middaeg | MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

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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

Saber, at least, has the decency to look a little abashed at having caused a potential problem.

"Thank you, Shadow..." She shakes her head sheepishly.

"I thought I could manage well enough, but the crowd is... thicker than anticipated."

"Worry not, your highness, I have to use these heightened reflexes for something, right?"

But it was as if the forces of the universe heard her speak those words, and decided to punish her casual boasting... and at Saber's expense.

Someone she hadn't realized was there when she had dashed in to save Saber's food backed into her, bumping Scathach off balance and sending the tray of food... right back into Saber.

Oh no.

Saber sees it coming and starts to move, but she's a slightly slow. She can't catch any of it. She is able to just dodge out of the way as it all splatters on to the floor, leaving a bit of a mess.

She stares forlornly for a moment.

"I - I apologize. That was my fault."

"All things considered, it could be worse. At least neither of our dresses are ruined," not that Scathach would have been devastated by that. It was more for her date's sake, really.

"If anything, I should apologize for failing to save your portions, your highness."

"I can always obtain more..." Saber sighs, juggling her remaining plate as attendants scurry in to try and clean up the mess. She offers them an apologetic frown before turning her attention back to Scathach.

"Your attempt was worthwhile. It's... been a while, hasn't it? How are you?"

Edited 2020-11-10 05:10 (UTC)

"I've had time to recover from the loss of Zelda," which she supposed was the most important thing to address. At least the one thing she was allowed to. Saber didn't need to know about her concerns over Berserker's memory loss, at least not at the moment. Particularly since she wasn't from Chaldea.

"Though I am still without Bond, the lingering presence of her mana has allowed me grace and time."

"Ah... I'm sorry to hear of that," Saber frowns and nods toward the edge of the room, "Should we find somewhere to sit? It would be good to speak and... catch up, I suppose."

She's not used to this whole socializing thing. Well, she is, it's just a little strange.

"Do you have any thoughts on what you'll do next?"

"I seek out a bond, of course," Scathach settled herself at a table, gesturing for a drink to be brought her way to one of the servers not cleaning the mess.

"I will need to be with a witch, however... and I find I socialize more with my fellow beasts."

"I don't know if I can help with that... I have two bonds, actually, both with witches, but I'm not sure I know anyone searching for one."

Saber begins to dig in to what's left of her food. Look, she's still going to eat it.

A whiskey on rocks was brought to the table, Scathach taking a small sniff before sipping, unsurprised but still amused at Saber's dedication to her snacks.

"I'm simply happy to be in your thoughts, my lady."

"Isn't it natural to be concerned about one's acquaintances?" Saber asks a bit sheepishly.

"But I'm glad to have made your day brighter."

"You are the sort of person that lifts hearts just by being in your presence. It must be that Charisma of yours," Scathach teased, chuckling and taking another sip.

"And is that true? You think of my as an acquaintance? I wonder what I would need to do to earn more of your grace, then..."

"I think we should probably speak more often," Saber replies, trying to duck past the compliment, "It's been some time since last we spoke, after all... and I still know little about you."

"Well consider this an opportunity. I am an open book, drink in hand, and you've plenty to feast upon. Neither of us have need of further comfort. What shall you ask of me, King of Knights, to differentiate the woman before you from the shadowy warrior of lost legends?"

She didn't doubt tales of her homeland had made their way to Saber's, but she doubted they amounted to anything substantial.

"I know very little of you, admittedly. Only that you were a witch of great power...." She cocks her head curiously, "Were you there before the Romans? Or after?"

Start with that, she supposes.

"Well before. My tribe are born from the original Celts, and hold in us Celtic blood pure," another sip.

"No Romans or Christians claimed my homelands until Clan MacDonald laid their flag there, and by then my people were long gone from Dunscaith... at least physically."

"Ah, I see..." Saber furrows her brow and pops another bit of food into her mouth as she thinks.

"My own ancestry is... Romano-British. Romans and Celts intermingled. But most of the pre-Roman bloodlines were long gone by my time."

"Ah, so is that why you resemble that Emperor so keenly? Perhaps a shared bloodline with the former lords of Rome?" She was only half serious. There were a lot of reasons as to why Artoria and Nero resembled one another, but really couldn't be less alike in personality.

"My people were indeed gone by your time. Even before the Romans arrived, we were nothing but whispers and old stories. My disciple, the people of Ulster, immortalized myself and Dunscaith in their legends, but... we are but ghosts of an age gone. It's no wonder, then, why I'm such a mystery to you..."

"...do I resemble an Emperor?" Saber looks puzzled for a moment. She's never met any emperor of Rome - they were gone before her time. She scratches her chin thoughtfully, but that really isn't all that important, is it? Saber shakes her head.

"I'm curious as to how you knew about me, then, if you and yours were gone by the time my kingdom began."

"Because I am an existence detached from the World, resting between the World and its Root, a guardian of the Land of Shadows and watcher of the dead," her words are... quieter when she speaks then, more solemn.

"I've been witness to two thousand years of Human history, guided many souls into their noble rest... Killed many, as well, Gods among them. I am not a proper part of the Throne of Heroes, nor am I part of the canon of Man."

"Ah..." Saber seems to understand that and she nods.

"I'm a little different from the typical spirit in that regard myself. I made a bargain with the World... but I don't know how different that really makes me. But I am certainly a part of humankind, for good and for ill. Do you think that your separation has hindered you? Or perhaps helped?"

"An endless existence is a burden I wish upon no one," Scathach sipped her drink again, her words bringing a chill of their own.

"What aspects of humanity I can cling to, I do so desperately, to stave off the emptiness of ennui."

Saber frowns and pauses to give Scathach a long look.

"...is there anything I can do to assist you with that? While we're both here?"

As always, she wants to help. Even at the cost of herself.

"Do you think your friendship not helpful as it is?"

It could have been teasing in any other situation, but given the strange quiet and feeling of "apart"-ness that had settled around them from the rest of the party, it came out a lot more sincerely.

"Do you find yourself desiring more, King of Knights?"

Ah. Somehow this feels a little different from everything else and she cannot put her finger on why. She glances up at Scathach and her lips press together.

"...more? Perhaps. In what way?"

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