Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Ripper]

(Tagged: Ariadne)

* bursts through a rear entrance door back into the main room at a full tilt and nearly skids to a stop in astonishment at the Sugarplum madness which greeted him. *

“What in actual ****?” in his total bewilderment he mirrors the very same words uttered about him only moments before. Still, although however this was not the main reason for him in why that he had come back in return so quickly, shaking off the transcendentally strange weird sight of multiple party goers cavorting in pirouette across the tiled ball room floor. There was never going to be a better time than this when a distraction was already invited ready made, so he turned the main scope of his attentions back over to where the Christmas lay tree with brightly wrapped pile of presents towering above or alongside and then noticed exactly where Ariadne was standing over there with Mordechai and looking pleased with herself. This sight made him feel better; if you were going to get busted by somebody than it might as well be from one of the best.

Replacing his mask of synthetics once again more for the dramatic effect of going through the motions rather than any spirited attempt at concealment, he approaches the venerable hacker and passed by her as non-nonchalantly than is possible while wearing a great red suit and surrounded by demented ballerinas over to where the tall conifer still pine stood decked with light and adornment before reaching upwards in order to retrieve the diminutive glass orb which had been hung secured up high in a bough since the party event had began.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled up the stocking; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, past the mystic he strode.

[Game Master]

MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080

[for_peace][/for_peace]

She had felt him before she ever set eyes upon him. His had been this primal energy which cut through the crowd like a blade of pure darkness. She had felt his approach, and his intention. She had felt him when he observed her. She had felt him when he went to end her. And when he had failed. She knew him before she peered into his eyes and before his hand engulfed hers as easily as a bear squeezing Goldilocks. It was perhaps instinct that left her between him and Ainsley. As his thumb pressed against her thumb nail and he seemingly took his tactile fill of who Ayuka was. She waited until his hand pulled away before she reached out, and let her fingers gently squeeze once more into the other human’s arm. As if to say ‘You will be safe.’, ‘You have nothing to fear from this man.’, ‘I will let no harm come to you.’. Those words went unsaid, but Ms. Mori could say a lot with a touch.

“It seems, good sir, that you are hinting subtly at some discontent.” And then she chuckled. Because what else was she meant to do in that situation? It was clearly some sort of ploy. He was either attempting to intimidate or enrage her. In either case, the measure was ineffective or insufficient. There was part of her that wanted to tell him that he should take a lesson on forming more concise sentences, and that it would be less of a waste of both of their energies if he were to just condense the casual racism, sexism, etc into one neat package. Just call her a ‘Jap *****’ and be done with it. Equally effective, with less breath expended.

“Though I do appreciate your attention to my nails. Getting those little details right can be a chore.” And with that, she was about to slip off in the direction of the sitting room which had been set up for the taking of pictures, when a flash of movement caught her eye. She paused, and watched the display put together by the woman she had taken note of earlier in the evening. The dance seemed elaborate, though that may very well have been a trick of motion to make it seem more complex than it truly was. Whatever the case, Ayuka was a creature that understood the value of illusion and showmanship. And she knew when a performance was put on entirely for her.

In a way, it was like the opposite of the one the behemoth had given. Where his had been a gesture of words, this was an expression of movement and communication which went beyond verbal.

And then the woman’s (she soon learned her name was Zodiac, an obvious pseudonym) silence, or her reason for it rather, was crystallized in a few short moments. Ayuka understood a few different varieties of sign language. American was close to French, and both were pretty popular in Canada. She was one of those parents who had insisted on teaching her daughter the hand gestures before she could speak, so as to be able to communicate with her.

Was this the ultimate good cop, bad cop technique?

Her own hands were moving before the card ever came out. Blessings to you and yours. The greeting was returned in like kind. And then she took the gift in hand. Of course, she considered the entire display part of the package and so she, before reading the words, clapped for Zodiac. Only then did she scan over the words, and offer a nod, before signing once more. You have my gratitude, Mistress Zodiac. Expect me to darken your doorstep soon.

“Nais tuke.” She said to the woman with the black and violet nails. It was a small gesture. Perhaps she was wrong. Maybe the woman was not Romani and would not understand. If that was the case, then at least the effort had been made. “I must depart soon as well, but before you go.” And that was when her gaze shifted between both Zodiac and Mordechai. “Perhaps some will remember this night poorly, but it is certainly a memory worth having. If either of you would like to join me for a picture, consider yourselves welcome.”

Finally she turned to Ainsley, her expression somewhat apologetic, the way one might have been if they had kept someone waiting. “The sitting room is over this way.” She said, nodding in the correct direction before beginning there herself. She opened her clutch to place the card inside, and pulled free the ‘Rudolf’ mask she’d nabbed earlier in the night.

[Esli Barnes]

[against_peace][/against_peace]

Transportation

There was something to be said for the Canadian winter night. It gave the rolling beast beneath Esli Barnes control a reason to cough and rock front to back with the random intersections that didn’t give the right of way. While it sat guzzling gas that was a struggle to afford waiting for the go ahead from the lights above he glanced back in the city bus size rearview mirror. Numerous bodies packed in the space were dressed in their chosen festive or not attire. It was a fine sight to see. Shared opinions, beliefs or not there was a collective cause and mission that had them together on this night heading to the Ball.

Much of which was responsible for this gathering was represented in the wall to wall packing of gifts. A frame of boxes and shapes shimmered and sparkled beneath the city street lights as the monster machine floated through. Under the wrapping, raffia, ribbons and bows were suitable worthy gifts that would serve a greater purpose in the children’s lives once the batteries not included were never bought, the novelty of flashing lights and the sounds of whistles wore out. The gifts in the decades old Winnebago sleigh would be treasures that were found in generations to come. Handmade blankets, scarves and knitted mittens. Handcrafted wood toboggans, rocking horses, cribs and wagons fresh from the Canadian woods. Bibles for young and old, poor and rich alike.

The ride was filled with the chatter between those intending to make an appearance, to deliver a message when they did. As soon as the final stop delivered them to the valet drive up Esli cut the engine and unfastened his seat belt. He did the duty of any mobile host and made the way to the side door and opened it to greet the uniformed valet looking dashing in his attire. Towering over the multiple steps to get out of the RV he finally hopped down and landed.

“Our group will be taking this when we leave so don’t get too fond of it.” He glanced around and found a few helpful elves lacking anything better to do than have a smoke break by the wall. He whistled and artificial spiked ears bobbed to attention as gray plumes of curling smoke ceased. “File in and lend a hand or two for a good cause.”

The paladin’s voice carried enthusiasm as it announced a call of duty. It was answered and soon the elves were hauling in the collected and donated bounty and walking it into the party and community tree one by one. Once that was a task completed he leaned back in and grinned at those that decided the community caravan made more sense than arriving separately.

“Let’s go celebrate. God is good.” He pushed off the door frame and caught sight of the valet elf waiting. “Be gentle with her. She has had a hard year.” Esli dangled the keys between them and delivered a look as they dropped in the gloved hand. "I have cameras watching and a live feed to my phone. No raiding the fridge or throwing a party in the back room if you know what I mean."

[Azraeth]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

It was a relief to Az, to an extent, that Amalea was so accepting of his relationship with Flynn. While Azraeth was a bit of a social butterfly, in that he loved to both make friends, and be a good friend, there were only a small handful of people in the world whose opinion he really cared about. Oh, he wasn’t the sort of man to reject the advice and heeding of those he loved, but at the end of the day (or night in this case), when he was left with nothing but his own thoughts, there were only a few voices in his head, which spoke to him in tones he knew all too well. Amalea’s was one of those voices. And when he went to make a move, she was one of the people he considered. He would think to himself ‘If I do this, how do I explain it to her?’. Nikolae was another of those. Flynn. There were others which were still present, but which grew softer like the concentric rings of rippling water, the more distant they got.

“Let me know when you’re free. I would love to invite myself into that particular love fest, but I don’t want to be thought of as rude.” His comment was to Lea. He had taken note that Doc, Liza, and Amalea all seemed to be getting closer. He had been meaning to ask about it, but the opportunity had not presented itself, and he was not the sort of person to ask about truly personal things at such a public event. When Eve spoke, Az nearly frowned, though he schooled his features. He was unsure if she was essentially alone for the holidays by choice, and that bothered him. He glanced towards Lea for a moment, his brows lifting as if trying to communicate with her non-verbally. He didn’t send her a mental message though. There were some bits of information that people could just read on the features of those they knew well. “We will be there. I would love to see the top of the mountains at this time of year.” Normally, the Mystic would have invited his boyfriend along for the ride (whether he liked it or not), but they were going to be getting Liam for part of the Holiday. And. Well. Az had made a very silent promise to himself that he would be keeping Flynn’s younger brother as far away from anything related to vampires as possible.

Even having association with them could be dangerous, as Amalea knew all too well.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust either of the women. He just had a young, and an innocent soul to think of. Besides. The kid spent most of his time with Flynn’s mother, and he doubted she would appreciate even a passing hint at exposure to danger.

That was the problem with living in Harper Rock. It wasn’t safe. It would never be safe.

But that was life, wasn’t it?

One had to latch onto the happiness and the happy moments when they happened or risk losing them forever.

“Do you wanna build a snow man?” He asked, his voice going sing-song for a moment. Before he cleared his throat. That totally hadn’t just happened. Totally. He exchanged a look with Flynn. “Consider it done. We will make the corn-cob-pipiest snowman in existence.” He insisted, before Amalea was excusing herself and had to depart to get some allergy medications.

Which was right around the point Tiamat totally called him on not having remembered their meeting. His eyes widened a fraction, and he was abashed enough to look sheepish. He lifted his hand to massage lightly into the back of his own neck, as if to ensure it wasn’t once again warming. “Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. I recently suffered a few really damaging head wounds. Three shots right into the noggin courtesy of the redhead you just saw. That’s the only thing I can think of to account for my lapse in memory.” He commented, offering up a tiny bit of humility in the form of nervous laughter against his partner’s shoulder.

His thoughts turned though, from his own embarrassment to his sibling. As a general rule, Az attempted to think very little about Azariel. He had briefly talked with Flynn about the man in the past. The one who wore his original face. Az hadn’t heard from his twin in years. He had no clue if his brother was alive. Dead. Time had forced them down some very separate roads. It was difficult because there had been a point in his life when Azraeth would have given anything to his sibling. He probably still would have. At the drop of a hat. How many times had the hunters come for Azariel and Azraeth had opened his home to the man who barely spoke to him and said ‘Come with me. I will give you shelter’?

Theirs was a bond that was difficult to qualify with words. They had come from the same womb. They had been born holding onto each other. They had grown up together. For much of his life. The majority of it, the mystic had just assumed that they would be part of each other forever. And in a way, they still were. But that part of him which was still connected to the Killer was this withered thing.

Azraeth knew that he would never forgive his brother for not caring about the things that he did. For not loving the people he did. For not loving him with the same intensity that Az loved Azariel.

He knew that he was also powerless against his instinct to protect the other man. Always and forever. It was messy and it was painful. It hurt him in ways he could not describe, to know that his brother was alive and well, and able to write with Every. But that the schism between them was such that he did not warrant the same. It relieved him in ways he could not describe to know the same. At least Azariel was okay. Somewhere in the world.

Because much the way as Amalea was one of the voices in his mind. So too was his twin. The oldest voice. The boldest voice. ‘Stop being a fuckwit. Of course I’m fine. I can take care of myself’. They no longer shared blood. Nor appearance. There were more differences between them than there were similarities. But the Mermaid would always, always be his twin. And he was okay.

Christmas a day early.

I hate you, you ******* asshole.

“Thank you for your kind words.” He said to Every, the terms ambiguous as the vampire clutched imperceptibly closer to his partner. Most would not have noticed, though Flynn certainly had no choice but to.

And then things began to grow a little tense. He could nearly feel it. Tiamat and Every had history of some kind, and not very good history it seemed. The vampire glanced over to his boyfriend, his lips pulling into an ‘uh oh’ expression. But before he had a chance to try and crack a joke to diffuse the situation, Lea returned. “I’m in!” He said, pulling away from Flynn just a little to tug at the man’s arm by the bicep. And then the redhead was gone again, to gather people together for those shots. Every departed.

Which left Az and Flynn with Tiamat.

“Again, a pleasure to meet you...again. If you’d like to join us for a picture, I would love that.” And then a thoughtful pause. “I don’t know what your past is with Eve, but she’s a good woman. I can’t say I’ve always agreed with her choices, but I think she could say the same of me. I know her as the sort of person who will always do what she thinks is right, even if it’s not popular, and even if she gets flak for it. I don’t know if you care about that sort of thing, but that’s part of who she is to me.” Take it or leave it. He didn’t expect anyone to listen to him in that way. He was not an authority on the soul or soullessness of the undead. He offered her a smile then, and nodded in the direction of the sitting room so he could pull Flynn along with him that way.

[Gideon Barnes (DELETED 8781)]

God is good.

Esli was right. This time of year made Gideon thankful, reflective and reminded him how blessed he was. And he had a lot to feel blessed about, and thankful for. The triplets were healthy and happy. His brother and sister were here and able to celebrate the season with him and his. And now? The mayor was hosting a big charitable event for children. The theme didn't matter-if he was collecting cans or boxes of food for a food drive close to his heart-a pajama drive for a homeless shelter; Gideon would have made arrangements to bring something for those less fortunate than he.

When the RV pulled up to the estate, Gideon let out a wolf whistle. "Wonder who he sold his soul to." Gideon muttured at the splendor and lavish wealth strewn about-from the decor to...was that a 'fairy' from the Nutcracker that had just left? "Let's go spread the word, brother." Gideon gave his brother a firm slap to his right shoulder before slipping on his suit coat.

With the various presents being taken care of, Gideon followed his brother out of the RV, then walked side by side with him at a comfortable pace. "Divide and conquer, brother." Gideon said softly, lacking any weapons for the night. As soon as he made his way in, Gideon's lips curled in disgust. "Leaches." He grumbled, before moving inside more and stumbling on what appeared to be the last part of a heated discussion about spiders. His eyes followed the Asian woman that moved away from the conversation, unphased. He grinned at her reserve. When a vampire was riled up-Gideon wanted to know why. But as she was busy, Gideon would simply...wait.

[Mortll]

[for_peace][/for_peace][against_sirens][/against_sirens]

The Gypsys well manicured fingers had circled around Mortlls wrist and she was being drug back into the fray of things. She was quick and Mortll stepped up her pace just to keep up with the woman when they came to a abrupt halt. Mortll halted just in time from colliding into the biggest *** she had seen. Well when someone stood almost 8 ft ... the *** would be proportionate right she thought to herself as she thanked god that she hadn't collided with the man. At 5` 10" her face didn't exactly come to *** level but close enough for discomfort.

Mortll stood there and listened fairly glad she was hidden behind the behemoth. He was in no way shape or form sugar coating what he thought of the spider lady. Mortll was pretty much of the same mind but tact in such situations could get you more than if you called a spider a spider. Mortll almost snickered at a few of his comments she could see the faces of the other party goers that could overhear the conversation as they quickly moved away from the vicinity. She was kind of starting to feel invisible when she realized she was in the shadow of the Giant and that the other woman couldn't see her standing there when Zo started her dance.

Mortlls head turned to watch the hip swaying of the Gypsy before she disappeared out of sight on the other side of Mordie ~"Careful my dear ... You might just catch more than a spider tonight ~ she thought to Zo's mind

[Sawyer]

+wearing+

[against_peace][/against_peace]

“I seriously hope they have an open bar,” she hissed, the words barely breathed between clenched teeth as her dull eyes glanced towards her partner. From the moment the event had been broadcasted, the word sweeping across the town, she knew she would be attending. At first, she had tried to avoid the subject, and when that failed, she tried to play ill. Of course, none of that had ******* mattered. Not only had he been able to see straight through her dry cough and fake sneezes, he’d also all but used brute force to get her into Jenna’s hands, where the blonde had spent over an hour getting her dressed. When she had reached for jeans, Jenna had tossed her a dress.

Four more dresses later, and they had finally found one that they both agreed on. The material was breathable, and it fit her like a glove. If she needed to fight, the latches on the side that held the black material in place made the dress the easiest choice. It wasn’t too tight that it would hold her in place, and as the hem brushed across her heels, she managed to hide the small smile that tugged on her lips. It didn’t matter to her that the dress was bargain brand. For once – and she would kill anyone that forced her to admit this – she felt beautiful. Of course, that wasn’t the reason for their appearance. She didn’t dress up to show off her form – or lack thereof. No, they were there because it was dangerous.

The mere thought of the gathering had her stomach twisted in knots, and as she stepped into the ball room, her gaze sweeping across the myriad of faces – human, vampire, young, and old – she felt the power swell within her chest and flood her veins. Her fingers itched to curl around her blade. Her lips curved back into a faint look of disgust when a vampire brushed against her arm on the way past, sending a chill dancing down her spine. Without thinking, she pressed into Ephraim’s side, fingers twisting into his jacket instead of around the trusted hilt of her sword. Of course, the weapon was no-where in sight. Getting in with one would have been hell, and trying to hide it in this dress?

Impossible.

Shaking her head, she tucked a strand of brown behind her ear as she nodded in the direction of a flash of wild red that had caught her eye. “It looks like Witch is here,” she grinned as she lifted her hand to wiggle her fingers in Tierney’s direction. Ensuring that she kept sight of the brothers as well, she drummed her fingers against a bare thigh and raised a brow. “I’m surprised it doesn’t smell like rot with all the disgusting filth in here,” she whispered against her dates ear before settling back onto her heels.

[Zodiac]

Akana mukav tut le Devlesa She replied before the woman turned and began to move away. As her eyes followed Ayuka’s path, Zo spied Tia across the room and sent her a brief mental message. She then took a step back and glared at Mortll.

”Ha. Ha. Ha. “ she replied flatly. The gypsy had her share of kinks and would easily admit it, but being trussed up in a web with eggs inside of her waiting to hatch so the babies could feed upon her flesh was not on her to do list. (at least that happened to losers in a good round of AD&D) The drider was capable of a lovely illusion, but what was she really like? She honestly hoped the woman would show up for the reading. Perhaps in a more private environment she might allow the girl a peek.

Of course, the million dollar question would be how long would she survive after getting such information. Sirens were a secretive lot and mythology proved it. Absently, she pulled out her phone and sent a text to her laptop to remind her to look for books on Asian myth lore. They had their share of spider beings, so perhaps there was a connection.

She was glad neither of her friends were suggesting getting a picture taken. She had a private collection and one with perhaps her two oldest remaining friends would be nice to have, but she did not like the idea of a public photo shoot like this. As much as she tried, she could not shake the feeling something was wrong or something nefarious was lurking just below the surface of this façade. ”Oh yes, We’ve identified many vampires tonight and have marked them in these photos so you know exactly who to kill.”

Paranoid? Always, but not without good reason.

She looked up at Mordechai with a quizzical look. ”Well, that was nothing to Tripudiate the Light Fantastic over I suppose. If nothing else, you still know how to show a girl a good time, brother mine.” Mordie was never the type to play word games or leave someone to guess what his intentions were. She loved that about him, but in a game of stealth he was the proverbial nuclear warhead going off in a punch bowl. ”So, what do we do now?”

She was about to tell him she was going to go see the reindeer they had outside when she saw the two men watching Ayuka leave the area. Something tightened inside of her. In reflex she took a deep un needed breath as her left hand formed a fist. Her black and violet nails biting deep into the flesh of her palm. She had encountered their kind before and learned, with practice and focus, one could resist the urge to blindly lash out at them at least for a time. They would be running their mouths soon enough. You could bank on that.

”How interesting,” she thought to Mordie. ”First the siren, then the ‘friends’ of the siren, now these humorless lummoxes. Maybe they can all go hold hands and sing Kumbahya over by the fire place.” As strange as it sounded, the gypsy would not be surprised that some quirk of fate had brought them all together for some purpose. Sirens, vampires, paladins. Oh, and not to forget a blood thief, the cops and the military, and those ‘Dolphin sex workers’ (as one person had put it in a forum). ”Holy jumping anacondas. The whole world really IS out to get us now.” she grinned as her thoughts giggled in Mordie’s mind.

”Oh look, everyone. Party favors!” She called out to the few in attendance she actually gave a care for at the moment and continued to laugh as she took a step forward.

[Mortll]

0h 3m ago: Helheim are attacking Coastside. The battle will take place on December 24, 2017,

Just as Zo asked what they were going to do now Mortlls phone started to beep she had started to receive text after text ... her phone was blowing up she fished it out of her clutch her eyes narrowing and The Dragon in her started to breath fire ... "Damn... " She stood on Tip toe and patted Mordie on the shoulder and showed him the screen of the phone the text on the screen Reading that a squad of Helium had been seen in Coastside they had started trying to stake the territory and telling shop owners that it was now under their protection.... She let him read. ~"I knew they were up to something. I need you to stay here keep a eye on that ***** if she tries to leave Kill her "~ She thought into his mind and gave him a nod. Out of all the Voodoo members she knew he could handle one on his own without fail and Zodiac would be in good company if **** hit the fan with the Paladins that the gypsy had suddenly pointed out.

~" Well my dear it seems like the are Helheim calling me with their sweet song of battle I must go ... "~ she spoke to Zodiac Her eyes had already been searching the crowd for Azraeth and Flynn. She gave Zo a quick kiss and a hug and headed toward the two Gentlemen . "Az ... Flynn We need to go Helheim have decided they wish to occupy Coastside our presence is needed. Where is Amalea ?"

[Amalea]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tagged:
(Telepathy) Elizabeth
(Spoken) Az, Every, Flynn, Doc

*Flashback to Pre-departure and Return*

Her nose twitched as she sorted through her thoughts. If her memory was right, though a bit fuzzy, she was meeting Doc a bit later in the day. ”Is the afternoon too early for you?”Too some, it’d sound like a silly question but it was a fair question when vampires were involved. Some were incredibly pissy when woken early and some just flat out did not wake before the sun rose; rare was the one that would be functioning and pleasant while the sun was around. When Every spoke of spending the day with just her thrall, the red head glanced at Az. She could have smiled when she saw he seemed to have the same idea. The twitch of his brows was met with the slightest of nods in reply; they would be spending part of the day with the woman. ”What he said,” she laughed softly. ”It’s pretty and peaceful. You know you and Flynn can borrow mine whenever you like?” She eyed the Mystic for a moment wondering if she was going to have to shove the keys in his hand to get him to take the offer.

Her eyebrow twitched at the sing-songed question. Clearly, he had seen Frozen a few times too many; either that or he had been exposed to the song quite a bit. It was adorable but she refrained from teasing him given the look she caught him giving Flynn. ”Corn-cob-pipiest, huh? I look forward to it.” She had no idea what she was getting herself into though she suspected they’d be building a pretty awesome and over-the-top snowman later.

*Current*

The red-head smiled at the light touch of the arm that found its way around her. It was both unexpected and yet not. Abruptly disappearing with a quick comment as she had done might have had something to do with it, she supposed. It wasn’t like she was about to complain about the gesture; it was comforting no matter its reasoning. She smiled at his comment about the allergy and her lack of fussing. A light shrug prefaced her reply, ”Mortll didn’t know so it wasn’t intentional. Though… I do intend to have a word with her some other night about it. Just in case she plans to make it a habit for gatherings going forward.” Her nose wrinkled slightly at the thought. ”It’s easier to take the meds in advance than after exposure.” She really hoped it wasn’t going to be a common thing as she really wasn’t a fan of the medication or its restrictions and side effects; more so in a social setting like tonight.

”My pleasure. Are you enjoying the evening?” She giggled lightly as she stepped off towards the line where Every seemed to be waiting. She was secretly pleased the night seemed to be going fairly well minus one or two blimps. Well, at least for her; she was sure some people would be put out about a Siren in their midst. That was their problem, not hers, if they wanted to act racist – or was is speciest – without taking the time to learn about the woman and her kind. If they wanted to believe the mysterious Administrator at face value that was always on them. She didn’t trust the entity one iota. He was an unknown; one that wasn’t very forthcoming or transparent. Hadn’t they all learned about leaping before gathering information with the Longslade incident? Apparently not; which wasn’t too surprising given how stubborn some of them seemed to be.

The message from Elizabeth caused a slight frown to cross the red-heads lips for a brief moment. She understood, of course. Pictures weren’t for everyone and likely more so for immortals given their unchanged appearance through the years. She had seen both Wonder Woman and Batman vs. Superman, after all. Diana’s situation was a good parallel for vampires. And herself; she tended to forget she somewhat fell in that category now. If it’s not your cup of tea, I completely understand.

Her eyes scanned the crowd as they joined Every in the line. She nodded at Ayuka, seeing the woman had freed herself from the trio; how she had missed Mortll with them had been a mystery. The woman with her was an unknown to her, but she was looking forward to meeting another new person this evening. She had been about to thank Every for jumping in line to hold a spot when she happened to see Gideon enter the ballroom. Groaning softly, she shook her head. ”Don’t look now, but I think the paladin contingent is starting to arrive.” The observation was made just loud enough to be heard by Doc and Every as she followed it with a gentle tilt of her head toward the entrance. ”Gideon.” The one equally quiet word would explain everything to the pair. A wry smile tugged at her lips; at least they wouldn’t be able to cause any carnage. She’d made certain of that.