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

[maydayqueen]

"As much fun as living up to it?" She's not waggling her eyebrows suggestively, but there's something in her look that suggests yes, she does mean that exactly how he thinks. Maybe even more than exactly how he thinks.

[losthunter]

"I would like to find out, in all reality." Hunter admits softly.

[maydayqueen]

"Don't worry too much about it." Frea's still got a little juice left, and Hunter's a good man. He deserves a fun night. They just need to find a likely suspect...

[losthunter]

"Can I get you anything?" He feels a little protective of Frea. But then again, he does get a little protective of any of his friends.

[maydayqueen]

Of all his friends, Frea's probably least in need of protecting. But it's born of sweet sentiments, so she'll smile and hum thoughtfully. "A glass of lemonade would be nice, if they have any?"

It may be too summery for this affair, but she does love her sweet sunny drinks.

[losthunter]

"I will see if they do." And if he can't find any, he will ask if they can make some.

[maydayqueen]

"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.

[losthunter]

Hunter has found Frea some lemonade, with a little slice of orange on the edge of the glass. "Are you enjoying the music?"

[maydayqueen]

Lemonade with a slice of orange? Fancy. He gets a great big grin from her for managing that--once she's stopped spinning around. "Thank you. Yes, I am. I love music, but there's not much music like this out in the wild. Birds and crickets are lovely of course, but they don't really have the attention span for a party."

[losthunter]

"Well, should we enjoy the music together, while we have it." He offers her his hand.

[maydayqueen]

"We should," she agrees. She'll have a quick sip of her drink before finding somewhere to put it down. It'll be there when she gets back, or not. "We'll make everyone wildly jealous and then you'll have a line of hopeful dance partners out the door."

[losthunter]

"A nice thought..." Hunter laughs, guiding her to the dance floor.

[maydayqueen]

"My favorite kind." Frea follows him onto the dance floor and moves into position, gathering her skirt in one hand so nobody ends up tripping on it. "And appropriate for dancing, don't you think?"

[losthunter]

He definitely doesn't want to trip on her skirt, especially with these Satyr costume legs. Hunter places a hand at her waist, moving to the music with her.

"Well, when you are dancing with nice people, it is good to have nice thoughts."

[maydayqueen]

It'd be unfortunate for everyone. Costumes are meant to be shed, but not just yet.

"Yes. And easy, too. I think dancing is one of the loveliest things."

[losthunter]

"Especially true, when you have a lovely person to dance with."

[maydayqueen]

"Which I do! That works out nicely." If volleying compliments back and forth were an Olympic sport, she'd be a gold medal contender. "And such a good dancer, too. Lucky me."

[losthunter]

"It is on my special skill list."

[maydayqueen]

"You have a list of special skills? On top of regular ones? Fancy." Frea's an enthusiastic dance partner, and graceful, but not very practiced at this kind of dancing. It might not be on any of her skill lists.