cuddlecity | EVENT: A VERY NICE BALL.

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EVENT: A VERY NICE BALL.

Blink, and a week goes by; close your eyes, and the evening of the fifteenth comes to life, the cool glow of moonlight illuminating the quiet streets of the city. For once, it seems like the entire city's come to a standstill — many of the local businesses have closed early today, with signs advising they'll reopen first thing in the morning, and even the dependable, cheerful squawks of the street vendors have hushed for the time being. Hurried as this year's event may seem, the annual celebration is a city tradition that's not to be missed; bakers and booksellers alike know this all too well, and any lingering souls in their shops will be gently but firmly shooed to the exits by late afternoon. They've got to get all dolled up too, after all, and such finery takes time.

Whether the Social Committee's video enticed you or you've been dragged by the metaphorical scuff tonight, the Samhain Ball hopes to offer you an evening of seasonally appropriate escapism. There's something for everyone tonight, from the comforting swells of smooth jazz and upbeat swing pouring out from the stage where a live band plays, to the mouth-watering smells and tastes of a gourmet plated meal served early in the evening, to even the simple beauty of the decorated ballroom itself.

The first hour or so of the evening allows for guests to enter at their leisure through double doors at the north end of the ballroom, where all are greeted by the smiling faces of Flora and Cornelius in their matching cream pantsuits. Should you choose this main entrance, you and your companion — or companions, if you've brought more than one — will be announced in grand style, befitting the occasion. (Savvy — or sneaky — attendees may note the auxiliary entrance on the west side of the ballroom. Follow the garden path, and be mindful of the sprinklers. They do have a tendency to go off at the wrong moments.)

Take a look around, and soak in the sights. The ornately carved ceiling of the ballroom has been obscured for the evening with tasteful black draping dotted with the gentle glow of strung lights. It lends a twilight quality to the evening, enhanced by the soft flicker of tea lights placed at the center of each table on the east side of the ballroom and the sconces hung on the wall throughout. Each table, too, features a soft cream tablecloth and a bounty of autumnal florals, perfectly arranged to match the golden chairs surrounding. There's plenty of seating for all, and no assignments — feel free to claim a table for you and yours, and free your hands of anything you may not wish to carry.

The slow fade of music from the stage signals attention to a single woman illuminated by spotlight, whose silhouette should look familiar to anyone who's spent time in the city. With a small, tired smile, Mayor Drake welcomes you and yours to the city's annual Samhain Celebration Ball; her speech is short, but touches on the importance of the holiday, from the appreciation of the harvest to the welcoming of the new year, and reminds both natives and visitors alike to take time in the coming months to cherish their blessings — including this most immediate one, the promised Samhain feast.

Once you've settled around a table, the ballroom welcomes you to chat with strangers and friends alike, encouraging conversation with soft instrumental music and the quiet, pleasant generosity of passing waiters carrying flutes of happily bubbling champagne. A little liquid courage never hurt anyone, after all.

Dinner is an affair in itself, plated and served by hushed but skilled waiters whose capable hands whisk courses in and out with no more than a smile. No matter your dietary preferences or needs, there's an appetizer, entree, and everything in between available for you — simply raise a hand, and a member of the waitstaff will be at your side to assist in taking your order when you're ready. Linger as long as you like at the table; there's no rush to leave, but when you're ready, let the swells of the music from the stage entice you to the west side of the ballroom, where a dance floor's lit by the warm glow of so many twinkling lights overhead.

The music itself goes on through the wee hours of the evening, so there's plenty of opportunities to fill your dance card with any number of partners. The songs themselves vary from gentle waltzes perfect for cheek-to-cheek swaying to faster rhythms suited for swing dancing's signature dips and twirls, and requests are always welcome if you've something particular in mind. There's even a microphone tucked to the side, just in case you feel the urge to croon with accompaniment to someone special as the night goes on.

Of course, if you don't feel like dancing, or just need to rest your feet, there's plenty of entertainment tucked in the hall. In a small room just off the ballroom, you might find a collection of old-fashioned photobooth machines, ordered on accident and set here where they won't clash with the rest of the decor. They're operational, of course, and free of charge; feel free to take a few silly photos, but be sure to wait for them to print. There's the gardens, too, equally decorated with twinkling lights, though the effect is muted by the moonlight that trickles through the canopy overhead; the adjoining hedge maze and walking paths have often been a perfect site for quiet walks and romantic interludes in years past.

While a perfect world might allow such a charmed evening to last forever, unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and as the late hour of the evening gives way to the promise of dawn, a familiar tune is played to signal the end of the event. As the lyrics go, you don't have to go home... but you can't stay here. Time to make your way to the exit, and see where else the night takes you.

Whew, talk about words. Should you need a recap: be pretty, because this is a fancy event. Bring a friend or come stag, whatever you choose; eat, drink, dance (or don't) and be merry, for this is an event without any dramatic accidental consequences. Well, except the sprinklers... and maybe your own excessive consumption of champange, but that's up to you!

And, though we say it every time, please don't forget that your mod team is here for you with answers to any questions you might have, whether related specifically to this event or the game in general. If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you.

Enjoy your evening, cuddlers, but if you would, please — save the last dance for us?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's not a date, but they do make quite the pair dressed in black. It's startling. But it is nice to not be flying solo, and she does hope they'll both have a good time. He deserves it. She's sure to smile at him, keep his arm, and after picking at her own dinner she graces him with a dance or two. There's an itch to get away, sometimes, because this is far too comfortable, but she forces herself to stay. Eventually, she does go outside for a breath of fresh air. One time she even drags him along.

She must be having a decent time of it if she's up for an adventure.]

I imagine a pirate has a good sense of direction. Care for a challenge?

[A question asked as she spots the hedge maze, hand on his elbow.]

[ He doesn't intend to glue himself to Claire all night. Things are going a bit better, but it's still a little strange. But tonight is good. It makes him feel normal. He doesn't feel like the dark one. He doesn't feel tainted. Ruined. The voices are dead silent and he enjoys himself. He enjoys drunk. His eyes sparkle just a bit when he watches Claire move about. He's a man smitten, but he does do everything in his power to fight it. To hide it. It's embarrassing enough that she knows how he feels he doesn't want it to be worse. He doesn't want to frighten her.

Killian almost wishes he had steered them elsewhere. She's leading him for the hedge maze and he knows she's going to zero in. Claire loves this sort of thing. He makes a face and then gives her a nod. ]

My bloody sense of direction is spot on. I'm a little offended you'd question it.

[ He starts to lead her into it. ]

Can you handle it?

[If he'd mention his discomfort, she'd steer them elsewhere. But as it is, there they are, going right into the maze. Her hold on his arm tightens a bit if only because the heels she has on and the grass beneath their feet doesn't make for the most steady footing.]

Of course. Just don't lose me.

[Right away, they come to an intersection.]

Right, forward, or left?

[ Truth be told he likes the way she hangs on. It's nice. He does recognize that it's more for mobility than because she desperately wants to cling to him. He's not a fool. He'll keep her upright though and if push comes to shove he'll carry her heels as well if she decides to take them off.

Killian looks at her with a smile as they walk. ]

I'd never lose you.

[ He looks in each direction and resists the urge to cheat a bit with magic. Instead he gives a nod and jerks his head to the right. ]

No magic. I say right. If we get lost--we'll be lost together at least.

No magic. [He does it for her, she knows. She appreciates it. Just like tonight. It's been nice, getting out and being around people even if she's not the most comfortable. It's easier with him here.

Right they go, and she's happy to let him take the lead. She trusts his sense of direction better than her own.]

If I need to piss, you can get us out. Deal?

[ He does most things for her sadly. But he knows she appreciates it. That's what makes her amazing. Perfect. Someone he knows he'd do his best to take care of, but he can't listen to that. He pushes it all back into the lock box to keep it buried. To keep her from panicking.

A laugh escapes him and he shakes his head. ]

I forgot how lady like you are. But no, I won't. You'll life your skirt and I'll shield you from view and you'll handle it.

[She laughs, softly, and gives his side a pinch. Hardly anything to be felt through that suit.]

I think not. You'll use your magic for me.

[ He jumps though just to play along. He continues to smile though as they walk through the hedge maze. Arm in arm. For a moment it feels so bloody normal and nice. He wishes it could never end. ]

Of course.

[ Killian leans over to kiss her shoulder. ]

I'd do anything for you, love.

[That's the tragedy of it, isn't it? A man that would do anything for a woman he loves, who can't necessarily feel the same. Not to the same level. Not with as much heart.

And she's painfully aware of that.]

Could I borrow your jacket, then? It's chilly in here.

[Nevermind the hedges block any breeze there might be.]

[ It's not like it's her fault. She doesn't have any control over this. She's trying to find a rhythm here. She is doing this for her family though. That's why she's here entirely. In Cadelle. To reunite her broken family.

He nods and undoes a button to shrug out of his jacket. He moves to drape it over her shoulders. She can wind it around her more or put her arms through the sleeves. ]

Better?

[A pause in their journey so she can situate herself. Arms through the sleeves, and she smiles at him. He wears it better.

She steps in to kiss his cheek.]

Much. [She can feel his warmth in the fabric. Again, she takes his arm, but this time her hand slides down to take his, fingers lacing together.] Thank you.

And... thank you, for everything. Tonight especially. It's lovely.

[ He watches her pull it on with a smile. Maybe he wears it better, but he has to admit that she looks quite fetching in his jacket this evening. It's very lovely on her.

Another smile a little wider at her cheek kiss. He looks down when she takes his hand this time. He looks very pleased. ]

Very welcome.

[ He gives a small shake of his head. ]

No apologies, Claire. I should be thanking you for coming with me and making me a very lucky man to have you on my arm tonight.

[It's worth it, to see that smile. For a time in Eudio, after that week together, she thought he might never smile at her again.]

I'd be a fool to say no to the most dashing man here.

[Right or left, now. Claire guides them left.]

You're a very good dancer.

[ He's a bit of a fool when it comes to Claire. He always bounces back to her. She's his best friend (sorry, Charming) and all he's ever wanted for her since she came up to him at the fair ages ago was for her to be happy. She had it once. Then she lost it.

Killian bows his head and waves a hand. ]

Well, I am very dashing. But it pales in comparison to your beauty. Could not be rivaled by any other woman.

[ He stays close while they walk. ]

I've learned a move or two. Dancing here is a touch different, but a slow dance is a slow dance.

[Flatterer. He does tend to look at her like that, but hearing the words makes her cheeks warm. He always has something pleasant to say about her--even when she's been pretty awful to him.]

I hope you'll ask me to the next ball, if we're here for it. I'd like to dance with you again.

Always. If you'll accept.

[ He stops suddenly though and pulls her into his arms. He smiles at her as he holds her close and a soft humming tune escapes him. Not using magic to make music appear. He's just humming away. Only stopping to speak. ]

But if you're after dancing.

[ He starts to sway with her. ]

[This she likes much better than his use of magic. It's a little abrupt, but once she realizes what he's doing, she smiles and relaxes against him. Letting him lead.]

You remember what happened the last time we did this.

[Dancing alone, she means.]

Aye. I do.

[ It was a strange time. He didn't think it'd happen. He didn't think any of it would happen. Yet they did get through a lot of things that troubled him. They found some answers and a little more solace between them. ]

I promise not to conjure up a couch and uh--[ His smile grows sheepish. ]--do that.

I pulled you to that couch. [Knowing full well what it could lead to. She's always know what every action with Killian could get her. None of it's really been a true surprise.

She just surprises herself sometimes, is all.]

... I was thinking that, perhaps--when we're done here, we might go back. [To the couch.]

[ Him as well. Cause every single time Killian thinks that he has things with her remotely figured out she turns it around on him. Completely confusing him. But it's good. She makes him grin and his brow cocks. He's trying not to look too pleased.

That's not what he expected either. Though he's certain he's misunderstood. ]

To your apartment?

[ That must be what she meant. Not to her couch? ]

Well, yes. That's where it was located, last I checked. [No more humming, but she does continue to sway with him, an easy motion even as they talk.]

[ Where it's located. Well, now. That's interesting. He lets his smile just get a bit flirtier. Solo brow cocking. ]

Your couch. That's where you want to go with me? You and I?

[ He's not sure why he keeps clarifying. ]

[She can feel her heart thudding in her chest. When she leans in to press her cheek to his, she wouldn't be surprised if he could feel it.]

You said you hoped to return the favor sometime.

[Her fingers squeeze his. A hint. Maybe all the closeness and the dancing and the general good mood of the night has gotten to her. A reward for the both of them couldn't be too terrible.]

[ At some point he does realize that he's forgotten to breathe. If she was worried about her heart hammering away then she wouldn't have to be too concerned. She has to hear his. Either that or the two of them have canceled each other out.

His whole body gets warmer and he squeezes her closer with his arm looped around her. Stiff fingers from his fake hand pressing into her lower back. ]

I do. Very much so.

[ His voice a whisper. ]

You'd like that?

[She knows part of their disconnect is that he feels she's not getting a fair trade. That he's taking. He's not, not in her eyes, but she hopes this helps. She'll be selfish for his sake.

No better time than after a night of dressing up and going out.

And maybe she's finally at the point where she simply wants to feel something more.]

I want you to touch me. [Her, wanting him.]

hedge maze of course

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