Johanna wore a gold [url=http://www.osfcostumerentals.org/stock/Renaissance%20Elizabethan/Women's%20Wear/Renaissance%20Gowns/slides/09023819%2009017333%2009000554%20Gown%20Renaissance%20lt%20blue%20gold%20rust%20brocade%20B32%2034%20W25%2027.JPG]gown[/url] trimmed in red, the sleeves and collar beaded with pearls. [url=http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2f/b3/59/2fb359dcdb929024008cdabc42ffb92f.jpg]Her hair[/url] she had styled in the Italian court fashion; lightly pulled back in an intricate braid bun, with soft curls framing her face and neck. She wore a [url=http://cdn-s3-0.wanelo.com/product/image/5853640/original.jpg]mask[/url] made of gold, created to appear as fish scales, bringing out her celadon eyes, alas her marigold colored hair gave away who she was, even when hiding her face. 

Masquerades were a favorite of many, including Johanna. Dancing and energetic activities were what she enjoyed most; and sedentary things such as needlework and mass board her greatly. Lords and ladies dance together, as laughter and chatting mixed into the sound of the lively music. She had arrived, with her two dear friends, [url=http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e8/6d/6c/e86d6c35a80b4b59e6c17d4701ad5ceb.jpg]Lady Beatrice[/url], and [url=http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com/Pennsic/Vargo/i-9cwq5Pq/5/M/IMG_3766_Renaissance-Garb-M.jpg]Lady Charlotte[/url]. 

“I would be delighted, my Lord.” She replied with a smile, to the silver, black and white clad gentlemen. She placed her hand in his, and made their way to the dance position. Taking in his features that were not masked, she recognized his eyes and smile as that of King Edward’s. Of course she would not let on, that she had guessed his identity so quickly. The King had a particularly handsome smile, that she knew all too well from her many years admiring him at court. 

The dance began as the music started. This particular dance she was quite fond of; she being rather graceful, and fluid with her movements. Parts of the dance, where their faces drew close and their eyes met, she would gaze confidently into his eyes, rather than modestly glancing and bat her lashes like she had been taught was proper. Other than her bright red hair, and beautiful reputation, people knew well of Johanna’s bubbly and poised personality, that made her a delight to be around. 
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Rupert was dressed in green and gray silks, his mask painted to match. With a chalice in one hand he sipped his wine, as he charmingly flirted with the group of ladies. A tap on his shoulder made him turn his head, but no one was there. He raised his eyebrow for a moment in question, and then happily went back to chatting with the ladies. He did like to dance, but he preferred specific ones to others, the one let you closer to your partner were his favorite.

This was the fifth ball since Edward was crowned King, and the sweating sickness had subsided in England, and it was still rather odd to see so many missing from court, due to the thousands of death over the past year. Eleven of his servants had died, as did his eldest daughter Margaret’s governess, Jacqueline Devereaux. Luckily his sister, Lady Edith, who had caught the illness, had survived through it. She was also at the masquerade today, dressed in midnight blue. 

Taking his leave from the group of ladies, he scanned the room for his cousin King Edward, spotting him dancing with the Countess of Warwick, her red hair easily recognizable. He rolled his eyes, hoping Edward was only dancing her with out of politeness, he’d rather Edward be dancing with Edith. Many men desired the lady Johanna for her beauty and charisma, even Rupert had had a short time many years ago where he was secretly and infatuated with her. But Rupert did not see her as future queen material, her being to assertive and willful for his taste. Rupert was fond of brunettes, who were obedient, gentle, and dainty in manner. Making his way over to the other side of the ball room, he placed his drink on a servant’s empty platter, and walked over to a pretty wallflower, a lady in a simple blue velvet gown, with a black mask.

 Offering his hand, he asked in his typical clear voice. “May I have the next dance, My Lady?”