Console, Video Announcement

[redlightgreenlight]

[When the video feed begins, there are not one but two figures visible. Valdis should be familiar to almost everyone. The other is probably only familiar to those Foreigners who frequent the Midnight Hotel: ostensibly male, he's wearing a bright blue frock coat and a wide-brimmed, feathered hat that covers most of his face, except for rouged lips. They're seated close together in what looks to be one of the tea houses in Keeliai, with patrons and servers wandering in and out of view behind them.

When Rue speaks it's with a very poncy, nasal English accent.]

Now then, darlings, my dearest new friend Valdis and I have a bit of an announcement to share with you all. [The hat turns slightly, to indicate that he's looking over at her.] Would you care to do the honors, love?

[A brilliant smile lights up Valdis’ face.]

Of course, after all, it was my idea . [She laughs] My dear Rue and I have decided that we need to have a bit of fun. We are going to put on a Masquerade Ball and everyone is invited. [She glances at Rue, then back to the screen.] It will take place at the Courtyard of Public Opinion on the evening of the 30th. As it is a ball, formal wear is a must, and of course, being a masquerade, masks as well.

This is a chance for all of us to come together, Kedan and Foreigners, to celebrate our individualities as well as our similarities. After all, who doesn’t love a good party?

[Rue, meanwhile, has become visibly distracted by one of the men wandering off to the side in the tea house, just barely visible on the screen. There’s a very definite smirk on those rouged lips now.]

I know I do.

Comments

[oceantier]

[Small, as though she's hesitant and back further from the console:]

Humans, other people here . . . they don't . . . fuse. Right?

When . . . they dance?

[redlightgreenlight]

Fuse?

[If that was anything like...Oh, no wonder the girl was freaking out.]

Oh, no. [her voice became soft, reassuring.] Not all all. At most they hold hands, maybe touch a shoulder or waist, no fusing.

[oceantier]

[There's a quick release of breath. This doesn't have to be horrifying. Yes, good.]

Okay.

[She sits there for a moment in that relief.]

Touching happens before fusing, too. It's just . . . different. It's . . . we do it for power or for fighting -- not fun.

[Her voice takes on a strange note, almost distant. Wistful?] It can be beautiful, though. When done with the right partners.

[redlightgreenlight]

That sounds about right, everything is more beautiful when there is harmony.

[Valdis nodded, smiling softly, continuing to sound reassuring.]

In my world, dancing can be an expression of many things and it too can be very beautiful.

[oceantier]

Yes. [There's an almost-smile in that word.] It can be.

[Because in her world, it's beautiful too. Each Gem's dance is unique to themselves. There's just generally that utilitarian component to it as well.]

[It would be interesting to see it . . . where she could just enjoy the beauty.]

Do humans always wear costumes to dance?

[Pause.] And what does a costume look like?

[redlightgreenlight]

Well, not always. But for a Masquerade they do.

[Valdis considers for a moment]

In this particular case, when I say costume, I mean a fancy dress or suit paired with a mask. If you like, I can help you find a dress that suits you. I know a few places that do very good work.

[oceantier]

I don't really wear clothes.

[Wait. That sounds awkward.]

I mean -- I do, just . . . it's a projection.

It . . . might help to know what they look like, so I know what to try?

[redlightgreenlight]

If you would like, we can meet at the Midnight Hotel and go out and get you a few ideas.

[oceantier]

[Would that be safe? This is her first thought by habit, ingrained. There doesn't seem to be threat from Valdis. The woman certainly could have just laughed or ignored her, and she doesn't look like a Gem.]

I'll come. [The quickest of pauses.] . . . Thank you.

[redlightgreenlight]

[Valdis simply nods her head, her smile still soft.]

[oceantier]

When?

[redlightgreenlight]

Anytime. Just ask for me at the desk if I'm not downstairs.

[oceantier]

[A nod -- even if it's not visible on the opposite side of the screen.]

Tomorrow. I'll come. I should ask for . . . Valdis?

[redlightgreenlight]

Yes, I'll see you then.