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

[long_live_the_queen]

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

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

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

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

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

[exsoldier]

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

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

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

We'll figure it out.

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

[long_live_the_queen]

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

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

[exsoldier]

[ Zack is no master dancer and hasn't ever really been at an event quite like this, where the dancing was supposed to be fancy and regimented rather than spontaneous and improvised, but he was at ease enough with himself that he could relax, not think too hard about it, and just move with the music.

Kaede, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling with every step. She was following his lead and hadn't missed any beats, but it was clearly taking all of her focus to keep up. ]

Hey, it's all right. [ He squeezes her shoulder, a brief reassurance, and then takes her through a quick twirl. ] Just relax, move with the music. We're not here to impress anyone, right?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Zack's voice startled her a bit, and a few of the feathers in her crest puffed out in response. The touch at her shoulder was at least calming enough to make her spine unstiffen, if just a little. The other Chimera's confidence helped too.]

I know, just...

[Kaede's long feathered tail kept her balanced quite neatly as they spun, and she didn't make any undignified concerned squeaks.

A far cry from the Monster who tore her way out of chains and through a necromancer's thralls.]

It's hard to let go sometimes.

[exsoldier]

[ They're both a far cry from that night, and that's the good thing about this masquerade, isn't it? It's just another way for them to prove to themselves that they're not mindless monsters, no matter how much the word might be used. They can dance around this ballroom with just as much grace as anyone else, if they want.

But Zack gathers that he's pulling something out of Kaede, bit by bit, and he isn't going to let that chance get away from him. His grip on her is firm and grounding as they continue to spin and step and shift across the dancefloor, but he dips his head to try and meet her eyes as he asks: ]

Let go of what?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede blinked, as she realized the layered thing she just said.]

...a lot of things, I guess.

[Before, she would have broken eye contact to glance away; she easily could have, if she wished, and blamed it on a stumble or fidget.

But she didn't.]

Staying...wary, of people, is what I meant.

[Some people were simply ambivalent, some were...were kind. But ever since she was very small she had learned to distrust them all wholesale. There was always a chance of a wretched one, a cruel thing that snuck past her armor if she wasn't vigilant enough.

And it had been so long Kaede had forgotten what it was like without such armor at all. There was...much she missed. Much she didn't allow herself to feel.

Here, though, that armor had started coming undone. More people could see who was beneath it. And...she hadn't felt a reason to put it back into place, not yet.]

[exsoldier]

[ Staying wary of people. Zack takes another glance around the room, at the variety of people surrounding them. Some monsters, others witches, but most everyone Mirrorbound. It seems like here, of all places, one could let their guard down. Had Kaede been burned by someone here? Or was it just in her nature to distrust people first and foremost?

That's the missing piece he couldn't quite pick up, yet. He'd gathered from their interactions that Kaede was a careful type, that she didn't trust or warm to others easily. The why of that, though...

Maybe it's not fair to ask, especially when they're in the middle of a dance, distracted by keeping step with each other. But he can't help but be curious, all the same. ]

Are you wary because of how people treat monsters here? [ A year's worth of bad experiences would do that to a person, and chimeras were some of the most hated here. ] Or is it something else?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede fell quiet for a moment, focusing on the next few steps. And how to answer. It wasn't something she liked to reveal to strangers.

Zack wasn't one. Even if he didn't remember.

But it was still...a painful topic, to delve too deeply into.]

How people look at me here--I'm used to it.

[Kaede's claws convulsively twitched and flexed, tightening her grip.]

It's people who were the monsters, before the mirror. If they saw me liking something, they'd know what to aim for next.

[exsoldier]

[ An upbeat party like this may not be the best place to talk about something so personal, Zack realizes, but now that he's gotten Kaede to open up even slightly, he doesn't want to let the chance slip away.

There's enough activity, between the music and the other people dancing, that he knows no one else is listening in on them. She can feel safe in his grip, at least. Her own becomes sharp around his arms, claws digging in just slightly, but he barely reacts to it. He's just focused on Kaede. ]

But why? What reason did they have to treat you like that?

[ He knows very little about her past or the kind of world that she came from, and only hopes she'll trust him enough to explain. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[It was hard to put the lid back on once that bottle had been opened, though Kaede certainly tried. If she spoke about the orphanage and her life before in general terms, maybe...maybe it would relieve enough pressure that she could bottle the rest up.

Zack wasn't the worst person to hear this sort of thing. He'd seen her weakness before, and hadn't turned it back on her.]

Because I was different. And there was only one of me.

[Her claws tightened, and tightened--to the point even Kaede noticed. With a chagrined flick of her ears and a sigh, she loosened her grasp.]

Everyone was miserable. If there was a chance to make someone more miserable, the rest didn't seem so bad.

[It was a spiteful child's logic, and it had come to define and overshadow everything her life had become.]

[exsoldier]

[ Slowly the pieces start to come together, and while they're not coalescing into an image that Zack likes much, this isn't about him. This is Kaede's past, and there's no changing it, but knowing it and learning it and making sure that she knows it wasn't right? That's important. ]

Don't care how miserable they were. It doesn't make it right to take it out on someone else.

[ He wants to make that clear first and foremost. At this point, their dance may as well be as much background noise as the music, and as soon as the song ends, Zack halts, taking a moment to reach up to grip Kaede's shoulders. ]

I'm sorry that you had to go through that. It wasn't fair.

[ At this point she's probably gripped him hard enough to leave a few marks, but he doesn't call attention to that either. ]

... Wanna find somewhere to sit?

[long_live_the_queen]

[It took a moment for Kaede to stop, a foot still hanging in the air to take another step before she belatedly put it down. She blinked up at him when Zack grasped her shoulders, his touch gentle but firm. And at last the sound of the dwindling music filtered past those memories, his words bringing up different ones. Zack's encouragements were welcome and--familiar, calling her to the present instead of lingering in the dusty dark.]

Thought you'd say that.

[The red-feathered Chimera sighed quietly through her nose, and her tail flicked from side to side, now unconcerned with being trodden on.]

...sure. The fountain or the gardens?

[exsoldier]

[ It feels right to get away from all the crowds for at least a little bit, in light of this conversation and where it's gone. Kaede doesn't protest the suggestion and Zack takes just a few seconds to consider her question. ]

Gardens, I think. Haven't had the chance to check them out yet.

[ With that, he leads them away from the dance floor, grabbing a snack off of the food table for the road before they head out into the cool night air.

It's only once they're strolling through the gardens that he speaks up again, sending a sidelong glance to Kaede as he does. ]

So... if you had the choice, would you rather stay here?

[ Her home doesn't sound like a great place, based on the little he's heard. ]

smh mouse sensitivity

[long_live_the_queen]

[The cool air was refreshing; the dance floor hadn't been terribly stifling, but every step Kaede took from crowds was more relaxed from the next. She fell into easy step beside him, used to matching the strides of much taller people. And for awhile, she was content to simply walk where there weren't any others besides Zack and silent plants in their neat rows.

Where she was careful, even hesitant and slow before, this time she answered without the slightest pause.]

Yes.

[Then, though, she glanced at some unimportant tangle of vines.]

I have...nothing to go back to.

[Not even an empty grave. Just the lingering memories of people who wanted nothing to do with her anymore, if the dead even dreamed. Kaede shook her head, the beads strung in her antlers rattling softly.]

[exsoldier]

[ There's someone about the way that Kaede says those words that makes Zack stop dead in his tracks. While he's all too aware of his own circumstances, he doesn't usually consider that others might be in the same boat as him.

Maybe he's just jumping to conclusions, imposing his own situation on someone else. It could be that Kaede is more speaking to the fact that no one where she came from had wanted anything to do with her — wrong as they were to treat her that way.

Slowly, he turns back toward her, locking gazes for a few seconds before he heaves out a sigh and nods. ]

It's the same for me. This world may have its issues, but it's what I've got. I don't want to waste it.

[ What little time he has left, before the mirrors send him back... he wants to make it count. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede carried on for a step or so when Zack stopped; when she noticed his absence, she paused to look over her shoulder. There was something comforting bout his gaze, despite the heavy topic at hand.]

My Bonded is here. I have...a home, here. I can deal with some feathers.

[The other Chimera's tail swished away from her ankles with finality.]

If that world wants a dead woman back so badly it'll have to come and get me.

[exsoldier]

[ A home. The word might seem simple enough, but it holds a lot of significance. Kaede has decided to settle in here, has chosen this place over the world in which she was born.

Of course, in the next breath she confirms what Zack had already guessed. She's dead back there anyway. There's no reason not to see this as home.

So he nods, understanding completely. In a few months, he'll likely be in her shoes, even if he's still not quite at the point where he can think of Aefenglom as 'home.' ]

I hope that doesn't happen. [ There's a brief moment of hesitation before Zack reaches out to set his hand on Kaede's shoulder. ] I hope you get to stay here for as long as you want.

[ Now, does he say something? Maybe she already knows. She was honest with him, though, so it seems only right to return the favor. He pulls back, retracting his hand, and then manages a bright grin. ]

Anyway, I'm in the same boat, so I get what you're saying.

[long_live_the_queen]

[This time, Kaede didn't flinch back, though she did hold herself very still. When Zack patted her shoulder, it seemed to release some of the tension she was holding back; she sighed through her nose, and her posture relaxed under his hand.

She wasn't shocked by his admission, nor dismayed. Kaede nodded, just slightly.]

You told me. Before, when we were both at the Mirror House.

[Ah, that smile. It was infectious as much as earnest, and before she realized, the edge of Kaede's mouth curved up too.]

...thanks, Zack.

[exsoldier]

[ It's rare to see Kaede smile, and Zack can't help but feel like he's done something good if he's managed to pull one out of her, small as it might be. It was the right choice to trust her with this, especially if he did once before. ]

Any time, Kaede.

[ There's a brief temptation to reach out and thumb at her check, a small affectionate sort of gesture, but he withholds. He's gathered by now that she's not used to unexpected physical contact, which might seem at odds with what she'd told him about their arrangement before, but this is different. ]

Wanna walk around here for a little longer? Then we can head back.

[ He finds that he's enjoying the calm, quiet nature of the gardens, especially in comparison to all the activity indoors. ]