Ilira gets the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers from a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

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

It's a beautiful night, just on the verge of summer, and the Lenosia Labyrinth is blooming with colors and fragrances of all sorts of flowers both familiar and exotic. Cesare, the Gamemaster himself, is perfectly suited for the garden in his lace and silk outfit of blues and greens, with a spring-green mask of buds and leaves to accentuate it. "Welcome, everyone!" He says, spreading his arms and then clasping his hands in front of himself. "And thank you for coming. In just a moment we'll begin. If anyone has any final questions for me, please do let me know. Otherwise, thank you for attending this event which signifies the beginning of a week of intrigue and mystery, and I hope you are prepared for a fine Pursuit."

In a catsuit of darker shades, her hair bound and tucked away under a cowl of the same, Monique loiters at the entrance. There's a smile of deep appreciation and excitement on her lips as she awaits the start of the festivities. In her fingertips, a mask of a deer that she has yet to don. "I don't know that I've ever been more ready for anything in my life," she observes to the gathering, lifting her mask to peer through its eyeholes at everyone else.

Vitalis takes a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur from a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

It's no surprise that Lucrezia has chosen a predator mask. Seething with impatience to start(hopefully someone's told her she doesn't get to kill the Prey!), she paces back and forth in short strides.

Ilira slips in, clad in sunshine and starlight. Her feet pad soundlessly across the velvety grass, bare toes peeking from the rippling golden hem of her gown as she approaches the chest of masks and bends to select her choice. She comes up with the deer and flashes a grin at Monique, then dons the prey's guise. Flouncing over to her fellow deer, she murmurs, "You look like you're used to being on the predatory side of things. The better to outsmart them, yes?" Though unseen, her grin is clear in the tone of her voice.

Someone wearing Otterly Adorable Mask's head swivels allowing her gaze to slowly sweep across those gathered, "Ooooh, this is going to be an excellent place for prey to hide. This shall be a fair challenge for the predators."

Vitalis enters and moves to greet their host, a polite nod to the be-leaved Whisper. He takes a fox mask and looks to the otter-masked attendee. His study lifts to the labyrinth and he squints, "It will." He watches the prey as they prepare to enter the labyrinth and lifts his chin, sniffing. Getting into the spirit! He dons the fox mask and moves to stand with the otter.

Monique casts a look to Ilira, her smile spreading wider still. "Looks are often deceiving, aren't they? Find your dinner by looking like dinner," the Minx adds with a thrill of laughter, her quick fingers tying the mask securely into place. "And remember, we're allowed to team up and take down the predators which could be the most devious strategy of all."

"Well then!" Cesare claps his hands together. "Let the game begin. Prey, you have five minutes to hide!" He produces a little golden bell from his pocket and rings it. Ding-ding-ding!

Dolente, a mourning dove have been dismissed.

Someone wearing Otterly Adorable Mask points to Monique, "Spoken like a predator."

Someone wearing the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers's eyes glimmer at Monique through the cutouts, brilliant and wicked. Then the bell rings and the deer turns her gaze to the labyrinth, nodding at her teammate before disappearing between the hedges.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guards, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants leave, following Someone wearing the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers.

Someone wearing a spring-green mask with buds and leaves takes the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers from a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur watches the deer dash off into the labyrinth and begins counting to himself, marking the time with a strand of prayer beads.

Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur taps her foot impatiently, glancing at the other Fox.

Someone wearing Otterly Adorable Mask looks to the right. Then to the other, "Ok, you both look more predatory than I do. No one's worried about otters."

Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur finishes his last circuit of the strand and laughs at the otter, "To their peril, my friend. All right, we've given them enough time. Do you want to split up or go together?"

Someone wearing Otterly Adorable Mask mmms, "Well, They're likely to work together against us and if we go together there's no waiting for stragglers, eh I defer to the you two. Foxes are said to be craftier than otters."

Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur nods and looks at the otter, head tilting in a canine manner. "If you go ahead, we will follow a bit behind. Shout if you come upon any prey. How does that sound?"

Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur takes as step towards the Shadowed Garden, glancing over her shoulder to the others. "They were too obvious about working together." She shrugs to them. "It does not seem any advantage to us either way. If they are together, we'd end up in the same place anyway."

Someone wearing Otterly Adorable Mask snickersnorts, "You just want me to walk into the booby traps. Fine, fine. I shall graciously be your booby."

Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur, Someone wearing a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur leave, following Someone wearing Otterly Adorable Mask.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guards, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants arrive, following Someone wearing the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guards, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants leave, following Someone wearing the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers.

Savio takes the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers from a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Cesare takes a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur from a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Cesare puts a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur in a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Someone wearing the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers wields The Throngler.

Dolce, a collared dove arrives, following Cesare.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guards, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants arrive, following Monique.

Monique, Raven arrive, following Ilira.

Lucrezia emerges from the maze with a bottle of Setarco Fire in one hand, guzzling away her seething anger. Once out of the maze, she plops down a lazy sprawl back distinctly facing the maze. This fox is DONE.

Lucrezia puts the mask of a deer, resplendently crowned in thorny antlers in a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Lucrezia puts a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur in a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Raven walks out carrying a mask and looking just-drained.

Monique emerges *FAR* more cautiously on the heels of Lucrezia, giving the Pravus a wide berth. Her mask is still in her hand but not tied around her head and she glances aside to Ilira and Raven. "Well. I usually like whips but now I think I've just been de-whipped. Is that a word? It is now."

Monique gets a clever and inquisitive fox mask with coppery-orange fur from a sturdy wooden chest with a pretty spring color theme.

Ilira appears from the maze of hedges in a shimmer of silver and gold. "Turns out minxes can outsmart foxes," she grins broadly, eyes twinkling at her partner of prey and then at Raven and Lucrezia. "Well-hunted!"

Cesare has been joined by Savio. Unlike everyone else who has clearly been indulging in the spirit of the game, he's fresh as a daisy and he and Savio are involved in some kind of minor battle involving pulling each other's clothes and smacking each other's hands. He sits up straight when the contestants emerge. "Well well! I sense that the predators have been outfoxed by a lone deer. Thank you all for playing, tonight. I'll have your prizes sent to you by messenger forthwith!"

Raven inclines her head, "Excellent way to showcase this exceptional project...whatever it's for." She gestures towards the murder maze.

"They came closer than I'd like to admit and I'm nigh certain Princess Lucrezia would have had me if I hadn't left her some booze in the trees," Monique replies to Cesare with a low laugh. "Never will I be more grateful for Setarco Fire. What gave you the idea for the maze, Softest Whisper?"

Savio had nothing to do with starting this squabble, he is innocent just so you know, tugging at his shirt and smoothing his hair as he enthusiastically greets the contestants, both hands briefly raised like yay! "Well done to everyone! I confess... I was hoping a bit that the prey would win!"

Lucrezia lifts her drink vaguely in Ilira's direction and takes a large gulp.

Cesare shakes his head. "Oh, this is not my maze. This maze belongs to the Archduchess Jaenelle. I thought it would be apt to use it after attending her wedding reception here! She'd hidden trinkets all along the way, and it seemed a perfect idea. She was gracious enough to allow Whisper to take possession of it for the evening."

Ilira bows her head to Lucrezia's toast and flashes her a dimpled smile. She peers sidelong at Savio and Cesare, and with a laugh, asks, "What are you doing?" but then congratulations abound and questions are put forth and she quiets.

Raven inclines her head ahhhs, "Lord Titus told me that and I forgot. Now it makes more sense. Hi Lord Amadeo!" She throws Savio a grin and a wink. She looks down at Lucrezia, "I'm heading to the Blackwater, you need help making your way to the Wanton, Your highness?"

Ilira is overheard praising Cesare: That was... fun! I enjoyed myself!

Savio blows a kiss to Raven, MWAH, cheeks coloring pink with a bit of pleasure for use of his shiny new name. Ilira's question is answered simply and with certainty, "Nothing. It is his fault. Did you have a good time, lovely one?"

Lucrezia waves off Raven with the bottle. "Where I'm going next I'll get there fine." She rolls up to her feet. Waving the bottle vaguely at Monique, she says, "Thanks." With a vague nod to everyone else, she stalks off with her drink to be someone else's trouble.

Ilira inclines her head graciously to Raven, a silken tress slipping over her shoulder. "Be well, Blackheart," she beams after her, then turns in a ripple of gossamer and strides toward Savio and Cesare. "Nothing cannot also be no one's fault. I don't believe you," she laughs brightly, her cheeks flushing with color too. "Yes I did! Though I should've changed before I came." She smooths her hair and her silks demonstratively. "/You/ try running in a dress." Smiling ear to ear, she says ot Cesare, "Thanks so much for hosting, Cesare, it was a good time. I'm glad I came out." Tossing a grin over her shoulder at Monique, she adds, "And thank you for partnering with me, Minx! Now I know why they call you so." Her eyes glimmer.

Ilira is overheard praising Monique.


*** Cesare has called for an opposing check with Savio. ***
Cesare checks dexterity and brawl at easy. Cesare is successful.
Savio checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Savio is successful.
*** Savio is the winner. ***

"I am also glad you came," Cesare acknowledges, bowing his head. Then, entirely ruining the illusion of his own propriety, he smacks the back of Savio's head. Or tries to; his hand whiffs clean through thin air where Savio's head /was./

Monique watches the antics with a self-satisfied smile gracing her generous lips and instead of departing, the Minx settles down on the grass. Her mask is set aside and she starts to stretch those long limbs in that tight catsuit. Her emerald eyes fall on Ilira while she does it. "You lasted a long time out there, my lady. I was impressed. Any chance you want to start a life of intrigue and crime?"

Savio turns out to have excellent proprioception where getting smacked in the head is concerned, almost like people over his lifetime have had occasion to do that semi regularly. "I've done more running in a dress than most men have," he points out to Ilira, "I have nothing but respect for it, to be honest. Is this your first time meeting each other, Ilira, Lady Monique?" His glance between the two of them is amused. "One of you I know well, one of you I've just met, but the impressions from all of this together incline me to think... oh, it's trouble. Good trouble."

Ilira peers implacably at Cesare, lashes lowered and lips pursed in disapproval. "You're wearing a ring Cesare! He needs his skull! And so am I so be niece." She wiggles her bejeweled fingers threateningly and winks. Then, leaving the boys to their play, she twirls over to Monique and sprawls beside her on the grass, her wild hair a thick, inky blanket beneath her. "What's to say I haven't?" She flashes a fanged, unapologetic smile at the Minx, eyes twinkling brilliantly with mischief. Languidly, she flicks her gaze to Savio and beams, "I'm glad you agree! Yes, this is the first time officially. Though I saw and envied her at your wedding when she gifted you the dragonweep," she laughs.

Savio doesn't need his skull, not like he keeps anything in there anyway.

"Oh, he has a lot of hair," Cesare demurs, patting Savio gently on the head. "As long as I don't damage the external portion it'll all be fine. He knows I love him." He puts an arm around Savio companionably and squeezes. Congratulations: You are all witnessing the Softest Whisper having an actual, real friend. Now you can see why you do not want this fate for yourselves. "Yes, I agree with Savio. Mo, Ilira could be a real asset to you."

"I almost gifted him platinum," Monique tells Ilira, her smile curling into a teasing grin. "But it's harder to sneak platinum into someone's pocket without them noticing." And at Cesare's affirmation of Savio's words, her gaze on Ilira turns more speculative than curious. "Really? Hm. Now, there's an interesting thought. How are you with the crafting of disguises, Ilira?"

"Orland about had a stroke when he found that dragonweep in his pocket," Savio notes to Monique, amused. "I was surprised too, you had me completely fooled, I didn't expect any such thing. It was unreasonably kind of you, thank you." He shoulder bumps Cesare to say there's no hard feelings about the ASSAULT, and in support of Ilira he comments, "Ilira is very clever with the crafting of all kinds of things."

Ilira rolls up onto one elbow. She lets Savio answer for her, eyes only glittering at Monique's inspection. "I can craft anything you like," she agrees, her smile languid and bright. "I've sort of left crime behind, though," she admits with a sheepish laugh.

"Crime is such a reductive word," Savio notes with an airy wave, like lawbreaking is some abstract concept that no one could be expected to understand or worry about.

Cesare is overheard praising Savio: He is an upstanding and law-abiding citizen of the Compact with no questionable qualities

"This would be more about helping to craft a story," Monique replies with a demuring grin Ilira's way. "Without going into too much detail. The story of someone else's life and everything that goes along with it. But we can get into more details over drinks sometime soon?"