"
Mesdames, mesdemoiselles et messieurs, that's what you were expecting, weren't you?" Aria said with a tight little smile. "Well, frankly, when in Rome—" she left the words in the air for a second, ending with a pleased little chuckle. "Ladies, gentlemen and in betweens" she winked, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of her lips "I offer you a warm welcome to Le Masquerade to celebrate yet another Saturday À la Thème" she extended both arms in an encompassing gesture.
"If you're wondering who I am and what I'm doing here, you obviously have yet to spend enough time at Le Masque" she raised an eyebrow, one hand moving to rest on her hip. "Well rest assured darlings, my name is Arianne and I am the more wise, beautiful and elegant of the Desrosiers" the blonde continued with a white, pearly smile, taking a slight bow. "Oh don't pout Éloi, you're not seven anymore" she chided with one playful eye roll, directed towards her cousin, looking rather under the weather in the midst of the crowd. "Because my dear cousin has failed quite spectacularly to properly care for my most beloved pet for a single night, I have decided to take away his favorite toy" she grinned deviously, practically beaming, while clasping her hands over her chest. "And so... I'm afraid you're stuck with me tonight.I'm sure you'll find it in you to bare with me for a few hours" she ended with a sly smile, eyes half lidded in come-hither look.
"Tonight, Le Masque is positively gleaming to honor the forefathers, the kings and queens par excellence of debauchery, libertinage and pure unadulterated ecstasy, the Greek and Romans in what will hopefully be our most exquisite festivity,
Bacchanalia" she announced on a somber, yet excited tone. "Well, we're all looking quite fantastic tonight, aren't we? As fantastic as you can look in a draped fabric, mind you" she raised her eyebrows, chuckling softly. She shrugged her shoulders softly, gesturing at her own
ensemble casually. She thought she managed her way around the theme quite well. "I find it highly disappointing that some of you gentlemen have not dared to wear a toga.
[1] Tut tut tut" she waved an accusing finger with a put-off little smile.
"Tonight's special cocktails, courtesy of Blaise Rogers, our most esteemed mixologist are divine to say the least. And so are our servers tonight, quite the nymphs they are" she smiled slyly, looking at one of the girls, dressed in barely there diaphanous fabric. "We, of course, have your classic
Nectar of the Gods guaranteed to bring you ecstasy like no other and lift you to a higher plane. Our other special tonight,
Bacchus' Gift is the most exquisite wine you will ever taste. Do share it with a partner, would you" she offered with a cryptic smile and an arched eyebrow.
"As always the buffet table near the bar, is filled with exquisite French cuisine, provided by our very own five star Chef, our bar is stocked to suit all tastes and the music hopes to get you on the dance floor, only to lure you to a dimly lit private room
[2] after you're all danced out. My dance card, ladies and gents is quite depressingly empty" she smiled slyly with a raised eyebrow. "Oh and before I leave you to your evening, it is with great pleasure to announce that quite soon Le Masquerade will become the Masquerade Business Trust, and our dear Le Masque will get a sister venue, under the management of yours truly and an, as of now, secret partner. I won't say much else. We dearly love surprises around here, don't we?" she winked at the public and chuckled softly
"Well, my darlings, the rest is in your hands. May you bring honor and pride to those we honor tonight, as only the true libertines can!" As a last thought she sighed deeply and raised her hands in the air. "Thank you for your time
[3], mes masqueradians! May the debauchery begin" she ended in Éloi's customary words, taking a small e curtsy before descending the stairs that led off the stage, eyes intent on finding one person in particular.
[27 Mar] In Vino Veritas (OPEN to Masqueradians; M)