Chapter 3

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

{There is a man in a mask outside the ballroom. Who is it? Well, if you've met Dorian before, hopefully his voice is recognizable enough. Either way, he will charm you into bed. I mean what?

If you're passing by or are drawn by the ballroom being lit up and apparently decorated, then he's going to speak to you!}

Ah, good evening...You're not quite in costume, but it seems the previous host has already accounted for such an occasion. I'm hosting a small ball in the style of Venetian Carnival, if you don't know from my own attire.

{He gives a bow if you're a dude, and takes your hand if you are a lady. If you are other, well shit I don't know.}

Won't you join us? You'll find as many masks and costumes as you'd like in the room to the side, and I've done my best to imitate the feel of Venice, minus the canals, of course. There is extravagance from around the world, so at the very least, you will find interest in my collections.

I also quite apologize for the lack of music, but it really is rather troublesome to attempt to arrange a small orchestra from the residents here. If you have talent with instruments or with the voice, I'd be glad to temporarily hire you. But that's really besides the point, isn't it? There are plenty of good friends and better wine inside.

Come, let's go inside.

((ooc: somehow, I'm always the one doing party posts. :|a how odd.
Anyways, Masquerade Time! Dorian has decorated the ballroom lavishly, though he didn't do it himself. How did it happen? Magic, that's how. You can find masks at this site, though you're welcome to look anywhere else! Whether you want to go lavish with costumes or just have a simple mask, it's fine!

Threadhopping is encouraged! Tag other people and have fun. ♥))

Comments

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

A charming young fellow by the name of Sebastian. He's always accompanied by his bear, Aloysius, so if you've met him, you at least couldn't forget such a sight.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

I can't say I've seen him, no. I think I'd very much like to meet him, though, if he keeps such wonderful company as yourself.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

{Laughs} Perhaps not quite as wonderful, but he is charming and whimsical and makes excellent company, in his own way.

But won't you take a mask? Covering your face entirely would be a shame, so a half-mask would be a bit more suitable.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm sure he does.

[inclines her head, still smiling] You flatter me. But I'll take a mask, of course. There's no sense in attending a costume ball unless in costume.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Then, they're just in this side room here.

{He offers his arm to lead the way} I must thank the owner of this building, I suppose, for most of them. They were simply already here. Though, the oddest thing, one of the rooms is locked while all the others are quite open. You can't help but wonder what secrets are behind it, can you?

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Intrigue, here? Perish the thought. [she laughs, though, obviously teasing] I can't exactly begrudge anyone their secrets, though. We all have them.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Though some more than others, I suppose. I only found it curious.

{He opens the door to the costume room, stepping to the side to allow her in first}

As you can see, there's quite the impressive variety.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

[looks through the costumes, more attuned to Dorian's words than the outfits themselves, though she'll eventually pick one]

I find the most interesting individuals are those who keep secrets. It makes for a more ... intimate experience, getting to know them.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Oh, I do agree. Do you have many secrets yourself, Madam?

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Mmm, if I told you, there'd be little point in having them, wouldn't there?

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Of course not. We all have our secrets that we'd rather keep--I merely asked if you had them at all. But with that answer, I'll have to suppose that you have a fair share.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

And I you, my gracious host. [idly fingers the fabric of a dress, smiling whimsically] I must say, you grow more and more intriguing with every moment. It's a pleasure to meet someone with your charm here.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

I'm quite glad to hear it. As it could easily be said that I've made a profession of being a host of parties and a man to savor what is most pleasurable in life, such compliments honor me.

{A beat,} If you've found something you like, I shall step out momentarily for you to change.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Really? I don't suppose you'd be averse to telling me more? Or are those your little secrets?

[looks back over the wardrobe, then nods] If you want.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Well, I suppose for one, I especially enjoy good company, though that's hardly a secret. Perhaps more secret is just how personal I might enjoy such company.

{But he bows again, starting to the door} Once you've changed, may I have the honor of a dance?

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Really? I have to wonder if it's much of a secret at all, the way you say it.

[oh, but it's fun to tease and spar this way. it's been too long, it really has] I'd be delighted.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Very secret indeed. But rumors don't spread far between different worlds, do they?

I'll be outside. {And so he closes the door after himself}

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Maybe we should find out?

[waits for the door to click before changing into her new outfit (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjfranz/2238939045/) with this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lakiara/4362460807/) mask, neatly folding her clothes into a pile and tucking them safely in a corner. then she raps lightly on the door so he knows she's coming out]

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

{He had gotten himself some wine, so Inara gets to see him with his mask of. Dorian smiles brightly to see her offering his free hand}

And you've seen me without my mask! I suppose that means I'll have to give you my name now.

{He kisses her knuckle lightly} I am Dorian Gray, madam.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

[and it really is a handsome face, she has to admit. goes well with his charm and she is ever so fond of his manners. she almost feels at home and she hasn't felt that since boarding Serenity (ignoring how she's become comfortable there, at any rate)]

Inara Serra, Lord Gray. [curtsy, though she doesn't pull away her hand] I have to say, I much prefer you without the mask.

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

Then if you would prefer, I'll keep it off for the rest of the evening, at least in your company. It doesn't seem like any other guests are coming in, and it's quite hard to enjoy the delectable foods and drinks that have been prepared for the occasion when you're behind a mask.

{He finishes off his wine, setting the glass on a small table} What sort of dances do you know, Inara?

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Far be it from me to ask you to give away your identity at a masque, though I appreciate the offer. [still, her smile says she'd very much like for him to keep off the mask, even as she settles her own carefully over her eyes. it's a fun game, but at least it leaves her mouth open for said drinks and food]

Enough. Shall we?

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

{He sets the mask on the table as well}

Then we shall. {And to the dance floor!}

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

[to the dance floor! and Inara's so in her element noooow]

I don't suppose you'd care to tell me more about yourself?

[hideous-soul.livejournal.com]

What would my lady wish to know?