| Ballroom; Ballroom, Terrace, Ballroom Alcove | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 21 2012, 08:59 PM (51 Views) | |
| Telsa | Jun 21 2012, 08:59 PM Post #1 |
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The bright white marble tiles that line the walls and floor of the ballroom cut a sharp contrast to the shimmering black stones of the other Bastion walls. A wall of french doors lets the soft light of the moon shine with a silver glow through the room. The terrace beyond, with small circular tables and comfortable chairs sitting atop flagstones of black and grey, is ringed by a short wall of black stone. Inside sparkling chandeliers of gaily colored crystal reflect rainbows of light about the room. A large dance floor fills the area between tables and terrace, except for a small platform of painted white wood with gold filigree trim at the left corner of the room. On the platform, with plenty of room to spare, stands a well-cared for black baby grand piano. The left wall is covered with tall mirrors, reaching floor to ceiling; the right with small rounded alcoves that provide the tables there a sense of more privacy than those that stretch across the open floor. On the entry wall, at the end away from the French doors, is a larger alcove. Screened for privacy, used generally by musicians and entertainers for a dressing area, it gives access to the inner courtyard. |
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| Dominic | Jun 26 2012, 01:56 PM Post #2 |
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Dominic grinned in lascivious pleasure, his mouth literally watering by the time he got the chair pulled away from the small round white table on the ballroom terrace. A thick, juicy porterhouse steak sat swimming in its own juices. It took up the whole plate, so the enormous baked potato had a plate of its own, as did the salad. Someone in the kitchens had forgiven him, because everything was just as he liked it, right down to the small bit of freshly crumbled sharp cheddar on the salad. For a few minutes he did nothing but eat, relishing every bite and forgetting everything else. When he paused at last, it was to pour a glass of the fine vintage wine that had been left open to breath. He let his eyes close in pleasure. The fine Cabernet Sauvignon was from Tuscany, close enough to his home to make his heart ache. For a brief instant he wondered if that was a dig, a shot at the fact he couldn't return there. His eyes opened, the wine suddenly dull in his mouth as he swallowed. His eyes focused on the glass in his hand, the gentle swirl of the liquid as it moved in the glass. He was aware, suddenly, that the Baroness had left the castle. It wasn't anything conscious, the lights didn't dim, the rooms didn't blur. It felt no less safe and secure than before. It was a simple awareness, as if somehow the very breath of the castle stood at guard to call her back at a moment's need. Dominic forced himself to consider that maybe, just maybe, the wine had been meant as a welcome home of sorts, and not as a sly joke at his expense. He allowed himself to consider the possibility as he took another sip. It tasted rich and full, and with a smile he drank more deeply before settling back into finishing the fine the meal. And did, by his inaction, directly cause the death of a squad of fighters.... The words burned as they rang in his memory, and he shook his head to loosen himself from their grasp. It seemed to him that his chance at redemption must be small indeed. How does one make up for the loss of so many fine lives, lives so much more worthy than his own? He let his eyes drift outward, taking in the scene beyond the balcony. The lush orchard hid most of the outbuildings from sight, the pleasant scent of the fruit and herbs that grew between added a nice touch. Eyes still moving, he rose from the table, dropping his napkin on top of his plate. The grounds spread out before him, a peaceful Sanctuary, quite literally. The island had been peaceful, in the general sense, but not like this. It was hard to imagine it had ever seen anything else, but he knew that it had. Long before his time, but battles had raged here before; battles to keep the sanctity of Sanctuary. Could that be why he'd been allowed to return here now? If so, surely more was to come. For now the place was supremely quiet, with only the soft whisper of feet as the staff moved about their duties. The Baroness had spoken long ago, almost with longing he had thought, of times when brave souls had gathered here in defense of Sanctuary, when the halls rang with life. Could that be his one chance, a way to reclaim his birthright? With a sigh, Dominic turned and moved back across the terrace to enter the ballroom. His reflection moved the length of the room with him, but he paid it no heed as he left the room. |
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3:24 PM Jul 11