wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast. MOONLIT RIVALS LOG 2, SCENE 1

[libraryassistants]

Who: Readers and Actors, everyone who is invited (and those who are not).
What: The event of the century, the Umbra Ball, is about to begin.
When: The night of the ball itself, and a slice of the morning after. [ooc timeline: Feb 6th - 19th]
Where: The city of Montica and the Umbra Mansion.
Content warnings: Please include any warnings in headers.


Waxing Gibbous Moon

The sun begins to set, and the city of Montica buzzes in anticipation. Vendors close their stalls early - the consensus being that there is no point in running a night market tonight. The streets empty, houses and shops shuttered as eager folk stream up to the mansion.

A few industrious salespeople can be found on the way up to the mansion, selling masks and accessories for any last-minute needs. There is a rumour filtering through the people that a dress code is being strictly enforced, and the clan are supplying masks of silver for anyone who does not bring their own - a concept that delights some and stirs trepidation in others.

The Umbra Mansion almost glows above the city, light spilling from its open doors onto its perfectly manicured lawns and drive. After the sun sets, the metal shutters on the windows are lifted and the curtains are drawn back; and the night sky, in its star-studded glory, paints a picturesque view for the party-goers inside.

The strings of a waltz ring clearly, echoing out into the streets in joyful invitation. Not everyone will be allowed in - some will remain out here, rejected by the doorstaff or content to create their own festivities.

[The Masquerade]

For those who make the cut, the masquerade itself is staffed by humans and vampires and is separated into 2 distinct parties.

The first, for the ‘common’ folk. Those without formal invitations, who are free to mingle and be awed. They are greeted at the doors to the main entry hall - doors that will remain open for the duration of the masquerade. Human doormen (and women) do cursory checks before bowing visitors through, doing their best to keep everyone in line. (No weapons, dress standards met, no obvious werewolves.) Anyone who hasn’t brought their own mask will be offered one here. Silver, of course, and the expectation is that you will wear it.

A pair of grand staircases awaits past the doors, framing a magnificent chandelier. Guarding each staircase is a well-dressed servant. They’re making no secret of their too-sharp teeth or the red tinting their irises, and to get upstairs you’ll have to present an invitation. Gilded in real silver, these invites are only for the elite or those favoured by the vampiric aristocracy. These stairs lead first to a mezzanine; one that encircles the grand ballroom below, framing the common people’s masquerade. Arched doorways connect the mezzanine further to the sprawl of the mansion - in particular, to the private sitting rooms where sensitive… ‘business’ can be conducted. So too does it connect to wide balconies that overlook the garden, providing entertainment for those above.

The downstairs ballroom, lined by this mezzanine, is where the band of musicians plays. Waitstaff roam the sides of the room, balancing trays of canapes and wine. The doors along one side of the ballroom have been opened, allowing attendees to slip away into the expansive garden.

[The Garden]

Intricate stonework lines paths through the gardens, weaving around precisely planned flowerbeds. Stone lanterns light the way along the paths, providing opportunities for self-guided strolls. There are many quiet areas to be found here; whether it’s in the shelter of a small gazebo surrounded by fragrant lavender, or on a bench nestled beneath an arch of wisteria.

But don’t get too comfortable in your perceived solitude. The balcony of the mezzanine overlooks these gardens almost in full - the risk of being seen is never zero.

Out here, in perfect view of those mezzanine balconies and completely accessible to those on the ground floor, is a raised platform that acts as a stage. Here it is planned for a performance from The Crystal Ermine Troupe to take place: ‘The Tin Soldier’s March, or the Tragedie of Ierico and his Harlequin.’ There is nothing stopping other would-be entertainers from taking to the stage when it is not in use - assuming, of course, that they are not put off by the dozens of sharp red eyes watching them from above.

[The Hedge Maze]

A large, complicated hedge maze sits centered in the garden; its width almost as vast as the mansion itself. Vines of moonflowers grow across it, almost seeming to glow in the moonlight. As the night goes on and the partygoers tire of dancing, they may find themselves filtering out here - where a sense of renewed excitement permeates the air.

There is a game that some vampires like to play. Its origins are obvious, but its modern iteration is - usually - a touch less gory than decades past.

It begins with a human. An eager competitor, a jibing friend, or a flustered lover. Someone who takes a head start into the maze, blood and adrenaline pumping as they race to find its centre before time is up.

And it then continues with the vampire who begins their pursuit through the thick hedges at the set time. Employing their senses to track their quarry, they seek to capture the human before they succeed in reaching the maze’s safe centre.

For some, this is a simple game played for fun. For others, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their skills - for up on that balcony are the aristocracy. If one can prove their wit and skill, they may find themselves with offers for greater power than they currently possess.

[The Morning After]

As the sun begins to rise, the party winds down. The vampires begin to retire to their sun-secluded dens as the many coverings on the mansion windows are redrawn. There are some human guests that might stay a bit longer, but all visitors are ejected by the time that dawn truly breaks. The staff, however, still have clean-up ahead of them - and a few extra helpers certainly won’t be noticed. Any attempt to breach the vampire’s sleeping areas will draw attention, however; so best to keep to the mansion itself.

And while the ball has been underway… some werewolves have made some fun of their own.

[The day will continue in Log 3.]

[Info post here and most recent plotting post here!]

Comments

Viktor | Vampire Actor

[scienceofthearcane]

The Masqurade

Viktor wouldn't much like being at any party, and he certainly wouldn't want to spend his entire night in the exclusive areas meant only for those who are higher up in the Umbra court. But since lord Umbra insisted he attend, Viktor protested by staying off the mezzanine entirely. Unfortunately, this meant that he was on the same floor as the ballroom, although he was doing his best not to be seen and leaning against a wall.

His costume was unrelieved white, cut so that it would give the impression of a flared dress when he was dancing, but since he had refused to dance thus far, that part was largely unseen. But as boring as his costume could be, his mask was anything but. It was a diaphanous silver and shaped like a butterfly. It highlighted his face and sharper features more than it would hide them with soft mesh over the eyes, rather than holes cut into the mask around them. The color was not an accident but a sharp comment on Viktor being of a lower class than the vampiric elite, despite the mask itself having a crown of gold.

The Garden

When Viktor grew heartily sick of being shown off like a prized exotic bird, he fled into the darkened garden. He wasn't supposed to leave the Umbra estate, but he had to get away from the stifling masquerade ball, so this was the best compromise he could think of.

The moon flowers were blooming, and their light scent perfumed the air. There was a fountain at the end of the garden path he had been walking on, so he sat down on the edge and looked into the pool of water. It reflected the Moon and a smattering of stars along with Viktor's masked face.

Maybe he could think up an excuse to stay away from the ball for the rest of the night? Just stay out in the garden so that no one would stare at him with either the loathing of the handful of werewolf aristocracy that was here or the complete dismissal by the vampires.

It wasn't so much that he had a problem with dancing, but it was being at the beck and call of the vampire elites who played their silly political games that he would end up being a pawn in, but they never missed a chance to remind him that he was not a member of their aristocracy either.

The Garden

[aetherweaver]

Nero spots Viktor walking around the garden, staring into the pool. He's aware that there are those watching the garden from above, but he steps near the man anyway. It doesn't really matter the rank of those in his court to him.

"... Too many people for you?" He keeps his voice quiet. He doesn't want to startle the other and he really does not want to draw attention from the elites above.

[scienceofthearcane]

Some cultures believe magic is a gift of the heavens; others call it a curse, a punishment for humanity’s sins. Viktor sees it as something far more powerful: Cold, hard science. So Viktor doesn't care if he is blessed or cursed; if the arcane is the way to achieve his own ends, then he will use this tool like any other on his workbench. He knows what others see in him as a tame alchemist: a living weapon, for a given value of living, but one of much lower class, no better than the beasts guarding the vampires through daylight hours.

Now Viktor got to his feet and bowed his head in deference.

"Yes, my lord. I'm not very good with large groups."

[aetherweaver]

"Oh, you don't have to get up for me - all right." He tries to not roll his eyes. As much as he dislikes the formality, he does understand it must be followed.

"To be honest, I am not either. I do so at my sire's behest." He smiles a bit. "I prefer the quiet of the gardens - and no, that's not an attempt to dismiss you. ... I was simply worried about you when I spotted you."

[scienceofthearcane]

That made Viktor look up with a slightly puzzled expression.

"Why would you be worried about me?"

The difference in station aside, did Viktor look like he was going to faint or something?

[aetherweaver]

"... Because you are a member of my court? And to be honest, because you are far more interesting than most of them." He chuckles and shakes his head, smiling.

"... You are a good man."

[scienceofthearcane]

"I...um, thank you, my lord."

Viktor wasn't quite sure what to say about that. A little flustered at the praise, he blushed and went for a deeper bow at the waist to Nero. Maybe it would be all right to ask a question that had been bothering him since he had noticed Nero out in the garden.

"If you want to escape a crowded setting, then why did you come to the ball in the first place?"

[aetherweaver]

"You don't need to - all right." It's fine. He's used to it but it's a little embarrassing without a crowd around.

The question gets a small laugh out of him. "Because I am expected to. To solidify my place as Lord Umbra's heir, the ball must serve as a stage for myself in front of the other clans. And besides, I was one of the main planners - it would be odd if I did not show up, would it not?"

[scienceofthearcane]

Viktor's tone was as dry as dust.

"In all honesty, I think you are able to do what you wish. The aristocrats would still count you planning the event as important as attending it."

The tone did get a little bit warmer after that.

"But it does speak well of your character that you are willing to do so despite your discomfort."

The Garden

[obeir]

Per the demands of the vampire clan Kade serves, he's been prowling the manor grounds all evening in a security capacity. By this point his suit is spattered with blood and several gradually-healing lacerations from fangs and silver mar his face and arms, courtesy of the unwelcome guests he's already had to handle tonight.

He can smell Viktor long before he sees him. So he did attend, after all; a bright spot for Kade amid an otherwise thoroughly unpleasant evening. He can't help but be reminded of the impossible dance he'd envisioned them sharing... that maybe wouldn't be quite so impossible in the secluded space of the garden? But those fanciful thoughts evaporate upon him catching a burning whiff of what's unmistakably silver on Viktor. Kade emerges from the underbrush a short distance away and stops there, his nose wrinkled against the smell.

"How can you willingly wear that?" There's a hint of hurt in his voice. Few things scream 'anti-werewolf' louder than openly wearing silver in such a manner, and Viktor well knows it.

[scienceofthearcane]

"It was the lesser of two evils since the other mask they wanted to put me in covered the full face in solid silver."

With the eyes of the aristocracy of the Umbra clan still able to see them from above, Viktor had not dared to take it off. Right now, he stood up from the edge of the fountain that he was sitting on, but did not attempt to go closer.

"Will you be able to tolerate it if I move closer?"

[obeir]

Kade casts a wary glance toward those observing Viktor from above and takes a cautious step backward, retreating into the shelter of the underbrush. He should have expected Viktor would have eyes on him all evening, and not just because his attire makes him practically glow in the moonlight. A skilled alchemist is always in high demand, no matter their origin. Other clans would undoubtedly try to poach him for their own courts. Kade would be surprised if the Umbra clan itself hadn't already made an attempt tonight.

"Better for you if you're not seen with me. And I shouldn't be seen neglecting my duties." Because his brother could be made to suffer the consequences for any perceived negligence on Kade's part.

He looks down at his clothes, at his hands, frowning to himself. He's dirty and covered in blood. Even overlooking what the silver could do to him, he would not be able to touch Viktor without ruining his pristine white clothes.

"But it is good to see you, though I wish neither of us had to be here."

[scienceofthearcane]

Viktor didn't move from his place beside the fountain. He would have liked it if Kade had been able to get closer, but he understood why not. He did give a rueful chuckle at the understatement and rolled his eyes.

"I would much prefer that we were in the lab rather than being at a silly party."

Regardless of his ability to heal quickly, Viktor was able to smell the blood that was on Kade's skin. Red eyes looked back at Kade with just a touch of worry.

"You are hurt, I can smell it."

[obeir]

This party is definitely a waste of time for both of them, he could agree with that.

"Most of the blood isn't mine," he says with something that might be chagrin, ducking his head. He isn't used to being shown concern like this. "Some of the people who weren't invited are upset about it." To put it mildly. "Imagine wanting to be here that desperately... How did you fare in there?"

And how long will Viktor be allowed to haunt the garden before he's dragged back into the ball, he wonders.

[scienceofthearcane]

"I stayed as long as courtesy demanded, but if I am being honest, I didn't want to dance and didn't want to end up called onto the mezzanine by one of the aristocrats. I am pretty much hiding out here."

Not much of a hiding place since those same aristocrats would be able to see him still, but it made it less likely that he would have to go up there.

"You mentioned going stargazing before. Is that something you would rather be doing right now? I am only asking because I like to imagine you in a setting that you would actually enjoy."

[obeir]

The mention of not wanting to dance makes Kade lower his eyes to the ground with a self-conscious little smile. Funny Viktor should mention that (and Kade can't help but feel pleased that Viktor hadn't wanted to dance with anyone else, at least. Good.) Then he peers upward with a thoughtful look, as though studying the stars.

"That would be nice. But it isn't my first choice. Don't laugh," he says, not that he'd actually mind if Viktor did, "but all I've been able to think about is asking you to dance."

The Garden

[birdchasingecho]

While everyone is still wearing masks, the mesh allows Amalia, who let Lily get away, to stop in her stewing over the break in her plans during the break in the play.

She had wished to speak to Viktor-- if nothing else, to ask after Demiel, and to congratulate him-- and so, in a (seeming) human guise, she approaches.

"Good evening. You are..." Ah, no, it's impolite to reveal someone else's identity. "A familiar look to me, though I cannot know your face."

[scienceofthearcane]

Viktor blinked crimson eyes and looked up at Amalia. His mask was made of light mesh and was easy to see through, so he thought that was an odd comment.

"Hello. My name is Viktor."

Was this person lost? Maybe they were hiding out from the masquerade ball, too.

"Why can't you know me?"

[birdchasingecho]

"Well. It is a masquerade. Half the fun is in not knowing, isn't it?" Amalia replies, with a faint, sardonic smile. She's wearing a silvered mask, herself, though it's pretty clearly a dusting of something metallic put into tempera, not full finesmithing-- a half-mask of a rabbit, with purple lilies painted on the cheeks.

"Still, if Viktor you are, I..." Her expression turns serious. "I have heard that my friend, Demiel, was taken under your wing recently. I wished to thank you, personally. It's one of the reasons I came to the masque in the first place."

[scienceofthearcane]

His mask, among other things, was part of why Viktor felt like a prized exotic bird. A decorated bird at that. Still, being a valued master alchemist allowed him some small measure of status, which was enough to keep a student safe from the political games of the rest of the Umbra court. Viktor had also noticed the careful lack of a name given.

"No thanks are necessary. Demiel is bright, and it is pleasant to teach him. But surely you did not come to the masquerade purely to thank me."

[birdchasingecho]

"I did not," she admits. "I would like to know what it's like, to serve Lord Umbra. And here, where everyone does, or wishes to, serve Lord Umbra, seemed like a grand opportunity to do so."

In short, she wants your opinions on the Court.

[scienceofthearcane]

Viktor had to be careful about what he said since he was of the opinion that this person was not part of the Umbra court, but still of enough import that they could attend the masquerade. Someone from a rival clan? A human who was testing him? Either way, the effects were the same. Viktor was silent for a moment, looking away as he thought about his response.

"Lord Umbra is stoic, but he is also a fair man and honestly seems to be doing the best that he can for the Umbra clan as a whole. My interest in alchemy and being new to vampire life have brought me here. For me, my service to the clan is purely transactional, and it is access to a proper laboratory in return for my skills in alchemy. However, I will say that it is refreshing that Lord Nero has more interest than Lord Umbra does in combining science and magic. While it is impossible for a court of vampires not to have their own intrigues, I will say that Lord Umbra has as little to do with gossip as he can manage."

[birdchasingecho]

She seems to pause a moment, and weigh her answer incredibly carefully. "Well. If what you say is true, then maybe this is the best place for Demiel. Especially if you keep him sheltered from those many intrigues, as I suspect you do, in part and parcel of pursuing your Art."

That Nero shows interest in modernizing even more than Umbra himself is, as well, an interesting wrinkle. It seems many of the young ones here were interested in advancing past the worst of the elders-- and that the Umbra were equally of a kind.

And yet, the way she weighed it-- that's, in itself, an interesting admission. Who would be powerful enough to come to the party, know Demiel, and care enough for him to weigh Viktor's answer so carefully?

It's a very short list, isn't it?

Why.

Only one possible name comes to mind.

And if Amalia Hunter, of all people, genuinely wishes to weigh the heart of the court... To what mischief?

The Masquerade Proper

[ohaiyo_isekai]

Rarely is Viktor approached directly. And yet, here comes a vampire in a gleaming silver half-mask - denoting rank and status in the Clan - of a vulpine aspect.

"I have heard," he says, "that you are an alchemist and natural philosopher of no small skill. If true, I should like to speak with you. Lucas Azuresky, at your service."

The new court mage? THAT Lucas Azuresky?

[scienceofthearcane]

The joining of magic and science in alchemy was what had first attracted Viktor to it, since it had both wonder and logic in it. But he still had wonder for displays of pure magic. Viktor straightened up and bowed his head respectfully.

"It turns out I don't make a very good philosopher, I am afraid. I don't have the natural skill required to use magic the way that you can."