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

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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."

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

Ballroom

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Light blazes from crystalline chandeliers, illuminating the heart of the celebration, a vast ballroom. From the overlook at the entryway, grand staircases carpeted in red velvet flank a stage (currently occupied by an energetic troupe of musicians). The side walls are paneled with mirrors, multiplying the sense of light and space, and transforming the room into an infinite swirl of bright costumes and lively steps. Even the infinity between two mirrors is not enough to contain the festivities, however; the wall opposite the stage is a set of windows over glass-paned French doors, thrown open this night to let the revelry spill out and onto the torchlit patio.

[brave_heart_verity]

Verity has learned a very important lesson in the past year: never, ever dare Schön to procure something.

Ever.

Since he found pixie dust, or something close enough thereto, Verity's been forced to honor the wager and come dressed as Tinkerbelle. Green dress, wings, and lots of glitter: she's either a fairy or an Edwardian stripper. Her dress is longer than most pixies would wear, but her hair is blonde and she's thinking happy thoughts. That's surely enough of a miracle.

There are some perks to being the Tinkerbelle to his Pan, though: finally, she can see over the crowds! And flying really is exactly as fun as she'd always thought it would be. All in all, it's worth having to go as a blonde (again), but don't tell her boss that.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Schön floats over the dance floor, an imp in green, somehow accompanied by a lady in white. How better to open the floor with the first dance of the evening?

Exposition Express!

[brave_heart_verity]

Now that she's got Clint in midair, Verity floats into the ballroom on her brother's arm. "You know," she remarks thoughtfully while they go, "we kinda match this year." Both in green, and her with glitter while he's got foil. Spooky how that worked out.

Not as spooky as the idea of dancing with an actual Doombot would be. She doesn't miss those. Right now, she doesn't miss much, because she's not thinking about it. Why worry about the past when there's such a lovely present? When they're somewhere over the dance floor she turns to him and holds out her hands. "One of these days, you're going to have to do this with someone who isn't your sister, you know. I hope you'll bring someone to the wedding."

[mosthonest]

Iago is more at home here in the ballroom than he has felt anywhere else in the Nexus. Though it's not quite of his time, there's something about all the baroque frippery that is comforting. In his world, Venetian art has yet another few centuries to reach trompe l'oeil perfection, but the halls of the powerful are still full of decoration (and celebrations) that are similar in their extravagance and obscene opulence.

He's in costume too. And happy to get into the spirit of the thing, for he loves a good masquerade both literally and figuratively. When Iago had first walked into the entrance and found the rooms piled high with clothes, he saw a few articles that were his idea of what a costume should be--paper mache masks that looked like Harlequin and Columbina; colorful but impractical cloaks and jerkins and hosiery... and then at the bottom of the pile in an elegant black box, as if misplaced or oddly waiting for him, a suit complete with shoes, cufflinks and a tie and pin. Now here's a real mask. And rather than pick up a paper face, he has merely shaved his own and given it a good wash.

With his sword and doublet stashed away, he looks quite a different man. Even if no one else may count him much disguised, he can enjoy it as his own little joke. Iago stands on the edge of the dance floor with a thoughtful look on his face like a man trying to deduce a foreign language.

While he may have studied much of their speech and casual manners, he's not accustomed to the music or dancing of these strangers. Ah well, he's a quick study. Through more observance or practice, he'll pick it up soon enough.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Schön has been very fortunate tonight, finding time amid his hosting duties to dance several times--this latest with the lovely and talented Brienne of Tarth. Having a measure of intuition that she may not have been well-treated at dances before, he doesn't try to make a spectacle of this dance, rather drawing her in on the edge as the music shifts from one song to another. There, amid whirling wonders, she can enjoy the moment without the burden of attention that makes her so self-conscious.

character plot ahoy

[maze_ofthorns]

After spending some time outside by the bonfire, Kendra heads inside, and follows the music until she reaches the ballroom. The light seems to dance against the autumn leaves of her costume.

For a moment, Kendra gets lost, just listening to the music. When she opens her eyes again, she spots someone familiar across the ballroom. Someone who she has a complicated history with.

With gliding footsteps, Kendra moves across the dance floor until she has reached him -- Hunter. Even though she is not wearing her heels, and there is no sound of her approach, Hunter still seems to sense her presence, and he turns to face her.

Kendra offers him her hand. And he nods, taking her to the dance floor for a song.

[Feel free to approach Kendra or Hunter. Responses come from the same writer -- but different accounts.]

[i_amgroot]

Groot is here! Groot is on the dance floor! Could your Samhain Ball experience possibly be complete without a dance with Groot? Say it ain't so, True Believer, and step right up!

Banquet

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

The dining hall of the old mansion was built to feast royalty. Long tables run the length of the room, the thick tablecloths barely seen beneath the array of dark and decadent morsels. Dishes full of every delicacy crowd the tables, offering everything from sweet and (un)savory finger-foods to the most elaborate desserts. Situated between the doors into the dining hall, a sleek bar offers almost any drink desired and regular displays of flair and showmanship. Smaller tables arranged to accommodate groups of varying sizes fill the rest of the room, lit with candles and firelight and the occasional twinkling fairy light. Servants circulate to clear away dishes and clean up as needed.

One table stands apart from the rest, bearing covered dishes marked with small signs. Each sign warns of the specific LOL the candies beneath that cover will bestow. Passing waitstaff check the table regularly to see that the covers are always replaced, and the signs remain present and legible.

What is it about this guy and foil costumes?

[aw_hawkguy]

Clint has already followed his nose to the feast, and is loading up a plate. After last year's Ultron costume, it seems he's got a theme: a green terrycloth bathrobe with tinfoil mask and hand-wraps--he's Doctor Doom (casual Friday edition)! "Tremble, potato salad," he warns no one in particular, "for Doom is at hand!"

Plus one bard.

[kitty_of_light]

A catte is here, perusing the food.

His icons don't show it, but he is dressed in a Very Dapper Manner Indeed. A black suit - jacket with jutting red-lined lapels and quite long matching tails in the back, neatly and crisply-pressed pants, shiny shiny pointy-toed shoes, a white shirt and brilliant orange tie. Fangs can be noticed when he grins (and they're even real!), and his hair, dyed jet black, is swept up into a stiff and pompous bun at the back of his head. And oh, are those little fluttering bat wings on the back of his jacket?

Yes, C'taqa is a vampire. Cliche, but he pulls it off well.

He is very interested in the food, but...if anyone's observing him, he's avoiding the drinks. He looks very leery every time he even glances at them.

[slayers_desire]

There is a small commotion at one end of the table, where April and her three children arrive to fill their plates. April is dressed as Mortica Addams, complete with a long black wig covering her normal blonde locks. It seems to work quite well with her normal pale appearance.

Her three children are dressed to match the costume theme. The oldest, Jonathan, age 7, is dressed as Pugsley. Her daughter, Laura, age 5, is dressed as Wednesday, with a braided black wig covering her normal blonde hair. And her youngest, Wil, age 3, is dressed as Pubert. Her husband has joined yet, but April does not appear to be worried.

But there is another man accompanying the family. And he has a very convincing Billy Idol costume on. He is helping her get plates prepared for herself and the children, since Wil seems to be cuddling tight to his mother right now.

Bonfire

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

The dance floor technically ends at the edge of the patio, but the garden beyond is softly lit and several paths invite exploration into its secret romantic corners. One path leads toward a flickering light of many changing colors; at the end is a rainbow bonfire. Cushions and blankets surround the fire at a safe distance, inviting conversation or cuddling. A table to one side provides drinks and everything needed to make s’mores.

[maze_ofthorns]

There is a young woman, dressed as an autumn fairy, who is very attracted to the rainbow bonfire. She approaches, and hovers right along the edges of the bonfire, watching the flames intently.

Her dress seems to be made of actual leaves and twigs, that hug her body tightly. The leaf crown is entwined with her long blonde hair. There are two half-circular tattoos around her eyes, each one has a piercing at the very top of the marking, and the bottom has sparkly glitter that highlight her cheekbones. Her makeup is dark, giving her a slight racoon-look around the eyes. But there are hints of gold glitter on her eyelids, that brighten her deep green eyes.

The leaf wings worn on her back seem to be attached to her shoulder-blades, instead of a harness. They too seemed to be made of actual leaves and twigs.

There is an air of mystery and magic about her.

[thepizzalord]

You will probably never find a bigger fan of fire than Harry Dresden, nor a bigger fan of s'mores. The wizard is dressed as a Jedi Knight - specifically Obi-Wan Kenobi, if anyone asks - because he is also a massive nerd and not ashamed to admit it.

It's also his birthday today, so if he makes a few s'mores without the graham crackers and marshmallows, well, no one can call him out on it, right?

Dark Corners

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

It’s Samhain, and a party in a big, old house. There are plenty of out-of-the-way places to have a quiet assignation, lurk and watch, or snark with the like-minded. Whether a secluded grotto in the gardens, a shady doorway off the ballroom, a corner of the dining hall, or a forbidden room in the roped-off upstairs, this is the catch-all for those who want a breath away from the crowd.

[twelve_not_fourteen]

It might have something to do with the fact that Han never really spent a lot of his lifetime in houses of any kind, but he wouldn't classify this place as such. This place reminds him more of the mansions on the southern continent of his homeworld. The dwelling is grand, luxurious and classy - so it's no wonder that he feels as if he doesn't belong.

He spends a little time in the garden where there are enough people out mingling in the cool autumn evening that he doesn't stick out. Some of the finer aspects of what it takes to grow a walk-through garden he's now aware of in a way that he hadn't been last cycle, but he's still hardly an expert. His tall boots crunch along through the well-groomed path. Robust hedges and trees make it easy for him to slink around unnoticed by most everyone.

When Captain Solo has had his fill of nature, he heads to the rear of the home and hops over a railing that will take him to a less used part of the place. A narrow, lightly decorated servant's hallway that connects the entertaining rooms to utility rooms.

He has not come in costume. He's not even dressed all that different than usual, although, he's opted for the pieces in his wardrobe that he'd wear around cloud city over the one's he'd put on in the den of some hut. When he does run into someone working the party, he flashes a charming smile and offers a meek apology. He wanders briefly in the direction they guide him till they disappear and then he's back to roaming wherever he damn well feels like it.

He stops in a few of the more opulent rooms when he finds them. Wealth is defined differently by everyone, but there are a few constants. He finds himself trying to estimate the worth of some of the valuables.

At some point, he helps himself to a drink of something bubbly and alcoholic, when a server rushes by him with a heavy looking tray full of them. He then settles in a location on the second floor somewhere. He can look down that way, leaning on the railing as he does so.

With his drink still in hand, he'll watch most of the people celebrating without them watching him back.

Shinki are very good at hiding.

[hafuri_shinki]

Being very used to lurking, it's only natural Kazuma is lurking about in one of those dark corners.

He's in the gardens, wandering calmly amidst the plants there. He pauses before a bush of fragrant roses and leans in to sniff gently, nodding his approval at the scent before continuing on. This is really a wonderful place; he's glad he had the time to stop by.

Now if only he could have brought his lady with him...but no, not this time.

((hopefully this is now in the right spot))