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

[woo_oo]

Arrival - Louie

[Amazingly enough, Webby still hasn't realized that Louie's intention on asking her to the dance was romantic in nature. Bless her. But she does figure she should be polite enough to wait outside for him, so she tries to kill time by rocking back and forth on her heels, hands behind her, eyes on the night sky. After a delightful shopping trip with a friend, she's dressed as such.]

Maybe I should think of this as one those fancy balls Uncle Scrooge went to...

Arrival - Open

[Moments later, she's in, and taking in the sights! The stars are beautiful this twilight, and she's constantly turning around to see everything and everyone - sorry if she bumps into you.]

Whoa - sorry! Can you believe this? It's like we're in the sky itself!

Let The Revels Begin

[... What was about Bison? ... Eh, whatever. She had dancing lessons with Hendrik, so she's pretty confident, and is in a mood to show off! She giggles wildly to see Tango and Ballet, even pointing at them as they pass.]

Awww, aren't they so cute together? Fluttershy and I helped get them together! ... Well, mostly Fluttershy. 90% Fluttershy.

Food

[Oh boy... fancy food... y-yay...

NGL Webby had been hoping for copious amounts of desserts and a chocolate fountain to stick her head in. She holds up one of the cucumber sandwiches, reminded of the kind of stuff Granny likes to eat.]

... This is party food?

Wildcard
[You know the drill, make your own prompt!]

[burningbrighter]

arrival: this is our big night

Sunset's single and content with that at the moment, though she enters with a small group of friends. She gives everyone an encouraging smile, marveling at the brilliant stars. They're in the twilight...a thought that brings a fond little smile to her face. She'd definitely like another chance to dance with a certain nerdy friend of hers someday!

But now is now. She'll happily wave to anyone she sort-of recognizes, a simple but elegant teal dress swishing at her heels.

it's dance magic

Dancing is Sunset's bread and butter! She happily sways to the beat of all the faster songs, confident and proud. She's had plenty of practice, and she's happy to try to teach anyone who looks like they might need some encouraging. Expect her to offer a hand and a smile if you might need a friend.

The slower songs have her moving to exit the floor with a telltale blush, though. She's so not ready for that yet...or is she?

mix it up

Of course there's always the food table. She's very happy with the vegetarian spread, and always ready to greet everyone with a friendly smile or a compliment on their looks.

She hasn't imbibed yet, fortunately...but that could change, of course.

[blue_ice]

arrival

Kaiba, being Kaiba, has saved up and purchased the fanciest dress robes he can afford. Nowhere near as expensive as his native wardrobe, unfortunately, but still with the silver. His normally blue accent pieces are closer to a lavender shade tonight, because he's wearing his heart on his sleeve as he strides into the room.

His 'heart', of course, being a short human male with a smile. Yup. That sure is Yugi Mutou, and they sure look involved. This is public knowledge now, and Kaiba doesn't care what you think.

dances and dragons

Yugi is of course far more sociable than he is, so there are plenty of times when Kaiba is alone. He usually takes a small snack from the table, maybe a few mouthfuls of punch...

...and maybe it's the punch, but he's not immediately rebuffing most people who approach him tonight. No, it would do him some good to socialize some. Especially with those who are close to Yugi, for...reasons that are unimportant.

"Enjoying yourself?"

That's about as polite as it gets for Kaiba, but give him time. And more punch. With enough of both, he might even accept a dance invitation with someone he sufficiently respects.

in the quiet

Even as practiced as he is with mandatory social occasions, he has his limits. He steps outside and fastens his cloak around him at one point, tucking into a nook and watching the stars.

But of course, being this school, he has to pull his feet up when something small scurries by. Either someone's lost their familiar or there's a dangerous experiment on the loose, probably. He sighs, determined to ignore it.

Good luck with that. Should anyone approach here, he'll give them a minute nod.

[treno_nobleman]

Arrival

[Balls were almost commonplace in his world, where people with far too much wealth went to flaunt themselves and show out in their finest clothing and taste the richest foods and the sweetest wines. While not a favorite pastime during his run with the upper echelons of society, it had been a place for him to put words into the right ears and sow the seeds of whatever it was he had intended.]

[In the academy, there is no doubt in him that this will not be a dance like the ones he remembers. He has little favor to gain from these students, less still to benefit him from it, and little hope that whatever he could gain would prove to help him get home, wherever that is. No, this is simply out of habit, something to get him out of the monotony of classes and research and do something different.]

[And he has had invitations. And he has rejected the ones he has received. But he will go nonetheless, in something of his own design, silver hair pulled back into a low and loose ponytail, hat left at home - really, it was too much after all - and damnable tail curling out from under the coat tails for all to see, though he worries less about it now than he had. After all, even if this proves to be a boring affair, it is aesthetically appealing, and that much, he can appreciate.]


Let the Revels Begin

[While he does love to dance, Kuja isn't one to dance alone, which might seem odd given his disposition for keeping others at arm's length, physically and emotionally. He'll be enjoying the music and the festivities, but unless there is a mutual interest in it, he'll be taking in the sights and engaging in small talk.]


Meanwhile, Elsewhere

[Once he's grown bored of the experience, he'll be retiring for the evening, though Kuja doesn't make a beeline for the dorms. No, he has his sights set on a night stroll to let the breeze wash off the boredomamusement? of the dance. Mischief isn't his thing, not in this place, not yet, but someone passing him by might find him amenable to company before he truly gets too tired to carry on.]

(closed to yugi)

[blue_ice]

[ It's a nice enough night, he supposes, but Kaiba's major concern here is with the man he's with. They manage to pass through the entrance gauntlet without much of a fuss, and at the end of it, he simply stops and takes Yugi's hand in his own. Everyone knows now. Everything's fine.

There's a hint of a smile on his face. ]

That looks even better on you in this light. Heh. I might have to worry about you.

[puzzlers]

H- Hah, [ he looks up at kaiba and huffs a laugh, shaking his head as he stuff his hands in his pocket to keep from looking too nervous. ] I don't think so, but thanks all the same.

[ he had done everything in his power to avoid thinking about the dance, because while he was looking forward to it he was also not looking forward to it, but now that it was upon him, well, he couldn't exactly avoid it anymore. ]

Flattery will get you everywhere, Kaiba. [ he's half kidding. he doesn't mind the compliments, especially not when kaiba's being so sincere. ] I had to make sure I looked even half as good as you! [ he gently ribs him, removing a hand from his pocket to, instead, reach for one of his. ]

[blue_ice]

[ Kaiba smiles back and links their hands together. It still feels a little strange, being so open about it...but this is the perfect night to do it. As much as he resents the strangeness of this school, he has to admit that their event planning isn't the worst.

He walks with Yugi to a slightly quieter place, away from the food, and reaches to brush his shoulder. ]

Do you remember the horde of admirers I had to pull you out of to get you here? You look good, everyone knows it...and more importantly, they know that I'm with you.

[ The haughtiness that would normally accompany that comment is a joke, if anything, going by the gleam in his eye. ]

Shall we dance and really drive the point home?

[bearshermark]

Revels

[With a bit of help, Eleven has found himself dressed in a long, cream colored coat and light blue shirt with dark slacks. His hair starts out tied behind his head in the world's shortest ponytail, but threads of it gradually escape the binding as the night wears on.

Having only recently learned to dance the most essential steps, Eleven's nerves get the better him through the first few hours. He dances slow, hesitant dances with Isabel and a select few people he already knows. But it's not nearly as difficult as it seems and after awhile, he's even enjoying himself more than he's worrying about stepping wrong. In fact, as some of the catchier music begins to play and creeps under his skin with a growing itch, he finds himself urged to dance quicker beats. He falters- then grins and turns into a sudden spin with a laugh.

It's not so unlike sparring, after all.

He grows bolder, heart beating wildly to a rhythm that's already taken hold. With a breathless smile, he offers his hand to the next person he spots without a partner]

Dance with me?


Food

The only thing better than dancing his cares away to an endless stream of wondrous music was the equally endless buffet. Just looking at it made him feel as though he hadn't eaten in days.

Eleven made a point of stopping over at least once every few songs to grab something delicious and refreshing. It gave him a chance to watch the other partners dancing and admire the sheer walls of the Great Hall as they fell to dusk and the twilight hours the ball was named for.

The combination of creativity, magic, music, and energy enchanted him, and something like joy burst through his chest as he took a sip of his drink.

"...I love this world."


Wildcard

[Would you like to pull Eleven aside for something else? Feel free!]

Food

[unswervingcompanion]

Hendrik comes over dressed as much as he's going to be for the occasion. So he makes his way over to see Webby at the food table.

The knight is here to check on how well those dance lessons are working out for all who showed up and he'd seen Webby out on the dance floor. With her question about the cucumber sandwiches, he walks up behind her.

"I cannot say if that is considered party food or not."

Food

[unswervingcompanion]

"You should be cautious as to not invite a stomach ache." And that's about as protective as he's going to get at this point in time. But the knight is happy that the Luminary is here and that he's having a good time. Those were rare things back home in their own world and Hendrik is always very aware of how things went back there.

He picks up a glass of punch and takes a sip. It's not bad and he inspects it for another moment. His eyes them look out at the other couples dancing and then back at the Luminary who is alone.

"Did you not bring a date?"

[king_of_egypt]

[Arrival]

[As Atem makes his way across the bridge he's mindful of those around them being careful not to hurry them along. He's wearing a suit for a change, though he's already removed the jacket and has it about his shoulders so it's more like a cape. Some habits die hard. Also, since he's been reunited with the Millennium puzzle, he'll also be wearing that artifact around his neck. Curiously he is there without someone by his side. Despite coming to the ball alone, he's determined to try and make the most of it. This ball is only a beginning in it's own way.

At some point he stops and leans against the railing to look over the side marveling at all the work that went into transforming this place into something more fantastical. ]

It's really something isn't it, Capricius, Horus? [That's right. When you are a dateless loser alone you bring your familiars. To one side the gemstone familiar floated in the air, seemingly listening, while a golden metallic falcon sat on Atem's right shoulder. Once finished looking over their handiwork, he'll head into the main event]

[Let the Revels Begin]

[Most of Atem's time is spent.... watching others hit the dance floor. Sure, he had his lessons with Hendrik and the others but somehow he still ended up hugging the transparent walls. That's okay. This was fine. This wasn't really his night to shine, so to speak. It was Yugi's...... and Kaiba's. There would be other festivities and festivals over the year. He was mostly just here to make amends for something foolish he had said and done earlier. Not appearing would have been only served to make the other party involved feel worse.

So... here it was. One night, and then things could really get back to normal, and that would be the end of it]

[Wait, Wasn't There a Ghost Dragon and an Off-Brand Shoggoth?

[Balls might not be his thing but mysterious mythological beasts are. Having an odd sense about what might await him in the caverns Atem is keen to investigate. He starts to drift in that direction. It doesn't look as if he's waiting for or anticipating any company for this little side adventure either but should someone question it he might allow them to accompany him]

[outofyourshadow]

Arrival

Lena had been a bit surprised when Huey had asked her to the Twilight Ball, but honestly, she couldn't complain. She'd heard Louie had asked Webby, and she figured that Huey felt like being a third wheel as much as she did. So at least if the two of them went together, the four of them could still hang out without anyone feeling left out.

So while balls and fancy dresses weren't really her thing, Lena had managed to find a black dress with purple highlights that she thought was pretty cool.

Though she couldn't help feeling a bit self-conscious as she entered the Great Hall, because she was definitely out of her element with this kind of thing. But even she had to admit that the hall looked amazing.

Let the Revels Begin

Lena had mostly tuned out during the headmaster's speech, but her attention returned when the music started. And once again, she had to admit that the musical selection was really good. There were plenty of songs that had her following along, even if she wasn't out on the dance floor.

But she probably wouldn't be opposed to a dance, either.

A Dance or Two - Closed to Huey

Well, Huey had asked her. And while she figured there wasn't for any romantic reason, which was the reason for the ball, that didn't mean they couldn't have some fun.

"So, we gonna dance, or what?"

Food

Lena was never one to turn down free food. And while the portions were small so it wouldn't drag down the dancing, there were enough to get someone full with constant snacking.

Not that that stopped Lena from coming back every so often for a bit more.

Wildcard

((OOC: If you have something else in mind, feel free! Or message me at usamichan13 to plot something!))

[bearshermark]

Eleven grinned at his protector even as his stomach fluttered. 'Date' implied a little more than he knew what to do with, even if it was technically true.

"Yes, but I think she's somewhere on the other side of the hall." He nudged Hendrik. "Lighten up. Didn't I see you dancing with Yotsuyu earlier?"

[shiningkindness]

Arrival - Closed to Yuki

Fluttershy couldn't help feeling a bit nervous as she waited for Yuki at the bridge leading to the Great Hall. Though she was sure he had asked her as a friend, the fact that he was her "date" still had her heart skipping a bit.

So she waited, all dressed up and her hair styled in a way that she hoped would be appropriate for a ball like this.

Arrival - Open

Fluttershy gasped as she stepped inside, even though it was almost hard to tell the difference between inside or out. With the illusion of the open space, with nothing but the glittering stars above and the scenery around them decorating the hall, the site was truly breathtaking.

"Oh wow..." she murmured, turning to try and take it all in with wide eyes. "I can see why the Twilight Ball is such a big event here."

Let the Revels Begin

There was so much good music, Fluttershy couldn't help dancing to most of the songs that were playing. Normally shy and reserved, she didn't seem to think of anyone watching as her body moved to the rhythm, enjoying losing herself to the music. And she was more than happy to dance with anyone who asked for a dance with her.

Even when she was taking a break, her head was bobbing or her toes were tapping along with the beat. And every once in a while, the whale that was out on the dance floor would swim over to her, and Fluttershy would giggle and spin as the whale swam around her, as if dancing with her, before the whale returned to the dolphin's side.

Food

With all the dancing, it was important to recharge sometimes. So Fluttershy could be found sometimes at the buffet table, nibbling here and there on the vegetarian-friendly options available.

...She'd also had some of the punch. Someone better make sure she doesn't have too much.

Wildcard

((OOC: If you have something else in mind, feel free! Or message me at usamichan13 to plot something!))

[areasontohope]

Dances like this didn't happen where Yuki was from, so he had some research to do. He'd looked up what kind of clothes would be appropriate for this type of event as well as learn some basic rules. This didn't cover the fact that he'd had to go speak to King Grokin Derfeur, the Ruler of Durast and ask for help with learning how to dance too. So he'd definitely done his homework in between classes.

So he got dressed and headed to the Ball, not sure why he felt nervous other than the fact that this was his first time doing anything like this. He also had a corsage for Fluttershy in a small see-through box which reminded him of her hair.

There were just so many people and Yuki tried to look for her. And in the end, he just started to look for her signature pink locks. Except for this time, they looked different, arranged as they were on her head.

He saw her looking around and the green dress made her look like a princess straight out of a fairy tale. And so for a moment, he had to take a breath. When he did get close enough, he politely stood a small respectful distance as he'd come up behind her.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long."

food

[pawper]

[She's got a plate piled high with a little.....no, wait, a lot of everything, including the disdained sandwiches. So much that it's a wonder the towering pile of assorted goodies hasn't toppled over and splattered on the floor.]

Sure it is! [It's food, they're at a party, what more could a body ask for?] ...You don't want it?

let the shipping - er, revels begin

[woo_oo]

With the music starting, Webby got eager to move around, and show off some of the moves Hendrik taught her. As a result, she doesn't quite see Lena yet, until she accidentally bumps into her, as a result of said 'cool moves'.

"Oh, sorry, Lena! I..."

But when she does see Lena, her mind... kinda... uh... huh... she's... never really seen Lena in anything but her usual clothes, so this is...

"You look... you look... you look..."

She goes on like a broken record until she manages to actually hear her own voice, and violently shakes her head to get back to normal. Where was she just then???

"... Good! Yes. Good. Very good."

So good. Wow. Wow.

[woo_oo]

Within seconds, Webby is instantly cheered up because Friend Hendrik!!!

"Hi Hendrik!" With the happy greeting, she moves the sandwhich around in her hand.

"It... sure is food!" She's trying to keep positive about the food, at least. "Is it supposed to be a carbo-load for all the dancing?"

[unswervingcompanion]

"Hello, Webby." This is said with a smile on the knight's face. And he has no idea what carbo-load means but he can deduce that she's talking about the food.

"I am afraid that I do not have that answer, but I am glad to see that you are enjoying yourself."

[unswervingcompanion]

Well, at least the other had a date and was smiling. And said date was on the other side of the hall somewhere, so bonus points for finding these things out.

"I had rather hoped to see you out on the dance floor. That training was not for entertainment."

The question though had the knight cough into his hand lightly. "You did." And that's about all he's going to say about that.

[shiningkindness]

Seeing him approach from the corner of her eye, she looked over and managed a shy smile.

"O-Oh...no, I haven't been here too long."

Dance Magic

[shiningkindness]

Fluttershy was more than happy to have a dance with Sunset. Accepting her friend's hand, they headed out to the dance floor during an upbeat and catchy song.

"So are you having fun?" Fluttershy asked as she moved to the music.

A Dance or Two

[goingbythebook]

Confidentially, Huey had only asked her because he felt he had to. Not to make that sound like he felt obligated to, but-! Well, Louie had asked Webby... apparently... and he thought Lena might feel left out. Even aside from family members he had a tendency to want to make sure everyone was having fun, and so he'd extended an invitation.

Of course, now that meant going. And so here he was, looking up at Lena in mild surprise. He shouldn't be surprised- dancing is what you DO at a dance -and yet, there it is.

"Uh, sure! Dance, of course." He put away any 'Barely know Lena at all' awkwardness and called on his Regalia Event badge experience, giving her the best smile he could muster. Stepping away some, he swept downwards in a formal bow, then straightened enough to offer his hand to her.

"May I have this dance?"

[outofyourshadow]

Lena can't help blushing faintly at the compliment, though she also felt a strange sense of satisfaction for leaving Webby so speechless.

"Thanks," she replied with much more confidence than she actually felt. "You're looking pretty good yourself."

The actual word she wanted to use was adorable, but that sounded a bit weird, even in her head.

[outofyourshadow]

She did her best to stifle a laugh; she wasn't really laughing at him, but just how oddly sincere he was trying to be.

"You don't have to be so formal," she replied as she took his hand and led him to the dance floor. "You still really need to relax."