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

Is magic too plain of an explanation?

[Ozymandias asks with light amusement as he removes his own mask and takes up a seat a nearby bench. It would actually be a little dull if it was merely magic that powered the spectacle, but that's also coming from someone who was never a mage in life. It's only natural to have a stronger affinity for the mechanical in that case while still having a healthy amount of respect for the magical.]

If it's only magic, yes.

[ Spoken with the faint frustration of someone who thinks they should be able to figure it out and hasn't, yes. It takes a moment for Percy to pull his eyes away from focusing on the fountain to glance over at the new arrival, offering a faintly dry smile in return. He's well aware he's being ridiculous. It's something to do. ]

Magic can do many things, but it can be responsible for everything.

[Ozymandias chuckles and nods.]

I would normally agree, but that does not seem to be the case for this world. It seems to be the first and only thing some reach for to solve a problem.

[ It's not the first time Percy's seen that sort of thing, but he still shakes his head a little and lets out something that's not quite a sigh. ]

People always think magic will solve everything. Right up until it's not an option, and then what?

[ Not an issue so far, thankfully. But Percy always does tend to think of worst possible outcomes. ]

[Ozymandias doesn't tend to think that way, but he's appreciative of those who do. Even if it's wildly unrealistic, there is some benefit to having someone who is looking for a potential problem or crisis. One cannot prepare otherwise.]

I would imagine a panic might ensue. Depending on the scale of the problem, of course.

Of course.

[ And the gods know they've already run into plenty of problems so far. Whatever else might happen here, Percy is trying his hardest to be prepared. Or at least wary. ]

But somehow I doubt anyone wants to hear about that.

You cannot fault them for that, can you? [Ozymandias raises a slight eyebrow.] Some are not meant to consider such things, don't you think?

[It's the king in him that's coming out now; his strong belief that everyone has their place and role for things to function well, and that the average person should not need to concern themselves with such things. Their attention and energy are far better spent on worrying about what's in front of them in their own life rather than the bigger picture.]

[ One of Percy's eyebrows lifts in turn, arching over the rim of his glasses. ]

You think everyone wouldn't notice? Better to let people prepare than to wake up one day and find their entire system in pieces around them.

[ It might just be the pessimist in Percy talking, but he's almost always ready for the worst. Even if it's only in his head. ]

That's just asking for all-out panic.

I find that people are willing to ignore a great deal.

[If is his tone is any indication, Ozymandias passes no judgment upon this one way or another. To some degree, he certainly agrees with what he assumes to be Percy's position that everyone ought to take some responsibility, but what he knows to be true makes that an ideal rather than a practical reality.]

But I do not believe everyone will ignore it, no. Just the majority will not want to consider such a thing, so they won't.

Hard not to consider something when it's falling into your lap.

[ There's a slightly bemused shade to Percy's voice as he begins to suspect they're having to very different conversations. ]

Though I will grant you a certain resiliency, once the immediate danger has passed.

[ Is that willful ignorance? To just go back to how things were as if nothing has changed? Perhaps. It's an ignorance that Percy finds himself envying a bit, all the same. ]

MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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