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

[perfectenn]

May the Revels Never End

True to the adage that an idol belongs to all their fans and no one in particular, Tenn arrives dressed in elegant black and gold attire and date-less. The sparkle in his eyes says he's here to dance, and he's not going to be exclusive.

From his performances in the city, his talent is well-known even before he steps on the floor; his grace and energy instantly in play in every style, professionally and emotionally engaged as each song takes hold of the room.

At first, his gaze often drifted to the musicians, curious to see their master performance. But steadily, his attention is captured by scanning the dance floor in search of good partners… though he won’t turn down invitations, either, and is open to helping the shy or new in finding their own rhythm as the evening progresses.

Conquest of the Buffet Table

Only after the 'swing dancing on amphetamines' picked out the weak and challenged the strong does Tenn consent to a rest. (Tenn feared not death. It was a good death. Very invigorating. Also, he’s starving now.)

He proves to be a swift but delicate eater, his gloves tucked aside as he licks his fingertips like a satisfied cat, eyes half-closed in the wake of the blackberry tart. Then a platter of strawberry-topped frosted cakes arrives, and that blissful spell is broken to indulge in another. Fast-filling plate in hand, he’ll express the virtues of the desserts to anyone who may ask.

"That one tastes like apricots, but mildly spicy. The ones dusted with brown sugar beside it are sweeter, though, I do not recommend having them with punch. There’s a cinnamon and caramel flavored drink at the end of the table that compliments it excellently."

Elsewhere, A Rendezvous

As the night slows to peaceful couple dances, Tenn discreetly escapes the ball with a plate piled high with vegetables – including the broccoli he so loathes. (Well, it’s not the weirdest thing you’ve seen tonight.)

But that may not be the last you see of him. Should you pass through the wooded and wilder paths around campus, you might hear his voice carrying through the night air.

"…I'd rather not be caught off guard again. Don't look at me like that, this isn't a bribe... I appreciate your help. I'll need it in the coming month." Oddly, there is no voice responding to him, only the rustle of leaves. The source seems to be beyond a tall hedge, in a small clearing that encircles a pond.

Maybe it’s best to tune out of the private conversation… though, that would be the boring option, wouldn’t it?

Instantly assumes a square character is 6 ft+, assumes wrong for once

[bearshermark]

[He falters only momentarily, then eyes their height difference]

..The taller person should lead, right? But I don't mind, if you want to. I just thought you looked like maybe you wanted to join in, but I don't mean to overstep if that isn't the case.

Kuja's a tol one alright. not sure how tol yet, but I have thoughts

[treno_nobleman]

[One of his charms, he never has been a short Genome, and dancing roles do depend a good deal on height. At least, the way he has learned to dance, it has. But he's pleased to see the other relenting the lead.]

Oh, no need. I would love to dance. It is quite the performance, if one knows how. [He reaches for the hand offered and gently turns it over, assuming his proper role.] You came to me, so I assume you do know how, yes?

A+, El is around p average height

[bearshermark]

[Eleven nods, coloring only a bit as he shifts into place]

Yes, I- well, I only recently learned, but I've been getting the hang of it, I think. I hope that's all right.

best guess for Kuja is about 5'10"? 5'11"? maybe?

[treno_nobleman]

[There's an air of confidence about him as he leads the boy over to a little more space, on the fringes of the dance floor where they have less chance of an incident.]

You wouldn't be the first dance partner I've had who had two left feet. Allow me to lead and you'll do just fine.

[After showing the young man where his hands should go and making sure he's comfortable, Kuja starts them into a nice, slow waltz, letting his partner get a feel for the rhythm and the movement. It won't take long before it's quite clear that Kuja is good at this. One doesn't rise through the ranks of nobility as he has and not learn the fine art of certain ballroom festivities.]

[pawper]

[Hey, eating gold is totally a thing that happens at fancy parties!.....or at least that's what she's been told before, and has believed it ever since. (Because clearly that's the thing prompting questions here, yep.) ]

Oh, you too? [Turning just slightly to face Webby, as basic courtesy demanded, Lys automatically swipes up an olive-and-cheese-and-ham shish kebab before it can tumble off the peak of Food Mountain, stripping it clean with all the perfunctory efficacy of a garbage disposal.] What were you expecting, then?

Perfect. El's 5'7 at a guess

[bearshermark]

I'm not that bad. [He smiles, then hesitates] ..Or at least no one's told me so, anyway. Yotsuyu seemed sure I have some grace.

[But if grace is fluidity, then this man is a good league beyond him. Even so, he is proud every time he's lead into a smooth turn that doesnt trip him up]

My name is Eleven, by the way.

awwww a cute

[treno_nobleman]

[He knows that name. With a place as small as this, it doesn't surprise him that he hasn't heard them at least once by now., but he does know her, has met her once or twice in passing.]

I trust she does have an eye for this sort of thing. You're doing well, if you can move like this and keep up the conversation.

[They're working through beginner's moves, but Kuja is in no hurry to impress an audience. Right now, he's just having fun, not something he gets often anymore, and shared enjoyment is an even rarer thing.]

A number for a name? I hope it wasn't for lack of concern for you. My name is Kuja. A pleasure. [He nods his head in lieu of a bow, given their current activities.]

[sevenyearsasleep]

Wait. Other students were just breaking the rules?

Blast. If he'd known that he would have snuck something in.

"Probably could have found a cane like that," Link remarked.

[sevenyearsasleep]

"Heh, I don't think I'm cut out for that fancy stuff. I think it'd be more fun to join the musicians. But, it doesn't look like they even have an ocarina in their orchestra."

Link had absolutely no idea how to dance. It looked complicated.

yes

[bearshermark]

[He brightens with a wry grin and steps with a bit more confidence]

I don't have ten siblings, if you're worried. It's good to meet you, Kuja.

Revels

[perfectenn]

He doesn't have to take the initiative to approach; Tenn finds Eleven first. And that is more of a surprise to Tenn, considering how quietly Eleven entered the Great Hall and how hesitant he was at the start. Whether the boy chose to stay by his date or ventured to find other partners was not his concern, beyond a hope that he would, either way, enjoy the evening. Seeing Eleven active on the dance floor, Tenn greets him now with a light step and smile.

"It’s good to see you’ve relaxed." His intense, examining gaze takes in the escaped strands of hair and ruffled clothing. "And you’ve learned to dance, I see." There may be anticipation there.

[treno_nobleman]

[There's some of that mutual pleasure. He works a little bit more movement into their dance, giving Eleven time to adjust as they go.]

Numbers have a sorry means as a naming convention in the world I come from, you see. [In fact, it hadn't been a naming convention at all, more of an afterthought. He tried not to think about it. This wasn't the same world.] Not very good talk in the middle of a dance, I'm afraid, but I do hope that's not the case in your world. If it is, let's not discuss it now. This event just won't tolerate it.

[king_of_egypt]

[There would have been no argument from Atem. Despite, who he was in his own time he was just an average student here. That in itself was a bit of an adjustment, but not an unpleasant one, just different. It was likely something Kaiba could relate to, to an extent. He went from a powerful businessman whom all the world seemed to know and respect to an unknown quantity. Leadership was something they both had experience with though they held slightly different approaches to it.

When Atem heard the familiar low tones of Kaiba's voice his eyes looked up to meet the others]

That depends entirely on who you ask [ Said with a smirk. Then after a moment he had a chance to take in the ensemble Kaiba was sporting] You didn't shy away from making your own fashion statement. [A pointed pause] Looks good.

[king_of_egypt]

[It was hard not to notice the girl who kept making frequent trips to the buffet, but at least Atem had been polite enough not to stare. Besides, he had a few friends of his own that could have and would have downed just as much food if not more were they here. The gentle reminder helped other fond memories to surface as he wondered just what those aforementioned friends could be up to now. He was content not to break the silence, but when she spoke up it took him a little by surprise.]

Wrong? [He paused thoughtful for a moment] No. Not really, things are precisely how they should be. [remaining vague] I... Think the sooner I accept that the better it is for everyone...

[Realizing he was now rambling he trailed off] Are you enjoying yourself?

[king_of_egypt]

[Atem had hoped his behavior had gone unnoticed, that the festivities had been enough of a distraction to evade further scrutiny. Apparently they hadn't been. When he felt the tap on the shoulder, he almost didn't need to turn to identify who it was.

This was it. Turning on his heel, to face the other he convinced himself he was ready for this] Yugi.

[Giving Yugi a broad and sincere smile] Yes, Yugi I would. [Reaching out to take his hand, he felt warmth surge through the simple touch. Then he proceeded to lead Yugi to the dance floor to show off what he learned. Hope you weren't planning on leading]

[bearshermark]

[Eleven flushes a touch self-consciously and absently brushes strands of hair out of his face.]

Yes. Somewhat properly, some not, but I'm glad Hendrik made me learn a few steps. And the partners I've had have been helpful. It's been fun, actually.

[king_of_egypt]

[Leave it to the keen eyes of an adventurer to be drawn to the Millennium puzzle. Not that he could really blame her, compared to some of the other adornments he'd seen the puzzle was among the most ostentatious]

This.. [Cupping a hand around the bottom of it] is the Millennium puzzle, an artifact of great significance in my world. It must have arrived at about the same time as your night vision goggles.

[Then with a gracious nod] You look stunning tonight Webby.

[king_of_egypt]

[To truly obtain anonymity Atem would have to lose the multi-colored hair, the large golden pyramid hanging from his neck, and he'd have to wear his dress coat like a normal person. That being said the company was welcome]

Eleven!

[He called back smiling]

It's good to see you as well, my friend. [Apparently three meetings was enough for Atem to consider the other a friend. He reached out to clasp Eleven's hand long enough to give a firm handshake] Ha- well, it hasn't been bad.

What about you? Where's your date?

[bearshermark]

Oh. [He blinks, and for a few moments concentrates on mirroring Kuja's movements.]

..I don't think it means anything, in my world. I haven't met anyone else with a numbered name in my travels yet. I'm sure my- my parents had their reasons, but I don't think even my grandfather knows.

[He gives as much of a shrug as he's able- manifesting more in a slight raise of his shoulders and tip of his head]

It's just a name, and it's mine.

[bearshermark]

[He was honored really, and beamed right back at him]

Oh! She's- [He waved a hand vaguely in the direction of the hall largely behind them] At the buffet, I think. We danced for awhile, then decided to take a break to see our other friends and meet new people while we were here. I never thought it would be this much fun.

[bearshermark]

Eleven turned a curious look to the orchestra, though having no idea what an ocarina was, naturally failed to find one.

"You're a musician?"

[treno_nobleman]

[He nods, acutely aware of their movements, where each foot falls, where the weight shifts. Eleven may not have been a natural, but he certainly was no beginner.]

If it is a name you like, who can argue with you otherwise? Should that not be all that matters? [He realizes he is contradicting his earlier statements, but it's only to smooth over the ruffles. His misunderstanding and concerns, not the boy's.] Very good, following that exchange. Perhaps you'd like to try something a bit more advanced?

[blue_ice]

[ Being just another face in the crowd had its upsides. He nods and flashes the barest hint of a smile, feeling oddly buoyed by the words.

It's hard to describe what he's feeling. It's largely positive tonight, but every time he sees Atem, the back of his mind stirs into a whirlwind----hope, fondness, regret, and determination. ]

Mm. Undoubtedly anyone you asked to dance would be falling all over themselves to accept. Saving your energy?

[king_of_egypt]

[True, also there's considerably less pressure to excel or responsibilities to weigh one down here. A person could reinvent themselves if they wanted to... or fall into old habits]

[Kaiba wasn't the only one having to sort through his feelings tonight.]

[That got a chuckle out of the pharaoh and a shake of the head] I don't know about that... [The flattery caught Atem off guard, and he wasn't entirely sure how to take it.] Trying to drop a subtle hint...? [Said a bit impishly, when he finally looked back up at his companion]

I would have thought you kept your dance card full. [There was no harm in some gentle teasing, surely.]