[IC] 🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

[Nallore]

Captain Moss

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Location: Shadowell Grounds: Seat H
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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Captain Moss looked over towards Chanteuse Amaranthine and Dr. Swamp as the man started to draw a portait of the woman sitting down next to him, he noticed as one of them decided to leave. Which he wasn't really sure to think about as he leaned back, and a few short seconds later the machine they were on finally started to move. Captain Moss shivered slightly at the cold temperature he was really looking forward to just simply getting out of the cold. Noticing that everything was getting much darker now as the sun started to set, listening to some of the people as they talked amongst each other.

Then they were all finally in front of the manor itself, which did look rather amazing looking as Moss leaned back in his seat and noticed the man standing in front of the entrance and then someone just above the balcony. Which he assumed was the lord of the manor, as soon as the train came to a stop Moss stood up and hopped himself off turning around and offered a hand towards Chanteuse Amaranthine to help her off. "If you need any help ma'am." Moss offered, figuring that he would be polite and help the woman off if she needed to as well.

[BlueSky44]

Sister Penance

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Location: Shadowell Grounds: Seat G -> Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 4
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She couldn't help but agree with the comment of one of the other woman about the chairs wanting to fly off and potentially kill more of them. That would definitely not be a fun way to go if you asked her, but it was time to leave what had happened not too long before in the past, and move on with what was occurring in the present. Penance noticed that the man who had been in the seat behind her had chosen to leave the party. Of course, she couldn't blame the man entirely, after all, a woman had landed in the chair in front of him dead, and he likely got some splatter on his clothing, it might be a little difficult for that to wash out.

When the little train started moving again, she just leaned back in her seat slightly, still choosing not to converse with anyone, after all, it didn't seem like it would be entirely worth her time. The man next to her, and a few others near her, looked to be more interested in conversing with the late arrival who had shown up not too long before they had started moving again. Penance glanced up at the mansion when they drove up, glad that she was in a seat that wasn't too far away from the entrance. She wasted no time in leaving her chair, and stepping off of the little train, and waited to gain entrance into the manor.

[FantasyChic]

Debutante Blush

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Location: Shadowell Grounds - Seat E -> Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 4
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Blush had been eager to get moving ever since that first chair flung off into parts unknown. Really, how anyone could be comfortable sitting back down was beyond her. What kept her truly most sane was having the lovely Miss Creme next to her. Her optimism was incredibly cute and dashedly naive. Of course there was more to worry about. If this lot was summoned here for much the same reason she was then they were in for quite the evening.

Once the train had stopped she quickly got up as others began to exit the train for the manor. "Come petal, the manor awaits." She had been eager to move around ever since their new arrival came. She seemed to be the beacon of attention for most, if not all, of the people here, but they were of no value. Once she stepped foot outside, she followed the others towards the front of the manor and marched straight up to the lovely lady, others be damned.

"Pardon me, my dear, but I cannnot help but say hello. You are quite the lovely creature. Pay these others no mind, darling. I can offer better companionship than most. I hope the journey wasn't too stressful for you, what with that chair being rocketed upward. If you need anything, and I do mean anything I hope you will let me know." Blush added with a sly wink.

[Ciaran]

Master Tack

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Location: Shadowell Manor, Seat N -> Front of Manor
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 5
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Master Tack had been about to reply to Mauve when the contraption started, immediately cutting him off with the noise. He paused, hoping it would die down after a moment, but frustratingly it didn't. It would have been much more pleasant simply to walk, and not much slower, either, judging by the relatively easy pace of the dogs alongside them. Tack's first conversation had been killed by a mad poet, his second by this machine... he didn't know what would happen when they arrived, but he had a strong feeling he would need friends he could rely on. So far, acquiring them had not gone very well.

At last the strange vehicle came to a stop. Tack got up alongside Mauve, more serious than before, and walked forwards a small number of steps before stopping and watching the man at the top of the steps. He seemed to have more to say, if Tack wasn't mistaken, and Tack wasn't going to interrupt him, though he would have liked to enter as soon as possible, thanks to the cold.

Either way, it seemed they had picked up an additional companion. A tall, thin man with long, brown hair who offered his arm to Madame Mauve. Tack's face twitched slightly at the sight of the thin man's clothes; an acceptable jacket, yes, but the same could not be said for his shirt. He made a mental note to give the thin man some advice later, since it would be inappropriate right now. Tack also made sure to give the pair a little extra space. He was still walking alongside them, but the extra nine inches or so distance from before now made it perfectly clear which man was interested in Mauve and which was not. Master Tack had dealt with the wealthy a lot in the past, and he knew how easily some would take offence, so he made an effort not to imply anything but the truth.

[Morose]

Professor Walnut

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Seat Titian Q --> Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 4
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Walnut couldn't help but continue to feel a bit irritated with Cobalt, due to his physical proximity to them, but the warmth of her companion did help to offset that. More than anything, however, her attention was caught by the impressing and imposing mansion that came into view. The man at the front entrance caused her to take no special notice, yet the tiny white thing - reminding her of a moth - caught her notice for a crucial moment. His words then confirmed that he was just a member of the help - so she assumed, at least. Vanity prevented her from considering him or any of the other servants as their mysterious blackmailer whom she had no doubt would be in attendance this eve.

"I believe I dismiss the class," Walnut said coyly, as Titian set her down gently and she took his offered arm. She followed him towards the stairs, taking in the scenery with a bit of wonder. Scenes such as these always did appeal to her. She had a certain flair for the dramatic at times. She then heard someone complaining and couldn't help but roll her eyes. Hadn't the last whiner been dealt with already? Why create the need for another?

[Lady Absinthia]

𝔼ntering 𝕋he 𝕃air

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Some had exited the train, others had not as of yet. The white figure above continued to watch as a single white feather floated down from above and the first flakes of winters snow started to fall from the sky above. "Please follow me, those not within the manor within the next few moments will be left in the cold so to speak," the man stated at the top of the stairs in a booming voice that carried well over the chilled air. It seemed to match well with his tone. Placing one foot behind the other he turned sharply one hundred and eighty degrees before taking a step towards the door. His gloved hand turned the iron handle and he pushed hard to shove open the heavy wood.

Inside he continued to walk until he was at the opposite side of the Grand Vestibule. It was a fitting title for the room as it was grand. Rich and well oiled dark woods went from floor to ceiling. Intricate patterns of marble in cremes, roses, and blacks. The ceiling was high and wooded as well with patterns of what looked to be stamped silver. Tall finely made statues stood on either side of two large pearled encrusted fireplaces. A large set of double doors were shut behind him as he turned to wait for those that would enter to enter. There were other doors but they were pulled shut. There were several plush crimson couches on either side of the room and several chairs. They did not look to be set up for seating though.

The guards outside would wait and watch. The sound of guns hammers being pulled back cut through the air after the man that seemed to be taking control entered the manor. The dogs growling and being held on leads now by a single man. They looked ready to attack at any moment, perhaps on a single command or even whistle. Owen turned off the engine and jumped down from driver seat, stepping over to Cassius and exchanging a few hushed words between the two as they waited. Owen nodded and walked off the scene to the east side of the manor until he vanished in the darkness.

[Lady Absinthia]

Mr. Titian

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (E2)
Skills: Intelligence
Hit Points: 4
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There was half a chuckle and a smirk that grew on Titian's lips as he over heard a few choice words. "Assumptions just make an ass out of you and me," he said in passing. Was he speaking to someone in particular or to the group in general? Perhaps just to himself as patted Walnuts hand gently and waited for the doors to open and them to be let inside. "Shit, I wouldn't ever want class to be out with you." There was a wink that came from his left eye. Hearing the door being pushed open and the words spoke a brow cocked beneath his mask before not wasting time and walking up the steps, taking two at a time but moving slow enough for Walnut to remain at his side should she chose.

Once at the door he walked through and there was a low whistle that came from his lips. "Nice." It was a simple statement but he wasn't going to stand and gawk, not wanting to hold up the people behind him. His frame could have if he wasn't careful. Walking in he moved to the left of the door and walked up a piece. He was tall enough he didn't need to worry about a blocked view but he wanted to ensure that Walnut wouldn't. "This works," he said and motioned to the seat he was standing by in case Walnut wished to use it. Rolling his neck a bit he flexed his fingers. It was nice and warm inside and the snow that had landed on his shoulders quickly melted away.

[rivaan]

Prima Rave

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside->Grand Vestibule (B2)
Skills: Perception
Hit Points: 6
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While they were waiting for the doorways to open, Rave had the time to move closer to the gateways and actually listen to some of the chatter. There was some flirting going on which made her face flush under the mask at the sheer boldness of it. It was that big fella, the one who held that woman who went sky high... She shuddered at recalling the memory of a body going up and going down. At least she didn't watch the impact. She had a feeling that would never had been something she would forget should she have not averted her eyes and kept them closed.

As the memories were being pushed away, she noticed the way was opened and they had started moving inwards. Rave gulped as she stepped through the entrance and saw what's on the inside. Certainly a hell of a lot more magnificent than the outsides. Actually that was the wrong word, the outside was probably magnificent as well. Should she say the inside looked a lot less... ehh. She wasn't sure what to call it. She just had the feel the outsides of this manor were incredibly shady and dangerous feeling. Maybe it was the witnessing of death she had went through, but that's just how she felt right now. At least they were out of the cold though! She could feel some warmth on her skin now that the chilled night's air wasn't a thing anymore! Would take a while to completely warm up though.

Taking this time she looked around as she rubbed her hands to hurry them to warm. She had to be careful after all, this place had shown it wasn't safe already. Still to her luck she didn't notice anything unusual about this hall they were at. Thus she decided to move out of the way of the others who were also entering and found a nice place to the side near one of the corners.

[The Grey Dust]

Master Plum

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (F4)
Skills: Perception
Hit Points: 6
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And thus they bade me enter
The foremost circle that surrounds the abyss.
There, as it seemed to me from listening,
Were lamentations none, but only lies,
That tremble made the everlasting air.
And this arose from sorrow without torment...

From the cold into the colder. Though the first frost of mid-winter fell at last as the fruit of the snowy season, it was the Ambesire who held the harvest. Like lambs to the slaughter to either freeze outside or gamble inside. Into the grand vestibule as the dogs barked at the heels, perhaps they too would find a meal left behind in the forest. Or perhaps they would find sport in chasing after the man who departed early. The guns and guards were not for the protection of the Ambesire Lords or Ladies who had yet to greet them, he mused. Yet still, he was led inside, into this palace of painted peril, taking note of the doors which opened and those which remained closed. A skittishness almost eager to escape reflected by the beady-eye'd search of his friend. The man looked right, the raven looked right, the man looked left, the raven looked left. Strolling into place as the arching architecture and crimson colour schemes were noted, and of course the chairs with a wary eye above them perhaps if those exploded up into the high silvered ceiling or nay dropped down into a bottomless chasm. Perhaps it would be best to remain standing for now, lest the lords of the house take offense at sitting guests. And surely the luster of those pearls gleaned a glimmer of greed.

Pilfer, pilfer, pilfer. What would they so rich miss among the many? Hidden in the vast wealth, a single Sera would not be so much would it? Was there a shrewd accountant, waiting to tally around the corner? Such lucre he had not seen, not at levels as grandiose as this. But did he not claim a locket now his? Did the fortune of the Ambesire amass itself in a similar way? Looting from the corpses of the dead? The Thoughts raced in his mind, stepping closest to the doors, if the rest come enter, let him be the first to slip and leave. Unless those dogs, found him less enchanting than his bird. There was an odor to be observed in the air though, as his breaths heightened in worry of the numerous possibilities. A hint of spice, perhaps from the cloth? Or from the flames? Or from the mind which wandered too far? A sweetness of herbal liquor with a kiss of soft wood. Was it the smoke which wafted and was inhaled? Meant to calm and disarm, a system of soothing no less? A scent or tactic that he would take heed.

[Sigil]

Dr. Swamp

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (E9)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 4
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The first thing that he noticed was the click of firearm hammers coming to rest in the ready position. Lots of them. This served to snap him back into something more of how he was when this latest chapter in the book of his blackmail began. He did not break stride, forcing himself to maintain the same cadence of cane-step step, cane-step step at the same speed as earlier. He reasoned that it would be difficult to continue his good and necessary work were he a corpse, and so strove to keep any of his inner thoughts from reflecting in his actions. The Doctor was there for important reasons, at least one of which was yet to be revealed to him.

His pace slowed a bit to address the object of his very recent sketching. She had been getting a LOT of attention, and now from ...a woman? He looked at the seemingly promiscuous woman oddly for a half second, then returned to his intended course of conversation. "Chanteuse Amaranthine." He had heard her name mentioned earlier but never asked for himself, "For the sake of this endeavor, I am called Dr. Swamp. While I am not as colorful of company, I can say that I give this event the candor and respect that it is due. This is dangerous ground. If you choose other company or no company, I will understand. Otherwise, I am claiming that seat..." he pointed the beak of his mask toward a chair in the far corner, opposite of Titian and Walnut, "...for your use." And of course, for his own use should she decline. "By your leave. And," he hesitated, fumbling with his words as he concluded, "I am ...pleased... that you favored my um, my sketch."

Dr. Swamp nodded briskly, and strode as best he could with the assistance of his stick (cane-step step, cane-step step), to come to a stop next to a chair toward the back corner of the Grand Vestibule. He set the tip of his cane down in front on him, and placed both hands atop it. If Amaranthine desired the seat, it was hers. He was just grateful to be in from the bitter cold, opulent surroundings be damned for the moment.

[Nallore]

Captain Moss

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Location: Shadowell Grounds (In front of the mansion) -> Grand Vestibule (A2)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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Captain Moss stared at the man that stood in front of the Shadowell Manor, the man in front of the mansion said to head inside or otherwise be left out in the cold. And looking over his shoulder seeing one of the men holding the leash to all of the dogs, as well as a few of the other men loading their guns. Moss didn't really like the idea of being left out in the cold as he watched both Cassius and Owen both heading off to the eastern side of the massive manor and going off into the darkness. Moss looked up at the night sky as another wave of shivers hit him as the first few snowflakes fell.

Some of the other people headed inside as well, and he decided to join them as well if this was a way to get clear of his blackmail then he would have to play along now. As Moss headed into the massive manor as well, taking in all of the fancy and expensive furniture as well whoever owned the mansion was very rich and influential it looked like. As Captain Moss looked around his gaze turned over towards a nearby chair and made his way over there, Moss really disliked people like these who owned a lot of money to live in such an expensive building. But Moss didn't say anything as he stood by the chair, it looked like it wasn't really meant to be a sitting chair just for fancy decoration. Still Moss continued to stare at the very nice surroundings and was also just very glad to be out of the freezing cold weather as well.

[Romero]

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (B7)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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The atmosphere of the group changed in an instant. The armed guards had put Cobalt on edge since the moment he'd arrived, but he'd assumed they were simply there to ensure the safety of the guests from whatever horrors stalked the shadows of the forest, and ward off any unwanted visitors. But the threat laced into their greeter's booming voice was clear, and the distinctive sounds of gun hammers being pulled back, cutting through the still air, made it crystal clear. The snarling and gnashing dogs at his back, and no doubt several fingers stroking gun triggers, was all the motivation that Cobalt needed. Forcing a smile, Cobalt could only hope that Madam Mauve had taken his arm as he strode forwards, towards the manor house.

Several other of the guests had already climbed the short flight of stairs and stepped through the heavy wooden door, but Cobalt didn't concern himself with being first. He was focused on not being the last. His entire body was coiled like a spring, ready to react at the first crack of a gunshot, or the first cry of pain, or tearing of dogs teeth into flesh. If Mauve had taken his arm, his grip is gentle, but firm, ensuring that she did not lag behind.

Stepping through the doors, and into the manor proper, Cobalt allowed himself a slight sigh of relief, but he did not relax. It was clear that their hosts had no qualms with slaying those who would fall behind. The 'accident' of the train suddenly took on an even more sour note, and Cobalt carefully glanced around the room, although he didn't see anything out of place. Glad to be out of the cold at least, he made his way across the length of the impressive room, until he stopped a dew feet from a blazing fire, burning in an ornate pearled encrusted fireplace. He turned to face the figure that had led them inside, feeling the heat of the fire beginning to thaw the chill that has clung to him since he had first set foot inside Shadowell Forest.

[Lady Absinthia]

Chanteuse Amaranthine

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (E8)
Skills: Constitution, Charisma
Hit Points: 4
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"Oh my," the silver masked woman said as not one, not two, but at least three people were all offering either a hand or a side, or something more. It was a bit to take in as her eyes darted about from one to the next and her dark spiced tinted bottom lip curled in. Something came out of her mouth but it wasn't a word per-say, more of something between a meep and a squeak. Yet, even as it came out it didn't come off sounding like a mouse had been frightened. More like a single note sung staccato. Her throat moved as she swallowed the cold dryness in her throat. "How could one possibly chose between such offers?" she said in a willowy voice. It was about that time that people started making their way inside and she spotted a small moment to exit. Two had already moved towards the door and she ducked her head down and quickly made her way up the stairs. Not seeming to take any offer to begin with.

Once through the doors her eyes darted about it. Her long hair falling off her shoulders to reveal a primitive tattoo on her left arm that ran from her shoulder to below her elbow and encircled it completely. Roses and Ivy.There was a half a heartbeat stop as she looked and spotted the one that had offered a hand. It seemed someone else had gone to stand by him. She turned her head and looked. People she hadn't spoken to and those that hadn't spoken to her. If she moved to the clear space in the center, anyone could come over? Maybe, maybe not. Dr. Swamp as he had introduced himself had moved to one side. Perhaps that was best. He had created a stunning representation of her. It would do for now.

Stepping over she set her instrument case down on the chair but held tight to her satchel. Wrapping her arms around it and herself as she bounced slightly, trying to warm up from the cold that was outside. Large flakes of snow melting slowly on her hair as it cascaded down her back. Her fingers curling over her arms and rubbing over the inked skin. "Thank you once again," she said in a whisper before looking back towards the front of the room and watching the butler. She wouldn't complain, she was out of the cold and away from obviously cocked weapons.

[Natsu]

Miss Creme

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Location: Shadowell Forest, Chair D -> Grand Vestibule (B4)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 3
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Creme hopped off the train, stumbling a bit on her feet as she did so. She smiled at Blush as she was beckoned, and stepped right to her side, following her closely. She was very much looking forward to being out of the cold, so she was a little disappointing when Blush took a detour to talk to the new girl. However, she didn't say anything, instead enduring the cold for a while longer, and quietly smiling at Chanteuse. As it seemed the Miss would not be joining them, she looked towards Blush, "Shall we continue to the Manor?" She asked, "I do look forward to getting out of this bitter cold."

As she spoke, she brought her hands up to her face for a moment, and exhaled into them, warming them a bit. Quickly, she brought them back together, clasping them behind her back. She was dealing with the weather, and would be fine for a while, but given the lord's warning, she knew she had to get in very soon. She slowly started towards the door, hoping Blush would follow her. Once she got to the door, she'd wait in the inside for her companion, waiting just on the inside for Blush to join her. As she did, she looked around at the guards, hoping they wouldn't be too upset with her idling near the entrance.

[mnkee]

Madam Mauve

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Location: Shadowell Manor (Outside Front) ⇢ Grand Vestibule (B8)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 3
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As the help's words of welcome hung in the air, Mauve found herself looking back over her shoulder at the latest arrival, the woman in the ornate skull mask. However, as her dark blue eyes took in the sight of the woman and her new companion of choice, she quickly found that Chanteuse Amaranthine was far less pleasing than she had once seemed. Her nose wrinkled a bit in distaste, and she barely held back a sound of contempt. The woman had actually allowed that abominable cripple to sketch her. Pathetic. She ripped her gaze away, suddenly feeling a desire to be nowhere near the woman. The woman was surely not worth her time.

Her gaze gravitated to the side as a certain someone suddenly decided to come crawling back to her. There seemed to be a calculative look to her eyes this time around. Underneath her mask though, the corner of her lips pulled upwards into a smirk. "Oh, I'm sure that's what you're concerned about," she stated teasingly. She gave a pointed look back over to the other man, Master Tack, whom she had been conversing with in Cobalt's absence. She then arched a brow as an amused glint came to her eyes. She was perhaps feeling a tad smug right then. Nevertheless, she took him up on the offer, taking his arm and letting him lead her inside when the time came.

And, as a matter of fact, the time to enter the Shadowell Manor had just dawned on them, and might she add, that it wasn't exactly awe-inspiring. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, but it wasn't from either the frigid air or the effects of being on the arm of a charming young man. No, there was that dark, ominous feeling again, that one that had lingered at the edge of her senses since she had stepped foot inside Shadowell Forest, let alone the Ambesire's Estate. She could no longer deny it nor could she find quite as much pleasure in it now that she was about to essentially enter into the belly of the beast. The butler's omnious words of warning and the sounds of guns being cocked only seemed to chill the air and the very blood witin her veins. Her lips thinned, and the calculative look returned to her dark eyes as she allowed Cobalt to lead her inside. All the while, she took everything in as if to commit every last detail to memory. As they came to a halt, she glanced back up at Cobalt from under her black lashes, before following his gaze over to the man who had "greeted" them.

[BlueSky44]

Sister Penance

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (F6)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 4
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Penance was a little unsure of what to make of the man who was speaking to them. Who in their right mind would wish to stay out in the cold when they could easily be more comfortable inside? She definitely wasn't going to wait too long outside any longer, she was used to just facing whatever was ahead of her, so she hoped that there wasn't too much of a surprise waiting inside. Despite having been prepared for the cold weather and already bundled up, she wasn't really too keen on staying outside and hurried along after the others ahead of her.

She glanced around at the room when she entered, intrigued by the area. Several of the others had already scattered around the room, so she just stepped off slightly to the side after she had walked in, not wanting to be directly next to the others. Penance couldn't help but feel a little nervous about being around all of these people who she did not know, but she kept that to herself. She wasn't too far from a few others in the group, but she was still preferring to wait and see what happens, as opposed to rushing head on into things. You could never be too careful about these sort of things anyway.

[FantasyChic]

Debutante Blush

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (B4) -> Grand Vestibule (C9)
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 4
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Debutante Blush giggled girlishly at the lovely lady's problem. "One could choose easily if one knew the right choice to be made. But I shall not be hurt too much if you choose wrong. After all, I will be around should you inevitably see the light, my darling." She winked at Chanteuse Amaranthine before she made her way to the large building they would be entering. She saw her delightful Miss Creme awaiting her and her heart fluttered (among other things).

She quickly made haste to her darling. "Petal, how kind of you to wait for me. I do hope I did not keep you waiting long. I had something to take care of, you see. But I would not part from your side a moment longer if it could not be helped. Yes, let us walk inside and be away from this chill. As you can see, I did not dress for warmth. Well, not the kind of warmth one would expect, at least."

As she entered, Blush looked around the vestibule. "Come, petal, let us not stand like commoners. There is plenty of room here for the two of us." She walked over, arm entwined with Creme as she made her way over to the seat, sitting comfortably down and patting the seat next to her for Creme to take part in.

[Congee]

Madam Envy

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Location: Shadowell Manor Outside > Grand Vestibule (D2)
Skills:N/A
Hit Points: 6
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Madam Envy followed the others inside, The vestibule was indeed a sight to behold, and had plenty of time taking in it's grandiose style which was slowly growing on her. The refreshing atmosphere was thoroughly disturbed by their other company however, the guards, her ears twitched at the sharp sound of their gun hammers, constantly being reminded that they are not exactly here for a 'traditional' social gathering so to speak. She stood next to one of the marble benches as they await for their call, pulling out another cigarette stick from her purse and rolling them playfully between her fingers. At the corner of her eye she could see see the guests accumulating in pairs, and in menage trois if you seem special. In many ways danger does bring people closer together. Trust is hard to come by, and specially in an aristocratic masquerade ball of all things. Woe is the fool who easily gives himself in a pretty mask, you never know what kind of face lies inside.

Half of the time Madam Envy wondered what genuinely goes through their head. And the secrets they so desire to keep hidden, that they'd rather accept a shady invitation from the elusive Ardad Lili and into her elaborately draw trap in the first place, not to comprehend but for the mere intrigue of it. Of course madam Envy herself has her own scandalous reasons to be here, and if it means keeping the end of a blackmail to save herself then so be it.

[Lady Absinthia]

Mr. Titian

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Grand Vestibule (E2)
Skills: Intelligence
Hit Points: 4
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Turning the ring on his pinky, Titian kept his eyes forward for the majority of the time while more people followed in. His eyes were on the butler. Yet as one crossed in his line of sight he turned his head and watched as others took positions around the room. "It like everyone waitin' for the floor to open up an' swallow them," he chuckled a bit as he scratched at underside of his furry chin. After the chair rocketed into the air, he was surprised that anyone even got close to a chair, much less sat down in one. That thought alone made him laugh a little to himself as he looked back at the door and waited for petite Professor Walnut to enter.

Looking back forward he rested one hand on his belt buckle. "Should have carried her." It was a word in passing. Maybe he should have. Just picked up Professor Walnut and brought her in. Poor thing, shorter legs and that dress. It could have been making the stairs a bit much. Seemed the new woman that had appeared at the last possible moment was even smaller than Walnut. He was pretty sure if he pushed both of them together he would still be larger.

Breathing in deeply his brow cocked and he looked around again. The gas lights that were around the room illuminating the place flickered. The flames from the fireplace casting warm shadows on the walls that looked to dance. Slowly his eyes settled back on the butler. He was waiting patiently for the Lord to show himself. The butler had a rather arrogant look on his face. Wonder what he meant by that lordly look.

[Morose]

Professor Walnut

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Front of Manor Outside -> Grand Vestibule (E1)
Skills: Intelligence
Hit Points: 4
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Walnut heard the growling of the docks, the cocking of the gun hammers, and she could feel the chill in the air. It was all exquisite, this sort of morose melancholy that had descended upon them. She wished she could have bottled the atmosphere and saved it for a sunny day, it was strictly speaking - simply divine. And the company, so far, had a few merits. Certainly some of them would have done well to be left out in the cold, but there wasn't much to be done about that. At least, not yet. She entered the manor proper, walking after Titian - so far, he struck her as the most interesting member of those present, yet a quick glance around the room and her eyes caught onto something that told her Titian was by no means the most noteworthy.

She took the chair that Titian had selected for her, giving him a nod of thanks. However, she saw Madam Envy - the coughing woman from before - nearby and her nose turned up slightly. What was it with all of the irritating persons being in her general vicinity? It was a pity there wasn't a chair to get rid of this new nuisance. At least the cougher seemed to have recovered and fallen silent for now - that was a blessing. "This atmosphere is intoxicating," Walnut mused, waiting as well for the Lord of the Manor to enter. And yet, there was another thought on her mind - if Titian were here for the same reason as she, what dark secret was he hiding? What devilish act had he committed?