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

[faeshim]

"There is no harm done."

His butt is okay. His fancy pants are okay. No need to apologize. Daeshim faces him again and goes back to staring until something else finally dawns on him.

"Oh, but your drink! Was it something delicious?"

[privatechat]

Honestly, it's a bit disconcerting how Daeshim looks at him and Lennon is used to being looked at. He averts his gaze again and his eyes go down to his glass.

"It was alright. It's fine, I can just get another one."

[faeshim]

The Ruinwood was filled with many beautiful things - flowers and birds and crystal blue waters. But nothing like Lennon. He can't help it if he stares.

"Then I will get one with you! I was feeling quite thirsty."

[privatechat]

Lennon's used to being looked at, but this guy is different. He doesn't really understand the way he stares because it's not the sort of lusty looks he's gotten often enough. He seems harmless enough so there's no reason to turn him down.

And it's not like Lennon has had much in the way of social life here. Maybe he can get lucky even if the guy's weird it wouldn't be his worst choice.

"Sure."

[faeshim]

It would absolutely be the worst choice - in some ways. But just maybe the best in other ways. Daeshim follows him to the drink table, walking quickly like he's afraid Lennon will get out of his sight and away from him. He picks up the same fancy glass filled with the same bubbly liquid. And after watching Lennon take a sip from his...

Daeshim downs his own all at once.

The Fae hiccups and the room immediately spins a bit, but when he stumbles he finds himself pressed against the other's taller form.

"Oh..." He pats his chest with his hand a few times. "You are very ripe."

[privatechat]

Lennon raises a brow as he watches the other down the drink and he wants to warn him but before he can formulate the thought completely it's already done. He stares at the strange man and the hiccupping. This guy isn't a drinker -- of course. Why is he not surprised?

He blinks at the way the other presses against him, touching his chest. He reaches to steady him. "What in the world does that mean?"

[faeshim]

Daeshim giggles...actually giggles. What does that mean, does he even know?

"It means you are at your sweetest! I find you quite sweet!"

[privatechat]

Giggling? How is he so drunk already? That is barely anything. He doesn't bother to try and get the other to stop touching him, though. He doesn't mind handsy people usually.

"Sweet? You don't know anything about me, or how I taste," he adds the last part with a slight smirk.

[faeshim]

...Does he have a point? Daeshim pauses, lifting up his head to study Lennon with his squinty brown eyes.

And then he giggles again, a slightly odd sound coming from him.

"Mm. I know these things! I have watched you from afar, and you always give me a sweet taste in my mouth whenever you are in my thoughts."

[privatechat]

Lennon takes a moment to drink from his glass because he might be too sober for all of this honestly. He doesn't know what to do with this kind of weird confession or whatever it is from his strange neighbor.

"So you think I'm hot or something?"

Is this guy a stalker?

[faeshim]

"I do not know if you are hot..."

Daeshim's not even sure what that means. He moves his hand to the bare skin of Lennon's arm and finds it pleasantly warm, but he wouldn't call it "hot".

"But I do find you beautiful."

[privatechat]

"Kind of the same thing, hot and beautiful," Lennon counters and he doesn't draw away from the touch. "So you get turned on when you think about me?" Because what else would someone be liking him for?

[faeshim]

"Turned on? I believe I was already...on."

How else would he move and eat and breathe? He shouldn't couldn't do that if it was turned "off", could he?

(Sorry Lennon.)

[privatechat]

"..." Lennon stares at him and then shakes his head. "I meant horny."

[faeshim]

Horny. Horny. That word does get a reaction from the Fae. His eyes widen, and both hands go to the top of his head, leaving him unsteady on his feet.

"You can see them?"

[privatechat]

"What are you talking about?" Lennon sighs, shaking his head and okay, maybe he just downs the rest of his drink quickly. He might need another.

[faeshim]

"My horns..."

That maybe he can't see after all. Daeshim slowly slides his hands away from his head, still watching him.

"They don't often show."

[privatechat]

"There's no horns," Lennon says, raising a brow.

"I meant does your dick get hard, you know, horny."

[faeshim]

"They don't often show."

Daeshim repeats himself, and then tries to focus on Lennon's question. It seems to surprise him and confuse him in equal measure. Is that what happens to him when he looks at Lennon? When he thinks about him?

After a long moment, the Fae finally shakes his head.

"No. My heart gets soft."

[privatechat]

Lennon scrunches his nose at the answer and shakes his head a little. He definitely needs another drink.

"You really don't even know me."

[faeshim]

Daeshim follows him, more sure-footed than before, keeping his eyes on Lennon's face.

"But I would like to!"

[privatechat]

Lennon really doesn't know what to do with this weirdo. It'd be easier if he just turned him on and they could fuck and get it over with. The talk of hearts and all that made him uneasy and skittish. He gets another drink, clearing his throat.

"Why? I don't get it."

[faeshim]

"Does it require a reason?"

It's a genuine question, he doesn't know all of human customs and courtesies just yet.

"We are neighbors and I am curious. I have plenty of time and that is how I wish to spend it. You are here alone and I am here alone and-" He pauses for a moment, the pinkish color returning to his cheeks. "We could be alone together."

[privatechat]

"Generally people have a reason," Lennon says. They want something usually.

The other has a fair point and it's still strange. Lennon sips his drink. "And you aren't trying to just get in my bed?" Not that it would be hard, especially since he hasn't gotten laid in a while.

[faeshim]

"I have my own bed."

Daeshim blinks, confusion returning.

"But you are welcome to share it if you are afraid of the dark. I've learned that some humans are, and they are wise to be."