Isaac followed the flow of courtiers that poured from the stairwell. In the mean time, he took the chance to scan the hall. The candle lights from the chandeliers shown brightly, casting a sparkling glow that spread throughout the room. What seemed like an endless sea of courtiers stood before him, their collective murmurs floating in the air. Descending from the steps and onto the marble floor, he decided to join the large mass of people.

Glancing around from time to time, he noticed how well everyone dressed was. There were masks of different shapes and sizes, colors and creations, jewels and gold was almost everywhere. Isaac himself donned a simple yellow and purple mask that perched upon his face. It covered his eyes and the bridge of his nose perfectly. His dark eyes peeked through the gold trimmed eyeholes, darting to and fro. As with many major events, he wore his purple doublet with creamy white trousers and boots. Around his waist was the belt and buckle he so proudly owned. He had wished for better attire, hoping to impress someone.

After deciding not to become too swept up with the masquerade, he wanted to ease himself into the mood. Of course, alcohol has done wonders for him, but he would rather be a bumbling drunkard later in the night. Instead, he found a group of random courtiers and began to chat.

"You are much too easy to find." came a familiar voice from behind him as a hand lay on his arm gently. "You stand out quite vibrantly against the other courtiers." she chuckled.

Yes indeed, standing there, having found him after a little bit of searching, was Lady Ziare. Black hair piled high in sweeping curls dotted with flowers from her own garden. A white feathered mask on her face with crystal beads that caught the light. Her dress was as she had told him. White velvet, quilted boddice, green silks on arm and skirt. She smiled brightly to him as he turned to see her. He looked charmingly handsome, and he was, with or without a mask. But she enjoyed Issac's company, perhaps more than she ought to but it was mainly because she loved the way that he made her laugh and feel like she could be herself no matter what. That meant the most to her.

"I do remember something." she grinned playfully her green eyes flashing softly. "Ah yes! You promised me a dance." she said with another smile.

"Will you do me the honor? Or perhaps you would like to talk? Either way, for this time, however long it may be, I am yours." she said with a bright smile.

The courtiers that had surrounded him could tell who she was. Black curls, that dress, it could be no one else that would strive for Lord Issac's attention other than Lady Ziare. That evil witch that was sleeping with everyone to get where she was.

"Why don't you go find the man you're supposed to be with!" hissed one of the women harshly. Ziare's eyes turned to the woman it was the one from the Great Hall the other day that had been quite rude to Ziare. Ziare's eyes fell softly, while she was strong, there was something about questioning her honor and purity that made her feel so very vulnerable.

"I.. I.." Ziare began until the courtiers began mocking her. Ziare was close to tears and she curtsied to Lord Issac quickly turning. "I'm sorry to have troubled you." she said as she made to move back into the crowds. She had been foolish to come, but Franni had said that if she didn't make an appearance then she would have admitted defeat and Ziare did not want to do that.

Isabel loved this place. Everyone was so dressed up and beautiful. She had spotted the princess already but was careful not to say anything to her. She knew that it would be disrespectful to call her out like that. It was hard to figure out who anyone else was though. There were too many people and of course they were in masks.

Isabel was very sad though. It was not hard to recgognize her because she did not have a new dress. She had used her money to buy the mask, and before that, her outfit for the barge ride. So what she had on now was her scarlet colored dress that she wore only once- at the tavern. Her mask was tied to her face with a red ribbon and her hair was done in ringletts.

Isabel looked though the crowd and suddenly spotted a familiar face. Well she should have said a familiar outfit. There he was in the same thing he wore to the barge. Was he trying to get noticed? Maybe he was. But by who? She also recgognized Lady Ziare talking to him. But one of those vicious gossip girls whispered to her and she started to run away.

Isabel quickly walked over to where she once stood. She did not want to give the lady away but she didn't want to call her back. "Oh is she all right? What did those vultures say now? Did you hear them Lord Isaac?"

As her familiar voice reached his ears, he turned around instantly. A smile graced his features as he saw Ziare, dressed as she had described she would be. He slid his hand into her and pressed it against his forehead as he bowed. He couldn't bow too deeply; there wasn't much room left. Releasing her hand, he rose to meet her eyes, a smile still plastered on his face.

"My dear lady, I am pleased to see you," he greeted. He laughed as she said he stood out. "No no, my lady. I am just another minor lord lucky enough to join the masquerade. And if you do wish for me to stand out, a few drinks usually does the trick." He felt so happy to see someone his dear friend, happy to find someone he knew. Of course, the point of the masquerade was to not find someone you knew, but he couldn't help feeling lonesome.

He was about to reply to her question until a rude courtier spoke bitter words toward Ziare. Quickly, he turned his attention to the speaker, a frown forming upon his features. Rage built inside of him as they mocked her. He turned to see her go, his deep frown face turning into a look of concern. Glaring back at the courtiers, he spoke quickly so that he could catch up to Ziare.

"Why don't you go find that stable you're suppose to sleep in?!," he mocked. "I'm sure there's some lovely cud for you to chew on, you fat cow." Within moments, Lady Isabel appeared where Ziare once stood, worried. Isaac couldn't recognize her; his vision was clouded with anger. He addressed her concern politely before trying to chase after the Mistress of Revels.

"I doubt she is well. I'm sorry to be leaving you so quickly, my lady. I don't recommend you staying with this bunch, though," he replied, still frowning.

With a curt turn of his heels, he marched through the crowds to find his friend. After spotting her, he basically shoved his way through the crowd to grab her hand and stop her.

"Ziare," he called out for her. The other courtiers looked at him strangely for he spoke inappropriately. He ignored them all and tried to make his way to the lady.

"Don't listen to them. You have not troubled me at all. The only trouble I found was from the heifer and her herd back there. Please, my lady." He didn't want her to go; he was looking forward to seeing her ever since the news of the masquerade was announced.

It was like a slap in the face, him running after her like that. Of course there were rumors, but she took them as just that. Maybe they were just good friends. Isabel would have done the same thing if she knew Ziare a little better. But it was not proper of him to be so rude to the other ladies. He could get thrown out and Isabel didn't want that.

"He shouldn't have spoken like that. But then neither should you. In case you haven't noticed, the Lady has a high position here and there could be trouble for those who speak badly of her." she said to the gossips, trying to cover up Isaac's mistake. But she was also trying to make it so that the ladies would leave Lady Ziare alone.

She looked over her shoulder at Lord Isaac and Lady Ziare and was frightened. She did not know what to do. Should she go over there and tell them what she had done? Or should she leave them alone and let them talk? Her heart was torn. But she decided to go halfway. She moved out of the company of the gossip and closer to the lord and lady.

Perhaps they would ask her to join their conversation.

The women that Lord Issac had talked so rudely too were in shock. Each placed their hand over their heart as if he had stabbed it. To see him running after the hussy only made the rumors seem more true. That was when some other woman, unknown because of her mask, began to speak. It was true, Lady Ziare was rising in the ranks at the castle, but it was how she got there that they were all concerned with. The gossip was filled with speculations, and they all beleived, of course, that it was the truth.

"Why don't you ask the Lady how she got that position." one said as they moved away.

Ziare scurried through the courtiers that parted ways for her. She moved quickly through them to the other side of the hall stopping by the door as she heard her name by Issac, called out loudly enough to turn heads. She turned and looked at him as he took her hand in his own as if trying to keep her there with his gentle touch. He had called her out so informally she was sure now that someone would speculate they were together even if they were only the best of friends, for she was one of those women that was lucky enough to have found a true friend in Lord Issac. Someone that she could tell anything to, he truly knew her and she wished that she didn't have to tarnish his name to be with him. He came to her and she stood there, her eyes on his watching him, her own eyes glistening with the tears she was holding back. She didn't wish to cry, tonight was a night for fun and revelry and yet here she was near to tears and the party had only begun.

She heard him say that he didn't want her to leave and she smiled softly. Looking down gently she almost wished she didn't have to wear this mask nor did he so she could see his face. She felt odd with half her face covered in feathers and beads. She looked up at him softly and nodded. Her hand squeezed his softly and fondly, he was such a wonderful person, she was lucky to have him as someone close to her. At times he was the person she thought of when she wanted to tell someone something, when she wanted to go and have fun, let her hair down and be herself.

"If you wish it, I will stay." she said. "Please, let us talk for a few moments, while I collect myself. I'm afraid your feet would be in danger of bruising should I dance right now." she said softly.

They stood against the wall Ziare leaning her back softly against the stone there as she looked around at the dance. She was close to Issac, her arm touching his as they stood there.

"I'm sorry if I.. ruined your moment back there, with the ladies. I didn't mean to." she said softly with a gentle smile. Her eyes landed on a young woman that seemed to be watching herself and Issac speaking. Ziare nodded to the girl. "Do you know her? Perhaps she.. would like to come speak with us?" she asked Issac.

"I really don't know many of the women here, so to meet and speak with one would probably do me good, so long as she doesn't hate me too." she said with a chuckle followed quickly by a sigh. Ziare lifted her hand and motioned the girl to come forward if she wished. At least Issac was with her, and if he had chased after her so obviously then certainly he would and had stood up for her.

A warm smile bloomed upon his face as she agreed to stay. He returned her squeeze by holding her hand firmly before releasing it. The rush of anger that had previously possessed him was gone, the feeling being replaced with relief. He nodded eagerly, wanting to do whatever he could to make her happy again. Even if it was only for a moment, seeing her with tears in her eyes stung him painfully.

"Yes, let's chat," he replied. He allowed himself to lean against the wall, his eyes still upon Ziare. "Do not fret, my lady. I do not wish to be around that type of company anyways. And I believe that I am the one who owes you an apology. I didn't mean to say your name so rudely. I just...I didn't want you to leave." Isaac had lost his sense of grace for that one moment, feeling desperate. She was a friend, no matter where they were or what rank she held. He looked at her with guilt in his eyes, hoping that he didn't make matters worse for her. He had heard the dreadful rumors and refused to believe in any of them. Every time they had met, she was just as sweet as she always has been.

He followed her gaze, spotting the woman he had so rudely brushed aside. The feeling of guilt deepened, his brows furrowing.

"I do not know her, but I owe her an apology as well. Allow me to escort her over. I will see if she cares for your company or not." He rocked from his heels back onto his feet and walked up to Isabel. He bowed deeply, feeling anxious. If she slaps him in the face, so be it. Any female courtier would.

"My lady, a thousand pardons. I did not mean to push you aside. Please, if you could forgive this fool, I would be grateful." He rose to meet her, nervous. "And if you would like to join my friend and I in a conversation, you are more than welcome to." He motioned his hand toward Ziare.

Oooh, so the ladies were going to be venomous tonight were they, she thought as they yelled at her. She wasn't suprised. Everyone was wondering how Lady Ziare had risen in the ranks and they were all speculating. But Isabel had faith in Lady Ziare. It was her business whether she told people or not. "Well if you don't know, don't act like you do." she said, her voice poinsonous.

She turned away from them. Lord Isaac was right. They were not goo company for this night. Isabel turned around, in search of someone she knew, for Isaac was busy with Ziare at this moment. But then she turned around again and found Isaac coming toward her. She wondered if they had noticed her waiting for them to notice her.

As Isaac spoke, a frown grew upon her face. But then it turned into a grin. So he did not know who she was yet. Well, she only had to speak to him for him to guess. "I see my mask hides me well. But do you not remember this dress, Lord Isaac? Or this voice?" She had worn this dress at the tavern she knew. Maybe that was why she'd worn it here.

At first, he was confused. There were many dresses in the court, but there was something about this one. He thought about it for a moment, knowing that he has heard her voice somewhere before. When he was in a rush to stop Ziare from leaving, he didn't notice too much. His eyes widened when he realized who she was. Or at least, thought who she was.

"Lady Isabel?" he asked tentatively. This made him feel worse. Not only had he shoved aside a female courtier, he had shoved aside a courtier he knew. He felt the tips of his ears grow red with embarrassment.

"Lady Isabel," he repeated. "I deeply apologize. I did not recognize you at all. The mask does indeed hide you well. I was in such a hurry-" He stopped himself, not wanting to bother her with excuses. "Please, if you will, join Lady Ziare and I. We would love your company." So far, Isabel said no fowl words toward the Mistress of Revels. It should be a sure enough sign that she didn't mind Ziare's company.

Isabel could tell that he was embarrassed. And she could also see why. Not only had he bluntly ignored a courtier who was in conversation with him, he had bluntly ignored a courtier that he knew and was friends with. Well, she could forgive him. There were more pressing matters at hand then talking with her.

"Lord Isaac there is no need. Lady Ziare needed your company more than I did. And yes, the mask does hid me well." she said. It didn't but she didn't want to make him feel any worse. It would be rude and she would not do that to a friend.

Isabel let him lead her to Lady Ziare. She bowed as deep as she could for the lady considering her courage and her...problems. "Lady Ziare. It is I, Lady Isabel. I am truely sorry for what those gossips said. It was not their place to question you which they now know." she said. She had hoped that her words put some sense into those women.

((Sorry for the late reply, I had writers block, and wasn't sure how to reply everything I wrote was.. bad.. and I hate writing poorly if I can help it))

Lady Ziare watched as Lord Issac went over to the girl that seemed to be watching them. Ziare didn't want anyone to feel left out she got enough of that herself she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy and the times that someone paid attention to her the rumors were harsh and first in their words. She watched as they spoke to each other and she figured they might know each other the way Issac's face softened for the woman before he began to bring her over to her. Ziare smiled at the woman as she curtsied to her and gave her name and an appology. Ziare put herself into a curtsy as well always one to try to show respect to those around her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Isabel. And as for the gossips, I suppose I should be used to it by now, people questioning how I grew to my position. However, I suppose what matters most is that I know I achieved it honorably." she said with a smile. "Leastwise I tell myself that's what matters most." she chuckled.

"It's nice to converse with a Lady of the court that does not seem to beleive the cloud of rumors that surround me. Lord Issac has become a perpetual savior and friend." she chuckled motioning to the purple clad man.

"Do you two know each other?" she asked curiously.

((It's ok. I get that way too sometimes xD))

Holding his hands in front of him, he allowed the ladies to converse in peace. He remembered how chatty they can be at times and didn't want to interrupt. His mother was extremely talkative and it had rubbed off on Isaac. Of course, he had to be silent every time his mother was socializing with her peers. Perhaps that is why he decided not to jump in the conversation so quickly. When Ziare asked him the question, he looked as Isabel then back at Ziare.

"Yes we do," he answered. "I just didn't recognize her at first, with the mask and all. But we are friends." He hoped that he wasn't to forward by saying that they were companions.

Isabel nodded politely to Lady Ziare's words. Fortunately, the gossip wheel had not extended to Isabel yet. Not that she would know until somebody told her. Isabel was not one for gossip. She didn't even know about Ziare's position until she had the news thrusted in her face. Besides, she had not believed one word of it. And now any amount of doubt in her mind was thrust away by the truth. So, Lady Ziare had recieved her post not out of scandal. But then how did she recieve it?

Isabel had to admit to herself, her heart leapt into her throat at her mentioning of Lord Isaac. She had been convinced that they were together. But now her mind was eased by the fact that they were not together, but just very good friends. But then Isaac called her a friend as well. It was not what she wanted but it was a start. She smiled. "Yes we are friends. I believe that I saw you at the tavern that one night did I not? Also, congradulations on your post."