Le Masquerade

[tragic_mask]

[ooc: please go first to the Through the Door thread. Thanks.]

 ETA: As of this thread, all new threads in the masquerade are now after midnight [the links below are now re-linked to after-midnight sub-threads]. React at your leisure.

The ballroom itself is a burst of dazzling light. Hanging from the vaulted ceiling are two gold-wrought chandeliers, both of which glow brightly over the occasion, and tall lanterns shine throughout the room.

 

The grand staircase descends with a flourish and opens onto the main ballroom. A balcony, which providing a clear view of the goings-on below, runs all the way around the edge of the room. It can be reached via any of the four spiral staircases in each corner of the ballroom.

 

Below, the wooden dance floor flickers gently in the light from above, and musicians in the side room play soft, classical music. Meg Giry, the dance mistress for tonight, is on the floor with a microphone in hand.

 

A low, wooden bar in the corner provides hors d’oeuvres and drinks to revelers; small tables for two sprinkle the area.

Comments

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

"Yes. And you know it. You are beautiful, and kind, and honest. And you have a heart."

he moves and watches her, always.

Re: Dance Floor

[tragic_mask]

Melpomene's entire face registers skepticism.

"Many would disagree with you on that last point."

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

"Maybe they would, but I choose to believe the proof of my eyes and ears, of my own experiences."

He smiles, faintly as the music soars towards crescendo.

Re: Dance Floor

[tragic_mask]

"You're a smart guy. Very wise." She smiles, twirling beneath his outstreched arm and back again.

"Just don't grow up too fast."

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

"Having lived a hundred thousand years tends to do that... but I am feeling much better now."

He captures her, and dips her, and does the only thing one can in such a moment, presses chaste kiss on her, and then lifts her back to her feet once more, as the music soars, and slows.

Re: Dance Floor

[tragic_mask]

"Apparently," she says with a giggle, and tilts her head.

"You are doing quite well as far as I can tell." There is a trace of mockery behind the solemnity.

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

"Indeed? That is good to know. But what have you learned, oh sweet lady?"

He watches her, and he grins.

Re: Dance Floor

[tragic_mask]

"I've learned that Billy Batson can dance with style, and that he knows how to have his way with the ladies."

She laughs softly, below the sweet sound of the harpsichord, by his ear. "Were you looking for a different answer?"

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

"If I knew the latter, my life would be very different."

He chuckles.

"I expect nothing of you, my friend. I am merely glad that you are here, and that, a few times, I got to see you smile."

Re: Dance Floor

[tragic_mask]

"I'll never do it again, I swear!"

Deadpan.

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

"That would be a shame. Your smiles make the sun glow with envy."

he grins as the music slows and stops.

He bows to her.

"Never forget to smile, my lady. Your smiles are precious indeed."

Re: Dance Floor

[tragic_mask]

"A pleasure dancing with you. Your poetic words and gentlemanly conduct have been delightful."

She curtsies, and straightens her mask.

Re: Dance Floor

[withamagicword]

he smiles.

"The pleasure is mine, for dancing with a beautiful lady of heart is never a waste of time."

He bows over her hand and presses one more kiss to it, then vanishes into the crowd, to make sure all is well.