Third Annual Masquarade

[Angelofsex]

Karin

I just couldn't sleep last night thinking of the party. Still can not believe I have a invite to it. Taking it out and looking at it again.

Today is the day my roommate and I do things, now I have to tell her not today. What story can I make up? I tell her the truth, someone invited me to a party. She will understand.

Now it is time to get dress, my hair and nails are done. My new undies are on, the same color as the costume. Pulling it from under my bed, I started to get dress. Really nothing to much to put on, but oh my it looks good on me. Now remember no shoes, so I put slippers on to drive.

Looking in the mirror, oh yes I am ready to go.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Librarian

Just before the taxi turned up the long winding drive to the mansion I slipped on the glasses/mask combination over the top half of my face. Steadying my nerves as best i could, i sat back and took deep even breaths to relax myself.
The lights were on and the doorman was outside, I wasn't sure if I was the first to arrive or not? I checked my watch, I was on time. Here goes nothing, I mentally whispered to myself.
"Need me to get the door Ma'am?" The taxi drive asked,
"No, thank you." I handed him the money and opened the door, my eyes even with the door. A small smile appeared on my face as I climbed out and shut the door.
Standing there in the near dark, I felt almost as if I was coming home. Strange silly thoughts, but this place held fond memories for me. The masked doorman came forward and held out his arm for me. Nice touch, but then again last year's servants were dressed the same. It brought back memories of one man I could never forget, or that room.
I accepted his arm, a wider smile appearing as he led me up the steps and opened the door. Thanking him quietly I stepped inside, and there again stood the bar waiting. I paused in the entry, the door shutting smoothing behind me as the doorman went back to wait sentry, Where was Merelan?
I waited, knowing she would show up any second. Finding a stool, I sat quietly, wondering what tonight had in store for me?

 

[intriguess]

Violet for the night

I knew where I was going long before I got there, the Mansion a place I had never thought to return to. I stepped out of the cab and smiled as the fee was prepaid. I rise from the car and walk to the door, every step painful as memories I thought I had put behind me flood me. I smile at the door man who seems startled to see me and I enter. I notice it has been remodeled, and I wonder where Merelan is.

I glide across the floor and find something to drink.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Libery

Grace had given the cab driver the directions provided with the invitation. The area into which they traveled was unknown to her and she felt more than a single moment of aprehension. This night would be the first time she had ever stepped outside the bounds of what was expected of her. The first time that she had not played by her fathers' rules. She felt like a beggar who has lived on scraps for a lifetime and is now presented with a kings banquet. Her plate was filled with unfamiliar possibilites and part of her longed for the scraps that she had always known.

Before she could change her mind and run for home, the cab arrived at the steps to a grand mansion. She handed the driver the fare and allowed him to assist her from the car. As she approached a masked footman greeted her formally, and escorted her to the entrance.

The door closed behind her with a sound of finality. A second masked figure took away her cloak, leaving her to feel vunerable and exposed. Her impression of the interior space was vague, she was more focused on the other occupants. Two stunning women had already arrived and not knowing the protocols of such an event, Grace was unwilling to go forward and introduce herself. As she had so many times in her life, she found a quiet spot, and waited for someone to tell her what was expected.

 

[Rockingham]

Jordan the Barbarian

The cool night air felt different on his chest. As slight breezes played around him, dancing to and fro, he couldn't help but feel at odds somehow. The cloth fit perfectly, molding over his althletic body. Despite the look of rugged fur, Jordan was amazed it felt like silk as it shifted over his skin.

The odd sensation that flooded through him was being this exposed in the night. The costume only covered the essentials, and little else. One single strap came across his bronzed chest, and coming round to the other side. Bare skin, brown and hairless peaked out, unable to resisit the delight the trickled up his spine at this exposure.

Many thoughts twisted through him, and all ofthem quite delightful.

Jordan got out of the car, looking up at the modern castle before them. A wonderous place that looked comfortable, and for some odd reason familiar as well.

Reminded him of a few places back in his home country. Of course, those were real castles, most of them hundreds of years old. Age didn't seem to have it's hold on this place quite yet, he liked that.

The new and the old. A smile crossed his lips.

Club in hand, he went up to the door. The costume clung to him, and in the cold he could feel both of his nipples harden. Another shiver went up his spine, but these feelings didn't disturb him, he felt aroused by them. Many of the surroundings stirred forbidden pleasures inside his heart.

Normally he would let them pass, and go on with life's grueling pace. Tonight he let them play at the edge of his mind. Tonight felt like the night that he could let them run wild and unabaded.
The door opened, he thanked the man who moved respectably back to his place in search for more guests.

Jordan himself searhed the front of the house. Hallways that didn't seem to have an ending, none of it too confusing, but a definitely sense of grandeur and allure to the place.

The whole air of it was warm, inviting, and erotic.

He moved to a room that had a crackling fire. Like all of the other rooms, it was both exotic and yet simpe. A decorator's fantasy come to life. He admired all of it, nothing out of place.
Unconsciously one hand swept through the dark rifts of hair. For the costume he had been given, he had his normally straight hair now be wild and undaunting atop of his scalp. It added a sense of roughness, an edge of fantasy that he so hoped to moved further towards.

The place amazed him.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Uncle Sam (Thor)

........the long drive was just as before.....but why would it change? The crunch of gravel under the tires of my Boxter (OK...I did not enrich myself, but I do have a few toys) brought back delicious memories with a rush. Waving away the parking attendant, I slid my coupe into a vacant area just adjacent to the front door. Easing out of the tiny car, I settled the top hat firmly on my head and adjusted my Lincoln mask. To segue into the scene, I hummed a few bars of 'Happy Days are Here Again.'

(OOC: before the history buffs point it out, I know that is a Democratic campaign tune, well after the Republican Mr. Lincoln came to his tragic end in Ford's Theater. After all, this is masquerade.....one can be allowed mixed historical metaphors...so to speak).

As I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open, and the SAME servant welcomed me with a sweeping bow and a gesture of the hand. "Welcome, Uncle Sam," he intoned, with just a hint of a smile. Feeling like a resident, rather than a guest, I wandered directly to the bar in a corner of the great hall. Magically, a glass of California Sauvignon Blanc appeared in front of me. 'Chilled to perfection,' I thought as I sipped and scanned the room.

Along the side a rather curvy Statue of Liberty was standing in the shadows. An image of the Piltdown Man - carrying a club - flitted across my vision. Sitting on a stool in an alcove was a rather severe looking librarian. If I knew Merelan, the pages of that book would be worth turning. Laughing to myself at my own puckish humor, I noted a Queen ambling about with a drink in her hand.

Delighted at the costumes, and feeling anticipation course through my system, I sipped and waited for other arrivals....and, of course, the hostess of all hostesses..........

 

[Merelan]

Poohlive

A teacher in town. One who was born to teach, not just by choice, but to him, it was a vocation. But lately maybe things had gotten stale, or the kids less enthused. World events seemed to flash by with such quickness, how could he show them how vital and important things from 300 years ago were? When right now the world seemed bent on tearing itself apart.

Merelan smiled, for she remembered one such as he when she had been in schoole. Trying so hard, and in many inventive ways, to bring to life the past.
http://simplicity.com/s2b.htm

So now she would again. His costume of the finest velvets. A long robe, a scholar from the past. The long feather on his hat sweeping around, and guaranteed to bug him half the night, but the other half, perhaps he would find a use for that feather.
Underneath, nothing. Just a lace up pair of satin slippers.

 

[Merelan]

Merelan

For some reason I couldn't face them. I was dressed and ready, but hiding in the security room, watching them arrive. So beautiful. My little puppets. No. Not so. For they each and everyone of them had a mnd and will of their own. A desire so hidden, perhaps they themselves didn't even know it. Michael crept up behind me and hugged me close.

"It is showtime dear, and they are awaiting their hostess. Now, dear merelan." Pushing me toward the door. Sipping my wine I slipped down the stairs, watching them slyly checking each other out. Thor. Yes, so handsome. Smiling and taking a deep breath I quickly descended the rest of the stairs. Mine was the only bare face, but I knew them all. Holding out both hands I grabbed his.

"Well Come back darling." Giving him a quick peck, inhaling his scent. My charming hostess smile a little broader as I slipped up to the next.

"You look lovely Miss Liberty. Would you care for a drink? Uncle Sam, I believe you know where the bar is. Would you do us the honors?"

Then I took hold of Jordan's arm. "You look absolutely barbaric. Us ladies shall have to watch ourselves tonight." Steering him to the bar. Turning to the Librarian.

"Hello dear. Watch out for him, he is bent on finding a cave mate I think." Escorting her too to the bar. Giving her a cose hug though. I had missed her.


Only then turning and facing Violet, unable to meet her eyes at first. Letting them slide up her dress slowly. Holding back my emotions, or trying too.

"Lady Violet. Ever the regal Queen. Time seems to have passed you by." Even able to give her hand a squeeze. Then our eyes met, hers through her mask. Their odd color only enhanced by the velvet of the mask. Only Thor's question of a drink saved me from either throwing myself in her arms, or ripping off that mask she hid behind.

"I shall have the same as you dear. It is a fine vintage." Pulling away from her and circulating. Letting my hand rest first on Miss Liberty's arm, then gently on Jordans' back.

 

[intriguess]

Queen Violet

I smiled at her feeling that age odl connection between us. I licked my lips and smiled my secret smile as her hand touched mine and then she was circulating. I noticed the majestic Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. A lovely looking Librarian, and a rugged Cave Man....each stirred something different in me and I wondered what the night would bring.

I followed into a grand hall and I heard the strings of sensual music. I wanted to dance and felt odd about exploring the halls that were so familiar to me.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Librarian

I watched as the others arrived, flashing a friendly smile but saying nothing until our lovely hostess arrived. I sipped lightly at my ice water, I wanted my senses about me this year.
She arrived, gypsy beauty that she was, I was in awe of her costume. She matured beautifully each and every year. I felt no jealousy over her, but a keen warmth spread over me at her tender welcomes to each in the group.
And when she hugged me, it was heart felt and I returned her hug as eagerly as she had given it. It felt like coming home in a strange sense. I smiled and let her lead me to the bar, warning me of the barbarian's desires. I smiled brightly and again said nothing.
I stood beside the bar, Merelan between all of us. The costumes were amazing, beautiful infact. Each woman and man exotic in their own way, I felt a little plain for a moment, but knew that was not the case. No self doubts this year, no hiding out either.
"A very lovely gypsy you make my dear.." I smiled kissing her cheek before letting her go to mingle with the rest of the guests. The night was young and I wondered what was in store this time? Dinner, dancing? I knew that our famous host was no longer with us, was this the last year? I wouldn't let those thoughts ruin the night, a sad as they were.

 

[nightray]

Michael the Scarecrow

I step out of the cab looking up at the large manchan wondering who had sent the invitation. I shake my head not really caring for this offered to be a fun night of antinomies fun with out fanes hanging on my arms. I tern back to the cab handing the driver his money smiling as I think not even the cabby new who he was driving.

I tern and walk to the front doors. My eyes move over the elegant yard admiring the way it all flows together to invite a person in. I ring the door bell and before I take my finger off of the button the door opens a masked servant bowing me in. I smile nodding graciously before walking in. I stand looking arund for a few moments as the servant closes the door. I say “Very nice.” Under my breath not really expecting a response. All the servant do’s is smile with pride leading the way to where the party is to start.

I admire the decorations as I fallow the servant to the ball room. I look arund seeing that I am by no means the first to have arrived. I smile as I see the butifully driest women in costumes that leave little to the emanation but yet hide enough to pick the curiosity to want to see more. I see a gorges gypsy talking to a Librarian that I wish was at every library I definitely would go more often that’s for sheer.

I walk slowly over to the refreshments my eyes catching on a Barbarian complete with club, and even an uncle same top hat and all. I smile as I take a glass of water not wanting to get to miss any thing not yet any way. I smile slowly drinking my water my eyes moving every where. I take a breath as I see the Queen walking arund. I blink thinking now there a queen I would bow down to any time.

 

[poohlive]

He should have felt something more than this. Butterflies in his stomach, a strange eroticism running through his veins. His heart jumping around like a landed fish inside his chest, but the truth was, he only felt a genuine loss.
Just that spark which has left him. Nothing in particular. Michael felt the same way he had years before, the same set of mind, the same views, although a bit more defined with age. That jolt of life, that wonderous unknowing had left him.
He hoped this would bring it back.
It was a vain attempt, but he clung to it. Drowning in a sea of boredom, he held onto this invitation as his only savior.
The house loomed over him. It reached up and just touched the diamond sparkling sky above. He was thrilled by it, happy to see it coming into view at last.
He thanked the man, and stapped out into the gravel road. His long velvety robe flickered around his feet. It tickled him as it did, but not in a funny way. In a deeper, more erotic way. Michael felt the fabric against his skin, letting his hand move down the side of his body.
If the spark existed, he would find it here.
The door opened on it's own, but revealed an distinguished door man who seemed to be expecting him. Already he could hear voices, and made his way to where they originated.
A genuine costume party, he saw that. Many different people in different costumes, all of them elegant in their own way. He wipped a feather that tried to invade his ear away, and let himself move through looking at a few people and giving friendly nods or silent hello's.
It was here somewhere. Michael was sure of it.

 

[intriguess]

Queen Violet

I see the scarecrow enter and smile politely. Merelan had pulled away from me as if burnt and I hoped to explain....or at least smooth the rift between us. There would be plenty of time for that as I smiled and took the time to greet each person. My fingers casually touching each, getting a sense for their hidden desires. Mingling with a grace I did not feel I had, I felt the abscense of Master. I also felt that Merelan was avoiding me and I allowed her to have her space. After all so much had happened to me in last three years, I can only imagine what she has gone through.

 

[Angelofsex]

Harem Girl

The directions was very good. I got there with in the hour it said it would be. Oh my god, I continue thru the gates, I didn't know it was this mansion. Being a kid and growing up in this area, this was the place I always look at. Playing what if I lived there, or what if I marry the owner.

Now what if I am aloud in it. Stopping the car just before I had to park it, to look at the grand house. No more what if's, I am here, going into this beautiful place. Starting the car again, I when to park it.

Stop it Karin, get yourself together. Looking in the mirror to check my make up. A little more lipstick, now I am ready. Everything looks in it place on me from my veil, to no shoes. Even the the jewerly in my navel, is all set.

I walk down the path to the front of the house. Seeing everyone else in costumes go in, I just follow. Handed my invite to the man at the door, a sudden stop and looking around. How beautiful this place is inside, just makes me melt just thinking I am really here. Have to pinch myself, to make sure.

Looking around at everything and everyone, seeing the costumes and smiling at the people. They seem to know one another,maybe from the other ones. The harem girl one was great, all anyone could see was my eyes, making me more of a mystery. Plus my body looks very hot in it. I love the stone in my navel, and my skin showing.

I continue looking around at everyone.. Wish I knew who the host or hostess was, I would say thank you for inviting me.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Liberty

The gypsy was clearly our hostess. It seemed that she was also familar to many of the guests. To me, she was still a mystery. Since receiving the invitation, I had pondered the identity of the sender. I assumed that upon arrival at the event, I would find that the person was known to me, perhaps someone I had met at the gym or through a charitable function. Now, I found that I was no more enlightened than before I arrived.

"A drink, Lady Liberty? A glass of wine perhaps?"

Grace looked at the face of Honest Abe, in the costume of Uncle Sam. Her brow wrinkeld and she frowned slightly before saying the first thing to come to mind.

Don't you have your characters a bit confused? Or is that just one more thing I don't understand tonight?

I swear, I should be Alice, chasing the White Rabbit, for I fear that I have stepped through the looking glass.

 

[Slance]

The minstrel

OOC: Sorry been a way for a little bit.

IC: the soft foot falls, of my feet sound as I walk up to the large mansion. I had gotten ready, being in my costume, pulling my raven hair in to a high tail, not to mention having learned the difference in playing a mandolin, to playing a guitar. I love the costume, a minstrel. Thats what I'd be in a fantasy land... if my love didn't destroy my music like here. I shook my head, this is going to be a happy ball, the greatest ball. I'm going to meet new people and have fun. I smiled I even felt like it a little, besides playing this character would be fun.
I open the doors quietly seeing the room crowded. So many people, all in wonderful costumes, especailly the ladies. A Libraian, Dorithy, a Gypsy, A queen, A maiden of liberity, and a jeanie type girl, a Herem girl. I smile that oen catches my eye the delicate curves outlines enticingly by her costume.
So many people, but I do not knwo who they are. I have a feeling I coudl point them out if they wern't in costumes.
I unstrap my mandolin from my back walkign quietly behind the herem girl and sitting down in a seat. I play a soft, fluid melody on the insturment my eyes down on the mandolin taking my self in to the music.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Librarian

I chuckle at the conversation going around me, everyone nervous as I was before. I wondered what delightful things were in store for tonight? I knew dinner would be served as soon as the last guest arrived, so until then I was free to sit and wait?
I learned my lesson last year with roaming around the halls. The flash of the suit of armour wearing my panties in the hallway almost caused me to choke on my water.
I hid the smile, the michievious glit in my eyes and just studied everyone around me. I nodded my head softly saying hello to Uncle Sam, smiled at the beautiful harem girl and her bare toes. And a minstrel picking a soft tune whom just entered the house. A scholar, the interestingly bare barbarian.. Yeah this year's party was proving to be interesting.
I turned to the bar tender behind me and requested a white wine. Time to relax and kick up some heels. I caught my gaze in the mirror behind him and chuckled at the picture these glasses/mask made of my face. That was a definate prudish costume, I wondered how many others in this room wore the thin thonged panties as well? Or was I the only one with dental floss on? Well I wasn't about to ask the crowd, So I stood up and began to circle amoung the masked attendants.

 

[Rockingham]

As soon as he glanced at her, it was hard to look away. The woman, clearly held all the eyes when she entered the room. An air of confidence that followed her, unspoken, but saturating every pore within him. Hidden desires began to emerge.

When she touched him, he moved with her. Just her simple skin upon him moved him, clutched his own heart tightly. She had the will to move him, and as she did so he followed, their touch electrifying.

They moved to more people, each a vision of beauty. His head bowed from the looks. A party that he had longed for since he came to this country, but one that seemed so hard to find.

Rugged adventure held it's hand here in the mansion, and he made sure to be there when it did.

He sipped a drink, something that tasted sweet when it passed before him. Out of politeness more than anything else. A light drinker, but this did seem the occasion to lose inhibitions.

Her hand on his back now. She moved it with the greatest of ease, almost as if she knew just where to touch, and how to touch it. Echoes of lust stirred inside of him, and he let it go, let it pass through him without cause of revent.

From the conversation, most of the people here had seen each other before. Certainly their gypsy hostess knew them all, he was delighted that somoeone was informed. The night felt good, young, and filling with potential to come.

His eyes glanced on the other guests, hoping they thought the same.

 

[Merelan]

We chatted and sipped. The nervousness of the first meeting easing as the wine heated their bodies, and tempered their fears.
There was nothing here to fear for them. Only themselves to discover and enjoy. The soft plucking of strings reached my ears. Oh yes.

Turning I smiled. He looked so perfect. A wise choice I thought, congratulating myself. Already the lines in his face seemed to smooth as he found inner peace in the creation of music. His long slender fingers plucking the dtrings with ease.
Ever the gracious Host, Thor had made sure all had their drinks as we moved from the hall to the ball room. The minstrel following us, still strumming. I laid a hand on our Harem Girl's arm.
"You look delightful dear. Like a stolen princess, just waiting for her Prince to some steal her back. Better beware my dear, or it could be a Queen that steals your heart this night." For she had been watching Violet, forcing me to turn to her. Again our eyes met, and suddenly the ache was gone.
I stepped forward and touched her hand.
"It is truly a delight to have you back here. You seem to fit, so well. As if you never left."
There were a few guests still to come, and till then maybe some dancing.

The scholar walked by.

"Hello, and well come. Would you care for a drink, or a dance Sir? I am merelan, the gypsy. As you know, gypsies love to dance."

 

[intriguess]

Queen Violet

I blinked back a tear as her eyes opened to me, laying bare the pain, anguish, and smoldering desire within. I smiled at her thought and took another look at the lovely harem girl and the minstrel.....thinking both would be fine additions to my court, I say, "Every queen should have such beauty in her company." I hear merelan suggest dancing and suddenly ice is broken as she, I and harem girl begin dancing to music.

The feel of group changes and I offer my hand to the nearest man pulling him in to dance with me to the soft melodic tone of the mandolin.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Heather

Rising from the bar stool, I followed in the group to the ballroom. Smiling softly and admiring Merelan's changes to the old mansion. It felt more feminine here now, more welcoming as well.
I liked her tastes, in costumes as well as decor. I paused to admire a delicate crystal figurine on a little shelf on the wall, no imagination i guess, I couldn't figure out what it was.
Moving further into the room, I watched the minstrel play as the Harem girl and the Queen danced. Moving over to another comfortable looking chair, I sat back, crossing my legs and watching the festivities for now.
I watched the Minstrel play his little instrument with ease and wondered was it a talent or the costume that inspired him? He was tallented. The scarecrow stood in a corner, talking to someone. I felt the urge to do many things, but still held back and waited. I would let my hair down later, I just wanted to relax for now. Content that no one knew who I was and I had no idea who they were. Nothing gave an easier reason to lose inhabitions than that. I smiled, I wondered who would strip first?

 

[Angelofsex]

Harem Girl

As I walk around smiling and saying hi to everyone, I stop to music behide me. Turning, this man was playing music on his mandolin. He caught my eye, for the song made me start to move softly to it.

Looking around I see the Queen, she has a look of surpreme royalty. Just wanted to go and bend down before her. As I was thinking this I felt a hand on my arm and a voice saying "You looked delightful dear." I see another beautiful woman before me. "Thank you very much." Her eyes are like stars of the night looking at you. "You are the hostess, I should thank you for inviting me. You are a flower that one wishes to look at, a rare and exquisite one. I am sorry, but I had to say that."

I watch as she moves on to her other guess. The Minstrel music continue playing, my body was moving to the beat of it. The Queen was dancing along with it too. Seeing the Scarecrow in the corner of the room, I move to him and took his hand to dance. He and I move very well together. "Thank you for dancing with me." I said as I smile at him.

 

[MissTaken]

Kaylie: The fire Goddess

As the judge's voice wandered on and on, finding for the plaintiff, she looked at her watch and realized, she was going to be late for the one social event she had permitted herself to attend in many months.

"Damn!" She hissed under her breath. She shook her head.

The judge's booming voice broke through her frustration as he queried in a commanding, yet sarcastic tone, "Are we keeping you from something, Ms Spears."

Immediately responding to the sound of his voice, she looked at her notepad at the table in front of her and replied very meekly, "No, your Honor."

"Very well, then. The finding is for the plaintiff in the sum of 2.8 million dollars. Court is adjourned."

Kaylie briskly shook her client's hand, explaining she had an important meeting to attend and rushed off. Not at all flustered by the fact that she had just made over $700, 000 for her firm. She simply didn't care.

She hurried to her car and sped off. Once at home, she opened the invitation again, reread the contents and finally, took her first look at the costume that had been sent. The golden fabric glistened in the lamplight as she held it to her bosom. "Perfect" she said to herself and her cat, Minou.

A quick shower and she donned the outfit, her breasts filling the bodice, the corset emphasizing her waist and firm ass. "Thank God for working out," she murmured as she fastened the last of the buttons.

Looking at the wall clock, she realized she would probably be one of the last guests to arrive. Her auburn tresses, still a bit damp, lay across her shoulders. She took a handful of hair as if to replace it in the french bun she usually wore and decided against it.

"No, tonight I am really going to let my hair down."

She slipped into her thigh highs and matching gold shoes and headed out the door. She applied a bit of lipstick and eyeliner while sitting in the car and then sped into the street.

She always drove quickly, but tonight she broke the speed limit from the time she left her drive until she reached the mansion. She handed off her keys and hurried to the door. Quickly, fluffing her curly tendrils about her face, she pressed the door bell.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Liberty

The Gypsy & the Minstral drew the party goers into the decorated ballroom. Grace held her glass of wine, but somehow lost sight of Uncle Sam. Perhaps they would find one another again.

Merelan, she heard someone say. The hostess, she assumed, was Merelan, the Gypsy. The name and the costume suited the woman well, there was wild magic there.

Grace occupied herself with people watching, a habit that she had developed after years of existing on the edges of life. The Queen, her regal beauty on display for all to admire. Did she know how they all observed her every move? She selected a consort for the space of a dance, or was it for the night? How did one know?

The jewel from the harem flowed through the crowd, causing a stir. She sparkled and glittered as she moved. Glimpses of smooth skin teased those that watched her.

The scolar, passed. His robes were rich and dignified. His face a mask of peace.

So many more...the librarian...certainly more to the book than the was seen on the cover. The scarecrow...was a sharp mind hidden there? A keen wit?

Music from the minstral drew her gaze, he was lost in the notes and he drew them all along...a pied piper, where would he lead?

She saw the caveman, his beauty was perfect...Grace sighed.

Perhaps the wine was not a good idea after all, or perhaps she needed another glass. She found a place near a tall window and watched as the party unfolded before her. It was all like some fairy tale, the costumes, the mystery, she felt caught in the story, but didn't know her part. She decided that for now, she would continue to observe. The night was young, who knew what would happen before it was over. She hoped she would be ready.

 

[The GrandMage]

Prince to Pauper

He sighed, sipping slowly at his glass before he turned to the stack of mail. A few bills, some junkmail, a postcard from his lazy half brother, and,....he stopped, and turned over the invitation before setting it down. He picked up the postcard, and read the back.

He sighed, and let it fall back to the table. More of the same bullshit. How he needed to relax. He shifted in his chair. His half brother always said the same thing. That he needed to relax. But he enjoyed his job. He was powerful, and wealthy. He had everything money could buy, and a few things that could only be purchased with power.

He'd turned a failing business into one of the great corporate giants of this day. He sighed, and sat back. And yet,...there was something missing. Perhaps he was right. Maybe a little time away would be good. Especially after the difficult merger he'd just battled his way through.

He leaned over, picking up the invitation, he opened it slowly, wondering what it was. His eyes scanned it quickly. He frowned. This was new. He sat back, and stared at it a while. He leaned over, and picked up the phone. He'd call the office, cancel his appointments. Perhaps this was what he was missing?

--

He was having second thoughts the day the costume arrived. But his schedule was wiped clean, at the expense of some very important meetings. He laughed at the thought. Important? He decided what was important. Lately, he'd felt the drag more.

It was important to do something. He wouldn't let himself be worked down and crushed. He'd put a lot in his company. And it was he who did the crushing. He was disturbed from his thoughts by the bell. Getting up, he moved to the door.

It was a delivery boy, with a package of some sort. He opened the door, and snatched the board away, quickly signing for the box and thrusting the board back at the kid. He stared at the box a moment, and tipped the kid a hundred. It was a little high, but at least it'd keep him from bitching to his friends, so his packages wouldn't be 'dropped' on the way here.

He sat down, carefully opening it. He stared at the costume, lifting it from the box. A servant? Him? He threw back his head and laughed. It was perfect. The idea was to hide who you were. And what better way to hide the prince than to be the pauper?

--

The night of the event, the servant was cursing under his breath. He was going to be late. He knew it. He'd tried to time everything so he'd be early, but it seemed as if everything was working against him. One of the reasons he hated to travel. He adjusted the costume as they pulled up to the mansion. The serveant let his eyes wander. A nice place.

If a little small. He chuckled to himself, and stretched as he made his way to the door, greeting the doorman. As the doors opened, he tried to slip in, sure he was late. And, for the first time in many years, feeling the twinges of worry and doubt. This was something new, strange.

He loved it already.