genessia | EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

Entry tags:

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

Regina smiled, rubbed her had against Alice's back. "Cameras are much faster now. I'm sure they got a few good ones."

But Alice had a good idea. Digital photos weren't the same. "But why don't we get the whole family together for a Christmas portrait?" They could do it every year...every year that they had, anyway.

"Oh! That would be lovely! We'll wear our very best clothes! Maybe we can hang it above the mantel in family room!"

"I'd like that." She kissed Alice's forehead, and not for the first time wondered what Alice's parents were like. She never talked about them, and from the beginning Regina had been careful not to press with her any more than she did with Arya or Charlie. She almost asked now, if Alice's family had had pictures together, but she didn't want to upset her at the ball. They could discuss it another time.

Instead, she changed the subject and said brightly, "So. Where should we begin? Food? Dancing? The gardens?"

"Oh ah-" she looked all about. On the one hand, starting with food meant getting something before all the yummy things ran out. However, she might get something on her dress and then where would they be? They could go dancing... but... Alice didn't recognize such a fast-paced song or how to dance to it.

"The garden... and then you can meet all the flowers!"

"The garden it is."

As she carried Alice through the crowded ballroom to the elevators so they could descend to the gardens, Regina chatted comfortably with the little girl.

"I've always been better with plants and animals than people," she told her. "When I first became queen, my only true friend was the apple tree I'd brought with me from the manor where I grew up. Apples, apple trees, and apple blossoms are still my favorites. Do you have favorite flowers and fruits?"

"Apple blossoms mean good fortune, the promise of better things ahead, or preference! Those are wonderful flowers to like! My favorite flowers well, I don't really have a favorite but I absolutely adore lilies! Lilies are so pretty and come in all sorts of colors and shapes! Did you know my birth month flower is the Lily of the Valley? I love all sorts of flowers though, daffodils, morning glories, roses, pansies, poppies, all sorts of blossoms, and just so many more. I could talk to all of them for hours! My sister always said I had the greenest thumb. She's said I could make flowers bloom in a desert if I tried! I haven't tried, mind you, I've never been to a desert."

She took a deep breath when the chilled autumn air hit her skin, it was lovely.

"But I do have favorite fruits! Cherries and pineapple are my absolutely favorite, oh and I quite enjoy strawberries!"

When the elevator opened, Regina set Alice down. There was no need to carry her everywhere, much as Regina enjoyed talking to her at eye level (and hugging her), now that they'd gotten clear of big feet that might crush little toes. And she also took a deep breath of the cool air, glad that it wasn't too cold.

"In the spring, you can help me replant the gardens." Regina loved her plants and cared for them zealously, but she could share with those of her children who enjoyed it. "I'll even dig up a fresh bed for you to have for your own, if you'd like. And--" She lifted a finger to her lips to mime just between you and me. "--I think I can coax some pineapples to grow for us. Cherries are easy, but the pineapples will need a little bit of magic."

"Pineapples? Really! That... well, I've never grown a pineapple before, even magical ones! Will it be very difficult? I suppose it shall be very easy to tend to it since I've not any lessons to attend."

Actually, Regina should probably talk to her about that.

"We'll be arranging for school after the New Year." Whether she'd attend a public school or they would hire a tutor for her remained to be discussed. Of course, Alice would be allowed a say in it, but not going to school was out of the question. For Arya and Charlie too. "But for now--" A gentle boop on the nose. "You can enjoy your vacation."

She let Alice lead her around the garden then while she explained, "I'll have to use magic to keep the pineapple warm. They don't grow well without heat. And you'll have to be very careful handling the plant. The spikes can be very sharp."

"How many pineapple does a pineapple plant have? Will we be able to harvest all sorts? Will that be too many for your magic?"

Alice gently pulled Regina over to the crawling moonflower bushes.

"Look look! They have moonflowers! And they're just about to burst open!"

"Each plant only flowers once. It produces just one pineapple. So we'll have to have--"

She'd just begun mentally calculating how much space they'd need and whether she might need to acquire more land when Alice tugged her over toward the trumpet-shaped blooms.

"Did you have them at home?"

"Ah! It... only one fruit? But.. really?" Alice's eyes widened in surprise. "I thought they grew the way apples did! But ah, yes, I've had some, I love pineapple. Not quite as much as cherries, but very nearly so. I never had much pineapple, now I know why. As delicious as it is, why would anyone want to grow a plant that only has one fruit?"

Regina had meant the moonflowers, but it made sense that Alice's focus would be on the pineapples, so Regina went with it. "Things that are rare are worth more money. Especially things that other people want."

She stroked a finger over one of the moonflowers. "Should we stay to watch them open?"

"Oh yes, we can! They actually open up quite quickly! That's the wonderful thing, well, one of the many wonderful things about them!"

"Tell me what else is wonderful about them," Regina suggested and smoothed a hand over her beautiful golden blonde hair. "I've only seen them a few times before."

"Well, they're very strong plants, you know. Some people call them like weeds how strong they are. But I think you just need to be firm with them! They have the best stories about what goes on at night, you know since all the other flowers go to bed when the sun sets. But they stay up until the sun rises! Isn't that impressive?"

"Maybe you would like a few for a window box," Regina suggested, even knowing that Alice was a bit of chatterbox. She also knew that Alice was afraid of the dark, and though she had a glow-bulb nightlight, having those open flowers with her overnight might help if she woke up with a nightmare.

"Oh, that would be splendid! Could we put a lattice against the window? They enjoy climbing just like morning glories do! I even heard there are purple ones!"

She turned back to Regina, pointing as the bulbs began to widen as they opened. "Ah look look! They're opening!"

"Yes, we can." It would be nice to have a child who loved plants as she did, Regina thought, as she crouched beside Alice to watch the blossoms open. The bright smile on Alice's face summoned one from her as well, and she leaned close to kiss the girl's cheek. "They're almost as pretty as you."

At the kiss on her cheek and the compliment, Alice went bright red, almost as red as a rose as she pressed her hands to them.

"Well, then you're as pretty as roses."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject