Path of the Vampire forum

Noelle happily greeted the momentarily unbearded Santa with a kiss. “Well don’t you look awfully festive tonight. I might have to sit on Santa’s lap later and tell him what I want for Christmas.” She cheekily grinned at the man as she teased him. Eyes once again began to wander the room, taking in the beauty of the decorations. Everything looked absolutely wonderful. Her mind however was not focused on just the festivities, but on the guests, waiters and others that were working their way around. She noted who were carrying weapons, who looked like they could be hiding something, etc. Elle had become quite paranoid over the years. She didn’t trust anyone or anything. Other than a very select handful.

The blonde had been about to ask Santa what his plans were for the evening, whether he wanted to mingle, talk to a select few, or hang back and watch. However, she had been interrupted before she could even open her mouth, by a very lovely lady whom she’d seen countless times at her sister’s place. Violet eyes rolled slightly as she let out a soft chuckle. “You caught us.” Tiamat’s dress, while beautiful was pretty revealing for an event such as this. At least that’s what she was thinking. Maybe she was wrong? This wasn’t the sort of party she would normally attend...not that she typically attended many parties at all. “You look lovely, this evening. Surprised to see you here. Didn’t think this would be your sort of thing.”

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Although she was a shadow, she didn't mind group gatherings such as these as long as she could get away from people for a day or two afterwards. She knew there were times to turn on her charm and when to smile, when to laugh. Social queues weren't lost on the vampire, even if she didn't get out from underneath her cars or out of her studio often. She'd learned quick that connections were important to have and always beneficial - no matter what species one was. And with Harper Rock in the middle of a rising conflict where human and vampire relationships were the main focus, it wouldn't hurt for her to try and build some, specifically in her own favor. She still struggled with vampires being out of the masquerade, but with her flute kept close to her body, she reminded herself that everything happened for a reason.

As the councilman approached her, Every smiled and set her hand against his forearm as she was greeted. It didn't escape her mind that one Emilee Marshall was likely very pleased at her mannerisms for the night. Then again, she supposed the woman was also bitching her out because she wasn't spending time with family for the holiday. Oh well. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir." She said, speaking with a polite chime of her tone. It was similar to what she supposed one would call a customer service voice - something that she didn't even recognize to be her own. It was lighter, more carefree, than her usual way of speaking. The conversation didn't last long as it seemed he had rounds to make, Every taking a sip of the blood and remaining mindful not to stain her dress. She was actually fond of the ivory satin and knew it'd be a ***** to get anything out of it.

There were more faces that she recognized now as she turned: Doc and Elizabeth were given a smile, Jesse and Clover a nod. She recognized the tall vampire whom she'd seen in the last townhall meeting, his name one that had escaped her. Every continued to mingle for the time being, not moving very far as she shifted her weight from one foot to another. The sharp sound of heels against the hardwood had her turning once more, surprised to see the woman that had been speaking to Amalea near, the blood thief following behind. "Thank you, Happy Holidays. How are you doing this evening?" She questioned, extending her own hand and giving it a firm shake, a polite smile crossing her lips, her hazel gaze moving to Amalea as she joined. The compliment caused the smile to shift to something more genuine as she chuckled, "Thanks. It's a bit more daring than my usual style, but I decided it wouldn't hurt to give something else a try."

It didn't surprise her that the unknown woman gestured for Doc and his date to join them, Every seeming to space out for a moment as glitter began to fall - she looked up to see the source of it before feeling a few pieces brush her cheek. Her hand went up and she set it aside, listening to the conversation at hand. "Have you been in the city long, Ms. Mori?" Every asked, catching the woman's name and her career title. Was she a siren? What was the angle that this woman had to be there past liasion? The thoughts remained in Every's mind as she then looked to the older man, "It's good to see you, Dr. Nelson." A small curve of her lips upwards indicated it'd been a while since she'd called him as much.

The mistletoe appearing had Every taking a step backwards. Out of this time of year, she generally avoided that like the plague. As kisses were exchanged, she mentally set away the name to do her own research later on. "You all look fantastic, if I do say so myself."

==========AUTOMATED POST==========

Ripper attempted to perceive something about Tiamat, but the attempt was a failure!

==========AUTOMATED POST==========

Ripper attempted to perceive something about Tiamat, but the attempt was a failure!

“Aren’t you going to introduce your friend?” The Killer usually fancied himself a veritable walking Who’s Who of the vampires and supernatural entities that dominated all in this small location; however part of the fun in the cataloging is that there were always new notes to be added and updates which could be made for a current revision. Some innate whispering alarm bell chimed in at the back of his head it was telling him it was somehow very relevant now to know all about this person who smoldered with untapped energy yet seemed so aloof and detached from how her striking appearance drew in the attention of those around him. Besides, how often was it that he ever met some one else new to him whom Noelle was already had been made previously acquainted with?

She could do this.

Ainsley repeated those words, or something similar as the woman climbed the steps to the mansion with a silver and gold wrapped gift in hands that held the gift tightly, as if it were some form of security line for the woman. When Ainsley looked down and saw that the wrapping on the paper was starting to get crinkled from the pressure of her hold, she silently scolded herself, released the strong hold and then laughed to herself.

She could do this.

One last prompt, before Ainsley headed inside to be...amazed. “So this is how the other half lives.” Ainsley said once she saw the glamour and glitz of all that was extravagant. Not that Ainsley was in any shape or form jealous-she loved the life she lived, even if it was tight some months. She loved her job, she loved being able to express her creativity in her card designs, and she smiled when Ainsley remembered that she had attached her own self-made greeting card to the present. Nothing like someone would find in a million dollar chain store, something that was unique and only said 'Merry Christmas' on the inside of the card.

Noticing the two trees with presents around them, Ainsley made her way there first to drop the present off to keep from further crushing the gift in case nerves settled in. Dealing with people wasn't what had her nervous, she had met her fair share of strangers in her co-owned store...it was more the time of the year and what it meant. Or what it didn't mean. But, a year had passed and Ainsley was doing better now. The woman was back to work full-time, she no longer lived in Bohan's apartment and she was starting to be social again. Proof was in the fact that she was here tonight.

Conservatively dressed, opting to go with something black-because green, red or blue seemed to harsh on her pale skin tone, Ainsley set the present next to the mounds of other presents and then graciously accepted a flute of wine with a “Thank you.” She took a large sip from the flute, before she moved on with a 'You can do this,' in her head.

Only, to be glanced at by an elf-who she assumed was part of the party, with an expectant look. Ainsley looked around with the glass of wine in her hand, once held high, moving it to her side as she saw quite a few glances in her direction. What did she just walk in on? The elf with the microphone came next to her and more or less goaded Ainsley into singing 'O holy night' with him. Which, as soon as Ainsley found her voice-which was average, very average, he seemed to stop singing and moved on. Pink splashed her cheeks as Ainsley realized she was suddenly singing solo for a few verses, the woman telling herself that it was the wine and not the fact she was stuck singing the first few words of the song by herself in a crowd of people she didn't know.

”Thank you. I didn’t want to go with a cliché red dress and I can’t really pull off most green dresses so went with something winter inspired. You look great, yourself.”

Doc inclined his head and smiled, his typical closed lipped smile, “Thank you.” He turned his attention Every, “Evee,” His gaze went up and down over her appreciatively before finally speaking, “I hope you are well?” While his attention and gaze was tuned on Every, he sent Amalea a telepathic thought. Outwardly, it would look as if he were doing nothing more than conversing with Every.

After the thought was sent to Amalea, he sent one to Lizzie. The sudden squawk of a megaphone squealed through the room, causing him to wince. As a vampire he had exceptional hearing, so the electronic high piercing noise caused him to wince. Turning his attention from Evee, to the speaker with the annoying megaphone, the smile that he had been wearing slowly died. He counted. This was a social occasion, and a very public one. He told himself he needed to keep his derisive thoughts to himself.

Singing. Singing of Christmas carols made it that much worse. Singing was bad enough. He could sing.. But only liked to sing, when -he- wanted to, not when some power hungry two bit wannabe actor taking on a holiday job dictated that he should. And to make matters worse, he didn’t know the words. So even if he did wish to sing, he couldn't. Holidays in his home growing up were occasions to avoid family, not associate with them. And avoidance meant one thing, avoid everyone and everything. So he stayed away and kept company with himself and only himself.. Except on the odd occasion when someone crossed his path, and after a few moments of unbridled violence, he found himself alone.. Again.

These were the thoughts that went through his mind, as the pronouncement that they would engage in caroling. Around him, he noted people smiling and enjoying themselves. Probably because the holidays gave them good memories. Unconsciously he straightened and braced himself, as though he were about to face his oldest and strongest foe. Putting on a brave face, he squeezed Lizzie and the relaxed, as though her presence gave him peace.

Her father had asked her to take his place for the evening. Truthfully, she felt he encouraged her to go to the Holiday Ball and linger amongst the politicians in hopes that she would eventually turn to practice government law rather than the family law that she'd come back home to work in. All in all, Aurelia hadn't many other things to do on Christmas Eve other than spend time with her parents and her sister, and while the von der Marck were a large family, she preferred to do everything a day before or after. The gifts she had purchased for the others had already been dropped off at their respected homes, her phone turned off for the evening as she refused to let her ex ruin her night. She'd forwarded the invitation to her new boss, Evangeline as well as Arielle, in case the women would want to join her, and gone searching through her closet in hopes that something would still fit.

It had taken her nearly a week and for her to go through a few boxes, but after a dry clean bill later, Aurelia had found a simple beige gown with a black lace detail that she'd worn to a friend's wedding that would do. Her blonde hair was thrown up into an intricate updo so that it would be out of her face and jewelry kept to a minimum. Despite her complaints, her father had hired a driver for the evening - one that would drop her off and pick her up upon a phone call in a luxury SUV that had her rolling her eyes upon the first sight of the vehicle. It was within the vehicle that she left her jacket before entering, carrying three christmas gift bags. One from the von der Marck family, one from her father's law firm, and one from Hart Psychiatric. They were simple gifts, but she'd chosen them carefully and hoped they would be enjoyed, nonetheless.

Turning to face the ballroom, she took in the decorations with a smile. The holidays were always her favorite part of the year. Winter, too. The familiar face of her family's Patriarch had Aurelia giving a soft chuckle, pleased to see him out and about without a gentle nudge here and there. The black heels that she wore made a soft click with each step that she took towards the elder, folding her arms behind her back as she smiled. "Enjoying yourself, Alaric?" She questioned, listening to the Christmas Carols as they started. It was a song that she knew well, the softness of the violin reminding her of time spent with her grandmother as she swayed lightly on her feet, singing along quietly.