-------------------------------------------------Chapter Ten--------------------------------------------------
The Black Slayer
The Ball (Oh Dear GOD, the ball)
Jessica
dilly_freak7_7@hotmail.com
-------------------------------
Dilandau and I walked backed to our room and I grabbed my gown and shower stuff, but he got there before me. I sat down in one of the chairs and waited for him to get finished. He came out in his tuxedo pants and undershirt, carrying the coat. He nodded and I went in. To be clean! I never wanted to get dirty again! I scrubbed my hair until my scalp burnt and almost tortured myself washing my skin. I stepped out and slipped the gown over my head. I sat down and began taming my hair. First I dried it, then I started curling it. After about twenty minutes of that, I was surprised at how well I had done. I carefully lifted my hair and placed the tiara on my forehead. That done, I dug through my bags and found the make up that I had never bothered to put on before. I thought something close to silver would work the best. I sat down at the vanity in the bathroom and applied the stuff. When I had done that, I carefully removed the beautiful necklace from its packaging and snapped it on. The thing was a string of diamonds with strings of rubies hanging down in the front, getting longer the closer they got to the middle. The middle string had a larger tear drop stone hanging from the end, finishing off the piece. I left my wrists and ears bare to draw attention to the necklace and tiara. I studied myself in the mirror and decided I liked what I saw. I glanced at my clock and thought it was time to go. I got the deep red cloak that had come with the dress and draped it over my shoulders. Finally, I pulled on my shoes and deemed myself ready to go.
I walked to the melef chamber, guessing that would be our way there. I was right, but the vione had landed so were we walking the short distance to the huge castle. All the lights were on and I counted at least ten balconies. I found Dilandau on my right and Randy on my left not two minutes after I showed up. I picked up the hem of my gown and the cloak so it wouldn't drag the ground and luckily, it was nice and hard. I couldn't see anyone else arriving and thought we were probably the last to show. All the other Slayers were ahead of us and surprisingly, only two could fit through the door at once. Randy sped up to walk in behind Miguel. Dilandau offered me his arm so I took it and we stepped over the threshold together.
The ball itself was actually a few rooms away, so the Slayers were far ahead of us by now. There were a few young women standing at the door, so each Slayer took the arm of one, even, to my surprise, Randy. We stopped to the side of the door and started to take off my cloak, but Dilandau did for me, as was proper. When he glanced at me while hanging the thing he dropped it, missing the rack. I turned around and his jaw dropped.
I was wearing a simple, yet elegant, wine colored gown with nothing but two thin straps holding it up. The dress was tight at the top and looser at the bottom, reaching to my ankles, just the right length to see the right amount of shoe. My hair was pulled back in a kind of pony tail, but I had curled it so much that almost nothing hung down. A single lock of hair in the front curled slightly along my cheek. I had used my nicest smelling perfume, but it wasn't too strong. I knew that I looked like I was sparkling because I had thought to put some body glitter on my arms, a touch on my cheeks, and just below the base of my neck. Dilandau blinked quite a few times before closing his mouth and hanging up my cloak. He took off his own and offered me his arm as we walked through the open door.
All the talking died down to a murmur as Dilandau and I paused on the top of the short staircase. We stepped forward at the same time and descended to the main floor. I felt like I would float away if I let go of his arm as I smiled warmly to the nearest couples. Many held small champagne glasses and whispered to each other as we passed. One man stood out as he walked toward us, the same welcoming smile plastered on his face. He was followed by Folken, who he had been talking to, and wore an all black tuxedo, much like the one Dilandau wore. Dilandau's had a blood red rose pinned to the pocket and he also wore a red cumber bun.
As the man approached, Dilandau gave a swift bow, so I followed his example and gave a more graceful curtsy.
Dilandau, I was just telling Strategos Folken how nice it was to have you come. I imagine you haven't had many troubles?' Dilandau shook his head. Good! Erm, pardon me, but this beautiful lady is...?' The man extended his hand to me.
General Aldelfus I presume? My name is R-...Jessica' I placed my hand in his and he kissed it lightly. I am not very important to Zibach, but I am an avid supporter' I went on before Dilandau could speak for me. He rolled his eyes and smiled at what I said, since only half of it was true.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance' Aldelfus said.
The pleasure is all mine' I replied. I had no idea what these people thought were correct manners, so I did my best with what I knew. Just then, a lady about two years older than me appeared. She placed her hand on the General's arm.
Father? Some admirals would like to speak with you' she told him.
In a moment, dear. Dilandau, Folken, this is my daughter Eva. Eva, this is Strategos Folken, Lord Dilandau, and Lady Jessica' he said, gesturing to each of us in turn. She offered her hand to Folken, who kissed it, then to Dilandau, who only bowed over it, and she looked a bit disappointed. I was careful to keep the small smile off my face as we curtsied to each other. Eva took the General's arm again and they walked off to speak with the admirals. Folken went off on his own and found a small group of sorcerers near the back of the giant hall.
I was immensely relieved that I didn't have to be jealous over Dilandau. We walked around, talking to various couples and groups. I stayed silent most of the time, but occasionally spoke for myself. I was enjoying the soft music in the background, the excellent champagne, the soothing sound of talk, sometimes broken by laughter, and most of all, the sound of Dilandau's rich tenor voice. Occasionally, I would introduce myself and talk with the couples.
When we had been talking with various people for about thirty minutes, a group of servants cleared away several tables revealing a large dance square. The small orchestra struck up a quick tune to entice the dancers to the floor. Dilandau gave me a challenging smile and pulled me out to the floor. He took me right hand in his left then put his other arm around my waist. I let him lead and we almost skipped around to the fast waltz. The song was over all too soon, so we broke apart and applauded the band. The next song was much slower, almost mournful. Dilandau placed his left hand on my right shoulder, and clasped my left hand with his right, so I followed suit. He pulled me closer and we revolved slowly, staring into each other's eyes.
Are you having a good time?' he asked.
Yes' I answered. Wonderful! What about you?'
Oh yes. If I'm with you nothing could go wrong' he replied as he smiled down at me.
Thank you' I whispered. I felt so safe in his arms, though many people would call me crazy to say something like that. I felt like I was floating on air. Nothing could spoil my mood. Not even a deadly glare from Folken as he passed dancing with Eva.
The dance lasted quite awhile. When the last chord died, Dilandau and I applauded the band again before winding our way to a secluded table. Dilandau pulled a chair for me then went to find some drinks.
May I have this dance?' I heard an oddly familiar voice ask. I pulled my eyes away from the last spot I had seen Dilandau to see Randy looking hopeful.
Yes' I replied as I rose. I put my hand in his and he led me to the dance floor. The band was playing another moderately fast song, so we took each other in our arms and danced around to the lively tune.
Have you been doing okay?' I asked.
Almost. Most of the Slayers are being pretty nice, not beating up on me and all' he answered.
That's good. Look, if Dilandau sees us, which he probably will, let me handle it'
Why is that?' he asked in a slightly nervous tone.
He'll probably be jealous' I replied with a little smile.
Oh. Okay'
I didn't want to dance to another song, so when the first one was over, I gave Randy an apologizing look and slipped away. I found Dilandau at the same little table looking for me.
Where were you?' he asked in that overprotective manner. He handed me one of the champagne flutes he held as we sat down.
Randy asked me to dance' I said bluntly. Don't think I'm not going to be asked either. We're both on the high end of looks so we'll be asked several times by several people. Unless that is you just scare everyone off. But let's not dance this one. I don't like it' I said as I heard the new tune. Dilandau nodded agreement. I sipped at my champagne, talked to Dilandau and tried to avoid the envious, if not hateful, glances from both men and women.
After dancing about eight sets, the now heavy smell of perfume and sweat was getting to me and I needed some fresh air. Before going in search of Dilandau, I quickly dropped my partner: a somewhat plain man in his late twenties who looked slightly prosperous. I found Dilandau near a door, flat refusing an offer from a group of teenage girls. I walked up to him and the look of relief was impossible to miss. We found the nearest servant and had her lead us to an unoccupied balcony. It had an excellent view of the lake behind the grand mansion, and Gaea's two moons hung low over the treetops. It was one of the most beautiful nights I had seen yet. Dilandau stood beside me and put an arm around my waist to pull me against his lean, muscular body. I leaned against him and inhaled the light scent of moist grass, floating across the lawn.
It's so beautiful' I said.
Just like you' he replied. I turned in his arms and stared up into his eyes. His hands moved up my almost bare back and I let the wave of warmth flow through me. I knew what was going to happen, and didn't know if I wanted it yet. I didn't have to worry though. Someone cleared their throat. We broke apart quickly. It was the servant girl.
Your presence if required for the evening meal. Sir, miss, if you'll follow me' She bowed as she walked in and again when she left us at the entrance to the hall. The tables had been replaced with three long banquet tables, the longest in the middle, the two shorter on either side. There weren't quite that many seat left, but there were two open spots between Randy and Folken. I took the seat next to Randy since I couldn't stand Folken. We were served quickly with what looked like some sort of roast bird. It was delicious, even if it was strange. Many people asked Dilandau, Folken, or I about life on the vione, since many of the guests were the country's dignitaries. About five minutes after sitting down, I felt Dilandau's hand creep to my thigh. I was able to control the rush of feeling through my body and continue talking and eating.
I was speaking with Eva about half an hour later when I felt Randy's hand rest on my other thigh. It was really all too much, so I stiffened and shifted in my chair and both boys dropped their hands. I relaxed and kept talking with Eva. After an hour, all the empty plates were cleared away so we could talk and sip the drinks the were constantly being refilled. This went on for what felt like hours, but was probably just one and a half. Folken stood, followed be the rest of us, apologizing for his leaving. When we all reached the door, Randy got my cloak before I could and draped it over my shoulders.
Thank you' I told him and he left.
I didn't feel like walking or talking to anyone, so I pushed back my cloak and flew up into the night, unfolding my red and silver wings. I soared up to the vione and landed on the top. I wrapped my wings around myself to keep out the cold as I gazed out over the silver landscape. The Mystic moon was high in the sky, illuminating the trees and water in an eerie blue glow. I hadn't sat alone for more than ten minutes before the vione took off, shaking me from my perch. I glided down and found the balcony attached to my room. I opened the glass doors quietly and slipped into the room. I left the window open as I glanced around the dark room, senses heightened. Dilandau wasn't back yet so I walked over to my stuff and pulled out my nightgown. Since I didn't know when he would be back, I changed in the bathroom. The leader of the Dragonslayers still wasn't back when I peeked around the door. I walked over to my bed and slipped under the covers, closing my eyes just as the room was flooded with light. I fell asleep before I knew anything else.
ok, kinda short, i know, but plz R&R!! i hope u like! more very interesting chapters to come!! ^.^
-Lil Pyro
