The castle seemed to be the perfect location for this special night. The ballroom was decorated with billowing curtains of red and white satin. Tables laden with food lined the walls and the waiting staff were dressed in similar style, red breeches and white shirts with a small red tie. They were all busy putting the final touches to the food and decorations. The band tuned their instruments and rehearsed one last time it was going to be perfect.
Alata swept in, her gown of shimmering burnished gold rustled as she walked in to do the final inspection, she wore her hair up in curls fastened with gold sparkles, the cream lace frothed out of the bodice and cuffs of her gown. Her mask covered sat prettily on her face it matched her dress perfectly. "This was going to be wonderful!" she whispered to herself as she checked everything for a last time.
"Would my Lady care for a dance?" a smooth deep voice came from behind, turning around Alata faced her own special lover. He was dressed in an open shirt of the same golden fabric and black pants tucked into his long boots. A smaller version of her mask covered his eyes highlighting his blue eyes.
"Why thank you kind Sir, but unfortunately our guests shall be here in a few moments!" she bowed giggling.
"Well then I think a quick kiss should suffice for now!" he grinned pulling her into his arms he kissed her deeply, she could feel herself melting again. He had the same effect on her every time he touched her.
"Now, now Hercules!" she chastised him gently, using his full name, "there is plenty of time for that after, I think we have our guests to greet!" she took his large hand in hers and led him to the top of the stairs.
Just as the first couples arrived. Danaan came in first with her partner, his face hidden for now with his mask of glittering silver, they, like Alata and Hercules wore matching costumes. Hers was a black with silver trim of bunches of grapes, silk gown, with a tight bodice and fuller skirt with a revealing split up the centre showing her shapely legs, he wore a tight vest of silver silk and black leather pants.
"Welcome to the ball!" Alata greeted them both with hugs, as Freya and her escort arrived, they were dressed in wild west outfits. Freya wore a short leather thonged skirt and vest with matching boots all in white, her escort complimented her look dressed all in black complete with hat and spurs on their boots.
As they stood chatting away on the stairs, a group of guests arrived in a flurry of laughter and chatter. The aussie contingent had just flown in and were in full party mode. Kendaa and her partner were first, dressed in figure hugging black leather and silver buckles. She looked around her grinning, she was accompanied by Julie in a stunning gown of pale blue and sparkles and her partner, Missferal dressed splendidly as a lady pirate with her pirate partner,
Maria wearing an emerald green dress edged in fake gold coloured fur, and her partner who was dressed in a matching open shirt frilled with the fur and loose black pants.
Screams of laughter could be heard as the amazons from all over the world greeted each other.
Kevfriend arrived just after the aussies keeping in mind the child like qualities of her partner she decided to dress in a simple gown of crushed burgundy velvet trimmed with white fake fur, she had him dressed in a similar short jacket and black dress pants. He did fidget with his mask a little but Kevfriend smiled at him gently and took his hand, she will make this a night he wouldn't forget.
Melite followed close behind Kevfriend swathed in white robes just like her partner but instead of a mask she wore a veil that only showed her eyes, giving her a very exotic look.
Lori and her partner soon arrived, they too were dressed in white robes but theirs were decorated with motifs of stars in a rainbow of colours. Their masks glittered with stars and satin ribbons.
She greeted Melite warmly and the two women were quick to start discussing their costume designers and comparing their two magnificent partners. Both who glared at each other silently and moved off with their women quickly.
Star and Chantal arrived together with their mysterious partners on their arms. They had decided to go a little adventurous in their costumes.
Chantal wore a short skirt of midnight blue soft suede and a matching low cut blouse, her hair swept up into a loose bun, and whisps of hair hung around her face, giving her a pixie look that suited her so well, her mysterious man wore a multi coloured vest of blues and blacks over baggy black trousers tucked into knee high boots, their masks were feathered making them both even more mysterious looking. Star lived up to her name, dressed in a sparkling silver short dress, it was embossed with stars that sparkled in the subdued lighting.
Her partner complemented her costume with one in all black and tight fitting, his mask like hers was star shaped and sparkling silver.
The ball room was starting to fill, everyone moving around and greeting each other, compliments on the costumes filled the night air.
Alata and Hercules smiled to each other it was already looking like a success, slyly Alata nodded to a small man standing to the side, he tugged on a lever pushing it down all of the way, to the gasps of the guests, the roof of the ball room opened, revealing a star lit night sky bathing everyone in silvery light.
Anexa arrived then, her hand resting on the arm of her mysterious partner. They looked so regal as the descended down the stairs. Her satin gown of a rich plum clung to her figure flatteringly, a short cape covered her shoulders was trimmed with feathers and small diamonds, he was dressed in a black satin jumpsuit, his soft short boots were studded with silver studs. The top part opened to the waist showing his chest off……..a small vial of what appeared to be liquid around his throat on a leather thong. Their masks were made of the same satin fabric and highlighted their eyes.
Hilara and her partner walked down the steps behind Anexa, they were dressed in French finery, her dress of pale pink and lace whispered around her legs as she walked she wore a blonde wig adorned with feathers and bows, he wore the a white frilled shirt and breeches with buckled shoes, their masks glittered with sparkle.
Shait arrived with her partner looking exotic in a rainbow coloured sarong, a ruby placed on her forehead. A gauze veil covered half her face. Her partner wore a middle eastern style dress in similar colours and mask of velvet.
Astrild came in on the arm of her consort, she wore a sparkling dress of pale lemon and white tiny white slippers on her feet, she smiled at him, he wore a white bolero over a even paler lemon and tight white pants tucked into soft boots. He swirled her onto the dance floor just as the band began to play.
Kallista came next looking very mischievous in a black leather pant suit with silver studs, her partner looking just as mischievous and a little dangerous as he stood with his fists on his hips as he arrogantly surveyed the ballroom.
Nannyboo dressed in evergreen and pale pink over dress and body suit, swept in with her lover, they looked like a prince and princess, as they crossed the dance floor to say their helloes to everyone.
Catstale dressed like a fairy in lots of light pale pink cloth and tulle matched her partner wonderfully. He wore a vest the colours of the rainbow over white pants and soft white leather boots. Beth greeted everyone as she entered with her partner, they had decided to carry the pirate theme a little, she wore a long black full skirt and peasant blouse of cream and he wore a traditional pirate's costume complete with an eye patch. Herkite grinned at her partner as they made a grand entrance. She wore a glittering dress of gold and hugging her breasts and hips seductively as she made her way down, her handsome partner wore a matching mask of glittering gold but instead of a matching gold shirt he wore shimmering silver.
Rabbit and Lisa came in together their respective partners following close behind, they had decided to dress in elegant togas of bright white and red trim, the four of them struck a wondrous sight as they entered the ballroom.
WikeWike and her partner arrived close after the four, they had decided for an islander theme she looked resplendent in a grass skirt and bikini top, he wore a simple loin cloth and soft boots, his chest glistened in the starlight. Cjane, Josee and Castalia all arrived at the same time, shrieks of laughter echoed down the stairs as they all hugged and greeted each other deciding on all going down the stairs together. Cjane looked stunning in her sheer halter neck gown of burgundy, a front split in the skirt showed off her shapely legs, her partner is a tight fitting burgundy shirt and dark brown leather pants, their masks made out of exotic feathers. Josee wore a gorgeous peasant dress embroidered with vines of grapes matching the vest of her partner wore. Castalia and her partner had decided to go as warriors, she wore a short tunic of leather with studded belts and the lightest armour. He wore a heavier set of armour with leather breeches underneath.
Mystalia and her partner opted for a more mysterious costume, she wore an exotic caftan of cream and a hooded cloak of a warm green, he wore a matching shorter cloak but under that he was shirtless, wearing instead tight fitting black leather pants and a shining cod piece of silver.
Cokie and Aphrael decided much to the dismay of their partners, to dress angelically, complete with gossamer wings and gold halo's, their partners begrudgingly dressed in white satin shirts and pants, but point blankly refused to wear their wings.
Megaera and her partner decided for a more devilish approach. She wore a blood red dress with a high collar of green feathers, her partner wore all black except for a blood red leather belt around his hips.
Alata greeted them warmly as they came down the stairs, it was looking as if everyone had arrived.
Just then Hercules came over and took her aside, whispering in her ear urgently. She looked so sad for a moment then straightened her shoulders and gave a few quick orders, suddenly a long chaise lounge was carried in and set down right near the main part of the dance floor, a selection of food and wines were set down on a table within arms reach and cushions were scattered around for people to sit down near the lounge. The other guests watched with interest in the proceedings, wondering who they were getting ready for.
Danaan and her partner had a few quick words with Alata and Hercules then left talking to each other the mystery was deepening.
PART TWO
Everyone stood around waiting to see what all the mystery was about, when from the side carried by Hercules, and a couple of AlphaHerks was ThemisofDelphi, who though pale and tired looking was as stunning as ever, she was accompanied by Echo and Voluptua .
ThemisofDelphi wore a simple loose dress of a deep purple wool and a shimmering silver shawl as fine as a spiders web covered her shoulders, Echo wore a dress of ivory, off the shoulder and ankle length, it clung to her curves and made her almost ethereal looking.
Voluptua had decided to go with a more ancient look, she wore a white underskirt with a bronze tunic and sandals on her feet. They all wore feathered masks and were accompanied by their partners who were all dressed to match them, they certainly made a striking entrance.
Gently ThemisofDelphi was laid down on the chaise and made as comfortable as possible, her partner ready to get anything for her that she desired.
Finally satisfied that everyone had indeed arrived, Alata happily nodded to the band leader, soon strains of music sounded through the ball room and castle, couples moved to the dance floor, or made their way over to ThemisofDelphi to welcome her and give her their best wishes it had made the night complete with her being there, where she could be looked after by her amazon sisters.
Alata and Hercules finally relaxed a little and joined the others on the dance floor, wrapped in each others arms, the danced like they were the only people there. Cjane and her partner RHerk made their way over to the food table, where they found Hilara and her partner Rober't, discussing the empty grape platter. The ball had barely started yet the grapes had disappeared already. "So Hilara did you see who took them?" Cjane whispered slightly disappointed. She and Rherk had decided to use them themselves and someone had beaten them to it.
"Ahhh look over there!" Cjane nodded her head to one of the couches on the far wall, a now shirtless NBHerk reclined on it, Danaan straddled him, the skirt of her dress hitched up around her hips, they were feeding each other grapes and seeming to make a mess of them. Their masks a little askew now. A pot of cream sat on the floor. Whoops of laughter could be heard.
Julie cuddled closer to Dherk as he twirled her around the floor, she felt dizzy with happiness as he skillfully guided her along. She smiled and waved to Maria and Fherk who were having a great time, mixing dancing with each other and groping.
Astrild glided past them her Ddherk making her dizzy but so rapturous it didn't matter. His strong hands held her tight close to him, nuzzling her neck after each dip.
Freya looped her lasso and caught Csov expertly, he growled slightly and tugged the rope pulling her towards him, laughing Freya gave little fight, eagerly entering his waiting arms, he pulled her closed and slid his hands under the short skirt, tickling her as he did so.
They looked for a spare pair of cushions and decided to have a little more privacy than the dance floor.
Josee and Bherk found a quiet corner where they could be alone, being so bashful he hated to show to much in public, so in the shadows of the corner, he relaxed. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her gently on the lips then slowly and a little shyly he moved his way down her throat.
She moaned slightly and took a quick peek to make sure that there was no one to disturb them lurking around. She knew her amazon sisters.
MissFeral and Kull made their way over towards Alata and Hercules, hugging closely the two Aussie Amazon sisters hugged tightly and then introduced their partners to each other. It was so good to see each other finally.
Cjane made her way over to them, to speak to Alata, "ah I don't want to cause any trouble or anything, but it looks like Danaan and her man and taken all the grapes…."
"No probs Cjane, I thought something like that might happen!" Alata smiled and nodded over to the waiting staff. Within minutes fresh trays laden with grapes were brought in and placed on the food table. Along with fresh pots of cream and halved strawberries. She had actually remembered everything.
Cjane gave her a quick hug, "thanks sis!" she whispered as she went back to her waiting Rherk and the grapes.
Dherk looked deeply into Melite's eyes, her mask making them even more beautiful, he took her into his arms, "would you like to know what your dreams mean my love?" he whispered evenly in her ear. "Let me show you your dream world!"
Melite stood mesmorised staring into his blue eyes, he held her captive with his stare, then he led her towards a bed of cushions.
Anexa stared rather wickedly at her partner, he tried to pretend he was ignoring her but he couldn't and was drawn back to her, the wanton stance, the way she cocked her head, and the way she licked her lips. He flicked out a short whip and expertly, without hurting her he cracked it and wrapped her in it, pulling her towards him, "ooohhhh Wsov that felt so good!" she purred in his ear. They swayed to the music trapped together with his whip.
Mystalia sat down daintily on the cushions CelticHerk sat next to her, and handed a goblet of wine to Mystalia, dreamily she stared at him then they linked arms and drank to each other, and the love they felt.
A scream of pure delight made the guests silent for a moment as Kendaa flew threw the air and landed expertly on her feet, laughing she lunged at Fsov tackling him around his chest, they fell backwards landing on a cushion, she grinned and kissed him hard on the lips before she arched her back and shook out her hair, "Now boy you are gonna get it!" she hissed grinning at him, growling low he lifted her in the air and tossed her easily, "who says I play nice!" he grinned back, "Well I don't either!" she retorted as she dove towards him again, this time aiming a little lower.
Bsov grabbed Chantal by the hand and pulled her towards a corner swathed in curtains. A small couch hidden tight in the corner was being unused, smiling wickedly he picked her up and dropped her onto the couch, with a wink he moved to her feet and took her shoes off tossing them over his shoulder, with little sharp nibbles he made his way up her legs.
Nannyboo grinned as she offered a drink to her partner, Lherk, accidently knocking it all over him, "Oh look what I have done!" she cried trying to keep an innocent look on her face, "ummm I could lick it off for you, shame to waste the lemonade!" she whispered as she leant forward.
Beth and Jason circled the dance floor locked in each others arms. They moved in perfect unison, their eyes locked on each others. She had been perfect for him since he had become widowed, she seemed to know just what he needed.
Giggles could be heard from the stairs, Alata and Hercules went to investigate, more out of curiosity than anything else. They found Castalia and Yiolaus sitting on the steps watching the others, some dancing, some moving around the ball room, others doing things that were quite comical in the secluded little alcoves.
"Sorry but we get such a great view from up here!" Yiolaus grinned up at Alata and Hercules, who were doing their best not to laugh at them.
"Well have fun!" Hercules grinned as he led Alata to a more quieter spot for a little while, the ball was taking care of itself.
Kevfriend tried not to laugh as she watched Sherk play with the grapes and strawberries and cream. She should have stopped him and scolded him, but when he stuck his gooey fingers in her face she had decided to join him. Soon both of them were covered in a sticky goo, but what fun they found in cleaning each other up.
Cokie and Eherk smiled at each other, almost undressing each other with their eyes. "Wanna explore the castle?" he whispered in her ear. Nodding eagerly they snuck away trying to find a way out of the ball room.
Shait and Megaera greeted each other with a hug and spent a moment complimenting each other on their costumes when Zherk and Qherk came over, Shait gave Qherk a small smile and slipped her hand into his, "we are just planning a little quest of our own!" she explained to the other two, Megaera grinned and winked knowingly to her amazon sister, "oh I think I understand what you mean Shait, we are on a rather astrological quest ourselves!"
"Disappointed!" a voice boomed around the room, making everyone freeze for a moment then the fun and chatter continued. At the food table Rabbit and her escort Dsov looked over the prepared food, there was nothing there to please him. Understanding him so well, Rabbit kissed him quiet then led him to another table, there they found more food laden on the trays, everything he loved. "Now are we Disappointed?" she asked with a smile,
"with you my lover never!" he uttered deeply, his voice sounded almost guttural.
Rabbit squealed with delight and jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his hips.
"Come on WikeWike!" the chant came from a group of Amazons, as they urged her to do a hula dance. Laughing good naturally she grabbed Nherk and they started to gyrate together, moving as one.
Ares looked around the room and sneered at Lisa, if she wasn't so damned appealing, he could hardly take to all of the festivities and good times. It made him feel nauseous. Lisa looked up at him and took his face in her hands, pulling him down to meet her lips she kissed him long and hard, "don't worry baby!" she whispered in his ear, "I will make you forget about all of the others!"
Ares pulled back slightly and looked at her, oh the girl had potential.
Panting heavily Kendaa drank from a goblet, the wine spilling over her chin, Fsov let her have a moment to rest and drink then he tackled her again, pinning her to the floor underneath him, he leant over and licked the spilled wine from her chin.
Danaan had loosened the belt around the waist of Nbherk the shoulders of her dress now almost down her arms, they had already gotten rid of their masks and settled in for a fun night.
Hherk took Aphrael in his arms, kissing her gently all over her face, "you are an angel!" he murmured in her ear, as he gently sucked on her ear lobe.
Aphrael thought her knees would buckle and lent against him trying to steady herself. She looked up and a small smile played on her perfect lips, "oh my halo might be a little tarnished by the end of this night!" she replied.
Echo sat just at the feet of Mherk as he strummed his guitar, humming softly. She swayed in time to his tune, totally enthralled in his music.
Herkite and Herk grinned at each other as they made their way out to the patio to get some fresh air and a little privacy.
Missferal, cuddled tighter in Kull's arms, watching Kendaa and Fherk tackle each other again, "go aussie go!" she called out giggling, turning around she traced her fingers over the tight muscles of Kull's chest, " ummm maybe we should get some air too like Herkite and Herk!" she said lowly, taking his big hand in hers, and led him towards the french doors.
Voluptua couldn't take her eyes off Iherk as he watched with wide eyed innocence the going ons around him.
Lori perched herself on a ballistrade, her feet locked around the legs of her partner Wgherk, she tugged at his robes, loosening them so she could slip her hands in to massage his chest. Chewing lightly on her lower lip, she arched her eyebrows and guided his hands towards her.
Iolaus guided Catstale towards Alata and Hercules on the dance floor, the two friends greeted each other warmly and started to discuss their latest fishing trip while the girls hugged and talked about the ball, and the success of the evening so far.
"Hey Kallista, over here!" Catstale and Alata called as they saw their friend finally emerge with the Sov in tow. They both looked slightly disheveled but extremely happy, the Sov sauntered behind her twirling his mask on his finger.
He sneered a little at Hercules, the wimp was here again and pulled Kallista closer to him nuzzling her neck while she spoke to Catstale and Alata.
"I can't understand why Hestia and Mairi aren't here yet!" Alata said a little worried, in the confusion of everyone's arrival she hadn't realised that they were not there.
"I am sure that they are fine!" Catstale said patting Alata's arm, "they are probably just running a little late!"
"Yeah I heard that Hestia was coming with Chherk maybe they couldn't get his chains apart!" giggled Kallista.
"Maybe they are chained together and lost the key!" Iolaus added with a cheeky grin as he grabbed Catstale around the waist and guided her to the buffet, "we'll see you guys later!" he yelled over his shoulder, his hunger wouldn't wait, and Catstale was looking good for desert.
ThemisofDelphi grimaced a little as she tried to make herself a little more comfortable, immediately Drherk was at her side, gently he adjusted her pillows and poured a goblet of lemonade for her, "no wine for you, my dear but this is a special lemonade, I made just for you!" he said quietly holding it to her mouth, while she sipped the sweet liquid.
"you make me feel a lot better!" she managed to get out, as she sank back on the pillows. Though just being here at the ball and with her special Doctor was enough to put colour back into her cheeks, it was the best medicine she could have had.
"Hey Alata and Hercules we got some more arrivals!" Castalia and Yiolaus yelled as they wrestled each other, Yiolaus managed to pin Castalia down underneath him, "now who wins!" he puffed out, stealing another kiss, then loosening her dress a little more.
Alata and Hercules made their way to the stairs where they found a little bedraggled looking group. Hestia and her partner and Mairi with her partner. Though they looked a little disheveled Mairi and her partner still looked splendid in matching kilts and tartans.
Hestia and her partner decided to go for the prisoner look, wearing matching costumes and chains.
"Oh my ….what happened to you?" Alata gasped as she saw they way they looked,
the four looked a little guiltily at each other, and nudged each other.
"Well ummm you see we got a broken wheel on the carriage, so we stopped to fix it.." Mairi started,
"then we kinda got side tracked ……..!" Hestia finished for her looking a little shamefaced but happy.
Mairi smiled over at her kilted lover and then back at Alata, who was trying not to laugh,
"one thing we did notice though, there are some terrible black clouds coming over the castle, looks like a storm coming in…….so we thought ……..well I still want to find what is under his kilt!" she finished going a little red.
"Well come on in and get warm there is still plenty of food and wine left, everyone else is here!" Alata led them into the ballroom.
Suddenly the ball room was lit from a bolt of lightening that crashed to close for comfort.
The wind howled through the ballroom, and the couples who were on the balcony and patio came running in, wet and cold from the sudden rain and storm.
Through the glass roof they could see the storm crash over their heads casting an eerie light on the party. Not to be deterred though Alata called for extra candles and told the band to play a little louder, large fires soon crackled in the fire places scattered along the walls.
Everyone started to settle down, and relax again, the storm just adding more atmosphere to the event.
Just then a sudden gust of wind blew straight through the ballroom freezing everyone, blowing a lot of candles out.
"What you started the party without me?" a voice boomed from the top of the stairs.
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