect from such a gathering?" she remarked, letting her eyes pass over the men and women who made up the sons and daughters of the twelve.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:34 PM

"I just hope that everyone remembers that this is a safe haven for everyone," Orla replied. She never understood why everyone in the world couldn't just get along. "Certainly, masks are one of the most frightening things in the world, second only to dreams, but tonight they could conceal other terrors more horrible." She was babbling now, and she knew it. She'd always been an awkward conversationalist.

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 09:34 PM

"Indeed you may. I might was well do something besides sit around and grow old." Alaina laughed and took his arm.

Darran grinned. "My mother would say: "What would Fran's mother say?" She is quite envious of her."

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:37 PM

Fran laughed. "And how could she not be? Look at what a wonderful son she produced! Why, anyone in their right mind would be!"

crazy_chick

07-26-2007, 09:38 PM

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:40 PM

"Oh, but the hiding...that is the terrible thing." Orla didn't appreciate this girl's condescending manner. "The unknown is the fear of the world."

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 09:41 PM

Diana smiled under her mask at the thought of masks being dangerous. "But they afford protection as well, do not forget that the very mask that hides their terrors hide your own fears," she remarked softly.

Jasper laughed as well and led her to the dance floor. "Old age would not dare strike you," he said.

"I regret to say that I am only human." Alaina sighed in mock dispar.

Darran laughed. "True. She doesn't much approve of your dress though." Darran said and fingered his cravatt.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:45 PM

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 09:48 PM

Fran rolled his eyes dramatically. "Well, look at how her own son is dressed," he said, gesturing disdainfully to Darran's dull clothing. "Though I'd like to think she disapproves because she thinks I'm putting myself in more danger." Fran sobered slightly. Though he and Darran had certainly been holding nothing back when trying to enjoy themselves, he couldn't forget that clouds dared darken this day.

Darran looked down at the floor. He had not forgotten. He was not one to act unless provoked to do so. Darran hoped no one would try anything. "Steady there. There is no reason to talk of such things."

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 09:51 PM

"Well, we can't lie to ourselves, can we?" Fran began in a low, twisted voice. "I'd like to think that the only thing I need to be worried about tonight is my hair staying properly in place, but..." He stopped himself. "I'd also like to think that no one here would dare forsake the temporary truce, but..." He stopped himself again, and found that he wasn't sure if he could be merry again.

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 10:00 PM

"Well. Look, we don't have to lie to ouesleves, but we could refrain from tlaking about it." Darrran sighed. "Why don't we go over and talk to those to wonderful ladies? Would you feel better then?"

Alaina wasn't amazing at dancing and tripped at few times during the number. She hoped she had done so elgantly at least...

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 10:03 PM

Aurelia could distract herself with her immediate surroundings no longer, so she finally left her spot at the wall. She walked past the couple chatting at the table, past the two gentlemen against the wall, and overall away from everyone, and stood by one of the open windows, looking out over the land.

~~~

Joseph saw the agitated girl go by... or maybe she was just impatient.

This had to stop, he decided, and began to look for someone to dance with.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 10:03 PM

Fran grinned a little slowly. "All right. You win. Go drag me over to those beautiful women and make me talk."

elizaTrickster

07-26-2007, 10:08 PM

"Change of plans, mate." Darran said and lightly shoved a harrased looking Fran towards Aurelia. "Sorry. But it looks like yours is getting away." Darran waved.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 10:12 PM

Throwing a wicked glare at his friend, Fran approached the girl standing by the window.
"Mother Nature certainly knew what she was doing, didn't she? If only Man did, too," he said in a somewhat whimsical voice.
Despite all his banter that might imply otherwise, he was really rather inexperienced with women.

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 10:22 PM

Aurelia was surprised to hear that she had company... but as long as she did, she was not about to run away from it.

"This is true," she said, smiling slightly at him and standing slightly aside so he could look out as well. "Still, it would seem we have done well enough." And she gestured to the beautiful hall they were in.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 10:29 PM

"I suppose that all depends on what perspective you see from. I see you must be an optimist." There was something about the girl that made him want to be quiet, more subdued. He thought being his usual vibrant self would seem crass and false.

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 10:41 PM

She laughed gently. "Only for the occasion, I am doing my best to keep an open mind."

I'm actually scared stiff, she thought, but she was not about to say it.

premiumdancer

07-26-2007, 10:45 PM

Fran smiled. "Yes, that would be the best way to conduct yourself." He wondered if she had any idea how nervous he was. He hoped not. "I myself try not to judge others before I know them well. And even then one can be wrong about one's assumptions."
He had no idea why he felt it necessary to adapt to her mood. What did he think was going to happen? Nothing probably would, he reminded himself with only a tiny pinch of bitterness.

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 10:49 PM

((Hey, I have to go. I'll be back online later))

Ravenheart

07-26-2007, 11:51 PM

"Sometimes that is easier said than done," she said. "Still, I do try... I cannot tell you how glad I am to find someone of a like mind here."

At first she had felt so uptight, but whoever this stranger was, he seemed like good company, and the conversation simply seemed to flow.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 12:01 AM

Fran smiled brightly, blushing a little. "I can imagine." He paused for a moment or two, staring out into the night. "I suppose you don't like to dance?" He wasn't sure if it was a question, or what he was implying by asking it, or what she would even reply with. But he didn't care right now. He was enjoying himself.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 12:08 AM

Aurelia's eyes lit up at his words. "Quite the opposite," she laughed. "I love dancing."

Was it an invitation? She wasn't going to make assumptions.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 12:10 AM

Fran grinned. "Well, what a coincidence! I, too, love dancing." He wet his lips a little nervously. "Would you...like to dance? With me? Now?" He stammered. He sounded like a fool, but hopefully an endearing fool.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 12:23 AM

Aurelia's face turned red beneath her mask. "It would be a pleasure," she said, suddenly nervous herself. But she was still smiling shyly.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 12:28 AM

He grandly offered her his hand and lead her to the centre, where couples were dancing. He was glad that when he said he loved dancing, he wasn't lying, and had the skill to prove it.
He still felt a little nervous, but it wasn't an uncomfortable nervousness, where he felt faint and as though everything he did was stupid. It actually wasn't an altogether unpleasant feeling.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 12:43 AM

He was charming, she thought. It was very hard to remember that he might be the enemy.

Oh, who even cared?

She followed him onto the dance floor... into the middle of it? Confident. She would not disappoint him.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 12:49 AM

As they were dancing, Fran found himself confused as to what he should be looking at. He tried looking at his dance partner, but then felt embarassed and flustered and had to look away. But then he felt rude and odd for not looking at her...Oh, he thought to himself, dancing was never this troubling before.
But despite such details, Fran found himself enjoying dancing more than he ever had before. It was a little like flying.
"The music is lovely," he said. He hadn't been sure whether talking or not talking was better, but he'd finally decided on the former.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 01:49 AM

"It is," Aurelia agreed. "The whole scene is like something from a story. The music just completes it."

She felt a little foolish, worrying about everything, wondering why he was looking at her and then why he was not, meanwhile inadvertently doing the same thing. But despite the fretting she couldn't help but marvel at how much fun she was having simply dancing.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 02:41 AM

Fran smiled. "Indeed. It's all very..." He trailed off, unable to find an appropriate word. A thousand words flew through his head, none of them what he was looking for. "Breathtaking," he finished, thinking the word was a rather inadequate way to describe everything he was feeling right now. "It's the most wonderful thing I've ever experienced," he added, though he could hardly say whether he meant the masquerade or something else.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 03:12 AM

"Eloquently put," she said. "Something about tonight is different... I'm sorry, I must sounds so foolish," she laughed at herself.

He must think I'm an idiot, she thought. Why did that bother her? Maybe he was the enemy, but somehow she got the impression that he wasn't going to try to kill her, either.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 03:27 AM

"Oh, no, no, not at all!" Fran's brows were slightly knit, and he felt more concerned about that statement than he could have explained. "I could hardly claim eloquence, and you are anything but a fool. I understand exactly what you mean," he added, though he wasn't quite sure he did. He hoped the conversation wasn't turning into another about how this was truly a gathering of enemies. He only wanted to enjoy this inexplicable feeling of elation.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 03:33 AM

Aurelia could tell he was thinking about the darker side of the event. Though he tried to smile it was written in his eyes. So rather than try to explain her thoughts, she decided to change the subject.

"You dance very well," she said lightly.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 03:46 AM

Fran smiled heartily again. "I should say the same about you. It seems we make a nice pair." Immediately upon hearing his words, he blushed again. "Dancing, you know...we dance well...together..." He sputtered. He sounded like a fool again, he knew. Trying to think of a way to change the subject, his mind turned up a blank.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 03:57 AM

She giggled at his stammering. It was rather... endearing.

"Oh... thank you," she said, realizing she had been complimented. "I suppose we do dance well together... don't we?"

It sounded so strange. Words like 'together' and 'pair' and even 'we' when they would go back to not knowing each other tomorrow. But the masks were on, and for now she was quite content to keep it on: they were normal people, at a ball dancing, just enjoying each other's company.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 04:09 AM

Fran smiled, laughing quietly. It didn't matter if she thought he was silly, just so long as tonight never ended...The thought that this joyous feeling may not be able to continue beyond tonight rose up from the depths of his mind, and he shoved the dismal thing away as quickly as he could.
He tried to think of another comment. Usually he was so quick-witted and full of conversation. But now he felt giddy and nervous and wonderful, and his mouth and mind were not connecting.
"Do you enjoy birds?" He burst out, finally. Fran immediately winced, thinking, What a stupid thing to say! He had no idea what he was talking about anymore. He just wanted the conversation to continue.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 04:18 AM

It was so random and so blunt that she almost thought she misunderstood him. But no, no matter how she looked at it, the question remained the same.

She decided it was best to persist with the conversation, but could not help looking at him a little strangely.

"What's not to be enjoyed?" she asked. Honestly she kept one as a pet, and she was rather fond of it, but the situation was so strange she didn't feel like divulging that right away. "Why do you ask?"

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 04:50 AM

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 05:11 AM

"Oh, but the hiding...that is the terrible thing." Orla didn't appreciate this girl's condescending manner. "The unknown is the fear of the world."

"I regret to say that I am only human." Alaina sighed in mock dispar.

Alaina wasn't amazing at dancing and tripped at few times during the number. She hoped she had done so elgantly at least...

Diana smiled secretly. "I see," she said ambiguously and wandered off without a backward glance. Inside though she sighed, just another close-minded fool like her parents. Would anyone dare to be different?

Jasper smiled. "Then let us enjoy this as much we can, lest old age try to strike before its time."
As they danced Jasper kept his hand firmly but gently on the small of her back and tried his best to help her along when she stumbled.
As that number ended and another started he led her from the floor with a smile. "You dance most beautifuly," he complimented, knowing that she would call him out for it.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 02:25 PM

((oops sorry o.o I'll get my characters in after I get my new uniform ><))

Inwë ran up the grande steps to the large front doors. Slipping past she trotted down the hall and turned to be swept into the masquerade. At first she was stunned by the beauty of the place, but she gathered herself up and waded past the handsome and beautiful people dancing about.

"My apologies," she murmured as she bumped into a pair. She could feel the blush reddening her cheeks but she moved on.

----------------------------------

Darnel stayed in the corner, watching everyone with blank eyes. His hands clasped infront of him, he stepped from the shadows and sat down quietly. His eyes paused over a few young women, but he kept to himself. Now is not the time to go boldly. Patience.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 05:15 PM

Diana moved through the room quietly, looking at everyone she passed and trying to guess who was who. As her eyes passed over them she saw a young man back in the corner who looked promising. He wasn't out talking or dancing and that said that he was either waiting or not interested.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 05:29 PM

"Erm...I--It--Well...To be perfectly honest, I don't really know." He hung his head a little, his face flushed. "I just couldn't think of anything to say, and that just came out. It was really rather stupid..." He wanted to go on, to say that normally he wasn't quite this ridiculous, but he didn't want to embarass himself further and he wasn't sure how true that was anyway.

Aurelia let out a small sigh of relief. She wanted to tell him it wasn't stupid... but she didn't want to lie either. Again, he was foolish, but it was somehow endearing, and it made her feel like her own nervousness wasn't so strange.

"Oh... do not worry," she said, the awkwardness subsiding some. "I understand. I must confess I am a little nervous as well..."

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 05:37 PM

They danced in silence a little longer. Fran thought maybe not talking was better, after all. His face still felt like it was on fire, and he wished to divert her thoughts from how silly he was (because he was sure that's what she was dwelling on) and have her instead think how witty and charming and wonderful he was.
Again, he wondered why he needed that to happen. After all, could anything even continue beyond tonight? He pushed the thought aside, and found himself caught once more between looking and not-looking at his dance partner.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 05:42 PM

Jasper smiled. "Then let us enjoy this as much we can, lest old age try to strike before its time."
As they danced Jasper kept his hand firmly but gently on the small of her back and tried his best to help her along when she stumbled.
As that number ended and another started he led her from the floor with a smile. "You dance most beautifuly," he complimented, knowing that she would call him out for it.

"You are just being polite." Alaina pouted a bit. She had hoped to aviod such a blunder. Alaina had never been much of a dancer.

Darran looked around for something to do. Fran was off having the time of his life, and alone, Darran was dull. He was boring and lame. Darran decided to throw himself in a chair and angst in a corner.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 05:53 PM

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 05:57 PM

Without having to impress him with charming conversation (or at least attempting such) Aurelia was able to think more about the dance, and her partner for that matter. She began to wonder if she would even care if she saw who was under the mask...

They did not conceal, she thought. Only revealed. They freed their wearers from their identities and thus the age-old hatred that bound them. She wondered if this was the reality, and their daily lives the fantasy.

But nobody could see that, not even him, charming though he may be, she thought. But that wasn't going to keep her from enjoying every moment of this evening.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 06:01 PM

Jasper shook his head, "You are right, I suppose, but perhaps I could help you dance better? It is really just a game of follow the leader!"

Diana sighed softly and looked around for someone to talk to. She could see no one at the moment so she moved away from the crowd and sat at a corner table and watched the proceedings.

"I suppose you could. Especially since you have helped me so much already." Alaina's eyes seemed to dance with laughter. "This is turning out to be a most interesting evening."

Darran was too bust angsting to notice anything around him. He was useless. He wasn't charming or clever. He failed. Darran's mother wouldn't be happy... and that wouldn't be fun for anyone. His mother's fabled wrath was taken out almost exclusivly on her children. If Darran didn't get the guts to talk with a woman, he'd surely be in the doghouse.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 06:01 PM

Dancing in silence, Fran looked around the room and saw his friend Darran sadly darkening a corner with brooding. Fran frowned a little. Then he caught himself, not wanting her to think that he was frowning because of something to do with her.
The song ended.
Now Fran was torn between staying with the girl and seeing what was wrong with Darran. He stood helplessly, mentally willing her to make the first move.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 06:06 PM

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 06:12 PM

Aurelia could not help but feel disappointed when the song ended. She slowly stood back from him, blushing slightly.

"Thank you for the dance," she said to him.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 06:15 PM

Jasper stepped back and gave a little bow. "Then let the lessons begin!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling in mirth. "Indeed it is," he said as he led her back to the dance floor.

Diana turned and saw the brooding figure in the corner. She stood again and walked over. "Is the party all that bad?" she asked bluntly.

Alaina smiled and follwed Jasper back out into the fray. This is where the real battle lay. And Alaina's mission was to pull off a dance without causing ridicule to be bestowed on her. In between steps Alaina allowed herself to think about her new teacher. He certainly was a mystery. Well, she was a Whickam afterall. Mystery came with the terriotry.

Darran looked up and couln't begin to form a coherrent sentance. Darran fumbled for worlds, but for all his efforts, could onyl come up with: "No." He flushed behind his mask. He was so akward!

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 06:17 PM

"It was my pleasure," Fran replied, bowing with a flourish and smiling brilliantly. His smile faltered for a moment. Now what? He threw a glance back at Darran. There was a girl talking to him now. He supposed he'd be all right then. After all, he could hardly blame him for not spending the entire night with him, when he was the one who'd pushed Fran at this girl. Granted, he couldn't have known...Fran stopped himself. He would not feel bad about deserting his friend. It wasn't deserting, after all. Right.
"Em. Would you like to accompany me on the terrace? It looked like a lovely night to be outside."
Fran hoped she wasn't getting tired of being with him. He hoped he would be able to think of things to say, if she wasn't.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 06:20 PM

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 06:29 PM

Jasper carefully guided her through the steps of the dance. Smiling when she got it right and helping her when she didn't. It was strange dancing with someone he didn't know, but in an exhilarating way, here he could be whoever he wanted so long as he remembered to watch for danger and no one would know!

Diana smiled slightly, "Then why are you sitting back here all alone?" she asked.

Alaina remembered then that a mask was something to hide behind. He was a tweleve like her. This made him more dangerous, more real, than in her schooling. Alaina couldn't help herself and laughed. "Dancing with Danger. Ha ha! It sounds like a novel!"

Darran struggled to think. This woman seemed to turn his mind to sludge. "No reason in particular."

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 06:30 PM

Aurelia had expected that to be it for the night, but was quite pleasantly surprised by this. And he was right, the night was lovely and to be enjoyed. Now she wouldn't have to do so alone.

"Yes, gladly," she answered, smiling at him.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 06:33 PM

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 06:33 PM

He found himself blushing again, and looked away. He dramatically waved his hand towards the terrace.
"Ladies first," he said with a smile.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 06:41 PM

Jasper laughed at the thought, "It does! But then this whole thing is like a novel isn't it? All we need is the dead body and we've got it all!" The idea made him laugh again, but he was aware of how real that possibility was.

Diana smiled and held out her hand. "Then will you allow me this dance? I haven't danced yet and I'm afraid the talk here is a bit too close-minded for my tastes."

Alaina made a face of pain behind her face. "Ooh... bad choice of words. But I forgive you!" she laughed. "I suppose you are right. This all seems like something you read in a penny book." Alaina's smile faded and the number ended.

Darran became suddenly defensive. "Well, you haven't talked to everybody have you? There are some people that you have to get to know before judging them." Darran thought of Fran in particular. Then Darran relised what a horrible outburst he had and tried to amend it. "I- I'm sorry. I must seek your forgiveness. I spoke without thought. A dance would be lovely. I too have not yet danced."

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 06:45 PM

She headed out to the terrace, overlooking the land around. Could it have been any more picturesque? The land, the partygoers, the music, the building, all perfect. Just for tonight, eveything was perfect. And for once she found herself not as an onlooker, but a participant.

She paused and looked back to the gentleman, just to see if he had indeed followed.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 06:48 PM

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 06:51 PM

Fran hoped she hadn't thought he would try to trick her to get away from her. He couldn't stand the thought of her thinking ill of him.
Though the picture of Darran sitting alone still nagged at him. He started dancing with a girl, he reminded himself. Dancing. Oh, no. He's going to need some friendly support later, Fran told himself helplessly.
"It's as though the night sky is dark fabric, and the stars are the pins holding it up." Immediately he flushed again. He had often had this thought, but was always afraid someone would laugh at him if he'd spoken it. He had no idea why he said it now.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 06:56 PM

Jasper smiled. "And now I can say that you really do dance beautifully!" he exclaimed. He took a step back, but didn't relinquish her hand yet. "I hate to relinquish your hand to another," he said softly, looking her in the eyes.

Diana shook her head, "No, it is I who must be forgiven," she said. "I have judged them too quickly and spoke without thought," inside her mind though she was no less sure that conversation with some of these would be as satisfying as lying on broken glass.

"Well... I- um. Currently you are the only one interested. So..." Alaina wasn't sure where so was going with that statement. She didn't want to tell him flat out that she didn't want him to let go either.

Darran looked relieved. If not confuesed. Darran didn't think he was particurally open-minded and wondered why she walked over to him in the first place. As he led her to the floor and began to dance, Darran tried to reason things out.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 07:01 PM

"And the moon a diamond on a black velvet sky," Aurelia chimed in, agreeing. She never would have guessed that anyone else thought of it the same way. Perhaps we are more alike than I thought...

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 07:04 PM

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 07:07 PM

"Yes! Exactly!" He was so glad it made sense to someone else. "I suppose it's a bit chilly out," he said as an afterthought.
He still couldn't get the depressed image of Darran out of his mind. Darran looked like he was at a funeral, while Fran was thoroughly enjoying himself. Well, he reminded himself, it's not my responsibility to ensure that Darran enjoys himself. A small voice replied, are you sure? He silenced that irrational voice.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 07:08 PM

Jasper nodded, "Then would you rather dance the next dance or do...something else?" he asked, again with a soft voice.

Diana watched his face as they danced, almost seeing the wheels and cogs spin in his mind as he thought. As he twirled her, she somehow managed to trip on the hem of her dress and fall against him. She looked up at him surprise and felt her heart beat like a caged bird. She was too close! What if he had a knife, a dagger? She was dead if she didn't move!

"Um... I..." Alaina struggled a bit. His soft voice was a little scary, and a little exciting. "I am not sure how much dancing I feel like doing... but at the same time, I'm not sure what else we can do..."

Darran froze as Diana landed against him. What if she had a weapon? What if she were going to kill him now? Darran didn't move in fear for his life.

((I'll be back on later! :( ))

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 07:13 PM

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 07:13 PM

"I hadn't noticed," she said sincerely. Suddenly Aurelia realized how stupid she must have sounded and sighed, face turning red. Not to mention she was probably imposing upon him to want to stay outside. Of course, he could go in if he wanted to, right? Oh dear...

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 07:17 PM

"Oh, no...I--" Fran suddenly realised that she probably thought that he'd meant he wanted to go inside now, that he was bored with her. "I just...I hardly noticed myself, really. I'd rather cool off out here than be stuck in there." He gestured to the room. "It's much more comfortable."

bronny334

07-27-2007, 07:22 PM

((woah you guys.. XD))

Darnel bit his lip. Suddenly feeling very alone he pushed himself from the corner and strode to a seat near the dance floor. He probably wouldn't seem as much of a loner as he did in in the solitary corner. Running his hands through his hair he sat down.

-----------------------------

Inwë tapped at the table she as at. She saw stumbling women on the dance floor, and a few people still sitting as lonely as a shunned wolf. Hoping to find something to talk about, she wandered over to a dark man maybe three or four years older than she. She smiled brightly as she reached his table. (lmao talking to myself now D=)

Darnel looked up at the girl who stepped up to him. He registered her smile and friendliness. Finding some courage he spoke up. "Darnel Sanderson," he said bluntly.

"Inwë White," she said with her hands clasped infront of her. Cancer, element of water. Nodding inwardly she sat down at a seat across from him.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 07:33 PM

"Oh," Aurelia said, relieved. "Yes, it is quite pleasant outside... quiet, too."

It was a simple statement, she knew, but it was better than dwelling on the darker side of the evening.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 07:38 PM

Diana leaned against the railing and let the cool night air wash over her. That had been far too close for comfort and her reaction had probably tipped everyone off. She growled and slammed her fist against the railing. She should have shrugged it off but instead she had acted terrified out of her wits! She glared into the night.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 07:39 PM

"Yes. You don't have to think quite so much. With people, things are expected of you. Everything you do is a performance. But outside at night, with..." He faltered for a moment "...with--the stars, no one is judging you." He blinked, unsure why he was saying all these things to this girl. This girl, he remembered, whose name he didn't even know. But yet somehow it felt right.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 07:52 PM

Darnel threw a sidelong glance to the balcony. He didn't feel quite comfortable with this girl, Inwë White was it? Shaking the feeling of uncertainty off he glanced around once more. He wanted to join the others dancing, but he didn't think he wanted to dance with the girl sitting opposite him.

Inwë could just feel his mixed emotions radiating off himself. Smiling slightly to herself, she leaned back in her chair to seem as friendly as possible.

"How are you liking the ball so far?" she asked.

Darnel kept quiet but shrugged. He obviously didn't want to talk.

Slightly annoyed now, Inwë stood from her seat. "You seem independant, Mr. Sanderson," she said. "I'll leave you to your thoughts then."

Spinning on her heel she strode off with her saphire blue gown flowing out behind her. Free to think without speaking, Darnel once more turned to the girl at the balcony. Involuntarily he thought What is she thinking?

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 07:53 PM

She looked out at him with something like small amazement behind her mask. "Yes, exactly!" she said. It was as if he knew her thoughts somehow. "Away from the hundred prying eyes, everyone watching everyone else, just-" you and I? "Yourself and the night."

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 08:00 PM

"Yes, alone with--with the night." Fran wanted to look at his companion, study her, soak in everything about her now. But his eyes stayed straight ahead. "I never really tell people these things, you know. They all think they know me, but there are many times when I don't think even I really know myself." Once again, he was startled by his own honesty. But it somehow didn't seem strange or wrong to be saying this to her.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:02 PM

Diana sighed and let the anger go, it wouldn't help at all. She rested her chin in her hands and looked out at the night. As she stared she heard a click from behind her. Without thinking she ducked and turned. Standing behind her was a strange person dressed in a black tunic and with a plain black mask over their face, she couldn't tell whether they were male or female, but she could tell that they held a knife in their raised hand. She didn't scream, she just backed up till she felt the banister at her back. Her eyes flicked to the ball room, but she could see that everyone was occupied, however someone had decided that they didn't want her around anymore and they themselves didn't want to do it.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:06 PM

Darnel sighed but turned to look at the lady at the balcony again. Alarmed he noticed her backed up against the railing with a man in black. He could only see the man's back, but Darne knew that the lady didn't seem to happy. Standing he began to march across the room towards her.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 08:10 PM

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:11 PM

The assailant took a step forward and grabbed her arm, "Your blood will be my ticket to the heavens!" he hissed and brought the knife down towards her throat. She knocked the knife hand away and stamped on his foot. He grabbed her throat and pressed down on her windpipe, trying to strangle her as she desperately clawed at his hands and face. This was why she hated fanatics, they never gave up! Pain usually had no affect when they were serving their god or master.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:13 PM

He saw them begin to fight, so he picked up his pace until he reached the balcony double doors. Putting his hand on either side of the door frame, he said calmly, "What do you think you're doing?" hoping to catch the assailant off-guard.

----------------------------------

Yawning, Inwë dropped heavily into a nice chair and watched in envy the other dancers.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:19 PM

((Sorry if this sounds cliched, I get bored easily and action is always fun.))
The assailant spun, dropping Diana and grabbed his knife again, "Don't try to stop me!" he growled as he took a step back and put stepped solidly on Diana's arm to keep her from moving. "She has angered us and now she must die for her blasphemy!"

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 08:19 PM

"It is difficult," she agreed, "when everybody makes expectations of you. I know what it is like... you feel as if you have to live up to them, and then forget yourself."

She reached up a delicate hand to touch her mask, the thing that kept her tethered to this night, this freedom, this happiness. "These masks are not concealing: they are revealing. Because as long as we wear them, we do not have to be what everyone thinks of us... we can truly be ourselves."

She lowered her hand again, blushing slightly. She had never confessed this blasphemous thought to anyone. But whoever this man was, somehow she felt at ease with him.

"Yes, no one knows who we are, we don't know who anyone else is. No one can have any prejudices against anyone else, since no one is sure who the others are." He paused a moment, trying to push Darran out of his mind again. "I almost wish we could live every day like this," he added, and he wasn't sure if he was just talking about masks or who he meant by "we" or if "almost" would be included if he did happen to be talking about something else.
He began to notice how frustrating it was not to know her name, not to have her name enter his thoughts just once, to only have horrible, ugly pronouns with which to describe her. He knew he shouldn't ask what her name was; part of him didn't even want to know, in case she was really an enemy. He knew it would be too forward, anyway, and she might even think that the only reason why he talked to her to begin with was to trick her into stating her name. And what might she think when she found out who he was?
He wouldn't dare do it. But that wouldn't stop him from wondering.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:23 PM

(lol oh well)

Darnel raised an eyebrow and quickly took everything in. The women was precariously at the point of a knife and from the drop behind her. If he wanted to save her he'd have to be quick, with no faults. Ideas racing in his mind, he took his hands off the sides of the door frame.

"What has she done to upset?" he said in his best innocent harmless tone. He needed to seem frail and unable.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:25 PM

The assailant sneered at him, "Why should I tell you? Her death will be proof enough that she did wrong and her decent into Hell will be inevitable!"

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:27 PM

Holding himself steady, Darnel inched forward with his hands held before him. "If you were ligitimate you would tell me before taking the life of a harmless lady."

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:30 PM

The assailant snorted, "Harmless? Hardly! She kills so many with a word!" he exclaimed. "You know nothing of what goes on here! Go now foolish boy before I have to kill you too!"

Diana held as still as she could, her eyes fixed on the knife, waiting for the right moment.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 08:32 PM

Aurelia shook her head slightly. "But we do know who everyone is... who they are as people. There are no faces and names to blind us."

She suddenly realized what she was saying and covered her mouth with her hand. "I truly am sorry, I did not mean to impose my thoughts on you..."

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 08:34 PM

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:34 PM

Darnel knew he needed to keep the man talking. The woman still had one arm free, if she twisted the assailant would go off balance, then he could run in and get the knife.

"A word? How so?"

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:41 PM

He sneered, "Shut up stupid boy and let me do my work! This is none of your affair!"

Diana pulled her captive arm as hard as she could and pushed with her free hand against the back of his knees. He tumbled forward, dropping the knife in surprise as she quickly stood and drove her foot into the back of his neck.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:50 PM

Darnel leapt forward, snatching the knife from the ground and rolling to pin the man down. He gathered the assailant's arms behind him and bent his hands up to his neck. His other hand holding the knife, Darnel's knees were on the man's back and legs. Making sure he couldn't move, Darnel looked up to the lady.

"Are you alright?"

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 08:52 PM

Diana nodded, "Yes. Thank you," she said. "Do you mind if I take care of him?" she asked, looking down at the pinned man with a cold glint in her eyes.

The assailant growled and glared up at her. "You think you can live through this night?! You are wrong! Wrong!" he hissed, but with all the intensity of a scream.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 08:55 PM

Darnel raised an eyebrow. "If it means whiping his life away, I think I should," he said in what could be a teasing voice. Looking down at the man he caught his words and turned back up to the lady.

"Pardon my asking, but why was he trying to kill you, exactly?"

Shifting his weight he grabbed the man by the hair and gave him a good whack against the floor of the balcony, hopefully knocking him out cold.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 08:59 PM

He gave her a funny look. "Impose your thoughts on me? Others would call that merely speaking one's mind. And there's certainly no harm in that." Fran grinned. "All I've been doing tonight is imposing my thoughts on you, so you're more than welcome to repay me."

Aurelia couldn't help but smile. "Speaking one's mind on such subjects is generally forbidden. Still, you are different... I like that about you."

All right, so that had to sound stupid, but she was willing to risk it. It was a compliment, after all. She just hoped he didn't think ill of her for it.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:02 PM

The assailant stopped moving. Diana shrugged, "Does it matter? We are all marked for some death or other although whether we receive it or not is a different matter," she said as though it were a thing she took for granted. She looked curiously at the young man who had helped her, he looked as though he would rather not kill. A 'The pen is mightier than the sword' type, which was alright she supposed but not too practical if you were a child of the twelve.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 09:06 PM

Looking up again, Darnel got up from the unconcious man, still holding the knife at his side.

"Some think killing is the answer to everything," he said. "That's why they're holding this masquerade, so that we can try and eliminate the rivalries between us and replace them with bonds of trust." He smiled. "Revenge is worse. It's like a circle. It never ends."

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 09:07 PM

Aurelia couldn't help but smile. "Speaking one's mind on such subjects is generally forbidden. Still, you are different... I like that about you."

All right, so that had to sound stupid, but she was willing to risk it. It was a compliment, after all. She just hoped he didn't think ill of her for it.

Fran felt his face flush again, and found himself to be a little faint. "I--well...I'm glad you can--open up...to me...especially if--well--if you normally...can't." He was stammering nervously again. He'd thought he was getting better at not doing that, too. Evidently not. He was dying to compliment her in return, and do it suavely, but he doubted that would be possible. He still wanted to show her that he wasn't always a blithering idiot, but his mouth felt dry and his pulse was racing. "I think you're--" he began to say before he realised what he was doing. How was he expecting himself to finish that? "--really...enjoyable," he finished lamely. "I mean, I like...being with you." He was certain his face was on fire now. He had managed to be somewhat charming earlier, but whenever he got a chance to say something meaningful to her, he always managed to screw it up somehow.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:08 PM

Diana sighed, "I suppose so, but it can be so very satisfying," she was eyeing the unconcious man like a lioness might eye her prey. She looked down at the man who had saved her again and smiled. "I suppose I owe you a great debt, do I not?" she asked.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 09:17 PM

Darnel blinked up at her with his hazel eyes. He stood up and leaned against the railing. She seemed to like death. Maybe not death but the satisfaction of the sight of seeing your enemy fall. He decided not to comment on that but instead gave her a genuine peaceful smile.

"Someone always needs the opposite to fulfill them," he blurted out. Relieved his tanned skin couldn't blush easily he continued, "But I think you owe me no debt. I do recommend you come inside. You're in less of a chance of getting cornered."

Darnel smiled and offered his hand politely.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:20 PM

Diana sighed and gave a last look out at the night before putting her hand in his. "As you wish," she said. "Although if you ever need help feel free to call on me, at least for this night," she added with a little smile.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 09:23 PM

Fran felt his face flush again, and found himself to be a little faint. "I--well...I'm glad you can--open up...to me...especially if--well--if you normally...can't." He was stammering nervously again. He'd thought he was getting better at not doing that, too. Evidently not. He was dying to compliment her in return, and do it suavely, but he doubted that would be possible. He still wanted to show her that he wasn't always a blithering idiot, but his mouth felt dry and his pulse was racing. "I think you're--" he began to say before he realised what he was doing. How was he expecting himself to finish that? "--really...enjoyable," he finished lamely. "I mean, I like...being with you." He was certain his face was on fire now. He had managed to be somewhat charming earlier, but whenever he got a chance to say something meaningful to her, he always managed to screw it up somehow.

Despite his obvious nervousness, his words were kind, and it lost none of its meaning through the stammering. "Thank you," she said, blushing again at the compliment. She tried to think of something, anything clever to say, but she drew a total blank. But he liked her... and somehow this was important.

"If that is the case...," she said, clearly a little nervous at admitting this, "I am glad we met like this."

bronny334

07-27-2007, 09:25 PM

Darnel grinned and gently pulled her into the ballroom, where many still danced and a few sat alone and solitary at the tables. Suddenly he thought of his own boring life, alone, reading, being alone. He realized he was quite independent. He sighed inwardly. He must seem antisocial to the others. Especially that girl earlier he basically shunned.

Shrugging aside his buzzing thoughts he smiled again. "So have you thought up a protection plan?" he said as he sat on a chair and let her hand go. He wasn't going to force her to sit.

Another thought entered his mind about being too polite. Shrugging that thought away as well he tried to get comfortable.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:29 PM

Diana sat on the chiar next to him, "What do you mean?" she asked. Suddenly she realized something and stiffened. "That man, we left him there alive didn't we?" she asked neutrally, carefully keeping her rage under her skin. How could she have been so stupid?! [INever[/I] leave the enemy alive unless you want to die! He could have snuck away and informed his employers of his failure or, more likely, he could try again!

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 09:31 PM

Despite his obvious nervousness, his words were kind, and it lost none of its meaning through the stammering. "Thank you," she said, blushing again at the compliment. She tried to think of something, anything clever to say, but she drew a total blank. But he liked her... and somehow this was important.

"If that is the case...," she said, clearly a little nervous at admitting this, "I am glad we met like this."

Fran smiled. "As am I," he replied, suddenly a little shy. He wanted to vocalise how he wished this could continue beyond tonight, how it could be possible if only they knew each other's names...but he couldn't. He wanted to somehow guarantee that this could continue without masks and in broad daylight, but he didn't know how.
"Are you sure you aren't cold? Forgive me for bringing it up again, but I've adjusted all right now, in fact I may be a little warm, and I don't really need to wear my jacket anymore. I'd gladly sacrifice it for your sake. Even if the colours would clash awfully," he couldn't help adding.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 09:32 PM

Darnel's smile froze and faded on his face. "We'd better go check then," he said and rose up again stiff-legged. "I doubt he could've managed to get up so soon." Realizing he still had the knife in his hand he dropped it on the table.

"At least he has no weapon," muttered Darnel. "Maybe I should go check, it's safer."

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:34 PM

Diana shook her head and picked up the knife. "No, I'm coming as well," she said firmly as she tucked the knife into her sleeve blade first. There was no need for anyone to see that she had it. She stood and began walking towards the balcony.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 09:39 PM

Darnel jogged behind her until he was barely ahead of her. One of the double doors had swung in slightly in the tussle and was blocking his view of where the assailant was knocked out. Clenching his teeth together he reached the door and swung it back to get a clear view.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:44 PM

Diana smiled, he lay where they had left him, then she frowned as she saw the puddle of blood that surrounded his head. "Well that problem's aside," she murmured.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 09:49 PM

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 09:49 PM

((Sokay! See you then!))

Jasper dropped the voice, seeing that it seemed to unnerve her. "A walk perhaps? Or should we sit and talk outside? The lights make the room so much hotter!" he said with a smile.

Diana righted herself and took a quick step back. "S-sorry, just, I just tripped," she stuttered and pressed her small hand against her quivering lips to stop herself from saying anything else. She looked up at him then turned and fled out to a balcony, a seperate one from the one that the pair had gone onto.

((Crime in Italy! Am I the only one to break from this RP? :) ))

Alaina smiled beneath her mask. "A walk would be lovely. I enjoy walking..." Alaina looked out the window at the silky night.

Darran watched Diana run off. He shrugged, apathetic as to what he did next. Darran decided to find a seat. As he wlaked over to the tables he saw a woman that he remembered from earlier in the evening, and decided to talk to her. When he got nearer, he noticed that she seemed to have fallen asleep.

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 09:54 PM

Darnel felt slightly sick to his stomache. He hated blood. That sticky substance that ran down his back when his father whipped him with the belt. He still had faded marks to prove it. Had he killed the man? Cold sweat broke out over Darnel's face as he backed up.

"W-when do you suppose the masquerade is over?" he asked. His father would probably throw something at him for it, blunt of sharp Darnel's father didn't care. But suddenly he hoped the ball wouldn't end. If he went back without some sort of bond to end the rivalries.

Darnel shook his head again. "Nevermind," he muttered and backed out of the balcony, pulling one of the double doors behind him.

((gtg for a few minutes - 30 depending. ^^'))

((Crime in Italy! Am I the only one to break from this RP? :) ))

Alaina smiled beneath her mask. "A walk would be lovely. I enjoy walking..." Alaina looked out the window at the silky night.

Darran watched Diana run off. He shrugged, apathetic as to what he did next. Darran decided to find a seat. As he wlaked over to the tables he saw a woman that he remembered from earlier in the evening, and decided to talk to her. When he got nearer, he noticed that she seemed to have fallen asleep.

((What do you mean?))

Diana walked over to the body and lifted up the man's head. His neck was slit. She dropped the head and walked off the balcony, pulling the other double door closed behind her.
She looked up at Darnel and smiled sympathetically, she placed her hand lightly on his arm. "It's alright," she said. "It wasn't you, his throat was slit. Probably his employers.

Jasper smiled, "A walk it is then!" he said and led her to a doorway that he had noticed earlier that, as he had suspected, opened up onto a moonlit garden. "Beautiful isn't it?" he remarked, looking at the garden and the moon high above.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 09:54 PM

Fran smiled. "As am I," he replied, suddenly a little shy. He wanted to vocalise how he wished this could continue beyond tonight, how it could be possible if only they knew each other's names...but he couldn't. He wanted to somehow guarantee that this could continue without masks and in broad daylight, but he didn't know how.
"Are you sure you aren't cold? Forgive me for bringing it up again, but I've adjusted all right now, in fact I may be a little warm, and I don't really need to wear my jacket anymore. I'd gladly sacrifice it for your sake. Even if the colours would clash awfully," he couldn't help adding.

Aurelia's first instinct was to tell him that she was fine and remain the stoic, but she couldn't hide the goosebumps on her bare arms. He was kind... perhaps a bit foppish, but kind, and she appreciated it.

"Well... yes," she confessed, still a bit guilty for taking it. "Thank you."

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 09:54 PM

((Crime in Italy! Am I the only one to break from this RP? :) ))

Alaina smiled beneath her mask. "A walk would be lovely. I enjoy walking..." Alaina looked out the window at the silky night.

Darran watched Diana run off. He shrugged, apathetic as to what he did next. Darran decided to find a seat. As he wlaked over to the tables he saw a woman that he remembered from earlier in the evening, and decided to talk to her. When he got nearer, he noticed that she seemed to have fallen asleep.

Orla was dreaming lovely dreams filled with soft, wild grass, unkempt and free, rabbits hopping around merrily, the sun shining so brightly it almost blinded her. Suddenly, a deep voice invaded her dream. It cleared its throat, and said, "Excuse me..." God? Orla thought frantically. What's God doing here? "God?" she pratically shouted, her head yanking up.
Before her she saw the man who had been brooding earlier.
"Oh...um...hello."
She was so embarassed. How had she managed to fall asleep? She knew she'd been bored, but...that bored? And how was she supposed to act coolly now? She was glad she had never been able to blush. Otherwise, she knew her face would be bright red now.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 10:01 PM

((What do you mean?))

Diana walked over to the body and lifted up the man's head. His neck was slit. She dropped the head and walked off the balcony, pulling the other double door closed behind her.
She looked up at Darnel and smiled sympathetically, she placed her hand lightly on his arm. "It's alright," she said. "It wasn't you, his throat was slit. Probably his employers.

Jasper smiled, "A walk it is then!" he said and led her to a doorway that he had noticed earlier that, as he had suspected, opened up onto a moonlit garden. "Beautiful isn't it?" he remarked, looking at the garden and the moon high above.

((If your question was for me: It seems like I was the only one to sign off. You guy's are beasts!))

"Yes..." Alaina managed to say at last. The garden was indeed, beautiful. Everything in it seemed like it belonged to another place. A different world. Alaina caught herself and realised that they were now away from the rest of the party. Alone. What scared her the most was her stomach knotting not just from fear.

Darran had to struggle not to laugh. "Hello. I take it this evening isn't was exciting as you'd hoped?" He asked taking a seat at her table.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 10:01 PM

Aurelia's first instinct was to tell him that she was fine and remain the stoic, but she couldn't hide the goosebumps on her bare arms. He was kind... perhaps a bit foppish, but kind, and she appreciated it.

"Well... yes," she confessed, still a bit guilty for taking it. "Thank you."

Fran removed his jacket and gently, slowly placed on her shoulders, his ears ringing. He was so close to her, he could smell her hair, it was lovely and smelled like flowers and rain and all wonderful things...Fran stepped away hastily, unsure what to say now.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 10:03 PM

Darnel nodded slowly, his heart thumping painfully in his chest. "I hate death," he murmured so she could barely hear. "And yet I'm surrounded by it."

----------------------------

Inwë propped her head up with her hands, bored as ever. Almost everyone was paired up. Shrugging she began to daydream..

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 10:03 PM

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 10:05 PM

Jasper looked down at her to say something else, but it ran out of his head at the look on her face. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, making no sudden moves and keeping his hands where she could see them. She looked terrified!

"Yes... I'm quite fine. I just-" Alaina laughed a little, "I for once and not sure of how I feel, and that's scary. I usually know exactly what I'm thinking but... sorry I didn't mean to babble."

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 10:05 PM

Darran had to struggle not to laugh. "Hello. I take it this evening isn't was exciting as you'd hoped?" He asked taking a seat at her table.

Orla laughed nervously. "Yes...it--I." She stopped herself, as she always did whenever she found herself choking on her words. "I am glad you woke me, though. Even if it is tremendously embarassing to be caught sleeping at a ball. At least you caught me before I started to snore or something." Orla tried to laugh again, but she was sure she only sounded deranged.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 10:08 PM

Orla laughed nervously. "Yes...it--I." She stopped herself, as she always did whenever she found herself choking on her words. "I am glad you woke me, though. Even if it is tremendously embarassing to be caught sleeping at a ball. At least you caught me before I started to snore or something." Orla tried to laugh again, but she was sure she only sounded deranged.

"My pleasure. Though I think yelling out "God!" scored some embarassing points." Darran turned to look at the room, "To be honest, I'm a little bored myself. Balls never held much for me."

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 10:09 PM

"Yes... I'm quite fine. I just-" Alaina laughed a little, "I for once and not sure of how I feel, and that's scary. I usually know exactly what I'm thinking but... sorry I didn't mean to babble."

Darnel nodded slowly, his heart thumping painfully in his chest. "I hate death," he murmured so she could barely hear. "And yet I'm surrounded by it."

Jasper still looked worried, but he smiled. "It's alright. I don't mind at all knowing what your thinking," he said. "Let's walk, maybe that'll help."

Diana looked up at him pityingly. "Poor boy, don't worry. Let's go away from this area, it won't make it any better staying here." she said taking his hand and gently leading him away from the balcony.

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 10:12 PM

Jasper still looked worried, but he smiled. "It's alright. I don't mind at all knowing what your thinking," he said. "Let's walk, maybe that'll help."

Alaina nodded. "You are right. Walking will probably help." Dhe smiled and began down a smaller path. Grass had long claimed the stones that formed the walkway, but Alaina didn't mind.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 10:14 PM

Darnel let himself be led away. He wasn't going to stay near the blood anyway. He looked at her as they walked. "Can we tell someone to clean.. him out?"

elizaTrickster

07-27-2007, 10:14 PM

((Sorry to leave so soon, but I feel really, really sick. Have fun!))

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 10:21 PM

Jasper stepped up and walked by her side. He wasn't sure what to say, but was content for now to say nothing and simply be in her company.

Diana shrugged. "I don't know who we could," she said. "This is the first of these balls I've been to," she added. She looked up at him, he was looking better although he was still rather pale.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 10:24 PM

"My pleasure. Though I think yelling out "God!" scored some embarassing points." Darran turned to look at the room, "To be honest, I'm a little bored myself. Balls never held much for me."

Orla laughed more sincerely this time. "I suppose I just assume God's talking to me when I hear a deep, detached voice. Just an irrational quirk of mine, maybe. I'm usually not one for balls, either. I don't really go out of my way to converse, and usually no one approaches me." She smiled crookedly. "Though I suppose I don't usually pass out, either." Her hand moved to indicate the general splendour. "And it's such a shameful waste."

bronny334

07-27-2007, 10:24 PM

Shaking himself he nodded to her with a brightening smile. "I guess we can forget it and enjoy the night." He hesitated before adding, "Do you dance?"

---------------------

Inwë groaned. She was starting to think she was going to be a loner forever. If only she had a book to read..

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 10:27 PM

((I hope you feel better Eliza!))
Diana smiled back. "I do," she said. She hoped that this dance wouldn't prove to be as catastrophic as the last one.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 10:29 PM

Fran removed his jacket and gently, slowly placed on her shoulders, his ears ringing. He was so close to her, he could smell her hair, it was lovely and smelled like flowers and rain and all wonderful things...Fran stepped away hastily, unsure what to say now.

Aurelia wrapped the jacket around herself, blushing slightly as he did. There was a strange tingling sensation in her head...

"You're a gentleman," she observed smoothly, sounding much more confident than she felt.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 10:34 PM

Darnel pulled her to the dance floor. "I'm not the greatest dancer there is," he grinned. "But I'll try my best."

He held her behind the shoulder blade and held up her other hand, and with that began to sweep across the floor to a classic ballroom song.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 10:35 PM

Aurelia wrapped the jacket around herself, blushing slightly as he did. There was a strange tingling sensation in her head...

"You're a gentleman," she observed smoothly, sounding much more confident than she felt.

"Well, I could hardly let you freeze. How rude that would be." He found himself gaining confidence, returning a little to normal. "I would hazard a guess that all the men you've ever met were complete uncultured boors if they've left you thinking that considering others is too much for most to bear."

crazy_chick

07-27-2007, 10:37 PM

Diana smiled. "You're not that bad at all!" she exclaimed, letting herself enjoy the dance and moving her thoughts away from plots and intrigue, but always wary and making sure she didn't get too close to Darnel.

bronny334

07-27-2007, 10:43 PM

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 10:50 PM

"Well, I could hardly let you freeze. How rude that would be." He found himself gaining confidence, returning a little to normal. "I would hazard a guess that all the men you've ever met were complete uncultured boors if they've left you thinking that considering others is too much for most to bear."

Aurelia laughed outright at this. "Well, I suppose they had other concerns," she said. It seemed he had a confident streak under there after all... but she didn't mind.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 10:59 PM

Aurelia laughed outright at this. "Well, I suppose they had other concerns," she said. It seemed he had a confident streak under there after all... but she didn't mind.

"What?" he asked in mock surprise. "With a girl like you nearby, how could they have other concerns?" A few minutes earlier, the comment would have inflamed his face dreadfully. But somehow he was no longer embarassed. Perhaps it had been taking the plunge and giving her his jacket, he wasn't sure. But whatever it had been, he was glad he no longer felt like a fool. Granted, he was still a little nervous. But at least what he was saying made sense and he'd stopped stuttering.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 11:09 PM

Aurelia was quite surpised by this sudden switch in personalities... but pleasantly so. They were outside, why did she feel so warm..?

"Your words are so sweet I must doubt the truth of them," she said, as if just teasing him. She truly wanted to believe him, but it seemed almost too good to be true.

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 11:19 PM

"That merely proves further that all men you have ever met have been boors. Why should I lie to you? What would I gain? And certainly liars usually lie to gain something." He was glad that she, too, seemed less nervous. It was wonderful that they should be so relaxed.

Ravenheart

07-27-2007, 11:29 PM

Charming... but tactless. This only reminded her that after this night she would have to forget she knew him. What would be the point in lying to her, if there was no need to think about keeping her attention when the night was over?

She did her best to keep the smile on her face, though. And his cheerful manner helped some.

"You make a good point," she said, glancing around to find a bench. "Do you mind if we sit?"

premiumdancer

07-27-2007, 11:40 PM

"Not at all." He allowed her to sit on the bench before taking his place beside her. He thought perhaps it was not that she had only had bad experiences with rude men, but rather that she'd had no experience at all, but he thought better of saying it. He didn't want to embarass her.
It was by no means the longest bench he'd ever sat on, though not exactly cramped, either. Even still, he found his ears ringing a little again when he thought of how near she was. He wasn't sure what would be the most appropriate thing to do or say now, though he could certainly think of a few things he would like to. He knew he'd probably been a little too forward as it was, and he didn't want to risk alienating her.

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 12:07 AM

"Judging by your dancing and conversation I suppose you attend such events often?" she observed, smiling as she looked up at the sky again... rather than look at him. As it was that pleasant tingling feeling had returned, and she didn't want to say anything particularly stupid.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 12:11 AM

"Yes, I do enjoy parties. Of course, not always quite this much." He paused, trying to think of the best way to say what he wanted. "But if you can let yourself forget what you're doing, these sort of dances and things can be rather amusing."

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 12:16 AM

Aurelia looked back to him, her head tilting slightly with curiosity. "I am not sure I understand..." she said.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 12:29 AM

He knew he hadn't phrased it the way he'd wanted. "I mean...if you really think about parties and how meaningless they are you can't enjoy them much. But if you lose yourself in them and ignore how hollow they can be, they're quite fun."

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 01:08 AM

She nodded, smiling again. "I see now. But... tonight is different?" Well, she had been to a few such events, and tonight was different, but she was curious as to his reasons.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 01:19 AM

"Well..." Was she really going to make him say what exactly was different tonight? Wasn't it pretty obvious already? "Well, for one, usually I stay with the people I know. I don't normally talk to strangers."

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 01:26 AM

"You either?" she said. "Still, you seem so... confident. I never would have guessed."

It wasn't quite the difference she had found, but it was still true. Besides, it was better to be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 01:42 AM

Fran smiled with a little bitterness. "No, most people wouldn't," he said quietly. "And, in general, I don't usually enjoy myself quite this much. To be perfectly honest, romance isn't normally a part of my life, let alone my parties." There. He'd admitted it. A little shamefully, but he'd admitted it all the same.

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 01:54 AM

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 02:00 AM

Darnel enjoyed the dance. He hadn't been with a person that wasn't in his family very often. Though his family were sometimes cold with him, he was glad that they had told him to come to the masquerade.

His mask felt hot, and he dearly wanted to take it off but he didn't dare. More scars would accompany that move when he got home. A thought suddenly came to mind.

"What do you reckon will happen once the masquerade ends?"

Diana thought for a moment, "Most likely at midnight we'll all look at each other suspiciously, wondering if the man or women they spent this pleasant afternoon with was the one who sent them that lovely note of poison or whatever then the most outgoing of them will throw off their masks and look around to see who's who. After that we'll all disband to create more plots against each other and be sad about the evening," she said. Then feeling embarrassed said. "But who knows, we might all realize that this hatred is a stupid pursuit," then realized that was worse and simply stopped talking.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 02:05 AM

For a moment any thoughts she had just stopped in mid-stream. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face turned scarlet.

He must mean someone else...

"R-romance?" she repeated. Here, of all places? Masks or not, it was ultimately a gathering of enemies...

Though she didn't want it to be.

Fran paled considerably. Had he misunderstood everything? Had that not been what she'd wanted all along? His heart was racing. But he had to know. There had to be closure, a final answer. They couldn't let it hang in the air like this, could they?
"Well...maybe it's foolish. It very well could be, as we still don't know who the other is. But...if it could be possible, I thought we could continue this after tonight. Unless, of course," he added hastily, "you find that to be disagreeable. Then, I suppose we can leave here tonight having had a lot of fun and forget about it tomorrow." But please, please don't let that happen, he added mentally.

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 02:18 AM

"I...," she hesitated. It was true, she did not know who was behind the mask. The likelihood that he came from one of the two houses that her own approved of was discouraging.

But... she didn't care.

"I would like that," she said softly, somehow gathering the courage to look him in the eyes. "For this to continue."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 03:23 AM

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 03:56 AM

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 03:58 AM

((Yay! I live!))"And I normally am not adressed as "God" either." Darran laughed. "I wager we can both say that this evening is interesting. Well, now anyway."

Orla laughed again. "Really? All your friends don't call you God? Well, I don't see why not! You certainly seem pretty divinely omniscient to me." She laughed again.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:06 AM

Orla laughed again. "Really? All your friends don't call you God? Well, I don't see why not! You certainly seem pretty divinely omniscient to me." She laughed again.

Darran laughed nervously, he wasn't sure how to take that. "Erm. Thanks I guess. But now that you mention it, I do seem to glow..." He said and looked at his hands.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 04:16 AM

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:23 AM

"I don't know why you didn't notice before. It's pretty obvious now. Perhaps you just needed a raving lunatic who sleeps at parties to point it out to you. That'll be the only thing I'm good for, here." She laughed at how absurd what she was saying was. She was babbling now, and she couldn't care less. She supposed she was stripped of all shame once he'd woken her up.

Darran just kinda stared at this woman. She was completly mad. Or was she? Was she just pretending to be mad, using insanity as some kind of diversion or plot? It worked for Hamlet. Darran decided that she wasn't that kind of crazy. Or at least he hoped so. If she was channeling her inner Prince of Denmark, then he could be certain that everyone would eventually end up dead. Well, everyone but Osric and Horatio. "So... tell me, do you much enjoy birds?"

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 04:32 AM

Darran just kinda stared at this woman. She was completly mad. Or was she? Was she just pretending to be mad, using insanity as some kind of diversion or plot? It worked for Hamlet. Darran decided that she wasn't that kind of crazy. Or at least he hoped so. If she was channeling her inner Prince of Denmark, then he could be certain that everyone would eventually end up dead. Well, everyone but Osric and Horatio. "So... tell me, do you much enjoy birds?"

Orla laughed like a lunatic again and said, "Oh, birds are wonderful! I often wish I were a bird myself. Or a rabbit. I quite enjoy rabbits. Do you enjoy rabbits?"

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:35 AM

Orla laughed like a lunatic again and said, "Oh, birds are wonderful! I often wish I were a bird myself. Or a rabbit. I quite enjoy rabbits. Do you enjoy rabbits?"

"Generally I suppose. The only rabbits that I have an issue with are of the talking variety. Talking and human-sized. They just seems a bit scary to me." Darran said simply, as if he made perfect sense.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 04:38 AM

"Generally I suppose. The only rabbits that I have an issue with are of the talking variety. Talking and human-sized. They just seems a bit scary to me." Darran said simply, as if he made perfect sense.

"Oh, but they're probably more fun! You could dance with a giant rabbit. Though I suppose I wouldn't want him talking to me. He'd probably chide me for my poor dancing. I don't like dancing much, though I'd try it if my partner were a rabbit. Do you think rabbits dance often?"

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:40 AM

"Oh, but they're probably more fun! You could dance with a giant rabbit. Though I suppose I wouldn't want him talking to me. He'd probably chide me for my poor dancing. I don't like dancing much, though I'd try it if my partner were a rabbit. Do you think rabbits dance often?"

"I suppose they'd have to. Talking rabbits always seem to be doing courtly things. What's more courtly than a ball. What concerns me most about them is when they start leading young girls down thier holes into other dimensions. Now that's scary."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 04:42 AM

"I suppose they'd have to. Talking rabbits always seem to be doing courtly things. What's more courtly than a ball. What concerns me most about them is when they start leading young girls down thier holes into other dimensions. Now that's scary."

Orla mused on this for a moment. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Though if they only lead young girls down, you hardly have anything to worry about. Unless of course you are harbouring a delicious secret!" Her wild laughter filled the air again.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:45 AM

Orla mused on this for a moment. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Though if they only lead young girls down, you hardly have anything to worry about. Unless of course you are harbouring a delicious secret!" Her wild laughter filled the air again.

"I was merely thinking of the reprocussions that would have on society. If all of our young girls were lead into other worlds of terror and uncertainty, what would happen to those of us left? The race would die out and the rabbits would rule!"

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 04:48 AM

"I was merely thinking of the reprocussions that would have on society. If all of our young girls were lead into other worlds of terror and uncertainty, what would happen to those of us left? The race would die out and the rabbits would rule!"

"True, true. But I suppose you could bribe rabbits. I'm not sure why I think that, but I feel as though rabbits would be pretty easy to pay off. I personally have never bribed a rabbit, though I certainly would consider it. I suppose I shouldn't be a rabbit after all. I would be terribly immoral! It's a bird, then. Definitely a bird. You know I was dreaming about rabbits before God, you, it doesn't matter, you're all the same now, woke me up."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:52 AM

"True, true. But I suppose you could bribe rabbits. I'm not sure why I think that, but I feel as though rabbits would be pretty easy to pay off. I personally have never bribed a rabbit, though I certainly would consider it. I suppose I shouldn't be a rabbit after all. I would be terribly immoral! It's a bird, then. Definitely a bird. You know I was dreaming about rabbits before God, you, it doesn't matter, you're all the same now, woke me up."

"You see? They have already tried to take over your mind. Personally, I agree that they'd be pretty easy to pay off. Just give them any vegitable they desire. Hm. I'm not sure about the red-eyed ones... they seem less easy to bribe. I've never bribed a rabbit, either. I tried to bribe a bird once, so I guess if you were, in fact, to become one, you've made a moral choice. Rabbits are dreadful sinners."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 04:55 AM

"You see? They have already tried to take over your mind. Personally, I agree that they'd be pretty easy to pay off. Just give them any vegitable they desire. Hm. I'm not sure about the red-eyed ones... they seem less easy to bribe. I've never bribed a rabbit, either. I tried to bribe a bird once, so I guess if you were, in fact, to become one, you've made a moral choice. Rabbits are dreadful sinners."

"You imply that you think me a young girl who lies prey to the seduction of rabbits. What do you think my age is, then? Surely when you said 'young girls' you meant children! And just because a choice is moral, doesn't mean it's the most satisfying. Maybe I would be better suited to be a rabbit after all."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 04:58 AM

"You imply that you think me a young girl who lies prey to the seduction of rabbits. What do you think my age is, then? Surely when you said 'young girls' you meant children! And just because a choice is moral, doesn't mean it's the most satisfying. Maybe I would be better suited to be a rabbit after all."

"No I imply that if you wre to be a rabbit, then you would aid them in their plot to destroy thr youth of this world. If you were to be a bird, you wouldn't be. That's all. I understand it's not the most satisfiying, which is why you must be grateful that you are a human and lie in-between the two extremes."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:00 AM

"No I imply that if you wre to be a rabbit, then you would aid them in their plot to destroy thr youth of this world. If you were to be a bird, you wouldn't be. That's all. I understand it's not the most satisfiying, which is why you must be grateful that you are a human and lie in-between the two extremes."

Orla smiled. "So this entire conversation is only for your own preservation. I should have guessed that you had something up your sleeve. Most people do, in the end. And you said that the rabbits had already been trying to take control of my mind. Isn't that merely one step away from luring me down into the depths of a rabbit hole?"

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:03 AM

Orla smiled. "So this entire conversation is only for your own preservation. I should have guessed that you had something up your sleeve. Most people do, in the end. And you said that the rabbits had already been trying to take control of my mind. Isn't that merely one step away from luring me down into the depths of a rabbit hole?"

"Or making you one of them. I speak not only for me, but for everyone I care about. There are many people I know that do not wish for thier bloodlines to die out, and many more proud people that wouldn't relinquish thier land to giant rabbits. But anyway... there has to be something esle worth discussing."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:06 AM

"Or making you one of them. I speak not only for me, but for everyone I care about. There are many people I know that do not wish for thier bloodlines to die out, and many more proud people that wouldn't relinquish thier land to giant rabbits. But anyway... there has to be something esle worth discussing."

Orla snorted. "Like what? The ball? Oh, how boring! I know, I know, it's a gathering of enemies, we're all wearing masks, oooh there's mystery, we could all die at any moment or some other nonsense...I just couldn't care less at the moment. Or evidently at the moments preceding this conversation, as my mind was otherwise occupied."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:09 AM

Orla snorted. "Like what? The ball? Oh, how boring! I know, I know, it's a gathering of enemies, we're all wearing masks, oooh there's mystery, we could all die at any moment or some other nonsense...I just couldn't care less at the moment. Or evidently at the moments preceding this conversation, as my mind was otherwise occupied."

"No not the ball! Like... something besides the symbolic rabbit discussion. Birds and rabbits are very different though. Why is it a choice between those two extremes?" Darran said jumping right back into it.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:12 AM

"No not the ball! Like... something besides the symbolic rabbit discussion. Birds and rabbits are very different though. Why is it a choice between those two extremes?" Darran said jumping right back into it.

"Well, it's very cliche of me, but I've always liked the thought of flying. Soaring through the air, the wind viciously being both friend and foe simultaneously! How thrilling! And rabbits just make me laugh. I've no idea why, but I've always thought they were funny, and everyone seems to like them, except you, maybe." She laughed madly again. "And I suppose I would like to be better company? I don't know."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:15 AM

"Well, it's very cliche of me, but I've always liked the thought of flying. Soaring through the air, the wind viciously being both friend and foe simultaneously! How thrilling! And rabbits just make me laugh. I've no idea why, but I've always thought they were funny, and everyone seems to like them, except you, maybe." She laughed madly again. "And I suppose I would like to be better company? I don't know."

Darran joined her in laughter, though less madly. "There's no need to strive to be better company. This is the most amusing conversation I have had in a while. I don't hate rabbits I suppose. In fact, they are kind of amusing. They remind me a lot of my friend actually."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:17 AM

Darran joined her in laughter, though less madly. "There's no need to strive to be better company. This is the most amusing conversation I have had in a while. I don't hate rabbits I suppose. In fact, they are kind of amusing. They remind me a lot of my friend actually."

"Oh, do they? Does he lure young girls down into dark places?"

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:19 AM

"Oh, do they? Does he lure young girls down into dark places?"

"He has been known to on occasion. Actually," Darran said and looked around, "I don't see him anymore. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him for a while."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:22 AM

"He has been known to on occasion. Actually," Darran said and looked around, "I don't see him anymore. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him for a while."

"So he is a rabbit, your friend! Why, you should be less concerned about me and much more worried about him. He could be sneaking the rabbit cause into your head every chance he gets. Watch out for him, I'd say. And warn all the young girls nearby!" She laughed more quietly this time, though it was hardly an improvement.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:25 AM

"So he is a rabbit, your friend! Why, you should be less concerned about me and much more worried about him. He could be sneaking the rabbit cause into your head every chance he gets. Watch out for him, I'd say. And warn all the young girls nearby!" She laughed more quietly this time, though it was hardly an improvement.

"He could be. But I doubt he has the patience for that sort of thing. My friends was quick to realise how slow I was. He's too much of a fop to begin changing now."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:27 AM

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:29 AM

"Oh, I love fops! They're so amusing! I adore peac-ck men. Of course, other men will do, too, I suppose, but there's nothing like a man more concerned about his appearance than I am about mine!" She eyed his current dress. "And how did you and a fop manage to befriend one another?"

"Well... I guess you could say that family brought us together?" Darran finished lamely now painfully concious of his dress.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:31 AM

"Well... I guess you could say that family brought us together?" Darran finished lamely now painfully concious of his dress.

Orla smiled at his awkwardness. "I didn't mean to offend. Certainly, you aren't badly dressed. Just not a fop, either," she said, trying not to laugh.

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 05:14 PM

((Yay! I live!))

Alaina decided to sit down on a bench that lay by a small pond. During the day this pond must be filled with life. Ducks, frogs, and fish probably swam about happily. They knew nothing of alligences and the hardships of the twelve. Alaina just hoped that the man who stood near wasn't an enemy, but a friend.

Jasper stood by the bench, not wanting to be too forward and scare her, but close enough that it didn't appear that he was ignoring her which, plainly, was very hard to do. It was strange how just yesterday you couldn't have paid him to get this close to a stranger that he knew was of the twelve and yet now he couldn't seem to drag himself away! The masks that they wore seemed to have their own power in the way that they dragged together people who in real life never would have given each other a glance in passing unless it was to see if they too were armed. He gave a small sigh as he looked out at the pond, tomorrow everything would go back to normal and he would forget that he had ever liked this charming woman.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:25 PM

Darran should have taken some comfort in this, but if any it was minimal. "Thanks... You did'nt offend and no need to apolosgise for it! I'm quite aware of my... lack of glitz."

"What will happen at midnight, do you think?" Alaina said not taking her eyes away form the water. "I mean- people are... getting along. What will happen if we let ourselves be blinded by prejudice and forget the happiness of the night?"

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 05:30 PM

Jasper looked down at her. "I suppose we'll probably find that the ones that we laughed and danced with this evening are either the ones we most feared them to be or the ones that we longed them to be and then it'll split and most will go back home and try their best to forget this evening. Perhaps some will go home and see that this war is just silly and that it serves no purpose," he said sadly. "I wonder which ones we will be. Do you care to hazard a guess?" he asked.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:31 PM

Darran should have taken some comfort in this, but if any it was minimal. "Thanks... You did'nt offend and no need to apolosgise for it! I'm quite aware of my... lack of glitz."

"Well, it's a good thing that you should hold no delusions. Oh, but let's not talk about your fashion ineptitude! Obviously, it's a bit of a touchy subject." Orla reflected for a short moment, sighing a dramatically whimsical sigh. "And I suppose we've drained the topic of rabbits..."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 05:35 PM

"So obviously if we can't discuss rabbits or fashion- I'm not sure what else there is to talk about." Darran laughed.

"Hm." Alaina took her time to think. "My guess would have to be... you are probably an enemy. I would just have that kind of luck..." Alaina shrugged.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 05:43 PM

"So obviously if we can't discuss rabbits or fashion- I'm not sure what else there is to talk about." Darran laughed.

Orla laughed too. "Well, why were you sulking in that corner? I distinctly remember seeing you do that sometime before I fell asleep. Were you missing your seductive rabbit friend?" She smiled wickedly again.

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 06:00 PM

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 06:05 PM

Jasper shrugged. "Who knows, but I meant do you think we'll be aghast or that we'll remember that this evening neither of us tried to kill each other?" he asked. "I think that I would remember when someone didn't kill me when they had ample chance to. I mean, now for instance. We're alone, no on can hear us and I'm sure that both of us could kill each other without a problem if we wanted! And yet we aren't are we? Even if you turned out to be an ally my mother and father would be quite happy that I'd destroyed more enemies," he remarked.

Darran shrugged. He didn't want to admit that he was sulking because his only friend wasn't around. "I'm no good alone." was all he said.

"I think... I think that I'd remember us not trying to kill eachother and probably wonder why for the rest of my life. I tend to dwell on things for a long time. Though, if I were to kill you and you turned out to be an ally, I think I'd still be punished." Alaina said, still trying to figure out why she didn't feel threatened. Why she didn't have to kill him now and save herself.

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 06:08 PM

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 06:13 PM

"But would you do anything about it?" Jasper asked, looking down at her seriously. "Would you change the way you think, would you try and end this feud?" he sighed. "I know I probably wouldn't, my family has my mind and body, if I try to escape from it they can have me back in an instant and without even lifting their fingers..."

"I might. To be honest, my family doesn't hold much faith in me anyway. They say I ask too many questions. I guess you could say, that the real reason why we hate is because that's all we know. Our entire lives we have been told to hate and die angry. Strange how no one can provide a reason behind this feud. We are just supposed to accept it and let it live on through us and our decisions." Alaina struggled to keep her voice even, she was a very passionate person by nature. "Anyway, all that I'm supposed to do is get married and bare the next generation. Hopefully, they won't be a disappointment."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 06:21 PM

Darran shrugged. He didn't want to admit that he was sulking because his only friend wasn't around. "I'm no good alone." was all he said.

"Nonsense! Why, this is the most fun I've ever had at a ball! Just let go, and allow yourself to forget about what anyone may think. Is being yourself that difficult for you? Or is it just that you're not sure who you are?" She knew she was asking difficult and uncomfortable questions, but she couldn't help herself.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 06:24 PM

"Nonsense! Why, this is the most fun I've ever had at a ball! Just let go, and allow yourself to forget about what anyone may think. Is being yourself that difficult for you? Or is it just that you're not sure who you are?" She knew she was asking difficult and uncomfortable questions, but she couldn't help herself.

"Um.. I- well. I don't know who I am I guess would be the best response. I know who I should be. I also know who I could be. But so far- I am neither." Darran looked over at the woman who asked such strange questions. "You seem to know exactly who you are. Which is something to be admired."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 06:28 PM

"Um.. I- well. I don't know who I am I guess would be the best response. I know who I should be. I also know who I could be. But so far- I am neither." Darran looked over at the woman who asked such strange questions. "You seem to know exactly who you are. Which is something to be admired."

"Oh, no, quite the opposite. I'm normally pretty calm and sensible, but tonight...I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm sure you'll figure out who you are soon enough. You can't be that old."

WH1SP3R

07-28-2007, 07:31 PM

Diana thought for a moment, "Most likely at midnight we'll all look at each other suspiciously, wondering if the man or women they spent this pleasant afternoon with was the one who sent them that lovely note of poison or whatever then the most outgoing of them will throw off their masks and look around to see who's who. After that we'll all disband to create more plots against each other and be sad about the evening," she said. Then feeling embarrassed said. "But who knows, we might all realize that this hatred is a stupid pursuit," then realized that was worse and simply stopped talking.

Darnel looked at her with a smile breaking out over his face. "Of course," he said, almost sadly. "Who says this has to be temperary? I'm sure at least some will try to be together." He jerked his head to a pair on a bench.

"But I guess whatever I do," he continued. "Whatever anyone does, someone will try to continue this hateful rivalries. Full of deceit and revenge, hatred and despair. But of course you're words are true."

Darnel continued to dance, savouring the time he had without the worry of danger. He had put his guard down, a fatal error, but his trust with this woman before him simply made him forget.

((I'm at my friend's computer so I'll be typing from here ;) ))

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 07:47 PM

Fran grinned wildly like a child. "Well...I'm very--glad." His heart felt like it was bouncing in his throat.

Aurelia was somewhat relieved to have that out in the open. She smiled at him, wondering who he was... no, she knew that. She just wanted to know his name.

"That makes two of us," she said.

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 07:51 PM

"I might. To be honest, my family doesn't hold much faith in me anyway. They say I ask too many questions. I guess you could say, that the real reason why we hate is because that's all we know. Our entire lives we have been told to hate and die angry. Strange how no one can provide a reason behind this feud. We are just supposed to accept it and let it live on through us and our decisions." Alaina struggled to keep her voice even, she was a very passionate person by nature. "Anyway, all that I'm supposed to do is get married and bare the next generation. Hopefully, they won't be a disappointment."

Jason nodded. "It's all like one big play and we're the newest characters," he said solemnly. "Sometimes I wish I could just, I don't know, get out. Get away from all the stupidity and hate and just look and see what's there instead of what they tell me is," he blushed and turned his eyes to the sky. He hadn't meant to say that, he hadn't told anyone that before, it had been too embarrassing to say aloud and now he was telling it to someone who he would have to pretend he didn't know in a while.

Darnel looked at her with a smile breaking out over his face. "Of course," he said, almost sadly. "Who says this has to be temporary? I'm sure at least some will try to be together." He jerked his head to a pair on a bench.

"But I guess whatever I do," he continued. "Whatever anyone does, someone will try to continue this hateful rivalries. Full of deceit and revenge, hatred and despair. But of course you're words are true."

Darnel continued to dance, savoring the time he had without the worry of danger. He had put his guard down, a fatal error, but his trust with this woman before him simply made him forget.

((I'm at my friend's computer so I'll be typing from here ;) ))

Diana nodded and sighed, "It's sad that some people just can't let go and leave what's good to be good," she smiled up at him sadly. "But isn't that the way of the world?" she asked.

As they danced she felt herself loosen up slightly and relax. She knew it wasn't a good idea, but it was hard not to, this man was just so easy to be around that she had no notion how he could be of the twelve. She found that though they were dancing rather closely she felt no anxiety, but instead a small pleasure that made her usually detached mood come back to earth.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 08:41 PM

Aurelia was somewhat relieved to have that out in the open. She smiled at him, wondering who he was... no, she knew that. She just wanted to know his name.

"That makes two of us," she said.

The silence was deafening, Fran thought. He wasn't sure what to do. He knew what he wanted to, but wouldn't that be much too forward? They hadn't known each other very long. And what if she didn't want that just yet? What if he made her uncomfortable and scared her away? But yet he knew that if he didn't dare do it, he would hate himself.
Well, he would do it. He would be a man and take a stand.
"I don't mean to be too forward," he began quietly, "and I swear I don't do this very often, but..."
In one fluid motion, he bent his head and gently placed a kiss on her lips.
Feeling faint, he turned and looked straight ahead again, praying she wouldn't be upset or uncomfortable.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 08:47 PM

"I am not yet one and twenty." Darran replied reveling in his private joke. "I suppose you are right. I'll find myself one day. Even if that means I'll have to go off on some kind of quest to do it." He laughed. "Yes. I'll go off on a long and epic adventure!"

"Well, at least you are honest." Alaina commented. "Honesty, could bring about either your downfall or your greatest happiness. There seems to be a definate lack of honesty in this world of tweleve. Even now."

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 08:55 PM

"I am not yet one and twenty." Darran replied reveling in his private joke. "I suppose you are right. I'll find myself one day. Even if that means I'll have to go off on some kind of quest to do it." He laughed. "Yes. I'll go off on a long and epic adventure!"

"Maybe you'll go on the quest and find that what you thought you'd wanted hadn't been what you'd really wanted all along," Orla said, enjoying her own private joke. "At least that's what my cat would like to think epic journeys are about."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 08:57 PM

"Maybe you'll go on the quest and find that what you thought you'd wanted hadn't been what you'd really wanted all along," Orla said, enjoying her own private joke. "At least that's what my cat would like to think epic journeys are about."

"Then your cat is very wise. Tell me, has you cat ever thought about writing? I'm sure there are many stories it has to tell." Darran's eyes twinkled gleefully.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 08:59 PM

"Then your cat is very wise. Tell me, has you cat ever thought about writing? I'm sure there are many stories it has to tell." Darran's eyes twinkled gleefully.

"Oh, he dictates to me and I find myself writing the most fascinating stories! I always tell him it's a shame he can't hold a pen himself."

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 09:00 PM

The silence was deafening, Fran thought. He wasn't sure what to do. He knew what he wanted to, but wouldn't that be much too forward? They hadn't known each other very long. And what if she didn't want that just yet? What if he made her uncomfortable and scared her away? But yet he knew that if he didn't dare do it, he would hate himself.
Well, he would do it. He would be a man and take a stand.
"I don't mean to be too forward," he began quietly, "and I swear I don't do this very often, but..."
In one fluid motion, he bent his head and gently placed a kiss on her lips.
Feeling faint, he turned and looked straight ahead again, praying she wouldn't be upset or uncomfortable.

Fairy Tale: the two words that came to mind... that is, when she could think again.

Come on, say something! Don't sit there looking like an imbicile!

Forcing the dizziness out of her mind (mostly), she managed a reply in a fairly steady voice.

"Not too forward...," she reassured him. She hesitantly rested a hand on his arm, hoping that she was not too bold now.

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 09:05 PM

"Oh, he dictates to me and I find myself writing the most fascinating stories! I always tell him it's a shame he can't hold a pen himself."

"Indeed that is a shame. Well, at least he can dictate his stories you directly. But I wager, his stories change from day to day and are demed inconvinent to write down."

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 09:07 PM

"Well, at least you are honest." Alaina commented. "Honesty, could bring about either your downfall or your greatest happiness. There seems to be a definite lack of honesty in this world of twelve. Even now."

Jason smiled bitterly. "My parents detest it, honesty that is. They think that your downfall is all that will come by it. As far as I can tell honesty seems to be in short supply everywhere," he said. "I mean take this for example!" he said referring to the whole ball. "What is it, but a lie that covers the truth? We wear masks so that we don't know who's who, we lie to ourselves and say, 'Oh yes! Tomorrow will be different! These feelings will last when we know who they are!' but will they really? Will it change because of one night? It just seems preposterous!" he exclaimed, then blushed again. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't bother you with such talk, it's quite dry and boring really..."

elizaTrickster

07-28-2007, 09:11 PM

Jason smiled bitterly. "My parents detest it, honesty that is. They think that your downfall is all that will come by it. As far as I can tell honesty seems to be in short supply everywhere," he said. "I mean take this for example!" he said referring to the whole ball. "What is it, but a lie that covers the truth? We wear masks so that we don't know who's who, we lie to ourselves and say, 'Oh yes! Tomorrow will be different! These feelings will last when we know who they are!' but will they really? Will it change because of one night? It just seems preposterous!" he exclaimed, then blushed again. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't bother you with such talk, it's quite dry and boring really..."

"I don't think it's boring. Talk of truths or talk of lies, either will lead to your demise. It might all be a trick, it might all be an illusion. But death and birth are certain, so one might as well reach out and dare. Daring is what drives the world makes it into tomorrow. Without honesty and hope, there is no chance of escaping if only for a little while." Alaina sighed. "But you are right, why think of honesty and why bother thinking of tomorrows when there can only be lies and todays?"

crazy_chick

07-28-2007, 09:25 PM

Jason thought for a moment then said in the same soft tone of voice that he had used earlier. "Because without tomorrow we are doomed, because without a tomorrow to look to for something better then we have no reason to have a better today. Why not dare when all that is at stake is the whole world?" he was looking her in the eyes and thinking, Tomorrow may not be the same as tonight, but tonight there are things that are worth being daring for. Not matter what tomorrow brings. as he leaned down and gently brushed her lips with his. The moment he drew his lips away he realized what a fool he was, she was probably furious that he had dared! He quickly took a step away and muttered an embarassed apology.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 09:33 PM

Fairy Tale: the two words that came to mind... that is, when she could think again.

Come on, say something! Don't sit there looking like an imbicile!

Forcing the dizziness out of her mind (mostly), she managed a reply in a fairly steady voice.

"Not too forward...," she reassured him. She hesitantly rested a hand on his arm, hoping that she was not too bold now.

When her hand touched him, he felt pleasantly sick.
"That's good--very good," he managed to reply in a ragged almost-whisper. He hesitantly placed his hand on hers and held it, stroking gently.
He felt indescribably happy and never wanted this night to end. He pushed the thought that it would back again, and concentrated on how wonderful it felt to be close to her and touch her.

premiumdancer

07-28-2007, 09:34 PM

"Indeed that is a shame. Well, at least he can dictate his stories you directly. But I wager, his stories change from day to day and are demed inconvinent to write down."

"Not at all. I rather enjoy reading his stories, even if it does cramp my hand a little. My writing will never be as good as my cat's, which is a somewhat dismal thought."

Ravenheart

07-28-2007, 10:08 PM

When her hand touched him, he felt pleasantly sick.
"That's good--very good," he managed to reply in a ragged almost-whisper. He hesitantly placed his hand on hers and held it, stroking gently.
He felt indescribably happy and never wanted this night to end. He pushed the thought that it would back again, and concentrated on how wonderful it felt to be close to her and touch her.

Aurelia did not know what to say next. She was so shocked by this twist of fate alone it was hard to think. But for some reason it didn't bother her... she was just happy. His hand on hers was wonderful, the joy of the moment, overwhelming. So rather than speak, she kept quiet, and allowed for the perfect moment to go on in silence.