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

[hippocarnival]

Okay--will you humor me? [Yuya twists and backs up to stand against the wall beside Viren.] Did you comefor just the food?

[bloodwit]

[ viren glances at his, now literally, fellow wallflower. ]

No.

[ that's honest. ]

I suppose you're not completely wrong, in that it is the.. socialization aspect, that drew me here. There is a purpose to that.

[hippocarnival]

Yeah? Are you looking for new friends... or a new bond?

[Could be either, after all.]

[bloodwit]

... A new bond.

[ another bond, to be specific, but still. there is some hesitance in admitting outright to his motivations in being here, but as far as viren sees it, it's just another practice in practicality - as he's already discussed with yuya, even, to some extent. ]

I understood the attendees—or at least, most of them here—should be welcome to the idea of fostering such a connection.

[hippocarnival]

But it's going to be hard to find one if you're not out there talking to people, right? [Don't glue yourself to this wall, Viren.

He points in the general direction of the lockbox.] If you're nervous about making the first move, you can let the magic do it for you. Literally.

[bloodwit]

... I don't feel nervous. [ he considers. ] More... out of practice.

[ he supposes? that must be it. out of his element, out of patience, something like that.

viren sighs. ]

Have you actually had success with that? Or are you just being woefully optimistic?

[hippocarnival]

I've had success just talking to people. [He winks.] The box is just there to make the choice of who to talk to easier for you. But you might need to give into a little dancing.

[bloodwit]

[ the wink receives the flattest look he can manage. after a moment, ]

The masks, I'm realizing, make this more difficult.

[ but the gears are turning in his head; bonds are troublesome, and it feels like, especially as he's been in recent years, that he's going to have to do a brain reset if ever truly wants to understand them. pesky, that he can't threaten someone into a bond.

that would be simpler, but also ineffective. he looks at this smaller... person, still unable to pick out any distinguishing traits. ]

Very well, then.

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya smiles coyly.] That's a good look for you.

[Live a little, Viren... Yuya overlooks the dance floor.] So you're looking for a witch? Or another monster?

[bloodwit]

[ viren follows his gaze. ]

A Witch, of course. That would be the most productive of bonds.

[hippocarnival]

[He nods once.] If you use the box, it doesn't let you choose... do you have any other preferences in a witch?

[bloodwit]

Someone capable in their magic, but nothing else otherwise.

[ alas, he doesn't care much if it's meant to be platonic, romantic (unlikely, besides), whatnot. even if they're a complete idiot with their magical capabilities, he guesses he can still garner some benefit. ]

It does depend on what the other person would be looking for - someone age appropriate, I suppose, if they're to be insistent on any type of ... intimacy. The sort that does come, apparently, with some types of bonds.

[ sorry, he feels it's a bit TMI, but it is obvious and honest!! ]

[hippocarnival]

Definitely not all of them! [Yuya squeaks, waving a hand quickly. Don't remind him, he bonded with two almost-strangers...] It can just be friends, or a partnership, and if that's all you want that's a preference too!

[bloodwit]

[ viren raises an eyebrow. it'd be a lie to say that didn't elicit a very slight chuckle from him. but - ]

Mm, right. My preference would be "partnership," if you mean something along the line of an ally. [ friendship would be.. nice, but frankly he's not exactly holding his breath. ] If they desire something more, then I don't care - we can work it out if it comes to that.

[ whatever, he'll deal with it. ah, the price to pay for bonds. ]

In your ... profound experience, I'm sure [ a bit dryly - he's starting to get the impression this person may not be a veteran exactly, but that's also just an assumption ], what have you found to be most common?

[hippocarnival]

[It's been like, a week.

Yuya stuffs his hands in his pockets.] My bonds are more like... partnerships. Maybe friends? It's not... romantic, anyway. I don't think that really comes up unless there's a feeling already there, because... we all need them just to be safe.

[It's just a little awkward, when they're necessary, for him to think about the prevalence they might be turning romantic, or--otherwise intimate.] Anyway, there's a lot of us, I don't think we have to completely break what's comfortable for that, if... but if you don't mind, that's between you and your bonded.

[bloodwit]

Hopefully you are all on the same page as to that, hm? It would be... terribly awkward, for someone to develop unreciprocated feelings, especially with something as delicate as a bond...

[ viren says, which is actually. somewhat complicated, as someone who can easily discard others' emotions yet is probably prone to ... imbalance and misconstruing things. woops!

he doesn't think too hard on that comment; just a helpful bit of advice, after all. ]

I suppose so. [ a thin smile. ] Now, am I permitted to have your name, or--?

[hippocarnival]

[He is not going to follow that hypothetical with his own bonds, he's just trying not to explode right now.

There's a pause before Yuya slowly pulls his mask off, offering Viren a sheepish smile.] Yuya.

[They're acquainted.] Next time I'm in class, I'll keep an eye out for really skilled witches. But I'm still mostly in beginner courses...

[bloodwit]

Ah. You're not a Fae, after all.

[ is that a jab at his small? probably, but if he'd really been a fae, viren knows he'd have a much worse reaction to him - likewise, he sheds his own mask. ]

[ he inclines his head. ]

Whatever the case, I look forward to any names. I may not be a Witch [ ah, it still feels sour on his tongue to admit to it ], but perhaps we shall see each other in class.

[hippocarnival]

[Ah. Yuya raises his brows.] Are you looking for a witch good at magic so you can get into classes?

[bloodwit]

Monsters can be permitted to observe classes on their own; I have been sitting near.. another monstrous colleague, of mine, on occasion.

[ a "colleague," ok. ]

So, no. Not quite.

[hippocarnival]

Oh. [He didn't know if it was the same for high level classes, he... hasn't been progressing that quickly.] Just interested in meeting someone good at magic, then?

[bloodwit]

That would be all.

[ he smiles at that. yep. ]

[hippocarnival]

Who do you already know that's good at magic? [Presumably that aren't looking for bonds.]

[bloodwit]

[ hm. viren ponders that one. ]

A few names come to mind, but none of it has involved extensive displays of magic. [ what more easily comes to mind, frankly, are people unskilled with it. ] It's conjecture. Perhaps Lux, Theseus...?

[hippocarnival]

[Look... they're trying...]

Toby and Elliot are also good at magic. [At least, he takes the displays of magic he has seen from them as being good.] I don't know if they're looking for a bond, but maybe you should meet them anyway?