Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Mortll]

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

Mortll stepped back from Zo with a little smile on her face at lest one thing had been pleasant tonight then Doc stuck his foot in it. It had been a habit of his as of late to take everything she said or did the wrong way. Mortll could say the stars were nice and he would take it as a insult to the sky. She had no doubt that something she had said had rubbed him the wrong way as she watched the man leave. It was a shame they had once gotten along so well ... Especially when he actually talked to her and listened .... but his willingness to listen had totally disappeared he had others that he listened to now days and she couldn't blame him but she did miss the days when they could talk all night long or just sit in silence and seem to know what each other were thinking.

She let out a soft sigh and squeezed Zo's hand "So my dear I think that nasty Yule log has run its course Would you like to go back inside and mingle a bit? Its always a bit nicer if you have a friend with you ?"

[Zodiac]

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

”But…”

Her mental protest faded as Doc suddenly left. She had more she wished to discuss on the subject. Was it because Mort was there? She doubted he could be that childish considering how serious this whole situation could become in moments. She really should make the time to sit down with Mortll and get the full story on what happened between herself and the Doctor.

In the long run, it didn’t matter, she guessed. Ever since she could remember in this town, her warnings were often mocked or jeered at, but when she was vindicated as being right everyone just shut up and pretend she never said anything. Too busy laughing with the prancing stallion boy and others. Fine. They could go play their games all they wanted while she found a spot on the sidelines and watched it all explode into their faces. She was getting tired of this game she found herself playing with her own kind.

”You go, Doc,” she thought to herself as she tossed away the remains of her own cigarette. ”You go in there and protect the spider. Kiss her *** a few more times. Then, if you survive if she decides to show you the real her, you can tell me how tasty it was. But if this all goes South like I am sure it will, do not come to me for help. I will make sure me and mine are safe and will deal with things in my own way if it comes knocking on my door.”

She turned and smiled as she felt Mort’s hand in hers. ”Yes, that would be nice. Besides, I left Mordie in there all by himself and some others I know.” She was about to start moving when she heard Mordechai in her thoughts.

”WHAT? It wasn’t me!” She held up a finger for Mort to be patient. Zodiac stepped to a window and looked in and found him (a feat never hard to do) standing right next to the drider. ”My best guess is one of Doc’s crowd did it. Told me himself he will protect that thing. Why? Maybe he is worried his Amelia will cry if her new friend dies or something. I don't know. This whole deal is going right to ****. Hang on, I will be with you shortly.”

She reached into her clutch and pulled out one of the free reading invites she had brought along and began to write on the back of it, while telling Mortll what Mordie had discovered and what she was up to. Once she was finished, she made a few stray notes on some of the others, then put it all back into her clutch.

”Mrs Peel? We are needed.” She grabbed Mort’s hand and practically dragged her along.

*****

She approached slowly as Mordechai tipped his hat to the woman. Ignoring every thing else going on around her now. She could feel Mordie’s mood oozing from him like a thing alive. ”No sense lying to the enemy, eh bro?” she thought in private as she emerged from behind him and stood in view as she watched the exchange between them for a few moments.

Then the gypsy reached up and tugged at Mordechai’s sleeve like a child trying to get the attention of an adult. She smiled up at him and began to sign.

So dear one, who’s your new friend? She finished by drawing a question mark in the air then pointing at the woman who had everyone wondering.

[Judah Marck]

Jude had tuned out. The woman had been quiet for so long that he'd thought she might not reply, and he'd become transfixed by the flames as they licked and swallowed the log, devouring it until it was a roaring inferno and almost nothing of it was left. That had happened quickly, far faster than he had expected and the whole thing was distracting. He'd heard her words, somewhere in the back of his mind he'd heard it but it took a while for them to come to the surface and for him to grasp hold of them. "No, I... Oh." She was walking away by the time he managed to begin his response and he felt remarkably rude. How long had he been standing there like an idiot, staring into the fire as if it held all the answers. Though the log was gone Jude let one more, weighted series of words whisper between his lips into the fire before turning on his heel to try and catch up to the woman. He lost her in the crowd for a while, ducking and weaving around others, giving apologetic smiles when elbows were knocked or he had to brush by a little closer than he'd like. It was perhaps a waste of time, but he felt bad about letting her walk away probably thinking he was daft or rude. Jude was determined, however, and the new buoyancy he had after spilling the secrets of his soul carried him deeper into the party to make amends.

He spotted her through the crowd, standing by the tree presents and appearing at first glance to be innocently watching the world go by, partaking of a drink like many other partygoers. Then her skirts slid over some presents and she took a precise step backward. What the heck? Jude blinked a few times, watching her as he got a little closer, seeing the pleased smile on her face and the relieved sigh. He had idea what had gone on beneath that skirt, and he wasn't sure he wanted to. The whole thing felt a bit strange, but he wasn't the overly suspicious kind usually suspected there was some innocent reasoning behind whatever it was she was up to by the tree. She looked content enough, and kind enough that he carried on with his mission to apologise and introduce himself. "Hi." He ducked his head sheepishly as he approached, one of his more charming smiles giving a flash of white teeth. "Sorry about back there, something about that fire, or the Christmas mood made my mind drift. I didn't want to be rude, so I hope you'll accept my apology and an introduction. I'm Pastor Judah von der Marck, but Jude is fine, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss..." He offered her his hand.

[Game Master]

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

With the sound system back online, the music of the string quartet seems to grow...not louder (though that is part of it as well), but more diffused about the entire ball. And just in time! It seems that some of the people in attendance have been planted in the crowd, which becomes evident as they begin to dance. At first, it is likely not obvious what they are doing, unless one is very familiar with The Nutcracker ballet. However, moments into the performance of the Waltz of the Snowflakes, it becomes clear that the dancers themselves are exceptionally well trained professionals. Perhaps from a local dance company.

Simultaneously, aerial ribbons unfurl from the ceiling and some of the dancers break off from the group, quickly removing tear away clothing to reveal leotards covered in diamond-like sparkles, and snowflake patterns. Soon, those dancers are twirling and spinning in the air to create a wintery holiday spectacle.

The ballet itself is just a teaser though, as evident when the performance comes to an end, and the female lead, with a now functioning mic, announces:

"A full show has been planned and scheduled! Those wishing to observe need only follow us into the theater! Thank you for watching."

And with that, the ballet dancers exit the ballroom, save for the aerial performers, to make their way to Bancroft's in-home stage.

[Alright folks, so with the end of phase 1 of Chatper 7, and with the Holiday season ramping up (only a few days until Christmas!), this is going to be the last roleplay prompt. Additional thread updates will be made as necessary, and the Ayuka Mori NPC will remain through the weekend but will most likely make her leave then!

That being said, I really appreciate all of the work and effort people have put into this event so far. I especially appreciate those who have gone out of their way to add unique plot elements. I am LOVING watching things unfold, with all of these different pieces moving at the same time. Anyway! In case I don't get a chance before Christmas is officially upon us, I wanted to offer a very heartfelt HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the GM team and the Devs.

Let's keep this thing going, and finish strong! <3 <3]

[Game Master]

MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Bohan departed in order to get them drinks, though from where Ayuka briefly tracked his progress away from she and Ainsley, he seemed to be distracted with either some troublesome elves, or with some of the prominent members of the social elite. Either way, his sister was certainly in good hands with the Hebigumo representative.

“No need to apologize for him. We are at the biggest event of the year, and I am far from the star of the show. There are many wonderous things I’m sure he would love to see before the night ends, and I’m not the sort of lady to begrudge a man his sights.” She commented. Besides, the poor guy seemed to be tired. Or at least, that was what Ayuka had picked up on. Not that she was going to comment to that effect. She had already showed a little bit too much of her hand for her liking when she had pulled Ainsley into a hug seemingly out of nowhere. And then there was a moment when she spied the other woman glancing around as if to make sure the coast was clear - an admittedly endearing gesture. “That’s very sweet of you. I’m sure your brother is going to love the website, and I am certainly going to check it out when I get home. I would love to redecorate certain parts of my home. It has been on my list of things to accomplish for ages, and with 2018 up and coming, I figure now is the best time.” She much preferred to support local artists anyway, as opposed to purchasing prints of classics or going abroad.

“Oh! You will have to give me your business card or actually…” She pulled open her clutch and rifled around inside for a moment before producing a pen and one of her own business cards. She flipped the thing over and after clicking the pen, scrawled hikettleimpot@gmail.com before handing the thing over. “My personal email. I would absolutely love to get some personalized cards. It’s a little bit late for Christmas, but I send cards year-round. You don’t happen to have bulk deals do you?” She asked with a chuckle. Though she wasn’t serious. In that sort of business, chances were that Ainsley needed every cent she could get. And if the prices were not high enough, gratuity was certainly an option. She replaced the pen and snapped her purse shut.

“Wyatt?” She asked, glancing up. And it was right at that moment, before she could even answer the rest of the question, that the sound system seemed to come back on, and then there were people breaking into dance. Ballet. She recognized the Nutcracker almost immediately, and gently dragged Ainsley out of the way, when someone rushed right by them to join the dance troupe. By the end, Ayuka had her clutch tucked under one arm and was clapping. “Yes. It looks like Bancroft has any manner of things up his sleeve for tonight. I’m surprised he was able to put everything together. He’s a very busy man. Especially being the mayor here in Harper Rock. When he was elected, the Prime Minister had just given the mayor’s title more power. Emergency authority. Except with the crime rate, vampires, and zombies, the emergency never went away. So he has a lot of political influence, but that also means he has a lot of responsibility. Many he must answer to and answer for.” She glanced into Ainsley’s eyes once more.

Yes, Ayuka knew him. It was her job to know him. To know basically all of the key political figures in Harper Rock.

And that was when she caught sight of a familiar redhead re-entering the room. “Oh, I have someone you simply must meet.” She said, giving Ainsley’s arm a little squeeze. It was an invitation though not a demand to follow her as she pressed across the floor towards Amalea.

“Everything alright?” She asked of the woman when she approached, her hand lifting so she could carefully use the crook of her thumb to wipe away what looked to be a drop of blood hidden nearly against Lea’s hairline before anyone could take note of it. “Oh. And I really do think it’s time that we invade that room with all of the picture props in it.”

It was at this point, as she turned in the direction of the aforementioned room, that she realized her path was blocked by what appeared to be an actual wall of muscle in the shape of a man. She had to glance up to see the gesture of his finger lifting the brim of a hat. "Holiday Greetings. I'm Ayuka Mori, and it's a pleasure to meet you." She offered, her hand snaking out to reveal her red and black painted nails. The same pale woman from before, the one she had taken note of taking pictures, was there as well. "A fan of Hebigumo's technologies then?" She questioned.

[Blaize]

Blaize had been approached a couple of months ago by someone form the Mayor’s office regarding a performance on Christmas Eve. A ballet performance – the Nutcracker, of course. Why would it be anything else? News of Blaize’s success overseas, his fame as one of the leading ballet dancers of the Western hemisphere had preceded him. Though they often asked why the hell he was still in Harper Rock, he never did answer that question. Home, he could claim, and would claim, but it had more to do with vampirism. It was easier to handle in the place where it all began. And he certainly didn’t want to die a permanent death.

Though Blaize Munroe thought that perhaps a Mayor’s Christmas concert was beneath him, he knew that it would be good for his company; they could show off what they could do. Although he was a hard-***, and although many would accuse Blaize of being selfish and self-involved, he knew that most in his classes would kill to dance the Mayor’s Christmas concert.

He’d not intended to play the Nutcracker himself, but one week before the performance his lead male dancer got into a car accident and broke his arm. The nutcracker certainly couldn’t have a broken arm, and good male dancers were a rarity. Blaize stepped up to the plate.

The snowflakes all rushed backstage in a flurry of activity, though the hustle and bustle of the ballerinas was nothing compared to the hubbub Blaize could hear coming from the other parts of the building. It sounded like one hell of a party out there, though he had no regrets that he was backstage and not a part of the festivities. He could no longer drink – what point would there be?

The dancers rushed to and fro; there were the trained professionals, of course, whom Blaize had plucked from his own classes and some whom he had pulled in from out of state. There were the children, too; the best of the best from his younger groups. He acted like he hated them, and they all terrified of him; it was a good thing. Those who could handle his attitude were the ones who would survive the harsh world of ballet dancing. Those who could not… well, they could go tap dance, for all he cared.

Those he’d selected to be a part of this performance were better than the rest, and he knew they would go far in life. He was proud of them, even smiled at them all as they waltzed past dressed for their parts. Blaize himself was dressed in creamy white tights that left zero to the imagination, and the nutcracker’s military uniform. He’d have to put on the oversized mask, eventually, but for now he wanted to be able to see. The performance started and he stood side of stage, making sure it all went smoothly. Aleksandra was with him, of course; he had his arm around her waist, his face nuzzled against her neck.

”Will we go out to the party once I’m finished, or would you prefer we go home…?” he asked, straightening.

[Aleksandra]

+ wearing +

Trailing her fingers through her hair, Aleksandra tipped her head back as she gazed at the expansive theatre, lower lip tugged thoughtfully between her teeth. Christmas had always been an enjoyable holiday for the Australian, but she had never put much effort into the festivities. December nights had been spent in the solitude of her home, her father at her side, regaling her with tales of her mother while they argued over which style of decorations to use that year. When Christmas did finally approach, she was often tucked within the comfort of her worn-down chair, her fingers shaking as she unwrapped the lone gift her father had always given her. He never spent a dime on her, each gift something chosen from a hidden chest that her mother had left behind. One year, it was a dress; the next, a necklace.

This year, she would go without. There would be no gift carefully wrapped in familiar reindeer paper, no story of her mother’s antics. No, this year, she was an orphan. It wasn’t a thought that she liked to dwell on, and so, the second it entered her mind – she chose to focus on a flicker of light off to the right of the stage. She had to remember why she was here, and who had brought her. While she had told herself this year would be spent in solitude in their apartment, she found herself standing in the mayor’s theatre, her eyes wide as they danced from one object to the next. Somewhere outside the doors, someone laughed, though the sound was almost drowned beneath the dull roar of the party.

She had never thought she’d be in a situation like this.

It wasn’t as though she had thought it would be an awful experience when Blaize had first approached her, but she hadn’t thought she’d enjoy it. They both knew how she handled public events, how her mind would become overwhelmed, how she could lose herself in the rise and fall of emotions – but, she also knew she would walk through fire for the man at her side, the very same man that was slowly driving her mad. As he nestled into her neck, his lips brushing against her skin, she felt that familiar electricity spark through her veins. He had that way about him, his personality – his very being – seeming to envelop her until she forgot why she was hurting to begin with. With a quiet smile, she finally turned her head, her lips brushing along his jaw as he moved to straighten, his height dwarfing her own. Slowly, she wound her arm around his side, slender fingers carefully twisting into his costume.

“That depends,” she spoke quietly, her eyes dancing with mischief as she gave the tights he wore a gentle tug. “Are you going to be parading around the ball in these, driving the women insane with your… physique?” Chuckling, she turned her attention from him to watch the stage for a moment, knowing that while his attention was on her for a moment – he wouldn’t miss a single move his dancers made. Slowly, she pulled her arm from him, her hands shaking as she brushed them across the soft material of her dress, the white a sharp contrast to the darkness they found themselves shrouded within. The movement was a nervous one, yet, it wasn’t so far out of the ordinary as to cause worry. It was clear in the softness of her smile that she was enjoying herself.

In the end, all it took was to be by his side.

[Ripper]

Just then his cell phone went off with a full back log of unread texts and messages. “Wait a second, that’s not right.” the Killer mused to himself. “Holy crap! Elle, I’ll be back; shut down the rides!” he shouts before turning sharply to depart and sets back towards the house in a dead run.

[Every]

This holiday season was certainly an interesting one. Every couldn't help but see it as her hazel eyes scanned the faces inside of the mansion. The woman hadn't failed to notice that Bancroft's presence was one that hadn't appeared, but it also made her wonder if his master were nearby. The lack of knowledge still continued to make her skeptical of the Mayor, but at least he was doing well in bringing people together. Species together, as well. Never did Every believe that she would be standing there conversing so easily with this many people before, nor as an open vampire. Given Ayuka's connections to the Hebigumo, it wasn't too difficult to put together that she was a siren as she tapped her fingertips against the champagne flute with her nails. That, too, was another thing that she never expected herself to be doing, especially as she'd always believed they were more to worry about with the demi-fae connection. At that moment, however, it dawned on her she was more comfortable near the siren and knew next to nothing about their host made her wonder.

"It's a brilliant idea." She said, taking in the mention of ways to making it safe. Every chuckled, folding her arms in front of her chest as she shifted her weight once more. The two began to talk about their holiday plans and she briefly faded into her thoughts. At least until she heard that she wasn't getting out of a visit, and then her hazel eyes turned towards the man. Her lips twitched into a small smile, "With the exception of a few friends who will be getting gifts, I'm afraid it's just Locryn and I this year with the dogs." Even so, she didn't know if her thrall had plans - it wouldn't surprise her if she was doing something, the woman tended to keep to herself on holidays. She thought she went and visited family at times. "A visit would be great. From both of you, even if not together." She added, smiling at Amalea. "I've been staying out at my cabin in the Solar Luna Ski Lodge with the weather being this way, the snow looks lovely up there, but I can make my way down if it'd be easier?"

Azraeth explained how he met Flynn, Every looking towards the human while she gave a nod of her head. It made sense, but she was glad to hear he was happy. "I have, you would have liked him, too." It'd been a game of chess, always trying to stay ahead of the other, but unable to find that winning move. "You should keep that connection, Az. They're hard to find again." The brunette's tone was soft as she said it, pushing lingering feeling aside. The sadness that had begun to creep into place had been shoved out of her emotions, there was a time and place, but this was not it. "I did feel that way about your idiot twin on some level, too. Even if we didn't stay together, he was a pretty good friend and I need to write him again, soon."

As Caligrace came back to them, Every gave her another gentle squeeze. She used telepathy to give the scatterbrained allurist a quick catch up. "You've still got a lot to learn about the troublemakers in this city, doll." She teased her friend, chuckling. She nodded at Flynn as the man returned, a smile playing across her lips once more as she heard the banter. At least he was able to keep up with Azraeth, and dish it back out. "What's this?" She snickered, clearly amused. Hazel eyes swept to the woman who returned with Flynn, someone who Every recognized from her time hunting the Pratt's and their connections. Tiamat. "Eve is fine." She added, after Azraeth introduced her. "To admit it or not..." She wondered as she listened to the greetings, but as Azraeth continued, she decided against it for now. "I've seen you around here and there." The sound of approaching footsteps had Every turn her head towards Faith, the weight of her gun suddenly a bit heavier on her thigh as she watched a few humans near by suddenly look uncomfortable and walk away from the group.

She didn't have the chance to respond, Faith was gone before she could open her mouth - not that the response as going to be too polite. Every was still mildly annoyed that her thrall had been hit, Locryn having never done anything to anyone past the vampiress herself at that point. Turning her head, the woman looked towards the open doors and frowned, listening carefully to the music and the like around them. Vaguely, there was a familiar shout and a roll of her eyes. At least they were close enough to the doors opening and closing that she was able to make out what was said. "What are they up to, now?" She wondered out loud. The woman glanced around for one of the men earlier that who had the guns stashed away. Focusing on one, Every reached out to the man's unfamiliar mind telepathically, her voice soft and not meant to cause a stir. It would be as if there were a conscious coming into play, "You might want to go out and check the rides."

As Amalea returned, Every gave the red head a warm smile. "Did you find your allergy medicine?" She asked, curiously, sending a telepathic that followed as if to add onto the conversation, "Did everything go well?"

Every | Another PC | Difficult | Reactionary/ Awareness | Ripper | overhear Ripper shouting | Succeeded

[Amalea]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tagged:
(Telepathy) Ayuka, Azraeth, Doc, Elizabeth, Every
(Spoken) Ayuka, Azraeth, Doc, Every, Flynn, Mordechai, Zodiac

Eyes swept over the ballroom to see what changes, if any, had taken place in her short absence. It seemed Elizabeth was still with Alaric even if the two seemed to have moved. The group she had left seemed to be intact. A quick message was sent in turn to Every and Azraeth. Mission accomplished. With any luck that might ruin a couple people’s nights. Humming to herself, she continued to look around noting that Ariadne and Judah had wandered away from the now-gone Yule Log; it was a sensible move. Ripper still seemed to be missing as was Noelle now that she had more than a quick glance about. It was still suspicious to her. Ayuka was still with the woman she had seen her with her with earlier; she was happy to note that nothing seemed amiss.

She was delighted to spy Doc lurking near the entrance. Now that she knew he wasn’t otherwise engaged, she’d let him know in person that she’d returned in one piece and explain things a bit better. She had left a bit abruptly with the barest of explanations, even if he had gotten more than most of the others. A single step in his direction was as far as she had gotten before the sound system returned to what was likely normal and the dancers sprung to life. She had to take a couple steps to get out of the way of a very determined ballerina. It was hard to take it all in between the aerial artists and those floor bound. Still, it was a very good show, though she didn’t recognize the music nor the dance. She knew it was ballet, of course, but not which show the scene was from; she was attempted to attend the full performance to find out. However, her course was already set; if she got a chance, perhaps she’d poke her head in later.

The appearance of Ayuka had been unexpected; the red-head hadn’t exactly been paying as much attention to her surroundings as she should have been. ”Everything’s good. I just needed a moment.” She froze slightly as the Asian seemed to wipe something from her face. ****. She’d forgotten to check her own appearance before returned. Mentally, she crossed her fingers hoping nothing else was amiss; though if the woman hadn’t mentioned it she was likely fine otherwise. She mouthed a silent ‘Thank you’ to her savior before giving her a smile. ”That sounds like a lovely idea. There’s so much to do and such limited time for it.”

She had gestured for the woman to lead on before realizing that they weren’t about to go too far. Mordechai made a pretty effective roadblock due to his stature. A slight raise of her brow was the only indication that she had sensed his displeasure of her companion. ”Evening, Mordechai,” she greeted the man cordially, though she was alert to any dangers. The addition of Zodiac to the group elicited an imperceptible twitch from the human. They had fought once in a tournament a couple years ago and she wasn’t certain the woman had ever forgiven her for winning. ”Zodiac.” She’d at least acknowledge the woman; it was only polite.

Knowing Ayuka would be safe for a couple minutes, the red-head leaned forward to whisper in the woman’s ear in a move that mimicked the one she had used earlier, ”I’ll be right back.” Telepathically, she added Need to let a couple people know I’m still in one piece. She nodded politely to the others before heading over to Azraeth and that group.

She smiled at Every’s question, thankful the woman seamlessly provided an explanation for her absence. ”I did. They’ve already started kicking in, so no potential red raccoon eyes.” If she hadn’t already been smiling, then the mental message from the woman would have done the trick, Aside from the little ******** trying to break out, absolutely. I’m waiting for the show to start. Glancing between Every, Azraeth and Flynn, she grinned . ”They have a photo booth type thing set up. I think you guys should join us for a group photo.” She smiled ever so sweetly, ”But for the moment, I think I’m going to go rescue Doc. But as soon as Ayuka is done with that pair, we’ll head over.”

She weaved through the crowd until she came up beside Doc, giving him a small smile. ”I figured I’d come say hi.” And let you know I was fine after that last message, she continued mentally. ”Roses are the devil,” she sighed softly, ”I didn’t plan on having mass quantities of them to contend with this evening or I would have taken everything beforehand.” Well, it was that or she just wouldn’t have attended; it was hard to say which at this point. I might have also taken a minute or two to fix a security oversight. There was that sweet smile again, ”One of the earliest things the elves set up was a photo room. Ayuka would like to go there after she’s done with that pair. And I’d love a group photo, if everyone’s willing” It was a half question, half statement; she wasn’t about to twist his arm into something he didn’t want to do. Lowering her voice, she commented, ”She might be someone to become acquainted with for your campaign.”

She let him stew on that as she lightly touched Elizabeth’s mind, Heading to the photo room that’s been set up once Ayuka is done with Mord and Zodiac. I’d love a group photo, if you’re willing?