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

shall we dance?

[la_matrona]

She would consider herself a wallflower if she thought of such things. Right now she is standing near some post, trying not to twist her hands nervously in her skirts, feeling so different to look so young again, to be so fleshy after so long. She almost feels like a new person. A different person. And wonders if, tonight, she can be.

The tap on her shoulder startles her and for a second she is about to say no to the tall man that asked her. But changing means change and so she will dance despite her adverse feelings on the matter.

"Si." She lifts her chin. "Why not."

[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."

[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.

[immortalrose]

She's as stiff as a board and ten times worse. Augustine can tell this young woman has the general technique down but her movements are too rigid. It's like he's dancing with an automaton rather than a living and breathing person. It's curious, all too curious. Augustine aldo sense tell she doesn't have the gift for gab either. A true 'wallflower' in every meaning of the word. Nevertheless, he plays along with a kind smile.

"Not as often as I would honestly like, madame." He admits with a slight sigh. "Between the upcoming play and my usual work at the museum, I'm quite busy." That's an understatement. Augustine honestly been working himself into an early grave trying to save up enough money for a house. It's a noble goal but he hasn't given himself much time to rest.

"And you, madame? You know the steps quite well."

[la_matrona]

"I used to dance all the time. But it's been decades." And it had only ever been with one man. And she had only ever wanted to with one man. But he was freer now and she had to learn to be to or learn to regret it. It is still impossible to relax but her footwork improves a little out of sheer spite.

"You're in the theater?" something she can pick up on to distract herself. Better than a musico any day.