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Post by heartstring on Jun 1, 2011 6:12:10 GMT -5
“Elegance thy name is Heartstring.”
Heartstring was checking his reflection one last time before heading out to the party. His tailor-made tuxedo was sky blue with royal blue lapels; the silk bow tie around his neck was dark cobalt. The cuffs that hung just above his hooves were adorned by a ruby heart with a silver arrow through it to match his cutie mark. He reared up to strike a pose, a large grin across his visage. Perfect
With his preparations finished and the carriage close to arrive, Heartstring decided to make his way downstairs. He stopped just short of the door. Now what am I forgetting? Heartstring thought as he made a mental checklist. He checked the inner pocket of his dinner jacket to find it empty. Oh no, I cannot forget that! The Earth pony dashed back toward his room to retrieve the small notebook on his bedside table, the one thing he NEVER left home without.
When the carriage arrived, Heartstring gave a cheerful greeting to the drivers before embarking. The carriage began to move before he could even take his seat, apparently they were in quite the hurry. Heartstring stared out the window at the landscape for a few moments before taking his seat. There was something odd about this evening that he couldn’t quite put his hoof on. After sitting, the earth pony finally noticed the mask.
“The peacock is a symbol for wisdom, benevolence, and royalty,” Heartstring shook his head solemnly “It’s also a symbol for vanity and overindulgence.” He said to himself while trying on the mask. To Heartstring, it seemed that Rainlock had planned absolutely everything. The mask even matched his tuxedo somehow.
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Post by zeeth on Jun 1, 2011 12:59:10 GMT -5
Lost Star stared at this new letter. She "tasted" this one too, and tried sketching something, but the image came out vague, like it wasn't a pony. "Well, at least I've done some research. I have half an idea who this Rainlock pony is, anyway." She laughed. "And with a little luck and a couple of spells, I'll have more answers than I wanted once I arrive!" When the day came, Lost put on her brand-new dress, a pastel gauzy thing of colored gradients which set off the solid, bland grey of her coat and the colored darkness of her mane. She clipped on the brand-new bow she'd bought, colored a dark blue. And hidden beneath her dress, she carefully adjusted the special strap with its pockets, holding mysterious things. The filly looked at herself in the mirror, and took a calming breath. "All right, then. Let's get going." Once in the carriage, she saw the mask and sighed. "A dog? You'd think I could be a hawk or a tiger. Or maybe a cat." She put it on, testing its feel. "Mmm... this might have been made by the same pony who sent those letters. Or maybe that's just the feel of the mansion." And then the cabin rocked, away to Manehattan. Lost Star and her secrets stumbled sideways, until she caught herself and took a seat. This was going to be a long ride.
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Post by sarma on Jun 1, 2011 16:44:11 GMT -5
Adorned in a luxurious white and light gray dress, there was no mistaking the fact that Candle had taken no shortcuts in fashionably preparing herself for the evening. It complimented her own features quite well, and clearly had cost a good sum compared to the typical clothing that would sometimes be spotted around town. Of course she was thrilled to see the regal carriage pull up to take her on her way. This style of travel was only fitting for her anyways.
With a gentle step into the carriage she examined her waiting mask with scrutiny. A vibe seemed to have been growing these past few days, and it somehow managed to follow her even now; quietly she couldn't help but wonder if anypony else had shared this feeling. She picked up the mask, staring at it still when the vehicle began moving.
Her expectations for the night were still pretty high, as she placed the mask over her face. A small smile crept across her mouth, certainly it would be a night she wouldn't forget.
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Post by Red Charge on Jun 1, 2011 18:29:10 GMT -5
As the carriages trotted along the roads of Manehattan, the ponies could not but wonder what awaited them, a different carriage for each pony, what an unbelievable monetary investment, just to get them to this mansion; the busy streets of Manehattan quickly gave way to smaller, cobbled roads, and then, down a twisting rough up a large hill, secluded, private, undisturbed. The quiet here was eerie, considering they were in the heart of the largest city in Equestria, and but moments ago the bustling streets had proven more noisy than even Canterlot.
As the carriages rocked, being carried on the un-manicured rough road, a peek outside would reveal bleak surroundings, the grounds have been severely neglected with varying results. In some areas, barren, dead trees stood bent in clusters, while in others overgrown, dominant trees, bushes and weeds dominated, the glints of animals eyes could be seen throughout the thicket, and they seemed none too friendly. But more than all, the strange sound the wind made, and the fact that there was such a draft outside, pulling in large amounts of fog over the mansion grounds, made the invitees feel… uneasy.
Upon reaching the gates of the Mansion yard proper, the carriages stopped, allowing the ponies to dismount, before leaving hurriedly, much more so than they arrived. By this time, the fog intensified to the point where they could barely see their front hooves if they tried, but with no real way to go back, their only choice was to proceed throughout the slowly opening gates, metallic hinges creaking ominously as the heavy doors opened.
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Post by Selenia on Jun 1, 2011 19:04:13 GMT -5
After the somewhat creepy ride up to the mansion plus the fog and obviously untended grounds, Selenia had the slightest sliver of doubt about this party.
The carriage stopped and the door opened, Selenia gingery adorned her mask, more than ready to get inside and meet Dr. Rainlock, but that didn't change her feelings of what she saw beforehand, and the quality of the grounds surely didn't reflect someone as obviously sophisticated and wealthy as the Doctor, so she was doubting that this was even the right place.
Selenia stepped out very slowly and cautiously. She had no idea what to expect. Craving any kind of answers, she went to the two stallions that had pulled her carriage. She tapped one on the shoulder gently "Ah, excuse me, but is this the right place?" No response. She waved her hooves in front of his face. "Hey!" Nothing. Not even a blink.
She reeled back and looked to the looming mansion, and not a moment later she heard her carriage being pulled away and turned around, not even being able to see it anymore in the sea of fog. She dared not risk being lost in the acres of unwelcoming flora and fauna she saw on the way in, so she turned back toward the mansion.
The place seemed deserted, there were no lights shining from the inside, there were no party staff outside to greet her and she didn't hear any noise coming from the inside. No classical music, no chatter of guests. Nothing. Selenia, for the time being, was completely alone in an unfamiliar place. And she hated and feared being alone more than anything on earth.
She noticed that the large metal gate blocking the path leading to the mansion was opening with a sharp metal creaking, no obvious powering mechanism however. Selenia took a dry, nervous gulp and walked over to one of the large columns the gate was attached to, thinking it best to wait for somepony else before heading on up.
Just then however, she saw many other carriages follow down the path hers had gone into the fog, and watched as seven other ponies materialized out of the fog. She had no idea there were other guests following in similar carriages, and she had no idea who these ponies even were, or why they were invited.
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Post by zeeth on Jun 1, 2011 19:52:45 GMT -5
Lost stared as she looked out the carriage. "I thought Manehattan was an island covered in buildings... this looks more like some awful ruin out in the Everfree Forest." She shuddered, her dress warmer than the usual nothing, but also from some other feeling inside.
"Wait. I should be able to sense anything freaky or dangerous coming from nowhere, right? No reason to be afraid. Besides, how am I going to discover anything if I can't face a little creepiness now and then?" She noticed the gates of the mansion, and caught up the mask, fitting it on. Her Special Talent told her nothing special, but then, the atmosphere was already creepy. Finally her carriage stopped.
"Okay... I guess it's time to join the party, right? I'm glad I found that book on ballroom dancing and tried a little." Alone in my room.
She stepped out into the fog, her magic extending into a sense of the half-seen. Er. Extending into a sense of the half-seen. *zrp* Extending...! She pushed harder, trying to shape something, but it was like trying to run underwater, and then a sort of internal *snap* feeling. Lost Star realized that her magic had fizzled. "What the haybale?" she whispered.
She looked around nervously, realizing that taking off one's mask at a masquerade would be a breach of etiquette. One was supposed to wait until the ball's 'revelation moment'. And there were other ponies present. She waited for them to step out and gather, worried that she might not be able to dodge anything uncomfortable.
And then with everypony out, her carriage rattled off. "What- hey! Hey! What about when it's over!?" But they were gone. The unicorn shook her head, and looked at the gathered ponies. "Maybe they'll come back afterward? Everything else was so well scheduled."
And then she realized what she was doing. "Oh, I'm sorry, I don't mean to be talking to myself! It's good to meet you all." She gave a curtsey.
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Post by fluttershy on Jun 1, 2011 20:40:13 GMT -5
The conversation with Ranger was pretty smooth. He complimented the way the mask looked on Fluttershy which first made her blush in confusion and then brush the comment aside. Before she knew it, the carriage had clattered down an extremely unkempt road into an even more destitute looking estate. With a sinking feeling in her heart, Fluttershy closed her eyes against the foreboding mansion now slowly becoming enshrouded in fog as the carriage came to a stop. She swallowed nervously, and glanced furtively at Ranger before she exited. Ideally, she would have liked to stay in there forever, but she knew that wasn't an option.
Looking around (which was now becoming increasingly difficult due to the mist) Fluttershy noticed a small group of strange ponies also exiting their carriages. She made sure her mask was fastened tight around her face- but she needn't have bothered. It fit her perfectly and was not prone to slipping.
Well, one thing was for sure. Fluttershy felt a lot more secure behind the anonymity of the mask. She ducked her head, avoiding looking any of the other ponies in the eye, as she waited for Ranger to join her. Then, and only then, Fluttershy knew she would feel better.
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Post by treasuremare on Jun 1, 2011 21:25:18 GMT -5
Trace watched the city life fall away as she looked out the window, and watched it get replaced by something from a horror flick. "Creepy house atop a spooky hill, with mist all around it?" Trace sighed to herself, "If there's a stallion with a hockey mask and saw, ah'm outta here."
The carriage pulled up to the mansion gates and stopped. "Here we go." she muttered to herself, taking a second to make sure her mask was in place, and exited her ride. She glanced around, making out shapes in the mist and other ponies nearby appearing to be just as confused. She moved closer to the slowly gathering group, "Hi there!" she called out. Was this it? There didn't seem to be many others waiting by the gates. Were they late? Or early? Trace didn't have too much time to think about it before the fog quickly started getting thicker, making it hard for her to see, not only the other guests, but where she was going.
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Post by dragoonofdeath on Jun 1, 2011 22:34:46 GMT -5
Wildfire hovered out of her carriage, her forehooves crossed as her body hung limp in the air. The carriage ride was the most boring thing she had ever say through, and so far she was not impressed with the dark and 'spooky' mansion. She pulled her hood a bit closer to her mask, landing near the rather small group of assembled ponies, stifling a yawn. Yep, this was gonna be boring. She could already tell.
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Post by sarma on Jun 3, 2011 22:36:40 GMT -5
Despite being one of the later carriages to arrive; the destination was sure lacking in the sophisticated fashion Candle had expected to be welcomed with, and she had really expected more from the guests as well. Only vague shapes seemed to be in view as she stepped out and into the fog. Either it had gotten extremely chilly, or something unnerving seemed to be creeping down her spine... The whole scene seemed to be off to her, and she wondered to herself if the other guests shared such a feeling.
They had clearly been dropped off quite a ways away, it would be a little bit of a walk to get to the mansion. The whole place also looked as if it was being enveloped by the growing fog, thickening until it was hard to make out anything at all.
How troublesome this situation would end up being though, as now she was forced to make smalltalk until they reached the entrance. Joining the group she listened into the conversations already taking place. This also lowered her expectations for the night, after realizing just what kind of ponies she was going to be in company with... Surely there was more, educated, more important ponies that would arrive, right?
She nodded to the ponies already in the group in turn, some lingering over to join as well. With a slight bow finally to complete her introduction (at least until she finally was inside and had escaped this creeping feeling), she held her head high; the mask over her face being worn with a certain pride. If they were to act as uncivilized mules, then she would certainly have to educate them on the proper etiquette for such an incredible event.
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Post by heartstring on Jun 4, 2011 0:02:05 GMT -5
Heartstring watched as the scenery degenerated from a thriving city to unkempt roads that resembled the countryside. He shook his head and tutted, finding it hard to believe that this could be the location of the soiree. The surrounds were already creepy, but this fog rolling in just completed the ambience.
The last to arrive, Heartstring adjusted his mask before stepping out of his carriage. He turned to try and tip the drivers, but they had already begun to fade into the mist. Heartstring shrugged and turned to acknowledge the other guests.
“Good evening everypony.” He said with a short bow
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Ranger
Acolyte Pony
I'm a wood-pony and I'm okay...
Posts: 136
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Post by Ranger on Jun 4, 2011 3:39:12 GMT -5
Ranger had finally dismounted from the carriage, tapping down gently next to Fluttershy. He was used to the anonymity of the mask, and was comfortable even around others who wore them. However, much was different from his usual self, to his appearance this evening.
Instead of his saddlebags and cloak, the masked pony was now wearing a fine suit, one he managed to borrow from Rarity's collection, and by borrow, of course, it meant he took it from her storage, which was rather surprising. The suit itself was flawless, tailored to near perfection. Sure, it did not have Rarity's flair to it; that is, it was not tailored with any gems, but the dignified presence of the attire was still rather impressive. Ranger could not help but wonder how she had not sold this item yet.
He had also done his mane, professionally, instead of his brushy, spiky mane-cut the masked pony usually wore, his mane had been designed into very elegant locks, giving him a very sophisticated look. In fact, the only thing even reminiscent of Ranger was his mask. which he had re-painted and polished and that same morning, giving it a very nice sheen and a "new" look.
He smiled at Fluttershy, useless though it may have been, the smile was visible in his eyes, and he extended a hoof for her to take, to give her more confidence knowing she was with a friend and not alone. He seemed uninterested in the mysterious fog, or eerie locale; after all, his favorite hang out was the Everfree forest. Taking Fluttershy in hoof and leading her to the group, he observed the open gate, wondering what lay beyond.
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Post by Red Charge on Jun 4, 2011 3:52:45 GMT -5
As the ponies started entering, the interior grounds were revealed to them. It was a great surprise that the interior yard was perfectly well kept, to the point of being suspected as compulsive behavior. Not a leaf, or blade of grass out of place. A long trail of torches lit the way towards the mansion, and the masked ponies entered, stepping slowly into the unknown.
The front door to the estate was open ajar, but it was dark inside, and abandoned, it seemed. The large entry hall was completely silent, save for the invitees' hoofsteps, but without the ability to see before them, they were forced to stop a few short feet away from the door.
It slammed shut behind them, leaving them in pitch darkness for but a moment, before the ceiling chandeliers lit up, revealing an entrance hall full of masquerading ponies, dancing to the slowly rising music from within the mansion. The taste in the music was sophisticated, but somewhat chilling, as the music's combination of unorthodox instruments made it seem like a ghostly ballroom dance, rather than proper Gala music.
There were fine stallions and ravishing mares, all masked, in what seemed like very expensive suits all around. Prominent among them, was a pale pink pony with blonde hair, wearing a rabbit mask with odd, spirally patterns.
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Post by zeeth on Jun 4, 2011 16:50:02 GMT -5
Lost was a bit startled. The trees were ghostly enough, but this difference was unsettling to her. And to not have her spare senses or usual escape methods was putting her on edge. Not to mention having no identifiable expressions on these faces.
"I hate masks," she whispered. "They hide too much, and something feels wrong here." Will the lights go out again as more ponies enter, or is this all an illusion?
Her words seemed louder to her than they probably were. Hopefully the music had covered them. She adjusted her dog mask, even though it fit well.
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Post by Selenia on Jun 4, 2011 18:09:42 GMT -5
Selenia gave an audible sigh of relief when the lights came on to reveal the dancing ponies. She was free of all her doubts and fears, now being in a familiar setting of a fancy party.
Selenia looked around at all the dancers, every mask was different, and she wondered if Dr. Rainlock had all these ones custom made for their recipients.
"Very classy, I like it." She said to nopony in particular. Then her eyes fell upon the one pony in the middle. Selenia's eyes lit up and she cracked a smile of glee.
She assumed it was Dr. Rainlock, and just the thought of meeting him and gaining access to his massive library had her nearly bouncing around like Pinkie Pie, but she refrained, knowing that an action such as that would make her stick out like a sore hoof and give everypony a bad impression.
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