Night 2: Painting a Brighter Future [Open]

[Flynn]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Flynn didn't need the confirmation that none of the three would be given up on Azraeth's part any time soon, so when the vampire went on to say that he was attached to them, the paladin only rolled his eyes with a good-natured grin. If a day came where one of those three things didn't happen, then he would know that there was definitely something wrong. That kiss was accepted happily enough, which was probably the objective the whole time."Yeah, yeah. I am more than happy to help you realize your superhero potential once more...but keep at least a ten foot radius, hm? I don't need to smell you." Az keep a ten foot radius. That was laughable.

His nose wrinkled at the nickname, and the desire to dump the vampire came back full force. It was deserved, at that point. Rather than comment on it, he nodded solemnly at the prospect of meeting new people. As it was, he did owe an appearance, at the very least, for the sake of one Miss Knight. The one he had inadvertently agreed to come to. "Socializing...sounds fun..." he grumbled, reaching out to the pull the door to the Casino open so they could venture inside. The atmosphere was drastically different than the night before, but that was to be expected due to the very different events that were hosted.

Fingerpainting, on the other hand...did sound interesting. If only because it was Az's suggestion, and it was best to never to take his suggestion at face value. "How much do you know about art, exactly?" he muttered low to his partner, letting his hold on the male go so that he could use his own two feet now that they were indoors. He escaped a trashcan tonight.

[Enver Marshall II]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Enver gave Indigo a nod of his head, then ran a hand through his hair. "No need to thank me. I should be the one thanking you. You're a lifesaver and it's a good idea." While everyone might not be good at art, people could appreciate it. Or dislike it. Either way, people were talking and mingling and that was the purpose of tonight's event. The mention of Phineas had Enver clearing his throat, and glancing around. He wasn't sure how Indigo was doing with the loss that had been over her head for some time now, but if she were a true allurist deep down, he reckoned there were good and bad days.

The appearance of Adley had Enver nodding his head to the guy. "Hey, Adley." Enver wasn't positive if the guy was going to show up, but he didn't mind Indigo's sire. At least she was around. Which was more than he could say about a lot of sires. At the introduction of a new face, Enver pictured a lake. It would be easy then, to remember the woman's name, given Enver liked to spend most his free time on a river or lake.

Since he didn't have any pen and paper on him, or her number, Enver opted for the other option. With an extended hand, he offered his name and a smile to the woman. "Evening. I'm Enver. Are you a...painter, or avid art lover? After she took the hand, and he shook it, Enver allowed it to rest at his side as he waited for her to reply back through whatever means she wanted.

[Azraeth]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tagged: Flynn, Indigo (anyone wearing shorts actually)

A dark brow slowly rose, cocking fully up into the shape of a parabola. Who did Flynn think he was kidding? Az had, only just the night before, described himself as clingy. Truth. Most people viewed that trait as a negative one, but to the vampire, it was no different to any other list of attributes. Some people were sinners. Some people were saints. Some people paid taxes on time and other people stole for a living. Most morality was fairly gray to the vampire; it had to be out of necessity - Azraeth possessed a prey drive the way any carnivore (or sanguivore in this case) did. So yes. The vampire was terribly clingy. And he was fairly certain Flynn was well aware that this whole ‘ten foot’ nonsense wasn’t going to fly any time soon. “You’re trying to make it sound like talking to people is equivalent to getting your teeth pulled.” He chided, before his cheek lazily dragged alongside Flynn’s while they entered the casino. Things looked entirely different, to the previous night.

“I know basically nothing about art. Get me into a room to identify artefacts from various cultures around the world and I can talk your dick off. Ask me to paint something though…” He trailed off as he slipped down off of Flynn’s back. Right. He was in public. He totally had to act like a mature, intelligent adult. So he leaned into his human’s side, his fingers sliding down an arm until their palms were pressed together and digits carefully woven. And that was when he caught sight of some of the other people in the room. A few of them were wearing shorts, and Az’s gaze locked on almost immediately. He gestured with his free hand. “See!” He said. “I totally could have worn shorts and a tank top.” He muttered. He’d been planning on turning up in a far more casual outfit, but Flynn had pointed out that it was getting colder. To which Az had politely (read as: faux indignantly) replied that he was a vampire. It had continued from there, and at some point, the human had approved of one of the outfit choices.

Oh, and there was Miss Knight! “Look! Our guide into this strange world of art.” He said against Flynn’s shoulder, even as he lifted a hand to wave towards Indigo before beginning towards her.

[Jericho]

[for_peace][/for_peace]
W E A R I N G

Black tee and blue jeans. Old, ratty Chucks that had obviously seen better days. Worn leather belt. Embarrassingly thin wallet. No driver’s license. No credit card. He was the most inconspicuous, unremarkable 24 year old man to look at, beyond his strikingly handsome good looks. That much, he’d found trouble hiding without looking like he was trying to hide. So he compromised. A little attention of the right variety was probably a good thing, anyway. Besides. Nobody knew what it was that he, that is, the public persona “Jericho,” was supposed to look like. Just what his art looked like.

That degree of separation made him feel safe from the prying eyes of a thousand shuttered cameras just dying to have their first bite at the artist. So far, he had been successful in evading the paparazzi. Though, until now, he hadn’t been a vampire. Something about that was bound to make it all change.

He slipped inside unbidden and, as far as he could tell, largely unnoticed. His sire and the girls were easy enough to find. They seemed to sizzle with a lively sort of energy that just drew attention. Again, both good and bad for him. At least, for the most part, eyes would be on the group around him, instead of on him, himself.

He slipped into the group in silence, not wanting to interrupt or to bring the attention of the man he didn’t know down on himself. Instead, he simply kept himself close to his small knot of people and hoped to pass the evening with them as out of focus as possible.

[Wilson]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Wilson had gotten an impassioned text from Enver that it was imperative.. Imperative.. Yes Enver repeated it, that he come to the following address. Wilson had grabbed his briefcase and was already out the door and headed to his car, when Enver texted him again, with required attire. Frowning Wilson looked down, he was wearing a suit, why wasn’t a suit acceptable? But Enver was his usual, charming, yet persuasively insistent that he wear something that ‘breathed’.

So Wilson headed back inside his rather cheerless and empty apartment and changed clothes. There wasn’t a large choice. Suit number one, two, three.. Or Jeans, tee shirt and his trust leather bomber jacket. He eyed the tee shirt, and passed, deciding to go with his dress shirt, jeans and bomber jacket. This time as he left, he grabbed the briefcase and pocket pistol, just in case of emergencies, and once more headed to the car.

Plugging the address into his GPS, Wilson got comfortable. It looked like it would be nearly an hour before he arrived. Maybe more due to traffic. He popped in a cd and let Fleetwood Mac fill the car as he drove. By the time the last long ended, the GSP indicated his destination was on the left. He parked and cautiously got out of the car. This didn’t look even remotely look like a business meeting. ****. What had Enver gotten him into now? He left the briefcase in the car and made his way inside and followed the sound of voices. He stood rather awkwardly just inside the door, wearing a perplexed look on his face.

(wearing)

[Lakenna (DELETED 9850)]

As more people began to gather, the electric hum in her mind cranked up to a dull roar, the mixture of voices and electronics threatening to overwhelm her. It wasn’t until she heard the sharp pierce of her sister’s familiar whistle that she relaxed, gaze sweeping the room until she found her. ‘I told you I could make it on my own,’ she teased, her attention soon stolen by the vibration of her phone. A quick scan of the screen had the message her sire written acknowledged, and with a wink to the man at her side, she turned to give her full attention to Enver as she waited for Vita.

’I’m an artist of a different breed. Instead of paint and canvases, I craft with glass. What about you?’ No one ever seemed to believe her when she spoke of her passion. She was too young, too small, too pretty, too feminine to spend her days – now nights – in a forge. As she smiled, she reached behind her, fingers loosely sneaking into Jericho’s worn leather belt. Though she hadn’t heard him, she had caught sight of his muscular form as he tried to weave in and out of the crowd. She didn’t want to lose him – or her sister. Keep close to Adley, she watched as Craven finally approached, free arm moving to loop about her middle as her smile became relaxed. The trinity was complete.

[Indigo]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

And now that Phineas’s memory made an appearance and his name was set free into the air between them she felt it was the perfect time to channel him a little more. Her uncle, the artist, had taken the world by storm with his unconventional ways, his eccentric views and the passion for peace that she knew must have been passed through into the family blood when she was born. Since he couldn’t be there to make changes happen she would be filling in with her own personal investments in seeing the races get back to a point where tolerance, support of individuality was extended to one and all.

A last glance over the growing numbers had her reaching for the small fasten on microphone that would move with her but also free her from having to stand in any one place or worse yet at a podium. As she did she discovered a couple of promising participants moving forward. Could there be a better example of the goal of peace and humanity week than the duo she came to know as Azraeth and Flynn? Probably not. A grin lit up her natural face and a wave was returned their direction. She took a few more seconds to take notice of Vita and her grin widened more. Vita, Adley’s second chosen had quickly become so much more than a promising student and talent. A gentle nod her direction invited her to join the dashing duo on their way. Where some saw hot and cold, the living and the dead Indigo saw three points of view, paths and purpose. But what she never failed to see was what connected all despite the directions from which they entered, approached or stood.

“Hey everybody. If I didn’t get to introduce myself last night my name is Indigo Knight. If that doesn’t stick it won’t be disappointing because it is not why I asked to be here tonight. Art is and the power it has to change our lives, our quality of expression and open communication in the time we need it most. Last night was the icebreaker and tonight is about applying a little heat in all the right ways. So relax, take off what you don’t feel comfortable wearing while getting dirty and I will be back shortly.”

It was that or keep on addressing the crowd while Vita, Azraeth and Flynn finally arrived. And speak of inspiration Superman finally landed.The tall lawyer who managed to stop a speeding bullet for the crew on the book tour proved what stepping out and standing for what mattered was all about. The city and world could take a page from his book. Her eyes sparkled and the right one winked. Wilson was in the house. Another warm soul to add to the growing mix. Perfection was forming before her eyes. Now she was going to introduce them all to one another before she picked up where she had briefly left off. The small microphone was plucked from her shirt so she could greet them all properly and without broadcasting it.

[Enver Marshall II]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

His eyes roamed, searching for Wilson who should be here any time now. At least, that was what Enver hoped. Oddly enough, Enver felt a connection with the guy; maybe it was because they were both 'older' or because they both immersed themselves within their work. Maybe a little of both. Add in their time working on keeping Enver a positive face in the realm of humans went a long way with Enver and wasn't something he was going to forget any time soon.

Enver chuckled when Lakenna's thoughts entered his mind and he raised both his hands. "Not an artist. My talents never rested on crafting anything with my hands." It was true. Outside of his businesses, everything Enver touched or got his hands on usually went to ****. Would explain why he had three ex-wives, when he probably should have learned after the first one. But, I can enjoy fine things. Enver concluded, before he cleared his throat and gave Lakenna an apologetic look. Excuse me. There's someone here who needs a little direction. Enver then moved away from the woman and Adley, while Indigo was busy talking; Enver missing about half of what she was saying.

"Wilson." Enver said over the sounds of people talking, while he jumped at the chance to greet the guy and stick in familiar and friendly territory. "Take a load off. Miss Knight has something fantastic planned."With a gentle nudge to the guy's elbow, Enver made sure he made his way in more, a wide grin on his features.

[Wilson]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Wilson quickly surmised this was a meet and greet. What concerned Wilson about the meet and greet was the openness of the event. Tensions were high in the city, and while he wasn’t eager to take another bullet for Enver, he also knew he could not leave Enver alone, or unchaperoned, due to the opportunity Enver was presenting a possible assailant. A quick glance about the venue told him this was going to be a nightmare to police. It would be imperative to keep things low key and friendly. He prayed there would be no negativity happen. The city had been through enough drama grabbing headlines.

However, Wilson’s assumption about a meet and greet evaporated as Indigo,.. His throat suddenly felt constricted, and he tugged on his collar.. began to speak, and sent him .. at least Wilson took it to be for him, a very warm and welcoming smile. He missed what she was actually talking about, apart from something about art. Oh.. it must be an art auction. That was great! That meant there would be security here somewhere and would be able to keep things from escalating out of control.

Wilson was staring at Indigo with what one would call a clearly besotted look. So much so, he was startled out of his reverie when Enver enthusiastically came into view and call him by name. “Ah.. Mr. Marshall. Looking sharp as always.” The easy jovial mood of the conversation conversation changed when Enver nudged him and pretty much pushed him further into the room. Suddenly Wilson was reading things into Enver’s words. What had he said? ‘Take a load off?’ What did he mean by that? And the Enver grin. That was akin to Hyenna’s laugh and grin before they feasted. What was he in for?!

[Craven]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

It had been a bit of a relief when they had been told about the Apiary, that they were sired into a line regarding creative people. With Lakenna's glass blowing, her tendency to draw and sketch when she wasn't working, it was a near perfect fit. As her sister's familiar voice entered her mind, there was a tug at her lips as she smiled. "I'm aware, but this is a bit up my angle, too." Aurora heard a man mutter something about shorts, the brunette looking down at her outfit and frowning. The weather hadn't even crossed her mind, but rather than get embarrassed she said, "Fashion before comfort, right?" with a light smile.

It had been what her chief editor always said. She'd always been one to sit in the middle of the concept, anyhow. It dawned on her that there was a jacket in her car - a rental, thanks to the explosion that had, technically killed her and her sister, destroyed her beloved sports car. She hadn't missed that Adley beckoned her, making her way to him and the others before she slipped her arm around Lakenna's hips in return. The gang, it seemed, was all there. "I can't remember the last time I went to one of these." The words were said aloud as she settled into her sister's side, falling into comfort. Aurora turned her head, listening to Indigo as she spoke.