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

[disasterstraight]

[ As the bunny comes close to inspect the pile, Jin Zixuan tries to nudge it away with his talon-like foot, not wanting to be near the thing. But the lure of upended cookies is too great, and so his shooing goes ignored. ]

Why do your rabbits have wings? [ The question is muttered softly, his eyes downcast, still frowning at the rabbit. It seems almost like Jin Zixuan didn't notice or didn't hear Wei Wuxian's concern. But then he heaves a sigh and his head flops back, face exasperated. ] Why do I have wings?! Why are we here?!

[ Bitterly, he takes a sip of tea, then continues. ]

My last chance at life and I have to live it as a bird.

[weiward]

They were born that way.

[even muttered, wei wuxian's ears pick up the sound of his voice. though these are definitely not the ears that he was born with. he's gotten used to them, but it did take him some time. time that jin zixuan wasn't here to witness.]

Ah. [a soft sound and maybe a touch of sympathy to go with it. it's one frustration that he can understand.] Sure, but you make a majestic one. The finest in Aefenglom! As far as birds go...

[he scratches his cheek with his own clawed finger. hmm.]

Did you hear about the time I got drunk and asked Chifeng-zun to cut off my ears?

[disasterstraight]

[ If he has to be a bird, at least he's a majestic one. Not that Wei freaking Wuxian's opinion is one Jin Zixuan actually cares about. But... He'll take the compliment, along with another sip of tea as he looks up at Wei Wuxian, eyebrows raised in curiosity. ]

You did what?

[ He ears are ridiculous. But the story sounds like a juicy one. Jin Zixuan is finding he has a real appetite for gossip tonight. ]

Tell me. Tell me all of it.

[weiward]

[ah, well. if he's going to tell this story, he'd like something to drink that isn't tea. wei wuxian grabs a bottle from the cabinet and starts after his first drink.]

It's before they grew in. I already had other changes to my body - the eyes, some fur. But then I learned that the bunny tail and ears were inevitable. I could hide the tail, but the ears?

[another shot, and he leans across the table, pointing at jin zixuan as he explains the next part.]

You have to understand, I wasn't really happy with it in general. Sure, Lan Zhan loves bunnies and they're cute, but puca aren't the strongest monsters. In a fight, something in me wants me to run away instead of fight. [and wei wuxian running from a fight instead of being the one to start it is just unnatural.] I was worried that I might bring shame to him, because of the way I acted or the way I looked. So I tried to make Chifeng-zun promise to chop them off.

[disasterstraight]

[ Even just the sight of another bottle of alcohol is enough to give Jin Zixuan a headache, and he frowns as he listens, looking away from Wei Wuxian and sipping his tea slowly.

As much as he hates it, he can relate to the tale. Wanting to hide your changes, thinking practically about how to resist the transformation rather than adapt to it. Jin Zixuan had tried to hide the feathers that first came in on his neck and shoulders, opting to wear high collared robes, until the spread just became too much to hide. And there was no hiding the crown of feathers that sprouted from the top of his head, or the way his hair turned a bluish green color. Then came the wings, the claws, the legs... There was just no getting rid of all that.

And worst of all, the shameful instinct to build a nest. Oh, how he wishes he were safe back in his nest now, instead of sitting in some tiny kitchen, sympathizing with Wei Wuxian of all people.

He frowns even harder. ]

I take it Chifeng-zun refused the request.

[weiward]

He did. I'm grateful to him for that, among other things. But it's Lan Zhan who helped me the most. He told me, 'Wei Ying is Wei Ying'. [he laughs at his own impression, mimicking lan wangji's voice perfectly. another puca trick.] But he was right. The ears, the fur, the loss of a golden core. None of it makes me who I am, and it doesn't change who I am either.

[he takes another drink, holding the alcohol in his mouth for a moment as he looks across the table at the other man, different now but also still the same haughty man he always fought with. wei wuxian swallows before speaking again.]

Jin Zixuan is also Jin Zixuan.

[disasterstraight]

[ Ears, fur... Talons, feathers... Their circumstances truly aren't so different. And just as Wei Wuxian has had Hanguang-jun to help maintain his sense of self through this senseless transition, so too has Jin Zixuan had the calm, steady presence of Jiang Yanli.

Jin Zixuan is Jin Zixuan.

Loath as he is to admit it, Wei Wuxian is right. He should stop moping. At the very least, he is the last person Jin Zixuan wants to see him in such a sorry state. But, beggars can't be choosers-- as much as Jin Zixuan hates comparing himself to a beggar of all things.

He sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. The effect is not quite so satisfying now that his hand is more talon than skin. ]

Hanguang-jun is wise, as usual. [ Not wise enough to avoid falling in love with a fool such as Wei Wuxian, but then... The heart so seldom followed wisdom.

He sips the last portion of tea from his cup, then sets it carefully down on the nearest surface. ]

I should be getting home. A-Li must be worrying about me.

[weiward]

[he hopes that the words are of some help, and that jin zixuan still remembers all that he still is. his love for his family will be unchanged. that what made him honorable had nothing to do with his appearance.

not that he personally cares, of course.

but then the name of someone he does care about comes up, and everything changes.]

Then you'd better hurry up! You know I don't want her upset in any way. Are you sober enough to fly yet?

[disasterstraight]

[ The fact that Wei Wuxian would even dare to ask him if he's flight capable offends Jin Zixuan to his very core. In protest, he stands, quickly and forcefully, declaring, ] Yes, of course--!

[ Except, then he sways, stumbling forward and catching hold of himself on the edge of the kitchen table. ]

...On second thought, perhaps I'd better walk.

[ He hates this. He hates showing even the slightest sign of weakness in front of the man he hates almost more than anyone. Almost, because he could never completely hate someone who brings his precious wife such joy. There is some good to Wei Wuxian, as hard as it might be for Jin Zixuan to see. Perhaps it's a little easier to see it now in this moment. After all, he accepted him into his home (even though it was forced upon him), attempted to sober him up, and even commiserated with him in his misery. Jin Zixuan can think of scores of people back in his own Lanling Jin Sect who would not have done such things for him.

Then again, he thinks-- not for the first time tonight-- that if he were fortunate or unfortunate enough to show up in Lanling looking as he did now, surely he would be shot on sight, clan heir or no. Best not to dwell on that. There is no going back to Lanling. Not for him. The only place he needs to go back to is his home, his nest, his A-Li's waiting arms.

He remembers enough of the layout of Wei Wuxian's home from his time helping to set up for the wedding some months ago to find his way to the front door, so he starts off in that direction, hesitating in the doorway to glance back at Wei Wuxian. ]

Thank you. I know you said not to thank you, but...

Thank you.