From: blood_dance	Date: 09/29/2007 12:03:01

Isabella had been dressed for a solid hour already, excited about the evening's prospects. Her mask was just as white as her dress, the long white feathers extending way above her head. She donned the mask as the first few guests started to arrive. She glanced about the other employees, noting who she could, based on each person's style. Evie was on stage at the moment; she couldn't mistake his voice and style for anyone else's. As for the guest it'd be intriguing to wonder who would be there. Would the king actually attend?

And more importantly, would Oharu?

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 09/29/2007 20:06:20

Oharu did arrive, albeit a touch late because Ohana was fussing over her gown and mask. "You're killing me," he'd said more than once on the way when she had to bend down and fix her shoes. "You shouldn't have worn those."

"They're the only shoes that look good with this gown," she argued. She felt a little more like standing out next to the simply dressed Oharu. He'd chosen a simple suit and a long, black cloak lined with silvery blue to go with his mask. "And frankly I think you're under dressed."

He laughed, a slightly muffled sound through the mask. "I'm fine," he said and ushered his sister into the Hotel, keeping his eyes peeled in case he might recognize Isabella.

	From: blood_dance	Date: 09/29/2007 23:52:42

If Oharu was there yet, Isabella would have to wait to find out, she made her way towards the stage; he set was right after Evie's. She paused for a drink, scanning the crowd. If any of her patrons were here tonight, the ones she'd actually bitten once or twice, they'd be drawn to her on their own. Oharu she would actively have to seek out, because she refused to do the same to him. He was different. Special.

She finished her drink, taking her time with it, and only when it was her turn to perform did she set the glass down and take the stage to dance. She made sure her mask was on tight before she started dancing, the fringes on her flapper-style dress swirling out as she moved. The music was catchy, inviting and Isabella hoped it got people dancing, mingling talking, just as much as Evie's stunning performances always did.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 09/30/2007 11:22:01

Ohana noticed and pointed to the gorgeous dancer hidden on-stage behind a mask. "Isn't that our friend from the other night?" she asked, smiling at the memory of those fine moves.

Oharu watched closely. The fluidity of the woman's movements were very similar, and that gorgeous skin tone matched the one he memorized. He sighed happily and grinned under his mask. "Good eye," he said happily, squeezing his sister with one arm. "I imagine I won't see you later?"

"I won't wait up," she replied, rolling her eyes and giving a carefree laugh. "See you tomorrow."

	From: blood_dance	Date: 09/30/2007 13:17:50

Isabella had to admit she was looking for Oharu. The glances she threw about the room as she danced were a little less sultry and a little more searching than usual. It was hard, almost impossible to tell however, as so many people in half and full masks came in. She had not even a clue as to what color he'd be wearing, and she had to hope he'd find her if he could.

But for now she danced, hips moving to the music, body twisting and curving in sinuous waves that only a skilled dancer could perform.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 01:19:22

He stayed very close by as his sister wandered off, keeping close enough so that when the show was finished he could sweep up Isabella (or at least attempt to get her attention). He moved to the music, though his eyes never left the stage. He was more at ease tonight than he usually was. The mask provided him with just the right amount of anonymity to be casual and relaxed. His guard was down and he was in the one place where he'd always felt the most comfortable.

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 13:02:35

Isabella's set was done after a few more dances, and she finally stepped down off the stage nearest the bar. She needed a drink, preferably a dark rich red wine before she started working the crowd. She scanned the crowd now, wondering who was there. She thought she recognized a person here or there, but she knew she was really looking for Oharu.

As she expected one of her other patrons found himself drawn to her, and she forced a smile beneath her white mask at him, but her attention was clearly elsewhere. She was going to find herself quite distracted all night if she didn't find Oharu soon.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 16:18:16

He didn't really want to fight through the crowds, but he had no intention of spending the evening with anyone else. He took a deep breath and worked his way through the bodies until he was standing very near Isabella and the bar. "Good evening dear lady," he called, trying to get around the patron who was trying to get her attention for himself.

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 16:48:24

Isabella turn to the new voice immediately. She knew, even behind the full mask he wore that it was Oharu. The patron was given a polite salutation, but it wasn't as warm as the one Oharu was given. "Good even, dear sir," she said warmly, her voice a caress in and of itself.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 18:07:09

He beamed and hoped that the warm reception was because she recognized his voice. "I greatly enjoyed your performance," he complimented and leaned in closely to whisper "you excel in your craft Isabella. I am again, hypnotized."

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 18:21:44

Isabella slid her mouth right along side Oharu's ear, leaning into him a bit as she did so. "I'm glad you did, Oharu. And if my craft keeps you so utterly focused on me, then I'm glad to excel at it. Come dance with me."

Her hand slid into his, but she did pause to give her other patron a smile. She would have to dance with him at some point that night, and with her others, lest she make waves.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 19:00:45

"Happily," he said as his own hand mated with hers. "I believe we will make your patrons jealous," he added, noticing those few whose eyes followed Isabella.

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 19:12:47

"Perhaps," Isabella said, sliding her arms around Oharu's neck. "But my patrons are used to sharing me by now. They all well know I'm not theirs to monopolize. Who I choose to be with is simply that: my own choice." Her fingers curled at the base of his neck. "I'll have to dance with them at some point tonight, but that will be business. This," and she leaned closer to him, "is pleasure."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 20:01:51

He smiled back. "I suppose I will have to learn to share as well," he said lightly, easily. It didn't so much bother him. He wasn't really one to pin monogamy on someone and had never been bound to it himself. "Though I already know you have too much wonderful for just one person. I'm not sure I could handle you on my own." He laughed lightly, his hands finding a comfortable spot on her body as they moved to the music.

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 20:31:33

"I find myself wishing you'd chosen a more accessible mask, Oharu. I thin there's a smile under then and I can't see it." She ran a finger along the edge of the mask. "And I can't kiss you at all this way either." Though that might have been for the better. If she started kissing him, she'd ignore her patrons all night in his favor, and that would be bad for business.

She smiled herself at his compliments. "I think you quite capable of handling me just fine, Oharu. I'm pretty sure you can do it on your own."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 21:18:44

"I'd very much like to try," he said, blushing under the full face mask. "And I'm certain we can work around the mask later."

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 22:36:35

"I have confidence in your success," Isabella said warmly. "And I look forward to that. I'd love to see what kind of ingenuity we can figure out in that matter." She swayed against him as the music played, knowing she should really be mingling more, but desiring to do so less and less.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 23:17:39

He closed his eyes and swayed into her; his whole being wanted to wrap around her. He knew just the symbol to draw on his mask to open up the bottom, but that was for later. He didn't like to practice some of his flashier Daemon skills in public; there were still some taboos about it, old prejudices that were hard to forget. He smiled, content and happy in the moment, wishing it could go on all night. He knew that he'd have to let her go and cater to her patrons, who all seemed to know who she was regardless of her mask. Perhaps her dancing was just that recognizable, but the fact stuck out oddly in his mind. He hadn't recognized her on his own. His sister had to point her out and Ohana was one of those peculiar people with observational skills like a hawk. He filed it away, along with the slight frown hidden by his mask. "I expect another dance before the masque is done," he whispered softly near the end of the song. "I will hold you to it my lady."

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/01/2007 23:28:11

That patron wasn't the only one who'd almost unconsciously recognize and seek out Isabella. Another one was doing the same now, just as patiently waiting for his own turn to dance with her. Maybe some people, her regulars, recognized her by her dancing, but certain mages, a select few, wouldn't really be able to avoid her if they tried. Not after being bitten once or twice.

"More than one, good sir," Isabella smiled and kissed her fingertips, pressing them to the mask where Oharu's mouth was hidden. The song came to an end, and Isabella pulled away regrettably. "Soon. I have to mingle, but I'll find you again soon, Oharu."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/01/2007 23:33:14

He watched her go, sighing softly under his mask. He smiled in a moment, the promise of more dancing ringing in his ears. He was fairly certain the end of the night would yield her in his arms again and that was more than worth the wait.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 09/29/2007 19:36:54

Ganymede didn't often attend parties and in truth she didn't intend to stay long. She'd managed to find a suitable gown for the occasion and a very simple, very pretty mask. It didn't hide much of her face or identity, but Ganymede couldn't hide her shine either. She didn't think anyone would care. She waited just outside the hotel for Hamlin, as the only reason she agreed to come was because he asked her.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 09/29/2007 19:49:50

He arrived not long after she and tucked his arm under hers. He was wearing a simple tuxedo and a brilliant gold mask. He smiled at her, though she wouldn't be able to see under the mask and led her into the Hotel. "I'm surprised you came," he said, though his voice sounded different under the cone of the mask, as it was designed.

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 09/30/2007 12:02:22

Gideon arrived just as Hamlin did and found himself wondering who would take the star to the ball. He ran over Ganymede's friends in his mind, also wondering why the star would come to the masquerade in the first place. He made it his business to watch the social behaviors of those people he deemed important. While the star had never really been important herself she had been associated with the original Hamlin Graves and some of his good friends.

He watched closely now, the man who took her arm and wore a full face mask. Smart, he thought to himself. Whoever it was would be sure to keep his identity hidden. Gideon himself was wearing an unusual mask and a simple, handsome suit.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/01/2007 01:35:39

He didn't recognize Gideon, nor did he care. He was a in a very good mood tonight and his worries were rather far behind him. He escorted Ganymede in and mingled, smiling under his mask and greatly enjoying the revelry.

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/01/2007 18:04:50

The figure wasn't immediately recognizable. He dressed soberly a dark burgundy coat over an ivory suit. All the way up to the neck. His face was completely obscured by a long silken scaramouche mask gold red and black. Resembling a bird with a long elegant bill. capped with a tri-corner hat. An antique style of mask. It must have been a family mask rather then one bought for the occasion.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/01/2007 18:43:06

In his jovial mood, he greeted many people, though none by name. He didn't recognize too many of the patrons this evening and he wasn't going to waste the fun of the evening scrutinizing to figure it out. He saw a man in a fantastic mask and handsome jacket. "What a lovely mask," he commented as he came close to the man. "Is it a family heirloom?"

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/01/2007 18:52:23

The man stared back, trying to recognize voices through the mask. "My uncle got this for me in carba. It's high quality but nothing like the ones they make there. The beak is to hold away the germs." He said scratching under the bill.

"I can't help but wonder if I know you. Did we?" He furrowed his brow.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/01/2007 19:03:44

"Your uncle has impeccable taste," he replied complimentary. "I should think I know a good many people here tonight, though I believe the trick is to pretend we do not," he added. His voice was strange to him, now that he was speaking more. It was peculiar how the shape of the mask altered it.

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/01/2007 19:09:19

That is somehow vexing." He grumbled but then sighed. "I can't even believe I'm back at this place. I'm not sure I'm comfortable." He said. It was hard to be a wet blanket at such a gay occasion, but he was trying his hardest.
He looked around. "They even tried to lure us out here saying the new king was going to be here. Which I doubt."

He was thinking about eating through the mask but it was foolish at best.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/01/2007 19:29:36

Hamlin laughed. "Does the anonymity of the evening not ease you?" he asked, congenially. "Frankly I find it quite refreshing. As to the king, who knows? We are not even certain who he or she may be. That is for Monday," he added.

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/01/2007 21:50:26

"They'll probably just pay some actor a wild pig or a monkey to pretend he was the king." He crossed his arms.

He looked around. "I think that if we did anything untoward that it would be found out eventually. You can't hide who you are. Especially with a mask on. You are more yourself then ever."

He gave him a beaky stare, like a bird. "I swear I know you from some place." Suspicion and curiosity were probably his downfall. Even as a child he didn't believe that anything happened before the year of his birth, or in spotted chipmunks when all the chipmunks in the yard were striped. And he couldn't resist a good mystery.
"Did you go to any of Walter West's parties like 35 years ago? The one with the mechanical bull and the jello made out of old vodka and the one where Wilheard Jr counted 13 naked breasts. 'An odd number is never quite what you expect.'" He said in a strange impersonation. He was like a nut hatch with a rotten nut sometimes. He could remember those parties, well most of them, not the kind that would be out of place at the end of the Silk Road either. "I haven't seen you in a long time but I have seen you somewhere."

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/01/2007 23:02:16

He had been to quite a few of Walter's insane parties. "Perhaps," he said vaguely. "I'm often around." He laughed and nodded to Ganymede. He imagined she was quite bored with the conversation and was not surprised when she split off and began to mingle on her own. "My date seems entirely uninterested in our conversation."

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/01/2007 23:32:14

"If you can remember getting drunk at Walter's parties. She is probably too young for you." He laughed. "You should however make it up to her to spend your time with such a boring old man. Perhaps some of this pink punch of here. If it won't stain her mask." He said. "I will be sticking to the red punch for children thanks kindly." He said "I'm sure it's just lovely."

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 00:27:47

"I'm afraid Ganymede won't like much the punch," he said with a smile under his mask. "She's got a head for wine like you wouldn't believe and very particular tastes in the matter. But I do believe I should find her before she wanders off with someone more handsome than I."

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/02/2007 00:43:58

"You can always buy a better looking mask friend?" He drank the virgin punch, slowly "Thats the good thing about masquerade."

Kanaan wandered over to the table. And outside of the Mosaique in the courtyard, wondering if anyone else would come in.
The young valet with the bicycles was also guarding over some of the familiars.

Ikra was one of the only familiars to insist on a costume too. He was wearing a little head band and a cup over his nose. He thought it would be hilarious to go in the radically different disguise of a small puppy.

"Woww owwo Bow. I'm a dog." He announced." He thought it was fun to pretend. He didn't pay Kanaan much mind as he played in the yard. Barking and chasing his tail like a common dog. He swore that the creature laughed.

He continued walking about getting some air, it was a nice night for a stroll and he could return for drinks later.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 09/29/2007 22:42:07
	[Yes he's looking for Siobhan, but anyone else can comment!]

Seamus had only been to Hotel Mosaique once before, when Siobhan had accidentally discovered Silk Road, and then convinced him to explore with him. He had to admit he liked the atmosphere, so when Siobhan told him he'd heard about a masquerade, Seamus couldn't deny the blond fairy his ecstatic request to go.

He'd taken a bit of time to choose an outfit, especially since he didn't have Siobhan's help. The little fairy had another brilliant idea: arriving separately, after only having seen each other's masks, not costumes, and see how long it took to find each other. Seamus promised not to cheat, his hand going around the necklace he always wore.

So there he was now, dressed in black, a matching mask hiding his face. His hair, long enough to brush the tops of his shoulder blades, was tied back, coiffing him in the same style as how he was dressed. He wondered who else was there, wondered if Hamlin were present, and wondered when Siobhan would arrive.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 09/30/2007 11:41:35

Garage had agreed to watch Enki for the night so that Sam could go out and enjoy the masquerade ball. She loved parties and particularly costumed parties. It have her the excuse to be something other than herself, though tonight's costume was a good deal closer to the truth of who she was than any other one she'd ever worn.

She'd paired a set of colorful wings with a fluffy black dress and a organic sort of mask to pull the idea together. She was going as a butterfly, or perhaps a very pretty moth. Wandering the crowd, she wasn't certain what or who she was looking for when she bumped into somewhere wearing all black. "Oh, sorry," she said, the tendrils of her mask shaking briefly from the impact.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 09/30/2007 13:23:19

Seamus immediately reached out to stay a possible stumbling fall from whoever had bumped into him. He hadn't made it anywhere to any drinks as yet, so luckily both hands were free. "That's all right," he replied, smiling at the woman. She had one a pair of wings, fake ones, but still pretty. Her mask was rather stunning and Seamus got an odd feeling from her, a familiar one. It took him a moment to place the feeling as the same he'd gotten from Evie Chanson. He wondered for a moment if that was her under that mask.

"That a rather stunning outfit you're wearing," he said. "I'm partial to the wings." So they weren't real, or translucent silvery-blue like Siobhan's. But they were still reminiscent of a fairy or a butterfly.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 01:15:59

"Thank you," she said, blushing very slightly, though it was a little difficult to see under all the pieces of her mask. "Me too. Though I like your costume," she complimented. "It's very fetching."

Sam knew just by standing near him that this man was fae, though there was something odd about it, something she didn't quite understand. It was almost as if he hadn't always been this way. She also knew that he might sense who she was, but most faeries were good enough to keep her secret safe. There was an unspoken code between the fae who pretended and the fae who did not, something like being honor bound to protect each others choices.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 13:13:43

Seamus smoothed down his jacket. "Thank you," he replied. He could tell by the woman's voice it wasn't the girl he'd wound up shopping with; it was someone he hadn't met yet. So why the sense of almost familiarity? And it wasn't the first time he'd felt it, not even with Evie. Seamus's brows knit. He'd felt it before in Faerie. Everywhere. Anytime he met someone new, but it had been stronger then. His eyes fell on her wings again and it hit him with sudden clarity.

She was fey. So had been Evie, but, less perhaps, maybe only fey-blooded or something similar. It was why they seemed familiar, on a level he hadn't quite realized. Siobhan would have known instantly; Seamus was only just learning how to recognize another fey. There was something different about this woman he still couldn't place, perhaps merely a difference in the fairies of Aylasia. There was so much to learn.

He leaned forward a bit as he spoke, his voice lowering. "So were you going for a butterfly? A moth?" A pause and then he added, "A fairy, even?"

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 16:08:27

She laughed delightedly. "All three," she said grandly, because tonight it didn't matter if anyone knew who she was. She could pretend and play it up. "You look rather regal," she said. "Were you aiming for a fae king?"

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 16:23:59

Seamus couldn't help but laugh at that. "Ah if you only knew who my wife's mother was, you'd know that could be a dangerous question to ask." It was no less than the truth. Were Mabb ever to think that Seamus had any designs on being king, even if it weren't true -- which it wasn't of course -- it would do nothing but draw down her wrath on them both. They were let of easy the last time she was at all interested in them, and Seamus chose to do nothing that would make that interest pique again.

He wouldn't have said as much normally, but no one knew him here, less so beneath his mask. But it cemented his suspicions that she was in fact a fairy. "But as for you, I think you managed all three with finesse."

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 16:41:11

It was an odd comment and because she didn't know the reason behind it she wasn't sure how to respond. Faerie court matters were something she had only concerned herself with in her youth, those few vacations at home when she could flit around as a faerie. She knew there was a king and a queen of the Aylasian faeries, but she didn't know how they were chosen (if they were chosen) or how long they were given to reign. Since being in mage form she considered herself human and obeyed the chosen king as opposed to the rulers of the faerie court.

"Why thank you," she said, paying attention to his compliment instead. "I haven't worn a pair of wings in awhile," she said, mostly the truth. She'd only popped into faerie form long enough to show Enki and hadn't reverted since. Her wings were in a dreadful state of disuse. "May I ask," she began. "You mentioned your wife. Where is she this evening?"

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 16:53:27

Seamus didn't elaborate on the comment, mostly because it would involve speaking of Faerie. Instead he chose to answer her question. "My wife is, I expect, not here yet. We're playing a bit of a game. We're arriving separately and then seeing how long it will take us to find each other. I'm more a stickler for time however, so I'm pretty sure I still have some time left before I should start looking."

Seamus was always very careful when he spoke about Siobhan, he worded things in such a way that he rarely if ever needed to use pronouns. Siobhan alawys dressed as a woman, but Seamus would have felt oddly attempting to use 'she' which would appear correct, or 'he' which was truth, but wouldn't seem so. So he avoided either.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 18:31:09

"What fun," Sam said cheerfully. "I left my husband at home tonight," she said, a sneaky little smile on her face. "He's delightful and I'm sure he'd have a great time making mischief at one of these parties, but we adopted a son and one of us had to stay home." She shook her head suddenly. "Sorry. I'm sure you didn't need to hear my life story," she said, unsure as to why she felt comfortable enough to share all this with a masked stranger.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 18:40:15

"Oh, no please, I am actually interested," Seamus found himself saying. "Suffice to say my wife and I wouldn't be able to have children in the usual way..." He and Siobhan hadn't really spoken in depth about children, but he expected adoption was always a possibility. "I would like to know more, honestly, if you wouldn't mind. How long has he been living with you now? How old is he?"

Seamus gave her the opening most mothers desired to talk about their children, hoping she'd feel free to gush if she wanted.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 18:56:44

"Oh, he's wonderful," she said, before she could answer any of his questions. "I was terrified at first. He's seven and very smart. His magic is a little hard to control. I think that's why everyone was so hesitant to take him. But I couldn't let him live at the school anymore. He's just... a good fit for my husband and me." She took a little breath and smiled. "He's been with us for a few weeks. So far, so good." She turned more into Seamus and extended the first branch of friendship. "I could talk to someone who might help you adopt if you want," she offered, thinking of Hamlin without the knowledge that he'd already met Seamus and Siobhan.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 19:09:02

Seamus listened to her speak glowingly of the child, a smile on his face. It was a wonderful thing to see -- it was clear she loved the little boy already, and certainly her husband must have felt the same. "Hard to control magic? That must make things a bit adventurous. You sound so happy. I'm glad you fit well; it's clear he brings a smile to your face."

Seamus chuckled gently at Samra's offer. "Thank you, but I don't think we're ready for children yet. We've actually only been married a few weeks now." Besides the fact Seamus wasn't certain adopting a child from Aylasia when he and Siobhan would be frequently traveling back to New York would be such a good idea, but he couldn't exactly say that.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 19:38:56

Sam blushed. "Honestly," she said a little more quietly, "I've only been married a few months myself. I wasn't sure we were ready for a child, but I couldn't bear the thought of leaving Enki to the school. I think we can help him a lot," she added. "That's his name," she said, another little smile coming to her lips. "He's a shifter," she finally said. She wasn't certain if that was clear when she said his magic was hard to control and she didn't know that Seamus wouldn't automatically know what that meant. "Certainly makes things interesting in our little house."

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 20:02:16

Seamus winked. "Maybe it's just selfish of me, but I've like to keep my wife to myself for a little while longer before we bring children into our home. Well that, and we're still a bit transient. I wouldn't want to try to set up a household for a child when we're not ready for a steady one." He paused and then added, "But I'm sure the right child or circumstance can throw the most carefully laid plans to the side for something even better."

Seamus didn't know what a shifter was, but the way it was said, he knew it was a well known term. "Ah," he responded nodding as though he understood. "That explains it. A definite handful then." Taking context, he could only assume it meant something about his magic being difficult to control. He'd have to find out what it was exactly, perhaps from Hamlin.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 20:36:27

She nodded. "Very much so. Though really, he did come into our lives at the perfect time."

She grinned at him. "I don't suppose you have time for a dance before you go looking for you wife?"

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 20:50:46

Seamus shook his head ruefully. "How awful of me not to have asked first. Yes, I most definitely have time to dance." He offered his arm, as so many couples around them were doing and led her to the dance floor. She was very nice, and Seamus hoped he'd meet her again under other circumstances.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 21:10:21

She laughed lightly. "It wasn't rude at all," she said. "I could go on talking all night, but the music is calling," she added.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 22:23:47

Seamus nodded in response. "It is. This place itself is amazing. And I think this masquerade was a brilliant idea. Do you think the king is here tonight?" Seamus knew that's what the celebration was for, but he knew very little else about the monarchy in Aylasia. He'd gathered some information, but more couldn't hurt.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 23:04:31

"I dunno," she said lightly. "I've heard rumors, but I can't be sure who he or she is. That's always how it works though." She shrugged a little while they swept the floor with dancing. "We'll find out Monday I suppose."

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 23:12:32

"True," Seamus said, filing that knowledge away for later. Apparently the king was still 'king' whether male or female. "It's fun to wonder if you've spoken to him -- or her -- or will be later. Which of course was the whole idea, wasn't it?"

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/01/2007 23:22:18

"I imagine so," Samra replied. "It's a brilliant one. I've never had so much in all my life. Dancing with strangers and making new friends. I can only hope my voice is memorable," she said with an impish little grin. "Though I suppose there are no rules to a masquerade and I could cheat..." She smiled, wondering if he might not let her cheat, slip her name or peel away the mask for a moment. This was such a fun game.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/01/2007 23:40:39

Seamus laughed. "I think you're pretty memorable so far. And I don't think there are any rules. I mean yes we're supposed to wear masks, but no one exactly said we had keep them on all night, right?" He paused and shook his head just a little. "But I did promise my wife no cheating." He'd meant when it came to finding him, but knowing Siobhan, he'd be jealous enough already of all the time Seamus was spending with this woman. Somehow, Seamus knew he'd be put out if someone besides him was the first to see Seamus without his mask.

It was probably petty, but Seamus honestly felt the same. They were small fairy jealousies and bits of possessiveness that were parts of their beings.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 00:25:38

She smiled at how very sweet he was, at least in regard to his wife. She understood the fae possessiveness, though it had never much troubled her. She was only part and not all of the rules applied to her in that sense. She had mild jealousies, but they were nothing to the true green-eyed nature of the fae. "How about a bargain?" she asked, though she continued with the idea before he could agree or not. "Why don't we pick a spot to meet, and a time, enough time for you to find your wife, whom I think I'd like to meet. Then we can all reveal ourselves and have a good laugh over how very silly we are."

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/02/2007 00:48:42

"You know, that sounds like a plan," Seamus agreed, unaware that Siobhan's plans for him would likely involve him getting so distracted he forgot to meet up with Samra after all. He was aware however, of the fact that Siobhan had arrived, somewhere. The necklace had warmed just a bit to tell him so, and then Seamus sort of turned it off. Knowing Siobhan was there was all the 'cheating' he'd do. It was just to know when to start looking. The rest now was all up to them.

"I think it's about late enough for my wife to have gotten here. What say were meet there by the large mosaic in the front hall in an hour and a half?" It should give him plenty of time to find Siobhan, and long enough for Samra to mingle some more herself.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 00:55:03

"That sounds perfect," she said happily. "I do hope you find your wife quickly." She smiled and slowly moved away from the dancing and her friendly partner. "It was a pleasure meeting you," she said cheerfully.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/02/2007 10:54:22

"Pleasure meeting you to," Seamus replied as he stepped away. He started moving through the crowd, wondering as he went what Siobhan wore. He'd seen his mask, a gorgeous silver thing, but not his costume.

He was getting some attention as he moved through the crowd, as he'd pause long enough to be polite and be certain in question wasn't Siobhan before he moved on. He was on a mission now.

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 09/30/2007 20:58:53

Chai stood in the entry hall of Hotel Mosaique for a few moments before finally stepping inside. He was a little later than he intended , due to some paperwork he need to take car of at work. Today had been his last day, though no one knew that as yet. Come Monday, he'd be crowned and his old life a memory.

He shook his head as if to clear it, dismissing the brooding thoughts. He entered at the end of Evie's set, regrettably missing the music. He scanned the crowd catching a few very brightly costumed people, wondering in turn if each was Evie. He would have to wait a bit to discover for certain; he had some mingling to do. He squared his shoulders and headed into the crowd, making sure his mask was on straight, and his costume was smoothed down and looked just right. He got himself a drink first, and then set about to work the crowd.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/01/2007 16:14:14

Ganymede had parted ways from Hamlin as he worked the circles. He knew how to mingle; she had to credit him with that. She wandered aimlessly, working her way through the room from the bar (where she turned down offers for drinks; there were giggling faeries about and she was already a little lightheaded). She found herself in a peculiar mood, one where she was not yet ready to leave the party.

She found it amusing to join in conversations and laugh at whatever jokes were being told, or smile at the political conversations. This was a party for the new king after all and everyone here wanted to know who he or she would be.

She found a handsomely dressed man working the room the way Hamlin might and she tapped him on the shoulder. "Good evening sir," she said with a little curtsy. Her mildly drunken state brushed away her usually quiet nature. "Might I trouble you for a dance?"

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/01/2007 16:40:12

Chai turned with some surprised at the tap and the voice. He smiled and gave the young woman a bow, blinking behind his half-mask. The girl -- young woman -- shone. Not with personality, actually shone. It was an oddity that he found interesting.

"Certainly," he responded. "I could hardly turn down such an offer, now could I?" He offered his arm to lead her to the dance floor, away from the thickening crowd.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/01/2007 18:47:49

"Well, you could," she reasoned. "If you didn't like to dance," she added. She took his hand and placed one on his shoulder. "Ordinarily I am not one to dance either, but the mood seems to have taken me tonight."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/01/2007 19:04:10

"I could," Chai responded quietly, placing his hand at her waist; the other clasped hers. "But then I'd be ashamed of myself for being incredibly rude, and for possibly embarrassing a lovely person. We're both lucky I'm neither a brute nor a man who dislikes dancing." He twirled her to the music, holding her only so close as the slow movement of their dance allowed them. He was actually pretty good at it, an ease to his movements that bespoke a certain level of comfort.

He wanted to ask about her shine, but decided not to, at least not yet. It didn't seem proper to question her about it, not when they'd barely begun to speak to each other.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/01/2007 19:51:40

She smiled brightly, shining a bit more than she had been before. "Lucky indeed," she replied. "You're very polite and very well spoken."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/01/2007 20:46:07

"Thank you," Chai responded, and then said after a moment, "And you're very... shiny. I mean, you sort of glow." He spoke quietly as he said it, not trying to draw excess attention. Enough was being draw merely by the girl's shine.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/01/2007 21:14:07

She laughed and patted his shoulder. "Yes, I am. I don't suppose there's a point in pretending I'm not who I am. Everyone can see. My name's Ganymede Orion," she said. "I'm a star."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/01/2007 22:33:18

Chai's eyebrows raised. "A star? Like... up in the sky, a star? Twinkling at night, make a wish on the first one you see, star?" He stared at her in confusion. "Why aren't you in the sky? And... well I didn't realize stars were... people-shaped."

He twirled her again and added, I'm sorry, I don't mean to ask so many questions." It was rare that he did in fact, but it was rare still he met a star.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/01/2007 23:09:41

"Yes. Though no one has ever wished on me. I'm not bright enough for the sky. No one would be able to see me. Truthfully, some of us are not people shaped, but many of us are up close." She laughed, a giddy, silvery sound. "It's nothing," she replied. "I am quite used to the questions. I suppose you are a mage? You are shaped like one," she added with another little giggle.

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/01/2007 23:19:06

Chai smiled a little, surprised by her readiness to answer all his questions. "Yes, I'm a mage. Sounds so ordinary in comparison to a star, doesn't it?" He teased a bit, knowing full well he wasn't the least bit ordinary, not anymore. "So is that why you're not in the sky? You're not bright enough? How did you get down here?"

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/01/2007 23:29:20

"Not at all. Mages can do amazing things that I am perfectly incapable of," she answered eagerly. "And yes, that is why I'm not in the sky. I'm very pale for a star, though probably very bright for a human." She smiled, shining a little brighter as she usually did. "I don't remember my arrival, though I believe one of my parents brought me to Aylasia. They believed, and I agree, that living among mages was a far better life for me than I would have had in the sky."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/01/2007 23:58:01

"So you've pretty much always been here then," Chai commented. It meant the land was probably more here home than the night sky she'd been born in, an intriguing thought. "I have to say, I never thought I'd be talking to a star." The song changed, but Chai made no move to change dance partners just yet. He did look about the crowd though, checking to see if he saw Evie yet.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/02/2007 00:21:57

"I'm nothing so special," she said. "Really, once you get past the shine I'm fairly boring." She laughed a bit then. "Though I'm sure some of my friends would tell you differently. Couldn't tell you why," she added airily. She never could figure out why certain folks enjoyed her company so much, but Ganymede wasn't the sort of person who could see her self in that way.

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/02/2007 10:59:17

"I could say similiar things about myself. Most everything thinks himself ordinary in his own eyes. It's being viewed through someone else's that makes one realize he - or she - is very special." Chai's response was slow, as if he was considering each word before he said it.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/02/2007 20:18:03

"It is nice to have people who see you as special," she said. "I know it has made an immeasurable difference in my own life." She grinned. "You must have someone special in your life."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/02/2007 20:33:09

Chai could feel himself warming behind his mask. "Yes I do. And I think it's time we discussed just how special." He'd been holding back three very important words from Evie for a few weeks now, and in the light of his upcoming coronation, he realized with certainty they needed to talk about where their relationship was going.

And what they needed to do to get it there. It wasn't going to be easy, and maybe Chai would need a bit of liquid courage, but he needed to tell Evie how he felt, and the sooner the better.

	From: daughterofstars	Date: 10/02/2007 21:15:12

"Then perhaps you should get going," she said, assuming his special someone was at this party. "Don't let a little dance hold you back."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/02/2007 21:27:39

Chai squeezed her hand gently, and smiled. "Thank you. Now is probably a very good time." He gave her a little bow before stepping back. It shouldn't be hard to find Evie at all. The employees were pretty recognizable, and Chai knew he's know Evie by his outfit immediately. It was just a matter of time.

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/02/2007 21:39:39

Gideon had been observing, slithering his way around the room all night and watching the interactions. Once the star had split off from her escort he followed her, interested mostly because she did not usually come out to the parties and events. He eyed the dance floor as the star and her new partner circled and waited until they parted ways, seemingly premature. This he found most interesting and could not abide his curiosity much longer. "Excuse me sir," he said quickly as the man was trying to pass.

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/02/2007 21:46:22

Chai was certain he'd just spotted Evie. The lithe lean body in harem pants and a beaded mask could hardly belong to anyone else. And then someone was in his way and Chai, despite being in disguise, was too polite to push past. "Yes? May I help you?" He was careful not to let the bit of irritation in his voice through.

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/03/2007 11:33:19

"You might," he said with an uncharacteristic laugh. "Was that the star you were dancing with?" he asked, aiming to unravel this little mystery. He was one to collect tidbits and puzzle them out until he had an answer; after all was said and done it was his favorite pastime.

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/03/2007 15:40:28

Chai eyed him from behind his mask. "Well assuming there's only one walking about Aylasia, then I suppose yes, she's 'the' star. I could hardly find any other explanation for her shine." His mouth quirked up at the corner. "Why do you ask?"

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/03/2007 22:30:44

"Deeply curious," Gideon said warmly. "She is such a fascinating creature," he added, all smiles. "I haven't seen her in public in a good long while. I did wonder when she might come out again."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/03/2007 22:37:49

Chai was uncertain how to reply at first. He felt at though the man were trying to get at something he wasn't coming right out and saying. "She is. A wonderful conversationalist as well. Do you know her well?" Whatever it was he wanted, Chai wished he would get to the point. He spied Evie still working the crowd and impatience started to creep under his skin.

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/03/2007 22:47:48

"Only in passing sadly. She does seem quite delightful," he noticed the short answer and thought perhaps this gentlemen had other things to do. That wouldn't work within the parameters of his game however. He smiled. "I did wonder where her escort wandered off to," he said, looking around. "I'm curious that he would leave such a lovely girl to wander alone."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/03/2007 23:00:20

Now Chai was more than just curious. It almost felt like the man was digging for information despite his pleasant-seeming demeanor, information Chai was certain he did not have. "I wasn't aware she came with an escort, actually. The lady approached me and asked for a dance. I didn't see who she came in with, or where he might've gone to by now."

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/03/2007 23:19:17

"Curious indeed," Gideon said lightly. Ganymede always had kept a low profile; she was very good at discretion whether by nature or practice. "Well I must compliment you all the same," he said off-handedly. "Miss Orion has always had the best taste."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/03/2007 23:24:59

Chai nodded again. "Thank you," he responded, unsure if that was what he should reply. He hesitated and then asked, "Is there anything else I can help you with? I feel as though there's more you'd like to ask..." He should probably just take an opportunity to leave, but there was definitely something the man was saying that he wasn't actually saying.

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/04/2007 00:06:46

Gideon smiled at the perceptive youth. "Not at all," he said. Obviously this man wouldn't have answers for him, at least not the kind of answers he desired, though he would like a name. Clearly if the star took an interest in him, even just a passing, casual interest, then there was something special about this man. It had always been so, though no one could explain it. "Though I am curious as to your name," he baited with a smile. "I would be more than happy to tell you my own in exchange."

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/04/2007 10:52:04

Chai hesitated for a moment and then shrugged. It couldn't hurt to tell him his name now. Come Monday the man would know he'd spoken to the king. "Chai. My name is Chai. And yours?" And maybe the man would prove to be someone Chai would find as memorable after tonight.

	From: gideon_morrow	Date: 10/04/2007 20:31:17

"Gideon Morrow," he replied easily. He already knew who Chai was, had worked around him a bit in Parliament. He let his name hang on the air a moment before nodded and stepping past Chai. "Do take care," he said cordially.

	From: notvanilla_chai	Date: 10/04/2007 22:15:05

"The same to you," Chai responded as Gideon moved on. Chai did recognize the name, and was certain he'd be able to put a face to it once his mind wasn't otherwise occupied. But for now, he worked his way through the crowd, heading directly for the pale young man dressed only in harem pants.

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/01/2007 23:04:32

Evie was giddy. It could have been the lingering buzz from the performance he'd just given. Or it could have been the three glasses of champagne he'd already had that night, courtesy of a few adoring patrons. No doubt due to his choice of costume, what little there was of it. But it was most likely knowing that, come Monday, Chai would be king and Evie would...Well, they still had to discuss just what Evie would be, and the thought had butterflies swirling in his stomach.

However, that could wait. This was a party after all, and he intended to enjoy himself - while keeping an eye out for Chai, of course. So, Evie mingled, his identity only barely hidden by a small veil of sparkling beads across his face and the magic he'd used to hide the tattoo that usually adorned his chest. Grabbing a colorful drink from a passing tray, he whirled through the crowd, the spangles at his hips, swirling invitingly.

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/01/2007 23:27:06

Miya had arrived late, but it was more for discretion sake rather than being fashionable. But then again, discretion wasn't needed when the theme of the party was masks and costumes.

Dressed in a simple outfit of black with a two toned mask, he slowly mingled around the crowd, a drink at hand. He sipped slowy at the cocktail, happily buzzed at the moment. He fiddled with the long fingerless sleeves that hid the tattoos that ran up and down his arms. Maybe someone interesting would catch his eye soon.

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 00:02:06

It was Evie that caught sight of the pretty young thing first - not that other's hadn't noticed - and he made his excuses, extricating himself from an admirer old enough to be his mother before heading over. Colorful drink in hand, Evie let a little smile play around his mouth as he slipped up beside the young man.

"That's certainly an interesting costume," he murmured warmly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Are you here alone?"

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 00:08:42

He was almost surprised to find someone sneak up on him so quickly like that, but either way, he gave a small nod of his head and a murmured thank you. Lower lips wetted, he chewed on the inside of his cheek, always the nervous one when it came to new social settings.

"Always a loner." Miya laughed at that, a hand going to smooth down his shirt. "And you? Would it be too rash to assume that you're one of the dancers here?"

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 00:48:43

Oh, this one was sweet, and perfect for the plucking. Evie could practically hear Nita in his head, reminding him that tonight's party was just as much business as it was pleasure. It'd look good if Evie brought in a few new customers.

"Perhaps a loner, but surely there's no need to be alone here." It was a casual comment as Evie stepped closer under the guise of letting someone pass. "Me? No, I'm no dancer. My costume is perhaps misleading. I do, however, engage in a variety of performances here in the cabaret. Mostly, I sing." Another sip of his drink and Evie, licked hi lips. "What about yourself? You don't seem familiar. Are you new here?" Obviously he was, but Evie knew how to play the game.

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 00:53:04

He laughed at that as a blush dusted his cheeks. "That obvious, yeah?" After all, it wasn't as if he frequented places like this often, he was usually stuck in the library or at work or something equally student like and boring.

"I'm a student, most of my time's spent amongst books and greenery." As if to demonstrate, he reached over to the side where flowers were standing in a vase and lightly curled his fingers around the stem. Under his touch, the flower unfurled into full blossom.

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 01:19:20

Evie's eyes widened slightly behind his veil. "Very nice. They're teaching you well, I see. However," he purred as he caught the boy's gaze behind his mask. "All that work...you have to play sometime." Evie's smile held a hint of seduction. "You do like to play, don't you?"

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 01:22:15

"Uhm."

Miya blinked rapidly at that, the faint hint of a blush now full blown red against his cheeks. "Of course." He never had been good at handling extra attention. "What do... you like to do?"

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 01:31:41

The smile blossomed into a knowing grin. "Oh, I do anything. Everything." Evie's hand slid down his side almost absently, as if to draw attention to pale, bare skin of his torso. "You could say I'm especially good at fantasies. Whatever you want, I can provide. so I guess the real question is...what is it that you like to do?"

the young man was a little nervous, he could tell, but the blush was a good sign. He seemed more interested than really embarrassed.

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 01:35:21

Confusion slid on his face. "Fantasy?"

And then, realization set in and his eyes went wide. "Wait a minute, I think...I think you're getting the wrong idea!" He shook his head and quickly downed the rest of his drink. "I mean, you're very pretty and all but I don't think I want to..to pay for services or something."

His eyes went in search for another drink. He needed one. Now.

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 09:19:20

Evie laughed at the expression on his face. "Wow, a compliment and a refusal all in the same breath. But don't worry, friend," he added, throwing a friendly arm around the young man's shoulder. "If I'm not to you're liking, any number of people here might be. And don't worry about paying, either. New guests always get a free sample of the goods."

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 09:30:10

He gave a brief sigh of relief, shoulders sagging slightly. "Thanks." A bright smile tugged at Miya's lips, happy that he wasn't going to be pressured into...that.

As a tray of drinks were passed around, Miya snagged one, sipping at it casually. "What exactly are we supposed to do here anyways? Mingling is good and all, but I can't do it forever."

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 11:02:27

Evie arched a brow. "Have you never been to a party before? We're here to have fun! Mingling is part of that, meeting new people, making connections. Or, considering this is a masquerade, perhaps meeting old friends without realizing it and starting anew. I'm sure there's at least one person here that you know."

He gestured vaguely with his free hand, gaze wandering around the room. "Wearing a mask usually makes people bolder than they'd otherwise be and that makes for some interesting hijinks. But if you're still ill at ease, there's going to be a few more performances tonight that you simply can't miss."

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 11:15:49

To be honest, Miya was used to the clubs down by the dark alley ways and sketchy streets, he was used to dancing under the thrum of loud live music and mass crowds of people dancing with him.

"I guess I haven't been to an actual party like this in awhile." He fingered his mask, making sure it was firmly in place. "I'm more used to the clubs, not something as nice as this."

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 12:27:47

Evie scoffed and chuckled into his drink as he took a sip. "The society folks would hardly call this a 'nice' party. It's certainly more fun than any of their soirées." He finished off his glass and set it down on a passing tray, immediately reaching for another. "Drink more," he suggested cheerfully. "It'll loosen you up some, and make you bolder. They don't call it 'liquid courage' for nothing."

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 13:16:10

He laughed at that and simply reached for another glass. "I guess you're right. Besides, it IS a party and I should just learn to be less...antisocial. So bottom's up."

With a grin, he gently clinked his glass to Evie's.

	From: pretty_peculiar	Date: 10/02/2007 13:28:45

Bottom's up, indeed. He clinked his glass with the young man's and returned the grin. "Rember, have fun. And if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, you can always get away from the crowd in the courtyard."

	From: burningforyou	Date: 10/02/2007 20:49:32

"Don't worry, I'll keep what you said locked up in here." He tapped his head at that. And with a nod and one last grin, he downed his glass and set it down, walking off to search for more people and perhas another drink or two.

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 10/02/2007 00:38:51

As always, Siobhan showed up fashionably late. But he'd wanted to look his best and he considered it time well spent; he'd gotten the effect he'd been going for.

He was dressed to the nines in a virginal white courtesan's dress - one from his own wardrobe - with dainty pink shoes and the hair to match, his face artfully done up behind a silver mask that sparkled with little crystals. He was stunning, he knew and he drew more than a few gazes when he entered the lounge. However, he was only interested in the gaze of one man, one who he'd have plenty of fun looking for in the crowd of costumed partygoers.

For now, he contented himself with mingling, refraining himself from using his magic to find Seamus immediately.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 01:22:19

Oharu found himself as one of the many heads turning to view the peculiar beauty who entered late. Few had made such an entrance on this wonderful evening and the woman behind the mask was really stunning in full costume. He felt daring and since he had to occupy himself for a good long while before he could meet up with Isabella again he thought he'd act on impulse.

"Good evening," he said cordially. "Might I be the first to ask you to dance?"

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 10/02/2007 01:48:12

Siobhan's eyes lit up in delight at the gentleman's sudden appearance and his even more unexpected request. "It would be my pleasure, sir," Siobhan said with a an incline of his head, and he offered his hand to the stranger.

Hardly a few minutes there, and already a dance request. The fairy was certain it was a new personal record and he smiled all the more brightly.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 01:54:58

"And it would be my honor," he said sweetly, taking the offered hand and escorting the lovely creature to the dance floor. "I must compliment you on your stunning presentation," he said. "It is a terrible shame that there was not applause upon your entrance."

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 10/02/2007 09:24:46

"You flatter me, sir," Siobhan said, a giggle behind the words, following gracefully as he let this charming stranger lead the dance. "But you're right. It is a terrible shame. I went through all this trouble and only you seem to appreciate it."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 19:56:43

He grinned under his mask. "I do believe others appreciate the efforts. They are only too slow to reap the benefits of such appreciation." As far as flattery was concerned he was bringing his A game tonight.

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 10/04/2007 18:33:30

Siobhan laughed as they spun across the floor, an engaging and enchanting sound. "How lucky for you that you're so quick, then. And just as skilled with your feet as you are with your words." The little fairy was certainly enjoying himself already, thanks mostly to this charming stranger.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/04/2007 20:41:06

"I've been training," he said with warmth. "I haven't always been this sure footed," he admitted humbly.

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 10/04/2007 22:49:18

"Hmm," the little fairy hummed with some amusement. "You sound like you were like my husband before I got to him."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/07/2007 04:22:02

"Dance trainer?" he questioned with mild amusement. "I imagine if your husband was anything so bad as me then he would have benefited greatly from your influence."

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 10/09/2007 14:24:00

Siobhan laughed again and thought briefly of the star he'd met a little while ago. "I'm no dance trainer," he denied airily, blue eyes sparkling with mischief behind his mask. "But you could say I helped him find his rhythm." The little charm he'd put on Seamus when they'd first met certainly hadn't hurt, either.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/11/2007 06:33:06

"If he moves anything so well as you then he's a lovely dancer," Oharu said warmly, "and you should become a dance trainer."

	From: unseeliebeauty	Date: 11/09/2007 10:57:44

"Perhaps," Siobhan said thoughtfully as they glided across the floor. "But I've got an awful temper and no kind of patience. And my husband's terribly jealous." He gave his partner a teasing smile. "I probably shouldn't even be dancing with you right now." It was a joke, really. Seamus probably wouldn't get too miffed to see Siobhan dancing with another man. Probably.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 11/19/2007 06:25:40

"We could always partake in safer pursuits," Oharu offered sweetly. "Such as a drink, or an innocent chat away from the dance floor."

	From: _blackirish	Date: 11/19/2007 20:38:13

It had taken Seamus a decent amount of time, no cheating of course, to find Siobhan and as he stepped up to the couple dancing, he knew without a shadow of a doubt he was behind the white mask, pink-haired and fully dressed in white. Seamus overhead the very last comment the masked man made, and he smiled beneath his own black half-mask, his voice pleasant as he spoke. "Unfortunately sir, I think I'll be cutting in and stealing this one away." He had no idea who was behind the mask; he was more focused on the fact that Siobhan's dress was gorgeous and flattering. More importantly though, he'd found him, and that meant a dance and a reward.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 01:26:55

Ohana had ditched her brother some time ago and had been wandering the party, snatching the occasional drink from one of the trays circulating the floor. She was having far too much fun dancing with random partners and laughing louder than was really necessary. This was her element and she wondered why she had never considered this place for a job.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/02/2007 11:25:25

Seamus could have found Siobhan with ease, if he hadn't promised to do it the old-fashioned way. So instead he searched the crowd, a drink in hand. It was his third by now; several guests, and two young women he assumed were employees had delayed him. He had the oddest sensation the two women were twins. Besides their complimentary outfits -- something like harlequins -- they had very similar voices and inflections. They wheedled a dance from him, before he begged off to continue looking for Siobhan.

He had to admit he wasn't quite watching where he was going, and that was why he manage to do the bumping into this time around. "Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 20:09:27

Ohana laughed. "Nobody is tonight!" she exclaimed. "Though to make up for bumping you'll have to do a little grinding." Her eyes were big with excitement and she was already moving closer to the man who had bumped her.

	From: _blackirish	Date: 10/02/2007 20:15:20

Seamus's eyes went just a little wide at that. Many people were at least a bit tipsy, and flirting outrageously, but none had come on quite so strong as this woman in gold. He stepped back and performed a small bow, but the step was really to place just a bit of space between them. "It shames me to have to turn down a dance" -- at least he hoped that's what she was intending -- "but I'm involved in a bit of a hunt for someone in particular."

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 20:58:01

Ohana wasn't ordinarily one to take no for an answer, but she also knew when she wouldn't win. "Good luck then!" she said with a short curtsy before turning back to the people around her and starting to dance again.

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/02/2007 21:15:18

The gentleman completely covered over shook his head. "Just because an animal looks tasty I'm sure that someone will miss it. Familiars."

He said almost absently as he entered the room from the courtyard. For some strange converstation, and holding a dog, in his arms

"WOff Woff. I'm a dooooog!" the beast said to the assembly.
His owner almost bowled a dancer over.
"Excuse me Ma'am."
"Barc!" The familiar said at her.

	From: ohana_oharu	Date: 10/02/2007 21:19:33

Ohana barked back and howled with laughter. "What a spectacular costume!" she exclaimed of the little familiar. "How fabulous you are!"

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/02/2007 21:39:01

The familiar looked at the strange mage lady, with wild hair, and big friendly eyes under the face cover. He cooed.

"I'll be you thought I was a dog." He couldn't maintain the thread of the conversation "I ate a bird!!"

"Ikra."
"It wasn't a parrot." the Familiar said. "It talked!"

"He bit a bird. He confused eating with biting the bird is alright.It's missing a feather."

"I'm still hungry! I wanna eat the bird again!"
"Bite it... and no."

"You should marry that lady. She has a fluffy coat!" The familiar announced to his mage. "I think she is beautiful!"

	From: blood_dance	Date: 10/02/2007 21:48:07

"It is a spectacular costume," Isabella agreed with the woman in gold as she strolled by. "On both mage and familiar." She looked at the man in the bird-like mask and said with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry though, if Nita sees your familiar in here, she'll have a bit of a fit. Familiars have to stay out in the courtyard."

She looked over at the woman again and smiled. "Stunning dress, and the shoes are divine, dear." She laid a hand on her shoulder before continuing off, working the crowd.

	From: able_kanaan	Date: 10/02/2007 21:52:04

"Dreadfully sorry madam. But I did not know." He took a bow. "I will have to take this one and put him in a C-A-G-E until the evening is over or he can stop eating his companions."

"I wanna snakc. I wanna dance with Ladies! What is that?" The Familliar said everything it wanted and thought as he was carried out the door. Not knowing he would have to go in a cage for tonight for his crimes

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 05:37:24

Hamlin worked the crowd with anonymous charm and charisma. He'd been making the usual rounds though without the usual consequences. He didn't have to weigh his words so carefully for tonight they were all frivolous and silly things. He danced and drank, laughed and let loose in a way he hadn't been able to in a very long time. He wasn't ordinarily the party type, not in the sense of this party. The mask did more than hide him from his usual business; it opened up a whole new avenue of behavior he was happily exploring.

He'd spotted someone very pretty and wearing wings. He didn't know Samra was coming, which was part of the reason why he'd asked Ganymede to come with him. He would have been fine coming alone, but he wanted the companionship tonight (and he figured it was always good to try and get Gany out of the house). He didn't know why he was drawn to this woman with the red and black wings, not until he was very close to her.

"May I beg you for a dance?" he asked sweetly, recognizing the sweet scent of cherries and chocolate. She must have been baking for Enki. He also caught a flash of the red thread at her hip, no worse for the usual wear. The adoption had done some good for her marriage and it was a bittersweet sort of victory for Hamlin the mastermind.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 05:44:29

"You don't have to beg," she replied just as sweetly. She didn't recognize him, at least not consciously. There was something about this man with the full face mask and the strange voice, something so familiar it harkened back to her childhood. She couldn't place it and she couldn't shake it as one hand moved to his shoulder and the other found one of his hands to clasp gently.

It was almost like the feeling she got when she first recognized Hamlin after his reverse aging. There was some kind of connection between them, fate was working in ways that neither party was ready to understand. She couldn't be sure and she didn't want to ruin the lovely surprise by asking if he was in fact Hamlin. That was part of the fun of this evening, trying to guess who was who and playing the game of strangers with your closest friends.

She smiled over to him. "It's no fair, the full mask," she said. "I can't tell if you're enjoying our dance."

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 05:48:33

"I assure you, I am," he replied, the smile on his face genuine though she couldn't see it. "I would politely excuse myself if I wasn't," he added, swinging her lightly around the dance floor. There were several different sorts of dancing happening this evening. He noticed the weaver who always caused him apprehension was dirty dancing with every stranger she met. There were some dancing closely, some dancing wildly, and there were many like him, who were dancing very politely, very old-fashioned like a cotillion in a grand hall and not a masquerade in a brothel on Silk Road.

"You look very lovely this evening," he said, almost enjoying the fact that she didn't recognize him yet. He could probably say anything and get away with it so long as he didn't remove his mask.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 05:56:09

"Thank you," she said, genuinely pleased that this stranger liked her ensemble. The strange feeling was ever so much stronger now that he was holding her. She pushed it away, concentrating on the music and the rush of being surrounded by so many people in such a good mood. "Do you come here often?" she asked, a silly smile twisting her lips at the terrible pick up line.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 05:58:21

He laughed brightly at that and squeezed her hip where his hand rested comfortably. "I would say not," he replied. "There are other places I like to frequent where the fare is not so scandalous." Like your kitchen with your terrible faerie cooking. He laughed at his thoughts, enjoying himself so very much. "You're an excellent dancer," he commented. "I'd no idea."

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 05:59:48

"You're not so bad yourself," she said smartly before she made another turn. "Do you know who I am?" she asked, her own hand squeezing his shoulder. She was comfortable and relaxed. The little touches might have bothered her if she thought that this was really a complete stranger.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 06:06:30

"I suppose I do have the unfair advantage," he admitted, pulling her very gently so that their bodies were much closer. "I do know you." He made another turn as they rounded the corner of the dance floor. "We've never danced before; so I don't suppose that you'd know I'm a good dancer either. On that account we are even."

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 06:11:04

"But certainly not on the account of identity," she replied. She didn't mind the teasing, but now the mystery grew and the butterflies rapidly multiplying in her stomach had increased. She knew it wasn't Garage. She would have seen the marriage bond they shared at his hip, and he never would have left Enki at home last minute. Again she touched on the idea that it was Hamlin and it didn't seem like such an impossibility. "You are teasing me truly sir."

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 06:13:53

"I'm afraid if you guess our fun will be ruined," he said lightly, practically whispering in her hair they were so close now. His mask brushed against hers and he laughed as the leafy tendrils shivered with his touch. It didn't escape his notice that she shivered a bit as well. "Are you cold?" he asked with care.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 06:16:08

"I am merely confounded by the mystery of you," she answered, her tone full of reverence. The fae part of her loved when things fascinated her so, and this man that she knew but could not name had garnered her full attention. "Why do you make me feel this way?" she whispered, her stomach turning as her thoughts betrayed her. Even Garage has never made me feel this way, as if the whole world was on fire and you were the sea come to wash it all away.

	From: hamlin_graves	Date: 10/02/2007 06:19:39

"I should ask the same of you," he whispered, actually taking his hand and brushing the tendrils of her mask back so that he could gain such intimate access to her ear. His hand slipped down to her back, resting at the small curve comfortably. "Why can I not stop my thoughts of you? Why do you keep me awake so many nights? I have never been more tired my love," he said, his breath catching when the last word slipped his tongue so casually. "Yet I have never wanted sleep less," he added as he regained balance. His heart was beating faster than it ever had and it was his turn to shiver against her as if a great chill had filled the heated room.

	From: samra_chance	Date: 10/02/2007 06:27:32