Midwinter Masquerade

[Arnyn]

Midwinter Masquerade



King Elessar and Queen Undomiel had outdone themselves. To celebrate midwinter and bring some light to the White City in the darkest time of the year, the Tavern of the Seven Stars had been transformed into a black and gold ballroom, flanked by beautifully decorated dinner tables.

The food was laid out across the tables as well as on separate food tables lining the walls. The Tavern’s bar was open, with several bartenders dressed in gold and black with matching masks - ready to serve the guests. The attendants near the doors were dressed in a similar fashion, ready to take the guests’ winter outerwear off their hands and store them safely until said guests would take their leave.
A band of musicians, dressed in all black, with golden masks, were setting the mood for the evening, and they would be staying well into the night.

Since the Queen or King, or indeed both of them, might be attending as well, Citadel Guards had been posted at the doors outside. Should they attend, of course, the question would be whether or not they would choose to use the opportunity the masquerade provided to dance and eat without their royal station being known to any others present...

Lavish fabrics draping down from the walls, lush flowers decorating the tables, romantic candlelight lighting the tavern from the ceiling, walls and tables alike, the black and gold - it created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Yet it was also… mysterious.
As was befitting of a Masquerade.

While people were allowed to arrive at their own leisure, of course, by the time the doors to the Tavern opened a crowd of early birds had already gathered outside - eager to enter the warmth and splendour that awaited them. The Tavern was therefore already speckled with guests, some over by the food, others by the bar, others still watching the musicians or simply engaging in conversation.

~ All citizens and city visitors are welcome ~

Please Do

• Follow plaza and rp rules

• Posts with interaction are highly encouraged. And for those among us who may feel bad about posts being "too short" or "too long": They are not! Enjoy the mystery. Have fun.

• This is a very formal affair! Dress accordingly! A lack of formal wear will result in the guards turning you away at the door… (Your choice: descriptions or pictures or a combination of both.)

• Wear a mask. They are compulsory. (Your choice: descriptions or pictures or a combination of both.)

Be advised

• Baddies may attend, but with the following caveat: They must remain undetected & any activities that would require Guard or Ranger attention are not allowed. This is an evening for relaxation. Not business. Thanks!

[Arnyn]

Lady in Red

She seemed perfectly at ease in the deep, blood red of her dress and her mask. Her movements were elegant as she turned toward one of the attendants, letting him step forward and take the black winter cloak off her bare shoulders. "Thank you," she said as she turned her eyes on him, her gaze intense enough to make the man blush underneath his mask. She could see the lower part of his cheeks and the top of his neck colouring slightly, and she smiled softly before turning her attention on the room instead.

Gliding through the tavern, her steps were slow, the skirts of her dress moving along with the movements of her legs. Her gaze briefly rested on each guest in turn. Was she trying to figure out if anyone she knew was already present? Was she looking for someone specific? Both were likely true.

At the bar, she turned her gaze toward the nearest attendant, who almost jumped at the chance to serve her. "Anything to drink, my lady?" he asked.
The lady in red smiled. Her voice silky when she replied: "Wine, please."
"Red or white?" the bartender asked.
Her smile grew with amusement as she gestured at her attire. "What do you think, sir?"
Shaking his head with a little smile, the bartender poured her a glass and set it down in front of her.
She raised the glass to him in silent thanks before turning around to survey the room once more. Tonight... would be interesting, if nothing else.

[Rillewen]

The Hawk

The tavern was absolutely beautiful. The young man had never been in this particular one before, and he stopped in amazement as he took in all of the lavish decorations. He nearly felt overwhelmed by how elegant it all looked, and was almost itching to write down his thoughts about it. But he refrained. Dark brown eyes skimmed over the people at first, looking past them to admire the way the room itself was done up in such splendor. Next, his gaze traveled over those already in attendance, taking in the various outfits and masks that others had chosen, and wondering if he knew anyone present.

As for his own attire, he wore a leather mask in the shape of a hawk's face, which covered most of his face except the mouth. The workmanship was exceptional. There were real hawk feathers attached to the top of the mask, bordering the part at the hairline. Along with it, he wore clothing in mostly brown tones, with white trim sewn around his vest, making an otherwise plain-ish outfit have a fancier look than it would otherwise have. On his shoulders he wore skillfully made, brown leather pauldrons, so as to compliment the mask, giving the look of wings without being too 'overdone'.

He moved further into the room slowly, looking around as he went. The music was excellent, and a couple of people had already begun dancing, so he moved around the dance floor so not to be in the way. So far, he did not see anyone that he could tell right away if he knew them. While it wouldn't be hard for anyone who knew him to guess who he was immediately, he also wasn't really that worried about that. Those who did know him that well were already well aware of his planned outfit, and had even assisted him with putting it together. He stopped near one of the tables, smiling slightly as he watched the musicians and enjoyed the melody of the tune they were playing.

[Pele Alarion]

A lady appeared at the door of the tavern and joined the people inside, handing her black, fur lined cloak to the attendant at the door with a cold thanks and an attitude that seemed to take his presence there for granted. Her sweeping gaze took in the setting and the celebrators already gathered, and then lingered on a lady at the bar who seemed to have a similar mask to hers. And a much more flashy dress.

The newcomer's shoulders straightened, and her chin was raised minutely as she seemed to issue a silent challenge to the lady in red as if she meant to vie for public attention and win. Yet, she would have to put in work if she meant to do so - her mask was darker red with black trim along the eye holes, her dress partly black, her dark loose hair almost bordering black in hue, and even her lips were black. It seemed as if though her entrance had brought a shadow into the festive atmosphere of the tavern...

Eventually she managed a slow smile and a nod towards her imagined opponent and smoothly turned away from the bar to look at the bounty displayed on the tables, and in her explorations passing a man with a hawk mask.

[Rillewen]

|
. |

"Stop messing with it," The lady gently chided her companion as they approached the attendants at the door. Both individuals spoke with accents that easily gave away that they were from somewhere besides Gondor, though their accents did not sound the same as each other's. Despite the accents, their speech would still be easy enough to understand to others hearing them.

"It feels weird," The young man, who appeared to be in his mid to late twenties, complained, trying to adjust his mask so that it felt a bit less uncomfortable on his face.

"Well, you chose it." She reminded her younger counterpart as the attendants came to greet them and take their outerwear. "Oh, thank you," The lady replied with a surprised smile, being unused to such treatment. She smoothed the long, trailing fabric that flowed around her feet, slightly nervous. Her hands were enveloped in dainty pink gloves that complimented her dress. This was like nothing she had ever attended before, and it was exciting.

"No, I mean it feels weird to have something on my face," He explained, as he offered her his arm, as a gentleman would do.

"Really?" She looked at him with mild incredulity, and amusement sparkling in her brown eyes, walking alongside him after taking the offered elbow.

"What?"

"You think it's weird, having something on your face? You?" She raised an eyebrow which was partially obscured by her dainty mask.

He blinked at the lady in puzzlement, then laughed as she made a small gesture toward his chin area. "Beards are different," He protested, rolling his gray- blue eyes, though he could see the irony in the statement. "That's more like.. part of my face."

She grinned. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say." She replied, and then looked around as they entered the room together. She stopped in awe. "Oh.. how beautiful," She breathed the words softly under her breath. It was far more lovely than she would have expected.

"Wow, indeed!" The young man beside her exclaimed in a hushed tone. "Look at all that food!"

Rolling her eyes, the elder of the two glanced at him. "Really? All of this, and you're thinking of your stomach? Did you even notice these wonderful decorations?"

"Of course, but I can't eat those, can I?" He grinned jokingly.

"And the people,"

"Oh, I noticed them too," He replied, eying a couple of pretty ladies that had not escaped his attention. "The others are really missing out. This all looks amazing." He declared. "Aren't you glad I convinced you to come?" He asked, quite pleased with himself although he hadn't had any idea it would be so spectacular.

Smiling, the woman beside him nodded happily. "Indeed, I am, thank you for being so persistent." She laughed. "But are you even going to dance with anyone, or are you going to spend the evening eating?" She inquired teasingly.

"Of course I will." He grinned. "There are a few young ladies that have already caught my eye, but I've seen you safely all this way, and it hardly seemed polite to abandon you in a foreign city, at some fancy event, the moment we arrived." He shrugged.

Shaking her head slightly in amusement, she motioned toward the room in general. "Go on, don't worry about me. Enjoy yourself, it isn't as if you're my date. I'm sure I can manage on my own. I've done so for quite some time now."

"Well, if you're sure.. I'll see you around, my lady." The young man did an exaggeratedly formal bow, grinned, and set off toward the food tables to have a quick look at what dishes he would like to try later.

Watching him go, the lady in pink smiled slightly before taking a look around, for the moment merely content to stand off to the side and admire everything.

[Arnyn]

A Man in White and Gold

Why not attend a masquerade? He so rarely had the chance, and it would provide great opportunities to dance with some of the loveliest ladies in the city and beyond. News of the event had spread beyond the seven walls of Minas Tirith. As if he would pass up on something like this, when he actually had the time to go for once?

He was, therefore, in an exceptional mood when he entered the Tavern of the Seven Stars. He'd needed to purchase something suitable, and he'd let the season as well as the location (the White City) inspire his choice. Fancy as his attire was, his personality was still reflected in the way he'd left the top of his shirt unbuttoned, as well as the absence of any gloves. He'd declined any additional pageantry such as jewelry or some sort of indoor cloak. No, thank you. He simply wanted to have a nice evening. Not turn himself into someone else entirely.

With one hand casually tucked in the pocket of his white trousers, he moseyed on over to the bar. A man in a hawk-inspired outfit drew his eye for a moment. That was original! The woman with the black lips just a few yards beside the hawk looked beautiful, but she also... had a dark sort of aura around her. Which did not invite him in. Continuing on to the bar, he ordered some cider. Once he had the glass in hand, he leaned his free arm on the bar behind him as he started scouting for someone he might chance a dance with soon.

There were a few ladies along the bar already whom he certainly would not mind escorting across the dance floor. A lovely woman in a spring green dress. Another in a bright red dress that moved... well. Yes. Let's say she moved well. Looking away from that one for now, he took in the rest of the tavern. Black and gold. It worked. And surely it was an interesting change from the traditional black and silver. He sipped the cider.

[Arnyn]

Macardil

He had awaited her by the bottom of the open stairway. While he took no particular enjoyment from dressing up for a masquerade - too extravagant for his taste - he did take pleasure in his partner dressing up for it.

She had come down the stairs, wearing that gown and that mask. His partner. His wife. The satisfaction in being able to use that term once more, with this headstrong and wonderful woman, was great indeed. He had been smiling at her from below and through the mask, his eyes gleaming as he drank her in. He could hardly believe she had followed through on his very subtle indication of the dress that had drawn his eye at the shop. Ziran had wanted his opinion... However, he had been loath to share it openly, given a few less-than-perfect experiences (to put it mildly) with Mellaurel, who had taught him very well that ladies best elect their own styles. Ladies tend to know what they want.

**

When they entered the Tavern of the Seven Stars, Macardil beat the attendant to Ziran’s cloak. He was the one escorting her. For as long as they both would live. Therefore, he would be the one who would take the cloak from her bare shoulders. And later, to return it there. And, even later still, to take it off a second time.
The removal of his own outer cloak revealed an outfit he considered completely outrageous. But someone had called it ‘striking’. It was one way to describe the black and cobalt suit, he supposed. He would more likely peg it as ‘dangerous’. Perhaps not the most appropriate look for someone who had slammed a knife into the back of his commander’s neck. However - he could not live his life in that shadow forever. He refused to do so.

Hiding who they were, was not the point of the evening. Not for them. There would be no elaborate disguise - not besides the befitting (extravagant) apparel and masks. There would be no scheme to fool anyone who might be keeping an eye out for them. His black hair was worn as he usually did. His jaw was clean-shaven, as always. Neither of them was aiming to hide their identity. Instead, they had come for the atmosphere. For the dancing. Macardil held out his black-gloved hand, palm up, requesting Ziran’s. His sapphire eyes, looking even more blue above this evening's attire, smiled at her in that way only he could. For the romance.

[Pele Alarion]

Not long after a couple had entered, a red-cloaked man approached the door and was about to enter when he spotted a woman coming up behind him.

"M'lady," he greeted courteously and stepped aside opening the door for her with a slight bow. He had taken great care to grow some moustache and beard; however, it was still clear that he was still quite young and could not be beyond early twenties. He carefully kept himself a step behind the woman as he let the attendant take care of her outer clothing to reveal a beautiful dress that looked like a combination of a lush meadow and bright sunlight had just entered the tavern. Absent-mindedly he handed over is own cloak as he appreciated the lady before him. His hand nearly reached for her hair to test if that little bit of green that matched her outfit was real.

"Oh, isn't this magnificent?" she asked him as she looked around at the setting and all the colourfully dressed people.

"Yes, yes it is," the white-and-red man agreed, and then offered: "Perhaps the lady would like a glass of refreshing drink?"

"Why not? Something fruity would do," she replied and laughed softly.

He still kept a step behind her as the two joined the company that was already gathered at the bar.

"Something... fruity... for the lady," he ordered with a little shrug. "And some mead, if there is any. For me."

"Cheers! May this evening be great, ladies and gentlemen," he then raised his drink towards the others at the bar.

Meanwhile the Sunny Meadow took a sip of the bubbling drink in her glass trying to determine what sort of concoction it was and let her gaze roam and take in the details in the room. It seemed that the space at the bar was becoming rather crowded, and she began to look for someplace else to explore.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lady in Red

There was no way not to notice the way Mahogany Red was giving her the evil eye. The Lady in Red raised an eyebrow. Unimpressed. Who couldn't slap on some black lipstick and act like they had a chip on their shoulder, after all? With a confident, lazy kind of smile, she raised her glass at the other woman when the latter nodded at her. The Lady in Red had rarely been one to back away from a challenge.

Narrowing her eyes thoughtfully, she sipped her wine slowly as she assessed the people already present. She had come here to play. Why would she need to wait?

She allowed herself to enjoy her amusement with a little grin first while gingerly touching the dark tresses of her updo. She expertly got her expression under control before heading toward one the food tables, and a man wearing green and yellow. On her way over, her hips swaying slightly, she shot a pointed glance at Mahogany Red. Then she slowly moved along the length of the table, until the man almost blocked her way. Her eyes looked up to him curiously. "Good evening," she offered him, with a mostly innocent smile. "My! You might have the best mask of the evening... so far." She slanted her head. "A Green Dragon?"

[Rillewen]

Green Dragon

He was examining the buffet when a 'good evening' surprised him. He looked up from the food items, and found that one of the ladies he had previously observed was now right in front of him! A very pretty lady, at that. A grin spread onto his face as she asked about his mask. "Thank you, yes it is!" he confirmed, pleased at the compliment. "Really, the best so far?" He asked, surprised by that. "I would have said yours is," He added with a smile. "Actually, I've only just arrived in town, and I didn't even know there was a ball until I checked into the hotel and the innkeeper asked if our party had come for the ball. Excellent timing, right? Though, with it being so last minute, I had a hard time finding a mask that was to my liking." He admitted. "This one however.. as soon as I saw it, " He grinned, then shrugged slightly. "Well, I love stories of dragons."

"Uh, would you like to dance?" He asked, guessing the lady would be more interested in dancing than chatting.

---

The Fox

He had never been much into this sort of thing, but he figured.. why not? It was an event that only happened once a year, and there were masks involved. Fun stuff. His chosen mask covered all except his mouth and jaws. Above the face of a fox, fiery colored hair matched the color of the mask. For his attire, he'd chosen orangey-red colors to go along with the mask, and while it was a little brighter than he would normally wear, it was fun. To complete the look of "white paws", he wore white gloves as well.

As he walked in, he paused to adjust his mask strap, to double check that it was secure. So many fancy people around. He scanned the crowd, but so far, he didn't see anyone that he could distinguish from anyone else. Skirting around the dance floor, he made his way to the bar and greeted one of the bartenders. Leaning closer, he spoke quietly with the guy for a moment before the other nodded and smiled. The young man in the fox mask turned around to face the crowd, curiously looking at the various disguises around him. This ought to be fun, he thought, and brought a hand up to check that his mask was secure.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ziranphel

Ziran had needed to take a fortifying breath as she looked in the mirror after tying on the wintry mask, taking in her whole ensemble. Her bare shoulders were most certainly a change from the high-collared uniform dress coat she had worn to the last midwinter ball, but she had noticed Macardil’s lingering looks at the dress at the modiste even after refusing to state his preference. The bodice was encrusted with embroidery, beading, and textured stitches that spilled down the front of the otherwise rather light and flowing silk fabric that draped her body. Her short hair was swept back in waves so that it wouldn’t get in the way of the mask, and she wore the earrings that Macardil had gifted her at their engagement, sapphire drops with silver leaves. Maneuvering her ring so that it didn’t pull on the matching blue elbow length gloves took a few moments, but there would have been no way it would fit over the soft material. It was time.

Seeing the look in Macardil’s eyes as she slowly descended the stairs made her insecurities completely melt away and a small smile tilted her lips. His rapt attention made her feel beautiful despite the faint scars at her neck and across her shoulders. He had told her once they were badges of honor, but this was the first time she felt brave enough to display them, and she had confidence because of him. Reaching him, she greeted him with a kiss, thankful that he had chosen a mask that did not obscure his whole face, and then received his assistance donning the heavy black dress cloak that would keep out the cold during their walk to the ball.

Ziran’s eyes lit at the sight of the interior of the Tavern. It was fun to see how the decorations had changed this year, especially now that she had no duties towards organizing whatsoever. The black and gold of the decorations highlighted the swirl of color that comprised the various fancy dress costumes of attendees. Her attention quickly reverted to her husband as his hands brushed her shoulders when she unclasped the cloak and removed it for her. Her breath caught slightly when his outfit was revealed. She had seen it laid out, but the way he wore it spoke of power and grace, and complemented his black locks and azure eyes exceedingly well. She answered the smile in his eyes with a one that lit her entire countenance as she placed her gloved hand securely in his. “Lead on, hervenn.”

[Karis Ziranphel]

Creatures of the forest were a theme this evening. The dark-haired man in a close-fitting coat of deep blue with a brocade waistcoat and cravat of dark grey brushed a finger over the carved whiskers on his silver mask. He had shaved his own whiskers off entirely that morning, but already dark stubble shadowed his jaw and upper lip, lending him a slightly roguish air. A slow toothy grin formed as he quickly entered and then more slowly stalked off to the side near the refreshment tables after depositing his cloak with the attendant.

He didn’t feel like having a drink yet, but the fruit and other small appetizers looked delightful as a diversion while he surveyed those present. Slowly tugging off his black gloves, he folded them neatly before tucking them in his coat pocket, revealing a silver ring on his hand that would give him away to the one who knew it, but he couldn’t bring himself to eat food while wearing them. He picked up an artistically decorated cracker and made it disappear quickly as his gaze slid around the room, pausing with approval on the two in blue that were in their own little world, and then continuing on. The hunt was all in good fun and well begun.

[Rillewen]

Black and Teal

It was all very exciting, getting the chance to do things he'd never done before.. go places he'd never been. Attending a ball was one of them. A masquerade at that! Wearing a mask and trying to figure out who's who seemed like a lot of fun, and the prospect of getting to dance with pretty girls was also fun. His main concern was that he might not be good enough at dancing.. but the bonus about wearing a mask was that if he was terrible at it, no one would know who he was! Alright, maybe some folks would figure it out.. but there couldn't be too many people who'd even have many clues to guess from.

As he entered, the young man left his cloak with the attendants, then stepped inside. And felt a little.. overwhelmed by how many people were there. Most, taller than him. He took a deep breath and smiled at some of the people as he passed, hoping he didn't stand out too much. He was mildly surprised, even, to notice that he wasn't the only guy with blond hair. Though the other was significantly taller than him, it still made him feel a bit less like the odd guy out. Someone else, he noticed, had red hair. That caught his eye. He had only met two other people with hair that color, but both had been girls. That was interesting.

He looked around with an excited blue gaze, wondering if he might end up recognizing anyone, or if the few people he knew were even here. Or if they would be coming. Whatever though.. he had no trouble making new friends if his existing ones did not come. He smiled at a lady in a sunny yellow and green dress as he walked up to the bar. "Good evening!" He greeted both her, and the guy in red and white, who stood nearby. With a smile to them both, the young man turned to the bartender to ask for a glass of water. He appeared to be somewhere in his teens, though the mask would make it difficult to pinpoint a particular age.

---

The Hawk

As a lady in dark red and black passed in near him, the hawk guy hastily moved back a step, and belatedly thought how glad he was that there had not been anyone directly behind him to bump into. He swallowed and offered a slightly nervous smile and nod to acknowledge the lady's presence, but didn't want to invite her to hang around him. There was something about her.. well, she had startled him a little, he guessed. That was all. He'd been a bit caught up with listening to the music, and now realized that he probably shouldn't zone out like that.

Glancing around, he realized that several more people had come in since he had, and were still coming in. Curiously, he scanned the crowd, hoping to find someone familiar. His eyes were drawn toward a some very fancy and elegant clothing, which happened to be his favorite color. A moment later, he realized that he knew who was in that impressive outfit, and smiled slightly to himself. It wasn't difficult to pick that person out of a crowd, and he nearly waved, but decided against it. There was still plenty of time for greeting those he knew and recognized, later.

[Pele Alarion]

&

"The evening is good indeed!" the yellow and green lady responded to the newcomer in black and teal and smiled at him. "Only water for a night like this? I think they have other more delicious non-alcoholic options," she said merrily, taking a sip from her own glass and thinking that even hers did not contain anything strong. Her remark was not disdainful though, even if a slight tease reflected in her eyes as she regarded the young man and thought him young indeed. "I have some sort of bubbly water which tastes like... something like a mix of strawberries and raspberries, with an added freshness of mint."

The white-and-red guy returned the greeting with a smile and a nod. At least there was a chance he would not be the youngest in this collection of people, which made him feel relatively good. Perhaps he would not be turned away if he dared to ask some lady for a dance.

"Certainly looks like the evening might turn out great," he commented happily.

She had picked a few grapes from the platter and had just popped one into her mouth, and only then glanced at the Hawk who seemed to retreat from her as if she was a harbinger of doom. A glimmer of warm laughter that she managed to control effectively before it could escape her lingered on her face, causing her dark lips to smile.

"I don't bite," she whispered conspiratorially and lifted the grapes slightly as proof. Yet, the man seemed to look around as if searching for an escape route.

With a corner of her eye, she saw the Lady in Red pass by on her way to the Dragon. It seemed that the challenge had been accepted. The game was on? Looking away from the Lady in Red she followed the Hawk's gaze towards a couple dressed in lovely blue, registered their presence in her mental notes, and then looked back at the Hawk but decided against pursuing him though she liked his mask quite a bit. With another smile for him, she turned around and headed back towards the bar, finishing off the grapes as she went.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Black and Teal

A grin met the lady's comment about the drinks. "Water to sip on while I investigate what other options are available." He explained. Also, he wanted to find out whether it cost anything to get the drinks before he started ordering something that might be expensive. While it was faint, there was an accent in his voice that betrayed that he was indeed not a local, though he had learned to speak the language of Gondorians well enough that it was easy to miss the trace of accent.

---

The Hawk

Looking back toward the lady in Black and Red, the young man managed a little smile in reply to her comment. "Sorry, I didn't mean to.. I mean," He replied with slight awkwardness for his reaction. "I just.. wasn’t paying attention," He explained, unsure how to explain the actual reason for his reaction. That was basically the root of it, anyway. "Hard to use peripheral vision with this thing on," He added with a little motion toward his mask, although it seemed the lady had moved on to find more grapes, or perhaps something in liquid form.

Glancing around again, he tried to fight the feeling of feeling out of place. Pushing that unwelcome feeling down deep inside, he told himself to try and relax. With that thought in mind, the hawk guy decided to examine the elaborate spread of food on the tables. Maybe something delicious would catch his "hawkeye".

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

A Man in White and Gold

When his glass was empty, he pushed himself away from the bar. Yet, he remained in its vicinity as he tried to reach some sort of decision. The woman in the bright red dress was engaged in conversation at present, seemingly rather focused on the man in a dragon mask. Another lady in a green and yellow dress caught his attention. She also seemed to be speaking to a few people, but something about all of their body language told the Man in White and Gold that they were not turned into one another but rather outward, to the rest of the room.

He bowed to the men present and then - a bit deeper - to Sunny Meadow. "Good evening to all of you," he began politely. "Our King and Queen seem to have outdone themselves this evening. I would be honoured to make the most of it if you would grant me a dance?" His light brown eyes settled on Sunny Meadow. His expression was open, friendly. "Your dress and mask reminds me of late spring and early summer. My absolute facourite time of year." He held out his hand, questioningly. "Will you help me chase away winter's chill for a moment?" He slanted his head as he gave her an easy smile.

---

@Rillewen

Lady in Red

Men were so easy. "Mine?" she asked, sounding a bit incredulous. "Now you are simply trying to flatter me," she called him out on his words. "I only accept genuine flattery," she warned him, leaning a bit closer for a moment and then leaning back again with a little smile.

And despite her earlier assessment that men were easy, his offer to dance with her did catch her somewhat off guard. The way he had asked could, in truth, also have used some work. Whoever started a suggestion to dance with 'uh'? Who raised these guys?

Her expression was pleasant, however, as she gave the Green Dragon a bit of a coy look. "I would," she said quietly, and slanted her head as she turned so she could slip her arm into his. "Lead the way?" she asked.

---

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil

He was silent as she placed her gloved hand in his, but the way he was looking at her said all that needed to be said. He guided Ziran to the near center of the dance floor, and he had very little attention to spare for anyone else than her at the moment. Macardil was the one to step to her rather than pulling her to him. He continued to hold her right hand with his left, and placed his right hand around her waist. He looked her in the eyes, smiling. "With the risk of sounding ridiculously obvious," he spoke to her quietly in his low tone of voice as he started them off to the slow tune the musicians were playing, "you look absolutely stunning, my Lady."

[Arnyn]

After she handed her cloak to the attendant, an elegant, long, lilac glove brushed over the skirt of her dress. Her look for the evening was delicate, reminiscent of a butterfly, which was not exactly... her usual style. Yet the detailing on the dress was impeccable, the short shoulder sleeves were unique, and the lacing that covered the skin from her shoulder to and around her neck was unlike most dresses she’d ever seen. As a definite bonus, the gown would allow her to both sit and move easily. Always a good thing.

Along with the lavender and silver mask and silver details on the bodice of the dress came silver jewelry. A thin bracelet around one upper arm. Another around the opposing wrist, over the long glove. A more demure set of earrings, but no necklace. Her mask also had a special little addition: fabric had been added to the eye holes, woven in such a way she could still see through it, but so that others would be unable to discern the color of her eyes.

As she stepped further into the Tavern, she was faced with an important dilemma. To first seek refreshments? Or to find someone - or more people - and mingle, right from the start? She smiled faintly as her hidden eyes looked around the room. While she was not late by any means, many had already arrived and several couples were already gracing the dance floor.

One lady, dressed in an airy, wispy pink dress, was standing off to the side by herself. Somehow, the newcomer found herself heading toward the lady in pink's general vicinity. As if she were looking for strength in numbers of those wearing a similar hue.

[Pele Alarion]

"Good evening, kind sir!" responded Sunny Meadow to the White and Gold gentleman who joined them and then extended an invitation for a dance. To her.

"The setting is surely exquisite," she agreed, looking at the would-be dance partner with a blue-eyed mirth and glad that the mask likely covered at least some of her blush. "And no, the winter is not allowed to bring its cold in here tonight... also not because your outfit is like an orchard in full bloom sprinkled with a light dusting of pollen. Surely no room for frost and biting wind here." With one green-gloved hand she set aside the glass she had been sipping from, and then turned to accept the extended offer of his hand with the other.

"Do you suppose the King and Queen are already here?" she inquired in an unrelated fashion and waited for him to lead her to the dance floor.

/

A young girl had entered the tavern behind some other people, and now felt awfully awkward and self-conscious in her white dress with golden embroideries, mostly because she felt rather exposed without her shoulders covered. The dress and the mask had cost her almost all of her savings, and she was sure she would have to find extra work or borrow somewhere to be able to sustain herself after this event. However, the temptation to participate and explore the unknown had been too much to resist. Of tomorrow she would think... tomorrow. Currently she stood, stared at all the fancy decorations and impossibly festive people in awe and did not quite know what to do with herself.

"Come now, will you not step further in and join the festivities? The doorstep is not the best place to experience it, miss," a soft voice spoke to the girl, and a gentle touch on her upper arm seemed to gently urge her out of the frozen state and forward. Overcoming the wish to resist being guided, she took the few steps forward before turning slightly and looking up at the lady in purple and blue colours who had apparently come in right after her and had found the way blocked.

"No, I..."

"There are tables laden with delicacies, if you are not so nervous as not to be able to eat," the lady kept up her role of a guide right towards the tables. "Unless you would rather simply chat with a few people first?"

"I don't know anyone. All those masks..."

"So? Let not the masks hinder you, after all you have one yourself, don't you?" the blue and purple lady did not seem intent on hurrying off before she made sure the younger woman was all set to enjoy the atmosphere.

[Rillewen]

Shortly after the last two ladies had entered, another arrived. Her long, flowing cloak was of deep black velvet, lined with gold silk on the inside, and trimmed with intricate golden embroidery along the edges and hem. As she allowed one of the attendants to remove the outer garment, the gown she wore underneath was revealed; also black with a golden-hued underskirt. The mask that covered her eyes was made of lace; skillfully handmade with fine, black thread. A set of cat-like ears sat on her head, matching the mask perfectly, with slender wire woven into the lace to ensure that the ears sat upright. Matching lace gloves adorned her hands, though they were purely for decoration, as well as the intricate choker she wore around her neck; black lace to match the rest, bearing highly polished stones of Obsidian, set in gold.

All of her attire for tonight had been custom-made specifically for this event, simply because the lady had heard that the theme was to be black and gold. And she figured, for an event like this, why not go all out? It wasn't often that she had the chance to attend something like this, what's the point of having money if not to show it off?

She stepped into the Tavern.. which seemed like an inadequate word for such a place as it was. It would appear more like a grand ballroom than a mere 'tavern', but whatever they wished to call the place was not her business. A small smile of satisfaction crossed the lady's face, however, as she observed that, sure enough, the place was grandly decorated in black and gold. Wonderful. She moved further into the room, with an air of confidence as her dark eyes slowly swept the room with curiosity. There was no one in particular that she sought tonight. She only wanted to enjoy herself. With that thought in mind, after she had taken a good look around the place, the lady decided to get something to drink. Her graceful steps brought her to the bar, giving a curious glance at each of the men, all young men, she believed, who were standing around the area. Waiting for their dates, perhaps? She then turned to the bartender. "Good evening," She spoke in a smooth tone, with no apparent accent. Without any pause to think about what she wanted, the lady requested a glass of rosé wine.

---

@Arnyn

He grinned as the lady accused him of trying to flatter her. "I would not offer empty words, m'lady," he replied. "Though, I must admit.. yours is actually the first mask I've actually seen this evening." He explained with vague amusement before he offered his arm to her. Once she had slipped her arm into his, he smiled and stepped toward the dance floor. He wasn't the best dancer, as he didn't often even have any opportunity to dance with pretty ladies. But he had learned enough in his youth to manage... well enough, at least, to not step on the lady's toes or stumble around like a clutz.

As he took her hand in his left, and placed his right at about the middle of her back, the man in the dragon mask kept a polite and respectful distance from the lady, yet without holding her 'awkwardly far away'. "I apologize if I talked too much before," he mentioned. "My brother says I talk too much, all the time," He explained with a faint laugh. And he was probably doing it again, he realized belatedly. He decided maybe he should not say anything else for now.

---

It hardly took any time before her young friend found someone to dance with, the lady noted with amusement. She watched the lady in red approach the outgoing young man, and quietly grinned to herself as she watched him swiftly abandon all thoughts of food. Well, she thought with an inward little sigh. Perhaps she shouldn't spend all evening admiring the decorations and the people. About the time she was thinking that, she noticed another lady in a lovely Lavender dress heading her way. A smile greeted the other. "What a lovely dress," She commented in a friendly tone. "This is all so beautiful, isn't it?"

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

After taking a few berries from a platter, the hawk tried not to feel so nervous. Still, with all these fancy-dressed people around, it was hard not to feel like they must all be vastly rich or something. He knew some people who were going, and he knew they weren't lavishly rich, so.. probably only about half of the people here would fit into that category, he figured.

After popping the last berry from his handful into his mouth, the young man decided that he ought to ask a few girls to dance at some point, right? That was sort of the point of going to a dance, after all. Even if the one he really wanted to dance with was not likely to show up. He had very little expectations for her coming, so he hadn't even considered the possibility. Instead, he figured on at least one dance with his sister, and a few other dances with random other girls that he wouldn't know.

With that thought in mind, he was about to set off on a mission to find someone who didn't look like they were dripping in money.. who wouldn't feel quite so intimidatingly out of his league, and therefore, might not reject a dance with him. But no sooner had he thought of doing so, when a pair of ladies came up, very near to where he stood. His gaze was drawn to the young lady in a white and gold dress who looked.. about like he felt. Nervous, and a bit unsure about being here. Perhaps he was imagining it, however. The lady who was with her, in purple and blue, looked quite confident about being here, and was quite pretty. He was sure plenty of people would be asking her to dance. They both were, but he figured, if the other girl was nervous, perhaps he could do something to help her feel more at ease. Like chatting, being friendly, or even asking her to dance if she wasn't opposed to it.

He swallowed to make sure there were no more traces of berries left in his mouth, before taking a few steps closer to them. He wore a friendly, if maybe slightly nervous, smile. "Hi," he addressed both ladies in his greeting. "This is all so elaborate and fancy, isn't it?" He asked, trying to sound friendly and approachable, in case the white and gold girl was nervous or something. "Your dresses and masks are beautiful, by the way." He turned to address the white and gold girl more specifically, "I like how yours even has gold in it, to go along with the theme," He added with a little grin. "Was that planned, or just coincidental?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

A Man in White and Gold

The smile stayed on his face as she went along with his line of conversation and put her gloved hand in his offered, bare hand. "No frost or wind," he agreed. His smile momentarily grew into a grin. "And I promise I will not bite, either." As he led her to the dance floor, he considered her question. "They may very well be, Miss. They could be in disguise, just like the rest of us." He turned toward her with a little bow. "Allow me?" he asked, and when she gave her approval once more he changed his hold on her hand and stepped into a polite dancing position.

"I think it is quite clear I am not the King." He laughed quietly, briefly, and then assessed the Spring Meadow's eyes. "And do I remember it right that our Queen's eyes are grey? Then at least I am not royally embarrassing myself by asking you for a dance?" Amusement danced in his eyes as he led her into the steps. The evening was off to a good start, at least. "Are you trying to hide your identity, this evening?" he inquired, looking at the green bit of her hair. "Will you be trying to fool friends and possibly even family?"

---

@Rillewen

Lady in Red

The Green Dragon was being polite and friendly, even if he was rather chatty. It was something he seemed to be aware of, and obviously the quality did not always please his brother. "Sometimes, talking is silver and silence is gold," she agreed. "Then again - do we not have enough gold here already, this evening?" She slowly lifted one of her bare shoulders as she looked him directly in the eyes. "Some silver might be just the thing." The Lady in Red slanted her head.

"You are not from these parts," she returned to that topic of conversation. The hand on his shoulder slipped toward the back of his neck as they stepped and turned through the slow dance. "What did you come here for, then, if not to enjoy yourself at this dance?"

[Rillewen]

Shortly behind the Black and Gold lady, another young lady arrived, pausing at the doors to smile as the attendant came to take the pink lacy shawl, revealing a long, flowy dress of deep pink. She was noticeably younger than the previous lady to enter, with a fairer complexion, yet wore similar raven locks flowing freely down her back; very long, dark hair, which tumbled down as far as her lower back. The top part of which was held back from her face by a slim, silvery colored band, with small silk flowers of pink attached to it on one side, resting just above her right ear. Her mask was daintily crafted from thin, silver-colored metal, with many intricate filigree cutouts, giving the impression of laciness. A pink and a silver feather were attached at the left side and swooped elegantly back toward that ear, so that there was a decoration on both sides of her hair. Silky gloves of a deep pink hue covered her hands and arms all the way up to her elbows, well fitted to her arms as if her very arms had turned pink to match her dress.

Beneath the mask, the skin of the young lady's face was actually painted with elegant pink roses and swirls, thus hiding even more of her face. After leaving her shawl with the attendants, the girl stepped inside and caught her breath in wonder of the scene before her eyes. One hand lightly came up to touch the small, almost leaf-shaped stone which hung suspended by a slender gold chain around her neck. Despite all of her pink, the stone was a swirl of bluish green, which contrasted strangely well with the rest of her ensemble.

A soft smile touched her lips as she dropped her hand from the necklace a moment later, and she moved further into the room, her dress flowing elegantly around her with each step. The silver color of her mask matched well with the silvery accents around her waist, and the trim at the top of her heart-shaped bodice. Rosy Pink girl paused to look at a few people that she passed, as if admiring their outfits, and offered a slightly shy smile before moving on. This was all very exciting, but so far, she did not recognize anyone, although there were surely people here she knew. She just had to find them.. and that was a big part of the fun!

---

@Arnyn

Green Dragon

His grin widened with happiness, as the lady in Red declared that talking is silver, and they had more than enough gold here. "Indeed," He agreed, feeling somewhat relieved she did not seem to mind. The grin stayed on his face when she guessed he was not from the area. "No, I'm certainly not," He agreed with a little smile. "I've only been to Minas Tirith twice before, in fact. And one of those times involved fighting enemies, so.. not much time for enjoyment, that trip."

Her next inquiry made him briefly glance toward where he had left his companion, to check if she was still standing around alone. He ought to ask her to dance at least once, and he made a mental note of that, before smiling back at Red Lady. "We.. that is, my brother and I, were asked by a friend of ours to ensure that her mother and cousins arrived safely here." He explained. "The lady's business happened to coincide with this dance, fortunately. We're expecting to be here for a few weeks at the very least, though I'm not sure how long her business will last."

He couldn't help but notice that she had slid her hand to the back of his neck. His grey-blue eyes gazed curiously at hers, and tried to remain focused. "And.. what about you, my lady? Do you live locally? Or, perhaps you're from one of the noble families of Belfalas?" He guessed, with genuine curiosity.

---

The Fox

He should probably ask some lady to dance, he told himself. But who? He had noticed, not far away, a guy he felt as if he knew, approach the lady in green and yellow. A moment later, they were on the dance floor. Observing a lady in a cat mask who had approached near where he stood, the Fox smiled cordially at her, but he didn't recognize her. He was looking around at the various people, trying to decide whether he knew this or that person. Maybe hearing voices would help? But then, some people knew how to disguise their voices. Hers had not sounded familiar when she asked for the wine, so he decided he probably did not know her. Which made him hesitant about striking up a conversation with her. And speaking of recognizing voices... there was one guy near the bar, talking about the various girls he had danced with already, whose voice he did not wish to hear.

Instead, he ventured away from the bar, and watched the girl in pink enter. He was impressed by the added disguise of paint to further obscure her face. She passed him by however, and he shrugged to himself. Moving on, he weaved carefully through the assembled people, so not to bump into anyone. Yet, he still hadn't asked anyone to dance. Well, at least he could nibble on some of the food. Everything looked excellent, and he hadn't been able to enjoy such lavishly prepared food in a long while.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

The lady in dark red and black promptly took the place Meadow had just vacated and smiled at the two young men (Black and Teal, and White and Red) she ended up with.

"Excuse me, fellas," she said, her voice quiet, yet carrying a note promising mischief, and her selected vocabulary in contrast to the festive surroundings and probably more formal and polite approach practiced by most attending citizens and visitors. "What would you suggest as a drink to sample?" Her gaze briefly visited with each of the young folk before turning to observe the public at large in search of someone she might coax into dancing - that is, unless either of these two would provide her with a chance. It was not that the terms of the challenge had really been discussed with the Red... and if the one who'd dance more would win, or the one who'd manage to enchant someone the best, or the one to steal the show in general.

&

"Thank you for the compliment, young sir! Elaborate and fancy, you say?" the older lady looked at the Hawk merrily when he approached and spoke to them. "Of course it is! After all a ball like this is not held every day, and it might give people an opportunity to enjoy themselves. Unless... they are unaccustomed to something like this." When she saw that the young one she had all but dragged inside lifted her head and seemed to relax slightly, she considered it as good a time as any to leave them be. "Enjoy the evening!" she wished them and drifted away along the tables.

"Too fancy, I would say!" the girl spoke quietly when the purple lady was at a safe distance and when she had decided that this particular young man was not too intimidating. "I almost did not come. But curiosity... hopefully won't kill me."

Her hands ran over the skirt of her dress, smoothing it out. "I did not know about the theme, but the seamstress said the dress should contain gold, so gold it was," she talked, and it seemed that her nervousness had turned from making her freeze into the sudden flood of speech. "I like your mask too! Did you make it yourself or have someone make it for you. It is very creative! And are you from the city?"


@Arnyn

Meadow joined in gentle laughter as she seamlessly followed her dance partner's lead.

"I would certainly prefer not to be bitten, for where would I go looking as if someone had tried to munch on me?"

Her blue gaze did not avoid the searching brown ones, and it was clear that Meadow felt quite at ease and entertained. "If you are not the King, I am not the Queen," she stated with another light laugh. "They say that the Queen's eyes are grey as a cloudless sky, though I would counter that grey means that there are clouds in the sky. Besides... why would you think it would be embarrassing to ask our Queen for a dance? Something tells me she would not object to a dance or two with some of the citizens, all dressed splendidly as they are here."

She spared a quick and furtive glance downwards to make sure she did not misstep and trample on the man's toes, and she looked back up just as quickly, her look gaining a quality of a well-veiled secret.

"I am not necessarily hiding, I have mostly come for the atmosphere and the enjoyment, but it does not mean that I would not play a trick or two on some people if a chance presents itself," a small grin touched her lips. "And how about you, sir? Do you have a motive for hiding your true self beyond that of the dress code demanding a mask to be worn?"

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

The Butterfly

"The tavern really is beautiful, yes," she agreed with the lady in pink. "Have you been here long?" The Butterfly tugged at the edge of one of her long sleeves, even though the sleeve had not dropped down her arm in the slightest. "I do not believe I was late, but the crowd that has already gathered might make me doubt myself." She cast a small smile at the lady. "Thank you for the compliment on the dress. I was not... entirely convinced of its charms, myself. But a masquerade seemed like the right opportunity to try something a bit out of my comfort zone." Her gaze fell on the Lady in Red and the Green Dragon. Was she frowning slightly behind her lilac mask?

"Your own dress suits you very well," she returned the compliment. "May I ask where you are from? Your accent does not sound very local, if you do not mind me saying so?"

---

@Pele Alarion

A Man in White and Gold

Ah, at least he had not chosen a dud for the first dance of the evening! "Asking the Queen for a dance - well, I will not lie and claim it would not be a highlight, if not the highlight, of my evening. I have never danced with a Queen before, nor with an Elf. A Queen who happens to be an Elf? And lovely besides? It would be an experience I surely do not deserve. Hence my ensuing embarrassment at the thought. Sometimes, delight and embarrassment might go hand in hand, wouldn't you say?"

He nodded thoughtfully, a faint smile still playing around his lips as she said she was not really hiding, but would still enjoy playing around a bit with some of the people she knew. "I am sorry to say, then, that I'm afraid we do not know each other." He winked. "Surely, I would remember."

He let go of her waist briefly to twirl her around once with his handholding hers above her head, and then resumed their dance smoothly. "Me? I am not hiding, really. I just have it easy in the sense that I do not live in Minas Tirith, so only a select few would recognize me to begin with. I don't think I'll be able to play many tricks." He smiled at Meadow. "I'm pretty sure my sister could pick me out of the crowd in a heartbeat."

---

@Rillewen

Lady in Red

"What a shame," she said, wearing a charming smile. "Fighting enemies? Did you fight to protect our freedom, then?" That seemed to mean something to her, and her fingertips lightly carressed the skin of his neck as she listened to the rest of what he had to say. And boy, was there a lot of it. This man was a veritable torrent of speech! What things might she learn from him? He would give up his secrets all too easily, or so it seemed.

As he asked about her, her smile became mysterious. She chose to address his questions first as her fingers on his neck stilled. "Now, where would be the fun in giving all of that away so soon?" The suggestion that she might be nobility, however, almost made her laugh out loud. Her dress and mask must really be working for her this evening. Red was rather amused.

"And well, about the city... If you did not manage to enjoy yourself before, perhaps you will this time. You have a few weeks, as you say, and I think you're off to a good start." Her smile widened a little, as if she was referencing herself as well. She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "I happen to be loads of fun."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ziranphel

She smoothed her hand across the smooth brocaded material on Macardil’s shoulder and then slid it around his upper arm to rest it on the outer curve of his shoulder blade as he stepped close. She loved the look of his tall collar and cravat, with his black locks brushing the edges, and his proximity made her heart trip with delight even as the rest of her settled into the gliding steps of the slow dance.

Macardil’s gaze seemed more warm and intense peering through the mask that obscured most of his face, despite the slight menace in its shaping, and her smile broadened at his words. “Thank you, my love.” Her brown eyes lit with appreciation. “It is only obvious from the way you look at me, but that makes it worth braving the change from my normal attire.” Their slow steps took them through another turn. It was easier to just dance, but since he gave her such beautiful compliments she could try to summon words as well. They came as a soft murmur for his ears alone. “You always make me feel beautiful, and I am happy to wear what brings you delight.”

Her eyes dropped to his chest briefly and then lifted to meet his gaze again. “Speaking of delight, I love that you decided to wear this after all. It suits you incredibly well, my handsome Himhathol.” Deadly but faithful and true.

[Lantaelen]

”This masque is rusting on the inside, I can smell it-“ Said the brother.

”At least yours does not have a giant feather, itching the side of your face constantly.” The sister retorted, scratching the side of her face.

They had arrived just moments before, already separating from their parents who were decidedly a lot more interested in the games of mystery and guesswork then their children. Well, maybe the brother had already given his identity away, as he lifted his silver mask to rub furiously at the bridge of his nose. And not like he could conceal himself, with hair like his, neatly groomed and tailored behind his head. He was dressed in a blue and silver outfit, with a bright orange sash around his waist, accentuating his strong figure. Clearly a man from Belfalas with those colours. Though, more surprising then that he did not want to play the game of who might be behind the masque. There was a thrill in the pretend and the enigma. But the brother never really understood it. These masquerades were…curious to him. Strange and curious.

But the sister was entirely in the game. The theme and everything, just what she enjoyed. Her brother had picked a masque that was more regal than in theme, a base of iron with inlaid silver. She had one of bright gold, a most exquisite design bought and paid for by her parents, attached with a prancing white feather. She was supposed to be a peacock of sorts. And according to her father, the male peacocks were supposed to come and impress her with their beauty and style. That might have been enjoyable…if one hadn’t already been picked out for her. Whereas it might be a game for her betrothed to seek her out, she had already decided she was going to try and avoid him as much as possible. Enjoy herself a little, as if she was indeed an independent, young woman to be courted.

That was proving immensely difficult given that he had given himself away, potentially, in the first five minutes of arrival! It would be obvious then to any onlooker that the short woman with similar hair must surely be the young Lord’s sister. It would only be a brief, few second exposure as he rubbed his nose and fitted his masque back in place, sighing with idle boredom. But she was wide open with her grey-eyes, taking in all the colours.

So many colours! ”There are so many beautiful people here! Look at her in red and black! And her in green and yellow! I love those two colours together, I need more like that.” She said to her brother, who had no interest in such fashion designs. But he endured his sister’s excitement and gushing with long tenured patience. ”Do you think the Queen is here, yet? I wonder what she’s going to wear. She might already be here, in disguise…!”

”You will probably be able to glimpse her out by her ears.” he said tiredly. Queen Arwen, after all, was an elf, as they said. He had only seen her from afar. And any attempt to even try and speak with her here, or interact with her, would be impeded by throngs of admiring crowds who all sought to do the same.

”Are you going to dance with many people?” She asked her brother next, as they stood near the edge of the crowds so far, still taking in the sights and sounds.

”Most likely.” He liked dancing. The patterned footwork felt like a contest. And do it perfectly and in rhythm was a work of art. He did not get much art in his life so far. ”Are you?” He queried back, already knowing the answer.

”As many as I can find.” She said with a beaming smile. A taste of freedom at last. With a brief wave to one another, brother and sister separated, each to find their own avenue of thrill and enjoyment here.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Green Dragon

Being mysterious was really not his strong suit. Especially when there was a chance to impress a very pretty lady. A smile was visible beneath his mask as the Lady in Red asked if he had fought to protect their freedom. "I suppose I did, yes. Fought the forces of evil back, and all that." He answered proudly, while wishing he was a bit better at dancing, as he noticed someone out of the corner of his eye, giving his dance partner an elegant spin. He could just imagine him trying to do that, and ending up tripping her or something. Best not try that, then.

The fact that she declined to answer anything about herself didn't bother him, however. It was a masquerade, after all. He probably should try to be more mysterious himself, but he wasn't from anywhere near here, and figured it was very, very unlikely anyone would know who he was anyway. As she then leaned closer to whisper in his ear, he glanced at her with intrigue. "This trip certainly does seem more promising already," He agreed quietly with a slight smile. No hordes of orcs and dark forces marching toward the city was an excellent start, for one thing. "Fun is always preferred to the alternative." He smiled in amusement as he danced with her, not attempting anything fancy, but managing to maintain the slow-moving dance without stumbling or stepping on her feet.

---

"No, not very long," She replied with a small shake of her head. Her dark hair was pinned up for the evening, as elegantly as she knew how to fix it, anyway. A couple of loosely curled tendrils framed her face, which swayed slightly back and forth as she shook her head. "There were a lot of people already here when my companion and I arrived, so I wouldn't worry about being late." She assured Butterfly. Her own smile widened as the other lady mentioned feeling out of her comfort zone. "Oh, you aren't the only one," She assured her with a little laugh, motioning to the long, flowing gown she wore. "I've never worn anything like this in my life before this evening." She shook her head a bit in amusement at herself for it. "But thank you, at least I can feel good that it looks nice on me."

It was little surprise to hear that her speech had given away that she was not from here. The lady laughed lightly. "It is not local," She agreed. "I come from up north, actually.. I've traveled a long way from home," She followed Butterfly's apparent gaze, toward her companion and the lady he was dancing with. She looked back at her, wondering if she had imagined a frown. "Is something wrong?" She wondered, unsure if her friend might have done something he ought not have.

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

As the older lady in Blue and Purple took her leave of them, the Hawk did a little, respectful bow of his head to her, before turning his attention fully to the girl. He grinned when she said 'too fancy'. "Definitely, I know exactly what you mean." He agreed. "I mean, don't get me wrong, it's all very pretty. But.. I sorta feel like a fish out of water." He admitted. "I hope, since you did end up coming, that the evening won't disappoint you." He added, understanding the feeling quite well. "I had.. a few doubts, myself, to be honest. I've never really attended anything like this."

When she mentioned 'the seamstress', he grinned knowingly. "Ah.. I think I know just the lady you're talking about!" he declared. "Did you get it from a fancy shop on the fourth level, by any chance? If so, then it almost certainly is the same lady who helped me with my own outfit." He explained, with something almost like pride. "She tried to sell me on gold trim too, but we reached a compromise." He motioned to some places on his brown tunic which had gold and white embroidery work made to resemble a hawk's feather pattern.

"Oh, thank you!" he responded to her compliment about his mask with another smile, "Well, I did the feathers. But the leatherwork, the credit for that goes to my.. sister, actually." He explained, with only a slight pause as he scanned the crowd again in hopes of spotting the one who had put in the work to craft his mask. "She's excellent at that sort of thing." He was actually quite proud of the mask, and the fact that it had been custom-made by someone very close to him, rather than something he bought already made, at some store. "I'm hoping she hasn't backed out of coming," he added with a small frown of concern. "I know she also had her doubts. So, you see, you aren't the only one." He added with a small, reassuring smile back at the White and Gold girl.

"I am from here, yes," He answered her last question with a nod. "Not this circle, of course," he added with a little laugh. "But I grew up here, yes. And you? May I ask where you're from, or is that a secret?" He was starting to feel less nervous and awkward about being here, as well, and then it also sort of dawned on him that the girl might actually be hoping to dance. He cleared his throat. "Are you at all interested in dancing?" He asked. It wasn't the most formal or proper way to go about asking, but maybe a bit less formality would make the girl a bit more comfortable. He hoped so anyway, since he was not deeply trained in how to be super formal.

---

Black and Teal

As a lady in Black and Red arrived, the young man with blond hair smiled as he made sure that he was not in her way. Her question was a little amusing to him, but he was quick to answer. "Well, so far, I can attest that the water is excellent." He informed her with a glint of laughter in his blue eyes. "I've been trying to decide whether to try anything else, or find someone to dance with, but to be honest, I don't know what to ask for, either." He had sipped on his water briefly, but so far had felt a little too nervous to go around.

Plus, he couldn't help some curiosity as he observed each of the two ladies who had come up to the bar while he had been there. The first one, in Black and Gold with a cat mask, had taken her glass of Rosy wine and wandered off to mingle and examine the buffet, but now this other lady, in Black and Red.. he noticed that her lips were actually black. He found this most puzzling. He could tell it was not the effects of frostbite, which would have been a strange place to have frostbite anyway, nor was it anything actually wrong with her.. it was apparently done purposely, to match her outfit. But he wasn't sure whether it was polite to ask how she had achieved it. Being unfamiliar with such things that ladies used for decorating themselves up, he just tried not to let his gaze linger too long at her lips.

"How are you enjoying the evening so far, m'lady?" He added, in a friendly tone to the lady in black and red.

---

@Lantaelen

The Fox

Finishing off a very delicious baked mushroom stuffed with cheese and herbs and some other stuff he couldn't distinguish, the Fox couldn't help thinking it would be awesome if they served that sort of stuff where he ate his meals on a daily basis. Though tempted to wipe the lingering juice off on his trouser leg, he remembered his manners and instead, sought out a napkin to use for that purpose. A little grin of amusement lingered on his face at the thought of what his mother would say if she saw him do something like that, at such a function as this.

Once he had cleared away all traces of juice from fingers, chin, and lips, he decided that it was about time he asked some young lady to a dance. But many seemed to already be taken for this song. There would be plenty others before the night was over, of course, but without knowing who was who, it was difficult to know who would be available later, and who might not be. Behind the eye-holes of the mask, steel-blue eyes scanned the crowd in search of some lady who might be in need of someone to dance with.

Spotting one young lady who seemed to be on her own, and whom he believed might be near to his own age, he decided to go for it. Straightening his shoulders, the fiery-haired young man in the Fox mask headed toward her before he could talk himself out of it. It would be silly to go to a dance and then not dance with anyone, after all. "Good evening, miss," he greeted her, smiling politely as he did a small, formal bow to the young lady with a white peacock feather in her golden mask. "May I request the honor of you joining me for a dance?" He inquired, maintaining a friendly smile. There was a sound to his voice that, if one happened to be familiar with the different ways people from the various regions of Gondor spoke, they might place it as being reminiscent of the region of Linhir.

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen

She stuck to the edges of the ball room so far, just taking in everything. She had never truly been alone in a serious, mature event like this. Always with a chaperone or family member or some kind of adult. Now she could be, or at least pretend to be, an independent Lady. She observed cooly as some individuals paired up for the dance floor. Others gathered in some groups or circles, forming cliques, chatting or laughing. Everything seemed so carefree. The masques let one truly be whoever they wished, more of themselves or more of someone they wished they could be.

The song had just begun, but she wasn’t concerned about not having a partner just yet. The night was still very young and she intended to make the most of it, seeing everything there was to offer. A brief tour took her past a buffet table, heaped with finger foods and goblets in circular motions, filled with many pretty drinks. For a moment she lingered and thought about taking one, juice or even wine, to further fulfil her enjoyment, until a voice spoke up and drew her attention. She turned and was taken aback by the speaker. A handsome red-haired man in a fox masque.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. What a portent for her. A fox, with equally blazed red hair to match. Kind and courteous words were spoken to her in the common tongue, in a dialect that was most curious. But despite the immense excitement and nervous anticipation that swelled in her abdomen, she had to remember to be a lady. Shoulders squared and back, chin high, hands folded neatly before her. She let her eyes run the man down and then up again, before quirking an unseen eyebrow expectantly at his request. Of course she wanted to dance and here was the opportunity placed before her with such obvious signs.

”Good evening,” she replied in the Sindarin tongue. After all, she was a lady. Would the Fox Prince understand, though? ”The honour would be all mine, Sir. Please, proceed.” She consented to the dance, though she made no effort to move. If he understood, then he would extend his gloved hand, and she would put her gloved hand in his, permitting herself to be led. If he understood…

---

@Rillewen @Arnyn

He made his tour of the hall opposite of his sister, though he was more direct with his desires and intentions here. Dancing was the only real physical contest to be had here. So he had to have it. He could do so without the masque but…that was apart of the game, apparently. And he wouldn’t dare ridicule the King and Queen’s party by not participating. After a brief walk, skillfully swiping a goblet of wine off a passing server, he spotted a potential partner just as the music seemed to shift from one tune to another, signally a switch in partners, or an open invite for new arrivals and pairs.

And he spotted a pair of them just standing idly by. One in a beautiful pink dress, with an equally flowing shawl over a shoulder, with silver flowers hemmed on her waist and shoulder. The other with a butterfly masque and braided blonde hair, like a gold crown in addition to her intricate face covering. They seemed to be in conversation, but when it seemed like a natural pause came between them, he decided to make his move. In one gesture, the cup’s contents were gone. Another saw it placed on a side table. Then with the surety of a knight, he stepped to them, coming before the two women and giving a slight incline of his torso in greeting and deference.

”My Lady,” he said to Butterfly first, ”My Lady.” he said to Pink Dress next, letting his eyes linger on her next. He spoke in the common tongue. ”The bees must certainly be envious of the honey woven into you two. Would any of you care to do me the honour of a dance…?” He said, offering up a charming half-smile.

[Karis Ziranphel]

The Wolf

It was interesting to watch the swirl of colors on the dance floor and around the room as people moved to get food or drink or meet one another. He was searching for his wife and knew he should probably mingle as she would say, but first he just wanted to look. She had insisted on spending the day apart in preparation, and with her gift for disguise he knew she would likely go all out at this opportunity. If she wanted to change her height or gait or hair color, he wouldn’t put it past her, since he knew well her capabilities with disguise.

His gaze caught and rested on his cousin and her husband on the dance floor once more, and a smile hinting of affection and pride crossed his lips before moving on again. There was a couple on the dance floor with the man in white and the woman in green and gold who swirled by, and his mask tilted as he got an impression of the man that somehow reminded him of the Lieutenant. He gave his head a slight shake. Imagining things.

Now the lady in red dancing with a dragon masked individual…his eyes narrowed as his gaze caught on her. Could it be? In some ways it was almost too obvious. Kaylin frequently dyed her hair dark, and the red for flame…maybe. He’d keep an eye on her, but didn’t want to be misdirected.

There were several in variations of pink dresses with floral accents that caught his eye next, along with one that had a more purple shading and butterflies? He moved along the wall a step or two to get a better angle. Was that mesh over where her eyes should be? His own blue-grey ones narrowed in thought at that combined with the blond tresses visible.

More people were entering and making the rounds, and he touched his silvery grey mask once more before moving to take a glass of sparkling wine from one of the trays and sipping to quench the dryness of his throat after the cracker. Mingle. Right. One of the newer arrivals in blue and purple had left her companion and drifted near. He cleared his throat so as not to startle her with a growly voice to match his mask. “Good evening.” A slight and ever-so-correct bow revealed the reddish brown waves of his hair more clearly. It was up to her whether to just say hello or engage further.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Lantaelen

The Butterfly

It was a comfort to know she was not the only one feeling a bit... out of the norm. "You can rest assured that you look lovely," she confirmed with a genuine smile. "Up north?" she repeated questioningly, surprised. "How far north?"

When the pink lady seemed to notice she was watching Red and the Dragon dancing, the Butterfly shook her head briefly. "No, no. I don't think so." Trying to think of an acceptable explanation, she then added: "The red of the lady's dress simply caught my eye. And the gentlemen's mask - is that supposed to be a dragon?" She could not be entirely sure from this distance, but that is what it looked like.

Her attention was so focused on the dancing couple in red and green, that she hardly noticed the man approaching pink lady and herself until he was almost right in front of them. She gave a polite nod when he addressed her, and smiled slightly when he addressed pink lady next to her in the same way. The line he fed them next, made her lift her eyebrows behind her mask. Just a little bit. Such confidence. Taking note of his hair, build, and the way he spoke in the same accent she was using... she knew enough.

She hid her amusement at his words and held out a gloved hand toward the lady in pink. "Please," she said graciously. "I do not mind to wait." She curtsied, resisting the urge to remove herself from the situation, and instead merely taking half a step back and waiting for the man in blue and silver to whisk the pink lady away.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn @Lantaelen

Blossom

After a moment of consideration, the pink blossom-y lady decided there wasn't really much reason not to tell. It wasn't as if she knew any of these people. Had she been in her hometown, attending a masquerade dance there, (which was somewhat unlikely) she might have found it fun to see how well she could conceal herself, to see how long it might take for the local people to guess who she was. She suspected most knew her well enough by sight to make quick work of that, but here? No one except the one she had come with would have a clue where to begin guessing, so it wouldn't spoil anything for her to tell.

She smiled at the younger lady's curiosity. Ages were difficult to guess with these masks, but she believed herself to be a bit older than the other, anyway. "Well, it felt like a great distance, to me. I've never traveled very far anywhere, before," She answered with a warm smile, with excitement shining in her brown eyes. "I've always wanted to, though. It's quite a journey from my home, to here. I come from the Breeland.. have you heard of that?"

As Butterfly asked about the dragon mask her friend had on, Blossom lady smiled. "Yes, it is." She confirmed with a nod. "He would not be swayed from it, then complained about it once he had it on." She laughed with a little eyeroll, though she couldn't help being amused.

Just about that time, she was somewhat surprised by a man who approached, greeting both of them politely. "Sir," She greeted him back in the same manner, then couldn't help an amused laugh at the line about bees being jealous. While the comment somewhat reminded her of something someone else might say, it was clear that this man was not the other. Still, she smiled when the Butterfly lady declined and stepped back, allowing her to accept without any conflict between them. "I would be delighted, thank you sir." She replied with a smile, accepting the invitation to dance, and allowed him to lead her toward the dance floor.

---

The Fox

For a moment, he thought the young lady was going to decline. While he would get over the rejection easily enough, it would be a bit impolite for her to do so, wouldn't it? Besides, it was only a dance, and it wasn't as if he was asking to court her or something, which he wouldn't think of doing. Anyway, there wasn't anyone else asking her. But, the way she looked him up and down, made him wonder if maybe she was trying to decide if he was good enough for her to dance with.

When the young lady finally responded in the elven tongue, the Fox was mildly surprised, and wondered if maybe she was less familiar with the common speech. Perhaps she hardly knew it at all, and had needed to take a moment to figure out, or guess, what he had asked..? He wasn't sure. Still, he didn't appear phased, since he understood her reply well enough. His smile remained in place as he offered her his left hand, as was appropriate, and received her gloved hand into it.

"Are you enjoying the event, so far this evening?" He inquired as he escorted her toward the dance floor, switching to Sindarin as well. Though he was a bit unused to speaking the language, he knew and remembered enough from childhood lessons to be able to carry on a conversation.. and hopefully not mix up a word here and there.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

The Meadow

"Perhaps you are right. Though I suspect I might not even realise the right time to be embarrassed. Not sure I can recognise any people behind those masks and might end up dancing with the King without being aware of it," Meadow laughed lightly, and then enjoyed the twirl, her slender arm forming a near perfect arch with the White and Gold's arm for just a moment.

She found both the present company and the dance very enjoyable, so her gaze returned back to him after the twirl. "No, it does not seem that we have met before," she said with a smile, though it seemed like a spark of a cunning idea flashed briefly in her eyes. "Especially if you visit the city only seldom. Perhaps you should do so more often, then."

For a brief moment she let her gaze travel around before returning to her dance partner once more. "Ah, is your sister here too then? And I think it is not bad to have siblings, I'd say. Especially if they are not of the kind to come up with all sorts of ways to embarrass you in public."

@Rillewen

White & Gold

"Oh, I do not mean it is not pretty. Very... breathtaking," the White & Gold said, her dark eyes gleaming with returning confidence now that he saw that the Hawk was not all that fancy himself - as a person. Not haughty, it seemed. "I don't think I will ever again experience event like this, so perhaps it was well worth coming."

Then she nodded in agreement. "Yes, it must be the same shop. The lady surely knows her job, I'd say. Though I am not quite sure what I'm going to eat for the coming days or weeks," she said and laughed at the fact while she still could. With her small network of people she knew it was likely she'd get out of any dire straits afterwards. "Ah, you should have talked your sister into coming!"

"I am definitely not from here," White & Gold admitted and then tilted her head. "I don't know. Is it a custom to hide who you are in an event like this? All the masks..."

When the Hawk asked about dancing, the girl laughed and said. "I do not mind dancing, but I should probably warn you that I am not trained in it. And I don't think dancing with horses really counts."

/

Black Lips and also White & Red

"Water! Who drinks water at a lavish ball like this?" the lady nudged the young man's shoulder lightly with her elbow, and then after a brief consideration ordered a glass of white wine. It seemed that mischief was the colour her eyes shone forth when she looked back at him after taking a sip to test the drink she had just ordered.

"If you do not go beyond water and just serve as a support for the bar, perhaps you should rather dance," she declared, and after a thoughtful pause asked: "DO you dance, though?" Then she turned to the White & Red. "And you?"

"I have mead," White & Red replied, having been distracted from deep observations of people and enjoying his drink.

"He doesn't even know what I'm talking about, does he?" she turned back to the Black and Teal with some exasperation in her voice. "I still have to start enjoying the evening properly," she added the answer to his last question and shrugged lightly.

@Karis Ziranphel

The Plum

She was alerted to the fact that she was approaching someone when she heard clearing of the voice and a greeting.

"Good evening, Mr Wolf," she said and did not hesitate to offer a small curtsey in return. Her grey eyes smiled at the effort he was putting into his voice. "What are you hunting for tonight?" She kept her eyes on him while her fingers gracefully reached for a small square of bread with cheese on top that she had intended to pick for tasting.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

He grinned a little wider as the girl spoke of the seamstress as knowing her business well. "She really is. In fact, I'd say she's the best seamstress in the whole city. In fact, you're lucky to have gotten her to help you with your dress at all," He mentioned. "She's been quite busy for the past few months, with everyone preparing for this thing." He explained. He grew briefly concerned when she mentioned not knowing what she was going to eat, but when she laughed, he decided (and hoped) that she must be only joking. Still.. he couldn't resist joking, with a motion toward the buffet, "Maybe, you could hide some of these delicious things and stuff them in your purse for tomorrow."

At the comment that he should've talked his sister into coming, his smile faded slightly. "Believe me, we've been trying to for months." He cast another glance around. "But, I think she is coming. Or, well, I saw her bring a dress into the house, and she's been working on it, in secret. So.. I would think she would come. Right? I mean, you wouldn't go out and buy a fancy dress like that," he motioned to what she had on, "and then NOT come to the event you bought it for.. would you?" While not much of his face could be seen, his voice held a confused tone to it. Girls could certainly be rather confusing, even if he had grown up around some of them.

He wasn't the least bit surprised, when the girl confirmed that she was definitely not from here. The accent* was quite a good clue to that, of course, but it was still best not to assume such things. He grinned at the question. "It's not really a custom.." He tried to think how to explain it. "It's really just.. for fun? I guess. I've never been to something like this either, but I think the idea is both to have fun trying to guess who's who, and also to meet people you might not have met, otherwise. Or something like that." He shrugged. "I guess there's just something about having a mask on that makes it easier to approach random people. Then, if you embarrass yourself, you can at least console yourself with the hope that they won't recognize you again if they saw you out on the street." He was mostly joking, and kept an easy grin on his face as he said it.

The smile remained on his face when she replied that she had not had any training with dancing. He decided not to respond to the comment about dancing with horses. "That's alright, I grew up with two older sisters who sometimes made me dance with them." He laughed. "It's easier for the girl, anyway. All you really have to do is follow my lead." He held out his left hand to her, so he could guide her toward the dance floor. If she looked at the offered hand, she could see a scar easily visible on his palm. "I figure, it's usually hardest the first time you try something like this, you know, because you might be nervous, and don't know if you'll do it well enough, all that stuff.. Believe me, I've been there. So, maybe I can help you get over that? Then, the next time someone asks you to dance, you'll know what to do."

*accent was verified with the writer

---

Black & Teal

He laughed a little at the lady's comment about supporting the bar. "Well, I.. can." He answered her question, though with slight uncertainty in his voice. He probably would not have decided to come to this, if he could not dance. "Sort of," he added in a mumble under his breath as she turned to ask the other fellow the same. He glanced at the other guy, who seemed quite distracted, and wondered what he was looking at so intently.

"I don't think he does," He answered Blacklips, somewhat amused at the Red Rooster. Perhaps he was watching the dancing, or looking for someone in particular? "Would you like to dance, ma'am?" He asked, after she mentioned not yet enjoying the evening. He set his glass of water down and offered a hand toward her. "I can't promise to be an excellent dancing partner, but I can try my best." He grinned.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

By the Valar, was this man oblivious. Red drew in a slow, deep breath, scoping the rest of the room beyond Dragon's shoulder. She'd really have to lay it on thick to have any effect whatsoever. And throwing people off was the main reason she had come here.

"Promising, yes," she agreed, her eyes inspecting some of the men standing and stalking across the room. A new arrival in blue and silver with an orange sash had just swiped a goblet of wine from a passing tray and was now approaching two pink-hued ladies. Hmm. The Hawk was now conversing with a young lady dressed in white and gold. Her gaze lingered for a moment on a man in a wolf's mask who had not caught her attention before.

Looking back at the Green Dragon then, she gave him a disarming smile. "I also prefer fun. What else, I wonder, would be the purpose of living this life of ours?" His amusement was reflected in her own smile as she brought his hand that was holding hers to the small of her back and then trailed her own hand up his arm, to join her other hand behind his neck. Slanting her head, her smile getting playful, she stared into his eyes for a moment. Then she leaned close again, to whisper in Dragon's ear a second time.

After having spoken her piece, she drew back just enough to give him a telling look and a flirtatious smile, before brushing a finger over his bottom lip. "If you're interested, of course." She slowly disentangled herself from his embrace. On her way to the bar, hips swaying as if it were the most natural thing, she cast the Dragon a slow look over her bare shoulder, then turned her attention back to the bar, inwardly chuckling to herself.

Passing the food tables, she casually assessed the man in a Wolf's mask. He was speaking to a lovely lady, the Plum. She would leave them be... for the moment.

The bar was where the Lady in Red ended up. Right next to the Red Rooster, who was being left behind now Teal Guy was offering a dance to Black Lips. "Mead is hardly a good substitute for a heady dance out on the floor, sir," she teased the Rooster. "But perhaps the right woman can make you an offer you could not refuse?" Her eyes danced with laughter.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

The Gilded

The Hawk's jesting certainly made her feel more comfortable in the unusual setting, so the Gilded laughed more heartily.

"I could also eat my fill enough to last a week," she stated, certainly meaning to sample some of the food supposing that she would not be asked to dance too frequently.

"I certainly appreciated the seamstress being willing to help me, and do not regret having paid for her work. Just that..." she reconsidered the sentence and ended it differently. "I'm going to enjoy the evening and that's it." He studied the Hawk for a bit when he spoke of his sister and then expressed her assumptions: "I'd say... if she indeed worked on a dress for this evening, she will come. Unless there's some convincing reason not to, like... if there's someone here she wants to avoid at all costs."

For a few moments she considered the whole guessing part, and then shrugged one shoulder. "I'm definitely not out of Gondor, as you can probably guess. But otherwise I doubt you've even seen me or would have heard anything if I told you my whole life's story," she eventually said and flashed the Hawk a bright smile.

"What if I trample off your toes?" the Gilded laughed, yet offered her hand in agreement to dance. She took note of the scar and wondered where he had gotten it, but she did not let show she had noticed it and instead focused on his face. "I'll try to follow your lead and not be too clumsy. So that it would not come to the point where you would have to be embarrassed enough to avoid people on the street because I make you look bad."

Black Lips

"You do not sound overly convincing," Black Lips assumed, tilting her head slightly to look at the Teal. "But perhaps I can test those dancing skills of yours... Consider the offer accepted," she took another light sip from the glass and set it aside to let the young man lead her to the dance floor.

Just as they set out, the Lady in Red arrived, and the Black Lips gave her a curious glance her way. The woman certainly was up to something, and she now began thinking that it would be good to figure out the who, what, why, when and how.

"Well," she turned her attention back to the Teal then and said with a quiet laugh, "Don't worry. I won't judge you, nor make fun of you if you make any misstep. I assume you'd surely want to dance with all the beautiful girls, so testing out those steps will only prepare you."

@Arnyn

Red Rooster

"What?" he muttered, but it seemed that he would get no answer as the other two headed off. Instead he found himself side by side with a beautiful woman in a red dress.

"Is it so, m'lady?" the Rooster inquired, unashamedly giving her his full attention now that he had been called back from wherever his mind had roamed off. "I did not say I would outright refuse any offers, not if they came from such a beauty as you." He figured he should have been more active in taking up dancing, but perhaps he could do so now.

With a quick gulp he emptied the mead, pushed himself away from the bar and with a light bow stretched out his hand. "Would you be willing to prove the truth of your words to me, m'lady? Else I would take it as empty words only." His brown eyes reflected the merriment, as he waited to see whether she would indeed dance with him.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Golden Boy

"Perhaps you have simply evolved beyond embarassment," he suggested good-naturedly, "leaving the rest of us dreadfully far behind you." He guided her across the dancefloor without much effort, hardly needing to think about how to move or what to do, and therefore quite able to focus on the lady herself as well as on not bumping into any of the other dancers. "Seldom, yes. This is only my third visit this year." His friendly smile turned into a half-grin. "What do you think should bring me here more often? For I much prefer the green of Ithilien to the white of the City, if truth must be told."

As the tune drew to an end, he slowed them to a halt, just after her question and comment about siblings. Smiling at her, he removed his hand from her waist and put it behind his own back, but he kept her hand in his, lifting it questioningly as he slanted his head. "Another dance, m'lady? Unless you would prefer to continue our conversation while retrieving refreshments? Or, of course, if you would prefer for it not to continue at all?"

---

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil

"You are most beautiful when you wear what you love," he told her softly. "Though I cannot deny that this dress is a singular experience." His intent look was brightened by the flash of a grin. "The talk it might cause in Belfalas," he whispered, as if that brought him some sort of strange satisfaction. It was in reality more amusement at the oft-times outdated habits and beliefs. His earlier smile returned. "Even though it is challenging for me to imagine you looking any more like the Lady Himhathol than you do now." His blue eyes rested on her earrings, on the scars at her neck, then her mask. "Hmm. I must correct my own words slightly. I hold them true but only should you lose the mask, Lady wife."

His expression grew somewhat doubtful at her words. He would have preferred to look less... intimidating and dramatic? However, if it pleased the warrior in his arms, it was well worth it. And perhaps he just had to admit that his life could be just those two things: intimidating as well as dramatic. In that respect, it did suit him, he thought wryly. "I can hardly believe you both noticed and acted upon my preference," he told her, instead. "I thought I had been careful enough in not trying to influence your choice of attire." Apparently not.

---

@Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

"Well, we could not have that," she replied smoothly, putting her ungloved right hand in his own. "And I do enjoy being proved right."

As they walked back to the dance floor, Red gave the Rooster a sidelong glance. "Should we agree on a bet?" she inquired in a velvety voice. "If your mead is better, you gain something. If the dance is better, I gain something." She smiled. "Though such a bet would be a risky undertaking on my part, given you might choose to be dishonest even if the dance is better, in order to win. Unless your honour is above cheating?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

The Wolf

Ah Madam Plum was not averse to conversation. He met her gaze as she curtseyed and then addressed him in return, while noticing her reaching for a piece of bread as if secretively. No noticeable blue in her grey, and it would have shown with that outfit. His eyes lit with amusement, and there was no hoarseness left in his voice as he replied. “I am hunting for many things. I seek to celebrate this Midwinter feast with refreshments and conversation, dancing and friends”

He lifted his glass towards her in a slight toast, and then his voice lowered, the tone inviting her into his confidence. “But primarily I will be attempting to sniff out my wife, who has delighted herself in disguise this evening. I enjoy the challenge, and it is early yet.” She wouldn’t be able to see his raised eyebrow, so he inclined his head towards her slightly. “And what may you be seeking this lovely midwinter night?” He couldn’t help but notice out of the corner of his eye that the lady in red had left her former dance partner to find another, and the one in lilac had not been the one to accept the blue and silver man’s hand for the next dance.

Ziranphel

Her laughter flowed out lightly in response to his flashing grin as his words warmed her, reflecting in her eyes and entire countenance. “I will lose the mask…later, and you were very careful. But I did want your honest opinion of what you would like to see me in and not just what I was most comfortable wearing at first glance. You were very subtle, but I am getting more practiced at noticing the look in your eye when you especially approve. And I admit I like that look. It's an addiction that I don’t intend to ever cure.”

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen @Arnyn

What if they both said no? Well, wouldn’t that be hilarious. Comedic and sad. But he was not deterred by such a possibility. His opening remarks drew smiles from both women, even a little laugh from Blossom. Butterfly seemed to content to let her companion go first, offering to wait, which had the implication that she would be willing to dance as well. He offered her a polite smile and turned to Blossom, offering his gloved hand to receive hers, to escort her onto the dance floor.

”Let me first say, Lady,” he switched to the elven tongue, knowing it sounded much more agreeable to the ear, ”you are most excellent in your presentation.” He complimented her outfit and masque. His sister had believed she would come off as ridiculous with her own white feather aside her masque but here was another whom such a style fitted superbly. And her dress trailed after her in ways that made it seemed as if she floated, like some angelic vala.

He brought her to the dance floor and with a firm heave from his hand upon hers, he spun her into the waiting palm of his other hand, catching her skillfully upon her side. She could fit her own hand upon his broad shoulder, as was the custom of dancers. And as the song began to reach the crescendo of it’s tune, signalling the start, he began to dance with Blossom, his strong hands leading her through the motion with grace and command.

Maybe after a hour of this, he could be contented enough to leave.

He couldn’t tell who this woman was. She could be the Princess of Dol Amroth herself. Or an elven companion of the Queen. She could just be a lady of Minas Tirith, from one of the many great houses here. Or even a distant traveller, guided by some stars or fate, to be here at this very moment for some consequence or cause. The mystery was the fun of it for most. Maybe…he felt it a little. ”The City is wondrous at this time of year.” He remarked casually, as they went through the motions of the dance.

---

@Rillewen

If before her response and expression had been steely, to hear the Fox Prince reply in the same high tongue of the elves softened her immensely. Her eyebrows piqued in curiosity and she couldn’t help but smile. Uncontrollably. She was beaming. And the colour flushed up through her neck and into her cheeks, but she didn’t feel embarrassed. Why should she? This is what she wanted. The Fox Prince extended his hand and she placed her own gingerly within it, allowing herself to led. A brief look around saw only the presence of strangers. Only four others would know who she was by sight alone. Her parents, her brother, and her friend. And neither seemed to be anywhere near her.

She was a free spirit for once. ”So far.” She answered coyly to the opening query, returning her eyes to the fox. His masque was intricate, unlike her own, which was just sheer gold, bright in the light of the hall. And her white feather danced with her every movement beside her head. She laid her hand on the young man’s shoulder, amazed at how firm and hard it felt. He was no slouch. ”Did you also travel from afar to be here tonight, Sir Fox?” She said, white teeth flashing as her grin grew even wider at the title she bestowed on him. He was probably just some local boy looking to have some fun but…she didn’t mind. She was here for the same reason. If she was a bit smarter and more aware, she might realize his Sindarin didn’t have the Linhir accent like his westron did…

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

The Meadow

"Not much embarrassment, yes," Meadow admitted quietly with a half-grin. "Not when hiding behind a mask."

For a brief moment she maintained silence and did not respond right away to any of his questions, though the look in her eyes was intent, even calculating, and a smile on her lips switched to a slightly impish grin and back again. But since the music had come to a halt, and the Golden was expecting the answer, she eventually broke the silence.

"Oh, I would love another dance, if you do not mind. Your skills make it easy to dance without giving much thought to it," her smile grew some more, as she prepared to take off again.

"And I think Ithilien is quite awesome. Green surely has its attractions, much more than the white. I have to agree," she returned to the conversation. "And only three times? Your sister must live in Ithilien too then, if you do not visit her more often. No?"

Red Rooster

He may have idled most of his young years away, yet he had still been forced to learn things which his parents had considered necessary for any cultured man, such as dancing. Well, at least he could now see if he still remembered the steps. He guided the Lady in Red onto the dance floor with as much poise as he could muster and listened to the music for a bit so he could catch up with proper tune.

Yet, when Red suggested a bet, his eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak. Only he had to close it just as quickly to hold back a sudden burst of burp urged upwards by the hastily downed mead and the surprise effect - it would not do to release it right into the lady's face as he turned to bring her into a gentle hold for a dance. Once he was sure that he was able to keep his inner workings under full control, he gave thought to the bet.

"A bet, m'lady?" he kept his voice quiet. "And what would those gains be so that I would be able to agree to any such thing? The value should be worthwhile. And the loss should be felt."

He was not sure he wanted to get involved in this. The lady looked quite... sly. But he did not dare say as much to her face.

"I may be many things, but cheater is not one of those," he insisted instead, attempting to put on the best look of an offended person.

@Karis Ziranphel

The Plum

"All very good things, Mr Wolf," Plum responded and lifted the bit of bread she had picked in a return toast of sorts.

When he then revealed the deeper layer of his hunt, the lady's grey eyes acquired a merry and knowing look. "Ah, a hidden treasure in a roomful of shiny items then," she concluded.

"I am looking for most of the things you named previously, except your wife, of course," she responded after a short deliberation. "Good company, good conversations, a dance or two, finding joy in seeing people enjoy themselves."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Lantaelen

The Butterfly

She returned the polite smile and waited for the man in blue and silver and Blossom to step away. The Butterfly discreetly moved from her earlier position on the side of the dance floor, finally seeking something to ease the dryness of her throat. On the way to the bar, she spotted Rose, and smiled quietly to herself, even though she gave no additional sign of recognition. That was all part of the game... was it not?

---

@Pele Alarion

Golden Boy

He flashed her a smile and stepped forward to place his hand on her waist once more. "Your compliment is well appreciated," he accepted it smoothly. "When I do come to the city, I do try to visit a dancing tavern at least once. I've always liked to dance, ever since I was but a boy." He felt there was absolutely no shame in admitting it.

Her words about green versus white made him chuckle. "As evidenced once more this evening," he laughed quietly. "You are dressed in green, and you are indeed far lovelier than I, in the white. But then it is the mask giving you such confidence? That surprises me, m'lady, for it seems to come to you so naturally."

Deftly spinning her around again, he shook his head with a little smile when she returned to the topic of his infrequent visits - and his sister. "No, she resides here. And she's the only reason I stay as long as I do, the rare times I do visit." Part of him wanted to add more, but he knew that his sister wouldn't approve for him to divulge such details to strangers. She probbaly wouldn't approve for him to share it with her own friends. Focusing on Meadow, Golden Boy narrowed his eyes in curiosity. "You speak of a sister as someone with all due experience. Do you have one yourself, perchance?"

---

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil

Her words brought a grin to his face that may even be characterized as silly. By some. He drew her a bit closer for the remainder of their first dance, though not yet so close as to draw any unwanted attention.

"Are you thirsty, Ziran?" he murmured, once the tune had come to an end, another starting up immediately in its wake. While he has slowed them to a halt, he had not stepped away from her, nor had he let go. "Shall I retrieve us something to drink? Or do you wish to eat, or mingle?"

---

@Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

The Rooster's response was less than what she'd hoped for, but she supposed it would be best not to let that disappoint her. Her idea of a bet did not seem to appeal to the man. Then he was either not very playful, or he did not feel comfortable to display such behaviour with anyone other than his friends perhaps. "Of course," she agreed that both the gain and the loss should be... interesting. "If you would rather decline," she countered, "that is your prerogative. I am simply trying to find a way to make the most of my evening," she explained with a sweeter smile. "I did not mean any offense," she reassured him. "But we are all strangers here this evening, it seems."

"Perhaps a different game then?" The suggestion fell from her lips easily as they moved along the room. "We can in turn venture a guess about each other's personality - not identity, but personality, mind you. At the end of the dance, the one with the most correct guesses, wins. We can play simply for the joy of the win." Red gave Rooster an open smile. "What do you think, sir?"

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

There was something a little concerning, and maybe slightly familiar, about the way she mentioned again about money, as if maybe she would be struggling financially after this. But, he understood the feeling about wanting to just enjoy the evening. "Same here," He agreed.

As he led her to the dance floor, he considered her comment about his sister. "I suppose so," He answered, though a little skeptically. He decided not to comment about the 'someone she wants to avoid' issue. He would try not to worry about it too much. The evening was still fairly young, he figured, and he had no idea what sort of things girls had to do to get ready for this sort of thing.

The Gilded's comment about not being from Gondor, made him grin. "I never would've guessed," He replied jokingly. Of course, he had guessed already, so she would surely know he was kidding. "I'm not quite familiar with your accent, though. Can't seem to place it." He admitted, as he placed one hand politely at her middle back, and began to dance. "Don't worry about my toes," He added with a little grin. "They've definitely suffered worse than what you could do to them. And I'm wearing shoes." He added, as if that should provide enough toe protection for anything that could be thrown at them.

Once in position, as the new song began, he guided her into dancing smoothly along with the music. "All you have to do, is let me guide and follow my lead," he told her in a quieter tone, so not to make it obvious to anyone around them that he was giving her instructions. "The guy, whoever you're dancing with.. if he knows what to do that is.. will use his hands to guide you, so then all you have to do is follow his lead." he explained, as he did just that, gently nudging her with his hands to go in the direction she should go. "So, that's like.. your signal for moving to the left, or right, or forward or back.. does that make sense?"

---

Teal Guy

He smiled as the lady agreed to dance. "Well, thank you." He gave a little laugh as she declared she would not judge him or make fun of him. Leading her out to the dance floor, they passed the woman in a flashy red dress. It seemed she was able to draw Rooster out of his distracted daze, anyway. Teal was curious who these people all might be, and wondered if he would recognize anyone later if he met them without masks. One girl, at least, he recognized once he got onto the floor, but she was dancing with someone else, and he was glad to see she seemed to be enjoying herself.

Turning to his dance partner, he lacked the same confidence in dancing properly, as several of the people around them seemed quite skilled, but he put forth his best effort as they began moving slowly with the music, and tried to remember what little he knew of dancing. "Are you from the city, ma'am?" He asked the lady, trying to get a little insight to who she might be.

---

@Lantaelen

Blossom

As the stranger led her out to the floor, Blossom was surprised to hear him switch to another language. She had not expected that, and for a second, her mind was scrambling to try and recognize some words. She missed the first part of what he said, as a result, and only managed to pick out a few of the rest, out of what little she had learned of the language. She could decipher enough to put together that he was complimenting her, she thought? Either that, or, well.. there were a few ways some words could be interpreted and she decided to simply assume it was a compliment.

"Thank you," She replied in the same language, as simply as she could, feeling it best not to try and overcomplicate her reply, lest she say something incorrectly. She returned to the common speech then. "Regrettably, I know very little of the language of the elves, beautiful though it is." She admitted. "I only know a few words really, and I fear I would ruin it. But you speak it quite well, sir."

The spin was a slight surprise, but brought another smile from Blossom as her flowy dress swirled gracefully. Her primary concern was tripping over the hem, as it was longer than what she was accustomed to wearing, but it had been too pretty to pass up, and it fit her quite nicely, too. "You're an excellent dancer, sir," She informed the man of what he probably already knew.

"Are you familiar with the city in all seasons, then?" She inquired curiously, since he mentioned it being lovely at this time of year. "It's the first time I have ever been here, and I agree, it is certainly incredible, if a little overwhelming." She let out a soft laugh, figuring her accent must have already given away that she was not from here. Butterfly had immediately picked up on it, after all. She was curious, however, if the stranger would be able to place where she was from.

---

Sir Fox

It seemed that the girl's attitude changed drastically after he replied to her in Sindarin. The Fox smiled to see the young lady smiling. Apparently, he had made her happy, and he was glad to have accomplished that, at least. He considered her question, as he guided her into a dance. "I suppose you might say that," He responded after a moment, wearing a small, almost mysterious smile as he guided her around skillfully, as if he'd had many a dance lesson at some point.

He couldn't help a little grin as she called him 'sir fox', but he didn't mind. With one hand holding hers, and the other lightly at her back, he was unable to brush back a small swoop of red hair that flopped over the mask slightly. He ignored it, however. "And you, my lady?" He inquired in return, somewhat curious. The Sindarin speech made him wonder, for there were a few rumors circulating that the queen may even show up. But a quick, furtive glance at her ears reassured him that this was not she. "Have you ever been to the White City before?"

---

@Arnyn

Green Dragon

He smiled at the lady when she agreed with his comment about fun, but he before he could comment, he was distracted when she changed the location of his hand at her back so that it was lower than he had placed it. And then she brought her other hand up his arm. When she looked into his eyes for a moment, he met her gaze with a smile on his face.

As the lady leaned closer to whisper something, he listened curiously. His gray-blue eyes grew wider as he heard what she said, and he swallowed silently. Quite caught off guard by her words, he missed a step, then stopped moving and stood still entirely. That song was ending, anyway, though. As Red concluded her whispered message and pulled away to look at him, he stared back at her, feeling his face getting warm beneath the mask. Thankfully, between the mask, and his beard, such a blush would be mostly hidden. Still, his lips parted in surprise, especially about the last bit she'd said, and he quickly closed his mouth and swallowed again as she brushed her finger over his lip. He was left standing where she left him as she then walked away, casting a lingering look over her shoulder at him. His gaze followed Ms. Red, but he remained rooted in place for a moment.

It took him several seconds to snap out of a brief daze. Another song was starting, and after blinking a couple of times, he moved off of the dance floor as more people paired off to dance. As he moved off to the edges of the dancing, he observed her now being led back onto the floor by another guy. They were quite easy to spot, given they were both in red. He breathed out slowly and ventured toward the bar, and quietly asked one of the bartenders for a drink.

---

Rosy Pink

So many people! Rosy girl was smiling as she gazed around, wandering slowly along the edge of the ballroom. She saw people swirling around, smiling as they danced together. She had to wonder how many of the dance partners knew each other, or if they were strangers to one another. Would anyone ask her to dance? Was anyone here that she knew?

After silently smoothing the flowy dress she was wearing, Rosy Pink girl ended up clasped her hands together in front of her, and smiled at a lady in a butterfly dress who passed her. She looked around briefly, then walked around the dance floor and went to one of the food tables on one side of the room. She wasn't exactly hungry, but more curious what was available. Spotting some berries, she lightly bit her lower lip, then decided, why not? After a brief hesitation as she debated the choices available, the girl took a strawberry and then turned to watch the dancing as she took a small bite. Her free hand came up near her shoulder to toy with a lock of dark hair that trailed down in front of her.

---

Snowflake
&

Seashell

Two young ladies dressed in blue, both somewhere in their early twenties, approached the tavern at about the same time. One had blond curls bound back with a band woven with small seashells, the other with dark curls, partially pulled back and held in place with a snowflake hair comb. "Oh, go ahead," The dark haired one, in a snowflake themed dress, motioned to the other, who looked as if the sea itself had dressed her, to go first.

"Thanks," Seashell smiled cheerfully and stepped ahead of Snowflake. Blue eyes, matching her dress, blinked at the attendant as he asked about taking her cloak. "Do I get it back when I leave?" She asked with a teasing grin, but she gave no protest to him actually taking it. The attendant's smiling reassurance that she would get it back seemed to hardly phase her. She had, by now, turned her attention toward the room, catching her breath in amazement at how lavishly it was decorated.

The dark-haired girl smiled faintly, from just behind her, and softly thanked the attendant as he took her outerwear. With her left arm across her torso, the hand lightly clasped the opposing elbow as she stepped up beside Seashell. Her own brown eyes scanned the scene with slightly less awe and enthusiasm than the other displayed.

"Oh, I love your snowflakes!" Seashell's friendly tone addressed Snowflake once more, now that she could see the other's dress fully.

Though mildly surprised, the dark-haired girl smiled faintly. "Thanks. I like your seashells. Very nicely done."

"Thanks!" Seashell replied with a pleased smile. "Did it myself." She added, somewhat proud to have her work complimented.

"Ah, I did mine, too." The other replied with a nod of understanding, without elaborating further.

"Nice. Well.. I'd say it's been good to meet you, but I haven't actually met you, technically." She laughed. "Anyway, hope you have fun!" She gave a friendly little wave to her almost-acquaintance, before setting off in search of someone she knew, and hoped would be here.

With a tiny smile in return, Snowflake nodded with a little less enthusiasm. "You too." She replied, then her smile faded slightly as she found her way closer to the nearest wall where she could watch with less risk of being pulled into the dancing and other festivities.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

The Meadow

"Dancing is such an excellent skill to have," Meadow mused and thought that this was the most excellent dance she had ever experienced, not that she had been to that many. "Maybe not very practical in everyday life, but people do need pure joy sometimes, no?"

"You are making me blush, sir," she laughed gently at his compliments. "And yet white is beautiful too, in the city, and may I admit... that you are handsome? Each colour has its place and beauty, right?"

Effortlessly going through a spin she tried to glimpse as much of the room as possible before returning to face her dance partner.

"Oh, I am both myself and not myself. The mask provides an extra option of being someone I am not," she laughed again, feeling at ease with the Golden to let him have a peek into her thought world. "And I definitely have experience. I have two sisters, not just one. Quite a handful to handle!"

Red Rooster

Rooster could not help but look at the Lady in Red with some curiosity. She seemed intent on playing games, and here he had thought that the event was to be highly formal and he had to behave all gentleman-like. He maintained a near perfect bearing, gently guiding Red into dance steps as well as he knew how, yet the offers tugged at his playful side - after all why could he not engage in it if the lady so desired?

"No offence taken, m'lady," he said in a more yielding voice and smiled at her. "I still haven't spotted a single person I know, so everyone really is a stranger to me. Or perhaps I've been looking at the wrong people all this time." He had a sense that there was something familiar about the Red, but then again he might be quite wrong.

"Perhaps we can play that guessing game, though I am not totally opposed to that bet either," he said and then added with a little bit of tease: "I still have to experience the headiness of the dance, I have to say, but we have just started..."

@Rillewen

The Gilded

"Oh, you did not guess? Silly," the Gilded laughed merrily at the Hawk's statement, though she saw that he was simply teasing her. "I come from Rohan, hence the accent. You do not speak Rohirric, do you?"

Even though he claimed that he would not feel her stepping on his toes too much, yet she kept looking down, so her steps were slightly awkward as she tried to put her feet a safe distance from his, while trying to move where he guided her.

"This is not easy! I am headstrong and not all that used to being guided," she grinned. "Probably not making your dancing that much easier. But at least you know what you are doing, even if I don't."

She could not help thinking that this was almost like teaching a wild horse to obey the wishes of a rider, yet she did not speak it out loud. At any rate it made sense to her, and that it might eventually be enough with a gentle guidance without strong input towards the right direction. A soft giggle escaped her, while she thought this way.

"Thanks for teaching me though," she said, glancing up at the Hawk.

Black Lips

It seemed to her that even though Teal appeared to do his best, some movements were still not as they should be, yet she did not say a word and smoothly, almost imperceptibly, adjusted her own movements to make sure that there would be no hitch visible or felt.

"I am both from the city and not from the city," she stated mysteriously, her eyes glinting blue in contrast to the generally dark outfit she wore. "Depending on how you choose to look at it."

"And I would guess that you are not from the city, yes?" she asked, leaning slightly into his hand she felt on her back. "What are your hopes for tonight? Do you even have any?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Golden Boy

"Dancing is not the most useful for making a living or taking care of oneself or others, no," he laughed lightly, before continuing on a more serious note. He obviously meant his words. "But it can bring joy to a good day, and comfort to a bad one. And for that alone, it is a skill worth having. In my opinion."

His smile returned when she said he was making her blush. "Now, now, I am sure I cannot be the first one to speak a I am to a friendly and lovely lady such as yourself. You're very kind to return the compliment," he added with a nod of his head. He knew he wasn't homely, but handsome? He decided to chalk up the compliment to the flair of the evening rather than anything else.

He feigned extreme sympathy when she shared she had not one, but two sisters. His lips parted and he shook his head. "Two! I can hardly handle one, as it stands. You have my sincerest sympathies, my lady!" He slanted his head, smiling once more as before. "And are you the responsible eldest, out for some rare fun? Or the fun-loving middle child, here doing what she knows best? Or the wild and youngest sister, looking to scandalize the city this evening?"

---

@Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

"Truly? Not a single person you know?" she inquired while smiling and making direct eye contact with the Rooster and holding his gaze intently. "Or rather not a single person you have identified?"

"Ah," she responded to his last comment, "but the first few sips of mead would also fail to provide any headiness, yes?" She smiled coyly. "Compare the two. The first sips much like the first steps. They only serve to... lay a foundation. Warm you up, let's say. The beginning of a mug of mead and the beginning of a dance can be very alike." Eliminating about half of the 'polite' space between them after the next turn, she continued more quietly. "The difference lies in what comes next. For the mead to deliver, one mug will never do. But one dance? One dance can quickly become... intriguing."

Finally breaking eye contact with the rooster then, after yet another turn, Red stopped in so close that there was no more space left at all. "It is easier for me to follow your lead this way," she seemingly explained her reason for doing so, even though she was having no trouble before their bodies had been touching from hips to chest!

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

The Meadow

Meadow could find no fault with the Golden Boy's reasons for love for dancing, and she thought that for her it was more likely to be singing for she ever did so while out and about doing daily work.

"I think I can relate to that," she nodded in agreement. "Though I probably dance much less than would be beneficial. I usually end up singing rather than dancing."

When he inquired after her standing within the sisterhood, Meadow was unsure whether she should say much. She glanced towards the surrounding couples, and finally decided that no harm would probably come from this little piece of information even though she knew very well she should not say any word further.

"I'm definitely not the youngest," she said with a light laugh. "Stuck right in the middle. Then again it is not a bad position - I can have the protection of the oldest, and yet boss around the youngest. A little bit. I'm not all that bossy, I hope."

Red Rooster

"Yeah... more like..." he admitted unwillingly to his inability to find familiar faces among all that colourful crowd.

When the Lady in Red locked her eyes with his, he felt so drawn in that it was difficult to keep all his thoughts in line. "No, definitely need more than one mug to feel any effect else it's just wetting of lips," he said, and was about to say that it could not be true that only one dance could be enough, when she moved in closer. He blinked, still looking back at her and did not say anything for a while. Wasn't this the breach of some sort of social protocol?

He was caught completely unprepared when Red suddenly was right in his arms, and her closeness sent the torrent of energy through his whole body. If his hair had not been somewhat kept down by all those feathers on top of his head every single hair would probably be standing on its end. All his thoughts appeared to be scattered, and he forgot to breathe. His rapid heartbeat sounded like drums in his ears and he was sure that Red could hear it too, being so close to him.

"Whoa," his lips soundlessly formed one single word as he finally exhaled slowly to avoid getting overly dizzy. Luckily he did not have to think of the dance moves, and he guided them along the dance floor quite automatically, doing his best to keep his hand right in the middle of her back. "Whoa," he repeated again, this time audibly, feeling the burning sensation creeping up his cheeks and almost to the very tips of his ears.

"Well... if it suits you..." he managed to say to her hair, as his brown round eyes looked slightly over her head.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

"Ah, Rohan," the Hawk nodded as the accent made sense now. Someplace he had never been. "No, I speak a few languages but Rohirric is not one of them." He smiled slightly. "I'm not exactly much of a horse person, actually."

He laughed lightly as the girl looked down. "Don't look at your feet, that'll make it worse." He informed her quietly, and smiled a little at her other comment. "I'm pretty headstrong myself, so I get that. But just try to relax and let your dance partner do the work," He suggested with a smile. "You're getting the hang of it, don't worry."

As she thanked him for teaching her, he nodded. "You're welcome. I enjoy dancing, which is why I came to this. And since.. well, my girlfriend couldn't come.." his smile faded slightly into a bit more of a sad one, but he continued, "I am glad for a chance to help someone else feel more comfortable, at least. I hope my sister will show up, but otherwise, I don't know anyone here to dance with. So, thank you for the dance." His smile returned again.

---

Teal Guy

The lady spoke mysteriously. Both from and not from? He gave a little smile of amusement at that, and noticed that she also had blue eyes. He didn't know very many Gondorians but had not seen many with blue eyes, and wondered if it was common or uncommon here. He had heard once that Gondorians had Grey eyes, and had thought for a long time that they all did, until he met a few of them and then felt a little silly for believing the previous information.

When she asked if he was from the city, his first thought was to answer straightforwardly, but then grinned and decided to follow her example. "I kind of am, and kind of am not," He replied, equally mysterious, or so he was trying to be. As for his hopes, he shrugged slightly. "I don't know, just thought it might be fun to come to a dance. I've never been to one before, at least not like this." He explained with a smile. "What about you?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Golden Boy

"You sing?" he asked, pleased to hear that. "You know, I heard a rumour that the musicians would appreciate some good voices. That if anyone were willing to brave it, they'd be welcome to sing this evening." With a slight challenge in his eyes, he looked at Meadow as he twirled her out of his arms, holding onto one of her hands, and then twirled her back in toward him. "Would your confidence extend that far on a regular night? And if not, perhaps this time, with the mask...?"

When she told him she was the middle child, Golden Boy hummed pensively. "You say you can have the protection of your older sister - as if you appreciate it. Do you let her notice that you do?" He figured he had best explain that question a bit better. "I am the oldest, you see. And my sister often insists she does not need my protection or assistance." When she really does, even if she might not realize it. "Sometimes I wonder... if she really means those words and is oblivious that she really cannot do everything all on her own... or if it's no more than an act and whether in reality she knows it's.. I don't know. A good thing that I mean to look out for her in whatever small ways I can?"

---

@Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

'Whoa.'

Her reddish lips curled up with amusement. This was turning out to be a very entertaining evening. Much more than she had previously thought or hoped. Once she'd heard the midwinter ball was going to be a masquerade, she'd intended to enjoy a good game, yes. But that it would end up being this much fun?

'Whoa,' the man repeated and Red smirked quietly, still in Rooster's arms. 'Well... if it suits you...'

Red had to stop herself from laughing out loud at his halting words, and she considered letting the poor young man be as she shifted her head to get a look at his reddened face. "Heady enough for you, sir?" she almost purred at him. "Have I quite made my point? Do you concede?"

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

The Meadow

"I sing... to my plants and animals, and the forest," Meadow said and shook her head. "I am not sure I even have a proper singing voice to entertain people in public. For the family anything goes, I guess, and they would say I sang great even if it sounded so bad as to wake the whole army of the dead once again. So I am not sure... if I would not only embarrass myself if I dared singing here, mask or no mask."

The sibling topic appeared to be relevant to the Golden Boy, and since it was no longer mere fun and chit chat by the looks of it, Meadow considered it, weighing how relationships stood in her family. It did not make her steps falter though, letting her mind work freely.

"Hmm. I think it is not that easy actually," she confessed thoughtfully. "I do appreciate it, whenever I can get it. But I see her so seldom; I think she's trying to avoid coming home. Work reasons she always says. But perhaps... if I was oldest and she the middle child, and each of us would retain the same work - who knows how things would stand then."

There was something wistful in Meadow's eyes when she glanced at Golden.

"Is your sister a tough nut? Sometimes I wonder if many things depend on that. Perhaps only an exterior to show off? I'd wager she doesn't mean to hurt you. Or?..." some doubt snuck into her voice.

Red Rooster

"I think... it is really hot in here. They should open some windows," Rooster cleared his voice and tried not to sound squeaky like a silly kid dancing with his crush. At any rate, he was sure his shirt was getting all drenched by now.

Once more he sought out Red's eyes when she spoke to him.

"Fine... fine... you win," he admitted begrudgingly, and then found courage to have a chuckle at himself. "Ten meads at once strong at least."

He cast a quick glance around to see that there was no imminent danger of any approaching jealous man in full fury, and then ventured: "Will you name your winnings for the bet?"

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

The Gilded

"You know many languages? Which ones?" Gilded was now curious. "I only know Rohirric, and enough of something to communicate here..."

"Horses are great," she then said, trying to keep her eyes up with sheer power of will. "But I guess it would be difficult for them in this stone city, no matter how beautiful it is. Do you like any other animals, by chance?"

Relaxation was easier said than done, and Gilded realised just how tense she kept herself, almost stiff as a fence pole. "Hmm," she murmured and tried to let go of some of the tension to ease into the movements Hawk guided her into.

"Ah, and why did your girlfriend not come? Is she busy somewhere?" she cast a quick glance around the nearest dancing couples. "It seems that people just dance with whomever. Or do they mostly know each other? Though... I'm quite glad this works for both of us somehow." She offered Hawk a sincere smile in hopes of encouraging him.

Black Lips

The vague response from Teal made Black Lips' face light up with amusement, as she regarded him more closely.

"Aha. So you are giving me a taste of my own medicine? So be it..." she laughed softly and did not press him for more information on the matter, though she made her own conclusions, allowing for the margin of error.

"Hopefully this will not be the first and the last event of this magnificence for you," she said, "Once in a while it is really nice to get out of the usual circle of people, maybe once a year. Or twice. I've been to several various balls, masquerades... you name it. They can be fun. I don't have any ultimate aims for this particular one except to simply enjoy it."

"Seems like people just keep coming in..." she observed, when they turned so that she was facing the entrance briefly.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Golden Boy

"Your family sounds wonderful, then," he smiled at Meadow, "if they would support and welcome your singing even if you do sound like a cat whose tail is being stepped on." He winked at her. "Then perhaps no singing tonight."

"Your sister sounds a lot like mine," he said, lifting an eyebrow behind his mask. "My own does not have a lot of time for visits, either." He smiled faintly and shook his head at the last comment. "No, she would never intentionally want to hurt me." He was certain of that much. "She's too much of an idealist for that. And she would feel very badly after, if she ever did hurt me." He considered the 'tough nut' question. "Tough, for sure. Not so much a show-off. Though she could be, if she wanted to," he laughed. "She's definitely the more accomplished between the two of us."

"But it seems like the tone of our conversation has gotten much too serious, much too quickly," he mused. "Apologies, my lady. Perhaps I might make it up to you somehow? I would suggest to buy you a drink, but alas - it is an open bar." He flashed her a grin as he continued to lead her through the dance.

---

@Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

A satisfied smile tugged at her lips when he declared she had won the bet. Her gloved hand on his back tugged the fabric of his suit back a few times. "Some sweat is normal," she informed the Rooster. "Even if ten meads might not have that effect. Tells the lady your body is responsive." Repressing an amused smirk at that, Red considered what she might request as her winnings. Her suggestion of the bet had been given on no more than impulse, and she hadn't given any thought to what she might ask for if she won. Even though she'd been fairly sure she would win.

So it was that they continued the dance - as they were - in silence as she pondered the possibilities. "My prize is that you have to complete a dare," she decided finally as she brought their held out hands close toward them and she looked the Rooster in the eyes again. Smiling coyly, she bit her bottom lip as one thought occurred to her, but then she thought better of it and her eyes flicked away from the Rooster onto the rest of the room. Perhaps... she could use him to isolate a certain someone she'd spotted earlier.

A bigger challenge.

Perhaps.

Hopefully.

Red inconspicuously turned the Rooster so he would be able to see the Plum and the Wolf behind her. "I dare you to ask the lovely lady in purple and blue if you can fetch her a drink or if she might like a dance." Red squeezed Rooster's hand encouragingly. "I dare say she will not test you as I have. You are well prepared, young sir." Her other hand tapped the back of his shoulder lightly. "Now. Off you go."

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

He shrugged slightly. "A few, nothing really worth mentioning." He responded, slightly evasively as he realized maybe it would be best not to announce at least one of those he had become familiar with, out of necessity. "You seem to know enough, at least," He replied encouragingly. "Or, maybe I'm just used to deciphering accents, who knows." He laughed lightly.

At her claim that horses were 'great', he decided maybe it would be best if he kept his own opinion to himself. "I suppose that is where we will have to agree to disagree, but I shouldn't be surprised, given your nationality." He thought it a bit odd, actually, that she had dark hair. But then, maybe she had decided to wear a wig. That was definitely possible, so he put that puzzlement out of mind. "I do like most other animals, though." He added with a smile. "My brother and I have a pet tortoise, though he mostly takes care of it, these days." He shrugged, then grinned. "We also both like raptor birds, though I'm sure that's a big surprise to hear." he added with some amusement.

He took a moment to think about how to reply to the question about his girlfriend. "She travels a lot," He replied, a bit regretful. "I've no idea where she might be in her travels at the moment, so I wasn't able to invite her to come to this." He took a glance around, noticing a few couples dancing together, some close together, others further apart. "Well, the only people I've seen here so far, that I recognize, they're married. But as for everyone else, I couldn't say," he answered her inquiry with a little shrug. "Would you like to try a twirl?"

---

Teal Guy

He couldn't help a grin as it seemed evident that Blacklips was pleased by his mysterious response. "Well, I am pretty used to giving out medicine, I suppose," He teased back with amusement. He really had no idea who this lady might be, but he wasn't expecting his own disguise to hide his identity terribly well. Only the fact that he was not from here would keep the majority of folks from knowing who he was, but for those who had met him in the short time he'd been in the city, he doubted it would take much to figure out who he was.

Still, it was fun. "Do they have many of these sort of events, during the year?" He asked curiously. "If so, then perhaps I will have a chance to attend those as well." He was curious what other sort of events there might be. As she mentioned other people coming in, he turned his head briefly to look where she had looked, before looking back at her. "Well, this is a very large city. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a great deal many more people who will show up before it's over."

---

Kitty

They had certainly gone all out with this ball, the woman in cat ears couldn't help but notice. It was all quite grand, and she was satisfied that it had been worth her journey to come and see what the evening might bring. So far, she was content to sip her wine and observe the dancers from the sides, but she didn't plan to stand on the edges of the fun all evening, of course. The song would end eventually, and people would change dance partners. She hoped not to be left out for the next one. In the meanwhile, she moved along the buffet tables, mostly looking but occasionally she sampled something that intrigued her, or caught her interest. All quite delicious, she decided.

[Ercassie]

The Starlit Lady and the Court of the Night Sky

The scene which greeted them was already a veritable explosion of colour, which struck the latest of arrivals in a moment of well-earned awe. And then the music carried on it’s sway and the spell was broken. There came no glance nor exchange of opinion, but they all raised steps together nonetheless, and another shade of rapture readied to join the kaleidoscope.

Small movements hinted though soonafter, at the individuals who made up their small constellation. The lady, foremost, trembling with something other than excitement, as she stepped forth, flanked by no less than three devoted male attendants. Darkest brown, almost to the point of black, were the eyes which shimmered through a golden shower of stars. Her ink-pooled tresses tumbled with slender streams of golden ribbon, interwoven at some whim, from a high brow to frame her oval face. Dark etchings of small sooted stars adorned that face at intervals, feathered by soft eruptions of powdered gold which coated their darkness in splendour.

Sleek black gloves slipped up almost the entire length of her otherwise bare arms. They clutched about her tapered waist in wordless panic as she span where she stood, almost as though she meant to turn and flee. But at the last moment she came full face back to where she had started, and a delicate chin rose, as though the panic had been only a thought to showcase her full skirt. Dark in all the eddying tiers of satin, the voluminous fall was lit by a generous sprinkling of tiny golden stars, tooled into a sheer net of lace. It sat and shifted about her every movement, showcasing a glimpse of heeled golden shoes below, as she took a deep breath, and minded the encouraging whispers which were ushered from all sides.


Her courtiers were dressed alike, to one another, and also in fitting hues to compliment their lady, the centrepiece of their small group. The fall of each long black frockcoat betrayed the decadence of a deep velvet, which the gold braid trim and buttons raised out from all risk of shadow. A plain but undeniable gold satin vest coated the plain white shirt beneath in further understated glamour, and slick black trousers fell into tall and equally lightless boots. Various degrees of ruffle escaped each set of arms at the foot of their rich sleeves, no doubt indicative of how compliant each man was to the notion. They were all crowned though by the same lacquered black mask, which was tooled by further bold expressions of gold. Each rested without discomfort over a similar fall of dark hair, which swept just above the shoulder of each man in turn.

“Congratulations cousin,” the bearded of their number shook his head with some barely stifled mirth and muttered, “You’ve matched us with the tablecloths !”

The tallest of their number ran the simple gold ring around one of his fingers and ignored the bait. He laid grey eyes instead upon the lady they had all agreed to endure that particular colour scheme this evening for. A silent nod, and she found his reassurance with a shuddered breath of nerves.

But it was the youngest of their number who stepped out of place and took the lady’s hand in his. “Nobody is staring at you,” he assured her before breaking into a small grin. “Come on. We’ll soon change that.”

As he led the lady into the throng, she found a smile when he turned back and pulled a face so that only she might see it. A new song had not long begun, and there was no sense in standing on ceremony when who knew if they would ever have this chance again.


His taller peer stepped in their wake, and was arrested on the cusp of protesting by the strong arm of his bearded companion. “Let him get it out of his system, and her into the spirit of things,” the elder man counselled, directing his kinsman without further words, and with a strong arm slung across his shoulder, toward the bar.

None of them saw the tavern door open again behind them, and a man of equally identical attire usher in a lady he had fallen errant from his party for the sake of. She, as yet unseen (@Isolde Alarion), it was that held his entire attention, and his hand patiently held the door. For whensoever she was ready. He would wait. The best things came after all to those who waited.