The nook
The beautiful louche man enters the nook, the small area that is part of the yard but only visible when approaching from the gate, through a hidden narrow entrance on the left of the drive with only a view of the drive, not of the street, nor of the yard. The nook is a tiny courtyard that acts as a sentry, a guard against an invasion of the yard, or, perhaps, a guard against anyone leaving the yard.
The nook is an architectural detail that was enhanced through the years by many gardeners and is a charming little place welcoming the visitor to take a few minutes to appreciate the flowers, the small rockery, and the lush miniature trees. In the nook is a chair, a small box with a little padlock. And an aperitif on a small table.
The beautiful louche man pours a drink, sits on the chair and realises there is a notice on the small box:
ALL WHO ENTER ANY PART OF THE PREMISES OF THE HOUSE OF MASKS MUST BE NAKED AT ALL TIMES, MUST WEAR THE MASK IN THIS BOX AND MUST NOT TALK WHILST WEARING THE MASK. PLEASE LEAVE THE WAY YOU CAME SHOULD YOU NOT ACCEPT THESE CONDITIONS.
The beautiful louche man takes a sip of the drink, a fine tingle on the taste buds, then slowly and deliberately undresses, folds each item of clothing, takes the mask out of the box, and puts the clothes in the box. It is the mask of a cockerel, quite appropriate for the nook at the side of the entrance to the yard.
The louche man holds the mask in one hand while at a leisurely pace sips from the drink held in the other while thinking about the implications of wearing a mask and not speaking. Thinking about the best strategy to get the best out of the House of Masks. Everyone will have a mask. No one will be able to talk. There is only one possible strategy to take, that is to play the role of the mask. To take on the position of the COCK, to crow when the sun rises, to peck about in the dirt, to keep an eye out for foxes. To observe, and replicate the most successful strategies. And to enjoy doing it, why play a role if not to have fun?
The louche naked man dons the COCK mask, carefully running fingers over the mask to check it is in place. Stands tall and steps out to strut towards the yard, quietly, unnoticed just like a cock would.
The vacant yard 
COCK
The cock loves being amongst the hens.
The cock can mate a dozen times a...
