[NYE Party] happy new year and lots of fun

[nascensibility]

Who: EVERYONE, but especially you!
Where: Wonderland Ballroom
When: New Year's Eve
Rating: PG - PG13 (will change if applicable)
Summary: New Year's Eve Party
The Story:

[ Previously in the month all residents received an invitation to a formal event: a black tie affair to ring in the New Year. The ballroom and adjacent areas are decked out for the party starting at eight o'clock sharp, meticulously planned and executed, glittering décor to match the no doubt glittering attire as music pours into the halls from the dance floor.

Bars flank each side, service for all manner of alcohol unless a minor requests something, and the primary setting stage features an enormous clock for the countdown. ]




[ Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight? ]

Comments

Evelyn O'Connell | OTA

[nascensibility]

[Dressed in her finest - and arguably most scandalous - Evelyn flutters from person to person, pollinating conversation with flutes of champagne and good cheer. This isn't her first evening party served as hostess and it certainly won't be her last, though she owes a great deal to those who volunteered to assist her with the decorating and preparations.

One is most likely to find her greeting guests as they arrive and ensuring that all parties are satisfied: whether with the service, the music, or the chance to dance. The last one is something she will happily indulge in if asked, grateful for a reprieve from organisation.]

[thecourier]

[It's a gentle and warm kiss to the curve of her neck as he approaches her from behind. The light and momentary touch of both of his hands on her hips. The gestures don't linger enough to be fully noticed by those around them, but they aren't brief enough to go unnoticed by her.

Dan steps around her and takes her hand in his, lifting it to his lips to press another kiss to her fingers. The initial jaw-drop had already been done when he saw her in their rooms, but he's still finding his breath taken away by how utterly amazing she looks.]

One party crasher at yer service. [He teases, clasping her hand between both of his.]

Y' look... beautiful, princess.

Daisy Johnson | OTA

[morethan084]

[Well the music as she walks in is pretty telling that they probably won't be playing music that she's accustomed to. Not that there's anything necessarily wrong with the music, but, it's definitely old for her. Once again she was dressed in black, but a different style of dress this time. This is the most she's dressed up in, well, a year. The last time she got dressed up was for last years New Years Eve party. She's feeling a lot less tense now that the Mirrors were back on their side.

Daisy made sure she wasn't the first person to show up to the event, plus it gave her more time to get ready. Grabbing something to drink before entering the floor to find a seat, Daisy sits at a table near the front. Honestly, she wasn't sure what to do next. Especially since she was coming on her own, once again. This sort of seemed like the ideal setting for asking someone out on a date, but, Daisy wasn't up for that.

It takes her a few drinks, but Daisy gets to the point where she's up for dancing. Even if a lot of these songs called for a slow dancing, which was definitely different to the style of dancing she was used to. The first person she makes eye contact is the one Daisy attempts to lure onto the dance floor. When she isn't dancing, Daisy is mingling with familiar and unfamiliar faces.]

clearly dancing has to happen

[scoutsniper]

[Well, she made eye contact with the wrong person. Frank thought he was doing Socializing well enough by walking (not stalking) through the groups of people and the clusters of table, and looking slightly less murderous than usual. It's his own kind of progress.

He's in the most formal of the Marine uniforms, which shows a lot less skin than her get up, but it also a lot less, uh, interesting to look at. So when she grabs him for the dance floor, he's trying to keep his eyes in a gentlemanly area. Mostly, uh...her face was safe, right? ]

Just warning you: I'm not real good at this.

jonathan kent | open

[kryptomight]

( jon's bringing in the new year in a fancy black tux, black hair slicked back, thick black-framed glasses resting on his nose, and bright red converse because they're his favorite shoes, so clearly he has to wear them? he's found easily flitting around the snack bars, shoving--whatever kind of food there is that he has access to down his mouth, sitting at the tables and watching the passerbys enjoy the party.

if he happens to notice any girls standing around near the dance floor, jon's more than happy to approach them, small smile on his lips as he offers a hand to them, palm up. )

Hi! Would you like to dance?

[rectitudes]

[ two kents in a suit. clark comes by with a piece of cheesecake and places it in front of him. ]

I managed to get my hands on the last one.

[ what a way to spend a new year's eve, with one newfound son. it's something to celebrate. he wouldn't have it any other way. ]

thought we could share it.

peggy carter » open

[mucked]

[ for once, peggy fits right in. she turns up for the festivities wearing a red velvet dress and rather pretty pins tucked into her hair. the former is something she wears as comfortably as anything else, really, while the pins were an exquisite gift from jane. jane, who peg pulls to this party alongside her and keeps loose tabs on throughout the evening. but despite setting herself on this small mission, she can't help but feel an unfurling of good will when she finds the music both familiar and effervescent. and when it isn't familiar, it's at least comfortable. god, she could dance -- but to that end she doesn't rush to invite anyone to join her on the floor. instead, she glances around the crowd as though looking for a particular partner.

after the faff and fuss of arriving, peggy beelines for the bar. a gentle tap on the counter and a quiet request for scotch. champagne is all well and good and the flutes they serve it in are mighty elegant, but she abandons hers early on in favour of a heavy-bottomed glass and amber spirits. should we toast? she asks someone a foot or two down the bar from her and cheekily raising her drink.

when she isn't drinking or socializing with purpose, peggy can be found at a round table. she's managed to collect a few canapes on a cloth napkin. taking a bite to eat is akin to giving her feet a rest, and at times she almost slumps where she sits -- casual, and with colour in her cheeks. still, despite the cheer, smiles don't come easily. she's got too much on her mind.

but familiar faces -- friendly ones -- will always get a nod. the especially dear ones might even get a crook of her finger, gesturing them nearer so they might hold a conversation in quiet tones beneath the brass and swing of music she seems to truly enjoy. ]

[morethan084]

[Daisy catches Peggy's eye as she's making her way around, actually in hopes of spotting people she knew. Smiling when she gestures at her, Daisy moves over to her taking in her attire.]

Hey. You look nice. Taking a break from all the dancing to this crazy music they've been playing?

Simba | OTA

[causesstampedes]

[Simba missed the network post, and can't read an invitation, but the music coming from the ballroom draws him in anyway. While not dressed up in anything, he enters the room and moves around people dancing to avoid being stepped on. He can't help but watch them in curious fascination as they dance around the room.

But more importantly, there's food - unfortunately out of his reach. He jumps and stretches until his claws grab the edge of the table, but he can't see what's up there.

Not that it's gonna stop him from trying. He tries reaching one of his paws for a nearby bowl to bring it closer to himself - not only that, he's unaware that he's slowly pulling the tablecloth off the table (along with everything on it).]

Jane Doe | OTA

[endingpoint]

[ For some reason, Jane let Peggy get her to Evelyn's party, and she's wearing the same dress she'd planned on Kurt seeing her in, taking her out of, and before she can even say hello to anyone, she's drinking. In ten minutes she's had three glasses of champagne, but she moves around the room so Peggy won't realize how much she's had.

But within an hour Jane is very drunk and now she's doing shots. Noticeably absent: her wedding ring, her husband, any sense of staying classy. She turns sharply and runs into the person closest to her, trying to apologize quickly. ]

That's, oh, no...I'm sorry. I'm...that's...you. Hi. Hello. Sorry.

[mucked]

[ -- you know, peggy is starting to wonder whether this might not have been the best idea she's ever had. it'd been a few days, she'd hoped jane was perhaps prepared to step out and dust off her shoulders.

after noticing a bit of clumsiness from across the ballroom, peggy breaks off her current conversation and weaves her way to where jane is still picking up the proverbial pieces from her last altercation. a tender trio of fingers, pressed just under jane's elbow, and peggy cants her forehead near hers. ]

Alright. [ halfway between drill sergeant and school marm. ] I'm telling the bar staff to not serve you another bloody thing until you've had at least a pint of water.

Cullen Rutherford | OTA

[morework]

{ open to all }

[ He could still don the Inquisition's formal attire, or something similar to it at least. Cullen appreciates the convenience of having a formal choice ready-made for him, if nothing else. Still, in the end he ventures an attempt of his own. A more comfortable fit, to be sure. It... will do, he hopes.

Now, the fact that his Mirror is missing from the celebration is a vast improvement over the last, but that is where his enthusiasm for the party ends. When he is not with his partner, which is rarely, Cullen attempts to pry non-alcoholic beverages from the bar, or waits passively on the sidelines.

This- is a far cry from the horrors of Halamshiral, but it is clear from Cullen's expression that, whenever left to his own devices, he endures rather than enjoys. ]

{ closed to Garrett Hawke }

[ When he is near Garrett, Cullen is changed. The set line of his lips turns into a smile, warm and genuine. Experience leaves him with little but dread for a formal party's crowd, but in his partner's company his surroundings disappear.

Cullen turns to him when they step into the ballroom, and-- really should not tease, but no harm came from it for once, and the grin playing at the corner of his lip has already won the battle. He lowers his voice, so only they can hear. ]

Do you think you'll be able to stay awake for this one?

[bloodmagics]

[He hadn't meant to eat that cookie, especially not after spending several days as a polar bear, but he just couldn't help himself. Granted, it was the best night's sleep he's had in weeks, but it meant he missed the ball and he'd been rather sore about that.

He'd chosen to wear a familiar suit for the occasion, and had been happy to pick something out for Cullen but his partner had surprised him. He's more than a little proud of his adapting.

Now, though, he flushes a shade almost as bright as his suit.]

Hey -- That wasn't my fault.

Rip Hunter | OTA

[directed]

[Truth be told, Rip isn't often one to attend such gatherings. Shocking, certainly, but nearly every time he's been at such a party in the past, it's been with some ulterior purpose in mind. And while that is arguably the case still, it's not a time pirate or any other threat that sees him dressed up and making his way about the ballroom. Anyone curious enough to work an answer out of him might get told something about how such occasions should be enjoyed while they can, in defiance of all Wonderland has them endure--

But perhaps that isn't the whole truth. After all, Rip isn't often one to share.

He'll often be found at the bar, sipping away on champagne or, once the evening has gone on long enough, a glass of rum. Never enough to be entirely tossed, but Rip isn't opposed to enjoying a pleasant buzz on such a night. Nor will he turn away the chance for conversation--indeed, he might even start a chat or two should the mood strike. A sure a sign as any that he might actually be enjoying himself tonight--but certainly even he's allowed such an indulgence from time to time.

Rip also won't be a stranger to sampling the various food on offer, curious enough to try just about everything over the course of the evening. A few bits and bobs at a time, when he can steal an unoccupied seat at a table in between songs. Not that he's much of one for the dance floor; he won't be asking anyone to join him, but who knows what might happen should someone ask him?

Yet at moments when he isn't so occupied with company or drink, Rip might seem a touch preoccupied. After all, it doesn't escape Rip's thoughts that two days after the clock strikes midnight will mark the anniversary of his initial arrival in Wonderland. A great deal has happened in the course of the past year. People have come and gone both, and there are those he misses among their number.

All the more reason to spend this night reestablishing old connections that have perhaps gone stagnant, or making new introductions. Right up until shortly before midnight, at least; that time, highlighted by whatever manner of countdown goes on, is already spoken for.]

[mucked]

[ it's shaping up to be a rather interesting night.

honestly, she'd hoped to catch up with rip before now. but her arrival trickled toward the bar and conversation at the bar brought her nearer the food. and a jane-shaped diversion or three had kept her on her toes and sober for someone else's sake. maybe it's for the best -- she suspects the near hour of absenteeism might provide its own kind of reward. either way, when she does find him, it's not because she'd yet made any concerted effort to hunt him down.

it doesn't happen at the bar or at a table. rather, her path crosses his rather abruptly. a stranger steps aside and there he is -- in a proper suit and looking like he might match her well if she managed to stand beside him. her stride falters, and she's stuck standing still with her fingers half-laced in front of her.

her greeting is more like an inhale-exhale, followed by a sort of smile. her mind had been so consumed with concern for another person that she barely manages to find her wit in all her worry. once nearer, she simply says: ]

I like the tie.

tony stark | open to all;

[revokes]

[ some people have never seen tony stark in one of his good tuxedos but it becomes obvious that the man is used to wearing them as he carries himself with a certain confidence around the room. The sunglasses will stay on the entire evening even if they do seem unnecessary.

He will spend most of his night at the bar, nursing anything and everything that is offered to him. While he's here for a very specific reason, he doesn't hurry to socialize or to say anything to people who come and go. for once, it seems that he's being uncharacteristically quiet.

He will avoid the dance floor at all costs, but he won't mind watching. If some unfortunate soul does indeed ask him to dance, the reply will always be gotta say no. Not personal. but hey, one can insist, right?

Just after midnight, you might not see him anymore, he goes outside despite of the cold and spends a long time in the courtyard or on the porch on his own. ]

[mucked]

[ is it any surprise that she's wearing red--?

anyway. peggy catches up to him during a moment when they're both being wallflowers. she stands beside him with one arm on her hip and the other hanging loose. a glance, sideways, and then she sighs. ]

You know, I'm not certain which was more ridiculous: the toaster or the portrait.

[ happy holidays to you too, tony stark. ]

tim wright | ota | i'll match your formatting

[postictal]

[The surest way to tell that this is Tim and not the Mirror is how distinctly uncomfortable he looks in a suit. It's nothing special - jacket open, slightly rumpled, and smelling strongly of someone who's been smoking way too much for a night that's meant to allow people to unwind.]

[Doesn't help that he can't drink any. He spends most of his time outside, smoking and watching something on his phone, mostly to give his hands something to do. As the night wears on, he sheds the jacket and rolls up his stupid shirt at the elbows so it feels a little less stiff and unnatural, not that he expects it to accomplish much.]

[If you're really lucky, you might even find him picking at a guitar, though he'll take care to do that outside so it doesn't interfere with the music. Ever since Christmas, being able to learn to play properly has almost started to feel like more than just a pipe dream.]

[ngah]

[The problem with there being so many fancy parties is that Undyne already wore a suit to the Gyftmas party less than a week ago. Now she feels obligated to wear a dress, and looks distinctly uncomfortable (not unlike Tim) in a navy blue gown. She's grumped enough that she takes her champagne with her outside, where she sees Tim smoking and watching his phone.

She folds her arms restlessly, balancing her champagne flute, and doesn't peek over his shoulder, but wants to.]

Hey, uh. I never said thanks. You know, for the candy.

wynonna earp | locked to doc holliday

[middlefinger]

Compared to the Winter Ball, Wynonna is much more relaxed and at ease during this party considering one of their captors wasn't the one throwing this one. it was strange to be going to two of these sorts of events in a row, but she's not really complaining. She arrives with Doc but they disperse over the evening -- codependent as they could be at times in Wonderland neither one of them were the type of people who felt like they had to be glued to one another sides at all time. Still, when it's inching closer to midnight Wynonna makes her way to the table he was sitting at, handing him a glass of whiskey that matches her own. While champagne is more traditional for New Years Bobo has more or less ruined the stuff for her. But, she isn't thinking about that right now. Because she's happy. In the past one year to the next didn't make much difference to her, it was all the same thing but now she has things to look forward to, things to fight for and protect, and that's different. It's special. As terrible as Wonderland can be it's also given her a lot.

"Did they have New Years resolutions back in your day?"

The tradition is actually much older than that, but Wynonna doesn't know that.

[wildwest]

He had a front row seat to that horrific nonsense, though he has more of an aversion to the smell of peaches than champagne in the aftermath of those events. It churns his stomach now, reminding him of just what that concoction had the power to make people do to themselves and those around them. It's not something he likes to think about or be reminded of.

Still, he appreciates that she brought him whiskey instead of champagne. Even if his unpleasant associations from that particular point in time aren't the same as hers.

"Of course we did. What makes you think we would have not?"

Caleb Brewster | OTA

[beardman]

[Another party, so soon! This one's fancy, too, but the last one was significantly more fun than he'd expected, so Caleb found himself looking forward to this one. If only the closet had let him have the suit he'd worn last time, and not, well...

He'd made it the entire war so far without having to wear a uniform, but it seems Wonderland has done what even Ben couldn't manage... It was this or nothing, and as much as Caleb had considered skipping, he didn't want to leave Ben to go by himself, or to snub Evie by bailing on her party.

So, here he is at the party, standing somewhat awkwardly in a Continental Army officer's uniform very similar to Ben's, hair pulled back neatly with a ribbon just as it had been the last time... But he's still sporting a thick beard, because fuck shaving he'd rather not have to go to all the trouble to grow it back just to fit proper uniform standards for one night.

A drink will definitely be necessary, so you can find him at the bar, or chatting with friends, or attempting not to look like he'd rather be wearing anything else.]

[mucked]

[ well. would you look at that. another continental army uniform. peggy had been aware of the major, of course, and she'd had a few loose conversations with caleb that might have implied a bit of dabbling in war. but the uniform catches her by surprise.

enough to slow her steps on the way to the bar. for her part, she's decked out in red velvet and wears it as coolly as any other uniform. in one way or another, that's exactly what it is.

she puts on a smile. it doesn't exactly reach her eyes. ]

My God, look at all those buttons.

[ she seizes on that whiff of discomfort -- the notion that maybe the man wishes he was dressed some other way. ]

Ben Tallmadge | ota c:

[spycurious]

[Formal parties are not Ben's preferred social event, but Wonderland parties are less rigid than the affairs of the 18th century and well, he did accept Evelyn's invitation. Any party she'll throw, he thinks, will surely be enjoyable to some degree.

Ben arrives not in 20th century attire, but in his Continental Army uniform. It was the only thing the closet would supply. Much to his amusement, Caleb's closet had decided to insist the same (causing Ben to wonder if the closets were somehow alive and also in cahoots). His hair is parted expertly and as usual tied back in a braid with his signature blue ribbon.

Over the course of the evening, like Caleb, Ben can be found at the bar, with friends and acquaintances, or lingering between the wall and the dance floor. He seems to be in a good mood no matter what, though. After all, it's the New Year, and according to his and Caleb's calendar, it's only halfway through the 12 Days of Christmas.]

[mucked]

[ peggy is in red velvet tonight -- and looking all the world like she belongs here, despite a rather stiff and professional meeting the last time around in the library. she taps two fingers on the bar counter and requests another glass of scotch.

but while she waits she turns on a heel and glances at the soldier in all his dress. it's nothing like what she she knows from home, of course, but there's something strangely normal about someone turning up in uniform. ]

Enjoying yourself, Major?

Dan Palmer/Courier Six | OTA

[thecourier]

[As the partner of the person setting the whole thing up, Dan has of course been in the room from the moment Evelyn stepped into it. Helping to set up was a small 'price' to pay for seeing her able to relax even a slight amount, and he can be seen subtly keeping an eye on her for most of the night to make sure she isn't finding excuses to work too hard.

The former mercenary is dressed for the occasion and looking far more comfortable in the clothing he chose than he did at the party last year, when he had spent most of the night running one finger around the inside of his collar in an attempt to find some relief from the close feeling of it against his neck. This time, he looks settled, moving easily, smiling and laughing and even dancing as the mood takes him. The music is familiar to him as much as it is familiar to Evelyn - easy to find a beat and a step, easy to move to - and he doesn't seem to mind dancing with anyone who asks.

Most of the time, though, he can be found at the bar, taking in the selection of whiskey. He isn't drinking to get drunk, but rather for the enjoyment of the taste, and breaks between each double shot of alcohol with a glass of water. Later in the night, after around eleven, he stops drinking water. He can occasionally be found outside, getting some air and getting away from the noise and the crowds for a little while.]

Nathaniel Howe | OTA

[noble_son]

[Nathaniel is accustomed to these kinds of parties. Years in the Grey Wardens didn't take away from his familiarity with the way these things tended to work - the decoration and dress only a veneer for the troubles bubbling just beneath the surface. As he spends more time in the room, however, he begins to see that while some of the people here are not as happy as they are forcing themselves to appear, the gilt rubbing off. In some, it's obvious - the man who looks uncomfortable in a military uniform, the woman who started drinking the moment she stepped into the hall. In some, not so clear, but careful observance shows it.

The man doesn't appear to be engaging in the party as much as simply being present in it, but he doesn't look out of place. He finds many 'modern' fashions to be quite comfortable, and has donned a suitably smart suit for the occasion. With his hair tied back and face clean-shaven one would never place him as a man far more used to being covered in blood out on some Maker-forsaken battlefield or the darkest part of the dwarven Deep Roads.

He takes to a table with a drink, watching the dancing, giving the occasional smile to people who pass by and catch his eye. Come midnight, he's stood near the clock, watching the hands tick down the final seconds of the year. Another year spent in this strange place.

Well, he can think of worse places to spend a year.]

:)

[heroica]

I almost didn't recognize you!

[ Who should appear, of course, but Robyn, dressed in similarly-modern garb, but smiling brightly as she approaches. The Warden stops just short of him, hands folded at her front, eyes bright and clearly full of excitement at the energy of the place. ]

Isn't this wonderful? [ She asks, doing a little spin despite herself, alight in the glow of the room. ] I have to say, I do miss the parties at Highever. That is, I missed them when we were on the road... but, here, there seem to be more than enough.

[ Two just this month! Robyn sighs dreamily, turning her attention back to Nathaniel. ]

How long has it been since we last danced? Was it a whole year ago?

Emiel Regis | OTA

[mandrakes]

[The vampire's attire puts him entirely out of place, but he does not look uncomfortable with that fact. Regis enjoys parties - he enjoys the bustle, the life, the laughter and the stories to tell or be told, and as yet he has not missed any that he has received an invitation to. He arrives not long after things begin and spends some time first at the bar, then retreats to a table where he can easily watch the people milling about.

At his age - or, at least, the age he appears - and with the appearance that comes with it, Regis gives off a certain air of dignity. In a place like this, with the grandeur of it, that air is only intensified. He fits into such scenarios with ease, a man accustomed to moving about a room and finding ways to please everyone with either a drink or a witty anecdote, and he isn't shy at all about approaching anyone who looks as if they might be able to use a little company.

Later on in the night, he can be found outside instead, with a peculiar-looking bottle that he occasionally pours a strong-smelling liquid from, sipping at it casually. He'll happily offer it to anyone who looks curious, with a wry warning that it tends to make people very talkative if they drink too much.]

[spiritofgoodness]

[ Regis actually looks the most like what Snow's familiar with, and maybe her ball gown style is familiar to him, too. Either way, she's drawn to him because of how he carries herself, and she watches as he makes his way outside.

Following, she approaches from the side, a friendly smile on her face. ]

I have to admit, you're the first person I've seen dressed like someone from my home might have been at a ball like this.

Crowley | OTA

[saunteredvaguelydownwards]

[Crowley likes parties.

Crowley mostly likes parties because they tend to involve good food and drink, both of which he is a fan of. In addition, he also likes to see what mischief he can get up to while they're happening. The demon took the dress code to heart and isn't pushing it in what he chose to wear. Even the snakeskin shoes (if they are actually shoes) that he always has on his feet have gained an unusual burgundy tinge to match his suit. The sunglasses are ever-present, however, though they manage not to quite throw off the entire ensemble.

He passes some time by the bar, systematically working his way through the entire range of sherries and brandies that are available. Some of them are obviously more to his taste than others, given the expressions that pass over his face, but by the time he stands up from his seat he does visibly wobble for a moment. Only for a moment, however, before he inexplicably rights himself and strides purposefully across the room to take a seat.]

The only thing about this time of year that's worth it is the parties. [Crowley comments to himself as he tilts a glass from side to side, the ice cubes clinking gently inside it. He isn't a fan of Christmas, or anything that comes along with it... but the parties? He can deal with the parties, so long as they have an ample supply of alcohol.]

[deathlessness]

Oh really?

[Freya happens to sitting at the nearby bar, nursing a drink of her own when she hears that particular declaration.]

Not feeling the holiday spirit?

R | OTA

[keephersafe]

[R isn't drawn by the invitation - which he saw, but didn't fully register - but by the sound of music and laughter and the undeniable thrum given off by so much Life in one room. He doesn't get too close to the door but lingers in the hallway outside, hands pushed into his pockets, standing and listening for several minutes before he sits down in a shallow alcove dented into the hallway wall. There, he tips his head back until it rests against cool marble and closes his eyes, one hand resting over his knee and fingers gently moving from side to side to the rhythm of jazz and other genres that filter out towards him.

It's better if he doesn't go in, especially dressed as he is. 'Black tie' means very little to him but he's seen the attire that others have been entering the ballroom in, and his own does not even begin to measure up.

Still, this is fine. He sits quietly in the hallway for as long as no one disturbs him, though he won't look unhappy to be disturbed should someone decide they want to talk.]

[passingthrough]

[Kitty only arrived tonight, so she's also in flagrant violation of the dress code. Not that she minds much. She's had the situation more or less explained to her and she honestly doesn't know where to go from here. She's a doer. A fighter. A protector. And she's having a really bad day what with the getting killed before she got kidnapped. Not that she feels particularly dead now. It's not like she wants to eat brains or anything!

But she doesn't really know what to do. She doesn't know what her mission is right now and she can't just dance and mingle after everything, but she doesn't exactly want to be alone with her thoughts either which leaves her wandering in a pattern that keeps her pretty close to the ballroom, so it isn't long she comes across the pale man in the alcove. She stops in front of him. Another mutant? Should she stop guessing that when it's never correct? No one she recognizes anyway.]

Not going to the party? [Not that she has any stakes to see strangers party or not party, but it's a way to start a conversation which, apparently, she'd rather have than not have.]

Nora | OTA

[geiger]

open

[ She'd worried that the dress might clash with her hair, but she's actually pretty happy with how it looks on her. She hangs out near the bar at first, sipping at her champagne and people watching, simply enjoying the atmosphere. She can be coaxed to get up and dance, particularly as for once she recognises several of the songs, and her eyes light up when she hears some of the music for the first time in two hundred years, with records being so scarce in the wasteland. ]


closed to sam

[ She'd been looking forward to tonight, but she has to admit she's a little nervous when she spots Sam. It's been so long since she's been on a date, she's almost forgotten what she's supposed to do. She waves to him from across the ballroom, weaving her way through the crowd toward him with a smile. ]

Hey. You look great.

[thecourier]

[He wouldn't have noticed if the dress did clash with her hair, but he's finding just as much joy in the music as she is. It makes a change, to be able to go to a party and actually find music that he knows - Evelyn has never failed in that regard.]

Can I get a dance? [Dan asks her with a crooked smile, one hand offered out to her as an upbeat tune plays in the background.] Promise I won't step on yer feet.

Liv Moore | OTA

[livemoore]

[ Okay, so she's not exactly in a ball gown but it's pretty festive and she feels good about it. She also feels like she's going to dance her ass off, so she's glad she's comfortable. She showed up with Patterson again to this one but they're separated now, something about Patteson's friend Jane being super blasted.

For now, Liv has a glass of champagne in her hand, scanning the crowd as she sips. ]

[colorfulmoniker]

[It's in the midst of scanning the room for another blonde that Killian has to do a double-take at another. He's seen Regina, Snow, Emma, Henry... but he didn't think he'd run into her here, of all places.

He's not sure if she's noticed him at all as he crosses the room, narrowly avoiding those on the dance floor, and he keeps his eyes fixed on anything but her in case he's wrong about it (it had been pretty far away).

It's not until closer inspection that he quickly realizes he wasn't wrong at all. Or that's what he thinks.]

I never thought you the party type, Lady Bell.

Frank Castle | OTA

[scoutsniper]

[ Frank hasn't been hiding (technically) from everyone. Just mostly hiding, because all the Christmas decorations got to him--he'd looked forward to stepping back from the shit, doing the whole Norman Rockwell cliche shit with his family. You know, sledding, ice skating at the Rockefeller rink, getting stuck in permanent gridlock trying to see the big tree, gifts and wrapping paper and standing in line at Toys R Us and all that.

Not going to happen. Not ever. And yeah, hit him kind of hard. So he lay low for the holiday. But it was time to crawl out of the self-pity swamp, so here he is. He's even scraped something resembling Marine mess dress out of the closet. A for effort, at least.

He's most likely standing around the edge of the room, holding a drink he's not really drinking in his hand, trying to look like he's having a good time. If he's not there, he's at the food table, squinting dubiously at the array of hor d'oeuvres, wondering where, you know, actual food is hiding. ]

[livemoore]

[ Liv, in her decidedly not ball gown, makes her way to Frank with a fresh drink and smiles a little. ]

You look like you'd rather be anywhere else.

Teddy Altman | OTA

[dangerouslyunhip]

[Teddy has been to his share of New Year's Eve parties in the past, though none quite as fancy as this. He makes a concentrated effort to dress for the occasion, including a boutonniere that he's taken care to coordinate with the one he'd procured for Billy, as well. He almost feels as though he's a bit too young to be here, not being of the legal drinking age, but considering how quickly he's been forced to grow up over the last few years, he supposes that doesn't matter quite so much. Regardless, he'll be avoiding champagne just in case anyone over the age of twenty-one is keeping a particularly watchful eye-- and there's plenty about the evening to enjoy without alcohol. Personally, he's looking forward to dancing.

He's bright and sociable from the moment he arrives, often seen with Billy on his arm, though he can also be found carefully making a selection from the refreshments at various points during the night, or refilling glasses of sparkling cider. He's more than happy to dance with friends, knowing that Billy will be willing to spare him for at least a couple, as well as happy to make conversation with unfamiliar faces and other more recent acquaintances.

His first six months in Wonderland have been a rollercoaster, if he's being perfectly honest, but it's easy for him to get into the spirit of the holiday: the New Year means starting things fresh, and given all the hurdles he's cleared in recent months and the fact that he and Billy have recently renewed their relationship after too much time apart, he's ready to greet the New Year head-on and eager to see what it will bring.]

[meanestgirl]

[Kimberly can do fancy parties, but she definitely isn't used to so many fancy parties in a row. At least Evelyn's party is a bit more relaxed without the mirrors running around, and she's ready to just kick back and have some fun.

She eventually finds her way on the same side of Teddy's dance floor after one of the dances, eyeing one of the tables as she glances down at her strappy shoes.]

You know, I love a good fancy dress party, but my feet definitely do not.

Sharon Carter | OTA

[agentxthirteen]

[ Sharon is at a loss for what to wear when she first gets the invitation. Back home, she would have known - it would have depended on the mission, on the mark. But in Wonderland, she's uncomfortable with her own style when it's just her, when it's for herself. If nothing else, Wonderland is providing her with an opportunity to get to know herself without being a spy all the time.

That doesn't mean she knows what to wear tonight. It's not like she attends many fancy parties in Wonderland, nothing that means changing out of her street clothes.

Wonderland needs a stylist.

In the end, she realizes that she can chose the outfit based on the event and what else she knows - Evelyn O'Conner is throwing it, just like she did last year. Evelyn is from the 1930s; it's likely that everything will be decorated in a similar style.

And so, she works with the closet and finally finds a dress she likes. A pair of shoes, a sloppy updo, and she's off to mingle and people-watch from a corner of one of the bars. ]

Emma Swan & Freya Mikaelson | OTA

[cursebreaking]

emma & freya

[It had taken Emma a little bit of convincing to finally give in and decide to attend, especially as she’d made an effort to avoid as much of the Christmas Ball as possible, aside from stopping in to see if there had been any extra sketchy activity afoot-- the standard for which was increasing by the day, in this place. Freya had finally managed to sway her with the promise of champagne and good food, and the unlikeliness of Wonderland doing anything particularly Wonderlandy given how recently the gingerbread mansion had reverted back to normal. Champagne really did cinch the deal, especially considering how many times she’d had to unironically say the words ‘gingerbread mansion’ over the last few weeks. There simply was not enough alcohol in the world. While black tie isn’t usually her strong suit, she does show up dressed appropriately for the occasion in black and gold, and once she arrives, she doesn’t stray too terribly far from her ‘date’ for the evening-- Freya Mikaelson has quickly proven herself to be a surprising but welcome pillar of sanity after a tumultuous first month here.

Freya also opted for black for the evening, and is grateful that Emma agreed to be her company for the evening. With most of her other Wonderland friends doubling up for the occasion, it felt slightly awkward to be going alone, and while things with Keelin were still fairly new, part of her is already missing that companionship. While things with Emma are strictly platonic, having a friend to share the evening with is a welcome change of pace.

And yes, there is definitely never enough alcohol when it comes to adjusting to the trials and tribulations of Wonderland. Which means these ladies will probably often be found at the bar and near the food tables, and possibly doing a little bit of dancing, if Freya can convince her to loosen up enough.]

emma

[Of course, Emma won't be glued to Freya at all times as the night wears on, but she noticeably doesn't go out of her way to engage with anyone else, either. Nothing about her time in Wonderland has sit well with her so far, and during the late hours of the party, including the minutes leading up to midnight, she can be found standing off to one side, arms folded across her chest as she leans against the wall and slowly nurses the glass of champagne in her hand.

She hasn't gone so far as to get completely drunk tonight, though she's certainly kept the alcohol flowing-- she'd rather have some semblance of wits about her, especially as she finds herself falling prey to people-watching. So many of the people here claim to know her, and not only from Wonderland-- from home, even though she doesn't remember a single one of them. She knows she would have remembered if she'd ever lived a life in which that many people had actually cared about her, and that thought alone has been an unfortunately sobering one.

She sighs, shifting her weight against the wall as she watches people she doesn't know dance past. Slowly, she's being forced to accept that there's so much more going on here than she can possibly understand-- but the drinks help, at least a little bit.]

freya

[When not with her date, Freya can be found wandering the outskirts of the ballroom, occasionally pausing to talk to familiar faces and getting refills on her drink. While she’s not the most social of creatures, she has gotten to know quite a few of you in her year and a half in Wonderland, and this is a social celebration.

Besides, if you look like you might be able to be conned into dancing with her, she is definitely going to try and take the option. It’s the end of the year, and the mansion didn’t try and kill them for Christmas. Hopefully her brother won’t … pick another fight towards the end of the evening.

Hopefully, being the key word. Knowing Klaus, she isn’t entirely sure if she can make any promises, but she’s got her fingers crossed.]

emma! but freya is free to butt in c:

[colorfulmoniker]

[Killian was never really one for parties and he'd spent most of the night staying away from it. He'd heard whispers over the days leading up to it but never really made plans to attend. That is, until the evening of. It was a formal event, and the closet in his room was more than willing to see to it that he was properly dressed, providing him with a red embroidered vest over a black shirt – it reminds him of what he used to wear – and some shiny black shoes. He never bothered to remove the hook, being too preoccupied with other things to care.

Not that it really matters in the end, though, because Killian is there for one reason and one reason only: to find Emma Swan.

He keeps near the walls, mostly, bumping into some other strangers here and there looking for her and when he does find her, he's breathless during the very brief moment he allows himself to appreciate the sight of her. Killian slides up next to her quietly while she stands, arms crossed and waiting for the clock to strike midnight. He's carrying a glass of rum in his hand, because why would he pass up on that?]

The pomp and grandeur is a bit excessive for my tastes.

Emily Locke | OTA

[letsemilythis]

[ If there's one thing Emily loves, it's a party. And New Year's Eve parties? Those are the parties to end all parties. She spends a week picking out a dress, and the day before the party doing her hair and makeup. She waits as long as she can to be fashionably late (ten minutes) and then slides on some strappy heels and heads down.

She gasps when she enters the room and tries not to jump in excitement at how beautiful everything is. She beams around at everyone she sees. She is going to dance with so many people. And have so much fun.

Ooooooh. What if there's karaoke? ]

[wildwest]

[ well, if that isn't the most earnest burst of excitement he's seen bubble up out of a person in a long time. ]

Enthusiasm, thy name is...?