Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask has joined the Shadowy Corner.

Bruiser, a merle teacup chihuahua wearing a diamond collar, Rex, a large blue cane corso mastiff arrive, following Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask.

Bruiser, a merle teacup chihuahua wearing a diamond collar, Rex, a large blue cane corso mastiff leave, following Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask.

Someone wearing Luna Moth quietly enters the ballroom and glances around. Her head dips in acknowledgement of the others present. Her glance lingers here and there as a mask or costume catches her attention. The lips below her mask are curved into a smile.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask stands on the balcony overlooking the marble ballroom filled with masks, her dark lips curving into a smile. "Welcome all, and thank you for attending Velenosa's yearly Mirror Masquerade. Do not hold us accountable for whatever you might see within the mirrors, or whatever might follow you home afterwards. Know that some things are true," her words trail off, "and somethings feel true but are not. Try to figure out which is which." She straightens above everyone, fingers dancing along the railing as she begins to walk towards the floor below, each step taken with a slow ease. "Don't die," she says as her feet step from the stairs, "and try to enjoy yourselves."

Bruiser, a merle teacup chihuahua wearing a diamond collar, Rex, a large blue cane corso mastiff arrive, following Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask.

Bruiser, a merle teacup chihuahua wearing a diamond collar, Rex, a large blue cane corso mastiff leave, following Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider arrives and sweeps through the doors with an assured posture that, in shadowy environs, makes it seem like a golden web is floating through the air. Black silk shrouds her near completely, with only a pair of golden hoop earrings standing out from the mask. Unaccompanied, the feminine figure does not linger near the entrance, no, she moves gracefully to claim a glass of red wine. The woman's lips are darkened with makeup to a pitch black; they slip into an easy smile as she finds a spot to settle and observe the opening moments of the masquerade.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask and black steelsilk - coat, pants, nicely tailored shirt, no adornments - fairly prowls into the ballroom, takes a look over the place, and then heads immediately for a spot of wall to lean against. The mask she's wearing doesn't...even look festive. Or like it was made for a masquerade at all. Did someone even try?

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster is starlight and shadow. Dark umbra with a platinum sheen in an ombre gown styled in a pure Lycene daring cut in the shape of a starburst. Heels, jewelry, hair comb - all the same umbra black and silvery platinum white. Even her hair is black and white to match. And the platinum hue continues on her lips and eyes, visible through the swirling galaxy mask. There's a flash of red at her hip with a peacebound dagger of rubicund and trailing up the back of her legs, but otherwise there's limited color to her palate. She claps for the hostess' introduction and then starts to circulate through the crowds to get a feel for the room.

Someone wearing Luna Moth has joined the Inviting Couches.

The entrance of one Iris bedecked sprite, alongside a much taller and beefier looking stag that has a crown of iris flowers, is likely to go largely unnoticed. But, the smaller of the pair does lift a hand in thanks to the bejeweled pale silk half-mask wearing woman, and even curtseys playfully towards her before leading her escort towards somewhere they can sit and watch the goings on. A glass of wine each procured on their way.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has joined the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing a black bear mask strolls into the hall alone, a smile visible on his bearded face due to half mask leaving his mouth and jawline bare. He's dressed to stand out in the spooky, crimson tradition of the night, a red and gold tailored long coat over all black, but his manner is unassuming as he looks around, taking in the space and the people flowing into it. He seems entirely too good natured about the announcement to have taken it at all seriously, but who can say. Some people think death is funny.

Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads steps into the ballroom, comfortable with her surroundings. There's an amused look at the words as she reaches for a drink, then procedes to find a seat.

Someone wearing A Duskstone Dragon is seated on the oh-so-inviting couches, enjoying the part of the party that's less 'actively mingling' and more 'posting up and seeing who might wander into range.' Her dragon mask is sculpted and perhaps a bit front-heavy -- blame the gems -- but there does seem to be a discreet passage in its neck such that she can sip her drink. Either that or she's just pouring drinks into her mask like a maniac.

As the iris-sprite curties, her antlered escort bows along with her--though he seems more aloof than playful, perhaps in homage to the beast whose visage he's borrowed. Though he does seem rather content to follow the sprite on her way to where she's going. Especially watching how the cascade of flowers sway.

Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads has joined the The Impropriety Couch.

Someone wearing a black bear mask has joined the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask enters the ballroom as the time for the mirror masquerade approaches, the short train of her slinking spidersilk gown slithering across the floor. She pauses as the welcome is called out from the balcony, and she dips a graceful curtsey toward the woman in the bejeweled mask, the spidersilk cape she wears fluttering with the gesture, glittering with silver webbing. She then rises and moves toward a shadowy corner in which to sit, turning and settling gracefully on the seat. Her dark eyes turn to studying the arrival of others from behind the mirrorsilver filigree of her mask, silvered lips curving into the barest hint of a smile.

Someone wearing blooming iris mask has joined the The Immorality Couch.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask has joined the The Immorality Couch.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has left the The Misconduct Couch.

Alberico, the Malespero aide, 1 Malespero Guard, Louis, a Malespero Armsman, Mar, the Magpie leave, following Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree.

Someone wearing The Prince of Eventides Mask sweeps in with regal dignity and bows low to the bejeweled pale silk half-mask, before straightening and sweeps his eyes over the couches and the ballroom. He glares at his reflection in the mirror, sniffs as if terribly offended, and mutters, "Really, how dare you."

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask claims the alcove for herself, then promptly puts her back to the wall and crosses her arms over her chest. There's a slight hunch to her shoulders, and a single, almost cautious glance upward. Then quickly back to a level gaze.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask freezes in place as she moves to pass one of the mirrors, whatever the reflection within causing the woman to press her hand against the reflective surface. She shakes her head, and her exposed lips turn sharply into a thin line of sudden worry despite her own words of teasing from before. She spins quickly and motions towards the closest guard positioned throughout the room, "stay alert. Something is wrong." Even if her reflection is lying, its certainly better to be careful.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has joined the The Misconduct Couch.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish arrives and more or less ignores reflections but rather scans the crowd to take in the costumes and masks on display. Alone, she saunters further in with a wry twist of lips "Forgot how much I hate masked balls."

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask has joined the Shadowy Corner.

1 Rivenshari Clansman arrives, following Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster looks towards herself in the mirror as the sky is dark through the windows4. "I guess I have all the stars tonight," she half-jokes to her reflection in a rough whiskey-alto voice. Her silver lips curl up into a smile but there's a wariness to her movements as she walks the room. Looking at the shadows and the way the moon seems more crimson than usual in the darkness.

There's a vat of black liquid set up within the room which the Amused Fox Mask stands beside with a glass of wine in hand. She has a smile on her face as she encourages any to dip their hand within and try their luck for prizes. ((OOC: luck roll at normal for anyone who wants to try)).

Someone wearing Lady Peckish checks luck at normal. Botch! Someone wearing Lady Peckish fails completely.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask observes the room, for the moment, though he does speak quietly with the flower sprite settled on the same couch. His gaze lingers at the vat, though it returns to the Iris-masked guest, head tilted questioningly.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has settled at the scandal couch and is speaking softly with the person in the bear mask. There's a glance toward the vat of black liquid, but no movement toward it.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask arrives with a jingle. She can't help it. The glittering coins of her armor bounce and clatter with every step, and she /does/ step lively, decidedly delighted to be here, an impish grin curling her lips beneath her half-mask. On her arm, someone looking /a little less likely okay/, gets a lean, a murmur, something undoubtedly devilish, a glint in her green eyes. Time to look around and decide what first...

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask murmurs something to the person wearing the morning glory mask, then rises from her seat, approaching the dark pool. She crouches next to it, and stares into it for a moment, before dipping her hand in to see if she obtains any goodies.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask watches as the guard moves off to obey her orders, moving to other guards to explain what she states so they are all aware that something is off. Then something else catches her attention, and her attention shift towards one of the large windows casting shadows against the darkened marble room. Her hand presses against her stomach and she says, "the moon? What is wrong with the moon?" She asks someone near her, though the masks make it harder for her to tell who it might be to look outside the window as well, "can someone tell me that the moon is as it always has been for every Blood Moon in history?"

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask checks luck at normal. Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask is successful.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish tilts her head as if listening and sighs "Yes, yes. Stranger danger." she waves her hand dismissively and paces through the room, getting a closer peek at people's masks and then is just foolish enough to stick her hand into the mysterious black liquid like nothing bad has ever come to her from sticking her fingers in weird places.

Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads checks luck at normal. Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads marginally fails.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask suddenly sits upright, his previously crossed leg hitting the floor firmly. He leans forward to speak with the person at his couch.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster nods to the Pale Silk mask and says, "No, this is worse than usual. Last time, the moon turned red and -stayed- red. It shouldn't have done that. Tonight?" Her eyes turn to the windows and she looks at the darkened sky. "Tonight is just wrong. But I wouldn't be anywhere else tonight than here," the woman concludes with a feral grin.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask turns her head in the direction of the jingling, and for a moment stares that way, before hitching a shoulder and looking skyward again. Then down...again. A very quiet mutter from her direction.

Someone wearing blooming iris mask looks towards the window, curious, when she hears something about the moon. She certainly has no answers, but she murmurs towards the stag she's seated with anyhow.

Watching from the corner as the Spider Queen drifts over to the pool there's a near gleeful fascination to what might be found within. Following over in a small stride allowing skirts from dress to flow as the waters around her she looks to the dark pool herself and in a deep breath reaches in.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask checks luck at normal. Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask marginally fails.

Someone wearing a black bear mask has secured a glass of wine that he seems more interested in using as a prop than drinking. He's been talking with the spider, but looks towards the window when the moon is remarked upon. Then back to his conversation, with no indication of his reaction to the sight of the bloated red moon.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay looks a little less likely to be okay, yes; in the company of the coin-bedecked person at his side, he seems likely as not to filch a bit of her costume. Don't mind him. It's just a bit of self-soothing. "Would it be a bloodmoon without a bit of an awful feeling?" he wonders, voice quiet and soothing - aimed at her. The coin is for him.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask is distracted from watching the revelers stick their hands in the mystery black goo to look up through the windows. She is unable to look away, how can she? Her lips part slightly with worry, a direct contrast to the mirth of her mask.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask lifts her hand out of the vat of inky liquid, and peers into it to see what she received. A brief smile touches her lips, and she shakes the water from her hand, and whatever object she obtained. Then she rises and looks to Morning Glory, inlcining her head. Then, she gets the sense that others are feeling, and glances up at the reddish light of the moon. Then she stares at her reflection in the mirror all of a sudden, and her smile slips away from her face. Her hand tightens on whatever she got out of the vat, and she draws in a shaky breath. "Did anyone else... hear that?" she asks people near her, still staring at the mirror.

Someone wearing The Prince of Eventides Mask looks out the window at the enlarged blood moon, "No. No that's not as it has been. That's not as it has been for a very, very, very long time indeed." He crosses his arms at the Amused Fox Mask, "This is your fault, isn't it?"

A man walks into the ballroom and quietly takes a look around his surroundings. A smile to his lips as he takes in the turnout and the murmurings of the blood moon. He moves over to where the drinks are and gets himself a glass of something red to drink and observe for the time being.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster has joined the Decadent Couch.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask looks at the Prince of Eventides Mask suddenly, jolting a little. She shakes her head. "I know Lycene have /a/ reputation but..." She attempts a little laugh but there's no real amusement there. "Is it looks angry, doesn't it?"

Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads steps over to the inky blackness, getting ready to dip her hand in. Chances are, she'll pass the mirros, her reflection gazing back at her for just a moment.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask stares at one of the nearby couches. Perhaps his eyes are narrowed--there's certainly that tilt to his head though the mask makes it hard to tell. But his free hand curls lightly into a fist, as if instinctively longing for a blade there. But then he rolls his shoulders, as if to loosen them. He doesn't leap to his feet, but his gaze is wary, and watching the surroundings.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask tsks at the Prince of Eventides's words as he attempts to blame the goo overseer, "I doubt very much that is the case. Though I am certain it must be the fault of someone in this room. Lets see, shall we? Who wishes to take credit for upsetting the moon?" she wonders as she moves away from the mirror in an attempt to compose herself and the reflection's warning.

Someone wearing Luna Moth converses softly with the person on the couches, their voices low pitched.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish's hand comes out empty and there's the slightest pout. She moves off to the side to allow others to try their luck, wiping her hand dry. She watches the wariness of those around her but she, herself, does not yet seem concerned. That said one hand brushes a compact mirror she wears around her neck.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster grabs herself a glass of wine and settles onto a couch to watch the crowd and the sky. Occasionally she looks into the mirrors as if looking for the moon's reflection in the glass instead of her own. She seems to be anticipating something with a dark sort of amusement, but a faint touch of concern. "Tonight is going to be one for the archives," she says with a grim smile. "If we don't, you know, all die." She snorts and sips her wine.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask tsks at that pilfering from her partner, grin unfaltering for that theft. "Careful, Rabbit," she croons. He does not look particularly like a rabbit. Nevermind her. That sharp smile of her softens fondly for the assurance that awful feelings are what blood moons are made of, and she tips her head toward the pool. "Right into trouble or shall we /mingle/ first?"

Someone wearing a black bear mask tosses a brief glance in the direction of a mirror, apparently prompted by the conversation he's having; it's not long enough to really peer into the glass.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask shifts her weight from one leg to the other. She's not really leaning against the wall anymore, it's a bit more of a hunch. Fingers drum soundlessly against one arm as both remain crossed.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider is very carefully avoiding looking in the mirrors around the ballroom, though that is not an easy task. She manages by focuses primarily on the bear beside her on the couch.

Someone wearing A Duskstone Dragon is said person on the couches, conversing with the Luna Moth, her dragon-mask tilted up toward the especially blood-engorged -- perhaps inappropriately so, in those terms -- moon.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has his head tilted up towards the moon and sky.

Someone wearing blooming iris mask has a sudden wary look, after speaking to her Prince of the Forest, a gaze being cast towards the same couch (not those sitting there, just the actual couch), before looking up at the too large moon again. Something else is quietly murmured, and she seems to become much more alert and watchful.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose slips into the ball room eyes look around before slipping further in, light on feet as the leather clad rabbit makes its way in further to find a seat the sounds of bells do come from he leather clad rabbit.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask composes herself once again. She looks away from the mirror and does not look at it again, but there's a sort of alertness about her now as she glances around, her black sapphire eyes glinting as she studies the room and the people within it. She stops by the drink table, taking a glass of wine. She inclines her head toward the person with the Diamondplate mask, before turning and returning to her shadowy seat. After a moment, she tucks whatever she found in the dark liquid vat into her bodice, because where else is she going to put it?

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay hums a note. "I'm always careful," he tells the woman in green and coin. Does he not look like a rabbit? He doesn't seem to mind being _referred_ to as one. "Let's try our luck, mm?" he says, angling that way. Even if he's already plenty lucky, having won a coin off his partner. Once at the pool, he shoves up his sleeves before plunging his hand in. He knows what a mess it can be - even if there's a happy end.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay checks luck at normal. Critical Success! Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay is spectacularly successful.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish has joined the Shadowy Alcove.

Someone wearing a Diamondplate silk eye mask is minding his business. Not hard to do when people are not revealing their true faces. Drinking from his wine glass as he studies the crowd once again. In seeing the Spider Queen and the way she inclines her head towards him, he so inclines does the same. Familiar or not, this one is not going to be rude.

Does her best to not look up and out the window, curiosity getting the better of her as she tries to not look to the mirrors. They catch her glance and there she is stuck watching reflection. A feeling of being pulled closer to really get a view.

Someone wearing a black bear mask's casual demeanor is broken, just for a moment, when he starts and suddenly straightens up, his head tilting in one direction as though to listen to something said over his shoulder. He looks in that direction, the direction of the mirror he didn't pay much attention to a moment ago, ever so briefly. Then his smile is back, and his demeanor relaxes again. He sets his still full glass of wine aside.

Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
The sound of a crow-capped cane raps upon the tiles in slow rhythm as a shadowy onyx faced elven figure with long white hair walks through the entrance. Clutched in long black fingers like a spider though is a crown of star iron sporting hundreds of sparkling gems. There may not be stars seen right now as the blood moon rises, but oh how the gems twinkle in the crown.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask begins to move through the room, stepping carefully as she collects a glass of wine in her hand along the way. "Unfortunately Tehom could not attend tonight's festivities, he has other places he had to be, so you will all have to settle on being /my/ favored instead. There will be a wonderful prize in it for the person I have chosen, so," the thunder cracks and pauses her words for a moment before she speaks again, "I expect to be woo'd!"

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask looks relieved when the bejeweled pale silk half-mask comes to her defence. She reaches out for the woman's hand and looks at the mirror and stares intently at her reflection.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask takes the flower sprite's hand and brings it to his lips, gently. But then both of them look around the room with increased alertness, almost as if on long practiced watch duty. The different color and strange shadows of way the moon casts its light draws his attention towards it.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree turns his eyes away from the sky to scan the crowd instead. His expression lost behind the bleached bone of his mask but for a sharp glint in his eyes. He moves to his feet carefully, claims a drink from one of the servers, and then goes to find himself a corner to lurk in. A place from which to watch.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask might not have been expecting to plunge so promptly into mischief, to judge by the skew of her smile or the excited shimmy of her hips as she takes toward the pool with her partner, the pilferer. Her steps slow only a moment as someone /actually/ dressed as a rabbit arrives, curiosity lingering like a hunter who's spotted prey, but look. One bit of trouble at a time. She has no sleeves to roll up, once at the pool, her bracers having all of nowhere to go, but she reaches toward the water with her clawed left hand--and stops with a subtle start when thunder cracks overhead. Her little huff of breath seems to read *how rude* before clawed digits complete their dip into the reflective pool, all red and wet and very likely terrible.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish ambles over to a seat in the shadows where she feels at home. She settles in and continues to watch others mingle and warily stare down mirrors. She looks up at the moon and her lips purse briefly and then she is offered a glass of wine and very gladly accepts it. She pauses at the crack of thunder and siiighs "Aw, come on." her shoulders slump a bit before belting back the wine and turning her attention to the latest arrival.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask checks luck at normal. Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask is successful.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask jerks her head again toward the windows at that noise, and that appears to be a bit of a mistake on her end, because now she clearly *is* staring, even if her eyes aren't easily visible. The only thing that drags her attention away is the cane tapping, and then the alcove she's standing in being invaded. Or, at least, that's what her body language suggests, when she glances toward Lady Peckish.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask's gaze slips from the mirrors only for a moment. She's lost upon what ever might have been not found within the pool only to look towards the window. Eyes wide as she looks back to the mirrors. Trapped between the two she shuts her eyes and turns in an attempt to find her way somewhere to sit.

"Please let me be wrong," Galaxies says as she looks up at the crack of thunder. "I so want to be wrong," she repeats. Her lips purse before she sips her dark red wine, appropriately enough. She sits up a little as the Shadowy Figure enters carrying a crown. THAT catches her attention. Her warm blue eyes are drawn instantly to the iron crown and how it sparkles in the firelight and crimson moonlight. There's a catch in her throat.

Someone wearing a black bear mask may have seen the plight of the blooming morning glories from his place at the scandal couch, because now he rises, without his glass of wine, and crosses the place to where she's trying to get out from between two mirrors. Bold, or maybe foolish, he doesn't hesitate to walk between them to get to her.

Flores D'loto, a deep golden dappled buckskin Torean stallion, Briar, the fleet and agile shrike, Azure and Azul, a singing pair of icy white and deep blue tits, Alejandro, a gravely sober middle-aged Torean arrive, following Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice.

Flores D'loto, a deep golden dappled buckskin Torean stallion, Briar, the fleet and agile shrike, Azure and Azul, a singing pair of icy white and deep blue tits, Alejandro, a gravely sober middle-aged Torean leave, following Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice.

Someone wearing blooming iris mask upnods towards those plunging their hands into the dark. "Should one of us?" she wonders, before her eyes are drawn towards the one wearing the crown and with a shadowy visage. All she does it take a deep breath and then look towards the woman of bejeweled pale silk. "It sounds as if the weather is attempting to woo you first." she comments, almost wry.

Someone wearing Luna Moth checks luck at normal. Someone wearing Luna Moth is successful.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask checks composure at hard. Critical Success! Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask is spectacularly successful.

Someone wearing A Duskstone Dragon checks luck at normal. Someone wearing A Duskstone Dragon marginally fails.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider startles at the thunder, but then looks toward the bear masked figure with something that might be concern, it's hard to tell behind all that black silk. Her gaze, but not herself, follows as he goes to interject himself into something.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose takes a breath at the crack of thunder, at everything here it is a bit over whelming. His eyes look to the windows a breath taken as then the black pool catches his attntion and moves to it.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice drifts into the ballroom, only a bit fashionable late. The tall figure makes sure to enter slowly to take in the feel of the room.

Someone wearing Luna Moth slides her hand cautiously into the pool and slips the fingers around till a nodule if felt. She grasps it and extracts it, looking relieved to see it is a pretty gem and not a rock or lump of coal... or some critter in a shell that would exude slime all over her hand.

Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads looks up at the crack of thunder, eyebrow lifted. She walks aways, going to mingle, taking a sip from her glass as she ventures off.

Someone wearing a Diamondplate silk eye mask watches everyone's reaction and he drinks from his glass. Is he phased? He doesn't seem to be. He probably should be but there's enough people reacting so he will enjoy this wine.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose checks luck at normal. Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose is successful.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask doesn't glance up at the crack of thunder, and her expression isn't really discernable behind the filigreed mirrorsilver mask. She sips her wine, seated once more in the shadowy corner, and settles back in her seat. Her eyes are drawn toward the shadowy elven-looking figure coming through with the crown, and tilts her head slightly as she studies the figure. She glances toward the woman with the bejeweled mask then, as she speaks of Tehom not being present. Another sip of wine, as a thoughtful air settles around her. She glances around again, studying this and that person with interest, admiring the array of masks and costumes. She still avoids looking at the mirrors, but she can't help but occasionally glance out the window toward that unsettling red moon.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay pulls his arm, dripping black, from the pool, holding in it... something. Something _shiny_. Two somethings shiny? Goodness, he'd never admit to that, palming one under the other. "Were you saying something about -" he pauses, eyes drawn up, around, by thunder. "Awful feelings?" His brows loft, and he returns eyes to his partner. "Doom will wait the moment, won't it?" At least here, a petty bit of pilfering is _invited_. Still, his eyes are drawn to the sight of the moon a moment - drawn, even if they move on. _The moment_, he said. A bit of good cheer, first. He pockets his winning(s), not caring particularly that he soils his pocket, and watches the lady in coins have her try.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask tilts her head ever so slightly once more, though this time it is not to look at the moon but to listen to something unheard. Her smile as returned slowly, her back straightens, and she takes a calming breath. She replies, despite no one hearing what might have been said to gain such a response, "and they do not need to know it, but you and I know the truth and that is all that matters." She moves closer to the woman with the Amused Fox mask and squeezes her hand with a reassurance that might not be understandable for the situation. Then she looks around the room, her smile remaining, "who wishes to dance and tell me a secret. The best secret wins."

Someone wearing A Duskstone Dragon gives the Moth-mask a bit of polite applause as she snatches a gem from the depths. She rolls up her sleeve some, wriggles her fingers as if in preparation... and then spends a long few moments with her hand in the water, her other hand keeping her front-heavy mask from making her tilt forward too far. "I don't trust any of the things my fingertips are grazing," she says in an Eurusi-accented voice, before withdrawing her hand, prizeless. "Really, I'm content just to not be the person whose mask fell off of her head and into the prize pool. Imagine if someone else had reached in and snatched it."

Someone wearing a black bear mask leads the morning glories out from between the mirrors, one hand on hers, the other on her shoulder. It's almost like someone leading in a dance. He draws her towards the scandal couch, where he had previously been sitting. "It's alright now," he says, once they're free. He smiles to her. "Tonight doesn't seem like the sort of night for one to be caught between two mirrors. There is one still to your right."

Someone wearing Lady Peckish has left the Shadowy Alcove.

Keso, a totally legit assistant arrives, following Aleksei.

The Dragonfly drifts farther into the room, the glittering wings on their back seem to move with their motions and if one listens carefully enough they might just hear a little clatter, like the sound of a dragonfly's wings. The figure drifts by someone who has glasses of wine and pauses mid-reach for one of the glasses. Fingers curl in for a moment, as the Dragonfly stands stock still for just a moment before reaching out to snag the glass of wine. Their free hand comes to rest against the bottom of where their ribs might be. Another moment of stillness as the figure seems to sway in front of the nearest mirror for a moment as if dancing with their reflection. Then off the jeweled Dragonfly flutters to find a place to land.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose nods his head to the the person wearing An Amused Fox Mask and moves on, his fine leathers creek as he moves through the crowed. His grey eyes taking everything in. He moves to find a seat an sits as he looks around.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask pulls a pretty little duskstone from the water, pinched between a trio of golden claws, and angles a look aside at her more--no, clearly equally fortuitous companion. "Doom will arrive with or without our welcome. Nothing to be done about it." So casual, nearly cheerful. Can't help it. She's already considering other mischief. With a little twist of her hand back and forth to let, oh, everything catch the light, she tells her Unlikely Okay companion that her prize is, "Yours if you can get it." She doesn't offer any insight into how, lay out any rules. Where would the fun be in that? With the jewel yet between thumb and middle claw, she extends a dripping index digit, pointy and wet, toward the Blue Rabbit as her attention turns, telling him, "You're adorable," and watching as he looks around.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice has joined the Libertine Table.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster stands from her couch with a silvery smile. The woman in ebon and platinum sets her empty glass on a servant's tray and makes her way towards the Pale Silk mask. "A dance and a secret? Sounds like a dangerously good way to distract me from things..." Her eyes dart to the Shadowy Elven Visage again. She seems to be looking for THEIR reflection in a mirror instead of her own.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree looks around again, once, twice, before abandoning his corner and approaching the figure in the golden coin-mail mask. He nods to the Unlikely companion and then leans to murmur something to the masked lady.

The crack of thunder causes the Amused Fox Mask to wander closer to the windows, staring outward, seeing if there are any people outside. She puts her wine glass aside and paces around the hall, eyes glancing toward the mirrors from time to time.

Someone wearing Luna Moth watches over the crowd for a long moment and then says to her couch companion. "Enjoyed talking with you but seems it is time I have to go. Wish could stay longer but.. it is not to be. Please enjoy the rest of the evening."

Someone wearing Luna Moth has left the Inviting Couches.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish quests for more wine, not seeming particularly concerned with the mirrors thought the crow-caned figure draws a close look an what might be a flicker of annoyance for some reason but apparently nothing libation can't cure.

Aleksei has never been known to be in attendance at the Mirror Masquerade. When he shows up, he's not even masked, or wearing anything other than his usual clothes. And he also looks...distinctly pale. (Honestly, it's a wonder the guards even let him in to begin with, he's really gonna bring the vibe down.) His gaze sweeps rapidly -- a bit desperately -- across the crowd, but it's a //sea// of people. And they're all masked. So.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask has left the Shadowy Corner.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask has joined the Inviting Couches.

Someone wearing a shadowy elven visage makes its way further in. The crack of thunder is echoed with a haunting set of chilling laughs as it grips the crown tightly and lifts it so the gems twinkle even more. It goes from place to place where people are gathered, talking quietly and perhaps seeing who might want to try claiming the crown.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask straightens up from her hunch. She doesn't exactly sprint toward Aleksei, but she sure does move toward him about as fast as can still be considered walking, if someone were feeling very generous.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has watched the bear masked man attempt a rescue upon the morning glories figure, which gives her the chance to spot Aleksei. She stares at Aleksei.

Someone wearing a shadowy elven visage has joined the Decadent Couch.

There's a bit of an odd face under that mask as the man wearing the less-than-okay mask pockets what he's found, lips tugging into an odd shape. The glance down at his hand when he withdraws it becomes something longer, a distinct _look_. He might agree with the coin-mail-dressed woman, even matching her good cheer, but just now he looks thoughtful. "And bloody your beauty?" he wonders; he's pulled his hand from his pocket a different hue than it went in, though with the moon the shade it is, maybe his companion will be the only one who notices, tipped off.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish frowns and spies Aleksei and makes her way towards him at a long-legged stride, the black and white of her dress splashing against each other as she hurries to cross the distance and mutter to him.

Someone wearing a black bear mask looks towards the door at Aleksei for a moment as well, before sitting down again.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask checks composure at daunting. Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask fails.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask glances around to see if anyone will take up the bejeweled personage on her request for a dance and a secret. When no one else seems to be doing so, the Spider Queen rises from her seat, setting her glass aside. "I shall dance with you, my lady," she says her voice soft and dusky. She offers a graceful hand as she approaches, spidersilk skirts slithering behind her.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose look to the golden coin-mail and a horned mask a smile coming to his lips as he stands back up putting a arm out to the side and his hand on his chest as he bends over in a ow bow, "Thank you." he says as his bells can be heard. But then there is a look that comes to his face as he stands up, his eyes widen as if something just happened. He stumbles back slightly looking around him, then turning in place as if something is confusing him. But then, but then he just sits back down, quiet his heart pounding in his chest.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask reaches for the woman in the Galaxies Mask, smiling brightly as her demand for a dance and secret is accepted. "I do hope your secret is a good one. I know the prize for my favored is certainly well worth the best secret that has ever been." When the guards she ordered to be extra attentive come forward to infor her there is a guest that looks deathly and unmasked, there is a pause before the dance begins. "One moment. Let me just see if everything is okay, then we will dance." She takes her future dance parter's hand and moves to Aleksei. "You are looking for someone in my ballroom?"

With Pale Silk drawn away, Galaxies turns to speak to the Shadowy Visage in a low tone.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish slows when she notices someone else has greeted Aleksei. Her gaze flicks towards the elven-masked guest but then her gaze returns to Aleksei.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask pauses in her steps and whips her head around as if in search of something. She can't seem to find it so she just gazes into midair for a few moments. Something makes her drop her glass of wine which shatters on the floor but she doesn't seem to notice. Her hand moves to her cheek, stroking it softly before she says, "Oh dear gods."

Someone wearing a Diamondplate silk eye mask turns slightly when Aleksei enters the ballroom and watches to see what is to occur next. Done with his drink and it is put down in one of those serving trays. This may turn out to be an interesting night after all.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask lowers her hand, and turns away as Aleksei arrives, her gaze following him curiously. As the bejeweled mask is approached by Galaxies first or around the same time, and that person is chosen for the dance, the Spider Queen drifts away, returning to her seat in the shadowy corner. She reclaims her wine, and takes a slow sip of it as she observes the goings-on from the obscure little corner. She sits regally, composed in spite of the strange tension in the air, but her dark eyes do flit here and there, watching people, but mostly Aleksei as he is addressed by their hostess.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask croons, "And such delightful music," to the Blue Rabbit, and one might wonder, the way she stares, that hint of impishness yet curling her lips, if that includes the confusion, the stumble. To her less-than-okay companion, she murmurs aisde, "Wouldn't be the first time," low enough that it might not carry far. When her gaze follows, she expression shifts, curiosity blooming beneath whatever mischief she wears. Ah, but there's another, the whisper from the man in the thorn-split mask pulling her focus. She answers, quietly, as her attention drifts toward the unmasked arrival, all pale like that. She looks like she might move that way, but doesn't. Instead, she puts her smile right back on and nods to the man speaking quietly beside her. "Don't let it unsettle you, darling. We are capable creatures, are we not?"

Someone wearing A Gray Wolf arrives, following Someone wearing A Forest Doe.

Aleksei seems almost startled to be greeted; he had caught the black bear looking his way, and his attention lingers there a moment before pulling sharply to the woman in the galaxies mask that greets him. "Shit. I -- I'm sorry, your grace--" Presumably? "--I just--" And then his gaze lands on the featureless steel mask approaching him, and -- it's not quite relief, unfortunately, but it does seem to be recognition. "I think I found her. I--" His gaze catches on the window, the blood moon beyond, and his face goes absolutely white.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider is attempting to remain focused on the bear, but her gaze keeps flicking to Aleksei. In that moment, she sets down her wine glass to free her hands so that she can remove the pair of aged earrings she wears and secret them away somewhere safe on her person.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish frowns deeper, "Found who? Are you alright? you look a little green around the gills." she leans in and mutters briefly before stepping back a bit to give the pale and shaken Aleksei some room.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree nods when the golden coin-mail and a horned mask clad woman says not to let it unsettle you. "You're right." There is a sense of a smile beneath those words. "I should enjoy such a rare moment." He straightens his shoulders against the desire to make himself smaller, scans the surroundings, and then walks on over towards the one wearing the spider queen mask. "Dance with me?"

Someone wearing A Forest Doe arrives quietly, swathed in shades of green and masked in brown, as if she'd just stepped from the trees that have been slumbering since the start of winter. With her hand tucked carefully into the elbow of A Gray Wolf, she leans toward for a moment, as if about to speak. Whatever words sprang to her lips stay just inside them. She shudders and with her eyes veiled by black mesh, the only sign of her taking in the scene is the tilt and turn of her head.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose looks over in the direction of the man with out a mask, his head is spinning still. shakes his head, as if he seen something horrible. He gets a drink and downs it and puts the glass back on the tray.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay's smile curls under his mask at his companion's low-murmured rejoinder. "Nor the last," he says. Some kind of flirting, that. He puts his unbloodied hand there at the small of her back as he turns to see the cause of the commotion, eyes skimming past the thorn-covered tree. "How curious," he says, nudging her attention toward Aleksei. "I've seen people unmasked here, but never on first entry." Like of all the norms broken and oddities at the mirror masquerade, someone not having a mask is the strangest of all.

Someone wearing an elegantly asymmetrical silk mask sparkling under countless mirrorsilver beads has left the The Impropriety Couch.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask draws level with Aleksei a few moments after. Her face may not be visible, but she's definitely *twitchy*, and it's not helped when she follows his gaze back to the windows, even though she was just looking at the moon herself.

The Dragonfly relines for a moment on it's chosen couch. It appears the wine wasn't too well thought out, the mask does not make a lot of room for that activity. The Dragonfly sits up and carefully sets the glass of wine aside. Then raises and makes for the dancefloor.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask glances up as someone approaches her and asks her to dance, and she seems to brighten. "Certainly," she murmurs, then something softer to the thorn tree mask. She sets aside the wine glass once more, and rises to her feet. Gathering her skirts, she drifts away from the seat she had been occupying.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice has left the Libertine Table.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask nods towards Aleksei when he sees who he came looking for, and there is sympathy on her features for the very real fear on his. "If there is anything else you need, please ask." She leaves him to speak to the woman in the featureless steel mask. She turns back towards the woman in the Galaxies' mask, "that dance, My Lady?"

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing a shadowy elven visage has left the Decadent Couch.

Someone wearing a black bear mask rises with the spider, with the attitude of someone who intends to dance with her, but instead, he marks with his gaze where she is going, possibly to catch up with her in a moment, and then crosses the ballroom towards Aleksei. Whatever he says to the other man is brief, and at a whisper.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask suddenly claps her hands to her ears, pressing about as hard as she possibly can.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider moves toward the dance floor, glancing back over her shoulder at the bear masked figure. Her movement looks reluctant, and her steps entirely freeze when her gaze finds the windows streaking with blood.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask mutters, "No, ... ... ... no, ... *no*, shut ... fuck up, shut up."

Someone wearing A Duskstone Dragon has left the Inviting Couches.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask seems about to join thorn covered tree mask for that dance, when the thunder cracks again, and the wolves start howling. In spite of herself, she stops and turns to stare out the window. Her dark eyes widen at the sight of crimson streaks sliding down the windows. Her hand lifts to her throat, and she seems to forget all about tree mask, and dancing, for the moment.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster looks past the Shadowy Visage after bowing her head to them. She looks away to Pale Silk and goes to approach but then the blood starts to drip down the windows. "And here we go," she says as she approaches the Pale Silk woman as her gaze is elsewhere. "Did you find out what 'Leksei wants," she asks, casting a glance to the unmasked man. Her blue eyes go back to the window with concern. Then Featureless Steel starts ranting. She backs away from them and looks around for people she can place in the crowds based on bodies alone. Masks hide the faces and the identities. It can be tricky.

Someone wearing a shadowy elven visage touches the shoulder of Galaxies with the crown, and thunder cracks outside. As the wind and other things howl outside, it looks for yet another as it grips the crown tightly. Pitter patter goes the rain, rap tap tap goes the cane.

Someone wearing A Gray Wolf walks slowly into the hall side by side with the Forest Doe, arm out to offer the crook to her. Wrapped in grey and white, only the slightest hints of bronze skin showing as he moves in long, slow strides. He pauses at the door, to take in the sight of the hall and its attendants, and out to the windows. He starts to stare at the streaks of red. He moves to step in front of the Doe, reaching one arm out in front of her and looking side to side, the grey and white mask more appropriate than perhaps he'd hoped when the howls start.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree takes the spider queen masked woman's hand after the rain begins to leave bloody streaks down the windows and her attention is entirely stolen by the spectacle. "We can't do anything about it." he tells her almost gently. "And if tonight should be an ending. I would rather spend it doing something nice."

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask watches the thorn-masked man slip off to find someone to dance with, and it seems like, she, too, may be inclined to sway. Slower than the music playing. Might be nothing, were it not for how she straightens, how her whole bearing shifts, amusement muting toward something subtly warm, subtly somber. And then grim, lips pursed, all jauntiness absent. Might be the wolves howling in the distance. She looks, first, to the man she arrived with, then to the one she'd been speaking with. She tells /him/, "I could be wrong," perhaps conceding that there is reason enough to be unsettled, but she doesn't look the least bit flustered by it. Whatever the color of her Unlikely Okay companion's hand, she takes it, if she can, and draws a little bit closer to Aleksei. No desire to interfere there, but... it seems the right direction right now.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has left the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing a black bear mask has left the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster has left the Decadent Couch.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster checks perception and riddles at hard. Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster marginally fails.

Someone wearing blooming iris mask gestures with her wine glass towards the windows, with spatters of blood rain running down in rivulets. "Does anyone want to share with the class what that portends? It doesn't seem good, surely."

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose checks composure at hard. Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose fails.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster isn't sure of what she's looking for. Or who.

Aleksei reaches for the featureless steel mask's arm when she draws near enough, almost as if to steady himself. "Do you feel--" He starts to ask, but then he stops, staring at the window again -- and a moment later, it starts to streak with red. "Oh gods," he whispers. He startles at the black bear's approach, as distracted as he is, and he looks sharply back to him for whatever he whispers. He opens his mouth to respond, but then the featureless steel mask is suddenly clapping her hands over her ears. He holds both her arms now, trying to search what he can see of her gaze through the mask, speaking in a rapid, low voice to her.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask swallows, then turns toward thorn covered tree, and draws in a breath, then she nods in agreement. A smile appears on her lips, and she allows him to take her hand and guide her to the dance floor. She gathers her skirts with one hand. "I suppose you are right... what can we do but see what happens?" With one last glance around, she finally focuses her attention, and her eyes, on the masked figure who asked her to dance, rather than the blood-streaked windows.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish looks at the person in featureless steel mask "Get a fucking grip." She looks away but then sees the elven masked figure and frowns, bristling and looking around as if anyone else is going to have anything to say about Galaxies mask being troubled but then Aleksei seems to be handling some sort of crisis with the figure in the steel mask. She steps away, trusting Aleksei. Dryly "I doubt any of us knows but it's nothing good." her tone grim.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has left the The Misconduct Couch.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has joined the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has left the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay laces bloodied fingers with his companion's. Why not? It was never _truly_ meant as warning, only a draw of attention. Something to notice. He does seem to note the very liquid state of the moon; there's something very thoughtful about him just then, and he tucks his other hand in its respective pocket. There seems to be a conclusion drawn, a little noise made in his throat as he heads with his coin-armored partner toward Aleksei. "Nothing is inevitable," he says. Apropos of nothing? Well. Maybe.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask is speaking quietly with the flower sprite at his side, though as the rain starts to fall his expression grows grimmer and grimmer. He glances over to the unmasked man and those surrounding him, but then once more speaks softly to his companion, his expression resolute, softened only by a soft smile cast her way.

Someone wearing The Mask of the Princess of Dawnfire joins the throng already fathered, discreetly slipping into the ballroom. Better to arrive fashionably late than unfashionably not at all, though the rather hideous weather outside possibly owes a great deal to stymying those who would arrive in a timely manner to the Velenosa Estate. The liquid violence outside drives a woman under a heavy golden velvet cloak to seek shelter, the hastened footsteps a necessity to evade whatever dangerous rain might inflict on less than waterproof outfits. Shedding outer layers is sure to follow, the water-spattered cloak slithering away into her bare arms, narrowly avoiding entanglement on the corona of stars woven around her.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask keeps her hands right where they are over her ears, visibly agitated despite the mask. She either doesn't mind, or doesn't really registered, Aleksei's grip on her arms, but she responds with a somewhat lower, rapid whispering.

Someone wearing a black bear mask gives the trio by the door a concerned look, but he soon says one last thing to Aleksei, breaks away, and takes himself, /on purpose/ more towards the center of the room and away from where he might be able to make a quick dash for the door.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree guides the spider queen onto the dance floor and offers a little bow before beginning a dance. "I'm just glad we are inside where it is dry and warm."

The Dragonfly is a mesmerized by grasceful motion. Though they occasionally pause to observe their surroundings when things get especially hard to ignore, it's not long before they're drawn back into the rhythm of the dance. Each movement seems to breathe life into their wings, which ripple and shimmer in sync with the music, whether it be a tangible melody or one conjured by their imagination. The iridescent layers of fabric and scale catch and refract the lantern light and the soft glow of the moon, creating a shimmering display of colors that flicker and flash in the night.

As the Dragonfly moves, their willowy figure sways with an ethereal elegance, their form seamlessly merging with the patterns of their attire. It's a dance that seems both apart from and intimately connected to the essence of the ball itself.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask cannot stop staring out of the window. Suddenly she shouts, "It's raining... blood. It's raining blood." She hardly seems to believe it at first.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask disagrees, considering, "Plenty is inevitable, already set in motion, all but upon us." Isn't it, whatever it is, very literally upon them, streaking blood down the windows, blinding them to the world outside the ballroom? "What we /do/, on the other hand..." Plenty that's not inevitable, too, she allows. Might be reassuring? Is that what she's going for?

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider is slowly pulling herself free of being frozen in place and looks around for the bear masked man. When she spots him, she waits exactly where she is to see if he returns to her.

Someone wearing a bejeweled pale silk half-mask rushes over towards the woman in the Amused Fox mask, reaching for her to hug her tightly if she'll allow it. "You are safe. In here, you are safe." Her words are soft, soothing. "It is but you are safe."

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster goes to watch the happenings in the room through the mirrors instead of with her own eyes. Seeking answers there instead of the dance-floor. A hand touches to the mirror as she looks at herself then at the reflections behind her. "Are we really safe here," she asks her reflection as Pale Silk tries to console Amused Fox. "Is -anywhere- safe," she seems to question herself.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose is trying to steady his breathing, he is scared but really really! trying not to show it. Looking at his feet he swallows hard hearing the drops hitting the window the streaks of blood he shakes his head and closes his grey eyes.

Someone wearing a black bear mask crosses back to the dance floor, once he's had the chance to spot the lonesome spider. His smile to her contains a little bit of the wry, and any concern he might feel is confined to his eyes. He projects a sense of alertness about the people around them. "Would it make me a coward if I tried to use the weather as a means of getting out of dancing?" Even as he asks the question, he reaches out his hand, with the intent of leading her towards the dance floor.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask allows herself to be guided to the dance floor, and she returns thorn covered tree's bow with a courtly curtsey. She moves upon the dance floor like someone who is familiar with courtly dances, her feet knowing the steps, or at least, picking them up very quickly. "Yes... dry and warm," she echoes. She keeps her eyes focused on her dance partner, moving with him in time with whatever music is playing. Her mirrorsilver mask glints in the reddish light of the moon through the windows. After a moment, she whispers something more softly to her dance partner.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask has left the Shadowy Corner.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish speaks lowly to a cluster of figures including Aleksei, Person wearing the featureless steel mask, and person wearing the black bear mask. A glance is cast up and she sighs "Very cute, making the blood moon literal." to no one in particular. Today was probably not the right day to wear the creepy mask with the mouth for eyes.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask checks composure at daunting. Someone wearing a featureless steel mask is successful.

Someone wearing a black bear mask has joined the Ballroom Floor.

The man who looks a little less than okay - at least according to his mask - simply turns a steady _look_ on his partner, mouth impassive. "Then sit athwart the rolling stone," he says. "Pebbles that we are." Even in motion. A bit of poetry never hurt.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider takes the bear's offered hand. "Not a coward, but what would you do instead?" Her head tilts up at the man. "Stand here and stare?" She ignores the fact that her voice wavers slightly. "Run out into it?" She huffs wry laughter. "We may as well dance." And she lets him lead her onto the dance floor.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing A Forest Doe stares out the window, silent. Her mouth presses into a thin line, slowly draining of enough color that even the painted shade appears faded under the pressure. The black mesh of her leather mask, the red streaks splattering the glass, obscure her vision -- obscure her vision, but not the horror she stares at in the sky. "Good gods," she gasps. "They've woken her." Her? What her? She doesn't say, not now. No, now she's reaching blindly for the Gray Wolf, her slender fingers digging deep into the man's carefully covered arms.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask turns to look at a shadowy elven visage. "I'm glad some people can find amusement here." She says, tilting her head. She looks at the cane for a moment but says nothing, her attention returning to the window.

Someone wearing A Gray Wolf starts to move onto the dane floor, holding the Doe's arm with his to try to guide her with him. He doesn't seem to be interested in dancing, every move being more along the lines of constrained agitation, whipping his head from side to side between the windows and the sounds of howlong. He whispers something to the Doe in a low, rumbling growl before he says, loud enough to be overheard "What by all the Pit is going on?" He reaches one large arm around the Doe's shoulders, looming over her.

Someone wearing A Gray Wolf mutters, "... ... ... ... windows. And ... doors. If aught happens, ... behind me."

Aleksei nods a distracted reply to the black bear, shooting a glance at him as he peels away. And then he looks back to the featureless steel mask, and his face goes even whiter. "He can't--" he starts to say, and then he pulls back with a sudden strangled breath, his eyes terrified. "No--" The heels of his hands press against his temples as if something is //pounding// in his head. "They can't both live," he says, his breath coming quick in a panic. "They can't both--" His gaze tears over to the figure in the little less likely okay mask, and there's a bone-deep fear there. "Skald. They can't both live."

"There doesn't seem like much that can be done," the man in the bear mask agrees with the spider, although his reserved demeanor is a little less cavalier. In fact, he's starting to sound increasingly shaken, especially after a quick look thrown Aleksei's way. "At least not yet."

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster looks over at Doe and Wolf. "I called it," she says grimly as she stalks over to join them, platinum glimmering in the red tinted light. "I fuckin' knew it." The rough growl in her voice and swearing likely gives away who is behind the galaxies mask. Her hand drifts subconsciously towards where a sword might rest, but instead it's a peacebound dagger at her side.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask watches the windows slowly become filled with red, his smile fading and expression even half-masked ebbing to one of deep reserve. There's tension in his long form. But he doesn't move. Not yet.

Someone wearing The Mask of the Princess of Dawnfire glides across the dancefloor, little hastened by the splattering precipitation hitting the windows or causing things to become increasingly concerning. Shivers of gold move with her, the murmurs of her gown adding a metallic susurrus to mute out whatever she might say upon reaching another of the participants in the throng. One who proves her visual opposite, darkness and authority, is her terminal destination. A lingering look goes back over the bare line of her shoulder, fixed on someone out there in the crowd. Briefly.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose frowns as he gets up and moves for the window looking out over the blood and to the moon, he lets out a shakey breath. "Gods and spirits...No.." he whispers to himself almost afraid to touch anything or be to close to anyone.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask stops, hand tensing about the one it holds. One might feel a shudder run through her, if one's close enough. Others might hear the far too jaunty jingle of her coin-mail, a playfulness ill-fitting to the moment. Though, really, isn't that in the spirit of the costume? If only she were of a mind to find humor in, oh, anything just now. The look she angles aside at her companion is more rueful than wry, and brief besides for how her attention lifts to a window, a breka in the blood streaking it giving such clear view of the moon. "We'll have to--" comes on the wake of Aleksei's words, though who knows who she's speaking to. She doesn't finish. She doesn't look away from the moon, not entirely. A dip in her gaze, maybe, attention turned inward, but who can tell. Who's paying her any mind as the world tilts sideways.

In the midst of their intricate movements, the Dragonfly maintains a careful awareness of their surroundings, ensuring that they don't inadvertently collide with anyone. The sheer size and delicate intricacies of their wings make such caution essential. For those who venture close enough, there's a low, rhythmic hum that harmonizes with the dance and the music. Their concealed presence adds an air of mystique, and in those fleeting pauses, it's nearly impossible to discern where the Dragonfly's focus lies. It mirrors the enigmatic quality of their mask, which seamlessly integrates into the dance, appearing as a living extension of their being. Despite any potential dangers that may lurk nearby, the Dragonfly seems blissfully unaware, wholly engrossed in the dance.

Jaenelle releases the woman in the Amused Fox mask to press her hands against her ears suddenly trying to block something while slowly kneeling where she stands. She takes the masl off, her eyes huge at whatever the voices continue to say to her.

Being dressed as someone who is _not okay_, and indeed bound up in a corset, perhaps it is strange that the less-than-okay figure seems... relatively okay, in fact. "I know," he tells Aleksei, with sympathy. "But little is decided in the moment of waking. Should fates war with choices, I know which I'll bet on." Even _raining blood_. The grip of his hand on his companion's is tight, fingertips curled deep into the furrows between fingerbones.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask mouths a word, frowning, his expression a bit bewildered. But it's likely lost in the crowd.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has stepped close to the bear, is halfway in some sort of position that would suggest dancing - a hand settling on the man's shoulder with less than a few inches between them. She seems keenly aware of exactly how he feels, and she no longer looks so intent upon dancing either. Especially not having heard Aleksei. She blinks up at the bear and murmurs softly.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask stares at the moon. She stares, and stares, and sta-- And now it's *her* turn to grab at Aleksei's arm as he pulls away, agitated but no longer twitchy. "No. Listen, *no*. I need - I think I need to do something fucking stu--" She stops, tipping her head, completely still in the moment.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree's gaze goes on over to the person in the golden coin-mail when their words stutter, his gaze shifting over to the moon for a moment before almost shying away. Back to the dance. Back to the soft conversation that is proving such a pleasant distraction from -that-.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask looks around, as if she's been stuck in a dream. "Wait... What?"

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster says, "Yeah, FUCK that guy," as she gruffly as she nods agreement, turning to someone behind her. Who isn't there. She blinks and looks around as if searching for the source of the voice.

"Knew WHAT?" The Wolf reaches his hand to pull clumsily at the ribbons at the back of his mask, fumbling blindly at the ties holding it on. "Something's here. Something hungry. What the fuck's happening?"

Someone wearing a black bear mask looks briefly surprised as the lonesome spider whispers to him. He touches her shoulder for a moment, and there's something a little more sincere in the timbre of his voice as he murmurs a reply.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish's casual, calm air is betrayed with annoyance. "WHO?" She eyes Aleksei and frowns "Aw. Fuck. That one?" she looks to Aleksei and opens her mouth to say something and then gives a soft grunt "Whatever's happened, better make sure we have the full story before we do anything." She frowns then when the person in the featureless steel mask goes very still. She groans "Well, stay away from the mirrors and it'll probably be fine?" her tone distantly hopeful but she sounds closer to pessimistic than optimistic.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose looks back seeing Jaenelle kneel down he moves for her bells ringing as he steps closer. "Your Grace, are you ok?" he takes a knee near her but he does not go close to her.

The goings-on around the room are certainly distracting enough for the Spider Queen to occasionally look around, in spite of herself. A glance occasionally out the window through dark lashes, before her attention focuses back on her dance partner. Soft whispers pass back and forth between them as they continue to move about the dance floor.

Caspian does his best to slip in quietly, no mask adorning his face. The man's normal brown cloak was stained crimson, his face looking like a grotesque bloody mess until he nabbed a nearby towel and wiped it clean. he tossed the now utterly ruined cloth aside and muttered a small apology, staying on the outskirts and trying to look round and figure out what was going on..

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider, with a nod, moves to complete the stance she had left unfinished, linking her hand with one of the bear masked man's so that they may dance. Even if it is not a lively dance. Even if it is a distracted, wary, done despite the world coming apart around them. She, at least, seems a touch less afraid since their whispered exchange.

Someone wearing A Forest Doe shakes her head at the words that are whispered to her, and in that moment, the faces nearest her are close enough to get some sense of the dark eyes hidden behind gauzy black silk. "More than the moon. They're waking *Destiny*, whose death was the birth off--," she cuts off, her head snapping around as if someone came up and tapped her on the shoulder, whispered some hurried, urgent message. But there's no one there. No one with their hands on her except the Gray Wolf. "How many--," she chokes out, and the tension in her frame suggests a sudden rush of emotion, one that can only be hinted at by the twisting of her mouth. Longing. And anger.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask has left the Inviting Couches.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree brings the dance to a halt as the level of distress in the ballroom hikes up a few more notches. His gaze sharp as he casts it about the room, towards the windows, the doors.. he even touches on the mirrors. Mostly though he's watching his sister and attempting to keep up conversation with the woman he asked to dance.

Someone wearing a black bear mask isn't a practiced dancer, and he's distracted besides, projecting a sense of alertness as the party begins to melt down around himself and his partner. A slow dance is probably the best he could manage even if he were intent on something more lively.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask has joined the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing Swirling Galaxies Mask with Celestial Luster says to the Wolf, "Let's get her away from mirrors AND the window." Her being Doe.

Jaenelle blinks towards the rabbit mask as the man approaches her, her brows furrowing slightly as if confused by the voices and their demands, the chanting, and the terror in people's faces as blood pelts the windows. And she snorts at the ridiculousness of the whole situation even as a tear slides down her cheek. She looks utterly devastated and nothing has happened just yet, but here is a man in a rabbit mask. "I think I am about to mourn...everything."

With a performer's finesse, the Dragonfly weaves their way across the dance floor, an effortless display of grace and precision. There's a sense that if they were to pause for too long, they might be compelled to engage with the world beyond the dance. Instead, they choose to immerse themselves fully in the art of movement, keeping the outside world at bay. Each step, each twirl, is executed with a natural flourish.

Someone wearing An Amused Fox Mask tears her gaze away from a shadowy elven visage and looks at the kneeling archduchess. "Jaenelle!" She hurries over to her, the person she'd been speaking to forgotten. She rests a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Someone wearing Lady Peckish frowns in concern towards Jaenelle, "Aw, Shit." There's concern but there's not really much she can do for the hostess so she turns to scan the room, "Oh, shit. Caspian! Are you alright? That's..uh. Rain. Not..you right?"

Someone wearing The Mask of the Princess of Dawnfire tips her masked face, that volto mask going a long way to conceal expression and details. Still, concern glints in dark eyes as Jaenelle conspicuously looks troubled. That, too, warrants a brief frown, but she does not approach from her quiet corner or the conversation that spins out at a murmur to avoid causing interruption.

Darren steps away from the dance floor and the spider, taking off his bear mask as he does so, and walks towards Jaenelle. Even in this chaos, he is moving briskly, but still in an unhurried manner.

Darren has left the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider relinquishes her hold on the bear with an understanding bow of her head before he steps away. And she retreats to an edge, trying to be alert and out of the way. She may even eye the doors, as if considering braving the blood rain. But she stays.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider has left the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose moves to remove his mask from his face, as he leans in to speak to the archduchess softly in her ear. still he does not touch her to scared to do so.

Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask checks composure at daunting. Botch! Someone wearing an ornate twining morning glories in bloom silk mask fails completely.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask finally stops dancing as well, murmuring something to the thorn covered tree mask. "Thank you for the dance." She nods to his murmur, and then turns to focus her attenion on what is happening. She moves off the dance floor, turning to head back to her seat. She takes up her wine, and drains the glass without even thinking about it, her hand shaking a little as people start talking about Destiny and such. She looks toward the Archduchess, and others as they start getting upset. She continues to remain masked, but there is definitely a sense of alert concern about her. She sits there, looking around, watching the chaos uncertainly, unsure what to do.

"They're waking... the..." The Wolf starts trying to move the Doe, as suggested, toward the center of the room, away from the windows, and tries to put himself between any mirrors. He finally gets the mask off his face, revealing the hard angles and fierce scowl of Thesarin Riven. He looks around, angry, but almost listless. "...what do we do?"

Caspian looks to the one who called out and nods. "oh im fine. Its not me.. its the rain. " he shakes his head slightly, "was working on things when the rain began to fall. And.. well.. knowing this was happening tonight, i thought maybe a quick peak in here wouldnt be the worst idea." he offers a smile, a few streaks of red on his face still. "so.. what HAS been going on?"

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree seems rooted to the spot until the moment that the lady in the spider queen mask walks away. He watches her go for a moment and then once again starts to make his way back to where the coin-mail masked woman is stood staring. He reaches to touch her shoulder. "We'll have to what?" a pause "Sister?"

Her breathing is hard and shallow, curling up into a ball after turning to look and see Caspian covered in blood. It doesn't matter that he set to wipe it off, the patter to the windows and chatter within. A feeling of unable to breath has pulled her into that tight ball. Legs tucked tightly to her chest, trying to hide her head to knees. Unable to find her voice...

Eirene pushes back her mask. "Fuck it. If I have to face Destiny, I'm doing it as my Fuckin' self." She says this to Doe and Wolf. "Because no one decides my life except for me," she growls to Thesarin. "What we do? I don't know. If the moon - destiny is awake, that means that fucking Traitor got the wolves to sing." She motions towards the distant howling.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice slows, curiously, having overheard some of what was being said on the dancefloor. Again without any indication of a face at all it's hard to say what they might be doing. Still swaying slightly in time to the music as if completely stopping is unthinkable.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish says, "I ever tell you that you're my fucking hero, Lady Eirene?"

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask doesn't much move for a long while, holding a hand, watching the moon. No panic, no fluster. Just distance. Like she doesn't much hear what's going on around her just now.

Caspian snaps his gaze to Eirene as she pulls off her mask, her words sending a chill down his spine. he looked out the window, to the night with the wolves howling and paled ever so slightly. "...fuck" he swallowed once and then pushed toward Eirene, his voice low but insistent, the urgency clear in it "Lady Eirene. lady Eirene.. What happened?"

"Cousin." Darren's voice is soft, but confident as he addresses Jaenelle. "Let me take you to sit down. In the middle of the floor is a poor place to try to talk through this." There are very few people who could reasonably expect to tell an archduchess what to do, but a high lord is probably among their number.

There are enough masks coming off that the very subdued _not okay_ masked ought to perhaps have noticed. But no; he's paying a good deal of attention to the coin-mail clad woman, and all her quiet and distance. The one unmasking that _does_ catch his eye is Eirene; maybe it's her words, but the look he sends is distinctly sympathetic, even with a mask on. It's in the steady set of his mouth, see. Then, his eyes return to Aleksei, then his companion. There's a moment it seems like he might whisper something to her, but no: he has her hand, and that's enough.

As long as she doesn't start laughing.

Isolde removes her mask and kneels next to Jaenelle with a worried look. Her atten

Isolde removes her mask and kneels next to Jaenelle with a worried look. Her full attention on ensuring her sister-in-law is unharmed. "Did you... hear anything? See anything? I know what it's like. You can't trust it all, though."

Someone wearing A Forest Doe puts up little in the way of resistance as she's bodily hurried towards the dance floor, or at least as far from the windows as her companions can possibly position her. Slender fingers clutch at the edges of her mask, the silk ties catching on her ears for a moment, and then another, before a final tug pulls it free, catching briefly on an earring. The pain of it makes her wince, but then Mia Riven's dark eyes stare down at the doe-faced mask. A doe. A creature of prey, with wolves howling in the night. Gods, of all the things she could've chosen to wear tonight, by some sick irony, she chose this. A laugh -- too sharp -- rises up in her throat, escapes her lips, then dies as quickly as if a blade had been plunged into that bitter sound. A half second later and she's chasing a mad thought from her head, forcing her way to some semblance of sense. "Is the Prima here? If the Prima is here, and I saw Aleksei Morgan... but gods, none of the spellsingers I know are with us unless they're hidden in the crowd."

Someone wearing blooming iris mask might be a lemming, but there seems little point in keeping the mask on with everything going on. And, the blood pouring outside, and people upset on the inside. So, off goes her iris blooms so her frown can be //fully seen// in all its stuffy Oathlander glory. She may not approach Jaenelle at the moment, even while concerned, but she has a ready to jump in expression. It's a lot like her normal expression.

Jaenelle looks towards Isolde, offering the hint of a smile as if she hadnt attempted to reassure the people of the ball that very same thing at the start. "This is not the mirrors," she says sadly, "this is a death." She presses her hand against her heart, an ache she can't press away or shift aside. Then Darren is approaching, and he gets a gentle smile as well, and she looks around to see that she is infact on the floor in the middle of people and looks as if she isnt quite certain what she should be doing at the moment. She just nods her head, the confidence of her prior words to the unheard voice gone now completely.

Someone wearing a Prince of the Forest mask rises from his seat, offering a hand up to his flower sprite, so that he can tuck it into the crook of his arm. His free hand brushes his mask back at the same time the Iris-clad woman does. He does pause for a moment to look down at her with a ghost of a smile curving his lips at seeing that very Oathlander frown, and soon his own expression goes to a suitably reserved one.

Kanean pots other coming to Jaenelle and he stands up to move out of there way, his grey eyes look around. He spots Caspian and he moves in his direction, his eyes are wide like saucers.

Darren kneels down and, without asking for permission or begging his pardon, gathers Jaenelle with infinite care into his arms. He gives Isolde a look, and angles his head towards the Misconduct Couch, which is apparently where he intends to carry her.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask has left the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask has joined the Shadowy Corner.

Darren has joined the The Misconduct Couch.

Jaenelle has joined the The Misconduct Couch.

Isolde looks sorrowful at talk of death. "We Velenosans are no stranger to death." She nods at Darren and helps Jaenelle rise and follows them both to the Misconduct Couch.

Isolde has joined the The Misconduct Couch.

The Dragonfly probably has some difficulty seeing too far or hearing too much with the veil and mask. They linger on the commotion for a few moments. They even seem to turn the direction of a window, gloved hands knitting against the star-iron and iridescite plating that decorates the dress they wear. Resting against their abdomen for a moment while they sway. However there doesn't appear to be any inclination of removing the mask nor leaving the dancefloor. It's as if the Dragonfly has found solace within the dance, a sanctuary amidst the turbulent festivities.

Someone wearing Lady Peckish scans the crowd and frowns. Somewhat helplessly she offers "Anyone need a flask of rum?"

Someone wearing Lady Peckish has joined the The Scandal Couch.

Someone wearing a shadowy elven visage moves, the crow tap tapping on the floor as it looks to the windows, crown still in hand. A low chuckle is given, looking beyond. "Blood-drenched panes, wolves' cries split the air, all beneath the red moon's unyielding glare. Despair's grip tightens, hope feels surpassed, "How long to endure?" echoes from the past. From the silent dark, remember her voice that broadcast. Solemn and sure, she whispers to you "To the last."

Whatever else is going on, there's a sudden furrow to Aleksei's brow, and focus to his manner, as if he's hearing something internally. Not whatever horror was there before, but something else now. "Fate," he tries to answer, distracted as he is, for whoever has been asking. "//Destiny//. He's waking--" His gaze pulls back to the //little less likely okay//, and there's something in his features, the space between fear and loss. The very particular feeling that comes from something -- impending. The dread of what might come to pass. "I don't know what the fuck to do," he says quietly to the figure.

"I don't know, Caspian. I think..." and here Eirene pauses, "that Destiny has been reborn in the moon." She looks at Mia and shakes her head. "I thought I saw Lucita but she left." She looks at Peckish and snorts in some amusement. But that fades as the Elven Visage recites their proclamation.

Kanean leans in to speak to Caspian, he does not touch or step close close.

Someone wearing a featureless steel mask stays frozen, head slightly tipped as if listening, though whatever or whoever she's listening to, it doesn't seem to be any of the people around her. Or the patter of blood. Or the wolves. After a moment her hand slips away from Aleksei's arm, almost gently, and then she just...stands there. Staring at the moon. When it starts to fade she abruptly puts her head in her hands, and there's a small, yet audible sound that sounds suspiciously like a sob. Just one.

Someone wearing The Prince of Eventides Mask says in Nox'alfar, "Well. That could have gone worse."

Caspian shook his head slightly, his face a might paler than normal, or maybe ti was just the odd light. "it cant be.. Destiny cant be waking up. Skald ...." his voice trailed off as Kanean whispered something in his ear. There was a wildness in Caspian's eyes and he wet his lips, brow furrowed, clearly a bit confused by why he had been told.

Raven spies a familiar mask and strides over to her, waiting til she's closed the distance to speak to her though to Caspian "Whatever it is-we'll sort it out. It is what we all do, yeah?"

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider glances at the Prince of Eventides, head tilting.

Darren lifts his head, and scans the room. The elven visage gets a quick, very irritated look. Then he's craning his head to look for Aleksei by the door.

Someone wearing a filigreed Spider Queen of the Frozen North mirrorsilver mask continues to sit in her shadowy corner, wine glass now empty. She sees people unmasking, and notes them, but she doesn't remove her own mask. Instead, she settles back in her seat, setting the empty wine glass aside, and glances around. She doesn't seem to know what to do, other than wait out this weird happening. There's a cool remoteness about her now, as if she's bottled up her emotions and hidden them away. She observes the room with a sort of detached objectivity. Eventually she notes the blood red tinge of the moonlight is receding, and she glances up at the windows.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask murmurs, "It's never been easy," with a hint of bitterness, a bite meant for no one. The hand she holds, not quite so tightly now, lifts with hers as she takes a step forward... then stops, looks down, aside. Then to the other side, catching some sort of poetry. Then back to less-likely-okay at her side. She offers the tiniest smile, too heavy to find any jovial shape. One might guess she doesn't know she's crying, that tears fall past the bottom of her mask, down along her jaw to collect at her chin. Nothing playful in her tone as she says, "May we?" and turns a look toward Aleksei again, for the first time in a while.

Isolde shouts. "I'M SORRY!" At the Prince of Eventides Mask. And she looks genuinely remorseful.

Someone wearing The Prince of Eventides Mask huffs and glares, then makes a hand gesture towards her that seems to say 'fine, I'll allow it'.

Kanean looks to raven his grey eyes are wide and he looks unnerved.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider says in Nox'alfar, "Yes, it could have bled on your lovely outfit. Thank goodness it did not."

Mia checks composure at hard. Mia marginally fails.

Someone wearing The Mask of the Princess of Dawnfire straightens slightly at the shout from Isolde, though the height in that petite woman is hardly anything noteworthy. From beside the Prince of Eventides, she tips her head in a discreet, limited fashion that could be inquiry or something vaguely adjacent to being troubled.

Jaenelle bends over suddenly and screams, the harsh startling sound bouncing from the marble room. She has always prided herself on never showing too much emotion, never allowing herself to show that she is upset, and certainly never showing pain. The scream rips at her throat, head shaking as her silent tears continue to fall at whatever she has witnessed. "It has died but it will not, NOT be as you say," she screams at nothing, then she says softer, "the Lyceum will never burn as they say it will." She doesnt sound confident.

"Choose," suggests the man in the mask that is _not okay_, commencing that approach toward Aleksei now to close the short distance, now that his companion is a bit more stable. Not okay, maybe, but well - certain, anyway, he seems _certain_. "To plot or fight, resist or wallow or despair." He shakes his head, once, a slight motion. "As you always have."

Aleksei's attention is pulled inward again, his breath almost stilling entirely. It's a long moment there, quiet and stillness -- both things he's not known for. And then his breath drags in sudden and deep and unsteady. He lifts his head, and his eyes turn to the window first, to see the red -- the blood -- receding from the moon. And while there's grief, it is far overshadowed by a bone-deep relief.

Aleksei says, "I think it's okay," he finally says. And then, after a beat: "Tonight. Now. This is okay." Another breath. "Fuck you," he mutters to the moon, now still and slumbering again. He scrubs a hand through his hair, peering at the //little less likely okay// with a certain amount of peering suspicion now. "Guess I did." And then he's caught by the sob of the featureless steel mask next to him, and he reaches impulsively to pull her into his arms."

Powerless to fix the wrongness that's happening in the sky, with nothing to fight or to command, Darren does just about the only thing that IS still in his power: He wraps an arm around Jaenelle's shoulders.

Raven frowns and wraps her arms around Renata, "It's ok, your highness. It's the bloodmoon. It's dramatics, you are safe. The thunder and rain have stopped, it's already over. Whatever toil must be completed to safeguard the Compact will be done as it is always done. Here. Now. You are safe. Can you feel the breath you draw in? Draw it in deep, and slow." Raven demonstrates encouragingly "Breath in." A pause "And out. I've got you."

Following those moments of gentle swaying, the Dragonfly gracefully makes their way off the dance floor. The clamor and commotion of the outside world gradually calm. Though the cries and shouts briefly give the tall figure pause, they quickly recover their composure. With a purposeful stride, they navigate the crowd, eventually locating that abandoned glass of wine. They retreat to a secluded corner, where the veil provides a semblance of privacy. There, beneath the shroud of fabric, they take a contemplative sip.

Someone wearing a shadowy elven visage says "Oh, how things change and yet stay the same. Problems and choices, folks not wanting things to be ending and yet we forget about how that's the way new things begin. I suppose it's time for me to go. Good luck, I wish you the very best. A change is in the air, I can feel it, can't you? " The figure walks out through the entrance, or what could be the exit depending if it's the beginning or end of something or other. The tap tap tapping of the crow fades away as figure and crown leave.

"Jae.... I will make sure they don't. We will stand. We will fight. We choose not to let them do it," Eirene says defiantly. She watches the Shadowy Visage go with a scowl.

Isolde holds on to Jaenelle's hand as she screams, genuine fear crossing her expression again. "It won't, yes it won't." She agrees with her, despite having no clue what or who she's talking to. Then the rain stops and red of the moon fades. "It's stopped. It's stopped." There's hope in her voice.

Seeing that what can be done for others is being done, Edris guides Alis towards the door and beyond, speaking quietly. Steps a little more rushed than absolutely necessarily; there's people to check on in the ward. He does unfurl his cloak though, to make sure that she's protected from whatever remnants of the blood rain might be left to drip from eaves or other things on the way home.

Edris has left the The Immorality Couch.

Alis has left the The Immorality Couch.

Alis leaves, following Edris.

Caspian looks to Kanean then and places a hand on his shoulder. "its alright... we are here still, and we are free still. Whatever this thing you saw.. whatever it was we will stop it before it comes to past." he gives a small squeeze and then looks to the others, and to Eirene. "We will fight, and we will win!"

Mia freezes where she stands, almost as literally as if she had turned to stone. There's no movement from her then, save for the flickering of her eyes, a wild, desperate movement to drink in the sight of something... of something that isn't there, something that she can't possibly, unless she's frantically trying to find some face, someone, in the ballroom. And then a sound wells up out of her, one that comes not from her throat but from somewhere much deeper, somewhere much nearer to her heart. It's a wail, a hideous sound that would pour and pour and pour out of her if she let it. But she doesn't. Only the first two notes sound before she chokes it down, her shoulders shaking as she vows to the air, to the sky, "I will kill him for this -- for all he's taken from us and for all his sins."

he person in the featureless steel mask is already starting to push the mask off as Aleksei reaches for her, as if she can't wait to get it off, and then, as if the night couldn't get any *stranger*, Sen doesn't resist for a single moment as she's embraced. Hell, she wraps her arms around Aleksei and returns it as tightly as possible. Are her eyes a little wet? A lot wet? Well, nothing falls from them.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice has left the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask breathes the barest laugh and seems lighter for it, even with hardly a jingle to her armor. "As I always have," she echoes, warm and settled. Though Aleksei is quite occupied with embraces and sobs, she steps closer, invades that personal space he shares with another, but only slightly, only a little. Only enough to set her hand--the right one, absent any claws--on his shoulder, to connect for a moment. Even so, she looks to her not-okay companion and wonders so very quietly, "Is it too late for dancing?"

Isolde has left the The Misconduct Couch.

Eirene mutters, "And ... will be there."

Her mask has been pushed aside and the Pravus Princess is left between sobs still unable to look at anyone in the room tucks her head back to where she can hide within her own skirts. Muttering in return to Raven.

Jaenelle looks towards the window, noting that the blood has stopped. She looks too exhausted though to be too happy about it. She notes the others reaching for comfort, the ones who have seen something of theirs die as well. She leans against Darren, whispering something at the couch they sit on.

Raven soothingly strokes Renata's back, patient and calm though there might be a tiny downward turn at the corner of her mouth at the annoyance at all the chaos sewed by the events which just transpired.

Renata mutters, "I don't know ... I was ... coming here... ... was all to be ... lovely night ... chance, do ... find each other ... do we... get lost staring ... a mirror ... then there's bl... ... red gooey... ... everywhere. On everyone... ... ... on the windows and Caspian ... ... ... in it and ... there's... ... gods?"

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider looks around as people begin to unmask, taking note of who she sees before looking out the window and seeing the rain has stopped. She begins to make her way toward the door, ready to leave the way she came - alone like her mask suggests - when Renata catches her attention. Her steps falter, deliberating.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay gives a rather steady look for the one Aleksei fixes on him, but then turns to the woman dressed in green and gold, claws and coins. "Course not, darling," he says, pulling away just enough to offer his bloodied hand. Well - is it still bloodied? Either way, he'll just be leading her to the dance floor now.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree exhales slowly as everything seems to be calming down. His hand lifts to briefly press against his upper chest. His eyes track the coin-masked figure as she takes to the dancefloor. He looks briefly toward to his former dance partner. Then, with the blood moon fading in the sky, and things calming here, he slips out into the night.

Someone wearing The Mask of the Princess of Dawnfire tips her head forward toward the Prince of Eventides, not quite touching that dark figure, but close. Whatever words transpire between them remain couched in the private tones of a conversation like so many others, but the silent, certain poise of her carriage draws slightly straighter. A hand offered to him, a gesture imbued with a certain courtly air.

Thesarin stares at the departing figure in the elven visage, and then turns toward Mia as she wails and screams, putting one of his big, tattooed arms around her shoulder, as she chokes down the screams. He looks toward the others in the hall, to Eirene, and then back to his wife. "...twelve and one, what's happened?"

Raven rubs Renata's back and continues to calmly speak to Renata. Her creepy mask has been tucked away.

Someone wearing a mask split by a growing thorn covered tree has left the Ballroom Floor.

Kanean jerks slightly as Caspian touches his shoulder, his eyes look around at everyone as masks get taken off and then the rain stops, he shakes his head what he has seen can not be unseen to him.

Sen pulls off her mask and Aleksei suddenly //startles// -- but not so much that he doesn't always hug her. Just that //something// about that moment was somehow a shock. But one should never waste an opportunity to hug a Sen, and so he just squeezes her tight. And //then// he looks back at the woman in golden coin-mail with sudden realization. "Oh my fucking gods," he says like a man who's just realized he's the biggest idiot in the world. Just now.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice is quick with the wine, downing it in one smooth motion. The glass is carefully cleaned on an edge of fabric and set aside. Then The Dragonfly sets out to wander amongst the partygoers. Careful with those wings still but more social than they had be prior to the Blood Moon's pinnacle, though they are careful not to interupt anything seemingly private.

Eirene calls out gently, "Aleksei... Sen... you can explain this shitshow better'n me. Destiny lives again, doesn't it." More statement than question. "The Traitor broke the Song holding it asleep, the wolves. Yes?"

Sen'azala is apparently just not going to let go for a while. Aleksei, it seems, makes for a very good anchor at present. ...And then she makes a funny noise. And then a snort. And then she just starts quietly *laughing*, in that way someone will when all the tension has suddenly left and they have no idea *what* they're laughing at. A little shaky, a little nervous, and then it's rather more genuine.

Someone wearing The Dragonfly mask is almost featureless, instead the stygian form is lined with iridescite in an intricate pattern almost like the lines in an insects carapice has joined the The Scandal Couch.

Renata nods slowly to something said between her and Raven as she is pulling from her ball. Still unable to find her feet under her able to get help to couch where she cups her hands around wine glass stares at the red wine to immediately put the glass down. "No... No..."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Jaenelle before departing.

Jordan, apologetic Gentleman of the Chamber arrives, following Noah.

Someone wearing a mask that is a little less likely okay has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Someone wearing A Lonesome Spider decides it is time for her to leave, finally, and so she does.

Raven sighs and belts back the wine so Renata doesn't have to look at it and offers Renata her flask, "Here you are, Highness. Rum." She calls to Eirene "Maybe let people process what's just happened, General. Not everyone is used to functioning no matter what."

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask offers Aleksei the strangest smile, all wet and affectionate, heavy and ephemeral. It wants to be more than it is, come with words. There aren't any. Not just now, just yet. There's somebody calling his name, asking for /information/. And somebody else offering her a hand, drawing her toward the dancefloor. Right now, she needs the dancing more than the weighty conversation. For the moment, doom has been fended off, she's sure of it. Sure enough for a dance. And so she dances, pressed close to her /unlikely okay/ companion and jingling.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has joined the Ballroom Floor.

Noah strides in and definitely doesn't know what is going on. His features are stoic as his blue eyes scan over the people. Obviously, he's looking for someone.