aterat | A Winter's Ball

Who; Everyone!
What; The Ball promised by Halcyn!
Where; A newly (and quite abruptly) renovated ballroom in the Noble District
When; December 15th, evening
Warnings; None as of yet, though there is some mischief afoot for those looking for it

The morning of the 15th, the day of the Ball, opens with a letter under every door, reminding the residents that today is the day, that the Ball to celebrate and be merry is upon you. It also includes a small golden ticket that all attendees are asked to present at the doors to be allowed into the hall in the Noble District. It bids the attendees to enjoy themselves, forget their worries for a time, and is each personally signed by Halcyn.

Arrival | Under the Mistletoe;

The chill in the air at the change of seasons makes for a cold journey to the Noble district, though the streets are well-lit (an improvement in the otherwise dilapidated quarter in the first place) and at the end of the street indicated in the invitation letter, stands a beautifully restored building wreathed in white lights and adorned with wreaths and holly. All roads and citizen paths have lead to the ballroom today, and it is a beacon of civilization in the otherwise unused quarter. A guardsman is checking tickets at the door, and allowing admittance to the foyer of the ballroom.

The foyer is also decorated in trees adorned with shining lights. There are people flitting about with trays of champagne and people are greeting each other, gathering in groups and generally enjoying one another's company. Six archways lead further into the ballroom, and into what seems to be a seating area with round tables atop which glittering floral arrangements sit and to which servers bring meals for those who have a seat. At the top of each of the six arches hang six bundles of mistletoe.

Some are able to pass beneath the bundles with no issue, but others may find their way blocked by an unseen wall, unable to escape the arch until someone joins them, and a kiss is exchanged. It could be innocuous, even a cheek would suffice, but who's to know that without experimentation?

Try the Grey Stuff, It's Delicious

In the dining hall, meals are limited, but there are options for various palettes and even a vegetarian option. There is wine and champagne, and also non-alcoholic options of you're less inclined to partake. The music from the main ballroom, accessible through a set of ornate double doors, is muted here, providing a sense of ambiance but not overpowering the conversations that may occur at the tables scattered about the room.

The desert is the same for all who try it, though, and fluffy (is oddly colored) meringue that is simply to die for, but it seems to have some strange side effects. As the night progresses for those who've eaten the strange confectionary, they will begin to feel more and more happy and carefree, but also much more open. Those who are reserved about their feelings or their thoughts, even their histories, will feel less inclined to be so withdrawn. That couldn't possibly make anything awkward, could it?

Shall We Dance the Night Away?

The main even by far is the grand ballroom. A 15 piece orchestra sits atop a small stage to the north of the dance floor, their music varying between melancholic, haunting, warm, and uplifting, and the citizens are quite enjoying the time to let loose and dance the night away with their partners.

Spiral staircases lead to the balconies on the second floor overlooking the dance floor below, affording tired dancers chairs and refreshments with which to rest in order to return to the floor below. The music here, due to acoustics, is muted which affords a more intimate place to converse.

Even more intimate are the outdoor balconies accessed from either side of the second floor. Here, small sconces have been lit to afford a romantic glow to the area, but the light is dim enough to enjoy the glittering starlight above. The flames also give the area some warmth, warding away the chill in the night air and allow guests to enjoy the solitude of the area without freezing. The music out here is a pleasant background hum, making the setting even more romantic and ethereal.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

“I’ll still visit,” Nida dismisses. “But as winter approaches it will be a hazard for me to use the normal methods.”

Ice on window sills and walls could kill. But he does intend to still show up.

“Well, my regular door is usually open, what with Holly popping by so often.” He responded, tilting his head thoughtfully.

“And if you can’t find me there, I’m probably busking in the market or down by the water doing you know what.” He continued, knowing full well that given how busy most had been, he’d taken to finding ways to amuse himself. Being stuck for a while had made him antsy, and now with the time of year it was harder to ignore his usual habits and needs.

In the market Nida could run into him easily enough, given the line of his work.

"You know I'll show up, Caelan. Ignis is my beloved, but you are, By-the-Way, my best friend."

He offered a smile at that. See, he used the joke name as a great way to play with the sentence.

Yes, it’s quite clear he gets the joke rather quickly considering the laugh that escaped him once Nida said it. It’s light, and he shook his head a little. “Oh good, I would hate to forget any of my many names. Besides that, I do need my own best friend to remind me to keep out of trouble.” He added, half joking.

Still following Nida’s lead, he continued after a moment or two of thought. “That said, I will be rather louder than normal anyway over the next month or so. I actually have a concert to help with. You’re moving is coming at a rather good time for you, I think.”

"Oh, so you're eager get me out of home?" Nida teases. This is far more interesting. "Maybe I should stay."

“Eager? Don’t you dare think that, Nida.” He chuckled a little, “I’m just saying if you stay, you’ll find the peace and quiet a little less peaceful and a little less quiet.”

Tilting his head a little, he continued with a rather toothy grin. “I’m helping Yuna out with a concert she has planed, you see. Her music is a wee bit different from the sort I’m accustomed to playing, and I need a little time to see if I can match the tone appropriately. Which means experimenting and practice. A fun challenge I look forward to accomplishing, but a noisy one for those around me to put up with.”

Music, huh? Nida's not really that interested. But he smiles and nods. With the music coming to the end he guides the man through a final bow and guides the man off of the floor.

"Enjoy it. Mostly I'm happy to be this close to him."

He can tell his friend isn’t interested, but really? It’s clear there is something else on his mind, and Caelan is happy for him. “I imagine you are, and I expect its time you find him.” He bowed in return, before following Nida off the dance floor. “Thank you for the dance though, my friend. It was lovely.”

He gestured lightly, having a mind to find some other mischief to get up to himself, “Do enjoy the rest of the ball, Nida.”

Time to find him? Ah yes, It's been three whole songs since he's dragged Ignis to dance. What is he thinking?

"Try not to make trouble that will put me on duty," Nida suggests. He wanted to enjoy plans with his paramour.

Caelan offered a small, playful grin at the request. “I can make no promises considering the setting and the time of year, but I will certainly try my best.”

He shrugged lightly, he probably wouldn’t do anything to bring about the guards attention. Unless given a reason.

Probably...

“Well, say hello to Ignis for me, and have a lovely evening.” He added with a little flourish of a wave in parting.

A Winter's Ball

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FTB?