"There were to be five of you, but I'm afraid the our fifth guest could not come," Aliea said mournfully. "He did, however, express his condolences and wished the four of you a good night." Aliea's own dress was maroon with black filigree on the lower half. A sweetheart neckline adorned the top of the dress, and she wore a slightly tightened corset underneath.
The attractive hostess was dressed very formally - fitting for this sophisticated home, Raiden decided. On a tangent, he speculated on how a masquerade ball was expected to work with a complete party of six people. Lost in his thoughts, he let his mind wander and probe over the vastness of the mansion. Subconsciously, his right hand began to ghost over the raven tattoo on his left wrist, a reminder of his dead mother.
Aliea swept through the magnificent rooms of her house. She paused to allow her guests to observe the intricate details before she spoke up – "Come along! – and lead them to the next room. She observed their faces and where their eyes went to first as they would enter a new room.
Johanna looked around at the masked fellows who joined them near the entrance of the house. Sure, she was first, but she was not wearing a mask. She had forgotten that the party was a masquerade…
Nevertheless, she followed their hostess into the house, looking around and 'wow'ing.
Oliver followed the group of party-goers into the house as he looked around. His eyes were wide. Oliver had never seen so much grandeur in his life. His costume may have made him appear rich, but that was only because of the seamstress and friend of his who had made it as a favor. This . . . this was unbelievable.
Aliea took in their expressions and smiled warmly. "Do you like it? It's taken me years to acquire everything you now see before you, but it was well worth it. Don't you think?"
"I… yes. You deserve to be very proud of your accomplishments." He gave a pleasant smile. Yet inwardly, Raiden was questioning how she managed to save up for everything within 'a few years'. The house might as well have been a mansion, the design was flawless. Everything from the color scheme to the fabrics in the rugs seemed to have been chosen with extreme care.
Aliea smiled at the boy who's spoken up first. "Thank you, Mr. Hathoff. As I said before, this house is everything that I am. Come, are any of you hungry?"
Aliea smiled at the boy who's spoken up first. "Thank you, Mr. Hathoff. As I said before, this house is everything that I am. Come, are any of you hungry?"
Raiden nodded politely in response, allowing the hostess to lead. This was the second time she had used that phrase - 'this house is everything that I am'. It was an interesting choice of words, and Raiden found himself intrigued in her story.
(Going to wait for another response or two before continuing!)
Adriana nodded, her eyes focused on the woman leading them everywhere. She seemed suspicious, and not the best type of suspicious either. “What do you have for us?” She asked, referring to her earlier offer of food
Oliver followed their hostess. "I do happen to be hungry." In truth, he was very hungry, but he didn't want to seem overeager or rude. It was obvious these people were rich, and he had to act like he was as well.
Aliea smiled at then kindly. "The dining hall is just this way," she said, changing their course toward another room. "Just something simple," she replied to Adriana.
“Well, do show us” she replied, hoping she didn’t sound too desperate. She was starving, but didn’t want to sound like a pig
"Don't worry," Aliea assured her. "Nobody will be starving on my watch." She smiled and pushed open the door to the dining hall. "Ah. Here it is."
Once again, Raiden marveled at the walls, ceiling, windows, tables - everything spotless. A little too perfect. Immediately, he was on edge. He fidgeted uncomfortably, still embarrassed with his attire. "Impressive," he whispered, gray eyes staring directly at their host. His gaze lingered on the tables, and with a small questioning glance, he gestured toward them.
"Thank you, Mr. Hathoff. Please sit down," she said, motioning to the tables as well. "I'll be right back." She left through the same door they all entered through.