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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's less the words and more the gesture that communicates what Trevor is trying to say. Ozymandias raises a slight eyebrow from behind his mask before holding the plate out a little further in offering to Trevor.]

If you think you might taste it, it is yours. [Because he's been watching Trevor's conquest of the table for a few minutes now and it doesn't seem like he's stopped to savor any of the food at this point.] I'd recommend swallowing first before adding it to your...selections.

[ Well if he's offering and all! But he's sure to swallow first, fist knocking at his chest for a second. Have to make sure it goes down the right tube after all. ]

Thanks. Don't mind if I do.

[ And he does, in fact, help himself, all the while staring curiously to his companion here. ]

There's a mask you don't see every day.

[ Not that he sees much of masks to begin with but, from what he's seen here, this one is definitely different. ]

[Ozymandias is aware of the mask's uniqueness, but he's still blatantly pleased to have it commented upon. Despite some of his behavior during the mist, he managed not to go on a murderous rampage or generally piss off the native populace, which allowed for him to have the mask made to his specifications and preferences.]

I wanted something that reminded me of my home. [There's a tone of pride in his voice rather than homesickness. Not that Trevor would necessarily know, but it's been a very long time since his Egypt stood, so homesickness would be a bit foolish.] I would be surprised to find anyone else to have requested a similar look.

[ Oh, right. The mist. That had sure been something. What a way to first come into this place. But, curious with such an answer, Trevor looks over the finger food he had taken off the other's plate pops it into his mouth, making sure to chew and swallow before he bothers to inquire. ]

Why's that? Are you from the moon or something?

[ Is that... actually a thing? ]

[Well, well. He does have manners after all. Much better than his first words directed at Ozymandias.]

[Ozymandias huffs a small laugh.]

For some, I suppose I might as well be. [But he ultimately shakes his head. Sorry, Trevor. He's not a moon man. Wrong celestial body to associate him with anyway.] I am from Egypt. For those from worlds similar to my own, the land and its people are still there, but the era I lived in was millennia before most of them were born.

[ He can, yes. SHOCKING, right?

But Trevor gives a curious glance upwards or no reason other than that he can. ]

So you're... really fucking old then. Right?

[That's one way of putting it. Another way would be,]

If I had not moved on to the next life, I would be over three thousand years old.

Three thousand years old? You sound like a bloody vampire.

[ But he doesn't seem to strike him as one?? ]

So how old are you then? You know. Not having moved on to your... next life or whatever.

[It's difficult not to notice that tone when he says the word vampire, but Ozymandias says nothing of it. Surely by now, he's noticed all the vampires roaming about; he'll have to figure out some way to cope.]

[He shakes his head a little, however, as he clarifies,]

I only appear this way because I was summoned as a Heroic Spirit prior to my arrival here. The magic of this place was able to make my physical form more permanent.

[He's still not totally satisfied given the loss of his abilities and how weak this form is compared to what he was as a Servant, but it is what it is at this point.]

[ Just when he thought he'd heard it all... ]

So then... what do you really look like? Or is that some big secret I'm not supposed to know?

[ A certain dragon seemed adamant about not showing off his final form or whatever after all. ]

[Really, Trevor has hardly heard anything just yet.]

It's nothing like that, [Ozymandias says with a laugh, shaking his head.] I wouldn't appear as anything if I hadn't been summoned. I no longer naturally exist on the same plane as the living.

Granted, my body is still preserved... [He doesn't get into it, but it's a little bit of a sore point. Not so much that his body is still largely in one piece, but that it has been moved from its final resting place.] But I would not occupy it again. Such a thing is impossible.

[ Well that's a whole lot of what the fuck?? ]

So you're like a spirit then. Basically.

[ If he's hearing that right and all. ]

Tied to a place or something?

A mage, [he nods.] After they complete the summoning spell, we may form a contract. Their mana allows me to remain manifested and anchored in their world. In exchange, I am willing to lend them my strength.

[At least that part is a little more straightforward?? And somewhat similar to the Bonds of this world if nothing else.]

[ That sure does sound familiar because- ]

So this isn't anything new to you then. Bonds and whatever.

Some of it. A contract with a mage did not allow either one of us to intuit one another's moods.

[Not something he would ever want with any of the Masters he's had in the past or present. Contracting with those mages had been somewhat beneath him in contrast of his Bond with Arthur.]

No one was in danger of losing their minds either.

[Some Heroic Spirits just came that way, but that's another issue separate from the contracts.]

The mood thing I could do without. [ A beat. ] As well as the losing your mind part.

[ He hasn't truly come to lose his self and mind to feral tendencies (yet) but forming a bond to prevent such a thing from ever happening had been the reason for such a thing; the last thing he wants is to hurt anyone. ]

You know, I could just do without the whole people turning into monsters bullshit. But maybe that's just me.

I would say you're far from alone in that thinking.

[Being a Witch presents its own challenges, but far fewer than those that Monster must contend with. Especially if one did not possess powers of their own prior to their arrival in Aefenglom. So, even if Ozymandias is perpetually disgruntled about the loss of his abilities, he's not one to complain unduly, particularly to those who are Monsters.]

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be much that can be done for it.

Well that's shit.

[ Really, is there... any other way to put it?? Regardless, he helps himself to another handful of whatever's closest to him and shoves it all in his mouth, making sure to chew and swallow some this time before speaking. ]

How long have you been here then?

[As Trevor is munching and crunching, Ozymandias is a little choosier about what he replaces on his plate what he gave to Trevor.]

Nearly six months. [He looks up from the table of food back to Trevor.] I take it you've arrived more recently.

[Most don't tend to ask that question if they've been here for a while; so, it seems a safe assumption.]

What gave me away?

[ Not that he really expected him to not think such a thing but still. ]

Six months is a hell of a long time to end up somewhere you had no plan on being. Know of others being here longer than that?

[Ozymandias nods in confirmation, but clarifies,]

Only by a month. To my knowledge, there were no other mirrorbound before them.

[And it doesn't appear that the Coven or anyone else in Aefenglom is any closer to figuring out how or why the mirrorbound manage to be summoned to this world. Or through what means people are deemed Monster or Witch.]

Says who?

[ Because Trevor likes to keep a bit of suspicion about things, knowing full-well himself how things can be misconstrued among other things. ]

It's never been said by anyone in particular as far as I know. It appears to be the consensus given that the Coven appears to lack answers.

[Both in terms of an explanation and means of sending them home.]

You sure that's not more along the lines of not wanting to give answers as opposed to lacking them?

[ Trevor? Suspicious? Perish the thought. ]

[Trevor hasn't completely cemented himself as suspicious in Ozymandias' mind just yet, but he's certainly nestling up close to it. At the very least, despite his eating...habits, it seems he's cautious. Certainly not a bad thing to be given the mixed messaging that the Coven (and Aefenglom at large) appear to give the mirrorbound.]

I do not completely trust their goodwill towards the mirrorbound, but their ignorance on this matter seems genuine.

MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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