« 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

[unionjackoff]

[ah, Oz. the little piece of sunshine here in dark Cerealia. England cannot help but smile back at him. his own smile is not as brilliant as the boy's, but he beams at the praise nonetheless]

I am afraid you will have to suffer through more of me, yes.

so much music

[unionjackoff]

[England had sort of noticed how distracted Anna was, but he hadn't said anything. it wasn't his business. as long as she sang in tune and with the beat, then it was fine for him.

he looks up from his champagne flute and gives her a grin] It had never come up 'til now. [also? England can play several instruments. the violin isn't even his favorite] But thank you. You did quite well, yourself.

[unionjackoff]

[oh... that's miss Hino (he finally remembered her name)! and she looks happy. England offers Rei a smile before going over to sit by her]

Thank you, Hino-san. [he can be formal in other languages too] I was hoping I wouldn't need to, but one of the robots broke down during set-up. It's quite a bother, really.

[psh. like he doesn't want to show off]

[troubadear]

[It is a very adaptable dance!! Maribelle looks a little surprised when Trucy starts to lead (who knows why she assumed she'd be the one to) but quickly goes along with it.]

I did catch some of your show. I must say, I don't believe I've ever seen magic such as that before. It wasn't really all slight of hand tricks, was it?

[hamham]

[Dashingly plain, probably. Though the first one fits well too. He looks very much like Hinata, really. Almost completely unrecognizable without that ahoge though like who are you even?

No, Gundam knows who he is, standing up a little straighter as he's addressed. Maybe trying to show off how handsome he looks! He's handsome, right?

Totally been to balls before, though, as you can so plainly tell. Look at this guy. He knows what's up.]

Ah, Hinata! Are you enjoying the evening's festivities?

[sunshade]

[ Maybe not drunk, as she definitely isn't swaying or moving erratically. Hmmm. ]

That has to be the most ham-fisted lie you ever told, and I've heard quite a few of them. Stop fooling around.

[masakados]

[Aw, it is Great Guy Jaune, hey buddy.]

I think you should be safe. She told me I should get my dance on.

[Pause. And, with the utmost feigned gravity:] Would your date beat me up?

[masakados]

[HOPEFULLY THIS END WON'T INVOLVE MURDER.]

That's right.

[Naoki shakes his head as he heads out toward the dance floor.] Otherwise, my date would've had a danceless partner. The one I learned is pretty easy, though.

[brbwalking]

[ Judith didn't come here to be swept into finery-- in fact, she hadn't wanted to come at all, but she'd poked her head in to see how Yuri and Flynn were both faring.

Now, she's faintly regretting it, reaching up to touch one unhappily quivering ear. And the culprit? ]

Yuri... I'd like a word.

iii

[bewrightback]

[As he's asked, Phoenix feigns a fluster and points to himself.]

Me? Hey... Aren't you that universally famous magician who was just performing earlier?

[masakados]

Never? Huh.

[Completely unperturbed by a fox talking to him... Yep. Naoki does look between the fox and Nakigitsune pensively. After all, he gives off the same feeling as Kousetsu did... which would explain the dancing.]

...Want to try? I can show you an easy one.

magiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiic what else

[sunshade]

[ When it seems like there's a break in her magic show, setting up the next act perhaps, Patchouli calls out quietly from a little ways away. And oh that's definitely Trucy's present among all the bracelets dotting her arms. ]

I see you're getting some use out of that charm.

OTA!

[redcinemareel]

[Phase I & II]

[There is no way Grell could miss out on getting super fancy, and she's glad she did! Walking in, dressed in a lovely blue-purple evening gown, a tiara, and big curls, Grell hands the announcer her invitation to read.]

Announcing The Refined Misses Grell Sutcliff, of the noble Whitebeard Family.

[She gives a smile at the job well done and heads inside to mingle, looking about for anyone she recognizes. Her attention is pulled to the well lined area where the food and drinks have been set up. This could put all the homecomings she's attended to shame! Eventually, she does make her way over there for something to drink, and perhaps a small bite to eat.]


[Phase III]

[The orchestra is doing divine work, yet, Grell is standing near the edge of the crowd, holding a wine glass that is near empty, with no one to dance with! She isn't going to ask anyone to dance, because that's how it's supposed to be done! A true gentleman should offer his hand for a dance!

Despite the lack of a dance partner, there is a light smile on her face as she watches everyone having a good time. Of course some were dancing disasters and others are a sight to behold, but it's still nice to see. It makes her miss all the dances at Balamb Garden and sometimes the chaos that ensued afterwards.]


[Phase IV]

Get back you foul creatures!

[Remember that chaos she missed earlier? It seems to be right here in the gardens! Grell is currently fighting it off with a chain whip that has a dagger at the end. There are scorched leaves and a few branches on the ground, and currently there is a vine wrapped around her wrist. She seems to have things under control, but a helping hand wouldn't go unappreciated!]

[adornmental]

[Oh no, he's not suave, he's just inept... EVEN BETTER.]

Are you even kidding? Just "no". [He even drops his voice lower to mimic Saitou's at the "no".] That's the worst!

[adornmental]

[OF COURSE. Drink decorations are just as important as the drinks themselves!!]

Yeah! I got a bunch because they were on sale. [And he could afford them so why not, right??] There was one of every color, so coordinating them with the umbrellas would look super cute, don't you think?

[masakados]

I didn't realise our dance was gonna turn into a battle.

[Reaching out, he moves to reel her in closer, put a hand on her waist.]

[adornmental]

[Rest in peace Kashuu, he died like a moron.

Except that warning is enough to get him to lean away from the water a little, which momentarily detracts the alien fish thing's attention...]

Huh? They aren't? [But how would you know Hinata huh huh did you put them there] It's fine as long as I don't like, stick my hand in there or something, right?

phase iv;

[brbwalking]

[ Parties aren't her thing, not when Judith's still largely accustomed to solitude, and especially when there appears to be a dress code. She only meanders in to check (or chuckle at) Flynn and Yuri, to perhaps sample the food, and then to find a place away from the general gathering.

The outskirts, basically. Where she can calmly evade angry trees and continue about her business. It's only thanks to her usual habit of observing her surroundings that she spots the unconscious form before she steps on it. And, after another moment of examining it, she crouches down to pick up the rabbit, fingering the limp tie. ]

Well, now-- [ With a quick swipe of her glove, she'll try to brush the pollen off. ] What were you nibbling on, exactly?

[oneirism]

[Lapis was not expecting this, so she can only let out a an 'eep!' as she's yanked away, blinking when he throws his drink at the tentacle. Her brain not exactly catching on what's happening.

Then she process what he yelled exactly. Glancing between him and the lightly burned tentacle, before quickly shaking her head and holding her hands up in a sort of peace gesture.]

... Oh, no, it's okay, it's good fire! I wanted that fire. [Well, it's not her exactly that's doing it but details. And to demonstrate that the fire means no harm, a small fireball forms to float in front of them.] See?

[newtimes]

( Sweet stuff. It makes sense, given the bright colors... he can't imagine something like that tasting spicy or savory. And there is certainly no judgement on Mutsu's part, as he begins to smile and come closer. Actual puppy Mutsunokami. )

I saw those! ( The dumplings. Those were pretty easy to figure out. ) They were good but I've never seen food like this before.

( These cupcakes!! Sorry, he really can't get over those colors. He wants to try one and this guy offered? Is offering? Oh, but he can't be rude. He can't embarrass his master. )

... Is it all right?

Faize Sheifa Beleth | ota!

[shadows_edge]

Phase I
[There's nothing quite like being ushered to a ball with no explanation the minute you find yourself somewhere new. At least he's dressed nicely. Er...sort of. That's definitely kind of an odd outfit (what are those pants and why are they so poofy and do you really need platforms with a sole that thick?) and you may find yourself thinking that that black scarf-cloak really isn't doing him any fashion favors, but at least he's not wearing jeans or something.]

[Who is this guy, exactly? Well, the announcer introduced him as "Faize Sheifa Beleth, Eldarian Ambassador" but he's been making up shit all night so who knows how accurate any of that is. What kind of name is that anyway? He doesn't seem bothered by it, though, so maybe there's some truth to it after all. Or perhaps he's just so confused that he didn't even hear it...the poor guy does look pretty lost right now.]

[Maybe the confused look on his face is enough to make you take pity on the poor boy and approach him on your own. Or perhaps he thought you looked approachable enough and decided to come to you!]

Excuse me...might I inquire as to the purpose of this gathering? I'm afraid I was not invited so much as brought here rather abruptly without explanation... Ah, I suppose I should apologize to the host for that...do you know where I might find them?

[Talk about uptight...]

Phase II
[A little while later, Faize can be found at the food table, seeming more at ease with these strange circumstances he's found himself in. Though he's holding a plate, he's not actually...putting anything on it. Instead, he's just staring at everything on the table with a small, thoughtful-looking frown. Does he not know how a buffet works? Or is he just confused by the concept of food?]

[The answer is neither of the above, he's just not sure what most of these dishes even are. Once again, he could probably use a hand...]

Phase III
[Much later, Faize manages to find a small table at the edge of the dance floor that's just close enough for him to observe without hindrance while not being so close that he might seem like a creeper. He seems almost fascinated by everyone who's dancing, even the ones who aren't exactly as graceful as they could/should be. As far as he knows, you're doing it exactly right, so go you! What moves you have, truly amazing!]

[He'll even applaud a little at the end of each song performed by the orchestra. Both for the musicians and the dancers, really. Though that doesn't mean you can't mistake it all for you! Maybe your dance was really just that spectacular, it definitely needed at least one person appreciating it.]

Phase IV
[And even later still, Faize decides to take a break from the festivities and go admire the gardens instead of the party goers and their fascinating social rituals. Perhaps you'd like to join him while he's admiring the flora? They really are such lovely flowers and trees...]

[Or maybe you run into him later when he's observing the fountain fauna. What strange little alien fish! Definitely something he needs to stop and lean in to get a good look at-- oh dear god those teeth.]

Eugh!! [It's not a very dignified yell...he really wasn't expecting such a graceful creature to be hiding something like that. Taking a few steps back, Faize draws his hand down through the air in front of him, curling it into a fist in front of his chest with his eyes closed. His lips are moving quickly, though the words are impossible to hear. A blazing, bright blue magic circle begins rotating in the air before him and after a few moments, he suddenly thrusts his hand out in front of him with a loud cry:] Deep Freeze!!

[Predictably...the all the water in the fountain freezes solid, including however many alien fish happened to be inside that particular one. Because clearly they were monsters and clearly they deserved that and he definitely just did you all a favor there, you're welcome.]

[Thank him? Ask him about whatever that weird circle was a minute ago? Chastise him and stop him from potentially freezing MORE fountains? (Though you have to admit, it still looks kind of pretty even frozen solid)]

[flaredo]

Isn't everything we do pretty much a challenge?

[ ... she says as she rests her hand on his shoulder, bequeathing the lead to him. ]

[newtimes]

( He will gladly take her hand. )

Then let's go! I've never danced like this before so it'll be fun!

Re: open;

[newtimes]

( There's always that one guy at every party... Not that he minds! In fact, he just laughs very loudly, )

Gahaha! Now I know this is gonna be great now! ( Oh, but he probably... shouldn't leave this guy hanging. ) Hey, mister! I think ya're missin` something!

i

[stagewright]

Oh, sure! [ He's found a nicely dressed magician girl - plus a white cape and blue top hat - who seems more than happy to help out. Or at least socialize. ]

This is the winter ball! Miss Natalia is throwing it in celebration of - well, winter! The holidays! Whatever you feel like, I guess...but if you don't know that, you have to be new?