u_can_have_it_4_a_song: So happy you agree (Grin)
Schön W. Freund ([personal profile] u_can_have_it_4_a_song) wrote in [community profile] nexus_sages2016-10-28 10:16 pm

Samhain Ball Redux - Second Star to the Right

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

oathstokeep: (shy smile)

[personal profile] oathstokeep 2016-11-03 06:01 am (UTC)(link)
Either she lifts Frea, stoops, they're seated or...they're laying down. That is also an option that is not one to be practiced here. Linking arms and walking through the colorful parade of people doesn't require the same height.

"No?" her eyebrows lift in surprise. "You look every bit the part." And is ever a festive person anyone would want at a party. Brienne smiles a little. "I have been to a grand affair or two." And in all of them arrived alone and a guest or host to no other. "I never had so much fun at those parties."
fightlikehell: (bright smile)

[personal profile] fightlikehell 2016-11-03 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
She is a member for life now. And the vows only seal the deal. All the thrills she could handle or ever want.

Sometimes not having to enjoy the social media the way others do is less of a worry on him. Public opinion about vigilantes, lawyers, Hell's Kitchen well being and whether or not he's smiling in pictures (with Verity he's always smiling) are things he can go on not thinking too much about until necessary. Their private photograph collection is best enjoyed on the couch or in bed, curled up warm and tight with her voice painting the pictures in his head of moments past.

And moments like now? They deserve to be lived up to their maximum. What's a pressed dress in comparison to how they'll look back on it? He forgets anyway because it's so lovely to have her in his embrace. Being in the air is something he never expected to enjoy. "Oh yes, please." A dance and another, and another. He'll try not to fill up her card. And the comedy of the moment is that even if he was about to be a doofus and play blind, there's no way he'd bump into anyone but Groot this high up.
kitty_of_light: (Wait...what?)

[personal profile] kitty_of_light 2016-11-04 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
"That could be...these sorts of things do tend to whoa!"

And there go his feet lifting rather abruptly off the ground, his ears twitching in surprise. He soon relaxes though; he's used to flying on dragonback and the like, so the airborne feeling isn't too odd.
hafuri_shinki: (ニコ)

[personal profile] hafuri_shinki 2016-11-04 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
"A place like this is excellent for meeting all sorts of people, isn't it?" Kazuma looks thoughtful, folding his arms as he gazes at Loki. "Perhaps you'd like to tell me of some of the people you've met?"
damn_yourself_early: To look back from a beginning is to stare into the abyss. (Default)

[personal profile] damn_yourself_early 2016-11-04 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
"I will," Loki promises. Okay, mom. (Wow, it's a good thing Verity can't read narration.)

"Here at the party, or just in general? I meet so many people. I'm very popular, where I'm from. Why, all the Aesir know my name, and many others, too. You might say I'm a couple steps from famous--or letters."

(She... she can't, right?)
maydayqueen: (Default)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-11-04 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
Tonight, flying is also an option. Not that Frea doesn't often feel like she could walk on air, but not usually so literally. Walking on ground is good too, with the right company.

"Well. Costume party." She smiles up at Brienne. "And you set a good example, so regal and strong. Always so proper." It's said with fondness. These are traits she admires. "You'll have more fun at those parties in the future. After all, you've seen and done things nobody back home ever has or ever will. You'll hold your head high and be unbothered by all the petty little things other people squabble over, and everyone will want to know your secret."
i_amgroot: I am GROOT! (Default)

[personal profile] i_amgroot 2016-11-04 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
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!
maydayqueen: (Default)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-11-04 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
"Thank you." Frea waits away from the crush around the bar, watching the people and swaying to the music. By the time Hunter gets back, she's spinning around in circles, this way and then that, watching her skirt flare out and swish around her.

She's easily amused.
brave_heart_verity: (flirt)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
She wouldn't call herself much of a thrill-seeker, but life with him is unquestionably thrilling. Happy beyond any measure she expected to ever know, even when they're risking life and limb, she must be a thrill-seeker after all.

He'll never get caught up in the political nastiness, it's true. She can read the funny tweets to him, and describe the better sorts of memes. They don't need to talk about their image in the press unless he wants to. The private pictures, the ones painted in their minds, are the best sort. Any memories shared or made when they're curled up warm with each other are to be cherished.

The dress doesn't matter. Green isn't her color and she doubts she'll ever wear it again. She doesn't even care if people start to talk about how it happened. Why would she be ashamed of the affections he shows her? He's wonderful. Even if he wants to play the bumbling blind man, no other partner pleases her so well. Sorry, Groot. "Please? Hmm, I should take you to more balls."
brave_heart_verity: (eye roll)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
"I suppose we must. How we suffer for the festivities." If voices could roll their eyes, she would be. She'll have to stick with just rolling her eyes at herself. "At least we look fabulous."
twelve_not_fourteen: (Episode 5 - Cover Your Mouth [Eyes])

[personal profile] twelve_not_fourteen 2016-11-04 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
It's a little unlike Han to be so figurative with his own words; the best he can do is recite when he finds something interesting. Every once in a while he can do a little verbal fencing and he can be more clever than he lets on, but he couldn't come up with a seemingly spontaneous and yet ... well thought out metaphors like she just did. She likens him to a force of nature. That's a interesting concept to digest for now and for later.

"Well I ..."

He didn't expect her reaction to be so strong. Yes, he's noticed that Frea listens to him; perhaps more than anyone ought to. He doesn't often try to draw attention to those closeted romantic feelings that he's got though and he feels a bit vulnerable letting her see it. The hope was maybe that he could slide it in with her only half noticing.

"I think you might be overestimating my importance. The most special thing about me is the way I get to be around you."
brave_heart_verity: (such a showoff)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
It could never be a proper ball without a dance with Groot. When he's bereft of partner, Verity will step up and take his hand. "Think you could stand taking me for another turn around the floor, your majesty?"
brave_heart_verity: (such a showoff)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, on dragonback. Aren't we Mr. Fancy Cat?

Verity's wonderfully amused by his surprise. "Do tend to start suddenly?" Surely, that's what he was going to say.
i_amgroot: I am GROOT! (Default)

[personal profile] i_amgroot 2016-11-04 05:27 am (UTC)(link)

Groot smiles brightly, for Verity has been a very good dance partner at these things with the lights and the music. "I am Groot," he assures her, offering his hands.

brave_heart_verity: (cautiously optimistic)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
"Ooh, good choice!" Ver will sprinkle the dust around the liberally, to make sure they both get enough. It's no less fun for her the third time around, and she doubts she'd get tired of it before she runs out.

Watching a family be a family and have an adventure together is good for her in the kind of way that hurts.
brave_heart_verity: (shy smile)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
No, Verity can't read narration, and she's extremely grateful she's no kind of mind-reader. The world hurts enough already. Anyway, he should be glad the Allmother can't read his narration. Ver's more the big sister type anyway.

"Very famous," she reassures him quietly before shifting her gaze to Kazuma again. "I'll leave you two to get to know new people. Come find me later, yeah?"
fightlikehell: (this charming man)

[personal profile] fightlikehell 2016-11-04 06:35 am (UTC)(link)
The thrills make settling down and settling in even more enjoyable if absolutely nothing else. Verity has proven time and again that she can most certainly rise to the challenge. And Matt? He has made it a point to be less careless, less foolhardy. It's hard to go home all busted up. Body armor can only do so many things.

They are two birds on the wing with no armor or big cares in the world. Matt doesn't mind his own outfit--canary yellow--getting wrinkled or ruffled. Foggy tried to tell him that he made the color work somehow. It just feels inexplicably different. Lady in green, gent in gold... the both of them are a sight. Matt will be interested to hear about all the details later. For now he takes her hand and puts an arm about her waist.

"So I can be extra, extra polite?"
brave_heart_verity: (pleased)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 06:47 am (UTC)(link)
So help him. So help him. She's wearing fairy wings and her hair is blonde tonight, but those tattoos are hard to mistake and one wrong comment about it all and he might not get any pixie dust. Surely even Iago wants to fly.

Verity's been flitting around, helping people here and there, leaving people flying in her wake. It's not the worst way to spend a ball. And flying, she's learning, has some tactical advantages: it's much easier to sneak up on people when there's no sound of footfalls to alert them. Whether he sees or hears her coming is somewhat immaterial to the fact she's here, she's sparkling, and he's...

"Wow! Looking sharp, Santiago." He made enough of a deal about it for her to decide it's cute to call him that now. Good luck getting her to stop, it'd take some really serious effort like asking her nicely.
oathstokeep: (council)

[personal profile] oathstokeep 2016-11-04 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
Dancing, floating, flying... all manner of hanging about. Each option with it's benefits. Being close to her dearest of companions is preferred.

"An example," her head dips to the side and Frea's smile is returned twice as bright. "Me? I'm only conducting myself as I was taught to." By her Septa rigorously. "No party can compare to this one, it's true." Though she is not so sure that she will have fun because of that. Though Frea's observations hare so very astute and she has never come to doubt her judgment. "If this is your first ball you simply must dance."
oathstokeep: (elements)

[personal profile] oathstokeep 2016-11-04 07:57 am (UTC)(link)
She follows his stepping. Light on her own feet. Tonight's shoe selection is for comfort as well as look. Seldom do both go hand in hand especially in her size. Nexus and it's styles have found a means for outfitting a tall lady without men's clothing or special, special cobbler work. It is another marvel for her to walk up to a shop keep and obtain what she needs immediately. Pair that with being so welcomed, so comfortable at a gala.

"Not every age can be the Age of Heroes, you see. So many rest upon laurels or deeds of name rather than obtaining them." While her own time and place do use such pleasantries, so many different lords and ladies pop into Brienne's head.
hafuri_shinki: (ニコ)

[personal profile] hafuri_shinki 2016-11-04 06:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course, don't ket us keep you. It was wonderful to see you again." Kazuma smiles, extending a hand briefly for Verity to shake if she likes. Then, to Loki: "I'd be very interested in hearing about the people you've met where you're from."
kitty_of_light: (Smile)

[personal profile] kitty_of_light 2016-11-04 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
He is the fanciest.

"--Yeah. Something like that." He laughs a little, glancing about. "I have to admit, this is the first time I've been off the ground without being on board something or just channeling enough aether to float."
maydayqueen: (Default)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-11-04 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Parties are always better with close and trusted friends nearby. Clearly, having Frea close is helping Brienne relax, if she can narrate a phrase like 'hanging out'.

"Yes, and a good one," she insists. It has been decided to be so, and who's going to challenge Frea on this? Not even Brienne, not so very much. Just enough for modesty's sake. Surely Brienne knows she's been a good and calming influence on the seasons so far this year. "Of course! What a splendid idea."

That was an invitation to dance, right? Because Frea's headed for the dance floor now, her hand sliding down Brienne's arm until she can catch the knight's and tangle their fingers together. No escaping her now!
brave_heart_verity: (cautiously optimistic)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-11-04 10:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Settling down and in, but she hopes he'll never admit how much he's settling for her. She'll always do her best to rise to his challenge. If she can be a protective influence, too, all the better. Neither of them enjoy the nights where he's battered and bloody and she's lecturing him at the staccato pace left in between breathing and magic.

Two birds with no cage, free to go where they will. Never flying too far from the other. She loves him like crazy, but nobody would mind that outfit getting ruined. Even he can't entirely pull it off. It just means she's looking forward to getting him out of it later all the more. Hand in hand, her fingers curl around his palm, her thumb caressing the flesh below his. A hand on his shoulder, curled as intimately as the one on her waist. "Yes. You are shockingly rude to me, Matthew Murdock," and he should be able to pick up from her tone about now that she's teasing, "and I shouldn't let you get away with being so demanding."

Page 12 of 24