A Winter's Ball

[ateratmods]

Who; Everyone!
What; Christmas Festivities for all!
Where; The Grand Ballroom, Noble District
When; The Week of Midwinter (December 14th-20th)
Warnings; Positive emotional influence; if anything comes up in threads, please warn where appropriate

A Needed Respite

It's been some time since Halcyn has shown herself, let alone put together festivities for those gathered here from other worlds, but this winter, she's pulled out all the stops. While she's also looking forward to the Festival a kind new resident has requested her aid for, she couldn't very well let this festive season pass by without a Ball.

She's assured all those who may wish to attend have the finest clothing available to enjoy the evenings or provides them with a means to obtain finery from Aterat's premiere seamstress. The invitation arrives at their doorsteps, providing directions to the seamstress and a friendly reminder not to forget a complimenting mask. This is a masquerade ball, after all.

On the evenings of the ball, in the square outside the residential buildings, residents there will find a two-meter pylon, its central crystal pulsing like a beacon. Touching one of the hand targets at its top will immediately teleport you to the pylon's twin in the square outside the ballroom. While still present during the day, the crystal sits dull and inoperable during the day. There also exists a similar pylon outside the orphanage.

For those who live away from the community dwellings, each night, the cabs can be found looking for fares seeking to be taken to the noble district.

A Welcoming Gift

The entrance to the Grand Ballroom is covered is tiny bells, glittering lights, and wreathed in holly and evergreen branches. The foyer is equally decorated, its vaulted ceiling carrying easily the lilting music from the ballroom, and at the center of the foyer is a towering and opulently decorated yule tree, with presents gathered beneath it. Halcyn waits beside the tree to greet all attendees to the ball, to thank them, to welcome them, and to wish them a Merry Yuletide.

Everyone who attends will receive a gift, and she'll assure them while the item within the package they are given is not its true image, it is as close an approximation as she could manage to build from their memories. The packages are small, no larger than a foot square, and within is an item they would recognize from home that has a sentimental value to them. If it's a magical item, it will not possess the magic therein, and it is an item that is tied to a fond and caring memory of theirs. Holding it or wearing it (if applicable) or simply having it with them will fill them with a warm sense of whatever emotion is tied to the item. For example, if it is a ring that belonged to a loving parent, having or wearing the ring will make them feel loved and nurtured. The effect will last throughout the ball in an intense state, and after the ball in a more subdued state, but it will always possess that feeling in some regard.

A Serious Spread; feasting and dancing the nights away

The Ballroom beyond the foyer is dazzling in lights, more holly, and evergreen boughs, and enchanting music from the string quartet playing at the far end of the dance floor. Along one wall, near the stairs leading to the upper atriums and the balconies, is set a cornucopia of foods both familiar and alien. If it is a traditional Yuletide or Winter food from somewhere in the known or unknown worlds, it's available here, and nothing seems to run out.

For those old enough to drink, there is a fully stocked bar with refreshments (and non-alcoholic options for those who abstain), and there are also drink options on the food table as well if you want something lighter or less influential with your meal. Those who wish to dine in a semblance of privacy can ascend the stairs with their plates and have a seat at one of the white and gold decorated tables on the balcony overlooking the dance floor. The music here is muted but still present, affording better means of conversation.

From the vaulted ceiling over the dancefloor falls a light snowfall, reflecting all the glittering lights in the decorations, but never touching the floor, disappearing as though it never existed in the first place. Those who try to catch the falling snowflakes, or simply have them fall upon them, will feel a warmth spread through them and will find themselves immediately more relaxed and open to conversation, no matter the sort.

Those who join the dancing on the floor will find they know whatever dance they may begin participating in, as long as they let their feet do the moving and don't think about it too much. They'll also find they don't tire as easily as they normally would and could dance all night long. This impulse can be resisted, though, and someone might want to pull you away before things get out of hand.

Sky Painting; Outdoor Balconies

Those who truly want for solitude need look no further than the balconies off the upper floor. While they do open onto the outside, open-air fire pits along the balcony keep the area warm enough to be inviting. There are refreshments here as well, warm ciders, hot chocolates, and the like, and the sky above is a display all its own.

Every night until midnight, the sky over the Ballroom will be alight with Auroras, though they seem to only be viewable from the upper outdoor balcony of the Ballroom. Those approaching from outside will see only a night sky lit by stars.

Those who seek the refuge of the outdoor balcony will find themselves blanketed in an inner peace they may find foreign. So much so, in fact, that they may even notice its artificial, and if they step far enough away from the glowing fire pits, it fades at the same rate the warmth of the fire does from their limbs, also as though that inner peace were coming from within the flames.

Halcyn certainly wanted everyone to enjoy the evenings without care or concern, didn't she?

Comments

Outdoor balconies (OTA)

[areasontohope]

Yuki wasn't looking to dance at the moment, but since he agreed to meet Jacob here, he started wandering around. He'd gotten dressed with his mask and had just been handed a hot chocolate by someone. Here he was taking his time looking up at the sky display as he'd gone to the upper outdoor balcony.

Here there was such a sense of peace and quiet, as if nothing could bother him or anyone else here. His grey eyes were currently transfixed on the sky as he listened to the cackling of the fires nearby, but if someone happened to pass by him, he would nod with a smile.

"This place is really something else."

Outdoor balconies (OTA)

[bufubulous]

Yusuke heard a familiar voice from where he was admiring the night sky himself. It was almost odd to see so many masked faces about. So used to only seeing his teammates with them, or shadows patrolling a palace or the metaverse. But he knows how to recognize the voices of people quite well, and Yuki isn’t really hard to recognize, even with a mask. “It is quite stunning, isn’t it? I find myself marveling and coming away with inspiration every time I turn my eyes elsewhere.” He responded to the comment easily, eyes turning back to the sky a moment later.

[kree_soldieress]

"From here I can almost imagine what space looks like out among the stars."

Lauri-ell moved to the young man's side. No amount of clothing or mask could ever disguise her with her skin and height, so surely Yuki should know her on sight.

"I miss the stars."

<3

[brotherofagod]

"It's a beautiful sight." Jacob had been standing behind Yuki for a few minutes, his gaze locked with the slender beautiful man instead of the sky that Yuki so passionately inspected. He was wearing a simple but elegant black suit though the matching tie had already found its way into his pocket and the first few buttons were loosened. It felt too much like choking for him to wear anything tightly around his neck for long. His hair was swept back with gel and styled to match the dark wolf mask that accented his angular jaw. His eyes were gleaming, very much like a predator locking eyes with its prey.

"Am I late?" He asked as he stepped forward, the tips of his fingers lightly taking Yuki's elbow to face the young man towards him. "I tried my best to be on time." He was trying not to over work himself but the holidays were difficult or... they had been. Somehow, having Yuki around make the weight he felt on his chest a little lighter.

Jacob's fingers trialed down Yuki's forearm to the tips of his fingers and in a practiced motion, he lifted the back of Yuki's hand to his lips. His kiss lingered for a second longer than necessary before Jacob rose to meet Yuki's gaze with his usual wolfish smirk.

Not dancing - OTA

[heartofalion]

Leon is there dressed up, and he also has his mask on. He had sat down and had plenty of food earlier, so that was all good.

But he was trying to make his way to go get a good look at everything when he got asked to dance more than once with a drink in his hand. Alarmed, he just shook his head and somehow managed to get out of it.

Deciding that putting his back to a wall was a good idea, he stayed there with his drink and if someone came by, he'd shake his head.

"..I can't dance."

Re: Not dancing - OTA

[skyward_eyes]

"Deja vu," Nida said as he strolled up to the other man. Sure the suit is wrong and the hair a touch too long and the mask is not griever but...

"They didn't teach you where you're from? A shame, the Commander was insanely graceful once he got going, if he could be moved to it. Though he also did bump into me once."

[doubled_speed]

See, all that attempt to drive him away did was make Tommy wanna try more. The green clad man smirked under his equally green mask and held out a hand.

"I'm an awesome teacher. And it will be more fun than being a structural fixture."

Gift - OTA

[unswervingcompanion]

Hendrik is at the Ball of course. He wasn't quite sure about the whole dressing up thing and the mask had taken a bit to ensure its comfort, but he managed it after a few tries.

After receiving the gift from Halcyn, he went along with the advisement of opening up the package. And he was stunned to see Jasper's oath pendant. He'd left it on the other's sword and was speechless.

He wasn't sure how to handle this object coming back to him, so he had moved somewhere to the side of the tree, and kept gazing at it in disbelief.

"I do not know what to say."

[ask_whydunit]

Waver was standing out of the way of people entering himself, and given his own gift had been rather surprising and thoughtful. He glanced to see what the stranger was staring at. Ah, a pendant of some kind…? Interesting. He wondered what its significance was…

“Our host’s attention to detail, even if pulled from our own memories, is quite impeccable.” He doesn’t particularly like some of the implications of that, but the professor didn’t have it in him to be mad at the moment. The enchantment on the gifts was doing its work well enough, and the natural nostalgia born from the sight of something he hadn’t thought of in a while was also a powerful motivator.

[unbreakable_king]

"I believe it is traditional for one to offer thanks for a gift," someone said as he approached Jasper. The man paused to look at the gift the man had in hand.

"That is a costly piece too, from the look of it. With a crest if I am not mistaken. Great effort went into this from the goldsmith who did the work. There is care here."

[usestwohands]

While Drizzt has observed many cultures and their beliefs around Yule and the Winter Solstice, he has never been given the opportunity to take part. The only formal events he'd ever attended were in relation to the Academy and thus were militaristic in nature and his formal wear reflected as much. He looks over when Hendrik speaks even as he slides a simple dagger by all appearances into his belt. He would reflect upon it later.

"A meaningful gift then, my friend?"

Dancing (Closed to Nida)

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis was here of course. He loved Balls back home when they'd been thrown and this was the time to get a chance to show off his beloved husband. So he dressed up and wore his mask as he waited. He'd already had one Apple Cider and waited for his husband to show up.

Dancing was one of the things that had Ignis fall in love with Nida so he was always thrilled to get another chance to do it again. That kitchen had been so small when the other had shown off his tail feathers as it were although the royal advisor had been quite impressed.

For now, he simply waited.

[skyward_eyes]

It wasn't often that Nida pulled his SeeD uniform out of their closet, but for a ball it always felt right. Sure he was arriving a touch late because of his work, but he was arriving, impeccably clad and even bearing a mask he had custom made meant to mix his uniform style with touches of Siren's influence to appease her.

As he approached he immediately liberated the glass of apple cider and sipped at it.

"Nothing like hydrating before tiring your husband out."

Waver | All around | OTA

[ask_whydunit]

Waver had been a bit on the fence about attending, he wasn’t the most social creature by nature… Happier to bury himself in dusty old books on magic or play games in his spare time than he was with going out of his way to spend time in crowded places. But… Well, the season was tugging on his emotions a little more than he’d openly admit. He was used to having his students and sister around during the Christmas season for their holiday movie night and the like.

So despite his usual preference for hermiting himself away, the professor had gotten dressed up and made his way to the event. Donning a black suit and matching black cloak with red lining, and picking out a black and gold mask to wear that went with it well enough with the outfit. It was… a little tricky to tie in place, getting the string woven under his hair without getting it all knotted in it.

The gift had been a surprise, of course. He hadn’t expected to be handed something by their host upon entering… Nor had he expected to see a familiar, worn looking book wrapped within the paper. No, it wasn’t the same. The library tag wasn’t quite right, but even having an imitation of that detail was almost amusing.

Waver could be found through the evening in a few places. At some points, he could be found getting a drink and watching people dance, stood off to the side where he could observe and mingle in the comfort of being on the sidelines. If one waited until he had a few drinks in him and asked politely, he might even be agreeable to a dance. He did know how, after all, without a need for enchantments. It would be unbecoming of a Lord to not know how to dance, so he’d had to learn at some point.

Otherwise, the mage could be found in the quieter space on the floor above. Sitting at a table with a small plate of food to pick at as he gently flipped through the book in his hands. The plate mostly had small finger foods, but there was a slice of gingerbread loaf with spiced glaze that reminded him a lot of the one Mrs. Mackenzie had made when he still lived with them in Fuyuki. Between the book and that, there was a nostalgic expression on his face. All in all, the enchantment on the book was working, and while he wasn’t fond of the idea of something effecting his emotions (which was why he avoided the fires)… He didn’t have it in him to put the book down and complain for now.

[legacy_blade]

Zack wasn't lost. Anyone who said he was lost was clearly wrong. He was up here wandering around because it was fun, he promises. And the guy he approached, well it's not like he's after directions or anything.

"Hey!" He greets cheerfully as he steps up to the one he assumes is a stranger. Incorrectly. "Good view, right?"

Though a bit stuffy, you know, for a party. Not that Zack went to a lot of parties. But look, he even dressed up for this one. Plus he managed to get the mask on without it being lopsided or tied into his hair. He's amazing at this.

Yusuke | All Around | OTA

[bufubulous]

It was all rather exciting, really. The chance to get dressed up, the idea of masks being a focal point, and the overall holiday cheer that seemed to revolve around the whole event. Yusuke found he quite liked the idea of attending and spending a lighter evening with his friends than some of the more serious situations they’d all been caught up in over the last few months.

So it hadn’t taken him long to find a suitably formal but colourful outfit to wear. He’d debated just calling up the fox mask, but considering that was reserved more for phantom thief work and (despite the recent memory shares) he still felt odd using it for reasons outside the norm… So he’d found a mask in shades of blue with white to wear instead.

Using the pylon for transportation was an interesting experience, but it was soon forgotten in favour of admiring the splendor of the ball. The gift had been tucked carefully under one arm as he moved around the room, tilting his head one way and then another as he tried to see the space from different angles. Sometimes framing the scene with his hands thoughtfully, as if contemplating how he might capture it on paper or canvas should he decide later.

Yusuke could be found doing this as he wandered about the main area, sometimes stopping to sample food from the table or to admire those dancing and sweeping about the room. The spread was quite lovely, full of familiar foods and things less so. Once in a while he would stop to tilt his head at a Christmas cake decorated so splendidly it was almost a shame to take a piece. He had never really considered celebrating the season much before, but he always had to admit the colours and decorations were quite intriguing.

Of course, the teen was always keeping a watchful eye out for one of his friends, rather interested to see how they might like to spend the event. It was almost rather exciting, when you thought about it. Phantom thieves attending a masquerade ball, and all that.

If he wasn’t found in the main area, Yusuke could be found stood on a balcony, admiring either the sky or the fires lit. Even if he’d never found the cold particularly unpleasant, the effects of the flame were still nice. A serene, peaceful expression on his face as he found a pencil and small sketch pad he’d tucked away to begin working on the odd portrait of other guests one might or might not recognize; or more abstract depictions of the dance floor. A few times, eyes turning skyward to consider how he might paint the auroras later on once he departed for the night.

Lmk if you aren't cool with this handwave

[skyward_eyes]

"Ah, Yusuke."

Nida had stepped out on the balcony for a brief breath of air, and he was quite pleased right now he was content not to do it all alone.

"What are you drawing? I had considered a study of the masks, but I failed your instruction by forgetting to bring a sketch pad."

Aerith | Around the Ball | OTA

[cetrary]

The only hesitation Aerith had about the ball was the potential to get thrown into some horrible dress. Luckily for her it seemed the seamstress were kind to her! The pink dress she was fitted in had plenty of freedom in it's movement. That didn't mean she didn't feel at least slightly awkward with how much skin was shown considering how different it was from how she usually dressed. At least the mask helped a bit to hide that. Or so she hoped. Now came the real struggle: walking in the shoes and not looking like a fool. This would require her absolute best attention to every step for as long as she could manage.

Throughout the night Aerith can be found mostly around the Ballroom. When she sees the intense spread of food her eyes go wide and she shakes her head. "You know, I'm pretty sure I don't even know what half of this is!" There's something both exciting and terrifying about that. A part of her wants to try it all, but a part of her also misses the more simple gatherings where everyone brought something from their world or home to try out. Rather than gathering up a plate she eventually decides on just grabbing a crystal glass filled with some sort of sparkling drink while she takes in the sights of the ballroom itself. The falling snowflakes catch her interest the most and her eyes light up as she tries to grab one in the air as it falls down. She stumbles in the heels finally and tries to steady herself so she doesn't fall into anyone or spill her drink on them. But maybe she's a bit too late for that?

"Aww, I didn't get it," she says with a tone of pure disappointment. "Oh no! Did I spill anything on you?"

As the night winds down she can be found at the Outdoor Balcony looking up at the sky in wonder. "It's beautiful..."

Balcony

[legacy_blade]

"Second most beautiful view from here," Zack said as he came up behind her. "That dress suits you. Mask too."

He moves to her side and smiles from under his mask. He didn't think he looked nearly so good in his suit as she did in her dress.

"That is you, Aerith, right?"

Illyana } Outdoor Balconies } OTA

[soulsword]

In order to simply ignore Halcyn (and perhaps most people as they entered the ball) Illyana had teleported herself in. She wore a mask befitting her usual dark personality but the dress she had on had a slightly different apperance to it. The tiny shawl that went over her shoulders reminded her a bit of her home in Russia. In fact, quite a lot of about it reminded her of that home from long ago. It was certainly still more on the dark side of things, but there was a lighter more...cute quality to it than what she often wore. Truth be told, she kind of liked it too. Not that she planned on letting anyone know that. In fact, despite the fact that she'd actually come, she seemed well intent on avoiding just about everyone. Nobody ever said that she was a social butterfly, at least not anymore.

Where she found herself currently was on the balcony watching the auroras with a mug of hot cider in her hand. It may have been her second one of the night and she was relaxing ever so slightly at the firepits. There was something about it that she found calming, a warmth that she knew was definitely artificial, but it wasn't entirely unpleasant. By her side is a strange little stuffed animal that she can be seen occasionally running her hand over.

"A fozzie..." What an odd thing to be given here.

[ask_whydunit]

“Wondered if you’d be here or not.” Came a familiar voice, the figure it came from lingering on the edge of the entrance to the balcony like a tall shadow. He was keeping a… decent distance from the firepits even if he was making an attempt to be social. Waver was giving the gifts they’d been given a pass on the enchanted nature because of the sentimental value they also presented, but he wasn’t fond of being so affected by the magic of others as to get too close to the firepits as well. Even if one could argue, he damn well needed to relax a bit.

Mask aside, the outfit she was wearing was what had caught his attention as he passed. It was… honestly a bit reminiscent of something Gray would wear at Reines’s insistence if the decision was granted to her. His sister was pushy, but she did at least take Gray’s personal preferences and… unfortunate complicated situation into consideration. Even if she would deny being so kind. So it had been hard to not investigate the familiar sight, and he’d been surprised to see it was Illyana herself.

“Is that a muppet?” He raised a brow slightly, eyes glancing at the Fozzie Bear thoughtfully. Hadn’t seen one of those in a while.

Tommy Shepherd | OTA

[doubled_speed]

I - Aurora Lights

Tommy hadn't expected a night like this. Well he had gotten himself all dolled up, put on his mask, and headed for the party.

But damn, turns out balls were dull compared to the sorts of parties he liked. And it was that reason and only that which had driven him to the balcony. Definitely had nothing to do with the midnight blue glasses with yellow-gold lenses. Even holding them left him feeling soft and content, and he hates it because Tommy knew the sensation wasn't right. Missing David should hurt, not feel warm. And so Tommy had shoved them in his pocket, grabbed a glass of wine, and headed for a balcony.

"Wish I could show you this," he sighed as he sat on the railing, his feet dangling over the edge.

II - Seeking Snow

The night was feeling too tight around his shoulders, a choking sort of pressure that had made him itch to run. But where would he go? The world wasn't his oyster and he needed to forget. So he'd gone to find something that often helped: dancing.

Too bad he'd been caught up instead in the warmth coming from the light snow. It's a good warmth too. Once that makes him eager for company. So he makes a grab for the nearest person passing and smiles.

"What you been up to lately?"

I - Aurora Lights

[usestwohands]

Unaccustomed to so many strangers, Drizzt found himself on the balcony as well, more at peace than he normally would have been with so many others around. The fire was a warm respite and he sad in solitude until Tommy joined him, and didn't interrupt until the man had said his piece. There was no reason to intervene and they had all the time in the world.

He knew it was false, of course, he could sense it somehow, but it was a pleasant lie.

"Who do you wish to show?" It was intrusive, and normally Drizzt wouldn't pry, but he was feeling more open than usual.

Nida | OTA

[skyward_eyes]

I - Let Us Dance All Night

The best part of balls was getting to dance. Nida loved it, more than he could ever hope for. The wonderful thing was that he was very comfortable dancing in his SeeD uniform, as he was almost trained to it. And oh but this was a delight, a night he was encouraged to dance.

"Good evening," he said, affecting a bow with some distance because he had to be careful with the feathers of his mask, "might I tempt you to a dance?"

II - Lights Of Night

Balconies were an old friend of Nida's. Whether it was to cool down, to find privacy, or to eavesdrop, he knew the spaces well. And needing a breather Nida had been happy to head out onto one. Heights were a love of his after all.

He stood more or less on it, though mostly he was standing on the railing of it, his back against the wall where the railing joined it. And his eyes were cast upward, dancing with delight in the light of the Aurora.

"I never got to see a view like this back home. We get them, up in the northern parts," he said when he heard someone step onto the balcony, "but I never saw them. Breathtakingly beautiful, isn't it?"

Rhy | OTA

[unbreakable_king]

I - Arrival Evening

He had been working on the clothing since well before the announcement. It wasn't often that his family had taken out the old garb, but Rhy had been happy to try something out of the history of the kingdom. And he had been content to pull out what he had been working on and donned a fitting mask.

And oh his delight to sweep in and see the ballroom. His breath caught and he smiled at it.

"So lovely," he said, breathless with memory. "It's almost like home."

II - Late Night

So fun had the evening been that Rhy hadn't even noticed the gift aspect at first. But seeing others around with theirs had drawn his attention. Drawn it enough for him to investigate.

Part of him almost wished he hadn't. For now he sat aside, a glass of wine in one hand, and a full silver helmet dangling from a finger. There was a pleasant warmth of hope in his breast, but he feared it might not be his own. No, it was hope for Kell, for his brother's freedom and joy. And it seemed so wrong to feel now.

"I fear I might have grown tired of balls, brother, if they may no longer have you present."

Arrival

[gadaboutdetective]

Llewellyn smiled a little at his husband’s voice, distracting him from his own staring at the sight of the ball in full swing within the building they’d just entered. He can tell the man is a bit caught up in it all, and who could blame him? The slight nostalgic undertone to his voice said enough, and despite Llewellyn’s inexperience with events like this… He was glad he’d come to be here to see the other enjoy himself with a familiarity that he didn’t get to experience much anymore.

The detective was still fussing a little with his mask, or tugging at the sleeves of his suit absentmindedly, the outfit a little more fancy than he wore day to day. He’d tried to dress up a little, but he was quite sure he paled in comparison to the splendor that was Rhy’s outfit. The hard work and special care that had gone into the clothing was obvious, and Rhy looked so very handsome in his opinion. “It is quite lovely, and suitable for someone as striking as yourself, my love.”

Lorna Dane — open

[geomagnetically]

Lorna is in a shiny green dress and mask that almost resembles a couple old styles of her headpieces of of her X-Men uniforms back home. She's pretty social, so it's not hard to find her by the snack table and dance floor, striking up conversation with anyone nearby.

At the snacks, she'll turn to the next nearest person and offer a small smile. “Which of these foods are ones you recognize? I'm trying to expand my taste buds.” She'll never say no to trying a new food, anyway.

Or maybe she walks up to you being more of a wallflower type and drags you out on the dance floor. “C'mon, it'll be fun, I promise. And I don't bite.”

daeshim | all around | ota

[faeshim]

If anyone could use the help of a good seamstress for a fancy party, it's this one. There weren't many winter balls in the Ruinwood, but there was still a sense of sacredness this time of year, and even celebration.

He's excited from the moment he spots all the green at the entrance, and the Yule tree is equal parts breathtaking and confusing. Though not as confusing as the gift. Daeshim's hesitant to take it at first, because Fae above all know the dangers of accepting another's gift.

...But he is curious. And no one's ever given him such a thing before. So he accepts, even if he keeps the gift to his chest and hasn't opened it yet.

And then he's running to the Ballroom, joining the dances even if he's not particularly good at it (or invited). He samples the food, the drink, and tries to catch the falling snow on his tongue.

He should probably be watching where he's going through some of this, because one bump is enough to put him on his backside - but hopefully him and him alone.

"Mm!"

[privatechat]

It's while Daeshim is trying to catch snow on his tongue that he bumps into Lennon, who's holding a drink. He curses under his breath as it spills over his hand and then noticing that the other is on the ground.

He sighs. Of course he is. This strange one.

"Do you need help?" he asks.