The enchantment was clearly upon both of the pair as they slipped completely in the darkness. To the partygoers within, there was nothing to see past that stone arch other than maybe a passing glint of silver from the mysterious female's attire, or perhaps a shimmer of vert from Claude's mask.<br/><br/>Music began in the ballroom, and it's muted tones only enhanced the backdrop of the couple's auspicious meeting. He took one more sip from his glass before sitting it upon that stone railing, turning to face the lovely companion at his side. His arm slipped from her hand, only to take it with his own. His fingers felt along her glove gently as he let his eyes meet hers once more under the gentle illumination of the moonlight.<br/><br/>"I could not agree more," Claude replied a bit breathlessly, daring step even a bit closer to the lady, "Otherworldly, indeed, are the beautiful sights I've encountered, this evening."<br/><br/>He could not explain what had come over him. Never had he been so boldly forward with a lady, yet this woman, whose very identity remained a mystery, caused his heart to flutter within his chest. How he longed to see the visage beneath that mask...