Video

[The video was pretty shakey for a moment, before getting steady and showing a blonde in all black and pink.]

I'm back! This is so weird... Big brothers, big sisters, I'm back! Let's spend time together.

Everyone else too. I want to meet lots of people this time. Let me know if you want to be friends, ok?

Action

[Elise was already wandering through Genessia City, healing staff clutched in her hands. She could head to Fayren later, but the modern city still fascinated her, and she wanted to see if anything was new. Not that she'd know, really. But first she has a couple of stops to make. She bounded up to the first person she saw.]

Hi! I just got back here, and I was wondering if you wanted to go to Moonbucks with me!

[The best way to make friends is to put yourself out there after all.]

Ah. So that is what they mean about being sent home and summoned back at random. How... disorienting. I would prefer it if the spirits would choose not to make a habit of this. Especially to do it in this kind of weather.

[He doesn't very much appreciate it. He doesn't like being tossed between worlds so haphazardly, and with complete disregard to whatever he may have been doing at the time. Rude, Spirits. Just rude. That is no way to treat a prince! Not to mention the weather is hot, and he's in heavy black armor. And the sun is blinding. How do people stand it?]

Seeing that I was sent home a few months ago, I am certain I've fallen quite behind. If someone would be so kind to inform me of the important details, I would be appreciative. Particularly that in any GSRF revelations, as well as Fayren and Attleton's Guardianships.

[Because he does not see Azura or Dante's names anywhere, and frankly, he's pretty miffed by that. Annoyed, even. Possibly angry. Maybe.]

... that said, I shall be resuming my teachings at the Ivory Tower, and I better not hear that students chose to neglect their studies in my absence. I would rather not deal with problem students in my first returning week.

[Lakendell of course was not spared of the recent purging either, as Leo was quick to find out. While almost everyone was accounted for (including Takumi, much as Leo was loathe to admit), he couldn't locate his younger sister anywhere. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened, especially with all of the recent postings. So there on the screen now was Leo, calm as he ever was, alongside the horse whose fur matched Leo's own pitch black armor. With that armor, it seemed clear that he was readying himself for combat somewhere.]

I assume that this place also has its own bouts of "spring cleaning," if the recent news is any indication. As much as I hate to say it, my family was not spared either. If there are those of you who were familiar with my sister Elise, she was among the recent departures.

[For just having lost his sister, he seems to be taking it all relatively well. If only because he has the comfort of knowing that back home with suspended time, he knows that Elise is most likely safe. At the very least, she was safe in his timeline. He would like to think the same of the timeline the rest of his siblings were from.]

Regardless of this loss, the Nohrian Family will still be able to give our unwavering aid and dedication to the protection of Fayren alongside the Guardian and her personally chosen team of Deputies.

[He would have referred to Azura as his sister in that particular statement, but in this case he would rather refer to her in a professional manner regarding her elected position. It is a position of the highest regard, after all.]


[Action - "Smoke on the Water" Bounty; Fayren Forest]

[As if to prove his statement of being at the aid of Fayren, Leo had been making preparations to set out for the lake where the "mage activity" had been reported. What a ridiculous way to use one's magical talents. Surely there was a more sinister reason that the victims were dragged into the lake. Leo had his doubts that it was solely killing for fun. If a mage was involved, then he could fathom one of two things immediately: Either there is something at the bottom of the lake that needs feeding (which could potentially be unleashed on Fayren in the future), or the mage is protecting something- something that can't be known by the populace for any reason. Perhaps it was a combination of the two. Regardless, Leo doubted it would be very difficult to find the cause- and if it truly is another magic user, well, they'll regret very quickly that they now have Nohr's finest sorcerer after their head.

He had set out a couple hours prior to the time that the smoke was frequently reported, observing from afar on horseback. For now, he had to first wait for the smoke before he could make any proper plan of action. Regardless of whatever it responsible for these disappearances, they will rue the day they targeted something under the watchful eye of Nohr.]

It seems as though I cannot find enough to keep myself busy, now that the spa decided to open seems to be running smoothly. [behind her in the feed, an ocean themed waiting room with large aquariums can be seen.] I've decided to look for something else to occupy my time.

[there's a pause as she looks thoughtfully off camera.]

I have been thinking, wouldn't it be a good idea to fund better starting accommodations for new arrivals? If nothing else, perhaps the rooms could use an artistic hand after all of the people who have passed through them. What sort of charity event would all of you like to see to raise these sorts of funds? [she lifts a hand to tuck some of her long hair behind her ear, but that one stubborn section still falls in front of her face.]

I've asked locals, and I've heard mention of a Date Auction being run in the past. Perhaps something of that sort would interest most of you? Though, I feel adding a less romance oriented version to go along side it would be appropriate to raise the most money. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

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!))

Video

[ Ayame appears on the video wearing a simple yukata, sitting alone in an office of sorts designed in traditional Japanese fashion, but with spools and spools of rolled fabric all over the place. She looks to the camera with a calm expression, even as her hands were blurred by the sheer supernatural speed it was moving, and sewing together a dress it seemed ]

Hello, Genessia. I will make this quick, but if you are interested in attending the upcoming masquerade ball and have nothing to wear yet, perhaps I can be of assistance. I will make your attire in exchange for a bit of money. Less than one would normally pay elsewhere, and just to cover the costs of the fabric I bought. Or in exchange for a simple favor I could ask for in the future.

[ The corners of her lips tugged to show a hint of mischief in her words but it was brief and subtle. She finishes the dress in her hand, giving people a preview of her skill. Having had fashion businesses here in the past, Ayame certainly knows her craft, which she hoped to be evident in how the dress is put together ]

If you are interested, just come to Amatsu Inn in Fayren. Where I will be for the rest of the day and evening.

[Where has Pineapple been? When the monster curse hit, he worked overtime to care for anyone affected and chose to stay low-key.

But here he is once more, looking like he could use a vacation.]

I think this monster business is dying down. I'm not seeing as many of them today.

Leo, how are my brother and Elise?

[Wait, what the hell? Takumi needs that damn vacation.]

So... I've got a question for people who have more experience with the gateways of this place than I do. If you open a gate to a place with something dangerous living there, can the residents of that place get out?

[Private Video to Aizawa, Lady, and Nero.]

...So, I've got what's probably a really bad idea banging around in my head that I want to run by you guys. If I end up going through with this, I'd gladly let you guys use the place as well but... well...

[He sighs, glancing back at where Sparda hangs on the wall behind him.]

...I'm thinking of opening a gateway to Mallet Island.

Text - Public

OK, show of hands (figuratively) are there people who got dragged into this place who: A.) does not have supernatural abilities, B.) is a member of the military, and C.) is American. OK OK that last part ain't necessary. But really so far I've only met, like, one dude who isn't magically attuned.

[ She wants to mention the fact that there have been recent supers who've been boasting about their greatness in the network, and ask about how Guardians can guarantee the protection of non-powered people from those with powers but she's here to make connections, not enemies. ]

Action - Fayren

[ Starting her job at Fayren as a hunter, Andrea arrives at the city's blacksmiths after fawning at the displays of magic from the local mages, browsing their wares for anything that might be useful for her in the future. She can be seen like a fish out of water, walking the narrow streets with a handgun on her side. Andrea approaches someone who she probably is mistaking for someone who is a local, tapping them on the shoulder and giving them a friendly smile and wave ]

Sorry to bother ya, buy you know a place that sells good knives? All I'm seeing are the bigger blades.

A - [Video]

[Here we see a young warlord without his helmet and armor, just got out of a shower, put on his professional clothes, and finally relaxing from such..confusing days. While he was looking at the video, trying to figure it out, it finally dawned on Ryoma that it was rolling.]

...Ah. Here we are.

[Ryoma cleared his throat]

Greetings Kingdom of Genessia. It seems that you have welcomed me into this place with open, warm arms. Speaking on terms of the Kingdom of Hoshido, it is an honor to be welcomed to such a country.

To the citizens, I am looking for my family and fellow alliances. Hinoka, Sakura, Corrin, Azura; if you are able to get this message, I wish to meet. It seems something strange has happened to all of us upon our fall to The Kingdom of Valla according to Takumi.

Xander, Camilia, Leo, and Elise: This goes for you as well.

This could all be The First Dragon's doing, so stay alert and strong.

[he stops his speech, and takes a deep breathe]

-And Scarlett. If you're out there, I will be at your side as soon as possible. We cannot trust this place completely. Our army will come together once again, for both of our Kingdoms.

[The video signed off abruptly. This prince still didn't know what he was doing, but at least the message was out]

B - [Action]

After the video, Ryoma had gotten his armor back on and was about to search for everyone. He had his time of rest, now it was his time to gather everyone. He didn't care if it was at night, he needed to make sure everyone was safe. Unfortunately he was lost...The Prince would never show or admit it, but as the more he thought about it, maybe he did need that help.

[Video - Filtered away from Takumi]

Agh, turned up nothing again.

[For a moment, it seemed like Leo had accidentally turned on the device until he turned his attention to it. He'd turned it on while in the process of pouring over what information was available on the world of Genessia again, but not finding what he was looking for. He had also consciously made sure to filter this message as well... because no Takos allowed.]

Unless there are texts that I have missed, is it not commonplace for Genessia's spirits to pluck people out of differing "timelines?" My memories don't match up to that of all of my siblings, and the only one who knows what I'm talking about is-- [He gives a disgruntled sigh.] -the last person I wish to associate with in any manner.

[He's irritated, to say the least. Why are he and Takumi the only ones who remember things differently? Why is he the one that appears like the crazy one?!]

... That said, I am interested in expanding my knowledge of this world's technology. I don't suppose there's any work that could aid me in this, is there?

[What was the common term used for what he's looking for? "Entry level"?]


[Action - Fayren]

[Even with the WayPoints, getting around between the cities was a hassle on foot. Especially when, for the time being, he's still living in Attleton and his teaching job is at the Ivory Tower in Fayren. He needed a mode of transportation. Sure, he could look into those vehicles that are in every other city, but he would rather something far more familiar. That and he'd rather not spook the populace of Fayren with something motorized.

So Leo can be found at a stable in Fayren, Brynhildr tucked under his arm. He needed to get an idea on how much it would cost to get a horse here, and just what he'd need to do to house it until he got a place to properly call home. While the owner was speaking with other patrons, Leo was taking a liking to a jet black horse that was allowing him to pet it from beyond the fence. At this rate, the stable owner was probably going to be a while. Maybe he should come back later...]

 Dear Men (with an interest in women),

Let's say an attractive woman is romantically and sexually interested in you. What would be the best way for her to approach? What would endear you to her most? What would excite you most? What would make you really notice her? What would make you want to be with her?

Thank you for your support.

🎶 [VIDEO] Setting up a Carnival

---

I've been giving something some thought, and although I'm not terribly fond of communicating this way it's proven to reach more people at once than I could ever manage to in person.[she pauses pulling a section of long blue hair back over her shoulder, despite an ever present lock of it falling in her face.]

If there was interest, I was considering setting up a Carnival of sorts. [her face brightens here, into a subtle smile. Organizing something of the scale she was imagining is new-ish to her, but there's no sense in going all in unless there's interest.] It would ideally last a week or so, enough time for everyone to participate in the scale of it. I'd like to have those amazing rides of course, and perhaps activity booths.

I was hoping to even provide booths for those of you who wanted to run your own for the carnival! Of course it occurred to me with the recent interest in plays, perhaps something less formal for carnival goers could also be an option.

[she leans forward now, lifting a hand to point a single index finger, as though she's making a last important point] Of course, there would be plenty of food, too.

I would love to hear back from anyone who would be interested. Of course I can't do this alone, so I would take a few volunteers, and suggestions on how to make this the most successful it could be. Of course, I'm asking this well in advance, it wouldn't happen for a few more weeks at least. It takes time to organize something of this scale.

[[ooc: this is an IC interest check for a carnival event Azura is hoping to run! I plan on having an ooc plotting post as soon as I can, but this would be the place for characters to suggest things they'd like to see, offer to help, or anything else!]]


🎶 [ACTION] Closed to Uai

---

[With as many people as they're trying to get to live together, finding someplace with enough room for conflicting egos has been... a challenge. Which is why she and Uai are currently riding up to Lakendell on horseback. Azura at least is comfortable enough on a horse. She glances back towards Uai to check on him.]

How are you faring, Uai? I forgot to ask how familiar you were with horseback. [Truth be told he could very well be perfectly fine, but it was in her nature to check, just in case. Luckily, whatever his answer would turn out to be, they're close and the horseback trip would be over for now.]

I'm certain I can see the beginnings of this place through the trees, can you?

 [text]

So here it is. Another day, another year. I don't exactly know what there is to celebrate, but I'll be at the Hangar Queen if anyone wants to join me.

And no one ask me to fill out another survey ever again.

*Well, guess who no longer fits in the 18-25 age bracket? Happy 26th birthday, Faye*

P.S Currently taking recommendations of where to buy the best chocolate birthday cake.

[Action - Hangar Queen]

Despite the fact that she has become so old, or maybe because of it, Faye has put quite some effort into her appearance tonight. If you can't wear an impeccably fitting and flattering little black dress on your birthday, when can you?

Faye sits at a booth with a bottle of fizz in a bucket, and just one glass. Sitting at a booth is fairly optimistic, considering she's pretty sure she doesn't have many friends, but maybe someone will stop by. Besides, there might be someone in the bar who doesn't know it's her birthday but who might want to sit with her anyway. For now, she's just a girl, sitting on her own, all dressed up and drinking a bottle of prosecco on her own. Nothing sad about that!

I cannot believe I'm having to publicly say this, but here's a public service announcement for everyone. Summoning demons and binding them to your will is dangerous shit, and, because of recent events, as Guardian of Attleton, I'm instituting a new law.

Anyone wanting to utilize magic or powers that deal with demons in Attleton must first demonstrate the capabilities and control over the powers to keep those around them safe to me personally. Upon demonstrating this control, they will be issued a license to use their power within the limits of the law. Using a demonic power or spell without a license will be punishable by at up to a year in jail, on top of whatever other charges they incur.