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

[bloodwit]

[ viren is... mostly on the same page (except he does dare to think himself not terrible at the activity). ]

Charming, perhaps.

[ a raise of his eyebrows. he takes a sip from his drink. ]

I'm sure you'll find others ... oddly insistent on it, no matter your skill. For bonding purposes.

[silentsavant]

You're not wrong there. I've had a couple or so invitations tonight. But I already have a Bond I'm satisfied with, so it's not like I'm currently shopping for another.

[ still, maybe it wouldn't hurt to broaden his horizons in case something should happen with his current arrangement...? it's not a possibility he likes contemplating, however reasonable it might be to expect. moreover, he finds courting tiresome, so he wants to expend the least effort possible while he's no longer so desperate for someone to curb his plunges into full-moon madness. there are better ways to bond. ]

[bloodwit]

[ viren has yet to grasp onto the idea that fewer monsters bonding meaning more witch bonds available for him. right now, the danger of others becoming feral still outweighs that. ]

Yes — fortunate, that you already have something like that.

[ his mouth becomes wry. ]

Especially fortunate that you're not concerned, that they may disappear on you, or break it?

[ viren's, ah, much more concerned about the latter occurring. for reasons ]

I've yet to have either occur, but it does seem like it would be inconvenient.

[silentsavant]

[ soren maintains rigid focus on his glass as he pushes his rankled nerves down. not even the mask concealing the top half of his face can disguise the faint grimacing twitch like viren had flicked an ice chip into the side of his face. ]

...

[ it betrays the truth: on the contrary, he really is concerned. as relieved as he had been that he could find someone here that he trusted enough to form a bond with, the problem with soren had always been that forming regular bonds with others is his weakest attribute. he'd just gotten lucky that night when she knelt down to his level and boldly saved him from moonstruck madness, proved her strength of heart and mind to him. all along, she'd been taking pity on him. she never bonded with him in all those months until her own bond broke and it shattered her somewhere, too.

was... the basis of her bond with him really built around pity and desperation?

with a sick and sinking heart, he glances up beyond the whirl of dancers matching each other's steps, many of them hooked in pairs, moving to the rhythm of the music like one vast body ruled by a chaotic sense of order. why shouldn't someone like yako have better prospective partners? partners who could relate to all the warmth she exuded better, wasn't so stilted in basic interactions? moreover, what if she was taken from him another way?

it feels as though ice had been scooped straight into the pit of his stomach. this conversation is beginning to wedge discomfort into him. he breathes his more jagged feelings out on a long sigh. it's not viren he should be annoyed with for pointing out the obvious. it's himself for making excuses to keep being content to suffer from his worst qualities. to not try and expand out of his comfort zone and navigate the treacherous path of human relationships for longer than whatever he appears to have deemed strictly necessary.

and then, his rawed heart hardens again. he should really keep this is mind. bonds are contracts. both give, both take. all he needs is a compatible witch who has need of a monster. someone to keep him from going feral. it doesn't have to be anything more, even though the sway of their feelings are cut wide open to each other. ]

You're recommending I keep my prospects open. I can't in good sense disagree with you, there. [ should he inquire? he can't assume he's any expert in the matter (especially considering they're both wallflowering over here), but... he gives him his renewed attention, the insecurities pushed away. ] ...Tell me about your Bonds, then. How they came about. How you fostered them, and what made you decide they were suitable.

[ in alternative terms: soren solicits viren for dating advice ]

[bloodwit]

[ young man please find literally anyone else to ask about this ]

[ for once viren hadn't actually intended to try to plant any seeds of doubt — more, yes, remarking generally as to a well-accepted fact; the external reaction he receives does lend him to furrowing his brows in slight perplexity. it's when that soren turns the request at him that his eyes round, just briefly. ]

My own Bond...?

[ mostly because he knows, innately, that he doesn't have a satisfactory answer. so -- it's time to twist the answer. ]

We first met at a party, not terribly unlike this one. Our first conversation had been amicable enough — enough so that I recognized that we may be.. compatible.

[ the first lie; she'd been ready to throw her drink on him (tear him apart); he recognized her to be a witch, and thus ideal for the practice ]

That's what it requires, willingness and compatibility. I do not think one necessarily has to be incredibly close, nor mirror images of one another, to bond.

[ he believes that part to be true. but for his own, he only hoped that she might be desperate enough to bond, and so he would later come to propose it. he had been correct in preying upon that. ]

We are still ... adjusting. Like any relationship, it takes effort, and being open with one another helps. [ sort of accurate -- it's been a case of "bond now, get to know each other later." that's how he thinks it would have to be for all of his bonds: no one gets to know lord viren and desires closeness with him, without first being coffined into something less ephemeral. alas, he will always attest to relationships requiring work. ] But ultimately, it began rooted in practicality. There are many here that fear even the idea of it — it's about braving the forced intimacy of it, understanding that the benefits of it far outweigh the risks.

For the good of both yourself and others.

[silentsavant]

[ soren listens carefully to viren's take on the matter. he learns nothing new from it, especially when their priorities appear to match up in the same order. nonetheless, it was a good, sobering reminder that he needed to hear. he can even agree that an ideal relationship is one kept honest and open, but that's the tricky part for him. he's afraid of the process in opening up... truly opening up. why, even his current bond suffers from issues stemming mainly from him. ]

I see. Trust — real trust — is not easy to come by... but we also cannot afford to be too picky. It's probably for the best that we all consider bonding with more than one person... Mirrorbounds in particular.

[ lol joke's on soren his bond is going to vanish right after this masquerade, giving him no time to start working on a failsafe bond and proving viren COMPLETELY RIGHT ABOUT THIS WHOLE CONVERSATION!!!! ]

I still don't know if sharing a dance will be the best way for me to build rapport with a prospective partner. However, I might reconsider my whole approach to events like these.

[bloodwit]

People are. [ he pauses. ] Fond of it. Something about anonymously dancing with others is, for some reason, seen as key to targeting potential bonds.

[ the dancing he means, which is obvious from their surroundings. "targeting" probably was not the ideal word to use, but viren doesn't seem to mind the choice. for the most part, though, he nodded at soren's assessment. ]

Ye-ees, you would know yourself best, I would guess...

[ he takes a sip of his drink, waving a hand. for the sake of curiosity, ]

What would be the "best way" for you to build rapport, then, do you think?

[silentsavant]

Hmm...

[ a pretty good question, actually. he steeps in a brief spell of reflection, looking at his glass like he could gaze into the depths of the world he still calls home. how can it feel at once like it happened a lifetime ago, and yet like the rhythm of his old life had only ceased yesterday? it's not long before he formulates a way to express his response. ]

I used to be a mercenary. Any bond I made could be broken the very next day, in various ways. And you never want to let someone get too close, or else they might use your secrets against you some day. Building rapport? That's a fine way to get stabbed in the back... or the heart, if I were more sentimental. I tried not to get personal with others. This is the way I've operated for most of my life.

[ even though soren's mercenary company acted a lot more like a family unit than a pack of self-interested soldiers-for-hire. probably because almost half of them actually were related to at least one member. after some time, even the least trusting and the harder of hearts learns to loosen up just a little in an environment like that. not to mention... he had ike, then. there was only one person who could scale his strict boundaries. ]

Although, I suppose the closest thing to building rapport for me was standing on an adjacent tile fighting alongside comrades. We did have to work together, after all, and a good working relationship would help us be more successful. Knowing your allies is as important as knowing your enemies.

[bloodwit]

[ viren's eyebrows raised at the open admittance of soren once being a mercenary - he's interacted with a few in his time, but that confession would certainly explain a fair deal about his mindset to all of this. it's somewhat difficult for viren, nowadays, to show genuine empathy with another person ... without there being an ulterior motive to it.

and for a moment, pragamtically as his mind tends to work, he's stuck as to what to say. what does this boy hope to gain from this conversation? advice? encouragement? a connection? what does viren hope to get from it? hm. regardless, his tone isn't cold: ]

It can be a difficult process, for many. [ him included, if for slightly differing reasons. ... a sigh. ] If you already have one bond, then I would hope finding another would be easier in the next instance.

[ but even if he had inquired, viren knows that soren really didn't have to honestly explain why building rapport was difficult. ... if that had been honest, that is: ]

I would presume that you're already on the right track, yes? .... In trying to open yourself up to others.

[silentsavant]

Well, I'm currently opening up about my Bonding concerns to a perfect stranger, so... I would call that progress.

[ ...dressed down, that is exactly what he is doing, isn't it? and this conversation they are holding in a quiet corner of the party is just another form of building rapport, no music or footwork needed, no battles or objectives, either. even one topic like this that allows them to understand each other is bonding. ...in lower-case, of course. he'd better extinguish that possible expectation, should the other dragon misconstrue his intents as hinting toward solicitation. ]

Please don't get the wrong idea, though. I don't consider you Bonding material. You're not a Witch.

[ there was a time before aefenglom when he used to conceal what he truly was to others from fear of persecution. but now, he's something else completely, someone who has no reason to hide what he is from another mirrorbound monster, and certainly not one of his own kind. he lifts the checkerboard mask from his eyes and as the brand on his forehead is obscured, the enchantment gives way to a pair of straight, conical horns sprouting from his skull, pointed ears and reptilian eyes, a pair of scarlet-black leathery wings folded against his back, and the once-delicate human fingers harden over with scales and claws. ]

And neither am I. That said, I think this was a good conversation for me to have. So... thank you. [ he speaks with uncertainty edging in, not one conveying any insincerity, but like someone taking care to demonstrate politeness and a proper level of appreciation. ]

we can wrap this one up, if you'd like!

[bloodwit]

[ viren's expression becomes flat at that - an irritable reaction only tempered by soren's further explanation, even if unnecessary elaboration. with as much sarcasm as he can possibly muster (and, pray that that's not missed), ]

Ah. So you hadn't been brazenly trying to solicit me.

[ though his gaze darts over the revealed features, which mark soren as, likewise, a dragon. viren holds his tongue to resist comment on it. his darker opinions as to that could be withheld for another day.

for now, after a moment's silent contemplation, he does figure that-for whatever reason-he'd provided advice without overtly expecting gain to, yes, a perfect stranger. even if such advice had been conventional in nature. his claws tap against the side of drink, clink against the glass. ]

If you'd found it useful. [ mm. ] Then, very well - you are welcome.

sure thing! sorry my follow-up ending was so tardy... sdsjkfds

[silentsavant]

[ the annoyance is perfectly legible, and so is the sarcasm. in retrospect, making his intentions as clear as possible did nothing for their conversation but make him come off as presumptuous and rude. it's not like he really cares for viren's opinion of him, but if he wants to get anywhere in making people like him enough to form bonds, he needs to pay more attention to how he affect others, not just what information he wants to convey.

and the way he looks at him after showing him his true form... makes him feel like he should have never taken the mask off. it's a naked, transparent feeling. he'd opened just a little, but finds himself wanting to close right up again. revealing that he is a dragon isn't like lifting the covers off some huge secret, since he's bound to find that out anyway, but he can't quite put a finger on the precise source of the discomfort except that it feels hauntingly familiar. he says nothing after that, taking his empty cup with him and scooting out of his chair to leave, transformed in two ways. ]