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Paper Faces on Parade
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(E.V.)
The music was practically overwhelming, even from this distance at which we approached. It was a long stretch, mostly for show. Men, with women at their sides. Women, trying not to perspire. I was dangled at this man's side like a trophy. I had expected as much.
The building was fantastic. Multi-colored lights illuminated the walls of the refurbished castle. Most had been torn down, for sanitation purposes. The very few that remained belonged to only the most wealthy.
The invitations were approved and they did a full scan for weaponry. My guns remained holstered at my sides, the barrels now empty. They were approved for the theme, although they made a thorough check for any bullets. They had been placed in my purse, with the matching daggers and scanning deflection device. I didn't know exactly how it worked, but if the military could use it, why couldn't I?
I couldn't help but gasp at the sight as we entered the large hall. The ceiling rose up a number of floors, decorated with long banners and balloons. A number of people had already arrived, dressed in elaborate masks and a multitude of colors. Hats donned both men and women. I had given my hooded cloak at the entrance, displaying the full effect of my black dress. A red pattern over-lined my midsection in what I considered a rather attractive way.
Tables were set up around the expanse with alternating white and black tablecloths. We were seated at one of the white tables with two more couples. Soft music played in the background. Within time the music alternated to various waltzes and what I had grown to learn was jazz. Going into the realms of the forbidden. As usual, nothing was forbidden to those who could pay.
Speeches and announcements came for the young couple, Mark and Samantha. They seemed like a sweet couple. Oblivious to the world around them I imagined. If I had been naïve I might have enjoyed the night as well. But as it continued my smile remained an act.
A number of men asked permission for my hand to join them on the dance floor. The captain himself was not one who found it enjoyable yet for the most part, denied their requests. There were one or two he would ask that I danced with. I believe it was for business relations. Social events were designed for that sort of thing. I wish it hadn't been the few times I desired to remain behind. He would start talking 'politics' with any variety of people, then declare I wouldn't be all that interested and should go enjoy myself for the time.
I had to remind myself that what was important was what happened after the party.
When a man dressed in yellow approached our table it didn't surprise me. He wore a full mask, comical to say the least, with a large nose and rosy cheeks. I was less than impressed. I sipped the glass of Chardonnay and pretended to be intently observing the band. I heard him speak quietly, leaning down, to the Captain. Apparently whatever had been said was amusing as a hardy laughter forced me to turn out of curiosity. I smiled.
"What on earth did I miss?" I acted interested, although I had an idea of what the answer would be.
"Nothing at all, my dear," the Captain responded as he raised his glass in recognition and took a sip. "Here now, the good Commander thinks you are positively charming, which he is quite right. Please, honor him with a dance if you wouldn't mind."
"Oh, but wouldn't you rather…" I never got further before he interrupted me.
"Nonsense, I should be heading over to speak to the lucky young man anyway. Went to school with my little brother, have I mentioned that?" He grew quiet for a moment before smiling widely. "Will be good to see him. Go on then."
The man didn't say a word, only bowed and offered me his white-gloved hand. I smiled politely, knowing I didn't have much of a choice. Yet the moment I put my hand in his, the smile faded away at the familiarity of his touch.
I shook the thought out of my mind quickly. Any number of men could have the same calmly firm grasp as he felt my hand in…With ease he pulled me forward, away from the table. I could feel myself staring as we began to dance mid-song, and yet I couldn't stop myself. The suit was yellow, with a golden patched pattern embroidered into the fabric. It stood out only just slightly from the blur of colors that filled the large hall. He wore a simple white wig that cupped around his face and tied together in the back. On his head there rested a tall top hat, patterned to match the suit. I couldn't make out his eyes through the mask.
He held me at a respectable distance while dancing. One hand in mine, the other high on my waist. Despite his amusing appearance, I felt far too comfortable in his presence. For a moment, just one moment…I let myself think "What if he is really…"
Then, I came back to myself, pushing such silly nonsense away. The man was dead. I held him in my arms when he took his last breath. Yet it made me curious to know who this was.
A new song began. A woman started singing in a language I couldn't understand. It never ceased to amaze me how lenient people in power were over their own laws. As long as it was for their own entertainment that is. No other languages were allowed to be spoken other than the language of the queen, God rest her soul.
Yet the song continued, slower than the last.
Des yeux qui font baisser les miens
Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche
Voilà le portrait sans retouches
De l'homme auquel j'appartiens
It was beautiful. There were a number of other people out, dancing. We were just a pair in the mix. I wasn't sure who this man was, but for that moment, it didn't matter. I made a decision that for this moment, just this moment, he would be my V.
Quand il me prend dans ses bras
Il me parle tout bas
Je vois la vie en rose
I leaned in closer. I don't think he was expecting me to because he tensed. My hand caressed his arm faintly.
Il me dit des mots d'amour
Des mots de tous les jours
Et ça m'fait quelque chose
Il est entré dans mon cœur
Une part de bonheur
Dont je connais la cause
C'est lui pour moi, moi pour lui, dans la vie
I leaned my cheek against his shoulder. His heart was racing, near frantic. I couldn't help but smile.
Il me l'a dit, l'a juré, pour la vie
Et dès que je l'aperçois
Alors je sens dans moi,
Mon cœur qui bat
It was such a romantic sound, peaceful. I briefly wondered why they didn't allow it to be played anymore. Then I remembered why I was there. I pulled back, looking up to the silent dancer once more.
"Thank you," I found myself whispering. "But I'm not going to ask who you are."
A scream came from the west entrance, drawing everyone's attention. I felt the man in yellow pull away but didn't turn to see. My eyes were focused on the shouting, followed a moment later a hysterical looking woman who came running in. People began pushing into a crowd, running towards the entrance.
"Quick, someone get the ambulance here," a voice cried.
"…Murder…"
My eyes grew wide not only from the change in plan, but the possible implications. Voices grew over the quickly fading music. Masks flew off. Orders were passed.
"…it's Thomas's son…"
"…red…it's a red rose…"
I felt my heart stop.
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La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf
Translated:
I thought that love was just a word
sung about in songs I heard
feelings could reveal that I was wrong
and it was real
Hold me close and hold me fast
the magic spell you cast
this is la vie en rose
when you kiss me heaven sighs
and tho I close my eyes
I see La vie en rose.
When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
a world where roses bloom
and when you speak, angels sing from above
everyday words seem to turn into love songs
give your heart and soul to me
and life will always be
la vie en rose
"Masquerade…Paper faces on parade…Masquerade…Hide your face so the world will never find you…" – Phantom, Phantom of the Opera
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A.N.- Just wanted to thank everyone yet again for all the support! I LOVE it. Come on…tell me, how much do you love me for these two chapters now!
If I seem like I'm moving a little slow, it's cause I am. This is a story…full, blown out, plot-twists-climax-finale type story that I fully expect to get at the very least 20,000 words out of. If I don't get to that many, please yell at me.
I have the whole v/evey reunion chapter finished if anyone is curious, it will happen…it's just the getting there that will be fun :P