Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Grayson Wyatt]

So there he was, in the cold, wearing a ridiculous (but festive) outfit, holding onto the family jewels, his teeth chattering. And it looked like he was about to get into a fight. Or at least, that seemed to be the offering the dark haired man was making, with the way those fists came up. Grayson just leveled a look upon him that said ‘you can’t be ******* serious right now’. Because he was freezing, and while a little combat was likely to help warm him up, he didn’t want to expend his energy in battle when it could better be spent in the pursuit of love rather than war. Which was why he just sort of shuffled closer. He uttered a grunt, his lips parting to exhale what might have been mist or steam. And then he just sort of shoved the man’s arms open so he could lean closer. “**** this weather, man. ****. This. Weather.”

He did not get really a chance to enjoy the chance at shared body heat though, because it seemed he was being addressed. Specifically, his name had become ‘fur thief’. What caught his attention though was the word ‘reparations’. His head whipped around at the phrase, and his eyes widened some. ****. had he torn the fur? He knew exactly how pricey those things could be, because his mother had been the type of woman to drape herself in them whenever possible. And he knew that repairing or replacing a fur could cost quite the pretty penny. Pennies that Gray frankly did not have.

He slowly backed away from Bohan, towards the fountain where he’d put down his tray of champagne. “No uh...no hablo Ingles.” He said. Of course, his accent more than gave him away. He had been born and raised in New York, and he sounded about as ‘American’ as they came. Besides. He had, only just moments before, addressed the woman in English. Oh well. He then glanced out to where the reindeer were apparently running free? Yeah. That was a good idea. He shot the pair of them a thumb’s up. And then he exercised his fight or flight in the best way possible. “Adios!” And then he just sort of turned and began to book it away from them at top speed. Well. Top speed for him. He was pretty quick on his feet for a human, due largely to high school athletics.

He figured if he could make it to the forest backing the property, he could get lost in there and then find his way back to the city streets. Then he just needed to turn up the next day to pick up his cheque. Yeah. Perfect plan. What could go wrong?

#outro#runningawayfromeireneswill#greatlifechoices#spinoff?

[Mortll]

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

Mortll had sent out texts and had talked to more people via Phone and her mind in the last few moments than she had all night. It was funny how you could be at a party and really not be there. She had no time to look for Amalea. There was a large Norse dude strolling through a mass of humans and vampires alike yelling her name at the top of his lungs. Mortll quickly went up to Luffy ." Hush Azraeth and Flynn are already on their way Amalea is here but I think we should let her enjoy the party... I will send her message and let her know what is going on. There is some freaky *** **** going on here tonight its been a experience " Mortll glanced back as the Paladin lost his cookies on the floor and the retreating back of the Giant . "I think Mordie has things under control here and I've got people meeting us. Ive got one little thing to take care of do you think you could meet me in Honeymead in 5 minutes Ill even give you a head start " She patted the Viking on the shoulder she gave the mass of the crowd a quick scan as she finaly spotted Amalea in the line to take photos With Doc and the Siren ... well at least she was with Doc she would be safe Mortll sent her thoughts toward the Woman ~ "We have trouble in Coastside ... Nothing that we cant handle unless you are really itching for a fight ... We are heading out now You stay and Enjoy the party Your new friend is Nice ... be wary of Nice darlin See you soon and ill let you know how this goes " ~ with that Mortll hooked her hand in Luffy's arm and walked out of the door and eyed his ride " I'm going to take a short walk and ill meet you in Honeymead ok " she walked down the drive until she got to the Edge of the property and slipped into some bushes by the fence as she disappeared reading the tome she had pulled from her clutch.

[Bohan]

Bohan missed something. In fact a lot. This wasn’t new for the artist. The signs were there for a couple scenarios and perhaps the cuff links in his pocket didn’t need to come off. All of this was apparent when the freezing elf had company arrive. The sound of expensive heels clarified really quick that the suit would stay neatly pressed a tad longer since he had to stand in line. A rather stunning, expensively maintained goddess appeared from the elements dripping in dead, high end weasel was reason enough in his book.

Fur thief was quickly added to the list of on the job skills the not so happy elf had going on. A smirk surfaced at the waiters reaction. What wasn’t there to enjoy about it all? The blonde entering with a sharp looking bite and a tune to her calling out caught Bohan’s attention as quickly as expected. Thievery? It seemed Rico Suave was aware enough of the accusation that he verbally hopped south of a few borders to defend himself. Clearly his previous efforts were a fail given the ice princess was still wearing the goods in question. Unless, of course, she happened to be in the habit of wearing multiple layers?

Just when Bohan opted to take the moment and distraction at hand to step to the side Speedy Gonzales took off like a kid after the piñata that was finally revealed. Well that simply wouldn’t do. The would be thief had to answer for his actions if for nothing else Bohan’s amusement. Which had been seriously lacking up until Sir Five Finger Discount stiffed him his drink back in the main house.

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t fire up Santa’s sleigh!”

Bohan was fueled by whatever the empty glass he set down had offered his system. It was a buzz to be sure as well as a little fire and boost to the limbs set into motion on active pursuit. If the frigid weather and the darkness he headed for was meant to be a deterrent it lacked what it would take to hold him back. The elf proved to be fast. Fast enough that it didn’t take long to have Bohan question his sense of direction while cutting through the icy air leaving plumes of mist in his wake.

[Elizabeth]

Her eyes scanned the crowds of people and saw that Alaric was no where to be seen. Since there was no ruckus, Elizabeth assumed he had made it outside right before, or right after she sent her telepathic message.

Alaric was safe.
Unless there were paladins outside. Why were they here? And how did Charles pinpoint them out? Were these the paladins that he had issues with in the past? Elizabeth frowned at that thought. Elizabeth decided she didn't want to find out why they were here. The Telepath finished her wine with an appreciative smile and 'thank you,' to the server, before she slipped off the chair and smoothed out her dress.

Her eyes wandered over to where Charles and Amalea were at when his thoughts entered into her mind. The cold wouldn't kill, or phase her. Besides, she could see if there were in fact, other paladins outside. Enjoy. I am on my way out. No hurry. Her thoughts reached out to Charles in response, as Elizabeth headed towards the door. Plus, she could kill two-or three birds, with one stone. Be ready to leave and see if Alaric was fine, and if there was any imminent threat outside.

"Leaving already?" An elf said as he made his way back in from the cold, the smell of nicotine wafting in after him. "Indeed. The event was nice, but it seem to be missing...something. Or someone." She said with a dip of her head, before continuing on her way out.

[Ainsley (DELETED 8973)]

While Ainsley had been distracted by the woman known as Aykua, it seemed as if she had missed...something. Her brother had seemed to retain two new 'friends.' Her eyes watched the three of them for a minute, then she blinked when Ainsley saw the unknown male bolt from the scene. It was interesting to say the least, but Bohan appeared to be no worse for the wear and the woman--the woman was stunning really. There were a lot of blondes in the world, but she seemed almost natural. Not a plastic barbie type with big boobs and tons of jewelry. Or there was the blonde with too much sun on their skin. She wasn't any of those either.

Ainsley turned her back and decided to give her brother the same privacy he had afforded her while she mingled and made some new 'friends.' Or, acquaintances at least. It was just enough time for Ainsley to finish the white wine she had ordered, and decide that she had done her part for the city this Christmas. Her gift had been delivered, she had made a snowman that may, or may not reside on the mayor's property for some time and made a few contacts. Well, one, but one was better than none. And, besides that, the party was just a full on can of weird. From talks about vampires, to that of spiders and whatever else. Ainsley was clearly out of her element.

She grabbed her phone and sent Bohan a text.

See you later. Stop by the apartment sometime this weekened?

xxx Ainsley

With that, a determined Ainsley was out the door and into an awaiting cab to go back home.

[Zodiac]

She began to notice more and more people starting to exit and leave the party. Her eyes did not find a hint of the Drider but that meant nothing. If she could cast one glamor, who was to say she could not cast another or disguise herself in someway. That was the hard part to work around. It had been her life’s experience when confronting someone with so many possibilities and no way to know what they could do or how they would react, you do not show all you yourself are capable of. ‘Keeping a couple Aces in the hole’ as her grandfather would say. Hence why the gypsy did not read the woman’s aura or engage in a telepathic conversation. Such things would have made finding her easier, but if the Drider was sensitive to such things then any chance of stealth would vanish.

She also knew Mordie would want to attempt any chance possible of confronting the Drider on more level terms, so she did not suggest that they pack it up and try again another day. After tonight security would step up around the woman and who knew when another chance like this would open up? Oh what had she gotten herself into? All the evidence her sibling had brought up was valid. Her kind was messing with some serious stuff that could hurt them all and they needed to be stopped. Screw anything the Admin said– this was common sense.

Common sense, that oh so rare flower that bloomed in too few people’s mental gardens. She had noticed a few barren gardens this evening. Some that had surprised even her. They had to be stopped but did that automatically equal killing them? If Mordechai got his chance, then it would possibly be all out war. What would be learned in that? One could only learn so much poking about the corpses of something she was not sure even existed until tonight. Her invitation was real and sincere. She would never allow violence or use the concept of a reading in her parlor to become a trap, but she doubted very much the invitation would be accepted now. Zodiac imagined she could feel the spirits of her ancestors thrashing about in their graves.

Such an opportunity– lost.

She could not blame Mordechai. Mordie was Mordie and if he had behaved any differently, she would have wondered what happened to the real Mordechai. Mortll and Tia as well, she supposed. Mort shared Mordie’s ideas of how things should be done and Tia? Well, Tia just liked to blow stuff up and watch it burn and revel in the chaos it would cause. Strange people at times, but they were family and one did not turn their backs on family.

She said none of this to Mordechai. Zodiac continued to hug his arm as her eyes keep checking for clues among those leaving for a hint of the Drider.

[Mordechai]

Lowering his head slowly, Mordechai softly rested his chin on the woman tucked to his side. Subtle acts of chaos were everywhere his eyes danced across the panorama before him. Diplomat he was not. Diplomats were the first steps of risk mitigation. The killer was the last step. Once his card was called, it meant the dance was over. A small smile graced his lips as he continued to scan the minds of those within the building. Many had left, but the prime players that concerned him, were all still within the spacious confines of the mansion walls. It continued to assist him in his endeavors, the reputation he had undeservedly earned within the city limits. None knew his old name, none had access to old records, none knew him from before, before the *****. His physical prowess had earned the reputation he used in setting the stage this night. The massive killer no longer had a chain of command, no longer had handlers, no longer had the assets of one of the worlds foremost information gathering nets at his disposal. Missions were now planned by a single mind, one that had been forged in the fires of combat and survival, the genius tactical mind of the one person that had never let him down. Never left him out to hang. Never used him as bait, never left him behind. His. So few knew of his treu capabilities. This was good. Gently squeezing he opened his mind to the silent drift of thoughts from one mind to another, not wanting to break the temporary peace he had found in this short moment of time, just outside a crowd, Zodiac tucked to his side. “I have reason to believe I would not fail, were I to embark on the course most seem to think I am set upon… but she is not the one I seek. She is no different than her many sisters who fell before chaos, or oiled my blade with their life blood. She is a cog, not the prime. She has purpose though. She can take back word that all are not cowed by siren might, nor have all fallen beneath the spell of their guile. They need to be slowed. I have yet to hear any credible source give credence to the propaganda that slips from the lips of their spokespeople as to the true purpose of why they have come to this city.. Their is only one resource offered by Harper Rock, that can not be found elsewhere in the world far easier, and far cheaper… Us. That the sirens have come here, pandering to the humans, can mean but one thing.” Slowly the killer inhaled, drawing the sent of the mystic deep within his lungs, the small growing as a sigh slowly escaped from deep within. "The paladins, more proof if it is needed, that we are unwanted on this misshapen globe. Sirens clearly have far more cognitive abilities, then the paladins before us, but as well that same shortcoming is the hunters greatest strength, they are too stupid to realize that in an asymmetrical war, they will lose either way. We will end them, or their government will end them when they end us.” Turning slightly to bring his eyes to hers a low rumbling sounded from deep in his chest. The words that rode that wave slipped directly into the mystics mind as one rough thumb traced the line of her jaw, “I fear for you”

[Zodiac]

She liked hearing him talk. Being a man of so few words it was rare that he elaborated on things. His voice had a soothing quality she quite enjoyed. What he was saying made sense. There is no way they (whoever ‘they’ truly were) would send their brightest and best out into a potential death trap like the party could have turned into. A scout made more sense. Gather intel, mark certain people, report the state of affairs she had observed.

And of course, the paladins were involved. Were they the masterminds? Hardly. Simply another disposable tool in the overall situation. Did they honestly think they would be allowed to continue if they actually won? Madmen with swords only had a purpose as long as it served the majority. The Knights Templar had the same problem. They were useful until their use was done, and then they were disposed of as well. “We thank you for your service, now here is your reward,” someone would say as they began shooting.

She blinked in surprise at his revelation. He feared for her? Actually the way she saw things, she feared for him. She had her own skill set that served her well in the game of survival. Being small and unassuming in stature and appearance had its advantages. Once the illusion was broken, she could hide in places many could not. She was fast and picked her battle grounds well when she could. The police when she was younger and still mortal had a hellava time catching her and on the occasion they did manage to nab her, they discovered holding her was a whole new game to play. She had been taught by experts.

In comparison, she could blend in and vanish where Mordechai was the proverbial elephant in the room. Only an idiot could miss hitting him if they tried. He was a tank and a damn dangerous one, but any heavy duty vehicle could break down under enough damage. Enough skilled people catching him in a crossfire ….

….and if these idiots got their wish and the Nexus became a one way trip to oblivion?

She didn’t want to think about that. She’d be lost without him. Not that she ever would admit that (in her view, it was the other way around.) Living or not, he was the closest thing she still had to ‘blood kin’ left in this world. She had lost so many before and after being turned. Outside of her few childers, he was it. She could not endure anymore losses like that.

She lifted her head and placed a soft kiss on the end of his nose. ”I love you too, Mordechai.” She whispered in his mind, then settled back down and continued to watch.

[Amalea]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Tagged:
(spoken) Ayuka, Doc, Every
(telepathic) Mortll

Her nose wrinkled at the thought of Every having to deal with Gideon at family functions or even just in general. ”I could totally endorse that action. Though not tonight.” She laughed softly knowing it was impossible anyway. ”While red is a lovely Christmas color, I don’t think his entrails would make great decorations.” Not to mention, she really didn’t see his guts at the current time. She nodded at the further comments regarding the paladins’ feelings for herself.

The fact that Ayuka leaned in to whisper in her ear was slightly telling; either the woman didn’t have telepathic abilities or she didn’t want to disclose them. She couldn’t really blame the siren, given the atmosphere. Somethings were best left hidden. A wise man had told her that once along with several other tidbits. The red-head couldn’t tell if the Asian was serious in her flirtations or if it was just in fun though in reality, it didn’t matter at the moment; time would tell and she’d take it a day at a time as there was so much they didn’t know about her people. Instead of a verbal reply, she gave the woman a soft smile indicating she liked that idea. Pulling a business card from a hidden pocket of her dress, she slipped it to the woman.

”I don’t disagree,” she commented lightly to Doc, turning towards him slightly. ”But I do also have to wonder if he… or his master … didn’t think it safe enough. Either due to the Longslade or the potential of whatever secrets they’re hiding getting out. Especially with the current mix of company that seems to be present.” She nodded in agreement with Every’s comment about the master not wanting to be found; it was similar to her own thoughts. Whatever the reason, she wasn’t fond of the fact that Bancroft didn’t make at least a token appearance. It gave the impression that he didn’t truly care about his citizens.

The message from Mortll wasn’t unexpected though its’ contents were. A request (or demand) to join the group in handling the issue was what she had been waiting for; it was interesting to be told she wasn’t needed and to enjoy the evening. Since she had been planning to do just that, especially since they were up next for photos, she had no issues with remaining at the party. While she was fairly confident they could handle things, she was just as sure Azraeth or one of the others would let her know if things became desperate. Good Luck.

Her lips quirked into a smile at the mention of Doc spending time with Elizabeth. In truth, she hadn’t been expecting them to stay this long given how crowded it had become early on. And the spider; couldn’t forget her, either. Shaking her head lightly, she turned to Every as she mentioned going with the Santa hat. ”It would work nicely with your dress as a splash of color. Maybe I’ll go with elf ears so you have a helper.” Looking through the props, she looked over her shoulder, ”Did we want to do a green screen photo or an instant print one?”

[Doc]

Doc looked at the group, “We could do both?” He waited for the rest of the group to decide, then gave Amalea a look and gestured with his head toward the photographer, “Let’s go get one of the two of us, while the group decides what they want..”

Looking at the photographer, “We are waiting on the group there,” He looked back over at Every, Spider Chick and etc., then back to the photographer, “But .. can we get a photo of the two of us first?”

“Sure buddy! Not a problemo. Why don't you and the little lady, stand there by the fireplace. We will do a real homey festive photo, you can use for Christmas cards next year, yea?” He pointed them toward the fireplace.

As Doc and Amalea were posing the photographer was snapping away. “Let me change cameras!” The photographer grabbed a second camera and took their photo. “Ok.. that will do it. I will need your contact information, for the high def SLR shots. But I can print you a quick copy right now.” He said as he plugged his camera into the computer setup. He scrolled through the shots. “Eyes closed, frowning.. Too stern.. Ok.. here we go.. This is a winner.” He sent the file to the photo printer.

While the rest of the group moved over by the green screen, Doc pulled out a business card, and a twenty. He handed them over to the Photographer. “Send them to my office address, and thank you.”

The photographer took the twenty, “Well Merry Christmas to you too! Thank you very much. I will indeed. I will send them right now.. while your group is getting situated..” The photographer motioned to one the Elves, “Josey.. Get this group situated in front of the green screen.”

Josey the Elf smiled. It was one of those ‘god this job sucks’ smiles, “Merry Christmas guys!” She said with obvious fake cheer, “How aboot we get you folks to stand here ay?” As she said it Doc and Amalea joined the rest of the group. “Where did you two come from ay? No.. You go in the back..” She pointed at Doc. “No.. in the back..” She “You go there.. And you.,..” Josey pointed, “THere..” She sighed. “No!.. Here.. Just.. Stop!” Josey took a deep breath.

Josey forced that fake smile once more. “How aboot we try that again ay? I will put you where you need to be..” She then manhandled Doc into the spot she wanted him, “Stay.” Before too long, Josey had him sandwiched between the four females. “Oiy! Steve.. We’re ready!”

The photographer stepped away from his computer, gave Doc a thumbs up, and then started taking photos. “Alrighty folks, I am going to take several shots. Everyone just relax and think happy thoughts! Think presents!” The photographer was clicking away, all the while Doc was wearing his stoic barely there smile. After a few too many takes, in Doc’s Point of view, they were finally done.

After Doc extricated himself from the women, he grabbed another biland gave it to the photographer, and the photographer gave him the insta-print of Amalea and he. “Send those to me as well.. Thanks..” He then sent Amalea a telepathic message ~I am out.. Be safe getting home.~ He lost no time exiting the Mayor’s home and heading for his car. A few minutes later, the car was pulled up front, to pick Lizzie up.