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

[marmoron]

[ Couples. Hearing the word makes Keith skip a beat, suddenly both shy and giddy. In a way, If he thinks about it for too long, it starts feeling surreal all over again so he quickly turns his attention to the fauns, though he can't say that his focus has left Allura in the slightest. It's a good thing it's getting dark out so she can't quite make out the dust of pink on his face when she takes his arm.

What is this anyway? Since when has he ever felt so nervous about something as mundane as walking inside a building.... ]

It would be pretty damn fussy if there were rules being enforced about this stuff, I guess.

[ He chances a look at her, kicking aside some skittishness. ]

So how do you wanna do it? Palanquin?

[ Maybe just a pinch of teasing will help him relax.... ]

[quintessent]

[It helps, at least in her case, and she flushes, shaking her head,]

Just, [She tugs on his elbow, looping her arm in more securely.] like this is fine.

[It's not so fancy like a processional into a wedding, but it feels a little more formal than holding hands. Besides, holding hands with him felt like something private - public displays of affection are still largely new to her.

Tugging on his arm, she starts toward the door. The inside is bathed in a golden yellow light, and there's a sweeping staircase leading down to the main area of the building. Meant to show off the couples as they walk in, although there's no real processional about it.]

Don't be nervous.

[She whispers, holding his arm that much closer.]

[marmoron]

[ It's always very cute when she blushes. He'll keep that thought to himself as she leads the pair of them into the masquerade. The cowl is definitely staying useful as it blocks out most of the fancy decor from his peripheral vision, but the delicate elegance of the party is still hard to wipe from mind entirely. ]

I'm not nervous. [ He fibs pointlessly. She can feel his jitters just as much as he can. ] Much.

[ He swallows, carefully pushing the hood off his head when they reach the foot of the stairs. ]

You're kind of the first person I've ever been on a date with and I... [Spotting someone carrying around a tray of hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne, he cuts himself off. ] I'm babbling. Do you want a drink?

[quintessent]

[She knows there should be no real pressure here - they've bonded over laughing in a field and getting dunked in the pool, a fancy party is right in her wheelhouse. But maybe that's why she feels just as nervous, and just a little bit protective of his good time. That, and because she's the one who asked him on the date, she would really like for it to be a good one.

But there's no accounting for nerves and the way her stomach flip flops when he mentions date.] I think a drink would be perfect.

[She agrees quickly, stepping towards one of the servers, then pausing.] Ah, but maybe we should eat first? Or find a mask for you, that's important-

[Ah, now it's her turn to babble.]

[marmoron]

[ That makes him flush immediately. ]

Oh. I'm so sorry, I wasn't trying to -- [ Get you drunk??? It is too early to be putting his foot in his mouth, gdit. ] Food sounds great. And so does a mask.

[ Without looking, he grabs the nearest mask. Turning it in his hands, he gingerly puts it back onto the display. ]

... But maybe not this one.

[quintessent]

[Luckily, her brain wasn't going in that direction, just on the Best way to have a good night and in what order. Maybe she's a little too in her head.

She stands back a little while he sifts through the masks. One of the drink trays passes within arms reach so she snags two of them - sneaking one long sip of her own only to look over and see Keith debating the worst mask she's seen.]

That is hideous. [She moves to stand next to him, setting the drinks down while she picks up the first one that catches her eye,]

What about this one? It's very... sharp.

[marmoron]

[ The assessment makes him laugh as he takes her very pointy choice from her. ]

More or less hideous than human ears?

[ Right back to some affectionate teasing as he gives one of the spikes a tentative poke before putting it on. ]

How's this look?

[quintessent]

[She shakes her head, making a face.]

No, I'm afraid I'll get a head injury if you wear that.

[From the kissing, she doesn't mention, instead busying herself with the pile once more.]

Here!

[marmoron]

Oh. A lion? That one's pretty cool.

[ He switches the masks without complaint, but he does have to ask.... ]

But why would you get a head injury though?

[ Asked with genuine concern because someone has really not thought this one through yet... ]

[quintessent]

[She flushes a little, busying herself with putting the masks in some sort of order, keeping her eyes down as heat creeps up in her cheeks.]

Well, in care we bumped heads. On the dance floor or… or other date activities.

[On second thought, maybe she should get a bigger mask, to hide all of the blushing she’s going to be doing tonight.]

[marmoron]

[ That makes him blush as well, though for a slightly different reason. Keith watches a server carrying a tray passing by through the corners of his eyes. ]

I haven't done a lot of dancing. [ Read: ever. ] But I promise I'm not that clumsy.

[quintessent]

[Embarrassment turns to a fond sort of amusement when he doesn't follow the bread crumbs that she'd been thinking about kissing him. She runs her fingers over a small, black mask, biting her lip to hold back a smile. Maybe a demonstration-

She turns her head the same time he does, and gets unceremoniously twapped by the long feathers that make up his extravagant headdress.]

Pf- [A curl of laughter bubbles out, and she flicks a long plume out of her face,] I believe you. But maybe... a smaller mask would be ideal.

[marmoron]

[ Oh god, he takes s a half step back to get the feathers out of Allura's face, then removes the mask looking sheepish but fond. ]

Or just not wear a mask at all. Less surface area to be concerned about.

[ ??? What even is he saying at this point, who knows. Cheeks just a little more pink, he puts the iron mask back on its display. ]

... but I guess that'd defeat the purpose of a masquerade. [ Gently he brushes her hands. ] I should've figured this mask situation out beforehand. Sorry.

[quintessent]

There's no reason to apologize. I'm having fun.

[Said with a smile, and her fingers absentmindedly close around his when they brush against her hand, lacing her fingers with his lightly as she picks out one more mask from the pile.]

Here.

[Releasing his hand, she turns and places the mask on his face. Pausing only a moment to glance and see if anyone is nearby before she leans in the rest of the way, and kiss him lightly before letting her forehead rest against his.]

Much better.

[marmoron]

[ It's a good thing she stays close after that kiss because he would have otherwise said something stupid now that the lightbulb has finally gone off over what she meant about head injuries. Instead of babbling, he stares at the teal and pink in her eyes. feeling a little like his heart might burst.

Truly, never in a million years would he have figured he gets to go on a date with someone as amazing as Allura. Dwelling on the thought makes him swallow nervously as he steals another quick kiss, hypothetical other people be damned. ]

...that's good. I'm having fun with you, too.

[ Not a sentiment he thought he'd be having about any masquerade ever, but life sure takes some interesting turns. As he hears footsteps approaching (another server), he takes half step back, giving the princess a little more space and himself just another beat for composure. ]

So... I'll get us some food and then we can dance maybe?

[quintessent]

[He returns the kiss and she flusters a little bit, even if she was the one to instigate it. And it's not only because of the kiss, but the feeling she gets between their bond. Truly, it's hard to tell where Keith's feelings end and hers begin, because there's a tight swell in her heart that she can't fully place who it belongs to. The knowledge that it could be his is enough to have her own heart beating hard in response.]

Right, That's a good plan.

[Why does she feel a little breathless? She picks up the glasses of wine that she'd snagged earlier, then nods over towards the tables.]

I'll... ah... Find us a place to sit!

i made myself hungry :/

[marmoron]

[ See this whole feedback loop right here? This is why bonds are such a problem, damn it. Except even his half hearted attempts to grump himself back to reality are hard to keep up when Allura seems happy, too.

He coughs into his sleeve, trying to keep a giddy laugh at bay. Then nodding: ]

Okay, I'll come find you.

[ And off he goes, biting the inside of his lip trying not to look like a dopey grinning loon. Rather than loitering until a server appears though, he heads straight towards the kitchen.

He doesn't go inside, mercifully, but he does hang around by the door and just grabs a full tray of hor d'oeuvres as a server emerges. With a quick thanks yelled over his shoulder )because gosh, he's not TOTALLY uncivilized), Keith heads towards the table Allura's seated at with a very full tray of an assortment of bruschetta, savory puffs and stuffed peppers.

He presents her with this veritable cornucopia with a smile and takes a seat. ]

This look good to you?

me too....

[quintessent]

[A problem? Or the exact reason why they’re in this situation to begin with.

It’s not hard to find a place to sit – the hall has been well outfitted with tables both big enough to fit large parties, and small, intimate gatherings of two, decorated with candles – and she picks one of the small tables, feeling like Keith might as well be leaving a heat signature wherever he goes inside the building, for all the warmth he’s generating.

Her eyes widen at the spread he brings back.]

It looks wonderful! [There’s so much, but her eyes go a little starry when she looks over the confections. Food has always been one of the better parts of being around humans.] I hope you are planning on helping me eat some of this…

[marmoron]

[ Allura's expression makes him smile, resisting the desire to reach across the table to touch her cheek. It's weird. For all that they've eaten meals together, this time feels different somehow. Who knew slapping a word like "date" onto a relatively normal outing could have such an impact? ]

You don't want the whole tray?

[ He's joking, really. Now that he's actually thinking about it, an entire platter was probably a bit much, but clearly it was worth it to see the way her eyes lit up. Briefly, he puts his hand over hers and gives it a squeeze. ]

I think these look good.

[ He points at a savory puff, plopping it into his mouth. Turns out, the kitchen staff really went all out on the food tonight and it isn't long before the food is mostly gone. Full and satisfied, Keith leans back on his chair, sipping his wine. He doesn't really drink much, but he's finding the way it warms him relaxing. Whether that's a smart idea in the long term is debatable, but for now it's keeping him off of feeling nervous about asking Allura to dance. But before he gets there's just one question he has....]

So I'm really curious. Does wine taste better or worse than nunvil to you?

[quintessent]

Only if you want to carry me home afterwards.

[Said with a laugh that goes a little short when she feels his hand on hers, and she smiles. She's already looked at him about half a dozen times since they arrived, but the novelty doesn't wear off. Not just because she has Keith in a suit, but he just looks. Happy. Knowing that it's even in part because of her makes her feel full in a way that was hard to put to words.

Which is fortune because she can fill some of the space between them with trying out the tasty treats. She, predictably, practically swoons over the sweetest sweets. And conversation turns easier the more she indulges in the wine. All the more reason to indulge more.]

That depends on the flavor. [She says, swishing the remains of her wine in the glass, peering down at it,] This one is really nice. But there's others that taste like it was made from the secretions of a Ludwhalian shobe.

[The last part is said like he should definitely know what one of those tastes like. She leans in,] Which I've always been meaning to ask... how is it you know what feet taste like?

[marmoron]

[ A Ludwhalian shobe. So many questions, so little time.... But idle curiosity becomes a thing of the past when Allura asks her follow up question and it makes him choke on a sip of wine. Coughing, he puts his glass down and tries to speak. It doesn't really go well and his face is very red indeed. ]

I -- [ CHOKE. SPLUTTER. Give him a minute, princess. ] I don't know, okay! It's just one of those things you assume should taste bad because well -- have you been around Shiro's gym shooes?

[quintessent]

No, I haven't. [She laughs, edging just a little on giddy, seeing Keith flustered like that. Lifting a hand up to her mouth, she drops her voice to a stage whisper.] But I have been near Pidge's room.

[Sorry Pidge! It's gross!

It's right around then that the music changes tune, catching her attention, and her gaze flickers to the edges of the room, where people are starting to filter into the center. A popular song, maybe?] This is nice.

[There's hesitation on the end of her voice, like she's weighing whether or not to ask Keith to dance. He's already gone out of his comfort zone with her tonight, she doesn't want to push it.]

[marmoron]

... Must've been pretty bad to get through the air filters.

[ Gosh, it's been a while since he's given Pidge a whole lot of thought and now here they are immortalizing her memory in precisely the way she would have wanted. Lovely. Keith lets out a huff of laughter, though his expression turns nervous when he catches how Allura's gaze shifts towards the dance floor. ]

You're nice.

[ The correction comes out just a pinch more forcefully than he intended, making him look away quickly to grab the wine glass again. ] I mean -- you're the best part of.... Never mind. [ Rather than finish that train of thought, he cuts it off with an awkward sip of wine. ] Wannadance?

[ Breathed out in a single word. WHo's nervous? Nobody's nervous. ]

[quintessent]

[Pidge doesn't deserve this, and Allura's mind is right back on the present when Keith talks, her head swiveling to look at him, ears burning hot when he stumbles around his words. You're the best part of- Part of her wants so bad to ask him to finish the sentence, but the mutual fluster between them makes her heart beat hard in her chest.

He asks her to dance and she can't help the surprise, then smile that spreads across her face.] I do.

[Already reaching across the table for his hand, she stands up, tugging him along with her.] Don't be nervous, it's not so hard to pick up on.

[marmoron]

You say that now....

[ Keith starts, but he puts up no resistance as Allura leads them both to the dance floor. Heart skipping beats, he interlaces their fingers, grip just a pinch tight from nerves. It would have been hard enough to ask a fellow cadet to dance at one of the Garrison's formals, so asking a literal princess who's probably been taught ... whatever the Altean equivalent of ballroom dancing to dance is increasingly seeming like the stupidest thing he's ever done in his life.

But this isn't really about him anymore, is it? Keith chances a quick look at Allura's face, then blushes and looks away. There's a lot of things he'd do to make her smile and even with all his many misgivings about dancing, this seems mostly benign. ]

Teach me?