MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

[rightfoot]

WELCOME TO THE MASQUERADE

I. Arrival

The event starts mid-evening, Noveur 8, 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 deep blue 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 large 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, deep blue, and dark purple. 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 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.

There some seating nearer to the walls without tables, as well, for those who maybe wish to take a moment to themselves or need a few seconds to relax. There's also some standing room for those who maybe are there more to socialize and enjoy the company of others, rather than dancing.

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 feature 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.

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.

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 drawn together. 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 softly 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 talent of both Elliot and Wataru on their violins, as well as people from within the city to provide the music.

There's a variety of music to play through the night. Most of the music is upbeat through the night, encouraging you to grab a partner and dance. Songs like waltzes are the most prominently played, as they're perfect for beginners and experienced dancers alike. And then, from there, there's some slower paced, romantic songs - though they are less frequent. Whenever those play, find someone you want to get close to and take a chance to dance and maybe even have a quiet conversation.

Whatever your mood, you will find a song that you'd love to dance to, as long as you want to dance.

IV. 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 hit me up if you have any questions; ICly: This takes place on the 8th. Putting this up early is to help ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy themselves! And, if your threads need any warnings of any sort, please add them as you go! ♥ Thank you all!

Comments

viren, ota

[bloodwit]

[ to note: viren’s dressed for the occasion (thank you, ruby!!). easy to tell that he feels quite sharp, as well. he's wearing an enchanted mask only for prompt i ]

i. tail troubles

[ because life ain't fair, viren's found himself with a rambunctious extra appendage in the nick of time for this affair; it feels odd, and unnatural, and he's still adjusting. the tail's long and serpentine, its spikes lined with brown and graying and other light fur; it drags across the ground when he forgets it, lashes to and fro when he feels a spike of emotion.

ultimately (and as should become mighty apparent): he's yet to really acclimate to it. perhaps he's passing by someone's table when it swipes through the air to catch against someone's drink or plate. whatever the case, there's a resulting crash as something hits the ground, and viren whipping around to address whoever he’s burdened, or whoever else happens to have witnessed that little spectacle, ]

Blasted thing--!

[ --his tail, he means. which he's going to grab at now, thank you... ]

ii. you guessed it.. wAlLfLoWeRiNg

[ despite any dragonic instincts (among individuals) having pushed him to attend, viren doesn't... quite allow himself to dance freely. in fact, he's found at himself at an isolated table off to the side, sipping at his whiskye; he’s traded his mask for something black and scarlet and now devoid of magic. he habitually checks his pocketwatch; this is done either for the time or for some message that gives him a solid excuse to leave.

maybe he's incidentally joined another at the table. sorry, he apparently didn't think to ask permission first. ]

iii. some sloppy tfln text here

[ viren doesn't feel any ... strong obligation, here, but once the night's stretched on longer, he has to remark to himself: this is getting -- a bit ridiculous.

but if you've spoken with viren at least twice (and provided he can recognize you), then he's delivering a pretty sharp tap to the shoulder. maybe he noticed a stumble or so, overheard some particularly slurred speech, spied someone chugging their eigth drink or the like, etcetc.

looking unimpressed, an eyebrow lifting, along with a tone that denotes all the disinterest of someone remarking upon the weather, ]

Perhaps you've had enough.

[ cue an egregiously thin smile at that; while he doubts his dedication to this cause, it's not really up for debate. ]

iv. wildcard me

( ooc: you know the drill )

ii!

[foursakes]

[ a slender woman approaches viren at some point during the night, her enchanted mask obscuring her identity, but her poise the picture of elegance, hair, dress and all. she's— she's aware, what happened the month before, what she did to others, her sudden disappearance afterwards to attempt to deal with the monstrosity she was. it's gone now, the black swan is gone, the voice of madness was gone, the monster in her . . . was gone. was she wrong? no. she was ill in the head, then. she was not ill today.

there was no lie detector in her to reveal the lies she made of herself. things were as they should be. viren has changed since then, hasn't he? she wants to approach him. part of her would still like his company, part of her— all of her needed company, and no man had come so close as he did. age doesn't matter (unless you're her sister, three. her disciple was old). ]

May I have this dance, ser?

[ it felt appropriate, to approach him the same way she had some months ago: curtsy, and hand out. she wanted to speak to him, apologize— but could not find it in herself to arrive exposed. ]

[bloodwit]

[ viren gives the figure a glance over, not bothering to hide his judgement with the look -- difficulty being, he can't find any fault with this person. there may be a flicker of recognition to how he's approached, but with the anonymity, and the generality of the invitation, the thought's dismissed. ]

[ does he answer immediately? no. he takes a longer, more contemplative sip again, settling the glass back with a little clink. something about dancing -- still felt like a waste of time, and yet here he was, purposefully at a dance. his claws drum against the tabletop. ]

It's not something I do often — dancing, for the sake of it.

[ he nods his head to indicate beyond her, to a more lively group of people. ]

You will find more receptive partners elsewhere.

[foursakes]

[ reluctant as ever, it seems. four keeps her poise, and hopes that her standing there still, with her hand out and legs gracefully bent, that her offer would be reconsidered. ]

And what if it is with you, that I’d like to dance with?

II

[weirdnecro]

[He's a social creature, but he's...pretending not to be and attending his drink. She had been eating a bit of finger food when he come sitting at her table, and...she didn't think he saw her at all.

Which is hilarious because he was part of her himbo arrival crew and all. She waited for a few moments for him to realize he wasn't alone, before she cleared her throat.

And she was sitting, elbow propped on the table, chin on her hand.]

Trying to avoid someone?

[bloodwit]

[ indeed, he hadn't taken proper note of sokie -- his head turns toward her, eyes widened. he finishes the drink of whiskey he'd been in the midst of having, then taking care not to set the glass back down too hard. ]

Oh, no. I don't avoid others.

[ there's a twitch of his lips at that, like it's funny -- he's purposeful in having people avoid him, you see. ]

But, my. Sokie, the one of many names! [ dryly. ] What a pleasure.

[weirdnecro]

[Whoops. Sokie's glass was half drained-not of whiskey, but of wine. Ah, someone was a little unsettled, wasn't he? That, if nothing else, kept the smile on her face, as if she was enjoying a good little joke to herself.

Though most of the time, it looked as if she was enjoying a little joke.]

I see I left an impression on you Viren. Such a pleasure to see you again.

[Lightly, she dragged her finger against the rim of her glass, her eyes still on him. Ah. Looked like he was becoming a dragon. That, or a chimera, but she was betting dragon. They were common among the mirrorbound it seemed.]

Been keeping busy?

i

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning isn't sitting at a table, but she is passing by the spectacle when it happens. Behind her mask, she tries to stifle her snort of laughter, though she does feel bad for the woman who's now spilled red wine all over her fancy new dress... but her amusement is incredibly short-lived because when Viren whips around to address that person, his tail swipes at her legs and knocks Lightning over.

Any other time, she might have seen it coming and leapt out of the way, but... A) she's completely out of her element right now, and B) these heels are killer. The mask impending her peripherals isn't very helpful, either.

Her glass of fruit punch falls to the floor, splattering juice all over what looks like a very expensive table cloth, and the face of the poor, unfortunate soul panicking in her chair. Neither Lightning nor Viren will get off scot-free either, but maybe this is why she should always wear red to gaudy parties...

Angry – more at herself for getting caught up in this than at anyone; it's all very misplaced – she shoots Viren a look, eyes darting to his tail.]

You'd think people'd learn to control their extra limbs around here?

[bloodwit]

[ oh, gods. viren had been in the midst of trying to placate the woman (he hadn't had much luck, yet, mostly just offering an apology that comes across as aggressive, with how flustered he is), when he feels his tail collide, yet again, into something solid. hears the crash before he sees it, and barely manages the forethought to turn with purpose this time, not whip about as careless as he had. ]

Y--es, because clearly, I find this all to be enjoyable--!

[ he snaps with a gnashing of fangs, just about three seconds from taking the initiative to yank his own tail out. he doesn't, because instead: has lightning ever seen someone look incensed, as well as vaguely embarrassed, all the while ducking to offer a hand to help her to her feet?

quite the spectacle, indeed. ]

III

[selfishwish]

[Well, excuse you, dragon-guy, nobody asked!!

Okay, he maybe shouldn't have been drinking to start with. He hadn't planned on it. But they were literally just giving it away to the adults! And it turns out that (a) telling a puca "no" does not end well, and (b) once he actually had a glass in hand, it was easy to find dance partners who didn't think twice about offering to fetch him another! With his mask on (though he's abandoned it for the moment), he doesn't look that much littler than some of the natives of his kind.

He's only on his...third? He thinks? Which does not sound like very many! But he has, perhaps, gotten a little less surefooted and even more expressive than usual. And horror louder. The world is maybe moving a half-second too slow for him, just now.]

Mm, no-oope.

[He cranes back at the tap on the shoulder, grinning with an unreasonable amount of amusement up at Viren.]

I'm alright! It's not even that late--an' look at everybody still dancing!

[bloodwit]

It's late.

[ viren decides to correct. this is.. messy, indeed; he's not precisely sure of any drinking regulations aefenglom has, no, but he does have an inkling that momiji doesn't quite meet whatever standards.

his frown deepens. ]

Where is... whoever came with you? [ friends. something. anyone. ] At this rate, you should be on one of those child harnesses.

[ wow, he really reiterated "no fun allowed" with that comment. ]

I!

[guillotine]

[ The horned fox mask in white and violet porcelain, grinning wretchedly at Viren above a goblet's worth of sticky, dripping punch, cocks to one side. No fuzzy magic is attached to it. ]

I'd like a handkerchief, if you thought to carry one.

[ A mellow voice with warmth and companionable lightness. Remarkable, given the drink she'd been holding to test for additives is all over her goddamned chest. Nel watches him keenly, obviously cannot recognize him, and silently curses the enchantment for anonymity and every security risk it poses. ]

[bloodwit]

[ anonymous as he may be, viren's mask can't hide all of his expression; she may see how his eyes have gone wide, from within the mask's holes, his mouth turned downward in a grimace full of pointed teeth. his tail's gone rigid in his grasp. it takes him a second, but he's whipping out a cleanly-pressed handkerchief from a front pocket.

his head bowed slightly, he proffers it to her. ]

I do.. apologize, for this.

[ honestly, it's said forcefully enough that it overrides any proper bashfulness to the words. ]

i

[bloodypath]

[His tail collides with an abandoned table, sending silverware, a plate, and a half-full glass flying. The plate and utensils clatter on the ground, but the glass—liquid and all—stops an inch above the ground.]

[The tall man in the plague doctor's mask seated a table over waves his hand again with a murmur. The glass rights itself and floats back to the table.]

What a curiosity, those enchanted masks. There must be something quite special about you for that table to leap aside without a touch.

[bloodwit]

[ viren had nearly winced in prepartion of the glass meet the same fate as the rest of the dinnerware. he gives a curious look over to the (a witch, he presumes, with a display like that -- admittedly obscured as other features may be) man, brow wrinkled with irritation. ]

[ with a bow of his head--as he does feel something gratitude--he ducking to pick up the fallen plate and other utensils. ]

Something special, something wretched...

[ his lip curls. then he sighs, glancing back. ]

Count yourself among the fortunate, that you haven't sprouted a tail.

i.

[fulgency]

[From behind his mask, Ozymandias blinks a moment as he tries to process how exactly it is his plate and glass managed to go flying off to the opposite end of the table from where he's seated. A poor passerby is now covered in whatever contents managed to nail her instead of the floor, and Ozymandias is quick to get up to his feet to do what he can with his napkin. While Viren wrestles with his tail, Ozymandias apologizes on his behalf and smooths it over as best he can.]

[He does spare a glance in Viren's direction, nodding to the tail he's managed to gather up.]

A recent development?

[bloodwit]

[ viren's flustered, edging straight past embarrassed and to feeling a tinge of shame with how poorly this was turning out. while he has his tail under his grasp, he ducks to pick up the man's plate, that which had been slung across the table at the woman and clattered to the floor. ]

Obvious, yes?

[ he doesn't mean for to have such a tone as he does; he glances to the other, biting his tongue a moment, rethinks. and finally sighs as he nods, ]

... I am grateful, for you handling that.

ii

[chosenside]

[Theseus is far less of a wallflower this time around, spending a good portion of his time dancing and getting to know others. But even he needs a break and thus, who else to bother then a certain individual that's 'definitely more than what he appears but Theseus hasn't thought too much about it yet?' Seeing Viren wallflowering definitely reminds him of their first encounter, however.

So, he makes his way to him, his own mask dangling from his fingers because he's not much of a fan of it, really.]

You know, I'm starting to believe that you hate parties.

[bloodwit]

[ viren feels his face pinkening slightly up at the comment, because yes, this is very much similar to their first encounter. but the comment isn't of a mocking nature, he doesn't think, so he levels the other man with something of an uncertain look. ]

I admit, I.. haven't found myself much drawn to them, in recent years.

[ maybe he would've enjoyed the thought of them when he was several years younger, maybe, but. his mouth purses. ]

This one has a stated purpose to it, at least.

ii.

[silentsavant]

[ a small garden of wallflowers now decorates the table that was once occupied by soren alone. he bristles just a little but not in any blatantly noticeable respect, not particularly appreciating his solitude being infringed upon, but not entirely against it, either. he's at a party teeming with others, after all, so it's only to be expected. and a quick read of his fellow dragon helps smooth his ruffled feathers in one regard, at least: he doesn't seem like the type to infringe upon his wide personal bubble. but he does... smell? a little foreboding in a dark and distantly recognizable way that makes him come across as warped and untrustworthy.

but it's not like he has to give him any of his trust; they're merely sharing an oasis of relative solitude among the din of dancing, nothing more. soren's draconic features are concealed by the enchantment of his mask, a rather simple checkerboard design of white, black, and gold. in an odd but comforting way, this temporary illusion imbues him with confidence, makes him feel a little more like himself again when the wings have vanished and the horns no longer protruding from his skull. he sips at his ice water and weighs whether or not to break the silence for the sake of curiosity. maybe he can get him to at least introduce himself. ]

The masks make it harder to tell, but I don't think we've met.

[bloodwit]

[ oh-- viren's not quite surprised at being addressed, as he had noted the other man to be at the table when he'd joined, but his eyebrows lift regardless. he turns in his seat, just a little, to appraise him; indeed, the mask does much to conceal the other's features. ]

No, near impossible, I would think.

[ a frown. he turns his attention back to his drink, taking a sip from it. ]

Unless you would have me make a guessing game out of it, but I would prefer not.

iii.

[auftauen]

[The excitement she felt about being able to experience a masquerade for the first time convinced her to attend despite misgivings. Anxiety about being anonymous was enough to encourage her to imbibe liberally, and after removing her mask, anxiety about having to speak face-to-face with others at the party encouraged even more drinking. Between the two, she's been enjoying herself despite the difficulty she has socializing like... well, someone who's used to doing so.

But there must be something about how well she knows Viren by now; maybe it's even...comfortable, with him, in a strange way. Used to him. He ca't quite dick into her insecurities the way he could a month ago. When he taps her shoulder, she actually reaches for his wrist to grab it.]

I'm just trying to have a good time. [She sets her half-empty glass down, still going for the almost iron-knuckled wrist grab.] Isn't that what we're supposed to be doing?

[bloodwit]

[ ah. with this proximity, viren can almost feel the alcohol affecting her. but he looks down, pointedly, at her grip about his wrist, then back up to her. he doesn't make to lower his hand completely yet, and his gaze is cold. ]

I understand that, yes. [ an eyebrow raises. ] But at some point, another drink turns into a drink too many.

ii

[notawriter]

[It's Viren's luck that only Oda's at this table taking a break from lock box dance assignments. He's dressed for the occasion but had opted out of the enchanted masks since, as far as he's concerned, he's still a stranger to most.]

So we meet again. [Oda raises his glass in greeting. He wouldn't mind having a bit of company.]

[bloodwit]

[ viren's eyes widen at seeing the other man -- if he were completely honest with himself, he doesn't really mind his company (dragonic nature of instinctively preferring to be around others, notwithstanding). ]

Hello, Oda.

[ he doesn't raise his glass in turn, but he does nod. ]

Find yourself enjoying the evening...?