genessia | EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

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EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

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

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[ 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.

[The ball was certainly a thing, although Yuyuko did feel slightly out of place. A little too fancy for her taste, although the food was quite delicious! She'd had to be ushered away from the tables two or three times before she finally gave up on going back to them.

She managed to make her way back to Ayame just in time at their appointed meeting spot, the ghostly woman removing her mask.]

Oh, lovely!

[She claps her hands together with a wide smile of her own.]

Were you waiting long?

Not at all.

[ Ayame offers her hand for Yuyuko to hold. The lights of the gardens behind her, Ayame's smile beams along with them as she watches Yuyuko come closer. ]

I hoped you enjoyed your time, I understand this must be different for you. But a little change in scenery now and then makes things interesting, don't you think?

[ The subject of scenery changes has made an idea pop in Ayame's mind, but she'll wait until they're walking to spring the idea up ]

I'm glad.

[Yuyuko responds, taking the offered hand in her own, touching down on the ground. It really isn't often that the ghostly woman actually walks.]

A change of scenery is nice occasionally. I'm not sure these fancy events are really for me, though.

[And not just because they kept shooing her away from the food tables!]

That Halloween party we went to last time was fun, though.

Yes. Yes it was. Although I helped arrange that event so I have my bias. Though my goodness you were adorable in your costume then.

[ She remembers that. It was the night before she and Yuyuko decided to be in a relationship. Though that was pretty unorthodox and it left Ayame questioning the legitimacy of her feelings for Yuyuko upon realizing. Ayame interlaces her fingers with Yuyuko's as she leads them to a stroll down the gardens. They have a few extra minutes to take in the romantic atmosphere ]

Not to say you aren't adorable any day.

[ She giggles after her humorously peppered words ]

Speaking of, despite the times we spent away from this world, we should have been dating for a year. How about we celebrate it? Let's go on a subarchway for a weekend.

[Gale had barely been paying any attention to his surroundings since his eyes were locked on his phone just to play a dumb mobile game. It isn't until he hears Ayame's voice that he snaps out of it, looking up at her and then looking around behind him.]

Eh? Huh. Who'da thought ya could get through a maze wit'out payin' attention.

[He looks back at Ayame. Geez, what's with him running into people he knows in his actual everyday life. He shakes his head waves his hand dismissively.]

Nah. Gettin' through 'ere was a fluke. I ain't got nuthin' t'celebrate.

[Hah. Nothing to celebrate indeed. Story of his life.]

It's a victory, nonetheless.

[ Ayame lowers her glass and leans forward, resting her elbow on her thigh as she crosses one leg over the other. Her eyes are fixed on "Kharon" while her chin relaxes on her hand, knowing who he is, but respects his want for privacy enough to go along with it. She can disguise herself whenever she pleases, and seeing Kharon actually gave her an idea to go crazy one day and just disguise herself for the heck of it. ]

You came to the ball alone?

Guess I can't argue with that. 'specially since I wasn't payin' attention.

[Gale was blissfully unaware that Ayame knew who he was, so he was comfortable in his 'impeccable disguise that no one could see through'. Though really, if she were the one that called him out, he probably wouldn't be surprised that she could see through it.]

Yeah. Came 'ere at someone's else's request since 'e wasn't comin'. But th' main 'all's way too stuffy fer a guy like me.

[He pockets his device and places a hand on his hip with a light smirk.]

Ya 'ere as th' official 'gratulator or somethin'?

[ Ayame nods, understanding the desire for fresh air and acknowledging his reason. ]

Only if they are paying me to do so. Which they aren't, so no, I'm not.

[ Ayame jokes with a mostly straight face at her current financial troubles. It wasn't as bad as a few weeks ago at least ]

I saw you behind the bar earlier, however, so I assumed you were here to work.

[Erza had been enraptured by the dancers, so she's a little embarrassed at Ayame's question.]

I guess I wasn't hiding it as well as I thought. [She gives a small smile as she looks over at her friend.] Still, I'd rather go out there with a partner - I'd hate to interrupt someone else's dance.

[ Ayame nods, understanding Erza's fixed attention towards the dancers ]

I don't blame you.

[ A beat follows as Ayame offers her hand for Erza ]

Well then, I hope the others won't mind if I steal you for a minute?

Edited 2018-11-11 20:30 (UTC)

They won't mind at all.

[Erza takes Ayame's hand, clearly eager to get out on the dance floor.]

At least I'm used to this kind of dancing. [Thankfully, Erza's managed to calm down when it comes to dancing - now she can dance normally, in contrast with her old nickname "the Dancing Demon".]

[ Ayame escorted Erza smoothly in between the dancing couples. They entered the fray just in time for a slow song. Being taller and less dressy, Ayame assumed the male position in this dance with her right hand on Erza's waist. On time with the beat, Ayame leads and moves her foot to start things off ]

You're a woman of many talents, that does not surprise me at all.

[ She compliments as they slowly pick up their groove ]

I'm almost upset that I didn't make your dress. You look absolutely fabulous in it.

Edited 2018-11-14 02:14 (UTC)

[Once they've gotten into place, Erza follows Ayame's lead, resting her left hand on the other woman's shoulder.]

Thank you. I don't get to wear it much - my guild doesn't get invited to many classy parties like this.

[The slow pace of the song made it easy for Erza to step and sway to the beat. It doesn't take long at all for her to feel comfortable out here.]

And did you make yours? It looks wonderful on you.

Thank you. I've worn dresses aplenty in the past so I thought to go a different route and wear something that's unexpected. I'm glad people seem to like it.

[ Ayame blushes at the flattery, finding her rhythm and taking it slow until Erza caught up and gets in sync with her. ]

Though that seems odd; a guild such as yours would normally be invited to such gatherings. How come that isn't the case with Fairy Tail?

[The question throws Erza off-kilter for a moment, though she quickly manages to get back into the rhythm of the dance.]

Ah, well, my guild has something of a... reputation for causing property damage back home. The people responsible for that sort of idea aren't here, [Aside from Erza herself] but even then, mages getting invited to a royal banquet, or a party of this caliber, is a rare occurrence.

[Their parties are more raucous and wild.]

That makes sense.

[ Ayame hums, opening her left hand slightly to signal Erza to make an underarm turn. Ayame's eyes made no effort to shy away in the admiration of Erza's attire. She made a little trick with her abilities, swapping outfits with Erza, complete with each outfit matching their respective sizes perfectly. Magic. The act got a giggle out of Ayame, who simply couldn't resist seeing Erza's reaction ]

[Erza's eyes widen in surprise as she finishes her underarm turn to see that Ayame is now wearing her outfit. She looks down at her own (or rather, the outfit that Ayame had been wearing moments ago) before grinning, clearly impressed.]

You never cease to amaze. Got any other tricks up your sleeve?

Why yes.

[ She smiles, swapping their outfits once more. A more subtle effect transitioned the change in attire between them, unlike Erza's Requip that produces a lot of light. Ayame's technique was simply like peeling off the clothes on them to reveal the other set of clothes underneath. ]

But they're all better reserved for another day.

[ She teases subtly, playing on Erza's curiosity a little. She moves along with her partner, waiting until they've moved to a spot on the floor with slightly more space to breathe ]

I'm curious; have you had the chance to use the set of clothing and weapons I gave you before? Now that I'm no longer in fashion, I don't have the time and resources. But I will be interested in making you a new one if the previous one was to your satisfaction.

Of course! [Erza briefly exquips to the outfit that she got from Ayame last year, to show that it's been well-maintained, before changing back to her formal gown. Thankfully, she didn't summon the weapons as well.]

Whenever you can find the time, that would be greatly appreciated - the shield in particular has been very helpful when I've been patrolling. [She tends to mainly stick to offense, so having a magic resistant shield is a huge help if anyone tries attacking innocent bystanders.] And if there's anything I can do to help you with the inn, I'd gladly do that; it only seems fair.

Patrolling? Are you an unofficial Deputy for Fayren now? With your guildmaster as the city's Guardian, it seems plausible...

[ Ayame thought out loud with a touch of humor in her tone, glancing to her surroundings to slowly and quietly guide herself and Erza to the center of the dance floor. ]

Just promoting it to your friends and acquaintances, while continuing to grace it with your presence is more than sufficient help. Especially when I have plans for expansion to implement after winter is over.

Yes - I'm volunteering, but I'd gladly help the First out with whatever she needs. [Mavis has a decent number of deputies as it is, and Erza's already the deputy guild master in Fairy Tail here, so she's got other sources of income.]

All right, that sounds easy enough. [Chuckling a little, Erza doesn't realize where they're headed; she's just enjoying her time out on the dance floor. The slower dancing song isn't the type of music that she's used to, but it's certainly relaxing.]

[Namur catches her fingers quickly, leaning down to sniff and to watch if more of the arm comes through the mysterious portal if he tugs on them.

Weird.]

[ A jolt runs from her fingertips to the rest of her body behind the portal as soon as she feels someone's touch. Her hands froze in place, immediately retreating back to the hole in space, with the portal vanishing as soon as her hand is safe. It will take a moment of peace before Ayame does something again, attacking from a different spot and stealing some seafood hors d'oeuvres with a disembodied chuckle that could be heard through the portal. She playfully taps Namur's shoulder while she's at it. ]

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EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

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gardens;

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Dancing

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food

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