aterat | A Winter's Ball

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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.

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[Jacob puts himself in the talented hands of the seamstress.

He has never been to a gathering like this and he has never worn anything with this many layers or intricacies. The coat itself is a deep dark blue, that appears black until the light is shined on it. The fabric is thick and warm, trimmed with golden threads and a high collar. Around his neck is an off-white ascot, tied to allow the fabric to drape in front of his chest. It feels a bit constricting but not unlike a tie, so Jacob leaves it in place. Over top of that is the simple silver cross he always wears, resting gently on the fabric and noticeable against the white silky cloth. Beneath his jacket is a dark forest green vest that covers his thighs, with a pair of simple black dress pants to complete the outfit.

The fabric is beyond anything he's ever worn before, feeling velvety and proper but Jacob is determined to wear it well or… at least as well as he can.]

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

[He hands his ticket to the guard at the entrance and walks slowly towards the series of archways that lead into the main ballroom. Jacob takes his time, letting his gaze fall over the brightly lit trees and decorations as a sense of awe and excitement drapes across his shoulders. He finds himself smiling, his hands held lightly behind his back as he walks… as if wearing this ridiculously posh outfit is rubbing off on him.

Jacob chuckles to himself and begins to relax as he steps beneath one of the six archways. That is when his nerves return because something, an invisible magical force, keeping him locked in place. He looks around and doesn't notice anything odd. Has he broken some rule? Is this not where he was supposed to go? But then there are others who walk past him.

His mouth tilts into a frown as he spots two others in the same situation, standing beneath the archway to his left. He is about to ask them what this is but then he sees the pair spot the mistletoe above the door, blushing and kissing.

It's his turn to look up and pale at the realization that the magic is telling him that he must kiss someone before moving forward. Is moving backwards breaking the rules? He silently hopes that he can get away with a kiss on the cheek as he begins to look for someone who won't tease him relentlessly for being caught by the seemingly magical plant.

Apparently this night was going to be filled with surprises…]

EXPLORATION

[After the embarrassment at the door, Jacob dashes inside and attempts to find a less populated area. He grabs a glass of champagne from one of the waiters and takes a sip to ease his nerves. It doesn't work and he takes another sip, though careful to not drink too much or lose his sense of self.

He eventually stops running from his embarrassment in one of the side rooms. As it is currently empty, he finds himself inspecting the walls, knicknacks, decorations and books that line the shelfs. There are some couches and Jacob gets the feeling that this is a reading room or at least decorated to appear to be a reading room. Like the rest of the building, there is a decorated tree in the corner and holly lining the selves.

Jacob exhales a tired sigh, wondering how he will make it through the night. He places his glass on a small round end table and turns towards the bookshelves.. His eyes then expect the books in the room more closely, oblivious should someone wonder into his sanctuary.

The room can't remain empty forever.]

DANCING

[Jacob doesn't feel the urge to eat, so he bypasses the dining hall and walks into the main ballroom. He finds this room to the most enchanting of all and he can't help but think about those hundreds of Disney movies that his sister had made him watch. If only he was a prince like the ones in those stories…

Another sigh escapes his lips as he steps to the side of the dance floor, leaving an opening for those who wish to move around the dancers towards the balcony stairs.

His gaze watches those who have begun to dance, the light blue of his hazel eyes spreading over the usual brown and green hues. He begins to relax --again-- and even grabs himself another drink. He doesn't know how to dance but he can't help but be captivated by the idea. Everyone looks amazing and he can feel the magic of the night filling him with pleasant heady feelings and sweet impossible daydreams.

These feelings don't prevent him from being anxious but it inspires him to stay and enjoy as much of the party as he can. After all, he'd gotten dressed up and the seamstresses had put so much work into his outfit.

Until midnight, he decides with an inward smile. When the clock strikes twelve he'll head home and decide that this night would then be a sweet dream or an embarrassing nightmare.]

Edited 2020-12-15 19:18 (UTC)

1. Arrival

Frankly, Nida's not certain what he did to get the night off from guard duty. But hey, the invitation had been there, the boss had said yes, a piece of formalware had once again found its way back into his possession, and he had a lovely companion planned to be at his side tonight. How could he possibly resist?

Nida claps the guard on the shoulder as he hands over his invitation, having a quick, chat about a case back at the station, before he bounds lightly up the stairs. He was supposed to meet his date here, different work hours and all of that. Because of that he's alone when he heads toward an arch into the main room. He makes sure no one is with him because well, mistletoe. He's not an idiot.

What he isn't expecting is to be stopped by some sort of barrier and trapped.

"What the actual...?"

2. Dancing The Night Away

The best part of events like this, in Nida's opinion, was the dancing. Between what he needed to do for work and the mandatory SeeD lessons, he was good. Better than good. And truly, it was a delight to him. A means to show off, to enjoy himself, to unwind as it were. Once it had even been a means of seduction. But not for this moment, not here. Not with most people at least.

The long and short of it was that whenever Nida was free from moments of snacking or talking to other people, and wasn't already caught up in the arms of the most beautiful man in the whole ball, he found himself moving among the crowds, offering out his hand with the line that always worked for him. Even if it was a bit early to be plying it.

"If I told you it's my birthday, would you dance with me?"

3. A Dance For Two [Closed to Ignis]

He'd finished yet another waltz around the dance floor, this time with a local woman in a fine gown in his arms, when he spotted the approach. And oh how Nida smiled as he took the woman's hand and kissed the back of it as he bowed, begging off of another pass at the music. He peeled away from her and made to intercept his most common dance partner of the night with a smile.

His hand extended out toward the other, the same joy and love in his eyes as had been there every other time he'd asked the question tonight. And it had been a non-zero number. Over and over, Nida kept coming back into these arms.

"My dearest flame, would you do me the honor of partnering me in a dance."

Here on the main floor, or even up on one of the balconies, he didn't care. None of it mattered if he could be in Ignis's arms once again.

1. Arrival
The missive had seemed like a formal invitation, much like the one she had received for the Imperial Wedding. However there she had been present in an official aspect, and for this she had not known what to do. She asked her boss, who had helped her find a dress that she felt very uncertain in, and had come through with her invitation. The large blue woman looked around in confusion once she entered.

"I do not understand what is happening here," she mused to herself as she passed under the mistletoe. Someone tittered and Lauri-Ell looked up at the hanging plant.

"What is that?"

2. Confusion Abounds

There had been too much staring. Far too much staring. Lauri-Ell ended up heading away from the building just long enough to go outside to where she had secreted her hammer. And once it was in her hand she felt more confident, and was soon reentering in something she felt more comfortable in.

And only then did she begin her true exploration. There was a long time where she stared at the band, trying to figure out what the instruments were. Later she was staring at all of the dancers, trying to understand what in the world was going on there. And there was probably more than one person in fancy dress that were going to see a jolly blue giant very obviously staring at them as she pondered their clothing.

"I do not understand," she kept repeating. She really didn't.

Edited 2020-12-16 00:57 (UTC)

The Arrival - Under the Mistletoe

Now this was more like it, forget demonic bears and zombie filled sewers. This was the kind of setting that Caelan thrived in. Sure, he’d been supremely suspicious of this whole event. Either it was to endear them all to the aspects, Halcyn specifically, after their apparent attempt at sending people home went so horribly awry; or this was something else entirely.

Caelan would have attended even if it was spelled out to them that there was something else going on. It wasn’t like those kinds of parties weren’t ‘the usual business’ where he was concerned, anyway. The fact that he didn’t have to charm his way into an invite from the host was rather amusing, as was the fact that he didn’t have ulterior motives for attending.

Nothing to steal... Well, maybe some silverware or baubles if something about all this annoyed him. The point stood, this was just a big party for him. So he’d dressed up in a nice suit he’d had tailored when the offer was put out, hair pinned back with silver pins. Bracelets jangling along the wrists of his still gloved hands, and if his features were accented a little more than usual? That was definitely glamour, Caelan wasn’t above abusing the magic for more than just hiding what he was. More convenient than any human produced makeup, that was for sure...

The selkie took in the decor curiously, it was nice... Definitely made him feel a little more at home. He almost expected little miss swan princess to be latching onto is arm to make a good show of it... She couldn’t, of course. Nor could she pinch him for using that infernal nickname he gave the swan fae.

His eyes turned up at the arches as he sauntered in, eyes zeroing in on the mistletoe with a small amused laugh. “They’d better be bloody glad it was me that was pulled here and not Fionbheara, bastard’d take advantage of those like there’s no tomorrow...” Not how you should speak of one of the regional kings, but he reserved the right to say what he liked about that one. How his queen put up with him, Caelan would never know.

Caelan should have known there was something wrong with those damned decorations though, “Oh, I stand by my words... Doubly so, now.” He huffed out a laugh, folding his arms and quirking a brow as he tapped his feet. He didn’t like being magically contained, not one bit, but at least this wasn’t unbearable. “Cheeky buggers...” He muttered, wondering if their host thought this was funny.

Shall We Dance the Night Away?

Luck was with most people that night, as Caelan had bypassed the food in favour of the odd drink (though never seeming inebriated for some strange reason) and mingling with the other guests when he wasn’t on the dance floor. No one needed a fae who was already more than outgoing and playful to be consuming anything that made that worse. Especially so close to the actual solstice, they all got more than a little out of hand the closer it got to that. So... Definitely good that he stuck to enjoying himself and thriving on attention. Especially every time he slipped away from the sidelines to dance.

After all, ballroom style dancing was something he was more than a little accustomed to. “Come now, let’s have a little fun shall we? I promise you, I know what I’m doing.” He smiled, eyes glittering with delight.

Bring your own! - (Bring your own starter if there’s something you want specifically)

Edited 2020-12-16 05:01 (UTC)

Nida was so handsomely dressed in his SeeD uniform which Ignis had admired the man in all night. He was leaning back against the wall dressed as he was with his arms folded neatly behind him. He'd watched his lover dance with other people and didn't worry because he knew damn well who was going home with him.

However, there was a surprise waiting for the other when they got back. Ignis of course hadn't mentioned it and was able to get the two dozen dark green roses back home before coming here and doing a final fitting before heading to the Ball itself after work. The seamstress had really outdone herself though and the advisor loved the design of the outfit, including the back of it.

Seeing the other approach now, Ignis smiled. He slid his gloved hand into Nida's and smiled, inclining his head in the slightest fraction to accept the invitation he never tired of.

"I would love to darling."

Yuki had been dressed by the seamstress and then promptly tried to stay out of sight. He didn't know what to do at an event that mainly dealt with dance. So he walked along the halls and turned down offer after offer of dancing, always politely excusing himself and saying he had to find out where his 'date' went first.

Not that he had one but everyone else seemed to.

Finally his grey eyes saw some books and that was the perfect way to get out of this he thought. Until he stepped into the room and realized someone was already here.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize there was.."

And that's when he figured out just who was in the room with him.

IT didn't matter that he hand was gloved. The moment it was in Nida's grip the man moved to brush his lips over the back of it. And when he looked up at Ignis, it was still bowed over him, looking up at the other with a smirk playing at his lips.

"So kind of you, to agree again. You can say no, if I'm tiring you out."

He loved when Nida did things like this as he was doing with kissing his hand and things of that nature. But a smirk played upon his lips. "I seem to recall having a conversation with a rather handsome man once and told him that I couldn't say no to him."

Of course that conversation was about making love, but the principle still applied here.

"And I would never say no for another chance to dance with him either. For he's the fairest at the Ball this evening."

SeeDs were trained ladies and gentlemen. And he couldn't help but pull out every last stop for his lover.

"I think that a man such as that would care more for your needs than his fleeting desires. And would wish to be told no," Nida counters.

But he chuckles a little under the declaration.

"At the ball, perhaps, if there are no mirrors. I'm lucky that no one else who wears the uniform is present tonight. I would fear being upstaged in your beautiful summer eyes," Nida suggests, pulling the man forward into his arms. "Here, or somewhere private?"

Lauri-Ell was definitely not difficult to spot at the party, if anything she was the easiest familiar face for him to find considering how tall the woman was. He watched for a short time from the refreshments table, enjoying a drink and some random conversation with another guest that had cornered him for a little chat.

It didn’t take long for Caelan to note just how confused she looked. Somehow, he couldn’t find it in him to be surprised considering some of their past conversations. She had been so fascinated by music when she arrived. So this, with its orchestra and people sweeping around or mingling near tables? It had to be something else altogether... So he smiled, and smoothly brought his current conversation to an end, before making his way over to where Lauri was.

Just in time to hear her say, for probably not the first time that night, that she didn’t understand. “Well, perhaps I can help make things a little clearer, hm? Good evening, Lauri-ell.”

“Actually, I’d ask if it’s really your birthday or if you’re just trying to guilt a dance out of me.” He responded with laugh, tone light and thoroughly amused. This was such a sight, really. Caelan wasn’t sure he’d seen his friend so carefree and so genuinely delighted before. It was amusing, good, but amusing. So the man would have to forgive him for being his usual bratty self.

Or brattier than usual... This was very much his element, after all. He’d been going on about little else since the invite went out. “Also, I’d ask if you know what you’re doing. I’m not in the habit of taking someone out on the floor if they’re going to tread on my feet.” He added, tone conveying that he was teasing and not serious in the least. After all, he’d seen Nida on the dance floor with Ignis several times already that evening.

Which was probably why he’d taken a while to get his silly seal self over to say hello. He wanted to get a chance to see what they were like together, considering he had yet to witness it yet himself. Those two? He’d decided they were an excellent match.

"If there's no desire for the action to be halted, there's no reason to say no, is there?" Ignis asked with a smile on his face. He would say no if that was something he wanted to do but it wasn't, so it didn't ever take place. "And the man himself is quite a wonder, so I'm more than sure he cares for my needs more than his own." Of that he was damn certain.

It was nice to hear Nida laugh and Ignis loved to hear it. And then his head shook a little with a smile. "There isn't anyone who would upstage you darling." He meant that too.

He goes into the man's arms, softly and pliantly with a smile. "Anywhere with you is more than fine."

Now that's a good point. Of course he would respect it too. But he grins at the idea that he'd not be upstaged.

"You haven't seen Squall. He's horribly pretty," Nida grins, his arm going around Ignis's waist. "But this time, I'll insist on you answering dear. Here, or balcony?"

Ignis sighed with a smile on his face, but the expression in his eyes was one of not wanting to hear it because it wouldn't matter how pretty this Squall person was. There was no way the advisor would be interested no matter what.

But to the question he had to shake his head. "The balcony would be wonderful to view and to dance with you on."

Amusing? Don't laugh at his joy. Surely Caelan had seen him floating around in the evening, on the arm of his paramour. No teasing could ever bring him down after that.

For a half a moment Nida wonders if Caelan had ever heard Ignis and Nida through the walls. Oops.

"I dance better than you play, By-The-Way," Nida smiles. "Maybe you saw me and Ignis dancing?"

Oh, Caelan. The woman looks relieved.

"I do not know any of what is happening. What is all of this?"

Please explain it to her.

Hey, Nida had one of his first crushes over Squall Leonhart. The guy was HOT.

Nida kissed his lover on the brow and nodded, pulling away but keeping a grip on his hand.

"Then please, accompany me, my flame."

"Of course."

Ignis was more than happy to go where Nida was going. But he kept his hand in his lover's and they headed out to the balcony which of course was gorgeously decked out. He still wasn't sure what it all was for, but he wanted to find out.

He wasn't sure Nida knew either since he hadn't offered conversation regarding it so he'd have to do his own research. But, this did remind him of the books he'd borrowed about recipes for the thing called christmas here. Maybe it was similar.

Who cared what the balcony's beauty was originally meant for. For now, in this moment, it was meant for them. But really, he had no clue what was going on either. It was just lovely.

"I admit, this whole thing is giving me Winter Solstice vibes. Only vaguely wrong.'

"What is the Winter Solstice?" Ignis asked, glancing up to look around at the green and the finery that was displayed everywhere.

Winter put him in mind of Niflheim territory, a place the boys had yet to go before he arrived here. Winter was also associated in his mind with the Glacian, the Goddess Shiva.

He looked over at Nida and kept his composure, simply waiting to hear what the other would have to say.

“It’s the winter festival back home, celebrating the longest night of the year.”

He pulled Ignis toward himself a little. Hadn’t they come to dance? To truly dance with music and all that?

“It’s celebrated most heavily in the far north, given the days are longer there. Places like Trabia City. I don’t even remember Timber customs. Balamb did less but it all had a vibe of longing for the cold.”

"I see."

But the scholarly curiousity got jarred a moment when Nida tugged at him. Right, dancing.

But then the man began speaking again and of course Ignis would listen. "Is it something like the christmas recipe books I got from the library? And should we celebrate it?"

Of course he'd want to if they were among Nida's home customs.

If he did, the selkie had yet to bring that particular topic up. Then again, he still kept the strangest hours. Who knew if he were even home then, especially now that the streets were safe. Caelan was happy for his friend though, that his pure joy was so apparent compared to how was when he’d first arrived all those months ago.

The comment gets a laugh out of him though, of course Nida would bring that up. “Oh, now I’ve seen you dancing to be sure, Nida. I can’t deny that you both make a lovely pair.” As if he could have missed them.

“That said, I’ll have you know I’m quite good on my feet.” He folded his arms with a little raised brow, feeling very much like he’d been challenged now. He’d been both a musician and dancing around ballrooms for longer than the other man had even been alive. This was what he did on a regular basis.

Don’t bring up that time at the fountain. He was blind then, so it doesn’t count.

Alright, this was going to be interesting. “Alright, my dear friend. Stop me and ask about anything that still doesn’t make sense, yeah?”

He took a sip of his drink, looking around the room as he decided where to start. “Okay, so... This what we would call a ball, which is essentially a party. Just more fancy than the standard sort, where I come from it’s usually hosted and attended by wealthy or the influential members of society to show off.”

He waved a hand at the people moving about, “There’s always entertainment, usually an orchestra like this one. So people dance with each other for fun, or they stand aside and gossip about those who are dancing and can’t hear them. Sometime there might even be games to play, though this event seems fairly focused on the dancing. Then there’s the food, which may or may not be good depending on the host...”

Caelan fell silent then, waiting to get an idea of how much made sense and what he needed to go over further.

No, that was not nearly enough to explain this.

"Why is it called a ball? How do they know what to do with the dancing? What are the instruments?"

So many questions, Caelan. She might distract you overnight.

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A Winter's Ball

Jacob Miller | Open

Nida | Open

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Exploration

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2. Confusion Abounds

2. But with teasing

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