Hiding in plain sight (Finished)

[Katlyn Isabel Blake]

Katlyn Isabel Blake, as she was calling herself tonight, grabbed her skirts in clenched fists, and ran across the lawn behind the castle.
Unlike the other guests who would be attending this ball, Katlyn could not walk in via the front door. Her name was not on the guest list and she knew from experience that giving a false one, or pretending that the guard on the door must have "missed her" did not work.

Luckily though, the first time she had attempted to attend court and had been terribly upset that she was unable to get in, a maid named Sylvia had found her crying in the castle gardens. Surprisingly she hadn't sent Katlyn away, but had invited her in and done all she could to sneak her into the main castle. The plan had worked and ever since Katlyn had used this entrance to get to the parties.

"Sylvia!" she hissed, as she got to the servants entrance. She hoped that there weren't any other servants about, who might give her away to any of the nobles here. It didn't look like there were and Sylvia was usually excellent at planning for these meetings, so slowly Katlyn slipped into the kitchens.

She felt both excited and nervous as she tiptoed through the hallways to the great hall, where the ball was being held. The hardest part would be getting through the main door, but as she approached she saw that several servants were just entering, and silently she joined them.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase was sitting bored in to the side of the hall filled with dancing couples. He was munching on some strange meat waiting for the ball to end. He didn't want to be here in the first place but knew that he had to make occasional appearances in court or else he would get in trouble both with the other nobles, and his father. Now that he was here though all he could do was hope for the ball to end. He considered subtly using his magic to make various guests trip or embarrass themselves one way or another but decided against it. Who knew which of the many guests were magicians and would be able to tell what he was doing.

He hoped something happened soon. Otherwise he would probably die of boredom. Just out of plain boredom he decided to walk over to several servants who were entering and asked one of them, "I want some more meat." Now at least he would have something else to nibble on while he waited.

[Katlyn Isabel Blake]

Katlyn entered the hall in awe. It was filled with women in the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen and the men all looked so dapper and charming in their dress suits that she was unsure where to head to first. Perhaps she should go and talk to the other ladies, but they all looked as though they were settled into their cliques and she hated to approach them as a stranger. The men on the otherhand were more than happy to speak to her, but social etiquette said she couldnt go to them first. She smiled gracefully, as the servants in front of her moved away leaving her and her emerald dress on show to the other guests and apparently the boy who thought she was a servant.

"I want some more meat."
Blinking in shock and unable to form words (for once), Katlyn frowned at the boy who had somehow confused her with a maid. Did she look like she was dressed to be waiting on someone? No, she most certainly did not.
She glanced at him as she continued to walk, unsure whether it would be polite and ladylike to start an argument at a ball, but the more she thought about it the angrier it made her and she paused.

"Do you have something wrong with your eyes?" She asked all smiles, although there was a distinct devilish tone to her voice.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase looked at the person he had addressed and realized he had accidental asked one of the guests to the ball who was entering with the servants for some strange reason. If looks could kill Chase would have been obliterated when she glared at him. Still she seemed unsure of how to react. Finally in a voice that showed her anger despite the smile plastered on her face she asked him about his eyesight. Chase was amused at her expression. Finally something that didn't bore him

"Nope" Chase replied with a slight smile on his face. Now to make things get interesting, "Its just your dress" He explained, "It looks so...drab I thought you were a servant." He waited expectantly for the girls outrage to grow. It was so much fun seeing people getting mad over such stupid stuff.

[Katlyn Isabel Blake]

Katlyn had forgotten that she was crossing the room to find someone more interesting to talk to, in fact she suddenly believed she had found the most interesting person here. It wasn't to say she found him appealing- his personality was seriously lacking if you asked her, but it wasn't often that someone was so brash to a noble, never mind that Katlyn wasn't really one, but she sensed that there was more to this boy than met the eye.

As he spoke she felt herself redden slightly, but luckily the make-up that covered her skin would hide it well enough. Annoyingly, he was right for Kat had cut and sewn her dress together herself, rather than having daddy buy it like all of the other girls here. But Lady Blake knew that her dress was far from drab, it shone like the sea, an ocean of bluey-green chiffon and voile, the stitching was neat and tidy like she had been taught as a young girl and the design was copied from a dress she had seen on an expensive market stall. No, she did not look like a servant at all, this boy was just an insolent twit.

"Well clearly you have little understanding of fashion," She retorted tartly, "For if you had ever been to a ball or even a boutique before, you would rightly know that this dress is a one of a kind piece made by a bespoke designer." Technically her words were true, if a little blurred around the edges.
"But no. Apparently you are a socially inept fool who thinks that that is suitable attire for a party at castle Pendragon!"

Blood beginning to boil, Katlyn turned her smile into more of a smirk. She was enjoying this and she had a funny feeling that Chase was too. Now the fireworks would begin.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase could tell the girl was starting to enjoy this. After all it was rare that nobles got a chance to actually argue with each other without doing so in such a roundabout fashion that nobody was able to tell what they were actually hinting at.

Chase smiled at the girl's insult. She had left herself so open. "Oh sorry I guess this suit is a little bit too advanced for a little girl like you to understand its genius. This was made by Alberon Waltor himself. Someone as fashion-less as you probably hasn't heard of him but he is the best designer in the known world." The poor girl had no idea the money his family had. Chase never wore anything but the very best.

[Katlyn Isabel Blake]

Katlyn listened to the boy -whose name was still a mystery- as he spoke about his apparent designer and flaunted his money in her face. Luckily, she was used to men like this and with her tongue in her cheek, she walked on by. Seemingly ignoring him.

The truth was, Katlyn was just biding her time. She couldn't possibly understand how the suit had been designed by the "best designer in the known world" when he in fact looked ridiculous, but maybe he was right and she just didn't know fashion like she thought she did. Either way she wasn't too bothered.

A waiter passed her by with a tray of alcoholic drinks upon it. Katlyn didn't drink when she came to balls, for being intoxicated would make slip ups and revelations far too easy to make, and her identity was far too precious to even begin to risk it, but she grabbed a glass as she sauntered past. Her intentions were unclear so far, but spinning on her heel in a flurry of dazzling skirts, she feigned a sip and looked back at Chase who was still where she had left him, across the hall.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase could tell the girl didn't think much of his outfit. However he didn't care what she thought of it. She would never amount to much. Probably end up being married off to the first half important noble who came along by her parents. It was the harsh truth of nobility.

The girl got a drink from a passing waiter. Chase decided to ignore her bad choice of drinks. He personally couldn't stand the drinks that passed for wine in these balls. Camelot had many good things but its wine was not the best quality that Chase was used to. For now he would let the silence draw out between them. If she wanted to talk then she could start it up again. He wouldn't do any of her work for her.

[Katlyn Isabel Blake]

After a time, Katlyn grew tired of staring across the crowded room at Chase and pretending to sip the horrid glass of wine, so when a gentleman offered her a dance she grabbed his hand eagerly.

"Why thank you sir," She replied, dazzling the young man with a smile and setting her glass down on a nearby table. He seemed genuinely pleased that she had accepted his offer, although it was social suicide to decline anyway.
He seemed friendly enough though, and he didn't look to shabby either- although there were few men who did when the attire was a dress suit and everyone was groomed to their absolute best.

The pair were soon spinning about the floor, a turquoise blur to anyone who might be watching. Katlyn was not so entranced though. She was having to put up with the constant stomping of Jerome Stylar's feet, and if he stepped on hers one more time...

There was a lot to be said for being a noble, but natural dancing skills were certainly not a skill that came with the title...

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer arrived late, and not nearly in a fashionable sense. He had been dragging himself around the guild, left and right, attempting to accomplish any and all tasks that needed attending too. He procrastinated the moment he would have to dress up in the the suit that Merlin had lent him and make his way to the castle for a ball. It seemed though that the one night he wanted work, everyone insisted that there was none.

Damn Merlin, such a good friend, and an evil one as well.

Dreamer looked at the suit in the mirror before he left for the ball. It was a simple one, although well tailored and obviously expensive. Dreamer had never seen something like it, and it must have been tailored for the occasion. It was a mix of black and white, something that fit Dreamers trend. Merlin had also stated that some of his jewelry would be appropriate as well, and he was correct. Dreamer couldn't decide if he was a prince or a gypsy by the time he was finished.

Dreamer set off to the ball, forced to ride a horse waiting for him. Dreamer had to, or else the suit would be ruined on the walk there. He couldn't even ride fast, he had to go at a slow pace so he wouldn't stir up any dirt. It was boring, but made time to think. Where could Merlin acquire such a suit? Dreamer passed along a few thoughts in his head.

Merlin was the technical head of the council, and the manservant to Arthur. So it was either he acquired it through his own means, or he "borrowed" it from the prince. Dreamer dearly hoped it was the first one. To think he was wearing the princes clothing, he hoped the prince would have a sense of humor, or possibly compassion.

Finally, he arrived.

His horse was taken to the stables, and he was allowed to enter the ballroom. Upon entering, someone stopped him at the foot of the stairs. The man asked Dreamer his name, he gave it. He couldn't give them the name he went by, Dreamer, he had to give him his birth name. After confirming it, the man turned to look at the crowd and say in a loud voice, "Senior Mage, Jasen Masters".

At that announcement, the room turned to look at him. It was a new experience to have all of Camelots Elite stare at him. Some bowed, others nodded, while most turned to those beside them to gossip. The talk began, Dreamer had yet to be presented to the court since his magehood. He had been able to dodge it the first time, but Merlin had finally forced him this time, his second time around.

Looking ahead, Dreamer moved through the crowd quickly to avoid wandering eyes. Young woman and old men attempted to stop him as he made his way through the room. He dodged them the best he could, and quickly dismissed himself when he couldn't. Dreamer was utterly uncomfortable in the environment, and only wished to go home.

Then he saw her.

Dreamer finally saw a face he recognized when he eyed Katlyn, talking to the only other person he wouldn't want to recognize, Chase. They seem to be in an argument, but Dreamer didn't want to stir up the feud between him and chase now, so he left it be and watched. It seemed that Katlyn could hold her own, and turned and left. She grabbed a drink and found herself a young man to dance with.

A horrible young man who could not dance.

Dreamer felt it was wrongful torture to allow Katlyn to be subjected to the young mans two left feet any longer. He walked up behind them and tapped the man on the shoulder. When they both turned to him he asked, "May i have this dance?". The boy looked to protest, but then he recognized Dreamer, and moved to allow him to dance.

"Long time no see milady" Dreamer said to Katlyn as he moved to dance with her.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase was lounging against the wall watching the girl dance with a young man who should have been embarrassed to even be here nevertheless dance. Still it was the girl's fault for being stupid enough to accept his dance. Still this was getting boring.

Chase was about to go and get some more food when he suddenly noticed another figure going up to the girl. With a jolt he realized that it was Dreamer! How dare Dreamer but into someone else's dance. Chase refused to allow Dreamer to get the girl.

Chase strolled over to where Dreamer and the girl were dancing. Tapping Dreamer on the back he said, "Why hello Dreamer? What are you doing here? Last I checked this party already had entertainment. We don't need some twopenny musician from the slums here." Chase spoke in a slightly scathing tone of superiority mocking Dreamer to his face.

[Katlyn Isabel Blake]

Katlyn had never been so torn between relief and dismay as when she saw Dreamer cut into the dance. Jerome was boring and bad at dancing (if what he had been doing could even be called dancing) and the thought of finally being able to take to the floor with someone who could keep time was thrilling. She knew Dreamer was a musician, so rhythm came with the territory and without a second thought for the poor Jerome, she grabbed Dreamers hand gratefully, smiling broadly.

The trouble was, Katlyn had met Dreamer many months ago in the countryside by her house, and he knew she was a peasant. In fact, she was sure that he had been a peasant too, yet here he was at a ball so her assumptions must have been wrong. He began to spin her across the shiny dance floor, and she had to admit it was far more fun than her last partner had made it.
Before she could even begin to think of asking him to keep her secret, or in fact how he had been allowed into the party, they were interrupted once again.

That pompous boy Katlyn thought rolling her eyes, dropping Dreamer's hands and moving to face Chase directly. His words were hateful and directed at Dreamer? This night was getting so strange...

"Why hello Dreamer? What are you doing here? Last I checked this party already had entertainment. We don't need some twopenny musician from the slums here." Chase said, without so much as a word to Katlyn. How rude

"I don't know who the hell you think you are boy," She said, looking down at him with a sneer on her face. "But perhaps if you weren't so outright rude to everybody you met, you might have a friend to stand with rather than being in the corner all alone." She smiled up at Dreamer and started to pull his hand.
"Come on Dreamer, let's continue our dance elsewhere, the company around here is rather dismal."

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer took the smiling maiden in his hands and danced with her. He was not quite used to the dance routines that the royals were accustomed to, but he after having been forced to watch and almost experience each, the movements were easy to decipher. Dreamer spun Katlyn, smiling due to the fun he had finally acquired, Dreamer brought Katlyn back to an easy two step.

"So what are you doing he.." Dreamer was in the midst of questioning what Katlyn was doing at the ball. The last time he had seen the girl, he had saved her at a village some time away from Camelot. She had not seemed to be a noble then, but he knew very well that looks could be deceiving.

Then he arrived

"Why hello Dreamer? What are you doing here? Last I checked this party already had entertainment. We don't need some twopenny musician from the slums here."

Dreamer had no intention of turning his attention towards chase, knowing that it would infuriate him more to just ignore him. With each of the nobles around them, Chase wouldn't dare strike an outright conflict in the Kings Castle. Plus, with each word of obvious disdain and no lack of diction, the Nobles would only think less of him.

Yet he need do nothing, For Katlyn was more than willing to respond for him.

"I don't know who the hell you think you are boy, But perhaps if you weren't so outright rude to everybody you met, you might have a friend to stand with rather than being in the corner all alone."

Dreamer smirked as he watched Katlyn confront Chase head on. Katlyn may not know whom she was addressing, but he felt it deserved applause nonetheless. She either showed a stubborn sense of pride or an insane amount of courage, for he felt not many other girls her age would be so bold as she was.

"Come on Dreamer, let's continue our dance elsewhere, the company around here is rather dismal."


Dreamer waited a moment as Katlyn tugged on his hand, so that he may turn to Chase. "It was good seeing you again Chase, so sorry, but the fair lady seems to be mine for the evening". It was a stroke of genius from a political standpoint. It would show that Dreamer felt no emotion, or care, towards Chases words. Which were made out to be that of a boy stricken with jealousy. Dreamer gave a nod and turned to leave alongside Katlyn, a smile apparent on his face.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase seethed inside at the girl's words. How dare she! Still he managed to keep a pleasant expression on his face. He wouldn't be losing any face here.

"My my little lady." Chase said in reply to the girl's words. "No need to get so upset. I was merely greeting him in the way that most fit his station. Still I suppose you have to take what you can get with your men." Chase paused and walked away a couple of feet before turning back to Dreamer to say, "Well you two have fun with your night together. I know your both pretty desperate for love." Several nearby nobles turned and stared at Chase, Dreamer, and the girl. They had probably only heard the last part. It wouldn't be long until the rumours started flying around that the new mage and the girl were lovers.

With that Chase turned and walked away smiling to himself. His revenge was complete. Rumours in the court could never be squashed once they were started. Dreamer's reputation would be tarnished and the girl wouldn't get off to easily either. Let that be a lesson to all those who crossed him.