Let the Ball BEGIN!

[Moonitic]

Prince Meekal of Muu bounded into the ballroom like an eager puppy. "Wow!" he gasped, eyes wide at the glorious sights. "This shall be wonderful, Lady Moon." He looked to his right, then to his left. No one stood beside him. "Lady Moon?"

In the shadow of a fern near the door, a very tired voice said, "What?"

"Come on, Lady Moon. Let us go!"

Moon did not wish to move. Her beautiful, ice-blue dress was stained on the front, thanks to Meekal's clumsiness. And, of course, she was the reluctant escort of the daft prince. By order of the king, no less. But, an order was an order. She stepped from the shadow with her arms crossed. "Fine. But I am not touching you. Or dancing. Or anything." She stalked past him, as well as the niceities on the table that awaited the guests. What would she need a stupid dance card for? No one would want to dance with her. She wished she could just sit up in her chamber, in a loose blouse and knickers, with her quill and parchment.

The recent quest had greatly dampened her mood, moreso than it had been dampened before. She wanted nothing to do with the ball, and nothing to do with Meekal. This proved a problem for the young prince, as he loved her greatly and wanted her love in return.

But tonight...tonight would be the culmination of his plans. Of all the possibilities. He reached into a side slash in his ill fitting tunic, and grasped a small pouch for comfort.

Yes. Tonight would be the night.

[Lord Tellurine]

Meekal the Daft had a vial in his pouch. A vial that contained a love potion. This was the part of his master plan that he told nobody about. It was a very devious plan. So much so, Meekal felt a surge of family pride when his plan was put into motion and he held potion in his hands for the first time.

The person who put the potion in his hands was the not-so-great wizard Oddledoodle. He made the potion for Meekal after recieving a very large sum of money from the daft prince. Oddledoodle was in a bit of a hurry as he was expected at a wizarding conference on the shores of Great Southern Sea many miles from Arconia, but the money would be well spent at the gathering as prices in the sea shore town always seemed to go up whenever there was an influx of tourists.

None the less, Oddledoodle whipped up the potion, instructed Meekal on the importance of using "just a drop in a glass of liquid" and he left in a puff of smoke, reappearing a moment later when he realized he had forgotten his sunscreen. And then he was gone again. For good.

Meekal giggled with glee at how easy this plan was going to be. He turned to his un-interested date and asked, "Lady Moon, can I get you something to drink?"

"I'm fine."

"Quench your thirst?"

"Nothing, thanks."

"Something to wet your whistle?"

"NO!"

Meekal began to realize that the plan was a little more difficult than he had anticipated.

[lochinvar]

Well, the evening had gone well enough, Lochinvar thought. The queen was radiant, the decorations first rate, the food very good. And he hadn't stepped wrong, so far.

The king was oddly distracted, and that gave him cause to wonder. Something was afoot, though he couldn't determine just what. Security was heavier than justified for such a gathering-though all the guards apparently hadn't been able to keep out a few unsavory types. A seedy-looking fellow in a too-large green tunic and holed green hose passed, leaving a distinct odor trail in his wake. Lochinvar moved downwind, sighed, and shook his head. Some people's kids…

He stepped back from the bar into the entryway just in time to catch a fiasco: a young lady and her escort had just taken a pratfall at the feet of the king. As people were helped to their feet and apologies offered and accepted, he recognized one of the couple as Steve, the publican from the Bitter End.

The lady he did not know…though, in the general shuffling, rising, and straightening-out he caught several rather entrancing glimpses of her low-cut bodice. Perhaps he should have Steve introduce them.

But as he was moving toward Steve to strike up a conversation, he spied his old friend Lady Moon, entering grimly with a rather stuporous young man trailing at her heels. His eyes lit with pleasure, then with concern. Lady Moon looked as if she could chew chain mail at the moment. Whatever could be wrong? Putting on a cheerful face, he moved to intercept.

"Lady Moon! How wonderful to see you! And such a lovely dress…"

Lochinvar faltered slightly as the smell of perfume assailed him like a morning-star at close quarters. Whewww! What was she thinking? Certainly it was a nice scent, but had she bathed in it? Unbidden, he thought of a certain fellow in green that he had just recently passed. That one surely could have used some of whatever Moon was drenched in…

Ah, well, she was a friend of long standing, and he would not embarrass her for the world.

"So, tell me: what causes thunderheads to gather on your pretty brow? And who's this young man?"

[DamedEscrime]

Steve followed closely behind the miffed Lady Josephine apologizing all the way. Though outwardly she had been gracious about the unfortunate incident inside she was wondering if she had made a wise choice in allowing a commn bar server to escort her to such an important event.
"Rasberry Zinvendel,please." A lovely kellnerin, hired just for the occasion handed her a wine flute filled with the pale pink beverage. "And for you?" she winked at Steve. "Ah, lass, I'll have me a long tall ale...My you are a delicate thing," Steve replied. Jo gave him a nudge. "Oh, sorry, luv. For later, ya know?'

The two took their drinks and Jo tried to make conversation. She inquired,"Steve did you notice that man at the top of the staircase when we entered? I've never seen him before. Do you know who he might be?"
"Ya mean the bloke in black?" "Yes, that's the one. I think he is quite attractive." "Can't say, I've seen 'im before meself." "Hmm.," she mused. "I wonder.." "Say how about we take a turn round the dance floor?" Steve asked. "You dance?" "Course I do, me mum taugt me. I'm quite good, really." Jo rolled her eyes and replied,"Yes, I can tell you a very graceful." "Hey, it's a two-step, me fav. Come on." With that he grabbed Jo's hand and lead her to the floor. Why did she think this would be a mistake?

[arcon]

For now Arcon was at ease. Everything was calm. The guards were alert. Even Angel seemed relaxed. The brandy was beginning to have its effect and the thought of a dance with his queen was beginning bring a smile on his face. As he entered the ballroom he caught a glimpse of Iochinvar talking to a lady. She was dressed in all red but thats not what was unusual about her. She was dressed like a man. She wore a french sleeve style shirt, yes it was in fact a shirt. Her pants although they were not bright were of a brownish red as though the leather had been cured with maybe a red dye of some sort.
Her belt was made of deep red silk. Her mask was black and in a shape that seemed familiar. Where had he seen that shape?
Quickly he dismissed it from his mind. lochinvar could take care of himself. He decided not to intrude on them for it appeared the conversation was serious. He was
tired of being serious .
It was time to have some fun.
Ahhhhhh! There was Moonitic and Meekel, she had kept her promise but didnt look very happy. Meekel was beaming....you'd have thought he was with the queen. Arcon looked closely at moon and thought to himself...She is beautiful....she would in fact make a lovely queen. And he had decided that was what he was going to do find Zelda, Queen of Arconia and have his first dance.

[aranis]

A black owl with blue eyes flew to the window sill that opened into the ball room. The dazzling lights from the chandaliers made the bird dizzy, it fell from its perch and swooped to the garden below.

The King and Queen dance around the ball room with only eyes for each other. As Queen Zelda left Arcon's arms she was over come with how stuffy the room was. Fresh air she decided would make her feel so much better. She glided passed her ladies in waiting and out onto the balcony, that over looked the gardens below.

"Hello, my lady," came a voice from the shadows.

The Queen jumped and just managed to stop herself from screaming, she remembered what had happened the last time she had screamed and her body went hot.

The Queen regained her wits about her, but her voice shook as she said "What are you doing here? And that letter you sent me, what the hell do you think you are doing.."

"Lady, please" drawled the dark shape, " we need to talk.."

"Talk be damned! I have nothing that I want to say to you.."

The Queen was interupted from her tirade as the King came up beside her and gently put his arms around her.

"My Queen, what are you doing out here all alone? Come back inside. Owls are really not that talkative! So who were you talking to?" He said, looking around.

The Queen looked up and saw the owl on the branch looking forlornly at her. "No-one my darling, just rehearsing my ball speech. It is a bit cold here, lets go inside into the warmth."

Queen Zelda left the balcony with a feeling of regret. She had done the right thing there was nothing that, that thing, could say to her to make her think otherwise was there?

Queen Zelda shook her head regally and refused to think on it any further. She would do that tomorrow, tonight she had a ball room of people to bedazzle.

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: aranis ]

[arcon]

King Arcon was feeling his brandy but his senses where still keen enough that he knew something wasnt right on the balcony. The Queen had complained recently of being tired.
The rescue of Moon,preparations for the Ball HAD taken its toll on her. Why would anyone raise their voice to an owl? He didnt want to do anything to spoil the mood of the Ball
but he would keep a close eye on Zelda.
The memory of his torment when he was uncertain of her safety during the rescue was still to fresh in his mind. He knew just the person to help him but first he'd take another look out on that balcony.

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: arcon ]

[Zelda]

The appearence at the ball, alibet briefly, of the shadowed person had shaken the Queen. When the King found her she was shaking like a leaf.

She still wouldnt let on what was bothering her, or why she had been talking to an Owl of all things. It was her past, something she didnt want to think about, not now, not never. As far as she was concerned that series of events didnt happen, it was a blank space in her life. No one must know about it.

The Queen composed herself and moved towards the refreshments. She really could use a drink after all that.

[Blade]

By the bar, Queen Zelda noticed a curious looking creature dressed in bedraggled green.
The Queen carefully smelled the air and identified a pungent odour coming from the nearby man.
She thought that he must have been the entertainment hired for the evening. PisteOff's replacement jester as PisteOff had not been seen in quite a while.

The Queen quietly enquired about the gentleman.

"Excuse me, Sir. Are you to be this evening's entertainment?"

Blade turned rather startled at being addressed by the Queen herself.

"Your majesty," Blade greets the queen with an awkward bow, "nay, I am just merely a guest."

"My friend, your attire does not entirely suit you, may I suggest you use our royal bathhouse and freshen up a little. I'll have someone bring in some more suitable outfits for you to wear."

Blade was then escorted off to the nearby bathhouse.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Lady Rosaline head of the Arconian Military. Now entered the ball on the arm of Angel head of the Arconian Secret Service. (What a match huh? ) Rosaline walked slowly down the stairs trying to take everything in. She smiled brightly at the enchanting sight before her. Her dress was simple, but still elegant. It was blue. Not baby blue, but not to much darker. It had small sleeve which started and ended at the shoulders. Then she had white gloves that came up to her elbows. The dress had tiny sparkles (Much like the queens.) which (also like the queens) slightly made her dress glow. Her hair was pulled up onto her head, with ringles softly flowing down the sides of her face. Also it had a jeweled pin holding it up. Angel stopped half way down the stairs. "What is it?" Rosaline asked. "Nothing, I just thought since you were enjoying the sights so much that we should stop a moment and take a picture." He smiled, then they contiuned down the stairs. When they reached the king and queen Angel bowed, and Rosaline did a deep curtsy "Good Evening your majesties." They said harmoniously. They caried on a minute of small talk, then the royal couple went for a dance. Angel strod over to get his button hole. While Rosaline got her dance card. They met back in the middle, then went out onto the dance floor next to the oddly paired couple of Steve and Jo. They greeted each other then continued to dance.


----------------------
Carpe Diem

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: Iwant2bafencer ]

[lochinvar]

Okay, folks.

I don't mean to interrupt the flow of things, but we have our first anachronism.

Arcon, I can't be talking to Moon and some mysterious man-dressed lady in red at the same time. So, my conversation with the masked lady must take place either BEFORE or AFTER my conversation with Moon. I'll leave it up to all of you to decide which.

I get the definite vibe that some people have definite plot lines they want to pursue here. I'm not sure how they will mesh, but I will try to play along--as long as I can have some room to maneuver. Right now I'm just being opportunistic, but I don't want to step on anyone's story line.

And Moon, if I threw a monkey-wrench into whatever you're developing, I apologize.

Also, it would help if I had some idea of the relative ages of people. I've tried to read back on the old threads, and I'm pretty sure I have most of the relationships right, but I don't know if I should say "matron" or "young lady" or "girl" when refering to Jo, for example. So, a little background would help.

Lochinvar is 30-ish, by the way.

Okay, back to the ball...

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: lochinvar ]

[lochinvar]

Patience, my friend.

"The mill of the Gods grinds slowly..."

[Iwant2bafencer]

*breaks into song* I am 16 going on 17. . . *looks at all the people giving her wierd looks and stops singing.* hehe

[lochinvar]

Wanna B

I meant the ages of the characters, not your real ages

In reality, I'm 50, not 30.

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: lochinvar ]

[Moonitic]

At some point, according to others, my character was 15. I'll say somewhere between 15 & 17.

[DLTaylor]

The ball could be heard faintly as the still young Prince slipped into the unlocked window. Slowly he crept down the main corridercloser to the hall where the ball was being held. Music played softly but was drowned out by the chatter of all who had come to this copy of the orginal famous ball. Dressed in a dark red I slipped past the guards standing and the end of the corrider. They were put there to make sure noone got away in case of a attack.Not to stop someone from sneaking in. Shame how pitful security could be planetside sometimes.
"Hey you! Stop where you are!" A uniformed guard called out.
"Oops..." I muttered.
Slowing to a calm walk, I turned to see the guard who had yelled at me. He was about 5'6" and fat. His sword hung limp which gave the impression he didn't know how to use it very well. Then again.. I could be wrong.
"Sir? May I please see some identifictaion?" The fat little guard demanded.
"How dare you insult me like that!!" I roared. I stood tall as I could then leaped back and jumped from the balcony overhanging the ballroom. As I fell I grapped the end of the railing and swung myself underneath. Spread eaglewide I began to spider walk myself down to the floor.
By the time the guard rushed to see what had happened of me I was already at the bottom and had joined the crowd walking towards the great ballroom. I pulled a mask out of one of my inside hidden pockets matching everyone else in the room. From this vantage point I could see everyone and everything without the risk of being noticed by anyone else.
With trumpets sounding the King and queen appeared at the head of the stairway coming down towards the awaiting crowds.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!! Ladies and Gentlemen!! The queen and King of Arcononia!" a aide prestened the couple as they slowly but gracefully walked down the stairway.
As everyone began clapping I slipped through the gap and planted my listening device behind the throne. No one noticied as I quietly joined the crowds streaming towards the main hall for the actual dance.
"There he is!" a loud man's voice carried out over the crowd.
"Uh oh..." I sighed, so maybe this wasn't going to be as easy as I thought...
I took off at a dead sprint pushing my way through the crowds trying to get into an open area where I could fight if forced to. As I turned my last corner I plowed into an eldery man about the age of forty wearing a cloak. Under the cloak a sword could easily be seen. Drawing the sword the man rushed towards me. I blocked his attack and swung in a backhand pattern intendid to slice him in half. As the blade came near i felt sorry for the old man so I hit him with the flat of my blade, knocking the wind out of him.
Looking back I could see my pursures following closely behind. My scramble with the old man had taken more time then I had. I took off at a full run but saw the old man start to rise and I was glad that he was alright... that is until he pulled a dagger from his belt and aimed for my back. Ducking and sliding to the right trying to dodge the blade aimed at my back. But he was to quick I realized as a searing red hot pain engulfed my left leg from the knee down.
Cursing silenitly I came to a dead end and drew my sword ready to take a few down with me as best I could. Unfortunely at that moment, holes began appearing in the sky with dark knights dropping from then ready for battle. Finaly my pursures caught up with me and saw the battle unfolding around them. Coming up from the behind was the old man. He shed his cloak and started barking out orders. Looking closely I realized with horror that I knew my attacker. The old gezzer had been King Arcon! Turning, the dark knights turned to meet me head on and I prepared for a rush.
"Oh God..." I prayed. This was gonna get nasty.

[Willow]

Lady Willow and Prince Nicholas prepared to enter the ballroom. Nicholas looked incredible in his navy blue tunic and pants, with their gold braid and military emblams upon them. His eyes were shining with happiness and love as he looked down at his radiant fiance. Willow had never looked prettier. Her morning sickness had ended, and her eyes were glowing emerald green against the pale yellow silk of her gown. Her dress concealed the beginnings of the bulge of their baby. Nicholas glasped her hand, and Willow smiled as she looked down at the new ring upon her third finger. The ring that Nicholas had given her to bind their engagement. The gold of the band sparkled in the candlelight, and the emerald shone, surrounded by several small and glittering diamonds. The ring was truly a marvel. They entered the ballroom. "May I have this dance?" Nicholas asked. "Of course, my love," Willow replied. They began to dance. Willow then noticed her best friend over in the corner. Her dress was incredibly beautiful. Was that a stain on it? As they danced nearer to Moon, Willow became aware of an overpowering odor. She saw Meekal, and realized what must have happened. She groaned, understanding that Moon was NOT happy and was like a canon about to explode. "We better watch out," she told Nicholas, "there are going to be fireworks tonight, and I am NOT talking about the kind that make pretty lights up in the sky."

[Swordsman]

Nækos and Serana stepped up to the dance floor as the band began a semi-lively tune, perfect for a long dance. Bowing, Nækos took Serana in his right arm, his left extended to her extended right. "Shall we?"

"Again, I think we shall!"

As they danced, Nækos began thinking of all that had gone on in Arconia during his abscence, and since. There was much that he did not know. "So, Serana...what DID happen while I was gone? I've heard some rather confusing bits and pieces...care to fill me in?"

[Iwant2bafencer]

Lady Rosaline had infact been talking to the king when all of the comotion started. Angelo had gone to check on his guards at the entrance. The mysterious young man in red had nearly knocked her to the ground. She turned just as he started to fight with the man in the cloak. The king looked around for Angelo, Neakos, or someone of the sort to call the guards in. Rosaline gasped as she watched the dark knight drop dow, and grabed the kings arm so he could see. He to gasped. 'It's not possible!' Rosaline thought. ' Not after all these years!' The man in the cloak removed his hood. Rosaline gasped again. .it was Zarcon. "That Magot!" The king holard. "Your highness please find the queen, and blend in with the crowd. Then wait for a gaurd or someone to sneek you out." "I am perfectly capable of finding my way out." "yes I know, but just wait for we'll say an escort. Now go!" Rosaline pushed him deep into the crowd. Then she rushed forward grabing one of the swords off the wall. The man in red had been stabed in the leg, but was still standing to fight. As she ran Rosaline barked out orders to different people. "You go get Angelo, and all of his men!" "You get the king and queen out! Find Neakos while you're at it!" She finally broke through the crowd, and pushed three of the six men that were heading towards the man in red off balance. Then she triped another, while knocking the others sword out of reach of the man. The dark knights began to en-circle them while Zarcon stood there and laughed. "Zarcon, do you not know how to use that sword in your hand?! I thought you said something like you would personally take me down?!" Zarcon just stared at her examining her form. "Well?! Let's dance you and I!" The knights made a hole for Zarcon to get through. The man in red grabed her arm. "You cant fight him!" "and why not?" Rosaline asked while watching Zarcon closely. "He'll beat you with in seconds!" "My good sir have faith." Rosaline lowered her voice so only he could hear. "and in the mean time. Since at the moment we have no back up think of a way to get us out from this mess, and away from the wall." Just then Zarcon charged her making their conversation end. The two swords met with great force from both sides. Sparks started to fly, and it began.

[its_me_mango]

yes, there was something wrong, although arcon could not quite put his finger on it, he realized almost suddenly, quite suddenly in fact it hit him with such a freakin bolt, that he sat upright in his chair,and his hair literally stood on end. Zelda, sitting on the right of him noted the startled reaction and offered - it's Mango, she's not here and things are not the same.