There was a distinct feeling in the air whenever a huge event such as a ball was coming. It was familiar to Jean-Luc, having thrown more than a few during his life. As the young, attractive noble waited for his guests to arrive, he went over everything, just to make sure it was ready. The tables were neatly arranged, with white tablecloths and assorted treats and pastries for his guests delight. The marble floors had been swept clean of any dust, and the decorative banners were in their places in the main hall.
With everything set, the Marquis ordered a few butlers to welcome his guests, and went upstairs for a little bit to change, not clothes, but form. He knew it was rude not to personally greet his guests, but he hasn't transformed in a while, and needed to stretch his true legs. Closing the doors of his bedchamber behind him, he shifted. His fair complexion gave way to orange fur, his face becoming more and more vulpine. His clothes, too, changed from cloth and wool to their furry counterpart. With his transformation complete, he walked around a bit, and looked in the mirror. Oh, right.... he thought. Not one to let his condition dampen his spirits, he was curled up in his bed, when his vulpine ears heard something. It was his guests knocking at the front door. A bit early, aren't we?