The Samhain Ball - Come as You Aren't

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

A woman strides through the Nexus, garbed in royal finery of a distinctly Elizabethan style. In the crook of her arm, she carries an ebony scepter shod and capped in silver. There may be something familiar about her confident bearing, her angular features, her mismatched eyes. When she pauses to speak, the cadence of her words might spark recognition--is this Schön?!

"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 the wicked spirits--or to invite them in on more congenial terms. So on this day, I invite you, each and every one of you, to join me in a revel to bid farewell to Summer, and welcome with fire and song the coming dark! Join me, won't you?" Letting her gaze sweep the crowd, she raps the heel of her scepter once against something solid, vanishing in a flash and leaving a sparkling trail for the curious to follow.

A cool wind herds dry, crackling leaves through the gathering gloom. On the cusp between the parklands and the residential district, darkness and cloudy skies have been slowly coalescing for days around a stately house of Gothic style, ivy-encrusted and showing its age somewhat. A square tower stands vigil over the entryway, tall windows overlooking the flagstone drive looping around a fountain gone dry. The house’s angular wings stretch to either side, the windows dark save for occasional glints and gleams of colored lights bobbing within. A glow does creep over the line of the roof, however, and the faint throb of distant music hint at something happening behind the house. The door stands open, a silent invitation to every brave soul who passes by.

((Happy Halloween! Enjoy the festivities. All LOLs are optional. Threadhopping is encouraged. Backtagging is forever, so don’t worry about missing out: we’ll still be here when you get back from your more mundane ghosties and goblins.))

Playlist
Visualosity
The Entrance
The Ballroom
The Banquet
The Bonfire
The Corn Maze
Dark Corners
Costume Icon Requests
The Photo Booth

Comments

[conjuredskies]

Oho. Felix blinks at his first question, unsure for a second if he ought to be offended. Then he seems to refocus on Jim, gauging him anew as the man keeps talking and keeps smiling.

“Oh, I was fairly clear about what we were doing,” he assures Jim with just a hint of relief. The rest takes a moment’s thought to clear his head, and a sip of brandy to cloud it again loosen his tongue.

“I’m charming to people I like. Usually not... quite so much to more than one person in quick succession. You’re right that I like Verity, and I already owe her a dance at the very least. But I wasn’t planning to simply run off on you. Tell the truth, I hadn’t planned ahead very much at all.” He chuckles ruefully at himself. “Verity’s rather put me in my place as far as she’s concerned, and you seemed fascinating. I thought I’d find out just how fascinating. Well- that, and I was starting to wonder what your people consider flirting.”

[smartass_captain]

The fact that Felix isn't backpedaling or upset at all with this turn of events is one that makes Jim immensely relieved. Felix is in for a shock if he thinks Jim Kirk is how most people flirt later though.

"Yeah she likes dancing." And here's a fond chuckle for his adopted sister. He's so going to owe her for this later.

"Hmm. I could show you how fascinating I can be, but that probably depends on what you're interested in." It's difficult to tell if he's teasing or giving a serious offer but knowing Jim it's probably both anyway so trying to figure it out is a waste of time.

[conjuredskies]

This definitely isn't the way he foresaw things turning out. It's not worse, though. And backpedaling rarely makes a good impression. Better to roll with the dice you're given.

"I like what I’ve seen so far,” he says innocently. “You know- a daring space captain who’s both charming and curiously forward about these things. I'm rather interested in seeing more.” He flashes a grin. "Unless you were asking about the next ten minutes specifically."

[smartass_captain]

"The next ten minute specifically I was going to finish my drink and ask you to take me to dance." Jim gives Felix a grin. "You can lead, I know the steps both ways. Gotta make sure you're up to snuff before you take my sister out, right?"

Jim takes another sip if his champagne and leans over the table, voice dropping in volume.

"If you impress me enough I might be inclined to show you something nice, after."

[conjuredskies]

"Then I'd best act as if I know what I'm doing," he murmurs back. "You know, I haven't seen anyone here dance quite like they do back home. It should be an interesting experience."

He's not above making a fool of himself to amuse someone he likes, but he's aiming to do a little better.

[smartass_captain]

"You know one of the neat things about the fleet? They teach you formal dancing for the officers balls and diplomat charities and all the other schmoozing officers need to know how to do. I can show you some basic steps." Jim gives Felix a wink before finishing off his flute of champagne.

"You can show me yours too. I'm always up for learning new steps."

[conjuredskies]

"You are a gentleman after all," he laughs. "And I'm happy to show you our dances, although- let's say you're not exactly dressed for most of the fun parts."

The path of the Hawkskirt is one of sacrifice.

[smartass_captain]

"I'd argue that I'm dressed for the best kind of dancing, but not without causing a scene." There's no worry, Jim's not going to cause any embarrassing faux paus with Felix out there.

He will get up and sidle over to Felix's side of the table soon enough though, extending a hand to help the other up.

"Shall we?"

[conjuredskies]

"With pleasure." Felix takes the offered hand with a smile as they head for the ballroom. He'll certainly need Jim to coach him on the steps. But in his favor, he's adaptable and good at responding to his partner's movements.

[smartass_captain]

Good thing Jim's ready to lead the way.