Masquerade: Dark Side Soiree

[Razielle Alastor]

Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you..

Razielle sat still, her long hair pinned up painfully tight as lengths of tiny aromatic flowers were wound through the impressive arrangement. She was nearly ready for the ball tonight. Her dress was being held by her maid, Lira, who was ready to slip the gauzy white confection of a gown over her head. She really wasn't quite sure what her costume was, Virgin Bride, Wingless Angel, Cake Frosting or Lamb to the Slaughter? Either way, this one wouldn't be worn long. She hated white. But the modiste had assured her it would look so dramatic with her jet black hair and a tiny coronet.

Rising from the vanity, Razielle slipped back on her dressing gown and motioned for the other chamber maids to grab her dancing shoes, full length gloves, mask and fan. A lot to juggle, but she had only been doing it for nineteen years now.

"Lira, I wish to finish dressing with the Queen. Her Majesty said that if I got the jitters that I could come to her private chamber to dress with her.

"Yes, Highness."

With a small armada of servants trailing in her wake, she made her way to the Queen's side. On the way to the Her Majesty's chambers, Razielle thought back on all her arrangements. This was going to be a very entertaining night, no one knew quite what to expect as yet. She had bought the very best in entertainment. Musicians, acrobats, contortionists, trapeze girls, and to say nothing of the small fortune in buffet food. There was a smaller recreation done outside in the courtyard for the common folk as well.

Arriving, Razielle tossed a cheeky smile to Dak, who stood guard outside the entrance to the Queen's inner sanctum. Apparently he had been advised that she may stop by, because he let her pass with nothing more than a brisk nod.

Accepting the remaining, articles from a servant, Razielle grasped Lira by the arm and shooed her into the Queen's room, dismissing the rest of the staff. "I'll only require Lira's help tonight, you may go."

Entering, Razielle looked around for the Queen amidst the chaos of her own servants. They seemed about to riot over who would help the Queen, dress for the ball.

"Majesty...?"

[Lilaena De'Ville]

General Devious had suggested she attend the masquerade at their last meeting. He insisted that the princess had not suspected a thing, and after all, with masks in place Lilaena could wander freely in the palace without detection.

He spoke of the queen's advisor with disgust, and often, but he did not seem to realize what she knew about Salem Ave. He was Force Sensitive. And his power was not to be sneezed at. She did not mention it to her former student, because DeSang was far more likely to just kill the man outright rather than figure out what he was doing here.

From talking among the locals she'd found that Ave had appeared into Onderon's political scene from virtually no where. She couldn't find records of him dating back further than a few years before the young Queen had begun her reign. If he were somehow tied to the Force history of the planet, and the moon, it seemed unlikely.

Dalamar had helped her get in touch with the right seamstresses, just in time to have a ball gown sewn up. She couldn't ever remember wearing anything so... big... before. Skirts, yes, but nothing that compared to the majesty of her ballgown. A deep russet red with just enough elaborate embroidery in black and silver thread to give it a texture and shimmer that she'd never seen in a garment before. Underneath she was wearing a pair of tight black shorts and a black tanktop, should she have to wriggle out of the dress and make a run for it. Her black stockings stopped at the knees and a pair of heeled dancing slippers were tied onto her feet.

All in all, she felt like an imposter. With her dark hair teased out and spritzed with glitter and the smooth white mask fixed in place, only her green eyes remained to show the mirror who it was underneath all the frippery. The mask did not need to be held in place, there was some sort of attatchment system that didn't need glue or strings that held it snugly on her features. It covered her from forehead to just under her nose, and it's expression was one of cottequish amusement. A small smile graced the white ceramic, one that seemed to suggest, as well as deny.

Underneath, the girl that was helping her dress (also provided by DeSang, who was almost giddy with the thought of being able to dance with her underneath everyone's noses) had insisted on doing up her face. "Just in case," she'd insinuated, her mind believing firmly that the General would be taking this woman to bed later and would want a pretty face under the mask. Dark makeup rimmed her eyes, her lips were painted with a pale pink and just the right amount of shimmer touched her cheeks and forehead.

After it was done, she felt like she'd somehow been caught in a wind storm. Black elbow length gloves completed the outfit, a feather was placed, just so in her hair, and the maid pronounced her complete.

Lilaena was glad to leave her. As soon as she left her rooms she pulled the ridiculous feather out and dropped it on the ground. Gathering up her skirts, she set off for the ball.

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Majesty...?"

The voice of sanity broke through the endless chatter of servants running amuck inside her dressing room. Adraudia had been standing on top of the dressing platform in front of the full length mirror staring at her own reflection for almost fifteen minutes, while the gaggle of maids scurried to assemble the material for her intricate dress. She was going to be late for the ball, it was a given. Thankfully her hair was finished otherwise that would have tacked on another hour. Her hair was pinned up much like Razielle's but two wisps of brown locks gently graced her shoulders.

Standing on her tip toes, she towered over the mass, "Here, your Highness."

Right away she recognized Lira and now was a good a time as any to set things in motion. At least it would be bloody well quiet in here finally!

"Attention! Attention everyone please!" Everyone hushed quickly and paused from whatever it was they were doing. "I know many of you anticipated helping me get ready this eve for the ball. In your enthusiasm, we’ve become lost for time."

Many of the maids hadn't the opportunity to dress the Queen for such a richly affair. The competing interests did manage to swallow up precious time. Looks of disappointment spread like a plague. "Ah, ah!" Adraudia held up a finger to scold their sour faces. "All is not lost and your efforts can be redirected into making sure our guests are well situated before my arrival with the Princess is announced. Jaynie?"

One of the maids step out and curtsied. "Your Majesty?"

"You shall stay here with me. Between you and Lira's help, if her Highness would not mind, I should be able to get ready without being too tardy." Adraudia had not counted on Lira's help but Razielle was practically done. "Everyone is dismissed. Thank you."

When the last maid left and locked the door, Adraudia buried her face into her hand. "My word! I've never seen such absurdity since my coronation! Jaynie if you’d please?”

The maid quickly got to work and with expert care, pulled the dress off of the display stand. The dress was magnificent. It incorporated the Royal colors of house Basillie, golden yellow and white. White was the more prominent color but the elegant lace design woven into the dress was exquisite. The flora design at the fringe of her dress was patterned after indigenous specimens found on Onderon. The seamstress managed to add actual flower petals into the design!

Adraudia studied herself in the mirror, smoothing out some of the cloth while Jaynie placed the royal sash over her head and went to retrieve her ruff. “Is everything else in place for tonight?”

[Dalamar DeSang]

Dalamar straightened the collor on his uniform. His black leather boots gave off a bright shine in the room. The symbols of his command and authority where pined colorfully to his right chest pocket. A gold and white sash the colors of house Basillie went over the left shoulder and hung down to the waist both side's where pinned with a tiny silver sword. One of his Silver dragon katana's was wrapped and attached to his side. The peace bond was tied the hilt to the sword to keep it from being drawn.

His black and silver belt was attached firmly at his waist. His silver white hair was pulled back in a pony tail held in place by a gold ring inlaid with platinium which matched the cufflinks and side pins on his collar. He stepped out of the room and headed toward the ball. People were still arriving when Dal had entered the hall.

It was then that he saw a vision. She strode toward the ball in red and silver with a little black lace to top it off. She was beautiful from what he could see of her. His white wolf mask was firmly in place. He wondered if Lil' would recognize him. He masked his prescence from all in the room, let them know him as a stranger tonight.

"Mi'lady would you save a dance for me later?" He bowed but kept his head up to see her responce.

[Salem Ave]

Amidst the sea of disguises, there was no mistaking Salem Ave. The Queen's Advisor had chosen a costume that was simple yet striking, bold and rather intimidating. He wore a red frock coat and britches, with patent leather riding boots. A scabbard hung at his waist, containing a fine, ornamental rapier. His face was half covered by a ghoulish, skeletal mask; his solid white eyes surrounded by circles of black make-up. Entering the ball alone, his arrival was met with a score of turning heads. Various courtiers came to his side quickly, applauding his choice of attire, remarking on what a dashing figure he cut. Salem said very little in reply, but rather pursed his lips into a smile and gracefully passed on.

[Razielle Alastor]

"Stunning, Your Majesty. Your people will be all puffed out from pride at their lovely Queen." Razielle dropped her gaze and tried not to laugh at her own antics.

"To say nothing of Her Majesty's Oh-so-eligable pretty heiress ward.." She waited for the silence her comment would cause. As they all stared at her in shock, Razielle exhaled on her polished fingernails. She then buffed them on the satin of the white elbow length gloves she was to wear, as if nothing was amiss.

She looked up and burst into laughter."Kidding!" Her tone became, serious once more, even dropped for only her friend to hear what she was saying.. "All jokes aside, you look beautiful, Adraudia. Yes, everything is set. I'll wait for your signal before we go change. The girls know what to do. Don't worry about a thing."


Seemingly minutes later, Her Royal Majesty, Sovereign of Onderon, Queen Adraudia Basille was announced. The Masquerade was already under way, but the ballroom stilled in a hushed silence as the bemasked monarch entered their midst. Everyone dropped into graceful, shows of respect. Suddenly the ballroom and the courtyard beyond erupted into thunderous applause for their Queen.

After it seemed the applause would continue for some time, the Queen held up a hand for silence, all complied. Then her ward was also announced, somewhat more somberly. Her Highness, Princess Razielle Ilona Shadana, of the late Monarchy of Davora stepped out to the Queen's side. If this was the first time for someone to see her she would still remain mysterious. Her mask of soft white leather covered the top half of her face, revealing only the color of her eyes, violet. Her lips, darkened to a shade of wine, were turned up in a wry smile. Though the simple lines of her gown spoke of something angelic, there was a hint of something else behind the mask.


The pair descended the stairs and were immediately absorbed into the swarm of the party that had just officially started. The trapeze girls dressed as ancient mythological beauties began their feats of flight. The acrobats on raised platforms scattered to and fro began their juggling and contorting. The symphonic orchestra, began the first dance of the evening. If Iziz had learned anything about the Queen's ward tonight, it had learned that she could throw one hell of a party.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Lilaena curtseyed to the General, her face lowered even though he could not see it under the mask. "Certainly, General." For who else could it be with that silvery white hair? "Perhaps a waltz, later?" He bowed and walked off towards the doors that led to the courtyard. Even during a party he couldn't seem to forget that he was in charge of the Queen's saftey, and the courtyard full of regular people was sure to weigh heavily on his mind.

Or perhaps he just enjoyed the moonlight. Everyone stopped and applauded as the Queen and her ward entered the ballroom, and then the music started up in earnest and the dancing began.

She allowed herself to be pulled away by a courtier, her full red skirts swishing along behind her. The black and silver embroidery on the red silk reflected and absorbed the light in turn as her dance partner spun her onto the dance floor. He tried to dazzle her with wit, but she only half listened to him, her attention arrested by the Queen's advisor who was standing in the crowd along the side of the dance floor. With some amusement she realized that they were wearing the same color.

[Jecht Tar]

Jecht shifted uneasily where he stood. The costume he wore was far too tight and restricting for his likes. He was a military man, for goodness sake. Dressing up was not something he did. He would have been more then happy to attend the Masquerade in his battered breastplate, but instead he was forced into getting into this... costume. What he wore was like the kind of uniform worn by visiting dignitaries. The undershirt was of unblemished white fabric while the pants were black with white stripes down the sides that tucked into his black boots. Over it all he wore a black tail coat that sported a white rose that hung out of the right breast pocket. To say the least it was incredibly uncomfortable.

Jecht let out a sigh as he turned around in his small room to face the even smaller mirror that hung from the wall. Carefully he wet his unruly shoulder length hair and slicked it back, applying hair mouse to keep it in place. Now for the last part. The mask was of perfect white and would cover his entire face. There was no detail on the mask except for the two holes for his eyes.

At least he had been given a weapon to carry. It was not his normal weaponry, a pair of curved swords, but a single long sword contained in a beautifully decorated sheath. The weapon was hung from his belt and tied down with a type of peace bond. The actual bond was weak and would break easily so that he could draw the weapon in the chance that someone tried to take the Queen's life.

There was a knock on his door, "Come in," Jecht said and the door was pushed open, "Get out there already," It was one of his commanding officers, High Guard Nuben.

Jecht grabbed his mask, fitted it over the front of his face, and looked in the mirror again. Another sigh pierced the air, this time muffled from behind the mask. Jecht turned away and headed out the door, past Nuben, and towards the noise of the Masquerade party.

He reached the giant chamber just as the Queen was being announced. He moved through the crowd in a slow, erratic manner that brought him close to the queen. He had been told what the queen would be wearing and now it was his job to keep close without actually appearing to be one of the Royal Guard.

When finally he was close enough to the Queen he turned away and pretended to be watching the trapeze artists.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Lira and Jaynie stepped forward and removed the opulent royal cloak from the Queen's shoulders. As with each ruler, the cloak was commissioned before the coronation with adhered to a simple code when designing it, leaving some room for individuality for the ruler. For Adraudia, her cloak was trimmed in soft kahmurra fur, outlining the deep golden velvet like cloth that had the family coat of arms sewn in.

The two maids carefully put up the cloak behind her Majesty throne and Adraudia took her seat, followed by Razielle who sat next to her. It was a point of contention that the Princess sit actually sit next to the Queen. As was proper, she should have sat two feet back but Adraudia's word was law. Such trivialities were of no concern to the Queen. This was the night that the Queen and her Ward were introduced together. She would not have the importance of that be diminished by chair placement.

Signaling an attendant, the receiving line began. A line that stretched as far as the ballroom were filled with those of the Royal Court, Dignitaries off world, and important military figures that were keeping Iziz safe from the Mandalorians. One by one they bowed in respect and took two steps up the stage where they thank the Queen for allowing them the honor to greet the Princess and in turn introduced themselves to Razielle by lifting their masks just enough to get a glimpse of their face for reference.

[Dalamar DeSang]

Lil leaned forward and Dalamar saw a side of his former master that he had never seen before. Her pale bosom took his mind somewhere it had not been lately. He was so busy with affairs of the state that he forgot he was also a man. Well a vampyre. With a passion for life among other things. Was it his imagination or did he see Lil smile. She was cunning but no he didn't think she noticed his slight pause in speaking. He excused himself then watched with keen interest as she swayed away.

He looked over the balcony to check the ground floor and see if his guards where at there stations. He had triple the guard posted at every outlet. Only those invited and approved by himself and the Court couriers where allowed in. DeSang was determined to have a good time tonight. He had done everything that could be done. He just had to trust his careful planning.

He moved up closer towards where the Queen and her ward where. Once this royal audience was done the ball would start in earnest. All came to pay respects to there Queen and here quest. Dal was close at hand but not enough to intimidate the guests with his prescence. A beautiful blond lady in a bird mask came up and asked Dal for a dance when the music started. Her golden curls matched her yellow silk dress quite well. She had a red ruby necklace capped in gold hanging gently from her neck. She moved with a beautiful grace. Dalamar said he would gladly dance with her when the chance arrived.

She simpered a little curtsy then giggled a little. Dal grabbed a nearby wine and drank to the Queens health and waited for the festivities to swing into gear...

[Nathanial K'cansce]

He was next in line to great the Queen and the Princess, an honor that only the privileged had. A lesser man would have been nervous, with sweat beginning to form at their brow. They would have found it hard to find their voice, let alone keep it from sounding shaky.

The invitation came as a surprise, a welcomed one. He hadn't been living on Onderon for more than three years, yet he already had made a modest living and rose to nobility. Though, it did help that he had a small fortune from back home - a small mining facility on his home world of Cayss. As it turned out, Onderon had an interest in two things that Cayss had to offer. And luckily, Cayss was one of only a handful of worlds with such offerings.

An exotic and rare predator, a distant relative to the panther, though quite larger boosted a wonderful fur coat that was highly sought after. Not only that, but Cayss held a distinctive metallic alloy that the warriors of Onderon used in the making of their armor and weapons. It was a very profitable business, and to make sure everything worked smoothly, a dignitary had been set to Onderon to make sure everything went smoothly between transactions.

That man stood there, next in line to greet the Queen and meet the Princess. He stood six foot three, dressed in a black tux with a blue vest and black tie. Around his neck was a decorative cape, an accessory to his costume, that hid his long hair which he had brushed back, tied together by his neck into a small pony tail that went down to the middle of his back. On his pale face he wore a mask, deep blue in color with black writings across the forehead and under the eyes from a language long dead. It covered his forehead, stretch ear to ear and came down just below his eyes and over the bridge of his nose. One each side, the mask curved downward, forming along his jaw line, curving up and ending at sharp points by the corner of his lips.

It was his turn. He took the two steps up, now standing before the Queen.

"My Majesty," he said, bowing a deep bow and taking her hand in his, kissing it ever so gently. He released her hand, turning to stand before the Princess.

"Your highness," he said, bowing. When he lifted himself up, he slowly removed his mask, allowing Razielle to see his pale features and dark brown eyes. "Nathanial K'Cansce, Ambassador of foreign trade to and from Cayss. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

Returning the mask to his face, Nathan walked away,en route to the table where he was assigned to.

[Salem Ave]

Salem watched from a distance as the royalty of Onderon were paraded before a long of guests. He was fortunate in this respect that although his power was near-level with that of the Queen, there was no real necessity for him to indulge in such formalities. While many found the Queens advisor charismatic, perhaps charming in a slightly unexpected fashion, they did not clamour to shake his hand – after all, he had met the majority of them before – and for this he was thankful. He continued his slow walk around the hall, keeping a watchful eye on those present. In particular his gaze was drawn to a young woman dressed in a colour to match his own. Even as her partner turned her in a graceful dance, her eyes always returned to the Queens Advisor ... How odd.

[Razielle Alastor]

Her eyes briefly scanned the crush of masked faces, looking for someone in particular. It didn't matter much if she found him now. She had absolutely no intention of dancing with him garbed as she was. No, he could just wait until she really joined the masque. Her gaze did happen to settle upon the object of her more base affections. His sights seemed to be settled on something, or someone else, she followed the path to a scarlet clad female. The fact that her violet eyes narrowed slightly, was the only outward sign of her ire.

Very interesting.. It seemed they had dressed to match.

Her attention was drawn away once more to the line of people being presented before the Queen and herself. Finally! Someone interesting. A smile lit up her features beneath her mask.

Nathanial K'Cansce, Ambassador. She waited until the handsome young man was out hearing range. With a flutter of her fan, Razielle concealed the fact the she was speaking to the Queen in hushed tones.

"He was rather handsome, wasn't he? It's really a shame protocol dosen't permit us asking them to dance!"

Either way, she was quickly tiring of sitting on her pampered bottom. She wanted to dance about in her gown like a fairytale. All the better to add to the confusion when she returned as something else entirely.

Another casual fluter of her fan. "Do you suppose decorum permits us to get our own beverages?"

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Lilaena curtseyed at the end of the dance, thankful that all the years of combat training that Master A'na Eldhil had put her through. Being limber and moving easily was a part of dancing as well, though the steps were very different. She almost laughed at the thought of throwing her partner to the ground, but restrained herself with a secretive grin.

She made her way towards the refreshments, allowing a gentleman in Beast rider colors to pour her a glass of punch as the next dance began. Not wishing to engage in much small talk, the Jedi began walking slowly around the perimeter of the room, pretending to admire the architechure.

[Adraudia Basillie]

The Queen covered her mouth her mouth daintily as she giggled, "Of course not your Highness, but we still have a few more guests to meet."

After the last person of the receiving line was introduced and greeted, the Queen and Princess could finally have a chance to mingle. Adraudia rose first, followed by Razielle, and the two walked down the stairs side by side with two guards following close by. The sea of guests parted and bowed with respect, wondering when the time would be right to gain attention of the Queen's ear.

Several guests had just parted the refreshment table, but those spots were quickly gobbled up as it was evident that was where their Queen was headed.

A Beast rider was about to pour two glasses of punch before Adraudia rose a hand to halt him and graciously refused his assistance, "Thank you, Tunus, but the Princess and I shall help ourselves."

[Laurent Delinore]

We do not announce riff raff like you. It is a surprise you were even allowed to attend this event. Do not cause any trouble or I shall see that you are removed, along with that boy always with you.

"Well I never." Laurent purred, watching the little ankle biter walk away stiffly. That was the trouble with this royal bunch - too much powder and lace as far as he was concerned. But how could he not put in an appearance at such a popular event? It was a service indeed to all the ladies and he might even throw in a few jokes with the men. He already had one of those to entertain him, however. Men that was.

Speaking of which, as the case was usually, he had lost track of the little heart breaker when he had started sweet talking the vixen dressed in silver just across the way. His smirk broadened as he turned his head and glanced at her, even more so upon catching her looking back and the light blush creeping up her cheeks. Adorable bit of sparkle, she was. Mere finger food, he was sure.

He had always been a dessert man.

Pressing his foot deeper into the tall column that he leaned against, he lurched off into the room and prowled for a delectable morsel or his companion. Either would suit him just fine. Seeing as how he wanted to stay missing and Laurent was never one for long chases, the women would have to do. Not that he pressumed they could hook him. It was just the matter of finding the right one. Not to aim too high, but he heard the Queen was quite the looker. And how lucky for him to find her right next to his new pal, Razielle.

Slipping around a large crowd of people that seemed all about gossip and peek-a-boo, he came to stand beside the two ladies, directly to Razielle's right and smiled. Half of the expression, however, was hidden beneath the gleaming silver mask that drew down his face in perfect sculpt to the flesh beneath. When he considered them both properly attentive, he drew the military style beret from atop his head and slanted his body into a roguish bow. The leather of his attire gave a well polished grunt and the chain riddled whip at his side gave a mischievous glisten.

"Salutations, Highnesses. I trust you are enjoying.. the bash?" He murmured in what he supposed could be defined as polite prattle. He leaned back up from his bow and his eyes flashed over them both, taking in the outfits they had adorned, revealing in turn the different shades belonging to each of his wolf-like eyes.

[Jecht Tar]

And as the Queen and the Princess moved, so did Jecht. He broke away from the conversation he had been attempting to establish with a balding gentleman when he saw the Queen begin to move. He excused himself and started off through the press of bodies in the direction of the refreshements table. He walked slowly and stopped many times to look at something that he pretended had just caught his eye; a statue, a preformer, the architechure, one of the guests, anything and everything, it all worked towards his guise.

Eventually he reached the back of the crowd that had congregated around the queen and the princess. Jecht managed to squeeze himself into the throng and reach a point about half way in. From here he could easily reach the royalty and not look too suspision at the same time. He ended up starting a conversation with the woman beside him, his voice muffled behind his mask. Even though he carried on the conversation quite well, his eyes were always looking to the side at the Queen and the Princess.

[Dalamar DeSang]

Dalamar heard a small commotion coming from the balcony. He looked down to the floor lever where he had posted his men. They where missing why weren't they at there post? Dalalmar signalled Ject to let him know the situation. Then moving again towards the balcony he made sure the area was clear.

He had to know what was going on. What if it was Legion? He leaped over the balcony and landed with a bonecrunching impact. His sword that was decorated cremoniously was cut and drawn. He pulled the force in around him feeling for anything out of the ordinary. There was something amiss but he could not tell exactly what it was. The crowd above resonated in his mind.


He found one of the guards almost immediately he was lying in a small pool of blood. "Hmm so much for me having a good time tonight." He saw more bootprints as they lead away drenched in the blood of there victim. There was 3 or 4 of them and they where on the move.

[Xanatos Etanial]

He'd found a nice comfy and dark little corner to sit in. He liked it just fine, he did. He really shouldn't feel so off about what he was wearing, after all Laurent had picked it out - and he had agreed to it.

Still... being dressed in a maid's uniform and mask was a touch disconcerting for him, just a TOUCH however - and he knew after he adjusted to the larger crowd he'd be just fine to mingle and laugh. Have a wonderful time, just like Laurent would want him to. Just like Laurent himself was most likely having. Perhaps with some pretty young trinket he thought partially aloud, muttering to himself.

Ah well, such was the life - X knew this. Heck, he'd enjoyed helping Laurent with a few such bobbles. He giggled a bit, and stretched - well it was as good a time as any to get over his stage fright. Wandering away from the corner he spotted Laurent and fought the urge to run to him, he was as it seemed, occupied with much more influention people. No... for the moment it would suit him to merely stand in the background and watch, maybe make some polite conversation with all the stuffy rich people.

He had to admit... the whole affair had a certain air of familiarity to it, as if this wasn't his first such function. Ah well, passing glimpses of a past life not worth mentioning.

[Razielle Alastor]

Two delicately stemmed, fizzing goblets of her Majesty's very best champange were handed over to the royal females. They made their way among the guests to a section of the large array of food spread out for sampling. Taking a tiny pick between her gloved fingertips, Razielle deftly stabbed a random piece of fruit from an arrangement. Without pause she handed the morsel over to the Queen, then once again repeated the gesture to select a piece for herself. The fruit brought out the sweetness in the sparkling wine. The wine was refreshing to Razielle, bolstering to the Queen, who still seemed a bit timid about what they had planned.

"Salutations, Highnesses. I trust you are enjoying.. the bash?"

She knew that voice. She just couldn't believe that he had the effrontery to approach her while she was with the Queen. She really should give him a direct cut. It was what he deserved for breaking her wish to avoid speaking publically at this point. She didn't want it known that she had left the palace walls. She'd have to think quickly.

"Immensley, Lord Delinore. I hope that you and your.. staff shall continue to do the same."

She lifted her goblet in a polite gesture and smiled. Her eyes communicated that he was on dangerous ground and that he had better behave. Razielle turned to the Queen and explained in a hushed voice. "Lord Delinore was instrumental in accquiring our costumes, Your Majesty."

Laurent seemed quite taken with Adraudia. Now THAT was the most unlikely pairing she could possibly think of.

Taking a covert glance around, Razielle kept a stealthy eye on the object of her devotion. Attempting to mingle, she wondered where the Ambassador had run off..