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

[autotome]

[ he— he’s lost in all this pitch black orbs that— ]

Aff—

[ eren’s lips apart clasp back together with a swallow so dry it could be heard from outside the shrubbery. yeah. he doesn’t know what to say and wishes that he hadn’t stopped to try. fuck. you can kiss! but you can’t talk. lmfao.

please, kill him before the colors do, his scales are bordering a neon pink. he’s just going to get this done with and forces it out with a mental kick. ]

What— can we be?

[ since what am i to you resulted in family. ]

[stopfen]

[She was still, so still, just watching. Only to flinch at the strange noise he made, antenna flicking forward and hanging over his face. What?? Did that mean something? It got a low, reverberating chirp from her as she tensed again.

Then silence.

Such a heavy silence. She wasn't even able to spread her wings from the weight of it. Her antenna drooping.]

Ah- [She gave a just as wordy response. Her tongue darting out again to wet her lips, it had no effect though. Her mouth was too dry. All it achieved was pulling a loose bit of his poncho into her mouth. The fae making a small choking noise. Then more silence.] uuh-um [Mikasa that was just gibberish! But she couldn't words. Thinking of those old dreams from when she was younger, of being a family. That dream was now completely impossible. Even in this place, even if Eren said that they had more time here, that dream she'd had as a child was still impossible.

So there's an inhale. Then Mikasa was attempting to wiggle backwards, her shirt getting caught again as she tried to backpedal to freedom. Wings and secondary limbs reaching out in a flurry of movement. Panic setting in.]

[autotome]

[ . . . "no". what else was he expecting, spelling it out? this was more than enough of one.

he couldn't say anything against it, action spoke louder. his expression is indecipherable then, going from a fumbling hot pocket of passion to falling back into a miserable reality; his scales, brightly colored from reds to oranges and even pink begin to fade to a numbing, opaque plum that looked so dull the blackness seemed like kin.

his hands pull off of her, to the branches of the bush they hid among to spread his webbed digits and dig his talons into the flora to create an easy opening for a getaway behind her, large enough for her wings to spread. eren dips his head then, to mask an incredible amount of sadness he hadn't expected to feel— it was overwhelming, and was stupid, but in that moment it brought everything back in a wave: he feels that he has lost the right to feel any of it. he lets her go, but deep in his chest it strangles him for her to say.

he just hopes she leaves quickly, now. ]

[stopfen]

[She doesn't.

Just wiggling and peddling backward until she could sit on her haunches(and his tail) shock still and staring. Head tilting, antenna hanging limp after one last twitch. The question echoing in her head. Internally trying to work out what those words meant. Her own flustered panic blinding her to the change in mood as she squeaked out a word that was so distorted even she couldn't tell what it'd been.

Mikasa remained there awkwardly sat and trying to get her words out.

What could they be... She wasn't sure...]

W-will you... stay..? [Stay and not leave her behind. Like he had so many times?] This time..?

[What was worse, trying to put her feelings into words after so many years only to be left and discarded again? Or stay silent and not get her hopes up.]

[autotome]

[ would he stay? the uncertainty isn’t without warrant, but eren nearly says with irony dead in his thoughts: where else would i go? his head remains low, his tail withdraws, and his bangs drop from over his forehead.

with a good crack for good measure, eren snaps the resisting branches into a permanent hole to escape from, all while bringing his wings back to his lap; his last to fingers curl to slim the webbed folds and keep to himself. he only raises an index finger to brush under his nose with an absent sniff, then shrugging as his limbs draped to the middle of his lap. ]

It’s what I’m doing. [ —it’s fine. he’s not looking at her though, even turning his head. ] You shouldn’t let me keep you.

[ because that’s what she wanted to do before, right? run off. this was some major payback, he’ll admit. ]

[stopfen]

[She remained stilling part on him, as little of an effect her weight would have. Peering at him with those large shiny black eyes. Chest heaving as she tried to recover her breath from the activity and panic. Her ears giving a little twitch behind her hair at the snapping of branches as she keeps her focus on him.]

I...[She cleared her throat, voice firming.] I want to stay. [She'd always stayed before] You always move...

[Always just out of reach.]

[autotome]

[ he's always drifted away from all of them because he's always been searching for something missing. something he wanted in his hands ever since he was shown he could have something. ]

Things . . . Change.

[ maybe he couldn't change what he felt was already done and couldn't be undone, but with something that felt like a fresh start, well. he could. especially when aefenglom is feeling more like home than paradis was. there was no room left for him— but mikasa still had her life ahead of her there, didn't she? they couldn't have exactly what they wanted back home. none of them could, and for that— ]

Sorry that it had to be here.

[stopfen]

[Her face fell at that. 'Here', the finality of it. Like it was impossible, back home...A sigh slipping out as she shuffled. Still awkwardly perched on him but adjusting herself so his tail wasn't caught under her. ]

...What does that mean? What is here? [It was...his own question sent back at him just with different words. Because she didn't know. He still felt so distant, out of reach. Like he'd already given up on them and moved on ahead. Slowly, she exhaled again. Body slumping forward as her forehead crashed into his collar, resting against it.

He'd...mentioned wanting to be a part of her life here. She...actually had a life here now and she wasn't sure what role he was playing in it. Not with the stolen moments they'd had that she couldn't place a name too. Did it need a name? She wasn't sure. This was all new to her, a tangled mess of feelings that she couldn't decipher.]

I... [She moved her head closer, muffling herself in him.] care about you... A lot. [More than herself at times even.]

[autotome]

[ could he say it out loud? when he thought she would leave (because why wouldn’t she), she says, her weight is dipped just between his chest and shoulders, and eren feels— heat, heat where his heart beats and skips an entire thump when she stays there, speaks there. the dragon’s arm wings hesitate for only a second, but less than three and they wrap around her. they cling to her, squeeze her in an embrace he doesn’t think he’s shared. from here he inhales, sharply to keep his emotion at a safe bay but inhaling the scent of her tickling hair in his face with how he’s buried into her neck’s nook.

for a second, two, three, for as long as he kept her close, he desired to just stay here and forget everything else. his cheek pressed into her’s in a moment of uncensored want that they could never have. ]

—I didn’t say anything when I realized because I’d die anyway.

[ he confesses it with uncharacteristic strain in his voice. he was already too far from them and had to ensure not just his own freedom, but— their’s. he tried his damned best to in the worst way, and let her go in the worst way. ]

Mikasa. [ he’s come to this conclusion and doesn’t care if it makes him weak. maybe he’ll just end up going back and forth again through the mirrors, but there’s one thing he wants. it hadn’t been about giving up— it was about letting go and finding all of this again. ] I want to stay. Even if we have to go back— [ his swallow his tight, even audible. ] I want to live.

[stopfen]

[She stayed, her head resting on his chest. Her eyes squeezed shut as they burned. Fingers tightening so hard that the chitin coating them creaked. Her head only budging slightly when his pressed against her. Mikasa just wanted to stay like this, just hold him. Like she couldn't before and try not to think for this short moment... If she thought then she'd get even more upset.

Not that she needed her own thoughts to make her breath hitch. Nuzzling closer, that close that he might have felt her slight tears starting to seep through, smell the salt of them. If he could feel that after being dunked in the fountain.

She...Wasn't sure what to say to that. Because she'd talked about staying during the party. How she couldn't. How she had too many people who needed her. Eren though... ]

I don't want you to die... [Though she wasn't sure what would happen. She might die herself. With the rumbling started there was so much that could happen. She wanted Eren to live, but she wasn't sure how that was possible unless the rumbling was a success- Something she didn't want. But if they stopped the rumbling the outside world would retaliate.

Eventually, she inhales. Swallowing as she blinked her eyes to mask the tears before pulling back again so she could look at him.] ...Sorry for the water.

[She'd not known it was him when she'd dived. But it seemed important to apologise. This wasn't a deliberate act to be annoying like with the knife and Mettaton's arm. She hadn't done it out of anger.]

[autotome]

[ it's not something he wants to comment on, either. it's simply inevitable sadness that hadn't been worth talking too much about in depth— it hadn't gone ignored, though. he still heard it, processed it, and reacted to it. he still held her, his wings squeezed her sides and he nestled mikasa better into his lap. he must have been as comfy and warm as a damp cat earlier, his hair in wet locks that had begun to dry faster once his tattoos had kicked in for the better. in the night glow of them, a comforting orange of ruins that lit up on his scales, eren's tail ripples to join the embrace. he only sighs to it and follows up with the last thing said. ]

It's fine. [ it makes him think about how many things he's sorry for— ] I'm drying already.

[ and with a roll of his shoulder, he says into her hair, ]

It was probably funny, anyway.

[ even with him trying to talk about something else and carry on— it didn't rid him of the burning between his ribs, the sweet limpness in his limbs and how much it felt like his heart was vibrating more than beating. ]

[stopfen]

[Her shoulders shook, her body slumping forward again, head resting on his collar again. Hiding the near tears again. But his distraction was a success..? In that Mikasa didn't go back to the topic it was anyway. Her shoulders giving another hitch as gave a snort that started as a sniff. Trying to make it seem like a laugh and not her stopping herself from crying.]

It... It was. [She couldn't hug him. Not with how his wings connected, but slowly her tightened fingers unwound themselves from his clothes. Drifting into a half-hug. It was all she could manage with the membrane stopping her from wrapping her arms around him.

Taking another breath she continues, voice cracking midway.] Especially- When you got out...

[And bolted.]

[autotome]

[ eren feels her moving, where the leathery films of his wings would softly budge to her shifting but impede her fingers from going any further than that. he heard her laugh. he heard her cry. he's unsure if he's heard it or seen it before. he has. more than once. swiftly and gently, eren's own hand unfurl from their hold on her, but only temporarily as they nudge her arms to his shoulders, around his neck— there, if she wanted to embrace him the same way he did now, arms returning to her frame and keeping her chest to his, she could.

eren's body further declines until his back is pressed to the grassy floor, and mikasa's weight is on his chest. huh . . . he could see the sky from here. ]

There was another time I heard you laugh like that.

[stopfen]

[She let him. The fear of being so close seeping away as exhaustion won out. Her arms almost limp in his grasp as he moved them up. She didn't wrap them around her like he had with his wings though. Leaving them loose so she could move them, stop them from being crushed under him as he slowly slid down. Her following, only this time she didn't try to bury herself in fabric to hide from him.

Just resting, her ear pressed against his chest. One arm curling under her as she got comfortable. Breathing steadying again as she listened. Even if her voice still shook.]

...You have?

[autotome]

[ maybe they could stay here . . . all night. he wouldn't mind it, even if it was some ways cold out here. his chest was warm enough with her on it to fool him. from around mikasa's body, one of his hands rise to her head, to her hair, and gently strokes down silky black strands. ]

When I saw the fake knife. [ he's not feeling a grudge about that. well, since they're talking about funny things to do to him. ] How much were you smiling?

[stopfen]

[She was settled, only giving a small nod. A grunt of agreement. It was hard to forget that though she did mumble-]

You saw that... [Even with her attempt at hiding with an illusion. She'd know she wasn't the best at maintaining it, but she'd thought she'd gotten away without him seeing her. That he'd been too distracted by the knife and her illusion had been good enough to make her escape.

But she did give another small snort. Not quite a laugh, it was faked. Too forced to have been a gigglefit.] I got it on the moving photos... So Mettaton could see.

[Aww look, they made a home movie.]

[autotome]

[ ......... she got his breakdown on video. there's something about him, even while holding her, that has him completely stilled. the tongue doesn't come out and he's even stopped breathing for a second. before he exhales, the tongue breaks his lengthy pause. ]

I only realized too late. [ you know what? ] Let me see.

[stopfen]

[That makes her lift her head, giving him a frown. Face scrunching enough to make one of the tears trailed down. After all her effort reigning them in.]

Why? ... I'm not getting rid of it. [It was going so well. But she was only suspicious, not upset.] Besides, I sent it to Meatton too. [So that meant there was more than one copy.]