[attr="class","aurelie"]

[attr="class","aurelie_body"]A week ago, while shopping at her favorite thrift store in Lilycove City, Aurelie had found a delightful carnival mask on sale, probably bought for a costume party during the meteoroid-inspired revelries and then discarded when region-wide apocalypse was averted. A shimmering red-and-gold papier-mache half-mask crowned with a spray of fiery crimson feathers, it had been too fabulous to resist. She knew perfectly well she'd never have anywhere to wear it, yet she knew she'd regret not buying it when she had the chance.

And then came this invitation. Fate truly worked in mysterious ways.

Without hesitation, Aurelie quickly marked YES on the RSVP card and prepared to mail it back. She'd always been one for a good party, and this one promised to be spectacular. Like the mask itself, she knew for sure that if she didn't accept, she would absolutely regret saying no for possibly the rest of her life. A chance to wine, dine, and dance at a grand masquerade ball with fellow citizens of Hoenn en masque, at the Natural History Museum in all its glory? Aurelie would have to be crazy to RVSP no!

Ever pragmatic, the smith's mind quickly turned to practical matters. Formalwear? She had an old gown brought over from Kalos that would work, although it might need alterations, and she wanted extra velvet piping around the eyeholes of the mask to better conceal her eyes, especially the scarring around her right eye. Even with that, she'd probably need to bring a backup eyepatch, just in case. Location and date? She'd have to figure out transportation and a place to stay overnight in Slateport, as well as how much it would cost and how much time she'd have to take away from her business. Which meant managing her time and inventory so that she could take care of existing orders and commissions well before the day of the ball, so she could attend with a carefree heart...

Alas, where was a fairy godmother when a humble smith needed one?

[attr="class","cred"]VEL OF PIXEL PERFECT