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

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

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Her jaw drops a little, and she can't help the surprised laugh, short as it is. The irony of it is... a lot-- the man in question is 6'8"-- but she sobers quickly nodding and absently watching the woman toy with her necklace. Hm. "It... was." It had been. Every moment of their time together that day, every touch had been so delightfully perfect and then... " And then we woke up." She shrugs. No use hiding that much.

A smile. She remembers that feeling. The rush. The heat. The hazy afterward, stroking the curve of his cheekbones, the length of his nose, feeling his lips against her fingers or sliding her hands through his sweat damp hair as he buries his face against her throat.

She feels a bittersweet jerk at the last part, folding her hands in her lap and peering at the woman.

"Something in the way?"

She's surprised at the familiarity in the emotion rolling off the other woman, but something about it is... different. Muted, somehow, as if the woman isn't fully.. human.. and yet is, all at once. Either way, she seems to understand entirely.

"...he regretted it." Panicked might have been a better word, so far as she was concerned. "I'm better at other people's emotions than my own," is all she can give in real explanation.

Oh she knows that sting, too. That regret. That not being enough. That hollow ache that never quite leaves.

"He's not worth it." She flicks a hand dismissively. "It will hurt and you will think that you will never get beyond it. Especially if you were friends first. But..." She takes the woman's hand in hers, holding it tightly.

"You are stronger than this. And one day you will find someone who appreciates all that you are and all that you can give. Heartbreak is the way of the world. But so is love."

The words sting, and for a reason she can't (or simply doesn't want to) place, she immediately comes to his defense. "Well... to be fair, we weren't really ourselves at the time," she admits, looking off to the lights of the garden before settling her gaze on their hands. "And I of all people should have known better than to get mixed up with a demon again."

She can't fault him for it. She, of all people, should have known better than to even so much as think of getting wrapped up in such a whirlwind of emotion. Even if there were no cruel intentions involved this time... she knew better. "I don't even know that I want a relationship right now... but I do want my friend back."

A half lie. She's furious at the little creeping butterflies that threaten to spread their wings at the thought of something more...scared.

Her own face stings at being so wrong about it and assuming so much. The situation is far more complicated and somewhat like her own. Still-- to assume such a thing. She squeezes the woman's hand once more and then returns both to her lap.

"Was it... whatever happened a few weeks ago?" She had gone through much the same thing, and had felt things more strongly than she had in a long time. She still thought about it. His song. Being in his arms, bones though they were. Ay and she still wants it, too. Then again she always has, has always had to fight against that desire and wishes she was strong enough to surmount it. To just not care.

"I wish I had helpful words for you, niña." Because she doesn't. Her own friendships, outside of her familia, are few and far between. Perhaps she just isn't made for friendships outside of those who were somewhat obligated to care for her.

"Maybe... over time..." But she trails off because that is a common thought but, in her experience, time only makes things worse. Harder.

She nods, feeling slightly guilty for the understanding emotions now rolling off the woman. "He was a demon," she repeats, "And ironically enough, I had traded my wings for a tail." Siren. It had been fun while it had lasted, but the itching in the back of her mind saying she would have had a better sense of things as an angel, however true, won't go away.

"Even still, before that, we..." She trails off, unsure of her own feelings even still. "We had kissed before, but it wasn't anything meaningful. Maybe we're just good at getting into awkward situations," she grins weakly, trying to lighten the mood. He's rescued her a few times now, and she's only repaid him with... whatever this is. "Whatever the case, I can't keep avoiding him." Friend or...whatever else, she missed him.

Again, she feels the longing mirrored in the other woman, and studies her quietly, curious. There's certainly a story there, one that she's all to willing to listen to. The apology earns the woman a smile, and a shake of her head. "No, no...Honestly, just talking to someone about it has helped a little. I'm terrible about letting things bottle up," she admits, squeezing the woman's hand. "I'm only sorry I've weighed down such a beautiful night."

She pauses, then decides to tentatively proceed, opening the floor should Imelda wish to spill her own troubles as well. "Why are you out here alone?"

Imelda doesn't quite understand what she means by tail, but she can only remember Hector and his strange fish tail, the beautiful voice that still sang to her in her dreams and reminded her of the times in the early morning when she would wake up to him mumbling a song in her ear.

"No, you can't. Whether you meet him in person or not things... just stay with you..." A small smile that's not at all happy. "Even if you want to forget. But no pasa nada, niña. It wasn't a great night to begin with." A smile and roll of her shoulder.

As for why she is out here alone... well... She absently brushes the wrinkles from her skirt.

"When you see everyone dancing..." and him dancing with others, so calm and peaceful and even perhaps happy. Which hurts the most but she has only herself to blame. "... I've only come here to try and fix what I've broken..." Somehow. Or to just find a way to... to something! To be able to live with it without the constant sensation of glass grinding between her bones.

"But I am not quite brave enough yet."

She really will have to face him, one way or another. Fortunately, it wouldn't be tonight... she thinks. It's not at all his scene.

She looses a loooong breath. Things just stay with you. Truer words couldn't be spoken, but it sends her mind rushing down another path she really shouldn't trek. Instead, she focuses instead on the woman, brow furrowing. That sounds... specific. "Sounds like you might be in... sort of the same situation I am?" More a question, yes, but definitely not pressing. "What's holding you back? ...Other than a... really overwhelming atmosphere." The last bit is a dash of lighthearted camaraderie, but it's also a truth. There was a lot going on as it was, even without the added emotional turmoil.

She takes a while before answering, her hands clenching and unclenching in her skirts. There are reasons, but the situation is so complicated she doesn't have the words for it. Some can't be spoken and she can never tell anyone for the sake of her own self, to keep standing.

Finally she lets out a long shaking breath, smoothing a hand over her skirt.

"Because I know that whatever happens tonight will end badly. It becomes more to endure. I've been told that women are meant to endure. That is what we are built for." She smiles a little. "I've never cared what anyone said, but I am good at it, so maybe they're right. I just wish... sometimes... I didn't have to."

But that was selfish. Her familia depended on her too much for her to slip even once and so she had to keep moving forward no matter how much mud clung to her skirts.

"And how can you know that?" She frowns a little, before shaking her head. "And just because women have the strength to endure a lot, doesn't mean we should have to," she corrects her gently but firmly, despite... knowing exactly how she feels. "Especially not alone."

"Because everything he does ends in disaster." She smiles thinly. "But I will be brave and... gracias for your words. It's hard to remember that sometimes." Especially since, here, she doesn't think she ever felt more alone.

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EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

I can't handle it oh my word XDD

few can :D

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