(no subject)

[eldorne_girl]

Delia lay awake in bed, curled around one of her pillows. She couldn’t sleep. Every time she began to dose off, another thought, another memory, came to the surface of her mind. With a muttered curse, the slender lady threw back her covers and stalked to the center of her room. Standing still, she composed herself and stared straight ahead. She was so bored. So utterly, completely, mind-numbingly bored. It hadn't been like this before. Surely not. Then...there was a point to it all. A point to the flirting and backstabbing, to the shocking and dancing... Catching hold of a memory of music and balls, Delia smiled slightly. She loved dancing. Really, it was the only thing where she didn't have to think -

Keeping that in mind, Delia sighed softly and began to dance. Slower then she would in truth, but this was only practise. Skip this way in a half circle, and then retrace your steps and then some…

Delia went through the steps, her eyes half-closed, remembering the few months when she had first come to court. She remembered being free and new. She remembered flirting with the heir to the Tortallan throne, while his friends watched on with jealousy.

As she moved back to bed, more asleep then awake, she remembered dancing with Prince Jonathan while Roger looked on with an amused smile…

…smoothly, she stepped away from the masked prince, laughing and breathless. She felt drunk and flushed, the heady air filled with the smell of scented candles, wine, and perfumed nobles. The masked ball was in full swing, with some of the candles dead on the iron chandeliers so the light was darker, redder, then it should be. Turning with the other dancers to face the dais, she curtsied deeply to the masked man on the single throne, spreading her crimsonrubygarnetblood red skirts wide and letting them fall back to her sides with a silken whisper.

Delia felt unbalanced by the heavy tiara on her head, and she had an urge to reach up and rip it off. But not here, not in this ball. She had to find Roger, to tell him that she knew his game and that he could…

Looking to the dais, she took a step back and bumped into someone in the now thick crowd. The masked man met her eyes and gave her an amused smile. Somehow, Delia knew those eyes would be a bright, bright blue.

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[the_lioness]

Somewhere not nearly far enough away, a violet-eyed squire lurked in the shadows, watching the dancers with blatant scorn. Every now and then, the squire would glance longingly toward the gardens, but her gaze always returned helplessly to Delia and her entranced partner.

Alanna was not enjoying herself.

Tugging irritably at the silver mask hiding her features, Alanna scowled at the now empty tankard in her hands. Myles had found her a quarter hour earlier and had pressed the wine on her. It was rare for Myles to offer her wine. It seemed that he had joined the rest of her friends in their crusade to get her to socialize with the latest court beauties.

Traitor.

Alanna sighed deeply and resumed contemplating the myriad reasons she planned to leave Court as soon as she won her shield.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Jon put his arm around her waist and escourted her from the dance floor. But she kept on looking over her shoulder at the king. No, duke, surely? Delia shook her head faintly, and gave the prince a bright smile, more glad then she realized that the combination of black mask and dark light hid the brief contempt in her eyes.

The pair stopped as a girl in a red muslin dress curtseyed in front of them. Laughing, Jon stepped away from Delia and towards the other girl.
"Just one dance, Delia, then I'll be back." He said over his shoulder as he vanished into the crowd.

Her contempt turned to jealousy and she pursed her lips together. Bitch. Looking around, the girl caught sight of a short, red-haired figure hiding and smiled sweetly.

Delia had never been one to keep her misery to herself.

[the_lioness]

The combination of scented candles and overly perfumed nobles that was so heady to Delia was making Alanna's head spin and her stomach clench in agony. She felt like she couldn't breathe. A man and a woman spun past her, resplendent in crimson and gold. The woman's expertly coiffed hair whipped Alanna in the face, adding insult to injury.

Alanna stomped her foot.

Another couple ducked behind a nearby curtain, giggling madly. Alanna rolled her eyes at the unmistakable kissing noises, nearly choking as she recognized the man's deep laugh. Gary?!? Muttering, Alanna turned back to the dancers and tried to forget how to hear.

Her eyes immediately found Jonathan with all the speed and skill of deep affection. Alanna was both surprised and gratified to see him leave Delia behind for the lady in red. Serves the vicious green-eyed flirt right, Alanna thought. Mildly bemused by her own vehemence, Alanna arched an eyebrow as Delia turned her way. Delia's sickly sweet smile sent shivers down her spine, but she had nowhere to run.

She briefly toyed with the idea of joining Gary and his lady love behind the curtain.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Hardly knowing why, Delia walked over to Alanna. The crowd was thick, and it should have taken some effort on the girl's part. And yet...the crowd parted before her, some dropping a curtsey or a bow. Mildly bemused, her hunter's mind none the less dismissed it.

Finally standing in front of Alanna, with her smile amused at the squire's expression, Delia tilted her head slightly.

"Squire Alan, I fear you have been avoiding me..."

[the_lioness]

Alanna felt crushed by a sense of impending doom as Delia approached. She stuck her chin out defiantly and glowered at the vision so easily parting the sea of humanity. Alanna had to jump around and possibly step on a few feet before people would move out of her way. She blew out a nervous breath when Delia halted before her with all the aplomb of a parading General. Irritated by her almost visceral reaction to the other girl, Alanna stepped forward and bowed mockingly.

"Do not flatter yourself, Lady Delia. I avoid everyone at these things, not just you."

Casting an annoyed glance at Gary's boots, she straightened to her full height and watched Jonathan dance with his latest conquest. She had to admit; Delia was prettier.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Delia's amused smile turns, ever so quickly, into a grin before it goes make to its normal cool self. Twinning a thick ringlet around her finger, the green-eyed girl somehow manages to look up at Alanna.

"Of course...we have all noticed this, and gossiped about it most extensivly." The smile is innocent. "Do you care to prove me wrong, and accept a dance?"

[the_lioness]

Sighing, Alanna studied the delicate silver belt at Delia's waist. Part of her wondered whether or not she would feel more comfortable at these balls if she were dressed like Delia. She grimaced and met Delia's eye.

"You know very well that you leave me no choice."

Her face impassive, Alanna held out her hand and waited.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

"That was the idea, yes," Delia admitted with a slightly wicked smile. She rests her dainty hand on Alanna's, and lets the squire escourt her out onto the dance floor. The looks of envy glared their way make her feel considerably better.

Alanna whirls her onto the dance floor, and as Delia turns around to face her partner, she realizes that they are the only ones out on the dance floor. Everyone else is watching.

Locking her eyes with Alanna's, the young lady goes into a curtsey to start the dance.

[the_lioness]

Alanna could feel hundred of curious eyes watching her from behind colorful masks. Masquerades always made her cynical side rear its ugly head. The concept of combining anonymity and a Court ball completely baffled her. Most of these people lived to see and be seen, to flaunt their latest baubles or ensure that they had secured the most talented dressmaker in Corus. The young ladies were here to land husbands. How could they successfully show off their wares if their prey did not remember their face when next they met? Perhaps that is why so many attendees flashed their partners quick glimpses of their faces and conveniently lost their masks before the end of the evening. As she whirled Delia around to the starting position, Alanna rolled her eyes at the hypocrisy.

It was then that she realized they were alone on the floor.

Eyes narrowed, Alanna quickly found Jon in the crowd. She couldn't make out his features, but his shoulders were shaking with obvious mirth. Fine, let him have his fun. Smiling pleasantly, Alanna bowed low to Delia and waited the allotted amount of time before beginning the dance. No one else could see how tightly she clenched her teeth. Chin high, she raised both arms to the right and clapped sharply, the noise echoing through the eerily quiet ballroom.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Mirroring Alanna, Delia copied the clap before her left hand went down to link with hers. They turned a quick half-circle, Delia's skirt flaring out, and clapped again. Raising her palm to rest it against Alanna's, Delia smiled.

"This so bad, Squire Alan?" She asked softly as they spun around again, laughter in her throaty voice.

[the_lioness]

Another clap, and they clasped hands again. Annoyed, Alanna squeezed Delia's fingers in an almost punishing grip.

"I would rather muck out every stall in the Royal Stables with a spoon then be here right now," she hissed.

The dance did not come easily to Alanna. Muttering under her breath, she concentrated on the movements but watched Delia carefully. She did not want the assembled knights, nobles and ladies thinking Squire Alan was afraid of a sharp-tongued, green-eyed flirt.

Still, she breathed a sigh of relief when the dance called for them to skip a step in opposite directions.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Delia laugh; low and husky and very, very amused. She enjoyed the feeling of everyone watching her, and the feeling of causing Squire Alan a good deal of humilation.

"Harsh," she murmered as they passed each other, continuing when she stood with her back to Alanna. "Very harsh." Delia had her hand on her hip, and glancing at Alanna with amusment. Would the squire or wouldn't the squire?

[the_lioness]

Alanna missed the look of amusement as Delia's long chestnut hair lashed her across the face. Gritting her teeth, she casually placed her hand over Delia's. She was acutely aware of how rough her callused palm must feel to Delia's soft skin.

"Perhaps it was a bit harsh, but it was certainly true," she muttered.

Feeling like a complete idiot, Alanna gently nudged the taller girl forward. They skipped to the side in unison. Alanna counted the steps under her breath as they switched hands and skipped back.

Having learned her lesson, Alanna leaned back as Delia turned, taking the time to admire the tiara in her hair.

"It must have taken you hours to twist your hair around that way."

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

"A couple," she admited once she's facing Alanna again, resting one hand on the squire's shoulder. Despite the spinning, her hair was still mostly neat; if some curls have come loose, it only adds to her youthful charm. There was a long pause as Alanna moved her hands to Delia's hips to throw her up in the air.

Hardly know why, her mind spinning in the heady air, Delia moved forward and kissed her on the lips. In full view of the entire court.

[the_lioness]

To say that Alanna was shocked would be the understatement of the century. However, she was also curious. Momentarily forgetting their avid audience, she kissed Delia back. Alanna's fingers bit into the silk of Delia's gown. Gradually becoming aware of their surroundings, Alanna pulled back with a troubled frown.

"Goddess, Delia! Everyone saw that," She hissed. "What were you thinking? Mad. You are absolutely bloody mad."

Furious, Alanna lifted her hands toward Delia's face in the final move of the dance. Her face had long since turned a deep crimson. She inclined her head, turned on her heel and stalked off the dance floor.

A deep chortle rose from the crowd behind her. Alanna was fairly certain Jon was to blame.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Delia just stared after her, eyes wide behind her maks. Ican'tbeliveIjustdidthat!. There was a deep chortle in the crowd, and then cheering. Drawing herself up, Delia smoothed down her dress, tucked an errant curl behind her ear, and moved off the dance floor.

Straight towards the long table heaped with food. And wine. A lot of winte. Pouring herself a glass, Delia took another deep breath. A memory of soft lips against her own, and she drained half the glass.

But elegantly, of course. Never said that Delia of Eldorne, even when she was blushing and in mild shock, was inelegant.

[the_lioness]

Alanna stomped out of the ballroom, ignoring the laughter and knowing smiles. Delia was yet another test from the Goddess, sent to try her patience. It was the only thing that made any sense. The woman had obviously spent too many years being bored to death in the convent and had now made it her personal mission to embarrass Alanna into early retirement.

Frowning, Alanna looked around and realized that her feet had carried her outside. The fresh air felt lovely after the stale scents and oppressive heat of the ballroom. Alanna tilted her head back as she continued down a gravel path, letting the cool breeze wash across her neck. Deep in the garden, she paused beside a dead rose bush and wondered how she was going to face the other boys after tonight's debacle.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

She couldn't think, couldn't breath...Delia swayed and stumbled through the crowd, brushing past the laughing, drunk courtiers. A girl in pale blue swung her around, landing a kiss on her mouth before releasing her. Shaking her head, Delia almost ran outside, ripping her mask off. Leaning against the wall, she breathed deeply. It was winter, with snow on the ground, but she wasn't cold. Just pleasantly cool. She let her head fall forward, and put the mask back on. Turning to go inside, she paused. There was a flash of red hair and, almost without thinking, Delia lifted her skirts and walked down the steps to the gravel path.

The green-eyed girl caught up with Alanna by the rose bushes, and her breath caught again. The moonlight fell on the squire, making the silver trim and mask glow. Beautiful, mysterious...

Delia just stood there, watching with eyes hidden by her mask and wondering what in the name of the Mother was she doing...

[the_lioness]

Alanna paced back and forth, oblivious to her surroundings. Delia was the epitome of everything she loathed about Court life. Jonathan was better than that. He deserved someone with honor, loyalty, spirit and compassion. Someone like... Alanna? No. She shook her head at the thought. Maybe? Seeing Delia dance with Jon definitely sparked feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. So why did she keep seeing Delia's laughing green eyes and wry smile just before she leaned forward and kissed her? Clearly she was going insane. Far be it from her to buck family tradition.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

"The gardeners are not going to be very happy in the morning to find you've ruined the ground through constant pacing, you know." Delia says at last. Her voice is quiet, but some how very throaty in the darkness.

She doesn't move forward, just stand there, watching, waiting, with moonlight reflecting off her old silver tiara.

[the_lioness]

Alanna whirled around, her startled eyes quickly finding Delia in the darkness. More accurately, finding Delia's tiara in the darkness. Bristling, Alanna glanced toward the illuminated ballroom and couldn't help but think she got her wish after all. Here she was in the garden, enjoying the crisp air. The only drawback was that Delia had decided to encroach upon her peace and quiet, not to mention her personal space. Alanna absently rubbed her thumb across her lower lip.

"The gardeners will be more concerned with the number of empty tankards littering the King's lawn than with one small, worn patch of frozen ground." She paused, slowly walking toward Delia. "Why are you here? Did you not humiliate me enough inside?"

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Oddly calm, the girl let the squire stalk towards her without making a single move back. "Humiliate? I do beg to differ, Squire Alan...after tonight, the other knights and squires will be utterly envious and your standing will have risen considerably. I do not think those things fall underneath the defination of 'humiliate'." Her light voice is the same as her hidden expression; calm, serene, and just a little bit all-knowing and worldly.

"That said, cannot I also enjoy the cool air? Inside, I could not think." She shrugs, a noticable movement when her white skin reflected the moonlight so well. "You never know...I could even being apologizing to you."

[the_lioness]

Alanna gulped. Of course her friends would view the kiss in stride. In fact, Delia is right. She might even be lauded for it tomorrow. Shuddering, Alanna stepped back and eyed Delia warily. She wasn't sure she wanted any part of a situation in which Delia was right about something.

"My, someone thinks rather highly of herself, doesn't she?" Alanna's smirk faded. "Why would you apologize to me?

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Another small, graceful shrug, and Delia reaches up to touch the large, smooth garnet resting just above her breasts. It could be a nervous habit, but then again, it might not be.

To cover it, Delia gives Alanna a small, cheeky smile; very different from her normal ones. "For playing into your Prince's hands so much. I fear I have given him much to mock you for, and that was not my intent."

[the_lioness]

Both irritated and curious, Alanna allowed her gaze to follow Delia's hand. She stared at the garnet for several seconds before narrowing her eyes and glancing back at Delia's face. Her pride was unreasonably stung by the mention of Jon, but she stuck her chin out and refused to reveal just how uneasy she felt.

"Jon would find something to mock me for with or without your intervention, Lady Delia." Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "But it is always friendly in nature. Do not fear."