❝ Masquerade ❞

[vowelsinyourheart]

{ seething shadows breathing lies }

Traditional thing that Iseul is, he made a point of sending out invitations to every monster and supernatural being with whom he's acquainted the day after telling Damian of his masked ball. Each is written in a large, looping hand and reads:

My Dear Friend,

You are cordially invited to a most exclusive masquerade ball to be held at my estate on the next new moon. The attire is formal with a theme of silver and gold. My doors will open promptly at 8:00pm. Dinner will be served with music, dance, and festivities to follow.

I do so look forward to your attendance.

Kindest Regards,
Your Host

Iseul's calling card is included for those who may not recognize his handwriting. It also happens to have his address on it, as well.

Guests will find the house dark and sprawling, positively goth in decor and style. For those who know or know of Iseul, this won't be a surprise. There's a running joke in the community that the Fae is truly meant to be a vampire... more so than his long-standing vampire rival. Those in attendance will be shown to the parlor, the pocket doors thrown wide to the adjoining suite to make it something of a small ballroom. Musicians sit off to the corner playing with few breaks throughout the night.

The dining room boasts a long table with a veritable banquet. Though, one must be careful about eating Faerie food. Never fear, dear guests, for none of this food was prepared or even harvested by Fae hands. Outside, the grounds are covered with sprawling flower gardens, topiaries, and even a small maze of hedges. Lanterns light the paths since there's no moon for light. Both in and out, the house has many dark nooks and crannies and unoccupied to rooms to disappear into. All guests are welcome to stay if, for any reason, they are unable to leave at first light.

Comments

𝐾𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝐾𝑎𝑛𝑔

[unseely]

Kellan knows Iseul because of course he does. His sister is very fond of Iseul's fashion sense and design. Some little renown comes with being the one who dresses the Unseelie Princess, at least among her immediate kith and kin. He wouldn't say they're close, he hardly knows the other fae. But an invitation is an invitation and it makes for as good an excuse as any to 1) take his sister to see her present favorite and 2) spend more time with his own beloved.

The Prince arrives fashionably late due to the Princess fussing over looking just so to impress her tailor (little does she know he'll be otherwise engaged for quite some time). He shows up with dramatic flair. The double doors swing open to reveal the Prince in messy, but regal attire (sans the goth stompy boots) and a simple gold mask to match the trim. On each arm, his beloved twins, Sumin and Suho.

Yes, yes, everyone pause to admire what a fine trio they make. Then you may go back to whatever you were doing before this distinguish group arrived (Princess in tow).

[dissimilis]

Sumin knows Iseul only through Kellan, and only really then because Suho asked about him when they received the invite initially. Well, when Kellan received the invite. If either twin received a formal invitation, Sumin was not made away. It could simply be that Suho tucked them both away somewhere and forgot to ever tell him. Not that it would have stopped either of them from joining their prince at this event. It should always be understood that they are Kellan's +1 and his other +1.

Fashionably late. Sumin hates fashionably late. Where the Princess not Kellan's sister, Sumin would have insisted she find her own way here whenever she was finally ready. Alas, he had to settle for simply looking at the time and sighing (two things which he's certain only Suho ever noticed). But finally, they've arrived. Thankfully, they've arrived. Every minute past 8 o'clock that they weren't here was like a fresh knife in his chest.

Sumin and Suho arrive dressed to match their prince as well as each other. They're wearing matching jackets, with Sumin's being the same shade of red as the inside of Kellan's jacket, and Suho's being the same shade of blue as the outside, as well as simple black dress pants. Their masks are a similar style to Kellan's as well, though the filigree on Sumin's evokes images of the sun while Suho's, of the moon.

"What would you like to do here first, my Prince?"

[unseely]

Sumin is not the only one annoyed by Yileana. Then again, she's always been a spoiled little wisp of a thing. The time of others' has no value to her. Unbecoming someone of her station. Throughout the ordeal of her many costume changes, Kellan shares sympathetic glances and more than a handful of eye rolls with his beloved. He's surprised to find Sumin isn't clawing his way out of his skin while they wait. Kellan does everything he can to avoid such a thing, hurrying Yileana along with chiding notes about keeping their host waiting.

"First," he declares in a low but authoritative tone, "We will be extracting ourselves from the company of the Princess. Come." Yes, he's going to lead the pair in whatever direction is opposite from that in which she's looking. She's likely scanning the crowd for Iseul. Kellan doesn't care. He has the only two who matter to him at his sides. No need to search for what's right there.

Once they've separated from his sister, Kellan relaxes by degrees -- though it's hardly noticeable to anyone who isn't intimately familiar with his body language and moods. But he moves to free his arms from his beloveds' and turns on the ball of his foot to stand before them. "Now, remember my sun and moon, you must also enjoy yourselves tonight. If there is anything you wish to do, you must tell me."

[diversus]

Unfortunately for both of them, Suho is an eager and almost entirely too accommodating little thing much of the time. Anytime Yileana wanted to change clothes yet again, Suho encouraged the idea. He'd run to fetch new clothing for her and would assist with helping her into them. The hope was to hurry her along, though it just encouraged her to try more. He'd hoped the help would please the princess, thus pleasing his prince. Instead he had to feel his brother's eyes boring into his back and watch the sympathetic glances and eye rolls shared between him and his beloved prince.

Maybe he was a little too eager to be helpful... But they eventually got to the masquerade and Prince Kellan got to made a grand entrance out of it so it all worked out in the end, right? Never mind the fact that he can still feel Sumin's discomfort. He should really apologize later and maybe find a way to make it up to him. Both him and the prince.

Suho smiles brightly at Kellan when the prince relaxes a little post escape from his sister. Even Sumin smiles now that the foursome is once again the threesome it's meant to be. He looks over at his brother and then back up at Kellan. "But we enjoy ourselves when we're with you."

[unseely]

No one, at least not Kellan, would fault Suho for Yileana’s failings. She is a Princess if the Fae. She knows her obligations. It’s not on Suho, who is not Fae, to understand the intricacies and expectations of her position. Besides, it was sweet watching he efforts to ne helpful.

That’s something Kellan loves about him.

His smile widens, brightening those inky dark eyes. “In that case, we shall have a splendid time since we are all together.” Kellan reaches out to press his palm to each of their cheeks. “Let’s start with wine.” That said, the Prince loops an arm around each of theirs and leads them toward the dining area.

[diversus]

Both boys lean into the touch of their prince with soft smiles. The warm palm feels nice pressed against his cold cheek. Suho's always run a little colder than his brother so Kellan's touch has always been like a warm, cozy blanket on a cold winter's night. Comfortable. Welcoming. Like he wants to wrap himself in it forever.

Once they reach the dining area, Suho slips free of Kellan's grasp (regretfully!) and eagerly makes his way over to the food and drink that's being offered. He samples more than a few things himself - paying particular attention to the various types of meats that he will be coming back for - before securing a glass of wine for his prince and a few pieces of fruit that he might like. It's only once Suho returns that Sumin detaches himself from the prince and walks over to get two more glasses of wine for himself and his brother.

Suho smiles as he holds out the glass and small selection of fruit to Kellan. "There are so many other choices over there if you don't like this wine!"

[unseely]

Kellan's eyes drift after Suho first, then Sumin, each in their turn when they wander away from him. But only for a few second. He could never neglect the brother who remains behind with him. In the time Suho's away, the Prince leans closer to Sumin, flicking a worried look his way.

"We don't have to stay long if you do not wish it, my darling. This is the Princess's wish, not mine. She may be a brat, but she dares not disobey me when I play chaperone." If Sumin seems at all worn or discomfort, if Kellan cannot make an escape, he will merely prevail upon the laws of hospitality and insist their host provide Kellan's precious sun a quiet room in which to rest.

His easy smile returns when Suho does. Oh, how easily he smiles with his dear twins. For others, it's merely polite, a duty required of his station. Reaching out for the offered wine, Kellan makes no effort to hide the intentional way he brushes his fingers against Suho's with warm affection. Then his eyes sweep toward the long banquet table, seeking out a place for the three of them to sit when Sumin rejoins them.

"Perhaps we'll try them all," he quips with a grin. "Then we shall dance!"

[dissimilis]

Sumin's eyes follow his brother as he scampers off toward the food and drink, then he turns his attention back to his beloved prince, whose shoulder he rests his head on for a moment with his eyes closed. He just needs a brief minute to relax, to decompress, to feel his Kellan against him. The stress of the princess' impromptu fashion show had already started to dissipate once they'd finally arrived here, but getting to just exist near his prince with no more external stressors is helping.

Being around Kellan is always rather relaxing.

He opens his eyes and slowly lifts his head to look up at the enchanting fae he's currently attached to. Then he shakes his head and glances over at his brother as the over-eager pup samples the various foods. "I'm okay now." For now. That could change as the night wears on, though. He's not the night owl that his brother is and he's a little pricklier around people than Suho. Suho is a bit of a social thing but Sumin is far more of a one owner dog. "We can stay awhile. Suho looks like he's already enjoying himself and I don't want to take that away from him."

Upon Suho's return, Sumin looks up at the prince and then separates himself from the fae to walk over and secure a glass of wine for himself and his brother. The same wine that Suho grabbed for Kellan. He's not even quite back yet when he takes a few drinks from his own glass. It's pretty good, actually! He smiles around the rim of his glass at Kellan as he holds out the untouched wine to his brother.

"Oh, yes! That's a - thank you, Min! - that's a great idea! I would love to dance. And then maybe we can find a nice, quiet place to sit down for a little while." Suho gets everything out before Sumin even has a chance to lower his glass.

"And maybe a bite to eat while we sample the wines."

[unseely]

Ah, how these two bring him such peace. Twins, yes, but like two sides of a coin. His beautiful sun and moon. At least tonight, the three of them could enjoy themselves with minimal duty to get in the way. Oh, yes, the Prince has to watch out for his sister, but that's an easy enough task. She's a brat but not a troublemaker. Nor are there any particular threats to her here. And Kellan will, in secret, do his best to steer his beloveds away from her. How selfish of him to want to enjoy a party without any obligation weighing on him with Suho and Sumin alone.

Kellan finds a spot near the end of the table where the three of them can sit and leads the twins there. He places his glass and the plate of fruits down and settles into a chair. "One of us should stay here to save our seats." Kellan would happily eat anything they brought him, he's not picky about that. Or he could fill his own plate when they return.

[diversus]

The prince and his guard dogs, rather. Kellan won't be watching out for his sister alone. There's little that he has to do alone. Even as Kellan tries throughout the night to keep them separate from her, they will keep as watchful an eye over her and their prince. Even poor Sumin who is too often very easily exhausted by her.

When Kellan sets his glass and plate down on the table, Suho steals back one of the delicious looking fruits with a grin. He reaches over for his brother's glass of wine to set down on the table along with his own, then grabs his hand, just as Sumin is about to take a seat next to their beautiful fae. "You can here with our seats while Min and I get us all some food okay?"

Sumin glowers at his brothers as he tries to pull his hand free, then he glances down toward the prince, his eyes pleading behind the mask. Help him. "Suho, you can at least let go of my hand. I'll come with you."

"No~" Suho chirps as he tugs his brother closer. "Wait here for us. We'll be right back."

Suho tugs Sumin along with him, not releasing his grip on his brother until he's reached some food that caught his eye. They grab two plates eat and grab a little bit of everything that looks particularly good. For their own plates, repetition isn't a concern, but of their secondary plates, they're careful not to choose the same food. A wide variety of choices for their Kellan. Meats and cheese, breads, vegetables, more fruits, each appetizing little morsel finding a home on one plate or another until all four of them are full (though not heaping. They don't want to chance wasting food!).

Upon their return, each twin sets down their own plate and then another in front of Kellan before they take their seats on either side of him.

"I hope you like what we brought for you."

"There's plenty more that we didn't manage to get to if you'd prefer something else."

[unseely]

Kellan’s never alone, not when his beloved twins are near. He knows they’ll look after Yileana, even without anyone asking them to do so. They’re so loyal to their Prince, and thus, the Court. And Kellan is so very loyal to them. He’ll have no others, now or ever.

He flashes Suho a small grin when he snatches the piece of fruit. It fades quickly as the Prince pretends to give him a chastising look. He truly doesn’t mind. What’s his also belongs to these two. He’ll deny them nothing. Even before Suho suggests it, he’s sure his moon is about to drag his sun away with him.

Poor Sumin. These social events always drain him. But Kellan won’t deny the brothers their time together.

The Fae’s eyes never leave them as they fill up several plates. For themselves, of course, and also for him. Once they’re seated, Kellan reaches out a hand to each of them, sharing a fond smile at each twin. “You brought my favorites,” he mused warmly. “And delicious food, as well. Thank you.”

[dissimilis]

Sumin reaches out for Kellan's hand once he settles in next to his beautiful fae prince, threading their fingers together. On the other side of Kellan, Suho does much the same, only he grasps Kellan's hand and then wraps himself around the prince's arm. Laying his head against Kellan's arm, Sumin closes his eyes for a moment. Despite all the people milling about, it's not impossible to shut them out for a few moments, to allow him a few extra moments before he simply has to escape. He knows that both Kellan and Suho will likely follow him once he excuses himself from their current social engagement and even though both are always willing to accommodate him, he simply doesn't want to do that. Not just yet. So he just closes his eyes, blocking out his view of the people, and he focuses on Kellan. The sound of his voice and breathing, the way he feels, his scent. Of course there is also the ever comforting, ever familiar presence of his brother just on the other side of their shared prince. A helpful focal point for shutting out the world.

"Your favourites for our favourite," he responds, opening his eyes to look up at Kellan as Suho confirms the sentiment with an affirmative sound.

With both of Kellan's hands currently occupied, Sumin takes it upon himself to grab a piece of fruit with his free hand and hold it up for Kellan to eat. "Care for some of the delicious food?"

[unseely]

Anyone who might gaze on the three would find the Prince absolutely serene. How could he be anything but with his sun and moon beside him? His precious, adoring bulgae. How empty his life would be without them. They are, for him, a fulfillment, people for him to love and adore completely removed from his duties to the Court.

His.

And each other’s. Their love for one another sustained him in his dark hours. Knowing that neither would be alone when he couldn’t be present is a salve on his soul. Kellan peers at each in turn, tilting his head one way then the other to press his cheek against each twin’s hair.

The smile he answers with is warm and loving, the sort of expression given only to these two and his younger sister. “Sumin, my love, you spoil me so.” It isn’t a yes or a no, but he does open his mouth for the fruit which should be signal enough that he welcomes being fed and doted on by the bulgae brothers.