[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

iii

[limbical]

Yi Sang?

[Somehow, he hadn't completely expected the man to be here. But then, it's not impossible that Don coerced him, or Hong Lu, he realizes. Still, the man looks a bit out of place, uncertain.]

Lost, or looking for a dance?

[his feet aren't prepared]

[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.

[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.

[reflexio]

[ He does notice the fondness in Daan's voice, which further confirms Yi Sang's current theory about whoever constructed these kaleidoscopic lights. ]

A name that I shall have to commit to memory. ...these lights greatly enhance the evening's guests' enjoyment of the event. The hands that crafted them must belong to a wonderful person.

[ It is said that an inventor inters a part of themselves into their creations. A person who can create such lovely items must be a lovely person themselves.

Yi Sang lifts his gaze. ]

I shall consider this a learning experience. It seems you are a man of several talents.

[limbical]

Heh. He'd disagree with you, but your assessment is right. Kaveh cares a great deal about his work and people alike, no matter what he has to say about it.

[he'll just call him out right now sorry not sorry Kaveh]

Eh, just something I had to learn when associating with nobility. They have a lot of expectations.

[Daan offers his hand out to Yi Sang.]

C'mon, we'll do something easy.

[reflexio]

[ The fact that Kaveh would disagree with Yi Sang's assessment only further confirms his hypothesis.

Nobility, says Daan, which makes Yi Sang's brow crease a bit. ]

I can imagine, yes.

[ Not that he had any experience with nobility, but he does recall how overwhelming it felt to get swarmed by elite Nest-dwellers at every one of their circle's conferences.

He takes Daan's hand, thin fingers curling around it. ]

[limbical]

I suppose you could.

[And though he doesn't know the depths of Yi Sang's experiences, he has an idea of what Nests are like. It doesn't seem that dissimilar from the nobility of his world, really.

Patiently, Daan guides Yi Sang to a corner of the dance floor, giving them room.]

I'll lead for now. Your free hand should go to my shoulder.

[And Daan's goes to Yi Sang's side.]

The idea is that we step to go with the music. There's a rhythm to it. Some songs are harder, obviously.

[reflexio]

[ There's less people in this corner, which is quite nice given Yi Sang's dislike of being crowded by others. He places his free hand on Daan's shoulder as instructed, glancing down at both of their feet. Now that he's listening -- yes, it does seem like there's a steady one-two-three behind the music's notes. ]

...how shall I know which direction you will go?

[ Neither of them are mind readers as far as he knows, and frankly, maybe that's for the best. Daan had said he would lead for now, but he has not the faintest idea where Daan will be stepping. ]

[limbical]

[This takes him back, actually. In a good way, when he'd been a bit more naive. He smiles faintly.]

Don't worry about it. I'll tell you where I'm going to step.

I don't want to trip you up. We'll go slow at first, all right?

[reflexio]

[ Yi Sang nods. Tripping would be bad. Good thing the local doctor is literally right here if an accident happened. ]

I see. Then looking down at both of our feet will not be necessary.

[ Instead, he looks up at Daan in a show of trust. ]

[limbical]

[It's enough that Daan understands, that it is trust readily given to him. And from what little he knows of Yi Sang, it means quite a bit.]

I'm stepping forward about a foot with my left, so step back with your right. [Daan starts to do just that, but continues to speak and guide as he's moving.] Then, step to the left with your left as I move. We'll be in sync.

You'll step again with your right to settle against your left. One, two, three.

[reflexio]

[ Step back about a foot with his right foot -- he can do that. Now to the left, then bringing his right foot in to join his left --

They mirror each other's movements, like two reflections without being separated by a plane of glass. This isn't too bad, and Daan's careful instruction has certainly helped by building a good foundation. Yi Sang's a quick study too and moves light on his feet. It's clear that even without a fighter's build, he's able to hold his own by relying on agility. ]

It is unclear when and whether this sort of dance will be a valuable asset, but I suppose it is better to be familiar with the basics than not at all.

...it seems your teaching ability is not solely limited to the practice of medicine.

[limbical]

There you are. You learn fast, Yi Sang. We can pick up the pace a bit.

[The compliment doesn't stop Daan's lead, but he does feel a bit flustered. He hadn't even thought about that, how his teaching ability might be in this circumstance. And... it does seem that his classes are going well, too.

Well. It seems that the baron's methods have not overly impacted Daan's compassion, then. That's a relief.]

Hm, maybe I have a future as a dance instructor. What do you think?

[reflexio]

[ Yi Sang continues following Daan's lead. By now, he's gotten the hang of it to the point where he can continue conversing while stepping in time. ]

It is not outside the realm of possibilities, though you may need to acquaint yourself with other forms of dance.

[ He pauses for a moment, contemplative. ]

A doctor and a dance instructor. You shall lead quite the eventful life.

[limbical]

Sure, and between all that I can finally open a bar, too. Why not.

...I'm joking, of course. There's no way I'd have time for anything else. I had to run around a few days ago to fix people up.

[and it was exhausting, sure would be nice to have functional vehicles in this damned city]

Anyway. First dance lesson complete. You did pretty good, Yi Sang.

[reflexio]

[ Oh. Yes, there had been a werewolf running around recently, hadn't there?

Daan sure has his work cut out for him. ]

Sown seeds require a season or two to take root. In time, your efforts shall bear fruit.

[ Then again, first aid is only mitigation, and anything more intense really would fall squarely on Daan's shoulders, wouldn't it?

He nods politely. ]

Made possible by proper instruction.

[limbical]

They already are, thankfully. At least to a point.

[His voice is soft, and he is glad that his lessons are helping. But it'd still be nice to have more help.]

Guess I can do that sometimes.

I'd teach you another dance, but I should probably go back up a tier. You good here by yourself?

hheheheheh

[reflexio]

[ Yi Sang shakes his head. ]

You may show me another dance a different time. I will be fine here.

[ He studies Daan for a moment before tilting his head a bit to the side. ]

...Vergilius?

[ Listen. Even Yi Sang's seen the way you two were looking at each other tonight. ]

AH SHIT HERE IT COMES

[limbical]

[screaming internally

For a moment, Daan is quiet, because what the fuck can he say to that. What can he even say! He ponders the ramifications of just bolting. Get him out of this conversation.]

I mean, the guy looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. Someone should keep him company.

[wasabigirlhelp.mp3]

me reading with 2 hours of sleep "was a big girl help??? was a bi girl help???"

[reflexio]

I see.

[ Daan's justifications fall flat for Yi Sang. ]

I observed him earlier with others, including Hong Lu. It seems he already has some degree of company available to him.

[ Well, the silence alone is enough of an answer. Yi Sang hums a bit, thoughtful. ]

I have inferred, however, that he may prefer your presence instead. If you wish to reunite with Vergilius, I will not keep you from him any longer.

[ A trap?????? ]

LMAOFHLDKFHD

[limbical]

[oh this is such a trap]

...I suppose I have the benefit of not irritating him much.

[Yeah, no, there's no saving this. Yi Sang isn't easy to fool, and frankly Daan knows it's pointless to keep up the farce in front of him.]

I'll... talk to you later.

[well fuck]

it's ok I got it tho. It's "wasabi girl help" isn't it

[reflexio]

[ At this point, Yi Sang suspects Daan has told him a white lie or two in the past. Like how he didn't know about Vergilius' whereabouts. You totally knew, didn't you, Daan.

Good thing Yi Sang doesn't hold grudges.

Instead, he dips his head a bit to acknowledge Daan's farewell. ]

It seems you wear the color red quite well. That is all.

[ He means that, genuinely, as a man without a single snide bone in his body. ]

u got it!!

[limbical]

[Ah... well. There it is.

Daan can't help a bit of a flush coming to his face, and he glances away, quiet for a moment. After folding his arms, he does get to answering.]

...Thank you, Yi Sang.

[It could just as easily be thanks for the compliment, but it is also thanks for his understanding. For even, perhaps, welcoming it, even if Daan has not shared the depths of his heart for the Red Gaze.

Daan gives a polite but sincere nod of his head before he goes to take his leave.]