[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

a. where you goin chickadee.

[fauned]

( well hello there, little one. sorry for yet another faerie..

this one seems keen to reach, a curl of fingers around a retreating hand, gentle in even the way she tugs the girl back from running off with her face as red as her dress. )

Are you lost? That's the way out, silly goose. C'mon.

( another tug. towards the heart of the party. )

Don't you want to show off how pretty you are in your dress?

[excaliburden]

[Another faerie!! Altria has not yet realized, though this will be an incredible exciting realization--

For now, though, there's a sort of gentle firmness in the way that those fingers stop her from retreating for the third time already that evening, and Altria pauses with wide eyes and a faint flush on her cheeks.]

Ah--that's... um...

[... How pretty? She is? In her dress?

Her?]

--me?

[fauned]

Yes, you.

( that seems to tickle her pink. who else would she be talking to, while holding her hand? in fact, she'll go on ahead and even make an attempt to lead her into a twirl, like they're dancing when really she just wants to see the full dress in action.

she simply thinks people should be less reserved, that's all? )

Unless you've got invisible friends I should know about.

( in which case, she can't exactly know if they're pretty or not, can she? )

[excaliburden]

[The twirl succeeds, if only because Altria is entirely too thrown to argue. The dress does flare out very satisfyingly, in a way that she herself seems delighted by, even if she also doesn't really seem like she knows what to do with that delight.

Dresses like this, parties like this, everything like this... it's not really meant for people like her. And yet--]

O-oh, well, um...!

[Fearne has succeeded beautifully in throwing Altria into a completely useless mess of syllables within just a few moments.]

No, it's only me here right now...

[... A deeeeep breath, and she straightens a little. Asking for confirmation for a third time is surely a very annoying thing to do, and yet... she can't seem to help herself. The words slip out before she can stop them.]

You... really think this dress suits me?

[fauned]

( see? delightful. dresses and girls, both made to be twirled as far as she's concerned. )

Why? Are you not used to dressing up?

( that seems like a darn shame if that's true. it's clear that she does enjoy it even with her trepidations about the whole affair. even so, she'll go on ahead and take her other hand as well and lift them up just enough to squeeze both. )

I do. I lie about plenty of things, but not usually when it comes to things like these.

( there's also the fact that she's something of a bad liar anyway.. )

[excaliburden]

[She's been both read and perceived so easily, and the way that Altria fiddles sheepishly with the edge of her dress with her uncaptured hand makes it plenty plain. She's never dressed up like this before, no matter how much she may have wanted to. It's as exciting as it is overwhelming.

This beautiful woman is being sincere. She really does think the dress suits Altria. And that means--(really, it means everything).]

... Then... um, thank you. I didn't want to make a fool out of myself, but... [Maybe she'll fit in a little better than she thought?]

... If someone as pretty as you thinks I won't, then I think it will probably be okay.

[fauned]

Didn't you know? Part of what makes an outfit work is the confidence in wearing it, so, ease up a little bit!

( another squeeze of both hands, then she'll let one go to keep trotting along into the heart of the party with her new blonde friend in tow, chattering up all the while. )

The rest goes into not picking at it until it starts fraying at the edges, but, baby steps.

[excaliburden]

[She drops the hem of her dress as if burned at the gentle reminder, cheeks a little redder.]

R-right!

[At the very least they're properly in the party now, and Altria is somewhat forgetting to be embarrassed in her awe at how lovely everything is. The atmosphere is pleasant, and that's... unexpected, but really nice.]

... Um! Did you come to this party with someone?

[fauned]

Mhm! I did. He's around. ( a quick glance about, ) Why, am I stealing you away from yours?

( not that she thinks they're a good date at this point if they've left the poor girl to hover around the sidelines all on her own.. she couldn't even step foot into the venue proper, let alone enjoy all the work that was put into setting this all up. )

[excaliburden]

Hm? Oh. Oh! Oh no. No no no, there's nobody like that!

[She was just concerned about the exact thing for her--surely someone as charming and lovely already has a date?]

I was just, um, making sure that I wasn't the one stealing you away for too long.

[fauned]

( aw.. that's so sweet? she could just squish her cheeks if this wasn't a more formal event. she's not about to do that to a lady on such an important event though. )

Don't worry about that. He knows how I am. ( lightning in a bottle, ) I'll go back eventually. Doesn't look good to be too clingy, y'know?

( a laugh, light and easy. )

Ready to get rid of me so soon?

[excaliburden]

[Altria does not know, but she's willing to take her word for it. She seems far more worldly and in the know, and so...! Of course she believes. Right. Can't be too clingy. It's a bad look. Remember that, Altria.]

Oh, no, actually, if you really don't mind, I was hoping that maybe we could spend a little more time together...? And, um... that you could tell me more about what looks good. You know, like... romantically?

[Since she's so worldly...!! Altria wants to learn tips!]

[fauned]

( honestly? flattered she's asking her. fearne, for one, while isn't the most adept at sweet romances and the like - she unfortunately has a habit of making it seem she knows more than she actually knows! little lying faeries. she can't help it.

she'll go on ahead and loop their arms together though, since they'll be hanging out anyway? close enough now that whatever she has to say wont get drowned out by the crowd. she wouldn't want her wisdoms to get lost in the din. )

Well, I've gotten my fair share of rejections, so I've learned quite a bit. ( that part is true, at least, ) So one of the most important things is to not get discouraged, especially before you even started.

( that is, in fact, a tiny little reference to her backing out of the party repeatedly.. )

Otherwise? Everyone's a little different. Do you have someone you've got your eye on? Maybe it'd help be more specific?

[excaliburden]

[Huh? Someone as pretty and lovely as her has been rejected...? Altria honestly can't even imagine. Much like Cnoc na Riabh, she'd assumed that Fearne could easily have had a lovely romance with anyone she so pleased.

But then again, she'd been wrong about Cnoc na Riabh too. She also hadn't had a lover like Altria had expected. Maybe she's just bad at understanding this whole concept...?

Of course, then there's that question, and Altria turns a little red, shaking her head quickly.]

Oh, no, no, no, that sort of thing isn't for someone like me! Th-thank you for asking, but I was really just wondering, you know...?

I like a good romance as much as any other faerie, but I'm just not the sort who'd be a part of that world, you know? [you know???] So I was just asking because I'm just a little curious, that's all!

[fauned]

Well, why not? Isn't that something that you decided all on your own?

( what a strange concept, denying oneself the opportunity at happiness. she's seeing that more and more around here, and she can't say she understands. is that not the inherent right of all with the sentience to pursue it? the faeries she knows are not quite so restrained, )

What if someone does confess to you someday? Will you turn them away then, too?

[excaliburden]

[If someone confessed to her... for a moment, she lets the thought marinate. What a lovely moment that would be. What a tragic moment, too, that would be.

She smiles, but down at the floor.]

That... would make me really happy!

But, um... I would have to. [Romance isn't for someone like her. It doesn't fit into the purpose she's been given.] Oh--not that I think it's going to happen, so it's okay...!