[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

[featheradrift]

[ He chooses not to refute Kaveh's words as they finally ascend to the top and the architect's contraption is laid bare for them to see. It's a complicated little thing—well-engineered, though he was hardly an expert in mechanics. But what stands out most to him is the way Kaveh speaks of his creation—the pride, the joy, the love.

(If Kaveh had been the god with access to forbidden techniques of a civilization long wiped off the face of Teyvat, what could he have created? Perhaps he would have been called the God of Progress, the drifter thinks. And... if it was he who created this lonely puppet... would he have received the love and adoration so clear in the man's eyes?


He puts that thought away, never to be revisited.) ]

It... reminds me of Sumeru.

[ Of the stained glass that adorned every house and building, that shone with vibrant colours every day as the sun crossed the sky and spilled its rays through the windows. He misses Sumeru, even if he doesn't wholly want to admit it. ]

[fussiest]

[ kaveh's smile softens around its edges. there's a homesickness there as he leans in next to yuu. ]

Me too, Yuu. I miss Sumeru. I miss it with an ache that can't be expressed in mere words. Not even the Haravatat would be able to argue me to submission.

[ kaveh cants his head. ] This is all I know how to bring from it, that land I love so dearly. If I look and only look there, I can imagine it's the sun from the vast blue of our skies shining through the glass to become the light in this planetarium.

[featheradrift]

[ Kaveh has been here for much longer than the drifter, he realizes. How long has it been since he's last seen the towering, protective Divine Tree? Since he's felt the humid warmth of Sumeru's air? Smelled a Padisarah, or a Sumeru Rose? Kaveh, who sees beauty wherever he looks, must find this city to be cold and harsh in how impersonal its design is. ]

We'll find a way back.

[ It's a quiet promise, that he'll do what he can to see that Kaveh is sent back. That all of them are sent back. ]

[fussiest]

We will. [ kaveh asserts. he turns from the light; his eyes are dry. ]

All of us. [ there are those who mistake kaveh's idealism for weakness, when as a matter of fact, kaveh's idealism has always had fangs. there is nothing soft about dreams. they must, after all, force reality to comply with their shape and form. ] Nobody who wishes to leave here will be left behind.

[featheradrift]

[ There is determination and conviction, and a promise to rend the city to its very foundation in Kaveh's words. And because it's Kaveh, the Wanderer believes him.

He looks down upon the glittering kaleidoscope of lights. To return to Sumeru, and see Nahida once more. Maybe, he thinks, he'll consider being more honest with her. She would like that wouldn't she? That he were not so distant. ]

If you come up with any ideas that might require someone with my unique constitution, call for me. I'll do my part.

[fussiest]

[ kaveh looks. there had been a young woman on the network with the conviction to die. she had done so because there was something deeply personal to her that she had to know regardless of its costs. kaveh had never, not once, been able to accept it, but neither could he stand in her way.

the way the young man looks out to the glittering light of the city's joy, cast in the shadow of kaveh's great contraption - it reminds kaveh a little of her, kaveh thinks. ]

I will. But Yuu, know this - that solution worth apply will be a solution meant for humans. By design, it cannot, and will not take advantage of you. Remember, that your part in this is also as someone who deserves to be saved.

[featheradrift]

...I know. I wasn't suggesting you sacrifice me or anything. I'm not that suicidal.

[ And Kaveh isn't that kind of person. He's someone who carries everyone's pain with him. Every drop spilled, every life lost... he would carry with him until it buries him and he suffocates. The drifter doesn't want to contribute to that. Not any more than he has already. ]

I just meant if you required some kind of temporary inhuman feat I could accomplish, I'm ready to do that.

[fussiest]

[ finally, kaveh's smile softens around its edges. he says: ]

If that is so, then I will gladly accept your help, Yuu. It would be my honour.

[ good. because good - because yuu ought never put his life on the line, not even that of an immortal one. in no universe would kaveh bear it; in no universe would kaveh try.

he looks out to the dance floor. ] Now, then. Shall we return to the party proper? I don't want to take you away from it for too long. There's plenty of fun left to be had. Shall I man your counter for a little bit while you go and find some of your friends?

[featheradrift]

[ He relaxes as Kaveh finally accepts his—help. That's what he's doing here. Offering help, as an individual, rather than offering to be used like a tool. Because he does have his own will and desires, like any other person. It's a slight shift in mindset, but... maybe, just maybe he can see why the wording matters so much to Kaveh. ]

Like I said, I'm only here to help out. And you've worked too hard to take over my job. You're the one who needs to relax some.

[fussiest]

Yes, yes. [ kaveh laughs. ] But consider this: I'll be able to relax behind your counter, by setting out all the delicious food that you've already cooked in advance. What better way is there for me to rest my feet for a while?

[featheradrift]

[ He considers it for a moment. Most of his time had been occupied by the cooking, rather than setting out the food and interacting with people. He's not wrong. He would have the space to relax for a bit, if he manned the drifter's food station. ]

Alright, fine. I'll let you handle it if you also take the time to eat and hydrate properly at the same time. Take whatever you want from my station if none of what's already made is to your taste.

[ He's been doing his best not to nag Kaveh about his tendency to overwork, but... well, he might end up joining the others in that regard after all. ]

[fussiest]

[ the young man acquiesces. inwardly, kaveh breathes out a sigh of something like relief, something like exasperation. stubborn, kaveh thinks, but nobody of sumeru are every otherwise. the young man will finally have a chance to roam the gala, however. kaveh hopes he enjoys it.

what kaveh says: ]

I'll help myself, then. [ kaveh grins. ] Now, go.

[featheradrift]

[ There's a narrowing of the drifter's eyes that clearly says 'I'll be watching you', but he otherwise doesn't protest and turns to... well, find something to do at the gala, now that he's been relieved of his duty. He supposes he could roam around a bit and see the entire place from every angle, then see how Altria is faring... ]