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

[brave_heart_verity]

Groot's the source of the best lights at these things. If he had his own personal soundtrack, he'd be at an eternal party.

"I know, but most people play along with the joking." She sets her hands in his and takes a breath, relaxing and trusting him to know what he's doing, whatever the dance he chooses. He's never led her astray before. (And she made sure there'd be nothing dangling for his canopy to get caught in.)

[i_amgroot]

Verity makes for a thoughtful party planner, while Groot makes for an enthusiastic dance partner. It's always something lively, with him--he's so vital, so alive.

I once had a thousand desires, but in my one desire to know Groot, all else melted away.

[brave_heart_verity]

It's hard to be more alive than an ambulatory tree. That's half the reason she likes him so much. The other half is that he's so kind. And then, of course, there's the 100% reason that he's Groot. (She is very good at maths and she's certain this works out!)

Dancing with Groot is usually the most spontaneous thing she'll do in a year. He dances like some people sing, like how rivers run their courses and no two drops of water take the same path. Keeping up means letting go and trusting him to never steer her wrong. He never has.

Our similarities bring us to a common ground, our differences allow us to be fascinated by Groot.

[i_amgroot]

For his part, Groot always enjoys dancing. He isn't picky, he doesn't judge. He likes to dance, and he likes to have friends. He especially likes to dance with friends. He is Groot.