[Terra] The Last Dance {TakodaVega x Niketia}

[TakodaVega]

There were times she had wished things would change. She had known, as she always did, Death would be waiting when the time was right but now, nor have any of the times before had any of the times been right. She remained seated at the fountain that had set at the heart of the palace. She had been a powerful Queen, once, long ago. But now such things were a distant memory. Though here things didn't age, or at least the buildings didn't. She had taken great, painstaking care to make it so.

Her mind however was focused simply on the flower in her hand, the white rose was pristine. Her fingertips slowly traced along the petals. This had been left on her desk in the library. The ancient archives had been kept up to date even as the world had faded from the need of herself and others in a sense. However the rose reminded her of old times. Purity of intent. The question of course what the intent was.

She spun the stem in her hands. Whomever had cut the single flower had gone through the painstaking manner of cutting the thorns away. Her hazel eyes watched the flower carefully though. Who had sent it? This, outside of the library, had been her source to think. Especially after the Wars that had torn through the rise and fall or Terra. The water behind her was calming, even if the light coming from the pool beneath showed those seven long scars that littered her back.

Vega had forsaken the Order according to Man. However even now she still held to the True Law. Just as Kitira had maintained her Chaos in the chaotic planes outside of the Abyss. She shook her mind from her thoughts and looked up. Twilight would be there soon. She should head inside but the flower - it bothered her, made her think of any -- and all -- who might have been able to leave such a thing in her library.

And the Why, that too got to her.

[Niketia]

There were times when Vega was not the only one who wished for change. But at the same times there were times when she wished things would just stop. Nor was Vega the only one to receive a flower. Lily had woken to a perfect blue rose on the pillow beside her just before dawn. Caution and mystery.  However unlike the once Queen her rose still had its thorns. And also unlike Vega she knew exactly who had left the rose behind. She just didn't know why.

Picking up the rose she had pricked her finger, drawing a bead a ruby blood. Placing her finger in her mouth she had sat up, looking for the person who had left the rose. Shaking her head once she had made sure she was alone she had returned to her rest. Now she stood overlooking the still pristine palace, her mind questioning what deep inside she felt she should already know.

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Watching them both three men stood on a hill above the palace. Slowly but surely things were begining to come together.

[TakodaVega]

Sighing softly, she rose from her seat. The rose would be solved in time, she knew that much. No mystery went unsolved even if it took her awhile to solve the riddle that was presented to her. The outfit she had worn for the evening was old. When Terra was in it's peak of glory, and the world still remembered the source and the heart of it, before Man decided it had no use for the Guard and the life they had built. Or did they? She wasn't quite as sure about that as she took those quiet, almost silent steps through the courtyard to one of the stained glass doorways.

A mighty dragon encircled the ankh with wings, Vega's own symbol which had stood the test of time, lights seem to filter through the rooms as of their own accord. Likely since there were few servants that still resided here. The light purple velvet almost appeared gray in the less well lit areas as she took some of the trailing skirt of the dress in her hand and made her way up the stairs. Here it was cooler as she entered the broad doors to her library. The tombs of many of the ancient races resided here, unblemished by time as Vega set about looking for something very specific.

Finally finding what she was looking for among the writing desk in the corner she placed the rose in the crystalline chalice that she had acquired sometime over the years and placed it on the mantle of the fireplace. The pale dress though hugging Vega's curves remained modest in it's own right, falling from her hips and leaving her arms bare, looping around her neck with simple choker style. As the fire came to life she glanced around slowly.

Something told her that she wasn't alone, in a strange sense, and in another sense she also suspected she was being watched. Her hazel eyes scanned the room around her but saw nothing out of the ordinary. "I'm getting too old for this," she muttered softly to herself reaching for one of the many books that lay on a shelf and pulling it into her lap as she set about resting against one of the window seats the occupied the vast room.

[Niketia]

Picking her way through the corridors that once she had known almost as well as her own home Lily found her way into the library. Though not on the same side of the room as Vega she stood silently within the shadows, her clothing making it simple to remain unseen for the moment. Glancing around she took note that no one had disturbed this room since she was last here save for the desk, which it seemed to her was always changing. Always gaining and losing objects and papers.

Such was the life that Vega had chosen however so she knew better than to comment on it. Finally she let her eyes rest on the person that was her closest female friend. It had been some months since they had last spoken in detail or even face to face and she was surprised to see that Vega's mood had drastically changed from the last letter she had sent. Instead of the beautiful new gowns and skirts that she had described she had chosen something old.

Not one to judge Lily glanced at her own attire of supple leather pants and backless top and smiled. Both had changed and yet... remained the same.

"I see that I was not the only one to receive a visit and a gift..." Her voice told the most of her change in Lily's mind. It had taken on the sultry tones of the demon in her.

[TakodaVega]

Vega didn't look up, nor did she jump when Lily finally made herself known. In fact it was as though she wasn't surprised the woman was there at all. That feeling of being watched finally made sense. "I suppose your visitor left a calling card?" She asked mildly finally looking up from her book to study the person she viewed very much akin to a sister. Considering their ties to a certain family no matter how chaotic the times had been it was no wonder the two bonded.

Indeed things were different, but very much the same. For once, it seemed Lily knew who had left the flowery message - White Roses were meant to represent purity of intent, or the truth when there were lies. Which meant either A.) She was getting double crossed somewhere or B.) Something she had believed in was still true despite odds otherwise. She wasn't sure which answer she liked however as she accessed the woman across from her.

"So what brings you here Lily? It has been a long time since you came to visit." Though Vega looked young, she was ancient. One of the oldest beings that still resided on Terra, and very few actually came close to her in age. Those that did weren't even sure if it counted. After all Vega had been witness to the birth of Terra, and the rise of the many nations in Her wake. However the old Heaven Queen still many many years to grow before she would no longer be needed.

She had figured out that much already.

[Niketia]

Glancing at the fireplace she nodded slowly. "They did." Turning her attention slowly back to the once Queen she studied the hazel eyes that watched her so intently. "They are... roaming again." Stepping further into the light given off by the fire she knelt at Vega's feet.

It had been a long time since she had dared to think about the ones who had apparently made a visit to Vega's home as well as her own. But now that they had left their gifts she did not know what to think... or to feel. Laying her head on Vega's knee she dropped the act she had long since perfected when they weren't alone.

"I came to be sure you were still alright. Our last exchange was months ago." Sitting as they had always done Lily turned so that her back rested lightly against Vega's legs and she could see the fire. It was almost the only comfort she had at times and she had been missing her friend. "I don't know what to think... Or what to do."

[TakodaVega]

"I figured as much," she said dryly as a hand went to gently run her fingers through her companion's hair. "They seem to want out attention for something or another. They know what would make us wonder. I'm sure they'll make their presence and wants more known to soon." She eyed the fire a moment, lost in thought, though her hand never stopped it's soothing strokes. "How are Naomi and Aidan?"

She chuckled softly, "I'm fine, Lily. Things seldom change here unless you or the little ones come visit." Though none were so little anymore. Her eyes however returned to the lady at her feet pausing a moment in her gentle pets. "Well honestly there is really only one thing we can do. We have to confront them and ask what it is the brood wants. They obviously need our help, otherwise they wouldn't bother with all this work."

That wasn't exactly true, she had been led around before on a wild goose chase or two in her time. That didn't stop her from wanting to get to the bottom of her rose of mystery. The last time she had seen them all they had been contending with a deadly dance with life and death and where the cards of fate got dealt a different hand. That was why she had come back here. Here there was at least something that stood out against the bleak realizations that things would never be as they once were.

[Niketia]

"Aidan is following in his fathers footsteps." Leaving the topic of her son at that she smiled a little when she spoke about her daughter. "Naomi is making my wolves proud. She's coming into her own and has chosen to become our historian and guardian... She's doing so well... Ive considered..." Falling silent a moment she glanced over her shoulder when Vega stopped her pets. "I've considered stepping down to continue my studies in the Demon realms.."

When Vega spoke of confronting the males they had been originally talking about she tensed. She and two of the men in question had not parted on easy ground. In fact she still harbored some of the anger at one of them for hurting her and the woman behind her. Mostly Vega. The other... well heart ache was to harsh a word for a change. Remembrance and slight longing filled her mind but she quickly pushed it away.

"I suppose that is the only course of action that we have available to us currently."

Watching the fire for a moment she turned to look Vega in the eye with a serious expression on her face. Looking at her a moment her eyes became black and silver instead of her normal emerald, giving away her attempt at controlling her reactions.

"So... How do we go about cornering them"

Holding her expression for a moment longer she couldn't help it when she broke down into quiet giggles. They both knew that it would be near impossible to corner the men but in effect that was almost exactly what they would need to do.

[TakodaVega]

"Like Father like son they say," she said softly, her hands returning to absently stroke her sister's hair. "Naomi had a good teacher, however only you can be the judge as to whether or not she is ready for that responsibility. She won't be alone, she always has access to the Library." She waved her hand slightly indicating her own. Vega's library held the Archives, the Archives to all and everything that had occurred on Terra since the beginning. Her attention returned to Lily herself though feeling her tense.

"Sometimes love is a cruel thing, Lily. We learn to focus and learn that without love we do not know hate. And Hate is what fuels a War, never love." Stretching angelic wings she relaxed in her chair once more a smile playing on her lips as she thought. "I have a few ideas. But I will need your cooperation in the matter. That is if you were willing to face them, but not." She quirked up an eyebrow before rising from her chair and moving to the fireplace and pulling the rose from it's hold. "We could hold a Masquerade."

She lightly running her fingers across the rose's petals. Truth. Purity of intent. She glanced at her companion, who was now giggling at the foot of her chair. "They will come if they can be themselves and hide in plain sight, you and I both know this." She tilted her head at the thought before returning the rose to it's place. "We would have to dress for the occasion, however I think this would work. What do you think?"

[Niketia]

Thinking it over for a moment she nodded. It had been a common thing once upon a time for the two of them to get something like this going. And it had never failed to draw certain people out into the 'light' so to speak.

"I have the perfect dress in mind actually. I've been saving it for some time now.."

Standing and calming considerably her whole persona changed. Gone was the giggling woman who had come to her friends home for some comfort even if neither would admit it. Instead there stood a woman who presented a calm and determined appearance. She had worked for years to understand why Vega always seemed cold outside of this room but she had come to understand. It was the only way to keep herself and those she cared for safe.

"I'll leave you to your plotting if you'd like to see it before hand. If not I will return on the day you set for the event."

Giving a last smile she waited only for Vega's reply before stepping back into the shadows she had come from to return to her own home. The way of transportation eerily familiar to the angelic woman behind her.

[TakodaVega]

A masquerade to hide one's self from the light. That would require time and work, and restoring this place to it's former glory before the war. Vega drew in a breath as she looked out towards the large window that circled the grounds. Spring would be upon them yet. The flowers beckoning release from their prisons from the bud they had started as to flourish along the trees and the gardens below. If they wanted to come out of hiding so be it she just needed to gather up the world in her home again.

It had taken months, no years to restore the palace to its former glory. Never once did that flower wilt, which made her think it was more to it than met the eye. They all knew that it would come down to what happened tonight. The fanciful chandelier hung high above them in grand flare, even now there was the chatter of those along the floor of the might ball room which had stood empty probably for centuries. Now? Dozens of creatures of various races lingered among the halls, from the Wolves to the Vampires to the great cats...to demons and phantoms and all those creatures that lingered in between. All in masks, all for a masquerade.

The white dress she had worn hung loosely on her dripping low between her breasts with the entwining ropes sliding around her frame to keep the dress on her in tact as those wings of hers curled against her back to keep out of the way. The white lace of her mask obscured her facial features leaving tonight to the work of those who sought her truly or those who sought elsewhere. Here there were none who were left to fear for themselves. The wine and food adding compulsion for a sense of civility, to remind everyone this was hallowed neutral ground - as it always had been.

The question was who all would truly come to a place like this?

[Niketia]

Standing amidst a group of her Wolves Lily's trademark silver tresses were carefully, yet carelessly piled high on her head, gentle curls falling to frame her face and setting off the black and silver mask that framed her eyes, it's design making it appear she looked out from behind delicate leaves. Letting her eyes wander through the gathered creatures she sighed softly, the fragile deep green silk that made up her dress clinging to her form in a more conservative, yet provocative manner than Vega's own white dress did. Motioning wordlessly for her companions to go and enjoy themselves she turned her eyes to the large windows that allowed the pale light of a waxing moon to filter into the room.

Shaking herself from her silent contemplation Lily tore her eyes away from the moon to again search the room around her, this time taking a deep breath as she set off deeper into the throng of revelers. Coming to a stop near Vega she offered a faint smile as well as a light curtsy, her eyes glittering as she received only a nod in response. Pitching her voice so that it did not carry further than the two of them she gently prodded her friend. "We might as well try to enjoy this... There are several hours yet before we can truly expect anything."

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Contrary to Lily's beliefs one of the men they sought had already joined the throng currently conversing, dancing and eating within the ball room. In fact he stood in the shadows, his eyes drawn to the pale angel though he knew the pale blue cloth that made up his mask successfully hid him from her sight. Smirk tugging at his lips he considered the thought he had put into his mask, his chosen color one he doubted she would ever consider for him which made this that much more entertaining to his ever busy mind. Accepting a glass of red wine from a passing servant he swirled the fragile glass between his fingers for only a moment before raising the glass in salute to the pair of women who could not hear him. "Let the games begin..." Raising the glass to his lips he had barely sipped the age liquid within before his eyes were drawn to a point just behind the women. Raising an eyebrow in question as a male began to approach the pair he canted his head slightly, his amusement slightly dampened as the male offered his hand to Vega with a low bow, as he waited to see her response.

[TakodaVega]

Vega may still be the Queen over these lands but tonight she curtsied in return to Lily, the long blonde hair fell loosely around her though a parts of her hair had been braided and pulled to the back in a passing strands as though making her more youthful. Though practically an unaging creature Vega's eyes never grew younger. There were lifetimes in those eyes. She tended to know things before some understood the consequences because she had already lived them. Instead she reached for her friend to pull her closer. Though Lily was taller than herself she only needed to cant her head to one side.

"Maybe, maybe not," came her soft words, "Though you should enjoy yourself Lily. Do not let yourself be guarded, you never know who may approach you for a dance. Tonight we are all ones behind the mask, and we are here to enjoy everyone's company. You are beautiful and anyone would be foolish not to invite you to dance. If they do not then I shall drag you into one myself." Her aged eyes were sparkling though she released her hold on the woman just as she felt someone beside her.

Those blue hazel eyes of hers looked to the man beside her, the first dance was always significant as those who asked for it got the lady at her freshest. Though that wasn't the most significant dance for her. The most for her would always be the last one. The last one meant putting trust in your partner to not let you falter. Though most tended to not know that about her. Lily did, but that was mostly because the two had exchanged so much between each other. She had probably told Lily more than she had even told the male who had eyes for her. Many eyes had their sights on the angel Queen. The question was whom would remove her mask at the end of the night?

Her hand slid into the offered one, though she glanced back to Lily, "If you do not have a dance by the time I come back, I will make sure you do." Her gaze instead returned to the male who took her by the hand politely curtsying before she was pulled out into the dance floor. The orchestra playing to the tunes of all who wanted to listen. Though whom had pulled her into the dance was a mystery even to her.

[Niketia]

Chuckling softly to herself she glanced over her shoulder as the pair passed her to join other couples who danced in the center of the room. "Do not worry for me old friend..." Speaking softly to herself she shook her head lightly her amusement drawing attention to herself. Accepting a rather playful offer to dance as the music changed to a new song Lily's laughter reached her eyes as her own masked partner placed his hands on her hips to spin her around the dance floor. Realizing the music had changed again only when a new partner, some male and even a few females, asked her to dance Lily found herself enjoying herself more and more as the night drew on.

Finding herself once again standing near her friend she panted as she politely declined another dance in favor of speaking to Vega again. "I lot track of time... This has been the most... Fun I have had since... Oh, I can't remember when." Smile fading slightly when Vega only hummed softly in acknowledgment she canted her head again. "What is wrong?" Glancing at the large windows again she turned her attention fully towards the sky. "There is time for perhaps a few more dances, but you do not seem to be enjoying this any more..." Shivering as something began trying to gain her attention she turned to look around them again curiously. "Hmmm...?"

[TakodaVega]

The sound of laughter and claps filled the halls, the masquerade was a resounding success much better than she had anticipated and the night was young yet. Though the entire time she felt like she was being watched by someone but whenever she looked none were there except another dancer perhaps and one of the various people who had offered to help serve those during the masquerade. She loved seeing Lily so happy, she hadn't remembered when the woman had laughed last. Ages probably. She sipped the sweet wine that was offered to her though she blinked as Lily wandered to her side and asked her what was wrong.

"Nothing! Well outside of the feeling of being watched, but it is probably the others watching us dancing and nothing at all." She flashed her sister a smile. "Besides I have a surprise! Just watch the windows!" She tilted her head and around them all the lights began to dim until there was little light in the room causing everyone to talk among each other as though worried. Though soon spectacular lights zipped across the windows in a show of fire and magic. Claps went through the room as the dragons and fey participated in a dance of light and magic. It gave everyone a chance to breathe and take in the sights for a moment and feast on what was offered as well as enjoy the spectacle. "Isn't it beautiful?"

The dragons had long been allies with the Queen, after all one of their own graced the stained glass window to entwine along her crest. No one but Vega knew who it was and she never spoke of it. Though they always enjoyed showing off all the same. She reached to grab some of the offered fruit that one of the servants to nibble on. Still that feeling never went away, though she canted her head to Lily to see her reaction.

[Niketia]

As she watched the dragons and fey Lily could not help that her mood seemed to settle as she took a deep breath, though she was still happy. "It is.." Catching Vega's look out of the corner of her eyes she smiled, flashing a hint of fang. "I just thought I smelled something..." Shaking her head lightly she looped her arm through Vega's, for a moment needing the physical touch to settle her thoughts. "I should have been expecting something like this. You always did have a flare for the unique."

Shivering as the lights came back on she slowly released Vega's arm. "I must admit... I had hoped..." Letting her thought trail off she shook her head and pushed that thought away so that her good mood was not damaged. "It does not matter. The night is young yet." Snagging a glass of wine for herself she wrinkled her nose in distaste. "I can't understand how you can stand this stuff..." Taking a sip of the ruby liquid in spite of her distaste she made a face at Vega in an attempt to draw a laugh from her sister.

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Barely glancing at the show Vega had arranged the man in the shadows smirked slightly as he was joined by another male, this one wearing a sparkling silver mask. "You are late." Raising an eyebrow when the only response he got was a faint growl the male chuckled softly. "Do you not think that color will give you away before you even get close to her?" When he again received no real response his chuckle deepened.

Crossing his arms as his companion taunted him, he refrained from saying anything as he watched Lily grasp Vega's arm. "I am more concerned with my scent." Speaking honestly after several moments he sighed. "It is why I did not come sooner." Wondering not for the first time why he was even agreeing to this entire plot he could not deny his anticipation and excitement as the midnight hour drew ever closer. "After all... It was your idea to do this their way..."