Skulduggery Pleasant FanFic: Mo Chroí

The Ball

Happy Easter!

General P.O.V

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They all stood together waiting. Every time a red-headed woman walked past, Dexter would look at her to see if it was Raven, and each time turned back. Then a pair of beautiful women appeared in the doorway. One was a pale red-head, the other had hair the was so dark it was almost black. As they walked closer, it was easier to see their masks. The red-head was wearing a mask that was solid black. It covered only her eyes, but at it's highest, it reached her temples, delicate beading hung down her cheeks. The dark-haired woman's mask was white, and covered in black lace. A large black flower adorned the side. they were both in simple back gowns, but the red-head's had lacing up the front, and the brunettes had a red trim.

A man moved in front of them, and they were lost to view. They were gone when the man moved.

"Do you think...?" Asked Dexter

"No... can't be. Raven's burn would give her away."

"I suppose your right..."

"And Valkyrie said she wasn't bothering with a 'real mask', whatever she meant." Continued Skulduggery.

"Now we're proud of ourselves. This'll go to our heads." Said a voice from behind them.

They turned as another said "We've managed to trick them all, Val."

It was the two women from before. Up close, you could see the faint red of Ravens burn under her makeup. Val was given away by her lively dark eyes.

"You look beautiful." Dexter told Raven, and she blushed bight pink.

"Thanks. You don't look to bad yourself, Dexter."

"You wouldn't believe that she made that mask and dress herself, would you?" Val murmured.

"She made them?"

"That's her only dress. She's had it since she was eleven."

"How old is she now?"

"Seventeen at the end of next month."

A waltz started and Dexter held his hand out to Raven.

"May I?"

Raven smiled. "This once."

Raven and Dexter danced and everyone stopped to stare. They were perfect. Raven was as good a dancer as Dexter. There lips moved as they danced, and The others wondered what they were saying.

"Bunyips must have excellent co-ordination." Dexter laughed.

"OK, so I lied. I can dance, I just don't."

"Why?"

"Well", replied Raven, "You get used to sitting in the corner."

"You're going to have to get used to dancing, my dear."

"Really." Raven raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Dexter answered easily.

"Well, I suppose I could live with that. There are perks."

"Like...?"

"Well, there is this on guy, you might know him. Tall, blonde, handsome... dancing with him is wonderful, and he's perfect."

"What's his name?"

Raven leaned in close and whispered: "His name is Dexter Vex."