tampered | (no subject)

WHO: YOU.
WHEN: Valentine’s Day, sundown – 4 a.m.
WHERE:

caughtthebullet estate, the Palace.

And what is a City overrun by Venice flair without its masque?

Come sundown, the overly-lit Palace, suffering under a sea of orchids and a white-and-gold palette, will be welcoming the ladies and gentlemen of our fair City as its guests to this year’s Valentine’s Day ball. Have no fear, the Palace staff has been given notice to help newcomers dock their gondolas!

Should they lack their own, ladies will be served a dance card, white cape and masque upon arrival. Gentlemen without can also be helped find a suitablemask.

Guests will not be introduced by name, but by their choice of pseudonym; instead, they can play the guessing game until masks are formally removed at midnight, giving their time, and maybe their hearts to some hopeful stranger.

jesusing_clown and a cohort of waiters will produce the evening’s treats;

taravata will be attending on any task that calls for strong arms and keen balance;

risetwice’s patisserie will be providing breads, cakes, and the evening’s tort; and

eagleofautozam has promised sweets and candied souvenirs.

The ball’s sponsor and delightful host,

caughtthebullet passes his compliments, and the

sparkling_by puts himself at your service.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Please, be welcome.

[ooc: up very early, but you know what to do! Thread, threadjack, take advantage of the masks for cute shenanigans, and most of all, have fun! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Cain had come in with her on the gondola, but losing him in the crowd for a moment, she'd assumed he'd want a dance with Rosella first (though she wasn't supposed to know that, maybe?). So it was a little surprising to her when she heard his voice behind her, turning to blink up at him. The mask didn't deter her from recognizing him, he should know that; so why was he acting like...?

Oh. A slow smile grew over Merry's face until she finally dipped down into a graceful curtsy to acknowledge him.

"I would be happy to accept, as long as I can step on your shoes to dance."

"I rather doubt that you'll step on my shoes even once. I think you seem like an excellent dancer."

And he offered her his hand.

For the briefest moment, a flash of uncertainty went down her spine. If there was ever a dance she wanted to get perfect, it would be a dance with her brother. He'd been kind enough to let her stand on his shoes while they were practicing together, but that had been in jest. Now this was the real thing.

But then that fear slipped away, and she placed her hand in his, smiling sweetly. Cain wouldn't let her mess up.

"Thank you. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."

"Live up to your own," he whispered, "and I'll be twice as happy."

And, holding her hand, he led the way to the swirling crowds of dancers. If she needed to stand on his feet to reach him, he wouldn't object. She seemed taller already, a proper young lady. No, there was no doubt in his mind that she would dance brilliantly.

She couldn't help but let out a little giggle. It was just like him to want her to be happy with herself first and foremost. So she nodded, and figuring that they were done pretending being strangers, affectionately pressed her cheek against his coat before she moved into the dance steps.

It wasn't so hard, now. Eriol had been a better instructor than any of her other ones (and it didn't hurt that he was her height too), so she'd learned well. It was almost like skipping, except it was side to side instead of moving straight ahead, and you had to hold someone while you were doing it. She was amazed that she was even able to think while dancing now, and after a moment grinned up at him ecstatically. She was dancing.