Event The Fall Ball (Masquerade)

@Eyre Reeves
~Currently not open to interactions~

Rose rocked on her feet at the entrance to the ballroom. She was waiting for Eyre. Sweet, gentle Eyre, who happened to be her boyfriend. She was glad of it, too- nobody had been this supportive of her like Eyre had.

That night Rose felt... well. She felt pretty. Which was a rare occasion for Rose. She usually felt so ugly, even when other people told her otherwise. Even when she wasn't ugly. She told herself that anyway. It was a bad habit, but it would stick with her for a while. But tonight she actually felt good. Her dress was off-the-shoulder, revealing the groups of freckles on her shoulders. Rose wasn't overly curvy for her age, but she definitely had some curves and the way that the dress accented them was beautiful. The dress was floor-length and had many layers of tulle, billowing around her legs in a way that made her feel like a queen. It just brushed the floor, hiding her heels that she was wearing.

She had started wearing boots with a little heel beforehand to start getting used to wearing heels for the ball. She was absolutely determined not to trip and embarrass herself. They gave her an extra inch on her height, letting her catch up to Eyre just a little bit. Her ruby earrings swung back and forth elegantly every time she moved her head. She had been allowed to get her ears pierced when she was ten, but rarely ever wore earrings. Today was quite a special occasion.

Her mask framed her face perfectly, tied discreetly under her hair. She had made it so she could easily untie it if she wanted to, but it was comfortable on her face. Her auburn hair was extra curly today, and though half of it had been pulled back from her face in an attempt to keep it out of her face, one little spring had escaped and was framing her forehead. She had tried to tuck it back in several times, but it had escaped anyway. It just made her all the more beautiful. She felt put together.

And she would not trip.

So as people filed into the rooms, she waited for Eyre.

Action: Waiting for Eyre

Stats:
Stamina- 6 | Evasion- 8 | Strength- 5 | Wisdom- 9 | ArcPower- 7 | Accuracy- 5
Abilities:
Keen Eye | Lovely Creature (in effect)

Interacting with @Kara Capricorn
Open to other interaction

Piper watched the students congregate, friends and couples clustering and talking. She observed their outfits and behavior. Some people were shier, staying closer to the walls, while other students were much more social, talking loudly and laughing. Piper was right; everyone there seemed to be much older. Self-doubt flooded over her. Had there been anywhere on the invitation that said first-years weren't allowed? That would certainly make sense in light of the party here. She felt small and rather inferior.

The lights around the Hall flickered, and the music brought a certain upbeat energy to the room which might have felt suppressing and dull otherwise. Piper took a deep breath, continuing to watch. She jumped as she made eye contact with a girl who had deep brown eyes. She was dressed far more simply than Piper, and was occupied by ladling herself some punch. Her mask was rather see-through and revealed much more of her face than others'. The girl possessed short brown hair, and was about Piper's height. Piper's insides squirmed as the other girl poured a second glass of punch and made her way over to join her. Here was the part where she would have to actually talk to someone. And also probably make herself look like an idiot. Why couldn't Diagon Alley sell things she desperately needed, like age, maturity, and social competency?

The girl offered her the second glass of punch. "Hello random woman who's name I have no idea. You seem pretty lonely just like me, so want some punch? Also, if you want to know, the name's Kara Capricorn." One word caught Piper's attention - woman. Maybe she didn't look too young after all. Hope stirred inside of her. She realized she should probably accept the punch, and did. The girl also introduced herself as Kara Capricorn, and it seemed she was a second-year. This was a problem; maybe she expected Piper to say her name too. That would ruin her whole be-unrecognizable plan! Though it may be rude, she did not offer her name in return. Instead, she simply said, "Thank you." Kara glanced her up and down, clearly sizing her up. Piper shifted uncomfortably and Kara picked up the conversation again.

"I feel like I recognize, you know. You also look quite a bit like my friend Heather, but I don't know if Heather is coming here. If so, I would've been here with her." Piper wasn't quite sure to say to this. She had never seen or heard of Kara (or whoever Heather was) before this, so she doubted she really recognized her.

"You're outfit looks pretty obsolete. I would suggest coming to Hogwarts events with a little more, how do I say this... mobile clothing? If I've learned anything from being a second-year, it's that at Hogwarts, you're never fully safe, and you never know when you might have to choose between fight or flight." Kara gave an odd little smile. Inwardly Piper died a little. Kara didn't look like she was trying to be rude; she stated it matter-of-factly. But that didn't make it sting any less. It was true that this outfit was rather harder to move in, and yes it was outdated, but it was just one night and the awesome Medieval-ness was kind of the point. And what did Kara mean by "you're never fully safe"? Wasn't that the staffs' job? She automatically had a distaste for the other girl.

However, Piper wasn't about to start a conflict here. "Um. Thanks. I think?" she mumbled. What was she supposed to say now? Groping for a topic, she finally asked, "Who's Heather? And...if nothing's fully safe here, then...has anything bad happened lately?"

Sarah watched as ghost drifted by her, offering the man a small wave as he floated into the ballroom. She wondered how those who hadn’t grown up surrounded by magic would feel about ghosts being so common here in the wizarding world. It didn’t, nor had it ever, surprised her to see a ghost or two hanging around a dark corridor or abandoned room. In fact, back at the Manor, there used to be a ghost who she’d considered her friend.

Through the translucent body of one of the passing ghosts, Sarah caught sight of Paisley. The remaining nerves which were still fluttering around in her stomach seemed to disappear the minute she did - perhaps I was nervous she wouldn’t show. Though knowing the girl, she knew she’d never stand someone up. Her eyes widened the second she really took in Pasiley’s appearance. I’ve always said great minds think alike, she thought with a small grin. Paisley’s dress was so similar to hers that it looked as though they’d planned it - something Sarah was more then okay with.

“How have we managed to subconsciously match,” Sarah said excitedly, having to contain her excitement lest she start excitedly clapping here in the corridor. She took in the beautiful blue of Paisley’s dress a final time, so happy the girl had suggested them attending together tonight. She was about to speak again, answer Paisley’s question, when the a floating candle flickered against her hair and Sarah’s breath caught. It was beautiful, suited Paisley and her dress perfectly and Sarah couldn’t stop the wide grin from breaking out on her face. She'd never thought about Paisley and blue hair, but seeing it, she couldn't imagine why not. “Your hair,” She said, rather inelegantly, as she stared. “Apparently the colours are spreading,” She added quickly, flicking a strand of her green hair over her shoulder with a delighted giggle.

“You’re right, it’s fantastic,” She said, glancing at the door to the ballroom, eyes growing ever wider. From here she could see crowds of people dancing and enjoying themselves. She could see the decorations and lights, making the room look as though it was out of one of th ebooks she so loved to read. She turned back to Paisley with a twinkle in her eyes. “How do you feel about dancing?” She asked, unable to contain her excitement as she grabbed the girls hand and led her into the ballroom.

Post tracker: X•X•

Semi-Open to Interactions (Waiting for Partner, @Alan Vanes)

Erik Satie - Gnossienne No. 1

Roleplaying as Kheanu Maravilho Mondelez
Lovely Creature | Terrible Presence | Evasive Maneuvers
Sta 10, Str 0, Eva 0, Wis 12, Arc 13, Acc 10

In the woods, the sounds of Nature whisper through the leaves overhead; and under the trees' cool shade, the greenery rustles with signs of verdant life. Nearby, a brook burbles its blessing, bending beyond the boundary of the brush, weaving through the wood and widening as it fed into a deep, crystalline river.

It showed a brilliant emerald under the pale morning light, and underneath: movement.

A shadow—nay—a white so bright it threw specks of reflected light under the river's clear water, weaving through the tall aquatic waterweeds. 'Twas a mermaid of old lore, humming her haunting hymn as she traversed the water's depths. Upstream she went—upstream, where the sounds of giggling and boisterous laughter rang in a melodious cacophony.

Women with long, flowing locks frolicked in the water, their pale, cream skin glowing with moisture under the early rays of the sun. Their joyful sounds carried a ways away, to a man who sat staring at his reflection on a small, peaceful pond. Narcissus, they say his name was, and he was oblivious to the sounds and sights of the nymphs by the river. For surely, no one was as beautiful as he.

The world of myths: Enchanting.

Enchanting and dangerous.

A realm of capricious gods, life-changing prophecies, and glorious heroes.

Never has the world been witness to something so... horrifyingly beautiful.

———

Inspired by Christian Dior's "Le Mythe Dior" directed by Matteo Garrone.

***
A gust of autumn wind heralded the arrival of Kheanu Maravilho Mondelez.

Horrifyingly beautiful—anybody who saw him would describe him as so.

It wasn't anything that they could visibly make out, for the Italian boy is an epitome of pulchritude on his exterior. Kheanu's perfectly-crafted hair accessorized by gold laurel leaves, and his graceful steps gave nothing away. It was something they felt that was so dissonant with the boy's perfect stature.

There was an awareness and a certain kind of power in the eyes partially-hidden behind the pale-gold, lace mask—an aura of superiority that was palpable even in the cavernous room.

In fact, if one were knowledgeable enough, they would realize this duality of enchantment and danger in the clothes that Kheanu wore. It was one of the many pieces of The House of Dior's Fall 2020 Haute Couture. A seemingly simple yet ostentatiously expensive outfit of pure silk organza and hand-dyed flax in the shades translucent white and neutral-green respectively, chosen for the collection's Italian designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and specially selected for its symbolism.

The whole collection condensed the whimsy of the legendary myths of old—a showcase of Nature's boons as well as its banes—into every gossamer thread and fabric of each garment. Literally woven into the boy's outfit was the idea and the abstract concept of otherworldly, terrific attraction.

And the boy lived it—this concept.

Like nature deities disguised in the forms of woodland nymphs, one would not be able to tell Kheanu was capable of many great, magical feats; all creatures capable of leading heroes and villains alike to their victories... or dooms with their powerful charms. Only a select few—those who had seen him in action—would be privy to this tidbit of information.

One of them was his partner to the ball: a witness to his roses as well as his thorns, a fellow Durmstrang student he bowled over with a powerful Flipendo to the face last Summer during the Chess Combat Games...

A boy who was currently running late.

playing as, lana

open to interactions.
interacting with Enzo Delcroix @Akari Kato | @Jane Victoria

______________________________________

The voice had come unexpectedly, her once familiar smile replaced by a grimace. Only for a second, though, did her face drop. Lana raised her head higher to greet Enzo, a nod coming from her as well. Customary? What was he going to do, ask her to dance? She looked back at Jay, now confused as to which route she would have to take. Would this be like the films where the girl had wound up with two dates, having to spend time with both equally? She couldn't fathom the strain of having to maintain two conversations, yet she supposed she would have to.

"Ah yes, how silly of me. Would you prefer to stand awkwardly by the punch bowl or dance until your heart's content?" She spoke sarcastically, adjusting her jacket a bit as she did so. There of course was a dress underneath, though there was no point in displaying it. She kept her knives with her under the trenchcoat pockets, just in case they were needed. God forbid another Blossom Ball happened and she was ill-prepared.

She wondered how Jay felt about this, as it certainly couldn't have been the most pleasant situations. Your date has another date, how splendid.

______________________________________

X § X § X § X § X § X § X § X

Open to Interactions; Currently With his Twin!

Oh boy. One year passed, and how quickly time seemed to fly. It seemed like only yesterday the traumatic events of last year's masquerade ball had taken place, and on the night of Halloween. This year, the event was taking place much sooner, but despite that, Piérre was still somewhat on edge as to how things could go south in this event. The lad had learned firsthand just how violent this world of magic could be, and as such he had prepared himself for the worst; trying to memorize and rehearse as many spells as possible, not wearing a mask that would terribly impair his vision, and in fact, not dressing as dramatically as he had last year. If things were going to come down to a fight, Piérre wanted to give himself as much leeway as possible to avoid and negate attacks coming his way. So great his paranoia, Piérre had not only brought along his yew wand (slipped into one of the sheathes at his belt), but he had also brought along Luciana, his Moontrimmer, which was slung over his back like a bow. He had indeed learned from last time at the Blossomball; the fact that a broom could be more than a lifesaver, for himself and others, and he wanted to offer himself the greatest possible chances of doing just that: saving his life and others if things went sour.

Still, not everything could be doom and gloom, and in fact, the Britalian was more than over the moon with the current situation; rambling on and on about events and things that he had been doing here to his twin, who was currently lodged in Hogwarts along with the rest of Durmstrang's student athletes. Romeo was quiet, that was for sure, but Piérre knew that deep down, he was happy to see his brother... if perhaps his more stoic twin was overwhelmed with Piérre's constant enthusiasm...

"...And then... WHAPOW!!!! I crashed through the window into Hogwarts, yelling my head off to try and get people to notice me! Man, flying through windows is so much fun! Maybe I should be a stuntman when I grow up!" Piérre was skipping alongside his brother, making animated movements as he reenacted his venture of crashing through the window of the Main Hall into Hogwarts. The window had, by this point, been fixed, but Piérre always fondly remembered when it was not. He stopped for a moment to readjust his black bandit mask, which had begun to fall down around his cheeks. Laughing a bit, Piérre continued to ramble, half-blinded as he tried to fix his outfit. "And then Miss Cy was there, and so was a pair of other teachers who were really awesome, and Mister Artie told me to stay behind, but I was like 'NO WAY', and I went back and tried to save Philipe-- Philipe's the Mosp, you know, but then got stung, and MAN that night was AWESOME!" Piérre clapped his hands together wildly before quickly trying to fix the ribbon behind his head. This mask, Piérre vowed, would be the death of him.

Then again, he had decided to dress unorthodoxly. Whereas last year the boy had been an image of formality and grace, this year he was playing the cheesy villain. A villain that was just as comical as he was serious. One Mister L. Of course, Piérre had taken some liberties with the outfit, and instead of wearing a plain green shirt with a black pair of overalls, Piérre had decided to get a little more creative, having gone thrifting a few weeks back and then breaking out his sewing kit about three days after. Ah, yes, Piérre could sew. Another feminine trait of his, but a useful one nonetheless.

But the costume-- it was more militaristic in style, a style that Piérre was hoping to emulate when he thought of his brother's time in Durmstrang. As such, sleek and prompt were the two adjectives that the Britalian had tried to keep in mind while designing the custom-made outfit. Starting with a pair of black breeches, and shiny, knee-high onyx boots-- neither of which had been altered because they already looked fine enough as it was-- but it was the upper part of the costume that had taken the most time. Starting with a normal black, long sleeved tunic, Piérre had added green trim to the bottom edge for some vibrant taste. Then, finding a pair of shiny gold buttons, he had placed them on the breast of the tunic for a military feel. In fact, that had been most of the altercation process. A pair of grey gloves; add green trim and a niche. Grab a green bandana and a green strip of fabric, add them accordingly after the initial dressing. It had been the hat that had caused the most trouble, but even that had been readily made through a painstakingly long process of black ribbon threading and precise and equal placement of proper spacing and...

Yeah, it had been a trial.

But the result had been ideal, and the outfit looked sleek and almost slightly intimidating. The last step had been to add makeup, and wouldn't you know, Piérre happened to be proficient in theater makeup as well. Ah, the benefits of being an eccentric. A pencil-drawn moustache there, a pair of thin sideburns there, and more defined eyebrows that were creased in anger, and Piérre was ready to go. Scowling, he really looked a villain, but alas, every time he tried, he would always bust up into laughter. Even with the shortcomings of his personality, however, Piérre was ready to partay. He was excited to have a little fun before hell broke loose.

It seemed that he was not the first person there, but fortunately, it also appeared that he was not the last, so that was a definite benefit. Piérre would linger near the door for a bit, holding it open for his brother and a few other people who would show up right behind them, tipping his hat and offering a lopsided smirk as he started to get further into character. He was a suave mastermind, after all. It was time to act the part. Handing the door off to another person, Piérre sprinted after Romeo, tightening the sling grasp on his Moontrimmer as he went. "Hey, hey Romeo!" Piérre called, panting as he caught up with his twin. "Ya wanna dance at all? Meet some people? Oh, oh! How about we introduce our friends, huh?!" Piérre was bouncing up and down. There was so much that he wanted to do with his brother during school, and there never seemed to be enough time to do it.

Chillin' with his bro

Mod Note: Piérre has brought his Moontrimmer, Luciana
He chooses to place his +3s to Evasion (+13) and Stamina (6)
He also possesses a 10% Auto-dodge rate

Statistics and Abilities
Stamina 6 | Strength 3 | Evasion 13
Wisdom 10 | Accuracy 10 | ArcPower 5

Keen Eye: 25% Chance to Spot something Important
Calming Presence: 10% Auto-hit Rate. Allies: Unchosen

I'm too lazy to actually do art in an hour's time, and I'm working on the costume still, so have this image reference of Piérre's badass Mister L cosplay...

Reducio

Open to Interactions; Currently With his Twin...
Mentioning @Evelynn Decipio as Greta & @Rafael D'Spacito as Hanzo

Halloween has always been Piérre's favorite holiday, and I completely understand why that is. It gives a person a chance to be something that they are not; and it lets them be creative and belong to a world that they know is impossible to belong to. Ah, my young twin, always obsessed with his video games and Nintendo. If I were anyone else, I would say that he looked rather ridiculous, but considering that he had made the outfit modifications all on his own, I suppose I have to give him credit for his hard work well done. He's speaking to me, recalling his ventures with the Blossomball and the events that had taken place there, and though I offer reassuring nods and smiles, my thoughts are elsewhere. I cannot stop thinking about the connections between the darkness in Hogwarts and in Durmstrang. I've been desperately trying to put together pieces, understand the entire story, but all attempts have been futile. No matter which way I slice it, there is always one piece missing, a tiny puzzle piece that is left out. That is what iis frustrating to me.

Piérre struggles to fix his mask. "Here... Gemello, let me help you." I quietly touch his shoulder and tighten the bandit mask on his outfit. With a smile, I slip on my own masquerade masque, a three faced beast. "There you go. Ready to invent some trouble, are we?" Sighing, I continue to listen to his ramblings. Though he seems to be happy on the outside, I know better. Something is preventing him from telling me everything. I have yet to figure out what exactly that fear stems from, but I know that it exists. If the Moontrimmer that he currently slings over his back is any warning, Piérre thinks that he will be in danger during this event. I cannot let that happen. Even should danger arise, I will find myself in a protective position of him. I have been his defender ever since he was a child. Now is no different.

My scarlet cape ripples behind me and the faux sword sheathe at my side hides my yew and snallygaster heartstring wand. My faithful and loyal compatriot in every endeavor. My competition had taken place a few days prior, but I have vouched to stay here at Hogwarts in order to attend the Masquerade and to watch my brother's performance in the Quidditch game coming up later in the month. He watched my endeavors, it is only fair that I watch and cheer for him likewise. That is what twins are for.

Even in the midst of the celebration, as Piérre opens the door for me, I glance about quickly, searching for any familiar faces. I recognize some Durmstrang students, certainly, but I am looking for a specific one: Hanzo. I wonder if he decided to show up tonight? Perhaps we could hang out and compare thoughts on the current situations of the schools and the magical world. I need all the puzzle pieces that I can get from as many people as possible. Hanzo seems to be the person to find; for he has contacts with the Duelists of Durmstrang, a group that I have little to no contact with simply because of different strengths that we possess. I am the brawny brains, and he is the damage-dealer.

My brother catches up with me and I smile at him as he continues to talk. The idea of looking for our friends seems to be a good one, and for once, I agree with him. "Yes, let's look for our friends. I'm sure that Greta and Hanzo would love to meet you." I quietly touch up my collar, making sure that I look good enough to meet others. I will not stand for looking disheveled at such a massive and flamboyant gathering. And, above all, I'm looking out for my brother's well-being. I will not have him hurt under my watch. If anyone wants to hurt my brother, they will have to beat me down and knock me out in order to get to him; and I'd like to see them try to mess with my fists.

Enduring his bro's ADHD

Mod Note: Piérre has brought his Moontrimmer, Luciana
When and if Romeo shares the broom with Piérre, he chooses to place his +3s to Wisdom (+10) and Accuracy (+13)
He will also possess a 10% Auto-dodge rate

Statistics and Abilities
Stamina 7 | Strength 10 | Evasion 7
Wisdom 7 | Accuracy 10 | ArcPower 0

Obnoxiously Strong: +10% to any Strength Checks
Perfectionist: -1 Critical Failure Chance

Outfit:

Reducio

Mask


Outfit

Lucia's face flushed a rather embarrasing red as Scarlett burst into giggles, reassuring the Hufflepuff between snickers that it was all okay, and that the lioness knew what she meant. Lucia couldn't help her face breaking from an embarrased little 'o' of surprise to a bracket of hilarity as she giggled herself. "Sorry- yeah- I mean, I was- Merlin that was stupid," she blurted, causing herself to just giggle more over the idiocity of the situation. Scarlett was a friend.

Suddenly, the redheaded girl stared off into the distance, and Lucia had to refrain herself from waving a hand over her friend's face and asking, "Earth to Scarlett - is anyone home?". As it happened though, there was no need because a girl with short - very short - brown hair approached the pair of second-years. She was a little smaller than Lucia, and looked a little nervous - was she a first year, maybe? The thought made Lucia suddenly feel quite old and wise.

Wait, what? From that statement, Lucia had understood exactly one lonely word - Lily. And that was a name, so it didn't really count. She exchanged a puzzled look with Scarlett, who seemed just as confused as Lucia was, and said, "Sorry- I don't know what you're-"

Thank Merlin, the girl could speak English. She introduced herself as Lily, and Scarlett responded with her own name. The lioness seemed to be about to give Lucia's name as well, but she trailed off so the Hufflepuff stepped in. "Lucia," she said with a little smile. "Hey."

Cassie suddenly realised that Charles was still holding her hand, and though she didn't let go her previous grip as they had been pulled into the ballroom loosened. As Charlie spoke a few words to a friend, Cassie looked around the room, taking it all in. Of course, it was nothing compared to the rich halls of Beauxbatons, but it was still something impressive to Cassie, who had grown up in a modest family house and whose ideas of 'Autumn Dance' still really meant a town hall covered in balloons and containing a bad DJ who tried to force all the kids to do the YMCA. Not that many of the kids here would know what that phrase meant, of course.

"Seriously?!" Cassie asked, incredulous, after Charles told her about his previous hair-dying experiences. "Your mum made you dye your hair... to fit in?! You purebloods have something wierd going on if that's your idea of a family tradition," she said with her usual unapologetic bluntness. Poor Charles, to have to change his hair colour just so someone would think him part of a family! Cassie blinked. "Also," she added, "That's kinda sexist. Can't the girls have black hair too?" But then she changed the topic, because she noticed that Charles looked a little uncomfortable talking about his family.

Years as a child?! How early did pureblood kids start going to balls, five?! "That sucks," Cassie Heather said, "I feel sorry for you."

Do you trust me? The answer was obvious, staring them both in the face. "Nope," Cassie grinned as she took Charles' hand and started moving towards the centre of the room. "Not one bit."