A Thousand Shining Stars ♥ Night of the Masquerade

Summer sat down beside him "yes i do, it would be a change of pace from my normal lifestyle." She smiled brightly "yeah despite my father trying to keep such things from me i have been around magic enough to know a magician when i see one." She turned to look at Harold, no longer fazed by him "so what are you really? If you don't mind my asking" she asked him curiously but politely.

Mason wandered the halls keeping his eyes peeled for danger, noticing nothing he walked back to Summers room and knocked on the door hoping to apologize. The door swung open just wide enough for Mia to stick her head out "Mia i need to speak with her highness" Mia looked a bit nervous "im afraid she has gone to bed early Mason she seemed upset." Mason sighed " i see thank you Mia." with that he turned and left feeling terrible to have ended her good time, he exited the castle and began to walk the grounds avoiding the palace guards no feeling like having to get into a fight to prove his identity.
 
[Princess Emeline has a little go at being an antagonist before realising she doesn't want to and going back to Christoph... Also, Sybyl with 'Cecilia' and Jonathan]

Upon his cold turning away, Emeline nodded silently to herself - this was how it had to be. Despite this assurance, she still felt remarkably guilty. Perhaps, when her duty was done at the end of the night, she would be lucky enough to run into him again... She grit her teeth. Luck wasn't something that came to her. She didn't hear his forgiveness, she had already walked inside. It was probably a good thing, for the sound might have broken her heart and changed her mind instantly.

The ballroom seemed to have calmed down a bit after the king's interruption. She glanced around, narrowing her eyes and hardening her resolve. A quiet corner, perhaps her brother's assistance... The heirs would be hers soon enough. She stalked confidently through the crowd and located her empty space - the far left corner of the room, with a good view of the throne and the dancefloor.

She closed her eyes and concentrated. A skilled passed on by her father, to detect other magic users. It came easily to her brothers, but it was something Emeline had to work at to be able to do. There were quite a few in the crowd. Unfortunately, there was no way of telling who exactly they were - heirs, or Faisen agents? Or perhaps something else altogether? She was struggling to care. Thoughts of the bridge she had burned with a gentleman who had made her laugh interrupted her attempts to get to work.

Sybyl tapped her shoulder, suddenly there from out of nowhere.

"I see you've come to your senses," she uttered with a cold smile. "And left the foolish man to his own devices."

Emeline snapped her eyes open as she turned on Sybyl angrily, "Do not speak of him like that."

"I beg your pardon, mistress..." Sybyl apologised, casting a look over at the crowd. "Is there a target yet?"

"It would be easier if I could ask my brother's help but..." She sighed, and then the resentment she had felt earlier rose up again. She wondered if she should pass on the unfairness, ruin his evening as well...? The brief look on Christoph's face came before her again. Emeline was not as cold-hearted as she wished she could be. "Let's just get this over with so I can go home."

She moved away from her vantage point and back down into the dancing couples. She would have to eliminate the possibilities down, and the only way to do that was in person.

"Leave me for this, Sybyl," Emeline instructed. "You can check out another, since I have wasted so much time already." Sybyl nodded and disappeared from her side almost instantly, knowing through Emeline's telepathic urging exactly where to go.

In truth, Emeline just didn't want an audience, or Sybyl breathing down her neck to stay focused. She didn't want to focus. She barely wanted to do this at all.

What she wanted was to see Christoph again, to dance with him again, but - she noted as she saw him conversing with a lady - he had already moved on from her. Emeline found herself seething. Her step faltered, and a jealousy and disappointment she wasn't familiar with began to form. Her duty seemed to matter less and less in respect to what she was feeling.

It wasn't until the woman laughed that Emeline finally decided to hell with duty. Always dutiful, always respectful, always obedient - to hell with it all!

Though she had no idea what she was going to do or say to this poor man she had just renounced ties with, in a rare bout of impulsiveness she strode straight up to them both. With her heart beating loudly in her chest, she spoke without thought - a totally new territory.

"I have changed my mind, such is a my purogative," she announced, ignoring the woman purposefully. Insulted by this, the woman backed off slightly. "I..." The momentum failed Emeline but she plowed on. She was being foolish and knew she was being foolish and yet... The need to rebel drove her onward. "I have been blinded by my father's will. Tonight, I will be your Emeline if you still have need for such a fickle, foolish woman." It was as close to an apology as she could muster, but she put all the genuine expression she could into the words. "What say you, my prince?" Even if the offer was rejected, as she was prepared for, she would not stay there that night. She would not kill any heirs.

*

Sybyl did not see Emeline's sudden change of pace. She was homing in on the one she was to confront - the crown of Faisen backed her actions and she had been given a semblance of free reign for a moment. Her targets were easy to locate - the blond woman and her dance partner. Emeline's hunch about them might have been right.

They appeared giddy, having a remarkably good time. Sybyl approached.

"Pardon me, madam, sir," she said, standing at a respectable distance from them, but close enough to show it was indeed their attention she needed. "I am terribly sorry to interrupt your fine dance... but I must ask for you both to follow me - it is a matter of urgency indeed."
 
"Fancy that." Tybalt said when Summer revealed that she understood some basic magics. He longed for a smoke but being inside and wearing a cat shaped mask inside of a ball didn't make for the world's most practical object. "Just remember princess, there are more than type of magician in this world. Magicians are aware of their power and use it intentionally, deliberately, and on purpose, to achieve their own wants and desires. Some of them are good. Some are evil. Some wish to reign in anarchy against both good and evil. If you honestly believe that this path is the right one for you, then follow it to the best of your ability."

If Summer was paying any attention to his speech, it was shortly distracted by Herold....

"Oh, oh...I can show her what I am instead of just telling her? Can I boss?" Herold smiled as it started to nudge the side of Tybalt's head.

"All in good time." Tybalt responded shoving the black cat away from his head.

"No, no, no, no! Everything is always about you! I wanna have some limelight for once, boss!" Herold protested.

"You're going to cause a scene. No, means no." Tybalt said.



"Nya...You're no fun! So you know what? I'm gonna show her anyways!" The cat then gave a very human like grin and then began to change it's form, slowly becoming more and more human like. The being that now stood in Herold's place was a small humanoid creature with wings, red and black colored hair draped over its pale white face, and green dress that was made from a leaf. Its eyes remained very cat like, large and yellow and they stared intensely at Summer. Herold was in fact, a brownie.

"Nya~" The brownie then flew over towards Summer's head and rubbed her small hands on the princess' face. "She's just so cute. I could eat her up! Can I?"

"No." Tybalt quickly said, "Remember, that's exactly how you ended up a slave to my father."

"Oh phewie, you're still no fun Prince Grumpypants." The fairy mocked. She then patted Summer's cheek, "He's suuuuuuuuuuuuuch a sourpuss. Lord knows, he doesn't focus on much besides his work. Anywhoo, me name is Heralda Alberchttolzerschutzen. He calls me Herold because it's shorter and doesn't draw attention from people. I'm like that's totally wankers, if you ask me. Giving a fairy, a dude's name. Such an insult to me honor."

Tybalt remained unfocused on the fairy, still looking forward into the crowd while Herold continued to harass poor Summer's face. He put his focus on someone in the crowd. Standing less than 20ft away from them was another young woman with blonde hair. When he looked at her, his eyes narrowed. Was this out of spite or anger, unlikely. He had no reason to dislike this stranger already. There was just something about her aura that he didn't trust.

The game is on. You're the one that I've been sensing and you know it. But the question is, are you cunning enough to find me?
 
Summer gazed at Heralda "wow, i never would have guessed." She laughed a little at the fairy's idea of eating her comment "i don't know whether to take that as a compliment or be offended." It was clear that Summer was not afraid of her at all, maybe she should have been "i agree a boys name is definitely not right, you should change that Tybalt." She directed that last part at him although it was clear he wasn't paying attention. She shook his shoulder gently "hello day dreamer"
 
[Raven still with Scarlette on the balcony but making a hasty retreat!]

Good. It would seem she would need magic after all. Raven took both of Scarlette's hands now and lowered her head shyly. "Thank you, my lady. Words spilled from your beautiful lips perform wonders unheard of to my heart." She happened to glance off to the side. The guards were coming this way, and they made no sign to hide it. The leader of the trio met her eyes. She reached into the costume and pulled out a simple diamond ring. It was nothing extravagant but Ferius did not believe in extravagance and he had mentioned on occasion that if he was to ask a woman to marry him, he would use such a ring.

Raven slipped it onto Scarlette's finger. "A token of my love. But ... it would seem I must leave you." The guards stopped beside her.

"Your Highness." The trio quickly bowed. "We must escort you back to your chambers immediately."

She bowed. "Goodnight then, my beloved, and sweet dreams to thee. I hope to see you soon." She hovered just a minute too long in the guards' eyes, studying Scarlette. That would give the appearance that she didn't want to leave her side. But then she slowly released her hands and even as she followed the guards, she often looked back until the doors had closed behind her and they were heading for Ferius' chambers.
 
[Scarlette alone on the balcony!]

Now sporting one hell of a ring, Scarlette waved to the prince as his men escorted him away. Once she was alone, her hands were at her stomach, trying to still the hurricane of butterflies fluttering around. She leaned against the balcony railing. That happened so fast..! One night and suddenly she was engaged to a prince and feeling like she was on top of the world!

"You did it! Good work, girl. I knew it could be done."

...well there went her happy feelings. Scarlette frowned as her Uncle stepped out from behind some curtains and joined her on the balcony.

"Believe me, I wasn't trying. I tried to tell him what I was doing here..."

Uncle Jareth scowled, stepping up close to her to hiss in her ear in case anyone was eavesdropping. "Be glad you tongue didn't slip girl. The moment someone realizes you are not a princess and now engaged to Ferius himself... Death, my dear." He took her hand to admire the ring now on her finger.

Yes, any enjoyment she gain was now completely gone! "I'm going inside." she said quickly, brushing past him to return to the ballroom. Anything to not deal with her Uncle.
 
Lex weaved his way through the crowd of dancing couples, trying to locate one of the pillars. He noticed a prince sitting down and knew it was the third pillar Tybalt from his telltale mask, he approached him. "Greetings, Tybalt." he turned to look at the beautiful blonde princess who was apparently accompanying him "greetings miss" finally he looked at the brownie that was buzzing around the girls head "greetings fairy"
 
The door opened silently, a woman's cries of anguish clearly heard over the intoned prayers. The aged physician beckoned Ferius inside and closed the door after him, the prayer and sobs cut off by the thick wood. A few minuets passed with no sign of the royal family as a cacophony of feet on marble floors echoed though the palace as the entire garrison mobilized, sealing every exit to the grounds. Grim-faced archers took up hidden positions and at every door leading from the ballroom there were veteran men-at-arms, the elite fighting men of Deceptia had barred all exits.

The door opened and a red eyed Ferius stepped through, determination shining beneath a mask of grief. A score of men entered the passageway from the staircase and fell into formation, their ornate armor shining as they saluted. There was no need to ask if the orders were completed, if the palace was sealed. Half the men took up position guarding the royal bedchamber, the rest surrounded their prince and the Sword Saints. The officer held out a black cloth to the prince and helped him tie it around his arm, a token of mourning before the procession marched back towards the ballroom.

Men at either side of the ornate door pulled it open as the prince strode in followed by the others. He stood on the pinnacle of the dais in front of the seats reserved for the royal family and honored guests. Though at first his voice cracked with grief it carried to every corner of the room as it strengthened with his growing resolve.

"My father, King Sirius the fourth of Deceptia is dead." He paused as the guests processed the news. "Poisoned by the hand of an assassin. My mother has assumed regency until the preparations for a new ruler are completed. And tomorrow the ball is suspended until after the funeral." He raised his hand in a gesture for quiet. "Now please a moment of silence."

He bowed his head as every Deceptian soldier in the room stood sharply to attention and presented their arms to their prince, their king, their country, and their god.

A full minuet passed in silence before the clang of the chapel's bell sounded, a mournful sound of ringing brass. At its second chime it was joined by another bell in the city, then another. Before long the entire capitol sounded a tolling dirge to it's ruler.

The king who had lead the nation to victory in the Memoian war… had passed.
 
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Christoph stood, dumbfounded and more than a little surprised, as Emeline strode up to embarrass the unpleasant woman he had been talking into a dance. He rather wished that he cared a bit more, since it was not conducive to fostering his own ego for him to accept without apology the impetuous words of a woman who had not ten minutes earlier renounced him. Still, the expression on her face, half hope and half the expectation of letdown, melted his icy anger. In truth, while not trying to goad her into jealousy, he had been planning to pursue her later. This made the matter much easier.

Though his rational mind told him that this was what he wanted, he felt the presence of resentment curling beneath the surface, a resentment he did not expect or understand that boiled and churned. There was a part of him that desperately wanted to deny her, to send her back to where she came from to gain vengeance for the pain she had caused him. Christoph struggled, knowing that this chain of thoughts was irrational - this was for his own happiness, why would he ruin the chance he had with one of the few women that he could stand to be near? Confused and reeling, Christoph shook his head, quelling the emotions as best he could.

"Let us dance then, Princess Emeline" he answered, trying to ignore the peculiar sensations that he felt warring within him. "Come away from the crowd with me though, I wish to be alone with you".
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Calliope could only stand there in awe; finally waking from her mother's trance. She suddenly was aware of her surroundings. The despair hung thick in the air and it was hard to breathe; all around her people began to mourn the death of King Sirius. Maroon eyes carefully scanned the people in the halls and she could feel tears threaten to crack her serious demeanor.

Assassin? The only one I ran into earlier didn't seem like she was here on business. How could I miss this?

The princess was disappointed in herself for letting such a thing happen. Vincent was supposed to be on guard as well; Sirius's death fell on his shoulders, just like hers. Guards bowed their heads in a moment of silence and Calliope followed suit. As her hair fell from her back and into her face, she allowed herself to cry for a moment. Silently, a few tears fell from her cheek and before raising her head they had gone.

I wasn't paying enough attention to anything but Ferius during the ball. If I had been doing my job instead of flirting, none of this would have ever happened!

She stood her ground next to Ferius and tried to clear her mind of any harsh thoughts; earlier, they just had been enjoying one another's company. It had been sadly short lived, however she remembered that her job should have come first. He had been terrible to her before and Calliope had more then a few words to share with him, if they ever were alone. Upon the death of his father, she figured that she would have to show respect and not open her mouth until he came to her.

Now is not the time to be wearing your heart on your sleeve. Just wait for a better time.

Biting lip, she winced as Prudence entered the halls; tears and make-up smeared down her beautiful cheeks. A family friend died and now Calliope realized that she also had to comfort her mother. Perhaps it was a good thing that she brought her violin along. Later that night, she would have to play it for the distraught Queen of Elloria.

As the bells tolled, she stood and awaited her orders. The ball had delayed and that meant she would have to stay longer with her mother. Sooner or later, she would have to bump into the prince again and just the thought of speaking to him made her stomach flutter.
 
"Best no to bug the boss when he's focusing." Heralda said, as she remained focused on Summer's face. "It's called Mind Overclocking. He"splits his brain" allowing him to run it in a parallel manner by separating his thought process, which allows him to maintain photographic memory, so much so he could be considered a living book. Not something an inexperienced mage should interrupt. Is that clear Miss Summer?"

The fairy then buzzed over to the new figure that had come to say hello. She flew around his head, twitching her nose back and forth, as if she were trying to sniff him out. "Hrmm...You smell funny. What brings you over here? I haven't seen you before." She then lifted her ear and heard about the death of the king."Interesting. Me thinks you are a shady sort... Claimed this one for me own, yes me did!" Heralda then nuzzled Summer's face.

Tybalt then spoke, "He's fine. That's not the concern right now. If the king has in fact been assassinated, there's a bigger threat involved."

"Ehhhh? Whatcha mean boss?" The fairy asked, while she continued to "guard" Summer's face.

"I am seeing shapes, five pointed, laced with gold but the tips are all coated in red." Tybalt mentioned, "Herold, you are the spiritual being. I'll need your help translating the symbols, once we wait for the mourning ceremonies begin." He said this coldly, lacking any empathy for the fact that the king had been killed.
 
Summer turned to Heralda "right sorry" she turned to look at the man who approached whoa that's a creepy mask "hi im Summer" she replied. She wondered how he knew Tybalt but when the prince entered and spoke of his fathers death she dismissed these thoughts and she joined the other people and bowed her head as as sign of respect to the fallen king. She raised her head after the moment had passed and as Heralda nuzzled her face she smiled a little, she wanted to offer the poor prince her condolences but didn't feel that now was the time. She listened curiously to Tybalt but on Heralda's earlier advice said nothing.

Mason outside having heard the bells lowered his own head for a brief moment, he was not his king but Mason felt that you should pay respects to the dead. He walked over to the entrance which was now heavily guarded, as he tried to get by blocked him "who are you?" they demanded,
"I am the personal guard to one of the princess. And i must see to her safety" He said patiently, "I'm afraid Sir that you will have to wait, our king was assassinated so there is no one in or out." He frowned "for how long?" The guards shrugged "until we receive orders telling us otherwise Sir." "Fine" he said grumpily and sat down with his back against a tree to wait, worrying for Summer and Mia at least they are in Summer's room rather than the ballroom.
 
Lex looked at the fairy, "no but i have seen you before." He nodded his head to Summer when she spoke "Its a pleasure Summer" he said and actually meant it. As the distraught prince entered the ballroom he listened with interest assassinated? i didn't notice any others of my kind here he too bowed his head although he felt no real feeling towards the dead king. "What'll you do now Tybalt" he stole a glance at Summer "your not distracted are you?" i would be he smiled at the thought.
 
[Pillar Emeline and Prince Christoph]

A wave of relief and excitement came over Emeline upon his agreement to forgive her earlier words. She noted that he did not appear completely sure about it, but that wouldn't matter - all she wanted to do was leave.

"Yes, away from the crowd would be good," Emeline nodded slowly, glancing about and trying to make sure Sybyl wasn't watching her. "I think, actually, that the gardens would be lovely." As far away from the ballroom as possible. Getting out from under her father's thumb began with getting away from one of his loyalest agents - her bodyguard.

Quickly, she ushered him away to the entrance - and exit - of the ballroom, cautiously eyeing the surroundings as they moved.

"I believe I owe you an -" she was interrupted and stopped by the announcement of the king's departure.

She had known the king, albiet impersonally, but was not shocked or saddened by the news. It was merely curious to her that an assassin would use such a method with such timing. She had no time to waste pondering such things there, though she remained still for the moment of silence.

The moment it was over, she took Christoph's hand and tugged him along, quickly and quietly.

An attendant at the door stopped them again.

"Excuse me, but you cannot leave. We need to secure the area. You will be able to leave once -"

Emeline frowned and interrupted. "We are not suspects," she told him, exerting her whispered magic - perhaps unfairly. Her magical skill lay in the area of brainwashing, influencing and manipulating, after all. "You will let us pass."

The attendant, and the guard nearby, moved aside for them.

"Quickly, let us go," she told Christoph.
 
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Christoph was nearly frozen in confusion, he couldn't believe that something had happened while he was busy speaking with Emeline. The whole affair confused and overwhelmed him, his almost blank stare a vacant and disoriented mask. The crowd had jostled, but he had not hear anything until now, so absorbed in his own thoughts. Before he could collect his thoughts, he was being tugged away by Emeline.

"B-but where are we going?" he objected, not pulling away but padding along slowly as she pulled at his arm. "His wife, the queen, I'm sure she's distraught...." but her quick look back at him silenced him and he followed along obediently, weaving through the halls with her. Finally, she ducked into a room whose door had been left slightly ajar.

The room, it turned out, was a chamber holding the accommodations of some of the guards, neat barracks were pressed against the left and right walls, only four in this room. Christoph considered vaguely that it must be a more privileged guard's accommodation since it had a simple wood wainscoting under the cool stone of the walls. Christoph tugged her close to him, his expression one of confusion and inquiry.

"Princess?"
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[Scarlette in the Ballroom, now approaching the REAL Ferius after he announced the King is DEAD.]

What the hell?!

One moment she was being romanced by a Prince and the next he was announcing his father was dead. He had already changed his clothes and he looked terrible. This had to be the craziest night of her life. And HIS life. She had to do something about this... but what could even be done?

Scarlette pushed through the people in the crowd. Sidestepping the shocked and the awed. People that were sobbing hysterically and others that didn't seem to care at all that their King had just died. Here and there she could catch whisper about Memoian Heirs, but none of that clicked in her head as she eased her way to Prince Ferius.

Once she reached him, she took him gently by the arm. Her concern was genuine, but she could hardly think of what would be appropriate to say!

"Ferius, I'm so sorry... This is... Maybe it's not the best time for us to be married with your father gone. I'm really, really sorry about the King..."
 
As the minuet of silence ended, for those who had the tact to honor it, a maiden rushed out of the crowd. Ferius' face froze, MARRIED!? Even in light of his father's murder nothing could stop him looking around in confusion. His mind flashed on all the people who could have arranged this and there could only be one explanation. "Raven you have gone too far." he murmured so that not even his supposed fiancee could make out what he said.

His eyes flashed to Calliope then looked at the woman on his arm. "My dear....." He whispered putting his arm around her waist holding her to his side his other hand brushing her hair away from her face. "You being here gives me strength, please stay by my side tonight." With Scarlet still in his arm he stepped down from away from the stiff forms of he honor guard, the uniformed Calliope and her mother. Tonight, from the start he wanted to forget his place in the world and simply be to leave everything behind and simply be. As impossible as that was, he might lose himself talking to this young girl, and he didn't want to be alone with his grief.
 
"You know Heralda do you know?" The fairy responded to the new comer. "Well me feel sorry for ya. People that know Heralda don't tend to last for very long. Of course, since you claim to know me, me will guess you know all about Heralda's world." Heralda continued to stick near Summer's face.

"Stop hording the girl's face." Tybalt responded. "Summer, you are well aware of the fact that if a fairy "marks" you, you'll end up under her power for the rest of your life right?"

"D'awwww...You like ruining all of my fun. The nerve. Hrmph." The fairy then slid down from Summer's face, to her shoulder.

Tybalt then spoke to Lex. One eye remained focused on Cecilia, while the other, supernaturally focused on Lex's face. "Heralda, you can also lower your defenses. He's one of my father's aids." Tybalt spoke coldly and distantly like he always did, "I'd highly recommend you, go find my eldest brother or my sister Emeline; Lex. I'm not here for my father's sake and if you claim to know me as well as you do, then you know the fact of the matters is that I have no reason for an extra shadow so to speak."
 
[Emeline and Christoph, alone in the guards' quarters]

Emeline turned to him once the door was closed and breathed a sigh of relief.

"An explanation," she began, "compromises my position. I hope I can trust you not to betray my confidence...?" She shook her head and began to pace in her nervous state, smoothing her hair with her hands tentatively. "Prince Christoph, I am a Pillar of Faisen, as you know. As such I have obligations to do whatever the King tells me to."

How to word it? 'I was meant to kill some people tonight?' 'I'm conflicted because you are a lovely man?' It would sound farfetched and shameful however she said the words. Continuing to fidget and pace, she decided to just say it. If he recoiled in horror or disgust... she's cross that bridge when they came to it. Emeline was so far out of her comfort zone it was unreal.

"I am here tonight not to dance, or meet a suitor - of those I have plenty. I am here to find and... murder enemies of Faisen." She paused. "But then I met you. I realised I have not been living my own life which bothers me greatly."

When she had finished she turned to him again and hesitated before adding, quietly.

"I do not know what to do, now."

*
 
[Felicia with Ambrose. Cecilia with Prince Jonathan and Sybyl. Then, the lights go out. Felicia runs and finds herself with Prince Tybalt. ]


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Princess Aurora Lily F e l i c i a F a y [/BG]

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Felicia blinked as she was pulled closer to Prince Ambrose. She felt a little embarrassed, being this close to a prince, a man of real royalty, but remained silent. She watched as the King fell to the ground, entirely distraught and looked away. She could not bear to watch. There was something that pricked her heart at the scene, something that told her that it wasn't right. The poor king...All this time, did he always bear this burden? She wondered, looking at Ambrose thoughtfully. She hadn't quite, in her flurry of thoughts, heard what he had said, but instead, reading his lips, she realized he was asking for her name. For a moment, the girl stared at him blankly, her eyes widening slowly.

And she stiffened, stepping away from him a moment. She realized she hadn't been prepared for a situation like this one and bit her lip, lowering her eyes to the ground. She took a deep breath as he introduced himself and swallowed, What can I say? What country can I make up? In this kind of a situation...what is there that I can do ? She nodded to his bow and her hands fell to her sides, clutching the fabric of her dress in her trembling fingers. Jonathan was right, she'd dragged them into something that was not for them, after all. Now she was facing the worst of it.

"M-My name is..." She started to say, but stopped as a bit of commotion occurred at the entrance. Prince Ferius announced the death of the King and Felicia gasped, her hands flying over her mouth. Tears sprung to her eyes instantly, although she knew not why she was crying, but some kind of empathy for his highness must have provoked her emotions. As Ferius was led away by a pretty young woman, Felicia looked around for any sign of her brother. Right now she could think of nothing else. They had to escape before things got complicated. Felicia feared that the guards stationed at the door would stop them from leaving.
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Cecilia smiled thinly, leaning forward to whisper in Jonathan's ear. "I have only one name..." she cooed softly, "Cecilia." It rolled off her tongue like the tinkling of wind charms in a mysteriously delicate way. She stepped back and watched him, although she was really keeping an eye on the Pillar Tybalt quite a few feet away. Her eyes blazed with emotions. How dare he... she was thinking, now that she had spotted his fairy companion. He had taken on an entirely different appearance, she could see. And it made her angry. Was he happy, talking to that young princess beside him? Cecilia wanted him to feel the same pain, to suffer from the same agony that she had. She brought her eyes back and locked them with Jonathan's just as Sybyl approached.

"Tonight is the night." She muttered, turning to acknowledge the newcomer. Sybyl asked for them to come with her, but Cecilia smirked and waved her hand, "I'm afraid there's no need for that." Almost immediately, the lights went out and guards were in a frenzy. The only ones who could see the dark were those with magical skill.

"You see. Tonight, there will be vengeance." Cecilia twirled a small dagger in her hand and moved to stab Sybyl.





Cecilia had her reasons for wanting to create mayhem on the masquerade ball, but what she didn't realize was that there were more magic users in the hall than just her and Tybalt. The Faisen Pillars could see what was going on if they wanted to as could the Memoian Heirs (to their own surprise).

All the other guests scrambled about in a frenzy of panic, trying to feel for the wall and somehow escape outside or into the rest of the castle. The stomping of guards could be heard as they tried to light the fire torches on the walls, but failed. Something was keeping the light from entering the ballroom.




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Princess Aurora Lily F e l i c i a F a y [/BG]

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Felicia was in a panic herself. She whirled around as the light went out, feeling a rush of adrenaline overcome her fears of Prince Ambrose discovering her false identity. She stepped to the side and blinked, realizing that she could see through the dark. And she could see the people and things in a weird, color-faded way. She could hear Cecilia talking about vengeance and blinked at the flash of the dagger.

"Jonathan!" Felicia shouted to alert him, afraid that the woman's aim was for her brotherly figure. She ran forward, but in her desperation, tripped and stumbled forward, colliding with the ground. Quickly pulling herself onto her arms, Felicia prayed that Jonathan was all right. Instead, a little bit ahead of her she could see the Third Pillar of Faisen, the one who had easily spotted her earlier. The one I wanted to meet! Prince Tybalt! Felicia gasped for both seeing him and realizing that she'd given away the fact that she could see in the dark! Now he would know that she was a magic user as well, an extreme rarity for a common person. Felicia pulled herself up in a rush and turned around, scanning the dark for Jonathan, Cecilia and Sybyl. She had been wrong. Cecilia was targeting Sybyl with that dagger.

Felicia let out a breath of relief, sending a thought over to Jonathan telepathically, Please be careful! We have to get out of here! She thought of ways to escape and frantically looked back at Prince Tybalt and his companions. If he doesn't recognize me or take any notice, I suppose I can make my way to Jonathan and we can get out of here! I don't know what's going on, but I can feel so much magic hovering in the air that there must be danger! Felicia was panicking; she could sense magical spells being cast around the entire room, possibly the reason why there was no light.

She didn't want to be at this masquerade anymore. She was afraid of what would happen if they stayed any longer.
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