The gala is well underway. Early in the hour, @Amara Dragamior enters and looks around for her friends while sipping a glass of cider. The hostess of the evening makes a spectacularly over the top entrance. Then, Phylicia Stanwood (@Bridget Collins) is announced, seemingly to her dismay. She boldly samples coffee for the first time and is apparently disgusted. Perhaps her next sample will involve cream and sugar.

Next enters @Santario Martin, accompanied by her grandparents. She is followed by Charles Alluring (@Henry Knight) and his family. @Xailah Alptraum and her sister arrive as well, evade the conscious announcer, and are separated fairly promptly. @Willow Anderson also passes on a grand entrance and can be spotted near the bottom of the stairs. @Kazuo Shimada and his parents enter as well. Like so many of the younger guests, Kazuo ventures on his own and finds some food before waiting at the edge of the dance floor.

@Pericles Dralt and his father enter and greet their hostess, as well as present her with some most appreciated gifts. @Katie Palsorette enters and is announced shortly after, with a parent on each side. She, like some of the other partygoers her age, is less than pleased with the extravagance of the evening. @Michael Miller enters with his parents and is separated from them fairly quickly, and opts to walk about a bit. Alexander Baron(@Mars T'ien) enters as well, having already shaken free from his parents. @Katherine Labrouder enters, accompanied by her parents and some sarcastic comments. Following the trend of the night, she wanders off on her own and sips a festive beverage.

@Lindsey Springhall is one who is apparently more excited to be at the Gala. She and her family are announced before she too is on her own. She is approached by Katie and the two begin to chat. @Scarlett Aden and her parents are announced next. The group moves to greet their hostess. That'll go well...

Viola Tempete (@Autumn Ivy) enters towards the end of the hour and sees a few guests that she is less than inclined to converse with. Enzo Delcroix (@Akari Kato) and his family are announced as well. He, unlike many of his peers, did not seem so keen on leaving his parents' side, but he does. @Lucia Fox is another guest, who is announced and promptly separated from her companion. She also catches sight of a certain redhead and hostess and watches in horror.

@Cassandra Ironwoods enters with their mother, and like so many others, opts for other company. @Sarah Lightwood enters as well and finds herself an empty table at which to consume chocolate (quite honestly a mood). Silvia Ventress (@Jess Malters) is another entry towards the end of the hour and greets the hostess. An ally of the hostess and her parents, @Astrea Soleil Neptune, grace the stage as well. For the moment, the young heiress has stayed at her father's side. Caroline Carla Belindez(@Lucille Williams) enters just before the clock strikes eight. Evidently, Purebloods take being fashionably late very seriously.

The Gala is well underway now, with a cheerful chatter mingling with the festive music. Caterers have an entirely new host of foods and options, and the swans are still drifting gracefully overhead, unlike real swans would do. So far, the night is pleasant but uneventful. Still, the night is young and there are nearly all of Pureblood high society, so who knows what may happen...

Round Actions
@Amara Dragamior drinks cider and looks around.
@Anastasia Beckett makes a very extra entrance, moves towards the bar with Willow.
@Bridget Collins (as Phylicia Stanwood) enters and has some coffee.
@Santario Martin enters the Ballroom and enters the dance floor with Charles.
@Henry Knight (as Charles Alluring) enters the Ballroom and enters the dance floor with Santario.
@Xailah Alptraum enters the Ballroom, sulks at the bar, and wonders where her sister went.
@Willow Anderson is adorable and goes towards the bar with Ana.
@Kazuo Shimada enters the Ballroom and eats canapés.
@Pericles Dralt enters the Ballroom, presents appreciation favors to the hostess, and is excited for their mutual muggle-born.
@Katie Palsorette enters the Ballroom and strikes up a conversation with Lindsey.
@Michael Miller enters the Ballroom.
@Mars T'ien(as Alexander Baron) enters the Ballroom and waits for someone (or something).
@Katherine Labrouder enters the Ballroom, sits at the bar, and waits for her friends.
@Lindsey Springhall enters the Ballroom, sips lemonade, and looks around.
@Scarlett Aden enters the Ballroom and sticks out her tongue at Ana.
@Autumn Ivy ( as Viola Tempete) enters the Ballroom, gets a drink, and strolls.
@Akari Kato (as Enzo Delcroix) enters the Ballroom and is forced to socialize.
@Lucia Fox enters the Ballroom, loses her sister, and stares at Scarlett and Ana in uttermost horror.
@Cassandra Ironwoods enters the Ballroom and begins to talk to Katherine.
@Sarah Lightwood enters, sits at an empty table, and eats chocolate.
@Jess Malters (as Silvia Ventress) enters the Ballroom and greets Anastasia.
@Astrea Soleil Neptune enters the Ballroom.
@Lucille Williams ( as Caroline Carla Belindez) enters the Ballroom.

────────────────────── 𝒜 ──────────────────────

Open to Interactions!
Interacting with: @Willow Anderson | @Pericles Dralt |@Scarlett Aden | @Jess Malters (as Silvia)
Mentioning: The Brawl in the Hall
Hex Color: #0080FF
────────────────────── 𝒜 ──────────────────────

Ana's dark eyes flitted nervously about the Ballroom from time to time, as if taking her attention off the general party would make everything fall apart. She smiled at Willow's words and laughed slightly. "I honestly have not the slightest clue. I think it was a combination of my parents not wanting to make a decision and wanting me to sound completely regal anytime I'm announced. You have no idea the difficulties I had when I was learning to write it," Ana said, as the pair made their way to get drinks. Willow had a calming influence and Ana's heart decided that her throat was no longer where it ought to reside.

"So, what do you think?" Ana inquired, gesturing at the entire party before them. She had grown up in this manor and with parties like this, so she was anxious to hear what someone who wasn't inoculated to the grandeur thought. The flying ice swans were the best idea she had ever had. Real swans were far too mean and would have shed feathers all over the guests, and simple ice sculptures were not enough for a Beckett Gala.

Ana smiled graciously as they were approached by Pericles. She recognized him from the Headliner as well as functions like this, and while she didn't know him very well, he had always seemed pleasant enough. "We are most honored at both of your presence," Ana said gracefully, nodding her head slightly. His reaction at seeing Willow definitely spoke well of him. While Willow was near impossible to not be fond of, it was good to see he wasn't the type to be snobbish about a Muggleborn. Ana knew there were likely guests who possessed that sentiment, and she was absolutely not going to stand for it.

"I accept and thank you for your favors," Ana said, the rehearsed lines rolling off her tongue as the gifts were passed to an attendant and then taken off to some side room for Ana to go through later and make certain to send thank-you notes. Her polite smile had turned into a genuine one. So far, everything was perfect and she had hope that she was going to have at least a small amount of fun.

Her eyes scanned the room again, less anxiously, and then she froze. What was Scarlett doing there? She knew that the guest list had been a matter of many arguments between her and her aunt, mainly Ana's choices to include friends that were perhaps what her aunt considered acceptable company, but wouldn't she have remembered seeing Scarlett's name on it? While she managed to keep smiling, her mind was racing with ways to commit a quick murder and not get caught. God, she couldn't do that very easily, as her gloves were white and would stain at the slightest provocation. Her stomach flipped as the girl and her parents approached.

How could Scarlett, who had spread rumors about Ana killing her parents and mocked her about them dare show her face here? Her grip on Willow tightened ever so slightly as Scarlett's parents greeted her. "Thank you ever so much, I'm thrilled you could make it," Ana said, managing to resist her urge to tackle Scarlett right then and there. This gala was about proving that she was prepared to carry on the Beckett legacy and showing everyone that the Becketts were not people to spread rumors about. Ana refused to give Scarlett the satisfaction of endangering that. "I believe I have, we're both on the Gryffindor Quidditch team." Her brow furrowed when Scarlett stuck out her tongue like a toddler. What the hell was wrong with her? Definitely not someone to ruin the Gala over. Ana was going to need to subtly deal with her later, but for now, this was all that she could do.

Another family neared her, strangers this time. She recognized the girl (Silvia)as one of the foreign students, but her brain seemed to have stowed the girl's name far far away. Mentally picturing the guest list, she remembered an American family with names that reminded her of the wind jinx. "Lovely to see you as well, Sir and Lady Ventress," Ana said, trying to center herself again. She was definitely glad Willow was present because there was a strong likelihood she would have attacked Scarlett then and there, even with the Dralts and Ventresses there. "Silvia, it's most pleasant to see you again as well."

She had definitely earned coffee after this. Other than Scarlett, she was rather enjoying her interactions, but it was tiring and the night had just begun. Still, thus far, Ana was the picture of a lady, the epitome of grace and beauty.

『

A photo reference for Alec's outfit will be added at a later date
Mentioning: N/A
Interacting With: N/A
Hex Code: #A0A9B8
Other: Open for interactions![Owl first]

Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers || Advanced Casting 』

The night had been an unfortunate one, in which the unlucky twelve-year-old had to be dragged out of the house because this is the bounds it took with his refusal to go. Thus causing the late entrance.

The month had been filled with terrible surprises on Alec's end. It had honestly started out great, with Secret Santa, and that gift exchange. Really, what could've ruined such a month? While apparently a lot of things.. Or Alec wouldn't be here like this is such a bad mood. You know, Alec had always disliked these Pureblood ball situations. Alec was forced into an uncomfortable suit and uncomfortable social atmosphere, It always ending feeling weird being around everybody else here.

Alec's mother seemed to always be able to easily handle it. But Alec on the other hand always found himself unable to even make conversation. He didn't fit in oddly enough. Then again, how was he expected to fit in when the one to compare himself to in such a proper setting was his mother? Alec had a lot to say on the matter of his mother, but even thinking thoughts about her like such made him feel terrible, she was still his mother, even if she decided to not speak to him for weeks on end as a small child..

Alec's mind wandered back to now and back to the setting scene. The Beckett manor, it was large and unimaginable, set up against the place Alec had been living most of his life. Yet it seems the Mason's had been able to keep their reputation up even as they lived in a cramped space compared to this. Not like they were going to have much of a reputation after word got out of everything that had happened this December, truly life-changing events, that's what they were. So life changing. In fact, Alec was told to keep his mouth closed, at least till his parents were ready to say anything.

Coats were shed as people one by one came in, as an entrance to the ballroom was made. The ballroom scene memorizing and tantalizing to the boy, with a faint smell of.. Was that coffee? As they walked in. Alec unable to help himself as his eyes jolted around the room to get a good look at the site in front of room. One of the most extravagant ballrooms he'd ever seen, even if he'd seen it a few times before, it still always seemed impressive.

Everyone of the Mason's were covered either in silk, or well built fabric. In the mix was what seemed to be a shy little girl with her face buried in her father's leg, a seemingly very well put together teenage girl, a blank faced mother per usual fancy pureblood fashion, a half grinning father, and the twelve-year-old himself. Of which who's face usually bestowed a smile, but at the moment he was as stone-faced as his mother, his brows hinting towards a small frown. With this came the announcement of their arrival. "Introducing Lord and Lady Mason, and their heirs." Alec himself bitter with those words right away. The titles not much to gawk at, besides his mother legally wouldn't be having the last name Mason very soon, anyway.

Curtsies and bows, as well as any other proper etiquette before everyone was off in their own directions. Alec settling just a few steps away from where the dancing was, settling in his standing position Alec's mind, determined began to wander. Since Alec was dragged there, in a terrible mood, and overall annoyed and upset with life right now. Or at least reminded of all these things with the announcement of their arrival. Whatever happened tonight, good or bad, Alec had decided a little chaos of his own was going to be in the mix. What that chaos meant? That was left to be determined. But if he was able to pull off those pranks for SOATOP, there was surely something he could find himself to do. Was Alec just want to stir up chaos for the possibility of getting into trouble? Maybe, but that was even still left to be determined if he was going to start such or not. Well, as it assumes a position of waiting, Alec would wait and see.

Open to interactions
Mentioning: Alexander Baron _{@Mars T'ien} | @Alec Mason | Caroline Carla Belindez _{@Lucille Williams} | Iris Fields _{@Katrina Walker}
Interacting: @Santario Martin | @Katherine Labrouder | @Cassandra Ironwoods | @Anastasia Beckett

Action: Trying to get a alcoholic drink and failing, judging the others with Katherine

For Mods: Stats: Stamina: 6| Evasion: 5| Strength: 10| Wisdom: 4| Arcpower: 5| Accuracy: 10| Total: 40
Abilities: Evasion Maneuver, Lovely Creature

_{Charles ~ Russian|French|Spanish|German|English
Andrew ~ English|Russian}

Charles kept a keen eye on his family until they left the ballroom to the gardens he assumed before turning back to Santario and speaking " my family stopped looking as well that means we can stop now," Charles stopped dancing and took his arms away from the raven haired girl quite smoothly before saying " a pleasure meeting you Santario and thank you. If I need help escaping again I'll be sure to keep a eye out for you," a thin smile escape his lips before leaving and looking around for at least one another person he knew.

Coming across the hostess; Anastasia Beckett whom he would give a smile to and a small bow as he spoke " miss Beckett a pleasure. I'm Charles Alluring of the Alluring household and would like to thank you for the invite to this gala," a smile escape his lips before giving another bow and hoping that satisfied his family if they asked him about it later and he again went to find someone he knew to talk to.

However he would find the bar and dressed in a suit with his hair slicked back gave the thirteen year old a older presence but only two years or so as he ask the bartender " scotch if you mind," Charles stared at the man who was slowly shaking his head before Charles would speak again " are you draft. Didn't you hear me ask for a drink," the man didn't seem amused and began walking away but Charles spoke rather fast " wait! I suggest you hand me the drink before I hex you with a unforgivable."

Charles didn't know the unforgivable curses and it seemed the bartender knew that two so he ignored Charles until he spoke " wait, if I can't get alcohol then I'll have a cup of tea. Or is caffeine illegal to?". After getting the cup of tea the blonde boy would lean his back on the bar as his eyes drifted next to him and he seemed to have been next to Katherine which was a relief to Charles as he spoke " I'm glad to see you Kath. Have you seen Iris yet? I haven't," before looking around and starting their annual "game" that was judging people as he spotted a boy_{Alexander Baron} in a white suit and scepter.

Charles would almost whisper to Katherine in Russian " look at him, a white suit? I'll bet you 5 gallons that the suit doesn't stay white by the and of this." Giving his partner a smirk before glancing around the ballroom again as he sipped his tea before his eyes landing on another, this in however just entered.

The boy_{Alec Mason} Charles notice arrived a bit late and looked like he didn't want to be here but also like he was planning something as Charles spoke Russian again to Katherine " he looks like he's planning something, maybe he'll bring some entertainment to this dull event," before eyes falling on one that was familiar to him: Caroline Carla Belindez.

Over the school year a change of plans were made and Charles was now arranged to marry the girl as this time he spoke in English to Katherine and apparently to Cash or Phoenix as he knew them as well, " that girl is Caroline Carla Belindez whom I'm arranged to marry. Fun isn't it Kath," sipping his drink again and finally seeing Cash or Phoenix he spoke " ah Phoenix, I wasn't expecting to find you here. A pleasure then.

As iNPC Iris Fields

Time passed, Iris wasn't sure how much. She walked down the paths, more like glided, with defocused eyes and a mind elsewhere. The gong of a clock startled Iris enough that she turned toward the estate again. Ladies always stay where they are supposed to. Iris' grandmother's voice rang in her ears as she returned to the Grand Foyer. "Iris! Where have you been?" Iris didn't have a moment to think before her grandmother was beside her dragging her out a hallway and around to the entrance. "We were supposed to have been announced an hour ago but you ran off like a petulant child!" The words were hissed with vile contempt, "Now we will be a mockery of the Kingston bloodline," Iris docilely walked a step behind her grandmother.

Iris stood back, with perfect posture, as her grandmother and grandfather went ahead. The announcer's voice rang clearly. "Introducing the Honorable Lord Richard-Smith Kingston and Lady Alexadria Susan Opalite-Kingston" Iris stepped forward, she was next. Just like the Christmas cocktail party. Regal. Elegant. Eyes over the audience. Head tall. Steady, sure steps. Mistakes are unacceptable. "And their grandaughter, Miss Iris Odette Verity Kingston" Iris hinted at a smile as she descended the stairs. She hardly noticed the fact that her grandmother had randomly added 'Verity' to her name, and her last name was changed as other Purebloods were there. The Fields family were hardly known at all, however, the Kingston family, people knew them. If anyone who even vaguely new Iris saw her descend those stairs, they would likely not recognize her. She was refined. She was proper. She was-- perfect.

Iris melted into the crowd as soon as the spotlight was on something else than her. She glided over the ground, small, unnoticed. She was silent. Just as she'd been taught. Any eyes on her would think she was just another Pureblood girl. Perfect.

At last, Iris spotted a familiar face, two to be exact. Katherine and Charles. They had met back when she had received the note that she was coming to the gala. That first day of learning what it meant to be proper. Before the two weeks of strict teaching over break. Before she became this perfect Pureblood girl. Back she she could hear her voice in her head instead of her grandmothers. Back when she was wild and happy and free.

It honestly took Iris a moment to think of something she would have usually said. Something not painfully Pureblooded. Proof that Iris was still there, deep down. "What bets would you make on me?" Iris whispered as she walked by the two of them, hearing the whispered Russian, before taking a seat near them at the bar. Her Russian accent leaned more British from the past weeks of torture, but the language itself was better than before. She had taken some time to learn Russian after their meeting.

"I'll just have a Shirley Temple," Iris requested from the bartender. It was a muggle cocktail, non-alcoholic. Just ginger ale, grenadine, lime juice, and a cherry. It looked pretty, tasted great, and had plenty of sugar. Once it was made, Iris took a sip. Reminded her of home. She just had to hold onto home for one more night. Then she could see her family and forget this wretched break ever happened.

Semi-Open to Interactions Owl or DM First
Talking Color: English= BF8080 Norwegian= BF8040 Russian= 808000
Interacting With: @Henry Knight as Charles Alluring and @Katherine Labrouder
Entering from Outside

Interacting with @Anastasia Beckett and @Scarlett Aden.
Mentioning N/A.
Actions: Finally come to her senses, introduce herself, attempt to pull Scarlett away.

Reducio

This won't go well, thought Lucia as Scarlett stuck her tongue out at Anastasia (wait, no, Lady Anastasia, it seemed), causing the part-Veela to widen her eyes.Oh, Merlin. This was Anastasia's own home. She could have the younger lioness removed from the property in the space of ten seconds, and (quite apart from the disappointment of Scarlett having to miss out on the gala), Lucia could only imagine the shame it would bring upon the Aden-Fulton family.

Unable to stop herself, Lucia rushed forwards in what she hoped was a graceful movement, tucking her fan into her bag as Anastasia spoke politely. At least they're not fighting this time. The image of Scarlett in the hospital wing after her fight with Lady Beckett would never really leave Lucia's mind. "Scarlett!" she gasped out, before remembering her manners. Weren't you supposed to greet people in order of social standing? And Anastasia was the host, so...

"Anasta- Lady Anastasia, thank you for inviting us." Merlin, why'd everyone suddenly have to have titles? Lucia gave a tiny curtsey to her host - no more, really, than a bob of the knees - and couldn't help thinking how strange this all was, really. The other girl was only a year older than Lucia, and yet here she was, hosting an entire gala where most of the guests were twice her age. Not to mention her family - apparently, Lady Beckett had died and Lord Beckett had... gone somewhere else in grief. For a moment, Lucia tried to see the girl who's parents had abandoned her, who had been forced to grow up so fast, but all she could see was Anastasia Beckett, the lioness who had fought Scarlett Aden. Speaking of Adens...
"Lord Aden, Lady Fulton, delighted to make your acquaintance. Lucia Fox, I'm a friend of your daughter." Two more 'curtseys' and Lucia was finally free to pull Scarlett out of there before any punches were thrown. "Scarlett, can I talk to you for a moment?" the dark-haired girl asked, a plea in her eyes.

Hopefully, Scarlett would agree, in which case Lucia would take her hand and practically drag her out of hearing range. "Merlin, Scarlett!" There were a whole lot of questions the Hufflepuff had, but somehow the one which made its way out of her lips was one of the least important. "Are they your parents?"

────── ☆ ───────

@Anastasia Beckett @Lucia Fox
Closed to Interaction (for now)

Anastasia didn't show any signs of being annoyed or slightly disgruntled at Scarlett, stubbornly sticking with her perfect princess theme. It was so unfair that Scarlett was expected to act like these stuck-up pure-bloods. She had never been to an aristocratic ball! How was she going to learn how to behave like a 'proper lady' in - what - a month? Without professional training? Anyhow, Anastasia didn't seem fazed and Scarlett's father shoved her forward rather forcefully, with a subtle glare that indicated that she had to stop her immaturity right now. Honestly, how were all these twelve-years-olds so grown-up already? Their outfits, their demeanour...you would think they were eighteen. Sickening.

"Oh, that's wonderful," said her father, giving a polite smile towards the host. He looked at Scarlett like - you didn't tell me you were on the Quidditch team. Scarlett simply shot a glare back. "Anyway, we give our greatest thanks to you for hosting this year. I hope -"

But he was interrupted by a slim, pale figure in a pink dress calling her name. The family instantly looked over, and Scarlett saw her friend Lucia Fox. She grinned - she did remember their brief meeting, where Scarlett had identified the Foxes as fancy purebloods.! Strangely, the look on Lucia's face wasn't so happy, unlike Scarlett's. Lucia fumbled and gave curtsies to Anastasia and her parents, before the badger dragged Scarlett from the scene.

Her parents looked at her oddly before Evelyn rolled her eyes and the pair gave a regal wave to Anastasia before leaving to talk to some other family. Scarlett managed to mouth 'I hate you too' to Anastasia before Lucia whirled her around and began talking.

"Yep, they are my parents," sighed Scarlett. "Honestly, they aren't as good as I was expecting. By the way, boy I have got a lot to tell you. You know, I could've handled Anastasia by herself, and I didn't really see why you needed to call her Lady, because that's stupid. Is Ebony here? Briar, Willow? I love their names by the way. And-"

But Scarlett realised she was waffling on, and sheepishly looked down before gesturing to her friend. "Sorry 'bout that. Continue."

────── ☆ ───────

Open to interactions
Mentioning: Alexander Baron _{@Mars T'ien} | Silvia Ventress _{@Jess Malters} |@Cassandra Ironwoods
Interacting: @Katherine Labrouder Iris Fields _{@Katrina Walker}

Action: catching up with Iris and Katherine, judging the others with Katherine

For Mods: Stats: Stamina: 6| Evasion: 5| Strength: 10| Wisdom: 4| Arcpower: 5| Accuracy: 10| Total: 40
Abilities: Evasion Maneuver, Lovely Creature

_{Charles ~ Russian|French|Spanish|German|English|
Norwegian
Andrew ~ English|Russian}

Charles probably wouldn't have admit it but he had taken a liking to Katherine and found they were more similar than he thought. Not to mention that she is one of the few that he actually trusts enough to be his true self around and take off the 'mask' that he constantly wears either with his family or at Dumstrang.

"Thanks Kath, I'll keep the offer in mind and same to you. You know if you ever need someone to complain to or anything about some tradition or pureblood thing my ear and owl is always opened for you," giving the girl a half smile before seeing her attention was taken up by the purple haired person owned as Phoenix to Charles. Looking away as he drunk a from his tea before whispering over to Katherine in Russian, "he looks like he has the mental capacity of a two year old and who wears pure white," as he looked over at the boy_{Alexander Baron} before whispering back to Katherine in Russian, "I still can't believe you took him to that ball Kath. He's particularly oozing with rudeness."

Rolling his eyes a bit before spotting another_{Silvia Ventress} and this time laughing a bit as he whispered to Katherine in Russian under his tea, "is it just mean or does she seen rather desperate to meet the host. I'll bet you five gallons that she tries to be 'parents perfect pureblood' daughter," before rolling his eyes at the comment looking else where until he heard a finalize voice except in Russian as he turned and found Iris Fields.

Besides from russian, every other language Charles speaks as a British accent and Norwegian was no exception as he spoke in Norwegian toward Iris, "I'll bet that first chance you'll get a broom and run," before laughing a bit and speaking in english " nice to see you Iris and your nice as well."

Although he did give the bartender a evil eye when they gave Iris a non alcoholic drink before turning back to the two girls and speaking in English, " some gala this is? So how has your first gala been Iris, did you meet any snobby guys yet," before giving her a half smile and a bit of a nudge.

Interacting| Charles Alluring (@Henry Knight)
Mentioning| @Anastasia Beckett
Open to interactions

Action| Leaving the ballroom and Entering the Outside Gardens
Open to interaction if anyone decides to follow