Hephaestus Dorm, Number 1998

I tried to readjust the corset digging into my ribs. Getting into the gown mother had sent was... difficult in the least. After three years of shirts and trousers, I'd forgotten what a pain her choice of proper clothing was. But I was wrong about her not caring. She did, in the most discreet ways possible. Despite the uncomfortable mandatory undergarments, the dress was made of a material that assured me no complications with my eczema. It had to be expensive, I thought as I stared back into my reflection.

Sarah, with her bandaged head and her cheery disposition was kind enough to do my hair up into the same practical style. It complimented my long-sleeved gown more than I dared hope. I took one last glance in the looking glass, tucking away a few wayward strands behind my ear when a thought struck me. It was reckless and spontaneous but a safety precaution couldn't be all that bad. I rummaged through my dressing table until my hands circled around a small object I fastened under my sleeve. Father's old penknife.

'Cunningham,' I startled back, nearly dropping the penknife as I met William's mischievous expression in the mirror. 'Are you ready yet? I must say my suit is rather exquisite don't you think?'

I looked at him, taking note of his suit and how it fit him better than usual. My gaze travelled from the folds of his jacket to his carefully knotted cravat and his pomaded hair. And his lips which were quirked into a crooked grin. I felt a flush creep up my cheeks as I caught myself admiring him.

'You look... dashing. Shall we go then?' I stood and fetched my coat. I was halfway down the hall when I noticed he'd barely moved. 'What's wrong?'

'Nothing,' he paused uncertainly. 'It's just that... well you, I... you look—' he moved towards me and stopped halfway, seemingly lost to continue. 'It's nothing,' he said finally, flashing a brief smile. 'Let's go, shall we?'

◊◊◊

Cronus Hall

All 90 students, teachers and a sprinkling of security guards were gathered in the hall for this evening's ball. Replacing the usual six large tables were small round ones of four, lining the walls and making room for the dancing to commence later. While some students weaved their way between tables, William and I sat comfortably in each other's company. Even as we sat in a sea of bold and soft hues, I couldn't help turning my sights to the ceiling. Like everyone in the room, the hall was dressed up. Sheets of black and gold hung from the ceiling like streamers as the evening's entertainment wrapped themselves in it. The acrobats wearing colours of silver simply sat on the fabric as if the very notion of chairs were unheard of. It looked magical and might just rival the queen's coronation ball after all.

'No champagne, Liz?' Mary-Lou walked over to our table with two flutes in her hand. I hardly think tea is a cause for celebration.

'She's allergic Lou. Don't know how, but she is,' William said, tracing the rim of his porcelain cup. 'Can I have that?' he looked wistfully at the drinks.

'Not for you,' she placed them out of his grasp. 'It's for a friend.'

'Sarah?' I craned my neck, looking around for a bandaged girl. 'I didn't know she was coming. I thought Dr. Brown has her in the medical wing for observation.'

'Well it's nice to be remembered Elizabeth.' It was Avarice who floated through the crowd in a massive gown. 'I didn't know I was that good a friend of yours.'

'And a very large one too,' William grinned as he dodged a kick from under the table. 'You have very nice taste in dresses.'

'William Hawley I take it?'

'The one, the only.' He shook her hand. 'You must be Avarice. The one friend she won't talk to me about.'

'Funny, she never seems to shut up about you.'

'Well I think this is going very well, wouldn't you agree?' Mary-Lou said, pulling up a chair for herself and Avarice. I knew what she was doing and it seems the other two were happily playing along. 

There were a few reasons I've never introduced William and Avarice to each other. One was simply because handling an incredibly honest, sarcastic commenter took up enough of my energy. But two was a headache. They all knew it. And they were enjoying my inner conflict. 'Well Elizabeth?' Mary-Lou leaned in with her arms propped up on the table. 'Aren't you glad your friends all know each other now?' She held a wide grin, one I wanted to steal off her face.

'Relieved?' I looked at them with a joking glare. 'Perhaps. But glad? I'll be plotting murder until April rolls around. You all better watch your backs.'

'I'm terrified, Cunningham.' He lowered his voice as the waiters came around in their uniforms, setting down our meals. 'So when are you paying a visit to the Grim? We'd all love to meet him.'

'You idiot.' Avarice stepped in. perhaps having them both here wouldn't be a problem. 'Clearly she's already gone. Look at her complexion, it's horrid. I'd say she's already learned all his trade secrets.' Perhaps not.

◊◊◊

'This is a fun dinner isn't it?' I picked at what was left of my meal as William and Avarice chatted away beside me. 'We never just sit together and eat in silence. What do you think Mary-Lou?'

'I think I have somewhere to be.' She gathered her things. 'Say hello to Nick for me.'

'Soon hopefully.' I waved at her as she left.

'Up for a dance Cunning— Elizabeth?' William offered his hand just as the familiar tunes of Danse Macabre began to play.

'With this?' I held up my cane for emphasis. 'Don't be ridiculous. You should go with Avarice—' she looked around at the mention of her name. '—She's very light on her feet.'

'Alright. Would you care for a dance?' He turned to her.

'Only if we stop by the dessert buffet later.'

'You may turn out to be my favourite person yet.' He grinned as she took his hand. 'Are you sure you'll be alright?'

'Of course. I could use a break from you two.' I smiled at them as they joined the dancing crowd. They clicked. From the way they talked to the way they moved, and so much faster than when William and I first met. Them being friends might not be such a bad situation after all. They were both wonderful—ly annoying people on their own. Having another might turn out to be a nice change of pace.

'They seem to be having fun.' Nick came up to the table, pulling up William's chair.

'They're good people.' I gave one last glance at their smiling faces then turned to my brother. 'What are you doing here?'

'What are you doing here?' I watched him stack up the empty plates and pull Avarice's untouched chocolate cake towards him. 'Why aren't you there?'

'My leg remember?' I lifted my cane.

'I've seen you run down two flights of stairs on your way to Professor Norton's office when you thought no one was looking.' He raised a brow and offered me his chocolate covered fork. 'Why are you faking a limp? Why aren't you dancing with him?'

'What do you mean? He's with Avarice.'

'But he extended his hand to you.' He pointed to them. 'No, nevermind. You're right. They fit. But—' he put down the fork. '—will you at least accept my invitation while your song is playing? I'd hate to see all that practice go to waste.'

'Sarah said she wouldn't tell,' I whined a bit as I took his hand. 'Do you spy on everything I do?'

'Everything,' he mocked seriousness and broke into a grin. 'Shall we M'lady?'

'Right. Sorry,' I placed my arm on his shoulder and the other in his. 'Thank you. For this. For the dress, even if mother sent it. I don't think I say thank you enough.'

'You never say thank you enough.'

'Really?'

'No, I mean—' he clicked his tongue. 'No one ever says it enough anymore. Look at the hall. It's beautiful.' I followed his eyes around the room. 'But Mr. Balding hasn't said a word of thanks to the donors, or the alumnis who've come in from all over the kingdom.'

'Nick, you know that's not our business.'

'I know.' he sighed wearily, although his feet were slick as we danced into the next song. 'I suppose finding 'the one' has given me a new perspective.'

'You should court her.'

'Funny, I'm starting to get confused. What exactly have I been doing for the past month?'

'Oh shut up,' I said not unkindly, resting my head on his shoulder.

'Another shut up, Cunningham?' William commented as he and Avarice reached us. 'You only have one more for the night you know.'

'William,' I warned before returning to my brother's embrace. We never did this anymore. Maybe I should spend more time with him between lessons. Nick was a fun person. Much less irritating than William. 'Smart arse.'

A/N

Yay! The ball! Centennial. Celebration. Point is, people are dancing and wearing pretty clothes.

Here's a question I'd really like answered though, in all seriousness. Are you for or against William and Avarice fitting together?

Drop a comment, lend a vote and have a super day!