Snippet #1646806

Evangeline looked about the room in curiosity as the final guests trickled in. In total, there were four males and five females, including herself. She inspected each female carefully, admiring their luxurious gowns. Each one was so different. The fabric used to construct the beautiful gowns were amazing; each piece of cloth was an individual note needed to harmonize together in order to form the grand masterpiece. As Evangeline's eyes passed over the males, however, her gaze shifted to the floor beneath their feet. She could not bring herself to look at them in fright of seeing some aspect of her father. You don't have to worry about him anymore, Evangeline was reminded by Joy.

"Quiet now please!"

Evangeline's attention was drawn to the sudden voice. She had not noticed the presence of the man prior to this moment. So there were five males in the room, then. Like the others, Eva managed to bring her eyes only to the floor where he stood. Him... Again. Evangeline was surprised by the vicious growl inside her mind. She did not recognize the tune his voice, something Eva's sensitive ears could never forget, a useful skill in playing music by ear. Have we meet before? she questioned. The voice hesitated, as if considering how much to reveal. I was awake at the time. He is the one that brought us here.

"Welcome one and all, to the Masquerade. This would be my humble abode. Here you should find everything to your liking. I see that Evangeline has found the grand piano and Arcadia, you will be thrilled to know that there is an easel in the library, located on the second floor of the west wing. Your bedrooms are in the east wing as you saw." Evangeline cringed as the man spoke her name. What did he want with her? What would he want to do to her?

"Now, you may be wondering why you're here. Each of you has their own reason. If you would like me to tell you, I gladly will. But if you'd rather not know, it is truly understandable. I myself have not had the best past. So I hope that I can make for you a better future. Your objection is to find love here. Find love, change, or stay until I say so." Find LOVE? We do not need anyone else. They all just want to hurt you, all males are filthy animals out for one thing. Evangeline cringed back slightly at this thought. Yes, and that is why I need you to protect me. The girl could feel the voice smile at her passive words.

"As you all know, you are wearing masks. Failure to do so will result in punishment. The masks are simply for my enjoyment and for yours. We will also be able to see if you can love a person who's face who can not fully see. It's quite interesting actually. As to how you got here, I will only tell you if you'd really like to know." Evangeline hesitated upon these words. How did we get here?I already said I was awake. You know what you need to know, the voice grumbled. It was secretly ashamed for allowing Evangeline to fall into this situation under her protection. She had been beaten, by a male of all creatures. "I, the Mad Hatter, personally welcome you to the Masquerade. Now let the feast begin!"

That arrogant bastard, treating us as honored guests. I would like to see him burn... And his entire house with him! Evangeline found herself glancing up toward the man that angered Joy to such a degree. Their eyes locked for a moment. Terrified, Evangeline glanced away. Never do that again. Ever. Evangeline nodded passively. Servants swirled around her, offering a wide assortment of food. It all looked wonderful, however, when offered some she shook her head in protest. She had grown used to starvation and her stomach could hold little substance at this point. Eat. But what is it is poisoned? she thought wildly, desperately searching for an escape from Joy's wrath. I need your body to be strong when I decide to awaken. How else can I protect you, foolish girl?

Yes, of course the order was for Evangeline's own safety. Joy wouldn't have it any other way. Evangeline scanned the trays, looking for something interesting. She settled upon some light pastries and fruit. All the while, her eyes were drawn to the piano that appeared to be so alone.

"I'm Arcadia. You are?"

Take the drink. Evangeline smiled to the girl and took the pink liquid offered to her. “I am Evangeline,” she responded with a quick bow in respect to the formal situation they were in. She felt comfortable with the girl, females were always kind. “Do you like to paint?” She asked, recalling the Hatter had referred to her also. Evangeline appreciated artists, their work not unlike her own. Each stroke of their brush was like an individual note coming together. “I am not very good with physical art, but I do play the piano well.” I like making things with clay. You get to play with the kiln...