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

Kaede | Elfen Lied | OTA

[long_live_the_queen]

I.A—Fountain

[Kaede just got here and she's already taking a break, it seems. Or she just took off the owlish mask she'd been wearing, and so suddenly appeared from enchanted anonymity. She was wearing the same burnt orange sari-like dress Fang had helped her with last year, and taking up an entire bench by herself. The Chimera sat back lazily, long feathery tail draped over most of it like a shimmering red-gold peacock's train.

For once, though, she seems remarkably desalinated. An ear flicks at the sound of footsteps, and she looks up a moment later, the beads strung in her antlers chiming like bells.]

Hey.

[Not quite a hello, but much friendlier than her usual wary staring.]

II. Skewer Squabble

Hey. [There's where Kaede's usual low-key-belligerent-at-all-times voice went. There was a bit of a problem, you see. There was only one skewer with grilled mushrooms on it left, and it was on a platter a bit too far away for the Chimera to easily reach, though she was certainly trying, spindly claws reaching over a bowl of sliced fruit to try and get to the platter first. There was someone else who might be competition for the food nearby.]

I want that one.

[Nevermind that she's had three other ones already. They were tasty, stabbed through with rosemary stalks instead of a typical skewer.]

[Other times, Kaede can be spotted hovering near a chafing dish piled with roasted chestnuts, the scent of burning brandy and something sweet hanging over it like the clear blue alcohol flames still dancing over the splitting shells.

The Chimera was similarly less than patient here, reaching for one of the chestnuts before the fire died down. She grabbed one with the very tips of her talons and snatched her hand back, tossing the thing between her claws until the hot shell cooled down enough. And—oh, she had an audience.]

Want one?

[She asks casually, as if she hadn't stuck an arm covered in feathers perilously close to fire.]

III. Two Left Feet

[This time, Kaede's mask was securely on. She hadn't put her name into that box, but there didn't seem to be any shortage of people milling about the dancing floor. And...she'd been enjoying that people didn't look at her like an uncaged lion. It'd been buoying her mood up all evening.

Sometimes it was Kaede who approached someone first, sometimes the other way around. She didn't smile, but her head inclined just slightly as her tail swished behind her.]

I still don't know how to dance.

Closed to Chariot

[long_live_the_queen]

[For once, Kaede not only willingly participated in a social event—she led the way once in it, tugging insistently on her Bonded's arm as she walked fast for a few brisk steps and paused again so Chariot could catch up. The Chimera still wasn't smiling, exactly—but the harsher lines to her face were smoothed away, and her tail flicked contentedly whenever she glanced back at the Witch, which was often. Her mask was off, tied to her belt by its strings and out of the way.]

Come on. The photobooth's finally empty now.

[beariot]

[ She was a little surprised at how much more enthusiastic Kaede was being, but definitely not unwelcoming of it. She was wearing the same sari that Fang had picked out for her last year, which she realized seemed to fit more loosely than it had before. That probably wasn't worth worrying about. Yet. ]

Okay, okay, I'm coming. My goodness, you were really looking forward to this, huh?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede made a chirrupy sort of hum as she squeezed Chariot's hand, tail brushing her Bonded's side. She hadn't noticed anything amiss with the Witch's dress, too focused on getting to the booth before someone else did.]

I liked the last one more than I thought I would. And this one is nice, too.

[What went unsaid were the specifics; people kept being nice to her, or at least polite. And for once her suspicions that they were doing so with an ulterior motive were silent--because they couldn't have known who was behind the mask. It did great things for her mood.]

I...really liked the camera you got me. But it's hard to carry it around sometimes. So this is convenient.

[beariot]

[ Wonderful things. ]

Convenient, or just special?

[ Because it really wasn't about just being convenient, was it? It was another way to form a memory, a special one, just for them. ]

I'll make sure to have prints made of it. Something to keep in your bill fold...

[long_live_the_queen]

I guess it is special.

[The Chimera's feathers fluffed, and she paused again to lean on her toes and nudge against Chariot's cheek.]

You don't... [and she corrected herself] I'd--like that.

[Kaede didn't carry a wallet so much as a pouch of cunes in her pocket or hanging off her belt, but...well, perhaps she should reconsider. With a rumbling, contented purr Kaede pulled away to lead them both past the curtain and into the empty photobooth.

There was a seat in here, of course. And some props that ranged from the esoteric to the serious, and a dial set into the front of the booth. The dimness settled around them, but Kaede's grip never wavered.]

What should we make?

[beariot]

Hmm... [ Chariot hummed, tapping her wand against the dial briefly, flipping through a few fantastic backdrops before finding something that truly caused her to gasp, hold her attention firm, dazzling over her face as she stepped into the world it created for them, absolutely bound by its figurative spell... ]

a

[stardustish]

[ Kaede beats Sylvia to the masquerade, and it may be hard to spot her at first. It's not because of anonymity, nor is her starry mask to blame, but because she's let her hair loose. Rarely ever is she seen with her hair down these days, especially when she works at Purramid. Still, the silver hair and pair of golden rabbit ears probably give her away.

Kaede isn't hard to spot for her, especially since the other girl's taken off her mask. Sylvia doesn't hesitate to approach and give her a wave. ]

Hey, Kaede!

[ She doesn't see Kaede much outside of Purramid Cafe, so this is a nice change. ]

You look gorgeous in that dress! What're you doing out here?

[long_live_the_queen]

[The glimpse of rabbit ears caught Kaede's attention immediately--but gold, not greyish. The tension that was just starting in her shoulders relaxed again. One of the cafe's attendants, she remembered. Not a potential problem causer like a different Puca Kaede knew.

...or maybe for a different, more self-inflicted kind of problem. In a good mood she might have been, Kaede was still bad at accepting compliments. Especially without the shield of her mask, where any silence could be played off as plausible mysteriousness.]

Uh--

[She's quite off balance here.]

If you...say so.

[Totally recovered there, yep. The Chimera's tail twitched and curled a bit closer to herself, but not by much.]

I was here last year. It was...nice. So I'm here again.

[stardustish]

[ Nailed it. Not that Sylvia's expecting an overjoyed response anyway, since Kaede tends to be more...subdued, so it's fine. She just grins at the Chimera and walks over to her, taking a seat near her. (She probably should've asked first.) ]

Oh yeah? Hopefully this one'll be even better, then!

[ She's surprised to see Kaede here, but she's also glad the other girl seemed to have enjoyed her time at the previous one. ]

Did you come here by yourself? If you did, I don't mind walking in with you. Unless you wanna chill out here, that's cool too! I can keep you company.

[ She doesn't have a date or anything, so! ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede rumbled something, and while her shoulders went stiff when Sylvia sat there, didn't shoo her away. Her tail flicked up once, and curled closer still to the Chimera. There was still a rather fluffy obstacle between them, this was...fine.]

No, I came here with my Bonded. She's still inside, I needed a rest.

[stardustish]

That's great to hear, then! I hope you two are having fun together!

[ She notices Kaede's a little stiff, and Sylvia wonders if she should scoot a little further away for more space, but...ah, well. Too late for that. ]

I probably should've asked my Bonded to come with me, haha, but I chickened out. Pretty dumb, right?

[ But anyway. ]

I'm glad to see you here, though! I didn't think this would be your kind of event, but it's nice to see you here. Outside of the cafe and all, too.

[long_live_the_queen]

We are.

[Kaede rumbles a bit, ears flicking back a moment before returning to a neutral line.]

I go outside sometimes...

[To feed her hyenas or go out to the Wilde to act as someone's bodyguard, just the normal activities.]

Why wouldn't your Bonded want to go with you?

[As someone who was emotionally welded to the hip of her own Bonded, Kaede was a bit perplexed by this.]

iii!

[usurpers]

[ it hadn't been the first time that box had printed his name without his doing, perhaps he'd just picked one out that says kaede; eren doesn't need the enchantment to compel him to seek her out, carrying little expectation in a dance and simply finding her for the company she provided. there wasn't much different this year about his wear— just a half-suit completely sleeveless for his wings in a pristine pitch of black, followed by the mask decorating his horns: it's an animal's skull, held in place by the socket in one of his horns and stringing along beads with feathery ends wrapped about crystalline blue. his body language says more than his expression, always held so neutrally: his tail too, twitches by the tip behind him, and his spines pull up into a modest flare. ]

Did you want to?

[long_live_the_queen]

[The mask's enchantment was dislodged enough that this tall figure became instantly recognizable as soon as his horns cleared the crowd. Kaede perked up when she saw him, crest feathers puffing out just slightly. Something in her chest tickled, but--well, it was nice to see him. That was just a normal thing, wasn't it? Her Bonded was here too, so it could have come from there too.

Eren recognized her, too, and so Kaede drifted closer to his side.]

I can try. Might step on you, though.

[usurpers]

[ might get stepped on . . . the tip of his tail flops and the curve of his lip twitches, but as she came closer, the dragon's combed spine lift and fall back. with a quick dip down of his head and a lift of his talons, they clicked back onto the floor. ]

It'd make two of us.

[ if she was up to the challenge— at least his feet were plated, almost armored! ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Interesting reaction. What was he so antsy about? It didn't transfer to Eren's voice.

Kaede curled a claw and knuckle to just lift the edge of the mask, breaking the spell just for a moment so he could confirm it was her, and not those slips of paper going astray. Then the mask went on again and Kaede stepped up to him, setting a hand on his waist and reaching for his wrist.]

The taller one goes first, I think.

[usurpers]

[ the height difference is kind of hilarious. she can’t even reach his shoulders, can she? just his waist and the hand that would lead them out onto a proper dancing space. ]

. . . Right.

[ he only stares. down. at her. trying to decipher where his other arm goes as his fingers curl for the chimera’s hand. on. her back? at least the wingspan was long enough that he didn’t have to hunch down.

he’s still staring and can’t quite find the beat to start dancing. it was too slow. maybe . . . sway? ]

Let’s hope it gets faster.

[ he’s more stiff than bamboo in the wind. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[There's always tree climbing. But that's a separate activity.]

[Kaede stepped out somewhat more confidently--at least for the first few steps. Then she had to reconfigure where her feet were going, and was very glad for the mask shielding her from looking too silly. But Eren's hand placement seemed right, or at least felt that way to her. He could leave his hand on her back right where it was, and their fingers twined together felt safe and secure.

Only after the Chimera made sure all the moving parts were working (and she hadn't stepped on his toes!) did Kaede pick up on the rest.]

You hurt somewhere? You're all stiff.

[Kaede prods him gently in the side with a knuckle.]

iii

[exsoldier]

[ On top of giving the Mirrorbound a chance to unwind and have a good time, the other nice thing about this masquerade is that it allows Monsters to wander around not worrying about their appearance or how they might be perceived. Some people have even picked outfits that celebrate and show off their monster additions, be they wings, tails, horns, or whatever else.

There are some who are making a point of still hiding what they can, and that's fine too. Zack figures that it comes down to the person and how comfortable they feel in their own skin at the moment.

As for Zack, he'd say he falls somewhere in the middle. His changes are nothing as obvious as what a lot of the other Monsters who've been here longer have gone through, but he is still getting used to them. Though it's as he's wandering the main floor that he catches a familiar face out of the corner of his eye.

He turns to Kaede and takes her in, relieved to see her in an environment so completely opposite to their last interaction. The memory of that incident in Dorchacht sours his expression for a moment, but then he pushes past it and shoots her a warm smile. ]

Can't say I'm much of an expert, either. I'd say... don't overthink it?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede had pushed her mask up for just a moment, so she could do the very important thing of scratching her cheek. With her disguise broken for just a little, a figure she recognized turned towards her. The Chimera's ears perked up, and her tail swished a few times; she'd know those broad shoulders and that smile anywhere.

Well. Maybe the mask could stay propped up awhile longer. Talking to Zack was much more interesting than drifting as an anonymous shadow, as nice as that was sometimes.]

Easier said than done.

[They had danced here once before, last year; the Zack who didn't remember anymore and herself. But she hadn't retained any knowledge from then, and certainly hadn't practiced. So it wasn't a terribly melancholy thought as much as an inconvenience.]

[exsoldier]

[ Zack hasn't bothered with the mask that would anonymize him, mainly because he doesn't feel he has much to hide. While it might be a fun game in its own way, to try and figure out who's who, and that may in fact be the whole point of a masquerade, he finds it much more exciting to pick out friends in a crowd.

Though now he's in a situation where he may or may not be dancing with Kaede, and in light of everything she revealed to him, that might turn out to be awkward.

Then again, if neither of them know what they're doing, it's more likely to turn into something they'll be able to think back on and laugh about, somewhere down the line. ]

Well, no one's gonna make us if you'd rather not. Up to you!

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede shook her head, stopping short before the gesture moved to her shoulders and the feathers there. Fluffed feathers wouldn't make her look very serious, and she was being genuine here.]

No, I...do. Just...I'll probably step on your feet, is all.

[The smaller Chimera scuffed her own feet, mostly subconsciously; the soft paws were fully feathered and in their winter fluff by now, but the talons were always out.]

The...taller one goes first, I think?

[At least that was what she'd seen before. The music on this set was dwindling down, in preparation for the next round of dancing.]

[exsoldier]

[ As soon as Kaede mentions the possibility of stepping on his feet, Zack can't help but glance down. He's made note of her talons before, but with the way that his own hands are starting to change, the skin toughening and growing hard, he wonders what might be in his future.

Not that it's something he should think about too hard right now. One way or another, he'll have to come to terms with all of these changes, and seeing people like Kaede who've already completed theirs makes it a little easier to process.

He nods. Not just the taller one, but usually the man too. Granted, ladies are dancing with ladies and men with other men, so it does come down to height in the end. ]

We'll figure it out.

[ He reaches out to take her hand, then loops one arm around to settle at the middle of her back. Then, as the music starts in again, he begins to lead them in a slow circuit around the dancefloor. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[All the people Kaede had danced with this evening were taller than she was, but Zack was one of the tallest. If she didn't habitually stand on her toes already, she'd have to this time. The Chimera rumbled a bit when he touched her back, more felt than heard, and followed after his steps.

Her movements were stiff, the kind that resulted from too much thought that bogged down the motion. And if Zack hadn't been leading, Kaede would have fallen hopelessly behind, a crown creasing her face. Step there, and there, and then here...go back the other direction, and--where was her tail going, she curled it back closer to her feet, and--oh she had to keep moving, okay...]