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

Even that simple enough statement makes her wish she had her familia here. Not that she would drag them out to this. But also, she wouldn't need to They would make their own fun and she wouldn't...

Well, nevermind.

"You're a Profe?" She's not met many of those. "What do you teach?"

"I am," he says, smiling slightly. "I teach magic at a school for young witches and wizards. My class teaches them how to protect themselves in case they are ever attacked, or if they encounter dark arts."

"Witches and wizards? The dark arts? It is like a fantasía." Not that she disbelieves him. More, she's surprised a world like that exists.

"Is it dangerous?"

"It can be," he admits, looking more thoughtful as he speaks. "There is strife in our world, the same as in others. And there has been growing danger in Europe over the past few years. It's why it's important for them to learn."

The news of growing danger in Europe makes her shudder and move a little closer unconsciously.

"I hope it isn't another horrible war." There seems to have been so many. "Will magic save them from bombs and dictadores?" It's an honest question. She's not sure how his world might work.

"I hope so, too," he says thoughtfully, looking more solemn the more he speaks. "Magic could save them from bombs, perhaps, and perhaps from all sorts of weapons. But dictators are something that arises from the non-magical and magical alike, and we have our own would-be leaders who would happily start a new tyranny."

Which makes his heart aches as he thinks of Gellert, both the one in his time and the one here who is still young and salvageable.

"That is always one thing we can't stop." She sighs. "Perhaps it's just the nature of humanity." To always either be the one controlling or the one controlled. "Familia makes it easier." Not that they are here.

He wears a small, sad smile at that. "That it does," he says, though he doesn't expand further on his own thoughts on family. "Do you have close family with you back home, Senora?"

"Oh, many." She warms to the subject as she always does. "My brothers, son-in-law, my little prima and one of my granddaughters. And more in the Land of the Living! We are four generations strong now and they are so beautiful. I miss them a little more every day." Another sigh.

"And yourself, Señor?"

"Ah, that sounds delightful," he says. "It is sad you miss them, but it must be lovely to have such a large, tight family surrounding you at home."

"I have a brother," he answers. "He lives in the village near the school where I teach and runs a pub. He can be a bit gruff at times, but he always lets me have a sip of sherry on the house, which I'm always grateful for."

"It is wonderful." Said blissfully. "I wouldn't be anywhere without them. They are my anchor. My shelter. My soul." And so far away.

"Is he older or younger?" It sounds distant to her, but all familia are different and so if he his happy with it, she is not going to judge.

EVENT- Genessia Masquerade

Gardens

Re: Gardens

Gardens

Re: Gardens

Gardens

Re: Gardens

Gardens

Re: Gardens

Gardens

Re: Gardens

Gardens