Interactive Story RP: Observing the Festivities
 

[[Is this a regular hangout? I don't want to ruin it if it is an RP thread or something o_o. At any rate, hullo!]]

((I was kinda wondering the same thing...)

((It's an RP-hangout that you are free to post in. :D ))

Espy slipped through the multitude of people chatting in the sidelines, holding the sheathed sword close to her so as to not arouse suspicion. Ah, should've worn a mask, she thought, hoping her piercingly red eyes wouldn't turn heads. She didn't like attention; she hadn't particularly loathed it either when, as a child, her family had treated her like the actual princess she was, but attention now would be...bothersome.

The drunk men nearby caused her to flatten her ears slightly. She hated above all the loud nonsensical blabber of inebriated men and women alike. But soon, she'd have to do something to blend in. She sighed. She had never been a person for formalities and dances.

((Ok, be back in...about three hours.))

Angel hung around at the edges of the ball mostly; sipping punch and nibbling sweets. She looked around for some familiar faces to chat with, but was presently a bit too tired to say much due to the lateness of the hour. However, she was enjoying taking in the atmosphere of the ball.

Espy's left ear twitched slightly. A sign of anxiety...She could feel eyes on her. Er...do I turn around to check...? That'd make it obvious, huh... She noticed a lady wandering on the outskirts of the ball; so maybe she wasn't the only one...

A bit flustered, she finally admitted to herself that perhaps insisting on being a tomboy when she was little might not have been the best idea...

Demo wandered his way back into the main hall of the castle after ignorantly getting lost within it's many halls trying to find the restrooms. "I really do not understand the houses of this area. Very much different from what I'm used to back home."

The air was a tad warm at aloud with a rumble of many voices coming from the mass of people within the main hall. Demo though to himself, "Why this is quiet a turn out. I wonder though how many of these people truely come for the queen or the free wine." He chuckled to himself at the last though. He decided to lean against a wall and try to observe to find if there was anyone he knew. Richard of course had fallen asleep again upon his shoulder after getting lost.

Ah, quick, a name! Er...my middle will have to do for now. "I...uh...suppose you could call me Rion, for now, " she replied hurriedly. Color flared into her face. "Distant kingdom...Well...I suppose you could say that. A very distant kingdom."

The strange blue eyes bore into her; she felt that there was something quite wrong here, but her scattered wits could hardly help her form a decent thought. "Ex...excuse me, it's my first ball, and..." She trailed off as Maikan's eyes sent shivers down her spine. That's...strange. It feels like he's searching me. ...Must just be myself.

"Thank you, Lord Maikan. That name...I use it because I dislike using my full name. It's quite a mouthful. And, of course! The...er...colors," she finished quite lamely. "Although I do not have a mask currently. I might've lost it...outside."

She followed the man's gaze; a man in brightly-colored attire with a dragon perched almost precariously on his shoulder. A slight gasp; she had always been fond of certain creatures, and this wyvern would probably not escape her praise.

Demo sighed as he scanned the crowd till he fell on two sets of eyes that were curiously looking at him, or so he thought. He felt very uneasy but he could not pinpoint what exactly was giving him this feeling? Demo though to himself, "Wait a moment, why should I be nervous? I came here just like everyone else did." Within that moment he disconnected his gaze with the pair across the grand hall and started at his shoe as if enticed by it's boredom.

Coming into the room Belial saw the crowd and it took all of his will not to turn and walk out immediately. "If they didn't want you here you wouldn't have gotten an invite, stupid" he chided himself mentally. Trying to be as unnoticeable as possible he found his way to a small table laden with snacks.

The chocolate smell was truly enticing to his nose and he soon began filling up one of the provided plates. One nibble of the fragrant treat and he was in heaven. The subtle bitterness seemed perfectly balanced with the sweet and . . . what was that?. . . .orange filling? it melted in his mouth like steel in a sword mold. Strange comparison but to him that made sense.

He did not partake of the dancing, he never learned how and Belial was not keen on making a spectacle of himself. Being a face in the crowd made him happy and his lot in life was satisfying enough. He had no need of anything further aside from possibly a comfy chair which he soon found. He delighted in observing others from a distance. Almost as if he were a psychologist seeking the ever present answer of why people do things.

He took a small bite of a cake and found it just as perfectly made as the small chocolate square from before.

Reyoki sighed as she leaned against a wall. She couldn't fathom how in the world she'd gotten an invitation to the Grand Masquerade, but she hadn't been about to look a gift horse in the mouth when the invitation arrived.

Gazing about the ballroom, she couldn't help but wonder how anyone could enjoy such an oppressing, stuffy atmosphere. She could hear chatting and laughter from all sides, but it didn't sound quite jovial to the well-dressed Acro.

She glanced about a nearby refreshment table and thought to herself, "Why did I even come to this ball? Sure, it was nice to dress up for once, but I knew I wouldn't enjoy being here in the least." She picked up a flute of champagne from the table and returned to standing next to the wall. She felt so out of place among such finery with her simple dress.

walked into the main hall of the palace and looked around with bright blue eyes to the dancers, entertainers and listened to the music 'what a terrible noise' she thought to herself letting out a soft sigh, it wasn't that she was low born quite the opposite, her obsidian and blood ruby headdress was proof of this, it's just that her ears where sensitive and she prefared the silence to the loudness of music. She was dressed head to to in white robes, and white flowing coat gracefully danced around her form with each movement, around her arms would be a black and white shawl a sunrise orange sash around her waist, her hair was done up neatly and pined back with with fine white silk cords as not to be seen, around her neck a white crystal easily seen. For the moment however she believed that her wings be hidden as she didn't want to stick out like a soar thumb anymore than her clothing already did. Saying not a word to anyone she made her way gracefully to a wall, to watch the happenings the way she moved it was almost as if she glided across the floor a small smile seen on her face as she did so, it would be hard to believe the girl was one of the Deathless race.

>>hates entrance posts with vengeance<<

Scanning the area noticed someone moving, sort of, it was more stumbling and she found herself wondering why someone would torture themselves into wearing something if it made them walk like a mongoose that got shot in the leg with an arrow, though turned her head it was none of her concern well at least not until it effected her. Slowly she brought up her hand and yawned a little into it before lowering it for all that she had yet to do something this ball was draining, but then she put that down to the fact she hadn't been in the shadows for over twenty four hours.

Demo looked up when he felt like he wasn't being watched any more. Or so he thought in his mind. He took a quick look at the area surrounding him to once again see if he saw anyone he knew. Unfortunately his search was in vain. Though he did not quite understand why many guests had been taking quick glances at him. Demo thought to himself, "Am I doing something wrong by standing here?" He paused then remembered that his dragon-like traits were not common in this area. He was not ashamed or haughty for having them, honestly they were just going to have to deal with it since he was after all allowed to be here.

Her eyes where drawn to the Dragonic, tilting her head just slightly she studied him for a moment 'How rare, a light Ascent, but then again I could be wrong... perhaps he is water or ice' she thought to herself, once again her eyes wandering to see if anything was happening. at the moment it seemed that everyone was having a good time, but then when so many people where together it stood to reason something bad was likely to happen

Demo felt the gaze of another upon him but stronger than the normal stares of the party goers. Along with it came and foreboding feeling that enveloped his body. It sent shivers down his spine. Demo thought to himself, "What in the world?" His gazed drifted to a woman in white who practically glowed compared to the others. Demo again thought to himself, "Well heck, I'm not doing anything here and this woman intrigues my insatiable curiosity." With that thought he raised himself from the wall and made his way over to the woman.

She would be sat still on her seat her eyes closing as if to rest but she tried to listened a low sigh passing her lips as the music covered everything 'damn noise' she thought to herself but kept her eyes closed unaware of the approaching figure, her hand slowly moved to her pendant and grasped it 'I need to remember, I must not forget' she say to herself continuously, soon her eyes opened her bright blue eyes seemingly a little brighter than before, her hand moving from her pendant as she looked down to fix her sash, it was now that she noticed another walking towards her, the one that she had been looking at 'I wonder why he is coming over here' she thought, though at the moment she was more interested in getting her sash to sit properly.

Demo watch the woman's peculiar actions but dismissed them as normal things anyone would do. He approached her, making sure she was aware as not to startle her, and said, "Madame, who might I have the pleasure of meeting?" Along with this he presented her with a respectful bow, keeping his eyes locked with hers. In the process he made sure as not to let poor sleeping Richard fall off his shoulder.

Standing as she was approached by the man she blinked a moment, her glacial blue eyes studying everything about the one whom kept complete eye contact with her, she found this an interesting thing in itself as not many would look directly in the eyes of one of her kind, but then again she didn't exactly look like one of her kin at the moment, allowing her sash to drop to her left hand side she moved her hand to her chest and bowed forward a little returning the gesture of respect “We are speaking so I am guessing we have met” she smile a little “You are an Ascent Arco, I am guessing of water, light or ice” she say gently, she was curious in to just what category he himself fit into.

Getting up, Belial went to the liquid refreshments as all that snacking had made him parched. It was stupid to have gotten a plate with nothing to drink with it. In any case the selection was a total mystery to him. He had never seen any of these before in his life so choosing one would be difficult. Examining them closer did not merit a darn thing so choosing one at random would have to be.

He poured himself a glass of what looked like crystalline water and returned to his seat. Water was simple, right? so it made sense that he would pick what he knew. Besides, it was cold and the warmth in here from so many was beginning to bother him. He had not even danced and it felt as if he had been exercising. On putting down his drink he noticed the unattended plate had disappeared.

The waiters must be incredibly attentive as he was not out of his seat longer than five minutes at the least. Belial shrugged and sipped his water to enjoy some relief from the heat. Unfortunately it immediately caused him into a fit of coughing as the strong liquor went down his throat.

This was NOT water.

And people were beginning to stare at him to his shame. He did not come here to cause a fuss and making a shameful display such as this was very uncharacteristic. He cleaned up as best he could and mumbled a sincere apology under his breath if they were still looking at him. Going to the other side of the room might be the best for the time being. Since it was so large he felt certain that noone would have known about his "social gaffe"

But it wasn't as if anyone had been around to teach him a darned thing about that. . .

And he was still thirsty.

"Well met miss." He said when she returned the bow out of respect. He thought to himself, "No others would sincerly return a bow here, this is very surprising." He was pleased that she knew of his race and not just that he was different from other. "To answer your question miss I am of the light. Don't think me rude but you do not seem to be like the others around here." He said gesturing to the surrounding public. "But nevermind that, how rude of me. My name is Demo, no need for titles in a foreign land. Who might you be referred to miss?

She looked to him and smiled a little “Warm meetings” she say gently in return to his own greeting, though to his comment she would blink a little startled at the thought of people being rude “If a show of respect is given it must be returned, this is the flow of things” she say with a soft tone to the one in front of her “I thought so, the light are quite rare, strong in their healing ability’s, not so much for weapons, but there have been a few exceptions to such rules” her tone showing she knew what she was talking about “I do not think it rude as you are most likely correct in your assumption that I am not like any here” her voice was open about such matters as her crystal blue eyes turned to the others within the vicinity before returning to the man as he introduced himself. “If you are rude, that makes me just as rude for not introducing myself” her hand coming up as she chuckled a little before placing it by her side “I quite agree when it comes to titles, with everyone wearing masks, titles are useless things... You can call me Ariiana” she say her hand once again moving to her chest as she bowed slightly “It is a pleasure to meet you Demo” her voice was calm as she spoke, standing from the bow once more now all the formality’s had been done

Rembrandt had a rather productive evening, patting the pockets of his long coat with a smirk on his face and a drink in his hand. A few pearl necklaces, gem-encrusted rings, a diamond bracelet, and the money from cleverly dumped wallets; these rich folk sure didn't think to hide their riches very well in the midst of such an event. So secure in their thoughts that nothing could touch them...made him want to laugh. He walked by a rather drunk rotund man trying to hit on one of the maidservents and picked his pocket deftly, pushing the leather sachet into his coat to empty at a more opportune time. He looked up to see a male in a rather distinguished outfit and dignified horns take a drink of liquor and nearly cough his lungs up. Rembrandt laughed at the site; guess he thought the vodka was water. That was almost cute.

Rembrandt stopped to drop his drink off at an empty table and take another from a passing servant bearing a tray of them, just in time to look up to see the male approaching his way. He grinned and nodded at the fellow, a new patsy. "Good morrow to you sir; I couldn't help but notice you seemed to be having trouble a moment before, are you quite all right?"

Demo returned her bow. "Aiiriana, what a wonderful sounding name." He said smiling at her name. "Ah you speak for one beyond your apparent years. Very intriguing. I am of the younger of my people so much is new to me I must admit." He let out a small chuckle of embarrassment. "I do believe I made the right choice to walk over here."

She smile a little at the compliment that she had received “Thank you very much, but this was the name given to me at my birth, my parent's should be the ones complimented on how it sounds not I” she say her voice modest on such things “I am only sixteen years of age, not very old to any race...” she take a second and bite on her lip a little 'especially mine' she thought to herself, though she shook her hair ivory tendrils dancing around her form like snow in a blizzard as she snapped herself out of it “I speak on how I see things, my perception is most different to most and it unnerves those I come across” she say truthfully though she was glad it didn't have the same effect on him, she believed she now found someone she could have a conversation with “This is also my first ball, I have sensitive ears so the music is loud and obnoxious” she say quietly, she didn't want to offend anyone “I am glad you took the first step in coming over here, but I find myself asking why you done such a thing Demo” her voice showed happiness but also a hint of curiosity on the matter

He smiled at her modesty. "To be truthful I just got a feeling and decided that I should find out where it was coming from. Luckily I was led to you. Though mind you, none of these people tend to have the modesty that you seem to posses. It is very admirable to have." He smiled as he complimented the trait. "And there are many rooms and areas to go in this castle if you wished to escape the confines of the main hall. Trust me, I just spent the last couple hours wandering them since I had gotten lost."

A light blush came to her pale cheeks as she was complimented once more “Feelings can sometimes lead you a foul as you never know what or where they could lead you too” she would say with a smile her blush slowly fading from her cheeks “As I see it the only thing that comes from a lack of modesty is the realization that you yourself are not invisible...” she say quietly looking to the others who wore lavish dresses and suits embroidered and encrusted with jewels, she then looked to herself and all of a sudden felt under-dressed “Don't I stick out like a soar thumb” she chuckled a little in embarrassment.

“Modesty is indeed a great asset to have, it reminds us that we can be harmed and that we do serve some higher being or purpose” she say with a smile, her eyes once again going to the people dancing “I would like to think they are here to celebrate the union of the planet, but I do not believe so... I believe they are here to suckle at the power teet and gain some sort of favour with the queen...” she paused for a second as she turned to look at Demo once again “It is quite depressing really as anything worth doing should be done the hard way and not by dress to impress... so to speak” she say contently, on hearing the rest of the castle was open to wander she looked at him her crystal blue eyes sparkling like sapphires in the moonlight “Perhaps you could escort me?” she would say moving her hand forward for him to take

Demo held in a laugh when she asked if she stuck out, and replied, "Oh you stand out about as much as me. Though, what does it really matter. To not stick out is to blend in, which is like giving someone else a hold of your actions instead of yourself." Demo looked around as to make sure no prying ears were in their midst. "I agree with you with you whole heartily. I myself will not speak ill of the queen in such situation now since this is her realm, not mine. Though I can guarantee you that I am in no way here for the will of any queen." His voice tinging on the seriousness of his statement.

"It would be a pleasure, I do believe we have much to talk about. My curiosity is still prying at my thoughts." He said taking her hand gingerly. "I do believe there is a lovely long hall not far from here. Very peaceful and many windows where you can see the night sky. Also there are furnishings if you wish to sit and talk."

She found herself also chucking as he laughed, it was an unusual happening for her as she was normally very serious only dealing with the task at hand, but she felt at complete ease something that had never before happened and it was something she wanted to cherish while she could “If you blend in you will just be one of the brainless mass populace, you should always be true to yourself and no other” she say contently her laughter dying down “You don't want to know what kind of punishment I would be given if my thoughts where amplified on the subject of her highness” she would whisper in a low voice “I dutifully obey and thus I am here, not for the queen but for the one I serve” she would say quietly she wasn't ashamed it's just something that was best not spoken about at least when there where prying ears everywhere.

She looked at him her smile never leaving her face as he spoke “Do we now?” she teased a little as her hand was taken delicately, she allowed herself to be led from the great hall and let out a sigh of relief as the sounds of the music left with each step into the long corridor “Perhaps if you ask I may relieve your curiosity, but then that is to my discretion” she giggle a little playfully her eyes glowing slightly brighter as she did so, but soon she looked out of one of the glass window to the sky a relaxed and content sigh escaping her lips

"Beautiful is it not?" He said sharing the moment of staring at the sky. "A wondrous sky, very different from home but still beautiful." He smiled as she seemed to start enjoying herself. "It's a wonder what you discover when your not even looking for it. Though I do believe that we are finally rid of those sickeningly loyal guards." His voice softening as he stated his last remark. "One must be wary when not in the comfort of home. Mind if I ask where your consider home?"

She would nod a little as he spoke of the sky being beautiful “It is indeed beautiful, I thought I lost seeing such things, it seems like an eternity” she would confess her voice showing she was nostalgic about seeing the moon and stars in such a clear night “Wonders come in many forms, like feelings not all of them are good” she reply her voice was sad as she spoke on this matter “You are correct there are no others here but ourselves, but all walls have ears if you listen hard enough you can hear them whispering secrets” she say her eyes closing as she smiled weakly “You are correct, when not in a place you are unfamiliar with or are at ill ease it is always best to stay alert.” she say her eyes opening as she looked to the moon once more, making her eyes shimmer like a sparkling blue diamond “My home was destroyed when I was fourteen, it was attacked... we done nothing to deserve it, we where just casualties in a war” she say her voice showed she had come to terms with it “My home now is in the shadows” she whisper “What about you Demo, where do you call home?” she ask in reply

Demo felt a sharp pain in his chest as Ariiana spoke of what befell her home. "I live in a small villa a ways away from the main city of my people. I am a curious soul and enjoy reading my books, and experimenting. I have no family to speak of. They have all left this world in a manner of speaking." He smiled trying to cheer the Ariiana up. "It is surrounded by beautiful tall trees with a meadow of wildflowers surrounding it. The white-tan bricks practically sparkle in the full daylight." He knew what she was but was fine to leave it upspoken. He just gave her a look of understanding to show that he knew and that her truth was safe.