Non-Canon The Paper Parade

[Sark]

The Paper Parade:
Prologue: Charles the Great, Bald, Mad
***
Faces spewed out of the Chateau's great doors and slipped into the street, each mask polluting their air with its own flavor of laughter or slurred and cheer. The Masquerade's guests must have numbered in the hundreds, no, thousands. The delicate hum the city's of lutes and flutes was masked in turn by the shifting squeak of fine footwear on even finer marble tiles. The symphony of street kept time with the flutter of the Travelers' hearts. After many a night spent travelling at sea, solitary and stung by salt, you had earned a night like this. You had earned a night of liquor and love, of fireworks and freedom, of afterglows and after-after-parties. You had earned it all. You dared not blink. You dared not miss a moment of it.
A masked man stood stoic upon the edge of the dock, his feet shifting impatiently as your gondola slowly pulled into port. As soon as the figurehead of your delicate ship- a fragile, ivory unicorn- tapped gently against the pier's wooden lip, the masked man thrust his hand downwards towards you, ready to welcome you ashore.

"Welcome, Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses... to Rouen!!"
The city, illuminated by naught by the glow of sparklers, paper lanterns and distant roman candles stretched out before you. Rouen had been overrun by Grandfather's party. Every house, every market stall was doused in the Family's colors; the streets were streams of crimson, navy and gold. To those of you wearing different colors almost felt left out, alien in an unfamiliar world.
"Your Grandfather is in his study. He will be joining the festivities as soon as he feels... ready. I'm sure you all understand. His wives are waiting for you in the courtyard." The Masked Man scoffed. "They will be masked, of course. Such is tradition. Naturally, they've neglected to tell me what or whom they have disguised themselves as. It's a little game they like to play. They have hidden themselves. They expect you must go seek."
Even amidst the sea of unique, enchanting and grotesque faces, several figures stuck out from the ground. They costumes were finer than their peers. They must have been richer, or, at the very least, more prepared than the city's plebeians.

- One lingered in the corner of the courtyard, obscured behind an obnoxiously large lion's mask, embellished with authentic, freshly-hunted lion's hair. The Lion lifted the chin of their mask to sip upon one of the fine classes of wine that had been set out on a bench near the grand entrance of Grandfather's chateau. Upon the table sat a glass of your favorite beverage. Your host had done his research. The bottles had been imported straight from your homelands for your enjoyment.

- Another stood before one of the party's musicians, swaddled in a silver cloak. Their mask had a mirrored face; it made it increasingly obvious that their were enthralled by the band's lead flutist. They couldn't take their eyes off of him.

- Another was staring out at sea, their hands joined behind their back. They had hidden themselves from the hustle and bustle of the party, and were now gazing silently at the moon. The tallest party-goer by a full head and shoulders, the stranger on the pier wore a mask decorated with a long, feather beard.

"Be careful how you conduct yourselves around the Wives, honorable Sirs and Madams. They have a certain... reputation. Accusing a regular citizen of being one of Grandfather's wives... it might sour their mood. I'd hate to see such a lovely night ruined over something so petty, so, please, control your tongues." The Masked Man tipped his head. "Oh, and please, keep your invitations on hand. Without them, we'll have no way of identifying you; masks or no masks, you are distant relatives of Grandfather, so we won't be able to rely on any family resemblance to pick you out of a crowd. If you need anything- anything at all- call on me. I'll be there." He bowed his head a little lower. "Dance! Be Merry! This night comes but once a year; you would be wise to drink it all in whilst you can!!!"
- - -
You have received an invitation from a very distant, very rich relative- a man calling himself 'Grandfather'- promising you a place in his will, should you attend his grand retirement ball.
Perhaps you believe it to be a scam. Perhaps something else has drawn you to this place. Curiosity? Greed? The promise of a better life?
It matters not.
For better or for worse, you have heeded Grandfather's fall.
Welcome to Rouen. Welcome to the Paper Parade.
- - -
Cast List:
@Minerva as Duchess Rose Archer of Helios.
@Yun Lee as Daimyo Michiko of Eversleeping.
@Capri as Daimyo Zhongli of Liyue.
@Takumi as Daimyo Korra of the Southern Pole.
@Jeremi as Daimyo Kyoshi of Ba Sing Se.
***​

 

[Capri]

ZHONGLI
@Sark @Minerva @Yun Lee @Takumi @Jeremi

“Well, this isn’t what I was expecting,” a man spoke, his eyes scanning the scenery, “What an odd city, certainly not like where I’m from,”

Making his way over to the courtyard, the man inspected the table of wine. Already, upon seeing a glass of osmanthus wine, did he get suspicious. There are thousands of wines in Liyue, how is it that the one that Zhongli’s fond of ended up on this table.

Nevertheless, he drank the osmanthus wine, tasting the same as it did all those years ago.​

 

[Takumi]

The Paper Parade:
Prologue: Charles the Great, Bald, Mad
***
Faces spewed out of the Chateau's great doors and slipped into the street, each mask polluting their air with its own flavor of laughter or slurred and cheer. The Masquerade's guests must have numbered in the hundreds, no, thousands. The delicate hum the city's of lutes and flutes was masked in turn by the shifting squeak of fine footwear on even finer marble tiles. The symphony of street kept time with the flutter of the Travelers' hearts. After many a night spent travelling at sea, solitary and stung by salt, you had earned a night like this. You had earned a night of liquor and love, of fireworks and freedom, of afterglows and after-after-parties. You had earned it all. You dared not blink. You dared not miss a moment of it.
A masked man stood stoic upon the edge of the dock, his feet shifting impatiently as your gondola slowly pulled into port. As soon as the figurehead of your delicate ship- a fragile, ivory unicorn- tapped gently against the pier's wooden lip, the masked man thrust his hand downwards towards you, ready to welcome you ashore.

"Welcome, Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses... to Rouen!!"
The city, illuminated by naught by the glow of sparklers, paper lanterns and distant roman candles stretched out before you. Rouen had been overrun by Grandfather's party. Every house, every market stall was doused in the Family's colors; the streets were streams of crimson, navy and gold. To those of you wearing different colors almost felt left out, alien in an unfamiliar world.
"Your Grandfather is in his study. He will be joining the festivities as soon as he feels... ready. I'm sure you all understand. His wives are waiting for you in the courtyard." The Masked Man scoffed. "They will be masked, of course. Such is tradition. Naturally, they've neglected to tell me what or whom they have disguised themselves as. It's a little game they like to play. They have hidden themselves. They expect you must go seek."
Even amidst the sea of unique, enchanting and grotesque faces, several figures stuck out from the ground. They costumes were finer than their peers. They must have been richer, or, at the very least, more prepared than the city's plebeians.

- One lingered in the corner of the courtyard, obscured behind an obnoxiously large lion's mask, embellished with authentic, freshly-hunted lion's hair. The Lion lifted the chin of their mask to sip upon one of the fine classes of wine that had been set out on a bench near the grand entrance of Grandfather's chateau. Upon the table sat a glass of your favorite beverage. Your host had done his research. The bottles had been imported straight from your homelands for your enjoyment.

- Another stood before one of the party's musicians, swaddled in a silver cloak. Their mask had a mirrored face; it made it increasingly obvious that their were enthralled by the band's lead flutist. They couldn't take their eyes off of him.

- Another was staring out at sea, their hands joined behind their back. They had hidden themselves from the hustle and bustle of the party, and were now gazing silently at the moon. The tallest party-goer by a full head and shoulders, the stranger on the pier wore a mask decorated with a long, feather beard.

"Be careful how you conduct yourselves around the Wives, honorable Sirs and Madams. They have a certain... reputation. Accusing a regular citizen of being one of Grandfather's wives... it might sour their mood. I'd hate to see such a lovely night ruined over something so petty, so, please, control your tongues." The Masked Man tipped his head. "Oh, and please, keep your invitations on hand. Without them, we'll have no way of identifying you; masks or no masks, you are distant relatives of Grandfather, so we won't be able to rely on any family resemblance to pick you out of a crowd. If you need anything- anything at all- call on me. I'll be there." He bowed his head a little lower. "Dance! Be Merry! This night comes but once a year; you would be wise to drink it all in whilst you can!!!"
- - -
You have received an invitation from a very distant, very rich relative- a man calling himself 'Grandfather'- promising you a place in his will, should you attend his grand retirement ball.
Perhaps you believe it to be a scam. Perhaps something else has drawn you to this place. Curiosity? Greed? The promise of a better life?
It matters not.
For better or for worse, you have heeded Grandfather's fall.
Welcome to Rouen. Welcome to the Paper Parade.
- - -
Cast List:
@Minerva as Duchess Rose Archer of Helios.
@Yun Lee as Daimyo Michiko of Eversleeping.
@Capri as Daimyo Zhongli of Liyue.
@Takumi as Daimyo Korra of the Southern Pole.
@Jeremi as Daimyo Kyoshi of Ba Sing Se.
***​

Korra took a glance around at all the lights and festivities, wishing her friends could've been there to see it in all honesty, after all of the craziness recently it would've been nice to simply relax for a bit, even in such a crowded place like this. Listening to the Masked Man speak, and once he was done she siddled next to the figure gazing at the moon, arms crossed as she gently coughed into a fist to let them know she was there.

"So, you enjoy gazing at the moon on nights like this? It's always beautiful to look at, no matter where you are." She started, glancing curiously at the other from the corner of her eye. They seemed to her like the type to not want to be crowded, at least that's the impression she got currently.

@Sark

 

[Jeremi]

Kyoshi was well aware of the duties of the Avatar, but the situation she now found herself in was beyond what she had ever imagined. She was upset that none of her friends and confidants could have joined her. Kyoshi's thoughts quickly drifting towards Rangi as she walked through the crowd. Despite only being a few months shy of 20 Kyoshi towered over the other guests giving her a clear sight of the area.

She felt cumbersome walking through the sea of people, but she did her best not to stir any trouble. Kyoshi made her way towards the table serving drinks picking up a glass of what she assumed to be wine. One drink to keep her company for the party. The warnings of the man was jargon she was all too familiar with. Kyoshi hated all the politics but as the Avatar she had to abide to what customs the host had. Considering the suspiciousness of it all Kyoshi had decided to dress herself in full regalia, which included her painted mask.

Trying to get some sense of the situations the Avatars gaze stopped at a girl talking to a lone figure away from the others. There was something...familiar about her. Making a beeline towards the two she stopped a bit away turning to look at the sea as the girl started talking to the other. She felt it was best to not barge into an ongoing conversation. Proper etiquette and all that.

@Takumi @Sark

 

[Takumi]

Kyoshi was well aware of the duties of the Avatar, but the situation she now found herself in was beyond what she had ever imagined. She was upset that none of her friends and confidants could have joined her. Kyoshi's thoughts quickly drifting towards Rangi as she walked through the crowd. Despite only being a few months shy of 20 Kyoshi towered over the other guests giving her a clear sight of the area.

She felt cumbersome walking through the sea of people, but she did her best not to stir any trouble. Kyoshi made her way towards the table serving drinks picking up a glass of what she assumed to be wine. One drink to keep her company for the party. The warnings of the man was jargon she was all too familiar with. Kyoshi hated all the politics but as the Avatar she had to abide to what customs the host had. Considering the suspiciousness of it all Kyoshi had decided to dress herself in full regalia, which included her painted mask.

Trying to get some sense of the situations the Avatars gaze stopped at a girl talking to a lone figure away from the others. There was something...familiar about her. Making a beeline towards the two she stopped a bit away turning to look at the sea as the girl started talking to the other. She felt it was best to not barge into an ongoing conversation. Proper etiquette and all that.

@Takumi @Sark

Korra had noticed that someone had came to look at the sea, and turning her head to glance at who, she did a double take once she recognized the outfit, and face paint. It was familiar, as was the one wearing it.

It shouldn't be possible, but given the circumstances, she was looking at a past Avatar. While she's only come face to face with Kyoshi once, this was something not even her past life had done as far as Korra was aware. This was different.

"Avatar Kyoshi?" She whispered, in slight disbelief but also impressed upon seeing one of the past Avatars here, as well as a little thrown off on why there were two Avatars from two different times in one place like this, but she could take it in stride. Probably. There was a lot she wanted to ask, but she also didn't want to be rude to the person she tried to strike up conversation with. Now she really wished Asami and the others were here.

@Sark @Jeremi

 

[Jeremi]

Had the girl whispered her name? Kyoshi turned her attention towards the girl. "That's right," She felt it best to at least try and be a little formal. "I didn't expect to see someone who knew about me here." There was still something peculiar about this girl as Kyoshi eyed her from head to toe. "Have we met? I'm sorry but considering my duties faces in a crowd never seem to stick."

@Takumi @Sark

 

[Takumi]

Had the girl whispered her name? Kyoshi turned her attention towards the girl. "That's right," She felt it best to at least try and be a little formal. "I didn't expect to see someone who knew about me here." There was still something peculiar about this girl as Kyoshi eyed her from head to toe. "Have we met? I'm sorry but considering my duties faces in a crowd never seem to stick."

@Takumi @Sark

"In all honesty, I didn't expect to see someone I knew of here either. I'm Korra, Avatar Korra." She greeted, giving Kyoshi a small bow, before scratching the her head briefly once she straightened back out.

"Technically we have met, but I guess in this case it could be more of an Avatar...feeling sort of thing? I'm about three Avatars after you." Korra replied, unsure how it all worked in the grand scheme of things in a place like this. There could be another explanation to it than that, it could probably just be the spiritual familiarity of Raava's Spirit between the two, or it could just be the Watertribe style dress. Who really knew? So far, there didn't seem to be any weird time mumbo jumbo that could possibly happen from them both being here interacting like this, so it seemed fine.

@Sark @Jeremi

 

[Minerva]

The Paper Parade:
Prologue: Charles the Great, Bald, Mad
***
Faces spewed out of the Chateau's great doors and slipped into the street, each mask polluting their air with its own flavor of laughter or slurred and cheer. The Masquerade's guests must have numbered in the hundreds, no, thousands. The delicate hum the city's of lutes and flutes was masked in turn by the shifting squeak of fine footwear on even finer marble tiles. The symphony of street kept time with the flutter of the Travelers' hearts. After many a night spent travelling at sea, solitary and stung by salt, you had earned a night like this. You had earned a night of liquor and love, of fireworks and freedom, of afterglows and after-after-parties. You had earned it all. You dared not blink. You dared not miss a moment of it.
A masked man stood stoic upon the edge of the dock, his feet shifting impatiently as your gondola slowly pulled into port. As soon as the figurehead of your delicate ship- a fragile, ivory unicorn- tapped gently against the pier's wooden lip, the masked man thrust his hand downwards towards you, ready to welcome you ashore.

"Welcome, Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses... to Rouen!!"
The city, illuminated by naught by the glow of sparklers, paper lanterns and distant roman candles stretched out before you. Rouen had been overrun by Grandfather's party. Every house, every market stall was doused in the Family's colors; the streets were streams of crimson, navy and gold. To those of you wearing different colors almost felt left out, alien in an unfamiliar world.
"Your Grandfather is in his study. He will be joining the festivities as soon as he feels... ready. I'm sure you all understand. His wives are waiting for you in the courtyard." The Masked Man scoffed. "They will be masked, of course. Such is tradition. Naturally, they've neglected to tell me what or whom they have disguised themselves as. It's a little game they like to play. They have hidden themselves. They expect you must go seek."
Even amidst the sea of unique, enchanting and grotesque faces, several figures stuck out from the ground. They costumes were finer than their peers. They must have been richer, or, at the very least, more prepared than the city's plebeians.

- One lingered in the corner of the courtyard, obscured behind an obnoxiously large lion's mask, embellished with authentic, freshly-hunted lion's hair. The Lion lifted the chin of their mask to sip upon one of the fine classes of wine that had been set out on a bench near the grand entrance of Grandfather's chateau. Upon the table sat a glass of your favorite beverage. Your host had done his research. The bottles had been imported straight from your homelands for your enjoyment.

- Another stood before one of the party's musicians, swaddled in a silver cloak. Their mask had a mirrored face; it made it increasingly obvious that their were enthralled by the band's lead flutist. They couldn't take their eyes off of him.

- Another was staring out at sea, their hands joined behind their back. They had hidden themselves from the hustle and bustle of the party, and were now gazing silently at the moon. The tallest party-goer by a full head and shoulders, the stranger on the pier wore a mask decorated with a long, feather beard.

"Be careful how you conduct yourselves around the Wives, honorable Sirs and Madams. They have a certain... reputation. Accusing a regular citizen of being one of Grandfather's wives... it might sour their mood. I'd hate to see such a lovely night ruined over something so petty, so, please, control your tongues." The Masked Man tipped his head. "Oh, and please, keep your invitations on hand. Without them, we'll have no way of identifying you; masks or no masks, you are distant relatives of Grandfather, so we won't be able to rely on any family resemblance to pick you out of a crowd. If you need anything- anything at all- call on me. I'll be there." He bowed his head a little lower. "Dance! Be Merry! This night comes but once a year; you would be wise to drink it all in whilst you can!!!"
- - -
You have received an invitation from a very distant, very rich relative- a man calling himself 'Grandfather'- promising you a place in his will, should you attend his grand retirement ball.
Perhaps you believe it to be a scam. Perhaps something else has drawn you to this place. Curiosity? Greed? The promise of a better life?
It matters not.
For better or for worse, you have heeded Grandfather's fall.
Welcome to Rouen. Welcome to the Paper Parade.
- - -
Cast List:
@Minerva as Duchess Rose Archer of Helios.
@Yun Lee as Daimyo Michiko of Eversleeping.
@Capri as Daimyo Zhongli of Liyue.
@Takumi as Daimyo Korra of the Southern Pole.
@Jeremi as Daimyo Kyoshi of Ba Sing Se.
***

A masquerade... Rose had never actually been to one herself, as they had usually been above her paygrade as a reporter, but she had almost ended up in a Time-Displaced one on The Helios. This would be interesting to write about, should something be uncovered. She marvelled at the environment, the high ceilings, and the people in fancier dress than her. As she walked forward, Rose slowly pushed her way through the crowd towards the individual in the Silver Mask.

"Lovely music." She spoke aloud, trying to make conversation. "Different from what I know."​

 

[Lucky]

Gavin Reed

Time's a weird soup, Gavin thought as they arrived at the strange city.Why was that stupid phrase from a show that he watched in his late teens stick with him? He wasn't sure, but all he did know was that he felt different at this party. Maybe it was the stupid coyote mask he was wearing. Maybe it was because under the mask he felt different. His normally slicked back hair was in brown curls and his facial hair was going against the mask. He took a second to grab a beer before he focused. Well, he was not about to play the 'Find Grandfather's wife' game and instead opted to go look for the study instead.

@Sark​

 

[Jeremi]

Riiight. Kyoshi could've have bought a lot of things, but a future incarnation of an Avatar wasn't one of them. It was already a chore to try and reach your past incarnations, but to meet on of the future ones in the flesh. Wait. Kyoshi reached out her hand and poked Korra on the forehead. Okay, definitely flesh. There definitely was something...familiar about her though. "Okay, suppose I believe what you say, and that's a big if, shouldn't two Avatar meet like this be...bigger?" This situation felt overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. There was so much she wanted to ask. but if she was from the future did Kyoshi actually want to know what was waiting for her?​

@Takumi @Sark

 

[Takumi]

Riiight. Kyoshi could've have bought a lot of things, but a future incarnation of an Avatar wasn't one of them. It was already a chore to try and reach your past incarnations, but to meet on of the future ones in the flesh. Wait. Kyoshi reached out her hand and poked Korra on the forehead. Okay, definitely flesh. There definitely was something...familiar about her though. "Okay, suppose I believe what you say, and that's a big if, shouldn't two Avatar meet like this be...bigger?" This situation felt overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. There was so much she wanted to ask. but if she was from the future did Kyoshi actually want to know what was waiting for her?​

@Takumi @Sark

Korra blinked as she was poked before crossing her arms as she thought on Kyoshi's question. It made sense, the two meeting like this was pretty weird. Then an idea came to her, one that seemed more than easy enough to pull off.

"Well, would this be proof enough?" She asked, before attempting to enter the Avatar State. If successful, it'd only be a brief moment of the familiar glowing eyes before it'd stop with a blink, but she hoped that'd be be more than enough to convince the other she was legit.

"This whole situation is a bit weird, y'know? I guess there's just a lot going on, but there's so much I want to ask you and I'm sure there's a lot you want to ask me that I honestly don't know where to start." Korra sighed, not sure where to even begin.

@Sark @Jeremi

 

[Jeremi]

Kyoshi's eyes went wide as she saw what Korra was doing. The moment she saw her eyes go white Kyoshi grabbed her by the hand. "What are you doing?!" Korra's stunt got Kyoshi to believe her, but there had to have been a more sensible way. "We're in the middle of a party full of people! You could have-!" Kyoshi realized she was shouting and her next words went down to a hiss escaping from behind her teeth. "You could have killed someone."

She let go of Korra's arm again. "You proved your point, and yes. There is a lot going on, but if you want to ask me questions. You're going to have to do that through meditation. I don't think it will smart with flesh and blood meddling. Regarding that," Kyoshi hastily added. "If you are a future incarnation I don't want to hear anything about what's waiting for me. You got that?" She was coming off harsher than she wanted, but she remembers what happened the times so far when she had entered the Avatar state and this girl didn't look much older than her.

@Sark @Takumi

 

[Sark]

ZHONGLI
@Sark @Minerva @Yun Lee @Takumi @Jeremi
“Well, this isn’t what I was expecting,” a man spoke, his eyes scanning the scenery, “What an odd city, certainly not like where I’m from,”
Making his way over to the courtyard, the man inspected the table of wine. Already, upon seeing a glass of osmanthus wine, did he get suspicious. There are thousands of wines in Liyue, how is it that the one that Zhongli’s fond of ended up on this table.
Nevertheless, he drank the osmanthus wine, tasting the same as it did all those years ago.

D R I N K S - T A B L E
"Osmathus. A nice vintage." The Lioness remarked, taking a sip of her own sample. "But I've tasted finer. At least its better than the cheap swill the Old Sod served at his End-Of-The-World Party. Osmathus wine trumps that gimmicky Othinus wine any day of the week." She set her glass back down upon the table and shuffled a step closer to Zhongli. "It is... pleasant to find another stranger who knows his wine. You strike me as a suitable distraction for the evening..." She offered Zhongli a velvet-gloved hand. "And who might you be?"

@Capri

"So, you enjoy gazing at the moon on nights like this? It's always beautiful to look at, no matter where you are." She started, glancing curiously at the other from the corner of her eye. They seemed to her like the type to not want to be crowded, at least that's the impression she got currently.

M O O N
"Hm? Yes..." The Feather Bearded stranger muttered dismissively. "It's splendid... It always is. I just... I do not get to see it often. Not like this. Not when..." They slipped from their trance and swallowed hard. "Forgive me. It's all... It's all a little much.... tonight, I mean... I do not know if I'll my much... much conversation. I apologize. I am sure that the gentlefolk in the dancehall will be more... more accustomed to soirees like these. I'm sorry..." She swiftly turned her head backward to the sea with a nervous hum. "Don't let me spoil your evening... I won't be hurt if you return to the party..."

@Takumi @Jeremi

A masquerade... Rose had never actually been to one herself, as they had usually been above her paygrade as a reporter, but she had almost ended up in a Time-Displaced one on The Helios. This would be interesting to write about, should something be uncovered. She marvelled at the environment, the high ceilings, and the people in fancier dress than her. As she walked forward, Rose slowly pushed her way through the crowd towards the individual in the Silver Mask.

"Lovely music." She spoke aloud, trying to make conversation. "Different from what I know."

B A N D
"He is..." The Mirror Masked woman half hummed, half sung. "It is. The way flutist plucks on that... that part of the lute... And the way that flutist... the way he blows on that... part of the flute. It's all so... beautiful. Almost makes one wish that one new a bloody thing about music... Almost..." She chuckled softly, the tip of her mask quivering upon the tip of her chin. "Maybe knowing about music would rob it of its beauty. It might... turn music into math, if that makes any sense... I don't know if it does. Not knowing... It's like a mask. This song could be easy to play, it could be near impossible. It could be sheet-perfect, it might be out of tune. I'll never know for sure. But for now, for this one, sweet moment... I can delude myself into thinking that it's everything I'm missing... I believe that I love it... and that's enough... that's enough for me." The Mirror Masked women pulled her gaze away from the flutist for a fleeting moment. She sighed, her eyes sinking down to the ribbon coated floor. "It's better to not know, sometimes. It's better not to ask, not to move. I don't want to know what's behind the curtain..." Her eyes drifted back up towards the flutist. "Because if not as good as I dreamed it to be... if the truth is so much worse than my perfect little lie... I'd hate to wake up one morning, missing my ignorance, longing for my stupidity..." She froze for a beat. "I'm not making sense. Please... just smile and nod, and pretend to get it... Pretend that I'm still.... I don't know.... reasonable..."

@Minerva

Korra blinked as she was poked before crossing her arms as she thought on Kyoshi's question. It made sense, the two meeting like this was pretty weird. Then an idea came to her, one that seemed more than easy enough to pull off.

"Well, would this be proof enough?" She asked, before attempting to enter the Avatar State. If successful, it'd only be a brief moment of the familiar glowing eyes before it'd stop with a blink, but she hoped that'd be be more than enough to convince the other she was legit.

"This whole situation is a bit weird, y'know? I guess there's just a lot going on, but there's so much I want to ask you and I'm sure there's a lot you want to ask me that I honestly don't know where to start." Korra sighed, not sure where to even begin.

@Sark @Jeremi

Kyoshi's eyes went wide as she saw what Korra was doing. The moment she saw her eyes go white Kyoshi grabbed her by the hand. "What are you doing?!" Korra's stunt got Kyoshi to believe her, but there had to have been a more sensible way. "We're in the middle of a party full of people! You could have-!" Kyoshi realized she was shouting and her next words went down to a hiss escaping from behind her teeth. "You could have killed someone."

She let go of Korra's arm again. "You proved your point, and yes. There is a lot going on, but if you want to ask me questions. You're going to have to do that through meditation. I don't think it will smart with flesh and blood meddling. Regarding that," Kyoshi hastily added. "If you are a future incarnation I don't want to hear anything about what's waiting for me. You got that?" She was coming off harsher than she wanted, but she remembers what happened the times so far when she had entered the Avatar state and this girl didn't look much older than her.

@Sark @Takumi

D A N C E F L O O R
Across the dance floor, a partygoer froze, his eyes wide with awe and terror at the sight of Korra's 'glow'. His lips slipped into a flurry of mutters.
"Par Dieu... Une sorcière... Délivre moi Sainte Marie... Christ aie pitié..."
Dazed, he stumbled into a twirling stranger or too. With a whimpering squeal, he vanished into the sea of spiraling skirts.

Time's a weird soup, Gavin thought as they arrived at the strange city.Why was that stupid phrase from a show that he watched in his late teens stick with him? He wasn't sure, but all he did know was that he felt different at this party. Maybe it was the stupid coyote mask he was wearing. Maybe it was because under the mask he felt different. His normally slicked back hair was in brown curls and his facial hair was going against the mask. He took a second to grab a beer before he focused. Well, he was not about to play the 'Find Grandfather's wife' game and instead opted to go look for the study instead.

M A N O R - D O O R S
The Study of the Manor had been built in the highest tower of the grand, marble palace, and any attempt to enter it would require a partygoer to first find a way past the two, large pikemen who stood before the great hall's doors. With the party going on outside, the guards would require a remarkable excuse before they allowed a visitor to go snooping around Grandfather's not-so-humble abode. Permission from one of the Wives might provide a would-be snooper with unlimited access to the house, but, with the wives identities still obscured, entering the house would require the deployment of a silver tongue and a quick wit.
@Lucky
@Yun Lee​

 

[Takumi]

Kyoshi's eyes went wide as she saw what Korra was doing. The moment she saw her eyes go white Kyoshi grabbed her by the hand. "What are you doing?!" Korra's stunt got Kyoshi to believe her, but there had to have been a more sensible way. "We're in the middle of a party full of people! You could have-!" Kyoshi realized she was shouting and her next words went down to a hiss escaping from behind her teeth. "You could have killed someone."

She let go of Korra's arm again. "You proved your point, and yes. There is a lot going on, but if you want to ask me questions. You're going to have to do that through meditation. I don't think it will smart with flesh and blood meddling. Regarding that," Kyoshi hastily added. "If you are a future incarnation I don't want to hear anything about what's waiting for me. You got that?" She was coming off harsher than she wanted, but she remembers what happened the times so far when she had entered the Avatar state and this girl didn't look much older than her.

@Sark @Takumi

"I have it under control, also sorry, I didn't mean to startle you so bad." Korra answered once out of the Avatar State, her brows raising when she realized how loud Kyoshi was being. Though when Kyoshi mentioned meditating to talk to her, Korra couldn't help but wince a little. Noticing someone from the corner of her eye looking their way she squinted a moment, but they were gone in a hurry.

"Got it." She added. Would that include the fact that she couldn't talk to Kyoshi through meditating? Because well, she had a feeling that the other wouldn't like the news and she wouldn't be surprised if the reaction to it was negative.

D R I N K S - T A B L E
"Osmathus. A nice vintage." The Lioness remarked, taking a sip of her own sample. "But I've tasted finer. At least its better than the cheap swill the Old Sod served at his End-Of-The-World Party. Osmathus wine trumps that gimmicky Othinus wine any day of the week." She set her glass back down upon the table and shuffled a step closer to Zhongli. "It is... pleasant to find another stranger who knows his wine. You strike me as a suitable distraction for the evening..." She offered Zhongli a velvet-gloved hand. "And who might you be?"

@Capri


M O O N
"Hm? Yes..." The Feather Bearded stranger muttered dismissively. "It's splendid... It always is. I just... I do not get to see it often. Not like this. Not when..." They slipped from their trance and swallowed hard. "Forgive me. It's all... It's all a little much.... tonight, I mean... I do not know if I'll my much... much conversation. I apologize. I am sure that the gentlefolk in the dancehall will be more... more accustomed to soirees like these. I'm sorry..." She swiftly turned her head backward to the sea with a nervous hum. "Don't let me spoil your evening... I won't be hurt if you return to the party..."

@Takumi @Jeremi

B A N D
"He is..." The Mirror Masked woman half hummed, half sung. "It is. The way flutist plucks on that... that part of the lute... And the way that flutist... the way he blows on that... part of the flute. It's all so... beautiful. Almost makes one wish that one new a bloody thing about music... Almost..." She chuckled softly, the tip of her mask quivering upon the tip of her chin. "Maybe knowing about music would rob it of its beauty. It might... turn music into math, if that makes any sense... I don't know if it does. Not knowing... It's like a mask. This song could be easy to play, it could be near impossible. It could be sheet-perfect, it might be out of tune. I'll never know for sure. But for now, for this one, sweet moment... I can delude myself into thinking that it's everything I'm missing... I believe that I love it... and that's enough... that's enough for me." The Mirror Masked women pulled her gaze away from the flutist for a fleeting moment. She sighed, her eyes sinking down to the ribbon coated floor. "It's better to not know, sometimes. It's better not to ask, not to move. I don't want to know what's behind the curtain..." Her eyes drifted back up towards the flutist. "Because if not as good as I dreamed it to be... if the truth is so much worse than my perfect little lie... I'd hate to wake up one morning, missing my ignorance, longing for my stupidity..." She froze for a beat. "I'm not making sense. Please... just smile and nod, and pretend to get it... Pretend that I'm still.... I don't know.... reasonable..."

@Minerva


D A N C E F L O O R
Across the dance floor, a partygoer froze, his eyes wide with awe and terror at the sight of Korra's 'glow'. His lips slipped into a flurry of mutters.
"Par Dieu... Une sorcière... Délivre moi Sainte Marie... Christ aie pitié..."
Dazed, he stumbled into a twirling stranger or too. With a whimpering squeal, he vanished into the sea of spiraling skirts.

M A N O R - D O O R S
The Study of the Manor had been built in the highest tower of the grand, marble palace, and any attempt to enter it would require a partygoer to first find a way past the two, large pikemen who stood before the great hall's doors. With the party going on outside, the guards would require a remarkable excuse before they allowed a visitor to go snooping around Grandfather's not-so-humble abode. Permission from one of the Wives might provide a would-be snooper with unlimited access to the house, but, with the wives identities still obscured, entering the house would require the deployment of a silver tongue and a quick wit.
@Lucky
@Yun Lee​

To the woman in the feathered mask, Korra responded with a slight shrug.

"I'm not much for parties either, but I don't mind keeping you company for a while. If that's alright with both of you?" She asked both the masked woman and Kyoshi. It'd be best to stay near the other Avatar for at least a little while.

@Sark @Jeremi

 

[Jackythejack]

Ahaha, now this was what a man like Muntz lived for. The parties and the glamor, it reminded him of his youth! ...speaking of youth, or at the very least the vague concept of it, he couldn’t help but think about this Grandfather person who had invited him.

Muntz couldn’t help but laugh. Grandfather. Charles was pushing 90. Either this man was well into his hundreds, or he was going to end up younger than this Grandfather character. That being said, he wouldn’t let an opportunity like this go. A wondrous party, to experience and enjoy. Who would pass it up?

Of course, the mask was a bit annoying, and his suit could look better. All that time in the jungle, and his clothes took a beating for it. He didn’t look the best, but he still felt as young as ever! Nothing like a good drink to make a man feel young again.

Speaking of drink, Charles had found one that suited his liking. Most people who attended such fancy parties had an interest in wine. Not him. While he had a slight penchant for whiskey, what he really enjoyed was champagne. Similarly fancy when compared to wine, but he just liked the champagne a little more.

Frank Family Rouge. That was the brand. One of his favorites, when he was back in the states, before he left to find that Damn bird...let’s not think about that at this moment. He had grabbed the bottle for himself, and filled up a decent sized champagne glass. He was going to sit on his own, when a certain mask caught his attention. That lion mask looked mighty fine.

Slowly, he approached the table. He paused for a moment, listening to their conversation, before interrupting. “Excuse me, adventurer Charles Muntz. I’d hate to interrupt but I must ask...”

He looked to the woman, and gestured towards her mask. “Is that genuine lion fur? Because if it is, I must say, I like your style. Only the authentic, not the fake fur others wear.” He smiled, though not like she could know because of his mask.

@Sark @Capri

 

[Capri]

ZHONGLI
@Sark @Jackythejack

"Osmathus. A nice vintage." The Lioness remarked, taking a sip of her own sample. "But I've tasted finer. At least its better than the cheap swill the Old Sod served at his End-Of-The-World Party. Osmathus wine trumps that gimmicky Othinus wine any day of the week." She set her glass back down upon the table and shuffled a step closer to Zhongli. "It is... pleasant to find another stranger who knows his wine. You strike me as a suitable distraction for the evening..." She offered Zhongli a velvet-gloved hand. "And who might you be?"

“What can I say?” Zhongli said to the woman, “I’m an old soul,”

Taking the hand, he gave a polite bow, “Zhongli, madam, manager of the Wangsheng funeral parlor of Liyue,”

Ahaha, now this was what a man like Muntz lived for. The parties and the glamor, it reminded him of his youth! ...speaking of youth, or at the very least the vague concept of it, he couldn’t help but think about this Grandfather person who had invited him.

Muntz couldn’t help but laugh. Grandfather. Charles was pushing 90. Either this man was well into his hundreds, or he was going to end up younger than this Grandfather character. That being said, he wouldn’t let an opportunity like this go. A wondrous party, to experience and enjoy. Who would pass it up?

Of course, the mask was a bit annoying, and his suit could look better. All that time in the jungle, and his clothes took a beating for it. He didn’t look the best, but he still felt as young as ever! Nothing like a good drink to make a man feel young again.

Speaking of drink, Charles had found one that suited his liking. Most people who attended such fancy parties had an interest in wine. Not him. While he had a slight penchant for whiskey, what he really enjoyed was champagne. Similarly fancy when compared to wine, but he just liked the champagne a little more.

Frank Family Rouge. That was the brand. One of his favorites, when he was back in the states, before he left to find that Damn bird...let’s not think about that at this moment. He had grabbed the bottle for himself, and filled up a decent sized champagne glass. He was going to sit on his own, when a certain mask caught his attention. That lion mask looked mighty fine.

Slowly, he approached the table. He paused for a moment, listening to their conversation, before interrupting. “Excuse me, adventurer Charles Muntz. I’d hate to interrupt but I must ask...”

He looked to the woman, and gestured towards her mask. “Is that genuine lion fur? Because if it is, I must say, I like your style. Only the authentic, not the fake fur others wear.” He smiled, though not like she could know because of his mask.

@Sark @Capri

Zhongli turned to Charles Muntz, enthusiastic about authentic lion’s fur.

“Ah… a traveler,” Zhongli spoke, “I’ve made myself accustomed to many, both living and dead, yet none with such exotic tastes. The bards must sing of you daily, yet no such notes have graced my ears,”

He gestured out to the table, “Care for some wine?”

Muntz seems odious, yet Zhongli donned a mask deeper than the one on his face, hiding the displeasure of being around such a figure.​

 

[Jackythejack]

Zhongli turned to Charles Muntz, enthusiastic about authentic lion’s fur.

“Ah… a traveler,” Zhongli spoke, “I’ve made myself accustomed to many, both living and dead, yet none with such exotic tastes. The bards must sing of you daily, yet no such notes have graced my ears,”

He gestured out to the table, “Care for some wine?”

Muntz seems odious, yet Zhongli donned a mask deeper than the one on his face, hiding the displeasure of being around such a figure.

“Got a lot of fancy vocabulary there. Ever though about writing a book?” Muntz laughed, a smile on his face. Though he had disappeared from human society for decades, he liked to think he was still fairly charismatic all the same.

“I’ve been outside the States for a long time. Not too surprised you don’t know who I am. I plan on making a big return soon, though, so prepare for that.” He winked, before looking to the glass of wine. Trying to keep his manners, he shook his head.

“Oh, no, no thank you. I got all I need right here.” He gestured with his glass of champagne. “You seem like quite a character yourself. What’s your story?”
@Capri

 

[Jeremi]

As the mystery person spoke up Kyoshi was quick to bow her head profusely. "I apologize if I disturbed you by coming here or spoke out of turn." She quickly realized she was still holding unto her glass of wine and tipped it up to not spill any of the contents on the floor.

Then regarding Korra. "And I didn't mean to come on too violently. It just brought on some...dark memories." She took a sip of the wine before looking down at both Korra and their mysterious masked party member. "If it's not too much of a bother I'd prefer to stay a bit further away. It is rare for the Avatar to not be the center of attention of the party and I wish to...scope out the surroundings."

@Sark @Takumi

 

[Takumi]

As the mystery person spoke up Kyoshi was quick to bow her head profusely. "I apologize if I disturbed you by coming here or spoke out of turn." She quickly realized she was still holding unto her glass of wine and tipped it up to not spill any of the contents on the floor.

Then regarding Korra. "And I didn't mean to come on too violently. It just brought on some...dark memories." She took a sip of the wine before looking down at both Korra and their mysterious masked party member. "If it's not too much of a bother I'd prefer to stay a bit further away. It is rare for the Avatar to not be the center of attention of the party and I wish to...scope out the surroundings."

@Sark @Takumi

"I think I understand, I've had a dark moment or two with the Avatar State before. Eventually, once fully realized, it's not as scary." Korra replied, remembering a few years ago, and even a few weeks ago. For a second, she wondered if it was normal for the Avatar to have those moments?

When Kyoshi mentioned scoping out the surroundings, Korra nodded. It was smart, made sense, though...

"Maybe most of them don't know about the Avatar, and only Grandfather really does?" She muttered to the taller Avatar, frowning. That in itself sounded weird, but who really knew?

@Sark @Jeremi

 

[Yun Lee]

The second Michiko stepped off the boat, she knew this was a terrible idea.

First of all, her mask was far too revealing. She should've realized how vulnerable it would feel to have part of her face exposed, compared to some of the more extravagant masks of the others. In fact, that was another thing: her outfit was so simple compared to everyone else that it almost made her stick out in a cruel, inverted way. The thought of eyes on her, words being whispered and laughed over...it was enough to make Michiko feel sick to her stomach. She'd felt this way before, long ago, as a young newlywed just setting foot in England...and thinking of how that Cinderella story had ended in tragedy would just make this feeling worse.

But relief was right there, on the drink table: the Geisha could smell her favorite tea a mile away. A specialty from a local shop back home, made in-house and unavailable for purchase. It had been something she knew she'd have to give up when she'd left with Miles, but to see it here once more...! Michiko started for the table, but froze once she spotted others there. Oh dear...too many people. Maybe she could take a bit of time to steel her nerves before approach? Michiko would proceed to wander along the outer edges of the courtyard, hoping to find a quiet place to bring her cup of tea to. After all that had happened, an escape route wasn't something to take for granted.

@Sark @Capri @Jackythejack​