Chapter 5: Of Wallflowers and Party Animals

Hundreds of people walked around the edges of the room, socializing and eating. The table that had been covered in dishes of food and drink could easily seat fifty or more people, and hardly an inch of the gold tablecloth could be seen under the food trays.

The dance floor, which easily took up most of the enormous room, was bustling with dancing people. A polished orchestra sat in one corner, playing the music that accompanied the whirling dancers.

At the back of the room, on a large platform, sat two luxurious thrones. A balding man- Raven identified him as the King, by his age and the crown on his head- sat in one of the thrones, calmly watching the ball. The other throne was empty.

She took a step forward, to join in the festivities, but was stopped by a man wearing a uniform. She bit back a groan as she realized that he was the crier, and was there to announce everyone as they entered.

"Your name and title, Madame?" he asked politely.

"Er… I would prefer not to be announced," she replied, trying to step around the man.

"I am sorry, but if you will not tell me who you are, I am not permitted to allow you entrance," the man persisted, blocking her path with his short, but wide figure.

"Please, I am obviously no threat to the King, or anyone else here. Sir Robin has already let me pass."

"True, but it is not proper to allow a noble woman into a gathering such as this without properly announcing her presence," he explained as if talking to a three-year-old.

"I understand that, I simply do not want to be announced. I am… quite shy around large groups of people," Rave lied. She could tell that the crier's patience was wearing thin, and so was her own.

"Still, you understand that it is my job-"

"Is there a problem here?" a familiar voice asked, walking over. Raven's eyes widened as she recognized the speaker as Gar. He looked a bit surprised as well when he saw her, and her hands flew up instinctively to her cloak hood. She hid a wince as she felt that it had fallen off her head while trying to side step the crier.

"This lady will not allow me to announce her presence," the crier replied without looking at the newcomer.

"So?" Gar shrugged, and the crier finally looked over to see who had interrupted their argument. When he saw who it was, he jumped and quickly bent over in a bow, fixing his eyes on the ground.

"Stand up," Gar commanded in his gentle, but firm voice. "Forget titles for a moment."

Hesitantly, the crier pulled up from his bow. Gar motioned for him to speak in private a few feet away, where Raven would not hear them.

She watched curiously as Gar and the crier talked in hushed voices, motioning at Raven once in a while. She noted that Gar did most of the talking, and that the crier seemed a bit nervous around the green boy. With a final word, Gar placed a hand on the crier's shoulder and the servant noticeably relaxed.

Grinning, Gar walked back to Raven and offered her an arm.

"Everything's been worked out." Gar told her, smiling even wider as she timidly took his arm.

They walked in silence as they entered the ballroom, until Gar spoke again.

"So, I thought you weren't coming to the ball?" he asked conversationally. Raven stiffened a bit before carefully replying.

"Actually, I said, 'Noble families go to balls. Servants stay home and scrub floors.'" Raven corrected. "I never actually answered your question."

Gar laughed. "That seems kind of sneaky for you Raven."

"You have no idea," she replied, allowing herself a small smile.

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, and she had to admit that he looked fairly handsome.

He wore black trousers, which matched the sleeves of his purple and black shirt. A silver belt had been fastened around his waist, and he wore matching silver boots and gloves. On his head he wore a floppy purple hat with a purple plume extending from it.

Feeling her eyes in his hat, Gar blushed and laughed nervously. "My dad made me wear the hat."

"Couldn't you have just said no?" Raven asked, amused at the frilly chapeau.

"Well, you see, he's a very hard man to say no to," Garfield replied, smiling.

"He's persuasive?" she asked.

"Something like that…"

They fell into silence again, although this time it wasn't as uncomfortable as before. After a while, Raven began to notice that various people kept looking at them. Uncomfortable under their stares, Raven used her free arm to pull up her hood.

"Ignore them," Gar told her quietly. "They're just surprised to see me with someone they don't know. There have been some rumors floating around about me and a girl I met a couple days ago."

Unsure of what to say, Raven picked up a goblet of mead from the food table and stiffly took a drink.

"Come on," Gar said suddenly. "You're obviously not comfortable in here."

Though she wondered what he was doing, she remained silent as he pulled her over to a wall. Pressing himself against the wall, Gar carefully checked the entire room. No one seemed to be looking in their direction, so he deemed it safe to continue. Carefully he pulled up the corner of a nearby tapestry, revealing a small hallway hidden behind it.

He led her down the hall, towards a wooden door. The doorway opened up to reveal an enormous garden. Leaving the door open, they both stepped out.

The music from the ballroom had followed them and was still easily audible in the quiet garden. The twinkling stars above seemed to dance to the graceful sounds of a waltz, and fireflies mimicked them, floating around in swirling designs against the dark hedges.

"Would you care to dance," Gar asked, gesturing at the empty garden. Raven nodded, and allowed him to wrap his arms around her in preparation for the next dance. She shivered lightly as he touched her, but dismissed it as a reaction to the soft breeze.

Slowly, the soft notes of music from the ball drifted to their secret garden, and they began to dance with only the watchful eyes of the stars.

-

King Marcus was very pleased. His ball was going well; the music was lovely, the food superb, and best of all, he had heard whisperings that Prince Garfield had been seen with a pretty young woman in rich clothing. Now the only thing that could make it better was being able to gloat to his young, doubtful advisor.

Lifting a hand, he motioned across the ballroom to Victor, who was talking amiably with a pink haired girl. The tall man quickly noticed his King's gesturing hand, and after excusing himself, he quickly went to King Marcus's side.

"So," Marcus grinned. "Have you heard the news? Garfield has been seen with a young woman."

"I have heard, sire." Victor replied. "Unfortunately, I find it kind if hard to believe. He really was quite taken with the girl he met the other day."

"Ah, but he's found another girl," the King replied. "And I've heard she's quite pretty."

"Oh?" Victor asked. He really did find it hard to believe that Garfield was willingly dancing with someone, when he had spent the entire day talking about Raven.

"Yes," Marcus replied. "She had violet hair and eyes, and pale gray skin."

As Marcus described the young woman, then went on to talk about what his grandchildren would look like, Victor forced himself not to let his surprise show. Then, he smiled. Raven had come to the ball after all, he was sure of it.

"Well, sire, you were right. I believe that Gar really has found a suitable match," Victor said, looking at the old monarch, who smiled smugly.

-

"So, what's your name?" Robin asked the exotic girl next to him. She pried her eyes away from the new sights of the ball to look at him briefly.

"Kori'ander," she said, giving him the Tamaranean translation of Starfire. "And yours?"

"I'm Robin, captain of the palace guard," Robin replied.

"You seem quite young in human years to be the captain of the guard," Starfire pointed out.

"True, I am young in- er, human years," Robin admitted, "But my mentor really pushed me to be great."

"I see. You're hard work has most certainly off-paid then," Starfire said, smiling.

"That's 'paid off'," Robin corrected gently. "And, I suppose it has. Would you like some pear mead?"

"Thank you," Starfire accepted the goblet he offered and daintily took a sip.

"So, tell me about yourself," Robin said. "Where are you from?"

"I am from the city of Tamaran," Starfire replied, hoping he only had a vague knowledge of fairies.

"Tamaran? It sounds familiar, but I don't think I've ever been there before," Robin said, searching his memory.

"Tamaran is a most wonderous place!" Starfire exclaimed. "It is the most beautiful place your eyes will ever absorb! And the fresh-squeezed glorg is delicious!"

"Sounds great," Robin laughed at her enthusiasm, trying not to imagine what 'glorg' looked like.

"Oh it is!" Starfire nodded. "And what of you? Have you always inhabited this palace?"

"Yes," Robin nodded. "My parents were the official palace acrobats. They… died a few years back, but instead of throwing me out on the streets, the king enrolled me into the palace guard, where I met my teacher, Bruce."

"I am sorry for your loss, and am most humbled that you have shared it with me," Starfire said solemnly.

"It really isn't as bad as it sounds," Robin insisted, slightly disconcerted at having upset the previously smiling girl. "I have two great friends who helped me through it all."

"May I inquire as to whom they were?" Starfire asked, brightening considerably.

"Well, the first friend I made was Victor. He was the son of the king's personal advisor. A year ago his father decided to go into early retirement," Robin informed her. "Victor was appointed as the king's new advisor in place of his father. He the youngest advisor in the history of Tamborinia," Robin boasted for his absent friend.

"That is most impressive," Starfire said good-naturedly. "And the second friend?"

"Well, when I met Victor all those years ago, he introduced me to his friend the prince, Garfield."

"Garfield is the prince?" Starfire gasped.

"You know him?" Robin asked, looking at her in surprise.

"My new friend has met him before," Starfire replied, looking around the crowded ball room. "Although I do not believe she was aware that he was a prince!"

"Your new friend?" Robin asked, thinking back to their meeting. "You mean the girl you came with? She's the Raven? The one Gar met the other day?"

"Yes, that is she," Starfire replied. "I must inform her of this."

"Wait," Robin stopped her from leaving. "You can't tell her. It's something Gar has to do on his own."

"But-"

"Trust me," Robin pleaded, looking into her green eyes. "He will tell her when the time is right. Hearing it from anyone else will probably confuse Raven and make her unwilling to listen to his reasoning."

Starfire gazed back into Robin's penetrating eyes, and sighed. "I understand. I will await for Gar to tell her himself."

"Thank you," Robin smiled. His eyes flicked past her for a second, looking onto the dance floor. "Would you care to dance?"

"I would be most honored to dance with you, Sir Robin," Starfire replied easily, blushing as he took her hand and lead her onto the floor. She hesitated. "I warn you, I do not know your dances."

"You'll be fine," Robin smiled encouragingly. "I'll be here with you every step."

And she knew he would.

-

Raven gazed up at the starry sky above the garden, letting the beautiful music from the ball wash over her. She and Gar had sat down to catch their breath after their sixth consecutive dance. Suddenly, she jumped a little as she felt his gloved hand settle on hers. Looking over at her, Gar smiled comfortingly, and she looked away, glad for the hood which concealed her blush.

As they sat, enjoying each other's company, a feeling of guilt began to swell in Raven's chest. He had been so kind to her, and she had been hiding so much from him.

"I'm a fraud," she blurted out. Gar looked over at her in surprise. "I shouldn't be here. I used to be part of a noble family, but my father, Trigon, died and now I'm just a servant."

Gar seemed unfazed by her confession, in fact, she was probably more surprised than he. She had never opened up to anyone so willingly, let alone without thinking of it first.

"As far as I'm concerned," Garfield replied after a short pause. "You could live under a barrel in the streets and I wouldn't care. I like you for you, not how much money you have, or whether you have a prestigious title or not."

Raven smiled lightly, looking down at his hand on hers. Carefully she turned her hand and entwined their fingers. Smiling, Gar lifted their hands and placed a small kiss on each of her fingers.

Her heart began to pound in her chest, and she stood up quickly, pulling her hand out of his grasp.

"Let's dance," she suggested, trying to calm her stomach, which was doing excited flips. Gar nodded and stood up next to her. Gently, he placed a hand on the small of her back, and gripping her hand lightly. She fought back another shiver, and they began to dance to an upbeat waltz.

She was glad for the fast-paced music, as it allowed her to pay more attention to the complex dance steps than to the strange, exciting feelings she was getting around Gar.

As the waltz ended, however, it was replaced by a slow ballad. Gar pulled Raven a bit closer and continued to dance. Raven felt a hot blush spread across her nose and cheeks.

As they danced, Gar began to hum to the music.

"So this is love," he sang softly. "So this is love. So, this is what makes life divine…"

Raven's breath caught in her throat as he sang the verses of the well-known love song. She smiled lightly, and briefly let go of his hand to pull off her hood. As he continued to hum, she closed her eyes, and uncertainly rested her head on his shoulder.

Eventually the song came to an end, replaced by another faster song, but they continued to dance slowly together.

As they turned in leisurely circles, Raven found her thoughts travel to her book. She still wanted to read the last story, but suddenly she didn't mind that she wasn't going to end up with Prince Charming. If she could just end up with Garfield…

She stopped her train of thought abruptly. She knew she couldn't marry Gar anymore than she could marry the prince. He had told her that he didn't care if she was rich or poor, but words didn't really mean anything. He was caught up in the magic of the night. In fact, she probably was as well, judging by her uncharacteristically quick acceptance of their short romance. When midnight struck, she would be back to scrubbing floors, and he would go back to chasing noble women like he was supposed to.

Still, it was nice while it lasted. All she could do was hope that midnight never came.

-

"Robin!" Victor called out, walking over to his friend. Robin waved him over.

"Victor, I'd like you to meet my friend, Kori Ander," Robin introduced. "Kori, this is Victor."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Starfire smiled, holding out a hand to the large man. Victor took her hand and courteously placed a kiss on it.

"Nice to meet you," Victor replied, before turning back to Robin. "Rob, have you heard? You-know-who is here!"

"Yeah, I heard," Robin confirmed. "Raven is Kori's friend."

"You sure we're talking about the same Raven?" Victor asked skeptically.

"Unless you know of another Raven with purple hair and a beautiful dress, than I am quite sure the Ravens we know are one and the same," Starfire replied, smiling. "Her dress is quite beautiful, is it not?"

As the three young adults continued to talk amiably, a dark haired girl scowled darkly at what she had just heard. Fists curling, she walked over to where her mother and sister were standing.

"Victoria, don't scowl like that," Melinda reprimanded as her daughter stormed over. "You'll never attract a wealthy husband if-"

"Mother, you'll never believe what I just heard!" Victoria whined. "Raven's here at the ball!"

"She can't be here! We left her at home," Tavia pointed out anxiously. "And even if she were here, she only has rags. They wouldn't let her in."

"I think she had help," Victoria explained. "From that redhead over there." Victoria pointed her thumb at where Robin, Victor and Starfire were still talking.

"Hm, interesting." Melinda's calculating eyes looked over at the king sitting in his throne. "A servant girl passing herself off as a noblewoman. I believe the king would find this quite interesting as well."

-

King Marcus was no longer very pleased. His son hadn't been seen for a long time, and the last he had been seen he had been talking closely to the unknown young woman. People were beginning to draw conclusions for the prince's disappearance, and none of them were very appropriate for an unmarried young man. To top it all off, a woman was standing in front of his throne, informing him of a peasant that was posing as a noble woman in his ball! Somehow he had a feeling Garfield was a part of this as well.

"Victor!" the King barked. Breaking off his conversation with his friends, Victor ran over to King Marcus. A malevolent looking woman stood next to his throne.

"Where is my son?" King Marcus asked.

"I'm not sure," Victor replied, scanning the crowded room.

"Do you know anything of a servant girl pretending to be nobility?" Marcus continued.

"I don't," Victor's mouth grew dry.

"I think you do. I also think that Garfield is with her." the King replied. "Do you know if that is true?"

"I don't, your highness," Victor replied.

"Well, I suggest you find the answers to my questions, and bring both of them to me," Marcus growled. "Or I will have to find an advisor who knows more than my current one!"

Tightening his mouth, Victor nodded, and with a small bow he made his way back into the crowd.

Quickly, Victor made his way through the dance floor until he reached Robin and Starfire.

"Robin, we've got a problem," Victor told the young captain, as he reached them. "King Marcus knows about Raven. I have to bring her to him, or I may lose my job. We'll need to give her a cover story as well, so that she and Gar don't get in trouble." Robin nodded and turned to Starfire.

"Excuse me mademoiselle," he said, bowing to Starfire formally. "I have to be going."

"No," she said firmly. "You shall not be going without me."

"This doesn't concern you," Robin replied.

"It does. I am Raven's friend," Starfire insisted.

Robin shook his head. "Still, we can handle this alone. It won't take long, an hour or two at most, and then you can both go home or finish enjoying the ball."

"But it is forty and five minutes past the hour of eleven now," Starfire said, eyes wide and pleading. "She must go before midnight!"

"Why?" Robin asked. "Is there something you're not telling us?"

"I shall explain as we search for them," Starfire told them. "Have you any idea where they might be?"

"I think I might know," Victor nodded. "Come on!"

As the three young adults rushed off, a previously scowling girl smirked maliciously.

"Tavia," she called. "I'll be right back."

Ah, now the action really starts! I have to say I really like this chapter, but I like the next one better. I'm not sure when it'll be up yet, because as always, whenever I read it over I find things I want to change, but I'll try and finish it ASAP.

Oh, by the way, I drew a picture! It's a picture for Cinderaven, so maybe some of you will be interested to see it. I think it turned out pretty well, myself. For anyone who wants to see it, the address is right below, just take out the spaces.

http / www . deviantart . com / deviation / 31878109

Tammy Tamborine