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

[darkestbefore]

[ She takes a tentative sip of the drink he'd handed her as well, finding it sweet and fruity, the enchantment in it tingling against her tongue.

But there's something in his expression that has her stepping close once more as she nods in agreement. ]

Then let's go see what we can find? I'll follow you.

[ Because, really, for the most part, she'd been content to do that from day one. ]

[futhark]

[ Cú doesn't bother with attempting to figure out the enchantment in the drink— going with the flow. Focusing on the warmth thrumming between them. It's so easy to get lost in it, that he doesn't register— how they do get to the room, find an empty one— until they slip in and the door close behind them, marking it for anyone outside as "taken".

It's comfortable and cozy, elegant sure. Truth to be told, he's hardly paying attention to the decor. ]

Now then— [ For as close as they are, he clinks their glasses, his halfway empty. The question is loaded with the flirtous overtone ] Think you would let me taste that drink of yours?

[darkestbefore]

[ She hadn't been sure what these rooms would entail, but finding them comfortable and cozy and, yes, delightfully private, she follows Caster inside with a curious glance around her.

Only to laugh softly when he clinks his glass against her own with that proposition. She knows that tone of voice well enough by now and she can't help but cast him a knowing smile, edged with her own flirtation. Even if he'll still pick up a flair of anticipation shaded with nerves in response - not reluctant, just... the thrill of stepping into something unknown. ]

And what's wrong with yours?

[futhark]

Princess, are you being stingy? [ Cú huffs an answer, but their betrays how appreciative he is of the unexpected reply. ] Maybe I just want to know what am I missing—

[ He lifts his cup deliberately slow, for another sip. The icecubes giving a surprisingly loud ring, and the enchantment reminiscent of the ocean, slowly going over his body, one wave at a time ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She laughs at his little huff, amused by his reaction to her teasing. ]

Oh, well far be it from me to deprive you of experiencing anything. [ Forgoing taking another sip herself, she holds out her glass to him with a smile. ] Does this mean you're going to let me taste yours, too?

[futhark]

[ Oh, now it's all too tempting— because there are more ways to share a drink, than this one. That glint of mischievousness is in his eyes again, ]

I am the very picture of generosity, perhaps that's how I should have started. [ Once again he takes a sip, making sure that enough of the drink stays on his lips, and he leans to capture Yona's.

That's how he intends to share ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Her eyes widen when he leans in close to her, her eyes locked on his face before dropping to his lips, still wet with his drink. And then he's pressing them against her own, muffling the soft sound she makes.

She doesn't have a lot of experience at kissing, but at least this is something she's done before. And after her first start of surprise, she leans in to return it, open and earnest and curious. And perhaps a little playful, as the tip of her tongue flicks against his lips to taste the sweet flavor lingering there. ]

[futhark]

[ A different kind of kiss compared to the one they shared in the ballroom. Jolly, with all tenderness of the world. Caster might have well suspected what he wanted before... but now. Now he knew he was wanted too. ]

Mmm, do you like it? [ He asks, smoothed Yona's hair away from her eyes ] Or is your drink superior?

[darkestbefore]

Hmm... [ She hums softly when he pulls back, giving him a fond smile as she pretends to think that over. ] It's very tasty. But as for which is better... A hard choice. I might need a second opinion to help me decide.

[ Which is why she holds his gaze and takes a deliberate sip of her own drink, feeling it tingle against her lips with the enchantment imbued in the liquid. Taking the lead this time, she's the one who leans in to initiate the kiss this time. ]

[futhark]

[ Cú is certain that the kiss itself is far sweeter than the droplets of the drink he finds on them. His response is that of closed eyes, parted lips, with a hint of the tongue pressing just enough to not be insistent, just teasing. He does find himself entirely intoxicated, a pleasant haze probably resonates across the Bonds. ]

I already know I like yours better. [ He states with an amused hum. But then, suddenly speaks his thoughts ] —It takes me back, to the day of forging our Bond

[darkestbefore]

[ She lingers there, perhaps far more than she should, but from the way he hums against her lips and the feelings she gets from along their Bond, she doesn't think he minds.

But his comment brings a smile to her lips, although then he changes the subject and she tips her head to the side, curious at what he's remembered. ]

How so?

[futhark]

Just— remembering the words, the oaths. Each of us meant every word then.

[And he holds her closer in an embrace, spilling a bit of his own drink on the floor, but he doesn't care. ]

I'm grateful for you being in my life.

[darkestbefore]

[ Seeing his spill, she sets her own aside on the table before he pulls her close. She doesn't resist, melting in against his chest with a fond smile as she glances up to his face. ]

As am I. I don't know what I would have done without you. Without both of you. And I meant every word I uttered that day. I still do.

[futhark]

As I did.

[ I will be the sun to illuminate your path, to burn your enemies, and to warm you in embrace. ]

I suppose I still need yet to exasperate you—

[ There's at least one glass less in this encounter now, because Cú does start leading them towards the nearby couch. Where he sits and invites Yona to follow him. The dim light make her hair seem even more like a flame ]

My lady of the dawn, I do not want to let you go. [ It's a simple wish, and one that is not going to come true — and as he realizes it, something tightens in his chest. She has the kingdom to fight for and return to. But at least, it can be real for this night. For as long as they have time given here.

That is enough. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Oh, she remembers those words. The beautiful poetry of them that had moved her when she heard them - and still does when she thinks of them.

She follows willingly, reaching out to trail fingers against his sleeve to keep him close. When he sinks down on the couch, she's quick to follow him, although she curls one knee under her as she angles to face him, searching his face.

She'd felt that pang. She can guess its source - it's a deep fear of her own. A complicated one. The fear that she will never see her home or those she loved and lost. Competing now with the fear of losing this place, and those she loved here. She's not sure if those two fears can ever overlap in a way that won't end up in heartbreak somewhere.

But she's not dwelling on that tonight, refuses to let the doubts and fears and shadows of loneliness dim the brightness that is his presence beside her.

Instead, she reaches up to cup a hand warmly against his cheek as she meets his gaze, her own soft and serious. ]

I do not want you to. I want you to cling to me as tightly as you wish, and never let me go.

[futhark]

[ Heartbreak and loss is ultimately part of life, not an excuse to not live life to its fullest — a lesson Cú reminiscences quite often lately.

No dwellings, no ruminations. Only here and now. Where his hand touches her face, thumb gently caressing the skin. Violet eyes he could get lost in ]

We are Bonded, a connection of souls— [ Some see this description as just another way to sell the masses the whole "Bonding" aspect. But even before coming here, he was already aware of how such a forged connection works, the importance of them. When he pauses he leans in to plant a kiss right at the corner of her mouth ] I will never be far behind.

[darkestbefore]

[ She smiles when he presses a kiss to the corner of her lips. Letting her hand slide back from his cheek, she twines her arms around his neck instead, pressing closer as she leans in to brush her own lips against his in response. Whisper-light and teasing, but full of the affection she feels - and that he can no doubt feel from her. ]

Good. Because I don't plan on letting go, either.

[futhark]

[ That's how he could spend the rest of the night. In warm embrace, lips tasting, hands exploring— fingers deftly finding a way under the intricate sheer fabric net around Yona's waist. Skin to skin.

Small steps, not rushing too fast forward. Besides, there is one more person in this whole event. Who might not be present, but surely might feel something over the Bond they share ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona's certainly not trying to hide it, at the very least. It's easier not to be shy when she knows she's not here in this alone.

And that maybe her Bonded will finally pick up on the invitation it is.

But still. Caster's lips on hers, his fingers teasing against the skin at her waist... It has her shivering a little bit and pressing closer in response, her cheeks flushed as she makes a soft, breathless sound against his lips. ]

...So is this why you wanted to come find a private room, hmm?

[futhark]

｢ ooc: let's move it here ｣