The Mystic Tavern

14:15:01 [Elyza] *Trailing down the staircase of the Mystic Tavern, Elyza rubbed at her eyes sleepily as she yawned and stepped onto the main floor of the tavern. Although she was still half asleep, she noticed straight away that something was… different. The tavern was just as she liked it – empty except for the few who had stayed here last night but there was a definite presence in these hallowed halls tonight. Trailing her fingertips along the top of the bar, Elyza’s dark eyes opened wider as she noticed candles were popping up here and there. Even as she watched, the tavern began to transform itself, as one might begin to dress when preparing for a grand party. Ribbons, candles, bowls of food, drinks… it all began to appear randomly around her, as if by magic. Brow furrowed in confusion but lacking any real concern, Elyza stepped behind the bar and made her way back towards her secret cellar door. Pulling it open she drifted down the stairs towards her room, allowing the cellar door to swing shut behind her with a soft click. Once inside her dark, dank space she wandered over to her small window and peered outside. A full moon hung heavy and golden in the sky above the Mystic Lake and Elyza’s demonic eyes opened even wider when she noticed the Lake itself. A large bonfire blazed in the centre of the lake which was now completely frozen solid. A band was just setting up on a dais not far from the bonfire. As she watched, more candles and ribbons appeared in the trees, and Elyza felt a smile beginning to tug on the corner of her mouth. ~A party..?~ she wondered outloud. ~What the fuck..?~ Turning away from the window, she glanced down at her attire. She was still wearing the same outfit she had had on last night and her hair looked even more wild and untamed than usual. Dark smears of mascara stained under her eyes and she sighed as she looked at herself in the broken shard of mirror she had propped up on her window sill. ~Guess I better get dressed then..~ she mumbled as she wandered off to her bathroom for a quick shower.*

14:15:55 DamaetriRahl :A howl splits the silence and echoes across the clearing. The sound reverberates in the darkness of the woods. In the field behind the tavern, a black wolf can be seen walking silently out of the treeline. A bright blue light emanates from his eyes in the black. Shadows wrap themselves around his form. Vapors swirl mysteriously to create a visage that can only be achieved by dark magics. As the wolf nears the tavern the shadows coalesce, causing his form to contract and rise up into the form of a man. The mans muscular frame stands 5'11". The shadows reform, cascading down his back, creating the semblance of a cape. They create dark ethereal patterns that flow over his broad shoulders and scroll down his back falling towards the floor. As they reach his feet, they break apart and run along the ground momentarily along the ground behind him before dissipating. His brilliant blue eyes continue to glow softly in the light. The shadows the light creates plays across his stunningly handsome features. A small smile plays at his thin lips. His face is framed by long golden hair that flows down to his shoulders. If his hair would move aside, at the back of his neck, the words ~Justus Et Puis~ would appear sprawling from the left to the right in crimson lettering, looking as if a fresh cut had created them in blood. His upper body is framed by a skin tight sheer blue shirt. If one looks closely at his back, one could make out what looks like an extensive art piece in the visage of a Black Wolf in still locked combat with an ethereal being. He wears a pair of nice black woolen pants that are held up by a intricate belt, engraved along its length with the ancient writings of his homeland. His black leather boots rustle softly in the leaves at his feet. He moves to the back door of the tavern and presses his left hand against the rough wood, letting the door swing open to reveal the myriad of residents within. His smile broadens as he moves into the tavern slowly, his eyes roaming over the occupants in silent appraisal. He moves slowly through the room to an empty table near the back. An ornate kitana can be made out strapped to his back underneath the swirling shadows. The katana looks to be the length of a Masamune. Energy seems to swirl around the antique weapon to any that are sensitive to such arts. Silently, as he reaches his table, a chair slides out as if of its own accord. His eyes glance around once more before he settles his bulk into the chair. He sighs softly as he leans back in the seat, his hands clasping at his waist with fingers interlocking. His eyes begin a silent scan of the tavern as he enjoys the atmosphere of this ancient place. His thoughts wander to that of his love, the one to whom he is eternally bound. He wonders when he will see her again. The smile that plays at his thin lips twitches slightly as his eyes roam the rooms occupants.::

14:15:58 StephenRahl :The seemingly 17 year old boy walks the lonely path leading towards the tavern. His blazing golden hair falls messily on his pate. His brilliant blue eyes shine softly in the moonlight, a trait that seems to have followed his line. His movements are almost feline in their grace. His form steps lithely up to the front door of the tavern, the dim light from within the tavern splashin across his features. His handsome, young face is accented by the light. The broad, confident smile that plays at his lips hinting at the confidence in his youth. He wears a fine silk shirt dyed black as a midnight pool of shadow in the light of the moon. He wears a pair of light brown pants that fall loosely down his legs and end just above his black leather boots. A damascus steel rapier can be seen at his waist. The ornate brown leather sword belt circles his waist loosley. His right hand rests on the pivoting point where the weapons sheath meets the belt it is attached to. As he steps in, he brushes the hair that has fallen over his eyes to the side and gazes around the tavern, his left hand hanging loosely at his side. His unique, raptorlike gaze, while you, seems piercing in its intensity. As he glances around, he sees the man sitting silently watching the rooms occupants. The ethereal blue glow that eminates from his eyes brightens momentarily in obvious recognition of the man he calls father only to dim moments later. He moves across the tavern, his boots scraping lightly on the aged wooden floor. As he reaches the table, the hand that is resting on his rapier reaches out and gently draws back the chair to the side of the gentleman sitting there. He settls his form in a typically youthful fashion, plopping down in the heavy wooden seat. As his form hits the wood he relaxes back in an arrogant slouch. His left arm finds the upper back of the chair and he hangs his elbow over it while his right hand moves back to the hilt of his rapier. He glances at the man sitting next to him, knowing he needs make no introduction. The evening yesterday was well spent with his father. A rejoining of the blood with kin.

14:19:24 [Lorelai_Draven-Razal] (see profile for full description) *The girl spun from the shadows of the bar and slid out as if pushing herself though a thick membrane, and as if with an inaudible pop the tension was gone and the change of support made her stumble and swing her arms around the lace and chains flailing around as her arms pinwheeled hoping on one foot until she was stable again and returned to her previous composure smoothing down her skirts in a 'I meant to do that' fashion and continued onward into the bar.*

14:24:30 [Calanthe] Oh, he’d really outdone himself tonight. It was a momentous occasion. Gone was the usual t-shirt… and in its place? A black… button-down shirt. There was a large blood stain on the cuff, but no matter. He’d gone hunting for just such a shirt as this. It didn’t even fit him. Its owner lay dead in the dusty alley of a town a few miles south, and Cal was obviously feeling very fine in the overlarge dress shirt. It hung loose on his lean, tall frame; the unbuttoned cuffs flopped over his hands, covering half of his slender fingers. He’d done something to his hair. The waist-length yellow mass had a huge hank dyed scarlet red, red as blood, and the hoops up and down his ears were onyx on the left, ruby on the right. His eyes were lined with kohl. It was as if he’d anticipated some event at the tavern… and maybe he had, who knows? But this wasn’t altogether unusual, either. Cal had his vanity, if nothing else. He came stalking out of the woods, which were dotted tonight with soft, eerie lights, and stood there at the tree line, glaring at the lake. “The fuck,” he muttered. What the fuck was this? A bonfire on the frozen lake. Wonders never ceased…

14:25:38 [BriannaCorlin] ~*She wore silk the color of wine, a long fall of it that rippled down her body like blood and trailed out behind her. It left the slender line of her back and shoulders bare down to low on her hips, anchored to her body by a single silver chain wound loosely around the tall column of her throat. For once she wasn't bare foot, high heels with thin black ribbons snaking around her calves muted as she walked the path from Wolfsbane to Mystic. The long fall of her flame-kissed hair was gathered up in a thick, tumbled mass at the base of her neck, individual locks seperated and woven in and out of the vines of the brilliant crown she wore, white gold vines twining around themselves, their petals beads of garnet that caught the light flickering around her and tossed it back. Other than circlet on her head, the only other adornment she wore were the bracelets studded with small blue and white gems jangling up and down her arm, and the single long braid of hair that curved around her cheek and rested like a kiss against the arch of her neck, woven with beads of black and garnet, and tipped with a long black feather. It was simple attire, rich and dark, and suited the woman that took her first steps onto the ice with her chin lifted high, defiant and proud to this last moment, the light casting alternating bands of shadow and light across her bone white skin, swallowed by the luminous gleam of emerald eyes fringed heavily in thick black lashes and black kohl.*~

14:32:07 [Elyza] *Half an hour later, Elyza emerged from the cellar door. Given the fact that a party was clearly happening tonight, she had decided to wear the only dress she owned. It was dark red and clung to her curves in all the right places before trailing down to her usual black stiletto heeled boots. Surprised to see people had already started to arrive and were making their way into the tavern, Elyza did a double take before sniffing the air around her. ~Hmm..~ she muttered to herself before drifting over to the back door of the tavern. Making her way outside, she took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the night before her before she sniffed the air again. ~It.. can’t.. be..~ she mumbled as she set off down the path towards the Lake. Candles lit the way for her as she made her way slowly down the familiar path, listening to the music as the band began to play and the fire crackled and danced before her. Peering into the surrounding trees with her keen dark gaze, Elyza sniffed the air again. ~No.. it.. CAN’T be… not here..~ she muttered to herself with a shake of her long dark hair as she continued to search the dark trees around her while her feet propelled her forward towards the Mystic Lake. *

14:34:29 [Cassandria] From somewhere upstairs in the tavern, a soft tap-tap-tap is heard, of wood striking wood. The sound moves slowly towards the stairs, as a woman descends them, holding a walking staff in one hand which is tapping the floor as she walks. Sling over one shoulder is a small cloth bag. The woman is tall and slender, with long wavy black hair, cascading down her back. The sides of her hair are braided and pulled around the back of her head. She wears a simple, modest calf length blue satin look dress with brown walking boots, the dress delicately embroidered with flowers and light detail. The bodice is relatively tight, pulling everything in where it needs to be and showing off just a little more skin than normal. The skirt of the dress flares out as it comes away from the bodice, giving a flow to it. She wears a small pendant around her neck, and a small chain that threads through her hair, a teardrop sapphire centered at the toop of her forehead. The most striking thing about her are her eyes which are milk-white, with little scars around the edges. As she walks slowly, her head tilts left and right to catch all the sounds about the place. Hearing the music in the distance, she wanders out on her way towards the lake, listening to all the chatter as people talk and the music plays.

14:40:57 [Discord] ~Among the various other creatures of the night on the move in the forest this eve, came another one not of this world or any like it. It did not travel quietly or keep to shadows, but stalked through the trees with heavy enough footfalls to have animals fleeing before her. The moonlight naturally shied from her blood soaked visage as she scented the air for someone in particular.~

14:42:11 [Calanthe] He looked far angrier than the situation warranted. Something enchanted had happened here -- no one person could set those luminaries in the forest trees, or freeze the lake that had thawed in recent days, or build that tremendous bonfire. So why was he glaring hatefully at everything? He felt about in his pockets and found a cigarette and a book of matches, lighting a smoke quickly. As ever, the music on the breeze tugged at his nerves, easing them out a little. Music did that to him. It calmed him… a bit. His bright eyes narrowed and fixed immediately on Cassandria, the blind musician from last night. The one who’d flown the coop when he asked for another song. Something about her ostensible helplessness provoked Cal. He left the tree line and padded toward her, bare feet silent on the grass. He fell into step beside her; he was smirking, a sort of Cal smile. “Blind Cass,” he hissed. “There you are. The errant minstrel. The muse who flees.”

14:44:27 [IDM] *A midsized man with a stocky build approaches from the stairs. He was wearing thick leather plates that were bound to him with thick sinew on the inside, and various thick pouches tied to metal loops that were bound onto the armor. Beneath his left arm was a bundle of hessian cloth bound with thick sinew strings. His skin was a deep bronze, and his lips reddish brown, except where a few scars marred his skin where it was a lighter tone. He had no facial hair, and his feet were covered with heavy leather boots with thick fluffy material poking out from the inside. He heard the festivities outside and left the tavern through the door heading down to the lake below*

14:50:36 [Discord] ~White as death under the layered remains of recent and not-so-recent meals, the black of her eyes, tangled mane and most of the leather dangling from her massive 6’7 frame made her seem further pale. Her eyes narrowed as new and different scents flooded her senses, giving up the presence of multiple others along with Elyza. Eyeing the nearly bare leg bone in her hand, she pushed faster through the brush to find herself on the far side of a frozen lake with flames leaping from the center.~

14:50:40 [Elyza] *Electricity shot through all her veins as a feeling she had thought long since buried began to bubble to the surface. In an instant, it all came flooding back – the hatred, the deep burning evil she had embraced during her time with Lucien and her beloved Discord. She had never had a happier time than when she and Dissy had been in the prime of their lives, causing mayhem and eating people. But now.. things were different. She didn’t know who she had been in that life, yet she had no clue who she was supposed to be now. She was stopped from her wallowing by the appearance of the blind musician from last night who was quickly joined by Cal. Sniffing the air again, Elyza smiled to herself as she realised he had finally fed. ~Good..~ she thought. ~ Maybe he won’t be such a cranky ass tonight..~ She was about to walk over and approach the pair when the sound of woodland creatures screaming and fleeing in panic reached her ears. A familiar grin tugged at the corners of her mouth as she turned and looked behind her. ~Dissy?~ she whispered into the darkness. A tiny fox came racing out of the dark forest and made a direct beeline for Cal and the blind woman. Stopping in front of the pair, the little fox looked up at Cal with big dark eyes and placed her tiny paws on the hem of his pants, as if begging for him to pick her up. Looking about her nervously, the little fox watched the pair with dark eyes while her bushy tail flickered back and forth in anxious anticipation. The fox looked back towards the trees from whence she came just in time to see Elyza move closer to the dark trees. ~Dissy?~ she called out louder this time. ~That you?~ *

14:51:27 [Link_Roi_duLac] *Upstairs in a room he stands before a mirror as a brush runs through his waist length hair and he finishes up his eyeliner once this was accomplished; scarlet orbs appearing dark and cattish. He could hear something happening about the tavern and this made him curious, not having any idea there was a Ball going in. He was just primping himself as usual in hopes of seeing his husband this eve. He opens the door of the room and looked about as he strode toward the stairs, heeled boots clicking against the staircase as he descended; lithe body dressed in a knee-length skirt and corset top; blood red with black lace, fishnets and black collar to top it off. This wasn't anything unusual for him. He wondered if he should be nervous or worried about what was going on, his eyes seeking Cal as he bit down on his black painted lower lip, snakebite piercings glittering in the light of the tavern. He went outside and stopped dead in his tracks when the bonfire came into view and all the beautiful decorations. Curiously, he tilts his head. He scanned, looking among the patrons, finally moving from the porch as he went toward the bonfire. Cal's presence had slammed into him, almost taking his breath away and this made him move all the quicker.*
15:02:36 [Cassandria] ((Walking confidently along, tapping her way forwards with the staff, she doesn't drop a step when Cal steps in beside her. "Good evening. Did you assume that I fled your prescence?" She glances over towards his direction "You are sorely mistaken sir, I did not run from you, I had to get my things ready for this ball tonight. I shall be playing some music for the festivities." Continuing on towards the musicians dias, she drinks in all the sounds around her, almost becoming intoxicated with the sensory overload. "So, how does this evening find you sir?"

15:03:06 [Discord] ~Enticed by the glorious sight of so many snacks lining up before her lit Discord’s previously sulky expression with demented glee achieved only by the truly soulless. Water sizzled and spit under her boots, fashioned from the hides of countless victims, with steam rising around her like smoke. As her excitement increased, so did the hellish heat coming off her person. She ventured onto the ice, crossing in wide strides and leaving a trail of huge, black-flame filled footprints that burned long after she’d gone.~

15:11:10 [Ashton_Orinas] *Softly, amongst the trees of the forest, a small sigil winked into being, it’s soft blue glow slowly growing in intensity until all around it was blanketing in the pale azure glow. Trees shone in the light as yet another sigil appeared, floating, ghostly, in mid-air next to the first. Over the next few moments, more and more of the symbols, lost writing of a lost art, found their way into existence until a full wall of them were arranged and situated. The paling shone, incandescent in the darkness amongst all the floating lights hung in the trees all around. An auspicious event it was for the soft moment of glowing silence before a shockwave emanated, thunder without sound, from the wall of cyphers and designs and they shone brighter for only a soundless moment before seeming to retreat, the wall becoming a shining blue sphere. As quickly as it all began, so did it end, the symbols seeming to fall into the shape of a man, until his shook his head and exhaled, all the symbols fading into nothingness. He stood, curiously inspecting the trees all about him as he smiled absently to himself, raising a hand to his forehead, one heavily muscled arm passing in front of his face before he brushed his fingers through his hair and took another deep breath, inhaling the air of this familiar yet amazingly alien world. He’d never been on this side of the gate before, Kharn, the Seraph Unbound, had always come to him at his request. Never before had he been to this side, the summoner become the summoned. Interesting in fact it was, as he stepped forward, one flip-flopped sandal meeting grass before the other as he strode out of the clearing he had appeared in. He stood uncommonly tall, reaching up to six feet and five inches at the top of his dark auburn haired head. His hair ran behind him, falling to the middle of his broad back, tied off by a single black ribbon which hung loosely through the strands of the ponytail. At first guess one might guess was the build of a competitive bodybuilder, probably weighing close to 265 pounds, yet the muscle fit his broad frame. Tightly hugging his upper body was a fashionable square-cut tank top, black and form-fitting, showing the curves of his trapezius, deltoid, and arm muscles, as well as the cut of his upper chest before hugging every curve down to a tapered waistline where it met with a pair of custom tailored jeans to fit legs built for strength and power, a black designer belt cinching the low-cut jeans in place. He looked like he had walked out of a fitness magazine advertisement mixed with a fashion photo shoot, which was exactly what he was doing when he wasn’t teaching at the university. The young man wandered to the edge of the frozen lake, looking out at the bonfire with bemusement and wonder, his green eyes shining in the firelight, and crossed his arms over his broad chest, speaking quietly to himself in a resonant bass.* Kharn never said there was a party going on here… I wonder the occasion? Is the Tavern he had spoken of up the path? Might as well check it out….. *And with that, with grace far belying his size, he turned on his heel and began walking toward the tavern until it came into sight, cresting the steps and taking a deep breath before pushing in the doors to enter the place.* Here we go…

15:11:36 [Calanthe] It wasn’t usual for animals to approach Cal, so the tiny fox that came speeding out of the woods – in the direction of Elyza and her grisly pal – was a bit of a shock. It didn’t register, though. He just stooped and picked up the little fox as if it were the only logical thing to do. “The hell,” he sighed. He tucked the fox under his arm, against his side, its little paws and legs dangling. Something else had his attention. Link. His bright eyes tracked across the clearing to where Link was, descending the porch steps. How long had it been? Weeks? A month? He frowned faintly, still stalking after the blind woman. “Ah…” Whatever they’d been talking about, it utterly left his mind. “Yes, rather… I hadn’t thought so… certainly not. Listen, would you…” How totally bizarre, this fox. He proffered it toward Cass. “… would you like this, gift? From myself? Grand little…” He gave the animal a light shake. “… fox…”

15:12:23 [Ty_Burna] *As the winter night takes a turn for the cold, a tall imposing figure can be seen a distance from the tavern, slowly walking down the well worn path. Nothing out of the ordinary could be seen regarding this figure, he looks to stand about six foot three and weigh about 235 lbs with a very muscular frame. The man walks into the light illuminating just outside the tavern and his features can be seen. His skin is olive colored, with a full tattoo sleeve on each arm, various occult symbols and ancient pagan gods occupying the sleeves. He wears a black sleeveless vest, the buttons undone revealing his chest. A demonic seal is prominently tattooed and showing across his chest, the chaos symbol tattooed across his stomach. On his hands leather gloves cover his skin, velcroed tight around his wrists. His eyes radiate a gold color, while long raven locks drop down to the middle of his back. A well trimmed goatee rounds out his facial features, also black. No weapons are visible on his being, although in one hand he cluthes tight an old scroll. He strolls into the tavern, gazing around for a few moments before finding a table in the corner. He unfurls the old scroll and stares down at it, the recognizable features similar to a Ouija Board. He stares down at the scroll for a few moments before cackling to himself.* Now what is going on here? A dance? *He laughs loudly again as he shakes his head* Perhaps some entertainment shall be had this evening. *He closes his eyes and temples his hands in front of him, fire surges up from the floor and consumes the wooden chair underneath him. Suddenly a large throne made of obsidian appears where the wooden chair once stood. Numerous skulls can be seen stranded inside the smooth rock, low wails of suffering and pain can be heard from the skulls, their mouths moving in unison. He holds his hand out and a large silver goblet appears, filled to the brim with whiskey. He takes a drink from it before returning his gaze to the scroll in front of him, his eyes moving back and forth rapidly, heavily invested in whatever is written before rolling it up and setting it aside, his eyes gazing over at everyone in the room, scanning for anything that may be of interest to him.* Hmmm.

15:19:11 [Elyza] *Peering into the dark trees, Elyza knew immediately that Discord was not in the forest anymore. The sounds had returned to normal, yet she still sensed her presence. Elyza moved away from the trees and began to look here and there for her long lost friend. She cast repeated glances towards the musician and Cal, who now seemed to be joined by a small fox which trotted alongside the pair until Cal scooped her up. Shooting a curious glance at the fox who looked back and returned an equally curious look at her, Elyza turned and soon appeared to be engaged in a random game of hide and seek as she peered behind the tavern, up trees and even under large rocks. Finally she sniffed the air again and followed her nose towards the lake. Almost bumping into Cal and Cassandria, Elyza cast another glance at the fox who seemed to be struggling to jump out of Cal’s hands as he held it out in offer to the musician. Dark eyes flickered up to Cal’s for the briefest of moments and she arched her usual slender brow at him before she turned away and looked out across the lake. Seeing Discord striding towards her in her all her glory filled Elyza with an overwhelming sense of emotions. Emotions were human however and therefore not Discord territory. Trying to keep her annoying human stuff in check, Elyza tossed her long dark silken curls over one shoulder as she hurried down the pathway and finally reached the Lake. Stepping out onto the ice, Elyza grinned from ear to ear, her razor sharp teeth appearing to glow under the moonlight. ~Dissy!~ she called out as she quickly closed the gap between them. ~You came…?~ Elyza glanced down at her.. dress and wrinkled her nose in distaste. Discord would know just by the fact that she was wearing a dress that something had changed. Preparing herself for her friends wrath, Elyza rubbed the back of her neck. ~Ahhh shit…~*

15:22:12 [Eternal_Night] How long.....the first question to plague the ancient mind as it felt itself returned to consciousness. How long had it been, how long since the ice blue eyes had seen the moon's gentle caress of the earth. How long since fangs had broken succulent skin to taste the coppery tang of warm blood pouring over sweet lips. How long since Death's child had grasped a throat with strong hands, feeling the pulse of life beat quicker as the mind realized the inevitable outcome.Eyelids slid open, revealing nothing to his senses but infinite darkness. Hands and legs attempt to work, but a suffocating tension feels pressed against his body. Mind grasps for reasoning, trying to draw up what he last did with himself, and again that question presses itself to the forefront.....how long? Slowly, fingers begin to work back and forth to affirm what it was that was pressing upon him. The scent was familiar, the texture much the same. It was dirt, and as that realization hit him, so did memories whose exact time could not be placed. Memories of a tired body that had served out its purpose, a body that needed to rest, no longer seeing a reason to exist in that particular realm.He had gone to ground, literally, burrowing himself as deep as allowed to hide himself from the weaker, lesser opponents of the day, children of the night. With each passing second, his hands continued to work back and forth, the motions coming quicker and easier with continued practice. The dirt compressed, slowly displacing to allow him more room. Soon, he could feel the weight lifting from his elbows, giving his arms more and more leverage. How deep was he, where was he? The problem with burying yourself underground with the plans of resurfacing years later is the simple passage of time. The cows always built up, more and more as centuries passed. Finally, he felt his arms fully free, his body surging with an uncanny energy as the razor tipped middle finger of both hands began to shred that around him, muscles flexing as he pushed upwards, giving himself room to begin to sit up. The longer he moved, the more the ability returned to him, and the better he was able to dig. Up and up he worked, pressing the dirt down under him as his body gained more room. As he worked his way up, he could taste the air on his tongue, smell the scent of the night in his nostrils. With one last push upwards, he felt the surface of the ground break, and felt the cool night air rush in to greet him. The moon greeted him with a bright smile, enough so to make eyelids slam shut from the assault upon the eyes. Always the worst part of these hibernations was the slow acclimation back to normal things. Reaching out of his hole, he pulled himself clear of his dirt prison, and rested with his feet still dangling down into the grave. He would have to allow for all his motor skills to return to him, venturing out at the moment would be ludicrous, allowing himself to be placed in a very vulnerable position for any little childer seeking a grand step up the evolutionary staircase. Eyes slowly open up, bringing his hands in front of his face to peer at them. Dirt had engraved itself under his fingertips, his normally pale, flawless skin was now brown, covered from finger to elbow with the earth. Rage seemed to overtake him. How dare the filthy dirt feel itself rightful to stick to his skin, the audacity without merit. He was the Night, Death incarnate, one of the most powerful beings to ever grace this earth with it's presence. Turning his eyes up to the moon with a loathsome glare, he leaned back his head and let loose a guttural growl that overtook every other sound in the night. Where were his clouds, his thunder and lightning, the torrential downpour required to wash him of his filth.

15:24:33 [Kageri] *A tall figure draped in a dark cloak, face concealed by the cowl of the cloak, slowly meanders his way down towards the tavern. His gait is slow and slightly uneven, due to the limp from his right side. He carries a pack on his shoulders and a staff in his left hand, which he leans on while he walks. Pausing briefly, he looks up towards the tavern, the definition of his face still hidden in the shadows of his cowl. Finally his steps bring him to the door and he reaches out a weathered hand to trace the lines on the door. Pushing down the cowl from his face, he exhales slowly, no trace of emotion on his weathered face. His face seems to be young yet old at the same time, though his grey eyes look as though they've seen everything. His hair is swept back into a ponytail neatly disappearing beneath the cloak, as he looks towards the door as if considering his next movement. After a moment or two for reflection, he begins on his way again, this time towards the bar. Now that he is inside fully its clear that he is very tall, standing at almost 6'4 or perhaps even higher, given that he is slouching slightly. The boots make heavy thumping sounds on the wooden floor, uneven in time with his gait. Approaching the bar, he sets his pack down before looking over the choices before him, not even seeming to realise that there is something else happening.

15:27:35 [Cassandria] Noticing the distracted nature of Cal, she tilts her head very slightly. "Fox? No thank you, I'm fine. " Reaching the dais, she taps the wooden step and finds an out of the way spot to set herself up while the other musicians play their music "You seem a little distracted, is everything okay?" She busies herself with taking instruments out of her bag. The same, small stringed instrument is pulled out tenderly, followed by a wooden flute and a small fiddle like instrument with bow. Sitting delicately on the step of the raised dais, she pulls the fiddle over to her first, plucking at the strings as she tunes it. Turning her head as she hears someone else approaching, she sways slightly "Good evening again" She says in response to Elyza's voice nearby

15:28:47 [Link_Roi_duLac] *Those glowing scarlet orbs of his hadn't left Cal once he found him, his heeled boots stalking toward him, seeing he was speaking with someone he didn't know. He slowed down and cocked his head to the side, watching the two, seeing Cal with a... was that a fox tucked beneath his arm? His pools narrowed a bit, this was habitual, it wasn't like he couldn't see pefectly. Everything seemed absolutely bizarre to him. He continued his way toward Cal, his tan elfin features perplexed. He reached toward his lower back and slipped out a slim pack of cigarettes and absently lit one, replacing it into his skirt; careful that his claws didn't rip the scarlet fabric. He couldn't help but look about at the decorations, the different people; he didn't really know anyone here aside from Cal. He sighed into the night air and stepped near Cal, his scarlet pools looking to him, then to the woman, then back to Cal. "Hi.." It was an awkward greeting, especially for him, but he felt a little strange.*

15:37:06 [Calanthe] “But you can’t -see-it Cass! Oh, it’s…” He frowned and looked the fox over. Elyza nearly ran into him, did her typical ‘What the hell?’ look-over and wandered off, and he just stood there trying to pitch the fox to a blind stranger. “… got this… tail… and the… eyes… black… large… eyes…” Helplessly, he glanced at Link. What was he doing? He set the fox down and straightened. There was a weird resolve in his burning eyes. It was this resolution: not to have a totally messed up evening, for once. “I’m fine,” he muttered to Cass. It wasn’t entirely true. He dropped his own cigarette and reached for Link, pulling him close. “The fuck,” he said. “Where the fuck have you been? Where the fuck… and what is this!?” He had Link crushed to his cold chest, arms banded tightly around his back, but his strange eyes were on that knee-length skirt. “Are you joining some religious order? This skirt… fit for a nun… God, things have been so messed up…” The last bit was spoken quietly, miserably. He didn’t care that Link had just lit a cigarette.

15:38:07 [Discord] ~Unbeknownst to Elyza, she’d already caught the attention of the demoness, who watched her with a bemused expression as she flitted about, clearly hunting for her. Her outfit, her scent and even the difference in her movements had alerted Discord to changes in her only mortal friend. While her grin remained devious, her black eyes narrowed on the woman as she conquered the distance between them and scooped her up as if she weighed nothing. Concepts like personal space were lost on this one as her gloved hands held Elyza tight against her muscular form and her face was pressed into her neck. She breathed deep and growls softly in her ear.~ Dissy’s Pet…smells like…food. Why?

15:43:54 [Ty_Burna] *Watching the two men enter, a man that dwarfs even himself, and another, appearing to be a mage, just a bit taller then himself. Shaking his head he unrolls his scroll once more and reads it, his eyes flickering with interest for a moment.* Ah the lake. I see. So these festivities seem to be taking place there. *He quickly rolls the scroll up and stands from his obsidian throne, fire erupting from the flower and consuming the throne, the wooden chair returning to normal. He places the scroll inside his vest and picks up his goblet, taking a drink before meandering his way out of the tavern. Not sure where this lake is he closes his eyes and murmurs a few words before opening his eyes, quickly pinpointing the location. He turns and makes his way through the forest, his strides covering ground quickly and seemingly gliding across the snow. Upon reaching the end of the forest he gazes out at the lake, his eyes taking in all the participants in yet another puppet show. The strings, at least in his own mind, could be seen from each person and a maniacal smile forms on his face.* Outstanding! I can smell all the tension in the air already. *A low laugh emits from him as he brushes away branches and steps onto the ice. Continuing to take in the scene, yet not ready to join the cast himself, he notices a female demon embracing the one from last night, his brow arches as the haunting smile doesn't leave his face.* Well this should keep myself entertained at least. Chaos has already set it's hooks into this evening it seems. *Another laugh before taking a long drink from his goblet.* And so, let the night begin! *He holds his hand up and flames emit from his hands momentarily, the Chaos symbol forming on the palm of his hand. He snaps his head towards Calanthe, a man wearing a skirt, and the blind musician.* Certainly not your typical realm, though for one as deeply entrenched in the underwold as himself, this was hardly a culture shock.* Let us see where this plotline goes......

15:44:52 [Eternal_Night] Mother Nature may be a bitch, but she still loved him. Clouds flitted across the sky to beckon the angry call sent forth to them, challenging the moon for the domain of the sky. Angry, dark clouds overtook the pitiful moon quickly, the night darkening it's hue to cast no shadows across the ground. The night again, belonged to him. Thunder boomed it's angry voice, clearing the way for the streaks of lightning to accent the dark clouds. He knew it was only moments before his salvation, the washing of his sins, fell from the sky. Laying back upon the ground, he drew his legs up out of the hole, and heaved a heavy sigh. How many times had he done this, built so many memories, relationships, only to grow fickle and tired of them. Emotions were not his strong point, nor was socializing. He was here for a simple reason, chaos. Discord. Malice. How amusing he had always found the simple, rambling mindless humans, scurrying about in their pointless existence, hoping to make some impression upon the world in the short duration they had. Did they not realize it was fruitless, that no matter what they did, they would be forgotten like all the others? Yet, you had to give them kudos for their countless attempts. Every so often, they got something right. He had been a huge fan of toilet paper when they finally figured that one out. For one with such strong senses, it was horrible for him to wade through the endless smell of human defecation in crowds. As his thoughts rambled, he felt the first inklings of rain come from the sky, pelting his skin and the ever present cloak about his body. His mouth opened, savoring the taste of the tears of Heaven upon his tongue, a laugh escaping pale, cold lips. His muscles flexed, his body stretched, and now there was but one thing to accomplish before he felt new once again. Feed.

15:47:46 [Link_Roi_duLac] *He couldn't figure out if it was all the people around that was messing with him or the fact he missed Cal so much it hurt. His scarlet pools widened a bit as he felt Cal pull him close, his own arms holding him close; nuzzling his face into him, not caring if it messed up his makeup a bit. Luckily, it didn't. He sighed and took in his wonderful scent, patiently listening to his husband question him on various things, particularly the skirt. He shrugged the best he could and had tossed his own cigarette away. He gently lifts his head and backs up just enough so he could look at him as he spoke, his arms still securely holding him. He sucked in a soft breath. "I've been looking at a few things, but we should discuss that at a later date. As for this skirt... " He let Cal go and stepped back as he arched a brow, reaching down with his black claws to rip the fabric, to shorten the skirt. "I'll keep in mind you prefer then short.." He grinned a little, his eyes watery, he really missed him.*

15:51:39 [Elyza] *She heard the musician greet her and Elyza looked over and nodded, again wincing quickly as she realised the gesture had been wasted on someone who couldn’t see her. ~Uh.. yeah.. hello there.. ~ Her dark eyes quickly took in the instrument. ~Ahhh.. you’re going to play again?~she asked with a genuine smile of happiness as memories of the night before threatened to encroach upon her instant brain freeze brought on by Discords arrival. Her dark eyes found Cal’s and her smile broadened. ~ Perhaps we can finish that dance after all..~ she murmured softly before her attention was diverted by the arrival of Link who was standing awkwardly behind Cal and Cassandria. ~Or.. not..~ she muttered as she watched the two embrace. Shrugging, she turned to face Discord again who had now grabbed her and picked her up as if she weighed nothing. Laughing in a way she had not done since the two of them had been together, Elyza felt all traces of humanity began to slowly ebb away from her again as Discord smelled her and told her she smelled like food. Laughing, Elyza grinned at her old friend. ~I should smell like strawberries.. if my new shampoo is true to his word..~ she trailed off at this remarkably human statement and blinked in shock to hear it come out of her dark lips. ~Um..~ she shrugged as she realised how close Discords teeth were to her neck. ~I dunno Dissy.. put me down..~ she struggled out of her friends grip and slid down her body till she was back on the ice once more. Steadying herself as a tiny fox raced past her and disappeared behind the huge bonfire, Elyza cast another glance over towards the musician and saw Cal and Link enjoying their time together. Casting her dark gaze over the rest of the people here, Elyza found herself surprisingly pleased to see so many people had come out to play tonight. The most important person however wasn’t even a person at all however and was now looking at her as though she had two heads. Turning back to Discord, Elyza offered her a shrug and a wry grin. ~I guess.. things change, eh?~*

15:59:26 [Cassandria] Plucking the strings one by one, and holding down a slender finger on the fret, she begins tuning the instrument slowly. "I wish I could help you sir, but I have no need for a fox. I mean, if the fox is living then I really have no need of it. If it is not, then perhaps I could skin it and use the fur for something. " When he starts to speak exuberantly to another person gathered nearby, she concentrates more on her tuning than anything else, not wanting to get between them. Catching Elyza's query, she nods and smiles over towards her voice "Yes indeed, I was hoping to play some more music. It seemed to go down so well before, I felt I should share it for a larger audience perhaps. If you like, I can play a repeat of the song from the other night. I do not mind starting my set with that one." She runs the bow along the fiddle and plays a small series of notes all along the full range of the instrument, and tweaks a few pegs to adjust strings. She then plays a few more notes, the beginning bars to a song by the sound of it, before she sets that one down. Picking up the second stringed instrument, she plucks at it a few times, before making a series of chords. Frowning a little, she tilts her head and tweaks a few things before trying it out again. "Good evening, I am Cassandria, for those who have not met me" She says softly to the others gathered around the dais.

16:05:39 [FireAngel] Fire. It always starts with fire. Burning brightly, merrily even, on the logs piled in the hearth, dancing and flickering like some cheerful, playful pet. The flames always burn, as if the wood in the tavern hearth was not wood at all, but some eternal material instead, providing light and warmth to the commons room of the tavern and the patrons. It chased the shadows away, sent them dancing and warping and weaving around tables and legs and chairs until they pooled in the rafters like some murky ocean held at bay by the golden glow of the fire. And this time it was no different - it all started with fire, crackling and snapping and hissing in the massive stone hearth of the tavern - dancing bright orange and yellow and white flames turning the logs to smoldering cinders. The fact that the flames began to grow was a miniscule event - at first. Oh, they still played and frolicked on the kindling, but they also began to grow, began to thicken, began to… take on something of a substance. And at first, one perhaps would not notice that the flames were getting taller as well, and fitting together into a shape - tall and slender with a trim shape. But then again, they rarely ever noticed until looking up and realizing - quite suddenly - that there was in fact someone -standing- in the flames. A woman, to be exact. And even then, sometimes, they still didn’t notice. Stranger things had happened in this tavern, after all…

16:05:56 [Kageri] Hearing the music and chatter in the distance, Kageri turns his head now and looks out over the way. "Hrm... must be something going on that way." He picks up his drink and bag, before striding out of the tavern along the path towards the lake. As he follows the coloured lights along the path, he looks behind him back towards the tavern out of curiosity. Looking at all the gathered people by the lake, he starts to scan to see whether there are any he know. One or two seem vaguely familiar but he can't place a name to their face. His heavy boots clump on the ground as he starts to mingle, looking to see who might be interesting to talk to.

16:17:08 [Discord] Sham…pew? ~Turning the unfamiliar word over in her mouth like a pebble, Dis flicked the split tip of her ebon tongue against Elyza’s throat while she tried to wiggle away. Usually highly acidic, she diluted the saliva so there was only the slightest hint of sting to it. Although the temptation to crush her there, pinning her for as long as she wanted, was there, she let Elyza drop to the ground and peered at her suspiciously. She reached out to poke her in the shoulder, half convinced she’d pass right through what must be an illusion of some kind. Moving silently now, with flames leaping from each footprint on the eyes, she circled repeatedly.* Is this a game? Pet is playing? I hate change. I HATE IT! *Angry now, she came to a stop in front of Elyza and stared down at her, fresh tears of thick, black blood trailing down her cheeks~

16:18:05 [Ashton_Orinas] *Ashton yawned then as the other large man seemingly exploded his chair, and strode outside like it was totally commonplace. Magic was by no means new to the man, to be sure. Hell, he taught Applied Magic at a university and got his doctorate in it, at a record-breaking young age of 22. He was 23 now. But still…. Commonplace throne explosions… Now he knew why Kharn acted as if his power was, albeit unmatched, not exactly as unrefutibly awesome as it was in his world. Back on Earth. It was all a little crazy. Here he was, travelling another dimension through the grace of his own summoning pacts’ will and whim. He’d -wanted- to come to this side for ages, to be sure, but even so, how does one prepare one’s self for the shell-shock of something crazy being considered common. With that, he turned on his heel, clearly having passed people on the way to the tavern from the lake and he headed his way, his massive frame silhouetted in moonlight, back toward the lake just in time to barely miss the woman stride out from the hearth. He’d never really minded the cold, and even tonight, the warmth of the fire seemed to have reached him even as he neared the vicinity of the lake, rendering his cold tolerance moot in the first place. With every step he took, thoughts raced through his mind. Was he anything special in this place? He was only human. Gifted in healing and forging pacts. Summoning itself was his focus, healing he knew and practiced well - mainly on himself in regards to working out and bodybuilding, rendering 3 weeks’ worth of hard work the equivalent of three years of a normal person’s work, his body as perfect as he could get it for his own aesthetic and his industry outside of teaching. Was he in danger? No… Kharn wouldn’t place him in a place he couldn’t handle… Was he completely unversed in the realm? Absolutely. Was he dressed completely out of place in 300 dollar jeans and flip-flops? Definitely, though the dollar amount was fairly lost on him. He’d gotten them for free from a photoshoot sponsor. Was he likely to stand out like a behemoth amongst halflings…? Most assuredly at this point considering the beautiful goddesses he walked amongst, side by side with the chaotic hell-visages as well. Simply put, this place was a trip, but standing alone wasn’t bound to help his situation or his curiosity much… Slowly, he stepped onto the ice of the lake and winced for but a moment until he realized it would hold his weight and he confidently strode outward, seeking someone, -anyone- who seemed open to a sort of conversation. He was, after all, just human in this place. Muscled and handsome, sure, but in the end, just human.*

16:27:49 [Elyza] *Elyza baulked at the sight of her dearest friend in tears, even the demonic bloody type. ~Awww Dissy.. noooo..~ She reached out and hugged Discord, though she knew the movement would probably make Discord freak out even more. ~I’m still your Pet.. promise, k? I just… ~ she shrugged and stepped back from her as she looked off to the dark tree line. ~After the battle at Bendelsain.. and Lucien taking the throne.. it got..~ she shrugged again and searched her friend’s crazy eyes to try and find some way of making her understand. ~It got.. icky.. and.. I left..~ she shrugged and pointed back towards the tavern. ~I got a room here… and..~ she gestured around her. ~I met.. people.. and I’m… changing.. I guess..~ She trailed off and smiled at her friend sadly. ~I’m so glad to see you.. but you can’t eat anyone tonight okay? At least.. not here.. We can go hunting later.. just not now.~ She ran a hand through her hair and chuckled as she remembered Discords attempt at the word shampoo. ~Sham POO is like..~ she giggled again. ~It makes your hair nice and shiny.. and smells nice… ~ she laughed at the look on Dissy’s face. ~I mean I love the blood spattered, nerve and vein look you’ve got going on with your hair.. honest I do.. ~*

16:34:31 [Calanthe] He drew back a bit and looked at Link steadily. “Some things?” he murmured. The fox… the blind woman… Elyza. He glanced over at them all. A strange night, to be sure. “Sorry, I’m…” Thin shoulders rose and fell in a half-hearted shrug. He brushed Link’s bangs aside. He watched patiently, quietly, as Link tore away a good foot-wide swath of the fabric of his skirt. “Better…” His head was tilted. His eyes had a far off look, though. Some ancient hatred was boiling there, seething just under the surface of his snowy skin. Long fingers curled, snapped, relaxed; his teeth grit, his jaw tensed. As if to stop something from coming over him, he snatched Link’s hand and drew him down the grassy bank toward the lake. It was frozen solid. The moon shone on its surface as if in a mirror. “I hate her,” he breathed. His eyes were locked ahead, sightlessly. “I hate her. I’ll kill her… I swear…” It was a typical Cal fit. Strange nonsense. Only Link’s warm hand tethered him to reality.

16:37:04 [Discord] ~Too enraged and appalled in the moment to speak, much less yell, she hissed at the word “people” used in that fashion. With the conversation plunging into unknown and utterly terrifying areas, the towering figure seemed to shrink, both in size and away from Elyza, who could have been speaking Greek with more comprehension. She frantically tried to cover both ears and Elyza’s mouth all at once and backed away from her as she if was the sun itself.~ STOP! Oh..oh…oh… ~Obviously wracked in pain, even just the emotional type, Discord whirled and strode away a few steps before heaving up most of the leg she’d eaten on the trip.~ Pet is food. Pet is food. Oh…

16:43:10 [Link_Roi_duLac] *He gave a small nod, he had been feeling a bit strange and it seemed it hadn't left him just yet. He sighed out some of his words. "Yes, things that should be discussed in private, I think." He glanced around at the various people, feeling timid and he looked away to place his scarlet gaze on his husband. He noticed how Cal grew.. angry and he frowned, his watery eyes searching Cal for some kind of answer. But he didn't say anything as Cal took his warm tan hand and led him toward the lake, onto the bank and he looked to the frozen water. He cocked his head as he tore his gaze from the lake and looked to the vampire he loved, his frown deepening, not sure what exactly he was going on about. He sighed again and turned his body toward him, reaching up with his free hand to place his palm onto Cal's cheek, trying to make him look into his eyes. "Darling?...* He whispered, feeling a bit shaken. He wasn't sure what to say, but he knew Cal's moods, he could feel them.*

16:44:38 [Elyza] * Elyza watched with wide dark eyes as Discord freaked out as predicted and hurled up her dinner. ~Mmm.. a leg..~ Elyza eyed it hungrily. ~It’s been… so.. long..~ She licked her lips as her eyes burned a feral amber that Discord would remember only too well. She stalked over and picked Discord up, needing almost all of her strength to do so. ~No Dissy.. Pet isn’t food. Pet.. just.. plays with food. k?~ She felt Cal’s mood shift and she cast a dark gaze his way for a few moments. A deep frown etched itself upon her alabaster brow before she shook her head and looked back to Discord, laughing as she took in the sight of her best bud. ~You like playing with food, remember? This is the same.. just.. without eating them later..~*

16:47:00 [Cassandria] Noticing the air of tension around her, she begins to focus on her music a little more. Once the first group of musicians leaves the dais, she steps up onto it, sitting on a small wooden stool. Picking up the small stringed instrument, similiar to a guitar but smaller and a different sort of shape, she plucks at the strings softly. Her milk-white eyes gaze around as she strums the chords to entertain the crowd and perhaps even ease the tensions building. Satisfied that the instrument is in tune, she grasps a small blue silken scarf from her pocket and wraps it around her eyes like a blindfold. Picking the instrument back up, her fingers begin to fly over the strings again, her other hand tapping out a beat on the wood of the instrument. Another uplifting song to dance to, her gifted hand running up and down the length of the strings, pulling the very best out of the instrument. Her head moves back and forth with the beat she plays to, toe tapping lightly to keep time. After what seems like forever, the musical interlude is broken by her rich, clear voice which rings out over the area. "Lets you and me dance away the night, dancing the reel in the pale moonlight. We shall have not a care for anyone to see, let us both dance and then we shall be free. Follow the steps and follow my feet, listen to the tune and feel the rythm of the beat. We shall dance from dusk 'til the dawn breaks the sky, let us dance, girl, just you and I. Take my hand and let us go, o'er the grass so sweet, down to the green meadow, you and I shall dance to the beat. Lets you and me dance away the night, dancing the reel in the pale moonlight. We shall have not a care for anyone to see, let us both dance and then we shall be free." The jaunty words are broken suddenly, as the womans fingers fly up and down the strings, her other hand still tapping out a complex beat on the wood. Her eyes close, disguising the white now as she sways her head softly back and forth to the tune. Eventually the lyrics creep back in again as she changes up a pitch, the notes suddenly being given a whole new life. Lets you and me dance away the night, dancing the reel in the pale moonlight. We shall have not a care for anyone to see, let us both dance and then we shall be free. Dancing our dance in a circle on the ground, our hair hanging loose our feet pale and bare. Our song can be heard for miles around, as we dance our dance and forget our cares. Dancing in the pale moonlight, dancing this way it feels just right, you and I are together at last, no way now can a shadow be cast. The stars are out, the moon is clear and bright, dance! I should, as we dance in the pale moonlight." The pace slows down gradually again as Cass speaks softly Lets you and me dance away the night, dancing the reel in the pale moonlight. We shall have not a care for anyone to see, let us both dance and then we shall be free." She then finishes the song, with the chords reverberating in the still air.

16:55:46 [Calanthe] He didn’t feel up to dancing. Not yet. Not even with Cass playing and singing as she was. Somehow, it grated on him now... the cheerful lyrics, the quaint tune. He turned and let Link touch his face; he brushed his jaw along Link’s palm like a cat. “I’m sorry…” Another listless shrug. He was looking Link over, really taking him in for the first time that evening. He wanted a distraction. Gradually, he paced around Link once, then again, studying his outfit. Black and red. A cold hand trailed round his middle as he moved, sharp nails like claws catching in the ties of his corset. “You look good,” he murmured at last, coming around to stand before Link. Finally, finally, a faint smile touched his blanched lips. A ghost of a smile. He sighed and seemed to shake off, or to try to shake off, his wretched mood. He pulled Link close, cool arms wrapping low around his waist, and gazed down at his skirt, newly shortened. “Never… wear a skirt that long again… hm? Makes my life… so difficult…”

17:02:21 [Discord] ~Had it not been for that familiar flicker of amber light in Elyza’s eyes to stop her, Dissy was already bending the energy around her to escape this excruciating exchange into an expanding, swirling orb of red light. Not entirely sure she wouldn’t need it, she remained next to it, stooped over and fully prepared to heave, snarl and run again. Her gloved fingers were curled into the sticky, matted tangles of her hair, tugging at it in distress. She stood wide eyed, black tears flooding down her cheeks with her lower lip trembling pathetically as Elyza suddenly snatched her up. Too disturbed to fight, she growled under her breath and looked around wildly, at a loss with what to do with herself. Nothing coming from her sole friend’s mouth was connecting with anything she understood.~ Without EATING them later? Without the eating?!?! What IS this without the eating?! Who does that? Not Pet! Not Dissy’s very own Pet! She would know! Dissy plays to make the eating better....there is no without the eating! Crazy talk!

17:02:28 [Link_Roi_duLac] *His large elfin ears took in the music, the lyrics; he liked it. He smiled softly and closed his eyes a moment, before looking to the frozen lake again. Perhaps, soon, he'll drag Cal out to dance. The last they had danced... was the night they met. He let the memories take him over, briefly, before he looked to Cal with those soft, scarlet orbs; watching him take a good look at him. His outfit. It was very gothic lolita. The sharp nails on his corset, well, that made him shiver wonderfully; catching his husband's eye when he stood before him; his own hand reaching out to snag Cal's pale, cool one. "Oh, believe me, I'll stick with the mini skirts." He grinned and winked, biting down on his lower lip before he continued speaking in his dark, quiet voice; smooth like chocolate. "I only want to please you, my love." He gave a shy expression before he glanced away, looking down to the frozen water curiously; taking a step onto it.*

17:08:23 [Elyza] *Eylza held up her hands. ~Fine, fine.. you can eat.. some .. just not.. too many.. and let me help you choose which ones, k?~ She lowered her voice and looked around. ~We have to be.. subtle.~ she laughed and looked back at Discord. ~As if..~ she mumbled before she turned her attention back towards the crowd. A large troll like man was chatting up one of the many musicians who was taking a break while Cassandria held the floor with her enchanting music. Elyza grinned at Discord and pointed to him. ~There! He looks big enough for both of us to have a feed, okay? Then you can dance with me!~ she chuckled and reached out for Discords arm.*

17:10:41 [FireAngel] She had been mistaken for a phoenix once, and that had been amusing. She wasn’t quite sure if she looked like a bird, or if the comparison had been simply… metaphorical… but she could perhaps see how one really inebriated, or ignorant, person could think that. She did emerge from flames, after all. And she did have enormous wings. But that was where the comparison would end. Her black wings were battle-scarred and huge, even when folded and tucked tightly at her back, while she had alabaster skin that gleamed in pale perfection, unmarred by scar or mark from the quick-touch of her soul bound with her God’s. Her eyes were an icy blue framed by long, sooty lashes, making the color stand out that much more, and long, gleaming red curls shimmered like a waterfall of silk down her back to hang loose and soft. And while the flames kept her modest, she was by no means naked, instead wearing a pair of hip-hugging black shorts and bodice-hugging black halter top, while a pair of black boots hugging the long, sleek legs kept her impossibly balanced on the logs that burned without tending. Her only ‘adornment’ - if they could even be called such - was a pair of hammered black cuffs around her wrists, unchained by any visible means, yet filled with a pulsating, viscous poison that held the woman bound as sure as any metal or steel shackle that could yet be conceived, bound to the will of a dark and terrible God.

17:17:58 [Calanthe] He laced his fingers with Link’s and pulled him back a few steps, onto the ice. “That’s as it should be,” he said quietly. He knew Link could hear him – even above the music and the chatter. His gaze moved to the tavern in her clearing. Funny, that they were all out by the lake, and there was the tavern… mostly alone. Underfoot, implausibly, the ice felt almost warm. He smiled at Link. Another thin, mirthless smile. “It’s quite sound, I assure you—” He glanced at the ice. “But in those…” Now he cast a meaningful look at the heeled boots. “… I don’t know. Can you manage? No… I think not…” He was making decisions on Link’s behalf. Gingerly, he collected Link – who felt slight as a girl – into his arms, one about his shoulders and one beneath the bend of his knees. He smirked down at him as he carried him across the frozen lake. “Hello…”

17:22:33 [Discord] They say I am the crazy and here is Pet playing and not eating! Dissy is NOT eating any star…berry sham-pew and being… being… whatsit? Sud..uhl. Who bes that?! Not Dissy. Oh no. Pet doesn’t even know what to eat. Do starberries beg and squeal when you eat the pew? Hmm? Bet they don’t. Betcha two of these foods they don’t. ~Babbling far too much and too fast to notice, her arm was seized and she allowed herself to be led across the ice, leaving a trail of smoking holes in the enchanted ice. She was already sizing up the man, drool gushing down her chin and eating through her leather vest.~ Danz? Do people die during that at least? ~Lost to the hunt, she broke into a run, sprang into the air and cleared the table easily. She landed beside the startled couple and before he could even bring his hand up to stop her had pushed his eyes so far back in his head they disappeared. She caught him as he fell and leered at the smaller woman. Too stunned to run at first, she found her senses quickly and left Discord alone to feed.~

17:39:47 [Discord] ~Shares the food with Elyza, who joins her behind the refreshments table. They are noticeably absent from the festivities for a long while.~

17:41:46 [Cassandria] Not caring whether the rest of the patrons and people liked or disliked the music, she strikes up another tune. This time swapping out the guitar like instrument for the fiddle. Her fingers weave deftly over the fretboard, creating a rapid series of notes that keeps the pace of the previous song. Her feet taps to the beat as she sways slightly, her attention now soley on the music she's playing. As soon as one song ends, she flows into the next one with practiced ease, changing the tempo and the rhythm without any trouble at all. After a good few minutes of solid playing, she finally comes to a halt, her bow running along the strings to leave the chord resonating for a while. Setting the instruments down inside her bag once more, she stands up and grasps the gnarled staff in one hand, slinging the bag over her shoulder. Noticing the absence now of both Cal and Elyza, she weaves her way over towards the refreshments table, her movements graceful even though she cannot see. The blue silk scarf still wrapped around her eyes, in a shade to match the dress she wears.

17:55:27 [Diandra_Moon] Diandra slipped from the woods. Her for once shod feet moved with the sound of soft chiming as her toes peeked out from beneath the hem of the long dress she wore. Gold braiding could be seen over her feet, contrasting between the pale color of her skin and the crimson of the pleated satin that rose like following the a waterfall u to its source. The red of the pleated silk blended to ivory as the halter hugged her torso and was held in place by the gold chain from one shoulder, behind her neck to the other. A long gold chain dangled down from the nape of her neck to the small of her back from the chain that held the dress in place. Gold chains could be seen around her upper arms, with thin chains cascading down towards her elbows. The silver bells about her wrists and ankles had been replaced with gold. She didn’t know how, but they just seemed to. They sounded different to her, but she wasn’t sure if another would notice. Her silvery gold hair had been pulled to the top of her head, curled into cascading tresses that brushed her shoulders. A fur lined shawl as draped over her arm. For the moment, the air wasn’t so cold that I would bother her, but it might change. Lips a slightly darker shade of red were painted, gleaming in the firelight and moonlight that touched them, along with ivory, red and gold shadow tht gave her a slightly feral appearance. Her sapphire gaze dotted with starlight danced merrily as she looked over all those who were present.

18:02:39 [Kageri] Watching people had always been a talent of his, and it was a prime location tonight. Plenty of people to study as they go about their business, mingling with every other stranger here. With a tankard in one hand, he works his way through the crowd, nodding every so often at someone just to be polite. Not speaking much at all, he finds his way to the lake itself, and stands at the edge for some time just marvelling at the look of it all. "Enchantment, it must be" He says to himself, as he tenatively steps a foot onto the cold ground, making his way over the ice towards the refreshments table with curiosity. Getting himself a refil for the tankard, he turns and leans against the table while he watches all the other patrons milling about

18:03:11 [Eternal_Night] The rain turned to a torrent, falling more heavily by the second as he beared his will to the God that hated him. The God that had cast him and his aside, mere puppets to pay for the sins of a Father that wanted nothing to do with them. Fuck them all. Dirt turned to mud as it dripped down his body, the long white hair that washed down his back becoming clean once again. Reaching a hand up, he brushed away dirt and root from his face, giving his body a violent shake to throw rain and mud from him. The everpresent, full length white cloak that adorned his body became saturated from the rain, but it still gave him an overall feeling of cleanliness. The rain may come from the Heavens, but he still felt as if it belonged to him, as he called it from the skies. Piercing eyes searched his surroundings, trying to gather bearing to his location. He couldn't quite remember where he had gone to ground, so he needed to orient himself with everything. Woods, a lake that appeared to be frozen over, the sound of cheery voices, the smell of food...of the flesh variant. Sustenance, such a strong driving force. Giving a casual tilt to his head, he started through the sparse woods he was standing in, picking his way down the hill. A party, it would seem, as the gale voices floated up to him, how quaint. Dinner and a show he would have. That predatory stalk his body was known for was still there, that lithe grace that rivaled a seasoned dancers.

18:09:21 [Cassandria] Picking over the food and drink set out for her, she exhales softly in a deep sigh, seeming almost meloncholy. Grasping the step of a glass, she brings it close to her lips and sniffs at the contents. Brining it to her lips, she wets them just enough to get a flavour of the drink, before she sips fully. Idly running her hand along the table, she moves away from the noise and chatter, and makes her way towards a quieter spot to the side of the lake. Her face now showing signs of sadness almost, as she isolates herself from the gaity of the festivities. Swirling the liquid around in her cup she downs the contents in one and turns to move away, almost knocking right into someone, if she doesn't indeed bump right into them. "I'm sorry.. please forgive me" She says softly to whomever she just jolted, and starts to be on her way, staff tapping out a rhythm as she walks. Head tilted to one side at the sound of bells, she turns curiously in that direction and sways a little, the blue scarf disguising her eyes still for now.

18:11:25 [Diandra_Moon] Skirting the crowd, she kept to that shadowed place between light of the party and shelter of the woods. It was strange. She couldn’t remember a time she had been to such a place, but the phantom memories danced through her mind, teasing her with memories that were not her own. She brought herself to the edge of the lake eventually and saw that it was meant for dancing…And the bonfire beyond…That was what drew her attention. She didn’t even hesitate as she stepped out onto the hard surface over the water. Many looked wary to step out onto it, but not Diandra…She hummed softly with the music that played, familiar yet not, and carried herself closer and closer to the bonfire that danced out on the ice.

18:13:07 [Eternal_Night] The hill he trodded down proved to be a bit treacherous to legs that had not moved for many years, the mud created from the rains turning the hillside into its own ice. He felt disoriented from the charade, having to change the form of his walk to keep from spilling himself upon his ass in the mud, and the simple act that was uncoordination raised the hairs on the back of his neck. He was not used to vulnerability of any sort, be it emotional or physical. Food beckoned him though, and the momentary loss of balance was quickly forgotten as the burning in his veins drew his attention to happier thoughts. He had called the rain, after all. If he slipped and fell, it would be his own fault, and he would merely open the throat of the person who dared witness it. Nothing like a bit of random violence and killing to get the blood flowing, in more ways than one. Finally, he finishes his descent of the hill to move into the clearing overlooking the lake, taking a moment to survey the scene before him. Doubt briefly stifles his thoughts. He was weak, and he had just wandered into the open, offering himself to any predators who felt they wanted a shot. Again, the feeling of vulnerability irritated him, and his hands flexed subconsciously, the long poison nails from his middle fingers dripping with their toxic venom. The need to feed was strong, but the will to survive was so much stronger. His eyes scanned relentlessly, practiced in the arts of finding a victim, but also of finding a rival.

18:19:12 [Eternal_Night] His eyes, ears and nose all caught it at the same time. Alone, full of fear, a literal shake in her step.....what more could be asked for with a meal after a long hibernation. He didn't feel the need to find a fight for his meal, but perhaps a bit of a game could be made of this one. Seduction, perhaps, pouring those honeyed words from perfect lips into innocent ears, tantalizing the flesh with soft, tender kisses full of wanton need, before lips are replaced with fangs searching for more of an aggressive finish. That was always fun, or the game of chase. The smell of fear so ripe on a victim was like true music to his ears, calling his name almost. Stalking through the wind torn, rain slashed woods after a hapless victim that was so out of their mind with fear that they tripped over their own legs. How many times had he played that game? Truly, in the end his victim almost begged for their demise, the fear of the Night overpowering their fear of Death. Oh, how he had missed humans

18:26:04 [Eternal_Night] His body seemed to take on a mind of its own, one foot placed softly after the next in the mud, stalking with that seductive walk towards the woman. Why venture out in such a place on your own if you were not asking to have your throat ripped out by something? Had the weak never learned their lesson, even after all these years? He would be sure that this one learned a lesson she could carry to whatever God she served, but it would be to no avail. Reaching back, he placed the hood of his cloak over his head, marring all features of himself save Night's eyes, those dark blue orbs piercing out with deadly intent. Light hisses of satisfaction escaped tight lips, as he tried to subdue his overanxious movements. The smell of blood so close, so warm, pulsating as it beckoned to him to come take it like a whore after payment was recieved.

18:28:16 [Diandra_Moon] Out on the lake, even nearer the fire, there was more wind. It had fangs of a different nature, not tore, but definitely nipped. She chuckled and shifted her arms, carefully draping the fur lined shawl over her shoulders and hugging it close. She tilted her head back, the dark red lips turning up slightly at the corners as her starlit eyes searched the dark sky that the flames reached to touch. She didn’t much mind to the world beyond the halo of light that the fire emitted. Her eyes closed partially, her feet carrying her in a ring around the halo of light from the fire. One would think her feet would slide across the icy surface, but her feet found purchase with little problem.

18:30:08 [Cassandria] Not wishing for a fight to break out, she begins walking quickly away from where she had just bumped into someone. Out onto the ice at a fairly quick yet graceful pace, taking care to mind any dancers who might be coming close to her. The loneliness threatened to overwhelm her, to consume her. Hearing all the festivities going on around her, she wished so deeply in her mind that she could see, if only just for this one night. These thoughts only fuelled the feelings of loneliness even more as she walks, the staff tapping on the ice beneath her. The sounds and smells were easy to get lost in, to become absorbed in, but she wanted much more. To have her gifts and not be able to use them, was as frustrating as it could get. Despite her blindness, there was no fear in her heart tonight, there never was even when threatened with death. That was not to say she couldn't feel fear, just that it didnt tend to come easily. Tilting her head again she catches the sound of bells in the distance. She takes a few steps towards the sound before she hesitates. Out on the ice, nearly in the middle of it all, she stops. Shaking her head, she turns and begins to slowly make her way off the dance floor and back in the direction of the tavern, weaving her way through the remains of the revellers.

18:34:20 [Eternal_Night] As he moved closer to the girl, he was taken back by her age, appearing to hardly even be a teenager yet. Why would she be out here, alone, in such a place? Again, the annoyance of vulnerability flickered through his mind. Was this some elaborate trap, had his return been foretold, and this was the bait for the trap that waited to spring. That predatory gaze surveyed his surroundings yet again, but as if of it's desire for danger, he continued his movement to the young one. The need was a bit to strong, to overwhelming that regardless of the danger inherit, he needed it, and to be damned of the consequences that surrounded it. As he sidled up to the young girl, that feeling of confidence returned and conquered all others. This is what he was made for, and after draining this poor thing of life, the feeling of danger would dissapear as he would regain so much of his strength that was lacking for the moment. His voice came out in whispers, his hypnotic eyes locking upon those of the young girl in front of him, trapping her in a hypnotic trance. She was prey, he was predator, and her time had come to serve her purpose. Soft nothings were whispered to her, promises of a better life, a stronger life, immortality, but for the price of submissive nature. A few drops of her blood, for the promise of a world she could only hope to dream of. It was only to easy, the combined efforts of his own beauty, mixed with that sultry voice that could draw a crowd, mingling with her overwhelming feelings of lonliness and the need to belong to something....anything. Blood was given, and so much more. But for her want to fit in, her heart began to slow as his fangs sank deeper and deeper, his lips pursing to suck deep at her neck, stealing away the life she had, and setting himself up right like a heroine addict after a good hit.

18:47:25 [Eternal_Night] Death's Kiss administered, he had been gentlemanly enough to at least make her final embrace one of tenderness, his hands holding the sides of her head in a lover's kiss. Upon satisfaction of his own, he leaned his head out of her neck, looking upon hert soft, innocent face one time. "Thank you." The whispered words escaped him before he even knew what he was doing, and he leaned back in to place a gentle kiss upon her dead lips before lowering her to the ground. After all, there were lesser predators that ventured in the night that would appreciate a fresh meal of flesh, regardless of the absence of blood or not. Everything had to eat, even the puny corpse dwellers. Immediately, the resurgence of energy pulsated in his body as her blood mixed with his. Every sence heightened, that feeling of superiority returned instantly, the moments of awkwardness and vulnerabilty replaced with a sense of empowerment. Nothing dared fuck with him now. His attention moved to games of more carnal delight, eyes scanning over the slowly diminishing crowd for his next form of entertainment...and within seconds had aquired such. A woman alone, with a cane, tapping lightly on the ground. He had seen such in the past, and it normally incorporated some form of handicap, be that elderly, or the lack of vision. Perhaps the inability to "see" him would give him a few moments before her submissive nature kicked in and she lost all of her remaining senses. Then, hadn't he heard that the absence of one sense, heightened others? No skin of his teeth, as the now fully reformed body began to make his way towards her. Again, that fluid grace encased his body, flowing him towards her.

18:51:22 [Diandra_Moon] She moved her body, the music still reaching her over the sound of the roaring flames. She lifted her hands, the bells chiming with the graceful movements as her arms lifted in time with the music. A strange sight, indeed, but she had never been concerned with such things before, she really wasn’t going to worry about such things now. Her lips parted in a soft smile as her feet moved, carrying her in a little circle as she moved around the ring of light cast by the bonfire out on the ice. It was wonderful, the cool night wind, the warm air from the fire. She gave a soft chuckle and lifted both her hands, swirling and dancing in the mingling shadows and light of the party and nature. The curls bounced, tickling her cheeks, but she didn’t mind if the way she only chuckled was any indication.

18:56:35 [Cassandria] She makes her way quickly off the ice and towards the path back to the tavern, her pace seeming fairly comfortable as she continues weaving through the people that are left. With a soft sight and a heavy heart, she heads down that path leading back to the tavern, ignoring anything else in her way. It had been a mistake entirely to come here tonight, she wasn't even sure why she had decided to venture out. Maybe just for the desire to be close to people, the need for companionship perhaps. Now on the path, her pace slows a little as she finds herself alone again, the sounds of the ball behind her and growing ever dim.

19:06:14 [Eternal_Night] His pace quickened as the woman his eyes were intent upon moved off on her own, her path seemingly set on the small building offset from the gathering taking place tonight. He had not paid the entire entourage much attention. Perhaps it had been some form of ritual, a witch burning, a seance, who knew with these pesky humans. All the better for him in the end, as he watched her move further off from the small group. The Allfather smiled happily upon the lack of witnesses to their nature, and this one was making the game all that much easier. As he quickened his pace to catch up to her, here was yet another person who ebbed the feeling of loneliness. What was wrong with people these days? How could so many be walking away from this gathering feeling lonely? Was it a pity party? Had humans completely given up on the idea of companionship, barring the random lonely nights when a hand would take a lover's place? No issue either way. As he moved beside the woman, he cleared his throat ever so politely to draw attention before words escaped cold lips. "Pardon me, maam..." Ever so polite the bastard was, especially when he wanted something.

19:11:05 [Calanthe] He was watching Diandra from the forest, and laughing quietly. He always melted away into those woods when things became too chaotic… too difficult to bear. But he was there, observing her with catty eyes, gleaming in the dark. A disembodied pale head and slender neck, long hands – the rest of his clothes so dark as to disappear against the gloom of the woods. He’d dyed a huge shock of his long hair scarlet red. It looked like a spill of blood against the golden mass. He padded barefoot across the ice, toward the bonfire where she was spinning about, dancing alone. “Blood… and bone,” he murmured, pointing to her gown. Red and white. That was all he could think of. He smiled faintly at her. For his part, he’d hardly changed – but he wore a black button-down shirt, some gesture in the direction of formality, and the rings in his ears were of ruby and onyx. “Come here,” he said, drawing close to the bonfire as he dared and extending a hand to her.

19:16:02 [Cassandria] Stopping in her tracks as an unfamiliar voice calls to her, she tilts her head this way and that before homing in on the speaker. "I do not mean to seem rude, but I really need to be getting to my destination. So if you would not mind letting me past, I will be on my way." She moves to step around or away from the person, with a soft smile and a tilt of the head.

19:17:41 [Diandra_Moon] She twirled and twirled…The pleated satin flaring out slightly as her hands lowered to keep the skirt from flying to high and revealing too much of her legs…Not that her usual attire did not reveal nearly the entire length of her leg, but she didn’t think a long dress should rise quite so high on ones thighs without giving someone an idea that dancing was not the only reason the fabric was riding so high. A familiar voice drew her attention and she stopped, the dress continuing in its movement until it twirled as far as it could and then went back to fall as it should. “Shira picked it out. She said it would be warmer than my usual clothing, and keep me out of trouble…And she thought it would look warmer with the cold air.” She smiled and walked closer as he demanded, taking his extended hand. “And how are you doing this evening?” She gave him a long look, her lips turning up at the corners as her smile eased to a grin. “I like your hair.”

19:20:00 [Elyza] *Elyza appeared from the dark tree line she had been so intent on earlier before. Discord had led her astray, just as she had known she would and she grinned a bloody smile as she gazed up at the moon. She was tempted to throw back her head and howl at the moon as she straightened up and pulled twigs and leaves out of her blood soaked hair. Globs of blood and spattered gore decorated her alabaster skin and torn dark red dress as she made her way slowly across the frozen dance floor. She saw it all with different eyes now – the people she had smiled at before now just appeared to be shadows and mirages of a time gone by. She sniffed the air and found Cal, her dark eyes curious as she watched him for a moment as he moved with another on the dance floor. A flicker of emotion rippled across her face before the pale gleam of insanity Glaring at them both, she changed her direction and stalked away from the bonfire, leaving the sound of the party behind her as she moved quickly down the pathway towards the Mystic Tavern. It was here that she nearly ran into the back of the retreating musician. ~Oh.. you..~ she snarled, trying to remember her pattern of speech from before. ~Uh… Cassandria..~ she mumbled, rolling the word around on her tongue. She looked closely at the woman, searching for her magical instrument which had entranced Elyza so completely earlier in the evening. ~Er…~ she glanced over at the tavern. ~You… done.. now?~ she asked as she fell into step beside the blind woman, as they made their way back to the tavern together.*

19:20:52 [Eternal_Night] His mouth dropped, jaw unhinged. Was he just given the cold shoulder, the brush off? What was this feeling in his chest, this small hole that seemed to open inside him? Rejection. Did this poor thing not know who he was? Some things needed to be set straight, but whilst he stood there dumbfounded, she had found her way around him and was moving off on her own once again. What the fuck does he do now? This had placed him in a situation that for the life of him he could never recall being in. As he wished to keep the facade of a gentleman in place, he replied as such. "My apologies, I wish you a dark evening."

19:24:38 [Calanthe] “What an old cow Shira is… trying to keep you out of trouble. That’s impossible. Impossible.” She had been so close to the fire, and was warm-blooded as is, her hand felt overheated – the warmth rolling off of her as if from a furnace. He gave his hair a vain tousle, then smirked. “Why thank you. I once shot myself in the roof of the mouth…” He tapped the crown of his head, drawing her close as he did. “… bullet exited here. And the effect was very similar. Fortunately this is dye. And look at you…” Long fingers gestured to her gown. “It does suit you.” His free arm went round her waist; he held her other hand aloft as if to dance formally, which he did, guiding her lazily about on the ice, his box step predictable and easy. He grinned at her. “I’m surprised she isn’t here, protecting you.”

9:28:52 [Cassandria] "And to you sir, have good evening." She smiles pleasantly in his direction as she sidesteps him. Another familiar voice to her side as she walks. "Yes? " She nods slowly at the woman "I am, yes. I .." She hesitates, the usual confident nature suddenly not as present any more, though it does come back relatively quickly "I have done my set, I am returning to put my things down so that I am not burdened. I hope you have had a pleasant evening so far." So many thoughts rushing through her mind at this moment, it was taking all her self will to focus on the here and now.

19:30:30 [Diandra_Moon] Her face scrunched up slightly when he told her about shooting himself. That was just gross, and he knew it. It was probably why he told her that. “You two are probably of a similar age.” Diandra grinned, moving closer and taking his hand as he began to move them in the little dance. “It would explain why the two of you clash so much…Well, aside from the fact it amuses Shira.” She chuckled, blushing softly when he commented on her dress. “I’m glad you like it. I feel funny.” She paused for the briefest moment to reveal her shod foot, the gold braiding easily making her foot look snow white. “She wanted to paint my toenails, but I wouldn’t let her. She doesn’t like crowds, but she said she’d keep close enough that if I got into trouble, she’d try to get me out of it.” She chuckled.

19:34:48 [Eternal_Night] This had not gone according to his plans at all. After a successful feeding, his bit of entertainment merely walked away from him, and the game of chase that he enjoyed so much years ago just would not re-emerge. He just seemed to not care. His mind and body moved to other locales, that sense of familiarity returning as his eyes scanned the environment. He had been here before, though the when, why and for how long escaped him. Simple memories of faces shuffled their way through his brain, though he couldn't place a name on any of them. Emotions were involved with some of the faces, but that just made it all the more troubling. Why did a feeling exist for a person he did not rightfully remember? His pace was ever slow as he was focused on his own thoughts, and he moved back towards the tavern on his own path, muttering quietly to himself.

19:37:36 [Elyza] *Elyza nodded despite the fact that Cassandria couldn’t see her and reached out to take her things. Shrugging when she was asked if she had had a good evening, Elyza scowled towards the lake. ~Here… allow me..~ she hoisted the case and other things onto her hip and started making her way up to the tavern. Hearing Cassandria tapping behind her, Elyza held the door open so that both women were soon back inside the doors of the Mystic Tavern where they belonged. ~Here..~ she dropped her stuff on the floor at Cassandria’s feet. ~Thanks.. for.. the music..~ She shrugged again and drifted over to the bar. ~Good night..~ she called out and climbed up onto the bar. Lying down, she reached down and grabbed her bottle of Tequilla from last night. Popping it open, she sat up long enough to take a long, sweet drink before lying back down and gazing up at the shadows which danced amongst the rafters. Sighing deeply, Elyza drew both legs up so that her knees were bent and her left arm snaked lazily behind her head, propping it up just enough for her not to spill her drink down the front of her gore splattered dress. She heard the laughter and the music of the party happening outside, however she felt more than a little disconnected from everyone and everything this eve. Sipping from her bottle thoughtfully as she procressed the nights events in whatever it was that passed for her mind these days, Elyza stared up at the rafters and listened to the ghosts of the tavern as they whispered in her ear.*

19:38:24 [Calanthe] He rolled his eyes. They were lined with pitch, but he’d wiped some of it away. His eyes were bright and the fringes of lash about them ridiculously black, sooty. “She’d try, would she? Gods… I’d like to wring her neck…” He spun her carefully, glancing at the foot she’d shown him. “Maybe you ought to have let her paint your nails. She’s…” Just thinking about Shira worked him up, clearly. He let it go. He sighed and propped his chin atop her head, gazing up toward the tavern and hardly making any pretense to dancing now, just moving idly on the solid ice. “What I said last night…” He shrugged. “… I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean it like that. Just… forget I said it. Will you?”

19:39:32 [Vixen_Strife] *What a beautiful place Mystic was tonight. She wondered what the celebration was about and found herself landing gracefully near the tavern; tilting her head curiously as her massive black wings shuddered and, slowly, folded along her lithe back, the tips touching the ground. Her slender body was adorned in a scarlet gown, showing off her curves, hugging her almost like a second skin. She remembered a patron accusing her of looking too 'showy' for this place, but at the moment it seemed she fit in nicely. She noticed the bonfire near the lake and knew she'd wander there after awhile, but at the moment she found herself ascending the porch steps. She was thirsty. Besides, she was curious if the inside was just as beautiful. She tucked a few strands of raven hair behind a pale ear, then opened the door, stepping inside the warm building. Her scarlet lips curved into a soft smile, her sapphire eyes looking about herself; her free hand habitually playing with the pendant around her snowy neck, it looked like a swirling vortex of stars and galaxies.*