The Morning of the Ball
"Good Morning Celeste! are you ready to go to lunch?" Sarah pulled the curtains open so that the afternoon sun shone into the room, Celeste groaned from where she was sleeping, they had curled up in bed together last night, and only out of force of habit did Sarah even get up before ten.
"I slept in again? Why do I keep sleeping in?" Celeste asked as she propped herself up on her elbows, she looked over to where Sarah was picking out some outfits for Celeste to choose from, apparently Dominique had a little time to make a few dresses.
"Don't eat anything." Sarah leaned over and whispered to her, as she continued to slowly pull Celeste out of bed so she could make the bed.
"Why Sarah, why shouldn't I eat the food?" Celeste followed Sarah around the room as she was attempting to keep her voice down, they're drugging me?
"It's why you're so sleepy, it's laced, so don't eat it." Sarah had now pulled out one specific outfit and was helping Celeste get into it, a simple green dress that had a ribbon below the bust with similar ribbons tying up her arms. The sleeves were long and flared at the bottoms. Sarah was wearing a similar gown but it was darker green and it had smaller ribbons but none at the sleeves.
"Oh... well I'll see you in an hour or so, we'll get dressed then." Celeste walked out into the hallway with Sarah and they parted at the stairs as she was going to the Dining hall.
"And I'll go pick up the gowns from Dominique and some food from the kitchen for you, so don't eat anything." Sarah walked quickly down towards the fitting area so she could pick up what they were wearing to the ball that night.
Well that was pretty uneventful, Lady Lisa didn't even bother showing up for lunch, I just didn't eat anything. I guess its good that Sarah said she'd bring food from the kitchen for me. I wonder what the ball is going to be like, oh there's Sarah! "Sarah there you are! I was so bored downstairs, I never realized how lonely it is to eat alone. Oh What's wrong Sarah?"
"Nothing is wrong it's just that I'm going to my first ball and it is with my friend, if you manage to escape will you bring me with you?" Sarah looked as though she had been thinking, in anticipation to Celeste's arrival she had placed the gowns on the bed, her cheeks were a little red from crying and her eyes were a bit puffy, but she had taken a bath before meeting up with Celeste so she was clean and refreshed from it.
"Of course I'd bring you with me, why wouldn't I? You've been an angel for me. Are we really going in carriages?" Celeste tried to get Sarah's attention away from sad thoughts as she wanted her friend to feel happier.
"No its actually a limo, she just loves to be old fashioned. What and odd woman she can be sometimes." Sarah chuckled a little, sensing that all Celeste wanted to do was make her feel better, it was nice to have someone care for you beyond basic health.
"I know, well lets get dressed which ones mine again?" Celeste had let go of Sarah's shoulder and wandered over to the four poster bed she'd been sleeping in and looked at the two blue gowns, they were both so pretty she honestly didn't know which one was hers.
"Well obviously the more elaborate of the two, what lady in waiting would be better outfitted than her lady?" Sarah laughingly said to Celeste, sometime the regal bearing she carried innately washed off and the simple orphan peered out with curiosity.
Both of the girls started to giggle, and Celeste insisted that Sarah get dressed first so she could see what these gowns looked like. They tied their corsets up but thankfully since they were almost always underfed the corsets were barely tightened at all. It was quite a scene to be held. Dominique came in at one point to see what all the noise was about and started to laugh himself as they were fully dressed but kept trying to see if they could get the corset tighter, and they were quite unsuccessful.
"I can't believe you both, you're both so beautiful! Sarah you must stay with Celeste at all times alright?" Dominique looked much better then when Sarah had first seen him, his mouse like demeanour had worn off with the impending freedom, he was much more confidant now.
"Oh yes Dominique, will you be leaving us now?" Sarah held onto Dominique's arms so that he couldn't turn away and say no.
"Unfortunately I will be," Looking around Dominique's eyes set upon the Patres Familia. "Celeste where did you find that?" Startled by Dominique's frightened and raised voice she quickly turned to face him.
"I found it when I was reaching for Modern Mechanics and their Mysteries, I didn't mean to pick up the novel beside it. When I did that fell out." Celeste picked up the little bound book quickly and held it close, she'd grown attached to it and she hadn't even opened it up yet. When Celeste told him how she accidentally came upon it and then the curious urge to tell no one Dominique looked relieved.
"It's very fortunate that you weren't purposefully looking for it, because if you had Lady Lisa would have already known it, hide it in your girdle, quickly now, your power will mask its. When the times right and you feel safe enough open it then, alright?" Dominique motioned for Celeste to do as she asked and she tucked it into her girdle, Sarah looked on with curiosity but as she had always been taught sometimes its just best not to ask at all.
"Alright Dominique, I still don't know why that book upsets you so, but I'm sorry to have startled you." She gave Dominique a hug, as he was leaving soon and she didn't know when the next time she would be able to see him again.
"Well all is forgiven, quickly off to the ball you go, Lady Lisa has just left. I'll take a horse to the harbour, harder to track. Good bye you two, stay safe until we can meet again. If we meet before you open the book I'll tell you all I know, I'm so sorry I can't help you escape, I have to save myself first." Dominique looked close to tears and he quickly hurried out towards the stable and a few moments later the two girls saw him riding off into the dark with a large sketch book and many bags.
"Oh wow, Celeste what have we gotten ourselves into? Lady Lisa would kill us both if she finds out, we cannot come back tonight."
"Oh I'm so sorry I've dragged you into this mess of mine, I do hope we'll be able to escape safely, but we must at least put up the pretence of having a good time, right? Do we have any ladies daggers around here? I mean if we must be leaving into unforeseen danger we should have some protection right?" Celeste hugged Sarah's shoulders to lend some reassurance as she knew it would be hard for a little while.
"Aye, we must have some protection, wait I've seen the Lady's weaponry, we'll head there and then well go off." Celeste and Sarah hurried off towards the weaponry where they quickly stocked up on multiple types of weapons, there were these angled daggers that went between their breasts, and others that were pinned into their hair, and interesting one which to the unacquainted eye looked like a bracelet turned out to be poisoned powder that could be dabbed onto a temple or neck to cause instant death, though the ladies picked it for the sheer beauty and the deadliness of the spiked backs. Once they felt secure in their own future they hurried out towards the limo, since they were now sufficiently late the Lady Lisa would believe it was her rather large pannier dress causing the hold up.
Arrival at the Ball
"Oh Sarah have you ever been to the Laraunge?" Celeste was looking upwards toward the cathedral ceilings where enchanted cherubs were playing in the clouds, it was quite a sight. She looked towards the tapestries and saw a unicorn poking its head from behind a tree, as if to say hello do I know you? Celeste slowly walked towards the unicorn she wanted to pet its soft flowing hair and the eyes that looked out craved her attention.
"Oh my Lady don't touch the tapestries." Sarah reached out a hand and placed it on Celeste's shoulder, she pulled her gently back so that she was further away from the enchanted tapestries.
"mm... Oh why Sarah?" Celeste turned towards Sarah and it was like staring into a dream she could barely focus but she looked happily on.
"They're enchanted and it is said if you do touch them you will fall into the dream they have and disappear from this reality." This seemed to snap Celeste awake and she looked fearfully behind her at the tapestry. No longer was it a peaceful forest the unicorn was snarling and stamping its feet on the ground angry that its victim had escaped.
"Oh dear, well then we shan't touch them shall we." Celeste hurried along as she was now sufficiently scared of those tapestries. As they continued down to walk towards the ball one other tapestry garnered Celeste's attention, it was a wicked tornado out on an open sea and it was whipping up a little boat, something about it was foreboding. The swirling waves, the little crew working so hard, a ship in the distance, they ended up sailing right into the funnel of water and air, a fury of nature.
"Lady Celeste, lets enter shall we?" Celeste entered with Sarah following behind her, she heard Sarah gasp with amazement and delight. What a fabulous ballroom they were entering. The Lords and Ladies and the general bourgeoisie were milling and dancing about the ball. Volita's newest ball was played by a partial orchestral ensemble. The candles were floating above everyone's heads, high enough that no ones hair was in fear of lighting. Unlike the older days in which the style of the pannier dresses were resurrected from the high coffers and the wigs were tossed out. They were far to passé, and besides the general nobility had no stamina for wearing such heavy accoutrements. Celeste looked around all the different people she spotted Lady Lisa standing admit a gaggle of men and women who were apparently fawning upon her, luckily Lisa hadn't noticed that Sarah and Celeste were here.
Slowly but with some confidence Celeste and Sarah walked down the great staircase.
"There are so many people here, are you sure we will fit in?" Celeste looked back at Sarah the flower that they had woven into her hair was so pretty, it made Sarah look a thousand times happier and lighter.
"I don't know Sarah, we can only hope too." Sarah grabbed hold of Celeste's hand and they walked the rest of the way down to the dance floor, she let go when they were no longer in view of everyone. Just then the crowd was parted before them as they had been unannounced but they were the last to arrive so everyone knew who they were. A moderately large women approached them with some haste. She was wearing a deep purple dress with multiple layers, the panniers were quite wide which was a bite unfortunate as she need no expansion. Her face though was smiling and she was quite overjoyed to see the pair of people.
"Ah hello dears! I'm so pleased to see you here. I do believe this is your first ball? Yes I believe I'm quite right. Would you like to meet and greet people right. Oh dear I almost forgot myself my name is Lady Dionatra. I'm from Italy but the weather here in France is just as lovely wouldn't you agree? I suppose thats why my style of clothing is a bit odd wouldn't you agree? Oh you two definitely are new to society both of you, so shy and so very pretty, nasty little mistress you've got Sarah, and you Celeste, well I suppose we shall be seeing you quite a lot now shan't we. Well first you should meet some other ladies, they'll probably introduce you to some of the very fine young men who are attending here." The Lady Dionatra's accent was thick and they both stared at her trying to comprehend what she was saying, were the two of them together? Nasty mistress was that Celeste or the Lady Lisa, they just stared and smiled as they couldn't quite understand everything she said.
"Thats quite enough Lady Dionatra, I've seen that my new charge has finally arrived. You're quite pretty aren't you, it seems as though you've gotten a pretty little dress on, quite not what I imagined. But oh well, thats alright isn't it. Well shall we see that you dance with some gentlemen? I'm sure I'll find you some appropriate gentlemen to dance with." The Lady sneered a bit on 'pretty little dress' she was clearly unhappy that Dominique had made their simplistic gowns stunning in comparison to her overly done gown. She was to be the prettiest flower at the ball, so much sacrificed and to what to little orphans looking better then she did. Humph, there's more then one way to make a girl cry.
Lady Lisa's emphasis on appropriate gave both of the girls chills, what exactly was her back up plan.
The Lady led the two girls towards the dance floor she threw Sarah together with some young man who was quite interesting to look at at least, he danced fairly well which was much better than the predicament she place Celeste with. Her dancing partner was smelly and quite repulsive, but something came over Celeste, why should she react with shame? Mother Anna said that everyone isn't exactly what they look like, its how they act and how the react to others.
"Good evening Sir, isn't it a pleasant evening? I understand that we have a phenomenal orchestral ensemble tonight." Celeste placed her hand in his and her other hand on his shoulder like everyone else was and began the waltz, she refused to show any repulsion and looked him in the eyes. He had a very interesting shade of brown for eyes, they seemed to have bits of green and yellow thrust into them.
"You enjoy Volita's music? I can't quite believe that you, a lady and friend of Lady Lisa's would enjoy such music." Bareth looked straight into Celeste's eyes unlike most men he didn't care to gaze at one's body, besides he liked to know if they thought he was repulsive. By now most women would have pulled away and would look for something or someone more pleasing to the eyes.
"I'm not a Lady, nor a friend of Lady Lisa's, she just recently bought me from an orphanage. Oh I quite enjoy Volita's music, its quite a controversy, and the flow combined with dynamics is amazing." Celeste had completely forgotten her first reaction now and was having a pleasant time dancing, since they both weren't excellent dancers they had relaxed and were having fun just waltzing around the room. Being comfortable with one's partner tends to make it infinitely easier to dance with.
"Oh, dear me, I thought she had thrown me with you so that we would make fools of each other, as I quite despise most of her friends, she always picks the most atrocious friends." Bareth smiled and moved their dancing towards the windows where it was not only a bit cooler which is a plus for dancing but you could see the stars and the lit garden outside.
"Oh I quite agree, her library is despicable mostly filled with little love novels, I despise those sorts. Love should be left to life where as art, culture, our history should live within pages." Celeste wondered whether Bareth was interested in the types of books she was, for a brief moment she panicked that he was only interested in music.
"Yes I quite agree, I do believe we will have a joyful time dancing now, What do you think of the movements of that new star, is it called Calypso?" Bareth was immensely gladden by the choice of books Celeste had read, he was interested to know if she actually went beyond just the books, and to know just how far Celeste studied. Did she form her own opinions or did she feed off of what others said. This would be a true test of whether she was a true intellectual or just a regurgitating book worm, worthy of the general nobility.
"Yes it is called Calypso, I do believe it should be high in the sky now, I think its very interesting, do you think it might be a possibility that it is actually a satellite that has fallen out of orbit?" Celeste pointed towards it's current position, high in the night sky like she said it would be.
"I hadn't quite thought of that, though it would be much more romantic if it were a new star, the idea of a satellite is much more plausible. Too bad we no longer have the technology to understand it's findings or to even detect if it is a satellite. I suppose we might one day return to that technological level" Bareth was quite impressed with Celeste's working knowledge, as well as her ability to discern her own opinions and not just re-feeding them. The two uninitiated socialites danced quite well with each other as they were at ease and it made for quite a scene back with Lady Lisa. She was furious that they weren't making complete fools of each other, she had thought she could have killed two birds with one stone, instead it was now gossiping around that the young Bareth was quite a dancer and Celeste was incredibly polite and pleasant to look upon.
"How could she! That little tramp is making a mockery of me! I will kill her before the night is through!" Lisa pushed a doting courtier out of the way. The man should have walked away but he stumbled into his fellow courtier and continued doting. A young blond man with plain features approached her, he had a green set on and was a little tight, from either overeating or still growing. Lisa looked at him and quickly remembered his name, Neapolitan, like the three levelled ice cream, he too had three levels, the doting courtier, the conniving little bastard she loved, and the simpleton beneath, easy to bend lots of fun in the bedroom.
"But my Lady, don't you wish to siphon out her powers? I mean you were so excited when the pendulum spun so quickly." Neapolitan reached out to touch the Lady's sleeve he felt the gentle caress of velvet and it sent a shudder through him. He had idolized the Lady since he had met her when he was but a young lad, hoping to find a personage such as she to do all their bidding.
"Regardless Neapolitan, I want everyone to know who ever makes a fool of me will suffer in the end!" Lisa shot a glance over where Celeste and Bareth were dancing she was appalled that not only were they dancing fairly well but they seemed to enjoy each others company! How could that little creature enjoy the company of her cousin, he was absolutely ugly unimportant and repulsive in every possible way! Lisa wanted to crush Celeste, rip her powers from her, make every inch of her body weep until she was but a mere shell of the original person, then she would put the remnants of her soul into her book, yes and there she would suffer for an eternity, like all the others she had stolen. Never to die, never to have freedom again, a fitting end for a pitiful excuse of a princess.
"Well I suggest you don't look upon her my Lady as the young Johnathen, the bane in your side is walking towards her." Neapolitan pointed towards the dashing figure in black, the Lady Lisa released a small flame that burned poor Neapolitan. He took it but only as a reward for good behaviour. Johnathen saw Celeste for the first time since the days at the orphanage, he only learned of her when Lady Dionatra stopped by where he was chatting with some gentlemen, and said that the Lady Lisa's guest had finally arrived and was now dancing with Bareth, which was amusing but she changed it to her advantage. He finally caught a glance of her, the dancing vision. The pannier dress she was wearing hugged her waist and billowed out slightly, the craftsmen who made it was a genius, the ribbons of white and yellow accented where they should and the overwhelming sky blue was perfect, she was a vision of the sky and sea, mixed with flowers. Whoever dressed her head let the straight hair fall down the back with little flowers intertwined. It was breathtaking. She had a delicate face, that was soft and pleasing, it was accented by her soft brown hair, she even had a little make up which at this distance accentuated her blue eyes. For a moment Johnathen dared not to move as he realized that whoever had made her dress had tried his best to match the breathtaking blue of her dress to her eyes, she was everything. Johnathen started to walk towards Celeste maybe Bareth would let him intrude on their dance.
"Excuse me Sir. Bareth, I was wondering if I might cut in on your dance." Johnathen placed a hand on Bareth's shoulder and turned him slightly to him. Bareth was startled and surprised to see Johnathen, for a brief moment he was angry at the intrusion, but for such an honourable man, even if he wasn't nobility, Bareth relented.
"I'd like to let you cut in Johnathen but unfortunately this dance is over, I'm sure if the Lady agrees she would dance the next with you." He gave Johnathen a small smile and stepped back from Celeste so that she could properly answer Johnathen's proposal.
"I do believe I will agree, to the dance that is, however we are both a bit parched, care to wait for a bit to drink and than the dance?" Celeste spoke calmly even though her heart was racing a thousand beats a second. Johnathen was absolutely gorgeous! She couldn't help sneaking glances at him and trying to stay calm, she forced herself to pay attention to whoever was the speaker since it was all she could do not to completely drop her jaw.
"Oh thats right you've never been to a ball before, we always take a few moments to calm our nerves and the musicians to prepare, its about five or six minutes so I'm sure we can get refreshed before that time." Johnathen smiled at Celeste and noticed that she kept staring at him, it was quite flattering.
"Alright well since Bareth here was going to gaze at Calypso I shall go and get myself a drink." With that Celeste turned on her heal and walked towards the bar where she would get some water to drink, apparently she wasn't going to come back until she had her fill as she didn't want to burden anyone with holding her glass.
"Bareth, what do you think of Celeste?" Now that Celeste was gone to get a drink it was a little easier to pay attention to the conversation. He focused on Bareth, partially out of interest in the answer and partially out of personal need. He wanted to know if more than on man was falling in love with her as he was.
"I think you fancy her Johnathen, but I think she is incredibly smart, she wants to learn about everything, and her opinions are so refreshing, I think that it is an absolute shame Lady Lisa my cousin is planning to have her killed tonight, you know as she goes to leave the limo driver is taking them towards the beach so that he will shoot them and leave them on the shore at low tide so they'll be swept away to sea." Bareth spoke lowly and leaned towards Johnathen so he could pick up the flower that had loosed itself from Celeste's hair, and positioned it in on of Johnathen's button holes.
"Why are you telling me all of this Bareth?" A little disturbed by what Bareth was doing, but even more disturbed by what he was telling him Johnathen focused intensely on Bareth now, who would want to kill Celeste?
"I don't want her to be killed, its quite interesting to have such a fresh perspective, and I know you've tried to rescue the rest of her family, as far as I know they're still alive, but where I'm not sure, but she is definitely our last chance, so I'm telling you what Lisa is up too, I don't know how you'll be able to save her, alright. Just do it please." Bareth looked intently into Johnathen's eyes hoping that the importance of what he was telling him was sinking in, without Johnathen's help Celeste would be lost, Sarah too, though she was of less consequence she was still a living being. Johnathen was quickly formulating a plan, and he talked to Bareth about less important things as he saw Neapolitan sneaking around the skirts of their dancing crowd.
Back at the bar Celeste was looking at the two of them talking they were so animated in their discussion, she finally had a good chance to just stare at them. Johnathen was a taller than her and he had short blond hair, it had white tips but she thought he dyed them that way. His shoulders were broad and he had an air of silent intelligence about him. He didn't say very much in the conversation the two of them were having but Bareth was definitely having an effect on him. He had a dependable type written all over his face, but he was definitely someone to watch. Celeste put down her glass at the bar, the water was indeed refreshing. She took a deep breath and headed back to the man she would soon be dancing with, how those strong arms seem to just cry I'll hold you forever.
"Well hello you two are you ready to separate? I'd like to have my dance now." Celeste gave them a little half smile that seemed to be half devious half excited.
"Well I do believe it is my turn to go and be refreshed enjoy you two." Bareth bowed out as he was slightly embarrassed at their obvious attraction. Celeste looked at Bareth for a moment longer and nodded her head. Bareth turned back into the crowd so that he could have a little chat with Neapolitan, feed him false information and such, so that he would tie the Lady up with some odd ideas for the night.
"My Lady" Johnathen extended his hand toward Celeste to take her hand. He lead her towards the dance floor held her firmly in his arms and they began the waltz. All Celeste could do was concentrate on his green eyes, they seemed to pour over her, wanting to know everything.
"This is a long waltz, but you seem to be a natural at dancing." Johnathen noticed how her hair tickled his hands, he wondered for a moment why other ladies didn't just let their hair lie naturally. Maybe Celeste's grand debut would change some of the fridge styles.
"Oh you're just saying that aren't you." Celeste couldn't help but smile, she loved the way he made her feel. How he seemed to make her float on clouds. Everyone who saw the couple were deeply impressed with the fairy tale magic that radiated from them. While most of the nobility had some form of magic non had ever felt this type of magic before, a pleasant happiness washing over them.
"Quite the contrary, I never lie unless necessary." Johnathen pulled Celeste a little closer then necessary. He could smell the flowers woven into her hair and the gentle lemon scent he guessed she washed with. Before he always thought of lemons and cleaning and now it would be lemons and Celeste.
"What an interesting statement, you too are quite a good dancer." Johnathen noticed that she had a very light balance, and was very easy to guide. She seemed to have a natural grace about her, it was wonderful, was that a glint of metal?
"I know this may be a bit awkward to answer but why do you have an angled dagger?" Celeste looked shocked and went to reach for it so that it would be better hidden. Johnathen didn't want to raise anyone's alarm so he tightened his grip a little and she got the hint, not in a room full of crowds.
"I'm just trying to make sure that we'll be safe, my Lady in waiting and I are just afraid for our lives, so many people have told us to be careful, it gets frightening, I sure you understand that." Celeste lowered her head a bit as she was quite afraid lately, for a moment she had forgotten it all. Johnathen raised her chin back up with his hand, he didn't want her to ever look down or afraid, he was going to protect her at all costs.
"Oh I do, I'm sorry that you're in this position, if there is anything I can do for you I will, understand?" Celeste nodded her head in agreement her blue eyes were wide with fear.
"Show a brave face for the rest of the night I'll try to make sure it's only Bareth and I that dance with you tonight alright?" Celeste nodded again, and relaxed once more into his arms, she looked up with a question in her eyes.
"I was wondering if someone would dance with Sarah too, she's been stepped on so many times, I just feel like if I get to dance with two dashing men she should too." Celeste nodded toward Sarah where she was attempting to dance away from her partner, he kept forcefully reaching for her. Even from here Johnathen could see her forearms were red from the agitation of being grabbed.
"Of course we'll make sure she's danced with too." Johnathen nodded to Bareth so that he could see what was going on and immediately Bareth walked over to Sarah and interrupted the dance,