Taking one last look at the beautiful hall, Raven smiled in a reminiscent manner, half wishing it all didn't have to end. "It's been a wonderful week, I just wish we could have stayed longer.." she murmured, and felt the familiar comfort of Anakin's arm around her waist.

"There's always next year..and I'm sure there will be more balls inbetween now and then." Anakin whispered in her ear, bending ever so slightly to make up for the small difference in their heights.

"Indeed.." was the whispered response, as Raven smiled again, lifting her head to glance up at Anakin's face. It seemed to be alight with some unearthly glow because of the lingering, ethereal light of the room, and it gave him a far more handsome appearance than normal. A smile, mischevious, yet gentle at the same time, lit up his features, especially his eyes, which, before she knew it, seemed to be moving closer to her own.

In actuality, they were, as Anakin was leaning down towards her, tilting her chin up gently with one hand, and as soon as their faces were almost touching, he brushed her lips with a tender kiss. This, she returned, and the kiss deepened, until the two drew apart after a few moments, almost reluctantly.

"Come..it's time to leave." Anakin murmured, looking Raven directly in the eyes. She nodded, and slipped her arm through his as it was offered, and the two then said their goodbyes to any friends that were lingering around, before exiting and making their way back home, via two magnificent horses, a white mare and a black stallion.

(Couldn't resist a romantic exit..)

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Idril and Remus danced in relative quiet until the clock struck eleven, and it was time to leave. They bid good-bye to the other ballgoers, and walked toward the exit. Remus helped Idril with her coat before they stepped outside into the crisp, snowy air.

They looked up at the shining stars. Remus slipped his hand into hers, and Idril squeezed his. "Thank-you, Remus," she said softly. "I had a wonderful time."

"As did I... especially since I was with you," he said with a smile, looking down. Idril hugged him tight and Remus helped her into the carriage that would take her home. She leaned out the window, waving good-bye before Remus twirled, and with a swish of his cloak and a pop! he was gone.

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Couples trickled into the ballroom for one last dance oblivious to Larael as she stood silently in the corner to watch the balls final moments. It was as if the week had gone by in the blink of an eye. One moment she had been masquerading and dancing with Darrell and the next she was standing alone watching couples leave. It had been a wonderful week and a surreal one too. Larael only wished she had been able to dance with Darrell one last time.

Sighing, she took one last sip of her cider and set the glass down on an empty table. The only thing left to do was actually leave.

Gwenneth couldn't bring herself to leave. She longed for just one more dance, one more drink or laugh. But all good things must come to a close.
She walked to the door, where her the dark green cloack Ellie had given her was hung. Tying it around her neck, she surveyed the ballroom one last time, only to see Larael standing alone. Gwen walked slowly to her and said, "Fast week, eh?"

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^Thanks Gily!
<By Bubble Black

Thank you Everyone for attending the Winter Ball and making it such a smashing success! Your help, participation, and general wonderfulness is so appreciated. After a while we'll consider plans and ideas for another future Ball since I do believe from this week's events, the party/ball is worthwhile and a great time for everyone who attends. Thank you again and again.

-- quietly closes the ballroom doors for now and begins the cleanup til nextime--

~tin

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[~+@&#=^?]

..back again, picking myself up, dusting off..and facing life..