[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/OEh1rTU.png[/img][color=9AF781][h1]Lord Leo Smithwood[/h1]
Time: Evening
Location: Masquerade Ball: Damien Estate
Interactions: Charlotte [@princess]
Daily Misfortune: An annoyingly high-pitched voice and random fits of laughter.
Predictable Costume: [url=https://i.imgur.com/tLePxA5.jpg]Leo the Lion[/url][/color][/center]
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Whatever it was Charlotte was going to express her concerns about was lost amidst the uncontrollable giggling. Dozens of eyes from masked faces bore down on them, the heat of their collective gaze as unrelenting as the summer sun. That heat only intensified as more heads turned and Leo’s laughter only grew louder. Calculated and precise footsteps drew nearer as Charlotte’s face turned from one softened with concern to a look of true dread. The odd expression quickly vanished as she grabbed his arm and laughed along with him. 

[color=9AF781][i]Oh no! Is this contagious?[/i][/color]

[color=B7AAE0] "Oh I still cannot believe you ate that [i]WEEK OLD CHEESE[/i] to impress those girls! Hahaha!"[/color]

A truly perplexing statement, as Leo had certainly not eaten any old cheese nor was he aware that anyone was impressed by cheese-eating, and doubly so if it involved rotten cheese. As abruptly as a startled person stops hiccuping; a confused Leo stopped giggling. 

[color=B8FC03]“What? Cheese? Why would that-”[/color] He again noticed the stares and the approach of a disgruntled-looking Count Damien. Not only was he making an embarrassing scene, he had managed to attract the attention of Charlotte’s least favorite count and she was now trying to pull him away from Calbert’s path. [color=B8FC03]“Oh right, yes, I proved both my daring and iron stomach.”[/color] He added, loudly enough for onlookers to overhear.  

Although the mask hid it well, Leo felt the warmth of embarrassment rising, reddening his face. He kept his feet planted, he would not be hiding from Count Damien, it wasn’t like he’d broken any Caesonian laws by laughing at a party. 

[color=B8FC03]“What’s he going to do, kick me out of his party? I’ll buy a different mask and be back within the hour.”[/color] He dared a quick glance at Calbert whose path seemed set on crossing his. [color=B8FC03]“If you’d rather talk with a different count I believe I spotted Hendrix somewhere over there.”[/color] He nodded in the direction he’d last seen Fritz. [color=B8FC03]“And I’d be more than happy to ensure Calbert gives you no trouble tonight.”[/color] 

It occurred to Leo that not only was his face hidden behind a mask but his voice was obscured as well. Hidden behind the lion mask’s muzzle was a smirk of mischievous intent. How well did Calbert even know Leo, even remember him? Perhaps a masquerade paired with a dreadful not-quite-a-cold meant the unforeseen benefit of anonymity. [/color]