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

[stopfen]

[She can wait... She can wait for a while, all without blinking. The small lights of her glowing armbands glinting off of black eyes. Finally, when he does answer she blinks. Somewhat concerned even if she was foggy herself.]

What colours were changing? [Did he mean the glow stick things or something else? But her chaos had been dampened. Like everyone involved. Chaos was fun when it was chaos, this...

It wasn't exactly chaos if Styx could just roll with it. Actually it made her feel pretty bad. So she hovered closer, tugging his arm and dragging him back to the edge. Not really moving. It might have worked better if she'd landed, had her feet in the ground for leverage. His weight would have been easy enough for her to shift then.

But alas, her wings could only just carry her weight. He wasn't budging.]

[tothemetal]

[in a stunning turn of events, Styx has been unintentionally engineered to be as detrimental to faes as actual iron. who knew.

the big guy's brow slowly creases in confusion as he watches the woman above him flutter about, allowing his arm to be dragged ineffectually this way and that. her wings were really buzzing hard, weren't they? he's surprised there isn't steam coming out of them...

oh. she'd asked him a question, hadn't she?]

The ones in the water...um, you know, the fountain here. Think it's magic?

[it looked like magic to his impaired ass, anyway. as he watches Mikasa tug and tug, Styx can't help but want to play along too - and so he gives the fae a pretty big tug back, quietly delighted at being able to participate.]

[stopfen]

[It was tragic really... That she might have been able to lift him if she wasn't trying to use those wings.]

Oh the bott- [Sorry. Whatever Mikasa had been about to say was lost as she was tugged down into the water. With absolutely no grip on the ground her weak wings couldn't hold out and into the drink she went.

Luckily for her she had just enough time to try and land, her legs coming down before she faceplanted.

Unfortunatly, there was a big guy right in front of her to trip over. So she still ended up tumbling in starfish style.

Her prank plan backfired so much. But that is the way of fae. She just needs some time...]

[tothemetal]

[whoop! down she goes! Styx at least realizes what's happening before everything is over, and tries rather fruitlessly to help his plummeting friend by helping his arms out. unfortunately for Mikasa his reflexes aren't at their normal sharpness, and the fae goes swooping right past his outstretches limbs entirely.

but it's ok, it looks like she caught herself! the witch is starting in on a victorious shout when she...trips right over him and falls in anyway......]

Shit, you ok!?

[should he try and pull her upright at least? she was facedown in the water. or maybe he should just...pat her soaked head a little, like this. there there. everything's alright.]

[stopfen]

[There was many a splash... As the fae's wings buzzed, hitting the water, sending small flecks of fae dust and water everywhere. It was a soft landing, even if the sudden cold water in the face stunned her into just being manhandled. Smaller body being hauled up by the witch.

Giving a little chirp as her antenna wiggled to avoid the headpats. Please do not touch the brain tendrils.

Please hold bug gently.]

[tothemetal]

[poor bug...water was pretty bad for them, wasn't it? Styx can't help thinking of drowned earthworms on the sidewalk after a rainstorm when he looks at his friend right now, especially as her antennae writhe in the air.]

Hey, uh, 's ok.

[even drunk he manages to pick up on the cues not to pat her head anymore, reassuring murmur accompanying his switch to rubbing her back comfortingly, just above where her wings started. maybe like this, even with gentle holding, she'll be able to cough up any water in her lungs right now? he hoped so.]

[stopfen]

[Would knowing that she technically didn't need to breathe through her mouth anymore make him feel better about the faceplant? It was hardly noticable in the night and the drunkeness, but there was...some fun things going on along the sides of her chitin.

In short, she wasn't drowning in anyway. And not long after she was held, her raptorial arms reached up trying to cling onto part of the fountain as her human arms hauled her up the witch. Hudling closer and pressing against. Like a cat looking for a dry spot. Chittering away.

So much shivering. Being dunked was so much colder than the small splashes. ]

[tothemetal]

[really sucks when you're on the other end of the prank spectrum, doesn't it?

what also sucks is the fact that Styx's intoxication really has no influence on the way he's allowing his friend to basically use him as a personal jungle gym. she seems like she has a spot she really needs to get to, and while his mind is too blurry to figure out whether that's somewhere on the fountain or on him he's still more than happy to assist in her reaching it.

although...feeling her shiver as she moves does make him frown gently.]

Hey, uh...know some warms spells. You want one?

[is it really such a good idea to be doing magic while drunk? the world may never know.]

[stopfen]

[Was it really a prank on his part though? Mikasa wasn't even registering it as intentional.

Even now she was thinking a little bit more as got out of the water. Even if both of them were damp and soggy. Well, the cold water had at least snapped her out of doing more mischief. So she settled, she was still clinging and holding herself up, but the mad scramble had subsided.]

...You're not going to set anything on fire are you?

[vaugley afraid]

[tothemetal]

[Styx's part? no. the world's part? well...

Styx shakes his head, although immediately after this gesture of reassurance his expression becomes contemplative. the fact that he's made no attempt to get out of the water himself should be helping his mental functions, given that cold purportedly sharpens critical thinking, but a multiple of zero is still zero.]

No way! If it's on fire then it's not warm, right? 's hot.

[which is. totally different. right?]

[stopfen]

[Meanwhile Mikasa was still just hanging out on her person island. Instead of trying to get out the fountain. She could probably have reached without even touching the water, but no.

And Styx... She needs a moment to consider that.]

I guess so... [She couldn't say he was wrong. Because technically... Though her voice wavered, not fully convinced.] You know spells like that?

[tothemetal]

[to be fair, being on Styx is essentially the same as being on dry land. he was wide enough that the two were basically interchangeable.]

Uh... [he pauses to consider this.] Don't think so, no! But it can't be too hard, right? Can already do hot.

[too hot, in fact. sometimes. quite often. he has a problem with enthusiasm once he actually manages to get a spell right for the first or third time.]

[stopfen]

[A Mikasa that wasn't high as a kite on life might have questioned it more. But magic was still a shaky subject for her. She'd studied the basics so she understood the basic concepts like magi-tech and that there was several classes of magic. But it was a whole lot of new words and ideas for someone who'd not gone school and couldn't read books that weren't enchanted.

Hell, even the books she could read made her want to sleep.]

I guess the air is already cold, and the water. [Cool air, cold water plus a hot spell equaled a warm spell. Didn't it? Either way she was going to huddle down, her wings folding flat as she tried to stay out of the way for this spell.]

[tothemetal]

Yeah, right? 's like, uh...evens out. 'nd stuff.

[and since Mikasa hadn't outright said no, that clearly means that she's totally fine with it. right? right! if Styx weren't so intoxicated himself he'd definitely be checking a lot harder for explicit confirmation, but he merely reads her hunkering down as the fae trying to siphon some more heat from his massive body. this is all totally normal.

with a lopsided smile his gaze falls down to his hands, brow furrowing into a comically serious expression as he tries to summon the fire spell from his gelatin-esque brain. one of the small ones, though. like. really really really small. just a little one to hold in his hand.

somehow, after what feels like an agonizing length of time spent staring at nothing, he actually manages to succeed in his casting. amazing! but in the drummer's excitement to show Mikasa that everything really was actually fine his hands wobble, and the little flame goes tumbling from his palms into the fountain.

normally this would be where the tragedy ends, but unfortunately the fire is on magical origin. rather than extinguish it floats atop the water, intermingling with the spell causing the color shift on the bottom and prompting the flames to expand with every little rippling wave.]

...oh.

[he should be a hell of a lot more reactive to this, but...alcohol. it's a miracle the mistake even registers.]

[stopfen]

[The fae was bracing, bracing for warmth and possible explosions. Then for a second, there was a slight warmth, like sitting near a candle really. Maybe the magical heat was stronger. Styx's sudden movement has the fae stumbling, half falling off of his shoulder and into the water again. One of her bug limbs smacking the water and splashing in a panic until she catches up with things.

By the time she's recovered it's to hear his noise as she pulled herself up to peer over his shoulder.]

Uhh...

[Enjoy the antenna flicking your head Styx as the fae tried to comprehend this.]

... Is it supposed to do that?

[Mikasa, Mikasa...why were you whispering? Styx was right there, it wasn't like the fire would hear you.]

[tothemetal]

[oh, whoa, oh...whoops. Styx is a little too sloshed to murmur an apology when he feels his friend nearly tumble, but he at least extends an arm to stabilize her when she rights herself. that won't be happening again anytime soon, thank god.

it's a nice beat, bouncing against his head, and rather than feel upset the drummer enjoys the rhythm for what it is. funky.]

Uh...dunno. Never really tried to mix it with water.

[well, that makes two of them that're whispering now. why take a chance and upset the fire with their discussion?]

You think it's gonna be ok?

[stopfen]

[It was a good job Styx was a big boi, with enough bulk to hold the heavy fae with the added weight of her damp clothes. Steadily dripping into the fountain.

Mikasa didn't take her eyes off of it, the light flickering off shiny black eyes and shimmering fae dust.]

I don't know. It doesn't feel dangerous. [What she was neglecting to mention here was that she'd had a few drinks. So might not have been able to accurately tell. But the magic didn't have that malicious feeling some types she's come across had. It didn't feel like it wanted to hurt.

...Not wanting to hurt didn't mean it wasn't dangerous though.

But after a moment, the fae peered down at the water.]

Does it feel warmer to you? [Was she just feeling things?]

[tothemetal]

[dripping into the fountain, onto Styx's already soaked clothes...it didn't matter. his shoulders were broad and strong, perfect for holding onto friends of all shapes and sizes.]

That's good...means it's not scared either, right?

[since fire and water didn't really get along too famously, and things could unintentionally hurt people in their fear...listen, it makes sense to his addled mind. there's no much more you can ask from the guy right now.]

Uh, lemme check.

[of course, that addled state means that Styx is maybe not interpreting words as clearly as he'd normally be - for as much of an improvement that his sober self could be said to be over the present one. rather than merely feel the air around him as Mikasa almost certainly meant, he dips his hand beneath the water of the fountain and brings it up beneath where the flames are flickering as close as it feels safe to do.]

Umm...might be? Like, a little bit.

[stopfen]

[Mikasa leant forward, fascinated. Like she was watching a show.]

That's useful... [Maybe. Like a candle, not warm enough to do much. But it gave light and was waterproof. Then the fae slips again, nearly going straight over his shoulder as she sneezed. Just... Going to hang here for a moment as she caught her breath again. Slumping over him with a groan.]

We should probably get out of here... [Not that she was doing much as she recovered from sneezing her brain out. Bleh.]

[tothemetal]

[oop! Styx absentmindedly flings his hand straight through the magic flame, unintentionally proving that the pain it could cause was minimal at best, in order to stabilize Mikasa in case she decided to have another sneezing fit.]

Oh, yeah. 's probably a good idea.

[it was getting pretty cold in here, wasn't it? the drummer vaguely wonders if a party this fancy would have towels...well, guess they were gonna find out.]

Hang tight, ok?

[he does wait a few moments before beginning to stand and wade his way out of the fountain, but not long enough for the fae to really answer him in any negative fashion. just enjoy the ride, Mikasa, you're in it for the duration. ...hopefully the end is warm.]

[stopfen]

[She does, just hang there. Clinging a little to his shirt as he got up. The soggy duo heading off for dry land. And the warmth of the building, where it was time to scatter and dry off.

Or just bugger off home if that wasn't possible. ]