Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Zodiac]

Typical. Absolutely typical.

Sales were up this year and she could not break away from the shop as she had hoped to. The raven haired woman wanted some time to pick out a proper outfit for the event, but fate left her with precious little time to work with.

She went with her basics. Purple and black. Sometimes her Bohemian heritage worked perfectly in that respect. You could always combine things not normally found in the same outfit and make it elegant. A more ‘darker’ gypsy look for the night, which matched her inner mood perfectly. The outfit basically floated into place as she fussed about, then used her remaining prep time in front of the camera / monitor arrangement she had instead of a make up table like some would assume she owned.

Her skin practically alabaster white framed by her black hair, leaving two large crystal blue eyes the only hint of color in an icy landscape of flesh. As she carefully began to sculpt patterns branching out from her thickly mascaraed eyes, she smirked a bit. Most considered her elaborate make ups simply part of the freak show she made her living from. If you are going to have your fortune told by a gypsy witch, you want them to look the part, and that was part of the reason she paid so much attention to how her eyes were displayed.

But it was also a trap of sorts. One of the best in her arsenal of tricks. As her mental powers grew, she discovered that with a bit of effort she could hypnotize people. Not in the sense of how it played out in movies and such, but she could ‘nudge’ people (her term for it). All she needed to do was get their attention and focus on her and the exotic make ups and patterns she wore helped draw people’s (living or otherwise) to look directly into her eyes. Just enough as her telepathic voice whispered into their minds. Strong minded people did not always fall, but weaker minds or minds numbed by liquor or drugs were sinfully easy prey. A suggestion, a question, a request, and her prey obeyed like a happy puppy.

There was going to be a lot of self important at this bash, she imagined, and a lot of booze floating around. Perhaps she could pick up a few clues along the way as well as promoting her own businesses. No one else was asking questions about the new threat lurking about the town.

”Somebody’s gotta be me. Might as well be me.” she smirked mentally as she finished a black and purple combo on her lips. She checked her watch and saw that if she left now and did a discreet teleport and finished the trip on foot, she would be fashionably late.

Clutch purse, phone, a quick touch of perfume, and her shoulder wrap as she slipped into heels. (she loathed wearing heels as a norm) and grabbed a large purple colored Santa styled bag. She had assembled a few gifts for the event/charity whatever.

”And you stay here. No following me!”

The large black cat laying in front of the fire hissed it’s displeasure at her words, but remained in her spot.

*****

She stepped inside and nodded her thanks to the coat check person then began to look over the hall.

”A whole ton of over inflated tax dollars went into this mess,” she frowned. Her eyes continued to take in every face she could catch. Some she knew, but others she did not. Before she began to explore, she made sure her button was in place so anyone could read it.

IF YOU KNOW ASL
(american sign language)
WE CAN TALK.

Way too crowded to start telepathic conversations in here.

As she walked, she took note of a few familiar faces in the crowd. The Doctor, Elizabeth, Noelle (”Christmas Vamp”), That one looked like Every, but she wasn’t sure, Tia and her handy man.

She froze in mid step as her eyes focused on an unknown face. She watched how the woman moved about and her expressions. Something was different about this one, she certainly was attractive but the ‘Spider woman’ (until she had a name– that would have to do) was strange in some way. ”What is your story, I wonder,”

Rather than be noticed, she urged herself forward to add her gifts to the growing collection. The woman was a stand out, so she doubted she would loose her in the gathering crowd so easily.

[Tiamat]

“Why thank you, Noelle dear, you look lovely yourself tonight,” Tia replied as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “I’m here due to boredom. A girl can only sit and wonder the kind of fun her ‘toys’ are up to before taking matters into her own hands.”

She turned her attention over man Noelle was kissing and bowed her head slightly. Her dark eyes took on a silver hue under the lights as she moved. “You may call me, Tiamat dear sir.” A lock of long raven hair flitted past the girl’s eye and she quickly slipped it behind her ear. She opened her mouth to speak when the sound of person speaking into a megaphone to address the crowd interrupted her. A slight smirk crossed her as she listened to the speaker. “Though, it appears that full introductions will have to for a wait for a bit.”

People around the trio began singing the song to various degrees, some poorly, others better. Tiamat added her voice to the din. Quietly at first, matching the volume of the crowd. then gradually, instinctively, her voice grew in strength, gently quieting those around her. Tiamat didn’t stop long enough to notice that, at least in immediate vicinity, all eyes were back on her and the other voices had been quelled. She moved slowly to the music, swaying to the notes of the instruments. Her movements were fluid, snake like, as she became tuned to the song.

She did take note of an individual she had not before noticed. A smile crossed her lips and her voice grew as the song picked up. She began to move through the crowd around her in a practiced motion, one she grew accustomed to using at work. A hand on the shoulder here, a small grin and a wink there. Every move made was designed to entrance the audience. As the music so did Tia’s dancing and singing. The raven-haired woman bowed slightly as a small wave of clapping began.

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITIaYoWCPkE )

[Ember March (DELETED 10015)]

"Oh, holy ****...

I don't know the-words-to-this-song...

I'm 'bout ready to say **** this **** I'm out...

This song is not about... Batman-smells or Rudolph...

I hope they don't notice that I'm just moving my mouth... "

Ember's inner dialogue helped to forego the panic that comes with the realization is that one is far outside their usual social stratum.

Was there some tell that could potentially alert others that she doesn't belong among the echelon's glitz and glamour? Was every fairytale and teenage schtick movie somehow infallible? Did a pretty dress and designer shoes help to cover a lifetime of poverty-induced inadequacies?

Perfectly manicured nails toy with a dangling earring, and she takes another sip of the champagne turning away. Her gaze turns again toward the tree and in her dark-little-soul, there was some spark of human decency. Her gaze finds the box with the plush bear and lingers there for long moments.

[Noelle]

She was slightly shocked that she knew someone that Ripper didn’t. She had just assumed that Ripper would have known the female. He seemed to know everyone before she did. Before she was able to correct her mistake and make the introductions, Tiamat jumped in with introducing herself. However, that was cut short. Before the introductions could be finished, another announcement had been made and the pretty lady was jumping right in to sing. While Noelle knew the words to the Christmas song, there was no way she’d even bother attempting to sing next to Tiamat. That woman was born to perform and had a voice that could capture anyone.

While everyone was busy with the song, Noelle leaned against Ripper a bit. “Sorry, love. Didn’t realize you were not already properly introduced. Maybe we can fix that up once she’s done...doing...that.” She was referring to the woman who had taken over, making show of herself as she sang the song. Eyes had started grazing over the crowd again, looking for any new arrivals.

It was then that she saw a particular redhead that lit up her face. A bright smile tugged at her lips. “Look, did you see who’s here!?” The blonde nodded towards Ember, the human she had met not too long ago. She hardly knew the girl yet, but she wanted to get to know her so much better. There was potential there. She could feel it. And she desperately wanted it. “Shall we go say hi? Or maybe ask her to come join us? I can get in her head.” The one thing Elle wanted was a proper family. It was something she had been working on for some time. Between joining Quartermaine, adopting some of her own abandoned vampies and attempting to help some of Ripper’s, she was slowly growing what she wanted. Even the briefest mention of Ripper adopting the beautiful redhead...whom she previously wanted to mutilate...had turned the tables completely for that woman. She wanted to add her to the slowly growing family, in a way.

[Kaelyn]

Late. She was going to be late. There had been three people she would have liked to come to this even with, but none of them were available. Ari was preoccupied or otherwise engaged. Her Papi...well this was a very public and a very good opportunity for him to be making acquaintances with other people in politics. She would not interfere in that side of his life. He had made himself clear with where he stood with that and she could respect it. She would never get in the way of his ambitions and goals. While this could have been a good opportunity to publically out her relationship to her fiance, there was once again the whole political thing to consider. If anyone of importance found out who she was to her Papi, and the fact that she was engaged to a human...well that could cause potential issues. Not only that, but this was totally not a Stagger thing. She would have had to make it up big time to him if she had dragged him here. So here she was, going to a big fancy ball on her own. Where she could potentially know no one, other than the one person she had to stay clear from.

Kaelyn put the finishing touches to her makeup on, gliding a pale pink lipstick across her lips. She smacked them together and then stood up to leave. After tugging on a pair of gorgeous black heels, she grabbed her clutch and the keys to her sparkly purple sports car, rushing to the elevator to take it down to the garage so she could finally be on her way.




Stepping into the ballroom was a bit overwhelming. There were people and cameras everywhere. Holding up her dress a little so she didn’t trip over it as she walked, she headed further into the room. There were actually a few that she recognized right away. Papi was with his date, whom she still hadn’t really met. Amalea was nearby with some….lady. The first place she went was to the tree to drop off the small wrapped package she had brought for a gift. Hopefully some little girl or boy would enjoy having a new Nintendo Switch with a few games.

After that, it was time to head in an opposite direction from two she knew. Kaelyn made a beeline to go to another part of the room and avoid that particular group, even though it was the one place she wanted to be. Social situations gave her major anxiety, especially when having to face them alone. A few steadying breaths. She could do this. A waiter happened to be walking by with a tray full of drinks. He had been offering them out to others as he passed. However when he came to her, he walked right on by. Damn her young looks...and age. Guess she wouldn’t be copping a buzz to help with her anxiety.

About to continue winding her way through the crowds, in hopes of finding a friendly face...or a place to hide, she was suddenly stopped by an elf making an announcement. There was to be a song and everyone was to join in. Music. She could do music. Granted singing wasn’t what she was best at, but at least it’d keep her distracted and she’d blend in with everyone else. Kaelyn started singing along with the others, but there was one voice in particular that stood out. Eyes fell on the woman in the black dress who seemed to be putting on a bit of a performance. Tiamat! Someone she actually knew! Even if it was just through the business of selling gun parts. When the song was over, she would go make small talk with the woman. She had had no idea that Tiamat could sing. It gave them a little bit of something in common.

[Ripper]

He nodded in recognition of her handle; now that there was a face to attach with it. Several high quality items that had been purchased recently for his armory collection were bought from a user named Tiamat and held her handiwork was always held in reputation among more discerning buyers. The sight of her belting out ‘O silent night’ and the strangely relaxed proclivity with which she flitted and flirted throughout the crowd did not display the signs of some one who was suffering from the pangs of an ennui—or if it did, than such was a dangerous state for them to be woken from.

“What in the hell do you suppose she meant by that comment?” he wondered out loud; speaking so as to address himself even more than his present companionship.

A bright smile tugged at her lips. “Look, did you see who’s here!?” The blonde nodded towards Ember, the human she had met not too long ago. She hardly knew the girl yet, but she wanted to get to know her so much better. There was potential there. She could feel it. And she desperately wanted it. “Shall we go say hi? Or maybe ask her to come join us? I can get in her head.

Ripper followed her attention to where it was indicated and felt his eyes widened in surprise to see as how the blood thief had decided to come here in attendance after all. A contemplative frown soon knit his brows together directly afterwards though and he shook his head as if to divert the direction of her obvious enthusiasm.

“It’s best for her to have been given an opportunity to meet with some others of our kind first before completely torpedoing any of those chances by providing an initial association with Yours Truly.”

Ever the sociological-political strategist in any situation though, this seemed like a perfect setting for another roll of the proverbial dice.

“Why don’t you take her over by Elizabeth to meet Ameala? Please make sure and remember though not to even slightly mention my name.”

[for_peace][/for_peace]

[Game Master]

R O L E P L A Y + P R O M P T + ! ! !

While everyone is still singing, the elves at the Ball seem to disappear from sight for a short while. When they return, their arms are laden down with heavy trays which they seem to be carrying all in a line (which meanders through the crowd) out into the courtyard. At first, it may not be apparent what they're doing, but if anyone were to follow them, they would find the elves setting up what looks like a stand filled with top hats, corncob pipes, carrots, pieces of coal, and any number of other items which can be used to customize a snowman!

The courtyard itself is absolutely blanketed in the fluffy whiteness.

Anyone who wishes to make a snow man, now has all of the tools to do so!

[This feature will remain open until the end of the Ball!]

[Game Master]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

As of the moment, the event was going swimmingly. Though, the night was quite young indeed, most of their more nocturnal guests of the evening surely still in the process of primping and preparation for an event that had attracted more attention than it had in years previous by an astounding margin. Penelope Dupuis was elated at the success of the opening foray into the atmosphere of the event, the spirit of the season clearly upon many of the guests, and their charitable natures brought to bear with the opportunity to give to the less fortunate children of their fair city.

Heretofore, she had operated from the shadows, allowing her staff to handle the proceeding and to move about the ballroom floor, seeing to guests’ needs as they might. There were several pieces yet to be put into play that still required attention and coordination, but, for the time being, she found herself with a spare moment to make an appearance herself on the floor, to take a moment to sample a taste of the fruits of her past months’ labor. A small closet that she had been using as an office for the duration of the event was neatly tucked out of the way close to the kitchen corridor, where few of the guests would find need to create unnecessary foot traffic. It allowed her easy access to come and go as she might need, and her Jawbone™ Bluetooth headset was tucked tightly into her left ear, allowing her immediate access to her staff, or they to her, if the need ever arose.

She wore a simple dress, the green faux-velvet loosely hugging her figure. It was just the right mixture of festive and work-friendly, allowing her to join in the spirit of the evening while still maintaining her work ethic. As she slipped out into the ballroom floor, she could see several faces of note, and many that were recognizable from her time in the mayor’s office, and many more that were complete strangers to her. It was good, she thought, to have such a mixed bag of characters all here. That was, after all, the intent of this event. To get people mingling among one another, in spite of their varying interests and species.

She lifted a hand and hooked a golden curl behind her ear, flashing a smile at a stranger as they passed, before she reached into her office and grabbed hold of the gift she had remembered to bring, that she had reminded herself to bring a dozen times before she had left the house that morning, and tucked it under her arm. Closing the door, she turned, and caught a young man by his elbow, giving him pause. He was one of the servers, his tray already empty, as were many of the others. She gave the boy a smile and gave his arm a firm squeeze, her dark blue eyes looking up at him with a twinkling of joy as she gave a gentle shake of her head. "How are the guests? I haven't been on the floor, but as far as I can tell, everything is going off without a hitch. Is everything as wonderful as it looks?"

The young man gave her a nervous smile, unused to having her direct attention, and gave a quick nod, his thin hand lifting to sweep a dark mat of hair from his eyes as he returned her infectious grin. "Yes, Miss Dupuis, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. If you'll... I, uh, need to get this tray back into the kitchen?" She laughed at his nervousness, and gave him a pat on the shoulder, the sound of her laughter a quiet, gentle sound of mirth that was filled with her genuine good cheer. "Go, then! And enjoy yourself tonight, young man. We aren't about to drown these good spirits with sullen stewards!" She chuckled at the alliteration in her words, and swept swiftly across the floor, leaving the young man and the kitchen corridor behind to approach the taller of two trees, neatly tucking the squat package, wrapped in an elegant silver paper and tied off with a gossamer silver bow, inconspicuously beneath the tree. She was sure that her gift would make someone happy. She hoped that it would anyway.

She stood, running the flats of her palms across the skirt of her dress, smoothing down the fabric as she stood and turned to face the room. The night was only beginning, and already she felt like, as far as the guests were concerned, she had a lot of catching up to do in the department of social grace. She tap-checked her headset, and, hearing the chime, knew she was still connected to her phone, tucked neatly away where no one would have to see her using it in plain view, as well as removing the temptation to lose herself in the little things that were bound to crop up in the events proceedings. She had every confidence that her staff knew exactly what to do, and so, she made ready to make her rounds.

[Caligrace]

wearing

[for_peace][/for_peace]

It wasn’t often that she worried over being late.

Tonight, however, was different. The woman was frantic as she slid the tip of her pinky across a plump lower lip, the thin layer of gloss that she had applied sparkling like diamonds beneath the light. “You are going to be fine, girl. Just brea—well, you can’t breathe. Just, you know, calm down. We’ll be right outside, okay?” The musical lilt of her best friend’s voice had her gaze snapping to a tired and pale face, the chocolate curls that framed her features limp and dull. She hated that she had dragged Elin out of bed for this, but after six calls to her sire with no answer – she had begun to grow wary. Had she already stepped into the event? Had something happened to her?

Realizing how far she had falling into her anxiety, she quickly lifted a hand and tossed a vibrant curl over her shoulder and forced a grin. “Of course, doll. I shouldn’t have dragged you out of bed at this hour. Go, find the boys and go home. Everything is fine,” she whispered, doing her best to keep her tone neutral. Even as she spoke the words, she couldn’t bring herself to believe them, and yet, she watched the light flicker in her friend’s eye for just a moment before she gave a reluctant nod. “You know I can’t argue with you, but you didn’t give them the order.” That was the only warning she got before the thrall gathered a handful of her oversized sweatpants and sauntered off with as much dignity as she a half-asleep woman could.

When she turned the corner and disappeared into the night, Caligrace allowed a calming hiss to escape between her teeth as she turned to face the gathering crowd. It couldn’t be that bad. It wouldn’t be that bad. Nothing was going to set on fire, no one was going to get shot, and they weren’t going to be captured. It was a friendly gathering of… well, everyone, it seemed. Smoothing a hand down the front of her dress, the redhead quickly straightened the velvet fabric as she stepped inside, her smile showing confidence that she simply didn’t feel. With a quick flick of her wrist, she tossed one of the gifts she had brought onto the table as she gave a curious scan of the occupants. There were faces she didn’t know, faces she knew of, and only one that she knew – who was sans an Amazonian Blonde.

She’s not here.

Swallowing her worry down, she made her way towards Every, the dark green of her heels peeking from beneath the floor length gown she wore. It didn’t take her long to reach her side, and with a soft smile to those she was with, she lifted her lips to the woman’s cheek in a brief kiss. Careful not to disturb any present company, the allurist took a step back and scanned the woman from head to toe, lips curving into a pleased smile. “You look marvelous, girl. Are you having fun?" The question was posed, even as her gaze turned from the woman to dance once more across the ball, the anxiety giving way to wonder and excitement as she took in the various decorations and events. When was the last time she had built a snowman? Or sung a carol? Perhaps she'd take a moment and grab a drink before hunting her sire down.

[Freyja]

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

She was late, as was her style. As she had always been taught.

Never be on time, Frey. You keep them waiting on you, and you never act like you owe them a thing. You are a Nørgård, and you will remember it; because they will never forget it.

And for god’s sake, girl, never arrive early.

The memory of her mother’s voice, the hours of lecture from that point forward, faded into the past, her memory allowing them to drift away once the reminder had run its course. The woman could have stopped at a few simple words, and the message would have been clear, but instead, she was berated for days, all because her sister had already been at the Jorgunson’s house for their dinner party when they had arrived. Somehow, that had been Freyja’s lesson to learn.

She took a slow breath and pushed her fingers through her hair as the sleek, elegant figure of her car crept into the long drive, a predator on the prowl. The purr of the engine was feline, and the lines of the car were powerful, beautiful, and aggressive, much like the woman herself. At her side, behind the wheel, was her faithful thrall, the woman she’d chosen specifically to be her driver, and, as she had come to realize, her close friend, Violet. The woman was older than the Dane by nearly double, and was infinitely more experienced in most things in life. She’d come to rely on the human’s wisdom on more than her fair share of occasion, and found her advice much more helpful than her mother’s had ever been. At least, it was easier to listen to.

Most of the ride had been in icy silence, after Violet had scolded her for smashing her phone in a rage, when one of her shipping crews had called during a raid on one of her ships. It had been fury-inducing. She felt completely justified. Violet, though, had made her see reason, and she had realized that she had cut herself off from each of her progeny, that they were unable to reach her, for the most part, if they needed her. Sence had her own way of reaching out to her, and for that much, she was grateful. She just knew that Caligrace, though, would be at her wit’s end.

She checked her watch as Violet opened the driver’s door to scramble from the vehicle with more grace than her age should have allotted her, the woman far too youthful for being so near to fifty. An age Freyja would never see, but if she had, would have only hoped to be half as beautiful as the thrall. When her door opened, Frey slid from the black Diablo with an elegance and fluid authority of her own body that would be the envy of even most vampires. She stood, pulling her black leather clutch to her side, and dropped a slender hand to adjust the lines of her dress, tugging at the lengthy slit that stopped at her hip, being sure that it was positioned properly before she dipped to place a kiss to the tanned cheek of her friend’s face.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I will have someone come for you when I am ready to leave for the evening.” She smiled, and took a slow breath, held her head high, and passed through the crowd of cameras without a glance to either side of the carpet that had been laid out, though she didn’t fail to see the assortment of snowman accessories lining the snow-laden yard. She would absolutely see to it that she made time to play in the snow, one of her favorite things in the world, if she was honest.

Inside, she paused at the door, letting her icy blue eyes move over the room, taking in the people, both those she knew, and didn’t know, the humans, the vampires, and the… in-betweens, and in short order spotted the brilliant shock of red that was her first creation. She smiled, when she saw her standing with Every, their close friend, and offered the girls a subtle twitch of her fingers as she descended the stair on her tall black heels, moving to stand as a tower of beauty and elegance among a sea of people.

She doubted she would have been able to pull together something as festive and wonderful herself, if she had even tried.