middaeg | MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

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MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

WELCOME TO THE MASQUERADE

I. Arrival

The event starts early evening, Noveur 7, thanks to the help of several hands. They had worked for a couple of days prior to the start to get the large ballroom decorated to everyone's liking. The day of the event, earlier on, a few may have appeared to do some final touches. Those who had stayed behind to help with some last minute decorating, Louis had cleared out and advised to leave so that they could get ready for the masquerade.

a. Outside

When you approach, you will find that the outside of the building is a perfect location for a masquerade. There's a large ballroom, granted to them for use by the Coven. They had been kind enough to allow them to have the space and necessary supplies in order to throw such a party. And, it's clear that they took every advantage of the granted space and land around them.

There's a gorgeous, outdoor fountain, and lights underneath the water to give it a pleasant, warm glow through the water. If you watch it long enough, the lights seem to shift colors. There's gardens surrounding the building, as well. The gardens, like the fountain, have low, warm lighting around them so that the plant-life will be clear well into the late night.

There's benches outside as well, with a clear view of the fountain - so if someone needs to step outside or take a break from the indoor events, they can enjoy the fresh air and the warm, calming feeling from the fountain and gardens. This is a perfect place to escape when you want to relax away from the bustle of a party.

b. Inside

The entryway has open curtains, gold - and tied back with a burgundy rope. There to make everyone feel as though stepping inside, they are making an entrance of their own. Once you step inside, you'll notice the grand ballroom with high ceilings is fully decorated. It is clear that a lot of effort and time went into this, thanks to the help of many different people and several sets of hands. The colors that seem to be continually present are gold, reds, and purples. Though from time to time there may be splashes of other colors and personal touches from those who had helped in places - mostly in the form of masks hanging on the walls, or balloons scattered in places away from the main dance floor.

From the main ballroom entrance, straight ahead, is the main dance floor and to the right - refreshments. Near the refreshments, there are a several standing tables to set down a drink or stand around to socialize with friends or people you've just met. In addition to the standing tables, there's a couple of dining tables and chairs so that you can sit and eat, drink, or chat.

Inside the main ballroom there's a few gaming tables scattered around - including card games with some dealers around where you can gamble, and pool tables. Make a wager or play for fun, it's all up to you. Additionally, on the floor Kaito will be performing magic tricks to entertain individuals and small groups throughout the floor. You'll be able to catch him periodically through the night.

There are a few hallways leading to several rooms, and it all depends on what you're looking for, but no matter what it is, you can probably find it.

One of the rooms has the silent auction. Here, you can look at some of the things that are up for bidding. There's several interesting, enchanted items including: weapons, jewelry, books, instruments. They are protected, as well, so they can only go home with the winner.

Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so you will be able to find what you're looking for.

c. Enchanted Masks

You're welcome to have brought a mask that you had picked out for yourself, or - if you prefer, you can pick up an enchanted mask near the entrance of the party itself. These enchanted masks will conceal all distinguishing features, whether they are as simple as horns and scales, or as large as a set of wings. The only obvious features will be what a character is wearing, whether it is their attire, mask, or both.

You aren't obligated to wear them, of course, but they do provide the total anonymity that is often part of the excitement at a masquerade such as this. These effects are only present when one is wearing the mask. The moment the mask is off, any distinguishing features are immediately visible.

It's a perfect opportunity to have a little fun and engage with someone you may not have spoken with otherwise.

This enchantment will wear off the next day at sunrise, so you may keep the mask you pick out for yourself at the party.

d. Photobooth

Near the front of the ballroom there's a neat looking photobooth set up thanks to the work of both Omi and Prompto. There's props so you can take fun or silly pictures with your friends or date for the night. The backdrop for the photobooth is magical, of course. With a quick flip the background can be changed to one you desire whether it's a different color, an entirely new environment. The photobooth will be available through the night.

Additionally, you'll be able to find Omi on the floor catching candid photos of the attendees. Smile!

II. Refreshments

Away from the dance floor are several tables with matching, deep purple, table cloths. On top of the table are a variety of foods - some brought by the attendees, others brought in thanks to the aid of the coven. You can expect to find at least something that you'll absolutely love when exploring the options. There's everything there - from healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and dip - to less healthy options such as cupcakes, and truffles. Food on sticks, and easy finger foods seem to be a very popular options.

While many of the options wouldn't even require a plate, there are some plates and utensils in shades of blue and gold available to use.

Next to the food there is a table featuring three punch bowls with three different flavors. One seems to be a fruit punch, one seems be purely berry flavored, and one - seems to be a bit of a surprise. It tastes a little bit different to everyone who tries it, but so far - there have been no complaints. Next to them, if you would prefer, there's pitchers of water.

Near the back corner, there's a bar with a bartender, there to serve those who would like a drink. Ask for a surprise, or your favorite drink, and you can have something mixed for you. Next to the bar, there are rows of the most popular bottles of alcohol. Though you won't be stopped if you take one, please tell the bartender so that they can keep their stock replenished for the other guests.

Drinks, of course, come free to those who are able to legally drink. Anyone underage will be met with a powerful enchantment that is acting as a method of preventing that from happening.

III. Dance

a. The Lock Box

Maybe you want to find a new dance partner. Maybe you want to find a new Bond. Maybe you just want to talk to someone new. The Lock Box is near the entrance of the ballroom. It's inaccessible thanks to both a lock and enchantment that are on it.

It's set up neatly on a table, with only it, paper, and a pen so that names can be written and added to the box. When you enter your name, another name will be produced from the box. It is clearly enchanted, of course. Once you're given a name, you and your new dance partner will be compelled to be near one another. This will last for about the length of a song - long enough to dance, or have a conversation.

Usually, only others who have put their names in the box will have their name drawn, but sometimes those who didn't put their name in the box will have their name drawn and will feel compelled to seek out someone who drew their name.

Sorry to those who didn't volunteer, magic isn't always the most predictable! Though you may get lucky and just find your next friend or Bond, so it's hard to get mad about it.

b. Song & Dance

Whether you picked your dance partner yourself, or were compelled to dance with your partner thanks to the Lock Box, the dance floor is ready for you. The music is enchanted, to provide a feeling of calm, relaxation, and joy. Characters will feel at ease, and even those who may not typically dance will want to get out on the dance floor.

Thanks to the talents of several Mirrorbound and collected records you'll have a variety of music all through the night. While much of it is upbeat, as it is encouraging individuals to dance. Whatever your mood, you will find a song that you'd love to dance to, as long as you want to dance.

IV. Gaming

Throughout the venue, there are a variety of gaming tables. There's poker tables with a dealer available so that you can play a game, place a bet - maybe you'll lose some cunes, maybe you'll win big. That's all up to how good you play the game. Note: Dealers (and the party host) are not responsible for any losses that occur when gambling. Play responsibly (or not).

There's also some pool tables available to those who wish to play. These table are open to anyone, and they are free to play. There's only a couple of tables available; however, they are scattered throughout the venue.

Set up near the bar are three long tables with only an array of cups and a printed set of rules for a game that some may recognize as none other than something very closely to beer pong. In place of the ping-pong balls there's a small, plastic coin that is used. Have fun drinking with friends while playing a game. What's not to love?

Are you looking to play a game in a quieter space? Down one of the hallways there's a couple of game rooms where you can not only find decks of cards and a pool table, but also a variety of popular party games such as charades. You'll also be able to find a room for those who want to settle in for a game of chess or checkers.

V. Late Night

The lights dim, just a bit more as it starts to turn into a late night, though there doesn't seem to be any sign that the party is ending. Small, glowing trinkets are brought out when the party seems like it should otherwise be dying down. These trinkets are - of course, to your taste, whether it's a bracelet, a ring, a necklace, or just simple something small that almost resembles a wand. This will glow up to a month, so you should like what you pick: whether it is for for you or is to act as a gift for someone of your choosing.

The music is meant now to entice you to go a little wilder than they may have been earlier in the evening. Most of the food has been replaced and only small, quick snacks have been brought out for those who were still wanting something a bit to eat. Alcohol is still readily available to each and every person who is able to legally drink, of course.

You're welcome to - quite literally - dance until the sun rises or until you just can't stay awake any longer.

Note: Please see the questions thread if you have any for me - don't be afraid to ask. Please assume all characters received fliers this year, and anyone who would have wanted to work would have had the opportunity to help setup. As there are a variety of performers through the night, I did not note any specific ones and will leave that up to the performers discretion.

Please place any warnings, including 18+ content, in the subject line! Thank you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You know— your stage persona!

[Except was it really a persona if it seemed genuine? Maybe why he didn't think anything of it, though she's smiling all the same, so even though she'd been startled, she clearly wasn't bothered.]

I've never seen that side of you before! You put on a great show.

[she's smiling, he's confused - and his mind, such that it is, finally manages to settle on something that might explain the words bouncing around inside that empty skull of his.]

Oh, you mean the corpse paint?

[he pulls his mask off and leans in so that she can get a better look at it from up close, grinning.]

's killer, right? Even makes me look pretty cool...don't think the music'd sound half as great without it.

[You know what— alright, let's go with that. The rest of it may not even occur to him, she realizes, depending on how caught up he gets in the music. Maybe it's just what comes naturally?]

Is that what it's called? "Corpse paint?"

[Well, she can sort of see the resemblance...]

I think the music would still speak for itself, but the make-up does leave an impression.

[Performers paint their faces all the time; it's really no different from an actor or a dancer putting make-up on for a performance.]

Right, right? 's supposed to be like you're dead, or a demon...or a dead demon, I guess.

[a flaming demon corpse...oh man, that was so fucking metal to imagine. Styx's eyes dance with delight as he conjures up a legion of rotting demons in his mind, silvery gray flashing against his stark makeup.]

At home 'm the only one in the band that wears it, so it's not like...you know, you gotta or anything. Just makes me feel like things're getting real intense when I put it on.

I've seen plenty of both of those things, so— I can see the resemblance, yeah!

[She gets what you're going for, buddy, although she's a little surprised to hear he's the only one who wears it.]

The other guys don't change up their look for the stage? I think I get what you mean, though. It makes you feel ready, right? Like warpaint.

[Karin has seen dead demons? were they rotting? did they still scream? how much of their faces were left??? these are all questions which shoot through Styx's head at the speed of sound, uncomfortably cramping what is usually a pretty spacious area. he's forced to set them aside for some time after the masquerade, if only to keep his skull from caving in on itself.]

Yeah, exactly! Uh, rest of the band, guess they don't really need that kind've thing? Ymir always does mine up for me before a show, though...

[he loved that best of all. in truth, putting on his own makeup tonight had been the only bittersweet part of the performance, a highlight that he really would be taking the stage alone.]

They're real focused dudes. Think, like...paint's on in their minds, yeah? So they don't need it on the outside.

That makes sense to me.

[... it's possible they've been spending too much time together, because it absolutely does make sense to her, without her having to give it a second thought. It helps, probably, that she's had a lot of practice in parsing this kind of thing before, but still.]

Do you think you'll do more performances like this one? Now that you know you can do it with the help of enchantments— it would be good for you, don't you think? I'm sure you've missed playing for a crowd.

[She's all for those private concerts and all, but this is clearly such a huge part of who he is, it would be a shame if he didn't keep it up.]

[more performances...the thought turns his smile bashful, though no less eager.]

If people'll let me, yeah...be a dream to keep playing as much as we used to. Probably take a little bit to learn the spells so I can do the other sounds on my own - uh, looked kind of complicated, you know?

[but Karin of all people should know that despite his academic handicap, when it came to using magic for music Styx was a surprisingly diligent study. those enchantments may be a little above his skill level now, but he was willing to smash his head against that wall until he shattered. anything to breathe life into the sound he loved mostly dearly.]

I want - 's stupid, I guess. But I wanna show people how killer our band is, even when they're not here. Kinda like, represent them good, maybe.

I can't imagine anyone would try to stop you. And I would be happy to help you learn any of the spells you might need. I might not be a witch, but I'm still pretty good at things like studying.

[If people 'let' him— pfft. In truth, she's not sure how much help she could actually be, but it feels better to at least offer. She often feels like as a monster, she doesn't have a whole lot to contribute to friends in this place.]

I don't think that's stupid at all.

[Of course she doesn't. She never likes when he says that about himself, let alone his feelings.]

You care about your band more than anything, so it makes sense that you want to share their music with the world, even if they're not here.

[pretty good? from all of the tutoring that she's given him thus far, Styx is absolutely convinced that his friend is a total genius when it comes to academia. the only limits on what she could teach were his own thick skull.]

...yeah, exactly. 'm probably missing out on like, a million practices by being here, so I figured the least I could do is be a good rep where I am now.

[he pauses to contemplate something, then laughs richly.]

Maybe I should've brought flyers to hand out tonight!

[it's a joke, surprisingly enough. ...well, probably, anyway.]

[She knows he's joking, but—]

Actually, that might be kind of fun for next time, don't you think?

[It's not like he can advertise that the whole band will be playing, but if he wants to give them some credit and make sure they're well-represented, it's not a bad idea.]

Something about how the show you're playing is 'featuring' their music? Maybe make this place feel a little more like home.

[It might even make him miss them just a tiny bit less.]

You think so? Not like anybody but me'd recognize the name...

[but that wasn't so different from home, was it? they played an underground genre where they were still relatively new, even to the local scene. it would be kind of like how Vincent would approach new clubs to solicit playtime.

Styx's expression shifts from uncertain to thoughtful as these considerations run through his mind. it'd definitely make him feel more comfortable about playing solo, that was for sure. the odds were good that neither Vincent nor Ymir would ever learn about any of this, but even so - he didn't want to so much as potentially betray them.]

Ymir was always the one who did the posters 'nd stuff, though. Dunno if any of the stuff I'd come up with would be half as good.

They wouldn't have to recognize it, really. It's just sort of... giving your friends credit, like they're here with you.

[He does seem to be considering it, at least. In the end, it's not such a big deal, but she thinks they could all do with a few more things that make them feel at home here, no matter how small.]

I could help?

[Again, the offer slips out almost automatically. It's like some kind of compulsion. It's not like she knows the first thing about advertising for a band, but she can't help offering.]

I mean— it's just an idea, anyway.

[it's just an idea, but it's also an idea that's been given to Styx by someone very important to him. his friend had believed in this concept enough to broach it so, by definition, that also made it important to him.

besides...it would be really nice to have his band 'exist' in this world. maybe if he did that, if there was some part of them already here, it might - but that was too hopeful, even for this big idiot.]

...you can draw? Really?

[he seems both surprised and elated at having discovered another characteristic of Karin's that was hitherto unknown to him. maybe he could ask her to draw some of those dead demons she'd mentioned seeing earlier..?]

[She actually hadn't considered that particular detail when suggesting it, and for a moment, she looks startled. Could she draw?

Well. Better than Yuri, anyway.]

Uh... only a little, but...

[She blushes enough that it shows beneath the lower edge of her gold mask, followed by a sheepish laugh— at herself, more than anything.]

I think I was just eager to offer to help you, that's all. And I would! The offer is genuine, but I'm not much of an artist— but I could help you find one!

[See? That's still helping! The offer is still good.]

[why was she turning red? oh, was she shy about her ability to draw? without thinking Styx reaches out to take her hands again, giving them an encouraging squeeze. he didn't like when other people talked poorly of their talents.]

No way! 's your idea, wouldn't be right if we just gave it up to somebody else. Stuff on the flyers wouldn't be the same as what's in your head like that, yeah?

[a tiny tug of her hands, and a broad smile.]

If you just gotta practice, we can make ones for when I play for you to start 'nd work our way up.

[He really is too kind. Generous, as always, with his good opinion, even when there's no evidence he should be. She relents, exhaling as she gives a short laugh of defeat. How can she argue with that kind of logic?

Besides... the way he suggests they actually work on it is kind of cute.]

We could do that. You'll have to be subjected to a lot of questionable drawings in the process, though! You can't say I didn't warn you.

[You will be forced to face the truth on this one, Styx. Still, she gives his hands a squeeze in response.]

We can worry about that another time, though. Have you danced yet, or have you been too busy?

[what was there to worry about with something like that? getting to see lots of pictures sounded pretty great to him! it seemed like the kind of activity that you laughed a lot while doing with a friend, and just the thought has him smile while he nods his assent.]

Nope! 's my first time really getting out to look at stuff after packing the drums up again.

[he looks out to the dancefloor, then back to Karin, and grins.]

You wanna go dance? Don't really know how, but could still be fun!

I'm not sure I remember how, myself, but how hard can it be?

[Her smile hitches to one side, and she gestures broadly to indicate all the other people out on the dancefloor.]

I think we can manage it! Besides, even if we don't get it just right, it's the company that matters, isn't it?

[The whole point of dancing at events like these is to be social! She doesn't care how well-practiced his footwork is or isn't.]

Right! 's always gonna be a good time when you think about it like that.

[something fun to do with a friend, staying close and laughing the whole way...he couldn't possibly ask for anything more. Styx's grin becomes something warm beneath his mask, and he gently tugs the woman along towards the epicenter of the fun before a thought occurs to him and slows his steps.]

Oh!

[stopping entirely, he turns to face Karin properly and drops himself into as much of a bow as one can manage while still holding onto both of your friend's hands. it's charmingly ungainly, as endearingly crooked as his shy smile.]

You wanna dance with me?

[that's may I have this dance, Styx. ...ah well, close enough.]

[Her own smile softens in turn, that rosiness returning to her cheeks just for a moment, though it's not quite because of embarrassment this time. She nods eagerly, giving his hands another squeeze.

The whole thing may be a bit awkward, but as with many things that Styx does, it's all the more charming for it.]

It would be my pleasure.

[She lets go of just one of his hands so that she can take one side of her skirt and respond with a formal curtsy, one foot behind the other— best to commit if they're doing things properly, and all.]

[has any skirt-wearing person, man or woman, ever curtsied for Styx before now? the answer would be a resounding of course the fuck not. it fills the big guy with a pleasant flood of butterflies, expressed through some extremely stupid laughter while they make their way onto the dance floor. there's a movie like this, he thinks. some big lumbering brute and a beautiful woman, together in a ballroom...

his vague thoughts are interrupted by the first obstacle of the evening's activity: hand placement. he's fairly certain one should rest at her waist, which he does easily enough, but the other..? it feels like there's simply too many options. did that go at her waist too? did they keep holding hands and kind of just. stick them out in the air somewhere. maybe he looped it around her neck???

the idiot better make a decision quick, or they were going to miss the beginning of the next song and instantly fall woefully out of step with the others.]

[His laugh is contagious, stupid or not, and she lets out a soft chuckle in turn as she joins him. The hand at her waist is expected, and she helps him along with the rest of figuring out hand placement by adjusting the hands that are already clasped together so that they fold a bit more naturally, lifting them slightly as she lays her free hand on his shoulder.

She hasn't done much of this, but she's at least seen it done— she's sure they can manage.]

There we go— that's perfect, I think.

[If all else fails and she can't keep up with him, maybe she can just stand on his feet? She doubts it will come to that, though.]

Yeah? [it must be, if Karin thinks so, and he beams.] Great!

[and just in time for the next song to start - a slower one now, perfect for feeling out a new partner and unfamiliar activity alike. all they had to do was...well. just, kind of...you know. with their feet. that's all!

it's at this point that Styx realizes he truly has no idea how formal dances are conducted, and freezes in place for a brief moment when the additional realization that he's supposed to be leading crashes in. but Karin's counting on him, so...he gulps, clearly nervous, and begins to try and gently shuffle them around a little in time with the song.]

[Slow is good, especially since Karin isn't sure how good her rhythm will be— despite the fact that all of her time spent fencing means she's actually quite light on her feet. It's still an opportune song for the two of them to fumble their way through together, and Karin's smile turns a bit lopsided as Styx's nerves become more obvious.]

Hey.

[She gives his hand a squeeze, and gently pushes against his shoulder to encourage him in the direction he'd already started to shuffle in. They're off to a good start, he just needs a little confidence, she thinks.]

You're doing great.

[This may not be his kind of music, but the fact that he's a drummer means rhythm is in his blood.]

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