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

[tess-thiess.livejournal.com]

"Not quite so fancy. Unless they are thrown by the Marks family," Kate says reassurin' me, except then she remembers what happened. "But this is quite something," she adds. "It's a fine evening." She turns t'Mr. Klavec askin' after his costume.

Kate's friend looks right back at me, and she's somethin' fierce even dressed up in feathers 'n such. But when I speak she relaxes some and smiles at us, so I figure she must recognize me now. It makes me glad then, that knowin' who I am makes her feel easier. "That punch worth the drinkin', Miss Marian? Looks a mighty strange color from here."

I nod. "Yeah, it's tasty 'nough, but it's got a fair kick." I glance over at Kate. "My fair lord," and the playin' makes me blush, "figured we'd best have small glasses, 'n I'm thinkin' that weren't no bad idea. I'd almost think there was somethin' in there other 'n fruit 'n liquor."

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

m a vodjanoj. I live in the river, in the millpond, and I pull unwary travellers to their deaths. And are you someone in particular?"

I slip my bow off my arm and raise it mock-threateningly, pulling back the string.

"I am Robin Hood, outlaw and friend to the poor." I smile, and I take in how Reed is looking at me. It's hard to see her expression behind the mask, but I can feel myself colouring up anyway.

"My fair lord figured we'd best have small glasses, 'n I'm thinkin' that weren't no bad idea. I'd almost think there was somethin' in there other 'n fruit 'n liquor."

I feel a bit warm at Tess calling me lord. I'm not sure what kind of game you could call it, but - I like it, I think. It makes me feel giddy, like I've spun round and round.

"What else could there be in the punch?" I say, furrowing my brow. "No, don't tell me!" I decide. "Excolo is odd enough, but we can pretend for tonight we're the strangest things here. Would you like to dance, Maid Marian?" I ask, because I think if Reed looks at me any longer I'll blush in earnest.

[tess-thiess.livejournal.com]

"What else could there be in the punch?" Kate looks worried fer a sec - well, she sounds worried, 'cause it's hard t'tell with the masks. "No, don't tell me! Excolo is odd enough, but we can pretend for tonight we're the strangest things here." She turns t'me, puttin' her bow back over her shoulder. "Would you like to dance, Maid Marian?"

I smile and turn my head all demure. "Certainly, my brave Robin," I say light, and she takes my arm and leads us away from the butcher and her fiend, t'where there's dancin'. It reminds me 'a the other night, and I let her me pull me close, enjoyin' the feel 'a her arm 'round my waist.

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

"Certainly, my brave Robin," says Tess, and oh, I do like her saying that. I don't want to be an outlaw, of course, or a man, but it's fun to play the hero.

"I hope we'll see you both on the dancefloor," I say, smiling teasingly at Simon and Reed, and then I go off with Tess to where people are dancing - a girl in gold with a knight, a beautiful couple in powdered wigs and blue clothes, pirates and fairies... I smile and hold onto her waist.

"Let's see if I remember how the boy's part goes in these dances," I say, taking her hand. "I'm not used to leading." But I manage to lead us in something that looks at least mostly like a waltz, and I smile at Tess. "I like dancing," I say. "When I was growing up there'd be a barn dance every week, it seemed like. But I hardly dance at all now, it's a shame." I lean a little closer. "I liked our dance between the raindrops," I say softly, and feel a pleasant shiver pass through me at the memory of that night.

[tess-thiess.livejournal.com]

"I hope we'll see you both on the dancefloor," Kate says laughin' t'the pair as we go. "Let's see if I remember how the boy's part goes in these dances," and she takes my hand. "I'm not used to leading."

She ain't right t'worry though, 'cause it works even if we're neither 'v us quite sure how the steps ought t'go. "I like dancing," she says in my ear as we move. "When I was growing up there'd be a barn dance every week, it seemed like. But I hardly dance at all now, it's a shame." I nod, enjoyin' the feel 'a her close 'gainst me, guidin' us in the dance. "We go out t'them sometimes," I say. "Mostly at harvest and the winter farm gatherin' at Solstice." I ain't bin fer a year 'r two, though, so I guess that's both 'v us who ain't bin dancin' much recently.

But then she leans right in and says "I liked our dance between the raindrops." I smile at the memory, her astonished and joyful, the cold rain soakin' us so we shivered in each other's arms. "I'm glad you liked it," I say back. "There's more, if you want." I dunt mean it t'come out like it does, but there's less a promise 'a magic and more one 'a flesh, there.

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad you liked it. There's more, if you want."

It doesn't feel like Tess just means magic, thee, and the air between us seems to shimmer, somehow, the air heavy in my lungs.

"I'd - I'd like that. To learn more," I say quietly, and somehow for once the blood doesn't come up into my face, though my woollen hose is certainly feeling warm. I graze Tess's cheek with my mouth, even though there are all these people around us. It doesn't seem to matter so much tonight. "I trust you," I say softly, and I do, even if I am nervous about - whatever comes next.

[tess-thiess.livejournal.com]

"I'd - I'd like that. To learn more," she says, and she brushes her lips over my cheek. I push down the waves 'a lust that rise up through me at that, 'cause this ain't the place 'r the time, really. It's not like there's that alcove just in the other room - "I trust you," she says, and that helps some 'cause I know Kate dunt want t'rush into things.

But I still kiss her straight on, here on the floor, 'cause we ain't the only ones and few 'nough would recognize us. "I'm glad, Kate. I swear, 'f you ever dunt want somethin', 'r want t'go back a step I will."

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

Tess kisses me on the lips, and oh, we've hardly been here any time at all but I'd almost like to suggest we slip away. With Laurence I learned kissing was something I enjoyed, but with Tess... It's different. I think I could do it all the time and not get tired of it. I don't think it's because she's a girl. I think it's just... her.

I realise we've stopped dancing, but no one's looking at us as far as I can see.

"I'm glad, Kate. I swear, 'f you ever dunt want somethin', 'r want t'go back a step I will."

I smile at her.

"Thank you," I say. "We'll be honest with each other, won't we?" I touch her cheek lightly, underneath her mask. "But... I don't feel scared, with you, when..." I blush. "I hope that doesn't change. I don't... I don't think it will." And I twirl her round the room again.

[damien-dw.livejournal.com]

The wolf headed boy looks at our choices then makes up his mind, With my - with Maid Marian and Robin Hood, I suppose. He says taking my hand as we head over to them, squares are forming up already so we are just in time. I think he chose this couple because he knows them. Good enough. I smile at them, up close I'm not so sure that Robin is a guy, not that I will say anything. None of my business what's under the costume.

"Mind if we join you?" I ask.

[tess-thiess.livejournal.com]

There's farm music startin' up, and I look 'round fer partners but there's already another couple headed over, a tall slim boy with long hair and a simple mask, and a slightly shorter boy in a coat and dog headed - oh, he can't be dressed like him. I shake my head, but I dunt say nothin' as his friends asks "Mind if we join you?" I smile back at him. "Not at all," I say, 'n I link arms with him as the dance gets goin'.

The hound-god one must be local, 'cause he knows the steps pretty good, but his friend take a few rounds t'get it. I think it's kind 'a cute 'n nice, seein' others do what Kate 'n I are doin' and takin' advantage 'a the masks and costumes t'dance with who they please. I think Excolo's more open than the farms 'round it, but these boys 'r riskin' more 'n Kate 'n I.

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

The music is a bit faster now, and I'm a bit sad to let go of Tess because the waltzing was pretty, but on the other hand perhaps a more sociable dance will help stop my mind drumming on all sorts of unsuitable things...

Two boys come over and ask if they can join us. I'm a little shocked to see two boys here together, and I know that's hypocritical of me when I'm here with Tess. But still, girls can get away with it more easily than boys. One of them doesn't really have a costume at all, though I wonder if his long hair is real - not many men in town have long hair except for the doctor - and the other is dressed as a dogheaded thing. I smile at them both and we all start dancing, and I think to myself with amusement that it must look strange from the outside, three boys dancing with one girl.

"You enjoying the party?" I call to the boys as we step in and twirl.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

I'm still countin' time under my breath as we weave in an out, handin' each other off. Tess is grinnin' and red in the face and I'm glad she's havin' fun, but there's still something strange 'bout her and Miss O'Hara, and I'm shyin' away from figurin' it out. "You enjoying the party?" Miss O'Hara asks as first I and then the phantom spin 'round with her.

"I surely am," I say, and then realize that even with the mask there's a good chance 'a Tess recognizin' my voice and I clam up.

[damien-dw.livejournal.com]

I've never done a dance like this one but after a round or so the pattern comes clearer. and I can pay attention to something other than my hands and feet. Marian is grinning and robin is smiling and asking us, You enjoying the party? Ah. A woman's voice. I push that to the back of my mind with all the other things to think on later. tonight it doesn't matter who or what she is, or pretends to be. tonight is all about surfaces. A show of sorts with everyone as players and audience at the same time. I smile at the conceit in that thought, and because I am having fun.

Young Gaueko answers her, I surely am, I turn my smile on Robin, eyes bright with my discovery that yes, I am having fun. "Oh, yes! More than I was expecting to."

[tess-thiess.livejournal.com]

"You enjoying the party?" Kate asks as we step 'n turn and hand each other off. "I surely am," says the boy dressed as the hound-god, and I lose the step fer a sec 'cause he sounds a bit like Johnny, and there ain't many who would or could dress up like that. What's he doin' here, and what's he doin' dancin' with a boy?

I shake my head and keep up with the dance; I might be wrong, and if it is him, well, I'll let it pass fer tonight. But havin' that talk with Johnny seems more 'n more urgent, 'cause he's got a good knack fer gettin' himself in trouble. "Oh, yes! More than I was expecting to." I smile, glad his friend's havin' a good time. I think he might be new t'town, 'cause he dunt talk like a local and there ain't many boys in town with hair that long.

The dance ends in a quick sharp finish and I have t'catch my breath. My face must be red 'n I'm sweatin' hard. "Whew," I say fannin' myself. "I think I need another drink. You want anythin'?" I ask Kate and the boys.

[pirate-mystic.livejournal.com]

Tess leads Kate off for dancin', an I smile a bit to watch em go. "Somethin' in the punch," I say, and shake my head. "Strong liquor, most like." Kate ain't used to it. "You want a glass of that, Mister Vodjanoj?"

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

"Somethin' in the punch," Reed says with a rueful shake of her head. "Strong liquor, most like. You want a glass of that, Mister Vodjanoj?"

Grin at her from under the coarse green beard. "Could do with a stiff drink. Just to be social." Slip past a fish flirting with a warrior queen, and get two glasses. Fill them and bring them back. "Figured you might want one yourself, Miss." Take a drink, and it truly is potent stuff. Can't be just wine, there. Stand for a moment, feeling warm and watching folks. Huh. Look over at Reed. "You like dancin', Miss?" Hope she doesn't take offense - not sure what to call her, if I'm not using her name.

[pirate-mystic.livejournal.com]

It feel strange to be called Miss, but I guess it fit the outfit well enough. Take a sip of the drink, and it sure is strong. Not been one for strong liquor for a long time, but this a night to do all kind of things I don't ever.

"You like dancin', Miss?"

"Did once on a time." Look out at the floor. Least folks've changed over from twirlin' around in pairs. "Reckon I can learn the steps." Punch really is good. Wonder who made it.

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

Takes a sip of her drink. She looks out as the music shifts. "Did once on a time. Reckon I can learn the steps." Take another drink, then set it down. "Care to join in, then?" I nod and head to where people are forming up. Not leading her over - figure she wouldn't appreciate that any.

We line up and I bow, and the dance starts. Danced plenty like this when I was young. Sometimes on the road, too, if the town was friendly. Fall into the steps easily enough, picking up my feet fast but careful. Move precisely, but with the drink and the dance I get swept up some. Find myself grinning under the beard, and I must look a sight. Between the my eye and the green skin, the rags and weeds, if I snarled I think I could be mistaken for a murderous water spirit.

[pirate-mystic.livejournal.com]

Been a damn long time since I danced like this. Ain't so different from some a the drills up at the Abbey, really, bodies weavin' in an out. Give the fellow I'm dancin' with a grin, an he's grinnin' back, still lookin' like he been dragged up out the river. Wouldn't want to be meetin' him on a dark night lookin' like that.

He ain't a bad dancer. Good rhythm, moves his body well. Never could abide a clumsy man, nor woman either. Feel mighty strange myself, tassels flyin' an my legs all bare - ain't never dressed like this, not when I was a girl or ever - but I ain't findin' I mind it too much.

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

Reed looks like she's having fun. The tassels on her dress fly about and her legs are flying. Reminds me of the girls in the dance halls, when I would sneak in after my brothers. Strong though, and stepping through the dance I take a moment to admire her legs, tough muscle from hard work.

The dance ends on an abrupt note. Everyone goes still at once. Miss this, laughter and community. Not quite the same tonight, with Hallowe'en and the masks. But still. Finding myself more a part of the town every day.

Still grinning as I catch my breath. Not too winded, really. "You are a fine dancer, Miss," I say with another small bow. "Look good, too," and this time my gaze is more frank.

[pirate-mystic.livejournal.com]

Got stamina, for an older feller. Hardly blown when we stop. " "You are a fine dancer, Miss. Look good, too." Even makes me a bow. Time was I'd knock a man down for that, but now I just take it in the spirit I think it's meant. Nothin' in his voice that ain't respectful. An I got to say, been a time since any man told me that.

"Well," I say, settin' my hands on my hips an lookin at him. "You ain't much to look at, Mister Vodjanoj, but you do turn a fine leg." Not feelin' any so young myself, heatin' up like this after just a bit of exercise. Ain't like I'm wearin' much.

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

She gives me a look when I compliment her. Guess she figures I'm not taking liberties, though. "Well," she says. Puts her hands on her hips. Reminded for a moment of Gospa Puščavnica, yelling at us to get out of the pear trees before she got the shotgun. Loaded with rock salt. "You ain't much to look at, Mister Vodjanoj, but you do turn a fine leg."

Grin at her. "Thanks."

There's more dancing then. Think she likes it, and by the time the clock's chiming we're back on the floor. Guess she doesn't mind the face so long as I can step. It's midnight, and I pull off the beard and push my hair back. Straighten the ragged clothes best I can. Still green, mind. I'll be a sight come morning.

[pirate-mystic.livejournal.com]

Hear the clock strike midnight an he's takin' off his beard. Figured who it was durin' the dancin', once I saw the scar was real. Looks less of a sight without the beard and his hair all in his face.

Pull the damn foolish headdress off myself. "You sure look better," I say, and laugh a bit. Feelin' more daft in this dress without the mask. Lean forward anyway an hug him, buss him on the cheek. Don't usually, but I still feelin' free an easy an I had a good time.

"Thank you, Mr Klavec. Ain't kicked up my heels like that in an age. Makes me feel young again." Feel it in the mornin', mind.

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

"You sure look better," Reed says. Pulls off her mask with a laugh. She leans in and gives me a hug and a solid kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Mr Klavec. Ain't kicked up my heels like that in an age. Makes me feel young again."

"Glad to hear it, Miss Reed. Customers might not agree, if this doesn't wash out." My knees are sore from moving. Can walk all day, but dancing is different. "You heard it said you're only so old as you feel? Think I'll be feeling pretty damn old come tomorrow." I laugh ruefully. "You aren't so old as all that."

[pirate-mystic.livejournal.com]

"Just Reed," I say. Habit now. "An you can chop meat as well green as any color." Give him a bit more of a smile. Enjoyed this evening. "And maybe I ain't old, but all these folks make me feel it. Still, we danced em to a standstill. No stamina."

Ain't many older folk around town as it is. Wonder where Mrs Ferdis is, if that's her name.