Foxy Masquerade - RPLOG
Participants
Date
16/7/477
Log
The Manor Renard is lovely tonight with paper lanterns and cleverly made lamps floating on little boats in the reflecting pool in the manor courtyard. Strange that no one can seem to remember visiting before. At the door stands a liveried servant wearing an oversized fox head mask that covers his whole head! He waits silently to inspect invitations and usher arrivals into the great hall.
Cassidy had certainly never heard of this person. Or this place. But she was here, regardless, mostly to sate her curiosity. She didn't dress up particularly special, but then... She didn't need to! Suit, mask, and hat as per usual for her as she made her way to the manor. "What an interesting evening this will be, I am certain."
Natska keeps her cloak about her as she presents her invitation to the doorman, although once she enters the great hall she slips out of it and drapes the garment over her shoulder. A faint tinkle sounds as her tail curls up and flicks, and she curiously glances around the room, wondering about the host as well.
Thelergramor is far from well dressed tonight. His 'new' overcoat left open, no shirt underneath as he hands the servant his invitation and steps inside. Being someone of little reputation, the wolf is unsure why he was invited. Thel glances about, noting the other beings who were invited.
Niele looks at the mansion from the other side of the street, then at the invitation in her hands. It certainly was the place. She was new in the country, so the party surely was a good occasion to meet some local nobles, despite no one seemingly knowing who this "Viscount" is... She walks slowly to the door, handling her invitation to the servant, a cold wind gently rustling her blue vests. Despite being dressed with her casual attire, she thought it was sufficiently fancy for such an occasion...
Jera is dressed in a new set of finery. He wears a single, black pauldron with red trim, the large piece of armor accompanying a well-kept suit. This is matched with an armored skirt going down to his knees, and thick greaves and thighplates. A more formal set of armor. He hands his invitation off and then heads into the castle.
As the last guests arrive they are each issued an oversized fox mask by a servant wearing a similar head covering. "The viscount has requested it," they reply to anyone who asks. No one is permitted to enter the great hall unmasked.
So it is, that once you finally reach the extravagantly decorated hall, everyone is draped in a variety of clothing, but wear almost identical, oversized fox heads! What a strange party. The masks are open enough at the bottom that a being can easily eat and drink from the sumptuous buffet, but they effectively mask the identity of every being present.
After a modest wait to be sure that everyone has donned their masks and made themselves comfortable, a fanfare blows, directing everyone's attention to a little gallery raised above the hall where two guards and a being in fine silver and red robes stand, all wearing masks like those given to their guests. "Good evening, dear friends!" the being in the center calls out. Or probably the being in the center calls out. Hard to tell with these masks on. "Viscount Theodore Renard bids you welcome to his party!" the male voice rings out over the crowd. "Please," he continues, "Eat! Drink! Make merry! You are all welcome here!" The finely dressed being descends a long staircase and joins the throng, moving from group to group to make conversation.
Cassidy frowns at the mask before heaving a soft sigh and slipping it on over her other mask, resettling her tophat above it. How ridiculous. "Hello, Natska, Jera, Thel. Good to see you." She closes her eyes and takes a breath before moving into the manor proper, declining the food and drink for a moment in favour of watching Theodore.
Amused by the whim of the noblefox, Natska shakes her head and then dons her own mask, the sound of her bell following her as she goes into the greathall and starts mingling. "Hello, Cassidy! And Jera, Theler. Nice night." She nods, but the motion is muted by the oversized mask. She likewise passes on the food for now, and when Theodore announces the official start of the party she politely applauds. "Who is he?" she murmurs to her friends.
Thelergramor smiles at the oversized mask, a small laugh leaves his muzzle as he puts it on. "Cassidy, Natska, and others." A small lazy wave as he heads to the food. He begins to eat, the fanfare catching him off guard as the viscount enters. Mostly he ignores him and keeps eating, and drinking.
Niele looks completely disgusted at the mask, sniffing it before putting it on. The masks will make it really difficult for her to do what she wanted, but still it seemed that she had no other option... It would surely be better than simply staying outside, after all. She takes a quick look at the group greeting among themselves, and then joins the main hall, acompanying the viscount's movements with her eyes.
Jera leaves his cloak at the entrance, taking up one of the masks and then returning the greetings before taking it on. Heading straight for the drink counter...
The being in silver who first greeted everyone finishes his rounds of meeting and greeting, then finally turns to face the gathered crowd. "Friends!" he calls out, "I welcome you all once more and invite you to join me in a game!" He reaches into his silvery sleeve and produces a packet of silver ribbons. "These lovely ribbons are a token of esteem from the Viscount," he says, and it almost seems as if his oversized fox mask smiles impishly, "Each of you will receive one." He gives the ribbons to a little flock of servants who begin to distribute them, one to each guest. "All I ask is that you return the ribbon to Theodore Renard by the end of the evening," the host explains, "Those who do shall receive a mystery prize! Those who do not, shall enjoy a lovely ribbon!" He then casually walks toward the buffet, waiting for the guests, should they choose to bring him their ribbons.
Cassidy takes her ribbon and tilts her head. "Hmm." She eyes the one in silver, then glances towards the stairs before leaning back to watch from afar, from the time being, eyes scanning over the crowd.
Natska accepts her own ribbon with a little bow; after a moment, she ties it around her wrist and turns it a little, watching the way the light hits it. "Mmm. I do enjoy ribbons," she murmurs. Her mask turns as she scans over the crowd, and her tail flicks.
Looking over the ribbon, ear twitching under the mask, Thel thinks there's some kind of trick here. He puts it deep into his coat pocket, leaves his hand there with it. The wolf grabs a drink, walks over to Cassidy, preferring to stay near his friend. Thel nods to her, drinking.
Niele takes the ribbon in her hands and inspects it thoroughly. Looking at the viscount again, she smiles and walks to the buffet table, the air around her chilling a little more than usual.
Jera gets one of the ribbons, and then decides against returning it just yet. He ties the pink ribbon to his pauldron to add to his design! And then, with a drink in each hand, he heads to the buffet. Having not paid attention to who was who, he offers the drink to another fox-mask at the table to free his hand to collect a plate of food.
A few eager souls hurry over to where the figure in silver is helping himself to the buffet. He thanks them politely a they each hand him their ribbons and murmurs something to them quietly. Some walk away laughing and others grumbling. Perhaps they did not like the mystery prize?
Jera's new acquaintance thanks him cordially as he takes the drink from his fellow guest. "What do you think of our host?" the stranger asks.
Cassidy watches quietly, a soft hum of thought and determination escaping her before she looks towards Thel. "Hello, yes. Who do you think it might be?"
Natska's tail lashes once, andthen the bell goes silent as the tail stills. She steps away from Thel and Cassidy, circulating herself into the crowd, her movements sleek and graceful as she joins the hunt. Of course, though, it is a high society fancy-dress-party hunt, and so it is accompanied by cheerful words, happy gestures, and freely given comments and compliments as she passes by party goers, getting a feel for the crowd.
Thelergramor smiles, chuckling. "You mean the viscount? I've no idea. Lost him in the crowd. Probably the one who stands out the least. Not the guy in silver. Too easy." He drinks what he brought over with him; not sure himself what it was. Having been drinking all day, Thel sees no reason to stop now. Glancing over the crowd quickly, he turns back to Cassidy. "We're supposed to bring him the ribbons, right? You have any idea which one he is?"
Niele smiles as she sees the scene. Picking up a drink, she quickly chills it with a bit of magic and starts sipping it slowly, eyeing the crowd. So, in the end, this could be fun... Her ears lift from under the mask, trying to capture the conversations around her, and, when she sees one of the persons who gave the ribbon to the "viscount" pass nearby her with a sad look in his eyes, she lifts her glass slightly. "What's up, friend? Didn't like the gift?", she says, a smug grin visible under her mask.
"Shame." Jera toasts the stranger he is talking to, looking at the stage the Viscount had been announcing from. "Do you want to find a better vantage point, hmm?" He finishes his drink and then draws his sword, still sheathed, twirling it for a few moments. "I'm sure we'll draw the Viscount's performance with a show."
No one else seems to be in a hurry to hand over their ribbons just yet. It seems that everyone who still has their ribbons has caught on to the game. Some just stand and watch, while others move from group to group chatting with the other guests. So far, no ones' behavior indicates that they might be the Viscount in disguise.
"I'm not sure what you mean," the well dressed noble says in response to Jera's question before leaning in close. "Do you mean to make a spectacle, sir?" the masked man asks, a hint of mirth in his voice, "Perhaps I can oblige." The other man draws his own saber and points it at the nose of Jera's oversized mask. "I think you are playing games with us, Lord Viscount!" the stranger cries out, tossing his drink aside! He assumes a fencing stance, "En Guarde!"
Cassidy studies her targets for a moment, tapping at her cheek. "I do not yet know, Thel. That is why I asked you! But I think I have my mark." She turns and slinks across the hall towards the sitting, portly fox. "Hello there, sir. How are you this fine evening?"
The jaguar makes her way through the crowd, enjoying the masqurade and it's excuse to disregard rank and station. She brushes elbows with random Beings, chatting here and there, and soon enough she finds herself standing near the buffet table. She looks over the offerings, selects a choice nibble, and then drifts near a vixen she had spotted earlier. "Whoever planned this party is just fantastic, don't you agree?" she greets, tone conveying the smile that her mask hides.
Cassidy isn't one to neglect the the female companion of the larger fox, certainly, offering her a tip of her hat. "And hello to you, miss! You are enjoying the party as well, I trust?"
Thelergramor manages to pick out of the crowd a few foxes setting themselves apart. As well, he identifies the servants. Seeing Cassidy 'pursue a mark', Thel decides to head for a different one. Narrowing his decision, he heads to the lady talking to a group seperate from the buffet table. "Hello, enjoying the evening?" The wolf tries to be polite, making a small unpracticed bow; dealing with high society after all. He does glance at the man who just challenged Jera, it makes him smile.
Niele gives a hearty laugh at the passers-by, and then at the two dueling gentlemen nearby. She couldn't believe people from Sweetwater were like that... Still, she keeps paying attention at her surroundings, seeing the people near her swiftly splitting up and engaging in conversation with others. So, the hunt has began... Without looking for a specific mark, she takes another drink and meshes with the crowd. The viscount could very well act like a noble, but he would most certainly be disguised... Maybe there is some servant behaving way too well around here...
Jera makes clear that even though his weapon is drawn, his strokes are aimed to entertain with broad, easily blocked strokes that are only good for the flair. "Aha, you have caught me, but the prize won't be yours unless you best me!" He hopes other prize wannabes group around him so he can narrow his list.
The lady approached by both Natska and Thelergramor nods graciously and sips from a glass of wine beneath her mask. "Truly," she says in a heavy accent, "Our host is a great player of games." The pair can almost sense the lady's smile from beneath her mask. "And you?" she asks, "You are players of games as well?"
Cassidy's mark puffs and fans himself beneath his mask. "Miserable!" the overweight gentleman grunts from his chair. "This Viscount fellow is a bloody minded bastard if you ask me,"his gruff voice comes from beneath the oversized fox head. "Making an honest Solacious skulk about in an awful mask!" His lady friend giggles demurely, but declines to speak, sipping from a champagne flute.
Everyones' speculation and subterfuge is brought to a screeching halt as the Jera and his new friend start to exchange blows in a wild, though obviously staged, fight. The whole thing looks more than a little silly with the both of them wearing giant fox heads, but it seems to have the desired effect as many spectators ready their ribbons.
After a few moments of back and forth, Jera's opponent drops the point of his sword and raises his hands. "Enough Viscount!" he says with a laugh, "You have bested me! I yield!" The man steps away and is immediately accosted by a small group wishing to give their ribbons to him, while another group appears to give their ribbons to Jera.
Cassidy tilts her head. "Oh! Another Solacious? I suppose I should have expected as much. Not often a party goes on around here that we aren't invited to, huh?" She leans against a chair and smiles softly under her masks. "It is quite toasty in these masks, though, isn't it?"
"Mm," Natska nearly murrls, and her tail flicks, ringing her bell. "I do. I quite love games," she admits, mask nodding. "People can't spend all their time being too serious, it sours the spirit. What do you think of this one?"
Thelergramor shrugs, scratches his muzzle. "Depends on what you mean by 'games'. Answer is probably yes." Thel rubs his eyes with one hand for a moment. "If you mean tonights entertainment, not often, still yes." He takes the ribbon from his pocket. "Look, miss. I'm gonna level with you; I'm a little tired, spent the last few hours drinking, and among other things, I'm just not really up to games at the moment so..." He hands the ribbon to her. "Here." Despite his words, he appears to not be in an all too foul mood, smiling and such.
"Hmmm... you don't seem too awake or alert, sweetie" Niele says to the guard near the stairs. "Do you wanna drink something to cheer up a little bit, or are you on duty?" she says, smiling behind the mask.
Jera takes his ribbon prizes and bows politely, looking at the fox he dueled with. Then he takes off his own to give it to his sparring partner. "Adulation is prize enough."
Cassidy's overweight acquaintance leans forward in his chair. "You're a Solacious too?" he asks Cassidy before leaning in conspiratorially. "You know," he says softly, "I thought YOU might be this viscount chap. I'm almost sure he or she is a fox." Nothing Cassidy doesn't already know herself.
The elegant lady speaking with Thelergramor laughs melodiously as the wolf hands over his ribbon before leaning in to whisper something to him. "I am most flattered," she says straitening up and looking to Natska."And you, dear lady?" she asks, "Do you also guess that I am the host here?" Her white gloved hand reaches out to brush down Thelergramor's exposed chest.
Niele's chosen mark straightens as she calls out to him, but when he hears her invitation, he relaxes a bit. The guard wears the same mask as everyone else, but it is easy to tell he is a young man. "Creators," he says, "Do you think you could sneak me a drink?" He looks around, the mask exaggerating the motion to comical proportions. "I've been standing here for hours," he says, "All because I told my dad over there how badly I wanted to be at this party!" He indicates the portly fox talking with Cassidy. "He got me in as a body guard, but I haven't managed to get near the buffet even once!"
Jera's dueling partner graciously accepts Jera's ribbon as Jera's own supplicants groan and move away, disappointed at being duped. The other fox leans in and speaks softly in Jera's ear then extends his hand to shake.
Cassidy smiles and bows her head. "Yes! I am Cassidy. The one that always wears a mask anyway. Of course, not a mask this ridiculous, usually. I suppose I could look the part of the host, but I don't think I am. Perhaps it is you?"
Natska queitly giggles, and shakes her head. "I am enjoying the party, and just stopped to chat. I am patient." She turns a little glancing over the party crowd. "Although, since the topic has been brought up, I would ask if you know anything of our host. Outside of this party, that is."
Thelergramor is taken far off guard by this womans rather forward behavior. Shrugging, he leans back to whisper something to her. That said he scratches his neck, taking a step back, chuckling.
Niele giggles "Yeah, you certainly didn't seem like a guard to me..." she says. So... you uncle, then? She says, looking at the person the boy indicated. "And your uncle is a guest, I guess? What do you know about our host?" she reaches her drink to the 'guard' "Maybe I can help you with a few things of the buffet, if you can tell me a little more about this party. As a guard, you were here during the preparations, right?"
Cassidy's portly companion looks at Cassidy suspiciously for a moment, then purses his lips before letting loose with a loud guffaw. "You're Cassidy, right? Preston's girl?" he asks, then looks serious. "Your dad is behind all this isn't he!" he says in a stage whisper, "So you ARE the one I should give my ribbon to!" The chubby fox fumbles at his coat and produces his silver ribbon and waves to his companion to indicate that she should do the same before passing them both to Cassidy, bouncing excitedly in his seat.
"Pity," says the elegant lady to Thelegramor before looking to Natska. "I know nothing, save I am invited," she says to the Jaguar. "I am Ludmilla Schlaufuchs," she says, "I am here visiting my cousin, Guenter and invitation is arriving for me. This is all I know."
"Thanks for the drink, Miss," the young guard says to Niele, "And it's my dad, not my uncle." He shrugs and takes another sip. "I wasn't here before the party," he confesses, "Dad got me in claiming that I was his personal guard. Sorry I couldn't help." The young man slumps a bit, then his voice comes hopefully from within the mask. "Do you suppose you could still get me some of those cream puffs?" he asks.
Suddenly, another fanfare fills the air and a well dressed, silver furred fox appears on the balcony. He wears no mask and his self satisfied smile is plainly evident. "Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen," he says, his cultured voiced tinged by some kind of accent and his five silvery tails swaying behind him, "I am the Viscount Theodore Renard! I hope you have enjoyed my game!" He starts to walk leisurely down the stairs. "If any of you still have your ribbons," he smirks, "I believe my steward told you that you could trade them with me for a prize!"
Cassidy giggles softly as she receives the ribbons from the pair. "Yes, Preston is my father! But he isn't the one putting all this together. At least, not to my knowledge. But I'm pleased that you think I am the target!" She gives a little bow and waves her own ribbon towards Theodore as he declares himself. "Why yes, I have mine!" She starts to make her way in his direction, intent on handing over her ribbon.
Natska nods to the lady, and extends a hand. "Natska, of the Freesword's Guild. If you need anything handled while you are in the city, you should send for one of us." The fanfare draws her attention, and she raises a hand to the vixen. "I am going to go turn in my ribbon. You have an excellent night!"
Thelergramor bows to the lady again. "I'm a freesword too, if you need me, my name is Sewerin Calvanis." Fake name clearly, to those who know him. "And, I seem to have lost my ribbon; keep it. No need for a prize." Another laugh, while he watches to see what will be offered, hands in his pockets, ears twitching.
Niele smiles "Sure, I can. Just keep and eye around and tell me anything strange you see, ok?". She winks from behind the mask to the guard standing near the noble impostor "I'll make sure to grab a few extra to you, too." she says, going to the buffet table and coming back with a few cream puffs, handling one to each guard, and eating one herself. "Hmmm... I assume both you and your father are from a noble family then, for him to be able to bring a bodyguard into the party... I'm from noble heritage myself, too. May I ask your name?" she asks him, before the appearance of the "true" viscount. "Hmmm... sneaky bastard... He was not in the hall this whole time? That's kind of cheating, you know?". Still, she was getting an odd feeling, and decides to wait a little bit before handing her ribbon to anyone.
The Viscount laughs happily as the few beings who still have ribbons draw near and offer them to the multi tailed fox. "Now, now," he says, that strange accent tinging his words, "If you have lost your ribbon, there is no shame in it! Consider it a lesson learned and enjoy the rest of the party!" He smiles and a collection of wrinkles form around his eyes. The silver fox waves to a servant who brings a stack of boxes out to hand out to the beings who had not given away their ribbons.
One eager guest cannot wait to see what she has won and pulls on the string tied around the little parcel. With a loud BANG! the package explodes into a cloud of confetti! The Viscount howls with laughter and waves a hand, setting off a chain reaction and all of the parcels explode similarly, filling the air with confetti and streamers!
When the air finally clears, the party guests find themselves standing back in the castle district plaza, surrounded by confetti, with funny masks on and a silver ribbon in their hands, whether they had saved it or given it away. What a party!
Cassidy keeps her 'extra' ribbons on hand after her parcel explodes. "Ach. Oh dear. At least I have pretty ribbons." She rubs at the back of her neck before huffing, finally wandering off to acquire a drink for herself and let the party wind down.
Natska laughs happily and ties the ribbon back around her wrist. "Maybe I should keep the mask, too," she muses, tail waving. Then she takes the mask off, gets a good breath of the clear night air, and moves off down the road.
Thelergramor removes his mask, keeps it with him as a souvenir. Heads back inside to stuff his pockets with alcohol. No reason to let it be wasted.
Niele sighs, seeing that the fox that just appeared indeed was the viscount. She gives the ribbon to him, giving a small bow, and tries to speak with him, before the chain explosions made her shut up. Seeing herself at the castle plaza again, she shrugs, and stores the ribbon in her hands in a small pocket inside her robes. All in all, it was a pretty fruitless night. The masks prevented her from making any meaningful contacts in town, and the only meeting she had was interrupted by the appearance of the viscount, whom she didn't even had a chance to talk to... Well, she was going to just go back to her business now. Sweetwater people surely where strange...
