Dance Dance Reprobation

[magicademymods]

The Twilight Ball Arrival The Promenade has been transformed. Literally. With Modification. Ha ha. Cough. Crickets. Toad familiars eat the crickets. Circle of life. Animals bow before singing lions. You get the idea. Neither tree nor stone form the Promenade now. It is instead a long bridge over a shallow and brilliant pool, the gentle ripples of which catch the afternoon sun and scatter it into a million highlights that play over the Great Hall, the bridge, and those who walk down it. There is no formal receiving line, merely a gentle procession of people across the bridge at whatever speed feels comfortable, slowly making their way to the Great Hall. The Great Hall itself has been enchanted to be completely invisible while one is inside it, save for the outline of doors so people can actually find their way out through means other than smacking their noses into the invisible walls till they find a place with no resistance. Thus the twilight for which the ball is named will show all around the dancers, while they are protected from any errant breezes, faint hints of rain, or slime monsters that might otherwise threaten the festivity. Come in. Find your date and get comfortable. The fun is just beginning. Let the Revels Begin After Headmaster Birony welcomes everyone with a speech about she's going to get on her boat, go upriver, and kick that sonuvabitch Bison's ass so HORDT that the next Bison-wannabe is gonna feel it, the dance formally begins with a peppy number designed to get people out and moving. The orchestra here comprises some of the finest players available anywhere in the world, thanks to the whole Valhudor shtick and graduates of said house, and the music is infectious as it drifts through the slowly-darkening air. But as the dance progresses, they play something for everyone. Martial waltzes and slow dance ballroom numbers. Powerful tunes to lose yourself in, and gentle melodies that slip beneath conversation and encourage intimacy and closeness. Professors Trammel and King treat everyone to an exhibition of what an Earth resident might call 'swing dancing on amphetamines' and many students do call 'the closest I have ever come to death'. No pause for speeches, no announcements or interruptions -- just a steady stream of music, bringing dates and lovers together in dance, as the sun sets and casts the room into gentle and romantic twilight. Also a dolphin and a whale are swimming through the floor and they, too, are unmistakably dancing. If this is the weirdest thing you've seen all night, you need your eyes checked. "Food! One of the food tables has been discreetly slid against a wall, where it positively shudders under the weight of a massive buffet open to everyone. The food here tends towards the light, such as fish and vegetables, cucumber sandwiches and thin-sliced meats. Things that will give you energy without weighing you down, so you can keep dancing till the dawn comes. At one end of the table, an owl the size of a cupboard sits on a perch, serenely watching the varied drinks laid out for consumption. 'Spiking the punch' is so cliche that no one is going to pretend it won't happen or the students will behave on their honor, so here you get a chaperone. Even so, this whole area is a popular gathering spot for those between dances or partners, drawing steady attention throughout the night. Meanwhile, Elsewhere Shockingly, not everyone has found that loving feeling, asked out an attractive someone, and gone to the dance with romance on their minds. The rest of the campus, and of course Anastara itself, remain open as normal... and perhaps even less-minded than normal. The faculty, the familiars, the cleaning golems -- almost all attention is on the dance itself. If there's mischief to manage, now would be the perfect time... or just something else besides wallflowering and missing out. Wait, Wasn't There a Ghost Dragon and an Off-Brand Shoggoth? Professor King managed to find a way around the protoplasmic ooze's resistance to magic and splatted it (with no small amount of help from students and faculty!). The dragon disappeared into the caverns beneath the Magicademy. That certainly isn't ominous and won't inspire anyone to go down there, will it? Don't fall in the river down there. Please don't fall in the river.

Comments

[king_of_egypt]

That's right. [The detail hadn't been lost on the inquisitive duck] I'm inclined to go with spirit, though somehow this world has manifested a body for me to inhabit.

Before I arrived here I was in the afterlife, and there I did have a form of my own.... I'm just not sure how it's possible to exist in this world in a similar capacity.

[The poke will ensure that he is very much solid.]

[woo_oo]

"Oh!" On sheer instinct, she let go of Lena's hand in order to grab her arms and catch her.

A pause - and then she wound up giggling. Not out of mockery, but sheer enjoyment of the moment, affectionately pushing her forehead against Lena's.

"I think you're the first person to 'fall over me'!" She didn't quite get the phrasing, but she'd heard it around and assumed it was appropriate.

arrival

[woo_oo]

"Huey!"

Webby eagerly ran up to him, all smiles and sunshine as usual.

"Isn't this great? There's all these stars and everyone looks pretty and fancy music and this is my first dance and I'M SO EXCITED!"

Exhale. Phew, she managed to say that all in one breath!

[king_of_egypt]

[Atem follows suit as his partner directs him]

Now that isn't the easiest question to answer... [Plus he isn't sure whether he should discuss them in depth. Not that he doesn't trust Eleven with this knowledge it's just that the last thing Diatu needs is the emergence of the shadow games] It gives someone powers over the shadows.... also with it's help I was able to summon the Egyptian Gods when I needed their aide.

It also has some protective powers that shield the wielder from harm. [There- perhaps that is not too much]

Arrival and/or dancing because he's game for both.

[nomoremistergneissguy]

Cliff actually manages to feel confident, especially since the suit he's wearing doesn't really clash with Sunset's altogether lovely dress. He might be treating it more like a date than is strictly necessary, but he feels a little overkill might not hurt. It'd make for a memorable night, anyway. Or so he hoped!

"I hope you can forgive me for not being a flower guy," he said sheepishly. "That circlet I had was for Rounder's date. I brought this for you." With that, he offered Sunset a handmade barrette, clearly something he'd worked on himself. He was pleased to see that not only did it go with her coloring, but it complimented the dress nicely as well.

"I am planning to cut in on Rounder at least once, too, though I'd like to save a couple dances for you, if you don't mind?"

Revels

[nomoremistergneissguy]

[Cliff couldn't help but laugh, then. He's dressed snappily, though he hadn't intended to somewhat match her. He'd chosen his House colors! But he's amused, at least. They'll make a pretty duo on the dance floor.]

Fluttershy's good at that. I'm just glad they didn't hurt each other, in the end. So, would you do me the honor of a dance, Lady Webby?

[And at that, he bows. He's mostly wanting to make Webby giggle with his courtly graces, but Cliff is entirely in earnest about at least having one dance...]

[woo_oo]

[Webby's enthusiastic smile... fades, for the moment.

Because she's instantly reminded of Lena - who is here and dealing with a similar issue about being alive or not. Except she is alive, and she's going to stay alive, AND EVERYTHING'S FINE]

Yeah-ha-ha, well! What's important is that you're here! They found a way, and that's all that matters!

[Smooth.]

[pawper]

Hamburgers are good.

[She could go for a hamburger about now.....or two, or twelve. But let's not get sidetracked!]

You weren't allowed to have sweets? [Her first (and in all honesty, inevitable) thought is that there hadn't been enough to go around. After a beat Lys ventures, unsure:] ....strict parents?

[king_of_egypt]

Both the timing and the attire were suspicious, that much Atem could admit, but he hadn't wanted to be followed either. The evening was complicated enough with the mix of emotions that it had generated, he didn't want to risk anyone else's safety when he went to see about this dragon. It might have been a bit foolhardy on his part, but his heart was in the right place. As this stranger points out, Atem was ill-[prepared for venturing into the caves. Neither of his familiars could generate light, and the Millennium puzzle certainly wasn't in the habit of being used as a flashlight even though activating it's powers often triggered a bright light. Besides, he wasn't even sure if he could tap into that ancient form of magic here or if it too ad been suppressed.

That would leave him with the task of casting an illumination spell... or....

This other boy does have a lantern. So without being asked or asking himself, Atem does start to follow along after him. "Then it's lucky for me that you happened along. I should have assumed as much considering the hour- an oversight on my part."

[woo_oo]

That gave Webby pause, quirking an eyebrow.

"Can you have another familiar?"

[woo_oo]

[Hmmm, that is a conundrum. She cups her beak, thinking.]

... What if you expand your perimeters about your definitions? Like... protecting people from loneliness?

[king_of_egypt]

Well in that case, I accept. [Smiling up at her, not quite sure how this was going to work with their difference in size but they would find a way. He reached out for her hand when it was offered] No, I don't mind. I feel as if that's what most of us are doing. [Going with the flow and feeling their way through this dance] I have had a few lessons recently, so I don't mind sharing what I learned either.

[woo_oo]

[Ooh, Lady Webby! Congrats, that got the desired giggle out of her.

She then straightens up and curtsies - what comes out of her mouth is a British accent, and a dang good one, too.]

Of course, Sir Cliff, it would be my pleasure.

[king_of_egypt]

[The humble reaction was endearing, you could tell that Fluttershy wasn't used to being the center of attention. Conversely, Atem's occupation more or less demanded he take center stage in many functions and obligations.]

You're welcome, and I thank you.

[She needn't have complimented him at all so the effort was appreciated]

I'm glad to hear it. I seem to recall that dances like this were held at different times during the year in one of the countries I visited. [Not so much where he was originally from.] I definitely think it's been a positive experience overall for the students and a great opportunity to take a break from the usual routine.

[woo_oo]

Kind of? My Granny is super protective over me. She's seen some scary stuff around the world, so she wanted to protect me from everything... by making sure I didn't get to do anything.

But!

[Cheerful smile!]

After Uncle Scrooge began taking me on adventures, she really began to loosen up and trust me!

[king_of_egypt]

[Noticing the change that sweeps over her, Atem tries to reassure her that he isn't fretting over it.... all the time]

Oh! There's no need- I... accepted my fate some time ago. [He was only doubting it a bit now that he was here and seemed to have an opportunity to delay the inevitable]

I will cherish the extra time I have been given, but when that time is up.... I will be reunited with those that are still waiting for me on the other side.

[woo_oo]

[Okay but this is still sounding like Lena and that's not okay.]

No! No, you don't have to! This place... brought you here, so, they can find a way to make you stay! There's no reason to give up or anything! It's going to be fine!

[IT HAS TO BE FINE.]

[darkenedmoon]

"No one is asking you to, either," Yotsuyu said. Perhaps she was being tart, there, but she was also feeling somewhat self-conscious. Giving pep talks to young heroes--before Castrum Fluminis, had someone told her that, she likely would have laughed herself silly. And yet, here she was.

Though if Eleven needed this from her, Yotsuyu would do it again. His words, however, made her think, a slight frown curving her lips.

"Why do you think he stole your power?" She was honestly confused, because there were precedents for that sort of thing on Hydaelyn--and a great number of them did not leave the one whose power was stolen still among the living. Even the power she had taken as Tsukuyomi had dispersed when she had died, and Yotsuyu was fairly certain--even if he was not--that Eleven was still quite alive.

"Forgive me for questioning you, but there are reasons I doubt--not you, Eleven, but I doubt the true absence of your power. As I said...quiescent, not absent." And she was not, as a rule, given to wishful thinking.

But his comment to Hendrik had her barking out a short laugh. "Fearless? I am not certain. He has a very, very good game face, however! As for me...if I am showing anger, well, I am not showing fear then, eh?"

Yotsuyu nudged Eleven then, gently, but gave him a quick wink. "I am no hero, nor, gods willing, will I ever be, but I do know a thing or two about them, at least."

She hesitated for a moment, uncertain how such a thing might be received, but then tossed caution to the winds and reached out to give Eleven a hug.

[king_of_egypt]

[If only he knew about the parallels. Webby's response is so emphatic that it's troubling.]

You're starting to sound like some of the friends from my dimension. [Keeping a hand on the rail of the bridge he turned more in her direction]

Don't worry, it's not as if I've given up on anything... but I have a sneaking suspicion that this isn't entirely about me. Webby, is.... one of your friends in some kind of trouble? Is it the one that you were so keen on making a charm for?

[pawper]

[Oh, well. That's a (mostly) reassuring answer, and certainly brings a smile to her face. Tinged with wistfulness, sure, but otherwise bright and sincere.]

Sounds like she really loves you! Maybe a little.....too much? Kinda? [because really, not letting a KID have SWEETS?? granny why!!] But it's good she came around eventually. Worrying like that, it's bad for the heart.

[Before her mind can fully turn to thoughts of less-than-stellar parental figures, or dwell overlong on the fact that Webby hadn't actually mentioned any parents at all — Lys can sense them tilting in that direction, like flowers turning toward a blistering, withering sun — she scarfs down another sandwich and asks, casual:]

What kind of adventures, if you don't mind me asking?

Dances and Dragons

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

Well, I did promise my date I wouldn't stay attached to his hip all night, so here I am. [Her tone was gently teasing, but really, Isabel would have let Eleven do whatever he wanted, pretty much. She didn't know that he'd known Kuja, for example, but he'd seemed to enjoy it when they danced together, so that was what was important, if you asked her.]

So what about you, Seto? Enjoying yourself? Care to go slumming and give me a dance?

[She's teasing again at that, to judge by the wink she gives him...]

[stillnewatthis]

"It suits you exceptionally!" Orisa was totally cute, let's be fair here. Enthusiasm and energy like hers were rare and special things. "Do you have a date this evening?"

Resilient souls, I salute you! (Revels)

[darkenedmoon]

Certainly you are not going to simply watch all night, are you?

[Yotsuyu has taken plenty of turns around the dance floor--she'd arrived with Jecht, but she had been even with the man--that she had no plans to only dance with him. So she'd left him to devour what he liked at the table laden with food, and went to hunt down new vic-err, partners. She graced Atem with a smile and dipped a pretty courtesy to him.]

And if that is your plan, might I interrupt you by asking for a dance?

[stillnewatthis]

I am doing so, but it is difficult to employ an armored and armed form for such purposes.

[Even giving a hug is difficult, with her solid armor and only one hand.]

[stillnewatthis]

Then let us proceed! [Turning in place, Orisa carefully moves onto the dance floor, giving people plenty of time to get out of their way.] Perhaps next time we shall see a larger dance area. It would be beneficial.