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

Lady Maria | Witch | OTA

[whomthebelltolls]

[1: Arrvial]

[There is a very - very tall individual making their way about the party. Maria is tall, a bit lanky, and lean and muscular, so she's quite androgynous by nature, but without her face visible, it's even moreso. The only real tells of who it could be is that she is obscenely tall, and even more tall than usual because, in the fashion vein of the 18th century menswear, she is wearing heeled boots.

She makes her way to the bar first off, and doesn't actually say anything - or at least speaks so quietly that only the bartender hears - before she is delivered a drink. One which she tips to the lips of the mask, and it seems to... just go right through the mask. It's enchanted so the mouth part is actually more of a glamour than a proper mask, so she can still eat and drink without taking off the mask. Yes, she thought that far ahead. What it does not do is disguise her voice, so that soft tone will always come through every time she speaks.

She turns, and if she sees a familiar face, rather than saying anything, she lifts her glass in a toast. To a good time?]

[2: The Dance Floor]

[The big, androgynous being takes the dance floor, and seems to... not have any preference for men or women, as they make their way around. One may just turn around and find a mask staring right at them, as she holds a hand out to offer to take the next dance.

Yes, you. Dance with her.]

[3: Outside]

[After some time, and her feet are getting tired from those damn heeled boots, Maria makes her way out to the garden, where she claims an unoccupied bench, and plants herself down. Off comes the hat, and the mask, and the hood she's wearing underneath to hide her skin beneath the black fabric. She exhales a misty breath, and reaches up to brush a few stray hairs that fell out of the bun she has her hair up in to hide it and keep it conveniently out of her way.

She's not alone, though, and her eyes track over to whatever movement is coming this way. She sat and stargazed a lot at the last masquerade. This one isn't so different, even if this time she is having... far fewer talks about Bonds. As soon as she sees someone approaching, she gathers the hat and mask up into her hands, and sets it into her lap.] Here. You can sit here, if you wish.

[She's in a good mood. She'll take company.]

[4: Poker Tables]

[Now here's a sight that's not too familiar to many people, if they know Maria: her sitting at a table gambling. Something about the mask must be emboldening her, as she returns to the party. That, and it makes poker very easy.

She pushes a few more cunes into the center of the table as a raise, then turns that blank, full-masked stare to the next person.] Are you in?

[5: Wildcard]

[For all your wildcarding needs! You can hit me up at Reslari on Discord at Reslari#9561 or at my plotting post here!]

2!

[pastregrets]

[Omi certainly isn't accustomed to seeing people taller than himself back home, but here it's not hideously uncommon. Hilariously, though, he still double takes and checks to make sure there's no mistake when he's asked to dance.

Pointing to himself, he lowers his camera.]

Ah, me?

[whomthebelltolls]

[Honestly, Maria isn't sure she can even be heard - she's soft-spoken as it is, there's a mask in the way, and there's loud music, so even though he looks a little hesitant, the blue eyes set in the heavy black face paint that make the eyes of the mask look empty glimmer a bit in amusement, and then she nods, holding her hand back out a little more insistently.

Does he not dance? She won't force him, but she will continue to keep the offer open.]

[pastregrets]

[It's the year of living dangerously, in Omi's opinion, so even if he fears he'll have two left monster feet, he grins and heads over, taking the mysterious stranger's hand in a solid, but gentle grip. He's over six foot himself and nothing to look down one's nose at, but it's always kind of exciting to be towered over at his age.]

Not that I've tried since I turned monster... But if you don't mind a misstep or two, I'm up for it.

[whomthebelltolls]

I don't mind.

[She finally does speak, once he gets closer, but it is, as she feared, so soft it might get lost in the music, so she accompanies it by a bit of a shrug. She is alright with this.

Young men tend to like to lead, which is easier said than done when up against someone taller than you, but as Maria sets up, she gives him a brief opportunity to take it, if he wants it. If not, give her just a moment longer, and she'll set up as lead, herself. Either way it goes, she is experienced, and takes to dancing easily. Nor does she seem to mind if he slips up and steps on a foot. Once it seems they have a decent rhythm going, she speaks again-] You are one of the photographers then, yes?

[pastregrets]

Thanks.

[And just as easy as that, he gets swept into dancing. He's not a weak lead by any means, though he's learned about eighty percent of what he knows about dancing on the fly tonight. At least he's coordinated. They settle into a companionable dance, after a few apologies and missteps from Omi, of course.]

Ah, right. I am. I work for the studio running the booth.

[whomthebelltolls]

[At least he can accommodate easily. Maria tries to make it as easy as she can, as well. It's not easy anyway, considering how tall she is, but any steps to her feet are forgiven relatively quickly. So long as he doesn't end up tripping her, she should be able to recover anything.]

Interesting. So, do you primarily photograph people? Or... mm, landscapes?

two!

[usurpers]

[ at least, she's found a partner of her own size. eren isn't anonymous; his mask is a decorative ornament over his horns (of an animal skull held in place by its empty eye socket), strings tied with feathers at their ends spinning spirals along crystal-blue curves and anchored by colorful beads. some even happen to be in his hair, braided back into a tight bun. he's only browsing with a drink in hand, and when offered on himself as music begins to take a fast little skip . . . hm. it's probably the only kind of dance he could try, meaning, jigs just meant you had to wing it. ]

Are you sure?

[ he has talons on his feet (that are very exposed, he hasn't worn shoes for a year), but his tone seems to be a good humored sort of tug. ]

[whomthebelltolls]

[Her eyebrows aren't really visible inside her mask, as she realizes that the motion out the corner of her eyes, through the eyehole of the mask, was Eren... but she does raise one, in a bit of an expression of dry irony.

He's a big dragon, with a big, clumsy tail and talons, but he's been in this form long enough he probably knows how to do it.] Yes. Do you need me to lead?

[She's used to it, despite the fact he's pretty well her height, and thus the difficulties of following with a height disparity are more or less nonexistent.]

[usurpers]

[ the dragon begins to gently circle his mystery partner, taking the last swill of his drink with a harsh and snappy gulp to empty his glass and put it away on a table. after that one? his hand secures maria’s and guides further into the middle of the floor. ]

Maybe just a start.

[whomthebelltolls]

Very well.

[Her touch is firm, but gentle, and she turns to the dance floor to lead them a bit further onto it. Once there, she sets up in a lead position, taking a moment to get into position. She has to figure out the lower hand a bit with his wing flaps, but once she gets a good position, she listens for the beat... and then launches into a dance.] Just listen and feel the beat. Keep your tail from dragging, and we should be just fine. Don't worry about stepping on me.

[usurpers]

[ tail up, let the music take you— they shouldn’t be difficult tips to keep in mind, he’s always had to learn how to multitask. eren’s tail brings itself into a slight arch, just enough not to drag with its bathing tip flagging brilliantly by colorful texture alone. now, the true challenge: following the stranger’s step in a mirroring sway. stiff, for the most part, graceless almost, but following. ]

You’ve danced a lot?

[whomthebelltolls]

It was somewhat foisted upon me as a youth. Part of the noble upbringing experience is dance lessons. I don't hate it, though, even if I never much had a choice whether or not I wanted to learn it. It keeps coming in handy, especially here.

[She keeps to the beat, but doesn't make any of the steps too complicated. One foot, then the other, then the other, a rocking from side to side motion with a bit of lateral movement. Basic stuff, for what is clearly an amateur. They can try something more complicated later.] If you're interested, I can teach you more, since there are so many dancing-related parties in this place.

3

[towards_okeanos]

I hope I'm not intruding.

[Iskandar wears a fitting dark-brown suit with a crimson red tie and holds a matching red and gold mask in hand. He loves parties, though this one is a bit different to what he's used to. There is a lot more dancing and definitely less drinking on this one. While he is having fun, no doubt about it, he too needs a break from time to time. Not for long, just to catch some fresh air. The garden seems like a perfect place for it. He wasn't expecting to meet anyone there but it's a pleasant surprise to have company.]

I didn't get a chance to attend the masquerade last year, only heard about. Truly the stories don't do this feast justice.

[whomthebelltolls]

No, not at all.

[Well, it's a decently sized bench - it's going to have to be considering how large both of them are, but Maria keeps her hat and mask tucked in her lap to keep them out of the way and not minimize space for either of them.

She keeps her gaze politely on him as he speaks, then turns back to the sky, thoughtfully.] Well, it was a much smaller affair last year, and seemed more hurriedly put together. Make no mistake, it was still quite an enjoyable evening, but there have been quite a few improvements this year.

If you've taste for expensive, expansive parties, this may yet become a favored tradition of the Mirrorbound.

[For as long as they might all end up stuck there. Maria would be fine with it being permanent, even if she knows others might not agree.]

[towards_okeanos]

[The bench won't magically grow to accommodate both of them. At least not on its own, and as Iskandar knows zero transmutation spells so it won't be him to do the magic trick here. He can always do it the old-fashioned way; just try to take as little of the available space as possible. As polite people, even if they are kings, ought to know how to do.]

In fact, I do. I always regretted a little that on my own I lack the means to throw a feast similar to ones I used to organise back home.

[In all honesty, he did not organize anything by himself. He had people to do it for him. So it's not only the resources that he's missing here.]

But I am curious what are the improvements this year?

[whomthebelltolls]

I'm sure the opportunity would present itself, if you kept looking. This city loves its parties and celebrations more than it seems anything else.

[Feels like that's all they do sometimes, in fact. She sweeps her gaze back around the grounds, then back onto him.] Mm... for one, we had less time to prepare last year. It was well-organized for what it was, but it was certainly last-minute. There was no auction, or photo booth, simply a dance floor and some refreshments. Ah, but the box to find a dance partner was there; that seems it'll become a tradition.

Perhaps they'll expand upon it even more next year. You may even be able to collaborate, if you're still here.

[towards_okeanos]

I noticed they do, I also noticed they have all the reasons to like them. They have horrors of kind I have not seen anywhere. I've seen wars, I've seen people being cruel, vindictive and malicious. I've seen cities destroyed by plagues, famines and droughts. Yet never have I encountered anything on the scale of cwyld. When this horror is their daily reality, I'm not at all surprised people want to celebrate their continued existence.

[Iskandar smiles. Personally, he loves the photo booth but dancing partner matching box is truly the most useful thing there. Not everyone has a partner, or one that likes dancing.]

That's all that is needed really, food, drink and good company.

[He bows slightly. No place is ever perfect but he doesn't want to leave. He likes being alive. He likes being here. Even if it had cost him greatly.]

I hope I will. For all its ills, this is a good place to live.

[whomthebelltolls]

I suppose it is true. One must celebrate life when they are given the chance, especially after it has been threatened; I suppose is why I so favor the coming of dawn.

[He was honest about the horrors he's seen, she'll be... somewhat more open about her own, then. She doesn't quite say she's seen things sort of like the cwyld before - watched people turned into bloodthirsty monsters that only knew hunger and would even slaughter their own family and loved ones. Among the other things and horrors of Yharnam.

She does make a little noise, though, humming in agreement with his statement.] Yes. I think I like it here, as well; it still has hope, and hasn't given up on that, even clinging so desperately to the edges as it is sometimes. To that end, perhaps we'll both be able to see what becomes of this party next year, then.

3

[yesdoubt]

[Momo is a bundle of energy in an environment like this, and it's almost enough to identify him despite the fact that he's taken up an enchanted mask that happens to also be extremely on-the-nose. The striped tails of his coat sweep around after him as he dances skillfully with whoever happens to offer, and he's certainly not hesitant to take up Maria's gesture when she makes it. While her height narrows down the options of who it could be, he's not going to pitch a guess before he's sure.

Still, he's much more apt to talk, loud and adjusted to these kinds of environments as he is.]

Do you want to lead or should I? I can do either, but you're taller than most people I dance with!

[It's said in a cheerful manner - Momo can lead fine with people in the six foot range, but past that it starts to become a problem considering he's very average in height.]

[whomthebelltolls]

If it's easier, then I can do it.

[The mystery probably lasts about as long as it takes for Maria to speak. After all, while not too many people are her height, even fewer have her soft voice, and she's really not interested in trying to hide it.

She's used to leading, anyway. It's just what happens when you spring up to near seven feet in height while you're still a teenager.] So long as you don't mind being led.

[She leads them a bit further into the dance floor, and opens her stance a bit, so he can join her, and they can begin.]

[yesdoubt]

[The voice is definitely a bit of a dead giveaway, though Momo at least doesn't call her out immediately. He does, however, put them on equal ground via his usual speaking method - he's been shifting his persona a bit tonight with people he doesn't actually want to find out his identity, but in this case he's not particularly concerned.]

It's fine with me! Momo-chan is a flexible dance partner. [Literally as well as figuratively, but he comes to join her stance without too much fanfare, falling rather naturally into the following position. There's something to be said for usually being cast as the wife in his on-stage business with Yuki.]

I hope you've had a nice night so far. [She deserves it, after all the crap they've been dealing with the last few months.]

[whomthebelltolls]

I see. That is good. [She's less interested in the game of trying to guess identities, anyway. It's minor in the grander scheme of just trying to enjoy herself. Which is also something that is a bit difficult for someone like her to do, all things considered. Momo isn't right to think about all the crap they've been dealing with. It's been taking a toll on Maria, but she's been trying her best to not let it get to her.

She does lead the dance, though, just like she is used to. He's not just flexible, it seems like he has some experience. Maria's found the Mirrorbound to be a pretty mixed bag when it comes to people actually being able to dance, or not.

Or to be able to like. Function.] I have. This was a bright spot in a dark time last year, as well, and it is perhaps even more so this year, as well. They've even improved upon it; there wasn't quite as much to do except dance last year. You weren't hear, I don't think, correct?

[yesdoubt]

[Once it becomes clear Maria knows her way around the dance, Momo follows her lead and demonstrates a bit more of his skill in the grace and flourish of his movements. He doesn't usually partner dance, but he does still dance professionally and it shows when he's not being cautious for the sake of not upstaging others.

He still listens attentively, though, nodding a little at her question.]

Yeah, I came in Feoveuer, so I'm still a little short of having been here a year. It's nice to hear that there's traditions developing for the Mirrorbound, though. Maybe if we're here another year, it'll be even bigger again.

[He doesn't really want to be here for another year, honestly, but by now he's accepted that it's very much a possibility.]

[whomthebelltolls]

[Ah, there it goes. Look at that - he's not just trained, he's actually skilled. She almost feels like she has to dip back into her experience to see if she can keep up. It's been some years since she's done actual dancing, after all.

Combat isn't quite the same.]

I see. I have tried to keep tabs on all the Mirrorbound, but after the first year, it started to become much more difficult. So many faces have come and gone, and many of them did not stay very long.

But yes, with some luck, those that wish to stay can continue the tradition. [There, she'll be diplomatic about it. Those who wish to stay like herself, as opposed to those who wish to go home like so many others.]

Either way, here is hoping this world survives that long.