[img= http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h461/kathichan1/ariacastshot.png]

 [u][b] Los Paraisos : the Grande Diamond, 9th floor[/u][/b]

Despite the lack of people on the upper floors, it seemed like deciding to keep up her illusion up to hide herself was the right choice. As a door slammed above, followed closely by footsteps quickly descended the stairway leading up to the top floor Aria ducked behind a nearby pillar, peeking out cautiously from behind her hiding spot. Although she was currently good as invisible, it never hurt to be cautious. 

Finally getting a good glimpse of the man, Aria blinked in recognition at the suited figure of the rather serious faced blond. So Rugged Handsome Gambler Man really was working here, just like Mordie said. Did he work in security too? She couldn’t really see him all made up and in a dress serving noblemen, so he probably did. Then again she had thought the same of Chirps… She twitched before shaking her head in an attempt to drive out any lingering thoughts of cross-dressing men. Focus, girl, focus!

She held her breath as he passed by her, releasing it only when he continued down to the lower level and out of sight. The sounds of battle were still increasing, shouting and crashing getting ever closer as the guilders battled their way up top. She gave a small but determined smile. With Kenneth gone it meant that that there was less firepower upstairs, and it would make things quite a bit easier for her to go in, distract the rest of the room with some illusions and nab Marcus and Selan out of there so they could focus on rescuing the missing girls. 

Yes, that was the best plan she could think of at the time. She slid out from behind the pillar and moved towards the stairs. What kind of distraction should she-

“[i]Now, now, sweetheart. Where do you think you’re going?[/i]”

She froze, heart leaping into her throat as she whipped back with wide eyes to face the blond suited man. When had he...? She could have sworn he had left for the lower levels. She hadn't heard any footsteps approaching from behind at all, not to mention- how had he seen through her illusion? 

Despite her panic, she managed a sheepish albeit shaky smile, body tensing in preparation of whatever might happen next.

"Would you believe me if I said I was merely looking for Marcy and Selan so we could evacuate the premises like we're supposed to be doing?"