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

[ordinar]

The question pulls his attention away from the mess he's conjured to the stranger who's now tipping his hat at him. Well, maybe he's a stranger, or maybe he's someone Wilhelm already knows, but it's hard to tell through so many layers of elaborate costuming. Having been caught in this mistake, his expression — or what can be seen of it — twists awkwardly.

"It just kinda...happens sometimes," he explains, shrugging at the rippling mass of shadows he's just stepped out of. "Not a big deal."

Thank god dismissing it follows the same principle as extinguishing his fire magic, and he's gotten good at that. Gathering his focus with a slow breath, he waves his hand and snaps it shut. The darkness shrinks, then fades like smoke. Wilhelm's shoulders slope with a sigh.

"Yeah, a drink would be awesome right now."

[everybodysterrible]

Maxwell flags down a server and collects two drinks, with no idea what is in them or how they taste. Because consistent drinks with consistent flavors is a foreign concept here, but they do have alcohol and that's the only point that matters.

"Yes, because vulgarity at parties often happens when something isn't a big deal." Their words are harsh, but their tone playful, and their expression kind. They hand over one of the two glasses. Still the darkness vanishes, and Maxwell watches intently as it works. Wild Magic is the only one that serves emotion rather than design, right? "So, intent on finding someone pure of heart to kiss you back into a prince. Or will this go the other way and turn them into a frog?"

If he wants to talk about what's bothering him, they'll open that door again later. But for now it felt like teasing was the play of the day. And Maxwell has gotten quite used to teasing this night.

[ordinar]

He accepts the glass and, raising it in a silent toast to Maxwell, knocks back a long sip. Whatever is in it tastes like a fruit he can't name and cinnamon and honey. Finally, a grin cracks his lips at the joke.

"I think I'd rather be a frog."

This might sound like a joke in return, but it's not. He was relieved to have left his title, and all the expectations attached to it, behind when he got pulled into this world. For a year now, he's lived out the fantasy of being nobody especially important. It's definitely not the ordinary life he wished for, but...it's something, and he's trying to make it his.

Struggling, more often than not. Maybe Maxwell is an answer to his loneliness — at least for now. He showed up when Wilhelm needed it. He's funny, friendly. The thing about masks is, you can imagine whoever you want behind them. Wilhelm considers him over the rim of his glass as he takes another sip.

"So what should I call you? I know we're not supposed to use our real names, but...I'd feel kinda rude just saying, like, hey you all night."

[everybodysterrible]

"Pretty sure fairies can make that happen." Leaning into the bit rather than calling it out for what it was. It was a weird joke to make, at least this earlier. The morning after when whatever this fey wine has worked through them and they regret all their actions of last night it'd make sense. But here and now? They put that joke in the same pile of evidence as the dramatic entrance™ and the swearing.

"Maxwell," They left the borrowed title of prince off, as they've had multiple people ask if they were really a prince. Didn't want to deal with that question again, it was boring. And mostly he seemed in need of a friend, more than he needed the game of sleuthing out each other's natures. "At your service."

They flourished a bow, right arm out wide holding their glass, twisting against the motion of their body to keep the glass from spilling. And when back up, glass to their lips immediately. Waiting for reciprocity on names.

rip me for losing this notif

[ordinar]

The exaggerated flourishing pulls a smile out of him, or maybe he's just looking for any reason to smile. He's desperate to get out of his head for the rest of the night, to have fun and not just fake his way through it. Copying Maxwell, he stages a bow with his wine glass in one hand and the edge of his lilypad cape in the other.

"Fernando," he introduces, emphasizing the first syllable more than necessary. He thought he was pretty clever when he picked his pseudonym, but after hearing it boomed over the crowded ballroom, he's less certain. "Nice to meet you."

It feels like more than a perfunctory nicety this time. Wilhelm — or Fernando, as he's trying to be, because maybe trying on a different name can be like trying on a different self — tips back more wine.

"Yeah, maybe if I get the Fey to like me enough, they'll turn me into a frog for real."

[everybodysterrible]

"Fernando the Frog, has a good ring to it." Maxwell puts their weight against the edge of the table, a relaxed casual stance, open and a little cool. Feigning to think more of it. "Hopping around the fairy forests, fixing furniture and folding finery for the fair folk, getting food and- some other word that starts with 'f' for their trouble?"

Okay alliteration is fucking hard. Cut them a break. They made an effort.

"Still," Maxwell makes a show of looking him tip to toe, they'd already looked at him trying to measure if he was someone they knew. But thus far hadn't felt confident. "Seems like a shame to me."

[ordinar]

He cracks a chuckle at the alliteration, and is halfway through inventing a new verse to add — something about french fries — when Maxwell tosses out that last comment. His grin hangs crooked in confusion, and behind the frog mask his brow crinkles.

"What is?"

Give him a few seconds to stumble back through the conversation. Something about finding someone to kiss him back into a prince. And he'd answered, stupidly, that he'd rather stay a frog. Oh. Struck by the realization that Maxwell might be flirting with him, he shuffles his wine glass in his hands, suddenly and sharply aware of the way his body occupies space. But with this prickling comes a fluttering of thrill too. It's a much nicer feeling than the crumpled up ache he felt ten minutes ago.

[everybodysterrible]

That's a weird reaction to flirting, thinks someone who spent a great deal of time entirely unable to process it. But sees no reason he might have such a reaction. But he hadn't stopped them, or tried to leave.

"This is where you flirt back, or at least say something more to let me keep flirting with you." Their smile is gentle still, playful tease to their voice. Definitely trying to see if they can get him to play along, or at least offer a hearty rebuff.

"Of course," shifting gears and trying to lighten the mood, cavalier disregard for the impropriety of the concept, "We could try to get you turned into a frog, maybe a seven foot tall monstrous frog creature. You could terrorize some country sides, appearing out of inky darkness atop weary travelers. It'd be a memorable life."

[ordinar]

"Right, sorry." He shakes his head. Did he just apologize for sucking at flirting? Fuck, like that makes it any better. Let's try that again. He runs a hand through his hair — well, as much as he can with a circlet of flowers and ferns sitting there.

"We could...try it out later. See if you can break the spell."

Wilhelm grins like it's an inside joke they're sharing, a secret code that they're just starting to invent. It's not like him to be so forward with someone he's just met, but he's trying to be anyone but himself right now. The mask lends him some confidence, and the Fey's strong wine lends him a little more. Still, he rushes to the next part.

"And if that doesn't work, getting turned into a giant frog will be my backup plan."

[everybodysterrible]

See, sucking this bad is endearing. Both because they get it, but also because they can poke it with a stick. Like that he invited them to kiss after being transformed into a frog, which is just too good an opening to pass up.

"If I'm honest, I'd rather the kiss before you're a frog. Fae fashion has me a little more open minded, but I am going to stick to mammals if possible."

This may, or may not, have to do with the annoyingly hot fox guy that definitely didn't wreck their fucking psyche earlier.

"See, you have a plan now. And a back-up plan." Compared to the fight with his own darkness that had to be an improvement, "Things are looking up."

[ordinar]

It's a major improvement. Wilhelm is half curiosity, wondering who Maxwell really is, and half insouciance, gravitating toward whoever can squash his loneliness down. The other's costume reminds him of the three musketeers, heroes swooping in to save the day. That's exactly what he needs right now.

"Wow, way to be species-ist," he protests with a pretend pout. "If I was already human, there wouldn't be a spell to break."

More of the wine, to help lighten him. Then he leans in closer, tilting the painted frog eyes of his mask toward them.

"Look into my frog eyes and tell me that's not cute."

[everybodysterrible]

Swashbuckling and heroic was the main design they went for, someone who could swing down from a high balcony on a rope and it'd make reasonable sense. Not that they would do that, that's a little too much for this party (or maybe not).

"I'm not saying I wouldn't kiss you back to human, I would just enjoy the act more without frog lips involved." Frogs not even having lips being a pretty big portion of this. Also their mouth opens like a trashcan and it's basically the worst nightmare of kissing.

They do as offered, and stare into the painted frog eyes, making a good show of it. Keeping the distance narrow and their attention focused, "I can see what you're talking about," their attention shifts to looking into his eyes, "you have cute eyes."

But then they step back, and tsks. "Doesn't change the slimy feeling of frogs. Sorry."

[ordinar]

He catches it a lot faster this time. Maxwell isn't studying his mask but staring right through it at him when they say cute eyes. There's that fluttery feeling again, like butterflies bursting into a cloud of flight somewhere in his guts. Suddenly, Wilhelm is really glad he picked a mask that doesn't cover his whole face. He might need his lips later...

"The slime is part of the charm," he jokes. Technically, he's pretty sure it's not slime that makes a frog's skin slippery, but a protective mucus. But he's not that bad at flirting, Jesus. His eyes float the room for a moment as he sips his wine, landing on Maxwell again with an expectant weight.

"I haven't really gotten a chance to look around yet. I heard there's a rose maze...?"

[everybodysterrible]

"Interesting," there's a telltale smirk to the end of how they are applying 'slime is part of the charm' in a way less proper than perhaps one would at a gala such as this. But they didn't say that, merely think it very loudly and let their jaw express it.

Maxwell had mostly stuck to the main ballroom. Something about wandering into the dark with faeries is- I don't know, stupid. Counterpoint, of course, is that wandering into the dark with someone else is a great way to find a little bit of privacy. So not their first call, but certainly not going to say no. They place themselves at Fernando's side, casually hanging from his arm like they were meant to be there, "Lead on, Sir Frog."

[ordinar]

Now he too is considering the innuendo that Maxwell's smirk twists his innocuous joke into. All the benefits a little slipperiness grants. Wilhelm has to suck in his lips to keep a grin from splitting his face, and a laugh puffs out of his nose in a little snort. He's already enamored. Well, or something close enough to it, the product of a spark of thrill reacting with a dense accumulation of loneliness.

It feels nice to have someone tucked against his side. To be part of a pair instead of wandering the party alone.

"Of course, Sir Maxwell," he teases with facetious pomp.

He isn't sure where this rose garden maze is, but he figures moving toward the edge of the room is a good start. There has to be a door somewhere in the half-vanished glass walls. As they weave their way through the crowd, he keeps sneaking sips of the wine to bolster himself. He wants to keep saying the right things so that this bold, funny boy will stay longer.

[everybodysterrible]

Oh good, he's got there too. They were worried he wouldn't quite see the line their mind made on the charm of slippery surfaces. Which gives their smirk a little more intent to it. He's cute, but seems absolutely unprepared for all of this. Maybe that's for the best, no playing the game here. Just enjoying company having a little anonymous fun.

They look up expecting a proper lead, but perhaps he didn't get as much of the room in that inky darkness he seemed attached to. Maxwell finishes their glass, an easy move, like drinking weird things isn't foreign to them at all. Then sets it aside and gestures toward the maze. "That way."

Helping.

[ordinar]

He should be better prepared for all of this, given how much time he's spent in Jesper's wildly flirtatious company — and given how often they get naked and, yes, slippery together. But the dance is different with somebody new. He's having fun learning the steps, seeing where it sweeps him away to.

Pretending that he meant to do so all along, Wilhelm bends his path in the direction that Maxwell indicates. By the time they reach the tall glass doors, flung open to the night air, he has also thrown back the last drop of his drink. It burns sweetly down his throat, starts to blur his edges — it helps that he hasn't eaten anything yet. Abandoning the empty glass on a table, he grabs Maxwell's hand and pulls him out onto the veranda. At the bottom of the gleaming stone stairs, marked by an arch of roses bridging the hedges on both sides, is the entrance to the maze.

"Come on," he urges with a grin, tugging Maxwell along.

[everybodysterrible]

Meanwhile, someone carefully took note of Jesper's wildly flirtatious company. Incorporating it into their disguise and their behavior. Not quit the showman however, that they couldn't emulate if they wanted to.

Maxwell has no issue being pulled along. Putting some skip in their step to better keep pace. They aren't exactly tall. But not as short as one might expect. In any event their skip-steps get some decent height as they follow along. There's a slight laugh, not mocking just excited, at the start of their words, "Someone must love roses, mazes, or privacy?"

Leaving some options if their Frog Prince wishes to slow down, or speed up. Socially speaking, please don't speed up literally. Offering a chance to enjoy the flowers and the wandering, or other interests once they find a dead end.

[ordinar]

Wilhelm might have a thing for short little slips of boys anyway. They're good for draping yourself over and wrapping your arms around. So many of the guys around here are so tall — and that affords its own advantages, but that's not why he's thinking about it right now. It makes him wonder again who Maxwell really is.

There are more pressing mysteries to solve, though, like which fork in the path will lead them to a dead end the fastest, and what's the right length of time to wait before he pulls them in for a kiss, and how to balance playing it cool with getting what you want.

"Yes," he answers without specifying which thing he's saying yes to. The curl of his lips should tell Maxwell that the ambiguity is deliberate. Now that they've plunged into the maze, Wilhelm does slow his step, but he hasn't let go of Maxwell's hand.

[everybodysterrible]

Maxwell favors their lacking height, sure it has limits. But when it comes to a sofa full of people you can easily end up in any lap comfortably enough. The right size to cuddle up next to someone and fit perfectly in the space under their arm.

Being held onto in such a fashion was a weird feeling. They wouldn't call it romance, but being in someone's possession was somewhat interesting a flutter in their chest. Especially when the goal was quite obviously privacy, for the usual reasons one seeks privacy out.

"If the concern is being seen, don't you have a magic we could use once we find a dead end?" Maxwell's didn't feel confident enough in their wild magic to attempt an element they didn't regularly use. But one of them did arrive in a cloud of shadows. "Although, we are wearing masks. How much privacy do we truly need?"

[ordinar]

No, it's a little too hasty to really be called romance. It's more like whatever Romeo and Juliet had going on — an impulse born from heartbreak and a desire to rebel against something, bound to burn them down. But Wilhelm is happy in this little bubble of a moment, where the indefinite dread of the future that usually buzzes around him is supplanted by excitement for what could come next.

"It's not about being seen."

Though, having had an intimate video of himself go viral still casts a shadow into the present. He's had to unlearn the assumption that everyone is following his every move when he's so much as holding hands with a boy.

"It's about getting interrupted." Punctuated by a squeeze of Maxwell's hand, fingers lacing together. Then a laugh, eyes hiding in the roses. "I don't know if I could concentrate on magic when I'm so...distracted."

[everybodysterrible]

Maxwell is only average at playing innocent. Pretending they don't know what he wants to do. Pretending he doesn't know what they're also about doing. Maxwell isn't ready for sex, for the pure practicality of how much work this costume was to put on. But they picked a half-face mask for a reason. Maybe it's the Disney Princess in them. And how much kissing was both enjoyable, and absent from their life.

Maxwell swings to walk backwards in front of their frog prince, hands still connected. The words come out even and mildly curious. But the smirk on their lip more than makes up for what the tone didn't carry. "What about me is so distracting? What exactly are we going to be doing where an interruption would be so bad?"

They can hold this game of chicken for a few beats, to look him in the eye, see how he reacts to the teasing. Glancing around to find a space that feels hidden enough. Before slipping back to his side and letting him lead them to whatever adventure he had working in his head. Which Maxwell carried a similar intention.

[ordinar]

Wilhelm's life isn't exactly barren of kissing. Jesper obliges him whenever he asks, Horizon hookups and dates in Nocwich that end in a badly lit booth at the back of a tavern. But while he's fond of Jesper, and grateful for the connection they share, he still feels that something is missing. He remembers what it was like to be in love and be loved in return. To have someone all to yourself. It's a bruise on his heart now, one he keeps prodding, waiting to feel something there other than hurt.

Maybe Maxwell isn't that someone. Maybe they are — half an hour is too early to call it. It's a nice daydream to indulge in, this night being the first page of their story. Tapping at his shoulder is the reminder of how things went the last time he let himself dip too far into idle daydreams. I'm sorry, Wilhelm. I do not have the freedom to give you what you desire. He brushes it off.

He just wants to have fun. To forget about everything else.

"Something like..."

Pulling Maxwell's hand up to his lips, Wilhelm bows into a kiss, heat brushed across knuckles. He holds his gaze steady in their game of flirtation chicken until he draws back and lets their hands swing between them again. A grin pulls at his lips. His eyes flick over to Maxwell to see what they'll do next.

[everybodysterrible]

She let a slight gasp leave her lips. It wasn't an act, a part of the charade. She's not used to tenderness, so any form of it is still the surprise.

They recover quickly though, putting their tone back to rights after. Their face schooled to the regal demeanor they'd been wearing most of the night, their mask under the mask. "I see, but I think that wouldn't be enough to distract from the use of magic. Maybe something else."

Again Maxwell steps into his path, but much closer this time. Close enough to press their free palm against his abdomen, then let the hand trail up over his disguise slowly. Pushing their weight off of their heel to their toes to move closer to his face. Hand trailing over chest to shoulder and resting there for leverage, bridging as much distance as they can to his face.

"Distracting enough?" If he tries to close the gap, Maxwell will pull away. As they have yet to find a dead end. They just felt he needed motivation.

[ordinar]

He can see the way Maxwell's mask wobbles — not the literal mask hiding their face, but the roguish swagger they've put on as part of the costume. It flutters in him, the realization that he's having an effect on them. The desire to discover what else will get a reaction out of them.

Maxwell, it seems, has thought of the same game. They'll feel the way his stomach sucks in under their touch, and his chest stretches subtly to meet their fingers, surprise splitting open to excitement. The sheer fabric makes it easy to imagine their hand dragging heat over his bare skin. As if compelled by gravity, Wilhelm does, in fact, lean in. He's close enough that Maxwell's breath brushes his lips, like their words have a real weight. His eyelids flutter half-shut — and that's when Maxwell pulls away.

A frustrated noise tangles in his throat, turning into a laugh. He shakes his head as if to say you got me.

"Getting there," he answers, picking a turn and praying it leads to a perfect make-out spot.