[Scarlett]

After finding one of the many invitations scattered around Elysia, you have made your way to the Alps, keen to discover more about this Snowflake Ball. The air around you is crisp, with the possibility of snow hanging precariously in the air. Despite the last minute annoucement, excitement has been generated, and it is obvious to see exactly where to go to reach this ball.

Following the crowds for a short time, the route to the party becomes obvious. A wide path, carved out from in between the snow covered trees, is lit with delicate white lights, showing the paths course, directly towards a mountain. Beyond the lights is complete darkness, and anybody who dared to stray would surely be in grave danger. Immediately upon ascending the path it begins to gradually slope, gently enough so that you can follow it with ease, but yet enough to be noticed.

After what seems like an age, the path abruptly stops, as does the lights and the trees. The slope that had once seemed quite gently sloping suddenly steepens, with the beginning of the lights seeming much further away than before. Continuing along the path, the sudden slope again stops, and emerges into a glistening white cave. Staligmites and Staligtites, surround the edges of the cave - a clever deterrent to stop wandering guests, and the light is almost unnatural, aided somewhat by even more twinkling lights strung around the cave.

Looking around, it seems that there are a number of activies to partake in. Several couples are dancing slowly, with dresses and hats making unique shadows on the walls of the cave. Another group is standing by a bar, and waiters carrying champagne and canapes are mingling throughout the gradually increasing crowd.

[Alieh]

Alieh walked into the area hurridely, she had wanted to get here earlier to set up with plenty of time to spare, evidently that wasn't happening. She quickly approached the place where she have left her harp. The harp was probably the most delicate instrument she had. It had taken her months to make, which was why she couldn't sell them as part of stock. It was silver-white, as opposed to the standard gold, so that it would match the surroundings.

Removing her jacket she sat down beside the harp and gently touched it, she stroked it gently to get the feel of it. Gingerly she plucked the strings, to make sure they all had the right sound. Satisfied she smiled and make herself conftorble in her stool and adjusted her hair so it wouldn't get in the way.

She began to play and sing, she had composed the song herself, the words were in latin, she couldn't actualy read latin, but with the help of a dictionary she had managed to put together a song. Her voice rang out clear and pure, and she stroked the strings of the harp, for the first time in months, fully enjoying herself. She was lost in the music.

[NPC]

(Rita, played by Amber)

Rita moved quickly but carefully, for she had a case in her hands she considered very delicate. She passed several disgrunteled-looking small people outside and spotting Alieh she smiled and waved. Rushing over she gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry I'm late, I had some other stuff to do."

She layed her case flat on the ground, inside were her violin and bow. Gently removing them from the case she examined them. Thankfully they had made the journey unharmed. Resting her violin on her shoulder she plucked a few strings and adjusted the tuning. When she was satisfied, she waited to listen to Alieh, picked up the tune her rasied her bow to her violin. She also sang backing to Alieh.

[Scarlett]

{{More detailed Pixel of Scarlett's outfit - credit to thedollpalace.com - Colour changes by me!}}

Scarlett looked around from where she sat, perched upon one of the tall, white, stools next to the bar. Her dress, long, sparkling and midnight blue, hung below her feet, catching the light as she wiggled her feet, waiting for the party to begin. As the musicians arrived, Scarlett smiled and nodded at them, pleased to have such beautiful music, and in such a beautiful setting.

Listening to the music Scarlett's mind began to drift, and she absently began to fiddle with her hair, which she had left loose for the occasion. It offset against the darkness of the dress, making her brown eyes all the more noticable in her pale face.

A noise from one of the Imp's brought her back to the present, and it was all she could to do to stop herself from laughing aloud as she watched them, in their little outfits - clearly something Xanth had made them do unwillingly. Adjusting in her chair slightly, she looked towards the darkened entrance, waiting to see if anybody she knew would attend the party.

[Usagi]

Usagi held out her hand to catch a few snowflakes as she wandered down the path. She had wanted to explore the Alps ever since she had arrived in Elysia, but was feared that it would bring back memories. As she decended the slope, she found that she had arrived in a cave. There were many lights strung across the cave and people carrying silver trays were mingling with the crowd, offering the contents to them.

A party? Usagi grinned. Before her trip to the Alps, she had decided on wearing something special, like a tribute you could say, to returning to her natural surroundings. She had opted for the black tango dress she had bought a few years back on one of her visits to America, where dancing was incredibly popular. It had small silver rhinestones dotted around the skirt and across the straps. She had also worn a loose white belt around her hips along with her traditional cloak, but this time white rather than royal blue.

Usagi glanced at the dancefloor and longed to joi n them, but she was shy, and she didn't have a partner. Instead, she decided to stay in the shadows of the cave an watch the elagance of the other dancers.

{{OOC: Piccy coming soon once I've sorted out my hand}}

[Alieh]

Alieh smiled at Rita as she entered, she had met Rita a long time ago, but hadn't seen her since she had left home. She smiled and stopped playing for a second, "It's been ages, how's Seattle? How is everyone?" She dropped her voice, "any news from my parents?"

Remembering that this was a public place, she shook her head, "No, tell me later." She smiled and head for her seat when she spotted Usagi by herself, "Hi Usagi!" she waved. "Long time no see!"

She sat back down and began to play again, a different tune this time, happier and faster, but still soft and gentle.

[Daoine]

Daoine had taken the portal to the Alps and made her way to the Snowflake Ball. Upon entering the cave she looked around curiously. Not many people had arrived yet but she recognized Usagi and Alieh.

Daoine looked down at her dress and whiped off some melting snowflakes. After the fiasco she had in choosing a Halloween-outfit, she'd decided to make an extra effort in picking the perfect outfit for this ball. However, now she wondered if people would even recognize her. Normally her hair was just loose or in a ponytail, and she was always wearing a t-shirt with jeans but this ... this was completely different.

She was glad with this initiative though, inbetween preparing for the upcoming quest ánd making preparations for the Christmas-dinner, the ball was a welcome distraction.



Daoine looked around to see if one of the waiters would come her way as she decided she could use a drink.

(Doll from Dollpalace)

[Scarlett]

Scarlett began to relax as more people began to fill up the room - and it seemed like the imps were behaving themselves as well. Leaning back against the bar, Scarlett looked for one of the waiters, keen to try the carefully planned food.

Spotting one not so far away she drifted across the floor, her dress trailing slightly behind her along the frozen floor. Swooping one of the tall glasses off of the tray she moved in between the crowd, hoping to see somebody she knew.

[Daoine]

While looking around for a waiter, Daoine saw Scarlett inbetween the crowd. She recognized Tom's sister from the Halloween Ball and the time she'd been at the cafe. Waving at her, Daoine started to walk towards Scarlett. She'd heard the Vampire had organized this ball.

"Hi there. What a great thing you've organized here. It looks really wonderfull!" she said to Scarlett as she approached the Vampire.

[Scarlett]

As Scarlett peered through the crowd, she noticed Daoine waving at her, remembering her from the Cosy Cafe, and also pretty sure she had seen her at the Halloween Ball, she returned the wave as Daoine approached.

"Aw, thanks a bunch. The theme was supposed to be elegant, hopefully nobody will do anything to ruin that! The only thing I'm worried about is the cold... But anyway, how are you?"

Scarlett smiled as she spoke, delighted by the compliments from Daoine, and keen to speak to somebody. Standing still made her feel like a spare part, and she hated the fact that she knew little of the people there, so talking to Daoine was a welcome distraction.

[NPC]

(Rita, played by Amber)

Rita nodded as Alieh said to wait. She probably wouldn't have said anyway, she didn;'t feel comftorble talking here anyway.

She frowed as Alieh waved to another girl, 'Usagi' was the name she thought she heard. She neede to get to know more people, not that she was staying here long, she would return to Seattle soon, but she didn't like being alone here.

She smiled at Usagi, "hi." And proceeded to play her violin, she was here for a reason, after all.

[Eilidh]

Eilidh strolled in, examining who was inside, she spotted Alieh, Daoine, Scarlett and Usagi. The others she didn't recognise..

She folded her arms, she was wearing a dress, and didn't like it, How was she supposed to run in this? What if someone attacked? She had her dagger on her leg as normal, she she'd had to pull up her dress to reach it, precious time wasted.

She leaned against the wall poised,

[Tom]

Tom finally made it to where the party was being held. He'd only heard of it at the last minute, but was delighted when he saw that his sister had been one of the organisers. He hadn't had time to ask Piper to come, and wondered if she'd be angry at him. Shrugging away the worry, he wandered over to the first group of people he saw. He noticed his sister talking to Daione, and made his way over to her. He sneaked up behind her and covered her eyes with his cupped hands.

"Guess who?" He asked with a giggle.

[Daoine]

As Scarlett came up to her, Daoine noticed some of the imps came flying up behind her. Daoine grinned, the imps looked a bit ridiculous indeed in their outfits and she could clearly sense they weren't happy with it at all. When Scarlett waved to her, the imps were distracted and a crashed into a wall after which the one with the bobble-hat made a rude sign behind Scarlett's back. Daoine did her best not to burst out laughing -the poor little ones- but it was just too funny.

"Aw, thanks a bunch. The theme was supposed to be elegant, hopefully nobody will do anything to ruin that! The only thing I'm worried about is the cold... But anyway, how are you?"
"I'm fine thanks." Daoine replied "Busy with the preparations for the dinner saturday, but it's a lot of fun.". Meanwhile a waiter passed by and she curteously swooped a glass of his tray. Holding it up to Scarlett who already had a glass she said "Cheers, to a successfull ball and a merry christmas!", then carefully took a sip of the cool liquid.
Suddenly she noticed Tom coming up behind Scarlett, but didn't say a word as she sensed he wanted to surprise his sister.

[Scarlett]

As Scarlett waited for Daoine's reply, she surveyed the room, keen to resolve any issues that could arise as soon as possible. She was determined this ball would happen without a single hitch. As she looked, she felt hands suddenly covering her eyes, completely taken unawares she jumped, and squealed loudly. Spinning around, with the intent of moaning at however it was, she was confronted by her smiling brother.

"Tom! You made it! And you look lovely as well!"

Scarlett was clearly overjoyed to see her brother, the fact he had turned up meant a lot to her, and she was quite relieved that somebody she knew well had actually turned up. Turning back around, she smiled at Daoine, realising she might have appeared rude.

"Daoine - I presume you know him. But anyway, this is Tom. Tom - Daoine."

Scarlett kept smiling, unable to keep her happiness of her face, now all she needed was a mysterious stranger to sweep her off her feet and everything would be perfect.

[Daoine]

Daoine smiled as she sensed Scarlett's joy when she recognized it was her brother who surprised her. Although Daoine was an only child, she realized that the bond between siblings was very important and was happy to see it so strong between Tom and Scarlett.

Turning her attention to Tom she said "Yes ofcourse, hi Tom. You look dashing tonight. Are you alone or is Piper here also?" she asked.

[Castalia]

Castalia carefully approached the site of the ball. She had hoped that Suka would have been able to accompagny her but unfortunately the situation with Kade and Dazadi seemed to make this impossible for now. As she entered the cave she smiled at the imps that were dressed up like little elves. No doubt Xanth had made them do this as she couldn't imagine the creatures doing this out of their own free will.

Entering the large space she looked around but didn't recognize that many people. She saw Alieh -whom she knew from the Grove and Fae Forest- playing a harp and moved a little closer to her as the music sounded beautiful.

[Usagi]

"Hi Usagi! Long time no see!"

Usagi looked up and saw Alieh waving to her from her seat. She was poised with a silver harp, and as her fingers plucked gently on the strings, a harmonious tune filled the cave. The beauty of the harp's song never failed to amaze Usagi, the gentle hum could even soften the heart of Scrooge if it wanted.

Usagi waved back to her and made her way towards her. There was another girl sitting beside her, she had a violin in her hands.

"Hi."

"Hello, we haven't met before. I'm Usagi."

Usagi sat down in one of the seats and listened to the music as the girl lifted her violin and began to play. The music reminded her of a concert she had attened where a Chinese orchestra had played many traditional songs. There was one instrument that had enthralled her, one instrument that had stood out from the rest. It was a stringed instrument that rang out above all the other intruments, but still it was gentle and calm. As she listened to Alieh and her friend play, she was instantly sent back to the concert hall. I wish I could play the harp. She thought sighing softly.

{{OOC: Meow, half of that probably doesn't make sense but nevermind ^.^}}