RP:A Spooky Concert in Vhys

Summary: The Sound of Sirens play at this years Halloween Ball. Khitt is declared the winner of the costume contest and is given the Book of Arh’Nuk as a prize.

Ancient Ruins

Meri  :: The festivities were scheduled to start just as the sun was about to sink below the horizon with the goal that the night would add to the ambience of the decrepit ruins. As it will soon be dark, the area has been illuminated by glowing dark red orbs that have been fastened to black rope that is hung from tall wooden stakes that line the perimeter of the party area. A black stage with matching skirting has been set up adjacent to the ruined temple, parties are considerably more fun when there is good music to be heard. Built directly behind the stage area is a wooden sign that runs almost the entire length of the stage to highlight the name of the band that will be entertaining party goers. The background of the sign is a deep shade of gray while the ‘The Sound of Sirens’ has been painted in a shade of neon purple. Less clear is who was responsible for catering this event, but loyal supporters would quickly be able to tell that the sweets, pastries, and other baked goods were baked by none other than the Ginger Snapped Bakery and Sweetshop. A wide variety of spooky treats have been spread out across three tables for guests to help themselves to. The only thing the Cenril based bakery was not responsible for providing is the copious amounts of alcohol that can be found in a long bar that can be found right next to the tables of treats. The bar is manned by too ghoulish looking bartenders that are able to serve up any drinks that might be requested from them. Piles of bones have been left around the room from all manner of creatures, some are humanoid while others seem to be from animals. They have got to be fake, right? Nothing more than decoration? (1 of 2)

Meri :: Two stone thrones rest immediately in front of the entrance to the ruins. This is where Meri can be found sitting, though those who know her would be hard pressed to be able to tell that it is her. Her costume this year involves a glamour spell that does a very fine job of hiding all of her telling features, including her tattoos. Her costume for this year is that of a lich and the woman opted to use this glamour spell to give her a very corpse-like appearance. The lich-woman is donning blood-stained armor that is a mix of tarnished steel and battered leather which only partially manages to cover the woman’s cavernous and rotting ribcage. On a pedestal between the twin thrones rests the prize for the winner of today’s costume contest, guarded by the lich queen and king. (2 of 2)

Khitti || As the ball started, the stage set for the Sound of Sirens shimmered into view, having been masked by a glamour so as to keep things secret. The set itself was made to look like a cemetery, with headstones and a mausoleum and whatever else you might find in a graveyard, like spooky, somewhat deteriorated statues. Soon the band itself also faded into view and began to play, with Sister Sinister’s (the band’s newest addition) piano skills coming to life on the pipe organ that was off to the left side of the stage, while the guitars, drums, and even a trumpet joined in with her. The door to the mausoleum opened, allowing Khitti to back out slowly, her sword, Embershard, in hand as she watched ghouls and zombies pouring out in front of her. Her black, sleeveless knee length dress and the leggings that went with it were in tatters, cuts showing and blood seeping in between the tears. Khitti backed herself into her mic stand, the undead taking over the stage. But then… They stopped and stood there, snarling and gnashing broken disgusting teeth, but doing nothing else for the moment. Khitti peered over her shoulder, squinted at the mic, then the ball guests, then the undead. Something seemed to click and soon Khitti’s voice joined the rest of the music. ♫”It's close to midnight and something evil's lurkin' in the dark. Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart. You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it. You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes… You're paralyzed! 'Cause this is thriller, thriller night! And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike. You know it's thriller, thriller night! You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight!”♫ The door to the mausoleum slammed shut and the undead began… to dance? Yep. They are indeed dancing. ♫”You hear the door slam and realize there's nowhere left to run. You feel the cold hand and wonder if you'll ever see the sun. You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination, girl. But all the while you hear a creature creepin' up behind… You're outta time…”♫ The band played and the undead continued to dance until the song reached its end. There was, of course, a merch table set up in an inconspicuous place off to the side somewhere, where everything was FREE. Yes, you read that. Free. Get your free Sound of Sirens merch, people! And when those were gone? More would materialize on the table, leaving a decent supply there until everyone got what they wanted.

​​ Magik can be found sitting next to Meri in the other throne. Like Meri, his features are primarily hidden via the constantly dripping bloody bone, steel, and leather armor. The only tell tall sign that there is a certain Elder Lyastri behind the blood and bones is his familiar black fiery eyes. The lich-man leans forward as he dips pieces of sushi into a bowl of blood and devours it slowly. After a few pieces, he quietly says to Meri, "Hm. Not bad with this spicy sauce. Good call." Anyone that decides to come close to the thrones will get a violent warrior-like bloody scream and a slam of the handle of his scythe into the ground before the lich..and a quiet giggle afterwards.

Kanna is never one to turn down an invitation to dress up. Velveteen rabbit ears brush against the skeletal bouncer as the plump woman makes her way into the party. With the help of some magic users, the silver ears blend seamlessly into her silver hair and move as they react to sounds and emotion. Quite the opposite of the usual Kanna-fashion, the ghoul has decided to dress simply in spite of the cold autumn night. With a loose blouse under a corset, and a skirt that stops just above her knees, it would appear that the bard may have forgone a costume tonight in lieu of simplicity. Either this, or she has decided to dress as a rabbitfolk tavern wench. "Hello-lo!" She greets the crowd with a waggle of her fingers, addressing no one in particular.

Khitt led his lovely wife Annette into the ball’s designated area, peering around at their surroundings on their way through. He stopped a moment, eyeing that half tree etching upon the ruin’s door, before shaking his head and continuing into the party. “You want something to eat and drink? Khitti catered, so there’s plenty of sweets,” he said, doing his best to speak over Khitti’s loud music. How can Khitti and Khitt be in the same place at once? Very carefully. But, mostly, it was Annette and Brand’s magic. Even Brand was here, -somewhere-, doing Brand things. And Dominic too, in the form of a large blue chicken, with his actual chickens, Henrietta, Locutus, and Kevin, trailing along behind him, the four of them running amuck (amuck! amuck! amuck!) through the crowd of partygoers. As for Khitt’s costume, well… he was Nearly Headless Macon. He was a complete lookalike, and was even equipped with that ridiculous axe of his. How can you be nearly headless? Very very carefully. How carefully? Well, when a random partygoer shows up alongside him, his head flopped off over to the side. But it was still attached. -Nearly.-

Brennia ventures toward the party alone as large wings, black as the night sky, fold closer to her figure. She is a little nervous, but definitely cozy in her warm costume she made of a crow. Maybe the costume isn't entirely imaginative or clever, but it sure is practical for the time being. Moving along, so she doesn't block up any newcomers, she meanders along the refreshments and adjusts her mask which is a large black beak. Luckily she already ate and won't have to fork around with her mask all night to snack on the lovely looking refreshments, but they are quite tempting. The avian takes a moment to admire the decorations, inspect the pile of bones and look awestruck at the gory appearance of the lich king and queen. Bre watches people trial in, marveling at all of the creative costumes and wonders if she knows anyone underneath. For a second she wonders the same about herself, but being a six foot two avian woman is a dead giveaway.

Quintessa is trying to do her best not to give her costume away, dressed in a light blue cloak that covered all but the ends of her white hair that flowed out from the edges. She does her best to hide her eyes as well, tugging the hood of her cloak down to conceal them. The only thing Quintessa can’t hide is the faint blue light and trail of icy mist that tails her. From under her cloak she looks around, trying to find someone she recognizes, or at the very least find a nice corner to lurk in unnoticed.

Brand is here, dressed as a mouse, seated in a booth next to the regular merchandise table. His booth is configured to resemble a somewhat dilapidated old house, with hats and other headwear lining the counter and hung up on the wall behind him. "Me sell hats, poke," he says to anyone stopping by his little stall. Of course, they are mostly very silly hats. This -is- Brand we are talking about.

Hake arrival to the party wasn't showy. The electrum Dragon did his best to just come as he was, with or without announcment. However is costume he wore was no doubt a head turner. It was blue and made of foam, shaped into a question mark, no actually thats exactly what he was. A question mark. In truth he bought the costume at the last minute, and had a story to explain how he got saved for those who might ask. But in truth he was really just here for social activity. Under his costume he was in his human form an average 6ft 2inch male with modest muscle tone, and simple blue tshirt and brown pants. His only possible oddity being his bed head electrum colored hair, and his emerald colored eyes which gave him a healthy look aside from possibly his paler complextion, he had used his human form as of late, prompts from a potential girlfriend with a preference for anthro form, made him less concerned with how he looked while human, he had no one to please, but himself tonight, which meant he would steer clear of the bar, lest he start getting critical of their mixology skills, Hake prefered to keep his work, and play seperate. Instead he enjoy the drinks, the food, and a possible dance here and there. But in the end, he was here for fun, and nothing more.

Meri :: Any reaction that Meri might have usually given Magik would probably look a bit odd given her current costume. A blown kiss? A wiggle of her brows? The Elder Lyastri gets a gruesome smirk in light of his compliment, "I couldn't forget your favorite." Tonight the lich queen does not bother going out of her way to greet anyone she knows, she's got a prize to guard. Much like Magik, if anyone approaches she'll react in a hostile manner. He'll scream, while her hand will menacingly shift to the hilt of her sword. Who wants to pick a fight with a pair of liches?

Hake say Kanna: "hello."

Kanna action : walks up to the Lich Lovers, only to get a loud roar in response from them. 'Shoo! We're in character!' She can hear one of them hissing, though the distorted voices make it hard to discern which one. "You're both so cute when you're mad." The ghoul winks and mimes kisses to both of them before moving towards the drink bar.

Brand || Annette, meanwhile, is here mostly to consume massive amounts of sweets. She's dressed head to toe in witchy garb, complete with a very wide-brimmed, black and pointy hat. Her sizeable baby bump is disguised as a jack-o-lantern, complete with shimmering eyes and a glowing grin. She's big, but not too big to dance -- and she'll lead Khitt onto the dance floor first in order to work up the appetite for all the sweets she's -definitely- going to tear into later.

Shishi is perhaps unrecognizable outside of his unfaltering usual outfit. The reigning Titan enters the venue with a deep red cape flowing behind him, revealing the red-tinted leather armor he wears beneath, as form fitting as his vampiric, human figure allows. Light glints off of the shining blades of the two sickles looped onto his belt, one at each hip. The assassin’s midnight hair is mostly hidden beneath a leather cap, elongated in the front so that it tips low and obscures his face along with the red, insectoid half-mask with bubbled lenses at the eyes. For show, at the top of the cap, two springy antennae bounce wildly with each step he takes. He’s too tall to be mistaken for the real thing, but the aesthetic is dead on with that of the Hero of Freedom fighter’s. The Blue Demon in the Crimson Mantis’s exoskeleton puffs out his cheeks, perhaps giving away his identity, while scanning the festive ruins… Meanwhile Leralynn, The Orange Witch, trails behind her father in a long, fur lined, deep blue coat. From beneath the hem of said coat flow several floofy white fox tails, nine to be exact. There is some light necromancy at work here as each tail is formed around lengths of bones similar to thin spines that, with a bit of concentration, the blonde half-elf can articulate into various positions where they will hold their form until manipulated again. The warm coat comes with an oversized hood that is pulled up over the teen’s head and has a pair of false fox ears sewn to the top to complete the look. A small sapphire hangs from a thin necklace on the girl’s neck, glowing faintly and giving of a mild chill surrounding her in an attempt to approximate the sensation of being near Frostmaw’s Ice Queen… Orange doesn’t get halfway through her entrance before she spots Quintessa, drops her mouth open, and points at the changeling like a spider-themed superhero encountering his own self near a police vehicle… Terra also accompanies the father daughter duo, arriving at Shishi’s side with a stone crown on her head, a brown beard drawn on her face, a fake suit of silver plate armor, and a prop great axe. She will be delivering King Macon quotes in a satirical tone for the remainder of the evening. There doesn’t seem to be any illusion magic going on with any of the three costumes, they’ve gone with all practical effects here tonight…

Magik wiggles a bloody hand full of boney finger armor at Kanna.

Shishi's date nudges him, "Is that guy headless Macon?"

Shishi shrugs, "Could be... Maybe it is some other guy with a big axe..."

Blaire came ready to drink. She had good reason for coming, and it probably wasn't a terrible idea to check in with family if she was in the area. But the prospect of going to and dealing with home was always a reason to consume. Preferrably until she felt rebellious enough to decide against it or defiant enough to do it for spite. She strutted up to the party site on platform heels in her new costume to suit her new station as a officially endorsed spellcaster, as opposed to a hobbyist with a rare specialization. She'd put together a new leather jacket with sleeves like bat-wings and a double pentagram out of red embroidery and silver studs on the back and wore it over a figure-hugging thigh-length red dress with a roomy hood that helped to shadow her face and hide her features beyond the skull facepaint. Unsurprisingly, especially since she didn't know anyone here (at least officially), Blaire made a bee-line for the well stocked bar to start what was going to be a evening with a theme in more ways than one. At least there was good music.

Krice arrived with Talyara’s hand hooked around his elbow. His attire was not a costume to be judged in the upcoming contest, but rather a regal compilation of silks, leather, and silver; eat cut and tuck of fabric sewn to fit comfortably the lean angles of his physique. The most basic aspect of his suit was the black silk adorning his legs, pressed pants at half-break atop polished - but still practical - boots. His jacket bore twin coat-tails, two in front and two at the rear, which stopped just past the knee at tapered points marked by silver leaf embroidery, homage to Talyara’s Elvish heritage. Each silver decoration accentuated the contours of his body to add an air of strength along with the beautiful craftsmanship; the jacket side-fronts and front-seams were rigid curved lines of black leather that followed his abdomen and swept outward under his chest to disappear under each arm, traveling the curve at sixth-rib height. The black leather lapel was extended past his clavicle and accentuated by simpler silver leaf decoration, carried over each sleeve head and the yoke.While not a creepy getup, it certainly was far fancier than his usual basic attire, complete with that long silver hair pulled into a loose but neat ponytail at his nape. As always, both his regular black katana and his newer, longer white katana were sheathed on his person, this time against his right hip one above the other. As Krice and Talyara entered, he cast his gaze to the stage and to the throne, passing a discerning eye over the ‘lich queen and king’ before Khitti’s performance caught his attention. Seconds later, he had mapped their surroundings and taken note of all present, though some were harder to identify than others due to their glamouring. Clearly, he and his witch companion were obviously themselves. After a brief look down at the kitty lingering around his feet, the warrior spoke a quiet word to the woman on his arm.

Hake :: the big blue walking question mark, walks over to the snack table collecting some halloween punch and candy, to munch on.

Khitti || Khitt almost tripped and landed face first on the floor as the derp-chicken Kevin ran past him. Thankfully, he didn’t manage to unbalance Annette and send her onto the floor to roll around like a giant blueberry girl. He did, however, shake his fist at Kevin, as he was wont to do. That chicken was a menace and Khitt was certain he was going to eat him someday. “Goddamn it, Kevin!” Khitt sighed, shook his head (which dangled there precariously), and led Annette to the dance floor. “That chicken will be the death of me. Just you wait.” He spun Annette around a bit and did various other dance things that might go with this sort of music. Nothing lewd though. That was for later. Much much later. At home. In the privacy of their home.

Kanna whispers to Leralynn and Quintessa, "You both picked the Ice Queen?!" Eyeing up the unusual costume, Kanna gives a polite nod in response before turning back to the girls. "Does that mean I'm the only astral royalty theme now?" A wide smile breaks out on her face. "Easier for me, then."

Talyara :: It wasn’t that often that Talyara found herself in a situation which swayed her to dress up and doll herself up. Living in Frostmaw and working at the various clinics often left little time to wear dresses and paint her face with makeup and tame her wild hair. Her and Krice opted to arrive at Elimdorei Hotel earlier in the day to make for easier travel to the venue of the Halloween Ball (as well as grant the witch some time to get ready for the evening). Normally one to wear more muted attire so as not to draw attention to herself, Taly was in her Samhain (and witchy) element. Clearly, she had taken her title as witch seriously for her costume. Her dress was more risque than she would normally do, an off the shoulder maxi dress with chiffon overlay that had twin slits up either leg which ended at her hip and long sleeves that ended in an angled point on the back of her hands. The bodice was a tasteful sweetheart cut in the bust and perfectly tapered at her waist to accentuate her figure. Instead of her usual green or purple, Talyara’s dress was a shimmery gold color with matching heels and wool witch’s hat, neither as tall nor as pointed as what was traditional (this cap was more rounded, the tip slightly arched back). Her hair, while still voluminous curls, was more tamed, styled in such a way that it looked more in control than was normal. At first glance, her makeup appeared to be shiny and ethereal around her face making it appear to be glowing; however, upon closer inspection Taly had taken the time to painstakingly draw (with Krice’s assistance) autumnal leaves and acorns and small pumpkins on her cheeks and forehead in bronze paint. She wasn’t just a witch this evening, she was the embodiment of autumn. Trailing behind Talyara is a spectral black cat who scampers around her, weaving in and out of her legs and intermittently arching its back to rub against Krice affectionationately. Was it the real spirit of a dearly departed pet or merely a glamor the witch conjured to act as a spooky familiar on this evening? As the couple entered the ruins, Taly’s shyness took over and her arm cinched around Krice’s and she moved closer to him, emerald eyes shifting from one ghastly costume to the next. “Hm...I don’t...think we got the proper instructions…” Talyara canted her head to catch Krice’s quiet words and angled her chin towards the bar. “I need a drink.” Before self consciousness could consume her.

Khitti || After a few more songs played, another would begin, and all but three of the undead dancers left the stage via the mausoleum as Khitti went through a costume change, the tattered dress replaced with a black corset, black leather pants and boots, and her make-up done up in all black, with purple eyeliner just beneath the black. The three seemingly female zombies went about wrecking the stage, destroying headstones and setting fire to a rather large tree as Khitti sang, the band occasionally giving its leader a look like ‘are you sure about this?’ while they played. ♫”Rage in the cage and p*ss upon the stage. There's only one sure way to bring the giant down. Defunct the strings of cemetery things, with one flat foot on the devil's wing… Crawl on me! Sink into me! Die for me! Living dead girl! Crawl on me! Sink into me! Die for me! Living dead girl!”♫ It wasn’t exactly what happened at the Xalious and Druid’s Eternal trees, but Khitti had somehow been inspired by her adopted daughter Quintessa and her accomplices, Kanna and Leralynn, and felt the need to turn it into a song. Just like the others, it would continue and other songs would be played until it was time for the costume contest.

Krice didn't seem remotely bothered that he and Talyara were more formally dressed than creepily, especially since it seemed to concern her. The hope was that if he remained comfortable, he could help her feel so as well. " It's only an issue if you wanted to enter the contest. You're beautiful, regardless." His expression was tender as he spoke his reply, thereafter following her gesture to lead her to the drinks on serve.

Quintessa action : spots Blue and Orange from across the room and spits her drink out accidentally, partly because Shishi was in a Crimson Mantis costume but also because of what his daughter was wearing. “Y-you? You’re wearing this?” Quintessa drops her hood as she storms across the venue, her giant fox ears popping out from under the hood with a flourish of silky white hair. “Larelynn! But I thought you were gonna go as Queen Josleen this year- What the heck?”

Brennia action : sees more people coming over to the refreshment table that she was idling by, so she moves along to stand before the stage and enjoy the music. Brennia is impressed as always at their performance and enjoys the music until she spots the merch table. Carefully, she steps around the chickens clucking about and makes it over to the merch with a victorious sigh. She has to sort of bow down and tilt her head way down to see around the beak as she carefully chooses a hooded sweater with a wicked graphic on it of the Sound of Sirens.

Shishi action : 's daughter smiles awkwardly to Kanna, "I didn't know. We should have gotten together and talked about it before..." Orange doesn't seem all too broken up about the situation though, as she idly reaches out and prods at one of Kanna's rabbit ears with one finger while she speaks.

Talyara action : smiled softly up at Krice, thankful for his support and his comforting words that it didn’t matter that they weren’t dressed like everyone else. When they approached the drinks table, the witch selected a brandy and immediately took a sip, grimacing slightly at the burn. She sputtered as she said, “it’s been a long time since I had something other than wine.”

Hake action : idly watches as the stage zombies set fire to a tree and casually sips his punch. "Hmm, looks like there going to burn out." He said casually to know one, before turning his blue questioned mark costume body and walking up to the bar, finally willing to have some liqour.

Shishi action : blinks at Quintessa while Orange puffs out her cheeks and points at her father, "I was! But then he told me I 'couldn't wear that out of the house!'" 22:49:09Kanna action : takes a moonlight margarita from the table and sips it slowly, taking a step away from Quintessa and Leralynn with each sip.

Brand || While Khitt and Annette prepare to dance the night away (occasionally interrupted by those pestering chickens), Brand is having words with a 'customer'. The hats are actually free, same as the regular merchandise table, but he's pretending to haggle over price regardless. "You come to old, old haus, poke. You bring coines, you buy hat." The poor woman seems a bit flustered until Brand magicks a few golden 'coines' into her hand with a wink, then has her exchange them for the ridiculous flowery tiara she'd been eyeing. "Me sell hats," he repeats. "You have good time now, okay poke?"

Hake action : unable to sit down due to costume looks at the zombie bartender. "Elmindor Special on the rocks, shaken not stirred."

Krice paused by Talyara and gave a nod to the bartenders, affording them a deadpan, " You look positively frightful." Thereafter, he watched as the glass of brandy pass from the 'tender to the witch. His expression was one of curiosity, mixed with a hint of apprehension. After observing his companion's post-sip suffering, he reached out to comfort her with a gloved hand on her shoulder, thereafter ordering himself a glass of the same. In his free right hand, he took up the drink and partook of a mouthful, his features shadowed by a bemused grimace as he released a hoarse breath afterward. " Strange that some choose to drink this regularly." 22:53:12Meri action : :: As the Sound of Sirens plays, a merchant is weaving his way through the crowd shouting things like "Sound of Sirens shirts, 20 gold!" or "Bracelet! How about a bracelet for the pretty lady?! 5 gold!"

Kanna feels herself brush against impossibly soft feathers. "Woa!" The short necrobotanist spins on the ball of her foot to make sure she hasn't just rumpled a costume. "I love the feathers, Crow!"

Quintessa seems a bit confused by that revelation. Looking over to Blue she raises a brow, “Really? I always thought Josleen was quite conservative. I’m surprised you wouldn’t let her dress up as her.”

Brennia action : is bumped into and the wings shift a little at the feeling, but Brennia doesn't mind - at a party as hopping as this, it is bound to happen. Then she turns to reveal her feathered outfit complete with a black beak mask. Her warm alto timbre is slightly muffled by the beak as she chuckles softly, "thank you, miss." Her teal gaze inspects the outfit of the woman and there is a familiarity about her, oh yeah! She bought something from her in a stall at a fair not too long ago. "Your ears are darling," she rests the urge to reach out and feel them to see if they are real because that would be hella rude. "What are you?" She asks in genuine curiosity.

Blaire downed her drink with the sort of business-like determination usually reserved for some kind of challange. But balanced this almost hostile attitude with a wicked smile at the bartended, "Keep one waiting for me, yeah?" And slid from her seat. Heel-clicking her way over to the merch-chant to get herself a shirt. At least she got something out of coming besides the inevitable hangover. Even if it left her standing in the middle of the floor, somewhat lost, and contemplating how she was going to carry her new prize all night. ...That was how they got you.

Khitti || Dominic the big blue chicken and his chicken henchman ran about until they came to a stop in front of the liches. Dominic stared. And stared. And -stared-... until suddenly… he hopped up on Meri’s lap, deciding to chill there for a bit. Would Meri utterly destroy her adorable nephew? Or would the lich queen allow this chicken to live and bask in her absolutely grotesque glory?

Kanna gives a bright smile at the question. "I based my costume off of an old Rynvalian fairy tale of rabbitfolk that lived on Vaalane. You'll see when the judging starts what the real costume is." Kanna smiles brightly, seeming to be proud of her ingenuity. "I don't really need to win, I just want to promote some lost folklore."

Quintessa action : is sweating heavily, knowing she was the one who gave her that costume. “Oh, there must have been some sort of mixup- she wouldn’t have worn -that- costume, right?”

Quintessa say Kanna: You're always a winner in my heart.

Talyara action : is positively gobsmacked when Krice orders himself a brandy and proceeds to take a sip. In fact, her mouth hung open in shock. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drink alcohol like...ever.” Fancy clothes? Drinking liquor? Who was this warrior?! She casted her gaze to the dual thrones and the liches that sit therein and contemplated whether or not she actually knew them to go over and say something. The only person who she vaguely recognized was… “See that man in the…-interesting- costume choice? I think I know him! He gave me some ring at the Frostmaw Tavern and I have no idea why.”

Kanna say Quintessa: Karrie is going to decapitate me again if she hears you say that, heh.

Brennia action : listens intently, still having to tilt her chin way down to see over the beak and down at the woman, "you don't say. That sounds quite interesting. I… just wanted to be warm," she admits lamely with a slight shrug and nervous little raspy giggle. "I'm looking forward to hearing more about this costume during the contest and seeing you win." It was quite an adorable costume.

Quintessa say Kanna: Again! I told her about doing that- you can't lose any more brain cells!

Krice was still recovering from the burn and strange taste of the brandy when Talyara noted his choice of beverage. He tilted the glass a little to gaze down at the liquid. " Yeah, well, figured I'd suffer with you." A lopsided grin took the line of his mouth, before Talyara's indication of 'that man' drew his gaze away. He scrutinized the unfamiliar figure before asking his companion, " You still got it?"

Shishi shrugs up his shoulders, "I don't know. I saw -scissors- in the kitchen where she was working on it." Leralynn puffs out her cheeks and puts her fists on her hips while her tails swoosh in annoyance behind her, "It was too big, I just changed it a little... It would have been fine... Red would have let me wear it!" The Crimson Titan flinches at that.

Quintessa say : Aye, Red could pull it off well too...

Kanna smiles gratefully for the compliment. "If you ask the bartender for a Gualonian hot chocolate cocktail, the glass it comes in is pretty warm too."

Shishi's daughter looks towards Kanna when Karasu becomes the topic of conversation, "If she does, you could always return the favor."

Talyara :: A public smile? No grumpy face? It was like a whole new Krice and Talyara couldn’t help but giggle. Her amusement tempered slightly when the warrior enquired about the mystery ring and she nodded. “Well, not on me at the moment, but at the cottage. I haven’t seen him since and I’m not sure of his name. Hank maybe? But obviously, I want to return it. If I recall he said it belonged to his deceased wife.”

Kanna laughs off Orange's snark. "Silly, only my head grows back!"

Shishi say Quintessa: I am going to get a drink!

Meri :: As agreed upon with the hostess of this event, the Sound of Sirens plays a few songs and then they get to enjoy a break. Log enough for the stage to get put to use for the costume contest. Once the band takes their temporary exit, the Lich Queen stands and uses her disembodied voice to attempt to command the attention of the crowd. This voice bellows forth at a louder volume that usual, as if amplified by some magical means. Don't you worry about how, that is the creepy Lich Queen's secret. "If you are entering the costume contest! Please make your way to the stage! We will ask you step forward one by one so that you can show off your costume." ooc: Post order will be.....! Hake, Brennia, Khitti, Kanna, Quintessa, Talyara, Brand. Everyone else can chaos post around them.

Shishi storms off with Lady Macon who is just getting finished telling some innocent party goer that 'Bathing is for weaklings and elves.'

Krice's smile faltered as Talyara elaborate more on her story surrounding the gifted ring. His gaze returned to the witch as he mused over the importance of such a gift given to a veritable stranger. His words for the elf at his side were a hopefully encouraging, " See? Even strangers find you worthy." The warrior lowered the glass of brandy to the table but stopped halfway, thereafter passing it to a ghoul-bartender to dispose of. He left a couple coins, procured from a concealed pocket, to compensate for the unfinished drink.

Magik whistles at the lich queen. Lich queens. So hot.

Brennia grins beneath her mask even though Kanna can't even see it and then she gives a nod, "that isn't a bad idea, I just might do that Vaalane bunny." Even if she cannot drink it, at least she can hold it and smell it to bask in the warmth. "I'm off to get one, good luck," she wishes before slipping past others in order to reach the bar and ask for the recommended drink. Alcohol affects her far too negatively anymore with all the surgeries, but at least it will warm her cold hands and it smells divine. Just to be silly, she dipped the beak of her mask into the drink.

Talyara shrugged her shoulder shyly when Krice spoke of her worthiness and she opened her mouth to respond when she heard her name being called by the lich queen. A contest. She didn’t remember entering it but apparently she did? The witch gulped and gave a momentarily wide eyed, frozen gaze at the warrior. “I...uh…” With a quiet whimper, Taly lifted the glass of brandy to her lips, downed the remainder of it and grimaced again. She scrunched up her face which distorted the paintings on her face but gestured towards the front. “I guess I’ll be back in a moment.”

Hake heard the call and nodded, moving toward the stage. His outfit was simple yet, hilarious. He basically wore a blue foam cover which covered his upper body in the form of a big question mark, with a two half cylinders warn just above his ankles to form the dot, spaces for his arms along the shaft and a spot for his face. Simple, large, but unusual, and very very blue.

Brennia sets her drink down and makes her way to the stage when it is her turn in the contest. When she is called upon, she steps forward and does a slow spin so the judges may get a look at the costume. The bard wears an all black sleeved leotard under a black sweater which has a lush array of black feathers sewn into the outside. The same has been done to a pair of black velvet leggings, but a crow costume would not be complete without her mask which looks like a large black beak. The avain's long nails have been filed to a point and painted black to resemble the talons of a crow and she considered manufacturing some sort of footwear to complete the look, but decided to settle for a pair of simple black flats instead. She didn't have enough time to fight with her curly hair today, so she tied it up with a loose velvet scrunchie in a haphazard bun that leaves little black curly q's framing her angular face and long tapered ears, but she did heavily outline her teal colored eyes with high angled wings that cross her temples and also the reverse along the bridge of her nose. One out of place item is a knit scarf the same color as her eyes which she is wearing around her neck because it is quite cold for Bre tonight to go without. After she turns all the way around, she is thankful they are outside because avians typically cannot open their wings indoors since they are so large and she does just that. The massive wings reflect hues of forest green and navy blue as she stretches them out for the first time in a long while before folding them close to her figure once more and stepping back into the contest lineup.

Krice arched a brow when Talyara's name was called, his focus drifting toward the lich queen and then back to his companion. He seemed more surprised than she, but her movements compelled him to his own. The warrior followed Talyara and slowed to pause just a little back to avoid being in the spotlight, and to better see the elf and those around her, he stood quietly and observed as each person rose to the stage at the call of their name, his expression relaxed and encouraging when it was her turn.

Khitt walked up onto the stage, to allow for his costume to be shown off under the stage’s spotlight. He wore Macon’s usual silvery armor, though this is soaked in Macon’s own blood, that of which had been spilled from his nearly headless neck. Khitt did a bit of a turn around, showing off to the crowd so they could see not only how well he looked like Macon thanks to Annette’s illusion magic, but Macon’s axe as well, in all its glory. It too was covered in blood, but it was not his own. And last but not least, Khitt pulled off his head with a sickening squelch--as much as he could anyway--and let it flop to the side. There was a bit of blood spurting out from his neck as the head hung there and somehow the fake news-loving King’s Larketian marble crown didn’t fall from his head! Khitt took a bow, replaced his head with a gross suctioning noise, then headed to where the rest of the contestants were for now.

Kanna twirls on the spot as she steps into the lights of the stage so all can take a better look at her real costume. Holding one hand into the air, Kanna exclaims, "Vaalane Prism Power Make-Up!" A pale-blue light engulfs each of her fingertips in rapid succession, then there is a flash of light as if from the larger of the two moons above itself. When the light fades, the costumed Kanna stands in the light. A golden tiara with a cornflower-blue sapphire setting sits between silver bunny ears that have replaced her human ears for the night. Throughout her loose silver ringlets are tiny golden stars. Similar sapphires adorn Kanna's neck on a gold esclavage necklace. To match the royal jewelry, the bardic necrobotanist has donned a golden ballgown. Tiny stars like the ones in her hair adorn the shimmering skirt and bodice. Kanna's hand, still splayed in the air, curls in to make a fist. Her Ya-Te-Veo staff appears in another flicker of light, with a crystal at the top of the staff that appears to be a replica of the moon Vaalane. With a twirl of the staff and a twirl of her body, a fluffy silver rabbit tail peeks out and wags from an opening in the small of her back. "As Princess of Valaane, I'll fight evil by moonlight and win your love by daylight!" Kanna says with a wink and a kiss of the crystal scepter.

Blaire turned and half-leaned half sat against the food table, facing the stage as the costume contest began. Though her attention was oddly drawn to the sky - measuring the time - and glancing at her wrist as if there was something invisible there in between stolen handfulls of snackfoods.

Shishi's daughter yells at the stage when Kanna transforms, "Gwah~! Cute!! Get it, Bunny!"

Brennia raises her hands to the beak as if she is shocked and delighted by Khitt's costume and then she claps as if she isn't also a contestant. Bre is not a very good competitor. Then Kanna steals the show and her hand clutches her pearls as if she had some on and more clapping follows with even a little bounce or two. "That was marvelous," she whispers to the two contestants after her as they rejoined the line-up.

Meri breaks the character of creepy lich queen just a little bit so that she can drop right into Magik's lap, whispering and conferring with him over who the winner might be. She'd not abandon her spot on his lap until every contestant has shown off their costume and they have come to some sort of decision as to who the winner is.

Quintessa allows her cloak to drop from her body slowly to unveil her outfit, the lanky woman looking strikingly different than normal. Dressed in a long white winter coat adorned with dozens of light blue snowflakes, she steps forward to replace Kanna, flashing the bard a cheeky smile. All of her hair (be it due to some illusion or physical transformation) is also stark white, with delicate ivory eyelashes fluttering over her ice-blue eyes, flecked with fiery amber. Tall vulpine ears sit nestled in her unnaturally long white hair, with nine tails of matching fur swaying ever behind her. Her fingerless black gloves seem to emanate a strange azure light from the palms, reacting to the runes etched onto them. Behind the costumed Quintessa rolls an arctic fog, replacing the foreboarding aura of darkness that usually follows the changeling wherever she goes. With an impish grin and a flirtatious wink, she flashes her fangs at the crowd. “Why vote for a princess when you can vote for a Foxy Ice Queen like myself?” Quintessa says in a sing-songy voice, a hand placed upon her hip. With one last flourish, the faux foxkin spins to show off her many tails before returning to the lineup.

Kanna reaches up to touch the gaping wound on Khitt's neck. "You don't smell like an undead, is that illusion magic?"

Khitt blinked at Kanna cutely, "What? No. I'm totally undead. Entirely. Absolutely. Yes." He nodded, the head sloshing back and forth a little.

Quintessa jabs Kanna with her elbow. "Pst! He's married by the way."

Talyara when it was her turn, immediately looked out in the crowd to find Krice, an anchoring point to keep her nerve (and hopefully help her to not topple over in her heels). Sure she was dressed more elegantly than everyone else up there, but this was quite literally her season to shine, being a witch and all. With a slight jutting out of her chin, she took a step forward and fanned out the skirt of her dress and angled her face so the light could catch the delicate paintings on her skin. Her expression was neither haughty or prideful, but rather a gentle smile (that was so much more Taly than anything else she was adorned with) tugged on the corners of her lips. Still, that didn’t stop the little witch from scurrying away from the spotlight as soon as she could (taking cautious steps around Khitt lest she slip in, what she severely hoped, was fake blood).

Shishi and Leralynn whistle loudly at Quintessa, who has gone much farther than Orange with her Frostmawian Queen costume, the helf-elf hasn't changed her hair color for example. From one fox vampire to another, she yells, "Lets go, Sato~!"

Brand's merchandise stall is actually part of his costume, as far as he's concerned. He magicks the whole setup onto the stage at once when it's his turn to show off his costume -- that means the shack, the hats, him, all of it. The shack looks like a tiny house that's been left in ruins for a couple decades before being fixed up juuuust enough to serve as a store booth. Brand hangs out a large front window in full grey mouse getup -- whiskers and ears and tail included -- and a cap that reads "#1 Hatmouse" on it. The hats he's selling, littered across the windowsill and hung up all over the wall behind him, vary from fairly normal fishing caps to ludicrous, colorful contraptions of no known function whatsoever. The hats mostly tend toward the latter extreme. "Me sell hats, okay poke?" he repeats for the umpteenth time as the spotlight lands on him. "You come to old, old haus, you bring coines, you buy hat." The way he's repeating the same few lines over and over again makes it sound like he's probably referencing something, but it's anyone's guess what that could be or where it could be from. (Wink, wink.)

Kanna stays with a wide smile despite the dent in her ribcage and corset that doesn't spring back out. "And I was human. Things can change."

Krice action : had seen avians before but Brennia's wingspan was still impressive - just enough that his attention lingered on those outstretched feathers a little longer. As each person took the stage, he glanced at them briefly. With Talyara departing his side to take her turn, he watched with an obviously lingering stare, hoping to reassure her through a look that he was here to anchor her while she shone under the attention of others. Without her at his side, he felt his 'grumpy face' returning just a little. Though most of the people here were in some sort of disguise, magical and otherwise, he knew that not all of them were as innocent as a simple party let them appear. Still, once Talyara was done, his attention returned and he extended his left arm, ready to draw her in from the side of the stage. The little kitty at his feet maintained space for his companion's when she returned to him.

Kanna meanders to Brand's stall while the Lich Lovers whisper amongst themselves. "Coins for cute hat?"

Magik :: As the Lich King, rises from this throne, careful to not spill Meri onto the floor, with the large scythe in hand. He taps the scythe to the ground twice and the area goes dark. After a spoopy moment, there's a deep red glow to light the room up. The lich's voice is blood curdled and deep as he demands the attention of those present for the party, "If I may have everyone’s attention.." Magik waits for the party goers to settle before continuing on, "Thank you all for joining us this evening and thank you to all of our contestants." The lich reaches to this year's prize and hands it to his beautiful lich queen with an eyebrow wiggle that no one else can see, "This year's winner of the Halloween costume contest is.." The lights go completely dark..for the drama..Also, Magik sneaks in another piece of sushi. Because of course. The lights come back on in the form of a spotlight directed right on Khitt, "Khitt!! Come on up to receive your Book of Arh'Nuk!"

Brand action : nods to Kanna. "You bring coines, you buy hat, poke." His whiskers twitch as if he were a real mouse, and then he points to the left side of the back wall, where all the hats that might be considered 'cute' are conveniently bunched together in one area. "Take your pick," he says, breaking character for just a moment, "but I particularly recommend the floppy knit hats. They're cozy."

Quintessa's vulpine ears droop when Khitt is declared the winner. She pouts but claps anyway. "It's fine, I didn't want that book anyway or anything."

Kanna whistles for the winner, her bardic disguise spell poofing away in a cloud of sparkles, save for the rabbit ears Quintessa worked hard to make sure would stay in place. Leaving ten gold pieces on the counter, Kanna takes a floppy knit hat with a big white ribbon tied into a bow on it. "Cozy and cute! Perfect!"

Khitti || Somewhere, inside Khitt's head, Khitti was positively drooling over the thought of a new book. Thankfully, this wasn't shown on Illusion-Khitti, as she waited for her band to be able to retake the stage. Khitt, on the other hand, smooched his wife and headed over towards the liches to receive his prize. He gave them both a flourishing bow, complete with a flare of purple shadowfire, took the book, and headed back to Annette.

Brennia lets out a raspy giggle and claps vigorously for the winner. This was so much fun and she is happy just to be a part of it. Then she turns to the other contestants and claps for them just before a beat of her wings sends her gliding off the stage where there aren't many people standing.

Meri :: While Khitt is coming up to claim their prize, the lich queen speaks to all of the contests, this time not using her creepy and disembodied voice, she sounds just like a wild Meri. "All of your costumes this year were amazing. It was very hard to pick. Once you all clear the stage, the Sound of Sirens will resume playing for us."

Talyara eagerly rejoined Krice immediately taking up his arm once more. She smiled down at the spectral cat who was batting at a loose thread in the witch’s gown. When Khitt is declared the winner, Taly released Krice’s arm to clap and cheer--the fake blood was -very- convincing! She was ready to be out of the spotlight, though and gently tugged on the warrior’s arm as she pointed towards a refreshment table. “Oooh, look, treats!”

Hake dismounted the stage, not having cared to win or not win, but right now the suit was getting stuffy and he getting a strong urge to take it off. So he would look for a place, and upon finding it, attempt to get out of it his costume.

Brennia tilts her head as a familiar voice is heard and she glances around- really looking like a crow as she is trying to figure out where the voice is coming from. Then her solid teal gaze settles on the lich queen who she just now figures out is Meri and over the heads of the crowd she offers a little wave of greeting.

Krice didn't clap for the victor because he literally did not care, but good for Khitt. As Talyara clapped, he stood silently beside her and waited, watching others who milled about. The moment he felt his companion pulling on his arm, the warrior turned to walk with her to the table of refreshments. " Treats from someone other than me? Uh oh - am I slipping?" He asked of the woman at his side, wearing a lopsided grin of tempered playfulness.

Blaire quietly downed her last fistfull of uhealthy snacks and decoupled her derriere from the table, turning and slipping away in a fashionably quiet fashion while the majority of the fine folk gathered were distracted by the announcement of the costume contests winner and the prize being bestowed. It helped that her own costume wasn't particularly eye-catching for stealthy sneaky purposes. Just a party-goer dipping out early. It happened. Maybe she'd had money riding on the contest. Maybe she'd downed too many shots and gotten wasted too fast.

Khitti || When it was clear that the contest was over, and the party resurming, a group of skeletons formed a conga line and danced their way out of the mausoleum. This silly display got even sillier as some broke off into groups or pairs or stayed by themselves. In one pair, a skeleton was bent over so that its spine was flat, allowing for its partner to play it like a xylophone. Another was haphazardly waving its arms and smacking its pelvic bone. A group held each other’s bony hands and danced around in a circle, while other groups in a variety of other ways as Khitti sang and the Sirens played. ♫”Spooky, scary skeletons, send shivers down your spine. Shrieking skulls will shock your soul, seal your doom tonight. Spooky, scary skeletons, speak with such a screech. You'll shake and shudder in surprise, when you hear these zombies shriek! We're so sorry, skeletons! You're so misunderstood! You only want to socialize, but I don't think we should! 'Cause spooky, scary skeletons shout startling shrilly screams! They'll sneak from their sarcophagus and just won't leave you be!”♫

Brand action : ports himself and his booth back to his spot by the rest of the merchandise tables (but not before grabbing a few plates of food and snacks along the way). Annette and Khitt will dance to the next few songs before Annette, tuckered out, will find a table to sit at and binge on sweets for the remainder of the night.

Shishi signs a few autographs as the costume contest wraps up and the music begins again. Meanwhile The Orange Ice Queen can be found eating multiple pieces of cake. If anyone comes over to her, she'll flop one of her tails back and forth and say pointedly, "They have good cake here."

Hake remerged into the party looking completely different, nothing like his humanoid form, he was in short an electrum dragon in anthro form about eight feet tall, wearing a brown leather jacket and brown pants, with a large fedora on his head between his horns, his emerald eyes searching about casually as he believed he was moving into his final act for the night, perhaps settling for more of treats and simply trying to keep a low profile, who knows, maybe somone who knew him would think they meeting somone new.

Meri :: With the contest brought to a close and the prizes given out to all contests, Meri abandon's her spot on the stone throne and makes an exit. She'll be taking Magik by the hand during this process, hoping to lead him off with her. Couples sometimes. If he is willing to come with, he'll have to deal with some light mingling with the party goers as the two depart. Everyone who is entered the contest is given one more compliment for their costume as Meri takes her leave. ooc: You guys are free to hang out and chaos post as long as you want! I will hibernate so that I can catch the posts for the wiki. I hope you had a bit of fun!

Brennia looks up to see where the moon is in the sky and figures that it is quite a flight from here back to Schezerade, she must cut the fun short. After waving by to the Vaalanian Moon Princess, she makes her way out of the party and when she is a respectable distance, she opens her wings once more to take flight.

Talyara :: Once they reached the table, Taly released Krice’s arm in favor of giving his lapel a playful tug. “Hey now, you know that’s not true! These are just -different- treats!” The little witch had quite the sweet tooth and she plucked some cherry filled concoction and took such a large bite that flecks of patry stuck to her lips. “Mmmmdelicious,” she mumbled through her mouthful.

Ralinde arives late but in good spirits. She wears a costume with a design like a moth, lots of fur, a mask with latge blakc eyes and distinctive antennae, and a short skirt amd shawl made to look like wings. The young half-elf maiden makes her way around, looking for friends, acquaintances, or anyone to mingle with.

Shishi's daughter nudges Talyara, "Aye, right?" She points out the pile of cupcakes. "Try one of those. I had four already."

Talyara blinked in surprise when Shishi’s daughter nudged her and indicated that she should try the cupcakes. “Wow, four? They must be really good.” Far be it from her to deny the appeal of a cupcake, Taly selected one of those next. If she was hungrier she might have had four herself as well.

Hake moved casually through the crowd, he may have been eight feet tall, but he was lean, the so called dragon muscle he may have sported wasn't bulky, and so as he moved he found himself walking over to where the woman from frostmaw he had met along with the a man he could see as well. With comfortable space between then and the bar, he ordered a brandy on the rocks, in his mind, if they were going to mess up a cocktail, then they might as well try messing up two ingredents. "Brandy on the rocks." He said his voice more tenor than base, despite his size. "Quite the party," He said in the direction of Talyara and Krice.

Krice stood with Talyara at the refreshments and treats table, his expression one of feigned chastisement when she tugged his lapel. Indeed the treats on this table were different to those which he brought home for his Elvish lady, but he hesitated to partake of any in favour of sparing the crowds another glance. Things had shifted since their arrival, from the conclusion of the party to the departure of the 'lich' hosts and other smaller things between. Hake's approach as a bipedal small dragon drew his eye in particular, but Talyara's exclamation of delicious treats ensured that his focus returned to her before long. Reaching out, he curled his index finger under her chin and brushed at the crumbs by her lips with the pad of his thumb, gloved though it was. The suggestion from a smaller voice - from a smaller person - drew Krice's eye down to the little girl nudging Talyara, thereafter up to the taller female to observe her response. Without a second thought, he responded to Hake's comment with a simple, " Just like any other."

Hake gave a small dragonish smile without his teeth showing as the little girl passed between them, "I'd agree, at its core, a party is like a cake, everything else is the icing and sprinkles.":

Talyara smiled softly up at Krice when he gently grasped her chin and brushed the crumbs away from her lips. She then offered the warrior the other half of the cupcake that was suggested she try. “I would like to try more things, but don’t want to waste anything. Finish this for me?” she asked in her sweetest voice before Hake’s comment drew her attention. She looks tiny next to Krice, with her small stature. But next to the dragon she was downright miniscule--she had to tilt her head all the way back to look up into his face. “Well, there was no real danger this time. That’s a welcome change.”

Hake caught notice of what Talyara mentioned, "Well, I am new to how parties are in these lands, most I ever had to deal with was a bunch of spice addicts and drunken brawls, back home." "I see you chose Brandy, good choice, neither to bitter or sweet."

Shishi's daughter does her best to play it cool next to Krice. They almost killed each other at the Druid Tree a year ago after all. This act might be just a bit more difficult to keep up thanks to the magical stone hanging around her neck that gives off a much more mild icy aura than the gem that exploded during that fateful night and claimed the lives of several of Krice's allies, but the magic in use is the same. "Mmm, the best." Leralynn's voice cracks when she responds to the witch enjoying the sweets with her.

Krice stood at six-feet two inches, but even he looked small next to Hake's 8-foot anthro form. Still, he took the cupcake from Talyara without hesitation and would indeed finish it so as not to waste it, though only after gazing down at the filling. It looked and smelled tasty so it was without regret that he finished the cupcake in a few closed-lip chews, passing his attention across the face of Shishi's daughter once more. If he recognized anything about her, he didn't show as much, but that magical stone around her neck did draw his eye. Under his breath he muttered something nonchalantly to the witch at his side, before casting a glance over his right shoulder at the other treats on the table.

Talyara nodded solemnly to Hake when he explained how he wasn’t used to how parties ran here in Lithrydel. “I would argue that bad stuff happens more often than good stuff at these things,” she said with a crinkle of her nose. At least this one didn’t turn out too badly! And with the brandly burning sweetly in her stomach, the alcohol bolstering her confidence a little, she wasn’t nearly as self conscious in her attire (high slits and all). She leaned over the table to select another treat when she heard Krice’s words and she looked at him curiously, her brow furrowed. “Is everything okay?”

Hake reached for his drink as it came, but found that the drink lacked the ice he had wanted and actual rocks in it. He bit back his disappointment and gave a brief blowing on it which caused a chilling effect to occur on the glass, and flesh nearest the front of his snout, "Oof cold, cold." He said seemingly affected by his own breath. He took a drink of the liquid, and trying not to accidently gulp the rocks that were in it as well. "Yes, this party was... a relaxing change," He noticed the coversation moving towards her male friend and talyara, so he would close the conversation and look for others. "I will bid you all a pleasent night, if you are ever in cenril, I have a bar near the beach, feel free to stop by, I might make it free." He would smile and wink at the both of them, and turn to mingle with other people, should others take interest. 00:41:30Lanlan action : ooc: I'm just gonna barf my costume out and leave

Lanlan :: The festivities have likely begun by the time this extra special and extra controversial guest arrives. But at least, the controversy is all in his halloween costume. He steps from a broken stone pillar, and floats gently down on wings colored like cocoa. They match his skin. In contrast is his poofy toga. White and pillowy, it stripes his body like a swirl of melted marshmallows. While it covers his critical parts, his outfit is designed for the fans. It reveals an amount of exposed skin entirely unwise for such an advanced month in the year. And yet...you just can’t deny how hot Lanlan is! Heat radiates off him even from several feet away. And coupled with the way he wears those feathered wings, he’s like a dark phoenix! But there’s something else you feel in the winds, other than his dark hotness. It’s mingled with the heat. Every flap of his foamy wings calls you back to a place of comfort and safety and joy. Its the loving and sweet scent of chocolate! Dark chocolate. Hot dark chocolate. His vision for the controversial creature of legend is realized, thanks to a good deal effort more than he would care to admit. He is: The Dark Hot Chocolate Dark Phoenix!

Shishi's daughter snatches up another couple of cupcakes and starts to inch away from the table, calling out to Blue and White, "All ready to go~?" The dad sends her a thumbs up while shooting a slightly judgmental look at the pair of cakes in her hands…

Krice offered Talyara a quiet, " Yeah," reassuring her that everything was indeed okay, before Hake's departure drew a nod of farewell. When Shishi's daughter turned to leave, the warrior was a bit more engaged. " Take care," he said, though the intention behind his words was unclear; his expression was relatively neutral but his eyes were by no means empty, focus attentively on Leralynn's face.

Hake makes a passing glance at the drow and their hot Choclolate phoneix costume, and stifles a giggle, now that was a costume, he thought. and continues to make his way across the circle, passing Terra, Ralinde, and Shishi, and Quintessa, slowly making his way out unless stopped.

Shishi's daughter spins around, nine white tails swooshing behind her, to blow a kiss in Krice's direction, "Aye~, you too. Nice to see you. Bye." She's already halfway to the exit and the extra distance has provided her with a bit more confidence, so her voice no longer falters and the sweet, innocent act should be much more believable as she departs.

Talyara waved goodbye to Hake as he took his leave before turning her attention back to Krice. Her expression was curious but something wasn’t sitting right with her, something that the warrior couldn’t explain in this public setting. Looking around the room again she stood on her tippy toes to whisper something in the warrior’s ear.

Hake with his form nearest to the entrance from which he started that night Hake looks back to the dancing area a small smirk forms on his face, "Next time, and with date, mark my words, with a date," with any luck he hoped he could coax foax into that role, if he was able. He turns and moves back out into the night, eager to reach the Elmindor Hotel, to figure out how to get back to cenril.

Krice's attention lingered in the retreating Leralynn even as he felt Talyara lean in to whisper her words. The blown kiss seemed more like a taunt than a flirty farewell, lending credence to his suspicions of the woman's nice-girl facade. Talyara's words ultimately drew his focus and he looked down in her direction, his demeanor overall relaxing as a result. He gestured to the refreshments table with a nod. " Want to take something back with you?" Thereafter, he'd offer the elf his left elbow and turn to lead her out.

Talyara looked towards the table of treats to examine the contents one last time to see if there was anything she wanted to take with her back to the hotel. Eventually, she shook her head no and took up Krice’s arm again, seemingly distracted so that she didn’t notice the kiss that Shishi’s daughter blew in his direction. “I’m good. Shall we go?”

Krice nodded in agreement to depart and walked from the refreshments table, silent and contemplative as he and Talyara left the party for the freer air beyond the ruins. He walked at her pace but with purpose in his stride, perhaps eager to find solitude with the witch.