The wind blew on that glorious night of the Masquerade. The weather wasn't too hot, too cold, not in Indigo's opinion. No, the weather was just perfect for dancing with fair maidens, flirting with a princess or two, drinking the night away... And, of course, stealing the King of Afterclaw's treasures. Yes... That most certainly was the highlight of this trip.

Stepping out of the carriage, the brunette looked around him with an aura of elegance. People knew who Duke Indigo was; a man of pure kindness and a humble thinking process. He wasn't supposed to walk by a poor, homeless hag without sparing a gold coin. That was who Duke Indigo was, but that most certainly didn't speak for the selfish Frederick. The thief who was on the loose for countless bounties of theft, and he was possibly charged with murder. But no one would find out it was Frederick under the metaphorical mask; instead, it would be Indigo under the literal mask on his face.

He dipped his head to a group of women passing by and approached them. "Ah," one woman began, looking in her thirties, "if it isn't Duke Indigo of Rendisone! I didn't expect you to be here."

Indigo laughed and shook his head. "My dear lady, I've never had the time in the past to come... Work projects, certain happenings at the mansion... I thought I would stop thinking about work and come have some fun for once. I am quite excited for what lies ahead." The women laughed with him, going on ahead into the party as he was stopped by a guard. "Ah, yes... Invitation."

He dipped his hand into his coat pocket, pulling out the paper for him. The guard checked it, then looked at Indigo's eyes under the mask. "Any weapons we need to know about, Duke? It'd be a shame if we were to have you kicked out during the festivities."

Indigo smiled kindly at the guard. This smile was fake, but it didn't seem fake to the man in front of him. It even seemed fake to the female guard that approached to listen to the Duke. "Why would I need a weapon?" He laughed like a carefree sailor, his body covered by the black cape he was wearing. Even if they tried, they would be able to find the dagger... Or so he hoped. "I promise you, if anything goes badly or someone sneaks in unauthorized, I trust you guards to take care of it. Ta ta~!" He moved swiftly past the two and into the party, prepared for whatever might come at him.

@ineffable

Naina got ready. Fitting the shoulder less dazzling white gown over herself. It had a full skirt with a lacy navy bow in the back and glittered with small navy blue diamonds stitched in at the edges. She fit her mask over her face and left her tiara in its special box. No one should know who she was, obeying the rules of the masquerade and if she wore her tiara it would give it away for sure. She went out of her room where the guards stationed there bowed at her. She exited the palace by using the garden door and then winding all the way back to the front to enter like every other guest did. She reached the guards at the front and handed them her invitation. She murmured something under her breath to them, to let them know that she was the princess so they could look out for her before entering the huge ballroom. Once inside she saw a man with brunette hair who was looking around him. She swept her skirts around her and made her way to him. She gave a small smile and a greeting.
"How are you finding the ball so far?"She asks him.
@sharksama

Rosetta was filled with anxiety, she couldn't believe she had managed such an invitation. Although at the same time this hadn't beem her first time attending such an event since her father was so well known in the upper class world.

Rosetta patted off her emerald green ball gown as she exited her coach. She held herself tall as she walked eloquently to the gates. Around which the gardens were absolute perfection!
"Stunning! Very well taken care of which I absolutely impressive what they much pay in their up keep" Rosetta said aloud to herself before noticing the guard.

She hurried to him amd handed him her invite, "Rosetta Marie Holland my good sir." The guard just looked at the paper and nodded, "Any weapons Miss.Holland?" Rosetta smiled a lovely smiled and with a bit of flushed cheeks she leaned to him and said, "If I were to say yes would you give me a full search? I might enjoy a pat down from someone as muscular as you." She giggled and then waved to the guard, "I am sorry just having a bit of fun I am actually rather nervous I have no need for weapons." The guard opened the door for her then seeming rather unphased by her playful joke so Rosetta just adjusted her mask and stepped inside.

Looking around she seen two others nearest the door, finding it better to avoid people for now she made her way to the banquets to find herself a snack. This she had hoped would ease her nerves. Rosetta was not a child anymore and wouldn't be sent to the children's wing for a ball, no this time she was stuck here to mingle and hopefully not embarrass herself.

The young butler started to head into the castle through the side as the invitation to work as a temporary butler to a noble for the night was allowed by his Cafe's boss, Skylar. It was quite surprising that he would get an invitation to anywhere, and even more so to a fancy ball such as this event. His red mask to cover his eyes, he heads through the security checkpoint without too much trouble...not really worried that his Bracelet of Holding nor Handkerchief of Magical Detection would get him in trouble. The fancy suited butler decided to find a noble that seemed to need his attention and commit himself to attending to her, preferably a her, for the ball. After all, he kept having an itching feeling to serve a person and ended up using his Handkerchief to look for a magical individual if possible. Eventually, he reaches a noble youthful lady of sorts and does a deep bow to her.

"Good evening madam, my name is not of high honor nor nobility. Tis just a normal name called Quinton and I have come upon a troubling predicament. You see, I was somehow allowed to participate in the ball as a guest though I am merely a servant...however, I do have a strange feeling to do my actual duties in aiding a person. If you don't mind, would it be alright if I served as your butler for the night? Whatever the lady desires within fit and mature matters, I will do my best to accomplish it."

@Sleepyhollows

Western formal wear was definitely something else. Khalid didn't completely understand the point of a shirt, and a tie, and a vest, and a jacket, but it was what the Westerners did and he didn't feel like standing out tonight. Besides, the suit was a beautiful silver color with a long back and he rather liked it. So maybe there was something to suits after all.

Once he was sure his tie was on properly, he put his mask on and did a double check in the mirror. To him, his eyes still stood out as being not very human, but the gold of the mask seemed to down-play the flickering light a bit. Hopefully it would be a decent enough disguise.

He double-checked to make sure he had his invitation - something he was still rather surprised he had received - and before he knew it, he was at the gates.

Khalid offered his invite and allowed the guard to pat him down for weapons, and then he was allowed in. If there was any place to make trade agreements, this would be the place, and Khalid fully intended to take the opportunity.

Indigo smiled at the woman. She looked fine; beautiful dress, beautiful mask, beautiful face... He wondered if she was nobility or just a pretty peasant. Regardless, he bowed to her lowly. "Ah, milady," he said, voice full of velvet. He looked around him one last time before staring into her face. "The ball? It's fantastic, so far. I've only just come in, so I'm not quite sure what to think of it... I'm ready to have some fun around here; dancing, eating, chatting with beautiful women such as yourself... I'm ready for all of it."

He was also ready to sneak away during the party to take a good look at the King's treasury. He would never mention that to someone, though, especially since the king was possibly nearby. He eyed around the room for the male; no one, just a butler and another fair looking woman, and a fancy man walking into the ball. Nothing suspicious, nothing out of the ordinary... This was going to be an easy one.

Indigo looked at the woman. "I am Indigo. And who might you be, young woman? Possibly nobility? I wouldn't be surprised if you were, if I might say so myself."

@ineffable

@sharksamaNaina smiled as she talked to Indigo. He had something about him that made her pause for a moment. He looked as if he was thinking of something far off, his mind wasn't in the moment and that made her pause. She answered, lying "Call me Ina. And I'm not nobility."She gives a little giggle at this, as if it were absolutely preposterous for him to say that. "Just a mere seamstresses. How about you, Indigo?"

@cloudystar

"Yes thank you may I please just have a glass of wine, I prefer white but red will be alright too sir." Rosetta said as she repositioned her deer like mask. As she waited she would look around to see many more have arrived. This meant yet again she was overflowing with anxiety but a drink and little cakes should indeed help. Taking one from the table it was so beautiful! How could one eat such art!? Her stomach on the other hand was screaming 'yum!' so she ate it. The taste was amazing yet it made her more thirsty. Where was that butler?

Echo smiled excitedly at the large castle. This was where the party was to take place. She adjusted her mask and tried to contain her giggles. She had recieved strange looks before because of her neverending excitement over small things, but she couldn't help it. Everything was just so amazing and exciting. How was she supposed to react?

The guards eyed her strangely as she showed them her invitation. The young woman before them seemed too young to be a jewel magnate, but that was what she was. They had heard of her of course. Everyone had. It was rumored that the royal family was looking to invest in her.

The sight of the ballroom made her stop in her tracks. Behind her mask her eyes widened, sparkling with amazement.
It was so beautiful. So grand. Echo hadn't been on land for long, but she hadn't seen anything like this so far. She had listened to the stories of others of their Wander Years and the things they had seen. She had tried to imagine it for herself, but her imagination paled in comparison to the reality before her.

There were lots of people. Men in dashing suits. Ladies in beautiful gowns. Servers gliding among them, offering food and drinks.
One of them offered her a tall thin glass of sparkling gold liquid. She took it and sipped it experimentally. Her eyes lit up and a small giggle escaped her. "It's bubbly!" she exclaimed. "What is this?"
"Champange Miss," the server said, frowning and stepping away from the girl in confusion.
"It tickles," Echo giggled as she sipped more.

Then something caught her eye and she sat her half-drunk glass down pursue her curiosity. The server sighed and shook his head. Eccentric or crazy? He wasn't certain he wanted to know which she was.

Obliged to serve, he immediately returned from receiving a cup of white wine, doing a small bow as he does so. He presents it to her with a dignified look of sorts, making sure his presentation was suitable to the young woman's desires. After all, a fancy party such as this required the butler to be even more exquisite in his mannerisms than usual. Nothing phased this hard-working butler, his attention purely devoted to his temporary mistress.

"I hope I took little time in my absence madam. It was not too much of a task to find a cup of wine for you to drink, but to find one with a proper glass that didn't have a speck of dust was rather difficult. In the end, I had to find a new bottle of white wine to crack open, and pouring it into a glass I was able to find and clean thoroughly myself. If this cup of wine isn't to your liking, feel free to ask for more madam. The name is Quinton, the butler, if you ever happen to need to call me by name."

@Sleepyhollows

@ineffable@Sleepyhollows@Belle@cloudystar@SilverFallen



"My apologies, Madame, but it seems we will be arriving a tad late."

The pearlescent sheen of the elegant carriage shined amidst the light of the evening sun sinking below the hills with a gilded shimmer and bathing any and all in its soothing warmth as it rose to signal the end of yet another day, but the beginning of what would be a lovely and memorable night for the redheaded woman.

Claudia, who sat quietly and entranced in thought, her soft, pale cheek resting upon her hand, a few dainty fingers drumming against her skin, she sighed a tad bothersome and batted her eyelashes a few times as the city scenery passed her by and the prestigious palace came into view of her languishing sapphire eyes.

"Madame?" The chauffeur Winston, a man in his mid thirties, wearing the proper attire of a personal driver and escort, glanced back at her, whispering smoothly yet courteously to gain her attention. "Madame, I said we shall be arriving late. My sincerest apologies for being the cause of your tardiness, my lady."

To this a soft smile crept across Claudia's plump ruby lips, parting to answer softly with quite the refined giggle, ~"Oh please, Sir Winston, there is no need to punish yourself for a mere fraction of time. After all...there is such a thing as arriving...fashionably late, is there not?"~

The driver's cheeks reddened a little, precocious as always Claudia was. The carriage came to a halt, out first stepping Winston to open the door for his lady....and then....into the beaming light of the sun she emerged, robed in such lovely and elegant attire, again fitting more of a princess or a refined, sophisticated young woman, rather than the owner of a...notoriously raunchy nightclub.

"It is rather bright still, Miss. Would you care for your parasol?" Winston asked as Claudia stepped down from the carriage.

Yet with a sincere gesture of her hand she replied, ~"No need for that."~ Winston nodded and soon departed from her, leaving her at the entrance.

She glanced around at all the partygoers, quite a few handsome chaps, and quite a few lovely ladies as well, all of aristocracy or nobility no less. She curtseyed to the guards and presented her invitation to them, a soft yet mischievous twinkle to her eyes beneath her exquisite porcelain mask. ~"Miss Claudia DeFeren, gentlemen. Forgive my tardiness, but the traffic was so dreadful coming here."~ Claudia smiled softly.

The guards smiled back, one replying, "Ah yes, Miss DeFeren. We've been expecting you. His Majesty has said many wonderful things about his evening escapades at your establishment. Please, if you would, welcome. The party has just begun. Ah, but before you enter, are you perhaps carrying any weapons on you, Miss?"

~"Why heavens no!"~ Claudia giggled, her tone quite sensual as a wry smirk found its way to her lips, her dainty fingers reaching to brush through her long, voluminous crimson locks. ~"Hehe~ Honey, the only trouble I'm looking to cause is after the party~. Maybe you strong, handsome fellows would like to join me, hmm?"~

"Haha, eh...n-no need for that, Miss DeFeren." The guards laughed quite sheepishly, both men blushing heavily. Claudia grinned rather coy. The men gave her a courteous bow and opened the door for her shortly after. "Please, enjoy your evening, Miss."

~"Ah, thank you, darling."~ Claudia cooed and strolled inside to the main ballroom, a light yet bold smack on the bottom of the flustered guard.

Men weren't much her forte frankly, but she enjoyed toying with them as much as she did women. Speaking of women, there were indeed a lovely few her wandering, languid eyes fell upon. Ah yes, quite the few beautiful dames she was hoping to charm tonight, all the fine, aristocratic women of dear Afterclaw.

One in particular had caught her by her sweet, fanciful giggle, an adorable blonde woman in a slightly revealing dress exposing her midriff. Claudia's lips curled into a decadent smirk. She was absolutely stunning, this young beauty, and...she was absolutely Claudia's.

~"My, aren't you an adorable thing, sweetie!"~ The redhead purred strolling elegantly up to the blonde, still present that oh so mischievous glint of sapphire blue. ~"Lovely night, isn't it? Though not as lovely as you, my dear. Pray tell, what is your name?"~ Claudia inquired with a soft, warm smile in greeting. Her first catch of the night hopefully. This woman was indeed quite gorgeous to her.

The young butler found out that the lady he was serving was too busy eating and trying out the wine he brought for her, so he soon left her for a moment to wander around for a bit. Quinton eventually does find his good friend, Madam Claudia, heading over to check on her. He chuckles a bit as he sees the wise/charming woman attempting to flirt with a much more youthful one. Quickly going back to where he got the wine for the last madam, he summons a tray from his Bracelet of Holding to put on two wine glasses on top and filling them with red wine. Heading over to Claudia once more, he does a low bow and winks at his friend.

"Hello Madam Claudia, it has been a while if not a short one. And good evening madam with Madam Claudia. Not shocking that I'd find you here too Madam Claudia, a woman of your status and beauty being absent at such an event would be insulting to the hosts. Excuse my tongue for that, it is a way I hope to compliment a friend. Would you care for some wine Madam Claudia and her soon-to-be friend hopefully? I may not work here legitimately, I will gladly devote my service to a friend and a friend's friend."

@Rusalka@Belle

@Rusalka@cloudystar

Echo had been feeling the material of the curtains when the woman spoke to her. She was surprised for a moment, then smiled widely. "My name is Echo," she said with an impish grin. "You're really pretty. Your eyes look like sapphires," she commented. It was obvious that she was not flirting, merely stating her opinion. Her eyes held nothing but innocent wonder as she rubbed the material of the drape against her cheek. The heavy material was a kind of velvet. "This feels so strange. You brush it one way and it's smooth, but brush it another way and it is bumpy and tickly."

Those around her were looking at her like she might be not quite all there. When the waiter approached she dropped the drape, her short attention span immediately marveling at the rich ruby color of the liquid in the glass. "First liquid gold, now liquid rubies!" She giggled before taking a sip. Her face took on a sour expression. The wine was strong. "I'm sorry," she told the man in the suit. "I don't mean to be rude but I don't like it," she said, replacing the glass on the tray.

Echo's excited gaze swept the hall. "It's all so beautiful isn't it? Like a storybook."

@cloudystar@Belle



~"Oh please, darling! You flatter me so~!"~ Claudia chuckled smiling to Echo. What a peculiar name, she thought, but still just as adorable as the innocent lttle flower she was, a flower that smelled just as sweet too as the woman caught hinto of her perfume. She mused pleasantly observing the girl, thinking of how cute she was exploring everything, her curious, whimsical nature. Twas obvious she was not from these parts, perhaps not even part of this world, but it mattered not to Claudia. She smirked, a devilish curl of her soft ruby lips. How could she get this sweet little thing all by her lonesome?

As she pondered this, a server had come up to her. Once he spoke her name, she nearly hopped out of her dress, whirling around excitedly with a cheerful greeting, ~"Oh my~! Quinton deary, is it really you? By Hecate, it's been years since I last saw you! You look wonderful, darling!"~

What a surprise to run into an old chap, at a private ball of all places too. Claudia lightly kissed both Quinton's cheeks, being careful not to tump over his tray. She took one of the wine glasses delicately into her hands, but before partaking, she gave the young man a wry smile. ~"Hehe~ Now I do hope none of these are laced with poison, you cheeky thing."~ Of course Quinton would be foolish to pull such a stunt here. Claudia was just giving him a hard time. Eloquently she sipped of the sparkling red, a pleasant smile crossing her lips. ~"Ahh...excellent. A nice Vintage, sweet but with enough of a bite on the end. A good choice, dear Quinton."~

She turned to the blonde Echo, a soft snicker. Not many were a fan of good wine she presumed.

~"Indeed, my charming Echo, like a scene from a fairytale."~ She agreed with another sip of her wine, setting it aside. ~"My fair maiden, would you care to dance with me? I would be honored to grace the dancefloor with your beautiful presence. Ah, but where are my manners. My dearest Echo, I am Claudia DeFeren. Enchante"~ The woman curtseyed and kissed the blonde's delicate hand softly, gazing up to her with a warm, radiant smile.

Echo giggled at the woman kissing her hand. "Silly silly," she said playfully when the woman kissed her hand. Echo had heard of such women, those who were attracted to their own sex, but had not met one. Until now it seemed.
Her smile faltered a bit and she looked down and away shyly. "I don't know how to dance," she admitted, blushing a bit in embarrassment.

People around them murmured amongst themselves, about the strange girl with questionable mental status and the firey redhead with questionable morals.
One of the ladies who stood nearby peered through her mask at them, judgement in her eyes. Echo, not seeing it, waved in a friendly manner. "Hi!" she greeted cheerfully only to have the woman turn her face away sharply, nose in the air.
Echo faltered for a moment, letting her hand drop, a look of confusion on her face before gasping in delight as her attention was once again taken by something before her. A kind of grey mousse on a tiny piece of bread with caviar on top was being offered on a tray. Echo eagerly took one and tried it, excitement on her face. "It's yummy," she said, eating the bite-sized food before looking back to Claudia. "You have one too," she said. "I don't know what it is, but it tastes interesting."

"You do not enjoy the wine? I'll be sure to get you something much lighter madam. I apologize for my mistake, I'll do my best to remedy it...and indeed it has been a while Madam Claudia. I really hope we all enjoy our time here together, don't hesitate to ask me for anything you may need."

Quinton does notice the drink that was being served and remembers the woman mentioning "liquid gold." So he quickly heads off to find an easy to drink champagne for her to drink as he heads off for a quick five minutes. Eventually coming back with a new glass of champagne for her and a few snacks as well that would captivate her, he does another small bow to serve the two.

"A thousand apologies for my previous mistake, I hope this makes up for it. If you wish for a few snacks, I thought ahead and brought some as well to satisfy your appetite madam."

One last thing Quinton does notice is the other women/nobles gazes at them and shakes his head in disgust. He did not enjoy their unkind stares at their trio and looks at Claudia with a small smile on his face.

"If you two wish to do some dancing, I am trained at ball-room dancing...I will gladly help train your new friend in learning if you want me to Madam Claudia."

@Belle@Rusalka

"Ina..." Indigo slowly repeated the word, tasting it on his tongue. It was short but easy to remember. But it must've been a nickname she used. "Ah, a wonderful name... Short but sweet." He seemed to smile at her, eyes glittering a bright green from under his mask. The young man seemed... charming, but a bit of his mischievous side showed as he talked to the lady before him. Focus. Even though she might not be royalty, you can still sneak out later...

At her question, he chuckled to himself. "A seamstress, eh?" he commented kindly. "Hmm... I don't recall ever hearing your name in Rendisone... Strange." Suspicion creeped into his mind and he tried not to show it in his voice. "I am a Duke of Rendisone, you see. But I'll be sure to mention you back at home. You must make the loveliest of clothes." He winked at her for into a moment. "Do you mind making me a cloak one day? It might be nice to have one made by someone as pretty as you."

@ineffable

@sharksama"It'll be a pleasure, Indigo. I've just come here, you see, with my brother so I'm afraid you haven't heard much of me just yet."She gave him a quick smile, hoping her lie could cover up the curiosity and doubt in his eyes. A waiter breezed past and she grabbed two flutes of a mysterious glittering blue liquid. She hands one of the flutes to Indigo and lifts hers high.

@cloudystar

Upon the return of the butler Rosetta could not help but smile. She took the drink with a greatful look, at this point he was her savior. "It is fine thank you for your time." She slowly turned the wine by swirling the glass before taking a sip. The bitter sweet taste had her knowing she would feel better soon.

Yet again she looked around the room, examining the guests from the banquet of decorative treats. Slowly sipping the wine she observed those who came into the ball having an easy time mingling but she had yet to build her bravery. She left out a short sigh, everyone here looked so lovely! Slowly she stepped away from the table moving to the people, if she did this then she would be forced to make her presence know.