Winter Masquerade

[Ingrid]

Ingrid watched quietly as Verne approached.

"Well hello. Nice suit!" The Darkling purred, her mouth flashing a smile from under the gauze of her fascinator-mask. "Mmm. Swiss cheese. I think there is some here. Not much though. But enough for you, surely?"

She shuffled on her feet.

"This is Verne. He's an Onyx like John over there. Welcome!" Her words sounded like they were meant for all but from the position of her face it would seem she was directing her comments to Sasha Selena . The Onyx Queen was as exquisite as a statue - or an idol - in her rich costume.

[Seraphina]

A grateful smile was offered to Mhairi, “Thank you! Um, I can get you the designer later, it’s kind of hard to check the tag.” Which was very well hidden. As was most of the seams of the dress.

And how was it being held in place?! A girl will never tell.

“I don’t think it’s a huge name brand designer, because I wouldn’t have been able to afford it if it was.” She adds with a light musical laugh.

And then John seemed to have stumbled. But it was ok because it was actually quite funny. And the laugh coming from the Nix was genuine. She gave his arm a gentle squeeze in support, he had this.

“I’ll have to remember that if I ever join the ranks of the regal.” She wasn’t a Queen, that title was Ingrids. So could she look regal? Was that achievable without holding the title? She wasn’t sure.

And then the howl.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, she normally didn’t mind attention. But this seemed a bit much over a simple dress.

“Wow, seems I’ve set the bar high for myself. Not sure I will be able to top this dress at our next party.” It didn’t mean she wouldn’t try, but it would have to be a different style. Too many dresses like this one would be too much.

She wasn’t surprised Circe took what John said as a joke. The elf seemed to have a great sense of humor. Which was always a good thing.

Looking to Quick, “This is an amazing party Quick, you’re really setting the bar high for the other Seasons.” She says with an easy smile.

Then the other new guy.

Verne.

Smiling at him, “Welcome to the Freehold Verne. I love your costume!” greets the Nix.

[Mhairi Ankaa]

Mhairi laughs and blushes under the paint and mask. "Maybe do, but uh-!" she blushes harder when Circe yells.

The Brown Otter snorts and giggles at the puns. Shaking her head even as she appreciated the build up and delivery.

Then Quick! Mhairi laughs again, this time snorting as she takes a dip of her drink, she chokes for a member but rights herself and shakes her head once again, gloved hand to her painted face to hide her smile. That was a horrible joke. But holy cow, it was funny!

"I think." once she's sure she's out of giggles, "That at our next party, we could do a cheese table. Like with all sorts and kinds. I know there's this habanero cheddar that I absolutely adore. I'd be a happy camper if that was the only thing in offer."

A nod as Sera speaks, "Even if everyone I think would love to see you try and get to the tag now." she teases, bright smile on her face.

[Circe]

Circe smirked with a amused snort from the man in the dapper blue shirt played along with the joke. And the adorable Brown Otter is laughing too. The Purple Lady gives a toothy smile at her success. "Careful Miss Otter," she warns Mhairi as she snorts the drink, "it's supposed ta be milk going up the nose from laughing. Not expensive drinks."

"Top ah the mornin to ya Verne," the Summer Queen was still grinning as she followed up Sasha's greeting to the newcomer. The man was still tough to recognize, "Nice hat. I'm enjoyin' this night myself. Hope ya are doin' the same man. Ya certainly got the best hat here." She felt like suggesting he keep wearing the hat.

But Circe got distracted by something else. Elf Queen using howl on the Scaled Nyx was super effective. "Win. If ya can't top it Sera don't worry. Be happy. Or at least don't go all," the blonde laughed, "Gaga about tryin' ta show yer last dress up. Ha ha," she shook her head with a loud sigh, "Sometimes I wonder if the mundies aren't weirder then us."

Then a naughty smile crossed her lips and her voice matched, "Oooh if the tag is that hard ta find Sera, we can help! Plenty of volunteers here for that, right?" she looks around at everyone present. Her tone then shifted to jovial, "Who's gonna step up first? I'd do it but I didn't bring a smartphone ta help me search for the dress," elf giggles as her track switched from naughty to normal mischief.

[Quick]

Verne seems to be hitting it off well enough, and Quick smiles. Last Winter he didn't even have a permanent home, let alone a Season to draw meaning from. And now? It's the biggest group in the Freehold. Crazy.

Quick's eyes widen behind his shiny mask when he hears Mhairi choke a little, but the smile returns when it's clear she's OK. He laughs again.

"Thanks, Sera. I got the idea for the glitter-sprinkles from you." he says with a wink. "Really like that stuff. Treats are even better when they look good." Like pretty much everything.

His eyes return to the other newcomer. The one all the ladies seemed to be paying attention to. He'd have to tear him away, somehow. To, you know, find out about him. The Elemental quietly sips his wine and listens to the conversations surrounding this John guy.

Quick gives a mock bow when Verne recognizes how good he looks acknowledges him. Piggybacking off the Winter-to-Winter banter, he adds "Kinda like it that way. No one has to be the ugly kid." Though he has no idea how John even looks. Verne's costume does a pretty good job of hiding all that, too. Then, specifically to John Doe . "Got a minute? New faces are like... celebrities. Love to chat. If the ladies will let me. And all that."

[Ingrid]

"Oh by all means, Quick!" Ingrid chuckles. "Circe and myself had a right old chat with these fine fellows a few nights back. Glad you both found the Blue Note. And my offers still stand. Lodging and work can both be found should you desire it."

She may have spoken off-handedly but the vernal sovereign most definitely - and most deftly - crafted her last words. Desire it.

"I didn't bring my phone either. I thought this was a formal occasion. Don't want that grotty outside world intruding on our little festivities." Ingrid was coy, the effect ruined when she discovered that someone had emptied her plate.

The Darkling was still pouting when she looked across the largely empty room. Theirs truly was a small freehold: the whole assemblage of Lost fitted around the table. A sigh escaped her lips.

"Is this Formal a part of your Court rituals or a more recent invention?" Ingrid was not one to dwell. She turned her attention on the Onyx Queen. Sasha Selena