Night 2: Painting a Brighter Future [Open]

[Indigo]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

“I would love to have you all stop by and participate wherever you find the inspiration to do so.” She eyed those in their discussion and tried to discern who would be into sculpting, pottery or photography. Perhaps there was an inner pointillist in the group waiting to be discovered. Please don’t hesitate to come whenever you are free, together or individually. I am generally there most hours and available.”

Indigo had been searching for guest musicians to play in the Apiary. The buzz of activity was constant. As much as it was stimulating it was needing something more for the ambiance. Classical music was an original thought as that is what was Phineas’ known favorite to paint to. The hours spent listening to Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Mozart as he allowed her to hold his palette and have the delegated duty of thoroughly rinsing out his brushes were golden to her. She treasured them and was reminded of as much as the black business card lavished in silver script and musical design was extended to her.

“Thank you, Meara.I will be calling you to set something up.” The mention of the name Alex had her curiosity. She took note of it and looked forward to being introduced to the one who held claim to it. “I have something planned for the upcoming holidays that would be perfect for scheduling musicians for a concert as well as exhibiting local business owners work. A holiday art gala?” She smiled at her own suggestion and nodded while tucking the contact card in her front hip pocket where it would be safe until she could add it to her business folder in her office. “It will give us all a reason to celebrate and bedazzle while bedecked in our festive finery.” A businesswoman's networking smile rose to the occasion. Of course it was genuine, as always, but there would be no mistaking that behind it a world of intent was there to back it up and make things happen.

Now that she managed to pencil in everyone within ear shot to a holiday soiree hosted by the Apiary she figured it was time to get her mingle on and perhaps a little paint as well. The mention of karaoke stuck with her as a must do activity before the night ended. She had no problem with letting out her inner voice even if it was off key. Spotting the nearby brushes and the available paints she quickly fashioned her own personal palette and glanced about the crowd with sparkling eyes looking for her first of many canvas.

[Vita (DELETED 9215)]

Tag: Flynn, Az, Meara, Indigo and Adley

[for_peace][/for_peace]

The crowd around Indigo was an interesting one. None really claimed to have any artistic abilities when it came to painting, or perhaps they just haven't discovered it yet. "My form of art isn't really painting either, persay..." Vita offered, because she knew that if she had a paintbrush in her hand, no one would know what the heck she was trying to imitate onto paper. Large spaces was her forte, so it would be interesting to see how she did on someone's skin, if given the opportunity. The thought made her glance to Indigo who had an arm around her, the woman giving the other a slightly devilish glance as an arm came around to Indigo's hip, much like the woman had done to her. "Or animals. You don't even want to see my version of a dog..." Vita cringed thinking about how most her animal bodies looked like something of a three year old; the thing Meara was trying to avoid.

"And that's right. April." She glanced to Azraeth, slightly impressed with his knowledge of flowers, or at least birth month things. "The Apiary is an amazing place to try your hand at multiple forms of art." Vita chimed in on behalf of Indigo, not that the woman needed it, but it was true. She had been wary of taking the opportunity presented by both Adley and Indigo, primarily due to an overbearing mom, but had no regrets since day one. "I've seen some incredible works done there by artists of all types." A few individuals came to mind instantly, mostly the young man who had 'sold' Vita on her place among the artists in the Apiary. Vita raised the hand that wasn't wrapped around Indigo's waist and laughed. "Not a singer, but I can do a little bit of dancing." She said with a wink to Indigo, before returning her attention to the group of three. "But, I would give it my best. Sounds like a good time." She indicated, before laughing at what Azraeth had to say, or more specifically how he said it. "Count me in, but first..." Her eyes wandered to Adley who seemed to be gaining more and more attention with each article of clothing that dropped. "There's a guy over there who needs some art on him and I'm more than happy to oblige." Vita glanced back at the group, offering a small excuse as to her soon to be departure. Before she left, Vita leaned into Indigo and whispered for her ears only, "I'll save a special place for your daisy." With a gentle squeeze to Indigo's side, Vita was off to greet Adley with a warm smile, and appreciative glance. "Looks like you need a set of hands on you." The woman offered her sire, a slight smirk on her lips.

[Lydia]

Tagged: Enver

[for_peace][/for_peace]

“Still,” she said with a brief shrug. “I feel responsible. I didn’t have to go out that night.” A smile crossed her lips, though, at the light laugh and wink. His presence was disarming, and no matter how much she beat herself up over the one bad decision that had changed everything, he'd taken it in stride, far better than she had. It made her rethink her outlook a bit, and eased her mind even more. Oh well. The point was, she supposed, she was alive – in a sense – and that was something to be thankful for. “I look forward to it, then,” she said, the smile only growing at not only the thought of more time with the still-mysterious man, but at hearing just what those of their kind mind be capable of.

“I promise. No rainbows, or butterflies,” she echoed with a real, genuine laugh. “I already have something in mind. Come on,” she said as she moved toward the spot he indicated, grabbing a few brushes and a pallet with some different colors on her way. This would be… interesting, to say the least, but the relaxed nature of the evening had her coming more out of her shell. Lydia had always been a bit on the reserved side without a few drinks in her, but since that night, she’d been becoming more of a hermit than she liked to admit. Work was no longer, and without that to occupy her time, she was very lost as to how to fill it. The night out was already doing wonders to restore her confidence and allowing her time to breathe outside of four familiar walls.

“I also have some… questions,” she said, hesitating as she gave him a sidelong look. There was a lot she’d had time to think about, at least, when she wasn’t busying herself with reading or TV. “If you don’t mind me picking your brain, anyway,” she added.

[Flynn]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tag: Az, Meara, Indigo, and Vita mentioned

He wasn't sure how it had happened, but apparently he was now going to make a visit to the Apiary with Az, and potentially Meara. If it weren't for the fact that he was rarely ever apart from the vampire (per the vampire in question's doing, mind you), he would have argued the making of such plans, but it was essentially impossible for him to rightfully avoid the trip. When his partner had the ability to summon and did so freely and often without warning, chances were he would pull Flynn there, regardless. So, he simply pursed his lips and accepted his fate of another night of social interaction, at a location that screamed 'hive of activity' in its name, alone. But, on the plus side, there was mentions of music being involved, and that meant he might be able to avoid the use of a paintbrush. Silver linings, Flynn. Silver linings.

Freed of his extra limb for a brief moment, Flynn took the chance to lean against the edge of one of the tables, content with the knowledge that he would just steal some paint from Az, and deftly take one of those paintbrushes in that back pocket while he was at it. Before he could reach out to do so, a green gaze shifted to Meara as she offered up a suggestion as to just what Az should be painting; that coming in the form of a flower crown. His hands left his pockets for the purpose of crossing his arms over his chest with a sour expression, though there was trace evidence of amusement in way his lips twitched. "Have I upset you, Meara? Did I do something to make you decide that I deserve that kind of torture?" he asked, shooting sidelong glances at his vampire counterpart as if he expected the paintbrush to come at his face.

The Paladin's head fell to the side as Indigo described the next venture she had in mind, and the need for scheduling musicians. It was a rare occurrence that he played in front of others, as he tended to rely on music for his own relaxation, but he tucked the thought away for consideration before the holidays hit. Maybe, just maybe, he could reach outside of bubble and share the one artistic talent he happened to have. "With an advertisement like that, I'm sure you will certainly draw a crowd," he finally offered with a grin, referring to the rather poetic description for the grand party she had in mind. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement when the time comes." Because, he happened to like the woman's energy, and he could stand to support an event she put together. Plus, it was intended to be a holiday party, and who could say no to that?

With Vita making her departure after a promise to join in on karaoke, Flynn's attention shifted almost entirely onto the two vampires in the immediate vicinity, those being Az and Meara. "So, Meara..." the human began, pushed off from the table's ledge to move in closer to his vampire with as neutral expression as he could manage. "Tell me a bit about your musical talents? Do you play an instrument?" It was a serious and genuine question, but also a distraction from the fact that he almost immediately swiped his fingers in the black paint on Az's clipboard, and just as quickly smeared it across the vampire's face. "I'm satisfied..." he said in smug satisfaction to the other man, quick to backtrack and put the table between the two of them before he was met with retaliation. Only then did he look back to their female companion and grin, "Music happens to be more my forte than the other various forms of art."

[Azraeth]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tagged: Flynn + Indigo + Meara + Vita + Adley mentioned

“So let me get this straight…” He said. He watched the way the card changed hands with curious excitement. He had no clue Meara was a professional musician. Of course, it probably shouldn’t have surprised him, but he loved learning that sort of thing about people. Seeing what made them passionate, and how they brought that passion to life. He wasn’t going to demand a private concert or anything, but he was certainly going to bug her in the future to let him know where she was playing and when, so he could buy a ticket or...however that whole thing worked. “You want me to paint a ring of daisies...on his head. A chain of daisies? You want me to paint a daisy chain...on him?” He asked. Because apparently subtle innuendo had gone out the window about the time he’d offered to ‘daisy’ everyone. He cut a look to his boyfriend, as if considering it. Though mostly, he was just pleased that Meara had gotten a chance to meet Indigo. He suspected the women would get along wonderfully, and he anticipated seeing what sort of event they might pull off together.

“I love the idea of a holiday art gala.” He said, after considering it for a moment. In fact, seeing vampire and human paintings side by side was the sort of thing that absolutely needed to happen, and as often as possible. Because anyone could identify with a work of art, or with music, and that was what was needed most in a world where humans knew about the undead - being able to find the similarities between the two and focus on those. “If you’re in need of any help putting that together, of the ritualist variety, feel free to give me a poke.” He offered.

“Well if you’re going to be a dancer.” He said to Vita. “Then we absolutely have to make this happen. My dancing knowledge may consist mainly of flailing around whilst trying to do the least amount of damage...but I do so with heart and conviction.” He shot her an easy grin, and that was right about the time she excused herself to go and put some art on another person at the party. “Find your way back here for that daisy, and give whoever it is a hug from me!” He called after her. Not that he had any clue exactly who that was, but the whole point of being social was to make new friends. And as it turned out, that was when people began to get artsy. Meara sidled over to an easel, and Indigo put together a palette for herself, before turning a gaze on the crowd of people.

And that was when he felt wetness slide over his face.

Blink blink.

What had just happened? He lifted a hand to touch his nose. His fingertips came away black...and then he spotted the same paint on Flynn’s own hand. His gaze narrowed immediately. Oh, you sexy, son-of-a.. He noticed the way the Paladin immediately put some space between them. He dipped his fingers in the paint. Both hands. Because he didn’t want to be holding anything when he made his move. He jumped up onto the table in one deft move, and then rapidly approached his boyfriend. Very rapidly. Seconds later, he’d flung himself onto a back once more. This time, he smeared his face against a back, latching on with arms and legs.

“Growl! Vengeance is glorious!” He said. Of course...smearing his face on Flynn’s back just made the black paint streak over his cheeks, but that totally didn’t matter. While he was there, he had a very important thing to do. Specifically. He held on with one arm and with the paint of one finger, he wrote his name in large, bold, red block letters on the back of a neck. And he looked like he was angling to try and repeat the letters on the human’s forehead as well. Or at least. That was where his fingers were going. That’s right, I gotcho ***!

“Ahem.” He said, glancing to Meara, mid-struggle. “Don’t let me interrupt you. You were saying?” He asked.

[Meara]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tag: Flynn, Az

Meara, being the relatively naive one of the group, was completely oblivious to the crude joke she had made on her suggestion of crowning Flynn. She glanced back and forth between the couple as they used each other as canvas, before giggling at the mess they were making. "It wasn't meant as torture Flynn, promise. I just thought you would look fabulous. And as Az was so eager to paint people, why not start with you?" She wasn't going to tell the paladin he had a property of label on his neck. He would figure it out eventually.

She grabbed one of the palettes and put some purple, gold, orange, red, and black on it before she dipped a wide paintbrush in the yellow tone and started to paint the base of her sunset. She made even brushstrokes on the canvas to fill the middle third of the scene Before washing out her brush, and starting to blend the orange into the top of it. All the while she did this, she listened to the pair's inquiries as to her musical background. She wasn't sure if they had heard the whole story or not, so she began to explain the tale of Meara the musician.

"If you think back to when I first met you, Az, at your brother's murder mystery party when the paladins ended up chasing us across town, you might remember that I got one of the clues quickly because it was a Stratavarius bow. I knew so much because I am somewhat of a professional violinist." She paused to wash out her brush before continuing. "I started playing when I was eight, and instead of going to college I became a busker. I mainly made my living in Asheville, North Carolina but I did stints in NYC and Toronto."

She patted the case with her foot. "This one here is my everyday instrument, made of wood with pickups installed to plug it into an amp if I so choose." She paused as she gave them both a smile. "I also have two electric violins, and my high end wooden one I use for more formal engagements. I also often dance when I perform too, but that is all self taught. My family couldn't afford both violin lessons and dance classes." A lopsided grin appeared on her features. "It's actually how Alexandrea found me, and here we are."

[Enver Marshall II]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Enver tossed a dismissive hand in the air as Lydia claimed she felt responsible for one of almost a dozen scars. In his younger years, he probably would have turned it into something cheeky, commenting on women liked rugged men and scars just added to the value, but a lot of those carefree days and living in the moment nights were gone. A lot of things in the last two or three years had changed Enver in some respects; how, was yet to be determined. So, Lydia instead got a passive gesture of 'don't worry about it.' Without him actually saying it. Really, a single scar in the span of two years wasn't something Enver was worried about. In his prime he had gotten seven in about the same time span, and it hadn't affected him any.

Coffee colored eyes watched Lydia grab some art supplies she would need to create whatever design she wanted, watching his newest 'kiddo' with curiosity. He didn't know a lot about her, but then again that was sort of how he seemed to get 'kiddos.' He never planned on siring, but something just couldn't sit back and watch someone die. Not that he had intended to sire her to save her life-Enver had fully believed he had done that without offering the price tag of immortality, but the scar that had been ripped open that night seemed to make that decision for him and her. He wondered how she was coping. Enver would have to make a point to find out.

Questions. Of course. Enver nodded his head as he watched Lydia approach, then gave her a wide grin as he opted for a stance that had both hands on his hips, still watching her. "Sure. Shoot." Enver would answer what he could with what he knew. Really, the guy was a pretty open book these nights; he sort of had to be given he 'came out,' a couple years ago and had a movie about the book being set to premiere in a few weeks. Nothing was overly personal about his life-the exception being one little lady in his life. "I've got some questions too, if you don't mind." Enver asked, taking a breath in as his eyes moved to the woman of the hour to make sure she wasn't needing anything before he focused his time on Lydia for a while.

[Adley Reed]

Adley was curious what everyone was painting on their canvases. There he stood like David, the centre of attention (at least for the few who’d decided to try their hand at replicating a live model rather than painting on live models. He wondered whether he’d be able to do a tour of the canvases later – or whether they were drawing other things, completely unrelated to the chiselled and honed body that stood in front of them.

All around the Casino others were taking off their clothes but none had yet become completely and publicly nude. Not that Adley minded. He had zero shame when it came to his own body and would have preferred the whole world was a nudist colony. He didn’t think anyone should have any shame about their bodies, regardless of weight, colour or scars. Everyone was beautiful in their own way, and it showed most prominently when they had confidence in themselves.

It was Vita who eventually approached and Adley only moved his head slightly to greet her. He grinned mischievously and shook his head. ”The way you put it, lovebug, if your hands ended up on me then David’s modest pickle might instead turn into a generous cucumber. Size-wise,” he said. In the distance he could see Indigo, her eyes sweeping the crowd as if she were looking for her next victim. Without moving an inch out of his pose, he pulled his lower lip between his teeth and let loose a wolf whistle to his other half. If he got her attention, he’d **** his head to tell her she ought to join he and Vita.

”I’d much rather watch the two of you paint each other…”

[Indigo]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Indigo found the bodies mingling, inspired with brushes and paints. It was the energy she had hoped for, the beginning of what could only result in something constructive and positive. Both of which could be considered building blocks towards their goals for the evening at hand and the week in general. Perhaps all of it would bring the climate of the city that much closer to a peaceful and United one. She could continue to hope. Then a whistle very distinct and known to her caught her attention. Her body was casually in motion, weaving through those that were otherwise interacting or engaged. Finding her way towards the natural perfection of David she smiled and took in the compliment of Vita’s beauty beside him.

“Just look at you two.” She grinned as her head dipped just enough to the right to get an appreciation for what was sculpted by the heavens then graced upon the Earth. “I doubt I could cover what is divine.”

Her eyes shifted to Vita well aware what a temptation Adley presented in his wonderfully free, gloriously bare state. He was in his element and with that came inspiration to dive in and join him for all it was worth. Vita hardly was new to it. The woman fit in perfectly for all the right reasons.

“How about you?” Indigo stepped in and brushed a hip against Vita’s own. The contact had her skin warming up just from the thoughts that danced through her head. Between Adley and Vita there was so much to enjoy. “May I?” Her indigo orbs moved over her housemate appreciatively.