It was clear that the Lord of the Manor was not a light-hearted man, or at least certainly not in their current situation. But at least it seemed life for now they wouldn't be thrown out into the cold, rather they would be allowed to stay, if only for the party itself. Cobalt's own concern, as he glanced towards the chill night beyond the windows, was echoed by the butler, and Cobalt was relieved to hear that they would be given accommodation, and in truth, it did not phase him that it would be in the servant's quarters. He was confident that he had spent nights in far more disreputable places than the servants bedrooms of a house as grand as Shadowell Manor.

With one more barely veiled threat, the Lord left the room, leaving the uninvited guests alone with the butler, Jasper as the Lord had called him. Cobalt turned to watch him again as the servant spoke, laying out the rules for them all. By the sound of it at least, they had a fair roam of the house, save from the East Wing. Due to his closeness to the door, Cobalt could clearly make out Jasper waving away a 'Lady Analia', apparently much to the supposed namesakes annoyance. He raised an eyebrow beneath the mask, but his attention was distracted as several of the other member's of the unusual group began to make their way towards the door that would lead through into the West Wing.

Cobalt wasn't one to be left behind and so he went to follow. Turning to Madam Mauve at his side, he bowed slightly, smiling as he spoke. His voice had a playful edge to it, and he had certainly been enjoying the game that he had been playing with the lady.

"If we are to be allowed to attend the ball, then I hope that you will save me a dance, Madam."

Turning away and smirking slightly, Cobalt moved across the Vestibule and stepped through the doorway. The room opened up before him, and as his eye caught on the refreshments spread across the table, he felt a slight pang of hunger and he felt himself gravitating across to the table. If there was to be so much tension, it would only make sense to eat.

Captain Moss stood there as he listened to Lord Ambesire as he stood there, still he wasn't even sure what to think about what was actually going on. Why would they all recive an invite for some reason and be told to come here, only to have the Lord of the Manor say that none of them were even invited. Which struck him as weird, his eyes wondered over towards the window seeing that the weather was getting worse he was glad that he was out of the cold weather now. Feeling a little bit better as Moss shifted a bit where he stood while Jasper and Lord Ambesire spoke to one another. Before seeing Ambesire turn and leave, as Jasper addressed the rest of them, they were only limited to a few rooms unfortunately.

Then he stopped and heard a huff and a few footsteps before they were gone again, wondering who that was but decided to not say anything, as Moss watched some of the people starting to move a bit. As Prima Rave didn't even notice him behind her he sighed a bit and shook his head. "Well okay then don't say hi." Captain Moss grumbled to himself, before deciding to follow some of the people into the next room seeing that there was a table and some food there as well. He stopped for a moment feeling a little bit hungry as well seeing Chanteuse Amaranthine picking up a small slice of cheese there and ate it. Moss wasn't sure if he could trust the food there, as he looked around the room. Moss walked over and picked up a slice of cheese as well and sniffed it for a moment, he wasn't sure if he could trust it or not before putting it down.

And in the master's manor,
They'll gather for the feast
We'll stab it with their steely knives,
But who justly kills the beast?

The silence said more than what words could. The hush that fell upon them all. Yet it was in that last quip that he found himself raising a brow beneath his mask. No not the words of the manservant, Jasper was it the lord mentioned? Not the passing mention of some Lady who presumably attempted to join the fettered lot, but the final parting before the liege left. To have a man of his power in his pocket, would weigh more heavily than the dead girl's locket, and buy much more than just the few sera it would sell for. To rid of one more mouth to feed, the suggestion vague, the instructions lost. And if he were to win such promised gratitude, what would be the cost? And more so what could with such favour be bought?

Thus he mingled amongst the flock, flitting in as he cocked his head to his left and saw guests following after the woman with a case. They would spend the evening here together it would appear, and it was time to warm up to this potentially vile villain if indeed they were all summoned by the same Lili as he. The only loyalty he had with him was on his shoulder, the unblinking raven scanning the room and shifting itself on the padded perch. The appetizers laid out neatly on the table were inviting, refreshing if not for the fear of the lord's desire for one less mouth to feed. Certainly it was not about the money, but the did Lord care if an uninvited guest die? Or did he mean one of his own household, or holding? And would the fires before him burn the fallen bodies that would drop this fearful evening? Making his way to the table of fruit and cheese and drink to pluck a slice of cheese from the lot. Fruit in midwinter, from the larder's harvest? The beaked man thought not.

"Guess you'll have to punish me," he laughed under his breath. Turning his attention back to the front of him he watched the Lord of the Manor and quirked a brow at the words. A smirk played on his lips and he nodded. It seemed that they were free to look around. Everyone looked to be following the tiny woman's lead and heading through the door nearest to him. Crossing his arms over his chest he stood there and looked at the door that the Lord and the Butler had exited through and the smirk grew into a broad smile. "Screw following a trail of bird shit," he said as he reached up and stroked the tuft of hair on his chin. Looking over towards Professor Walnut he made a motion with his head indicating he was following their host through the main doors. No one said they couldn't. In fact it was part of the area they were allowed to go.

Taking large strides he passed out of the Grand Vestibule and into the Central Hall. There were multiple sets of stairs going up, a balcony over his head and one in front of him and then more doors beyond that. "Fucking nice," he said as he placed his hands on his hips and let out a long whistle. There was a runt of a kid standing there at the stair case opposite of the one that Jasper was yelling up. Kid maybe came up to Titian's waist. He had blonde hair, blue eyes, and smiled brightly as he stood there. "Hey lad, where's them doors go?" he asked as he pointed behind the kid.

"The Salon and then the Lunar Ballroom sir," the kid said quickly in a kind voice.

Walnut felt a sense of grim satisfaction at the Lord's seeming disapproval of the monster that had brought the winged demon into their midst. It would have been cosmic bliss if the chairs had taken care of the mongrel, but no, it was still there with its frightening beak and strange ungodly form. Yet perhaps there was still a chance that, if they were unexpected guests, Walnut might suggest that they eat raven for supper. It would help combat a shortage of food. Her thoughts were about getting rid of the horrifying creature - maybe if a window was opened, it would fly out and go back to the hellfire it had come from?

The Lord's thanks to the culprit that had killed Director Kindle caught Walnut's attention. Not only for the insinuation of murder, but mostly for his agreeable attitude towards it. It was very much in line with the rest of his statements, but still, the more she knew of the mysterious Lord Shadowell, the better. As everyone then seemed to go in a parade to a single room together, Walnut was glad to see that Titian had a more exploratory nature. And besides, the man with the winged demon and the sad attempt at a verse to their host had gone in that direction.

"Perhaps if we were alone, I would. I hate punishment with an audience..." Walnut whispered to Titian with a slight wink. She then let out a soft laugh at his exclamation of bird shit. It was so coarse and uncouth, but he was by no means wrong. Why go willingly where there was a BIRD?! She then rose from her seat and followed Titian through the doors, looking around the central hall for a moment.

"Lunar ballroom?" Walnut asked, her eyes dancing slightly. "Let's go."

Miss Creme shivered for a moment at the idea of being made to go back outside. No, she liked staying protected from the elements, and she knew there'd be no chance of her being able to sleep outside. She was very happy when this idea seemed to be tossed to the side rather quickly, instead it seemed as though they may be residing in the servants quarter, something she took no issue with whatsoever. She might even get a chance to talk with the help, something she'd be very keen on doing. She knew very well that servants often heard or saw all kinds of things. Knowing a bit more about their hosts could serve them well.

Once Jasper had run off, she turned to Blush, interested in what she had said. "That makes sense, to be honest though, I'm a bit afraid after hearing to Lord speak." She said meekly. She then looked around the room, seeing people start to disperse. "Where should would you like to go?" She asked. This place was gigantic, and she had no idea where to even start. That, and she wouldn't want to make Blush just follow her around wherever she wanted to go. From what she gathered, Blush liked to take charge, so Creme was fine with letting her. She leaned back on the couch, resting her eyes on Blush, her face neutral, with her lips pursed to one side.

Mauve's gaze remained steadily on Lord Ambesire. She ignored the voices that piped up around her. The others' thoughts and opinions mattered not to her, and in the end, they were inconsequential given the situation. She bit her lip as her gaze flitted slightly between the lord of the manor and the butler. She was feeling a little impatient to get answers but was also trying hard not to show it. She released her lower lip, mouth falling agape underneath her ornate mask. Had she heard them correct? They would be housed in the servant's quarters?! A small scoff left her lips before she could stop it. She shook her head lightly, her nose wrinkling in disgust. She would sooner brave the cold and the jaws of death itself than be associated with servants. With her lips pressed into a thin line and a look of displeasure in her dark blue eyes, she begrudgingly listened to what other unsavory clauses and conditions the man would surely have in store for them.

It was the last thing though that Lord Ambesire said that truly gave Mauve pause. A game of death and deceit, now is it? she thought, arching a black brow just as a glint came to her eyes. How quaint. Her gaze slowly moved back to the servant, as he addressed the group. She barely managed to not roll her eyes at the manservant's words, and she was about to walk off to do some exploring when she caught the man saying something to a Lady Analia. However her attention was soon diverted again, her inquisitive gaze whipping to the side when Cobalt addressed her. The corners of her lips pulled up into a smirk at his words. Assuming you're still alive by then, she thought to herself, but nevertheless gave him a courteous nod of her head in reply. She then watched as he followed the others into the next room over. Once he was out of sight, she glanced back over to the doors that Lord Ambesire and Jasper had left through. She considered going that way. In fact, she saw that two people had chosen that route. With a small sigh, she decided though to just go in the same direction as the rest of the horde.

She gracefully crossed the room, the fabric of her dress lightly brushing the ground as she took confident strides. She walked through the open door to enter the breakfast room in behind the others. She glanced around, taking in the sights, and she breathed in deeply to take in the scents of the food and drinks. She felt a pang of hunger within her, eyeing the food but hesitant to take any. After all, it would be easy enough for the Ambesire's to lace the appetizers with poison in order to rid them of their uninvited guests. She had a feeling that the lord would have no qualms against doing so. No, she would err on the side of caution and simply watch and wait to see first if the less prudent individuals dropped dead. A devilish smirk came to her obscured features as she saw the chair stealing doctor partake in the food. Oh how she would love to see that one drop dead. Her smirk grew as she brushed past him and over to the window that looked out at the courtyard.

Hearing his words did send a slight shiver down her spine. This night just kept getting better and better the more that the man talked. She was still getting over the words he had said before about them not being invited at all, which was still a major shocker to her. The fact that he was grateful that someone had killed the woman whose body had gone splat on her chair was a little more strange to her, but then again, he had said something about debating about killing them all, so it wasn't all too surprising to her when she thought about it.

Penance looked over as a several people went the one direction, and she thought it odd how everyone had decided to go in the one direction. It was weird that everyone decided to go that way, especially considering that there were two ways for people to go, so she decided to go against the flow, and went the other direction, following the two other people who had already gone inside. It was more interesting for her to go that direction, as opposed to following the crowd, since it might help her to explore the rest of the manor. When she entered the room, Penance more or less kind of ignored the other two, preferring to glance around the room, looking around.

A few moments passed after Amaranthine took the first bite. Hair draping around her face hid what features could be seen beyond the mask, eyes focusing on the plate she had taken the single slice from. Lips thinning before she took another bite. Her head jerked to the side and tilted up to look towards the voice that spoke to her. It was Dr. Swamp. As he asked the question her eyes darted down to her case and she nodded. "Correct," she said after she swallowed the remains of the cheese. There was another inquiry she had not answered yet, whether or not she would play. That was a question that would require a bit more thought on the matter. Looking at the food, she pondered as her bottom lip curled in and she bit down on it with her canine tooth.

There was a deep breath that caused her corset to rise and fall sharply. Lifting her head her shoulders squared and she turned to face the man. "One piece of art deserves another in turn. Yes, if should wish," she answered in her sing-song like voice. More were entering and her eyes moved to them before turning her back to the growing crowd. Her steps became long for her short legs as she strode to the next door and opened it. Eyes circled from left to right in a large arc as she took in the room.

Like the others the wood was dark on the walls and the ceiling, the floor marble, seating on either wall to the left and to the right, a fireplace crackling with life. In the center was a grand piano that took up space in the center below a candle bearing chandelier, each flame flickering and casting shadows downwards. Stepping into the room fully her eyes kept moving around. Her feet carrying her to the back inner curve near the tail of the piano and looked back towards the door to the Breakfast room. Chin up she appeared much more sure footed than she had before.

Nothing that either Lord Ambesire or his servant said comforted Master Tack, but that was only on par with the rest of the business surronding this so far sinister event. He would have been stupid to expect any better, though he had hoped for it.

Tack took no issue with being granted the servants' quarters as accomodation. Again, though he would have liked nicer, he was ultimately at the Lord's mercy, and so it was an act of generosity to be given anything at all. He was content with this arrangement, though he decided he would endeavour to resolve it as soon as possible. In his eyes, he was getting a fair deal, yes, but this fair deal still was not a good one for him, just the best he could reasonably expect. Returning to more pleasant accomodation as soon as the issue of his, ah, mistake, was dealt with sounded best to him.

Apparently, someone wasn't quite as content with this arrangement as himself, though. It was fairly subtle, but Tack was stood close to Mauve and so he noticed it quite easily. That scoff, well, it was clear enough what she thought of being given the rooms they'd been given. That kind of philosophy, in which the rich despised and disassociated themselves from the poor, was one which Tack himself presently despised and had, in a way, been a victim of once. In fact, that occurence was related to why he was here, now. Regardless, he took a sudden dislike to Mauve and decided it would be best not to remain with her any longer than necessary. "You know, Mauve, you ought to be grateful for any gift you're given here. The Ambesires don't strike me as the forgiving type, so far. If you don't like this one, your next gift might be more similar to the one that poor girl on the locomotive recieved. Either way, I prefer not to associate with classists, he said, before turning and heading towards the Central Hall. He was curious about the large man and his date - at a gathering like this, there was more than one reason a person might want to be alone with another.

Tack soon discovered he and the couple weren't the only ones interested in the Central Hall. Another woman, quite slim but not short and dressed in green, was present. Tack greeted her and introduced himself, saying "Good evening, miss. My name is Master Tack. And what should I call one so pretty as yourself?"

'Pretty' was an accurate word, in Tack's opinion, and carefully chosen. She was pretty, yes, but not beautiful, not like- Well, she was pretty.

Cobalt dusted the crumbs from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. The food spread out across the table of the Breakfast Room was light, little more than appetizers, but he had had enough to sate his hunger for now. In truth, considering what he had already witnessed, he would be loathe to put poisoning beyond their hosts, but it would also not do to have pangs of hunger ruining his focus. Now he was fed, and the warmth had seeped back into his limbs, he felt more alive, his reflexes sharpened, and he decided that it would be best to explore the house as best he could before the rest of the guests arrived, presumable travelling from all across Rutas Mu.

Perhaps Cobalt would even recognize some of the guests. His travels had taken him far and wide, and it was not unheard of for him to brush shoulders with some high lord, although more often than not it was in fairly unscrupulous situations, walking between various disreputable tavern more often than in some stately ballroom. He thought for a moment about possible guests, and for several, he was all too thankful for the masks that they would presumably all be wearing.

Brushing away the thoughts for now, Cobalt looked around the room. There were only two doors in and out of the room that he could see, one through which he had just entered, and one that a particularly graceful figure had just stepped through. He didn't take long to make his choice. Following the woman, who he recognized as the late-comer, Cobalt stepped into what was clearly a music room. She turned to face the door as he came through it, and he couldn't help but smile. Bowing his head slightly in greeting, Cobalt moved to casually lean on the piano slightly, facing her.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Justice Cobalt, at your service"

What a charming fellow this Lord Ambesire, Madam Envy thought to herself. And such hospitality. However his announcement although quite a bit of a shock, just only confirmed Envy's earlier presumptions, and whatever games they plan to take part in this seems like an obvious deathtrap. One statement, she find rather interesting, pertaining to their earlier casualty. Did she heard him right, could a murderer could be walking amongst them. But if so that adds to the concern, though it would hardly would matter, now that they were technically given the heads up.

The others have gone their way to their respective interests once the doors have been opened to them. Madam Envy waited just a little until the Grand Vestibule was little by little, drained of the crowd. Though they were in the verge of obvious doom, part of her artistic and judging side have taken a keen interest in such a grand place. She had visited no more than a few with equally impressive structures, but other than that it seems like she'll be staying here the longest.

She glanced at the western part and saw scrumptious treats on the table, though she wasnt particularly feeling peckish at the moment, or afford being betrayed by a tempting slice of cake. Perhaps later, when any of those who nibbled hadn't slumped dead to give the clear of any potential taint. Hence, she moved forward towards the Central Hall, where she joined the other three people there.

"From where I'm from, we call that special treatment." She nonchalantly quips, after hearing the 'golden masked' giant in the room with them. Madam Envy thought to make some idle conversation with her fellows, get a feel of the herd she's grazing with, so to speak. She freely placed her cigarette on the mahogany holder, and lit a match with it. She's aware not everyone is fond of her habit, but she is really not one to care what people thing of it. "And you seem like the type who have that kind of thing figured out." she turned to the sapphire dressed woman. " Just a mere feeling." she followed, before taking a sip from her stick.

Dr. Swamp had not expected pleasant conversation. Such as it was a conversation, at any rate, and not the occasional bit of commentary between moments wondering if something horrible was about to happen to them. This house seemed to loom over them, in Swamp's estimation; a very opulent, well appointed deathtrap from which one or many of them would not be exiting upright. The lady who had introduced herself to him as Chanteuse Amaranthine seemed to share his concern, if her apparent demeanor was to be believed, and she was also the very person who had provided the pleasant conversation despite the uncomfortable situation. Naturally, he joined her in the music room.

He was not the only one. Nor was the man that joined Amaranthine in the Music Room the emotionally stable type, from Swamp's experience with the man just earlier. The Doctor leaned upon his cane and gave the gentleman in the bronze devil mask a long, observant look before turning to the Chanteuse, saying, "I accept, of course." continuing the conversation from the other room despite Cobalt's self-introduction. "I would not have you feel unnecessary obligation to me. If it please you, I would greatly enjoy hearing a song." He stepped closer, and in hushed voice suggested, "Perhaps not an original? If just for anonymity's sake." The doctor nodded in a manner that was supportive, even knowing. There were likely unscrupulous folk about that might use such knowledge, or at least hold it in reserve until it was advantageous.

With maw of cursed ebony in a smile,
And in the porches of their ears did pour
The leprous distillment; whose effect
Holds such an enmity with blood of men...

Yes, he mulled it over, staring intently at his selected slice of scrumptious sharpness of savory snack cheese. Three eyes were upon the cut wedge, turned at opposite angles to each other as both man and bird glance over the offering placed upon the fingers. A curious pair, untrusting of their host, and putting on the airs of the decision. The food laid out, would they eat it? Had not others already tasted the forbidden fruits? Two or three was it that casually slipped the seeds into their ravenous mouths not thinking of the objective of their game? How many rooms would they have prepared he wondered, as if already expecting the Ambesire already plotted to have one less. Yet there was no need for death, no the Lord of the Manor was clear. The aim was to feed one less mouth, and thus perhaps...

He brought the cheese beneath his nose, no not the long beak of a nose his mask wielded, but rather the one beneath that. A public sniff to inhale, as if to make sure there was nothing amiss about the odor before consuming. No trace of poison or lecherous intent, no trickery afoul here as the rhymer made his act. The scent, the aroma, the pleasantness of it all to mask the truth, and then just before the wicked wedge touched his opening lips he paused. Was there something he found the other had not? Either way it appeared his desire to consume the cheese was no longer. Closed his jaw and curled his lips into a slight frown of regret before sauntering over to the table to replace the very piece he snatched from the altar. Returned the cheese to its place amongst the innocent wedges, the man hastily made way around the table to leave the room and inviting food behind. Together they hurried on, following after the two already moved on, with brisk haste and feathered flaps.


"A company and medley of melodies,
Interesting people here have come,
Should we trust fruit and cheese?
No, not I, said Master Plum."

The man's words were concerning, though she could hardly blame him if uninvited guest showed up at one's house, even if led under false pretenses. Still, she was here. As were the others. And something called them to this place. Thankful she would not have to spend the night outside, she leaned towards Miss Creme, "Well, petal, let us explore our residence for the time being. Maybe find some way to...entertain ourselves until such a time we are called elsewhere. Shall we?"

Blush didn't wait for a response, instead, she got up and made her way over. She made her way into the breakfast room. It seemed the others had thought similarly to her and Blush didn't want to share attention (her own and Creme's) with anyone else. Anyone apart from a certain other woman that caught her attention. However, it seemed that others shared her fascination and followed her into the room. She would have to plan for a better time. Really now, were they reading her mind?

But, in the meantime, she was with Miss Creme and that was satisfactory. "Petal, are you hungry? I'm a tad peckish, I feel."

Prima Rave was just moving towards the window overlooking the courtyard like place when she heard a door behind her. Her attention was snapped away from the window as she turned and watched people one by one walk out of the Breakfast room and into the next. Now this was part to be expected, she supposed, but also made her curiosity rise. What would be in the next room? Thinking things through, she might as well continue to explore this manor least she manages to figure out something that might help her. A good hiding place for example was always a good choice to have for many a reason.

Before she walked to the room though she decided to grab anther piece of fruit. She noticed that at this point it only seemed like aside herself there were only 2 others left in the breakfast room.” Ahmm... Hello?” She said with slightly nervous, but non the less friendly voice, having realized that to this point she had barely talked with anyone after arriving to this place actually. At some point or another she was bound to have to talk with people, so might as well break the ice right now... right? She studied Moss and Mauve for a few moments, making a slight theatrical bow of a greeting. “ I'm... Prima Rave.” She introduced herself to Moss and Mauve, with a notable pause in the middle of her sentence as she had to recall what she had to call herself with all this masquerade things going on. She had noticed that Moss seemed to decide not to eat though.” The food should be good... I haven't died yet, so...” She tried to give him some confidence in the appetizers, but then again frankly she only ate because she had to out of feeling hungry.

As Captain Moss looked over at Colbalt next to him and gave the man a nod. "Good evening." Moss said as he eyed the food a little then he heard the door open once more seeing two women walking into the room. They seemed to be getting along rather well now, as his eyes turned over towards Prima Rave when she finally noticed him. He still wasn't really sure what to think about the food that was there already set up in the room. "I'm Captain Moss, it's nice to meet you." He said as he extended his hand over towards her and gave a slight smile, he was quiet tired and sore from the traveling he had been doing.

Although the food really did look appetizing Moss couldn't help but feel that he shouldn't trust the food just yet since they weren't invited to this party from what Lord Ambesire said. "I'm not really sure what to think just yet." Moss said softly, but he felt his legs were a little bit sore, as he went over to the table and pulled up a chair and sat down. "What do you guys think of this little event here?" Moss asked as he looked at everyone in the room.

There was a chuckle that bubbled from Titian's lips. "Oh I don't know, depends on the punishment," he said in a thick voice as his head tilted down and looked at the professor. "And who is receiving it. Karma can be fun." Glancing back over his tall shoulder he took note of the others that entered and a brow quirked beneath his mask. "I always get the special treatment doll but only because I give it," he added with a slight laugh and a pompous stance of triumph as he thrust his chin to the air in mocking jest.

Waving it off, he kept smiling and motioned towards the door to his left. "And that one?" he asked of the boy standing there.

"That be the courtyard sir, dark this time of day and frightfully cold," Oliver said as he remained at his post. Jasper watched the group before heading up the left staircase.

Holding his arm out he turned his attention back towards Walnut and gave her a bit of a wink. "Whatever the teacher wishes," he said surly before making his way towards the doors. His eyes looked around a tad before he pushed the right door open and stepped inside to the Starry Salon. While the floor was still marble it was white and gray. The walls were still a dark wood but only half way up. Between the railing and the ceiling the walls where covered in a cream pale blue and silver brocaded wallpaper. A crystal chandelier hung in the center of the room, gas lights flickering from it. The ceiling was painted like the sky at night if it was snowing. "Well this is damn cheery for this place."