Open [The Baha'Tian Resorts] The Ice Masquerade

[Stefan]

Stefan came to the Masquerade full of joy, not only for the fact that he didn’t got lost this time –to be fair, he almost got lost, but managed to find his way fairly easy – but because it was an opportunity to celebrate his new life in Riverfall, and a new future for him. It was something to celebrate, and he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.

A new season was coming, and what better way to celebrate it than with this? A nice party with good food and good companies; he couldn’t ask for more.

Stefan dressed himself for the occasion, at least as best as he could. Dark blue linen pants, also with a dark shirt that fitted perfectly, his leather boots and a black jacket with red trims and buttons that appeared as golden, even though they weren’t. The clothes where borrowed from the Velvet Curtain, because at this point, he didn’t mind being dressed by prostitutes. They had style, he admitted, and now he felt like a lord. Of course, he still carried his old mandolin strapped to his back, and he was ready to play if the chance presented itself.

He entered the premises wearing a calm facial expression, and he brought a hands free mask for the occasion. Eight silver mizas for it; a fair price, though he hoped that he got to keep the mask... and in fact, he was going to keep it even if that wasn’t allowed. It was a nice silver mask that appeared like silver, with nice designs and that covered everything except for the mouth. It was just perfect.

He didn’t like to admit it, but he was pleased by these kinds of celebrations, as quiet as they were, and he had big plans. He would enjoy the wine and the music, even though he could play a piece himself. He guessed that the finest liquors were to be served, and that thought motivated him more.

Of course, the best motivation was the women. Riverfall was a city with a fairly low population of women, but still, that wasn’t going to stop Stefan to get lucky that night. If he wasn’t able to bring a woman to his bed that night, it was going to be a major disappointment, but he wasn’t going to give up that easy. He not only wanted it, he needed it.

The first thing he did as soon as he entered was look for a nice cup of wine at the bar. That was one of the few good things about winter: the liquor was almost always cold. He smiled widely, not only for the cold wine, and for the aesthetically pleasant atmosphere, but because he felt a little bag in the pocket of his jacket. The chance presented itself almost like a coincidence, but he couldn’t pass it. In the docks, he found somebody based on some rumours, which ended up being true: there was a drug dealer nearby. The process was complicated, shady and discreet, but Stefan managed to get a decent supply of Love Dust. He had to pay around twenty gold mizas for it, but it was money well spent, because he knew how to use it. He was going to enjoy the party, drink some more, and flirt with the women in there, but then, it was time for some shenanigans.

Indeed, this was going to get interesting.

Stefan’s mask

[Reven Heath]

Her room back at the Sanctuary had become a living nightmare as the Kelvic rushed to get ready for the ball. She was late, absurdly late, and felt waves of embarrassment and frustration for her lack of being punctual. Being able to see her Konti friend before she left, Reven decided to throw her hair up in the same fashion but groaned when it flopped over in a mess of knots. Having no luck with the auburn tresses, Reven hastily tucked the hair away into a tight bun. It didn't compliment her dress or the makeup she painted onto her face and skin, but it was better than having tangled, ratty hair when she arrived.

Grumbling underneath her breath, the Kelvic went to work on adding shimmering gold and copper to her eyelids, making sure to be detailed so the men would have more reason to look at her eyes and not her cleavage. Once she was finished, Reven coated her lips in a nude color, the color nearly blending in with her skin tone before working make up across her skin. After fixing herself up, the Lioness scrambled into her gown till the fabric was settled pleasantly onto her form. Grabbing her bronze colored sandles, Reven rushed out of her room in hopes of catching a ride to the Baha’Tian Resort.

"Cold, cold, cold!" She hissed as she hurried back into her room, snatching the fur-lined cloak from her bed.

Then she was off on her way, venturing with other members of the Sanctuary to the Masquerade Ball. The Kelvic was growing restless with anticipation as they neared the resort. Kavala had dragged her out into the city many days ago to go shopping for the event, which Reven had quite enjoyed. But venturing into the massive party alone with little hope she would actually have a pleasant evening made the feline want to tuck tail and run. However, Reven knew if she didn't make an appearance tonight, the Konti would most surly rouse her awake in the morning to find out why.

The atrium was a sight to behold as the Kelvic slowly made her way down to the reception, in awe at how simple veils could compliment such beauty of a structure. Finally making her way to the reception, Reven purchased a mask to compliment her gown and turned over her cloak before heading into the dining hall for the main event. It was here that she ran into her teacher and long time friend.

"Reven!" Karlak exclaimed as his eyes met her's. "Well if it isn't my favorite K—"

"Karlak, it's such a pleasure to see you here! I didn't think you liked coming to these things." The Kelvic breathed out, not wanting him to finish his sentence. A red head clothed in a green gown made her way to the man's side, interrupting the Akalak. "Oh, why hello Reven, I didn't expect to see you here. How exciting! Is this your first ball?" Arril asked kindly.

"I suppose you could say that. Mutaldi's taken me to a lot of social events so I can't same I'm not familiar with it." Lifting the golden-red mask she had purchased to her face, Reven made quick work of securing it around her head.

"Wonderful! Karril doesn't seem to be having fun, maybe a chat with you could cheer him up?" Arril nudged the Kelvic. "You haven't danced yet, have you? Go dance with him! He'd like that. He's in one of the chairs by the wall, go, go!" Turning hazel eyes back to the Akalak, Karlak simply shrugged and waved to her as Reven departed their company. She didn't want to dance with Karril, he would most likely want to talk about her hunting trips and that was something she didn't want brought up when she was trying to have a good time.

Finding Karril in the sea of people was an adventure by itself but once she located the man did she wave to him, uncomfortable in his presence. There was something strange about Karlak's son that Reven couldn't put her finger on. She figured it was because of his personality, calculated and only interested in specific subjects. "Hey Karril! Um, how's the party going? Your mother wanted me to say hi to you, are you enjoying yourself?" Irritated eyes met curious hazel ones.

"She asked you to dance with me, didn't she?"

Alright, so she wasn't the first person to approach him that evening. Fine, fine. But why did he look so unhappy? "No." Reven lied. "I came over here to see how you were and yes, I was hoping to dance. Would you like to?" With the background music changing in tempo, the Kelvic smiled as it was an even pace she could move to. "Come on, it's not that bad! I don't care for dances and even I'm here so let's go." Without another word from the man, she dragged him out of his chair and onto the dance floor.

Surprisingly, the outfit he donned complimented the fiery color of her gown and when they moved and she spun, it sparkled a dazzling yellow, orange, red, and blue. The gown was beautiful and light, fluttering softly when she turned and moved against her form like liquid fire. It didn't help that the dress showed her cleavage or snuggled against her waist to accent the curve of her figure. Even the back of the dress was open with the hem sitting right above her lower back. It was quite a revealing dress but she had worn it for a very specific reason...

"You know, I've gotten better with the bow, no thanks to you." Reven teased. "I've even managed to catch a few rabbits right in the eye." Smiling, the Kelvic knew exactly how to get him talking and once the conversation was started, there was no way he could stop unless interrupted by someone. Nodding softly as she listened to the Akalak, Reven ideally searched around the area while she danced with Karril, trying hard to locate the Denusk female. Inwardly sighing, Reven focused on the conversation with her teacher's son. It would be a while before she would find them, Reven assumed.

Ledger8 SM for large mask.

[Fantasy]

As the main dining room turned dance hall filled citizens of Riverfall, the band that had been playing a gentle song came to an abrupt stop, all the instruments pulling into a single note in order to draw attention to the front of the room where they played. On the makeshift created small stage, a deep blue Akalak dressed in all black with a beautiful long haired Konti in a flowing white lacy dress to contrast him, stepped up in front of the band. Servnal and his wife Ry’nea had been chosen to present the festival, though many speculated that Servnal had only agreed because of his wife’s doe like eyes that had lit up at the mention of being hosts for the yearly festival.

Regardless of the reason however, Servnal stood proud with his delicate wife on his arm. ”Ladies and gentlemen!” Servnal’s deep timber voice echoed throughout the hall, catching the attention of even the children crawling underneath tables in order to avoid the others. ”Tonight we celebrate life, despite the cold harshness of winter. We thank Proinnsiah for offering the resort for the festival this year. Without him we could very well be freezing our tails off outside.” Servnal attempted to joke, causing his wife to nudge him lightly in the ribs, face flushing red under her husband’s lame joke. As Servnal offered thanks to the owner of the resort, many of the waiters shuffled in with empty tables, taking up what little free space was left against the walls before slipping back to the kitchens.

”Before we begin with the first offical dance of the evening, I believe it is time we introduced the meal of the evening don’t you?” Servnal clapped his hands twice, and the waiters reappeared from the kitchens, two at a time carrying a large dish between them. A variety of foods were placed among the tables, everything from lightly grilled fish, to roasted vegetables - even a delicate rabbit stew. The desserts however were the most extravagant. Several different flavored cakes tiered high lined one table alone, circled by candied fruits drizzled with honey. Several children bolted immediately for the table, parents on their tail in an attempt to curb them.

”Looks like we have a winner table.” Servnal attempted another joke, causing his wife to roll her eyes. ”Let’s start off the first dance of the evening shall we? For the first dance… it’s ladies choice!” Servnal barely had time to finish the first dance announcement before his wife took the lead and pulled him from the makeshift stage to the dance floor as the band began an upbeat waltz that most would recognize as it originated in Riverfall.

OOC :

Alright everyone, I know the girls massively outnumber the guys, so for this first dance as it IS ladies choice, you can feel free to pull your best girlfriend onto the floor, or even a temporary NPC the dance floor. This first dance is purely for fun and to get things rolling, so don’t be a wallflower!

[Kavala]

Kavala looked on with interest as the food was carted out in greater numbers an the tables set aside for it were overburdened. Her smile deepened. Oh yes, despite all the troubles of the past season, food was definitely worth it. But then there was the dancing, and as the first dance was announced, Kavala looked around to see if she recognized anyone. There were quite a few faces in the crowd she recognized, some she'd done business with and others she only knew by sight.

One in particular stood out... the young winery owners Jonathan & Kozar Black. They were an Akalak pair that had a prominent place in society and whom Kavala had met on multiple occasions. She carefully set her wineglass down after polishing off her last cookie and wandered over to the man to bow before him.

"May I?" She asked, taking his hand and leading him out on the dance floor with a few of the first couples. She didn't introduce herself to either brother, but instead let the mystery of the masque remain a mystery as she danced. He was fit, a good dancer, and Kavala thought her choice couldn't have been better. She'd definitely have a good time in anyone's arms so long as they were a competent dancer.

~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, a tall imposing Akalak figure stepped through the doorway, late from the speeches and late indeed because his attendance had only been a last minute decision. Anir, Kavala's trainer and an ex-leader of the Sasarans in Riverfall stepped through the door alone and scowled at the crowd. He was breathtakingly handsome dressed all in back with his pale hair pulled back on his shoulders. Older, and yet childless, one of his decisions that evening was to indeed scout out the Ice Masquerade for any potential Nakivak's he could find. Working with Kavala and bringing her back into shape after her childbirth had infused him with the desire to have a son or daughter of his own, perhaps one that would require similar attention and time. Now that he was retired... he had a lot of time. And there was no one to actually share it with.

So he scanned the crowd and his eyes fell on Orabelle standing quietly among the other ladies. She looked exotic, but not terribly tiny like most of the other women were. She was thin, but curvy enough that under the right circumstances she could be a fit Nakivak for someone of his size.

Anir offered her a smile. He hoped she'd come over and invite him to dance as it seemed it was ladies choice first and foremost.

[Palla Frostfawn]

This is a beautiful place, it has a very pretty setup. Palla admired the carvings in the ice. I wish I could carve like that... I hope I will be able to someday... I should just continue practicing, after all, practice makes perfect. Palla thought of her relatively simple carvings and sighed in envy.

Palla looked around and saw a few familiar faces. Stefan was there, along with Kavala and Orabelle, some of the few people she had met so far.

As she thought about saying hello, tables of food were brought out, making Palla hungry. A man called Servnal said thank yous and then mentioned it was time for the first dance of the evening. I should't have come. Who will I dance with?

Just then, she realized a girl was walking up to her. She had flaming red hair, and wore a two layered red and white dress. It was made of silk, or something very similar, and Palla was envious and a little embarassed of her own cotton dress. I didn't know that I was supposed to wear such a nice dress! Petch my life... Palla's ears grew hot, and she wished she had thought to wear something nicer. The girl sat down next to her and introduced herself. Palla felt a bit better, but felt bad for feeling so, that the girl didn't talk with certainty like a lot of others she met had. "H-Hello. I-I'm Palla. P-Palla Frostfawn." Her eyes changed a shade as she intoduced herself, smiling kindly but nervously.

She looked at the girl expectantly.

[Rosela]

E
E
Rosela returned Orabelle’s hug warmly, and laughed at her sarcasm being returned to her. ”It is the latest fashion, and you do look lovely in it. No harm in flaunting what you’ve got, Akajia knows you work hard enough to deserve a night of it.” Taking her first sip of her wine, Rosela turned to survey the newest entrants to the ballroom, eyes alighting on the couple who had entered not long after herself, a blonde man in a lion mask and a Konti in a stunning black dress. She wanted to guess it was Kavala and Vanator, but she had trouble believing the woman who’d been massively pregnant only a season ago was now walking about in such clearly good shape.

Rosela’s attention was drawn abruptly to the front of the room, where announcements were made, and food was unveiled. The cakes drew her particular attention, and she had to forcefully remind herself of the inches her hips had gained lately to avoid being drawn immediately to the collection of sweets.

“…ladies choice!”

Rosela stiffened with slight anxiety with the knowledge that she’d be expected to pick a man to dance with, rather than being sought after herself. Even further, given the fact that she knew very little about how to dance, it meant her choice here could mean the difference between elegance and clumsiness. The grand image of the evening, being surrounded by men clamoring for her hand, was rapidly dissolving. Biting a lip, she attempted to look casual as she took a long gulp of her wine and scanned the room. It made her feel better that several men attempted to catch her eye as she did it. A familiar face turned towards hers and a sly smile broke out. ”You heard the man, Orabelle. Make your choice…” Draining her glass, she set it on the table behind them and moved out into the crowd.

”Why Taskel, it’s been ages.” She gave a low curtsy to the Kuvay’nas guard, decked out in a fine midnight blue suit with a small black mask that covered only around his eyes and did nothing to hide his identity.

“Miss Rosela, don’t tell me you’re going to spend your first dance on little ol’ me?” His false modesty didn’t last, and he broke out into a cocky grin as he returned a formal bow. “Shall we?” Taking his offered arm, she allowed him to lead her out onto the dance floor, offering a short prayer to Akajia that the man knew how to dance.

E
E

[Stefan]

Stefan stopped right in his tracks when he heard the strong voice of Servnal, but calmed down when he noticed that it wasn’t for him. Well, that reaction was only natural... after all, carrying a bag of aphrodisiacs at a social event was often frowned upon. However, Stefan didn’t care at all. Still, Servnal jokes were incredibly stale “Come on, even I could do better than that...” he muttered under his breath.

Of course, he started to care when the waitress came in, all carrying a great variety of dishes and putting them on the tables. It was perfect, simply perfect. The food looked delicious already... but it surely will taste better with a little more spice.

First of all, he needed to avoid the desserts table. Too many children and that would be a problem. So he got closer to another table with more fancy plates to give. So Stefan took something small... he didn’t knew what it was, anyway. Looked like a small shrimp with a mint leave... why did people eat these things, anyway? Without taking a bite, he just touched the thing, as if inspecting it, and then started to fiddle between them. He did look like a picky man that couldn’t decide what to take, as he looked at the food... but it was hard to notice that he discretely put his hand into his pocket before touching the food. The dust was smeared into his fingers, so when he touched to food, it became spiced.

Of course, he only touched the food that no child would ever touch: the incredibly spicy, bitter or sweet. Stefan did frustration expressions, just to mask the fact that he was enjoying himself. He finished when he passed his fingers upon the empty cups, because as everybody was distracted eating or dancing, nobody paid any attention to the chuckling man that touched the things when nobody was looking. He whipped his hand into his jacket, cleaning it, and then went to drink something himself, making sure it wasn’t one of the spiked glasses.

Huh, dancing. That was funny... he would actually like to dance. Meet new persons; maybe eat something himself... if he was lucky, he could even bed somebody this night. And if he could not... he could always enjoy the fact that he made a bunch of people happy. A smile crossed his face as he tough of it... by Nikali’s feet, the night was just starting.

[Alia Beaudouin]

“Palla Frostfawn?”
It was quite a nice name, that. Frostfawn, it seemed like a name she should know. Strange, had she met a Frostfawn before? No, there was no way Frostfawn would be an Inartan last name, and Alia remembered every non-Inarta visitor that came to Wind Reach during her duration on the mountain city. Where had she heard that name before, then? That would be something for later, as at that moment, the host and hostess of the ball - or at least thats who Alia thought they were - announced that the first dance would begin, ladies choice.

Who could she dance with? There weren't many men in Riverfall that Alia knew, never mind would dance with. The majority of her fall and winter season had been spent acting nearly around the clock.

Standing back up again barely ticks after she had sat down while scanning her eyes over the crowd for a partner, Alia chattered on, finding some slip of social ability to manage to keep a conversation going - however one sided - for several ticks.

”So, uh, Palla, who are you going to dance with? Do you know anyone… Ahem, that I could dance with?” Alia trailed off, regretting the decision to ramble without a real purpose in speaking at all.
Ah, good job, Alia. Ask a socially awkward girl you’ve known for two seconds if they have any convenient dance partners hidden in their pocket. Smooth.

Awkwardly shuffling away from the table, Alia planned to go explore the dance floor, what was she supposed to do? She really wanted to go dance, but would it seem rude if she ran off suddenly? Compromising, Alia gave Palla a shy smile, ”Ah, never mind, I’m going to go look around the dance floor, find someone to dance with, I don't want to run off on you, but I’d really like to.. You know, dance.”

Alia laughed softly, pushing a string of hair behind her ear. She hoped she wasn't being rude. She would come back right after the dance was over and talk, Alia did want to get to know the girl, but she wanted to dance more… It would be a nice experience, and Alia did want to meet some new people- or dance with some old acquaintances.

[Orabelle Deepseeker]

"Oh no, you deserve it! You've worked hard on a lot." Orabelle gestured to the Red Diamond Fashions style around the room."Bask in the glory!" She scanned the room to see a few familiar faces. Palla Frostfawn wasn't too far off. Orabelle was so proud to see her out, Palla was finally coming out her shell and looked just beautiful. The svefran tried to get her attention by waving a bit. Her blue eyes flew across the room to an exotic looking woman. The woman's makeup was terrific, and matched her tone perfectly.

She constantly looked around the room and couldn't find anyone else she knew. Some people were well hidden under their mask. Sadly she couldn't recognize a anyone."The party is beginning to start..." she muttered and no sooner did she say it, there was an announcement. One that made her shiver.


Ladies choice. For the love of Laviku! She wouldn't be able to decide. The men seemed a lot more nervous then the woman who had to pick them. She wanted someone who was confident. Slowly sipping her wine she looked around for a dance partner. Too short... too young... just horrific. She was being very picky right now while trying to find a dance partner.

Once again she was scanning the room. Suddenly they stopped on a gorgeous akalak. Perfect. He smiled confidently at her, almost made her swoon. Orabelle was about to melt like a cold block of ice would under Syna's ray of sunshine. His suit, appearance was what she was looking for.Mine!


She tried to play it cool. A few sips of her wine before strutting over to him. A whitened smile spread across her face. As soon as she approached him, her arm with the undan was lifted to shake his."Hello, I'm Orabelle. Care to dance?" She held her breath.

[Vanator]

Vanator surveyed the elegantly appointed chamber. The presence of the masks added a measure of intrigue to the event, as the Drykas attempted to find familiar faces among the patrons. With features concealed, he had to rely on secondary features to identify potential friends and acquaintance.

The easiest to identify was Rosela. Certainly, the array of lithe arms gave her away, but so did the grace of her posture and exquisite nature of her dress. Van's eyes passed over a corner, where another feminine form rang true. The tall, lean figure of Orabelle, dressed in a white garment that brought out the warmth of her skin. He had sparred with the exotic woman, became familiar with the willowy woman's flexibility, helped her to use it to her advantage. A Vanthan with gorgeous eyes, a woman with a silky fiery mane, and he swore he saw a Symenestra. There were so many people, the women all appeared beautiful, the men handsome.

Then his eyes fell on Reven. The familiar flutter returned, the one that haunted him every time he saw the Kelvic. It was the reason why he kept his distance. Something had beset him when they first met thirty days earlier, it had become worse since she recently moved into the Sanctuary. He knew what it was, the tug of a Kelvic bonding. He liked Reven, a lot. He just wasn't sure he was ready to bind his life to another so soon after being jilted by Sybel. But everything in him told him he would not be able to resist much longer.

Then Caelum and Elise appeared. The sight of his friend bled the anxiety away and Van flashed them a smile as Kavala returned. Vanator took the wine glass from his sister. Not his first choice in beverages, but he understood at social events like the masquerade, it was the more appropriate drink. He eyed Kavala's cookies, then met his sister's cerulean gaze. He thought better of trying to convince her to share her delicacies. He would eventually wander over to the food to get his own.

The first official dance was announced, ladies' choice. Much to Van's amusement, and happiness, Kavala did not hesitate to find a dance partner. As he watched the Konti walked away, showing off what she had trained hard to attain, Vanator took a sip of the wine. It was a mellow vintage, not as strong as he would have liked, but flavorful.

As the ladies milled about,finding dance partners, Van's eyes again surveyed the crowd. His gaze glanced over the cougar Kelvic talking with a some men, moving on to fall on a young man that wandered about, seemingly more interested in examining the selection of food and drink than in dancing. Curious, Van thought, he was attractive and well dressed. Certainly a young woman would track him down soon enough.