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

Billy Idol stole his look. He had changed, slightly since then

[slayers_desire]

The children do know the story of Peter Pan, so they are more excited about having a Tinkerbell here then the actual flying part of her costume. (Of course, they have seen their father fly many times, so that is perhaps why they are not totally amazed).

"She's so pretty!" Laura breaths in awe, totally breaking the 'Wednesday' character by showing her joy.

"Good to see you Verity." April gives a slight bow.

Spike laughs when she calls him grandpa. "It's Spike. Even to these little ones." His cockney accent is still pretty rich.

Still not a costume if you're raiding your own closet :P

[brave_heart_verity]

Sure, their dad can fly. But he doesn't have pixie dust!

Laura's comment catches Verity by surprise. She blushes quite brightly, that way redheads do. "Thank you." Her gaze flits to April and Spike, acknowledging that she heard them and also looking for help. Verity doesn't know what to do with kids and is extremely aware of her lack of skill in this arena. Then she lowers to the ground and crouches so she's closer to Laura's height. "You look very brave. D'you want to show your brothers how much fun it is to fly?"

[slayers_desire]

April gives a slight nod of acknowledgement, letting Verity know that she is doing just fine with the children.

Laura's eyes widen slightly at the offer. "Can I mommy?"

"Go ahead, Laura." April gives another slight nod. Laura reaches out her hand to Verity.

[brave_heart_verity]

The reassurance is appreciated.

Verity takes Laura's hand like it's the most fragile and precious thing in the world. Seeing as she's being trusted with someone else's child, it pretty much is. "Do you know how this works, Laura? You need to think happy thoughts."

Her free hand dips into the pouch at her hip to withdraw a pinch of sparkling, chiming glow that floats on its own breeze. Dancing across the distance between them, it leaps from Verity's fingertips to swirl and settle around Laura. A shimmering cloak of joy that might not be in character for Wednesday Addams, but seems fitting for a Kent.

[slayers_desire]

Laura is very full of happy thoughts right. The joy of being at such a welcoming place, surrounded by interesting people. And of course, just the thought of having pixie dust falling over her is the ultimate happy thought.

She giggles as she starts to lift in the air, assisted by pixie dust. It is a little different than flying with her father.

"Wow." She kicks her feet, making her go a little higher into the air. Both of her brothers watch her in awe.

[brave_heart_verity]

Happy thoughts shouldn't be too far out of reach for a kid on Halloween, but Verity's trying to seem legit. She lets Laura take the lead, but doesn't let go of her hand until she's ready to fly on her own.

"You're natural! Good job!" She may not have much experience with kids, but she knows what her own childhood was missing. Not that she's too worried about how these kids turn out; she knows they'll be great.

[slayers_desire]

"How high can we go?" Laura asks Verity, anxious to explore as much of the new 'territory' of being above the ground.

[brave_heart_verity]

"As high as you like. All the way to the ceiling even." And in this place, the ceilings can be several stories high. Even if they stay contained inside, there's plenty for Laura to explore.

Ver glances back down at the rest of the group, checking to make sure this is still okay with April--and wondering if the boys are ready to join them.

[slayers_desire]

Jonathan has stepped forward, watching his sister as she gets higher and higher. "Can I try too, please?"

April gives Verity another slight nod. Her children should be safe with pixie dust. And she is sure there are plenty of people who will help out if there is an emergency.

[brave_heart_verity]

So many helpful people around. The kids couldn't be more safe. That doesn't stop anyone from worrying.

"Of course. Laura, do you want to stay up here or come with me to get your brother?"

[slayers_desire]

"I can help. Maybe Wil will come if he sees both Jon and I having fun." Laura kicks her feet to guide herself closer to where her brothers stand.

[brave_heart_verity]

"That's kind of you." She'll let Laura 'guide' her down to the floor again before she gives Jon and Wil smiles. "Wil, do you want to come too?"

He can think about it while Jon gets his pinch of pixie dust. "Okay, Jonathan, think happy thoughts and hold onto Laura's hand." If he and Laura would like to fly off together, she'll keep an eye on them, but she doesn't feel the need to be right on top of them every second. And Wil might appreciate a little patience.

[slayers_desire]

Jon closes his eyes, thinking of his family, then gives a very happy gasp as he lifts into the air. He takes Laura's hand, and the two of them go higher up to explore a new playground of opportunities.

Wil watches his siblings go up into the air. Then he glances at Verity, still a little unsure about what is going on.

"Momma come too?" He asks softly. Right now, at his age, his mother is his biggest happy thought.

[brave_heart_verity]

Ver watches the older two fly off with a grin while Wil deliberates. No need to pressure him by staring.

"Of course, sweetie, if she wants to. There's enough for everyone." Spike could go too if he's game. "She might need some help, though. Can you help your momma think happy thoughts?"

[slayers_desire]

Wil nods at that suggestion. Of course he can help his mother think of happy thoughts. "Rainbows, momma."

"That is a good happy thought, Wil." April will hold him out, so they both can get some pixie dust on the both of them.

[brave_heart_verity]

"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.

[slayers_desire]

Together, the family lifts into the air, entering into a quick game of tag between April and Wil with the other two children. The children are having one of their best Halloween's ever... all thanks to Verity.