Fall Ball 2004

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Fall Ball 2004
Location Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Date October 22-24, 2004
Local Liaison Riley Maconnar

Jump to: Events and Conferences | Previous Year (2003) | Next Year (2005)

General

Fall Ball 2004 was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 22-24.

Review

By: Eleyan Teyal Al'Landerin in News & Announcements Forum on the Old Boards

TarValon.Net's 4th Fall Ball (held in Albuquerque, New Mexico) successfully kicked of a new era in Tower events! While the Fall Party has been referred to as a "Ball" for several years, the name was given more in anticipation than in actual practice. 2004 saw this change with the communities first-ever formal event.

Check in began on Saturday, and most spent the afternoon and early evening meeting up with one another for dinner or at the hotel bar. At 8:30, opening ceremonies commenced with the traditional Goldschläger Toast, four raisings, and three first-sibling ceremonies. Eleyan Teyal Al'Landerin, along with the help of Senior Members, finalized a series of ceremonies (closely based on the text found in "Wheel of Time") that will be used for all real-life raisings from here on out. The evening ended with an auction (where members volunteer themselves to servitude for a day to help raise money), bringing TarValon.Net a few hundred dollars in total.

Sunday morning brought the first qualifying round for Sa'sara dancers, and judges were impressed by the quality of all candidates. Lunch was served while volunteers taught basic ballroom dancing. Everyone enjoyed a three-hour life-sized modified version of "Trivial Pursuit". This game used live pawns, and included physical challenges, charades, and more than a little bit of chance while teams attempted to collect 7 seals before making their way to the Amyrlin Seat Seat. The Blue Ajah won after a difficult and prolonged battle with the Browns.

The Ball itself began with a procession and dinner, then progressed to ballroom and swing dancing. However, it wasn't long before the Aes Sedai were dancing the electric slide and doing the Time Warp. Decorations were lovely, the prize drawings were numerous, and the company unsurpassed.

TarValon.Net's next main event is "Tower Party Australia" to be held in the next few months. The next party in North America will be our 4th Anniversary Party in Denver, Colorado.


By: Rhed al'Tere in the Tar Valon Times

Partygoers started arriving as early as Thursday in Albuquerque even though the official events didn't start until Saturday night. People flying in on Saturday arrived as early as 10:30 AM. Fortunately, a shuttle ran between the airport and the hotel.

TarValon.net was constantly represented at Village Inn across from the hotel. As one group was finishing up, another group would arrive. Saturday afternoon was mostly spent either catching up on sleep missed by catching flights or hanging out in the hotel lobby. After splitting up for dinner, we all met in a conference room for the official welcome.

After Mother gave her welcome speech, the traditional Goldschlagger toast went around the table. After the toast were the raisings. Many were raised at the Fall Ball: Kyla Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Cataia Sedai of the Green Ajah, Triste Accepted of the White Tower, and Tian Accepted of the White Tower. We were witness to three first-sibling ceremonies, which bonded Jaryd and Vallah as first-siblings, Faeril and Lyoness as first-sisters, and Jakeb and Jasin as first-brothers.

The slave auction concluded the evening. After the auction, the group split up. Some went out on the town, others gossiped in the hotel lounge, and still others gossiped in hotel rooms. Sunday morning brought the beginning of the official programming. The sa'sara preliminary competition took place. When it was done, the room was openned for a snack and dance lessons. Katarianna and Cathel taught the waltz and swing dancing. After the dance lessons, the White Tower Pursuit game was played. The Blue team, made up of Arisaema, Kyla, Yelenia, and Jaryd, won after a three hour competition.

Sunday evening brought the official ball. The head table was announced and entered as a procession. After a toast by Mother, we proceeded to eat. The menu included prime rib, pasta primavera, and chicken marsala as entrees and chocolate mousse as dessert.

After dinner, the dancing began with waltzing and swing dancing. Interspersed in the dancing were raffle drawings for such items as TarValon.net pins, a mousepad, a calendar, and jewelry donated by Jenarra. The two annual awards, the Contributor of the Year and the Philanthropist of the Year, were awarded to Randle al'Ren and Arisaema Draconis, respectively.

A new format for the sa'sara was introduced at the Fall Ball. Participants performed for a select group of judges who chose three finalists. The finalists performed at the ball and were voted on by everyone. Finalists at the ball were Cataia, Katarianna, and Marlinya. Cataia won the vote. Also, everyone voted on the best costume; this title went to Sharradin.

Monday morning brought tearful goodbyes and the onset of post party depression. At the airport, a large group gathered in the observation deck to await flights. In groups or one-by-one, we dispersed to separate airplanes with many hugs and well wishes of friends old and new.

Tower events are always times of reunion though there has been only physical separation. The Tower is very real; it exists through the online work of many people. Real-life events make the Tower physically real, and the Fall Ball was no exception. First-timers felt welcome, and for those who have been to a party before, it was a true reunion. For many who can only go to one party a year, the ball is special and is a time to see old friends, many for the first time.


By: Jaryd Kosari in the Tower Parties Forum on the Old Boards

This Fall Ball was my second official Tower party, and by far the best time I've ever had.

Derrin and I got to the hotel well before the check in time, so we hung out for a while, got to know people and had breakfast (we descended on that poor diner in groups of twenty or more for three days in a row...I'm sure the waitresses appreciated the tips...), before the welcome committee got set up and gave us our tags n such.

A little while after that, Arisaema showed up, with Vallah in tow- YAY! I finally got to meet my very first near-sibling and soon to be first-sister. We danced around a lot, I took her up to my room, and we hung out for a little while before she went to change, and Derrin and I (as well as Mother, Kat, Jas & Evgren, and a few others) went to subway to eat dinner before the opening ceremonies.

And were the ceremonies beautiful! First was the GS (or in my case, apple juice) toast, and they brought quite a few hoorahs and -in some cases a few tears. Then Vallah introduced the Oath Rod she had created...and the less than appropriate jokes that came as a result of its size and shape caused mother to deem it inappropriate to use it for its intended purpose, due to the thoughts it would make her think whenever she saw it (Teals rule, btw).

After the toast, and after a few words, it was time for some ceremonies. First up were Lyoness and Faeril, up (finally) to become First-sisters. I cannot say enough how proud I am to have shared Vallah's and my "rebirth" with Lyoness and Faeril. Their ceremony was truly magical, and I saw more than a few wet eyes in the assembly. Then Vallah and I went up for our ceremony...I'm afraid my handwriting left a little to be asked for as Arisaema, my chosen Mother, had difficulty reading it. But we got through the ceremony, and then Vallah proceeded to knock my block off. Which is only as it should be- and of course, I returned the favor. After us came Jasin and Jakeb, sharing manly punches to the shoulder, as apposed to "girly" slaps. Those ceremonies were certainly tear jerkers. I am so very honored to have witness theirs, and very happy to have made it through my own, with my lovely first-sister!

After that came raisings; I believe -but am not too certain- that Accepted were raised before Aes Sedai; we gained Tian and Triste! Then Viv brought Kyla forth to be raised to Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah -causing a great deal of celebration and happiness among the blues attending hte party- and Kat did the same for Cataia, to be raised to the Green.

After that was the slave auction, and each of the five? six? slaves got sold for fairly respectable amounts- myself and Derrin, going as a "matched set" went for 130. Then we all went back to our respective rooms to change, whether to go to bed or to go out on the town, was up to each individual. I chose to remain in my room, as I hadn't slept since Friday morning.

The next morning, after ten hours of sleep, we all went out to breakfast, and then the six Sa'sara contestants met up outside the ball room to start the tryouts. They were -if I recall correctly- Cataia, Katarianna, Marlinya, Yelenia, Myself, and Triste. We all did our dance, and then after a brief interlude, the judges announced those who would be going on: Kat, Cat, and Lini.

Though disappointed that I hadn't made it to the finals, I was also relieved, as I wasn't actually all that prepared. I ran off to change my clothes (my Sa'sara outfit -of which there are no photos- was a red sequin top, a matching hip "Scarf", and a body stockingm all see-through), before coming back down to have a snack, help set up Tower Persuit, and learn how to dance.

Surprisingly, I managed to accomplish all three, though not really in that order. Tower Pursuit kicked ass, and I highly recommend that it be played at every event; I love trivia, and I love silliness, and that game had both in huge quantities. The Blues won! Me, Arisaema, Kyla, and Yelenia each got to take a mug home with some of Valorian's artwork on it!

After that it was time to clear out, allow the set up committee to set up the room, and get dressed for the actually ball part of Fall Ball.

It was a long wait! I think only the first few hours on Saturday managed to rival how long the two hours before the ball started seemed to be, despite the fact that I not only took an hour long nap, I also got dressed, did my hair, and got Ari to do my makeup. Then it was finally time to go down.

The dinner was delicious; I work at an Italian restaurant, and yet somehow I still managed to eat every bit of the pasta I was served. There was some silliness involving Bale's salad plate, and I suspect I was just as silly with my fixation on desert (which consisted of a small amount of chocolate mousse), but it was all in all a wonderful meal.

The only real complaint I would have is that the food was served directly before the dancing. A small amount of time to mill around and relax before the dancing started, would've been nice. But we all had fun anyway- within two songs, I had decided my Renn Faire garb was entirely too bulky to be dancing in, and changed into other clothes.

I danced dirty and got carried -kicking and squealing!- off the dance floor by Morni, whom I now affectionately call a barbarian. I would add other descriptive words to that, but this review is a public one...and thus I reveal why I call myself Teal.

The Sa'sara dancers were excellent. All three succeeded in managing to make my blood boil, but I concur with the apparent majority, in saying that Cataia's dance was the most erotic I have ever witnessed. She received a Tarvalon.net hoodie as a result and (to quote mother) thank god it fit her.

Derrin and I danced a lot together...and about halfway through he asked me to marry him! It was the highlight of the weekend, and I didn't hesitate to announce it over hte microphone during the next break between songs, to a lot of applause n such. It was very nerve-wracking to do that, as I dislike microphones in general.

Several other awards were given out during the course of that evening, including a Best Contributer award, and a Greatest Philanthropist award, given to Rand and Arisaema respectively. They each received prizes made specifically for them.

There were also raffle prizes given out- necklaces by Jenarra Sedai, a Tarvalon.net calendar, a New Spring comic preview (aaaah I WANT IT!!!!), and a handmade Irish Green Man (aka Nym).

Around 11:30 we had to vacate the ballroom, so we all assisted in cleaning up, taking some time out to take portraits of the various groups and couples, including some rather amusing ones of Mother and her boys.

Lyoness had a kickin rad after party; I was tired, so had to go to bed much earlier than I had planned, but I had fun while I was still up!

The next morning we had to start saying good byes. We all pretty much ended up hanging out at the airport for several hours, before Nadine, Tanis, Jas, Bale, Derrin, and I all went to get on the plane for Houston.

The party didn't end! Though we were all seated separately on the airplane, when we got to Houston, Tanis, Nadine, Derrin, and I all ate together before all had to split to go to our respective airplanes, and come home, to ordinary life and PPD.

All in all it was a wonderful party, and I hope to attend many, many more in the future!

TarValon Times Review

By Rhed al'Tere

Partygoers started arriving as early as Thursday in Albuquerque even though the official events didn't start until Saturday night. People flying in on Saturday arrived as early as 10:30 AM. Fortunately, a shuttle ran between the airport and the hotel. TarValon.net was constantly represented at Village Inn across from the hotel. As one group was finishing up, another group would arrive. Saturday afternoon was mostly spent either catching up on sleep missed by catching flights or hanging out in the hotel lobby. After splitting up for dinner, we all met in a conference room for the official welcome.

After Mother gave her welcome speech, the traditional Goldschlagger toast went around the table. After the toast were the raisings. Many were raised at the Fall Ball: Kyla Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Cataia Sedai of the Green Ajah, Triste Accepted of the White Tower, and Tian Accepted of the White Tower. We were witness to three first-sibling ceremonies, which bonded Jaryd and Vallah as first-sisters, Faeril and Lyoness as first-sisters, and Jakeb and Jasin as first-brothers.

The slave auction concluded the evening. After the auction, the group split up. Some went out on the town, others gossiped in the hotel lounge, and still others gossiped in hotel rooms.

Sunday morning brought the beginning of the official programming. The sa'sara preliminary competition took place. When it was done, the room was openned for a snack and dance lessons. Katarianna and Cathel taught the waltz and swing dancing. After the dance lessons, the White Tower Pursuit game was played. The Blue team, made up of Arisaema, Kyla, Yelenia, and Jaryd, won after a three hour competition.

Sunday evening brought the official ball. The head table was announced and entered as a procession. After a toast by Mother, we proceeded to eat. The menu included prime rib, pasta primavera, and chicken marsala as entrees and chocolate mousse as dessert.

After dinner, the dancing began with waltzing and swing dancing. Interspersed in the dancing were raffle drawings for such items as TarValon.net pins, a mousepad, a calendar, and jewelry donated by Jenarra. The two annual awards, the Contributor of the Year and the Philanthropist of the Year, were awarded to Randle al'Ren and Arisaema Draconis, respectively.

A new format for the sa'sara was introduced at the Fall Ball. Participants performed for a select group of judges who chose three finalists. The finalists performed at the ball and were voted on by everyone. Finalists at the ball were Cataia, Katarianna, and Marlinya. Cataia won the vote. Also, everyone voted on the best costume; this title went to Sharradin.

Monday morning brought tearful goodbyes and the onset of post party depression. At the airport, a large group gathered in the observation deck to await flights. In groups or one-by-one, we dispersed to separate airplanes with many hugs and well wishes of friends old and new. Tower events are always times of reunion though there has been only physical separation. The Tower is very real; it exists through the online work of many people. Real-life events make the Tower physically real, and the Fall Ball was no exception. First-timers felt welcome, and for those who have been to a party before, it was a true reunion. For many who can only go to one party a year, the ball is special and is a time to see old friends, many for the first time.

Schedule

Ceremonies

Raisings

First-Sibling

Attendance

Main article: Fall Ball 2004 Attendance List

57 people attended Fall Ball 2004.

Pictures

Main article: Fall Ball 2004 Picture Gallery