middaeg | 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

[ There's a small, slightly amused hint in his tone when he answers her. He gets the joke, and he can play along if he wants. Right? He tilts his head towards her left, just to ensure that he's clear anyway. ]

Presumably, it's that way. But I guess we'll find out in a second with the music, right?

[ And with that, the music kicks on, and he's comfortable leading, of course. ]

Have you danced much before this?

[ The nice thing about this kind of social dancing, is that if you're unsure about the steps, you can just take the follower position and let someone else do the leading. That suits Tsutha just fine.

As Louis begins to move, Tsutha shakes her head, her gaze cast downwards to watch where she's moving her feet, and to make sure she doesn't step on her partner's toes. ]

No, not at all. Well, not this kind of dancing.

[ He watches her for a moment. He sees her looking down at the ground, at their feet. Shinjiro had done the same thing when Louis had shown him the ropes last year. He leans in as they move, to whisper a little: ]

I'll tell you a secret. You don't have to worry about stepping on my feet. I only have one foot to start. The other is made of metal.

[ It gives him away to anyone who's known him, but he thinks most people who do aren't the person here. But then, he decides that he'll ask. ]

This kind?

[ There's a playful hum. ]

What kind have you done, then?

O-oh. Neat! [ Tsutha wasn't expecting the reveal of a metal foot. It's not like she's never met an amputee before. Some of the elders in her tribe were missing a leg or a hand, from some long ago battle or encounter with a direbear or some such wild animal. Of course, living in the wilderness, it was rare any of them had a prosthetic more advanced than a piece of wood strapped on with leather ties. A metal foot is kind of impressive, to her.

As for what kind of dancing she's done, she shrugs. ]

Oh, you know. Just sort of hopping and twirling around a fire while someone sings a song. That kind of dancing.

Ah -

[ Louis doesn't mind telling her because he's under the mask's spell. She doesn't know who he is. But, even if she did know who he was, he realizes quickly it would have worked out fine. She didn't seem to react strangely to the idea of him having one. Where he was from, it wasn't super common, despite being all animals. ]

So you mean, the fun sort of dancing.

[ There's a distinct difference in the two things, he knows. One, like this, is formal. There's an almost stuffy air about it . But just letting one's self go is such a different experience. ]

This is the only type I've done. I've never danced in front of a fire. I have made smores over a fire, though. I did that here. Have you had smores before?

[ Yep, that's sure where his train of thought led him. ]

[ Tsutha has cooked a lot of things over fires. That's probably how she's cooked most of the meals she's ever eaten. When you're an adventurer, constantly traveling, you eat more fireside meals than oven-cooked ones, sometimes. But smores are new for her. She's never heard of them before. ]

No, what is it? Some kind of stew?

A smore is chocolate, marshmallow, and a graham cracker.

[ He says this as he shifts, moving on the dance floor. His steps are steady and slow, like the beat of the music. It suits him just find because he honestly enjoys the conversation of it, too. ]

It's like...a magical sweet treat. Last year I made a bonfire and I had them for the first time. Maybe I should do that again this year.

[ Traditions, traditions. ]

[ A magical sweet treat. Sounds like something her candymaker friend Marzia would enjoy. She'll have to tell her about it the next time she sees her.

...If she sees her again, either on this side of the mirror or the other one. ]

Sounds great, I definitely want to try one. You should totally make another bonfire and invite me to it.

[ He thinks everyone would like s'mores, so he'll boast about how great they are. There's something almost playful about what he says next. ]

Well - I would need to know who you are to invite you, wouldn't I? You don't have to tell me, though. Surely, it's hard to miss out on a big fire.

I don't mind telling you!

[ She tips her mask back, revealing herself to be the only green tusked person in town. ]

I'm Tsutha. Tsutha Stoneblood.

[ Well, how about that! It's that girl he had met on his post, that he actually thought seemed pretty nice. Hard to say fully from one conversation, but nice enough at least. He shifts, tipping his mask up a little bit and giving a slight, small smile. ]

Well, it's Louis. I believe we've met once before.

[ He seems unbothered by the revelation, maybe even more at ease than he would be with a typical stranger. ]

It's good to see you here.

Louis? [ Give it a second. ] Oh, Louis! The deer guy from the watch!

[ She smiles even wider. ]

Yeah, it's really nice to see you too. Are you having fun?

Yes, the deer guy. The one and only.

[ He looks amused when she says that - it's the truth, though. He is the only one like himself here. And he likes it like that, makes him easy to find if people need to. ]

I am, of course. I hope you are, too. I like your dress. I'm glad I ran into you here.

Hells yeah, I am! This party is super fun!

[ At the compliment, Tsutha does her best impression of a fancy lady and gives a little curtsy. It's awkward as heck, given that they're in the middle of dancing, but she manages not to fall over or step on Louis' feet in the process. ]

I'm glad you did, too! Like, don't get me wrong, the enchanted masks are really cool and all, but it's kind of weird looking around the party and not recognizing any of my friends.

Good.

[ He seems pleased. And he nods, bowing his head a little at her curtsy. He looks a little amused by the attempt. He's watching her as they dance. ]

Part of the fun is not recognizing them. It's a way to -- maybe meet someone you wouldn't expect to meet. You don't seem to have any problems with strangers.

[ She was perfectly friendly with him, at least. ]

MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

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