Samhain Ball Redux - Second Star to the Right

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Something flits through the skies of the Nexus, bobbing and swooping only to climb again, an ecstatic aerial dance. At last, mirth of the moment giving way to some other whim, the flying figure drifts groundward, turning and drifting like a falling leaf until his feet, clad in pointed-toed green suede moccasins alight. Forest green tights hug lean legs all the way up to a bright green tunic, belted with rich brown leather and a bright brass buckle. On his left hip hang a set of pan pipes; on his right, a black-handled knife. An impish grin curls his lips, his eyes sparkle with the promise of mischief, and a pert green cap sits atop his head, crowned by a lone red feather. Could this be the black-suited GQ cover model who makes himself ubiquitous in the better-traveled spaces of the Nexus? Could it be Schön?

It is. "People of the Nexus, friends, in the world from which I hail we stand on the cusp of a special day, a harvest-fest when the walls between worlds grow thin, when masks and costumes are worn to frighten away wicked spirits--or to invite them in on more congenial terms. Today we bid Summer adieu, and raise fire and song to meet the long night! Join me, for an evening to last a lifetime, and a farewell to a season well-loved." His hand rises, pointing to where two bright beacons blaze in the churn of the Nexus' heavens. "Second star to the right, and we'll keep on 'til morning!" Crowing with laughter, he soars for that distant point like an arrow, leaving a trail of sparkling, glittering motes of light for anyone interested to follow.

Perched on the border between the parklands and the residential district, the night sky is like a pillow of iridescent black velvet, on which have been scattered an embarrassment of diamonds. Like an enormous pumpkin, a harvest moon presides over the shimmering vista, orange and plump. The air is cool and crisp, punctuated by the crackling hiss of dry leaves in motion every time a breeze picks up.

At the center of it all sits a stately house of Gothic style, ivy-clad and waiting. A square tower stands vigil over the entryway, tall windows overlooking the flagstone drive looping around a fountain full of water as blue and bright as a tropical sea. In the fountain stands an island, and if one peers closely enough, one might imagine they see figures moving about--on the deck of the tiny ship anchored in a cove, or swimming and splashing in a lagoon, or even creeping through the wooded interior. Of the house, the windows of the wings seem dark, perhaps waiting, but the line of the roof is limned with some glow from beyond, and the faint throb of distant music promises that the evening holds more than surfaces. The door stands open, a silent invitation to every brave soul who passes by.

((Happy Halloween! Enjoy the festivities, threadhopping is encouraged, tag back whenever you have time, and don't worry about missing out--we'll still be here when you get back.)) YouTube Playlist Visualosity Entrance Ballroom Banquet Bonfire Dark Corners

Comments

Entrance

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Inside the door, a checkered marble floor echoes under a vaulted ceiling painted with a fresco of a star-spangled sky. Staircases flank the far side of the room, rising to the second floor, but are roped off with velvet. A butler in a black domino mask stands waiting to greet new arrivals and direct them toward their area of interest.

To the left of the door, blocking the hallway into one wing of the house, stands a desk graced by a bell and card, and attended by a smiling individual in costume. The card reads, “Coat check, peace-bonds, safe storage. Management accepts responsibility for the safety of all items stored.”

To the right of the entrance, an unobstructed hallway is brightly lit, flanked by a sign which reads, “For our honored guests, costumes provided by local businesses. (Enchanted pieces as marked.)” Down the hall, doors stand open on rooms in which some of the Nexus’ purveyors of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and more wait to craft a costume for anyone who wants one but didn’t bring their own.

Straight ahead are light and sound, and the rail of a balcony that overlooks the ballroom, flanked on both sides with stairs descending to it.

[maydayqueen]

This is a costume party.

That must be why Frea is sporting frosted gray hair and a long white dress covered in webby lace. Even her crown is woven of thin vines, dark against her pale skin and sporting bunches of small bright berries. Not a hint of her usual florals, but all her usual charm. Nothing's dampened her bright smile, and all the brightly-colored passersby get appreciative looks that crinkle the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes while she scans the crowd, waiting. A smile can be all the color an outfit needs.

A lady shouldn't be at a ball alone. She's certain an escort or two will show up for her soon.

A faint strain of music provides an undercurrent to the hum of conversation and percussion of footsteps. It's a melody that has her swaying in place.

She will be dancing soon.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"Ah! My lady," the host gasps, touching down on a toe-tip to bow, a hand extended to take one of hers, if she cares to offer it. "Welcome, welcome. I do hope this evening shall be all that you could wish."

[maydayqueen]

He can borrow her hand, but she's no Darling of his to be flitted off to a land of eternal youth. Nor should he tempt her with such things, tonight of all nights. Still, she smiles and closes a hand around his in a friendly squeeze.

"Peter, you're looking particularly... tall, tonight," she teases. The flicker in her smile while she answers is brief. "Everything looks wonderful, the perfect way to end the season."

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Such offers are for someone more gauche than he.

"Well, I treated myself to a birthday this year," he quips, "perhaps that's it." He bows over her hand, placing a light, courtly kiss on the back, before straightening. "I'm pleased you enjoy it. We strive to give the night and season their due--but you, I think, could give us all a few lessons."

[maydayqueen]

He's such a gentleman. The courtly kiss gets one of her delightful little giggles. "That must be. It suits you."

"Oh... my celebration is on the other side of the year. But, when the time comes..." When her hand is freed, she reaches up to tug playfully at the point of his cap. "Everything in its season and a season for everything."

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

The laugh of a charming companion is truly among the most precious of rewards. "When the time comes, then, I shall enjoy having this pleasure repeated." He glances up at the tug to his cap. "Oh, am I all disheveled?"

[oathstokeep]

The white hair does throw her off only for a moment. That smile can't be anyone else on earth. And if there was any remaining doubts uncleared, the little crown of berries and vine seal the deal.

"Hello," she smiles wide.

Brienne is ever stubborn and free to make her own decisions. This may or may not have been a strong suggestion from Frea.

[maydayqueen]

There's still a little honey in her hair and plenty of sweetness in her smile. She's changing by degrees. Catching sight of Brienne, Frea gives a happy squeal and practically launches herself into her gentle knight's arms for a hug. (It is far too cold out to be wearing so little; that must be why she's cool to the touch.)

"Hello! You look wonderful. So beautiful." Whatever Frea's influence over the outfit, Brienne's the one wearing it and making it look divine, so full credit where it's due.

[oathstokeep]

That smile is one that Brienne would recognize anywhere. It kindles her own to an even brighter shine. Her arms are open and ready to catch the bundle of energy in a dress. The sway of her own garments swish with the movement and Frea is scooped up for a whole turn. Thankfully the grand venue has the room!

Why she still gets pink in the cheeks is anyone's guess because the compliments have been so genuine and frequent. Brienne dips her head before taking another admiring look at Frea.

"And to say you are anything less than beautiful would be a lie," because her own beauty is undeniable. Who cares that they don't have masks or brilliant disguises.

[maydayqueen]

The spin chases a laugh out of her and Frea's not quite ready to be put down when it's over. Her arms keep close around Brienne even when her feet touch the ground again. Her skirt is all tangled around her legs now. It's fine.

That blush. Oh goodness. "I would never want to make a liar of you." But she won't always be beautiful. That's a trouble for later. A few hours, but still, later. "What do you want to do first tonight?"

[losthunter]

From his vantage point, Hunter has to smile slightly at Frea's swaying in place. He heads over, his tattooed-bare chest exposed with the satyr costume that he has chosen. The horns seem to match the vine-twisting of the tattoos that decorate his body.

"Now, you appear to be in need of another wild spirit." He laughs softly.

[maydayqueen]

Hunter gets a smile when he approaches. Her gaze drifts down, taking in the scars and tattoos a gentle sort of curiosity. His costume does certainly convey a sort of theme, along with the more permanent decorations.

"Oh, yes, always!" She laughs as well. "You volunteering?"

[losthunter]

Hunter is a little bit more comfortable with people studying his scars and tattoos these days, then before coming to the Nexus. He is not as afraid of any judgement from those around him.

"Of course I am." He offers her his arm.

[maydayqueen]

Her judgment is not cruel. The aesthetic is appealing to her, so she judges it all as quite nice.

The hand she tucks into the crook of his elbow is cool to the touch, but soft and gentle. "Perfect. How wild are you willing to get?"

He'd be wise to take a warning from the tone of her voice. She doesn't intend for anyone to get hurt, but, well... her idea of wild is pretty 'heart of the forest' type stuff.

[losthunter]

Hunter is enthralled by every sight and sound around him, as he enters the Samhain Ball.

Since tonight, the tattoo-covered man is wearing a Satyr costume, he does not need the safe storage offered at the desk.

The Satyr costume has been designed to incorporate the tattoos and markings that cover Hunter's upper body.

So he continued on, into the brightly lit hallway. He does not need the offered costumes, since he designed the one he is wearing right now.

He heads to the balcony, taking a vantage point where he can overlook the ballroom.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"Hunter!" the airborne host calls in delight, swooping down to join the young man at the railing. "How glad I am you made it! And looking well--you could pass in wild circles, indeed."

[losthunter]

Hunter flashes a bright smile when Schön swoops down, dressed in that amazing costume. "And you look as dashing as ever."

"Everything looks amazing."

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Pleased is Schön's grin. "Well, we do strive," he admits with modesty that is probably at least partially false. "I do hope you've been well? I fear I may have neglected you a little, of late."

[losthunter]

Hunter smiles again, with a slight blush covering his features.

"Did the joys of Neverland distract fair Pan?" Hunter chuckles lightly, teasing him slightly. "Besides, I must admit that my sculpture and a few art pieces have been occupying my mind and my passion recently."

"Tonight will be a good night to be out, among my friends."

[oathstokeep]

Modern dress, or rather, the dress selections of Nexus are so far removed from Westrosi high fashion that Brienne feels as though she is in a costume. The garment is not a dress because she is wearing trousers of some kind. The shoes are very agreeable. In fact the whole thing is one of the more comfortable pieces she has worn this side of nothing and armor.

Some things do not change, once she is among the throng, she has a hand at her waist where Oathkeeper would usually be. She scans the crowd looking for a familiar face.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"Dame Brienne!" the green-clad host greets the lady knight, in warm and friendly tones. "How good it is to have you grace us! Welcome!"

[oathstokeep]

"Ah," here's a familiar face! Though the absence of a cloak does change a thing or two. "Thank you. You are a most gracious host."

It has been some time since they have spoken! My. Brienne still feels that Schön is no person to be suspicious of. "This feast day is important to you?"

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"I'm honored you find me so." Brienne is a fairy's favorite sort of person--honest, forthright, and a terrible judge of character. Thankfully, among the fae, the first two can carry one far. Also thankfully, they keep meeting when the thin man is in generous spirits.

"Indeed. One of the most important in the year," he answers, nodding. "This is the night when the veil between the crude world of matter and the gossamer realms of spirits is at its very thinnest, when the doors open and all manner of wondrous dreams come true." Elated, he concludes, "it's a magical night."

[oathstokeep]

Honest and forthrightness have made her a valuable ally in her homeland. ...and a pawn. At least in Nexus there is not as much risk to her personal well-being among people and fae. Keeping friendly also never hurts.

"Oh," her eyes widen. And here she thought it was some kind of mummery. "Good spirits, I trust?" When there are many malevolent ones. For a moment her heart strings tug for dear ones lost to The Stranger.