RP:Flirty Feud

Summary: Alvina and Lanara plan a double date with their significant others, however, there's a catch! It's trivia night at the Lazy Eel Lounge in Cenril, and the couples will be competing against each other for a chance to win an all-inclusive weekend getaway in Vhys! Their men, Hudson and Elioyahazer, assume it will just be dinner and are shocked to hear the scheming of the witch and bard. Lana and Eli announce their engagement, and Alvina throws the contest so the other couple wins; however Eli wants Hudson to remember their time before three children entered the picture, and he gives their prize to the Landon's.

Lanara enters the club, dressed appropriately for such a popular locale that caters to the night life of Cenril. Wearing a form-fitting crimson dress which magnifies the size of that legendary derriere, she is careful to watch her footing. Black stilettos add some height to the rather petite woman, and with the hem being high on her thighs, those toned legs are very much on display. Lana’s dark chocolate hair is worn sleek, as though she had cast a spell to tame it of any frizz, and her makeup has been evenly applied. Holding hands with Elioyahazer, she gives him a sidelong glance, a smirk on her lips, “Are you excited? You will just love my friends! Alvina is a pretty redhead that leads the Bard’s Guild, we met at the bakery a few days ago, and she’s taking dance classes. And Hudson is a…Hm. I forget. He plays some sport with balls. He was the very first friend that I made in the lands!” Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she stifles a giggle as the large rock on her ring digs into Eli’s palm. “I’m sorry. I keep forgetting! Wait until Alvina hears the good news!” A faint flush rises to Lana’s cheeks as she remembers their engagement which occurred the prior evening, as they wait in the lobby area, for the other couple to arrive. There’s a large poster hanging from the wall mentioning something about ‘Couple Trivia’ though Lana doesn’t pay it any mind, as she keeps stealing glances towards the door, waiting for Hudson and Alvina to appear.

Alvina had informed Hudson a few days prior that they were double dating with Lanara and Eli. As Alvina’s new dance instructor and recent Cenril resident, she thought it’d be nice for the two couples to get acquainted. Secretly, because she’d said nothing to anyone but Hudson, Alvina’s also hoping her husband will get along with Eli so they can possibly work together. Lanara had mentioned him finding another job and Alvina knew Hudson had connections. Maybe even get Eli a reputable job instead of dealing in death and mob business. It would be her preference to keep him OUT of the shady dealings, as she’s sure it would be Lanara’s. When the couple arrives, Alvina is wearing a sleek black dress that cuts off right above the knee. It silhouettes her mother curves in a neat hourglass pattern (though her butt is not on Lanara’s level. There’s a reason it’s legendary folks). Her heels are smaller, keeping her just under Hudson’s height. Gold drop earrings tangle in carefully set curls. Make up is minimal, focused around her eyes. She’s holding a matching clutch, arm threaded through Hudson’s as he pushes the door open for them. It’s packed and noisy but they find Lanara and Eli without difficulty. “Lana!” Alvina calls, in the way women do when they’ve spotted a familiar face, and waves as they approach. “I love your dress, and those heels! I wouldn’t be able to balance, I swear. It must be all your dancing.” She laughs politely turning to Hudson to let him introduce himself to Eli in case they haven’t properly met. She does the same shortly after. “Alvina Landon, it’s a pleasure.” She leans forward and offers her hand so they can shake lightly. “Lana’s told me so much about yo-” And then she stops, eyes wide when she spies THIS RING. GODS ABOVE. And then she shrieks, per universal woman law, and throws her arms around Lanara before she can react. “Oh my gods, that ring is beautiful.” Please, please please let this be an engagement ring. Otherwise, she’s going to be embarrassed. “Congratulations!” The pitch is high and excited while Hudson, no doubt, is trying to direct them to the table. “You have to tell me everything immediately.”

Elioyahazer had spent most of the day in practice. As the first spell blade accepted into the ranks of the Mages Guild, they had high hopes for his soon to be cultivated abilities - no matter how difficult the training was. The desert born had little time to prepare for this date night and hurriedly scrambled to remove his training armor for something more appropriate, and finds himself meandering through Cenril with Lanara. His gaze moves to Lanara’s own before donning a broad smile, Hudson liked sports with…? Really? True to the heritage of the desert of which he had been born, this cinnamon skinned male had no concept of sports, nor of any of its current teams or legendary stars. In fact, he’s particularly new to Cenril altogether. “Actually, yes. I am a little excited.” Truth be told this is the first time they’ve gone on a double date and Eli is the stranger here. He wants to roll his eyes, imagining that there will be some game of a bajillion and a half questions. It’s all in good fun Eli. “You and Hudson go that far back?” He returns the gentle squeeze and remembers that she did have news to break to her friends. This thought only confirms his original of four-hundred-and-ninety-five-million questions, which will most likely be asked. Eli is a rather private person, preferring to keep those details to himself. When Alvina and Hudson arrive, he smiles to the couple. “A pleasure to meet you Alvina,” He returns the same gesture to both her and Hudson. “Eli,” His last name left out for his own reasonings. After all he did have a history with assassinations. He didn’t need any rumors spreading around about that after retiring from that work. His eyes go wide when Alvina notices the ring. Gods of the sands and time, she was bubbly. He finds himself stifling back a chuckle at her response and feels that Lanara would probably fill her in on those details. “Thank you, it only just happened the other day.” He’s referring to their engagement.

Hudson is wearing the classic dad ensemble of sweater, jeans, and loafers. He had assented to do this to mix up the usual date night activity and also because he thinks it's important that his wife has at least a couple bad influence friends. Upon entering the venue, his wife practically bolts from his side, and he trails after her, smiling as they approach Lanara and - this must be her guy. He greets the pair of them as one greets another couple: he kisses Lanara on the cheek and shakes Elioyahazer's hand. "Huds, hey," he introduces himself. His wife, at his side, is breaking glasses with her enthusiasm for what is obviously an engagement ring. "I feel like someone's engaged," he observes in a mild tone. He meets Eli's gaze and holds a sort of poker face that roughly translates to 'lol women.' "Congratulations," he adds, and puts a hand on the small of his wife's back that roughly translates to 'please stop yelling, this is a nice place.' "Maybe we should sit?" he suggests, directing them to a booth and in the same stroke flagging down a waitress. For the table, he orders a basket of fries and pitcher of sangria, because women always love sangria and low key that's as good an excuse as any to get a pitcherful of it. He waits for the girl to leave before addressing the other couple: "I'm told, based on the signage, that we're playing a trivia game? Is this a plan you," meaning Lanara, "hatched with my wife?"

Lanara mirrors Alvina’s excitement, the two hugging tightly, as a round of squeals and high pitched giggling ensues. They were good friends, women, and HELLO, one had just gotten engaged!!! If anything, their dates should expect this sort of behavior! The witch nearly forgets that Eli and Hudson are standing there, probably feeling rather embarrassed as several people are glancing their way. “I love your dress! And those heels look so cute! You’re lucky that Huds isn’t so much taller than you!” The sandman was nearly a foot higher than Lana, and so she had to resort to wearing such pencil-thin stems to support her frame. Giving Alvina a squeeze, she begins to gush about her history with Eli, “We’ve been dating nearly five months… I had no idea it would happen this soon! But he proposed on Yule! Isn’t that the cutest thing ever?! He knows how important my high holidays are to me, and he dropped on one knee, right beside the lake, after a picnic!” The witch is practically swaying, wearing a love dazed expression on her face, as she extends her left hand to give Alvina a closer look at the ring. The princess cut diamond beams in the light, the rays reflecting and casting a shine that one cannot help but admire. The band is in platinum, of course, as Lana would expect nothing but the very best, and there are small diamond baguettes that rest on either side of the main stone. Obviously, the man had spent a hefty sum on the ring, but the smile on Lana’s face shows that he made her –very- happy with this purchase and the proposal. Oddly, she leaves out the part where a doppelganger appeared out of nowhere and attacked Eli, moments before he popped the question. Momentarily turning from Alvina, she pulls Hudson into a hug and gives him a kiss on the cheek, before practically hurling her hand in his face. “I’m engaged!!! Isn’t that amazing?!” The giddy woman nearly plants her face on the floor as she jumps up and down and those heels protest on the oiled floorboards. Thankfully, her desert born is at her side, so she collides against his frame and loops her arm through his, as though the slip was intentional. The four of them are led to a corner table and Lana slides into the booth, making sure to plant herself between Alvina and Eli, so that they could have their girl talk and perhaps cause another scene! The order of sangria as those mahogany eyes lighting up, as its Lana’s –favorite- beverage, and she gives a nod to Hudson. He did well in the ordering department. As she’s accused of scheming, yet again, she drops her gaze to the table, “Um…” She was caught, it seemed, and being the notorious prankster that she is, this has a mischievous smirk inching across her face. “I think you and Eli will –love- what we’ve planned! Its couple’s night… And they were short two pairs for the show.” She leaves out the portion where it would be –only- the four of them on stage. “It’s fun trivia… To see what man knows his lady the best!”

Alvina doesn’t ignore Eli but she’s zooming in on what Lanara is saying and nodding encouragingly. Hudson touches her back and she waves her wrist at him when he insists they do what they came to do - go to a table and eat. She clings to Lanara, eager to hear it all. Glasses be damned! Lanara was one of the sweetest, selfless people she knew. She deserved a man who treated her well and bought this fly AF ring. GOOD JOB ELI. Alvina isn’t usually overly excited to be out and about rubbing elbows but it’s nice that she got to plot this lovely break in routine with the witch. She ‘awws’ and ‘giggles’ when appropriate in Lana’s story. Proposing on Yule? How romantic! At a picnic? Be still my heart! “I’m blind from the light coming off that thing!” She jokes while scooting into the seat Hudson guides her too. The waitress is politely ignored but Hudson is talking to her. Sorry ma’am. Alvina squeals with Lanara again, bouncing in the booth seat beside her. “She’s engaged!” she repeats to Hudson, as if he’s missed the reason for their excitement. Alvina will never say no to sangria and her husband knows it. This seems like a ploy to get the ladies drunk and she is fully supportive. Alvina leans over Lanara and lofts her brows at Eli. “This ring is excellent, proposal was on point. You did good!” While Lanara explains their play, she giggles behind her hand. “It’ll be fun, Hudson.” She reassures, touching his shoulder lightly. The stage is empty still, stools lined up, two pairs on either side of the stage. A podium sits squarely between them and the crew tests the lights and audio while the drinks arrive. The fries show up shortly after, with little plates and extra napkins. Alvina portions out a few for herself and nods; good spices. “Yes, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate this engagement. Not that we KNEW but, for Sven’s sake, it’s perfect timing.”

Elioyahazer totally understands Hudsons poker face and unspoken comment of ‘lol women.’ They would most likely be on this topic for a while. Though abruptly he finds himself helping his clumsy fiancee from falling face first on the floor, due to her excitement. Those heels could cause her a lot of problems, no matter how good she looked in them. When the call for a table is announced by Hudson, he agrees - escorting Lanara there as any date should, before taking a seat. His mutated eyes, the signs of sectoral heterochromia distinctly marking them both with an alarming mix of blue and brown, gaze around the establishment. He was looking at the decorations, their surroundings. Where he might make a haste riddled escape should something go wrong, etc. Old habits die hard and one couldn't be too prepared. That’s when he catches the sign of trivia and Hudson’s comment. He coughs once, knowing that this was most likely a scheme Lanara hatched. Though less embarrassing than he would have believed. Truthfully, he’s surprised that she isn’t trying to get him to dress in drag. But when the reasonings for her scheme become apparent he gives Hudson a guys glance. Which one of us listens, and pays attention better? Damnit. This could very well turn out to be a torturous game. Hudson had the advantage of time, most likely, with Alvina. Truthfully, Elioyahazer was a newbie in Lanara’s life, well. At least his responses might be rather comical. Fun trivia? He’s not even sure Hudson was prepared for this charade. “Trivia? I wonder, will you get put center stage and asked questions about us as well?” Though his tone is sarcastic, there is a smile upon his cinnamon skinned features. He’d play along, for -now-. Alvina’s comments about the ring don’t go unnoticed, and he smiles in response. “I thought I botched it to be honest.” Things didn’t go exactly as planned during his proposal, but that’s neither here nor there. He too portions out a section of fries for himself and glances to Lanara, watching the glow she carried - shining like the rock she picked that circles her finger as a ring.

Hudson makes various thoughtful noises in response to his wife's squealing. He anticipates that following this outing he will be the recipient of a few remarks about how long it had taken for him to propose. Hopefully that's all it is, and there isn't any added saltiness about why the first proposal had errrr been sidetracked. Lanara's ring looks expensive, Hudson wonders what Eli does for a living and quietly sizes the other man up over his glass of water. The waitress returns quite shortly, with the pitcher of sangria and the fries. Hudson goes about serving everybody the sangria. "Marriage is great, you commit to your wife for all of eternity and in return she loves you and sometimes does weird stuff like wear green face masks and put her cold feet on you." He catches Eli's look that translates, at least to Hudson, as trepidation for this trivia game. Hudson for his part is not nervous. He believes he knows everything there is to know about Alvina, even if that isn't the case. This is in general his attitude toward most things in life. They are all serving themselves fries when the waitress returns -- with a surprise bottle of very expensive champagne. "Mr. Landon and party: on the house," she trills, as she goes about opening it. Hudson cranes his neck and briefly makes eye contact with a manager. "Oh," he exhales genially, smiling briskly at Alvina and draping an arm around her. He watches the girl pour out four flutes for them. "That's very nice of them," he says. He gestures in a dismissive way that downplays the real reason why people are sending bottles of champagne to their table. "People are like this with us sometimes. Real estate, you know?" He lifts his glass. "Cheers? To ... trivia, and you guys' engagement!"

Lanara is still pretty excitable about the engagement, and the more that Alvina ogles the ring and compliments Eli on his choice, the bubblier she seems to grow. The witch was feeding off of their positive attitudes, and still bouncing in the booth. She stops mid-bounce, as the fries and drink appear, as she didn’t want to spill anything on that dress. She’d have to peel it off her form later, as it was skin tight, so if any tomato sauce or sangria soiled the fabric, it would cling to her flesh. That wouldn’t be nearly as appealing! Lana doesn’t help herself to any fries, though she gratefully accepts a glass of sangria, which she steadily sips. She’s unable to tear her gaze from the stage as the men begin their set up for the show that would shortly begin, once the lighting and audio meets their approval. The rest of the club begins to fill up, and within a matter of thirty minutes, there’s easily a hundred people that wish to drink, dance, and enjoy the premiere live show of Flirty Feud. Lana gives Eli’s thigh a gentle squeeze beneath the table, her gaze encouraging, as she returns his smile. Without words, she’s asking if he’s comfortable in their group, and if he’s enjoying the night, thus far. Clearly, this is a woman that cares about her fiancé’s happiness… Though she wasn’t second guessing her little scheming of the trivia show she signed them all up for, hours earlier. It wasn’t like the men had to dress in drag or anything! This was tame, compared to some of the pranks she tosses her sibling’s way! The waitress returns with a bottle of bubbly, and Lana’s eyes widen in surprise, “That’s so sweet! Thank you!” Giving Alvina a sidelong glance, she doesn’t pry, though the witch does find it a bit odd that a bottle was brought over to Hudson, for their engagement. Was he a celebrity? He –was- very involved with some sport that involved balls and it wasn’t as though Lana followed the career section of the Cenril newspaper. Just then, Huds says something about real estate, and without words she takes the flute of champagne and clinks her glass against everyone’s. “Cheers! Thank you both!” A dainty sip is taken, and she can almost taste how expensive this particular bottle was, likely a year’s worth of salary for most! “So… Hudson, I didn’t know you were a realtor! Eli just inherited a home not too far-“ Her words cut off as the host of the show approaches their table, claps his hands, and gives them all finger guns. “You guys are up! So basically, how this works, is you’ll be asked a series of three questions! The Ladies will write their answers on a card… The Fellows will answer… And if it the answer matches what is on her card, you get a point! Now, you are competing against the other couple, so it’s important to try and guess correctly! We’ll start with some easy questions. Each round we will alternate… Again, three questions, except the Ladies have to guess correctly. After four rounds, whoever has the most points, wins an all inclusive weekend at the Elimdorei Hotel in Vhys. It’s a five star palace, people. You want to win this show.” He pauses, tapping his chin, and naturally staring at Lana’s figure in that red dress. “If there’s a tie, I’ll take both ladies to Vhys, myself!” The laugh that he gives will likely have Alvina and Lana cringing, and glaring at their men. They better get this right! “Okay. So. Alvina and Hammond will be on the left. And Lanara and Enriched will be on the right. Get your butts up on stage!”

Alvina wrinkles her nose at Eli’s evasiveness. “It’s hard to botch and still get a girl to say yes. She was going to say yes before, I doubt a little mishap would change that.” She winks at Lanara and chews her fry thoughtfully. Sangria lands in front of her, she leans over, smelling like paprika and ketchup to kiss Hudson’s cheek when a bottle of champagne arrives. She blinks in the direction Hudson’s looking in, his arm falling around her shoulder and she offers the direction a grateful but sheepish wave. Hudson’s dismissive reasoning is dismissive enough that she doesn’t have to fill in the blanks. Real estate. Right. Instead of dwelling, she lifts her flute and likewise toasts the happy couple. “Those masks are good for our skin, you should try one when you complain about itchy skin in the winter.” This is why men should moisturize. “To love and all the magnificent and crazy things it brings.” The clink of glasses and bubbling champagne make the night feel elegant but fun all the same. Sangrias are tended to next. Oh Hudson better believe she was going to complain when they got in the carriage to go home. They’d been together how long!? Engaged how many times?! She’d been OVERDUE by the wedding. But really it didn’t truly matter now. They had a solid foundation after all that nonsense. Marriages aren’t all sun and no rain, or whatever gram would say in this instance. Everyone has marriage advice, even if they aren’t married. She’s about to say something else when the game show host appears and Alvina swears she’s seen him before. He instructs them on how the game works and when he jokes, she offers a polite smile but her eyes bulge at Hudson to please make this guy stop being creepy. Off the host goes and the Landon’s move out of their side of the booth to take their place on the stage. Alvina looks at Lanara nervously, holding the cards they’ve been given while Mr and Mrs…? What was Eli’s last name? Approach behind them. Cheesy music starts from somewhere off stage and the host offers a little run down for the crowd. The first question is for the guys about their ladies. “Where did you have your first kiss?” He raises his eyebrows, as if the implication is suggestive, and Alvina scribbles down her answer on the card before squeezing it to her chest and looking at Hudson. Sending those thought waves so he can remember.

Elioyahazer for the most part, isn’t one to let things go unnoticed or unchecked. His observational skills had been honed over the years and put to good work in a field that was recently dubbed ‘The Export Business’ by Lanara. Frankly, he sent men to the underworld for pay. Rather filthy job if one thinks about it. He’d often sneak into places others thought impossible, using those abilities of observation. Hudson’s remark and wave of dismissal is caught by the ex-assassin. However, not in the way one might think. He ponders to himself momentarily, ‘that was odd’. Elioyahazer’s own gaze moves to Hudson for mere seconds, scrutinizing him. There’s nothing threatening to his glance, and it only lingers for a heartbeat of time. “Very nice of them indeed.” Lanaras squeeze upon his thigh pulls him from thoughts that might distract him otherwise. The ex assassin turns to the manager and offers a wave of thanks in response and a broad smile. He raises his recently poured and ‘house offered’ champagne flute “Cheers, and thank you.” But the game-show host is already appearing at their table announcing how things will and should go. Eli takes one last swig of that Champagne and gives Lanara a single look - which may or may not dispel her unspoken thoughts. You just wait lil’ missy, Toothpick and I are going to have a field-day getting you back for this. “Looks like it’s time.” He ignores the names used, but his offer of taking both women to this place alone makes Eli clench his fist up for a moment. No scenes tonight Eli. He breathes. After a moment, he offers another smile and reluctantly stands where he waits for Lanara, before escorting her to the stage and taking his position as suggested. As a man who prefers privacy, the idea of having a hundred or so people gathered around, waiting on his responses is more than nerve wracking. It goes against everything he is. Well, try and make the best of this one. I mean, it’s only three questions, how hard could it be? When Hudson’s first question is asked, he listens intently for his response.

Hudson almost chokes in his wineglass at being called a realtor. More like... real estate developer who uses the business as a money laundering operation for certain racketeering activities that sometimes included the trafficking of narcotics. He wonders if his wife is offended that he was mistaken for a lesser version of his fake job, but he doesn't get a chance to read her face because the game show is starting. He realizes, because his wife is nudging him to get out of the booth, that they're really doing this. He chugs his champagne and gets moving. ... Also, his name is not Hammond. (Somewhere, in the back of the establishment, the manager has turned the color of a sheet.) As they take their places and are handed notecards and writing implements, Hudson shares a wide-eyed look with Eli D/B/A "Enriched." The first question is an easy one. Wait. "What counts as a first kiss?" asks Hudson, to laughter from the club attendees. The Emcee shakes his head, leaning into the magical amplifier, "It's whatever your wife thinks was your first kiss, man." Hudson nods. Right. "Alright, I'm going to go with on the beach. Cenril beach." It now falls to Elioyahazer to respond with his guess, and for the women to reveal their written answers. After a round of applause from the crowd, the next question is for the women to answer about the men: "Who is your man's celebrity crush?" For his part, Hudson grimaces at Alvina before writing his response down.

Lanara glances at Alvina, as they both flip their cards to reveal the answer to the crowd, of where they shared their first kiss with their respective partners. In elegant script, Lana wrote, ‘On my bed. After I gave him a sedative, during a healing procedure.’ Elioyahazer managed to guess correctly, even though he was entirely under the influence of some herbal concoction that Lana whipped up on that fateful evening. “Yay! You guess it right, Sandman!” Giddy with excitement, the witch wraps her arms around Eli’s neck and pulls his face to hers, so she can deliver a chaste kiss to his lips. The crowd is going wild as the host is making some ludicrous remarks about Lanara luring men into her home, drugging them, and taking advantage. That wasn’t –exactly- the case, but they were engaged, so it worked out rather well in the end! The witch glances over at Alvina and Hudson, wondering if Cenril Beach was the right answer, and she comments, “Awwww! A kiss on the beach. That is so romantic!” She doesn’t mind if the other couple wins, she only hopes they don’t tie, and that a fight doesn’t break out between her ex-assassin and the flamboyant host. Huds could probably throw down too, though she’s never seen him in an angry state. The couple is also low key about their lycanthropy, so the woman has no idea about the company she keeps. As the next inquiry is tossed onto the laps of the ladies, Lana’s eyes widen, as she had –no- idea who the desert born would consider a celebrity crush. He was raised in the desert! At best, he probably admired some saucy shaman, or maybe a sandstorm. Nipping her lower lip, she hears the ticking of a clock, and her brow creases in worry. “Um… I don’t know about this…” Nervously, she watches as Eli begins to write on the card, before she levels her gaze on Alvina. Would she have trouble answering this question? Blurting out who was –her- celebrity girl crush was her best bet, and it would be her new last name, with different spelling! “Lara Croft! The fabled adventure lady with the great butt!” The audience laughs, causing the witch’s cheeks to flush, as the next question is veered toward the men, and it’s the women’s turn to write their correct answer. “What is your Ladies favorite type of animal?”

Alvina’s impressed Hudson knew the right answer. She likewise claps at Eli’s correct answer and cheers gleefully. Lana makes a comment about it being romantic and Alvina laughs. “He had to leave to go see his mom…” She grumpily adds, but really she’s beaming. The host asks about the celebrity crushes for the men and Alvina narrows her eyes at him. “I better be his celebrity crush,” is met with laughter and cheers from some of the women off stage. “But I’m going to say Nicki Mirage.” Feline entertainer and bad ass. Hudson shakes his head and clarifies that it was actually Ariana Trenta and she huffs indignantly to see if Lanara had guessed Eli’s right. “That’s not fair!” She shouts at Hudson who is laughing. “I forgot about her!” Lana’s answer makes Alvina laugh, she covers her mouth to mute the sound. The next question comes and Alvina looks at Eli, wondering if he’d have a hard time guessing about the woman who runs an animal sanctuary. Then she looks at Hudson, knowing he can’t get this one wrong if he tried.

Elioyahazer by all rights shouldn’t remember his first kiss with Lanara: at the cabin near her animal sanctuary in Sage. He was so drugged up, having taken three times the recommended dosage of painkillers - also Lanara’s fault. But that is where it happened. He smiles at the thought of a kiss on the beach. Hudson, he thinks. Romancing the ladies at the beach huh? When the host asks the girls the next question of celebrity crush Eli shakes his head. What celebrity crush? He was born to the deserts and raised a slave to a shaman that muddled his mind with magic. Just the two of them. Like it had always been. His life was in the shadows and alone - until he met Lanara. In fact, she’s a celebrity of her own, come to think of it. The Adventurers’ Guild leader. A witch, and owner of the animal sanctuary in Kelay. He writes his answer down and has himself a good laugh when she names this unknown tomb raider. His card is flipped to reveal Lanara’s own name. “I’m sorry Lanara,” He finds himself laughing about his response. She knows that he has no clue about the world’s modern celebrities. When he in turn, is asked about Lanara’s favorite animal. Oh boy, his eyes go wide for a moment. She had -so- many that he didn’t even know where to start. Her favorite animal? Lords. He knows that she dreaded snakes, but that’s a story for a different time. There’s only one creature that he knows follows her around -everywhere-. In fact he’s surprised not to see Aspen running around here everywhere. This actually isn’t something they’ve discussed. “I’m going to say a bear. Just cause of Aspen.” It’s a blind guess, but hey, he took his chance.

Hudson had wondered if his wife would think of Ariana Trenta. One time he'd made a mildly favorable comment about Trenta - in the context of her dating David Peteson, total schmuck - and his wife had immediately commented, knee-jerk reaction style, that the woman was always performing in her thigh high boots and ridiculously high ponytail and that it was a very juvenile oversexed look. As a result of this Hudson had avoided mentioning Ariana Trenta, though she was in the news constantly, making jokes about Peteson's... "big energy," if you will. Being a basic man, he was not immune to her appeal. (Why doesn't his wife make jokes about his "big energy?" If only his wife liked him as much as Ariana Trenta likes David Peteson ...) His wife's pouty tone suggests that she'd seen through him and on a luckier day might have guessed correctly. He glances over at Elioyahazer, who has just answered for himself, and a look of betrayal seizes Hudson's features. "Oh come ON, making me look bad," he shakes his head. He's still shaking it when this question about animals begins. It doesn't require much focus from him. "Cats," he answers, glancing expectantly at Elioyahazer, traitor to men. Hudson has to wonder how many more rated G questions they'll be answering, at this rate, when the next question, for the women, takes him quite by surprise: "What's the most unusual place you have... had relations?" How decorously put. (Again the manager in the back, blanching.) Hudson shakes his head, feeling that this one isn't fair given that Eli has been Lanara's boyfriend for all of ten seconds, and takes a second to write down his answer.

Lanara tries her best to maintain her composure when the crowd chants ‘Mama’s Boy, Mama’s Boy’ over and over, referring to Alvina’s comment about Hudson having to report to his mother after their first kiss. Tucking her hair behind her tapered ears, Lana knows that Huds isn’t a mama’s boy, as he often was in bars and eyeing the ladies… Before he settled down with the pretty bard, of course! A memory of a certain bachelor party surfaces and she scowls, hoping that Huds wouldn’t be involved in the planning of Eli’s, should he expect such a thing. The fact that some beauty would be shaking her goodies for her fiancé has the witch’s anxiety surfacing, though as Eli flips his card and names –her- as his celebrity crush, she’s overcome with emotion. The ex-assassin saw her as a stunning celebrity? She knew he didn’t know of many performers or A-lister’s but the fact that he chose –HER- is huge! She’s blushing, stuttering and stammering, and tears are stinging her hues. Clearly, Eli had struck a chord, as she was feeling more vulnerable than usual, especially after the engagement. “Oh my heart! That’s so sweet! I love you!” She looks up, into his mottled gaze, and that’s when the creepy host slips between them and wraps an arm around each of their shoulders, “Can I just say? I was hoping someone would name ME as their celebrity crush!” The audience howls in laughter as the host waggles his eyebrows, before he wanders over to Alvina and Hudson, to make them feel equally uncomfortable. The favorite animal question is answered, and SOMEHOW, out of the menagerie of pets that the witch keeps, her absolute favorite is mentioned. Aspen, is a Polar Bear, and so the answer of ‘bear’ is revealed on the card. “Yes!!! We are in the lead! Nailed it!” Lana high-fives Eli, though speaking of nailing it… The next question takes a naughty turn, and she rolls her eyes as she is forced to answer, “We were dress shopping in a boutique in Enchantment… So… All that ‘excitement’ brought us into the dressing room for some… Relations.” Her cheeks are burning, but she’s pretty sure she answered correctly. It’s now the ‘final’ round, and Lana looks over at Alvina, wondering what the final question to the men would be. “I hope it makes –them- blush!”

Alvina nods at Hudson’s answer, because of course it’s cats. It’s the only pet she’s ever owned and she’s owned Aria since BEFORE they started kissing on beaches. She did know it was Trenta, but she’d forgotten her name honestly. It’s hard to keep track of celebrities when there are children to monitor. Alvina points to Eli when he reveals his answer. “That’s what you should of said,” She elbows Hudson but claps excitedly for Lanara and her future husband. “How cute are they?” The host steals the moment and Alvina visibly cringes. The next question makes Alvina flush and stammer, much like Lanara’s teasing joke about Hudson wanting his wife to take a certain type of dance lesson. She clears her throat and looks at Hudson nervously. WHAT IS HE GOING TO SAY?! Alvina looks to Lanara, who looks equally surprised and when the witch answers Alvina’s eyes go wide and she covers her mouth to keep from laughing in nervous agreement. A dressing room! How adventurous! What if they got caught?! Then it’s her turn to answer and she pauses, sorting through her thoughts carefully. “Uhhh I guess I’d have to say in a...magically induced dream?” Because what the hell is that even? Hudson flips his card with a similar, tactful answer and she sighs a breath of relief. He could have said it in a more vulgar way and the host looks confused but laughs. “Those dream relations, am I right?” Before presenting the next question. “All right fellas. How long do those encounters usually last, and for bonus points, go ahead and tell us who your woman thinks is the more commanding?” Alvina can’t and hides her face with one hand and scribbles her answer hastily on her card.

Elioyahazer is no fool to those glances Hudson is throwing to him. Traitor. Perhaps, but he is unaware of the current state of things. Lanara is the recipient of a well aimed high five. “I love you too,” he winks to her once, even if the host is being rather ridiculous. When the next question is asked, he nearly rolls over with laughter! Finally, something a little more interesting pops up. He knows the answer right away and proceeds to jot said place down. When Lanara answers the question the crowd gets loud. Elioyahazer flips the card around revealing the exact same thing and with a brief explanation, while laughing. “That clerk was so mad at us. I’m surprised she didn’t barge in!” There were even other people in the store! Not just the workers! “But that very same day, you agreed and put that ring on your finger.” His hand points to the one she’s wearing - clearly unashamed of their act. Sure they might have only been together for the blink of an eye, but things were definitely interesting between the two. However the response of a ‘induced dream’ is rather odd. He wonders what exactly that was like? Finally the last question and bonus is asked. Elioyahazer ponders over this for a length of time. Well if you average their all nighters, with those quickies you end up somewhere around… Carry the one. Ignore the two. Really he’s just taking his time to answer to make Lanara sweat out his response. “Hours.” Elioyahazer blurts out. “Often too. She’s insatiable.” As for the bonus question, he refuses to respond and instead just shakes his head.

Hudson had emitted a Marge Simpsonesque growl at the elbowing over Elioyahazer's purportedly brilliant response. He's cheered up at the next question, however, and spares an enigmatic smile at Alvina. What indeed did he write!? "Bold," he pronounces Lanara's answer on behalf of herself and Eli. Alvina is the color of a ripe strawberry, bless his wife's sometimes puritanical heart. He nods encouragingly at her answer and flips his card to reveal "in a simulation," and makes a gesture at the emcee to indicate that his answer and hers are one and the same. "Give hubby a break, huh?" he says to Alvina, who still remains a bit pink around the ears. The last and final round of questioning indeed requires a bit of math. But less for Hudson than for Eli, apparently. He scratches his face and looks at Alvina, "Uh for the bonus, me. As for how long, like around thirty minutes, maybe less, sometimes it's late because the kids were tough getting to bed and it's just like... you know." He grimaces good naturedly. "I mean we make time which is the key thing." He looks to Eli, who provides a completely different response and triggers Hudson's longing for a different time. Hudson blinks at the other man and then steps forward and claps him on the shoulder. "Please enjoy this time for me. Let's check in after you've had kids."

Lanara laughs as Eli mentions the booth at the boutique, meaning they were both on the same page and had gotten it right! That blush remains, though there’s a naughty glint in her chocolate hues, as she winks at her fiancé. Looking across the way, she sees that Hudson and Alvina had shared another correct answer, which means they are now tied for the win. The final question is asked, and it’s loaded, along with the offer of bonus points! If they guess right, Eliana wins. If they guess wrong, Hudsvina wins. If they end up tying again… The creepy host –thinks- he’s winning the affections of the brunette and the redhead, which we all know is never going to happen! Feeling that she’ll be truthful, as she’s a strong believer in karma, Lanara scribbles ‘hours’ thinking of their intimate marathons and adds ‘Lana’ as being the dominant partner. Lifting the card, she flips it at the precise moment that Eli voices his answer, though she’s not quite expecting him to elaborate. “Sandman!” Swatting the male in the arm, she’s beet red from her neck to the tips of her tapered ears, as the crowd pounces on the admission and begins to cheer, “Insatiable! Insatiable!” It’s a compliment, she thinks, though not one she’d want to spill before a hundred strangers. She needed something stronger than champagne and sangria after this double date! Swallowing, she sees that Eli didn’t mention who was more demanding, so they lose the bonus points. The catcalls continue, and are mostly ignored by the witch, as it’s up to Alvina to flip the card and reveal her answer. For some strange reason, Hudson is crossing the stage and clapping Eli on the shoulder, and both women are likely praying that this is the beginning of a beautiful bromance! They definitely would be meeting up soon for gossip and dance lessons… And likely plotting another double date. Lana and Eli recently moved to Cenril, and both could use a best friend, so it all makes sense. The witch prays that Alvina answered correctly, and that she guessed the bonus, so that they have the win, and won’t tie. There’s no way Lana is even shaking that creepy host’s hand! Sidling up at Eli’s side, she hugs him around the waist, and burrows her face against his button-down, “I can’t look!”

Alvina watches Eli and Lanara as Eli answers and feels her own face heat up FOR Lanara if she isn’t already flushed. Oh yeah no Lanara is as red as Alvina if not more so. INSATIABLE! She covers her mouth again and blinks repeatedly. Hudson answers and before Alvina can flip her card, he’s clapping Eli on the back and making remarks about children. Is Lanara dead yet? Alvina looks down at her card and groans in faux disappointment. “Oh gods, you missed them both.” She doesn’t bother showing the card but sets it down on the ground so she can cross the stage and hug Lanara as she’s wrapped around her fiance. “Congratulations!” Their score beat the Landon’s and now they’re all gathered on the same side of the stage as the host loudly announces their prize and directs them off stage to get their prize. The host tries to follow behind the ladies but gets pulled back by his manager, who has some talking points. The winning couple is presented with an envelope with the details of their prize vacation and Alvina and Hudson hang back a bit. She leans into him while the red drains from her face. She won’t bother telling him what her ‘answer’ was. He already knew. “Is having kids so bad?” She asks with a huff, knowing he’d say something about loving his life as a father as opposed to marathons. Right?

Elioyahazer glances to Hudson’s approach and offers a simple nod. It’s the truth. With kids comes great responsibilities and missed opportunities. Headaches, and cold feet pressed against you. Never mind the dreaded thought of a small cold hand grabbing your leg saying ‘Daddy, what are you doing to mommy?’ There were millions of reasons why their intimate life might have shifted. Of course he will have as much fun as possible. If kids ever came into the picture, he knows that ‘fun’ life with dwindle down and become more realistic. Though in truth, he wishes Hudson and Alvina would win this. Sounds like they needed a break. Some time alone without the kids. He hopes when the points are tallied up, he and Lanara are the losers of this match. Eli wraps his arm around Lanara, pulling her in tight, while she’s unable to look. When they find out that they are in fact the winning couple, not Huds and Alvina Eli dons a small smile. The envelope is taken, and Elioyahazer gives Lanara a single glance - he knew that she would understand what he was about to do. Though the Landon’s had decided to hang back a bit, the desert born approaches them once. “Hudson.” Elioyahazer hands the envelope to him. “We are all adults here right?” He gives just a brief pause between his words and a glance to Lanara. “We’d be delighted if you two, took the trip instead of us.” You go get your’s Hudson. Get it. Opportunities like this don’t come along all that often. Besides, Lanara and he didn’t have the same issues between them. In fact Elioyahazer is so adamant about it, that he refuses to accept a no from Hudson. “It’s been good to meet you two.” He knows that if they need a sitter, Lanara would be -all- over watching the kids for them. “Thank you for tonight. Honestly.”

Hudson laughs through the awkwardness that had been answering that question, and then applauds and cheers for the winning couple when it becomes apparent that his wife's thrown the game for them. (She could have made a sign so he didn't like... speak the truth about what it's like when you're married and have three kids though.) Hudson pounds Eli on the back and gives Lanara a hug when she is freed .. from hugging everyone else, apparently. "Congratulations, on the win, your engagement," he tells them both, after they've assembled off stage. Hudson lets the happy couple collect their prize and moves away with Alvina to confer over some of their neglected sangria. "I know you're embarrassed but I bet there's dads here who are jealous," he comments into his wineglass, sliding his free arm around her when she leans into him. He kisses the crown of her head in response to her question. "No," he says into her hair, "it's the best thing we've ever done." This sweet moment is interrupted by the approach of Eli, envelope in hand, and the offer of the vacation. "Oh no, man, please," Hudson tries to wave off the very kind offer. There's no polite way to say 'we're really rich because I'm the mob, so we don't need it,' and his protests of, "We can't, you guys deserve it," are rebuffed with a decorous tenacity from the sandman. With a sigh, Hudson relents, to avoid causing a scene. It'd occurred to him that perhaps Eli knows, or suspects, more about Hudson's role in the community than he lets on. Hudson decides he'll have to send something very nice to Eli as a thank you. They can talk more freely another day. "Thank you, you're too generous," he says when he finally accepts the envelope. He gives it to Alvina for safekeeping. "Wonderful to meet you guys, thank you again. We should do this again sometime." Hudson shakes Eli's hand. "Maybe we can go to a game or something. We have season tickets." He grins at the other man. "Anyway, have a good evening. Enjoy your... sleeping in and staying up late."

Lanara lifts her head from Eli’s side, not believing for a second that their fresh love would have beaten a couple that was married and had three children. Obviously, this whole thing was meant to be fun, and Lana didn’t care exactly who won, but she didn’t think they’d even have a fighting chance against Hudsvina. That couple had been through a lot over the years, but one thing that remained was their bond, and belief that love conquered all. The witch knows that Alvina rigged the show, as she didn’t bother to flip her card, thus fixing it so Lana and Eli would win the weekend getaway. She admires the redhead in this moment, though there’s a twinge of sympathy in her expression. Marriage wasn’t always a walk in the park, she’s not naïve, despite the fact that she’s never personally been married. Maybe the trip was more well-deserved for Hudson and Alvina? Lana gives a sidelong glance to Eli, as the crowd applauds, they are handed the envelope, and congratulations are doled out all around. The witch waves to the crowd, wanting out of the spotlight as fast as possible, especially since a few remained tossing catcalls at the ‘insatiable’ brunette. She was going to show Eli just how insatiable she could be when they got home! Wait. How is –that- a punishment? Lana frowns and catches Eli’s hand, giving it a firm squeeze as they are brought backstage, and she finds that Alvina and Hudson are hanging back a little. At the same moment, those big brown doe eyes lock onto the blue and brown mottled gaze, and the newly engaged couple realizes they’re on the same page. So, as the ex-assassin turns to speak with the realtor-but-not-really, the witch turns around and pulls the pretty bard in for a tight hug. “Thank you for tonight! It’s been so wonderful to put work and event planning to the side, and spend an evening with good friends. I had a wonderful time, and I really hope we can plan this again, soon!” She smiles at their surprised faces as the envelope exchanges hands, before moving to pull Hudson in for a hug, as well. “Try the dressing room… She’ll love it!” Biting the inside of her cheek, so she doesn’t ruin the moment with a giggle, Lana returns to Eli’s side, “Goodnight, you both! And if you need a sitter, just let me know! Be safe getting home!”