The gift had been far to extraordinary for Esabell to stand. Every step the woman took was a tinkle of gems, the weight of the gown making her feel as though she were a half a foot shorter. True, it was beautiful, the pink silk of the gown looked splendid with the handsome gold embroidery, the seed pearls, diamonds and sapphires most expertly embroidered into the gown to appear as those flowers. The perfect match of the butterfly mask with it’s cloth of gold and wired diamonds about the eyes perfected the ensemble. Btu it was still far to much for the woman. The eyes of so many courtiers flashed across her, no doubt in their eyes as to whom the collection must have come from.

Her eyes dashed about, searching for any familiar eyes behind masks, praying that she might have someone who would understand the torture of she was feeling at the moment and might help take her mind off the embarrassment of the showiness of it all. It was a fruitless attempt, forcing her to seek out a seat at a table and pray that no one at said table would comment on the extravagance. She was blushing heard enough behind the protective cover of the mask as it was.

Seating herself in the nearest empty chair Esabell quickly laid her fan on the table and claimed a goblet of wine, sipping quietly to give a reason to the flush of her cheeks should anyone chance to see it.

Isaac had been one of the courtiers that couldn't help but stare. He wasn't trying to be rude, especially to a lady that stunning. He never had seen anything as grand and elegant before in his life. For a moment, he thought she was the princess, but he remembered that the princess wore little wings on her back. Names ran through his mind, wondering who could be behind the professionally crafted mask of hers. There were many possibilities, but he knew if he wanted to know, he would have to find out himself.

The young lord was actually afraid to speak to her. For all he knew, she could be a noble from another kingdom or one of the favorites of the king. But he knew that staring dumbfound at her wouldn't help. Besides, his mother deeply encouraged him to seek out new faces and to meet new people. It was a masquerade after all. After reassuring himself that nothing could go wrong, he mustered up the courage to go and speak with the mysterious lady in pink. Casually, he walked to her table with a smile.

"I must say, you look absolutely astonishing this evening, my lady," he greeted, bowing before her. He rose, straitening himself up and peering at her through his mask.

It was all Lady Esabell could do to prevent herself form choking on the wine as the words brought her back to the moment. Swallowing carefully and setting the goblet down she looked up at the lord, taking in the costume and mask in one fell glance. A smile and blush came over her behind the protective cover of the mask.

“Why thank you my lord. You are quite remarkable yourself if I might say so.” She cooed, quite certain there was something familiar about the man but not quiet able to place it. Bowing her head in greeting to refrain from standing up. Her eyes took in every detail, her mind wheeling to place the man before her quiet unsuccessfully.

The fact that the man had actually approached her had surprised her. So many of the courtiers seemed nervous to speak to her, as though they were afraid they might address her improperly and offend someone she was not. “What might a handsome courtier such as yourself be doing without a beautiful lady hanging on your arm at this time of the night, and on such an extraordinary occasion?” She questioned, certain that whoever he was she was on good grounds with him.

He felt a bit more reassured that she was from the Sapphire realm as he found no trace of an accent in her voice. There was still the chance that she could be very fluent in the Sapphire language, but for now, he believed her to be part of the Sapphire court. Her voice was familiar to him for some reason. He couldn't quite understand why so he just shrugged it off. Maybe she was an old friend or someone popular, someone he's seen often.

"Unfortunately, the lovely ladies of the court are either spoken for or sitting at tables," he replied, smirking. "And you, my lady? You look like you arrived here with the king himself. Surely there should be a man or three that would love your company. Myself included."

The coy grin that spread across Lady Esabell at the lords words was easily turned mischievous with her tone of voice in response. “Shall I stand then? Create a faction of lovely ladies determined to win a dance from handsome lords? For surely if your words about the desire for my company were true I should have no trouble finding a dancing partner.” She laughed lightly as she stood, her hand placing the loop of her fan onto her wrist in a single deft motion for fear the prized item be lost by the end of the night.

“Or perhaps I could guide myself onto the dance floor, my hand floating in the air at my side and spin and twirl on my own.” She teased, lifting her hands in the air as though a tall suitor were dancing with her and leaning to the side as though to look past him as she swayed. “I’m sure it would be the next fashion.” She laughed, feeling oddly comfortable and happy at the company before her. Usually she wasn’t one to joke and play but the ease of character and humble courtesy he paid her was endearing.

She wondered what the face behind the mask looked like, certain it was a handsome one but curious as to what might make it so. Did he have a big nose or a dimple? Were his eyebrows dainty or his cheeks rosy? She examined him, her mind making idle speculations as she felt the ease of the situation. Perhaps the king would be able to spot her from a mile away, but members of the court hadn’t the slightest idea who she was. She could finally act and speak without speculation and it felt wonderful. The women who muttered behind fans at her would have no way to know it was she, Lady Esabell posing with an imaginary dance partner as she spoke to a young lord. It was a tempting sense of open privacy she was dieing to try out.

He could help but laugh at her little show. His laughter reached his eyes as he calmed himself down. It amused him greatly to see a lady of her dress hold an invisible man. The other courtiers seemed to find her strange rather than delightful, but he ignored them. He stepped forward, his boots clicking against the marble floor. Reaching out to take her hand, he smiled brightly at her. The young lord was glad that she had such a wonderful sense of humor. He tried to stare through her mask, trying to find out who the little joker was.

"Now why would you lead yourself to the dance floor if you have a lord right here? I'm sure I'm perfectly suitable to become your dance partner. And as much as I would like to promote your budding trend, I prefer dancing with beautiful women. My imagination would fail to conjure up a stunning vision of grace such as yourself." It was his fancy way of asking her to dance, wanting to play along with her.

Mocking a sigh to her imaginary partner and a silent excuse, she took the lords hand. Stepping slightly closer to him so as to be able to follow his lead more easily in the slightly densely populated floor she made a slight curtsy movement, more out of habit than anything else.

“I couldn’t bear the odium I might have for myself if I turned down such an offer.” She smiled, cocking her chin proudly with a small wink. “I fear my partner didn’t look near as handsome nor as affable as you though, how convenient that you wished to steal me away.” The words came from her heart, something that built on itself as she grew more comfortable and essentially happy in the company of her new companion, someone not too stuffy with court air to break down and have some fun. It was refreshing, having only one meaning to you words but meaning so many things with your tone rather than the other way around.

Having surrendered guessing the identity of the man for the moment Esabell listened contently to the tinkle of pearls and diamonds brushing against each other as her skirts swished. The gown was beautiful, and as long as she refrained from thinking on it’s weight or cost she absolutely loved the way it proclaimed the more adult of her childlike features while embellishing her slight, simple frame. It had been a wise choice on the kings behalf, and she was proud to be able to wear it among such company as she was enjoying.

"He can kiss the bottoms of my boots for all I care," he scoffed jokingly. "I stole you fair and square. It's not like he can send the royal army on me. Could he?" He couldn't help put smile at their playful charade. Whoever she was, Isaac found her company extremely welcomed. He hoped to learn of her identity by the end of the night, when the unmasking would occur. Carefully leading her to the dance floor, he properly positioned himself and began to lead the dance.

"Again, you look breathtaking, my lady," he commented. "I fear that men, real and imaginary, will try to steal you away from me. I wouldn't blame them, of course. You are very much a woman worth fighting for." He returned her wink with his own, smirking as he did so.

A gentle, easy laugh escaped her as her joke was returned. Shaking her head she chuckled as she assured him. “No, that gentleman was a humble soul.” She eyed him from the corners of her range of vision beneath the mask, examining every detail about the lord, wishing she could know his identity and spend time with him on some later date.

Following the lords lead she relaxed into the dancing position, at home in the firm but loose hold it took assure she followed his lead perfectly. Her feet moved comfortably in the steps of the dance, the smooth, easy footwork like childs play to her. She was a fan of the dance, most adequate and with a passion for the way it allowed one to express themselves.

The words caused Esabells eyes to drift down, hoping sincerely that at once they were both true and false. The picture of the Kings longing gaze horrifying her and exciting her as she considered the danger of her relationship with him. “ Let us hope that the only men who would fight for me would be sincere and honest in their motives.” She mused before returning the joy to her tone of voice as an idea came to her. “Let us play a game, in this game we will ask questions of one another in the attempt of knowing their identity. I long to know whos hand rests in mine and I do so hope that you do yours.”

Isaac flowed with her dancing, finding that she was more graceful than he. It fascinated him that dainty women such as Esabell were so light. He was tempted to pick her up and spin her around for good measure. It wasn't like he was going to get caught anyways. He played with the idea a bit and decided to wait until the right moment came. She was a lot of fun, but he didn't want to push his luck.

He watched her eyes lower after he spoke, feeling confused. Had he offended her in some way? Was she truly in a situation where men were fighting for her hand? Slowly, he nodded in agreement, his face solemn. Even though he didn't know the lady, it still bothered him to see a bit of happiness leave her. Then, it returned as she suggested a little game. He smiled; glad to hear some joy in her voice.

"I do indeed. She is a delightful young woman and I enjoy her company so," he replied honestly. "And will there be a prize for the winner of this game?" He grinned at her flirtatiously, wondering how she would answer.

Biting her lip as she took in the lords flirtatious grin she wondered just what would a prize for such a game be. She couldn’t know just what might appeal to the man or what would be acceptable. For once the game was won their identities would be known and the prize won.

As her mind raced for an appropriate response the tone of the song played, moving to a more upbeat tune. The couples around them began a sort of skip like dance. It reminded her of children twirling and skipping about a nursery with dolls in the way the women giggled and the men allowed them playful, womanly tricks of foot play. Her eyes twinkles with the moment, recalling how much she used to laugh when her tutor would practice a particular step with her.

“Yes, I feel a prize is called for. However I can never know what is appropriate until I have won.” She teased, her cheeks now locked into a smile most uncontrollably. “So I shall leave the nature of the prize open until it can be more appropriately decided.” If there was a better way to blush the question away she would not think of it, so many possibilities rushing her and being discarded in her longing to not push her good fortune to it’s limit.

He watched the other couples in merriment, a grin burned upon his face. He had been looking forward to the masquerade for a long time, with good reason too. It was a time to drink and dance and enjoy oneself. Isaac was caught up in the happiness that was infecting the room. He remembered doing a similar dance back when he was a young boy. It was like a mockery of the dance he was witnessing now. These couriters were much better. With his eyes smiling, he joined the dancers with great energy.

"You tease me so, my lady. Leaving a poor young man as myself in the dark. But alas, I shall wait. For I know the wait will be more than worth it." He followed suit with the other male courtiers, allowing her to move as freely as she wished. Again, he was tempted to pick her up and spin her around, but he didn't want to be rude.

"Would my lady want a little help with the dance? I dance so well that it would seem like you were floating in the air," he smirked at her mischievously.

A smirk couldn’t be masked as the lord accepted her ply for time. Her mind continued to ponder what he might have been hinting at for a prize however less feverishly than previously. It couldn’t have been anything too risqué or scandalous, as then they would know one anothers identities. But such was the pleasure of a masquerade, to be able to do what one would not if everyone could see their face.

The question brought her attention back to the moment, a curiosity as to what the lord had in mind with his words exploding within her. She was curious to a fault, her family had always known this and occasionally her brothers had taken advantage of this as children to get her in trouble for their deeds. “Oh do you? Well then I simply must comply for what person has not once wished they could float in the air?” Her laugh was genuine, a series of chuckles emitted from deep in her thought through her closed, smiling mouth.

“Unto this game though, for I fear even with your quick wit you might not have a chance to win before I do.” Esabell was having entirely too much fun with the lord before her, her mind and he eyes flashing with curiosity and humor. “I am a woman of words, and find a great affinity for all sorts.” Her hint was an insinuation for both the gentleman before her as well as herself for if he had no idea than she had probably not met him before while reading a book, for he was too familiar in character to be a stranger.

He burst into laughter, finding her challenge quite amusing. It wasn't because he didn't take her seriously; it was very much the opposite. Esabell was a woman of challenge. She danced around his questions easily and threw back her own obstacles in the way. Isaac preferred women of this sort; he found them more interesting and fun to be around. It was nice to have women throws themselves at your feet, but he preferred one who had more self-respect than that.

"Oho? You doubt my wit you?" he asked with a smirk and his eyebrow arched. "Well, I doubt it too sometimes, but that's not the case. You know what I have to say to that?" And with one fluid motion, he bent his knees and placed his hands around her waist. Quickly after, he lifted her up and gave her a small spin, her dress tinkling like little chimes in the wind. He didn't allow her to be lifted too high off the ground; it just enough so her feet didn't touch the floor. He looked in the eyes, grinning widely and waiting for her surprised expression. He placed her back gently, the edges of her dress swirling at her ankles. It was more fun than he thought, but she was a bit heavier than she looked. It was probably all of the cloth she was wearing.

"That is what I have to say." He couldn't help but laugh, feeling so care free. Whoever she was, he hoped to learn of her name. "A woman of words, you say? Perhaps you could be a scribe?" He didn't know of any female scribes, but she could keep surprising him.

She couldn’t help but laugh at his words, the fact that he would admit he doubted his own wit struck her as so honest and clever she couldn’t help but feel amused. She had been about to reply when he bent lower, grasping her waist. Her eyes grew wide, not with shock or offense but with pure joy. As the lord gave her a quick spin her eyes crinkled as she laughed, not her usual chuckling but a true laugh, her smile wide as she took in the moment with zeal. The sound of her skirts tinkling as they fought to keep up with her, the feel of his hands about her waist and the look of his eyes.

A desperate longing to know who it was that could act so playfully and clever with her without the double standard that women should be simple and merely nice to look upon. So many things about him struck her in so many different ways. “Actions are worth more than words.” She grinned. Everything about the situation seemed easy, comfortable and carefree.

“Oh dear me no!” The though of being a scribe had appealed to her several times, but always she thought of the horrid stains they got on their fingers and the writing cramps. “I deal more in reading and the spoken word.” She expanded. What a scribe would be doing in such a magnificent gown at such an event she had no idea. True, she had helped sneak a scullery maid into a mask and gown to let her enjoy the life of a courtier for a night, but she couldn’t afford something this extravagant for the poor woman. “Your turn, and do think of something hard, I do want this to be fair.” For some reason she couldn’t help but tease the fellow, it brought her such enjoyment to see his reactions. She only hoped he understood the playful nature of her teasing and would not take offense at it.

Her laughter rang into his ears as he smiled warmly, happy that she found his little move highly amusing. Part of him was afraid that he had pushed his limits, but it was very glad that he had nothing to worry about. Other courtiers around them smiled at the couple, some laughing and others amused. Isaac wouldn't mind if the court started picking up and spinning their women. If it would make them happy, he wouldn't mind at all.

"Not a scribe hmm?" he mused. He chuckled as she teased him once more, thoroughly enjoy it all. "But thinking gets difficult, even for a bright young man such as myself. No no, I jest. I guess it would be fair to pass you a hint before I make my guess?" He tapped his chin thoughtfully before speaking. "I am a man of the sword. In more ways that one," he teased, giving her a wink. It was true, though, in a sense. He prefers to duel rather than to hunt and he was recently knighted.

"As for you, my lady, you are an...advisor to the princess?" He never heard of such a thing, but he couldn't think of anything else.

“Oho! Thinking gets hard you say.” It did not take keen judgment to say that lights get brighter, colors more vibrant and music so much sweeter when one was enjoying themselves. Why that very evening every sparkled and shined like the parties of fairy tales to Esabell, as though the sun had given some of it’s rays to the candles and the muses their most careful attention to the artistry of the decorations. “A fine jest until it happens.” She admitted, thinking on the hint.

“You must be a knight then, for they live by the sword, in many senses.” She paused, biting her lip and looking up in thought. “But I can’t think of any nights this playful and fun-loving. Perhaps you are new.” She continued to think, examining his eyes for any clue that her guesses were correct. “Ah, but I will need more to identify you.” She admitted, recognizing the change of turn in their little game.

As her gaze chanced upon an older couple of courtiers smiling at she and her partner Esabell returned the favor, not sure they could tell before they were hidden by other dancers again. “Why yes! In a sense all of her ladies are her advisors, and she ours.” She confirmed, trying to tell if he would recognize what she meant by the princess’ ladies. She did spend her days in the Princess’ chambers, reading, playing cards and gossiping with the other ladies as was appropriate, and occasionally the ladies would speak with the princess on various issues, though usually the advice went form Anna to the ladies of the court.

Taking a cue form the music Esabell pulled out of hold that allowed the Knight before her guide her to twirl, as many other women did before returning to his hold. “What of before your knighthood?” She asked, certain that his response would help her identify him.

Isaac followed the dance steps as best as he could, staying in unison with the rest of the court. He was surprised that she got the hint so quickly, but as he thought about it, he probably gave it away easily. Again, her answer was vague and Isaac was stuck with another brain teaser. All that he knows about so far is that she's a lady of the court.

"Before my knighthood? Well, I was a simple lord. I do still consider myself to be one still. Perhaps that would explain my behavior," he grinned. He wasn't quite trained to be a knight but he was bent on learning how. Needless to say, Isaac was proud of become knighted by the king. His family had sent him letters upon letters of congratulations. His wish to practice the sword was stronger now.

He broke from his thoughts as the giant clock tower chimed. Everyone turned their attention to the massive structure outside while the bells rung heavily. There were whispers and quiet giggles as the band stopped playing. Midnight marked the end of summer, the end of the masquerade. It was now time to remove the masks and expose one's identity. Already, there were gasps and chatter that erupted from the other courtiers. Isaac looked back at his partner and took a deep breath.

"Well, my lady, tis time.” With one hand, he plucked the mask off his face to reveal himself. "Sir Isaac, at your service." He took a deep bow before rising to meet her.

The fact that the man before her was a lord was no help in his identification, it was almost a step backwards as her ideas about his identity were dashed. Biting her lip as she smiled and mused Esabell stole a glance out the windows, disheartened by her lack of ability to see the clock.

No sooner had she looked though than the clock bells began to ring, calling the end of the night and the end of the celebration. Looking back to the lord before her anxiously Esabell nearly fell over her feet as the mask was removed.

It was a decisive victory in her opinion, neither did she have to think of a prize or succeed in guessing his identity. Although the identity of the lord she had been enjoying herself with nearly sent her toppling to the floor. As Isaac bowed before her Esabell did her best to compose herself, though her smile could not be hidden as she recalled their first meeting.

“Lady Esabell Gamage.” She grinned, carefully removing the ties that had held her mask on. This feat completed she fell into a curtsy, her eyes locked on Isaacs hoping that he would recall their not so smooth first meeting when she had been ill in the gardens. “What a pleasant surprise.” Her grin continued as she the night closed about her.

A small gasp escaped from his lips as she properly introduced herself. He had no idea that it was Esabell, the king's favorite courtier. He had believed her to be around the king throughout the night. As she curtsied, memories flooded his mind and everything began to make sense. During their first meeting, she had a book in her hand. Never did he think that people read for pleasure; he had thought too deeply of something so simple. He chuckled at his own foolishness before speaking.

"My dear lady, I believe that you are the winner of this game," he grinned. "You correctly guessed that I am a knight. I correctly guessed that you were a lady, which was no guess at all. Anyone can see that you are a beautiful woman. Shall we negotiate the prize?"

The look on Sir Isaacs face was priceless. She could nearly see the gears working in his mind as he realized just how her obvious her hints had been, even without her knowing. It was actually shocking even to her that she had given such a clear hint without realizing it.

Then the fated words came, she still had a prize to negotiate. True, now she had more of an idea what was appropriate and need not fear asking for a prize most unbefitting but it was still a careful topic. She thought carefully for a moment, considering options as he grinned at her.

“Seeing as you are a knight perhaps you could demonstrate your no doubt amazing sword skills for me some time. I would quite enjoy seeing just how good you are for myself.” She smiled, hoping that the ‘prize’ would sound pleasant enough to her partner.

"Why yes, of course. Perhaps I shall practice for you by the river and green? The fields are an excellent place to be while training. There is much room for the footwork that accompanies swordplay." Isaac had learned much from his uncles and cousins when they trained him with the use of the sword. He had yet to duel officially in the courts.

"Would a few days hence be proper for my lady? Perhaps, during the afternoon?"

Nodding appropriately Esabell was glad that the agreement seemed befitting to Sir Isaac. “Those plans sound splendid.” She agreed, smiling as she committed the plans to memory, determined to not forget.

The whole evening had been splendid, pockmarked with wonderful encounters but the had been the most splendid of all. She couldn’t wait to rush to her chambers and tell Nell, her maid and once nurse, all about the wonderful evening. Of her playful banter with Isaac and her encounters with various other courtiers.

“I anxiously await our meeting” she smiled as another woman brushed her arm as she made to leave. “It has been a most wonderful dance.” She grinned, realizing the woman who had brushed her had been a Lady she had promised to talk with that night. She turned to follow the woman, glancing back with a nod and smile before catching up with the woman and linking arms, grinning with the wonderful evening as she greeted the woman.