The Keep...IC Thread

[caela]

Welcome to The Keep: If you wish to join or have OOC chatter please post it in the OOC Thread here:The Keep: OOC

Alexandra Smythe

Staying near the outskirts of the room Alexandra couldn't help but smirk behind her mask. Instead of the plain white masks that many wore hers was a more feminized version of a demon's mask complete with small horns at the top and in a deep shade of velevety black instead of the normal red. The smirk it revealed curled her full lips just at the corners and if one looked up to the smoky grey eyes above they'd see contempt reflected there.

Alex, as those who knew her well called her, was of old Saxon stock and could trace her family well back before the Norman invasion. By being smart her family had kept not only their lands but their money and their fortunes had only grown over the generations. They now had enough money and power that Alex felt no compunction in flaunting normal court style (especially in this place where none would dare speak against her lest they be discovered themselves) and instead of the tight corsets and flouncing skirts that the other women wore her body was swathed in the old greek fashion, a single layer of snowy white velevet wrapped around her lush body and falling to her ankles where on her feet were small golden sandles.

Her left arm was bare but for the golden torque around her bicep that spoke clearly of her families heritage and the delicate white of her gown was a sharp contrast to the midnight of her mask though it set off her creamy, alabaster flesh to perfection and made her flaxen curls almost seem to shimmer even in the shadows she kept to.

Her height was a gift of her Saxon heritage and with few exceptions she was taller then most at this gathering. Leaning insolently against a back wall her arms crossed under her breasts and she watched those around her. It wasn't hard for her to pick out the numerous foreigners that had been leaking into the country and showing up at these gatherings. Women looking for marriages or to become some rich Englishman's mistress, men seeking heiresses to restore their own lost fortunes. She felt pity for them more then anything and wished them all happy hunting for this was definately the place to catch such prey.

Despite the decadence around her Alex found herself bored. Her father had been sending her to these gatherings for years now and despite all his cajoling she always stayed to the shadows and went home as much a virgin as when she'd arrived. Though she doubted any would believe that here! Ah well she usually delighted in the spectacle these nobles made of themselves and something interesting was bound to happen if she watched long enough.

 

[gagonthis]

Valo let out a heavy bored sigh as he stared from the shadows, his eyes following the subtle movements of every person in the room. Each glance carried volumes, even masked from each other the nobles still played their puny games of power. Valo yawned, covering his masked face with the back of his hand, for while he was surrounded by the most beautiful and powerful people in the land, he found no joy this evening.

He watched them go through their steps, the dances intricate and suggestive, each small hand motion promising the pleasures the evening promised. Valo, as he called himself at these gatherings, could remember a time when he fondly awaited these evenings, when the passionate hunger he felt could be fed from the finest of the land's beauty. Now though he found himself bored beneath the mask he wore, beneath both masks.

Valo, or Travalonosh as he was known in lore, was the last of the mighty dragons. There was once a time when his flight ruled the northern lands, amassing hordes of wealth, striking terror into the primitive country folk. But mortals, for all their shortcomings, were a tenacious lot, and they spread like a plague. Soon their numbers were too great for the dragons to control, and from their ranks mighty heroes emerged. One by one the great flight was lain to waste by the lesser race until Valo was the last who remained. Seeing the writing on the wall Valo fled south, using his powerful magics to disguise himself as human, amassing a force of powerful Nordic savages to stake his claim on these lands. Tales of his prowess on the battlefield became legendary, the sight of his battle standard on the horizon had sent more than one French legion scattering in fear.

In exchange for peace the King granted him feudal rule over the lands he had conquered. Valo was content to accept that lands, rich in resources both material and otherwise, and established himself quickly as lord of the land, every half century using his magic to transform himself into his own successor, lest his heritage was uncovered.

Now he sat, in what was at least the twentieth mask he had worn since coming to these lands, his heart heavy with boredom as he rose from the seat, his dark cloak flowing behind him as he emerged from the shadows. The blood red devil mask he wore caught the dim light, the stoic setting of his face showing clearly as his bright sapphire eyes moving out amongst the nobles to see if there was anything to rouse his passion once more.

 

[Zarafina]

Isobella Sartis di Venezia

She came alone.

That was the problem, after all. That was why she traveled here. Why she told her merchant father that she was visiting friends. Why she secretly bought the fine gown and mask she now wore. The man to whom she had been betrothed last year beneath the olive tree was generous .. but he was as boring as Mass. He had not touched her, once, in that time, though she'd ached for something more than her own hand to quench the hunger inside her.

When she'd heard, at one of the parties the Doge threw during last year's season, about this masquerade she'd begun to plan how she would find a way to attend. If she was destined to be married to a dull and passionless nobleman, at least she could have a little fun, first.

Now, she swept through the crowd, secure behind a pure white mask with the face of a feline. The velvety texture of her chosen mask mimicked the soft fur of the creature it resembled. It contoured to her face perfectly, slightly pointed ears holding back a mane of vibrant auburn curls. Green eyes the hue of a new spring leaf darted here and there, her delight reflected in the delicate curve of her lips.

She turned as she felt a touch upon her shoulder, and turned to smile at the man, boldly sliding her hand to his crotch. Her fingertips caressed a moment, then she swept away, snapping open a lace fan that hung on a cord from her wrist. She watched him over the curved edge, her breasts rising and falling against the soft velvet that hugged her body.

The gown left her shoulders bare, though silvery chains swept against her biceps and around her throat to keep it from falling away entirely. Cut to hug her voluptuous form, the gown was a departure from the usual style here, though was by no means unflattering. A column of softness drifted against her body, falling to her ankles, a slit in the back rising to her thighs allowing her to move freely and revealing milk-white stockings.

This was already turning out to be a delightful evening, she thought to herself as she lazily waved the fan in front of her face. She watched the guests, men and women alike, wondering what other delights the night would have in store.

 

[poohlive]

He called himself Fallon. There seemed no reason, it did not match his own name, and yet he could honestly give no logical explanation to put the moniker upon him. Perhaps, it just fit the mask.

It was devilish. Not in the way other masks were devilish, red with horns, no. It had the adjective of devilish. The face twisted in a smile that could only contemplate lust and retreival, cheeks high, unabashed, the slightest crimson from such naughty thoughts.

The eye slits warm and near invisible, almost unpiercing to the crystal blue eyes beneath it, which seemed to compliment the theme of such a lewd and lascivious demeanor. Nothing could quite compare to it, it was not quite mad, but far from regal.

He wore black. It was not a robe, but seemed made of silk itself. It moved with him, the sleeves long and almost covering his entire body. Only the hands peaked out, but they too had gloves upon them. He seemed blank, bland, nothing and no one aside from the mask.

That mask told all who he was, what he was.

He traveled through the crowd. His arms outstretched, touching upon the women who danced and thrived inside the group. Fingertips covered in silk passed by hips, ran under a breast, would touch upon velvet lips of a mask.

Sometimes they lingered on the flesh, whenever he found someone of interest. He would move behind someone, anonymous, not even bothering to speak a name as his greedy fingers searched her flesh for his own lust. They would grab at her, press against her, let her feel his own lean body underneath.

His cock, how it pressed against her.

And then he was gone, lost in the crowd before she could even lose her breath over such an action.

 

[newlysubbed]

Mary a local widow of a mid level nobel, He had died in a war / battle.

Now she carried on. She had a fire for life and as such was not interested in iether sex or a second marriage. Her first one had nearly borken her spirit.

She was considered good looking in the current rules ( We all know those vary with the age. )

She came to the ball with a mask of bright blue that complemented her gown. Very few if any would be positive it was her.

Her hair had been specially colored for the event and her makeup brought out parts of her face that usually were lost. Her spirit showed in her eyes but few knew that side of her.


Mary knew full well that as a woman what she wants and what she will get are not always the same thng.

 

[icu1978]

Maryanne stood alone next to a marble statue that she had barely noticed as she made her way into the large room.Her Aunt Milly had brought ehr to the party only to dissapear amoung the other party goers shortly after they had arrived. Mary was told that this was going to be the party of the year and that she couldn't miss it but from what she had seen so far everyone seemed to be acting rather scandlousely and she was unsure she wanted to be apart of the merriment.

sighing she looks around the room her soft hazel eyes scanning the people around her in the hopes of locating her aunt amoung them but there was no sign of her. Pushing back a curling tendril of redish blond hair as she took another step back to avoid being run into buy a passing couple.

Standing nearly 5 foot 8 inches she could usually see well enough in a crow to locate her aunt but tonight there where just to many people.tapping her lace and ivory fan against her satin skirt she wondered where her aunt could be. it was unlike the lady to just wonder off and leave her alone at a social function.Maryanne was just passed 19 years and her aunt had been nagging her about finding a nice husband to take care of her, warning Maryanne that she was already well on her way to becoming an old spinster.

taking a breath Maryanne moved to sit in one of the many chairs scattered around the room crossing her ankles and folding them under the chair. someone passing with a silver tray offered her a small glass of what she thought was punch,taking the offered glass she took a small sip and tryed not to make a face at the strange fruity taste that washed over her tastebuds,setting the glass aside she returned to watching what was going on around her. Maryanne's youthfully innosence turning her pale cheeks pink as she wittnessed what was happening around her.

 

[poohlive]

"Alone?" It seemed impossible. Fallon emerged from the crowd. They parted for him with surprising ease as he walked toward the young woman sitting down. She looked so closed off, so detached from the environment, the fun being had around her.

A woman passed with drink. He took it, his hand running down her side, the gentle curve of her body before she too disappeared into the crowd.

"I would imagine many coming in here to release their inhibitions, and you seem to hide them in the corner."

The tone in his voice matched the mask hiding his face, playful and witty. He drank from the glass. Not quite wine, but far from punch. It was a concoction that shot through his system like wildfire.

He fell to his knees in front of this young woman. She had the mask of innocence, of purity that could not be denied. His hands went to her knees, running up her legs, letting them fall apart every so slightly, spreading them, seperating.

He gasped at such a simple touch, "Do you know what kind of event this is... what deep dark secrets the men and women play?"

He need not turn around to know how they must be dancing, what they must be doing behind him, in plain sight of this young woman. How interesting to see it, feel it, experience it for the first time.

Others looked at him, some jealous, others curious. He sat, very submissive, easy enough, looking up at her with interest. His warm blue eyes coming through those narrow slits for her to see. Perhaps, the only thing for her to see.

His hands warm on her. He never forced her. His hands merely guided, running up her creamy skin, the warmth of him coming through. Hot, delighted, deep and running fast.

"Do you even have a name to go with such an innocent face? You can not use your real name. No, don't... I wish to know nothing about you. No, this is all about anonymity. This is about two bodies, finding each other, warmth, touch, passion. Let me give you a name, one that suits your face."

He cocked his head to the side. His hands ran up, dangerously close to the curve of her sex, almost touching her there. They lingered, but then once more moved to her thigh, and then her knees, running down her delicate ankles, even to the soft curve of her foot.

"Angel," He said, glancing up for approval, "Tonight... you are an Angel."

 

[icu1978]

"Alone?"

startled to hear the deep voice of a man so close to her Maryanne looked up to see a dark figure with the strangest mask she had seen so far. he seemed to be laughing and sneering at her all at once.

" I..Actually i am here with my aunt."
she says with confidence as she watches him closely and clearly disturbed by his actions as a young lady clearly a maid with a mask of her own on passes with drinks.

Looking away quickly as her cheeks turn bright pink her eyes desperately search out the horrid purple wig her aunt had worn that night. Hearing the strangers voice again she looks up her Violette eyes large even beneath the holes of her mask rounded even more when she heard him say very nonchallantly in his deep voice "I would imagine many coming in here to release their inhibitions, and you seem to hide them in the corner."

Flinging her fan open she begins to wave it infront of her burning cheeks as she looks around the room again taking in what was happening. This stranger was right... it seemed that that everyone around her tonight had taken leave of their sinces.

" I preffer the corner to their madness sir... i would leave now but it would seem that my aunt is lost somewhere in the masses."

Of course Marryanne only hoped that it was her aunts inability to find her that was delaying her from swooping down and taking her home. She did not want to think that the dear woman had fallen prey to what was happening aroud them.

Maryanne was suprised when she looked back towards him only to find him kneeling infront of her. "sir.. please you musnt kneel infront of me like that.. it's sure to casue quite the scandle."

the absurdity of her words washed over her as she looked up and realised that everyone was involved in some sort of scandle provoking behaviore.
She felt his hands large and warm on her knee and she looks at him her eyes meeting his not sure what she should say she try's to ignore what he is doing.
when he slowly guids her knee's further apart she gasps and looks at him quickly looks around the room as if checking to see if anyone was looking in their direction.

When his the soft leathor of his gloves touch her bare flesh she inhales sharply and try's to adjust her gown around her. His voice so rich and darkly suductive came to her again over the crowds of people around them.

"Do you even have a name to go with such an innocent face? You can not use your real name. No, don't... I wish to know nothing about you. No, this is all about anonymity. This is about two bodies, finding each other, warmth, touch, passion. Let me give you a name, one that suits your face."

His hand had moved up her thigh until she was certain he was about to do the most scandlouse of things but his hand moved away quickly enough that she had barely drawn air in her lungs to give him the tongue lashing he was so deserving.

Reaching down she wraps her small fingers around his wrist and pushes his hand away sitting up strait in her chair again her face having turned dark red.
" sir.." she starts to say only to be interupted by him.

"Angel," He said, glancing up for approval, "Tonight... you are an Angel."

"i.. that is very kind of you...but i must insist that you stop this now..if some one where to see you behaving in such a free manor with my person.. why my chances for making a match would be ruined right along with my reputation."

Maryanne fidgets in her chair the fan in her hands already having been crumpled was useless to her as she sets it aside on a table.
" surely my aunt will see that this is not the sort of party one atends to find a husband.... why this ... this ball is no better than that hell fire club i hear everyone whispering about from time to time."

with that said she lifts her gaze to the crowds of people once again searching with her eyes for her aunt who seems to have vanished.
with a sigh she lifts her hands infront of her.
" i do not understand why she would bring us here.. surely she must have had some idea's as to what was going to take place tonight."

why was she telling this stranger these things she wonders as she leans back in her chair and meeting his eyes.

 

[Zarafina]

Isobella chuckled behind the feline mask she wore as she prowled through the ball. One man's hand found her breast and she hissed at him, then giggled and danced away. It was enjoyable, this game. And she meant to take every opportunity she could find to delight in whatever pleasures could be had here. She dreaded returning to marry that boor.

She happened upon Fallon kneeling before the stammering young maid and she laughed, overhearing the girl. ".. why my chances for making a match would be ruined right along with my reputation." she was saying. Bella swept closer, making certain that 'Angel' saw her as she crouched beside the man in the devil mask, whispering into his ear.

"Playing with your food?"

She purred as she swept away again, glancing back at the devilish Fallon, winking before she found herself in the hands of two very lascivious women. Another hiss and she twirled out of the reach of one, only to kiss the other fully on the lips, then before they could recover she was away again, laughter following her through the crowd.

She paused, as her eyes fell upon another male in a devil's mask, and her heart raced for a moment, the feline beauty pausing to just watch him.

 

[caela]

Alexandra smiled behind her devil's mask as her eyes scanned the crowd. There was little she didn't see and while she viewed these gatherings with some contempt she also enjoyed watching the scenes play out before her very eyes. Behind the seeming anonymity of their masks she watched the wealthy and "well bred" release their inhibitions and become who they were in their hearts.

Across the room was the old Baron who secretly had a fancy for young men in their prime (a fetish he could indulge to the fullest here), and there of course was the wealthy (and widowed) Countess who delighted in the sensual and was allowed to revel in it freely here. Fallon and the new young woman he was taunting weren't missed by her and neither was the woman who spoke to Fallon only to dance away.

The sight of her made Alex laugh softly. There was a woman who clearly intended to enjoy herself! While it might not be Alex' own idea of fun but she could respect the woman for being bold enough to take her pleasure how she wished in this crowd.

Quietly she moved from one column to another, remaining always in the shadows as she circled the room to see what else there was to see.

 

[gagonthis]

Valo strode into the center of the room, the crowds parting for him as he did, women curtsying and men bowing low, mumbling their appreciation for the pleasures they were indulging in at his keep. He sighed slightly once more. For months now he had considered simply allowing these gatherings to stop, to let this archaic celebration fade away as Valo no long gleaned the pleasure he once did from it. But the people expected to have their fun, and without their little distractions he would likely have double the plots to deal with.

His eyes swept around the room as he thought that, gazing into the true thoughts of the people he saw. Most were concerned only for their lust, to please the wishes of the flesh, but still many played their petty games, even not knowing who they danced with they plotted and schemed. Valo feared not for his throne, though he knew many in the room coveted his wealth. Valo was more shrewd than any pathetic mortal. At least he allowed himself to believe he was.

He made eye contact with the women as he walked, his hands absently pawing at the flesh near him, both male and female, almost subconsciously doing so, knowing it would be expected of him, especially as Lord of the manor. Hands found him, mostly female, rubbing at his chiseled muscles, trying to excite him but failing most assuredly. He paused for a moment as he noticed the women in the feline mask staring at him. Something about her caught his eye and he looked her up and down, his sapphire orbs boring deep into hers as he sized her up.

 

[poohlive]

"I think your aunt knows exactly what goes on here... and I believe she brought you for that very reason," He looked up at her. How beautiful she must look behind that mask. She probably blushed, even thinking such thoughts of discretion, much less speaking them, or heaven forbid acting upon them.

"This, is, in fact a perfect place to find a husband," A woman danced up behind him, playing with his food, before she danced away. He thought perhaps he was, but this morsel had no desire to be dined upon. At least not yet.

He gave her a longing look as she left, sad to see her in the arms of another, before he returned to his Angel. He caught a laugh off to the side, and saw just the silhouette of another. She wore a mask quite like his own, but while his mask was a human thinking such thoughts, hers was the devil herself.

His eyes laid upon her, urging her from the dark shadows, to come out and play.

"There are no reputations to be won or lost here, that is why we all wear masks. I am Fallon, and this is the only time I am called that. It protects us. And lets us be free. You do want to be free, don't you?"

His hands never left her. She had forced him from her upper thighs, pushing the gown up more and more to reveal ankle and then calf, and even her knees before she fixed herself. Now, they ran on the outside of the fabric, up across her hips, the flat of her stomache, swell of her breast. His fingers knew no shame in their travels.

"A man wants a wife who knows what she is doing, and can handle herself well. Many men come here looking just for that. A woman who can keep up with them."

He said it in a way that showed he had yet to find such a girl. His eyes would turn back from his Angel in front of him, to his Devil off in the shadows. If he could get them both to play, together....

Oh, wouldn't he be such a lucky man.

You should show them... show them all what a wonderful wife you be. How happy you could make your husband."

He said this, as a finger trailed up her neck, passed the line of her jaw, to her full pouting lips, caressing them as if in a kiss.

 

[Zarafina]

He was watching her. She felt it, the prickle at the back of her neck. The swelling of her nipples and the heat between her thighs. She felt a hand reaching across her stomach and she purred, turning to kiss the lips of a young man who seemed to demand her attentions, but even as she kissed him she watched the devil with those amazing blue eyes.

"Dance with me .." whimpered the sweet young man, barely more than a boy, who held her close. His mask was simple, revealing nothing but his rich brown eyes. She relented, and pressed her body close to his, allowing him to feel her luscious form ..

But she was watching Valo. She made not attempt to hide it. What would be the point? Isn't that why she was here, after all? To indulge in what -she- desired?

She felt her dance partner releasing her as another man reached for him and she laughed, turning away from them without a second thought, and began to weave her way towards the host of this gathering. She snapped her fan open with a flourish, fanning herself rapidly before closing it again, and holding it in her left hand. She chuckled when she saw the coded message .. betraying her betrothal but also her willingness .. understood by several others.

Her attention though was on Valo.

 

[newlysubbed]

Mary as she was going by tonight had danced a felt up more then one man. Who had returned the favor. Most likely a one night stand would happen but not of those men had any sprit.

She saw one man who walked differntly. She senced his high status, perhaps even the lord of the manor.

Her mind could see him naked, not a once of excess on him. To bad he had been taking in by the little feline for the moment. Her own pale blue mask was far more becomeing.

Mary was approaching him as well. She knew he was a unique man. That intriged her.

 

[icu1978]

"There are no reputations to be won or lost here, that is why we all wear masks. I am Fallon, and this is the only time I am called that. It protects us. And lets us be free. You do want to be free, don't you?"

Suprised by his question she didn't have a ready answer for him instead her gaze traveled around the room again before finally she looks down at him and shrugs her slender shoulder. " to be honest Fallon i have never given it any thought....but yes i suppose it would be nice not to have the restrictions that society gives us.But.. that does not mean i would do such a thing. i am still looking to be married you see."

The corners of her lips lift slightly as she watches a man trailing after an older women nearly trip over Fallon but catching himself just in the nick of time. covering her smile with her gloved fingertips the satin cool against her lips.


"A man wants a wife who knows what she is doing, and can handle herself well. Many men come here looking just for that. A woman who can keep up with them."


His statment throughly confused. Maryann's cheeks turning rosey as she leans closer to him and whispers under her breath.
" but.. i could NEVER do such a thing.Oh i am sure that everyone here is having plenty of fun, But perhaps the ones having all the fun have already been married and need not worry about not being in tact when they go to the marriage bed sir."

Sitting back and one again looking to the crowd she spots a elderly women with a purple wig and nearly jumps from her seat until she notices that the women is not her aunt at all. sitting back in her seat her back strait she looks down at her hands folded in her lap.


You should show them... show them all what a wonderful wife you be. How happy you could make your husband."


looking at him dumbfounded she wondered if he could be telling her the truth or if in fact he was one of those men she had always been warned against. He was dark and most deffinately suductive perhaps he was a rakehell.

Gasping as she looks into his eyes as his finger trailed up her neck, passed the line of her jaw, to her full pouting lips, caressing them as if in a kiss.

Maryann was suddenly finding it diffacult to take a full breath , as if she where wearing a corsette two sizes to small. Licking her bottom lip as she gazes into his eyes she can not help but feel that he was drawing her into some sort of trap,One which she would never be able to escape once she steped into it.

Unable to find her voice all she could do was look into his Light blue eyes, Desperately wanting to tell him that she wasn't like the other young lady's in attendance tonight no matter how she may wish that she where. Torn by her morals and her own untapped passions she slowly reaches up and wraps her small hand around his much large hand, her small fingers easily slipping against his gloved palm. Pulling his hand down slowly so that she holds it between her hands resting on her lap.

" I...Am affraid."

she whispers breathlessly not sure what she was more affraid of him, what was going on around her or the fact that she wanted to join in the meriment.

 

[Mephistophelily]

"Nu! Aaagh- Stop following me, you fool, I do not wish for your help!," Adalynn hissed to the young man in white that insisted on following her, his eyes covered by a basic white mask as he darted around the other guests to keep step with the General's daughter. "Father wants me to find a suitor, does he not? What good are you in such a task- all you shall do is frighten them off!"

"But I am to watch you, Doamna Adalynn," he replied in a rather meek voice, obviously buckling under her loud commandings. "We can never trust anyone when it comes to your safety...."

"Are you implying that I am weak?" Her hands rested on her hips, crushing into the green velvet of her dress, a stone glare resting on the man through her white and gold mask. "I do not need you. You bother me... begone." She waved a hand at him in dismissal, turning away quickly and heading into the throngs of people before her.

"Doamna! Lady Adalynn, please, I'm to-"
His shouts made no difference, she had already given up on listening to him. Frustrated, he instead turned to reside in the main foyerway, waiting there in case Adalynn changed her mind on his offer of protection.

Protection... ha. Like she would need such a thing in a place like this- and from a weak man as he! She was certain that even she could bring him to his knees easily, and yet he insisted on trying to protect her. More likely, he was spying on her for her father. Not everything was a mission as he seemed to believe anymore. Far too many wars and battles had left him with one ambition- to be victorious, no matter what he was doing. Adalynn herself had inherited this belief, of course- but she also wished to have fun, to enjoy life... Not be treated like a child. She did not need a babysitter- especially when she was to be looking for a suitor!

 

[gagonthis]

Valo swept turned towards the orchestra as the song came to its close. People clapped politely, separating from those they were dancing with, eagerly seeking out another with whom to pursue their fleshly desires. Others disappeared into the darkness of the dimly lit room with those whom they had chosen to indulge themselves with, if only momentarily. Though Valo would never admit it, he envied them. A dragon would never allow himself to admit that he felt jealousy of the passion humans had in their short lifespans.

The first few hundred years had been so exciting for Valo. He and his blood thirsty hordes had raided across these lands, striking fear into the peasants and gentry alike. Then he had settled into this castle, had learned how to lord over lands using more than fear, playing the subtle game of politics like an old hand. Now though even that was boring and Valo was sick of wearing this skin. He longed to soar amongst the clouds freely, to return to the old ways. It could not happen though. His kind had been hunted to the brink of extinction, and humans, for all the contempt he heaped upon them, would not allow him to live if they knew.

He nodded slightly to the conductor and another song began immediately, this one a slow, almost haunting melody that filled the ballroom. Valo stepped up to the first woman he saw, taking her in her arms, causing her to gasp in pleasure as he stared deep into her eyes, moving with a casual grace of a cat, his mind subconsciously taking him through the steps of the dance as he thought of times long ago.

 

[Zarafina]

Isobella watches as Valo swept a woman into his arms, and she arched a brow slightly. He looked so bored. How could anyone be so bored with such wonderful delights all around? Men and woman eager for pleasures of all kinds, fine foods, exquisite drink.

She arched her brow at the other she caught trying to vie for the lord's attention and laughed softly, letting her fan dangle as she deftly slipped from the grasp of a man who was far too inebriated to notice, and she wove her way through the crowd towards the handsome Lord in the devil mask, slipping behind him as he danced with another.

"Mind if I see how comfortable your throne is?" she purred, letting her breath tickle his neck softly.

 

[poohlive]

"Is that all?" He cocked his head, looking up at the young woman in his palm now. She held onto his hand so tightly, as if to crush his fingers. He thought she held to it like a lifesaver now. It was the only thing solid she could hold onto. These parties had a way of being nothing more than bright faces and half truthed promises. All smoke and mirrors, and at the end of the night more than one girl will have fallen in love with a man whose face they've never seen.

"But you are an angel, I thought angels feared nothing. Do you fear me?"

Where was his little devil? Had she decided to stop spying on them, move onto another couple perhaps? He didn't dare look, because he was so focused on her right now, working away whatever tension and frustration she felt.

"Would you like to know something?" He took her hand, and brought it up to his chest. He had to undo a couple of buttons, pushing her small frail hand under his shirt. There, he lay the palm flat. His heart thrummed against her small hand like some hummingbird locked up in a cage, trying desperately to find a way out.

"I am afraid as well," He admitted to her, as he held her hand close to him, "It is not easy to show up here, everyone and everything. People who have needs and urges are scared enough to tell others of their afflictions in broad daylight. Yet even now among masks and false names there is still fear."

He moved closer to her, pressed against the edge of the chair she sat in now. Purposefully, he pried her legs open a little bit more, so he was between them now. One knee against his one side, and another against his other.

"Tell me," He said, bringing her in, letting them whisper close secrets in the dark. His one hand ran up against the back of her neck, slowly brought her down to him. He smiled as she closed in, her scent catching him, delightful and feminine.

Fallon moved up, and pressed one small tingling kiss against her lips, letting such warmth linger.

"Why are you so scared, my angel?"

 

[gagonthis]

Valo growled in annoyance. The woman whom he had chosen had been a poor dancer and she stumbled as she tried to keep up with him. For all their talk of superiority these nobles were just like the peasants they trod upon. Awkward humans stumbling blindly through their world. He sighed again, wondering what it was about this night that had him longing for the old times again.

The woman missed yet another step, the stench of wine heavy on her breath. He caught her mistake quickly, maneuvering them away from the main crowd, deftly depositing her in the arms of another woman, a quick mumble from his lips placing an enchantment upon them, knowing they would find comfort in each other's arms that night. Perhaps if he felt so inclined later he would allow himself to partake in their pleasures.

His eyebrows raised as he felt the breath of the woman behind him. Another who recognized his grandoise no doubt. What would she think of him if she saw him in all his glory? Lust would be replaced by fear in the blink of an eye. It would be so easy. He could be free... He shook his head as he turned towards her, forcing such thoughts to flee. Could madness be taking him? He silently laughed at the idea. His eyes took in the women's form, it did little to excite him, though he did feel a slight stirring in his loins. People would speak if the Lord did not partake in the bounty after all. "Yes... you'll do wonderfully.." He said softly as he swept her up, dancing across the room with her.

 

[Zarafina]

"Yes... you'll do wonderfully.." Valo said softly as he swept her up, dancing across the room with her. Isobella purred with delight as she felt his arms around him, and she leaned into his form, allowing him to lead her through the steps of the intricate dance.

"You are the lord of the manor, are you not?" she asked. She could have easily been asking how many pigs he owned. She didn't sound awed, or intimidated. Just .. curious. Indeed, she had adopted the manner of the creature she masked herself behind.

 

[gagonthis]

Valo was pleased that she was a more graceful dancer that the previous disaster had been. Still while he could feel his frail human body responding physically to her presence he found nothing deeper than that in the embrace. It was a shame, but one he had come to expect at these parties. She was intrigued by him, and he found his curiosity stirring. She did not seem as impressed by his position as the others were. Of course she knew he was the lord of the manor, and he knew she knew, but there were forms to be observed.

"Perhaps I am lord, though tonight such titles matter not. There are those here who command more power than the ones they intertwine their arms with, but here all are equal, slaves to the pleasure that only true passion can bring." He whispered into her ear as they danced, wishing his own words could ring true with him as well.

"Tell me young one..." He said, his lips still close to her ears. "What is it your heart desires more than anything else? What is it that would truly set your heart aflame?"

 

[Zarafina]

".. here all are equal, slaves to the pleasure that only true passion can bring." Isobella chuckled throatily at that, shaking her mane of soft curls as she moved with him, enjoying the dance far more than she had enjoyed any other this night. He did not seem merely interest in physical pleasure .. and for the first time tonight she found herself wondering what he was like without the mask.

"Tell me young one..." He said, his lips still close to her ears. "What is it your heart desires more than anything else? What is it that would truly set your heart aflame?"

She licked her lips slowly, rubbing her cheek against his, closing leaf-green eyes a moment. "Passion .." she replied easily. 'Not just of the flesh .. though surely, it is something to be cherished. But passion for all things. I want to be excited by life .. " she continued, turning to brush her lips to his cheek.

"What of you, devilish one? What is it your heart desires?"

 

[gagonthis]

Valo felt his lips twitch slightly, threatening to break his stoic demeanor for the first time in many nights. He was surprised to find himself enjoying this dance. The girl's cheek against his awoke sensations he had been without for some time. His hand slipped a little further down her back as he led them through the most complicate steps of the dance, neither of the pair missing a beat.

It was her answer to his question that finally caused him to smile, if only for the briefest of moments. Her answer so mirrored what he desired, though she clearly had that which he could only once more seek. "Ah, but if I reveal all my secrets to you then surely my mystique would be vanquished. Allow me to simply say that like you I am creature of passion, one who was been without for far too long." He said the last part a bit softly as he spun her close to him, dipping her deep down, his lips mere inches from hers.

 

[Zarafina]

"I have a feeling, handsome devil .. your mystique could never wear away .." purred the feline beauty as she felt him drawing her a little closer. She smiled, and it was not forced, or ingratiating .. she simply smiled, letting the light of it sparkle in her eyes.

Her body arched easily as he bent her back, the lovely beauty clinging to him, her breath soft against his lips. She hesitated .. she didn't want to seem eager and wanton as so many did. But she found herself waning to know how his lips felt. She gasped softly, fingers tightening at his waist, and she brushed a kiss upon Valo's lips, gentle at first, though if he did not draw away, neither would she.