middaeg | MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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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!

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[What was he even doing here this late? Emet-Selch didn't know; he'd been tired when he'd arrived, and he was no less tired now. But if he'd come here to suffer mutually with his housemates, then he was going to do so thoroughly. Let no one say the Ascian did not finish what he started.

But getting knocked into does little to improve his mood, and Emet-Selch snaps at the dark shape passing him by, tone far more sharp than what he's actually feeling (which is mostly generalized exhaustion). He's dressed in something like this, though without the hat, and with a simple red half-mask, entirely unmagical.]

Watch it.

[ Whether or not it had been enchanted or not matters little in this scenario. As it is, Vanitas is a little too peeved to really care who it is that he's just about run down. Sure, he probably does recognize Emet-Selch somewhere in the back of his mind, but ultimately?

Not important. ]

How about you watch it.

[ Oh he's just as snappish. Though his is actually due to not being able to regulate his emotions proper. ]

[After a moment, recognition flickers through, though it does little to temper his annoyance. He didn't appreciate that sort of treatment from anyone, much less some broken fragment from another star.]

Brave words from the one who ran into me.

[It was a small thing, so he wasn't actually upset, but Emet-Selch had no qualms about showing his absolute haughty disapproval.]

[ Had he been thinking clearly, he might phrase his words differently. Or maybe not. It sort of just depends on the situation. However, Vanitas does have a rather nasty habit of stirring the pot even though he shouldn't. Sometimes it's just to make people crack and others?

Sometimes when you make someone else irritable, you're less miserable yourself. At least in the short term. ]

I was looking where I was going. I just don't care about anyone in the way. If you and anyone else doesn't feel like getting knocked around, then that's on you.

[ And maybe an outlet is what he needs. Who knows! ]

[Something had upset this kid. Emet-Selch was almost certain of it; this was way more aggression than the situation warranted, and though they were hardly friends, Vanitas had never been particularly rude to him either. The thought didn't change much, but he kept it in the back of his head.

And it doesn't stop him from sounding smug as all hell, though, tone twisting into an idle taunt.]

Oh...? I was prepared to consider it simple clumsiness. I know one can't expect much from any of those broken peoples, but I didn't expect such poor balance to be result.

There's nothing clumsy about it. My stride was purposeful.

[ Don't be mistaken. The simple word broken does get under his skin. He knows that it's an easy jab. Realizes that he's being baited too. Most of the time Vanitas can just laugh it off and walk away. Some topics, however, he just can't. Not even when he's completely numb from creating his Unversed.

Ventus always makes him do stupid, aggressive things. And with the charm still clutched tightly in his hand? Yeah, he is going to just keep being catty. ]

It's not my fault when it deals their limited spacial awareness getting them knocked over.

[The easy jabs were nothing to turn down, he thought; they were often just as effective as anything more complicated, and why try harder than that?]

So you're purposely bumbling into your betters, hm? The meaningful stumble, the willful lurch.

[He was still irritated, but it was easier to just lean into arrogance.]

I see you've chosen to embrace your... limited potential towards equilibrium. Blaming others for one's own faults is easier than trying to fix the problem, isn't it?

The problem with my potential equilibrium is that it can't be solved. Not like this.

[ Don't press those buttons. Because Vanitas can push all of the other things aside. He's not stupid. He can pretty much figure out what Emet-Selch is really getting at. It only serves to rile Vanitas up more. It's such a sore point. He doesn't really want to give up, but what other options are there? If Vanitas makes that an active choice he's made for himself, that means he hasn't exactly failed. ]

Though I guess you'd know all about blaming others for your own shortcomings, wouldn't you?

Ah yes- that's the problem, isn't it? Once you've given up, there's no hope. Easier to lie back and pretend there was nothing you could have done.

[The false-pity that doesn't even pretend it's trying to be anything but cruel.

And hm, was that an attempt to turn it back around on him? Unfortunately, Emet-Selch only smiles, spreading his arms in an expansive gesture.]

And no, I wouldn't know much about that at all. I'd say my only shortcoming is my near infinite patience in dealing with unfortunates like you.

[ Ah so the thinly veiled words with their double-meanings are just going to stop, are they? That's fine. The more worked up Vanitas gets, the less he is able to keep that up anyway. Honestly he might prefer it this way. ]

Really because the way that I see it you couldn't even keep everything together even after you got something else to fix your mess. But that's still what you plan to do, right? Pray really, really hard and hope your god does the rest of your job for you?

[ He'd laugh, if not for the fact that he hates this. He hates that Ventus is probably somewhere in this room and he doesn't know it. Can't locate him - no longer connected in any way. His Light is here from a point in time where they can still merge and become one and yet any power he actually holds is gone. ]

I might be an unfortunate thing, but what's your excuse? You are whole and complete and can't even manage to grab what you want with your own two hands!

[Okay, that gets more of a twitch from him, a flicker of anger. Not that Emet-Selch remotely cared for the words of some shattered soul, for his opinion of him. But it irked nonetheless to hear anyone refer to those days.]

Once my god is complete... well, yes. Not that there will be much of a job left at that point, only a few finishing touches. A restoration of the true world.

[Nevermind that he was dead in his future, that Zodiark would likely never be revived. That his god's remnants would face the same destruction as His followers- and then, Amaurot's people truly would be forever lost.

There was no way in any hell that he was going to admit to that, though. Not to an insect.]

My hands are quite full, the work ongoing- I know it's difficult for one so limited to understand, but these things take effort. Perhaps you might consider it yourself- unless you're content remaining what you are.

[ Well he feels pretty good about himself there for that twitch. Which lasts all but three seconds, of course. ]

A "true world" that fell apart and will probably do so again because things weren't perfect the first time around. If they had been then there wouldn't have been a reason to summon a goddess alongside your god. It'll happen because if there's one thing that you can't stomp out entirely it's dissent.

[ Someone along the line will disagree. They'll find like-minded individuals and rally themselves. That's the way of things. But Vanitas' eyes narrow. Content who could be content like this? He's never once felt that emotion in his entire existence. ]

I've never felt one positive emotion my entire existence. Content? No, but at least I'm not deluded enough to think that if I put in just enough effort, all my dreams will become a reality. That's something heroes do. Or maybe you have some dementia settling in at your old age, to be fooled into thinking that everything will go in your favor just before you're working so hard to make your life have some meaning again.

[There would be no dissent. The ones revived through Zodiark's mercy would accept what had been necessary to save them. The world would be... as it was meant to be. There would be no reason for anything to split again.

It couldn't.

His tone is carefully neutral, dismissive; as if Vanitas' words meant nothing.]

It was perfect. And once that parasite of a goddess is burned out, it will be perfect once more. A broken thing doesn't need to understand.

[But not a single positive emotion ever? Assuming that wasn't hyperbole, that was interesting. Not that Emet-Selch had had very many positive feelings in his life, but he at least knew what they were.

And not that it changed how much of a nuisance Vanitas was being now. How much those words grated.]

A broken thing that's decided it doesn't need to fix itself after all. Lost and miserable, yet determined to dig itself ever deeper into a pit of its own making. You've given up... and disguised it as a choice?

Well, perhaps you're right in your own assessment. There's nothing someone like you could've done to change anything.

[But that had nothing to do with himself. Emet-Selch very definitely didn't want to consider that Vanitas' method was right. What it if was better to give up, to accept that there was nothing you could change? After all, despite all of his years, all of his effort and sacrifice and solitude- it had been for nothing. Or would be; even if he wasn't yet dead in his own timeline, what were the odds he could change things? Even if he did, was it just going to be prolonging the inevitable?

Meaning again? His life had never held meaning in the first place.]

[ Yeah he's disguised it as a choice. Though his real choice had been to fade into nothingness. At least there he wasn't in constant agony because of the constant splitting and rejoining of his emotions. He wouldn't have to feel Ventus' happiness without Vanitas' existence. Wouldn't have to exist as only a shadow of a person.

Because yes, it's just like Emet-Selch thinks. To have it any other way would mean failure - that everything he has done and suffered through had been for nothing. Nothing would have mattered. He wouldn't have mattered. To make it a choice, though, then that at least gives Vanitas some agency. Then everything else just becomes a path he's veered away from. An option not fully taken.

His words might be grating to Emet-Selch, but Vanitas isn't unaffected either. ]

Aren't you exactly the same? Aren't you just as "broken" and empty inside without the thing that matters most to you? Your entire world is gone and nothing you've done has brought it back! At least my missing half is present. At least I am still connected to the brat. Where's your connection to everything you want?

[ Vanitas laughs then, a little high pitched and maybe just a touch unhinged. ]

You're just as lost and miserable! And you're no different than me, feeding off of anyone else's misery because it makes the unbearable ache in your heart lessen for just that one moment in time!

[It was all true. And that cut far deeper than the Ascian expected.

It didn't help that Vanitas was the vector of those thoughts, that a twisted fragment of a life was giving voice to all those things he knew. That something as lowly as this wreck could see the mess of his existence.]

Don't presume to speak about my heart!

[It's snapped out, absolutely furious; Vanitas has no right to those feelings.

His connection? All he had were those broken Warriors, and none of them could ever be who he wanted them to be, none of them would ever remember. Emet-Selch was as alone now as he'd ever been, with only the shambling corpse of a memory for company.]

And what good is your 'connection' if you can't use it? Is it better to have that constant, nagging reminder that you'll never be whole again? Your missing half is here, and yet you can't manage to fill the void in your heart.

[ There. A breaking point. Yes, the entire issue sensitive for them both, but the man's irritating mask of indifference has broken. There's that raw emotion that Vanitas has been looking for. Yes, it may expose some of his own feelings on the matter, but f anyone really cared to ask what he feels about it, he'd likely be just as frank.

His intention had been to make the other mad after all. It's what they are both doing, for the exact reason that Vanitas had mentioned. Tearing someone else apart is better than sitting there, stewing in thoughts and feelings that nothing can be done about. Because it's a distraction. ]

Don't you know? Matters of the heart are my specialty.

[ Vanitas can presume to speak about it because, well. It's the same. The feelings are the same and Vanitas is very intimate with all those nasty, dark, and negative emotions that stir within the heart. He knows their sources like the back of his hand.

What Emet-Selch doesn't need to know is that Vanitas can't feel Vents. Not here. Outside of here, however, it still remains just as strong ( or weak depending upon one's point of view ) as it's ever been. It's still a weak point, the man's words definitely hitting their intended target as Vanitas' gaze shifts from something further away from anger and more towards cruel. ]

How pathetic is that, to be complete and so empty at the same time! How does it feel, knowing that this little fragment of a person can see it so clearly? So, tell me, how does it feel to be unable to fill your void? You'd know better than anyone else here how it must feel!

[It was all personal, yet not remotely personal.

Emet-Selch knew, distantly, that Vanitas likely had no real grudge against him, and nor did the Ascian have any in return. Yet they tore at each other like wild beasts, without hesitation. Oh, it was all verbal, but what difference did that make? Words left the deepest wounds, exposed the real hurt.

Distraction, yes. If suffering was inevitable, it was better to lash out in turn, to inflict the same pain upon others. It wasn't even for catharsis; there was nothing to be gained from it, apart from, perhaps, some fleeting satisfaction in not being alone in misery.

A pitiful existence, the both of them.]

How does it feel to have given up, while staring down your missing self? And what does that severed part of you think? Does not even the other half of your soul want anything to do with you- I imagine they must be quite happy without you, blithely ignoring your suffering, your void. All without a shred of malice- how does that feel?

...Oh, I'm empty perhaps, but I ever have been. There was nothing to lose.

[ That is the truth of it in its entirety: the personal yet not personal nature, words hurting more than physical wounds. It's also true that there is no grudge here. Even after, Vanitas probably won't feel too irritated about this. His indifference will likely be the same as it ever had been.

Truthfully, Emet-Selch can go on and on about "giving up." That, while painful, can be blocked out. Vanitas continues to refuse to call it that. As long as he does, the barb has only a slight sting.

However talking about Ventus always leaves such a bad taste in Vanitas' mouth. If he has one true weakness, one thing that will make him lose his head as well as any and all composure... It is talking about his other half. The worst part is, from Vanitas' perspective, it's all true. Ventus would be perfectly happy without him. He hadn't tried overly hard to convince him to join their side ( unlike Sora ). From their final encounter, Ventus doesn't really like him but there's no hatred anymore.

But yes. They all conveniently ignore how he, Vanitas must feel. It's enough to push Vanitas passed his breaking point. His fists clenches around that glowing, half heart charm in his hand once more. If he could break it, he would. Since that's not an option and since starting an actual fight in this space likely won't work in his favor...

~~Even livid Vanitas understands the odds are not on his side.~~

He chucks it full force right at Emet-Selch. While he aims right for the middle of the forehead, whether it hits or not? Well. In the end Vanitas isn't going to stick around to see the reaction. Instead he storms off right in the direction he had been heading towards all along - the gardens. Like sparks of electricity - of magic - begin to dance across his shoulders. ]

[Emet-Selch, however, will not so easily forget this.

It not being personal didn't erase what was said, the insult of hearing it from someone like him. He'd be more cautious around Vanitas in the future.

And though the Ascian able to deflect the small projectile with a quickly cast shield of darkness, it's awkwardly done, and only irritates him further. Both from the affront of having something thrown at him, and that it took more than an indifferent thought to prevent it from hitting. As Vanitas stalks off, Emet-Selch spares the discarded object a glance- but it doesn't mean anything to him.

And the Ascian says nothing more. No final scathing comment, no mocking jab at Vanitas' retreating back. Nor does Emet-Selch follow; the damage had been done, there was no point in adding a magical fight to the mix. He only watches for a few moments, before turning back the way he'd come, his own pace slow, funereal.

What an unpleasant end to the evening.]

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MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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