MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

[rightfoot]

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!

Comments

d

[chefalier]

[Similarly, Sanji is taking a small break from the festivities to get some fresh air, mostly start on a new cigarette before jumping back in and participating in the various, but enjoyable activities. Still, some quiet from the party is definitely welcomed at this point, along with sliding off his mask, the cook rubbing his eyes as it comes off.

And that's when he hears Louis.

He blinks, his cigarette still unlit in his mouth, but a small smile begins to form around it, despite himself. Well, if it isn't the planner himself.]

Hey. [He doesn't quite take the offered seat just yet.] Great party, Louis. People really seem to be enjoying themselves.

[rightfoot]

[ Louis shift as he crosses his right leg over his left. He diverts his attention to the other, offering a half-grin at the cook. Louis is pretty pleased to see him, to be honest. He doesn't know the other well, but he seems reasonable enough, and at least he's not a nuisance.

All things Louis can really ask for anymore. He removes his cigarette from his mouth with his left hand, and flicks his right hand, a small flame appearing above his first finger. ]

Do you need a light?

[ What's the fun in having this sort of power if you don't use it for reasons like this? ]

And I hope so, that's the reason we have things like that. You never know what will happen next here, so may as well enjoy it.

[chefalier]

[Heh, neat trick.

An upward twitch of Sanji's mouth expresses both his gratitude and acceptance, before he moves forward to light the tip of his cigarette and exhaling a comfortable stream of smoke afterwards. Yep, definitely hit the spot there, especially after a successful day of cooking and partying. Almost feels like home in some ways.]

Thanks.

[He's more than fine letting a comfortable silence settle between them, but Sanji is also good with some light talk as well. Louis is honestly one of the few guys he's met here that he doesn't mind being around with.]

Meaning, be prepared for something shitty to happen here? [He asks that calmly. He's used to hectic situations by now and this city seems chalk full for such opportunities.]

[rightfoot]

[ He understands, really. It reminds him of home because he gets to control the way the party was happening, he gets to drink, smoke, and just drown himself in entertainment and noise. He liked that. Once Sanji's cigarette is lit, Louis immediately extinguishes the flame. ]

Yeah, be prepared for something shitty to happen.

[ There's the slightest hint of a smile. ]

Whether it's finding people being sold, getting abducted by extremists, weird magic going awry, or just seeing people randomly disappear one day.

[ He quirks his head towards the other. ]

All of it can happen, and we can't always predict it. So things like this have their own purpose of letting everyone forget times like that. Sure, it's a distraction, but a needed one.

[ Then, he asks: ]

You said you just got here when we first talked, right? How are you liking it now that a few week have passed?

[chefalier]

[Shit, people being sold here too? The thought perhaps angers him more than the other things that Louis mentioned, remembering the Celestial Dragons and how they purchased people before slapping an explosive device around their neck. At least, he doesn't have to worry about kicking one of those shitheads in this world, no concern of an Admiral coming after his ass. Might be other consequences, but he'll deal.

He can almost feel his mood sobering, so he deeply breathes out, letting himself calm down from the nicotine. In a lot of ways, this world is almost like home. Celebrating when you can, because the next day can hold all sorts of danger, especially now that they're in the New World and fighting Emperors. Definitely nothing wrong with celebrating with friends when you can because of shit like this.]

Yeah, I did. [Sanji looks up at the late night, thinking of what he wants to really say, before the cook finally answers.]

Besides all the potential for shitty things to happen, it's fine. [Some positives, like being able to help Nami if she needs his help. Meeting new people-- new cuisine to learn.] Ask me again if I suddenly bump into one of those extremists. Although, if that happens, they're gonna have a worse day than me.

[rightfoot]

[ It seems like a constant across every place he's been personally. But those places? Those things? It's easy to forget things were happening like that here at any point. When you looked around the city - there was no sign that there were things seedy like that going on. It was a lot like where he was form, really. It seemed so clean and easy --

But every city has its underbelly. And it's where he spent a lot of his time because that's how it worked. And honestly, while he doesn't really know how much of what he has said will be a problem anymore.

It's easier here without any surprises, though. Make sure people know what to expect. ]

Good news, I think they were all executed.

[ That was sure a time. ]

It's no worse really than any other place, I think. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing, but it's a thing. Still, good to hear you're getting along. There's an adjustment period.

We don't mess around here, though. I'd expect things in the future to be handled swiftly, too.

[chefalier]

[Sanji doesn't have any response to Lewis' retort that it's good they've been executed. Executions aren't really new to him and if Nami-san or someone like that was hurt in such a manner, he'd probably react in a cold manner. It almost takes him back to the anger he used to have towards Jinbei.

Of course, that's all changed. For the better.

Sanji breathes out, a picture of calm despite the thoughts swirling in his head.]

People tend to go all out when someone's endangered? Yeah, that's familiar. [He wouldn't have it any other way, however. Someone getting hurt, just natural to put a stop to that.]

Looks like this place brought in a bunch of reckless idiots.

[rightfoot]

[ He knows it all too well, too. And he's interacted with many of the wild, overreacting folks who tend to throw caution to the wind and put themselves in what they know are dangerous situations. Louis has done it from time to time himself, though not for some time. The idiots he met here were just the same, really. ]

They do. But if you were going to pick people to help your home, wouldn't you pick those who tend to go all in? Or would you pick people who pass up on being reckless?

[ He tilts his head and considers. ]

So they're a good bunch. Idiots, but good for the most part. I don't mind being on the same team with them.

[chefalier]

Heh.

[Sanji finds himself smirking from Louis' response. He has a point there; the most reckless individuals tend to be the ones that are most passionate, the ones willing to help people out the most. How else would he be able to describe his own captain? Luffy, who ends up changing people's lives for the better through sheer determination, who charged right into an Emperor's territory just to save him.]

Honestly, wouldn't have it any other way. Guess that leaves us to make sure they don't anything too stupid.

[Sanji says, as if he's not one of those reckless idiots.]

Almost feels like home.

[rightfoot]

They have to bring someone here who's at least a little bit reasonable.

[ He says this, implying it is him. But the reality is, he's just another reckless fool in a pile of reckless fools. He just tends to be more methodical about it. His decisions are made with clear, concise reasoning. Even if they are risky and dangerous. ]

Need a few reckless fools to get anything accomplished.

[ His tone almost sounds... playful, really. ]

It's a lot like home. I'm grateful for them, though. I feel like they're the ones you can always count on when you need them.

[chefalier]

[Spoken by a guy that deals with reckless idiots all the time. It piques Sanji's interest, enough for the cook to look at Louis with a somewhat wry smile.]

Yeah? So, what do you do at home, where you deal with reckless dumbasses all the time?

[Small pause. Well, he's never been too secretive about his status back home. It's not like he's embarrassed about being a pirate, far from it. Much better than being a Vinsmoke at the very least.]

I'm a pirate.

[rightfoot]

I was in charge of my high school theater club.

[ It's clearly not the full truth, but that was how it all started. It was because of this club and Legosi that he got to where he was now. It was an interesting amount of progress that he made. Plus, their theater club wasn't exactly normal. It was a band of misfits drawn together. They were special. The school treated them like icons, and he was their leader. He was respected on his own. ]

For awhile, I mean. Then I ran a Yakuza group.

[ And that's the one. He's not as concerned about speaking about this anymore. There was a time where he wouldn't dare share, but here, it didn't much matter. And no one really cared what he did for work back home for quite some time. Plus - this guy just said that he was a pirate. He's not going to care if Louis ran some criminal ring in sketchy parts of town. ]

Between them and a friend, my time was well-spent making sure no one died.

A pirate? I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say that it's not the stereotypical types.

[ The kinds that he'd see in movies. Starring some powerful herbivore as a heroic plunderer. ]

[chefalier]

[Sanji does arch an eyebrow when Louis reveals that he ran a Yakuza group, but as he predicted, the cook doesn't seem to care much about his status otherwise. Yakuza leader, pirate leader, doesn't matter. Anyone's profession or title is just that; Luffy is one of the kindest (and dumbest) people he's ever met. Hell of a lot better than his shitty family.

Of course, they're a bunch of war mongers, but that's besides the point.]

Bunch of pain in the asses. [Sanji exhales, tapping some of the ash from his cigarette.] But wouldn't wanna replace them, right?

Depends. [Although, Sanji can definitely admit that he and the other Straw Hats are not typical pirates.] Still sail the ocean with a jolly roger plastered over our sails. Look for treasure, overthrow governments.

[rightfoot]

No, I definitely wouldn't replace them.

[ Probably. There's a moment of light in his tone when he says it. Legosi is one of a kind, really. No one else could or would do the things that he did. ]

Any of them, even.

[ The description of the pirates amuses Louis, if only because that is exactly what he imagined pirates would be like. ]

That's exactly what they're like in movies where I'm from. Any pirates with a wooden leg and eyepatch or is that totally a fabrication?

[ He's mostly asking because he finds it amusing. ]

[chefalier]

[Sanji smirks slightly when Louis confirms his bond with his group. Nothing else really needs to be said there, a sort of understanding that doesn't require words. Right now, looking back at what he did during Totto Land, it was definitely stupid of him to leave and think that Luffy wouldn't try to get him back.]

Yeah, definitely pirates with wooden legs and eyepatches. [And somehow, that's pretty mundane compared to all the other shit that happens.] Your movies showed pirates with rubber bodies or suddenly transforming into animals? Because that shit happens.

[rightfoot]

[ He's glad that the understanding goes without saying. He didn't need the other to mention it. Louis knows the types of bonds one finds when there's something that they're all working for together. ]

Rubber bodies? No.

[ And an amused shift in his tone. ]

Ours all started out as animals so I don't think that counts. But I have a fake leg, so I guess that means I'm a pirate if I am both an animal and have a fake leg.

[ He doesn't make the rules. ]

[chefalier]

[Sanji can only imagine Luffy's reaction if he met Louis. They already have the talking reindeer spot taken, but that definitely would not stop his captain from zooming up to to Louis and asking him to be part of their crew. Complete with twinkles in his eyes.

The cook lets out a low chuckle.]

Just throw in a 'yar' and you're all set, Louis.

[rightfoot]

That's all it takes, huh?

[ He sounds like he is considering it, really. He has no problem playing along with things like this - not anymore. Even if he hadn't entered this conversation in good spirits thanks to the party, he'd be in a good mood now anyway. ]

You make it sound too easy, yar.

[ When he says yar he drags out the 'r' for extra emphasis. ]

[chefalier]

[With Louis going along with all this ridiculousness, Sanji can't stop himself from throwing a thumbs up at his attempt, a slight smile on him. Yep, sounded perfect to him.]

Spoken like a true pirate. But since you're now one, I'm gonna have to warn you that my captain is going to be king of the pirates.

[rightfoot]

I think I'd be fine not competing for the title.

[ There's an amused tilt of his head when he looks at Sanji. Louis could be quite competitive - if he is serious. But he's not really. Not here, not now. ]

I'm going to guess your captain's not here. I'm sure he'll get there with just the right group behind him.