Misc RP1: Red and Belle

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Red stood on a branch staring off into the forest. The sky was partially clear and a light drizzle fell in the openings of the canopy. He breathed in the cool air. It smelled as good as it felt; like an earthy perfume that set the mind at ease. It was quiet and soothing. He contemplated his day thus far.
He had woke in the inn and took off before paying. He did this often as he rarely had spare cash. He didn't feel bad though because he often balanced out his karma by doing some good in the community. Today he helped a beautiful woman to the next town. He entranced her with his amazing shinobi stories and escorted her ever so professionally. The walk was over quickly and not a single bandit made an appearance.
He asked for a kiss as payment, but the woman did not seem amused and immediately departed his company. Red was a bit disappointed, but he tried not to dwell on rejection as it was more often than not ladies turned his offers down.
Afterwards he decided to survey the next town and see what it had to offer, but found himself distracted by the serenity of the forest.


Belle was riding down a old trail and enjoying the sweet smell of the fresh air. The forest was actually quite calm today, the birds happily chirped ahead... What a beautiful song.
The girl smiled to herself as she spotted a doe and her little fawn bounding across the road.
A chuckle escaped the lady and she gently clicked her tongue and tapped her buckskin's side. The horse snorted before picking up into a quick canter. Once stable, this little lady drew a bow What? Yep a bow. She quickly grabbed the arrows that sat next to her and immediately started to fire, hitting old sighs that she placed on this trail years ago.
Her horse snorted as he noticed a branch  was hanging quite low . That snort got the  girls attention a little too late. Because as soon as the girl turned, the branch hit the girl right in the chest.
Well, ouch.
Belle rolled around on the ground for a second before taking in a deep breath.
" well.... That's gonna leave a mark." She whispered.

Red had closed his eyes as he found himself becoming more absorbed into the calm moment. It wasn't often he got to take the time to smell the flow
----------CRASH-----------
A loud thud echoed from behind him. 'Curses' he thought as his moment was squandered. He turned and lifted his mask (which was hanging from his neck) and fastened it into place.
A girl lay in the middle of the road. A slightly damaged branch, hanging almost coincidentally low and a very amused horse. Red could only determine that the girl had been riding the horse and hit the branch. One of the many reasons Red chose not to own a mount (not to mention he probably couldn't afford one anyway).
The girl was quite cute, so Red decided to investigate. He leaped down from his perch, landing as a ninja should (without a sound). He strode over to her, holding one arm out.
"Good morning gorgeous! Might I be of assistance" said the tall ninja.
((Red is a tall (about 6' give or take an inch) shinobi with dark, jet black hair pulled back into pony tail (like ling's from full metal alchemist). His ninja garb is red, sleeveless, shows a fair amount of chest, which he wears a fish net shirt over. His face is pleasant to look at, but he is well known for wearing a white oni mask to hide his face. He carries only his tonfa blade (think strider hiryu) which hangs at waist level on his lower back. His eyes are visible through the mask and are a hazel color))

Belle  slowly got up and dusted herself when suddenly a man landed in front of her. What the hell?! The man startled belle and she ended up in the dirt again. Belle, now slightly frustrated huffed and got up again and dusted herself one again.
" no... No thank you."  She said before flicking her chocolate brown eyes up.
This stranger was actually quite dashing but something about him kinda made belle think.
" but thanks anyways." Belle said before brushing past the tall man and towards her buckskin gelding.
Belle was a beauty, a beauty indeed. She had long wavy blonde hair, gentle eyes, red lips and nicely tanned skin. She wasn't a tall girl, about 5'4, maybe less. She wore a white silky blouse, with waist high dark brown riding pants, along with black riding boots, which all of his was hidden under her dark blood red cloak.
" sorry to be rude, but I must be going." The girl said quickly and walked over to her horse and grabbed it's black reins, and then proceeded to lead it away. Belle's father, a lord who owned a large plantation, always warned her about strangers...especially handsome ones.

'Playing hard to get' He smiled at the thought. He loved when they played hard to get. He removed his mask and put on his best smile for the beautiful girl. Something about her was quite regal, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. Her clothing was of much better quality than most folk Red encountered on the road and her smell was absolutely delightful; like a poetic aroma that wrapped itself around his senses.
"Surely there must be something I could do to assist such a lovely lady." He said, smiling as genuinely as possible. He leaned into her (if only to get a better view) "Well if there is nothing I can do to assist then please," he paused as he gestured with his hand. "Allow me to escort you to wherever it is you may be traveling. These roads are littered with bandits and can be quite treacherous for a beauty such as yourself."
He began to walk alongside her, regardless of her efforts to shake him off. Red was nothing if not persistent.

Belle  stopped as the man cut in front of her and leaned in closer. The girl stepped back and lifted one eyebrow. He was persistent wasn't he. Belle smiled and huffed.
" bandits." She huffed then placed her hand on the man's chest and gently pushed him out of her way.
" I can handle myself thank you." Belle said before pulling her horse after her. The buckskin looked at the man and seem to laugh at him before following the blonde girl. Silly man. Of course belle rolled her eyes when the man started to walk next to her.
" fine! I'm just going to town." She said before glancing at the stranger.
" if we are gonna walk together, I must ask for your name." She said.
" I'm Belle, Belle Ainsworth. " she said with a proud and proper tone.
" and this here is, Atlas." He smirked before continuing forward.

Red looked down when Belle touched him. She pushed him away, but wasn't exactly aggressive. 'That was good' Red thought. Belle proceeded to introduce herself. Ainsworth. Sounded familiar. Red was not exactly from these lands and was very rusty on key names, but he did know her name (primarily from the way she spoke it) was a proud one.
"What a lovely name for such an entrancing lady." He said as he bowed. He wasn't sure if bowing was a custom here, but he did it anyways. Surely his garb sent the message he was not from these lands.

"And what a stunning mount." he gestured the horse. it must have been a special beast as most merchants and framers Red encountered on his travels didn't bother to name their 'property.'
" You may call me Red. I am but a humble traveler, eager to aid all those in need." He raised his hands over his head and rested them just above his pony tail. "So what brings you out this way? I myself am simply passing through looking for work."

Belle blushed then did a quick smile when the man bowed down, awe how sweet, he actually has some manners! Belle chuckled a bit then shook it away when the man stood back up then started to talk about Atlas.
" oh yes indeed. A purebred warm blood. Best out of the best." She said proudly before stroking the horse's strong neck. She then turned her attention back to the man who said his name.
" Red? Interesting name." She paused and tilted her head.
" a traveler you say," she smirked to herself. " lucky you." She said, her voice cracking a bit. " I would love to travel and see the lands. But I'm stuck here." She giggled.
Belle was really stuck here, as a lady, she was to marry a rich fellow and have children and that's it. No freedom or anything... She was lucky if one of her guards would let her sneak out and go to town. Lucky for her, today was the day. Atlas snorted and shook his head as he was mention. He perked his ears, lifted his head and walked proudly after his owner. Damn right he was stunning, he knew it too.

Stuck here? He thought to himself. His curiosity peaked. It wasn't too long ago Red found himself stuck in a place he wished to escape. His face turned from flirty to intrigued. This Belle seemed to be more than just a pretty face for Red to flirt with.
"Why are you stuck here. Surely you could just walk away." he said bringing his arms down. His tone changed. It was much more curious than before.

Belle sighed then realized what she said and shook her head slightly.
" oh it's nothing, haha, me rambling on." She shrugged then picked up her pace a bit. It was rude for a lady to complain about her problems.
" Say, let's see how fast you are, race you to the village. Let's see if you can outrun a horse." She teased then climbed on her horse and kicked him into full gallop.
Atlas whinnied before bursting into full speed, twisting and jumping around corners.
She half wanted to lose him, and half wanted him to stick around. Maybe he could work on the plantation with the horses?

She seemed to evade his question. He felt there was much more than she was letting on. Red couldn't help but feel a connection to her. As he swam through his thoughts she challenged him.
Red could not deny a challenge, especially in the presence of a lady as intriguing as Belle. He smiled as he rubbed his hands together. He began to think of what he could win. Some answers and maybe a kiss. Unfortunately when he looked up she had already began the race.
Red sighed briefly and took off. He had never raced a horse before, but being a ninja he felt he could win. He leaped into the trees. He preformed a few hand signs to activate his Ninpo and a bolt of lightning soared down from the sky and struck him. Rather than be injured by the bolt, Red was empowered. His feet lit up with blue lightning and his leaps became significantly faster.
As he dashed from branch to branch along the trail he could see the horse in the distance. Belle certainly owed him some answers if he won.

Oh this was gonna be grand! The girl leaned forward and pressed the horse on. The gelding snorted as he ran, pushing himself faster and faster. He was fast, but not like the racing horses belle's father owned.
Belle glanced back to see if the man was behind her. Nope, couldn't see him, of course, she didn't even bother to look into the trees. A giggle escaped her as she pulled on the rein to the left, making a sharp turn and down a hill, a crossed the creek and back up another hill.
Belle could see the end of the forest. A bright golden light shined in the dark forest. Was she gonna win? Maybe! Atlas burst through the end of the forest and belle pulled him to a complete stop.

The Lightning Jutsus of his home village were what his clan was famous for. They certainly had their uses here. It wasn't long until he managed to pass the horse, but he was only barely able to do so. Any one else would have not had a chance against such a fast beast. The village grew very close and he could see the main gate (which wasn't much of a gate) in the distance. He was neck and neck with the steed now; He had somehow caught up. Atlas slowed as he reached the gate and if not for Red being in the trees he would have won, but truth be told shinobi were of no use on the road. They much more favored the tree and roof tops.
Red leaped from his tree and landed gracefully before Belle. He bowed before her, the blue lightning still dancing around his legs. As he rose from his bow he made a hand sign to dismiss his ninpo (a word that can be used in place of jutsu).
"Atlas" He said locking eyes with the beast. "I must say, it is rare that any being, even a horse, is able to outrun a lightning shinobi." He smiled "I am truly impressed."
He turned to Belle "Well then, since you are the victor, allow me to reward you. Perhaps I could treat you to something in the market?"

Where was he? Belle thought, of course as soon as she did, he landed in front of her.
Atlas of course jerked his head up and took a step back as he landed.
" easy boy." She whispered, stroking his sweaty neck with her white gloves... Nice move, now they where dirty. Oh well she had so many pairs of gloves that it honestly didn't matter.
Belle smirked as the man praised her horse. Atlas seemed to enjoy it as well. Belle dismounted her horse and flipped the reins over the gelding's head.
" you don't have too." Belle kindly said before leading her horse past him. She then paused and looked back at Red.
" if you wish though, you can possibly stick around. I think there is someone around here who can give you work." She giggled before continuing forward.
Some shop keepers stopped and looked at the lady, a smile stretching on their faces.
" Lady Ainsworth." Some voices greeted her, other walked up and took her hand and gently placed a kiss on it but not everyone was happy to see the lady. Some sneered and looked away, why? Well because she was the daughter of a weather lord. When she first came to this little village, she would get offended but now, she didn't really mind, she only hoped that they would change.

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Red's brow raised shot up as he heard 'Lady Ainsworth.' The people greeted, for the most part, warmly and one man even kissed her hand. Belle waded through the crowd as only a noble could. Perhaps her father was a lord. It would behoove him to stick to this woman. The pockets of lords were deep and the pockets of this crimson ninja were empty.

He smiled at many of the townsfolk who approached, but most of them either payed him no mind or gave him estranged looks. Nothing he was not used to, but he expected better since he was clearly in Belle's company. he let it slide, kept his mouth shut and strolled on. She mentioned work from the townsfolk. He would humor her, but it was her family he was interested in. He had no ill intentions, but he felt that he could make a big score on this one. His instincts were correct: Her would not be able to treat Belle as just another damsel.

He smiled "Lady Ainsworth? Have I been addressing you incorrectly this entire time my lady? Forgive me, I was unaware of your nobility." He said as he placed himself directly at her side.

[Tori]

Belle remained quiet for most of the time. She felt embarrassed in front of Red. Why? Well she didn't want him to know who she was. She didnt want him to see her as a rich man's daughter. She didnt want him to change the way he acted around her. Guess it was too late for that. The girl smiled at some of the others villagers that waved at her, at one point a small girl with strawberry blonde hair raced over and handed her a beautiful flower. It was a pink carnation, oh how Belle loves flowers, especially red roses. The young lady smiled and kindly thank the child before proceeding down the road.

She was lost in her thought, when suddenly Red spoke.
"Hmm? Oh? No.." She smiled nervously. "You don't have to call me Lady anything. Just Belle," She flicked her brown eyes to the flower in her hand, "I hear Lady everyday.." She mumbled under her breath. She then paused and looked at Red.
"Please excuse me" She said quickly, then quickly walked through the huge crowd then came to a huge building. A church actually. Belle stood quietly then pushed into the sacred building. it was so peaceful here and not alot of people where in here. Just a few priests and one other person. Sitting on his knees, praying to the Gods above. Belle let out a breath then walked down the hall, did a little prayer herself then proceeded to a priest. Where she greeted the older man, kissed the sides of his cheeks and then handed him a small pouch of coins.

"Thank you so much Mi'Lady" The older man croaked.
"Your Welcome." Belle whispered before walking quickly out and back into the streets. She looked around to spot a man, leaning against a local food stand. Eyeing her. Belle narrowed her eyes and flicked her hood on and quickly made her way to the fruit stands. She bought a small bushel of delicious red apples, then made her way back to Red.
"We best be leaving... Unless you have things to do?"

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He followed Belle throughout her errands. At one point they entered a church. To which god or gods Red was unsure. People of this land worshiped immensely different gods than those of his homeland. Regardless of the patron deities, Red had always felt a bit out of place in settings like this. Red chose not to accompany Belle in her prayers and instead stayed near the entrance and leaned against a wall.

He closed his eyes and breathed in the church air. It was dusty and smelled of old incense. The kind of incense that had been left in a cellar with no fresh air and eventually just smelled of dusty, smokey stone. It was a overpowering aroma that even masked Belle's entrancing scent.

Belle concluded her business with the priest. She handed him a small bag of coins and immediately proceeded to the market. Red followed. He could use a few things, but he had no money on him. It had been some time since he'd had good paying work and lately he had seemed to spend his coin much faster than he could make it. He had left a trail of debt in his wake and largely intended to repay them, but it was not unusual for him to let such things slip his mind.

After Belle purchased a few apples she turned to Red, who was deep in thought and said "We best be leaving... Unless you have things to do?"

He smiled "Not at all Belle." He thought it odd to call her by only her name when he knew she was a lord's daughter. Her modesty was certainly a virtue and most likely contributed to her relatively good reputation among her father's people. "Curious. If you are the daughter of a lord why is it you travel without any retainers? Where I come from, most nobility have at least two retainers with them whenever they leave their estates."

[Tori]

Belle let out a kind smile and looked down as he used her name, just like she told him to do. Well if he didn't have anything to do, off they go then. The lady started to walk, her crimson cloak waving behind her. She then heard the man speak."Curious. If you are the daughter of a lord why is it you travel without any retainers? Where I come from, most nobility have at least two retainers with them whenever they leave their estates."

Belle paused for a second then nervously let out a chuckle.
"Well you see..." She flicked her eyes over to Red. "My retainers, they think i'm in my room, getting ready for the ball tonight. But as you can see. I'm not there, i'm here." Belle chuckled before continuing forth. The girl had snuck out of her home and gone out here to give her donation and get apples?
"Why the apples, if your wondering. Well i have apples at the estate, but they are not like these." She raised the bright red apple up. "These are wild apples... my absolute favorite." she giggled and then handed it to Red. After tossing the apple to the man, the girl paused and looked over Red's shoulder to see the man who was watching her. He cracked a smile then disappeared into the crowd. Creepy.

Atlas let out a whinny as the two came close. The buckskin perked his ears and tossed his head.
"Hello darling." She chuckled then looked at Red.
"You know, since there wasn't anything in the village for you, if you wish, you can come with me to the Mansion. My father could probably give you a job of some sort. Maybe a guard? A personal guard maybe." She chuckled. She then took Atlas's bridle and lead him to a old log, where she then placed her foot into the metal stirrup, swung her leg over, and settled down into the black saddle. she glanced around and noticed her small bow was missing. Must of lost it on the trail. Belle shrugged then turned her horse.
"Coming?"

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Red laughed as Belle told him her retainers were left at the estate. She must be good, or her retainers must be old western knights. Retainers in these lands did not have the enthusiasm that they had in his home lands, but Red thought that was probably a good thing.

They approached Atlas. He stood proud and looked quite eager to reunite with his rider. He truly was a good horse. Most horses Red had met in his travels were absent minded and not nearly as intuitive as Atlas. He looked at the steed "You continue to impress, my friend." said the shinobi with a warm smile.

Belle handed him one of her apples "You know, since there wasn't anything in the village for you, if you wish, you can come with me to the Mansion. My father could probably give you a job of some sort. Maybe a guard? A personal guard maybe." She mounted Atlas and looked down to him. "Coming?"

Red looked at his wild apple for a brief second. He wondered if Belle intended to race back. His lightning trick took a lot of ki and it would not be wise to perform it again. He looked up at Belle and smirked.

"But of course." He paused for a moment. He was very intrigued at the prospect of 'personal guard.' Perhaps he could convince the girl's father to allow him to be one of Belle's retainers. "Unfortunately I cannot perform my speed trick a second time and without it I couldn't hope to keep up with such an exceptional stallion. Would it be too much to ask if were to ride with you?" He continued.

[Tori]

Belle patted her horse. Her hand softly stroking his muscular neck. She could feel his breath, inhale and exhale. It was so peaceful. Belle quietly looked at Red then smiled as he asked to ride with her.
"Do you want to take the reins? " She said tilting her head. She would kindly allow him to sit in the saddle and her behind him.

Atlas flicked his ears and stamped on foot impatiently. It was clear the buckskin wanted to go home. The afternoon had quickly turned into the evening. " We will be there before your dinner and the ball. " she giggled then rolled her eyes. Balls, very beautiful and entertaining, of course this certain one was for belle... why? Well so she could meet a handsome suitors that wanted her hand in marriage of course. It was her turn after all. All six of her older brothers where married. It was her turn after all, but little Belle didn't want to be married... especially to the suitors who are to come. At least it was a masquerade ball... that made her feel a bit better.

"You ever been to a ball?" Belle suddenly asked. She tilted her head and did a small smile, at least until Atlas let out a huff, and she darted her eyes to him and narrowed them at the horse. He was so impatient dammit.

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"Do you want to take the reins?" The answer was no, but before Red could reply he was presented with another question. "You ever been to a ball?"

Red had to think for a moment. A ball, in these western lands, was some kind of formal gathering. It was like a festival in the east, but only the nobility were invited. If he recalled in his learning there also was a significant amount of dancing and (what most interested him) food. Still, he felt he was lacking in knowledge in regards to western 'balls.'

"I would rather not take a hand at the reins. I fear my riding skills are not nearly as impressive as your own. And in regards to balls I have not attended one. Care to elaborate?" He said as he climbed onto the muscular steed. The beast was solid as stone and Red could not help admiring Atlas' physique.

[Tori]

Belle bit her lip as she realized she spoke a little faster then she probably should of... oh well.
the girl turned her head to the man and quietly listened.
"You don't ride?" She tilted her head. "Oh my dear friend, i'm gonna have to teach you! Of course later i'm afraid. I'm already late as it is. " She chuckled.

"And the ball. it's nothing big... er well i mean. It's big but not like-" She paused tapped her finger to her chin.
"it's just a small ball, for uh... someone." She paused and offered a hand up for the man, but it was clear that he could make it up onto the big horse. She quietly waited for him to get settled in.
"Off we go! Hold tight " She giggled before pushing the horse into a smooth canter and when confident,into a full fled gallop.

Atlas was smooth horse. Most horse's where bumpy and rough, even on smooth terrain. But not Atlas, this buckskin was as smooth as silk, even on the hold dirt road. The ride was quick and soon they arrived to huge black gates. They where closed and almost seemed locked. But no worries! Belle gently swung her leg over the front of the horse and slide down one side. She huffed and brushed her white blouse.

"Atlas darling, your hair is all over me!" She chuckled and took his reins.
"Thats alright... i like you still." She whispered then placed a sweet small kiss onto the horse's nose.
"Who goes there?!" A guard came to the fence. He was a tall man, not necessarily wearing armor, but a more like uniform. His outfit was a green cotton button down coat with black pants and shoes. Placed on his shoulders was a small black cape, and on his hip was sword. It was a beautiful polished steel with a silver handle entwined with little pieces of golden flecks.

"Really James... Who goes there? " Belle chuckled as she led her horse to the gate.
"Oh Lady Ainsworth! Apologies." He bowed his head and started to open the gate when his eyes flicked to the man.
"Who's he?" He asked with a hard tone. Belle turned her head to red then turned back to the guard.
"uh..." Belle paused and bit her lip then calmly spoke.

"A friend."

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As Red climbed down from the horse he heard the guard shout his stern greeting. "Who goes there?!" Belle quickly responded and calmed the guard who popped tall as he realized whom he was addressing. The guard apologized swiftly and directed the conversation to the red ninja.

Belle responds "A friend." Red steps forward. "Hello friend and good day." Red bowed, as is customary in his home country. "I am an emissary from a far away land called Itsumo. You may call me Red. I have traveled a long way to discuss trade agreements with Lord Ainsworth. Lady Belle here is acting as my greeting party and escort. Now James" he paused a moment and winked at Belle "I am extremely weary from my journey and require respite prior to the ball tonight. It is of the utmost urgency that Belle and I reach the palace."

The guard stood perplexed. He stared for a long time contemplating the words Red had fed him. Itsumo simply meant the ordinary, but Red was confident this 'James' wouldn't know any better. The well dressed guard shrugged "Any friend of Lady Ainsworth is welcome here." and he opened the gate.

The estate was immense. It was ravishingly beautiful. The sheer aroma of the exorbitant amount of fauna hit Red's nose like a rampaging bull covered in honey. Red couldn't help but close his eyes and stand for a moment if only to focus solely on the smell of the grounds. Red, since he was a smill child, had always been obsessed with how things smelled and most of his memories tied closely with what his nose was experiencing at the time. This particular memory would be with him forever.

[Tori]

A smirk crossed Belle's face as the ninja spoke to the guard. He was just too smooth. Belle nodded her head to the guard as they walked past him. Atlas did a little nod too, but that was because he caught a wiff of some sweet oats and grain.
"Easy Atlas dear." Belle whispered before continuing to walk. Belle's brown eyes shot over to Red.
"You are a smooth man Red." She giggled.

The road that lead to the huge mansion was shorter then it looked. the red brick bricks where placed so perfectly, each one with no space between so that weeds wouldn't grow. The road went straight, circle at the entrance of the house, then circled back to here. A young stable boy walked over to Belle and bowed his head.
"My lady, may i take your horse?" he asked. Belle smiled and was going to say she could do it, but of course, her father rushed out of the fronts doors walking over to her.
"Yes kind sir." she said, then handed the boy the brown reins.

"Belle where have you been?! We have a ball in less then a hour and you smell like a horse, AND your dirty, you best-" He paused when he glanced his head over to Red.
"Who's this?" He asked, looking over the boy. Belle giggled as she took off her dirty white gloves.
"This is Red, my friend. Helped me earlier today when i got knocked off of Atlas." She said sweetly. She had made her way over to the ninja and stood next to him.
"He also escorted me home." She flicked her eyes back at her father. Lord Henry was a large bulky man with a bald head and hard grey eyes. He was dressed in a dark maroon suit with black gloves and boots. Looks more like a riding outfit.
"He escorted you home? Where were the men I assigned to be with you?" he asked. Belle smushed her lips together to keep her from laughing as she put her head down.
"Well..." she started then let out a giggle. "they are still here." She smiled up at her father, who still had a stern look on his face.
"go get changed..." He said. Belle nodded her head then smiled at Redd before walking past her father, swinging her basket of apples.
"Oh father." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "I would like him to attend the ball." She smiled then kissed his cheek before racing up the stairs and into the building.
"Take a bath too!!" He father called after her. His grey eyes flicked back to red.
Oh yay...

[Admin]

Red stood by as Bell worked her father. He was an intimidating man and his voice shook the air around him. The meticulously well dressed lord was at least a foot taller than red. He was broad and his face devoid of any emotion. It was almost like his was permanently scowling. As he and Belle concluded their brief exchange of words his gaze shifted to Red. The ninja froze. This was the lord of this region. He had all the power here. Red may be a shinobi, but a single shinobi was no match for all the forces this man commanded. Red had to think quickly.

“My daughter wants you to attend her ball? Where are you from boy?” Only his mouth moved. The rest of his body stood motionless like stone. Red wasn’t even sure if he was breathing. Red realized that despite his silver tongue, his general appearance was well below that of the likes of this place. He got by in the towns and cities, but this was where the nobility lived.

“Uhhh…. Itsumo. “ He stumbled over the name. It wasn’t a real place, but it was foreign enough he thought maybe he could get away with it. “Far to the east. “ He continued.

“Hmm..” Lord Ainsworth stared deeper into Red. He was thinking of whether Red was lying or not. Lying was easy when one was confident in the lie as was the case with the guard, but Lord Ainsworth was an educated man with knowledge of the kingdoms and their aristocracies beyond his own.

“Itsumo then. If my daughter wishes you to attend her ball then so be it, but you must wear something more suiting than eastern peasant clothing. If do not look presentable by the time of the ball I will have you thrown out.” He said turning to return to his palace.

He walked away and Red sighed. How he got away with that he will never know. It was likely Lord Ainsworth realized the wandering ninja was no threat and appeased his daughter’s wishes. Red sighed in relief. Now he just had to find a suit.

[Tori]

Belle watched the whole conversation from her bedroom window, of course hiding behind a curtain, giggling to herself as her father did a little nod then made his way into the mansion. He said yes! Oh she knew he would! Belle twirled around then came to a abrupt stop as a servant entered the room. "Your bath is ready M'Lady" the servant said calmly.
"Thank you." Belle responded then made her way to the bathing room.

Once she was all freshened up, Belle was back in her room, wearing a white dress, with a corset. Why did all the ladies need to wear them? Who knows, but Belle believed that people where trying to kill her with the tightness of the horrid things. The lady sat quietly in a chair as her personal servants put on her makeup and did her hair. The ball would begin in a hour, plenty of time for her to be ready and there to greet the guests.
"Julia." Belle said to the red headed maid.
"Yes, my lady?" Julia quietly spoke as she walked over.
"Will you please see if the young gentlemen, called Red has a suit. Don't want him to showing up in rags do we? " Belle smiled."Yes my lady, right away." Julia said then hurried off.

oh goody, Belle was ready. She a breathtaking silky red and gold dress, with a matching shiney red mask that was outlined with gold and a rose on the left side. Belle started down the stairs but realized that she forgot her necklace. Guests didn't need her just yet.

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