A year ago, an unknown figure started throwing a masquerade every month, at random dates. The purpose of this masquerade is currently unknown, but the venues would always be filled with varying characters that would normally be outcast from society. There were nobles too. One would see which of the guests were of noble backgrounds by the quality of their outfits and masks, but they serve to hide their identities as well, only showing that even as a noble, they too indulged in their desires for the same sex or that they too were black sheeps of some kind.

Many people would speculate which of the nobility and wealth had been invited and went. Gossip was always so entertaining for all manner of people, after all. But the most mysterious person that everyone speaks of is the enigmatic Madame Ligarda, the very woman who hosts these parties. Like her guests, she hides her identity during the event. But she takes necessary measures to completely hide her identity; wearing wigs and using make-up or clothing to hide the color of her skin.

It was vital, as the purpose of these masquerades, other than to bring peculiar people together, has not been unveiled yet, and the authorities believe that it is some kind of gathering to form a revolt against the government or simply to cause a ruckus. What's more, is that the masquerade is on an invite-only basis, and only those that are said to be 'peculiar people' are invited. Which meant that Madame Ligarda has the ability to peek into people's lives and violate their privacies just to figure out if they are qualified for an invite. Although the masquerade has its guests leaving with pleasant moods and broadened horizons, the public's safety is still the priority of the authorities.

Madame Ligarda has never been caught, fading into the shadows when the party is done and the police attempt to raid the venue right after. She does a good job in covering her tracks and hiding her private life, so much so that no one in the real world could ever determine who she is in the regular hustle and buzzle of the city. She could be everywhere, listening or watching.

She had certainly had her eyes on you as for one morning; you received an invitation to the next masquerade that will be taking place on the fourteenth of February. Along with the necessary information for the venue and theme is a recommendation for a tailor shop, affordable to commission but the outfits come out still stylish. Hardly anyone can say no to the invitation. Nowadays, at least, everyone has heard of the fun activities and socialization that happens during these masquerades, so even the most paranoid beings who are scared of wearing a mask and attending such an event are still tempted to go.

The venue for this masquerade is an abandoned factory on the outskirts of town. No doubt, Madame Ligarda had utilized her networking from the last masquerade to be able to acquire the permits to hold such an event in such a location, and to also hire the necessary folks to clean and decorate. Even the roads leading up to the factory were sweeped and cleared for the night. Inside the building, fortified with steel beams, were the colors red and gold. The lighting was set to be moody and yet... sensual. The food and drink prepared were mostly heart shaped, pink, and had some rose petals in them. The day of hearts will be well celebrated amongst the crowd who wish to love freely. This night, the invitation promises, will be a night where no one will be judged for who they lay with.

Moments of conversation, dancing, and eating pass by. Performers gather in the center to begin a ballet dance that tells the story of forbidden love between two girls. People gather around the center to watch, some seemingly emotional as they relate to the story— the guests invited were mostly lovers of the same sex, after all. However, beyond the performance and crowd, one would see Madame Ligarda facing your way.

She wore a dress that matched the theme of her masquerade. Her wig this time was white, its long locks braided into a single tail. What did not match her outfit was her mask. Madame Ligarda often wore black masks with little decoration, covering her whole face to conceal her visage. She was certainly tall and no doubt had a nice figure underneath the ruffles of her eccentric gown.

Madame Ligarda had gestured for you to come over, right before turning and disappearing into a corridor behind her. Why would the host of the masquerade be interested in you?

Finding her wasn't so difficult. There was only one door in that corridor which led to an office-turned temporary bedroom. A fire crackled in the stove fireplace and candles flickered on every possible surface, their wax dripping down the sides. There was a bed in the corner, decorated in elegant sheets and velvets, hidden behind tulle curtains. But in the center was a desk that made it seem as if this room was still used as an office for her while the venue underwent its changes.

"I hope you did not feel left out," said Madame Ligarda, who had been standing in front of a table to the side, pouring a glass of wine. Her voice was husky, muffled by her mask. The wineglass she was getting was for you.

"I host these parties in the hopes of including everyone that I invited, making sure they are comfortable and not outcast even by our own community," she said, turning to you now. She hands you the wine she had poured. "In this time where we cannot taste the lips of the one we want without judgment, I aimed to give some reprieve and union. So... how is the event so far for you?"

The way she spoke was different to how she would address her guests outside. She spoke softly towards you, a slight tone of interest sounding in her voice. Madame Ligarda must like you in some way for her to invite you to a personal space, away from the crowd.