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Ballroom bookshelved 2010-06-24 03:44 pm UTC (link)

Ella had left the country house early that evening, alone, and she'd been taken to a house belong to an older woman, one who had smuggled appropriate clothing and a 'story' for her. It took all of five minutes for Ella to let Beauty take over, after her tale had promised her that she'd find Daniel. Beauty, for her part, had been perfectly comfortable as the old woman had spun a tale about her being a French nobleman's daughter, traveling with her Papa, and she'd let the woman help her dress and get ready with the ease that came from being raised a wealthy merchant's daughter. Now, she was in the ballroom of Alexander palace, the twinkling lights overhead casting the room in soft shadows and making everything seem just a little romantic. The dress she was wearing was quite to her liking, as were the long white gloves and the sharp white shoes. The corset, however, she could do without. As the music played softly, she accepted a man's hand for a dance, thinking she might find something (or someone) in the crowd. She was trained in the classic dances, and she had no trouble gliding, bantering, and be generally amiable (which was all that was required, entertainingly enough, to not be questioned), all while she looked for any of Ella's acquaintances. (Reply to this) (Thread)

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Re: Ballroom bookshelved 2010-06-24 04:17 pm UTC (link)

Beauty, who had just finished dancing with a charming, older member of the French aristocracy (one who reminded her very much of her dear papa), tilted her head curiously at the man in front of her. "Non, je m'appelle Belle," she told him in careful French, though she knew who he meant, and her soft smile said as much. She put her gloved hand on his shoulder, and she took her hand with her other hand, and she pretended, for all the world, that he was leading their slow dance. "And you would be?" she asked softly, quietly in accented English. She didn't much want to be overheard speaking English when she was supposed to be entirely French, but she wondered if this was someone Ella knew who she was unfamiliar with, like she had been with William. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Ballroom tiger_says_rawr 2010-06-24 04:34 pm UTC (link)

Belle. Alright then. This was the first time Sam had ever spoken to a fairytale princess though, he had to admit. "Belle," he repeated. "Avec du chocolat profonds yeux bruns," he teased. With the chocolate brown eyes! If she wanted to speak French, he would oblige even though he wasn't a native - just as long as she didn't laugh at his attempts. "I'm Sam," he added. "J'ai vu votre bete dans les bois." Punctuation fail Yes, he saw her Beast in the woods, he said as they danced. And Sam could dance, it just had been awhile because he didn't attend many balls back in the day. "He wanted to make sure I gave you a message." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Ballroom - bookshelved, 2010-06-24 04:45 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 04:58 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - bookshelved, 2010-06-24 05:20 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 05:32 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - bookshelved, 2010-06-24 05:44 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 05:53 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - bookshelved, 2010-06-24 06:01 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 06:12 pm UTC

Entry Hall -> Hallway wickedwicker 2010-06-24 05:15 pm UTC (link)

Well, this was just perfect. Not long after Ella was swept away, Joanie met the same fate. The home she had been sent to was small, run by a delicate Russian woman and her fierce husband. They were nobles, nothing to brag about, but in league with Lvov and prepared to create a cover for his little spies. The wife helped her dress and did her hair - against Joanie's will, she had to add - while the husband gave her her cover story. His eyes were as blue as hers, and they shared a similar bump in their noses. So she was his American cousin, because of course it was so very fashionable to have an American cousin these days. It was almost like having a Canadian girlfriend. After she was poked and pulled at, Joanie was somehow deemed worthy of civilized society and taken to the palace. In the car, she was all nerves. There was nowhere in her stupid dress to hide a knife without being obvious, so she'd have to wing it if things got bad. Which, knowing her luck, they inevitably would. As she walked up to the palace, steps careful in her black high heels, Joanie internally ran over the plan. She knew that Tegan was with Lvov now, and as such, she would actually try to do this right. So she repeated what she needed to listen for. First, determine if the "Mad Monk" - who she had learned was Rasputin, that creepy dead guy from the Anastasia movie - was indeed alive and influencing Alexandra again. Second, find out if Alexei is sick. (Spoiler alert: he was.) Third, if the Grand Duke eyes any woman, find out her story. If only her fable had been James Bond. The palace was enormous, and guests were mingling all over. She passed through the great entry hall and entered a hallway that would take her to either the dining room or the ballroom. Unsure of which to enter, she stayed outside for the time being, casually listening in on the conversations around her as best she could. A man with round features and a stern expression watched her, but she dismissed it - she had more pressing things to worry about. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove tiger_says_rawr 2010-06-24 06:25 pm UTC (link)

Sam was glad to hear secondhand from Beauty that Joanie hadn't been turned into ash (what a world, what a world) so he set off to find her - casually, working his way through the room with all of the dignified dignity he could muster. It was difficult to keep that in mind when all he wanted to do was lash out irrationally, due to lack of sleep and general annoyance with the situation. But he didn't see her in the ballroom so he decided to look elsewhere - not that he expected to bump into her while she was just chilling in the entranceway, but that happened anyway. "Bonjour," he said cheerfully. "Voulez-vous danser avec moi ce soir?" Then pretty much dragged her off into one of the curtained off areas so they could actually converse because the amount of people in Russia he trusted had dwindled to about two. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove wickedwicker 2010-06-24 06:30 pm UTC (link)

At first, Joanie feared that the French greeting had come from somebody boring that she'd want to punch in the face. She turned, wearing a fake smile before realizing who it was. Gasping, her smile shifted to a genuine grin, face lit up with relief. He wasn't dead! Since she knew no French, she just nodded, allowing him to drag her away to one of the little alcoves off of the ballroom. Once inside, Joanie turned to him, temporarily unmoving. "Sam!" she exclaimed quietly, touching a finger to her chin. "You aren't on fire." That was her way of saying 'I'm glad you're okay.' Because Joanie-speak was sometimes difficult to interpret. She looked at him for a moment before rushing forward, wrapping her arms around his chest and giving him a tight, relieved hug. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 06:45 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 06:54 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 07:04 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 07:10 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 07:37 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 07:41 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 07:49 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 07:57 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 08:05 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 08:12 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 08:30 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 08:47 pm UTC

Re: Then Sam drags Joanie into an alcove - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 09:09 pm UTC

Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 09:20 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 09:45 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 10:18 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 10:47 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 10:54 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 11:15 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 11:24 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-24 11:32 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-24 11:38 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 12:00 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 12:08 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 12:13 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 12:18 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 12:31 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 12:40 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 12:52 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 01:00 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 01:09 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 01:13 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 01:21 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 01:28 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 01:37 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 01:43 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 01:53 am UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 05:45 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 06:05 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 06:11 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 06:18 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 06:27 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 06:33 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 06:41 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 06:48 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 06:52 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 07:03 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 07:15 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 07:36 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 07:42 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 07:50 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 07:59 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 08:19 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 08:32 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 08:42 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 08:51 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 09:05 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 09:18 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 09:30 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 10:28 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 10:37 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 10:50 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 11:06 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 11:17 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 11:28 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-25 11:40 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-25 11:54 pm UTC

Re: Back to Ballroom - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 12:01 am UTC

Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 12:08 am UTC

Re: Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 12:14 am UTC

Re: Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 12:27 am UTC

Re: Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 12:34 am UTC

Re: Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 12:45 am UTC

Re: Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 12:54 am UTC

Re: Shoved in a random wardrobe!! Maybe the Lion is in here - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 01:10 am UTC

Back in Boring World (No Narnia) - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 01:16 am UTC

Re: Back in Boring World (No Narnia) - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 01:26 am UTC

Re: Back in Boring World (No Narnia) - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 11:28 am UTC

Dining room nobleblood 2010-06-24 06:01 pm UTC (link)

True to his word, Pavel had provided him with a cover story tight enough to avoid suspicion. Whether he knew that he'd been questioned before was still uncertain, but now he was a wealthy traveler staying with relatives just outside St. Petersburg (or Petrograd, as it was currently called). After being properly dressed and enduring one last lecture, he and Pavel were taken to the palace - although they entered separately, of course. The palace was even more lavish when full, and despite the circumstances he felt more comfortable than he had since the night he arrived in Russia's past. He'd spent his entire childhood attending parties and dinners, and although none were quite like this, he knew how to hold himself; knew how to smile and nod politely and watch without being too obvious. Dracula was pleased as well, although it had more to do with the sheer amount of guests than anything else. I have missed interacting with people other than those fools you live with. Remember, if anything goes wrong, I gain control. Vlad wove through the crowd, searching for anyone he knew. Yes, yes. Now be quiet unless you have something useful to say. There were so many people, and began to rely on his sense of smell in attempt to single out anyone who struck him as familiar-- when suddenly he felt a hand on his arm, and turned to find himself face to face with Alexandra herself. His surprise nearly got the best of him, but he managed to regain his composure and offer the proper sign of deference; Tsarina or not, here he was not her equal and had to act accordingly. Shaking her head, she searched his face with a sort of desperate hope that unsettled him. Before she could speak he eased himself out of her grasp, apologizing in hasty Russian and slipping away towards the dining room and finding his seat. Even though he didn't really want to know why the Empress seemed so interested in him - had Alexei said something? - at least he could kill some time here before having to face her again. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Dining room old_fashioned 2010-06-24 08:01 pm UTC (link)

The Grand Duke should have been glad that they were all in such a public place. Otherwise, Helena might have given in to her urge to slap him, or stab his wandering hands with her dinner fork. It seemed obvious to everyone but the man himself that the constant flush of her cheeks wasn’t pride at his attentions but a fair amount of embarrassment. No one dared enlighten him to this fact. She made it a point to take her time with her dinner, in no hurry to finish and continue to the dance floor, where she had a feeling the Duke would be even more adventurous. Her red dress was beautiful and opulent, but also a bit stifling, adding to her slow eating at the table. The tight corset was a little uncomfortable but manageable, Mina reminding her that she had worn tighter in the past as well as on the full moon, even if they neither of them could feel such pain. Darcy’s presence was a pleasant surprise. Helena was glad to see that she was safe, and even more glad when she took some of the Grand Duke’s attention away. The younger woman seemed to soak up his charm eagerly and Helena took those few opportunities to eat in peace, or to scan the dinner table for familiar faces. Her efforts, however, were constantly interrupted by the Duke, the brush of his knee against hers – making her straighten in her seat, or the touch of his hand trailing down her arm in plain sight. Mina was outraged at his audacity, and shrieked in her mind. Helena could feel a headache coming on. She was about to take another bite of dinner when the man inclined his head, his voice inappropriately close to her ear, not even registering what he said, too shocked at his proximity in public. Her blush matched her dress as she turned her head away, the shade growing deeper as he laughed. He loudly proclaimed to his guests that the beautiful woman beside him was delightfully bashful and lifted her gloved hand to give it an affectionate kiss. It made her other hand tighten almost imperceptibly on her silverware but she gave the guests around them a pale facsimile of a sheepish smile. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Dining room nobleblood 2010-06-24 08:41 pm UTC (link)

Vlad didn't look around too much at first, preferring to listen to the conversation around him. The men seated across from him were involved in a heated discussion of the political situation, mentioning that there was a mob gathered outside the palace even now, yelling something about Rasputin. On his right a young woman chatted to her dinner partner about how darling the Romanov children looked. Occasionally he took a bite of food, although Pavel had provided him with food and he wasn't quite as hungry anymore. It was only when he heard the Duke's constant raucous laughter that he finally lifted his gaze to see what all the noise was about. Dracula thought he was making quite an embarrassing spectacle of himself for someone in such a position, and even Vlad himself had to agree that his behavior with the women seated next to him was rather bold. He shook his head and turned back to the woman on his right, about to ask her about the Romanovs - Alexei particularly - when suddenly a bolt of recognition shot through him. His gaze snapped back to the Duke, and more specifically, the woman he was flirting with. It was Helena, and Darcy was there too; he almost couldn't believe it. So much time spent worrying and searching and there she was, seated next to the Duke as though nothing was wrong. At least you know she is safe, Dracula commented carelessly, but Vlad was trying very hard to keep his temper in check. He needs to keep his hands off her, or-- Or what? You cannot make a scene, not here. Stop glaring or people will become suspicious. Unfortunately he had a point, so instead Vlad forced himself to laugh along with the other guests. "Your flattery is too much for her, I think," he said in a loud, entirely friendly voice; and no one except those who knew him very well would be able to tell that there was simmering anger buried beneath his jovial exterior. For all extensive purposes he was just another guest, amused by the scene playing out before them. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-24 10:59 pm UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-25 01:03 am UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-25 03:09 am UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-25 04:05 am UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-25 05:45 am UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-25 06:08 am UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-25 07:31 am UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-25 12:09 pm UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-25 03:06 pm UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-25 04:31 pm UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-25 11:34 pm UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 12:50 am UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-26 01:32 am UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 03:13 am UTC

Re: Dining room - old_fashioned, 2010-06-26 04:29 am UTC

Re: Dining room - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 05:26 am UTC

ballroom vespertine 2010-06-24 06:55 pm UTC (link)

The dizziness was at first quite manageable to her. Each motion felt as if it were executed underneath a grave and heavy pool. Her eyes would squint at the spears of light which would pierce through the clouds, and it would mildly burn as if the illumination itself contained pieces of dust. In the past, there were occasions galore of her senses being in an addled state, but for all this to be happening in her nightmare so vividly (she still did hold fast to the belief that this couldn't be real.) and with the new, yet familiar contribution of a hungry voice... Lily was not precisely in the best of conditions. And the voice was beginning to get hungrier. Lucky enough was she to have eventually inquired to the right woman about what was happening to her, where she was, and if this was in fact a dream. She of course did not speak... was that Russian? But the woman, in her peasants garb and with her kindly crow-footed eyes, noted the olive undertone of Lily's skin and mistook her for having the blood of a gypsy. Of which, the old woman was one herself. She as well knew very little English once this was discovered, and informed Lily that the best place to be for warmth and answers might be the palace for the formal dinner tomorrow night. This, all of course, in Russian. Her confession was of course dotted, addled, and lost in translation, but when she'd pointed to the white palace and muttered: "Tomorrow. Dinner." Lily was swift to eagerly connect the dots. The old woman saw her shivering body, the rubbing of her cold arms for circulation, and offered her the barn to sleep in, only because there had been talk of witches, and she'd not want her in her house if they'd come looking for strangers. She was given a piece of bread, a portion of honey, and a small cup of goats milk. Not surprisingly, when came the moon, she was given another piece of bread and a bigger cup, but this one full of vodka. The rest of the story, well, consisted mainly of her being as polite as possible, falling asleep, hoping she'd wake up in her bed, and that the weakness in her limbs would subside. Instead, she woke up here again. And at the appropriate time, with more appropriate period pieces of garments, she was lead into the direction of the palace. The old woman did not follow, but rather swooped her finger around in a look in a way to inform her to go around the back. She had hid within the palace for quite some time and, since this was a dream, stole a dress. The voice, or was that her instincts? Loved the dresses! The room she'd found them in was full of them! How lovely! She wanted to play in there all day, that was, until of course the hunger came again... Thus, Lily had made her way into a corner of the ballroom, made more so unsteady because of all the dancing around her. She leaned against a wall for leverage and thought, under the music, she could hear the beating of hearts, the pumping of blood. But, she'd amended, that it was probably her own galloping within her ears. That was until she saw a child dancing, smiling--was that not a tiny heart she hear? No. It had to be her own. Oh, look at that darling little lamb... the hungry voice recited. Lily bit her lip, hard. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: ballroom dysmorphic 2010-06-24 07:36 pm UTC (link)

Was it insanity, a strangely vivid dream, or an unthinkable fantasy come to life? Sebastian did not know, but the situation he found himself in terrified him. It had been the first night in his new apartment, and suddenly...here he was, in Russia, in a time long past. The past few days had been spent sneaking about and attempting to remain unseen. From what Sebastian could tell, he had succeeded, and had even found clothes that surely belonged to someone of much higher social status than he. They did not suit him, he felt, and he could not assuage the nagging thoughts that everyone else could see right through his disguise. The constant fidgeting and uncomfortable look on his face were definitely not that of a noble. Sebastian had made his way into the ballroom by pure accident, but once he was there, he was afraid that it would seem suspicious were he to get up and leave as soon as he came. Of course, he told himself that no one would be paying attention to him, but even so, he decided not to risk it. Oh, but everyone was dancing, talking...Sebastian felt most out of place. How was he supposed to blend in? His eyes darted around the room, barely paying attention to what was in front of him as he slowly made his way forward. There was not a single familiar face -- not that he thought there would be -- and everyone else seemed to belong. Distracted by his thoughts, Sebastian almost walked right into the girl standing alone in front of him. He only just caught himself, but awkwardly bumped against her. "I'm sorry," He said hurriedly, mentally cursing himself for being so clumsy. "I was...looking around. I didn't hurt you, did I?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

vespertine 2010-06-24 07:54 pm UTC (link)

A gasp had been inhaled into her throat, but with how the cavalcade of music sweetly flooded the hallways, occupied empty corners, swung gracefully from chandeliers and lingered hauntingly through out the impressiveness of the palace, it was likely only heard by the one who had bumped into her. It had merely caught her off guard--so engrossed was she by the thirst for a thing she'd never felt so starved of. And the world grew even bleaker, with her vision along, prison gray and colors muting. Yet, still she stayed upon her feet. She had thought instantly that offending him would be very impolite; it was not his intention, it had been an accident to interrupt her daydream. She was actually quite grateful for it, considering the voice was lurid and tempting... and thinking such funeral, dire things. She didn't want him to go believing that he had hurt her, and thus she promptly, after the surprised noise had escaped so swiftly through her lips, offered this reassurance all soaked in an almost sickly tone: "Oh, no. No." with a smile, and a modest raise of her shaky, pale hand, her fingers thrilled through her dark hair. It was a nervous habit. "You didn't. Oh, you..." she furrowed her brow and canted her head. Odd. "You speak English?" Although it seemed as if her large, active eyes were focused on him alone, the trumpet of the little ones heart, or so what melody she believed to be its, chimed in her ears like beguiling, distant bells rung to ward off evil. "I'm so glad." she'd admitted, grinning through a sigh a relief. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

(no subject) - dysmorphic, 2010-06-25 01:59 am UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-25 03:42 am UTC

(no subject) - dysmorphic, 2010-06-25 04:23 am UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-25 05:22 am UTC

(no subject) - dysmorphic, 2010-06-26 05:06 am UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-26 05:37 am UTC

(no subject) - dysmorphic, 2010-06-26 06:07 am UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-26 07:23 am UTC

(no subject) - dysmorphic, 2010-06-26 04:25 pm UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-26 07:56 pm UTC

(no subject) - dysmorphic, 2010-06-26 08:22 pm UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-26 08:42 pm UTC

(no subject) - vespertine, 2010-06-26 09:25 pm UTC

hallway outside the ballroom beaute_endormie 2010-06-24 10:55 pm UTC (link)

Planning a dinner party in 1917 Russia was not so different than planning one in 2010 New York, as it turned out. Everything had to be carefully prepared, and sent to the former tsarina for approval. Things inevitably went wrong and Rosalie spent much of her first full day at the palace bringing messages back and forth for dealing with all of the last minute emergencies, which didn't exactly work a 9-5 schedule. She was running around all day, sometimes trying to communicate to people who only spoke Russian, but mostly having long conversations and arguments about what could and could not be done in 24 hours in German, her skills with which were getting quite a workout. It was exhausting. When Rosalie woke up on the day of the dinner, she hurt all over and she had a pounding headache that black coffee with breakfast did nothing to assuage. Today was supposed to be devoted to making sure Alexandra and her daughters looked immaculate, despite their recent troubles, which she had been able to pick up bits and pieces about as she worked. In between hair curling and stocking and dresses, there were more errands and Rosalie had to get ready herself. As a higher servant, she wasn't expected to actually work the dinner, but to attend and make herself available should the former empress need her for anything. Rosalie still didn't know exactly who they thought she was here, but she still carried herself in a way that was telling of her refined breeding, spoke flawless French and English, plus very good German, and could be considered by most standards of the time to be assumed to be a higher class foreign lady. Half an hour before the dinner, Rosalie was shivering. Perhaps the Russians were used to the cold that seemed to permeate even the palace, but she certainly wasn't. Dinner didn't allow for any additional layers either, so she dutifully corseted up without complaining and pulled on long white gloves and as many pairs of stockings as she could hide under her dress. She went to the ballroom first because dancing was physical exertion, wasn't it? A few dances in, her cheeks were flushed a feverish pink, but she was no less chilled. Feeling more than slightly nauseous, she excused herself from her dance partner and ducked out into the hall, desperate for air or heat or something. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, breathing heavily and willing herself to not throw up or do something equally embarrassing. (Reply to this)

In the kitchen. shebringscurses 2010-06-25 03:20 am UTC (link)

Vaughn had no interest in the formal dinner. Laughter and music echoed through the entryways, but it was almost a sound that she did not understand. She felt extremely out of place in Russia, and even the Witch was unusually silent over the course of the last day. Both of them had felt certain that their time in this strange land would have been over days ago, but here they were. Rather than assist in any of the evening's preparation, Vaughn had wandered the frozen outskirts of the palace, and then she'd taken her way through the halls while carefully slipping behind closed doors whenever someone official-looking came around the bend. And now, she put herself amongst the kitchen staff. They bustled around her, although almost all of the cooking had already been completed now that the dinner was in full swing. In her starched garments, she might have almost looked like she belonged there. Watching out the window, almost forlornly, while the snow drifted. She poured some wine that had been used in some dish's preparation into a teacup, and drank deeply from it. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: In the kitchen. labete 2010-06-25 05:39 am UTC (link)

That morning, as the palace hummed with activity in the dawn, Daniel and the Beast had an explosive argument. The Beast thought it was stupid to go in on two legs, especially considering their questioning the day previous. Daniel knew the Beast would make a spectacle of himself just trying to fit through the door, and he made several scathing remarks about how the experience would probably resemble a broken cork in a bottle before the Beast gave way in a long grumble of his medieval-istic swearing. ("God's teeth" and similar nonsense.) Finally, as the dinner began and the kitchens filled with steam, Daniel had slipped into the chaos. Nobody paid any attention to him as long as he was carrying something, moving something else, or chopping things; if he stood still too long, he acquired attention. As the majority of the staff stopped to breathe and slumped on long tables in a neighboring room to await the next few courses, Daniel started working on the knot of the apron. He caught sight of Jane out of the far corner of his eye, and immediately ghosted next to her like a bad phantasm that smelled of garlic. "Jane," he said urgently. "Where is Ella? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: In the kitchen. shebringscurses 2010-06-25 05:48 am UTC (link)

The voice didn't make sense, and Vaughn was appropriately startled by the swift juxtaposition of Daniel at her side. Blinking the oaken chocolate of her attention away from the newly emptied teacup -- which was stained with a red too thin to be blood -- she focused on him, uncomprehending. The world fell about her ankles as reality set in; Daniel was here, Daniel had been here the entire time? Was that why Ella gave her such scornful glances? Why she snuck out early that morning by herself? "I don't know," she whispered in wounded honesty. Why was he asking about her? The shocked swell of her eyes traced him as intimately as a knife. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: In the kitchen. - labete, 2010-06-25 06:06 am UTC

Re: In the kitchen. - shebringscurses, 2010-06-25 06:14 am UTC

Re: In the kitchen. - labete, 2010-06-25 06:34 am UTC

Re: In the kitchen. - shebringscurses, 2010-06-25 06:48 am UTC

Dining Room thimbledarling 2010-06-25 03:44 am UTC (link)

Tegan had been pulled away from Nick earlier as Lvov's servants came to prepare her for the dinner. She tried to stay with him, still worried about him, but they were insistent on getting her ready. "Getting ready" involved lacing into underthings that Tegan never wanted to wear again. They were constrictive and uncomfortable, and all she wanted was to be away from this place and with her brothers and wearing comfortable clothes. Instead, she was dressed in a gown and matching shoes, and hair curled up into a formal up-do, the servants tutting a bit at the shorter length of some of it. Once they deemed her appropriately dressed, she was escorted to Lvov's side for the dinner. She kept quiet, eyes wide and watching everything around her, trying to keep as far from him as possible. She tried searching for familiar faces, but the glitz of all the gowns and jewels began to give her a headache. (Reply to this)

Outside the palace bookshelved 2010-06-25 04:57 pm UTC (link)

[After witnessing this] After her interlude with Sam, Beauty had danced a few more dances, and then she'd slipped out of the ballroom quietly. She had seen Sam drag Joanie into an alcove on the way, and she gladly noted the fact that her friend was safe (and that she'd possibly found her prince). Beauty was a romantic, which her dear papa blamed on her adoration of books and reading, which was fairly unheard of in her time. The halls of the palace were candlelit in an intentional attempt to add to the romantic ambiance, and she could hear giggles and soft voices coming from darkened corners and cracked-open doors. The music carried, soft and delicate, on the night air, and the entire place had the feel of a fairy tale. As she wandered down the wide hall, she thought about the possibility of being here for an extended period of time, and she thought about the logistics of that eventuality. Her Beast would have trouble here, she knew, despite his confidence and strength. This was not their home, where Beasts lived in castles without persecution. This was a place where perceived witches (or monks) were burnt in the woods, and where science was ruler. The princesses here were hardly princesses, the princes were not immune, and merchant's daughters (like herself) toiled eternally and died young. None of this was acceptable. If Lvov could get them home, as he'd suggested he could, then he was worth aiding. She heard voices coming from the kitchen, and she followed them, listening for anything important. She didn't hear anything of note, but she saw something that made Ella, in her mind, shatter. Beauty, for her part, watched with a more detached eye as the woman she knew to be Jane kissed the man, Daniel. Beauty was stronger than Ella, more determined to find happiness in whatever form it was available to her. Her Beast could control Daniel; she knew that, and yet he was with the other woman in the kitchen instead. Beauty was not Ella, and she wasn't going to pine for something that wanted someone else. If her Beast wanted her, he would have found her. She thought Ella would be well served to follow the same course of action with this man. So, instead of approaching, crying or making a scene, she quietly backed out the way she came, not even waiting for Daniel's reaction to the kiss and the intimate tug. Getting out of the palace was easy enough, and she grabbed a warm, fur coat before she slipped out into the night air and walked away, letting the forest hide her as she blended into it. (Reply to this)

Ballroom nobleblood 2010-06-26 05:26 am UTC (link)

[From here.] Vlad forced himself to wait a few minutes after the Grand Duke led Helena out, listening to the woman beside him chatter mindlessly as he silently counted down the seconds. He couldn't look too eager, but he also couldn't wait too long and risk losing them in the crowd. Their connection would keep that from being too much of a problem, but he didn't want to make things any more complicated than they already were. I think I might be the only man brave enough to cut in. Unlike everyone else here, his standing means nothing to me. He already knew that distance didn't effect their connection in the slightest, and there was a hint of defiance in his tone that Dracula approved of. Once he thought enough time had passed to keep his departure from seeming too suspicious, he rose from the table and slipped through the throng of people to the ballroom floor. Partner-less women were ignored as he tried to catch sight of Helena and the Duke, determined to stay as close as he could to the pair. Everyone looked nearly identical, whirling gracefully in unison, but Helena's dress and the Grand Duke's voice helped him pinpoint there location. Satisfied that he could blend in and keep an eye on them at the same time, he barely paid attention to the woman tugging at his arm until she began to speak. Dismayed, he turned to find himself face to face once again with Alexandra, who was looking at him beseechingly and asking if she could speak to him in private for a moment. Torn between Helena and the Empress, he made a bold move and led her into the dance, deciding that he could do both things at once. If she wanted to talk, then they were going to talk where he could still see the Grand Duke. It also gave him the perfect interruption - if need be, surely the woman to distract the man would be the former tsarina herself. I think I need rescuing just as much as you do, Helena, he said grimly. Alexandra seemed momentarily surprised, but there was a gleam of recognition that shouldn't have been there as he led her in a careful pattern around the other dancers, never straying too far from the Grand Duke. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Ballroom old_fashioned 2010-06-26 03:39 pm UTC (link)

There was a moment of hesitation as she walked into the ballroom, worried that perhaps she might give herself away if she didn't know what they were dancing. But waltzing she knew, and the Grand Duke was a fine dancer, and she found her guard falling down a little as they twirled around the floor. He smiled as he saw her relax and pulled her closer, an unfortunately more acceptable proximity while dancing than while they were dining. Vlad's voice cut through her and she had to force herself to not glance in his direction for too long. She caught glimpses of the Empress in his arms and she frowned slightly. The woman had a look about of her, perhaps a masked eagerness and an edge of familiarity, and it had Helena worrying. What does she need? Other than a dance, I assume. The woman hadn't been staring at Vlad all night for some waltzing. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Ballroom nobleblood 2010-06-26 04:25 pm UTC (link)

The plan to not glare at the Grand Duke didn't get off to a very good start, but he managed to catch himself before too many people could notice and arrange his expression into a more appropriate one. It wasn't easy to dance and watch Helena at the same time, so he settled for a glance every now and then, just to keep her in sight. She wants to talk, but I highly doubt speaking to her in private would look much better than this. With an inward sigh, Vlad realized he couldn't keep avoiding her when she was right in front of him. Finally meeting her gaze, he tried to look as though he only recognized her by reputation. "I think you have mistaken me for someone else," he said quietly, his voice barely a whisper to keep away the other curious dancers. Alexandra shook her head softly, seeming to some to some sort of conclusion. "You have no need to pretend with me," she whispered back in heavily accented English. "I heard the rumors, but I dared not believe... not until now." He stared down at her, frowning; but Dracula's annoyed voice cut across his confusion, not caring about the fact that Helena could hear as well. Idiot. Can you not tell who she thinks you are? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Ballroom - old_fashioned, 2010-06-26 05:35 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 05:56 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - old_fashioned, 2010-06-26 07:09 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 07:31 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - old_fashioned, 2010-06-26 11:04 pm UTC

Re: Ballroom - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 11:13 pm UTC

Outside the Palace wickedwicker 2010-06-26 11:27 am UTC (link)

{Continued from this } Of course they were going to be careful! After all, they were from the 21st century. They had computers and cars and robots. There was nothing that they couldn't handle in Backwardsville. Sam and Joanie made their way through the hallway, passing mingling partygoers as they gossiped and giggled about dead men rising and the Grand Duke's new favorite ladies. Though Joanie had no idea who those women were, her heart went out to them. Clearly, they were the sacrificial lambs of this party. Sam and Joanie approached the front doors of the palace, and decided that a breath of fresh air would do them both some good. They grabbed their coats and walked outside into the cool night air. The grounds seemed peaceful at first, though as they approached their edge, an angry mob of peasants could be seen. Tensing, Joanie grabbed Sam's arm. They were shouting words she didn't understand, but the loathing on their faces was a good translation. "Shit," she whimpered as they started to mobilize. (( OOC: Hope this works as a setup for the awesome Everybody Hates Being in Russia thread! )) (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Outside the Palace tiger_says_rawr 2010-06-26 02:55 pm UTC (link)

Oh yeah, there was nothing they couldn't handle in Russia during the revolution. They were totally going to be care - what the hell. "Alright, fight or flight instincts should kick in right about...now," Sam said, just as Shere Khan started roaring. The sound rattled his brain but he turned, tugging on Joanie's hand. "Here's where we run." Let me out! If they want a tiger, I'll give them one! Shere Khan snarled, and he was filled with pure hatred and desire to sink his teeth and claws into human flesh. It made Sam shiver, and not from the cold air. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Outside the Palace bookshelved 2010-06-26 04:48 pm UTC (link)

Things were very bad outside, which Beauty had noticed soon enough herself (but the trees had been willing to hide her, and she had no worry for herself), and when the voices of the mob outside raised, she knew it had to be someone from Bellum. Angry and determined to change her own circumstances as she was, she wasn't willing to just let these people die. Ella had gone completely, unceasingly silent in her mind, and Beauty sighed. Maybe that was for the best right now. She carefully made her way to the forest's edge; getting herself caught wouldn't help anyone. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-26 05:39 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-26 05:52 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 05:59 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - thimbledarling, 2010-06-26 06:16 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 06:52 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-26 07:21 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-26 08:24 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - thimbledarling, 2010-06-26 08:51 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 09:15 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-26 09:28 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-26 09:45 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-26 10:07 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-26 10:27 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - thimbledarling, 2010-06-26 10:43 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - nobleblood, 2010-06-26 11:35 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-26 11:53 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-27 12:57 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - thimbledarling, 2010-06-27 01:46 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-27 01:55 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-27 02:30 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - nobleblood, 2010-06-27 02:57 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-27 03:22 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-27 03:31 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - shebringscurses, 2010-06-27 04:08 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-27 04:20 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-27 04:44 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - old_fashioned, 2010-06-27 05:27 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-27 05:36 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-27 05:48 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - nobleblood, 2010-06-27 06:15 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-27 06:25 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - dysmorphic, 2010-06-27 06:33 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - shebringscurses, 2010-06-27 06:58 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-27 08:41 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-27 08:53 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - labete, 2010-06-27 08:58 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-27 11:22 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - dysmorphic, 2010-06-27 11:46 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-27 12:00 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-27 04:49 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-27 05:39 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-27 05:47 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-27 06:01 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-27 06:23 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-27 06:33 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - nobleblood, 2010-06-27 07:35 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-27 07:50 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-27 10:06 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - thimbledarling, 2010-06-27 10:54 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-27 11:10 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - old_fashioned, 2010-06-27 11:32 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - wickedwicker, 2010-06-27 11:55 pm UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - tiger_says_rawr, 2010-06-28 12:37 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-28 12:59 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - nobleblood, 2010-06-28 01:28 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - vespertine, 2010-06-28 01:58 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - bookshelved, 2010-06-28 02:11 am UTC

Re: Outside the Palace - veridicality, 2010-06-28 02:57 am UTC