Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!

Plot

Set during nineteenth century London, England the Victorian Era is in full swing and the wealthy are having the time of their lives. Aristocratic families from far and wide have come to celebrate the eighteenth birthdays of the Tremaine children, Margaret and Michael. This masquerade is not only a celebration of the young Earl and Countess' coming of age, but also to entertain possible suitors to continue the family line. The celebration will last for seven days and if Michael does not find a potential wife then all the family wealth and titles will go to his sister and her future husband. The pressure is building upon the young earl, but in the magic of the night and mysteries hidden by the masks anyone can lose their senses.

Setting

The Tremaine mansion can be considered a very imposing structure, but nonetheless very beautiful. The interior could be considered baroque or even over done in ornamentation while the exterior is in the neoclassical architectural style of the Victorian times. The ballroom is brightly lit with crystal chandeliers; its large winding stair case leads to an equally beautiful dining area. The gardens are quite large with an abundance of rose bushes and there are wooden benches centered around a very beautiful fountain. At the end of the night (meaning around midnight to one in the morning) a guest may return to their own estates, but most are more so inclined to stay in one of the mansions numerous guest rooms. The masquerade will be celebrated for several days.


Rules

1. Please be at least semi-literate. Five sentences at the absolute least per post.
2. Remember this is supposed to take place during the nineteenth century. I don't want to see anyone using slang words such as: homie, dude, okay, etc.
3. This is an anything goes RP! That means Het, Yaoi, and Yuri. If you don't like that kind of stuff leave now.
4. No flaming, spamming, godmoding, etc.
5. Post at least three times a week.
6. If you wish to leave, please inform me so I can take you off the list.
7. Romance is encouraged, but please keep it PG-13.
8. You can have up to two characters, but you must have them in different colors or have line breakers so people don't get confused.
9. Please PM me your profiles with the title, 'Masks Can't Hide Everything.' You must wait until I accept you to post.
10. Have fun!

PS: Guests may fall in love with each other.

Profile

Username:
Character Name:
Character Age (18-20s please):
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description):
Character Personality:
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least):

Edit: .:.OOC Thread.:.

Every face a different shade . . .
Masquerade!
Look around -
there's another
mask behind you!

Characters

Username: Umi-No-Tenshi
Character Name: Michael Tremaine
Character Age (18-20s please): 18
Character Appearance (Descriptions are fine): .:.Click.:.
Character Mask: In Picture
Character Personality: Although bred and groomed for the refinement and solemnity of the arrogance of the aristocrat, Michael very much unlike a stuck up snob. Very down to earth and friendly he finds far more joy in playing his violin or taking walks through the garden than flaunting his wealth. Although often times he wished that he had never been born into such a strict caste, growing up in such an enormous house and in such a cold and dignified lifestyle never seemed to damper Michael's sunny disposition. He cares deeply for his twin sister and is very loyal to his family although he finds this whole arrangement ridiculous.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): As a child he and his sister were often left in the care of some nanny or another while their mother attended gossip laced parties and their father was busy with business. The only thing he had to chase away the feelings of loneliness and resentment was his sister, born minutes after him. Playing hide and seek among the endless halls and uncountable rooms were a fond way of passing the time. They often found their amusement in playing practical jokes on their nannies and tutors, the game became almost a challenge between the two to see who could be the first to drive the pesky adult mad. Alas, as soon as were barely out of childhood both of them were whisked away into the dizzying world of prim and proper. Margaret confined to skirts and laces while he was trapped with cigar smokers and coin counters. Learning all the proper manners from which spoon to use to courtship were almost more than he could handle. Especially courtship. Women batting their eyelashes practically threw themselves at him once he 'filled out'. The very though of his sister having to act in such a degrading way made him sick to his stomach and that is why he is quite determined to find the right spouse during the celebrations so he wouldn't have to force his sister to go through such travesty. But anyone can be entranced by the secrets of the mask.

Username: Umi-No-Tenshi
Character Name: Margaret Tremaine
Character Age (18-20s please): 18
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine): Click
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): Click
Character Personality: Margaret is very similar in personality to her brother, though it might be expected being that they are twins. She loves to sing and play the piano alongside Michael’s violin. But unlike her brother she’s very practical and knows how to get what she wants and isn’t afraid of using her ‘assets’ to get them.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): As a child she and her brother were often left in the care of some nanny or another while their mother attended gossip laced parties and their father was busy with business. The only thing she had to chase away the feelings of loneliness and resentment was her brother, born minutes before her. Playing hide and seek among the endless halls and uncountable rooms were a fond way of passing the time. They often found their amusement in playing practical jokes on their nannies and tutors, the game became almost a challenge between the two to see who could be the first to drive the pesky adult mad. Alas, as soon as were barely out of childhood both of them were whisked away into the dizzying world of prim and proper. Margaret confined to skirts and laces. Learning all the proper manners from which spoon to use to courtship were almost more than he could handle. Especially courtship. Men with their cigar smoke and ‘ulterior motives’ practically threw themselves at her once she 'filled out'. The very though of her brother having to act in such a degrading way made her sick to her stomach, but such is life. She hopes that her brother will find a good spouse so she won’t have to. She enjoys her freedom a little too much. But anyone can be entranced by the secrets of the mask.

Username: Devilfern
Character Name: Theodosia Asafoetida Dawes
Character Age (18-20s please): 18
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine): Theodosia - painting by the Deviantart user JanaschiDoe-like brown eyes and rich copper colored hair. Theodosia is slim and attractive, although her appearance is more child or fairy-like than elegant, much to her dismay.
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): Golden Mask
Character Personality: Theodosia is vain and rather empty-headed. She is considered beautiful by many, but it is an empty beauty - she has very little actual personality, like an empty vase. She does, however, love life and enjoys it to the fullest. Theodosia lives vivaciously, moving from one society ball to the next, flirting just outrageously enough to get people talking, but not enough to be considered smutty. She loves to be the center of attention, practices her pretty smiles in the mirror, and dances with abandon. Theodosia, however, has no room for malice in her head, and is kind without discrimination, except for a touch of snobbery. Occasionally, if one gets to know her well enough, a glimmer of deeper character shows through her glamor. On those rare occurrences she is quite shy, and incredibly tender. Her clothing is always of the highest and most elegant quality, but in her air of oblivious zeal for everything she emits an aura of glittery beauty that makes everything around her a little bit more beautiful itself.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): Theodosia was born into a very rich family. She is the only daughter of Robert and Emilia Dawes, who control a very respectable estate. Her parents are almost entirely indifferent to her, and give her almost free range in society. Theodosia is free to flirt and cavort at balls all she likes, which suits her perfectly.

Username: Confection
Character Name: Allen Valainis
Character Age (18-20s please): 18
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):Allen
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description)::'D
Character Personality: Allen is stubborn and short tempered, but has a good heart and likes to see nothing but the good in people. However, sometimes he can be a bit too trusting. He may seem cold and standoffish, but the truth is he's just shy, even if he might not like to admit it. Allen's way of being communicative is to be sarcastic and harsh in his remarks. What others call cynicism, he likes to call good old-fashioned honesty. He's positive in his own special way...
Allen is very intelligent, and due to his privileged upbringing, is very well educated. He soaks up facts like a sponge and never forgets(Like an elephant :'D).
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): Allen's father, Harris Valainis, came from a wealthy family, but his mother, Elizabeth Valainis, did not. Because of this, Allen's grandparents have refused to talk to him and his father, and many other wealthy families pretend Allen doesn't exist. Since his mother was merely "a scarlet women with no pedigree", and they think of Allen with similar pretexts, his grandparents refuse to give Allen's father the rest of his inheritance(Harris was allowed part of his inheritance after his 18th birthday, before he got married). Consequently, Allen will be left with no money after his father runs out, and will be forced to get a job and make his way through the real world as a commoner. Allen doesn't mind this, and, unlike his father, has never had any real attachment to money in the first place. When Allen was ten, Elizabeth died of consumption. Harris stayed positive, however, and continued to teach Allen to be a decent, tolerant person, who wouldn't look down on anyone because of social statues.
Allen would rather not be at a Masquerade ball, but feels obligated to attend, since his father laid a guilt trip on him.

Username: talitha001

Character Name: Alana Vartos

Character Age (18-20s please):22

Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):

Characters Mask (Picture and/or description):

Character Personality: Shes quiet and shy. SHe loves to read and play with animals.

Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): Alana was raised as a countesses daughter. She is very well mannered as she was taught. She hates her dutys and would rather spend all her time outside with animals. When her mother and father found out about this ball they made sure she was one of the first people invited. Her parents are the count and countess of monte Christo. They are totally devoted to there daughter hoping she will one day be a sucessful bride to some rich man.

Username: Reeny
Character Name: Zariya Galvan de la Cruz (pronounced "Zuh-rye-uh")
Character Age (18-20s please): 24
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine): Zariya is of an average height, with a build of wider hips that balance out a slightly generous bosom. She has light brown eyes that sometimes border on golden, a pert nose and a generous mouth over a slightly square chin, throwing her face slightly off balance. In society she would most certainly not be called "pretty," but rather, handsome. Her true vanity, though, lies in her mane of dark, glossy locks, which she attempts to wear as much down as British society will allow.
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): Purple Mask
Character Personality: Zariya is not shy, but does seem to limit friendliness to societal nature -- at least, with women. She seems more at easy with men and their conversation, even though it does take them awhile to warm up to a "female" who seems more educated than other women of her society. However, women tend to mistake her reticence with them, and her friendliness with men, as something past flirtation (and most women don't seem to like that behavior at all).
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): Zariya was born in Spain, to a British-born mother (who also had British and Spanish parentage) and Spanish father who perished on a voyage to America a few years ago. However, she is currently living with an uncle who is a lawyer. While that would not put her in aristocratic circles normally, rumor has it that not only were her parents royalty of some kind (perhaps a Duke and Duchess, the word around town says), and with old money, but that her brother provides her with quite a stipend.

Zariya's brother is Alcazar Galvan de la Cruz, known as "Galvan," the recently famous author whose adventure stories that comment on British society not only captivate men, but whose touches of romance woo the lady readership. However, Alcazar is said to be a recluse, holing himself up in some country estates, while he continues to write. He depends upon Zariya to make public appearances for him, not only to help keep interest in his work alive, but also to assuage fans. Zariya is more than happy to comply, as she seems as knowledgeable about his work as Galvan would be.

While her native tongue is Spanish, she has a masterful command of the English language, much like her brother. She speaks with just a lilt of an accent that seems more like the way she is, rather than due to her native language.

Username:Nanami Ugachi
Character Name: Nathaniel Wysing
Character Age (18-20s please): 19
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):Nathaniel
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): mask
Character Personality:Nathaniel is well-behaved and knows his manners but he can be somewhat blunt when making controversial statements. He is highly educated and therefore sometimes feels a bit "above" other people his age because of their "lack of education." Despite this he can be quite sweet and is, in general most polite when dealing with young ladies. He is very open when it comes to his sexuality and hasn't decided which gender he likes better yet.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): Nathaniel was raised by his uncle Elliot since he was very young. His uncle pushed his education very hard and Nathaniel turned out to be very intelligent even at a young age. Some would say he was a prodigy. Because his uncle never married and had children of his own the money that would have been in his children's inheritance will all go to Nathaniel, which is a fairly good amount. Nathaniel respects his uncle despite some of the ridicule the man gets for never marrying or having children. He won't stand for people talking bad about him especially those he considers "uneducated."

Username:
iUnofficial
Character Name:
Selene Jostlyn Deloncre
Character Age:
18
Character Appearance :
Selene
Characters Mask :
Selene's Mask
Character Personality:
shy, quaint, frail
Character Bio:
Selene never understood the life she led. Her parents wealthy, her brother arogant, but herself she was timid and shy. Never really knowing why wealth meant something, she was more of someone that helped other people. Her parents dont truely understand her, shes far more different then any other Deloncre, instead of wealth she loves fine arts. She found nothing more beautiful then music, more then ever, the piano. Selene hides her musical talent though, and tries fitting into the frame her parents want her to be.

Username: Saiph
Character Name: Saiph Chamberlain
Character Age: 23
Character Appearance: http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...bishieblue.jpg
Characters Mask: http://siren.crowned-meadow.net/wp-c...k1-293x300.jpg
Character Personality: Not one for a conversation, Saiph tends to give off a cold, nonchalant vibe. However, he tends to be quite a klutz, and is easily impressed by small things. He always tries to put up walls though, so people don't see that side of him. But, after he gets to know you, friend or not, those walls go down.
Character Bio: Born an orphan, raised an orphan, Saiph didn't know many people, and the people he did know usually beat him. Later in life, that caused him to have social anxiety, and even later, now, claustrophobia. Two weeks ago, Saiph received an invitation to a ball. Not really caring about his claustrophobia and slight anxiety, he accepted.

Username: Pietro
Character Name: Harper Walsh
Character Age (18-20s please): Nineteen
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/m...iser/17174.jpg (only in green and black (no gold))
Character Personality: He is very mysterious, and it apprears that he is hiding something sinister, but no one has been able to prove it.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): Harper was born into a family of acrobats. They were in the circus, and his future was to be apart of their travelling circus. Well, Haprer joined the circus, and he became the star acrobat, until the tragedy. One of their venues was lit on fire by a town psycho. It was during a preformance, and Harper, evacuated, with a few burns, and one eye blinded. He also left without his parents. He was an orphan at age nine. He was never the same either.

Originally Posted by ShadowFlamedWolf

Username: ShadowFlamedWolf
Character Name: Reed Nightingale
Character Age (18-20s please): 18
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description):
Character Personality: Reed preferred keeping to himself and admiring the world from a distance, he has a deep loathing for the world around him. He can act like the perfect gentleman when necessary. Many would describe him like a two sided coin. One side will show you the truth while the other shows you what you want to see.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): After years of mistreatment and neglect he uses his mask as a shield from the world. From a very young age he was molded into the princely figure or the aristocrat class. On the outside he appears to be cool and collected but his inner self is broken mess. He hates being the center of attention though can’t avoid the spotlight. He is the only child, a high class and wealthy family the archdukes of The Netherlands.

Originally Posted by Bounces

Username: Bounces
Character Name: Declan Varagh
Character Age (18-20s please): 22
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine): Declan is a suprisingly tall man for society, coming in just shy of six feet. For all of his height he is quite graceful and cuts a stunning figure on the dance floor. His dark black hair is hardly worth commenting upon, as it is so common place. He has expressive blue eyes that seem to sparkle and dance when he smiles, which he does quite often. While born into the aristocracy, and not one to work at anything physical he does have a fairly muscular though lean body.
Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): Declan plans to wear a different mask each night of the masquerade. Below is the schedule:
Evening 1: (which he is running late too :) ) the phantom-style vertical half mask shown here.

Evening 2: A fiery halfmask.

Evening 3: The sun and moon mask.

Evening 4: Something more simple, a basic black halfmask.

Evening 5: Continuing the halfmask theme, this Cyrano de Bergerac mask, very akward for kissing!

Evening 6: A courtjester halfmask

Evening 7: A see through mask not not block his face

Character Personality: Declan is a jovial man that enjoys a good jest, particularly at the expense of someone that is unaware. He is very vain about his fairly mediocre appearance, and sees no reason why woman should not fawn over him like they are fond of doing in the novels that he reads.
Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least): The Vara family is of the old aristocracy dating back many years. They are quite well known in the upper crust of society, and so Declan often encounters many family friends at balls and galas that he has attended recently. Declan only recently began to take an interest in the "society" scene when he came into his inheritance last year. Since that time by all accounts he has become an upstanding member of the society, well liked by most of the men. He began attending galas and balls about 6 months ago and hasn't really missed one since. While his family is well known not much is known about Declan due to his disinterest in the society until only just recently. Those that have spent time with him over the past year report that he is quite boisterous and enjoys many different recreational activities, from drinking to cards to hunting and other sport.

Username: koriia
Character Name: Lady Mareen Von Dupont
Character Age (18-20s please): 20
Character Appearance (Pictures and descriptions are fine):
Lady Mareen has a thin oval face, her skin is pale with hints of red in her cheeks, She wears no makeup believing it to be distasteful on most people, herself in particular. Lady Mareen does not believe herself to be very pretty, unknowingly she has an unearthly aura attributing to her being albino. She wears her long silver hair in a simple updo as is appropriate. Her dress is a Dark midnight blue with silver trim. It's a simple dress but very elegant as the trimming is delicately placed.
Her eyes are a pale yet striking shade of brown.

Characters Mask (Picture and/or description): http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TdBHNN7SItQ/R0...112507_005.jpg

Character Personality: She is a rather reserved person preferring to sit and watch the moon cross the sky at night or sit under trees and listening to the sounds of the Earth growing older. Kind and patient she hates fighting but can stand strong when she needs to.

Character Bio (Five sentences at the absolute least):
Lady Mareen was raised without many friends as she was a secluded child, being an albino and different from everyone around her. She is an avid reader and nature lover. She goes out on walks mostly at night with her maid servant Lini as the sun burns her skin easily. She is intelligent and has come to accept her position in life. Frail but strong willed she can be shy in front of new people. Her parents insisted that at her age she should be getting out more and insisted she go to the Tremaine twin's party. A family friend Mareen has had little to do with since she would keep to the library when visitors were over. Mareen was unable to leave at the allotted time and has arrived late to the party.

~.:. We need just a few more people to start this masque off! If you're interested please join and send me a PM!.:.~

D:

- Ooooh come on everybody, I want this to start! -

~.:. Alright! We have enough people so you all may start posting when ready!.:.~

Alana looked up through the carriage window. She thought the house was nice. It was big that was for sure. THe grounds were welltended. She sighed. SHe didnt want to be here. She had no desire to marry. She didnt even like boys. She perfered to sit at home with her books or to hang out in the stables with the animals. She looked at her parents. They were so happy. She sighed. She knew she would have to do this. Hopefully this guy was not going to be interested in her.

The carriage stopped and the groomsmen helped her out. He did the same for her parents and they all went up the stairs waiting to be greeted. Alanas dark brown hair was in pigtails the way she loved it. She wore a gorgeous chinese dress with slits all the way up the sides and fishnet stockings. She wore boots to her knees. Her parents may have made her wear makeup and look a bit fru fru but she was nto giving up her boot wearing habit. She looked at her parents and sighed again. They always wanted her to be what she was not. Her mask was pretty she guessed and they did let her wear her favorite color of red.

Nathaniel Wysing yawned lightly as his carriage pulled up. He would be attending the Masquerade alone, for his uncle was a very busy man and did not have the time to attend. He didn't mind going alone, but there would be a lack of intelligent conversation without his Uncle Elliot with him. The dark haired boy stretched a little. He didn't particularly want to go, but his uncle had insisted upon it. Nathaniel supposed it was because Uncle Elliot didn't want Nathaniel to turn out like him, an old bachelor, and all alone. Nathaniel understood this, but in a way, that was sort of the life he wanted. Maybe he'd adopt a little orphan and pass the family inheritance down to him.

Nathaniel shook himself free of his thought process as the carriage stopped in front of the large Tremaine Mansion. The door was opened for him and he exited the carriage, looking up at the impressive structure. He glanced down at himself briefly, making sure that he was clean and presentable. His red and black suit was still in pristine condition. He smiled a little. It seemed other guests were already arriving. He was glad for this because he hated being the first one to arrive, especially when he was arriving alone.

Hmm. Seems I've arrived a bit early. Allen glanced unwillingly out of his carriage window up at the giant mansion. It was beautiful, and that was putting it lightly. Allen's love of the arts made him more critical than others when it came to judging architecture, and this building was no exception. Maybe spending so much time in a a stranger's house would be somewhat enjoyable after all. Hopefully, the Tremaine mansion was just as lovely inside as it was on the outside.

Noticing his driver, who was now beginning to feel awkward waiting for Allen to step out, sighed grudgingly before giving in. Dismissing the driver before smoothing out his clothes, Allen walked over to the massive double doors. Should he use the knockers? Should he just walk in? Or should he wait outside? Maybe if Allen had any people skills, he would know. "Go on!" his father said, "Maybe you'll meet a nice young women to talk to." Of course he knew his father was teasing him. Allen didn't exactly have an interest in women, and it was hard not to notice how feminine he looked.
Scratching the back of his neck sheepishly, Allen decided to wait outside. Maybe someone who knew what they were doing would show up? He hated relying on others.

Nathaniel noticed a young... man?... waiting outside the doors. It was a little difficult to tell. He was very pretty for a boy, but he wasn't exactly dressed like a woman so Nathaniel had to assume it was a young man. A slight smile curved his lips. The boy seemed to be feeling very awkward and looked unsure of what to do. Nathaniel walked until he stood beside him.

"Are you going to knock?" he asked with a somewhat playful smile, "It will be difficult for anyone to know you are here if you do not."

Alana saw two guys there and put her head down. She was shy and not very into dating as it was. Her parents immediatly went up to them and started talking.

"Hello" They said "We are the count and countess of Monte Christo. How are you two fine young men doing?"

ALana stood behind them trying to hide from everyone. Her parents pulled her out and pushed her towards the man they were talking to and introduced her. She curtsyed as she had been taught.

"how do you do?" She said politely. She looked at the two guys standing there and smiled shyly hiding her face behind her mask.

(( Allen's father isn't with him. Sorry, I should have mentioned that.))

Startled, Allen gave a little jump at the sound of the young man's voice. Turning around, he noticed the voice was addressing him. Feeling silly, Allen crossed his arms over his chest somewhat defensively.
"Yes...well...I thought I had arrived early and..." He stopped, not knowing how else to reply. Instead, he turned to the door and used the giant knocker to call for someone, his face slightly pink, contrasting with his pale complexion. Clearing his throat, Allen decided to try and be...friendly.
"I hope we're not the only ones here yet."

Allen gave another jump as two other people wearing masks came up to talk to them. People just kept coming out of the woodwork! "I'm fine. It's nice to meet you." He offered his hand to the other guests.

Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light . . .
in the sound . . .

Michael Tremaine looked at his reflected image in the ornately decorated gilt mirror as he straightened his vest. Impeccable as always. Without falling prey to the same fate as Narcissus, he peered at his reflection once more for reassurance before turning away and briskly walking out of his personal chambers. As he strolled by an open window the sound of carriages and horses drifted to his ears. So, people were already arriving? Michael swallowed at the nervousness building up as a lump in his throat. No matter how many times he either went to these lavish parties or hosted them himself, that lump of nervousness still swelled in his throat. With his appearance, and his sister’s of course, they were representing the entire Tremaine family (or more specifically their wealth). So as such they had to be absolutely perfect.

By the time he had reached his sister Margaret’s chambers that nervousness had gradually passed into a kind of dreaded excitement. Maybe this wouldn’t be so horrible after all. Michael always had a fine eye for the arts and seeing all of the beauties of the aristocracy was no less that viewing a moving and breathing painting. This reminded him that similar to the rules of a museum, you could look but you can’t touch. Well, at least not with gloves on, which Michael was well equipped with as would just about every other lad and lass of the night.

Just as this was going on, a butler of the family opened the large double doors to reveal the splendid and sumptuously lighted inside of the mansions greeting room. “Welcome, to the Tremaine family’s humble abode,” the man said as he stiffly bowed low. “Please enter, the Master and Mistress will attend you shortly.” The inside of the mansion was decorated in the latest Baroque fashion; everything was gilt with a golden hue from the floor molding to the ceiling decorated with seraphim and cherubim. And this was only a small part of the luxury to be unfolded.


But who can name the face . . .?

Alanas parents pushed her inside and smiled at the butlers introduction.

"This is indeed going to be a very nice ball." They looked at the two young men and turned to there daughter. They began to preen and mess with her outfit trying to make her stand out and look her best.

"Alana you always manage to get rumpled looking." Her mother told her. Alana blushed in embarrasment.

"Mom and dad please stop. Your embarrasing me." she told them in a whisper. She took this time to study the other two guys there. She peeked at them over her fan trying to figure out what they were thinking. Alana secretly hoped to get a chance to sneak away from this place and maybe hide somewere.

Nathaniel gave a slight bow to the Count and Countess. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said. He looked at their daughter and gave her a charming smile. He felt a little bad for her. Young ladies were practically paraded at these parties in hopes of catching a gentleman's eye and he thought it was rather degrading actually.

Nathaniel straightened as the doors opened. His eyes lit up at the massive amount of light that came from inside. Humble abode eh? he thought to himself as his eyes took in the beautifully decorated home. He entered in with the other guests, still taking in the scenery.

Allen looked the young girl up and down. He was happy HE did not have parents who would treat him like an object to live their lives through. Even if he was a women, he was sure his father would never do that. "It's nice to meet you, Alana." Allen smiled. It seemed like this girl needed it.

As the doors to the mansion opened and he was greeted by the the Tremaine family butler, Allen squinted his eyes, the light was so bright it reached it's way into his eye patch. When his eye was adjusted to the light, he walked inside and looked around. How tacky. Too much lighting. Although the structure was nice, a balance of dim and bright was needed. Where would he hide later?
NO! he had to remind himself that this was a party. But...there will be plenty of wealthy families here who would know him only because he was of dirty, commoner blood. He wasn't looking forward to meeting these people.

Alana smiled at him shyly but her parents shoved her towards him and told her to use her manners. She rolled her eyes and curtsyed putting out her hand "Its very nice to meet you also sir. If you dont mind may I get your name?"

She had a pained look on her face like it was killing her to speak in public to anyone. But her fear for her parents was worse than anything. She endured the pain closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths. She opened them and looked at the guy in front of her. She turned and looked at the other guy

"And good day to you also sir. If you dont mind may I also get your name?"

Allen looked panicked at the sudden offering of a hand. He had never been offered a ladies hand before. He took Alana's hand and shook it, like he would a business partner or an acquaintance you have neglected to see for a time. It didn't look like this young girl wanted her hand to be kissed by a stranger anyways.
"Uhh...My name is Allen Valainis." He let her hand go and cleared his throat. Realizing he forgot to bow, he quickly put his feet together and bowed like he saw his father do all the time. Allen probably looked uncouth in his behavior.

"I am Nathaniel Wysing," Nathaniel told her with a smile, "And what is your name Miss?" Nathaniel could be quite charming when he so chose to be, even though he tended to be a tad bit rude. He could tell that this girl was pained to be here. In fact it seemed that the boy that he had met in front of the door was also somewhat pained to be here. This just annoyed him. True, he didn't particularly want to be there either, but if he truly hadn't wanted to come he wouldn't have. He hated it when people came to parties and did nothing but mope about and act like they hated it there. Nathaniel came to parties to be around happy people and have a good time.

"I am the Lady Alana Vartos." She responded in a clipped voice. "I am the heiress to the Monte Christo fortune and am here on an invite." She lowered her voice and mumbled "And cause my parents made me come."

She looked over at her parents who seemed suddenly interested in looking around the foyer they were in and she rolled her eyes. Her parents fit the role of count and countess so well and seemed to enjoy it but try as she might she just didnt want to do this.

"I am so proud to meet you both and I hope you will be kind enough to keep me company during this masque. Its nice to have friends in advance to be around instead of just stuffy old people and kids trying to impress."

Allen sighed. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy parties. It was more like he didn't think his company would be well received. Parties were nice if you knew who you were with. "My father made me come. He's more social than I am." Crossing his arms in front of him again, which may have seemed a bit rude, he looked back over at the other boy. "However, you seem to be very comfortable here." he said to him. "Nathaniel, was it? Quite the charmer you are." Allen smirked almost unkindly. Perhaps he thought Nathaniel was putting on an act, like most well off people did.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife," she recalled her Uncle's mirth as he quoted the beginning of one of her favorite novels, in regards to her attending this Masque.

She had frowned at him, playfully of course, before tugging on one of his mustaches. He was incorrigible. He of course, knew the truth. As with any outings such as these, her agenda was simple, yet complex: To expound on the persona of Galvan. Those that did not know her exactly, jumped on her name and connection to her brother, the author. She was not there to "catch" a husband. However, she did look forward to the possibly good conversation with intelligent men. It had been awhile since she had attended such a grand party.

Staring at herself in the foyer mirror, Zariya sighed, pursing her lips tautly together. She then twisted them and sighed again as she relaxed. "Still too big," she murmured of her generous mouth. She smoothed her hands over the corseted bodice of her ball gown, done in a luxurious purple silk with turquoise threads throughout which shimmered as they caught the light. She poofed up the skirt a little, and then a hand lightly touched upon her silken locks of hair. It was done in an intricate updo of curls, with many hanging freely down her back and scintillating over her shoulders. It had taken hours to accomplish, but she smiled in spite of the time. "My one vanity," she breathed softly and then chuckled as she thought of her maid profusely confessing over her beauty. She knew she was no beauty, but at least she felt she had one, in her hair.

"Well, nothing I can do about it, can I?" She said as she put her hands on her hips, the gesture accentuating her ample bosom. She frowned at that and shook her head. Nothing to do about that either -- even if they did get in the way, or sometimes gave men the wrong impression of her. She gathered up her mask from the table in front of her and smiled softly. This would make up for any beauty she lacked, hiding behind this purple, exotic beauty. Her uncle had brought it back to her from a trip to Venice. She had her dress specifically made to complement it.

The peacock feathers and jewels contrasted nicely against her dark hair, while the glistening beads cascading down one side, along with the golden tones against the purple, played nicely with her naturally sun-kissed skin -- certainly a rarity among British society.

She placed the mask gently on her face, and blinked at herself -- her brown eyes seeming more gold surrounded by all the gilt. She smiled. Tonight would be another adventure, like the ones Galvan could write about. What would the masque bring? Only time would tell.

Zariya gathered her skirts and swept out of the doorway, to her awaiting coach ... and made her way to the Tremaine mansion.

Nathaniel looked at Allen and Alana and smiled at both. "Actually, my Uncle wished for me to come," he said, "I'm actually an orphan and my fortune is limited so my Uncle wishes me to marry well to expand the wealth so it will last a few more generations." The dark-haired boy continued to smile despite what he said. "However, I see no reason not to have a good time. I would be most appreciative if I would be permitted to enjoy the evening with the both of you," he told them.

Margaret was just finishing the last bit of her makeup when her brother knocked on the door. It seemed slightly redundant to her to be applying makeup on a face that would be covered by a mask, but she did it anyway because that’s what her mother (and society) required her to do. Always look her best and be prim and proper. To tell the truth Margaret didn’t like the standard that society placed her under, but being one young woman she couldn’t change society all be herself.

With those thoughts still swirling around in her head, she answered the door and politely took Michael’s hand and smiled up at him. “Are you ready?” she asked, knowing how much he disliked parties like these. “As I’ll ever be,” he sourly replied, letting down his mask of polite society while he was around her. “Well then, let us go,” she smiled and began to walk down the hall with her hand resting lightly on her brother’s arm. As they glided along, their parents were already in the foyer waiting for them. After a moment of fussing and admonishment for making their guests wait, the four of them continued on to the waiting room where the guests were.

As a dramatic entrance, they all paused at the top of the stairs and the gruff looking father called out to the guests after waiting for a moment of hushed silence. “We thank you all for attending our gala for your beloved children’s coming of age. Please enjoy all of our facilities to their fullest. As you already may know, at the end of the masque there are rooms available if you require rest and do not wish to return to your respective estates.” The stern looking mother took it upon herself to speak, “So please enjoy yourselves. The dinning room is past the door to the right and the ballroom is on the left. And please let me introduce our darling children, Michael and Margaret.”

With that Michael and Margaret were let out into the forefront of the scene. If Michael could be compared to the Sun with his golden hair and fabulous attire, then Margaret was an equally rivaling Star. Her dress was studded with pearls and covered with creamy lace. “Now let the masquerade begin!” the young woman called out as she donned her butterfly mask. Michael remained uncomfortably and shyly silent.

Alana smiled widly "I never cared for social get togethers. I perfer to be home with my animals. See" She blushed a moment knowing this was not how a lady was supposed to speak to a gentleman.

"Im a terrible animal lover. I would perfer to be a farmer than a lady because then I would have all the animals I wished for and no one would expect any more of me."

She glanced at her parents to make sure they were still busy looking at artwork so that they would not hear of this.

"My parents insist im old enough to be wed. They say If I wait any longer I would disgrace them. So they told me to find a groom here or else they would find one for me. I would hate to see what kinda man they would choose."

She hushed up as she heard the hosts appear. SHe looked up and listened to the speech and smiled as they made there grand announcement. She stared at Michael the man her parents wished her to be with and shook her head. He was handsome but probably not her type.

Her parents immediatly made there way to the hosts bowing and making there introductions. Alana knew she would be summoned soon. She bowed to the gentlemen "I must go make myself known to our hosts My parents expect it." She walked over to them and curtsyed "I am Alana Vartos heir to the Monte Christo fortune. I appreciate the invitation and I absolutly love your house." She said hoping for her parents approval.

((Oh, I've missed so much >_< Darn! Well let me see if I can catch up.))

A small but elegant carriage rumbled through the twilight, its wheels glinting gold whenever it passed a light. The horses trotted smartly, their identical white bodies moving in perfect time. The carriage pulled up the long drive to the Tremaine Mansion, moving briskly but quietly, revealing none of the excitement of the person it carried inside.

Theodosia pulled the velvet window curtain closed sharply. She was literally vibrating with excitement, touching her hair or examining her face in a pocket mirror every few minutes. The elegant cloth of her dress cascaded around her, arranged so it would not wrinkle on the ride over. A vague older woman sat beside her, but Theodosia payed no attention to her. In her experience, the chaperons her father sent to look after her were little more than a formality.

Finally the carriage halted, and the door of the carriage was opened for her. Theodosia was immediately out on the cobblestones, her eyes alight through the holes of her mask. She moved towards the staircase, completely ignoring the footman who had hurried forward to escort her inside. She moved carefully but still quickly through the little throng at the front door, and entered the grand hallway that she was so keen to see.

Poised on the brink of entering the room, Theodosia surveyed the crowd. Now that she was fully in the light, Theodosia was a wonderful sight. Her dress was a the perfect tint of coffee-rose to complement her copper hair, which glinted with deep gold in the light from the chandeliers. She moved a white gloved hand to check the golden cat's mask at her face, and finding that it was securely in place she advanced on the crowd. A little trail of excited air followed her path, tinted with her rosy perfume and the warm of her sheer glee to be at a ball.

A few familiar figures smiled and waved to her, but Theodosia did not join them. She simply smiled in return and continued to scan the room. She was looking for real excitement tonight - to find someone that she had never met before. What sort of adventure would she find waiting behind a stranger's mask? Theodosia didn't know, but she was nearly exploding with eagerness to find out. She had arrived fashionably late, as always, and she turned her head to hear the announcement that echoed over the hall. Once it was over, she clapped dutifully, her gloved hands flashing like little white butterflies.

Theodosia's eyes lingered on Margaret's beautiful dress, noticing the glint of the embroidered pearls. She smiled, admiring the dress. How lovely! Her eyes then moved to Michael, and she considered him with a thoughtful air. Like his sister, he was attractive...perhaps Theodosia would find her entertainment for the evening with him. Once the applause had died down and people began to return to speaking and laughing with each other, Theodosia advanced towards the brother and sister.

"Good evening! Oh, your home is so wonderful! I feel so honored to have been invited, thank you." Theodosia smiled beatifically at the twins, her eyes dancing with delight. Even though her tone was exhuberant, there wasn't a hint of a simper or sarcasm - Theodosia didn't have the capacity to be cunning. She was just truly happy to be there.