{Le Château du Seul.}

Joshua

"What pointless situation have I gotten myself into?" Joshua said to no one in particular. He stepped into the fresh green grass, that still was damp from the rain that has just recently passed. "It is indeed a very pointless and hard situation."

He stepped gracefully forward, soaking up the beautiful night. The moon hung precariously, almost so low that Joshua felt that if he just reached up, he would be able to touch it. The stars shown brilliantly lighting up the night. He could see every aspect perfectly, he could identify every detailin perfect clarity. But truly what did it matter having this beautiful night when his heart seemed to be shrowded by obscurity.

The feelings were obvious. They were indeed there, and he did care about her surely, but he did not want to mess it up. When he would tell her the truth and then it would work out perfectly, like a missing piece to a puzzle. Maybe he would take her in his arms and whisk her away into the dawning sun, kissing her passionately.

"Maybe, I shall go right up to her and ask, 'Did it hurt when you fell?' and she would reply subtly, 'Hm?' and I would take her hand and say 'Oh, I was sure it would, when you fell from heaven, for truly you are an angel'." Joshua spun around whistfully, his arms out stretched.

"Or maybe, I shall take her hand in mine and whisk her away on the dance floor," He spun around in a mock waltz with out a partner. "She would fall for me there, and she would collaspe in my arms and admit all the same feelings I felt for her."

He stopped this erratic movement and looked back at the stone walls, the candescent light angling out of the windows where dancing took place, people's faces full of joy and happiness, while others filled with the hidden lust of a partner who they did not truly know who they were. Oh the irony of it. They could even possibly dancing with monsters exactly like him, stray from the scarred face and irregular eyes.

"Or maybe I shall simply place my hands on both of her beautiful cheeks and I shall kiss her right then and there, all my feelings displayed in once simple and passionate moment."

Joshua slipped back and grabbed the door handles and an electric shock went through him.

"One thing for sure," He said, his voice soft as the night around him. "I love her."

He let go of the door handles and fell back to his original position sitting quietly on the step of the stair debating truly what he would do.

---------------------------

~Incognito

Isabelle

Isabelle felt a small smile grow on her face. She laughed a bit. A true laugh, for once. "You're silly. And there is no need for forgiveness."

William's blush deepened. Isabelle watched him, fascinated. Only moments ago, she had thought the boy standing before her (for, despite his age, Isabelle could only think of him as such) was nothing more than a timid, stuttering buffoon who reveled in being the center of attention, though he pretended not to. Perhaps now Isabelle was beginning to see why Joshua was so attached to the boy.

"No," she said slowly. "If anyone has right to apologize, it is I. I've not been the most, ah, courteous this evening."

"I - I don't mind."

A rueful smile crept onto Isabelle's face. "How kind," she murmured. Isabelle shook her head. "You must forgive me. Usually I am not this terrible. It's just - Well... No matter now."

"Do you really mean that?"

Isabelle started, and looked at William. "You are very earnest," she said, slightly bewildered. "That's an uncommon quality for a male."

William blushed, then shrugged. Isabelle glanced away, out at the spinning ballroom, filled with merrily dancing couples.

"That's not a bad thing," continued Isabelle. "I feel as though most of us live a life filled with lies and secrets, only for the sake of position and riches. That," Isabelle risked a glance over her shoulder at William. "is why I left that life. I am happier here than I ever was with my parents. But what is this to you? Why should you care about my life?"

William

"...But what is this to you? Why should you care about my life?"

Her words surprised him as he considered what they should mean to him. It was a simple question and it shouldn't have been that complicated to understand, but truth be told, he was surprised at her curiousness. It was in his nature to be as such, caring as he was, probably because he was afraid that no one would care for him. Of course, to him, that didnt feel quite right. No, there was something more then all of this that made him care for her and for anyone who was to shun him away or turn their eyes.

"Because someone has to," He could feel a weak smile cross his lips. "I'm afraid that I will never be cared for, that no one will see me as anything more then this, and that in wondering, I just turn out to be more alone then I was when I was actually alone. I'm...afraid..."

"I see," she seemed to ponder this answer a bit. "Would it make any concellation if I told you I cared?"

He nodded and felt the tears raise to his eyes again but quickly wiped them away.

"There is another reason," he could feel his voice crack as the tears started pouring. Great Will, nice time to cry, he thought to himself bitterly but continued with what he was trying to say. "Out of all the people here, Joshua's eyes see you the most. Joshua is my greatest friend, and when he left I was lost for good, but he never left me because he had to. He wasnt happy before, there was no light in his eyes."

She seemed even more curious now at the mention of Joshua.

"But when he looks at you," He genuienly smiled even though the tears were now cascading. "That light that was always missing is now there, and I think it's because of you. Why wouldnt I care? I want to know you because if you make him happy, then there has to be a reason and I want to see you happy too."

"You're crying," Isabelle stated surprised.

"Sorry," He murmured blatantly, resting his eyes against his arm as the tears slipped down. "I-I tend to do this sometimes when I'm emotional. It's unmanly, I know, but I cant stop..."

[Tash M. Grevette]

My right index finger stabbed through the eyehole in the mask as I slumped against the wall, slowly walking around to the back. I played around the scenes of the night in my mind; a gray, silent type of movie.

First scene: Isabelle comes in.

Second: Joshua comes in.

Third: They fall in love.

Fourth: I crumble on the front steps.

THE END (?)

I dragged my hand across the brick wall, each little crack and indention reminding me of my fallen home/shack. Why did I like her so much? Why did I despise Joshua? Envy him...

"Meeeooow..."

I glanced up into the tree above me and spotted a stark white cat sitting in a high branch. With a pained sigh I strode over to the tree, hands on bark, and started up. Wet moss made cold splotches on my shirt (my jack was on the ground) and soaked down to my skin. The moon was only a quarter full, hardly lighting anything.

I could see into my own room once I reached the top of the old willow tree. The cat meowed and cocked its head, probably wondering what I was doing up there with it.

"Come here, kitty," I whispered, stretching out my hands and desperately trying to stay balanced in formal shoes. "How in the world did you--"

The feline stood up calmly and pounced to another branch, then another, and another, and another... until it was back on the ground. I could hardly see the white creature as it faded into the darkness.

"Stupid cat!" I yelled down, "Last time I ever try to help your kind!"

I turned around and then---nothing. Air whistled past me and the first thing I heard was a spine tingling crack. I screamed. Screamed loud. My left arm had gotten another joint that I was sure wasn't supposed to be there.

Tears streamed down my face.

I couldn't move.

...

Fifth scene: Arm broke. Screaming. People. Light. Voices.

Isabelle

Isabelle glanced away nervously, then back again. "It's - It's not bad to be emotional. Just - odd. In today's society, that is..."

William raised his eyebrows, as if not sure whether Isabelle had just complemented him or insulted him.

Suddenly, there was a long, keening scream. Isabelle jumped, and looked around the column for the source of the noise. One of the guests, a woman who looked much like the kind of lady Isabelle's parents wanted her to be, ran into the ballroom. He face was the proper amount of fear, the proper amount of concern, the proper amount of uncertainty. The woman had quite obviously been trained in etiquette very well.

"A man!" she screamed to the ballroom. "A man lies just outside, unconscious!"

The woman of the ballroom all cried out in horror. The men rushed forward to see if they could aid the unknown man. Isabelle shot a panicked glance at William.

"Who could it - ?" she began, before breaking off at the look on William's face. He was quite afraid.

"Come on," said Isabelle quickly, more roughly than she meant to. Isabelle shoved her way through the stampeding males. William followed meekly in her wake.

Isabelle thundered onto the front lawn, looking around anxiously for the man. She prayed he was no one she knew.

"There!" roared a man behind her. "Under the tree!"

Isabelle spun around to face the old willow. She spotted a crumpled form. Isabelle set out jogging across the lawn, ignoring the stares she was receiving from the men.

As she drew nearer, Isabelle was forced to a halt. She felt William behind her.

"Oh, God," she moaned. "William - It's Tash!"

Isabelle shook herself and ran the final stretches toward Tash's crumpled form. A gasp tumbled from her mouth. His elbow was twisted unnaturally; his face contorted into a painful grimace.

A man was bent over Tash, looking helpless. Isabelle rushed up to him, pushing the man aside slightly.

"Miss, this is hardly the place for a la- "

"Wrong," said Isabelle quickly. "This is exactly where I need to be..." Isabelle tapped Tash's cheek. "Tash? Can you hear me? It's Isabelle..."

A low moan worked its way from Tash's form. Isabelle bit her lip.

"... Tash?"

Suddenly, Tash's eyes flew open. He tried to sit up. Isabelle quickly grabbed his shoulders, pulling him back toward the ground.

"Tash, stop it! Your elbow looks like its broken... Tash, will you just stay put for a second?"

Tash froze. "Isabelle?"

Isabelle didn't answer. She was looking around for some type of splint. Isabelle didn't know much about medicine, but she knew enough to know that any broken bone should be immobilized. And if Tash kept trying to get up, that could not be managed...

Joshua

He stepped around the corner of the stone wall, angling himself perfectly so that he could see all the land before him. Then there was a scream, a tormented cry, resembling the one he had always thought in his head over and over. He looked over and there stood a twisted tree, wind blowing it slightly, and crumpled in a form was the man named Tash.

By him stood another unidentifable man, but Joshua did not dwell on the matter. For there kneeling before him was Isabelle. She was looking around her desperately, almost certainly looking for a splint. Beside her stood William, a hand covering his mouth.

Joshua slowly walked over towards them, gracefully. He did not want to intrude on this horrible and sad moment, just like a movie, but he could not help himself and his ingainly gait.

"Oh dear," Joshua said as he stood looking down on Tash's tormented face. "I believe he is hurt." Joshua's tone was light and he felt himself kneel down and place his hand on Tash's forehead.

"Of course he is hurt!" Isabelle yelled, at Joshua staring at him as if he was absurd. Joshua did not look at her despite his racing heartbeat. He did not do anything he had planned or thought to do. He just kneeled there, staring at Tash's agonized face.

"He has a fever. He should not be out here in this night." Joshua said monotonously, disguising his voice once more. One would think him heartless and compassionless when first hearing his voice. But only some people knew the truth behind the words, behind the mask. Joshua felt himself take his hand away and place it loosely in the grass beside him. "You there," Joshua said gesturing towards the unfamilar man. "Go tell Hester we have a casualty. Tell her that Joshua is taking care of it."

"Yes sir." The man left hurriedly back towards the thriving ball.

Joshua felt himself lift Tash into his arms, carrying him awkwardly. Tash seemed to protest at first, almost harshly, but Joshua ignored the feverish protests and started his way to the other doorway. Finding it simply, he barked lightly at William to open the door who did so.

Joshua carried the man through the foyer where that grand piano stood, and up the stairs to the second floor where he found the hallway in which they had first met each other. The red lucious carpets still there, the golden chandeliers still hanging. Not a speck of dust was identifiable there anyways. The curtains were subtly frayed at the bottom, but that was only noticeable to someone like him. He reached a room, and opened the door lightly.

It was only then did Joshua remember Isabelle was still at his side, but again he pushed his emotions back. Laying Tash on the bed, Joshua turned around and went towards the small bathroom that connected to the quarters. He brushed past Isabelle, whose eyes were lowered and she did not raise them to look at him.

Joshua returned with a bandage and guaze in his hands, along with a small cold cloth that he placed on Tash's forehead. Isabelle had taken a seat in one of the small guest chairs and sat their daintily, her undulating hair falling gently around her, resembling a porcelin doll.

"What happened?" Joshua asked Isabelle, not even looking at her but paying more attention to the wrap of bandage he would soon be administering.

"I do not know." her reply was simple and breif. Unlike her.

"We heard his screams. We came to his aid." William said with a breif nod.

"Well, I need you two to restrain him." Joshua said finally turning his head to look at the both of them. "His elbow is displaced. We are going to have to connect it properly, then I will bind it into place, and sturdy it using a sling. He will survive."

Despite the odd emotions he had once felt for Tash, hating the smug personality and the perfect confidence that he portrayed, Joshua felt a connection to this man though he did not know what. This man drew him near, yet their personalities clashed, making it impossible for them to be friends. Joshua did not particular like this man, that didn't mean he hated him.

-----------------------

~Incognito

William

William's mouthed twitched, his eyes wide in horror at the word restrained.

"You dont look so well," Isabelle said with concern, her eyes peering at him wearily.

William's mouth gaped like a fish out of water, his face completely flushed, covered in a slight sheen of sweat. His heart pattered feebly within his chest and he turned his head, nauseated.

"William, if you're going to be of no help, then it would be best if you left," Joshua spoke with an air of authority. A voice in which he had never used towards William, and he didnt know if he liked it very much.

He nodded though, and left the room a little quicker then what would have been called polite. As he walked down the hall back towards the ballroom he heard and loud scream that sent a chill run down his spine, body cringing. The sooner he was away from the seen, the better.

Breathing slowly through his nose, he found himself walking back towards the table, where Mercy was sitting rather awkwardly straight, her fingers shaking as she tried to drink from her tea cup. She seemed rather startled by what had occured.

William sat down slowly on the opposite side of the table, his feet shuffling embarrassingly.

"How is Tash...?" Mercy seemed quiet, but the real curiousity was evident behind her voice.

"His arm is broken," William was surprised that his voice felt a lot stronger then he did.

"I see," she seemed ill at ease with these words. "You look like death."

"I feel like death too," he smiled weakly but it was a halfhearted smile. His night had went from bad to worse in the matter of a few short hours, and all he wished of was to play his piano where he could feel safe from harm.. the piano..

"Mercy!" William jumped up suddenly. "Come with me."

"Where?" she cocked her eyebrow curiously.

"Just follow," the urgency was clear in his voice. "I wish to play for you."

[Tash M. Grevette]

"He will survive,"

I gritted my teeth at the voice, squeezing my eyes shut, the pain flooding back to me from the fall. From above, a dark figure behind my eyelids held me down to the bed. A flutter of eyelashes poured in bright light from a hanging chandelier. Two figures now: one woman and one man.

Then it was that voice again, "Hold him down, okay?"

"Yeah, I know!"

"Don't let him move,"

"Joshua, just--"

SNAP!

My eyes flew open and I was sure I was going to scream, but all that came out was a pitiful squeak. Tears ran down my cheeks again and the dark hair that had fell against my face was pushed away; I couldn't feel the mask.

Across the room it sat on a chair: staring back at me. Nails dug into my shoulders. I could hear my name and, "Don't die!" over and over. My breathes came out in shudders. I lay my head back down onto the pillow and let the saltwater droplets fall. I couldn't look down. I didn't want to see the arm.

"Stupid cat," I whispered.

Joshua looked to me and Isabelle jerked, "What?" she asked worriedly.

My eyes closed. " 'Foolish,' "

Joshua

As soon as he had heard that one simple word, Joshua stepped back almost stumbling the on the chair behind him. He kept a hand covering his mouth and he fel his breathing catch.

"'Foolish'"

Joshua regained himself from the shock of familiarity, and returned once more to Tash's side, pulling out the bandage. By now, Tash's arm already showed signs of brusing, his skin becoming a mulberry purple. Joshua's hands shook as he sat down and grabbed the arm and started to rap it, tightly, making sure it would be able to hold the arm together so that it could rebuild any damage that had happened in the joint, and to mend the broken bones that had been a result ftom the fall.

"I am going to as ask again. What happened to you?" Joshua's voice showed no emotions yet still his hands shook, unsturdily making his job a lot more messy than the usual neat folds that he would make. That words shook him. It wasn't just the word, but the voice that had said it, the amount of emotion that was displayed there.

"I climbed a tree to help a cat. I fell." Tash spoke, his voice sounding almost rehearsed and annoyed.

"Well that fall could have possibly injured more than just your arm. Consider yourself lucky." The words were sincere and truthful, not an ounce of spite behind them. It was a quiet moment, but Joshua planned to ruin it. "Of course, you wouldn't have been out there for long. Your screams brought out half of the guests."

---------------------

~Incognito

Mercy

"Just follow," William's voice was urgent. "I wish to play for you."

Mercy didn't know how many times she nodded her head. She was still in shock from what'd happened to Tash. She hurried along after William - who she could now say for sure was shorter than her. She hurried down the corridor on quick uneven steps behind William. She was curious as to why he'd suddenly wanted to play the piano ... and why he'd want to suddenly play the piano for someone like her.

They'd finally reached the music room. An uneasiness washed over her suddenly. She felt like something bad was about to happen to her. Taking a deep breath, she followed William in. He slid on the bench, and Mercy stood at the door, her eyes slightly wide, her brow furrowed, yet she was twidling her hands in anticipation. She wondered what song William would play ...

Suddenly his fingers pressed on the ivories. It sounded like he was banging on the keys in no particular order, yet it was somehow rapid, despite the fact that he had to curl his fingers in a different pattern for each cord ... Mercy couldn't place the name of it, but it sure was astounding. She'd never had much of a talent for anything ....

She felt herself smile, awaiting for William to finish, so she could thank him. She figured that this was her chance to sneak back into the safety of her room ... or maybe she'd just slip back into the shadows and hide ... Mercy would figure it out soon enough.
- - -
The quality of that post is astounding ... its astounding because it is so horrible. Sorry.

Isabelle

"Of course, you wouldn't have been out there for long. Your screams brought out half of the guests."

Isabelle glanced up quickly at the sudden break in mood. She looked back down at Tash, who seemed to be uncertain how to react. Isabelle stood up.

"You said something about a sling?" Isabelle asked Joshua, carefully avoiding his eyes. After everything William had said, plus her own feelings, Isabelle had begun to feel extremely awkward around Joshua.

"Yes," said Joshua. "Here - prop him up. We'll use the rest of this bandaging to create the sling..."

Isabelle obligingly lifted Tash from the bed pillows, ignoring his protesting groans. Joshua quickly wrapped the remaining bandage around his arm and shoulder. Finally, he tied the last piece in a knot and stepped away from Tash. Joshua moved across the room, opening the door. He glanced back at Tash.

"If you feel up to it, you can return to the party. Don't over exert your arm. I doubt you'll do any more dancing tonight."

And then, with a brief glance at Isabelle, Joshua was gone, out of the door. Isabelle looked at Tash.

"Are you all right?"

Tash grimaced. "I will be."

"Are you going to come back down?"

"I think so. You go, I'll see you later."

Isabelle carefully lowered Tash back onto the pillows. She paused just before she crossed the threshold. "Tash - " she said slowly.

"Yes?"

Isabelle hesitated. "I hope the cat's all right, wherever it may be..."

Tash gave a tight smile. Isabelle took her cue to leave. She made her way back down to the masquerade slowly.

As she reached the stairs, Isabelle slowed to a halt. Joshua was standing at the bottom of the staircase, leaning against the banister, obviously deep in thought. Isabelle took a deep breath. Perhaps it would be best to meet this new-found awkwardness with Joshua head on. She descended the staircase quietly, not that her footsteps could be heard over the music. Isabelle came to a halt besides Joshua. She watched the spinning dancers intensely. Isabelle felt Joshua glance at her.

"So," Isabelle said, slowly.

"So."

William

The appassionata filled the room with it's warmth, the sound sending shivers down his spine as he went. Such familiar notes always seemed to do this for him, and all the harsh feelings that had become to apparent over the past few hours weres slowly disappearing.

Of course, he though maybe, if it had that affect on him, that maybe it would do the same for Mercy, and that maybe the music would make her jitters go away. Of course, this was a long shot and he knew fairly well that the piano was his comfort alone, but he also knew that sitting alone, surrounded by that many people was also unnerving.

When the appassionata ended, he let his fingers fall to the ivory keys gently, his eyes closing as he finally felt peace where he truly belonged. Behind a piano. After a few seconds, he turned his eyes towards mercy who looked as if she was about reader to break off running.

"Is that all?" she asked simply, and he was sure she was trying to be as polite as possibly, her words still felt sharp.

"You know, the piano has always been my bestfriend," he murmured as if she wasnt even there, and that the sentence was more or less directed towards the piano itself. "It sings me lullabies when I ask it to, always has bedtime stories to tell, never fails me. Sometimes the notes may be awry but when I work hard, the piano always rewards me with a beautiful song."

"I dont understand.."

"You see, the piano is the one thing in this life that has been permanent. My rock. In times like this, it's the one place I have always felt safe in solitude and I... I wished to share that place with you," William's eyes didnt move from the keys for even a second, but the blush was fairly evident across his pale cheeks. "You looked frightened and the one place where the world is safe in my eyes is in the quiet song of the piano. I wished for you to see that too."

~~~~~~~~~~

**Dont worry LaReina if you think William is making a move or anything. He's just like this because... well it's William. He's.. lonely and he blushed when Joshua talks to him so yah, he's a very melodramatic character.**

Mikael

Damn, i howled inwardly, Hester had been but a few feet away when some damned nuisance had occured outside. Perhaps this requires a change of plan, i thought sipping a fine red wine from a crystal decanter and outwardly seeming to enjoy the apassionata. Then the thought struck me. Perhaps a little mayhem from my men would force Hesters hand and give me the secret to becoming like him. I quietly ducked out the door and headed to the inn not ten minutes from the chateau.
"Alex" i called removing my mask "Alex! Change of plan. Gather the men and the guns and cause as much mayhem as you can. But don't stay too long and await my signal first." Without waiting for acknowledgement i headed back to the chateau hearing the sounds of mens boots and muskets in the dark.

Joshua

"So," She barely said anything.

"So." Joshua couldn't speak, he couldn't comprehend anything that was going on. His heart beat faster and quicker when ever he thought of her presence beside him. All of his senses were aimed at her, taking in every noise or breath that escaped through her lips, taking in every scent especially the flowery fragrance she was wearing, taking in the subtle warmth that eminanted off of her. But he could not bring himself to look at her.

He forgot his plans, all his ideas whisped away, and he stood there like an idiot, not speaking to the young woman who stood beside him. He felt his fists clench and a small cold sweat break across his skin, not very noticable.

"I am sorry." He managed to say blandly, hiding behind his mask once more, relying on its reassuring prescence to hide himself from her. But just as he thought that simple thought, he felt it being taken away, lifted off his face, showing him to the world.

"Now say that again." She spoke slowly, and confidently. "I want to see you as who you are, not what you pretend to be."

"And I commend you for that." Joshua said, shifting his gaze to the ground once more. She had seen him before, yet here he felt under the microscope. They stood alone, purely alone, and that was taking its toll on him, his heart beating more frantically. "But I am not who you think I am."

"You are exactly what I think." He lips curled up at the corners, forming into a small mischevious smile.

"Which is?"

"Foolish."

Joshua turned to her then, grabbing both her wrists and holding them tightily. That word had come back, that complicated yet simple word, and he loved her for it. "I wish for you to come with me."

Those words made her flush obviously thinking about the proper rules of etiquette. She was never to go with another young male unattended. Joshua himself had scolded her for it. Joshua saw this reluctance and replied simply, "It is not far."

She gave in, and gestured for Joshua to lead the way, but he was true to his word. He only grabbed her at the waist and swung her around the small stone corner, and kissed her then and there, leaving no pause. Her lips were hard against his, reluctantance again, but then he felt her give in. But the moment was not long lived because Joshua stepped back and scratched the back of his head pathetically, obviously embarassed himself.

Her face showed bewilderment, her muscles were tensed showing alarm. She too did not know what to think. Joshua's heart fell, and he grabbed the mask and placed it back to cover his face once more, the familiar feel of it embracing him, hiding him from the surrounding world. "I am sorry," he said lightly. "I will be on my way. Mercy is probably worried sick right now."

He turned, leaving her there, longing to go back and take her into his arms, wishing that she would melt freely into them and whisper kindly that she did love him no matter how improper it was, because surely, it was improper. He would never make that mistake again.

-------------------

I had to! It was just the perfect moment! After William's speil also... I just couldn't resist the temptation, after all it is incognito. Ha! Get it? Temptation. Incognito. Incognito Temptation? I know I am foolish.

~Incognito

No worries, Walker of Dreams (sorry for the cheesy nickname) I picked up on it ... XD

I'm bringing Mikael in. And Hester's a girl. I just picked the ugliest name possible for her ... No offense intended to anyone.

Mercy

"W-well, thank you, but I'd, erm, I'd better get back down to the party. I may get into trouble from Hiram or Hester ..."

She trailed off, reaching blindly for the doorknob. Mercy had only yanked the door open and began hurrying down the hall, her heels clipping on the tiles. She passed a dark hallway, but not quickly enough. A hand seized her by the shoulder and an arm clasped around her neck, cutting off her air.

She gasped, lossing her air. She felt her face flush as she clawed at the person's arms to get air. She heard a click, and then the cool barrel of a gun pressed against her temple. "Where's Hester?" A man's gruff voice asked.

Mercy tried to squeak out a reply. She turned her head, her eyes squinted closed. "Where is she?" Mercy did the same. The man pulled his arm tighter around her neck.
- - -
Hope that that's okay.