Fantasy Masque of the Red Death

[xGhoulx]

"THE "Red Death" had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous. Blood was its Avatar and its seal --the redness and the horror of blood. There were sharp pains, and sudden dizziness, and then profuse bleeding at the pores, with dissolution. The scarlet stains upon the body and especially upon the face of the victim, were the pest ban which shut him out from the aid and from the sympathy of his fellow-men. And the whole seizure, progress and termination of the disease, were the incidents of half an hour." -Edgar Allan Poe


When the Red Death first appeared in their kingdom, no one thought that it would spread and things would become as dire as they did. Entire generations were wiped out in the matter of days. The commoner's being most devastated by the plague, since they didn't have large estate to hide away in. After spreading from village to village killing many of those who once provided the country with food, the resulting food shortages quickly caused even more unrest. Neighbors became suspicious and hostile of one another, thinking they either carried the plague or the temptation to steal. Soon people would be killing one another before the plague could.

When the kingdom's monarch, Prince Prospero announces that he would host a masquerade, thus providing a safe haven for the aristocrats, they begin flocking to his castle. They believed they were leaving their worries behind and that nothing but joyous festivities would await them. The fear the of the Red Death was quickly put from their minds, as well as the suffering of the commoners who they'd abandoned to the plague.

Unbeknownst to them the Red Death was very much still nipping at their heels.

Rosalie Belanger is the daughter of an Earl and her family knew death well before the outbreak of the plaque. Rosalie's younger sister, Mary died from pneumonia when she was five and Rosalie seven. Then soon after when her mother gave birth to a son, he died in his cradle in the night. Now her mother has fallen to the Red Death, sending their family once more into mourning. Even so her father doesn't hesitate to move himself and his remaining child to the Prince's castle, where he hopes they'll be spared. Rosalie resents that the aristocrats were all abandoning their subjects to the disease, but out of loyalty to her father, who is overcome with grief, she relents.

Kamijo Yamada is a foreign Prince visiting the Prospero Kingdom, when the plague breaks out. He came to the kingdom to further his education and to learn more about the world. But in order to keep the plague from spreading to neighboring countries, no one is allowed to leave. This results in Kamijo being unable to return home to his family in Japan. Even with the borders closed he fears his family and his people may also be in danger from the plague. He will do anything in order to survive, even if it means hiding away at Prince Prospero's castle.

Rp between ParanoidAndroid13 & xGhoulx ​

 

[xGhoulx]

​

Rosalie draws in a breath, clasping her hands in her lap. Steady. Steady. Pale sunlight falls through the windows in their carriage, barely illuminating the already dark interior. They'd been traveling for three days now, moving as swiftly as they could across the country side. It would have been much faster to the Prince's palace had they been able to stay on the main roads, but with the plague it was too dangerous traveling through the villages. So they'd instructed their driver to stay on back roads, avoiding civilization as much as possible.

Her father sits across from her, slouched against the side of the carriage, fast asleep. Every once in a while he releases a mighty snore, startling her. She's really not sure how he can sleep with the way the carriage bumps along the roadway. She's glad he's able to get some sleep though, dark circles lay beneath his eyes showing just how little sleep he'd gotten since mother... Rosalie winces shutting down the thought. Beside her, Anna sits, her lady in waiting, but most importantly her friend. The girl appears to sleep as well, but every time she's jostled- which is often, her brow creases and she frowns.

The country roads had been more or less deserted but whenever they passed close to a village, signs of the plague were apparent. Most notably the black smoke that filled the sky from the fires they used to burn the dead. Not to mention the awful smell of the disease burning.

Rosalie presses a white handkerchief with red roses embroidered on it's edges, to her nose. Her stomach rolls, not only from the smell but from motion sickness. Her bodice pinches her sides and the heat from the day lingers inside the carriage. She ached to stretch her legs, but her father's orders to stay in the carriage and her fear of the plague keep her in place. Instead she lifts away the small burgundy curtain that half covers the window beside her and peers outside. The summer sun sits on top of the distant hills, casting a beautiful orange glow over the land. They are nearly to the Prince's Palace now. Or at least she hopes as much.

She inches closer to the window when their carriage slows slightly, passing a cart that had been abandoned along the roadway. Her eyes narrow, curious as to the cargo that had been left with it. Brown bulky burlap covers most of it, she thinks maybe it had once been a commoner's belongings, but then her eyes pick out a bloodied arm hanging over the edge of the cart. The man who had been driving the cart lay a few feet ahead, also covered in blood. Killed by the plague. Rosalie gasps softly quickly sitting back. The arm had been small, certainly a child's. She closes her eyes, then opens them again, the image burned to memory.

"You shouldn't look outside, Miss," Anna murmurs softly, peering at her.

Rosalie smiles weakly, glancing away to her lap, "I just wanted to see how close we are."

"It feels like we've been in this thing for months," Anna agrees, shifting in her seat.

They sit in silence for a while, listening to the sound of the horses hooves pounding the earth while darkness engulfs them. Rosalie's head tips back, tiredness pulling at her. Rosalie blinks rapidly, nightmares only awaited her if she fell asleep now. When the sound of the horses hooves seems to multiply, Rosalie frowns. Other people? Anna reaches over taking Rosalie's hand when a shout echoes from outside. They listen imagining more carriages must have joined them on the roadway. Nerves grip her stomach, imagining the worst until their driver yells back to them, "Sir. We approach the castle!"

It was the other aristocrats.

They'd arrived at Prince Prospero's castle.

 

[ParanoidAndroid13]

Kamijo was in a panic as he gathered his things, or what little things he had when he had come over from Japan. When he couldn't make it back over home and hadn't gotten and reply back from the multiple wires he sent out he didn't know what to do. He had wished, then that he hadn't decided to leave home. Though at the time of his departure he really couldn't have foreseen the plague happening so he really couldn't blame himself for not being there, but there was still a small part that wishes that he was, that he knew what was going on in the rest of the world. When the first signs of the death started to appear he was sure he was going to be one of the many that caught it, but it seemed it hit the poor first, which was understandable, they didn't have the resources that the upper class had. He wanted to pack everything and he could, but he had to move quickly if he wanted to get to Prospero's palace on time so he only had one trunk full of his best clothes along with some of his weapons, not going anywhere without them, he also figured he would have to use them on the road there on some villagers who would try and jump the carriage. He hated thinking that way but he had seen how everyone had acted once the plague had appeared and he was not going down without a fight, he needed to survive this whole thing, if only to get back to his family. When he had finally finished he had his one servant that decided to stick around take everything to the carriage as he headed behind him and stepped in and they were off.

It took him three days in the carriage before they finally arrived at the palace. The trip had been uneventful, thankfully, though it was nerve-wracking and full of nightmare fuel, to say the least. He knew those images of the things he saw wasn't going to leave him anytime soon. Every time he had seen a family all he could think about was his and it made him wonder if they were suffering or if they had managed to get away, or if the death had even made it to them or not. All contact with everyone outside of where they were was dead and he found that he didn't like that, it unnerved him to no end. He didn't sleep much on the journey but it was enough. He had learned early on that he really didn't need much sleep to be able to function and he found it a curse and a blessing at the same time, this time he's counting it as a blessing seeing as he was sure Prospero was going to want to kick the party off right away, which he was unsure about. He found it terrible that he would think of such a thing during such a time, but it was the only way to stay safe, or so he thought, so he went along without much complaint. When they finally pulled up he moved the curtain back and took everything in. He had only been there once and that was when he first came to the kingdom, Prospero making 'friends' quickly though he knew it was only because of his status and from where he was from. He was unique and different and from a whole different world. The carriages were slowly brought into the gates and directed where they could go. Once it was set he stepped out of the carriage and looked everything over before looking at all of the other's that had shown up, curious as to if he would know anyone. His servant took his trunk then and was directed by the other servent's where his room was. It seemed everyone was being escorted inside and to their rooms to rest a bit before the start of the festivities that night. He let out a sigh and followed, preparing himself for what was to come.
​

​

 

[xGhoulx]

Rosalie is relieved upon hearing that they'd arrived at the castle, finally their long journey was over. She'd be able to stretch her legs and change out of this itchy dress. At the same time however, she couldn't help but feel there was worse yet to come. What if someone brought the plague with them? What if they ended up trapped here for months on end? No one truly knew how long the Red Death would hold their kingdom in it's clutches. She draws in a slow breath, telling herself to remain calm.

"Rest easy Ida, we're safe now." Her father's deep bodied voice fills the carriage. She's not sure when he'd woken, but his words help calm her nerves, if only slightly. "Try to enjoy yourself. It's a party after all." He shakes his head, watching out the window as the lights of the castle grow brighter and nearer. Rosalie wonders if he's thinking of mother.

"Your fiance will be in attendance as well," he notes. Which in other words meant, make yourself available and make sure the engagement endures this trial.

"Of course Father." Rosalie tips her head, keeping her gaze within the confines of the carriage until she was sure they'd entered through the gates of the palace. She'd learned her lesson earlier about the dangers of curiosity. Outside the castle it is a frenzy of activity. Servants and aristocrats alike move amongst one another, hustling to their rooms and the awaiting festivities. A small string orchestra plays where people exit their carriages, greeting the weary travelers with their lovely music.

Rosalie could feel Anna vibrating with excitement beside her. The girl absolutely loved parties and as she claimed when Rosalie first told her about the Masque, 'it would be the ball of the decade'. As if sensing that Rosalie was thinking about her Anna glances over and flashes a quick grin. It takes the carriage another half hour or so before it reaches the front steps, where it finally lurches to a stop and a servant draws open it's door.

"Welcome to Prince Prospero's palace! It is an honor you and your family should join us. I will be leading you to your rooms this evening," the servant greets them cheerfully before offering a quick bow. "Before exiting however everyone is required to undergo a quick evaluation to ensure they aren't infected." With that he motions over a man dressed in a doctor's smock.

The man looks tired, likely from the multitude of guest's he's had to evaluate. Rosalie wonders if anyone had actually shown up with the plague. "This will only take a moment," he says apologetically. "Now upon your knowledge is anyone here infected or have you had contact with anyone infected within the past twenty-four hours?" His voice is strained from use and nasally.

"No, we've been traveling for the past three days and haven't seen anyone," the Earl announces.

"Good," the doctor nods his head. "I will just check your eyes for blood and then you may go." He accepts a small lantern from the waiting servant and raises it into the carriage. He meets everyone's gaze briefly, before deeming them plague free. "Enjoy your stay."

Rosalie opens her mouth wanting to question the doctor about his knowledge concerning the plague, but he is already gone, off to evaluate the next carriage. When the servant offers a hand to help her out she accepts gratefully, more than glad to be free of this confined space. "Thank you," she murmurs stepping out. Her black dress fans out around her, whispering gently against her stiff legs.

The air is still warm from the day, but pleasantly so and it carries with it the smell of a cooking feast. Rosalie's stomach grumbles while her gaze travels up the crowded walkway that leads to the palace. Flickering flames illuminate the entire way, held by ornate scones attached to posts. The murmuring of relieved voices surround her, mixed with the sound of the string instruments still playing. In the distance she thinks she can hear the rest of the orchestra playing. Even with the threat of the plague haunting them, she imagines it would be easy to forget their worries while here. Which was the whole purpose of it she realizes, to find some resemblance of order and control here while they hid away. Rosalie blinks away tears that suddenly form in her eyes. She wishes her mother could have made it here with them.

Her boots crunching on loose gravel as she slowly makes her way toward the waiting castle. Absently she listens to her father talking to another noble ahead of her. She doesn't recognize the older man, but when she catches his family name she knows of them. Rosalie turns back toward the arriving carriages when a woman's voice carries over all other voices filling the air. She seems to be arguing with one of the servants, complaining about something. Rosalie frowns turning back, telling herself to focus on climbing the steps without tripping and not about eavesdropping on the other guests- for now at least.

 

[ParanoidAndroid13]

Kamijo followed one of the servants, his servant following behind him with his luggage. He was already stopped by the doctor and was already on his way toward his room, slowly, seeing as everyone was greeting everyone else. He had recognized a couple people but for the most part he was alone. He was stopped a couple times from the people that did know him, making small talk and trying everything they could to not try and think as to why they were really there. After a bit more conversing and some introduction's, he was finally allowed to head to his room and get settled. It was a pretty standard room, though it was still quite big and lavishly decorated. His servant set the trunk down and was then shown to a smaller room off the main room where he was able to stay, just in case he was needed. Once they were finally alone he allowed himself to relax a bit and he fell back onto the bed and rubbed his eyes.
"Do you think this was a good idea, Kyo?" he asked, turning his head toward his servant which was sitting in a chair off to the side, resting as well.
"This was the only option Kohai, you made the right decision," he said and Kamijo nodded and closed his eyes again, letting everything that had happened run through his head again, trying to make sense of it all. He was sure the party would start soon and he figured he should start getting ready, though his body was telling him to just rest and relax, though he knew he couldn't. He finally let out a sigh and pushed himself off the bed and toward his trunk. He opened it and pulled out one of the outfits and started to get ready, lastly putting his masque on, not really seeing the point in a masquerade, but who was he to judge, he was a guest in the palace and he would do what was asked of him.

It didn't take him too long to get ready but he wasn't sure if he should be heading out yet, he instead poked his head outside the door to see if anyone else was heading down. As he did he saw a woman and what appeared to be her father and maid walk toward the room beside his before her father walked off the other direction. He gave her a smile before looking the other way, seeing a group of people already dressed up heading down the hall. He decided he'd wait a bit before actually heading down, giving the woman one last smile he ducked back into his room and started to put his things away instead, waiting for what he thought was a good enough time before heading down. As he stepped out he saw more and more people heading down the hall and he felt a bit better for waiting. He joined one group and followed them toward the stairs and then down to where everything was going to be. The palace was nothing short of spectacular and elegance and he had to give it to Prospero for doing such a good job, though he was sure it was more his father's input than anything. He had enjoyed the architecture, the was one thing he found amazing, it was so much more different than what he was used to and he found that he could easily get used to it. The ballroom was even more elegant when it came to the decorations, though it was a bit morbid that they had used all the red, considering. He shook it off though and headed over to where there were drinks and grabbed himself a glass and downed whatever was in it and went for another. He was quite sure he'd need a couple more ale's in him before he could finally start to enjoy himself. He then made his way around the edge of the ballroom, watching groups start up one of the more traditional dances which he never took the time to learn. He decided that he was just going to stay off to the side and observe, it was easier for him that way and more comfortable. He eventually found the food and made himself a small plate before finding somewhere to sit and enjoy the finger food, apparently a small appetizer before the main meal that was to be had later that night.

​

 

[xGhoulx]

The walk to their rooms was in some ways just as arduous as their travel to the palace. They had to stop frequently to mingle and accept other's sympathies regarding Lady Belinger's passing. Rosalie smiles politely through it all, while inside she wishes to simply go hide away in her room. A part of her dreads the festivities tonight, because it meant she would have to socialize even more. Rosalie's gaze flickers over her father and two other nobles walking just ahead of her and Anna. When possible she ignores the conversations around her and instead takes in the beautiful architecture of the palace. This was her first time visiting, which she would use as an excuse should anyone become offended by her lack of attention to them. Truth be told however she was dazzled by it all. Lavish decorations covered the palace, floor to ceiling with even parts of the ceiling depicting scenes of the heavens.

"It's amazing," Anna breathes beside her, over and over again.

When they finally arrive to their rooms, which would turn out to be two rooms connected to one another, they all pause in the hallway while her father continues to speak to the two noblemen. Rosalie resists the urge to throw open the door and run inside. They wouldn't have much time to rest before they'd have to get ready for the masque as it was. Instead Rosalie clasps her hands in front of her and glances down the hallway when echoes of laughter reach them. A group of girls, dressed for the masque were already heading downstairs. They giggle amongst one another, no doubt giddy for the coming night. Another man, from a neighboring room, pokes his head out his door, glancing down the hallway as well, watching them pass. He looked like he was already dressed for the ball, a mask covered most of his face at least. When he looks towards Rosalie and smiles, she inclines her head politely. He didn't look familiar, but since everyone would be wearing masks tonight no one would.

"Why don't we continue this conversation over drinks- Ida you stay here and get ready, I'll meet you at the ball later." Her father waves his hand towards their rooms before he leaves back down the stairs with the two noblemen.

"Lets go!" Anna squeals as soon as the Earl is out of sight. She dashes into the rooms, tugging Rosalie behind her.

The other servants had already delivered their belongings- just two trunks, Rosalie's and her fathers, each in their respective rooms. Rosalie sits on the bed in her room, watching as Anna begins pulling out clothes and jewelry. Enough to last all week, much less tonight. Rosalie laugh softly, laying back on the bed.

"No! We've got to get you ready," Anna chides. "I can't get ready until you are."

Rosalie groans wanting to curl up and sleep. The bed is plush and the comforter sitting on top of it surely made of goose down. Sleep tugs at her tired brain even now. But she didn't want to disappoint her friend, who she knew was dying to change into her own dress for the evening. "Fine," she smiles, rolling her eyes. "Make me presentable."

An hour later they're both walking arm in arm into one of the ballrooms. Rosalie had learned that there was more than one, each decorated completely in a different color than the last. This one is red. Music fills the room and still can't over power the sound of people talking and laughing with one another. Rosalie chuckles softly, nodding to a women who had a plume of peacock feathers sticking out of her hair. Anna scrunches her nose. It was a common costume, one Rosalie had nearly chosen, but Anna had insisted they do something much more original. So Rosalie herself is dressed as Artemis. Her gold and cream colored gown is made of chiffon and lace and has small jewels embedded all over it's bodice. Her mask is gold and attached to a rod which resembles an arrow, and pairs perfectly to the gold painted bow slung across her back. Anna wouldn't tell her where she'd gotten the bow.

"I'll go get us drinks," Anna grins, gliding away in her royal blue dress.

Rosalie smiles after her before slowly weaving her way to the edge of the crowd. She didn't recognize anyone, which at the moment she finds more a blessing than a curse. The ballroom hushes momentarily when a new dance begins, a traditional one that Rosalie was taught by her mother. She watches wistfully as the dancers pair off then begin circling one another to the tempo of the music. Rosalie hums softly remembering how terrible she'd been when first learning the dance. Her father had refused to dance with her until she'd stop stepping on his toes.

She finds one other person sitting at the edge of the room. She recognizes his costume- the man from before who's room sat beside theirs. "Mind if I hide away with you?" Rosalie asks jokingly.

​

 

[ParanoidAndroid13]

Kamijo was busy watching the rest of the guests, watching everyone interact with everyone else and the dancing was still a bit new to him and he found it entertaining, but at the same time he couldn't figure out how people could just pretend like nothing is happening, that the worst plague since ever wasn't threatening to take them all out at any moment. Though he couldn't blame them either, wanting to forget the state of the kingdom, to just act like everything was normal, he almost wished he could join them in their ignorance, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't bring himself to do it. He was brought out of his thoughts by someone approaching and talking to him. He smiled at her and nodded.
"Please" he said as he stepped aside a bit to give her more room, leaning against one of the pillars to give her more room to stand beside him. He took her in again, admiring the bow attached to her back. "That's a very amazing outfit, different than the rest, I like it" he said with a smile before taking a drink. He then put his hand out. "I'm Kamijo" he introduced, still finding the act of actually taking someone else's hand in his awkward, but it was how people greeted others there and he figured that he should assume the custom as well.

After taking her hand and kissing the back of it with a slight bow he straightened up again and took another drink and looking back to the crowd.
"It's amazing, seeing everyone have fun and forget about what is going on outside of the walls. It is almost macabre in a way, celebrating while there is so much death around us" he said before shaking his head. "Forgive me, you are the first person to actually try and talk to me that isn't my servant, I am sure you do not want to talk about such things" he said with a small smile, kicking himself for bringing up everything. They were there to forget for a while and he should try and keep that up at least when talking to someone other than his servant.
​

 

[xGhoulx]

Rosalie tips her head gratefully, before claiming her spot along the wall beside him. With everyone so focused on the dancing and the food on the other side of the room, they were able to stand in their own little bubble. Maybe that's why she'd decided to socialize after all, although it could also be that the mask covering her face made her brave. Rosalie smiles at his complement and absently reaches back touching the bow.

"I'm afraid I can't take much credit for it. My lady in waiting is a genius and aspiring seamstress." Rosalie looks then for Anna, but with the faceless masses of other people in the room, she can't pick her out from the crowd. The girl would show up eventually, she had a knack for tracking Rosalie down, even when she would hide in the deepest recesses of her father's study.

She smiles offering her hand when he introduces himself, "Rosalie Belinger, it's a pleasure." She doesn't miss how he seems slightly uncomfortable with the action, as if he weren't used to it. "You're not from here are you? If that's not too presumptuous of me to say," she quickly adds on. The last thing she needed was to offend the man. "I just don't recognize your name and um-" she trails off to stare again at the crowd instead. She really was out of practice. A small frown touches her lips, if she was going to impress her fiance later and her father for that matter she'd have to perk up.

Her brow's rise slightly hearing his comment about everyone celebrating in the wake of the plague. Rosalie has to admit she too had been thinking about all those who weren't inside the castle tonight. She'd heard that the castle gates had been closed and no one else was being allowed to enter- unless it was supply wagons. Were there people standing outside right now begging to be let in where it was safe? Rosalie blinks, shaking off the thought then immediately feels guilty for it. Wasn't it all of their jobs to wonder at such things,to care whether the people they were supposed to look out for were okay?

"No... I must admit, I'm feeling much the same. I can't help but feel guilty being here, while everyone else is left to fend for themselves." Rosalie drops her hand and with it her mask, "But at the same time I feel that I should be grateful that I am here, safe and well." She sighs, her conflicting emotions showing on her face a brief moment.

​

 

[ParanoidAndroid13]

Kamijo smiled when she had mentioned that her lady in waiting had came up with the idea and he had half a mind to find her and complement her on it. When she had asked if he wasn't from around there he let out a small laugh and he dropped his hand back to his side.
"Was it that obvious?" he asked jokingly "I'm from Japan, we're used to bowing instead of shaking hands" he said. He took another drink from his glass, wondering if he'd look to crazy for wanting to down the rest of it and go for another glass. He knew he really shouldn't, but he couldn't help it, there was too much going on in his head and around him and he felt that if he was to get through the rest of the night he'd need quite a few glasses more. He was happy however that he hadn't offended the other, he tended to talk too much sometimes and not even thinking about what he was saying especially around the opposite sex. He was used to the woman of home, actual warriors if they wanted to be and not as 'delicate' as the ones of there.
"It's not ideal, but you are right, we should be happy that we have not caught whatever the plague is, though I do wish the other's could have a chance as well" he said with a sigh.

He wanted to get away from the talk of the plague though and figured he should attempt to get to know the only other person that seemed to have the same mindset as him and didn't want to really socialize with everyone else, at least not yet he could assume.
"Where are you from? I take it you have a pretty high standing for being invited here?" he asked as he took another drink, really trying very hard to not down it and go for another.​

 

[xGhoulx]

​

"Hmm," She agree's. The only thing they could do now was hope and pray that the plague would soon disappear- if such a thing was possible. Perhaps one of the royal doctors would discover a cure.

Rosalie glances back at Kamijo and smiles apologetically, wishing she hadn't said anything before. But she's pleased when he humors her question with an answer. Japan. Their kingdom dabbled in trade with the island country. She was sad to admit she didn't know much more about where he was from. However any talk besides that of the plague would be a relief. If she was meant to forget her troubles while here, then she may as well take advantage... right?

"I see, bowing here is usually reserved for the royal family... and anyone else who believes themselves royal," she chuckles. In which case there was certainly more than not.

When a servant carrying a tray passes them, offering sparkling glasses she murmurs a thank you accepting one. She has no idea what it contained but still she takes a small sip. "My families main estate is in the country side to the east of here. My father is an Earl and my mother-" Rosalie stops short suddenly, unsure what to say. "Well she was a Countess.... They both presided over land for the royal family." The rest comes out in a sort of rush after which she takes another long sip from her cup. Whatever it was, it warmed her stomach and made her thoughts a tiny bit softer.

"I suppose I'm just lucky to be their daughter," she smiles, then returns the subject of the conversation back to him, "and what of your family? Are they here with you or back home?"