« intro ⇢ winterball.exe »

[poised]

Who: everyone, literally everyone
When: ooc: 04/25-04/26; ic: 12/26
Where: the Gardens
What: intro log + winter ball!
Rating/Warning: PG-13 | possibly nsfw (please let me know if you need this rating changed, or you are welcome to continue any naughty shenanigans in a private log)

//winterball.EXE Pimp My Party -- Royalty Style A few weeks prior to December 26th, an invitation went out to all whom already reside in Cerealia. In delicate, curling script, it read: You are cordially invited by Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear to a Winter Ball to be held on the Eve of December 26th in the Gardens. Dress in your best attire and enjoy a magical evening of dance and fine cuisine. What do you mean we should fuss about worlds being destroyed? Get into the holiday spirit, you scrooge! And in regards to the new-comers: whether you have been wandering Cerealia over the course of the past few days and managed to receive one of the later waves of invitations or have simply suddenly appeared in the gardens with nothing but the (hopefully…. appropriate….) clothes on your back, welcome. The gardens have been transformed through the work of slave labor condoned by royalty incredibly talented volunteers. A buffet line possibly a mile long, a sprawling dance floor with temporary wood placement to cover the grass, a lovely orchestra with scheduled interruptions of magic shows on the stage, and the entire thing lit gently with lights stretch the span of the main area of the garden. Not too far off, there are ponds and pathways that take you elsewhere into the foliage, but why would you go that way? The party’s right here! "Good evening, everyone!! Whether you are new to Tellus or old, I hope to find you in good spirits. Mind you, I do not intend to ignore the blunders of CERES nor the grave situation that new-comers have found themselves faced with. However I assure you that at this time, surrounded by these people, you are in good company. Please, dine and be merry - I believe some worlds celebrated a holiday yesterday! Get to know one another so we may strengthen our ties and stand firm against whatever this world may throw against us! Also try the salmon, it's absolutely divine. . . . How do I turn this off...? Should I just walk away?"

//SCENARIOS.EXE PHASE I [ xxxx ] Like any respectable ball, your entrance is announced as you walk right into the party! What do you mean you wanted to slip in unnoticed? That simply won’t do. Natalia managed to rope in someone – is that a Tellus native? – to do the honor of acknowledging your character as they make their debut to the ball. This guy is under strict orders to not miss a single soul. If your character doesn’t give him a name and title ahead of time, then he’ll just make something up. Think along the lines of Broseidon McSnootyname, Duke of Erectile Dysfunction-- What do you mean that’s not your name? PHASE II [ xxxx ] Absolutely no expense was spared when it came to making sure that the food here was the best that money could buy (or threats could extort). Guests can select from a menagerie of main dishes from all sorts of cultures, adorable desserts that look like woodland creatures alongside towering cakes, and even those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas on them. Pig out, you animals – but there’s also a wide selection of fine wine if your tastes and curiosities wander off in that direction…. What even is the drinking age in Tellus? Remember, folks, drink (ir)responsibly. PHASE III [ xxxx ] Well, it is a ball. If you’re interested in proper, classical styles of dance, there’s certainly an orchestra that’s dominating most of the night. One of their songs may or may not sound familiar. Spin around in your flurry of skirts and do the fairy tale thing if that’s what you came here for. Romance, or whatever. Waltz your heart out and don’t forget to point your toes! … that said, there’s also a separate sound system not too far, prepared in case the orchestra might want a break. It’s also not being watched too closely. Maybe put on something to liven up the dance floor? Or did someone ruin your fantasy by putting on something unbearably inappropriate? PHASE IV [ xxxx ] The gardens really are beautiful. Spread throughout the area and more toward the outskirts of the party, there are plenty of beautiful fountains with glittering, crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clear that you can spot the occasional alien life form flitting through it amidst the lily pads and gently sweeping foliage. It’s so graceful, what beauty! Look at how it rises to the water and gently opens its mouth into a yawn and—tries to chomp anything within range right off with razor sharp teeth what the fuck, whatthefuck. It would appear that's not all, though. Whether you're ready to fight the creature or run screaming, you feel something slowly slide and curl around your arm or your ankle. Look on in horror as you turn your head and realize that it seems that the nearby tree has grown rather fond of you very quickly, to the extent that it will reach out and lovingly wrap its hentai tentacles around you.... Brings a whole 'nother meaning to 'tree hugger', doesn't it? BONUS [ whyo'clock ] Are you lost? Did you try to catch your breath away from the party and start to wander off despite all the cautioning not to? Or maybe you were trying to leave and took a wrong turn? Either way, you seem to have only found yourself deeper in the gardens now. Try not to breathe too deeply or… at all. If you can’t manage that though, it appears that you’ve stumbled upon the hallucinogenic plants of the garden. You start to see things that aren’t there – though whether you suddenly find yourself in a den of cougars lions or think that the person standing next to you is the biggest, cuddliest pile of adorable puppies in the world depends on the person. Hope you have a good trip, bruh. [ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let me know (through FAQ comment or PM preferably!) if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so I can lock the log. ]

//RUN.EXE Welcome to CEREALIA's latest intro post! This one is player-run and all the basics have been laid out for you here. Absolutely feel free to come up with your own prompts, I just attempted to set the scenery! For your convenience, I whole-heartedly welcome questions and inquiries being directed to my attention here and I'll answer them to the best of my ability! Have a ball! Enjoy!! OVERFLOW IS HERE Move over at your captcha-free leisure!

Comments

[harepiece]

[OH CYNBEL... The concern isn't really misplaced, honestly.]

It's tradition! [That's it. That's the only answer Cynbel gets, because Oz immediately starts digging around in there. Of course he didn't forget his gardening/tea party friend...!]

Here! [And that sure is a package being held out his way. It has very sparkly wrapping paper with shiny snowflakes...]

[flaredo]

Who could forget?

[ And with a laugh of her own, she's pivoting and twirling him right onto the floor. Who needs things like warnings? ]

IV

[sjokolade]

[Despite the party being so festive, that didn't stop Anna from wanting to sit back and relax once in a while. Sure, she would probably fare better with other people but right now? All she wanted to do was be reminded of home and the gardens did just that.

Although, her thoughts had to be cut short the moment she heard some screams nearby. Without another moment to lose, she immediately went straight to that sound and...!]

Hey, is everything okay over there? What's going on?

[failedmurder]

That's exactly what I'm doin'! [ whoops mimicking speech styles. Since he's obviously 100% behind the dance plan, she points to a free spot a little ways out on the floor, then holds out a hand so they can navigate to it without getting separated. ]

[spes_phthisica]

[There are cupcakes with rainbow frosting and little glittery flowers on top, thank you. And also a slice of gold-dusted chocolate cake. He loves all the food that is pretty to look at as well as delicious, okay?]

Oh, it's... mostly sweet stuff, really. [He laughs a bit sheepishly, knowing full well that a lot of men his age had a tendency to scorn anything too sweet as being either childish or girly or both. Not that he actually gives half a flying fuck, but still.]

But I think that on the edge there are some kind of dumplings wrapped in kale...? [Right next to the cupcakes. OK Souji.]

Music as well!

[sjokolade]

[Despite Anna trying her best to sing her heart out, even she had to admit it wasn't working as well as she thought it would. Not that anyone could blame her, it was difficult to understand all that has happened even a month later. However, that didn't stop her from at least attempting to cheer a couple of people up.

Which was why the moment she saw England on his break?]

Hey, Arthur, you did a really good job up there! Why didn't you tell me you were really good with the violin, huh?

[souredsweet]

[DANGIT JAE-HA where did you even come from......

Looking somewhat uncomfortable, one of Kaoru's hands rises to touch a decorative comb. It's definitely a pretty up-do, at least...! A little more elegant and decorated than Kaoru's usual bun, and some of the face-framing hair seems to have been curled.]

Thank you, sir... [GLANCING OFF TO THE SIDE. With an air of stilted politeness:] I hope that you've been enjoying yourself so far?

[He certainly seems to like the music well enough, at least...]

[eyelineronpoint]

[So while Kay is chowing down Gaara just walks over, leans against the wall next to her and folds his arms over his chest.

Hi.]

[masakados]

Whoa--

[AND HERE WE GO... Naoki almost stumbles but catches himself in time so he can be twirled, though not without a raised brow. This is the one twirl you get, Yang!!]

[sewayaku]

PHASE II

[ being one of those oh-so-magnanimous volunteers that helped organize this ridiculous event, Zara is, of course, present, looking a little bit more dapper than usual. Also, looking quite tired. Do you know how long it took to set all this up? A long time. And he thought Fiona's birthday parties were rough - princesses are a whole new level.

Due to being a volunteer - or perhaps just due to being a busybody who can't turn off his butler switch - he remains on the job, carefully keeping an eye out for fights, spills, inappropriately drunken people, or anything else that might cause a ruckus and ruin his hard work Natalia's party.

For now, he's buzzing around near the refreshments. If he thinks you look too young and sees you going for something alcoholic, expect a firm hand to suddenly clap onto your shoulder rather ominously. ]

Excuse me.

[ otherwise... well, he finds those woodland creature desserts. You know who else is a woodland creature? Zara can be found staring at one of them (pretend it says natalia, not rex) with a somewhat concerned expression. ]

Phase III

[ Zara is a good dancer. So good at dancing, in fact, that he's instructed other people on how to do it. Nonetheless, the rabbit won't be found on the dance floor, but along the sidelines, hands held politely behind his back while he listens to the music. Provided it's not something too inappropriate or jarring, at least. Don't bring out that sound system while he's here!!

His watchful gaze is usually contented and approving, but occasionally, he'll see someone screwing up their waltz moves and make an expression that's halfway between a critical gaze and a wince. Those of you that he gave a few lessons to are getting an especially serious judgement... (looking at you, Ciel and Peko.) Still, for the most part, he seems quite pleased. ]

I never would have guessed that this place could transform into something so elegant.

Phase IV/BONUS

[ as the night goes on, he wanders out to the rest of the party, drifting towards the edges to admire some of the gardens' scenery. They're a common haunt for him, seeing as he's not quite used to living in such a bustling city; still, they look quite a bit more magical during the night of a winter ball. And though he's frustrated with his overall situation here, he allows himself to appreciate the beauty present here.

At least until a tentacle wraps around his ankle.

Because he's not a brute, he didn't bring his sword to the party, which means he's left struggling in shock - but it quickly becomes apparent that he's not nearly as strong as a tree root, and that thing's not coming off without an axe. To his chagrin, he's left with just one option; with a brief popping noise, he transforms, his new, much smaller shape slipping right out of those pesky tentacles before dashing straight into the gardens and hopefully as far away from living trees as possible.

Possibly too far into the gardens, because in his panic, he didn't realize he was going in the wrong direction. If anyone is passing by the outskirts of the party, they might spot a small, furry lump laying still on the ground. Closer inspection will reveal that it's a wild rabbit, albeit with purple fur and a plaid tie around its neck. It's unconscious, and covered with a fine dust of pollen that smells faintly like incense... ]

[souredsweet]

[HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPEEENED--

That answer sure is something, though. Kaoru glances at one of the drinks. Not that what she says is actually believed, but-]

Goodness... Well, I do suppose there are plenty of people who end up crying if they have too much to drink.

[Might as well just play along... This is a common fact of life anyway, no use denying it.]

[souredsweet]

[Cocktails will apparently just permanently elude Kaoru Nagumo. It's a good thing Mitsuru is here to lend a hand...]

Ah, I see. [...] It's a little strange to try evoking tropical imagery in the middle of winter, isn't it? Everything else seems to be themed to fit the winter.

[souredsweet]

[DANCING END: LOCKED.]

You did? For the purpose of this ball?

[Such dedication, if so! Kaoru smiles, looking mildly impressed already. That would have been a smart thing to do... Too bad dress shopping ate up so much time, good lord.]

iii

[yaayaa]

[Naki is indeed wallflowering! He looks fascinated at all the dancing, watching as everyone does their thing. The stranger's question gets a shake of the head though, the fox on his shoulder speaking up in answer.]

Nakigitsune has never danced before! It would be rather difficult to join in.

phase iii

[beaconed]

[ Hey, look, it's your pal from the previous intro log. Great Guy Jaune. ]

I would, but I think your date would beat me up.

[ He jokes, of course. ...But, no, seriously, both their dates could beat them up. ]

iii

[particularity]

[--aha.

Hinata's been keeping an eye out for familiar faces and there Tanaka is and he's all dressed up and...wallflowering away! Hinata's approaching with a glad expression (his ahoge is curiously flattened someone might have had at it with a brush and some gel but it won't last the night you can bet that much) and wearing his own outfit that makes him look...

Plainly dashing? Dashingly plain? One of those.]

Oi, Tanaka.

[ineptus]

[DUN DUN DUNN!!!

But that is a completely true statement. If someone does not think hugs are important, they are someone who needs hugs from multiple people even. Big group hug with them in the middle!

Just going to SQUEEZE HIM before letting go and grinning up at him.]

Merry Christmas!

IT BEGINS

[bloomnobly]

[ turning to acknowledge the friendly stranger and-- ]

Oh, Kaoru-san! Fancy seeing you here! Have you seen Misaki-san? Parties would be good for her disposition, you know.

iv

[eyelineronpoint]

[Sand wraps around Ciel and the branches, snapping the wood until it severs from the tree with a sharp crackle. The sand carries Ciel over to Gaara a few feet away before sliding off to curl around Gaara's feet like and obedient dog.

hope you're enjoying that gritty beach feeling little dudelet]

[bloomnobly]

[ Contrary to her melodramatic shrieking, Yuyuko is not in any immediate trouble and is in fact scorching up her harmless plant stalker with more...danmaku...don't shoot energy bullets at it it just wants to be friends, ghostbutt. ]

This plant seems to want to get to know me better! Au contraire, I say!

iii!

[adornmental]

[Did someone say SURPRISE--

No okay he's not Tsurumaru so he won't be the cause of any spilled drinks tonight... He does, however, have something to say about all this lurking happening over here right now.]

You look like you could use a dance!

[run sousei run]

[changeably]

[Oh, it's so shiny, and his eyes go wide when Oz holds it out. Cynbel takes it without thinking, only pausing to think about it once he's already got it. No take backs allowed.]

Ah! Is this one of those "Santa" traditions again? I thought all of that ended yesterday.

[He's been given something from yet another friend... He's going to have to get something equally nice to whatever this is for Oz later. It would rude not to.]

[flaredo]

Stay on your guard, demon lord!

[ This girl, this girl. But as promised, she won't twirl him again. ]

[sunshade]

Yes, and I'm a harmless schoolgirl. [ ... ] Did you put these plants here? Honestly, causing trouble the second you arrive!

[changeably]

[He thinks about that for a moment.]

I suppose it will have to! You are the one who insists on being the take charge one, after all.