EVENT #13: FEYWILDS - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #13 - Feywilds

OOC event plotting | feywilds setting | NPCs | bestiary

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On June 10, a few days before the portals open, the Summoned will receive invitations delivered to their doors. The ink on the magic scroll reveals itself as you unroll the parchment.

◎ The scroll invites you to The Vermilion Court, to join the Fey during their Masquerade celebration and to meet the King and Queen. They've heard of the exploits of the Summoned, as well as your unique connection to the Singularity, and wish to host you as guests.

◎ An accompanying letter from your nation's officials assures you all details have been closely examined. Their advice is for you to accept the invitation, to prevent any political fallout, but suggest you bring a personal weapon or defensive spells - which the Fey will allow - and to take the provided portal stone that will let you portal immediately back home in an emergency.

◎ The letter also requests you to bring back information you can obtain or observe - anything at all. The Feywilds are unknown, and officials would be immensely grateful if you could help gather details. They stress that you should avoid offending or stealing from the Fey as that could be critically dangerous.

To prepare, local services in all factions such as tailors, seamstresses, jewelry makers, and similar, are instructed to provide a discount to ensure you arrive looking your best and at your finest. Even Solvunn will do away with their plainer styles to help you piece together more detailed clothes for the week.

Although very little is known about the Fey, one thing that precedes their reputation is their elaborate appearances.

The Vermilion Court

The Vermilion Court resulted from the union of the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court after the Fey emerged from hiding. The palace and most of the Fey reside in the City of the Vermilion Court. It's here you'll be staying while you're a guest of the Fey.

The Fey's isolation means their home isn't designed for outsiders. Doorways are low. Be sure to duck if you're taller than 5'6", or you'll smack yourself stepping inside. Ceilings, while also low, will allow someone of average human height to stand straight, though if you're much taller than 6'0", you'll need to be careful not to bump your head against any hanging lights.

As for furniture, fortunately, the Fey prefer to use stumps, rocks, and the ground itself as seating, so chances are you won't have to squeeze into any too-small chairs or embarrass yourself when you break their stool. Just pick a boulder and sit! Beds, however, are on the smaller side.

Making an impression with the Fey is key! Doing so will grant you some IC rewards that'll help your character with their Masquerade outfit, plus contribute to how receptive the Fey will be towards the Summoned in the future.

Further, characters will have a chance to meet two NPCs after the welcoming ceremony.

Welcoming

As the very first guests of the Vermilion Court in history, your welcome will contain a bit of fanfare. Admittedly, things do seem very structured and flashy, as though the Fey are demonstrating only what they want you to see. Nonetheless, there are no signs of maliciousness afoot. Rather, the Fey don't want to reveal all their secrets yet.

Royal Procession

You'll gather in the courtyard of the Vermilion Palace. Here, the same floating lights seen last month will announce the arrival of King Jaqod and Queen Rekhantra - current rulers of the Vermilion Court. Fey archers stand on opposing sides to create a pathway, then draw back their intricately carved bows - demonstrating incredible accuracy as arrows strike each other mid-air to form blooming fireworks that fill the sky.

Behind the archers are the disciples of Faerie, the faith followed by the Vermilion Court and upheld by the High Priestesses. Dressed in ceremonial garb, their illusory wings glow and shimmer as they perform an enchanting whirling dance. Each one carries an orb of light in their palms. The orbs resemble the full moon and are used as a prop to create shapes and designs through the air as they move.

At last, the King and Queen will arrive to welcome their guests. They assure you they're delighted that you've accepted their invitation and promise a week full of wonders - culminating in the Masquerade.

At the end of the procession, you'll have the opportunity to greet one of the following NPCs:

• The High Priestess Lady Cospraila, who is devoted to the Faerie ways
• Mestr Lord Kythros, who has a thorough knowledge of the Vermilion Court tracing back several kings

To have a short interaction, reply here to the NPC you wish to meet.

The Fey aren't aware of, and thus don't recognize, any influence characters might have throughout Abraxas or their respective nations - so there is no rank requirement.

The Cascading Boughs

Once the ceremony concludes, Fey guides will lead you to The Cascading Boughs, so named for the waterfalls that spill over its branches. High above the ground, The Boughs is one of the few locations where the sunlight is more substantial.

◎ Room Assignment

The Fey do love a good trick. Before you enter, the only thing they'll tell you is that the rooms will choose you. What does that mean? Step through and find out as the whirling portal door spits you out into a random room. Your roommate will follow through with no choice of their own.

You can somewhat fool the door in return by stepping through together initially, forcing it to assign you and your companion to a room together. Otherwise, you'll have to get along with whomever The Boughs has chosen to room with you. Switching is not possible - there's only one entrance into the lodgings wing, so what you get is where you're staying.

◎ Amenities

Luckily, The Boughs have plenty of communal spaces to spend time together: lush gardens, beautiful ponds, and an array of food and drink for guests to enjoy every hour of the day.

Need to freshen up? The baths offer warm waters which give your hair a temporary luxurious shimmer while your skin takes on a healthy, sparkling glow.

For a meditative space, you can visit The Listening Tree. Said to hear your deepest thoughts and feelings, The Listening Tree seems to be constantly humming in a low tone. The sound is soothing and almost mournful, like the call of a great whale. Speak to it if you wish, out loud or in your mind. Though it does not answer in words, you sense that it understands in its own unique way. When you leave, you'll feel surprisingly refreshed and calm, a feeling that will leave you in a gently pleasant mood for the rest of the day.

Exploring

The Feywilds is vast, but much of it contains dense woods, twisting vines, and towering mushroom caps. Lakes, ponds, and rivers run through the territory, while jagged mountains stand tall in the east.

Only within the City of the Vermilion Court will you discover more to explore: shops, taverns, and eateries populate the largest town in the Feywilds. Compared to other Abraxan cities, though, it's notably smaller - closer to a village than a city. Shops don't have prices displayed anywhere. Some citizens seemingly receive goods for free. Others receive them in exchange for an agreed-upon favor you can't understand. Theirs is an isolated society, firmly entrenched in ways that are much different than the outside world where, despite established borders, intermingling between cultures often occurs.

Nonetheless, the Fey are welcoming and curious. Some are hesitant, including the children, while others want to know who you are. Though mischievous, the Fey don't intend any harm. They'll be pleased to show you the sights: glittering lakes, beautiful gardens, many strange oversized creatures with an unusual amount of teeth, and The Duskwoods.

Shopping & Currency

Unlike the rest of Abraxas, the Fey don't accept gold or silver. Instead, they've declared that there's a unique currency you must use to make purchases. Not all of the Fey seem to participate in this type of currency. You have to wonder if they're playing a trick, but if you want to buy something, you'll have to do as you're told. To the Fey's credit, they're happy to make a fair exchange in return.

Currency options are:

◎ Candied honey pellets from the hives of a giant bee creature. They can be smoked out or put to sleep, but have a vicious sting that will itch fiercely for 12 hours.

◎ Sparkling pearls, easily obtained where they wash up on the shores of lakes and ponds, but cause you to forget one memory while they're in your possession. You must spend (or discard) all pearls to regain the memory. The memory is typically minor like forgetting your favorite food or that time you fell down the stairs, but some may find themselves forgetting a major event or even their own name.

◎ Something only the character can give. This can be anything, but characters should give genuine thought when making an offer. It could be a lock of hair, a feather from a pet, a kiss, or a valuable possession. They might have to try a few offers before one is accepted.

Each shop will want a particular currency from the list above. It might change from shop to shop, or even from hour to hour within the same shop - so act quickly! If you're having trouble getting the currency by yourself, you can grab a friend to help you with the task. Try to strike a bargain if you want. You could get them to lower the price or change to a type more suited to your skills.

As for the shops, there are boutiques with unique stained glass ornamentation for masks and attire that offer special glamours such as fine sparkling dust or a glowing aura. You can obtain last-minute additions to masquerade outfits with various shimmering enchantments. Small trinket-like weapons can be purchased, such as a pretty glass knife. You can also get larger prop-style weapons meant to accompany a costume. However, genuine weapons are off-limits. No matter what currency you arrive with, shopkeepers insist your money is no good here.

The Duskwoods

The Duskwoods refer to the deepest parts of the surrounding overgrown woods. A thick canopy of trees shadows much of the forest in a perpetual dusk-like state, lending to its name - though sunlight does stream through rare spots between the leaves. At once beautiful and foreboding, the Duskwoods encompass the aura of the Fey: mysterious, full of hidden secrets and dangers, and yet wonderfully rewarding for those who respect it and its inhabitants.

Here, you'll find berries and mushrooms, large insects to collect, and creatures to hunt. Nothing in the woods is off-limits. Hunting is a favorite pastime of the Fey, especially their foot soldiers, and you're invited to participate. Just be sure you know the way. The Fey won't be there to guide you, so you're on your own if you get lost in the tangled maze-like forest. Heavy mists and darkened trees can trick you into going dangerously off-path if you aren't careful.

Though the Fey prefer to hunt by bow and arrow or with a spear, you can take your personal weapon into the woods. Note that firearms will be frowned upon and are likely to get you removed from the area due to the excessive noise. The Fey won't tolerate anything that disturbs the natural state of their home.

For a list of wildlife found in the Duskwoods, see the Bestiary.

One or two personal weapons are allowed in the Feywilds, but don't overdo it and show up with an arsenal. Flora and wildlife should not be removed from the area.

Making an Impression

Unused to outsiders and isolated for centuries, the Fey are watching you closely to determine whether they wish to pursue continued contact. Some preferences can't be helped - they're wary of anyone large in stature, as most have never encountered individuals much taller or larger than they are, but the Fey are drawn to animal-like traits such as wings, horns, or sharp teeth. Other aspects, however, are in your hands, and you'll be able to show off a bit.

You won't be told upfront, so it's up to you to observe what's around you and use social instincts you possess to impress - if that's your goal. On occasion, if a Fey happens to see something they like from you, they'll give you a useful item.

To earn an item, submit a thread of your character performing the tasks below for approval. Threads can be in pairs or groups of any size. Threads do not need to be completed, but should contain a couple of tags from you before submission.

Once approved, we'll RNG from 1 of 3 items for each favor a character earns and provide you with the result. You can use the items to enhance your character's disguise for the upcoming Masquerade. All 3 items can be earned if you submit 3 example threads.

• A transformation potion that will grant and/or remove up to 2 appendages of your choice, such as horns, tails, or wings. For example, you could remove your horns and add wings, add a tail and hooves, or so forth.


• A perfume that hides your scent with delicate floral notes and provides you with a light charm that enhances your ability in one aspect you aren't normally good at. For example: words, confidence, musical talent, mimicking accents, or dancing.


• A powerful dye that will turn one feature of your choosing a different color. The dyes are only available in rainbow pastels or bright shades such as pinks, greens, purples, or metallics like gold and silver. They can be applied to your skin (become pink or blue!), hair, or eyes.

Tasks

The Fey can be difficult to win over, but they have a range of interests and love a good show! You'll have several chances and methods to make a good impression, even if you may stumble in other areas.

◎ Hunting Skill

Hunting is a vital aspect of life. Their hunters prefer bows and arrows, but they'll be pleased to see a skilled demonstration of hunting using any method, including magic. The Gargantuan Viper Hydra is tough to fight one-on-one. Attempting to kill one alone will surely draw the attention of onlookers. Meanwhile, the Daggermaw Slug nests in dangerous areas in the Duskwoods full of poisonous flora and toxic spores. Successfully retrieving a handful of these toothy (and tasty!) critters will prove your competence in navigating the most treacherous of environments.

◎ Physical Uniqueness

You might notice the tamed creatures around the city have decorative jewelry or painted designs on their horns or tails. If you possess horns, claws, tails, or wings, you can impress the Fey by enhancing these elements on yourself with similar delicate gold chains or paint. If you have bright, colorful hair, you can achieve a similar effect by styling it in special ways, for example by adding flowers or beads.

◎ Mount Handling

The Fey have a few peculiar mounts they use. They'll be happy to teach you how to handle one or even all of them - and the quicker you learn, the more they'll acknowledge your talent. Mounts include:

• The Pearl-Eyed Leaper, an oversized lizard ideal for moving through dense treetops. It leaps from branch to branch at great heights, so handling the Leaper requires a solid grip and a steely stomach. Additionally, the Leaper can sense nervousness and will slap you with its sticky tongue if your approach lacks confidence.


• The Luminous Greatshell, a massive snail that travels quickly over flat ground and across lakes, leaving behind a slick shimmer. Its intense speed makes handling difficult. Greatshell races through the winding Misty Rivers are an excellent chance to prove yourself. Just be careful to navigate obstacles, or the snail will stop abruptly and send you flying off.


• The Grinning Longhorn is the most challenging to mount. You must be swift and agile getting on, or else it may kick, gore, or bite from impatience. Wooden replicas are available for practice, but if you're bold, you can greatly impress the Fey by forgoing any practice. Once mounted, the Longhorn is the most versatile and easiest to direct, following your wishes through an unexplained intuition. They can traverse steep, near-vertical surfaces.

◎ Magical Demonstration

The Fey love flashy magic. Show off your spells all you want, deliberately or as a part of your daily life. Conjure items, use magic as a tool to accomplish a task such as hunting or combat, or put on a fun show to entertain the Fey children. The more flash and color you include, the more the Fey will enjoy it.

◎ Consuming Food & Drink

Some dishes in the Feywilds are familiar, but others can be more unusual. The insect-like Daggermaw Slug is a delicacy, for instance, roasted over a fire or poached in citrus-scented leaves. Large bugs can feature in many meals served, while the liquor is exceptionally potent. If you clean your plates or drain your cups, the Fey will be pleased.

◎ Conversational Storytelling

As a close-knit community, the Fey love to chatter and love even more someone who can spin an entertaining yarn. These tales are conversational - anecdotes that arise naturally when having a drink or a meal. They're less interested in stories that feel rehearsed or stiff. If you like to be at the center of attention at a party and know how to embellish, you can win over some of the Fey listening.

The Masquerade

The Masquerade takes place on the final night. By now, you're expected to have your costumes and masks prepared. Spend the afternoon adding any last touches before the big event. Carriages arrive once the sun goes down, and they won't wait long for any stragglers.

This part of the event involves two aspects: a guessing game to try and identify your dance partners and the opportunity to meet one of several mysterious NPCs whose identity you won't know.

There's also a maze to enjoy for guests who want a break from dancing. The food and wine might be a bit strange, though not necessarily unpleasant.

Preparation

It's not taboo to be seen by a select few! You're welcome to choose a close friend or two who can help you get ready for the night. The expectation is that you won't be participating in the guessing game amongst each other.

If you're particularly secretive, private enchanted dressing rooms will be provided to truly obscure your identity.

Outfits & Glamours

In the days leading up to the Masquerade, you'll see shops with masks, outfits, and accessories. Examine what's popular among the Fey to build your look to fit!

The Fey prefer avant-garde fashion, elaborate hairstyles, and intricate accessories. Where a simple ball elsewhere might involve a flowing dress and a tiara, the Fey attending the masquerades will adorn themselves with detailed headpieces, overly stylized hair, and thematic costumes.

Seelie magic has an equally important role. Illusions are used for more than changing one's hair or eye color. The Fey will cast transformative effects that alter the shape and look of their very physical forms. They might add additional limbs, give themselves tails or horns, or elongate their already spindly bodies into something insect-like.

Don't be afraid to get weird. While beauty is an aspect, the Masquerade is also about transformation. Characters are welcome to play it safe if that's what they prefer, but those who break the mold will best catch the eyes of the Vermilion Court.

Masquerade Night

Outside the Cascading Boughs, golden carriages await at sunset. Climb on in. The ride is less than an hour long, and you'll have the opportunity to meet your mysterious companions on the way to the Vermilion Palace. Small refreshments of berries and sparkling wine are available inside the carriage.

Upon entering each carriage, you'll be handed three butterfly pins, to be pinned on guests whose identities you uncover during the masquerade's guessing game.

The Vermilion Palace

As the carriages draw near, the whimsical spires of the Vermilion Palace tower over you. Some stand tall and sturdy; others twist like tree branches, adorned with windows or small balconies throughout. The palace shimmers a faint silver in the moonlight. A light reddish mist hangs low on the grounds, giving the palace its name. The mist is cool and refreshing to walk through, and leaves no stains or traces on clothing.

The stairs leading up to the main entrance appear carved from geodes. At the top, two-story tall doors inlaid with the same silvery filigree give the palace its shine. As you walk through the doors, the red mist surrounds you for a split second. Then you're instantly deposited into the main ballroom.

A disembodied voice announces you based on your chosen pseudonym or title and your appearance rather than your true name. Though you're positive you just walked into the palace, you can't tell whether you're inside or outside. The domed glass ceiling floats above the dance floor. The walls appear to be halved or missing entirely, leading to a sprawling landscape of forests and gardens. Don't stare at the ceiling for too long - you might give yourself vertigo or a falling sensation.

The Ballroom

The ballroom consists of the main dance floor. It's flanked by several seating areas with tall tables and chairs, each with a different flower motif tying them together. The lighting is gentle as the moon's glow filters through the ceiling, broken into a colorful prismatic effect. A masked orchestra plays on a rotating stage throughout the evening, playing the most popular songs in the Feywilds. As one piece flows into the next, the colors of light shift with the changes in key, pulling excited cheers from the Fey guests in attendance.

Attendants carry bottles of Full Moon Wine. The Fey never turn down a refill, and there is an expectant air that the Summoned should also accept. Strangely, the wine's taste changes after each glass. The flavor seems to be entirely dependent upon the recipient and varies from a sweet soda pop-like mixture to bubble gum left for several weeks under a table. But it would be rude to make a face if it's not to your liking, wouldn't it?

Food is much more familiar. Hors d'oeuvres make their way around on platters, and full meals are available upon request. Unlike typical hors d'oeuvres, which are small dishes meant to be eaten in a bite or two, the Fey's version is notably large. Further, no matter what you partake in, the item appears ever so slightly ... off. A deviled egg with a blue yolk, a cracker that is delicious but weirdly mushy when you bite into it, a vegetable skewer that tastes like a sweet dessert instead of savory. Like the wine, the Fey watch expectantly to make sure their guests are enjoying the cuisine.

Rose Garden Maze

Want to do more than dance? Stepping outside into the greenery will send you into a rose garden maze. Filled with the same red mist, the rose garden maze is as beautiful as it's disorienting. No dangers lurk to hinder you, though giant butterflies flutter and overgrown lizards scale the hedge walls. Their sticky tongues might steal a piece of your outfit or any food you're holding, so be careful!

Finding your way out is a bit tricky, but not overly difficult. Small orbs of light will guide you from point to point if you're feeling especially lost. The Fey like a bit of mischief, but they don't want anyone to be miserable at their grand party. You might even run into some of your mysterious companions. Maybe you can finish the maze together? Be sure to keep up your hidden identities while you do!

Completing the maze will lead you back to the ballroom as if you had never left, and you'll have the bonus of smelling like a bunch of fresh roses.

Guessing Game

Socializing with other guests is a game from the start. Fully masked and disguised, you never know just who you are talking to.

Remember those butterfly pins given to you in the carriage? Hold onto them since getting rid of all 3 is the goal! Talk to your mysterious companions, ask them questions, and deflect their suspicions yourself. Any guest you can "pin down" receives a butterfly pin from you placed on their costume.

Although concealing your identity is important, the masquerade is equally about having fun. Provide a few bizarre clues or lean into your costume (maybe you'll only communicate in a single word or a howl!) if you want to help your partner slowly figure out who you are...if they can!

Of course, if you're not very good at it, that's alright, too. It might just be obvious you're you in a mask, and you'll end the night with many pins in you. The point is to enjoy yourself. As long as you're having a grand time of it alongside the Fey and you're giving it your best efforts, your hosts will approve.

Getting rid of all 3 pins will earn your character a glowing orb activated by moonlight. During clear nights when the moon is bright, set it on a windowsill to watch a beautiful scattering of lights cast over the walls and ceiling.

Mysterious Meetings (NPCs)

During the night, you might find yourself with a dance partner or a companion who isn't one of the invited Summoned. Who are they? Well, that remains to be seen. You probably won't find out right there, though you can make your guesses. Maybe you'll get it right!

To receive a brief interaction with a mysterious NPC, fill out the form here and reply with a link to your character's top level in the event.

Only one character per player can sign up. Dances are short, so there won't be a lot of time to chat. Give your questions or responses some thought!

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Comments

— the masquerade | ota

[theidlemaiden]

a. high hopes & vertigo

[ It isn’t difficult to convince Hilda to go all in for a masquerade. She already loves a party, but the drama, the pageantry, and the opportunity to throw away her worries for a night against the backdrop of the feywild makes her heart swoon. She’ll never be an actress, but being around enough of them thanks to her work at the Old Public Hall is certainly rubbing off on her. A costume helps too. Her entire persona has changed as she attempts to channel a “cooler” version of who she is (shout out to all of the cool, badass women in her life for the inspiration).

Unfortunately she's immediately met with her first challenge in the shape of the ceiling. It’s a stunning, dizzying illusion. She’s staring so long that, sure enough, the vertigo hits her sending her staggering into someone nearby. Her wings, while they stretch out as if to help her balance, are merely an illusion and lend little assistance. ]

My apologies. [ Her voice sounds like a purr thanks to the voice modulator. ] There’s a lot to take in. [ Her eyes flit over their costume appreciatively, crinkling in the corners. It's a clear sign that she's grinning under her mask. ] Yourself included.

b. a guest must always be polite and finish all the food on their plate

[ Calling the food and drink interesting is an understatement. Her mask does pose some challenges in that sense, but it’s a future her problem. For most of this evening she’s been biding her time, collecting clues about the other party goers. Maybe this is the first time you’re speaking, or maybe it’s been a dance that begun in the carriages – either way, Hilda slides a plate of what looks like quiche were it not for the fact that it looked more caustic than delicious.

For some reason it's a bright, neon green and what should be vegetables in it are flecked purple and orange. It's in line with the rest of the fey food but it certainly doesn't look appetizing. ]

How adventurous are you with your food? [ Her long claws clink against her wine glass in a rhythmic tapping motion. ] Or maybe I should put it a little more plainly – did you want to make a little wager of it?

c. buddy system

[ The smell of roses lure her to the rose garden mazes.

Ever since the Academy, the flower’s scent has never failed to remind her of the Glocester heir she considers a dear friend. She lingers at the entrance of the maze. There’s a brief moment where she forgets she’s at a masquerade where fun had been her utmost priority. Where she isn’t supposed to think about anything but the here and now. Her eyes mist over, and instinctively her hand reaches out to grasp the hand of someone who would understand how much she missed a fussy, decorum-loving noble.

Belatedly realizing that it’s (probably) not the person she hasn’t been speaking to for weeks but someone else, Hilda snaps back to reality. Thanks to a combination of her mask and some quick thinking, she recovers and hopes that whoever’s hand she’s holding doesn’t notice her watery eyes. Instead she owns the hand holding, eyes glinting with some level of forced amusement in an effort to distract. ]

I heard that the buddy system works wonders for mazes. Why don't we tackle it together? [ Her wings flare out slightly for embellishment and her eyes shine like she's found a some sort of tasty prey. ] I promise my claws aren't too sharp.

drive-by

[nomnoms]

Bones.

[ The deep, rumbly voice comes from Nanaue, sporting a fine handlebar and spectacles painted over his eyes.

He's pointing at you as he makes his pronouncement, and immediately gets distracted by something else to wander off. ]

High Hopes & Vertigo

[everybodysterrible]

The ceiling was quite the trap to look at, Maxwell almost fell into the same state but shifted to looking around the party. They caught and steadied the skeletal themed woman easily, a somewhat cocky grin as they did. "I was hoping to catch your attention, but this is a little more forward than I was daring to hope for."

"Lady Anemone, correct? I'm- Prince Maxwell," The hesitation to remember their own pseudonym. While their eyes appreciated her outfit. And other assets as their eyes did not stay on hers entirely. Somewhere between playing the role they designed for themselves, loving skulls and bones, and perhaps other things. "Should we get you somewhere to catch our breaths?"

[theidlemaiden]

"Were you now?" The amusement is palpable in her voice even with the voice modulator, but her eyes flicker with a glimmer of sharpness at the hesitation. If she had to guess that could very well have been a slip of the tongue. Maybe she knew them. "I just got here, so I have to say, I'm flattered. If I didn't know any better, I'd almost have to wonder if the dizziness wasn't some kind of elaborate plan for me to notice you, Prince Maxwell."

Thanks to the help of Maxwell, Hilda rights herself, curling her fingers around their arm for a brief moment before offering her own arm as if she hadn't been the one who had almost lost her footing. "I'd love nothing more."

She leads them towards a part of the ballroom that looks a little thinner in terms of the crowd. "I hope you don't mind me starting with a couple of questions for my benevolent benefactor though: have you been here long? And are you actually a prince?"

[everybodysterrible]

"No, but I'm flattered you think I'm that capable at causing someone so lovely to swoon." Maxwell grinned as they kept their flirtations going. They kept their answers simple. Think of what any of their male friends from home would say, then never say that. Think of what Jesper would say, and then dial it back to a casual eight from his eleven.

Maxwell easily fell in letting Anemone lead, which probably was a mistake but it was just so much easier than trying anything else. There was something familiar with the way she spoke, even if the voice was lost on her.

As for the questions they overplayed considering the answers. She didn't know what the rules were about lying, some questions seemed obviously off limits. But asking 'is that your real title' could lead to asking 'is that your real hair' or any other sort of question that could unravel their good disguise. Which hardly seemed any fun, "The first question is easy enough to answer, I'm about one glass of wine into the evening. As for the second, would my title being as fake as our names matter terribly?"

Which was as close to a no as anyone could get, but with a small fig leaf of plausible deniability.

C - buddy system

[beautifullies]

[ It took more than one person to get Claire into this dress, Hilda included, but she has no idea what Hilda is wearing. So, when Claire comes across someone decidedly un-Hilda-like, she's completely unaware. ]

The buddy system works well for most things on Abraxas, I've found.

[ Eying the costume, she has to give it to the other person, it's impressive. ]

I quite like your masquerade costume of choice. Have you done this before? Either the maze or the dressing up this way.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Having helped Claire complete her look that evening, of course Hilda recognizes the other woman in a heartbeat. Apart from recognition however, relief prickles across her skin when she realizes that she hadn't just grabbed some random stranger's hand who may not be so welcoming or open to someone else doing that out of the blue.

There isn't any scenario where Hilda would randomly pin a butterfly to Claire, especially when she had been the one who offered to help with her in the first place. It's hardly sportsmanlike after all. But she does have a moment of wondering whether or not she should continue to hide her identity from Claire before playfully revealing it.

The praise brings about a light dusting of colour to her cheeks that is thankfully hidden still underneath her mask. Keep it together, Hilda! You're supposed to be cool in this persona - and she could still tell Claire, just all in due time.

She offers Claire a slight nod of the head, her voice coming out like a purr. ]

You're too kind. I appreciate yours as well. [ Silently, she offers her arm out so they can begin the walk through the maze. ] Mazes yes. As for the latter, not to this extent. The fey certainly know how to throw a party. Have you adjusted to the feywild?

[beautifullies]

[ Claire takes her mysterious friend's arm and proceeds through the maze. She's trying to shuffle through everyone she knows in order to play the game correctly but it's difficult when also trying to maintain her own persona. This is the part that's the most unfamiliar to her, the rest is just a party. ]

The feywild is unlike anything I've seen in Abraxas and seems...oh, I don't know. Calmer? I've adjusted, even for my ridiculous height. Of course, the calm could be a cover for something more nefarious, as someone was quick to point out to me.

[ She frowns behind her mask at the memory of Crane at the tree. He seemed so indifferent to it all. ]

But I do like this, it's so different from anything else. And the maze is actually beautiful, if we can make our way through.

b. a guest must always be polite and finish all the food on their plate.

[boltaction]

[ the person she's trying to make a bet with has the upper half of their face obscured by a bouquet of shifting wings. unlike hilda, their mouth is free to taste from the wine glass they already have halfway to their mouth. ]

A wager?

[ his voice might sound familiar to hilda, if she cares to remember. vash hadn't bothered with modulating his voice. his smile is familiar, too, warm as a pleasant afternoon.

he can apparently see through the chaos of pearlescent feathers because he leans slightly to peer at the cartoonishly-colored quiche. ]

What sort of wager?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Of course Hilda cares to remember! The voice rings a bell and she's immediately reminded of the kind, baby-faced blonde she had met in Nocwich. At least she's fairly certain that it's him. It's sort of difficult to tell when there's a myriad of feathers obstructing their features. All the better then to play the little game she'd had in mind.

A butterfly pin is seemingly conjured out of thin air, delicately pinched between two of her golden claws. Her eyes gleam from over the mask. ]

The person who can keep eating the strangest looking food gets the identity of the other. We'll probably have to keep it down of course because the last thing we want to do is upset our hosts.

[ It goes without saying that spitting it out or refusing it would be the greatest affront to their hosts - and the last thing they want is to do that! Golden eyes glint at Vash from atop her mask. ]

What do you say?

[boltaction]

[ his wings ripple with a curious flutter as she explains the ground rules of her wager. his smile only climbs in wattage when she's finished. ]

I say you have yourself a deal.

[ and without a whisper of hesitance, he scoops up the wedge of quiche and shoves the entire thing into his open mouth. it's only a little grotesque; it's not that big of a helping to begin with. the fey seem to be dainty eaters, and this is reflected in their portion sizes. either way, sorry hilda.

he makes sure to lick his teeth clean after he's done chewing-- and swallowing-- before he speaks. ]

We don't have to count that one. I already had a slice earlier. You should have some if you haven't already, it's pretty good!

[ he idly licks a flake of crust off his thumb. ]

a!

[takeatrip]

[Jayden may have also been immediately entranced by the ceiling upon his own arrival a few minutes earlier, and so is unfazed by another guest staggering into him for the same reason. He tries to help steady her for a moment, but only enough to be sure she won't fall over before stepping back and putting respectful distance between them.

It gives him a moment to take in her appearance as well, which is... Very cool, honestly. The gold and black color scheme, the intricate mask, the wings; it's all very nicely put together.]

Likewise.

[It comes out easily in the soft English accent he's affecting for the night, the persona he's playing keeping him from overthinking his words too much.]

But if we're both so entranced by something as simple as the ceiling, I can only imagine what we might be in for the rest of the night.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda would have preened if she were herself, but as it stands there's nothing about this particular persona of hers that does. She straightens up once she's regained her footing and giving him a nod of thanks.

The cool factor thankfully doesn't seem to have been dented by the fact that she had almost taken a spill moments after she had arrived at the venue. ]

Staring into the sun is generally discouraged. I imagine the rules applies here too but they fey make it an easy temptation. [ She extends a golden clawed hand towards the frosty snow cloud of a man. ] Anemone. And you are?

[takeatrip]

[It may have taken Jayden an absurdly long time to figure out a name, but he'd never admit that. Not right now, anyway.

Right now he's focused on his role, gently taking the offered hand and lifting it like he's seen in movies, though his mask means he doesn't have to figure out if it's actually appropriate to kiss. He would've decided against it anyway, so all the better that the choice is made for him.]

Nice to meet you, Anemone. Holocene.

[It's a stretch for relating to his costume, but something too on-point would've been lame, and... Who cares, he totally overthought all of this, and it's not that important. Moving on--]

Have you been enjoying your week?

a - high hopes and vertigo.

[hairington]

[ honestly, the moment steve heard about the concept of a masquerade, he was all in. costume parties were something he was actually pretty decent at back in the day, and while he knew this would be on a whole different level, it was still a party. and parties were still much more do-able than...most everything else abraxas has forced him through.

does it takes an eddie-intervention to get his look to be something actually decent? yes. but the moods are high and the fit isn't half bad. his outfit came with a lot of help from wanda, if only because while steve had an idea, he wasn't at all sure how to actually make it happen, or even how to get something with actual wolf motifs and designs down the cloak slash scarf slash whatever it is he's got on him. his mask covers most of his face, with some minor magical voice disguises (thanks, again, wanda). he's grateful for the help, because if he'd originally shown up in anything that he'd been planning on...well. lets just say he's not sure he would have stuck around.

as it stands, he feels good. he's excited. and even if he's feeling a little dizzy, but he's not the only one. a woman at his side stumbles a bit, and it's instincts that have steve immediately turning to catch her and help her stand again. ] Don't worry about it- [ he starts, and then at the compliment he feels himself grinning - a curl that can be seen just under the nose of his mask - proud of himself but also because this...this steve can handle.

once she is situated, having no idea who she actually is, steve tugs her hand up to press a small kiss to the back of her palm. oh man steve that was smooth. nice. nice. ] You're the beautiful one here.

[theidlemaiden]

[ The line (it's a line, she knows that because employs lines just as much as the next person) comes as a pleasant surprise. This is the part where a tittering, bell-like laugh would have been inserted if she weren't in a costume and donning a persona that was supposed to be vastly cooler and than she was. Luckily Hilda catches herself in the same way her masked hero had caught her. Her lips curl beneath her mask as if to match the one that she can tell is in his voice.

Flirting was still on the table because why would she pass up on the opportunity? She just had to be...chiller about it. The voice modulator definitely helps with some of that, making her voice sound like a huskier, deeper voice that practically purrs. ]

I bet you say that to all of the masked people in your life. I'm Anemone.

[ She lets her hand linger there on the back of her palm before languidly pulling her hand back. Her gaze appreciatively flits over his costume. ]

And who do I have to thank?

[hairington]

[ well, if it means anything, as far as steve is concerned, this masked woman is very cool. probably too cool for him, if he's really thinking about it, but he's got a well-received line and a mask to hide his face and shame if it goes wrong, so what does he have to lose? ]

Actually- you're the first one. [ he is on fire tonight, damn. so much that even as he pulls her hand away, he's not feeling weird about it. if anything, he uses the opportunity to take a half-step back and bow - super regal, super on point. he can totally do this. ]

I'm... [ oh shit, he didn't actually...think about this, did he? he needs a name, and of course the first one that he can think of doesn't really fit, but. it's better than anything. ] Scott- Scott Howard.

[abraxasfey]

[An invitation is offered.

The mysterious Fey that extends what must be a hand is elaborately masked and glamoured to appear as smoke within their disguise. It billows out from behind their mask and the hem of their robes in shifting blue clouds.]

Won't you join me for a dance? I simply had to ask, your disguise is so stunning.

[theidlemaiden]

[ The sudden appearance of the masked fey is met with concealed but undeniably, delighted surprise. She had been minding her own business people watching and dancing less than she normally would have simply because 'Anemone' didn't feel like the dancing type. No matter how hard she pretends though, Hilda can't deny that she loves dancing. And the added mystery of who could be behind the mask? Twist her arm.

The invitation is accepted with a humble bow much like how lords normally would back home before gently slipping her golden claws into the smoke before meeting flesh. ]

You flatter me; I would be honored. Although I have to say, yours is mystifying.

[ It's not...not a pun. ]

[abraxasfey]

Then it's working as intended.

[Hilda is quickly and smoothly swept into a dance by the mystery Fey. They know the steps well and the smoke that pours out of their robes moves and swirls in time.]

And how lucky I am, to have the pleasure of your company. I do hope you've been enjoying yourself here among us?

buddy system.

[oversurge]

[ Ever since he landed on this forsaken Planet, he's been dragged out to way too many damn parties. The stuffy kinds that he hates. It extra sucks that he doesn't even have Rude to bring with him.

But like hell he's gonna be left behind at that castle. He'd be even more bored back there. So yeah. He's here. All dressed up and shit. He's not gonna admit he hassled Hilda for some ideas, but that's exactly what he did. It's not like he's creatively bankrupt. He's got plenty of creativity. It's just usually the sort of creativity that lets him figure out the best way to blow something sky-high mid-mission and not what kinda mask he's supposed to stick on his face.

By the time he stumbles onto the maze, he's shed his outer dress for a...look. His mask shimmers with an effect that mimics flames, which travels right through his hair. He hasn't done a hell of a lot to change it, but the fire makes for a good enough disguise. It's not like a bunch of people have met him, anyway. He's been here for, what. A grand total of three months?

Sharp claws prick his palm as the lady next to him grabs his hand. He looks over. Buddies, huh? (Wait, is she...?) ] Who says I don't like 'em sharp?

[theidlemaiden]

[ While Hilda had given Reno a slew of ideas, she hadn't expected any of it to actually land. Mostly because he had been a bit of a brat the entire time and hadn't really responded in a way that gave her the impression that he really liked any of the ideas she had given him. She wasn't going to push the matter though; what he did was ultimately up to him and she had other more important things to do than try and shove him into a disguise that he didn't like.

So while she doesn't have any idea what he ends up deciding on, the flash of red hair is immediately familiar to her. Mixing and dying Reno's roots into the exact shade of red as the rest of his hair meant that she knew precisely who it was even with the added illusion of flames. And if she had somehow forgotten his hair colour? His undisguised voice and exposed chest would have tipped her off.

Granted, she had made fun of him at the time for the impracticality of this penchant to walk around with a deep v - especially up in the snowy mountains - but in spite of herself, her eyes trail from the hair down in a way that clearly indicates she's checking out his...costume. Yup. Definitely his costume.

It takes all of her willpower not to pull back and immediately recoil at the thought of holding hands with Reno. Is she supposed to say something? Did he even know it was her? Should she just put a butterfly pin on him right now? That would really annoy him so that might be fun. ]

You seem the type. [ Guess we're going the wait and see if he clues in route. She'll give him a running chance at trying to figure out her identity. ] Name?

[oversurge]

[ She'll quickly learn Reno's gonna be a brat about everything, and the only way you can tell he likes your input is if he eventually shows up having used it somewhere. You might call it a defence mechanism and maybe it is, or maybe he's just a straight up asshole like that. Bit of both, probably.

Besides, she still puts up with him. He figures if she really didn't want him bothering her, she'd just kick him in the chest and be done with it.

Unfortunately, Reno doesn't recognize her yet. She's usually got all that pink going on and he doesn't have the advantage of advising her on how she should dress for the night. Or of having seen so much of her chest as she's seen his. Long story short, should he have made a bet knowing he was gonna be starting on the deep end compared to her? Absolutely not. Is that what he did, anyway?

Yup. ]

Crimson Dive. [ He's not going for originality, but Reno gives his title in a drawl that suggests he believes it's the best idea anyone's come up with. ] And what am I gonna call you?

c..... slides in here late w/out sbux im gomen

[yoke]

[ it's late enough that wolfwood had felt it was high time he slipped away from the crowd to take a smoke break out in the rose garden, having fulfilled his quota of four (4) whole dances for the night. yeah, he's definitely earned this and no one can tell him otherwise.

the first hit of nicotine is sweet, though that can likely be attributed to the fey wine he'd imbibed liberally throughout the night. it's made him loose enough that he doesn't pay much attention to the person next to him until he feels a hand wrapping around his. and maybe it's the wine, or maybe it's instinct—years of holding tiny hands and wiping tear stained cheeks that make him shift his own in her grasp to lace his fingers through hers, settling into the valleys of her knuckles.

he had his head tipped back, exhaling smoke in a thin stream upwards before turning to meet her gaze. if he noticed the watery shine in her eyes or more likely, the brief salty tang of tears in the air, he doesn't comment on it. ]

Ain't a problem. [ he might not be a certain fussy, tea-obsessed noble, but— ] I'm pretty thick skinned.

shhh DON'T YOU WORRY YOUR PRETTY LITTLE MIND!!

[theidlemaiden]

[ The chugged wine from earlier is beginning to make her faculties a little fuzzy around the edges, so her ability to comprehend what exactly the man beside her is wearing takes several seconds to kick in.

Whatever cool demeanour dissolves as her head tilts slowly, inquisitively appraising his interesting choice in costume. It vaguely reminds her of some of the habits that the nuns had worn at the monastery - except there's no way that it would ever pass the Setheth approval test. Which is frankly enough to get a little chuckle out of her. ]

I believe it. It takes a bold, confident person to go without armour. But who needs that when you've got thick skin, right? [ She gives his hand one more squeeze before sweeping it back to her side in a dramatic bow. ] Anemone.