Hodel enters shyly, accompanied by Perchik, who is holding her arm protectively. After taking a swift glance around the room, she tries to pull into a corner alone, but Perchik has other idea's.

"No, no... let's dance!" he says, pulling her back into the crowd. She looks up at him with shy, but trusting eyes.

"But first," he says, "I'll get you something to drink."

He leaves, and she continues looking about shyly.

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<center>
"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

Christine noticed several other partners out on the dance floor and she thought maybe it was time she and the Phantom danced a bit. Hopefully her real escort wouldn't mind, she thought slyly. She led Erik into the next waltz, guiding him through each movement as he concentrated on not stepping on her toes.

Elf princess looked up at orlando, her perfetc blue eys shining. "could we dance again, dear?"

"of course," he said, bowing. "i am always ready to dance with you."

they moved to the dance floor together and began moving in the swriling movments of perfect dance.

_________________
<center>-In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song-

^JF is awesome

There will come a time with no more tears
and love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears</center>

Erik and Christine left the dance floor smiling and laughing. "How many feet did you not step on Erik?" she asked jokingly. He remained silent though Christine could see the corners of his mouth lift in a smile underneath his mask. The two made there way through the dancers to the punch bowl once again. It seemed to be where everyone congregated usually.

Elf princess remained dancign with orlando. she was very much enjoying herslef.

_________________
<center>-In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song-

^JF is awesome

There will come a time with no more tears
and love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears</center>

Appearing alone to the masquerade again, Itarillë felt a little uncomfortable without a date. "I'll just be casual," she thought, with a smile, and went to get a glass of cider.

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elf princess and orlando spunn off the dance floor. "that was wonderful! but now I am thirsy. let's get some punch!"

"why not?" he said with his sweet smile.

they moved to a corner and drank glasses of punch together.

_________________
<center>-In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song-

^JF is awesome

There will come a time with no more tears
and love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears</center>

Seeing that Itarille was also without a partner at the Masquerade, Lizzy walked over to her and also poured herself a glass of cider. "How are you?" she asked with a smile.

_________________
"Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."

"Good," said Itarillë, smiling back. "Your disguise is lovely!"

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Meanwhiel, Perchik returned with the punch, and taking his fiance by the arm led her to where Lizzy and Itarillë were. Really, she was much too shy for her own good.

"Good evening ladies," he said casually, bowing.

Hodel dropped a slight curtsy, and nodded her head, blushing slightly.

"Yes, it is a very good evening."

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<center>
"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

"Good evening," Itarillë said, bobbing a little. "The decorations are even finer than in the first masquerade - did you attend it?"

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"No, we didn't." said Hodel with one of her wide smiles.

Perchik then led her to the dance floor, and they whirled beautifully together.

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<center>
"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

Christine eyed some of the masqueraders warily and sipped at her hot cider. She knew who some of them were, but others she felt like complete strangers to.

Itarillë moved over toward Christine. "Hello," she said, smiling. "The cider's delicious."

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<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/IdrilFalastari/?action=view&current=StrangerThanYouDreamtit.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/IdrilFalastari/StrangerThanYouDreamtit.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

"It is!" Christine agreed breathing in the ciders appley scent. She lowered her glass,"Are you here with anyone?"

"Oh, no, I'm just by myself tonight - although I hope to do a little dancing," Itarillë said, blushing the tiniest bit. "I thought I saw you dancing earlier."

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