#aftermasquerade

She made her way through the people, a smile on her face as she walked towards them. “In my experience, someone looking like that only means one of two things,” Jess said, in place of greeting. “Either you’re here for a good time, or you’re here to make trouble. I’m not a glorified babysitter, but if it’s the second option…”

And yet.  It was to be a masquerade party, so his face would be largely concealed, and he looked at least a decade a younger than the most recently circulated photos (rare as they were) amongst law enforcement had shown him to be, thanks to his dip in the Lazarus Pit.  Most of the world thought him dead (though he had little doubt that particular illusion would be rapidly diminished over the next few weeks thanks to Nyssa).  

And it’s been ages since he’d been to a party other than one of the League’s few celebrations.  The last one comparable had been... ah, yes.  Last time he was in New York, tail end of the 60s.  Rubbing shoulders with the very high society people he’d denigrate to Melisande at Woodstock.

This was certainly no Black and White Ball, but it was entertaining, nonetheless, if more for the masked attendees than the amenities.  He was pretending to admire one of the paintings on the wall (watching someone who moved distinctly like a warrior in his periphery move along the edges of the room) when someone brushed up against his shoulder, immediately diverting his attention.  

“ I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stand in the way of walking traffic.”

“I never imagined it would be like this,” she breathed, gazing around. Where did one start? With the food, the dancing, the artwork? And the people. There were so many. “Mr. Fisk must be a very gracious host, to invite so many to celebrate with him.”

Darren had to admit, if only to himself, that he’d always been attracted to Hope. Maybe it was the fact that she was a powerful woman, and like him, she excelled in business and in commanding a room. She was beautiful and smart, and since their families had both known each other, they’d practically grown up together. There were plenty of things to appreciate about her. Now, he appreciated the opportunity she presented him as a way to both hurt his mentor and Scott Lang.

She was away from Scott right now, which was good. It meant he couldn’t intervene or correct Darren on what alternative truths he wanted to fill her head with. “Hope,” he said as he approached her, pretending as if he didn’t know the name the Red Room had bestowed upon her. “It’s so good to see you! I should’ve known the news was lying when they said you were dead.”

In celebration of the thriving spirit of New York in its success at surviving the the attack on the city by the escaped prisoners of the Raft and the Arkham Asylum, Wilson Fisk is throwing a party that everyone is invited to!

The party will take place on Saturday, August 3rd at the Spyglass Rooftop Bar, which has an amazing view of the Empire State Building. There’s a private art gallery set up to display Fisk’s collection, but it also serves as a place for couples to have some private time for themselves too. There will be dancing and a live jazz band. The bar will be serving free cocktails, and there will be plenty of fancy food available for everyone to enjoy. 

Security guards will be present to make sure no fights break out. Jessica Drew will be leading the security, and there will be metal detectors at the entrances to prevent weapons from being brought in. 

The party is formal and a masquerade ball. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and dresses and suits suitable to the occasion, though they are not a requirement. Some masks will be available at the party for those who do not have their own.

Make sure to tag all starters with #aftermasquerade along with the normal starter tag, and if you make any edits or graphics of your characters costumes, tag them as #aftermasque.