EVENT: A VERY NICE BALL.

[cuddlemods]

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?

Comments

[nursetemple]

[ Well, when Rene's entrance is announced, something loosens up a little inside Claire. She's not the only one who's come to this shindig dateless, at least. She throws the man a look when he walks in, but quickly loses him in the hustle and bustle of the evening, off to do her own thing, have a few conversations, meet a number of new people. It's the night to do it, at least - nobody is naked this time around, there is no blood and no hostage situation going on, it's... surprisingly tame, really. Claire might be a little too used to all sorts of terrible things happening in her life.

She finds the man - Rene, she reminds herself, later on, as he stands by the dancefloor and looks on, drinking from a delicate looking flute. Claire has got her own as she sidles up next to him, tilting her chin towards the couples dancing. ]

You look like you're thinking about jumping in and starting a moshpit. [ Her tone is amused, a smile hinted at the corners of her lips. ]

[perro]

( it's a shame, rene will soon realize, that he got here a little late to the game. if he hadn't, well, he could've seen this gorgeous chick beside him walk into this ballroom like she owns the damn joint, head held high and basking in her single status for the evening. maybe he would've felt a little less weird about being announced all by his lonesome, too.

luckily for him, the night decides to repay him for his misfortune, and here this girl is. her remark earns her a breath of laughter, a glance cast towards her before it's redirected back to the couples before them. )

Would probably need more than one person to start a moshpit.

[nursetemple]

[ Claire chuckles right back, her mind going back to indie nights in dingy clubs in Harlem and Queens when she was younger and trying to impress. ]

Well, you could always throw yourself into the dancers. Got to start somewhere.

[ Her smile is a little crooked as she looks ahead at the dancefloor. ]

I'd offer to join you, but I've promised my 20 year-old self I would never jump into a moshpit, ever again. Getting punched in the face once was enough.

[ Now if she's about to get injured, she needs to have a good reason. ]

[perro]

Might not be the worst thing in the world. The cops here must be so bored all the damn time — maybe I should make their night a little livelier.

( he could do that. or he could gulp down the last of his champagne and place the empty flute atop the tray of a passing waiter, fold his arms across his chest and look over at his new companion with an expectant eyebrow. )

Or maybe we could save the punch throwing for another day and you can dance with me.

( coupled with an outstretched hand, because rene is smooth. )

[nursetemple]

And, if you get punched in the face, I can look after you. I'm a certified nurse, after all, and I'm also a little bored most days.

[ She grins at him, obviously kidding, before making a face, like she's considering his offer. Only a moment later, though, she slips her hand in his. ]

You're lucky that sounds a teensy more pleasant than starting a full-blown brawl.

[ She's still grinning, very willing to let herself be pulled close. He is - scars and all - very, very handsome, so why not? ]