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]

Verity giggles, shaking her head at some part of that. "I'm sure he'd love that." She thinks the idea that he had to go into the past to make history is funnier, but she has a feeling he might not like being called a piece of history. Recent or otherwise. There's just not an easy way to explain that without making everything awkward.

"Well, I have to give you points for believing that." She doesn't have to argue just because she disagrees. "But you're a better man than most."

[stands_for_something]

It's all a matter of perspective. It's one thing to fight the good fight as it's happening, another to get mixed up in the history you learned as a child.

"That's kind of you," he replies. "You're a good person, too." Again, his sincerity might be his greatest superpower.

[brave_heart_verity]

That's probably true, and part of why she kinda wants to do it. That, and she wants to know what actually happened in all those times and places the books lie about.

Welp, there's that whole 'never out-maneuvered' thing. Verity's lips compress into an expression made of equal parts frustration and admiration and pleasure. "I must be, if you say so."

[stands_for_something]

They will absolutely have to sit down for story time sometime. Over coffee, perhaps--Steve hears Verity makes an exceptional cup.

He gets that look so often, you don't even know. "So we're both in good company."

[brave_heart_verity]

She will make him the best coffee. And perhaps something to go with the coffee. It might not even have apples in.

Does he still love getting that look tho? She'd try to stop if he wanted her to. "The company's better when you're around," she admits, but that's not quite disagreeing.

[stands_for_something]

It will absolutely have apples in it, Verity's got quotas of both sass and reverence she needs to hit.

It's a fun look to get, and Steve isn't the sort of person to tell anyone how they ought to look at him. "Thank you." Ah, he doesn't have a clever reversal for that one; Verity's caught him in sincere and unalloyed gratitude.

[brave_heart_verity]

It might not have apples. She can't get predictable!

The next time would definitely have apples.

She will take that win. If someone's going to out-maneuver him, best it's someone like her at a time like this. Nobody's ever claimed he was the world's best flirt. "Hmm. Can I tell you a secret?" She'll lean in, assuming he'll agree before whispering, "I love it when people thank me for the truth."

[stands_for_something]

Ah, the mystery that keeps things interesting.

Congratulations, Verity, you can put a little color in the cheeks of even an old man. "Truth is precious. You ought to be thanked for it."

[brave_heart_verity]

One day, he might rock up for kaffeeklatsch and find she's made savories. Savories, Steve. The horror.

That is quite the feather in her cap! Don't worry, it'll be a secretly-savored victory. Can't have people finding out Steve Rogers blushes. "Maybe. But I don't need that."

[stands_for_something]

But would there be apples in the savories?

"I don't need steak," he points out, "but it's nice to have." She's very stubborn about demurring, but she faces the gentle implacability of Steve trying to build one of his friends up.

[brave_heart_verity]

...

...yes. Yes, there would.

It's a defense mechanism. She's been disappointed too many times to want to set herself up for more. Still, he gets a giggle out of her for that. "So, what, I'm a sometimes food now?"

[stands_for_something]

Carry on.

He's like some kind of reverse-glacier; relentlessly positive, implacably constructive, and warm. "Being thanked," he answers, "and you could do with more of it. But how often someone should indulge in a serving of Verity... is a question I'll leave to your boyfriend."

[brave_heart_verity]

It's going to turn into a 'thing' at this rate.

That's the best kind of glacier. She could live with him redrawing her landscape. And now his efforts have won him a blush. "Fiance," she corrects quietly.

[stands_for_something]

It's not already a thing?

His smile lights up bright and warm at that. "Congratulations!"

[brave_heart_verity]

It's kinda a thing. But assuming to have a 'thing' means assuming a level of friendship she's not certain they've reached. He's so busy, she doesn't see him much, and as much as he's nice to her he's nice to everybody.

No complaints. Just trying to be realistic about things.

His happiness at the news makes her blush more, but she's also grinning. "Thank you. It's been a month and I'm still kinda in shock."

[stands_for_something]

It's true, Steve doesn't usually tell people, "hey, you're my friend now." He may need to be better about that.

"Well, that's normal, from what I've seen. You'll do fine. When it gets hard, just remember: everyone figures out their marriage as they go. I'm happy for you."

[brave_heart_verity]

Not everyone needs it spelled out as clearly as she does. That's hardly his fault.

"Yeah. It's not really changing anything, just... formalizing it." The marriage, she's not so worried about. "I suppose it'd be different if we didn't already live together, but fortunately, he's not that big-C Catholic."

[stands_for_something]

Steve chuckles at her assessment. "As long as you're both big-H Happy. Have you set a date?"

[brave_heart_verity]

That gets a laugh in turn. "We are. Not yet, no. I'm thinking the spring would be nice."

[stands_for_something]

"Spring is a good time for weddings," he agrees. "New beginnings, bright and full of hope. Lots of flowers, too."

[brave_heart_verity]

"I do love flowers. And spring is a good time for a party. I hope you can come." But her tone suggests she'll understand if he can't. Saving the world and all that. Plus, the potential awkwardness involved in traveling to another universe so like his own.