badfeyth: (📚 and saying that's the way)
Ghost ([personal profile] badfeyth) wrote in [community profile] citylogs2023-12-02 12:30 am

[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 ([personal profile] badfeyth) and Kaveh ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] nomoresharks) and EMET-SELCH ([personal profile] recreator): Jazz piano bops along with some ragtime arrangements.
• EDDIE ([personal profile] 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.

perfectdevil: (lestat-67)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-10 10:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ Lestat, to his credit, doesn't look even the slightest bit perturbed by this change in the flow of things. It isn't as though he hasn't experienced a disgruntled partner claiming their beloved back from his clutches before, nor is he under any impression that he would have been spending any great length of time with Fearne anyway — impulsive as they both are — and he isn't exactly bereft of pretty things to look at, even if she is one of his favourites...

But this new stranger, this beautiful man with platinum hair and those fierce, almost dangerous eyes. Lestat can't quite draw his eyes away from him even as Fearne comes to stand at his side. He experiences the surprising reluctance to draw away from the two of them, the desire to watch them interact, the temptation to dip into their minds and see what isn't being said in the midst of polite (kind of) company.

The tip of his tongue toys idly with a fang, barely visible through his half parted lips but certainly there. If Lestat looks particularly hungry in this instance, there's not much he could do about it, even if he wanted to. ]


Well, as greedy as I am, I'm no monster.

[ He holds up his hands as if to show his innocence. Such a shame about him not being the type to share, though. A real shame. He's already tasted the sweet nectar under Fearne's skin, after all. ]

The two of you suit one another well, in that case, and visually too. You both are quite dazzling.

[ Yeah, sure, he's looking more at Argalia when he says that, smiling a warm but predatory smile of his own, his blue-violet eyes shining with a challenge... but eventually he slides his gaze to Fearne, too, and blows her a little kiss. ]
entwinedfate: (07 moans are heard / in the linden-trees)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-10 04:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The particular dance of the possessive lover isn't one that comes naturally to Argalia, who'd normally be regarded on a pedestal like any other of his title and either left well enough alone to his thoughts or surrounded by admirers and those who'd like his favor, but Fearne's an easy partner to play alongside thanks to their short, if fruitful history. They've both come to know how the other works just enough, and he presses a brief kiss to her hand in a show of quiet gratitude, of promised possession, before meeting Lestat's gaze with an amused lift of his lip.

So the username wasn't just for show, then? He wonders how the bloodfiend he's familiar with would feel about this one here. Argalia chuckles softly with a shake of his head. ]


Please, your flattery will get you nowhere with me at least; I've become used to others vying for my favor. But I thank you regardless. If I were younger, I'd be rather taken by the way you're looking tonight as well, Lestat.

[ He doesn't need to know how untrue the statement is. A challenge, perhaps, to turn that tide, but Argalia doesn't give much away in that sense save for the fact he won't turn his gaze away this time. One doesn't look from a predator, after all; he's trapped by two, but at least Fearne's agreed to heel in a sense in trade for his own good behavior. ]

I'm certain your own partner must be envying all those who'd dare to gaze upon you.
fauned: (pic#16696670)

[personal profile] fauned 2023-12-11 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
( the kiss is a little unexpected, but it stops her none from enjoying the brush of lip against skin for however chaste it lasts, watching with fixated quiet until his regard drifts to lestat to signal the moment's end. she has the decency to let go at least, after some appropriate amount of lingering. a slow draw, but she knows she can't hold on overlong.

the glint of fang is hard to miss, the intention even moreso. it's not a difficult leap to parse what he's thinking when his attention is set on argalia the way it is, done in that same unnatural attentiveness born of his own nature. the very same that rivals hers, mirrored in her eyes back when she'd naught but a reflection on lacquered wood and whittling control.

it strikes her that it bothers her less that his eyes are off of her than the mere fact that he's made argalia subject to it over any other. that despite his bold flirtations in kind, what makes her id bristle against her ego is that there's a distinct possibility that the vampire could lay a claim in ways she can't. it's an unreasonable thought, and most certainly unfounded. she knows damn well that she has no grounds here. she hasn't the right.

but possessiveness has ever suited her ilk more than it ever did mortals, not that she does more than giggle at the blown kiss. for now. lestat may have acquiesced, but argalia has a penchant for playing with fire.
)

Should I be worried that Louis might hunt me for sport?

( that seems reasonable to ask, )
perfectdevil: (lestat-50)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-11 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That little comment about encouraging beautiful sounds from Fearne is lingering in Lestat’s mind – of course it is – and so he hasn’t been quite so resolute to keep his sticky little fingers out of the minds of the two before him as he might usually. He’s not looking for anything in particular, but he keeps his senses open to anything that might slip through, and he’s ultimately delighted when he feels something bristle in Fearne as he looks at Argalia.

He isn’t here to cause problems – well, that’s not his main goal, at least – so he won’t push it much further than this, but… it’s painfully intriguing to him to see the way they react to each other and to him. Lestat wonders what, exactly, the nature of this relationship is founded on, how it changes behind closed doors, how it breathes when there’s no-one around to play up to.

At the mention of Louis, Lestat laughs, but it’s warm, as his manner always is when talking about Louis. ]


Louis and I have trust and a bond strong enough that jealousy is a thing of the past between us. [ The… recent past, but the past nonetheless. ] He knows I am not some stricken lover searching for things I can’t find at home; he merely knows how insatiable and curious I am.

[ A light, airy shrug. ]

I’m quite lucky, really.

[ He’s definitely taunting with this, it just happens to also be true. ]
entwinedfate: (pic#16875105)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-16 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
Quite lucky indeed, but even that curiosity of yours -- however he might adore it -- could become something that offers issue in the future.

[ Sooner or later, thought Argalia seems to merely be stating the possibility rather than as a warning. It's lovely, maybe, that Lestat has someone he has such faith and adoration towards, such genuine warmth... while his own hadn't been a romantic inclination, he understands it a little. He also, then, understands how Louis might feel, if it still rubs him poorly.

Though she'd been looking for happiness that Argalia hadn't been able to offer her, for good reason. He puts the thought from mind and keeps it on track to their pleasant conversation, though the momentarily frustrated exhale won't escape either of them. ]


I'm certain Louis and yourself are aware of that, however. That's precisely why Fearne doesn't have to worry too much about my own hands wandering over anyone who isn't her -- I'm not curious enough normally, though I'll admit the more... extraordinary people here make me linger. I kept the company of "odd folk" who had more in common with you two than I back in the City I came from and found it quite enjoyable.

[ Though it's only those who didn't keep their heads down, in the end. His gaze seems to cast itself up and down Lestat thoughtfully, as if judging the worth of his next words. Not normally curious, but the abnormality of others is a draw when compared to the people so normal and hiding beneath a facade... The supernatural have tended towards more open approaches, at least about who and what they are. It's what he likes. ]

I know my Fearne here can keep me busy for hours, but could you?
perfectdevil: (lestat-45)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-17 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ As a man who often times enjoys getting under the skin of others – a professedly firm believer of the mantra that it doesn’t matter if people are saying bad or good things about you as long as they are talking about you – Lestat is currently trying to decide if Argalia is trying to get under his skin, or if Lestat is simply feeling a little out of his depth here with this beautiful stranger speaking so outwardly about a relationship he knows nothing about, and with Fearne at his side being so… well, obedient. It doesn’t suit her, he thinks, but he keeps that to himself.

When Argalia wonders his little question aloud, Lestat laughs. ]


Oh, Monsieur. With all this talk of jealousy and company, you clearly must mistake me for something much more human than I appear. I’ll admit, this body does have a habit for misleading, and my nature doesn’t help – but I am quite inhuman.

[ Lestat tilts his head, his height working to his advantage as the lights of the room around them catch his blue-violet eyes just enough that they seem to glow rather than sparkle, like a wolf bathed in moonlight, slowly stalking its prey. He does take a languid step closer, too. Just one. For now. ]

I am a child of darkness, a creature of the night. I feed upon those I can overpower, those I can bewitch, those who ensnare my senses enough to keep my fickle attention fixed in one place for more than a moment.

[ His eyes slide over to Fearne and linger, before flicking back to her partner. It’s like putting your hand over a candle flame to see how long you can withstand the heat against your skin. ]

I like to talk, I like to flirt. I like to dance and be merry and socialise to get to know the calibre of the company I’m keeping, but it’s all for show. I could easily take what I want without needing to ask for it. I can control minds, I can see into yours without so much as a drop of sweat paid in effort, should I wish to. I only resist, because I like the chase. I like to earn my meal at the end of all things.

I am no human man prone to jealousy or to feeling inadequate in the face of another parter. What I can do to a mortal mind and body is indescribable. [ Another step closer. ] Incomparable. [ Another, and he tilts his head back a little more to look down at the handsome man on Fearne’s arm, this delightful thing she’s caught in her web. ] I wouldn’t keep you busy for hours, no. Insatiable and selfish as I am, I wouldn’t be able to wait that long.

[ Then, his attention retracts, his eyes stop being quite so fiery and black with desire, and regain some more of their light-hearted sparkle as he wafts a hand through the air.

I’m sure Fearne can tell you all about how greedy I am, should curiosity strike you.
entwinedfate: (pic#16875106)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-17 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ As Lestat draws closer, Argalia feels the sparks of desire he had that night playing Fearne -- the irresistible call of playing with fire, of danger at his fingertips and the delight that comes with it. He keeps it in check as well as he had then: a soft exhale, gaze matching the humanoid beast before him, grin all the more pleased as Lestat speaks, and he murmurs just loudly for the three of them alone, turning his head just enough to let the pale of his neck peek from beneath his wear as his eyes sparkle mischievously: ]

I'm aware of what you are, Lestat. That's why I asked in the first place.

[ His inhumanity, the effect he has on others. The promise of insatiable desire alike it his own if in a different form -- he had promised Fearne himself for that night and left her with the mere memory of his touch, his voice and name. Damn if he wasn't interested in seeing if this one might draw blood before he could get away. ]
fauned: (pic#16696439)

[personal profile] fauned 2023-12-17 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
( in the midst of their little chat, she inches just enough behind to keep herself out of argalia's periphery. not necessarily to excuse herself out of the conversation, oh no, of course not. she's very much interested in how this plays out considering what she knows of them both. lestat is something of a mirror of herself, and the danger that lurks beneath that porcelain skin is one argalia will want to tease. there's no sense in trying to keep from the inevitable. even the fatestitcher could only delay.

it's more to keep the way her lids droop just a touch when she falls out of his view, entirely unsurprised and just as amused. a play at a show of deference to most eyes; lingering quietly, patiently by his side and just behind.

but she knows the reason why he keeps an eye on her is not entirely because she's hapless prey to be hunted. a scared deer lost in the woods. not quite.

you don't take your eyes off of a predator.
)

He prefers to find out first hand, Lestat. Besides, we both know whatever words I use wouldn't really be enough.

( so her hands never reach, her eyes never stray from the two lovely gentlemen she's found herself in the company of, and she does not bother to get in either's way. head inclined as if settling in to get comfortable, her fingers laced loosely behind her. he can handle himself. but even she recognizes that lestat is a far more dangerous creature than her if he cared enough to be. that's his prerogative, in the end, and he is not one to give without being able to take something in kind.

her voice, true to her nature, is a soft playful melody even as she pits two stalking wolves against one another. a warning.
)

This one runs, by the way.
perfectdevil: (eighteen)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-18 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Lestat’s eyes slide between the two of them, these two maddening figures with their motives so difficult to accurately pin down which makes them both all the more intriguing for it, and he honestly finds it difficult to decide which of them he finds more enticing like this; Fearne, with her watchful eye and quiet intensity, eager as ever to simply see how things turn out, or Argalia with his clear excitement to place himself in the path of the predator, to see how far he can allow himself to go before his own instinct forces him to withdraw. ]

Oh he does, does he?

[ That sounds like it has a story, but the only thing Lestat likes more than indulgence is teasing himself with a story. He’s sure he can pry it from one or both of them at some point down the line. ]

I suppose I have my work cut out for me, in that case, if I’m to make the decision to run a difficult one for you.

[ He taps his chin thoughtfully, wondering exactly how the power imbalance might fluctuate in a setting like that, where one party could duck out at any moment and leave him unsatisfied. He tongues at his fang again, as if doing so idly along with his thoughts, and then seems to shake the reverie away with a toss of his golden curls. He finally drags his eyes away from the pair to cast them across the dance floor instead. ]

But, for now at least, I’ve surely taken up plenty enough of your time. I should let the two of you get back to holding one another close enough, but not too close. Pardonne moi.

He raises elegant fingers to Fearne, blows her a kiss, and then pauses for only a second of brief appraisal before blowing one to Argalia also. He bites his lip as though trying to control how it cracks in a grin before he turns on his heel and strides across the dance floor to pester some other poor soul. ]
entwinedfate: (pic#16875105)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-23 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ ... And he's gone.

Argalia keeps his eyes on Lestat still, the blown kiss received with nothing but a neutral smile, before he tosses his head to glance at Fearne with more amusement than disappointment. ]


It seems we have to up our game a little, my fey. He wasn't quite as caught as I'd like him to be.

[ Though it'd be nice to press further when they were alone, warning given or not. It doesn't matter if Lestat's aware he's the type to run when it pleases him most, Argalia's still the type to find a way to make it fun enough for both parties long enough until it ends in his favor. He tilts his head to his partner, sighing. ]

You really didn't have to go and say that though, Fearne. He would've found out himself in due time... unless you found yourself jealous of his attentions towards me?
fauned: (pic#16857558)

[personal profile] fauned 2023-12-24 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
( so many kisses! how spoiled she is. she'll blow one his way too with a soft titter as he retreats back to the party. he definitely has far better control over his everything than she does, though. kudos. she could learn a thing or two about knowing when to walk away. )

Why would I be jealous?

( a little too quick to quip, perhaps, but she sounds pleasant enough, even if her eyes never quite leave lestat's retreating shadow. )

It's not really a surprise that he'd be drawn to you. You're beautiful, Argalia, someone to be adored - and he has an eye for it. I just wanted to be helpful and make sure he has more time to, that's all.

( 'helpful'. the same way mermaids would help sailors breathe sea water, perhaps. )

Should I have left you two be instead?
entwinedfate: (pic#16875104)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-24 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He hums softly at her assessment -- never a change on that end, here nor there, but he laughs softly at her question. ]

Neither of us are wandering too far tonight, Fearne. I invited you. I won't be leaving with another.

[ There will be more times for him to bait tigers in the future, but only one night at a splendid ball he doesn't have obligations towards. Spending it with someone of his choosing is a kind of freedom he can enjoy here. ]

If you would've preferred to be ravished in my stead, though, do let me know in advance.
fauned: (pic#16857510)

[personal profile] fauned 2023-12-24 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I came with you.

( it really is as simple as that, sometimes. wander as she might, she would've come back. he promised to walk her home, and she'd already expressed that she would like to spend most the evening with him if the events and socialization allowed for it.

eventually, she does at least meet his gaze, but only after the most feeble attempt at suppressing a sigh and a quick glance down to his mouth.
)

Besides, I wanted to take his place, not yours. ( but don't worry, she knows better. even if she is pouting a little about it. ) I'm not going to leave you to chase a high just because you wouldn't give it to me, Argalia. I could've just gone by myself if I wanted to play with plenty of others so badly.
entwinedfate: (pic#16875105)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-25 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
You're quite faithful, aren't you?

[ Just a little tease, but there is, perhaps, a small note of appreciation in his tone. Maybe. She's such an odd one. It's interesting. ]

I wouldn't stop you if you did. [ He would.

... He would? ]
But I do like our play a little too much to let someone else have a turn.

[ ... Hm. ]
fauned: (pic#16857605)

[personal profile] fauned 2023-12-25 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
( her? faithful? well, to those who've earned it, certainly.

and that's a sentiment he's already expressed before, sort of, so there's a little laugh before she takes the step to playfully nudge his shoulder with hers.
)

Do you now. ( ... well, she doesn't mind, actually. it's a thrill in its own way, being wanted like that. ) Don't know how to share, huh?
entwinedfate: (14 the cock has crowed)

[personal profile] entwinedfate 2023-12-25 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
I believe I did mention that, yes.

[ And maybe it's more than a little true, since one tends to covet things they often lose. His gaze lingers on her a moment (though it's not exactly like his usual, even if it's hard to read what it might be coming from him) before turning it away again to enjoy the party with a playfully exasperated sigh. ]

Have your fun, my fey. I'll call you back if my heart gets lonely.