(OPEN) Capulet Manor Costume Ball|(Fast paced)

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

:Costume:
Suit/Mask
Find me in the ballroom.

(OOC: Richard, hope you don't mind.)

The situation around the comptroller pretty much fell to pieces, and the couple excused themselves and headed toward the pool. Plantagenet managed to keep his composure, though, to all appearances. Monte Cristo did as well, though he was tempted to laugh out loud.

As if things could not become more humorous, the mayor, Edward Plantagenet, whom Monte Cristo also recognized, approached his brother, acting in a fairly drunken manner. That could not possibly be the sort of image the residents of New York would be pleased to see of their mayor. At least, Monte Cristo probably would have been bothered by it, if an idea did not suddenly occur to him.

Monte Cristo was not currently in need of any favors, but becoming acquainted with the who's-who of the city was always beneficial. One never knew when such relationships would become useful. Besides, Richard in particular looked as if he would appreciate being distracted for a moment.

Turning his head so that he was now clearly looking at the Plantagenets, Monte Cristo raised his eyebrows slightly and took a few steps toward them, lifting his mask away from his face temporarily. Stopping several feet short of them in case they wanted to continue their private conversation (which, of course, Monte Cristo had been listening to anyway), Monte Cristo offered a small bow as he introduced himself.

"Good evening, gentlemen, and pray excuse my interruption. I thought I should introduce myself while we are in such close proximity." He extended his hand toward Richard, then to Edward. "I am Count Monte Cristo, an investor and recent transplant among the residents of New York."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

:Costume:
www.flickr.com/photos/41533634@N02/4529597273/

Find me in the ballroom

(ooc: Don't mind at all. :3)

Richard has been about to abandon Edward, not caring for the drunken reprimands it would doubteless get him when another man approached, very well dressed, a mask concealing his face. As the man lifted his mask slightly and bowed on his approach, Richard couldn't help a small smile. Finally, someone worth talking to.

"Good evening, gentlemen, and pray excuse my interruption. I thought I should introduce myself while we are in such close proximity."

Very well spoken indeed, very eloquent. Richard didn't know who the man was as yet but he found himself warming to him almost involuntarily as he spoke...strange, since he was normally so cold.

Richard shook the man's hand when it was offered him, firmly and with a sense of gratitude for his turning up when he did, before releasing it for Edward to do the same.

"A pleasure to meet you, sir," he said, and for once he meant it. "Your interruption is excused and, dare I say it, welcomed."

He didn't bother to lower his voice or make any secret of the fact he was glad of the interruption from someone who seemed to have a semblence of sanity in their head; doubtless his older brother wouldn't notice.

Edward, who had been nodding vigourously as Monte Cristo spoke, shook his hand too, in a much more exuberant and flamboyant fashion than Richard, so much so as in danger of upsetting his martini glass.

"Absolutely splendid to meet you, old chap!" he said with a laugh, releasing Monte Cristo's hand at last. "Spiffing, corking etcetera, what what!"

Richard felt like bashing his head against the wall but made the wise descision that now was not the time. If only Mother could see Edward now,he thought, with a wry inward smile, /He's/ the one bringing shame to the Plantagenet name...not /me/.

"You'll have to excuse him," Richard said to Monte Cristo as Edward finished speaking and seemed to return his attention to his martini. "He tends to enjoy parties a little too much."

He found himself sincirely hoping that he wasn't guilty by association, that this important figure wouldn't think the worse of him for his brothers behaviour.

[yolanda7g]

Same outfit.
Find me in the ballroom./Find me in the pool area-ish

When Elissa smirked, Faustus did too. It was just a signal that maybe she was opening up a little bit to him. Hopefully he could get to first, second, third and even forth base (imagine the possibilities! He bet that Elissa was a closet freak too. Maybe her morbid tendencies was just a facade...yeah. Wishful thinking) without much problem. He was certainly banking on this drug to make that possible.

"Mmm, you better know I like that kind of thing, girl," he said quietly and suggestively. He cupped her chin in his hand and forced her to look up at him. "I have a couple of thoughts about how we can get carried away. Just you...and me." Damn, Faustus. You better work! Sometimes he even amazed himself how talented he was at being a playa.

"I have a feeling you'd like that sort of thing too." He said. And now Faustus was just a breath away from yielding to the urge of kissing those tempting ruby lips of hers.

[philosopher]

Costume;

I am .. masked.
Find me in the foyer.

Holmes flushed slightly, but made no remark when Irene pressed her slinky small body against him, and at that moment the conversation took a different turn, for which Holmes was devoutly thankful. She began to speak some more, with a shadow of pain on her features.
The painted face of the mask gazed at her, but said nothing - the head behind it was too full. Standing there amongst glittering, luxuriant surroundings, with the blaze of the evening light making everything glow with warmth. Then Irene, with that half-troubled, half-passive look in her eyes, and an uncertain shadowy smile quivering on her lips, the girl looked almost dangerously lovely. In that very eye, a tear quivered and then fell.

A strange emotion of admiring tenderness stirred Holme's heart, he could very impulsive and impressionable at the worst of times. His hidden face was a tell-tale one, and he was rather afraid. That was a ridiculous thing to feel, afraid. But he could feel it, as painful as a stake through the heart. There had once been a time when, given just one chance, he would have spirited Irene to some place far, far away from everything and married her in five minutes flat. With this thought in mind, he folded his hands with an air of demure appeal. There had been no chance, and that moment had long passed.

'I'm so sorry, I simply assumed the man you entered with .. ' Holmes trailed off , his shoulders lifting in a penitent shrug. Of course, he had assumed nothing other then the man was simply arm-candy. There was just that shameless need for Irene to put the lid over his suspicions.

Aware that a hint of himself had been wafted into the conversation, he caught onto it with two hands and steered. ' .. Bothersome, you say? Why on earth would this man find you bothersome, chèrie?'

He removed a fluttering, pure white hankerchief from his sleeve and held it out to her between two fingers, 'No cry now, pas de sanglot.'

[sasha]

:Costume:
Dress|Hair (sans brooch)|Mask (Top Right)|Necklace|Clutch
Find me in the pool area-ish

Though the light was dim in this area between the manor and the pool, Elissa swore that she could see the twinkle in the doctor's deep brown eyes. She knew lust when she saw it, even when incapacitated by alcohol or whatever this drink was. However, she would still be standing firm in her convictions. She wasn't yet drunk enough to have forgotten her recent trauma (hell, she'd only announced it to the comptroller of New York City!), and she was not going to leave herself vulnerable. Although she'd never been one to play games, an idea for one whirled around in her brain. Lead him on and walk away at the last minute. Hah, that'll get him. Set him up, just to knock him down. She was feeling quite spiteful, after all.

"Just...you and me?" she repeated, a fire ablaze in her crystal-blue eyes. The doctor's hand tilted her face up to meet his, their lips just centimeters away from each other. "Mm, you know I like it, Doctor." With that, she closed the gap between them and brushed her lips over his for mere seconds.

And then, she loosed herself from his grasp and giggled. With a coquettish smile, she began to walk away, unsure of where she was going.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

:Costume:
Suit/Mask
Find me in the ballroom.

Monte Cristo nodded and smiled at each of the Plantagenet men as they greeted him in return. Richard responded quite sincerely, with a firm handshake, and Edward replied in his own form of sincerity, which was more openly enthusiastic and alcohol-fueled than that of the comptroller. The count had met all types of people across the world, so the dissimilarities between the brothers came as little surprise to him. Personally, he preferred the calm and perpetually unruffled demeanor Richard seemed to possess, as it was far more like Monte Cristo's own usual façade. Still, there was something to be said of people who felt comfortable being open around anyone and everyone. It was a trait that Monte Cristo frequently found useful for his own purposes.

Monte Cristo gave a small laugh in response to Edward's greeting, but was careful not to overdo it. He could both sense and see Richard's frustration and embarrassment, and understood well that playing up to Edward too much would only alienate him. Monte Cristo was not inclined to actually choose a favorite- or rather, a side- at that point, though if he could lead each of them to believe that they were the preferred one, then so much the better for Monte Cristo.

Besides, Monte Cristo's instinct told him that while Edward held the position of mayor, Richard was the actual power player of the two. If Monte Cristo wound up making a misstep here, he would err on the side of offending Edward. For one, Edward was probably the more forgiving of the two; also, given the patterns of alcohol consumption among them all, Edward was the least likely to remember anything said here the next day.

"You'll have to excuse him. He tends to enjoy parties a little too much."

Monte Cristo offered an understanding smile. "We all have our ways of enjoying these sorts of events, I suppose. I have found that what works for one man may not necessarily work for the next. Whether one way surpasses another may best be judged by the consequences of each."

He glanced at Edward nursing his martini, a gesture meant to keep him somewhat involved in the conversation if he chose to participate.

Turning back to Richard, he continued, "If we all interacted in the same manner, I am sure this would be an interesting but fairly monotone evening. The variety of personalities adds a bit of color, as long as one does not judge each part by the whole."

He was not sure why he added the last comment, but it had been an instinctive remark, and Monte Cristo never doubted his instincts. There was probably a hint of something that Monte Cristo had not picked up on consciously but was absorbing nonetheless. Such instances were not uncommon for him, and often turned out to be invaluable in creating acquaintances.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

:Costume:
www.flickr.com/photos/41533634@N02/4529597273/

Find me in the ballroom

"We all have our ways of enjoying these sorts of events, I suppose. I have found that what works for one man may not necessarily work for the next. Whether one way surpasses another may best be judged by the consequences of each."

As Monte Cristo looked towards him having made this little speech, Edward nodded enthusiastically. He took a small sip of his drink before making his reply, his grin seemingly affixed to his face for the time being.

"Good point there!" he exclaimed, raising his glass to the newcomer. "I reckon I'm gonna hate m'self in the morning for all this...but I'm having fun for now so who the blooming 'eck cares?" With a chortle he took another, larger swig from his glass.

Richard had nodded at Monte Cristo's comment; it made sense and was true, the evidence was right there in front of him. He found himself inwardly cringing at Edward's reply but as the count turned back to him to continue the conversation he took it up again with ease.

"True, true," he said, with a small smile. "But that's no excuse for the amount of alcohol my beloved brother insists on comsuimg at these events, at least in my opinion."

He paused, realizing he was being slightly hypocritical in that he himself fancied a drink at that point, although by no means as much as Edward, and chose a different route for the conversation to take.

"You mention that you're an investor?" he said, more of a question than a statement, as if to get Monte Cristo to tell him more. He only knew what he'd seen in the headline of the Times rather than the fine print, his schedule allowed him little time to peruse the paper. He was sure Monte Cristo would understand that.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

:Costume:
Suit/Mask
Temporarily unmasked.
Find me in the ballroom.

As Edward gave his response to Monte Cristo's observation, the count's expression remained as it had been, imparting a sense of interest and a hint of amusement. Although Monte Cristo did not let it show on his face, he could not have disagreed more with Edward's sentiments. Monte Cristo valued the lasting effects of his actions far more than he did the immediate rewards of them. It was one of the qualities that had helped him exact slow, delicious revenge on the parties that had wronged him so many years before.

Richard expressed concern for Edward's alcohol consumption, which Monte Cristo thought was very caring on his behalf. According to Monte Cristo's set of beliefs, Richard was under no moral obligation to give a damn about that his brother did. It was certainly far more compassion than Monte Cristo was willing to feel for all but a very, very few people.

There was a slight pause in the conversation before Richard suddenly changed the subject. Perhaps he had grown tired of the first discussion or did not like the direction in which it had been headed. Monte Cristo could not help being curious; he did study people and their behaviors, after all, and knowing what sorts of behaviors indicated particular emotions in others always helped in understanding them, and of course manipulating them. He made a note to pay attention to such behaviors in Richard. For the moment, though, he did not mind going along with the change in subject at all. He preferred to hear others talk about themselves, but it was always helpful to offer information about oneself as well.

"Yes, I own Monte Cristo Investments, a firm based in New Jersey. You may have read of it in the papers." Monte Cristo scowled briefly, intimating that he was not pleased with the news coverage. Everyone, it seemed, had seen the stories about him and his fortune in the Times and other media outlets; at that point, he would have been happy to come across someone who had not.

"Business has been good, despite the financial troubles of late." Monte Cristo glossed over the successes of his investment ventures before either man could ask him about them. It was poor form to speak freely about financial accomplishments when the majority of people were suffering, though he doubted either of the Plantagenets wanted for anything.

"As comptroller of the city, I am sure your profession bears a bit more similarity to mine than a casual observation would suggest," Monte Cristo remarked, intentionally turning the conversation ever so slightly so that Richard could talk about himself if he wished, or continue interviewing the count if that was more favorable for him at the moment.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

:Costume:
www.flickr.com/photos/41533634@N02/4529597273/

Find me in the ballroom

As Monte Cristo confirmed Richard's scanning of the headlines, the younger Plantagenet couldn't help a small smile. It seemed that he too didn't care for all the pressure and incessant badgering of reporters; something they had in common aside from their eloquence (Edward was exempted from this grouping).

"I'm afraid, sir, I was only able to scan the Times and see you had decided to take up residency here," he said as he made to reply to Monte Cristo's remark, not only about his business but Richard's own position as well. "I'm afraid my schedule is rather punishing and as such does not allow much time for perusal of the finer print; I'm sure you understand that." He paused before continuing, not wanting to reveal too much about himself just let despite his initial good impression of the man.

"I would have to agree that my proffession and yours are not dissimilar," he said. "Not that I'm any expert in investment. I'm glad to hear your business continues to prosper, but I must admit the recent financial troubles have hit the city rather hard."

He would have said more, but as he spoke Edward began laughing uproariously again.

"Oh c'mon Ricky, what's with all the doom and gloom?" he cried in an over-zealous and far too jovial manner. "Not to mention all this talk of work and schedules!" He shook his head in a despairing manner. "How many times have I tried to tell you? This is a party. You should be having fun!"

Richard wished he could shut Edward up and somehow force to him to abstain from any further alcohol comsumption. But being unsure how to do either on good form in the present circumstances he instead did nothing, simply refusing to look in Edward's direction. Hopefully the moron would get the hint.

[yolanda7g]

Same outfit.
Find me in the pool area-ish

Yeah girl, I know you like it. Faustus thought as they got closer. All he could think about was her on top of him with like, nothing on. Boy was it hot in here. Their lips brushed, and with a teasing smile, she walked away. Just like that. She just walked away.

Okay, there's a then line between being a tease and being an asshole.

Damn he was so close!

He tightened his fists in silent frustration and shook one at her back, as she walked away.

Okay, calm down...she might need a little more foreplay than other girls, haha. She just wants me to go chase her. So go chase her.

Faustus adjusted his coat and quickly rushed to step in front of her blocking her path. "Come on Elissa, don't treat me like that," He said with a smile. "After all, you know what I like...I know what you like...no sense in letting that kind of connection go to waste, ya know what I mean? Live a little, Elissa, I know you have it in you."

In fact, he could care less about who died in her life, the time was now, and right now...ooo was Faustus looking for some action tonight.

[erin]

:Costume:
Eat your heart out Harry
Find me on the front lawn.

Ophelia stared between Harry and Henry. Harry seemed rather tense about how this conversation was turning. Before she could add her two cents, Harry insisted that they venture further which she did not object to. Confrontations were not really her forte and being caught in the crossfire wasn't her exact idea of a romantic evening at a ball.

He lead them till everything seemed so many miles away but only a few yards away. At least no one was in earshot and if they were, they'd probably be too drunk to make sense of the words that were exchanged between the two. Being broken from her trance, she listened as Harry uttered an apology. "It's okay I don't mind it. It wasn't your fault." She spoke these words softly and in all honesty.

Her heart began to race as they stopped and he took his time, letting his hands linger in hers before removing her mask slightly. Then he said how he was glad she came which made her night that much better. With a smile Ophelia responded, "Well I'm glad I came to. Any excuse to be around you I'll take." Then realizing what she said, she wished she could take it back and replace it with something else.

Although they were not officially together, not even remotely close, Ophelia couldn't help but love him. The way he carried himself with pride and the sophisticated and handsome mien he expressed day in and day out. How she would die to be the only woman he ever laid his eyes on. A crimson blush crossed her cheeks but the nighttime sky was enough to hide it. She perked up a bit as he suggested that they practice their dancing skills right there and then.

How could she refuse? Her lips pulled back as a smile displaying her perfectly straight teeth as she was glad for this. It was an odd suggestion, but spending a few more moments alone with him was something she would do anything for. "I think that's a really great idea honestly. But I'm sorry if I have two left feet." She giggled slightly before blushing once more.

This night probably couldn't get anymore perfect if she planned it out from start to finish. Just the two of them in the lawn, smiling and acting like fools, and all under the starry night sky. Whatever was making this all possible she thanked greatly and wished it would never end.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

:Costume:
Suit/Mask
Temporarily unmasked.
Find me in the ballroom.

Monte Cristo gave a slight nod as Richard mentioned not having time to read the Times. The count could certainly relate. He read the news occasionally, but only when Bertuccio or another of his staff members pointed out something specific that they thought he should see. Otherwise, Monte Cristo was fairly cut off from the daily events of the city, save for things that directly affected him, such as the rise and fall of stocks.

His expression became one of mild concern once Richard mentioned the New York economy. Of course, he had been aware of such before he moved to the city- again, he always did his research beforehand- but he knew it would be rude not to show a bit of reverence toward such a comment. Unfortunately, the meaning of the expression was probably lost with Edward's sudden and ill-timed laugh.

Monte Cristo only gave Edward a small smile before returning his attention to Richard. The count would not have considered the present topic "doom and gloom." It was just business, the business of getting to know others in or related to one's field of work. Monte Cristo had not come to the ball expecting to dance and drink, but to network; he was sure Richard had come for similar reasons.

Noting Richard's somewhat pained expression, Monte Cristo gave a very slight shrug and smile, indicating that Edward's behavior did not trouble him in the least. What other people chose to do in public, or in private, was up to them; they would be left to endure the consequences of those actions.

"I am sure the financial climate will improve soon. I would not have made a home here if I were convinced otherwise."

The remark, while a bit self-centered, was meant to convey his faith in the future of the economy- or at least in his ability to help put off whatever may be coming.

"Still, do contact me if there is any way in which I can help." The offer was not an empty one; there was much Monte Cristo could help with politically, beyond the scope of anything the Plantagenets would dare to imagine.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

:Costume:
www.flickr.com/photos/41533634@N02/4529597273/

Find me in the ballroom

Richard was enjoying Monte Cristo's company more and more. Rather than agreeing with Edward or at least placating him with a comment the count merely smiled at him before continuing the conversation as if they hadn't been interrupted. Richard appreciated that Monte Cristo had to be polite to Edward considering his position but he liked how the count didn't overdo it as so many were prone to do.

As the count gave Richard a smile too, and a small shrug, he got the impression that Monte Cristo didn't seem all that ruffled by Edward's outrageous behaviour. Richard was surprised by this; he had trouble dealing with Edward at the best of times and they were related! But he decided not to think further on the matter; Monte Cristo didn't have to deal with him on a daily basis. He could put up with him for a few hours.

"I certainly hope it shall," Richard said with a nod as Monte Cristo reffered to the economy again. "I've been looking over what needs to be done and I think we're going to pull through."

Some of us, at least, he added inwardly.

"Still, do contact me if there is any way in which I can help."

At the count's offer of assistance in financial matters, Richard inclined his head in a grateful nod and thanked him for his offer. He had to admit he wouldn't mind getting to know the man better; he would doubtless be a good man to have around, and, Richard hoped, a potential ally.

"I shall certainly do so, sir," Richard replied, not feeling that anything else needed to be said on the matter. Strange, he reflected, how the party had started and was continuing; Edward's mindless frivoloity, his meeting the rather egotistical Faustus and Miss Purcell in all her...strangeness, and now this. Count Monte Cristo offering to help him. It really was, he thought, shaping up to be a good night.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

:Costume:
Suit/Mask
Temporarily unmasked.
Find me in the ballroom.

Monte Cristo nodded his head again, this time in a small bow, as Richard accepted his offer. It was an honest offer, one he intended to honor if Richard ever came needing assistance. The success of the city was directly linked to his own, after all. Then again, he supposed he would do fine without New York. It was mostly the challenge the city posed that had drawn him there, and why he stayed.

As for the Plantagenets, it was fairly easy for Monte Cristo to figure out what sort of person Edward was, and how his mind worked. The count would have preferred that Richard speak about himself more, but the man was clearly put off by his brother's behavior, and was probably not the type to immediately open up to strangers in the first place. Richard's sensibility struck Monte Cristo as unusual; he was one of the first three people Monte Cristo had met in the city thus far that he would have liked to develop a friendship with. Being the distant, sometimes cold sort of person he was, friendship was one of the highest compliments Monte Cristo could offer anyone.

He reached into the jacket of his pocket and retrieved two business cards. He had attended this event mostly to network, and as such, he had come prepared. He first handed a card to Richard, speaking as he did so.

"Here is my information; you are welcome to contact me via these means. I'm afraid my voicemail answers more of my calls than I do, but I try my best to return messages in a timely manner."

He made the last comment with a wry smile, meant to indicate humor at his own overstuffed schedule. The second card was handed to Edward, more in recognition of convention than anything else. It would have been rude of Monte Cristo not to hand him a card when the man was standing right there, and had been speaking to him. In any case, it could not hurt for the mayor of the city to have his card.

Monte Cristo guessed that the hour was growing late, without looking at his watch, which would have given the impression that he was anxious to leave. However, at this juncture, he did not expect to be staying much longer- there was still work to be done at home. The count had one or two acquaintances left to make, then would be on his way back to his apartment.

[phantom]

Find me in the foyer.
Costume
OOC: sorry it’s really bad and awkward. That’s just how Erik…is.

From where he stood in the foyer, silent and alone in a large group of people, Erik Meursault could observe the others around him without actually engaging in conversation with them. This was exactly what he wanted to do, except when it came to one particular person who he dearly hoped was in attendance. He hoped to recognize her by her hair, whereas she, he hoped, would identify him by his clothes. He was wearing the same costume he had worn to the masquerade two years ago. He had thought it somewhat impractical to bring it with him from Paris to New York, thinking he would have no need of it, but now he was glad that he had brought it on impulse. Christine was sure to recognize him, and he would likely get some attention from the other occupants of the room, but not too much, because unlike last masquerade, the other guests were not all dressed in black and white, with he being the only one in red.

Though he was not out of sync with the other guests this time, nor was he invited this time either. After all, no one knew who he was - except for Christine. And that was just the way he intended to keep it. He was a nomad, for his home at the Paris opera house was no longer a home once Christine had vacated it. So he followed her around, hoping for the chance of seeing her, and thinking this the most likely possibility after hearing something about it somewhere. He was, after all, quite an acute observer. Now here he was. What did he care about not being invited to this party? Since when had rules stopped him before? Love knew no rules. And love was what had brought him here. So there he stood, hiding in plain sight. He had not officially been invited to this masquerade, but he was the Phantom, after all, and he was skilled at the art of hiding. Of course he had to be at the masquerade - the irony of it all was rather enjoyable, seeing as the mask he wore was one he would never like to take off.

There was no fear of being caught for crashing the party, for he thought he was doing an excellent job of blending in with all of the other guests. He could avoid being spotted by Christine's husband but could still be sighted by Christine herself, which was exactly the intention, as he'd heard she would be here. He was waiting for the moment when she was by herself, without that paranoid pansy by her side. Then he would go to her, dance with her, and remind her of what she was missing. Perhaps it was unfair of him to torture her that way, when she herself had told him she wished that things were different. But he wondered just how much she wished for that - how far would she go to change things? Would she leave her husband, to be with him? He had always been the sort of calculating person to plan ahead, because he had nothing else to do really. But for the moment, he only desired to dance with her. They would steal the show. After that, what happened was up to Christine. He could only hope her husband didn't get in the way - any more than he already had.

For the time being, he kept to himself, closing himself off from the others in the room as best as he could with his closed stance and fierce blue eyes burning beneath his mask. Should anyone approach him, he had determined that he would be as rude as possible to get them away, but he did not want to attract too much attention to himself. He only cared for Christine.