the one and only (at least that she was willing to admit) good thing about being forced to marry? not having to be presented as a debutant for the masses. linden knew from a very early age that this would never be her fate. instead, she was forever tied to a dark, soiled magic feud solution of a sham marriage. taking a look at the man beside her, diligently making sure she didn't allow her eyes to linger, she sighed. "do you ever wonder what this would have been like for us?" maybe, had they been at a soiree like this, underneath of masks and unable to tell who one another was, they would have actually liked one another as they had when they were younger. maybe, had their families not meddled into their business and demanded that they marry, their pride wouldn't have gotten in the way and poisoned the care they once held for one another.

alas, here she stood with ezra, the man she was doomed to love fated to hate her. linds hid behind carefully acted contempt every day, there was no need for a mask like the one she was wearing. "i'm sure you would have loved trying to swoon a potential bride."

@rightthexwar

kingston reveled in the party's detailed decorations. there was almost nothing he loved more than a themed event held by the palace. not to mention getting to examine the elegant fashions that were being presented to him as people made their way inside. he had gone with a rather divine suit with purple and gold embellishments and a elaborate mask to match.

a suit and a mask that he had told valerie all about when he had met her for a brief coffee on his way in to work a week or so ago. king had wanted to ensure she would be able to find him. however, he had asked her not to do the same so he could once again be amazed by her mother's work. he hated not making good on a promise and with how busy work had gotten, he hadn't gotten the chance to actually show val around. that changed tonight he told himself as he peered through his mask in anticipation of her arrival.

@quietstxrs

ted wasn't sure if he was ever truly going to get used to these parties. he was quite sure and not in the way of pity, just that of fact, that he would always be an outsider looking in. though, he was positive he wasn't alone in this as the last few social gatherings in witchfell had been open to those not holding nobility.

at the last dance, he had met a lovely woman. but, their time together had been cut short and he had found himself wondering if she was here tonight. he had offered his hand for a dance to nearly a dozen masked brunettes in hopes of finding her again. he didn't give up easily, wouldn't make a very good professional cricket player if he did, he thought to himself as he approached yet another woman he thought could be her. "would you do me the kindness of allowing me this dance?"

@bynightbyfire

there. there she was. he was positive, mask or no mask, he could feel it. he gripped the corner of bar as he watched her, knuckles turning white. he had thought about this moment for nearly a century. if he were able to die of such things as he once were, like a heart attack, he might have done exactly that because the way his heart ached the moment she came into vision felt like it could murder a normal man. there was also a pang of eternal yearning that only caused him confusion. why would he hunger for a woman that had left him? a woman that he so desperately loathed. he tried to remember all of the reasons why as he moved across the room.

"a dance, m'lady?" with a bow of his head and a hand stalling in the air for her to take, he pretended not to know her. calypso. his calypso.

@quietstxrs

Tonight is the first night of the social season, and as per tradition, the palace of Witchfell are holding their annual Debutante Ball, where those who are of age to marry are to present themselves to high society and to the King and Queen. The Palace has been decorated to the heavens with candles, gilded gold and flowers that would take even a royal's breath away. The theme this year is a Masquerade, where suitors and attendees are to hide their identities and let their conversations capture hearts and not their looks. Who will catch the eye of perspective matches this year? It is to be an interesting night indeed. The night will begin with the Debutantes entering the ballroom one by one, with a family member escorting them down the gold carpet that runs towards the throne where the Royals await their greeting. Debutantes are instructed to wear white and to remain unmasked until the Queen announces the Ball has begun, when they will then don their masks and the pursuit for their hearts shall begin. The carpet shall be removed, freeing those who are interested to sign dance cards and meet under the chandeliers. Good luck to you, debutantes! May you find your matches this season. It is rumored that the Royal Princes may be trying to woo hearts this eve, so keep your masks on and let the festivities begin!