[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

[justscribing]

[That's right, once you've seen them both it's hard to miss their extremely married boutonnieres. Kaveh didn't even realize they were going together as a date until the night before.]

So you aren't still feeling a compulsion. [Alhaitham pauses, considering. He is, so it must be by the gesture rather than a proper meeting of the kiss. He holds it down by taking a slow sip of his drink.] No, it probably wasn't just you.

[But then what was it? It can't be intentional to the gala.]

[unrequite]

[ Kaveh and Alhaitham have plenty of things in common, in several senses... ]

That... wasn't of my own volition. Ah.

[ Midnight shakes his head again, but the second attempt does nothing. ]

Don't want that happening again. Don't like that. I...

[ He suddenly grows very quiet and still. After a moment, he pushes away from a nearby wall and staggers to a stairwell. He's looking for an exit. ]

[justscribing]

[... All right, Midnight is drunk off his ass and Alhaitham should probably make sure he doesn't fall over the railing or something, at least. That would probably count as "ruining things for Ghost".

Champagne glass left on the floor where Midnight put it, Alhaitham turns to follow after Midnight. His own compulsion, at least, seems to wane as he escapes the spot he was standing on.]

How much have you had to drink?

[unrequite]

Enough.

[ Stagger, stagger. He pauses, stymied between the two stairwells, before remembering that the exit is on the first floor. He grabs onto the rail and begins to plod his way down. His spatial awareness, dulled by the city and alcohol, has not informed him that he's being followed. He has no plan for that, either. He's just getting the hell out of dodge. ]

[justscribing]

[Alhaitham descends right after. It's enough space he isn't hovering, but close enough of Midnight starts to fall over he can grab hold of him quickly.] Then it would be a good idea for you to sit down and drink water before you decide to go somewhere.

[unrequite]

[ Midnight shakes his head again, then grips onto the railing as the world spins around him, arresting a stumble. Bad idea, in hindsight. ]

I would like to leave. I'll... do that afterward.

[justscribing]

[Oh, he's really drunk. Normally Alhaitham would call Kaveh at this point, because Kaveh is Midnight's actual friend, but Kaveh's already occupied with the event itself.]

Did you come here with someone who can take you back to your apartment?

[unrequite]

[ Midnight hums a negative, but stops in the middle of this flight of stairs. ]

... I came here with Miss Johanna. Oh... I should find her. Let her know that... But...

[ ... He suddenly sits on the stair he's on, hand still on the railing. The problem is that he was definitely planning on giving her the last dance, then walking her home, but not only would telling her he's leaving early fly in the face of that commitment, it would alert her to the idea that something bad could happen to Midnight, which absolutely cannot happen. Telling as much as he has to Netzach and Kaveh has already been an ordeal; he told Miss Gebura too much and he hasn't seen her in days. Untenable. But what does he do, then? What's the plan?

... There is no plan. Midnight continues to sit, head leaning on the stair divider, trying his best to feel less miserable. Oh, this is why he shouldn't get drunk alone... ]

[justscribing]

[Midnight stops and sits and it's honestly a relief. Alhaitham stops beside him on the step.] It would be best for you to either sit down somewhere in the venue and sober up or have someone take you home. Do you want Miss Johanna?

[unrequite]

[ Midnight does not respond to this. Actually, he shakes his head, makes a strange, strangled noise, as though the idea exiting his mouth hit a glass window trying to escape, and then he does not respond. Which is a response, but not the one Midnight wanted to let out.

He wants to leave!! He'd also like to scoop out his brain, but a lobotomy is not in the cards at the moment. Alhaitham isn't that kind. ]

[justscribing]

[All right. No Johanna. But also no useful answer from Midnight, and it isn't going to help if he becomes unresponsive on the stairs.]

Midnight. [It's low and firm. A coaxing back to reality.] Tell me who I can call over here to take you home.

[unrequite]

I will take me home. Don't trouble yourself. I'm quite all right, so long as I close my eyes and I do not. Fall asleep. Isn't proper...

[ Wow, he would sound so imperious and confident if he wasn't literally falling down drunk. At least he's already seated. He clumsily waves Alhaitham off, but doesn't make any motion to move or be at all helpful. ]

[justscribing]

[Alhaitham narrows his eyes, considering. Midnight's clearly not capable of getting himself home. However, he also seems far enough gone now that he's on the floor that he's probably not going to be able to stagger out of the place and get lost on the street. They're far enough down the stairs he probably can't hurt himself that badly if he trips.

Alhaitham weighs the argument Kaveh might have with him for leaving Midnight with the hassle of having to mind Midnight. Either one is a problem in his head.

Hmm.] Have it your way, then.

[Kaveh is the smaller problem. The way he's running around he might miss Midnight entirely. And if Midnight has no one else who would watch him, well, isn't that his own problem?

Alhaitham turns to ascend back up the stairs.]

[unrequite]

Always do.

[ Midnight waves again, this time in farewell to what he thinks are Alhaitham's receding steps. He's fine. He's going to not fall asleep on this staircase and miss like an hour of festivities. He's too skilled at inebriation for that.

Man, what a mess. ]