It's by the whim of a goddess that you awaken in a foreign place tonight. Perhaps you are a spirit or a deity, and you've come of your accord. Or perhaps you are a mortal, and it is only by her will that you've been invited. Spirited away to this magical place. Your gracious immortal host has provided you with two things: a mask-- ornate, jeweled, and conveniently an artistic representation of your true nature, whatever that may be-- and appropriate masquerade attire.
The ballroom seems to stretch on forever. And in the back of the room, a masked violinist in a tall iron bird cage plays
the Devil's Trill. And in the center of this vast ballroom, nestled in velvet on a small, white pedestal-- a golden apple. Inscribed with the words: TO THE FAIREST. Oh my, has someone left that there for you?