they've got all the right friends in all the right places

[sageprincess]

Characters: "Pandora" and the Tower populace.
Setting: Floor 82 - The Masquerade Ballroom.
Format: Party style - pick your poison.
Summary: As the lights begin to flicker and the month rapidly draws to its close, the mysterious "Pandora" has invited the residents of the Tower to a masquerade ball.
Warnings None as of yet.

"Between the noise you hear, and the sound you like..."

Well, now, that invitation certainly was mysterious, huh? Who is Pandora, and what's the occasion for this party she's holding? And what was that message on the back all about? Remember this: There will come a time when everything around you seems to be not what you thought it was, and you won't know what to believe about anything at all. At that time, look for something that is still true. In the wake of the chaos caused by those rumors written on the walls, perhaps it seems like a too-late warning. In any case, the ballroom on the eighty-second floor shimmers and shines exquisitely, awaiting the guests' arrival. The dance floor is open and spacious, and, as promised, refreshments line a buffet table on one of the far walls. While much of it has obviously been nicked from the cafeteria, there is also a variety of meats and seafood not otherwise available in this month's menu. Yes, this also means there is alcohol. Take care not to lose the mask that is placed upon your face the instant you step off the staircase, however. You don't want to be the single recognizable person in a crowd of anonymous dancers, do you? Who knows what you might hear from a masked stranger...

"... are we just sinking in an ocean of faces?"

[Description of Floor 82 from the setting page: "A masquerade party is taking place in this intricately decorated, expensive-looking ballroom, and you're going to have to participate. As soon as you step onto this floor a mask is placed on your face. Anyone wearing a mask is completely anonymous even to those with supernatural abilities. You can take off a mask, but anyone with their mask off is compelled to truthfully answer any question they're asked."]

Comments

[keepscalm]

[While it's certainly been some time since England has attended a party of this calibre, it's plain to see from the way he carries himself that he is in his element. (His element being, of course: formalities, nice clothes, and a protective mask — in more than the literal sense.) He stands with perfect posture and manages a smile that looks almost pleasant beneath his mask.

...though he does have a tiny tag-along sitting on his shoulder. No one will recognise the child, obviously, but they're clearly very attached, to be sticking together even in the face of forced anonymity.

There are a few ways the pair might approach the other party-goers. But, most likely, it will begin with a question from England as he extends a hand (and foregoes the bow because of his tiny companion):]

I beg your pardon. Might I have this dance?


[ ooc| replies will be coming from both keepscalm and colonial! c: ]

[prayed]

[England will be rewarded with a girl just staring at his hand as though it were a strange object. It's impossible to see the way she's raising an eyebrow from behind the mask, but the snicker and the sly grin that spreads across her face should say it all.]

You kidding? Just how old fashioned are you? You're gonna get stuck with some chick that can't dance and then, say goodbye to your toes and everything else.

[Still, despite her harsh words, she places her hand in his.]

Well, I guess it's already too late for you.

[colonial]

Where would his toes go? [Though perched on England's shoulder, America has a mask of his own. He seems quite cheerful for being around what are essentially complete strangers.]

[keepscalm]

[England does pretty well at keeping his composure (it's easier when he knows this young woman has no idea who he is and probably never will), though his smile does turn a tad sheepish.]

Extremely old-fashioned. Probably more than most people realise.

[Still, America's quip seems to ease him a little, and he chuckles.] I've had my fair share of toe mishaps, I assure you. But they're all still quite present. [Never fear, America!]

[prayed]

[England gave a pretty suitable answer to that question, but Kyoko can't quite bring herself to leave it alone.]

Heh. I can't get anything past your buddy there, can I?

[Her grin broadens.]

All his toes'll fall off if he gets stuck with the wrong person, y'know! That's why people try and step on your toes while you're dancing with 'em; they wanna pick them up and stuff them in a sack. Gotta keep that collection going somehow.

[Who's spending her time at the ball making up blatant lies to tell impressionable young children? This girl.]

[seekinganswers]

How can I say no when you've asked so nicely?

[Sheba giggles and curtsies quickly before taking the proffered hand. It's hard to tell behind her mask, but there's a definite twinkle in her eye. She seems to be enjoying herself, in spite of the way the masks keep her from knowing who it is she's really talking to.

It occurs to her that there's not many children small enough to fit on someone's shoulder in the Tower, but she can't for the life of her think of who the child on England's shoulder might be. That doesn't keep her from grinning at him, though.]

Wow, it's my lucky day! I get to dance with two dashing gentlemen, not just one!

[fragileprophet]

[Ion was trying to figure out where in the world Anise had disappeared to (and running out of confidence that he'd actually be able to find her with her mask on amidst the other party-goers) when he catches the hand being held out toward him.

The boy gives his airy, gentle chuckle. It...well, being asked to dance wasn't something he had expected, least of all from an extravagantly dressed man. For an instant, the Fon Master found himself wondering if it had been a mistake...but Ion supposed that he was rather delicate (and it wasn't as if this would be the first person who had mistaken him for a young girl). Regardless, it was flattering, and easy enough to shrug off with a warm smile. Although the majority of his face is hidden behind the mask he's wearing, but his voice carries more than enough of his delight.]

Certainly. How kind of you to ask.

[He nods up at both the masked stranger who addressed him as well as the small child perched on his shoulder.]

That is, both of you.