Packages & Dealings: part 3

[Leo]

Both the Attendants - Jenna and Calisa - saw how Violet positioned herself against Leo but it was not there place to say anything about it and so they wouldn't. Leo, for his credit, made a dip of his shoulder and hung that arm back a second more when he started walking before pulling it up to meet with the rest of him.. It was a slight and non to obvious way of easing back her position. He would have laughed - and a smile was there too - but he was slightly on the ware. Females did not simply bring along their female friends to meet the person they were interested in, but they brought them to have another evaluation. Perhaps this was not true of Gwen but Leo could only go on what he knew and whether Violet was formally assigned the task of checking him for faults he was sure it may be subconsciously done anyway.

"A grand entrance indeed." Leo stated. And that it would be! Seeing Leo with one female would be brow raising enough, but two? That would be enough to make more than a few hushed whispers travel along those there. This was not something he worried of because there was always talk of one type, it was simply something that was.

"People will be curious of the two of you, but don't make a matter of it," he explained as they walked, "they are only curious. I will be there and you, Violet, will have an escort as well. Would not do for you to be at dinner alone." Technically, as their two attendants would be there, they would never really be 'alone' but Jenna and Calisa were not considered Escorts.

The weight of the extra person on him did add to the pressure upon his leg but Leo was versed enough to not let it speak across his face and he kept his motion steady. He turned his head to look at Gwen. "I invited you here so that you could see a portion of my world." Only a portion, however, this portion could say a lot.

Down the steps and a little more they could see the Ballroom doors coming into sight.

The ballroom was made up to appear in a grandiose style. Located on the main floor and completely around the other side of the Manor, one side of the room was against the outside wall and it was fully lined with floor to ceiling windows. Natural light from outside and from the moon filtered in to spot the floor and add it’s own sparkle to the low lighting currently there.

Low light did not mean that it was dark, but rather that the room had a feeling of dusk, or pre-dawn: it was bright enough for the average person to see without complications and it was dark enough for those with light-sensitive eyes to not be overly annoyed.

Melodious music string instruments drifted over the occupants and through the large double doors that marked the entrance. The notes were soothing and have an old style; and many of the guests were dressed in a quasi-modern version of a classic. The hum of conversation also lined the air of people not only speaking Common but a few others as well.

It was a dinner but there were no formal tables for seating or people sitting down at them, instead servants weaved their way in and out of the crowd carrying serving trays with fingers foods and drinks. There were even a couple dessert trays making rounds. For those who needed a table, a few lavender cloth covered round tables were at the sides in between marble columns.

The whole room was sunken down in the floor so that those entering had to go down six steps – not much at all – to reach the bottom. This was done so that the announcer at the door could call out the name of the one who arrived. The Announcer was a male dressed well in the House Coat and colors of the Marqués.

As the entourage approached the Announcer clicked his heels and turned to face them. "Bueños noches, lord Mînguez," addressing Leo first before looking to the two on his arm. "And how shall I announce you?"

"Ladies?" Leo asked Gwen and Violet, "What would you like him to say to announce your entrance?"

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Violet was not exactly subtle…but she didn’t worry about it or give it a second thought, she knew that Gwen wouldn’t get any sort of implication even if she saw exactly what Violet did. Having someone around that was so innocent of so many things had it’s advantages. Gwen wasn’t like most females, and in reality she had only brought Violet because he had said the ride was a long one, and she was not one that liked to travel long distances on her own. Violet had nothing said to her about Leo that Al and Peter Pip did not get told. Though she was the white kitten that Leo had helped find, so perhaps there was something in that on its own?

A grand entrance, was something that Violet would be up for, Gwen might shy away just a bit. The girl felt comfortable in her bare skin, yet in a room of people she didn’t know all looking at her, for the first moment never was a comfortable thing.

Now, curiosity was something that Gwen was familiar with. “Mkay.” Before Violet paused and looked up to Leo, a sly little look at that. “You are not going to escort us both?” A small playful pout that was shot simply to Leo but not one that Gwen would see. The other girl was off looking around where they were walking.

The warmth of her hand on Leo’s arm would get warmer marginally the longer her hand was upon him, due to the hurt in his leg, but she would continue to be oblivious about it. Really the only one that would know her hand was getting warmer would be Leo, because it was attempting to suck some of the pain, and until it got more then a small trickle she wouldn’t feel a thing. A warm smile would be lifted up to Leo. “You didn’t have to show me this portion.” She knew that he was a private person and she had taken that at face value.

As they went along and the room came into sight, well the double doors that was, and the music coming from behind them. Once they did enter she would find things a bit different but different was good. How did they want to be announced went right over Gwen’s head. “Um….Not her fault that they are late.” She nodded, perhaps it wasn’t what Leo expected to have her say but he said that they were late, and she wasn’t aware of the announcing of people when they entered a room. Violet on the other hand spoke out, “How ever you think is best.” Simper simper.

[Leo]

In different circumstances Leo would have been quite the funny character and used what Gwen had said as the announcement of her name. It would have been amusing and the idea of doing it still could be seen on his face. Thought he had mentioned that the party had begun he had not expected her to think that there was anything wrong with being late. He could see that she was worried. “I will escort you both for the start, but not for the extension.” There was his smile as always.

“Ah but Miss Violet, name announcement is not something for me to decide,” standing at the door still he exchanged brief glances with the Announcer and gave a playful shrug of his shoulders. “If she wants to be known to everyone as ‘Not her fault that they are late.’ And have them call her that while she is here, then who am I to go against it? There is no ‘late’ when you are with me, for you can choose to stay as long or as short a time as you wish.” The man did have a sense of humor and at times like this it sometimes showed, it could be due to the fact that it would take his mind off of his leg.

The wound wasn’t hurting too badly and maybe that was be the pain was being transferred to Gwen, even if it wasn’t being healed? He didn’t know if her ability healed as well as take the pain, but if it is taking the pain . . . then his lady would start to feel a lot of it. He may be able to appear as though he wasn’t in pain on the outside, but internally was different.

He would better explain what he meant by how they wanted to be announced because was not going to assign them names. “Let us try this again, shall we?” He smiled to both Gwen and Violet before addressing the Announcer. “Lord Eleuterio Mînguez and….” The name rolled very smoothly off his tongue and almost sounded as if it were one word instead of two. Leo would trail off at that and turn to the ladies. They could take his example and give a name too, right?

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

But Gwen didn’t realize that, she was just saying what was the first thing to go to the front of her mind. Which was what normally happened, not one to think about things to much in the beginning, more of the sort to just say what was on her mind. Thankfully it had not gotten her into to much trouble as of yet. She was raised to always be early not late! And Violet looked over to Leo. “So your not going to just pawn me off on someone else right off?” That was a good thing to know that she wasn’t going to be separated from them right away. How else was she to make her point known to Leo?

Now Violet thought about that, it was what she would be known as and as he said, Miss Violet she thought that would work so she piped up. “Miss Violet.” And Gwen well she thought about it as well, did she want to be known as Not her fault they were late? Not really that would be a mouthful, and she would tell Leo and Violet as much. “I dare say having them call me that would be to much of a mouthful, what about, Miss Gwendolyn?” Wasn’t that what Leo had the ladies at the shop call her when she showed up there? The very thought of her time with Leo at the clothing shop had a soft smile forming over her features before she gave herself a mental shake. It would not do to be thinking of such at the moment, especially when they were about to go into a room full of people, and her thoughts were moving to the feel of his lips upon her own.

As for the leg pain, it should be dulling, not just a masking of pain but a healing of sorts. It wasn’t as powerful as it would have been if she would have been in full Angel mode. As it was she gave a soft cough and lifted her free hand to cover her mouth, it was when she was lowering her hand that a single dark blue butterfly flew out from that hand, and she blinked. Before she started to look around, her voice became soft. “Did you…the butterfly…where did it?” She looked so lost. Her hand was lifted and she was studying it. She must of took more of his pain because there was a dark green butterfly that one moment was not on her hand and the next it popped out. There was no ripping of flesh, it just simply showed up, getting a bit bigger before flying away. This would cause her head to tilt as she watched it, fly away and join the dark blue butterfly, her eyes round as saucers went back to look at Leo, questioning. The truth was if she hadn’t been so shocked to see the butterflies coming from her hand, she would of realized that it actually tickled, perhaps it was the butterflies legs that tickled her so.

[Leo]

It decisively would have been better if Leo had never seen the butterflies that came from Gwen's hand. At least not in this setting.

He had turned to the Announcer and fed him the name in which Violet and Gwen wished to be called, turned back to the ladies, prepared to take them in. Consequently, things hardly fall into all the places that they are suppose to and Leo heard their names being announced as though he had his head underwater. Background noise, that's all that was in comparison to what he saw come out of Gwen's hand.

Leo blinked, thinking that perhaps the flowery fragrances of the room were affecting him and he was seeing things, but when he saw a second butterfly and the look on Gwen's face that was proof enough that it was no illusion. He quickly let go of her hand. Rational thinking told him that his leg feeling better was connected to the butterflies and, if that was going to happen, then it wouldn't. He turned to the doorway after having trained his face back to it's usual pleasantry.

Since they had been announced there were the few people who stopped what they were doing in the room and turned their attention to the door. From inside you were able to see some of those by the door, but none had seen the butterflies. It wasn't too determined how the people in the room felt about magic - some liked it while others didn't, and even one or two were magical in and of themselves. A chuckling smile and he waved his hand and gave a simple, "Carry on," to the crowd. The people knew that he was there and that would have to be enough for the time being.

Turning back to the ladies he first gave the Announcer a look that spoke more than his words and went to press his hands on the back of Gwen's shoulder to usher her away from the Ballroom and back down to where they came. Violet could come, of course.

He spoke quietly to her. "You didn't tell me about the butterflies."

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

It would have been better if Leo never saw the butterflies at least in this setting? It wasn’t that Gwen was paying attention to Leo at the moment, her hand had just spawned not one but two butterflies, that was enough to take one’s attention off of the ones they were with.

Not only was she in shock by the butterflies but Leo dropped her hand like a hot potato so it was left hanging there, before something in her recovered enough to put her hand down. She stood stock still after Leo dropped her hand. Not moving even as he did his little hand thing to the others that had looked up. Talk about catching a girl unawares, once the door was open she could see what was going on in there, and the fact that she had a shocked look upon her face, wasn’t glimpsed for long. Because Leo was ushering her away from the room like a errant child. His hands were pressed against the back of her shoulder during the ushering.

It was while the two were moving away from the room, and the announcer had already announced that they were there, so Violet thought that maybe if she went down and joined the festivities they might take it as a lovers quarrel or something of that sort, something that might not look so bad if she had gone off with them. So into the room she went to start to mingle.

Gwen on the other hand heard Leos words. Did he even spare a thought for her? He was all about the butterflies about the fact of others in the place, did he even notice the fact she was thoroughly shocked? She wouldn’t speak until they stopped walking. Wherever it was that they had stopped. Lifting her gaze up towards Leo’s, he would notice her eyes were shifting to a deep blue almost purple hue. Her voice came out softly, as she shook her head. “I didn’t know about the butterflies.” It was funny that he just assumed things, he knew this was new to her, he seemed to take her sprouting wings way easier then the butterflies which other’s might of taken as they had gotten inside and went to her. She took a small breath. “I don’t even know why my hand was having butterflies.” Meaning she hadn’t realized that Leo was hurt and that her Angel side was peeking out trying to help him, and he was acting like she was a Leper or a child that needed to be spanked and sent to bed.

She had never been treated in such a manner, like a wayward child, and it had her upset. She knew that Cyrus would of never pushed her away from entering somewhere because of such a thing. Nor would of Archer unless it was to drag her into his lab to do experiments on the butterflies from her hands. But Leo, her guy, was making her feel bad about things she couldn’t even control. It was like that never even slipped into his mind. Obviously she knew what she was doing right? And she couldn’t even control it when he was taking her into a dinner, that she had not known anything about until she had gotten to the manner. Surprise you’re here and we are having a huge dinner, so hurry up and get ready no rest after the long ride.

Out of sorts was young Miss Gwen, that had to be what caused her to pull away from Leo. “Your missing your dinner Leo.” The words were spoken rather quietly, before she slipped away with angry little feet pounding on the ground, rapidly, making her way back to the room that Leo had just picked her up from.

[Leo]

To ask his opinion Leo had not been harsh with Gwen, he did not yell nor did he even whisper harshly at her when he said what he had about the butterflies. Instead he had only ushered her away and spoke quietly so as not to rouse up anything that shouldn't have been. The level of her discomfort over it was only something that he could say was typical female behavior. They were delicate things and to be moved along could be much harder on them then it was meant to be.

Jenna followed, of course, because that is what she was supposed to do, but she kept her distance. When it was that Gwen pulled away he did not reach out to pull her back, if she wanted to leave then he would let her. The same went for the party: if she would have rather stayed in her room or done something else she could have, this place wasn't a prison and she did not have to go with the plans that were already laid out. Therefore, Leo was letting her do what she wanted to do for now. He felt she needed to collect herself and what better way to do that then without him?

Leo stayed in the area of where he was and squeezed the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger; and occasionally muttered a few words under his breath in his native tongue. He needed to calm himself after seeing a physical manifestation from her that dealt with him. He wasn't a stranger to things, but there were some things you'd rather others didn't know.

This was the reason why Jenna was following after Gwen. "My Lady, please wait. Hold a moment!" she called after her, "Why are we running away?" Asking these things as she caught up with her.

Just as Jenna had gone with Gwen, Calisa would follow after Violet walking only a step behind her and to the side so she was easily seen and they could talk with ease. It wouldn't do to have her feeling as though she were alone.

"Are you alright, Miss?" inquired Calisa quietly, all while keeping a smile on her face and giving nods to the people who looked their way. Calisa would follow to wherever Violet went.

There were plenty of people for her to mingle with: like the lady they had run into while going to her room, or even the man, with a pulled back ponytail of dark brown and surrounded by important looking people, who was watching her.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Actions were louder then words. He had them announced the door opened and instead of stepping towards the door, any and all that were looking at the door, saw him ushering her away from the open door instead of through it. When there was a group of people they talked, and Gwen got enough whispers on her own, without someone drawing attention towards her. The fact she looked shocked outta her knickers should of told Leo she couldn’t of told him about the butterflies because she had not a clue about them!

She never was told she had a choice. When she got there it was hurry hurry we have to get you ready for the dinner. And she being Gwen, went along with everything, he should know that she wouldn’t just put her foot down on something. If she thought she was suppose to do it, she usually did it, usually. And when it was something that Leo had wanted, it made even more sense that she would go with the flow of things, not asking a ton of questions, especially when the girls weren’t the most forthcoming, for it wasn’t their place to tell her things.

Gwen was young, it was something that Leo knew, if he thought about it. Things that might not seem big to him, as he was older, might seem big to her. Things like butterflies sprouting from her hands might seem big to him, but try being the one with the butterflies sprouting from your hands. It was freaky! Then to be tugged away when the door opened it was like a errant child. A punishment if you would, like a parent in the supermarket that takes their child outside to scold them, even if he had not scolded her.

Pausing at Jenna’s words, she gave a soft sniffle, but she did not turn to face Jenna. She knew that Jenna’s loyalty was to Leo, and she did not want to tell Jenna anything that she could take back to him. She was upset! And she would speak ever so softly, tears had not flowed, just the sniffles. So when Jenna did catch up, there was nothing to see. “He is embarrassed by me.” She did not stop walking instead she waited to pause until she reached the door. Casting a quick glance to Jenna. “You don’t have to miss the dinner…” Just because Gwen was didn’t mean that Jenna should too.

Violet had a smile pasted upon her face, as she and Calisa made their way into the dinning room. Her violet gaze was daring around taking in everything, the smile that was upon her lips started to turn up and warm a bit. She had just noticed the man, the one with the dark brown hair pulled back in a pony tail, and was about to ask Calisa if she knew whom he was, for she was there and she knew people.

Distracted she was by the question, she turned that smile with a bit of her head, upon Calisa. “Of course! Why would something be amiss with me? I am not the one that was shown away from the door.” A soft laugh escaped, without a care if other’s heard her laughing, for she had not heard that about any rules that said laughter was forbidden.

Then she moved a bit closer to Calisa. “So what should I know? Who’s toes should I be careful to avoid?” Even as she said that she was ducking around one of the servers.

[Calisa]

Violet could laugh as she pleased as there were no such rules against laughing. The fact was that people did laugh and carry on at parties and there may have even been a few patches of it here and there to be heard as they moved about the floor. As Violet told Calisa she was okay the attendant would think no more of it but carry onward. 

She saw it as a game of politics: one person stay while the other didn't and causes the people who were looking to think things that may or may not be the case. Afterwards any such thoughts were used to someone's advantage. It was only how Calisa thought as that was the typical reality of things ever since she came to service here. 

To keep from reaching out to hold Violet's arm and curl into her and spill gossip like schoolyard girls, Calisa folded her hands in front of her. Though she did lean in a bit more - this girl really was a talker if let go. "That man over there, is Baron Laudervolg," she pointed out the rather round man near a side table. "And Madame Che'Eleeis Dufont," noted of the thin and tall lady who was made even taller by the extensive undo her red hair was designed in. "And the Duke of Wintercrest, they all think that they are deserving of the most affirmations as they are the top investors in the Marqués' stock. Oh and you remember Misaki no miya." Calisa gave a roll of her eyes and didn't bother to look in the direction of that lady longer than it took to say the name and pass on. 

The people that were pointed out looked to be human but as was common, looks were deceptive. "They're nothing but Brown-nosers Miss Violet and would likely use you to their advantage if it were opportune to do so."

The two of them were still being watched, casually, by the brown haired male, someone that if Violet had asked who it was the Calisa was avoiding the answer. Servers pasted by them carrying trays with food and drink, stopping long enough to see if they wanted something before moving forward. 

The brown-haired man always had a couple people around him but, at that particular moment, the people by him stepped back as Leo approached him. He had to be saying something - and whatever it was, it was short - and off Leo went. Out of the room. Calisa appeared nervous for a moment before turning back again to face Violet. 

"Do you dance?" She asked. "You should dance. I'm sure any of the men here would like to dance." There were people dancing on one section of the floor as couples to the music being played by the orchestra. 

Back at Gwen's room Jenna had stayed, she wouldn't have left to go to the party for it would not have been the right thing to do. "I'm sure it isn't anything like that my Lady," Jenna was trying to be reassuring. "It was a long trip. Perhaps rest? Are you sure you do not wish to go back?"

[Violet]

Good good because rules against laughing were not fun or good rules at all! At least not in this girls book. And that was the only book that she thought was currently important. That might change but for now it had not. It was probably a good thing that the attendant would carry on for else Violet might of looked funny trudging on, with her standing still and behind or turning and going the other way.

Some people had hidden agendas that was always truth. Others had nothing to hide or did not understand the reason why some would hide things about themselves, because it made them…well them.

If she would of chose option A, Violet would of thought nothing of it, for the moment she might appear posed and maybe even polished but she was a young girl after all as well. Known for fits of temper, for passions ran deep under this girls skin, and where there were fits of temper, there were other things that could be found rather enjoyable as well. If one could get her to channel her passions where they wished them to be. There was a laugh a second one that skipped out when she heard the descriptions. It was rather amusing to hear. Her violet gaze would dart between them all, from under lowered lashes, secretly so unless one was watching her, they wouldn’t notice her peeking at the others. Maybe the man that keep peeking towards her would notice though, one never knows.

Her voice was soft as she spoke back. “It seems that brown nosers are all about.” Not just here but everywhere, yes men and women, that were in place either because the one that they were bowing to wished it, or simply because the one that they knee toed to needed them for a reason, and they needed the other for their own purposes. She wasn’t a brown noser, and normally she said things that were not what others wanted to hear, in fact Calisa should be glad that Violet had a muzzle of sorts this night. At least in the hall before entering the room.

When the person with the drinks stopped by Violet grabbed a long stemmed glass, and fingers curled around the stem, before she took a small drink of the liquid unsure of what she had grabbed before lowering the glass allowing fingers to play with the stem of the glass.

Avoidance only made the curious ones more curiouser. And that curiosity grew even larger, when she caught sight of Leo, a Gwenless Leo at that, coming in and speaking to the man. She wished they were closer yet she had a feeling that even if they were, she wouldn’t of been able to hear anything. But it had drawn her attention again. “Calisa, whom is the man that Leo is speaking with?” Perhaps if Leo had not entered in she wouldn’t of flat out asked whom the man was. But Leo was someone she was paying attention to when he was in a room, was it because of Gwen or was it because of an attraction of her own, she wouldn’t say. There wasn’t a shortness of breath or a blush or any sign that would show that it was the latter of the two.

Did she dance. “I have danced before.” That was true enough. “But not like that. And surely one has to wait for a gentleman to ask. Can’t seem to forward.” At which she got a devilish look out of Violet before she went all demure once more.

Maybe if Violet knew what was going on with Gwen she would be in a different state of mind, yet maybe not, for her job of watching over the girl had ended when the immediate threats were gone.

[Marqués del Stry]

It was with a small wave of his hand that the dark-haired man moved away from the people he was engaged with in conversation. Only partially listening to their talk that had picked up after Leo had hurriedly whispered to him and left, this man had been watching Violet. He knew who she was and it may be that he knew that she saw him too.

Now she was looking around the room and he began to casually weave his way through the crowd to lessen the distance. Dressed well his attire bore the colors of those that were the servants of the house, but he was not one of them. The straightness of his back and demeanor in his step were of authority and it helped that no one crowded in about him as he went.

He came into distance with Calisa and Violet only to see the Attendant give a bow with lowered eyes before stepping back away from her charge. When he spoke the accent was stronger than it was in Leo's voice. "Mucho Gusto, Señora," though the accent was there the words were very smooth as he came up from behind her and stood just to the side of her right shoulder. Tall, the man stood around six feet and his frame was slightly broad. Hands clasped together in front and down his brown eyes locked on her, taking in her dress and the way she stood as he made his own assessment.

"To pretty, you are, to be standing here alone," left hand went out in an effort to take her own. "Come. We will dance."

[Violet]

It would be rather hard for her not to notice the man. Not only because she paid attention to the movements that Leo made when he was in the room. Nor because of the way that people seemed to flock around him. It was because he seemed to have a commanding aura. Those things drew her attention, though he would not have her staring straight at him, oh no she was better then that. She had very good side vision, among other things.

She was getting ready to say something else when she noticed Calisa stopped talking. And stepped away, lips parted to say something else instead those words also died on her lips. Her head turned just a bit, taking in the man that had spoken to Leo was now almost beside her. She would slowly turn her body to an angle that showed off her form. The dress that Calisa had picked out for her fit her rather well, and when she was dressed in such nice clothing it was easier, easier not to feel out of place. Her head tilted up just a fraction, for she wasn’t overly tall, she was actually a bit on the short side. “Hello…” She almost curtsy’d but she did not.

His words brought a rather warm smile upon her lips, her eyes twinkled just a bit, as her own hand moved out to take the hand he offered. Her skin was warm and soft, not overly so, but she was not frozen like some nor was she burning with heat. She was not flustered in the least, or if she was, it was completely hidden. “It will be my pleasure to dance with you.” Not that he really asked he more like stated it. But he did not look like a man that was told no often, though the imp in her wished to tell him such, but he had paid her a compliment and she did want to dance.

Her eyes searched out Calisa for a moment to see what sort of look was upon her face. Before she glanced back to him. She would wait for him to lead them out, but when he took steps she would move easily with him, gracefully. Perhaps she knew more then she let on, such as she had a good hunch whom he was, by actions and words she had heard. But it didn’t matter she would of danced with him either way.

[Marqués del Stry]

Not many people around him - whether at work, home, and even those assembled at the dinner - denied the things that he asked for because when they did things happened that were otherwise best not spoken. Those that could openly deny him were among the very few, but he still had his manners for he told her what he was going to do before taking her from where she was and to a more suitable spot on the floor for dancing.

He walked in an easy way however, instead of holding her hand down or somewhere between the two of them the Marqués held her arm across his waist and to his other. When they reached the spot on the floor this made it easier for him to extend his arm to spin her around before taking her other hand in the beginnings of a dance. "The pleasure of the dance is mine, Señora." The words came smoothly as did his motions in the dance.

Eyes were kept upon her, a hidden smile behind them. Calista? When she had seen that the Marqués had taken an interest she stepped back and off to the side to await for when she was needed, though she was still watchful in case Violet were to motion her over. She gave her an encouraging look, especially when she saw that Misaki no miya looking at the dancing couple with a look that was less than happy.

The Marqués seemed to keep his attention on Violet even though he knew of the other things going on about him - bits of conversation here and there making their way to his ear. Everyone was interested in the person that he was dancing with so others about the room looked, some openly while others tired to be discrete. "Tell me, Señora," he asked, "Why did you choose to stay?" When she could have gone off to see to her friend.

[Violet]

He did have that aura about him. The sort that said he did not expect anyone to tell him no or not to do as he wished. It was probably for the best that this was just a dance, because this was the sort of thing she liked to do, tell those people no. Even if she didn’t mean she liked to be stubborn with them. But then again, during this time she was a guest in the house, and she figured as much that it was his. To many signs pointed that out to her, and since she was a guest of his by proxy, ala Leo and Gwendolyn, she would be a gracious little guest. And he did, he told her before he just pulled her along, it made sense.

Most did not walk out the way that he had with her, though she had been positioned in such a fashion before, but it had been a while. Most men that she had danced with did not really have such clues and she wasn’t a teacher, and the one time she tried to teach a man, well his ego had gotten all bruised and he simply walked away. When he spun her out she was prepared and she moved gracefully out into the spin before turning back into his arms. Fingers clasped lightly against his hands, readjusting as needed, it was his words that brought that smile to her lips. “We shall see.” About whom’s pleasure of course!

Well Calisa was there to make sure she didn’t make any faux paus right? And she was not the sort to step away from being in an attractive mans arms, that would just be silly, so she would move to lift her head just so. Violet gaze latching upon him a moment, though eyes were the window to the soul, her eyes did not reveal a thing. The smile that was upon her lips notched up a bit, because the man did know how to dance, it made her enjoy the movements even more so. When one was as graceful with their movements they sometimes have a hard time finding a dance partner that complimented them so.

Even when feeling eyes on one’s back didn’t cause a slip in the movement or the smile. In fact her smile might of taken on a different quality, though not one that was a negative, for the most part. Oh, she wouldn’t do anything she shouldn’t smiles were nothing bad were they? She was the sort that liked to rise to challenges though. When he asked her about Gwen, she had a ready answer, and she would speak it to him, her voice not out of breath from the dance moves. ‘Why did you chose to stay?’ Well that had a few answers, and so she spoke, a couple of things at once. “After we were announced, I thought it would look better if I came through still, the others might think that Leo whisked Gwen off for some reason or other. Have you seen the size of the beds in our rooms? I am sure it’s going to be a lonely night.” A glance down a moment before lifting her head back up. “And she had Leo with her, she didn’t need her friend. But then I saw Leo come in here and speak with you.” In a way she had just told him that he had her attention before he came over to her. “I am guessing she is alone now but she still has Jenna…and I am rather enjoying myself.” A pause. “Unless you are trying to get rid of me, the unwelcome guest that tagged along with the invited.” She would wait of course to see what he had to say to that.

[Marqués del Stry]

"Who's part is it, then, that you are playing?" His words came with a subtle smirk to his otherwise charming smile before he continued speaking, "Are you Miss Gwen, or are you Miss Violet? Aside from myself, Leo, and a few servants the guest here don't know which one it is that you are."

He knew that she was Violet even though they were yet to exchange names and on the same term he assumed that she knew who he was so for now he felt that introductions would be frivolous. "Whichever you are to them is up to you." Maybe, he thought, she was a woman of opportunity and if there was an advantage to pretending to be someone she was not then perhaps she would take it. What the opportunity was, was something that he could only guess at.

During one of their turns on the floor he caught the look that the lady Misaki no miya was giving but he didn't give her much more than a glance. "For what they know, it is that you could be mi cariña and I am showing you off for them to see." He could have been serious, there was nothing about his face to suggest otherwise.

"For that, there is no reason for the wanting to rid you of my presence." In a way saying that she was still welcome in his home whether or not she was with her friend, Gwen. "I'm sure that your friend is in good hands. Myself... I stay for enough time to not be rude before I move to things that are more of interest."

Sure that there were things that interested him that did not deal with the party.

He was quiet for a moment or two before he spoke again. "As for the beds.. some people are very, how you say, físico?" Taking a pause as he thought of the Common word for it. "Ah physical, with bedroom activities." His smile could have said a lot of things right then.

[Violet]

Who’s part was she playing? That sounded out to herself, but then again, she had a feeling that perhaps there were people that would jump at the chance to be someone else. Sure herself could be accused of not being herself when she was doing certain things, or like how she had gotten Gwen’s attention in the beginning. But for this, a slow smiled slipped over her lips, if one didn’t know her very well they might think she looked like the cat that caught the mouse. “Oh, I am most defiantly playing the part of Miss Violet. She has more fun.” And then that look that crossed her features became purely impish.

It was very true, she knew whom he was, even without a name being assigned to him. She had heard stories though not really of him, on the way here, she also listened when people talked when she first entered the room. People always talked, one just had to listen while looking as if they were not having a thought in there head about doing such. If one was good with schooling their features they could get away with that quite a bit. “I don’t think it matters to them whom I am…except for the fact that I am dancing with you at the moment.”

She was rather graceful, at least when she danced, all of her movements were made in fluid motions. A look crossed her features just a moment. “I am not sure what that means, because I admit the only Spanish word I know is Hola,” A small pause, “”But that is probably true that they wouldn’t have a clue. Do you normally dance with ladies you don’t know at your dinners?” She was merely asking because of the curiosity she had.

At his words her head gave a small dip of her head in an acknowledgement of sorts. And because he in way had the same thought she did, she figured things would be fine or they wouldn’t but it wasn’t her place to butt in. Not unless she was asked to specifically. “Thank you.” When he was done speaking she had a thought she was going to speak but something stilled her tongue. She was curious though if everyone had a wardrobe of clothing upon there arriving here.

One would hope that he had interests outside of this party. It would be rather sad if he did not.

She had looked up at him, when he spoke, when they were silent she was not always just looking at him, she would glance about. At his words she did not blush, perhaps because she did not know the word he was speaking, and then, when he gave it a different word, before and without thought words tumbled out. “Are you physical with bedroom activities?” She would of attempted to say the word he had used but she was not sure she could say it without completely butchering it. Facial expressions and eyes said a lot of things, it was how one interrupted them that made them all the much better. Her face he could see there was a grin lurking there if he looked but she was trying to keep a straight and innocent look upon it for the moment.

[Marqués del Stry]

"Am I right to assume that you are saying that your companion is dull?" Was his response to her answer about whose part she was playing and the Spaniard said it with a teasing curl to his lips as he dipped her to the floor. Teasing her he was, but not in that of a harmful way.

Lifting her up then he lead in a few smaller movements and a brush to her back as he started to bring their part of dancing to a close. They were good in the dance together for he found her to be an easy partner: light feet, graceful movements and easy to guide. All what he enjoyed in a partner when he had the time to dance. "If you are, then it may be that I do not have to make worry of Leo's choice."

The song itself was starting to come to an end as the orchestra softened their tune. After another turn the Marqués stopped altogether but did not remove his hand that had hers, instead he bent slightly at the waist and would raise up that hand so that he could give a kiss to the back of her knuckles. He spoke softly to her while lowering her hand from his lips, "My bedroom activities are better discussed in the bedroom," words causing him to smile. "Or places that have more privacy than this."

And just because things were better to be disclosed in other places did not mean that they would be; only that chances were better.

Still he held on to her hand in the gentle yet holding manner he had. When Calisa saw their dance end she still stayed where she was but her own posture had changed to one that was ready to walk if the need arose. "Gracious por el baile, that is: thank you for the dance." She did tell him that the only word she knew was hello. If she was around the Marqués long enough she would pick up phrases here and there, his accent was stronger than Leo's and he often used a word or two in speaking. "I never stay too long at these dinners." With his partner gone for his reason was a factor as well. "May I see you off to somewhere?"

Being the man that he was he would accompany her to wherever it is she wanted to go. Within reason that is.

[Violet]

Her companion was dull, well, it was all in the eye of the beholder wasn’t it? Her head tilted slightly, though to the people watching they might mistake it as a different sort of movement, instead of a thoughtful one. It did not last that long, before her head was righting itself. “Well, I don’t know if she is dull persay, but she is not as lively as myself.” That was a good way to put it, at least it was the best way that she could think of at the moment, because while Gwen wasn’t super dull she was not half as lively as Violet. Unless you wanted to talk about butterflies leaking from her hands, Vi didn’t have that option, though she might be able to become said butterfly, she hadn’t ever tried. It was a good thing her head tilt did not last long for the dip that he did with her, her body did not have a moment’s hesitation, it reacted naturally.

When the dance was winding down, and she felt his hand upon her back, she would turn her head a bit to watch him. “I guess it depends on what Leo is looking for, if she is a good choice for him or not.” She did know quite a bit about the girl from her time as Leoette, and from being her roommate now. “I don’t think you would have to worry she would interfere in things, at least not purposefully.”

After the brush of his lips upon her knuckles she bent into a curtsy, the sort one did while the other bowed, but she was a heartbeat slower in her normal reaction times. “Well, I shall have to keep that in mind. In case I ever find myself in a more private setting with you.” A grin flashed over her lips. She didn’t say in case I ever find myself in your bedroom, because she had a feeling asking about his bedroom activities would be number one on the list, when one might be finding out what they were without words.

One should never assume to know what would or wouldn’t happen right?

She was not struggling to get her hand back, his was warm, a hidden strength radiated in it. If he was attuned to the super natural he very well might not pick up the fact that Violet wasn’t a ordinary girl. She did not have anything really that stood out, except maybe her eyes, but those could be eyes that a ordinary girl could have. That smile it seemed would not get a chance to rest, for it was out once more. “Twas a pleasure to dance with you. Such a change from those that step on one’s toes.” She almost let out a small laugh, but it was held in, for the moment. Perhaps because she could still feel the eyes upon them, and for some reason she thought the laughter would cause more talking, and she did not wish to have more whispers because of it. Not that she cared a wit on her own end.

Looking up to the Marques she spoke quietly. “I am not aware of my surroundings here, where do you suggest I go?” He might be able to tell by her tone or her facial expressions that without him, Leo or Gwendolyn she saw no reason to stay at the dinner as well. “Unless you wish me to stay to reduce rumors of you escorting me from the room.” A gentle lift and lowering of her shoulders. Which told him she didn’t care one wit about what the other’s thought.

[Marqués del Stry]

To be seen leaving with her was not something that was a worry to him and the Marqués smiled at her apparent concern. "It is that there may be a few jealous eyes and you to make an enemy but I have nothing to be worry of if you came with me." There were people here that would talk about Ms. Violet whether she stayed or went simply because she shared a dance with him. Now, the nature of the conversation would change depending on what she did but it would still be talk.

"I could see you safe to your room," spoken with a bit less of his smile that had been there before. It would perhaps be fortunate that the Marqués could not feel any 'energy' around her - that's what others were for - but even if he had his reply would have been the same. "It is my regret for I would give you a tour, you'll have to settle for Calisa in my place."

Whether it was unconsciously or otherwise done the Marqués had not yet let go of her hand and so his thumb was gracing across her hand he held. The Spaniard also was walking slowly from their spot on the dance floor. Calisa, of course, was keeping track of them and moving as they did.

"Ama will take care of the dinner, she always does." It was amazing what that woman did at times. The things that woman knew, the things she could tell.
"Is a matter of business that I have to depart, otherwise...." And he would leave it at that.

Though this 'business' was not so much that he would simply abandon her there without escorting her to a place outside the dinner if she wished. He also thought about Leo and what Violet said about Gwendolyn not interfering. He wondered if that was a good thing or not but to comment on it was not something he would do.

[Violet]

Oh, people talked about Violet often, she just had that charming way about herself. Just ask Spider at the Inn, at seeing Violet naked and knocking on her fathers door, just for an example. The girl was rather comfortable in her skin for the most part, when she was in control. “Then I have nothing to worry about.” Would be the only thing that she would actually say.

“As I am unaware of my surroundings and it was a rather long trip, perhaps my room would be best, a nap would be most beneficial.” Perhaps a true lady would not say much, but she wasn’t going to not say something, when it was the truth. A nap would be refreshing. And that had smile touching her lips. The way he said the words she assumed he had business to attend too, the fact being that he could not give her a tour but that Calisa could or would in his place if wanted. A small nod of her head.

She had noticed that her hand was still held and she knew it was there, she was not trying to tug it away either, and while he was moving she would fall into step next to him. The same movements that caused her to be graceful dancing did not desert her, movements still kept her moving like she was walking upon a fluffy cloud.

Her smile had yet to leave her face, why should it? “Your very lucky to have her.” She wasn’t used to having those around that helped run places, or took care of your whims, much like Calisa was doing. But she had heard stories of course, and as those stories came back, it really showed her that he was lucky to have Ama. He might of went to leave it like that, but did he think Violet would? She was the more outgoing of the duo that had come on Leo’s request. And he even made her guess that he was off for business things that she was correct. When he stopped with the otherwise…”You could always come by my room after your business if your not to tired.” The offer was said in a soft voice, not because of the ears around them, which some might of heard her invite him to her room, she really didn’t care. If they thought she was his mistress or whatever else they thought, that comment would seem completely in place, so what if she was painting herself with a brush. Maybe she liked that shade.

She was unsure herself if the match up of Leo and Gwen was a good one, because she was in the dark about what had happened, but then again, Gwen was the sort that might not mean to interfere and find herself knee deep in something she should not be involved with.

[Marqués del Stry]

The lady Violet's talk about him coming by later was met with a devilish grin followed by him raising her still held hand to kiss the back of it. With his head still over her hand he said, "The night is ever young," while in his head the thought of 'though I doubt you'll be here' kept him settled in reality. While he did not know the full extent of the business that was taking him away, he's done it enough to know that it consumes much time.

He had meant his offer for her to have a tour to be inviting, and that the offer to stay as long as she wished was extended to her just as it had been to Gwendolyn. It may be well if he let her know that, just incase she decided to not accompany her friend back home.

As it was the proper thing to do the Marqués kept a hold of Violet's hand as he escorted her from the room. The people they passed by would bow their heads in respect or curtsy while uttering "your Grace" or "My Lord" as he passed by but, not only did they give respect to him, but it was given to Violet as well, minus the words. These people could see that she was with him and that meant she was in his favor -temporarily or long term it didn't matter - and if they didn't want to fall from whatever grace they were in it was best to treat her well. If she thought that he was lucky to have people that treated him like they did, she would receive near the same type of treatment as long as she was with him as she was. This treatment appealed to many, which made any type of relationship outside of business difficult for the Marqués and Leo - it was hard to tell what caused the attraction.

Calisa came from her spot amongst the gathered and fell in place behind the two and was very thankful that they were leaving. An attendant of the Duke of Wintercest had come over and had been trying to glean information about Violet that Calisa wasn't giving. On one hand, she didn't know much about her as they only met today, and two, she know better than to gossip about the going on of the Household to outsiders.

As they were leaving the Duke wasn't the only one who looked rather disappointed, Misaki no miya's eyes practically seethed with envy and rage as she watched them leave. "Your beauty overcomes then all," the Marqués said to her as they left out the door. "They could not help but look at you." Spoken of the people who were looking at them as they left. It may have been a bit of a quip, but it was truthful as well.

[Violet]

When one was in a business of any sorts, unless they had the steady job that never fluctuated things happened. Odd calls at odd times, trips that were unexpected, last minute meetings, those were all things that were to be expected. Did she know what the Marques did? Not exactly, she was kept rather in the dark on what little bit other’s did know, but people heard whispers. Though she knew better then most not to trust everything you hear just because it was whispered. She did not give his words any of her own, only the smile that had started to form as his lips brushed the soft skin on the back of her hand, which had only grew at the words. She knew it was not a promise of any sorts, nor would she act as if it were. Not that she would refuse him entrance if he were to come knocking or slipping in later on in the evening. The offer was out there she didn’t persay what would happen if he came by, even if one could read between the lines.

It was a good thing that she was extended such an invitation because unbeknown to the two of them, and perhaps everyone else, Gwendolyn had already escaped through the window, and whom knew if she was coming back or not. So if he had not extended such she wouldn’t of been able to even nap if he so wished it.

When the Marques started to walk again, she fell into that step, the ones that did not cause him to slow his pace or speed up. She was the sort of girl that adjusted herself to the one she was with, unless she was making a point, and if that had been the case, he would of known. Her spicy side was nicely tucked away at the moment. She did notice the respect that he did command, and the fact she got some simply by being with him, but that was something that could come and go. Nothing a girl should depend on. One moment your in favor in the next, not so much. Was she smiling? Of course, a smile was in place, she was still on his arm, was she not? Not that she was looking for a relationship with the Marques or Leo, even if she had fun flirting with Leo on the way down to the dinner, and then with the Marques a bit during the dinner, but she had been attracted to the men for that simple basic maleness. The way that the Marques moved said quite a bit to her, more so then the way that people were yes men towards him. He could lock them away in a room and well okay you get the point.

The longer she stayed the longer that Calisa would learn about her, more so then the brief time that they had spent together, hopefully Calisa would not mind getting to know more about Violet. Because she was hopefully not going anywhere at least not tonight…or maybe a few nights. One never knew…and if Calisa was always around she would learn about the girl, it would be expected.

He was smooth, that was the first thought that she had, and she felt a small laugh escape as her lips part softly. Mayhap a hint of a blush could be caught creeping over her cheeks which became slightly flushed. Her head turned a bit to catch a glance at him, perhaps even an eye, for her words. “Then we must of made quite a striking couple out there.” It was a compliment to him, without giving his ego to much food, for men and ego’s were rather dangerous.

Besides if he ended up showing up to her room while she still resided in his home, his ego would probably be stroked quite well.

[Marqués del Stry]

The Marqués believed that there was a time and a place for everything, it was all about keeping up appearances in order to accomplish a goal. He liked 'spicy' people, even he himself had his moments. When going about 'business' - as he saw most of his interactions with people, it was all about appearances and, if he and Violet were a pair with a relationship on the rocks he would expect all the anger and retort to be saved for when they where outside public eye. Of course, there were ways of being 'spicy' that were so reticent that others didn't know what they were seeing.

When they were outside of the Dinner the Marqués did not drop her hand, he was her escort and there wasn't any reason for him to let her go. She wasn't complaining. His posture and pose remained as the way he moved was a natural part of him, Calisa followed behind and he didn't bother to see if she was following or not.

To the couple comment he gave a small chuckle, the sound of a tenor, smooth and strong. "If we were striking then the thanks of it is for you. Or have you not noticed how you look in the dress." In his shop he came across women with arrogance enough to say they were wondrous in anything that they wore, and he's seen the other side - women lacking esteem and believing they were horrendous in everything.

"Would it be that you were a doll that I could adorn in many things." There he turned his head to regard her more fully with his eyes. Of course, if she were a doll he could do with her what he wanted, but what was the fun in that?

Her room wasn't too fair and he would note that the room assigned to Gwendolyn had it's door closed, naturally, as Jenna would have closed it. If it had been open, then it would have been cause for question.

"The night may not have been one that you expected," came the admittance from his mouth. "Though I hope it was not to painful for you."

[Violet]

Keeping up appearances, was that not the reason that Violet herself had gone forward into the dinner party, while Gwen and Leo went the other way? Everything had a time and a place, and it was oft better then not to know their time and places to use them, appropriately. Sometimes the game was just harder when one did not know what role they were performing, so they had to wing it, and hope that they would fly and not fall. One did not air their issues in a relationship in front of others, unless the words were double edged, and laced in a way that only the one that they were meant for would get the true meaning.

There was nothing improper that she could think of with him hanging onto her hand. Many escorts did the same, and even if there was something improper she probably wouldn’t of spoke up. They had a chaperon of sorts, she wasn’t completely alone with the Marques, helpless under his will….yet. That time could come for hadn’t she invited such an association with a matter of words and looks?

She fairly gave him a beaming grin. “I am sure that I look lovely in the gown that was provided for me. But if not both people in a couple have that air and look about them, then one surely outshines the other, which I have to say seeing you as you are right now, that was not the case.” Her eyes did give a little appreciate glance at him, which he may or may not of caught, and which he very well could have been expecting. Of course, such glances had her wondering other things, such as if it was the cut of the clothing or the Marques himself that made such a fine figure.

Now her tone turned rather playful. “Even though I am not you could still adorn me in many things….or nothing at all.” It was just to tempting to let out that side, where the only ears for the moment happened to be Calisa, if she was even paying attention. The words when they were spoken were not overly loud and may not of even drifted over to her.

When they reached the door, she would turn to look at him, after noticing that Gwen’s door was closed. But that could mean many things could it not? A smile tweaked her lips upwards. “True the night was not what I expected, but I really did not know what to expect.” A small pause. “But you in truth made up for any painful awkward moments.” A bit of a twinkle entered her violet gaze but it did not last long, for she knew he had to go, and the flirting comments would have to be put on pause.

[Marqués del Stry]

Calisa could hear them because she wasn't that far back. There was nothing to fear when it came to watching your words around her for the girls' lips were sealed. She wasn't going to say anything about what she saw or heard - especially as it would involve the Marqués. If either of them turned their heads to regard her they would see that Calisa walked with the humbled stance of her chin slightly lowered.

Once they reached her door and she had turned to face him that was when he let go of her hand for it to meet with the other one behind his back. Had Violet gone to open her door? If she had not then Calisa would step forward - it's what she was going to do anyway - and open it before stepping inside. She stayed by the door to keep it open for Violet when she choose to enter.

The Marqués was very much well formed under his clothing and not a pampered boy as there were aspects of business that went better if a person was able to have physical power. He may not be as well fitted to some things as his partner but, that's why he had Leo and the two of them were very well versed in presenting sides to people that they wanted them to see. It was just a normal part of their life.

"In order to dress one up, it is common that they must be stripped first," were the words that he said to her comment about dressing. He would have done well to use a different word than 'strip' but he saw variant meanings of the word. "To see all gives the eye more to take in so it may adorn later."

He took a step backwards so the he could deliver a sweeping bow to her of a dip and a rise. "Your sweet words for me, Señora, and your beautiful visage are what shall stay with me as I regretfully go." He gave him a wink then as his left foot inched back. "Until such time brings us to meet again."

That was his way of excusing himself for he knew that he would dawdle. He gave her another smile before a pivot and he turned to head away .

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