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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 6, 2016 19:57:03 GMT -5
For all the excitement she expected to feel on the evening of her ball, Lyra was haunted. She hadn't resolved any of the terrible blunders she had caused between Julian and Mason, and now she had Nicolas and a foiled kidnapping to stress about. Samantha had suggested they get ready for their evening together but Lyra declined. She knew the only reason Samantha didn't push the subject further was due to the last time they prepared for an evening at Sam's home when Lyra overheard Nicolas' disapproval of her. But that wasn't the reason Lyra didn't want to spend the extra time with her friend. She needed the time to focus on how she was going to navigate through the evening without hurting anyone. Maybe Mason's business trip ran long and he wouldn't be there. Maybe Julian had decided he couldn't be around Lyra and all those people at the same time. Wishful thinking. Lyra had her hair and makeup done at the salon and returned home to change. She stood in front of the mirror in her gown, a red number with a plunging neckline. When she and Sam had picked it out Lyra knew she would catch everyone's eye, but as she stood in the gown now she was terrified that she would be right. She wanted to back out, but knew it was too late to do so. She resigned herself to going and took the carriage that was waiting downstairs for her. To her surprise, she wasn't alone in the carriage.  |
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Nov 6, 2016 20:11:01 GMT -5
Mason was exhausted and anxious at the same time. His business dealings had kept him away, and threatened to keep him away longer had he not put his foot down and left. He had just enough time to return home and change for the night ahead. He luckily had an efficient staff and steward to take care of the details for after Lyra's ball. He had a romantic evening planned to make up for leaving her. He had communicated with her sparingly through owls and once on a two way mirror just so he could see her face. Tonight he was looking forward to being reunited. As she exited the building Mason smiled, happy to see that absence indeed had made his heart grow fonder, but she was still the same woman. "You look stunning."  |
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 6, 2016 21:58:48 GMT -5
Lyra stopped, shocked at first with simply Mason's presence and then at how strikingly handsome he looked. "Mason! I didn't know you'd...what are you doing here?" Her heart began to race, the time spent in front of the mirror practicing what she would say had been completely useless.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Nov 6, 2016 22:08:58 GMT -5
"I told you I'd be back in time." he said pleased with her reaction at seeing him. He held his hand out for her to assist her in getting in the carriage.
"Did I tell you, you looked stunning?"
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 6, 2016 22:16:18 GMT -5
She smiled at his compliment but when he offered his hand she hugged him instead. She needed the calm that he brought to her. She needed the contact that would compose her enough to survive this night. It was selfish and stupid, she knew she was leading him on further but if she didn't do something she would have had a heart attack right on the spot.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Nov 6, 2016 22:32:06 GMT -5
"Is everything alright?" he asked reading Lyra correctly this time. He could often tell if she was agitated or excited, but sometimes he couldn't tell the reason or if it was a happy agitation.
He pulled her close to him, letting her take what comfort she needed. Perhaps she was nervous about the evening.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 6, 2016 22:53:48 GMT -5
Lyra shook her head, then nodded it instead, and then finally just buried herself in his chest. "I don't think I can make it through tonight," she admitted honestly. "It's too much." She could already feel her anxiety slowly dissipate as he held her, but it wasn't enough.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Nov 6, 2016 23:08:22 GMT -5
He chuckled lightly, "You're going to be a success, a sensation." he reassured her, "You've already captured the most eligible bachelor of the season, you're a success before being introduced." he teased her with a wink.
His facial expression changed then, "Actually, the women will hate you." he said with all seriousness, "Jealousy is a terrible thing."
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 6, 2016 23:22:20 GMT -5
His teasing made her nervous as it played on the very thing that was currently tying her stomach in knots. But his more serious remark about girls and their jealousy had the opposite affect.
She looked up from his chest and smiled. "It's a good thing I'm accustomed to jealousy." She pulled herself away from him and stepped inside the carriage. "You don't get to be as attractive as this without a few hateful stares."
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Nov 6, 2016 23:31:48 GMT -5
He grinned, "That's my girl." he said pulling her back to him. The ride didn't take very long. They were early of course. Lyra was the guest of honor and therefore would need to be there before the other guests arrived.
The carriage door opened and Mason emerged taking in the view. He gave his hand to Lyra then to help her down.
"Sam really outdid herself." Mason remarked.
The pathway was strategically lit and decorated with white orchids. It was simple, elegant and breathtaking and only grew more beautiful the further they walked.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 7, 2016 0:10:58 GMT -5
Lyra was thankful for the quick carriage ride, but she selfishly held onto Mason's hand the entire time as if it were a lifeline. When they arrived she allowed Mason to help her from the carriage and then stood in awe of the beauty in front of them. She had helped Samantha make plans but everything was lovelier than she could have possibly imagined.
Lyra recalled her planning session with Sam, discussing where the carriages would pull up, how the flowers would be arranged, what music would be playing. Lyra vaguely remembered the anxiety she felt at the thought of not fitting in with high society, at being found out. It seemed silly to her now. The much larger problem was the man on her arm and his two friends. Lyra didn't give a damn about society now.
If the pathway had been a sight, it was nothing compared to the foyer which was a masterpiece all on its own. But tonight large urns filled with flowers were placed strategically around the room. Lyra leaned over to whisper in Mason's ear as they approached the large staircase. "I've had nightmares of falling down that thing since Sam showed it to me," she said with a laugh.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Nov 7, 2016 0:22:10 GMT -5
"Don't worry." he said lightly squeezing her arm in his placing a hand over hers, "I won't let you fall." he promised her. "Your here." Nik said at the top of the staircase. He raised an eyebrow at Lyra's arm in Masons but it was less chastising than usual. "Sam's ordering the staff about and sent me to greet you."  |
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 7, 2016 0:37:59 GMT -5
Despite the high tensions they had parted with when last Lyra saw Nicolas, she didn't cringe at his voice. But the brow raise bothered her. Lyra stared at him and shook her head ever so slightly, silently pleading that he keep his comments to himself for the time being. Heaven knew there would be plenty of opportunities for him to point out the mess she had created tonight.
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Post by Nicolas Everhart on Nov 7, 2016 0:59:56 GMT -5
"Well come along then." Nik said as he turned away from the pair. Mason was still angry with Nicolas for what he had said and what he had instigated, but for the most part they had brushed it off as men did. The further they walked the louder Sam's voice was as she directed the servants this way and that. Her back was to them when they finally entered the ballroom which was more magnificent than any of the previous decorations. They had stuck to the white orchid theme drawing in the moonlight and stars to create an altogether magical if not ethereal ballroom. "Well what do you think?" she asked turning and greeting her guests.  (the dress obviously, not the model) |
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 7, 2016 1:18:07 GMT -5
Lyra was once again in awe of the ballroom which was even lovelier against the backdrop the night's sky provided. "It's amazing," she said truthfully as the neared Samantha. For the first time that evening she smiled broadly as she looked over her friend.
"But I think I should have insisted on your dress!" Samantha as always was stunning. Lyra gently pulled her arm from Mason's as she closed the gap between her and Sam and gave her friend a well needed hug. Then she admired Sam's dress further "Is it one of Chloé's?"
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Samantha Montgomery
 
Sixth Year[M:10]
We do not choose love. It claims each man as it will.
Posts: 1,542
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Post by Samantha Montgomery on Nov 7, 2016 1:31:05 GMT -5
"Nonsense, you look ravishing!" she said then shook her head no at Lyra's question.
"You don't know about Sam's secret dress stash?" Nik asked with a laugh, "I'm surprised the castle is big enough for it. If magic weren't involved I swear it would double the estate." he teased.
Sam shot him a dirty look which he laughed about. He was in a surprisingly good mood considering the evening.
***
Mason sighed at the loss of his date, but knew that Lyra would likely cling to Sam. Ordinarily that would have left him and Nik to conversation, but Nik seemed to be engaged with the girls.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 7, 2016 1:46:15 GMT -5
Lyra turned away from the men slightly and asked Samantha in only a moderately mocking tone, "is he drunk already?" Lyra wasn't used to such a cheery Nicolas, and she certainly wouldn't have put it past Samantha to drug him or at least lecture him before the evening got started.
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Samantha Montgomery
Sixth Year[M:10]
We do not choose love. It claims each man as it will.
Posts: 1,542
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Post by Samantha Montgomery on Nov 7, 2016 1:52:37 GMT -5
Sam laughed, "Believe it or not, he's actually quite charming most of the time. Though I admit he can be a beast." she teased within hearing distance.
Nik put up his hands in surrender and went to smooth things over with Mason. "Smoke?" he asked eliciting an indignant gasp from Samantha. He winked at her.
Mason laughed and promised to save Sam one before the men took off.
"Men." she sniffed.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Nov 7, 2016 2:14:41 GMT -5
Lyra was actually pleased for the reprieve from Mason's company, though she did worry about Nicolas being alone with Mason. "Do I need to worry about that?" she asked as she watched the men leave for the garden.
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Samantha Montgomery
Sixth Year[M:10]
We do not choose love. It claims each man as it will.
Posts: 1,542
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Post by Samantha Montgomery on Nov 7, 2016 2:19:37 GMT -5
"Nik's still giving you a hard time?" Sam asked, not knowing about Lyra and Julian's latest tryst. "I'm dreadfully sorry once again by the way. I never would have dreamed you'd have been attacked in the carriage, though I am relieved that it was Nik and you and not just us. I can hold my own, but I don't think the outcome would have been the same." Sam shivered at the thought of it.
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