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

[onemorebounty]

*The autumn fairy isn't the only woman drawn to the flames. Where the one is pastoral, this other is technological, an angel of tomorrow at odds with the garden around her. The strange firelight casting flickering rainbows across her features, she muses an aside to the autumn fairy, her tone laconic.*

Quite a blaze, isn't it?

[maze_ofthorns]

The autumn fairy lifts her eyes from the flames, so she could glance over to the technological angel who is speaking to her.

"It moves with such intensity." Her voice is soft in response.

[onemorebounty]

Fire does, when it can.

*Glance for glance, the tall woman gives as good as she gets, unruffled.*

So, is that a costume, or your usual look?

[maze_ofthorns]

"It is one of many looks I have favor for." She shrugs her shoulders. The wings on her back lifting slightly with her shoulder blades.

"I'm Kendra." She introduces herself.

[onemorebounty]

Samus.

*The Hunter gives a slight nod of greeting; her own wings aren't so well-articulated, but there are limits to the twenty-first century materials that were used. She does extend a hand in greeting, however.*

Nice to meet you.

[maze_ofthorns]

Kendra extends her hand to accept the offered greeting. "And you, is it a costume, or your usual appearance?"

[onemorebounty]

Oh, this is a costume. My girls suggested it--a reference I don't entirely get, but their description seemed apt.

[maze_ofthorns]

"It suits you quite well." Kendra selects to sit down for a moment, choosing a chair by the fire.

[onemorebounty]

*Samus snags a mug of warm cider and settles into a seat as well, tucking her costume's prop out of the way under her feet.*

The soldier who keeps her comrades alive through battle? More aspirational than a perfect fit, but thank you.

[maze_ofthorns]

"It is an admirable trait, to want to keep ones comrades alive during battle. But most battles only mean sacrifice."

[onemorebounty]

Oh, I know what battles mean.

*That the other woman is philosophizing on warfare does pique her curiosity.*

Is that experience talking? Are you a fighter of some kind, yourself?

[maze_ofthorns]

"I have been many things to face many different challenges. One must become the warrior, when you must defend your home."

[onemorebounty]

Do tell.

*Samus gestures promptingly with her cup before taking a sip.*

[maze_ofthorns]

Kendra tilts her head, staring into the fire with quiet consideration for a moment.

"It was threatened many times. There are many sorrows that weigh heavily."

[onemorebounty]

I was asking what it was like, but if you want to talk about the threats...

*Samus takes a sip of cider, reining in any (more) sharp remarks.*

[maze_ofthorns]

"Not tonight. Not when Samhain could bring such memories back, in dangerous ways."

[onemorebounty]

*Samus gives the woman a sidelong look for a moment. She sought out a conversation, not an interrogation, but getting answers out of the autumn fairy has a great deal in common with pulling teeth.*

Well, if you don't want to talk...

*She moves to get up. Either the woman will open up, or she can go explore other parts of the party.*

[maze_ofthorns]

Kendra raises her head, when Samus moves to get up. "It is not that I don't want to talk. It is only that tonight, there are some conversations that should not take place. No disrespect to you."

[onemorebounty]

None taken. I asked about your home, and instead you told me about terrors you can't discuss.

*She gives the other woman a measuring once-over.*

You don't have many conversations, do you?

[maze_ofthorns]

"No. I do not. I do not have many friends." Kendra responds softly.

[onemorebounty]

Well. I've been there.

*She settles back again.*

Why don't you talk about something you can discuss, then. I did ask about where you're from, if that's not on the list.

[maze_ofthorns]

"I once belonged to Hyperborea, beyond the North Wind. The poets claimed that neither by ship nor on foot would you find the marvellous road to the assembly of the Hyperboreans."

"Now I live in New York City. Where many roads merge together to form one large common ground for many cultures and many people."

[onemorebounty]

So, it was somewhat lacking, as roads go.

*Mention of New York gets another long sip from her drink.*

Earth. It's always an Earth.

[maze_ofthorns]

Kendra tilts her head in interest. "Your home is a different planet?"

[onemorebounty]

I grew up on a planet called Zebes. I don't think you can even see its star from Earth. It was beautiful, in its way--stormy, most of the time, but sometimes the sky would clear, and you could see the stars.