The next day was another big event as any; it would be later in the evening
when the decorative lights and cheers were celebrated through out the
castle. It had been an early sunrise for everyone at the castle, servants
rushed about all morning preparing food and delightful deserts for the
imperial ball. Others rushed about preparing props and evening setting to
the castle for the ball. At the monastery, Geoff awoke with a cutting
irritating hangover. It took a moment for him to pull himself together, but
when he did, he managed to immediately get up.
" Grace! Drake!" he shouted looking around for them. Mansel came by to collect any items that had been lying around the old dungeon. " Mansel!" Geoff yelled startling him. " What is it Geoff?". " Have you seen Drake or Grace around?" he asked. Mansel gave Geoff a funny look", of course they're outside talking with each their why?". " Thanks Mansel!" Geoff said rushing out of the monastery. Out side on the hill, Geoff caught up with Drake and Grace who had just returned from a morning flight. Geoff stumbled up the hill out of breath. " Hey Geoff" Grace smiled. " Hey" Geoff replied catching his breath", I was going to tell you both something". " Geoff we know the imperial ball" Drake said taking a bit of a rest from the flight. " How do you know?" Geoff asked. Grace burst out in hysteric laughter," you told us about it last night Geoff when you were drunk coming back from the feast at the castle. Don't you remember".
" Oh yeah!" Geoff smirked hitting his hand off his head. " There are a couple of things we need to find". " What's that?" Drake asked. " Costumes!" Geoff said holding up his finger, " and I know exactly where to get them". Drake looked at Grace with a puzzled look. Grace shrugged as they both headed into the monastery. At the castle and in the west sector of a lone tower, Osric sat in his quarters pondering frequently about last night's dinner. He shook his head regretting his actions he proposed towards Grace. A strange emotion he felt towards her and no other left his mind racing with a hundred thoughts. Boredly he thumbed a dove white feather within his fingers unsure of how the feathers ended up on the floor after Grace had left. " This is truly beyond belief" he rated back silently. He advanced in a new thought, the imperial ball was this evening, and if Grace were attending, his plans would carry out more greatly than ever. He sat back with a cackled look on his face releasing the long dove white feather to the wind that blew in from his window.
That evening most souls gathered at the Castle attending the imperial ball. At the monastery, Geoff tumbled into the old dungeon to see if both Drake and Grace were ready. He approached the two dressed as a prince in a white costume. His hair was creased back in a wealthy way and a shiny silver blade decorated in gold was at his side. " Is that what your wearing?" Geoff asked with a raised brow looking over her casual clothes in disagreement. Grace broke conversation with Drake looking over at Geoff. In remorse she replied", well pretty much I really don't have a choice". Geoff looked toward Drake, catching his attention. They both grinned at each other. Geoff cleared his throat," well would you do the honors Drake?" Geoff asked. " Of course" Drake said turning toward Grace. " We have a surprise for you but you need to close your eyes first". Grace smiled at Drake nodded then closed her eyes. Minutes later Geoff came back with the surprise. Drake took the surprise and held it just near Grace," you may open your eyes now". Grace opened her eyes gasping," Wow I don't know how to thank you guys", she said with a bright smile.
She smiled looking over the silky white dress that was decorated in diamonds and riches and had been embroided in transparent satin. Geoff stood beside Drake; a smile both crossed their faces watching Grace fit the gown towards her body. " There's also another surprise that goes with it but, Drake will give it to you a bit later. I have to leave" Geoff said walking down the old stairs from Drake's room. " I'll catch you two at the ball" " see you Geoff" Drake said then after turned toward Grace. Grace's eyes sparkled as bright as the crystal white diamonds had on the gown. " Om is there perhaps a place a lady could change". Drake blushed and pointed behind the wall where Geoff once hid when Mansel once came to tell Drake sad news about friar peters passing. Minutes had gone by and soon Grace stepped out from the corner of the wall throwing her regular clothes on the mountain of pillows.
Drake turned toward Grace his features smiled brightly", you look wonderful". " Thank you" Grace said giving Drake a shinning smile back. " So what's this other surprise Geoff was talking about?" she asked curiously. At that moment, Drake handed her a pair of satiny silver-white glittering pair of costume wings. " This is what I believe to be it" Drake smiled. After Grace had been dressed up like a Christmas angel, but infact her costume had been that of a dragon, Drake looked over her angelic features pondering", no this can't be right". " What?" Grace asked. " I know", Drake snapped with an idea," there's something missing ". " And that would be?" Grace questioned. " We have got to do something with your hair, it looks to much like Geoff's". Grace laughed and soon her laughter died, as she grew serious. " Drake." she asked. " Yes?" he answered wondering what was bothering her. " What if something goes wrong tonight." Grace paused, letting Drake pin up the curls in her hair adding various silver jewels in it and after carefully placed white roses in her hair. " What do you mean?" he asked.
" I fear that I might stick out like a sore thumb in the crowd. Sure by wearing this princess dress I can fit in with the world and fool people, but I can't fool my heart and who I am, I'm lot different from those people". " Don't worry Grace", Drake paused adding the final touches to her hair", I know how you feel; the best thing to do is just breathe and know that it will all work out. I'll meet you at the ball and if anything should go wrong I'll be there for you". Grace had given off a faint smile knowing for the first time in her life she was never alone.
It had been a beautiful night. Parties' rose with dancing and laughing and fireworks went off in the distant sky, over the highest towers of the castle. It had been pure joy, as things were becoming more of a dream with each awakening day. There were many people at the ball. In addition, many had different exotic and unique costumes, but only guests that were wealthy and had connections with nobles and royalty were invited. In the center of the court was a statue Dragon spilling its waters into the fountain. Near it, tables sat dressed in fine linen on them, an abundance of refreshments from wine, scotch and ale other beverages had remained untouched. There were mountains of food, from baked goods roasts, to fourteen kinds of cheese to all the fruit anyone could possibly eat. From one side of the court musicians entertained their instruments with undying songs. They played angelic harps to flutes and bandgo's with the beating of their drums. Many people had danced under the dimming lights, that flickered from the off white candles of chandeliers on the painted walls around the massive throne room. Above the court of the open ceiling, the sky dazzled with stars. However, the brightest of them all, shone the constellation Draco.
Drinks were on the court, spilling holy wine into palliated Champaign glasses. The everyday dullness had begun to breathe, as they'd remember the incredible lightness of living. Drake sat awaiting Grace to show. Geoff appeared next to him," so Drake, when is this moonlight Dragon fair suppose to arrive". " Very soon Geoff very soon" Drake said with a softened voice. Geoff looked at Drake silently noticing his eyes had never been taken off the doors of the court. More guests arrived and soon behind them, Grace appeared at the gates of the court. She looked more dressed up more than the wealthiest ladies in the court had been; yet, she had been as fragile as a dove. Her white silken gown glittered under the pale lights reflecting diamonds and jewelry in her hair, to the satiny Dragon wings that fitted perfectly on the back of her dress. So many eyes turned to see the angel in white.
As nervous as Grace was she never plenched. Her heart had been driven into her throat as she whispered", just breathe.". She carried her feet delicately down the steps at the gates of the court. Drake stood from the remote spot he rested; his eyes stared at the dazzling dragon fair before him making him perspire with admiration and reverence. Grace looked curelessly for Drake in the crowd of people. Speechless Geoff watched Grace with a gaped look on his face. " Wow" he said continuing to stare endlessly at her. " Drake" Grace shouted hurrying toward him with a bright smile. " Grace", Drake said in a gentle voice", you look wonderful". " Thank you" Grace said her smile slowly sweetening.
As the night slowly passed, Drake and Grace conversed between each other sharing stories and common thoughts. Geoff came back from the banquet table returning with some crafted baked goods. Then accidentally he bumped into Ronald. A pale look shimmered over Geoff's face. Ronald grinned," Why hello stable boy, sorry I didn't get the chance to duel with you yesterday how are the baked goods". " there fine" Geoff snapped. " I must thank you friend for scarring my lip.where is she?" Ronald asked. Geoff looked at Ronald with a hardened expression." that's really none of your business". " Oh really", Ronald asked with a sly smirk", pity she had to stick up for you when you couldn't handle your own affairs". Speechless and raging back silent anger Geoff ignored him and strolled over to Grace and Drake, carrying the baked goods he had with him.
Ronald watched Geoff a few feet away, when his own eyes caught Grace. His plans for ruining Geoff's night at the ball were drowned by a new thought. Ronald couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Grace; she looked more like a princess than ever before, making him believe that she was. Drake sat watching other people dance as the next song started. " Do you like the baked goods?" Geoff asked Grace. Grace nodded in reply finishing the last bite, of what seemed to be a sprinkled doughnut. Geoff smiled at Grace, then at the spur of the moment got down on one knee taking her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it," milady may I have this dance with a dragon fair such as yourself". Geoff registered an adoring smile on his boyish features. Grace smiled", you may". Geoff rose to his feet and escorted Grace to the center of the court.
" Grace! Drake!" he shouted looking around for them. Mansel came by to collect any items that had been lying around the old dungeon. " Mansel!" Geoff yelled startling him. " What is it Geoff?". " Have you seen Drake or Grace around?" he asked. Mansel gave Geoff a funny look", of course they're outside talking with each their why?". " Thanks Mansel!" Geoff said rushing out of the monastery. Out side on the hill, Geoff caught up with Drake and Grace who had just returned from a morning flight. Geoff stumbled up the hill out of breath. " Hey Geoff" Grace smiled. " Hey" Geoff replied catching his breath", I was going to tell you both something". " Geoff we know the imperial ball" Drake said taking a bit of a rest from the flight. " How do you know?" Geoff asked. Grace burst out in hysteric laughter," you told us about it last night Geoff when you were drunk coming back from the feast at the castle. Don't you remember".
" Oh yeah!" Geoff smirked hitting his hand off his head. " There are a couple of things we need to find". " What's that?" Drake asked. " Costumes!" Geoff said holding up his finger, " and I know exactly where to get them". Drake looked at Grace with a puzzled look. Grace shrugged as they both headed into the monastery. At the castle and in the west sector of a lone tower, Osric sat in his quarters pondering frequently about last night's dinner. He shook his head regretting his actions he proposed towards Grace. A strange emotion he felt towards her and no other left his mind racing with a hundred thoughts. Boredly he thumbed a dove white feather within his fingers unsure of how the feathers ended up on the floor after Grace had left. " This is truly beyond belief" he rated back silently. He advanced in a new thought, the imperial ball was this evening, and if Grace were attending, his plans would carry out more greatly than ever. He sat back with a cackled look on his face releasing the long dove white feather to the wind that blew in from his window.
That evening most souls gathered at the Castle attending the imperial ball. At the monastery, Geoff tumbled into the old dungeon to see if both Drake and Grace were ready. He approached the two dressed as a prince in a white costume. His hair was creased back in a wealthy way and a shiny silver blade decorated in gold was at his side. " Is that what your wearing?" Geoff asked with a raised brow looking over her casual clothes in disagreement. Grace broke conversation with Drake looking over at Geoff. In remorse she replied", well pretty much I really don't have a choice". Geoff looked toward Drake, catching his attention. They both grinned at each other. Geoff cleared his throat," well would you do the honors Drake?" Geoff asked. " Of course" Drake said turning toward Grace. " We have a surprise for you but you need to close your eyes first". Grace smiled at Drake nodded then closed her eyes. Minutes later Geoff came back with the surprise. Drake took the surprise and held it just near Grace," you may open your eyes now". Grace opened her eyes gasping," Wow I don't know how to thank you guys", she said with a bright smile.
She smiled looking over the silky white dress that was decorated in diamonds and riches and had been embroided in transparent satin. Geoff stood beside Drake; a smile both crossed their faces watching Grace fit the gown towards her body. " There's also another surprise that goes with it but, Drake will give it to you a bit later. I have to leave" Geoff said walking down the old stairs from Drake's room. " I'll catch you two at the ball" " see you Geoff" Drake said then after turned toward Grace. Grace's eyes sparkled as bright as the crystal white diamonds had on the gown. " Om is there perhaps a place a lady could change". Drake blushed and pointed behind the wall where Geoff once hid when Mansel once came to tell Drake sad news about friar peters passing. Minutes had gone by and soon Grace stepped out from the corner of the wall throwing her regular clothes on the mountain of pillows.
Drake turned toward Grace his features smiled brightly", you look wonderful". " Thank you" Grace said giving Drake a shinning smile back. " So what's this other surprise Geoff was talking about?" she asked curiously. At that moment, Drake handed her a pair of satiny silver-white glittering pair of costume wings. " This is what I believe to be it" Drake smiled. After Grace had been dressed up like a Christmas angel, but infact her costume had been that of a dragon, Drake looked over her angelic features pondering", no this can't be right". " What?" Grace asked. " I know", Drake snapped with an idea," there's something missing ". " And that would be?" Grace questioned. " We have got to do something with your hair, it looks to much like Geoff's". Grace laughed and soon her laughter died, as she grew serious. " Drake." she asked. " Yes?" he answered wondering what was bothering her. " What if something goes wrong tonight." Grace paused, letting Drake pin up the curls in her hair adding various silver jewels in it and after carefully placed white roses in her hair. " What do you mean?" he asked.
" I fear that I might stick out like a sore thumb in the crowd. Sure by wearing this princess dress I can fit in with the world and fool people, but I can't fool my heart and who I am, I'm lot different from those people". " Don't worry Grace", Drake paused adding the final touches to her hair", I know how you feel; the best thing to do is just breathe and know that it will all work out. I'll meet you at the ball and if anything should go wrong I'll be there for you". Grace had given off a faint smile knowing for the first time in her life she was never alone.
It had been a beautiful night. Parties' rose with dancing and laughing and fireworks went off in the distant sky, over the highest towers of the castle. It had been pure joy, as things were becoming more of a dream with each awakening day. There were many people at the ball. In addition, many had different exotic and unique costumes, but only guests that were wealthy and had connections with nobles and royalty were invited. In the center of the court was a statue Dragon spilling its waters into the fountain. Near it, tables sat dressed in fine linen on them, an abundance of refreshments from wine, scotch and ale other beverages had remained untouched. There were mountains of food, from baked goods roasts, to fourteen kinds of cheese to all the fruit anyone could possibly eat. From one side of the court musicians entertained their instruments with undying songs. They played angelic harps to flutes and bandgo's with the beating of their drums. Many people had danced under the dimming lights, that flickered from the off white candles of chandeliers on the painted walls around the massive throne room. Above the court of the open ceiling, the sky dazzled with stars. However, the brightest of them all, shone the constellation Draco.
Drinks were on the court, spilling holy wine into palliated Champaign glasses. The everyday dullness had begun to breathe, as they'd remember the incredible lightness of living. Drake sat awaiting Grace to show. Geoff appeared next to him," so Drake, when is this moonlight Dragon fair suppose to arrive". " Very soon Geoff very soon" Drake said with a softened voice. Geoff looked at Drake silently noticing his eyes had never been taken off the doors of the court. More guests arrived and soon behind them, Grace appeared at the gates of the court. She looked more dressed up more than the wealthiest ladies in the court had been; yet, she had been as fragile as a dove. Her white silken gown glittered under the pale lights reflecting diamonds and jewelry in her hair, to the satiny Dragon wings that fitted perfectly on the back of her dress. So many eyes turned to see the angel in white.
As nervous as Grace was she never plenched. Her heart had been driven into her throat as she whispered", just breathe.". She carried her feet delicately down the steps at the gates of the court. Drake stood from the remote spot he rested; his eyes stared at the dazzling dragon fair before him making him perspire with admiration and reverence. Grace looked curelessly for Drake in the crowd of people. Speechless Geoff watched Grace with a gaped look on his face. " Wow" he said continuing to stare endlessly at her. " Drake" Grace shouted hurrying toward him with a bright smile. " Grace", Drake said in a gentle voice", you look wonderful". " Thank you" Grace said her smile slowly sweetening.
As the night slowly passed, Drake and Grace conversed between each other sharing stories and common thoughts. Geoff came back from the banquet table returning with some crafted baked goods. Then accidentally he bumped into Ronald. A pale look shimmered over Geoff's face. Ronald grinned," Why hello stable boy, sorry I didn't get the chance to duel with you yesterday how are the baked goods". " there fine" Geoff snapped. " I must thank you friend for scarring my lip.where is she?" Ronald asked. Geoff looked at Ronald with a hardened expression." that's really none of your business". " Oh really", Ronald asked with a sly smirk", pity she had to stick up for you when you couldn't handle your own affairs". Speechless and raging back silent anger Geoff ignored him and strolled over to Grace and Drake, carrying the baked goods he had with him.
Ronald watched Geoff a few feet away, when his own eyes caught Grace. His plans for ruining Geoff's night at the ball were drowned by a new thought. Ronald couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Grace; she looked more like a princess than ever before, making him believe that she was. Drake sat watching other people dance as the next song started. " Do you like the baked goods?" Geoff asked Grace. Grace nodded in reply finishing the last bite, of what seemed to be a sprinkled doughnut. Geoff smiled at Grace, then at the spur of the moment got down on one knee taking her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it," milady may I have this dance with a dragon fair such as yourself". Geoff registered an adoring smile on his boyish features. Grace smiled", you may". Geoff rose to his feet and escorted Grace to the center of the court.