Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Mortll]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

WEARING
One thing Mortll knew about tonight it was all about being seen. It was supposed to be about the show. She really didn’t want it to be this much of a show. She looked at the Phone display one last time brilliant blue eyes with the elongated slits of a serpent the sign of a Dragomir stared back at her. They had been present more and more lately. She blamed it on being a emotional basket case …. Well as close to one as she could get. Just like winter though she felt the cold coming and god help Everwho that storm struck.

Well if they wanted a show Mortll was defiantly going to give it to them. Vampires were here to stay and they should really get used to seeing them. In her current state what she was, was easy to determine. The Limo pulled to the curb and she put away her phone and looked around to the other faces. They were all dressed in crisp waiter/ waitress suits with a purple rose attached to their lapel. Each of the 12 attendants were carrying trays laden with roses long stemmed red roses for the ladies and small smart clipped rose with attached pin for a gentleman’s lapel.

Mortll stepped out of the Limo Jane her thrall came to her side holding a huge rectangular piece of cardboard with a huge red bow on it. Mortll progressed inside with the 12 attendants trailing in line behind her their silver trays of roses fragrant and glimmering. Mortll approached the two large Christmas trees the piles of presents stacked high by now. She placed a small wrapped gift on the stack then pointed to a fairly bare spot and nodded. Jane set up a portable Tripod and placed the large sign sized Check with huge red bow that read. Pay to the order of the Mayors Children’s fund 100,000 Dollars signed by Mortll’s Home Inc and Dragons Lair restaurant.

She approved Janes handiwork of placing the check and then set her to directing the others into the party to mingle and give out the flowers as she looked around the party herself. Her eyes caught the familiar face of Amalea and a few that surrounded her she snagged a rose from a tray and headed towards the stunning blood thief.

[Flynn]

WEARING

The holidays had never been a deal to Flynn. Especially when it came to Christmas, which always seemed to be a favorite of those who took part in it. Even as a boy, he often spent the holidays alone while his mother was off working, trying to afford what little they had. Not that she didn't try, in some way, by coming home from her late night Christmas shift with a small gift in hand, unwrapped. But, the joy of the season. The festivities. They were all lost on the Paladin. In recent years, Liam had come to spend several days to a week with his older brother at some point during the month, providing a reason to celebrate in some way or another, but that was the extent of it. The holidays were, in essence, just another day on the calendar.

That was, until Azraeth came along.

It wasn't even just the holidays themselves that had the vampire practically humming with energy. As soon as the first of the month came, it was if he could barely contain himself, despite the fact that Christmas was three weeks away. Of course, after the underground fight tournament left him with several head wounds, he had managed to reveal a major reason for it; Flynn's birthday. Or Flynn Week, rather. In true Azraeth fashion, he had gone all out and totally cliché, in more ways than one. A couple of the gifts had been extravagant, a few were sweet, and then...there was the portrait. That was...tasteful. Sure, tasteful. And it was literally stuck to their wall. Actually...they would have to find a way to hide it before Liam came, because that was just...a little more of the vampire than the seven year old needed to see. And despite the fact that Flynn had been convinced it was too much, it was still the best birthday he'd ever had. Though, he knew that had a lot more to do with the man behind the gifts, rather than the gifts themselves.

Before the decision had been made that they would attend the large community ball being hosted by the mayor, his boyfriend had mentioned it in passing a time or two, but never clearly stated that he had thought they should go. For a short time, Flynn thought he might just escape a social gathering, where their Christmas Eve could be spent in front of the fire, just the two of them. Naturally, the vampire soon decided that they should, in fact, go. And the Paladin was terrible at telling him 'no.'

So, here he was, decked out in the blue suit Azreath had insisted he wear, staring at a large crowd and a grand display that reeked of ostentation. The human couldn't necessarily blame them for the grandeur of the whole thing, as it was no doubt an attempt to combat the overall negativity and unease of the city streets of the last couple of months. What better time to do that than the holidays, when spirits were generally on the rise, already? Regardless, the mood was light and full of the typical Christmas cheer, with plenty of smiles to go around. Except that the Paladin was fighting the urge to sigh, keeping his face as impassive as possible in the face of the mixed bunch. Gods, he hated crowds. Least of all, large ones. And this? This was even worse than the Black Tie event a month ago.

His eyes tracked his boyfriend as he moved off to the set of large trees, setting down the gift he had brought with them. Tucking his hands deep into his pockets, Flynn meander to the man's side and followed his lead in scanning the room, seeking out some of the faces that Azraeth was, no doubt, looking for. Thankfully, one such face was accompanied by fiery red hair, making her relatively easy to find. Nudging at the vampire with his elbow, he nodded in Amalea's direction. "Lea's over there with..." he paused, eyebrows furrowing as he attempted to recall the names of the two he had been introduced to only once before. "...the two that were with her at the event last month." Smooth, but at least he wasn't wrong. "Since, I'm sure she played a small part in your reason for coming tonight."

With a knowing smirk at the vampire, Flynn took the his hand and made off in that direction, only to cross paths with Mortll along the way to the woman in question. Falling in step beside her, he shot a sidelong glance at his faction leader and grinned. "Mortll. You look beautiful, tonight." he said in greeting, only coming to a stop once they reached the small group with Lea that seemed to be growing by the second.

[Doc]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Wine, she said. Lizzie wanted wine, and she then sauntered her cute little derrière off in search of it. So, contrary to what the singer might have thought.. no, not all eyes were on her. Doc’s eyes were firmly on Lizzie’s backside.

He let her get a few steps ahead of him, so he could enjoy the view. Her satin dress hugged her in a such an alluring manner. So the singer wasn’t ever given a second thought. His attention was wholly and completely on Elizabeth. Doc enjoyed the view immensely, but he couldn’t let her get too far away. He gave Amalea, Evee, and the Asian chick, what did she say her name was again, a roguish look with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows. He then brought two fingers up to blow a wolf whistle at Lizzie’s disappearing form.

Catching up to Lizzie was easier said than done, because the crowd seemed to throng the opposite way he was trying to go. In addition to the crowd, there was a sudden in flux of employees carrying things. He had to fight his way through push of people. So the distance between he and Lizzie lengthened. While he paused to let the line of servers he paused, he glanced to side in impatience, only to see Zodiac. He sent a telepathic thought Zodiac’s way. He didn’t wait for Zodiac’s eyes to find his, it would stand out too much, if noticed by others. So he returned to tracking Lizzie down.

By this time the singing had ceased, not that he even realized it, more to the point there was something being said about building snowmen. **** that ****. This was an Italian suit he was wearing, and he was sure some fuckwit would start a snowball fighting thinking it would be funny. No. He was not going to participant in that ‘event’ either. He was going to stay hell and gone from it.

Finally he met back up with Lizzie, his hand sliding about her waist, as he leaned to whisper in her ear, “I love the way this dress molds to your body..” He straightened and was wearing an affable smile. “I am surprised you left .. knowing .. what we know, and that it is with Amalea.” He paused to give her a look, “What are you thinking? And should I be worried?”

[Elizabeth]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

Even with the woman being half-human, half-spider, with everything appearing to check out, Elizabeth believed that Amalea was in 'good' hands. Or 'safe' hands. Hands that would not harm her in public, especially since she seemed to be very drawn to the redheaded woman.

Her thoughts had moved off of the woman with an impressive resume, to that of their host. Where was the mysterious Banecroft? Why were they not here? The mansion had been decorated to a degree that amazed everyone, his motives appeared genuine and for the good of the city, yet, where was the host? It made her frown for a moment, as she turned and made her way through the crowd of guests and staff that were making it difficult for anyone to really decline the idea of making snowmen outside as they rushed by with trays of supplies. Elizabeth slowed her walking pace so that it was easier to move around them, heading the opposite way of the suggested snowmen making. Nothing would get her outside in this dress and shoes to make a snowman tonight.

When she heard the whistle, Elizabeth turned to look back at Doc, to give pause and give him a wink, before moving towards a woman with a tray of gold coloured wine. She grabbed two, one for her and one for Doc, gave the woman an appreciative smile and then felt Doc at her backside. At his compliment, Elizabeth leaned into his frame more, then tipped her head to offer him one of the expensive looking wine goblets. “I thought you may, and that at times, may need a...needed distraction of sorts.” She commented about her dress, knowing Charles and social situations were not always easy for him. “The woman is fine...from what I can gather. The exception being what she is. But she seems to have an interest in Amalea, and Amalea is both strong and exceptionally smart. Perhaps it is best to let Amalea utilize her skills privately, to better get to know the woman and her...true intentions?” She suggested with a roll of her shoulders, before giving him a kiss on his cheek. “Besides, I am positive if need be, one of us two can get her out of a bind, should she find herself in one...” She turned to face him and placed her free gloved hand on his chest, to offer a form of reassurance. “We are not far away.” She said as her eyes wandered around the room again.

While Elizabeth did not personally know Bancroft, she had certainly seen images of him on the internet and the occasionally television ad. Elise liked to unwind by watching garbage on the television, and with that garbage came campaign commercials. No one in the room seemed to look like Banecroft. “Do you not find it peculiar that the host seems to be missing, yet the party keeps carrying on as if he were here?” She asked, taking a small sip of her wine.

[Zodiac]

As the singing went on, she flitted about in the crowd. Catching the attentions of guests with a smile and a parlor trick her grandfather had taught her as a child. One moment her half gloved hands were empty– the next moment business cards appeared and handed to the guests. All the while her ears straining to catch points of conversations around her. It was a good act and one she done many times before, so if one inquired ‘Who is that and what are they doing?’ the odds favored someone explaining.

“Her? She runs a shop in Honeymead. Always promoting herself. The girl is strange, but harmless. Thinks she can tell the future.”

Hiding in plain sight. It never failed.

She continued to promote while keeping an eye discreetly on the ‘spider woman’. She loved the outfit the woman wore. Personally she felt spider webs more suited All Hallows rather than Yule, but who was she to judge. Her own sense of fashion tended to raise eyebrows as well.

As she finished another round of passing out cards, the gypsy paused as a thought came to her mind from another.

” Asian female with Amalea.”

It was the Doctor’s mental voice. Odd he had not made eye contact with her first. A slow glance found him off to her left trying to follow Elizabeth through the crowd. ”Who the hell is this Amalea person?” she wondered as her gaze returned to the spider woman. She was snogging some red head under the mistletoe.

Suddenly an image filled her mind. Something else Doc had sent along. As it came into focus she gasped a bit. ”What in the hell have you been smoking, Doctor?” as it came into view. No, this was not a hallucination. The Doctor laked the imagination and humor to send along a prank. If he sent this, then somehow-someway– he felt this was real.

A Dryder? She knew what that was. She had played enough Dungeons and Dragons when she was younger to recognize the thing in the image he had sent. Half human, half spider things?

But dryders weren’t real.

Right?

”Shall I roll for initiative?” She sent the thought to Doc. She doubted he would understand the reference and she highly doubted Liz would be able to explain it to him either. She didn’t care. Her entire focus was on the woman again as ideas and concepts played out in her thoughts.

Spider people? Anything was possible. Ever since she could remember, her Nana had told her tales of such things actually being real. The Fae? Demonic monsters from a parallel plane of existence? Mooncalves and fadebeasts and actual demons fit that bill. Werewolves, vampires, sirens, dolphin people, the list went on. The tattered remains of journals and grimores from her ancestors swore they had seen and encountered such things in the past. Angels as well.

No one had mentioned anything like a dryder before, but that meant nothing. If the woman suddenly shapeshifted into the image Doc had sent her, she probably would not even blink. As much as her inner alarm was screaming in her head, another part of her wanted to meet this person. To talk, to learn of her kind. The gypsy could be the first to glance inside of a world no one ever considered before.

***

“You ask so many questions, Angel.” The older woman chuckled softly as she worked. “You cannot learn everything at once and none of us live long enough to learn it all.”

The mute girl pouted at her grandmother’s response.

“Besides, in your life you will find you are in the wrong spot to learn at times.” Nana continued. She saw the puzzled look on her grand daughter’s face, so she sat down and looked her directly in the eyes.

“Here, with us, you can learn anything you want. We all teach our skills to each other for the good of all. But out there,” she gestured to the horizon and the girl could just make out the shape of the town there. “You will learn little. Some will teach you because it is their job, but others will tell you nothing. You are the wrong color, the wrong sex, the wrong class of people, the wrong point of origin. Everyone has secrets and will not reveal them to ones different from them. You see the ones who come to me from out there. Asking, begging me, offering me money to teach them what I teach you, and I turn them away. The why they want to learn is all wrong. They want power, revenge, to make money, write a book.” She laughed.

“The why is why I refused to teach my own daughter these things, but when I laid eyes on you– I knew you would understand and use what I teach you for the right reasons. The ‘why’ within you would be right.”

The old woman opened her arms and took the girl into her embrace. “You will learn all you need and more in due time. But beware those different from you who say they will teach you things. Some may smile and demonstrate with one hand while the other aims a very sharp knife at your back.”

***

”Damn it, Nana. Did you always have to be so right about things?”

She leaned against one of the columns and sighed. She doubted the ‘dryder’ would be so willing to talk. A pity, actually. Absently her fingers began to pull out a cigarette, but she thought better of it. Too many heath freaks with a ton of ordnances surrounding her now. She replaced the pack into her clutch and pulled out her phone and began to snap pictures in a random pattern. Every second picture she would shift back to the Asian woman and zoom in. She also made a mental note to dig deeper into Asian mythology. Perhaps that was her point of origin.

She stopped taking pictures and began to check her gallery. Smiling as a couple of photos had come out quite clearly. The woman was quite striking, in her view and it made it hard to picture her with eight legs and fangs. It was kinda sexy in a way, provided one might survive the experience.

Her finger froze as she swiped another image into view. This one had a clear shot of the redhead standing with the ‘dryder’. As she looked closer at the screen, her eyes flashed red for a second as she made the connection.

”So that’s Amelia. THAT’S Amelia?” She was caught between laughing and growling now. She never had a name before but she knew that face. The perky little human had caused her some major embaressment a year or two back. Suddenly she was not sure who she should root for. Her smile grew as she recalled another bit of AD&D lore about dryders.

”Maybe she will invite you back to her room to be dinner. Bon apitie, Asian dryder woman whatever thing person.” She was laughing now.

Suddenly, her mood improved.

[Tiamat]

Joe was still standing near the tree when he spotted Zodiac against a pillar. He moved through the crowd, some whom simply stepped out of his way. He raised an eyebrow as the elves carried trays of snowman parts to the courtyard. He made it to Zodiac and smiled at her. “I wonder who they think is going to be ridiculous enough to come to a formal party and make snowmen in expensive clothing.” He began moving his hands in ASL “Also, the boss made absolutely certain we learned to sign. Probably for times like this.”

Joe continued to sign, albeit slowly, to her about everything that had occurred. He went to explain the finer points of Tiamat’s plan. He glanced about and spotted his master as she moved about the floor. He shook his head slowly before speaking. “The things that seem to put her in her element are strange indeed.”

Tiamat’s voice died down as the music stopped. She spotted Kaelyn standing a bit away. “Sorry you two, I’ll catch up with you later. There’s someone that must I just must speak with,” she told them as she glided from them. She politely dodged questions and photo requests as she wove her through the crowd. She canted her head slightly before speaking.

“Kaelyn dear, you look lovely tonight. I was going to call you after Christmas about changing…” she paused as she stared at the girl, “Are you okay dear? You look upset about something.” She ran her left fingers lightly down the girl’s cheek. “Come dear girl, it’s a celebration.”

[Meara]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

For musicians, the holidays were chock full of gigs, parties, and socials. She was booked nearly every day of December and the first two weeks of January, but Meara could not be happier. Not only was Christmas was her absolute favorite holiday because of the music, and the decorations, and the snow. But also because she loved to give presents, and the gift of music never got old. November whizzed by in a flurry of practice, late night composing sessions, auditions, and meetings. And it was paying off. Her business was starting to take off, and she had her hands full most days. Soon she would outgrow her home office and need to rent a space somewhere. But that would be handled after the busy season.

The mayor's office had contacted her a few weeks ago to provide the music for the city ball, and she happily obliged. As it was a great PR opportunity both for the business and vampires as well, Meara had offered to play alongside a quartet for a steep discount. She would make sure the performers got paid their fair cut out of her own pocket if necessary, plus anything that made it into a tip jar on the small table she had set up with fliers and business cards for any who were curious. She even had a little clipboard soliciting requests for holiday favorites from the crowd milling about.

Meara wanted the musicians she represented to get some of the limelight to themselves before she barged in. She had been watching quietly from the side for some time now, tucked in behind her quartet. The redhead didn't deliberately try to upstage other performers, but she had a tendency to lose herself in the music and performance. So they would take the first half, and then Meara would play with them supporting her later on.

When the elf attempted to lead those gathered in a carol, Meara stood up and quickly moved to conduct her group in providing accompaniment. As the singing wound down, the redhead stepped away to snag a glass of Riesling from the bar before wandering back to her station. In the time she had been gone, it seemed like a confetti canon went off. The train of Mea's dress cleared a trail behind where she walked while the fluttering dust sort of laid on her hair like snow would. She thought it very festive and it got her in the mood to pick up her instrument.

As she got her hook ups set up and retrieved her violin from its case, Meara spoke softly with her crew . "Okay lets start with the excerpts from the Nutcracker, followed by Hallelujah, What Child is This, and the opening to Gloria Chorus." She flashed her employees a warm smile before the five of them began to play the Trepak or Russian dance from the Nutcracker.

WEARING

[Kaelyn]

She didn’t have to worry about flagging Tiamat down. As soon as the woman had finished with her song, she had maneuvered her way over to Kaelyn. This instantly put her at a little bit of ease, however not completely. Eyes were still scanning the room, grasping for anything that could ground her and her stomach was in knots. And then Tia’s hand was on her face, stroking her cheek. She started blinking a few times. “I...uh what? What are we changing? I’m fine...just...social things aren’t big on my things I’m comfortable with list.” Teeth chewed at her bottom lip a little. “And I don’t know anyone hardly anyone other than Papi over there, but I have to stay away...crap he’s heading this direction. I don’t think he saw me.” She also noticed Elizabeth had started heading in this way too.

Kaelyn grabbed onto the female’s hand and started heading in another direction once again. He hadn’t noticed her so far, she didn’t think. And that was probably for the best. He didn’t need to be worried about her when he probably had five million other things on his plate tonight. “I need a drink and none of these stupid waiters will serve me.” She was being childish and all together unAri...ish. The curly haired blonde needed to pull herself together and at least act like she belonged here.

Once she had maneuvered through the crowd once more and was comfortable with her new spot, thinking it was far enough away from her Papi, she glanced back at Tia. “I didn’t know you could sing like that. It was absolutely...stunning. Do you perform regularly?” She assumed that the woman must, after watching her out on the floor.

[Amalea]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

”Thank you,” she smiled at Every, not having forgotten the woman’s presence in the last few chaotic moments. It seemed they kept running into each other at gatherings, not that she minded. They seemed to get along and it was always nice to see a friendly face. In truth, the blood thief enjoyed conversing with the woman.

A slight flinch was the only outward sign that the red-head hadn’t cared for the contents of Doc’s message; well, the visual part of it. She could have done without that image for quite some time. He was only saved from an immediate reply by the arrival of Liz’s own mental suggestion that she take Ayuka out to dinner. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know if the woman thought the Asian was truly her date.

The screech of the megaphone interrupted any conversation the red-head had planned. A slight grimace flashed across her face before it was buried deep. Dear god, she was turning into a Vulcan, wasn’t she? She didn’t mind Christmas music especially well-done variations on the traditional favorites. Oh Holy Night certainly wouldn’t have been her choice for a sing-along. For one, it was religious, favoring Christianity over others which wasn’t ideal for an all-inclusive holiday party. For two, it wasn’t an exceptionally well known song. Never mind that a sing along should be upbeat and festive. Deck the Halls or Jingle Bells would have been much better choices in her opinion.

She didn’t partake in the singing but rather turned her mind towards gently speaking into the minds of her current companions, each in turn. Outwardly, her eyes betrayed nothing as they scanned the gathered crowd. Her eyebrow raised a touch as her gaze fell on a woman she had seen at Voodoo. Unlike those nights where she tended to retreat into her books, tonight she seemed to be trying to make herself the center of attention with her antics. If it hadn’t been such a packed party with press around, the red-head would have shaken her head. Instead, she kept on before she was brought back to the group by Liz’s declaration of needing a drink. Amalea suspected it wasn’t a drink the woman was after but rather a distraction for her date given his subtle change in demeanor.

Laughter was held back as the English woman sauntered off in search of refreshments. That was certain to provide what the elder was after. A smile tugged at her lips at the look Doc shot the group before following after his date. The whistle was just the icing on the cake that caused the blood thief to giggle softly. They made a good couple; she was glad they had attended tonight. They deserved a nice evening out even if a large ball wasn’t an ideal date.

The parade of elves carrying trays through the ballroom and, if she had to guess, out into a courtyard or auxiliary room, drew her attention. She was curious on what they were setting up. A peek of carrot on one tray, a lump of coal on another all contributed to the building puzzle. It wasn’t until she got a glimpse of the snow-filled courtyard through one of the windows that the pieces fell into place. It had been years since she had built a snowman; it was a shame she, and really most of the other attendees, wasn’t dressed for such an activity. Her dress wasn’t the issue; she was sure that would dry eventually and her dry cleaner could take care of any water spots. It was the shoes that were her concern. Open shoes and snow didn’t mix. Not to mention she didn’t have the appropriate snowman-making attire of gloves and a scarf, at the very least. Perhaps later in the evening she’d be brave enough to try it anyway. It’d been far too long; she’d been 4 or 5 the first and last time she had made one.

She smelt the roses well before she saw them. The beginning of a headache was her indication that there were more than just a handful of blooms in the vicinity. That was just wonderful given she hadn’t expected there to be such flowers at the event as poinsettias and greenery were the traditional adornments for the season. She had taken her medication this morning, just in case, but there was a snowball’s chance in hell it’d work when faced with the onslaught that had descended upon the ball; especially since Mortll was bearing a stem headed towards her accompanied by the pair of males.

”Azraeth, Flynn, Mortll,” she greeted the trio as she took in the group. ”You all look fabulous.” It was true; the menfolk would have been beating off the ladies at any other event. The night was still young so the red-head wasn’t going to discount the possibility that such would occur later. Mortll’s dress was a bit more suited to spring rather than the holiday in her opinion, but to each their own; she still looked good in it. Wanting to include her Asian companion, she made the introductions, ”I’d like you to meet Ayuka Mori.” She’d leave it to the woman if she wanted to mention anything further.

[Noelle]

Noelle frowned for a brief moment at Ripper’s words. But he was right. There was a bad connotation with his name with many vampires around the city. If Ember were to join with them without having had the opportunity to venture into the world further...she may never get that opportunity. She didn’t want to take possible opportunities from the woman. A hand stroked gently over his ‘bearded’ cheek before lowering the white fluff once more to peck a kiss to his lips. “Of course, love. I’ll go see if she’d like some introductions. I see a few more that I’d like to introduce her to now, as well.” Quite a number of people had made their way to the party over the past little while. Opportunities abounded for the red head. Noelle gave him a grin and then was off on her way towards Ember. Tiamat had disappeared to do who knew what, so introductions would have to conclude at another time.

Walking up to Ember, Noelle gave her a sweet smile. “You look beautiful, tonight. I’m so happy to see you here.” The white haired lady leaned in to peck a kiss to each of her cheeks. “If you’d like, there are quite a few here that I could introduce you to.” If allowed, Noelle would start with those who were not as close to her and Ripper, making sure the girl had ample opportunity to branch out. Elizabeth and her….date, would be first. After that, maybe over towards Amalea, her sister Mortll, maybe even Jesse and the woman he was with. Couldn’t think of her name at the time being. Diversity was the key for now. Even if she wanted to just take her back with Ripper and introduce her to this life. She couldn’t be selfish.