Dreams of the Masquerade

Unwelcome Apperances

Thiessen Field, Whitleigh

12th December 1832

I wanted to know the truth; I'd been lost in my world for as long as I could imagine, but as soon as I wanted answers I got nothing but disgrace and disappointment. Was it so wrong to want to be normal and to be like everyone else? To fit in with the people who were once my family? With the breeze so strong it made any day seem long and full of misery but I didn't expect today to be the one day I'd lose myself.

The ball had been amazing, never had I seen such a diverse amount of people all celebrating in one room, but then again who knew the ball would be the place I'd meet my death and my last moments as who I am?

The Divine Ball, Whitleigh

10th December 1832

The Divine Ball, the one place where everyone would come together to celebrate a certain event, each year it would be for a different reason. This year it was my family who would have the privilege of hosting the ball, for the people of the community who had done outstanding work.

"My dear Celia, you look beautiful. That dress! It's almost too good for this ball, are you sure your mother would approve?" Timothy's hand was extended to me with such grace you'd think he'd been made to escort women around.

"Why thank you dear Timothy, I want everything to be perfect for mother. I know how she's been waiting for such a time to celebrate. I just want to do her proud, and father of course." A slight smirk from my face and anyone would be putty in my hands. It was a skill my father had insisted on me learning, only to keep useless men at bay.

"Celia! Your hair it isn't finished. Get back here at once." A beckon from that voice would get anyone moving, except from myself I knew better. Charlotte, a witch by nature a bitch by choice, would insist on doing anything my father insisted on and whom more did I despise than her, no-one.

"Charlotte, the day I take orders from you is the day you become my mother. I honestly don't see that happening anytime soon, now leave me be. I have a ball to attend. Timothy." I held my hand out once more for Timothy to hold, he'd never get involved in my home affairs but then again with the history my family had, why would anyone?

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce the host's daughter, Celia Thiessen and her escort for the night Timothy Nigel." A quiet clap echoed through the hall and myself and my escort made our way down the grand staircase, it was like a dream seeing every candle in the hall glowing beautifully, and the soft sound of tranquil music enticing people to dance, it didn't take me long to find my mother. As host she found it one of the most important aspects to be the centre of attention and to tend to all her guests personally, confidence radiated from her as she spoke with her guests rotating every now and again.

"Mother, you've done a wonderful job. I didn't expect this; you've outdone last year's ball immaculately." Her smile showed her approval of my grace and looks and with a light kiss to the cheek, her eyes showed her true love for me and then she moved on without one word, Timothy still at my side locked his eyes on the same person my mother was heading towards.

"Who is that woman?" I could feel my chin rising slightly in defence, whoever she was; she wasn't from this community, a stranger, an outsider.

"I don't know why we don't take a look." I graced the floor with Timothy holding on lightly to my hand escorting me over to our unknown guest.

"Honestly Scarlett, I am so glad you could attend. I know how treacherous the roads have been recently and the murders, I'm surprised you still even wanted to come here." The worry was strong in my mother's voice, yet the hint of confidence kept any worrying glances at bay.

"Elizabeth my darling, I'd never miss this ball. I always try my best to attend it's one of my favourite events of the year. Plus, what other chance would I get to meet your wonderful daughter Celia Thiessen; she's made quite an impression on everyone I've spoken to." And with her final word, Scarlett turned her attention onto me, her thick curled black hair was only the beginning of her beauty, her smouldering eyes and vibrant red lips would attract the attention of any man within a 5mile radius.

With her hand extended towards me awaiting my hand, it would be make any woman wonder, what was she up to? No woman would ever approach me in such a way.

"Celia darling, I've been waiting far too long to meet you. Please accompany me to the drinks and we'll chat. There is so much I'd like to ask you about." Before I could say a word she had me walking towards the bar with everyone's eyes stuck on us. Each man acknowledged us as we walked past; we kept a smile on our face and nodded politely to each man in response, even when a man would try to approach us Scarlett would 'shoo' him off.

"Now Celia, I'll have whatever whisky based drinks they have. Wait for me here I have to have a word with my escort, I don't want him worrying." An escort, why would a woman with that much fight need an escort? Scarlett could take care of herself you could tell that from one glance.

"My sincere apologises, you know how men can get. They're like headless chickens without us, now I know you don't know me but I know everything about you. I've heard so much, it's like I've known you my whole life, but it's only now that I've met you." I could notice her head shaking only briefly before that overpowering smile was back on her face, whatever she wanted with me, it meant business.

"Scarlett, I don't mean to be rude but who are you?" I could feel an urgency surround her, and before I knew it she was gazing into my eyes deeper than I ever could have imagined. I could feel her tugging at my soul.

"You've known me always; I've been watching you for years. All you need to remember is that this drink is very important make sure you drink every sip. Don't stop until you've drank every last drop. Forget me now, we'll meet again. Until then," I knew I'd blink and when my eyes were open I was alone, my escort, was he not with me anymore?

"Timothy?" my voice felt weak as did my body, and finally I laid my eyes on my drink. I knew it was mine it was the only one anywhere to be seen, but why was it full, had I not drank any yet?

Why else would I be stood at the bar for, it didn't take me long to grasp the specially made cut glass in my hand and gulp down every ounce of liquid in that cup. For a moment I felt alone and weak, until I could see Timothy working his way through the crowd towards me, my mother was nowhere to be seen, or my father.

"Are you all right Celia, you look awful," it didn't take me long to shake my head and move towards Timothy only to feel my feet fall from beneath me.

"Timothy, please. Help me get home, I don't feel very well," his eyes eager with worry told me he'd been looking for me for a while, but how had I left him?

"Don't you worry Celia; we'll get you home, in one piece." For a moment his worry seemed to diminish a little, until he caught sight of my father who was storming down the stairs with Charlotte not far behind. There wasn't a chance we'd be able to pass without being noticed; only I could wish and even then that wouldn't do any good.

"Celia…" his voice couldn't be more threatening, even to his own flesh and blood.

"Yes, father?" I knew his eyes were bearing down on me, with the same disapproval he had every time he looked at me.

"I don't know what you think you're doing, but you had better get your sorry-self home and stay out of my sight, and don't you ever talk to Charlotte like that again, otherwise there will be consequences," I could do nothing more than tilt my head to show my understanding, everything I did was nothing to my father. He'd forever hate me.

"The roads blocked, I should have known. Carl is there no way through?" our driver never spoke but with a quick shake of his head we knew there was nothing we could but walk the rest of the way home.

"Come on Celia, we may as well start now. Do you think you'll be able to make it?" I knew he was worried, as was I, but I had to do my best I had to get home for him, where we would be safe and sound, with no one but ourselves.

"Don't you worry about me my dear boy, I'll be just fine. Just you wait and see," it never did take much to make Timothy smile; he always was easy to please.

The night was cold almost too cold to bare, but then when you lived in England you got used to the weather quite quickly and from a young age. It wasn't unusual to have dismal weather 300 days out of the year. It wasn't the cold that frightened me, it was deafening silence that surrounded our transport, and we were alone. Now one would be anywhere as they'd either be at home safe and sound or at the ball.

The woods were still, not a hint of wind anywhere. It felt like the wildlife was even sitting as still as possible to not be the first to disturb the silence.

"Celia, are you coming?" with Timothy's hand extended once more I felt like it was time to make the long walk home, even if it was terrifying. For a moment holding Timothy's hand felt like a safety blanket, until Carl decided to head back to the ball just in case anyone else would need transport, he always was loyal to my mother's orders.

Our steps barely made a sound, which was unusual as the leaves beneath our feet were crisp from winter and usually crunched at every chance they got. I watched as I could see the breath form in the air around me, it was only when I looked up I felt a twinge of worry. The stars were nowhere to be seen, the sky was bare yet empty of our beautiful jewels.

I felt the need to hold tighter onto Timothy, only to find his hand wasn't holding mine anymore. Panic rose quickly and overwhelmed me almost instantly.

"TIMOTHY, this isn't funny. Just come back so we can go home," I felt his presence, the only doubt I had was I didn't know where it was.

"Timothy? That's not my name darling, you should know that by now, but then again, you wouldn't." I didn't want to turn around; I didn't know who she was, her voice so confident and her presence so strong. Whoever she was, she wasn't my friend.

"What do you want with me?" a rush of air flowed around me, only for a second.

"I want you darling, only you," she spoke quite clearly into my ear whilst her mouth I could see slightly from the corner of my eye. She was behind me.

"I don't have money, my family do, and I can try and get you some." I knew my voice was breaking at every chance it got. My heart was barely staying contained in my chest.

"Your money, that means nothing to me. I have money, darling. No I need you," I felt her move only slightly, it was only when she pulled my hair back from my neck that I almost screamed, but I didn't, I knew if I did it would only thrill her more.

Whoever she was, she wanted me scared and I refused to satisfy her.

"Don't worry Celia, it'll only hurt for a minute I promise." Her lips traced the length of my throat, I just wanted it to end but I knew it wouldn't. I wasn't that lucky.