✧ Tʜᴇ Gʀᴇᴀᴛ Mᴀsϙᴜᴇʀᴀᴅᴇ

[neamrel]

────── ( M I C H A E L
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[ 21 ] . [ gentle blacksmith ] . [ location; ball ] . [ tagged; Mirena ]

Mike's smile had turned a little more genuine as she thanked him. He focused for a moment on how her blue eyes contrasted against the color of her mask, making them stand out much more. He also couldn't deny that her dress fit her perfectly. His eyes also drifted down towards her necklace - a piece of jewelry he would more than happy take credit for making if he had. Mike's attention focused fully back on her when she returned a compliment on his mask, followed by one on his smile, which wasn't unpleasant, but Mike hardly ever received one on such a thing as simple as a smile. His was far from anything spectacular.

He let a slightly strained, quiet laugh out after she had finished talking, his smile turning a little softer as he glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the other women just as she had. "Well, uh, thank you miss, but it is far from that, I assure you. I am sure there are men far more charming than I here after all." Mike took a sip from his glass. Knowing very well that he could be charming when he wanted to, but many at times still saw him as someone that wasn't average - whatever that actually meant, no one was ever "average". Of course, he couldn't contest that he viewed things very differently from many others here. "Do pardon me though if I imposed myself on you, I did not mean to. I had simply thought you would enjoy a drink since you were making your way by." Mike knew he wasn't the best at reading people all the time, and he would hate himself even more for making her feel even slightly uncomfortable for talking to him. He would more often than not have left her alone, but had decided to risk the chance, even someone like Mike, who preferred the heat of an old school forge, couldn't deny that human interaction was still necessary.

ooc: sorry btw, for taking forever, and this ugly thing above

[KawaiQueen]

╔═══════════════════╗
XXXXXXуυℓє νєяиα ℓσνєℓℓ
XXXXXXтнє муѕтєяισυѕ мυѕιςιαи
XXXXXXLocation: The Ballroom
XXXXXXTagged: Victoria
╚═══════════════════╝

Timidly, he shook his head. There was no damage done to him, not in the slightest. He gave a small smile, hoping to soothe any worries about injury that could possibly be floating in her mind. "Th-Thank you for the worries, miss, b-but I'm more than fine." His smile turned a little brighter, even against the flush of his cheeks. "I'm more th-than glad that you are safe. Wo-Wouldn't want any of your ex-extravagance ruined for such an ev-evening."

And just like that, the heat of his blush burned brighter. Why did he have to come out and say that? That wasn't like him, especially since he hadn't introduced himself - which he really should do, it would only be proper. So, he bowed a bit at his waist (not a full bow, not given how he was pushed near the wall), one arm behind his back and the over crossed over his stomach. "Excuse me for being ru-rude. M-My name is Yule."

[FEMME FETALE]

ｈｏｌｄｅｎ ｇｒｅｙ
❝ black-hearted bad boy ❞
▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂

Holden looked around, he spotted only about a dozen people that where outside; mostly conversing amungst
themselves in hushed voices. His zoned out gaze was interrupted by the girl who had wondered deeper within
the gardens, mumbling to herself about how it was better outside than in there. Holden stood for a moment,
his hands placed in his pockets as he watched her walk and interact with the nature. His head tilted up slightly
when she asked for his name, he pondered his response for a bit before making his way slowly down the stairs
to the grass pathway leading into a neat maze of hedges and sculptures. "I like the mystery of the masquerade,"
Holden stated, rather abruptly and off topic. A small smile playing on his lips which was hard to see if the dim
evening light. "Telling you my name will ruin it, don't you think?" He asked as he walked along side her, frequently
looking over at her. "well, that's unless you think we're on first name basis." Holden added with a noticeable grin.

[Speak]

ｍｉｒａ ｐｏｒｔａｔｈ

❝ｔｈｅ ｎｏｂｌｅｍａｎ＇ｓ ｄａｕｇｈｔｅｒ❞

[age] twenty [title] lady [ location ] the garden [ tagged ] holden

Though there were a few people scattered through the gardens it was the first time that Mira didn't feel their eyes on her, all of her life Mira had felt the pressure of other peoples' stares but tonight that pressure seemed to dissipate. Her fingers brushing down the side of her mask Mira couldn't hide the smile that this feeling brought her, even if it was just for a night Mira knew that she would never feel as alive as she did now. Feeling a presence approach Mira turned her head a fraction to see the tall man join her as they both meandered through the lovely green space. His reply for a moment caused Mira to hesitate, his statement about the mystery rung too true and was indeed something that Mira herself was loving...did she really want to ruin it with something like a name? Though it was doubtful that the two knew each other (Mira often avoided his type) it was still possible that either she or he may recognize the other's name something that would end Mira's entrance into obscurity. With these thoughts swirling through her mind Mira couldn't help but glance over at the man after his last comment. "You wouldn't be out here if you thought it'd be that easy," Mira replied a smile teasing the corners of her mouth, "alright no names, then shall I call you stranger?" she asked surprising even herself by her teasing tone. True she didn't trust him but she didn't have to, she wasn't trusting him with any information about her so for now Mira was fine with continuing their conversation.

[FEMME FETALE]

ｈｏｌｄｅｎ ｇｒｅｙ
❝ black-hearted bad boy ❞
▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂

Holden was slightly surprised when she sneered her response in a teasing tone. He clamped down on his lower lip as
he carefully though of his reply, "A stranger for now. I'm working on you," He then replied smugly with a determined
ring. He caught glance of her small smile, it made him regain a confidence around her. At first, he felt a sort of deflated
feeling overcome him when he noticed her intentions weren't the ones he was hoping for - or the one's he has been used to.
But, in a way, he liked how she was. His impressions of her were that she was independent and alluring. And even seeing her
smile in his presence was enough to lift his spirit; that was something that he has never experienced around a woman before.
"Hopefully we will be able to retrace our steps back...." Holden murmured with a light hearted chuckle in regards to the
hedge maze. His finger tips grazed against the prickly texture of the trimmed plantation as they followed the gravely path.

[olivionary]

Victoria Paisley Stewart
The Glorified Celebrity | tagged ;; Yule Lovell

Her gaze drifted from him briefly as to listen to the music that was playing as well as allowing herself a moment to appreciate it; Victoria's gaze returned back to Yule before smiling, "Good, I wouldn't want to make a poor impression by causing you harm.' Her voice gentle and laid back as she looked up at him.
She listened to him quietly, her cheeks burning as she looked over his shoulder as to avoid eye contact for that brief moment before Victoria returned her gaze to him, "Um, thank you." She spoke with a light laugh as she brushed hair from her face.

"Yule." Victoria spoke gently as if testing his name and approving it, "Well, it is nice to meet you." She said with a warm smile. "I'm Victoria." She added, there was a smoothness to her voice, she had introduced herself a number of times and each time was just as nerve wracking as the last, but she could act thus pushing the nerves away soon became a relatively easy for the girl. .

[Shadō]

╓⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╖
Adam Spencer
The Secret Prince

xxmale // 21
xx» romantic interest;; Open
xx» location;; The Ballroom
xx» tags;; Evangeline
╙⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╜

"Me? Oh, I'm all right, thank you." Adam wasn't entirely sure why she was asking. She must be very polite. Normally, all he had to do was apologize and be on his way. Though, to be honest, he didn't mind her asking. To show his gratitude, he let a polite smile appear on his face for a few moments before looking about the room for a moment as he tried to gather his thought. There was something about the way she replied that had caught his attention. For a moment there, right before she politely went into that submissive position and replied to him, he could have sworn she was going to do something else. It was only a momentary flash of maybe another emotion before it was masked by something else. Either way, it didn't quite sit well with him, but he decided not to let it bother him too much.

Instead, finding the silence between them becoming a bit strange, he said in a mild manner, "It's a nice it's a nice evening for this, don't you think?" Glancing sideways, he saw her seeming to be looking him up and down, and he couldn't help but feel a little bit like he was being examined for something. For what, Adam wasn't really sure. He came to the conclusion that since he had kind of been doing that to her right after he bumped into her, she had the right to do that to him. It was only fair. Still, that didn't mean it felt any less uncomfortable. Clearing those thoughts from his mind, he decided to focus on more important matters, such as the party.

It was a lovely set up, with fine food and drinks and lively music. Considering the party had been funded by the royal court this year, basically Adam's own family, it was especially nice. It especially had that feel of being more, ah, courtly. In some of the newspapers publishing articles about the ball this year, it was, quote, "a ball to remember" and "the year to go for those who are of age." Deep down, Adam had always had suspicions of this year's ball being this nice and being funded by the royal family mainly because this was his year to go, but he didn't dwell on the thought for too long. He and his family... They of course loved each other, but they were currently at odds over Adam being the successor to the throne. A life of royalty and riches etc., might be the life for some, but for Adam, who grew up in that life and saw what it did to some, it wasn't so appealing, and it wasn't like he had a sibling who could do it in his stead. Being in charge of a whole country? That just wasn't his thing.

Sensing how gloomy he may have suddenly become, he yet again cleared his head and glanced at the woman standing beside him, worried for a few moments that he might have missed her response to her question. It seemed, however, that she was busy looking around and lost in thought, kind of like he had been, so he didn't worry quite so much. I suppose I'll wait around for a few moments longer to see if she answers, and if not, politely excuse myself to continue on my little walk, he told himself calmly in his head.

[[ Sorry for not replying... I got a bit tied up with some stuff... ]]

[Lady Poppy]

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tagged: Michael
female
The lowly peasant
nineteen
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xxx

Mirena .

Mirena noticed the slight change in his face expression, his smile if we have to be more specific. Just a minute ago, it looked more forced ,as if he was just trying to be polite but the compliment seemed to soften him a little bit. Good thing. For some unknown to her reason ,big part of the people from the higher class had their noses high, looking down at everyone that passed by them, even if it was just another royalty. Now, seeing one of them actually smile and talk to her like a normal human being was a positive feeling. Maybe this night wouldn't be so bad after all, tough even if she ended up liking it, she'd never visit one of those balls, even if somebody actually paid her to do so. It was simply a crowded room, running out of air, a couple of people ,who had decided that getting drunk and not remembering a thing from this night was a great idea. She couldn't blame them, maybe they had their reasons and while she wasn't the one to get anywhere near close to alcohol ,she doubted she would survive a few more of those balls ,every year in a roll without actually getting drunk and falling asleep. Tough, considering the fact that nobody really had any fun, she thought that falling asleep wouldn't be hard, even without the help of the sweet liquors.

The maiden let out a quiet chuckle slip out of her lips ,but then pressed them against another to prevent any further chuckling, giggling or laughing. ''I don't want to sound mean or anything ,but if you can show me attractive man in this room ,I will approve your opinion.Smile is one of the most powerful weapons that can be used to charm a woman, most of us, at least.There are two types of men in this room, the ones that smile because they are dead drunk and won't remember a thing from this night by tomorrow and the ones that are too busy showing off their social statute , meaning they can't smile, obviously cracking a smile will ruin their reputation.'' after finishing her rather long sentence, she took another sip from her drink. It was long ,but needed .She had to prove this young man that he was wrong about the amount of attractive men in this room. Mirena listened to his next words and shook her head softly. '' No , there is no such thing.'' she smiled, before her eyes accidentally landed on him, not only on him but she actually ended up making eye contact with him. After a few seconds tough, she broke it. ''I think I might go check the garden, are more people than air in this room. You are free to join me, sir.'' She said softly, before graciously walking towards the exit of the large room . Soon enough, she was out, on the balcony with a perfect view to the garden.

[neamrel]

────── ( M I C H A E L
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[ 21 ] . [ gentle blacksmith ] . [ location; ball ] . [ tagged; Mirena ]

Her quiet laugh was a pleasant change, and Mike noticed how she quickly tried to suppress any other sound close to one from coming from her lips again. Mike's smile had turned into more of a smirk at that, listening intently to her as she spoke. It seemed as if she had something to prove with her words. To some, the words she spoke would make her seem picky and stuck-up, but Mike understood what she was trying to say. He was almost positive he didn't belong in either category, at least, he hoped he didn't belong in either one.

It was interesting though, when she had first spoken, he had not expected her to speak very much, yet it seemed when the topic was something she could get behind, she spoke wholeheartedly. It was a refreshing change from the other, more conservative, people he was use to speaking to. A change that was not unpleasant. Before he knew it though, their brief eye contact had ended and she was walking away with the reason being that there were to many people in the room. Mike understood, being in a room full of people could be overwhelming at times, and he was sure he would have made his way outside to the gardens sooner or later. Her open invitation had him following slowly after her, placing his half empty flute on a passing tray as he walked in the direction she had gone.

"That was.. quite a speech, if I may say, and I can't deny you do have a point." He said truthfully as he came to a stop several feet from her side, letting himself relax more since the added stress of keeping up appearances wasn't on his shoulders. "Still, people have their reasons for doing things and for keeping up appearances." Mike said with a slight huff as he turned his gaze towards the garden, there were still quite a few occupying it, but it was understandable why they would be out here; the music was slightly more muffled from the ballroom, the chatter was not as deafening, and it gave the mind a moment to breath. "I'm not included in one of those categories though, right?" Mike asked jokingly, turning a smile towards his companion as he looked back at her. "I mean, I can understand you wanting to possibly consider me some prestigious jerk, but I don't think I'm that bad." He said with a slight laugh as he took on a more casual poster and leaned slightly on the balcony.

[FEMME FETALE]

ｈｏｌｄｅｎ ｇｒｅｙ
❝ black-hearted bad boy ❞
▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂

Holden was slightly surprised when she sneered her response in a teasing tone. He clamped down on his lower lip as
he carefully though of his reply, "A stranger for now. I'm working on you," He then replied smugly with a determined
ring. He caught glance of her small smile, it made him regain a confidence around her. At first, he felt a sort of deflated
feeling overcome him when he noticed her intentions weren't the ones he was hoping for - or the one's he has been used to.
But, in a way, he liked how she was. His impressions of her were that she was independent and alluring. And even seeing her
smile in his presence was enough to lift his spirit; that was something that he has never experienced around a woman before.
"Hopefully we will be able to retrace our steps back...." Holden murmured with a light hearted chuckle in regards to the
hedge maze. His finger tips grazed against the prickly texture of the trimmed plantation as they followed the gravely path.