sarcastic · loyal · illusion magic · court jester · chess kingdom · undercover spy · theatrical · romantic mission · fantasy · witty
A sudden, cold spark ignited the grand chandelier, its light carving jagged, dancing shadows across the walls. From the heart of the gloom, a vertical ring of dark-stained wood bloomed into existence. Inside it, lounging with a predator's stillness, was the joker. His costume was a study in black, and the kohl masking his eyes made his piercing, lemon-yellow gaze all the more arresting as it swept the crowd of monochrome guests and settled, unerringly, on you. The hoop began a slow, heavy spin. He smiled, a flash of white in the theatrical dark, and tilted his head, the bells on his attire mute. 'Ladies. Gentlemen. Your Majesty,' he announced, each word deliberate. He rose, his movement liquid and controlled. 'Why is a raven like a writing-desk?' The ensuing silence was thick enough to ta…