[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

[astraphilia]

No rule says you can't dance again, though, eh?

[ but fair enough, fair enough. Reno hasn't danced at all, so he has no judgment to offer if at least Yesod has been out on the dance floor—even once is more than he's done. ]

I ain't much of a dancer, truth be told. [ he takes a sip, an amused smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ] And it'd be lonely dancin' by myself, don't you think?

[ if Reno doesn't strike Yesod as the type to be embarrassed over something like that... well, that's a very astute observation indeed. ]

[wordchain]

[ Yesod continues to regard Reno for some moments, contemplative. Whether these are genuine reasons — which would be surprising, admittedly — or there is something else behind Reno's decision, there must be a reason why he's choosing to make conversation by bringing up this particular subject, too. ]

No, there are no rules against dancing multiple times. Nor are there any to discourage inexperienced dancers or dissuade people from approaching individuals who may not necessarily be their date.

[ Pausing, Yesod glances back towards the dance floor and the patterns of light landing upon it. ]

I learned to dance only recently in preparation to do so with one person, but I've also enjoyed moments in the company of others who requested a dance. I must say, I'm surprised if no one has approached you.

[astraphilia]

Well, you ain't wrong...

[ damn, okay! read him for filth, Yesod. he deserves it.

the part about not being much of a dancer is true, though, as a matter of fact. Reno's been to fancy galas before, but only ever in his capacity as a Turk, never as a guest himself—no need to learn how to dance when you're just there to make sure nobody assassinates your boss. the rest of it is, yes, largely bullshit, since Reno hasn't felt embarrassed about anything in like two decades and also isn't the type to let inexperience stop him. ]

Are you now. [ surprised, he means. ] And why's that?

[wordchain]

[ Yesod's gaze returns to rest on Reno as before. Explaining his remark consists of several reasons itself, but he doesn't hesitate before elaborating: ]

On the basis of the responses that your network icebreakers received some time ago, you appear to be acquainted with numerous people. If all of them have decided against attending this gala, that would surprise me as well. Furthermore, due to your interest in observing the dance floor and discussing the topic of dancing, you seem approachable as a potential dance partner. I would imagine that your appearance and demeanor are additional factors that appeal to others.

[ Presumably it's either by choice that Reno hasn't danced with anyone, or he has been occupied elsewhere all evening. Whatever the case, Yesod falls silent to wait for the other man to comment on his explanation in turn. ]

[astraphilia]

[ there's something about this guy's demeanor that reminds Reno of home, in a fun sort of way. somewhat like Tseng in his businesslike approach to reading Reno for filth, although maybe with less of a sense of humor (insofar as such things are possible).

he lifts his glass in a toast to the assessment, grinning, and takes a sip before saying, ]

Eh, I wouldn't say I'm acquainted with all of 'em. It was a public network post. [ certainly not limited to Reno's circle of friends, and in fact he had probably made a couple of enemies, even, just by virtue of being how he is. (sorry again, Verg...) ] But sure, a lot of 'em are probably here. Maybe even here with dates.

[ he gives Yesod a Significant Look. unless there was some other reason Netzach mentioned him by name earlier, Reno figures Yesod is probably among them. ]

Thanks for thinkin' my appearance and demeanor are appealing, though. [ that's not really what Yesod said but— Reno still winks. ] You gonna dance with me, then?

[wordchain]

[ Tonight, thanks to Netzach's input, Yesod's hair isn't covering his right eye and that half of his face, so he's able to visibly raise one eyebrow in response to the Significant Look. The expression stays in place for Reno's subsequent comment, though he interprets it as teasing.

Nevertheless, he gives the next question a moment's thought before offering his reply. ]

I am indeed here with Netzach, who also responded back then. However, while he and I are involved, he is free to do as he pleases in order to fully enjoy the evening. We have both danced with other people in addition to dancing together.

[ And with that, Yesod extends one hand to Reno, palm upturned. Reno has his drink to finish first, he assumes, but after that, there will be time to make their way onto the dance floor proper. ]

In short, if you'd like to dance with me, I'll dance with you.

[astraphilia]

[ funnily enough, Reno and Netzach already discussed the relationship situation a bit earlier, up on the patio—the significant look was more about other people being here with dates and Reno not. but the way Yesod responds is charming enough that it distracts Reno from saying any of that, and instead just grins and knocks back the last of his drink before setting it to the side on a table. ]

I wasn't actually expectin' you to say yes. [ but he's clearly delighted by this turn of events, and he puts his hand very properly in Yesod's so they can head out and find a space amidst the other people dancing. ] What are we gonna do about the fact that I wasn't lying when I said I ain't much of a dancer?

[ well, at a certain point they can just do the high school slow dance and nobody will look twice at them, but if Yesod wants to lead then Reno's happy to follow. ]

[wordchain]

[ A flicker of amusement crosses Yesod's features now: paired with the raised eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curve just slightly to form a small smile. There is some enjoyment to be found in deviating from what one might predict based on his usual behavior — within reason — he's discovered here from time to time. This is another such instance. ]

Regardless, I saw no reason to refuse.

[ And he has had enough practice dancing with a few different partners tonight that he should be sufficiently prepared to adjust for Reno's inexperience, he thinks. He leads the way to a free section of the dance floor, where they should have some room for movement without landing in the path of other nearby pairs.

Here, he lifts his unoccupied hand to indicate that he means to place it on Reno's side, just above his hip, but he pauses for confirmation so as not to risk a sudden invasion of the other man's personal space — accommodating that would be easy enough. Then he aligns their feet, and then the two of them are in position to begin. ]

I doubt that this will be difficult, at any rate.

[ The current music's rhythm has stayed steady; Yesod matches his steps to its slower pace. ]

[astraphilia]

[ the sight of a smile on otherwise so severe a face is a pleasant surprise. Reno's impression of Yesod thus far has mostly been that he's quiet and serious, intellectual—the smile softens him, brings some warmth to his features. it takes every bit of self-restraint Reno has not to comment on it. ]

I'll follow your lead. [ he nods his consent to being touched, not really one who minds having his personal space invaded, and brings his other hand up to rest at Yesod's shoulder. it feels nice, the proximity and the fact that Yesod seems so sure about what they're doing. ] You're better at this than me.

[ all that practicing he did earlier, maybe, with Netzach and without him. Reno lets himself follow, matching the slower rhythm of the music and letting it guide the way his feet move—all he's really thinking about is trying not to step on Yesod's toes.

—and, also, he loses the battle with his self-restraint. ] You have a real pretty smile, you know that?