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Care for a dance? ((Me and Sharpii))

S

SHIBBY+_+

Pulsar
Joined
Jan 9, 2009
Rosetta Lombardi and Alessandro Lombardi were probably the most well known pair of siblings in all of Venice. Coming from one of the richest and oldest families in Italy, their family held a big crust of power, and anyone who was anyone was trying to get their grubby hands on a smidgen of the power that they had. So, when a big ball came around, all the noble families took to parading their sons and daughters in front of the two siblings, who really could care less. Perhaps if they had actually been human they might have paid a bit more attention.

The Lombardi family had a very deep secret, one that had been kept for centuries. They were a family of vampires, their line going as far back as ancient times. Using their powers of charm, and with, they gain money and power, climbing to the top. They had their hands in many state affairs and were...most of the time a peaceful family. No one ever heard of the Lombardi family commissioning the murder of a man for business reasons and that was because, they didn't need to. Why get another man to do something, when you could do it far more effectively and efficiently yourself?

Alessandro, the older pair seemed to be a man of ambition. Currently under his fatherâ??s wing, he worked with him, learning the ropes. Thatâ??s the act he put on anyway. He was nearly 150 years old. Whatever his father could teach him, he had learned a long time ago. In truth he worked with his father side by side. The family owned many banks and properties all through the city. People came to the banks to borrow money, they pocketed the interest. People came to the family to rent out their property, they pocketed the monthly lease. Together, he and his father had set up a comfy empire, with a mountain of gold behind them. Alessandro was a kind individual, though his sometimes bloody urges could get the better of him, causing him to lash out, but this was only a rare occurrence. He hadn't killed a human in 50 years. He took pride in his family and what they stood for. He was also the protective type, always doting upon his younger sister, even though he full well knew she could protect herself just as easily. He was an attractive man, with black hair and a pair of green eyes that always seemed to be on alert; aware of everything going on around him, yet he still kept his focuses on the person in front of him. He was tall, and toned, not overly so, but enough so that anyone approaching him to engage in hostilities knew he could hold his own easily. Years of sparring, and horse riding had left him in very good shape. His skin was pale, a stark contrast to his dark hair. He was dressed in the finest of clothing and had an air of confidence about him.

His sister, Rosetta, on the other hand, was only 120 years old and seemed to have the sweet face of a young girl, rounded and innocent. Under that face though lurked a strength and power that could crush any human male. Like her brother, she also possessed long dark wavy hair and bright green eyes, along with a pale face. She was a desirable woman, and she knew it two. She had a slim figure, sparring with her brother ensured that she knew how to defend herself when she needed to, and gave her a fit figure. Her breasts were wholesome and supple, her hips round, her legs long and shapely. She often used her looks to get her way with men, much to the distain of her brother. She was very clever, she knew that because she was a woman, she would not have much say in the way the family was run, but she had her ways of influencing the men in her family without him even catching on. She herself had swayed her brother and father to make decisions to their families benefit by using her wit and tongue in conversations. She had many hobbies, those including painting and horseback riding. She had no intention of marrying and paring off with a mate just yet, she had other plans in her head.

Today, the family would be attending a masquerade ball only for the elite members of society. The Lombardi family would never be seen at a simple noble menâ??s ball, but they would be required to attend if they were invited. As the two siblings were both single, they arrived at the ball together. Alessandro dressed in a fine black suit, with a white shirt, cravat, black pants and dark leather boots, with a simple black mask covering his face, his appearance, very masculine. His sister on the other hand, was dressed far more extravagantly. She was dress in a purple dress, with a corset pushing up her bust, as was the fashion. it was lined with sequins that glimmered in the light, and did a very good job of showing off her figure. On her face was a beautiful purple mask to match, with feathers coming out of one side. Around her neck was a simple white pearl necklace.

The ball room was beautiful. Chandeliers lit up the room brightly, with paintings on the walls by the finest artists, maids and butlers serving the best food and wine money could by. The floor was polished wood, setting the regal feeling right into the room.

Rosetta looked up at her brother and smiled and said "Shall we go our separate ways, brother?" she asked him

He looked at her and said "Yes...try not to have too much fun sister...I know what youâ??re like"

She seemed to grin behind her mask and said "Donâ??t worry brother dear, I'll behave myself, just for you" she said and began to walk and blend and socialise with those in the crowd while her brother began to do much the same thing, as well as look around for prospective dance partners at this rather...spectacular event.

Alessandro: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" rel="nofollow" href="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/miss_turkey/Requiem_of_Halloween_by_Caille.jpg">http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/ ... Caille.jpg</a><!-- m --> - with dark hair
Rosetta: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" rel="nofollow" href="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/miss_turkey/Appearances/Silent_Smile_by_mrsloth.jpg">http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/ ... rsloth.jpg</a><!-- m -->
Alessandro's mask: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" rel="nofollow" href="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5009803/191428-main_Full.jpg">http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Ar ... n_Full.jpg</a><!-- m -->
Rosetta's mask: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" rel="nofollow" href="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/miss_turkey/Pink_feathers_no_ribbonA.jpg">http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/ ... ibbonA.jpg</a><!-- m -->
Rosetta's dress: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.elisabella.com/bustle1.jpg">http://www.elisabella.com/bustle1.jpg</a><!-- m --> - in purple
 
Liliana came from a small village in Verona. She came from a family of two brothers and three sisters, she being the youngest. Her parents both worked in their family shop but it only brought them so much food and money a year, though luckily everyone was fed. Even more luckily, her brothers and sisters were fair and attractive enough to be promised into good families and they were happy. It was all actual happy endings for them and now time came for Liliana who just turned eighteen and it was time for her to be married off too. Her parents wanted a match for her when she was sixteen but some families just don't take girls under eighteen, which is understandable, especially if they want to pair them to their thirty year old sons. Heinous.

Just because her sisters and brothers were well off, didn't mean she didn't have the potential. She was beautiful too, very attractive, so striking. Every time her mother catches her in the fields just laying there and basking in the sun, she swears she sees a younger version of herself in Liliana; a beautiful young girl, naive but beautiful. But Liliana really wasn't so naive. She was aware of the world, the good, the bad, the atrocities and horrors and so on. If anything, she was guarded and really not looking forward to being sent off to her soon-to-be husband but he wasn't bad. She met him once. He agreed instantly and she was a bit hesitant, mostly because she was afraid to leave her home but she did say yes. A new life. A life of elite nobility that her parents always wanted for her, just as her siblings received. She wouldn't pass it up.

Liliana had been in Venice with Orlando for a year now. They were to be married in three months. They were good friends, if not anything else. He was always working, in meetings with dukes, counts, and lords, discussing financial situations and hardly had time for her. He and his father had their own company/industry and were very, very successful. They had made quite the name for themselves and were on the face of the social map. But when he did have time for her, he made up for it. Every bone him was romantic and she'd be in a pool of romance. It was amazing and she didn't think there could be anything better. There was just one thing missing; that connection, the spark between a man and woman. It wasn't there and if it was, she wouldn't ask for anything. It had always been her dream to find that true and eternal love. Now she was beginning to think it ceased to exist and that it was all in her head. All until Orlando and his family received an invitation to a Masquerade Ball, held for the elite members of society. Because she was engaged into his rank and status, she got to go. There would be nothing 'Cinderella' about this at all. No evil step-sisters to hold her back. Orlando adored and possibly loved her and he'd make sure she'd have the best time. That, and because there was going to be a surprise for her there; something Orlando wanted to do for the first time. It maybe would finalize and assure things between them. It may just be that Orlando was always the man for her. This night would say that all.

Arriving arm in arm, the couple walked into the fine ballroom, looking as elegant and extravagant as everyone else in the room. They belonged and while it never mattered to Lilian whether or not a person belonged, since this was a new world to her, it was good she at least could look the part, if not truly be the part. She wore a beautiful gold and black ballgown, one that Orlando had made for her. He was really pulling all the stops, making sure this night would be perfect for the special moment/surprise he had for her. Her mask was already on her face and it matched her dress well. In fact they were matching. He wore a black suit, all black but with a golden tie and black and gold mask. They both really coordinated well as they did come here together and he was determined to make this a wonderful night for her. He hadn't been able to spend time with her for over a month. Maybe this night would definitely make up for that.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, my dear?" He asked softly.

She smiled brightly, smiling that same smile that one his heart at first glance. "Over a thousand times, but thank you. Thank you for tonight."

"I will make you happy. Always. Seeing that beautiful smile on your face is the best reward possible for me." This caused her to blush and so they proceeded into the room, instantly going for a dance. The dance floor was filled with elegant and glorious couples, dancing and merriment in love. Well, that's what she wanted to believe at least.


Liliana Valeria
Orlando Conti
Liliana's ball gown
Liliana's mask
Orlando's mask
 
Alessandro smiled to himself as he socialised with some of the familyâ??s business associates, at the same time indulging in the wine being served. His more animalistic tastes, to say the least could not appreciate the true taste of the wine. In fact, he hated the taste of food and wine altogether, but it was necessary for him to be drinking it tonight, lest it look a bit strange.

Alessandro was a very confident man. He handled himself very well, and spoke eloquently, often getting him exactly what he wanted. He smiled at the men around and laughed at jokes man, having a jolly good time. Occasionally his eyes would move to the door to spy on those who were coming in. His eyes fell on a woman dressed in black and gold. He smiled, she was stunning, almost as beautiful as his sister, but it seemed she already had a partner for the night. Perhaps if they were separated he would approach her, but for now, he would simply watch. After all, he had no intent of starting hostilities hear tonight.

On the other hand his sister Rosetta was having a grand old time. She had only been here for ten minutes and was already dancing with man. She smiled at him from behind her mask as the man seemed a bit unnerved by her cold flesh and would often ask if she wanted a jacket, tho she would reply no. At the end of the dance, he would ask for her name to which she smiled at him sweetly and said

"That, you will have to wait for" she sailing and walking away. She knew that giving her name would often lead to people trying to gain her affections because of her family's power. Instead, at events like these she liked to get to know a raw person, not clouded by other motives. She moved to the side of the ball room and began to chat with some of the ladies whilst holding a glass of wine, putting up the act of an avid socialite, when really she found most of their conversation dull and boring. They spoke of the same things she had heard a hundred times. Gossip, dresses, places to go on holidays, and then spot out the attractive males in the room, hardly what she thought to be and engaging conversation. There were far more important things in like.
 
The entire time so far while they danced that first dance, Liliana was on a cloud nine. She was floating in a pool of romance and couldn't get enough of it. Perhaps Orlando really was the one for her. He went out of his way to make up for things if he wasn't there all because of his honest and pure love for her. She had no reason to doubt him anymore. It would be okay for her to pull down the walls around her heart and let him in and allow herself to love. By doing that, she wasn't being naive but taking a risk and opening herself up to him. He wanted that and she was going to give it to him since she was so sure.

They danced into the center of the entire dance floor. He held her close but not man-handling her. She was elegant, not a professional dancer but she knew what she was doing, as did he. It was beautiful and she suddenly felt that everyone around them didn't exist. That it was just her and Orlando dancing to such a romantic and beautiful song, dancing such a beautiful and sweet dance. It was just them. Like this night was destined to be for them so they could debut their love and let the entire world around them know, it was their night. it felt like a fairytale. Of course she wasn't the kind to keep her head stuck in the clouds but the happy stories she knew, she felt like she was living one now.

His hand, soft but strong, moved gently around her soft rosy cheek. His thumb grazed at the little corner of her mouth and his face leaned in. They didn't share little trinkets of love like this. No kisses. Small hugs, maybe a kiss on the back of her hand but nothing as a big gesture like what he was doing and she was wanting it. Had been. A true love's kiss. Their faces drew nearer, lips slightly puckered. Her eyes shut, as did his and then--

No. No. Nothing. Someone shoved into him, a misstep in the dance and it caused the moment to be ruined. This was her surprise but he couldn't just kiss her now. He had to wait for another opportune moment. Only then would he seize it. Her eyes opened and he looked down at her, exhaling quietly. "Hm...I'll get us something to drink. Mingle. You know some people here." With that, he left a bummed fiance in the middle of the dance floor and walked through the dancing crowd to get them something to drink. With an exasperated sigh, she walked out of the middle of the dance floor, heading in the opposite direction and walked around. Eventually she started to mingle and then something stood out to her. The ambiance and presence of a worthy opponent. She looked into his direction. He was dressed so simply but it still screamed his elegance and extravagance by the way he pulled it off and carried himself. If only all men could be like him. He seemed like the kind who'd seize the moment whenever and not walk away from it. Turning her attention back to the chattering ladies, Lilian smiled lightly and nodded here and there but didn't speak.

Orlando made his way to the drinks table and he gathered to fine glasses of wine for himself and Liliana. But the presence of a more shining beauty not too far from him caught his eye. Even though she was wearing a mask, he could tell she was of a special kind of beauty. Strong, open, not afraid. All he did was look up from the wine and there she was. It delayed him back to his fiance.

It was human nature to be interested in someone else. That human lust or interest, especially if there is a type of doubt. It happens and it only makes them more human.
 
Alessandro smiled to himself as he chatted and mingled; making small talk with the group of men he stood with. Though, amongst all the chattering and gossiping, he noticed a certain women looking over at him. He could not help but grin when he noticed it was the women in the golden dress. He looked over at her, locking eyes with her, telling her that she had been caught by him. He smiled at her and took a sip from his glass before seemingly turning away from her and chatting for a few more minutes with the group he was standing with before he excused himself.

With out allowing her to notice he was heading in her direction, he came up behind her and charmingly smiled at the group of ladies and said "For give the interruption my ladies, but I was wondering if the beautiful women in gold would care to dance?" he asked her, bowing a little and holding out his hand to take hers, looking into her eyes, giving her a kind smile.

Rosetta was getting rather bored of the chatter here, though she did not show it. After a little while when she could no longer contain her boredom, she politely excused herself and made her way over to the drinks table. Sure the stuff tasted like horse shit, but it was an excuse to get away from those dense women. From Orlandoâ??s perspective, it may have looked like she was heading for him, which may have left him a little surprised when she would walk past him to pour herself a drink and take a sip, and sigh to herself a bit. She looked out and spotted her brother with a group of ladies. She couldn't help but smile a little. Seemed he was already on the prowl, the scoundrel.

She took another sip of wine and put the glass down and decided to see if she could find some better company for the night.
 
Every so often she'd look in his direction and then she saw he had looked in her direction. Rats! She was caught. She felt her face heat up. She wasn't usually so shy. If anything, she was actually always so open and wild and crazy, definitely not lady like but in this world, being her natural self would get her into a lot of trouble. Orlando knew that she wasn't always so shy. That it was sort of a front so that his parents wouldn't think bad of her or anything like that.

But then the unthinkable happened. He came to be out of nowhere since he was there, asking for her to dance. She looked around her to see if anyone else was wearing gold. Literally she did. He was standing there, waiting and she was looked side to side, at the women she was talking to and then in back of her. No other lady in gold except for her. "M-Me?" She couldn't believe it. But she was jumping for joy inside. If she could, she'd jump up and down right now like a giddy little girl who's crush just asked her out. But she kept her cool and gave him a soft smile. "I'd be honored." Taking his hand, Liliana allowed him to lead her.

Before he'd drop the glasses of wine out of his hands out of pure shock, he quickly put them down and he looked at her. Admired her, especially when she was right next to him. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know how to approach her or talk to her. But first thing was first, he needed to compose himself. BE himself. HE was a charming man. Dashing and confident and that would attract women to him. He wanted her to be attracted to him. Clearing his throat, he looked at her. "Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me?"

He was surprised he managed to get that all out without choking on his words. Such a beauty can always make a man second guess himself, make a man doubt himself. Her beauty made him feel so insignificant, so weak like jello. He was weak at the knees but so surprised he was at all able to keep himself together. He was a lot stronger than he thought. Right on.
 
Alessandro could not help but grin a little at her reaction. It seemed that she had not expected him to ask her at all. She took his hand, his cold skin meeting with her warm hands for the first time. He stood up straight and smiled and began to walk with her to the dance floor. When he found a spot on the floor, he stopped, and turned to her. Smiling he put her hand on his shoulder, and placed a gentle hand on her waist, holding her free hand with his.

He looked down into her eyes and began to lead her in the dance, moving to the music. He smiled at her and said "I do wonder if it is prude of me to ask for your name" he said as he moved her about the dance floor. He then seemed to chuckle a little and said "But where are my manners, when asking for a name, one must always give his own first...my name is Alessandro" he said. He moved her with skill and grace, seemgly having years of practice under his belt, which was true. When one had lived a life as long as he, their was pleanty of time to indulge in the peasures of life.

Rosetta couuld feel his eyes on her but she said nothing as social policy dictated that the man had to come to her, which, was fine by her. So she took her time at the table, perhaps he would be better company then a group of chattering women with...nothing to talk about other then themselves really.

Her eyes looked to him when he cleared his throat. He was attractive, he had a nice smile. She looked at him, turning to face him and said "The honour is mine". She gave him a smile and allowed him to take her to the dance floor.
 
Orlando was deeply honored that she said yes. Confidence. He remembered that when he was a kid, just entering his teens and all he could think about were women because of that age he was in, his late sister always gave him one piece of advice; confidence. With confidence, a woman would be attracted to a man because of aura and ambiance he gave out. It never failed him. He grew confident, never cocky and he became the man he was today, able to get even an acceptance of offer from such a beautiful dame as this young lady. She sure was beautiful, the epitome of a ripened fruit, in its glorious prime.

Liliana allowed the attractive man to take her to the dance floor where they commenced in a lovely dance. All the dances that night were lovely. Nothing dirty, nothing overzealous, everything just right. Being with this man made her forget that Orlando's surprise for her hadn't been fulfilled. Hell, Orlando didn't even come to her mind. All that was on her mind was this man. And to learn his name--Alessandro--it fit him. He was mysterious, handsome, perhaps dangerous with a safe ambiance to him; he most definitely was an Alessandro.

He took her hand and placed it on his shoulder, his hand gently placing itself around her waist firmly and respectfully. And thus, he lead her in dance. For a short while, he admired her beauty. He wasn't able to put together any coherent thought to speak to make for conversation. He was completely taken back by her beauty. But not wanting to come off as rude or creepy, even, his manners and charm were coming back to him. "My name is Orlando. Please bless me with the pleasure of telling me your name." It'd make his night.

"Liliana. It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Alessandro." She hoped though that it was fine for her to address him by his full name. The only way she was even able to associate with the noble elite was because of her engagement to Orlando. This man didn't know that. But it felt alright to say his name. Hopefully. Maybe. Definitely?
 
Rosetta smiled as he led her to the dance floor, and placed her hand gently on his shoulder, and a hand at her waist. She looked up at him kindly. She waited for him to speak, doing nothing that would otherwise make him uncomfortable. She knew that he had been taken by her. When he finally spoke she smiled and said "My name is Rosetta" she said, a name that he probably knew, anybody, who was anyone, would know. She wondered how he would proceed now that he knew exactly who she was. She sincerely hoped that he would not turn into, like so many other men, a snake trying to get their hands a piece of her family's pie.

Alessandro smile when she said her name and he looked down at her and said "A fitting name for such a beauty as you" he said stepping back a little and twirling her, before pulling her back to him, a smile on his face. "Tell me, do you come to events like these often, I wonder why I have no seen you before" he said moving her about on the floor. "Perhaps it is because our faces are masked today that we are truly able to appreciate one another for what they truly are" he commented looking down at her. "Tonight, you can be anyone, with no prior prejudices....sometimes we have to be blind to truly see what is in front of us" he said.

Rosetta was enjoying being with this man already. He was confident, but not cocky, something she liked in a man. She wondered if it was an act though. He seemed the clever individual, perhaps he had fooled girls before. She then pushed the thought from her mind. Perhaps she was being to suspicious. She decided to push thoughts of deception from her mind, and just enjoy herself. She had barley spoken to the man and she was already putting up walls to protect herself.

Alessandro smiled down at her and moved her about the floor with ease. As he did so, he found himself wanting to know more about this woman, get to know her, find out about her likes and dislikes. It was a long time since he found himself so drawn to women. Perhaps if she felt the same way, they may become good friends, perhaps even more, but she already seemed to have her heart set on someone and he would not interfere with their relations. It was against his principles.
 
Liliana was trying her hardest not to blush at this man's words of flattery and kindness. She wanted to just be herself. Open, carefree, wild and crazy. She loved being around men and always seemed to have a wittiness about her when they tried to flatter her. It seemed she forgot that all after being engaged to Orlando. Don't get me wrong, she loved being with him since he treated her like an angel or a goddess. But Alessandro...he was definitely something different. He was just the thing and aspect missing.

Orlando smiled a charming and handsome smile when she presented her name to him. "A beautiful name, befitting a woman of such beauty and status." He said softly. It only then occurred to him that she was Rosetta Lombardi, of the Lombardi's. They were famous, well-known. Everyone knew them and he felt suddenly so honored to be dancing with her. He heard she was, as a store clerk said, 'As beautiful as a jewel shining it's glory in the sun' but he didn't do her justice. She was exquisite from what he could tell with her mask on. For another short time, he was speechless. He was dancing with such an icon, a woman for all woman to look up to; hell not even Liliana matched Rosetta's level.

"My fiance and I attended tonight because he had the time and we'd be fools to pass up such a prestigious invitation and honor. He may be of noble blood but he doesn't take anything for granted." If the way she talked gave light to the fact she herself wasn't of noble blood, hopefully he wouldn't find some distaste to it. Then she remembered; fiance--Orlando. She felt like all color left her face but when she looked at him, into his eyes, everything was okay again. She wanted to be where she was, dancing with him. "As much as I'd like to think that tonight could be about freedom and not needing to express any worry or care of who we are, you'll still always be Alessandro Lombardi and I'll just be from the small village in Verona." It didn't take a genius to know that she was dancing with such a legend in the noble elite world. She had to do her research.

"Tonight is my lucky night. To be dancing with the exquisite Rosetta Lombardi--tell me, there's a hall full of more than eligible men, perfectly suited for you. How is it that I, a man who feels so small next to such an accomplished woman, could be so honored and this lucky to be dancing with you, being able to even know your name?" He truly was stunned. She could have any man. And yet, she agreed to dance with him. Even told him her name. Tonight really was a special night, even if it wasn't with Liliana.
 
Rosetta smiled at his kind words and said "I thank you for your words" she said as he danced with her. On reply to his next question she smiled and said "The answer to that question is quite simple. The man who feels small next to me will show me respect, the man who feels he is my equal or superior will only try to gain my affections for one reason only, and that is only to gain more power. For this reason I have chosen to give you my name tonight" she told him. She then paused, thinking for a moment before she said "But then again, my theory could also work in reverse, which simply means, I have chosen to dance with you tonight because I have followed my instincts and felt that you are an honourable man" she said and she sincerely whished that she was right in making that assumption.

Alessandro smiled at her as she spoke of her fiancé. He smiled and said "He sounds like a noble man, which is more then i can say about half of the men in these halls. I hope you live a long life with him" he said smiling kindly. As he thought, she was already promised to another, and as such he would not interfere. He may have been taken by her but it would have never worked anyway. Vampires were forbidden to be romantically involved with humans, though he and his sister often did their fair share of flirting; it was nothing more than that.

Rosetta looked up at him and smiled kindly. She hoped he was not too intimidated by her, that would only lead to awkwardness between the two of them and that could also lead to of them ending not liking each other at all. She hoped she could avoid that scenario.

Alessandro smiled down at her as she spoke. He said "It's true we cannot change where we come from, but we can change where we end up. Our own ancestors began as farmers, and look at where we are today, nothing is impossible, a beggar can become the pope if he wishes it...he just has to want it bad enough" he said.
 
It never even crossed his mind to use her to mine for her power and fortune. Then again, why should he? His family had worked their way up the grotesque working class pyramid to get to the top that they were at now. Why would he seek out more? HE wasn't greedy. His family might do that, but he wouldn't. It wasn't like him to do that. Still though, there could always be complications between him and her if it ever got to that level. He had a fiance and while he'd never wish to hurt her, he wasn't sure if he could make himself stay away from her; her being Rosetta. There was something about her that made him more attracted to her than any other woman he was ever attracted to. "Then it's a good thing that I am not like the other men of this place. Using a woman for power. It's heinous." He said simply but with such a gentleness to his voice.

"He is. But...I'll be honest. I never wanted this. I wanted a different life. But it brings a parent no greater joy than to see a woman of my rank be married off to such a high standing noble. It relieves a parent to know that the certain noble wanted their child to marry. How could I betray their wishes. They brought me up when we had so little. They could have easily killed me because I am the youngest, that way they'd have plenty more for them and my brothers and sisters but they didn't. What kind of a daughter would I be if I didn't return the favor?" She knew it was a lot to unload, especially on someone like him who didn't need to carry her burden but it just came out faster than she could have stopped it. She wasn't forcing herself to do any kind of favor to her parents. She had always been selfless; thinking of others before herself. Was that such a sin?

Being with her was right. Nothing could be wrong. Not a thing.
Being with him was right. She felt comfortable; she felt that she could be her real and natural self in no time.
 
Rosetta smiled at him when he replied. 'I'm glad to hear that, it is reassuring" she said with a smile. Rosetta felt comfortable around him; safe...even though she knew that she could defend herself quiet easily against any would be attackers. It was strange, she found herself drawn to this man...She could not explain what was happening to herself. But neither the less she did not push him away. "Half the men here are all trying to get their hands on my families power, I'm sorry if I am a little wary of you" she said. She paused for a moment and said "I find it difficult to trust men" she said quietly. She smiled a little at him as then continued dance around the floor.

Alessandro looked down at her and kindly said "Listen...you are your own person...you have the power to change your own life. If this is not what you want, then do what you want. Take the opportunity, and seize it within your hands. You owe your parents nothing. It is entirely their fault that you were brought into this world. It is their duty to care for you, to raise you well, to discipline you. If they had killed you, they would have committed one of the biggest sins we know of" he told her. He smiled at her and said "The world is not perfect, but no one should be forced into marriage" he told her kindly. He smiled and said "Don't do something you'll end up regretting" he said.
 
He never would took a woman like her to be the kind who would open up to him so much. No one had done that. Not even Liliana and it's not like he reprimanded her for it or found a good reason for dancing with another woman, not of his betrothed to be okay, but he liked the feeling that someone trusted him. And for a woman who says she doesn't trust men, it was definitely nice to be able to reassure her that he wasn't a scumbag like other men, something he wouldn't have known, had she not tell him. "It's a good thing I am not like most men. I speak for myself only when I say I wouldn't use you. My family on the other hand, I can't be so sure. But while I'm around, no one can or will hurt you. I won't allow it."

No one told her that. Then again, she never told anyone this. But for some reason, she felt like she could tell Alessandro the world. "Thank you. I never saw it that way. I don't look out for myself, much." With a soft sigh, she continued on dancing along the ballroom dance floor with him. The world seemed to wash away from them and it was just them. It was the same feeling she had with Orlando except with Alessandro, she felt that something missing be filled. With him, there was everything. She hardly knew him and she already felt so strongly. It was so weird but maybe this was destiny's way of saying that she did have the right and choice to forge her own path. That she wasn't destined to be in a marriage that might possibly end up being loveless.

"What exactly happens at the end of a masquerade? Do the masks eventually come off?" This event wasn't always a masquerade. It always had a different theme and he didn't know how masquerades worked. He was curious because he was hoping they would be able to unveil their masks and show who they were. He saw paintings of her. But he never met her in the flesh. And he didn't want her to forget him.
 
Rosetta looked at him as he spoke. She felt touched by his words. No one but her brother spoke to her that way. She smiled a little and said "Thank you. You are most kind". She couldn't explain it, why did she feel like this. She hardly new this man, but already she knew that she wanted to spend more time with him. She found herself spilling her deepest secrets to him, usually she was strong and proud...this man had seemed to have kicked all of her walls down without even trying.

Alessandro smiled at her and moved his hand to touch her face, his cold fingers meeting her warm cheek. "you should look after yourself a bit more, you seem to be such a selfless women, do yourself a favour, this time, do what you want" he said smiling and taking her hand back into his own again and began to lead her once more around the dance floor with ease. Alessandro didn't know why he wanted these women to be happy. He wanted to help and support her, be there for her when she needed it. For now, he pushed those thought from his mind and continued to dance with her.

Rosetta smiled at him and she nodded and said "Most of the time, by the end of the night the signal is given for the masks to be removed" she said. She smiled and could not help but grin a little and said "Have you not been to a masquerade before?" she asked him with a chuckle.
 
He gave her a gentle nod, followed by a kind and handsome smile. He was always protective of a woman, not because a woman was so defenseless but because if he was able to prevent one from being hurt, he wanted to help. He'd make sure no scoundrel gold-digging man would get at her for her family's power. That was unacceptable to him. "Well that is most intriguing. I wish for it to be the end of the night, now." He said softly, all the while smiling. He wanted for them both to see each other and to remember each other, hoping to run into each other on a common day.

The cold of his hand caught her attention and caused her eyes to look up into his, to look up into his direction. She smiled ever so gently but genuinely and nodded. "I suppose I can always try." Even if it meant she was living on the streets because she couldn't go back home, she'd still try to do what she wanted. "But it's not like I don't want to marry him now. I've grown very fond of him. I can allow myself to love him." She wanted to believe that too but now having danced with Alessandro, she wasn't so sure anymore.
 
Rosetta smiled at him and said" Good things come to those who wait" she said looking up at him. She continued to dance with him, moving around the dance floor with him till the song came to an end. She looked up at him and smiled and said "I belive, this is where we part ways" she said letting co go his hand and taking her hand off his shoulder. She smiled and began to walk away from the dance floor slowly. She wondered if he would follow or just let her go.

Alessandro smiled down at her and said 'I can't tell you not to marry him, I don't know him, or his family, but what I can tell you to do is...to follow your heart" he said. He smiled kindly and said "If you don't take the leap, you won't know where you will land" he said. She song would come to an end and he smiled and said "Dose the lovley lady want another dance?" he asked.
 
As the song came to an end, so did their dance. but he wouldn't let her go so quickly and easily. He bowed to her respectfully as she started to part ways. Once she turned, he went to her calmly and chill and took grabs of her hand. He noticed how cold her hand was but he said nothing of it. It felt nice against his warm hand. Turning her slightly, he kissed the back of her hand. "It's beautiful tonight. Would you like to take a walk with me in the gardens?"

Follow your heart, she thought. She knew t hose words and what they meant. It had been a while though since she heard someone be able to say them so freely. "I can only dream." As the song came to an end, she wanted to say yes to another dance but she knew she should find Orlando. Curtsying to him, she looked up at him. "I must humbly decline. I should look my fiance." Kindly and softly spoken, she curtsied to him once more and then parted ways with him. She needed to find Orlando and also get some air.
 
Rosetta looked at him as he took her hand. She looked at him as he kissed the back of her hand. She smiled a little at his request and nodded "Ofcourse...lead the way" she said allowing him to walk her out to the gardens. She smiled at him, she had a feeling that he wasn't going to let her leave so easily.

Alessandro smiled and said "Ofcrourse, I hape you enjoy the rest of your evening" he said smiling and bowing lightly as she left. He watched her leave before he left the dance floor himself, choosing to socialise one more with the people here. He found himself a little dissapointed that she wanted to leave, but there was nothing he could do about it. So he chose to ignore the feeling and to be happy.
 
Orlando led her out of the ballroom and towards the other exit that would lead to the back to where the beautiful gardens were. It was so beautiful decorated. Like a big green bushy maze with flowers sticking out of the bushes. It filled the entire garden with the fresh smell of roses and lilies and other flowers. He didn't let her hand go and he hoped that that was okay. He was going on a limb. "It's beautiful tonight isn't it? Lights aren't around enough so that the stars can shine their light over us." He looked over to her and smiled gently. He turned to face her and he moved his hand over her cheek gently. "Tell me something--something no one else knows."

Lilian saw Orlando. She remembered how much they matched. His hand was holding another woman's hand. It seemed they both found someone interesting so maybe she shouldn't feel guilty if she wanted to spend more time with Alessandro. She went back into the hall to find him. No such luck. So many people, so many masks, and it was dimly lit so it was hard to tell. Did he leave? He probably did. Her heart started to beat rapidly. She's heard of the Lombardi's but never seen them face to face. She'd never be able to identify him. Was this fate? No luck.
 
Rosetta smiled as he led her out the back entrance of the hall into the spectacular garden. He allowed him to hold her hand as they walked through silently. She looked up at the sky when he commented on the night. She smiled and said "Yes, itâ??s rather lovely" she said smiling. She looked at him when he turned to face her and placed his hand on her cheek and spoke. She smiled and said "I don't like sprouts" she said with a chuckle, just teasing him.

Alessandro had decided to socialise once more. It was a few minutes later when he spotted her again and she was standing alone looking very lost. It seemed her fiancé was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he should not have approached her again and just left he is. He knew he was getting himself into trouble. He excused himself from the conversation and approached her once more. "Whatâ??s wrong, gotten lost have we?"
 
Orlando chuckled. He couldn't help it. He wasn't expecting that but hey, if no one else knew that about her, it'd suffice. "It's original and funny." He said softly, not trying to be insulting. His hands moved into her own and he held them, his thumb rubbing over the back of her hand. There was a bench near by and he led her to it and sat down. But he faced her the entire time. "Tell me something real. Something about you. Anything. I want to know more about the true you. I've heard so much about you but it always came from other people, mostly men--pigs--who weren't thinking with their brain. I want to know the real you."

Orlando didn't even notice her. But then again she was no different since she was off dancing with Alessandro and wanted to be around him. The difference was though that she didn't go off somewhere with him. She wanted to find her fiance but he was busy with someone else. She understood that because they both would get the chance to maybe explore what they truly wanted. There was pain. but the moment Alessandro approached her, it went away. It was like she hadn't seen anything bad. "A little. But not anymore." She smiled gently, adjusting her mask a little bit.
 
Rosetta smiled when he chuckled at her banter. She felt his hand move down into his. Her eyes looked down a little, looking at their hands before she looked back at his face as he spoke. She sat down on the bench with him and smiled and replied "I like to paint...I'm good at it...or so I've been told...it allows me to express my self when there are no words to describe what I am feeling" she said smiling at him. She then grinned and said "Now, tell me something about you" she said.

Alessandro smiled and said "A drink perhaps?" he asked stoping a passing waiter and handing her a glass of wine and taking one for him self. He took a sip and said "Don't worry about him, come, enjoy your self" he said smiling kindly at her. "If it is meant to be it will happen, fate works in remarkable ways" he said smiling.
 
He was having a good feeling about her. She liked to paint. She was beautiful, open and seemed to not have a care in the world, no restraint in who she was. She was herself and that was how she'd always be. No fear of being herself, either. "I'd love to see some of your paintings, that is if you don't mind showing me. Provided of course, we see each other again passed this night, and without masks." He thought for a moment. What was his secret. Something about him. He then thought about Liliana. He was engaged to be married in three months. And here he was, talking and shamelessly flirting with another woman. "I'm---engaged." And he said it like he had totally forgotten and it was brand new information to him.

Taking the wine he handed to her, she sipped it, having only then realized how parched she was. Then again, Orlando left her to get drinks and never came back. But it worked. "I think fate is already working its wondrous ways." she didn't elaborate further on that and let it be, unless of course he came back to it and questioned it. "What's your dream, if you don't mind my asking? I told you mine, though of course it spilled out more than my actual wanting of it." She laughed a bit, sipping her wine once more, savoring its delicious taste. Fruit of the vine; now they should be an aphrodisiac; one sip too many and people enter the world of ecstasy.
 
Rosetta and said "It would be my pleasure to show you" she said smiling as he spoke. She waited for answer to her own question and when he did, it seemed as if she had been crushed by a tonne of bricks. Her facial expression seemed to just fade. "ah....I see, well, whoever she is, she is very lucky....excuse me" she said standing and getting up to leave. She felt somewhat heart broken...she had already been fantasising in her mind what a life with him would be like, even though she knew it was forbidden, and now doubly so. Her whole opinion of him changed in that instant. He had led her on...and it made her feel used, she had told him things that she had never told anyone else. She just wanted to get away before her sadness turned to anger.

Alessandro could not help but grin a little when she spoke of fate. He decided to leave the comment alone for now and focuses on what she said next. He smiled at her and said "My dream? My dream is to help create a world where all can live in peace and I can live out the rest of my days in the company of those I love. A simple dream, but one that is appropriate. I have no desire for more power, simply because I do not need it. But I know that sadly, that will never come to pass, humans are not perfect, therefore true peace will never be reached, but that does not mean I canâ??t try to fulfil that dream. Itâ??s why I like to help those less fortunate then myself. Its why I want to help you" he said.
 
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