Tricks for Treats: A Halloween extraviganza ~:Open :~

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

The tables were moved from their normal circle in the middle of the room. Now they were placed two by two three tables lengths long at the opposite end of the room from where people entered. The chairs were all placed so that if you sat down you had the chance to face someone else if they chose to sit there. The tables were draped with black table cloths, the legs of the chairs and tables were unseen due to the fog that was holding on to that area, it stopped at the tops of the chairs so ones legs would be lost in the fog. The normal chairs were replaced with gothic inspired blood red chairs with black trim, arm rests on both sides of the chair, and studs stuck in the red cushions for spikes.

The tables along the back wall were covered in a cob web substance, the ends of both tables had stacks of red, cups. Next to the cups were orange bowls filled with different silverwares, and black and orange plates. Once you pass the plates there was various dark purple and black bowls filled with different foods. One had sandwiches that looked like real fingers, another had spiders made of black licorice. A purple one had sugar cookies that looked like mice, with licorice tales and raisin beady eyes and whiskers. The next bowl was filled with various candy corns. A large crystal ball had a fizzing red punch, with two crystal ladles, one for each side. The other side the snack food was a more normal fair, pretzels, chips, chocolate chips cookies.

In the corner away from the tables, sat a rather large psychedelic mushroom, many colors just in a jumble. Though the mushroom might not be so much on its own, if one did a second take of the many colored mushroom, they would see that it wasn’t empty, nor was their a giant caterpillar upon the top of that mushroom, not yet at least. No, it was Gwendolyn, already dressed in her Halloween glory. Perched like a small bird upon the mushroom, her legs were bent at the knees, arms wrapped around them, bare feet curled around the edge of the mushroom. Large black wings were attached at her shoulder blades, not overly fluffy wings, more like the feathers of a crow, so black that they appeared to have a blue tint. Hair was dyed black and hanging loosely about her, she had two small horns sticking out of her forehead, one on each side of her face. She was wearing a black corset that laced up the front, emphasizing her small waist. A short skirt that fluffed out a bit and ended at her mid thigh the back of the skirt longer that floated out behind her, when she stood up. Her hazel gaze was moving around the room waiting for the first person to show up!

[Jade Stone]

"Those are your wings? They can't be." Jade leaned in for a closer inspection, standing just to the right of Gwendolyn and her mushroom. How did she sneak in like that? Had to be some kind of vampire trick. Jade was really crappy when it came to some of those tricks, but there were others luck helped her perfect. The one she just did was put to good use because who else but Jade would be first to arrive at the party? She was always the life of the party back home. Swarmed swarmed swarmed and smothered with attention. It'd be a lie to say that on a big day like Halloween she didn't miss being fawned over like that. A teen queen couldn't hate her throne all the time.

"Ohhh, fake. Cute." Jade stood back now, giving her BFF a dazzling smile. And there they were. First time anyone at the inn saw Jade's fangs, the small razor teeth almost elegant. In her mouth, they were definitely hot. Like everything Jade 'put on', she wore her sharp and pointies well. Tonight they were part of her costume. Using Halloween as an excuse to show off what they actually were loud and proud was a tradition between her and her friends back home.

In fact, the dress Jade wore tonight was what her friends dubbed, 'the' black dress. It hugged her every curve, dipped right at the places it needed to dip, and was cut at a length that showed enough leg to make one salivate and wonder at the same time. A perfect fit. Over it she had a short black cape that reached just down to her hips. It had one of those collars that stood up rigid and tall, and all of said cape lined with red satin in the inside. She wore black pantyhose with seams up the back, and black heels that were high enough to be sexy but not trashy - where Jade came from, heels over four inches high were reserved for women who worked street corners. Her make up was the same - smoky black hues applies around her eyes to make the green pop, but in a sophisticated way. With how pale Jade was, the black made her skin look like porcelain.

"Real Cute. You make naughty look really nice, Gwen." A flirty little bump to Gwendolyn's arm with her elbow as she gave the young woman a sassy little wink. Even though Jade didn't swing the way that would make flirting with a girl worthwhile, to her that's what good BFFs did. Harmless flirting to pay compliments was being a good friend. "You got me all excited, I thought those wings meant tonight we'd fly. Give the gals on broomsticks a run for their money." Witches, she meant. Halloween humor!

[Leo]

Keeping a room paid and staying in causal communication with the owners of the Inn turned out to be a good thing. Leo and the Marquès had business in multiple places and keeping the room here gave another base of operations. Today Leo had made his way to the Inn to get a business card. It wasn't any card but it was designed with a Raven and had instructions that he needed. Not for himself but the need was there nonetheless.  

If there's something Leo enjoys it is food and the smell of food (even when not hot) did not escape him when he entered the Inn. How tempting it was to follow the smell and go right to it but he was disciplined enough to make the business first. Up to the rented room on the third floor he rummaged a tad until the card was found. In short order the card was in pocket of his dark brown pant and he was headed back down and toward the earlier smell. 

The place looked right done well for the holiday. Leo knew what the holiday was but where he came from they didn't observe this tradition. His day would come in another day or two. Maybe the man was looking out of place in his marroon shirt with pencil thin ivory stripes under an open jacket but there was no rule requiring him to dress in costume. 

Entering he scooted to the ladyfingers. "Oh dear," feigning a sigh as he picked up a finger and looked it over. He took his time when speaking as his speech was laced with the Spanisg accent. "I suppose next time I shall have to burn the bodies so the fingers will not be eaten." Words were spoken with such sincerity it could actually be a true statement. 

Taking a bite up to the first knuckle he turned from the food to see the ladies. First impression had him think that the blonde was a sexy witch and Gwendolyn - Gaito - a black fairy. Pretty sure they were in costume, atleast the one on the mushroom. The other lady he had not met before.

"Buenos señoras" He had finished the bite and was free to speak. "Gaito, my friend, you're missing your pipe. Alice here may get confused."

 

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Perhaps a voice coming from thin air, for she had just looked around, should of spooked her. And if she had not recognized that voice, she very well might of jumped right out of her skin, but she did recognize the voice, and so it brought a smile, which ended up being a giggle. “No no these ones are not my wings, these are for the costume!” Though she did think that the raven wing wings were rather lovely. She cast a glance around right quick, before speaking again. “My real wings are fluffy and white!” At least that’s what they had looked like when they were out last, but they did get a bit muddy before Pip could tell her how to put them away. She would of gotten up to hug Jade, but she remembered how that went last time, in time.

When Jade did give that grin and her fangs were shown, Gwen actually looked at them just a moment, to realize that those were the real deal. She had never seen fangs before, well not real fangs, someone had shown her the fake plastic ones that could be easily removed and inserted. Gwen almost clapped, she was getting better at that, “Oh they are pretty! Your teeth….” She figured Jade would understand her rambling of the subject, before she spoke in a small voice, “Is that okay to say?” A puzzled frown between her brows, she did not wish to offend, and sometimes she did so with out knowing it.

She would laugh hearing Jade, she smiled up to her, or rather over to her from her perch. “I’m a Fallen Angel for the night…thought I would try something new.” She gave a grin, being a regular ole Angel was something just as new to her, so why not be the opposite of what she found out she was!? She grinned, “Jade you look very attractive! But you always seem to look good.” She meant every word, she had yet to see Jade not look hot, as Jade would say, though not something that would slip from Gwen, yet. And it was all harmless, for Gwendolyn was not that way either, not that she knew what that way was!

She was still so happy that her BFF Jade had shown up, Gwen never would turn down time spent with Jade. “No..but soon! I think Pip’s almost ready to teach me! She’s taught me how to pull them out and put them away.” She nodded a bit then she laughed, “Oh yes! Next year for sure we will have to do that!” Not that she was sure that Jade would be around next year, nor was Jade, but that wasn’t going to dampen her spirits, not tonight!

Gwendolyn had been so intent on thinking about her wings and flying with Jade, one of the subjects that always got her attention, that she had not noticed anyone else slipping in. Until she heard the voice, of course that voice could only belong to one person, her smile which a moment ago did not look as if it could of gotten any larger did just that. Her voice held a bit of happiness in it at seeing her friend. “Leo!!” She waited a pause after hearing the rest of what he said, she glanced to Jade then back to Leo, “Iffen you did that, it would make hunting up the treats for Halloween that much harder! I mean already we had to dig the bodies up.” She spoke in such a straight voice sort of way, that one if they did not know better might of thought she did just that!

She would slip off of the mushroom, careful with her skirt, for it was rather short in the front, and she was not used to wearing such items. She was thankful at the moment for the bare feet, for if she had worn the heels she had planned on she had a feeling she might of ended up in a puddle of Gwen on the floor. But that was not so, and she grinned widely. “I did not know where one would find such a thing!” Even as she spoke, a rather large caterpillar was taking up residence upon the mushroom, bubble pipe and all. Then she moved towards Leo, giving him a quick friendly hug, before stepping back again. “Tis a nice surprise to see you Leo!” And no she had not forgotten her manners, “Leo this is my best friend Jade, Jade this is Leo, he helped me find Leoette.” She hoped that she had not embarrassed Jade. “I’d so glad you both made it.”

[Jade Stone]

"Of course they are." Fluffy and white? Between this time and the last time she and Gwen talked Jade was collecting up details to do some mental math. Gwendolyn had wings. Gwendolyn had said she was going to ask Epiphany if Epiphany had wings because they shared an unfaithful mother. Gwendolyn's wings were fluffy and white. Fluffy and white...?

Despite the fact that she was adding A + B to try and find C on the inside, on the outside Jade was her usual sweet and sassy. Which is why she leaned shoulder to shoulder against her dear friend to murmur into her ear, "Maaaaybe you can show me later? Even if you can't fly? Once you're done being wicked, course." A wide, beautiful smile. Of all the things Gwendolyn had chosen to dress as for Halloween she'd picked something wicked. Jade was more than willing to encourage. Not as part of any big evil plan - big evil plans weren't Jade's style. But just because being a little nasty made for fun sometimes.

"And it's ok to say. All of it. You should repeat the part me always looking good if any hot guys show up. Especially if a guy named Donovan shows up. And I'll do the same for you." What are best friends for, right? And look at that! Next thing Leo walks in and those two seemed to know each other, so it looked like Jade had the opportunity to put proof to pudding. She cast a look between the two of them with a daring sparkle in her bright green eyes.

"Well hi there Leo." Now that pretty girl smile was turned on him. "I was just telling Gwendolyn how cute she looks. But she always looks cute, don't you think?" But just like a good best friend, she didn't stop there. No, stopping there would make the conversation linger awkwardly, and make Leo think he was put on the spot. Best to follow those comments with question, one that seemingly changed the subject. "But what are you dressed as, Leo?" She figured it was something that people only from around here could recognize. The fate of being an out-of-towner, you didn't get the inside jokes.

And by the way? The caterpillar totally creeped her out. Jade was not and Alice in Wonderland fan.

[Leo]

"I say hello and I am greeted by two bonitas. Lovely ladies." the last said if in case they did not know the first word. Gwendolyn was not only given a hug in return but he also went to place a kiss on each of her cheeks in kind. It was customary tradition to do amongst friends. 

Being introduced to Jade had him flash a smile and offer out his hand for a shake. "Mucho gusto Jade. Is good that Gaito has a friend to give her compliments." The name was pronounced 'gah-ee-toe' and rolled very smoothly off of his tongue.

If Jade shook his hand he'd bring it back now to pop the collar of his jacket while giving a laugh. Leo's laugh was a merry type of those who are carefree; without worries or problems tying then down. He had that way about him.  No need in bringing anything else to this delightful scene. "My costume is me, a businessman, for this holiday is one that I do not celebrate. For I do the Day of the Dead." Another thing from his home. 

He looked from one of them to the other. "What is this about flying?" He had heard something. 

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

They did feel fluffy and they were white, but perhaps they were fluffy to Gwendolyn because she as unused to them, and anything protruding from her back could be considered fluffy. Words had the habit of falling out of her mouth, she had not even realized what she had said. But then again it could be that Pip had read many books on so many things, and even if Gwen was the older sister she looked up to Pip! Yes that was what it all was about! A + B never equals C easily.

She heard the words, she did, as she listened her head tilted just a bit, before those hazels did light up. “If they wish to work we can do that after the party!” Indeed the girl was all about showing someone else her wings, and getting more practice at pulling them out and putting them back to sleep. Her own voice soft as it came out. “Sometimes they don’t like to go to sleep very well.” As she spoke, along with the contact from Jade, caused the wings that were upon her back to flutter.

Of course, when Jade said that if a guy named Donovan showed up, Gwen would be ready! She would give a small nod of her head, perhaps not understanding in full what Jade was saying but she knew she could very easily point out how attractive her friend was. If perhaps it was a untruth she would have had trouble or stumbled over her words, but in Gwen’s eyes Jade was beautiful, so that would be a easy task.

Gwendolyn had almost forgotten about the caterpillar until it had made its way upon the mushroom. Of course, the caterpillar was getting ready to be on duty, it was not a normal caterpillar, oh no this was a special fortune teller caterpillar. Not that that should be any surprise!

Leo always came off being very nice and polite whenever Gwendolyn had seen him, and it seemed he still was the same upon this visit back to the Inn. She blinked for his custom was new to her, though it really did not faze her, she had learned some things from him on their exploration, and she just assumed this was also a custom. Even if she had a hint of a blush upon those very cheeks.

Now, Gwen did not know if Jade knew what Day of the Dead was, for she very well might, but she did not. The only way to learn about something that one did not know about was to ask right? And she hoped that Leo knew that if he did not wish to answer a question, she would not press, but she had to ask. “What is the Day of the Dead?” Her head tilting just a bit, as a curious look crossed over her features, her head untilting, she had learned the hard way what a kink in the neck that could lead too.

When he asked about the flying, she looked like a deer caught in the headlights, for a brief moment. She had been told not to talk to many people about that, because some people might wish to do her harm. Did she think that Leo was the sort that would wish her harm? Of course not, Gwen was to trusting for that, she would probably think that Satan himself was just misunderstood, if she happened to meet him. But then again this was not the place one should be telling their secrets, right, there would be another time and place for that, maybe. And who knew what the caterpillar was taking notes on over there. So instead she spoke the truth, just perhaps not the full truth, she smiled a bright smile. “I…want to fly.” She would leave it at that, even if it sounded a bit juvenile to some, she really did want to fly after hearing Jade’s stories.

[Epiphany]

This was irony, or something pretty close to it. Epiphany had caught wind of Gwen's party and she had all the intentions of going. All week she was dressed in costume (dressing up was not unsual for her, even when it's not Halloween) so why not go to an event where everyone would be dressed? It was one of the few times where no one looked at her oddly. Then again....she still had a habit of doing odd things.

Her red and gold fairy wings moved in and out as Epiphany worked her hair in the mirror of her room. The grapes she had been wearing in her hair were real and they could only stay in so long before she needed a new grouping as the others had been eaten. This time she threaded the grape vine through her hair making it appear that the fruit was actually growing from her hair. The fall leaves were mounted around her ears and linked together to cascade down her neck. With the rest of her ensemble (eyes were lined in dark reds that pulled out to a tip near her ears and accented with a light dusting of golden glitter and a golden blush on her face. Simple dark green bodice with a maroon tunic underneath) she was the perfect Harvest Fairy. The back of her shirt left her shoulder blades exposed as that's where the wings sprouted. Just as though they had always been there.

There were not many Vampires around the Inn anymore so when she reached the main floor and felt the presence of one she paused and pursed her lips together. Now, she couldn't tell who it was - though she knew it wasn't a particular one - so after a moment to collect herself and a slight downward turn of her wings she started back towards the Meeting Hall. The closer she got the more she heard voices. And the more she heard voices the more she was able to pick out who was who.

Gwendolyn, Leo - hadn't heard his voice in a while but the accent was unmistakable - and . . . "Jade." The wide spread of her wings and the quick way they came together once was a visualization of the huff she held in. Outwardly she wore a smile, the glitter on her face even sparkled. Smiling at Jade and letting her eyes linger before she looked to the others.

"Gwen, Leo, hello! Interesting choice of costume Gwen...." This time her eyes lingered on her sister a moment. Epiphany wouldn't say anything bad about it, why would she when she had done the same and even took some costumes to the next level.

"Oh," She had made a point to put her attention elsewhere and it fell on the caterpillar. Her wings perked up and she did a partial skip as she made her way to the item. A small giggle came from her mouth as she clasped her hands behind her back and started rocking on her heels. Looking at the Caterpillar she sighed and slightly tipped her head as though thinking on how best to answer an unspoken question. “I'm afraid I can't explain myself, you see, because I'm not myself, you know.”

[Jade Stone]

"Pff!" scoffed Jade with a confidently dismissive wave of her hand. She did that right after Leo said 'lovely ladies'. "Next to Gwen I'm chopped liver." A dazzling smile was flashed at the pair of them as Leo gave those cheek kisses, supple red lips a lush frame for her two sleek little fangs. When she turned her head just so, she snuck Gwendolyn a subtle wink. See? Jade was a prize to have around in social situations, an absolutely natural and flawless socialite of the modern age.

Which is why her hand continued so smoothly on its graceful path, to shake the hand that Leo offered to her. Hopping on the information he told the two of them without a hitch. "The Day of the Dead, Spanish right?" Her high school had been big on the multicultural learning, and once Jade had been turned ten years ago information had become harder to forget. As for the handshake, Jade's hand was a little cool to the touch during the brief clasp, but there was nothing else amiss.

"And Gaito, that's Spanish too?" Maybe Jade was still trying to be a helper, since it didn't take a rocket scientist to see Gwen struggle with how to answer the flying question. Which is why she threw in a wild comment that might make the 'flying' sound a bit less like flying. "If Gwen is brave she and I might go hang upside-down out my third story windows later." Really, they were? Lucky Gwen! Wouldn't be the first time for Jade, it really was a favorite pastime of hers. "Total headrush. Freaky at first but then it feels as natural as a witch on a broomstick! Have you ever hung out any windows before, Leo?" So casual. Every effortless word that dropped off her lovely lips. The natural charm bestowed upon vampires had only strengthened this already gifted teen queen.

But even though she looked like a teenager, she hadn't been one for about a decade now. And Epiphany new that, didn't she? When she heard her name her green eyes shifted to look at her rival, and from the lips of Jade came a darling smile. To Epiphany, she didn't say a word. Because Jade felt the current situation said it all.

[TheWarden]

It was an all Hallows gathering. And he was new here art this establishment. Which meant that while he was not usually the sort the attend such gatherings The old Wizard thought it best to attend, and perhaps get to know the people he would be staying with for the duration of his stay here at this Inn.

Being that this was a Halloween costume party, he did feel as if he needed to come in costume. So he came as someone he thought was perfect. a man of action, who did what he wanted when he wanted and knew how to do such with an amazing sense of style and pin-ash.

His costume was perfect, down to a Tee. light brown well worn pants. with a pair of like well worn boots on his feet. A simple belt that housed a leather pistol holster hung at his waist. Tucked into his pants was a loose well worn button down shirt marred by the strap of a canteen across his chest. over the shirt of course was the Iconic leather jacket of his character. Though so so Iconic as the final two accessories that solidified who he was dressed as. the hat a dark brown leather snap brimmed fedora. which sat low on his brow. And there was the long bull whip that also hung at his belt. Ladies and Gentleman. Indiana Jones had just entered the building.

Of Course the only deviating that the Wizard took from the costume was his inclusion of his intricately runed and warded walking cane. Which he did favor in his walking. Another slight deviation was the fact that he had devoted a great portion of today to warding and enchanting the various artifacts on his costume. everything from the fedora hat to the fake pistol in the pistol holster would be able to serve a magical purpose should the need arise.

[Leo]

(We're all capable of spelling mistakes. I'm sorry. I only just saw it as I was reading again. It is 'gatito' not 'gaito' but the sounding of it is the same with the 't' silent. I'm sorry if I confused anyone. )

The handshake Leo gave to Jade in return was a polite and firm shake. Not to tight, double pumped, and slightly leaned in, the shake matched the present smile on his face and when it was done he took his hand back. The chill of her hand was noticed and calculated. She wasn't threatening so there was nothing to be concerned over.

His smile only tugged more on his lips when Gwendolyn was put off by question of flying. He had worked with a lot of people who sought to cover information and the manner that their body moved when doing so. Gwendolyn's reaction and that of her friend to pull up behind with added information spoke to him that what they said was not all that it was. They may go hang like bats, but he was not thinking that it was what his young friend had in her mind when the word 'fly' was said. "Gatito is affectionate term for kitten." He went with the lighter fare of talking first as his casual manner continued, moving from the two to get a couple more Ladyfingers and hold them in a napkin. Back slightly turned to the ladies. "The kitten to Gwendolyn would be her gatito." There was a difference between a kitten a person adored and a regular kitten.

The air in the room changed a bit and he turned from the table as he saw Epiphany come in through the door. There was an unmistakable tension that he felt and it was between the one who entered and the one her first words were directed to. Something was there but it was something neither addressed. When she greeted him Leo flashed her his smile and raised the hand with the food, would that he had done more but she was set about heading away. But she had brought up the costume again and so it was something to piggy back on. "As Epiphany did say, interesting costume. The pair of you both have wings." An observance. Stepping around the two to place himself between the pair and to get a better look at the root of Gwendolyn's wings. "I had thought that they might be real and you were going to take Jade up into the night sky. Once you learned to stretch them." His eyes traded between the two ladies when he spoke in a slight suggestive tone and afterward he gave a small shrug, lifting one of the sandwiches and taking a good bite.

All of this was not so bad for he rather enjoyed the company of people and always made himself comfortable at parties. Sprinkling a few crumbs from his fingers he spoke once he finished his bite. "Día de los Muertos. Day of the Dead. The first and second day of November." That it was called 'day' when it was two days was only a turn of phrase. "Is when coming together with family to pray and remember those that have passed on. Also marked with festivals and a parade to honor the dead. Is a wonderful time." And one that he was on his way to attend after leaving the Inn.

Now another came in and he could appreciate his attire. Though, he did not know the man so perchance it was his normal fare? "Hola Señor. Welcome to the party."

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Jade’s words had a hint of red covering Gwen’s cheeks once more, feet would lean forward a moment as she rocked back on her heels. Even a hint of a giggle escaped, she thought she would do fine putting all of Jades attributes out there, but she was rather not used to hearing things about herself.

She was the sort that wasn’t good at covering anything either, she was a very open person, so the fact that he could tell something was up wasn’t a big surprise. And that was probably why Jade did jump in there, which Gwen was grateful to her for, but only for a moment, because she just gave it all away again. “Can we Jade? I want to hang upside down outside the windows!” Her voice held the excitement of a little kid getting told that they could go free and get whatever they wished inside of a candy store! Her hazel eyes were wide with the excitement! She wouldn’t met Leo’s gaze for a moment, when he spoke about the flying, and when he looked she had done a very good job of getting the wings to sprout from her back right where her real wings did. Though there was not a scar from when her wings did wake up as Gwen called it. Gwen had found some special skin glue that made her wings look as if they were attached to the skin, almost invisible to the naked eye.

It was when she heard Peter Pip’s voice that Gwen smiled warmly, “Epiphany!” Oh she knew the undercurrents between her bff and her sister, but that wasn’t going to effect her. “You made it!” And she would excuse herself just a moment and move over to give Pip a careful hug, as she whispered to her, “This corset is so not comfortable. It’s digging into my side.” To prove her point when she was backing away from the hug she tugged a bit on the top of the corset near her armpit area. Certain outfits were strange to wear for the first time, she was sure that one could get used to such clothing but it would take time.

She would make her way back to Jade and Leo, so she wouldn’t miss what the Day of the Dead was. “It sounds like a wonderful tradition to have.” She meant that even if she had not known to many people if any that had passed on, but surely now that she was more social it very well could happen. It sounded like a traditional holiday so she called it such and she would look to him to make sure she had not offended. Gwen was so happy that the people that showed up had, it wouldn't matter to her how many people showed up because her current favorites were all here, and that's what mattered.

When Leo spoke the man that entered, it snapped Gwen’s attention that someone else had entered, and she would smile over to the newcomer, she did not rush over and hug him as she did not know him. But she had been greeting everyone and what sort of hostess of sorts would she be if she did not introduce herself? “Hello Mr Sir that I haven’t yet met! Happy Halloween!” She was a festive little thing, her wings fluttered, the blueness showing up more then the black for a half a moment. No she had not a clue whom Indiana Jones was nor did she know whom the man was. She glanced around to everyone else, seeing Pip talking to the caterpillar.

The caterpillar paused in his thinking to turn those eyes upon Epiphany, and he lifted with two hands his bubble pipe which he used to blow out two bubbles. The first bubble showed a scene from Alice in Wonderland, it lasted just a moment, before the second bubble appeared with a On strike wording on a picket sign. Yes the caterpillar was on strike from Alice in Wonderland and that was how they got him for the party. Then he looked at Epiphany and blew another bubble this one was shaded in pink and it had a picture for Epiphany’s eyes only.

[Aiden]

"These things just keep getting better and better." Aiden cackled to himself merrily as long pale fingers scrolled expertly through the song list on his new music player. Call it an odd quirk if you will, but even though he was well past his teens, Aiden still held a fondness for toys technology and couldn't wait to get his hands on a new one. Which is why the half vampire hadn't been able to resist when he just happened to be wandering through the Clutter-and-More! Emporium and came across the display of new music players. He had to have one. It didn't matter than an ex-con escaping the law had more money on them than he currently did (who needed money anyway?), he wasn't leaving there without one.

That had been nearly two hours ago and Aiden was still sniggering about it like the aforementioned teenager he wasn't. The snicker grew into a guffaw and next thing you knew there he was cackling again as the image of the poor clerk came floating through his mind. It's probably best not to go into full detail, but the picture of the way the girl's hands had been shaking when she practically tossed the player at him was amusing as hell. It seemed even growing up in Rhy'Din didn't necessarily make you immune to creatures of the night, especially when certain ones smiled and showed their fangs off less than six inches from your face . . .

So where does a half vampire go with a brand new almost-stolen music player in his possession? To a party of course! It was Halloween and as a general rule that meant there were parties abound. Speaking of parties he'd heard on a hunch that there just happened to be one going on at the Tel'Ranaemyn Inn so away he went!

Aiden didn't carry much for the passing of holidays, least of all Halloween. What good was a day where you could dress up like monsters when half the population considered you one anyway? Distaste didn't mean he wasn't dressed up for the holiday, in actuality it meant the opposite. Tonight Aiden was decked out as a so-called 'classic' vampire; black dress shoes, suit pants, perfectly pressed white cotton shirt with the flared turn-of-the-century sleeves, and a deep purple suit jacket complete with intricate embroidery to finish the look. Course most vampires didn't have his messy bleach-blonde hair, that was it's natural hue, believe it or not, and so for the evening his locks had been dyed pitch black and gelled down and back from his face. For someone who didn't celebrate the holiday Aiden made one fiiiine 'classic' vampire.

Into the Inn, through the door, and off to the Meeting Hall Aiden would go only to end up in the usual Aiden place of leaning up against the doorjamb. Black eyes looked over the people inside, that guy in the suit looked strangely familiar, but then he saw it. Just the creature he'd been looking for, a fairy. Pushing off the doorframe he stalked over to his 'prey'. "Well, well well . . . Isn't this just the fairy I've been looking for."

[Jade Stone]

Leo never answered her about whether or not he'd hung out of windows before. Jade noticed that not because she was slick, but because it was her total underground pastime and she was always looking for company. So she was de-lighted with Gwen's reaction! She knew she'd picked Gwen as her BFF here for a reason. The girl was innocent, sure, but in a way that was oh-so-tempting. "Oh we sure can, Gwenie. And we sure will! If you want, you can stay over tonight and after we can paint each others nails and share deep dark secrets..." Jade's tone was the vocal equivalent of baiting a hungry horse with a nice juicy carrot. Promises she'd keep though! That huge third floor pad she had was big and lonely, company would be nice.

But she wouldn't be a good friend if she didn't glance between Leo and Gwendolyn and give a wink. "Unless you get offered better plans, of course." Cue that dazzling grin of hers, coupled with a look at between the two of them that said without saying, 'why not make better plans?' It was totally Halloween after all. What better day for two friends to carpe diem? If she could go carpe diem someone, you better believe it'd be happening.

There was a lot of other stuff Jade could react to. The fact Gwen didn't say anything back to Leo's comment about she and Epiphany both having wings and flying for real, for one. And for two...the cloudy look Jade got when Leo talked more about the Day of the Dead. She was the dunce for asking, so the pangs that happened inside of her as she thought about Owen were her own fault. But before either could develop into anything more, a couple of guys came in and Jade did a double take.

Not at Indiana Jones. At the Vampiro Classico. At first she thought he was someone else. The clothes, the hair, the style. A total mirror of one of her vampire buddies back home who used to dress exactly like that to compliment her own ironic costume as they paraded around in public openly being what they were for a precious once every year. She was shocked to stillness, even after she realized it wasn't John and remembered she was way too far away from home for it to be John. The shock was broken like a bad mirror when he went straight to Epiphany, of all people. In Jade's book, that said a lot about the guy and resulted in a private roll of her eyes as she turned back to Leo. Since Gwen was playing hostess to Indiana Jones.

"So Leo, tell me. Is Gwendolyn your little Gatito? I can keep a secret." Her smile had returned, beautifully playful. Her eyes lost their brief flicker of annoyance and shined as she half-teased by adding, "Since you did call her that." All of that said in a low voice, of course. Wouldn't want Gwen to overhear the covert ops.

[TheWarden]

Jamison, being the paragon of good manners that he was more the happy to return the greeting offered over to him. And True to Character the man offered a crooked sort of charming half smile and bright a hand up t his hat, which was tipped with a bit of a nod at the young lady, a young lady that he could only assume had dressed herself as one of the fallen.

The Old Warden was no stranger to the Fallen. there where indeed Fallen where he came from. They unfortunately where no where near as plesant as the young lady before him. He had many scars from the Knights of the Blackened Denarius. Calling themselves such because they themselves are imprisoned within one of thirty ancient silver coins. released only when a mortal host took up one. and imprisoned again when taken from its mortal host. Jamison had himself imprisoned six of the demons himself. a task immeasurably difficult. but needed nonetheless.

Being that the young lady before him bore not the darkened power of evil the the others, she got his pleasant greeting responding." Thank you, for the warm welcome. Of Course we haven't yet met, I just got here." his voice was all in character, a bit of a gruff rough and tumble sort of American accent. It wasn't his real accent but, this was Halloween."Jamison LeFey... it is very much a pleasure... wouldn't be able to show a fellow to the drink table would you?"

[Epiphany]

  

Very few people could stand over her, that close, and not make her freak out. And if you happened to be a Vampire that list was extremely short, but she knew Aiden when he walked into the door even if her attention was focused on the Catepillar on the mushroom. He spoke and Epiphany did not respond. Her head was slightly tipped and she was rocking back and forth on her heels as her fairy wings slolwy fluttered open and closed. If Aiden was close enough the tips of the wings may have even brushed across his finely tailored suit. 

She didn't immediatly address him because she hadn't expected him to get so close. He may only be a half vampire but he was still a vampire and now she was in a room with two of them. Epiphany was keeping still to compose herself by inhaling and exhaling slowly, but she couldn't simply stand still if she wanted to shake the feeling. She had to move. Quick step forward lead to a pivot, her wings flowing gracefully as she spun around and put a mask of shock on her face. 

"Brother!" An excited shriek and what would she do next? Why, bend slightly back on her left foot and pounce on the poor guy that's what. How else would she greet him? It was up to him whether or not they remained upright or not, either way her arms would go to wrap around him and she'd growl while trying to bite his shoulder through his clothing. Shoulder. Other places were reserved. Doing something completly opposite of what her other side wanted helped her to balance out. For now. 

Once she stopped trying to bite Aiden she spoke again. "You look like you came out of my story." It was a compliment.

This place was filling up wasn't it? "Who are you 'treating' tonight? You look pale." Ha. Funny. Vampire, pale. She had always been poor with jokes. 

 

[Leo]

Though there was a lot of activity going on Leo was keeping track of it: who was doing what and their interactions with the people around him even if it looked like he was only enjoying the party as he now had a cup of punch. The window question he was hoping would pass by. Did he like to hang from windows? It was depending on the reason. Most of his window hanging time focused mostly on holding on to someone's ankles while they were upside down, but that was not conversation for a party. If Jade noticed she didn't say anything and Gwendolyn didn't re-ask the question so he let it pass and besides she commented on his holiday.

Before he could make another statement about that the young lady was off again. Leo made a small rotation motion with his hand, swirling the liquid inside his cup in a fluid manner, chuckling as he stood there besides Jade. "I think perhaps she should have made to dress like a Bee for how busy she is being." It was easy to see that she was the hostess of the party, a role he (thankfully) was never in, his boss was the one who always hosted parties and went around from person to person in greetings and small conversation. "What better plans could there be then what made her smile so."

Jade was trying to be the matchmaker it seemed to him with all the winking and suggestive talking about better plans. The man took it in stride like the good sport he was an swallowed the laughter with a drink from his cup. As he was going to say something he saw her take a look at vampire that dressed in 'costume' and motioned in his direction with a raise of his cup. "I remember that man. Aiden I believe his name is. Got something from my employer. " With the way she looked at the man...."Do you know him?"

Did not take long to empty his cup and held it empty as Jade asked him about Gwendolyn. "I like the name for her, Gatito. It fits her personality, that it does." He looked over at Gwendolyn talking to the archeologist and gave a nod before he turned his smile to Jade. "I'm not the one able to care for such as she." He meant care for as in to take care of, not that he could not care for her in an emotional way.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

When Jade mentioned staying over after the hanging upside down outside the windows, and doing girl things, she lit right up. She never had a girl to do girl things with. Though she never had used nail polish that would be a whole new experience for her as well, you sure Jade wants to take her on? Her hands were so itching to clap, though she was doing her best, instead she just grinned. “That sounds like this will be the best Halloween ever!” Now given that Jade had probably a ton and a half Halloweens under her belt whereas Gwen did not, it already was turning out to be the best one ever for her.

Oh that cloudy look that Jade had, she could of spoken up, but she wasn’t about too, everyone was allowed cloudy looks. And usually cloudy looks meant that someone was thinking of something unpleasant. That was something that she would not attempt to touch in a public room. Now if they were alone she might very well of asked Jade what was wrong, or to offer to listen to anything, but that was not the case.

The male dressed as a vampire was spared from her running over and introducing herself, due to the fact that he had entered and was mingling with Peter Pip.

Though Jamison was not as lucky! Nope, indeed he wasn’t for she was there, speaking with him. She had indeed dressed as a Fallen, though she was probably rather far from it, at least for now. She knew she should be in character with her personality, but people were just arriving and she wanted to make everyone feel welcome. “It is a pleasure to meet you Jamison LeFey, I’m Gwendolyn, but most people just call me Gwen.” She actually sent a smile towards Jade and Leo, because neither stuck to the basic Gwen or Gwendolyn with her name, and she actually liked it. Then when he asked about the drink table, he got her hostess brain going, “Oh! Of course! This way!” Then she tilted her head a bit, her voice dropped just a bit, “I should of asked you that first, huh?” She had watched others play hostess but this was her first time, so she was taking mental notes as well. She would walk with him over to the table, the long length filled with many things, stopping at the middle where the punch was. Then she lifted her hand, very carefully not to cause the punch bowl to over turn, “And here’s the punch.” She was rather proud of herself as she pointed at the punch without making a mess.

While the man was getting his punch she would attempt to catch Jade’s eye to see if she wanted a cup of punch while she was standing there. She had already noticed that Leo already had a cup.

[Jade Stone]

"A bee? Oh Leo, Leo." She scoffed, making an ironic shooing gesture with her hand as if to shoo that idea away like it was a bee. "I heard they die after one sting. Better to dress as something with a longer shelf life." A little grin. It was kind of a self-referential comment. Considering she was dressed as a vampire. Talk about shelf life! "So tell me, how's the shelf life of businessman?" She slid him a wink as she posed that question to him, using the nearest back of a chair as an excuse to lean into him a bit. She wasn't the type of friend that made moves on guys her friends might be interested in. And she wasn't interested in Leo. Flirtatious behavior just breathed in and out of Jade like other people breathed air. People seemed to get that about her, so it didn't get her into trouble.

Much. "Aiden?" Repeated with a total lack of recognition. Maybe that's why she took one last glance in he and Epiphany's direction. She stifled the eye roll this time. Turning back to Leo, she shook her head. "Nope." She popped her lips for emphasis on the 'p'. "He's dressed like someone I know back home. Who always used to dress like that for this holiday. It was like seeing a ghost for a second, that's all. What does your employer do?" Call it curiosity.

The last thing Leo said was what had her really curious though. "For such as she? What such is she that you can't care for her?" Did he know something about her BFF that she didn't? That possibility made Jade look noticeably pouty.

That was when she noticed Gwendolyn trying to get her attention. What was she...was she asking about punch? Oh, punch. If only she had John's flask on her, she could give that punch a nice bloody kicker and it would be just like the old days. But she didn't have a flask. And she wasn't about to make a deal of asking for blood. She'd just have to use her imagination and pretend. So Jade nodded to Gwenie. Sure, she'd have some punch. Why the heck not.

[Leo]

Leo would be taking his time, with the casual glances being traded between the people there at the party but nothing so obvious or rude to seem as he was not giving Jade his attention. He was. She was his partner for the moment and he even gave a mirthful smile about the self life. "A bleeding goldfish can live in a pool of sharks if it knows how." Not forever of course. "Longevity depends a lot on skill." And skill had nothing to do with the natural things of life like illnesses. This was how he answered the question about the self life of a businessman.

"My employer has a shop in the upper district of the Marketplace; it's called 'Fabrications by Design'." Personally Leo quite liked the name they picked out for the store and found it amusing that people took the name at a simple value. Fabrications equaled fabrics and therefore thought it nothing more than a clothing store. "Aiden received a suit." Adding to the general meaning of the stores name. There was a bit of punch left in his cup so that bit was downed. "Even something for your taste?"

There were other things of interest to eat there at the party and so he turned from Jade to take a pick or two of other things. He turned his smile on her again and it was just a smile with nothing hinting on it. "The dealings of this businessman can keep him busy. It would not be a shame to have Gatito sad in wondering where I may be." All for the matchmaker Jade was trying to be he liked now that Gwendolyn was happy. There were times when he thought of the other things in life but, "Even now I happen to be here for I was retrieving things from my quarters."

[TheWarden]

Jamison was all smiles, lowering his head and cracking at the waist in a slight bow to her."It is very much a pleasure Ms. Gwendolyn. When he straitened it was just in time for er to start off leading the way.

"Its quite alright Miss, As a Gentleman it is in fact I who should have asked you if you would have liked a drink.Alas, I didn't know where it was." when she motioned to the punch bowl the wizard leaned his cane against the table in order to pick up both the ladle for the punch, and a cup. filling one and offering it forward to Gwendolyn. before filling one for himself and taking up his cane once again.

The wizard really hated to have both hands full. but when one hand was on his cane he wasnt all too antsy.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

If Gwendolyn had any clue of what Jade and Leo were talking about the girl would probably be ten shades of red. So it was a good thing she did not. She did not think anything of Jade standing near Leo, it wasn’t because of how she might or might not feel about Leo, it was merely because it was Jade. Some people might not agree, but Gwen saw the good in Jade, just as Jade saw something in her. Gwen already trusted Jade with her deep secrets, and pretty much her life, so here wasn’t any other way to trust the woman more.


She had not expected Jamison to fill a cup for her! But she would take it and give a smile, “Thank you!” Before using her free hand to grab another cup, and mimic the motions he made to fill the cup with punch so she had one in each. “I need to take a cup over to my Jade, have you met her and Leo yet?” Did she perk up at the mention of her friends? Well, maybe she did. She had a cup in each of her hands, as she awaited to see if Mr. Jamison wished to make the acquaintance’s of Leo and Jade.

((Sorry! My Board Muse does not wish to play nice and I wanted to get something up!))

[Jade Stone]

"Sure can, especially when the sharks think the goldfish is hot. Then they'll do just about anything for her." How as that for Jade-style honesty? She was speaking from personal experience. If it weren't for the sharks that circled her these past few years vying for her affection she'd be dead. "It," she quickly corrected with one of those charming teen queen smiles. This one was a little sly, her way of saying she meant what she said the first time and that the correction was her displaying her party wit. "I meant it. The goldfish." Uh huh.

Her bright green eyes gave him a look over as she pursed her lips at him to make each red lip pout just so. The tip of her tongue peaked out to tap its tip at her top lip before disappearing again. Such a brief gesture, but there was something hungry about it. "Oh. Almost forgot to ask. Are you," a quick light tap of her soft fingertip against his chest, "saying you're a bleeding goldfish?" Nothing like mentioning bleeding around a vampire! Even Jade, who liked to 'pass' as human most of the time, sometimes she just couldn't resist.

She almost didn't want to move the conversation along. Almost. Same went for her gaze. She really needed to not stare at him like that....she forced herself to look elsewhere. "Sailors and soldiers' wives manage it. Gwenie could too, if she liked you." Leo wouldn't be the first to leave a yearning woman waiting for his return while he was on business. A brief glance at Leo. "My taste? What taste is that?" Unlike normal teen queens, Jade was no fashionista. Probably because she wasn't really a teenager anymore. But considering she was here on someone else's dime and she was just itching to spend their cash, she could be persuaded.

But then? Across the room, she heard her name. She had good hearing like that. Green eyes landed on Gwendolyn and Indiana Jones, and she gave them her best party smile and waggle of her fingers.

[Leo]

Leo was a smart man, he knew that Jade said what she meant in reference to 'she' instead of 'it'. The little ‘mix-up’ was another thing to bring a smile to the man's face. In regards to her askance on having something for her taste his smile became slightly brighter and he rocked forward and then back on the heels of his shoes in a slow and calculating manner as he focused his eyes on her. And the cup. Looking at her then the cup to her again. Maybe it was that she would catch his drift. The smile was more for what she was drinking.

"A taste that is fresher and more filling than what you currently have.."

The color - or lack thereof - of her skin, perfect features, the way she looked at Aiden when he came in; and don't forget the small tongue to lip movement suggested what she could be. It was more than a pretty lady on the hunt – a typical female hunt. If he spent more time with her he would be able to confirm. A person could not be in his trade and not know about the different races or never having had dealings with them. Then again, if she made . He had nothing against her if she was nor was he going to act any different.

The Spaniard took a lean against the food table, the type where he only blocked some food from view but wasn't causing damage. He looked out to the others and gave a sweeping motion of his hand out to the group. "Not a bleeding goldfish," not that he was saying the people at the party were sharks or goldfish, although... "More of the diver watching with his hand on the trigger." There were implications to what he said, none that he was going to say.

"I should think of taking my leave before you find a convenient way to trap Gattio and I in a room alone." It was said in good humor for he was laughing a bit at the end.

[Aiden]

"H-hey! Whoa! Watch the suit!" Pip didn't have to worry about Aiden being close for long because he was sliiiiiiiding back out of reach from those wings of hers. "Don't go wrinkling the goods there!" Those wings of hers didn't actually leave a mark or a wrinkle for that matter on the suit but vanity thy name is Aiden, and he was busy smoothing out those invisible wrinkles.

"Oof!" The poor guy. Wrinkles were suddenly the least of his worries because he had been Pip-pounced! Luckily the guy had learned to catch since the last time he had been attacked, err, pounced upon and so he would try wrapping his arms around her, at least the best they could with those pesky wings in the way!

"Whoa! Hey! What kinda fairy are you? They aren't supposed to bite!" Forget the hugging because now she was trying to turn him into a chew-toy! "How'd ya like it if I did it to you?" Aiden was going to find out cause that's just what he'd do; turn his mismatched white an' gold fangs at her and snap at the air. Chomp chomp.

Ohh, well lookie there she complimented him! How could he continue to try biting her after that? Being the 'nice' guy that he was he couldn't and the last snap slowly morphed into one of Aiden's trademark smirks. "Came out of your stories huh? About time you had a handsome looking guy in there."

Man, he had to get his sister some joke telling lessons. That's something she had to have inherited from their father, the guy couldn't tell a joke out of a wet paper bag. Snorting, Aiden shook his head at her. "Cute. What would you say if I came to treat you my dear sister?"

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