EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

[phoenixstrut]

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you




Welcome
Though the evening outside is chilly, there’s nothing but warmth and lively atmosphere inside. The room itself (the ballroom atop the self proclaimed ‘most romantic and luxurious’ Genessian getaway) is almost blinding, glittering with gold from floor to ceiling, save for the towering framed windows that provide a beautiful sight of the city below. Tables are scattered here and there around the perimeter should attendees wish to rest their feet, but the centerpiece of the evening seems to be the massive, sparkling chandelier casting its warm, golden glow over a rather extensive dance floor. One end of the room is reserved for the band, poised just near the hearth featuring a roaring fire, while the other showcases a grand staircase on which one may make their entrance, should they choose to explore the upper lofts that surround the room beforehand.

Early in the evening, once the room has begun to fill, a couple steps up to welcome everyone on behalf of Genessia’s Performing Arts Center and the cast of their most recent musical. While the event is free, and they are delighted to be able to share a magnificent evening of splendor with everyone, they do wish to make everyone aware that should they choose to donate tonight, be it through benevolent gift or through the auction or gambling tables, all proceeds will be donated to the Red House Foundation- more specifically, Genessia’s branch, located in the heart of the city herself.
The call to enjoy the masquerade is punctuated with a deep bow and the swell of the band picking up once more to lead everyone into a night of majestic merriment.


Photos
With numerous celebrities about and the event in full swing, it’s to no one’s surprise that there are photographers practically crawling the place. Fortunately for all, quite a few have been hired by the event planning team and will be snapping moments (both candid and posed) of everyone in attendance. There’s even a designated area with various props to play with and a lovely backdrop doused in gold. These photos can be downloaded from the network later, so take advantage of these professionals, should your heart desire! After all, did one really look their best if there’s no photo to prove it?


Dancing
While there’s certainly no pop star performing and the music is much more classically suited, one will hear a familiar tune more often than not, spun by the tuxedo clad musicians to suit a more modern crowd. It’s upbeat and energetic for the most part, but every so often, they're likely to switch the mood to something much smoother (dare they say, romantic?) to sway to. Instructors are scattered throughout the crowd, should those unfamiliar with the ballroom style wish to learn something new!


Food
A party without food is absurd, regardless of the occasion. Drink flows readily from the bar, and an impressive variation of hors d’oeuvre has been laid out in a brilliant spread on the long tables along the edges of the room. Partake as you will, and leave a donation to show your appreciation if you’re so inspired!


Costume Parade
What’s the point of a masquerade without an outfit promenade? Show off your inspired attire to all who will gaze upon you. The more flamboyant, the more attention your costume will draw, and the more in-character one seems, the more believable the evening will be- Embrace the masks and let loose! Tonight is the night to be whoever (or whatever) your heart desires.


Gambling/Auction
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there are multiple donated items on which to bid, ranging from weekend getaways to baskets of sweets to… rather peculiar fashion and odd home decor.
To the right of the auction display, there are multiple gaming tables with waiting croupier, ready to assist those with heavy wallets attempt to woo Lady Luck. The winnings (should there be any) can be kept or donated- the choice is yours.


Gardens
If one finds a need to escape the swirling of dance and swell of the music, the gardens below may serve you well. There’s a lovely courtyard, and just beyond the fountain, a garden maze, well lit for the season with the gentle glow of dazzling lights. Take a stroll alone, or hide away with a lover or confidant, or snag a seat for the fireworks- the choice is yours.


Fireworks
No grand gala ever ended without a burst of excitement to round out the evening. Toward the end of the evening, the sky will be lit with a brilliant display of silvers and golds, all timed perfectly with the band’s final performance. One can watch from the gardens or the rooftop, or, if in need of something more ~private~, the balconies throughout the hotel.



Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

((ooc: Questions? PM this journal or poke dovefire on Plurk! Have Fun!))

Comments

[immortalrose]

At first, Augustine was certain that this nervous beauty would turn him down. However, it seems that luck is indeed upon his side when he hears her answer. "Why not, indeed." The dhampir says with a charismatic smirk as he gently takes her hand. He can tell she's still a little hesitant about the idea, so he decides to approach this cautiously.

"Don't worry, we'll go slow." Augustine says once he places his hand upon her waist. It's an intimate touch in general but Augustine does his best to make it seem too intrusive. "The waltz is a fairly simple dance, one that's quite easy to pick up if you have a good teacher." It shouldn't come as any surprise that a vampire would be good at ballroom dancing. Most of these bloodsuckers hail from old aristocracy anyways.

"Just relax and flow the flow of the music." He coaches as he holds up her other hand. "I'll lead and you'll follow, dear."

[radishearring]

[Food, dancing, photos)

Luna's
long blonde hair was charmed to fit into the handmade hairpiece (thanks to an outing the prior night for the red feathers) and her dress seemed to mirror the blonde's personality since she also made it (well made some minor fixes since she's 5'2). She's also a very social creature and is happily social. Her wand however is safely tucked into her handbag.

[Gardens]

However she does wander into the gardens at some point to track what she's sure was a moon frog. Its not but she does have to take a look around anyway, Who knows what creatures can be found in a place like this?

[Wild card]

Have Luna will travel!

[redarrowqueen]

[Photos, food, dancing]

Thea for a moment feels like she's become the old her, the girl who could work rooms like nobody's business. But maybe she has, she's also networking for the museum. The mask however is a red and black domino sort but a fancy one, it was a last minute buy thanks to forgetting. She looks for people she knows from the museum and the complex as she snags a glass of ginger ale.

[Gardens]

But she does slip into the gardens at some point for a breather.

[Wild card]

Have Thea will travel!

[singinghuntress]

[She smirked a bit, visibly looking pleased with herself and the compliments from her dear beloved. Rip felt like a natural standing next to him while the camera's flashed. Perhaps this was something she should have considered dabbling in sooner..]

I zhink you're right. It's nice to haf zhis much attention vhen I'm vith you.

[She's definitely not overwhelmed by everything and is basking in it just as much as he is.]

[la_matrona]

For reasons her own, and with help from a dubious potion obtained in Fayren, Imelda is looking decidedly fleshy. She has spent entirely too much money on a dress, mask, earrings necklace, and of course shoes, though these she'd made herself.

Regardless of her stomach churning with nerves, she is ready to make something of herself here. Though what, she's not sure.


I. Dancing or Lurking

She mostly stays by the wall, looking stiff and uncomfortable and frowning every once in a while as a new song begins to play. She is determined to rid herself of this foolish emotion knotting her gut and so will likely take offers to dance, but feel free to strike up conversation, too.

II. Buffet Table

She usually has a glass of some sort of alcohol in her hand as she picks her way through the buffet table. Though she seems to eat like a bird, observers will note that she wants to taste everything and eats quite a lot over a long period of time. There is also a particular plate of cheeses that she keeps gravitating back to and trying not to scowl at anyone else in her way.

III. Garden

When she's had enough of pushing herself, she'll intermittently go outside to freeze herself instead. Though on one hand she enjoys the new sensation, for any sensation is better than none, she is also shivering violently most of the time. That doesn't stop her from wandering through the maze or watching passersby from a solitary bench.

V. Wild Card

Whatever you have in mind.

[singinghuntress]

[Anyone that didn't have the idea that she belonged to her dear Robin for the night soon would get the idea as he lead her away.]

Hm..for tonight, I'm zhinking perhaps dancing, a little dazzling zhe crowd..

[She smirked a little as she leaned in close to gently nip at his ear.]

Perhaps a little singing...und a little later, sneaking off to zee if ve can get avay vith in a secluded corner.

[Rip was more than happy to help him steal the show just to indulge in her own desire to show off with him at her side. As for the dancing.. Rip's just as graceful as ever.]

[phoenixstrut]

Lost in her thoughts, Dove nearly jumps out of her skin at the question, turning her full attention to the woman across the way. "Oh...! Ah, yes, I suppose I am..." she admits sheepishly, dropping her hand from the hedge to instead wrap her arms over her middle as she makes her way over to properly talk.

There's a strange warmth that seems to follow her, even as the subtle golden glow of her eyes dims away, leaving them a deep amber hue. "Nervous habit, I guess."

[guitar_hero]

In one of his typical black suits with the red interior, and a simple mask he barely looks like he's trying. Looks, however, can be deceiving

I. Photos
Being somewhat of a rock god in Genessia does have its perks, but is also has the downside of attracting every photographer in the place. Feel free to photobomb or attempt to save him from a clot of erstwhile photographers, just be ready to be pulled in to share in his suffering.

II. Dancing

Do you want to dance? He's going to ask everyone in eyesight, man or woman or undecided or other; and accept offers readily, too. He's obviously living it up.

III. Buffet

He's trying one of everything at the buffet. Care for a bite? Well think fast before he gets there first.

V. Gambling

He proceeds to spend most of the evening losing absolutely terribly at everything he plays. Come enjoy the windfall if you can.

VI. Wildcard

Anything else for your needs.

[fairysoul]

A. Costume Parade [OTA]
While Mavis didn't dislike being a vampire, far from it - she rather enjoyed herself during the Halloween event - she's kind of glad it's over. Because she can eat what she wants again and because the sharp canines wouldn't have gone too well with her costume. She asked Erza and Mira to help her tie her long blond hair into braids, and she put flowers in her hair instead of her usual wing hair clips. She's wearing a mask, of course, but still no shoes.

She's blushing a little under her mask but still manage to smile proudly as she walks among the other people in costume. She has to make her guildmates proud and who knows, she mighgt win a prize? occasionally she spins around to make her dress fly a little and waves at people she thinks she recognizes.

B. Dancing [Closed to Zeref]
Mavis still remembers the last time they danced together at a similar ball. She's missed that. So when she notices the dancefloor, she practically drags Zeref there. Surely, an 'empress' would have more manners but tonight Mavis is just a young woman who's excited to have the opportunity to dance with her boyfriend.

She holds out her hand to him. "Shall we? We still have plenty of time before the fireworks start."

C. Gardens [OTA]
Mavis is just walking around enjoying the garden. She stops by the fountain and touches the water with the tip of her fingers. She lets out a happy sigh. "What a lovely night!"

A

[bigbadrose]

Hopefully the costume wasn't based on best disguise because Rose was definitely obvious in her wolf mask and not even remotely matching rose dress. "Ahh!!! You look so cute!" she squealed to Mavis giving her a glomping hug and taking her hands for a quick dance immediately after.

[singinghuntress]

1.Photos
[Rip spent a little time on the red carpet with Augustine getting her picture taken with him and showing off a stunning blue dress paired with a matching mask and matching jewelry. Once the affair was done, she went off to mingle with the rest of the arrivals.

At various points during at the night Rip can be found at the photobooth laughing with whoever dragged her over for a photo. It might take a little convincing.]


2.Dancing
[When Rip isn't dancing with Augustine and drawing attention to them gliding across the dance floor, she's mingling with everyone else at the party and supposedly nursing a glass of wine. Or, at least the drink is red. It's debatable if it's actually wine or not.

If anyone wants to ask the elegant huntress for a dance, she's more than open to it.]


3.Gardens
[When the music has gotten too much and Rip needs a momentary break, she can be found in the gardens relaxing next to the fountain and enjoying the sound of the water or perhaps hiding away in the maze just for a little quiet. Or.. perhaps she's hiding with someone... Rip's always happy for a friendly conversation.]

Private Prompt for Augustine
[At some point in the evening, Rip's dragging her dear Robin out of the limelight for a little quiet time between the two of them. It's questionable on whether or not they'll be seen for awhile.]

Private to Namur
[At some point when Rip has a moment to herself, she's seeking out Namur for a dance or two.]

Fireworks
[Rip will be nowhere to be found until the fireworks are over with.]

[li_amaranth]

Dancing
[Li wasn't exactly thrilled that she was here and yet, there the kelpie was hiding in the back wearing a dress and matching mask that she wasn't too happy about.

At least the dress was better than the pink monstrosity Dove originally showed her. So, now the question was.. who dared to dance with the stand offish woman?]

Gardens
[When the crush of humans and other creatures being around her got too much, Li made a mad dash for the gardens to hide out for awhile. Finding her wouldn't be too hard since she wasn't being too subtle about where she was. However, it might take some coaxing to get her to go back in.

Li really wasn't a fan of crowds... of course, if someone wanted to sit outside and chat, she'd be more than happy to. Just ignore the fact that she lost the shoes she was supposed to wear somewhere in the maze.]

Wildcard!
[Feel free to run into Li wherever you want! She's mostly attempting to hide so she can be found nearly anywhere at the party.]

[bigbadrose]

[Rose's mask makes her obvious to anyone who knows the real her, and everyone else would be tipped off by the rose dress much though it didn't match. Or perhaps specifically because it didn't match.]

Dancing

[Most of all, Rose is here to dance. At least one is saved for the youngest (here) Doctor, but that doesn't mean he can't have even more dances, though generally Rose is open to dancing with anyone and everyone and will try to involve wallflowers and teach anyone who feels a bit clumsy.]

Gardens

[It's silly. Waiting out here. With flowers. She feels like she belongs though. Come find her! She's not waiting for anyone in particular. Maybe.]

Fireworks

[This time, Rose is very obviously waiting for someone, holding her hand out with wiggling fingers. But still OTA because my sense of humor.]

[They've been missing the fireworks and doing them without each other. But not this time.]

Sorry, no cupcake with edible ball bearings this time. I handmade that last time, you know! Plum forgot there'd be fireworks tonight. You know I never did find out who won in 2012? Amy didn't remember, something about a crack. And of course, it'd be different in Pete's Universe anyway. [All this without looking at the person who took her hand, and she finally lifts up her mask and leans against their arm to look into their eyes.] I'm glad you're here.

[You might not be the person she was expecting. Then again, you might be! Or she might pretend.]

[orlokbutterfly]

[He hadn't been paying terribly much attention to his surroundings since he was so engrossed in his game, but he happened to look up just in time for a lady to round the corner, catching himself and stopping on a dime so he didn't bump into her. Two drinks may have been saved with those reflexes.

On the inside, he was annoyed that someone just happened to turn up, but he's got a front to keep up. So he smiles sheepishly, waving his device before putting it in his back pocket.]

Ah, sorry 'bout that. Thought I went an' got a lil' corner 'way from folk t'be out of th' way. Didn' think most would stray from th' main 'all an' all. M'bad.

[notquitedracula]

Costume Parade
[The room goes dark for an instant as the last of the parade leaves the grand staircase. The sound of birds - crows - can be heard throughout the area as the rustle of wings converges, momentarily drowned out by a whump of displaced air... and then, a lilting, sweet laugh. The lights return - they were never snuffed, merely dampened - and a figure can be seen at the top of the stairs, wearing a very distinctive mask.

Although the white hair might be a giveaway, this figure is otherwise unrecognizable - particularly as she isn't even the same gender as Soma, and that mask obscures her face really well. She seems to float down the stairs instead of walking, though her feet can in fact be made out. What can be seen of her skin is pale as the grave.]

Dancing
[At no point during the evening will Soma remove that mask. Not unless a very good reason presents itself. So unless someone happens to be in on the joke, 'she' will be making the rounds of the dance floor indiscriminately. She's only there for fun, after all - this is an experiment in magic just for the sake of having a good time, free of restriction. So she'll be putting her abilities to good use - whether joining the chorus in enchanting song with the voice of a Siren, dancing on air with the aid of Medusa Head, or any of a number of other odd feats.

The Witch of Crows is among you, Genessians. Court her at your peril.]

[radishearring]

Cue a petite blonde in red both dress and mask (handmade too, the detail work shows). "Insane looking suit, the good kind of insane." not knowing this was the guy whose ship she stumbled upon several weeks ago.

[redhairedknight]

Photos

Erza arrives at the party wearing a formal dress that she had previously worn for a royal gala, along with a butterfly themed mask. With the Fairy Tail guild present at this ball, she made sure to dress to impress.

She's thrilled to have her picture taken - Erza certainly enjoys showing off her outfits, and it's always nice to have something to remember these kinds of nights by.

Dancing

Erza always admired the natural grace of dancers. Her own method of dancing was... unique, to say the least, though she had been improving. If she didn't get too carried away, she could dance normally.

As it stands, she's on the edge of the dance floor, watching for now. However, she's eager to get out there, and it shows - her eyes almost light up as she watches the people dance.

Gambling

Most people wouldn't consider gambling relaxing, but Erza Scarlet isn't like most people. For whatever reason, she seems to have borderline-supernatural luck when it comes to games of chance, and that's no different here than it is back home. Whether it's dice or cards, she seems to be doing quite well for herself, as the stack of chips in front of her gets higher and higher.

Once she's had enough fun at the tables, she'll sit back and see how others are faring or mingle with other spectators.

Gardens

Toward the end of the night, Erza could use some quiet time, and the gardens are perfect for that. It's certainly not as busy or crowded as the rest of the party, so she'll take her time to enjoy that sense of calm. She might be found admiring the greenery, but then again, this place seems perfect for a romantic stroll with her girlfriend.

C

[redhairedknight]

Erza decided to head out to the gardens in order to take a break from the partying when she overheard Mavis.

"It certainly has been wonderful." She's had a pretty good night, between getting a few dances in and winning a ton at the card tables. "Thanks for getting us all to come along - it's fancier than our usual parties, but it's still been nice."

[orlokbutterfly]

As she approached, Kharon was peering through the bottom of a glass and muttering to himself about how awful the dishwashers were to let this one go out. He glanced to the side to Imelda, smiling slightly as he set the glass beneath the counter.

"'pends a lot on what yer preferences are. I like 'em a lil' on th' stronger side, so I can attest to th' 'aviation' cocktail, but y'can't go wrong with somethin' like a good daiquiri or a bloody mary. Ya interested in strong? Sweet?"

He looks over the various liquor bottles on the table, "I'm prolly not th' best one t'ask on where to start. Th' glory of mixin' means ya can always wing it an' try anythin' that catches yer eye an' see if it sticks, if yer that adventurous."

[coldstar]

[ Outfit and mask ]

Photos:

[ Arriving at the ball already left a great first impression on Andrea, walking down toward the event space and immediately greeted with flashing lights and attention from so many photographers. Feeling like a total celebrity, Andrea smiles and blushes, giving her best poses and expressions. So much that she almost bumped into someone along the way, stopping herself from colliding with the other person entirely thanks to her reflexes. ]

Woops, almost got ya there!

Dancing:

[ Right at the edge of the dance floor, Andrea watches for a bit and try to observe this style of dancing. This is not something she's used to, coming from a more modern world, but it's fascinating to watch and she's all hyped up to try something new. ]

Huh... Ever danced like that before?

[ She asked someone next to her, pointing to the dancers on the floor dancing to some upbeat symphonic music ]

Gardens:

Ahhhh~ Fresh air!

[ Andrea exclaims gleefully, stretching her arms up and grunting before she notices something important - it's cold ]

But whew kind of cold, don't ya think? I forgot my jacket inside. Silly me. Didn't think it would be this nippy out.

[ She laughs at her own predicament, not looking very bothered by it anyway. It's chilly, but it's not something she can't handle. She's spent a lot of time in some of Earth's coldest places. But she's just speaking her thoughts out loud to anyone she encounters outside. Social butterfly she is ]

[zenoh]

[ Outfit and mask ]

Dancing:

[ Holding a glass of champagne in her gloved hand, Ayame approaches anybody who seem to be watching from the sidelines, standing beside them from a safe distance. ]

Waiting for a partner or simply appreciating the sight?

Food:

[ Ayame isn't around the tables with the impressive display of food. In fact, she's on the other side of the ballroom. But she occasionally steal glances to the food area... and occasionally swipe some food from under people's noses. Portals appear out of nowhere to which Ayame slips her hands through to get some treats from the tables. The portals vanish as soon as her hand retreats with the items she wants. Whatever someone is picking, they'll soon feel her gloved hand touch theirs by accident, as both of will be reaching for the same thing soon enough. ]

Gardens:

[ Ayame sneaks out of the party to get some fresh air and a break from all the noise, socializing, and most importantly the temptation to gamble. She breathes a big sigh of relief upon reaching the gardens, yanking a bottle of her favorite whisky, then pouring herself a glass for a drink. She takes a seat on a bench just outside of the end of the maze, humming and looking at her glass with a puzzled expression. With a gesture of her finger, an orb of ice appears out of thin air and drops on her glass without spilling a sip of her drink. Noticing someone finishing the maze, Ayame perks up slightly ]

Ah, congratulations! Would you like a drink to celebrate your victory?

[ She asks with a slight smirk on her blushing features, hinting that she's mostly just playing. But she won't oppose people actually having a drink. Sharing is caring ]

Fireworks (locked to Yuyuko Saigyouji):

[ Whether Yuyuko actually went with her to the ball itself or not, Ayame invited her to watch the fireworks at least, and have some romantic time together. Still at the gardens, Ayame awaits for Yuyuko to arrive at their meeting spot. Upon seeing her lover arrive, Ayame gives her happiest and softest smile at Yuyuko. She gently beckons the other woman over ]

There you are. The fireworks are about to start.

[faithfulpartner]

Since the bulk of the TARDIS house was going Gwen got talked into braving the ball. So she dug up a simple red dress with a black feathered mask, but the shoes are typical and more her red flats. But when she emerged from the TARDIS she spots Ten and decided to go for light,"Fashion advice from Jack?" since the suit is not something she would expect.

[la_matrona]

She knew she wouldn't like it and she doesn't. Even the simplest touch makes her skin itch. She wants nothing more than to push away and go somewhere else and be bones again. However, that is not what she's here for. She also knows this man is doing his best to treat her with a gentle dignity, so she keeps her composure and the only outward sign of her inner turmoil is perhaps a bit of stiffness.

She can waltz, though she hasn't in a very long time and the last time doesn't bear thinking about unless she wants to spend the rest of the night wanting to tear curtains in half and so she puts it out of her mind and concentrates on the steps.

As it happens, relaxing is not one of her strong suits.

"Do you...dance often?"

And neither is small talk.

[la_matrona]

What does she want. That is a good question. She raises her eyebrows at the final statement. Not the best to ask where to start?

"Aren't you the bartender?" Shouldn't he know? Well, it doesn't matter. She shakes her head, scowling a bit as a new song comes on that reminds her of another song that she never wants to hear again and folds her arms.

"I want something strong but sweet, por favor"

Lea- OTA

[hotheadwarmheart]

Food

Lea strolled around the refreshment tables, wearing a flame patterened tuxedo with a red silk scarf, and an equally firy-looking mask, sipping a drink called a Devil's Advocate. It was a bit different, but it had the pleasant burn of cinnamon whiskey that he particularly liked; though he always found straight liquor unpleasantly harsh, combined with other things to smooth it out a bit he could enjoy the taste properly. He might have to go back for another one later, in fact, and would be sure and leave a donation when he did.

Now if he could just figure out what some of the fancier hors d’oeuvres actually were, he'd be in business.

Costume Parade

OK, so he wasn't so much parading, as he was just mingling, looking around to try and spot some people he knew. But with his current outfit along with his naturally wild hair, he was likely to draw attention anyway, even in this crowd.

Gambling/Auction

"Man, Luxord would have a field day here," Lea murmured to himself as he looked over the card tables. Lea passed by them for now though, heading over to look at some of the items that were going to be up for auction only to find himself staring at some of the bizarre outfits on offer, tilting his head one way, then the other, as if trying to find an angle that would make the strange dresses make more sense.