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

[exsoldier]

[ It's such an understatement that Zack can't help but laugh, though it's not as full-bodied as it might have been were they on a different subject. ]

To say the least, yeah.

[ There's nothing bad that can be said about Sephiroth's fighting prowess. His abilities are so impressive that he'd been able to inspire a whole generation of young men to try and join SOLDIER. Zack included, of course. ]

And, yeah, you could say that. We were members of the same organization.

[ While there's a lot more to it than that, it's difficult for Zack to know where to start. Instead, as they make another turn around the dancefloor, he puts it back on Karin. ]

How'd you two meet?

[sonnestark]

[She doesn't have to ask for details to be able to draw a number of conclusions from that— his response, the dampened laugh, his body language. They had been through something significant together, and the experience was one he had mixed feelings about. Not uncommon among soldiers, no matter where they may be from.

She gives a nod of acknowledgement; she'll gladly listen to anything else he wants to tell her about the situation, but won't pry in the interest of being polite.]

It was not long after I arrived here— ah, the second time, after a brief visit to Geardagas beforehand. There was a festival going on, I had— [Oh, this sounds stupid—] Ordered too much cake?

[She smiles, only slightly sheepish. Not the kind of story one would expect about Sephiroth in the least, she knows.]

He took some off my hands while I asked him questions about being a harpy. My earlier visit here had included a really fast and violent change, so... I had a lot on my mind. He was surprisingly helpful, in his way.You know.... reserved? I think it helped that he recognized a fellow soldier when he saw one.

[But they've spent enough time together that she certainly considers him a friend.]

[exsoldier]

[ It's a silly story, and Zack can't help but smile at the mental image of Sephiroth suddenly having extra cake foisted on him, but it also doesn't surprise him too much. Mainly because he can point at his own first (well, second) meeting with Sephiroth in this world, which had involved bobbing for apples.

Hard as it is to believe that Sephiroth had eaten any cake, it seems he'd been willing to take on that burden for the sake of a person in need. Along with answering her questions. All in all, the model citizen. Even now, it's hard to reconcile this man he called a friend (and still does, in some ways) with what he'd seen in the reactor.

Still, Zack's quick to affirm Karin's observation about Sephiroth. He nods in time with their footwork. ]

I'm sure he did. On top of being observant, I think he feels more at ease around people who've got a similar background to him. With civilians, he'd probably be at more of a loss.

[ Zack doesn't think Sephiroth would argue that point, were he here to hear it.

Realizing that the current song is wrapping up and slowing as a result, Zack can't help but feel a little disappointed. There's something cathartic about gossiping like this. ]

[sonnestark]

Mm, I got that feeling, as well. I’m not sure he knows how to interact with people when combat isn’t involved, really, but that may not be fair to say— we don’t know each other that well, despite having fought together in the Wilde a number of times.

[You can learn a lot about someone through fighting side-by-side, but those aren’t the encounters that have stuck with her the most— the one that has, however, is not one she particular cares to embellish on in public, or maybe even at all.

She’s about to ask him another question about his own relationship with the harpy when the music slows, and the other pairs around them follow suit. She gives a rueful little smile, canting her head to one side.]

Well, inexpert or otherwise, I think that dance was much better than you’d advertised! You undersold yourself.

[exsoldier]

[ It's not an unfair assumption or Karin to make, and Zack can't say that she's wrong either. Maybe Sephiroth would take offense at the implication, though it's more likely he would simply accept it.

Zack's silence on that comment is more or less an acknowledgment, though when Karin sees fit to throw a compliment his way, he laughs and shakes his head. ]

I did all right. Don't expect anything more complicated than that, though.

[ Having something to talk about meant that he hadn't overthought his dance moves too much. ]

It was nice to catch up. [ Zack gives Karin one more friendly pat on the shoulder, then pulls his arms back. ] And we've got one more thing in common, seems like.

[sonnestark]

It seems we do.

[Her smile hitches a bit wider, genuine.]

I'm glad the box saw fit to pair us with one another— we should run into each other somewhere besides the Wilde more often, although I won't pretend I haven't been grateful to have your help out there.

[But he's right, it had been nice to catch up— to do something normal with another person instead of letting monster hunting and odd jobs serve as her primary social activity. She should reach out more.]

I should let you enjoy the rest of the party, but if you have room on your dance card later, maybe we'll find our way back to one another?

[exsoldier]

Yeah, maybe that box does know a thing or two.

[ Zack lets out the remark lightly, a joke rather than anything else. He still doesn't quite know how magic of this sort even works, but he will admit he was glad for the chance to catch up with Karin. ]

I definitely won't be a stranger. Maybe I can even drop by to hang out with you, Lightning, and Rikku sometime.

[ If anything, it felt like it was long overdue. With that, Zack gives Karin a half-bow, laughing to himself as he does it. ]

See you around!

[ And with that, he's off, intent on seeing more of what the masquerade has to offer. ]