[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

[excaliburden]

[SHE SURE DID SAY IT. SO EASILY, TOO. It tripped off of her tongue like it was meant to, and while Altria has learned from the past five minutes to not point it out, the way she brightens is a little like the sun. How lovely! How romantic!

She isn't saying the words but it's obvious they're on her mind!


--of course, then Don Quixote plays her reverse uno card.]

H-huh? Me?

[... Oh no. Oh no!! Oh no!

She immediately holds both hands up, shaking her head aggressively.]

Th-that's not--that sort of thing isn't meant for a faerie like me! I mean, not to say that I don't like romance because I really, really do, it's just that, um, my role means that I'm not s-supposed to... focus on things like that...!

[icanfixer]

[ by the wings don is GRIPPING altria's hands. ]

That was my thought exact!!! As a Fixer, it is difficult -- nay, it is discouraged to fall in love, for our role as protectors of the City from which I hail puts us much in danger's way!!! I considered keeping my oath here as well, and yet I fell nonetheless!!! It is an unstoppable force, and I did not ask if thou were or were not allowed -- only that if thee did!!! Pray tell, Altria, who is it?!

[ SHE TOLD HER!!! CMON!!!! ]

[excaliburden]

[wah... wah!!! She wants to hear more about this Fixer thing and how Don got over that hurdle but before she can, she's still pressing...!!

And Altria...

Well. She's only really just started thinking about it... now. Recently. Very, very recently.

Her face goes very red, and she squeezes Don's hands in her own as a sort of anchor and stammers:]

I-I'm not, um...! [DEEP BREATH.] ... I--think... I'm still... figuring out my feelings.

[She thinks, perhaps... but it's all so new, so unexpected.]

Can... can I tell you later? When I'm more sure?

[It's only fair, after all. Don did tell her. And... she thinks maybe telling someone who knows more about this stuff would be a relief.]

[icanfixer]

[ don's beam turns into more a warm grin, returning the squeeze; she knows how overwhelming it can feel to be rushed, since intentionally or not that is what fearne had done. instead, she wants altria to come to understand on her own. ]

Most certainly, my friend. Even if thou art still figuring thy feelings out, it is pleasant to be around them, is it not? I can hardly wait to return home when I have left it!

[excaliburden]

["It is pleasant to be around them," Don says, and Altria... pauses and slowly lets that sink in. She's... right. She's absolutely right. Even if Altria thinks it's not for her, even if Altria thinks she can never have this, even if it's embarrassing and overwhelming--

The warmth in her chest has been such a soft, lovely, incredible feeling.

Maybe it's okay, just for now, to treasure that.]

... Mm, that's true. It's been really new, but... warm, too.

I don't know if I can be as brave as you, but... I'm happy, too.

[icanfixer]

And that is all that matters, truly.

[ that's why eventually, eventually. there's no rush. no promises as to when. she loves who she loves and she'll always show it more than say it. even if they won't know the depths unless she does, surely, surely they can feel the warmth and joy she wants to impart, that they already give to her... ]

Truthfully, confessing is not a necessary step, to me, unless they misunderstand thy feelings. I am certain that there is no confusion on the importance of others to me, but if there were, then that is when I would wish to speak most.

[excaliburden]

[Don is right, she thinks. Maybe... maybe that's enough. She can't have anything more than that anyway, and assuming that he would feel the same way as he is silly anyway. But it's a kind of silly that's a little fun, too, a little giddy, like a child playacting out something forbidden.

Don still has Altria's hands in her own.

Altria squeezes them warmly, laughing a little.]

Wise and brave! No wonder you seem like such a knight!

[But surely that's enough of that for now--surely that's enough deep meandering and musings. Altria has enough to think on now, and it seems Don does too.]

Mm--anyway, have you tried all of the different foods yet? Tsuruno and Wanderer both brought some!

[icanfixer]

[ wow... she got called Wise. crazy things happening this winter. just wait til she tells sinclair. wise. her. ]

I have tried many!!! They are all so delicious, I can hardly decide what to settle with next! What has thy favorite been? Reno's various cheese and fruits are rather delectable palette cleansers as well... ♪

[excaliburden]

Oh, I don't think I could pick a favorite either! They're all so tasty...! But I love the sweets a bunch, especially.

Oh, but I did try some of the cheese and fruits and they're so refreshing and tasty!

[Gluttons! There are so many gluttons here!]