On the evening of the twenty-ninth, the ballroom on the main deck of the boat is decked out in lavish black and gold, thanks to Carol and Sophie, and the assistance of the very strong men they enlisted to help (thank you, boys). It's been a while since Carol has thrown a full out ball, and she liked the chance to stretch her event planning limbs again, even if those attending are mostly the ghost robots in their cater waiter wear.

A soft music is playing over the guests as they enter. As they pass through the threshold, there's a table with simple masks for them to choose from, in case they've forgotten their's. Once they pass through the main archway, they'll find their way to the large dance space where the ghost robot band is sitting, because live music is so much better than a recording, and they actually don't sound half-bad, all things considered. They also take requests, so feel free to tell them that song where you always wondered what it would sound like with a full orchestral backing. There's a large, expansive dance floor in the middle, and you're welcome to get out there and shake your groove thing whenever you see fit.

Tables with food line the far left wall of the room, as well as clusters of tables for the guests to sit when they so choose. There's also an open bar nestled into the far corner, for all your alcoholic needs. There are also plenty of dark corners to slip into, if you don't want anyone to see what you're doing, however the narration suggests watching those dark corners carefully. Rabbit holes lurk in pretty much every shadowed area of the ballroom and while they won't always drop you into a strange location of your choosing, there's a high chance they will. There's probably a high turnover of people arriving back in the ballroom, looking like they've gone five rounds with a bull.

Probably because they have.

The boat seem to want to promote this event as much as possible. While not everyone loves a good ball, some non-attenders may suddenly find themselves in attendance, completely dressed and no idea of how they got there. Trying to leave? Might not go so well either. For some, socializing isn't so much a choice as a punishment, but there are probably plenty of people to help you have a good time.

Or you could go on a trip to Narnia. One never really knows.

[OKAY BALL IS GO sorry I was late getting this up. Rabbit Holes are to be used at your discretion, but if you need suggestions or want me to randomize something for you, just shoot me a PM/private plurk/ping me (iluvroadrunner6) and I will give you a scenario. Otherwise, mix, mingle and have fun with all the pretty formal wear. o7 Actionspam/prose/whatever floats your boat for this, it was easier to just write up the top part in prose.]

Locked to Angel

Cordelia's woken up to this sound before -- the sound of a crying baby is a familiar sound these days. But she's been on the ship for weeks now, and she's almost forgotten to expect it. So when she jolts awake to the noise of a wailing baby it causes her heart to race a little. On the other side of her room was a crib, and inside it was a baby she would recognize anywhere. Connor. Distinctly not her child -- but one she might as well be the mother for. She's been helping Angel raise him for a while -- something they've never explicitly discussed much about, it's just something that happened.

She's not sure why he appeared in her room, but she's glad to see him. Even if maybe he would be better off back home -- she's selfishly glad all the same. She carefully gathers him from the crib, cradling him in her arms.

"Hey little guy, I know this might be scary, but it's going to be okay."

She coos and rocks him but she can't seem to get him to calm down. "You want your Daddy, huh?"

Connor wails again, which is ultimately answer enough. So dressed still in her sleep clothes (some flannel pants and a tank top) Cordelia makes her way out of her room and pads down a few doorways to Angel's. (They had made sure to get cabins near one another, just in case).

She doesn't bother knocking on the door and instead lets herself in. "Angel?" She calls out softly, amidst the sounds of the crying baby. She knows this is usually around the time he goes down for sleep (the sun is rising and all) but she figures he'd want to wake up for this.


Open to all

For the first few days Cordelia mostly leaves Connor with Angel, making sure to gather supplies they'll need for him like milk and food and diapers and whatever else he might need. But eventually she tells Angel the baby needs some fresh air and sunlight during the day which is why Cordelia can be found pushing a stroller down the halls of the ships -- later heading up to the deck as well.

Where did she find the stroller? She's Cordelia Chase, when she wants something she finds a way to make it happen, okay?

Cordelia is a girl on a mission today. One might find her around the kitchens of the ship, poking around where she probably doesn't belong. But it's for a good cause! She's trying to find where the meat is stored -- and if they've kept the animal blood along with it. She hasn't found an actual butcher yet or she'd just ask someone but as the case is? She's being nosey. She has a vampire friend who is sulking in his room and drawing and it's in everyone's best interest that she finds some for him. They need to figure out a consistent supply anyway because it seems like they'll be stuck on this ship for a while. Better to make it as easy (or as easy as it's ever going to be when they're stuck here away from all their friends -- let alone Connor) as possible, right?

Of course, if you catch her she might try to come up with some sort of excuse with what she's doing. She doubts Angel wants her spreading what he is to everyone.

--

Rebekah is having a pretty terrible day, all things considered. She opened up a door that led to something that pissed her off pretty badly and long story short? Well if she was wondering if her rift change is still in effect here the answer is yes. Because right now a very pretty white kitten is sitting in the hall next to a pile of clothes (including one very important daylight ring) meowing loudly. She wants to go back to her cabin to wait this out.

But she also knows she can't just leave her things here either. Not with her necklace and her ring. So please help her.

You're her only hope.

--

Maxwell is not the cruise sort. Cruises are for people who like to relax and have fun and as Lois likes to remind him -- he doesn't know how to do either one of those things. Case in point -- although he's out on the deck he's fully clothes in his normal sort of hispetery attire with sunglasses and an umbrella over him.

He's currently trying to read a very worn copy of The Lords and the New Creatures by Jim Morrison. Because that's what he does to have fun. He reads poetry. Unlike most people, he doesn't have much desire to explore the ship and see what it has to offer. He's much more content keeping to himself.

Of course, that's often easier said than done.