Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Doc]

Nostalgia she said. It was something more than nostalgia. She had family. Perhaps not the family from her childhood. Absently he wondered how long she had known about her family. She hired an investigator to check, and he found her relatives. But how long did it take? Was it a recent development, or had she known for weeks? Would she have told him the details had he not asked? Something told him, no, she wouldn’t have. But he couldn’t blame her.

Even if she had wanted to tell him, he had been so busy of late.. He forgot to tell Amalea that he and Lizzie were going to Las Vegas, until the night before they left. So how could he complain about her not telling him about this trip? She had a family, it wasn’t his business. He had a family, and it was more her business than not. Yet, he hadn’t told her about his human family. Not because he didn’t want to, but because, he made a promise, and he was keeping it. However, it made him see things from multiple points of view. So he did what he knew he should do. Support her.

Looking at her, Doc nodded slowly. “I completely understand. So many years alone in the fade. And then you break free, and once free .. things are so different; foreign and remote. Except there may be family out there. So you need to know.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, “I feel the same way.. About who I am now. Except there is so much I don’t know. Like the relics.. Who made them.. Can I make them? There runes on the ritual altars, are there more runes? Can they do more than just the rituals? If so, how do I find out.” He paused, and raised his left eyebrow and grinned crookedly, “If I had information leading me somewhere, where I could find out more.. I would go. No hesitation.” He nodded.

He wanted to tell her to be careful. To keep an eye on her surroundings. To watch, to be wary. He wanted to tell her all those things. But he didn’t. She was older than he was. She knew what she was doing. She might find it insulting for him to go on about it. “When do you leave?”

[Ember March (DELETED 10015)]

The young woman's eyes were eventually turned from the bear and she once again remembers she is here to mingle. She places a smile on her lips and takes a breath. She's got this.

It was then that a familiar face was noted in the crowd.

Ember waves to Alaric and flashes him a friendly smile as Noelle approaches. The redhead turns, and all the proper pleasantries are exchanged. She thanks Noelle for her compliments and gushes over the contrast of the red dress with the fair-haired beauty's pale skin.

Before she could take a moment to feel grateful that she no longer had to face the throng along, it became a whirlwind of introductions. She didn't remember everyone's name and would forget half their faces after the party.

It wasn't meant as an oversight; it was more of an inconvenient truth lest they become a latent memory to be stirred again in thought.

Some things are best forgotten.

She and Noelle are quite a pair in contrast as they move together, even their natural coloring makes the two appear more festive in their holiday-hued gowns.

Gifts are graciously accepted, performers are clapped for, and when it is announced that the time has come to decorate the tree Ember maneuvers Noelle in that direction.

Soon the two can be quite happily hanging ornaments together while they enjoy the balsam-sweet scent of the Christmas tree...

[Judah Marck]

Alaric called him festive, and Judah was left chuckling. Of course his style was not the same as Alaric's, but it just made him think on the present he intended to present the man with tomorrow on Christmas day. His reaction would either be utterly priceless or he'd be genuinely pleased by Judah's offering. The carols started and he half-turned to watch, listening to the children sing their songs and clapping politely as one song drew to an end. Jude hadn't paid too much attention to what was going on in the room, he had taken a cursory glance around to see who else he might recognise and what those cheeky looking Christmas elves were up to but he was mostly content to interact with Alaric and Aurelia for now. It was why he hadn't seen her coming, the woman with the dark manicure and politician's smile.

Ayuka Mori, she said her name, looking between them with a gaze that lingered finally on Alaric. Jude knew the man wouldn't be exactly eager to take the offered hand, though of course he would out of politeness and duty. Jude stepped in for him, taking her delicate hand in his own. Those nails were glanced at as he took it, but his warm brown gaze lifted to meet her eye as he shook her hand. "Ayuka Mori, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Judah von der Marck, i'm the Senior Pastor of St.Johannes and a humble local businessman. This is Miss Aurelia von der Marck, and Master Alaric von der Marck. Are you enjoying the festivities?" Jude flashed her one of his winning grins, releasing the hand he'd captured and glancing to the others. For a brief moment he wondered if he'd made a mistake, that perhaps he should have allowed Alaric to lead the charge in conversation as their patriarch, and yet Judah had been doing it so long that it came as second nature to him.

[Alaric von der Marck]

The elder hadn’t noticed the woman until she was standing right in front of them. Her hand was offered, her name given; she looked as if she had not a hair out of place, her confidence oozing from her in spades. There was an allure to her voice, the softness of it in this clamorous place and, when she introduced herself, her hand still offered in mid-air, she was looking Alaric in the eye. He assumed, then, that he would be the first to speak, to make the introductions. A calloused hand retreated from the pocket it was resting in, elbow bent, ready to slip his fingers around her smaller palm. His lips parted, but before a single word could be formed, Judah beat him to the punch.

Alaric’s sigh was subtle -- so subtle that it would likely have been missed by any who were not paying the closest attention. The air was released from his lungs slowly, words unsaid. The smile still lingered on his lips even as his brow arched; Judah was in his natural element, that much Alaric could tell. Perhaps it had to do with the woman’s allure; there was something about her that Alaric couldn’t quite place. He was an elder, he’d lived centuries, and could be immune to certain charms. Judah, on the other hand, was young, human. Or maybe it had nothing to do with it at all, and Judah was just being Judah. Still, it was the likes of this woman for whom Alaric had come tonight. He was sick of being a recluse; he wanted to know what was happening in this city, political and otherwise. And the Hebigumo Foundation was a big deal.

Alaric waited patiently while Judah made the introductions, before he gave a subtle bow. There was no reason to introduce himself a second time. His hand continued its upward journey, ready to shake Ayuka’s once Judah had released her. ”A pleasure, Ayuka. I am well enough,” he said. He did not ask any questions, not yet -- not until she had answered Judah’s.

It was far easier to focus on one thing, than on the whole.

[Game Master]

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

Opposite the entrance to the Ballroom are the large glass French doors which lead out into the courtyard, where snow falls, snowmen are being made, and large fountains have frozen over. Past even that are a set of gates which lead out onto the estate grounds, which are backed by a dark thicket of trees. Exiting onto the grounds gives the impression of a life of leisure, with stables in the distance, a man-made pond, and a shooting range, which has been closed off to the public.

In the middle of a field, just past the gates, set up in the grass, is a hastily set up circular fence with a couple of reindeer (the very ones who pulled the Jolly Old Saint Nick from earlier).

One of the elves, stands at the edge of the doorway leading out into the courtyard, megaphone in hand (Someone really should do something about fixing that speaker system!). "Free reindeer rides! Form up a line outside of the gate. People will get ten minute rides. Couples will be admitted together. Saddles have been provided and demonstrations for ladies wishing to ride side saddle are available upon request!

[This feature will remain open until the end of the event.]

[Game Master]

MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080

[for_peace][/for_peace][for_sirens][/for_sirens]

The young man in the flashy jacket was the one to take her hand first. She did not notice an abundance of perspiration in his touch, a mimicry of her own. To her, this indicated, along with the way he carried himself, that he was quite confident. Though not tempered with the cool refinement of age. All fire. Fire that threatened to rage and burn and then sputter out when it had spent itself. Alaric had the other variety of self-assurance, the kind that came with seeing one’s work grow over years, which came, in truth, from knowing one’s self. One was flashier than the other. Both were worth investing in, if they were directed in the right way. Normally when they were juxtaposed as so, it was the age-old battle of the old against the young. The proud alpha wolf waning from his prime and being taken down by a son to rule the pack. It was cyclical. It was natural. Vampires were far from natural though, and Ayuka had to wonder if there was some of that here. Two egos ready to clash.

Her grip lacked firmness, which was, in part, because her hands themselves were small enough to be nearly engulfed when held in just the right way.

The name itself ‘von der Marck’ brought back memories from the past. Certain things began to slowly shift into place. Pieces of the puzzle. She took note of the way that Alaric sighed, though not because of the gesture itself - because of something else which moved just beneath the surface. When she had met Elizabeth, there had been this...impression. Age. Wealth of knowledge. Wisdom. Like called to like, after all. She felt the same from the man who stood in front of her. Was this? Could this have been?

“Bancroft has gone out of his way to make this event the highlight of the season. Possibly the year. I won’t lie. I think some of it is a bit extravagant. And if an elf pulls out a megaphone one more time, I may have to go and take it right out of their hands. Otherwise, I absolutely love it. The opportunity to give to charity, to children, and the way the doors are open to absolutely everyone in the city? I love it. I’m having a wonderful time.” The question was answered in full, and her curiosity only grew with every passing moment. There were certainly a few mysteries here in need of being solved. “Senior Pastor? That has to be interesting work. And you, Mr. Alaric, Ms. Aurelia. What do you do to fill the hours of your days?” She asked.

When her hand was released, she slipped her palm to lay against Alaric’s, her own flesh soft and warm. His hand seemed as if it might have swallowed her own. Her gaze locked upon the man’s once more. Something told her that if there was some sort of battle for the pack, that she knew who she, as an observer, would have put her money on. “My dance card is remarkably empty tonight, save for in the case of one very attractive redhead. Someone here is going to have to escort me to the floor at some point.” Though the way her fingertips lingered near Alaric’s just before the handshake broke indicated exactly who she was talking to. It wasn’t purely social though, unfortunately. The name ‘von der Marck’ was old enough that when paired with the granite soul before her; the situation required some investigation.

[Faith]

It wasn't long after the party had started, incomes that familiar hunter everyone hated or wanted to curse. Did she care if she walked into a room full of Vampires? She could smell the stench coming off of them. They assumed they do not smell or when they do their best to keep clean, that stench is still there. She glanced around looking for a familiar face. Does she have balls? Of course, she does. She did not care if she lived or die, it was part of her job and she knew damn well where she was going if she ended up dead.

God will accept her with open arms, being a former nun on a mission of cleansing the world of Evil. She did spot Ember and recalled her from that Raid and headed in her direction and gave a polite smile. " Good evening, Ember is it? I seem to forget names as of late with all the cursing going on. " She gave a slight laugh. "seeing how we weren't really properly introduce, I'm Faith. " She extended a small yet firm hand towards Ember. Faith was built pretty well considering what she does. She wore an Ophelie Black lace dress with black lace ankle high booties, a lace neck guard around her throat and to top it off she wore a silver crown-like earrings which hooked to the very top of her ear it had a dark golden color in the center of the crown.

Images of what she is wearing link below.

http://prntscr.com/hnk0mo
http://prntscr.com/hnk1yt
http://prntscr.com/hnk2qb
http://prntscr.com/hnk373

[Elizabeth]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Elizabeth keenly listened to what Doc had to say, and gave him an appreciative smile. He was being supportive, and she was both relieved and thankful. Though...he did not tell her to be safe or showed any concern for her safety, and perhaps he did not need to in hind sight, but...“I tried to make a family, when I escaped, and that family took a lot of time and effort. As families do.” Elizabeth said slowly, as to not give him the impression she regretted any choices she had made. There were mistakes, most certainly, but in those mistakes came learning experiences, and it was rare the woman sired. Cosimo had been the last and he had been a vampire for some time now. Years, soon. “And now that they are living their lives as they desire and want...” She laughed a little and shook her head. “I have the time, focus and energy to see if there is anything, or anyone else out there. Which, clearly there are, but I have all those things that are needed, available now.” Elizabeth said, reaching an arm out so that a hand could clasp around his arm.

“After the start of the new year. The woman has a history of moving...often. Not in the sense of from city to city, but it seems no apartment sees more than a year of her face in it.” Elizabeth wondered why that was. Certainly no one could have that bad of luck with living arrangements, could they? “I had thought to extend the offer to Amalea to travel, or you as well...but the former seemed out of sorts since we are still getting acquainted, and all things considered...and as for the latter? Well, I have stolen you away from Harper Rock enough this year, I believe. You have your plate full, and things you need to be doing, which is understandable.” She offered him a wide smile. “I am certain things will be fine, and I can email or call thee often-as often as one would like. A week is not that long.” She countered her own original thoughts on what may or may not be appreciated, or appropriate.

“Speaking of things one could, or should be doing...” Her eyes traveled around the room. “I am hogging you, which is most rude of me. You said you believed you may not win the race, well...sitting here talking to me all evening, while enjoyable as it is, will not help win you the numbers you need.” Elizabeth tipped her head to the sound of another announcement, which caused her to frown. The host of the party was certainly going out of his way...to impress, or was it something more?

[Ariadne]

“Ari! I’m so happy you came. I didn’t think you were going to. Look, I wore the dress you picked out for me! I love it.” She was excited and beyond relieved the woman was here, but she needed to tone it down some. “I was afraid I wasn’t really going to know anyone.”

She might not have been able to taste it, but Ari savored the feel of being able to drink alcohol again. The smell of the whiskey alone made her feel like a different person. It was like drinking an odd combination of ice and velvet with the taste of air. It helped with the illusion, and she hoped that it made her look more relaxed as she continued scanning the room. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as her eyes passed over Amalea's date for the evening. The woman was externally very lovely, but the use of Technokinesis brought back some... concerning information.

Her reverie was interrupted by a bouncing blonde in a pink dress. It took her a few minuted to pull herself out of her thoughts and focus completely on the young woman in front of her, but the overall feeling was one of happiness that Ari was present. If she had too, Ari would admit that she was also glad to see a familiar and friendly face in the crowd. She ventured out so rarely that she never knew where she stood within the larger social hierarchy and, while other familiar faces were present, one could not always be assured that they were friendly. "Kaelyn, it is good to see you, and I am glad that you like the dress. It fits you well. Would you... care for a drink? Sparkling..." Ari raised her eyebrows and paused momentarily as a cork sailed past. "... cider, perhaps?"

[Doc]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Doc knew what she meant, when she said family took time. He knew that quite well. And though his family was small, they were all adults and capable. Even counting Chub, who was still, in his mind, more a child than an adult, she had grown quite a bit, and though she had her moments, she was doing well. His need to be hands on, as it were, was no longer needed. Yes he would still check in on them. Annoy them even, because it amused him. But apart from a incident which would be out of the norm, they could and did handle their lives on their own.

As Lizzie explained about the constant moving of her relative, he lifted an eyebrow. He was quite familiar with that pattern of behavior. An acquaintance of his, while he was in University, had a similar habit. Doc was of the opinion, she had impulse control issues coupled with an inferiority complex. She would move to be closer to a boyfriend. She would move to a trendy area, so that she would be seen as trendy. Then as she over-extended herself due to impulse binge shopping, she would move to lower her rent. Needless to say, she was a train wreck. She ended up dropping out of med school with only three semesters left. Doc wondered if he should mention this? Or would she see that as him being negative about her trip and search for her relations? If only he hadn't brought this up here.. In a public forum. Had he asked her in private, he could have been more candid with her; and if she got angry, they would work it out. But here. No. He should have never brought it up here.

Caught up in his own thoughts, he almost missed her saying she had thought to invite him, but then talked herself out of it. Doc gave her a crooked smirk. “Yes.. I think it is best to keep me hidden from your relations until such time as they adore you, and are willing to put up with your asshole friend.” He nodded again as she mentioned calling or emailing. “Yes I would like to speak to you, while you are traveling. A week isn't that long, but it would reassure me to hear from you, to make sure you are safe and well. And to make sure you intend to come back.” He winked at her, “I am not above coming after you and hauling your *** home.”

As the conversation turned to him mingling, in order to boost his numbers, Doc gave her a wounded look. “And I was enjoying myself..” he paused, “But as you say..I will make a quick circuit around the room.. Perhaps locate the Mayor?” Giving her another winking smirk, Doc moved off.

Crossing the room to corner the Elf that made the announcements, Doc stopped in front him, “Where exactly is the Mayor? I have been questioned about his lack of attendance.” He hadn’t lied. Lizzie had asked him, and at the time he shrugged it off. But the event was well underway, and still no Mayor. “These ‘activities’ one after the other.. And still no mayor. One might think you are hiding something..” He gave the Elf a closed lipped ever so polite smile.