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OC Meta Plot
A Hallowed Harvest Holiday

»With war on the horizon looming ever closer and loss still singing in the hearts of his people and his own, the King steeled himself and saught council. With his Alchemist drunk as a skunk and his Arms Commander in a more than killing mood, he came to the conclusion that maybe something to lighten the moral of the people would be a good idea. With a little convincing from the beloved Maid and Seamstress ( and at least four barrels of Pumpkin Cider rolled from the cellar ) the Alchemist and Duke agreed that indeed a party would be a great idea. Four hours later, the party was planned, prepped and ready to go for the public with every intention to ease the broken hearts of the people and reinstate unity to the lands.

»Meanwhile, across the Red Circle and the information highway, the buzz of a party filled with riches spread like wildfire through the people of the Floating Island. There would be a time to draw together, to make peace with their betters and those that ill begot them. The chance to solve the mystery of the 'Ice Sculptures' was ever present, but really it was far from their mind. Some of the less than honorable people caught wind of this and practically rejoiced when it was declared a Costumed Party! It meant they could pretend to be something else, try to blend in, steal some coins and laugh about it later with the very person they stole it from! You can imagine that The Shadow King and his men, Guildmaster Altias and his Serpents, and Lady Cinnamon and her fandy ladies and gents would be present and mingling with the crowd as well.



»Location: Castle Avandare's Grand Ballrooom/Gardens
»Time of Day: Early Evening
»Dress Code: Maskerade Costumed / Formal Dress
»Invitation: All Class / All Alignments
»RSVP Required?: Walk-in's Welcome ( You just need to sign the guestbook in character)
»Guests: Chosen Only ( Leave your ponies at home.)
»Length of Day: October 8th @ 3:00pm PDT (6:00pm EDT)- ...!?!?!? As long as it takes to get through the arc!

She signed her name to the guest book and moved further into the party. Reo’s outfit was a bit uncomfortable as she moved about. The fox tail she was wearing kept getting in the way of her legs. She loved the design of the outfit Mei had made for her but she wished whole heartedly that the party wasn’t a costume party. Mei had gone all out and given her an oversized pair of ears and a tail of all things. Not feeling the least bit ‘foxy’ as Mei had joked. At least Reoakee knew her way around the city this time so Luin and Alu-lote could stay home and not have to deal with the throng of people that were here. Moving along the edge of the walls trying to find a cooler space to relax she nearly ran into half a dozen people. They probably thought she was drunk already! If things kept up the way they did she might think about it even if she knew she couldn’t handle her drink that entire well. Anything would be better than this noisy mess. She saw an ice statue that made her blush by a table of meats and headed that way to nibble at the food selection available. “It all looks good.”

Mei lost her friend as soon as she entered to sign the book. Her hand shaking she looked around. There were so many people. She wanted to hurry up and find Reo so that she had someone she knew around. Reo might be grumpy and ornery in a setting like this but it was something Mei knew was familiar with so it wasn’t scary anymore; well as scary anymore. She plucked at her gloves looking around like a little lost fawn. She had a mask when she got her but it disappeared a while ago and Mei had no idea where she dropped it so she felt so ridiculous having her face show like it was. Staring at the floor quickly she wondered if anyone noticed. Maybe Reo would see her and know something was wrong. Maybe she could improvise she thought about making a handkerchief into a scarf but then she wouldn’t be able to see at all.. Still it would mean she had a mask taking her sash she made a quick wrap of her head so that she had a slit to see out of. It was hindering but better than nothing.

(quick since I have to leave net soon)

Lotte approached the castle, taking care to avoid any puddles or patches of loose dirt. Her costume had cost a pretty penny, the results of her savings for many months of managing the inn. Her domino mask concealed half her face, leaving her large, kohl rimmed green eyes the main attraction of her face. Her emerald green dress drew attention to the copper-red hair piled on top of her head, little braids running through the entire mess, and artful falls framing her face and neck, and her fair skin. In truth, it was probably the most wonderful costume she had owned since her life as a noble in the lands below.

The corset top of her dress had cinched her waist nicely with the help of a wide ribbon of black silk, and the sweetheart cut gave her bust a tasteful nudge towards the more fashionable. Around her neck was a wide ribbon of emerald, matching her dress. Small, delicate wings of black and cream gauze adorned her back, giving her the guise of a fairy. Her skirt was made of layers of green, black, and cream of different textures and ruffles. A truly elaborately beautiful work of art. She had also commissioned a set of black lace gloves, coming a few inches above her wrist, and molding attractively, making her fair skin seem even more pale. While her slippers were nothing more than black and cream slippers of soft leather, she made sure that they were comfortable to dance and stand in through the night. Besides, they were hardly noticeable under her skirt, which was held out with petticoats to give her an exaggerated hourglass shape.

After making sure that she and her father had arrived safely into the ballroom, along with the guests from the inn that came to partake in the event, Lotte mingled among the crowd, greeting those she recognized. At the site of the ice sculpture, a giggle was hidden behind her hand, and quickly, Lotte turned to watch as more and more guests entered.

She was tricked. That's all Athari could think as she strode with a high tilted chin toward the doorway, a breeze making her whole body tingle with reaction.

The female had her costume on all right: she had painted her entire body 'black' with some ingredients she gathered and prepared of course. She even skinned and prepared new bindings for her breasts and nether region which were also dyed black to match her ensemble. Her breasts appeared to be covered by skeletal hands while around her groin was a large skull from a large cat she had killed as the front piece while bones hung from the string she had used to make a bone belt that gently bounced against her skin. Even her hair was no longer brown, but a darker coloration of red that Nailiah had insisted she done as a representation of her. Alistair simply gave her his hoof bindings to wrap around her wrists, his red gems shining a little in the light. On the black base of her body, Athari had then painted herself into the likeness of a walking skeleton highlighting certain bone structures with white lines mostly rather than giving intricate details. Her face only shadowed the top half of the skull without the jaw bone connection. She splattered red across the white as well as if to emphasize the blood of the walking dead. However, she realized that she would not be able to reach parts of her back. In that case, she wore a black cape that she had purchased from a merchant earlier that day. It wrapped around her shoulders leaving the front bare and open for all to see, the end just stopping at the top of her heel. The hood was on her head, but was back enough that anyone could see her face...well sort of.

As she walked, the cape flowed behind her in an eerie reaction. She had jagged the edges of the cape and the tail of it to make it look old and worn as if she had been around for years. A bone necklace made out of the animals she hunted adorned her neck as well as earrings that she fashioned from the animals as well. A bone charm was wrapped around one of her ankles with a small rat skull resting on the top of her foot. She looked quite a sight it seemed for she caught heads as she walked by, her walking stick making gentle clicking sounds against the floor, the bone charms rattling against the wood and each other making a sort of ominous death sound as the top skull of a boar seemed to stare ominously at those who met its eyes. Her bare feet felt cool against the flooring. Athari looked down ever so often to make sure that her "paint" wasn't marring the floor. For the most part, she seemed to be doing fairly well for now. Then again, she hadn't painted the bottoms of her feet and left a few inches of the top of her skin showing. The female wondered if anyone would recognize her as she eyed a few faces in the crowds. The King was also at the head, but she swore she noticed one of the tavern owners, Lotte, not too far away. Her mouth quirked as she took in the scenery and the ice sculpture...What on earth? She stood not too particularly far away or not too close to anyone as if trying to gain her bearings. She hadn't been to many "parties" and was often secluded. The constant affection and reassurances of her bonds' voices and feelings made it a little better to cope for not being with them...

She wondered what the night had in store for her as dark, brown eyes continued to study and survey those around her as well as the building and surroundings, her mind constantly ticking every once in a while wondering..always wondering.

The boy's red brown eyes flitted around the crowd nervously beneath his unique Bayrel mask as he made his way to the guest book to sign in. Scanning over the signatures to make sure that his name wasn't on the paper, the young boy scribbled his name in his own feminine handwriting, excluding his last name. Sebastian Michaelis. Could never be too careful, right?

He stepped away from the book and looked around the party feeling the Bayrel skin on his forearms slide easily. It had taken him weeks to make this ensemble in between lunch and dinner at Lotte's Inn where he worked. He had taken the hide of a Bayrel, and used every piece. His legs were covered by his newly bought tan pants, held up by a belt he had made of the unfortunate red Bayrel's leg. His mask was the full face of the wolf-creature, including the protruding snout that allowed him to breath, and the eyes were small holes that only his red brown eyes could see through. He had even mounted the ears on his head, and strapped the tail to the back of his pants. The boy was rather proud of his costume.

Sebastian made his way from the book after a few disgruntled complaints from other guests trying to sign in. His eyes kept scanning the crowd, almost nervously but he forced himself to be calm. Paimon had assured him that he would be safe. Sebastian trusted his Chosen.

Spotting the familiar figure of his boss and friend, Lotte, the red haired youth beelined towards her, hoping that by being around her, he would gain some sort of footing in this new environment. "Good eve' Mistress." He said with a slight bow, wondering if she would recognize him through the mask. He had done a great deal to hide his costume from her while he was making it, which in itself had been a feat.


[[wasn't sure if you saw this]]

Noah wasn't exactly thrilled about going to this...party, yet each time he thought of turning around, his Cursed Mark burned and his legs only moved faster. He was garnished with a blue Venetian mask, sparkling with a vast array of glittering blues, yellows and silvers. He wore a suit provided from The Six themselves. Though, he paled in thought of whom wore it before their untimely demise... Noct had been adamant about wearing this exact costume, which only worried Noah more. Was there something about it that would clue anyone into his affliction of being Cursed? Or was this so others Cursed could recognize him. Were there others like him there?

He brushed his bangs from over his eyes, chewing on his lip as he entered the castle walls, being directed by the laughter, whispers and echoes into the grand party. His gaze caught nobility, as groomed and as prized as they came. He felt so out of place. He was nothing but a Cursed man from a farmer's background, left to die when the Six no longer had use for him. It would have almost been a pity, if Noah actually had anyone to care for him. He'd kept to himself however, and no one even knew his name anymore.

Swallowing hard, he moved further in, catching a glimpse of the King, his companions and all the others in glorious dress. He looked up at the autumn vines and pumpkins that graced the room, feeling a bit out of place in his Venetian costume suddenly. Maybe The Six should have given him a witch's outfit instead?

Though his feet finally stopped and he was left to move his body of his own accord again. The sign in book... He stepped back, trying to avoid it like the plague. 'No...I'm not signing that....I won't...' All his fears came rushing back to him like a ferocious wind, howling and angry. He couldn't sign it! He didn't want them to know... He felt if he did, something bad would happen... Something he wished with all his might he could escape, yet he knew. There was no escape; Only death.

Eliana had mixed up...some sort of concoction from the assorted liquors and flavored drinks on the table and had just lifted the glass to her lips when she felt a light touch on her arm. The party and throngs of people was a good enough reason to keep her natural instincts in check, reacting only by sliding her eyes to the side to the source of the disturbance as she spoke. No, not a threat; good.

Eyes following the pointed finger, she found the desired object and picked it up, passing it to the fox. "Course. Knock yourself out," she replied with a chuckle, handing the bottle over. With that, she tipped her own glass back, savoring the contents that burned pleasantly all the way down her throat. Mmm...not bad. Watered down, but still, not the cheap stuff she was used to.

One glass down, she paused to take in the woman standing next to her. Her eyes glittered with amusement, and she was unable to help herself. "My, my, does this poor kitty need to worry about predators at the party? I'd hate to end up someone's prey."

Today was a special occasion. Today was one of those rare days where the crimson doors of the Red Spice wouldn't part to welcome any soul in search of mundane comfort. Instead, a tablet warned those that had just crawled from under a rock that the Spice's crew, like just about every other brothel in town, was gone partying. If that meant no business for those of the earthen pleasures, now that was something else entirely.

The bulk of the Red Spice was already present at the party, indistinguishable from the rest. Some perhaps less covered than the average party goer, but a show of skin certainly wasn't part of only the 'entertainers' costumes. The night was just beginning to set herself in so, one couldn't reveal all the cards right off the bat or the enchantment would go away. Too obvious would scare the lewd nobles away too. A delicate balance between what was acceptable and what could destroy a person's social life was needed tonight, and the lessons had been drilled into each and everyone of the Spice's assets as a reminder that it was not only their lives on the line if something went wrong. However, the plan for the night was simple enough that everyone could participate and go have some fun. All thanks to their loving star and performer. Even veterans more seasoned than her had sighed in relief when she stepped up to the plate. Who likes to play someone their not, after all? And the Lady couldn't be any further away from her usual self.

Everything about her had a white, light and airy quality to it, her pearly heels seemingly floating on their own, rather than touching the ground. Several layers of petal shaped, sheer white gossamer ondulated around her lower section, caressing the pale skin of her long legs just below the knee. The top half of the dress was sprinkled with little pearls and crystals, shoulders left bare with swan feather adorned straps tied behind her neck. A white, gossamer sash surrounded her waist, the feathered ends floating behind her with each move, holding in place two small angelic wings. Her pale hands and arms were covered in white lace, the upper rims of the gloves sporting a small wing each. A simple, yet beautiful pearl graced the Angel's neck, dangling from a thin silver chain. Even her long hair was an immaculate white, the several small braids strategically planted here and there shining with entertwined threads of silver and pearls, hiding the partial elven heritage shown on her ears behind its cover. The only hints of color were on her face as the glossy powder pink on her full, smiling lips and, hidden behind the white feather mask, the bright lilac eyes that surveyed the general vicinity, first in search of her own comrades and only after all others. Was that woman clad in black paint and bones almost absolutely naked? For a moment, her smile widened into a grin. Maybe this wouldn't be such a conventional ball after all...

The first thing was to sign the guest book, where two males had decided to linger. A raven and a blue clad gentleman. Peculiar. Wait, peculiar? Was her garment getting to her head already? Or had it been the hours of dying her hair? "Excuse me, gentlemen..." Her voice was soft, with just the right amount of soothing to it before turning noxiously sweet. Her previous thoughts were purged from her mind. To play the part, she had to be the part. To be the part, she had to think sweet, innocent, naïve, angelic, enticing and fantasy inducing. With large gestures, the word "Angel" was drawn on the big book, and, after a small nod to the pair, Angel entered the ballroom with a special sparkle on her eyes. She couldn't deny the small feeling of excitement within her, all in all. It was a pretty big party, and even she had her fantasies of one day dancing in this very own ballroom. Her light pink lips parted slightly in amazement, taking in the sumptuous decorations and the sheer amount of attendees. First thing was to show herself off, put herself at least on the minds of the partygoers. The rest would happen, in time. This would be her best stage yet, light steps guiding her through the sea of people while looking for someone interesting to keep her company.