The Gentle whispers

In memorium Veris

[tulipnight]

Poppy Dawn by David Dean

[katasthrope]

[itsthehost]

Visit Original Link

Life, like the wind, is ever changeable,

There and then not,

Engaging innocent victims in a dynamic dance

Of sudden falls and infinite climbs,

Sweeps, twists, and turns,

A terrifying waltz for those not easily adapted.

  But I am the wind

And take to its change like a fish to water,

Tickling cheeks and chasing

Ripples through the blades of grass,

It's my very nature to flex and flow as it pleases.

  The wind doesn't pose such a challenge to adjust to,

It changes, yes, but in my gentle form I'm no threat.

  Life is harder to get used to.

  Take a change of scenery,

To be taken from the lands you called home,

To settle down there where the wind carries you,

To truly have peace with this it must be chosen,

Either by force or by will.

  What I called my home were the isles of Greece

And the vast plains of Africa.

Even among the Romans I found my place,

And for a while I rested my breath

On the faraway shores of America.

  I called it home and built my life

To be unravelled by a single thread pulled.

  Life, like the wind, is not static,

And neither is mine.

  There has been love,

And bigger losses.

Both Life and Death have crossed my path

Robbing me of what was me most dear.

  But I am the wind,

And found peace

In the entanglement

Of my immortal thread

With those that taught me

The value of limited time.

  And my time was limited,

Not my life,

my home.

  My immortal thread tangled and tugged,

Carrying me on the shoulders

Of unfamiliar brothers

To a new world,

Where my friends and family are no more

But a vague shadow.

  Not even the gods can escape the hands of the fates.

  But of all the things they had bereft me,

They left me,

  Hope.

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[omgmercyofgod]

"The state of this world?" Remiel laughed breezily and shook her head, giving no clue as to having been aware of his nostalgia for the moment. "I’m afraid it is the same as it has always been - somewhat round-ish and spinning in space." She chuckled and nudged a wayward curl back to the crown of flowers she was wearing. "The humans do as they please on it and my siblings try not to get in the way for the most part."

She looked toward a window as if it would allow her to see the world, turning on its axis. “Will you be staying here for the time being, in your master’s home?”

[itsthehost]

"Seems like that will be something to experience rather than tell, and perhaps you would grant me your companionship as I do?" Zephyros offered kindly, tracing his thumb down the back of her hand and one of her fingers. "My gods and goddesses were rather fond of interfering which let to most intriguing events. To see humanity without this influence... it should be a sight to behold."

The Host let go of her hand and rose from his seat. There was a writing desk in the corner with a simple candle spreading a halo of light around it. A small romantic corner with aged parchment still in a role on the desk. It would turn to dust with the simplest touch, so he didn't and instead ran a finger over the wood. "So no, not always will I keep to this beloved place. I might stray. Perhaps I may find here what I've been looking for for quite a while now."

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[omgmercyofgod]

"I do." Remiel nodded and smiled, though there was a brittle edge to it, an old hurt, there but hidden with skill learned over time. "You met some of them tonight." She gestured to the ballroom with her chin. "There are quite a lot of us." She added, a teasing note returning to her voice. "So please forgive me for not naming them all."

Letting her hand linger in his she gave him another inquisitive look. “By brothers do you mean fellow winds? I’m sorry to say I am not as up to date on your pantheon as I ought to be.”

[itsthehost]

"There is some complex structure to it, I'll admit," He laughed heartily. "My pantheon. Or rather my World's Pantheon. But my brothers are the winds yes, Boreas, Notus, and Eurus. I dare say we have the simpler structure."

He closed his eyes, trying to find the presence of his brothers, which was certainly hard to be found in a room like this, and shook his head a little at the absence. But he was entertaining. There was no room for longing thoughts about home. "But it seems like I will be lost for a while longer. Perhaps you could fill me in on the state of this world?"

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[omgmercyofgod]

Giving her companion a bemused, curious look Remiel placed her hand in his. “One might think that, but you might be surprised just how tumultuos things can get around here.”

Glancing down at their joined hands she traced his fingers with the tip of her index finger, a little smile playing across her lips. “Not that things don’t get a little…repetative after a while, doing the same things, with the same people….” She peered up at him from underneath her lashes, flashing him a coy look before laughing and shaking her head. “Now, what makes you think that I would even be allowed to know such an explanation, if it indeed existed, let alone share it?” Turning his hand over she traced a nonsensical pattern over the back of it. “I’m a simple messenger after all, hardly comparable with a god.”

[itsthehost]

Well, he could imagine that the bunch that attended the event could get up to some activities not unlike those of the gods and goddesses of his world. And it made him smile. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad in this place. Fate had chosen a path for him after all. And he would go where they wished. For now.

The Host gently took her hand in his, careful like a flower and whispered a gust of wind over her skin, warm and soft, just ruffling the light dusting of hairs. "They are but words. You have an intention, a purpose, do you not, my lady Persephone?" The nickname was used just for entertainments sake, a coy smile on his lips. She was one of the ladies that he hardly got to converse with back in his world and oh would she have been interesting. "We as gods were the same. There were those that watched over the day and others over the night, the light, the earth and the sky. The crops and the cities, the arts and the wisdom. And so many more. " Zephyros lifted her hand, cradling the fingers in his palm and watching the delicate fingers. " And of them all, it would be my brothers I'd miss the most. Do you have any siblings, Remiel?"

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[omgmercyofgod]

"Very flashy." Remiel smiled at Zephyros display, tucking  loose strand of hair behind her ear. Long hair might be aesthetically pleasing but after so long in a corportion with it at a more reasonable length it was a little irritating at times.

Taking a seat she re-organized her skirts then accepted the drink with a polite nod and yet another smile. “We only really have on god here.” She told him, enjoying her companion’s smile even if it wasn’t meant for her. “It sounds quite chaotic to have so many.” Crossing her legs she thoughtfully ran her unpainted fingernails along the stem of her glass. “But it seems like you left all that behind - I wonder why.”

[itsthehost]

Shaking his head a little to refocus on his companion instead of his own world, he allowed a little delighted laugh, reaching out a hand in silent question for hers. "That sounds like it would be an infinite times less... chaotic. Though, it certainly livened things up. Immortal live can be a bit dull as you would know. I assume."

"And one can only guess. But judging by your calm reaction I take it I'm not the first? Was there any explanation as to their presence in this world?"

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[itsthehost]

"No angel is simple." He charmed, watching the folds and letting a soft breeze smooth them down to perfection. "And neither are you. I am most pleased to have you as my companion this evening." Another glance at the room and he decided that perhaps the guests would be well off with the staff. "Will you join me and share why you mention irony?"

[omgmercyofgod]

"You flatter me." Remiel laughed, taking any perceived sting out of her words. "But now I am curious as to how well you know angels. Have you spent time amonst my brethren on your far off shores?"

Giving the room a glance of her own she nodded and linked their arms again, her hand coming to rest daintily on his forearm. “Why don’t we satisfy each other’s curiosity. You show me yours and maybe I will show you mine.”

[itsthehost]

Zephyros regarded her carefully and then laughed softly at the phrasing. Such bold words. "An evening of tales it is. To answer your question, they were not quite the same. The winged companions of the gods and some of the gods themselves, were diverse in looks and in purpose. My lord is one. I myself was another according to men. They never quite got it right, but the winds always were elusive."

The Host rested his gloved hand on top and guided her to more private quarters, opening the doors with a gust of winds that ruffled the lady's hair and his lapels, and touched the curtains in front of the windows that stretched from floor to ceiling. It was a dark sort of room, lacking the light still, but with a snip of his fingers - suited to the taste of Eros who allowed for ambiance - the candles burst to life with soft flickering flames. And he guided her inside, set her astride the divan and procured another drink for the both of them.

"But we did have messengers, as the word would dictate. Hermes is a fellow I am rather fond of. A deft bugger with tricks up his sleeve." He smiled at the memory, taking a sip of his own glass.

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[itsthehost]

"As I said, stranger shores were my home," He nodded, procuring a small pouch from his pocket and rubbing the contents between his fingers. "As for this," again he cast a rather fond eye on the guests. " I had a little help from those shores. I needed to make an acquaintance, didn’t I? Show my face. And what better way than to have everybody show their face? Perhaps for the first time, like myself."

He brushed a glover along the banister and then turned to her again. “The house of Eros, or what is left of it as this is obviously not his inhabitance anymore, is a place of it’s own magic. A neutral zone, I suppose you could say for those unfamiliar with the air. It does make quite a perfect spot to gather for the opposing forces, doesn’t it?”

[omgmercyofgod]

Giving the little satchel a curious look Remiel had a suspicion what was in it but didn’t press the Host to reveal all his secrets just yet. “I do have to say you certainly made an impression on this simple angel.” Twisting around to face her companion the many layers of her skirt brushed playfully against his legs. “I hope you are satisfied with the acquaintance you made.” She smiled playfully before glancing back at the gathered guests. “As for the choice of location…some might call it ironic.”

[itsthehost]

"No angel is simple." He charmed, watching the folds and letting a soft breeze smooth them down to perfection. "And neither are you. I am most pleased to have you as my companion this evening." Another glance at the room and he decided that perhaps the guests would be well off with the staff. "Will you join me and share why you mention irony?"

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[itsthehost]

"I am much delighted to meet the angel of mercy, " Zephyros accepted the words with a flourish and then guided her on the arm to the top of the stairs, sharing a view of the ballroom. "Now, let us not shatter the dream. You wished to know more about this place?"

[omgmercyofgod]

"As I am to make yours Lord Zephyros." Remiel stepped carefully now that she of  the fragile ground they were treading on. "And yes, I am rather curious about all this and how you have accomplished everything." She did away with the demure facade now that the literal masks had fallen, holding her head high and meeting his eyes straight on. "You do not originally belong here I would say." 

[itsthehost]

"As I said, stranger shores were my home," He nodded, procuring a small pouch from his pocket and rubbing the contents between his fingers. "As for this," again he cast a rather fond eye on the guests. " I had a little help from those shores. I needed to make an acquaintance, didn't I? Show my face. And what better way than to have everybody show their face? Perhaps for the first time, like myself."

He brushed a glover along the banister and then turned to her again. "The house of Eros, or what is left of it as this is obviously not his inhabitance anymore, is a place of it's own magic. A neutral zone, I suppose you could say for those unfamiliar with the air. It does make quite a perfect spot to gather for the opposing forces, doesn't it?"

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

[itsthehost]

Ah, time had passed quicker than he had expected, and the Host watched the masks crumble away, just after he had removed his own, the dust falling from his hand, smudging his white gloves with the blackness of it. He smiled. The only thing that had remained of his mask were the three little flowers now in the palm of his hand.  Her tribute. The Host brought them up to his lips and kissed the petals, scattering them with a soft exhale that blew the petals apart to the dust they would have soon turned to.

Then he turned to his companion, lifting her hand that was still in his and kissing it lightly. “Welcome to the house of Eros, my dear angel, I am Zephyros, his humble servant.”

[omgmercyofgod]

 Having only just set her sights on the lonely figure of the blindfolded man who seemed to have fled his original group Remiel was surprised to feel her mask grow warm. Little whisps of white smoke began to curl lazily into the air from it but growing quickly until finally the entirety of it disappeared in rapidly dispersing cloud.

Lifting the hand not clasped by the host to her face the angel felt the unblemished skin that had been revealed with a bemused expression. It was her companion addressing her that pulled her attention back to him and she curtsied once again. “Enchante.” She continued to wear her wry little smile as she/he introduced themselve. “I have been named Remiel - God’s mercy-. Thank you very much for your hospitality”

[itsthehost]

"I am much delighted to meet the angel of mercy, " Zephyros accepted the words with a flourish and then guided her on the arm to the top of the stairs, sharing a view of the ballroom. "Now, let us not shatter the dream. You wished to know more about this place?"

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Winters Dance: The reveal

Laughing in surprise at the dip Persephone’s grip tightened on her partner’s, her eyes glowing with delight of her own. “Then we will.” She breathed the words softly as she straightened again, not a hint of doubt in her declaration.

As to the Host’s suggestion she nodded eagerly. “What else do you need to do? I would be glad to help in any way I can.”

[itsthehost]

"To entertain and to see to their needs. The servants will cater, but when there is something else, that would be my job." He brushed another stray lock of hair from her face at the edges of the dance floor. "Will you look around and indicate who could use our company?" The Host spoke gently, waving his hand around in a large gesture, then proceeding to do just that himself, selecting the guests on how bubbling their conversations were or what they were busy with and with who. 

Ah, time had passed quicker than he had expected, and the Host watched the masks crumble away, just after he had removed his own, the dust falling from his hand, smudging his white gloves with the blackness of it. He smiled. The only thing that had remained of his mask the three little flowers now in the palm of his hand.  Her tribute. The Host brought them up to his lips and kissed the petals, scattering them with a soft exhale that blew the petals apart to the dust they would have soon turned to.

Then he turned to his companion, lifting her hand that was still in his and kissing it lightly. "Welcome to the house of Eros, my dear angel, I am Zephyros, his humble servant."

[itsthehost]

The Host - Zephyros Lord Thanatos - Uriel

Skye - Sandalphon

Persephone - Remiel

Marchese - Crowley

Senora - Asmodeus

Count Edelweys - Kay

Lord Narcissus - Nathanael

Scarlet - Nona

Herr Schwan - Aziraphale

Lady Silver - Pornanon

Glitterpuff - Amariel

Contessa Nahal - Delilah

Lord Fioled - Raphael

Lady Isabel de Vere - Elisheva

Sir Icarus - Colly

Count Sparkle - Crawly

Chagford - The Bentley

[Scorecount:

(Own characters guesses count as 1 point)

Kay: 9

Moon: 9

Launchy: 8

Shroud: 8

First place prize: Art of your choice by me. Unless you prefer a drabble. Second place: Drabble of your choice. ]

[itsthehost]

Like dust in the wind Masks crumble and crack, Revealing identities unknown Giving names that they also lack. 12 o'clock it strikes again, Merry, new, and another year gone, In Eros hall we still reside, Please keep the peace for another night. And whatever happened as unlikely as they seem, What will remain, Will be but a dream,

-The Host

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Good Manners

The Marchese didn’t object when he felt her pulling back (as hard as it may have been to believe right now, there was such thing as too much of a good thing, as this was one experience he certainly didn’t want to ruin), nor did he bother holding back a wide, pleased smile of his own before lowering his mask.

His pride recovered and swelled up at the sound of the compliment, and as his cheeks turned warmer, he simultaneously found himself glad and slightly disappointed that his face was once again covered

"I may be developing a soft spot for New Year traditions," he jokingly answered as he rubbed an eye and adjusted a few strands of hair before fastening the mask on again.

With renewed spring in his step, he took the lady’s hand and placed his now-free other hand on her waist.

“Signora, it would be a pleasure.”

[itsthehost]

Twirling together through a quick-stepping waltz, they managed to cross the whole span of the dance floor. “It is my pleasure entirely.” Her finger on the Marchese’s shoulder were rubbing small circles into the fabric, an absent caressing gesture. “But let me warn you: I do not tire easily.” The amused tilt in the corner of her mouth was back, though her tone stayed flirtatious.

"Who has time for sitting down at such an excitement-filled event?" the Marchese answered cheerfully, the flirtatious tone reciprocated as he practically floated along the dancefloor with her. Rest didn’t seem particularly high on his priority list at the moment.

He tilted his head the slightest amount, taking in his companion and content to simply enjoy the dance for a while.

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Apologetically Hijacked Again

As Thanatos slipped away, Fioled winced and mouthed a futile ‘Sorry!’ after him, hoping desperately that he hadn’t managed to ruin the end masquerade for either the Lord or Miss Scarlet. The earlier parts of the evening had seemed to drag on almost for weeks, and yet these final minutes were rushing by far too swiftly for him to get his balance, let alone juggle trying to make sure that his conversational partners had a good couple of hours and now keep these two anywhere near publicly decent.

"I swear, you two," he hissed, shooting another worried glance after Thanatos, "If you just scared him away when I was trying to make sure both of us ended the night on a good note, despite interruptions of an obscene and inciting sort…"

[itsthehost]

Confronted with reproach instead of affection, Sparkle affected a pout of epic proportions, combined with big, wet, pitiful eyes even visible behind his mask. Obviously it was nessecary to play dirty to get what he wanted tonight. “What a cold welcome.” he grumbled, clinging to Edelweys like a pitiful koala.

Edelweys blinked slowly, suddenly at a loss for words, and exchanged startled looks with Sparkle. Throwing another glance at the man in purple, he wondered if he’d misjudged things a little - but no, it seemed to be him, sure enough.

"…Right," he muttered, patting Sparkle’s shoulder gently. "Sorry. Didn’t realise you were that busy."

[itsthehost]

The Grand Masquerade: Apologetically Hijacked Again

Having no intention to make more of a fool than he was already risking, Lord Thanatos stepped back, waving a hand at the duo while staring boldly Lord Fioled.

Abruptly he then turned away and disappeared between the other bodies.

[itsthehost]

"Very important project, that," Edelweys added without missing a beat, leering utterly shamelessly at the two of them. "Practically science. Large amounts of sugar may be involved."

As Thanatos slipped away, Fioled winced and mouthed a futile ‘Sorry!’ after him, hoping desperately that he hadn’t managed to ruin the end masquerade for either the Lord or Miss Scarlet. The earlier parts of the evening had seemed to drag on almost for weeks, and yet these final minutes were rushing by far too swiftly for him to get his balance, let alone juggle trying to make sure that his conversational partners had a good couple of hours and now keep these two anywhere near publicly decent.

"I swear, you two," he hissed, shooting another worried glance after Thanatos, "If you just scared him away when I was trying to make sure both of us ended the night on a good note, despite interruptions of an obscene and inciting sort…"

Confronted with reproach instead of affection, Sparkle affected a pout of epic proportions, combined with big, wet, pitiful eyes even visible behind his mask. Obviously it was nessecary to play dirty to get what he wanted tonight. "What a cold welcome." he grumbled, clinging to Edelweys like a pitiful koala.