EVENT ❦ Black Tie & Tails

[uncagedbird]

WHO: Everyone's invited!
WHERE: At the nearest convention center.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22nd
WHAT: The Black Ties and Tails charity fundraiser, a.k.a. an excuse to dress like a prince or princess-- and your pets, too.
WARNINGS: None, but please PM me if this needs to change!

❦ Before the Event.
Saturday afternoon rolls around at the Recollé convention center. Some people have been here since the morning, putting up decorations and making sure everything is perfect. Maybe your character is part of the crew putting up last minute chandeliers and decorations, or maybe they've been working furiously to make sure all the food is aligned perfectly on the plates. Perhaps they're from the shelter and frantically setting up crates and walking the animals before the event starts.

There are certainly some things that need to be done before the doors open, after all.

If someone shows up early needing an outfit and some help, they'll be taken to a large side room that's been cordoned off by shades to give privacy. Racks upon racks of formal wear in every shape and size are found here, and the outfitters are happy to help. Need makeup? That's covered too: the beauty school has a few students eager to give partygoers the newest vogue looks-- for free!

No one is getting into the fundraiser proper unless they're a volunteer, though. And volunteers are expected to be working! Those chairs need to be placed at that table, and the streamers over here are falling down-- it seems like there's no end to the things that need doing.

❦ A Fantastic Soiree.
People start to line up an hour before the event begins. The bouncers check to make sure that everyone attending is dressed properly and has a donation (monetary or food) before letting people inside the building. There's some confusion at first over a woman's glamorous Nicki Minaj-tier outfit, but the proprietor herself smooths the misunderstanding and lets her in. Those with volunteer badges have the donation waived, though anyone with outfits falling short of the ideal are told to pick up a spare outfit in the fashion room.

Despite all odds, the double doors open at five o'clock sharp. The sight that greets those waiting is something out of a dream. The room is huge, as big as an airplane hangar but made much warmer by the netting full of twinkling lights above. Dozens of (fake) trees decorated with flowers line the path leading into the venue, and more lights besides. Lastly, there's a scarlet rug leading to the doors so that everyone can have that red carpet experience.


There are tables toward the front-- furnished with plates and silverware, silk flowers, and fake paw prints all over the cloth. More lights are spread throughout to give the room a golden glow. Each table has two menus highlighting what's available: one for people, and one for pets, if they decided to bring a cat or dog along! All the food has cute animal themes like cookies 'n' cream paws, kitty cat cupcakes, puppy love pie, purrfect pizzas, and the like. There are buffet tables nearby with snacks, drinks, and a multitude of punny desserts. There is, of course, one for furry friends as well. It's clearly marked but hey, if you're daring enough to eat gourmet wet dog food... no one's stopping you.

There is a small stage set up for musicians to play, including a fabulous grand piano. Whenever there isn't something live being played, a DJ in back sets up a cheerful classical playlist highlighting modern dance hits and... Dvorak? It's a little eclectic, sure, but it gets the job done. Near the stage is, of course, the dance floor: a careful arrangement of sturdy flooring and soft fairy lights. It would feel more romantic if the lights were down, but the lights are kept at a level that people can keep track of their limbs and their pets.

Clearly-marked cute signs point to a large adjacent room. This is where the shelter animals are kept in large enclosures, and they're all incredibly well-dressed. The sponsored animals are mainly cats and dogs, each with a little biography, a comfy bed, water, and food. The volunteers are instructed to walk the animals every hour or so, and of course the cats have litter boxes hidden in their crates. Volunteers are on standby for those who'd like to meet the faces here, or put in for an adoption! Patrons will be urged to visit the shelter on Sunday to finalize arrangements.

❦ Some Furry Fun.
At some point, the DJ calls for people to share a dance with their friends-- including dogs! To prove a point, he 'dances' with a very confused but eager chocolate Labrador on stage. Nothing quite like "You've Got A Pal In Me" to make people laugh and cry simultaneously. For those who are perhaps not as embarrassing, rumor spreads quickly: there's a pet loose!

Darting under tables, tripping servers, and knocking stuff over: that's what this pitbull pup is doing. He's growing into his paws, too, which doesn't help; he keeps failing at the turns and slamming into tables. There are heavy casualties to the drink station.

And then the pup lunges for the food table.

Will you watch? Will you apprehend the dog before he can run amok any longer? Or will you guard that seven-tiered chocolate cake with your life?

The nametag he's wearing marks him as one of the dogs available for adoption. If someone can get a hold of that leash, they might be able to wrangle him back into the side room.

❦ The End to an Evening.
After a couple hours, a final call for donations is sounded. Those who would like to donate even more to the Recollé Animal Shelter are encouraged to do so. The dance floor is cleared and people are urged to take their seats.

About a half hour later, it's announced that the fundraiser is a success-- they've raised over fifteen thousand dollars! Goodie bags are given to everyone present. While the black bag itself is fashionable for any gender, it's the inside that counts. Every guest gets the following:

- cruelty-free eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lip gloss
- coupons for 15 percent off the boutiques that outfitted people before the party
- a dog or cat beauty mask
- a paw-patterned clip on bow tie that works for pets as well as people
- and lastly, a cat or dog themed necklace in sterling silver.

When the clock chimes eight, it's officially over and everyone is encouraged to leave. Unless, of course, you're a volunteer... Most of the work will be done tomorrow but a few things must be done in the next hour. The animals need to be packed up and taken back to the shelter, and the food needs to be disposed of; the plates must be stacked, and the chairs arranged neatly along the wall.

At nine, regardless of how clean the place is, staff is officially dismissed. Go home! Get out of here! Hug your pets if you have them!

And thanks, of course, for supporting the Recollé Animal Shelter. ❦

[ooc: Go wild! here is the plot info if you need it. Feel free to handwave speaking to Ari for clothes help or volunteering. This is a stress free plot for anyone and everyone to dress up nice and pet the pets-- or bring their own as long as they're leashed. Let me know if there are any last minute questions via PM or fonfabre. Thank you!!!!]

Comments

Augustine Sauveterre | OTA

[megabond]

Before the Event

[Augustine is really busy for tonight. With the Black Tie and Tails coming up in a few hours, he is very busy at the venue setting up some the tables and dinnerware for the many guests coming for the event, not to mention checking on the pets to make sure they are healthy.

But despite his gratitude and determination on volunteering for the event, he is clearly exhausted from all of the work he did afterward. Right now, he is resting at one of the chairs at the back, which he is happy to talk to anyone during his break.]

Soiree

[Once the Black Tie and Tails went underway, Augustine is working not only as one of the greeters to many guests that come into the venue but also checks on the shelter animals from time to time. In fact, if you enter the party after enduring all those security checks, he might greet you with a simple smile.]

Hello. Welcome to the Black Tie and Tails. I hope you have a wonderful time.

[If you like, you can strike up a chat with him or if you want him to talk to him after his greeting duties, you can see checking on the dogs near the tables.]

Puppy Trouble

[Of course, anything can go wrong when it comes to these mischievous pups and the party is no exception.

Right now, as the runaway puppy keeps tripping on servers and tables, Augustine is one of the people trying to catch this pitbull pup. Sure, he has gotten used to chasing any runaway animals back then, but even he can't able to catch it alone.

Regardless, maybe you should help him out before he runs out of breath.]

WILDCARD

[You know the drill. Make something up for the event!]

[me_matey]

-And there he was, one of the main reasons May had been so hesitant to attend, despite most of her protests being seated in it just not being her scene. Despite all that, Yin had forced her to go, put her in a dress, and thus there she was, approaching Augustine with clearly more nerves than she'd ever had on their previous meetings.

She hadn't even told him she'd be there. She kind of hoped he assumed she wouldn't be and she could keep avoiding being seen. But Yin had, once again, pushed her out into his field of view. No avoiding it now...-

Uh... Hey. Fancy, uh... seeing you here? -Why wouldn't be there? What a stupid line.-

[megabond]

[Much to his surprise, the next guest he greeted was May, who is somehow in a beautiful dress for the party. But in his honesty, he feels that she's beautiful in it.]

Oh, hello May. I didn't expect you to be here.

[me_matey]

-The way he looked at her had her blushing even more. This was definitely out of her element... but she wasn't going to run away. Not yet, at least.-

Didn't expect to be here, myself... Yin kinda forced me to go.

[megabond]

Still, you look very radiant in that dress.

[Not to mention it's a great change of pace for May.]

[me_matey]

Thank you... -A deeper blush. It wasn't her usual look, at all. In fact, she didn't really feel comfortable in it. But it was working well so far...-

You're looking pretty fly yourself, romeo. Makes me feel a little guilty I didn't... you know... formally ask you out to this. Just showing up doesn't seem right, does it?

[megabond]

[Let's just say it's just a big coincidence as he is part of the volunteers from the animal shelter after all.]

That's alright. As long you're here, I'm okay with it.

[me_matey]

Y-yeah...

So, um... you gonna be working all night, or... -Just say it, May.-

[megabond]

Or what?

[Well, she is certainly nervous since she attended this party without any warning. So Augustine thought about something: What if he will accompany her around for tonight?

Thankfully, he managed to ask the other greeters that he will join the party and despite their teasing over his "girlfriend", he managed to get their permission as he grabs her hand and gives a small smile to her.]

It's okay. I can't greet anyone forever. Besides, how can I even have fun if I stay there the whole night?

[me_matey]

-Augustine deserved a goddamn medal for managing to interpret May's awkward fidgeting and find an actual intention underneath all that fluster. But as soon as he had her hand, her smile was wide as the sparkling horizon, nodding.-

Good call. All work and no play, right?

[megabond]

[He can agree to that. Not to mention having a friend makes this party more enjoyable.

As he escorts her into the interior of the venue, she might see many people enjoying themselves to some food as well meeting some furry guests at the shelter room.]

Well, looks like it might be a full house for tonight.

[me_matey]

It's not really my scene, but... I can think of at least one person who makes this place feel as magical as it's probably tryin' to be. -She gave his hand a squeeze.-

... I wanna dance with you.

[megabond]

[Well, he's lucky to see her in the party, at least. He's just happy to let her accompany her around for the rest of the night.

But much to his surprise, May suddenly asked him to dance with her.]

Wow, this is all sudden.

[Though he is not confused at why she is asking this. Maybe it's because she just wants to dance because some of the couples dancing?]

[me_matey]

It's sudden because if I didn't ask now, I was probably not gonna... Had to strike when I had the courage, right? -She laughed, sheepishly.-

[megabond]

Good point. But are you okay dancing with some of the dogs dancing around the dancefloor?

[He says this as he sees some dogs somehow dancing with their owners on the dancefloor.]

[me_matey]

Trust me, they help make this feel... I dunno. Real. Like I can do this, and not worry about losing myself in the moment, yanno?

Sorry if I'm not making a whole lot of sense... -May sighed, shaking her head.- But... That's just the kind of gal I am, right?

[megabond]

I see. Well then, shall we?

[As long she didn't mind about the dogs' energetic mood, it's good enough for him as this may help her on her shyness during the party.

With that, he leads her to the dancefloor and once they did, the DJ starts playing an upbeat song on his turntable.]

[me_matey]

-May showing up wasn't the only surprise of the night he was in for. Despite how hesitant she'd been about approaching him, or even asking him to dance... Once she actually started, it was clear this was not May's first time on the floor, confidently taking the lead.-

[megabond]

[It is a surprise indeed. Usually, he tries to lead the dance, but once May becomes one instead, he is completely caught off-guard by her sudden moves as he tried to follow along.

He can guess that she's not very shy on the dance floor after all.]

[me_matey]

You look shocked. -A little. She couldn't help teasing him a little now that her own nerves had started to wear off.-

Didn't think I could dance so well?

[megabond]

[Well, he did try to lead the dance. But with May's dance skills completely surprises him, he can say he is definitely shocked.]

You could say that.

How did you able to dance like that?

[me_matey]

My old man taught me. Well, I got my sense of rhythm trying to teach myself, but he showed me the formal stuff. He used to use skills like this to charm his way into the lives of more than a few debutantes.

[megabond]

Well, I feel that your old man made the right move. I'm impressed.

[Considering how she literally swept him off through the dance floor, that's one feat he is completely surprised in.]

[me_matey]

-Leaving an impression on him...-

Now it's your turn. Try to impress me, okay?

[megabond]

[Well, she did ask, so as she did, Augustine then finally takes the lead and as the final verses of the song played, he dances around the floor, which he attempts to let May do some few twirls and finally, a big dip as the song finishes.]