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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[ a particular feeling -- viren's not unused to this assessment. it's like he's always worn his ambition on his sleeve. there's a sharp frown at her words, his eyebrows furrowing. that she says she doesn't blame him for it, however... ]

[ hm. ]

My goal is to return home.

[ the sudden desperation that enters his tone might also say, at any cost. ]

My people needs me — their fate hangs precariously in the balance, but they face certain doom if they do not have a strong leader. [ he takes a breath, hand to encircling his beverage again, claws scraping against the glass. ]

But, if it relates to magic and politics here — [ she's not incorrect. witches, like her, or not like her.. he would always think it a shame (more than that, a travesty), that they have magic and he's without. ] I can help. I could help, if I had more rightful authority, more capability in that. There would be change, Sokie.

[She listened quietly. There was the passion that flooded into his voice- the need of going back home, to fix things. And for a few moments while she considered him, still swirling the wine in her glass. Around, and around, and around it went.

How many things would he step on just so he could get home?]

And what would you do, Viren? What change would you push for, whether you went home or not?

[She wants to go back, that's no lie. But she knows it's possible that they may be stranded here until their deaths. And maybe even after that.]

[ viren lifts his glass, taking a sip from it to collect his thoughts. ]

This is more easily answered if you choose a scenario -- whether I am acting with the purpose of returning home, or whether I am not. If I am acting with that purpose, then of course, we would still need to tend to the City's needs.

[ as temping as it would be to dedicate all resources to that single drive, it wouldn't due to have to quash a rebellion in the midst of that, ya dig.. ]

Very neat evasion, but if this is what you wish to go with- very well.

[She set down her glass lightly, and interlaced her fingers again.]

Let us say that you're working with the city to ensure that they are safe from interlopers and from the plague. Someone tries a similar attack that occurred last month- recruiting natives to cause destruction and chaos to the people.

What do you do?

[ hm. viren ponders that a moment, a hand lifting to stroke at his beard. he doesn't know all the details of the situation (regrettably, hadn't been apart of the investigation), but in his judgement - ]

I'm of the opinion, that it wouldn't have been the Mirrorbond sent into handle the issue - ideally, trained investigators, a group of both Monters and Witches working in synch, as obviously we are stronger in unity, would have been dispatched. But I also understand the benefit of using us; we are, essentially, freeriders. It is good that we do our part where we can.

[ eases any tensions as to being burdensome guests, at the cost of ... well, efficiency. that's lamentable. he's still of the opinion that the mirrorbound should be doing more regardless. ]

But I agree, that the manner in which it was overall handled: discovering and capturing the perpetrators, eventually bringing them to justice, and destroying the mist, were appropriate measures. More investigative measures should follow accordingly...

[ there's a bit of a twist of a lie there, but he knows his opinion of that not to be... commonplace. "bring them to justice?" perhaps, but not immediately - they could be so, so more useful than that./small> ]

But ultimately, it overlooks the larger problem, yes? Anti-monster sentiment, which is something that should be better addressed.

[She waited, listening quietly. And while it's not a terrible thing- she does like the idea of trained investigators, for sure, but for the city to have it...

Sokie kept idly slowly moving her finger around the rim of her glass, watching him. She's not so sure he's the justice type, but she doesn't pass judgement just yet.

Or at least she doesn't show it on her face, nor in her manner.]

That's an interesting point you've brought up. So with the anti monster sentiment...I suppose this is a follow up situation. What would you do to promote pro monster sentiment with the nobility?

[ he takes a sip from his whiskey. this world is still something of a strange reversal for viren, being without magic, being with monster parts and seen as nothing more than an ingredient by some.

he knows of humanity's struggles in a world fraught with magic, yet unfortunately, magic that would never be humanity's own ... unless taken by force. how elves and dragons sneered at humans, abused and mistreated them, how regularly humans would starve on the streets - ]

[ viren's fortunate, to have served under a king dedicated to treating those with fairness and equality. ]

[ he begins, delicately, ]

Some nobles, no matter how much advocacy should take place by Witches and Monsters alike, will never be free of their hatred. But Monsters should be encouraged to stand strong, for their voices to be heard and, likewise, for others to join as well.

[..]

I'm sure you've noticed [ hard not to, after all ] that the disparity is blatant. The Western Residential District... needs to be raised up; if Parliament does not address the inequality -- as you do know, most of Parliament tends to be of noble origin, more than a few harboring anti-monster sentiment -- then, perhaps someday they will take matters into their own hands.

[ with necessary force, he seems to imply. ]

[ also how popular would increased taxation that targets certain groups be??? Not Super Fuckin popular, he's sure, but it's another place to start!!!!! ]

[ then his gaze narrows, lip curling to reveal some teeth. ]

But I wonder. How do you feel, sitting high on your perch as a Witch?

[ yeah, don't think he's sensed any shots at his propriety, oh viren hates that. ]

[She waited, but she wasn't disappointed. Ah. There it was, that little flare of temper just like before, back in the Black City. Her lips spread, and she smiles, not showing her teeth, and she laughs.

It's soft, even taunting, but her fingers stopped swirling around her wine glass, and her eyes were focused solely on him.]

My high perch? Goodness. You make it sound as if I were coddled and pampered! And certainly I've earned my fair share of spa days, but that was due to hard work, not because of what I am.

As if I wouldn't have gone out into the streets to help defend those in need. As if I didn't make a four sided ward for the refugees, or been working to ensure no one will have their memories altered like they did before.

As if I didn't get a concussion the night of the mist from those who thought this could be their time to kill monsters under the cover of insanity.

[Finally, she bared her teeth. But her tone didn't go higher, or louder. Instead it went lower.]

So how do you feel, sitting on your perch of pretty words and sharp tongue inaction?

[ sokie has quite the way with getting a reaction from viren (granted, its not too difficult, should his scales be rubbed the wrong way). against his better judgment, he listens as she answers (may have a responded with a smirk or an eyeroll or two along the way). but it's when she finishes....

viren stands from his chair, the movement so sharp there's a screech of its base against the floor; his palms slam into the table to jostle plates and glasses. claws dig into the tablecloth, his expression twisted with anger.

the answer to her question? pretty damn useless, honestly. ]

You continue to question my virtue —

[ he exhales a breath through clenched fangs. ]

Is this what I should continue to expect from you? Prying at my integrity?

[She has a gift for getting for needling. But while she expected the smirks and the eyerolls, the fact that she got him to rise...

She was really rubbing him in a sore spot, wasn't she? Calmly, she watched him, even as she moved to take another sip of wine before setting it gently back on the table.]

You should expect nothing if you continue making a scene.

[She wasn't hissing anymore, but it was clear she wasn't happy.]

Please, sit. Enjoy your whiskey. We are both adults after all, with much to contribute to any society so we so desire to.

[ viren gaze hardens further, eyes darkened with his temporal fury - i'll show you a scene comes the overly-rash thought - before he seems to regain himself. his expression loses its hostility by degrees, even if he does have half a mind to storm off.

instead, he drags his seat back the inches or so needed, slowly sinks back into it. his mouth remains pressed into a stern line. ]

I wonder, if that should be to my benefit... Accepting that I should expect nothing.

Neutral outcome is better then a negative outcome.

[She didn't reach for her glass this time. Instead, she lightly laced her fingers together.]

Because we both know what could happen if I decided to tear you apart. Or even, just, say, one part.

You may have just gotten a new limb, but that also means-oh those nerves are oh so sensitive. Goodness me, you wouldn't be able to move, would you?

[She made a slight gesture with her hand.]

That's just as an example of course. A brutal one, but a very good reason to hope for us to part on neutral terms, yes?

And we can work towards a nice, positive outcome. Eventually.

[ viren's eyes become cold as steel as she continues, fangs to briefly show themselves again. but then, he smiles, and it's far from a kind expression. he's already threatened to sever his own tail to another (but this hint would likely be premature, the tail deserves a chance to prove its worth, and he does know keenly what a witch to be capable of).

and so, sardonicism bleeding into every syllable, ]

Ah, yes! Of course. The good Witch, flaunting her power in destroying the lowly Monster...

[ he hand closes against his glass of whiskey, claws scraping against its glass surface to draw out an unpleasant noise. ]

You really do enjoy it up there, don't you?

[Oh, there's the baby fangs. They're adorable. And...she doesn't think he gets it. Or at least gets why she's jerking her chain like she is, and it really has nothing to do with him being a monster.]

Dear man. You mistake yourself twice over.

[She held up a finger.]

One, I don't need to use magic to do such a thing.

[Up goes the second finger.]

Two, it has nothing to do with your inferiority complex. Do with that as you will.

[ viren's hand has wrapped around his glass of whiskey, the pressure causing his knuckles to whiten. his eyes widen briefly, then he once more takes a deep, steadying breath, much good as that may or may not do him. for a moment, he's quiet. ]

Don't be ridiculous.

[ finally comes what he manages, low and angry; being called out on that — isn't something he can confront. at least, not in public. ]

[ but sokie's correct: viren doesn't understand. ]

Then...? Your purpose in threatening me, being?

[She's surprised the glass hasn't cracked yet. But whoops. Went right on the mark right there, didn't she? And it was a little too sharp. Man's sensitive.

Goodness, how did he survive up until now?]

You were pushing me, so I pushed back. It was an example.

[Her hand dropped.]

But if you want it to be a threat, it can be.

Ah.

[ any more pressure and the glass would've cracked; thankfully, with sokie's explanation, his grip on it lessens. he holds her gaze, somewhat intense in that; and while his teeth are once more hidden, his expression's now less heated, colder.

he lifts his poor whiskey and sips from it. the burn isn't an unwelcome taste. ]

I've never been much a fan of purposeless threats, actually. I would hope you to be the same.

[All there needs to be is a ruffled newspaper to go with the glower. Then it would be like a rich snobby dad, she thinks. Though it looks less like he's going to stalk off in a glower.]

I think it served its purpose. It made you pause, didn't it? You took a moment to think, which is the important part of an important conversation.

If you wish to argue about it, go ahead. But we'd be wasting time in planning for your power climbing.

I'm no fool, Sokie. I don't think for a moment that you would support me in that.

[ he's... not unaccustomed to the perceived lack of it, really. until he'd recently gained an ally at home, he had accepted that he would have to go at changing things alone. the whiskey gets settled down.

if that was how it was to be, then so be it. ]

What sort of changes would you aim to see?

Only because I'm pretty sure down the line you'd stab me in the back.

[She settled her chin on her hand. It's honest, if a little too much so. But then, he'd get all huffy if she tried to lie about it.]

You mean other then the abolishment of nobility, laws against slavery and child labor, restructure of the parliament, and restructure of agriculture practices for the sake of healthy practices?

Not much.

( overflow )

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MASQUERADE: Noveur 8

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wow that last tag's html,,, 1/2

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