( open. ) masked gala

[uncourteous]

WHO: Any Outsider is more than welcome!
WHAT: The Royal Gala (citation needed)
WHERE: "Ruby Room," an event hall in Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: 10th day of September.
WARNINGS: Alcohol, potential suggestive topics, and will update as we go!

Throughout the week leading up to the event, every Outsider will have received an elaborate invitation in a wax-sealed envelope. Each letter will be relatively unique, but ultimately seems to carry the same contents:

Your presence has been summoned to the first annual royal gala, which will take place at the Ruby Room on the 10th day of September, the year 2078. Please come dressed appropriately, and do not forget a mask. While not required, depending on your dancing abilities, it is highly suggested.

- Callisto Regulus

CODED BY TESSISAMESS
Whether people attend out of a sense of obligation, out of suspicion in finding more about the event (and by extension, what it entails), or even simply as an excuse to dress up and raise ones spirits— all is welcome. While no theme is established, one could likely surmise from the envelopes that the colors of the venue will be predominately decorated in reds, black, and golds.


No matter where one looks, the entire hall has been intricately decorated. While the vast majority of the venue appears to mirror what one would see in a palace, including all the pillars and seemingly expensive items put on display, if one peer through their oculars, they will find it is designed much like ones room upgrades are: through technology. Though, a smaller percentage of some of the items appear delicately handmade, including the lace on the dining tables thanks to some assistance. It is as much the decadent scenery as one could envision, even if to some degree, it's fake. But, listen, they do technically have some sort of budget.

Additionally, as specified on the invitation, as soon as anyone walks through the doors of the venue, and have their names announced (per course of a royal celebration)— if they are wearing a mask, they will find that their identities are obscured from others. This includes their appearance and voice, which may appear blurry or slightly different to what it usually is. This is because the venue itself casts an affect on anyone wearing a mask, making them completely anonymous to one another. However, the illusion is quick to break if one just removes their mask!

Aside from the mystery of the masks, there will also be several other forms of entertainment available for the night:

1. DANCE
As with any gala, there will naturally be music and dancing throughout the night. Soft music will play throughout the venue and will include several tunes. If one doesn't know how to dance, perhaps they will have a partner who knows all the steps? If not, if they open their oculars, they will find several guides passive aggressively attached to a folder dropped to all Outsiders called "Educate yourselves" made by yours truly. They do, however, appear to be fairly good guide videos, even if they are made through AI, and may even utilize your own face? Oops.

2. GARDEN MAZE
There will be a section in another room of the venue that is labeled as being a maze. When one enters, they will find themselves surrounded by extremely tall shrubs, or what appears to be that. Instead, it is much like a virtual escape room. The point is to find the exit that will lead them back to the dance hall. However, it won't be so easy. Hopefully no one loses their partner for the night in here.

3. SECRET PASSAGEWAYS
If one explores the maze deeply, they will find that the main hall isn't the only place it leads to, instead they will discover that there are several hidden passageways that lead to secret rooms. Perhaps, it was made to provide some people some privacy. Privacy appropriate for such a demure and mindful event, that is.

4. FIREWORKS
At the end of night, there will also be a firework show. Considering that actual fireworks weren't permitted even during the festival period, it's reasonable to say there will be no real fireworks here. However, what guests will get is a VR firework show at the end of the night. Perhaps, not an entirely poor way to end it.

Perhaps, these events and how elaborate the venue is at least makes up the lack of food items. While there are food, they are kept rather simple. Maybe in light of recent events, it was decided they keep it within means. While the food may appear fancy or delicious, they will be made with what is similar to ration bars, but in varying flavors. To make up for it, the main dish, however will be a delicious mystery meat. No one knows where it comes from, or what it's made of.

There will also be several speeches throughout the night, and perhaps you may also feel inclined to make your own before a toast? Whichever the case, surely no one is here for Callisto's speeches, at least.


( ooc note: the mask prompt was approved by mods and purchased with points, but feel free to have your character remove their mask if it's not their thing! i just wanted to add in a fun surprise in the log. also, you're free to assume whatever is typically in galas to be here, so don't feel locked into anything! the most important rule of all— have fun!!!

once again, your character is free to get an invite as everyone was invited! 👍 )

Comments

[siffriend]

[ (Stars, they're so blinding annoying!!!)

Siffrin grips tighter, half out of distrust in Loop's upper strength and half out of surprise at the sudden dip, hat fluttering to the floor as his expression smoothes from panic to irritation. ]

A warning would've been nice.

[ (You wish you could be this close to Isa.) ]

[looped]

[ Oh, the sight of that irritation is refreshing to see. Their own expression brightens up, pleased, laughing warmly. Yup. Much better now. Loop winks in response. ]

But then you wouldn't be surprised, and isn't that the whole point? It helps to get used to it.

[ As tempting it might be to just let go, oh and Loop did consider it. Just for a moment. But no, they'll pull him right back up with no threat of being dropped hanging over his head, pulling them close again. Something settling in their chest, both heavy and light. ]

[siffriend]

[ Siffrin comes upright, still displeased, and huffs quietly. ]

Pass.

[ (Some surprises are nice! Others aren't.

There is no way to declare this without sounding like a child, though.) ]

... So does that mean you've had your fill?

[ If they were ready to thank Siffrin, and all. Not that he's stepped away or let go either, guilty of desire as he is. ]

[looped]

[ That amusement dies down as that question comes their way. ... Have they had their fill? Saying yes would be an obvious lie. In the same way someone parched finally gets their first drink of water, of course they would want more. But that's vulnerability to say as much. A quiet silence fills, seeing the way they both have not stepped away. Neither of their hands letting go.

They're both greedy. Carefully, their hand does shift, a thumb brushing over before lightly pressing against his palm. Even through gloves there's a warmth there that for a moment is tempting to seek. Lips dip in a quick frown, brows furrow with more thought before they squash it down. ]

And what of you, Stardust? [ Rather than answer themselves, they direct it back to him. Did he have his fill? Their expression smooths to something neutral, almost curious, simply watching Siffrin's face for the smallest sign. ]

[siffriend]

[ (Of course not.

But even if Loop knows, can tell in whatever way they do, you can't say it. No more than you could tell your family members, because it's pathetic. It's pathetic and disturbing, how little this satisfies you. How much you like the press of someone's thumb against your hand, almost an assurance.)

Siffrin doesn't answer, just looks away. ]

[looped]

[ ...

Hah! Well, it isn't as if they actually expected an answer. Not a verbal one, anyways. Because it shows. He could have let go, he could have stepped away, he could have simply suggest they return to their walk around. Instead, he just looks away.

And Loop... they understand. It is theirs as much as it is his. It's hard to tell if that's comforting. (...) ]

..You know, you don't have to hide it with me. If there's something you want, you can just take. [ Like now. That thumb taps lightly against his palm, before fingers move to interlace hands with a reassuring squeeze. See! Not so difficult, is it? Never mind their movements almost seem hesitant leading up to it. ] For as long you want.

[ Whether they mean this dance now or something else, they don't elaborate. Taking a step, then another, to resume that same simple dance before. ] Here, how about you lead this time!

[siffriend]

[ It's an odd way to phrase it, but the closer hold of their hands is reassuring. One step, two, resuming the simple dance before, leading as offered. ]

You already know, don't you?

[ So why should Siffrin have to say it?

Anyway, anyway. Leading. Which means Siffrin gets to let one hand go, other lifting, twirling Loop instead. Watching as their lightless skirt flutters, the starry inside of their coat swish and sparkle. It's pretty. ]

Is this gonna be your usual wear? It stands out as much as your head does.

[looped]

[ At that comment their head tilts, starry earrings swinging lightly with the motion. Just staring at him for a moment longer before they huff a laugh under their breath. ]

You do know I can't actually read your mind, right? Not really anyways. I can sometimes tell, but...

[ Their gaze drifts off to the side, words trailing off. Before they look back at him, a faint smile showing. ] Well, it's fine if you don't.

[ Does it really matter? One grip lets go, the other tightening just a little as it's raised, but following the guide of that twirl. Each step quiet, light, even as heeled shoes match steps. ]

Fitting, right? [ A raised brow, a flick of amusement. ] Should I wear something else?

[siffriend]

[ It still feels like it, though. Even if they can't. There's still some kind of understanding there, once that's irritating, annoying, aggravating... and comforting, they guess. Siffrin brings Loop back in hand, continuing the once familiar steps. ]

No. It suits you. I was just curious.

[ As if Siffrin changes their outwear any!!! Not a bit. Under? Sure. But that cloak and hat are permanent fixtures, for better or worse. Only accesories are needed to gus this fella up. ]

... It reminds me of... something.

[ The bits and pieces, the parts and as a whole, but Siffrin can't put his finger on it right now. ]

[looped]

... [ "It suits you" and for a moment, Loop expects that banter and tease. The jabs and poking the two of them naturally incline to. More so from Loop, ever keen to riling them up. But that comment stops them short, not that their movements ever slow or stutter. But even as they're brought in by hand, they blink with clear wide surprise.

Loop can't really agree themselves, despites seconds earlier claiming it must fit them. Between their appearance then and now, they wouldn't know what "suits them" actually looks like. All they can see are just glimpses of what they catch from a glance down at themselves, what flows with their twirls and turns. Even though they pointedly keep their gaze raised, watching him.

They don't reply, though the next trail of words do have them raising a brow. ]

Something? [ Brows furrow with thought, thinking... hm. ] ..Well, if you do remember - tell me! I'm curious!!

[siffriend]

[ ... Ha. Not so fun being the one caught off guard, is it. Take a lesson Loop. Consider it unintended revenge. ]

If it's not something you can annoy me with, I'll tell you.

[looped]

[ No lesson taken or learned. The laugh that comes is airy, lips curled up with a look that can only be called mischief. ]

Come now Stardust, I can be civil. [ It does simmer a little, humming. ] It won't be. I really am curious.

[siffriend]

[ They can be. But it might weird them out, once it starts to click around Siffrin's mind. At least there's one thing he can say: ]

... Well, the coat's kind of obvious, looking at it. It's like Odile's.

[ Wavy... Flowy... Very long and elegant. Siffrin lifts Loop's arm to show the drapery there, as if in example. ]

I can't pin the rest. But that's familiar.

[ As a start. ]

[looped]

... The Researcher's?

[ There's a small curious look, brow raising, letting him lift their arm so they can turn their gaze to look to it.

(...) ] I suppose on the outside, it does look like it.

[ The inner side of course is entirely lightless and starry. But overall from the outside, it is long and flowy in that shared similarity. They.. don't hate how it looks. But it is a bit complicated. ]

[siffriend]

[ Yeah, yeah. The outside definitely does, Siffrin crossing their arm between them to see it better before stretching out properly once more.

... And, with a sly look, he'll do the same thing Loop had done to him when they'd led, lifting for a twirl and swooping to end with a dip. Revenge while his partner seems a little off. ]

[looped]

[ That cross of their arm does as Siffrin intends, taking Loop's attention as they get a better look. Mhm, yep, they sure see it now! Still not sure if that's a good thing or not!

Before the lift of a twirl and then the sudden swoop has their grip suddenly tightened with a surprised noise. Even though they shouldn't be so blinding surprised! After all, Loop was the one that did it first, of course giving lead to Siffrin would have consequences such as this.

Long lightless hair fan out from the dipping motion, starry earrings dangling with quiet little dings. Their cheeks burn with a bit of shade, dramatically rolling their eyes before sneering (playful, light) at him. ] Enjoying yourself, are you?

[siffriend]

[ Haha. ]

Very much.

[ See how nice a warning would have been, Loop. Maybe consider it next time. But Siffrin brings them back up carefully as per the dance, stepping back and fanning their joined hands out in a slight bow. ]

Your request wasn't so bad. Happy birthday, I guess. I'll look away if you annoy someone so much they want to punch you.

[ All necessary things to say. ]

[looped]

I can tell.

[ Next time, huh. Yeah, no, they won't. It's more fun to surprise them, because there's always ways to get back at them. But their mood simmers as they come up, mirroring those steps with a light press of hands in a returning small bow. How long until that too is forgotten? Nothing but a whisper of a memory. ]

...Hah! Of course it wasn't bad. [ Their eyes curve with their smile, huffing another breath. ] My, how awfully generous of you. Was that all that dance was worth, stardust? But I suppose I'll take it.