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

brave_heart_verity: (such a showoff)

https://youtu.be/Df0nYcWzocQ

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-11 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Easy for him to ignore, maybe. Fortunately for her, he's endlessly distracting.

The impulse to lie is learned. One they've both learned. One they're both learning to overcome. Being called out on it isn't fun, but it helps her learn not to. Every bad habit takes time to break, to be replaced with something better. He's her something better.

"Don't tell me the man without fear is scared of a little sunshine?" She reaches up to nuzzle away the cringing. "We've been spending too long in the dark."

Flying holding hands is just fine with her. A lift, a leap, a leap of faith. They've got this. "If they wanna lose, yeah."
brave_heart_verity: (happy)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-11 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
And no manners. Anyone crashing a Thanksgiving meal is more likely to be invited to stay if they bring a nice bottle of wine. More hostess gifts, less hostage taking. They have so much to learn.

"I've got the easy part," she points out with a smile that betrays just how squeeliciously happy she is about that compliment. "All I have to do is trust you."
maydayqueen: (Default)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-12-11 09:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Silly may not help in his line of work, but it works with her help. Some people need a partner for comedy, and to relax enough to try something new. If she can be either of those things for him she'll be happy. Being both would be even better. A surfeit of blessings.

Long lonely times are the traditional hunting grounds of insecurities and worries. Dark and quiet help them hunt their prey. But he's too much a predator to be taken unawares. She hopes.

"I'm inclined to paint you in a favorable light," she admits. No kisses will be denied tonight. They're too precious to even be delayed.
oathstokeep: (council)

http://bit.ly/2hmRnh6

[personal profile] oathstokeep 2016-12-11 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
And all of this started with a cookie. Who would have believed? Not Brienne. Would she be a fool for being so trusting from the start? Perhaps a little. They grow wiser together through trial and error. Closer together still.

"Six months and no longer?" Not decades or even a year! Everyone keep saying it. She is having hard time internalizing it. "I've...not given it too much thought to leave." For a moment she worries her bottom lip between her teeth thoughtfully. "If I go I shall surely be in a long, long winter." And will she be able to find her way back so easily? There is always a question of that.
fightlikehell: (sense of humor)

https://youtu.be/OWlKZ6C7cDY

[personal profile] fightlikehell 2016-12-11 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
He's had plenty of practice ignoring things that he can't immediately see. Television for one. As to scrutiny, he will gladly keep on being distracting. Maybe they could take their aerials to a more secluded area if it is absolutely so distracting. After all, the room is so full. So many other things and people to look upon.

The time spent and shared is devoted to making things better in each other and in the world. Patience and care make it less painful.

Matt's face melts from a scrunch to peace again to nuzzle back. "Your kind of sunshine is the right kind. Besides, I'm a night owl. Don't go around telling people my weakness."

Dancing was fun before, and now it's more ease. A chance to do so even more. "Are you trash talking before any competition even starts?"
twelve_not_fourteen: (Episode 5 - Deep Stare)

[personal profile] twelve_not_fourteen 2016-12-12 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
He's quiet for a while, moving with the most beautiful person in the whole place. He spends most of the next minute or two trying to decide how close he can holder her and how much he can lean in.

Han's not familiar with this kind of music enough to have any idea of when the songs are going to actually end. If there going to end - his own galaxy has a few genres with overly long songs as well, as if the song can only be finished when the band passes out. It's extremely rare that he listens to music for it's own sake, though, so he can't really speak on this sort of thing with any authority.

Regardless, slow dancing isn't especially taxing. When the music eventually quiets, he'll ask "you game for a bit of a walk or to have a seat somewhere that we can keep talking?"

brave_heart_verity: (cautiously optimistic)

https://youtu.be/pkCyfBibIbI

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-12 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, if he's gonna be like that, they should probably go someplace secluded. For their own good, and because there are children present.

Helping each other get better is a way of making the world a better place. If only it was enough to sate his appetite for heroics. She's not a good enough person yet to be glad he's risking their life so regularly.

"I thought I was your weakness," she protests with a huff of mock-indignation. "Me and chocolate. Too many weaknesses and we'll have to reconsider your night work, honey."

Easy and at ease. Dancing with him is like breathing. "No, just pointing out the obvious."
maydayqueen: (thoughtful)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-12-14 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
Worse than starting with a cookie, it started with mischief. And yet, somehow, here they are. Mischief managed, trials faced, and still friends through it all.

"No longer," she assures her friend with a quiet laugh. "I have to have my own turn." Watching Brienne worry at her lip is almost adorable enough to make it worth worrying her. Almost. "Would it be so long if you came back?"
stands_for_something: (Default)

[personal profile] stands_for_something 2016-12-14 07:18 am (UTC)(link)

A villain who showed up at Avengers Mansion with a bottle of wine and a "please may I" would certainly have a better chance, and would be far less likely to end the day in an apron and working at Jarvis' direction.

"Living up to that trust is the challenge," he agrees, knowing full well that's not quite how she meant it, "but I don't plan to let you down."

maydayqueen: (embarrassed smile)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-12-14 08:00 am (UTC)(link)
He can deliberate on the finer points of dancing and holding and leaning. She's going to lean in and rest her head on his chest while they sway. This is a time for action. Cozy, barely moving action.

The music comes and goes; sometimes there's pauses, applause, laughter. There are lulls for retuning and regrouping. The band probably even gets a break from time to time. Sometimes, she's humming along; sometimes, she doesn't stop when the music does.

"Hmm. A little walk. I want to see more of the costumes people are wearing." Frea tilts her head to smile up at him. "Then we can find a quiet place to talk."
brave_heart_verity: (cautiously optimistic)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-14 08:41 am (UTC)(link)
Not making public the pictures of the apron-wearing supervillains cleaning and scrubbing is surely the polite, kind, and politic thing to do. It's also a terrible disappointment for every member of that public body who could use a good laugh.

It's not quite how she meant it, but it's what weighs on his kind. The need to live up to the public trust. The desire to do right by them and for them. It's what makes him a hero. "I know," she assures him quietly. "That's why you never have."
stands_for_something: (Default)

[personal profile] stands_for_something 2016-12-14 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)

There are things too terrible to do even to one's enemies. As entertaining as it might be in the moment, mercy and restraint are precious things. That, and humiliated supervillains are often prone to tantrums at the expense of their surroundings.

Scratch another tally, Verity, you've made the old man smile again. "Well, thank you."

brave_heart_verity: (shy smile)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-14 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
He's a good man. Not everyone would be willing to spare their enemies, and not everyone would consider the consequences of poor choices. But it's not exactly a secret that she could sing his praises for days.

This is a night of victory and accomplishment for her! It's somewhat less of an accomplishment these days to get a smile from her, and never hard for him, but there it is. This one doesn't come alone, however; there's a distinct impression that she's not sure what he's thanking her for, a line of confusion in her expression. She very nearly asks him, 'for what?', but manages to curb that instinct and offer instead, "You're welcome."
stands_for_something: (Default)

[personal profile] stands_for_something 2016-12-15 02:59 am (UTC)(link)

Mercy ends more battles than force--people stop fighting much sooner when they know their enemies will let them.

Some things are precious for their rarity, and some things are precious because they are good. Having more of the good doesn't make them any less worthwhile. "You've been practicing, I think," he notes, a stealth compliment for Verity.

fightlikehell: (smirk)

https://youtu.be/ZRuYQ9KRJms

[personal profile] fightlikehell 2016-12-15 08:10 am (UTC)(link)
Well, not right now... no. For being a horned headed fiend most nights out of the week he knows when to behave in the eye of the public. Now is a good time to be sure. Children are present. That kind of dancing is just for them and no one else. With or without pixie dust, moments together are magic.

Night work and it's hazards are a very big balance in Matt's natural charms. Any and all understanding from Verity's corner is more than what anyone else gives. Foggy still is ready with discouraging words and worry. Then again he is also ready to talk about the good work that Daredevil fella does. There's no winning. Not really. Not while the city needs him. Matt doesn't throw himself into the fray so recklessly nor does he go alone.

"Would you out yourself as my weakness?" he pulls back in a move to then twirl her around. "A weakness who knows all the other points to aim at."

Once she has spun about at least twice Verity is back in his arms again. "Say the word and I'll clear a space on the shelf and we can get a trophy."
brave_heart_verity: (embarrassed smile)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-15 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Mercy. What a revolutionary concept.

"My whole life." He can give her whatever adjectives he likes, rare or precious or worthwhile. From him, she'll believe it. "I think it's instinctive." They're not just talking about the dancing, are they?
oathstokeep: (brave face)

[personal profile] oathstokeep 2016-12-17 09:00 am (UTC)(link)
Cookies taste better than mischief. Both are common place things, seemingly small and harmless. More blame cookies for ill than actual mischief. Looking back on the event those months ago brings only smiles to Brienne. The strong bond they made from that day forward is the best outcome.

Own turn? Her pale eyebrows lift at attention. That other question does pull her to answer. "I think so. They say we return from whence we came moment to moment... at least for some. Ah, if I could just... go to spring." It always feels like a warm, pleasant season with Frea.

Brienne lightly shakes her head and takes them in another turn. "Would you--will you stay here?"
twelve_not_fourteen: (Episode 4 - Amused)

[personal profile] twelve_not_fourteen 2016-12-18 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
On his chest is a good place for her cheek. It's solid. Almost never seems to hurry through its breathing. His heart always seems to quicken a bit when she gets in this close to him, though. In the midst of a party full of music and people, she probably can't hear it - maybe she can feel it.

"A walk sounds great." Whatever she could want for, that he can accommodate, he's willing. Which is not the way that Han is around everybody. There's no time to waste tonight with games. He's very preoccupied by the fact that their time together is nearing its end - and in that sense, she might have been right not to tell him with how much it's on his mind now.

It's not hard to smile back at her when she's smiling like that at him though. As if she can see right through him and know that he needs it. "Have you been here for a while before finding me?"
maydayqueen: (smile)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-12-20 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest as he breathes and the counter-rhythm of his heartbeat are some of the most soothing sounds nature has ever produced. She's so glad for them, right in this moment. So glad for him. Going for a walk will mean she has to move, but maybe she can tuck herself against his side and continue enjoying his warmth.

"Upstairs or down?" Some decisions mean doing a little bad to do more good. That doesn't make it easier for anyone involved. It would be easy to forget that when he's being so accommodating. She could let herself think the only reason he's being kind is because he loves her, and ignore the rising urgency. But would that be kind to either of them?

It's easy to smile when he's going to smile back like that. "Not very long. Just long enough to start wishing you were here."
brave_heart_verity: (such a showoff)

https://youtu.be/_zagM1Memfw

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-20 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Something to look forward to.

Watching her parents' marriage fall apart gave Verity an interesting education about how relationships do and don't work. Encouraging Matt and being his helpmeet, she's got that part covered. Finding the line between helping and enabling isn't so easy for her. They're a work in progress, and in the meantime, at least she's watching his back.

"Yes, I obviously want to paint that kind of target on myself." She's got other, better targets on her already. Good places to kiss her. The places Bobbi dog-paddle-flies into when she's trying to get in on this dancing. She'd argue that all the places she's ticklish aren't good targets at all, but Matt might disagree sometimes.

"Hmm, so helpful, thank you." Her arms slide around him and she leans up for a kiss. "Which word is it, exactly? Bumfuzzle? Taradiddle? Flibbertigibbet?"
maydayqueen: (uh)

[personal profile] maydayqueen 2016-12-20 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Cookies may be sweeter in the moment, but can have longer-lasting consequences. Portion control is the key to satiating appetites for both. That, and the ability to stop before doing harm.

Frea tries to keep things warm and pleasant for Brienne. Spring can have its chilly rains and windy nights, but they don't seem so unweatherable when they're together. "Always living in spring would be a delight. But you'd miss so much, with your world's long winters." It's not a subject she wants to dwell on for a variety of reasons.

The question was expected, almost coaxed out, but it still hurts. Her eyebrows draw together and she looks down while she draws a deep breath. "I have to go. It's not my season anymore, and I must make way until it's spring again."

stands_for_something: (Default)

[personal profile] stands_for_something 2016-12-21 12:15 am (UTC)(link)

Steve has been a fan of the occasional revolution.

They might not be, but that's okay. It works on a couple of levels. "Good instinct to have."

brave_heart_verity: (blushing)

[personal profile] brave_heart_verity 2016-12-21 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
She throws a mean tea party, but there's not much salt water involved. Is he allowed to like tea?

They're just so clever. Except for right now, when she's too happy to think of something to say right off. So she'll focus on enjoying the dancing while her tongue unties itself.

"Did you ever meet any of your heroes?"
oathstokeep: (distress)

[personal profile] oathstokeep 2016-12-22 07:11 am (UTC)(link)
The one moment has come to be many sweet moments that sugary confection can't rightly compare to. Is there a requirement for portion control? It hasn't even crossed Brienne's mind at all. Perhaps being that she has a healthy appetite for affection that has been so lacking in her life thus far.

It has been a beautiful season. Even with the wind and the rain, no true chill. The touch of another's hand and someone to stroll or sit with. But truly, Frea is not just any person. "I have never had the choice before," she softly admits.

Their dancing motion stops and for a second it is like the grace is gone from her footing. Not enough to stumble long or drop away. Brienne lightly clears her throat as her eyes drop. "...Yes. Yes I see. You do have your duties. And I've mine..." She curtly nods once and then again. Seasons have their time, do they not>

"Oh Frea," her arms wrap around the younger maiden and she must stoop a little as she holds her close.
twelve_not_fourteen: (Episode 5 - Deep Stare)

[personal profile] twelve_not_fourteen 2016-12-22 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
She's welcome to press up to him. It's not the kind of thing he would have ever denied her before, but he's definitely not going to do it now. He likes the moments where she's close to him, wherever they manage to work them in.

As for his motivations? He's kind when he feels compelled to be. He's also unkind when he feels compelled to be. There's not that much more thought put into it than that. Unfortunately, he is sometimes unkind to the people he cares about very dearly. He's not perfect and he'll never be the shining hero that some people have the capacity to be.

He might be able to do the right thing at the right time, though. There's a place for those kind of people in the galaxy (or the multiverse) too, isn't there?

"Downstairs seems to be where all the action is taking place, right?" He says with a thoughtful tilt of his head. "Might as well head that way."

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