MINI EVENT - THE GRAND MASQUERADE

[ride_technicians]

↞NAVIGATION

strings

Late in the day on 10/31 the thunderclouds above begin to disperse, clearing up to reveal a dark night sky. Two large, blood red moons hang high above in the sky, painting the land in an eerie, crimson glow. The mist creeps inward, rolling out to coat the park in a thin blanket of fog.

There's an energy in the air that hums in soft vibrato, prickling at the skin and setting fire to nerve endings.

Lanterns float along the pathways seemingly of their own accord, drifting about as they lead the way towards Cirque Illume. The tent flaps are thrown wide, revealing the interior held within. It's... Nothing like it used to be inside, and the grand ballroom held within seems far too large to possibly be held within the confines of canvas and trappings. It's also livelier than it's been in quite some time; all rides and stalls have been closed for the evening, and upon entering the circus tent ballroom, the reason why becomes rather apparent. Each and every Mask within the park has seemingly found its way inside. Visible strings are attached to limbs and bodies as they dance and twirl in perfect, lifelike imitation. Each movement is smooth and human, and those who aren't making use of the dancefloor are loitering about in various groups scattered about the venue.

The most striking detail of all, however, is that they are speaking to each other.

The words and verbiage are alien and unrecognizable, but shouts and laughter drift through the air beside whispers and admonitions. Behind a curtain near the back of the ballroom, an organ plays music that bleeds out into every crevice of the space, lending further life to the scene and allowing the dancers a list of songs to keep time with. Along the westernmost wall, a large banquet table has been set up, littered with gourmet foods and deserts of all kinds. The smell is inviting and mouthwatering, no doubt a welcome break from the endless amounts of carnival foods that have been sustaining the guests so far.

To the left of the banquet table, a Mask behind a bar serves drinks of equally high caliber. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic options are both present, with the caveat that the former is only available to those who are of age to drink.

Welcome to the Grand Masquerade!

wardrobe malfunction

Of course, any who attempt to enter without proper attire are promptly shooed off the premises. Worry not, however, because it seems that KNICk-KNACK PADDY-WHACKZ has also been repurposed into something new for the evening. Gone are the racks of souvenirs and fish food, replaced by rows upon rows of formal attire and proper masquerade outfits. An entire wall has been covered with ornate masks of all shapes and sizes, while another offers jewelry and accessories of gemstones and glittering metals to accent any chosen ensemble.

Nothing appears to have a price tag, and there are no attendants in sight. It's safe to assume that everything is free for the taking.

stringless

Those who decide to forgo the festivities have an entirely different battle on their hands.

The Hi-RiZe has not moved since curfew's end earlier in the morning, and the stillness has been noticed. Figures move about within the mist, crawling closer and darting about like living shadows, growing ever closer to the open. Gurgling screams and echoing snarls ring out in the crisp evening air. As time moves on, the noises get louder and more apparent, until finally a few shapes break free into the crimson light of the moons above.

(CW: Some disturbing monster imagery)The hulking creatures are massive, standing at about the size of a fully grown moose. Pale, translucent skin twists into the shape of thousands of hands that pull and claw across the grounds to move with frightening agility. They crawl about the park, chittering and screeching to communicate with one another as they seemingly hunt about in search of... Something. Nothing good.

It doesn't appear that they are capable of sight, seemingly relying on sound alone to get their bearings. The creatures purposefully seem to avoid the areas around the Cirque tent, instead sticking near the fringes of the mist where they can duck back into cover if injured too severely. Because they certainly can be killed, just not easily.

Comments

[starsmoothie]

There were never school dances or masquerades at Seven Tower. Parties like this are a, [he hums, dropping his voice a pitch,] "rich people thing".

[His tone returns to normal.] Clamor always said that. And actually, my parents were pretty wealthy, but we never went to parties either. If we ever did, they weren't like this. Everyone knew each other, and Harque never looked like he was having much fun.

...

[Noah takes a seat at the bar. Just real quick, he'll take the opportunity to order something.]

I used to sneak off to raid the really fancy chocolate. I didn't have fun, either, but chocolate is good.

[beathollow]

... I don't think my family would have done something like this either- or, they wouldn't host it. ... Masquerades... they'd prefer being able to know who they're talking to.

( to make connections. )

Are school dances common where you're from?

[starsmoothie]

[One of the bartenders sets out a glass of juice for Noah to take. Noah, of course, has cat brain... so all he does is start scooting it across the countertop.]

Not at Seven Tower. I've heard that some schools have stuff like that, but I never went to a public school. I was homeschooled for most of my life, actually.

[bapbapbapbapbap—]

Even if Seven Tower had one of those, I don't think anyone would go. What we did have were science fairs — where everyone presented their projects, both magitech and magical, to the public.

[beathollow]

( mafuyu watches idly, but like... boy... don't waste the first real food we've gotten in ages...........

or do. she's not your mom. )

My country has cultural festivals and sports festivals- the former, every class or specific club sets up a booth of some sort, for guests to visit. Snack bars, haunted houses, games or plays and performances... or the latter, where each class and year compete in games and races.

( she's... curious about a magic science fair, though. )

[starsmoothie]

[He's not wasting it! He does, in fact, get a hold of himself and drink said juice. See, Noah is a normal person.]

That sounds fun! There's a festival in Elrios around this time called the Harmony Festival. [...he has less than stellar memories about the holiday considering that's the day Harque died an the apocalypse started BUT IT'S FINE HE'S IGNORING IT.] There's this three-day long solar eclipse and everyone comes together for a time of peace. Sometimes, there are games and stuff! Mostly, there's food, and peace. It's nice. Elrios is usually torn up by some kind of war, after all.

[beathollow]

( war... the contrast of that and his festival is clear as day. after a moment, mafuyu reaches up and gently scratches at the base of one of noah's tiger ears, sipping her drink casually. she thinks it's carbonated, but once again there's no taste. )

That sounds nice. I hope you can go home in time to see it again.