"My people?" He scoffed, "They can hardly wait to get me off the throne and frankly, I never wanted it. As for the Queen... if and when, I shall deal with her. I didn't fully agree with her clause before I knew you were here, she has no right to control us in such a way. She wants to make sure we perform to the fullest, which I understand, but if she dare tries to reprimand any of us if we are still doing our duty to her correctly, she will understand why I am called the Tempest." he said bitterly, finishing his response to her just as Uriel spoke.

He opened his mouth to assure Uriel that he knew what he had to do and give him that promise when he spoke again. Heiro's mouth closed to form a thin line, clearly showing his displeasure as a flicker of anger come to life in his eyes. "Your death? She would cast away one that would further her court over something that doesn't even truly concern her?" He hissed, voice low as he could. Speaking against her like that was nearly treason, especially with how tense everything was in the courts now. "Uriel, you are still a friend to me, whether or not you choose to return that sentiment now, and while I swore to act as her judge, I owe no fealty." He said, hoping the other man would understand the meaning of his defiant words. He was quite willing to go against the Fae Queen, While she had proven herself to be an effective ruler, her laws and attitude had been becoming less just in his eyes.

He also had little to fear, the only public impact she could truly make on him was banning his court from the alliance and even that was a futile threat. The private impact was nothing to shrug at, but he was sure he had felt worse than what she would be willing to dole out. She was limited at what she could do to him, unless she was willing to face the wrath of the Kiyomizu no Chii's or his personal allies.


Nivedus had made his way around the room again and was about to sit in the plush chairs on the balcony side of the dance-floor when he heard familiar voices speaking in hushed tones. Intrigued, the warlock crept towards the open door and leaned over to look around the stone frame. Uriel and Heiro, talking alone on the balcony? Did they find prospective couples already and were discussing the trials? He had thought they would take such a conversation away from the guests completely, they weren't restricted to the ball room like the others, after all. He was contemplating joining them when he heard Heiro's last words.

Quickly he ducked back into the ballroom, leaning on the wall just next to the doorway, his eyes flitting back and forth as he made sure no one else was really within hearing range of the two men. He wanted to peek back in, but it was a miracle neither of them had caught him the first time, and it would be foolish to push that luck. Instead, he made himself comfortable, leaning casually on the wall as he sipped his drink, seeming to just be surveying the ball while he strained his ears to hear the conversation between the other two judges.

A worried frown crossed the young man's features. Shaking his head, Uriel reached out grip the other man's arm warningly. Dangerous, this whole situation was entirely too dangerous in too many ways. "Everything that happens within her court concerns her. Any signs of defiance, and she is certain to make an example of the perpetrator." All he wanted to do was find a way to take back what he had said, and what he had seen. One glance across the room had changed everything's course and a routine masquerade had become fraught with unseen dangers.

"Believe me when I say you will always be my friend, though you wish not to be more. Thank you." Sending a look of gratitude to the other man, Uriel was loathe to relinquish the hold he had upon him. Having so suddenly exposed his feelings, Uriel found himself uncertain in manner and thought. Simply returning to how things had been before seemed like a near impossible task, but it was a necessity. There was just too much at stake for it to be any other way.

A flicker of longing flew by Uriel's heart but he shooed it away mercilessly. No, for so many reasons he had to chase that feeling away.

Cyris tsked. "I could never be as clumsy as to step on toes, even with hooves. If anything I'm even more graceful on four legs." he spoke in a haughty tone, before chuckling. "I shall have to show you my other side someday. When I'm not wearing such a nice suit."

A light blush floated across the Centaurs face. "thank you Ignatius. But my looks are pale compared to yours. " Cyris paused. "that reminds me, I was under the impression fae had wings, will I ever see yours?"

I'll hold you to that." Seeing the blush appear on the centaur's cheeks, the fae grinned. It was a wonderful sight. What was it about people blushing that made Ignatius want to protect them? "Perhaps I'll show them to you sometime, once we know each other better. As for your looks, shall we agree to disagree?" Smiling, Ignatius moved to dance a little quicker as the music picked up.

He was rather curious as to what the other might say if he saw his red and black wings unfurl from his back. Then Ignatius began wondering about what Cyris looked like. "What type of horse is your other half?" That sounded rather strange to Ignatius' ears, but a well.

Nivedus's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to Uriel speak. So he had heard Heiro correctly... the Dhampir was willing to go against the Queen, but for what? Ureil? It apparently the changeling had feelings for the cold, aggressive undead man (for reasons Nivedus would never understand), but they were unrequited, so there was no affair going on between them unless it was an elaborate rouse. But they would not bother to whisper about it without knowing someone else would overhear...

The Warlock mulled over the information, deciding that it could not be a ploy, both of them were too intelligent to waste their time on such a thing, he knew they could both act indifferent. So then why was Heiro so willing to disobey the Queen? Possibly to protect Uriel still, as he knew the two of them had been friends for some time, but he had a feeling a third party was involved somehow.


The fire in Heiro's eyes faltered slightly when Uriel grasped his cool, scarred hand in his warm ones. He wanted to take Uriel's warning to heart, but his defiant nature wouldn't let him. He had to try and fight against any form of oppression, the hard lessons of his youth had instilled the drive to a fault. Still, he tried, swallowing the anger as the younger male thanked him.

"We shall all lay low then. Out of sight, out of mind." He said, giving Uriel a nod, "We also still have a task to perform, and we have hardly interacted with the guests. If we want to keep the Queen entertained and pleased, we had best do what we came here to do." He continued, slipping his hand from Uriel's as the man had hesitated to let go. He then turned slightly to retrieve his mask, then tied it back over his face, the silver inlay shining brightly in the moonlight.

"Let us show her why she chose us, Uriel." He said as he looked back down, his midnight blue eyes holding a cerulean shine, showing that the fire, while contained, was far from gone.

Janu felt a tide of fear run through her at the idea of letting someone die. She would kill herself before she let the two men die... She did not love Uriel or know him well but Heiro did, that was enough. She started to say something more when she noticed Nivedus skulking around the shadows. She opened the shadows to protect to both the men now, saying three simple words that she hoped would make it clear to them.

"You have company!" She nearly hissed, the concern for them both making her voice shake slightly. She stood, part of her wanting to run through the doors and disappear into the night. She could not, however, before she got Nivedus away from them... She was afraid of what he had heard. She approached the warlock quietly and screwed up her courage, her shy nature making what she was about ot do slightly... difficult.

"H...Hello... It seems we are both two of the few people alone at present... you wouldn't happen to be willing to offer a lady a dance would you?" She asked quietly. Outwardly she gave him a smile while inwardly she shook. What if she was too late? Had her heard to much? She wasn't sure... but she knew she had to get him away from the balcony. She wondered inwardly if she could spend the entire time avoiding Heiro or just all about leave... She could not, would not, be the cause of either man's death. Perhaps if they were found out before she could escape and protect the two men that way, she could offer her own life in exchange? Convince the fae queen that it would be more of a punishment or something similar and get her to release both?

Uriel wasn't entirely reassured by the dhampir's words, but decided to let it lie instead of extending the chances of their being overheard. At least they would try to be inconspicuous. Being found out by the queen was no pleasant thought. In fact it made the changeling's heart run with fear.

Glancing up at the other man, the changeling let out a sigh before reaching out to grasp his mask. Donning the white thing, Uriel felt a certain defiance rise up within himself. "Yes, let's make this masquerade a success." His grey eyes had become stormily determined as he lifted them to meet his friend's gaze.

The small smile that had lifted Uriel's lips fell the moment he heard a partially familiar voice ringing in his ears. Questioningly he looked to Heiro before he began trying to find if anyone had been close enough to listen to their conversation. At the same time, the task was made tremendously more difficult by the fact that he could not let on that he knew someone had been spying upon them.

Cyris grinned. "It's a date then. And I'll hold you to showing me your wings." He spun the Fae. "Agree to disagree? Agreed." he laughed, his movements quickening with the pace of the music. "eh? oh. I'm a dark blonde Irish Draught. It's the same colour as my hair." His manner was nonchalant.

Heiro gave a dark smile like he used to when attending the Fae court's masquerades, forcing himself to feel the enthusiasm of playing the part again. The smile quickly fell though, and he tensed as Janu's voice called through the shadows, her words spreading a small burst of adrenaline through him. His eyes narrowed, but he did not look about like his first impulse told him to. If there had been someone watching, it was too late to try and cover any of what had been said, partially due to if the visitor had not been there long, acting differently would give them away.

Taking a breath, he closed his eyes for a moment before looking to Uriel and gesturing to the ball room. "Shall we, Sir Uriel?" He said, keeping the same edge to his voice as before, pushing the changeling to keep in line. They had to act normal now, and do everything they could to perform above expectation.


Nivedus was nonchalantly taking a sip of his drink when Janu approached. It was easy for him to slip into his usual charms, acting as though nothing had ever been out of place or even particularly caught his attention. Pushing off from the wall, he stood straight and gave her a charming smile that lit up what features that could be seen and gave a light laugh.

"Ah, forgive me, but it is not often I meet a young woman who is not only beautiful, but bold as well. How could I say no to such a request?" He said, mirth still in his voice as he looked her over politely, taking in the fine details of her appearance. "I am Nivedus Anifacis, Warlock of the white flame." He said as he gave a bow, one hand holding up his drink. "And I would be honored if you would dance with me, Lady...." He trailed off, prompting the white-skinned woman to give her name as he held out his hand.

Janu flushed as he called her beautiful as well as bold and seemed ready to bolt for an instant. Heiro likely knew her well enough to recognize the uncertain expression if he could see it. Still, she had to do this...for him. Instead of stammering an excuse and running as she would before she forced herself to return his smile with a bashful smile and take the offered hand. He seemed charming really and already focused on her instead of Heiro and Uriel so perhaps it would be enough... She suppressed a sigh of relief and instead focused on answering.

'Janu Sagare... I'm generally not this bold Sir Nivedus so you overestimate me... I did, however, promise someone I would try to dance though I'm not very good. Hopefully you will not mind my lack of skill..." She responded with that same, small, sweet, bashful smile that time had not sullied one bit. No matter how she had learned to act with a front she was still the same shy creature that she had been years ago in many ways...

Raising an eyebrow, the fae found an irresistible grin flitting across his features. Twisting and twirling around with the dance he laughed in a carefree way with his dark hair flying trough the air as the fae danced with his companion. "I will show you eventually." As the words left his mouth, Ignatius tightened his hold slightly on the other man. Lifting a hand, he brushed it lightly trough Cyris's long hair.

The texture of it surprised the fae, making his steps slow. "What a sight you must be," stated Ignatius softly. The prince had admittedly not met many centaurs, but he found himself so comfortable around Cyris. It was definitely a strange, but certainly pleasant, occurrence.

With a smile and and a nod, Uriel was taking a few steps forward. He paused to glance back at Heiro a little nervously. This was such a dangerously frightening situation. The person who had raised him would kill him if she knew what had happened, and he feared death above all else.

All the people he knew lived far longer then he, were stronger and better at so many things. Living within the courts surrounded by near immortal beings had been difficult enough but their constant reminders of his short life had done nothing to eclipse Uriel's fears, and instead had only made them grow. "We will succeed, won't we?" A little more reassurance, that was all the changeling wanted.

As soon as an answer was voiced, Uriel slipped away with a fast beating heart to eclipse himself within the crowd of dancing people.

"Is that a promise?" Cyris smirked. The quick steps were easy for him to keep up with as well as conversation, at least it was easier than galloping through fields and conversing at the same time.
A soft, low sight escaped Cyris' lips when Ignatius played with his hair. "Sorry, I love it when someone plays with my hair. It's kind of a sensitive spot on Centaurs." He smiled. "No. I'm nothing. What is really an amazing sight is when my Clan all rides out as one. Thats amazing."

It appeared there was still a lot to learn about Cyris and his people. Imagining such a sight was difficult, since in truth the fae prince had never before seen a centaur before. "It is a promise. And Cyris, there's no need to apologize." Deliberately running a gentle hand trough the centaur's blond hair again, Ignatius grinned. He could feel eyes upon them as they danced, but he cared not a wit.

"Perhaps someday I could see that. I'm a little ashamed to say that I've never seen a centaur before, not in truth." He hoped the other man would understand what he was trying to say. Ignatius was a little surprised to find himself searching for words and getting slightly flustered. It was an unusual event to be sure.

Estella watched in silence over Stuart's shoulder even as she held out the ring for him to examine. For a moment she felt herself wishing he'd touched her hair like that and the feelings of jealousy welled up within her. She tried to push away the feeling and look away but she couldn't. Her lavender eyes followed every movement and inwardly her struggles increased. At least, she thought with a touch of sadness, there was no consequences to showing Ignatius the ring now. He was so clearly enchanted by the centaur well... he might just be as enchanted as she was with him. Her hand dropped slightly and the ring fell, beginning to bounce across the floor.

"I..I...L..Lord Stuart, i apologize" She called out as she felt all thoughts of Ignatius flee. The ring! Her only clue to who and what she was, was rolling away! She ignored a few people chuckling at her as she chased the bouncing object across the floor and nearly to the dance floor... also nearly tripping over her dress in the process. This just wasn't her night! The ring began to roll under someone's foot and she began to fear for the crystal gem inside it so dived for it on pure adrenaline and instinct.

"Gottcha!" She said in a satisfied tone to herself only to realize people were looking at her and a few chuckling. She grabbed the ring, realizing she was down on her hands and knees without meaning to be. She flushed almost as red as her hair as she stood and her jaw dropped slightly. Audrial began to yell at her telepathically but she didn't hear a word, too mortified to even move. Dear lord...

((XD Poor Estella I love picking on her ))

Jo's smile softened, and her shoulders relaxed some. Her footwork improved as she relaxed. "Yes, I've lived there all my life. The view of the valley is stunning, especially at sunset," she said, looking back down to her feet after. "It lights all the stone in reds and oranges, some days it looks like the place is a bed of embers. It helps that the stone itself is almost white." That the woman was actually interested in her home was nice, she'd never quite realized how much she loved it. It really was a perfect place for gryphons, even if they were half human. Her race was very confusing, as they didn't act like other weres. Some of the younger generation was starting to question weather or not they truly were.

Azrealla smiled as the woman over came her nervousness. She really was a wonderful dance partner. She nodded slightly as she listened to the other, showing Jo she had her full attention. Still, a hint of mischief hit Ella's mind at the woman's words. She knew it was mean to tease but Jo was just too cute! She couldn't help it. She leaned forward so Jo would feel her breath tease lightly at her ear and whispered softly to her.

"It does sound lovely... I wish i could see your hair in such a light, the red in it must shine so. Fire and shadow mixing in one long mane... I envy those at Eerie. You sound as if you love it there yourself too" She teased softly as she leaned in close to the woman. She then however withdrew with an easy, flirtatious smile before returning to the courtly ways she had been taught. In her human life she had been very well off so being taught to be a lady was part of the game.

The blush that had finally started receding came back in full force at the other woman's words, silver mask doing little to hide it. "I... Um, well.... yes, but...," she stammered, rhythm broken as she tripped over her feet again, almost falling into Ella. She caught herself on the other woman's arms, looking anywhere besides her. Even the men and boys back at Eerie hadn't flirted with her like this. With them, there was much more showing off, her kind being generally vain. "I'm not... I don't know..." True, her hair lit up like fire in the right light, but, she hadn't paid much attention to her own figure in recent years, being vain about her silver work instead. She was wearing some of her own creations tonight.

Azrealla couldn't help but chuckle a little as the other girl blushed again, she was just too cute! She couldn't help but keep teasing her a bit, though she had a feeling she knew what she was trying to say. She accordingly simply pulled her back into place, her arm a little firmer against the other woman's back then was strictly necessary. Her only kindness was she pulled back her head a little to a proper distance as she moved the other in a gentle flow of steps.

"Not what dear? I merely made an observation my dear lady" She said with soft, faux innocence. She tilted her head to the side, those strange eyes looking over the other woman's face with some amusement. She didn't mind being rebuffed.. anymore then she would mind making a straight woman blush for a dance or two. Most of her kind were strictly into men so she was rather use to it.

The Centaur's eyes closed, as he relinquished the dancing lead to the fae. "Well if you ever find your way into Ireland, I'll give you a grand tour of the best sights, and introduce you to my clan." Cyris laid his head on Ignatius shoulder. He was almost taking pride in the whispers and murmurs surrounding them.

"I just had a thought." Cyis took Ignatius' hand and lead him to an empty balcony. "You said you've never seen a Centaur. Well close your eyes!" Grinning Cyris waited til Ignatius did as he was asked to, and -making sure none of the other guests could see- stripped his trousers off. Focusing hard, he shifted his form.

"You can open your eyes now." The soft sound of hooves clicking on the floor, as he moved around.

(Sorry for being a little god-mode-y ^.^' I just had an idea and decided to run with it)

((Codette, if we just say that the guests in their immediate vicinity are NPCs, it's fine!))

Jo kept her gaze averted, her own emotions about being complemented in such a way still roiling around. "I'm not... not used to someone treating me like this," she said after a pause, looking at the hem of Ella's dress finally. I'm not used to being thought of as beautiful, not used to thinking of myself as such, not sure if I like this because it's different or... something else. She tried fighting her blush again, getting it to subside a tad, before daring to look up at her face again. Those strange eyes, it was hard to tell where exactly Ella was looking.

Stuart was trying to get a good look at the ring and was racking his brains and diving through his memories. He had seen that insignia somewhere, he just knew it, but he couldn't quite remember where. It was certainly very old, much older than him, and it wasn't a crest of the seas or lakes. He was about to ask for a closer look when the ring dropped suddenly. The merrow had been paying so much attention to the small piece of jewelry that he had been ignoring the lovely lady to whom it belonged. Seeing her small form chase after the shiny ring and dive through the crowds to get a hold of it reminded him of his youngest sister who liked to collect fish. And he couldn't help but smile.

"Och! Lassie!! Yer ring! Have ye got it? Ur ye alrecht? Aye, let me help ye oop." Stuart had managed to move through the crowds with ease and was at her side in a matter of moments. Even if she was only here to find some information he'd be damned if he couldn't help her out. Reaching down with scaly arms he hesitated from just picking her up and waited until she took his offer instead. "As fur yer rin'. Ah cannae teel ye much aboot it. Ah do recognize it, but Ah cannae remin' where. It's auld,very auld, an' powerful. But it's nae a body ay th' realms Ah know those bein' th' water ones, lassie."

~~~

Jacky lit up brightly, she had a dance with this gorgeous chick. Maybe the night wouldn't be a waste. She led the other out onto the dance floor and despite being the shorter one, tried taking up the lead roll. "Mmmm, Pandora.." she let the name roll off her tongue, savoring it. "Mind if we chat while we dance? I'm a bit mouthy, if you catch my drift."

The music was sweet and mellow, an easy dance if you knew the steps. Jacky had grace even if she didn't have manners. "Now you are a pretty thing, mind if I ask where you're from and would our families know each other?" the raven knew that her family's reach was far, but she didn't think she was expected to know everyone they did business with. Besides most of their clientele didn't want to be known.

The fae found himself wonderfully surprised to have the lead again. "I would like that very much. Perhaps I could show you the area sometime." Ignatius couldn't help but wonder if this was nothing more then a striking fancy for the other man, or if he was serious. Cyris had said after all he'd entered the masquerade with his sights set on a woman.

The sound of something metal bouncing across the dance floor made Ignatius lift his head. Seeing Estella he froze all of a sudden, torn between remaining where he was or going to her side. All too soon the decision was pushed away as he was guided to the balcony by his dance partner. Closing his eyes as directed, Ignatius wondered what the centaur had in mind and if perhaps he could somehow manage to spend time with Estella again. He'd promised her another dance.

Amber eyes opening, he couldn't help but move forward to look wondrously upon his friend. "You're breathtaking." Reaching out with a small smile he tucked one of Cyris's hands in his own and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "I promised someone a dance, and a fae must keep their word. Cyris, I need to leave but when I return to your side, I shall show you my wings." Slipping away with a smile, he moved away from the centaur with confusion wringing his heart.

Quickly finding his way to Estella's side the fae prince glanced from her to the merrow offering her aid. "Excuse me for interrupting but I promised Lady Estella to return for another dance." Almost pleadingly, he looked down at the red haired woman. Crouching down by her side he reached out to pass a gentle hand trough her hair.

It so surprisingly soft and the color was like the red leaves of autumn. "Are you alright?" The question was barely audible but tinged with obvious concern. Why was it that his heart wanted to tear him apart?

Rosellen waited almost impatiently for an answer when the sound of a commotion caught her attention. Curiosity making her whirl around she caught sight of a familiar enough fishy profile, and two others whom she didn't know. Remembering some of the things Stuart had said during their earlier conversation, she frowned. How often had he been on land? Not enough to know the dances or to be comfortable with his legs, that was certain enough.

Murmuring a softly spoken excuse, the blond lifted her skirts to walk briskly forward. It didn't take long for the young woman to have reached the little group. Reaching out she placed a hand on the merrow's shoulder to tell him she was there. He had been so nice earlier that Rosellen wanted to somehow return the favor and help him out somehow. Though without knowing what was going on , there was nothing the blue eyed woman could do.

A little embarrased, Cyris adjusted his tie. "Thank you. I think I'm going to spend the rest of the ball like this. Might as well show my true colours." He smiled when Ignatius took his hands. "I understand. I think I'll go see if I can find Pandora again. I do feel a little bad for leaving her like that. Though I do not regret the dance with you." he laughed, and watched Ignatius walk away.

Cyris took a deep breath and entered the ballroom. His hooves clicking on the floor. He saw Pandora dancing with a young lady. He smiled, and headed towards the refreshments table, not eager to interrupt the Dark Elf's fun.

Estella flushed slightly, embarrassed but overcoming it fairly quickly. She was use to being embarrassed... she jsut wasn't use to it actually being her fault... She blinked as she felt someone arrive, not use to having someone offer her help really after all this time of traveling alone. She bit her lip but hesitantly gripped his hand to pull herself up. Standing from a kneeling position when you were wearing heals wasn't easy after all. She hated heels...

She started to say something when she realized that someone else was speaking to her. The familiar voice tugged at her heart strings for reasons that had her cursing again inwardly. She finished standing before she looked at him, a little surprised. By now she had become rather certain he was going to spend the evening in a certain man's embrace and forget his promise. In situations such as these it would not be uncommon for a girl like her who most treated as just another 'country bumpkin' it wouldn't be precisely rare. The concern startled her as well and she pushed the ring back into her purse simply to reassure him. He must really think she was a screw up by now...

"I'm alright... I just dropped something very important to me. Don't look so worried, I've been to far dangerous places then a dance... and with far worse company." She attempted to reassure with a small smile. She might have said more but he was touching her hair and she could only shiver. Someone playing with her hair had always made her shiver, something which had tempted her to cut it a time or too but her adoptive mother loved it so much it felt like a betrayal to do so. That pleading look and the touch... it took her breath away. She couldn't say no to the dance even if she had actually wanted to.

"I...I'm sorry Lord stuart but a promise is a promise. Thank you so much for your kindness earlier... and thank you for the information. I'm sure someone here should recognize it then.." She said with a soft bow of her head towards Stuart and a small, warm smile. She hoped he knew it wasn't his fault she was leaving. She turned back towards the fae and held out a hand for him to lead her back to the dance floor now that she was standing fully again. He really was sweet and so gentle... she wasn't use to it but that just made it all the more effective. She wondered again if showing him the ring was wise... almost afraid too. What if it upset him like it had so many others? She didn't want to see that disgust in his eyes... in other people it wouldn't bother her but in his it would hurt.

((I'll post with my other when draki gets back))

Stuart was taken aback as this fairy rushed in his way, even with the apology it was still not something he was used to and it seemed really rude to him. His tentacles started quivering and wiggling on their own and he had the unpleasant habit of gnashing his teeth, something that only made him seem scarier than usual. Even though he wasn't dancing with this young woman, he was having a decent conversation with her. He was trying to help her and to have this other person run in and pull her away. He was really starting to get worked up over something this minute of an issue, and he was starting to understand why his sisters were the way they were.

Huffing and gnashing he forced out a reply, "Miss hae yerself a guid dance. An' sairrr..." He just narrowed his eyes at Ignatius, "Enjoy yoors an aw." He held his roil under control as he felt a light hand reach out for his shoulder. Turning away from the scene he met eyes with Rosellen. The merrow tried to smooth his features as best as possible for her, despite the anger and indignation he was feeling. Holding a hand out for her and bowing slightly was the only invitation for a second dance he gave, as he didn't quite trust himself to be wholly polite quite yet.