citylogs | [open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

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[open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

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.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

I really didn't hurt him, you know. ( not one little hair on his head. ) Ah, but there was that time... He got all confused because I wasn't stabbing him—I think he hurt himself on my knife.

( so perhaps, that, is a technicality. her weapon to defend herself in that mall, but emil's pressure. )

[ far be it from Reno to get on a high horse about what it means to admit to failure, but at the very least he's pretty good at owning up to his own. of which there are many, mostly in the more mannerly ways. ]

Well, I guess some people might kinda be born into it. [ he considers that for a second, then shrugs. ] But I definitely ain't one of those.

[ Reno has been to plenty of galas like this, but never ones where he was expected to make a showing on the dance floor. he sure knows how to clear a room, but a waltz would be far, far beyond him.

the answer, when it comes, is surprisingly honest. he likes this girl, Reno decides. there's something refreshing about her. ]

That makes sense. [ and it does, really. Reno's not the type to say things he doesn't mean. ] Big things happen, you think they're gonna make more of a difference than they do. Then afterwards you're like, "wait, that was it? I'm still just me." [ he finishes off his drink, then sets it on a table somewhere behind them. he'll probably have to bus it himself, later. ]

Well—hey, you wanna dance with me, then? [ he grins. ] If we're both bad at it, maybe we can figure it out together. I promise not to judge you if you promise not to judge me.

[It's not that exciting. Dorian quickly jots down the word paphiopedilum.]

This is my username. [He slides the notebook back to Reno.] In case you come to the end of your duties here and find you haven't run out of things to say.

[ wym not exciting, this is like the City equivalent of scoring a hot girl's phone number at the school dance.

Reno grins and plucks the paper up, folds it, and tucks it right into his breast pocket where it'll stay for safekeeping until he's done at his food station. ]

Mine's "thundaga." Keep an eye out for me, would ya?

I most certainly will. [Dorian's gaze goes soft, drifting downward to take in as much of Reno as is visible from across the table, before giving him a polite nod and turning to go.]

[ The compliment is received with a gracious tilt of her head, but her smile remains polite, if somewhat off kilter.

The height difference is no trouble at all, but the lack of any real movement leaves Vanessa to give her partner a curious look. It makes this seem more intimate than the usual waltz, and that only strikes at her nerves in recent days. ]

I assume you want something other than the— dance?

[ A generous word. ]

[ Morpheus, as usual, stays along the edge of the gatherings content to watch the revelers around the gala.the only real difference from the other parties he's gone to is that he now has someone next to him, his arm offered out to Vanessa. he seems to pay close attention to her this evening, his focus on her unless someone comes right up to them.

or until Vanessa steps away herself, leaving Morpheus alone for a moment or few ... ]

( he'd warned her against the very same gesture earlier, but if he's going to offer his arm, she's not going to think too hard about it. it doesn't even seem like she remembers it with the way she easily snakes an arm around his.

in her mind? he started it when he'd set that stage, so it was well deserved. she could've been far worse, and she's certain he knows that given her proclivities. )

I don't think it's weird. ( says the one who finds her whimsy in just about anything. ) Some things are hard to like regardless, but it keeps even some pretty tedious things interesting.

( and what's life if she doesn't enjoy herself, really. )

Would you go again?

( it's as he says. it's not as if he's obligated to, these days. )

[ Look, she can sort-of waltz with a competent lead -- ask Dorian -- but her repertoire is otherwise limited, and she wasn't going to invite Vanessa to join her in grinding to hip-hop. ]

Christ, you haven't even known me that long and you're that suspicious of me.

[ She shakes her head, smiling. Only for a moment, though. When she meets Vanessa's eyes, her gaze is serious, but not calculating. ]

Just to see how you are.

[ In fairness, she is suspicious of everyone, and only more-so now than ever. She would ask 'why', but she already knows that Ethan had announced her missing. Part of the reason that she had showed here, aside from supporting Peter, was to let people see that nothing terrible had happened to her.

The gold cuffs do well to hide the bandaging. ]

Is that all?

[ The last time they'd seen one another, Badou had been bleeding out on the street and Ethan had just been revealed as a werewolf. Has he really satisfied her curiosity enough to silence her? ]

I am well, thank you. And yourself?

Isn't that enough?

Me, I'm better than last week. I'll take it, for now.

[He'll accept Hythlodaeus's unrestrained tittering any day, for it means that everything will be all right. And that whatever lingers in the air will be a boon rather than a hinderance. A point of growth rather than an obstacle to overcome. Besides. Perhaps it is long past time he put into words what that brief flash of memory failed to convey.]

[I don't want to lose you.]

And you will continue to do so, just as you always have. That, too, is something best reserved for later.

...Though if you are in need of a reminder before we continue on our way, I have just the thing.

[ When Hob noticed Dream at the party with Vanessa, he didn't wish to intrude. Dream's focus is clearly on her entirely, and Hob wonders if Vanessa has recovered fully from her ordeal. Not that Hob knows the details, but he's sure it wasn't pleasant.

He thought he might go the evening without speaking to Dream at all, especially since Hob doubts he'll be at the party all night, as he's still getting his own strength back after the werewolf encounter he had only a week ago.

When he spots Dream alone, at least for a few moments, Hob figures he might as well, since Loki has also stepped away for a short time to socialize. Almost timidly, Hob approaches Dream from behind, announcing himself with a soft clearing of his throat. *ahem* ]

Hello, old stranger.

[ Hob didn't dress as elegantly as his tuxedo wearing date, as that would be a little too restrictive for him in his state, but he did put on a black suit and tie with a light, rose colored shirt. ]

( While it would have been nice to see a mosh pit, he can appreciate the enthusiasm from the crowd that did gather. Besides, he's used to playing to a crowd of drunks, most of whom were barely conscious enough to acknowledge the music. Having any positive response is eons better than what he's used to.

Still coming down from the natural high that comes with performing for a crowd, Eddie brushes his hair out of his eyes and nearly jumps when he realizes Jo is talking to him. He had been half-convinced that nobody would approach him. )

Alas, bass was never my specialty. I know a little bit, though. Enough to write a halfway decent bassline for my own songs. ( He raises an eyebrow, tilts his head to the side and grins. ) Why, you looking for bass lessons?

[ at first glance, it doesn't look like Morpheus did anything different with his clothes; he wears a dark top and bottom, and a long floor-length robe or coat wraps around his shoulders. on closer inspection though, the observer will see a more form-fitting attire, the fabric having a detailed patterning in the long waistcoat, golden buttons trailing from the high collar to his navel, and the pants having a slight sheen to them, the same pattern woven into the cuffs. the robe seems more flowy tonight too, moving like a chiffon with gold threads woven into the hem and catching the light so that it looks like sparks catching flames in the folds brushing along the floor. it gives a strangely effeminate effect on his form while still complementing the more masculine cut underneath,and every inch of it elegant and hinting at royalty.

he turns his gaze away from Vanessa when he hears Hob's voice, looking just a little surprised, though not all that much. ]

Hello, Hob. I was not certain if you would be attending this affair.

[ Dream is stunning, as always, and Hob fights down a faint blush at the sight of him. His smile remains warm, though, always happy to see his friend. ]

I didn't want to disappoint Loki, but I promised we'd leave as soon as I got too tired. I figure I've got a couple of hours in me.

[ Enough to eat, mingle, and have a few dances before they depart. ]

How is Vanessa doing?

[ Hob is sure Dream has been keeping a close eye on her, and if he's spent less time at the flat lately to tend to her needs, Hob hasn't minded at all. ]

Maybe? I used to play a little, but it's been -- fuck, like a decade, at least. [ She laughs, shaking her head. ] Pretty much just enough to fill out the sound and look like a proper band for the posters.

[ if he notices the blush, he doesn't comment on it. he spares another glance to Vanessa before turning his attention back to Hob. ]

She has recovered to a degree since her return, but there is yet a ways to go. That she still wished to attend this evening's festivities I think speaks well to her improvement.

[Hmm... She considers that thoughtfully as they get back to picking up those golem chunks. It's struggling at this point. Johanna threw a glass through it.]

Magecraft is magic anyone is capable of doing, I think! I mean you do have to have some magic circuits, but even someone as weak as me can do it!

So maybe they're the same thing?

[ Hob also glances in Vanessa's direction, as though he doesn't want to intrude upon them. He'll make himself scarce when she's ready to return to Dream's side. ]

I'm glad to hear it.

[ Maybe both of their attendance tonight shows just how much they've improved. ]

You don't have to worry about me, you know. I can manage.

I also assume that you can rely on your paramour.

[ Now Hob is blushing. ]

Why does that sound so scandalous?

[ He's amused, of course. Hob has engaged in scandalous behavior in the past, but not this time. It still humors him greatly that Dream bedded a lover before him, when Hob has yet to do so. ]

I am certain I can rely on him for anything.

[ he glances away, looking around the room as if to find the paramour in question. his expression is as opaque as he usually is, though his voice lowers, almost whispering. ]

You are certain?

They would have killed him, had Hob been a regular man. Were he a regular man from the start, he probably would not have lived a long life, anyway, given his treacherous line of work. So much could have happened were it not for the gift of the Endless.

Hob smiles softly as Loki takes his hand once more. He appreciates the comfort that's offered. It was a very difficult time. Hob truly loved being a husband and a father, even if times were turbulent. Afterward, he became little more than a vagabond, living on the streets, suffering from cold and hunger.

The question leaves a dull ache in his chest, one Hob settles with a deep breath and an exhale. "It was hard. I may have tossed around the idea. But no. In life, there is still so much to offer. So many opportunities. Why give that up?"

[ The change in Dream's tone makes Hob look momentarily uncertain, but not when it comes to Loki. ]

I believe so, yes.

[ The way Loki looks at him, as if he's the center of the universe for some ungodly reason, makes Hob think so. That and the sweet words the Asgardian has spoken. He's won Hob's trust. ]

You're still concerned because he is a trickster?

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[open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

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