#dancing at a masquerade

[stop-ur-losing-me]

my favorite lovers tropes

academic rivals to lovers (IS SO GOOD, plus when theyre forced to work together)

the "why didn't you answer my letters??" followed by "you wrote me letters???" HEARTWRENCHING

fake dating (enough said)

the 'you need to learn how to dance so im gonna teach you and oh gosh why r we this close?' (honestly one of my all time favs)

the two enemies dancing together at a masquerade dance (yes, just yes)

the screamed love confession during an argument "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU" (best thing ever)

one bed trope (enough said)

the 'i hate everyone but you' couple (yesssss)

one losing their mind if the other is hurt or captured (cough percabeth cough)

the bodyguard/princess trope I REPEAT THE BODYGUARD/PRINCESS TROPE

the 'we were flirting and everyone else knows we were flirting but we're in denial bout it' (this trope)

MUTUAL PINING MUTUAL PINING

additionally, the 'everyone thinks we're dating but we r not/ in denial bout it' (BEST TROPE EVER)

the hero falling for the villain (honestly one of the best ones out there)

lovers to enemies (SO ANGSTY)

there's more i'll add when i can :)

[hedgehog-moss]

I just read a detailed account of the Bal des Ifs and I’d never realised how funny this event was when you don’t focus on Madame de Pompadour. All I was taught at school is that it was the masquerade ball in 1745 where Louis XV first took (public) notice of la Pompadour, but what I didn’t know was that the former royal mistress had recently died so there was a vacancy so to speak, and a lot of noblewomen showed up specifically hoping to catch the King’s attention. 

But he came dressed up as a shrub (a yew tree similar to the ones in the royal topiary gardens) along with seven other men in identical costumes, so no one knew for sure which one was the King. People always focus on how Madame de Pompadour recognised the royal shrub and talked to him, but what about the women who didn’t!! History is written by the winners but I want to hear about the women who doggedly danced the minuet with random shrubs hoping this one was the one. My book mentions that a determined noble lady followed a yew tree outside the room on a hunch, only to find that she had bet on the wrong shrub. This is what the shrub costumes looked like by the way, imagine stalking one all over the park of Versailles at night because you think his gait looks kingly and you are an ambitious noblewoman

[suntails]

⚔️🐉

[alastor-simp]

Masquerade Ball - Alastor x Reader🎭💃🏼

Today marked the date of the Pride Ring Ball. Every year in Hell, Lucifer Morningstar would host a ball for the notorious residents in Hell at his palace. The invites extended to the Sins, Overlords, and Goetia family. Sadly, you were just a regular sinner in hell, so no invitation for you, or so you thought. The time you arrived at your apartment in Hell, you noticed the red envelope, with a black seal in your mailbox. "What was this", you thought. Opening the envelope, you realized it was an invitation for the ball. WAIT WHAT?! Thinking it was a mistake, you opened the envelope to see if it was really addressed to you. The message inside the envelope read:

𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒴/𝒩 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑜𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝒾𝓃𝓋𝒾𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒸𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒. 𝐼 𝒾𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝒶 𝒷𝒾𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑒𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓇𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇, 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓁𝒾𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒾𝓃𝓋𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁 𝒶𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑜𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒶𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓁. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹𝓊𝓁𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓌 𝒶𝓉 𝟪:𝟢𝟢 𝒫𝑀 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝒶𝓈𝓆𝓊𝑒𝓇𝒶𝒹𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂𝑒𝒹, 𝓈𝑜 𝓅𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑜 𝓌𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓈𝓀. 𝒞𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊.

𝒮𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓁𝓎, 𝐿𝓊𝒸𝒾𝒻𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇

OMG! It took you awhile to get your jaw off the floor after reading the invitation. You had met Charlie Morningstar, a few times in your time in Hell. She had dropped flyers for her hotel on the ground one day, and you happened to be around to help her. After that, the both of you chatted and exchanged cell phone numbers. She insisted you stay at the hotel, and think about being redeemed. Honestly, you were a bit skeptical on the idea, but you told her you would think about it. You didn't expect her to do this for you. You needed to thank her so much when you saw her at the ball. The big problem was finding a dress to wear. You had plenty of clothes, but none of them were ball material, and the funds you had to buy one was very slim. Trying to come up with an idea, you decided to message Charlie, thanking her very repeatedly for the invite and also if she could help you look for a ball gown and mask. Her response came quickly and she said would handle it and for you not to worry. That left you a bit confused, but you didn't question it and just replied back with a heart and smiley face.

It was the day of the ball, and you had just arrived back home from work. Once you arrived at your door, you noticed there were two golden gift wrapped boxes placed in front of it. Grabbing the boxes and headed inside, you see that they were for you. Opening them, one of them contain a beautiful ball gown and the other a masquerade mask (Dress and mask below)

This almost felt like a dream. Inside the box was a note from Charlie, saying hope you love the dress and P.S a carriage would arrive for you at 7:00 PM. Taking a look at your clock, the time read 6:30, which gave you enough time to do your hair and makeup. Once that was all sat, it was time to put on the dress, which fitted you like a glove. Placing the mask on your face, you peaked at the clock and saw that it now read 6:58 PM. Heading out, you gotten to the lower level and spotted your ride. It was a large apple carriage, painted red and gold. The driver was an short imp, wearing a tuxedo. The horses were full on skeletons, with flames for the manes. The driver gave you a nod, hopping down from his seat, and opening the carriage door for you. Thanking him, you went inside and took a seat. Soon you heard a crack, and the carriage began to move, heading towards your destination.

The carriage had drawn to a halt, arriving at the Morningstar palace. It was enormous. The exterior was painted an ashen white. The ceiling was a crimson red and there were apple shaped symbols covering the gates. A fountain was in the middle, spewing out red water. The carriage had stopped right in front of the many stairs, leading to the door of the palace. The driver had dropped down again, opening the door for you this time. Stepping out, you gazed at the palace. You still couldn't believe this was really happening. Making your way up the stairs, the doors opened for you. A large hallway was in front of you, leading to two large doors, marked with red apples and snake symbols, along with two demon guards. Taking a deep breath, you made your way over to them. The guards bowed before you, then proceeded to open the door.

The doors opened leading to the upper deck of a staircase, with two stairs going down on both sides. Peering over the deck, you gazed down. In front of you was the ballroom, where the festivities were talking place. A crowd of demons were gathered around certain areas of the room. An orchestra was playing in the corner of the room, and there were tables of refreshments and imps walking around with trays of beverages. Demons of all shapes and sizes were donning beautiful costume and dresses, along with many interesting masks. A few demons had stopped to gaze at you at the top of the staircase, whispering to themselves. Oh boy, you were starting to feel insecure now, but you were already here so might as well pull through. Hiking your dress up a bit, you gracefully walked down the stairs. You gazed around the room, observing many of the different people that were there and hoping to spot Charlie. You walked slowly around the ballroom, taking in everything. You got many different reactions as you walked around. Many demons smiled and bowed at you, which you returned back with a curtsy. Others gave a glare and scoffed at you, which you ignored. You kept looking for Charlie, but it was very difficult since there were so many masks. The thumping of heels could be heard behind you. Turning around, you were tackled into a bear hug, by someone wearing a pink mask and blonde hair. "YOU MADE IT!!!"

Recognizing that voice, you took a step back, realizing it was Charlie, wearing a beautiful magenta ball gown. Smiling you hugged her back. "Ah you must be Y/N!" another called out from behind the both of you. Looking up, you saw the king of hell himself, Lucifer Morningstar along with his beautiful wife, Lilith. He was wearing his signature white suit and hat, while holding his apple cane. He was wearing a white mask, with black feathers covering it. Lilith was wearing a gorgeous amethyst-colored dress, matching her purple diamond mask. Letting go of Charlie, you politely introduced yourself, giving a bow. "Ah no no my dear! No need for formalities!Come here!" Lucifer smiled widely, walking over to you and giving you a bear hug, similar to Charlies. Welp that was a surprise, you figured Lucifer would be a bit more authoritative, but he was a bit of a goofball. Lucifer let you go, leaving Lilith to come towards you. Her presence took your breath away, giving her amazing height. She bent down a bit, and gave you a hug as well, to which you returned. Having let you go, she placed a hand on your cheek, giving you a motherly smile. "Its a pleasure to meet you, Y/N. Charlie has told us much about you. Thank you for being a kind friend to her."

You nodded your head. "Charlie is truly amazing. You both did an great job raising her." Your face turned towards Charlie, giving her a smile as you turned back at Lilith. Charlie eyes watered with happiness, and she gave you another hug, followed by another one by Lucifer. "AWW LILITH! CAN WE ADOPT HER?!" Lucifer said, as he continued to squeeze you. Lilith gave a chuckle, finding her husbands actions adorable. "Now Luci~. Behave yourself." Lilith tapped Lucifers back, letting him know to let you go. Both Charlie and Lucifer finally let you go. You hoped this didn't cause a big scene, especially since there were so many demons around you. Surprisingly, not many demons were looking your way, maybe because of the Morningstars status, no one bother to say anything of give weird looks. Lucifer adjusted his suit, trying to go back to being professional. "Well sorry for cutting his meeting short, Y/N, but we have to meet with the other guests in the room. Do enjoy yourself!" Lucifer gave you a smile and a bow, and began to walk away. His wife smiled back at you, and followed after her husband. Charlie gave you another hug, and went to catch up with her parents. The ball continued around you. Many demons had gone to a center in the room and began to waltz. You decided to stay off to the side, where the refreshments were, and watched everyone dance. You weren't expecting anyone to ask you to dance, so be better if you just stayed in the shadows and observe.

Your eyes spotted a very tall man on the other side of the ballroom. He was sporting a wine-red tuxedo, along with a black mask with red swirls. His smile was very prominent on his face. In his hand was a microphone? That was odd. Most of the male demons were holding canes, so why did he have a microphone. He was very handsome the more you observed him. Soon his eyes were gazing back at yours, and you turned your head away, embarrassed that he noticed you staring.

***Alastor POV***

""Ah another boring event as always." Alastor thought. He was invited to the Morningstar ball, given his overlord status. Finding it rude not to attend, he still showed up. Alastor would have preffered if the band would play something other than classical music, perhaps some jazz or electric swing, oh how riveting it would be. Gazing around the room, Alastor's eyes then locked on to another staring back at him. Well well, who was this? The demon was staring at him, but instead of looking at him with fear, they were admiring him until they saw that he was looking back, and turned away. Alastor's was becoming positively giddy with excitement, as many who dare to look at him never looked at him with eyes like that. Laughing to himself, Alastor began to walk to where you were standing.

***Your POV***

Turning your head back, you noticed the man had left. Damn, maybe he got creeped out from you staring. A tap on your shoulder caused you to jump. Spinning around, it was the very handsome man you were looking at. His smile was the most noticeable thing on him, even with the mask covering his eyes, the smile took up all of his face. Good evening, my dear! I say you look positively stunning!" His voice radiated static, which you found very surprising yet amazing. Blushing at his words, you looked down, muttering a thank you. The man let out a small laugh, then he grabbed your hand and bowed, kissing it. "The name is Alastor, my dear! And you are?" Still flushed at his greeting, you calm down and told him your name: "My name is Y/N. Its a pleasure to meet you." Why did the name sound so familiar? A thought then came rushing into your mind and your whole body tensed. THIS WAS ALASTOR THE RADIO DEMON!! The stories you heard about him were enough to send chills down your back, but you never knew what he looked like in person. He wasn't at all what you expected, less scary then you thought, but looks could be deceiving. Alastor stood next to you, smiling wide. "I haven't see the likes of you before. Are you a newcomer to hell perhaps?"

Shaking your head, you explained everything about how you were friends with Charlie, and she got you to come to the ball. "I honestly still think this is a dream." You told him, as you swirled the drink in your hand. "Ah yes! Charlie is a truly charming demon. I am helping her with her little program at the Hazbin Hotel! I'm sure you have heard of it, my dear?" He said, as he folded his hands behind his back. He was helping her with the hotel? Why would the most notorious overlord be helping her. You kept your question to yourself as you thought he probably had his own reasons for helping Charlie. "I have yes. Charlie asked me to come and stay there. I am a bit skeptical at the moment about it thought. Maybe later on, I can decide." Alastor hummed to himself, as he gazed at you, his eyes flashing crimson. "It is a very entertaining environment. I would be very pleased to see you there." That made your heart race. Alastor then turned to you, extending his hand out. "Care for a dance, my dear?" Feelings of nervousness began to fill your body. You didn't know how to dance, let alone waltz. "Um, I-I don't know how to dance." Looking down ashamed, you imagined you had upset him. His hand then grabbed yours, and starting pulling you towards the dancing. "Not to worry, my dear. I will teach you!" The both of you had arrived to the center of the dancing area. He had turned you around, and pulled you closer, placing one hand in yours, and the other on your waist. "Eyes up, my dear! Follow my lead!" You weren't ready for this. It was a bit rough in the beginning, but you slowly began to memorize the steps, and started dancing along.

The demons surrounded you began to depart, and pretty soon only you and Alastor were dancing. The crowds stopped and stared at the both of you. Whispering words could be heard. "Is that the radio demon?!" "Who is he dancing with?" "Never seen them before?" The words didn't bother you, as you began to become lost in the dancing, and in Alastors eyes.

The whole world around you began to blur, as you focused manly on the man in front of you. He was smiling down at you still, but his eyes were gazing at you tenderly. He spun you around, causing your dress to lift a bit. "You are a quick learner! I must say I'm impressed." He leaned down, whispering to you. Smiling, you thanked him. Soon the dance came to an end. Applause erupted around the both of you. Standing hand in hand, you both gave a bow. After the dance, you and Alastor went outside and roamed around the castle gardens, chatting about certain topics and cracking a few jokes.

Suddenly an announcement was given out, letting everyone know the ball was coming to an end. Alastor was nice enough to escort you outside, where the carriage was waiting to return you home. "I must say my dear, this was the most fun I have had at the Morningstar ball!" His smile had calmed down to a simple grin, as he gazed at you. This was your first time at a ball and you didn't want it to end. The time you spent with Alastor was entirely magical, making your heart flutter. "I enjoyed spending time with you as well Alastor. Thank you." Cocking his head, he was asking what you were thanking him. Feeling shy, your eyes darted down. "Coming to a ball like this, despite being a normal sinner with no royal or overlord status, had me nervous the whole time. But, spending time with you helped calm me down. I got to enjoy the ball and I got to enjoy it with you. So, thank you." The smile on your face, made Al's heart skip a beat. How strange, he thought. Smiling tenderly, Al grabbed your hand again, giving it another kiss. "I'm glad I was able to make your night enjoyable, my dear. May our paths cross again someday." The butterflies in your stomach were going crazy and your face flushed crimson again.

You thanked Alastor again, as you made your way to the carriage and hopped inside. As the carriage began to move, you took another look back at Alastor through the window. Smiling still, you gave a small wave which he returned. The carriage then began to depart the castle, making its way back to your home. During the ride back home, you placed a hand on your heart. It was beating rapidly. You never felt like this before and it was making you nervous and excited. No one has ever made you feel like that before. Maybe you could give the hotel a shot, as long as you could see Alastor again. Giving out a dreamy sigh, you gazed out the window, staring at the crimson sky.

[crystallizsch]

"here we are again..."

“…our eyes always find each other somehow”

[cemeterything]

the carnivale sequence in the terror is already one of the best parts of the show but it would've been even better if it'd had an unsettling dreamlike dance scene

[calisources]

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒.

All sentences on these meme make references to royal balls, medieval ballrooms or regency, basically set during any period drama. You can change names, pronouns, titles and more as you see fit. Most of these were taken from different source materials found via google search. This meme makes references to masquerades, royal dances and partners.

Dancing, at its best, is independence and intimacy in balance.

Dance is the timeless interpretation of life.

Music does not need language of words for it has movements of dance to do its translation.

Masks reveal. They don’t conceal. Masks reveal your cravings, your passion, your deepest most secret desires.

It was you. I know it was you.

Look at me, Kia! Look me in the eye and tell me you’re not her.

And who shall you be once you don your grand disguise?

I don't like to hear you talk about yourself that way. Your scars do not define you, young lady. Your action do.

All the ladies must dress the same and the men have to find their partners. It’s a game of sorts. 

Even the smallfolk have their own version of the ball, at the steps of the castle.

Swoon, Dora. Every young woman deserves to swoon over the love of her life.

Dash it, Everton, how'd you know it was me?

A masquerade could have been a beautiful dance. 

 Oh, well. What's a royal ball? After all, I suppose it would be frightfully dull, and-and-and boring, and-and completely... Completely wonderful.

Each finds a partner, and upon the bell, we must change partner until we find the one we came to be. . .or the one we desire.

It has been a while since you gave me the honor to dance with you.

If the princess is not too occupied, I would wish for a dance, perhaps?

The Queen and King have to open the ball but the King is gone. No mind, I shall be in his place.

Sometimes in life confusion tends to arise and only dialogue of dance seems to make sense.

If we want our men to dance, we have to inspire them. 

 But with something more, something bigger, something that will give them a reason to want to dance.

But when balls are held for pleasure, They're the balls that I like best.

Will you be my princess for the Ball?

Keeping pushing, Andrei, and you and I are going to play a game.

Nothing like a ball to cheer a nation, give the old lords wine and the young boys the opportunity to find a nice woman and everyone shows up.

Where are you taking me? The ball hasn’t ended.

Royals is like a beautiful, broken angel: hard to look at, but utterly impossible to turn away from.

Attend the royal ball in all your glory and find out what fate has in store for you.

How many dances is one allowed before people begin to whisper?

You cannot behave like a brute. It is my duty to dance with every suitor. I am their princess.

I do not recognize you, my lord? Are you from these lands? 

It is bad luck to steal a princess.

Attend the royal ball in all your glory and find out what fate has in store for you.

There is nothing quite like dancing in the moonlight. It sets your soul on fire and your heart aflutter.

The beauty of a ball is not just in its grandeur, but in the connections it sparks, the emotions it stirs, and the hopes it ignites.

Just keep your eyes on me. No one else here matters.

I shall keep dancing with you until you stop being stubborn and go speak with me. Or you rather have people whisper?

The princess looks beautiful tonight, does she not?

Father, please, you must dance as well. Your dull looks are making people bored.

You promised me a dance when you were better. Are you?

I've loved you at every dance, on every walk, every time we've been together and every time we've been apart.

I can feel people's eyes on me.

Every time I walk into a ballroom, I know they are comparing me to Daphne.

You both get to choose your passions and adventures, while my beloved is chosen by me. And now I must join them for a dance.

Are you planning on running away when the clock strikes midnight? 

If you do wish to go away, I know a spot, secluded enough.

You wish for me to go with you, alone, unchaperoned. I am a maiden, my lord. 

Aye, but I am no lord, sweet maiden. And these masks allow us some privacy.

This is my last chance to find a match on my own accord. If I don’t. The King will do it for me and I would rather not.

 I'm only a girl, not a princess.

Believe me - they're all looking at you.

 They're all looking at you.

You are requested and required to present yourself to your king.

 I do not even know if that beautiful slipper will fit But, if it does--will you take me as I am?

 It would be an insult to take you to the palace dressed in these old rags.

How charming, how perfectly charming.

When I go back, they will try to pair me off with a lady of their choosing. I'm expected to marry for advantage.

Oh. Well, whose advantage would this marriage be of?

I hope you don't find our kingdom too confining.

I am. An apprentice monarch. Still learning my trade.

Our prince seems quite taken with her.

She went straight for him. You have to appreciate her efficiency.

Walk into the room knowing you are the best. Shoulders back, chin up. Their attitudes will totally change.

You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.

The ball is about to come to an end, and you have yet not told me your name. 

I thought we agreed we would remain strangers.

I’m afraid my true identity would put you in danger. 

Have you ever been kissed by a stranger at the end of a ball? If not, let me be the first.

Put him on all the invitation lists, he's a divine dancer.

I’m afraid I’m more used to swordfight than ballroom.

You will ruin your pretty gown, princess. I would not wish to step on your toes.

 Silly, I am a great dancer, no one ever steps on my toes.

No. Let them dance. Interrupting would cause a scandal.

One of these men will be my husband one day. What a thought.

The art of husband seeking at it’s peak, during royal ball season. 

Maiden beware, a gentleman can become a beast when the bell strikes.

[it-happened-one-fic]

Even If The World Itself Should Fall Down - Malleus (Glorious Masquerade)

Author Notes: So, I've been having a lot of fun reading Glorious Masquerade and I saw an opening and received encouragement from friends to just go ahead and write some fics for this event. So this one is Malleus's and it was written to the “As the World Falls Down” cover by Grace Potter. The dance in this fic was inspired by Andrei and Natasha’s waltz scene from Episode 3 of BBC’s “War and Peace” (2016). As per usual, reader is gender-neutral. I hope you enjoy!

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ sfw/ Glorious Masquerade/ romance/ some pining/ fluff/ dancing

Word Count: 1338

It was the part of the trip everyone had been waiting for, but I found myself still lost in my own thoughts about everything that had occurred since coming to Fleur City. 

A plot regarding the supposed evils of magic, the flames, the flowers, the ringing of the bell, and everything else.

 It was almost too much to process, even considering the fact I’d seen overblots. Perhaps the most distracting thing was the fact that I was so relieved. No one had died, lost their magic, or ended up horribly injured, and the matter had been resolved. 

I leaned against the wall, sighing slightly as people swirled past me in the midst of the masquerade. Either classmates and friends or the people who attended this school or one of the other magic academies themselves. 

It was a swirling eddy of rich fabrics and masked faces.

I had never truly pictured myself in such an opulent scene, and it felt only right, in a great many respects, that I remained on the sidelines. Grim had long since slunk off in search of food and left me alone to watch everyone else.

But I didn’t remain alone for long, as a tall figure soon came cutting their way through the crowd.

Malleus approached with unhesitating steps, my view of him occasionally blocked by a couple twirling by even as he walked towards me. A slight smile was on his face as he drew closer until he emerged from the dancers to stand in front of me.

His hand that had been holding his mask this whole time lowered so that I could clearly see his face as he bent slightly at the waist and held out his other gloved hand with a smile that curved easily across his face, “May I?” 

I blinked at him, half-surprised, before a smile slid onto my face. Because, of course, he wouldn’t leave me stranded all on my own. He knew loneliness well and had no doubt felt sympathy for me the very moment he’d seen me standing on my own.

“I don’t really know the steps,” I warned teasingly, even as I slipped my hand into his. His gloved fingers curled carefully over my hand as he pulled me away from the wall and towards him.

“Then I shall guide you; you need only trust me, Child of Man,” And as he spoke there was a certain villainy to his smile. Almost like he was proud that I’d accepted his offer, as if I’d rejected others. 

It was amusingly similar to a dragon that had found itself a new treasure to hoard all to itself, and I shook my head amusedly but let him lead me out onto the floor. Carefully guiding me around and between other dancing duos who slowly began to look our way with either surprised or intrigued expressions. 

Despite the way I glanced around, Malleus’s eyes stayed on me until we reached the center of the floor, directly under the chandler.

I turned to face him, my hand still in his as I looked at his face. And he had, at long last, looked away from me to carefully enter our dancer’s hold. 

One of his hands on my waist as the other arm was bent around so that it was pressed firmly against his own back, while I had one hand resting lightly on his shoulder and the other held out to hold my clothes out of the way of our footsteps.

Bright green eyes slowly shifted to look at me, and I was close enough to even see his eyelashes fluttering slightly as he met my gaze. The slightest of smiles on his face before he stepped forward, and I stepped back to the very first strings of this new song.  

It was an older style of dance; I could tell that much from the fact he had one arm pressed to his back, which wasn’t part of any modern style, and a part of me wondered if it was a form from the Valley of Thorns. 

From what Sebek had told me, the people there were partial to what many might refer to as more vintage aspects of life.

But I wasn’t complaining; there was something especially lovely about this type of waltz. And I found myself smiling as Malleus pivoted us around the room.

We spiraled around, remaining in the center of the room as the other dancers moved back and away from us. Eyeing us and no doubt questioning why exactly I, of all people, was dancing with the famed and typically feared Malleus Draconia.

After all, I was no one special, and he was the heir to the throne of the Valley of Thorns. An odd couple, to say the least.

As we entered a particularly long set of rotations, Malleus extended the arm he’d had behind his back. Humming slightly as I almost instinctively shifted my hand from his shoulder to his now-free hand.

His fingers curled over and enveloped my hand, as he also shifted to the side so that we were joined only by our arms, which crossed over each other’s chests, as we faced each other and we continued to spin. Almost parallel to one another.

I exhaled softly, relaxing the longer the two of us danced, and I realized that I really could trust him to lead me through this entire dance even though I didn’t know the steps.

As the music slowed and quieted, he drew me closer so that he was once more directly in front of me, though his hand still gripped mine with a quiet gentleness.

I swallowed slightly, briefly glancing away from him and the soft smile on his face, before I managed to speak. 

“I never have really thanked you for diving after me when the floor collapsed,” My voice was soft, and his lips twitched slightly. Almost like he was amused by my words.

“But of course,” He spoke softly as well. Matching my tone in a way that made our words feel like a secret between only the two of us.

Our motions continued to slow until we were simply turning a slow circle and looking at each other even as everyone else kept spiraling, and I shook my head slightly, “No, thank you… Really.”

Something in his gaze softened slightly as he continued to stare at me, and I tilted my head, smiling, “It’s nice that this masquerade could still take place with everything that happened…. The firelotuses and our trip almost getting ruined, I mean.”

I felt his grip on my hand tighten slightly as he inclined his head slightly, almost like he wanted to well and truly keep his next words so that they were just between the two of us. A tender secret not to be shared with anyone else. Be they a close friend or a bodyguard.

“It matters not what collapses. Be it the floor beneath us or even if the world itself should fall down, I will be there for you, Child of man.” I blinked up at him, feeling my eyes widen at his soft words.

At odds with my speechlessness, he smiled. Looking perfectly delighted as he slowly began to speed our motions back up, until we were whirling around the room once more. Center stage as his smile stayed ever-present. It wasn’t long until, even with his words still floating around in my mind, we both started to laugh.

At first, just a chuckle and then soft laughter as we waltzed around, drawing everyone’s gazes as they questioned what sort of secret we shared that so amused us. But it wasn’t truly laughter at something amusing. Rather, it was relieved laughter at the realization that even if everything else in the world fell away, we had one another.

Falling together just as we’d fallen together through the burning flowers, and falling towards each other as each step of our dance pulled us closer towards that beautiful dream known as love.

[one-time-i-dreamt]

I died and God put me in a masquerade ball full of people and told me to pick one person to dance with, he said if I picked a devil I'd go to Hell, if I picked an angel I'd go to Heaven, but they all looked an acted the same.

[r-aindr0p]

Uncomfortable with dancing.

Ramshackle prefect felt a bit ridiculous crying while wearing cool clothes.

Based on a personal experience and a part of me really felt bad for Idia when he had to go dance and sing in front of people, would have been mortified as well.

[kamapon]

I made this originally for Patr3on and I'll put it in the Monthly illustration poll as soon as I can *evil grin*

[hungerofhadarr]

I am literally so desperate right now for masquerade ball quest in Wyll’ s quest line like I look foolish . Roll to dance ballroom style so your companions can sneak around and try to gather intel . QUICK IF YOU LET WYLL DIP YOU NO MATTER YOUR SIZE YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT OF HERE WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT !!!!!!! Okay now QUICKY . You must SPIN HIM . If you fall at this it is fucking over the steelwatch Will Get you . Okay now RAID THE BANQUET TABLES

[bowshaowow]

1902

[pinkee-moon]

Wiping All Out🎶