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Post by Faust on Aug 7, 2005 17:11:53 GMT -5
The ball was set up, it had taken weeks to prepare but it was finally up. The annual spring ball was going to get underway. The outside courtyard was decorated with everything, live blossoming trees and shrubs, candles, tables, everything. There was a dance floor, a bar, even a huge band to play for the ball.
People were filing in, all looking very happy and content. The men usually dressed in suits, though some mages were dressed in robes. The women wore dresses, ranging in color, elegance, and style as much as the person wearing the dress, no two were the same.
Lord Faust was there too, being the host of the ball and owner of the castle. He was dressed in what looked like a cross between a dress suit and a trench coat, having the basic look of a coat, but having aspects of a suit. He wore a silver circlet on his brow, as was tradition for the king to wear some sort of crown at the ball.
He smiled as he stood at the front of the stage where the band was located. He started speaking happily. "Welcome!" He began. "Welcome to the Spring Ball. This is the time in which we celebrate the new year to come, the new life we've been given. vampires, lycans, mages, and humans alike can all enjoy this time together. It is a time to put aside out differences and enjoy the evening! The ball will officially open with the first dance, which will take place in about ten minutes!"
It was tradition that the king and his escort take the first few minutes of the first dance. Then people would join in and the ball would be officially open. Lord Faust stepped off the stage and walked into the crowd to look for Kalindria, his lover and date.
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Post by Eve on Aug 7, 2005 17:28:44 GMT -5
Eve walked into the courtyard, uncomfortable as hell. Of course, the level of uncomfortable that she was at was not due to what she wore, it was because she did not like crowds. She was at the ball because she felt she owed it to Faust. The way she was dressed, however, was testament to the fact that she no longer obeyed his orders. In short, her attire shone with brilliance, when coupled with her looks, Eve was beautiful on sight.
Beautiful, of course, was such a common description. It almost didn't fit Eve. Gold wrapped around her body, her dress stunning. Looking from top to bottom, it began as a halter top, yet smoothed its way in a point to the tops of her thighs. Her sides were bare, her beautiful tan skin glowing with the gold. The dress, from that point became a skirt. It was so low on her hips, however, that should the triangle not have reached, it would have left her partly nude. In the back, the floor length skirt was all that covered Eve's hind end. The skirt, of corse, was not even that. Attatched when it started, both sides split all the way down her legs so that as she walked it slid aside to show the muscles moving smoothly. A gold circlet with emeralds hanging from it graced her bicep, splitting her purple knife tattoo in half. Her eyes were done with gold-green eyeshadow, bringing out the normally small flecks of gold in her eyes to a full radiance. Her lips were slightly golden, her cheeks a soft bronze. Her brown hair was tied into a loose bun on her head, few curls falling from the back like water.
This vision of golden glory moved into the crowd, watching everyone as if they were moving at incredible speeds while she moved slowly, time wrapped around her like a cloak. Faust had once said she looked, sounded like a princess. Princess she was not, but her family had been of high blood, and it showed when she wanted it shown. When Faust's voice came she stopped and looked up at him, listening to his speech of dancing. She smiled bemusedly, staying where she was, away from the dance floor.
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Post by Kalindria on Aug 7, 2005 19:29:19 GMT -5
Not less than a few moments later, Kalindria entered the throng of people, her long golden locks partially tied up with silver and gold chains, studded with emeralds that matched perfectly, the color of her eyes, and black diamonds. The dainty chains wrapped about her hair, and fell slightly over the top most part of her brow, cascading down in a v shape that gave the impression that she wore a sort of crown on her brow. This, made appropriate as she was indeed, the Queen of all Vampires and, the Kings date for the evening.
The dress she wore was of black and emerald silk, once again, the emerald matching in all its glory, the color of her eyes. It was low cut in the front; low cut, meaning it left a space between her ample breasts that extended down to near her bellybutton. Of course, at her Lords suggestion, the dress showed her long firm legs, the front portion being quite short, ending just above her knees, and the back, long and flowing, made of a sheer material that seemed to float out behind her as she graceful entered, her emerald eyes searching for her love.
She wasn’t surprised when the chatter began to run through the courtyard about her presence, as many of the servants had already known who she was and could she have had a coin for every drop dead look she got from most the women in the yard, she would be far more rich than she already was.
Kalindria saw the woman dressed in gold and knew it must be Eve, Faust had talked so much about the girl, Kalindria had already thought she knew her and as she passed by, she gave the girl a slight nod of her head and a friendly smile, just before she noticed Faust was there, not too far from her and she moved on to meet him.
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Post by Faust on Aug 7, 2005 20:26:04 GMT -5
"Kalindria." Faust whispered, seeing her. Her outfit took his breath away. It was seductive, yet tasteful, yet very elegant. The low cut front left many men staring as did her legs. "See, I told you you should show off your legs."
He smiled and drew close to her gently. He kissed her and touched her cheek with the back of his hand romanticly. She looked so stunningly beautiful.
Behind her he saw a serving girl glare at Kalindria, he noticed it was one of the few that had an obvious crush on him. He took his lover by the hand and gently led her out to the dance floor.
"You look beautiful." He told her. "Thank you for coming. Now shall we dance?" Without waiting for an answer the music started to play. It was a slow waltz and he started dancing with his love, looking into her eyes.
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Post by Kalindria on Aug 7, 2005 20:46:09 GMT -5
AS he kissed her and brushed her cheek ever so lightly, she smiled softly, her eyes never leaving his as he led her out to the dance floor and then as he wrapped an arm about her waist, taking her hand in the other, she whispered, “Thank you Milord.”
As they danced slowly across the floor, she found his grace to be complimented, and his style that of the King he was.
“And I only show my legs for your enjoyment, let the others stew in there own drool for their wives to wipe it up.” She replied to his earlier comment, her tone light and jovial.
It had been quite some time since Kalindria had, had the opportunity to make a public appearance of any kind, this Ball was the first in many hundreds of years she had attended and she knew right form the start, she would enjoy herself, how could she not, with Faust at her side, the evening still young and the people about enjoying themselves, not worrying what she was, this was going to prove, she thought, perhaps the one of the best nights in her existence.
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Post by Faust on Aug 7, 2005 20:56:28 GMT -5
Faust danced with her slowly. "Well, you have amazing legs." He told her, replying to her comment. He dipped her and lifted her up to meet his lips. Faust smiled as he saw others joining them on the dance flood, each with a partner, dancing to the music.
He placed his arms around her as the song went even slower, more romantic, his hands at the base of her spine, holding her close to him. "You dance wonderfully." He complimented her.
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Post by Kalindria on Aug 10, 2005 2:22:41 GMT -5
She smiled as he dipped her and then brought her lips to meet his, in a soft sweet gesture. Her arms now moved to his shoulders, then around his neck, her fingers clasping together as they slowed for a bit with the music.
“And you, sir, aren’t so bad yourself, you know.” She countered, her voice soft and light.
In all honesty, she couldn’t remember when she had last enjoyed herself this much, and wished suddenly, that it would not end. Being I his arms, as they moved across the floor, soft music playing, the notes floating through the air like beautiful silver raindrops on a warm spring night, it was all so magical.
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Post by Eve on Aug 10, 2005 2:48:39 GMT -5
Eve, meanwhile, had watched the stranger who acknowledged her with curiosity, then, finding she danced with Faust, smiled as she realized the Vampire Queen had arrived. She gazed at the dancers for a moment or two, yet soon found her eyes scanning the crowd. It took her quite a bit of time before she realized she was scouting for possible danger. A softly muttered oath, a sigh, and a self-composing second later, Eve was once more standing tall, winking at men who dared to give the well-toned, nearly muscular woman a once over.
Soon, however, Eve searched again. A glint of silver was the prize of her wandering eyes, the first assassin of the night using a knife. "You're no longer a guard," she whispered firmly under her breath. "Its not your right." The young woman resigned herself, sighed then moved through the crowd, seeking out Jean, the soldier in charge of the guard.
Jean let out a gasp. "Evie, our own Evie, looking beautiful?" His smile was teasing-the older brother he always was. "A miracle, I say." Eve rolled her eyes, smiling back. She leaned in as if to share a wonderful comment over the loud music. Instead she uttered, "Blue suit, green tie. Looking conspicuously unconspicuous. Knife on hand, possible other weapons." She leaned back, smiling, and pat a suddenly grim Jean on the shoulder. She watched as Jean confiscated the knife without most noticing and led the man out.
Eve looked up and noticed eyes on her-the eyes of most of the soldiers. She smiled, feigning stupidity and innocence, and stalked to a corner, leaning against a large decretive stand. She had realized something and what a realization it was. It came to her that it wasn't the Queen of Vampires and Faust she needed to be watching over. It was the guests. It was all the people gathered around him that couldn't protect themselves. Startled, Eve looked up to where the two were still dancing. Had that been why she was hired all along?
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Post by Faust on Aug 10, 2005 15:40:18 GMT -5
He finished their second dance and he smiled. "Thank you." He said kissing her gently. "I'll be back in a moment but I see an old aquaintence, I promise we'll dance some more."
He broke from her, though it was hard to do, and walked to Eve, or in actuality Annabelle, and spoke to her. "Hello, I see you came." He nodded somewhat and continued. "That is a lovely dress you're wearing, may I ask who made it for you?"
He had not seen what had happened before, the way she saw the assassination attempt and her telling Jean who it was. He was glad to see her, it had been three weeks since she quit, leaving Lord Faust strangely pained and guilt ridden over that time. He was able to pick Eve out immediately in a crowd, gold being the color he associates with her.
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Post by Kalindria on Aug 10, 2005 16:22:05 GMT -5
Kalindria understood all too well and smiled as they parted, her emerald eyes watching him approach Eve and then, she turned and walked quietly over to converse with a few vampires that she had felt enter the Courtyard during their dance.
Eve had not need fear Faust’s life when Kalindria was with him, she would no soon allow any to harm him than she would herself. She loved the Ruler with every fiber of her being and would surly die to protect him, if ever need be, and being vampire, nay, The Vampire, her senses and strengths out weighed even the Druid’s. She felt the presence of the assassin even before he drew his ‘play toy’ but would have waited to destroy him utterly, had he gotten too close, though, was pleased it had been taken care of in a more quiet, and much less messy manner. Even now, as she conversed with her own kind, they talked about the protection of Faust, they would obey her orders to seek out any potential threat and quietly take care of it, quietly, being the operative word, Kalindria hoped.
She then stood, looking around as the ball continued, watching the fine ladies and their escorts glide over the dance floor when she was approached by a rather stunning male, his velvety gaze meeting her only as far as her breasts. he was not human, but Lycan and Kalindria was hard pressed not to throttle the youngling in the middle of her Lords Ball and so endured his rather lengthy and boring speeches before she was soon surrounded by a flock of males, absolutely internet on gaining her attention with flowery dialogues and promises of wealthy gifts should she decide to take them on as suitors.
This lasted for quite some time, with her playing the polite maiden, for not all knew she was the Vampire Queen, laughing and smiling, inclining her head and repeating over and aver again that she just wasn’t interested, but they were worthy adversaries and continued to offer great wealth and finery. Finally she feigned thirst and they all, but the first, trotted off to go fetch her a drink.
“You do know who I am, Lycan.” She finally said tot eh rather velvety male.
He nodded, his eyes finally resting on her and not below her chin.
“Then why don’t you run along and go play with the rest of your pack, it seems there are several young ladies absolutely livid with the knowledge that you are even speaking to me.” She told him and then turned and seemed to disappear from the throng.
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Post by Eve on Aug 10, 2005 17:34:29 GMT -5
Eve looked down at her dress and shook her head, laughing slightly. "A year back an amazing seamstress loved her one and only companian, a wolf she named Russet. I happened to be in the neighborhood when her wolf fell ill. I healed him, and, as repayment, she made me this gown." She spun in a little circle, lifting her arms, to show the slits up the side and the bare back and hips. Her smile as she shook her head lit up her eyes. "It has built in knife sheaths and even for a sword, without the weapons displacing the weight of the dress at all. I'm telling you, that seamstress was a pure genius."
Eve looked up suddenly to see Jean approach her. She gave a pointed look at Faust as if to say, "I quit, don't show him that I'm still playing the game." Jean's facial expression didn't change. He bowed to faust, then turned to Eve. "Look, Evie, you caught that guy before any of us could even see him. I just overheard some vamps sayin' that if you hadn't grabbed a hold on 'im, they would've, and not so nicely." He shook his head at her. "Job, or not, keep me posted Evie. I wont ask twice." The look he recieved from Eve was searing, but he just smiled at her and went back to his post.
Eve looked back to Faust and laughed kind of nervously. "The glint of steel caught my eye, and I told the guards. That's it. I'm not on duty tonight or anything." She shook her head, bun staying perfectly in place. She looked at Faust then, needing to change the subject to anything less personal. "Your date, the Queen of Vampires, she seems very nice. Very pretty too. Seems to hold emerald," as well as I hold gold. Eve left the latter unspoken, as she didn't want the topic straying. She was determined to keep the entire conversation on Faust.
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Post by Faust on Aug 10, 2005 17:53:58 GMT -5
He listened intently to her story about the dress. It really was a wonderful outfit, the dress seemed to be on of the best in the courtyard. He looked her up and down, "She pulls off gold very nicely." He thought.
He then heard what Jean had to say, a slight smile creeping onto his features, but quickly disappearing, though inwardly he still smiled. "Of course you're on duty." He said. "You quit three weeks ago." He thought of adding that the position was always open for her if she wanted, but knew better.
He then smiled as she hastily changed the subject, he had been part of the royal scene long enough to pick up things like that. "Yes, she is very beautiful." He started. "Also smart, and kind. She's a wonderful person."
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Post by Eve on Aug 10, 2005 18:06:46 GMT -5
Eve nodded, long lashes closing for a moment as she breathed an inward side of relief. The gold-green of her eyeshadow, it was then seen, was actually in the design of leaves, the touches of gold truly around the edges and through the veins of the intricately made leaves. When she opened her eyes, oddly enough, though they were a darker forest green than the spring-leaf green of her shadow, the gold in them threaded through the green in the same way.
"She seems to be so," Eve murmured, glancing away as if to look at the queen, but truly, she already had the queen memorized in her mind. She was just doing what came naturally to her, checking around just in case. When she saw nothing she turned back and smiled at Faust, keeping the illusion that she glanced at the queen. "How have these three weeks gone?" Eve asked, eyes entirely interested, but still with a half alert-ness, as if she was giving all her attention to Faust, and from there bouncing it to keep an eye on the room.
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Post by Faust on Aug 10, 2005 21:48:49 GMT -5
"Uneventful." He said with a sigh. "My life has not been in grave danger for the few weeks, though I expect that if I was an assassin I'd just wait until now, easier to hide, I suppose."
He smiled even more broadly, he knew what she was doing. "Hard to give up old habits." He thought slyly.
"And you, you said that you were going into weapon training. Did you hold true to that or are you another proffession?" He knew good and well that she was, in fact an assassin and slayer again, he had ears in the slayer's guild that told him a talented woman had rejoined. But if she saw fit to lie then so be it.
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Post by Kalindria on Aug 10, 2005 22:30:12 GMT -5
Kalindria was lurking about, moving here or there, avoiding the throng of young men who had seemed to take in in their hands to see to it, she was kept entertained while her host was occupied with another girl, some even so rudely pointing this out in their desperation to gain further attention from her, but only succeeding in irritating the Vampire Queen, and it was now, after a bout of this rude and over forward behavior that she sensed it, a female, not too far distant from where Faust and Eve stood, conversing.
The girl had made no aggressive move, no show that she was even thinking of trying her hand at harming Faust, but Kalindria knew the signs, the heightened pulse, the edgy vibrations of the minds signals, and the sudden rush of blood mixed with a higher level of adrenaline, all these things could mean only one possibility in this place, well, unless she had a male with her, provoking her into a situation that would be quite awkward amongst a few hundred guests. But, there was no male around this girl, no one to make her insides react the way they were, and so, that was when Kalindria sided up behind her and placed a hand, lightly on her shoulder. The girl spun around, dagger in her hand stabbing Kalindria in the ribs. Kali looked down, her hand still holding to the girls shoulder and then up to gaze at the assassin, her lips parting into a dark grin, exposing the extended canines and winked as she grasped the girls hand, her eyes still on her bewildered face and removed the blade.
“Good thing you struck me in mid section, otherwise I might have been put out, had you ruined my gown.” She said in a quiet voice, taking the blade from the girls, now quivering hand, and turning her around, so that the blade was centered between herself and the girls back, hidden form view. Only the trained eyes would know what had transpired, even though in all honesty, the girl looked as though she was about to faint, her skin nearly paler than most vampires, on a bad night.
By the time Kalindria waltz the girl to one of the guards and handed her over, the stab wound had healed fully and she smirked, her emerald eyes looking about for those young males, finding them and then headed the other way, once again, disappearing form sight, this time, altogether.
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