genessia | 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

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Lea had been looking over the various options at the buffet. Some of them he recognized, and some of them he really didn't. He'd been examining some vaguely cube shaped things on toothpicks for a long moment before he realized there was someone behind him trying to get at the tray.

He moved over a bit with a muttered apology til he noticed who exactly it was he'd moved over for. He smiled. "Well, fancy meeting you here, Professor," he said.

"You think? Seems like everyone is here." He takes one and sets it aside before keeping the plate for himself and shoveling them into his mouth. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Maybe," Lea said. "I guess you just never struck me as a 'party' kind of guy, you know? Unless you were performing of course, but that's different than going just to hang out and enjoy yourself."

He quirked an eyebrow at the Doctor taking the whole tray, but them shrugged slightly, taking the remaining one for himself. Someone would probably notice the empty spot soon and refill it, and if not, eh, you snooze you lose. The odd hors d'oeurve was some sort of fish, glazed with what tasted like a wasabi based sauce. Not bad, but not at all what Lea had been thinking it was.

"It's not the kind of party I'm usually interested in," he said. "But it's more fun than I thought it would be. Worth getting this tux, at any rate."

"I've been the party type. It comes and goes. I'm surprised I'm not out there with a banana on my head and a tie in my hand." He peers into the crowed. "Or dancing like a drunk giraffe but..." he shrugs. "I've been going through a lot of things lately." A pause. "You know...collectively."

He makes a face and pulls a toothpick from his mouth to pocket it for some reason.

"What kind of party floats your boat?"

"Well yeah," Lea said. "I more meant you-you; the you I'm talking to right now." He really needed to find out how that all worked at some point. Most likely not from this particular Doctor, though.

"Though it's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks they look like a drunk giraffe while dancing," he said. "I mean I'm not exactly a pro at it myself, but those two versions of you even make me look good. Long as they're having fun though, I guess."

Lea considered a moment. "A lot less fancy, for one," he said. "No dress code or anything; come as you are. And one where I can tell what all the food is just by looking, for another. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting creative with the menu, but I can't even tall what about a quarter of these hors d'oeuvres even are; I thought that fish thing we just tried was some kind of fruit, for example."

EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

Buffet

Buffet

Re: Buffet

Buffet

Re: Buffet