Masquerade! Hide your face, so the world will never find you!

[dorian-excolo.livejournal.com]

Saturday, October 31st
Evening
The Home of Alessandra Ferdis


The last few days have been, at best, a blur of activity and I can't say that it's left me in the best of spirits.  Party planning is always a chore, even a gathering as small as this, and I suppose it's the price to be paid - blood, sweat, and countless hours spent hunched over fabric - for an evening of excitement.  Alessandra has been more than accommodating, as I've measured, decorated, and almost completely reordered most of her house.  It will take some time, tomorrow once the festivities are well over, to put things back to sorts, but I've already hired hands to assist in that.

That is one benefit of living in Excolo, there is never a shortage of strong backs willing to do a bit of labor for good pay, and in a matter of days the entire place has been transformed into something resembling a fitting locale.  The walls have been covered with lush fabrics, the garden littered with a multitude of hanging lights, and the main room leading to the back cleared for the guests.  After that, it's only been a matter of setting up the refreshments, finding a suitable place for the music, and dimming the lights.

I could kill myself over the details of course, it's in my nature, and so as soon as things are well in hand, I retire to the upstairs guest suite to dress.  It's a simple design, more a personal amusement than anything else, and I doubt anyone will get the joke.  Those always are the best sorts of fun, though, the personal chuckles that are mine alone.  I finish strapping my sword to my side, mask still sitting on a nearby table, and cross to the balcony doors to peek outside.  The sun has faded into the horizon and guests have started to arrive.  That leaves me with a bit of time - I have no intention on making anything less than a memorable entrance - and so I lean against the door frame, careful to keep out of sight of those out front, and light a cigarette.

There's movement from the adjacent dressing room.  Glass.  I'd nearly forgotten, in the insanity of preparations, that she was dressing here as well.  It certainly wouldn't do to have Iago see her before the game has begun, after all.  I smile at that and call out, "You can't hide in there all evening, pet.  Might as well come out and let me have a look."

[Open]

[It's midnight!  Wrapping up!]

Comments

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

I throw back my head and laugh as the bold stranger takes both our hands in his and he places a kiss against my wrist. I shiver delightedly as he drops it. "Your wish is my command, fiery angel. Fate must be quite a friend to have placed you both in my capable hands." He repeats the same motion to Miao's wrist, then he winks and turns to get us our drinks.

Deep ruby, almost bloodlike, the drink simmers in the cup, and with another wicked grin, I take a deep drink. Oh yes. Definately potent. "It's obvious that you're an angel of some sort and from the color, I'd say one that's been quite naughty indeed," I laugh throatily and make sure to drop my voice a pitch. "Good Sir, if you are going to sin.... then sin BOLDLY."

I take another sip as our good companion inquires to Miao's guise, and after replying she is a mere dancer and not a siren *now why didn't I think of that??* she turns the question back on him.
"A raven, perhaps? Trickster messenger of the gods?" I muse, studying him, feeling the liquid heat start to spread through me. My but is it warm in here...

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

Intrigued by the angel's bright laughter and husky voice, I take a few sips from my drink and muse that it's a sweet enticement indeed as she says, "Good Sir, if you are going to sin.... then sin BOLDLY." Sins? Would my love speak of sins so openly and in such a lively manner? Any other night and I'd disagree but tonight... She might be trying to throw me off and I laugh, taking up her invitation, "Ah, Angel, if you plan on sinning tonight, boldly or otherwise, then it would do me well to keep close to you, yes?" A sexy grin and I slip a half-step closer.

The siren' less-than-glowing explanation of her costume isn't as I would've described it, "Nothing so ominous, good sir. I am merely a dancer, one from a more exotic place than this...and your costume?" I pose a bit, shifting to present a better view as the siren-turned-dancer studies my costume. This one's made of soft, tinkling laughter and provocative cat's eyes and I grin, pleased that she's intrigued as a low tension sizzles through me. "Siren, the words 'merely a dancer' do not even begin to encompass how stunning you are. I say tell anyone who asks that you're a siren and accept the inevitable adoration. Truly, it's your due."

Siren hasn't figured what I'm dressed as yet and tilts her head charmingly as she says, "I must confess to being puzzled." Angel will venture a guess, I'm sure of it and I'm not disappointed as she asks, "A raven, perhaps? Trickster messenger of the gods?" Amused at how close she is to the truth of it, I twist it a bit as I answer, "Good guess, Angel. I am--" and I pose again as I continue dramatically, "--the Raven Trickster, King of the Stormcrows and Messenger of the Gods." I give both ladies a devilish grin as I continue, "One must be quite clever to ride the lightning and survive as their messenger, yes? Perhaps, if you ask nicely, I'll show you how it's done."

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

Such a flirt, our new companion is! I am thinking increasingly that it is Iago...Valmont is broader in the shoulders and slightly taller, and speaks with a different sort of inflection. Well, if he is willing to play...then we most certainly are. Wanda in particular seems much happier now, and I am happy to encourage her in anything that gives her joy. I take another sip of the punch. Delicious and rich-tasting, and it warms my belly.

He flirts with me, complimenting my costume, and I smile and pose for him. I must remember to thank Dorian for it...such a perfect outfit for me. And then Wanda tries to guess the nature of his costume. Ah, a raven, a very good guess! And indeed, he smiles, "Good guess, Angel. I am--the Raven Trickster, King of the Stormcrows and Messenger of the Gods. One must be quite clever to ride the lightning and survive as their messenger, yes? Perhaps, if you ask nicely, I'll show you how it's done."

I cannot help but laugh, the punch already buzzing in my head. "Oh, good Raven, I am sure that we would be happy to learn whatever it is that you have to show us." Wanda in particular, I think, but the way I am feeling, I think that perhaps we both would enjoy such a lesson. It is all in fun, after all.

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

"Ah, Angel, if you plan on sinning tonight, boldly or otherwise, then it would do me well to keep close to you, yes?" I shake my head, feeling pleasantly warm, and grin. "I shall keep you on a short list to tempt into sinning, then good sir."

He.... I think it's Iago, not Dorian, he hasn't the languid eyes, and not Jamie.... flatters Miao even more, insisting she be a siren, then he all but preens when I take a good guess at his costume.

"I am--the Raven Trickster, King of the Stormcrows and Messenger of the Gods. One must be quite clever to ride the lightning and survive as their messenger, yes? Perhaps, if you ask nicely, I'll show you how it's done."
I clap my hands with delight, pleased to have figured it out. "Oh, good Raven, I am sure that we would be happy to learn whatever it is that you have to show us." Miao suggests laughing, and I cannot help but slide my arm around his waist. "Well, if nothing else... our feathers match." I muse, toying with one on his mask, giggling.

"Well then, King Stormcrow, lead on, and let us see who else we may be able to tempt into sinning boldly and riding the lightning."

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

"Oh, good Raven, I am sure that we would be happy to learn whatever it is that you have to show us." Oh, will you, sweet Siren? Who could resist such a temptation? I grin, briefing noting that my drink's more than half gone as Angel claps sweetly and wraps one arm around me. She's slipped closer, her soft fingers running along my mask as she says, "Well, if nothing else... our feathers match."

Chuckling, I agree, "That they do, naughty Angel. Later, we'll make a more thorough comparison. Just to be sure, of course." I wink, setting my drink aside after another healthy swallow and gently pull Angel against me, one hand at the small of her back as the other cups her chin. Gazing into her blue (not gleaming) eyes, I trace my thumb along her bottom lip, reveling in her shivering hiss as my lips brush the pink shell of her ear. Hot whispers, for her only, "We'll trade plumage, you and I," soft drag of my tongue. "I look forward to having you squirm in my lap. It'll be grand, Angel," a soft nip this time and I add, "You won't regret it."

Shifting away, I release her chin with a last caress, smirking before briefly pondering whether or not I've just propositioned this unknown woman... who is not Glass.

A bolt of lust travels down my spine and my cocky grin sharpens and I reach out for Siren, gently drawing her to me until she too, is pressed against me. I'd steal a kiss but her mask's in the way so instead I lean close, pressing a heated kiss to the patch behind her ear as I all but purr, "Sweet Siren, don't mind me. I only need a taste to whet my appetite. Surely, you'd not begrudge the Raven King this sweet favor."

Reluctantly shifting away from her tempting skin, I consider my current situation. Two lovely creatures are entwined around me and the press of fragrant female flesh is wholly dizzying. I'm supposed to find Glass, yes but how can I drag myself away from these promising eyes and teasing words? Surely, the game can wait an hour or so, can't it? And truly, who could turn away from this?

"Well then, King Stormcrow, lead on, and let us see who else we may be able to tempt into sinning boldly and riding the lightning." Ah, Angel again. She's the more forward of the two and I'm reminded of Wanda, another feisty redhead. Perhaps the two are the same? If that's the case, that would mean her delightful companion is likely Miao. Ah, this must be how Lucien feels, and I'm sure I have that mad, glinting grin as my hands slide lower, resting low on the hip of each of my companions as I reply, "Surely. The night awaits and there's sinning to be done."

My hands dip lower, quickly squeezing the delectable flesh of each ass mere moments before we set off. I bask in twin squeaks (Not Glass) as I mischievously add, "Oops. Honest mistake, ladies. Let's be off then."

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

Wanda is laughing, slipping her arm around the Raven's waist, and he takes the opportunity to sweep her into his arms, kissing and murmuring into her ear. He does not neglect me, however, and when their embrace has broken he takes the opportunity to squeeze each of our bottoms, making us both laugh. "Oops. Honest mistake, ladies. Let's be off then."

"Ravens lie then, do they?" I say lightly, as his hand comes to a slightly less scandalous position on my hip. "And where do you intend on taking us, good King Stormcrow?"

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

"We'll trade plumage, you and I,.... " look forward to having you squirm in my lap. It'll be grand, Angel, You won't regret it."

My breath catches in my throat and I find myself leaning into Raven as he murmurs iin my ear. "Oh, scandalous Raven, I believe you will cause me to fall further from grace." I shiver pleasantly in his arms before he releases me to turn his attentions to Miao.

I think I will be getting myself in trouble tonight. I also think I am very glad I came with Miao instead of anyone else... although I do feel a pang of regret I could not convince Kent to join us. Just the idea of a dimly lit corridor and his hands on my hips, his mouth at my neck, is enough to call up desire actutely, and I have to will it away.

Presently, our Raven winds an arm around both of us, taking the liberty to squeeze our asses before settling on our hips.

"Ravens lie then, do they?" "Raven's are storytellers my dear. Haven't you ever heard them talk to one another? They may not lie, but they may be making it up as they go along." I laugh, dropping my hand now to pinch his backside right back.

"Lead on good Raven, I think we are placing our fates on your shoulders... for the moment, anyway." I add with a wink as I trail my nails over the small of his back.

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

Both of these exquisite women seem charmed by my forward manner and I laugh as they playfully tease me, "Ravens lie then, do they?" "Raven's are storytellers my dear. Haven't you ever heard them talk to one another? They may not lie, but they may be making it up as they go along." There's a sharp pinch to my ass and I smirk. I don't know who pinched me and truly, I don't care as I continue laughing and briefly tighten my grip on both women.

Slowly leading my companions along, I meander towards the dance floor, keeping my arms wound about their waists as I grin in agreement, "Exactly, Angel. Tale-sharing is more about perspective, and if I happen to add some dash and flair, who could blame me? No one likes boring stories."

There's a smile in Siren's voice as she asks, And where do you intend on taking us, good King Stormcrow?" Angel's curious as well (I like the inquisitive ones) and adds, "Lead on good Raven, I think we are placing our fates on your shoulders... for the moment, anyway." There's a familiar bite of pain, of delicious nails along my back and I shudder slightly as heated tension twists within me. One of these women is going to answer for that. Perhaps both, if I have my way.

There's mock-offense in my silky tone as I query, "Is that a challenge, ladies? Entertain us or we'll leave you." Pretending to mull over options, I begin, "Rather than suggest poorly, I'll lay out three notions instead. One, we could dance and use it as a thin excuse to writhe against each other on the dance floor." An innocent suggestion, truly and I wink as I continue, "Two, I've heard word there's a den of inequity hidden upstairs. Dragon-chasing perhaps?" I don't expect that either will go with that notion but it never hurts to plant the thought for later. "Or three, we could slip away and enjoy a private affair of our own. Truly, that last notion is my favorite."

I flash them both a sexy grin and quickly realize that now I've propositioned not one but two women. At this rate, I'll never find my love. Spare an hour, Iago. Yes, another hour seems reasonable and I do my best to not leer as I watch the rise and fall of two glistening bustlines.

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

Oh, such a tease is our raven king. I do not miss the way he continues to pet Wanda and I, and the way Wanda is lapping up his attention. Perhaps this was just what she needed, some open male attention from a man who finds her nothing but attractive. Simple and uncomplicated. Yes, I think that perhaps this will be good for her.

I take another sip of punch and smile at the feel of the raven's arm around my waist. Perhaps it will be good for both of us.

And he has very attentions on how to keep both of us entertained. "Rather than suggest poorly, I'll lay out three notions instead. One, we could dance and use it as a thin excuse to writhe against each other on the dance floor. Two, I've heard word there's a den of inequity hidden upstairs. Dragon-chasing perhaps? Or three, we could slip away and enjoy a private affair of our own. Truly, that last notion is my favorite."

The third is appealing...particularly with the warmth of the punch stirring my belly. But I cannot help but brighten at the mention of chasing the dragon. "There is an opium den?" I say, my face lighting in a smile. "I have not smoked opium in many years..." and, if the effects are as potent as I recall, I do not think that it will get very much in the way of the third option, except perhaps to delay it some.

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

The three of us wander for a moment as our Raven outlines some ideas to keep us entertained. Dancing, I like the idea of dancing... but my favoured dancing partners are either not here or not speaking to me. that causes a pang of melancholy, and I disregard that option immediately.

"Two, I've heard word there's a den of inequity hidden upstairs. Dragon-chasing perhaps? Or three, we could slip away and enjoy a private affair of our own. Truly, that last notion is my favorite."

I hate to admit it, but I am unfamiliar with smoking opium. One of the few pleasures, or vices, depends on how you look at it, I've never indulged in. I bite my lip, and wait to hear Miao weigh in on the subject. "There is an opium den? I have not smoked opium in many years..."

The way she talks about it, I can see where her decision lies. Oh well, I have tried many new things these past months. And I trust Miao. "Ah, a sin I have yet to experience. Sounds perfect." I grin at my two companions. "Lead on to this den, King Stormcrow." I purr, leaning in to nuzzle his neck with my lips.

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

Closing the door behind me, I draw the alluring women farther into the room, settling them comfortably in a pillow-laden dim corner. Stripping my coat off, I drape it to the side as I relish their combined heated gaze and without pause, I imagine a delicious scene filled with shining limbs and throaty moans. All that's missing are gleaming eyes...

Reclining to the side between them, I pull the tray (http://pics.livejournal.com/dorian_excolo/pic/0000t3wf/g6) closer, expertly preparing the pipe as I state, "Pay attention, Angel, as you're next." Taking the first drag, I slowly inhale, retaining the pleasant burn as long as possible before exhaling smoothly. The euphoria's almost immediate and I'm sporting a lazy grin as I hand the pipe to Angel.

Chuckling, I playfully insist, "Virgins first." Sliding closer to Angel, I position her hands properly as I teasingly say, "Here and here. Hold it firmly, Angel but not too tightly. Rough play is better saved for other pastimes." I wink, a suggestive tone as I continue, "When it's filled with vapor, bring it to your sweet mouth and inhale slowly. You might cough but don't mind that as you'll feel it immediately." I've not forgotten her purring nuzzles on the way here and I add, "Once you've had your turn, pass the pipe to the enchanting Siren and come closer. It's been quite a while since I've kissed a virgin, even one so naughty as you."

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

The Raven leads us upstairs, to a properly laid out den. And I make a low noise of delight as he draws a tray, a true Chinese opium tray, towards us. Surely Dorian's. He must have bought it in China. The Raven prepares everything with an expert hand, and instructs Wanda in the proper procedure. The scent of the smoke fills the room as he takes the first draw. Ah, how many memories that scent brings with it!

"Once you've had your turn, pass the pipe to the enchanting Siren and come closer. It's been quite a while since I've kissed a virgin, even one so naughty as you." the Raven says as he passes the pipe to Wanda.

I lean back on the couch, crossing my legs, "Does that mean I am to be neglected, sir Stormcrow?" I say in a tone of affected disapproval, "Perhaps I shall be forced to seek other company for the evening." Teasing, teasing always of course.

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

Still feeling the effects of the punch, I watch as our Raven sets everything up and demonstrates what to do. When he's taken his turn, he slides next to me and postions my hands. "Hold it firmly, Angel but not too tightly. Rough play is better saved for other pastimes." Raven winks at me, and I have to take a moment to laugh heartily. "Oh dear Raven, if you are truly interested in rough play, then I could give you quite the instruction."

Once my giggles have passed, he reminds me on how to inhale, I am promised kisses. Which sets me to blushing. Good thing the lights are dim.

"Does that mean I am to be neglected, sir Stormcrow? Perhaps I shall be forced to seek other company for the evening." Miao quips, pretending to be offended. "Oh no, dear friend. I believe he is saving the best for last." I assure her with a wink, then draw the pipe to my lips. I inhale...

...and make a fool out of myself as I do indeeed choke on the smoke filling my lungs. Struggling to regain breath control, I manage to pass the apparatus to Miao....

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. "That's interesting...." I sigh, suddenly feeling very languid, like my bones might be melting. With a heated smile, I drape myself around Raven and grin at him.

"Now what were you saying about virgins?" I ask huskliy, before leaning in and biting his lower lip.

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

I'm assisting Angel with the pipe when she bursts into lively laughter as she comments, "Oh dear Raven, if you are truly interested in rough play, then I could give you quite the instruction." Chuckling along with her, I ask with interest, "Is that so?" I'm not aware of any school in Excolo with that sort of instruction. Although, there is Wanda's dungeon... and Angels' hair is red...

Siren's mock-offense is sweetly amusing as she says, "Does that mean I am to be neglected, sir Stormcrow? Perhaps I shall be forced to seek other company for the evening." Grinning, I say, "Perhaps but I doubt it, Siren. You're much too lovely to be alone long."

Angel tries her hand at the pipe for the first time and predictably, begins to cough. The poor, lovely creature is unused to it and as soon as her coughing fit passes, she's boneless, sighing as leans against me. Her soft hand, so hot between us is caressing my cheek as she comes closer, heat and smoke in her voice as she asks, "Now what were you saying about virgins?" Her lips press against mine, a soft nip before she dips in for a better taste. She tastes delicious but it's unfamiliar.

Fuck...

It's not Glass.

Shifting away, I hold Angel away from me as I shake my head, trying to clear the lust and opium from my mind. She's not Glass and neither is Siren. More and more, I'm believing they are Wanda and Miao, and although they are both extremely tempting creatures, they are not my sweet wife.

Reluctantly laying Angel aside, I rise from my seat, staggering a bit as I attempt to stay focused. (Find Glass) I can quench this lust then, after I find her. "Beautiful ladies, please forgive my abruptness but I must be going." I give them both a regretful look as I continue, "I have a previous engagement and should I forget it, the consequences would be dire indeed. She'd not be pleased." Recalling my action from earlier, I bow again, deeper in hopes of placating any feminine resistance to my departure. "Please accept my most humble apologies and allow me to leave with whatever poise and integrity I might have left."

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

For a moment the Raven continues our game, continuing to flirt and pulling Wanda into a deep kiss as I take a draw on the pipe...oh, finest quality opium. Surely it has been imported as well. I draw the smoke into my lungs, feeling the opium swirl into my brain and ease my muscles. Ah, such a lovely drug when not abused. I watch Wanda and the Raven kiss, and I smile, and I wait for my turn.

...but suddenly the Raven king pulls away, and he stands. "Beautiful ladies, please forgive my abruptness but I must be going. I have a previous engagement and should I forget it, the consequences would be dire indeed. She'd not be pleased. Please accept my most humble apologies and allow me to leave with whatever poise and integrity I might have left."

...Iago, surely Iago. I had assumed that he and Glass had reached an agreement about trysting with others, but it is clear that they have not. And he does not wish to hurt her. Dear Iago. Glass is an fortunate woman indeed. "Of course, dear Stormcrow," I say with a smile, still holding the pipe in one hand, "we have no desire to keep you where you do not wish to be. Please, go, and kiss your dear lady for us when you find her."

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is just lovely, truly. Our Raven Host tastes of punch and smoke and heat, and I could just sink into this kiss and not come back up...

and suddenly we're done. He's holding me at arms length and shaking his head, trying to focus his blue eyes...
eyes that do not belong to either Lucien nor Kent.
Eyes that I am suddenly missing acutely. And I know these eyes, I do, and I would not want to hurt the woman who adores them so for anything in the world.
It seems he feels the same as well. For that I am glad.

"Beautiful ladies, please forgive my abruptness but I must be going. I have a previous engagement and should I forget it, the consequences would be dire indeed. She'd not be pleased. Please accept my most humble apologies and allow me to leave with whatever poise and integrity I might have left." Iago, yes... it is Iago, bows, trying to exit gracefully.

"Of course, dear Stormcrow, we have no desire to keep you where you do not wish to be. Please, go, and kiss your dear lady for us when you find her." Miao, always gracious, bids Iago a good evening. I merely grin at him and wave my hand. "Fly away good Raven, we would not keep you from what you find shiniest in your sight." I add, crawling over to Miao and collapsing on the pillows next to her after Iago makes his way out.

"So now what do we do?" I inquire, not really sure if I can ambulate or not.

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

Wanda bids the raven farewell, and then he is gone, somewhat unsteadily. Wanda and I are left lounging on the couch together, with the opium tray and still mostly-full pipe.

I take another long draw, feeling the smoke fill my lungs and soothe my mind and body. "So what do we do now?"

I exhale, watching the smoke curl in the darkness. "I propose," I say slowly, my muscles and brain in a state of easy languor, "That we finish the pipe that our so-gracious raven made for us. And perhaps someone shall join us before long. If not...I am certain two ladies such as we shall not lack for company long." And I smile.