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Post by darkduran on May 29, 2016 0:36:19 GMT
The 'Cosplay Ball' is a growing tradition that's been a fairly recent addition to the convention's roster. Drawing it's inspiration from the masquerades of 15th and 16th century Europe, the modern day cosplay ball is a semi-formal dance with an enforced dress code and slight pretensions of refinement. Still, twerking is forbidden and waltzes and ballroom dances are commonplace so it's a bit classier then many alternatives.
The dress code is posted at the entrance and is, all things considered, fairly lax. In addition to formal costumes, there are a number of other acceptable things, such as dress uniforms, medieval/renessance/period attire, cocktail dresses, formal gowns, kimonos and cheongsams, lolita, tuxedos, suits, with the notice 'at least a dress shirt, slacks, and tie' at the bottom. Meanwhile, forbidden things are short skirts, jeans, t-shirts, bare midriffs, sneakers... that sort of thing. Classier fare. Normally provisions are made against costumes or props that drag on the ground, such as wings or tails... but certain allowances have been quietly made due to the true nature of many of the 'costumed' individuals on the premises.
Located close to the bar so that the dancers have quick access to refreshment, the ball has a nominal fee of five dollars that most pay for with their initial ticket purchase, allowing them to come and go. A DJ is set up in one corner, playing a mix of formal classical pieces and video game soundtracks that have been turned into orchestral pieces. In another corner, a pair of dance instructors are giving informal lessons for a modest fee. It's little better then a crash course but it does eliminate the typical response of 'I don't know how to dance' to get out of such affairs. Dancers are already out on the floor and the ball is in full swing.
Krithix is standing off to one side, having just stepped away from a small knot of conversation with a couple of others. He's elected to wear a Victorian era suit replete with vest, even if the way that that tails drape to either side of his winged abdomen to look slightly ridiculous. A top hat and cane round out the affair, because there's no point in doing things halfway, and between the formalwear and the blades that run down from his wrists he has an air of refinement and danger, like someone's idea of a fantasy Victorian-era assassin. Almost as a concession to being in 'costume', there is a ridiculous little papillion mask over his face. In his hand is a cocktail glass, from which he periodically sips as he gazes out at the dancers, admiring the sight of the beautiful ladies and giving a nod here and there to the gentlemen that he knows.
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Post by Whitebrand on May 29, 2016 14:59:45 GMT
Brand entered the dance hall, almost having to duck though the doorway. He had shed his armored Dragon Knight costume in favor of considerably more formal attire. His chosen wardrobe was a full suit of 18th century style clothing. He wore a black colored vest with silver side seams held together by four square brooches that ran down his broad chest, and a belt. For his legs he wore form-fitting black pants with knee-high polished leather boots. Around his neck he wore a large white cravat. Over the jacket Brand wore a long overcoat with long arm cuffs and silver and gold decorative patterns. Over his other garments he also wore a full cape of black with a high collar, a red interior and clasped by a silver chain. He had also (reluctantly) left behind the animatronic tail and wings in favor of the ability to actually dance. As a concession to the "monster boy" theme, he kept the reptilian eye lenses. His long, auburn hair flowed down around his shoulders. At his side was a narrow sword in a gold-trimmed sheath. He looked every inch the nobleman.
He arrived unescorted but considering his costume and how well he wore it, it was unlikely he would remain that way for long. He would almost certainly have his pick of dance partners. The disguised dragon wove among the crowd, taking in the sight of all the lovely young women and subtly evaluating potential rivals.
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Post by darkduran on May 29, 2016 21:54:01 GMT
People are already dancing and having a right gay old time. The current piece is something delicate from the Baroque era that Krithix can no more identify then he could anything from the Legend of Zelda, as human music all sounds the same to him. But what is wonderful are all of the beautiful women; it is like getting a cross-sample of what is to come. Do any of them bare 'his' number upon them? The possibilities are... electrifying.
Alpha predators generally find themselves gravitating towards each other, if only to 'measure up' or scare off potential competition and thus the mantis-man ends up catching the eye of the incoming dragon and giving him a nod. With a brief sip of his drink, Krithix makes his way over in that direction. "My good man." He says, not offering his hand, as both of his are full, but giving a polite bow at the waste with his arms spread. It is always a wise idea to be respectful to a dragon. "Come to take in the beauty that naturally gathers itself here? Krithix, at your service."
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Post by Whitebrand on May 30, 2016 0:14:02 GMT
Brand turned and gave the mantid-kin a knowing smile. He spread his hands and gave the smaller man a slight bow.
"Brandon White of Edaemon Valley at yours," Brand said. "Absolutely. Who could pass up such an opportunity? A grand dance where everyone puts on their best colors and provides their grandest display. A perfect prelude."
Brand's eyes flickered over the other man's form, looking at the disguise and past it. He noted he blades and suspected that Krithix had the reflexes that one would expect to come with them.
The assassin persona is not unwarranted, Brand thought to himself. Interesting.
For his part Brand held himself entirely at ease. He was in his element with his charm turned up to full blast. In part this was to keep his size from intimidating the prey too much, but it also let the competition know that he wasn't the slightest bit intimidated by their presence. Krithix's approach more amused him than anything else.
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Post by darkduran on May 30, 2016 0:46:49 GMT
There is something unspoken the passes between the two predators as they size each other up. Between the two of them, Brand is far, far more likely to win in a straight fight and both of them know it. It sets a tone in the conversation and since Krithix isn't the sort to want to off the top man just to be the new top man, it works out well for both in the long run.
The mantid waves an arm out towards the dance floor. "And there is such a gorgeous bouquet this year. Tell me, if you had to pick one right now, which of them would it be?" He points out a girl in a cocktail dress that's redder then her hair. "Her, perhaps? Or maybe something a little different? As for myself, well. I confess, I am a bit picky. Eventually, some little butterfly will float along and catch my attention with her wings, but, alas, until then I am like one lost."
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Post by Whitebrand on May 30, 2016 1:21:25 GMT
Brand looked around at the packed dance floor and sighed.
"Going by mere visuals alone," Brand said. "I'd likely set my sights on that one over there."
He nodded towards an red-haired girl who filled out her fantasy-inspired kimono very nicely, and stood amidst a group of similarly-dressed young women. The group resembled a colorful bouquet of flowers as they chatted with one another.
"Or perhaps her," Brand said with a nod of his head, indicating a girl who resembled a blend between a sci-fi warrior and a fantasy princess. She too had a cluster of friends around her as they talked and flirted with other party-goers. Like the first girl, she seemed to serve as the nominal alpha of her group.
"But I'd like get around a bit and sample as many of the flavors as I could," he added. "Before settling on any single one. The hunt is at least half the game, after all."
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Post by canace on May 30, 2016 8:58:28 GMT
Wasn't this fun?
Formal Dances have grown in popularity in the convention scene, becoming a must for all big conventions to have. Even some of the smaller ones were now putting aside time and effort to put on a ball of some kind. While still eclipsed by the ubiquitous convention rave, formal balls dances were definitely an event to behold! And definitely an event for girls who loved to show off their frilly creations.
Esther was one such girl!
'Sakurayu Cosplay' put a lot of time and effort into her gowns which she herself made, not that she thought store bought was wrong but because she enjoyed the labor as much as the presentation. The formal dance was an excellent chance to showcase her Kuroyukihime cosplay which was sure to be a hit. Unfortunately the con season was nearing an end and her free time had limited her choices. Really, there wasn't much in the way of large events like Otakon or Anime Next or any Comic Cons. She had given up on showing it off until a friend dragged her to this Monster Ball. She hadn't heard of it before and something, hmm, something about it just didn't seem right. Well, a lot, but she couldn't very well let her besties go it alone. If nothing else, she came prepared with mace.
So there she was, at this con waiting for her friends to get done powdering her nose. She waited by the fancy tables with refreshments, drinking whatever it was provided while watching the happenings. Monster boys? Was that like the Monster Girl thing she saw on the chans? Naturally there'd be a male version, why wouldn't there be? The internet couldn't possibly disappoint in its role of genderswapping and fetishizing things. And, wait, why did she have a number? As far as she was aware, she hadn't entered any kind of contest. Or did she? Hmm.
So there she was, just waiting.
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Post by darkduran on May 30, 2016 9:13:30 GMT
"Ah, fine choices both. But I can't hardly think of this as a 'hunt'..." The mantid replies with a casual smile that shows off rows of white teeth... and a flash of the razor-sharp mandibles hidden within. "More like... window shopping. But even that is fun in it's own way."
The mantid makes a grand gesture with his cane, indicating the room with a sweep. "But I can not help but notice that you favor those that are at the forefront of their packs. I, myself. Well, I am a humble man, and I prefer more... shall we say, delicate and solitary creatures, such as... well, that one, over there." With a wave of his hand he indicates Esther in her butterfly-winged dress. Krithix gives a sigh, "Ah, but it had to be butterfly wings. Such a vision of loveliness. Tell me, would you be overly offended if I were to cut our conversation short, that I may go and introduce myself to her?"
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Post by Whitebrand on May 30, 2016 13:39:18 GMT
Brand looked at the young lady and his eyebrows raised. Now there was a rare sight indeed.
"Not at all," he said magnanimously. "And by all means, I wish you good luck."
And if he got shot down, Brand would be happy to pick up the slack. In the meantime he headed for the cluster of kimono-clad damsels, straightening his finery as he went.
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Post by 1ring42 on May 30, 2016 19:01:40 GMT
The secret to making an entrance to one of these events was to be fashionably late. And Nathan was precisely fashionably late. He wore a tuxedo made in the fashion of a vaudeville or jazz performer circa the late 1940's. In order to maintain the illusion of the supernatural, he merely let some of his shine through by keeping his magic at the ready. Of course he wasn't actually going to cast any spells, he was merely using it the secondary effects of lighting his eyes and the glowing nimbus around his hands, which could be easily explained by claiming he had lights hidden in his gloves and sleeves. If any humans asked about his eyes he would claim reflective contacts or something like that. Besides the green light contrasted the silver of his suit rather nicely.
He found himself next to the "nobleman". "And here I thought the better term would be 'Break a leg'. After all isn't courtship one big performance?"
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Post by canace on May 31, 2016 3:33:21 GMT
Hmm, there was something else that was strange about the convention. There were a lot of people for something that seemed like it would appeal only to a niche audience. And there were an inordinate number of male cosplayers with, well, amazing cosplays to be honest. Some were almost lifelike, or so Esther thought as she looked around the room. She also couldn't help but feel like she was being watched.
Hah hah hah.
Of course she was being watched. She was in cosplay! It was meant to be watched and admired and appreciated. Right? Right?
Esther sighed and looked in the direction of the entrance, noting the gentleman with the unusual with the apparent glow. Rather impressive and Esther did enjoy the ways cosplayers worked lighting or glow in the dark material into their costumes. What she didn't notice, but what was probably setting off that feeling, was the predatory eyes of Krithix off in the distance. The only way it could've been any more fitting was if she was sitting upon a bed of flowers as he crept into striking distance.
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Post by darkduran on May 31, 2016 4:07:52 GMT
The unintended distraction provided by Nathan's small lightshow at the entrance is capitalized upon by Krithix, whom ditches his drink that he may have a hand free. When Esther's attention comes back from the door, there he is, presenting himself before her with his cane tucked underneath one arm and a hand over his breast that he may bow more properly at the hip.
"I hope you will pardon a humble man's presumption, but to see such a vision fair standing alone I could not tolerate quietly. Please, my beautiful butterfly, would you deign to do this poor sinner a beatitude and grant me the honor of your radiant company?"
When he lifts out of his bow, he favors Esther a smile full of white teeth. There is a glint of mischief in those eyes hidden behind that papillion mask... and perhaps something a bit... more.
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Post by Whitebrand on May 31, 2016 18:26:29 GMT
"In part, I suppose," Brand said. "But the way I see it the 'performance' is just part of a mutual hunt. It's about attracting prospective prey or predators. But I suppose there's plenty of room for both interpretations."
He nodded over towards Krithix.
"Case in point."
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Post by 1ring42 on May 31, 2016 19:07:50 GMT
Nathan nodded at Brand. "True. But as the bard said, 'All the world is a stage and we are merely players upon it.' Though to be fair a hunt can be more exhilarating. The back and forth tango does wonders for all kinds of appetites."
He smirked and offered his hand. "I'm Nathan by the way. I didn't really catch your name though."
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Post by Whitebrand on Jun 1, 2016 13:31:27 GMT
"Brandon White of Edaemon Valley," Brand said, taking the hand and shaking it. "Or just Brand if you like."
He looked over the Fae with a slightly raised eyebrow. He knew enough about the Fae Folk to know that they rarely left home and hearth these days...much like his own kin.
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