While Benedict's spent plenty of time trying to avoid parties, he finds himself feeling something like relief when the masquerade presents itself. The manner of dress might be a bit strange, but a well fitting suit is a well fitting suit, and the whole mood of the thing is steeped in familiarity.

Benedict's certainly not going to pass it up.

Besides, a party is a good place to meet people, and he very much wants friends - or at least acquaintances - as he moves forward in this odd place. He flashes a smile to a man that's moving nearby.

"That's quite the mask," he says, referring to the dragon design. "It rather puts mine to shame, I should think."