Hide your face so the world will never find you.

[Rahmil Binachi]

Frost had glued its self to the glass window that over looked the snow covered view below. The thin window seemed to be only useful for blocking the wind, for Rahmil could see her breath, even in the inns bedroom.
Of course, she was staying in another tavern. She had started thinking about buying a house, but it was too soon to make a final decision.
Looking in the dirty mirror, Rahmil removed the small round bars that she had put in her hair the night before to create a different style, and watched as the large curls fell to her back.
It was strange, seeing her hair out of its usual straight-style, but it looked nice. Despite the painful stabbing of the rods against her skull, it turned out great.
Of course, she could have gotten the 'love locks' done by one of the few professionals, or even tried to find one of the nifty hot rods of hair curlers herself, but they were too expensive, and just another item she would have to travel with.
However, she did happen to nab a few of the common women cosmetics from the closest brothel for a good price, old and used enough to where she didn't have to worry about throwing it away once the night was over.
Make up wasn't really Rahmil's thing.

It was a trial and error process, especially with the skin powder. After a few coughing fits and watery eyes, Rahmil had decided that her skin was white enough, and it didn't need the awful chalk.

A black dress as well as a very feathery mask laid on the bed behind her. She wasn't sure how she was going to get it on, but she managed the first time, so she could do it again.
Even though Rahmil didn't really like dresses, she couldn't help but realize how beautiful the long slab of fabric was, with it's no-shoulder neck and the long flow of the bottom part.
It was plain, cheap, but lovely. And it would fit her alias- Raven.
To even add a little more irony to her second name, her mask had that of a ravens beak, with black feathers poking out the top.

But, why was Rahmil going to a dance? A fancy ball?
Well why not. She still was a female. She still liked to dress up and feel pretty. Since, the last time she had dressed up was when she was with Davide, years ago.

Finally finishing her hair, and darkening her eyes with the black stick, she stood from her creaky wooden stool and glanced quickly out the window.
The citizens where already filling the streets as they made their way to the party. It was quite a site, seeing every one so dressed up and pretty.
Everyone loved parties.
She let herself smile, and then moved onto her next challenge: the dress.
It had been long enough from the accident that her body had healed physically, her knee back and working correctly; and as well as mentally. She didn't suffer from the brutal emotional roller coaster of hate and sorrow, angry at him for what he did, and the depression of loosing a friend.
In fact, she had actually decided that she was going to get a cat soon.
She had always loved the furry creatures, but due to her constant moving, she could never get one. But now with her decision on trying to find a small, cheap house, she could get as many cats as she wanted.
Who needed friends when you could have cats?

[Diego Liberatore]

Clouds of human breath billowed out from the smiling mouth of the bear as he tromped his way through the snow, growling and laughing at those who stopped to look at his costume. A bearskin cloak clasped around his neck and draped over his shoulders, the head was made into a mask, the lips pulled back into a goofy but friendly grin. Over his hands and feet he also wore bearskin gloves and boots, fitted with smaller claws so he could maneuver better in his costume. Thinking, like an idiot, that he would be too warm when he danced and moved around the party, Diego chose black and gold striped leggings, and no shirt at all. The cloak covered his tattoo, but did little to conceal the red, near frost-bitten and furry skin of his belly. Alcohol was a good remedy, though, and he was sure to have three glasses before leaving for the celebration.

Music played in the streets, and some people chose to sing along. But it was in the church that the real party began. The pews had been moved away to make room for a dance floor, much to the chagrin of the priest, who in the end had to concede. Roasted birds, bowls of stew, and baskets of bread lay out on tables for the feast. Wine and beer goblets were set out for the guests, already poured and ready for the drinking. Diego stepped in from the cold and clapped his paws together, rubbing them vigorously for warmth and looking around the hall. Let the games begin.

[Rahmil Binachi]

It was a long struggle. Shimmying into the tight fabric without ripping any stitches or strings. So long, that at first she didn't think she could pull it up to the correct placement. However, once past her hips, it seemed to fit perfectly. It was so tight to where it hugged her like a second skin, but rather a comfortable loose. She could move in it if she needed to, but it would most likely still rip in a few places.
Just be careful, she thought. It wasn't as if she was on a mission, or meeting a target. This was simply her free time.
After the dress, came the coat and mask. Which was no difficulty, thank God, and she was soon out the door and locking it.

The wind was colder than she had expected, which caused her to quicken her pace as she hustled down the street towards the sound of laughter and music. She was getting excited with every step.
Here she would dance, drink as much alcohol as she wanted, and be a fool. Because no one would know who she was, and that was the beauty of it. No one could hold anything against her here. Unless, of course, someone were to take her mask off. She had it pretty tight on her head, so she didn't suspect it to fly off.

Soon, it was in her site. It was all just a big jumble of faces at first, but once she started to look, she admired all the costumes people had. She even spotted a man in a bear skin, complete with the head and paws- and she laughed. He wore no shirt underneath, and she could tell he was probably freezing. Here she was in a heavy coat, and she was still cold.

[Diego Liberatore]

Diego mozied his way over to the food table, eying out the activities for the night. A server past him in line, carrying an empty platter and bronze lid. His reflection stared back at him briefly, distorted and silly. His face was completely hidden. A smile slowly spread over his lips; he could really play this out. And it wouldn't be likely that eating would be an easy task for him anyway, he would have to find a place like a corner where he could take his mask off and eat later. The line was too long, anyway.

So instead he made his way out to the dance floor, looking for a partner. Everyone else seemed to already have one; though not to be disheartened, he danced by himself, rather terribly, waiting for some other man to get tired and sit down so there would be a lady for him. In the mean time he did what he could, which wasn't very much and was mostly made up of trying to copy everyone else.

[Nicola Rangé]

It seemed like it was already getting to that time of the year when snow piled across window sills and many traded their lavish clothes for expensive, heavy fur coats. Nicola didn't particularly mind the weather too much, but couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably when he had to brace the cold winter nights.

But with that aside, tonight was a special occasion for the people of Rome. As everyone knew, the ball would be attracting citizens from every corner of the city. This wasn't really an event Nicola wanted to miss. Sure, it would be likely he wouldn't know many people there, but he desired to be a little bit more outgoing from now on. He had already picked up some fairly nice clothes from the local tailor, and had already begun getting dressed and ready for the party.

From what he had heard, this particular ball was a masked one; and some even went as far as to dress up in costumes. As was his nature as an Assassin, he wanted to blend with the crowd despite not being on any sort of mission. He had picked out a black theif's mask, which actually fit him quite well, in his opinion. Carefully, he strapped the mask around his head as he watched himself transform from an average citizen into a rebellious bandit. Personally, he enjoyed living a little outside of the margins of his ordinary lifestyle every once in a while, and this ball provided the perfect situation for that.

Nicola finally decided he was ready after strapping his on his single hidden blade to his wrist, which was concealed by his long sleeves fairly well. He always liked to bring some sort of weapon with him wherever we went, and he couldn't really picture himself going to a ball with a crossbow slung across his back. The hidden blade actually seemed like the perfect solution to self-protection without actually presenting weapons in plain sight.

When he finally decided he was ready, he left the comfort of his inn into the cold winds of night. It wasn't hard to figure out where the ball was located, considering everyone was already headed in the very direction of the party.

[Alessia Jiron[Inactive]]

It was the night of the ball and it seemed so perfect with snow covered streets and frosty windows. Not to mention the air cold enough to see ones breathe. Typically Alessia never went to balls, it reminded her of being a girl and her mother. She looked out the window seeing the streets filled with citizens heading into the direction of the ball. Ali moved to the mirror as she looked into the mirror seeing her brown hair slightly curled at the ends. She let out a little sigh knowing the next step in her process of getting ready was a dress, one she made by hand. She never wore a dress, but this one was special it was black with a trim of white. Alessia put on the dress it showed her neck line and flattered her body. She looked in the mirror making sure that the dress wouldn’t be too much for the ball but was still elegant. With a simple smile, she grabbed her makeup having done it a few times before. Ali took the brush in her hand and lightly dusted the powder on her face. She learned in this process never to inhale the chalk powder as it was applied on one’s cheek. The next part she would do is her mask, something she loved about her outfit. The mask had the same marking of a sparrow. The mask was painted all black except white stripes and some yellow around the eyes and a small little beak. She carefully picked up the mask and slid it over her eyes, as it only covered her eyes. Apart of her custom was black gloves to keep her fingers warm. She grabbed a cloak putting it on and walking out to the snowy streets of Rome.

The city streets a little bit crowd with people heading towards the ball. Alessia made her way quickly in hopes of getting food drink and merry sprits to dance the night away. She found herself at the ball, as she laid her eyes on the customs all the guest wore. Most of them were extravagant and beauty which she loved to see them blend in so well. Upon reaching the ball Ali made sure she would stand closer to the edge of the ball. She knew no one in the city and new experiences weren’t always her cup of tea for say. She walked over to the table holding all the food and wine. She carefully picked up a glass of wine and sipped a bit. The cool liquid was perfect to go with the party. Alessia walked out closer to where everyone was dancing. Ali realized that she was an assassin and needed to keep a low profile. She knew she was safe as long as she kept her mask on and kept her guard up a bit. It was a night off from everything and she didn’t have to worry too much about anything happening to her. She noticed a man wearing a bear outfit. To her the costume was different nothing like she had ever seen or attempted to make in her lifetime.

[Rosa Giovanno]

Christmas balls. They weren't exactly the most welcoming scene, with the church and all. As she had tried before, women of her occupation were a disgrace within the walls, creatures so dark and sinful they should be shut out into the night. But tonight the doors were open, the music was merry, and the scent of food made her mouth water. If only...

Rosa sat curled up on the sofa by the window, watching the people in the street below. Beside her was a plain red mask, and a warm coat - gifts from sympathetic customers. The weather was cold, and even they could not bare to see her shivering. Not like the church. She hugged the warm woolen coat. It would be shameful for her to attend such an event; she wasn't worthy. But everyone else was going, including some of her brothel-sisters, and in the end she gave in and decided to go. It wasn't like her to hide away from such potential, but it only happened once a year. This was the only time she wanted to set her livelyhood aside and crawl under a rock. Rosa hated Christmas. It reminded her of home, or the house she had grown up in, rather. And it never failed to show her how completely low she had fallen.

She smiled as she walked, bitterness tucked away, as it always was. It settled into its usual seat within her, watching the world go by and offering its usual commentary. It wasn't until she got closer to the food that she actually smiled, truly, and her stomach rumbled. It was free, and all she had to do was take it. Her hands reached out, accepting the plate that was offered her and piling it with her heart's delights.

[Rahmil Binachi]

The dancing had started, and she was partner less. She didn't know when, or why, but her legs had started to move her towards the bear.
For some reason, he drew her in. Even with his goofy dance by himself. Of course it was only the drink, she was sure, that was making him act so silly. But soon, she was sure to be under its same trance.

She stopped though, catching herself. Did she really want to dance with probably the most insane character here? She pursed her lips into a thin line as she battled with her inner self.

After a few seconds, it was decided, and she walked with a new self assurance towards the beast.
Stepping in front of him, she looked up at him through her mask; her eyes still not adjusted to the black rim in her side vision.
She extended her her hand, asking with body language. She didn't really trust her voice in a moment like this. She was completely out of her comfort circle; however it sent thrills inside of her. Doing something completely bold. It gave her a rush, and she was suddenly very glad that she had showed up at all to the party.

[Diego Liberatore]

Well hello, this was a nice surprise. A woman was actually asking him to dance. A bit backward from his thoughts, but Diego didn't mind. He took her hand graciously, in doing so bringing her in to a group of dancers for a pattern he only half-way knew, but it would do. He kept his eye on her, knowing that they would meet in the middle after every turn so he would at least know where to go. She danced nicely, he thought. Or at least, nicer than him. It had been a long time since he had danced with anyone, as he had been separated from his fellow Templars for so long, where they would have noble parties. But he executed what he could remember, and finally left the group dance as he joined hands with her again, thinking it better to dance only with her so as not to embarrass her further.

Her costume was interesting compared to the other women in the room. Instead of a vibrant or festive tones, hers was black. But it suited her nicely, and she had a warm coat over the top. Her mask was as dark as her dress, with some kind of beak and feathers which he didn't understand, but found mysterious all the same. But everyone was mysterious in a masked ball. It allowed people to be who they really were. For lack of conversation, he began to hum the tune, and smiled, though it was hidden behind his mask.

[Nicola Rangé]

Before Nicola arrived, he made sure to comb his fingers through his hair one last time. He wanted to make sure he looked acceptable for such an elegant ball on this night. As he entered the church, his nose twitched at all the delicious smells that wafted through the air. The scents were so alluring, he found his legs carrying him straight to the table where all the magnificent foods were laid out for its guests.

There was a huge variety on just how many dishes and desserts there. His mouth watered greedily as he scanned the table left to right like reading a book. There was also much music, too, and many were dancing. Nicola didn't really know how to dance himself, but he assured himself that the disguising of his identity would prevent him from humiliating himself.

[Alessia Jiron[Inactive]]

The food and wine were just enough to keep Alessia happy for a year. She rarely danced but she figured if the night progressed and if a guy would ask, she would happily dance with them. For now she sipped the cool liquid and gazed at all the food. The decisions were tough on what she could get her hands on. Ali looked over seeing she wasn’t the only one looking at the food and taking in the smell. A male with an interesting mask, a thieves mask in particular. She hadn’t really seen one in a long time, but it was a good site to see. Even though, Alessia figured it was just a citizen who thought the mask would set him apart from the rest of the guests. She turned her attention back to the glorious food. Her stomach rumbled a bit as she scanned what she could eat and probably shouldn’t eat. It didn’t last long before she grabbed a plate and started to put all sorts of food on it. Her appetite was that of a growing teenage boy. She could eat her body weight in food just and still never be satisfied. Of course she had stopped by the time she realized it was pretty full.

Alessia made her way to a table, with her wine and her plate of food. She didn’t mind if anyone watched her devour her food. She simply started to eat the food picking each group of food she grabbed from the table. She watched at the guests dancing in the middle, and enjoying the time of their lives. Well at least for the night. The ball brought memories that she always wanted to forget about her past. Ali was good at dancing but always escaped the dancing rituals of the balls. She took another sip of the wine this time really taking in its sweet taste. It had been a while since she had really drank or ate anything this pleasant. Usually when she drank she would get a bit carried away with it and act like well a fool, as most did when they drank. Ali disciplined herself as much as she could when it came to these sort of things. As regained her thoughts she started to eat the food she had picked out. The sweetness of the desserts thrived her sweet tooth and made her want more. Though, she felt that people were staring at her because she was different than most of the guests at the party. She still had her cloak on, as she claimed it was very much so apart of her costume that evening.

[Rosa Giovanno]

Finding a place to sit with her mountain of free food proved to be a bit of a problem, more so the maneuvering through the crowd and trying not to spill the plate than actually locating a place to sit. When she did get to the table, Rosa picked up her fork and shoveled in the first few bites hungrily before sitting and regaining her lady-like manners. It had been a long time since she had had such a nice meal, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Rosa did look up from time to time to watch the crowd, but mostly just ate. For a moment she thought about finding a dance partner, but she couldn't. Every time she did, it reminded her of finding a work 'employer', which shamed her greatly. She was in a church, but she couldn't help herself. This was Rome, and the only things on her mind were survival, food and money.

[Rahmil Binachi]

Rahmil swayed her hips and moved her feet in rhythm with the dance. It was rather amusing, since her partner was nothing more than a dancing fool. So much that if this was under any other circumstances, she would have probably left by now. But she was enjoying his goofy moves, and it made her laugh.

Past her laughing, she could hear his low rumble of a hum. Fitting his bear costume quite well. However, she decided that she should at least say something. Since their entire dance was just laughing, humming, and moving.
" _{So I am guessing it is quite warm under all that fur, hm?} "

[Diego Liberatore]

He smiled when she laughed, glad that at least he had amused her, and twirled her around. The effects of his third glass of alcohol was beginning to kick in, and thus he was beginning to believe he was a better dancer than he was. His ears perked up when she spoke, though, and he moved closer to her to hear her better. Her voice was familiar, to say the least. But for some reason, in this setting, in this atmosphere, he couldn't place her. "Not as warm as your lovely coat, Donna." he said, trying to pay her a compliment to make up for his silly garb. "I thought it would be warmer. But alas, no." The parts of him that were covered in bearskin were very warm, truth be told. His toes, fingers and shoulders were quite content, and his face was almost hot under the full mask. But his torso and legs were still freezing, though slowly becoming more bearable in the warm walls of the church. He thought about asking her name, just to clear his mind. But instead, he decided to play out the conversation first. This was, after all, a night of equality and non-identity. "Are you having a nice Christmas?"

[Nicola Rangé]

When Nicola was finally pleased at the amount of food on his plate, he decided he should find a place to sit. He scanned the room for someone to sit by, and his eyes eventually settled on a lovely lady in a red mask sitting by her lonesome. What a perfect opportunity!

Putting on the friendliest smile he could, he pulled out a chair across from her and sat down, placing his plate of food gently on the table. "Ciao," he grinned. While there definitely seemed to be something... Familiar about this woman, he pushed the thought away, denying it.