VALENTINES BALL

[thewatchers]

VALENTINES BALL

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February 14th is a day both famed and notorious for feats of love, passion and confession. And violence, as this year’s theme suggests - a 1920s speakeasy theme, initially based off the Valentines’ Day massacre of 1929 and toned down to be significantly more fun and less a dark reminder of bloodshed. While this year’s event has no predicted surprises like a daemon invasion in store, the Student Council has still chosen to hire extra security for the ball; bulky constructs in surprisingly well-tailored pinstripe suits and hats stand guard outside the entrances to the venue, impassively watching for any signs of trouble.

The ball itself is laid out similar to a 1920s club, with a large space for dancing, a stage for entertainment, and plenty of tables and chairs for sitting, dining, and chatting. Bars on both sides of the room provide a place to order and collect both food and drink, and the second storey of the venue has been put into use to provide quieter and more secluded places to sit.

A. Classy…? Cocktails
As ever, the Academy has provided a lavish and thematic spread of food for the occasion, with a few unique twists to fit the theme. The drinks of are particular note - aside from the usual range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that Daybreak provides, many are tailor-made for the ball due to a collaboration between some of the alchemy and culinary classes in Daybreak (who were rather too eager to volunteer). Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drink cake or a steak? You’ll find plenty of experiments here, both savory and sweet, to facilitate that experience.

If that’s not to your tastes, some drinks are purely decorative, providing some unique visual or audio effects - you might find yourself sepia-toned or monochrome, chattering like an old-fashioned radio host or filled with an irrepressible urge to sing everything you say - among other things. Mercifully, everything wears off by the end of the night.

B. Changing Stages
While this ball is by no means illegal, there has at least been an attempt to capture the more ‘forbidden’ aspects of a speakeasy. As the night goes on, switches and buttons appear on the walls, and pressing them will make the room shift and change to reveal secret doors and elevators - partially mechanical tricks, but mostly through clever application of magic and mundane illusion. These exits from the room provide ample opportunity for attendees to stretch their legs and take a walk and a break from the rest of the party through mazelike, glittering hallways and smoke-hazy corridors that lead to balconies and small lounges looking out onto strange, abstract views. Walk far enough, and you might end up in a completely different part of the venue than you were before - though for the truly lost, the corridors will always bring you to someone you can ask for help sooner or later, or guide you out.

Well, eventually. It wouldn’t quite fit the theme of a speakeasy without a little bit of uncertainty, would it?

C. Nyeh, See?
For those who would rather indulge in the darker implications of the theme and have no patience for the other entertainment on offer, this maze of corridors offers one other attraction - enchanted guns and gear for laser tag. In strict adherence to the theme, all guns resemble the kind of weaponry that 1920s gangsters would be boasting - and no matter what you were wearing at the time, as soon as you attach a pendant to your clothing, you're immediately in magically-fitting suits any gangster would envy. They even give off the illusion of bleeding should you be 'shot' by one of these enchanted guns, though to avoid causing undue concern the illusory blood sparkles and shines different colours.

D. Shall We Dance?
No Valentines ball is complete without the opportunity to get close to someone you might enjoy the company of, after all. To fit with the speakeasy theme, music and entertainment has been provided - both stage performances from volunteers and a selection of recorded music from the era. And for those up on the second floor, a station has been provided for whatever you’d like to broadcast to the entire room. Whether you’re up on the stage, down on the dancefloor, or you simply want to set a little mood music for certain people to take a hint, there’s bound to be something to do.

Some of the spirits and other, benign creatures that inhabit Daybreak’s grounds have decided to invite themselves, finding the music and warmth too irresistible to refuse. As a result, masked figures dressed in the vague approximation of 1920s fashion can be spotted among the more solid attendants, and those who don’t have a dance partner might well find themselves being asked to dance regardless - and be given small gifts as a token of gratitude for the indulgence. Or they might just nudge you into dancing with someone new...

E. Wildcard
Anything else you’d want to do at the dance? Feel free to enjoy the night - it’s for everyone to indulge themselves, after all.

code bases by tricklet

Comments

[imyoubut]

Well then, what would you like if you win this little wager?

[Urtz leans in a bit, her eyes looking over Jail's attire and lingering perhaps a bit too long.]

Truthfully I am unsure myself. Having you here, looking as ravishing as you do, is all I could ask for already.

[unpocoloco]

His jaw works at that response, unsure quite what to say. The shortness wasn't at all what he was thinking about (though it is rather noticeable considering he's 6'5").

She leaves him blinking again for a different reason.

"Oh. Really? Dios, it feels like it's been ages since I've met anyone normal. Or... formerly normal," He says. He runs a hand through his hair. "Ah, well, translating might be the wrong word but, mages tend to be... severe. They've been in their own world for a long time, only know their own families with big expectations, a lot of power, and a lot of money. There's a tendency to be a little out of touch and kids who are just entering this world are going through an enormous change and that's without the possibility that they've faced any hardship because of all this stuff. My-" He falters, but picks himself up.

"My wife is from a big mage family. I've gotten the chance to see that side of things enough while knowing what it is to be new to this stuff. Basically, I try to sort of bridge things between people who've known magic all their life and those who haven't. I'll re-explain in different terms or help find new angles that those without magic wouldn't think to try. A lot of the time when a kid is struggling it just means they need a more personal learning experience."

[unpocoloco]

Music. The memory flicker through his head, Rex's music playing loud as incision after incision--

He shudders, shakes himself out, and forces himself to take a breath. Steady. It's fine.

"...Rather fond of music myself. Do- do you have a favorite?"

[adjectiveprince]

Family stuff.

[Zagreus drank whiskey like it was coke. Divine constitution lets you REALLY put the drinks away.]

Mine's been called the most dysfunctional family in the history of families, and I was really hoping they would leave me alone when I got here.

But, I mean, how would I stop them? They're gods. Much stronger gods than me.

[descolation]

Desco has been doing well! She spent a lot of the break raising money with her hot cocoa stand, studying, and training, but she also got to play some fun new games! What about you?

[Those words probably came out a bit faster than she would have liked, but it's clear Desco is very excited to see Gon. Not to mention she's also curious as to what he's been up to, hence why she's staring back at him with wide eyes and rocking back and forth excitedly on her heels. Not to mention the big grin she's wearing on her face.]

[descolation]

Desco happily laughs as she is picked up and spun around, returning his energy with a her own in the form of a big hug.

"It's good to see you, too! What have you been up to while Desco was gone? Did you make anything really cool?"

[giornata_gloriosa]

"Well, it would be a shame to come to the school dance and not dance at all." He is mostly referring to himself, but if it applied to Gongenzaka then he wouldn't deny the truth of it there too.

"I may not be good at it, but the point is to enjoy the time, right?" He adds, knowing that his lack of real ability to dance should be warned for. He is just terrible at keeping time at a steady pace, even if he knows how he's supposed to move.

[hatesdragons]

Emille notices Gon's expression of shock, and she's internally glad that he is taking her seriously. It is much easier to talk with people who have already been exposed to supernatural forces about such things -- normal people would have likely scoffed at her and called her insane. She's also glad that she was able to warn at least one more person about this threat to Earth.

"It is for the better that you have not had any run-ins with Dragons. From what I know, they rarely end well." She leaves it at that, not feeling the urge to mention her own experience with the beasts. "If you ever have any questions about those evil creatures, please seek me out in the labs, or you are free to attend one of my lectures."

She nods to the bear. One more thing-- "Do you ever have reason to visit the Outlands? If so, please be careful. If you see beautiful orange flowers, run."

[hatesdragons]

As a non-magical human outsider who was thrust into the world of the supernatural by forces beyond her control, Emille knows very little about magic and those who wield it. She has heard a little about mage families -- basically that they're a mess of drama -- so what Héctor is telling her now is more than she'd ever known.

"I see... Interesting." If she hadn't had been so strong-willed and fueled by a furious desire for revenge, she could see herself having a much harder time with all these changes, and appreciating Héctor's services. Even so, she has already learned a lot about magic and aspects related to it in the short time that she's been at Daybreak. And, honestly, many things are still out of her reach. Emille's a scientist, and it can be hard to wrap a scientist's brain around abstract magical concepts.

"I am thankful that you are looking out for the mental health of our students, Sir Héctor. It is an admirable task. Even though my situation is different from theirs, it is similar enough that even I could learn much from your assistance. Would it be okay if I called on you to 'translate' an aspect of the magical realm for me sometime?"

A

[imyoubut]

[If Emille is paying attention, she'll likely hear Urtz on her way over as her heels clack against the floor. Or perhaps she'll see her out of the corner of her eye. Either way, the other woman is clearly dressed for the occasion, wearing a traditional flapper outfit, though with a hat as opposed to a feathered headband.]

I can assure you the drinks taste far better than they look. [A pause.] Well, some of them. Thinking of trying one?

[unpocoloco]

"Huh? Oh, yeah, of course," He says, the moment he gets past the novelty of someone with such credentials asking knowledge from him. "I'd be happy to help. If nothing else, even if I can't work something out, I can probably point you in the direction of people who can. We have a lot of very talented people here, both among the faculty and the students."

At least, that's his opinion. Even if the ones he knows and likes best are a touch chaotic. (Like himself.)

"So... biology. Anything in particular that Daybreak's come to you about...?"

Anything like an undead man who rose from the dead by neither contract, vampirism, or necromancy but somehow isn't a mindless ghoul like every other undead that doesn't fall under the above? Anything like Daybreak's deal with him to let him be studied in exchange for protection here...?

[hatesdragons]

Ah, Lady Cromwell. [Emille looks over Urtz's attire and is impressed, though she doesn't show it.] You are certainly well-dressed for tonight's festivities.

I have merely been chaperoning this evening, but it would be an untruth to admit that I have not been interested in trying one of the drinks that supposedly alter one's appearance. [Before Urtz can accuse Emille of wanting to have fun, she adds,] Solely to experience the magic behind it, of course.

[She's sure they're safe, as she's watched others take them, but she wants to ask anyway--] Have you tried any of these drinks yet?

[imyoubut]

Of course. Very serious business, I'm sure.

[Her tone is light, as is her smile.]

At any rate, indeed. I consider myself a connoisseur of both food and drink, so letting an opportunity like this pass me by would be simply unacceptable. Is there a desired effect you're looking for?

[hatesdragons]

"Thank you." She dips her head in appreciation. "I do agree that we are in the midst of many great minds, but mage families and their intricacies are certainly an aspect of the magical realm that can be intimidating to discuss." Not to mention that the majority of faculty she would feel comfortable talking to about such issues is part of a mage family and that's not something she'd want to pry into with them.

Well, Héctor, you asked for it -- when Emille gets going on her specialty, she keeps going. At least this might help get things off his mind?

"Yes, I am a scientist with the Japanese government's Murakumo Organization, and am their current liaison with the Academy. Murakumo specializes in daemon research and the extermination of any threatening species. I am specifically here to warn the Academy about the daemon species known as the Dragons, as they are an extreme threat, and begin building a defense against them."

[hatesdragons]

[Of course it's serious business, that's Emille's middle name. If she had one. But she doesn't let the comment bother her; it's Urtz.

She takes a moment to think about a drink she could take that wouldn't affect her duties as much, and comes upon an idea.]

Perhaps a drink that allows one to see in black-and-white, or otherwise magically takes away the ability to perceive colors, would be interesting to experience.

[spelleton]

[ He laughs a little. As he gets used to Rex's way of moving, his mistakes and missteps lessen significantly. ] I try plenty of undignified things already, since working here. I suppose one more can't hurt.

I'm not sure how well your current style of dance would fit with it, however.

[spelleton]

[ Only years of rigid discipline stop him from visibly and audibly short circuiting in front of Desco. Why is it always the children who call him out like this.

But, well. He sees no reason to not be somewhat honest. ]

...Perhaps a little. [ He can admit that much. ] But he doesn't like this holiday overmuch, so I'm not sure if he'll show himself or not.

[unpocoloco]

To the credit of those from mage families, many of the ones he's friends with are well aware of how... much mage families can be. Even Imelda knew, though she loves her family still with all her heart.

He listens intently. Learning the truth of what she studies does ease his mind. It's nothing to do with him and that means he can trust her (probably). Though he does look rather surprised by the end.

"Dragons?" He repeats. "Like, old fairytale fire-breathing ones?"

[betheman]

"I shall do just that..." He definitely doesn't want to test it after all, but- "Mn! I would not say casually, but a few missions at the least have involved particular areas of the Outlands...it is a warning that I, the man Gongenzaka, shall certainly pass to others, but I would think it best to make certain the remaining staff have been notified as well then!"

[betheman]

"Mnh! Indeed!" Well, he'll offer his paws to the other then, a bit of confidence re-sparked in the bear. "In this case, we'll just both do our best!" Gongenzaka, fortunately, is careful enough to avoid stepping on things...and probably won't Notice if he's stepped on somehow, so.

Here they go..?

[betheman]

Hoh! That's quite proactive! [You can hear how impressed he is with his tone. Gongenzaka for his part, points to his flower petals.] Auh...well, do you see these? [Pink...] I have been, very busy! Earlier last year, I was chosen to join the Student Council...but recently, they also had me replace the role of Vice President! So there has been a lot of work, as part of the team...

...But it is what led to this! We are in charge of preparing these dances! So if you have been enjoying it, that makes me that much more glad!

[imyoubut]

[It's nice to see that Emille is getting used to her...difficult personality. Though she miss her reactions every now and again.]

Very well. That's a specific effect, so it shouldn't be too hard to find.

[Urtz raises her hand and opens it as if bearing claws. A magical glows with a soothing blue light around her hand. In a matter of seconds, every drink begins to radiate an aura of their own in response, each with a different color.]

Cognosco.

[The small white circles of her eyes begin to glow as well, matching the aura of her hand. Seconds later the glowing fades and the magic dies down. She then picks up one of the glasses and hands it to Emille.]

Here you are.

(I'm bad and slow, I apologize)

[arcadianvampire]

Oh, you flatter me, Amaterasu. But I do believe you're very correct, even if you're clearly the more beautiful one.

[Valvatorez simply calling it how he sees it. He views himself as quite handsome, but perhaps less so than he was hundreds of years ago; and meanwhile, Amaterasu was, unarguably, radiant. For quite a large number of reasons, not the least of which is the pun.]

Honestly, our dance works well with how unorthodox the party is too, don't you think?

I am bad and slow and I apologize

[arcadianvampire]

[Oh, the benefits of being a changeling, being able to provide perfect visual aids to all the stories you might have. The vampire watches her shift into the individuals in question unfazed, but then immediately cracks up with full, almost evil sounding laughter, upon seeing their bewildered expressions.]

Oh, that is priceless. Completely off guard! Beautiful. You would probably win awards back in Hades for practical joking with that.

[He means it too, given such things are highly prized.]

They should give the cooking staff bonuses for all of this. Not only do they turn out some fine regular cuisine all the time, their culinary experimentation is positively delightful. If only they could include more sardines in them.

[hatesdragons]

Emille nods. Good, good. "Thank you for being proactive by helping spread the warning, Sir Gongenzaka. Faculty and students all need to be told. Knowing and preparing lead to our best chance at defending ourselves."

She looks around and sees so many people enjoying themselves, smiling, laughing, dancing... "This is all worth protecting, after all." She turns back to Gon. "Alas, I hope I have not put a damper on your evening with this revelation. However, it is of the utmost importance. I am sure you understand."