Cornelius, a studious looking attendant arrives, following Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells.

Rupert, the Laurent Archivist, 2 Valardin Knights, 1 Laurent veteran guards, Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells arrive, following Cristoph.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, 10 Valardin Knights arrive, following Alis.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings arrives, following Someone wearing an Eagle mask.

Someone wearing The Black Rose arrives, following Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask.

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

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, 2 Redrain Veteran Guards arrive, following Gwenna.

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, 2 Redrain Veteran Guards leave, following Gwenna.

Birds of a feather, they say. Something like that. Someone in an Eagle mask and someone in a much more fiery one arrive together, twenty-six thousand feathers or so between them. They may have lost a few along the way. Molting. Or... you know. Regular old entropy.

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, 2 Redrain Veteran Guards arrive, following Someone wearing starlit rainbow mask.

THIS PARTY, THIS MASQUERADE is DEFINITELY set up in a far less haphazard manner than people might have you believe. It certainly wasn't set up and designed within the last hour or so, no, no. The workers of House Valardin have been here this entire day, setting all manner of decorations up. It may be winter, but that doesn't meant you can't enjoy a party outdoors. Snow covers the grounds, coating everything in a beautiful pristine blanket. Meanwhile outdoor hearts have been set up all around the perimeter to add light and warmth, while colorful lanterns add to the atmosphere. This all lends to it being pleasantly warm despite the season. A various stations are set up, hot chocolate station, hot tea, mulled wine, everything that will keep the body from freezing!

It's one of two options - one. Princess Viviana Pravus's a legend in her own mind. Two. The mask was crushed in her rush. Either option paired with swagger and sway and a smirk for days. In crimson leathers, with a broken mask dangling by ribbons from her fingers. There's time for a drink - then, a place to perch and people-watch unapologetically.

Viviana has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Klavdiya, who is definitely a handmaiden and not a reaver, Fluffy, a wild nanny-cat, 2 Eswynd shieldbearers, Loryk, a cocky but amiable reaver, Butterpup, a Graypeak Mountain Dog arrive, following Medeia.

Klavdiya, who is definitely a handmaiden and not a reaver, Fluffy, a wild nanny-cat, 2 Eswynd shieldbearers, Loryk, a cocky but amiable reaver, Butterpup, a Graypeak Mountain Dog leave, following Medeia.

Symonesse arrives, following Aindre.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells will certain need those warming tactics, because she's chosen the softest of starlight silk to wear for the evening, and should she step foot in the snow, she might become a stunning masked statue in the Valardin gardens! But she's instead warmly stood beside the so-called 'lord of the ocean,' her fingers resting loosely in the crook of his arm, her walk matching his as they move through the masked guests looking for an evening of anonymity and adventure. Her own mask, seashell adorn, proves the pair of them must have risen from the sea like any number of mythical aquatic creatures.

A bee. Yes. A bee. At least a bee mask and black and yellow colored silks has arrived with a tall woman nearly his height dressed quite vividly in a way to invoke the image of a flying ship. The Nightstar. Or at least, a Nighstar. Her arm is wound around his arm through the crook of it with his hand atop of her hand as they enter, stand for several long moments in a manner that nearly shouts, 'yes look at us', before he'll step through to not hold up the entryway.

Someone wearing a vibrant blue, princess domino mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask walks along the snow covered grounds outside the manor, unperturbed by the cold or the frozen fluff beneath her feet. She walks with dancer's finesse, light on her feet as her slender arm extends out to catch the falling snow. Yes that is indeed a fish mask. "Blab blab. As the Marin say." She greets those she walks past.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph has joined the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar arrives to the Ball, her golden gloved hand ducked into the arm of the Bee. The flutter skirts under her damask gown whisper around her legs as she lookg around. Taken by all the colors and beautiful costumes. She stands regal though her attention is taken every few seconds by some colorful mask or exquisit tailoring. "Wine first?" She wonders of her Apini companion.

Someone wearing Scarlet Dawnstone Mask has a lot of fiery colors and some feathers on her mask, but what she's supposed to be precisely is anyone's guess. She's confident enough all the same, collecting herself some hot chocolate and finding some real fire to stand near. Because it's cold, and she's cold, and her dress did not take into consideration Outside when it was designed. Even so, she's got a smile on, watching all of the costumed people arrive.

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

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings slinks in alongside the Eagle, all thirteen thousand feathers' worth of fire and sensuality, bare legs flashing through silken skirts, the winglike mask practically alight with flickers of dancing flame with every movement. The Phoenix's hand is clasped with the Eagle's, and the two pause for a moment to survey the gathering crowd and the decor, the many mythical creatures and storied figures who have gathered tonight. Then, the long slim lines of the Phoenix are in motion again, turning first to murmur to the Eagle and then stepping off to find a refreshment or two before hitting the dance floor in proper.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast shambles along escorting someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph. She may or may not be more flitting about him more than sticking to a dignified walk by his side as they enter the Valardin Grounds and the warmed up wintery hell therein. With a rustle of his wings, sorry those hopefuls looking for another dragon to count, he winds them over towards one of the food stations.

Adorned all in black, one arrival sets a stark contrast to the snow. Soft footfalls crunch on the snow as the figure arrives on the site of the masquerade, and the figure stops to take in the sights. There's a soft whistle that comes from the exposed lips of the figure, who absently rubs gloved hands over big arms, feeling a touch of the cold at last. The greeting from the 'Marin' earns a stygian-clad stare, and the brawny figure gives a shake of the head before setting off in search of wine.

A fluffy blue bunny hops into the ward with a few silent steps then stops to look around. Nodding to a few of those that are here already, weather any might recognize them or not, who knows. They head for a platter of drinks and swipe two in a small bow then duck under the roaming tray before standing back up and sipping from one.

Just a /smidge/ on the fashionably late side that it's almost not even late, but maybe at least fashionable. Draped in starlight silk with hints of rainbows along the seams, the person's mask is a riot of rainbow hues that match and yet make its own bold statement. Making her way along those gathered, she might appear to be trying to peg someone in particular. Or a drink. Or both! The fringe that drips down from the bottom of the mask might make drinking a bit of a challenge, but not impossible by any means.

Two women arrive arm in arm, standing at the same height, and moving with the same innate and effortless grace. A cermaic and cracked mask of The Black Rose tilts its expressionless face towards the golden coin-mail and a horned mask woman on her arm, the cant of her head in such a way to hear whatever is murmured to her as they arrive. The former is a vision of scorched thorns and rose petals, while the latter adorned in the richness of golden coin-mail and golden claws of her left hand. Richness of the gold contrasts wonderfully and sharply to the darkened and embers of rose beside one another as the pair begin to make their way into the crowd, nevermind the blanket of snow.

Someone wearing A spirit of the Wind flits into the room, moving with the grace of a dancer as they move through the snow. He is dressed plainly in linen, pulling all the more focus to the excellently carved wood of his mask, laughing brown eyes shining from behind the covering. He does not so much walk as he flits to and fro, mimicing the wind for which he is dressed while the bells sown into his clock jingle with his movements.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast has joined the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Adorned in Valardin blue and white, whoever is wearing this blend of fashion and what appears to be silver scalemail on her bodice, lingers at the bar. A sword hangs casually off of her hip and so does what appears to be a handmirror. At least it appears to be a handmirror until anyone is brave enough to actually look and notice that it's just a prop, with no reflection to be found. She sets up camp at the bar for some tea and sets her companion of a dragon statue next to her.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph follows in the Tree Beast footsteps singing. Maybe. Maybe she should not be singing. Food seems a better option for your ears.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Standing near one of the servers who has just handed her some mulled cider, someone in a prismatic iridescent rainbow mask is singing a song from one of Prince Niklas Grayson's musicals, likely by the request of the person who served her the drink. Perhaps inspired by her gown, which very much resembles the costume that character wore when performed in the theater. And she has a lovely voice, and it's almost as if the song were written for her.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells is surely a person with a secret identity, but it might be ruined by the fact that he's greeting people as they come in. This is one of the trials and tribulations of playing host. He's also trying to count. "Gods, how many of them are there? It's hard to figure it out. Rupert, go out there and start counting!" Rupert is also wearing a mask, but now everyone knows it's Rupert! He sighs.

Apparently shade's technically fall into mythical creatures and legends as one floats in by itself and turns a rather hollow gaze to look over the crowd that is already gathered. There is no greeting and no attempt to go get refreshment. There is a dark and quiet place sought. Hoping to take immersion to a whole new level.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon cannot be exactly accused of originality but perhaps they are more interested in observing than being observed, content with expection as she moves to fetch hot chocolate

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire strides across the grounds in a confident manner, in the company of Brianne there. The pair are conversing, speaking undoubtedly of VERY important things. Treaties, it seems. "Do you think that they will agree?" he asks the knight, head popping quizzically to the side in an overly dramatic fashion before he moves further into the area. From the look of it, spine straightening and head turning, he seems to be looking for someone or something.

Someone wearing The Bountiful Bee has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Somewhere around the third messenger or so, Viviana rolls her eye and laughs. Her good eye. Maybe her not-so-good eye, but it's covered by a patch, and that's like half a mask. Really. The glass of wine needs to be downed in a single go - like so. The glass is gingerly tossed toward an attendant as she heads off.

Viviana has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar drifts alongside the Bee. The gilded nautical star guides the Bee to the bar. "There are so many amazing outfits here." True to her word it is difficult for the Nightstar to focus on much beyond the flow of color and myth.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing the Visage of Brianne Keaton flashes a smile to the strapping Duke beside her, "Oh, I have it on good authority that it is a done deal. Oh look, I think I see the white dragon now!" She points towards one white dragon costume and then pauses, "No... maybe that one?" She points to another. "Maybe this is going to be more challenging than I thought..."

Late? Never. A dragon is always right on time. And in this case, the somewhat petite white dragon perusing the liquor selection acts as if she's been here the entire time. Two glasses of something that looks strong and dark are procured, as she glides towards a rather shadowy looking feline sort and hands him one of the two. "I love how many dragons we have here?"

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells arches a brow behind her half-mask as the lord of the ocean begins to call for Rupert, and clearly identifies himself. "My darling Lord, you are ruining our anonymity. What fun is that? How will we ever fully enjoy ourselves if our actions are connected to our names?" She tchs her tongue, but there's adoration in her tone, and no true upset that they've been outed - or he has, and anyone who knows him well, can probably guess. Her gaze shifts away and scans the man masked figures in the crowd, pausing when she sees the starlight rainbow. A hand lifts, fingers waggling, and she whispers some words to the lord.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing A spirit of the Wind has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Eagle tugs phoenix - well. The ashen-eyed one - toward the bar. It's the natural destination if one is intending on drinking. Also, an adventure. Will there be good wine? Will there be wine at all? There's no telling!

Managing a glass of wine, she catches sight of the lifted hand and waggling fingers coming from the lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells. It only takes a moment for realization to dawn and then she offers the same in return. A smile is apparent despite the fringe that is meant to more or less hide her mouth. It doesn't do that great a job, really, but looks pretty.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

with the first drink done they are onto the second, the empty glass is looked at and then spotting another roaming try swaps it out for a new drink. Then settles upon sitting on top of the cherry wood table

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask, by further contrast to her ash-and-thorn companion, has quite the expressive face, from the vibrant green eyes peeking past her golden mask to the wide, impish grin set right below it. She murmurs, "Well, that's a pity..." to the Black Rose as her horned head cants to watch the one unmasked attendant slip off. No matter. There's other mischief to get up to. So many choices. Clawless fingers thrum upon the Rose's arm contemplatively as she asks, "Do you have any preferences, darling?" as if she might drag the woman off in some random direction if she doesn't assert her preferences now.

Someone wearing an opaline silk dragon mask has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire maneuvers through a cluster of people, still looking and searching. As those dragons are pointed out, he nods in a satisfied manner. "Good," he says, and evidently he is satisfied enough that he takes Brianne Keaton's arm and begins to move toward that blue dragon. Oh no, the petite white one! There, he focuses there, only to be distracted by the lady with the ocean's half-mask and the lord with similar seashells. The latter is greeted with a dip, the former with an inclination of his head. It is a brief delay in his pursuit of dragon-kind.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has joined the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph observes the parade of costumes and masks, gasping, oooing and pointing in random order at every detail and adornment, "Everyone certainly likes their masquarades", she informs the tree beast beside her as they fuel themselves with some food before the dancing begins.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has only golden eyes visible from the full-faced ceramic mask, but it flits here and there to take in each mask and its wearer's ensemble. She asides to golden coin-mail and horns, "Any preferences that allow we do not languish as wallflowers, though all avenues are open as long as wine is procured?" Thusly so, golden coin-mail is given the reins!

Someone wearing surprise it's a white dragon mask has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing the Visage of Brianne Keaton easily follows after Ahmad Redire, her steps purposeful as she adjusts the jeweled gauntlets on her wrists. "Ooooh! That one! I think you found the real one!" There is a pause as she and the Duke pass the lord and lady of the seashells and there is a brief study before a hearty laugh and a wave is sent their way. She continues after Ahmad though, moving towards the cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing the Visage of Brianne Keaton has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing Scarlet Dawnstone Mask spends a few minutes people watching, sipping at whatever is in the mug in her hands. She's barely made a dent in it when she finds somewhere nearby to set it down, heading back for the gates.

With a drink secured, food is next, and so the darkly clad male in the stygian mask makes his way towards the buffet. It's only appropriate to enjoy the festivities in full swing, and doing so keeps within range of heat sources. That's very important this time of year. He continues to look around at all of the costumes and seems a bit overwhelmed by it all, offering murmurs here and there at some of the more spectacular displays as they become known. The dragons in particular give the figure pause, and a loud "Huh," comes from his lips as he reaches the buffet.

Someone wearing a stygian mask of a grim wanderer has joined the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing The Black Rose places a pale hand against an even paler ceramic face to exclaim in mock-shock. "A chase?! A -lead-?! We must sound the horns of the hunt then and give way, follow the foxes!" she exclaims with a bright peal of laughter, muffled against her mask though its genuine humor is undeniable.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Arriving with the white dragon is the twilight cat. Their lateness or lack thereof not withstanding, the pair of them walk over to where the drinks are and looks over to the woman in the white dragon mask. "Well, it is Valardin," he replies with a smile under his mask and a gentle nod of approval for her drink choice. "You can't swing a stick without hitting a story or a statue..." He turns to her more fully. "It's dragons all the way down, I'm afraid."

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall arrives just a little later than the opening rush of people, large and hard to miss and confident in that stature, and they don't arrive alone nor do they arrive properly with a guest on the arm or adorning the arm of another so much as they've found an elegant and slender swan somewhere outside the bounds of House Valardin's grounds to gather up into their strong arms and shepherd into the masquerade of myths and legends. Anywhere else such a beast might draw undue attention, but on a night like tonight they're just one of countless figures from out of Arvum's thousand-by-a-thousand tales. "The colors!", the larger of the two says to the smaller while affecting a touch of a growl to go along with the costume. "A finer hunting grounds a beast could not ask for.", they add in rumbling jest, only admiring for a long moment before pushing the captured swan deeper into the fray.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon looks fairly surprised at being approached for some odd reason but nods to to ahmad redire politely enough being less surprised when he moves off

Someone wearing an opaline silk dragon mask didn't make a big show of entering the Grounds. She simply nods with her dragon mask to others while she makes her way to grab a drink and then drifts to a table a bit out of the way, allowing her to people watch while sipping from her glass.

Someone wearing a forest shadow cat mask has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask's clawed hand sets to her chest, right below the emerald which sets against her dark leather armor, then murmurs something to the Black Rose at her side. One might surmise it's a promise. When her friend laughs, she does as well, even as verdant eyes scan the crowd in pursuit of a target. With the bar so crowded, she considers, "No foxes, but feathers. I wonder how many we might collect." That there are /drinks/ that way, too, does appeal.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells laughs when he's chided by his date for the evening, "I'm sorry, I should have tried harder to remain anonymous. But it can be difficult when--" he starts waving to Rupert who is standing off to the side drinking hot chocolate. He makes a face! Or at least, half of his face makes a face. He can be seen mouthing 'how many'.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

The Shade continues their people watching. Sadly there are no straws or they'd get a drink. No risk blowing their anonymity by taking the full mask off. The head moves slowly, taking in the other masks and personas that have arrived. Some were surprising to see.

Someone wearing The Black Rose gladly follows the golden coin-mail woman to the bar and remarks, "We have need of more feathers in our proverbial hats? It shall be a fine addition."

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes arrives alone, a smile playing upon her lips beneath her fiery-hued mask as she meanders through the crowd of masked arrivals. Her silken shift dress of silver and gray provides stark contrast to the vibrant shades of oranges, reds, and yellows of her mask and the feathers artfully arranged in her hair; the phoenix serves as inspiration tonight. She drifts in search of a drink first, the hunt for potential companions soon to follow.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire approaches the cherrywood picnic table, confident, and with a stalwart stride though he dips his head in turn toward the blue dragon. "I think that you and I should have a very, very serious discussion," he tells the white dragon once he has arrived, his head bowing at least with that approach to recognize status. It _is_ the white dragon after all. After this commentary he turns, eyes the blue dragon, and gestures over grandly in welcome should she care to join.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells laughs when the lord offers apologies, giving him a little bump with her hip. "I shall forgive, as long as we do one scandalous thing tonight and never take the credit." She boldly declares this, so that all masks around them might hear her reparations for the slight of his basically declaring who he is. She spies the pair of Ahmad Redire and Brianne Keaton, catching the survey and she lifts her shoulders in a helpless shrug. How easily they have been spotted is out of her hands. "Excuse me a moment, my dearest lord," she murmurs to the man and his hot chocolate, and then she slips away to find the starlight rainbow. "You made it. And nearly on time, too!" she exclaims to the woman, a hand reaching out to grasp her own. "It is secretly my hope that you told me your mask, and then switched it with another, so that you are not even you." She leans in to inspect more closely, scrutinizing for signs that this is not who she thinks it might be.

The masked swan arrives all feathers and diamonds and laughter at the way she is guided into the throng of masked party-goers even as she is grateful for the security of those strong arms as the pair press further into the crowd. She, too, takes in the array of colorful masks that tell a story just with a glance. "It's like walking into a storybook! Look at all the dragons." A smile of delight curves her lips, the only part of the swan's face not concealed by her diamond-and-feather mask. "Where would you like to prowl first, Beast?"

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask waves excitedly from across the room at the elegant swan with the brightest grin. Though she stays put by the bar.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing starlit rainbow mask positively lights up when a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells approaches, and she squeezes her hands back. "I did! I worried the meeting would run late, as they always seem to do, but the guests are enjoying a bit of a meal post-negotiations, so I was able to slip out, at least for a bit," she remarks with a bit of a laugh. "Alas, I think my eyes might give me away, but that's a clever idea that I may incorporate next event!" She leans back a little to take in the whole of a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells' outfit. "Stunning, which I wholly expected and yet could not have predicted just /how/ stunning. You nearly glimmer with seashore warmth. It's a wonderful turn-out and the perfect season, though I am biased there."

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has left the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells reaches after for the lady of the ocean's when she steps away, unashamedly brushing his lips to the top of her head before she goes off to speak with another guest. And from there! He moves along, tracking down Rupert and speaking with him in depth. There's a look of some surprise on his face when an answer is given to him. A glass of mulled wine is taken off of a passing serving tray and he takes this opportunity to stand atop one of the chairs, "Thank you! For coming and joining us in this evening of revelry, hosted by House Valardin. I'd like to take this moment to thank High Lord Alis for once again being the most stalwart and reliable of High Lords." He looks among the crowd, "I'm certain that she's here /somewhere/."

Someone wearing The Bountiful Bee brings the Nightstar with him as he departs the bartop and moves instead towards where others are inevitably beginning to dance. Left behind are empty wine glasses. The pair move carefully through the crowd before Nightstar's hand is tugged from his elbow and she is pulled entirely out onto the dancefloor to begin with a spin to set heavy layers of damask to loft in the air and float with the spin.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells is overheard praising Alis.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph raises her hand into the crowd, waving at the fuzzy rabbit, "Fair thee well, sweet toe nibbling rabbit!", her gaze otherwise looming over the others, taking in as the rainbow is coated with stars from head to toe.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

It could be the White Singer herself.
She walks with artistry, a petite, ivory-clad woman so light on her feet she seems already caught by a dance. Prismatic aeterna skims over lush, sensuous curves and down slender limbs to pool about her dainty feet, though nigh hip-high slits make her every step a borderline scandal. Flowing from her shoulders is a great, sumptuous cape that trails at least three feet behind her as she strides, straight-backed and immaculate into the party. A finespun veil settles upon her mass of wild curls, white as the snow around her. Pallid and featureless, her white mask conceals all of her identity but the eyes, those deep, brilliant blue eyes with their golden starbursts. She watches the rest for a moment, one gloved hand on her silk-clad hip, then slinks toward the bar as the lord of the oceans speaks.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes has decided the bar suits well enough for her first destination of the evening. Having located a glass of mulled wine with a smile for some wayward thought that amuses, she turns attention to the variety of colorful visages on display. She sends a grin toward the other Phoenix-masked attendee with a nod of acknowledgment for like-minded ideas before turning attention to the crowd at large. "So many creative visions, I hardly know where to look first."

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast capers about the buffet, spinning the nymph with one hand while risking dumping his food in the other hand, even throwing food. Someone's a bit too dedicated to the beast act, even if he doesn't disturb the others that wish to eat there.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells laughs, nodding her head, "I think we should all do that. Mask switch, make claims that we are who we are not, confuse even those closest to us. A charming game." She quiets a touch, leaning in to murmur some words to the rainbow-masked one, her hand still clutching one. Whatever is shared is accompanied by a little gesture toward the lord of the ocean, the mask he wears so similar to her own, that it is clear they are a pair tonight.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar is led to the dnce floor though she does stop long enough to listen to the Lord of the Ocean and she offers a quiet applaus which is muffled by her gloves. She looks towards the Bee and a brilliant smile spreads over her masked features.

Someone wearing The Bountiful Bee has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall laughs out another rumbling sound at the elegant swan wrapped up in his arms and tells her, "Mmm. Storybooks. I bet they are delicious." Does the beast's appetites know no bounds?! Monster that he is, he promises the graceful creature he's captured, "We can stalk past this part, I brought my own feast." as the pair of them pass the gorgeous spread laid out upon the buffet for the many guests, even if he does give it a long look in that passing. There's just a little tease of warning in the way he says that, perhaps hinting at the slender and elegant swan's imminent demise before the night is over. Finally he unwinds her from out of his strong arms and pushes her away from his chest a half-step at a slow spin to take her hands in his own and pull her close once more and ask, "Do you have a last request before your time is over, dinner?", with an almost imperious air to the question, confident that it could play out no other way.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a vibrant blue, princess domino mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing starlit rainbow mask can't seem to keep a chuckle from escaping her lips. "We'll have to conspire with some gifted crafters. Perhaps a bit of lace over the eyes that can hide the hues, but still let us see," is suggested to a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells, as she taps just under the eyes of her current mask. The gesture leads her to look in that direction and then she leans in to hear the quieter words. A small 'oh' escapes before her own voice quiets in apparent reply.

The Shade gets done standing in one spot and people watching and floats over towards the next place that it has decided to haunt. They are staying warm at least. Someone did try to fetch them a drink but there is a polite hand risen in decline of it.

Someone wearing a lovingly decorated brown owl mask spends a moment to get orientated, waving away the first offer of a drink that's sent his way. Dressed in silks, the man turns his head this way and that as if trying to take in all the many, excellent masks, but in the end makes a beeline for the buffet. Though how he expects to eat through a mask with a beak for a mouth is anyone's guess.

Someone wearing a lovingly decorated brown owl mask has joined the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Gathering up her small dragon statuette, the person wearing a princess mask and the blue gown with its silver scale mail bodice makes her way in a particular direction and towards a small cherrywood picnic table. She pauses for a moment, her free hand moving to rest against the white dragon there's shoulder, she leans down to unobstrusively murmur something into the dragon's ear.

The swan huffs a little in playful indignation as the Beast that she accompanies speaks of -eating books-. She manages a little wave in the direction of the Marin'alfar masked woman and seems to find some amusement in the choice of costume, but there is some scolding to do and everyone knows that swans love to scold. "You don't eat them. You read them, silly Beast." As she is ushered past the table where the food and, presumably, the sweets have been put on offer, the swan pout in protest and gives the spread a longing glance as she says, "I'm not going to be much of a meal if you leave me all skin and bones!" Then, as she is turned to face the Beast, the swan offers a dazzling, charming smile and says in the sweetest of tones, "Maybe I could get two requests? Or three?" She holds a hand up, lifting fingers as she continues, "Though, I think four would really be the most fair if these are my -last ever- requests."

Someone wearing an elegant swan mask has joined the a sturdy oakwood picnic table.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer lingers on the edge of the crowd a moment, watching, contemplating. Her sapphire gaze roams thoughtfully, before spotting a place where the shadows gather. Purposefully, she sweeps between partygoers and skirts the dancers to the trees beyond the torchlight.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall has joined the a sturdy oakwood picnic table.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph pulls at the plate of the tree beast, "Stop throwing food at me, you animal!", she states the obvious and rids of his food, "Let us see if your talents are better suited for dancing. Do no growl at me. It will break my twiggy heart". She leads him away from the buffet toward the frozen center of the grounds, looking back at the Grim Wanderer, "I am not meant to be tormented so, but he is my misery, such a sad tale!".

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire looks up from his conversation with the dragons and rabbit when someone wearing a vibrant blue, princess domino mask approaches. It is less she, and that little dragon statuette that captures his attention at first. He dips his head in a low, polite manner to her.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells is lost to her conversation with the starlit rainbow, charmed by whatever conversation is to be had, her laughter ringing true, even when her mask hides her face.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon smiles "That's why i picked it no particular horror stories like red or black but fearsome all the same

looks over to the tree nymph and beast in their play of food flying and smiles as they shake their head just enough that the floppy ears waggle as well.

Someone wearing The Bountiful Bee winds his arms about Nightstar's waist about the dancefloor after the spin leaves her skirts swirling before hanging heavily about her once more. "I think I should've tried harder to find some legend..." Words murmured from him could be heard by those near the pair.

The Princess leans back from the white dragon after a moment, catching the visage of Duke Ahmad's nod. She offers the incline of her head and speculates, in a soft, warm voice, "Any idea where I can find grains of earth that haven't been touched by sun or wind?" The statement is made with moderate bemusement as she shifts her arm around her dragon before she begins to withdraw, not before a blue-eyed look towards that white dragon once more.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph has left the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells drags the starlit rainbow toward the lord of the ocean, presenting her fellow masked beauty for inspection. "I bring you the myth of rainbows, my lord. Does she live up to expectations?" There's a wealth of humor in her voice as she draws the pair together, finally rejoining with her 'other half' to make one complete mask.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast has left the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstarlaughs as she moves, light on her feet while following the Bee's lead. She spots a few of the newer arrivals and her brows creep up in surpise before she shakes her head. "I don't think so. Some are obscure but it's nice to have familiar figures amongst them."

After wailing and growling in dismay at his food getting taken from him for punishment for throwing it, someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast grumbles as he follows the nymph towards the center of the area. "A nymph dancing out of the safety of her forest. How rash." He scolds as he gestures towards the buffet as if it was the forest from which they emerged. But she has already stated the sad state of their love, so he sweeps the nymph up into a dance wild enough to be Lycene, but flirts with occasional grace and dignity of the Oathlands. It is a Valardin dance party, after all.

Drifting away, the princess moves from the crowded tables, instead finding one with no occupants.

Someone wearing a vibrant blue, princess domino mask has joined the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells steps down from his chair after having made that toast, just in time for the lady of the ocean to meet him again. "The myth of rainbows?" He repeats, as he sweeps in to step next to the woman wearing a costume so similar to his own. His smile breaks wide, "I love it. I'm glad to see such a wide array of costumes this evening, though I wonder if maybe I didn't insult anyone's creativity by joking about too many dragon masks?" But his tone is light and well humored.

Someone wearing A spirit of the Wind hops down off his chair, dancing his way out of the courtyard, whistling cheerfully as his bells jingle with each step

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph gasps in evident surprise as the beast pulls her into a wild dance, "You BEAST", she proclaims and then joins him in his dance regardless, murmuring to him, "You do no need to uproot me to get me to move", the nymph winks to him with some fondness about her as she tries to tone down his Lycene dancing with little success.

Athaur has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings leaves, following Someone wearing an Eagle mask.

Someone wearing The Bountiful Bee has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings arrives, following Someone wearing an Eagle mask.

Someone wearing The Bountiful Bee is absolutely the less capable dancer of the pair, but Nightstar makes him look very very good. "I mean. You're the most recognizable. I *also* don't know that anybody else has a better costume than you."

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing starlit rainbow mask makes a bit of a show at curtsying to the lord of the ocean, the fringe at the bottom of her mask still swaying a little as she straightens back up. "I tend toward so many muted colors that, for once, the riot of all the colors seemed in order," she tells the pair and lifts her shoulders in a quick shrug. "I /almost/ went with a dragon mask design, for fun, but I'm not sure you would have been able to tell with all the...well. Color," is admitted with a grin. "I doubt you insulted anyone, honestly. Maybe the next event should be a dragon-masks only one?" There is an equal measure of humor in her own tone before glancing to the gathering a moment. "There are certainly no few outfits that are almost beyond imaging. And the two of you are certainly one of the most creative."

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings glides away from the bar with the Marin'alfar lady on one arm. "Have you ever been crushed to death?" the Phoenix is inquiring, which really is an odd thing to say, but, well - who knows. The pair are making their way to the dance floor, although the Phoenix's steps shorten a bit as they approach, waiting to see if the Marin'alfar-masked lady has any special instruction to offer.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar clucks her tongue. "Have you even looked?" She teases the Bee as she casts her gaze about while they spin on the make shift dance floor. The tall guiding light makes the dancing look effortless, almost like she was a star floating above a seat of chiffon waves. "I might be biased and prefer the rainbow adorned outfits." Dark eyes glimmer.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask checks dexterity and performance at easy. Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask is successful.

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph checks charm and performance at normal. Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph is successful.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells releases rainbow now that she is with the pair of them, and reclaims the lord of the ocean's arm, giving him a fond squeeze. "If I were determined to be a dragon, nothing would stop me. You did not shame any," she agrees with starlit rainbow. "Have you thought of dancing, my dear lord? I do believe this rainbow should be taken for a spin," she plays instigator, mischief dancing in her dark eyes behind the mask as she looks between the pair.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast checks strength and performance at normal. Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast is successful.

Though the mask obscures his face it is evident by the way that someone a menacing mask of a horned tree beast dances, that he isn't deterred one bit by the nymph accusing him of being a beast. If anything, it just encourages him to be more bold. "Uproot and kill?" He asks with a pointed move in the dance where he lifts the nymph by the hips and twirls her about as if he had just unrooted her. A couple turns later he sets her down lightly and continues their dance.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar checks charm and performance at easy. Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar is successful.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose checks charm and performance at easy. Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose is successful.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask allows herself to be lead onto the dancefloor, for this event at least, smoothly transitioning from a walk to a dance that she decides to lead. "I have indeed. It was painful but made for quite the visual pun afterwards. Something about a crushing failure." She chuckles. "Why do you ask?"

holds their hands out palms up to A peaceful midnight blue dragon, "A dance then?"

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask sighs, satisfied, "I do love a poet," to the Black Rose at her side. In short order, she abandons her half-drunk wine and claims her date's arm again with sights once more set upon the rest of the party. She jingles merrily with every step, the rabbit-faced coins of her armor clattering. Though her verdant attention is set on the fuzzy blue rabbit rather curiously, her steps lead her and the Rose both toward a particular princess.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon takes the rabbits hands gently with a nod

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has joined the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has joined the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells has a hand trailing lightly at the lady's back, a passive and comfortable sense of touch that calls to a significant sense of comfort with his partner. "Oh, no. Not /truly/ insulted, but you know. Still, I'm very happy for the turn out," he laughs. "Gods, /yes/. A dragon's only event. A Flight of Dragons?" he proposes to the rainbow, a hand turned up. "Yes! Lets dance. I've taken some lessons so I'm sure to only stub a few of your toes."

starts with a simple box step then lifting their hands up to face A peaceful midnight blue dragon's both of their hands barely touching yet, might also appear to be mingling with each others as they flit across the dance floor in spins then steps sideways as the rabbit laughs.

Someone wearing starlit rainbow mask makes an 'aaah' sound while shaking her head to the two she's speaking with. "I wish I could stay longer and dance, but I fear the visitors will soon wonder where I've wandered off to once their meal is done," she said with genuine regret. "Though the last time I /did/ dance at one of your events, dear c...lord of the ocean, I one a star iron necklace so...tempting." She kisses the tips of her fingers on each hand and then turns them toward the pair. "You two should take a moment to enjoy the event and dance a bit, hmm?"

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon steps towards the rabbit trying to move fluidly with him as she leans to whisper in his ear

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, 2 Redrain Veteran Guards leave, following Someone wearing starlit rainbow mask.

Someone wearing a lady of the ocean's half-mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells lifts her brows when the starlit rainbow leaves their company, denying the lord his dance. She slips her hand into his, fingers curling. "You will have to settle for me, my darling lord. The rainbow is not something you can hold down, it seems."

The shade finds the dragons interesting, watching those that have decided to dress as them. Though there was hidden disappointment that their favorite was not represented amongst the clutch. They do find a place to sit finally, allowing the dark silks to pool as they do. They'd just be over here watching again.

Someone wearing a lovingly decorated brown owl mask has left the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Dislodging from the buffet, the wanderer turns his attention to the dance floor. There's a pursing of the lips, the stygian mask turning now to watch the merriment that is occurring over there. He makes no move closer, not yet, perhaps not at all tonight. A soft sigh passes into the night, breath misting in the air of the winter masquerade.

Someone wearing A peaceful midnight blue dragon takes a finger and playfullyboops the rabbits nose

wiggles the pink button nose at the blue dragon, giving them a spin in their dance.

Someone wearing a stygian mask of a grim wanderer has left the Heart of the Oathlands - Cuisine Buffet.

Someone wearing a lord of the ocean's half mask decorated with gilded and silvered seashells laughs, waving off the rainbow when she has to depart. He turns to the lady of the ocean, "We'll dance. But let me announce the winners of the contest." Rupert is handing off a paper, which he scans and then calls out, "And the winners of the guessing contest are, Duchess Lianne Malespero and Duchess Isabeau Telmar. I promise you that your prizes will be delivered to you by the morning! As I... don't actually know who you are right now or if you're even here." With that done, he reaches out for his date. "And now, lets dance?"

Someone wearing the Visage of Brianne Keaton takes hold of Ahmad's hand and all but drags him onto the dancefloor. There is a world of dancing possible, and while Brianne Keaton is possessed of an undeniable grace, when she begins to dance? It can only be described as uninhibitedly *enthusiastic*.

Someone wearing a vibrant blue, princess domino mask is overheard praising Cristoph.

Someone wearing the Visage of Brianne Keaton is overheard praising Alis.

Someone wearing a vibrant blue, princess domino mask is overheard praising Alis.

Someone wearing the Visage of Brianne Keaton is overheard praising Cristoph.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing Shade's Mask is overheard praising Cristoph.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar is overheard praising Alis.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar is overheard praising Cristoph.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask is overheard praising Alis.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask is overheard praising Cristoph.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire is overheard praising Cristoph.

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire is overheard praising Alis.

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has joined the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing surprise it's a white dragon mask has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, 10 Valardin Knights leave, following Someone wearing surprise it's a white dragon mask.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask, after a brief conversation, leads a second phoenix toward the dance floor. It's a night for feathers and fire! A bright murmur later, they collect her into a close hold, and start a turn around the floor. It's one way to keep warm.

nods to the blue dragon as they duck out from the last spin then hops and skips over to the dining table.

Reigna has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Someone wearing visage of Duke Ahmad Redire leaves, following Reigna.

Cornelius, a studious looking attendant have been dismissed.

The tree beast continues his courting dance of the tree nymph, chasing her into the shadowy woods in the corner where they continue their flirtatious games, heading out to the actual forest for the rest of the evening.

The woman wearing the vibrant blue princess mask moves to set her dragon statue comfortably beside her atop the picnic table, as she shifts her fake, completely non-reflective hand mirror atop the table, a finger tracing over the surface, "It's a story those in the Oathlands may be familiar with, in fact. Though perhaps not."

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask is now alone at the bar. Not that she was really interacting much previously, but she is left with no one with which to chat now. She watches the masked crowd.

Someone wearing a menacing mask of a horned tree beast has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstarnods to the Bee. "It is why I guessed as I did, though I really should have considered.. anyway. It looks as if things are slowing down. Shall we take advantage of the bar again?"

Someone wearing a delicate mask of a winged tree nymph has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes gamely follows Eagle toward the dance floor, making a quiet remark as she steps into the close hold of her partner's arms. Chin dipped down, she murmurs a low comment to her companion, her smile growing as they begin to flow into movement. It's the sort of night that lends itself to dancing.

Someone wearing a Marin'alfar mask has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings offers a polite, "Blub blub," and a deep curtsey as the Marin'alfar departs, fiery silk spilling all around bare legs dramatically. Then it's back to the bar for another round of refreshment.

The Shade looks about for a few moments and there's a bit of a nod to themselves. Then they are turning to slowly head off the way that they had entered.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has joined the a broad outdoor dining table.

One might think that the eagle is very fond of burning, if the closeness of the dance is any indication. It's pretty much the only indication, given that veil over their mouth, unless one is close enough to hear the warm murmur that passes from eagle to phoenix.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer turns for just a moment from her companion in the shadows and makes eye contact with someone far across the way.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Michael has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing mask of the Nightstar leaves, following Michael.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask slips across the way into the shadows, her aeterna gown and cloak glinting with soft iridescence as she goes, and she smiles as she cups her cider.

A riot of feathers and flame is born of the intimate hold of the shared dance. The sound of laughter, effortless and bright, follows the dancer in the fiery flight mask during her murmured exchange with the eagle.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has left the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask finishes a turn around the dance floor with one phoenix... and slows, finds the other. A moment to consider, and they lead their dance partner over to fetch more drinks (wine this time). By the time they have drinks in hand - including one for the ashen-eyed phoenix - there are two firebirds at the bar. What are the chances? The offer glasses to both. Maximum confusion. A third belongs to them, white to their reds.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing a mask of fiery flight from the ashes has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask and the blue bunny kiss, brief and light, but she catches her clawed hand behind their head and whispers something into one of their wire-and-satin ears. A kiss is placed to that same appendage before she lets go and draws back, the bare patch in her coin-mail growing at her hip as she offers them a rabbit-faced coin then turns her attention back to the Black Rose and Princess Domino. What did she miss?

Someone wearing an opaline silk dragon mask has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has joined the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Isabeau has left the a broad outdoor dining table.

The White Singer sweeps her prismatic companion from the shadows, into the torchlight and onto the dance floor. The woman in the guise seems to come to life behind her mask, tossing her head as a joyous, musical laugh rises from her throat. Picking up on her mood, the bards renew their playing with sparkling elan despite the hour, and the two dancers, both aeterna-clad and graceful, begin their first dance.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask taps a clawed fingertip to her entirely human, not at all elfin or leporine ear, as she winks to the rabbit. With the Black Rose taking one of her arms, she offers the other to the bunny. And while there might be a low-lidded look to the smoldering rose at her side, it doesn't keep her from leading her companions back toward the bar and all those wonderful feathers. So many feathers!

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has left the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has left the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

With the lanterns glinting rainbows of the iridescence of her clothing and the gemstones in her tiara sparkling in as many colors as can be comprehended, the Prismatic One seems entirely delighted to dance with the White Singer, hand in hand. Her own laugh is beautiful, like the joyous ringing of charming bells making inspiring music, and she is quite agile as she moves with the other, playful and lovely.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has left the a broad outdoor dining table.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has joined the a handsome outdoor bar.

The Beast and the swan at the sturdy oakwood picnic table have been keeping themselves entertained, at least until the swan abruptly begins to move with some speed away from the table and across the grounds. She looks back over her shoulder once, but doesn't seem to slow her steps as if determination is guiding her elsewhere.

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall has indeed, it would seem, spent a fine part of the evening in debate with the elegant swan over the manner and number of last requests one should receive when they're doomed to be dined upon. She slips away with a bit of haste to her step and the beast for some reason stands around admiring the grounds of House Valardin for oh, around ten seconds? It isn't a heartbeat more than ten though before he gives chase. You know, politely.

Someone wearing a blue fuzzy rabbit with pink button nose has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an elegant swan mask has left the a sturdy oakwood picnic table.

Someone wearing an elegant swan mask has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall has left the a sturdy oakwood picnic table.

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer's hair twirls and flies as she spins beneath one of the prism's arms, around her, and out from under the other. Her cape swirls behind her, a wonder unto itself as torchlight, starlight, and moonlight all catch on its bedazzled hem. Laughing, she pirouettes in one swift motion and tosses the garment from her shoulders where it lands several feet away, outstretched upon the snow. Now bare, her pale shoulders and back create a lovely focal point for an onlooker as she dances up close to her partner. Front to front, she sways against her, intertwining their fingers and raising their laced hands above their heads as she draws an inch back. Her expression is sparkling, her cold mask nothing to the light behind her eyes. She murmurs something to her partner too low for others to hear.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask seems perfectly pleased to dance with the White Singer, though she does not toss her cloak into the snow. She is wearing dancing slippers, though, and it is likely that the dance is warming up her up a bit. She seems delighted to move; perhaps it warms her, to dance so. They speak closely, the two women in white, both masked, both dancing like they were born to do so.

It is the strangest thing; despite the snow and ice, the White Singer could not be less bothered in her moment of motion and music. Eyes twinkling from her pallid visage, she settles a firm hand on her prism-clad partners back, and in one strong, fluid move, dips her back nearly to the snow and then sweeps her up into her arms. Her laughter is radiant. The two move together like they know each other, like they might have spent a lifetime as partners in dance before this. The White Singer poises on the toes of one foot and kicks back with her other leg, holding her arms above her with the prism's as her body contorts a perfect arabesque, spine gracefully arched. Then she lowers from it into a spin, her gossamer veil and ivory curls swirling around her like another cloak. She ducks behind her partner and comes up under her other arm again, tossing her head to murmur a confident reply.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has an Oathlands accent; perhaps that helps a bit with tolerating the snow on the ground. There are, after all, some quite mountainous parts of the lands to the West. And she moves with such energy, letting herself flow with the White Singer's movements, as beautiful as they are, letting herself be dipped and swirled as they sway together. Her own curls are like midnight, dark against the glittering white of her costume, against the brightness of the iridescite she wears. Her pirouettes are flawless, balanced, like she could not possibly slip on ice, and she uses the volume of her skirt and the flow of her cloak to augment her movements. Something her partner says makes her laugh again, that bright, joyous musical laugh.

A flash of smooth, creamy thigh appears between the White Singer's silks as her skirts flare with another fluid twirl, spinning to place her bare back against her partner's front. In time with the music, in time with the night, she moves, a little Lycene, a little wilder. Her powdered white hair spills between them as she undulates her body, creating space and then closing it, her hands still clasped in the prism-clad one's. She utters something low and sly to the woman at her back. With another unbridled toss of her head, some of the pale powder used to dye her hair sheds to reveal a hint of raven-black at the tips.

This all produces a giddy laugh from the one wearing a prismatic iridescent rainbow mask, and she shakes her head playfully, grinning broadly as they synchronize their oscillations. Her hands move almost like she is showing off her partner's body, a beautiful display for certain, and her own dance is energetic, if not quite as wild. Whatever has been said to her, she replies just as quietly.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer sweeps her arm out to the side with her fingers twined through the rainbow-masked one's as she tilts aside her head, her snowy hair flowing like silk over them both. More of the powder sheds. Petite and svelte, she is much smaller than her tall, lissome partner, though the synchronicity of their bodies makes an art of the contrast. Another murmur passes from her lips to the woman she dances with.

A quintent remain settled by the bar, the horned woman in coin-mail just concluding a story for the others, though it seems mostly the Black Rose and the ascending phoenix are attending that tale, all three of the women with mulled beverages in hand. A little farther down the bar, the eagle and ashen-eyed phoenix converse quietly. It would seem the cold isn't enough to rush the lot of them home just yet. Every now and then, someone might peek up to take in the grace on display from the dancers.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings checks composure at hard. Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings marginally fails.

Someone wearing an elegant swan mask has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Someone wearing The Beast of Blackwall has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Rupert, the Laurent Archivist have been dismissed.

2 Valardin Knights have been dismissed.

1 Laurent veteran guards have been dismissed.

They dance, endless and boundless through the night, and whether her partner leaves or stays, the White Singer is determined to fulfill her promise to the sunrise.

Someone wearing prismatic iridescent rainbow mask has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing the pallid mask of the White Singer has left the Valardin Combat Riding Course.

Someone wearing an Eagle mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing an ashen-eyed half-mask of flickering, fiery wings has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing golden coin-mail and a horned mask has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Someone wearing The Black Rose has left the a handsome outdoor bar.

Adalyn has left the a handsome outdoor bar.