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

[half_elven]

[Elrond had finally managed to overcome the headache which had made his morning miserable and though the source of it had not yet ceased, he was for the time being keeping the discomfort it caused under control.

The Sindarin greeting caused him to pause in his mingling and he quietly observed the person who bowed before him. The height of his greeter, and hair revealed by his action aided him in the identification. He had yet to encounter Haldir within this tower, yet he had known the marchwarden was here thanks to Legolas.]

Le suilon.

[marchwarden]

[ Much trepidation accompanied Haldir as he lingered within this crowded hall. He knew that whatever tranquility they enjoyed here would be limited by the horrors they would soon face. The march warden would be more content prowling the halls in search of fiends and foes rather than dancing about within this masquerade. However, he didn't much choice in that matter and it showed somewhat in his forced politeness.]

Is all well, my lord?

[ Haldir asked in hopes of sparking a conversation between them. ]

This masquerade is a welcome change to the usual dullness of the tower.

[half_elven]

[Given the events of last few days, especially the one that had come about yesterday... things were not in anywhere near 'well'. Inasmuch as he might of been forewarned that death was not permanent here, the fact that it was dismissed so quickly and left one as if nothing had happened to them. It was rather disconcerting.]

Inasmuch as it can be within this place. I suspect that such dullness is healthier for this tower's residents.

[marchwarden]

[ Haldir gave the Lord of Rivendell a thoughtful glance before continuing forward. He didn't doubt that Elrond already faced one of the many perils that Animus has to offer. Though, he's a tad curious to ask. ]

That it is, my lord.

[ He replied with another courteous bow. ]

Though, I doubt the Administrators shall have us linger idly for too long. They never do.

[half_elven]

[The march warden could ask, but currently he preferred not to discuss it. Beyond the actual moment in which he had been slain, there had also been that moment where he almost had thought he might actually meet Elros once more in the flesh. That had been admittedly a foolish hope, but he blamed this tower for enabling it with its ability to ignore the limits which usually made such things impossible. Images shouldn't move within mirrors unless that which cast them also moved, that had unfortunately been his downfall.

Dismissing the unpleasant thoughts from mind, he once again focused on trying to enjoy this little event.]

Leaving one's prisoners idle for too long often gives them too much time in which to come up with rebellious ideas.

[marchwarden]

How true but aren't we in need of a rebellion?

[Haldir asked as he turned his gaze away from Lord Elrond and towards the many 'guests' dancing nearby. If life here within Animus hadn't scarred Haldir so terribly, he would have joined the others in their celebration.]

I do not believe we'll remain as prisoners for long.