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

The inner flames settle for now; which they were never about Albus - it was about someone existing quite literally to the end of the universe; as it would seem. No. Watch someone survive the end of the universe. A very old and worn face - he needs more wine.

"She wouldn't want to live in a house... I wasn't being literal about the house - just didn't keep her with me for as long as she would live. Because that's what she would have wanted."

There's an image for a moment of them both in landscape view; 10 on the left and Rose on the right on some beach. Just standing and looking at each other.

Just a sad brown eye puppy now.

He seems the image clearly, feels the regret soaked into it, like rain seeping into the earth. The picture of it is clear, but the emotions embedded into it are far more palpable, radiating off of every single memory that floats through them.

"Why didn't you?"

There's a very, very long pause and there's a sad puppy with very big brown eyes staring at you Albus, which somehow despite it not raining; looks like the puppy is standing outside in the rain looking inside.

A deep inhale.

His hearts twitch because he knows the lies that he tells himself. That her mum, dad and Mickey were in that other universe. That Meta Crisis could make her happy. That he couldnt leave Meta-Crisis alone with her family.

A hard swallow and squeaky voice; "Because... I couldn't watch her die."

A long single tear down a cheek; another hard swallow and hoarse voice, "But I should have - because I died anyways. Even knowing she was alive and happy."

Which he means emotionally. And literally later.

Dumbledore watches, his expression a mix of sympathy and calm. Ten's pain aches through his thoughts, bleeding out of him like a wound. Even if no one else around them sees it, it hangs heavy and thick in the air between them, like a cloud of blood in water.

"But she is here, and so are you," he says after a moment. "Knowing that, would you choose the same?"

There's a headshake, but there's a worn 'victory' look and more memory blurs of the past year and a half of them fighting about being together and Rose not wanting him because of that very reason; and him not understanding at first that he would ever do such a thing if he found her again.

However, there are battle scars. Lots of battle scars of settling things. However, there still something to say about the guilt about it to go entirely away still.

Especially, after their near recent talk about how he's done nothing but hurt her but she still trusts him and him not feeling worthy of that trust.

Dumbledore listens to the words unspoken, the run of months upon months of fighting run past him in a blur, and the tangle of regret and pain and love all twisted throughout. And muddled into it all is guilt, a sensation he recognizes all too well, the bone-deep conviction of one's own worthlessness.

He smiles sadly, then says, "Plenty of impossible things have happened in this city. Plenty of others have happened that only seem impossible have happened, too. Even the ones we might not feel worthy of."

For a moment, he thinks of Gellert, his face flashing across his thoughts.

There's a sad smile back and Ten slowly walks back to Albus, stumbles into a hug with the other.

Albus may also feel a psychic tingle of affection; on the surface of his mind because it's nice to have someone else who understands.

Edited 2018-11-16 02:54 (UTC)

Albus returns the hug silently, letting Ten lean into him. The space between their thoughts warms a bit, flickering with affection from Ten and from Albus in turn, sparking bright to cover the sadness from before.

Even if it doesn't solve everything, it is very nice to be understood.

12 understands but that's 10's self - and 12 is also shagging Rose.

Ten continues to hold Albus in his arms and floppy body; which perks at bit in a good way when Albus returns the mind space spark. Now that, that he didn't know you could, Albus.

Reading minds yes but not this.

A weak smile; but should be surprised? Someone is absolutely brilliant. You sweet, self-sacrificing man.

There's another warm mental spark back in the mind space to try and touch Albus's warm spark.

He lets out a small sound that's almost a tiny laugh, not of amusement, but at the delight of feeling his outreach returned. Dumbledore lets his thoughts spark warmer in turn, shining brighter, trying to overwhelm the tangle of sadder thoughts and make a place for something happier, more optimistic. If nothing else, a space for their thoughts to meet freely and gladly, hanging in the air for them to know of even if no one else can.

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