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

[darkcharge]

[ A little more what? Praise? because sure, that's something that Vanitas could use more of. It's not like he has had much of that before coming here. However, Vanitas has had quite a bit of it in the last year. ]

Oh yeah? It's true. Anything I set my mind to, I can do.

[darkestbefore]

[ She still thinks a little more couldn't hurt. ]

But that's a lot of things to be good at it.

[darkcharge]

It's complicated. The more you excel in all areas, the more valuable you are.

[ Because that's how he has had to live his life up to a certain point. Vanitas had needed to prove his worth. Needed to show that he is an asset that shouldn't be thrown away. This isn't something that he has been able to fully get over either.

A part of him still finds worth only in being proficient in an array of skills. The need to prove himself so he can't be tossed aside. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She stops so abruptly at that, she almost trips over his feet in the process as she stares up at him.

But then she's putting her hands on his cheeks and holding his gaze fiercely. ]

Vanitas. You are valuable for many, many reasons. But none of them have anything to do with how much you manage to be good at.

[darkcharge]

[ Van nearly trips over her in return. What is she stopping -

Then there are hands on his face. Had this been a year ago it would have ended with Vanitas slapping those hands away and nearly having a fit over it. Now it just catches him off guard. While he does tense up a bit, he doesn't have an adverse reaction.

Her words actually kind of hurt. Not in a bad way. But they still hurt just a little. ]

I know that... [ He can't look at her directly. ] I really do.

[ Just old habits... Old mindsets... It takes time to change them. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She searches his face, even though he won't meet her gaze. It's so hard to tell what he's thinking sometimes, but... She tries anyway. ]

Good. [ Her voice is softer this time. There's just a hint of sadness in her tone as she cups his cheeks in her hands. ] I hope you do. I don't want you to think that it's only dependent on what - or how much - you can do. It's not. It's more about who you are. And no matter how many times you might succeed or fail at something... it's not going to take away your value. Not to the people you matter to.

[darkcharge]

[ Come on now, Princess. It's bad enough that his ears are burning from the previous chiding. Now he's getting a further lecture.

Though if she looks close enough, he might be able to catch flecks of green in what used to be straight up golden eyes. ]

It's a bit hard to shake off four years you realize. Even if I know this to be true, there is still a voice in the back of my mind pushing for it.

[darkestbefore]

[ Maybe he just needs to be lectured a lot? Stop making her worry about you and maybe she won't scold you so much.

She does catch a hint of those green flecks, however. Even though she's not sure what that means?

But she just nods quietly, letting her hands fall away from his cheeks to rest against his shoulders once more. ]

I know. [ Her voice is soft, even as she searches his face. ] But I hope you'll listen to the voices telling you otherwise.

[darkcharge]

[ She wouldn't know about the significance of the eyes. Just know they'll be getting greener, slowly, in the months to come.

So now that her hands are where they are supposed to be, he can move again right? ]

It's a work in progress, princess.

[darkestbefore]

[ That, surprisingly, gets a crooked little smile from her as she casts him a fond look. And nudges him into starting dancing again, since she'd interrupted that herself. ]

Aren't we all?

[darkcharge]

Heh.

[ So he begins to move once more. Yona seems a bit more with it than what she had previously. ]

Is that also what it means to be a real person?

[darkestbefore]

[ She follows his lead, letting him set the pace once more. HIs question gets a soft hum. ]

Maybe. I think so, anyway. I think... I think we always are. A work in progress, that is. I'm not sure that ever really stops, while we live.

[darkcharge]

[ Van breathes out, a little puff of laughter if nothing else. ]

You're probably right about that. People - real people - don't ever stop growing. Changing.

[darkestbefore]

[ She flicks a glance up at him, one corner of her lips tugging upwards. ]

That applies to you too now, you know.

[darkcharge]

[ Another look he is going to have to avoid! ]

Not quite yet. Soon, perhaps.

[ Maybe when he has more than 75% of a heart... ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She tips her head to the side at that, one eyebrow arching slightly.]

Why do you think that? You yourself are growing and changing here as much as anyone, aren't you?

[darkcharge]

I'm at a bit of a disadvantage with only the half of a heart sort of thing. So, in a way, I am starting out further behind than everyone else.

[ Well that's one way to look at it? ]

[darkestbefore]

Maybe you did, but I don't think you're as far off as you think you still are.

[ She can see where he's coming from, she's just not sure she agrees. ]

[darkcharge]

Yeah well. Who knows. It's not like I can reach down into myself and see how much is there.

[ Some times? It doesn't matter if she agrees or not. Truth is truth. ]

[darkestbefore]

No more than anyone else can.

[ Truth is rarely so black and white. One person's truth is not always the same as another's. Perspective can change things a great deal. ]

Besides, there are those I've encountered that started out with a full heart, but I would call them far more empty and heartless than I would you.

[darkcharge]

I would argue that this is because you never met me prior to getting some of my issues sorted.

[ Though he still holds that he hadn't done anything wrong. Vanitas doesn't regret his past actions and he likely never will. If he had it to do over, he'd probably make the same choices in some areas. Maybe some different ones, if he had known the things that he does now. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ To which she just. Reaches up to boop the tip of his nose. ]

Which only proves that you are a work in progress, and have grown considerably from where you were.

[darkcharge]

When did this dance start becoming an existential conversation?

[ He'd really like to know! Not that he entirely minds of course. Though it seems as though Yona is less... Well. Less something. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Is that 'something' a good or bad thing?

But she casts him a wry look and shakes her head. ]

It wasn't meant to be, you're right. I'm sorry. I wanted you to have fun.

[darkcharge]

I suppose I might be having something close to fun.

[ Let's just give the princess a little twirl! ]