chapter 2

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

I had wondered at first if this place was accustomed to social gatherings, and I see that I was somewhat right.

{Dorian pauses to light a cigarette}

I'm sure that it was a lovely soirée, but for it to be open to only women seems a waste. I do not mean to insult the gracious women here, of course, though I have met so few of you. Ah, to be honest, I have met far fewer of my fellow travelers than I would have liked. It takes getting accustomed to, this place, but its charms are innumerable. And we are travelers, are we not? I think how lucky we must be for the chance, at times, yet I cannot help but wonder whether our gracious hosts think of it as a chance or a curse? But my cynicism is disenchanting, and I digress.

Rather than a limited party, I propose an enchanting evening for all of the travelers here. I had thought that perhaps a costume masquerade would be popular, but I am admittedly ignorant of the customs of the other people here. If you would be so kind as to enlighten me to a sort of party you may like, I would be glad to do my best to oblige.

After all, there is no reason that we should be strangers, is there?

Comments

[oliverplus]

[Oliver's initial reaction is to sort of look at him for a moment, wondering, not for the first time, if the Plane is really 99% full of rich people and Time Lords. but he was hoping to set up a party himself, so he can't help but get in on the planning for this one]

That's a great idea! I'd be up for anything--as long as there are drinks.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

{Dorian so noticed that pause} Of course there would be. It would hardly be a party at all without them.

[oliverplus]

[grins] Then I'm in! But uh...costume masquerade, huh? [he might look a little dubious]

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Is that a problem? They are especially popular this year, so I thought it may be at least an interesting glimpse into most people's pasts. For the most part, I'm quite behind the people here, so I cannot hope to learn about the future, so I will instead bring my own "past" for all to see.

[oliverplus]

[when he puts it that way, it sounds a bit better, though Oliver is tempted to point out that costume parties probably wouldn't have been part of his past, even if he were from the same year. speaking of...] Yeah, that sounds like a neat idea. So when are you from...uh... Oh! Sorry. I'm Oliver, by the way. And I didn't get your name. I guess I got a bit distracted by the thought of drinks. [grins apologetically]

[fruitbrandy.livejournal.com]

Dorian, you look charming today. [the brightness of Sebastian's smile diffuses any possibility that Sebastian was doing anything but stating a fact] I've always found all the balls Julia throws an absolute bore. I feel convinced that your masquerade would be much superior. Would everyone be able to find a mask? Only some of the people aren't as well off.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

{oh sebastian} Why, thank you, Sebastian. I can't imagine why I might look more charming today than any other. Perhaps the bores of attending church regularly do well for my countenance?

Luckily it seems that someone had thought of the idea before me. There's quite a variety of both costumes and masks in the ballroom.

[fruitbrandy.livejournal.com]

I'd hope not. That would almost be a good reason for me to bother attending.

Really? Might we do it in the style of Venitian Carnivals? They look the most fun. I think England could almost make the idea boring if it tried to.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

That was precisely what I had in mind. I traveled to Venice, once, and was unfortunate enough to miss their Carnival due to having to return to England sooner than I would have liked. But it was a source of enchantment for many weeks--I collected various tokens, such as the ornate masks and books about the event. I brought the idea to London with me for a party last spring, but I wasn't as successful in planning it as I would have liked. I thought this place would be perfect to try my hand at it again.

[fruitbrandy.livejournal.com]

It's just the way it is at home. but the people here are much more interesting. I'm sure they'll take to it. I'll ask Oliver and Straxus to help me with future and alien wines.

[flawless-genius.livejournal.com]

A costume ball could prove very entertaining if held here. There is such a variety of people that frequent this place that I imagine it would prove educational as well.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

That is my intention. There is no need for us to be strangers here.

Which is to also say that I don't believe that we've met.

[flawless-genius.livejournal.com]

Then perhaps we haven't. With so many people here it is hard to know everyone who turns up. I am Firesong. Might I know your name now?

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

It is a pleasure, ah, Firesong. I am Dorian Gray. Though if I may inquire, where are you from? I have never heard of quite a name before.

[flawless-genius.livejournal.com]

I was born in the Pelagir Forest, although I'm not sure you would have heard of it before. You don't look as if you're from my world.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[hello, Dorian, have a Doctor!] Oi, I think a masquerade sounds like a fantastic idea! Haven't been to one of those in a long time.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

It would be my pleasure to hold one, then. This place seems to get frightfully dull, at times.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Yeah? Haven't had a dull moment here myself, but then, I've never had much of a dull moment anywhere. [pauses] I'm the Doctor, by the way, don't think we've met.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Ah, so you're...one of them, I believe he said? I met the Master a while ago and a man named the Doctor came into the conversation, though he mentioned that there were multiple.

{But still, he offers his hand} But it is a pleasure, Doctor. I am Dorian Gray.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[shakes his hand enthusiastically] Nice to meet you, Dorian! And yep, I've got a few selves around here...Time Lords have got the ability to regenerate into a new self, sort of a trick for cheating death. [he looks a bit haunted at that] Doesn't work around here, though.

[lostandfinder]

[He... didn't catch half of that, but at least "party" got through.]

A party just because, or to celebrate something specific?

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

A party for the sake of celebration. One does not need an excuse to throw a party.

[lostandfinder]

I guess, so long as you don't have them all the time.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

There's nothing more pleasurable than parties, though. I can't see why throwing them as often as possible could be bad.

[lostandfinder]

Well, it wouldn't be as special, would it? If you had them all the time, I mean.