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

[tohko_amano]

[Tohko's mask was actually rather simple, and the question surprised her. She didn't think anyone would be asking her to dance at a ball that was supposed to be a cover for the resistance..but Zelda probably invited other people. Tohko thought that was a little foolish, but it wasn't like Zelda had told her about this plan earlier.

Which meant that the girl would be getting some words later, if Tohko ran into her. But, for now, Tohko had no idea who this girl was. Sure, the grin seemed rather familiar, but the confidence, the stride, and the wineglass belonged to someone she didn't know. At least..that's what she thought. The grin did seem a bit cat-like though.]

Oh..of course! I warn you though, I'm horrible at it! And..before we start, do you know what's at the bottom of the box?

[springserpent]

The Box?

[Despite initial confusion, her voice does not falter.]

Something that shouldn't be gleamed by the eyes of mortal men, correct? Fortunately enough, I could care less for such petty restrictions. What fun could possibly lay in a gift that shouldn't be unwrapped? In my eyes it would appear that these "gods" mask the true meaning of such an artifact with the threat of punishment and despair... In short, though I have not witnessed the contents of Pandora's Box for myself, I suppose you could say that the prospect of uncovering such meaning--

[She takes a sip from her drink before leaving it on some random passerby's tray as a hand is offered up Tohko's way.]

Leaves me rather hopeful.

[She's allowed to make puns, dammit.]

[tohko_amano]

[At the eloquent speech, Tohko couldn't help but chuckle as she took the person's hand. So, this was someone else who was involved with the resistance. This was good to know, and narrowed down the possibilities of who this person was. With that smile..Tohko was thinking of a certain cat girl she knew, but she could be wrong.]

I see! I myself haven't glanced into the actual box..but you know, I think the god that stuffed the box was a bit foolish in thinking that the punishments would be bad. After all..without the suffering, you don't know joy, and without anger, you don't know love. If he really wanted to make people suffer, there would be no box at all.

[springserpent]

[Mihli only smiles as she draws Tohko into the faceless crowd]

Don't worry, I'll lead... You'll have to excuse the hammy speech, I felt the need to make an impression.

[She still sounds completely different, and while that might be thanks in part to the supernatural effects of this room, it's mostly all Mihli. Heck, even her accent's gone! Dancing seems to come automatically, and fortunately the song is slow enough for her to pace Tohko's steps, right hand guiding the Book Girl with Mihli's left rested upon her lower back to keep her close.]

[tohko_amano]

[Tohko followed Mihli, her hands in the same position..but for different reasons. Tohko wanted to keep this girl close so that she wouldn't drift too far away and have to run back or accidentally step on her feet. Since the latter of which could still happen, Tohko bit her lip a little as she danced, taking extra care so that she didn't do so.]

It's alright! Don't worry about it! It sounded great to me.