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

[usurpers]

[ like— her bonded? her bonded was ursula, wasn’t it? while eren dips his chin down to watch and gauge her more facial reactions, he finds himself stringing together another web of explanations. his own bond at this point, styx, was his complete opposite with so many little similarities that connected like vines. there was trust and yearning for him, for his way of life and sense of self. there was a special touch to them. they had the chance to understand each other intimately, like no other— the same had gone for mikleo, lex and elliot. but that still didn’t explain, some bonds were strictly professional, or a friendship running deep, or, whatever else that was difficult to really put into tangible wording. it’s why he asks, his wing draping along her back to the shoulder his hand settles on. ]

. . . We understand each other. Probably more than anyone else. [ it probably (more than likely) went unsaid, but both knew of each other’s actions back in their homes, and neither had run from the other because of it. ] What kind of Bond do you have with Ursula?

[ he’s trying to figure out what she means when she says . . . it was like that. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede hummed quietly, a sound more felt than heard. Her tail slowed when she felt Eren's wing drape on her, swishing to a stop on her foot. Her brow furrowed a bit in thought, but Kaede didn't frown.]

She's...precious to me. [Just thinking about Chariot made Kaede's thoughts grow soft at the edges. That gentle smile, the bottomless patience. The persistence in showing her the kindness Kaede didn't think she deserved.]

She understands me, too. What I am, what I was. And she hasn't turned away. I...

[The words seemed strangely heavy for her to say. Kaede hadn't said them out loud very much; she didn't need to linger on sluggish and clumsy sounds when there was a Bond to convey what she thought and felt.

Here, though, those words were all the tools she had.

Kaede sighed through her nose, and tried again.]

I love her. I trust you. So it's...I don't know.

[In that library beneath, she'd felt a brief flash of indecision. She wanted to hold both of them, but couldn't reach. And the way she'd seen Eren's mood and scales dim felt like a knife point twisting in her chest.]

[autotome]

[ “precious” . . . it’s something he can surely relate to, in both feeling and feeling it for her. eren has had a group of precious friends that he wouldn’t say he didn’t love. he never used the word, and plenty could argue (even himself) that he was less than worthy to say it again when the despair he brought and the reasons he used . . . weren’t only for them. there are certain things love doesn’t allow, and it doesn’t erase that he hurt them plenty to protect them.

he doesn’t have to, here. he knows it’s only a matter of time before the lights dim in his home without a proper, hm, body to return to and only a temporary vessel to finish what he started. kaede is next to him here, telling him what she could— perhaps any further romantic agenda flies right over his horns. friends who’re precious for each other can have intimacy, no problems. right? after all— ]

I feel the same way.

[ he comprehends. perhaps not fully, but in his own way, he shares it. he shares the sentiment and looks upon her. ]

I’ll be happy for you, if you could live that here for a really long time.

[ as far as he knew? chimeras were second best when it came to their lifespans, only losing to dragons and fae. knowing her circumstance— he means what he says. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[The tangle of things in Kaede's chest was too complex and multiheaded to be severed neatly--but that answer converted some of the tangles to something soft and recognizable. That, this affectionate warmth--that, she could identify. She let some of it escape and drive her motions, butting her head gently up against Eren's, letting the thoughtful rumbles coalesce into a contented purr. Her tail flicked across to twine with the end of his.]

I'll try to.

[It was out of her mouth before the oddness of it caught up; how strange, to be...committed to living. To not be waiting for an escape from a nightmarish life by slipping into the thoughtless, painless dark.

But the mirrors' whims had taken her out of that. Brought her to the shoreline on the other side, changed her shape, and let her loose. She could live here. She could love here. This path was hers to walk.]

[autotome]

[ there was something about trying that would always end short. instead, his head is knocked, and eren agreeably shifts to willingly pressing the middle of their foreheads together– a spot that was intimate as it was one to be protected, and he’s giving it to her; his mellowing is apparent like watching dawn dip to dusk, the sluggishness to his own tail twining one that takes its time to feel every brush like thousands of little sparks. it made his hairs raise and his scales ripple, to the point that his own words start and end with the deep, throaty drum of purrs returned. ]

I know you will.

[ his lips press at the corner of her mouth and the start of her cheek, in no rush to go anywhere immediate and already feeling the running across his scales once he tuned to the texture and superficial taste she had, of feather dust and fur, of bone and . . . cherry? ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[That touch coaxed yet more of that fluttery warmth out of her chest; brushing foreheads together always felt more significant to Kaede, though kisses were their own sort of language. To be able to trust someone enough to touch her face, to share the same breath--it made the contact all the more significant. The Chimera felt his limbs go a bit slack, and slipped an arm protectively around his waist just in case he should fall. Her tail curled a bit closer too, though it alone wouldn't have helped much.

But nothing like that happened. Just the brush of his warm breath on her cheek, and the kiss that followed. Kaede pressed up against it, and him, fitting herself to Eren's side like an insistent glove so she could feel more of the rumbles in his voice, the warmth of his body.

While her mouth was still free, she murmured quieter than a whisper.]

We should go somewhere else.

[This masquerade may have gotten her to tolerate people better, but this was leading to a bit more than a dance. And the open fountain behind them was a bit more of a hazard than an enclosed boat.]

[autotome]

(➡️)