Aria winced slightly as Tifa turned towards her revealing her knotted mass of hair. Oh dear. She bit her lips softly before she began to brush Tifa's hair as gently as possible. She felt horrible everytime she saw the other girl wince. "I'm sorry! I'm trying to be gentle..if you want I can pull a little less harder.." she murmured before continuing on with hassles of ridding Tifa of her knots.

It took so long that Aria finally ceased worrying about being late. Well at least they'd make a grand entrace. She smiled tiredly as she worked her brush through the final snarl in Tifa's hair before she stopped. She grinned contentedly gently runing her fingers through Tifa's now knot free hair. "There. All done."

Adrian's scowl deepened as he stopped outside of Aria room and knocked softly before entering. "Aria we need your help. I can't...I don't know how to fix his tie." he muttered softly lowering his green eyes to the floor in embarassment but they didn't stay there long. They jerked upwards in surprise as he caught a glimpse of Tifa in the borrowed dress. Of course it was simple and somewhat devoid of color but the clean crispness of the white dress just brought more attention to her beautiful red hair.

He was all too aware that he was staring but could you blame him? Gone was the filthy peasant girl begging for some k ind of job. And in her place was..What? A lady? An especially pretty lady?

Aria looked up in alarm hearing the soft knock but upon seeing it was Adrian and Dominic she relaxed. She watched her brothers reaction with a soft raised eyebrow. An impish grin lit up her face as she stepped out from behind Tifa. "What's wrong Adrian? Cat got your tongue?" she teased with a soft laugh as she moved towards Dominic patiently holding her hand out for the tie.

Adrian's cheeks flushed as his sister teased him snapping him out of his reverie. He shook his head roughly. "No! I was just..surprised..plesantly surprised." he explained with a faint smile in Tifa's direction.

Dominic's cheeks turned a little pink when he saw Tifa, ten he saw the Princess again. She really made tifa's beauty come out, and he was gratefull to that. He smiled just a little. Dominic handed her the tied, feeling a little embaressed. "Sorry, I guess I still need some practice."

Tifa ran a hand through her hair. It felt wonderful. She had no idea her hair could feel this soft. When Dominic and the Prince came in, she smiled at how good Dominic looked, she really didn't notice Adrian was looking at her till Aria said something. "I'm sorry...is it too much....or too little...?" She didn't want to disapoint them. She looked around, she realized Aria wasn't in a rush anymore. "Oh, I'm sorry, did we make you late? I never meant to cause trouble...I.." She sighed. Dominic smiled at Tifa. Even though she kept apologizing, he could tell in her eyes that she was having a wonderful time.

Dominic looked back to Aria who was helping him with his tie. He felt as if he could try to trust these people, he just wondered how long it would get him to trust Mr. Moody Prince.

Aria smiled reassuringly as she carefully draped the tie around his neck before quickly and expertly tied it giving it one last tug before she pulled away tilting her head softly to examine her handiwork. Once she deemed it perfect she stepped away. "Its fine. Its not the easiest thing to do. It took me several times to get it right. Honestly I still mess up sometimes when it comes to tying the darn things." she explained.

When she heard Tifa question aimed a cool hard look at both boys silently daring them to criticize Tifa's appearance. Where as before she'd been all warm smiles she was now..well in a way she resembled Adrian. How ever once she was reassured that neither of the two boys was going to put down Tifa she relaxed considerably.She smiled warmly at Tifa and shook her head. "You look wonderful. And you didn't cause me any trouble. As a matter of fact I enjoyed helping you out."

Adrian balked seeing the cool look Aria sent his way. He stepped back a few steps. He'd never seen Aria look or act like him so much. While they both had the same beautiful green eyes their hair colors differed. And of course there were a few other minor details. He swllowed bervously before speaking offering Tifa a charming smile. "You look great.." he murmured softly. Great? Was that really all he could dredge up to say? She looked perfect! As a matter of fact she looked like a princess...

Dominic raised a brow when Aria gave them that look. He nodded some, understanding, smiling mentally. He then placed his hands in his pockets and then looked over at Adrian who complimented Tifa and then looked back at Aria. "Well, should we go...?" To be honest he was sorta nervous, he didn't want to make a complete fool of himself out there.

Tifa looked at Adrian. "Um, thank you. You looked good too..." She felt it was best to compliment him back. She smiled at Aria. She was actually kinda excited. "Let's go" She said, pulling on the girls arm just a little. She then placed her hands behind her back. Dominic noticed she was being her bubbly self around Aria, she normally only acted that way towards him. She was opening up to her. Maybe Dominic should too.

Tifa walked over beside Dominic and said. "Wow, you did a great job on Dominic. I didn't think he would cooraperate wel." She joked. Dominic forwned. "Hey, c'mon now..." he nudged her and Tifa laughed.

Aria let out a soft giggle as Tifa pulled excitedly on her arm. She smiled warmly and gently nodded. "Sure...I'm ready when ever you guys are." she said softly lifting a hand to tuck a stray curl behind her ear.She chuckled demurely when Tifa complimented Adrian's handiwork. Judging from the way Adrian was looking a Dominic she doubted he'd helped him as much as she'd helped Tifa. And unlike her and Tifa he clearly hadn't bonded with Dominic.

She smiled warmly at Dominic and her brother before she circled Dominic checking him over before she came to stand in front of him once more. There wasn't a wrinkle in place. So over all it was a job well done. Satisfied she held out a gloved hand to Dpminic. "Well, it looks like everyone is ready. Shall we go?"

Dominic blinked as Aria circled him and then when she held out her hand, Dominic took it and nodded. "I guess I have no choice." he smiled some and then turned to walk. Tifa watched them, and slowly began to follow them, not sure what she was suppose to do now. Dominic was nervous. What if all of the other rich snobs in there wiuld happen to figure them out, you know, find out they were just street rats. What would they do to them if they found out.

As Dominic was worrying about these things, Tifa couldn't wait to get in there, she has never been to a ball before, I might be really fun

[[ sorry its so short ><]

(Its ok)

Aria's eyes widened. "Oh you have a choice! If you don't want to go then you don't have to...I'm not trying to force you into anything.." she murmured lowering her eyes downward. Was that how it seemed? Was she being that pushy to Tifa and Dominic? She wasn't trying to be that was for sure. She watched him uncertainly before noticed just the faintest glimmer of some emotion on his face.

Was he nervous? She tilted her head softly watching him for a few more moments before she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "You know you don't have to do this right?"

Adrian watched in silent amazement as Tifa bounced about. Unlike the other three in their group she was excited to go. But why shouldn't she be? She didn't know about the games going on between the other royals. To her it was all just fun and games. Should he tell her other wise? No, she probably heard enough of that from Dominic. He'd let her believe what she wanted to believe. Once he caught up to her he gently clasped her hand in his as they drew closer to the ball room.

Dominic looked at her. He didn't mean for that to come out that way. "Oh, uh. No. Who knows...I might actually have some fun for once." He smiled a little when she took his hand. "Shall we go?" He asked as he began to walk with her again. Wondering how thing would go tonight. He would see how tonight went, and then he would see ig he could actually trust them.

Tifa blinked and then looked at him. She smiled at Adrian and said. "Thank you." She didn't know what she was thinking him for, she just was. But she knew her and Dominic were thinking the same thing. Would this all blow up in their faces later?

Aria nodded softly as she walked beside him a faint smile on her lips."Well..I hope you have fun. I don't want you to feel that tonight is a waste of your time." she murmured softly. As they drew closer to the ballroom what ever signs of happiness she'd been showing were gone. The fun was over. Now it was time for more pressing matters. She winced softly as the reached the ballroom her gaze shooting back over to Dominic. Was he still uncertain about this? Maybe he'd change his mind and then she could avoid it all..

Adrian shook his head hearing Tifa's praise. "You're thanking the wrong sibling. You should thank Aria. This was her idea." he explained.

(Ack short! Sorry my mind went blank)

"You could of told her no, I could tell by the way she looked at you earlier. I may be a street rat, but I'm not dumb..." Tifa said. She looked at Adrian once before she realized they were now incredibly close to the ball room. "Oh wow..."

Dominic bit his lower lip, but then relaxed his face, knowing he would have to look calm when he entered. He didn't want to stand out.

Tifa squezed onto Adrians hand and whispered. "Wait, what exactly do you do at these balls, there won't be people watching us...will there?" She asked, sounding a little worried now.

[[No worries, mine did too ^^]]

Tell Aria no? Adrian couldn't help but laugh softly at that. He couldn't tell Aria no. He didn't know why but one thing he was certain about: It wasn't because she mean. No if anything she was nice. Heck she was the perfect example of the expression 'Kill them with kindness'. She certainly hadn't killed him yet but with each small kind act she'd performed she'd hurt him unintentionally. "No you can't tell her no. I've never told her no and I couldn't bring myself to start now."

He chuckled softly seeing Tifa's sudden concern over people watching her. "Just a few people and they won't be watching you per say. They'll be watching me." he exlpained as they reached the ball room. He wasn't being conceited. He was just telling her how it was. Of course she was his escort but he was far more important than some nameless escort.

Aria cast a curious look at Dominic and laughed softly seeing his calm expression. "I take it you're ready for the fun to begin then correct?" she asked. How ever he never got a chance to answer her because at the moment the heralder (I think thats what they called the announcer dudes then) took notice of them. "Names?" he demanded crisply. "Prince Adrian Sinclaire, Princess Aria Sinclair and their escorts Lord Dominic and Lady Tifa." Aria answered back calmly while quickly thinking up titles for Dom and Tifa. She hadn't bothered to say Lordship of what and she hoped the heralder didn't ask. The last thing she wanted to do was cause trouble for the others. The heralder nodded before turning away to do his job. A few moments later his loud voice boomed out filling the huge ballroom as he announced their arrival.

Aria looked at Dominic patiently waiting for him to lead the way. Of course she could have lead but it wouldn't look like. It something a lady just didn't do. Why? She honestly had no clue but she wasn't going to do so and find out for herself. Not now. The idea was to avoid drawing attention to herself and Adrian. Adrian listened to the heralder before he walked past Aria and Dom patiently leading Tifa into the room. He was the eldest so it was only right that he went first after all. For a moment all eyes were focused on the dazzling quartet but then everyone started talking. Once that happened Adrian relaxed flashing a warm smile at Tifa. "See, that wasn't so bad now was it?"

Dominic held his breath as they entered the ball room doors. Dominic looked at the people. He took in the sounds, smell, and customs. He looked at Aria when he was called Lord Dominic. Wow. He never really knew what it meant to be called a Lord ot Lady, they can tell if you are man or woman why why put Lord or Lady infront of their names. This was one thing he didn't understand about the royals.

Tifa nodded when he said they wouldn't be looking at her. She opened her mouth to say something, but then they entered. Tifa smiled some, and even more so when she was called Lady Tifa. It made he feel important for once in her life. She was then escorted through the room. She looked at Adrian and shook her head. "Nope. It was pleasant." She smiled at him and then kept following Adrian's lead.

Dominic smiled some, knowing he woud have to look friendly while escorting her, so he began to walk Aria down. He tried to keep a normal pace. He didn't want to mess things up and get them all in trouble, that just meant more trouble for him.

Smile. Look pleasant...look royal. Aria smiled allowing her gaze to roam around the extravagant ballroom at a leisurely pace a faint smile on her lips. She had to look and act pretty. She had..she had to do too much! She was here. Why couldn't that be enough for them? She let out a soft sigh as the reached the bottom of the stair case relaxing slightly. Appearently she'd relaxed too soon though because then for once she did something she'd never done. She tripped over the hem of her own skirt. She let out a soft her grip tightening on Dominic as she hastily caught her balance her pale cheeks flushing a bright obvious red.

Of all the things to happen she'd never thought it would happen to her! Call her silly or mean even but she'd expected Tifa to trip over her skirt. Not herself. She lowered her gaze keeping it focused on the floor. This would all be over soon. It had to be. She knew who was going to be the topic of conversation tonight..she would! And it would all be because of her silly entrance. She hadn't meant to trip but regardless it had happened. Her hand twitched softly as a sudden yearning for her fan kicked in. Why hadn't she agreed to that blasted accesory? At least she'd have had something to hide her face behind!

Adrian smiled bemusedly and chuckled softly shaking his head. "You and I have different ideas of plesant.To you its just a walk down the stairs. For Aria and I its something much different. We can't even sneeze without someone hearing about it and stirring up some rumor about it. Its..not plesant in the least." he said with a soft sigh.

Dominic felt her tripped and tried to catch her. Once she got her balance back Dominic looked at her. "Are you okay?" He wondered.He actually didn't think tripping it's self was a bad thing, just that she might be hurt. Of course, looking at her embaressed look, he figured it was a big deal. "Hey, I don't think anyone saw that. I mean, you're just human, right? All humans slip up." He nodded, agreeing with himself.

Dominic wondered how long they would be here and what exactly what else did they have to do. Dominic figured that was all, but he wasn't sure. Since he never been to anything like this. He really hoped he didn't have to dance. He can't dance. He never has.

Tifa looked at him. "This thing really is a big deal huh?" She sighed and then looked away for a moment and then looked back up at him with a smile. "Well then I'll make sure that Neither me nor Dom will do anything to embaress you two." She laughed slightly. She glanced back, however, just to see how they were doing and noticed Aria tripped. "No one noticed that, I'm sure." She thought to herself, being positive for Aria.

Aria's blush slowly faded and onc eshe was sure it was gone she lifted her head. "I'm fine. Just a tad bit embarrassed." she murmured softly. She let out a low chuckle when he mentioned her just ebing human. "Try telling that to them." she said nodding in the direction of a small group of fancily dressed men and women. "To them I'm a royal human. I am above the rest there fore I should act like it." she said with a soft disdained sigh.

Aria shook her head gently discarding any dislike she might have been feeling at the moment. "But enough about that. I don't want to bore you. Would you like to dance? Or would you prefer to just walk around?" she asked with a soft smile.

Adrian nodded softly. "Yes its a big deal. Especially for Aria and I...but enough us. What would you like to do? Would you care to dance? Or perhaps I could introduce you to a few of my friends." he offered. He didn't have many friends outside of Aria but the few he did he thought the world of them.

(Sorry Adrian's posts are lacking. I don't know what to do with him but I'm trying. Hopefully his posts will get longer once we bring the kidnapper in.)

Dominc blinked some and he thought for a moment. "I can't really dance..." He said, looking away from her. He thought about it for a moment and said. "I'll give it a shot though..." He thought about how he was suppose to do this, and he remembered seeing somone do this before. Dominic moved out infront of her and bowed, holding out his hand. "Would you care to dance M'lady?" He said this rather slowly, wanting to this properly.

Tifa thought for a moment. "Dance or meet people?" She wasn't sure. "But Dominic told me that most friends of the Royals just used the royal. Is that true?" She asked. "Or..." She then realized what she just said, and could be taken as an insult, she covered her mouth with her free hand. "Oh, sorry..."

[[Its no problem]]

Aria smiled warmly seeing Dominic bow. She curtsied gracefully before she stood up straight easily placing her hand into his. "I would be delighted M'lord." she answered back politely. She was still somewhat nervous about tripping over her own feet once again but hid it easily as she allowed Dominic to pull her into the throng of graceul dancers.

Adrian let out a loud guffaw at the comment she'd made. "Well...most of them would. But not these few. They're also Aria's friends. She has exceptionally good judgement when it comes to people. If she trusts them then so do I. In all the time I've known them they've never acted like most fo the dowdy royals I know." he explained calmy defending his friends.

Dominic held onto one of her hands and placed a hand on her waist. "Is this how you do it?" He asked. He then took in a deep breath and heard the music, he didn't know all the steps, but he was fortunate enough to have picked up on some when he watched some rich guy teach it to him, for a reason he was not sure of. He soon began to dance with her, hoping not to step on her feet.

Tifa looked at him. "Oh, sorry...well...I would like to meet these friends of yours. They must be nice then." She then thought for a moment, looking back onto the dance floor to see Dom and Aria dancing. She wanted to yell out to Dom, saying he was doing great, but she didn't think it was appropriate here.

Aria smiled encouragingly and nodded. "Yes that's it. Do you know this dance? If you'd like I'd be more than happy to tell you what do." she murmured softly. She didn't want anyone to over hear there conversation or end up embarassing him. Her smile brightened when he began to dance with her. "You're doing wonderful. Are you sure you don't know what you're doing?" she teased.

Adrian glanced towards the dance floor looking rather taken aback. "He can dance..." he murmured softly before realizing how rude that might sound. "I-i mean he's..well he's doing a good job." he stammered out. It was one to act rude to Dominic but he wasn't going to drag Tifa into it as well. If he did he was positive Aria would have something to say so with out hesitating he quickly closed the subject. "You would? Wonderful! I think I just saw one of them head out into t he garden. Why don't we go make sure?"

Dominic's cheeks turned a light red. "Well, I sorta do...awhile back, I was cleaning this guy's shoes, and for payment, he taught me a few dance steps...he said I would need it one day...of course, then I thought he was crazy." He then continued dancing, almost tripping up once, but recovered gracefully.

Tifa smiled. "Oh, I was suprised myself, He never told me he could, of course, I expect as much, case you would never of thought a street rat could dance." She looked at him and smiled. She then nodded when he mentioned something about the garden. "Yeah, okay. Let's make sure." She then turned to follow him out there.

Aria let out a delighted giggle as Dominic gave her a quick twirl her full skirt swirling prettily around her ankles before it settled back into place as he brought her back in. "Do you think everyone with money or high status is crazy?" she asked curiously with a soft lilt of her head. For the moment she was perfectly content dancing with Dominic but when she felt a hand setle on her other shoulder she jerked in surprise the smooth rthym of her dance fading as she looked over her shoulder at the man who had so rudely interrupted them.

Pardon me but would you mind if I borrowed Lady Aria for just a few moments?" he asked. Aria opened her mouth to politely decline but at that moment the song ended. She looked somewhat uncertain before she pulled away from Dominic and offered him a quick curtsey. "I'll be back in just a few moments Lord Dominic. Excuse me.." she murmured softly before allowing herself to be lead off by the stranger that had interupted them.

Adrian arched one slender brow. "Can you dance?I mean your brother seems to be doing quite well. The two of you seem full of surprises. I'm learning that everything I've heard about peasants isn't true." he admitted with a soft nod. Hearing her agreement he lead her out to the garden.

(sorry if I powerplayed a bit. I didn't just want to keep saying they were dancing and leave it at that. if bothers you I'll edit it. Also I don't have a clue what I'm going to do with the strange guy. I think I'll him be an accomplice or something to the kidnapper.)

Dominic smiled at her questions, starting to feel a little more comfortable around her. He twirled her and what not, and before he could answer any of her questions, she was taken away from him by another male. Dominic nodded. He watched as she left. He soon turned his back to her, and moved over to a wall and leaned against it.

Tifa blushed some. "Oh me...No...I can't." She smiled at him when she heard his last comment and said. "See, we're just not some filthy street rats." she giggled as if being a street rat was nothing to her. She walked out into the garden with him. She hand her hands infront of her, trying to walk like a proper lady for him.

What none of them did know if that hiding in the shadows was one sleezy man, watching them. Waiting for the right moment to snatch them up.

((Oh I don't mind. And sure, If you want ^^))

Aria pasted what she hoped was a polite smile on her lips as she was roughly pulled into the next dance. She winced softly as a big meaty hand was placed on the soft curve of her waist. But it didn't stop there..it traveled lower. Her pale cheeks flushed red before she quickly grabbed the man's hand and lifted it up to its proper place. "I think your hand slipped a little too low M'Lord. You'd be wise not let it happen again.." she said coolly.

Ian's muddy brown eyes widened mutely in surprise only to quickly turn amused a taunting smile on his lips as he dropped his had back to where it had previously been resting. "Oh and just what are you going to do about it?" he murmured pulling her indecently close and lower his head so that his hot breath brushed rudely against her face. Aria made an appalled face and leaned back as far as possible. Who was this man? And just what made think he could get away with this-she bit back a squeak a not so subtle pinch was placed on her backside. Ok that did it! She jerked away her gloved hand arching upwards quickly to give the stranger a slap across the cheek. "Pig!" she spat hotly her green eyes flashing angrily as she jerked out of his grasp and stomped away.

Ian blinked in surprise his pasty cheek flushing red from the sharp sting of her slap.Wow.....a feisty princess! He chuckled softly and started to trail after her before he remembered his bosses his instructions. He couldn't spend his whole time chasing after one finicky-albeit feisty- princess. He had to help his boss get the Queen of all princess. Princess Aria Sincalire and her brother Adrian Sinclaire. After tonight they'd never have to do another crummy job or bed for another place to stay. They'd be rich! He smirked and rubbed his hand together as he subtley made his way towards the gardens.

Dominic wasn't so sure what was going on, but it was clear when she yelled out pig. Dominic made his way towards her and then said. "Are you okay? What happened?" He asked, worry on his face. He could tell she looked upset. WHo would upset a Princess at her own ball?

Jake waited paciently, and soon noticed Ian coming. "There you are moron. What took you so long? No matter. Okay, there they are." He motioned to the two in the Garden. "Lord Adrian and Lady Aria. I'll take pretty boy, think you can handle the girl?" He asked before he began to make his was out of the shadows, but remained silent, approaching the two oblivious royals infront of him.

Tifa continued walkign with Adrian. "Are you sure your friend is out here? I don't see anyone..." She looked at him, but kept walking. Jaked reached out, and then suddenly twisted Adrian's arms behind his back. "Oh, his 'friends' are here." He said sarcasticly.

(Hope that is okay)

Aria had neve rbeen so furious in he rlife. Oh of course she'd been mad and aggravated before but for once in her life she was so mad she saw red. How dare he touch her like? After she'd expressly asked him not to?"That filthy swine!His hands had no business straying that low let alone lingering there. And then he pinched me-me of all people!" she ranted. She was vaguely aware that she sounded like the spoiled conceited royal he'd assumed she was but at the moment she was much more concerned about her well being. Just what was she supposed to do here? Was she supposed to go after him and handle this problem herself or ask someone else to do it for her? What was her mother going to think? Oh dear what if her mother set up some type of private get together for her and the stranger? Or worse what if her mother decided to marry her off to him?

Ian had a stupid goofy smile on his face. "Sorry Jke. I had my hands full." he quipped his smile turning somewhat lavicious. If possible his smile got brighter seeing the familar princess strolling towards them. She'd come looking for him!"Of course I can handle her!" he huffed angrily. Like the true lackey he was he waited until Jake made the first move before he rushed out to roughly grab 'Aria's' arms."Its so nice to see you again!" he cackled as he roughly jerked Tifa closer.

Adrian frowned softly in confusion. "I could have sworn I saw one of them come out here-" he let out a cry of surprise as his arms were suddenly jerked behind his back. "What is going on? You're no friend of mine!"