middaeg | MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Vanitas actually hadn't thought to stay for so long. He had intended to stay a little while and then just bounce. His attire, while appropriate, is starting to irritate him. Usually he wears his dark suit, even mostly under his coat so having all of this looser material on his person feels... Flimsy. Doesn't provide enough protection and he doesn't like that. At the moment, though, his mask rests upon the top of his head. While he is all for no one really being able to recognize him or see his face, he's taken it off because he can't believe what he's seeing.

Wataru might have been given a cute little glowing bracelet, but Vanitas' "trinket" is not so innocent. It's a glowing necklace, the charm on the end a heart. Half a heart. He sort of feels offended and agitated by receiving such a thing. It's an insult and a slap in the face.

Thus while Wataru is heading inside, Vanitas is decidedly heading outside. He may or may not rudely bump into Wataru in his haste.]

[ Were he physically stronger like back home, he would have shrugged the impact off as an unfortunate but brief setback, but he's nearly knocked over instead, having to steady himself on his already tired legs so he won't fall onto his ass. Rubbing his shoulder, he sets his gaze on the guy he bumped into and blinks rapidly in recognition. ]

Oh, it's you. [ He tells Vanitas, and while it's not meant to sound annoyed he sure does seem tired while speaking. ] Sorry, I didn't see you walk by.

[ Even though that may not be entirely his fault. ]

[ He almost doesn't stop. Almost. But the way that Wataru says "it's you" does catch his ear. His hear kind of whips around to look at the other guy. But don't expect an apology. ]

Likely because you look as if you're about to fall over yourself. Without my added effort.

[ His hand squeezes the glowing object tightly. Augh he loathes. ]

I was among the musicians playing, and then enjoyed the party a bit too much, I guess...

[ A bit of a chuckle at that. It was fun. He just wishes his body could handle an entire night of just partying. ]

Have you also had fun tonight?

[ The guy doesn't look like he had any fun, but Wataru also supposes that's his default face. ]

Edited (typo) 2019-11-10 21:19 (UTC)

[ And Vanitas, of course, will never rightfully understand all of that. He doesn't get how any of this is actually fun or enjoyable. But then he doesn't understand the source of peoples' positive emotions either. That's not completely right, he understands where they come from just now how one gets from A to B as a result. ]

No. I haven't had "fun" or whatever.

[ Sure enough, Vanitas is using air quotes and all. ]

Maybe you could stand to have a little less "fun."

[ He keeps rubbing his shoulder, the pain replaced by a dull and bothersome sensation. ]

Perhaps I need to be calmer, but less fun... it sounds sad. [ He muses a bit. ] I hadn't had this much fun in quite a while. I'm rather thankful for that.

You're thankful to be so exhausted that you can barely stand? When you're probably hot from playing your music and are overheating?

[ Man, Vanitas just doesn't get it. People and their "fun" just doesn't compute. ]

That's not what I mean. [ He frowns. It's such a leap of logic that gives him a headache, considering his state. ]

I'm thankful that I was given a chance to enjoy myself doing something that I like, even if it exhausted me.

[ Maybe it is a leap in logic, but then again Vanitas isn't well acquainted with such "positive" things. Even though he has vague ideas of what these things are - through his connection with Ventus - Vanitas hadn't been there so he has no idea how to associate Ven's feelings to events or people.

He has no idea what actually makes people happy or excited or content or laugh.

So the look that Wataru gets is one of confusion. Vantias just simply doesn't get it. How can someone be thankful for an opportunity? ]

Strange. Just all around strange.

[ For all the confusion that ironically such a confused stare can suggest, Wataru can't help sympathizing with Vanitas a little. The boy sounds as sheltered as he used to be, maybe on a greater scale since he doesn't understand the basic concept of having fun. It's... pretty sad, though even thinking that makes him feel as if he's being conceited for having something Vanitas doesn't. The "missing half" ordeal, too, is a hurdle that can't be ignored although Wataru doesn't completely grasp the situation.

He wishes he could help. Having been involved in the party for so long burned out quite a bit of his brain energy, though. ]

I'm sorry. I wish there was a way to explain this more clearly, but that's all I can tell you.

Eh... I probably wasn't about to really grasp the idea anyway.

[ "Sheltered" is likely putting it lightly. Though Vanitas wouldn't consider it so. He's either put a lot into not looking at his situation as anything but a trial to be stronger... Or he simply doesn't recognize the fact that his "upbringing" isn't anything anyone should have had to deal with.

Whatever the case he doesn't feel like pressing someone for answers at the moment. ]

[ Hm... if Vanitas puts it that way, it does seem like furthering his explanation would have been pointless. Still, Wataru can't help feeling as if he didn't try enough to make the boy understand his point of view.

The silence that follows is awkward. Wataru kind of hates it, because it's the sort of silence that settled in whenever he was too anxious about carrying on a conversation. Right now that's not the case, but he still feels urged to do something. He's not really a party animal by any means, and going back to the stage in his state might be detrimental for his already delicate health. Another bit of break should be okay. He squeezes the handle of his violin case. ]

Let's go outside. I think I need another stroll to recharge my energies.

[ Silence to him is hardly ever awkward. So that's mostly on Wataru. Vanitas doesn't actually expect the conversation to continue anyway. In fact, he seems like he is about to just be on his way when Wataru speaks next.

Which puzzles Vanitas because um. Is someone actually asking for his company? ]

Weren't you just coming inside from being out there?

[ Very confusing. ]

(( continued here ))

MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

iv with a bit of v I think

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