Game Opening: May Ball

[undergroundmods]

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED.

"" (Watch on YouTube)

It had to be done.

Welcome all to the Redbright Institute's May Ball! This evening is a celebration of the Institute's achievements over the past year. Students aged 16 and above can attend on their own, while younger students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meanwhile, friends and guests of the Institute are invited as a gesture of friendship and harmony between the various factions.

Rules and etiquette
• This is a black tie event. Formal attire is required.
• No weapons. This is a school, there are children present. Any weapons or objects that could be used as weapons will be confiscated.
• No drugs or alcohol. Obviously. Don't try to sneak any in.
• No violence.

There is security within the school and present at the event. (In fact, if your character is a member of the Redbright Institute, you could have them acting as security if you want.) They will respond to and put a stop to any trouble.

Places to go
The main action takes place in the large Assembly Hall. This is where the Chancellor Sylvia Redbright will give her address. It's also where you can party later on. The disco is family-friendly – not exactly a rave, but the kids will love it.

Drinks and snacks are available in the dining hall. The drinks are non-alcoholic. Vampires, no need to worry about your cravings: blood cocktails are provided! They're given in good faith on the assumption that you won't be snacking on anyone else tonight.

Just off the dining hall, one of the classrooms has been converted into a chill-out area. The lights are off, the desks and chairs have been replaced by beanbags and there's a table in the corner with a chocolate fountain, marshmallows and strawberries. A video of young witches taking part in various night-time rituals (they mostly seem to involve chanting and bonfires) plays silently on the screen.

One of the lecture theatres has been opened up to showcase students' work from the past year. On the screen you can watch a slideshow of notable events and achievements. Strangely enough there aren't many people in this room.

Outside, there is a giant chessboard on the lawn. The pieces are made of plastic and can easily be moved around. Why, you ask? Why not, is the answer.

Finally, a large marquee has been set up in the quad. This is the adults-only area, with wine and cocktails served at the bar, nibbles available at a few high tables dotted around and a sophisticated atmosphere. No children under 18 allowed. (Note that the legal drinking age is 18.)

Timeline of events
20:00 – Doors open.
20:57 – Sunset.
21:15 – Sylvia Redbright makes her address in the Assembly Hall.
22:00 – Disco in the Assembly Hall. The DJ has atrocious taste.
01:00 – Disco stops. The event officially ends.

Comments

[acrookedchild]

"I was raised with it," Abby admitted. "My family's an old name, and we've almost always had magic in our line."

But she was curious, now that he'd said that. After all, she knew plenty came into this sort of thing without a clue. "What can you do? If you don't mind me asking."

[eyeforaneye]

"I suppose you have an advantage over me, then." In terms of more than just knowledge. Still...

"Some fire and electricity channeling, so far as I know. I haven't studied magic formally so I don't have much grasp on it." And one other fledgling ability he'd rather hold close to his chest instead.

[acrookedchild]

"I know fire magic," Abigail replied. It wasn't much, but... Well, especially if he was going to be attending Redbright, and she intended to apply. "I might be able to help you a little with that."

It couldn't hurt to try, at least. Offer help to someone who didn't have the same advantages she did.

[eyeforaneye]

"... You?" He supposes he should reserve judgment. He knows all too well what it feels like to be underestimated due to appearance, after all.

"What's the catch, then. What do you want in return?"

[acrookedchild]

Abigail shrugged. She wasn't stupid enough to offer something for nothing. There was no telling who was a fae, where something was listening to hear a bad bargain to be struck.

"Well, I mean, I'd be willing to act as a tutor. Pay me a bit, get lessons. That sound okay?"

[eyeforaneye]

".........."

[eyeforaneye]

"How much is 'a bit'?"

[acrookedchild]

"I don't know your financial situation," Abigail replies, offering a small shrug of her shoulders. It's a simple fact of life. 'A bit' can be a great many things to different people. "But I'm sure we could sit down and figure out the specifics."

[eyeforaneye]

"... Fine, consider me interested, then. It's not a large amount that I can offer but if you're willing to haggle then I'll find a way to make it mutually beneficial. How should I contact you?"

[acrookedchild]

"Do you have a mobile? I can give you my number, and we can talk later," she suggests. After all, it's the best way to do it. Now's not the time for business.

[eyeforaneye]

"Suitable." And here he reaches into his pocket to pull out... the saddest phone in the world; is this even from this decade? "If you have particular times you don't want to be called, now's the time to say that too."

[acrookedchild]

"If I don't want to be called, it won't be on, so you can just leave a message." It's a simple enough thing, after all. Much easier than trying to list when she's available and when she's not.

"My number is 020 7946 0607."

[eyeforaneye]

Sasuke programs it in dutifully, reading it back for confirmation and nodding when it's approved. "Fair enough... Abigail." The addition of her name is almost an afterthought, like he's remembering manners he hasn't used in an age.

[acrookedchild]

"I hope you'll be in touch," she replies with a small nod. "It was nice meeting you."