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

Re: Garden

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Dumbledore watches, his expression a mix of sympathy and calm. Ten's pain aches through his thoughts, bleeding out of him like a wound. Even if no one else around them sees it, it hangs heavy and thick in the air between them, like a cloud of blood in water.

"But she is here, and so are you," he says after a moment. "Knowing that, would you choose the same?"

Re: Garden

[borntolove]

There's a headshake, but there's a worn 'victory' look and more memory blurs of the past year and a half of them fighting about being together and Rose not wanting him because of that very reason; and him not understanding at first that he would ever do such a thing if he found her again.

However, there are battle scars. Lots of battle scars of settling things. However, there still something to say about the guilt about it to go entirely away still.

Especially, after their near recent talk about how he's done nothing but hurt her but she still trusts him and him not feeling worthy of that trust.

[justicereigns]

"Whichever you prefer," he's just going to be drunk on second-hand + his own smoke, kay, thanks. "We can sit if you want to keep your energy up for later," he means dancing, dancing! No, he doesn't. "Or walking if you want to show off your stamina."

Who knew Smoker could flirt. Certainly not Smoker.

Re: Garden

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Dumbledore listens to the words unspoken, the run of months upon months of fighting run past him in a blur, and the tangle of regret and pain and love all twisted throughout. And muddled into it all is guilt, a sensation he recognizes all too well, the bone-deep conviction of one's own worthlessness.

He smiles sadly, then says, "Plenty of impossible things have happened in this city. Plenty of others have happened that only seem impossible have happened, too. Even the ones we might not feel worthy of."

For a moment, he thinks of Gellert, his face flashing across his thoughts.

Re: Garden

[borntolove]

There's a sad smile back and Ten slowly walks back to Albus, stumbles into a hug with the other.

Albus may also feel a psychic tingle of affection; on the surface of his mind because it's nice to have someone else who understands.

Re: Garden

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Albus returns the hug silently, letting Ten lean into him. The space between their thoughts warms a bit, flickering with affection from Ten and from Albus in turn, sparking bright to cover the sadness from before.

Even if it doesn't solve everything, it is very nice to be understood.

Re: Garden

[borntolove]

12 understands but that's 10's self - and 12 is also shagging Rose.

Ten continues to hold Albus in his arms and floppy body; which perks at bit in a good way when Albus returns the mind space spark. Now that, that he didn't know you could, Albus.

Reading minds yes but not this.

A weak smile; but should be surprised? Someone is absolutely brilliant. You sweet, self-sacrificing man.

There's another warm mental spark back in the mind space to try and touch Albus's warm spark.

[coldstar]

Do I know this friend? I know Gale refused to go, can't really blame 'im.

[ Andrea relaxes on the bench, wishing there's something in front of her to rest her feet on. High heels are such a pain ]

[justicereigns]

He gives her a wry grin back at the first part, which quickly fades.

"They're my lifeline," he lied, half-lied dryly. "I'm made of smoke," he explained turning his fingers into clouds for demonstration.

He could go without them, he just... REALLY didn't want to.

But he did carefully move the smoke further higher away from her head. Hurray control. Ironically.

[justicereigns]

"Moonfrogs, huh. What do they sound like?" Smoker tilted his head. With his hearing and haki, he could probably pick them out, but it seemed a bit cold for frogs. Even from the moon.

[coldstar]

Dynamic angles?

[ At first she's confused, but she observes the master at work as she feels the weight of his arm leave her. A bulb flashes at that instant, only this one is in Andrea's brain as she got what he meant. She mirrors his style of pose, but contrasting his angles. If he's turning his back and looking over his shoulder, she'll face front and look to him by her side, popping a hip out and showing some leg for good measure ]

If we end up on some calendar, I'm totally buying it.

[justicereigns]

Smoker burst out laughing. Best response. "Nah, the pirates will get to me first." He pointed to the scar cutting his face down the center. "Already half way there."

[justicereigns]

Hah.

I don't know if the world would fear you, or you'd fear it.

The Whitebeards aren't the norm for my world. And I'm not the norm for marines. Do you even know if you'd be a pirate or soldier?

[coldstar]

[ Given Imelda's appearance, accent, and the fact she mentioned the occurrences of cold nights where she's from, Andrea managed to put two-and-two together more confidently that Imelda is from Mexico. Simply going by accent could be a little inaccurate. ]

Geez, I better get you your coat, lady. What's it look like? I'll go back and grab it, and mine too while I'm at it. Come to think of it, those fireworks are about to go off anyway so, might as well.

[ Andy steps to her side, about ready to bail to get those coats for herself and Imelda. ]

Re: Garden

[chambermusicandtenpins]

He lets out a small sound that's almost a tiny laugh, not of amusement, but at the delight of feeling his outreach returned. Dumbledore lets his thoughts spark warmer in turn, shining brighter, trying to overwhelm the tangle of sadder thoughts and make a place for something happier, more optimistic. If nothing else, a space for their thoughts to meet freely and gladly, hanging in the air for them to know of even if no one else can.

Re: Food

[justicereigns]

Smoker's not sure if he's disappointed or relieved.

Such is always the case with Ace.

"Lea," Smoker gave a lazy wave/half salute. "I'm Smoker. Portgas is a pirate whose fire ability is a counterpart to my own." A head tilt and finally, just in case it wasn't really obvious, though Smoker assumed it was. "Smoke. For me." Derp :T "Portgas is also a D, part of a family of heavy eaters, so he wouldn't miss the chance to be at this sort of thing failing at disguising anyway."

[singinghuntress]

I zuppose zhat vould depend on how I am introduced to your vorld. It could go eizher vay. Zhough...I haf a feeling anyone zhat crosses me vould learn to fear me.

[Rip would make sure of it.]

I vould say pirate if Marco und Namur vere vith me... but, even I cannot deny zhat at my core I'm a soldier vhen I am left on my own und to my own devices.

Re: Gardens

[chambermusicandtenpins]

"I think I can avoid that subject, if you like," he says with a small smile. Dumbledore offers her his arm and says, "Absolutely. Which way would you like to go?"

[myfayevalentine]

Energy for later, huh? She knows your game, Smoker. But for now she appears to be going with it too, opting to continue walking around a wall of hedge decorated with fairy lights, just following the path. She laughs at his comment about stamina, "I would hardly say that walking shows off my stamina..." Yeah, she will tease right back. "Walking is barely getting started..."

[justicereigns]

"Well, we could spar or race, if you promise not to be a sore loser."

There, NOW she was seeing the real Smoker. Grown-up idiotic Bakugo.

[myfayevalentine]

Oh my God, that really makes her stop for a minute and laugh. "Oh, I'm not a sore loser..." Lies. "But my shoes and dress are not really fit for either. Plus, I'd rather finish my cigar first, if that's alright with you..."

[justicereigns]

"Ah. Yeah. Good point," a slight blush even to his ear tips. "You look..." he brushed a gloved finger under her chin and then glanced away, the red tinge to his ears only getting worse. "Well I'm sure... someone mentioned you look amazing. Because you do."

If he could kick himself without her bearing witness, he would. He so would.

[myfayevalentine]

Actually, it was her first compliment of the evening, and he seems to really mean it, so it produces a blush from her too, while the slight touch to her chin helps to keep her heart rate going too. "Thank you... And I meant what I said earlier; you look great too."

[quick_clean_pure]

Graverobber stays by the table even when he's out, pretending to be watching the whole game when he's really just watching Faye in action. When she lays out her hand, he very nearly cracks a whoop of a laugh, and instead keeps it very, very barely restrained. Instead he just wears a wicked grin, watching as the men around here stay dumbfounded at the cards she puts down.

[myfayevalentine]

The chips make their way to Faye, stacked pretty high - the men had been willing to bet more with the assumption that she would not win. She collects them with an embarrassed smile, averting her gaze shyly. The men ask her to stay, but Faye is already getting to her feet - she'll just cash what she's won for now. A couple of the men rise with her, offering to buy her a drink, paying her compliments. Faye just keeps smiling politely and saying she'll be back, but she needs a little break from all that hardwork. As they settle for the next game, Faye will slip away to find Graverobber.