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Post by Carina Hale on Feb 10, 2021 3:03:01 GMT
The fabric of that deep purple gown twirled around her in a cascade of chiffon and lace with every turn she made; a beaming smile washing over her face beneath that mask. Any chance she got, Carina was dancing the moment the countess had opened up the floor, hopping and spinning gleefully until she was absolutely winded, and laughter erupted from her slender throat.
She was quite happy that Oliver had been able to attend, as it was nice to see a familiar face here in the city besides her own cousins. The song had ended and she stopped with a flourish, dipping into a curtsey for her friend.
"I suppose it would be improper to ask you for another dance, Miss Carina..." he stammered a little.
She placed a hand on his shoulder, and giggled, "Yes, dear Ollie-" she began, forgoing any title. "I believe it would be. But, I do believe I need some air. Perhaps later then, hmm?" Carina was already turning with a small wave as she weaved through the sea of gathered people and dancing figures in search of the exit.
The moment she stepped out onto the balcony, she drew in a deep breath as the night air cooled her skin. She could still hear the music and laughter from inside, and as much as she was enjoying herself, Carina did like the quiet. Sometimes she even preferred it. It made her think of home and the simplicity of the countryside. Visiting London was always a splendid time, but there were days where she felt out of place and wished she could return to her family.
Gloved hands gripped the railing gently as she tilted her face towards the star-riddled sky, taking this moment to catch her breath. Despite herself, she still swayed in place as she continued to listen to the musicians play.
[ Nathaniel Wright ] |
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Post by Nathaniel Wright on Feb 12, 2021 3:51:34 GMT
Attending balls was never the sort of thing he enjoyed. But with the pressure from his mother, and his two younger sisters attending, he really didn’t have much of a choice. He needed to watch over his sisters, ensuring they’d not end up pursued by all the wrong men. Though society would suggest one marry either equal or higher in status, Nathaniel didn’t really care much about that. He wanted his sisters to be happy--but he’d be damned if he allowed someone who would harm them to get more than an arm’s length from them if even that. Saying he was an overprotective brother may have put things a bit lightly, but he had more of a reason for it than anyone knew or that he would ever let on. Though he didn’t really wish to be there, he was grateful it was a masquerade and he could somewhat hide his face behind a mask. He dressed for the occasion, however, in all black and silver, and hoped he would blend in more than anything, not really wishing to socialize. He was quite the pleasant company, wasn’t he? After he and his sisters arrived, they were both quick to leave his side, leaving him on his own. Not that he could blame them- they wanted to be with their friends and dance the night away. It didn’t mean he’d not keep a close eye on them when he could. As the night went on, and after being distracted in conversation with a friend, he had lost sight of Charlotte. He wondered around, eyes scanning the crowded room but it would seem she blended in far too well. With a sigh, he decided to let it be for now. He needed some air anyway, as it was beginning to feel too stuffy in the room. The cool night air was a relief that quickly washed over him as he stepped outside and made his way to the railing of the balcony. He leaned against it on his elbows, folding his hands together, and looked out into the grounds below. Not too long after, he heard the door of the ballroom open, the music wafting out as if he were still in the room, until the door shut, muffling the sound once again. He turned only his head and watched as the woman approached the railing. Nathaniel averted his eyes back to where they were as if deciding to pay no mind to the woman’s presence. After all, he had never really been one to approach a lady or make idle conversation. But as he saw her, from the corner of her eye, begin to sway along with the muffled music, he wondered if she had even noticed him there--or she just didn’t care that anyone may have been watching her. He smiled slightly and tilted his head just enough to turn his eyes back on her, noticing her own gaze was focused on the sky. “Are you without a dance partner, or just out for some fresh air?” Alright, that sounded far worse coming out than it did in his head and he fought back the urge to cringe at his own question. This was why he didn’t start conversations.
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Post by Carina Hale on Mar 2, 2021 20:50:54 GMT
Carina could feel her heart beating rapidly within her chest still, even as she tried to calm down. Still, she had that itch to keep moving, wondering if she should head back inside to dance some more. Being a country girl, she didn't always get the chance to attend such lavish parties. The ones back home were certainly fun (and perhaps a bit more "rambunctious" than this), but she was enjoying herself more than she expected this evening. She felt like the city would be stuffy, but she had yet to go without a smile since her arrival.
A part of her wasn't ready to go home anytime soon, and wondered if her cousins would mind if she stayed a bit longer.
Although spring was finally upon them, the nights were still a bit chilly. Surprisingly enough, though, it felt good against her heated skin, yet she knew she would soon get chilly without her shawl if she remained out here for too long. Yet, the countess's estate grounds were so lovely, even at night, and Carina appeared content where she was.
Continuing to sway in place, lips pressed together as she softly hummed along with the faint tune drifting out from inside the manor. That is, until a voice broke her gentle reverie and she swiftly turned to find she was not alone out there. Well, certainly she should have expected such a thing, with so many people attending the ball! Now she was staring at this dashing stranger with wide, confused eyes.
Her embarrassment only lasted a second before she dipped into a respectful curtsey in greeting for the gentleman. The smile returned, making those dark eyes glint. "Perhaps it's a little bit of both," she replied. Carina regarded him with a gentle cant of her head. If he thought she would find his words strange, she didn't seem to express such. "And what of you, sir?" |
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Post by Nathaniel Wright on May 20, 2021 4:41:57 GMT
Nathaniel wasn’t certain why he didn’t just keep to himself, especially since she hadn’t noticed him. He could have, no should have, just stepped away and returned inside, leaving the lady to her reverie. Not only had he interrupted her own thoughts and the time to herself, but now he was subjecting her to what, most likely, would be an awkward or unpleasant conversation with him.
He only felt worse as he seemed to have startled her. Even behind the mask she wore, he could see her widened, confused expression, followed by her look of embarrassment. Now it was too late to step away. “My apologies, I did not mean to startle--” His words trailed off as she curtsied to him, and he bowed his head in a show of matched respect.
His eyes narrowed slightly, taking notice of her smile and the glint that reached her eyes. Even with the mask altering her appearance slightly, he could still see that she was beautiful. If anything, the mask highlighted and made her eyes stand out more.
Nathaniel had nearly forgotten he still wore his own mask up until then where he was almost grateful for some bit of disguise. Not that this lady might know him--but more for the chance of her being able to pick him out of a crowd at a later point in time.
His lips twitched slightly in the faintest of a smile as she responded to his question, and he dipped his head in a small nod, acknowledging her answer. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was expecting for a response--perhaps some sort of offense taken by his assumption that the lady might be out here dancing alone due to not having a partner inside. His words must not have conveyed such a message, as she did not seem to be bothered by them.
When she questioned him, he forced a smile and turned his gaze away from her and straight ahead at the horizon. He nodded his head before giving her an answer, “Most definitely a bit of both.” Though his reasons were more of a choice than an undesirable outcome.
He allowed a moment of silence to linger between them, mostly due to not knowing what else to say, until he decided to give some sort of explanation to her, whether it was warranted or not. “It is a bit too stuffy in there, for my liking…” So then why did he even bother coming? Oh, right--he was supposed to be a chaperone to his younger sisters.
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Post by Carina Hale on May 21, 2021 1:41:22 GMT
Maybe any other woman would have been bothered by his interruption, but Carina didn't seem to mind in the least. This was, after all, a public place at the moment. Then again, wasn't the intention of this evening for young women to try and find their match? A country girl or not, she knew the customs and the people appeared to take them very seriously out in the city. Oftentimes, Carina forgot such things, making her feel as though she was sticking out like a sore thumb.
"No apologies necessary," she told him, even if he hadn't finished his intended statement. Carina still shared that polite smile, her hands folding together in front of her. She was trying to remember her manners and the ways of presentation; it wasn't as lax here as it was out in the city, she quickly recalled, and she didn't wish to make a fool of herself in front of the man who, unknowingly, thought he was currently awkward and unpleasant.
As his attention drifted away, Carina studied his profile for a moment longer before turning towards the railing; her hands clutching it gently as she, too, gazed out at the dark horizon and the sky littered with stars. They weren't as bright here as they were back at home, but were still lovely regardless.
'It is a bit too stuffy in there, for my liking...'
Brown eyes drifted sidelong to him out of curiosity. Her mouth pursed in thought, remaining quiet for a few seconds more before she finally spoke. "I find it...breathtaking. All the lavish masks and purple lantern light..." Then again, she wasn't used to these kinds of parties. To her, it was heavenly and every person looked absolutely beautiful in their gowns and jewels.
Carina shrugged lightly as if trying to act like she wasn't as enthralled as she truly was, her attention back on the dark estate lands below. "It's like being transported from the real world into a fairytale. But, I suppose growing up in the country, one might find everything here to be extravagant." A part of her wondered if she should feel embarrassed by that, which was why she promptly stopped talking after that. |
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