Valentines Day (Event)

[Aria]

In a lavish mansion high upon mountains, a grand gala was taking place. A man who proclaimed himself to be the god of love in mortal form was the host of the event. Dozens of people from far and wide came to attend the event. Dignitaries, Nobles, Gods, spirits, all those who were once stricken or currently stricken with love. All those who attended appeared in mortal form and consumed all manner of delicious goods. Food and wine that would both befit the highest of nobility along side the simpler but more recognizable foods of the commoners. Golden and silver goblets of the guests were always full of what the consumer desired. Water, Wine, Mead, Juice, all these things were provided.

Each guest of the party was dressed in the finest garbs imaginable. Lavish ball gowns, silken kimonos, fancy suits, and so on and so forth. Masks were provided to guests to wear to make things more interesting. Servants were dressed in uniform, they glided around the guests with large silver platters. Ready to provide the guests with what ever they wanted. The ball room was adorned with various artworks. Most of which depicted myth's of gods and mortals in love. The tragedies and joys that proceeded those myths. All the arts were depicted with different art styles from all over the world. Large marble statues of famous couples served as pillars. There were large windows that let in the light of the moon and the stars. The clouds danced below as if they too felt the spirit of the party within their midst. The ball room had a massive golden chandelier that seemed to illuminate the grandiose party with a heavenly glow. The ball was entertained by a series of singers and musicians. Their melodies were heavenly and people could make requests with a clerk that was near the band. They sung all manner of song as a means to celebrate love and life. The very atmosphere of the mansion made the guests feel as if they were lost in a sea of pleasantries.
---

Mortals who were fortunate enough to receive an invitation, appeared in to this gala in their dreams. The dreams would feel so real that guests swore that they were there. In their dream, they are dressed in the finest clothes of their era. Aria had no idea why she was here or why she appeared there in full formal attire. She wore a lavish red and white dress. And had a simple red mask with gold trimmings. Her hair was done up in a fancy braid and bun combo. She had makeup on her face and a sweet perfume that smelled like flowers.

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

A part of him believed that he had returned to the home of his youth, back to the castle and enjoying himself in one of the many balls. But things were not right for it. This was not the castle nor was it any sort of place or celebration he could recognize. The mood was flighty and light, in a way it was altogether pleasant.

Carlisle's mask was white with gold, and covered his nose. His clothes were crimson and purple, a very royal and regal garb with a mantle that's tail reached his knees. It was not the most extravagant but it was soft and easy to move in, certainly something to dance in. He found himself smiling in elation the longer he looked around. Snatching bits of food from trays he popped them in his mouth and simply enjoyed himself.

The ways of the court, he mused. It had been far too long. His mind told him that this could not be real, he should find Percival or wake up and yet it was real enough for him. Unconciously he brought a hand to his head and felt a cold metal. He wore his father's circlet. It would seem that his mask was fitted just to accommodate it.

He allowed himself to smile and look at his fellow guests. There were strange garbs and familiar garbs as well as an assortment of people from all over, some he was uncertain he even recognized. Well, if he was here, he might as well enjoy himself.

[Gar]

Gar had found himself in his restrictive formal attire once again. He sported a purple shirt, deeper purple vest with a collar and gold trim. A white half cape wrapped his neck and one of his shoulders. Gar wasn’t too big on hiding his identity, but still, upon his face sat a bright turquoise mask. All in all, he felt fresh, like he had taken a long bath after a voyage. The stuff of lords and ladies. He arrived alone, not even his magic weapon on his back. For some reason, Gar felt as if he was being called toward this ball. As if it were a siren song leading an unaware sailor. The stuff of legend. But aren't legends are coming to life these days?

Gar entered confidently. It was a ball after all, nothing threatening about it. Wearing a mask made him even more carefree. If he was in lord’s clothing, he may as well have some fun and play the part. The pirate captain made his was to a fruit basket that lined a wall. He picked out a particularly nice looking red apple, mostly as a prop. He wanted to make himself look suave, or at the very least unimposing. He breathed onto the apple to give it a small amount of condensation before polishing it lightly on his vest. With a smirk Gar lifted his face toward the ballroom. The berserker’s eyes traced the room to see if his small action caught the eye of any masked maidens.

No dice. That wasn’t a surprise though. Gar laughed at himself. He could hardly expect ladies to swoon simply because he breathed on a piece of fruit. He took a solid bite of the apple and chewed happily as he enjoyed the colorful sights and sounds. 

[Mana]

Mana blinked a few times, opened her eyes, blinked again. The girl couldn't believe she was seeing reflection of herself in the fountain. The girl in this reflection...was nothing like the normal her. The messy ponytail was gone, replaced by long straight black hair falling down to her waist. A crimson barrette on the back of her head kept her hair in flowing graceful shape and a flower-shaped hairpin was placed in each side of her head. Two big black pupils peeked from behind the violet half-mask with golden embroidery and butterfly shape that hid most her face, leaving only her lips and a bit of her cheeks exposed. Mana trembled fingers moved up toward her mouth and gently touched her lips. The pink lipstick had accentuated her tiny lips and for the first time in her life Mana felt embarrassed just from looking at her own lips. Her gaze then fell down to the crimson color that dominated her kimono. Light green and silver lines ran following her curve as additional patterns. Some kind of belt made from sutra and with darker red color than the kimono wrapped her waist and tied behind on her back. The long kimono that reached down to her ankle made Mana feel cramped. These sandals were the only thing she wouldn't complain about so far...

"How can I end up here? I barely remember what I was doing..." Mana talked to herself in frustration. The Sacaen lady girl looked at the lavish mansion. For some reason she knew she had to enter this mansion to learn what was happening to her. And more importantly....she could smell the scent of delicious food coming from inside. Yes, food was more important than the other answers.

It was difficult to move like she usually did in this...complex attire. She could even feel the second layer of white kimono under her crimson kimono restricting her movement too much. Mana was forced to walk as gracefully as possible to avoid falling on her face....maybe there was first time for everything after all.  When she finally got inside, the black-haired lady girl couldn't feel more nervous that she already had. There were many pretty and luxurious dressed people inside and the interior was superb. It was like a party of gods. 

Thankfully, Mana could forget all her nervousness when a servant brought a platter full of delicious exotic foods. She carefully picked up a plate of cream soup and started enjoying her appetizer. 

[Aria]

Aria found herself overwhelmed with all of the sights and sounds of this grand gala. Never in her life had she imagined being in one of these events. She found herself wandering around the room taking in all of the sights. She was doing her best not to speak. She didn't want to accidentally offend anyone with her country accent. Even though the military and traveling did a good job at sort of limiting her accent. But, sometimes it still slips out. Especially, in moments of excitement or surprise. The young rider made her way towards the windows and took a look outside. She didn't see it before but there was a wonderful courtyard outside. Full of healthy green plants and trees. Most of which were in bloom. She could see several flowers colored pink, white, and red. And off in the distance, she could see a large rose bush, a fountain, and several more marble statues. There were several marble benches around in various locations meant to seat guests during their tour of gardens.

She then looked up towards the sky. She hoped to catch sight of her own wyvern flying through the air. She wondered if Chewy was also dolled up with a wyvern's equivalent of a dress. Which would be a fancy saddle with elegant strands of thick fabric laid upon her side. But, she did not see her wyvern out there. But, didn't necessarily mean that Chewy WASN'T out there, somewhere. She spied all manner of other winged beasts, Pegasi, Griffons, and other wyverns. There were several guests of the gala out there enjoying the night air. She caught sight of her own reflection upon the glass and nearly let out a gasp. This was the first time she was seeing herself like this. Like a proper woman. Saint above. Ma would be crying her eyes out if she saw me like this. She took note that the dress had a modest U shaped cut that showed off a bit of bosom and her back. She was wearing a simple silver pendant. The pendant part had a wyvern embedded into it. Even in her dreams, she couldn't shake off her Bernese roots.

She turned back around to look at everyone there. It was such a strange emotion. Here she was surrounded by people and yet she felt kind of alone. She kinda wished someone would walk up and talk to her. A servant sort of granted her wish, he approached with a silver tray full of goblets of wine. Aria took one and thanked him kindly. The servant nodded and went away to serve some other guests.

She took a sip of the wine. Remember, pinky out. The sweet red liquid went down her throat. Aria pulled the silver goblet away after a bit. This wine is amazing. It's not like that religious wine father breaks out during the holy day.
--

OOC- Cupid is gonna work his magic next post.

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

One two three, one two three, Carlisle knew not who he danced with, only that he danced and they were a wonderful partner. The music was played without flaw, not a single one. Even a trained ear could not take complaint with it. He thought there would be a right raucous noise due to the sheer volume of bodies and talking and yet the orchestra played on, their notes carrying so clearly through the halls. After enough time dancing he and his partner exchanged bows before going their separate ways. How he missed this life. Overcome in emotions he needed a moment to himself and left the hall. He made his way to the gardens.

The sheer variety of flora was astounding. Every sort of color and shape he could possibly imagine was there. How splendid this strange place truly was. He folded his hands behind his back and began to wander. This moment was nearly perfect, and he dreaded the thought of it ever ending. If it was a dream he did not wish to wake form it, and if he had forgotten what struggles led him back here then he was fine never remembering, he was content to simply live and breath.

It was then that a pair of guests caught his eye, they were a pair of women that passed and spoke to each other of the event. They were strangers but they spoke so freely to one another. Come to think of it he didn't think that any of the guests came here with someone else.

[Gar]

Gar was slowly growing accustomed to the environment. Everyone seemed so happy, carefree. To the point where they could walk up to complete strangers and share a dance. Gar smiled at that. Everyone on the isles was so suspicious of one another, they would hardly share more than a glance. That glacne could sometimes even start an altercation, but that wasn't the case here. As Gar started too pay more attention to the group of people in fancy dress, he noted something interesting. Not all of them carried themselves as if they were born into royalty. A number of the party goers seemed to be like him, commoners in noble's clothing. There were a few people who clearly had the refined manners and etiquette of nobles, but this gala seemed to be for everybody.

Gar moved to a standing table among a couple other attendees. There was a white tablecloth and a lit candle upon the table. He managed to strike up a conversation with the others. Small talk about how lovely the setting was, and how they wished nights like this would never end. Naturally, it would come to an end, but that was what gave these moments value. They were not to be squandered. The table shared many compliments back and forth. When Gar thought about it, all the attendees, even with their masks on, were quite beautiful. Each in their own ways of course, but he couldn't imagine what stroke of luck brought all these people together. Gar didn't question it any further, he simply continued to mingle with the masked guests.

[Mana]

The other might have enjoyed everything this party could offer. Food, wine, companionship, music, or dancing, so many things offered to the guests. Yet Mana was still in the corner. The Sacaen girl was still content with tasting some delicious food and fresh fruit juice. Fortunately for everyone, she hadn't touched the wine yet. Having almost no resistance for alcohol, Mana always got drunk easily and those occurrence often involved breaking things and sometimes hitting people. Someone might claim that she had almost cut someone's finger in drunken rampage but surely it was a false rumor about this innocent maiden.

Some people began to stare at Mana, and some not in appreciative way. Her outfit was beautiful and the way her hair done was simply remarkable, they would admit that. But she wasn't exactly having elegant demeanor which invited some disapproving look from some nobles. It wasn't really her fault, though. Her inexperience and upbringing caused her unladylike behavior.

Mana put another spoon of green pudding into her mouth happily. This strange food (she never tasted pudding before) had slimy and mysterious texture but it had the right amount of sweetness and sourness coming from a fruit. She was humming while finishing her last plate of pudding before switched her attention to the chocolate cakes carried by a servant. Another delicious food!

With a plate of cake in hand, Mana strolled deeper into the mansion. She passed those who dancing in pairs, wondering if she should join them. However, the thought of dancing with an unknown partner discouraged her. So she decided to save dancing for later and continued walking randomly in the hall, continuously munching her sweet.

[Aria]

The host of gala surveyed his party and his guests. He sat in a well furnished nook in the corner of the hall. His appearance looked human enough. A man of average height with short pink hair. Hair that curled into wavy locks that looked like pink silk. His eyes were blue like sapphires. And his skin pale in complexion but blemish free. He wore an ornate suit of pink and white. His buttons and cuffs bore were of a dark ruby color and bore the motif of a heart. The mask he wore was of the same color of his cuffs and were also heart shaped. Embroidered onto his lapel was a golden bow and arrow.

The woman across from him was another of oddly ethereal beauty. Her skin was fair and her hair was dark. Her eyes were a reddish and brown tint. A color that was seen in some of the most velvet and decadent of chocolate. Her hair was long and done up in an incredibly ornate bun. Held together with a jeweled clip of a blue and black butterfly. Her elegant dress bore the same color as the butterfly with a white undertone. Her mask was black and it bore too the butterfly shape.

The host determined that while their party was spectacular it missed something. A certain little element. Love, togetherness, and joy were all wonderful things when in love. But a celebration of love and all of it's wonders needed a certain element of chaos. What is love with out chaos? With out change? Love brings out the best and the worst of people. The pair of them ate a slice of what appeared to be a golden apple. Then the duo made their way to the center stage where they shared a dance. There was such an alluring presence between the both of them. They danced in unison and had such serene expressions to them. As the pair danced, the magic of the atmosphere seemed to amplify. From their bodies floating pink hearts emerged and float in the sky. Twinkling in the lights of the gala. Clearly the work of some sort of illusion magic. But, it was rather nice to look at. These hearts were numerous and spilled outwards towards the court yard.

The audience watched as the pair dance, enraptured by their performance. Oblivious to the shimmering hearts above them. Most of the hearts exploded into a shimmering display of multi colored lights. But, not all the hearts exploded into confetti. There were some that loomed over a few guests heads and changed color. These were cupid's "arrows". Redesigned so as not to actually impale anyone. The hearts turned rosy pink turned red before bursting into golden colored dust. To those chosen few. They would feel the effects of love. They would fall into a love with the first person who spoke to them. Regardless if these people were already spoken for. The severs and staff of the hosts were immune to these effects. Those inflicted by love's arrows would feel no effect towards them.
--

As Aria continued to make her way through the ball. She found herself as one of the spectators watching the couple dance. They were such beautiful beings. They were so light on their feet the young rider could have sworn that they were hovering above the air. Her vision was soon obstructed by another pair of dancers. She sighed softly and took a seat at an empty table. A waiter brought her a plate of various meats for her to feast upon. She picked up the silverware and started to eat. She did so with as much finesse as she could. Unknown of the little looming heart above her head.
--

OOC- Effects of cupids arrows can be sudden or subtle. The effect is left to the interpretation of the RP'er. PC can interact with other Pcs or with NPCs.

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

Introspection was always a touch tiring when you think too much about arbitrary things, and despite the atmosphere filling Carlisle with life he found himself closing his eyes and letting his mind drift off. The gardens smelled so sweetly and in the distance the wafting, mouthwatering, scents of the food was reaching him. Wait a second... the food smelled far too strongly. Opening his eyes again he was greeted by a servant holding a platter of meats before his face.

The smartly dressed server smiled at him before speaking, "It is quite the rare opportunity to find yourself within these halls, I would not squander such an opportunity on, well, sleeping and missing it. Have a bite?" Carlisle nodded and took a kabob of meats.

"I don't understand where we even are?" Carlisle asked biting into a bit of food. He felt the effects instantaneously. The food was energizing and filled him with a desire to do more. "Oh, this is rather good."

"It is to be expected. But as for where you are... well, just enjoy it. Oh! Looks like it is beginning finally."

"Hm? What's starting?" Carlisle's question was answered just as he asked. Hearts? were floating through the skies. Dispersed and gently lowering through the air. "What magic is this? Its a splendid display. I've never actually seen any performers, magus or non, able to make such an illusion." one of the hearts reached Carlisle who reached a hand out to it before it popped in a shower of smaller hearts above him.

"Oh." The server smiled, "I do believe you should get back to mingling? Don't you?"

"I suppose you're right." Carlisle got back to his feet, completely unaware of the enchantments now hanging over himself.

[Gar]

Dancing always caught Gar’s attention. He enjoyed the movement, the footwork, the passion. In a way it wasn’t dissimilar from a fight. Maybe it was the physicality of it all. The host pair seemed to be quite adept at their chosen style of dance. Years of practice. Gar respected that. Dancing wasn’t something that came naturally to everyone, especially dancing with such grace and presence. From the pair rose hearts of light. Lux. That wasn’t unheard of for the berserker. His own weapon could likely make some type of hardlight hearts too. Gar shrugged it off and dismissed it all as a part of the show.

Gar took a sip of his drink. It was time to find some other people to mingle with. He scanned the party through his turquoise colored mask. His eyes fell upon a woman sitting alone at a table, her only company was a waiter. Certainly that wouldn’t do, Gar rose from his leaning position and made his way over to the woman’s table. As he grew closer, he noted the woman’s dress, mask and hair. Red and white dress and a red mask. Her hair wasn’t the blue of the ocean that Gar was accustomed to seeing. It was more of a sky blue. It was a breath of fresh air in a sense. Where Gar went the heart above his head followed.

Gar placed a palm on the table where the lady sat and leaned in slightly. “It wouldn’t be right for a lady to sit alone on a night like tonight. Mind if I join you?” Gar waited for the response. He surely wouldn’t want to impose any more than he already had.

[Aria]

Oh my. This beef is delicious. Aria mused to herself as she did her best not to scarf down the whole slab in one bite. The waiter suggested she try it with the dipping sauce that mysteriously appeared beside her plate. She dunked a cubed peice of meat into the sauce and popped it into her mouth. The tangy brown sauce amplified the flavor of the beef. She wanted to thank the waiter but he was already gone by the time she finished her second piece. Ooh, I wish I knew who he was so I can tip him. All of the servants wore the same set of clothing and masks so it was very hard to discern who was who. Wait... Do I even have gold to tip with? Her thoughts were interrupted by the presence of another. She glanced up to see who it was. A man clad in purple and white. His attire looked like that of a noble but then again so did everyone else in this party. He had on a bright turquoise mask which she thought looked a little off when compared to the rest of the outfit.

What's with the heart above his head? It was at this point she noticed the heart above her own head. Huh, wait, these things came from the dancers. Guess they are a decoration? She blunk a few times before remembering her manners.

"Huh? You want to sit with me?" She glanced at the empty seat in front of her. The heart over her head pulsated slightly. Eh, why not.

"Er, I. Sorry. I mean, please, go ahead." She smiled softly then gestured to the chair.

"If you plan on getting something to eat I recommend the roast beef." She hoped the stranger didn't notice the half-empty meat plate in front of her.