"You are much too kind" The lady said from beneath her golden mask as she lead her husband to the refreshment table. He began filling up glasses of cider while the Lady stood next to the Duke picking out some slices of cake.

"Tell me Duke Charming, what are you the Duke of? I am curious"

_________________

The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G

She spots the couple who are now munching and Duke Charming. "Good evening." She smiles before gliding off to a chair and sitting demurely, watching the people floating about the dance floor.

_________________



And all will turn to silver glass...



By Goldstrike

"Good Evening..." The lord speaks for both him and his wife because her mouth is currently full of an assortment of goodies, cheeks puffing out like a chipmunk and a guilty expression in her eyes. The lord laughs and turns to their new guest so to speak.

"Excuse my lady, she has not eaten all day. I am Lord of Gondolin and this is my Lady, you are?" He holds his hand out most gentlemanly.

_________________

The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G

In response to the Lady's question, the Duke cleared his throat a bit self-consciously. "Ah, well." He lowered his voice and glanced around to see if anyone else was listening. "To be honest, it's not really that impressive of a place. I'm the Duke of Fiddlemarsh- just a few rather swampy acres. Every time I try to build a castle, it sinks into the swamp. Still, it's home."

He nodded and smiled to a woman in a red dress who walked up. "Good evening, m'lady."

_________________
Even In Darkness [Updating]

MG watched as Lord and Lady Death went and danced. With a shrugged, she took her hubby's hand and dragged him over to the refreshment table where others were gathering.
"Could you get me a drink?" she asked the Joker. "Some red wine would be nice."
With a nod he sauntered off to the drinks.

Morning Glory gracefully walked up to Lord and Lady of Gondolin, Duke, and Ashalind.
"Evening," she said, wondering how many she knew behind the masks. "I am Morning Glory. Call me Morning, or Glory, or MG. Which ever you like. And the man with the strange make-up is my husband the Joker. I'm sure everyone is having as wonderful a time as I am?"

_________________

(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

The Duke bowed deeply to Morning Glory. "It is a pleasure to meet you and your husband, m'lady. I am-" he struck an appropriately noble pose- "The Duke Charming. I am indeed having a marvelous time. This is the most delightful ball I've attended in a long while."

"Duke? So not quite a prince, but I see you are just as charming," Morning Glory luaghed. "Yes, this is the most delightful. The decorations are just as grand, if not more so, then last years Yule Ball."

_________________

(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

The Duke smiled, clearly pleased. "Thank you, Glory. I do try my best to be charming." He looked around the room at the garlands and candles and nodded in agreement. "The decorations are beautiful." He tapped a finger against his chin thoughtfully. "I shall have to remember them. My own home is a bit lacking in the holiday atmosphere at the moment. A few candles and ornaments might do the trick. But enough about me. Have you tried any of these cakes? They are quite tasty."

"No, I have not tried any of the cakes. They all look so deliciouse, I don't know which to try first! The chocolate, or the cheese, or apple. Which do you suggest, Duke?" Morning said, looking at the wide variety of cakes on the table...

_________________

(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

"The apple is very good. I have yet to try any of the others yet." He took a sip of cider. "I believe the Lady of Gondolin has tried some. What kind do you suggest, Lady?"

Leila walked over to the food table, half bouncing as she noticed the music playing. She smiled as she looked around the selection of food on offer but grabbed only a glass of white wine. Sipping it, she turned and looked around the room properly for the first time. She took in the black and gold decorations and her smile widened. "Beautiful" She murmured and raised her glass to her lips, taking another sip.

~~~
Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright.

_________________
Even In Darkness [Updating]

Two newcomers entered the scene: a lady escorted by a handsome prince. They were both dressed in rich brown velvet, with matching masks and fake antlers.

"I believe we're late, Lady Fluffy," he said, looking around sheepishly at the other guests who were assembled in the ballroom.

"Oh, nonsense. We're not the only ones who are busy this time of year, Trepak. Oh--you forgot your nose!" She reached into a tiny purse and pulled out a red fluffy ball on a string.

"You aren't making me wear that," Trepak said.

"Yes I am," Fluffy argued as she put the 'nose' on.

"But I'm not Rudolph. I'm not even a reindeer. You named me after a Russian Dance..."

But Fluffy was already gone, approaching a group of masqueraders.

_________________

and I'm still a dreamer, a believer
I've lost my faith in so many things but I still believe in You

Oreleth walked into the beautifully decorated room. She had never been to a Masquerade before but she did not imagine that it was be so lovely. Many quests had already arrived, dressed in costume and their faces hidden behind masks. Oreleth knew not of who anyone was, nor would anyone her.
"Oh look Celephinnon, dearest!" Oreleth said brightly, pulling on her husband's arm. "It is our first Masquerade, isn't this going to be fun?"
"Sure, love," Celephinnon said, smiling slightly behind his mask.
"Great, let's go mingle." Oreleth lead Celephinnon though the crowed. "Hello, hello everyone!," Oreleth greeted.

_________________
And as he looked into her eyes
Within the auburn of her hair
The trembling starlight of the skies
He saw there mirrored bright and fair

♥In a poly relationship with Kili and Tauriel♥

Lady Fluffy turned around and smiled at Oreleth. "Why, hello there--what a lovely costume! My name is Lady Fluffy Magical Reindeer...but you can call me Fluffy for short."

_________________

and I'm still a dreamer, a believer
I've lost my faith in so many things but I still believe in You

"Oh why thank you, dear," Oreleth said. "It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Oreleth and this is my husband, Celephinnon."
"Greetings," Celephinnon said from behind his wife.

_________________
And as he looked into her eyes
Within the auburn of her hair
The trembling starlight of the skies
He saw there mirrored bright and fair

♥In a poly relationship with Kili and Tauriel♥