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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/FifthMovement|Fifth Movement]]
| + | #REDIRECT [[ADanceOfAngels]] |
| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/DanceOfAngels|A Dance of Angels]]
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| − | == Gallery of Mirrors ==
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| − | For all to watch, the prince and the Pale Angel are a wondrous sight to behold. Fantasy. Beauty. Something irreal, too exotic, too beautiful. They liven the party by their very dance, their long, long dance... they liven it up in a quiet, calm way, reminding them of beauty and class, soothing the nerves and calling others to dance, to watch, to admire.
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| − | And when they finish, a soft kiss fills the ambient with sweet romance.
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| − | "Thank you." He whispers to her, feeling all the eyes on them, wondering what next...
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' It is then that she does something she has not done in ages - not to her father, not to the lords in Iranor, not even to the Lover Clad in Raiment of Tears.
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| − | Taking a hold of her skirt with one hand and lowering her gaze, her lips in a small smile beautiful in its self-confidence, she curtsies.
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| − | "My pleasure", she responds softly. Then, she straightens up once again, towering above Alex as she allows him to escort her back to the seat where the Dark Angel is waiting for them.
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| − | * Where.... there is nothing now.
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| − | Apparently, while they danced, she was... gone. Along with Kanti, Gennadi, and Days and Opal and Moon... suddenly, they seemed alone on the party.
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| − | '''Alexander: ''' "... Where did she go?"
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' Selina was not in the place where they would be expecting her. Exiting the room with Gennadi and Kanti, she watches the dance end.
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| − | ''Yes. ''
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| − | ''You are relieving some fantasy. ''
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| − | ''Something I am not included in. ''
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| − | The knowledge aches in her gut, balling up into a fist of jealousy and irritation.
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| − | ''And never will be. ''
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| − | The Dragon is possessive. It stirs within her, coils in fury at that thought. Too many long years of imprisonment. It will never be its own creature again.
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| − | ''That is what I do to all which is mine. ''
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| − | A rueful thought, that. But not entirely so. She possesses, she does not share. Not ever.
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| − | And then she walks forward, the grand beauty of the ball again, skirting the dancers, to where she ought to be waiting.
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| − |
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| − | * And then, a man appears in front of Selina. She had seen this man before. Beautiful, descended from gods, long black hair cascading down his shoulders... a noble from Whiteshield, one of the most powerful ones in the Boil, coming towards her... "Aine Blackwater! I cannot believe our dark savior does not have a dance partner yet...!"
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' The man's appearance sends the last of that betrayed irritation fleeing back into the depths of her subconcious. Selina hums a moment, and looks at him. "Not yet. But I will soon."
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| − | Perhaps he will make another dance with her, but not the first one. "Yonder Angel pale, m'lord. For my first, at least." She points a index finger at the woman, circumspectly.
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| − | * "But my dear, she seems busy for now... and you are not. Why, will you not give a simple gift to a humble man like myself?" He bows a little bit, all the diamonds and onyx in his clothing shining, showing how he was anything, but humble. His skin shone as well... something unearthly, celestial. "And it will be the moment of my life to dance with such a graceful savior..."
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| − | * She is a young girl, only beginning to show the signs of womanhood, yet she is a lithe and pretty thing as she bursts out from the crowd, a little red bird flitting through a forest of silk and satin and velvet. The long folds of her elegant scarlet dress sway in the rhythm of her entirely unelegant stride, strong smooth legs flashing underneath her skirt with each leap she takes. She runs barefoot, and what makes the sight all the more exotic is the fact that her complexion is bluish in color, the shade of deep crevasses in ice - either her body has been painted, or there is a spirit of ice and winter somewhere among her ancestors.
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| − | Most of her head is covered with a great scarlet wig to match her dress, artificial hair gathered up into an elaborate arrangement and pinned in place with a number of golden needles. Tiny chimes hang from the tip of each needle and ring merrily with each stride. The upper part of her face is hidden behind a white porcelain mask boasting golden dots in an elegant pattern over each eye, yet her mouth is smiling widely as she crosses the final yards up to the Dark Angel (record speed) and hurls herself at the nobleman.
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| − | "No fair!" she exclaims and snakes her slim blue arms around his thicker elbow. Her voice is high and childish, her pitch revealing that this masquerade must be the bestest time of her life. "You said you would dance with me first! You ''promised! ''"
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| − |
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| − | GoldenCat: "Oh, um, of course, dear! I just thought... you would be busy, yes! That was poor form of me..." He waves to the Dark Angel, a little embarassed. "I suppose we shall dance later, right? I do need to be a gentleman and make good on my promise to this most enchanting lady..!"
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| − | * "Oh, I won't take him for long", the girl in scarlet pipes in, hanging to his arm and smiling up at the beautiful Abyssal. "I'm very good at making people happy!"
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: '''Selina's eyes widen a bit as she looks at them. Well, the man has his partner, does he not? And she has her's.
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| − | "Yes, you really should not break your promise to her." Selina says in a stern tone, looking from one to the other. "As for me -- perhaps."
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| − | She'd never gotten many dances in her youth, thanks to her wings. Oh, not many at all. "Perhaps later, if things go well." She repeats, the question of which things going well being fairly obvious, and then sidesteps the pair with a wry smile at the girl.
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| − | ''Though I never wore red. ''
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| − | * The girl returns the smile sweetly, the warmth of her lips in a stark contrast against the unmoving coldness of the white porcelain above. Chimes jingle as she tilts her head to the side --
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| − | | |
| − | -- and then she is already pulling her partner towards the dance floor, eagerly, impatiently. "Empress' right is to claim the handsomest man in the court. Come, come! We will dance now!"
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| − | '''Kanti: ''' A few minutes after Selina leaves the room, Kanti emerges with Gennadi, looking considerably calmer than when Selina left her there, and almost as calm as she was when she went in there, which was ...not wholely calm.
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| − | Her gold dress is back on, the gold gloves pulled up once more, the garda bird covering the top half of her face, walking beside him and trying to make it seem like there was nothing wrong.
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| − | * Gennadi gives Kanti a quick kiss on the cheek, a half-breath's worth of apology, and then slips away, dodging the issue aptly as Fiona and Shaliya make their way over. Instead, he circles the outskirts of the party, slipping here and there through the crowd in search of, well, less troublesome fare.
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| − | '''Alexander: ''' He looks around, then lowers his gaze... "She likes you alot, does she not?"
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' The Pale Angel sniffs at that. The glow is gone, and she is, once again, the dangerous white general escorting the Prince of Whiteshield instead of the other way around.
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| − | "You'd better not think about that", she responds with a sigh.
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| − | '''Alexander: ''' His hand goes to hers, entwining on her pale fingers, holding tightly...
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| − | "We were together once..."<br>
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| − | "You are with me now. You like me now..."<br>
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| − | "I wish she did too, you see? I wish we would be together... but it feels like this will create a charm between us all..."
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' Inwardly, Vorpal frowns. She wonders if the nature of Selina's "liking" of her would fit the image that must be going through Alex's mind right then, a vision of love and friends and eternal comradeship. Such a thing, the Pale Angel suspects, would hardly suit the Dark Angel, no matter the lives they had shared in the past.
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| − | But Vorpal says nothing. Gazing down at Alex, she merely lets out another sigh and allows him to interpret it however he wishes. She does not wish to spoil that innocence, not yet, perhaps not ever.
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| − | ''Stay like that to the end of your life, Alexander Holysword. ''
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| − | ''Stay like that, and never change. ''
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| − | '''Fiona: ''' Fiona rushes to Alex and Vorpal, breaking the silence, Shaliya in hand. "Alex! Pale Angel... this is Shaliya. She is teaching me how to dance... Shaliya, those are the Prince and the famous Pale Angel!"
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| − | '''Shaliya: ''' The mirror-masked lady bows to them, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Alex, Pale Angel."
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| − | "My master said much about you."
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| − | '''Alexander: ''' "My pleasure, Shaliya. It is nice to see you teaching Fiona... but, your ''master? ''"
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| − | That had never been said in a nice light in any story, or ever since this fight begun...
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' Vorpal narrows her eyes. Instantly she slides back to her cold watchfulness, evaluating the new woman with her customary glance from head to toes... not that she can discern much from this, clad in the costume as she is.
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| − | "The Sidereal, I think", she supplies, briefly, and favors Shaliya with a little nod.
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "My ears were burning, so I knew someone had to be talking about me. Alas, it is only truths. No juicy gossip yet." He shakes his head sadly as he steps into view, bottle of champagne tucked under his arm. "I could go over there so you can talk bad about me, if you like."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Yes, you are a Sidereal." Selina purrs from suddenly in front of them. How did she sweep around so quickly? There is something of her relative in her, surely.
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| − | "But not, I think, so clever as you appear to be."
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' Somehow, the Pale Angel doesn't feel surprised at Gennadi's approach. Such a coincidence is simply a little ''too'' fitting to ignore. "Oh, please, don't trouble yourself", she responds, smoothly, "When I talk bad of other people behind their backs, I prefer to do it right in front of their faces. It is more fair that way."
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| − | Perhaps, Vorpal wonders briefly, that is precisely the way to deal with these Sidereals. Always expect for the most ''fitting'' thing to occur.
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| − | '''Alexander: ''' "We do not have anything bad to talk about you, really... yet!" He walks over to Kanti, seeming to be get to her at the same time as Fiona, and both speak at the same time and tune, "Are you alright? You are so silent!"
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| − | There is a moment of laugher on the two youngsters...
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Kanti is afraid of poor old me, again, Alex." Selina says as an aside, looking at Kanti with a long suffering mien. "As usual, more I should say. Perhaps she'll like talking to you more for now."
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| − | * Gennadi draws in a breath. "I look clever? You truly must be starved here in the hinterlands if I qualify. Or perhaps it is that I am so clever I sweep back around into the fool's territory, eh? These are the things you must consider if you expect to get one over on me." He wags a finger at the pair, punctuated by popping the cork. "Champagne, anyone?"
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "''Exactly''." Selina says. "You've gone back into fool's territory. Or you ''want'' us to think that."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Indeed! Perhaps I'm a fool trying to convince you I'm so clever I must be acting the fool, that you must let your guard down. Or perhaps I am clever in telling you such, that you take my appearance for truth... I do so enjoy logical puzzles." He salutes her with the bottle, pouring himself a glass in the same motion.
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| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti blinks as the two youngsters talk at her both at once.
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| − | "I-..." she manages to get out, before Selina talks across to Alex and to her, flinching a little at the sound of her voice.<br>
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| − | ''mistress doesn't like me to be scared. ''<br>
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| − | ''I try not to be scared of her. ''<br>
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| − | ''It's so hard though. ''<br>
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| − | She gives a little nod "It was a ... surprise to see Gennadi too. And Shalyia. I hadn't seen either of them in so long."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Is Nexus hinterlands as well?" Selina asks dryly, then looks to Vorpal, eyes questioning. "You have met this one before, Lilith?"
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' "Once", Vorpal responds with a little shrug. "Briefly. That encounter rather set up the tone with him."
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| − | '''Kadel: ''' ''Click. Click. Click. ''
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| − | The uniform tap of stiletto heels cut across the yard. They came down the stairs in rank and file, like soldiers on the march arranged by the color of their hair and the shades of their skin. Past the prince and the raksha without a turn of their head or a regard of their attention, flanking the stairway beyond them like an honor guard. Music wavered and died as the scattered dancers slowed and turned to watch as they walked from the open mansion doors one after the other.
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| − | In skirts which could barely be called such, short and stiff and flared about their hips. In sheer black stockings that encased their legs as thought painted on, a bright white bow upon the side of each. Equally black corsets hugged their bosoms tightly, a low hemline edged with white lace. The ropes stood out against the young womens skin. Dark black cords twisted expertly around their wrists and fixed to the back of the broad leather collar of the next woman in the line. Atop their heads, a wavering length of lace and silk, the bonnet of a maid. And for each, a porcelain mask to cover her face, a picture of statuesque beauty whose lips stretched around a round red orb and whose eyes were masked by a stark black cloth.
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| − | There were no eye holes in the masks and even had there been, the wise observer would have noted the girls wore blindfold bellow them just the same. That they kept in step, moved down the stairs without a single stumble or so much as a scuff of their shoots, was a testimony to how well theyd been trained. As the first in each row reached the bottom stair, they all stopped and in unison turned inward to face each other. From top step to bottom, they stretched like a banister of loveliness, statues of flesh frozen in time. These were the Lovers pick and Kadels own servants. They knew how to play their part well.
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| − | Following last in their wake, Kadel Kurodona glided to the top of the stairs and waited patiently until the blind-maids had arrayed themselves properly before him. If guests had not suspected before something was about to happen, there would be no denying it now.
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| − | "Ladies and gentlemen. Madams and monsieurs." The Glass Spider began, voice intoning and hands stretched up to call for silence. An excited and uncertain hush settled over the party as Kadel lowered his arms to his sides. "Tonight, I beckoned you all to come masked to this gala. This ball. This celebration of the victory so hard fought and so deservingly obtained."
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| − | He paused graciously for the spattering of applause. Though it was easily forgotten, it did not change the fact that this was intended to be a victory celebration and many of those present had fought against the dead or sacrificed to defeat them. As the clapping died down, Kadel went on evenly. "I beckoned you to come with faces hidden. To come and be someone other than yourselves. In this, you have not disappointed me."
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| − | "I could wax poetic on the miracle that is a mask. On the glorious freedom that comes with anonymity." Then he did something with his hand; made a darting motion past his face. And as his hand came down, the mask he wore was another all together. A red grinning demon face leered down at the guests bellow, golden horns spiraling high above his head. Indeed, his entire outfit had changed in that one swift motion, from white and green to red and gold, sparkling flames arrayed across him.
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| − | "How the sins you commit under a guise can never truly hang on your head." With another swift motion, the demon face seemed to dissolve and a beautiful parody of Iron Tears own stern visage glowered. And again, his whole outfit seemed to change brown and gray, gear-teeth upon the hem and machine-works the chest.
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| − | "How the indecencies you may not be willing to commit as yourself come so much easier when you are someone else." One last time, his hand moved and both mask and outfit alike returned to the marble and ivy look he had first appeared in. "But I like to think perhaps you would uncover this on your own."
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| − | "There are unfortunately though some of you whom I fear would not get caught up in the evening. Whose delicate moral balance would become far too upset to ever allow acceptance of the freedom you now hold. And my reputation would be ruined, to have such dreadful rumors as a ''boring'' party to take place in my home." A polite ripple of laughter rolled through the guests. The reputation of Kadel and his parties had become so sordid that a spot of cleanliness about them ''would'' seem like a stain by comparison. "So, then, I have endeavored to make certain this night does not pass without keeping."
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| − | Suddenly, dramatically, another Kadel stepped out from behind the first. Demon-masked and fire-robed, the red-clad Kadel glided gracefully to stand beside the one in white. "So you see, for each of me"
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| − | Stepping out from behind the figure in white, yet another Kadel emerged, clad in the mocking-mask of Iron Tears and the gear-themed coat. "There shall be another of you."
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| − | And it was then, perhaps, that the guest finally noticed. Noticed how suddenly crowded it was at the base of the stairs. Or noticed how all the stewards had suddenly vanished, leaving behind nothing more than their long coats hanging on posts. Or even noticed the last few women trickling out of paths in the hedge maze to join the others, clad in an array of beautiful and all ''too'' familiar dresses.
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| − | They dressed just like the other guests same clothes, same masks, same make-up and hair. Kadels information network had been put to no greater use than learning ahead of time what his guest would be wearing tonight and behind his mask, the real Glass Spider smiled at the results. Mingling easily into the crowd, the doubles had moved almost unnoticed until the last second.
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| − | One could see a woman in green, raven wings upon her back and a shadowy miasma before her face. One could see a marble-pale beauty in black, unmasked face that should have been stern, carrying an inviting smile. One could even see a young man in purple and silver, hands already busy embracing backends or capturing hips. And more, far more. Somewhere in the crowd, every single guest at the party bore a double now. A double who already smiled and seduced when polite society had been keeping the original from being so bold. Who could drink where their original would abstain, who would seek out those who the original might avoid, who would act in a manner the original would not act unless the original had thought they could get away with it.
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| − | Upon the top of the stairs, all three Kadels clasped their hands together and bowed, speaking in unison. "Remember tonight, you are not the only you. Remember that who stands before you may not be who you believe them to be. Remember, most of all, that no matter how clean you keep your hands, rumor will follow your name. So embrace chance instead. You may not have another opportunity."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' Selina hears Kadel's words. And she chuckles. A deep, throaty chuckle, quiet but not a too quiet to not hear. The shadows about her become more sultry as she listens. "Oh, embrace it with both arms." Selina purrs, almost to herself, entirely a predator for that moment.
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| − | '''Alexander: ''' Alexander watches... surprised. Another Vorpal... another Selina...
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| − | "Kadel knows how to throw a party..."
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| − | '''Fiona: ''' She watches another lady with a golden butterfly on her chest. She watches another red-skinned lady in a cheongsam...
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| − | And all the young sorceress can do is clap!<br>
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| − | The man was that good, indeed.
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| − | * Gennadi simply nods in Kadel's direction. "He's good. No, great. Though really, it makes me wonder just how he intends to mirror the Fae. Perhaps it is the monkey-woman who is shy now?" He flicks the mirrored mask from behind his back, slipping it back on partway. "This should be fun. It'll slow my busines... but fun."
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' Vorpal, who has been watching and listening to the show as still as a statue, her back as straight as a sword blade, slowly turns around. Her eyes search through the crowd, searching among the duplicates, over the youth in white, over the raven-winged beauty clad in green, until she locates a familiar face - an all too familiar white face, framed by white hair, eyes red as blood...
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| − | She stares at the apparition for a moment, watching how alluringly the creature moves, how inviting is her smile as she sways her hips with every step...
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| − | ''...heh. ''
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| − | Abruptly, she relaxes. She lowers her gaze and shakes her head, a low chuckle escaping her throat.
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| − | "Most likely", she responds to the Sidereal without looking, "He has brought in a baboon from the zoo, or something similar." Turning to Selina and Alexander, she gives the two a little nod. "Excuse me."
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| − | And with that, she departs, drifting calmly through the crowd, directly towards her seductive doppelganger.
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| − | '''Kanti: ''' ''There is another me? ''<br>
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| − | ''There is another mistress? ''<br>
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| − | ''How? I will have to know... ''<br>
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| − | ''I must..... ''
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| − | Kanti glances around the party, more worried than impressed by the stunt Kadel had pulled.
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' ''Poor girls. '' Selina thinks, meaning more the ones mimicking her and Vorpal.
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| − | ''You had better not kill yours, dear. ''
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| − | She has an idea that Vorpal is going off to either do something very unpleasant, or surprise the wits out of everyone. It's the kind of thing she'd do, Selina thinks.
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| − | "Try not to molest my double too much, yes?" She says in a weary tone, meaning the rest there. "If I get a bad name from this, they won't be the ones I see tomorrow morning."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Who said you had a good one? Besides, if I wanted fakes, they're readily available for reasonable prices on the gold-paved paths of the district." He finishes his first glass absentmindedly, far more interested in the potential show at hand. "Though no doubt, it takes quite the magic to replicate the whole package..."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Perhaps you would need the magic of the First Age to replicate such a delicious, perfect blasphemy as myself." Selina says in a grating tone, eyes on Vorpal for now. She can find 'herself' easily enough.
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Perhaps. Or simply a lot of prep time. It's so hard to get things just right without reference material."
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| − | ''' ‘Vorpal deFay’: ''' "... no," the pale skinned woman in black finished as Vorpal approached, toying with a glass of strong bourbon as she smiled fetchingly to a rapt audience. "The Dark Angel is ''very'' approachable. Just beware not to step upon her ego. She ''does'' bite rather hard when you get her feathers ruffled. Though, Ive found thats not ''always'' a bad thing"
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| − | Half faced towards her already, her smile becomes even more playful at the flash of black and white in the corner of her eye. Turning slowly to face Vorpal, she casually brushes back pale strands from her face and arches her brows in obvious surprise. "Beautiful dress." She observed nonchalantly, red eyes scrawling over across the black velvet in approval. "You fill it out almost as well as I do, dear."
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' The Pale Angel - the authentic one - does not stop to appreciate the compliment. She does not even slow down. Smiling slightly, she walks directly up to her double, lays one pale hand onto the fake Vorpal's white shoulder and promptly spins the other around, towards the direction she herself faces. "I have to steal myself from you for a moment", she informs the audience, politely, before beginning to walk the poor girl away towards the edge of the clearing.
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| − | ''' ‘Vorpal deFay’: '''Now her eyes widen in honest surprise, stumbling against Vorpal's hand a moment and scarcely holding onto her drink.
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| − | But she allows Vorpal to guide her without protest and even manages to return the smile to her face. "We are that much in love with ourselves, are we?"
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| − | The other guests step out of their paths with mixed reactions, a few hands even reaching out daringly to touch the twin angels as they go by. Hands of guests or doubles who is to know? The faux-Vorpal makes certain to lean ever so slightly into those caresses however.
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| − | Of course, as much as she might tease, her heart was racing. Kadel had warned them something of this sort might happen and what to do in case it did. There had been some truth in what she had been telling the other guests earlier: the egos of the Exalts were easily brusied.
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| − | '''Vorpal: ''' "Rather, we like to help ourselves", the Pale Angel responds and makes it clear with a chillding glare at the owners of the probing hands which of them is the real one. "Don't worry", she adds with a little squeeze to her double's shoulder, "We are stern, but we ''do'' have a sense of humor."
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| − | Finally, after putting some decent distance between herselves and the other guests, she halts and whirls the other pale woman around. They stand there, face to face, each silhouetted against the glow of the lanterns, each just as tall as the other, each filling the gown just as magnificently as the other.
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| − | Briefly, Vorpal has to admit that their host had done a brilliant job.
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| − | Briefly. For there is a bad flaw in the brilliancy...
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| − | "Your master got it all wrong", she tells her double, calmly. "You are not wearing my mask. You are walking around bare-faced. Your presence here is a shaky stroke in an otherwise very nice picture."
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| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Vorpal deFay’: ''' "Is that so..." the woman answered softly, keeping the relief from her voice. She sipped at her drink slowly and licked the droplets from her lips as she struggled to keep her footing again. So she wasn't being carted off to be murdered or injured... but to receive fashion advice? "Which mask are we ''supposed'' to be wearing, then? Yours seems to have fallen off."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Vorpal: ''' "The problem", the Pale Angel continues, and ''now'' her smile turns malicious, her eyes glimmering with evil mirth, "Is that you cannot wear my mask and behave the way you do at the same time. You simply cannot. There is no point for you to be here."
| |
| − | | |
| − | She pauses, allowing her words to sink in, before continuing with a kinder sort of mien on her face: "But I am in a playful mood, so I will give the Glass Spider a riddle. He has proven to be a master of masks. Let him solve this one, and he has earned my respect for tonight. Carry this message to him."
| |
| − | | |
| − | "''If'' he can come up with a way to have you behave the way you do ''and'' truly wear my mask, he wins and you can stay and do whatever you like tonight. ''If'' he cannot, you will have to go inside, take off that dress and spend the rest of the evening free. Free to wear another mask, if you wish, but I do not care about that as long as you do not attempt to wear mine."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Vorpal deFay’: ''' She swished her drink around in the bottom of her glass as the real Vorpal spoke, one arm wrapped bellow her chest. This was ridiculous. The crazy woman wasn't even ''wearing'' a mask. It would have almost been better if Vorpal had just slapped her. Still, it was best to just nod and agree with whatever was said than risk the Exalteds ire, so she did just that. A faint tip of her head in accession. "I will let him know what you said, then. I am sure he will be intrigued."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Vorpal: ''' "Fu." She pats the copy-Vorpal's shoulder in what could be thought as friendly fashion. "That's a darling. I'm sure he will."
| |
| − | | |
| − | She is already turning around, making to return to her comrades. One last thought, however, makes her pause and she gives her double one last glance. "Beautiful dress, by the way", she observes nonchalantly, red eyes scrawling across the black velvet in approval. "You fill it out almost as well as I do, dear."
| |
| − | | |
| − | And with that, she leaves the copy Pale Angel behind.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' A little far away, the prince looks around... at all the doubles, running around, playing with all those they see, just like them... but without certain key inhibitions and set relations.. nervous. "So, um.... what now? I get worried about the type of reputation my double will give me...?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "You are fourteen." Selina says simply. "I am very surprised you don't have your hand on my arse already."
| |
| − | | |
| − | "What we worry about is people touching the Pale Angel. That's not for them to do."
| |
| − | | |
| − | * Gennadi claps a hand on his shoulder. "You watch, if you're daring you pretend to be your double and get all up in arms tomorrow, and quite possibly learn something along the way. Also, listen to her. She has a WONDERFUL ass. Who could pass up a free touch or smack?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Selina de Windia’: ''' "Why, thank you, sugar."
| |
| − | | |
| − | "I am nothing short of ''divine''." She says simply, walking as the grand beauty of the ball, a shark in a sea of prey.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Now, now, I wonder what tonight will bring to me..." She looks dangerously at Gennadi... and then, at Kanti.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Alexander’: '''"Ah! Well, since it was your request..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | In short order, there is indeed a hand on Selina's backside, treating it with the care of a man who knows how to pamper a woman. Seeing that this man just so happens to look not unlike the Shining Prince himself, it might make things a bit odd at first."Of course, if you have any other places in need of attention, I am more than willing to take matters into my own hands."
| |
| − | | |
| − | His smile is nothing like that of the true Alex; there's a promise of long nights of passion... and maybe a bit of pain. Who can say?
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Certainly not you." Selina says without even looking back at either of them. "Be assured, it's not free."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''I really should attempt to get both Pale Angels in my claws tonight. ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | But what she wants to do can only involve the real one. As wonderful as that idea is.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''Perhaps someday I can do that, if Kadel keeps these women around. ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Silly boy." Selina says, taking Alex's hand and moving it away. "You don't want to pay the cost right now. It's a bit high."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Exceedingly Sublime Opal’: ''' "So shameless, madam Dark Angel." The Jadeborn says, beautiful and graceful, little seeming to be missing on her marble skin...
| |
| − | | |
| − | "I am sorry for my outburst earlier, madam."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''’Alexander’: ''' "Hey, you should not..." The blush incited by Selina's words is heightened by his double's actions, as he steps foward...
| |
| − | | |
| − | Before a beautiful lady in a green dress comes and holds him, the butterfly-masked woman looking up at him...
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Alex~! So this is where you were hiding..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Fiona: ''' It was her. Not as unearthly as the others, she was copied like that... it was her hugging Alex like she had dreamed...
| |
| − | | |
| − | "HEY!"
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Alexander’: ''' With almost practiced grace, once he's refused by the Dark Angel, the faux Prince glides through the crowd, watching, listening pausing... moving and approaching. His hands come to Fiona's shoulders, and he chuckles. "Well, I suppose turnabout is fair play, hm? Unless there's something you need to tell me before I sweep you off of your feet, fairest creature..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Fiona: ''' She turns around, "Oh, I would say you look the part. Do not act it, but he could use the knowledge in flattery..." She looks at the real Alexander, with a wink. "But you do look the part. But, I would not dance right now..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Alexander’: ''' "Ah, but... you must at least give me a chance to prove my worth!" Hands find Fiona's gripping them gently and crossing them just so across her stomach. He is close now, very close, and he seems to almost exude a most un-Alexanderish aura of desire; not blatant lush, but something more along the lines of a professional escort, someone who'd devoted their lives to making a woman happy in more than just the carnal ways. "Surely there's something I can do to get your attention... a quick dance? Maybe a few more flattering words? A kiss?" He does plant a faint peck on her cheek, capping it with a barely-audible purr. "I am listening, shining lady."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Fiona: ''' She smiles at the peck, then brings a finger to her lips, wondering... "Why, the
| |
| − | flattery, please." Her smile sends an aura of light about her, faint, but she would enjoy the praise. The boy was different from Alex... but in some ways, quite like another Alex, the one that was on her dreams at one time...
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Alexander’: ''' "Ah, excellent. That shouldn't be a problem at all!" He offers a second, faint kiss, and draws Fiona just a bit closer. "I could begin by saying that the lay of your figure has very, very uncouth thoughts running through my mind. You most certainly should go about displaying it to the world... it would be a crime to withold it." Hands that held her own release, finding her hips and anchoring firmly to them, while he pauses simply to listen to her breathe. "Of course, such a shining lady couldn't hope to ever be found wanting by anyone with a sense of decency and two working eyes."
| |
| − | | |
| − | He may, or may not have, intentionally pulled her in just enough to make his obvious attentiveness obvious, but the faux Alexander is working most smoothly, avoiding anything too, too overt.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Fiona: ''' "Is that the flattery, to say you want to sleep with me? My, my, you had begun better." She pecks him in turn, still smiling.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Try again?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Alexander’: ''' "Ah, my apologies! But you, see, that's only the beginning of my intentions! Sure..." He chuckles, twirling Fiona before hauling her back in, starting directly into her eyes. "... I would love nothing more to share a bed with you... no, I would be '''honored''' to... that does not negate the fact that I wish to dance with you tonight. That I would like to walk with you and talk about silly things like trhe weather and whose dress was the tackiest... it was the woman in the blue beehive wig, by the by." He chuckles softly, mirthfully. "I want to share a meal with you, stare at the stars with you... spend time with you, shining lady, for at the very least I can bask in the aura of your Exalted majesty." His hands trek down her back, resting between waist and the upswell of her buttocks.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "... for now, I would like very much to admire you from up close. Is that alright?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Fiona: ''' She holds his hands, "Well, now, that is a bit better. Getting there!" She giggles...
| |
| − | | |
| − | ... and would yelp at his hand being where it is if he had not done it so smoothly...! "Well then, my gentleman... let's dance?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Alexander’: ''' "Let's."
| |
| − | | |
| − | His eyes twinkle with mischief that Alex might be able to pull off one day or another.
| |
| − | | |
| − | He eems content enough to keep true to his word, moving Fiona the proper distance away before he begins to lead, one hand lifting and clasping her own while the other free arm encircles her waist.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "I'll make sure this is a dance you shan't forget for a long time, shining one."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Fiona: ''' She smiles up to him, letting him feel her sunlight, always enjoying the possibility to flare without fear. They had saved those people, by being anathema. So she could. And she was glad. She was glad, as she danced with him, enjoying the attention, her smile a dare. "Let's see if you are as good as him in that, mirror mirror..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''’Alexander’: ''' "Heh... I shall endeavour to try, milady." He gives Fiona a well-practiced twirl, only to reel her back in and continue dancing, eyes glittering with delight. Obviously, the man is doing the best that he can to contain himself and 'be' Alexander (if only a little), but the real being underneath most definitely is liking the closeness to Fiona, the glory of her aura, and the feel of her softness. "I always did like a challenge."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Shaliya: ''' Fiona enjoys the closeness as well, but soon, a lady closes between them with the most gracious gestures, cutting him off with a wink and a protective smile to Fiona, "If you will excuse me, fair lord, but I still have much to teach her before she can freely dance with one so skilled as you..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''’Alexander’: ''' His smile quickly turns into a frown, but only for the slightest of moments. "Hmph... I suppose there is a time and a season for all things." Nonetheless, he bows deeply before the two, maintaining an air of politeness. "Perhaps I shall have the honor of dancing with you again someday..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | That done, he looks up and scans about. '''Someone''' must still be in need of his attentions---ooooh. Of course!
| |
| − | | |
| − | The dark one.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti caught the look of the ...fake Dark Angel ... and she wondered...<br>
| |
| − | ''What will she do if I approach her? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''What will she say? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...What will she do? ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''...What I want her too? ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''...What do I want? ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | Kanti backs away, from the profusion of Princes and Fiona's, confused and worried, wanting something constant, something singular.<br>
| |
| − | Anything.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Selina de Windia’: ''' "Oh ho ho... trying to run, my little red dragon? Where are you going?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | She moves closer to Kanti, nearly gliding, her veil of shadows leaving a smile.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "I am not going to bite, you know."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' The prince takes a step back from the faux Fiona, shaking his head, "S-stop it... you are not her..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | He blushes with a peck on his cheek, afraid the Pale Angel is watching... "And she..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | * Gennadi rather quickly shifts to hold Alex close, husky words just at the edge of Alexander's hearing for the faux Fiona as he reaches around to caress the false Fiona's face wiith Alexander's hand, somehow having a grip on his wrist. At the faint blush, he grins, tapping the mirrored mask down and suddenly whirling Alex to face him. They step back into the cloud of dancers now, Gennadi's hand on his back rather familiar. "You need a little bit of time to get used to this, I think. Perhaps a bit of advice... and don't worry, there's no duplicate of me. You can't get any less inhibited than Venus's Chosen, after all!"
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti turns to face the Dark Angel. <br>
| |
| − | ''mistress. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...not mistress! ''<br>
| |
| − | ''but.... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...what if she is? ''<br>
| |
| − | "I..."<br>
| |
| − | ''she's not mistress! ''<br>
| |
| − | "...was just going to get a drink." she takes a slightly frightened step back, though she can't help but wonder what it would be like ...<br>
| |
| − | ''maybe without the darkness... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''....she wouldn't be mistress... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...but... ''<br>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Kanti’: '''She follows in the wake of the false Selina, at once more composed and easy to overlook, and then again she simply radiates a strange need. Her eyes remain downcast despite the glittering golden mask, one quick look at her duplicate betraying hunger before she settles against her back. Warm whispers follow, relaying orders, detailed and intricate ways to avoid disappointing the Mistress. She nibbles lightly along the edge of her clone's ear while she waits for a response, motion just barely hidden by the intricate mask she wears.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' He pushes his wrist off of Gennadi's grasp, while the faux Fiona pouts and steps aside, and the Prince seess his own mask reflected back at him in the mirror... not moving away, led by Gennadi in this social dance... "And what would that advice be...?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "You need to let go. Have you not learned that in times of strife, sometimes you must concede a battle to win the war? Everyone tonight will be shamed, in one way or another, you can be sure of that. Would you have it on your terms, a roll with a willing girl... or perhaps guy in the hay, or a stain down your pants when someone turns to mischief? Will you be known as the human prince, or the inhuman, perfect, staid, Alexander?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' "The human one. I... suppose you are right... I will have fun, then. And dance with the doubles who wish the dance. But now, if you will excuse me, there is someone who is far too scared here..." Breaking off of Gennadi, he makes his way closer to the faux Selina and Kanti, and to the true Garda Bird...
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti stiffens slightly as ... she settles against her own back, listening to a small voice in the back of her head telling her all the things she should do to please mistress, the whispers it spoke to her.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Then there was herself at her back, whispering things ... other things...different things ...things that still called to her.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Who am I?
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Selina de Windia’: '''The woman that looks like mistress touches Kanti's face, her whispers together with Kanti's own mirror...
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Confused? Do not be scared, dearie..." she grins, a death's head grin, almost, as she towers above the Dragon-Blooded...
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' "She... is, right? I can never tell..." He asks of Gennadi, trying to understand Kanti as he looks at her, she seemed scared, but... it was not like she had not been scared before... a couple of steps on her direction and he was already second-guessing himself, turning to the advice of someone much more learned in those ways as he. "And I would be the unnaproachable prince if I stepped into and ruined fun, right? But I just... do not get their relation..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Terrified, certainly. That's the point. Kanti is full of paradoxes, wanting what she fears and fearing what she wants. Who balances both better than her? As for ruining fun... it's not in change, but how you do it. Think of something terribly daring to do with a Dark Angel and two Kantis, but only for a moment. I remember being a bit... high strung at fourteen." He chuckles. "Remember, you've got an excuse just for tonight."
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' ''she's touching me.... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...her skin is warm...not like the void... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''but she is not her.... ''<br>
| |
| − | Kanti guiltily compares the Dark Angels in her head, as she is pinned between her mirrorself and the mirrored Angel, trying to get herself to stay calm, finding it not that much easier than when the real dark angel was in front of her.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "I....I...sorry..." she murmurs
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' So many words, and he is much more confused than before. He looks up at Gennadi, with a blink, a blink, and a blink.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "So..."<br>
| |
| − | "She ''is'' scared. Alright."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''’Selina de Windia’: '''She holds Kanti's face, and kisses her. "Sorry for what?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | Black wings wrap almost around both Kantis, "For trying to run from your mistress?"
| |
| − |
| |
| − | * Gennadi just laughs, ruffling Alex's hair fondly. "You'll figure it out, but to make things simple... some people lead, and some people follow. Kanti follows, and Selina is a rather impressive leader. A scary one, a sexy one, but neither of those defeat the point." He elbows Alex in the ribs. "Hey, aren't you supposed to be some sort of leader too? Go see if the fake can match up."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: '''"Alright. I will try." He looks up, with a smile. "Thank you, Gennadi..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''Time to see if the fake terrifies me as much as the real one, anyways... ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Don't thank me until you've escaped with your life and dignity intact. I'll see how you're doing in a while... for now, I'm going to go act a fool." He leaves Alex to his appointed task, sweeping easily into the crowd to collect and calm a no-doubt frazzled duplicate Vorpal.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti finds herself kissing the woman back, feeling black feathers on her back, pressing up to her closely, before pulling back, still wrapped up in the wings.<br>
| |
| − | ''not her. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''..not me... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''wrong. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''right. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''so... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''so... ''<br>
| |
| − | "...yes."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' A flap of white wings, strong enough to break the cocoon of black wings, and the prince stands there, faint white light about him...
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Excuse me, you two, but she is a little too scared to be held by both of you like that..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Kanti’: ''' For once, the poor woman selected for Kanti's role actually understands the true nature of that role as she catches glimpses of the approaching angle. She huddles behind the black wings, mind a whirl as she gapes in reaction. This was not really what she had signed up for...
| |
| − | | |
| − | * Gennadi takes quick and easy advantage of the distraction, reminding himself to find a way to thank the Dark Angel for it without being too flippant. He wraps his arm around the false Vorpal, pressing the end of the chain loosely wrapped around his neck into her hand as they walk. "Come on, you and I need to speak in private... Or at least speak of privates."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti looks around, at the sound of the Prince's voice, her heart skipping a beat as she sees him, ringed in white, feeling his power pushing the dark wings away.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''he's here ... to save me? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''to hurt me? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''to damn me? ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''..he's here! ''<br>
| |
| − | "Prince Alexander!"
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' She was happy he was around. She was happy, statled, but happy. So, he was not simply making an horrible, horrible, faux pas. The other Kanti was scared, yes, of him, but if the real one, the one that was terrified, according to Gennadi, was happy... he takes a step then, closer to her, taking a hold of her hand and moving her to him, gently, as if dancing...
| |
| − | | |
| − | "Do you want to continue here, Kanti? I thought we could dance."
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Selina de Windia’: ''' Her eyes go wide at the light and the gust of wind from the flapping of the wings, then she sighs.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "It is what she wanted. I am her mistress after all."
| |
| − | | |
| − | "If she wants to go with you, it is up to her, of course. I am not a monster of the like to stop her from doing what she wishes."
| |
| − | | |
| − | The Dark Angel shrugs, then looks at the prince almost predatorily... "Unless you just wish to join us..."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' ''dance? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''with the prince...? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''I... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...would ''<br>
| |
| − | ''but... ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | Kanti stands there, as not! mistress speaks...<br>
| |
| − | ''...she will not stop me? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...she really won't stop me? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''...or does the prince want us both? ''<br>
| |
| − | "I...would love to dance with you, Prince Alexander ... or ..." she glances back at mistress.<br>
| |
| − | ''both of you can...yes. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''I want that. ''<Br>
| |
| − | ''Don't make me do that. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''please. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''yes. ''<br>
| |
| − | Kanti waits for one of them to decide.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Alexander: ''' Oh, the suggestion is tempting. He feels a shiver, eletrical, from head to toe, and wants it... so bad... but he does have the courage, not with so much embarassment right now. He just holds her hand then, "Pehaps later, Milady... for now, I suppose I would just dance with her, right?" He smiles, then smiles assuringly at Kanti.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Pehaps he would find Vorpal later, or get some sense before building the courage to call for the faux dark angel and garda bird as he dances...
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Selina de Windia’: ''' "Suit yourself." She says, almost angry, but with a grin, "You have no idea what you are missing, ''boy''"
| |
| − | | |
| − | She sets in a low flight them, appearing resplendent to the party, letting them see their mistress, and revel in the sight, devoid of the supernatural fear of the real one... leaving the prince and Kanti.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Alex cannot help but to sigh at the opportunity he just let pass by.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Kanti: ''' ''he wants that. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''he doesn't want me. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''does he? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''he wants to dance. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''I want to dance. ''<br>
| |
| − | ''Does he want to hurt me again? ''<br>
| |
| − | ''It felt so good last time... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''mistress wouldn't... ''<br>
| |
| − | ''....mistress? ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | Kanti finds herself alone with herself and the Prince, her hand in his, and no-one else around.
| |
| − | | |
| − | "...then...we should dance...?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''' ‘Vorpal deFay’: '''Standing still alone on the edge of the crowd, ignoring the looks turned on her by the guests moving past, the pale woman nurses her drink and her pride alike in silence. Shed been left largely alone, beyond looks and the occasional passing touch. Free to watch the real Pale Angel and the street punk, to study
| |
| − | | |
| − | Free at least until the mirror-masked man emerged from the throng to grab her arm. She stumbled behind him a moment with offence at the breaking of his thoughts etched into her features, but that hard look took little time to soften as she considered her impromptu captor.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''Bold. ''
| |
| − | | |
| − | She stills the smile that would have normally come to her face and instead turns a face on him that is as cold and hard as she can manage. A look that might have even done the real Pale Angel proud. Her hand tightens around the chain and jerks it hard, pulling the masked man against her and winding it about her hand to keep the length short. "Oh, well discus ''those'' in due time, dear man. Perhaps after weve discussed, in detail, how improper it is to grab a lady so. Clearly there are a number of lessons Ill have to teach you about etiquette."
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Yes, Milady!" The mirrored mask betrays little, though his grin is reflected in shards along the many links of the chain. "If I have erred, clearly I am in need of some detailed instruction...
| |
| − | | |
| − | ... shall we?"
| |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | ----
| |
| − | | |
| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/FifthMovement|Fifth Movement]]
| |
| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/DanceOfAngels|A Dance of Angels]]
| |
