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Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 02:58
by Ripper
Once out side again the vampire felt rejuvenated! The idle clamor of social mores had left a dull headache that throbbed inside his temples that he had not even noticed while surrounded by the myriad of distractions from the enormous gathering. Here by the lake things were more pristine and unsullied by intrigue or political maneuvering. He watched as the camaraderie of elves while they began to get set up; strapping ice skates to their diminutive feet and preparing to distribute other pairs of the bladed necessities to party goers upon request as if they ever decided to wade out here in the cold while dressed in their finery. Killer shook his eyes some what bemusedly while passing by this merry sight; Bancroft sure was not too overly concerned with event security here it seemed while hosting this party; then again, that could seem to be the very reason why the mayor had declined to appear in presence himself and was fully expecting something to happen when combining in the fresh impetuous of vampires, victims, and sirens into the same powder keg of a room and then filming from all angles like an ad-hoc impromptu reality series. Ripper couldn't help but to be amused by this thought and wondered if the idea was one generated from the man himself or the insidious puppet master who pulled on his strings from the shadows.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 05:09
by Natsuko
Kitteh sure as hell didn't care for this and decided it was best to leave and thus heading out the back door and not the front where everyone else was heading. Once out the door she just disappears into the shadows, yea she was that stealthy and walked down the street with some thoughts in her mind that it was a mistake heading for this type of entertainment and decided it was best she stays clear of such from here on out. She wasn't part of anyone's circle of friendship. She tried and tried, maybe it wasn't mean to be but always the loner. She made a beeline right towards her yacht in chalk town decided to hire a driver to go out for a ride for a couple of days.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 06:45
by Tiamat
Tia was left standing in the crowd as both Mordechai and Zodiac had wandered in different directions. She continued to gaze into the crowd for anyone who carried themselves in a way to betray their importance. She noticed Mortll leaving the party. Something was going on. What that something was, she would have to discover later. Flynn’s voice broke her thoughts and elicited a sidelong look.
“Indeed, I apologize,” she responded, despite her expression barely changing. She watched as he played with bag she had given him with a slightly arched eyebrow. “That’s good. It wouldn’t have been taken back anyway. I always pay for services rendered, one way or another.”
As she reached out with her left hand to take his, she nodded in response. “Of course, if you keep bringing parts, you can have some. Keep them, sell them, after they leave my hands, what you do is your choice.”
She released his hand as her fingers fell to her side. Her fingers tapped her thigh like the tail of an impatient snake. The elves brought a Yule to the fire. Tiamat watched as the dancing flames changed colors in the heat. Her eyes didn’t leave the fireplace as she responded to Flynn, “I could tell you, though it might be safer if you didn’t know.” She turned back to face the man next to her. “I’m certain your date would be less than pleased with our association if you were to come to harm.”
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 12:53
by Game Master
R O L E P L A Y + P R O M P T + ! ! !
From somewhere in one of the rooms that seems to branch off of main ballroom, a certain bespectacled elf seems to be having a bit of a meltdown. Thankfully, most humans will be unable to hear him, and with the hubbub going on in the main room, and with more people gravitating outside, there are only a few slim chances for vampire participants to hear him as well.
"What do you MEAN the track is broken?! He holds what seems to be a land line phone in one hand. Not even wireless, it looks like it might have been taken right out of the 1980's. The phone sits on a brcik of a stand with a dial pad complete with all numbers, asterisk and octothorpe. "Bancroft is going to be absolutely livid if he hears the miniature train ride got canceled."
There is a brief pause for further discussion on the other end. "What do you mean no 'self respecting' adult would ride on an over-sized toy train?! I'm not asking for excuses, I'm asking you to fix it!" With that, he slams the phone's receiver back onto the base, and then gets a look at the clock mounted on the wall. Aww hell! Running late already!
[The Yule Log will only be active for one more round!]
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 13:16
by Judah Marck
The yule log was calling, and Jude took his time approaching it. He'd not yet fully explored the party and it was a feast for the eyes, people taking part in different activities whether guided by the cheeky Christmas elves or of their own making. Another glass of champagne was handed to him and Judah sipped it as he located the yule log. As he passed the newly rolled out Christmas tree he noticed some people had begun putting decorations on, the pastor taking a quick glance in a box to note that many of them were in a similar colour theme so that no matter what you put on, unless it was all clumped into a single section, it would still look appropriately festive. He hadn't planned to pause really, though he had always been the kind of guy to contribute and take part, but a particular bauble caught his eye. It was a pale blue, the paint frosted metallic and patterned with glistening snowflake designs that looked like crystals. It was pretty, and it was out of place. He reached down gingerly, extracting the collecting decoration and placing it upon one of the large, lovely scented branches for all the world to see.
Judah had always enjoyed the holidays, had always been able to focus on the love and happiness even when there was often more than a little family drama to contend with. It had never really brought him down, though things had not always been perfect they had been good, and he'd been happy. Why now did those problems all seem so much larger? Perhaps it was because he'd finally take a step back, and given himself time to really look around and evaluate his life. For so long he had been the one people came to with issues, with questions and requirements. They had leaned on him and he had been happy to hold them up, always having sound advice and guidance to offer. Now? He was still willing and able, but was trying to give Alaric the chance to do so and after the distance that had grown between himself, Leonie and Louvel the man who Jude had called brother, well, he had felt somehow less welcome. The moment Judah had tried to put himself not first, but no longer last, had been around the same time people had begun to question his choices and his future. They did not approve this, no longer needed him for that and it had been difficult. He'd given so much of himself to the von der Marck's and he hadn't asked for gratitude, or for reward. He just loved his family, and had wanted the best for them all perhaps to his own detriment at times.
Bringing Alaric back had been such a single-minded focus for so long that when they achieved it he felt adrift. Things had not gone as expected, they'd lost so much in returning the man, in giving him back the life that was taken from him. Judah had admitted to the man that he had felt guilt, and shame, that he had questioned if it had been worth it. Was bringing back someone from the past problematic to their future? It had not always been easy between Jude and Alaric, the young man who'd had to grow up too early and had too much on his shoulders, and the vampire brought back to a world he didn't understand who had to swallow his pride and learn from the new generation. Heads butted, of course they had, but Jude kept trying and would keep trying. He didn't want animosity, he wanted Alaric to accept him as he was and that after so many years of having to take charge stepping back, relinquishing it and having someone else try to give their opinion on your personal life was... Well, it was hard. Jude sighed, tipping back the champagne as he turned towards the yule log once more, needing to unload.
He had to let it go, to shake off the negative parts of the year that had been so that he could embrace the positive once more. This year had given as much as it had taken, if not more. It had returned loved ones, welcomed new friends, new career growth and opportunities, new loves. Jude wanted to focus on those things, to be able to brush off the fear and anguish that had plagued him. Wendigos be damned, this year wasn't going to be reduced to nightmares and doubt. His smile had faltered to the point that when he broke from his reverie, having to put one back on his face to offer to the man who was departing from the yule log, it was an effort. A woman still stood before it and as he stepped up to join her, to stare into the flames that slowly caught at the wood, he gave nodded his head in greeting. "Seeking absolution, or just enjoying the tranquility?" Jude asked her, though his tone was friendly and conversational there was a certain gravity to it, a reverence that he felt the ritual deserved. While the woman had a moment to consider the question, and whether she wanted to speak to the stranger, Jude leaned forward to whisper quick confession to the log. It was a secret, an apology and a promise that he gave to the log. Somehow he felt lighter, even that small unburdening and the warmth of the log lifting his spirits. When he leaned back a more genuine smile lit his features, dimpling his cheeks that were flushed a soft pink from the heat.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 13:51
by Game Master
MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080
[for_peace][/for_peace][for_sirens][/for_sirens]
The conversation with Every was a good one, as it was rare, in Ayuka’s line of work, to find someone who legitimately seemed to care about law and order. True enough, she had dealt with any number of politicians, but the seedy and sad truth of the matter was that, more often than not, they didn’t really care about what was right so much as what the voters wanted to hear. In that way, they were no different to corporate entities, who had to look out for the best interests of their investors. It made Ayuka think, for a moment, if she would have taken the job she had years before, if not for her connections to Hebigumo preceding her employment. Most likely. There was something inherently very human about learning how to present information to the public. Goffman described something similar, but on a smaller scale, in The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. It was Ayuka’s task, in the grand theatre of life, to choose the right mask for Hebigumo to wear in a given situation.
Perhaps that made her the opposite of Every in some ways. Law was meant to be inherently black and white. What Ms. Mori did dwelt entirely in shades of gray.
She put a pin into the conversation, but knew that she would return back to it soon.
It was only after Ayuka shot the elf who seemed to be running the show a look that she was able to return her attention fully to the trio of Von der Marcks. It pleased her, in a way, to see such close familial bonds. It made her homesick, in a way. She came from a large family, and many of her sisters were far less affectionate than she was. Her mother though...her mother was cut from the very same cloth as her. Where touches were fond and filled with warmth and love. It was just good to see a family like that in a city like Harper Rock.
“I would love for you to escort me onto the dance floor.” She said to Aurelia with a little smile. “Whenever you get the opportunity. Perhaps we can even discuss more of your work as a lawyer.” In truth, Ayuka knew very little about the work that general practice lawyers did. She assumed that meant they didn’t work with the high profile criminal cases in tense trial situations. Did that mean Aurelia was a necessary cog in the law machine? Whatever the case, Ms. Mori had picked up on a certain undertone of pride in the other woman’s voice, and she was one of those people who believed deeply in allowing a person to talk about the things that made them happy. That, in her experience, was the best way to learn not only about acquaintances, but also to learn greater truths about life and to expand one’s pool of knowledge.
“Isn’t that life for you?” She asked of Alaric. “Finding the best means of distraction from the overwhelming things in life, until they stop being overwhelming and just fade into the background?” That was the story of humanity, some might have said. Primates huddled together for warmth on a little blue pebble in a much bigger and less forgiving universe. The world was unforgiving. Nature was unforgiving. Time was the cruelest of them all. And still people found ways to survive ice ages, and drought, famine, fires and floods. People sought comfort from people, sought connection, and craved familiarity. It was all a smokescreen, a distraction from the reality that everything was random and chaotic. Imposing the laws of society to give the pretense of order. Ayuka was no nihilist, but she knew that, at the end of the day, nothing really changed that bad things happened, that death was inevitable. But knowing that was not the same as accepting it. And she believed totally that there was grace and beauty in being the one to lend someone a hand when they stumbled. And sometimes, as was the case here, the need for distraction was mutual. “At your earliest convenience, Mr. Alaric. Consider my time at your disposal.”
A silent nod was offered as Aurelia excused herself to get a drink, only to be followed in her departure by Judah.
And that was when she caught sight of someone who she had lost sight of a short time before. “If you’ll excuse me a moment, I see a face I’ve been looking to put with a name.” Her hand lifted, fingertips gently dragging across Alaric’s bicep - which was both a greeting and a promise to return.
Moments later, she approached Ainsley, who seemed to be escorted by a handsome gentleman. “There you are.” She said with just a touch of faux-exasperation. Only to follow it up with a chuckle, as if to make it clear she wasn’t at all serious. “You’re the brave singer. The one who started off that carol a little while back.” She said as a hand slipped out in greeting. “You did an absolutely beautiful job of it, by the way.”
A glance was cast over her shoulder towards Amalea, and the group surrounding her, as if to ensure she still had company. Then her features returned to their original position. "Oh right! I'm Ayuak Mori, of the Hebigumo Foundation. Sorry. Probably should have led off with that."
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 16:39
by Azraeth
[for_peace][/for_peace]
What Lea and Every said seemed to be true enough. There were several vampires in attendance at the Ball, more than he had seen in one place in a long time, and some he had never seen be terribly social. Hadn’t he just a few moments before been thinking that he had never really thought of Mordie as the type to attend such a massive social function? And yet, the Dragomir knew all too well that the giant’s war form was monstrous and intimidating. Honestly probably would have made most grown men wet themselves. Yeah. They were totally going to be fine. Safe. Numbers could bring that. Yes. Having a lot of people gathered together meant they made for an easier target, but it also meant that they could see to each other’s needs. Protect each other. It was one of the things Azraeth had wanted to see for years. Leave it to the mysterious Bancroft to accidentally make it happen. ”You know there are some ways to ensure people play nice.” He mentioned as he glanced sidelong to Amalea. He suspected she had, had similar thoughts though.
Part of the reason he had rounded to hug Lea, aside from the fact that he enjoyed the warmth of her body pressed against his own, was that it gave him a better look at Flynn.
What?
A man could not be blamed for enjoying the sight of his partner’s form, even at a distance.
Why don’t you invite your friend over here to meet everyone? He asked of Flynn, his voice softly lingering inside of his mate’s mind for a moment before it disappeared.
He was in the process of pulling a chocolate from the stocking he held, when Amalea’s words slid into his own mind, and he accidentally crushed the little candy, which left him with Roman nougat all over his fingertips, the wrapper essentially destroyed as well. He tossed the ruined treat back into the bag and waved his hand to try and get the sticky things off of it. You know, if I came to Flynn with a collar, I’m pretty sure that would backfire. Hard. Like I’m fairly certain he would go out of his way to build a dog house just to put me in it. He said, his lips forming a small smile. He’s stubborn, and he’s wonderful. I’m happier than it’s safe to admit being in this city.
”Perhaps her interest in you has nothing to do with her job.” He supplied. With his head tipped down to glance at the contents of his stocking, he glanced up, to peer towards the woman through his eyelashes. He didn’t need to say it outright. But sometimes the easiest answer to a question was the one that was the most obvious. And Amalea was the type of brilliant person who might have totally missed that, attempting to figure out the bigger picture. Not that he blamed her. And maybe he was wrong. What did he know? He was admittedly more in a romantic mindset recently than he had been in the past.
”Anyway, I brought it up because, aside from some time that I want to carve out to spend only with Flynn, I thought maybe we could do something. It doesn’t have to be big or loud. I just think this is a holiday when it’s best to spend time with the people you love. You have always been good to me, kind to me. You are my sister, so I would be remiss in not seeing you for at least a few minutes. I just didn’t want to invite myself and end up intruding on anything.” He commented, as he continued to remove the weighty chocolates to hand them over to Lea. Though he certainly didn’t want to leave Every out. It had been a long time since they had spoken, and perhaps the Ball was not the best place to reconnect, but what better time was there than Christmas? ”And don’t think you’re getting out of a visit as well. Well. Depending on your plans. Are you going to be spending the holiday with anyone or anyones special?” He asked of her.
”As for how I met Flynn, that’s his name by the way. Flynn Lee Connors. Anyway, we met through the Voodoo Dragons. It was during that whole Cure fiasco. Mortll put out a call for everyone to meet at the Longslade building. We were the first two to show up, or maybe the last. I’m not sure. Whatever the case, we went in together, and started talking.” He trailed off for a moment in thought, reaching into the very bottom of the stocking. It seemed he had mostly emptied it save for a few of the chocolates which he planned to force on his partner. ”There were a few moments. One, when we were creeping down the hall together. He was suddenly very close to me. The only thing I could see. His heartbeat, for a few seconds, was all I could hear. It was a moment of connection unlike any I’ve ever experienced with someone before. LIke have you ever looked into someone’s eyes and known that, in some capacity, in some way, you were meant to know them. To be in their life. Like you’ve walked the same steps with them countless times.”
His hoard thoroughly gone through, he deftly folded up the stocking and then tucked it into a pocket of his jacket’s interior. ”And then he totally saved my ***, and I was like ‘Woah, I want me some of that’ because apparently I’m also a damsel. Oh well!” He said with a chuckle. Right as the Yule Log was being announced. Azraeth didn’t particularly see a need to use it. He wasn’t the sort of man who lived his life for regrets. Sure. There were things he’d done during the previous year he wasn’t proud of, but those same moves had brought him to where he was. And he was extremely happy with where he was in his life. He suspected the Yule Log was more for people who wanted to change something about the way they lived or about themselves. And a burning piece of wood certainly didn’t have the power to make those changes. Individual choice.
”But look at me here, chatting away. Any plans for the remainder of the ball?”
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 18:53
by Bohan
It would seem it was as simple as mentioning the search for one in particular that the results would prove to be in their favor. Bohan extended a flute to Ainsley while the woman that caught his sister’s eye approached. The third flute carefully held between his fingers was offered to the woman who arrived just in time to accept, if it was her wish of course. There was no intention on his part of interrupting the conversation started by the female that was everything he would consider stunning as his sister originally pointed out. Instead he respectfully nodded once when passing eye contact was made albeit briefly. Instead he glanced in the direction of his sister considering it was she that the woman was speaking to.
Singing carols was not an uncommon thing at such parties. Bohan was hardly surprised that Ainsley had taken up belting out a few given the festive occasion. Little known fact was that she happened to have won a fair amount of talent shows growing up. County fairs, regional and even a few small cable shows featured her talents. Considering Ainsley was credited for the quality of her voice since they were in grade school the first topic of conversation barely had reason to get a rise of his brow. However, both naturally shaped lines of hair resting on the formed flesh blanketing bone over his eyes lifted and dropped in unison with the compliment paid forward where it was rightfully due.
Bohan raised the glass to his sister as if silently seconding the words of praise, which he was essentially doing. The plentiful serving of lively bubbles tickled his lips when they made contact with the rim. As soon as the first drop of sweetness hit the tip of his tongue the glass and it’s source retreated down. He could blame his lack of manners on the continued jet lag or he could simply not draw more attention to himself and look behind him as if something suddenly asked for his attention. Which is exactly what he did so smoothly that it could easily appear as true. The rush of heat surfacing at his neck and ears would reveal the bloom of color to his otherwise travel pale and sleep deprived skin.The reaction mild embarrassment often delivered to him in situation such as these would not be significant to most who had no knowledge of reading Bohan like a book. Ainsley, however, was who he was hiding it from since she read that page and his book far too many times for him to get away with it.
A random breeze of out of place cool air found him and kissed his skin. He absorbed it for than it was thanks to his ability to have his mind rise over most matters. Once the sensation had disappeared as quickly as it hit he turned back causally to the present company in front of him. The mention of her name and affiliation with a foundation called Hebigumo had him looking at her instead of to his sister who likely knew about it far more than he did. It was why she was there. Wasn’t it? Ainsley that is. Why he was there was yet to be determined, outside his sister’s attendance of course.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 18 Dec 2017, 19:35
by Caligrace
[for_peace][/for_peace]
It happened without warning.
It wasn’t something she could control, the way her mind seemed to catalogue every iota of information that it was met with. All color, sights, sounds, and faces became burned into her brain, and she would never be able to shake free from the knowledge that assaulted her. Of course, it had never impacted her on such a grand scale before. When she had first realized the power she possessed, the information that she could pull free from the darkest crevices of her mind, she had thought it was a gift. It was a power that put her ahead of all of the rest, it helped her excel when those around her stumbled blindly. Yet, she had never had it paired with her curse before. It had always been one or the other, never both.
Now, she stood, her side pressed into Every, her fingers curling into the silver of the woman’s dress as her mind and soul went to war. The names that were whispered to her were filed away, and the emotion that she felt swelling throughout the room pressed in. She could see their lips moving, but the words never reached her ears, at least, not to where she would ever be able to register it. It was one memory she wouldn’t have, one bit of knowledge that had eluded her beneath the onslaught. Above her, the lights crackled and buzzed, behind her, the fire burned bright. To her left, the clinking of glasses, to the right, the sound of laughter and amazement but directly in front of her… nothing.
Silence.
There was a void, a darkness that she couldn’t push through as the emotions embedded themselves in the center of her chest and pressed against her ribcage. The emotions weren’t hers, and it was a lesson she had taught herself the moment she realized that she could feel the world around her. She did so with the ease in which she did everything in life, and the power hadn’t been an issue until now. I should have come prepared, she mentally berated herself, even as the amber of her eyes flickered between the faces that surrounded her, each more beautiful than the last. Azraeth, with a charm in his eyes that she couldn’t fight, Every, with a darkness that made her hauntingly beautiful, Amalea, with hair as red as her own and a fire in her expression that made her smile. They were people she should know, people that she should speak to, but the words wouldn’t form on her tongue.
She was lost in the rise and fall of her own power, and soon, she found her fingers twisting even more within the Every’s dress. Her slender, small frame pressed into her, and as she found the crook of her shoulder, she tried to pretend that she was listening to the sound of the carols. As much as the woman loved to be the center of attention – she was a Norgard, after all – this was one instance in which she preferred solitude. As the conversations continued on around her with no end in sight, she forced herself to bring in a breath of fresh air, the taste of pine coating her tongue as she allowed her eyes to close. To the outsiders, it would appear as if she were simply lost in conversation, or relaxing after a long day, but the truth of the matter was – she was locked in battle with herself. It was harder than she thought, the way she had to fight to push everyone else from her heart. It felt as it had the first night she realized she could lose herself within the emotions, that she could be swallowed whole.
Except, tonight, she was stronger.
She had grown since then, and as she clawed her way through the various mixtures of anger, curiosity, happiness and love, she found herself clinging to one she hadn’t felt before. Hope. It was the one emotion that she thrived for, her hunger for something more, for a dream she couldn’t reach. The hope pulled her out of the tsunami that had pinned her down, and slowly, she had her eyes opening. The frantic glint to the amber hues had disappeared, and as she took one final collective breath, she allowed her full, plump lips to curve into its usual kilowatt smile. It had only lasted a few seconds, and yet, as she finally clawed her way to freedom from the confines of her own power, it felt as though she was taking the first breath of fresh air she had had in months.
“I’m surprised you finally decided to make an appearance, Freyja,” she greeted as the blonde finally stepped into her view, the blue of her eyes filled with a concern she didn’t wish to feel. It was time for her to put on her mask, to show the world that she was as human – and normal – as those they wished to befriend. Running the pink of her tongue across the blunt edge of her teeth, she slowly uncurled her grasp from her friend’s dress, her hand smoothing out the few wrinkles she had put within the material. “Thank you.” The words were whispered into her ear before she turned her attention to those that remained, and gave an apologetic smile.
“I apologize. I was just so caught up in the beauty of this event. I cannot believe that the mayor managed to throw something so… magical… together,” she laughed as she ran her fingers through the red of her hair, allowing the curls to fall over her shoulder. Realizing a second too late that she had brought attention to the fact that she had missed part of the conversation, she quickly scrambled to piece together the information that she needed to continue. Every had mentioned something about… worry. Worry over what—Oh, right. They were gathered together, and there was concern over their safety. Before she had a chance to bring up her own thoughts, another voice spoke above the rest, and her gaze turned to Azraeth, her smile re-appearing in a flash.
“I wouldn’t worry too much, Blackcat. Not only do we have Amazon Warrior Princess at our side, I hardly doubt anyone would be foolish enough to try anything. If they do, as this gorgeous specimen said, we have enough… promise… at our disposal to handle it.” The words were as quiet as she could make them as she reached into the clutch of her purse, fingers finding the thick tube of gloss that she kept on her at all times. With a quick flip of her thumb, she popped the lid free and brought the application to her lips to smooth out what she was certain she had chewed free in her brief moment of weakness. Once she was certain she was as together as she could be, she smiled.
Hopefully, no one thought her utterly insane.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 19 Dec 2017, 00:10
by Ainsley (DELETED 8973)
Clarence!?
Ainsley had almost, almost forgotten about Clarence until Bohan brought him up. She gave him a side jab to the arm closest to him, as he apologized and then gave the snowman another name. Ferdinand? "He managed to get by without a name. But, if he were to have a name, it would be..." Ainsley thought about a good name for a snowman, then lifted a finger in mid-air as she got it. "Bernard." She nodded her head, then stuck a tongue out at her brother, before laughing.
The woman Ainsley had been talking about with her brother suddenly appeared, though Bohan had probably seen her coming while Ainsley had been deep in thought about a good name, and teasing her brother at the same time. The woman implied she had been looking for...her? Ainsley gave her full attention to the woman that was-stunning. Ainsley had no qualms admitting that women were pretty or stunning, when they were, and this woman was. Abnormally so. Not in a creepy, plastic surgery way (not that Ainsley would know anyways), but in a way that was alluring.
Brave.
That wasn't a word Ainsley would use to describe herself. She laughed nervously, thinking about how far from brave she had been in the last year or so. How many times had she thought, or wished she were dead after the loss of Gabriel? It just seemed easier. Maybe even better for everyone. At least that was what she thought at first, but realized it wouldn't be better. Not for her siblings. Thankfully, she had them, because if it were just her and 'dad,' Ainsley doubted she would have survived this last year.
"Oh! Well, I mean..." Ainsley trailed off as her cheeks turned a tinge of pink, after being almost called out for her singing. "Someone had to do it." She finished, knowing that her singing was no where near where it used to be in middle and high school. But, that sort of happened when you didn't have music/choir three times a week in over a decade. "But, thank you." She said, accepting the compliment, missing the hand while Ainsley scrambled with her thoughts. Maybe the woman was being nice, or maybe she hadn't experienced many singers that were far better than Ainsley was.
Finally, the hand was taken just a few seconds before the woman gave her name. "Nice to meet you, Ayuka." Ainsley tried to replicate how the woman said her name, but probably slaughtered it a little. "I'm Ainsley, and this is my brother Bohan." She glanced in her brother's direction, smiling wide. "He's an Artist. If you think I'm brave...Some of the things he does surpasses anything I do any day of the week." Ainsley was proud of her brother, even if he wasn't rolling in the dough like Monet would be if he were alive today. "Painting, mostly, but he dabbles in other things from time to time. One time, he did a carving in a butternut squash...it was amazing. If you're ever looking for something unique-Bohanh's your man." Ainsley did not like attention being on her for too long, in fact, she preferred to be in the background. She may have her own talents, but to her, Bohan was the most talented out of the three of them.
"Sorry, I could go on forever about his artistic abilities. I'm not sure I've ever heard of the Hebigumo Foundation. What is it they do?" Ainsley asked, genuinely curious, as she collected her hand back from an awkwardly long handshake.