Event The Fall Ball (Masquerade)

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."

Owl for Interactions!
Interacting with @Katherine Labrouder

Past Posts: [x]

As expected, it hadn't taken long for someone to approach him. Alexander turned as he noticed her arrival, pearly whites soft and gleaming under the candlelight. Icy eyes scanned the girl from behind his mask, noting the slim red dress and black nails. She didn't look familiar... Hogwarts then. Of course.

Alexander smiled at her words, straightening his shoulders. "You'd be right there," he laughed softly. Internally, he couldn't help but roll his eyes. Was this her attempt at humor? Breaking the tension? What a crude way to go about it. He grinned back at her.

"I would be honored to dance with you, Miss...?" And no formal name introduction. Alexander recognized beauty, but some people had no class. "I'm Alexander, it's a pleasure to meet you. I assume you're from Hogwarts?"

He was positive the scorn wasn't present in his tone as he said it, framed rather as a genuine question, but his stomach crawled with subdued laughter at the thought.

Alexander half-bowed, knowing that certain traditional customs made some people feel awkward. His only goal in life was to make everyone as comfortable as they could possibly be. Plain and simple. Connections were the best way to power, after all. Extending an arm to her, he swept a hand towards the dance floor, raising one elegant eyebrow.

"Shall we?"

ACTION: N/A
───── ⋆ ─────
STA: 7 | EVA: 10 | STR: 6 | WIS: 8 | ARC: 3 | ACC: 6
Non-Human Enthusiast • Charmer

Open to Interactions | Interact with : @Mars T'ien

Starting from Slytherin Common Room

When the green eyes arrived at the Ballroom, the Ball already begin. Many of people wearing mask and they did not know who is which since well this is a Masquerade Ball.

A month ago they sure that they have a date (@Cricket Mercury) for this occasion but when the ball rolled in, their partner for this ball - Cash isn't sure whether she will attend to this ball or not.

The young socialite used attending a ball like this alone. They been to balls, galas, this type of things from young age and some occasions the Ironwoods are the parties host. Cash also used to the awkwardness from attend this kind of thing alone at the beginning.

Their green eyes scanned the room - behind their half mask that snug comfortably on their face - Cash smile at a group of people that gathered. From where the purple hair stand, they can distinctly heard @Lucia Fox and @Scarlett Aden voices.

@Henry Knight and @Miranda Everest also presented and the boy (Charles Alluring) that Cash met once at the Leaky Cauldron. A girl wear Hijab that none other @Adlai Rod also in the room.

Their green eyes stopped when they stare at @Mars T'ien and the boy with silver or is it white hair (Alexander Baron). There is something about the boy that unsettling with Cash.

Then Cash green eyes fell onto a boy that stand by himself with a black nail polish on his nails (@Alec Mason). They had a feeling who is the boy was but since everyone wearing a mask, Cash was not sure about it.

And so as the heels of their ankle boots hits the ground, they walked towards the table for refreshment. "A fantastic ball, isn't it?"They asked to the person that wearing a red jump suit hoping the person open to any small talk with them.

Truthfully with the rain and thunder going on outside the castle, Cash forced themselves to at least enjoy the ball.

For Mod :
Action : Arriving and make a small talk with Mars
Abilities : Parselmouth (Parseltongue Adept : speak in Parseltongue) | Obnoxiously Strong (+10% Strength)
Stats : Stamina - 6 | Evasion - 5 | Strength - 7 | Wisdom - 5 | Arcane Power - 5 | Accuracy - 7

interacting with @Ami Procoppio
closed to interactions excluding Ami and @Charles Woodward

In his second year, Scott Alexander had gone to the blossom ball. And he had called it his element: he'd rejoiced in the beautiful music played, stared in awe at the pretty fairy lights which had adorned the air above him, and gratefully consumed the food provided.

Then it had gone up in flames.

In his third year, Scott Alexander had gone to the secret ball. And he had called it his element: he'd enjoyed the clandestine invites spread across the school, the fairytale-like visage of the transformed pitch, as well as the company he knew he'd be keeping.

Then it had gone up in flames.
This being a less literal description this time around, though still astonishingly fitting.

Now, Scott was a firm believer in the scientifically proven first law of probability: third time's the charm. Of course, this was by no means Scott's third ball altogether, part of the reason why he'd been so eager to consider the occasions his element was the fact that he was somewhat used to them, but as far as school dances went his experiences had been... concerning, to say the least. In fact, they'd been concerning enough to inspire valid reluctance within most sensible people to ever attend another school dance again... But that's no way to live! When it comes to dancing, your common sense should be left politely by the door, and your head better be among the clouds where it belongs. That's what Scott believed, and it's what he'd been telling himself over and over again as he and Ami had made their way towards the fourth floor together.

Well, that's not true. In fact, Scott hadn't actually been able to "tell himself" anything all of this evening... His mind had instead been occupied, all through getting dressed and all through finding her down at the third floor, by just the one thought: he had her again. She was back. And all the way from outside her common room and to where the ball was to be held, the boy just couldn't help but look to his side over and over at the red and blue phantom moving along with him. And he supposed he had to admit, that should it not have been for Ami becoming his friend again, he would've surely stayed behind in his dormitory tonight- along with all the sensible people.

A nightmarish thought for a nightmarish celebration.

Shrug it off! She was here now, and on his watch she wouldn't be going anywhere else.

Scott clicked his heels of his shoes theatrically together when the two arrived at he doors, and gestured for her to enter the festivity before himself. His golden cuff links shimmering under the already protruding candlelight from inside, Scott eventually ushered her in impatiently to stop at the edge of the dance floor.

This was good.

Scott felt at the Venetian mask in his other hand. He'd held it to his side all the way from his dormitory, except for a brief preview of it for Ami's sake in case she'd needed to get any comments out in a more private setting... But now he lifted it up, and fitted it over his face. There were no straps to it, nor did it envelop his head. Still it stuck there, by means unknown to the boy... The mask was his mother's, after all. She'd received it as a gift in Venice many years prior but had jumped at the opportunity to lend it out all the same. A porcelain white thing, it was... Depicting a beautiful woman's face with red lips, gold leaf from above the eyes and sparse green gems thereunder. It did much to compliment his dark coat, and the golden links or broaches he'd adorned it with.

"Won't you look at this!" Gloved hands clapped together.

"And won't you hear the music!" Green arm linked with a blue one.

"This is my element!" If the mask could smile, it would have.

Outfit:

Reducio

Good ole' Charles, making my boy look cooler than he deserves since 2020

Sarah had been in many balls and banquets in her life, the concept wasn’t anything knew to her, but she’d never been to one quite like this. Where the pretentious idiots her father would usually invite to such events were usually stood, there were crowds of students, smiling and having fun. Most of them were dressed in beautiful dresses and fancy looking suits or dress robes - the occasional ghost or pirate here and there from where students had come from the costume party - but all of them seemed happy. The air practically vibrated with the combined excitement of all the attendees, and even some of the usually stone-faced professors stood around the edges of the room seemed happy, or at the very least relaxed.

There were so many people, but she didn’t feel overwhelmingly closed in. She was just one in a large crowd and she suddenly realised how much she enjoyed the anonymity. The fact that she could just be herself for the night, not a Slytherin or a Pure-Blood, just Sarah was refreshing. The only mask she had up was the one she had tied around her head, not the one she often felt herself hiding behind. Her face broke out into a wide smile at the realisation, and a glance to her side told her that Paisley was equally as excited.

“We shall,” Sarah grinned, grabbing her skirt and lowering herself into an elegant curtesy that even her father couldn’t argue with. Apparently his years of training her to be a member of high society had finally payed off. She giggled at the thought. Sarah followed her friend onto the dance floor, glancing around at the others there. Some of the older students were dancing close to their partners, a few first years jumping around excitedly, and then there was Paisley, twirling around her seemingly without a care in the world. Sarah immediately took her hand when it was offered, quick to spin the girl around beneath her arm. Dancing had always been an escape for Sarah, something her mother had taught her since she was a small girl, and to be here with her friend was quickly making this one of the best nights of her life.

“Are you suggesting you aren’t my date this evening?” Sarah asked, offering Paisley a joking wink as she gracefully dipped the slightly smaller girl. Of course, she agreed with her though. She’d found the pre-teens on ‘dates’ to be quite amusing. She’d much rather be here enjoying this with a friend. She went to voice her thoughts but Paisley’s ramblings cut her off. She giggled at the girl as she rushed over her words, relating to the excitement written all over her face. “We should definitely head over there at some point, yes,” she agreed, eager to see the decorations in the smaller hall and look at everyone’s costumes. “Everything about this is wonderful. It’s is by far the best ball I’ve ever been too,” Sarah admitted, though the competition wasn’t all that difficult to beat, “And I’m so glad I’m here with you.” It was true; she couldn't think of a better person to be dancing with. Who needed a date when she had a Pasiely.

“The last time I attended an event like this, I accidentally spilt the punch bowl on my cousin,” She admitted with a grin, as the girls continued to sway and twirl and dance the night away. “Though if you’d asked me, I’d have said the red stain was an improvement,” She chuckled, remembering the look on her cousins face as the liquid had soaked her. Serves her right for insulting the house elves.

Post tracker: X•X•X•

Owl for Interactions!
Interacting with @Cassandra Ironwoods

Past Posts: [x]

Mars meandered over to the drinks, plucking a cup from the decorated table with thin fingers. Humming something along with the beat of the music, they filled it with some sort of punch and raised it to their lips. Ah, perfect.

The sounds of heel boots clicking behind them caused them to turn, cup tucked neatly to their chest. There was Cassandra Ironwoods, looking dashing as ever. They were kind of surprised the Snake was alone—it seemed like they could almost always pull someone to their side.

Mars let out a laugh at their friend's remark. "Truly. But at least it's not up in flames, hmm?" they smirked into the rim of their cup as they took another sip, "Yet." The Ravenclaw tipped their glass at Cash at the word, the insinuation heavy in their tone. If this was a Hogwarts ball... well, they didn't want to say for sure. Maybe it would all go down with sunshine and roses and no giant moths and arson this time.

"Care for something to drink?" Mars asked, twisting their hips to sweep a hand over the wide array of refreshments. To be perfectly fair, they felt it was less about the drinks and more about a) having something to do or b) having a fidget to occupy the hands. Still, if Cash wanted it, they'd fix them a drink as well.

Turning back to their friend once more, Mars snuck a glance around their shoulder. They'd thought that maybe Cash's date was just arriving late but... they weren't so sure now. Eyeing the Slytherin over the top of their glass, Mars asked,

"So, did you come with anyone?"