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Post by Lili Walser on Jul 28, 2011 11:55:04 GMT -5
There had been no reason to stay at home. None whatsoever… even if there were those around her that firmly suggested she do so. Really, what was the harm? It was only a masque… there was no harm that could come of a party. At least, none that Lili Walser could think of. She smoothed her skirt in the carriage, and fidgeted with the choker at her neck. She hoped that no one would fuss too badly at her when she returned home; but if they felt the need, at least she would have a wonderful time here to remember while they did. Francis Bonnefoy was known to throw some of the best parties in Granor, after all. She’d been to one or two, but never on her own. That was what made tonight so different. When the carriage pulled up in front of the manor house, Lili leaned forward enough that she could view the venue through the window of the carriage. Right. She was here. She could do this. The mask she had purchased for the occasion was firmly settled on her face, though the butterfly on it felt like it, and several of its brethren had taken residence in her stomach. As the footman handed her down from the carriage, she smiled at him. “Please, return for me in four hours’ time.” He bowed and nodded. “As the Lady wishes.” Really… she thought she’d asked them to call her Lady Lili, if nothing else. It was too late to correct him though, and too late to go back – the carriage had already driven off. Squaring her shoulders, the young woman returned her gaze to the house, and began her way up to the main entrance. At least she had excuse to wear one of her favorite gowns this evening – it matched her mask perfectly. And she was rather pleased with how her hair had come out, all curled and piled together, and interspersed with a few small, delicate pink rosebuds. Then she was entering, her hands clasped together in front of her. She did hope that she didn’t appear as incredibly nervous as she suddenly felt, but if she did, there was nothing that she could do about it now. ((For reference: Mask: www.maskitalia.com/assets/images/masks/fulls/MF306Ba.jpgGown: i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/MistressKaren/Lilisballgown.jpg )) |
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Aug 8, 2011 16:06:53 GMT -5
The hall was pure, cacophonic barrage on all senses, a formless mass of colors, sounds, textures, and scents that had swallowed Francis in more than once. Francis had opened the masquerade only moments ago and already it was in full swing. Normally, such circumstances would have inspired both lazy exasperation and a twisted sort of amusement in Francis. But not now.
Francis was utterly, wretchedly, achingly bored.
Leaning against a pillar in the most dispirited pose he could muster, Francis watched the scene with a listless gaze, feeling as if he had already seen the same thing before countless times - it was all preordained chaos.
Somehow, his feet seemed to get the right idea and he wandered away from his post, pushing masked faces back into the sea of luridly decorated revelers. Ignoring the voices calling for him, Francis made to slip out of the hall when he nearly knocked into a small figure he nearly missed. Righting himself, he paused as a blessedly muted color caught his eye.
Pale pink. A respite from the bold reds and vivid greens and loud yellows that were giving him a headache. He couldn't help but smile and nod to the newcomer in greeting.
She seemed so delicate, and Francis suddenly had the urge to temper his inviting expression into a gentler, more reassuring smile.
"Good evening, my blossom. Welcome to my little gathering."
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Post by Feliks £ukasiewicz on Aug 17, 2011 0:43:12 GMT -5
Feliks' dress fit him like a glove, yet still gave the illusion of feminine curves thanks to the bustle. The crimson color of it was eye-catching but he could still blend into this crowd full of costumed jewels. Pity he could only wear the outfit once. He couldn't afford to be recognized in this disguise, he was there to scout potential clients and spread some word of mouth. The blonde had arived at the mansion dressed as a maid, carrying a bundle of "laundry" which had been his dress and mask. He did maid chores all day. Then right before the party, he made sure no one was looking and slipped away into a closet to change into the dress and his mask. The mask was a beautiful work of art, it reminded Feliks of the pheonix birds he so admired. He applied some make up using a small mirror he had tucked into the bundle, making sure he looked like a lady, not a boy in a dress. Feliks stuffed his bundle, now containing his maid outfit, into a dark corner of the closet. He stood, shook the wrinkles out of his skirt, and stepped confidently out of the closet, acting as if he owned the mansion. Feliks slipped into the ballroom, making sure no one noticed him actually enter the room. Discresion was his stock in trade, this was not the time for flamboyant displays, that would come later. Feliks smoothly started to mingle with the crowd. Out of the corner of his eye, Feliks noticed the host moping and holding up a pilar. He kept one eye on the man as he continued gossiping with the lady in blue. Feliks was startled when he spotted the young lady that the host moved to great, she had chosen to wear light pink which was refreshing when compared to the bright jewel tones that made up the mass. Feliks now wished he had had the balls to wear bright pink, it was his favorite color after all. [[ Feliks' Dress: i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/Majinekochan/seatondeb01.jpgHis Mask: i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/Majinekochan/M3232_full_1.jpg ]] |
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Post by Lili Walser on Aug 17, 2011 2:01:35 GMT -5
Lili looked around at all the other guests, feeling decidedly out of place in her pink gown. Everyone else was wearing such strong colors… perhaps she should have chosen her midnight blue dress instead? But… then her mask wouldn’t match, and she’d be back to the problem she was in all over again… because everyone also seemed so well coordinated with their color schemes. No… as out of place as she was here… it was better she’d worn the pink. At least then she was different… and people would remember her. Oh. … People… people would remember her. What if everyone who’d told her to stay home found out she had been here?
Silently, she warred with herself as she made her way around the perimeter of the dance floor. She was so preoccupied both with watching the dancers and arguing with herself that she didn’t notice her trajectory would take her into the path of another. When he stopped short, she stopped as well, a blush coloring her cheeks. “O-oh… I’m terribly sorry… I wasn’t paying the least mind to where I was walking.”
Of course, that blush was nothing compared to the one that colored her cheeks when he spoke. Blossom…? H-His gathering…? Oh, but that must mean he was… he was… Francis Bonnefoy. Oh dear. She was glad her mask hid some of the blush on her face, else she wasn’t entirely sure what she’d do, other than pray the floor opened up and swallowed her whole. “I… it is a lovely party… It’s so kind of you to open your home to so many people.” She wasn’t sure how to respond to his other comment… the one that likened her to a young flower… so she let it be for now. Surely, he was just treating her as he’d treat any other young woman who came to his parties.
As her attention was centered on him – it was only polite, as she was conversing with him, that he have all of her attention – she didn’t notice others in the room turning to regard them. This… was probably good for her already quivering nerves… nerves that had, admittedly, been set somewhat at ease by Francis’s reassuring smile.
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Sept 20, 2011 21:51:30 GMT -5
Francis was suddenly aware that the din in the ballroom had diminished somewhat and the stares of hundreds of pairs of eyes bore into him. The only thought he spared for this new development was that he was in the company of vultures - ravenous predators that these people were for intrigue and scandal - and he found that he was in no mood to give them a show.
Besides, the newcomer was already blushing enough to rival the color of her dress, and Francis feared that any more pressure on her would make her faint. A swift, quiet exit would be wise.
"You flatter me," he replied, flashing her gracious smile. "It's only a little traditional get-together." He paused, letting out a sigh. "But I'm afraid this gathering is getting a little too dull, my rosebud. Why don't we retreat to the balcony? I have the best view of the sky in this district."
Turning away for a moment, Francis clapped his hands to signal the musicians to play once more. Hopefully the curious onlookers would be spurred to dance again. As a lively tune resonated around the ballroom, Francis took the girl's hand lightly and led her through the throng as quickly and calmly as he could. It was only until the ballroom doors shut behind him that Francis was able to breathe a little easier.
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Post by tomatepirata on Sept 20, 2011 22:56:20 GMT -5
Antonio mingled easily amongst the guests, long used to attending Francis’ parties. His was a well known mask, though he was lucky enough to avoid being recognized outside these parties. The foolish nobles always looked for him amongst their own groups, not even considering a lowly grocer in the market. He’d be annoyed if it wasn’t so useful for him. He could learn all the gossip during parties and not have to worry about anyone trying to silence him, because they couldn’t find him. Noticing a woman in red standing around and gossiping, Antonio began making his way toward her. She was exactly his type and the look on her face told him she’d probably have good information. While he wouldn’t be going anywhere with her, he did enjoy the social dance that was meaningless flirting. He moved to stand beside the woman in blue, waiting for a good point in the conversation to insert himself. “Señor Fayelle was there too Señora Vinicci, he was visiting with the Lord’s daughter.” He smiled charmingly at the woman in red, bowing elegantly. “And who might you be Señorita? An aquantence of Señora Vinicci?” media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lob1exv58X1qjwcj6.jpg (costume with the red cape draped on one shoulder) redskytrader.com/images/product-images/m7751c_1.jpg (mask) |
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Post by Lili Walser on Sept 21, 2011 0:18:23 GMT -5
The longer the pause went on, the more Lili noticed the quieting of the crowd. The more she noticed that, the darker her blush got. Oh, dear. She was dreadfully flustered. It was as though those gathered were judging her - and she never felt as though she could measure up to the nobles that gathered at parties like these. It was an entirely nerve-wracking experience for her.
This... was a little traditional get-together? Little? Mr. Bonnefoy and she certainly had different ideas of little, then. But she smiled timidly and nodded. "E-even so, it's a delightful party..." Even if she hadn't seen much of it yet. Past gatherings indicated that this one would be as well. She was slightly taken aback by his offer, though she couldn't think of a reason to deny it.
"O-oh... Y-yes... that would be lovely." She let him take her hand and lead her through the crowd, her chin tipped down so that she didn't have to meet anyone's eye. Doing so would be just dreadful for her confidence. She was afraid they'd look at her with superiority or loathing, or some other judgmental state of being. As the balcony doors closed behind them, she blinked up at Francis, then did indeed turn her attention to the sky. "Oh..." She breathed, completely in awe. "It is lovely."
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Post by Feliks £ukasiewicz on Sept 21, 2011 12:28:55 GMT -5
Feliks had grown tired of Lady Vinicci's meaningless blather about who wore what at so-and-so's party. While normally he'd pick up fashion tips, he had been at that party, so it wasn't anything new to him. His green eyes snapped to the new man's face when he spoke. He was handsome, in an approachable way, and his outfit fit him perfectly.
"Oh no, Señor Bullfighter, I just met Lady Vinicci tonight." Not true at all, he had known Lady Vinicci for years, in different disguises and under different names. Feliks hid his lie with a fliry smirk, and a flick of his fan.
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Sept 21, 2011 22:48:09 GMT -5
The sight of the night sky, its inky expanse untouched even by the most ambitious of the city lights, lifted Francis' mood immediately. Judging from his companion's breathless exclamation, the view had the same effect on her. This made Francis brighten a little more.
He turned back to face her fully and with a single graceful gesture, he untied his mask and swept it off. "That's better, is it not? Now I have nothing to hide," Francis chuckled, as his vanity prevented him from covering his face for too long.
Now that he could relax, he could also allow himself to be curious about his guest. "Well then, my lovely," he said, careful to keep his voice soft, "would you like to keep me guessing as to who you are, or would you prefer to spare me the agony?" He winked teasingly.
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Post by tomatepirata on Sept 22, 2011 9:30:29 GMT -5
Antonio grinned, reaching out to take her hand and kissing the back of it like a proper gentleman. “No no, call me Anton señorita. All my friends do.” Or the two most annoying ones did at any rate. He loved them dearly, but sometimes Francis and Gilbert just didn’t make sense. Saying that his name was too long and needed to be shortened, but then only taking away the last two syllables? He kept some strange company.
“And what is the name of such a beautiful señorita~?” He gave Feliks his best charming smile, straightening up and moving a little closer. Beside him señora Vinicci seemed to puff up like a bull frog. Before she could complain about how he was flirting with this younger, prettier girl and shot the woman a little grin and wink. She blushed and giggled like she was a girl again.
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