Viktoria's shy streak showed once more as he complimented her, making her smile in reply, "I'm flattered," she admitted. Then adding, after relaxed, "A gentleman such as yourself wasn't very hard to spot," she responded, returning the compliment. His optimistic view on the ball made her smile. She couldn't really help but feel glad, wanting others to enjoy their time here as she did, and also knowing that for any peace treaties to form, the time spent must be cherished if not at least civilized. If their guests enjoyed their stay, Nikholas would surely be pleased, and this would make Viktoria very happy. "There are many like myself, I'm sure," she replied gladly, glancing about the room, "And many not, in some ways... I suppose I shall wish you luck in finding the friendlier sort."

As he spoke again, she nodded in agreement and understanding. The ball was lengthy, when one thought about it. Three weeks was not only a long time to wear a mask, but also to eat, drink, dance, and sleep around the same people twenty four hours a day. Of course, to break the sense of routine, Nikholas had much planned to keep guests occupied, but even she herself was not entirely sure what was to come. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Gun," she replied graciously, smiling warmly and curtsying in return. A server came by, offering each a drink, which Viktoria refused. Smiling, she laughed softly at herself, shaking her head as she remember her first ball, "A little advice- the host seems to prefer strong wines. I'd be careful... That's how I messed up my first masquerade."

As Nikholas responded, Alice half concentrated on their movements. Even though she knew that she may be dancing with an enemy, she didn't want to give off the impression that she was a bad dancer. It was convenient that men were the ones who led when dancing. If she were to lead, she knew that her clumsy movements would send them both crashing to the floor. Alice allowed Nikholas to glide them across the floor, as if they were flying. The feeling was interrupted briefly as the boy also stopped speaking and allowed her to twirl. The vampire was left light headed as she twirled slowly and faced the masked man once again. Once she could collect her thoughts, she brought her hand back to his shoulder and listened to the rest of what Nikholas had to say.

“An ease of tension?” She repeated slowly in question, “It sounds as though you're very comfortable with this situation. There may be some here who feel the complete opposite. Even then, you can't ignore the wars that have occurred between different species. Feuds that have lasted for over centuries aren't likely to be cured by a three week vacation from reality. One person's opinion can't effect or decide for the entire species, unless that person was a dictator. That alone is just wrong.”
Alice could feel her blood boiling inside. She was far too stubborn to be anything but ignorant. But she knew that she beginning to step out of line. This man seemed genuine with his own honest opinions, and he didn't know her story and reasons for being soo naive. She couldn't take her anger out on him, and she didn't want to make any unnecessary enemies.
“I apologize,” She continued softly, “I can understand what the faerie king wanted to accomplish out of this.”

His second question made her look down nervously. She wasn't about to go out and say; I'm here to kill my father's murderer. No, she may dislike lying, but she wasn't stupid. As she looked back up, paranoia kicked in. What if this was the killer? What if he knew who she was, and he was just toying with her? She forced a carefree smile on her face and answered simply.
“I attended to find someone, of course,” Was her reply. She wasn't lying. She just wasn't giving an detailed answer. To avoid further questioning, she continued speaking.
“You look soo comfortable here, I'm going to guess that it's not your first time to attend,” She started, then, “Have you met the faerie king? Have you talked about his reasons for this annual event? Tell me, what is he like?”

(sorry, I couldn't get on yesterday)
Zarra smiled at the outstretched kitten. "Well, I have no place to put it right now. Will it be okay in your pocket?" To answer the question on weather or not to dance she simply stated, "I trust that you'll lead?" She fixed her dress and her hair, the dark skin gave away his race. Surly he doesn't know how important she is. But he seems nice. She also never had anybody compliment her like that before.

Leland nodded putting kitten back into his coat pocket, "I'll drop the little booger off with you at the end of the night, though it will be hungry soon--more than likely. I can lead, if you'd like."

Leland gently placed the women's hands on his shoulders, she then placed his hands at her waist, and they began to move in slow circles.

"Many apologies, it slipped my mind to ask your name. I'm Leland, you can call me Leo if you'd like, and how are you enjoying the ball so far?"

"Well Leo, My name is Zarra." She hoped that her name wouldn't be to familiar to him, seeing if he is the race she thinks, her name might be familiar to him. She did blush slightly at his touch, and she was glad that her mask hid that. "You dance wonderfully." She looked into his eyes to see the color of them.

He continued moving them in slow circles on the floor, the night was going rather swell so far, he thought to himself, wondering how much he should tell her, seeing that it was rather obvious they knew what each other were.

"Zarra, my my that's a beautiful name, well it definitely suits you," he grinned, "Humans taught me to dance, I figured to do something rather simple, seeing that you asked me to lead and all. I'm probably rather strange compared the the others you've come across.."

A sly smile spread across Nikholas' face as she claimed for him to be very comfortable- and truly, he was- but even the conductor of the event was well aware that tensions existed and there would always be those that were paranoid with not knowing the species of those surrounding them. Nikholas knew several species here that would gladly try killing each other if not for the masks, his own race included. He supposed that his experience at these masquerades and naturally friendly nature just granted him the piece of mind to know better than to suspect that the rivalries he held would take away from having a good time, and no one in their right mind thus far has tried to ruin the event. So, he understood her point, but decided not to further their discussion. It seemed that she felt strongly about her opinion for whatever personal reasons she had, and he didn't wish to upset her. "I can see your point..." he acknowledged, but dropped the subject afterwards.

Nikholas shook his head slightly as she apologized, smiling warmly once again, "Do not apologize, I understand we all have reasoning for our opinions." His eyes widened a bit in surprise with her answer, but he didn't question it further, deciding that if she gave such a sort answer it must be personal. It was odd to go to a mask to find someone, but perhaps she would find them on the reveal? Who knew. The question she turned on him took him for a mental loop, but he didn't hesitate in his relaxed reply. Faeries were know for being clever- lying was not beyond them, but his answer was entirely truthful whether or not he had to speak in third person. It was an odd question to be asked, though he had heard it previous years before. "The faerie king? Why, yes, I'm acquainted with him... He's a bit of an odd guy. Tends to stay indoors most of the year, though he does travel between seasonal homes. He seems to be learned, and he's rather close to his people... He's the kind of lord to have friendly relations with them as opposed to following all of the formalities." The second part of her question, however; he avoided it, though his answer was not completely a lie. He didn't speak with himself. "I haven't spoke to him about his reasoning, no. It may be an interesting subject to bring up with the man, though, if you get the opportunity." Nikholas had to hid his amusement at his last comment, seeing that she already had just had this discussion with him.

"Others?" Zarra asked questionably. She let him guide her gently across the dance floor, "What do you mean by others?" there were other people dancing around them. Some on same gender pairings. She loved coming to this every ime it happened. It was a good experience.

"Well, surely you've come across other people with my dark skin," he chuckled, he knew what she was but could only edge around it and not state everything so bluntly--it was all supposed to be a mystery until the end..and he wanted to oblige the rules.

"Indeed I have, and many respect me. But I'm not ordinary either. "Elves have tried to teach me how to dance. But I kept tripping over my own feet when I danced on my own." The music picked up to a slightly faster pace.

Leland moved Zarra's left hand up onto his shoulder, putting his right hand on her shoulder blade, he then entwined his free hands into hers. He took off doing a basic waltz.

"Well, then my Lady, I'll mind your feet so you don't fall," Leland grinned softly.

"Thank you." Zarra smiled sweetly. "You sure are a charmer." She let her lead him in silence for the song that was playing. Then, after the song ended, she suggested a drink, surely there had to be something non-alcoholic here, one glass of wine is enough for her.

"Why, thank you," he responded, that was the first compliment he had gotten in a long time--it was nice.

As they continued to dance, after the song Zarra had voiced her idea and he agreed, "A drink, I'm pretty sure we could find a glass of water."

His hand still holding hers, he slowly led her to a table, where he pulled a chair out for her to seat herself, then letting go of hand. He went and seated himself across from her, a server went by and he requested to glasses of water, and the server went and came back with two glasses. Leland nodded him off.

"I hope water suits you," Leland cooed.

"Water is perfect. Thank you Leo." Zarra looked around at the others that she knew were beings of other races. All of them seemed to be enjoying the night as far as she knew.

"You're very welcome, Zarra," Leland grinned, "It's amazing, isn't it? All of these races together in one place--laughing, dancing, and conversing..I have to say, I haven't seen anything quite like it before."

Leland picked up his water and began to sip on it, the water was rather refreshing seeing that is was crisp and cool.

"This is your first time? I've been told about it. I knew that i would have to attend. I wonder If the elves that raised me will be here. I highly doubt it." Zarra continued to sip on her cool water.

"You hit the nail with the hammer, this is my first time attending. I was also told about it and I decided upon myself to come. Well I hope they show, I mean fate has a way of working things out," He replied, then sipping on his water some more before setting it back down on the table.

Emerion Andaer brought the light brown horse he had been riding to a stop some ways east from the mansion. Once the horse was re-harnessed back to the carriage, which was dark enough to be considered black but shone deep teal under appropriate lighting, the journey continued over the few miles to the mansion. Emerion himself had requested to ride, and had done so once the Elves had seen him ride off in the carriage that was hand crafted especially for he. He didn't have any ill thoughts of the carriage (though he thought that the black suede seating was pushing it slightly, and the door could have been slightly taller so that he wouldn't have to bend to enter it), but instead loved riding horseback. It was that simple.

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion, and Emerion could hear the driver hop down and begin a full inspection of the outer side of the carriage before he came to open the door for him. Emerion tied his hair back into a high, long ponytail, but then decided against it and re-parted his hair until it hung free to his waist, some stray locks hiding the points of his ears. After playing with the mask for a few seconds, he slipped it on, tying it by the black ribbon in the back. He was handed out of the carriage, and accompanied to the door until he waved the driver away. As he made his way inside, he could hear the faint clacking of hooves as it pulled away from the front of the mansion, presumably to join the others that were headed that way to parking.

Emery looked around once he was completely inside, letting the flow of bodies move him forward until he was at the edge of the dance floor. It was here he began thinking, trying to guess who the others surrounding him were, or at least, their races, which turned out to be completely in vain. Everyone is truly deceitful tonight, he thought as he saw some people covering the tips of their ears like he had, smiling without showing their teeth, and even dying their hair colors. It seems that everyone is trying to get others to trick them into guessing wrongly, he mused, and made his way around the room, in search of a dance partner.

Zarra had finished her water and was now looking for a server. She was hungry. But she didn't know what was offered. So she just waited.

Riku was running later than he hoped. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel of his black mustang trying t will the vehicle in front of him to move. When it finally turned in the opposite direction as he was turning he went as fast as he could. Finally getting to the place this was all being held. He found a place to park and headed insade. He didnt get very far before he turned back around. He had forgotten his mask on the car seat. Straitening his mask and his matching suit. He walked in to join the rest of the gathering.

Leland really couldn't stop grinning, he was normally a rather kindred spirit, "They should be serving dinner soon, or at least I hope they do, riding horse back for many hours is rather tiresome. I truly wish I would have driven my car."

He then realized there were refreshments on the nearby table, he was a little dumb stuck, but he pulled himself together, "There seems to be some refreshments over there." He pointed at one of the tables that lined the nearby wall. "Or could just wait..up to you."

Gun held back a chuckle when she complimented him. He wasn’t so sure that he could be considered a gentleman. “Thank you,” he said replying to both the compliment and her wishing him luck in find the friendlier guests during his stay. “Luck may be needed since it will be hard to tell who the friendlier ones are through all of the masks. But that is the fun of the challenge.” He grinned getting eager to take on this challenge

As the server offered them a drink he took a glass since he had yet to try any of the wines. He picked up a glass of a burgundy wine. Wine wasn’t one of his favorite kinds of drinks, but he doubted greatly if they would be serving stronger liquors. After all it wouldn’t be pretty if someone went into a rage because they got drunk. He had seen that happen before and it usually wasn’t a pretty sight. “I’ll have to keep that in mind. I myself don’t normally drink much wine.” He smiled at her. Taking a sip of the wine he began to wonder if she would like to dance. “Do you dance my lady?”

Ayumu continued making her way slowly around the room taking everything in. There were so many people here. She sipped on the glass of chardonnay she had in her hand. For now observing was in her best interest she thought. She had no clue how to dance. So if someone asked her more than likely she would end up making a fool of herself. She found herself smiling as she watched the people around her dancing and having fun.

Alice glanced around the room, searching for a face behind every mask. So which one was the faerie king? She highly doubted that it was the faerie king who had murdered her father. He did seek peace between the races after all. Alice felt her insides twisting as she realized how unprepared she was. She came to this event empty handed, only fueled by rage. She had little information and only three weeks to find the enemy, who was most likely one of the vampire's enemy races. But she didn't have any way of telling who those people were, not with the masks. She knew the faces of those who had feuds with her species. She needed the masks off, all of them. And the only person who could get all those masks off was no one other than the faerie king himself. The twisted feeling inside faded as an idea came to mind.

“He sounds very interesting. I hope to meet him during these three weeks,” She said, trailing off before continuing, “Speaking of which. What else do we do until the beginning of Summer? It's probably very obvious that this is my first time to attend this event. And I wasn't properly informed about anything really. Do we all just dance for three weeks?” She asked in a teasing tone.

At that moment, however, the vampire lost her footing for a split second, stumbling slightly to the side and knocking into one of the servers. The server was carrying a tray of glasses filled with wine, which due to the interruption caused by Alice, was tipped slightly, causing the glasses of wine to slide off the tray and onto a man with a golden mask [Emerion] who was walking past. Alice spun around quickly to see if any damage was caused by her clumsiness.
“Oh god, I'm sorry!” She blurted out before she could even properly observe what had happened. She looked first at the server, who was standing in shock, holding onto the tray for dear life, and staring at Nikholas. Despite how this had been an accident, Alice couldn't help but wonder if this would cause the faerie king to come over. Surely the leader would have to attend to the mess straight away? She shook the impatient feeling away, knowing that she had three weeks to find him and go ahead with her newly formed plan.


[Arc: I wasn't sure whether the servers knew who the faerie king was. So the way that the server is looking at Nikholas could be taken any way. Also, I thought I could cause even a little bit of drama. ^^

Roka: I'll leave it up to you whether Emerion's outfit was ruined by wine or not. :D]

[The servers don't know what his mask is like, but are well acquainted with his appearance otherwise- so either interpretation is entirely possible. ^^

Also- A quick notice. I'm slowly updating the front page to give everyone some more information about meals, other events, etc. I've also made a basic map, I'll put up explanations about each room up sometime soon.]

Nikholas smiled sweetly, hiding his amusement. Each year, this situation occurred at least once, where someone will ask him about what he knows of the faerie king. He'd always answered in third person, having these answers readily thought out by now, but the humor he found in them never faded. "I'm sure you will meet him at least once within your stay. He's quite the socialite during his celebrations." Her teasing question made him laugh softly, "Well, surely you may dance for the entirety of the next three weeks if you so wished, but there are several amenities the king makes available to guests. If I remember correctly, there are two music rooms, a lounge of sorts and a library... A gallery he keeps upstairs, an indoor greenhouse, and a garden he keeps outside. I'm sure there are more, but I'd have to refresh my memory with a map," his first lie of the night, "Dancing is always encouraged, though." This was when a bit of chaos struck.

Alice stumbled, and Nikholas reached to stop her from running into the server, but it was too late. Wine flew out of glasses, a shattering ringing softly as the server's delicate glasses hit the floor. Nikholas' eyes widened, cringing as he realized another guest had been bumped in the process. Sighing softly, he ignored the server's frightened expression, waving his hand quickly, the glass shards lifting themselves from the floor to recollect themselves into unbroken glasses on the servers tray. The wine that had been spilled remained as it as, all over he floor (and perhaps on the male guest). The server apologized profusely before running off to set down the glasses and get something to clean up the wine with. They returned a few moments later with rags, another server joining them in cleaning up quickly and proficiently as Nikholas turned to the man [Emerion] and bowed slightly. "I apologize, sir, I wasn't quick enough."

Viktoria nodded and smiled warmly once more, "You're welcome... and yes, I suppose it is." Not very far from where they stood, she heard the musical clatter of glass breaking upon the hard marble of the floor, then noticing servers rushing to and fro from the source of commotion. The music continued, as well as most of the dancing, so it appeared that whatever had happened had not been major. When she caught a glimpse of the guests involved, she noticed no broken glass- an oddity considering that she was certain she'd heard the sound of glass breaking. A hint of suspicion touch her mind, knowing well at least one person who could've cleaned, or reversed, the damage to the glasses easily. She looked over the guests in the area carefully before brushing off the thought and turning once more to look up at Gun. "I wasn't a fan of wine for quite some time... The only time I do drink it would be at celebrations such as these. their dessert wine is delightful," she commented, smiling to herself. She'd picked a few of the selections- it would be a given that she'd like them if he knew that.

As dancing was brought up, her eyes widened a slight bit, and a bright smile spread over her lips. Dancing had quickly become one of her favorite past times with much influence by Nikholas. Faeries were socialites under his rule, with very few exceptions, and dancing was almost always included in their gatherings. "Why yes, I do dance," she replied simply, "Though I'm afraid my dance partner from earlier was whisked away," she added with a smile, perhaps a bit odd considering what she'd said. Viktoria knew she'd done the right thing by letting Zarra go with the man- it was obvious he held great interest in her. At that thought, she looked over what dancing couples she could see, wondering how the two were getting along. With luck, she thought, they may really hit it off.

"I would be fine waiting Leo. You really are too kind." Zarra sat watching the rest of the dancing couple wishing she had worn more comfortable shoes. She bends down and takes off her heels. "I'll be fine to dance again until dinner is served."

Riku made his way into the party at last and hunted for someone to dance with. He didn't care if they were male or female. He just hoped that they were good looking and wanted to cuddle after dancing. Being the leader took in his family and every generation has been told of this gathering and he knew that is was a good way to get to know others.

The little kitten in Leland's pocket rustled around and cried. Leland looked down and almost immediately melted.

He looked back up at Zarra, "I think the talking fur baby is hungry. I say we get a light snack and feed the adorable kitten. The little one seems to in the need of attention. I'll be right back, I'll grab the little one some food, and us a snack or two. While I'm away, you can think of a name."

Leland took the kitten out of his pocket, placed him on the table, he himself got up, and headed towards the refreshments table. When there he grabbed two plates, and three napkins--he put a large amount of meet on one plate and sweet on the other. After he was satisfied, he headed back to the table, and placed the plates--handing Zarra a napkin and placing one on the table for the kitten to eat off of. He then sat back down and laid some meats that the napkin that he carefully tore into small pieces for the kitten. He then flagged down a server--requesting a small bowl of water, the server came back moments later, while he was there he refilled Leland and Zarra's glasses. The kitten sat gorging itself.