The Royce Masquerade Ball

[Deleted]

Aranya started at the touch and moved her leg slightly. She looked at Elena with solemn dark eyes. "I am sorry for your loss, Lady Elena. It is a hard thing to lose someone you've lo..." Aranya shifted uncomfortably. "Well, yes, we knew each other since we were children. Selwyn was sent to the Bloody Gate because Lord Alyn's wife didn't want him at Runestone - we were both bastards. We grew up together, although we had a very casual relationship for many years. I never realized he loved me until I came back from my exile with Callen. I wish I had known sooner. Sort of the way you do. If I had only had the sense, we could have spent more time together."

She gazed at Elena, her eyes softening. "He had red hair like yours."

[Deleted]

aerie said:

Aerie looked at him detachedly and deigned to don a smile that fluttered to the surface of her subdued pool of emotion. She accepted on account of keeping up appearances and allowed him to sweep her to the floor. She admired his costume in comparison to her own morbid garb.

Bloodraven swept her onto the dance floor. He danced with grace, and kept deviating from the traditional dance with his own steps. It kept Aerie on her toes. As he twirled her across the floor, Bloodraven said, "I seem to be dancing with a Blackwood. How appropriate. Bloodraven's own mother was a Blackwood, after all."

[syd]

Next to enter the masquerade ball was a man dressed as a fairly short, plump figure. His hair was grey, and he had the workings of a new beard. The man's voice was deep and hearty and no one could tell whether this was the man on a regular day or if he was dressed for the ball. When conversing with others he generally introduced himself as a writer.

[Deleted]

Rhae Rykker falls asleep under the dining table.

[The Smith]

"Almost every day I see something that reminds me of Jayson. It always hurts, but the hurt has been diminishing, while the smiles have been increasing. This morning I was packing my things. I am moving into here from the Keep. And I found a brush that Jayson had given me. It was enamaled in gold, with rubies and sapphires in the shape of a lion." Elena smiled, "As you can imagine it was hideously garish. But he had gone to such effort that I made appreciative noises and then hid it."

"Four months after he had passed I first found that brush. I wept for almost two days straight. Today I laughed. It is hard Aranya, very hard, but there is life on the other side." She smiled, and a hint of concern edged her voice.

[melon]

Tallahar Tyrell rides into the Royce personal home on top of his horse Saber seeing the King and many other Lordly guest all dressed in very fabulous costumes, "Well guess I am slightly over dressed aren't I." Tallahar says looking down at his muddy Plate armor and cloak that has not been changed since he left for the North.

"I was told that this was were everybody was. Well I need a drink." Tallahar says and walks over to a large table picks up a bottle of Arbor and starts to drink the whole thing.

[Deleted]

Aranya regarded her with some warmth in her dark eyes now. "You are kind to tell me this. I have had no peace since Selwyn's death, only rage and terrible grief. It's tearing me and my family apart. I have not touched Selwyn's things - I can't bear it. I don't know if I will ever have the strength to look at them. But thank you for trying to help."

Then she smiled back. "Are you staying here? So am I. Auntie Lilith insisted. You can meet my little boy."

[The Smith]

Almost immediately Piers was standing infront of Tallahar, "You great oaf. Get your horse and his ass out of here. This is my house not a stable. And you, my dirty ass, are not invited."

[Deleted]

Aranya's eyes narrowed when she saw Tallahar.

"That fucking Tallahar Tyrell," Aranya said in disgust. She walked over to stand by Piers.

[melon]

"Well sorry M'lady I only wanted to see the King and asked a guard were he was and he said here thats all, AHHHH Arbor Red always good. Of course my Horse will be taken care off see there's Vincent the good man taking my Horse away. Where is Lilith, Haley said she whishes to give her a message."

[Deleted]

Aranya took the bottle of wine from Tallahar's hands. "You can leave," she said coldly. Her voice was quiet, but there was no mistaking the look on her face.

[The Smith]

Elena smiles back at Aranya, "Yes I am staying here. And you will eventually look through his belongings. One day you will press one of his shirts against you and regret his smell is almost gone. And smile at the pair of boots he never got repaired. I think it is the natural progression."

Elena reached out and grabbed Aranya's hand, "If you ever need anything let me know. I have felt pain as great as yours, and I would love to help." She smiled.

[melon]

"I'll leave after I have found Lilith. My wife told me to find and I shall not leave until I have delivered my message." Tallahar is standing his ground with fire in his eyes.

[Deleted]

Aranya smiled back and squeezed Elena's hand before going to join Piers.

[The Smith]

"I am afraid you misunderstood me Tallahar you are leaving now. The lack of courtesy you have just shown me, well I have killed better men then you over." Piers snickers in his face, "And before you get all hard, I did not just challenge you to a duel. My knives travel slowly and never miss." A wicked smiles unfolds over his face, "How are Haley and the Children. Well I hope?"