As the door opens, the shadows that had so recently hugged his sides, fled into the bushes like startled soundless blackbirds. The warm light from the heart of the house shined on the mask making it glow in the darkness.<br/><br/>One of the initiates stepped up immediately, the musician. She stepped up and handed over her cape revealing a panel dress that did very little to hide her curvy form. From the swish of her hips she seemed no more interested in modesty that her dress.<br/><br/>Another of the newcomers suggested that they get together and have a drink inside and that sounded reasonable.<br/><br/>John moved forward into the light and the collected sounds of a house alive washed over him, the clinking of glasses and trays, the sound of shoes on eth hardwood floors and the constant bubbling murmur of quiet conversation mixed with the music to form a heady alchemy.<br/><br/>John follows the others as the candlelit shadows stretch toward him, brushing the soles of his shoes in passing.<br/>