star crossed.

 the way she seems so small in comparison toward his response was feeble and it was unlike her to begin with. the fire that were normally there seem to thwart slightly in regard for tonight, turning his gaze toward to where hers were to find people were staring. the image of the king and queen was upmost important toward those, but he never truly have to worry in his case toward picking an new king for the kingdom - in his case, one is already chosen.

the hand upon his shoulder were brought to his attention as his nearest hand reach to rest firmly against her lower back, guiding her toward him slowly in each turn of their step. the turmoil in his being began to accumulate as years upon years were spent not seeing his children in person and spending time with them, spending time with his wife in person. his other hand grasp her free one to hold when looking down to capture her gaze. “give me one good reason.. and i shall give it to you.” he breathed, soft in his tone as he kept his gaze.

the hand on her lower back made a softened inaudible sigh leave her. she was so touch starved from the years of being away. she missed him. missed him so greatly like she missed everyone from the kingdom when she was in her youth. missed her friends... missed him. one good reason..... “i want to come back home.” she simply said. home to sarah was once the human world- was once the little neighborhood she grew up... now after so long- the goblin kingdom was her home. he was her home. 

the familiar touch caress along his cheek as he simply watch her for the moment. he took in her emotions along with her expression - how she was enjoying his presence and scared that it would float away like a butterfly in the wind or an sudden abrupt from an dream. shifting his gaze toward her lips to read her response cause an faint smile to appear for the slightest moment. the moment of remembrance to their first dance was one bittersweet as she easily came then went back to her human world, left to only watch over her in form of an owl to watch her grow. his love for her then is just as real as it were now, their children are proof to that in itself.

at the utter of two words to leave her lips were all that took to bring the lively memory to it’s dashing end, shifting his gaze to an slightly cold expression upon staring once more. no matter how much he has her in his heart - she still brought their children back to the human world despite how he would feel in the end - in order to protect her very brother that he grew to despise. “…is it not a little too late, for apologies?” 

his tone instantly made her look towards the ground ; shifting in her spot for a moment. “can we not do this tonight?” she asked softly before a hand came to push a strand of chocolate locks behind her ear. “tonight is a celebration of a birth and hopefully.... a break of the curses upon the whole land.” she tried to claim before she looked to the sides to see people starting at them.

an familiar scene to only two individuals in the room as steps were made into the ball room. an dark gaze to roam along the crowd of individual suits and gowns, faces not hidden behind masks and it would only feel as if it were yesterday that the little dream world was set for sarah to try and manipulate her once more to give toby up to the goblin city. music would play among the room as he made his way through the small crowding in hopes to find the familiar faces - his children, or his wife.

there was much to be discussed and yet, the time and place was impeccable to do so - an important event was not a place for such. yet, he can’t help how his heart would yearn to settle the issue once and for all, but he knew she would not settle for anything less in regard.

an familiar gown has caught his sight in turning his body in their direction before being unable to deny the silver of an smirk to appear upon his lips when following in suit. there was doubt for it to be her and stopping in step with hers, she would be seen to turn and he’d simply stare in the moment. mesmerized as the day she became his wife and those feelings of hurt and anger relieved from his body when searching her gaze. 

“the gown looks beautiful on you just as the day you’ve worn it.. i am not surprised that it still fits.” an soft tone while an warm smirk inching it’s way upon his lips once more.

she remembered that outfit ; so it seemed that they were one of mind. a hand came out to trace fine fabric on collar. so he was here-- he was real this time. not a hazy glimpse of a daydream - a want and need. a shaken exhale came from her as her heart raced and swelled with a familiar ache she had since leaving the goblin kingdom. 

She glanced at her abandoned wine glass, catching her reflection for a split-second— she was not dressed as ostentatiously as many of the other guests roaming the hall, but no one could say she was underdressed. Her teeth bit her lower lip as she forced back a small sigh. Thankfully, it did not seem like it would stain her dress. From what she had heard, getting wine stains out of clothes was incredibly difficult. At his question, Eleanor looked up to face him once more, before letting her gaze sweep the room. “The nobility do love a good party, and a reason to dress up. Others are just here to catch the prince’s eye.”

a nod of agreement came from him at her words, grabbing another wine glass and handing it to her. “do you think... it might finally be time?” his tone was hopeful as he finished off the wine in his hand-- still thirsty... like always. so was his curse. he had to make sure to stay out of the moonlight or else be seen what he really was. it would cause a fright. “do you think the prince might actually find someone. the ice of heart will be thawed and the evil queen’s curses would be... gone?”

the sight of the ball room was a familiar scene to her yet hazy. except there were no masks hiding faces and the dresses and suites were all different. yet hers was not ; as if she stepped into the daydream again. the dress still fit like the infamous glass slipper, hands folded in front of her ; hair adorned in the glimmering ornaments. not as big as last time but still big. eyes scanned the dancing bodies ; was he here? her heart raced at the mere thought of it. please. would she summon him if he wasn’t? yes. after so many years-- yes. 

pushing past bodies gently ; she searched. not for the royal family that had throw such a extravagant event-- no. but as a queen, it was best she should at least give her congratulations. perhaps later. they’d forgive her for this little mission she hoped. it was a glimmer-- and a familiar feeling that made her turn ; eyes falling onto the one who stole her heart. “you’re here...” her voice softened. “it’s not a dream this time?” she asked-- hopeful.

florian would be lying if he said that he was enjoying this event . as a matter of fact he couldn’t wait for the night to be over and he felt terrible for feeling so , this was a celebration of his son becoming the crowned heir , of his twenty fourth birthday . but reality was it was so much more than that . the hope and desperation that their plan would succeed gnawing at him. of course he wouldn’t let any of their guest see or know how he truly felt . 

“ thank you for coming , we truly appreciate it .” florian stated to those he passed , making his way towards one of the balconies needing some fresh air as the room filled with more and more bodies . the cool air against his skin a welcome relief as he sighed , rubbing his hand over his face , stopping short as he realised he was not alone . 

“pardon me , i didn’t realise this balcony was occupied . i’ll leave you be if you’d prefer ? ” the polite , reserved smile making its way across his lips once more , his body already half turned to head back into the throng of people in case the other was wishing to be alone . 

sarah thought she could do this - attend an event such as extravagant. in truth ; it just brought back memories that seemed to make her heart ache as she watched the bodies twirl around the dance floor like in a dream. wearing the dream ball gown from her past ; amazed it still fit honestly. she didn’t spend long in the ball room before finding herself onto the balcony ; peering out at the lovely countryside of eiffenwald ; completely different than the goblin city. she didn’t hear the footsteps approach her but the voice caused her head to turn to look at the king. a soft gasp left her before she curtsied to the king. “no , my king. please stay.” she insisted with a softened but sad smile. “the party is beautiful. i’m sure the young prince is excited.”

`                    presenting​​  :               eugene   fitzherbert    . ↳          ⸻         open   to   anyone    ,    event   001   addition    .          [   ᴼᴾᴱᴺ   ]

HE    WAS    A    STRANGER    IN    A    ROOM    FILLED   WITH    “    PEERS    “    ,    and   everyone   knew    .    he’d   heard   it   plenty   times   before   and   continued   to   since    —    a   thief   had   no   place   among   the   likes   of   aristocracy    .    judgement   cast   down   on   him   in   the   eyes   of   those   who   consider   themselves   to   be   great   leaders    .    all   the   former   convict   could   see   in   them   was   hypocrisy    ,    the   same   people   who   combated   his   rise   to   the   throne   when   he’d   taken   the   coronan   princess   as   his   wife    ,   and   the   same   people   he   couldn’t   convince   of   his   character   arc   no   matter   how   he’d   risen   to   the   occasion    .    it   was   why   he’d   only   ever   seemed   to   downgrade    —    turning   down   the  title   of   king   consort    ,    giving   up   his   position   as   the   captain   of   the   royal   guard    and   narrowly   keeping   his   place   on   the   team   at   all    .

he   locks   eyes   with   a   concerned   royal    ,    one   already   insisting   the   eiffenwald   guards   keep   a   close   eye   on   him    (    after   all    ,    twenty   something   years   later   and   he   must   still   be   making   off   with   the   crowns   of   future   royals    ,    right    ?    )    and   he   interjects   quickly    ,   clear   signs   of   pure   frustration   evident   across   aged   features    .    things   were   much   easier   before   this   dreadful   curse    ,    when   he   still   had   rapunzel   by   his   side    .    but   one   impossible   circumstance   lead   to   another   and   now   it   appeared   as   though   he   couldn’t   seem   to   regain   his   footing    .     ‘     no   need   to   keep   tabs   on   me    ,    i   was   just   leaving    .    ‘

if anyone should have tabs on them ; it should be the young pirate wandering around in his stolen attire -- as he stole anything he could get into his pockets. it was a wonder that the guards didn’t catch him , just from the jingle from him as he walked. the stolen silverware ; gold ; pearls from the other guests. he caught the sight of the former thief and his eyes lit up. he’d heard stories from his dad about this man- he wondered why he wasn’t a pirate. “it would be considered rude to leave a birthday party.” he urged to the older.

flicking her hair as she adjusted her posture , shoulders back and head held high , just as she had been taught since she could walk , a confident smile on her face as she made her way back into the ballroom .  normally she didn’t have to feign her confidence , but everyone was looking to helen and her generation as the answer to the great curse issue , hoping that someone here would be prince theo’s true love and everything would be resolved . 

helen didn’t believe in true love , and definitely didn’t think it would be the answer to their problems . surely if true love really did exist , this would have all been resolved years ago . grabbing a flute of champagne from a passing waiter , gripping it tightly as she glanced around the room at the extravagance on offer . she was used to balls , the annual christmas ball at cair paravel was one of her favourite events of the year , but she had never seen an event quite like this.

“ and all I got for my twenty fourth was a cake  . “ she joked , to no one in particular ,  taking a sip of her champagne.

of course he’d run into helen here. she could call him out, calling him out for his clothes. thomas could never really own these types of clothes ; not that he’d actually purchase these kinds. that was just a target on your back in tortuga. the pink expensive silk actually looked amazing on him but he wouldn’t admit it. making his way to the princess , a frown graced his features. “all i got for my twenty fourth was a drunken night in a pig pen.” 

A hint of gold glinted in the light as he moved, but she paid it little mind. All that mattered was getting her hands on a napkin— she grimaced as she dabbed the droplets of wine on her dress. The spillage had not been large enough to create a stain, but it had irked her all the same. Red wine had been a mistake. Champagne would have been less problematic.

A small hum of amused agreement escaped her at his words, shitass indeed, before she tilted her head back, smoothly downing the rest of the red wine. It left warmth in its wake, and Eleanor sighed before firmly setting down the now empty glass. “Thanks,” she called out to the man. Her grimace had faded now, smoothing into a more long-suffering expression. “I should’ve known better— red wine is never a good choice when standing in a crowded room.” Nor did she have the layers of skirts that acted as built-in buffers to careless guests. She would have to consider that if she found herself ending up at an event like this.

The moon was high in the sky, and it called to her. There was an itching underneath her skin, threatening to rip her at the seams, but she ignored it studiously. Practice makes perfect, and all that. It had gotten easier with age— and being less quick to anger had helped. Deft fingers pluck a glass of red wine off of a table, and she finally she takes a small sip, staring at the guests. People had filled the dance floor, and yet there were still crowds lining the walls, and even more people just entering the ball for the night. It was vaguely ridiculous, and definitely not how she had expected to spend her day.

As she moved to take another sip, a stranger bumped into her, scurrying off before she could retaliate. “Ah, putain,” she muttered, shooting the retreating back a glare before turning to a bystander. “Do you have a napkin?”

this ball was insane. who know royals did this anymore. the pirate was amused as he wandered the large room; a drink in each hand. luckily that weird rich dude whos clothes he stole had one of those invitations in his pocket. although thomas did feel out of place with all these rich , noble , and royals. finishing off one of his drinks, he left it on someone else’s table before slowly slipping some fine silver into his pocket. hm. could fetch a good price....

`                    presenting​​  :               adam   dubois    . ↳          ⸻         open   to   anyone    ,    event   001   addition    .          [   ᴼᴾᴱᴺ   ]

CONTROL    WAS    NOT    IN    HIS    NATURE    .    the   simple   art   of   finding   peace   within   oneself   was   not   something   adam   had   ever   grown   accustomed   to    ,    despite   numerous   attempts   on   the   parts   of   belle   and   former   castle   staff    .    a   beast   may   lie   dormant   but   one   day   he   will   bite   once   more    ,   and   the   beast   of   the   forgotten   kingdom   never   really   hibernated    ,    did   he    ?    certainly   not   when   this   curse   reminded   them   so   much   of   that   fact    .

once   a   man   drawn   to   the   appeal   of   glitter   and   glamour   now   made   wary   of   the   very   crowds   he’d   reveled   in    .    years   spent   in   isolation   ,    then   deprived   of   aristocracy   left   him   feeling   naked   among   such   people    ,    stripped   of   everything   that   made   him    ,    well    ,   him    .

he   wouldn’t   let   them   see    ,    bear   witness   to   the   beast   he’d    become   once   more    .    he’d   let   his   reputation   crumble   at   the   hands   of   a   sorceress   once   before    ,    never   again    .

‘     ⁽ ˢᴱᴱ ⁾   un terrible gâchis d'une fête    …     ‘    mother   tongue   uttered   under   the   breath    ,    claws   buried   deep   into   the   palms   of   his   hands    (    enough   to   feel   the   beads   of   blood   begin   to   pool    )    as   clouded   cerulean   irises   scan   a   glistening   ballroom   floor   crowded   with   life    .

`                    presenting​​  :               vlad   dracula    . ↳          ⸻         open   to   anyone    ,    event   001   addition    .          [   ᴼᴾᴱᴺ   ]

HUNGER    WAS    A    DREADFUL    THING    ,    even   when   felt   in   the   pit   of   the   rotting   stomach   of   a   corpse    .    reputation   made   a   vile   man   of   the   count    ,    this   curse   would   surely   prove   all   rumors   right    .    centuries   spent   perfecting   the   art    of   vampyrism    (    a   craft   he’d   invented   and   written   every   metaphorical   book   on    )    only   to   revert   back   to   primal   urges    ,    the   beast   sat   within   a   cage   of   immortal   flesh   clawing   for   release   as   hunger   grows   deep    ,    deep    ,    deeper    —    all   this   at   the   hands   of   a   witch   who    ,   in   his   less   than   humble   opinion   ,   should   be   answering   to   him    .

⁽ ˢᴱᴱ ⁾    a   scent :    perfume   &   silk    ,    the   fresh   aroma   of   platelets   dancing   with   top   notes   a   mortal   could   only   aspire   to   pick   out    .    a   heartbeat   sitting   atop   the   thud   of   expensive   shoes   upon   marble   floors    .    a   hitch   of   dead   air   as   fangs   protrude   and   press   against   soft   gums    .

‘     step   foot   even   an   inch   closer   and   i   will   not   hesitate   to   make   you   my   next   meal    .     ‘

“but mamă, lurking in the shadows is what we do best.” a purr mixed with the slightest whine. the hunger had them all on edge, and for arsenia it was culminating in a bit of a bratty edge. she could only hope the attitude would be forgiven after a feed. or two. or ten. “come now, try and enjoy yourself tonight.” one look at her mother’s face revealed the other’s irritation with the festivities. “with everyone gathered together tonight, people are sure to discuss the curses. perhaps we will hear new theories on breaking them.”

1: sarah’s ball outfit ; the same one she wore upon her first visit to the goblin kingdom in the that jareth  tried to ensnare her in.

2. thomas’ ball outfit ; he stole it from some rich prick.

3. aleera’s ball gown ; pink to match the color she normally wears. a gift from the count.