Mardi Gras // B.G.I. Dionysus Masquerade

[urbanchimera]

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B.G.I. was one of the more elegant looking buildings within the quarter. The brick facade of the building, though weathered, held an old charm that couldn't be replicated, and was only complimented by the wrought iron balconies extending from each street-facing room. Ivy scaled the brick along the sides, and instead of a flashy sign to proclaim what the club was, there was a simple, wooden square with Broken Glass engraved and gilted within the grain. When the sun set, the soft glow of light spilled from the open doorway, mingling with the sound of soulful blues, glasses tinkling, and cards shuffling as the night's entertainment went underway.

Tonight was different, though. The Krewe of Dionysus was hosting their Mardi Gras ball within the club, thanks to one of its members-- Arianna deBurgh. Owner, proprietor, and right hand lady to the Krewe's leader, she had went out of her way to make it a special evening. The theme was simply, Elegance. Victorian age-dress was the code, and it seemed as if one had been transported through time after stepping through the doors. (Though this may be literal, for the Rhydinites!) The bulbs in the dangling chandeliers ( in the front foyer, the casino, near the winding staircase that led to the second floor, and in the bar ) had been replaced low wattage lighting, giving the appearance of soft candle light. Purple, gold, and green -- the colors of Mardi Gras -- were used in the linen table cloths draped over each table, and the gleam of silver could be seen laced across the back of the chairs.

The full length bar situated along the right side of the room was being manned by four bartenders, each quite a dashing sight in their tuxedos and stiffened silk masks, prepared to cater to any drink whim. Near the bar were a series of banquet tables, laden with every type of food imaginable-- gumbos, souffles, etouffe, stuffed po'boys being some of the main attractions. On stage was a full brass band, playing their hearts out for the crowd. Some of the city's most influential people were present, ranging from the gracious Mayor, to the Chief of Police, and the trustees from the Board of Commerce. Decked to the nines, frock coats, cravats, full skirted bell dresses, the masks everyone wore served as a time of neutralizer. Incognito was the word of the evening, leaving one free to party as much as they wanted without worry of talk the next day.

After all, it was Mardi Gras.

The chosen King and Queen were currently residing near the stage-- settled in the makeshift thrones that had been put together in their honor, looking over the crowd with a sense of jubilation and enjoyment that could be felt throughout the whole room. Their hostess was just now making her appearance, gliding down the stairs in a configuration of deep purple velvet and black lace-- delicate features half hidden behind the ornate mask settled over her eyes and nose. ( dress/mask ) Stopping every now and then to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with this person and that, violets managed to keep finding their way towards the door, in search of the guests that had yet to arrive.


( After the thread is done, it'll be locked. Enjoy! )

<font color="#528442" size="1">[ February 27, 2006 12:23 AM: Message edited by: vintage faith ]</font>

[cajun_songbird]

<font color=#999999>Bren needn't look too far for Max, since he was right there with her. Standing off to her left so the front of his right shoulder was pressed to the back of her left shoulder. Obscured by the black opera cape adorning his frame and temporarily shielding his outfit from wandering eyes. The silver on silver Casanova Baroque mask did as it was intended to, showing nothing but those hazel eyes through the open sockets. ( outfit ) A polite dip of his head was given to the woman who ran the beautifully decorated establishment when she made her introductions. When the group started moving through the crowd towards the bar, the Giant started moving as well. White gloved hand came from the folds of the cape to press against the finely woven fabric of Bren's masterfully crafted dress, pressing it's palm against the small of her back. The intricately designed waistcoat beneath the coat played peek-a-boo as they walked. For the time being nothing was said, simply because he was taken in the atmosphere of the party. There was something magical about this era.. an era he longed that would return.</font>

[cajun_songbird]

Such elegance, he could manage it. Easier than one might think, really. Certainly, the ettiquette for it.

Dark gray, almost black, the dove-tail jacket. Faintly pinstriped. A waistcoat of gleefully loud paisley in a riot of red, blue, purple, green, and gold lame'. Stovepipe slacks, spats over black leather shoes. White kid gloves. He had reluctantly left behind the cane, though it was stylish and lots of fun to bash people with, because he would be escorting Cam and Bren in.

A half-face mask, gold background, patterned in wide diamonds of colors picked up from the waistcoat. Harlequin, of course, it pleased him immensely. He had even allowed Cam to comb through his hair with gel so it lay back, smooth and obedient for once. Desdenova expected that it would rebell horribly, and he would end up with surfers hair before the evening was done.

And so, he offered arms to the ladies, of course, gracious with the whisp of smile.


<font color=#1E601E>

Standing in a semi frozen state while staring around the place in awe, she blinked then glanced to Des when his elbow bumped her arm; eyes slid further right to smile over to Camilla. This was going to be greater than great, and judging from the way the B.G.I. looked, all decorated to the extreme in order to fit the Mardi Gras theme.

They were all decked out, Brenna included, and she felt like someone important when dressed to the hilt, so to speak. The silver satin and black lace gown( here ) was both appropriate and complimenting, and the matching mask completed the get up almost as nicely as the pair of heels Cam had found for her. Intricate in design, the attire aided her stance and she held herself as regally as possible without seeming too out of place.

Sliding an arm through Des' and adjusting her mask, she lifted her chin and threw back her shoulders while glancing around to try and find the bar. Camilla had said the drinks were on the house (thanks Arianna!), so that was the first place she was going to hit. Then, of course, she'd meander around until she spotted Max. The girls had gone to New Orleans to spend the day and primp before getting ready for the event, so she let Max enjoy himself for the day without having to listen to them chirp and squawk about how they thought the evening would go, who would show and who wouldn't, who would be wearing what...and God only knows what else the two of them could come up with.

Leaning, she lifted her chin and whispered to the two, "I see the bar. Des, get us there and I'll buy the first four rounds."

Distracted by the wave of people who walked by, she didn't even notice the look Cam and Des shot her way.</font>


<font color=#800000>It felt so good to be back home, especially during the hum and thrum of Mardi Gras. The streets were alive in ways that no other city could replicate-- she and Bren had spent a majority of the day watching the parade floats go by the road, each krewe fancier than the rest. Of course, this was during the time they weren't laughing over the fact that they got to dress up like actual grown-ups for a night. Having rented a hotel room, not too far away from b.g.i., the girls -- after getting decked out -- had walked the rest of the way to the club, accompanied by Desdenova, who had stopped by about an hour earlier.

Glancing up to the building front, a small smile curved the corner of her mouth. This had been her home away from home for so many months-- it felt better than good to be able to walk within its doors for the simple reason of a party. Tucking her hand through Des' free arm, the other hand dropped to lift the pristine white skirts so that she wouldn't trip, showing a glint of the hanging silver on her shoes. ( dress n' etc. ) Before they could get into the foyer good, Arianna had made her way over-- smudging a dark mauve kiss to first Des' cheek, then Cam's, and then Bren's with a wide smile. "I thought you might've forgotten where we were," chidingly to Cam, though her attention went back to Bren briefly. "We haven't met, I'm Ari. Glad to see you here. You as well, Des." Having heard the declaration about the bar, she leaned to the side and aimed a finger at Tom. "He'll pour whatever you want. He gives you guff, tell him I'm coming over."

With that, and a bright smile, the woman moved off to do her other meet and greets, knowing Cam was more than capable of showing the other two around. Nose wrinkling, the flat of her palm went up to scrub at the lipsticked cheek. "God, I missed this place," proclaimed after shooting Bren that look. Dorothy, Toto, and the Tin Man ( or.. the three ) were going to skip their merry way towards the bar, as directed. Every now and then, someone that had seen her perform when she was the headliner here would stop and exchange small-talk.

Very.. small talk. Bren was on a mission, Cam was about to laugh, and Des was starting to look like a raccoon in a tin foil shop, staring at all the glittering costumes, jewels, and masks.</font>

[ZethWnF]

Like Des, one might be surprised if they knew Zeth how easily he managed to change to fit this party. Change, being quite literal. After all... the Garou was known for his near 'trademark' hawaiian shirt, clamdigger shorts, trenchcoat, and those flipflops. But now...

He went for the basic, yet elegant, of black and white. Swallowtail coat, vest, slacks, and mask. The shirt was complete with a bit of frill just beneath the bow-tie, which wasn't matched at the wrists in this case. Gloves were worn over the hands, and unlike Des, Zeth had chosen to bring along a cane. Bashing people is a good thing. Well. Normally.

There was one singular piping of red up the slacks on each leg, and, he'd also chosen to wear a top-hat to the event. Normally slightly wild hair neatly combed and slicked back tonight, he also let his already-long sideburns grow out a touch more and grown a mustache to further the era-look.

In regards to mask... well. One touch of what he was, Garou, Werewolf, he gave in to. The mask was, of course... a wolfs. Dark brown fur, pointed canine snout. And the normally half-lidded and lazy eyes were quite sharp and clear behind that mask, perhaps adding to it's image.

He entered in short order behind Cam, Bren, and Des, truthfully, he'd caught their scent on his way up. So, decided to follow along. He'd keep doing that for now, though, if he ran into Ari along that trip to the bar where they were headed for, he'd be more than glad to greet and meet their hostess for the evening.

[cajun_songbird]

<font color=#622591>Regarding the tall fellow behind Bren curiously, Ari shrugged and moved on to greet the newest party-goers. Brow arched at the sight of the wolf mask, but she was -- above all else -- a hostess. The smile never faltered or changed from its pleasantness. "Evening, welcome to the Krewe of Dionysus Ball." Cam and Co. got the friendlier greeting because she knew them on a personal level. Everyone else got this. Hand dropping to the voluminous skirt, it was inched up just so, and she curtsied. Hey, the guy had on a top hat and everything-- she could play into the illusion.

"The bar's that way," leaning just enough to point to the visible structure. "Food's just to the left of it. If you get the urge to gamble or anything, the casino will open for the duration." Touching his arm, she pointed across the foyer, to the open doorway flanked by red velvet drapes. Within, you could hear the call of the Blackjack dealer, the roulette operator, and, the craps guy. The place was packed just enough to be classified as uncomfortable, but the faces about were cordial. Some a little more slack, in their drunk stupor, but friendly none the less.

"If you need anything, cher, just call for Arianna. I'll be here in a flash." Grinning up to Zeth, the whirl wind that was she moved on past, towards the doorway, where a distinguished looking crowd was entering. By the end of the evening, someone may be wearing one of her heels in their forehead, but while the party was light hearted, she could try her hand at it.</font>

[ZethWnF]

While she was a whirlwind, indeed, Zeth would make sure to respond in kind while she was there. Tophat would be swept off and he'd bow to her curtsey with, of course, the slightest touch of a wolfish grin beneath the mask. And, the surfer-garou who was known for his total laziness and slurring... spoke in perfect, clear, and even touched with a slight english accent articulated tones.

"It is indeed a pleasure to meet my hostess for the evening, miss Arianna. I will keep that in mind, but not dare to take you away from greeting your other guests."

Since, he too had noted the arrival, giving her perfect 'excuse' to go tend to them. Not that she needed it.

As the hat was replaced onto his head, he had to wonder if either Cam or Des would recognize his voice sans-slur. Though Des, he figured had other ways of making note of his presence.

Oh, as for heels in a forehead? Not *him*, no sir, he'd do nothing to warrant the action. He *would* cheer her on doing it to others, however!

[Desdenova]

Raccoon eyed simply did not begin to cover it. The youth was all eyes, fascinated and taking in as much as he possibly could. Before Arianna and Cam succumbed to utter paranoia and locked him in a closet for safe keeping.

Bright smiles turned for Max, and Zeth, well, he could scent them easily enough. He relinquished Bren to Max with a flourishing bow, as if reluctant to lose hold of one of his bookends of angel and devil, but glad to surrender her to her beloveds' side.

Drinks were all well and good, he only asked for a cherry Coke, (and what wide eyes when he watched the bartender add a shot of cherry syrup to the plain cola), and of course, waited for the band to start.

"Good evening... Wolf and Wolf."

Well, it made sense in his mind, really. Laughter curled in the soft voice, anyhow.

[ZethWnF]

Zeth, well... he too could do a flourishing bow. And did so when Des greeted him. Broad smile and hat taken off when he swept arm across his chest and bowed to all present.

"Good evening to you as well, Des, as well as the other gentlemen... and especially the lovely ladies."

Yes, the grin was still slightly wolfish as he rose to a perfectly straight stand, his full six-four that, too, was usually 'hidden' like his speech in regular circumstances. The way he slouches normally, he looks barely over six feet, or even just six feet. And, though he was indeed standing tall now he'd made full perusal during that bow.

"Absolutely gorgeous dresses, ladies... and I especially love those heels." A point to Cam's as that grin remained, to indicate hers, those were novel in his eyes. A swift order of cherry coke for himself, Des' order had made him catch a craving for same. Then he'd make one small pause, 'catching' himself from starting to slouch.

Old habits die hard, and all that!

[cajun_songbird]

<font color=#800000>She was almost as raccoon eyed as Des, though for a different reason. It hadn't been that long since she'd last been here -- four months at the most -- but everything just seemed so .. different. It could've been the decorations. The last Mardi Gras event she attended, there had been gunfire before the King and Queen of the Krewe could be announced. Looking at the smiling faces, that sort of thing seemed far fetched. One could hope, anyway!

Flashing an easy smile over to Max, the entire slant seen beneath the partial mask, both hands dropped to rest on the bar top. Tom spotted her and flicked two fingers towards her, grinning like a Cheshire the entire time. Waving back, after Larry took Des and the other guy's order, she asked him for a water to start off with. It wouldn't do to get plastered before the real fun started.

The accent and tall stature threw her, and a brow arched curiously as she eyed the Wolf, as Des called him. The compliment on her shoes prompted the skirt to be lifted a little more, eyes sliding that way, as if she hadn't seen them before. Give her a minute ... give her a minute... ".. Zeth?" Color her impressed! A grin sparked, and she took a step back to eye his costume.

"Way spiffier than the Hawaiian shirts." Still grinning, yep. Men in tuxedos were in a league all their own, and it seemed like two of the snazziest looking were right near her. Max too, of course, but he was focused on Bren, as it should be!</font>

[Reva Dirmen]

In all her twenty-one years of life, Reva had the honor of walking the length of a red carpet to celebrate an award ceremony only once. It had been something she swore would never be topped. She was so wrong! Nothing prepared her for the sight of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. And that was even shadowed by the beauty and splendor she witnessed when she stepped past the threshold of the B.G.I. and into what seemed like a whole other world.

The heels of her shoes, a pair designated for only the most special occasion, clipped gently under the layered rustle of her gown. Pale pink, naturally, with black embroidery on the strapless bodice, the beadwork caught and reflected the gentle glow of light from the chandelier. Matching gloves covered her hands and traveled the length of her forearms, ending just above her elbow, and strands of pearls were adorned around her throat. In short, she felt like a princess. Even her mask, a white facade over her eyes and the top of her nose, was outlined in pink glitter and held in place by a thin, delicate strand of pearls around the back of her head. They disappeared into upswept curls (yes, loose curls!) that were clipped at the nape of her neck.

There was one dilemma. Between her less than stellar eyesight and the masks being worn, finding familiar faces was going to be quite the challenge! Nevertheless, determined to enjoy the festivities ... and the gown ... Reva started to circulate around the growing crowd, offering smiles to everyone, especially the hostess of the event.