After that night, something changed between Vendetta and Toshiro. Word of their courtship rapidly circulated- drawing many stories and rumours of dark love, jealousy, artistic scrutiny and praise, affairs- the usual that came with this sort of dramatic revelation. The main tone seemed to be people wondering of the secrets, to draw the love of the eternally-enigmatic and icy Immortal Artist. Vendetta took it all with quiet elegance and amusement. She never cared much for the fickleness of tabloids.
Despite being unable to meet, they stayed in nightly contact. Vendetta was a busy woman, especially during late fall and spring. However, she made time every night for Toshiro- and sent him a few high-profile, extremely discreet clients that greatly improved business at Crimson Creations. In turn, this- alongside gaining a few highly-coveted contacts- established his reputation as a top dealer in exotic and near-impossible artistic wares. Vendetta truly was one of the best things to ever happen to him.
With obtaining new clients thanks to Vendetta, Toshiro was kept quite busy- though the time set aside for each other brought him extreme happiness. Even without seeing her, he was still enthralled by her, his thoughts never drifting away from her for long. He couldn't wait until he was able to lay eyes on her once more, though he knew the longer they were apart the greater his joy would be when they next saw one another.
~
In early December, she invite him to her Yule Masquerade- a yearly event that anyone who was anyone went to. And this year, it was being held at Black Phoenix Estate- so invites were even more rare. This year's theme, 'Elemental Essence', drew upon the forces of nature. She did let him know this event was one of those fixated on Venetian opulence in mind, and the pictures she showed him proved it. Dripping in jewels and metal accents, bright-coloured studies of lace, satin, velvet, damask, brocade, silk... the gentlemen were more toned than the ladies, but still held their opulence. If it was too much, he could decline and she wouldn't be hurt by the refusal.
A bright smile spread across Toshiro's face as he turned the invitation in his hands, receiving word of the Yule Masquerade. While he wasn't the biggest fan of the extravagant opulence... He couldn't very well turn down opportunity to see Vendetta! And with the rumours he'd heard floating about, there was no telling what everyone would think if he didn't attend. For the next few days he wracked his brain, trying to decide on the theme of his outfit- searching high and low for inspiration. Meanwhile, amid preparations, Vendetta had been torn between two themes- polar ice, and starlight. She herself agonized until the day before, seeking a sign...
It took until the day before the Yule Masquerade for Toshiro to get everything together- having decided on darkness for his theme, something he was quite familiar with. After ensuring the fit was bespoke on everything, that morning he laid down to the most anxious sleep he had in recent memory. It took Vendetta about the same amount of time, to finally decide between her themes- having little time to put everything together. Somehow, she managed.
~
The night of the Masquerade came at last-waking early, he got prepared for the Masquerade- eager to get dressed and make his way out to Black Phoenix Estate to see Vendetta. Putting everything together, he checked himself out in the mirror- making sure everything was perfect. The buttons of his deep black suit were inlaid with obsidian, cuff links made of beautifully-cut jet and masquerade mask adorned with black diamonds. Nodding in approval at his reflection, he hummed softly to himself as he left his apartment- setting off on his journey to Black Phoenix Estate. As he neared her manor, he met others attending the Yule Masquerade as well- all in various colours of attire, though their opulence tied them all together.
The transformation of her Estate, fell nothing short of spectacular. Set amid the usual beautiful scenery, Black Phoenix Estate had been transformed to a Dark Winter Wonderland, incorporating all elements. Vivid fires burned, brilliant but controlled. Synthetic snow and silken scarves danced in winds, adding a strange yet serene animated beauty. Once again the pool had been sealed off, full of glittering water- an Aurora Borealis dance floor for people to admire and dance the night away to the DJ specially selected for this event. Her gardens highlighted the beauty of the earth- plenty of winter bloomers, fairy lights and more offering ample photography opportunities... and some dark spots for quiet. Redecorating had been done- walls draped in silks and satins, while 'ice' furniture gleamed everywhere for people to socialize and relax. In the foyer, a beautiful silvery-white tree stood regally tall, covered in blue light and silver decorations, while presents adorned the bottom. Decorative or functional, guests couldn't decide. The top floor walled off in silver-dusted obsidian silk, it made a lovely backdrop for more photos. Artistic tables full of treats drew crowds, while staff circulated to ensure a smooth night.
Lady Vendetta at once stood out, but only if you looked right at her. She opted to debut a beautiful sleeved ballgown of illuminated sapphiric blue, accented in diamond-ice trim. A stunning brooch/necklace of diamond and sapphire set in platinum added an elaborate touch. Shimmering leggings and heels paired well with it, alongside a silver/sapphire mask. But what really pulled it together, the magick of this ensemble- half moonlight, half-sapphiric hair, the blue half full of glitter, glowing crescent-moon hairpin sealing the deal on the starlight siren.
Her colours of choice, paired with the contrast of everyone else, meant she blended in. Colourful and vivid, there were those who embraced the passion of fire, the pastels of air/wind, rich earth tones, wide range of watercolour... A few turned to the extremes of light and shadow. But all of it was dripping in fine perfume, jewels, colourful hair and elaborate masquerade masks. Finding anyone in here would prove near-impossible. Toshiro's gaze washed over the sea of people, the beautiful colours threatening to distract him from his goal at hand...
~
Invisible yet present, Lady Vendetta floated along through the colourful world of her Yule Masquerade. Though not looking for Toshiro, she would have liked to find him- it had been weeks. For now, Vendetta merely enjoyed the moment, though she felt eyes on her... Conversations- idle and business alike- added a haze of noise to the assaults of sights, scents and auras. Her eyes were drawn to a particular individual- shadow among the colour. Jet, black diamond, beloved obsidian- void of beautiful darkness, amid all the near-garish colour. Gliding closer, starlight shimmer and sapphiric hair trailed in her wake. She caught those around him, discussing a return to the art world...
Just as Vendetta's iconic perfume and emotional aura caught Toshiro's attention, she was suddenly swept away onto the Auroral dance floor- in the arms of a man bedecked in a fiery crimson suit, adorned with scarlet shimmer and golden accent. Golden mask shining bright, concealing half his face- the other half revealed particularly vicious fangs, and an intimidating aura. It seemed she had been recognized- and he wanted to steal her away, before whomever her eyes were upon could.
"You've put on another magnificent event, as always- an artistic wonder unto itself! Then again, one could expect no less than the best, from Venice's Immortal Artist." Vendetta recognized the voice- and demeanour. Theodore Giacomini, one of her patrons- a man whom thought himself more important than his actual stature. And one obsessed with claiming her for his own. She kept him at arm's length, but had a bad feeling creeping over her...
"I'm... flattered you believe so, good sir. And of course, rather honoured one such as yourself had chosen to grace my event tonight. Even better, that we were able to share a dance~" If one listened extremely carefully, the very slight strain could be heard layered deep within. Despite her feminine grace and charm, clever individuals would see she wanted away from him. Twirling about on the dance floor, she lost sight of the shadow that drew her... And as the song ended, the back of her hand was kissed- leaving pain, where his teeth pressed into her skin.
"Then it shouldn't end just yet, dearest Lady. Come, we'll walk about in your garden... I insist." Wrapping an arm about her waist, the two vanished into sudden fog. Her garden beautiful in its haziness now, Vendetta and Theodore disappeared into the darkness, smothered, silvery moon the only light... Only here, did he sweep the Lady into his embrace, her throat perilously close to his teeth. Silver-sapphire eyes locked glance with intense crimson.
"Is it true, Lady Iceflame- has your icy, dark heart been claimed by another? After all we've been through together, the perils and victories? I've sought your soul since we met, yourself an aspiring artisan... Has everything I've done meant nothing to you? Dare you coldly cast me aside, wicked words on vicious tongue- that you belong to another man? When it should be me?" Venom filled his voice- Vendetta knew if she lied, he'd know... To confess, would bring her death.
"Rumours, smoke and mirror... meant to incense and ignite. Dividing those whom are to be bonded. We have been through much, since my earliest days. You have done much for me, for this I can never thank you enough. Yet to hear your confession, it surprises... I've not thought myself worthy of such declarations. I must confess, my heart is pulled in a particular direction- and I certainly hope happiness can be found."
Theodore's aura settled, voice turning silken. Vendetta knew enough to be afraid. "I should have know better, forgive me... Passion can stir the soul, drive men to madness. Of course you would never allow yourself to be led astray from me... I thought we should return, openly declare our romance. But, I'd much rather show you what passion can do... We have a moment alone; and I've always wanted to enjoy my icy goddess in a winter wonderland..."
Vendetta felt rough lips on her neck, jagged teeth on her throat. Vice-strong grip, refusing to release her.. If she tried escape now, she would fail; the way he held her meant she couldn't access her blades, plus being torn to shreds would not bode well for her. Elegant sleeves were slid off, used to bind her wrists behind- then silence her. His hands went to begin unlacing her dress, and removing the elaborate jewellery that held her dress in place... Vendetta felt herself freeze, memories flooding her mind. She tried to think of an escape- without getting her throat and heart ripped open. Given she could see into his mind's eye, what he wanted to do, Vendetta wished someone would happen to come along and save her...
~
Being recognized, he was pulled into conversation- asking how things between Vendetta and himself had been going, and if he put any more thought into stepping back into the art world.
"I must confess, I've been giving it some thought. And I would be lying, if I said seeing Lady Iceflame's latest works didn't ignite in me a spark of creativity. I do have a painting I've been working on from time to time- maybe it will mark my return to the art world. Honestly, only time will tell, but if I do return- I'm sure there is nothing that will stop Vendetta from celebrating such an event."
Chuckling softly as the others laughed, he tried to imagine her reaction upon hearing such news. "In any case, I'm sure you all will keep up to date with any developments."
Catching the unmistakable scent of Vendetta's perfume, Toshiro was reminded of the task he had set out for himself. "Thank you all for the wonderful conversation- but I feel it is overdue, that I give my thanks to the wonderful Hostess of this magnificent event." With a bow to the tittering group, he followed the alluring scent to the dance floor- eyes jumping from one person to the next as he tried to pick up on any clue one of them might be Vendetta. HE was stopped dead in his tracks, overcome with an overwhelming mixture of fury and fear.
Focusing on the emotions being projected onto him, Toshiro found himself led deep into the darkness of the now-hazy garden. In a dark corner, two figures stood close to one another in the distance. Part of him thought that he might be walking in on a couple being intimate with one another, but with every step, the emotions became stronger and stronger. Stopping, shadow-concealed, as the scent of Vendetta's perfume hit him, his eyes took in the scene before him- Vendetta pinned in the arms of a man he had never seen before, bound with her own dress. Not to mention the marks he covered her in... His hands busy, trying to undo the jewellery and lacing that held said dress...
At that point, only two emotions stood out: lust from him... and fear from her.
Crimson eyes burned brightly behind Toshiro's ebony mask, hands trembling in rage as he stepped forward. A snap of his fingers caught the attention of both parties, the familiar katana arriving at his side. Both pairs of eyes glanced over- lust gave way to confusion, but her fear remained. She could easily feel Toshiro's rage, see those crimson eyes shining... It put her on edge- was he infuriated with him, or also her...? Within an instant, Toshiro stood beside the two of them, katana in hand- blade pressed hard enough against the man's throat to draw a thin line of blood. And when he spoke, Toshiro's voice was cold with a steely edge- words ringing with a certainty to them.
"Unless you want that head of yours removed from your shoulders, I suggest you let her go. It's plain as night, that she wants no part in this- and I have no qualms at all with disposing of those who would force themselves upon another."