The Watchers of Night ([personal profile] thewatchers) wrote in [community profile] daybreakacademy2020-02-14 03:12 pm

VALENTINES BALL



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
imyoubut: (008)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-15 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
Prompt 1: The Party

[Urtz is decked out in a dress she'd chosen the very second the theme of this party reached her ears. Aside from the dress, she has a matching cloche bucket hat of the same color, with a black band and feather. Several pearl necklaces adorn her neck and chest, with her outfit being completed by black opera gloves and a black feather boa. All in all she seems quite pleased with herself and makes an active attempt to join people in conversation and on the dance floor. Every so often though she makes her way over to the refreshment table. Sometimes it's to enjoy some of the drinks and food provided, but other times it's to mess with the spread a bit.

Curious as to why your drink tastes like liquid cake? She probably has something to do with it. Not like she's even trying to hide her amusement at all the faces people are making.]


Prompt 2: I Cast Gun

[After a bit of more standard fun, Urtz decides there's no harm in mixing things up a bit. So she decides to join in on this bit of laser tag even though she's clearly not dressed for it. She can mend and clean her clothing so it's fine. If you're on her team during the start of the match, she'll be sure to pull you aside before it starts.]

I'll likely be splitting off from the group at some point. My abilities to shapeshift should prove useful here. If you see someone without this charm- [She pulls out a small acrylic keychain of a cartoon bunny making a piece sign and fastens it to her gun.] -they likely aren't me.

[Which would explain why if you're on the other team, you might hear about members of your own team somehow getting other people in your group out. Of course if you'd rather not deal with that, she's capable of playing out a match or two without using her tricks.]
spelleton: (☀ i have seen what the darkness does)

1

[personal profile] spelleton 2020-02-15 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
Well, you look pleased with yourself. [ He takes another sip from his wineglass as Urtz passes by on her apparent self-dictated mission to mess with people's drinks. ] Thinking up some new mischief, I don't doubt.

[ Like he hasn't been watching at least some of the time. ]
imyoubut: (004)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-15 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
[She actually stops walking and turns to meet him, though her mischievous smile doesn't fade.]

Guilty as charged. But can you blame me? The culinary staff worked diligently to provide us with these "experiments". It's only fair that people give them a chance.

[Whether they want to or not.]
Edited 2020-02-15 05:46 (UTC)
spelleton: come rushing over me (☀ let the memory of rushing tide)

[personal profile] spelleton 2020-02-16 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
And by whose metric of fairness, I wonder? [ His voice is light and amused. He walks his cigarette holder through his fingers in idle, deft motions, more to prove that he's capable of doing it than anything else. ]

You should let such experiments appeal to people on their own merits, surely?
imyoubut: (001)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-16 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Not by their own, I wager.

[She chuckles a bit to herself, still looking quite pleased.]

Ah, but where's the fun in that? Besides, you know how humans are. Always so resistant to change. If given the chance to experiment, very few will take it.

[Her tone is airy and light, filled with amusement likely matching Ekke's own, though it's seated in her own feelings regarding humanity even so.]
spelleton: and i don't want to leave (☀ i was born on the lake)

[personal profile] spelleton 2020-02-19 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
It depends on the person, I think. [ His tone is still light, playful, but essentially neutral. He has no feelings, one way or another, on it; and though he's no longer mortal, that doesn't mean he wasn't once human. ] But that's a topic for another day, perhaps.

Are you enjoying yourself so far? Besides the drink-spiking. I think the student council did an excellent job setting everything up.

[ And he's not just saying that because Rex is part of it. Though that is a small part. He never claimed to be unbiased. ]
imyoubut: (008)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-19 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
Indeed. I daresay we both have a lot to say on the matter. But why spoil the festivities?

[Urtz wouldn't suggest she's so very distanced from humans, but she's seen firsthand what they do to those who aren't like them. What they do when presented with change. She'll fully admit she's biased, having mostly seen the worst they have to offer, but she's more than happy to be proven wrong. That's part of the reason why she's here.

And besides, she does know some pretty quality humans.]


I wouldn't call it drink spiking. More like drink swapping. But either way, yes. Very much so. It's clear the student council did their research to ensure an accurate replica. It feels as though I'm in a speakeasy during the roaring 20's. But what of you, Ekke? Are you enjoying yourself?
Edited 2020-02-19 05:13 (UTC)
arcadianvampire: (Evil Smile)

1

[personal profile] arcadianvampire 2020-02-16 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[Valvatorez had watched from a distance when she decided to be up to No Good with the food and drink spread. More than anything, this amused him greatly with her dedication to being a sneaky prankster.

Eventually Val will draw near after a particularly successful play, resulting in someone spit-taking and spluttering in surprised at the fact this was not what he came for.]


Oh ho, he never saw that one coming. Well played, I must say.

[And boy, does he look bemused.]

So, what did you flavor did you give that poor sod?
imyoubut: (015)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-16 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Valvatorez wasn't the only one watching the scene intently. Urtz was awaiting the inevitable reaction with the biggest smile on her face. And when the reaction comes, she doesn't even hide her chuckle. She turns to Valvatorez as her laughter trails off.]

Ah, Professor Valvatorez. I'm honored to hear you enjoyed my latest escapade.

[Taking her hat off, she bows and places her hat back on.]

An excellent question. I believe I provided him with delicious Chicken Alfredo.

[There's a pause as the man stares back at his glass before...shrugging and taking another drink out of it. At that, Urtz can't help but snicker.]
arcadianvampire: (Smug)

[personal profile] arcadianvampire 2020-02-16 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[In return, he also gave a bow, though it did look quite strange, coming from a daemon in a classy, pinstriped suit. Maybe if he looked more like a traditional noble tonight, but... nah.

His own eyes caught the man sampling the drink again, which just caused the vampire's smirk to grow.]


It must be a particularly exquisite Chicken Alfredo as well. You must truly have a gift at the culinary arts.

[Or whatever the magic equivalent was. Either way, it was legitimately bemusing, and a shared laugh was always welcome.]

So, did you have any other particularly good reactions to your gastronomical creations tonight? You must share, I've surely missed some.
imyoubut: (008)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-17 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, no I can't take credit for that aspect. I merely provided the mischief. It was our peers in the kitchen who provided us with these delightful experiments. All I did was make sure the occasional person gave them a try.

[She's all smiles as she says this. It's nice to have her genius recognized, but she won't take credit for something she didn't do.]

Nevertheless, I do have a few stories to tell. As I was walking by I spotted one couple being particularly loud and obnoxious. So when one of them went to fetch two glasses of punch, I swapped the liquids but kept the colors the same. You should have seen their faces.

[Except then she actually makes the faces - quite literally, mind you. First the poor soul who brought the punch and then the other who received it. Both are a horrifying mixture of confusion and sickness.]
arcadianvampire: Art's by Rukafais, please don't take, eh? (Guffawing)

I am bad and slow and I apologize

[personal profile] arcadianvampire 2020-02-25 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[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.
imyoubut: (004)

You are good and I will not hear anything to the contrary

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-27 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Once she changes back to her normal appearance, the smile on her face is almost quite literally from ear to ear.]

Ah, would I now? Perhaps I should pay this Hades a visit. I'm sure I would get along well with the residents. Although practical joking aside, your words reminded me of something. Your love of sardines is well-documented, so I thought to put in a special request ahead of time.

[Reaching into her purse, Urtz pulls out a glass bottle that should not have been able to fit inside the bag. A cork is sealing the bottle tight to prove it has yet to be opened, but the thing that will likely draw Valvatorez's gaze is the picture of a sardine on the label and the soothing blue coloring of the drink. Her smile contorts into a smug grin as she hands it over to him.]
arcadianvampire: (Proud)

[personal profile] arcadianvampire 2020-02-28 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sure you would get along just fine there. Though being good in a scrap is practically mandatory if you prank the wrong person.

[He chuckles at the thought of his younger days back in Hades. Oh, what a rough and tumble and incredibly silly, charming place. How he missed that part of the Outlands sometimes. Fondness for his home rarely came up in this day, but it did rear its head from time to time.

But when Urtz produces that bottle with the sardine label, he smiled quite devilishly, with a tone to match. He did reach out to accept it gratefully, however.]


Oh, my. Thank you! That's very kind of you. Ah, but I suppose I must simply taste it, to see if it tastes as good as its source.

[There's a hidden tone in his voice that suggests he's aware of the risks, given the conversation they were just talking about, but honestly, even if it was also a prank? What would be the harm? Oh, it might be just good for a laugh for both of them.]

Do you mind terribly if I try it now?
imyoubut: (008)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-29 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
I expected you might wish to sample it right away. And by all means, allow me to assist you.

[Reaching for a glass, she downs it without letting it touch her lips. After casting a spell to clean it and another to rinse it out and dry it, she hands the now empty glass over to Valvatorez. Said glass is so clean that it almost seems to be perpetually shining.]

There you are. Bottoms up, as they say.

[Once Val takes a drink, the liquid will indeed taste like sardines. Rich, flavorful sardine full of that sweet, sweet Omega 3 he loves so much. The only curious thing is it has more of a kick than he might expect, but also otherwise nothing out of the ordinary.]
arcadianvampire: (Proclaimation!)

[personal profile] arcadianvampire 2020-02-29 08:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you kindly.

[He does remember his manners quite often, happily accepting the glass before uncorking the bottle and pouring it gingerly. Before he took a sip, he took a moment to take a sniff of the liquid; not out of suspicion, but more like one would before sampling a fine wine. He gave a hum, seemingly pleased at the scent, before taking a sip. And with that, his eyes opened in a start. It did kick a bit, much more than he expected, but it was clear that it was immediately to his liking.]

Why, that's marvelous! A rich, complex flavor profile, with a strong taste up front, and a warm, but smooth finish! How positively delightful. You have my sincere gratitude!

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nor_iron_bars: And fettered to her eye (You know you got it)

1.

[personal profile] nor_iron_bars 2020-02-17 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[Unless she's paying very close attention, the faint sound of footsteps is all the warning Urtz might get before she hears a warm, teasing voice from just a bit behind her:]

If I guess what flavor you think of next, do I win a prize?

[Jailbreak is, perhaps unsurprisingly, blurring the line between "scruffy" and "stylish" to great effect. Her shirt is untucked, the sleeves rolled up, and her suit jacket slung over one shoulder. Instead of actually using them for their intended purpose, she's letting the suspenders dangle from the belt of her pinstripe trousers. Underneath her hat, her hair is fashionably messy- or possibly just regular messy, because at this point who can tell.]

[The end result is that she's not so much in a suit as she is attractively half out of one.]
imyoubut: (003)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-17 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[Okay wow. That is a lot to take in. In the back of her mind, Urtz is grateful that Jail approached her from behind. She knew the outfit Jail chose was probably going to make her feel things, but she hadn't expected it to be so...that. So the extra time to ready herself really did help. Her eyes widen and her face goes flush, coloring it with a hint of blue in contrast to a human's usual redness.

After clearing her throat for a few seconds, she finally manages to get a hold of herself.]


Perhaps. Though I feel you may get one just for participating.

[A smile creeps up her face as she closes the distance between herself and Jail; not that there was much distance already.]
nor_iron_bars: Voice aloud how good (And I love it)

[personal profile] nor_iron_bars 2020-02-17 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Mm, think I'm already getting one. [Making a cute girl blush is a pretty quality reward, as far as she's concerned.]

[Still, she's never been one to turn down a participation trophy- pride's for suckers who can't resell their useless tokens on ebay. ...Admittedly, more applicable in terms of metaphor than it is in the actual situation, but still.]


Or is seeing you look so pretty and not swooning the real competition, here? [She grins and tucks an arm loosely around Urtz's waist- giving her enough room to pull away if she's uncomfortable, but still making it clear she's appreciating the closeness.]
imyoubut: (008)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-18 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
It could be.

[Urtz settles into the embrace, returning it easily by draping two arms around Jail's neck. Much like Jail's own grip, hers is loose enough to break out of. It's not likely she would, but it's her way of returning the gesture and showing it's appreciated. They can go closer in a minute.]

But do you think you could win a competition like that? Say if you had to last at least ten seconds?
nor_iron_bars: With wine we steep (Watch you take a bite)

[personal profile] nor_iron_bars 2020-02-22 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, you never know until you try, right? [She smiles, smug as the canary that somehow tricked the cat into catching its' own tail.] Sure wouldn't mind finding out...
imyoubut: (004)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-23 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
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.
nor_iron_bars: Enjoy such liberty (Default)

[personal profile] nor_iron_bars 2020-02-27 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
You gotta stop asking questions I can't answer in front of the kids, sweetheart.

[Seriously, this is a school dance, she's not going to get past "suggestive insinuation" within earshot of small children and Hector.]

But why don't we start with a dance?
imyoubut: (012)

[personal profile] imyoubut 2020-02-27 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[At that response, Urtz puffs out her cheeks in mild annoyance and gives Jail's gas mask a light bap with her hand. Almost like a cat.]

Darling, you're lucky I don't have a pillow to hit you with.

[Though it is partially her fault for asking Jail of all people the question.]

Why not indeed. A dance would be nice. Hmm... [Her expression changes. Initially she looked annoyed, but in a fake way. Now she looks quite pleased, even as she "considers" the proposal.] I suppose I'll allow it.
nor_iron_bars: How great should be (Still looking hella fine)

[personal profile] nor_iron_bars 2020-03-04 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jail chuckles.] Promises, promises...

[She's awful, she just likes having attention. But she smiles warmly, and offers her arm to Urtz as the next song starts up.]

Welp, looks like we'll just have to show 'em how it's done, right?

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