The Fallen Masquerade

Angelique · Jul 18, 2012

The velvety sky, the moon that contrasted with the silky sky, casting an eerie glow to whoever walks under it's light. The sounds of violins, cellos, flutes and other instruments echoing throughout the land as the Sun King's ball was clearly at it's finest peak. Everyone enjoying themselves, the music as clear and pleasing to the ear, the twirls of dresses, the steps of finely shined shoes, the scent of sweet, slightly nose burning perfume mixed with the twinge of perspiration in the air, along with the banquet the King has offered with a non ending supply of wine in celebration of his glorious triumph against challenging countries. Behind every painted face, one stood out. Behind every emotion and clear willed hearts one was filled with a scheme, a plan...

A plan that was soon to be discovered.

Her name was Marie Genevieve Finch, no one knew where she was from or how she got here. All they knew that she was of noble blood from a neighboring country, she seemed to have sparked up the interest of many young men, nd became the topic of many women's gossip. She didn't mind, a flash of her smile caught the hearts of young men. Her black, raven colored hair, parted perfectly and curled, let loose, swaying whenever she moved, her eyes, the green shading that seem to pierce into your soul, her red lips that seemed waxy and beautiful. She had a beautiful shape, and altogether, she seemed almost perfect... But this wasn't a surprise, for she had a side to her that was never known, she wouldn't reveal it to anyone, as she was one of the fallen. She was one of the fallen angels that were banished to Earth, greed and other sins consumed her, as now she was targeting the King in order to acquire wealth and other unknown secrets. But in order to place her plan in order she must first take it a step at a time...

Starting with the Prince.

Rokku Hizori · Jul 19, 2012

I was the only one not wearing a mask at this event. Appropriate, as no one looked at the musicians anyway. I plucked away at my lyre, looking around the room with a neutral expression, slightly annoyed at being drowned out by the other instruments. I was a bard, meant to play and sing alone, not with anyone else, but I was in a tight spot and definitely needed money, and the Sun King paid well, to say the least. The other people were dancing and being the snooty nobles that they were, vastly unappreciative of the work the musicians were doing, but nonetheless, we all played on. I was tempted to weave a few curses into my music, but my kinder side forced me to decide against it, and then a woman caught my eye. She seemed aloof, and slightly different from the others, but I couldn't place it. Even with her mask, I felt as if I had seen her before, quite possible since I had been all across the world. I looked at her with a smile, and played a bit more flamboyantly, hoping to tempt her to remove her mask so I could place her.

Angelique · Jul 19, 2012

She danced and twirled to the music, laughing and giggling with everyone. She paid no notice of the musicians up until when she saw that man smile at her. She stopped and gave her breath taking smile before giving a small curtsy. Removing her mask she flipped her hair slightly, approaching the man, yet didn't come too close so she would not be a bother to the musicians, even though they didn't seem to mind. She looked at every single instrument before admiring the lyre and the man playing it. She looked into his eyes with her own green ones before speaking.

"Such beautiful music you play..."

She spoke with a smooth soprano as she seemed to have admired every single instrument, actually playing attention to the musicians and delighted to see them working hard for their pleasure. She laughed and clapped when a happy tune started to play, looking at the man, giving a curtsy once more before twirling and whisking away with the other dancers that have seemed to swallow her, as she was no longer seen. He may have seen a glimpse of her dancing with the Prince although it is not for certain. She sighed with delight and sat down, seeming to be exhausted as she has been dancing her very heart out. She smiled and gazed at the man who was playing at the lyre and watched him play his instrument.

Rokku Hizori · Jul 21, 2012

I took in the woman's face, but it did not match any I had seen. Yet, somehow, she seemed familiar. Ah well, perhaps that was just a feeling that came when people traversed the world and lost track of how many people they knew. I nodded at the woman's compliment on my music, pleased to hear that at least someone was enjoying it. The woman fluttered back and forth, and I lost sight of her and resumed playing, until she sat down on one of the lavish couches. I stopped my playing and stepped down from the stage, going over to stand next to her. "I am glad you like my music, but I'm more suited to a tavern than to a brouhaha like this. A bard's music is meant to played and sung by one person and one person alone, it sounds best that way." I said, plucking absently at the lyre. "It's easier to weave magic into the songs alone that with a group focused only on money."

Angelique · Jul 22, 2012

She crossed her legs and smiled as she saw him approach her. She looked at him and listened to what he was telling her, giving out slight nods as she did, yet her gaze was distant when she gazed into his eyes, she straightened herself out before resting her hand on the arm rest, slowly speaking in a tone that had mischief and flirting written all over it.

"A pity you were drowned by other instruments, I myself think that your music is good enough, I also think the person playing the instrument is attractive."

She gave a sly smile before crossing her legs once more, looking straight ahead and figured this man could be in use to her plan, she watched how each dress twirled along with the music, how each movement was in synchronicity. She found things like those delightful and her mind seemed to wander off into those thoughts of hers. She stood up slowly before facing him, giving a small cursty before removing her mask.

"May you give me the honor to be able to talk to you... in private?"

She gave out her almost hypnotizing smile, as she gestured outside, taking a walk into the King's hedge maze. Him walking out with her will surely gain him popularity and will strike envy on the men who were planning to have her for themselves. She wondered if he would want that, surely he would. She placed her mask on once again as she waited for his answer, she wondered if her charms would work on him. But wait, why was she doubting? She was confused by all of this for she has never doubted her abilities over people before. She found it odd, was this man different from the rest? She tapped her foot for a bit, a habit she does when she's confused or nervous, but then quickly stopped, regaining her composure as she waited for the answer, knowing it would be a yes as she peered into his eyes.

Rokku Hizori · Jul 24, 2012

I bowed slightly at the woman's compliment. "I appreciate that you think so, madame." I responded, and walked after he as she pulled me away without my answer. She was odd and rather forceful, a noblewoman, most certainly, she certainly had the looks of one. I followed her through the maze, looking at her slightly suspicious, something that game from years of dealing in the affairs of nobility. I had...a bit of a reputation in the nearby countries, igniting a civil war in one and a coup in the other. Depending on who won, I might very well be a very wanted man. I looked the woman up and down, debating whether to trust her or not, but I decided I could defend myself if necessary. "I suppose it wouldn't harm anything to talk for a time." I said with a warm smile.

Angelique · Jul 25, 2012

She hummed as she heard his footsteps, making sure he was following her, as she stopped once they have reached the middle of the King's maze, and no one was able to see what would be happening, she chuckled lowly as she faced him and gave another curtsy, watching him closely, returning the warm smile of his with a slightly cold one. Approaching him slowly she slowly spoke. He seemed to have caught her attention, her plans of him becoming her puppet would be lovely, following her orders without hesitation... Yes, that would be lovely.

"A lovely evening, isn't it, my dear?"

She gave out an eerie smile, as she hummed the tune of the music back in the King's ballroom. She tilted her head as she flipped loose hair in which were out of place as the evening gave a chilling breeze, as her eerie smile was replaced with a small and simple one. She placed her index finger on her lower lip, her eyes twinkling in delight and curiosity as she let her hand land down to her side after a bit. She turned her back on him before looking up at the sky above.

"As you could have noticed... I am not your ordinary type of noblewoman, I tend to break free of the simple rules..."

She paused, facing him slowly as she crossed her arms slowly, a smirk on her lips.

"Do tell me Monsieur, how many affairs of the noble blood have you meddled with? May I know some of the neighboring countries?"

She laughed and gave a small yet sly wink, as if she knew about him, that she knew a lot about him. She watched his reactions to her words, she was giving out a small joke for a simple laugh yet behind it she truly did wish to know if he did cause wars between neighboring countries. She would be delighted if he did do such a thing, as she would make him taste royalty for awhile, making him tear down kingdom after kingdom as he did.

Rokku Hizori · Jul 30, 2012

The woman was direct and to the point. There was something about her that seeped with foreboding, but also opportunity. However, rushing headlong into the affairs of nobles was pure idiocy. I raised an eyebrow at her question. "I tend to stay out of noble affairs. they're dangerous and often ill-conceived. I try not to even play in a noble household where major feuds exist. I am a simple muscian, My lady, and I certainly do not have a death wish!" I said with a light chuckled, judging the woman's reaction. I held lightheartedness on my face, but behind the mask I was making calculations involving this woman. I would not let her catch me off guard.

Angelique · Aug 1, 2012

She watched him closely and for a simple moment, the look of distaste was on her face, but it was quickly replaced with a look of a calm expression. She gave a soft chuckle and peered into his eyes even deeper. She tilted her head slightly before standing up completely stiff straight and smoothing out wrinkles that did not exist in one swift motion. She gave out an eerie smile, one filled with mischief and trickery. Her eyes seemed to twinkle in delight as she parted her lips to speak.

"It's a shame... I think you'd make a wonderful noble blood... Or perhaps a prince."

She placed her index finger on her lower lip, and made a small "hum" sound. She watched his reaction as she stepped closer to him until they were mere inches apart. She watched every single detail of him before backing off, mumbling loud enough for him to hear.

"A lovely Prince indeed..."

Rokku Hizori · Aug 1, 2012

This woman had an aura of danger radiating from her. She was calculating something, as to what, it was likely that I'd be better off not knowing. The look she now gave me was unsettling, but I managed to get out a chuckle at her words. "You flatter me madame, but I am no prince. I would make as good a prince as a dog would make a good mount to ride." I said, trying to use fancy words to lighten the situation, but the woman kept prying, kept grasping. She wanted me for something. My lightheartedness was eliminated instantly. "From what nation do you come?"

Angelique · Aug 4, 2012

"Something you do not need to know, m'dear."

She chuckled and watched him, pressuring him, as he seems to be harder to persuade rather than others. She looked at him and his lyre. She chuckled and seemed to return to herself back as she was in the ball, cool, relaxed and proper. She seemed to be staring at his instrument before tapping her foot, as if she waiting for him to play a melodious tune. She was a mysterious woman, obviously. She shifted her gaze from his instruments, into his eyes. She gave a soft smile before parting her wax like lips to speak.

"May I have the privilege to hear your delightful music once more?"

Rokku Hizori · Aug 4, 2012

I narrowed my eyes just slightly at the woman. She was sly and not to be trusted, that much was certain. I smiled and bowed as she requested music, and began to strum the lyre in a gentle, light tune. The music drifted lightly into the air, and the night sky seemed to cool. The wind seemed to match the music perfectly, and enhanced it even. I then opened my mouth, and began to sing. My voice was masculine, but beautiful and light. "Such sweet words ye hear. Drifting to, thine ear. As the music plays… Enjoy thy days…" The words flowed from my lips beautifully, but then my voice grew harsh, but still eerily pleasant. "Hear my sweet words, oh gentle widow. Gone from the world, thy lover true. Ice and wind, entrapped within!Encased in wretched ice and snow, The world will slowly fade from view! Pay the price for thy sin!" the words held power, and the woman quickly found ice encasing the plants around her, And it slowly creeped toward her ankles. "Tell me now, who are you?" I said, debating whether she would be better as an ally or as an enemy.

Angelique · Aug 6, 2012

She never noticed the plants up until the point in which her ankles were bound. She looked at him, highly surprised but that expression soon turned into a face which held the emotion of happiness, mixed with mischief. She would grin, a small one. She looked at her bound ankles and smirked, looking highly pleased with him.

"I never knew such a thing could happen, you seem to have such independence in you..." She paused, thinking her words, as if the slightest mistake could reveal who she is. She glared at him, and thought about the perfect words that would suit this conversation, a fallen creature knows a lot, but this time seems to be different. She wondered why, this young man was different from others. She licked her lips, before parting them to speak.

"Young man, if you must know, I'm not... from here. The rest you could figure out." She'd give her small grin once more before mumbling words under her breath, she seemed to be singing, but the language wasn't normal, she glared at him once more before looking up at the sky. A loud shattering noise could be heard and it was the ice binding her ankles. They shattered into fragments and her ankles seemed to have blue marks on them, but she showed no signs of pain. She stepped back slightly, and her eyes showed small signs of pain and slight surprise. She remained cool and relaxed as she looked at him up and down before taking slow and small steps towards him.

Rokku Hizori · Aug 6, 2012

I narrowed my eyes as the woman shattered the ice. I had gotten that she was a foreigner, at least, no doubt here to meddle in the unstable affairs of the country. "Very well. I shall figure you out as we go. I trust you no doubt want the royal family's head on a pike?" I said, watching her get closer and gauging her emotions. This nation meant nothing to me, so I certainly would not try to discourage her. However, I would also not be willing to help for nothing. "I take it you want my experience of playing the Game of Houses, eh? Many do. I'm open for employment." I said with a small smirk.

Angelique · Aug 8, 2012

She laughed, completely pleased with him. He was a man who picks up fast, she thought. A big grin on her face she gave out another loud laugh, the back of her hand at the base of her bottom lip before speaking.

"You amuse me, boy. More than what I have expected from you..." She sneered, before giving out another short laugh, setting her hand on her waist. She nodded and gave a smirk of her own. "I'd be willing to hire you, but as expected. What would you want in return?" She asked, straightforward and direct to the point, her want to bring the Sun King down high. She wouldn't attack him through wars and battles, no. She would attack inside the castle, gaining their trust, fiddling with the affairs, creating false accusations and mispointed fingers at one another. She wouldn't want a man like him to slip by, so she impatiently awaited his reply.

Rokku Hizori · Aug 8, 2012

I snorted. The woman's attitude was typical of the noble blood, aggravating, but something I was slowly becoming used to."The first stipulation is that you stop acting as if I'm a servant." I said nonchalantly. " I am not a source of amusement, but of service. I am no toy." I said, now with a small frown. There are several nations I could return to and be counted as a noble, and I played the game better than most kings, obvious from how many nations I had taken down. "Lastly...I must know the reason for your desire to crumble this nation. I will base the rest of your payment upon that." I said, looking straight into the woman's eyes.

Angelique · Aug 8, 2012

She nodded and smiled, listening to him closely, he surely twisted her plans in a weird direction. It made her even more amused. She crossed her arms and kept her guard up, for the King's guards may overhear their conversation. She kept her ears sharp for the slightest noise, at the same time, she would be listening to what he would be saying.

"You're not my toy." She spoke, a smirk curling her lips. She enjoyed the thought of power, and that was the main reason she wanted to bring the King down, aside from the fact her relative died due to false accusations of murdering one of the King's relatives. She looked back into his eyes sharply and spoke with a grudge, she squinted her eyes and replied.

"Vengeance, my dear, as simple as that. You'd understand, won't you?" She hissed, anger and sadness showing into her eyes. She wanted the King's head on a platter, along with his maids and family. Her memories were crystal clear about what happened in the past and she refused to forget it. A startling noise could be heard and her posture stiffened, she walked through the maze, before a muffled cry could be heard, a guard was eavesdropping and she couldn't afford to have a mistake. She came back to him with hands slightly tainted with blood. She had no expression on her face and she looked at him, waiting for a reaction, surely she isn't a normal noble from what her actions showed.

Rokku Hizori · Aug 9, 2012

Vengeance...not one of the more noble pursuits. I watched as she went off somewhere, and mentally made calculations. If she did want the king dead, as well as the entire royal family, she would need allies among the nobles here, and I refused to allow this country to descend into chaos for her to get her revenge. A new king would be needed before I would go forth with anything. I looked at the woman when she returned, noticing blood on her hands. I sighed, shaking my head. It was vastly obvious that she would go farther than any usual noble, and that could be dangerous. "The payment is my weight in gold. In addition, Someone must be set upon the throne in place of the current king. I will not permit a civil war to break out just so you can obtain your petty revenge." I said bluntly.

Angelique · Aug 12, 2012

She would nod, yet thoughts lingered at the back of her head, which she would refuse to think aloud. She would give a soft sigh, and would stay silent. She stood her ground and watched him, it was more like a sudden stare. She shook her hands to let the excess blood drip off. She thought of how much she should give and gave a small smile as her inner thoughts, mostly focused on misunderstandings, made her smile due to pure irony. She met eyes with him and gave a small nod, as if waiting if he would speak anything else. When he didn't, she slowly parted her lips and spoke.

"It's not only vengeance... Power may be in the mix." She spoke shortly and rather harshly, her gaze turning into a glare, her moods unsettling and changing.

Rokku Hizori · Aug 12, 2012

"Power, vengeance, glory, it's all the same. Fortune for one and misery for another. The required payment stands." I said, unyielding. This woman was intricately fascinated by the destruction of the Sun king, and I was not entirely sure she still remained in possession of her entire mind. This woman certainly meant to throw her weight around, but I had dealt with far more dangerous and far less sane people in my time. The nobles of this world were sometimes...eccentric, to say the absolute least. This woman wanted power and revenge, and she was willing to destroy anyone and anything to get it, it seemed. I thought for a moment, and then said "Unless you plan on placing yourself on the throne, of course...that would cost you double."

The Fallen Masquerade

Angelique

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Rokku Hizori

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