[EVENT] MASQUERADE! PAPER FACES ON PARADE

[khuimods]

Characters: Anyone and everyone!
Date: October 20
Location: Aisling Tower grounds
Situation: It's the annual event! The Aisling Tower hosts an elaborate masquerade to celebrate Shadow Nights.
Warnings/Rating: In individual threads - please remember to warn!


As dusk falls on October 20th, the bone white spire of the Aisling Tower gleams brightly in the fading sunlight. Once a year, the Tower throws open its doors to begin the official Shadow Nights celebrations. It's a lavish and popular event, attended by all walks of life in Aifaran.

But as the Night Parade approaches, the excitement in the air is tinged with trepidation about the barrier. Perhaps the donning of masks will help Aifaran shed its fears.


In the week leading up to the masquerade, the Tower is a flurry of activity while things are rearranged and set up for the influx of visitors. A special room is designated to provide suitable attire to rent for the evening to those who cannot afford fancy clothes as a staple of their wardrobe. All for the low price of the dry-cleaning bill for the outfit!

When the day finally arrives, preparations are made in earnest during the morning and afternoon, festooning the surrounds with seasonal decorations. The steady deliveries of food, drink, and decor create a buzz about the place. Tables dressed with fine cloth are brought into the courtyard and as the gates open, spirit lanterns in a variety of shapes and colors are lit, and the courtyard shines invitingly as guests arrive.



At the base of the Tower, an atrium that makes up most of the ground floor has been cleared for the masquerade. Wide, sweeping ramps lead upwards, dotted with tables and some cushioned benches for seating. The upper floors of the Tower are still off-limits to the public, and discreet guards stand watch. The interior of the Tower is done in whites and creams, with accents shimmering like pearls. As a result, the vibrant costumes and decorations stand out all the more distinctly, a riot of color across a blank canvas.

Let Shadow Nights begin!

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OOC Notes: The Masquerade log is available for threading throughout the rest of the month. While there are starters available for threading, feel free to create your own top-level comment! Enjoy the festivities.

Comments

[annihilist]

The area near the tent set up for stories was less busy than elsewhere in the courtyard, so at some point Devin found himself nearby simply for more quiet. He listened in every so often, but it was more informative than anything else, and sometimes the din of the courtyard overwhelmed even his sensitive hearing.

Valdis was definitely intending to make an impression tonight with that outfit, both visual and auditory.

"I don't think any of my stories are suitable to be used as entertainment," he replied mildly. "No matter how they're twisted." More slyly: "Besides, performance art isn't my scene. You seem to be enjoying the attention."

[redlightgreenlight]

"They aren't my stories," Valdis pointed out, a knowing smirk lighting up her eyes, "They are legends from my home world."

Though Garmr had very much enjoyed retelling the one she had just told, one of his favorites, probably because it featured him so prominently. Devin's point, however, didn't escape her notice, despite how subdued he seemed. Valdis slowly twirled to show off the dress from all sides, obviously enjoying herself just as he said, "He really outdid himself this time, didn't he?"

[annihilist]

If he put his mind to it, Devin could probably be an engaging storyteller. It would all be a mask, a show, and in this context that would actually be acceptable. But performance of that kind was not something Devin had any interest in unless there were some utility in it.

"If Aifaran has a fashion magazine, you will most assuredly be on the best-dressed list," he confirmed, the corners of his mouth curling up. "And possibly even on the cover. It doesn't look terribly comfortable, however. Can you even sit down?"

[redlightgreenlight]

Valdis suspected that Devin could come up with a story, but his life had never been a joy, telling stories for entertainment and attention wasn't really his style. This particular topic wouldn't have been hers either, except for the mischief she planned. Luckily, Devin latched onto the topic of the dress and she wouldn't have to lie to him about why she was poking at her own secrets.

"You just don't understand fashion and impracticality," she laughed, "And yes, I can sit down, just carefully."

She lifted her chin, "Besides, I'm not on duty, nor do I need to be able to move quickly to defend myself."

She could kill without moving and it's not like she would spare the dress if she did need to act quickly.

[annihilist]

"You didn't care much about practicality when you were on duty, last time," Devin reminded her cheekily. Sure, that dress had allowed slightly more movement, but he didn't think it was fair to make women in particular balance fashion and practicality no matter the occasion. Not the hill he planned on dying upon, however.

"And I don't understand fashion, full stop," he conceded. "If a certain manner of dress weren't expected, I would have worn something more casual," he complained, gesturing to his outfit. It was as practical and reserved as he could manage. "At least it'll be reusable for whenever the next one of these happens."

[redlightgreenlight]

"Are you questioning my judgement?" Valdis arched a brow, feigning offense, "Besides, you have made it quite clear that, despite your prickly tendencies, you won't let anything happen to anyone here, so I can wear all the impractical, restricting dresses that I desire."

She was clearly teasing, she could, after all, take care of herself, but his reaction to Bobby still resonated in certain ways; even if she felt he should have killed the bitch when he had the chance. In addition, the Fool was here, and something there had been growing steadily over time, she could see it clear as day, though she didn't care what Devin did as long as it didn't endanger anyone, including himself.

"You have me at the reusable part," she admitted with a smile, "but I'm not one to blend into the background at such events, seeing as I don't currently have anyone to hide from."