Ivy Masquerade (part 1)

An eerie mist crept along the ground, winding its way around the blackened trunks of trees and over the muddy stagnant grass. It was illuminated by the warm glow of lights coming from the manor house. The sound of violin and cello floated out through the open doors as the guests began to arrive. Their hushed chatter and muffled conversations traveled out over the silent manor grounds, muted by the rain and mist. Tonight was the night, an evening of food and wine, a gathering of the most wealthy and elite. Tonight, was the Ivy Masquerade.

The doors finally closed as the last stragglers made their way up the cracked stone steps into the main hall of the manor. The polished marble floors gleamed, and the hall was hung with crimpson drapes. Tables of food and various kinds of wine had been set out for the guests, as well as an orchestra, playing their music throughout the night. The sun was now fully set, and the banquet hall was illuminated only by the orange glow of a thousand candles.

About hundred guests milled about; men in chesnut wigs and suits tailored from italy, ladies dressed in the finest silks and satins, wearing rubies and diamonds that sparkled like dew in the candlelight.

Standing alone by the grand fireplace on one side of the hall was a young lady, just another unfamilier face among the extravagrant crowd. She was eloquently dressed, in a gown of dark crimpson edged with gold. Like the others, her face was covered by a red silk mask with golden lace, and her chestnut hair twisted and curled its way down to her waist.

On the opposite side of the room, a tall stranger dressed in black stood by the wall, sipping a glass of blood red wine. His face too was covered by a mask, black, and made of silk. His ink colored hair was shoulder length, but neatly groomed and matched his black suit and mask. Darkness seemed to ebb off of him like a mist, and his pale blue eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a cartain familier face.

The two people scanned the room, finally catching each others gaze. The lady and the tall man began to wade through the crowd towards each other, until finally they met together in the middle of the banquet hall, still unoticed by the rest of the party.

"Ah, Adelaid," the man said with a smirk. His voice was cool and smoothe. "You decided to joine me after all."

"Well, I couldnt let you have all the fun," she replied with a smirk. "I'm assuming you brought the supplies?"

"But of course," he responded. "Now come, this task won't finish itself."

To be Continued...