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]

[what was there to worry about with something like that? getting to see lots of pictures sounded pretty great to him! it seemed like the kind of activity that you laughed a lot while doing with a friend, and just the thought has him smile while he nods his assent.]

Nope! 's my first time really getting out to look at stuff after packing the drums up again.

[he looks out to the dancefloor, then back to Karin, and grins.]

You wanna go dance? Don't really know how, but could still be fun!

[sonnestark]

I'm not sure I remember how, myself, but how hard can it be?

[Her smile hitches to one side, and she gestures broadly to indicate all the other people out on the dancefloor.]

I think we can manage it! Besides, even if we don't get it just right, it's the company that matters, isn't it?

[The whole point of dancing at events like these is to be social! She doesn't care how well-practiced his footwork is or isn't.]

[tothemetal]

Right! 's always gonna be a good time when you think about it like that.

[something fun to do with a friend, staying close and laughing the whole way...he couldn't possibly ask for anything more. Styx's grin becomes something warm beneath his mask, and he gently tugs the woman along towards the epicenter of the fun before a thought occurs to him and slows his steps.]

Oh!

[stopping entirely, he turns to face Karin properly and drops himself into as much of a bow as one can manage while still holding onto both of your friend's hands. it's charmingly ungainly, as endearingly crooked as his shy smile.]

You wanna dance with me?

[that's may I have this dance, Styx. ...ah well, close enough.]

[sonnestark]

[Her own smile softens in turn, that rosiness returning to her cheeks just for a moment, though it's not quite because of embarrassment this time. She nods eagerly, giving his hands another squeeze.

The whole thing may be a bit awkward, but as with many things that Styx does, it's all the more charming for it.]

It would be my pleasure.

[She lets go of just one of his hands so that she can take one side of her skirt and respond with a formal curtsy, one foot behind the other— best to commit if they're doing things properly, and all.]

[tothemetal]

[has any skirt-wearing person, man or woman, ever curtsied for Styx before now? the answer would be a resounding of course the fuck not. it fills the big guy with a pleasant flood of butterflies, expressed through some extremely stupid laughter while they make their way onto the dance floor. there's a movie like this, he thinks. some big lumbering brute and a beautiful woman, together in a ballroom...

his vague thoughts are interrupted by the first obstacle of the evening's activity: hand placement. he's fairly certain one should rest at her waist, which he does easily enough, but the other..? it feels like there's simply too many options. did that go at her waist too? did they keep holding hands and kind of just. stick them out in the air somewhere. maybe he looped it around her neck???

the idiot better make a decision quick, or they were going to miss the beginning of the next song and instantly fall woefully out of step with the others.]

[sonnestark]

[His laugh is contagious, stupid or not, and she lets out a soft chuckle in turn as she joins him. The hand at her waist is expected, and she helps him along with the rest of figuring out hand placement by adjusting the hands that are already clasped together so that they fold a bit more naturally, lifting them slightly as she lays her free hand on his shoulder.

She hasn't done much of this, but she's at least seen it done— she's sure they can manage.]

There we go— that's perfect, I think.

[If all else fails and she can't keep up with him, maybe she can just stand on his feet? She doubts it will come to that, though.]

[tothemetal]

Yeah? [it must be, if Karin thinks so, and he beams.] Great!

[and just in time for the next song to start - a slower one now, perfect for feeling out a new partner and unfamiliar activity alike. all they had to do was...well. just, kind of...you know. with their feet. that's all!

it's at this point that Styx realizes he truly has no idea how formal dances are conducted, and freezes in place for a brief moment when the additional realization that he's supposed to be leading crashes in. but Karin's counting on him, so...he gulps, clearly nervous, and begins to try and gently shuffle them around a little in time with the song.]

[sonnestark]

[Slow is good, especially since Karin isn't sure how good her rhythm will be— despite the fact that all of her time spent fencing means she's actually quite light on her feet. It's still an opportune song for the two of them to fumble their way through together, and Karin's smile turns a bit lopsided as Styx's nerves become more obvious.]

Hey.

[She gives his hand a squeeze, and gently pushes against his shoulder to encourage him in the direction he'd already started to shuffle in. They're off to a good start, he just needs a little confidence, she thinks.]

You're doing great.

[This may not be his kind of music, but the fact that he's a drummer means rhythm is in his blood.]

[tothemetal]

[it was true. even with his extremely awkward movements, every halting step was taken perfectly in time with the music. Styx doesn't need to focus on the beat to pick it up anymore, which gives his brain all of the leeway it needs to overthink itself into the beautiful tizzy it was in now.

...the knot in his chest does loosen when Karin smiles up at him like that, though. just a little bit.]

...thanks. 's hard not to psych yourself out, you know?

[he doesn't want this to be the only part of the night she looked back on with regret. hell, as far as he knows this could be her first dance of the evening! jeez.]

You're doing real good too, though! You know, uh. With the dancing.

[sonnestark]

I know— but don't worry so much! The important thing is to have fun, isn't it?

[And while she stands by that, it's worth noting that they are both doing quite well. They're both much better at this than either of them had given themselves credit for.]

And... thank you. I suppose swordplay and dancing aren't all that different, when you really think about it.

[Precise movements, careful balance. They're moving along pretty smoothly now; her own steps are becoming more sure as she lets him continue to set the pace, and her smile hitches wider as she grins up at him. Actually, they make a pretty good team, don't they?]

It must be the same for you, being a musician!

[tothemetal]

[at the very least they don't seem to be getting in each other's way, something that Styx considers a supreme victory. while he still doesn't feel as if they're exactly matching the movements of everyone else out here, they're definitely not the spotlight idiots of the evening...and that does wonders to help his tension ease up a little.]

They're like, basically the same, aren't they? Moving your feet 'nd waving your arms 'nd stuff.

[just, you know. with a sword you were trying to stab something. Karin's attempt to return the compliment makes him laugh, his head shaking slightly in rejection of the notion.]

This doesn't really have much to do with playing an instrument aside from keeping time...movement's totally different.

[sonnestark]

There's a huge difference in intent, but no, you're not wrong.

[Hearing him laugh when she's this close to him remains an experience; she can feel it rumbling in his chest and rolling through her in the moments that follow. Her smile softens, and she moves herself just a little bit closer to him as they dance, with little regard for whoever might be watching. Dancing wasn't meant to be done at arm's length, after all, and she gives his shoulder a small, affectionate squeeze.]

Keeping time is important! I think you're doing very well, personally. [She pauses briefly, before looking up to give him a knowing look, her smile having quickly gone from soft and affectionate to something bordering on sly.] I'm having fun, so that's the measurement that really matters, isn't it?

[tothemetal]

[it was acceptable to be close when dancing, yes, especially when it's of the formal nature. this unspoken fact is enough to keep Styx's gaze from wandering away from his partner, flitting from couple to couple to check that no one could see. he merely smiles instead, and allows himself the indulgence of returning that touch with a small pressure at her waist.]

'Course! Uh, I mean, would always be better if I could do it good 'nd let you have fun...but you're definitely the one that matters most.

[even with Karin's eyes practically glittering with mischief, the benign manipulation of his foibles remains totally invisible to the drummer. he can only answer earnestly, with another one of those sunny smiles. if she could grin at him, if he could look at this moment without regret, that was all he found important.]

[sonnestark]

[She has to wonder if it's intentional, the way he phrases things. Even if it isn't, she knows how he sees things well enough to know that it's not purely an accident that even something meant to be kind can come out self-deprecating, and she shakes her head even as she prepares to turn it back on him.]

Well, I wouldn't say matters most. Are you having fun?

[She can tell that he is, but— she kind of wants him to say it, to recognize in some small way that his feelings are just as important as anyone else's, even if it might seem unimportant to him. His smile is so earnest and the sentiment is so sweet that she's almost able to leave it unremarked, but it does bother her, that he thinks so very little of himself.]

[tothemetal]

Yeah! 'm always having fun.

[it doesn't connect. Karin is trying so hard, but the easy way in which her friend answers makes it clear that the realization she'd been hoping for had been dead on arrival. why shouldn't he be enjoying himself? there was so much to be excited for by the simple virtue of being alive.]

Tonight's extra killer, though...feel like I could jump the building if I really tried, haha!

[sonnestark]

[Well, she tried. Maybe this isn't really the time or place for it, anyway, but she has to try, right? For now, she gives another good-natured laugh in reply, narrowing her eyes at him a bit.]

I hope you don't mean literally. You don't even have wings!

[Though all teasing aside, she supposes a witch could do just about anything they put their minds to.]

But— that's good. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. That's important to me.

[tothemetal]

What's that got to do with anything? Ground's not going anywhere.

[the fact that he'd be easily turned into pavement pancake if he hit the ground at full force after a jump like that is as elusive as the earlier implication that his feelings held weight. Styx merely blinks a bit owlishly at her before laughing, in too good of a mood for even his usual dull confusion to hold on very long.]

...'s nice to see your friends happy, isn't it?

[the observation comes out a bit softer than the drummer had really intended, but...that feels right, ultimately. it's something that he understands very well.]

[sonnestark]

[It's more about the physics of him hitting the ground if he managed to make that kind of a jump, yes, but she's learning very quickly to pick her battles. She just shakes her head to dismiss it entirely, her smile pulling wider as she gives his shoulder another affectionate squeeze.]

Nevermind. You're right, it is. I can't think of anything better than seeing a smile on a friend's face.

[Something they certainly have in common, and her tone does soften a bit in response to his own.]

I was really looking forward to seeing you here tonight. Not just hearing you play, although I was looking forward to that, too, but— all of it. I've never really been able to enjoy an event like this before, and I can't think of anyone I would rather be dancing with.

[tothemetal]

Really? You've never been to a mask party?

[something about that surprises Styx, clear on his face even with most of it hidden or otherwise distorted. something about his friend was just...well, fancy, he supposed. a masquerade seemed like the sort of thing that Karin would have attended to the point of boredom.

that she hasn't, that she's been excited to share that first with him of all people, makes him feel extremely shy. the drummer's gaze drops down to their feet, a soft blush spreading beneath a mercifully thick layer of corpse paint.]

It's, uh...guess it's kinda selfish, isn't it? But 'm glad. That you get to do it with me instead of somebody else, I mean. Firsts are real important.

[sonnestark]

[She shakes her head again in response, though her fond smile remains. The steps they've fallen into are easy enough to follow, the music leading them smoothly, proof that neither of them had really had much to worry about with regards to making fools of themselves.]

Some fancy events while I was in the military, but not like this. I had to be in uniform for all of them, and it wasn't quite the same. I may have crashed another ball with Yuri and the others once, as well, but we weren't there to dance. Here, there's nobody to answer to. We can just relax and enjoy ourselves.

[She's absolutely on board with that. It's nice, not to have anything else to worry about for a night. This evening has been a long overdue respite for all involved, she thinks.

Though she can't see the blush beneath his paint, she does watch his gaze drop, and she knows him well enough to guess at what it means.]

Mmm— I don't think it's selfish. [The current song is slow enough that she has the opportunity to pause in her movement long enough to go up on her toes and lean in without warning, pressing a chaste and careful kiss against the corner of his mouth, paint and all.] You're right, firsts are very important, and a big part of what makes them special is who you share them with.

[tothemetal]

[ah, that's-

the beat may be easy to follow, but when he feels Karin's lips press up against him the drummer comes to a complete standstill nonetheless. his strong arm prevents her from stumbling...over her feet, at the very least. no promises on any hiccups in her mind over having been bold enough to do something like that, not when his own was practically emitting sparks from the overload.

his mouth works convulsively, trying to speak, but absolutely nothing manifests. accepting that he's been overwhelmed, Styx chooses to hide himself completely in his friend's invitingly soft hair.]

...the paint don't taste good, Karin.

[the words, spoken at length and nearly incoherent for how deeply into her scalp they're emerging, come from a place of reluctant experience. nontoxic though it may be, there's nothing pleasant about accidentally getting stage makeup on your tongue.]

[sonnestark]

[Ah— maybe that had been a bit too much? This particular form of escape for him has become pretty standard by now, and Karin does him a kindness by biting at her lower lip to keep a laugh from escaping. Instead, she lets out a thoughtful hum as she quickly swipes a thumb against her lower lip. A small bit of white paint does come away on it, but nothing more.]

I think I'm safe.

[No paint disasters here. Her expression does shift slightly, however— she's concerned about having overstepped somewhere along the way.]

Was that too much? I just did it without thinking, it felt like the right thing.

[They had discussed that kissing at any time was alright with both of them, after all. Maybe that had just been in the heat of that particular moment?]

[tothemetal]

[Karin pleeeeeeease. she doesn't laugh but he can practically feel it bubbling up inside herself, keeping him rooted in place right up until her uncertainty rolls in. he can't ignore that, no matter how shy he's currently feeling, and it snaps his gaze from her hair back down to his friend in an instant.]

No, no, you didn't do nothing wrong! 'm just...

[he trails off, turning red again beneath his layers.]

Wasn't ready, 's all. Surprised me.

[sonnestark]

[At least even in its earliest stages, it was a well-meaning laugh? Not laughing at him so much as the situation— but those may not be different enough at the moment to count. Either way, there's no threat of laughter now as she finds herself concerned about his feelings, not to mention the boundaries she might have accidentally crossed.

If nothing else, she doesn't think Styx is the type to tell her something is okay when it's not.]

I seem to keep surprising you.

[There's a sheepish note in her voice, her own cheeks flushing slightly in turn. This wasn't quite as jarring as before, she's certain— it was far more chaste and there was no roof for him to step off of, but maybe being in public added another level of complexity she hadn't considered. Even if that's the case, she's not even sure anyone would have noticed, busy as they are with their own dance partners.]

You bring that out in me, apparently.

[tothemetal]

That's good, though!

[without really thinking he reaches out, massive fingers nudging gently at one of Karin's pink cheeks. it's a cute shade on her, a more diluted companion to the blazing red she always carried from head to toe now. the other dancers are still on his mind (being noticed when doing something always is a concern) but they've faded to the background for the moment, his entire world having narrowed down to contain only his friend and soft words of encouragement.]

Means you're getting to do stuff you haven't before. Uh, you know - like growing, I guess? 'nd that's real killer.