happy holidays { open }

[disasdeer]

A HOLIDAY PARTY

I. Arrival

There were postings around town, and fliers going out around the end of November. The holiday party starts early evening, December 1, thanks to the help of several hands. They had worked for a couple of days prior to the start to get the large ballroom decorated to everyone's liking. He had rented out a large ballroom, and started decorating the day before, adding finishing touches early on the day of. Everyone was invited - and while there's no real dress code posted, everyone is invited to dress their best for the sake of the party.

When one approaches the building, there's a clear set of rules posted outside written in neat script:

There's only a few easy rules to ensure everyone enjoys their night:

One, no fighting - if you have to - please take it outside.
Two, no weapons on the premises.
Three, all children under the age of sixteen must leave before nine in the evening.

Welcome in. Grab a mask if you want - or don't - and join the party.

II. Welcome In

When walking through the entrance, the first thing that is easy to notice is how it is decorated. It has the colors of the holidays - red, green, blue, white. It’s mostly deeper shades with pops of brighter shades of the color. On the right of the entryway there is a table with a dark blue cloth over it. On top of it is a wide array of masks - different styles, shapes, sizes. Whatever their heart may desire, you can find here. Masks are, of course, optional! But who doesn’t love a great masquerade?

Above it is a sign that says Yours to Keep - so they may keep whatever masks they pick up.

Next to it is a large book with lined paper where people can drop a short message about the winter holiday they celebrate at home - their favorite part, how they celebrate, anything they'd like to share with other people! This will be picked up at the end of the party.

Not much further ahead is a dancefloor to the left - spacious as ever. To the right is catering - set up as an elaborate display of food and tables arranged so people can sit and eat. There’s food from a variety of places, including Golden Silence. They’ll find not only savory foods, but sweet desserts. In the back corner, not far from the food is a bartender, who is happily serving free drinks for anyone of drinking age.

Past the bar is a hallway with a couple of private rooms. These rooms are quiet - with none of the noise of the party being able to reach them. They're perfect for stepping away from the party for just a few moments of peace and quiet. In this rooms, there's decks of cards and a few simple board games. Each room can hold up to four people and can be locked from the inside.

Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so they'll will be able to find what they're looking for.

III. With So Much To Do

A. Dance the Night Away

The music at the party is provided by a variety of individuals. Various talents have been invited through the night, even! If no one is set to perform, there's a playlist set to play. The music goes on non-stop and the styles that will be played will vary. Most of the songs will be fairly upbeat through the night. Some of them are slower paced - so pick a partner and dance.

B. Mistletoe

Throughout the venue there's going to be mistletoe set up in a few spots throughout the building. The spots they're hanging are easy to identify. Most doorways have mistletoe hanging from them. There's also a few prime spots where there's some hanging - such as the corner not far from the bar. It's a perfect place to steal a kiss.

B. Charity Raffle

Near the food, there's a sign directing people to participate and purchase tickets for the charity raffle for a few prizes for people. There's donations (or things purchased) from a few businesses around Camelot. All funds raised from the Charity will go towards helping everyone who lost things during the events with Celliwig/Lestari. There's a variety of things: brunch for two, a date package, opportunities to learn a new skill, and other experiences. Several prizes will be raffled off, and people may purchase as many tickets as they want.

IV. Late at Night

After 9 in the evening, the entire feeling of the party changes. The lights get lower and glowsticks become available just off of the dance floor where they weren't earlier in the night. The music remains upbeat, though there's no performers for this part of the evening - only a playlist cycling through a variety of songs. This is a perfect time to grab a partner for a dance, or grab a drink. There's no real end of the night in sight, people are welcome to stay as long they'd like - even into the next morning if they should want.

Just be sure they're out by lunch the next day when clean-up starts.

Some quick ooc notes:

Anyone is free to assume their character participated in helping decorate.

Anyone who is a musician may get a short time slot to perform (15-30 minutes).

Feel free to have your character win anything from the raffle if you want - I'm not particular here!

Please mark anything NSFW as such in subject lines.

Have any questions? Drop one in my question thread!

Comments

[mayoninofukucho]

Why are your names such top-secret information for you Servants?

[He's surprised by the gentle vehemence with which the other man guards his identity (unless he really thought Hijikata merely forgot his Servant class, but he doesn't believe that that's the case). It's suspicious, though Hijikata is at least sure that he isn't his enemy. If that were so he doubtlessly would have had a worse reaction to him when he first introduced himself... though he did freeze up for a few seconds back then. He slightly narrows his eyes. Just who is he?]

[amakakeru]

Knowin' who we are means knowin' everythin' 'bout us, includin' our weaknesses. Ya can prob'ly tell why we're so careful about it knowin' that, huh?

[ Though...If Hijikata is that suspicious, there is a name he can give him. ]

If ya really wanna know who I am...name's Saitani Umetarou.

[ It's not exactly a lie -- it's simply an alias he went under for some time. ]

[mayoninofukucho]

[That explanations makes perfect sense. The name, of course, is unfamiliar, but Hijikata accepts it with a nod. (If he had Yamazaki here he might have had intelligence about if being a pseudonym, but alas, no such luck for him.)]

I see. Well, if going by Rider helps you I'll keep calling you that.

[He suddenly realises that he's keeping him from enjoying the party - he, after all, will neither kiss him nor offer him a dance -, and his expressions softens further.]

I've taken up enough of your evening, huh? I'm blocking the way to you for mistletoe users.

[amakakeru]

[ It was a gamble giving him a name at all, so he can't help a sigh of relief when Hijikata doesn't recognize it. Maybe not the smoothest of moves to pull right now, but it's fine. It's fine. ]

Ah, it does help. Thanks fer keepin' this between us, yeah? [ Not that most people would even recognize his alias. If Hijikata keeps an ear out, there's a nonzero chance he'll hear Izō scream his True Name to get his attention at some point during the night. ] I'm...prolly gonna go back t' drinkin' myself.

[ He smiles and gives a slight bow. ]

See ya 'round, then.

[mayoninofukucho]

[It may not be the smoothest move, but Hijikata seems to attribute Ryouma's relief to his reassurance of continuing to use his Servant class rather than his name. He nods once more; he has no problem protecting the identity of someone who's only ever been amiable to him, even if he may keep questionable company (which he also isn't one to talk on, given the deeds some of his friends here on Avalon committed back home).]

Don't overdo it - or at least make sure your friend doesn't too!

[As if he and Kondou hadn't dragged each other home smashed drunk before... but somehow it's hard to not nag Ryouma. Luckily Hijikata may leave the party without learning the truth about his identity; he hadn't planned to stay long to begin with. There's still night patrolling to be done!]

[amakakeru]

We'll be fine, don't worry! Take care'a yerself now, ya hear?

[ Everything worked out, at least for now. Maybe Hijikata will learn his True Name someday, maybe when Ryouma's sober. There's some small comfort it may not come from a fellow loud, drunk Tosa boy tonight. ]