"Och, aye. Ahm frea ta seas th' same as ye are frea ta lains lassie. Te O'Cairne clan hails frea ta Inner Hibrides o' ta Scott Isles. We dinnea come ashore ne oft'n." He somehow managed to take what could have been taken as a 'delicate' sip of tea from him cup. Even with the smooth wave-like mask, his form was easy to make out the large sharp under-bite protruding past a veil of tentacles and feelers. His long wave and rock torn ears jut back from behind the mask drooping slightly with gravity. As far as merrows went, Stuart looked his part, head of a clan and battle leader... if there were any other men in the clan to lead.

He was starting to settle into the roll of a land-walker now, and was catching himself watching the other guests. "Sae, Rosellen, hoo did ye git an invitation ta th'ball? Bein' a human n'all." He didn't have much experience actually talking with any humans as most ran off in fear from him.

Ignatius noticed a woman with a sword still upon her waist. Shaking his head slightly the tall fae put his glass aside to move gracefully across the dance floor. Halting by her side, he bowed slightly while eying the weapon almost suspiciously. It was a wonder the guards had allowed her to pass trough the doors with such a thing.

"Excuse me miss, I am Ignatius and I was wondering why it is that you still have a blade upon you?" There was something very strange about the metal. Magic, that had to be it. Hopefully it was nothing with ill intent. Ignatius would have hated to make any of the guests leave, or to cause a scene. Therein lay one of the reasons why the masquerades held so little appeal for the amber eyed fae usually.

Moving to gather some snack or other, Ignatius found a plump red apple in his hand. Biting into the skin the fae savored the taste. Such a fresh fruit, it certainly deserved to be enjoyed. Shooting a smile at the woman he'd begun to speak with he shrugged his shoulders slightly. "I mean no offense of course." No, that would just get him into trouble with his mother.

It was like trying to decipher a code. Every word made the young woman frown until she could understand what her companion was saying. Once she figured out where he came from, she let out a small sound of understanding. Of course! So that's why it was so hard to understand Stuart, not to mention the way his jaw was made with all those teeth.

"My adoptive parents know a few different fae, having the sight and all. They managed to get me an invitation, and convinced me to come here." Smiling at Stuart, now beginning to get used to his appearance, Rose titled her head to the side making a wave of golden hair fall across her right shoulder. "Do you mind if I ask what you are? I'm just not used to meeting anyone who doesn't have a glamor on, or who looks almost human without bing one." Explaining herself quickly the young woman held her breath for fear of having offended Stuart.

Estella glanced up as the fae prince approached her. She suppressed a sigh, she had expected this would be problems. She knew how she intended to answer might just result in punishment from the fickle sword. Still, she knew she was going to say it, he had asked and it wouldn't be very lady-like to ignore him would there? She returned his smile with a rather slight one of her own.

"Because I'd like to see someone remove it, lord knows I've tried. It's inhabited by a spirit named Audrial, ancient, stubborn, and certain i need an escort." She responded with a hint of humor. She then, however, tensed and waited for the sword to do something. It's silver length glittered slightly and for a moment the blue stone on its hilt seemed to contain an eye. It was debating throwing her across the room but settled with informing her that he was a prince and she would be polite or she'd pay for it later.

"Sorry... not sure that was polite. My name is Estella, it's nice to meet you." She added quietly. She wasn't sure what to say now. She glanced at his ears, perhaps he would know of her father? How did you brooch it? Ask if he knew anyone fathering children and abandoning them within the last few decades? She pushed away the thought and she knew now why Audrial wasn't being its usually surely self. It felt sorry for her. She half wished for the anger back.

Chuckling at her words the fae leaned down to look at the sword quizzically while taking the opportunity to grasp the woman's hand lightly. "Please allow me to be your escort then. Maybe we could find a way to convince Audrial that everything will be fine." From her description though, Ignatius doubted that would happen anytime soon.

Giving the red head a smile, he turned his gaze to the dance floor. "I find it refreshing, the way you spoke." Definitely a change from the usual overly polite talk that followed his every step. Though he used that same type of language, it was force of ingrained habit more then anything else. Sometimes, Ignatius annoyed himself. Which was quite a feat really.

Lifting a hand to his wolfish mask, he adjusted it them smoothed down his jacket. Already the ball was turning out to be quite different from usual. Now Ignatius was certain it was going to be an interesting night.

"Aye, 'at meks sense, 'avin' te sight an'all. Yer mam main be somthin' special tae hae these kinds ah connections. Ahm a Merrow, a sea-fae, an if'n ye saw onie ah mey sisters ye'd think they'd be murmaids. Mind ye never do tho' 'specially mah eldest, they'd bein' fantastic sool catchers." His smile was all teeth, sharp jagged teeth. But it was still a kindly smile rather than one meant for frightening. His tea was gone, and his stomach had finally settled to the glassy smooth of the sea on the night before a storm, without the impeding danger of the storm ahead.
"Och, lassie, wood ye caur te dance wit'a sea-folk? Tae moosic is loch a siren's caa' an' a kinnea deny it." again a smile of all teeth, but with a playful wink from behind the mask.

Heiro gave the prince a nod in thanks, but returned his "warning" with a glance that clearly told him to keep himself out of this. He hardly felt the young prince had a place telling him how to act. Though, that made him pause again, he really was acting like them...

After he watched the fae leave, he silently walked over to Janu and set his glass down on the wide stone rail. He then reached up and untied his mask. He didn't want to hide while he talked to her, though it might have made things easier. Setting it down next to his glass, he inhaled deeply, taking in the crisp night air, thinking of where to begin.

"I am quite surprised to see you here.... I had thought... well, I had thought I would never get a chance to see you again." He said, voice low and soft, holding less of the formal tone he had trained himself to use again. He hesitated again then, unsure of how to continue. For all that he had been getting a crash-course refresher on diplomacy in the court, he still had no idea how to properly act in a social setting. He always felt so out of place, and that everything he said was incorrect in someway, even though no one ever really corrected him. Still, he felt so... alien.

Looking back to Janu, he studied her reactions as best he could in an attempt to figure out how to continue, hoping she would say something instead.


Sadiya completed a graceful twirl just as Uriel stepped up and dipped into a bow. Although she was already a bit flushed from dancing, her cheeks reddened as she watched him rise up and address her. "Oh, I would be very delighted, Sir... Uriel, it was?" She responded, her musical voice thickly, but not overpoweringly accented. "Although... I do not know any formal dance of this region." she continued, giving him a warm smile that probably came off as a sultry, her lively, passionate nature lighting all her features.

Sisters like sirens who caught souls? The thought made a shiver run down her spine. Luckily none of them were there. Offering up a smile, she tried to remind herself that Stuart wasn't being menacing when she saw how his mouth widened to expose more teeth. He was smiling that was all. His wink reassured her about that more then anything else, and his jovial tone as well.

"Of course, if you don't mind how clumsy I am." This was definitely a very strange evening. Not unpleasant though, which made a smile return to Rose's lips.

Smiling in kind, the changeling held out a hand with a raised eyebrow. "You seemed to be doing quite well to me." Hiding the slight nervousness that had suddenly reared in his heart, Uriel turned his head slightly. Why did this exotic woman have to smile at him like that? It had the man more used to battle training then dealing with women fighting the rising blush on his cheeks. "Forgive me, I missed your name Lady." Trying to cover his embarrassment was a task Uriel found far more difficult then he'd first imagined it could be.

Estella blinked in surprise as he took her hand and nearly blushed. She wasn't use to anyone treating her so delicately. Generally she hung around rather course travelers that either didn't realize she was a girl or did a bit too much and were rather...direct. She had to say... she liked this kind of touch much better. His hands were so smooth and soft... probably softer then hers. She half wanted to turn her more sensitive palm towards his to find out but she didn't. She wondered if he really did find her refreshing or was he just being polite? He was either very sweet or very bored she decided inwardly, though she was too polite to do so.

"Audrial? Relax? I'm not sure that's entirely possible. Still, I wouldn't refuse an escort. It'd be nice to have someone who has any clue what they're doing here... I sure don't..." She responded, the last sounding far more meek then she meant it too. She was honestly a little scared, not that she intended to admit it. She glanced towards the prince a little nervously, still unsure. She wasn't shy but she wasn't socially brave either. She always felt awkward...like she wasn't suppose to be there... she had just decided it didn't matter anymore...

***

Janu felt a rise of panic as she let the prince leave, feeling all the more shy. Ti...or Heiro as the case may be... He made her feel too much just looking at her and now she was going to talk to him. She bit her lip slightly but didn't move, even as he approached. She would only stir as she heard him untie his mask. She had expected him to hide and give her a cold brush off then leave. For a moment she didn't want to speak, she simply wanted to refuse and let him talk but her voice escaped her much harsher then she intended.

"Get to? Don't you mean have to?" she responded, the harsh tone sounding foreign even to her. She shook her head, instantly looking guilty. She instinctively reached out to grip the vampires hand, as if to stop him from leaving. The cat like woman bit her lip and her ears instantly lowered. She flushed from the simple touch but she didn't let go even though if the slight tremor in her hand suggested she was worried she should. She lowered her head slightly even as she turned towards him, not wanting to see his face considering what she had just said.

"I..I'm sorry... I didn't mean that. I just... never mind... It doesn't matter. If you wish me to leave i will...I'm not sure what I'm doing here anyway. I don't belong in settings like this, you of all people should know that." She said quietly with a voice laden with guilt. She didn't want to hurt him... no matter how much it had hurt when he disappeared she couldn't. She dropped his hand after a moment and stepped back to the edge of the balcony. She still didn't look at him, too nervous.

That elicited another chuckle from the fae prince as he turned to eye the woman with his amber gaze. Lifting her hand to his lips he placed a polite kiss upon it as was proper under the circumstances. "No need to feel so uncomfortable, I'm certain you're not the only one in such a situation." Smiling kindly he began leading Estella towards the dance floor.

"I hope that you would be so kind as to honor me with a dance." It was the woman had always had the final say in the matter. Such thoughts had been ingrained into Ignatius' mind as his mother had brought him up. Everything he did, had learned, had been impacted by the imposing fae matriarch. The prince couldn't wait to set off on his own!

Estella made a face as he chuckled at her, inwardly assuming it was at her expense. He seemed too polite to do that but still. Her debate, however, ended quickly as he kissed her hand. Instantly she blushed this time, not able to resist this time. That was the kind of thing you only read about in story books... at least if you came from a small town in the middle of nowhere like she did. She cleared her throat and tried to hide her blush behind her equally red hair as he led her towards the dance floor. It wasn't fair, his polite and unexpected mannerisms just kept her too unbalanced.

"I'll try but ball dancing wasn't exactly taught in my village so you'll have to bare with me..." She responded with half a smile. Despite her attempt at humor she was far more nervous then she'd say. She would let herself be led and try to mimic him. She glanced over at his face a moment and tried to figure out just why he was being so kind. Had her sword really gotten his attention so much? At least it would make things easier if she could figure out what questions to ask him and how.

From the corner of his eye he caught the sweet blush covering his dance partner's cheeks. Smiling to himself the fae turned to her elegantly and placed a light hand upon her waist while bringing the other aloft by their shoulders. The music was soft, rhythmic, in short it was enchanting just as it was supposed to be.

"Don't worry, I'll teach you as best I can." Gently the dark haired fae mimed the steps then gave an encouraging grin to Estella. Each movement made his long hair sway behind him in imitation of the music. It was easy for Ignatius to be graceful, to be charming, but there were some things he just couldn't grasp. They'd become obvious soon enough.

Estella nodded to the offer as she mused over the smile. She noticed it came when she'd blushed, was he amused? Or did he just enjoy making her blush? Part of her pouted for a moment, not liking the helplessness of the situation. He probably could make her blush again and there wasn't much she could do about it at all. She suppressed a sigh and simply focused on the dance until she got the hang of it. She did have the natural grace of any fae and would learn quickly, even if it was something she wouldn't usually do.

"this is actually kinda fun" She mused aloud without really meaning to. The blush had almost faded but started to return as she realized what it sounded like. It made it seem like she was surprised and that was not very nice. She felt a wrinkle of guilt at the thought and offered him an apologetic smile. She then attempted to correct her mistake.

"It is fun I mean... I thought I'd be stepping on your feet by now." She said softly and glanced at him briefly. She still wasn't so sure about him, it was too hard to figure out. He was just too poised, all of this done with too much of a practiced ease. Could she really share blood with him and the other courtly fae around her? It seemed impossible.

“The Princes Aden and Calder Dumitru of the Lisanders, from Gran Canaria”

The introduction went completely unnoticed by both Aden and Calder, who’d stopped at the entrance to violently hiss at one another. These stage whispers could be put together to make public the heated argument on having arrived later than Aden would have wished. Quite clearly, the younger had little interest in attending and saw no problem with slowing down the travel. He’d just been happy to see the landscapes. The older was interrupted in a lecture on the importance of the event when he’d finally noticed they were already inside and awkwardly blocking the door. Much to his displeasure, his first impression was made and irreversible. It was engraved in stone that he was the one to walk in, threatening his whiny brother.

Aden’s mouth hung open for a second, as though he was ready to begin scolding again at any moment, as he scanned the room and the masked faces. Turning back to his brother, Aden quickly recomposed himself, clearing his throat to announce, “If you are going to be like that, I’d much rather you go, or at least keep from standing too near me.” With these last words, he made his way down the floor and to the center of the hall, turning back around to find he’d been closely followed by his brother, who stood too near for comfort.

Since entering, Calder had lost much of the bratty boldness he’d forced Aden to put up with the entire trip. Suddenly, Calder looked smaller than he actually was- it was an illusion created by those darting eyes and cautious posture. All tension between the two was quickly lost as Aden’s eyes warmed at being so quickly reminded of his importance. Calder was only present because of his fear, and even here, he was frightened (perhaps more than he would have been had he stayed home).

“Aden,” a too loud, trembling voice seeped from Calder’s almost unmoving mouth, “I saw someone with tentacles… on their face. What else is here?” Calder had taken hold of his brother’s arm, hand gripping too tightly as he again made himself so impossibly small. The only response he received was a light chuckle, a playful punch, and the back of Aden’s again retreating figure. This time, he failed to keep up and found himself swept away as Aden found his way toward refreshments.

Kisala glanced up and noticed two men being announced together. "Curious" she whispered to herself, taking a sip of her drink. Pulling her hair over her shoulder, she debated whether or not to attempt to socialize. With a smile, Kisala shook her head. Wasn't that the entire point on coming here? she thought to herself.

The blue haired woman noticed them approaching the refreshments table. Adjusting her mask, and smoothing her dress, she approached them. "Gentlemen-pardon- Princes, my name is Kisala, the Matriarch of the Carribean Syrins. I would be honoured to make your acquaintance." Kisala's curtsy was as smooth as water, her movements graceful, and her tone perfect. Mother would be so proud right now

Pandora's smile grew slightly, but not much. "I'd love to dance," she said, taking his hand. His hand felt warm against hers, mainly because she was one of few dark elves who had low body temperature. It was rare to even encounter one as such. But she wasn't always that way... until the tragic events she went through had scarred her for life.

Miss Flora Lore

Flora just went right on her way as her name was announced. She was managing to walk in the heels she got to match the dress, though she would have preferred to be barefoot. The young Dryad had even managed to get the leaves on her head to stay down and seem smaller than they actually were, but it took her a while to do so.

She took in a deep breath, the different scents around her swirling in one big mass. But there was one sweet scent that stood out. Nectar. She followed the sweet scent till she reached the beverage table, happily picking up a glass of nectar. Her golden eyes seemed to gleam as she took the scent in up close. She hadn't smelled such pure nectar ever since she was in the forest, so it was a calming scent to her.

She took a sip of the nectar, her skin regaining a bit of it's more bright shimmer. Oh how she missed that shine! The potted flowers that she was making her own nectar from didn't do a very good job of keeping her skin in it's beautiful state. It just made her skin seem more... Dull and lifeless.

She turned around to go find herself a seat when she almost bumped into one of the princes(Calden) that had arrived with his brother. She took a step back, blinking a few times. "Sorry about that..." she said, feeling her cheeks flush to a slightly darker shade of green from embarrassment.

Cyris ' grin widened. Softly closing his fingers over Pandora's. "You seem a bit sad about something. I can see it in your eyes." He spoke softly, but chose his words carefully, as he lead Pandora onto the dance floor. Cyris turned to face Pandora, and placed his hand at the small of her back to lead her in the dance. "Is there anything I can do to ease your sorrow?"

For the first time, Cyris felt glad that his brother had chosen him as his replacement. He quite liked the atmosphere of the ball, and the dark elf dancing with him was beautiful.

As they moved Ignatius seemed to catch on to the fact that Estella moved like one of his people, the fae. There was a certain grace unique to them, though there were others who did of course that had a grace which resembled it. In any case, Estella had it in spades. So much so that the fae prince was beginning to stare at her unashamedly.

That wouldn't do. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," murmured the prince politely. Tearing his thoughts away he reminded himself that there were many others at the ball that would need to be spoken to and considered as potential consorts. Elves, faes, even a few humans ... Male or female, all needed to be considered carefully before he committed himself to wooing anyone.

It was such an important decision. Though with a smile for Estella, Ignatius knew the list of people he would remember would be short indeed.

Pandora followed Cyris onto the dancefloor, trying her best to not show the shock that filled her when she heard what the centaur had said. She always tried her hardest to conceal her pain, so how could he see past the act so easily? Once she felt his hand on her back, she placed her hand on his shoulder and began to dance with him.

"If you want to help ease my sorrow..." she said softly, "Then do all you can to keep my mind off of my past." She actually felt her words quiver slightly as they slipped past her lips, and she was hoping it wasn't very noticeable.

"Well that shouldn't be too hard." Cyris lead each step with careful grace, feeling just as confident as he appeared. "Distractions are what I do best." He winked, and spun Pandora out, and back in again. "I'm sorry if my notice startled you. Centaurs are very sensitive creatures to the emotions of others. I like to think of it as a 'Horse Thing'."

Cyris used the depth of his voice to distract her. "So if it's the past that bothers you, then tell me your hopes for your future."

Aden

Much to Aden’s surprise, Calder had found a way to navigate guests with his head down and again attach himself to his side. It was both pathetic and extraordinary, the way the younger had always managed to do the impossible out of anxiety. Again, Calder was met with a chuckle and ignored. That didn’t at all matter, though. Calder had preoccupied himself with examining each of the masked characters present. He was the first to notice an approaching woman. Much to his relief, she bore no frightening traits, at least nothing visible.

Although Calder was the first to see her and shoot a friendly smile, he still felt the need to throw a careless arm at his brother to knock Aden forward just a bit and jolt him into spilling little droplets of his drink. With this, Aden turned from the table to catch sight of the woman as well, as he wiped his hands dry against the younger’s jacket to get the remnants of the spilled drink off of himself.

“The honor is entirely on this end,” Aden cleared his throat, practicing that regal and proud manner he’d long admired his father for flaunting. “We don’t get to travel too often, but the Caribbean Syrins, you say? Truly, we’re the ones who should be bearing the pleasure.” A warm smile found its way onto Aden’s face, only to be broken by the again by the brash actions of his brother, who’d again bumped him, though this time with his entire self, causing Aden’s speech to falter as he spit out a small gasp.

Calder

So much happened all at once, and now that he’d calmed and focused less on suspiciously eyeing all those that passed, it became hard figure out just where to focus. There was so much shame in sticking so near to his brother- it was like being six again and threatened by those with more skill, or learning to walk. But, this time, he knew enough pride to be ashamed as he simply listened to his brother’s well practiced delivery of that introduction. Calder had thought it too polite, so much so that it bordered sickening. Poking fun at that would have to wait, though. There was no more room for further embarrassment.

He’d almost become entirely at ease when another introduction was made and he’d almost been able to ignore the features of the dryad who’d come in. Thoughts again drifted as focus shifted here and there, until this shield of apathy was broken when he was met closely by the shimmering, green skinned one just earlier announced as Miss Flora Lore, whose face took on a deeper shade as she apologized.

Calder’s first reaction had been to step back as well, knocking into his brother. The frustrated sigh released by the older brought Calder back into the moment, reminding him that it was proper to respond.

“There was no harm done…” Calder spoke slowly, in a failed attempt to mimic Aden’s strong voice, “I probably shouldn’t be standing here, anyway.”

Pandora felt her smile soften, going from a slightly forced to a more... Genuine smile. It suited her better than just forcing a smile to cover up her pain. "It didn't startle me that much," she said. She nodded slightly at the next thing he said. "A horse thing, huh?" she said, "You centaurs are such interesting creatures..."

Her hopes for the future? The dark elf found herself now staring at the floor, continuing to dance with him. She was wondering if he would find the first hope on her list to be either weird or sweet... Or whatever he would think of it. She eventually looked back up, her eyes locking on his. "Well..." she said, "I'd like to find love. It's been terribly hard for me to find it among my own people."

---

Flora smiled slightly, trying her best to get her cheeks to return to their normal color. "I was just about to go find a seat," she said, "If you feel like you shouldn't be standing there, then would you like to join me?" She kept her soft gaze on him, wondering if it was a good idea or not ask him that. She needed to find someone to keep her company, so she just shoved any negative thoughts out of her head.

Kisala smiled softly. "Flattery wont get you very far Prince Aden." Her eyes were soft and warm. A soft giggle escaped her lips as Calder bumped into Aden. "I think you two need to learn how to be yourselves, it sounds like you're both trying to mimic someone else." It was then that she noticed the dryad. "oh! Pardons for not noticing you. I'm Kisala, of the Carribean Syrins. May I have your name? I wish to meet as many beings as possible tonight."


Cyris laughed, his long hair swaying loose. "We are interesting aren't we. Never boring at least." Cyris kept perfect rythem to the music. "Love is a wonderful thing to hope for. I wish to find it too someday. So far most females find me 'arrogant.'" he chuckled as if such a thing was impossible. "I wish you luck, for love."

Luciel stepped into the room that she was brought to. She knew she had been late and the trip there had not been fun for her either. First, her father wouldn't stop lecturing her on normal behavior while she was scrambling around trying to get ready. Then the horse pulling her carriage refused to go faster than a trot. The demon had to keep her cool by drinking water, which thankfully she brought with her. At least she was at her destination and even though it would be her first gathering like this that she was attending alone, she looked confident, calm and collective.

The ball room looked magnificent with the large open space, the never ending food and the balcony that looked out to the world. She also liked the fact that it wasn't too bright inside, at least not as bright as day, and she had to blink a little more often than normal until she got used to it. Luciel looked around at the other creatures that had already shown up. She wasn't entirely sure what they all were, but she assumed that was one of the many reasons she was there.

The demon took a breath before taking a step further into the room. She made her way over to the refreshments to get herself a glass of water. Then she made her way over to the seating area and sat down while she watched the other creatures continue their business. Luciel particularly liked the dancing. She had not been exposed to too much living in the underworld and the fact that everyone was so graceful made it that much more enchanting.

Pandora felt relief rush through her when Cyris didn't think that it was an odd thing to hope for love. She smiled even more when she listened to him. "Even though I just met you, I don't get an arrogant vibe from you," she said, "But who knows? That might change over time. And I, too, wish you luck in finding love."

---

Flora glanced at Kisala when she heard her introduce herself. She smiled at the siren. "Pleasure to meet you Kisala," she said, "My name is Flora. Flora Lore..." She took another sip of the nectar, enjoying the rich flavor of it.

Kisala smiled softy. "Flora. What a lovely name. I think your dress is absolutely gorgeous." She couldn't help but gush a little at the sway of the gold fabric. Kisala sipped her red wine.

Another deep laugh echoed from deep in his chest. "Thank you Pandora. Who knows, I may end up doing something stupid to sway your opinion of me." Cyris spun the girl out again.


(short posts are short -.-')