[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

Looking to add some network spam to your gala experience? Check out our dedicated IC NETWORK POST!

credit.

Comments

[coolerjunpei]

[Thanks, he's feeling appreciated... he dressed up for this.]

What, me? In my nice shirt?

[He is doing this on purpose, naturally, and he has the gall to pluck at said shirt significantly, to draw even more attention to it. His Nice Shirt, Kromer?? Be grateful he doesn't pointedly stomp his shoes to light them up. He's saving that one.]

Definitely not. [....,] I just mean it's the fanciest party I've ever been to, so I was sort of expecting... less. Like, is that stained glass? What?

[what kind of rich people chose this building]

[deathoftheauthor]

( Louis smiles, letting out a slow breath as his eyes drop demurely to Lestat's chest. He makes his token gesture of righting Lestat's collar, an excuse to touch him and now a small cover for his own near-blush at the sweet compliment. It still makes his heart swell every time, no matter how he tries to pretend that he's above caring about such trivial things as his own appearance. )

Yes, you've done a spectacular job of making me presentable.

( But he's only teasing, and he punctuates it by leaning close to nuzzle his nose against Lestat's cheek. )

You've always had an eye for such things. I know I don't always have the patience for it, but it really is wonderful watching you work. You shine so brightly when you're happy that I hardly miss the sun.

[badfeyth]

Good. Oh — hang on. One more thing for you.

[She opens up the clutch purse she's been carrying around, digging into it before producing — wholly unsurprisingly — an ever-present stack of post-it notes and a purple pen. Briskly, she jots and initials a quick note: AUTHORIZED GUEST — SEE ME WITH ANY CONCERNS. -G.

Carefully, she offers a corner to him, so that he can grab it in his teeth.]

There. That should do for anything you need from anyone else around here.

Drinking

[justscribing]

[This is not either of their scene and now their much more extroverted boyfriends have run off. So here they are, at a table with drinks. Alhaitham is dress in a well fit suit with a boutonniere that doesn't match his outfit, but does match Kaveh's.

And he looks up from his book on introductory javascript as Cyno hits him with that pun, expression blank.] I think your joke would land better if you emphasized the intensity of the venue or the color of the outfits instead of mixing them.

[Here is your unsolicited pun critique.]

[reflexio]

[ Yi Sang's also reaching for more clothing hanging from one of the racks. This time, his hand closes around a bright orange vest, lined with sequins. Too flashy. He slides it back onto its hanger and sets it on the rack again. ]

He did not, but he is not to blame.

[ And... where on earth had Hong Lu gone? ]

I... am not certain. Perhaps something must have caught his interest.

[ Or. Maybe that's for the best, that Hong Lu is nowhere to be seen for Fearne, given the outfit he's walking around wearing. ]

[limbical]

[Ah. He wants now, desperately, to kiss him or touch his hand, but he holds back. As he said, there will be time to make up for it. So instead, he smiles, a bit more relaxed.]

Then I'll look forward to it.

Anything I can do in return?

[limbical]

Hey

Come on!

[reflexio]

[ Not to worry, Daan. Yi Sang didn't expect to be here either.

The familiar voice causes him to glance over his shoulder, acknowledging the other man with a small nod. ]

Daan.

[ A... dance? He frowns, parsing why Daan has asked whether he's looking for a dance -- ah, that's right. This... is the dance floor, isn't it? ]

No, not lost. I was studying the light fixtures here. They are rather high quality work.

[ The look of wonder is gone, now that Yi Sang glances down at his feet. Instead, he wears an uncertain one. ]

I... must confess, I am not familiar with dances.

[immortalpoet]

you are so fun to tease you know

[limbical]

Eh, just my history with them. Let's just say my father-in-law was a strict fellow and often hosted these sorts of things. On top of that, I'd often have a visitor during the occasion. Frustrating fellow.

[It's such a bland summary, but... well, frankly, he hardly knows Fearne enough to feel comfortable in just giving away more.

And Daan has never been one for an uneven exchange.]

This one's not so bad, though. It's just an association thing for me. I'll get over it.

[limbical]

[what a dick. Daan smiles anyway at his phone.]

Yeah well back at you, asshole.

I'm going to get you back for it.

[limbical]

Oh yeah. I think that was Kaveh. The guy's an impressive architect, I'll give him that.

[It's said with a bit of fondness, though. It'd been a strange but quick forming friendship, but he does genuinely respect the man.]

Hm, well. There are a lot of kinds, but I've been to my fair share of galas and parties; I could try to teach you if you want.

[immortalpoet]

[That reckless feeling in drowning in the man's touch, regardless of the context, is almost palpable. But he keeps it at bay, only letting his fingers curl and uncurl on the railing.]

I'm a simple man. Just...hold me. I like it when you do.

[immortalpoet]

and how will you do that exactly

[fauned]

( well, that's certainly a good way to catch her attention, isn't it. who cares about some berries when something more delightful comes along? especially when they're easy on the eyes and just as sweet. )

All the better to hold.

( which he does, and her eyes follow with rapt interest when he presses a kiss to her knuckles, earning himself a delighted giggle as she turns her hand in his grip. gentle, as mentioned, curling a finger beneath his chin with the thrill of knowing that their master of fashion approves of her choice for the eve.

ah, but his isn't the only gaze she can feel on her. the other is one she knows all too well. but, he'd said so himself. it's not as if they're exclusive. )

I could do with hearing it again. ( oh, the vanity of it all. ) Though you're looking very lovely yourself.

( good enough to eat, even, metaphorically speaking. )

ii

[justscribing]

[The patio has been a welcome reprieve for Alhaitham as well from the heat and music and crowd. He's already standing out there when Daan pushes through the doors, dressed in a suit and ill-matching boutonniere. And his headphones, because of course he still has his headphones.

He looks over at the sound of an exhale. His head inclines in greeting.] Daan.

[fauned]

( she was going to say something about how fucked up it is that someone that invited him out to this thing would just ditch him, but,

<- also here without her date, currently.

fair enough. but, in all fairness, this is within their expectations for the evening. )

He's not? Why's that?

( another one. a darker purple, but the wrong size. it'll be too wide around the shoulders and far too short. back in the rack it goes. )

It's not exactly hard to tell someone where they intend to take you. Or do you not ask?

( sir you realize you make yourself sound like kidnapping material. the fae back home would eat you up. )

[fauned]

Well, no wonder.

( an in-law? she didn't know he's married. hm, something to keep in a back pocket and ask about later. she's still wrapping her head around a strict busybody and an unwanted visitor. she's more familiar with one of those concepts over the other, not that they last long. )

I take it you couldn't just say no?

( to the family he married into, no less. how complicated. )

[limbical]

Of course.

Turns out I like holding you. So, it's a great arrangement between us, I like to think.

[He can bear to wait, he thinks. Especially for Vergilius' sake.]

But if you can think of anything else, I doubt I would say no to you. So tell me if it comes to mind.

[limbical]

Don't you worry about the details.

Or maybe do. I'm thinking pretty hard right now what it'd be like to have my mouth on you. Anywhere on your body.

[limbical]

[There's a pause as he hears his name, and he glances over. Well, if Kaveh helped with the venue, then Alhaitham wasn't going to be far behind here, was he? He takes a drag, then another exhale of smoke.]

Hey.

You taking a break, too?

[limbical]

Nope.

[There's a pause as he works on his cigarette for a moment, his eye closing briefly.]

My father-in-law was a baron. And I came from as lowborn as you can get, so I basically owed him my entirely livelihood.

[fauned]

( ah, there's irony in this. how funny. )

I spent most my life being told we were royalty. ( well, more complicated than that, but the point of it is: ) Both Mama and Papa were just thieves, as it turns out.

( not that this seems to bother her, here in the dark. the privileges he was afforded after being plucked out of his status came with certain brands of misery. meanwhile she's lived in delusion all along, no better than a dreamer wishing for more. )

Your livelihood? He put you through school and all of that, too?

[limbical]

Huh, is that so. But you know, I reckon a lot of nobles are just previous thieves anyway. All you have to do is have enough money to make everyone else believe you.

[He shrugs.] At least that's how I imagine it to be back where I'm from.

[Another puff, and he then he deigns to answer.]

He was my mentor. Pretty accomplished doctor and surgeon. So I wasn't just his son-in-law, but also his protege.

[reflexio]

He is free to explore the venue as he wishes.

[ After all, Yi Sang wouldn't want to keep Hong Lu from seeking out whatever interested him.

He wanders to a new rack, rifling through the jackets. None of these seem to be his size either, but perhaps there may yet be hope somewhere within this sea of blazers. His hands pause for a moment and he glances over at his current company. Should he have asked? ]

I... suppose I did not see reason to ask this particular person.

[ Call it blind faith or trust. Maybe he would fall prey to some wayward fae. Who's to say? ]