EVENT #13: FEYWILDS - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #13 - Feywilds

OOC event plotting | feywilds setting | NPCs | bestiary

---

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!

---

Comments

[oversurge]

[ Oh, like hers is any better. Reno starts off down the maze of hedges. Everything here is green and flowery and yeah, he hates it. He's not about getting lost in the woods, okay?

The pollen tickles his nose and he sneezes. (No one's told him he's allergic, but this seems to be pretty much what's going on any time he's near a garden. Look, it never mattered when there were only ever neatly trimmed potted plants and maybe a bouquet or two at the office party.)

The way she says hobby makes him squint at her a little. He takes his hand back, flicking back a lock of fiery hair. The effect's weird, and he's not sure how he likes all this enchanted shit, but he can wrap his head around it if he just figures it's like a hologram.

Then he starts off down the row of rose hedges. ] Now that's for you to find out. What do you think my favourite hobby is?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Actually it's her favourite flower so at least she went with something she knew and actually sounds like a name. Meanwhile Reno's sounds like the name of some corny hero from a cheap two copper fantasy novel. Not that there's anything wrong with that, she's just trying to make a point.

Hilda expects to feel some sense of relief when Reno relinquishes her hand. She had been holding onto it for appearances sake, but when he lets go there's a prickle of something else. Surely it has to be annoyance that he held on for as long as he did. There's no other explanation really.

Shaking off the thought she takes off after him. ]

We just met and you're already trying to make things difficult. It also seems pretty rude to assume that giving people a hard time is a hobby of yours. [ She says it teasingly enough but she's seen it first hand. ] Can I at least get some hints?

[oversurge]

[ Deep down, Reno's probably got a shitty fantasy book or two shoved in his nonexistent bookshelf. It's an indulgence, okay? He can't always be reading reports from HQ.

A smirk spreads across his face. ] What, don't tell me you like it easy.

[ He's gonna take that little tease in her voice as encouragement, even if it's not supposed to be. But yeah, he can give a hint. He's been thinkin' about it since that conversation with Hilda (and isn't it ironic he's having that conversation again? Which—maybe that's a clue here and now, but he's been drinking that high-proof Fey stuff all night, so what brain cells he's got aren't connecting like usual.)

He peeks around one of the leafy hedges. ]

Here's a hint—it doesn't happen on the ground.

[theidlemaiden]

[ So he does have hobbies! That's kind of cute in an objective way that definitely has nothing to do with the person it's attached to. ]

Do you want me to say that I like it hard?

[ Yes, she's fully aware of what she's saying but it's not like Reno(?) is going to know it's her unless the mild attitude she gave him is another clue. Regardless, it's too late to take it back. She tries to reel herself back into the cool, aloof persona that she's attempting to don and focus on the hobby guessing game. ]

In the air...Does it have to do with flying?

[ She can't recall him mentioning anything to do with that. But who knows? Everyone is full of surprises. She can't imagine him getting along with any kind of flying creature that she knows though. ]

Or maybe flying something else? Like a kite?

[ She can't imagine him doing that either, but it's not guessing if she doesn't try. ]

[oversurge]

[ It's a bit of a clue, like something familiar that niggles in the back of his head. Not the attitude, but specifically, just, the way she talks to him. Feels like he knows it or he's heard it before.

He clicks his tongue. ] Got it in one.

[ The first thing, not the second. Why the hell would he be flying kites? ]

Your turn. Gimme a hint.

[ Two can play this game at once. Besides, he's getting curious now, and they're still lost in this damn maze. Lots of time to kill, lots of conversations to go through. Lots of...butterflies flapping in his face and pollen going around. He frowns, swatting one of the fluttering insects away. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Her eyes glint with some level of satisfaction. Except can it be considered an easy win when it had been perhaps a fairly obvious answer? Maybe she shouldn't read into it too much. A win is a win.

The question as to what he flies still remains to be seen, but before she can ask him he's already turn the subject back towards her. Thankfully watching him struggle with the butterflies flapping in his face is both amusing while providing some time to think about what hint to give. ]

I enjoy making things.

[ Is that too obvious? Too broad? It feels about on par with what he had given her.

Her amusement is short-lived as one of his swats is successful. A butterfly goes flying right towards her face. Hilda barely has time to dodge it before turning to look at him with a look that clearly says, What the fuck? If the hint doesn't jog anything, the glare might. ]

[oversurge]

[ He's about to ask what things (like, sweaters? Scrapbooks? Guns?) when she gives him that look. And yeah. That does, combined with her I make stuff and all the earlier bits, jog it for him. 'Cause let's tell the truth here, in the short amount of time they've known each other, he's gotten that look a lot. Real familiar with it, in fact.

He ignores her indignation over the butterfly. Whatever, she dodged it, all right? And yeah, this whole masquerade party thing's got that romantic vibe if you're into it, but Reno doesn't do romance. He's not tryna woo anyone out here.

Instead, he just. Peers at her. For a few seconds.

Man. What the hell are the chances. ]

You gotta be shittin' me.

[theidlemaiden]

[ The thing is, it doesn't even occur to her that her glare is more characteristic than the hint she had given him. Making things should have been a giveaway to anyone who had spent more than five minutes with her which...for some reason they had.

When Reno voices what she thinks is realization, Hilda's own eyes widen a fraction in question before she quickly scrambles for a butterfly pin. He caught on a lot faster than she thought he would. And while she had initially felt a little guilty for being 99% sure it was him earlier, she refuses to give him the satisfaction of thinking that he figured out her identity first. It's not her fault that he decided to wear the equivalent of a fancy bathrobe, and it definitely isn't her fault that he didn't tie it so that his chest was out for everyone to see and possibly use that to identify him.

It's childish, but a bet is at stake here. Without hesitating she makes a move to pin the butterfly pin to his lapel. Whether or not she's successful still remains to be seen but she's certainly not going down without a fight. ]

[oversurge]

[ Wait—

Okay, in the whole...realization of it all, Reno may or may not have forgotten about the actual mission, which is to stick this stupid butterfly pin in other people. Non-violently, that is, though it'll probably do in a pinch to take out someone's eye if he's gotta.

Not that, you know. This night has gone to shit or anything. It's going great. Current company aside.

Anyway, Hilda might be quick, but so is Reno. ] Not so fast!

[ He skirts around her, retrieves his own pin, and circles back for an offensive attack. He doesn't care if she made him first; he's the one who said it out loud, meaning he has the right to put this thing in her. (The pin.) If that's gonna wind up with them running around in circles like schoolchildren for the next ten minutes, so be it. He's not ashamed. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Please riddle us this, Reno. How exactly is a pin going to end up in her?  

Apparently Hilda has no shame either. His tricky little swing around her is met with some fancy footwork of her own. It's not unlike an uncoordinated dance, where she ducks and dodges skillfully out of arm's reach. Her wings fold slightly as she does, as if they have any kind of aerodynamic properties that will help her spin away instead of simply being just for show.  ]
 
Don't you think I deserve to pin it on you first? You were so obvious! 

[ Her spin is punctuated by a little hop and skip as she begins to dart down the path of the maze away from him. The last thing she had expected tonight was needing to run in these heels, but a bet needed to be won. ] 

[oversurge]

[ That's a trick question, and Reno will not be putting his finger in that trap.

Also, why is she so annoying. The flaming effect on his hair seems to flare brighter. Maybe it's an illusion from the moonlight, maybe his hair's really getting pissed off on his behalf. Reno doesn't know how this shit works, but he does know he's not about to let her win so easily.

Or, y'know. At all. He's got a reputation to maintain. (No one knows about his reputation, but he's still got one, okay?)

He takes off after her, shouting as he sprints through the roses. He darts around a small hedge in an attempt to cut her off, though the twisted paths put a bit of a kink in any of this being a smooth pursuit. ] And how's it my fault you took your sweet ass time saying something?

[theidlemaiden]

[ His sudden appearance behind the bush is met with a brief hesitation as they do that thing when two people run into one another and can't figure out who's going left or right. A spluttered laugh finds its way past her lips. Some part of her finds this kind of childish behaviour funny – but she isn't laughing at him. This sort of lighthearted fun (even if they are bickering and sniping at one another) is something she's realized she's missed. ]

If I did, you'd throw a tantrum!

[ Something in her blood thrums - her Crest, she realizes absently - giving her a gentle nudge to the right. His attempt to body block her is evaded as she makes a break from him again. Gravel crunches underfoot as she runs towards the next fork in the path, arbitrarily choosing the left path, unaware that it will lead them to a dead end. ]

And then I'd never hear the end of it. How was I supposed to know that you'd go around with your chest hanging out?

[ And maybe that's an admission that she had been paying attention to his chest. But she'll leave that to him to decipher. ]

[oversurge]

[ A tantrum? ] How old d'you think I am?

[ You know what, he set himself up for that one. He'll take whatever he gets for it.

Damn it.

Reno spins on his heel to catch up with Hilda, who's apparently taken on the form of a slippery wererat. A sudden sneeze grips him. Why is everything on this planet covered in flowers. He skids around the corner, equally unaware they're about to lock themselves in a corner until he sees her. Ah-ha. He advances with the swagger of a man who lives with the belief that getting a leg up for half a second means he's definitely winning.

He brandishes the butterfly pin at her like it's a knife. Only then does he pause. ] Are you saying you knew me by my—?

[ Before he can go any further with that thought, a lizard leaps at him from behind and promptly latches itself onto his face, knocking him flat on his ass. What the shit— ]

[theidlemaiden]

It's hard to tell sometimes. For someone that looks super old, you don't act mature that's for sure.

[ She can't help but shoot back her response mockingly over her shoulder. Hilda whips her head back around, her triumphant feeling slipping away upon seeing the dead end just up ahead. Her brain fires a million miles a minute trying to figure out what the next course of action should be. She can't exactly vault a wall especially in the heels she has on. The wings are all for show too - it's not like she could just fly up and over the hedge. (Not to self: Make the wings functional as well as pretty).

The pause that comes after what she says gives her a moment to weigh whether or not she can dodge him when all of a sudden she watches as a flash of vibrant purple comes streaking out of nowhere knocking him to the ground. Her hero?

And...Of course the first thing she's going to do is laugh. Laughter peels from her lips when she puts two and two together but before long she's on the ground trying to wrench the lizard off of him. Unfortunately it's tongue has stuck to Reno's mask, so best of luck to them getting that off. Her claws whiff and miss, narrowly missing his face as Reno thrashes. She can't help but huff - ]

Can you stay still?! How am I going to get it off of you?

[oversurge]

[ You try staying still when a lizard's hugging the shit out of your face. He hates this place.

Really, this is the ideal opportunity for Hilda to take off and leave Reno to his fate, but she doesn't, and he's gonna assume it's 'cause she's getting way more value out of laughing at him than she would running away to win their impromptu competition.

Which isn't really anything important at all, but that's not the point. ]

Watch the claws! [ His face is delicate and a valuable asset. ] Son of a bitch—

[ Eugh. Forget the mask. Why the hell does he need it when she's already got him made? He fumbles with the strap to loosen it just as the lizard pulls with its sticky tongue. The momentum sends it tumbling off, and Reno gives it a shove for good measure. When he looks back up, instead of seeing two huge rolling lizard eyes staring at him, there is instead just...Hilda. Real close up. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Honestly she has half a mind to do exactly that, especially when he gets pissy at her for trying to do a good deed. It's not exactly her idea of a good time to be rolling around the grass straddling him while trying to simultaneously wrestle a determined lizard off his face. ]

I'm not trying to do it on purpose! If you would just stay still -

[ The retort comes through gritted teeth as she tries in vain to pin Reno down by his shoulder so that she can get a good handle on his mask and the lizard currently on it. Had these two actually communicated their intent, they may have been able to prevent being in the current position - but why communicate when you can bicker instead?

By the time Hilda realizes that Reno has managed to get the lizard - and his mask - off, she's blinking down at his lips and his face in confusion. ]

What are you doing?

[oversurge]

[ There's maybe, like, five more seconds of staring before her comment snaps him out of wherever his head's gone. (Which is nowhere. It went nowhere.)

Wh-

—What's he doing? ]

What're you doing? Get offa me!

[ He rolls out from under her, which maybe ends up dumping her unceremoniously onto the grass, but look, she shouldn't have gone flailing on top of him in the first place. He was doing perfectly fine dealing with Mr. Lizard, who's apparently snatched his damn his mask and run off with it.

Great.

He flops back down with a sigh, arms splayed out dramatically. He quits. He's clocking out. ] This place is bullshit.

[theidlemaiden]

[ When she's shoved unceremoniously off of Reno, Hilda lets out a noise of indignation as she lands flat on her ass. It's enough to jostle whatever dots she may have connected about why he was staring at her the way he had out of the way. ]

You could have just asked me to get off you nicely.

[ Her mask hadn't met the same fate as Reno's so her costume is still in tact. That being said, he does look a little pathetic just lying there. After a moment of contemplation she lets out a sigh, unclips her mask and crawls the short distance over to where he lays. ]

Here. I don't even really look like myself but you're basically just wearing a robe now.

[oversurge]

[ Pathetic is not his goal, but look, let him indulge in like, 2 seconds of self-pity. (Maybe ten.) He doesn't really wanna admit it sort of sucks not knowing what he's doing anymore, but y'know, here they are.

Eventually, he sits up. A flicker of surprise crosses his face before his brows smooth out. He waves Hilda off, though for once, it's neither dismissive nor meant to be rude. ]

Nah. You keep it. [ He's fine. What're they gonna do, kick him out for one of their damn lizards stealing his shit? If anything, these little Fey guys owe him now. There's a long pause, and then a (somewhat grudging): ] Thanks, though.

[ He guesses. Ugh. Tonight's gettin' weird. Why is she being nice to him? Why is he being nice to her? ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ The niceness is definitely weird. But Hilda hasn't been particularly nice to those closest to her as of late so maybe some part of her is trying to get herself back onto even footing.

Whatever her reasons are for being nice to Reno (also wait, she's been nice to him before. Why else would she dye someone else's hair?), it's surprising for her to hear him thank her and that shows on her face. ]

You're welcome.

[ There's probably an inflection at the end of that, but it's short lived. Some sass is clearly called for in this scenario. ]

Stop being stubborn and just take it. I have more of a costume than you. [ She pauses. ] Please? There's only a little bit of the night left. You can give it back to me next time. And it's meant to be an adjustable mask. It should fit around your loud mouth.

wrapping?

[oversurge]

[ Y'know, he's never had anyone hassle him and tell him please at the same time. He rolls his eyes, but it isn't really meant for her. Look, he doesn't give a damn about the costume thing, but he is annoyed his shit got stolen by a lizard. Who does it think it is?

Hope it gets roasted into a pie later.

He takes the mask. ] Only so you leave my ass alone.

[ He already said thanks once, he ain't saying it twice in one night. Used up his quota for the quarter. He gets up, dusting off his clothes. At least he can send this to the, uh, magic cleaner's later. Or whatever it is Thorne's got going on with their laundering services. ]

C'mon. Let's get the hell out of this place.