uncagedbird: (we never sleep)
ɢᴀʀɴᴇᴛ ᴛɪʟ ᴀʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴏs xᴠɪɪ | "ᴅᴀɢɢᴇʀ" ([personal profile] uncagedbird) wrote in [community profile] recolle2017-04-21 06:17 pm

EVENT ❦ Black Tie & Tails

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 [plurk.com profile] fonfabre. Thank you!!!!]
true_noir: (I prefer smirking smugly to smiling hone)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-23 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Meeting Emilie on the dance floor was something that a certain black clad sort wouldn't resist on a normal occasion. But, today, with her finally starting to get her feet slowly back and underneath her after the changes to her body? Chloe wanted to show off her newfound agility for her friend, and maybe try to take the lead in a dance or two.

So, as she saw the woman nearing the dance floor, she slipped up closer and smiled at her from just behind.]
Want to try to intimidate a few of them, Emilie dear? I think I've picked up a few moves since we last danced.
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Pleasent)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-23 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She greeted her friend with a quick hug, stepping back a moment after to look her over... ]

Why, Chloe, you do look lovely tonight. I'd love to join you.
true_noir: Aged-Up Commission (Bemused)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-24 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
I think you're putting me to shame, but if we get a few jealous glances, I will consider it a victory tonight. I do love to see you dressed in something like this, you know. just the right splash of the elegant for the occasion.

[She extended her hand, smiling as she started to walk onto the dance floor. She was definitely taking the lead pose for a waltz or something similar.]
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Pleasent)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-24 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
All they need do is ask to dance with me.

[ The attraction she has to Chloe... is still very much there. Even if Émilie does her best to ignore it. She takes her hand, and for the moment, lets her lead. ]
true_noir: (Cloak20)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-24 12:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I think you have a knack for intimidating them. It's something in your presence, a bit of that confidence that draws them in. Quite the Catch 22 is it not?

[As they started to move, her motions were smooth and clean, and into the first twirl there wasn't any hesitation in her steps. A waltz started simple, but she was quickly moving into some of the more complex steps that were available, just grinning over at Remilia pleasantly. The attraction was mutual, though she generally had a bit of an easier time controlling it for the most part. Ah, but some nights, it was fun to tease it a little, especially when her friend was dressed in something that elegant.]
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] A smile)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-24 04:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm, perhaps...

[ Émilie does her best to match Chloe's movements, keeping pace easily and with a smile. ]
true_noir: (Cloak15)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-24 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[Chloe helped her along as they moved, her eyes locked on Emilie's while she used her periphery to make sure that they had plenty of room to maneuver.] So, then, how have you been? Besides our favorite topics of late? Doing well, I should hope.

I have finished my applications finally. I should be at RU next year, hopefully.
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] A smile)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-25 07:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ She kept up with her friend all throughout, of course. Though she does have to really try at points. ]

Things have been alright...

Oh? What subjects are you planning to do?
true_noir: (Cloak5)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-25 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmmm, I hope so. I wouldn't want life getting difficult for you.

[Chloe had either taken lessons, or she'd picked up just enough natural grace to fake it. Her hand, though, stayed very steady at Emilie's waist to help keep her in pace while they talked.]

Business. I'll be minoring in either fine arts or botany. Haven't quite decided which yet. There's still time.
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Into her eyes)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-25 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She had surprised Émilie with that, but in the end she is able to catch up. ]

Despite everything, I'm fine. Though, I had a little vision... a recollection of a girl with long red hair and bat-like wings on her back, and little ones on her head. I still don't know what prompted it, if anything.
true_noir: (Hmmm)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-25 03:43 pm (UTC)(link)
It is impossible to say with these things, but I almost feel sad to say it isn't the strangest vision I've heard of yet. [She sighed and shook her head.] I hope your sisters haven't had too much trouble, though. They're on the app too, after all.

What was she like? The girl, I mean. Other than the bat wings, of course. [She'd had several visions, and they were all disturbing and needed talking about. Some of the concern was very much there when Emilie's vision was mentioned, but she wasn't going to talk about hers publicly.]
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Into her eyes)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-25 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
They've not mentioned anything to me...
Ah, I only got an... image of her in my mind. Nothing else, really.
true_noir: (Cloak5)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-25 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Good. I'm glad that they've been spared too much trouble so far. [A quick nod as they turned.] And I suppose that's bound to happen. Not everyone we see we'll get names and life stories of, will we?

[No, that would be far too easy.]
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Neutral)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-25 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And all throughout, they kept the dance going. ]

A little more detail would have been nice...
true_noir: (Cloak9)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-26 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
Tell me about it. [A brief pause, as the two of them moved into a spin and she helped to guide Emilie through it before moving to draw her back and put her arm back where it belonged.]

Even when I learn detail, it is as if I stare into the fog of confusion. Ah, but at least life here makes sense, compared to that.
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] A smile)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-26 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
Has anything else come to light...?

[ She moves through it easily, giving her friend a playful smile when it's done. ]

You seem more... agile.
true_noir: (Cloak3)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-26 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
[She shook her head.] We can talk about what I've seen... somewhere else, Emilie. It's not something I'd be comfortable talking about in public.

But yes, I am a bit more agile, aren't I? [She let herself smirk about that.] That change, I will share openly. Enjoying it?
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Into her eyes)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-26 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
I am, I must say... [ Perhaps that is indeed something that can wait. Émilie won't press her, she'll just enjoy her friend's company. ]
true_noir: (Cloak20)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-26 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
[They'd speak about it. She just didn't want to worry her friend too much. It was bad enough already, after all. Smiling, she moved to dip just a little, winking over at Emilie.]

It's useful for dancing, just like it is for mounting the parallel bars. Less tricky for the former, actually.
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Blush)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-26 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
[ In spite of herself, there is a light blush on her cheeks... ]

Any other dance moves you plan to show me tonight?
true_noir: (I prefer smirking smugly to smiling hone)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-26 01:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[As the song ended, she grinned a little cheekily.] I might have learned how to tango, once upon a time. If you want me to convince the band to play something fitting.

[Because why wouldn't the overly romantically obsessed girl learn that dance of all dances?]
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Small smile)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-26 01:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well, it's not like Émilie's attraction to her has faded all that much... ]

I've not really learned it yet...
true_noir: (Cloak15)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-27 02:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Chloe nodded as Emilie said that.] Then, in that case, I will go tell the band to play something that can be for a lighter, slower one next, and teach you. It isn't half as intimidating as people make it out to be.

[And before Emilie could respond, she was heading towards the person directing the band. Well... no time to learn quite like the present was there?
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Into her eyes)

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2017-04-27 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
And of course you're going to do it right now...
[ Maybe she shouldn't be surprised... ]
true_noir: (I prefer smirking smugly to smiling hone)

[personal profile] true_noir 2017-04-28 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Of course she was doing it right then, because of all the things in the world that Chloe really didn't have that much of... it was a sense of shame. She wasn't terribly easy to embarrass, and tended to act like everyone else wasn't either.

So, off she toddled before she came back to Emilie, winking.]
We have a few minutes before the next song. Want me to show you the basics?

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