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

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.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias takes no offense at the tone, chalking it up to misdirected agitation, especially after he softens the statement with his follow-up. He shakes his head.]

No need. [His attention turns back to the woman, assuring her that no one will notice what little stain ends up left behind. Fortunate for her that she was wearing such a darkly colored dress. She huffs slightly before nodding her agreement and continuing along, trying very hard not to look at it any longer and draw any further attention. Ozymandias watches her go a moment before looking at Viren again and holding out his hand for the plate.] I used to live with two dragons. They were a bit hard on the house at times.

[A gaping hole in one of the outside walls was the worst damage they ever managed, but after every physical change there for a while, there would be more bumps happening in the house.]

[bloodwit]

I see...

[ the plate's handed over. viren tries to swallow his bitterness, recognizing that also to be misdirected: dragons, hugely wild, destructive creatures. what else did the dragons do to the house? chew the furniture?? piss to mark their territory?? howl at strangers? ugh. ]

And you are... A Witch?

[ anonymity or not, he can't be certain how many traits have kicked in, or just won't in their entirety. ]

[fulgency]

[If they did any of those things, they'd have been sleeping outside. Immediately.]

I am, [Ozymandias confirms with a nod as he sets the plate back on the table. He crouches down to pick up his spilled wine glass, dropping his soiled napkin on top of the small puddle that managed to not make it on the woman's dress.]

[He chooses not to say anything further about it in one direction or another as far as his feelings on the matter of being a Witch is concerned. Whatever grievances he has, Ozymandias knows that pales in comparison to what those who have been made Monster have had to contend with. Speaking of it positively could also (and most likely) rub salt in the wound. Better not to risk offense in the end.]

[bloodwit]

[ this brief period has at least allowed viren to collect himself somewhat; turns out, it's for the best that ozymandias doesn't elaborate on his witchhood status. viren stands there a moment, shoulders gone from tense to slightly slumped -- it's easy to catch him frowning, and there isn't an exception to that here.


after some thought, he looks off to the side and back to the man. with a gesture, acknowledging to himself that the the purpose to this gathering is, alas, socialization -- ]

Would you mind, then? If I joined you. ... I can get us new drinks.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias is getting back up to his feet and placing the glass on top of the plate when Viren asks to join him. He considers it a moment, not because of anything about Viren so much as sitting at the table had been a moment of respite without completely withdrawing from the party. Normally, Ozymandias is difficult to pin down at events like these, but with the loss of his Bonded...]

I suppose you do owe me a drink, [Ozymandias says with a warm smile.]

[These things are about socializing.]

[bloodwit]

[ mm. viren supposes he does, indeed -- if he's to join him, it's a bit less like waiting on anyone, and he did offer. he briefly returns the smile, though his expression quickly returns to its neutrality. ]

What do you prefer, then?

[fulgency]

Another glass of red wine will suit me just fine. [It was before it took an unfortunate tumble towards the floor. Ozymandias moves back around to the table towards where he was originally seated.] I shall save you a seat while you fetch the drinks.

[He pulls out both his own chair and one for Viren.]

[bloodwit]

[ how gracious...

well, viren guesses he could return to there not being a seat for him. that would be frustrating. he starts off, and less than five minutes later, he returns with two glasses of red wine in hand. taking his seat, he slides the one over for ozymandias. ]

I suppose, then, it would be courteous to give you my name. [ .. mm. titles stick, despite knowing they mean little here: ] I am Lord Viren, High Mage of the Kingdom of Katolis.

[fulgency]

[With how many wallflowers appear to be milling about this masquerade, it's wise for Ozymandias to genuinely save Viren a seat. As Viren leaves to fetch the drinks, Ozymandias takes his seat once more and is certain to keep one nearest him unoccupied. Fortunately, Viren doesn't appear to take long in getting their glasses, and it wasn't too many times he had to redirect someone to sit elsewhere.]

[Before Viren gets to his introduction, Ozymandias remembers his manners well and thanks him for the refreshed glass.]

[He does raise a slight eyebrow at the mention of his title. The kingdom, of course, doesn't mean much of anything to Ozymandias as far as standing or geography is concerned, but High Mage is a title generally understood to come with it a certain aptitude for magic that far exceeds any other. How frustrating it must be for Viren then to no longer have at his craft at his disposal.]

It is a pleasure, Lord Viren. I am the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, the King of Kings, and God-King of the Sun, Pharaoh Ozymandias.

[Ozymandias is aware his titles mean little to nothing to most, and he anticipates them to mean nothing to Viren, but there is only pride to be found in the way he names himself.]

[bloodwit]

[ ozymandias rattles off (speaks eloquently) what feels like about fifteen titles.

viren's expression had grown more and more staggered with each syllable, eyes widened and eyebrows lifted. if he were to repeat it, the word pharaoh would taste foreign on his tongue. and if he's to be believed (and viren supposes, he would have about as much proof as to any titles as he does himself, which could be nothing but mannerisms, perhaps another to vouch for his position) — this man is, somehow, the first monarch he's met in aefenglom. ]

The King of Kings—?

[ the incredulity is difficult to miss. ]

I can't tell if you're being serious, or... self-important.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias scoffs lightly before taking a sip of his wine, but the King of Kings is often where people tend to stumble or take issue with his titles in this place. Ah, how much simpler it was to be summoned and have those immediately recognize him for what he is.]

I've no need to make false claims. All Pharaohs who came after me sought to match me and bring about another Golden Age for Egypt. That legacy speaks for itself.

[bloodwit]

[ hm. he certainly speaks confidently,; and, really, viren doesn't have much reason not to believe him, either. as he's noted, he hasn't met many people claiming to be monarchs. ... even viren hadn't jumped to putting on that lie of a front. ]

Perhaps it would speak for itself, if Egypt had been splendid even before. But then, I haven't any idea what Egypt had been like.

[ ... well, something that's managed nineteen dynasties. after a moment, with a nod of his head, he seems to acquiesce. ]

What do people often call you here? Not the entirety of it, I would hope.

[fulgency]

[At that, Ozymandias does have to laugh. Even with as much pride as he takes in his titles, he wouldn't expect anyone to address him like that every time they wished to speak to or of him. He couldn't imagine it, the scenario being completely absurd.]

Ozymandias or Pharaoh are perfectly acceptable, [he says with a shake of his head.] Most call me Ozymandias. It's really only among the other royalty and nobility that I'm often referred to as Pharaoh Ozymandias.

[bloodwit]

[ ... viren supposes he did call him "lord," so: ] Fine. Pharaoh Ozymandias.

[ he'll make mental note of that: subject to change, future interactions depending. he lifts a hand to massage at his head forehead (almost scratches himself, with those claws of his) - he really should be more open to rubbing elbows with people here, theoretically.

he sips his wine, finally. it's not bad. ]

Likewise a pleasure, then.