gooseberryhigh | MASQUERADE

MASQUERADE

MASQUERADE

Classes are not cancelled this afternoon, which leaves Event Committee scrambling after 3 PM to get everything in order in the Atrium. Students having dinner are given only 30 minutes before they’re ushered out past the privacy curtains again, since EC claims they need the cafeteria for a “special surprise.” At 7 PM sharp, the Atrium opens, and the Anonymity Charm activates.

Mardi Gras is the theme of the night, and the Atrium has been decorated all over in purple, green and yellow. Floor-to-ceiling backdrops are arranged along the walls, depicting a festive city street, and painted figures of masked performers tumble, juggle, swallow swords and perform magic tricks for the students. The ceiling is decorated with glimmering, stylized stars and a smiling silver moon, and multicoloured confetti falls continuously, vanishing just above everyone’s heads. Purple, green and yellow balloons are strewn across the dance floor, but will magically skitter out of the way so no one accidentally steps on one.

The refreshments table is the real star of the night, with a chocolate fountain surrounded by plates of various fresh fruits, marshmallows, caramels, cream puffs and cakes. A long table features treats styled after the theme, with mask-shaped cookies, cupcakes with edible beads, macarons in purple, green and yellow; glittery cake pops, and sprinkles on literally everything. (A few special treats have been set aside for vegan students, and Prospero will point to them.) At the far end of the table is an open bar adorned with feathers and colourful silk, where students can order mocktails from a menu. Isabelle Sargent, Ursula de Luca and Todd Skynner all volunteer to take shifts behind the bar for an hour (or two), and make conversation with their anonymous classmates while serving up drinks. A masked house-elf will always be present behind the bar, if no one wants to play bartender.

Step through the doors into the cafeteria and you’ll discover a stage has been set up with anonymous karaoke. Have you been too afraid to sing in front of your classmates? Now, if you perform badly, no one will know who you are, so get up there! This room is also popular for the MVSC photobooth in the corner, which automatically spits out a strip of four animated photographs for the low, low price of a half-dragot.

If you want a quiet moment, then the balcony is the place to go. The decorations out here are just as bright and glittery, but the little benches have comfortable purple, green and yellow cushions, and there’s bluebell flame lamps providing warmth and light on this chilly but romantic February night.

Staff is present and also wearing masks, but they aren’t using the Anonymity Charm, to make it easier for students to get help if there’s any trouble. Anyone who’s using anonymity to harass others will be given only one warning before they’re ejected from the dance. Observant partygoers will spot Dr. O’Hare on the arm of Mrs. O’Hare (appropriately, they’re wearing matching rabbit masks), but his partner, Agent Larke, is nowhere to be seen…

Just before midnight, Mr. Oakes presents an awe-inspiring fireworks show right above the lake. You can walk outside for the full view, but the backdrops will be taken down so you also watch from the tall windows of the Atrium. The last fireworks light up the sky at the stroke of midnight, when the Anonymity Charm ends.

HOW THIS WORKS

Decorating the Atrium begins around 3:15 PM, and the cafeteria is cleared at 6:30 PM.

Cocktail dress code. That’s party dresses and suits, but you won’t be dinged for getting too fancy or dressing slightly more casually. No jeans or t-shirts, though!

The dance starts at 7:00 PM, and runs until around 12:00 AM. These are also the hours of the Anonymity Charm: the charm activates just as the clock strikes 7:00 PM, and only within the confines of the lodge and the immediate surrounding area, and permanently deactivates at midnight. If students don’t have a charmed mask of their own, a simple domino will be issued to them at the door.

Anyone wearing a charmed mask becomes unrecognizable to those looking at them. You might have known a person by their voice, height, hair, skin, or lips, but now suddenly… you aren’t certain. This could be anyone.

This effectively means that you can’t guess the identity of an individual by their physical traits. However, you might recognize them either from their speech patterns, or something they tell you.

It’s easier to recognize people by their masks, but if you want your character to struggle with this as well, you may. (The same applies to clothing.) This means you might be at risk of losing track of your date if you come as a couple. This is up to individual players.

Mr. Calderon-Boot has the power to take the charm away, though, so if you act in a truly horrendous manner or break a rule, you could still get caught. Not to mention that a lot of people will remember if the guy in the blue domino mask was being a total dick all night, and someone might later see it amongst your possessions.

If you leave the dance, the charm deactivates until you return. If you remove your mask, the charm deactivates, but will reactivate once you put your mask back on.

» Setting Up: In the afternoon, Event Committee works on getting the Atrium looking its best. Event Committee has thrown up magically impenetrable curtains around the Atrium, so even students exiting dinner at 6:30 PM won't be able to see what they're working on.

» Before the Dance: Dress to impress! Do you let your friends see your mask, or are you hiding it until you get to the dance? The trails have been swept by Mr. Covington, to make it easy as possible for students get to the lodge. (He recommends wearing your boots, and changing footwear once you reach the lodge.) Doors open at 7 PM.

» Beginning of the Dance: Students are allowed into the Atrium and get to admire the decorations and everyone's masks. The music aims to get everyone dancing with a playlist that’s heavy on the jazz, ragtime and brass band. (~7:00 PM)

» Refreshments Table & Open Bar: Food and drinks are available all night, and there’s little tables, decked in colourful tablecloths, if you want somewhere to sit. Head to the bar if you want someone to mix a drink for you—all non-alcoholic, of course. (~8:00-11:00 PM)

» Anonymous Karaoke: Through the doors to the cafeteria is a stage with a karaoke setup. Can you guess which one of your classmates is performing? (~8:00-11:00 PM)

» Photobooth: In the corner of the cafeteria, you can take instant mementos of your night. Just insert a half-dragot coin, and strike a pose! Note that the Anonymity Charm does not work in photographs, so your pictures might give away your identity... (~8:00-11:00 PM)

» Balcony: The balcony overlooks the lake, and some students mingle out here to chat or appreciate the scenery. (~8:00-11:00 PM)

» End of the Night: The music winds down with some slower, romantic songs. Just before midnight, there’s a fireworks show. The charm immediately ends at the stroke of midnight, Cinderella. So either leave the dance by then, or stand around with everyone else to unmask and see who you’ve been talking to! (~11:00 PM-12:00 AM)

» OOC - Questions, comments, concerns!

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For a moment, Pippa thinks she's miscalculated: the blank stare is creepy. But then she sees that the boy was just surprised, and she smiles at his eager response. It's easier to be bold when you're anonymous, and she likes this new confident version of herself. Those who don't ask don't get, after all!

She lets herself be guided onto the dance floor, and if this partner isn't quite as accomplished as some of the other boys she's danced with tonight -- well, what does that matter? She's having fun all the same, and this is definitely the most impressive costume she's seen so far. "Your outfit is amazing," she tells him. "You must have put so much effort into it!"

Wilde offers the girl his arm. "I'll find a way."

"You both look beautiful," Irene tells them, putting her book down to admire her roommate's dresses. (Why did Cricket make three masks?) Cricket and Maggie do make a stunning pair. "Would you like me to take a picture of you two together before you leave?"

"Should I be flattered?" Pippa asks, half-teasing but half out of genuine curiosity. How many other girls has Batman danced with tonight? Is she special???

Over an hour into the dance, Irene slips in, making sure nobody sees her outside the lodge before the anonymity charm on her mask activates. Lacking the extensive wardrobe of certain roommates, she's had to make over one of her old dresses. It rustles as she moves, and flared in a very satisfying way when she did a practice twirl in the privacy of her cabin. Combined with the mask she made on Wednesday -- now embellished with a few woodland accessories -- she exudes a certain demure elegance and mystique.

She's a little apprehensive that her accent will give her away, so she doesn't intend to say much tonight, but she's definitely hoping to dance with a few beautiful girls. Irene gazes out at the sea of dancing figures, unable to pin down specific features, and wonders where to start.

Being literally stuck to your date's side for the entire night for fear of losing them among the Anonymous Crowd seems kind of lame, even for Isaiah Covington. He's trying very hard to play it cool (and mostly failing, but hey, Jacob seems ok with that?) and so at some point during the night, they do split up, with firm plans for where to meet up before midnight and the fireworks.

He approaches the spot maybe a little early. Sue a guy for being nervous, all right? And he's in luck, because it looks like Jacob is early too! He's so relieved at the thought that he doesn't even consider the option that maybe it's just a random person standing there by accident and not his date at all.

"Hello there," he says, smiling as he steps near. It's not the most suave thing, but it's not stuttering like he was doing at the beginning of the night. "It looks like we're running out of chances to dance."

They already have, sure, but part of flirting is sometimes not pointing out the obvious.

“Yeah.” Zav’s still not entirely convinced that this isn’t a set up. It’s just too convenient; the guy who picks him out of a magically anonymized crowd, who knows him by the flower crown, would just happen to be dressed as a swan? Right.

But who on earth would know that Xavier’s been paling around with waterfowl since the teatime contest? Frankly, who the hell even cares? Being “that kid who thinks birds are neat” is no worse than being “that kid who fractured his pelvis last year snowboarding off the Ribbonfin cabin roof” (he really should’ve just sledded) or “that kid who regularly eats his own weight in processed sugar.”

So, whatever. He goes on, “I didn’t think about them much until recently? I – y’know there’s one on the grounds. Seems a little early in the year for it to be back. It’s real—it’s cool. It’s friendly.” Oh my god this guy does not fucking care about your bird friend, Xavier. You weirdo.

There goes the hand in the hair again.

“D’you want to--” What? Dance? Eat? Hah. Back it up. “Have you seen it around? The swan.”

Oh my god with the swan again.

"Most of the women up there are chained," Saira says dryly, shaking her head. "It's a sisterhood I'd prefer not to join, all things considered. Athena would suit me better, I suppose, but we all know what happen to women who compare themselves to Greek goddesses. And Hippocrates was no legend. And no woman, for that matter. I suppose the classics don't fit me well." Probably for a number of reasons, but that would be telling.

She glances back to the boy, head tilting in curiosity. "Go on. You clearly have your own thoughts on the matter."

Dimi guides Jacob out onto the dance floor, a playful grin on his lips. They're just in time for the next song to start, and Dimi takes the lead, for better or worse - this event was a crash course in dancing for him. He manages to avoid stepping on Jacob's feet, at least.

"So, have a good time this evening? Meet any handsome strangers?" He says with a laugh.

Can you kiss with a mask on? This seems like a decent time to find out. They're already hidden in a corner, in the shadows, so it's not really PDA. Not really. And no one else knows who they are, anyway. So it's fine.

All of this considered over the course of thirty seconds or so, Isaiah smiles again and leans in to kiss his date, chuckling and readjusting when their masks click together.

"No no no," she whines as she hurries after him, winding her arm through his as she catches up to him so he can't get away from her. "If you wander off again it's gonna take me another half hour to find you."

(She was totally the one that wandered off the first time, but that's just details.)

Wilde kind of laughs -- it's true, and it's better than any answer he actually expected to get due to a general lack of faith in his fellow students. Most of them, anyway. Usually.

Hippocrates was no legend.

"There are enough dicks and animals up there," he jokes. "I'm not a classic. I'm just a kid who thinks he knows what he's talking about. Maybe one of those embarrassing retellings in a modern short story collection."

"But," Wilde continues, leaning slightly into the girl as he points into the stars again, "I'm also an Aries." The constellation doesn't look so much like a ram as just a solitary spine. "I always liked the story in Ovid, about Mars? Flora touches Juno on the belly with a flower, and then he just appears in there. The God of war and he has like the gentlest origins."

"Ulysses!" This is so much better than simply not a freshman.

Kenzie had hoped several times over the course of the night that it might be Ulysses. Then she dismissed it. Then she wondered it again. Wash, rinse, repeat. It had begun to feel a little ridiculous of her. However, standing here looking at Ulysses' laughing face is the most ridiculous she's felt all night. Oh no, she thinks.

"Do you want to know a secret?" She reaches out and grabs his clapping hands, stepping in so close that her voluminous skirts fold around his legs. "I was hoping it was you."

"The poetry is in the contradiction," Saira agrees, thoughtful. She's never had much use for poetry. Still, there's something about the starry sky that makes poetry appealing all of a sudden.

"Yeah," says Wilde, softly. He could go on -- he probably would've, in normal circumstances -- but he doesn't. It's nice to just stand in semi-silence, listening to the cacophony of people and music from inside. There's something calming about it, like being in a bubble, but he can't help breaking it.

"Constant stars (http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sonnets/14.html)," he quotes, "in them I read such art."

An easy smile. "... In context the line's about looking in someone's eyes, but yours are a little hard to make out."

Calvin stares out at the dancing couples, all of them moving in time with the song that's just come on. He and Cole haven't gone onto the dance floor yet, and it feels like something they ought to do. He took Cole to a dance and they're not dancing. This has to be a faux pas.

Calvin doesn't know know to dance, though. He exhales tensely. He doesn't want to look like a fool in front of Cole. Not that Cole will care, but Calvin will. It's a bit intimidating, being with someone who succeeds as easily as breathing, but Calvin worries that Cole's not having a good time. He hopes it's just the masks.

"I don't even know if you like dancing or not," he ventures cautiously.

This is nothing like spin the bottle. The heat of a body against his own, the pressure of a hand at his waist, it’s new and it’s terrifying and it’s...great? Xavier presses himself against this stranger, happy to let him lead. To have an empty head. He’s just figuring out where his own hands should be going, slipping his fingers into Reid’s dark hair, when Reid breaks the kiss. An involuntary grumble of protest escapes Xavier’s lips.

He hardly notices the fireworks. Or anything, really, except the boy in his space. He wishes he could tell the shape of his lips. The color of his skin. His hair. Fucking anonymity charm. And why’s everything moving so slowly?

When Reid steps away the air that fills the space between them is an unwelcome shock of cold. Xavier takes a wobbling step back as the gears in his head sluggishly begin to turn again. “What? No. You don’t have to--You can’t just--”

Since being reunited with Calvin, Cole has relaxed considerably and seems to be in better spirits, able to focus on being with his date and appreciating the decorations and admiring all of the beautiful masks (while trying to ignore the magically distorted faces beneath). His gaze follows Calvin's when he looks out at their classmates and he's about to say that he doesn't like dancing...but he isn't certain that's true anymore. He'd asked Rafael for lessons shortly before the masquerade and learned the basics during one long morning lesson. It hadn't been bad like he'd expected and it had all come to him fairly easily. Rafael had said he was a quick student and, while it hadn't been rewarding or romantic like the older boy had claimed it could be...he supposed that it wouldn't be when he was with someone that he barely knew.

After a long moment of watching, he looks back at Calvin. "I think I'll like it better with you," he says simply. He's about to ask if he wants to dance, but he probably does. Why else would he have mentioned it? So, instead, he just offers Calvin one of his hands.

"Thank you!" he enthuses as he leads her into the dance. He's getting better at dancing and receiving compliments. "Your peacock outfit is very cute."

Ennis repeats the dance steps he's observed: Step in. Step out. Step in. Step out. Twirl. He compensates for his lack of skill with plenty of twirling, laughing all the while and not taking himself too seriously. He's not great, but he's having a great time.

Trying to look very impressed by Levi's decision to use mouthwash after brushing his teeth (but mostly just managing not to laugh), Cecil squeezes the other boy's hand and assures him playfully, "I can tell. Very minty. You almost can't taste the Firewhisky at all."

Once Levi is touching his cheek and kissing his eyebrow, though, his expression softens and his dark eyes lower shyly even as slips his arms around the other boy. "I missed you. I guess the masquerade just loses its appeal a little when there's someone that you...want to lose yourself in." Looking up again, he gazes lovingly into Levi's face for a moment before kissing him again and smiling and adding more quietly, "...not that I haven't had a nice time."

Casey Patterson does not 'take breaks.' Casey Patterson is only standing at the edge of the dance floor so he can scope out his surroundings for his next partner—someone who's probably hot, because even though literally everybody is having the same problem telling one another apart, he's still too stubborn to admit that the weird charms are playing with his ability to assess ~~the goods~~ his peers.

He doesn't recognize the voice asking him to dance, or the outfit, but he assumes they know who he is and that he's supposed to know who they are... and never one to admit that he's out of the loop, he plays along. "Nah, there's at least, like, three songs left." He made up that number. He also didn't quite catch the subtleties of the TOTALLY FAMILIAR PERSON's flirting. He does, however, hold out his hand.

Three songs? Maybe. Isaiah isn't exactly a pro at judging dances. He's also not unwilling to dance all three, so he takes the other person's hand and guides him to the dance floor without argument.

Cecil is nothing short of overwhelmed by this performance and he's at a loss for words by the time Levi descends from the stage. The color rising in his cheeks may still be invisible thanks to the makeup and the mask, but the way that he wordlessly takes the other boy's hands and the way he looks at him like he's the only person in the world speak for themselves. He's touched. Eventually, he manages to tell Levi that he's amazing and gives the boy a very deep kiss for his trouble.

Yep. Definitely Cecil and Levi.

"The spell," Saira agrees, smiling at the thought of it. It really is impressive. "My mask isn't terribly concealing, you know. The magic is very good. Nearly as good as the ability to quote the sonnets at will. Or is that a party trick you pull out for all the anonymous girls?"

Swapping spit in the karaoke room, no big deal. Levi's a bit too amorous for a school dance as he grabs Cecil by the hips and pulls him flush against him, even managing a little booty-touching action. It's fine because they're anonymous, right? Nobody can see through their CLEVER VAMPIRE DISGUISES, right??

"Well, shit, I'll sing you a whole fucking concert if that's how you feel about it," he enthuses after he's pulled back and taken a breath. "You want me to go again?"

He'll just keep singing until they skedaddle their happy asses to spread PDA elsewhere, honestly.

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MASQUERADE

Ennis & Pippa

pippa is so cute lol <3

Senior Ebonladies

she needs a little more practice but SHE TRIES

Irene slinking in fashionably late~

Isaiah and Casey because we are mean mean people

Reid & Xavier

Re: Wilde & Saira

Jacob + Definitely not Isaiah. Wise choice.

Re: Isaiah & Jacob

Clem & Sy

Wilde & Saira

Kenzie & Ulysses I KNOW THAT FEELING

Re: Wilde & Saira

Wilde & Saira

Cole & Calvin dancing.

Reid & Xavier, better get to your pumpkin Cinderella

Cole & Calvin dancing.

Ennis & Pippa

Cecil & Levi & Vampire Flirting ♥!!

Isaiah and Casey, who's at least the same height as Jacob??

Isaiah and Casey, less ridiculous than Jacob and Dimi

ANONYMOUS MUSICAL VAMPIRES THAT TOTALLY AREN'T LEVI AND CECIL

Re: Wilde & Saira

ANONYMOUS MUSICAL VAMPIRES THAT TOTALLY AREN'T LEVI AND CECIL