Brigade's Halloween Masquerade Ball (OPEN)

[Draven]

Draven

Agatha

Adele

Bellator

Teodora

Angelique

Merry

[Draven]

A large moon looked down upon the night as large lights hung from trees. They transformed the woods into an enchanted forest of mystery. The perfect setting for a Masquerade ball. A large stone dance floor covered what was grass. As the orchestra played haunting music. The other end was filled with large red cloth covered tables and chairs. As the smell of food circled the place.

Draven walked in eyeing the place behind his black mask. So much had happened since he came out of hiding. For ten years he managed to keep to the shadows. Now he had made a deal with Corvin. He needed a break from all of this. He wanted to become someone else tonight.

With a straightening of his hat he made his way deeper into the party. He took a clear glass with some short of red alcohol in it. Draven leaned against a tree by the dance floor watching everyone. The crimson liquid burned down his throat.

OUTFIT

[Deleted]

Talking about opportunities which only gave Agatha the chance to let some bits of her guard down, try to have some fun and also hide behind someone else than the rumors already knew so much about. She made sure that she had a mask with black and dark colors on the outer edges of it, as the inner color was a calm white color. It was a mask that had just spoken to her in a way, one that seemed to be showing in some artistic ways how she thought of herself, what her morals were.

She had grabbed herself something to drink, taking a sip from it, still not exactly used though to the dress that she was wearing, having to remind herself now and then that she was, so she wouldn't almost make herself trip, or anything like that. She glanced over at the dance floor, trying to see if there was anyone of importance, or anyone that she counted as a friend she could talk to, or even dance with. Her dancing skills were better than most people knew, only her friends closest in the Brigade, knew that she could and loved dancing, even singing, but that she would never let people outside of who she trusted, know this about her.

Her eyes going up to the full moon, and then along some of the trees now with how they looked, it made her smile underneath the mask she was wearing, her fingers a bit thoughtfully trailing circles around the outside of her glass. She didn't really have a specific goal in mind for this night, apart from making sure in a way that everything went as was supposed to. Still, there was a good part of her that still hoped that she would be able to have some fun as well.

She didn't spot too many of her fellow Commanders yet though, making her curious how many people would actually come, or what was keeping them. Not that it was surprising, Agatha had always been a very curious one, even though she had at times kept it at bay with her better judgment.

[Deleted]

Adele wasn't sure if she should be here or not. She was fidgeting with her dress, as she walked further, looking around. She let her eyes adjust to the light slowly, before looking up. As she looked at the large moon, she wondered what supernatural creatures were lurking. The woods itself though, was beautiful, with how it had been transformed. The way it was made to look like an enchanted forest, made it all seem a lot more magical and mysterious. For a brief moment, she wondered if Draven would be here. She placed her mask before her eyes, thinking that it would give her the perfect opportunity to blend in and basically be no one. She listened to the haunting music, enjoying the change of pacing and enjoying how she could be invisible just this once. Her mask was a dark blue that fit her floor-length dress well. She realized then that she was nervous. She was actually properly nervous.

She got herself something to drink as well, making sure that she wasn't going to get drunk, knowing what kind of impression that would give. She wasn't stupid, not at all, she was actually pretty smart and getting drunk tonight wouldn't be a smart move. Or maybe, just maybe she just had to let go a little more and enjoy the night. Whichever it may be, she wasn't going to get drunk tonight. Not if she could help it, that is. When she spotted someone with red hair, her face lit up and she walked closer to her, placing her hands on her shoulders and looking at her. "I know who you are." She said, before she briefly hugged her and let go of her, looking her over. She knew that the girl before her probably put quite some attention in her clothing and had put some thought in it as well... It was just one of those things she knew Agatha would do. She seemed like the type for something like this and besides, Adele herself had put some thought in her outfit as well. So, they were pretty alike on that one front. Not that they weren't alike on other fronts. They were friends after all. "You look beautiful, come on, dance with me."


OUTFIT

[Deleted]

Even with how entranced Agatha somewhat was with the enchanted forest look, and the thoughts going through her head, she was still on guard, just in the smallest of cases that something were to happen, that she wouldn't be totally unprepared. She highly doubted something would happen, but she had learned through plenty of means that there was always the possibility for something impossible to show itself to be possible, even though it usually was at some very high, and dark, price.

She wasn't planning on getting drunk, not in a way at all that would disrupt her thinking, or her motions. Nonetheless, she was here for a good time, she wanted to smile, laugh a little, show some of the people she didn't know that well at all in the Brigade that she did have more inside of her than the hardcore assassin most of them just knew her as, even more so once the newest people figured out the connection to the actual rumors and name from the outside world.

As Agatha took another step from her drink, she was only seconds away from turning around swiftly, throwing the glass into whoever was behind her their face and take them out for creeping up on her. Yet, she did have some restraint on that front, sometimes even helping some of the recruits with that lesson, and it was also her heightened senses that soon enough recognized the familiar smell of a friend and feeling of her hands. "Adele, you of all people should know how dangerous it is to sneak up behind me like that." She said, letting go a soft sigh of relief and a little laugh.

She raised an eyebrow, although she had already seen that question coming as soon as she had recognized Adele, her surprise turning into a little grin and very short roll of her eyes. "How can I say no to that? Just know that by now it's been a while that I've actually danced with someone." She admits honestly, since they never really had the occasion to really dance like this as friends before, and there weren't many people she saw regularly or in a setting like this either, that she had trusted enough to dance with. Still, she calmly grabbed Adele's hand, pulling her more towards the dance floor, after she finished her drink and put the glass away to the side.


OUTFIT

[Deleted]

Bellator hated parties, especially ones that the Brigade threw. Talk about security risks and to make matters worse Bellator was suppose to make an appearance. Bellator wore a more casual attire for the party but kept a dagger tucked inside of his waist band of his pants hidden away. Bellator made his way to where the party was being help. He was practically being pushed in by a couple captains of the fighters division who were still on duty. "Commander we will contact you the moment anything arises I promise." Bellator reluctantly continuing in responded annoyed "The MOMENT something occurs! Not a second sooner." Bellator reinforced sternly. Then he paused for a moment then turned to leave the two captains trying to hold him back in defiance. "Just one more sweep of the perimeter, I want to check on the guardsmen one more time." The captains argued once more "No sir, we will check on them. Please enjoy the party there is nothing to be done by you right now." Bellator rolled his eyes unhappily "Fine. Make sure the men rotate out accordingly, if I have to endure this ball so does everyone else." Bellator turned back to the party and headed in going straight for the food and drinks examining them to see if they might perhaps be poisoned. He got a glass of punch and took a sip and waited for something to happen. When nothing did he shrugged and piled on a mountain of appetizers as if it was a last meal. A curious eye met him as he stood their with his over piled plate of treats and punch. Bellator tried to play it off casually "I am testing to make sure none of the food has been tampered with. Carry on." The member giggled as if they didn't believe him them moved on. Bellator sighed then found a place in the corner where he could view most of the area and sat down. He grinned taking a bite of one of his treats too stubborn to admit he was glad to be there.

[Draven]

Draven caught the scent of someone familor. A werewolf, female, the one he meet when trying to warn Merry of the price on her head. The sight worried him some, as to he did not know how she would react to seeing him again. Their first meeting was not a pleasant one. Then another thought crossed his mind, if the wolf was there, was Merry? At the moment he could not tell.

He must have been in deep thought, was the only reason for not sensing her first. But his dark eyes spotted blue. It was her, Adele, the women who willingly gave her blood to save him. The vampire Draven felt a deep connection to. At the same time the ghost within the vampire loves Merry.

She was dancing with the she wolf. He had to see her. He moved closer to her when something else caught his eye, an old friend. It was the commander of the fighters of the Brigade. He knew Chris Ryen as a ghost. And was not too happy with him dating Merry. He would not know him now. For all Bellator knows Chris is dead. He saw the warrior at the food table. Same old Bell.

Draven walked up to the edge of the dance floor just as a woman violinist began to play. He watched Adele and Agatha with a smile on his face. He was happy she was on her feet dancing. If he had drained her dry that night. To kill such a beauty would have been a crime. He wanted her to notice him first. His dark eyes peaking out from his black top hat only looking at one thing, Adele.

[Deleted]

Adele quickly finished her drink, placing the empty glass on a nearby table, as she made her wat to Agatha. She chuckled when she saw her friend's and fellow Commander's reaction and looked at her. "I'm so sorry, I just couldn't resist." She said, thinking how her reaction was kind of funny in a way. She smiled at the reaction of the redhead before her when she suggested they go dancing together and listened to what she said. "I'm sure it will be fine, it's not like I go out dancing every day." She said, smiling. She smiled even more when Agatha grabbed her hand calmly and pulled her towards the dance floor. She liked dancing and she wanted to distract Agatha too, give her a good time and make her feel like she was welcome here, because she was. To her, Agatha belonged here on this ball, she belonged in the Brigade and she was so happy that she was her friend. She saw Agatha as so much more than just her species, or for the work she did. She was strong and kind and funny on top of it and she wished more people saw that. She deserved to be happy.

As they danced, it took her a little while to realize they were being watched, as she too relaxed more, got into the moment a little more. She let her eyes wander along the strangers subtly, before looking back at Agatha. "I'm so happy the weather is nice for a start." She said, assuming she was just making things up. She had to be making things up, in a forest like this, with such a mystical atmosphere on a day like this, people were bound to see things that probably weren't really there. Besides that simple fact, she didn't want to come off as paranoid or something to anyone, so she decided to just have fun and relax. She listened to the woman on the violin and smiled, as she had always enjoyed good music. When her eyes found Draven, feeling pulled to him, she smiled even more at him, before looking at Agatha. She didn't want to just ditch her for Draven, it didn't quite seem right, friendship was important to her as well. And she had put time in building up her friendship with the redheaded she-wolf in front of her. "Don't freak out, please, but I think I met someone, a guy." She said softly, as she looked at Agatha. She felt excited to be sharing this with her.

[Deleted]

Agatha chuckled and shrugged innocently, as she gave Adele a subtle teasing look when she told her that she just hadn't been able to resist. "That is something highly dangerous not to be able to resist." She told her in a dry tone, but still soon enough couldn't help but smirk a little teasingly. She still actually liked this kind of things from her friend, since they had become friends it had only helped her that much more to get over some of the awkwardness that had started out since she taught herself to survive in the wild, something she would definitely not ever soon forget that she helped her with.

"I guess you're just lucky that it is you who is suggesting it, there aren't many that I would truly trust around here right now with a close-up dance like this." Agatha said, slightly in thought as she looked around for a second and started dancing with her friend in front of her, obviously taking her on her word that it would be fine and that they could just have some fun together with the dancing, which did feel pretty refreshing in a way as well.

Curious as she was, Agatha couldn't help but let her eyes follow now and then where Adele let hers wander around the room and some of the strangers that were there, or just well hidden behind their masks and all. She did look back, as soon as she heard what Adele said, nodding, but also teasingly smiling a little for a moment. "Are you telling me you would let yourself be stopped if it got a little wet, or colder?" She couldn't help but tease slightly. She did get it however, but that didn't mean that she couldn't just give into the moment right now and have some fun with her friend.

She did already get the impression after a while of some more dancing, and also picking up the violin, somehow making her dance even more as if it came all too naturally to her, and with a smile on her face, that Adele looked at someone specific in the room, but before she could really look that way even, or ask about it, Adele already opened up about it to her, making Agatha grin curiously. "You're only bringing this up now?" Chuckles a little, cocking her head to the side. "And what can you tell me, about this mystery guy of yours?"

Her eyes did subtly go to the side again, mostly in the direction she was sure that her friend had just looked into, but who she saw standing there, and even thought looking there was, she wasn't exactly sure right now what to think. Was there a coincidence in this topic now, not that she really believed in coincidences like that, but hearing her friend tell about it was more important, than figuring out where she recognized this guy looking their way from. Still, the turn of this conversation did bring up some desires inside of her, for telling her friend about the person she had met, even though... That was way more complicated, at least she thought so. She didn't even know for sure what she thought about Teo exactly, just that she was still really intrigued. She didn't really expect her to show up here, but as she thought about that, she did have to admit to herself that if she were to, she definitely would like a dance with her as well, for example.

[Teodora]

Masquerade.

The meaning of the word escaped her basic grasp on the common tongue of this world. Though even with that being the case she still managed to do some digging and figure it out. It was a party, one she was told would be filled with dancing, singing and delicious delicacies that she had never heard of before. Making her way around the the town she managed to piece together some sort of special attire for this event. Looking down at herself she knew that her tattered old robes would not do yet she had zero money to spend. This did not discourage the girl however as she managed to trade favors until she at last had something to show for all of the effort.

Of course the outfit was not exactly what she had in mind- white seemed to stand out a bit amongst all of the black used in this festival. The woman who helped her prepare for the Brigade event told her that black simply would not do. Instead she played to the natural glow that Teo threw off of her body already and turned her into a specter. Her pale skin was even powered even further so that her own ethereal beauty was accentuated and brought out by the make-up. Once it was done it seemed as if she glowed, an angel more so than a specter but this was the best she could muster without the proper research into this "Halloween" the humans celebrated.

Wandering into the ball, she could feel people staring at her as she entered. Her silent steps and the way she moved made her seem like she was living the outfit. She moved like a phantom, almost gliding across the open space where people were dancing to hover near one of the tables erected in the court yard. As far as she knew, no one here was counted among the acquaintances she had already formed. This was a whole new pond, one where she knew absolutely no one here but remained hopeful that she might have some fun while integrating herself into their world.

As her eyes scanned the crowd, they found one face that she recognized. It was the red color of her hair that led her to her location. Teo could distinguish even the tiniest of details with her draconic eyes. There was no mistaking it, she was caught up in a dance with another. A smile spread on her face as she watched, it was a beautiful smile yet showed longing behind it. It was something she had often observed but never partook.

[Deleted]

Angelique definitely needed some time away from the castle, away from being so close to Vlad, but not being able to do something with her urges for revenge, for justice for herself. Or being so close to Mari, who she couldn't seem to truly get through to her what she meant to her, what she was willing to do, and how she even believed more and more that she could mean more to the woman, than Vlad did, have her get back some of the power she held once, instead of being forced back into her room and everything as his pet that he didn't want to lose out of sight.

The thoughts alone were making her blood boil, plenty of reasoning in her book to get out and have some fun, and she did happen to pick up about something happening at the Brigade. She did know it was quite something of a risk, but what fun could there be had without some risks? And if she could pick up something interesting or of value here, then that would only be a win-win in a way.

She let her eyes wander around, below her mask, as she was curious to the people she saw here and there, trying to pick up on some conversations, intentions, desires maybe even, something she could amuse herself with in some way or another. Her eyes fell on the two women she saw dancing on the dance floor, who seemed to obviously trust and like each other. Friends, obviously, how cute, even though she was sure there was something about that red hair of one of them, that made her think she should realize something, but couldn't place it.

This wasn't the time for heavy thinking, or trying to figure something out that could be really boring eventually. This was time for fun, something interesting. So, her eyes eventually drew to the guy that seemed to be watching the two, not really sure if she wanted to take any gambles with the piece of pure muscle at the food table. So, she made her way over to Draven, curiously cocking her head to the side, taking a sip from her drink and looking from the two women, back at him. "It is not exactly nice to be staring that much at two women dancing. Or does either of them mean something to you?" She asked calmly, curious but definitely putting on her friendly smile and look. She was curious to his reaction, there was something about him that told her that it might be at the very least interesting to talk to him.

Outfit

[Deleted]

Adele laughed, as she looked at Agatha and shrugged a little. "What can I say, I knew you'd resist ruining my dress just in time." She teased. She smiled when Agatha talked about trusting her and started dancing with her as well. She really hoped that nothing would happen tonight and they could just relax and dance together, have fun. They were only young once in their lives and she surely wanted to make the most of it. She laughed when she heard what Agatha asked her. "In this dress? Probably, it got no sleeves and I'm still human." She said with a smile. She smiled when she heard what Agatha asked her and nodded at her. Yes, she was bringing this up now, she wanted to talk about it with someone that she liked and trusted. Agatha was definitely that person. She thought about the question for a moment, about how much she could tell her and smiled. "Honestly? Not much, except for the fact that he's an amazing fighter, him with his daggers... It's a form of art."

She smiled when she felt another person's eyes on them and looked in the girl's direction, slowly letting go of Agatha's hands. "It seems someone wants to dance with you, a girl, a blonde, she looks beautiful." She said. She had a smile on her face that told Agatha that if she wanted to go she'd be free to, as long as she had fun and was happy. When she let her eyes wander back to Draven, she saw a girl standing by his side and felt a sting of jealousy she had not expected. Her smile fell briefly, before looking at Agatha again. "I should probably get some food if I'm going to be dancing all night, want something?" She didn't want to be this person. She didn't want to be jealous, realizing what an awful feeling it was. She also realized that she was in love. Love, such a weird emotion that was.

[Draven]

New senses assaulted him as more arrived, a dragon and another vampire. It was the vampire that drew his attention. He could tell she was of the royal court. If they found out he had a ghost living within him, it would be an outrage. Before he was posed Draven was not in favor of Vlad, but now.

Draven looked at the vampire who stood next to him. "The one in the blue." He said with his boyish smile. "She saved my life." In his mind he recalled that night. He was attacked and beaten with silver chains. Adele took him in and cared for him all night. Even offering her blood to him. She even drink some of his. But not enough to turn her. He could not live with himself if that had happened.

He quickly snapped out of it. "My name is Draven. I did not think someone of the court would come to a Brigade event." He saw Adele look at him strangely from the dance floor. Then walk over to the food table. He wanted nothing more then to wrap his arms around her. But could not be rude to the vampire. especially one connected to Vlad. "I just moved here myself taking assassin jobs here and there. " He took another sip of the red liquid in his glass, feeling it burn all the way down. "Don't drink the red stuff. It's not blood and it burns." He laughed.

[Deleted]

Hearing what Adele teased with and imagining it for a moment how that would have been, made Agatha chuckle and have a teasing grin on her face for a moment as she looked at her friend, nodding in agreement about that clearly. "I guess it only shows how much we trust each other." She teased innocently with a wink, as she was still dancing with her, feeling free in a way with every move she made. It was just so different from having to make athletic motions with the goal being avoiding projectiles, or other attacks for example. As she heard Adele her comment about her dress and still being human, she innocently smiled and shrugged, even if there was a teasing look hidden in her face on purpose.

She couldn't really exactly express well enough, not out loud at least with how she didn't know exactly how, how much it meant to her that Adele saw and trusted her as the person to tell her this to, and of course that also meant that she wanted to make sure that she listened to it and supported her, but also if it was necessary, give her the hard truth, even though she definitely didn't hope that would be necessary, of course. "Daggers? A form of art?" She couldn't help but repeat, her eyes slowly gliding around, until she hoped she was subtly for a second looking at Draven again, thinking of what Adele told her, and how he had been so familiar, focusing on trying to determine if her senses confirmed that even more if she concentrated. And it did, which made her unsure of what she should tell Adele about this. She was happy for her friend, but she wasn't entirely happy about her having a thing for a guy who thought he could overrule Agatha her entire division and perform unauthorized assassinations. Not to mention, even if he had warned her, she still didn't really feel that good about what he had done by luring Merry and all that.

"Just be sure that you're careful, that there's not something about him that you don't know, or if he's doing things that... We cannot allow." Agatha said calmly, with a smile, as she didn't want to make it come off as if she was just judging or telling her what to do. It was advice, something she of course did hope that Adele would take to heart and consider. And of course, even with her own dislike and distrust of him, a good part of her now hoped that there was something more about this guy than she had previously thought, even if she still had to stop him from undermining her authority and that of the assassins division.

She was also a little worried though, if Draven was even close to being as good as he had claimed to be and all, there was a high possibility that he could recognize her, even at a masquerade like this, but if she could avoid a confrontation here today, that would still probably get her preference. This ball was still too nice right now and refreshing for a change after the last few years, to risk ruining it if she could avoid so.

As soon as Agatha heard what Adele said about a blonde girl wanting to dance with her, who was beautiful, Agatha her eyes became bigger, curious. "Teo?" She asked softly, not really to anyone in particular, but surprised that the girl had actually taken her somewhat subtle invitation, especially with how Teo was obviously still getting used to all the subtle language stuff. When she actually saw her, she smiled, feeling how it was just good to see her and again almost seeing the light radiation off of her. "Yes, she is... But she is also a very intriguing one." She admitted to her friend, looking back at her for a moment, then noticed how she looked in Draven's direction, following it and seeing the girl with Draven now. She could only imagine what this might make Adele feel, and she thought it was kinda funny and cute, but also sad in a way for Adele that this guy already had this much of an effect on her apparently.

The girl standing with him though, wasn't that... She wasn't sure, and she didn't really know why she would even come to a Brigade event, but she couldn't get past the fact that she was sure she had seen the girl more than once in the royal palace. She looked up from that line of thinking, looking back at Adele and nodding a little thoughtfully. "If food is really what you are thinking of, I would like something, and I'm sure you can positively surprise me with what." She said with a smile, before putting one of her hands back for a second on her arm and looking a little more serious. "Just... If you're going to him, be careful, also about her, 'cause I know I have seen her before... If you need me, you know where to find me." She couldn't help but tell her, just in case, even though she would probably keep an eye on her just in case either way.

Agatha slowly let go of her friend, giving her a look and nod nonetheless, before she turned around and put her attention on Teo again. She made her way over through the other people, until she smiled at the other woman when she stopped in front of her. "You came, and you look beautiful. Would you like to dance with me?" She said and then asked, smiling invitingly and offering her hand out to her, after looking at the dance floor to point out more obviously just in case what she meant.

[Deleted]

Angelique her eyes went to the woman that Draven obviously mentioned and studied her subtly for a few seconds, before she nodded with a smile as she looked back at Draven again. "I can see the allure, yes." She admitted, before she took in the somewhat thoughtful expression on his face, wondering what exactly was going through his head at the moment, and what it was that he had apparently at least already shared with the woman. It could definitely be fun to see at least how she could have a little fun with that.

When Angelique noticed how he snapped out of his trail of thought, she curiously pulled up an eyebrow and looked at him taking in his words. Her smile turned into a short laugh a little, nodding a bit impressed by how he had apparently quite easily recognized her for who she was. It wasn't really something she saw as a good thing, and she would now only have to put some more attention into this, both for finding out if he would keep this to himself, for both of their benefits, and also if there might be a way she could get him to use some of those skills for her in the long run.

"It is somewhat impressive honestly, that you recognize me so quickly. It is not like I have an official high standing in reality. But I am sure you can understand why I tried to make sure most of the people here would not realize who I am. I'm here to make some fun, potentially some new friend and/or allies." She told him, making eye-contact with him so he could see how seriously she meant that t one hand, and how she wanted to know to what extent she could try to put some form of trust in this guy. "Besides, you yourself aren't exactly Brigade material, am I right?" She asked curiously, but also pointing out that she wasn't the only one risking something here probably.

Raising an eyebrow again, this time a bit more impressed and amused again, Angelique smiled as she looked at Draven when she heard what next he told her. "I guess we have something more in common than I thought, at least when it comes to taking risks obviously. Coming to the Brigade where the assassins division takes it anything but lightly when someone goes behind their backs, especially their leader. But I'll be sure that if I need something done, I'll keep you in mind." She complimented him, grinning a little and winked purposely for a second. She then looked at the drink and shrugged slightly. "I highly prefer a certain other red liquid." Chuckles and shrugs innocently again, before she took a sip of her own drink. "But I have learned to endure wine and other drinks, I have even come to appreciate a few of them."