Let the Ball BEGIN!

[lochinvar]

[Ed. note] Old geezer? Of 40?? Let's not show our age prejudices, shall we?
I'll remind you that many in history--Julius Ceasar, Attila, Frederick Barbarossa, to name a few--were at the very height of their power around age 40 and beyond.
*indignant huff*

[DamedEscrime]

Loch, I whole heartedly agree with you. Kids these days!

[Fencing Angel]

as angelo was checking with the guards at the door a man came runnning through the crowd yelling his name.

"what is it good sir??"

"trouble angel, trouble. i don't know if you saw the mysterious man in red. but it is the kings brother, Zarcon. and the lady Rosalina is buying time for the king and queen.."

before he could say another word he scanned through the crowd and spotted naekos and serana. he thanked the messanger, and ran toward the dance floor. pushing his way threw the masses of people towards naekos.
when he got there he filled him in. naekos swore under his breath. said something to serana and then turned to angel.

"so whats the plan? your the head of the secreat service. what do you need me for?"

"well you have a good blade and currently i am short on men.. basicly i would like your help.. Serana could you find the king and queen and tell then what has happened and then stay with them untill naekos of i come to get you... okay??"

"okay.." said the lady with a small smile.

with that naekos and i drew our weapons and tried to fight our way back though the crowd... after what seemed like hours they finaly arrived at where Rosalina was. somehow she had fough her way around and pined him in a corner. she with a mean look on her face and sword in hand, and zarcon with a wounded arm in the corner wimpering like a hurt puppy.. after putting him in chains they escourted him to the dungen where they would interagate him later.

after they told the king what had happened angel went to find lady rosalina who was waiting for him on the balcany watching the stars.

"seeing anything interesting out here??"

"not really i just love watching the stars on nights like this.."

"you mean nights when you wound the brother of kings??"

she laughed and turned to face angel

"no.. i ment nights as clear as this.."

"oh.. ya.. i knew that.... shall we go back inside?" angel said offering her his arm

"why not." she answered linking her arm with his..

Angel and Rosalina danced for the rest of the night..

[Iwant2bafencer]

As the two walked back into the ball Lady Rosaline removed the sword from the folds of her cloak, checked its condition, and placed it back on the wall. Rosaline and Angelo danced five times in a row. Then Angelo went to get them both drinks from the bar. Rosaline stood off to the side watching everyone dance and mingle. She spotted the man in red, and was about to go talk with him when she saw someone she hadn't seen in five years. "Nicholas?!" Nicholas turned to agnowledge the person who was addressing him. "Rosaline?!" They both took two steps and embraced each other. "Let me look at you." Nicholas looked Rosaline up and down. "My my you have turned into a beautiful lady!" Rosaline threw a fake punch. "Not at all angles." Nicholas laughed. Willow aproched them with a bewindered look on her face. Seeing her expretion Rosaline and Nicholas laughed again. "Your Nicholas here was the one that taught me to fight with my hands." Willows look became even deeper. "You fight with your hands?" Nicholas laughed yet again. "Rosaline here was the best fighter in our kingdom! She beat each of the few girls, and ALL of the guys!" Willow was shocked. "I never knew." "not many people do." Angelo now joined them handing Rosaline her drink. "Who's this gentleman that you seem to know so well?" "Angelo meet Nicholas. Nicholas is Willows fiance. Congrats by the way. Also he's the one who taught me to fight." They shook hands and exchanged hellos. "So you're the one who taught her how to pin kings brothers in corners eh?" Rosaline shook her head. "No no, not sword fighting. I'm talking about fist fighting." Now it was Angelos turn to be shocked. "yes, I fist fight, but I haven't had to lately, and that is why not many people know." The group continued small talk, and watching everyone else dance. Joining all the dancers a few minutes later.


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

[Lord Tellurine]

Lady Moon was not enjoying herself.

She wasn't even trying to enjoy herself. She just stood there, reeking of cheap perfume, uncomfortable, tired, and out-of-place.

All around her people were enjoying themselves. Talking, dancing, thwarting another Zarcon plot to take over the castle, and she was miserable.

Meekal approached her cautiously, carrying a glass of punch. He took a loud sip. "Boy, oh boy," he said loudly. "That sure was good! Boy, that quenched my thirst, I tell you." He looked at Moon expectantly. He asked, "Can I get you something to drink?"

"No," she answered once again. All night long Meekal the Daft had been trying to pour drinks down Lady Moon's throat. The closest he got was spilling some on her foot.

Meekal sulked away and Lady Moon continued to stand there. Unhappy, bored, and enduring a slightly wet right foot.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Lady Rosaline saw Lady Moon standing in the corner alone, and desided she should go appologize for helping Meekal.
"Good Evening Lady Moon." Rosaline gave her a smile. Moon huffed. "Not hardly." She replied bitterly.
"Listen, I am partial to blame for some of the . .er shall we say incidents."
"Oh, so it's your fault that the bafoon is what he is?" Rosaline smiled weakly.
"No no, luckly that was not my doing. I mean the perfume, and the gifts, and well basicly ruining your night." Moon looked confused, and Rosaline sighed.
"Meekal came to me in the market square, and asked me what would get me to like a man. So I told. .well more showed him everything. I swear I had no idea he ment you! If I had known I wouldn't have helped him! I guess I kind of went over board and well. . ."
Just then Meekal walked up with a glass of something red for Moon. "hehe A drink?" Rosaline could tell Moon was about to throw a chair. .or Meekal out the window "Uh. .oh Thank you Meekal! With all of this dancing I thought I would faint!" Rosaline quickly took the glass, and a big sip. Meekal smiled slightly, and walked out to the balcony.
Rosaline turned, and spit the drink into the plant behind her. Moon gave her a questioning look. "what was there a bug in it or something?" Rosaline shook her head while examining the drink.
"no not a bug. .oh dear." "what? what is it?" Moon questioned. Rosaline went into a fit of giggles. Moon glared at her, and Rosaline cleared her throat. "Right sorry." Removing one of her gloves Rosaline reached into the glass removing a tinny vial with a strange liquid in it. Rosaline held back more giggles. Moon stared at it in horror.
"I do believe your um 'date' was trying to feed you a love poison!" Moon was out-raged. "Why the nerve of him! I should march right out there and. ." Rosaline quickly placed her hand over Moon's mouth, and smiled. "If you want to get him back I have an idea. I must say it's not very nice. Although, it might. .keep inmind I said MIGHT get him off your back." Moons eyes glowed. "What? what is it?! Come on tell me!" Rosaline calmly put her glove back on. "Drink this drink, no sip it." "but I'm not. ." Rosaline held up a finger to silence her.
"If Meekal believes that he put the love potion in there. With out the vial that is. Then if he sees you drinking it. He will think that his plan has worked." "but wont that make him..." Rosaline silenced her again.
"Pretend that the potion is in fact working on you. Over react! Act like you are Madly in love with him." Moon shook her head. "I dont get it." Rosaline smoothed out her dress.
"If you play it out right, then maybe, just maybe you will drive him MAD. Then. ." Rosaline shruged and smiled. Moon was starting to catch on. "Then. .he'll get so pissed. .that he'll Leave me alone!!" Rosaline nodded. "HA!" Moon claped her hands together. "Thank You! Thank You!" Rosaline put her finger to her lips, then pointed at Meekal who was walking their way. They pretended to wind up a conversation. Rosaline made it distinct that Moon now had the mostly full galss. Then Rosaline left do dance some more with Angelo.


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

[ 09-05-2001: Message edited by: Iwant2bafencer ]

[Moonitic]

Little did the ladies know, but Meekal watched their exchange in horror. The WRONG GIRL got the potion! What would he do? He intended that specifically for Lady Moon. He planned and plotted. He did everything he could to make it work out. His plan couldn't fail now! Not when he worked so hard!

In a panic, he slid his hand inside the slash of his tunic. It made him feel better to rub his belly sometimes, as his mother the Queen of Muu used to do when he was small. Something velvet touched the tips of his fingers. It made him pause. He withdrew the piece of fabric to reveal another pouch. Could it be? He opened it. A rolled up slip of parchment accompanied another vial, but one full of powder this time. He unrolled the parchment and read the familiar handwriting of Oddledoodle, the magician.

Meekal,
I made up a back up batch in case you need it. She must inhale the powder, then you must repeat these words to make her your own:

Good old Oddledoodle, not trusting the daft prince. But the words were hard to read. They had been scrawled in a hurry.

He'd have to wing it.

[Moonitic]

And wing it, he did. Meekal did not let Lady Moon from his site the entire night. It was not difficult, as she did very little moving. He could tell that she hated being there, and, his heart wept, with him.

But the vial of powder he held in his hand would change all that very soon. Lady Moon would be his forever (or until the potion wore off), and there would finally be something good in his life. No one would stop him from executing his plan. He'd make sure of that.

On the other side of the ballroom, Lady Moon finally decided that she had enough excitement for one night. She had a massive headache, and just wanted to get away. Last time, she would have left with Sir David of Boreanaz...this time, she would leave alone.

She kept to the walls as she made her escape, glad that the crush of people made her leaving difficult to follow, but she did not realize that one person did notice. In her haste, she did not see that Meekal had left the room before her, to wait in the corridor.

She ran into him as she exited the ballroom. "Meekal!" she half-shrieked. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was looking for you."

Moon raised her eyebrows at him. "Why?" She did not want to dance with him, kiss him good night, or even shake hands. She just wanted to leave.

"I have something for you." He smiled.

Inside, Moon groaned. "What?"

Meekal giggled. "Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Please? It's the least you could do. You didn't even dance with me," he said.

His puppy dog eyes proved too much for Lady Moon. She sighed heavily and said, "Oh, all right." Then she closed her eyes.

"Are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be," she grumbled.

Meekal mumbled a few strange words. It sounded almost like Latin, but horribly mangled. Then, something silky soft hit her in the face. Surprised, she inhaled, and felt a powdery substance slide down her nose and throat. She coughed, to no avail. "Meekal! What are you trying to do to me? What is this?"

Meekal smiled sweetly. "Oh, just a surprise."

"Some surprise," Moon muttered. "Good night..." Suddenly, a stunned expression crossed her features. She stared blankly at Meekal for a moment. "Meekal," she whispered.

He looked closely at her. "Yes?" He had a huge grin on his face.

Lady Moon smiled herself. "Good night." She leaned forward to plant a kiss on his cheek, then turned away to take her leave. The joyful prince spun away himself, excited to tell Wooden Bob and the gang all about his successful mission. He did not see Lady Moon look at him over her shoulder, a glint of glowing red in her eye. "Sleep tight, Prince," she growled.

[Lord Tellurine]

Meekal bounded back into the ball joyfully. "It worked," he giggled gleefully at anyone who would listen to him. He told Willow and Nicholas, King Arcon and Queen Zelda, and he made his way onto the dance floor and found Lady Rosaline. He pulled her from her dancing partner to tell her, "It worked! I did it! She loves me!"

Lady Rosaline gave him a subdued smile. "Of course it did," she said, giving him a wink. She laughed to herself. Lady Moon most of put on quite a little act for the daft prince.

Meekal's look turned serious and he asked her, "You're feeling all right, though, right?" He was worried about the doctored drink she drank earlier.

She answered, "Never been better, Meekal."

Suddenly, her dance partner turned to see who she was talking to. Angel asked, "Meekal?"

Meekal looked the man over. He looked oddly familiar to him. "Do I know you?" he asked.

Angel replied, "I'm your brother!"

Lady Rosaline said, "What?"

Meekal said, "Huh?"

Wooden Bob stumbled by with a lampshade on his wooden leg.

[Swordsman]

Nækos was amazed by the speed with which Serana spun out of their dance and grabbed the dagger from the back of his sash at the same time. He managed to get the sabre out without catching it on her. They made their way over to the fight, but she was slowed by her dress and shoes, and so it was over by the time they got there. So they returned to the dance floor. "Now...you never did quite get to tell me what happened while I was gone."

[DamedEscrime]

Meanwhile, Lady Josephine was having one heck of a dance with Steve. If his mum had taught him to dance, she must have been a new born fawn on ice. Not only did he crush her to him in the most uncomfortable way, but his feet were consistently on top of hers. His knees kept banging into hers and catching in the folds of her gown. She tried to keep up with his erratic moves but couldn't tell whether he was leading or following. Steve was oblivious to all his shortcomings. He smiled broadly as the band played on and on and on and on............... "PLEASE, sombody cut in," she thought.

[Foil Girl]

"Well..." she said, passing his knife from hand to hand. She gave a start, remembering it was his knife, and handed it back with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Anyways, well, let's see. Erm... I, uh, ran away, but that's not important-"

"You ran away? Why?"

"I had to clear my head. You left, Jo hated me, so on and so forth." she shrugged and Nækos frowned a little "Anyways, there was this magical sword that everyone went on a quest for... George Washington tried to take jo away but we took care of him, sort of. Moon was taken back to Muu by Lord Tellurine, then she and meekal escaped. That's all I can think of. It's kind of been a blur."

Nækos nodded, thinking. Ever since they had danced he had felt she was edgy about something.

What is it, Serana? he thought.

[Swordsman]

"Ah...very interesting..." I guess I'll have somebody else fill me in... "Tell me, what are you not telling me?"

[ 09-06-2001: Message edited by: Swordsman ]

[DamedEscrime]

Folks meet the GHOST of George Washington.
George if you want to play, just tell us. I'm sure we can find a spot for a chain-rattler.

[lochinvar]

Lochinvar watched from the wings as Steve the publican and the lady in black lace caromed erratically around the dance floor, marbles rolling about the deck of a ship in a storm. She kept casting vaguely desperate glances about the room, like a besieged garrison watching for a relief column. Perhaps it was time someone intervened.

Deciding, he handed his ale tankard to a passing servant and made his way through the revelors. Tapping Steve lightly on the shoulder he bowed to the lady, saying, “Mind if I cut in?”

Steve stepped back with a broad grin. “Not at all, mate! I was just thinking I needed something to drink. In fact, I’ll prob’ly get two; I’m so dry, me tongue’ll soak up the first before it gets to the back of me throat!” And with that, he headed straightaway for the bar.

Lochinvar turned to the lady, offered his hand, and asked, “Shall we?” With a look of relief, she placed her hand in his, and off they went.

[DamedEscrime]

"Sir, I don't believe we have met. Please tell me about yourself," she inquired.

[lochinvar]

Lochinvar started to answer…and, all unexpectedly, the abyss opened before him.

What, indeed, could he, should he, tell her about himself?

He was suddenly taken with a desire to tell all, to open the spill gates and let words flow, flushing out darkness, doubt, pain. It would be cathartic, like lancing an abscess. It would be release.

But no…what insane impulse was this? He seized it like a venomous serpent, and throttled it a-borning. Revelations would be unwelcomed here. He did not know this young lady; he would appear a madman, raving in darkness. And why should she care? It would be unseemly, monstrously presumptuous.

And, in truth, it would be unfair. She doubtless had her own burdens. Most folk did. He would keep his own. He chose the easier path.

“I am Lochinvar MacAlpine, my lady. I grew up in the border lands, where my father had a small feif, and the rest of my life was long to live but is short to tell about.”

“I have been a soldier since I was old enough to sit a horse or draw a bow, mostly against bandits and brigands that infest those parts."

"Until recently, I held service with the Laird of Donroth; however, the border being quiet, and finding that I have no real interest in crops and husbandry, I sold my estate and have come here, to Arconia, to see my old friend, the king—although, when I knew him formerly, he was NOT one, nor was Zelda the queen.”

“I may wander on to see what the larger world holds, or I may stay here for a time. I have not decided. There are so many new faces since last I was here—your face, may I say, among the fairest of them—and I would be interested to hear their stories.”

“So, then, my Lady,” he said, smiling tentatively, as the music ended. “Your turn: who are you, and what is YOUR story?”

[ 09-06-2001: Message edited by: lochinvar ]

[DamedEscrime]

"Well, sir, it seems you may be a man among men. You certainly do understand the rhythm of the dance and for that I must thank you."
Not wanting to be thought a shrew she did not mention the poor clumsy Steve. "Shall we take libation as I tell you my story?"

"A delightful idea," he responded as he lead her to a place more conducive to conversation. Kilerins came round with heavy trays of wine and spirits and they each chose a drink. She her favorite, rasberry wine. He a much strong liquer of Danish Kersberry. They sipped and chatted about small things until he grew impatient. "Now, lady, do tell me about yourself."

Jo looked at her feet, suddenly shy. What could she say that might be as impressive as his story? For a moment she thought of creating some great lie, but thought better of it. "In all honesty I have not much to tell. I am Josephine Aldora of the house of Escrime. Unfortunately I have yet to live up to the name. Escrime is a lovely estate. As a child my parents greatly indulged and pampered me. I'm afraid they did me no favor in that. When they both died during the Terrible Plague I was left to the care of my sister, Lady Loreili Ledgerto. She was the king's demolition expert and had made many enemies. When she was killed I was left in the care of Naekos Servaya. For now I am in the care of the royal house of Arcon. So you see I have no works of wonderment or accomplishents to boast of. I am what I am, a simple maid of the kingdom waiting for adventure."

Loch was thoughtful for a moment and then replied,"I do believe that adventure will come your way if that is what you wish. I see that your glass is empty would you care for another?"

"Oh, I should become completely giddy if a take another," she responded with a coy smile.

"Then another dance, my lady!"

She did not hesitate, but readily gave him her hand.

[ 09-06-2001: Message edited by: DamedEscrime ]

[lochinvar]

Lochinvar squired Josephine through a Branles, then into an Allemande, followed by a Galliard and a stately Pavan. Dance followed dance, and he discovered to his surprise that he was enjoying himself.

They passed another couple, he all in black, she in silver-white. They looked like two game pieces, enchanted into life. The effect was pleasing.

“That is Naekos, my former guardian,” she said in answer to his inquiry. “And that is the maid Serana, his arms pupil.”

Jo was light and smooth as a willow wand in the wind. She moved unconsciously to match his somewhat clumsy and mechanical lead, transforming his otherwise uninspiring movements into something approaching grace. Candlelight danced sparkling, red and deepest blue, from her necklace and earings where they lay against her soft skin, drawing the eye to her delicate decolletage, her smooth neck, complementing the dark silk of her hair. Occaisonally she laughed, and the room seemed brighter for it.

He was thoroughly entranced, despite himself.

Adventures, he thought. She said she wanted adventures.

He remembered a time when he also had wanted adventure. A life lived in the saddle had taught him, to his sorrow, that adventure was usually synonymous with cold, discomfort, hardship, heartache, and loss. Whatever you brought away from it seemed, often, not quite worth the cost.

He sighed, inwardly, as he watched her, vibrant, charged with vital energy, eagerly forward-looking. Whatever losses she had suffered, it seemed they had left her spirit mercifully untouched, her sense of wonder intact. Life, to her, was still an uncharted land, begging exploration.

She deserved a strong, young fellow, ambitious, eager, on his way up. Lochinvar was no longer looking for the way up; these days, it seemed to himself, he was only looking for a way out.

For a moment he saw another face superimposed on the room: a delicate oval, ice-blue eyes, hair the color of jet, a sharp nose slightly upturned. He mentally shook himself, and the apparition vanished.

Whatever it was that was trying to take root within him, it could never bear fruit. Because of her future. Because of his past. If he ever thought otherwise, he was simply being a fool.

So it was with great surprise that he heard himself say, “Lady, would you care to walk in the garden for a bit? I have a mind to let the stars see your eyes, and be jealous.”

She took his arm wordlessly, and they swept out of the room through the glass doors and into the night.

[Moonitic]

{Disclaimer: Remember that this is fiction, gang. I do none of this out of spite, only to engage a new twist to the story.}

The first thing Lady Moon did when she returned to her chamber, was change her clothing.

She stripped completely, throwing her soiled dress to the ground. "What kind of fool was I to wear such a hideous thing?" She moved to her wardrobe, and began to rummage through her clothing. She found nothing that would serve her. "I must have been a weak kneed fool to choose such garments. That will change." The dresses, the lace...nothing suited her mood. But at the deepest reaches of the large piece of furniture, she found something that might suit her...a pair of black leather breeches. Yes, they would do nicely. She paired the pants with a short chemise of burgundy color, cinching it at the waist with a leather belt. Then, she slipped into a waiting pair of thigh high leather boots. Uncommon for a Lady whose feet preferred to be free from apparrel.

She slipped the dagger that she kept under her mattress into a sheath within one of her boots. With a secret smile, she made her way down to the ball.

"Now is the time for a little fun." A hearty laugh echoed through the corridor.

The partygoers paid little mind to Lady Moon as she re-entered the ballroom. They smiled, nodded, and turned away, only to return their gaze on her in surprise. "Lady Moon?" they whispered. "Why is she dressed that way? And where is Meekal?"

Moon had only one reason to be there: She would, at last, claim her position as a royal. These Arconia sots had lasted far too long in such a position of power. The kingdom belonged to her.

A voice broke through her musing. "Hello Lady Moon. I see you changed your clothing after that fiasco with Meekal." Moon's eyes narrowed. She turned to come face to face with Willow, her best friend.

"I do not have time to speak. Go back to your precious Nicholas and leave me be, as you were apt to do before." She turned and stalked away, leaving Willow to stare at her back in shock.

Her next encounter on her mission was Naekos and Serana. They had stopped briefly for a refreshment before continuing their frolic. "Lady Moon...you've changed." Serana noted.

"That is very bright of you, little one." Her gaze slid to Naekos, and her lips curled into a smile. She placed a hand on his shoulder, then leaned over to whisper in his ear. "A man such as yourself needs a strong woman by your side. Not a weak child. That is, if you can handle her." She moved away from the pair, laughing deeply. The couple looked at one another in surprise.

By the time the third interruption took place, Lady Moon had grown quite irritated. Sir Angelo..."Angel"...stood before her. "Why did you not tell me that Meekal was my brother, Lady Moon?"

"Are you too stupid to figure it out on your own? Perhaps you are more daft than he is," she spat. She looked over the young man, shaking her head. "You've forgotten who you are, Prince of Muu. You are royalty. You should be leading these people, not following them." She pushed him aside, and kept walking toward her goal. In her wake, a group of very confused friends watched her go.

[ 09-06-2001: Message edited by: Moonitic ]