[The video clicks on.]

I love the holidays, really I do! All the talk about family and hope. Lovely, wouldn't have it any other way.

[She holds up a finger and looks rather annoyed.]

My problem comes when I've to buy three things for the same person in three different bodies. Pain in the neck all of them, but there you go.

[And now the flattest look at the camera before she trails into a smile by the end of it.]

And I know they're not going to go and make it easy on me and just tell me. So any suggestions for something to give a pedantic, childish, warm-hearted idiot will be greatly welcomed.

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!))

[Natasha's face pops onto the screen, looking slightly frustrated, but then again when doesn't she? She is at a coffee shop, looking at a newspaper. She is tapping her pen lightly on the paper, considering. She looks up and drops the pen]

Hello.

I'm Natasha and I'm newish, I guess. I have a very specific skill set.

[Kind of glossing over things, but is anyone going to call her on it]

I'm not sure a former assassin turned hero would be of use here. I have other skills, but I am big on intel, so I'm asking... what kind of jobs are out there and what were you all looking for?

[ACTION;Genessia City]

[He's an idiosyncratic sight, the man stalking through the city streets looking like something out of a strangely futuristic fairy tale: the high leather boots, gleaming mail armor bearing a coat of arms depicting a full moon branded by the figure of a dragon, short sword at his hip, and gauntlets he wears give him the look of some kind of medieval soldier or knight.

The look of him is too sleek, however: the mail he wears is a snug fit, shimmering in the light but seemingly little more than fabric, covering him from neck to waist with his arms left bare. The boots and gauntlets are heavy leather, but make no sound as he moves--and carry a strange pattern, something like scales but not.

And despite the fact that he was visibly on his guard, scanning his surroundings at regular intervals, every sense on high alert...he's visibly comfortable with his surroundings. He navigates the streets with ease, minding street lights, hugging buildings to make faster turns around corners--he's clearly seen a modern type of city before. He's lived on streets like these, he's walked a world very similar to this one.

It's been a while--decades--but Neil Blair still remembers his way around a city. It's not Nocturne, it's not the five realms, and it's not New York. But it's still a mostly known quantity.

He's going to feel a lot better once he has a lay of the land--and finds a place to gather some spell ingredients.]

[VIDEO;public]

[The moment the feed comes to life, the moment of transition is brief--a handsome face with dark coloring frowning in confusion at the smart phone in his hand before he confirms he's life and refocuses on the camera. His expression is...well, angry is the nicest way to describe it.]

Uh--hey. I'm--

[The words are on his lips. Black Fire of Nocturne, the title he uses at court, but this isn't the five realms. This is...another world, and nobody knows him here.

The anger in his face dies for just a second, replaced by something like hope before his features turn guarded.]

--I'm...Neil. New here--uh, I was just curious about what people do for work around here? Y'know, what and where. These temporary bunks are okay but I wanna get a job and get out of here...so recommendations on housing would also be good. I know there's a few places to go, what's your input?

Thanks in advance.

[he appears on screen, his right arm in a sling, hand completely bandaged, though somewhat inexpertly]

Before you ask, trouble with a robotic naked mole rat that has since gone -- well I would say to meet its maker but obviously [gesture] we've met. Not to worry, I'm undiquedexterous.

First announcement. School is starting up soon! I know you're all looking forward to it so I'll keep this brief... for anyone old and new who is taking my class starting mid-to-late August depending on the astral calendar... the book list is out on my website, also available on my office door. It's roughly sequential. Very roughly. But be sure to pick up: Our Cosmos, Ourselves and Life, the Universe and Everything. There's also an electronic version of the Cosmos one if you don't want to lug around a five thousand page textbook.

Second item, CDs and various other formats of the performances at the Music Festival are now on sale. If you've participated, you're entitled your share in order to hoard, distribute, date, make miniature models of, etc whatever you want to do. I'm whipping 'round a poster to have autographed by everyone that sang, even if you popped up for the open mic or at the last song. It would mean a lot to me if you jotted something down but no pressure.


Finally, I feel like we need a good going out of summer bonfire or something of that nature. What do you think?

[he makes a peace sign]

Professor out! [and cuts the feed. For the moment anyway]

Who: Sarah Jane, OTA
What: Open Log and Catch all for April
Where: Genessia City
Warnings: None as yet.

( There's a boat I could sail away There's the sky I could catch a plane )

((click on the tabs to rock out with us))

In Like A Lion Opener: Augustine Opener: Krista Headliner Part I Intermission: Dove Headliner Part II Denouement

[credit @ tookthestars]


( . )

( .. )

( ... )

( .... )

( ..... )

( ..... )

Right, so, three things.

First of all, I apparently have a CD out that I am required to shill. It is also on vinyl because I find that hilarious but not on direct to brain feed yet because I still care about the well being of others. But just so you know it's out there if you should want it. Let me tell you, it wasn't great to pose for. Not in February.

[he holds up a copy of the vinyl. He is draped somewhat naked on a couch though all the scandalous bits are covered by drapery and a somewhat bemused Pomeranian. He's wearing sunglasses and stripy socks, though, so that should count for something. The title is Sex, Drugs, and Other Abstract Concepts Related to Rock'n'Roll.]

Secondly, and somewhat related, I have a concert on March 10th. [he tosses the LP over his shoulder and holds up a poster] I like this much better. [the title is In Like A Lion and he is drawn in an art deco kind of style, jamming on his guitar with lines radiating energy around him.] Come to it if you want. We're handing out free glow sticks.

Finally, and most pear shaped. [he rolls up the poster and does a bit of a magic act so that it appears to vanish though quick eyed people will see it's up his sleeve] I found about 20,000 red bills that I was using as a paper weight and forgot about...

What should I do with it?

Amy wasn't really in a party mood. But a closed door invitation only party was good for her rep, and she could use the extra money a boost in popularity might bring, because they were an income shy on the house, now. And what finally got her moving was the thought that people popped up at Christmas. If Rory was going to reappear... it would be at a Christmas party.

So she went all out on decorations. She sent out the invitations and sent them through the Doctors. Well... River got hers directly, as would Arelene, because she didn't know if the Doctors knew her. As for Rose.... Her invitation would go through Eleven, with a note to him, that she is only invited because of what he had said, and that if Rose starts drama or trouble... she would be out on her rear in the snow.

After a talk with Ten, her plan for a dry party was changed to a very limited bar.

And on the 23rd, she'd be finishing up decorations in the afternoon, with the Eleven told that was when the party started, and told Ten and Twelve that they were welcome to help decorate at that time. Eleven, she knew, would be late, which was why he was given the earlier time.

So come noon, she was decorating a fake tree, painted Tardis blue, with bright silver tinsel and lights. The walls and hearth were already started, and the table was set with a place for everyone invited... and one for Rory, beside hers. Since it was a potluck, she didn't have to cook for everyone, thankfully. At least, not a full meal. So she made a few medium sized servings of things, enough for a few people. Yorkshire pudding, fish fingers and custard, a glazed spiral ham - which she will not admit to having bought pre-cooked and simply added honey and tossed it in the oven - and a banana coconut cream pie. That might have come from a mix. Hush. She made sure all the boxes were thrown out well before even the decorators were due.

she had the last of the food that needed to be cooked cooking, she had a christmas selection of music playing, and she was dancing around, getting everything ready.


Evening - Party time

After leaving someone else to finish the last bits, she went up to get showered and changed. And she looked splendid when she came down. Well, for a casual party, anyway. A trim snug green sweater, short skirt, long red scarf, black stockings, cute green flats. It was time to play host and start letting guests in, always looking for that one particular face every time she opened the door...

Who: All the ladies who've signed up (or haven't)
Where: Fairy Tail bathhouse
When: Noon December 15th
What: A bath house party before the date auction party!
Warnings: 18+ females only! There is public nudity, but please try not to do anything you wouldn't do in a public setting. Anything that gets smutty has to be taken outside Genessia. Rough housing shouldn't get more extreme than splashing, a hug (with ooc permission), or a cannon ball, will update if necessary!

( Read more... )

Who: Sarah Jane Smith and You!
What: A little Holiday decor shopping and decorating at home!
When: Friday Evening (12/1)
Where: Hamete Strip Mall, later Holly Ridge Apartment #301
Warnings: None as yet

( Can't have a proper Christmas without a few essentials. [OTA] )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

( Hanging up the Holly [Closed to CR] )

Who: River Song, Captain Jack Harkness, Martha Jones, Sarah Jane Smith
What: Stealing the TARDIS and going adventuring.
When: Sunday 11/19
Where: Next stop everywhere.
Warnings: Probably flirting. It is River and Jack after all.
( She taught me how to fly her. )

Who: 12th Doctor, Sarah Jane, Rose Tyler, River Song, Jack Harkness, Gwen Stephani Cooper, Martha
What: Traveling to the Halloween Party in style. vworp, vworp, baby.
Where:Various places
When: 3:30 pm, Oct 31st
Warnings: None yet

( Because sometimes he calls for you )

Who: Everyone
What: Halloween Party
Where: Nova City - After Life
When: 4 PM October 31st to who knows how early of November 1st
Warnings: B for boos and booze. Also Gale is there so that deserves a warning in itself. Is spooky.

----

Welcome to After Life. The entrance of the Nova City nightclub has the additional illumination courtesy of a purple neon bat to welcome the party goers, which that little bat seems more inviting than the almost ominous fog coming out of the front doors. Just beyond the door are a variety of glowsticks, should one feel so inclined to equip themselves with them for the night. The varying colored glass tables are trimmed with fake cobwebs with little spider lights illuminating from beneath it while at each table's end has a jack-o'-lantern of different carvings with color changing LED lights inside. The club's colored strobe lighting reflects off of the club's crystalline walls to help lend to the atmosphere in an almost eerie manner, even adding additional color to the fog hovering over the floor.


As the party begins, Gale makes a special introduction to the ladies who helped make the party possible- Yang Xiao Long, Ayame Sasaki, Gwen Stacy and Mikaela Banes. He wouldn't let the party go on without the much deserved recognition for them.

( You better be good - You better beware )

Ah, ssso, I'vvve been in Novvva for three daysss now, and sssuddenly thisss morning I can't quite find anything decccent to wear.

[If no one could tell from her voice she wasn't about to give out what had happened.]

Mind you, the wardrobe hasss grown a bit sssince I lassst sssaw it, but if anyone could give adviccce on how to turn a jumper into a proper cardigan, by all meansss let me know.

[he appears looking a little gaunter than usual. He's standing somewhere dark and obviouslyoutside.]

Right. So when they say that you'll be cursed when you enter Nova City, all evidence points to that being the case. So if you'd rather not-- I'd stay out of it if you can. In light of that and everything else happening round the... everywhere, classes are on hold until everything gets sorted.

[there is a fairly loud grumbling and he winces]

Anyone know of a blood bank nearby and do they accept red bills? [then immediately] No, that was a joke.

[he seems to see a flicker of movement and he turns his head, his eyes widening at something just behind the camera. Whatever it is makes what little color left in his face leave it. He offers the camera a tight smile]

Otherwise, stay safe, watch your back, don't do anything stupid. We're not the last anymore. [though the last part seems to be addressed to someones very specific]


[ooc: feel free to run into the Doctor pretty much anywhere around Attleton or Nova City.]

Who: Sarah Jane and OTA
What: Running from monsters (typical Monday)
Where: Genessia City
Warning: Monsters go boo?

( Oh what a wonderful arrival! )