RP:Pumpkins, Pranks, and Presents

Summary: Tiber plans a festive outing for Lanara's birthday and the day is filled with lots of love and lots of laughter! The smitten couple has an unforgettable time picking pumpkins, pulling pranks, and enjoying each others company.

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

Tiber :: Before the morning seeped through the blinds, Tiberius was up before the witch. Mostly because there was a surprise for the Kelvarian. Today had been the day to celebrate her. Her birthday. The Catalian had gotten up and ready early as he wore a simple pair of brown pants and a cream tunic. If the witch were to stir, she would be worked with the smell of blueberry pancakes, eggs, and a morning salad (at least to make the witch feel better about him ruining her diet). Eventually, feet trek up the steps to their bedroom before the blonde would pop into view. “Morning, beautiful,” and in his hands would be a bed tray of food and a fresh picked fall flower in a small vase—burnt orange dahlias. Next to the food would be a mug of steaming hot coffee with a choice of cream or sugar or both. Tiber would then sit the tray of food at the edge of the bed and open the curtains to let the morning soak through the room. He would then place a kiss on the witch’s forehead, “Happy birthday,” he would sing playfully before kneeling next to her on the bedside.

Lanara sleeps soundly while Tiber is bustling about getting ready for the day, preparing breakfast, and excitedly planning a surprise for her birthday. She doesn’t even stir as he makes his way up the stairs and enters their room with a tray of food and drink. It had taken the woman a long time to get to this point, a place where she feels safe enough to sleep, and where nightmares mostly stay at bay. Unless there’s an awful trigger. Ever since their engagement, Lana had a glow to her mocha skin, and a feeling of peacefulness filled her heart. As the curtains are pulled apart and the sunlight floods the room, she finally wakes up, and a warm smile is on her face as Tiber kisses the top of her head. “You made me breakfast in bed!” Sitting up and pulling the tray closer, she eyes the contents and smirks at the salad, though her chocolate eyes focus solely on the rust colored flower for a long moment. It’s the -first- time that Tiberius Lowell has ever given her flowers, let alone one that was freshly plucked from their flowerbeds. “My favorite…” Had she mentioned she liked dahlias? The flower is lifted and after taking a heavenly sniff, she tucks it behind her tapered ear. “Thank you… This is perfect.” Tiber may think she’s sad, but in reality, she’s touched. “Did you eat already? Go get a fork, you can eat with me.”

Tiber rests his chin on the mattress and looks up at her now. Was she sad that she got flowers? Though the soft tone she has is different… peace. The flower that rests behind her ear looks perfect in her wild, dark brown hair. Honey eyes ogle her in a silent moment of content before he rolls his head in contemplation about getting a fork. “Hmm.. I had a cup of coffee. I may have tested a bit of the eggs and pancake batter. Ate a few blueberries,” he thinks about his greedy fingers. He takes a moment before nodding, “I’ll go slap a few more pancakes on a plate and be right up.” Of course he wanted breakfast to be all about her, but she was all about quality time, so why not have the lovers eat breakfast in bed? The man rushes out of the room before grabbing his own plate of pancakes topped with blueberries and a fork before striding back up in an easy breath. He sits across from her now with his own plate and fork before reaching for the syrup on her tray to drench the flapjacks in sweet stickiness. The man instantly digs in, but he makes sure to slow himself due to… her. “So, what does lover want to do for her birthday? I was thinking a pumpkin patch? Maybe we can carve a few lanterns?”

Lanara smiles as Tiber treads back downstairs to prepare some breakfast for himself, and she readies her coffee with cream and sugar, wanting to wait for him to return before she dips into her own plate. Ranger, Aspen, and Salem have made their way into the master bedroom by this point and are begging for a taste, and Lana allows them each a small dot of syrup to sate their palettes. The pup snorts when his expert nose doesn’t pick up the scent of bacon, and instead finds solace in nibbling on one of Tiber’s slippers. Once the Catalian returns, Lana begins to eat her breakfast, and it’s just as she’s about to swallow that first bite of eggs that her fiance mentions going to a pumpkin patch. Had she heard him correctly?! He wants to go pick out pumpkins and later carve them? Since when does he enjoy holidays?! Choking on the bit of egg, she quickly lifts the mug to her lips and swallows a huge gulp of coffee, studying the man before her as he smothers his food in syrup. He isn’t pulling her leg, he seems to want to spend the entire day together, even if it involves gourds. “I would -love- to go to a patch with you… Actually! There is a corn maze set up in town, too, and the proceeds go to the orphanage.” She leaves out the part about the event being hosted by kids, and that there will be both treats and tricks, depending on how they maneuver through the maze. “It will be so cute! We can bob for apples, too!”

Tiber was not the biggest holiday buff, but he knew that it was Lanara’s birthday, so that was the best thing he could think of. He quirks a brow at her choke of food at his comment. “Do you not want to--” and then he is cut off by her agreeing. “Sweet,” he says easily with a smile. “Corn maze? Hm… you might be pushing it, Banks,” there is teasing in his gaze as he says this, but then the gaze turns into a frown as he realizes Ranger is in the corner eating the man’s slipper. “Ranger,” he says in a low voice of disapproval, but he cannot stay mad at the dog, so he rolls his eyes instead. “Bobbing for apples? Why would someone even like… drown themselves for an apple?” He shakes his head. He did not understand holidays. “But I’ll gladly support the orphanage, so yeah, let’s do it.” He scarfs down his pancakes before taking his plate and standing. So much for “quality time”. He leans down to press a sticky, syrupy kiss on Lanara’s cheek before scurrying off. Perhaps he was eager for the fall festivities. Holidays were… still new to the man. He decides that he has to look “fall-ready” and, well, finish cleaning dishes. “Gotta clean up. Feel free to take your time to get ready!”

Lanara laughs at Tiber’s words about her ‘pushing’ it by suggesting a corn maze, and she batts her long lashes, “Easy, Lowell. The birthday girl's wishes -must- be met!” It’s her first birthday that she hasn’t spent with Taly, but seeing as her sister is planning a wedding and living up in blizzard central, it’s no wonder she forgot to plan something special. Lana is deeply touched that Tiber has gone to such lengths, and that he remembered her birthday, which is just another reason why she’s so smitten with the man! The pets follow Tiber down the stairs in hopes that he will prepare their breakfast next, and the witch enjoys the rest of her meal in silence. She wonders where he learned to cook, and how he had lived this long without celebrating the holidays as they all seem ‘new’ to him. He truly welcomed the loner lifestyle, so she hopes to break him in today, on Samhain festivities! Finishing the remainder of her coffee, she heads into the washroom to prepare for the day, and takes extra time doing her hair and makeup. At long last, Lana appears in the kitchen wearing a dark orange turtleneck with a thick belt around her middle, and black leggings tucked into knee-high leather boots. “Ready, Babe?” The dahlia from this morning remains behind Lana’s ear, and her long hair has been arranged neatly into loose curls and frame her fair face. She even painted her nails a shade of burgundy to complete the ‘fall’ look, and she leans in to press a kiss to Tiber’s cheek. “Thank you for breakfast!”

Tiber does the chores quickly. Before doing the dishes, he definitely makes sure the animals are fed and content. He even scrapes the leftover eggs into the bowls for a little extra somethin’-somethin’. Maybe they should not tell mom about their extra plate today, but today was special! Tiberius was going to make the most of it for his beloved. Although he lived in the orphanage where they had celebrated, he never decided to participate in any of the holidays. He had lost his sense of fun that time ago when the boy had lost it all. It had been pointless to him, especially when the kids who came and went were not truly “family” anyway. Anyway, the man scrubs up the kitchen before striding back up the stairs to change into warmer clothes. He decides to throw a brown sweater on and slide on some black denim with plain brown boots. He wears another layer, a brown corduroy coat to bite the chill of fall before heading back downstairs to wait. Once Lanara is ready, Tiber looks up from a newspaper he had picked up. “That home with the dead body sold,” he then folds up the paper and stands. “Ready,” he grins as he approaches the witch. “You look beautiful,” his eyes stare at her curves before he leans into her kiss. “Pfft, it’s your birthday. No ‘thanks’ allowed today.” He smirks before tugging on her hand. The two then wander into the golden, autumn forest.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara is blissfully enjoying the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the kitchen windows, basking in the joyous morning of her birthday, when Tiber’s words pierce her ears and that feeling of calm washes away. She had nearly forgotten about the dead body, because after relocating the hyena’s there hadn’t been a reason to think twice of the home for sale. They had covered their tracks. “Hm. I wonder who bought the place? I bet they had to install new carpet.” The blood stains, the gore, the chunks of flesh that left a trail of carnage around the master bedroom. He had greatly suffered as the wild beasts liked to ‘play’ with their prey before killing it completely. Lana purrs and deepens the kiss at the compliment, “Not bad yourself… But if we keep doing this, we are going to end up back in the bedroom.” That would be a wonderful way to spend her birthday, too!

(Post 2 of 2) The walk through the forest is rather lengthy as they have to head westbound towards Xalious, as the festivities are taking place at the park. Colorful foliage guides their way as crisp leaves crunch beneath their footfalls, and the hint of briskness in the fresh air is an indicator that they are in the heart of autumn. Lana gently squeezes Tiber’s hand and makes small talk along the way, offering a few details about their wedding, some comments about the Pack, and she briefly touches on the fact that they still have to discuss their honeymoon. As they near the park, she steps closer to her fiance and lowers her voice, as the area is packed with people that want to enjoy the festivities. “So… I don’t think you ever told me this, but when is your birthday, babe?” She hasn’t forgotten, but back when they first met, Tiberius easily dodged almost every inquiry she sent his way. “What should we do first?”

Tiber :: Along the journey, Tiber thinks about the gore that Lanara and him had saw at the house that was now sold. Who would have bought that? Was it haunted? His thoughts eventually transform into new ideas because now he is staring at the witch on the journey. The way her sweater reflects the colors of fall. Her hair blowing gently. Her hips swaying. Lanara definitely was in for a birthday treat later in the evening. The air feels like a perfect fall day. The scent of leaves filled his nose. Sage was… nice. Quiet. Beautiful. No wonder Lanara had felt like home here. It was nice to be just residents. He nods about the wedding and adds his two cents. Something about the honeymoon having a tropical moment because he needed a solid tan. Once they reach the park, he comes to a slow with the witch and looks down at her as her voice lowers. His birthday? She wanted to know -his- birthday? He is not taken aback, but only it takes a bit to think. It had been so long, “Uh,” he squints to ponder and scratches the back of his head. “I… don’t really remember. I didn’t really celebrate much of anything. I was kind of a downer kid after I was dropped off in Venturil. I lost a lot… even my, uh, memory of my birthday, I guess.” His voice slows as he thinks. There was no sign of sorrow, but there was a sign that he had been a little puzzled that he had forgotten the day he was born. He then shrugs. “Nothing to be bummed about, really. I never really thought much of it growing up in the orphanage, nor did I ever really… want to, I guess.” He is sincere and calm. He then looks around the place with the festivities. There were a lot of children. “Let’s pick pumpkins last since we have to carry them home.” He decides on that first. He then looks around… The corn maze is visible and then he looks at kids and adults bouncing around in burlap potato sacks as they race. “We can get lost in the corn maze, if you know what I mean,” he grins as he stares over the woman in lust. “Or… I can beat you in a race,” he points a thumb towards the racers.

Lanara looks into that hypnotic honey gaze and melts when Tiber tells her that he has forgotten his birthday a long time ago, and she literally feels an ache in her chest as he tries to explain. “Hey… It’s alright. It just means that you get to choose a new day and label that as your special day!” There’s a pause as she thinks back on her own upbringing, “Well… I ‘technically’ only age every seven years, so I used to get jipped on my birthdays, too. Plus, back home? We weren’t allowed to celebrate extravagantly. Mother would make Taly her favorite dinner and she would send me baked goods, as I was at the Academy.” She shakes her head, “After being in isolation for so long, once I finally got out of that place and made my home here? I decided to celebrate -every- calendar year.” The couple circles the area, making note of the various stations, and Lana pauses before a few; there are a bunch of tents selling various types of food and drink, a pumpkin painting area, games of chance with seasonal stuffed prizes, candy stalls, bobbing for apples, burlap sack races, a haunted house with hired help to ‘scare’ those that enter, costume stalls, items for sale, a huge pumpkin patch, and of course, the corn maze. Lana scoffs, “Wait. You’re the -Alpha- and you don’t have enough muscle to haul a measly pumpkin back home?” She’s goading him, in a playful way, as she pulls his hand to her lips for a nibble, “Maybe we should save the corn maze for last… When it’s darker, and after I best you in the race… So I can claim my prize.” The witch winks, after drinking in the sight of her incredibly handsome fiance, “Game on, Lowell.”

Tiber twists his lips at the thought of choosing a new day. “Well, I’ll think about it.” Or maybe he would not. It would just be something to slip his mind per-usual because that was the norm. The man then smiles, however, as Lanara reflects on her special day. “Well, I’m glad I get to celebrate with you. Because I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he leans in to kiss the top of her head. Tiberius Lowell was extra romantic today. Lanara might be thinking she has to have a birthday everyday. As she teases about his muscle, he blows out his lips. “Rude. But I guess it’s your party and you can be rude if you want to,” he smirks at the nibble she gives. “Fine, dark maze it is.” A hand snakes around her waist as he looks down at her in a taunting, lustful manner. “I won’t just let you win because it’s your birthday, y’know. I like prizes too,” his face was dangerously close as amber eyes gaze over her bottom lip. The man then pulls back before backwards pedaling. “Race you there, Mrs. Smith,” he then pivots to stride towards the races. He gets in the line-up as the new group is doing a new race. Of course there is a donation admission which he gladly pulls from his pocket. A few coins. “Two sacks, please.” Once Lanara comes up he hands the potato sack to her before sliding his feet into his own. He bounces to balance in the sack. The sack was smaller than he anticipated as he had to hunch down more to hold the edge of the burlap. Lanara had the benefit of being short. “If -I- win, I get to watch you dunk your whole head in the water for apples. If you win, well, you can pick your prize, birthday girl.”

Lanara inhales sharply as Tiber leans in closely, the intensity in her dark eyes increasing as she imagines him pulling her lower lip between his teeth. She’s about to forgo the festivities and lure him back into the forest, but the man has the audacity to shrug off his lust and continue onwards to the sack races. The nerve! Either way, the hint of what’s to come later mixes with her competitive nature, and Lana rolls up the sleeves to her shirt and studies the designated area. It’s a mostly level grassy field with chalk outlines to encourage everyone to stay in their lane, about a quarter of a mile long, and there is a ‘judge’ at the end of the line to make sure everyone plays fair. Rules are meant to be broken though, right? Tiber hadn’t said they had to play nice, only that if he wins, she has to go apple bobbing. Not much of a debt, as she plans on doing so, either way. A wicked grin is on her face as she daintily steps into the sack, cinching it around her slender waist, as she peers up at her beloved, “If -I- win… You have to let me paint your face -after- you go bobbing for apples and then I get to dress you in a costume of my choosing that you have to wear for the rest of the day.” Lanara knows how to deal a proper bet, and so she offers a seductive wink, before she eyes the end of the line. As Tiber hunches over the bag awkwardly, Lana is stealing glances at the row before her mate, and perhaps she’s using a bit of magic. The grass rustles slightly, a few random twigs spring upwards in the dirt, and a few of the rocks seem to grow in size. This should be fun!

Tiber side-eyes the woman from the deal they make. It was quite the request, and Tiber sizes up his burlap bag. Tiber had strides and great endurance to hop far. This would be cake, right? “Fine. Apples, face paint, and a costume.” Please, Sven be on Tiber’s side today. Costume? The man sizes up the length of the field in anticipation. Little does he know, Lanara is placing her own enchantment on the field. Once the flag is waved, the group of racers are off. Some kids bounce with all their might, but Tiber is not giving in, so the man cuts in front of the tots. This was -his- race. Does not matter if you're six years old, or not. Fair and square, pipsqueaks! The man is making headway as his bounces take up lengths of the field. Adrenaline is pumping and Lanara is just right a smidge behind until a random twig comes into his view. The burlap of the sack gets caught on part of the branch and gets snagged before he fumbles forward into the grass. This is Lanara’s true chance of victory because Tiber is about to untangle himself to get himself back in the game. Another kid passes him with a laugh at the Catalian’s tumble. The man grumbles before picking up his sack to continue his hops. He’s still quite a bit behind the witch, but surely he is about to catch up until he hops on a loose rock that has him slip again where he slides out of his potato sack on all fours. “Damnit.” Tiberius Lowell was defeated, but the sport still goes on to finish the race. Thank gosh he was not last, however. There was still an old lady and a little boy hopping behind him. “You got birthday luck,” he breathes. “But, agh,” he groans. “You win.”

Lanara easily glides over the land, working her magic as she weaves her way towards the finish line. The judge at the end does find it a bit odd that roots and twigs are appearing all over the place, and he keeps a close watch on the little kids, to ensure that no one gets hurt. With the judge distracted, Lana places a few slippery slopes before the teens that manage to gain ground, and before long she crosses the finish line. Lanara Banks hasn’t only beaten Tiber, but she has managed to beat -all- the potato sack entrants! Tiber is third to last, and the woman is howling in laughter as he tumbles out of his sack on all fours, but she applauds the entertainment and disenchants the effects so that he makes it the rest of the way to the finish line. “Not bad, Lowell. You beat the one-legged boy and his blind grandmother!” Smirking, she pulls him in for a quick kiss, “You’re still a winner in my book!” The judge hands Lana a stuffed bat that squeaks, and she’s pretty sure it’s a dog toy, so after thanking the man she leads Tiber over to the face painting booth. “Ranger will love playing with this, and I’ll be sure to give you a prize later too, after all, you were a good sport.” Grinning, she gives a little girl a gold coin, “Beat it. No one touches his face but me…” The kid scrams and Lana sets up shop before Tiber, and after several moments and a bunch of face paint, she claps and motions for him to look into the mirror. It seems that Lana has their wedding on the brain, as she has painted Tiber’s face completely white, with the words ‘I Do’ painted on his forehead, wedding bands on each cheek, and a heart has been painted on his chin. “It’s perfect!”

Tiber kicks the burlap off of his feet before catching it up in his hand. He looks grouchy at his defeat. “I’ll get you back, I hope you know that.” And although he is salty, he gives into her kiss anyway. “Yeah, yeah. Funny, I didn’t remember twigs or rocks. Guess my vision is going bad.” He might be on to something, but he lets it go because she gets a prize and Tiber loves when there are prizes. He knows he is also a winner because if Lanara won, he also won because Lanara, at least, is a sharer. “Ranger wins, after all,” he laughs before being led to the painting booth where he sits in sulk. He watches the little girl wander quickly away before Lanara slaps his face with the paint brush. The paint feels cold due to the fall chill, and he keeps his eyes closed. “I swear if I earn the dork of the year award at this stupid festival, you will not know what is coming to you,” as she claps he grins big at the woman. A childish grin. Although he said it was a “stupid” festival, the man is clearly having fun and is putting on an act for show for his future wife. He can let loose. He can be a kid. As he stares into the mirror, his mouth parts, “I look like a mime!” The man then grabs Lanara’s hands, stands, and sways. He gets down on one knee and makes a silent speech before standing up to lean in to kiss her. Prepare for paint, Lana because he wants to smudge the girl up with white, too, on purpose! If Lanara gets away, however, he will stop and give in. “Apples? I’m curious to see the costume too because.. Really, if this is what you painted, I can’t imagine what’s next.”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara is having a blast, it’s obvious, because a smile has been plastered on her face since they arrived and there is color in her cheeks from the autumn air. “You’re -MINE- not a mime!” She giggles heartily and is so lost in her laughter as Tiber mimics a proposal, that she isn’t quick enough to dart free of being plastered in paint. It hasn’t dried fully and so Lana’s left cheek earns half of a heart and one of the poorly painted wedding bands. She’s squealing in his arms and she lifts her hand to try and repair the facepaint that he has smudged, but somehow she makes things worse. The ‘I Do’ has blended with the black paint from the ring and it looks as though she branded his forehead with ‘Idiot’ and the red heart paint is now a line oozing from his lower lip, as though someone socked him in the mouth. “Oops!” For a long moment, Lana doesn’t see the poor paint job on his face, or the grass stains on his clothes. She stares and sees this playful man, enjoying a holiday, and going out of his way to ensure that she has the best birthday. The love in his gaze, the way his lips curve into a sly grin, the way his five o’clock shadow meets the jaw that she loves to nibble upon, and the invisible cord that pulls them together cannot be denied. She will forever be in love with Tiberius Lowell, and she falls deeper into the abyss of love with each passing day. “I love you, so much.” She presses another kiss to his lips, before she pulls back, “Let’s get you a costume!”

(Post 2 of 2) At the costume counter, she pours over each fabric and design, every so often glancing at Tiber as though to envision him in some strange creation. The clock ticks by a bit before Lana finally decides and the shopkeep returns with her order, grinning oddly at Tiber as he collects the coin. “You can use the tent to change into your costume.” Lana excitedly bounces on her heels and waits for her fiance to emerge… As he will be wearing a pair of assless chaps, a fitted plaid shirt, a wide brimmed hat, cowboy boots, and wielding a lasso! Unable to contain her excitement, Lana waits close to the tent and prepares to issue catcalls once her man emerges, “Pumpkin picking is next!”

Tiber hears the “oops” that falls from Lana’s mouth and he checks the mirror again. “Oh my god,” he snorts. “I mean, hey, you get to be seen with -me-. After all, I do-iot,” he smirks before eyes begin to just stare at her again. He is content with a charming smile, he holds her hand tightly and stares at the painted up face of her own. The mark of him. “I love you too,” his response is genuine and in awe of her before she pulls him along to get in costume. The man wanders over to the costume counter to wait to see what Lanara cooks up for him. Once the costume is given, he looks at the chaps, the plaid, the hat, and boots… “Where are the pants…?” A bewildered gaze is given to Lanara. “You did -not-. Not in front of the kids, are you serious?” Of course Lanara is wearing the biggest grin of them all on her lips. “You’re dead, Banks. Prepare to be a zombie bride.” He retorts with an embarrassed smile on his face. He disappears into the tent. The man squirms into his outfit before throwing himself out of the tent. The woman is catcalling him and he does a dorky spin in the chaps before attempting to bend, but he pretends to tease her. He proudly walks with his cheeks out. Tiberius Lowell also has a great derriere like his fiance. “Guess who they are going to call the best booty around now?” He walks confidently past her. “Now, let’s go get a pumpkin.” He strikes a mild pose and tips his hat down. The crowd around laughs, gasps, and some people hide the children’s eyes from the sight. Some women actually draw attention to the chaps and catcall as well while some men are mildly disturbed. Lanara got what she asked for.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara is nonstop giggles as she’s drumming up images of Tiber in his country style get-up, which is much better than the original banana costume she was going to settle for, until she saw the chaps! The shopkeep shakes his head and looks mildly disgusted as the Catalian Cowboy struts out of the dressing room and draws attention from -all- that are gathered. Lana’s jaw drops, because although Tiber is trying to amuse her and truly enjoy his attire, he somehow looks sexier dressed as a country boy! A rush of heat flames her cheeks as a chorus of catcalls join hers, and several women are fanning their own faces, and should they catch the eye of the witch they would be met with a glare. One male wanders by and reaches out to slap one of those very much on display cheeks, and Lana is quick to tug Tiber closer, rolling her eyes, “Pfft. I have the most legendary derriere in the realm, Lowell! But! Since we are getting hitched, and since you do have the most delicious derriere of any man I’ve seen, we can share the title for best butts.” Again she laughs, but they are drawing up quite a bit of attention, and it seems her prank is backfiring a tad. Lana is semi-embarassed by the stares, so she snags the cowboy hat from Tiber’s head and places it atop her own, lowering the brim to cover her eyes. In a lower tone, she murmurs, “You totally need to wear fitted shirts and cowboy hats more often… It’s giving me all sorts of feelings and I’m about to move the corn maze to our backyard so I can squeeze you out of those chaps.”

(Post 2 of 2) The pumpkin patch is huge, however, most of the parents don’t want their little kids to witness a growing man bending over without pants so they vacate the place. The only other person in the area is the blind grandmother from the sack race, but she affords the couple their privacy. Lana takes pumpkin carving very seriously, and she blabs on and on about the perfect size, color, and how the stem has to be at least two inches in length. She picks up and sets down about fifteen, before she finds a decent sized one that will make a lovely lantern before their front door. “Ooh, we have to pick a small one for Aspen, too! He loves helping out, plus I can salt some pumpkin seeds for a snack!” Lana encourages Tiber to pick out a gourd, as well, so that he can get the full experience! “Next is apple bobbing, then the maze, and then we can head home and carve these pumpkins!” Moments later, with three pumpkins in their grasp, the couple arrives at the large tubs of water, with crimson apples floating at the top. A group of kids are in the corner, snickering, as they move Lana to one tub and Tiber to another. The witch is eager to wash the paint from her face, so she doesn’t mind getting her hair wet and burying herself up to her neck in the cold water. She emerges with an apple between her lips, which she nibbles on, as Tiber takes his turn. However, it seems the kids are giving both tricks -and- treats, and Tiber’s tub isn’t filled with apples! If the male is successful he will bite into an onion that’s been painted in beet juice! Gross!

Tiber talks in a different type of accent with his cowboy attire. One that is not as similar to the accent around Lithrydel. The translator was mimicking one that he had heard before. Something he heard in a southern island in the world during his time travelling. “Well, hey there, li’l lady,” he says as Lanara comes up and steals his hat. He notices the flush on her face, and he snickers before pulling her close to his side. “I’ll take the title gladly.” The man runs a hand through his hair before moving to the patch with his girl. The crowd disperses and he listens to Lanara’s guidelines of choosing the perfect pumpkin. Once she chooses the one out of fifteen pick-ups, he then simply chooses one. A green one with an overly large stem that had a crooked base with some bumps all over it. “Spookier the better, yeah? I can make a wi--” he catches himself. “A wicked creation.” He saves himself from saying ‘witch’, thankfully before moving on to the apple bobbing. Once at the water, he watches Lanara bob down. This was such an odd thing. Why would they do this? Once she grabs her apple, he looks down into the abyss of red before dunking himself in. Teeth clench into something bitterly sweet and awful tasting. Potent. The man scrambles up as the water splashes everywhere and spits out the onion. He coughs and spits. “What the hell?!” In the distance, little kids are laughing at the man. “Oh, they’re dead.” He lashes a little at the prank, “I can’t wait for you to knock on my door Halloween because I have the greatest treat of all!” Perhaps he can somehow score some actual fingers. He knew a guy for that, but then his attention is pulled away. “Let’s just… corn maze? I’m ready to go home and… get you into bed.” He grins. The sun was going down, finally. “Or… maybe I can just give you your present here. In the maze,” he says slyly. The paint was gone from his face. He was just a drenched cowboy now.

Lanara thankfully, didn’t overhear the near slip of the tongue, because she would have been greatly offended! Aunt Elphaba couldn’t help that she was allergic to water and so her skin had taken on a green tinge! Plus, ninety percent of the witches that Lana knows are beautiful! She’s nearly finished eating half of her apple, as all of this excitement has worked up an appetite, and so she doesn’t entirely understand why Tiber is coughing and cursing. Does he not like apples?! The laughter from the kids and the layered vegetable peeking through the beet dye finally add up, and Lana shakes her head, angrily. “Those little punks! Just wait until they come trick or treating to our door, Baby. I’ll dip garlic into caramel and see how -they- like it! We can tape razorblades to our door knocker and slice their fingers! You can hide in the bushes and jump them, while I steal their candy!” It seems the brunette doesn’t like when others prank her fiance, as she lays unspeakable claims to anything that has to do with Tiber. Possessive much? “Here.” She offers her cowboy the remnants of her apple, “At least ‘Idiot’ is off your forehead now.” The sun is setting and the temperature is dropping, so most of the crowd disperses, and Lana replies to Tiber’s sly grin, “As much as I want to head into the corn maze right now? I’m thinking we should head there -early- tomorrow, when no one is here yet, on our way to Schezerade?” A little playtime before classes would be -very- tempting! “I think we should head home now, and you can ‘lasso’ me up and take me to bed.” Lana is really liking the accent and cowboy attire, it seems. “I am dying to get my present.” She leans in seductively, their lips almost touching, before she teasingly pulls away and hands him back his hat, “Saddle up, Partner.”

Tiber ’s eyes slowly shift to Lanara and her abrasive response to the kid’s prank. Her burst of aggression was… wow. Lanara was… hot. He shakes his head. “Maybe we can chill on the blades, but I like the garlic caramel ‘apples’. You’re just… amazing,” he places his hands on the side of her face in excitement. What the witch would do for him, and the same for her. The possessive couple knew how to balance each other. The apple is given, but Tiber does not pay any mind to it, but only… her. “You’re just… I’m happy we’re getting married. God, how was I such an idiot three years ago? Maybe I should keep the facepaint. Get a tattoo?” He jests. As Lanara turns her mind around from the corn maze, Tiber grins seductively at the witch. “I like your way of thinking.” Obviously he is marrying his perfect match. “It’s time to saddle up then and head on home,” he smirks and as she leans in and she is so close, he almost trips into her. The woman was so playful and he can feel the tension between them. The man then hands over his pumpkin to her insisting she carry it, so he can sweep her off her feet. “Oh, I’m definitely saddled.” Then, he would whisk her away from the event back into the forest where they can spend the evening that might just not end at all due to Tiber’s new outfit and Lanara’s birthday. The two will just spend their night full of love, lust, and laughter.