The Carnival ball (S1 Ep.18-11)

Friday, February 28

Every day a bit more I discovered about the sacrifices that were required to be here and every day I wish I could have the strength and the ability to give them joy, family, peace. Couldn't make the time go back as much as I wanted to, but I will find a way to help them!

It's Friday, we're all dressed up, with the most hilarious costume in sight. The gym is filled with cheerful decorations. And it should be a day to have fun, despite the effort I can't seem to relax, I've got a lot on my mind.

Charlie and the boys are around spreading their charm, with their elegant suits and masks, Monic is giving the usual lap around, taking pictures to the known and unknown, Dianne's dancing with Mario, Sofie has not yet arrived, I believe, and Joan said she would come early, but I also haven't seen her. As I haven't seen Richard, briefly conceived that both finally clashed in relation to their own feelings.

This week I took a page from Monic’s book and subtly tried to figure out both, Richard as Joan, why they haven't done it, why don't they confess their passion about each other?! But both refuse to talk about love when it's theirs we are talking about. This only made me more intrigued.

As I watched the room, swaying gently to the music, surrounded by my thoughts, a tall guy stopped next to me…

Richard: May I have this dance, Princess? – Said the individual that was hidden by the mask.

Rose: Oh, Richard. - Smile in sympathy at his words in a jesting way. Richard would be the only one who would treat me in such a way. - Of course.

While driving our movements, Richard, made us dance, swirling around the room, managing to avoid others who filled the dance floor.

Richard: Before Carnival starts to be celebrated as today, there was already a long tradition of dances in thanking Gods for the good harvests. Our people, full of diversity among creatures, loved the bright colours of nature and in this time it was common for us to coloured our faces, hair and decorating of the garment also colourful. In the main square, all gathered, some do their dances, others filled baskets with food to share between valleys. It was one of the most festive epochs that unified all the beautiful creatures of the Kingdom. - Look in hopes of a reply, a memory, but nothing. I was too sad, I couldn't make the effort needed. When appreciating the couples danced near us, being here in the arms of Richard, I could only think of how I wish it would be him here, calling for me.

Rose: At every telling of your more and more, I love about your time. Sorry, I...

Richard: I understand, you don't have to apologize. The traditions of today are also very attractive and cheerful, why so sad eyes?

Rose: Sad, no... I, I... - I couldn't find the words, how to say that only wished to remember everything, looking at Mikhael, be able to call for his name without fears.

Richard: He is just a second away. If you call by his name, he will be by your side.

Rose: I know... - The smile did hide the sadness. I didn't understand what Richard said. Did know that Mikhael was around. But the illusion of his presence was no longer what I wanted. - Sometimes I wish for more than a second. I'd like to meet him... 

Richard: Call for his name.

Is it possible? My heart raced up a beat with the idea, it would be a message of Mikhael? I closed my eyes and called by his name.

Rose: Mikhael, as wish you were here.

Everything around me stopped. They were frozen in time. A single masked moved and came towards me. Despite the fear that I felt, I kept quiet. 

Rose: Mikhael?

Seth: May I have this dance, my lady? – Asked while bowed.

Rose: There is no music. - I looked around a little lost. Would I be dreaming!?

Seth: Forgive me. - With the movement of the remaining the music emerged. Didn't see his face completely, but his smile had conquered me.

It was a magical night. It was so nice to feel his presence, his touch, hear the sound of his voice, I felt him so close. It was only briefly, passed in a blink of an eye and now was Richard again as my dance partner. Despite a small tear that lurked in the corner of my eye, I was no longer with that heavy sadness. These little moments gave me the strength I needed to continue. Making my fears fade away.

Rose: Thank You! - With a small bow from his head, Richard nodded.

Mikhael was not the only surprise of the night, as we had fun, as time passed, there was something that never left our side, although, we did not notice its presence, like a shadow.

Shadow: Well, well, well! I knew you'd not be away for a long time. Too easy... - Said releasing a smile. - Simona's will not be happy when she finds out. Anyway, the cycle must be complete and I'm here to help it...