ateratmods: (Halcyn)
Aterat Mod Account ([personal profile] ateratmods) wrote in [community profile] aterat2022-12-14 01:43 pm

A Winter's Ball

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?
doubled_speed: (Default)

[personal profile] doubled_speed 2023-02-05 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
"Shame, because you are graceful," Tommy answered.

He to saw the nearby couple, and since he was leading, he didn't intend to let Leon take charge. He's stronger than he looks for his size, and so it isn't hard to pull Leon closer, to give them space from the couple.

"It's okay. I've got you."
doubled_speed: (Default)

[personal profile] doubled_speed 2023-02-05 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
"So, basically what you're saying is that there's a stereotype of your people and you don't feel like it's fair? That sounds pretty common."

It's not a problem to break the whole mold. Most molds are stupid.
usestwohands: (pic#7159214)

[personal profile] usestwohands 2023-02-05 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
"No. It is fair, but I am not like them." It's far more complicated than simply misunderstanding a race. They assume he is like the rest, but he isn't.
privatechat: (Hyujin (53))

[personal profile] privatechat 2023-02-05 06:17 am (UTC)(link)
Lennon decides not to argue with that and just gives a shrug. Sure. He'll try to climb a tree he's not sure the other would be able to teach him but that's not the point either.

"Don't... look at that," Lennon says, the first word sharp before he schools his voice calmer.
faeshim: (Default)

[personal profile] faeshim 2023-02-05 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Daeshim looks up at Lennon's tone, but curiosity once again draws his gaze back to the book's cover. It must be a book that no one else is supposed to lay eyes on. A book of spells, perhaps. Even humans keep them sometimes.

Daeshim places it down carefully before looking around again.

"I like your space!"
doubled_speed: (Default)

[personal profile] doubled_speed 2023-02-06 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, grats on the 'not all' whatever culture you are. Just gotta ask, why do they choose to be like that?"

Because it's important to understand in his opinion.
ask_whydunit: (Hmm...)

[personal profile] ask_whydunit 2023-02-06 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
She’s got brown hair.… Waver raised a brow at Zack. “I believe quite a few people have brown hair. Do you know what she’s wearing? Or what her chosen mask looks like?” He’s not a detective (contrary to Miss Adashino’s nickname for him), but now his natural curiosity is piqued and he’s invested in looking and details help with that.

“If she is good at avoiding attention, then she may have moved away from the dance floor.” Not up here, obviously, otherwise Zack would have been talking to her instead of him. The mage was also good at finding out of the way corners and ducking away from people, so he let his eye wander the floor below. “There are always the balconies, they’re a little quieter and have a certain enchantment centered around the fire pits that keeps things calm.” Part of why he was here and not there, he didn’t like the idea of letting another magic outside his control affect him. The gift’s charm got a pass because of what the gift was. The enchantment on the fire pits did not.
gadaboutdetective: (80)

[personal profile] gadaboutdetective 2023-02-06 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
“It is a shame there aren’t more, I must say.” He commented thoughtfully, smiling as he let Rhy guide them around the floor. Confident that the other would lead them comfortably and gracefully among the other dancers. “But perhaps with time, there being a place for it and all.” Llewellyn rather hoped so. Some annual gatherings, perhaps. Something lively and entertaining for those who enjoyed it, and Llewellyn certainly liked to enjoy it with Rhy.
legacy_blade: (Default)

[personal profile] legacy_blade 2023-02-06 06:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, he did, but he doesn't really want the help he supposes. But the note about the balconies is a good one.

"Oh man! I should go look for her then!" he says with a smile, and then he's running off with barely a wave. The dude's attention span could be a serious issue.
unbreakable_king: Sendhil Ramamurthy in Heroes (Default)

[personal profile] unbreakable_king 2023-02-06 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
A place for that? How interesting to consider. "Some form of place where people can dance regularly?"

How interesting. That would be fun.
cetrary: famira (uWongru)

[personal profile] cetrary 2023-02-07 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
"That's her! She's a really good kid." She gave a halfhearted shrug. "I'm not so sure. But maybe not, I know they were all just following orders."
privatechat: (IakygGJ)

[personal profile] privatechat 2023-02-07 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
Lennon feels the tension ease immediately when the other lays his sketchbook back down and he smiles, reaching out to pull him with him toward the main center for the night -- his bed.

"It's probably not too much different than yours right?"
faithfulsupport: (Checking this out)

Wrap?

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2023-02-07 08:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Ignis nodded with a smile.]

Both of our memories will be strong.
heartofalion: (Arms across chest)

[personal profile] heartofalion 2023-02-07 09:05 am (UTC)(link)
He nodded. "You're not so bad yourself."

However, Leon had actually stopped a moment to just blink over at the couple, wondering why the hell they got so damn close. There was a spacious ballroom floor and here they'd almost been collided with.

But he turned back to Tommy and laughed a little. It was so weird to have someone say those types of words to him even if it was actually really nice to.

"Thanks."
soulsword: (pic#14122025)

[personal profile] soulsword 2023-02-07 09:06 am (UTC)(link)
"When will it all be done and over with? When they decide?" It was hard to imagine someone that actually wanted to lose the prestige that came with being a Lord. He was certainly an interesting one in that regard. He was honestly probably one of the only people she would actually believe didn't want that sort of power though. He probably really would have been more content to just teach and have nothing to do with any of it.

"Maybe I haven't. What do you think I'm missing?" Clearly he could tell her what about him people hated. Even if she was being just a bit sarcastic. Just a bit mind you. She does have a tiny smirk on her face as he looks away awkwardly. Ah, there was always some sort of strange joy in pulling out an awkward look from him. It was clearly a win in her book. A win at what? Who knows, but she found joy in the small things. Like his misery. "Some people are too stubborn to change their mind. Or to give someone the chance to." Meaning that Illyana was pretty certain she'd sooner avoid her friend than face her.

"Brave of you to just admit that. Admirable." And she honestly mostly meant that. Most people wouldn't just admit to that. "You need a way to make better money in your world." It seemed he consistently had problems tied to that. "Ah, they're a special idiot then?"
heartofalion: (Dark blue eyes)

[personal profile] heartofalion 2023-02-07 09:06 am (UTC)(link)
Leon looked at Nida and half shook his head with a laugh in his tone. He was sure that those words weren't correct, but he still made a general statement out of it.

"Don't curse anybody."
doubled_speed: (You Sound A Bit Foolish Man)

[personal profile] doubled_speed 2023-02-07 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"When you can think in nanoseconds, it's pretty easy to make sure I move well," Tommy points out. "But yeah, keep thanking me. You know it's impressive what I do."

And he then starts grinning. Oh man, he's got an idea.

"I wanna spin you."
legacy_blade: (Ready to Fight)

[personal profile] legacy_blade 2023-02-07 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Turks following orders. Zack's seen what that means before. But he's also known them to fight those orders too. Like, Tseng had taken her letters, right?

"I asked him, to protect you for me while I was gone."
skyward_eyes: Harry Shum Jr as Magnus Bane (Default)

[personal profile] skyward_eyes 2023-02-07 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"Curse?" Nida asks, raising an eyebrow. "Why would you being happy be a curse?"

The guy deserves it.
usestwohands: (✘ Sounds messy)

[personal profile] usestwohands 2023-02-09 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
"I am." He nodded to confirm the fact.

Halcyn's inexperience was obvious, and he found himself wondering from time to time what it was like be born a god. Did they simply spring into being or did they grow, just as mortals did?

He smiled, though, unable to hide his anticipation. It may have been dangerous, but Drizzt thrived in such environments.

"And I'm excited for it."
faeshim: (Default)

[personal profile] faeshim 2023-02-09 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Daeshim presses his lips together. It isn't much different, but it is. The layout is the same, but his place is crawling with green by now.

So he does the same for Lennon, the vines crawling along the walls behind the Fae's gaze, delicate blue flowers sprouting from some. He breathes in the sweet but subtle scent of them. Daeshim lets Lennon lead him while he focuses on it all, nodding once to himself before looking back at the other again.

"Do you like it?"
privatechat: (Default)

[personal profile] privatechat 2023-02-09 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)

Lennon looks at the vines that grow along the lines, flowers.. beautiful flowers and it’s otherworldly and Lennon not for the first time in the last while wonders if he’s asleep and dreaming for so long. He finishes bringing Daeshim to the bed and sits back on it, scooting and then gently tugging the other to follow him.

“How’d you do that?”

faeshim: (pic#15584441)

[personal profile] faeshim 2023-02-09 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
How? Daeshim looks at him for a moment like he doesn't understand the question.

"For a Fae like me, it is as easy as breathing."

He settles on his knees, and keeps looking at Lennon until his checks turn rosy again.

"You are as pretty as any of them."
privatechat: (Default)

[personal profile] privatechat 2023-02-09 04:31 pm (UTC)(link)

Lennon still doesn’t understand. That’s something of Disney movies and the like after all, not real life…but is anything real at this point? He reaches out and tugs Daeshim closer, his legs parted so the other can kneel between them. He reaches out, his fingers brushing through messy purple hair.

“Mm, I don’t know about that,” he grins and leans to press his lips against the other, a hand smoothing down his arm as he does.

faeshim: (pic#15584448)

[personal profile] faeshim 2023-02-09 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Daeshim jumps a little at the initial contact, like he really wasn't expecting it. But the fingers in his hair feel nice. The hand traveling down his arm feels nice. The kiss...feels nice.

Some of the flowers change color, shifting from blue to pink, lavender and back to blue again. They creep closer too, curling over the pillows.

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