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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[Toby's just getting water. It's very unlikely anyone would prevent her from trying alcohol, though they probably should and it would work on her, but she's the cautious sort and used to not finding human refreshments remotely tempting besides.

She dips her horned head, setting some of the strings of amber-colored beads that are wrapped around her in a go at this decoration thing to swaying.]

Yes, I hope so. Do you have concerns it might go otherwise?

[It's okay. Maria's drinking enough for like four people. 90% of which is because she just metabolizes... everything... so swiftly anymore. Alcohol almost the fastest of all. She can't keep a good drunk going for very long anymore, without constantly supplying it.

It's awful.

But it also means she stays much more coherent than the amount of booze she is drinking would suggest.] Well, the Mirrorbound are an unpredictable lot, and alcohol always makes things more interesting. But... no, I am not. I truly just want this to be a good night.

[Toby can infer that Maria's not having her first dose at this point, and she knows humanity enough to be curious that the tall human seems this put together. Well, apparently relative capacities exist, and there's a lot she doesn't know. No reason to come to any particular conclusion.]

Ah. That is fair. In a city with so many traditional celebrations, it is good to see something of ours specifically. Though, the anonymity supposedly provided by masks would seem limited.

[It would take a full-body illusion to disguise Toby. She's designed a human form that she can transmute herself into if she really wants in on the spirit of things.]

Maybe it's all for the best. [That they all know each other to be Mirrorbound - familiar faces, even if they don't know the other intimately.

Well, not that Maria knows very many of the other Mirrorbound well. She has a fair few more enemies than friends, as well. Comes with the territory of threatening everyone, probably./small>]

... And we need something to celebrate, as well, do we not? Perhaps Aefenglom itself celebrates too much, but we as Mirrorbound, separate from them, need our own morale boost for our victories. [Even if it means ignoring the fact they've caused a bunch of problems in their time here, as much as solved them.] ... So it's not so bad.

There is that. We have not accounted too badly for ourselves, I think.

[At least better than if they'd just settled in and integrated. There may be new problems but it's better than just letting the old ones sit.]

Does this sort of gathering suit you better?

I wouldn't say it "suits me better" so much as it is something I am rather intimately used to from my younger days. [Spoken like a true old lady.] And of all the things that we could be doing that bring us together under one roof, drinking and dancing are among the least explosive. [For now, at least, she's not sure how volatile people will be when they're drunk, but at the same time, if they're in a good mood starting out, they'll hopefully be in a good mood ending.]

Ah. Yes, I suppose so.

[She has water but it'd be awkward to drink it in front of someone. The cups are made for people with lips and chances are good that Toby will spill some on herself.]

For my part I am not sure of what to do in any celebration. It's not that my people are dour, but we do things differently.

The saying about when in Rome, do as the Romans do, hm? Though you may need to take to a different part of the dance floor so your tail does not hit anyone on accident. I assume those spikes are as sharp as they look. [She hasn't experienced it first-hand, but they look dangerous.

She's kind of glad they're on amicable terms, because Maria has not brought the sharpest parts of herself to this party. Seemed inappropriate, but they're also not actually attached to her.] Though now I wonder what kind of celebrations your people have.

It would be wise. I have learned an enchantment to prevent myself from cutting into people, but it is better not to test it.

[It's still not pleasant to unexpectedly connect with one of Toby's blades, and blunt force is still a thing. Toby hasn't made herself harmless, just not accidentally likely to open wounds.]

We celebrate weddings and births and certain milestones, and somewhat after we've freed one of our own and they have told us their name. Though, that is more subdued usually. Becoming free is painful.

If you don't think you are missing out on it, then I will not push, but I think it is still something that is possible. [Though she is now imagining a stumble ending in one of those big lizard feet stepping on hers, and that also sounds quite painful. And possibly deadly for her nice shoes.

... Well, she just won't ask, either way. She doesn't push on most things like this.]

Hm... you have to fight for it, I assume? Freedom usually has its own prices. [She takes a sip of her brandy again. Well, her "freedom" only really came with her death, but... perhaps that was for the best, anyway.] But... really, simply celebrating life and the chance to live can be its own reward.

[Ohh, Maria is hinting about dancing with her. ...Toby will respond to that in a moment, because she has to decide whether or not to talk about becoming free.]

Well.

[It's too dark to tell most people at a party, but this isn't most people, right? Toby hesitates, then takes a step closer, lowering her voice.]

To be freed from a Yeerk, for us, usually means being restrained until it dies inside of you. When that happens you are made to relive its life and the lives of all its previous hosts. They all become a part of you. In the moment of its dying the barrier between life and death opens, briefly. You see things you cannot understand, and they see you.

We are resilient, but no one goes unchanged. You understand?

[Call it morbid curiosity. But also she's not the kind of person to make people do things they don't want to.]

... Hm. It sounds like touching the Eldritch Truth that my former College was so obsessed with. [And that transferred to the Healing Church and all its parts after Laurence left and founded it - the School of Mensis, and the Choir most specifically. But all of that was still in its infancy when Maria was there. She doesn't quite know how that all panned out.

... She has an idea it was never going to be very good, though.] The real question is if your people find that price to be worth the reward of freedom?

It may be truth. It may be something brought on by the stress of the situation and the Yeerk's ability ending, I suppose.

[Some Hork-Bajir prefer to brush off whatever they see at the end of the fugue. Toby's always curious, but it's better not to pry about that kind of thing.]

We do. It would be better if the Yeerks just left us, but even when recovery is long and difficult, in the end everyone I know has been glad. To be infested is a torture worse than being killed, save that it is sometimes possible to free them.

[She misses being home. It was more stressful all the time, but her people were there.]

I suppose this is a strange topic for a situation like this.

Perhaps, but an interesting one nonetheless. The Eldritch Truth, our provost thought, was less about something infesting the mind, and more about lining your brain with eyes. The Healing Church followed that line of logic. The results were not pretty, nor conclusive.

[She makes a motion with her hand.] But I imagine it was just as painful, all the same. At least, that's what the screams told me.

[The screams and the maddened ramblings, and the physical deformities.]

But, they lived. Your people lived. And these people lived. What more could one ask for? [This is a loaded question from Maria - from someone who actively chose death - as opposed to living with the things she had done and seen.] Perhaps the circumstances are different, but a celebration is a celebration.

Hmm. That... seems unwise. I can see how that would be painful.

[It doesn't seem to Toby that anything would be gained by putting light-gathering organs into a lightless space, which means it's probably magic, or otherwise something specific to Maria's universe.

She could explain Yeerks more fully, but she'll leave it for now.]

Indeed. Death is better than slavery, but to live free is best. In any case...

[She surveys the room.]

I have never danced in this manner but it seems like a simple enough pattern. Perhaps I could learn it. Would you mind showing me?

The difficulty is merely in keeping your sanity. [Merely, like that's not a huge obstacle to overcome. Merely, like she hadn't seen a lot of people fail step 1 on that.

But once they could see, they said, the knowledge was incredible. She's not sure if it was worth it.

And then... Maria has to pause and consider. Well, this should be interesting. A good test of her skill, at the very least.] Hm? I could show you, certainly. It may, perhaps, be a but unwieldy, but I will do so.

That does sound like a problem. I think human brains are more fragile than Hork-Bajir, but we still experience ill effects when damaged.

[She's thinking of eyes in the brain as being like lesions.]

I will do my best to cause no harm, if you also take care. Presently my blades and claws are enchanted not to cut living flesh, but I am not harmless.

[Toby's feet are large even for her size, very birdlike, clearly made for climbing and perching.]

Hm... I'm not so sure it was damaged, when it was done correctly. However... I'd imagine that not many true successes would ever be found. [She wouldn't know - not totally. She didn't survive long enough to find out; only to know what she saw in the interim, and none of that really looked successful.]

I trust my own ability... both as a dancer, and as someone used to avoiding damage. [Shields were ineffective against Beasts, so all the Hunters had to rely on were their own quick reflexes.]

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MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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