The Masque

[Iris]

My goodness. What have I gotten myself into? Iris' first instinct was to pull herself further away from the group. It seemed to help a lot that the scene was created so she could slip away, but really there was nowhere to run. They would not even allow us to talk to the different colors. It seemed that it had caused Gabriel to be angry at the Life Guard's handling of the one called Lavinia.

Gabriel would soon be carted over to the yellow side, and she noticed another gentleman swoop in to capture Salacia's attention and there she was feeling a bit light-headed. Iris looked about for a place to sit suddenly tired and in need of something cool to drink. "I think I should sit down for a bit. The discord has tired me." She whispered meekly to those that were left and headed in the general direction of where she could take a seat.

Iris noticed 'The Green Man's' entrance and could not help, but tilt her head. Now he seemed to be one that she recognized and it brought a giggling smile to her lips that managed to bring a bit of relief to her blistered and tired countenance. It was rather exhausting being someone she was not. At least, she knew someone, or might know someone sadly being in the green zone he would not be someone she could talk with.

[Zephyrus]

As Lavinia was dragged away by the lifeguard, Zephyrus could not help but smirk. Serves her right, he cackled in his thoughts: there was no fun in spoiling the rules. Gabriel seemed to think this segregation was unjust, however; didn't he see the fun in a little competition? The West Wind figured that he did not wish to be seperated from his lady friend.
"Gabriel, do not fret; Salacia is in good hands with us fellow blues." Turning to Salacia, he joked; "It seems as though the Angel is unwilling to count you amongst the competition, Milady! Well, let us show them the power of the wind and waves together."

It seemed that Salacia had a keen knowledge of mythology; Zephyrus did rather enjoy that so many others were willing to play up to their assumed characters.
"Jealously? Nay, that shall not be a problem, unless I find some other, less favourable winds present!"

How busy the hall was getting, though! More men and women filtered into their corner of the room, including a man (Midnight) who chose to speak in German, as though he wished to be understood. Perhaps he was a friend of the King's betrothed...
"Good evening, Sir. We have all been guessing as to eachother's personas; I am Zephyrus, the West Wind, and this is Iris, Messenger to the Gods and the personification of the rainbow. What is the story behind your ensemble?"
As he indicated towards Iris, he noticed that she appeared to be backing away from the others. Really, this would not do! For starters, she had never replied to his request for a dance! In a hushed tone, as so to imply that he was speaking to her alone, Zephyrus tried to make sure she was not unhappy. The matching of their outfits was to perfect to simply let her just walk off!
"Milady, is everything quite alright?"

[Lavinia]

In the Red Section

She took another breath and was about to speak again when all eyes were drawn to the set of doors in which firstly came children - causing her to smile at their pretty picture quality - then to stare as the Green Man made his entrance before them. Tall and quite elegant even with all the leaves he strode thru their mist's with nary a word to any and it was only until he reached the area reserved for those in like color did he bow!

Well!

Her hands cupped as one of the children appeared and made it's offering of leaves to her but then her gaze was drawn back to the Green area and the Gentleman newly arrived - 'who was he?' she queried silently as mask was noted as well as the thin black mustache he wore on his upper lip. 'now who else have I seen with such an affectation hmmmm ....' She'd said the question aloud without realizing it and it could only have been heard by the woman that she had but addressed a moment before.

Accepting at last a glass goblet that was filled with a sparkling liquid from a passing servant she turned to regard her companion-of-the-moment then asked "Will you?" And indicated the tray with a half smile.

[The Lady in Red]

All Ladies in Red and not a gentleman in sight? More is the pity...

“ Well met Lavinia,” the red lady before her smiled with wry amusement, adding in self-depreciation “I fear I but a lady in red in an old dress.” Which was the literal truth for she had worn this creation before, though her maid had worked wonders with needle and thread to adjust it to the more military style some of the fashionable circle favoured. It was not particularly shocking to most at court, thus she guessed the woman before her was a cosseted virgin of the proper kind, easily shocked. However, she was not cruel and accepted the glass of wine with a nod. “Impeccable timing,” she complimented the woman sultry, taking the time to sip from the cooling white whine. Perhaps the virgin deserved an education.

The more evil grin was for the Red Dragon next to her “It is an astute observation from a clearly experienced courtier.” Perhaps she was not the only one who was blunt about her identity, the mask but a little game of roleplay, the thinnest of excuses for assignations of the many married men. “The game of colours is refreshing,” she opined “One grows bored.”

The show of entrance that the Green Man was making made the Red Lady roll her eyes. A man with a crown of golden oak leaves arriving amidst a train of admiring satyrs and nymphs? How many hints does one need? “A mere oak-leaf, strategically placed would have been enough for me to guess who that is,” she commented “I do hope he spares us the tale of the Royal Oak.. or perhaps that is to our advantage. While he puts the rest to sleep we win the day.”

The redheaded she-devil looked around the red corner "We seem a little under-represented. I do hope it doesn't come down to numbers. Has anybody been able to find out the rules?"

[Temperance]

In the blue corner

“My apologies my lady. However I must insist that you return to the red area at once.” The lifeguard released Lavinia’s elbow with a small bow, his action of taking hold of it having been fuelled more the insistence of the masque rules than any desire to offend. Gabriel’s outcry over the same topic was acknowledged with a brief nod. Thankfully the lady didn’t seem intent on causing more mischief, but the lifeguard didn't stray from her side until she was back in the red corner. Only then did the lifeguard move to take a more discreet guard-post even if he kept a far sterner eye on the going-ons in the red corner now.

That left the lifeguard who had come to fetch Gabriel facing questions from two gentlemen. “My apologies my lords but I am unable to comment on the following games at the moment.” The lifeguard knew that something was planned, however he wasn’t even sure himself as to what exactly it was. “My lord if you wish to join the team in blue corner instead we must request that you alter your costume colour to blue. Costumes can be borrowed outside the hall.” The lifeguard explained to Gabriel with a gesture towards the doors through which courtiers were entering. Gabriel would not be allowed to stay within the blue group any longer, the lifeguard ready to guide him either past the ribbon into the yellow area or to the room where he could change his costume.

[Red Dragon]

In The Red Corner

Red dragon also took a goblet from the passing servant, taking a sip of the beverage as her eyes took in the room. Looking over at The Lady in Red, her lips curved in a similar style as the speaker. "Indeed, much about court can be staid. But a mask allows the meek to be bold and the bold, bolder. I expect tonight shall prove a refreshing change, for change is in the air." She took another sip of her drink and watched the production.

A small snort slid from her as she watch the Green Man make his entrance. "Oh, I'm certain we shall have the story out before the night is through. Though, I can't help but wonder if he is who he's trying to make us believe he is. I think it a bit much, don't you?" Almost as if a bit of slight of hand was being played on them. Watch the left hand while the right hand steals you blind.

[Daphne]

Daphne shared the surprise of Peahen and everyone else as she took in the divided room. Surveying the room from behind her green leaf mask she pursed her lips and nodded in response to her friends whisper. "This does not look usual. Do you think it is some sort of a game or how it is fashionable to pattern a dancefloor in the Pfalz?" That this was something of an emerging fashion on the continent that was emulated here was the best explanation Daphne could grasp onto while looking for an explanation as to why the room was divided by colours.

The lifeguard made mention of teams that seemed to reaffirm the thought that there was to be some sort of a game. "Teams? It sounds interesting. What sort of games do you think there’ll be?"

"I’m glad we’re on the same team." Daphne turned her head to look over the others that had gathered in the corner. Alas. Her perusal was cut short by the flashy appearance of the Green Man. Smiling at the children as they passed by Daphne nodded in greeting to the man. What a lovely entrance. "Shall we go and meet others in our team?" Daphne peeked through her mask at Peahen to see what she would think of seying hi to the others in the green corner. Including the children around the Green Man.

[Peahen]

"Hmm..." Peahen nodded to Daphne, it did seem a continental layout. "Perhaps it is something in keeping with the theme of many contests this season, a competition of wit perhaps?"

So too Peahen was pleased to be able to stay with Daphne, the pairs eyes then moving to take in the arrival of a tall man with large entourage of children. It was quite an entrance, and just one deduction to make. "His Majesty." Peahen whispered, surely no other courtier would steal the scene in such an audacious way. "Reminiscent of the horse drawn seashell he arrived to the Restoration ball in." Yes, Peahen was certain it was His Highness, and what a boon it was for them to be within the same team as the King.

Moving forward with companion towards the Green Man, and endeavoured a curtsy, a less graceful curtsy than was an accomplished courtiers norm, perhaps due to a degree to Peahens own height. "Ours is fine company." in a quiet voice Peahen in turn acknowledged the Beaked man and Gaia.

[Gabriel]

Separating Yellow from Blue

Gabriel was working up an excellent case of righteous indignation when soft words were whispered in his ear, a gentle pressure placed on one of his wings. Turning, he met the elegant mask of a lady decked out in rich topaz velvet, as the sense that she spoke made itself obvious.

"I have no desire to start a war dear lady," the archangel replied, ruffled feathers settling, "only to ensure that common courtesy is maintained. Should not a gentleman defend a lady manhandled in such a way?" He asked in turn. Chivalry was not quite dead yet.

Yet even as he spoke the Life Guard released Lavinia and apologised, though he was still insistant in his instructions. Another Life Guard addressed Gabriel, inviting him to change his attire if he did not wish to step to the other side of the ribbons that he was standing next to, sitting on the fence rather than attempting to join the blue contingent.

"No, thank you, I was merely ensuring that the lady had an appropriate escourt to her assigned companions." He said, gesturing to Salacia. "I am quite comfortable with my own colours." And so saying he turned and took two steps, placing himself on the correct side of the ribbonned barricade. Such a lot of fuss tonight.

"Most unusual." Gabriel commented to the Masked Lady in yellow. "One wonders what strange plans are afoot." He mused, accepting two glasses of wine from a passing servant and offering one to his companion of colour. Then he realised that, wearing a full-face mask, he couldn't very well drink his own. That wasn't very well thought out, was it?

[Masked Lady #1]

She could tell by his reply that his intents were good, thus her shoulders relaxed some. No doubt the excitement of this masquerade had tensions high within not only herself. With a nod she fell silent in agreement to his words. She had highest respect for the finely uniformed lifeguards, what woman in her right mind would not?

As things settled, she offered a smile, though her mask concealed the softness. "No doubt the guards are just following their instructions, surely soon we shall learn the reason for divisions. Perhaps it is novel that it is colours that group us, rather than status and rank?" For all he might know, she could have been a duchess, and for all she knew, he might be a duke. What a pleasant thought that was...

Accepting the glass that the gentleman (and surely he was a gentleman to collect a drink for her) she mused, "Perhaps it is a test? Although, I doubt it is supposed to be an arduous one. His Majesties parties are rarely more than an opportunity for mischief..." light laughter followed, as the woman who had realised that her mask was not conducive to sipping earlier today, produced a pair of reeds, offering one to her angelic companion. Alas, the partner she'd arrived with, the intended recipient of the second reed, might suffer sobriety that evening. Though by the looks of it a good many would have that same fate (she noticed a number of others with full faced masks holding, but unable to sip their glasses of wine.)

"I think I have provided you with an asset." she whispered to Gabriel of the sipping-reed, "Useful for drinking, and for infiltrating castles via waterways, should the need arise later..." dancing eyes sparkled behind her mask.

[Hope]

Gaia, Beaked Man, Green Man, Daphne and Peahen

"Hmm..." the Beaked man looked at the separations, he didn't recall a game like this before. "Something new." he mused as they moved to their designated area. There didn't seem to be any clues within the area of what they were there supposed to do, and so mingling seemed the thing. "These things always start off a bit slow." he murmured to Gaia, having been to one or two masked events previously. He didnt mention that getting liquored up was the swiftest way to relax the mood, he was trying to turn over a new leaf after all.

Now here arrived some man who seemed to already have had a few. Bold as, The Green man entered. The Beakened man chuckled, "Perhaps we should have done as he did..." it struck him as a trifle off that these leaf scattering children were left to dawdle about. Quietly he murmured, "be wary of idle fingers," he murmured. He'd not put it past these pretty little waifs and strays to try pickpocket nobles.

"Greetings." he uttered as the green group converged.


Blue: Shipwrecked Woman
When something dreadful happens at late notice, it ill one can do but to run with it. Removing the pink flowers from the pale blue light-as-tissue skirts had resulted in a tear. A single tear was a disaster. But many, might be a statement. And so, she'd resorted to tearing her skirt wildly, while yes, she'd had tears also in her eyes. The end result however was not that awful, the golden haired woman dubbed herself shipwrecked, and worn her hair loose tumbling about her shoulders and down her back.

Keen eyes sought about for a man bearing a white rose, his signal to her...

[The Highwayman]

ZE GREEN AREA

Finally entering the room after his costume fiasco, The Highwayman was led through the left door towards the area where the members of The Green Team were gathered. He was now wearing the Robin Hood style costume that had been provided for him. The only actual piece from his original costume was the sword hanging upon his belt. ’At least it also matches this one.’ He thought silently.

Arriving late, he had completely missed the creative entrance of The Green Man. As he entered the Green Team's area, the Highwayman flagged down a servant and grabbed two classes of red wine. As his simple mask left the bottom half of his face uncovered, he did not have the same issues as some other courtiers in attendance tonight. He drank the first glass rapidly, returning it to the servant. The second glass he decided to carry around his person. It was obvious by the way the Highwayman was carrying himself, he had already drank more than his share that night. Considering he had just been through the buzzkill of an event that was his costume fiasco, it was safe to say that the man was close to being completely wasted.

Holding his remaining glass of wine, he let his intoxicated eyes scan the other ‘Green’ team members. He gave a slight bow (with great drunken care not to spill his drink) towards those gathered before speaking. ”Fair Evening, my noble Team.”

[Salacia]

Blue, with Lavinia and Gabriel

As Lavinia leaned in and embraced her, Salacia squeezed back and whispered. "Have a most lovely evening, my dear friend. Do enjoy your dance with the charming Mr. Meville! I look forward to hearing all about it! There was a healthy dose of teasing in the last part.

Salacia felt more at ease as Zephyrus proved himself to be quite witty, amiable company. Something about him made her feel calm. "Indeed, he should quiver at the thought of our combined might! Or perhaps not, given the powerful trumpet he bears! Yet I think if he were to attempt to end our fun, you could send a gust to blow it from his grasp!"

Suddenly, Gabriel was leaving her. She ought to have thanked him kindly for his assistance, but at that moment all the lady of shells and rocks could process was pure panic. Her feet slid apart slightly as she sought a wider stance to aid her balance, but then luckily some part of her shocked mind realised that something had to be done. She heard herself speak to Midnight, though she did not remember doing so.

"My Lord, may I take your arm?" she requested of the wine-bearing man in German. Her general accent was rather good, though her pronunciation was not perfect. She extend her elbow and, were he to accept, she would lean in close and whisper in the same quality German: "Excuse me for burdening you, my Lord, but I do not see well. I am afraid I might fall over if left alone!" The last sentence was a bit of a mess verb-wise, but he would be able to get the sense of what she meant. If he knew Dutch, he would realise that she filled in "alone" with the word from that language.

[Lavinia]

In The Red Corner

To the Lady in Red she offered a smile then added "But Madam, I am but as you, with Plumes made new again by clever fingers and the hope of success!" She raised her own glass a bit then turned her attention to the Red Dragon as the two women exchanged banter that only those 'experienced' at Court can pull off.

The entrance of the Green Man and her uttered thought made her suddenly aware that indeed it could be no other but The King! "I think me that you are quite correct My Lady - how else can something so well planned be done? And now all must pretend I suppose?" The comment about oak leaves made her peer again at the woman and narrow her eyes in thought ...... She had to be a Mistress Lavinia concluded and was rather excited - she had never been so close to one before and the chance to engage in conversation to good to miss!

"Yes. The presence of only "Women" can be construed that way but I do imagine it shall not be for much longer! And as to the Rules one can but only guess. What do you think?" Directed at either of the women.

She had once before been a partner to "Games" upon that weekend on a Boat and had no desire to repeat that kind of 'fun'!

[Iris]

Iris figured that she could disappear into the gathering blue team mates to have a seat during the chaos. She had not realized that Zephyrus' request of a dance was never answered as well as another had found their way over towards them.

Her gaze fell upon Midnight who had gravitated towards Salacia and attempted to hand her a drink. She felt that it would be a wonderful opportunity to excuse herself especially now that the woman had two men looking after her once the introductions were given.

To her dismay, Zephyrus had fallen away from the group to ask her if she was doing alright. A bright smile appeared as she replied rather softly, "Of course, my lord. I just needed to take a moment to sit down. It seems to be rather stifling in here and I hoped to catch my breath. I do not wish to take you away from the other blue guests." The blush was quite apparent as she did not wish for a scene to be created.

[Blue Rose]

Arriving in the Blue Corner.

Employing her fan, a lady dressed in blue covered with roses made her way to her particular corner. Her amusement she hid, to catch the eyes of some gentleman or other before looking away. Nobody in particular stood out though. She wondered if she should have come dressed as something else, but there hadn't been time.

[The Lady in Red]

In The Red Corner

"It is similar to his entrance last May," the Red Lady opined, but nodded to the limits offered by the Red Dragon "True, one can never be certain. Why, it could be York or Buckingham dancing this tune, each for a different reason." She laughed at that thought, having intimate knowledge of both of them, too and wondering if they would get up to this silliness. "We should find out somehow," she purred, trying to come up with a good test.

Poor Lavina, she might be surrounded by mistresses for all that the Red Lady knew. "I have no clue as to the rules," the Red Lady Laughed, "All shall be revealed but not before our host has teased us beyond imagination. I think he likes this sense of anticipation, while all the participants eye each other keenly."

[Gaia]

Green Side

Gaia's hand tighted on Beaked Man's arm momentarily as she remembered the last ball they went to. "And sometimes it is the middle of the party where problems come up," she murmured. Then, she shook her head, causing her leaves to rustle, as she made up her mind not to allow problems to enter into this evening. "But certainly there shall be nothing but fun tonight," she added quickly.

As their group grew, she watched in astonishment as The Green Man entered. "Good gracious!," she said as she enjoyed the spectacle. With a twinkle in her eyes, she looked up at her companion then at Peahen and Daphne as well and asked, "Is that really His Majesty?" Of course, it had to be, what with the way he made certain all eyes were upon him. Beaked Man's words on the children had her tilting her head in puzzlement. "What idle fingers?"

The arrival of Highwayman had her asking the man, "Are you quite alright, milord?"

[Red Dragon]

In The RedCorner

Red Dragon chuckled as options were made for who else would make such an entrance. "York? I suppose anything is possible. They are of a height," she admitted, though she only had intimate knowledge of that whom many supposed the Green Man to be. "Though, I would think His Majesty would be more prone to use something a bit larger than an oak leaf," she opined. The suggestion that they should somehow find out for certain who made such a spectacular entrance had her smile upping on one side a bit higher. "I think such an investigation might definitely be worthwhile. But how do you propose we distance him from his entourage?," she asked.

Lavinia had her attention as she took another sip from her cup. She gave a sinuous shrug, before saying, "We shall find out in good time. As it stands, I suspect having a majority of our group female shall prove to our advantage." She then raised her glass to her companions.

[Midnight]

Blue corner

Information was power. It would have been an advantage in the following game had the lifeguard revealed anything more but that was not to be. Lavinia and Gabriel were directed back to areas conforming to the colours of their costumes and the lifeguards explanation was sufficiently vague to not explain anything. He was left with no time to analyse the guards words again in hope sof gleaning anything when Zephyrus demanded an explanation of his costume.

"Gods and goddesses you might be, yet even you abide by my reign as you lady down and slumber for mine is the night with all her stars." Midnight moved so that a ripple ran through his cape that made the silver embroidery twinkle in likeness of the starry sky. "The magnificent, beloved night. When the dry blandness of written word disappears. When whispered secrets, legends and shared feelings come alive to make the world whole and sound again." Despite his seeming preference for German Midnight appeared to have a good grasp of English for he didn’t hesitate or stumble once while giving his almost poetic sounding reply.

Turning her eyes back to Salacia as the lady spoke to him Midnight nodded. "Natürlich, meine Dame." For a heartbeat he was confused as the lady offered her elbow. What was he supposed to do with that? There had just been a smaller sort of scandal when the lifeguard had saught to hold and support Lavinia’s elbow. Midnight did not want the Herrn Angel to rush back and hit him with his trumpet. He half-turned quickly to hand the untouched glass of wine to a passing servant. This managed he took Salacia’s hand in his left to settle it securely into the crook of his right elbow. "We seem to have been abandoned by the West Wind and Iris, both no doubt on some godly mission." Midnight commented in German as he observed Zephyrus and Iris retreating for a moment.

Angling his head so that Salacia might reach up to whisper better Midnight listened, a small smile flitting across his face behind the mask as he reconstructed Salacias meaning in his head. He did not speak Dutch, not fluently like German, but the languages were similar enough for the meaning to come together as he voiced his response in German once more. "You will not burden me. I encountered a similar problem myself just now. The cut of my mask leaves me unable to eat or drink unless I want to reveal my identity." There would certainly be other courtiers who might come to discover that their outfits or mask would hinder or limit them in some ways.

Salacia’s hand securely resting on his arm midnight guided them to slowly stroll a bit deeper into the blue area. "Your outfit is themed after the sea my lady. Do you and your family hold a fondness for seafaring?" The question this time was put forth in English as if to make understanding and answering easier for Salacia while Midnight observed the shells with curiousity.

[Salacia]

Blue Corner

Had she not been wearing a mask, Salacia's appreciation of Midnight's beautifully spoken elucidation, which was more like verse than prose, would have been obvious on her face. "The sea never slumbers," she pointed out amiably, "but she does look all the more lovely when reflected against the night skies." Which might or might not have been a comment on how well they looked together; her meaning was ambiguous.

As Midnight provided her with an explanation she had not thought of for her particular troubles, Salacia grinned inwardly, controlling her expression despite the masque. What a ninny she was not to have thought of such a deception! Why, it was far from foolproof, but it would certainly be enough to pull a blanket over the eyes of those she was not acquainted with. Oh, if only she had thought to speak another language when she entered… Ah well, that would be a trick for her next masque. Yes, already she was anticipating many such events in her future. Now that she was here at court, she thought she would never grow tired of all the different events and persons and places to explore!

''I will gladly offer myself as a temporary barrier should you wish to sneak a drink or a bite," the lady in blue said, again using as much German as she could manage. She was pleased to have a chance to practise, even if she knew that her vocabulary was limited. "Excuse me, but how would one express 'to sneak or 'to steal'' something in that context in German?" she asked in English, hoping he would not mind her question. The lady did not like to be a burden, but neither did she care to pass up a chance to improve her knowledge.

While Salacia was sorry to see the amiable Zephyrus and the quiet Iris leave, she was pleased to be dealing with one figure rather than a growing crowd. It was a bit overwhelming with so many masked faces and disguised voices flitting around!

When the German gentleman asked about her family, an invisible smile appeared. "We do not ourselves wrestle with the waves," she revealed in English, pleased that the reason behind her choice of theme was not immediately apparent. "Yet the sea is omnipresent in our lives. Indeed, the ever changing sights, sounds and smells would make a fitting crest, if only such a complex creature could be adequately captured in art." To Salacia, the sea was a living being, yet also teeming with other lives, the remains of some clinging even now to her gown.

"And you, my lord?" she inquired curiously, tipping her head. "Have you an especial love of the night, perhaps a fond memory from childhood or adulthood? Or perhaps you simply prefer the calm, replenishing blanket of the evening and the peace it brings?" She was uncertain as to why he had chosen his outfit and wondered what the answer might reveal about him...

[Temperance]

ALL

The door to the back of the room opened once more to permit entrance to another group. A group that obviously differed from the rest of the masque attendants. One of the men was dressed in a coat that carried all four colours into which the guests had been divided, red, yellow, green and blue, and carried in his hand a long staff topped with a silvery orb. The other four, three men and one woman, were dressed in costumes of black and white. Their masks made to the likeness of Grecian theatre masks.

Unhurriedly the five headed to the dais where the quartet in monochorme took a seat in chairs already settled there for that. Notably none of them took a seat in the two thrones settled on the dais. A servant hurried to offer drinks to the seated foursome while the man in the multicoloured outfit stepped closer to quietly talk to the lady about something. Smiling and bowing lightly the man then turned and walked down the two steps from the dais, pausing for a moment to observe the courtiers milling in their designed corners.

[The Lady in Red]

The Red Corner

The Lady arched an eyebrow at the Dragon "While York is of a height, he is not of a length to the royal sceptre despite being.. ahm.. impressive in that department," she reminded her newly found friend who otherwise seemed to be in the know. She threw a speculating gaze at the Green Man "Well, the easiest thing would be to ignore the people around him and just have a straight up fondle, but I suspect that would be too much, even for His Royal Lewdness."

Teasingly she looked at Lavina "Is there anything you would suggest to solve or dilemma? Perhaps a distraction can be thought of."

[Red Jester]

The Red Jester entered just few minutes after the previous group, which was now at the dais. He stopped briefly at the door, surveying the arrangement of the room and segregation of the colors, before continuing his way to the red section.

What a curious arrangement for a ball, he thought to himself as he approached the Red section. The man wore an elaborate jesters mask - red around the eyes, a white face, and a very mischievous grin. It was complete with a jesters hat and collar. His outfit was very plain otherwise, a red silk frock coat and red velvet breeches, and a black waistcoat with a white lace cravat. And his wig, with the tie for the mask hidden underneath it.

"Good evening, milords and miladies, I am the Red Jester," he said as he made a deep bow, during which his wig fell from his head, "I am here to provide you with good humor, and milords with empty beds after I steal those of the fairer sex. Please excuse me while I make myself decent again."

The man picked up his wig from the floor, uprighted himself, and adjusted it on his head again.

[Gabriel]

In the Yellow Corner

"No doubt you are right, my Lady." Gabriel concurred with the Masked Lady's assessment of the Life Guards' behaviour. He only wished they show a little more decorum and a little less enthusiasm in carrying out their instructions. No wonder they were often thought of as the King's bully-boys.

Her next words provided a rather interesting point of view on the situation however. "That is rather novel isn't it? Rather egalitarian." He certainly had no idea whom his companion might be, save that she was clearly level-headed and intelligent. "It shall be most interesting to see what plans they have for us. The Life Guards spoke of teams, perhaps we shall strive against other colours for something, not unlike the politics between nations?" He mused. Alas but the Yellow Country as yet appeared to be under-represented. But what they lacked in numbers they could make up in wits.

As Gabriel was pondering the conundrum embodied in his glass of wine, his companion offered him what proved on inspection to be a hollow reed. "Thank you dear Lady, clearly you have given this evening's activities much thought. Alas but I was rather pre-occupied with other aspects of my costume." He indicated the wings on his back; he'd barely given thought to the mask. Dropping the reed into the glass he slipped the other end up underneath his mask and discovered that, by sucking on the end of the reed, he could indeed drink his wine! "Sheer brilliance! Well done." He declared.

What a delightfully inventive lady. "And may I enquire, do you often have cause to infiltrate castles via their waterways?" He asked, amused by the image. "And do you find that method has avantages over, say, hiding in a supply wagon?" He suggested.

Whatever the intended activities of the evening, it seemed that they were soon to find out, as a man in particoloured garb along with four companions in black and white appeared from the far end of the hall and assumed the dias there. "Judges and games-master perhaps?" The angel suggested quietly.