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]

Yes, let's. [Atem waited alongside her before stepping forward when the floor was cleared] Mm, perhaps we shall. I don't think the administrators considered it before but they had so much to prepare. [The space was sufficient for the average student but there was nothing average about Orisa]

Revels

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

The stars are pretty neat, aren't they? [Isabel, who tends to be fascinated by so many things, is more than a little stunned by the transparent castle walls. But since it affords such a nice view, for the moment, she's content to lean against the wall and stargaze.]

But is there a reason you're holding up the wall? You don't look like a wallflower to me. Even with that hair! [It's a gentle tease, made even less offensive by the bright smile she offers up.]

If you're not a wallflower, can I trouble you for a dance? I think my date's dancing with someone else at the moment, anyway. [Which seems like the very last thing she minds, honestly.]

[perfectenn]

Awaiting his decision, those short legs and webbed feet did have Tenn’s mind in a whirl. Though a challenge is always welcome.

"That shouldn't be difficult." Especially for a child; most aren't as susceptible to dizziness as adults... but he should double-check. "First, are you prone to dizziness? And have you learned how to spot?"

You got the phrase in there /o/!

[king_of_egypt]

[Atem visibly jolted a little when he heard someone addressing him. Looking towards the source he realized it was someone that he recognized.]

Yotsuyu, good evening. [Returning with a bow of his own] You look positively radiant. [Admiring the outfit she had picked out for the occasion. Then he in turn attempted to answer her question] Ah- well.... I guess we shall see. It's still early yet. [His response was telling in itself that he hadn't planned on participating to a great extent]

How could a refuse, such a gracious offer. [Then he extended a hand before him and waited for her to take it]

[perfectenn]

After so much time spent coordinating with professional dancers, it’s nostalgic… like training at an old studio again. His partner’s movements feel stiff, his steps uncertain, and his attention seems scattered... well, none of that is unusual for a beginner. But Eleven was far more relaxed before. How to get that back… hm.

"It’s because you’re not focused on the music." Tenn observes, patient. Even professionals lose the beat sometimes. "Focus on feeling and moving to the rhythm. That will give you the timing. Allow me to guide your steps. You don’t have to think about it. Ignore what the others are doing. Close your eyes if you need to."

[puzzlers]

He knows he doesn't need to be embarrassed, but this is all so new for him. He really didn't think he'd ever have a girlfriend, let alone a boyfriend. "T- Thanks, Lena, that means a lot. I... I'm really happy with the way things are. Kaiba is... he's great." Nods, giving her a smile as he tries to pull himself together. "Y- Yeah. Kinda fits, right?"

I'm a dork. LOL

[darkenedmoon]

Flattery will get you everywhere, you know! [Taking his hand with the one unburdened by her fan, which she flutters like the coquette she is. Tonight, however, instead of being hidden in a sleeve, it hangs from a chain wrapped around her wrist when Yotsuyu does not use it.]

It is early, this is true, but that does not mean you need lack for company. I have always found you a charming conversationalist. I would hardly refuse a few turns across the dance floor with you, though I admit I do better with the slower dances. More of what I am used to, you see.

Re: Revels

[king_of_egypt]

Mm, they are. [Atem easily agreed, turning slightly to get a better view of them] The stars play an important role in many societies- it's in no little part to the mystical sort of aura they exude. [Many of the monuments in his kingdom were aligned with the placement of the stars afterall and it was the stars that alerted his people as to when the inundation of the river would occur though that could vary] Oh, me? [Guess there was no hiding it, she'd figured him out.] Well, I wasn't even sure if I would be attending when I first heard the announcement. [That wasn't much of an answer. The mild ribbing about his hair got him to mirror her smile albeit it was more sedate] I suppose there's just been a lot on my mind lately, but please don't let my concerns hinder your enjoyment of the dance. [Eyes shifting to the dance floor he wondered who her date was] As long as you're sure that he's not the jealous type. [Proving that he could joke with the best of them] I suppose one dance wouldn't threaten the stability of the walls.

[puzzlers]

He had gone through something similar when he was affected by the potion that made him into a girl, so he can certainly sympathize. Kaiba had come to his rescue and that had kind of been a turning point. "Oh~?" Just a little harmless teasing. "I hope the two of you have an amazing night. I doubt that'll be hard, but I wish the best all the same."

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

A lot of things can be tracked by the stars, that's true. Navigation, the change of seasons...other, more obscure signs. [Though she was pretty content to let that particular point stay nebulous, as it were.]

Yes, you. [Isabel chuckled at that.] Oh? Me too, but I just got lucky, I guess. I asked someone, and he said yes. [Though his comment about having a lot on his mind made her quirk a brow at him.] I might be just being nosey, I guess, but I'm always willing to lend an ear, if you need to get it off your chest.

[At the jealous type comment, she laughed outright.] Eleven? Not sure he's got a jealous bone in his body! I'm glad I don't either, because I think his goal is to dance with everyone. I can get behind that, though. Maybe I ought to emulate him, too! I'd meet plenty of people that way.

I am too XD, it's all good.

[king_of_egypt]

Everywhere? [A bit surprised with her exuberance.] Then I should be careful not to dispense them too carelessly. [Trying to inject a bit of lighthearted humor into the mix as he regained his composure. The two of them could use this dance as a means to celebrate having not been flattened by the monsters that had rampaged across the campus not long ago]

I couldn't find more engaging company. [Paying her another compliment, since from his perspective she was as clever as she was graceful, and at times when need be she was courageous.] Oh that is a relief, because I'm not sure I could keep up with the faster paced dances myself.

[As they took to the dance floor, he was mindful of where he placed his hands as he prepared to display what he had gathered from Hendrik's lessons]

[king_of_egypt]

[The odd way she ended that statement didn't go entirely unnoticed] Other more obscure signs?

Then what was it that changed your mind? [Listening patiently as she spoke] That was bold of you, but it seems to have played in your favor. [Since for all practical purposes she seemed to be enjoying herself now] I appreciate the offer, but I think this is just something I'm going to have to work through on my own. [Perhaps given more time he might at least dive into hypotheticals but he had already come to a decision. One that others might not agree with.]

So you're the young lady that Eleven came here with! [He was hoping to get a chance to meet Eleven's date] No, I have a feeling he doesn't either. I have seen him taking a few trips around the dance floor while I've been standing here.. so you may be right. [Pleased that she didn't seem to mind since Atem didn't think Eleven meant it as any kind of slight] Well, then allow me to get you started. [Offering her his hand]

[unswervingcompanion]

Hendrik shook his head at Eleven. If there was any way that the Luminary could've seen him with Yotsuyu the night he'd danced with her, well he would know the difference. And that he couldn't do. "You will find your faith in time."

Here he was just echoing Yotsuyu but she was definitely good at giving advice. And when she mentioned him, he had to turn away because he couldn't let the Luminary see him smile. She had him figured out alright but he made a mental note about the anger. Perhaps he could learn a thing or two just from listening here as well.

He turned back around to see Yotsuyu hugging Eleven and he couldn't help but smile, not caring who saw him at this point. Maybe that's what the Luminary truly needed was more encouragement and hugs than harder training.

It was worth a try.

[unswervingcompanion]

"So she is someone that you knew before here. You were most fortunate indeed to have come across her again in this place. I do have to wonder how often that happens."

The only other person he knew of something like that happening to was himself and the Luminary.

[areasontohope]

Yuki paused, thinking about Fluttershy. He'd had no idea she was such a great wizard already, but then how could he have known?

"A perfect love story involves swords?" This is strange to him but here in this place where just about everything was strange, maybe Webby was onto something here.

[areasontohope]

"We can go look if you'd like," Yuki offered, "unless you'd rather stand here a little longer."

He wasn't trying to rush Fluttershy to dance or anything else like that. He just wanted to do whatever she wanted to do. This had been his plan for the evening to have her dictate what they did or didn't do in order to allow her to have a good time.

[bearshermark]

His breath caught, then slowly released as his worries seemed to immediately ease in Yotsuyu's arms. His shoulders fell, arms moving automatically to return the embrace. It felt a bit like hugging his own mother and he was pathetically grateful for it.

Eleven caught Hendrik's smile and returned it with a fragile one of his own, but a leaden weight in his stomach kept it from being entirely genuine. He closed his eyes and held on a little tighter.

"I.. it- it was.. Mordegon.. tore it out. He used it to deceive Yggdrasil's heart."

Much later

[areasontohope]

After the ball had wound down, Yuki went back and changed out of his fancier clothes. So he's dressed more casually and is out on the grounds, just getting a breather. He has his wand on him of course because he'll never forget being rescued the day he didn't have it on him and killer plants seemed to be the order of the day.

As he's walking around, his eyes detect something vague. But then it just turns into something more of a feeling that he's being watched and it makes him uneasy. Calling to mind a spell he'd just recently learned, Yuki had his spell and his wand ready.

"Who's there?"

[advocateofgenderequality]

"The boogie man, probably." Kazuma states out loud and casually, standing at arms length directly behind the spooked Yuki.
Crap, last thing I wanted was a witness. He must have some good senses on that pretty boy face of his.

[areasontohope]

Yuki turned and had the wand pointed at the other boy who appeared from the shadows. His head cocked to the side and was reminded somehow of Kyo who'd thought that Jason was a bear instead of a boogeyman of sorts.

Shaking his silver head, this other person didn't look like much of a threat, so the wand lowered. Yuki sighed but didn't put his wand away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think anyone else would be out this late."

[perfectenn]

It doesn’t take more than a few steps when another set of footfalls joins his, except they aren’t branching off, and now Tenn casts an incredulous look over his shoulder. Hmph, not meeting someone for a secret rendezvous, then. Nor retreating to one of the deserted labs.

But it is getting interesting, and it’ll look more suspicious if he tries to chase him off. "It’s been a long evening, so some oversights are to be expected. Well then, stay close. The Forges are this way." He settles to walking beside Atem, preferring that to having a stranger at his back.

Reaching the Forging labs, Tenn's circle of light passes over the tables and cold furnaces to illuminate the streams of water directed in through manmade channels. Some of the water-powered equipment is still active; he focuses on a waterwheel, still patiently turning even at this hour. Should he cast for Sense Magic? No, there are forging materials, the enchantments on them might get in the way of reading the water itself.

Casually, he asks, "Have you seen the River of Metal before? Here underground, I mean."

[advocateofgenderequality]

"The thought is mutual." He replies in agreement, with his arms crossed over one another. "I would have imagined everyone would still be prancing about each other in the bygone twilight, or instead be well tuckered out and down to bed by now."

"But it seems there are more night-owls about then we both figured, huh?"

[areasontohope]

By that statement, Yuki figured this other person didn't make it to the Ball or didn't have a date, not that he would hold that against anyone. He almost had turned in himself too, but he just had a lot on his mind so he decided a walk at night wouldn't be such a bad thing.

"I suppose." And with that, the wand goes away and he looked around. "There doesn't really seem like there's much to do this late." This is him wondering why this kid is out here.

[perfectenn]

The moonlight shows a subtle change in Tenn’s posture as his shoulders lower, weight shifting. Judging by that answer, no, the man did not overhear the conversation. Truly just out to enjoy the scenery, then? Reassuring. But further questions stall in his mind, distracted by that answer.

Making the decision to add Sundering as his final class had not come easily, but ultimately, aside from the dangers and reputation, it seemed a good decision. And while he’s aware of issues that have come up around campus due to classes installing confidence in reckless students, he hasn’t heard complaints for the quality of the material itself. The students of Ka have not always been well-received, but his issue is not with that.

"I have no preconceived judgments against your house." Tenn assures with professional punctually. "I only have an interest in the progression of the curriculum and the state of Ka, particularly during the ongoing research." A trace of hesitation shows in his brow – or maybe frustration. "I intended to begin participating in active spell work this month before the… incidents." Yes, he noticed the little random portals around campus; it was hard not to.

[advocateofgenderequality]

"Oh, that's where you're mistaken, my fellow night-owl." Kazuma's face gains a mischievous smile. "This late, on a busy night like tonight, is the perfect time to do quite a few things."

He glaces about quickly, before leaning in closer to Yuki as his voice lowers. "Tell me, can this kindred creature of the night keep a juicy secret?"