"That's been my experience as well, actually." Complete and utter honesty was a rarity in this world. Sometimes Gideon felt that was for the better, but in this instance...

"For one night? I think I can manage."

Give and take, ebb and flow, their waltz continued around the room. Flashes of light and color flew at the edges of Gideon's vision, but nothing truly comprehensible was registered in his mind. His full focus was on the woman in front of him.

"Thinking of another woman while we're dancing, are you?"

"Me? Never." Unless one knew Gideon well, and those people were few and far between, it would be difficult to discern the teasing lilt in his deep voice. Perhaps, however, Elisabeth Fiorelli was perceptive enough.

"I pride myself on being a gentleman."

With that telling smirk on his lips, he added,

"Where appropriate."

suit check + mask
mission: MERRY MASQUERADE

☉

"I hope honesty ranks high on your list as well," There was a smile and just a touch of humor in his voice as he spoke, allowing his partner to lead them to the center of the ballroom floor.

"As I'm unfortunately quite the mediocre dancer." Gideon was proficient enough not to step on toes, to lead where appropriate and approximate skill when compared to everyday laymen. But had he grown up wearing suits and dancing at the heels of aristocrats?

No. His was a much more middleclass upbringing.

Confidence was key, however, and Gideon rarely lacked in that department. Their dance was slow yet fluid, intimiate as much as one can be with a stranger in their arms.

But was that really true? Had they really never met before? There was such an intense feeling of familiarity when Gideon looked at Elisabeth Fiorelli that he couldn't believe they were simply strangers.

So, he began testing the waters.

"You look lovely tonight, you know. The butterfly mask was a nice touch." He leaned in, lowering his tone and speaking near the shell of her ear.

"The flowers, too. They remind me of a woman I met at a library once..."

suit check + mask
mission: MERRY MASQUERADE

☉

Intentional the hint had been and, of course, john nelson picked up on it right away.

"Nice to see you too, John. You know I'd never let you flounder for too long." Gideon replied lowly, a distinct warmth in his voice. His arrival had had the desired effect in that his friend seemed to visibly relax, maybe even shake off some of his nerves a little bit. Enough to enjoy the rest of his evening?

Hopefully, because already the office worker was proving to be a hot commodity. Niky Racz in particular was rather complimentary, but a new face in the form of Xiura Balfaltin arrived as well to request a dance.

"Well, aren't you quite popular tonight. No surprise there, though." Although their reunion was short-lived, Gideon felt only happy relief that his friend was finding fun and companionship at the event.

With an amiable pat on John's back and a parting nod the museum direction stepped away, saying, "Enjoy your dances. Maybe save one for me if you have the time."

So it seemed Elisabeth Fiorelli's wolfish plotting had been successful, unbeknownst to Gideon.

Inevitably as the ballroom doors opened and a chorus of sweet instrumental notes spilled from the chamber, Gideon's eyes scanned the masses of suits and dresses and masked faces for one in particular. She did not take long to find; Elisa exuded a radiant confidence that no one could miss.

"I believe I was promised a first dance." A guiding hand was offered, palm-up, for her to take. "Shall we?"

• suit check + mask
• good luck john nelson!! have fun!
• first dance time ♡ Elisabeth Fiorelli
• prompt #1 (dance the night away)

☉

The bright taste of champagne on Gideon's tongue was dull and diluted in comparison to the way Elisabeth Fiorelli lit up the space around them with her tact and wit. Even while facing his brother, he listened with reserved interest as she responded to each person in turn, a thin smile evident behind the rim of his glass as he nursed his drink.

"That it does. It's a nice turnout so far." Gideon's umber gaze swept over the large foyer and found it to be full almost to capacity. The crowd seemed to be practically begging to be released and experience the rest of what the museum had to offer.

"Let's hope everyone is on their best behavior," His eyes cut to Gunner Graves. "And that the museum is still in a state to admire by the end of the night." Even in their thirties Gideon couldn't help the impulse to make sure his little brother stayed out of trouble.

With that reminder in his ear Gunner departed, leaving Gideon to face Elisabeth Fiorelli's mocking smile with a restrained one of his own. The interjection from August Black, however, spurred him on in his response.

"Then feel free to trust in me for the evening," He'd incline his head in assent, catching Elisa's gaze through the holes of his mask. "As I'll gladly take your first dance."

Gideon would wait for her response, but then he'd feel his attention tugged at by someone at the periphery of his vision. An ordinary-looking man whose obvious nerves made him stick out in the throngs of eccentric millionaires and celebrities. Ordinary yet familiar Hm. Could it be?

With a slight bow, the professor excused himself from the group, saying to Elisa in particular, "Until we meet on the dance floor."

Scanning the room while walking to where he last saw who he thought might be john nelson, Gideon lost the man in the crowd for a moment. His brows knitted slightly as he continued his search until he finally found, huddled near an empty bar top, someone whose body type and physical demeanor reminded him a lot of his drinking buddy. Beside him was the musical talent for the night, Niky Racz.

Gideon slid himself into the space beside john nelson, so that John was sandwiched in between him and Niky.

"They've got quite a few interesting cocktails on the menu tonight, if either of you are interested." His eyes flashed to the DJ briefly, but inevitably landed and remained on the office worker between them.

"One of my favorites is the Sazerac. If you enjoy cognac, I highly recommend it. Some say it's the world's oldest cocktail, so it's worth a try just to taste a bit of history."

Gideon explained through a thin-lipped smile, his tone pleasant and conversational.

• suit check + mask
• ty for first dance dibs Elisabeth Fiorelli
• behave lil bro Gunner Graves
(watching you Summer Atreides)
• over by john nelson & Niky Racz

☉

CRISPR was not one to usually show interest in strange Pokémon, yet as Evangeline the BEAUTIFLY floated over he dipped his wing in greeting. A tinkling tone soon followed the gesture - a friendly word comprehensible only to the two butterflies and not the humans surrounding them.

Meanwhile, Gideon had been relieved of his offered champagne glass and received a question from Elisabeth Fiorelli in the same motion.

"Charity at a charity ball? I suppose a giving spirit is appropriate for the setting." A cheekier statement than he would normally reply with, but the anonymity of the evening had emboldened him.

Before more could be said, August Black tugged at their attention, which Gideon willingly gave to the older man in the delightfully theatrical mask. "Not at all, and thank you for the compliment."

Just as August was about to issue his toast, several guests flocked to the refreshment table to join their group, including Gunner Graves, Summer Atreides, and @girard. They were just in time to raise their glasses to the older man's hope for a wonderful evening.

Gideon himself dipped his flute and took a sip of the bubbling champagne within before sweeping his umber gaze across the newest members of their little gathering. Summer Atreides was given a friendly, acknowledging nod (the elder Graves brother refrained from eyeing her chest), although she seemed to want to strike up conversation with Elisabeth Fiorelli. @girard, on the other hand, was offered a lingering look - one of appreciation for the man's nature-themed outfit.

Then Gunner Graves, of course, whom Gideon recognized immediately. He'd play oblivious though, for the sake of tonight's theme. "It's only just begun, but I've already found myself in good company. And you?"

• suit check | mask
• at refreshment table with Elisabeth Fiorelli, August Black, Gunner Graves, @girard, & Summer Atreides

☉

angelo vestri had strayed into a trap that too many intellectuals were apt to set out - the lure of a musing conversation. He'd gotten Gideon started and the professor wasn't about to end his rumination anytime soon.

"The qualifications for being a god are rather subjective, aren't they? Omniscience, omnipotence... where does one draw the line? It's something that has been bent and flexed throughout history."

Gideon was by no means a religious man, either. Where some saw gods, he saw flesh and blood and a tangibility exclusive to mortal beings.

"Some Pokémon truly do hold astounding power. We've seen that time and time again here in Hoenn, especially recently." The likes of DIALGA and PALKIA came to mind, but there were even more still that had shown nearly incomprehensible abilities at places such as Mt. Pyre, Littleroot Town, and on 99943 METENO itself.

When Angelo asked about Gideon's interest in particular, the professor returned the pilot's smile in kind.

"Not the unlimited power itself, but the hint that it provides - that there's some unknown force out there that modern society has yet to discover. Or rediscover, I suppose."

Here Gideon, too, leaned back against a nearby lab bench.

"Science is about continuously striving to understand the world we live in. I want to add to that collective knowledge. So, while this stack of vellum," He gestured to the old texts that had started this line of conversation. "May look innocuous to many, I see a treasure map waiting to guide me to newfound information."

angelo vestri

☉

As Gideon knew it would, Morpho's antics soon drew in curious fairgoers and jobseekers alike. He busied himself with promoting the museum, answering questions, guiding those interested in employment on what their next steps would be. Very typical interactions that he was beginning to become accustomed to after his year of working as the Natural History Museum's executive director.

When another inquisitive mind in the form of Aurelie Lefevre stepped up to the booth, Gideon greeted her with a welcoming nod and his typical thin-lipped smile.

"Of course, please," He responded, passing her one of the glossy, informative pamphlets promoting the museums and its activities. "We're open 364 days a year, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, not barring outside events."

As he spoke, a figure in Gideon's peripheral vision caused his eyes to wander to the side. There he saw a younger girl, no more than ten in his estimation, although her shorter stature could have thrown that guess off.

In fact, by the way she spoke, he figured his initial guess was indeed wrong. Eris Halla was impressive for her age! She seemed to know quite a bit about fossil Pokémon, even the uniquely odd ones like DRACOZOLT and ARCTOVISH.

Letting Aurelie browse the brochure, Gideon turned his smile onto the girl and the enormous LUXRAY beside her.

"Good job on naming all those Pokémon correctly!" Gideon complimented; hearing this, his DITTO reverted to their usual blue, blobby form and came over to wave hello.

"And we do have cool revival tech, actually" One question down, one to go. To answer the next he leaned slightly forward and lowered his voice slightly in a conspiratorial way, "As for the fossils - do you mean the ones on display or the hundreds we keep in the collections for research purposes?"

In truth, Gideon didn't think he was naturally very good with kids, but that didn't mean that he didn't enjoy at least trying to stoke the flames of their intellectual passions.

• conversing with Aurelie Lefevre and Eris Halla
• open to interaction!
• manning the Natural History Museum booth

☉

It was pleasing to see it all come to fruition.

After Elinor Anderson and her League associates had reached out with the initial idea of a charity ball, the planning and preparations had occurred rapidly thereafter. Soon enough the Winter Masquerade was upon Hoenn and, subsequently, Gideon's museum had undergone the most magical transformation.

In fact, Gideon himself had underwent a striking metamorphosis as well, given that the occasion called for it. His lab coat was left behind on an office chair in lieu of a fitted navy suit, the lapels and waistcoat of which matched with a shimmering, festive pattern. Wanting a more simplistic mask to go with the suit, the museum director had chosen one in a light silver color. Even Gideon's VIVILLON, CRISPR, was dressed for the evening: the butterfly Pokémon wore a tiny, black domino mask over it's eyes as if it was one of the many human guests.

Passing through security after coming from his office, Gideon appraised those gathered in the museum's large foyer and appreciated their efforts toward the masquerade theme. Aurelie Lefevre with her shock of red hair, which accentuated her scarlet accoutrements. Naomi Sato 's galaxy-esque dress that, at just the right angle, sparkled in the warm light given off by the museum's chandeliers. Cillian Quinn and kyle lopez with their avian masks - particular favorites of Gideon's compared to the others he'd seen so far tonight.

Then Elisabeth Fiorelli passed, although he didn't necessarily know it was her just yet. There were hints, though, the most significant of which being the distinct fragrance that wafted toward him as she walked over to the refreshment table. Her dress, the roses, even the BEAUTIFLY by her side. It was all very telling, but Gideon felt the urge to confirm.

On his way over to her, however, a RotomTV-affiliated ROTOM hovered closer, requesting a soundbite for the camera. Gideon smiled toward the lens and offered in a warm, inviting tenor, "On behalf of the museum, we welcome everyone to have a fun and enjoyable evening."

He stayed for a moment or two longer to elaborate a little more, mostly hoping that that would be the end of his media contribution for the night. Finally, the director then peeled away and continued toward the refreshment table, but not before snaking two champagne flutes from the tray of a passing waiter.

"Looking for a drink?" He'd ask Elisabeth Fiorelli from behind, seeing as she was occupied perusing the table. When she turned, Gideon would offer the glass to her with a familiar smirk.

• suit check | mask
• prompts 2, 6, 7, 8
• over by Elisabeth Fiorelli and August Black

☉

Field work was a necessary part of the job. He didn't get to go out often, so any time the opportunity presented itself Gideon was sure to participate. Today's work had them at out Jagged Pass to investigate the aftereffects of the warped 99943 METENO meteoroid.

Things were going well until an unsettling roar broke the expedition group's focus.

It appeared like a hulking GODZILLA from the murk, maw agape and teeth barred in warning. A TYRANITAR bigger than any individual Gideon had ever seen before. Given how sudden this aggression was, the professor didn't think it best to simply walk away. It would leave him vulnerable to any rampaging attacks from the gargantuan beast.

Instead, he deemed it more appropriate to quell the Pokémon. Releasing CRISPR from his Poké Ball, Gideon then instructed the VIVILLON to dust it with a large dose of SLEEP POWDER.

EvOy4WtD

TYRANITAR SWARM

☉

Though most considered Gideon's general countenance to be severe or lacking in emotion (chronic RBF, the poor guy), John always managed to draw a genuine smile from him.

"Now, now, John..." Gideon laughed, leaning over and extending his hand so that his palm rested beneath his friend's elbow. With ease, he then lifted the other man's arm so that he'd go from pointing to the lowbrow section to the much more appropriate high shelf.

Was Gideon feeling the affects of his last few drinks, too? Probably.

"That's where we need to be. Here, let me show you."

With perfect timing the bartender arrived with the requested cocktail.

"This..." He paused for dramatic effect, letting John really take in the 'overpriced' drink set in front of him. "...is the Moonwalk."

It was a work of art. An enchanting masterpiece. An alluring mixture of the freshest grapefruit juice, the most decadent orange liqueur, the subtlest hint of rose water, and the most divine champagne money could buy. Served in a champagne flute, it was a sweet concoction that would brighten any night out.

"This cocktail was created in 1969 at the Unovan Bar in Wyndon. It was meant to commemorate the moon landing that occurred that same year."

Gideon loved including little tidbits of alcohol trivia whenever he'd push the drinks on John. He thought it made them more palatable to the office worker... but so far had struck out on all attempts. Maybe this time would be different?

john nelson

☉

Their usual business was conducted with a fluidity that spoke to the repetitive nature of the interaction. A signature is written, a receipt taken. Paperwork that Gideon was all too familiar with. Where Angelo tucked his copy into his jacket pocket, the professor slid his into his lab coat.

A quick mental note to hand the paper off to his accounting team is made before his attention was divided by Angelo's conversational inquiry.

"Hmm. Great question." Gideon held his left pointer finger to his lips in a thoughtful gesture, sweeping his gaze over each cargo crate as he considered the options in front of him.

"Some of more recent scientific significance include crystal shards from 99943 METENO." Those would not be put on display until they'd been properly analyzed. Even still, the larger slivers would likely be held back for the collections.

"There are also a few fossils that appear to be of an unidentified Pokémon species. Interestingly, they were all found clustered together." The fossils would need to be verified by experts, though, before any new species could be named.

"Probably the most compelling in my opinion are these older texts..." A hand is run across a crate with the label Castelia City, Unova. "They speak of a strange being with almost unlimited power."

Gideon turned to Angelo, a thin-lipped smile on his face. "Are they referring to a god or a fairytale? Or something in between? Who knows... half the excitement is figuring it out."

angelo vestri

☉

"Haaa.." A rough sigh left parted lips. Gideon didn't move to face his brother; instead, his eyes were cast upward, where he appraised a handful of stars that had appeared in the evening sky. "Don't go getting all philosophical on me now."

A deflecting comment, offering no confirmation or denial. Perhaps Gideon felt himself implicated in the old saying and didn't want to delve too deeply on how it could apply. He instinctively shied away from even the possibility of critique.

Burnout was his enemy, after all. And by his own estimation his fire burned brighter than most.

Lichen-covered headstones spoke of his shortcomings, though, and of a family ill-attended in favor of a prestigious career.

Gunner Graves
mission: AUTUMN'S OMINOUS WIND

☉

we're at booth #42! you can't miss it. it has a huge sign at the top with all the fossil pokémon. oh, and we even splurged this year and bought a monitor to play videos in the background!

This was the destination for Museum Director GIDEON GRAVES and Morpho his cerulean DITTO, who undulated happily at his side. Looking up from the text on his phone, Gideon scanned the large hall for the booth in question and, upon locating it, strode forward through the lines of represented businesses.

On his way to oversee the Natural History Museum's stall, he'd noticed a few familiar faces. skyler dross and angelo vestri were given a friendly wave, though he didn't want to impose on their separate conversations with the patrons at their booth (ana fell and a disguised Eris Halla , respectively). He'd catch up with them later when the crowd had thinned a bit.

Passing on, Gideon also happened to catch the eye of an unexpected party, Elisabeth Fiorelli . Noticing that she manned a booth for Fiorelli Floristry, her notes from the library made a little more sense now. His pace slowed but he continued walking, offering her a knowing smirk and acknowledging nod before moving on.

The museum's stall had already been set up at the beginning of the fair; Gideon was simply taking over for his event coordinator, who had other tasks to attend to. She left with a grateful smile and he took her seat at the table.

With the woman gone, Morpho knew it was their time to get to work.

The DITTO immediately took their spot in front of the booth and began transforming into a revolving selection of the museum's fossil Pokémon, albeit on a much smaller scale: KABUTOPS, ARMALDO, RAMPARDOS, ARCHEOPS, AURORUS, TYRANTRUM, and even more besides. The little blue blob was determined to get as many interested fairgoers to the booth as it possibly could.

• open to interaction!
• manning the Natural History Museum booth

☉