Elaine
**~The Ballroom Dance was an annual event hosted by the Reinhold Estate in honour of the City of Carnal and its citizens. With his parents gone, Damien was the sole host of the evening, inviting all sorts from Carnal. The High class were here in droves, but also some of the Middle class. Damien knew that his parents would not have allowed such a choice to have happened under their guidance but it happened anyway to improve the relationships between the Reinhold family name and the wider city at large. Among the High class, the Reinhold family name was highly regarded, though among the Middle class and particularly the Lower class, it was a name cloaked in fear, hesitance, and distrust. Despite this, the evening was going well! A majority of the party-goers were more than thrilled by the idea of a wonderful dance to be held in the Reinhold Estate, a place that few Middle Class had even entered, let alone had the opportunity to even witness the Estate up close~**
David
**Damien graciously checked on all the participants, making sure that satisfaction was its utmost peak of potential, warily keeping an eye on any Middle Class member who may be looking for any sign of trouble in an otherwise perfect night**
Helga
*Elizabeth heard about the ball and became interested when the middle class was invited. She was quite well known by the high class but was still below them in terms of wealth and influence. She had come to the ball wearing her sea-foam green dress with her most expensive earrings and necklaces trying to appeal to the higher class*
David
*Damien had meticulously researched about all the people in attendance beforehand but Elizabeth was an enigma to him. He examined the way she entered the ball with such grace and elegance, the way she turned heads and whispers of high praise followed her every step*
"Sebastian who is this woman? She's... Quite something."

*Sebastian, Damien's personal butler and long time friend briefly described the woman of Damien's interest*
"Ah this woman is Elizabeth Elis, master Damien. She is quite well known among the High class and highly regarded by most of the Middle class. Quite something, though I sense you are comparing Elizabeth to ***Her***?"

*Damien gave a long deep sigh, trying to collect his thoughts.*
"Yes Sebastian, ***She*** Was the one for me, and I know not where she went. Vampiric lineage too, this one is not."
Helga
*Elizabeth saw everyone turn and look her way as the whispered about her. She didn't really mind she was famous after all and was used to people staring at her. She would look around the ball as she noticed Damien, but did not notice his parents around anywhere. Was he hosting it alone this year?*
David
*Damien's eyes locked onto Elizabeth's. He didn't know what to do, no one seemed to take his breath away as Elizabeth had but this was only temporary. He slowly approached her reminding himself that Elizabeth was not ***Her*** And couldn't be*
Helga
*Elizabeth would see him approach her. She started to freak out not wanting to embarrass herself in front of him. She took a deep breath and decided to speak to him*

"Hello Damien, I've heard a lot about you and you're family. It's a pleasure to meet you. I was surprised when I heard the middle class was invited but I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity"

*She would take a bow*
David
*Damien proceeded to kiss Elizabeth's hand, giving her the warmest smile he could give.*

"Why thank you my dear Elizabeth, it's truly a pleasure to meet you and have you here at the Ballroom Dance. I believed that to strengthen Carnal's city, one would have to try and strengthen the bond between the High and Middle class. Hopefully this can be a start to better relations between the two classes!"

*Damien's demeanor grew serious and darkness seemed to slowly creep in around them, the other party-goers blissfully unaware*

"Miss Elis, do kindly tell me of your experience after the evening's festivities are through. I look forward to understanding how you feel about a place such as this?"
Helga
"Well everything and everyone I've met so far has been pretty cool. I do agree a ball like this would definitely improve relations between the first and middle class, it's be a while since we needed something like this. I hope I look presentable enough, I picked out the best looking dress, heels, and jewelry I could find"
David
"My dear lady you're the shining star of the night, the stir you've created by your mere presence was quite surprising if at all surprising, perhaps expected! You do look wonderful tonight though I must say!"
Helga
"I appreciate that Sir Damien. I was a little nervous coming here I'm not gonna lie I've never really been to a ball let alone something so fancy like this but I'm glad I came and I am welcomed. So you're parents out or something haven't seen them yet tonight, and I know for sure they wouldn't let the middle and high class mingle like this"
David
"My parents were never fans of the middle class. They looked upon the middle class with disdain, believing that their offspring should and could only mingle with those of high class status. They are no longer with us having served their time."
Helga
"Oh I see, well it's nice to be here none the less! I really do admire you're efforts to to try and change the way things have worked for years. I see you already knew my name most people of the higher class have. I may not be a high class business woman like the others but I try. Most people know me form my social media presence"
David
"I see, yes my sister is a fan of yours I do believe. Younger than me, in her very early 20s. Social media is a wonderful thing, it seems to connect people in the most wonderful of ways, passions bringing people together and bringing like-minded people into communities. I do hope you have a wonderful evening Miss Elizabeth, I must attend to the other guests of the evening now. I do appreciate meeting you, may we meet again sometime"
Helga
"Let's meet again sometime yes, I was probably gonna get a drink and some food so I'll be around. It was a pleasure meeting you sir and shall we meet again it will be wonderful"

*She would take another bow and walk over to the small bar to order a drink*
David
*Damien smiled after her and walked around the ballroom, conversing with the guests as much as he could before retiring upstairs to his personal living quarters. He didn't even suspect if someone were to follow him or track his movements*
Helga
*Elizabeth was still having a drink as she watched Damien walk around not being able to take her eyes off him. Her heart was racing in her chest and she was confused about this feeling had she fallen in love with him? She sat there frozen still staring at him. She watched him leave the ballroom wanting to follow him but she didn't want to cause any trouble and get kicked out*
David
*As the guests were still enjoying the evening, Sebastian the personal butler approached Elizabeth with a warm smile.*
"My dear lady, you seem to be pondering something on your mind. Could I be of any assistance to you?"
Helga
*Elizabeth was lost in thought as she looked at Damien but as her heard someone's voice she snapped back to reality*

"Oh it's just you sorry I was lost in thought. I don't think there's anything you could help with but Damien makes me feel... A certain way. I mean who wouldn't he's kind, respectful, and a gentleman. You know him the best what do you think I should do? I've only met him just today but something about him makes my heart soar"
David
*Sebastian smiled and gestured Elizabeth to sit with him in a living room away from the guests of the evening*

"Come with me dear girl. Now then. The master wouldn't wish me to spill such secrets but there's only one other who has admired him in such a way before. Unfortunately she left when the two of them were younger, in their teens, without a trace. No one knew where she went but she vanished. I believe the best thing you could do is spend some time with him. I'm sure he would appreciate your company. He went to his personal quarters but I'll grant you permission to go and see him should you wish to. He seeks companionship in an otherwise lonely existence, perhaps you could reach out to him somehow? Just be there for him."

*The old man's hands shook as he held yours with a warm smile that belied a sense of sadness. He truly seemed to care about Damien, almost like a father would.*
Helga
"Oh I see well that's unfortunate. And trust me when I say I'd never do that to him he's such a great guy. I just want him to feel happy and even if he doesn't feel the same about me so be it. I would like you to grant me access to his private room. I'll do all I can to make him happy. This is my promise to you"
David
"Very well Miss Elis, thank you for having such a kind soul and exhibiting such consideration for the young master. Please follow me."

*Sebastian walked out gesturing Elizabeth to follow him. As they walked up the stairs and along the long corridors of the Estate, you had opportunities to see family portraits of presumably Damien, his mother and father, and his younger sister. After this, he reached Damien's private room and unlocked the door with a key, gesturing Elizabeth to enter.*

"Good luck my dear, remember to trust your instincts. He's a kind soul no matter what happens."

*With this Sebastian left Elizabeth to choose how to proceed.*
Helga
*A little nervous standing outside the door she took a deep breath. "You got this" She whispered to herself. She would put her hand on the doorknob and open the door. She then walked into the room*

"Hey Damien, you're butler asked me to check in on you is everything okay?"

*She said with a warm smile*
David
*Damien moved from the bedroom to the bathroom, and after a few short moments emerged from the ensuite bathroom shocked, his fangs in full display, bare-chested surprisingly lean and muscular, tattoos adorning his body*

"Everything is fine. I figured Sebastian would do something like this but I never suspected you would have the courage to come in here willingly?"

*Damien licked his fangs softly trying his best not to look at you now, he seemed off now as if he was restraining himself*

"How was your evening Miss Elis? I thought you would have left the Estate by now, the festivities are concluding, guests leaving after hopefully a wonderful night"
Helga
"I was enjoying the evening but something kept me here, a feeling. The way you spoke to me earlier you're kindness and positive attitude it really meant something to me. I just couldn't help myself but want to talk to you more, because I care about you. We may have only met today but I already consider you a friend. Vampire or not it won't change anything"
David
"Very well, you can stay. I don't let many people in so consider yourself lucky. If you were someone else I'd sink my fangs into you to feast immediately, without caring if it hurt. Please sit though I apologise but the bloodlust gets to me."

*Damien sits down on the bed leaving space for you to sit beside him. The bed was massive and the room itself so ornately decorated with such consideration to the detail, the little things of decorating neatly seemed to show. A picture of Damien and his sister rested on his bed-side table, the room was neatly presented, the lighting was warm and inviting despite the moody atmosphere it may also give off.*

"I-I would appreciate the company Miss Elis"
Helga
"Well I'm glad I'm not going to be your dinner that for sure. And I will consider myself lucky to talk to such a gentleman like you"

*She would sit on the bed beside him. She would push her orange hair out of her face and take a deep breath*

"You're a great gentleman Damien, and you're butler may have told me a few things about you. Heartbreak hurts I know it does I've had my own lover disappear without a trace I know what it feels like to be abandoned. But sometimes you got to let go of your feelings. Ask yourself the question if she really loved you why would she disappear? The healing process is hard but there's people around you who care and want to help"
David
"We were young and she and I were the best of friends, really close to one another. She might have disappeared to protect me, and although she was a part of the royal vampire lineage, I know not where she hath gone to. It'll be difficult to move on but I'm glad there are people around me that care about me, I appreciate your company in this moment Miss Elis."

*Damien smiled softly looking at the mirror and then looking at Elizabeth with gratitude on his face.*
Helga
*Elizabeth smiled happily and looked at him*

"If you'd like I'd always be by you're side to help you through this. I know being friends with a middle class person is frowned upon in this society but eventually I also hope to change that. I've been a big activist for equality for all the classes and it's got me in a little trouble with the law but I still persisted. I'm hoping one day society can understand where not supposed to hate each other and we should count each other as equals"
David
*Damien took a while to process this, looking at her, and pondering this over, walking slowly around the room*

"It may be frowned upon in this society, but this society does not know how to function without unusual things happening. I personally don't have a problem with us being friends, my father and mother don't have the authority to banish you from this Estate, and I wouldn't do so given how kind you've been towards me. I am curious though, why did you stay here tonight? I appreciate the company immensely but you seem especially confident in your presence here - a human with a vampire, you aren't safe here, especially when the clock strikes midnight."
Helga
*Elizabeth got instantly nervous, sweat started to run down her face. Should she tell him the truth? What would his reaction be? She took another deep breath*

"See I..."

*She took a pause for a moment there was not turning back now*

"When you first met me this evening I saw you staring at me. You're such a nice and kind gentleman and something about you just stuck with me. All night I couldn't take my eyes off you. I don't know what I'm feeling but I know it's love, I haven't fell for someone so fast like this before and I'm having a hard time understanding my own feelings"
David
*Damien closed in on her, and held her hands in his.*

"You feel you could fall in love with a vampire Miss Elis? I'll admit that I've felt attracted to you the moment you entered my home, and I'm finding it hard to restrain myself from showing you how much I want you in this moment. You're truly a delight to watch and a joy to listen and converse with, I would hate to see you go without telling you this. The weather is poor, and I would not wish to send you out into the night freezing from tonight's chill. I accept your feelings towards me and would like to explore this a little more if you'd be willing to."
Helga
*She would look up at him with a smile. She was not expecting the same reaction from him*

"Vampire or not it won't change anything, my feelings for you are bright and I want to at least try to make things work out between us. And yes I'd like to explore our relationship a little more I'd be up for that. This cold weather is pretty bad so I hope you don't mind me saying around a little bit longer"
David
*Damien smiles gently at Elizabeth, he wanted to treat his guest well and see where things would lead between the two of them.*

"Miss Elis, as my guest for the evening, what would you like to do? We have some time before dinner is served so I leave the decision up to you. How would you like to spend the evening here?"
Helga
"I'd love to spend the evening together with you! Hmm as what we're going to do let's see? Do you maybe want to cuddle? It sounds like something comforting for both of us"
David
"I think that's a wonderful idea Miss Elis, please shall we vacate to the living room or would you like to stay here, your choice."

*Damien tried his best to remain calm and proper but his bloodlust was rising every minute for Elizabeth, his eyes were showing slight tinges of red as he smiled at her*
Helga
"Let's stay here so we have more privacy. I can see it in you're eyes you're bloodlust is rising. I've learned a lot about vampires so I know what to look out for. If I'm being honest I've never really cuddled with anyone before so this is a new experience for me"
David
*Damien sat on the bed and wrapped his arms slowly around Elizabeth, giving her a cuddle whilst he mulled over and was shocked over this revelation.*

"Y-you've never really cuddled with anyone before? My sister used to with me but n-never my parents. You say you've learned a lot about vampires? How come? What made you want to learn about them, Miss Elis?"
Helga
"No I've never cuddled anyone before if I'm being honest I've never really been in a relationship before. But about the vampire thing, I went to high school with a few vampires. I just collected a lot of information by watching and talking to them. Although one did try to bite me so I learned all the defensive measures against vampires. I would only you them in self defense though"
David
"Ah I see so you've reserved the idea of cuddling to relationships you trust beyond that of friendship, I see now. Yes vampires can be rather unfeeling, especially when their bloodlust reaches a state of being uncontrollable. I should warn you that in this state I'm not the nicest being there is - rather cold, demeaning, aggressive. I'd advise you stay away from me when my eyes turn crimson okay Elizabeth? I don't want to hurt you."

*Damien said this as he cuddled onto Elizabeth tightly, stroking her arms and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. You could see as he looked into the mirror, his eyes were close to showing that crimson colour, he really was trying to protect her*
Helga
*Elizabeth would cuddle him more still trying to stay a safe distance away from him for when his eye's turned crimson red. Yet she still tried to enjoy the cuddles but she was ready to get up and act if she needed to. As she cuddled him her thoughts were clouded by what she wanted to do with him. She was trying to also contain her more lustful side*
David
*Damien cuddled onto her trying to keep his lustful side at bay, nuzzling his face up against her cheek, and stroking her arms*

"I'm really starting to feel more relaxed around you Elizabeth, thank you for choosing to spend the evening here with me, I do appreciate the company. Your *Neck* Is looking rather *Beautiful* In this light..."
Helga
"My what now? My... Neck?"

*She was instantly on edge once he said that. She was ready to push him away and grab here emergency supplies she had in her bag. She still cuddled him close but still ready to react when needed*
David
"Yes your neck, Elizabeth... Don't worry I won't bite it. What y-you'll need to do is pass me the pint of blood I have stashed in the bathroom. Do this or I will have to resort to using your blood instead. Hurry..."

*Damien kissed her neck and then her cheek before releasing her, looking at her with crimson eyes now unable to hold on much longer, his bloodlust basically there at full peak*
Helga
*She quickly ran to the bathroom and grabbed the pint of blood. She would also take this time to grab a clove of garlic in the plastic bag in her dress just in case. She knew from experience garlic was a big weakness of vampires and just the smell of it would stop them from coming any closer. She walked out of the bathroom and handed him the ping of blood*

"Here you go Damien, I would ask why you have so much blood but to be honest I don't want to know where it came from"
David
*Damien thanks her, pouring the contents into a giant sized mug. As he drank he replied, making short conversation about how it came to be and how he planned the evening to go moving forward, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief and depositing it into a nearby bin.*

"T-thank you Elizabeth... I feel much better now you're safe. It's animal blood, particularly from the nearby cattle. I'm sorry for the scare but this is how it is with vampires, they need blood to function otherwise they go crazy. Hopefully this doesn't put a wedge between us, I would like to spend more time with you this evening. Cuddling, watching a movie, maybe more if you'd be up for it? I trust you considering how kind you've been towards me... Most humans aren't."

*Damien got up from the bed and took his top off revealing tattoos, and his bare chest in front of the mirror, placing his top inside the wardrobe, before sitting on the bed once more*
Helga
*With her seeming more relaxed she felt bad about the glove of garlic she was carrying. She didn't want to give him the wrong idea the she didn't trust him. With a deep breath she threw the plastic bag in the big as well*

"I'm sorry you had to see that, I was scared so I pulled out my bag of garlic. I got scared so I apologize for pulling it out on you. I'm glad to be around you and I trust you enough not to need it anymore"

*She sat on the bed next to him. She hadn't brought extra clothes and only had her dress to wear. She could have took it off but she was only wearing light bra and underwear underneath*
David
*Damien saw the clove of garlic placed in the bag and looked back at Elizabeth intially feeling betrayed but slowly easing into the idea of Elizabeth trusting him now, and he appreciated her so much for understanding, offering her a soft smile.*

"I'm happy to see that you can trust me now Elizabeth, you're most kind. I also can't deny how beautiful you look this evening, I could offer you something more comfortable to wear this evening, the maids I'm sure would be able to assist you?"

*Damien looked at Elizabeth with such longing, seeing her beauty spike hotter as she sat closer to him on the bed, she truly was magnificently stunning. Damien wanted to get closer to her but I did not know how quite yet*
Helga
*She would smile softly, she was glad to know she still trusted her even after her small betrayal*

"I'd love to wear something more comfortable. I wasn't planning on sticking around tonight so I didn't pack any extra clothes I would if I knew I was. This dress is still beautiful I'm glad a bought it when I did"
David
*Damien smiled and gave her cheek a soft gentle kiss.*

"It really is beautiful, it brings out the colour of your eyes and your elegant form, Elizabeth. Please trust me when I say that you look absolutely stunning. I'll send for some of my maids to help assist you in finding something to your liking."

*With a set of claps, two absolutely gorgeous maids came in and we were delighted to see you, whispering amongst themselves before speaking up. "Oh my goodness, it's you! We're such big fans! Come with us please!"*
Helga
*Elizabeth would get up from the bed and follow them*
David
*Damien waited, reading a book whilst waiting and wondering how Elizabeth would look when she returned. He closed his eyes for a moment to think about her - she seemed so kind, trusting, utterly beautiful, maybe they could be good friends, perhaps something more.*
Helga
*Elizabeth would follow the maids to a room full of many different outfits as she looked around at each. She was having a hard time deciding but eventually had an idea*

"Say you wouldn't happen to have one of those sleep dressers by chance. You know the ones that look like a small dress but are sleep wear? I feel that would be more comfortable for me"
David
*Damien thought it best to take out a robe to wear after satiating his bloodlust from before. He hadn't had a guest so close to him for a very long time, and wanted to make sure that she was comfortable with being here for the night. Given that there seemed to be some spare time, Damien undressed fully to enter his bathroom and start a shower, he melted under the heat enjoying the shower and the alone time, although he missed the feeling of company that he felt from Elizabeth*
Helga
*Elizabeth would walk back into the bedroom wearing a small sea green night dress she had picked out. She owned many of these small dresses that were fashionable and also comfortable at the same time. She had also taken off her earrings and took off her necklace, she had also washed off her makeup. She then sat on the bed again looking at her phone while waiting for Damien to be done showering*
David
*As Damien stepped out of the shower with a towel wrapped around him he was shocked to see Elizabeth looking so naturally pure and fawned over how beautiful she looked, blushing like crazy, and a huge smile on his face*

"Absolutely amazing... Who is this wonderful woman in front of me?"

*He teased, and dressed into his robe for the evening*
Helga
*Elizabeth looked at him and smiled softly*

"I knew you would like the outfit I picked out! Also sea green is my favorite color so I was very happy when I found it in the dressing room. It was a hard decision considering you have so many cute outfits! Also you're maids are extremely nice and polite, we had a nice conversation about fashion while I was trying stuff on. Also you look pretty handsome yourself Damien!"
David
*Damien blushed from Elizabeth's praise, sitting closer to her after feeling more at ease with her presence than ever before.*

"Why thank you my dear, the outfit looks most magnificent on you that I simply had to say how wonderful you looked wearing it! Yes my maids and the rest of the staff are simply the best people I could ask for in helping me maintain the mansion, they're honestly amazing, just like you. Thank you for the compliment Elizabeth, you're truly so kind, and exquisitely beautiful up close, even more so than before" 

*Damien took some time to gaze at Elizabeth's beauty, it was truly something but he didn't want to feel Damien was coming on too strong for her.*

"I do apologise but you truly are something Elizabeth, truly divine*
Helga
"I appreciate all your praise Damien! My beauty was one of the first reasons I became a social media influencer! But it takes more than just beauty, I know my kind and positive personality is why so many people like me. I'm very relatable and i think that helps me inspire more people everyday!"
David
*Damien smiles upon hearing this because yes it was all so true and made sense upon meeting Elizabeth. She seemed so down to earth and approachable. And it was then that he wanted to make the first move.*

"Elizabeth, I knew that when I first set my eyes on you that I wanted to find a way to get closer to you, to understand and get to know you better. I... I would like to kiss you now if that would be okay with you?"