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

[tothemetal]

[the familiar scent of a burning cigarette attracts his attention first; even with his senses somewhat dulled by the alcohol, it's one that he would know anywhere in the world. for a second, even, as he shifts his head to search for the source he thinks that maybe it could be -

but no. Ymir wasn't here in this world, and despite the perfectly dramatic setting not even he had enough power to simply manifest.

these thoughts and expectations are all products of his intoxicated mind, and they drift away as quickly as they'd blown in. the voice which cuts through his serenade is still familiar, albeit of this world, and easily coaxes a delighted smile to creep across his face. the music fades, but he doesn't remain silent for long.]

No way! [a pause, and then a clarification.] Mean, could definitely fall in. But nothing's gonna make me miserable tonight.

[he'd seen Louis there, in the crowd. it had really made his heart swell to know that the person organizing this, the guy who'd allowed him this miraculous opportunity, had expressed his approval of the music in the most beautiful way possible. just recalling it warms his smile now, as he obediently tries to push himself up into a less dangerous sitting position.]

[rightfoot]

[ Louis is particular about the company he keeps. He's not always the easiest to get along with, but he seems to like Styx well enough. His approval doesn't always come easily, but he's free to recognize when someone is good at what they do. He settles in next to the other as he props the cigarette in his mouth for only a moment, quietly inhaling. He's done this a lot more lately than he'd prefer.

He reaches out, placing a hand on the other's shoulder and leaned forward just slightly. ]

Nothing?

[ There's amusement there. ]

Well, that's good. I'm glad. You're good. Thanks for performing.

[ He moved his hand, settling into his spot. ]

But, is there anything we could do to make the night better? You know, for next time.

[tothemetal]

[Styx, taking this far more seriously than someone able to read the cues of teasing would, mirrors the image and leans in slightly himself. he gives the deer a nod, resolute, and repeats:]

Nothing.

[things might have gotten a bit strange after that if not for Louis' mention of his performance. it really does feel good to have the event coordinator express his approval, 'unofficial' gig or not; with rumbling laughter of gratitude he returns to his original position, eyes cast down shyly.

a way to make things better...]

Well-

[he has opinions, actually, when it comes to music, but another thought intrudes just as he's about to speak them. looking back over at Louis, he asks something far weightier than he'd really intended.]

...you think we'll all still be here next year?

[rightfoot]

[ Something about the other not fully reading the cues reminded Louis of Legosi in the best way, and he likes that, really. Maybe that was why he took to the other without annoyance like he often did. ]

Good, then.

[ That is good. That was what Louis had hoped for. The energy had shown through when he performed, and it showed now. He sighed, looking pleased as he settled into where he was sitting and took a slow puff, blowing out some smoke opposite of where Styx was. It was rude to blow in someone's face, after all. ]

You maybe not.

[ There's a sigh. ]

Me? Maybe. I could be. I threw this same sort of party last year.

[ He considers his next words carefully. ]

It's not so bad being here this long. So if I get to do this again, I get to do this again. And again. And eventually I'll get back home and it'll be like I never left there, and like I was never here.

[ He looks towards the other again. Maybe this is too serious. Maybe it's crossing a line, but he's genuinely curious. ]

Do you have big plans at home, though? Something to look forward to? Like, you're not dead or something when you go home.

[tothemetal]

[this is the second time he's thrown this party? Styx considers this, his good spirits contained by the thoughtful expression which settles on his face. he's known people here for that long before now, of course, but he supposes that he's never really thought of what that meant. a whole year...

and for what? apparently if you returned home, it was like an eraser had been swept across the chalkboard that was Aefenglom. no way to remember your time, no way to be remembered unless your close ones remained here. it's freeing in a way, the drummer guesses (maybe if you're smarter than he is), but mostly it strikes him as impossibly melancholy.

he's staring down at his hands by the time Louis speaks, and starts a bit when the words strike him before settling into a mellow laugh.]

Haha, nah, 'm not dead or nothing. Wouldn't say I've got plans or nothing like that, but...definitely something important.

[he looks down at his hands, clapping them together lightly, and smiles.]

Guess it's kinda like being here? Don't matter if it really makes a difference or nothing, as long as I get to keeping doing it as much as I can.

[rightfoot]

[ Recent loss between here and home has left Louis with a rather complicated set of feelings about this place and home. He has no preference about where he is because he feels no connections anywhere right now. It's...almost like who he used to be. Before Legosi, before giving up his leg. And he's not fully sure if he likes that he's feeling more like the boss than the businessman. But, he doesn't indulge anyone with those creeping thoughts because between this place and home, at least here he doesn't have to move forward with his life quite yet. Not in the same way, at least. ]

That's good to hear. And it'll be waiting there, right and ready for you when you do leave here. It's nice to know that you're not making anyone worry about your absence while being here.

[ He tilts his head, finally dropping his hand with his cigarette at his side, and putting it out with a quick poof of magic. ]

You're right, it doesn't matter too much. But, you should do as much or as little as you want. Because who know how long you'll be here, too. I'd hate to think I wasted my time trying to repair their ruling bodies when it could have been better spent with someone.

And...It's not like you always get to do things like learn magic or harness your strength as a monster.

[tothemetal]

[that was good, wasn't it? Styx's first instinct was to respond that it was fine either way, really, he didn't have anyone who cared if he was gone - but that wasn't true any more, was it? his auntie would miss him, even if it was still better that he keep some distance between them. and Vincent would surely kick his ass if he just stopped showing up for practice.

he's glad for that, funnily enough. it's a blessing, to be wanted. a miracle rather than something he was entitled to.]

Haha, right? None of the shit like that's real where I'm from...or, uh, 's not the kind of thing that's real to most people, anyway.

[he's still not...entirely sure if he can say magic doesn't exist at home. it's an odd spot to be in.]

Think, much as I can, I wanna do - uh, as much as I can, really. [he laughs, aware of how stupid that sounds.] Might end up helping somebody else, 'nd that's worth the world.

[rightfoot]

[ Louis doesn't know - he doesn't ask a lot of questions about people's personal lives. He doesn't really want that sort of bond with anyone anymore. He shuffles his hands through his pockets, getting another cigarette as his current one is coming to an end. It's just that sort of time, lately. He doesn't light it, though, just shifts it between his fingers. The action itself is soothing, helps him focus. ]

Same. Though some people here have thought that a world of animals is magical enough on its own. But I guarantee it's not that different than a lot of humans.

[ A sigh. ]

I like your optimism. I knew someone like that, too. Anything he could do to help, he would. Makes being called idealistic a compliment somehow.

[ But it's not like that for him. He doesn't need to say it, it's fairly clear. Louis wants to make changes to the world, even if he has to do rotten things to get there. He can't help everyone along the way, but if it makes the world ultimately better, then it's ok. People get hurt on the path to peace. ]

Be careful, though. The people native to this place are real hit or miss with our kind.

[ It's leadership, really. Louis has never had a good relationship with the powers that be. He was a victim of keeping quiet and maintaining the expected back home, up until his father did the unexpected. And even then, they had to act like that unexpected thing never happened. Even now. Even after he died - Louis never really got to tout the type of hero that his father truly was to him. ]

Political leaders are often agents to maintain the norm. They're not always as eager for change as they let on. I keep my expectations low and do what I want to do to help the people around me.

[tothemetal]

[the way that Louis fusses with his cigarette reminds Styx of both his bandmates, and he finds his gaze idly watching the coffin nail shift between the deer's fingers. Ymir especially would do that when he was stressed, albeit with quite a number of already lit cigarettes already puffing in his mouth.

it's still a gesture that strikes him with an affectionate sort of nostalgia, a tiny smile playing on his own lips without realizing. maybe that's not the best sort of expression for the advice his companion was giving, but...no one had ever called the drummer intelligent.]

I don't mind, really...uh, getting pushed around or used or whatever.

[he taps some formless tune or another on his knee, still smiling.]

Didn't really fit in all that good at home either, you know? So people being a little scared of me here isn't all that different. 's kinda sad - uh, don't wanna freak people out or anything like that - but 's still ok.

[it was something that he'd already accepted and learned to bear with good humor. those stares and blows hadn't gotten him down for years, and he realizes how lucky he is to be in the position he finds himself. so many really wonderful people were struggling here, forced into a position they'd never deserved, even if they were burdened with monstrous changes...he's glad, he thinks, to be so fundamentally irregular. without having to think about his own mental state, it frees him up to try and help others find their worth again.]

Figure, like, means I can try 'nd do anything I can? Since it's not gonna be 'normal' even if I aim for it. So that's nice.

[rightfoot]

[ He notices the smile, but says nothing. It's better than an alternative, really. He continues fidgeting with the cigarette, though he doesn't end up lighting it when his hands finally settle on his lap. He lets it sit neatly between two of his fingers, as if it prove he hasn't forgotten that it's coming up. ]

You don't mind being pushed around? You're not the first that I've met here like that, and I'll tell you what I told the last person who didn't seem to care: think better of yourself.

[ He makes a pointed decision to look towards the fountain, watching that shift in colors. It reminds him of someone important that used to be here. He misses them. He misses his home, and his friends that have left this place. And he misses the first person beyond Legosi that he had let in. And it's still so fresh and has left a hole there. And that's all that he can think of just then. The inability to care --

Louis has never fully been able to do it. ]

But it's good you don't care what they think about you. Not saying I'm striving to fit in, but that can be a hard thing to learn.

[tothemetal]

[think better of himself? but he already did. the way that Styx looks at himself is far better than the way he had in the past, because now he can accept the myriad of flaws which make up his personality. when he speaks in such a way, it isn't out of hate - it's simply understanding of himself and his own limitations. the drummer has made peace with that, and with peace comes contentment.]

Well, I mean, 's not like I don't care at all. I don't like upsetting people...um, 'nd if you stand out too much that can happen sometimes.

[it was part of why he didn't mind being manipulated. if that was what made people more comfortable dealing with him, he was happy to give that.]

But you're right, it sure as hell took a long time to get there! Used to be real unhappy when I was a kid; felt like everything I did was wrong.

[rightfoot]

I get it.

[ For very different reasons, he knows what it means to have been once really unhappy. He's - got a complicated relationship with where he comes from and how he was when he was young. He shouldn't have lived past five, he shouldn't have been adopted, he shouldn't even know speech. Yet he defied many odds, so he has a strong belief in overcoming, improving, turning what you were into a strength. He wouldn't necessarily call himself particularly happy now, but he was fine. ]

I don't mind clashing with people or standing out. If you're going to make the world around you better, you're going to butt heads with a few very stubborn people.

[tothemetal]

Haha, guess so!

[some people didn't care that others were suffering so long as they were comfortable. it's a fact that even Styx knows, having seen it in action too many times for even his optimistic beliefs to excuse. but even so...he always can't help but wonder. did there really have to be a clash? surely there was some way to improve the world without coming to blows.

ah, well. if it was true, that was something he was far too incompetent to ever achieve himself. the best that the drummer could ever hope for was to keep plodding after the more luminous of his contemporaries, supporting them the whole way.]

's good that you're like that though, I think. Mean, like...don't gotta waste time psyching yourself up to get things done 'nd stuff.

[not like him. when time was of the essence, how many precious seconds was he always obligated to sacrifice just to bring himself to the point of action?]

[rightfoot]

[ Louis often acted without much thought. He sometimes just did what seemed right in that moment. He always fought hard and true, and he never needed those moments to get himself to act. He just did. In part, he thinks it was that death was always lingering over his shoulder as a prey animal. That need to act and keep going and not stop and slow down was a part of his very core. ]

Never have had to. The key was practice. Turn that fear of bothering someone into the strength to do it anyway.

[ He reached over, placed his hand on the other's shoulder, and shifted to stand up. ]

You'll get there. If you want to, at least.

[tothemetal]

[practice...that was all it was, wasn't it? an endless grind until you reached the point you were finally content. the real trial wasn't the repetition itself, but withstanding the painful feeling of stalling out. not all progress was visible...but god, sometimes it really did feel fucking microscopic.]

I gotta, uh, whether I wanted to or not to start. There's...there's a lot've people I want to keep safe.

[oh, his friends were impressively powerful. Styx has no doubt (having seen it for himself many times) that they could take care of themselves, warding off danger with a flick of their fingers. but their hearts were fragile things. who would watch over those, the most important treasures of all?

whatever he had to do, he would improve. it's a promise the drummer's made to himself that he intends to keep, come what may. with a warm smile, he claps Louis' hand with his own.]

Take care of yourself, ok dude?

and with that - we fin.

[rightfoot]

[ Sooner rather than later is better, and this guy knows it, it seems like. Louis knows practice can take time, so even if one decides against it, getting started and not needing it is the best. He withdraws after a moment of contact. Never much one for extended touch, especially like this. ]

Always. You, too.