[open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

[badfeyth]

WHO: Anyone attending the Sunlight at Midnight gala!
WHAT: KISS PEOPLE AND DANCE IDK
WHERE: The freshly-renovated Planetarium in District 4!
WHEN: Saturday, December 2
WARNINGS: None for the log itself; please warn responsibly in individual top-levels!

THE VENUE

Upon entry to the newly-renovated venue space that was once a planetarium, guests will quickly notice that the space has been transformed into a three-layered affair, ranging from the very well-lit upper level down to the more romantic ambiance of the dance floor and performance space, with a comfortable tier of seating and standing tables in the middle.


Not intended by Ghost (badfeyth) and Kaveh (fussiest), yet still mysteriously appearing at random places throughout the venue, are sprigs of magical kissing mistletoe!

The mistletoe will cause characters to at least pause underneath it, and will give them a mild compulsion to kiss whoever they're with, but the compulsion will not be unavoidable and characters can easily break free of the "hold" the mistletoe has on them. Even so, partygoers will quickly learn to be mindful of what's overhead — or not!

UPPER TIER

On the well-lit upper tier, guests will find plenty of generalized mingle room, including two patios with casual seating on either side of the space. Throughout the center are a variety of stations and attractions, as well as some helpful resources for the discerning partygoer.

For the fashionably un-forward, you may wish to visit (or find yourselves forcibly dragged into) Lestat's on-site fashion consulting lair, which boasts a small and curtained-off space where partygoers in need can receive last-minute fashion advice, do wardrobe finishing touches, and address any other aesthetic concerns under the discerning eye of LESTAT DE LIONCOURT (perfectdevil). This is also where a selection of basic cosmetics and beauty supplies can be found, in case of a need for an emergency touch-up, safety pin, or spot removal!

Continuing onward, guests will find four individual food stations, each with their own set of color-coded disposable dishware! Perhaps they'd like to take a sampling of:

• STATION #1 — TSURUNO (fanstheflames): Fried rice in the shape of Christmas trees, dumplings with carrot reindeer antlers and red pepper noses, and fortune cookies that tell you to go dance with somebody already!
• STATION #2 — ROLAND (gradenine): Hotpot with mild and spicy soup bases plus a variety of vegetables and meats, and KBBQ with chicken, pork, and beef cuts, plus sides!
• STATION #3 — RENO (astraphilia): Whipped goat cheese figs, brie and prosciutto stuffed dates, and sprouting cauliflower with brown butter and lemon — paired with a couple of simple cocktails (a negroni and a Bombay mule)!
• STATION #4 — WANDERER (featheradrift): Samosas, panipuri, Japanese-style sandwiches, and a lot of sweets and desserts like chocolate truffles, pâte de fruit, candied nuts, madeleines, and custards!

Champagne (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is also circulating around the venue under the watchful eye of KANEKI (anthropophagite), and a small selection of coffee is available at a nearby station as well!

Finally, at the far end of the upper concourse, one can find a partitioned-off space for photo opportunities featuring a black-and-gold backdrop, an arch aglow with fairy lights, and a few idle props like chairs and small movable tables that partygoers can use to coordinate their souvenir photos. PROMPTO (burstmodes) will be around to do formal event photography, but there'll also be a Polaroid available so that people can take their own photos and develop them instantly!

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

         

MIDDLE TIER

On the mid-tier halfway down the stairs that flank the venue on either side, partygoers will find a landing with an assortment of standing tables covered in black tablecloths and tied with gold bows, where guests can enjoy their refreshments, engage in conversation, and people-watch the goings-on taking place below them on the dance floor! To prevent any mischief or accidental spilling of food onto hapless dancers below, each landing is lined with a courtesy railing, and immediately below the railing is an arrangement of tasteful decor.

Between the two landings, guests can find the remnants of the planetarium seating — fold-down auditorium chairs with comfortable cushions arranged in gently circular rows, giving the people relaxing there a perfect view of the dance floor and the spectacle of lights taking place below it.

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

    

LOWER TIER

The lowest level of the venue, at the very bottom of the stairs, is the most dimly-lit of the three levels and is mostly comprised of the dance floor. Along the back wall and parts of the sides runs a slightly-raised platform stage upon which are arranged a piano, an electric guitar, a stereo system, and a few microphones for the convenience of any vocalists in the house. The stage is wide enough for one or two people to walk around comfortably, but generally is fairly modest to leave the majority of the room for the dance floor.

It's on the dance floor that the real "sunlight at midnight" theme takes its shape, as this is where the bulk of Kaveh's artificial lighting technology has been put into play. Along with standard party enhancements like a few spotlights and an overhead disco ball, the perimeter is also dotted with round arrays of stained glass with light fixtures behind them, causing panels of colored light to cast onto the hardwood of the dance floor. These arrays can also be rotated like kaleidoscopes, allowing for the patterns of light to change throughout the course of the evening — adding an element of renewable interest in the continuing aesthetic.

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

    

ENTERTAINMENT

Throughout the course of the evening, music will be provided by a rotating set list of performers, interspersed with prearranged playlists courtesy of the new media store. Entertainers will be informed of their set lengths, obligations, and timeslots well in advance of the venue by Ghost, and any necessary instruments or microphone hookups will be ready and available at the time of the performance.

Performers on deck include:

• HYTHLODAEUS (nomoresharks) and EMET-SELCH (recreator): Jazz piano bops along with some ragtime arrangements.
• EDDIE (thefreak): A mix of slow rock ballads and hard rock dance numbers, on electric guitar!

In addition to the live performances, the venue will also be treated to some traditional mid-2000s party favorites such as:

• BLORBOLICIOUS, by Gurgi (feat. Bill.i.was)
• HIPS SOMETIMES LIE, by The Kira
• SANDSQUALL, by DaNice
• MAYBE GONNA GIVE YOU UP, by Rickard Dastley
• MAMBO NO. 4 AND A HALF, by Stu Vega
• THE CHA-CHA HUSTLE, by DJ FriendlyGhost
• VIRUS, by Boo Boo Dolls

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

    

LIVEBLOG

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credit.

Comments

[icanfixer]

[ of course it does. but does she want to tell this poor girl so?

... there's no point in lying about that part, but she doesn't want to be weak before her newest friend, and so don scuffs at the ground with her shoe with a smile. ]

... I am fine now.

[ it aches when she sees the person she likes enjoying time with his others, even if she's allowed the same. she hasn't asked, hasn't sought out past what they normally do. it's her own fault. she's fine, but she's not. it's true, but also a lie. a lie she'll hope to become true. ]

But it was quite painful at first! I have cried before, certainly, but it felt different over another in such a way. I remained brave before both at the time, since I had not wished them to worry, but it truly is an unforgettable pain.

[ so then why would anyone want to chance it? it's such a gamble. eventually, eventually. ]

[perfectdevil]

[ Perhaps it says more about Lestat's ridiculous self-confidence than it does anything else, but Lestat isn't expecting for even a moment that Armand might refuse him. That second or two of hesitation he takes as Armand dutifully weighing up whether or not he wants to let Lestat distract him for a dance when he clearly has responsibilities elsewhere, or perhaps as him wondering where Louis might be in the midst of all this, but knows that ultimately his selfish little companion won't be able to miss the opportunity to have Lestat's attention quite so firmly fixed upon him. So when he acquiesces and takes Lestat's hand, he's visibly pleased with his own prediction.

The music is some piano cover of a song he isn't familiar with, but he and Armand are surely capable of making it work — and they do, falling into an energetic but graceful little four-step dance, like a waltz in places and a farandole in others. Lestat quite completely takes the lead, his hand on Armand's waist before he's had time to argue, smiling down at him like the handsome prince at a party of paupers, dazzled by the stranger in their midst, dressed in white and gold brocade.

Idly, he allows Armand to see this dance from his view; the way the kaleidoscope above their heads casts a wonderful array of colour over the dance floor to catch in the twinkling lights of Armand's beautiful suit. How dazzling he looked. ]

Surely you understand now, don't you, why I reacted the way I did that night at the fairgroud?

[excaliburden]

[... Ah. She sees.

The lies Altria is most used to, at least coming from herself (from Percival, from Gareth, from Ritsuka) are the ones like this. The lies that they hope will someday become truth. The lies they tell themselves over and over and over again because someday, it must become truth.

... Don smiles, and despite that pain, there's joy there too.

And Altria can't help but think that the world is a little brighter for people like Don to be in it.]

I see... you're so brave, Don! [She doesn't think she could do it. But part of her most certainly wishes... she could.]

Even after all of that... your heart is still so open and loving. [She cried, and she felt an unforgettable pain, and it still hurts--and even so, she still loves.]

[excaliburden]

I did, I definitely did!

[More than anything, she wants to convince him of that. It wasn't a waste of either of their time. Even though she got overly flustered, she had a wonderful time. And she's endlessly grateful that he humored her and went out onto the dance floor with her.

She peeks up at him to try to get a read on his expression (he doesn't seem bothered, and he had seemed legitimately concerned)--

--and for some reason, her heart skips in her chest. It's not the first time this has happened around him, of course. Altria's been using the tried and true method of coping of not acknowledging it at all.

--and for some reason, too, her eyes linger on his face for a moment, and she feels like she could just lean in and--

?!?!?!?!?!?!]

I--huh? [Oh no. Oh no!!! Oh no. The method of shoving her feelings in a box isn't working right now!!]

[icanfixer]

[ the second time she's been called brave, though for something different... this one she understands more. ]

¡Por supuesto! There is no use dwelling on it, as there is ever a new day and a new love to find. I shall always love them, just as I shall always love my friends, justice, oranges, and adorable creatures -- that they allow me to remain at their side is enough, that they allowed me to be honest is enough! Besides, I loved Sinclair before all of that, even if I did not know it then.

[ so it's easy on that eeeeeeeeeennnnddddoihhhhhh ohhhhh she



said it oh she

is fine! yup! she's fine! those two words? together? totally fine! yup! anyway, ]

D-Do thee have any in thine affections? Any thou hath wished to confess to?

[nomoresharks]

'Tis with the utmost regret that I must inform you that you will leave such a challenge feeling wholly unsatisfied. I know enough for self-defense, but little more.

[And he's never been interested in participating in feats of martial prowess either.]

That said, I am more than happy to direct those looking for a challenge your way if you would like.

[featheradrift]

Good.

[ He can trust that she won't lie to him about this, so he relaxes a little. Hopefully she won't be so fearful of events like this in the future. It's one thing not to attend something because you don't like it, but it's another to stop yourself from going out of fear, even if you want to.

The little noise she makes has him looking back up at her. ]

What's wrong?

[ The alarmed expression on her face is... if he had to admit it to himself, kind of cute. There's a desire to lean over and—well, he's not going to think about it. Nope. He does not want to think about what this desire might mean for his feelings.

So he just. Keeps himself still, and waits for Altria's response. ]

[perfectdevil]

[ Lestat hadn't meant for it to be quite so sensual, this trading of truths and sweet nothings between them both, but only as he feels his lover's hands tighten in his hair to urge on his progress does he realise how close to sin they are.

Holding Louis like this, hands against his skin like he'd longed for but never could have had when they were together in New Orleans -- pushing him up in some secluded corner enshrouded by darkness, Louis' hands pushing at his shoulders to no avail until eventually he started to cling, desperate for Lestat not to stop once he's started, now that there's no going back, years of longing spilling out, like hot blood down the sides of a crystal glass, from a wound that still hasn't healed, still pouring with nowhere to go, no outlet, no end -- is unmistakeably venereous. Even the sweetness of their words, the loving poetry they make together, seems only to fuel how sinful it feels to have his hands on Louis' body like this, to be treasuring him so sweetly while his body hungers for him. ]

Who speaks poetry now?

[ Lestat murmurs against his throat, his tongue finding the elegant concave of flesh where his windpipe curves inwards, bracketed by his jugular, and pressing up against his pulse. Lestat can taste cologne on his skin, and the scent of sweat that can't be Louis' own. It makes his heart-rate pick up excitedly, claws scratching ever so slightly against Louis' stomach. ]

You can't breathe to speak and yet you do, for me. You spent all that time alone, just thinking of me. Oh, Louis, you've been mine this whole time, haven't you? Find breath enough to tell me it's true, my heart, don't lose your words now...

[ In other words, keep talking. ]

[icanfixer]

[ she follows, her nimble feet keeping well to his pace as she beams. ]

I simply like to see all of thee, Yesod -- and I thank thee for the compliment, for it is an outfit I picked myself! I also chose Young Sinclair's to match, even if it is not quite as fantastical. He looks just like the night sky when the light lingers on him, does he not?

[ said with a sigh, pleased as all hell. the sequins are lifesavers. ]

[excaliburden]

[SHE SURE DID SAY IT. SO EASILY, TOO. It tripped off of her tongue like it was meant to, and while Altria has learned from the past five minutes to not point it out, the way she brightens is a little like the sun. How lovely! How romantic!

She isn't saying the words but it's obvious they're on her mind!


--of course, then Don Quixote plays her reverse uno card.]

H-huh? Me?

[... Oh no. Oh no!! Oh no!

She immediately holds both hands up, shaking her head aggressively.]

Th-that's not--that sort of thing isn't meant for a faerie like me! I mean, not to say that I don't like romance because I really, really do, it's just that, um, my role means that I'm not s-supposed to... focus on things like that...!

[featheradrift]

What a shame.

[ The fact that there's nothing around to fight has slowly been driving him stir-crazy, so he'd been hoping Hythlodaeus would say yes, but alas.

But he grins at the offer. ]

You better send only the ones who look like they can put up a real challenge.

[excaliburden]

[Altria has always had innate, built-in defenses against things like this. Back home, being a Faerie of Paradise meant that she wasn't impacted by things like being compelled or having her mind meddled with.

... That means that now, she doesn't really have much in the way of defenses against it, having very rarely had to deal with it at all back home.

It doesn't help, too, that even though she'd think she's much too embarrassed to go for something like a--a kiss on any normal day, this isn't a normal day, and he isn't a normal person. He helped her get here in every sense of the word. He helped her find a dress and jewelry, he encouraged her to show up at all, and he took her out there to dance. Without him, she wouldn't be nearly this giddy and happy, would she?

Without him...

...]

N-nothing! Nothing's... wrong. [... Is it? It feels a little... wrong. Not that she likes him to this extent--she's aware of that already. But... she's the Child of Prophecy. She's a Faerie of Paradise. Her fate isn't to enjoy something like this. And--she doesn't want him to suffer any more betrayals, not ever again.

... But--]

I just... um. Can you... stay still for a moment? --And close your eyes!

[icanfixer]

[ by the wings don is GRIPPING altria's hands. ]

That was my thought exact!!! As a Fixer, it is difficult -- nay, it is discouraged to fall in love, for our role as protectors of the City from which I hail puts us much in danger's way!!! I considered keeping my oath here as well, and yet I fell nonetheless!!! It is an unstoppable force, and I did not ask if thou were or were not allowed -- only that if thee did!!! Pray tell, Altria, who is it?!

[ SHE TOLD HER!!! CMON!!!! ]

[excaliburden]

[wah... wah!!! She wants to hear more about this Fixer thing and how Don got over that hurdle but before she can, she's still pressing...!!

And Altria...

Well. She's only really just started thinking about it... now. Recently. Very, very recently.

Her face goes very red, and she squeezes Don's hands in her own as a sort of anchor and stammers:]

I-I'm not, um...! [DEEP BREATH.] ... I--think... I'm still... figuring out my feelings.

[She thinks, perhaps... but it's all so new, so unexpected.]

Can... can I tell you later? When I'm more sure?

[It's only fair, after all. Don did tell her. And... she thinks maybe telling someone who knows more about this stuff would be a relief.]

Re: I am, thanks!

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki chuckles at that, genuinely amused and yes, once again charmed. He can see why Ethan has had an easy time bedding women if he pulls this kind of thing often enough. It’s too bad he doesn’t always see his self worth. Even after attacking Hob (or perhaps because of his reaction afterwards), Loki actually has a lot of respect for Ethan and thinks maybe he should try to be a bit more like him.] Is it too early for that? Well then, my apologies.

I do not think there is anything wrong with appreciating what something has given you, even if that thing isn’t something you want, or can be harmful. I’ve found that many things that are good can even be harmful sometimes. Though in your case I think what has happened to you has made you a better person. [He leaves off the part where he thinks that what has happened to him actually made him a worse person, but they are at a party and right now he’s more about hoping to cheer Ethan up a bit than anything else.]

Three fathers? I thought it was bad having two. [It’s a bit of a joke, but not a funny one. And really Loki means it. As much as he’s forgiven Odin, it doesn’t mean what he did hadn’t affected Loki’s life greatly, in many ways. Sometimes Loki still wonders what it would have been like to grow up on Jotunheim, to be the King he was meant to be. He’s happy to be where he is, can no longer imagine his life without Hob in it, but he still wonders how that would have been. Were the Jotun as evil as all of Asgard made them out to be? Loki doesn’t know and unfortunately, he’ll never find out.]

I suppose there is not real way of telling what would have happened were things different for you. I am certainly glad to know you and really, I’m not sure that would be true if you were a saint. [Loki winks at him then.] It just seems to me that a lot of what you do is because of who you are. I suppose I could be wrong about that though.

[icanfixer]

[ don's beam turns into more a warm grin, returning the squeeze; she knows how overwhelming it can feel to be rushed, since intentionally or not that is what fearne had done. instead, she wants altria to come to understand on her own. ]

Most certainly, my friend. Even if thou art still figuring thy feelings out, it is pleasant to be around them, is it not? I can hardly wait to return home when I have left it!

[featheradrift]

[ The drifter narrows his eyes as he thinks there's something a little off about the way she's behaving. Still, it's just a small request she's making. One that's easily fulfilled. ]

...sure.

[ He eventually does as she asks and closes his eyes. ]

[deathoftheauthor]

( There's a pale pink flush in Louis' cheeks when he pulls back, a look of disbelief on his face; his eyes are wide, but there's no panic there, no sense that he might want to vanish into the shadows, only a quiet wonder and confusion at what just transpired between them.
 
The lights shift; the music rushes back into his awareness, sudden and startling, and he realizes only then how intent his focus must have been on Reno's pulse. He blinks, and wets his lips with his tongue, thinking of how strange it is to taste a mortal in this way, to still taste him even without the blood. Louis enjoyed it. It was pleasant, even if he hadn't been entirely himself. )

... Oh.

( He glances upward, catching sight of the sprig and its red ribbon overhead, and now he looks embarrassed. )

It seems it finally caught up with me.

( He sighs, resignation in his voice — but a hint of warmth, too. )

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki has thought the same about a few people he’s met here. After coming from a place where no one was like him, it’s actually a bit of a relief. It’s probably a sad state of affairs, but it makes him feel more at home knowing there are others who understand him, at least a little bit. And that they don’t all think him a horrible villain for everything he’s done.

Thankfully, Hob does not need to write a book on Loki’s worst days. Where he’s from they are public knowledge. He’s sure the humans of his world have written many stories about his more recent escapades, and he knows how quickly word of mouth travelled amongst Asgardians. It didn’t matter that their homeland was no more, wherever they settled, they would likely still speak his name, even if some of the stories now might involve him trying to save his people.]

Do you think then it is like other illusions people are seeing around here? I have heard similar stories of people thinking they were being followed or seeing someone they thought dead. I have not yet seen one myself, so I haven’t been able to find out if it is some sort of illusion or conjuration. [Either way, the people running this place seemed quite adept at magic, something that really doesn’t sit well with Loki.]

Coming from someone who actually has gone mad before, I do not believe that is the case for you. It seems more likely this place is out to torment us, but you are right. I will do whatever I can to make sure nothing comes between myself and Robert.

[excaliburden]

["It is pleasant to be around them," Don says, and Altria... pauses and slowly lets that sink in. She's... right. She's absolutely right. Even if Altria thinks it's not for her, even if Altria thinks she can never have this, even if it's embarrassing and overwhelming--

The warmth in her chest has been such a soft, lovely, incredible feeling.

Maybe it's okay, just for now, to treasure that.]

... Mm, that's true. It's been really new, but... warm, too.

I don't know if I can be as brave as you, but... I'm happy, too.

[playing_human]

Not at all. [A polite smile. Maybe they're not the best of friends, but at least something might have been mended.] Thank you for your candor. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

[With a nod, he turns back to the party. He can take a hint, you see.

But also, that was probably the maximum amount of time he could spend being nice to Louis, so. Good timing.]

1/2

[excaliburden]

[... Funnily enough, that's what eases the jitters, at least a little, in Altria's heart. For someone who is so concerned with betrayal, someone who seems so wary all the time, someone who claims that he never wanted to trust again--

He closes his eyes awfully easily, all because she asked him to.

She still doesn't understand the compulsion, not exactly. But she does know that her heart is warm, even as it thumps rapidly in her chest. She does know that Yuu's presence and friendship is a treasure to her, and that his kindness and honesty are precious to her.

And it's with that in mind that she locks her fingers together behind her back, takes a deep breath, and leans up.

It's feather-light, when she brushes her lips against his, barely perceptible. But it's there nonetheless, the lightest and shyest of kisses, before she steps back quickly, cheeks red but smiling brightly.

The compulsion fades then, but she finds she doesn't mind that it was there in the first place. Maybe, for her, it was more a burst of selfishness and bravery, rather than anything else.]

2/2

[excaliburden]

Okay! You can open your eyes again.

[Ahem! She beams, and tries to move on.]

Is there anything else you wanted to do while we're here? Have you gotten to see every part of the party?

[icanfixer]

And that is all that matters, truly.

[ that's why eventually, eventually. there's no rush. no promises as to when. she loves who she loves and she'll always show it more than say it. even if they won't know the depths unless she does, surely, surely they can feel the warmth and joy she wants to impart, that they already give to her... ]

Truthfully, confessing is not a necessary step, to me, unless they misunderstand thy feelings. I am certain that there is no confusion on the importance of others to me, but if there were, then that is when I would wish to speak most.

[excaliburden]

[Don is right, she thinks. Maybe... maybe that's enough. She can't have anything more than that anyway, and assuming that he would feel the same way as he is silly anyway. But it's a kind of silly that's a little fun, too, a little giddy, like a child playacting out something forbidden.

Don still has Altria's hands in her own.

Altria squeezes them warmly, laughing a little.]

Wise and brave! No wonder you seem like such a knight!

[But surely that's enough of that for now--surely that's enough deep meandering and musings. Altria has enough to think on now, and it seems Don does too.]

Mm--anyway, have you tried all of the different foods yet? Tsuruno and Wanderer both brought some!