One Night Only

[edge_of_nothing]

Who: OPEN TO EVERYONE because of Julian
When: October 30th, 2012
Where: The Xino E. Mao Corp building
Summary: MASQUERAAADE: A costume party of the swanky kind! Yay!
Warnings: None...?
Notes: Forward-dating so there's more time to tag in. Action and prose are both okay! ALSO: tag yourself in on the log!

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Halloween doesn't just belong to the young and young-at-heart. Candy isn't hard to come by. So why not spend some time partying it up?

Thanks to a mistake and Network spam sent via Julian, Xino E. Mao has been dressed up for precisely that line of thinking. Thanks to Xigbar's quick fixes (i.e. connections and a few spells for the occasion), the rooms reserved for special events have been opened up for the masquerade. Yes, masquerade. All are expected to dress in costumes that aren't corny.

The lighting is dim, overlaying fitting decorations which fulfill the eerie ambiance necessary for such a Hallowed Night. These are far from cheesy store-bought decorations, of course. It's stylish and...alive. Why yes, those are Heartless Shadows creeping along the walls.

Don't get too caught up staring at the details – the details will stare back at you.

To all who enter here: enjoy.

= = = = =

Comments

[hikari_no_kundou]

[There's a wolf at the door.

Quite literally, thanks to the activation of a rarely-used Halloween Town form, though the outfit itself has been modified here or there to be more presentable for a fancy party; the silver grey ascot about his throat is pinned with a small gold emblem of no particular importance.

There's a few nervous looks when the dapper lycanthrope steps inside, particularly when a fancy top hat is handed to one of the reception staff (my, what large paws you have, sir). Hard to miss when he enters the main room, but few deign to approach, which is just fine by Eraqus.

Ears tilt back and forth now and again as he skirts around the edge of the crowd, and he keeps the growls intended for certain elements mixed in with the decorations to a minimum - if barely.]

[madannoshashu]

[ The large guest doesn't escape his notice, nor the curiosity of that symbol.

Eventually, he slips around to greet him and catches one of those growls. ]

Everything to your tastes, sir?

[hikari_no_kundou]

[This little emblem? Pft, I'm sure you've never seen it before. Nope.

A black-tipped ear swivels first when Eraqus is addressed, his attention having been fixed on a clump of Shadows intently watching him from in and above the wall hangings. (You'd think they were staring at lunch or something..)

The question mutes the growl immediately, but there's a brief pause before tapered muzzle turns to stare down at Xigbar.]

It is certainly...impressive.

[Still a little too early to cast his verdict. But rest assured, he's judging you.]

[madannoshashu]

[ Who can say?

Regardless, even in 'costume', it's not hard to identify the light that permeates the other. He doesn't need to guess who this is or even why he's here.

The smile only broadens. ]

We do strive to make an impression.

[ Not always a good one, but hey- to each their own. ]

Is there anything I can do for you while I'm here?

[ Being a good co-host, and all. ]

[hikari_no_kundou]

[ He has never laid eyes on you before, costumed or otherwise, but something is.. Familiar. Not necessarily a good feeling, not when there is a distincting taint of shadow to the man opposite him.

It's like that one word you want, one that teeters on the tip of your tongue as you struggle to remember but it never works up the courage to take that final step back into memory's dictionary.

Well, that's going to bother him all night.]


Given your company's position, I would imagine so. Generous, to stage an event for so many.


[His left ear twitches at the question. What can you do? Well, since we're being polite:]


Hmm. I have not been long in Siren's Port. Perhaps you might identify your fellow hosts for me?


[Better the Nobodies you know. Or somethingsomething.]

[madannoshashu]

[ A very distinct, rather familiar taint, no? His smile is easy and knowing/, like he's savoring a joke the other had yet to be made privy to.

All things in their proper time. ]

We do try.

[ As for the question- well. ]

Why, certainly!

[ He gestures grandly in Xemnas's direction. ]

My employer Xemnas, the company's CEO. There's a few others from the parent company, but they're in disguise at the moment.

Mostly, it's just the two of us.

[hikari_no_kundou]

[A very familiar taint, yet he does not know how or why.

Grandiose gesture is followed, mentally making note of the gentleman indicated, though his head briefly tips to one side. Something about that bearing.. The hair is disconcertingly familiar, too. Hnnnnnn..

He at least keeps his voice cordial:]

As one would be, at a masquerade. Some attendees seem more comfortable than others.

And you would be...?

[Both ears flick back, but there's no outward sign of the wariness rising. Eraqus can't help but begin to really dislike that smile, however.

You'd think Xigbar did that on purpose or something.]

[madannoshashu]

[ Oh, Eraqus. If you only knew how deliberate he is.

The smile remains, as sharp as it ever was. ]

Xigbar. CBO of the Xino E. Mao Corporation.

And you?

[hikari_no_kundou]

[ Xigbar.

The name now has a face.

He does not growl. But if the wolf-smile bares slight fang, well. That's just the disadvantage of his choice in costume, wouldn't you agree?

Instead, large grey paw is extended forwards. Don't mind the rather wicked looking claws there, Xigbar. You know how Halloween Town is about its disguises. ]


Eraqus. Only recently arrived.

[capax_infiniti]

[Now there's something he hasn't seen in a long time... long enough that it gives him pause, remembering the first metamorphosis... his brother running the earth while he skimmed the skies...

Of course, he's not wearing that form now. The costume was the far more amusing route...

He approaches idly, a cup of water in hand.]

[hikari_no_kundou]

[It's a great deal less short and fluffy than yesteryear. Not uncomfortable, though, even if Eraqus has a feeling he'll be craving jerky for at least a day once the night is over and he's dismissed the form.

He hasn't accepted any drinks yet, but that's simply a matter of time. Both ears swing forward as a familiar figure makes its way over, and head cants to one side. Amusing? Oh yes. Even if he's rather certain that Yen Sid would not likely approve.]

...The beard makes for a remarkable likeness.

[capax_infiniti]

[A good-natured laugh, one that would seem highly out of place on the true Yen Sid. If anyone could see past the disguise with such ease, it would of course be the one who knew him too well.]

I thought as much, though it is far too long for my tastes.

You've grown into your own well. Your paws and ears aren't amusingly oversized anymore.

[hikari_no_kundou]

[Your eyes give you away, Xehanort! Perhaps the only occasion they do so, in fact.]

He's had many more years to grow used to it. He would certainly not suit a shorter goatee in comparion.


[One of the aforementioned paws is lifted high, then splayed against his chest when he gives a polite partial bow, mostly in amused acknowledgement; its decidedly huge compared to his human ones, and wickedly clawed besides.]

No, now they are simply oversized. The fur is certainly more manageable, at least.

[capax_infiniti]

I find it unlikely that he would choose such a costume, were he to even participate in this holiday.

[The mental image is amusing though, and he chuckles a little.]

True, but in a fashion properly befitting the form, whereas before it was simply symptomatic of being a pup. I do recall those attempts to run where you would trip incessantly over your feet.

[hikari_no_kundou]

One to observe and comment, rarely one to participate. Though I admit, I cannot imagine what he might wear, if he did.

[Grey eyes glance away, taking a moment to see if Xehanort's NV is present, before scanning the crowd. Who seem to have edged away for some reason, how very strange.

There's a properly canine snort at the memory of tripping. Because teenaged years weren't trouble enough when it came to learning to keep your balance.]

Those robes are certainly more manageable than wings at least, hrm?

[capax_infiniti]

[She is in fact there, though she's trailing behind her master a bit meekly (in what appears to be a flower costume). Seems like someone got into trouble...]

Very much so... less of an illogical body design, regardless of how functional it is. This space is too small for that form.

[hikari_no_kundou]

[ Aww Ramadas, you cutie. Eraqus inclines her head towards her (his tail doesn't wave from side to side, but he does look a little less fierce for at least 10 seconds). ]

Hmmhmm. True, it always was more suitable for an outdoor venue. Not so much a room confined as this one.

[ That. And the lack of hair. Might make for an odd showing with that cue-ball, Bro. ]

[capax_infiniti]

[While he catches the direction of Eraqus' glance, he doesn't seem to react to it. Ramadas droops a little bit after a moment, though...]

The wingspan was quite large even in a young form. It would be rather uncomfortable now...

[maybe he'd still have a gorgeous mane as a gargoyle... they age slower, after all...]

I admit my surprise. What draws you to such a venue, Eraqus?

[hikari_no_kundou]

[Awww, but she looks so cute. Don't be sad, Rammy! Eraqus doesn't pay any further heed to her for the moment, however.]

You think it would have expanded with age?

[...Don't kid yourself there, bro. We both know how unhappy you'd be to lose that hair again when you switched back -- if it did come back.

Arms shift, folding behind his back rather than across his chest as is his usual pose of choice.]

I was invited. Though by all accounts, the entire city was. [Tail flicks once, twice, left to right.] I have been here only a short time. It seemed as appropriate a venue as any to see what I might learn of the city.

And you?

[edge_of_nothing]

[Oh, that's fine. It's more fun to seek out those who decide to stay out of the crowd instead of in it. Besides, with this costume in particular, it draws attention. Interest.

Xemnas has kept an eye on Eraqus, keeping track of where he goes here. And when the window of opportunity opens up, he places an empty glass on another Dusk's tray, casually making his way over. And since it is a masquerade, he hasn't forgotten to wear the mask provided because I can't find a good mask on google.]

I must say...this is one of the more creative costumes I've seen this evening.

[hikari_no_kundou]

[Action and reaction. In many ways it is a good means of getting a measure of others.

The fact several of the Shadows persist in following his path around the ballroom has meant he hasn't stopped long at one table or gathering for long. However, several other patrons who'd held themselves apart earlier grew bolder as the night progressed (in no small part thanks to the prevalent presence of alcohol), and Eraqus had only recently seperated himself from a small huddle when Xemnas finally approaches.

The silver hair matched with that outfit is quite striking, particularly with the mask of nondescript nothingness; the untouched champgane within the flute glass carried so delicately with him is swirled slightly as Master Eraqus observes the stranger. Something in the bearing is..oddly familiar. But he cannot place it.

It might amuse(?) Xemnas to note even the wolf-like face bears a mask, albeit something simple that only surrounds his eyes.]


Not inappropriate, I hope? [His head cants slightly to one side.] It is not often that such opportunities arise.

[edge_of_nothing]

No. Not at all. Our restrictions were not very...specific.

[In a way, the presence of a mask over canine features adding to the man's formality and mannerisms does bring a faint smirk to his lips.]

And you are beyond the level of poor taste some choose to fall back upon.

[hikari_no_kundou]

[The smirk does not do much to endear Xemnas as yet, though the compliment is better recognised for what it is. Head remains tilted somewhat as he watches the younger man.]

This world certainly has..unusual expectations. Some are certainly more memorable than others.

[An ear flicks] What specifics would you have chosen otherwise?

[edge_of_nothing]

Nothing too drastic. If it were me doling out the invitations, costumes would have been an option. [There's a pause as he looks at Eraqus.] I should make it clear that celebrating holidays are not at the top of my list of priorities.

But I would have to agree. It does catch one off guard, given it has the opportunity to bring them into the setting in the first place.

[After another beath, he gestures, arms opening wide.]

The people brought in also bring more...life to its mundane monotony, wouldn't you think?

[hikari_no_kundou]

I would not have guessed. [Politely spoken, grey eyes still fixed on Xemnas' face. Xemnas is at least playing the part of dutiful host well, right down to his own costume. Eraqus' reply certainly doesn't sound sarcastic, anyway.]

Both your colleague and the one who sent the invitations certainly seem to have embraced the season. [He's not sure where Xigbar is right this moment, but he's not over /here/ and that'll do for now.] An example for the rest of us, I suppose.

[He draws back slightly but does not actually step backwards when Xemnas gestures widely, brows furrowing rather than arching because wolfface.]

Per...haps. Though I would imagine that would depend on what once considers 'mundane', when it comes to life, or a world such as this.