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

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

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

Find me in the ballroom


As Edward spoke Richard has the momentary idea of smacking him round the back of the head with his good hand, no longer caring for the decorum and decency the situation required. How could Edward say such stupid things? True he was utterly out of his head with drink, but he wasn't usually so...rude. He was more the sing-song stupid dance type of drunk than the accusatory one with a lack of common courtesy. He made a mental note to rid Plantagenet Manor of all alcoholic beverages as soon as he got home.

Edward, for his part, watched Monte Cristo as he seemed to mull over his words, swaying slightly even as he stood in one place. His glass was oh so sorrowfully empty, and he had half a mind to abandon the current thread of conversation to get it topped up again. He was the mayor, for crying out loud, he could do whatever the heck he wanted...right?

However, despite his state of intoxication, he was able to grasp a little of what Monte Cristo had said. Something about dying and responsibility. Now that, at least in Edward's mind, was bang out of order. Who was this guy, to talk to him like that?

He took a step towards Monte Cristo, trying hard to ignore how heavy his head felt even as he made that small movement.

"Ish that a threat?" he asked, frowning as he tried to make sense of what was happening.

Richard had to admit he admired how Monte Cristo had decided to handle the situation. He didn't fly into a temper, or even speak in a less cordial tone. The only indication he gave of his indignation was his stress on the word responsibility. Very clever. Richard found himself liking the man more and more. He even found himself thinking momentarily he wished he could be more like him; as Edward stepped towards Monte Cristo it was all Richard could do to exercise enough restraint to simply pull Edward back rather than push him over out of spite.

"Just ignore everything he says, sir," Richard said, managing to drag Edward backwards with his good hand, away from Monte Cristo. "Your responsibilities far outweigh his, I am sure, and you must attend to them. Rest assured he'll pay for this."



(ooc: Oh my goodness, I ADORED that post. <3 Just so you know. Especially when Monte Cristo said Edward would get his comeuppance... =P How little he knows. -cough- I'll shut up now.)

[IRENE ADLER]

Find me in the foyer.
what I am wearing
quizilla.teennick.com/user_images/W/WA/WAF/waffleLOVESlinkinpark/1178428840_ballgown14.jpg

Irene only stared at the gentelmens eyes and smiled when she noticed him speak again, her curiosity had gotten the better of her but she would play along with the game. For now she would continue playing his game, and when the time felt right she would undoubtbly know who was behind the mask.

"I am glad that you think so mousier, It makes me thankfull and blush slighty that you consider me fair. " she replied to his comment about her beauty, indeed she was fair and she was happy that this man thought so.

Seeing the stranger inch closer towards her, she just only smiled and was wondering what he was up to in his mind, but saw him retreat as quickly as he had leaned on her.

She was curious to know were he had gone away, following him she was suddenly stoped a firm hand gripping her as she was turned around and her waist pinned to that of a mans, her bosss. The stench of alcohol on his mouth as he had a firm grip on her small frail arm as she tried to slide away.

" Irene you little whore , what were you doing with that man.... !!" she started to hear Archibald say as she continued trying to let his firm grip to let her go. " Ahhh your hurting me..." she started to speak a little louder hoping someone would come to her rescue.

But she highly doubted it, as she managed in a few minutes to slip one finger off from her shoulders and saw a very purple bruise and continued to try as she felt her dress being pulled cut a little as she sighed. This was one of the reasons why she was never home at all back at Archibalds mannor he always had a drinking problem.

[sasha]

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

Elissa yelped as soon as she felt the cold water hit her exposed skin. Shortly thereafter, the godawful taste of chlorine hit her tongue, and the harsh chemical stung her eyes. The initial discomfort aside, she began to laugh. Sure, the dress, her hair, and her makeup were ruined, but the entire circumstance was so laughable! After throwing her mask over her shoulder and hearing it splash behind her, she looked up at Faustus with a coquettish smirk. Her crystal-blue eyes were illuminated by the water, and she had to have looked irresistible to any man nearby. This would make her game with Faustus even more fun! How could he, a respected doctor, turn down the opportunity to save a beautiful woman, only to have her turn him down?

And then that plan went out the window. Soon enough, there was another man in the pool with her, trying to be all noble and save her. The drugged woman let out an exaggerated moan. "Why are you here instead of him?" she whined at Doolittle, pointing up to Faustus for emphasis. She began to swim away from him and approached the doctor who was still dry. "James, darling," she drawled, "the water is so lovely!"

With that, she grabbed his outreached arm and tugged him in. She giggled the entire time.

[yolanda7g]

Same outfit.
Find me in the pool area-

Faustus reached his hand, hoping she'd just make this easy and let him pull her out. But, oh look! Here comes Parrot Man to the rescue, jumping into the pool like some superhero. Who did he think he is? He even had a great punchline to go with it:

"Just relax I'm here to help you everything is going to be all right," he said.

Faustus just stared at him in the water, clearly irritated. What, was he trying to one-up him? "Man if you don't get out here with that mess, I'mma start trippin. The girl is fine. She ain't drownin' is she??" Then she turned to Elissa. "Now grab my hand girl and get out of that water!"

"It's ok. I'm a doctor. Well actually I'm mostly a linguist but I still have my medical license. And I've seen quite a bit of this at sea. Well except for the chlorine. The chlorine is kind of a new thing," Dolittle continued.

"Yeah, I'm a doctor too. Guess what my diagnosis is? We are all sufferin the symptoms of not givin' a crap. So take you and your medical license somewhere--AAaHH!"

Suddenly, Elissa grabbed him and pulled him into the pool with a resounding splash. The first thing he thought about was his precious suit. Maybe it wasn't even worth it to bring this chick into this mess since she's causing a lot more trouble than he anticipated! Now, he was soaking wet and he had to meet the comptroller like this! Once he emerged from the water.

"Girl are you crazy!"

He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her as he wadded in the water. "SNAP OUT OF IT! Damn!" He shouted, not really hoping that would help her drugged problem but he just wanted to vent his frustrations without slapping the crap out of her.

"You expect me to talk to the comptroller like this?" He said outraged. "And you!" He pointed at Dolittle. "Great help you were!"

He then regarded Elissa, her hair wet, her body...also wet. And...oh my goodness I wish this girl didn't have serious issues, I'd keep her on my personal list of phone numbers...

"And you are being a complete tease, you know that right? Come here, girl." he told Elissa, slipping his hand around her waist, and trying to lead her to the edge.

[JOHN "DOOLITTLE" MOREAU]

:Costume:
costume[/size] Mask
mask
Polynesia
www.lostandfound.ie/pics/186355_blue-and-gold-macaw_Large.jpg
Find me in the pool area.

"Well I'm sorry. Excuse me for being a gentleman." Then Doolittle got another tongue lashing.
"At least I tried." He climbed back out of the pool and turned to Polynesia. "You see this is what happens when people socialize? Other people get mad at you and you end up drenched."
"I thought it was pretty funny."
"And did I ask for your opinion?" John walked over and started drinking his tea. Maybe it would help warm him up.

He felt like a fool and it didn't help his mood one bit. Neither did Polynesia sarcastic remarks. "You know if you got out more this wouldn't happen."
"If I had stayed at home this wouldn't have happened." He took a large sip of his tea... and burned his mouth. Could this night get any worse?

[queenmab]

Costume
Roman Attire Baby
Maskie
Find me in the pool area.
It is totally goin' down.

A thousand hours were wasting away as Mercutio wobbled on the spot, the sky above him twinkling with stars gone unnoticed. His head dropped too low on his shoulders, and the task of lifting his head up that far seemed quite daunting, especially as he grew exhausted. There was a low hum of the music in the manor but it was pleasant and quiet outside, peaceful. It was unfortunate that he'd be unable to enjoy the simplicity of the patio due to his drugged up state. Besides, Mercutio wasn't much the type to kick back and relax for a few hours, staring at the sky and contemplating the meaning of life. He laughed at the sheer thought of that, for it sounded precisely like something Romeo might do.

Romeo, right, Romeo. Where was that devil playing now? It was tricky to know for sure, and Mercutio certainly didn't have the strength or focus to wonder about him now. That beautiful boy. His eyes, so soft, and his lips just as lush. What lucky woman would he gain tonight? Was it the heart of that fair and faithful Juliet that he would venture for, and would value over the fiery gazes of the vixens that would flock to his side. No, Romeo admired a delicate flower to strengthen his own effiminacy and threaten the deviant escapades and fencing duels they took great pleasure in. She'd have him dancing round her little finger and there'd be no time left for anyone else in his life. Romeo would develop lapdog syndrome with that unavoidable scorching side effect of pussy-whip. Oh what a shame it would be if it came to this!

Mercutio couldn't concentrante on Eponine's funny accent right now, for a loud noise had just echoed through the yard. He shuddered and turned his head all around madly as he tried to locate the cause of that shattering sound when he discovered that a strange bird was splashing around in the pool. He gave a gasp of horror. Things were just getting stranger and stranger, and he did not like the look of this creature at all! It was just inhumane how it flailed its great wings and cried loudly, disturbing the peace! He wanted nothing more than to shoot it dead, and kill it he would if he had a gun on him.

He began to hyperventilate, the ability so formulate proper words escaping him suddenly. Before he could act, a large white and black gorilla had arrived by the side of the pool and extended its big hairy arm her way! What the bloody fuck else could ensue at this point? A pool orgy? He had hoped to get tangled in one of those tonight, but with humans.

"Oh GOD! Swim away, birdy, swim away!" he shouted in warning, his blue eyes gone very wide.

But suddenly the angelic girl he had been keeping company with all this time rustled, becoming restless. She snatched his hand, and an electric shock ran through Mercutio at the contact - he had nearly forgotten she was still standing there. He was about to scream again when he noticed it was only her, and that he was safe. So he stumbled for a moment before steadying himself as best as he possibly could, then took off with her, relieved to leave the scene of terror behind him. He hoped he'd never revisit something that traumatic ever again.

"Where are we going?!" he asked loudly over the sound of their heavy breathing. They were still outside, but it seemed as if they were somehow trapped there, for Mercutio could see no doors or entrances back into the manor. Perhaps it was just the drug that was making him hallucinate, nasty bugger. He'd come down soon enough.

Screech, they came to a full stop.

Before them stood a rather unpleasant looking gentleman with a dull brown suit and a rat-like face. Mercutio narrowed his eyes and examined this person, who didn't appear to be rich or royal at all, nor elegant or charming. It wasn't that Mercutio instantly despised anyone of lower class, but there was something...different...about him. The vibrations he sensed from others were magnified when he was under the influence, and the ones he received now were uncomfortable. In fact, there was something downright suspicious about just the look of him.

"Dearie, what's this? Aren't we at the wrong place?" Mercutio questioned, staring at the man.

[fagin]

:Costume:
www.flickr.com/photos/41533634@N02/4542540663/

Find me in the pool area

Fagin had been about to make his way closer when he saw Eponine bolt, tugging the young gentleman she was with along with her. Fagin hadn't the slightest clue why she had done so until he inclined his head to see what all the commotion was about nearby.

Ah. Now he realized why Eponine was running. Doubtless she was afraid that man from the pawnshop, Doctor Doolittle, would recognize her. Fagin thought it wise to follow her lead and stick to the shadows.

This however turned out not to be the most ingenious plan in the world. Even as he retreated backwards a few paces he felt Eponine smash into him as she came to a halt. He reeled backwards a little, muttering some choice Polish curse words, but managed to keep his balance and was steady on his feet enough in time to hear Eponine's exclamations.

Hmmm. How was he to answer that?

"Oh hello my dear, I was just about to nip into the Capulet's Manor and pinch some spoons or similar since I blew most of my cash on gin the other day!"?

Somehow Fagin guessed that wasn't going to cut it. Then there was the issue of this young gentleman, very well dressed, regarding him with obvious disdain. Was he supposed to bow, nod his head...what?

And why on Earth, come to that, had said well dressed gentleman addressed Eponine as 'dearie'? Something very strange was going on here. Fagin, being Fagin, didn't appreciate not knowing what was going on. He wanted answers.

Without thinking of a suitable reply to Eponine's original query, the older man instead posed some of his own.

"Eponine, my dear...what are you doing here? And dressed like that? And who is this gentleman...and why did he just call you 'dearie'? What's going on?"

[ÉPONINE THÉNARDIER]

No! This couldn't be happening! Éponine should have known better than to accept Romeo's invitation to come. She should have known that she would be found out. It was inevitable, because Éponine's luck pretty much guaranteed that something awful was going to happen to her just when she was starting to feel a little bit happy. It was so unfair, but it was life. For example, not long after she'd gotten the Lark out of her hair as a child and had started to have a great life, her father's inn had failed and they'd become destitute. Just as the family finally managed to get a roof over their heads in New York, her father got himself incarcerated and Éponine was left to fend for herself. That was no way for a seventeen-year-old girl to live! She shouldn't have to go dumpster diving to find her next meal. She shouldn't have to sell herself for a little bit of money, even though it had been a long time since she'd done that. She shouldn't have to lie in order to be happy! It seemed that she did have to, though, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Éponine wanted to kick something. What had she hoped to accomplish by coming here tonight, anyway? Had some miniscule childhood fantasy remained in her heart all these years only to rear its ugly head when Éponine could really do without it? It wasn't like she was going to meet her true love here and he would snatch her out of the pathetic life she was living and steal her away to some castle in Westchester County. Life didn't work that way. Even if it did, there was no way she could ever meet a high class guy who would look past her hideous and shameful existence to find the diamond in the rough. Mercutio definitely wasn't that guy, judging by the way he was looking at Fagin. Anyway, there was no diamond, in Éponine's case. Before tonight, where there were more diamonds than Éponine could count, the only diamonds she'd ever seen had been in the storefronts of Macy's or Swarovski. She didn't belong here. She should have been smarter and not gotten caught up in her own selfish fantasies.

Éponine didn't cry, as a rule. She'd stopped crying a long time ago, when her father had told her that he would kick her out if she kept crying all the time. After that she'd become hardened to any emotion except anger and hope. The latter she tried to smother most of the time, because she felt that hope was a more dangerous emotion than anger, especially now. Hope was what had gotten her into this mess. Right now she was angry. Very angry. She was so angry that she was, in fact, close to tears. It had been a long time since that had happened. Usually Éponine rolled with the punches. She had no choice. Now, though, she was seconds away from crying. She couldn't let herself do that, though, so she tried to focus her emotions on rage toward Fagin.

He hadn't answered her question. Instead, he'd done exactly what she'd hoped - damn hope - he wouldn't do. He had called her by her real name. Of course, it technically wasn't his fault, since he hadn't known that she'd come under an alias. Still, how many times had she called herself Nina around him? How hard could it be to jump to that conclusion and not call her Éponine? It was so easy to blame everything right now on Fagin. If he hadn't decided to sneak in (he was most certainly sneaking, Éponine could tell), she could have made a clean getaway with Mercutio and the evening would not have been a total loss. Yet he had, and now she had to deal with it, just like she had to "deal" with everything. It was too late to claim that he had mistaken her for someone else. In her surprise she had confirmed the acquaintance. How stupid!

"I was invited 'ere, unlike you, 'oo is clearly sneaking!" she exclaimed, jabbing a finger in his direction. Her mask laid forgotten on the grass nearby, as it had fallen out of her hand when she crashed into Fagin. "I came wiz Romeo Monta-something, and 'e dumped me on 'is buddy 'ere, Merc. Az for za 'dearie' bit, your guess is az good az mine." Here she cast an angry glance at Mercutio, feeling only slightly bad that she was taking out her anger on him when she ought to be focusing it on Fagin and herself. She turned back to Fagin, clapping a hand to her forehead in disbelief. I can't believe you would ruin zis for me, Uncle Fagin! Exzept for ze 'ole pool nonsense zing goin' on over zer wiz ze doc from your shop, zis might actually 'ave turned out all right. I can't believe zis. Zis is horse-shite!" She realized she was still holding Mercutio's hand as she ranted, and she quickly dropped it as if it were burning her. It was only a matter of time before he started looking at her with the same expression of disgust with which he was regarding Fagin. Might as well not prolong things any longer.

[/blockquote]

[madeline]

:Costume:
Dress | Mask
Find me in the foyer. | Then the ballroom. | And finally the pool area.

Madeline arrived in a black sedan, her publisher was always arranging for her to go to these sort of lavish events. She hated attending them. Especially ones like this: a costume ball. No one would see her to know whether she had actually gone or not and she did not expect to speak to anyone so there was no real point in her going. But damn her publisher, he had told her it would boost book sales and Roderick was all for that. Though really she didn't care about sales. Madeline did not care if she only ever sold one novel. The Ushers were a family of old money, she didn't need to write for a living. She wrote for Roderick, so that he would have something new to read.

Taking a breath to prepare herself as if she were going to see a dentist, the woman finally stepped out of the car. Madeline was in a beautiful mask and deep blue dress, her publisher's assistant had picked out for her. It was pretty but too close to showing her cleavage and not as long as she would have liked. Madeline kept the matching shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders to cover up more as she walked up the front steps to the manor's open door where she handed the invitation to the doorman. She was motioned into the foyer where her eyes immediately looked around to take in the space. All of these large homes were the same, filled with extravagant and often unnecessarily expensive decor, as if they were to say: 'I am greater than you.'

Madeline exited the small room to the right, following the sound of music from a mini-orchestra, she entered the ballroom. Couples were dancing, as would be expected, and Madeline, well, she stayed far from the dance floor, right near the exit like a wallflower. All the while she looked back between the ballroom and the foyer, she'd only have to be here for a little while longer, then she could go. She kept that in mind as she stood there with perfect posture.

After standing for what felt like hours, Madeline decided to head for the bar and get one glass of champagne, that was all the alcohol Roderick had ever allowed her, a one drink maximum. She sipped the drink and could immediately tell the Capulets had spared no expense when it came to their liquor. She finished the drink in a timely manner and returned the empty glass to one of the waiters. Madeline's eyes fell to the dance floor as she watched couples spin around and around. She was getting dizzy just watching the action. She needed fresh air or she'd surely faint.

The masked woman brushed past others as she made her way out a door into the night air. She looked up at the starry sky and exhaled slowly. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Her body calmed as a light wind brought chills to her skin. A low light caught her eye, turning to the light, she saw the glowing pool area where a few people were gathered and two were in the water. Madeline did not recall reading anything on the invitation about an option to bring swim attire, not that she would have, but that would have been a great excuse for her to not come to this soiree.

Madeline watched the events around the pool from the edge of the walkway. One man looked soaking wet and appeared to be talking to... a bird? She covered her mouth as rare laughter left her lips. And to think some accused her of being strange.

[sasha]

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

Elissa was thrilled once Faustus had joined her in the pool. Sure, his suit was as ruined as her dress was, but that didn't matter to her in the least. The drug which coursed through her veins sent her into some euphoric wonderland where everything laughable and lighthearted, unlike the world of her own bitter reality. The water lapped at her pale skin, and she felt as though she were being lifted into the air by a million watery wings. She closed her eyes to relish this strange and wonderful sensation, and she breathed in the pool's scent. It even smelled blue! Everything was synaesthetic.

And then, the euphoria come to a complete and crashing halt. Strong hands grasped her shoulders and shook her back and forth, and her eyes burst open. Faustus didn't appear to be finding her gesture as funny as she had. His voice raised higher and higher, and she could basically feel the deep red anger surging off of him in waves. Petrified by this sudden change, her expression went blank. He sounded like a war drum, assaulting her ears with shouts and disappointment. She felt like a thousand smashed mirrors, and the tears welled up in her doe-like eyes.

"Stop it!" she shouted, her voice matching his in pitch. "This is all your fault! I wouldn't have gotten a drink if you didn't come up to me and then get in that fight with that stupid woman!" All right, maybe that was pushing it. She probably would have gotten a drink, even if he had left her alone and minded his own business in the first place. Despite her whirring and mostly incoherent thoughts, something struck her as odd. Other people had no doubt gotten the same drink, and none of them were behaving as badly as she; she'd only had one drink, for fuck's sake! Oh...

Her eyes narrowed, and she glared daggers at Faustus. "You did this, didn't you?!" she accused, her voice rising in all of her frustration. She hit his chest repeatedly and shouted, "What did you do to me?!" The senator's daughter immediately disentangled herself his grasp and lowered her voice. Cold as stone, she glared at him once more. "I will not go with you, and I am not your girl."

[yolanda7g]

Same outfit.
Find me in the pool area

Seriously. How was he supposed to cash in on the money free for all, meaning this party, soaking wet? It was the only question going through his mind at the moment. And of all the pretty girls in this party that he would try to get lucky with, he had to pick the stubborn, crazy one. Yes, it was pretty clear that she was crazy already without the drugs, Faustus was sure of it. As far as Faustus was concerned, he should get a degree in psychology because he just diagnosed her far quicker than any shrink would.

...and he was about to tell her exactly that, in response to her ranting, but then she exclaimed, "You did this, didn't you?!"

Faustus' heart skipped for a second.

"What are you gonna do now?" The good angel stood on the edge of the pool, and no one could see him but Faustus. Faustus glance up and then tried to pretend he didn't hear that so he didn't seem crazy himself.

Shit. Just what I needed. Thing 1 and Thing 2 making a guest appearance. Okay Faustus, just ignore it. Cuz at the moment you have a crazy woman beating the heck out of your pecks.

Faustus rolled his eyes and grabbed Elissa's wrist. "What the heck are you talking about, girl?!" He shouted. "Don't blame me just because you're a light weight! Damn! And this the thanks I get for helping you not make a fool out of yourself in front of Richard Plantagenet? Don't you realize no one wants to hear your sob stories? No one cares!" He pushed her a bit so they could have some distance from each other in the water. "I should've left your ass wallowing in the corner!"

Faustus swam to the edge himself and got out. Taking a brief look at his situation, it wasn't looking good. His shoes were filled with water, and his clothes were heavy. He took off the black suit jacket and threw it on the ground bitterly, revealing the white silky dress shirt underneath. He caught the conversation Dolittle was having with his bird as he worked on taking off his tie.

"Yeah, that's right." he interjected. "Should've stayed right where you was. Maybe you could've taught the parrot the ABCs or something actually useful before playing Superman."

Yes, at the moment, he was just firing off at anyone he could. He was so freakin pissed. On top of that, he was cold, wet, and not making love to the woman in the pool right now!

He undid a few buttons on his shirt, marched over to grab a towel, and said as he dried his face, "Elissa, here's a word of advice. Don't eva'...eva'eva'eva'eva'eva' eva'!...get married, you hear me? In fact, don't date. Cuz the minute they serve wine at the first dinner, you gonna be rollin' all over the floor. And here's a hint about why," He removed the towel from his face and yelled at her. "It's a turn off!"

He then heard what he thought was a giggle. He turned around in saw...yet another fine looking woman with a hand to her mouth. But he was too pissed off to work his charm. "Laugh on, laugh on. Ain't nothin funny. Don't you got somethin else better to do? Actually I can think of something, why don't you go jump in with her?" He said, clearly angry. But he paused and thought...ooo, that wouldn't be a bad idea after all. Maybe it'll make me feel better to see two hot girls in the pool together...

He quickly shook that thought away and focused on what he was going to do now as he attempted to dry himself off.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

:Costume:
Suit/Mask
Leaving the ballroom.

"Ish that a threat?"

Again, Monte Cristo had to consciously hide his amusement. Either Edward was remarkably perceptive, more so than Monte Cristo had given him credit for, or he had barely understood Monte Cristo's words. Whatever the case, the mayor was now accusing him of making threats.

The situation was amusing because Monte Cristo seldom made threats. He made plans, and he saw them through. There were several former enemies of his that could testify to that. Of course, they were all dead or insane.

There was also irony in the fact that Monte Cristo had just been imagining exacting a little revenge. Perhaps he had accidentally communicated that little tidbit to Edward, as a subliminal message or some other method. But it was far more likely that Edward was just being presumptuous, or that the alcohol was making him paranoid, hearing things that had been left unsaid.

As much as Monte Cristo would have liked to inform Edward of that fact by making an example of him, this was not the place or time for such rash actions. If anything, he needed to remain on the mayor's good side for now. One never knew what sorts of problems might come up that would require the aid of someone in power. So, for the moment, he elected to remain calm and unruffled, outwardly at least.

"Just ignore everything he says, sir. Your responsibilities far outweigh his, I am sure, and you must attend to them. Rest assured he'll pay for this."

Richard lightly pushed Edward back, out of the advance he had made toward Monte Cristo. In return, Monte Cristo gave Richard a very small smile. "It is no trouble. Misunderstandings do occur, unfortunately. Still, I'm afraid I must be going."

Monte Cristo gave Richard another small nod. "Than you again for your conversation this evening. I'm sure we'll be in touch."

With that, he began to make his way out of the ballroom, pulling his mask over his face as he turned away. He was better off making his way away from Edward before any more damage was done.

OOC: Soooo sorry for the late response. x.X

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

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

Find me in the ballroom

As Richard pulled Edward back he noticed Monte Cristo's small smile. Richard chose to interpret this as being that outwardly he was keeping his cool but inside he certainly wasn't; that was what small, non-committal smiles like that were for, after all. Getting oneself out of awkward situations with minimal damage.

"It is no trouble. Misunderstandings do occur, unfortunately. Still, I'm afraid I must be going."

Great job Edward, Richard thought, bitterly. Remind me to murder you when we get home.

Outwardly however he endeavoured to remain as calm as Monte Cristo did. As the count turned to leave Richard gave him a slight bow, as if to thank him for dealing with the situation as he had and to apologize (on his own behalf of course) for his older brother's stupidity.

"Thank you again for your conversation this evening. I'm sure we'll be in touch."

Richard replied in the affirmative and with that Monte Cristo took his leave. Richard was sorely tempted to smack Edward around the head now the count wouldn't see him, but then reasoned the ballroom was still crowded and such actions would doubtless be used against him.

"Y'know what?" Edward said, breaking the rather uncomfortable silence that had followed Monte Cristo's departure. "I think I'll go top this up..." With that he began to make his way back towards the bar; staggering a little but somehow maintaining his balance.

Richard had considered stopping him for all of five seconds before deciding to leave him to it. So what if he drank himself stupid? That's his funeral.

But then, Richard thought, he wanted a drink too. But he didn't want to look like he was following Edward. It was only then that he recalled someone mentioning a bar near the pool...

He was about to head in that direction when he noticed his older brother on the dance floor again, looking considerably worse for the wear. With a snigger at the elder Plantagenet's expense Richard changed course and headed for the bar inside.

Having asked for and received a small glass of whisky Richard decided to remain beside the bar, returning his attention the dance floor if only to make a mockery of his older brother.

(ooc: That's fine! :3 Loved your post!)

[philosopher]

Costume;

I am .. masked.
Left the foyer/Went through the dining area/Find me in the bathroom.

A few minutes set Holmes walking. Leisurely at first, then his pacing became faster and more flustered like he was trying to get somewhere quick. He vied with his ever-gallant self as he left the foyer into a spacious dining space, grabbing and downing many unattended drinks along the way. So he, like a fool, had decided to make a few compliments toward Irene, who tonight was engaging enough to merit his attention - but who, after all, was the last person he should have been talking to. The face behind the mask grew reserved and cold, a mere servant to his own ideas. He was pursuiting her under an ornament face, playing at being evasive and manipulative in behaviour. Suppose he was matching her at her own trifling games, then suppose he only wanted to be near her again without her having the know. Possesed. Irene had him possesed.

After, roughly, a fifth drink - all vodka, the dining room was just piled with goods and chattels, Holmes came across a tall bottle of the stuff sitting all alone on one of the clothed-tables and gladly took it for his own company. The hum of the party, and their many voices, became more distant. Holmes seemed unmoved as the thought of the little promise he had made to himself earlier passed over his mind - the promise that he would not get absolutely pie-eyed. Seemingly glad to have broken his own word, he said in a low tone, 'Cross your heart, hope to die.' before lifting the mask slightly and connecting with the bottle and bolting down the biting booze. His want for sober thoughts gone entirely.

Holmes suddenly seemed choking with anger - his face worked into such hideous grimaces even as he lowered the bottle, not bothering to screw the cap back on. He prepared to rush through an ajar door he was eyeing, and as he did - he thought he heard Irene. He was far beyond turning, embracing his own ruin and misfortune. Sorrow would track him to the grave, as God was witness. What Holmes would have answered her with was doubtful, he was too busy thinking of her hands. His heart beat wildly - those little white hands, that he longed to draw into his own and touch with a kiss. The spell of silence within the dining area was broken by a bitter cry, Holmes was furious. He vowed he would calm down, then on that note he slammed the bathroom door behind him and drew the bolt.

The first thing Holmes did once he was in the john, was throw the mask off his face. It landed with a thin clatter on the ivory flooring, but was luckily undamanged. His face revealed his stress, and his increasing drunkardness - for it was a greasy-white and his hair and brow were dampened. There was no glitter in his eyes, only clouds. His vicious eagerness was almost comic, the man himself even letting out a muddled laugh as he lowered the toilet seat, sat upon it, and bent to remove a clear bag from his costume pocket. Merrily, he preserved a discreet silence throughout the whole scene. His nimble fingers working and rolling away. Slowly passing minutes came to an end, and Holmes struck a match against his boot and touched it to the head of his neatly-constructed joint.

What was he doing? Why, he was calming down.

A few more minutes would creep by, and with them would see wisps of spliff-smoke breathing out from underneith the bathroom door.

(OOC - He's locked the door. If anyone wants in, they're gonna have to knock.)

[erin]

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

She felt mortified but at the same time relieved. At least it was Harry who was understanding, but at the same time that was an issue; that it was Harry who was the only person she ever expected to care so greatly for. Ophelia watched his gestures, tone of voice, and body language oh-so carefully. The slightest hint that he wanted her to take a step back and leave, she was cautious of. She would not want to risk losing anything that she remotely shared with him.

And then as though it seemed impossible for this night to go any more perfect, the words were uttered. Not the eight letter, three word sentence that she was looking for, but something almost synonymous. The question of if she believed he cared about her was seemingly unreal. Of course in her wildest dreams she prayed he did and here in this moment he was practically admitting to it.

Now Ophelia could have taken it many ways. She could take it as it was or get the honest truth from him. She was going to be daring and go for the second option.

Ophelia stopped swaying to the light symphony that encircled them and looked at Harry with an earnest expression. "By care..." She began in a strong tone. Her meekness had vanished as she longed to hear the truth come from his mouth. "What do you mean more specifically?" Caring for someone could mean anything from a friendly acquaintance, to brother and/or sisterly, and then finally the romantic love.

Please say you love me... Ophelia chanted in her head, holding her breathe for the long awaited response from Harry.