This is a work of fiction. It is straight out of my imagination, except for most of the pagan practices mentioned. This is written for adults and if you are not supposed to read this where you live, then please don't.
Part 27
We arrived all too soon to the ball. I was not ready to extricate myself from Ryan's side, but I knew I would be sweeping around the floor with him soon enough. I helped him down and tipped the driver. He smiled and lifted his hat. I gave him a short bow and turned back to the house.
"Is this really a house," Ryan asked, looking up at the large marble building.
"It used to be, but now it is a museum. It took a lot of work and money to get them to allow us to have the ball here. Look out for some ghosts. They should be very active tonight with all these magickal people." Ryan looked a bit taken aback by this warning.
"Ghosts. Really?"
"We will have to talk. I think we may have a problem in about a month." I turned and looked up at the house.
"Wait. What is the problem?" Ryan held my arm and looked at me with a worried face.
"Well, my house is haunted. Don't worry though. He is only around for a few months after the turn of the year," I said and patted his hand reassuringly. He stared at me, wid-eyed. We made our way up the steps and to the door. The doorman let us in and we made our way to the main hall. We entered got in line and were eventually announced to the room.
"Messrs. Caison Blackwatch and Ryan Summerbreeze," a man announced. The room erupted into applause. Ryan looked at me and beamed. I could tell he was very nervous, but was enjoying himself also. I wondered when the courage I knew him to have, would take over.
I greeted friends and acquaintances as we made our way across the room. I was looking for Marina and Danny. I was also interested to see if the young August would show his pale and beautiful face. I introduced Ryan to several people, but I knew it was too much for him. He was polite and smiled and said hello, but I was sure he didn't register anyone.
I saw a large knot of men standing around in a circle, and knew I had found Marina. I moved closer and saw her sitting on a chair holding court. She was wearing a blue velvet empire style dress. It was trimmed in silver and white, with embroidery and lace. When she saw Ryan and I approach, she stood to greet us. The sea of men parted allowing her to give us both hug and a kiss.
"You look fabulous darling," I told her, holding her at arm's length to look at her.
"You two look adorable. Where did you get the outfits," she asked, looking us up and down.
"Danny made them for us," Ryan chimed in to the conversation.
"Speaking of Danny; have you seen him," I asked looking around the room.
"You know he won't be here for a while. He can't bear to be on time. He wants everyone to see him make an entrance." Marina pulled her skirts up and stepped forward. The group of men took a step to follow. I put my arm around her waist and pulled her aside under the eyes of her following.
"I thought you didn't cast love spells," I said with a smirk.
"I don't have too, darling." She smiled and kissed me on the cheek. She turned back to the throng of admirers, and waved me from her side. "Go forth and get down." I turned to Ryan and smiled.
"She is a character," Ryan said, watching Marina disappear into a cloud of testosterone.
"So, how do you like it" I asked. Looking up at the decorations. There were blue and white streamers everywhere. There were candle holders all around the hall, holding blue and white tapers and columns. The floor was already awash with confetti and the food and wine was being circulated through the crowd.
"You did a great job," Ryan said looking at the chaos.
"Thank you, but I had a lot of help." The band struck up at that point, and played Some Enchanted Evening. I took Ryan's hand and drew him out onto the floor. The lights dimmed and the room glowed with candlelight. We danced cheek to cheek until I realized the song was almost over. I withdrew from his embrace and led him to the stage. He balked and pulled away. I smiled and squeezed his arm. I left him on the floor and climbed the steps to the stage. The song ended and the lights brightened.
"Ladies and gentleman," I said taking a mic from a stand. "Welcome to the twenty-seventh annual Yule Ball." The room applauded. "This year we have been very lucky to get this beautiful hall and this wonderful band. Most of you know, the ball has not always been this nice." The room laughed. "Now, I want you to dance, flirt, eat, flirt, mingle, flirt, drink, and flirt." The room laughed and looked around at each other. "Alright, let's get this room swinging." The band struck up and played Sing Sing Sing. I bopped down the steps and pulled Ryan onto the floor.
We danced for several songs before I noticed Danny at the door. He was alone unfortunately. He did look fabulous in his royal blue Victorian suit. His shoes were dark blue leather and he wore a broad brimmed hat that matched his coat. He saw me, removed his hat with a flourish, and waved. I waved back, and moved to greet him.
"You look great," I said. Ryan joined me with three glasses of champagne. He handed one to Danny and one to myself.
"I would say the same, but it would be me blowing my own horn. I have to admit though; I may have made the suits, but you wear them well." Ryan smiled and tapped his glass to ours.
"Not to be rude, but where is your date," I asked as nicely as possible. I know Danny was not the type to be offended, but I knew it was a sore spot.
"Well, it just isn't happening. I have friends. That is important. I will find love soon enough. I have my work, and my cat, and of course I have this great hobby of coming up with excuses." Ryan and I laughed.
"So, would you like to dance," Ryan asked.
"Oh, no dear. I am not here to dance. You two go have a ball, pardon the pun. I am going to get drunk and flirt with some twinks." Danny waved over his shoulder as he walked away.
We danced some more, enjoying the band. I danced with a few old friends. Ryan got a few strange looks when he danced with one of the waiters. We ended up in each others arms for the last dance. The band, comically played Blue Velvet, and the whole room swayed. When the song was through, I returned to the stage.
"Thank you all for coming. Let's hear it for the band," I said and the room rumbled with applause, hoots, and whistles. When the applause died down I continued. "It is two AM, and the band is going home, but you don't have too. I am going home and to bed. Whether I go to sleep anytime soon, is a different story." The room laughed and Ryan turned bright red. Several people near him slapped him on the back and squeezed his shoulder. I saw him jump, and realized someone had goosed him. "Well, I hope to see you all again soon. Goodnight and blessed be."
I looked down at Ryan and saw a woman behind him. She was dressed in navy blue folds of silk. She smiled at me from behind a veil of lace. I could only see her red lips and white teeth. She was close enough to touch him, but turned and walked away. I jumped off the stage and ran to Ryan. He looked surprised when I jumped and rushed toward me. We met and I pushed him behind me. I scanned the crowd but didn't see the woman anywhere.
"What is wrong," he asked.
"I thought I recognized someone."
"Well I don't think I want to meet them." I turned to him and smiled. I kissed him tenderly and pulled him into a hug. We moved to the door and made our way down the steps. We turned towards home and held hands as we walked. The bars didn't close for another hour, so the majority of people were still inside. We were not really close to the bars, and felt safe.
(To be continued)
The next chapter will be submitted soon.
I welcome comments, twinkchaser@excite.com