Roisin stopped the carriage outside the town to read the sign. She had traveled fast and drove her horses hard. They did well and deserved to rest and to eat once she got inside the town. She would let them have their rest now while she consults her map. Roisin jumped down and then lead Belle out to do her job. While Belle was sniffing about, Roisin petted her horses and spoke to them.<br/><br/>â€œYeah, the two of you did very well indeed. In a bit I shall go inside to check the map, instructions and change so that I look presentable. I will give ye some oats to munch on while I seek out to find a place for us to stay.â€<br/><br/>Belle came up and barked as she wagged her tail.<br/><br/>â€œYe be done then, girl? Let's go inside. I'll feed you then I have some things to do.â€ Belle spoke to the puppy as she put the young pup inside the wagon.<br/><br/>Once Roisin was inside the cabin part of the wagon, she feed Belle who ate the food greedily. She then took the letter out of the hidden compartment and reread it. She then composed a note.<br/><br/>'To whom it may concern:<br/>I have arrived safely. I will seek employment immediately after I find a place to stay, inquiring of both as I go. Hope all is well.<br/>Gratefully Me'<br/><br/>Roisin rolled up the note and placed it in a tiny tube then sealed the tube with the ring she was given. After attaching the tube to the homing pigeon and releasing it into the air where the pigeon circled several times before it flew back to where Roisin had left from.  Roisin then closed the shutters and locked them.<br/><br/>Roisin looked in the closet to find a dress to wear. Finally, she decided on a dark blue skirt with a deep green blouse. A brightly colored laced up the front kind of a vest with an Irish design of the mythical unicorns frolicking in fields of flowers. She laced the vest with care. Roisin brushed her hair until it shone brightly. She then took out a deep green ribbon which she tied her hair back in a high pony tail. She then took out a drawstring purse and put some money it. Then getting out another one, she did the same. Each one was a different color. After that she took out a larger one and put both of the smaller ones inside it along with a comb, her key to the wagon and other odds and ends. A final small purse was filled with puppy treats. She got the leash and snapped it on Belle's collar before heading out the door.<br/><br/>Roisin sat down with Belle at her side. She sent the horses a light flick of the reins which made them head into town. As she headed into town, Roisin was looking around at people who were moving about and chattering away about the ball. She also noticed that a few people were dressed up with masks on their faces for some odd reason. A black carriage was sitting off to one side where she just happened to park the wagon. She jumped down to tie the horses up and gave them their feed bags of oats to munch on. Suddenly, Belle took off running into the general store.<br/><br/>â€œBelle! Stop right there!â€ Noirin yelled at the puppy and gave chase into the store, excusing herself as she ran into people as she went. Belle barked happily for she thought it was a new game designed to relieve her boredom and restlessness. Belle ran thru the store darting between the people's feet and under the bins of items that were for sell. Suddenly, Belle stopped and sniffed. Belle stretched up and sniffed again.<br/><br/>She had found some feathers! She pulled out a fan and mask set that had deep green and deep blue feathers with sparkling dust on them. She dropped down to all fours and took her prize under the bin to examine more closely. Belle nudged the feathers with her nose.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Roisin was calling for the puppy and was being directed to the puppy by angry patrons of the store. Finally, Roisin caught up with Belle who saw her and took of on a run, carrying her prize with her. Roisin ran after Belle, yelling as she went. Belle headed out the door and towards the alley where Belle stopped at suddenly with a yelp and quivered in fear, allowing Roisin to catch up with the run away puppy.<br/><br/>As soon as Roisin caught up with the Belle, she felt an intense tingling in her body which made her heart race. She peeked around the corner to see a tall man with green eyes, climbed into the carriage. To Roisin it meant only one thing as she pushed herself against the wall next to a whimpering Belle who had dropped her prize. The aura around the man was very intense and very strong of magic. A note fell not far from the carriage but it left before Roisin had gathered up enough courage to investigate. As Roisin bent down to retrieve the stolen prize, she also picked up the note. Out of curiosity, she read it out loud:<br/><br/>â€œCome one,<br/>Come all,<br/>Welcome the Grand Ball!<br/>For here the strong run for cover,<br/>And the weak stand tall.<br/><br/>If you're not afraid,<br/>Welcome to the Masquerade............. What is a Masquerade?â€ Roisin mused to herself as Belle ran off to investigate something.<br/><br/>Soon they were in a merry chase thru the town and up to a door that had opened. Enchanting music floated out just begging to be listened to. The music was actually compelling Roisin to go inside and dance the night away yet Belle was inside doing what ever it was that she was doing.......<br/><br/>Hesitantly, Roisin slowly walked up to the door and peered inside. She saw a lady in red and had a red feathered mask on. A gentleman in mostly white with just a bit of grey in his immaculate suit was at her side. They stood out more than the rest because Belle just ran past them and Roisin called out<br/><br/>â€œStop! Belle please stop.....â€<br/><br/>But the puppy didn't stop until she bumped into the man from the carriage. The puppy laid down and whimpered.<br/><br/>â€œBelle, you naughty puppy!. I am so sorry about her, Mister. Please forgive her..... she is only a puppy and not even 3 months old.â€ Roisin spoke quietly as she picked up Belle then glanced up at the man. Roisin swallowed hard and went pale.