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

[Li was really not thrilled with being here. Everything about her body language screamed how much she hated being around so many people so enjoying the music was a little low on her priority list right now.

However, when someone approached, she paused and for a moment, Li gave him a strange look before realizing he might not recognize her. Li was back to being well.. blonde and tan instead of the pale dark siren from a few weeks ago.]

...I don't know how to dance.

[Hector gave her a smile and shrugged.]

No one does at some point! and besides.

[He taps his own mask.]

Who is going to know, si?

[She glanced to his mask and then remembered she was wearing one herself. Hector did have a point. Who would know?]

...Fine, but, don't say I didn't warn you. My kind don't dance. Not like this anyway.

[But, she'll let him take her hand and lead her to the dance floor. He would just..have to deal with a nervous woman in his arms.]

I'll take the risk!

[It's a pretty bright tone of voice, but he does keep in mind that she is nervous.]

Okay, just put your hand on my shoulder and, I'll take your hand in mine. Now, just follow me.

[He gestures down to his feet before grinning apologetically and putting his hand on her waist. He goes slow enough so she can at least watch how his feet move; and no fancy spinning!]

[She nods slightly and puts her hands where he indicated before looking down at his feet, just studying the motions as best she could. It's probably a good thing he didn't spin her. Otherwise, Li might not exactly come out of it gracefully and they'd both be on the ground.

But, she's trying at least and the longer he's slowly guiding her through the motions, the calmer she gradually becomes.]

Hey! See? You're getting it!

[But he doesn't shift the pace, waiting until she is calmed. Though he does start humming to the music.]

okay, I know everything is supposed to be secret but...is there something I can call you that isn't just 'hey you' or 'señorita con vestido de mar'?

Yeah.. guess I am.

[Li smiled slightly as she relaxed a little more as the her nervousness faded slowly.]

Huh? Senortita...what?

[She glances up and tilts her head to the side, not actually understanding what he just called her completely.]

...If you're looking for my name, It's Li.

Ha, del vestido de mar. Your dress, it's the same color as the sea. Or what I remember of it.

[He nods.]

ah! I'm Hector, if you can believe that.

[Since last time he had a lot less flesh on.]

[Her steps paused for a moment when he introduced himself. Yes, the last time he definitely had less flesh and more bones. And he had a tail but, then again so did she at the time.]

Hector? You're definitely not a bony fish anymore.

I do not miss it, let me tell you. And eh, I'll be bony again in the morning. That I do miss.

[He paused to listen to the music.]

Think you're up for a spin or do you want us to both turn first? This is your dance, sirenita.

[The music did sound lovely. So..she reluctantly nodded.]

I guess we can give it a try, but, like I said I don't know how to dance.

We'll go slow! No worries, si? Just watch what I do and then you can try.

[He held her hand up, laughing as he did have to duck down a bit as he spun around.]

Just don't duck, Lilita.

[She nodded and was a little confused as to why he was ducking.]

Okay... then why did you duck?

Didn't want to stretch your hand up too far. Go on try.

[She nodded as she did as he asked and couldn't stop herself from smiling slightly. Okay, maybe this dancing thing wasn't too bad...]

Ha, just like that!

[He carefully returns them to the previous position, turning just a bit for a better view but then stays in that spot.]

I think you are getting this!

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