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.
