The ballroom had been alive with royals and delicagates for hours, the floor full of dace and merryment. But noone was merry than the maiden with emerald eyes who sat alone in the corner. The masquarade was being held in honor of the return of King Brock's son, Sythos, from the Outerworld where he returned with a bride. She was a strange beauty he brought back to the kingdom with him. Her eyes were as black as the feathers of a crow and her hair was as deep as the midnight sky. Her name was Mystica, and she sat very poised upon the pillow she haad been adressed to. She was obviously a foreignor, and it was disheartening to see such a lovely young woman appear lost in a room where her new husband stood next to her. Mystica appeared around the room on occation. She did not bare a mask, for the mask was a symbol of protection and mystery that could only be embraced by a man professing his love. Her attention caught the maiden sitting near the back wall, holding an empty glass of wine in her hands. She was the most well dressed woman at the ball, even more than the new bride herself. Mystica's shadowy eyes caught a glimpse of the maiden's earthly orbs from behind the velvet mask she wore. Their gaze was only to be broken when an over dressed man stepped infront of their sight. "Ah, my dear, dear sister! I am so pleased that you would join me today! I've never been more excited. Can you believe, I finally took a bride! I do hope you aprove of her. You do don't you?" The man stood slightly above six feet with hair of rusted hay. He had a smile of enjoyment plastered to his lips and stared down at his kin waiting for her to comment. She placed her empty glass to the side of her and extended a hand to stand. "Why yes, dear brother. I must admit, she is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." She gave Sythos a quaint smile and then glanced past at the dark skinned woman who sat without movement. "Good! Good then! All is good! You know Arylin you are the only one with an opinion that will ever matter to me, besides mother of course, God rest her soul. Obviously, since her passing though, father's taste in women has suffered." The young man released his sister's hand with a chuckle and headed towards his dear wife, only to be caught off guard by an adoring crowd eager to hear of his travels. Arilyn shook her head and with a grin glided across the dance floor, avoiding the men that would try to intercept her for a dance. Her eyes wandered as she walked, searching the crowd for someone particular. She stood in the middle of the ballroom and smiled when she finally laid her eyes on him. A young man dressed in a suit of armor with elegant engraving and a silk shirt stepped heavily across the floor towards her. He had short golden hair, and a strong face with the two hazel eyes peeking behind a black metal mask. He extended a hand towards her, and placed his lips on the smooth skin near her wrist. Her lips curved into a smile and she looked up into his eyes. Their gaze was intense but brief, for King Brock was to begin the evening ceremony. "Good evening! Ladies and gentlemen. We all know why we are here. So let's skip the formalities and begin the fun shall we? Let's see the bride and grrom dance!" Brock raised his glass of wine to the crowd then set it aside, taking his newest lady into his arms and led her to the dance floor. Sythos had already led Mystica to the center and the band had begun to play. "Shall we dance?" The man took Arilyn by the hand and led her to the dance floor. The dance went on for several hours until the royals beilived they had made a large enough impact. After the dance had deceased and Sythos' new-wife was being led to her room by the servents, the Prince looked around the empty ball room for his sister, to find only a few maids and servent boys begining to clean. She must have proceeded to bed when their father had retired for the evening. Copyright Feb 2005