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Sophies And Fionas Ball Of The Aurora 241228
Sophie's and Fiona's Ball of the Aurora saw a tapestry of interactions among its attendees, weaving moments of intimacy, amusement, and revelry into the evening. Lochana and Eliana shared a tender moment, their connection deepened by a mutual admiration that led them to exchange whispered words and laughter. Conversations flowed easily between guests, with Lilian spinning tales about her work and fashion adventures, enhancing the festive spirit. The unexpected mix of culinary masterpieces, notably Novel's cake, elicited reactions that ranged from admiration to skepticism, yet it remained a focal point, drawing people together in shared curiosity and indulgence.
As the night unfurled, dynamics shifted—Euphemia and Iseul shared a moment of camaraderie, promising to stay connected as the party waned. The dance floor became an arena for unexpected performances, with Colton and Novel engaging in a dance that defied expectations, their moves hinting at a playful challenge to traditional roles. Amidst the laughter and chatter, individuals like Jayanth, Emmelline, and Janette navigated the culinary landscape with caution, their banter reflecting the evening's light-hearted essence. As some departed, promising safe returns and future gatherings, the ball remained a vivid illustration of community and connection, its memory etched in the hearts of those who wandered under the chandeliers’ golden glow.
(Sophie's and Fiona's Ball of the Aurora)
[Fri Dec 27 2024]
In A Small Dance Floor & Tables (Howl)
In the northern expanse of the bar, a room unfolds, drenched in shadows and golden light from three large iron chandeliers. The entryway is illuminated by the first of these, creating an inviting path to the room's heart, where the second chandelier casts a dramatic glow over the cherry wood dance floor. This polished surface, set atop the bar's signature marble, is encircled by tall, round tables with barstools, offering guests a place to observe, interact, and enjoy their drinks.
The southern end of the room is dominated by the third chandelier, which bathes a semi-circular cherry wood stage in a warm, inviting light. The stage, currently concealed by green velvet curtains, promises enchantment and spectacle. Gilded steps sweep down in graceful arcs, inviting exploration. Along the room's periphery, where the flickering chandelier light fades into obscurity, green velvet chaise lounges provide a secluded retreat for more private moments, blending the energy of the dance floor with an air of intimate seclusion.
It is about 50F(10C) degrees.
Lochana finds herself staring at Eliana's lips for a long moment. Usually its just because she's trying to listen closely and follow what the other woman is saying but this seems something more in the moment now. Something shivers beneath her crimson cloak and she lifts a hand to brush her fingers against Eliana's lower lip as she leans in. "Eliana so pretty."
Evan leans against the bar a little, doing the social taboo of being on his phone. Kids these days, can't control them! Always on the darn fangled technology.
He checks his watch then, shaking his head at something.
"Because she's sweet." Lilian tells Harriet with a laugh but at Euphemia directing everyone's attention to her, she puts one hand in Alexi's free hand and lets him spin her out towards the crowd, making the bottom of her indigo gown flare out.
"Wa....! That is very pretty cake!" She gives a polite little clap towards Novel, setting down her cup of hot chocolate. She turns back to lift up her cup to take a sip of her drink once more, watching the interactions between people. She brushes a hand over the fabric of he dress and pushes up off the barstool. "Oh... Does it taste strong of alcohol?" Asking in the direction of Novel, raising an eyebrow towards the cake. Iseul lingers for a moment then back to Novel.
"That makes... more sense..." Harriet confesses to Lilian, nodding sagely.
"Well, I'm having a slice before we go." Sam looks to Fiona, as if waiting for permission to grab one of those carefully cut slices, grinning a lopsided grin. "Good way to end the night, I gotta take off. "
Letting Lilian's dress flare out and give a proper display of the craftsmanship, his fingers curl to catch hers just as their arms reach the apex of their extension and he pulls lightly, to give her to spin needed to twirl back into place, or let him go as Alexi watches her silently with a slight flush in his face, and gleaming eyes that clearly adore what they're looking at.
Harriet makes an order for her Samantha replacement, and then as she awaits the drink to be poured, she's adjusting her tiara to make sure it sits 'just so.'
Madeline looks over to Evan, smirking as he taps away on his phone. "You're either very bored, or very busy?"
Catching the tip of Alexi's fingers as she gets to the furthest out point of her slow spin, Lilian lets the man pull her back, completely at least two and a half spins before she's tucked back in against his chest. Laughing softly, she lifts the train of her gown slightly before dipping a slight curtsey towards the semestress. "He's always trying to flirt with five people at once." She tells Madeline as she straightnes back up.
Madeline gives Lilian a nod, "Yeah, that makes more sense."
"Eat!" Fiona enthuses to everyone, having cut enough of the slices that she's satisfied, motioning to the plates, and then heading back to the center of the room, murmuring something quickly to Sophie, before she wanders back to the bar. "All the food tonight is made to be eaten," she clarifies as she leans her elbow against the counter, "And frankly, it all sounds delicious. What I've tried has all been great."
Evan spins a little on his heel to glance at Lilian and then Madeline. "Busy is more like it," he says, "I gotta get going," he admits towards them. And then he's turning back to Sophie and Fiona, "Hey," he says wandering over to where they are closer. "Thanks for putting this all together the both of you. This is wonderful, and whoever did the decorations did a fan-fucking-tastic job."
At that statement from Evan, Fiona jerks her thumb toward Sophie. "Decorations."
"Up to you. I could use a sugar boost though, so I might grab a little slice for myself at least," Savannah says to Euphemia as she leans heavily into the woman's back now, waving to Lilian and watching her as well when she spins, "You are looking beautiful, Lily. The dress is doing work for sure."
Evan nods at Fiona, "It's all great, music, decorations, food," he begins to make his way out, tossing a wave over his shoulder. "Have a great night people." And with that he's a just a purple flash as the door closes behind him.
Sophie's eyes widen just a little bit as she takes in the entire cake, blink-blinking the once and then again from top to bottom. "You've definitely outdone yourself," she tells Novel with approval, reaching out to poke at the sugar with the delicate tip of one gloved finger. "You're all welcome to a slice of it as soon as someone manages how to cut into it without feeling too bad." There's a laugh, because it's definitely not going to be Sophie.
"Thanks for coming, Evan!" she flashes Evan a smile when he comes by, eyes warm and cheeks a little flushed from all the 'nog she's had.
Eliana blinks at Lochana's fingers on her lip, then giggles softly, applying a soft kiss to them as they pass by. She reaches forward then to brush her hand along Lochana's cheek and back to the back of Lochana's jaw, "Not as pretty as Lochana." she counters warmly before she leans in to speak more quietly.
Harriet accepts the homemade egg nog from the bartender and takes her 'Samantha' in her hands.
Flashing Savannah a grin as the other woman compliments her Lilian gives a dip of her head again, "I agree. The dress is doing work." The woman's dark purple eyeshadow glitters in the bar light as she turns her head, "I wouldn't mind a slice of the dark chocolate cake. If you're going over there to fetch cake." She tells Savannah before turning to lean up, brushing a kiss agains the jaw of the man behind her. "Did you want a different flavor?" She asks Alexi with just a hint of adoration in her voice.
There's a strange, relieved slump of the man's shoulders as Fiona takes over with cutting into reasonable slices, the man directing, "One slice from each tier and give everyone a single sugar sculpture." And then a deep sigh. Novel straightens up, his gaze focusing on Sophie, nodding. "I had a few months. It was basically this, work, and - stuff." He gestures around at it and rubbing the side of his face.
If someone wants to emulate getting a slice of cake, just 'eat cake'.
Lilian turns to glance at Harriet afterwards, "You could take some home to give to her when she wakes up." Lilian murmurs softly, "Did she like the plushie too?"
Lochana slides off her stool at the table, taking Eliana by the hand and drawing her back towards the north gently with an impish smile on her lips.
With a small smile, Alexi just shakes his head lightly. "Nyet, chocolate is just fine. It looks very good!" He says, his jaw lifting just so almost as if to expose the softer spaces there to Lilian when she brushes that kiss against his jawline. "Besides, who can say no to cake when it has booze in it? Impossible. "
Harriet is peering down into her 'date' and as Lilian speaks, her attention slowly shifts over to the woman. "Mm," gets hummed out in a confirming sound. "She did, thank you. You are very thoughtful. I, on the other hand, am terrible with gifts. I took one of those 'love language' tests once, and I scored a zero on gift giving. My apologies."
with that, Sam swipes a plate, and grins as he starts eating. "Fuck. Yes." He grins wide to Novel, and grins wide. "Okay, people, later!" A grin is shot to Sophie and Fiona. "Fucking epic party, you all. PEACE!" He heads out, egg-nogg in hand.
Euphemia pushes herself up with a bit of a tremble in her legs, stepping around to lean into Savannah's side... grasping at the woman's arm with both hands, and leading her over towards the cake. "Let's get some together, then. The last time I refused to try Novel's cooking he threatened to kill my firstborn."
Lochana leads Eliana from the other room by the hand, making there way towards the bathroom.
"Is it a russian thing?" Lilian asks Alexi teasingly as she turns back to him, leaning up to brush another soft kiss on the jawline he exposes before she simply rests against his chest, letting him cradle her against him, "Oh I definately scored high on gift gifting and acts of service I think." Her soft west coast accented voice tells Harriet with amusement.
Slowly, Rashid rises from his stool, dipping his head politely towards Sophie and Fiona, curving his full lips into a faint smile. "It was nice viewing this feast, your culture is interesting," his phone chirps. "I shall be leaving though. Thank you for allowing me to attend." Then softly, he utters, without the help of his phone, "Fi Aminallah."
That brings an easy smile to Alexi's lips. "Must have" he murmurs, squeezing the woman a little as she nestles in against him.
"Noted," Harriet says after Lilian shares her love languages. "I tied on words of affirmation and quality time. Everything else was... non existent."
"That is.. other people's acts of service towards me." Lilian tells Harriet with a hand on her chest and another grin flashed at Alexi, "I'm not very good at service."
Harriet produces a gentle laugh in response to what Lilian says next.
Iseul waits patiently for her turn, and once there is a plate prepared and she steps up, she lifts it and bends at her waist to give a light, short bow to Sophie, Novel and Fiona. "Thank you." She says softly, straightening back up. Looking for a spot again she goes to sit at the end of the bar, poking the cake slices on her plate. She marvels at the sculpture and decides to either eat that last or not at all. She takes a bite first from the lowest layer, taking a piece off the corner with her fork and lifting it to her lips to taste.
Madeline looks over at Colton, with a look on her face that may be recognition, before looking back to Lilian and Harriet, sipping her egg nog.
With a soft raise of his eyebrow, Alexi just smiles at Lilian and smiles at the woman as she continues to chit-chat with the others that surround them .
Lilian waggles her fingers at Rashid, "Oh I have your Christmas present. Let me know when you're free sometime hmm?"
"You must have fallen for me after getting that dress, then." Euphemia jokes over to Lilian, squeezing Savannah's arm between her own. "No wonder you keep trying to visit. Obviously it has NOTHING to do with my company."
Rashid dips his chin towards Lilian, admitting via his phone, "I do not know much about this Christmas, but I shall let you know."
"No absolutely nothing to do with your company or the fact that I abandoned poor devastated Lucien to go work for you as eyecandy instead. You are clearly the prettier option." Lilian tells Euphemia with a similar joking tone and a grin on her face. Turning to Rashid, she attempts to say it back, "Fi amina lah."
Lochana drags Eliana through the room, looking flushed and a little giddy. There is, however, something that stops her dead in her tracks. And that this is the cake. "Oooh..." she coos softly, looking over the thing in awe.
"Oh before you go, did you want to meet some other people Rashid? Or are you dashing off?" Lilian asks, keeping her words slow for Rashid's phone translator.
Savannah leans in to kiss Euphemia on the shoulder before saying to Lilian and the woman, "I'll be right back, getting a little bit of cake and bringing it back, I'll bring you a slice, Lily."
Eliana follows along with Lochana with an unusually giggly demeanor, hand in hand with the other woman. She seems momentarily confused when they stop moving, but then she also takes in the cake, "Oh my." is her very eloquent addition to the festivities.
"Thanks Savie!" Lilian calls out after Savannah as the woman walks off as the sacrificial food deliverer.
"Thank you for coming, Rashid," Sophie tells Rashid when he announces his intentions to leave, stepping over closer to him so her phone can pick up the translation of her voice amidst all the other noise. "I hope you enjoyed yourself - and I didn't get to say this earlier, but you look nice. Eat some cake before you go!"
Madeline gives Lilian a curious look, "What did you do for Lucien before?" She asks.
"Thank you for coming, Rashid," Sophie tells Rashid when he announces his intentions to leave, stepping over closer to him so her phone can pick up the translation of her voice amidst all the other noise. "I hope you enjoyed yourself - and I didn't get to say this earlier, but you look nice. Eat some cake before you go!"
"I only threatened YOU. Not your firstborn. I don't go after kids," Novel sneers at Euphemia's words, taking another step back from the cake and the crowd. And then he adds, belatedly to Iseul, "You're welcome." The man retreats to lurking, letting everyone else line up in favor of moving to the edge of the crowd and taking in another deep breath as he rubs the sides of his neck.
"I may meet those you seek to introduce me to, before I am off," Rashid tells Lilian, scrawling into his phone.
Spotting Eliana and Lochana, humor glints in Fiona's eyes as she returns back to near the cake, and without a word, puts a plate into each of their hands. She seems to have fallen mostly silent now, just playing the part of cake server and observer as she shakes her head with a smile.
Savannah walks over to grab a slice of cake for herself, and another one for someone else. She looks around the cake and smiles at some of those nearby, taking a bite to taste the cake herself before she waves and heads back over to the bar itself again.
A perfectly manicured finger is put against Lilian's lip as she looks over at Madeline, "I.. may have convinced his manager here to hire me on as.... 'eyecandy'. While my fake ID still said I was nineteen." Her mascara'd sapphire eyes widen innocently, "I got a very angry text from Lucien the next day asking me how on earth I managed to convince his manager to let me work at his bar while underage." Putting a hand on her chest in fake sincerity, Lilian flutters her lashes a few times. "But Euphie convinced me to go be eyecandy for her store instead... and I get her company instead of dealing with drunks ogling me so... Win win."
Lurching away from the crowded bar, Colton traipses his way over to Sophie and Fiona, circling around to approach them from behind and drape his arms over either of their shoulders. "Good party, you two," he murmurs. "Sorry I missed the start of things. I'm very impressed. I don't know if Rashid can have the cake, though - if it's got booze in it, that's haram, right? Pretty sure he's Muslim."
Lochana takes a plate from Fiona with a silly grin on her face, plucking one of the little sugar sculptures from it and offering it up to Eliana's lips with a smirk. "Eliana want eat, hmm?" It's much harder to make double entendres in a language one's not familiar with.
Finishing her story, Lilian smiles as she beckons Rashid over, laying her hand out towards people in turn, "Rashid this is Madeline. Or Maddy." She starts slowly, gesturing towards the man's phone which is held out in translation. "Savie." The hand moves over to Savannah, "Euphie." Euphemia is gestured at next and it seems like everyone Lilian introduces ends in 'ee'. "Alexi." Alexi is no exception either as she nods towards the man behind her with his arms around her and she turns to give him another soft peck on the chin.
"Rashid is ...not from this time." Lilian mentions by way of introduction to the ring of people around her including Harriet, "And he doesn't know English very well yet. But he's learning. Cat?" She tells the man amusedly.
Madeline nods with some understanding, "You're just full of mischief, aren't you?" She giggles at Lilian, as she then looks to Rashid offering him a smile and nod.
Sophie pauses while she watches people eat their cakes, and thinks Colton's words over for a few moments. "It's only the top tier," she decides finally, as the Islamic scholar she definitely is not. "I'm sure it's fine to have the non-boozy part. Plus, he said he has ways to repent for... stuff." And speaking of, she does tell Rashid, brightening briefly, "I'll text you later to finish that conversation from earlier, Rashid."
Harriet is sipping her egg nog, lifting both brows as she listens to Lilian. Swallowing politely, she then nods to Lilian. "His translator does wonders, though," the woman mentions of Rashid's phone. "Although it has had some unfortunate mishaps here and there, but I do suppose that simply makes it amusing."
Waving a hand, Victoria slips off her seat. "Afraid I need to run," she says apologetically. "Sophie, it's always a pleasure. I'll try to pop back in."
"I didn't exactly CONVINCE you." Euphemia murmurs, reaching out to offer Savannah a gentle, affectionate hug as the woman slips past to pass the cakes around. She shakes her head at Lilian, smiling a little as she introduces Rashid to everyone. "You came to work for me entirely of your own volition. Though you're definitely playing the 'eyecandy' role well, wearing a dress that gorgeous."
"I'll probably be around! You still owe me that dance," Sophie reminds Victoria, lifting her hand and twiddling her fingers in a wave at her, flashing her a bright smile. "It was nice having you here, Vic."
Eliana is observing cake with wide eyes, and then she's being given cake, too! "I should try and attend more parties." she reasons as she surveys the plate, attention then turning to Lochana as she's offered a sculpture to chew on, which she happily does, possibly completely missing the double entendre, really. "I'm sure I'll be full after this!" she laughs out.
"Don't listen to her, I was convinced with bribes of free clothes and lingerie." Lilian tells those around her with fake sincerety, her eyeshadow framed sapphires full of fake sincerity. "Even after Lucien begged me not to go until I actually met him.. I just .." Her hand is splayed against her chest again, the dark purple nailpolish glittering, "Couldn't resist the allure of free clothes from Euphie I'm afraid." Grinning widely, she accepts a slice of cake from the semestress she's bantering with.
"I do!" Victoria agrees, nodding her head. "Lovely seeing everyone!" Careful steps are taken toward the door and before she pulls it open, she glances over her shoulder, smiling fondly for a moment, then ducking outside.
Savannah waves towards Rashid and leans into Euphemia briefly before offering a slice of cake on a small plate to Lilian. She takes the one she brought back and places it on the bar near Euphemia, "We're all really sexy tonight, dashing, beautiful, hot..." She giggles softly and takes a bit of her cake now, "The cake is pretty good.... and Lucien wasn't around all that much for a while, so this place, well, it uh, holds big parties and still brings in customers, but working for Euphemia is probably more fun anyway."
Iseul picks at the cake, and tries the middle tier next. Smiling faintly at the taste of it. Following is the upper, and she seems to not like that one as much. Maybe it's too boozy for her and she leaves that slice alone, opting to just happily eat the other two slices. She sips on her hot chocolate and pulls out her phone to send off a text after.
"I agree." Lilian tells Savannah as she accepts the cake with a greatful smile. Picking up a fork, she offers the first mouthful of chocolate to Alexi behind her, hopefully not stabbing the man with the inplement given he's behind her. "I agree. I take it as part of my job as eyecandy to make sure Euphie is fed and watered." She tells Savannah with a small smile. "So you don't need to worry tooo much about her."
Fiona watches Eliana and Lochana, shaking her head, and then suddenly there's a Colton on her shoulder. Her own head turns slowly to look at him, but she doesn't rip herself away as she might on another occasion, instead tilting her head curiously. "I'm very happy with how it turned out," she admits. "I do think I should get back on the dance floor, soon, but we'll see. At least I got a few people out there earlier."
Leaning forward, Alexi takes the bite of cake without being stabbed and he moves back so he can relax and eat the bite! "Mmmmm" he murmurs wordlessly, through pursed lips as he chews and looks for some fresh egg nog to help wash it down.
After another sip of her fake Samantha, Harriet gives a nod to Savannah, expressing, "You look quite lovely, Deputy. That's a beautiful emerald green," as she gestures with a free hand towards the mermaid style ball gown.
Lochana attempts to eat the rest of her cake slice with as little mess as she possibly can. Still, she ends up having to suck her fingers clean afterwards. She gives Eliana an impish little smirk when she remembers that she did have a plan until the pair were waylaid by that gorgeous and most delicious cake. "Good job!" she tells Fiona and Sophie with an enthusiastic thumbs up and not realizing that the cake is someone else's creation. But that is not important now. With flushed cheeks and takes Eliana's hand again, intent on leading her off towards the bathrooms.
"I watched Euphie sow that mermaid gown last minute." Lilian admits to Savannah as she takes a forkful of the dark chocolate part of the cake. A soft sigh escapes her as she sucks on her fork for a moment although she seems slightly distracted looking over at Savannah as if trying to determine what exactly a nipple chain necklace is hung from...
Eliana is taking her time eating her bit, assuring the hosts, "It is quite good." before Lochana has finished and is suddenly on a mission, causing her to scarf the rest in a much less ladylike fashion so that she can deposit the plate on a surface as she's pulled past it, "Excellent work!" she agrees over her shoulder.
Rashid smiles a little at Sophie, shaking his head. "I fear it would not settle with me, but thank you for the offer." (via phone of course). Then his eyes scatter to those people Lilian introduces him to, Savannah, Euphemia, Alexi, and Madeline, and with a bright smile, he lifts his phone up and tells them, "It is a pleasure to meet you, those I have not met yet. And for those I have met, it is a pleasure to see you once more." Then back towards Sophie, his attention returns. "Speak with me when you desire to do so, and I shall speak too."
"You're better off at Vow, anyways. Free clothes or not." Euphemia teases with a snicker, reaching over to take a small bite of Savannah's cake, squaring her shoulders to provide better support for the larger woman as her palm brazenly snakes around the Deputy's hips... perching itself squarely upon the curve of her hips. "Lucien is SUCH a creep." Euphemia murmurs, exaggerating each and every word for comedic effect. "Remember when he was peeping on us in the sauna, Savannah? Opened and closed the door in an instant -- like we WEREN'T going to catch him snooping while we undressed." Euphemia snickers... her eyes softening as Lilian and someone compliment Savannah's dress. "...Oh yeah, I was a monster this morning. Green is Savannah's favorite colour -- I wanted to make something stunning, for her to come home to."
"You're better off at Vow, anyways. Free clothes or not." Euphemia teases with a snicker, reaching over to take a small bite of Savannah's cake, squaring her shoulders to provide better support for the larger woman as her palm brazenly snakes around the Deputy's hips... perching itself squarely upon the curve of her hips. "Lucien is SUCH a creep." Euphemia murmurs, exaggerating each and every word for comedic effect. "Remember when he was peeping on us in the sauna, Savannah? Opened and closed the door in an instant -- like we WEREN'T going to catch him snooping while we undressed." Euphemia snickers... her eyes softening as Lilian and Harriet compliment Savannah's dress. "...Oh yeah, I was a monster this morning. Green is Savannah's favorite colour -- I wanted to make something stunning, for her to come home to."
"Thank you, Harry, you're looking lovely as always," Savannah says to someone as she reaches up to touch her neckline, the necklace she is wearing dangling down between breasts and vanishing beneath the dress itself. She smiles at Lilian and says, "Thank you. It can be difficult to get by with her so busy and myself so busy sometimes, watering and feeding her is a good idea." She chuckles at Euphemia's comment and says, "He at least made some conversation briefly to cover it up afterwards and then ran off."
Sophie grabs a stacked slice of cake herself, taking a tentative bite of each tier one by one, and blinking at the devilry within. "This is really good," she tells Novel, refusing to let the man hide away in his corner in piece. "The spice is interesting. Good way." Lochana gets a flash of a smile, and she tells her, "All him," with a gesture over at Novel, before glancing askance at Fiona, "Dance with me, Mademoiselle Bismarck?" Colton gets a little sniff. "Maybe if you ask without trying to compare with Mister Arkwright."
"Thank you, Harry, you're looking lovely as always," Savannah says to Harriet as she reaches up to touch her neckline, the necklace she is wearing dangling down between breasts and vanishing beneath the dress itself. She smiles at Lilian and says, "Thank you. It can be difficult to get by with her so busy and myself so busy sometimes, watering and feeding her is a good idea." She chuckles at Euphemia's comment and says, "He at least made some conversation briefly to cover it up afterwards and then ran off."
"I agree although I want to get my hands on some of those shoes." Lilian points at Euphemia's feet with her fork, "Do you have a pair my size lying around? They're absolutely gorgeous. I was considering mugging you and stealing them after the ball." She tells the semestress in all seriousness as she forks up the next part of the cake. Balancing the sugar sculpture ontop, her hand is verrryyy steady as she ferries it towards Alexi behind her.
Alexi grins, taking another bite. "Ammm, thank you" he says to Lilian quietly as he enjoys another piece of the cake as they all relax and hang out. The crowd is starting to thin out a bit of course, and that just makes it easier to focus on the people immediately around him.
Squinting Rashid throws his gaze towards Euphemia again, tilting his head.
"You're welcome. I wanted to make that contrast of darkness and sweetness. The alcohol is another part of it." Novel laughs, slowly, rubbing at the side of his face and producing a lengthy sigh. And then he leers at Colton, clearly amused by some idea that penetrates his thought. "I'll dance with you Colton, if you want. We could throw each other around." He offers with a lazy smirk and straightening up from his lurking, stepping forwards.
Lilian glances over at Rashid before gesturing at Euphemia, "Euphie is the semestress that made all our dresses." She gestures to what she, Euphemia and Savannah are all wearing. "So you could ask her to design things for you if you want more robes. Instead of going to Africa."
"Excellent work," Harriet comments to Euphemia about Savannah's outfit. She offers up a gentle smile to Savannah, although this woman's eyes never stray away from faces to follow jewelry that might be attached to more intimate areas. Her gaze is ever polite and never roams. "Thank you," is said to the deputy in response. "A trip to Paris resulted in this dress. Next, I have to start going wedding dress shopping. I suppose I should really start working on that..." A glance is afforded Lilian. "But then he doesn't get to go to Africa... although, it likely is more affordable to stay in town..." The she adds, "I'm a sucker for travel."
"When we go to that deserted island so Alexi can climb coconut trees and get us all fresh coconuts while we stargaze and eat from the ocean I'll invite you." Lilian promises Harriet with a warm smile towards the other woman, reaching out to touch Harriet's arm lightly, "You can bring the Sam blow up doll then."
"Heart beats really fast," Rashid remarks via his phone towards Euphemia, blinking a few times. "I have never noticed others do that."
"Of course, Miss Wilson, though a warning -- I've never had formal ballet lessons, unlike some." A glint of teasing in Fiona's eyes, btu she offers her arm out toward Sophie to take, then looks over at Colton. "Maybe if Mister Arkwright comes back, you could dance with him. I think you two would make a stunning couple on the dance floor."
Iseul puts her phone down, running a hand over the skirt of her dress and leans in to make sure anything that does fall off her cake, lands on her plate in case, not on her. She hears something of travel and perks up, looking over to Harriet, "Traveling is always fun, where are places you like to go.. Or places that you went to, what one was your favourite?" Settling her fork down onto her plate.
Lilian leans back against Alexi and gets up on her tip toes to whisper in his ear.
Euphemia's eyes somber somewhat as Savannah explains the nature of her work, and the effect it elicits between them. She covers the wavering of her smile with another chipper bite of cake, casting a bit of an anxious look in the direction of the 'threats' Lilian throws her way. "R-right. I don't have another pair, but... please don't rob me? I can try... I can try to make you something similar." She returns to clutching her cocoa with both shaky hands, raising it up to her lips, cheeks painted crimson as Harriet compliments her work. "I could make a wedding dress for you, Miss Harriet. It would... be my honor, honestly. I heard you were getting married -- I must admit I envy your circumstances a little." A wispy laugh drifts over her lips, her eyes turning down to regard the liquid in her palms. "...Marriage is such a beautiful thing. It would truly be my honor."
Leaning down to whisper, something gives a faint vibration in the man's pocket and he's letting a hand slip absently into it so he can pull out the phone and give it a look. A small squint is given at the screen, some expression indicating he doesn't REALLY like he's reading though it doesn't seem to be anything serious since Alexi's not jumping up or running off without explanation. "Mm .. I think I have to go get yelled at about paperwork. Nothing too problematic but, it could be an excuse to take leave" he offers to Lilian a little more normally as he forgets to lean down and murmur at her.
Lifting his hands in placation, Colton says to Fiona, "No, no, Miss Bismarck. I'll give Novel that dance if he wants it." And then the two ladies elope off to the south, and he just lets out a little sigh, instead moving to Novel's side and offering the taller, ganglier man a worn, calloused hand. "We going to go knock their socks off, then?"
Lilian gives Euphemia a 'look' at the anxiety and cocoa clutching as if she definately wasn't being serious but seeing the girl being actually anxious, she sighs as she reaches out to touch Euphemia's arm lightly, "You're fine. You can lose them one at a time while I'm chasing you cinderella." She tells Euphemia before her sapphire eyes light up with amusement at Alexi's excuse to go. "Well. I'm sorry Ladies." She murmurs to the other pretty women around her, "It seems like duty calls for our dear officer here and he's my ride. I'm sure you can catch a ride with Savie right Euph?" She adds with a wink.
"I do hope I am allowed to bring the real Samantha," Harriet expresses to Lilian with a smirk. "But I suppose the blow up doll version can work if need be..." As Iseul questions her, she looks back at the woman and then replies, "I travel with my fiancee quite regularly, but I think ony of my most favourite trips was taking her to the Valley of Chamonix-Mon-Blanc in France last year for Christmas. We went snowboarding and then stayed in a chalet for a few days, and it was absolutely perfect." Soft lips form a genuine smile. "I'm Harry," is offered, along with the extension of her slender right hand, offering up a handshake.
Her arm linked in Fiona's, Sophie makes her way in from the lounge, shooting out a quick text with gloved fingers - it's a little impressive - before putting the phone away in her clutch. "You're a quick learner, I'm sure," she tells Fiona reassuringly, "But we won't make you do any pirouettes today."
"It's only going to be an hour or so, stay and enjoy your friends hrm?" Alexi says to Lilian with a slight smile, a look of appreciation in his eyes. "You don't need to suffer the boredom of this. Believe me on this. "
Alexi says "I can swing back and pick you up?"
"Oh." Lilian nods her head as she turns back to Alexi, getting on her tip toes to steal a soft chaste kiss that doesn't smear lipstick everywhere. "Sure. See you when you're actually done with duty then officer."
Euphemia nods, a warm smile dawning upon her lips as Lilian moves to follow Alexi. "I can ride with Savannah, of course. Or just -- jog home. I do like walking after the sun goes down."
Alexi smiles, and with a peck on Lilian's lips he's slipping off.
"What about plies, or however you pronounce it?" Fiona asks Sophie, twisting to turn and look at her. A quick evaluation of relative heights, and Fiona decides that her outside hand should go high, resting it on Sophie's shoulder, a single finger coming up to lightly brush the choker as she does so. The music for the night has been largely on the house side, easily danceable but with an attempt to keep a lighter and ethereal nature to it. "Alright, you're going to have to walk me through this."
Turning back to the rest of the girls as she's apparently not leaving, Lilian comments, "You are absolutely welcome to bring the real Samantha." Towards Harriet, "However I have never met the woman and I only plan to go stargazing when it's dark sooooo. I do hope I get to meet her and not a blow up doll. But I can't say I'm overtly optimistic?" She slides into a bar seat now that the bar is much more empty and her manrest has walked off, sitting next to Harriet with her legs dangling.
Novel produces an easy smirk over to Colton, taking his own in an equally scarred hand. "Fuck yeah. I bet we can do some crazy shit to show off. You wanna take the lead or should I?" Seems like it doesn't bother him in the slightest as he falls into step, glancing off towards the southern dancefloor.
"I think I parked somewhere else and didn't drive over, just walked, by the apartment is close anyway," Savannah says to Euphemia and Lilian, watching the other woman come back. She leans into a seat now, crossing one leg over the other one, yawning softly, "Which I might have to do in a little bit, had a long night."
Lilian beckons Madeline over to her now that she doesn't have an officer to lean against. "Maddyyy." She calls out towards the other woman.
Madeline walks over to Lilian, standing close to her, "Lilyyyyyy...." She playfully mimics.
Emmelline reenters the bar area, and she glances at the cake, before letting loose a low whistle. "Novel sure does know how to make a piece of art. I wouldn't touch it," she says to no one in particular, laughing, "given my experiences with his food the last time, but it does look lovely." Shrugging, she grabs a few canapes, and walks back to the bar.
Euphemia nods, reaching over to rest a hand assuringly upon Savannah's thigh, stepping closer to settle down next to her and lean her head against the larger Deputy's shoulder. "I'm sure you are." Euphemia murmurs, smiling up at her. "...Travelling took a lot out of you, hmm? Do you want me to head home with you? I'm just happy to have you back."
"I'll be honest with you," Colton murmurs aside to Novel as the pair step in together. "I know how to move, but I don't know any dances, so it doesn't matter who's leading who." He sights down the dance floor, eyeing Sophie and Fiona, then says, "You want to try that one where they take you by the hand and then spin you all the way into the center of the room?"
"You know I don't do well without hugging someone or being hugged." Lilian tells Madeline with a grin, using her hand on Madeline's shoulder to guide the other woman until Madeline is infront of Lilian and Lilian can drape herself over Madeline's shoulders from where she sits high up on the stool. "You tried some of the cake yet?"
She looks to the hand, and lightly takes Harriet's fingers and gives it a shaker. All the while she lowers her head in a greetings. "Very nice to meet Harry. I'm Iseul." She introduces herself. "That sounds very nice, never been to France yet, but would like to go. Being in a chalet sounds very peaceful, and cozy, always want to go to one, seems like really fun time to spend with family or loved, on a mountain snowing.... But... Have to learn how to snowboard or ski first." Iseul pulls back her hand and giggles into it.
Madeline embraces Lilian, wrapping her arms around her, before slipping into a more casual position. "I don't think I have, but by the sound of it, Novel really knocked it out of the park."
Jayanth leads someone back over from the dance floor and pulls out a stool for her, settling in between her and Janette. He reaches out to touch the latter's shoulder to indicate his return, then turns to murmur his drink order to the bartender.
Jayanth leads Emmelline back over from the dance floor and pulls out a stool for her, settling in between her and Janette. He reaches out to touch the latter's shoulder to indicate his return, then turns to murmur his drink order to the bartender.
Novel calls back to Colton as he strides with confidence to the dance floor, "I know how to do SOME dancing, but there's no fucking pole here unless you wanna hold real still for me," a degenerate, as always. "That sounds fucking good. How's that go?" And the taller man straightens up to try exactly that. An expert dancer he is not, but he has muscles and energy to spare, and he at least knows how to hurt people as he reaches to clasp Colton and then send him in a TWIRL across the floor. Or, well. More attempts to throw him.
"If I head home I'll probably just get to sleep," Savannah says to Euphemia as she leans into the woman and gives her a squeeze now, arms wrapping around her, "So let me go walk home real quick and do that, but we can spend some time catching up tomorrow, okay?"
"Have you really never met Sam?" Harriet asks Lilian, sounding a bit surprised. "I suppose we do tend to spend time together alone," she utters out, giving the egg nog a curious glance as she rotates her wrist a little to swirl the contents of the cup. After Lilian claims she doesn't do well without being hugged, the tall brunette is saying, "Lord knows I am not very cuddly," as if to stress to Madeline it certainly will not be her providing the hugging. Once Iseul is accepting the offered hand, her grip is gentle and she provides a professional, twice up-and-down sort of a handshake. "A pleasure, Iseul," comes out respectfully. "Yes, I highly recommend it. It's quite cosy and romantic, and my fiancee had never snowboarded before. I took her out to the slopes and we had so much fun as she learned. Plus, I had the honour of watching her face plant quite a few times... which we'll pretend never happened... but that I will secretly always treasure..." Then she asks Iseul, "May I ask how long you've been in town for?"
"Ta mate," Emmelline says with a smile, as she takes a sip of her wine. Something Harriet catches her attention, and she chimes in at random, "I've never met her either mate. Your Sam I mean. I know she exists, I know she's real, but that's about it. And I've been in town about three months now."
Harriet tilts her head as Emmelline reveals she has never met Samantha either. "Oh? Were you not at my birthday party that she threw for me?" She pauses. "You've at least spoken to her, though, yes?"
"I'll look after Euphie if she stays." Lilian promises towards Savannah as she smiles at the other deputy, giving her a waggle of her fingers over Madeline's shoulders. It seems like she's getting a bit tired too from the way her chin rests on Madeline's, "And no, never met Sam. Your Sam anyways. Met the man Sam who Euphie is going to deck out in a french maid outfit. That'll be the cover of Vogue Jan 2025 edition." She tells someone and Harriet with a serious nod and then a giggle before she offers the plate of halfeaten cake towards Madeline along with her fork. "You want some?"
"I'll look after Euphie if she stays." Lilian promises towards Savannah as she smiles at the other deputy, giving her a waggle of her fingers over Madeline's shoulders. It seems like she's getting a bit tired too from the way her chin rests on Madeline's, "And no, never met Sam. Your Sam anyways. Met the man Sam who Euphie is going to deck out in a french maid outfit. That'll be the cover of Vogue Jan 2025 edition." She tells Euphemia and Harriet with a serious nod and then a giggle before she offers the plate of halfeaten cake towards Madeline along with her fork. "You want some?"
Harriet murmurs something about introverts.
Euphemia nods, turning her attention to Savannah directly, a solemn smile spreading across her lips as she leans in to offer a tender kiss to Savannah's cheek. "Okay." She murmurs, squeezing the Deputy back. "I'll see you in the morning, okay? I'll make breakfast for us. You deserve to relax."
"That sounds good to me, pretty lady," Savannah says to Euphemia afterwards, waving to Lilian and the rest of the group still here, "Goodnight!" She begins to walk out into the cold night, tugging her coat around herself.
"When was your birthday?," Emmelline asks conversationally of Harriet. "If it was before the middle of September, then I wasn't in town. If it was after then..." she pouts cutely. "I didn't get an invite. So no, I've never met her. Speak to her? I mean... maybe? Super briefly in passing? Like for two seconds? I don't count it as a proper conversation though."
"Oh goodness, that'll be a cover!" Madeline lets out a laugh, and looking over to Lilian, "Yeah, cake sounds good. It'll soak up some of this alcohol."
Even if Novel and Colton are a pair of uncultured louts who may not have attended even a single ballroom dance class between the two of them, there's something to be appreciated in their dynamism. He makes a good show of that twirl being discussed, even if a lot of it comes from him spinning on the spot while the force of Novel's bodily chucking him around provides all the momentum for him to find his way into the center of the dance floor. He holds his hands out wide as he regains his footing from this one singular trick, bowing for whichever audience might be watching - he knows people should bow during ballroom dance, if the movies are right about anything - and then sets his hands in a rough approximation of a formal stance, one hand out for Novel to take, and one ready to rest on his hip.
"Great." Lilian offers Madeline some alcohol soaked cake to help soak up her alcohol on a fork, bringing it to the other woman's lips. "Maybe Euphie will make french maid Sam the centerfold.." She doubles down, grinning over at Euphemia.
Euphemia's attention seems centered upon the entrance to the howl... entirely deaf to the words of amusement that Lilian offers her. She purses her lips a bit, pulling out her phone... and shooting off a quick text. Stopping to stare down at the screen in silence.
Madeline takes a bite of the offered cake, letting her eyes roll up into the back of her head for a moment as she enjoys the rich combination of flavors. "Now that cake does live up to the hype, bravo Novel!" She claps, clearly satisfied.
"Hmm... That is always funny. And yes, good to pretend it never happen." Iseul giggles at Harriet's comment of watching her love face plant several times. "Oh... I have been here for now... I think six weeks. Middle of November I come here." She says to Harriet. "Been mostly at the college and studying, then when I am not busy with that, I am in dorm room playing video games, or working at Vow and Vogue." Explaining, "How about you? What do you do for work or are you in school too?"
Lilian blinks a few times as she looks over at the entrance than back at Euphemia, "Euph?" She ask softly, "Are you alright?"
"Don't feel bad," Jayanth tells someone trying to sound comforting. "I don't think I've ever met her either and I've been here and known Harry a lot longer than since September. If I promise to taste test the cake will you have some then?"
"Don't feel bad," Jayanth tells Emmelline trying to sound comforting. "I don't think I've ever met her either and I've been here and known Harry a lot longer than since September. If I promise to taste test the cake will you have some then?"
Harriet laughs softly at Janette's words and she says, "Fair, but I bet it was brief." A smile forms once again across soft lips. "Yes, that was a good day. Sam had a really good time at your party," she tells Janette. She hums out a thoughtful sound and tells Emmelline, "My birthday was an open invitiation and it was at the end of September. We did a whole roleplay theme of nineteen forties gangsters. Everyone dressed up and we played a game where we had to try and find the loot, or blackmail each other and the like. It was quite fun. Ashen ended up winning." After this, she smiles at Iseul. "Oh, well, welcome Iseul. My fiancee also attends White Oak. I own the Succubus Club, actually."
Turning her cheek against Madeline's shoulder, Lilian watches Euphemia curiously as her hand comes up to gently comb through Madeline's locks. The plate is thrust at Madeline's hands so that the woman can gorge herself on cake if she likes.
Harriet peers at Jayanth. "Jay," she stresses. "You absolutely have met Sam several times."
Harriet insists to Jayanth, "You went to one of her game nights at Siren, too."
Euphemia nods, tearing her eyes away from the screen to offer a reassuring smile to Lilian and Iseul both. "I'm okay." She says quietly, curling her arms around herself and wearing that practiced smile with all the finesse of a true professional. She turns her attention to the conversations exchanged between Harriet and Iseul, picking softly at the bandages swathed around her wrists.
Jayanth looks back at Harriet with a furrowed brow. "Wait I have? Maybe the solstice thing if she was there and... wait." He pauses uncertainly. "Wait if that's the other ball then it doesn't count, everyone was in masks. How was I supposed to know who was who?"
Lilian beckons Euphemia towards her with couple of fingers, "Come here and let me hug you too?" She asks Euphemia softly as she watches the bandage picking.
Emmelline makes a face at Jayanth. "I don't know mate," she says laughing. "After last time, and after some of the stories I've been told, though whether they are true or not remains to be seen, I don't trust Novel's food anymore. The last time," she goes on to explain, her tone light and jocular, "it was at the crafts fair that was held by Lilah. Novel brought these chocolate sweets, he was selling for fifty cents or something. And I thought lovely, chocolate. I bought just one to taste." here, she can't help but to blanch at the mere memory of it. "it was dark chocolate, which all right, I know it's to some people's taste. But the man added chilli to it of all things! And that shite burned like hell, and it just like kept burning. I could feel it at the back of my throat for hours afterwards. After that," she shakes her head. "I don't trust his food. And that's just the one story I know is true. Let alone the one I don't know if it is true or not." Back to Harriet she replies, "Oh well if it was the end of September, we hadn't met yet I don't think. I don't think we met till like mid October. So it's no wonder I wasn't invited."
Novel definitely has some kind of experience in physical activity. Just not in this sort of dancing as he charges directly after Colton like a he's just about to punch him in the face, then he seems to remember where he is and what he's doing, his legs scrambling across the floor as he skids to a halt, his shiny oxfords managing to just barely find purchase in the floor as he screeches into a slightly violent introduction into his 'partner' for this dance. That's a low center of gravity. Wait, no. That's not a proper dancing form at all. What the fuck is he doing? At least he has his hand on Colton's hip and taking his arm now even if he nearly bowled them over. It's fine, Colton can take it.
Madeline awkwardly struggles to hold the plate of cake, taking extra care not to drop any of it on herself or Lilian.
"Jay, remember the Tarot card reading at Janette's?" Harriet questions Jayanth, head tilting to the right. "That was my Sam."
"Oh I felt like caramel was clinging to my throat for hours after." Lilian agrees with Emmelline softly, "But this cake seems juuuustt fine."
"He has the collective memory of a school of goldfish," Janette shares helpfully with Harriet over the rim of her cup.
Harriet goes on to inform Jayanth, "And I know you attended one of those game nights downstairs at Siren, in the Emerald room, I think? She was doing a card game and you were most definitely there." Looking to Emmelline, she says, "Oh, yes, I suppose we did meet a bit later, but the birthday party was advertised as being an open invitation to anyone who wanted to come. It was actually quite a party. Far more people than I ever would have imagined came, which made the game fairly wild and complicated, but also quite hilarious." Given the comment Janette makes, she starts to laugh softly, but helplessly.
"That was a year ago," Jayanth protests. "You people expect me to remember someone from something that happened at a party with alcohol involved? You're crazy," he broods over his drink. "Anyway yeah I remember the cards. Vaguely. A little."
Harriet murmurs, "Jay, you've met her so many times... I cannot even count..." to Jayanth.
"You don't have to hug me, Lily." Euphemia quietly assures, offering the warmth of her smile in the direction of a woman who seeks to offer comfort. She pats down the folds of her dress, reaching out to retrieve her cocoa and settle back down in her seat. "I'm feeling great, honestly! I rarely get to get out of the apartment like this. And honestly I feel more comfortable here than I did when we visited the... What was that Tavern called, Lily?"
Janette puckers her lips at Jayanth and makes little bubble noises, giving the man a wide-eyed stare.
Colton can take it. He's a big, strong lad, and there are ladies to impress in the room. Of course, this doesn't make him any better at actually dancing, which is immediately visible as the taller man sets a hand on his hip and assumes the leading position, and the Moore immediately tries to lead the pair into a sweeping waltz from the traditionally feminine position. There's little arguing with him, either, and if the dance ends up looking something like a tug-of-war with their arms serving as the rope, well, that's simply the consequence of getting two of the town's more physical creatures to work with each other.
"It is called /dance/, Miss Bismarck," he murmurs primly as the two men force and/or drag each other past the ladies on the dance floor.
Madeline takes a bite of the delicious, liquor soaked cake, silently observing the conversation as she eats.
"But I like hugging you." Lilian insists to Euphemia, still wagging her fingers as if trying to summon the other woman via the accuio spell or something. "The... hometown diner... Tavern?" Lilian asks with a squint at Euphemia's later words despite the diner not being a tavern at all, "The one where everyone else tried to pile in on our booth?"
Iseul smiles at Harriet, "Succubus Club... I never think I've been there before, sounds like very... Um... Very nice place to be! Maybe not for me though." She bows her head apologetically towards Harriet, smiling faintly. "White Oak is very nice school to be at, and other programs are good, music portion is really fun to be at. I wish there was a school program where I could just play video games though.. That would be so much more fun. But music and arts is good too." She looks to Euphemia and gets off her stool to go give a hug but sees that Lilian did so she sits back down. "No problem Euphie, but here in case you need." Sitting down at the end of the bar again in her own little space.
Janette puckers her lips at Jayanth and makes little bubble noises, giving the man a wide-eyed stare. (repos for Harry)
Emmelline chuckles as she listens to the ongoing conversation between Jayanth, Harriet and Janette. To Harriet she replies, "yeah, but I probably either didn't know, or... I don't know. Things were weird for me back then. I had probably only just arrived in town," she says easily. "But yes, I've never met her. We did toss around the idea of a double date, but with Brian gone awol..." she shrugs and sighs. Back to Jayanth she says, "You can be the guinea pig though, try the cake. Tell me what it's like. I think it'll be a minute though, before I can trust Novel's food."
Euphemia shakes her head at Lilian, the validity of her smile remaining firm as she raises her cocoa to her lips, one leg appearing from within the slitted folds of her skirt to fold delicately over her opposing thigh, head tilting slightly to one side. "...Not the tavern, no. I mean that place out in the woods... where we all sat around the fire with E- with Rose, Alexi, Savannah, Bill, and the other guy."
"It is not /that/ kind of a club," the prude responds to Iseul in the gentlest of tones, even with the stressed -that- in the sentence produced. "It has karaoke and a dance floor," she assures and takes in what the White Oak student is sharing. "I suppose being able to play video games all day would be far more fun, yes. One of my housemates streams for a living -- so, I suppose you could do that...?" is guessed by Harriet before she nods to Emmelline in understanding. "Well, now that Sam has joined the neighbourhood watch group..." She really does try to sound like that's what that group actually is. "I am sure you'll see more of her."
Euphemia says "Though yes, this feels more comfortable than the Diner too.""
"Oooh. The moonguard." Lilian sighs, slumping against Madeline's shoulder as her wizard spell fails to summon Euphemia to her for a cuddle and she gives Iseul a helpless shrug as she gestures towards Euphemia as if sending Iseul on hugging duty. Wrapping her arms around Madeline's shoulders instead, she sighs softly as she turns back to Euphemia, "They did something with it. It no longer serves food or drink. But there is a charming pool in the back yard so it's not... terrible? But it's kindof terrible for a inn."
"Oh stop it." Jayanth flicks a finger against Janette's side, scowling. He nods aside to Emmelline and hands her his drink, then makes his way over to the centre of the room to fetch a serving for both ladies and himself.
Emmelline watches as Jayanth slices the cake. "Oh no mate, didn't say I'd trust it. One for you, one for Janette if she likes. But I've got to watch you eat it first. Make sure your tongue doesn't burst into flames or something. You don't understand, I've been traumatized!," she exclaims laughing.
"The slice he gets you might be the russian roulette one too. Better make him chew it for you too first." Lilian tells Emmelline with a wide grin before glancing over at Janette, "Hey Janette. I said hi earlier but you might've missed me in the ruckus. I'm Lily."
Madeline sets the plate of cake down on the bar, wrapping her arms around Lilian's waist, casually standing there holding the woman.
"A charming pool?" Euphemia asks, clearly confused by the mention of this. "I've... never heard of anything like that. But it sounds interesting. I guess I just -- hmm." She shrugs her shoulders a bit, casting the shimmering sapphires of hers down to the mug below. "...It's nice. I feel like I can think so clearly. Maybe it's the change in company. Everything feels more... genuine."
Jayanth slows when he hears Harriet's comment about the watch and some of his jovial expression falters, but he only redoubles his concentration on the task of cutting neat slices for the trio, pointedly pretending not to have heard the correction. "I almost feel bad for contributing to the destruction of, at least a visual masterpiece," he muses. "But it is chocolate so. Never stood a chance."
"Like a pool. Of water. Fed by a stream. But it's kindof charming because it's all foresty and you can hear the animals while you bath off all the blood off your armor you know? That kindof stuff." Turning back to Euphemia after she introduces herself to the blind woman, she gives Euphemia a smile, "I'm glad you're enjoying it." She murmurs quietly before snugging her cheek against Madeline's shoulder. "When's bed time for you Maddie?" Lilian asks curiously.
Even with the make up blush on, she blushes even more... "I am so sorry. I not realize that. I thought it was adult club because of the name..." She turns in her seat and bows her head, bringing her hands together, "Very sorry." She does perk up at the sound of karaoke though, "Wa... That sounds like lots of fun, maybe I should visit sometime?" Saying to Harriet and scratching her nose. "I stream yeah, and want to stream more for a living. That is my dream job. I really not able to do full time job... But I am model, so I take work when companies ask, mostly though, I work for Euphie at the store. But it is very cool that you own a place. Will for sue stop by when I can." Iseul says with a bright smile.
"I've seen the kind of shit you're reading, Wilson," Colton accuses, who indeed had heard - and pictured, despite himself - Sophie's florid description. "And I have to say, as an Alpha Male, that no, our dicks don't turn into funny shapes when we're presented with the right woman. Or right man." He glances back to Novel's face, then says, "Unless it turns out I am not, in fact, the Alpha Male, and you've got something to tell me, Novel. I don't know how this omegaverse shit works."
"I, probably did, sorry." Janette offers Lilian an apologetic smile and holds out her hand. "Yeah we... probably haven't met? I think? I'm not great with faces," she jests, swirling her drink carefully.
"I saw you briefly at the Vow." Lilian admits softly, turning back to take Janette's with her corsagged hand, the lilies probably brushing Janette's hand for a moment. "Nice to meet you Janette."
Madeline shrugs her shoulders slightly, "Eh, Whenever, I suppose. You need a ride home anyway, right?" She replies, her tone non-chalant.
"It's an easy mistake," Harriet replies to Iseul in a soft spoken way, waving her free hand dismissively while the other gives the cup of egg nog another quick swirl via the rotation of a wrist. "Perhaps I will have to hold another karaoke night soon. It's always fun to see people drink too much, get full of liquid courage, and then sing their little hearts out off key with the confidence of a superstar." She looks genuinely impressed when Iseul mentions some of the things she does. "It sounds like you have quite the exciting life, with all kinds of opportunities."
Euphemia casts her eyes around the room, before quietly pushing herself to her feet and clutching her mug with both hands. "Thank you for coming out with me." She murmurs to Iseul as she passes, reaching down to brush her palm over the smaller woman's arm. With one gentle pat of the shoulder, she slinks towards the entrance without another word, carrying her cocoa along with her.
"Probably spending too much time on the fucking internet. Who does that? Plays video games all day in their free time or looks up porn?" Novel seems to have settled into some sort of tempo with the ambient music. His foot-stomping is now on point and not landing on Colton's feet anymore. But it's still slightly arrhythmic, just enough to be aggravating. His forehead pinches in forehead. "The fuck is an Omegaverse? Gay dudes give anal and blowjobs just like anyone else. And I'm not getting anything jabbed into my dick again. Twice was enough." What an... /interesting/ life he's led. He's the one in the dark, though, at the reference, though in spite of everything - he genuinely seems to be enjoying the dance?
"Yeah..." Lilian's eyes follow Euphemia out of the door and she sighs before turning to give Janette, Jayanth, Iseul and Harriet a small waggle of her fingers. "I'm gonna let Maddie take me home. You guys have fun okay?" She murmurs as she slips from her stool, offering her arm to Madeline.
Emmelline waves to all those leaving. "Get home safely!," she calls in a friendly manner.
"Hey Soph and Fi. Thanks for hosting!" Lilian calls out across the bar.
Madeline takes Lilian by the arm, giving a light good-bye wave to the rest of the remaining party-goers. "It's been fun, I'll see you all later!"
Eliana emerges from the bathroom, of all places, with Lochana in tow and hair a mess. The first order of business is to make her way to the bar to order a drink. She smiles down at Lochana, wondering, "Tea?" as they arrive.
"Oh I've seen some stuff go down at the succubus," Jayanth chuckles on his way back to the bar, handing Janette a plate and then another to Emmelline. "You can watch both of us first then try if you're feeling brave. If not, that's more chocolate for me without having to get back up for it. It's a win win."
Emmelline chortles at Jayanth's words, as she takes the plate, and trades it for his drink which she hands back to him. 'Fine, but if there are weird side effects, I warned you," she tells the man. "Since you're feeling so brave, even after my story.""
Lochana wanders back out of the bathroom folding hand-in-hand with Eliana. Her pale skin is a little flushed but there's also a mild edge of frustration in her too-blue eyes and a sullen pout set on her lips. Still, she settles down at the bar obediently, tucking her chin into her palms and glancing at Eliana. "Tea, please."
"You're just making me hope it has chilly," Jayanth snickers.
Iseul admits to Harriet, "I not able drink yet.. Soon. I never realize America's age for drinking is so high! Back home we are able to go buy drinks the year we turn nineteen. So if my birthday was December, twenty twenty five, I can still buy drinks in January. But here.. I have to be twenty one!" She give a light puff and pout. "Soon is my birthday though, I born on January first... Pardon..." When Euphemia comes past her, she stops talking and gets up from her spot to chase her down, giving a light hug, "Thank you for making the dress and coming with me too. When you get home, text me okay? I will have my phone with me and talk with you all you want." She lets the woman go not to spill her tea, showing of her white teeth in a bright smile then goes to sit down again, finishing up her thought. "Yes. That would be so fun though, if you can host another night, if able to, I will so come."
"You mock my pain," Emmelline says making a face at Jayanth's words. "I don't know how I feel about being friends with someone who mocks me. I am questioning all life decisions," she says, her tone definitely teasing and overdramatic to make it clear she isn't serious in the least.
Eliana wrinkles her nose mirthfully at Lochana, leaning in to whisper something as she passes the smaller woman her tea once the order has been met.
Jayanth's eyes widen in surprise and a smile spreads over his face. "Well what'll you know. It actually does have spiced... something in it, don't eat the devil bit," he tells Emmelline. "The rest is fine I swear."
Janette accepts the plate with a suddenly sceptical look at Jayanth, but carefully forks up a bit of the treat regardless. "If he's lying I'll kick him for you," she promisses the other woman as she brings the fork up to her lips and takes a tentative bite.
Euphemia nods, momentarily turning around to embrace the other woman as Iseul's arms curl around her slender figure. Her smile softens, and she sets her cocoa aside, pulling Iseul close, and resting her head on the woman's shoulder. "...I'll be out for a while." Euphemia admits, turning to press her lips to Iseul's forehead in a moment of affectionate thanks. "You have fun, okay? It is good to get out. Open yourself up to people. Just be careful, like I mentioned. Okay?"
Harriet takes in all that Iseul has to say and she nods along. "Yes, the states have quite different rules, unfortunately," she sympathizes. "But happy upcoming birthday to you, Iseul. Will you be holding a party?" gets wondered next of the Korean. Next, she's asking Janette, "How do we ever know if he's lying? What if it is simply his bad memory, and he doesn't know?" She smirks.
Lochana straightens up when her tea arrives, leaning to listen to Eliana's whisper then returning one back to her, seeming a touch confused. But she satiates herself with her favourite of Haven drinks, sipping from the straw as she glances around at the others at the bar then over to the dance floor.
"In fairness," Colton says, lifting Novel's hand up high and then twirling himself beneath it like a princess, "There's a good chance those books were left behind by the old owner of your place, I guess. But still. You knew what I was talking about. Worse, I knew what /you/ were talking about." He lifts his hand up high again and steps back, lifting his eyebrows at Novel. Twirl, Novel, twirl.
And then Fiona's just gotta go opening her mean girl mouth, and Colton lets out an unimpressed grunt.
Emmelline chortles at Jayanth's words. "Yeah see? Painful!," she exclaims, stretching out the word painful, into two separate syllables. "Full of pain!," she says laughing at her own antics.
Eliana can't suppress a soft giggle at Lochana's reaction, shaking her head, "I will make it clear later." she promises Lochana with a hint of mischief. She follows Lochana's gaze toward the dance floor then, tilting her head, "Do you want to go for a bit more dancing?" she wonders.
"You people are horrible," Jayanth declares in a deadpan tone between bites.
Sophie also refuses to acknowledge whatever Colton just said about her reading material, notably.
Sophie showstat'd the wrong ability.
"Oh... Text me anyways! That way I know you are safe!" Iseul calls out to Euphemia, lifting her phone as she wiggles it at Euphemia, "I will be safe, the only thing I can get drunk off is of sugar! So it is okay." She gives a sure and firm nod towards Euphemia giggling softly into her hand. She looks back to Harriet, once more, "Hmm. Not sure, not really sure if I want to. I not really know anyone here, too well besides Euphie and Kim." Saying in a softer tone. "Maybe do something on that day and go out with them?" She shrugs, "So right now no, no party for me right now. Just maybe have fun time sleeping in." Her blue eyes travel towards the others in the bar, as they talk.
As the night unfurled, dynamics shifted—Euphemia and Iseul shared a moment of camaraderie, promising to stay connected as the party waned. The dance floor became an arena for unexpected performances, with Colton and Novel engaging in a dance that defied expectations, their moves hinting at a playful challenge to traditional roles. Amidst the laughter and chatter, individuals like Jayanth, Emmelline, and Janette navigated the culinary landscape with caution, their banter reflecting the evening's light-hearted essence. As some departed, promising safe returns and future gatherings, the ball remained a vivid illustration of community and connection, its memory etched in the hearts of those who wandered under the chandeliers’ golden glow.
(Sophie's and Fiona's Ball of the Aurora)
[Fri Dec 27 2024]
In A Small Dance Floor & Tables (Howl)
In the northern expanse of the bar, a room unfolds, drenched in shadows and golden light from three large iron chandeliers. The entryway is illuminated by the first of these, creating an inviting path to the room's heart, where the second chandelier casts a dramatic glow over the cherry wood dance floor. This polished surface, set atop the bar's signature marble, is encircled by tall, round tables with barstools, offering guests a place to observe, interact, and enjoy their drinks.
The southern end of the room is dominated by the third chandelier, which bathes a semi-circular cherry wood stage in a warm, inviting light. The stage, currently concealed by green velvet curtains, promises enchantment and spectacle. Gilded steps sweep down in graceful arcs, inviting exploration. Along the room's periphery, where the flickering chandelier light fades into obscurity, green velvet chaise lounges provide a secluded retreat for more private moments, blending the energy of the dance floor with an air of intimate seclusion.
It is about 50F(10C) degrees.
Lochana finds herself staring at Eliana's lips for a long moment. Usually its just because she's trying to listen closely and follow what the other woman is saying but this seems something more in the moment now. Something shivers beneath her crimson cloak and she lifts a hand to brush her fingers against Eliana's lower lip as she leans in. "Eliana so pretty."
Evan leans against the bar a little, doing the social taboo of being on his phone. Kids these days, can't control them! Always on the darn fangled technology.
He checks his watch then, shaking his head at something.
"Because she's sweet." Lilian tells Harriet with a laugh but at Euphemia directing everyone's attention to her, she puts one hand in Alexi's free hand and lets him spin her out towards the crowd, making the bottom of her indigo gown flare out.
"Wa....! That is very pretty cake!" She gives a polite little clap towards Novel, setting down her cup of hot chocolate. She turns back to lift up her cup to take a sip of her drink once more, watching the interactions between people. She brushes a hand over the fabric of he dress and pushes up off the barstool. "Oh... Does it taste strong of alcohol?" Asking in the direction of Novel, raising an eyebrow towards the cake. Iseul lingers for a moment then back to Novel.
"That makes... more sense..." Harriet confesses to Lilian, nodding sagely.
"Well, I'm having a slice before we go." Sam looks to Fiona, as if waiting for permission to grab one of those carefully cut slices, grinning a lopsided grin. "Good way to end the night, I gotta take off. "
Letting Lilian's dress flare out and give a proper display of the craftsmanship, his fingers curl to catch hers just as their arms reach the apex of their extension and he pulls lightly, to give her to spin needed to twirl back into place, or let him go as Alexi watches her silently with a slight flush in his face, and gleaming eyes that clearly adore what they're looking at.
Harriet makes an order for her Samantha replacement, and then as she awaits the drink to be poured, she's adjusting her tiara to make sure it sits 'just so.'
Madeline looks over to Evan, smirking as he taps away on his phone. "You're either very bored, or very busy?"
Catching the tip of Alexi's fingers as she gets to the furthest out point of her slow spin, Lilian lets the man pull her back, completely at least two and a half spins before she's tucked back in against his chest. Laughing softly, she lifts the train of her gown slightly before dipping a slight curtsey towards the semestress. "He's always trying to flirt with five people at once." She tells Madeline as she straightnes back up.
Madeline gives Lilian a nod, "Yeah, that makes more sense."
"Eat!" Fiona enthuses to everyone, having cut enough of the slices that she's satisfied, motioning to the plates, and then heading back to the center of the room, murmuring something quickly to Sophie, before she wanders back to the bar. "All the food tonight is made to be eaten," she clarifies as she leans her elbow against the counter, "And frankly, it all sounds delicious. What I've tried has all been great."
Evan spins a little on his heel to glance at Lilian and then Madeline. "Busy is more like it," he says, "I gotta get going," he admits towards them. And then he's turning back to Sophie and Fiona, "Hey," he says wandering over to where they are closer. "Thanks for putting this all together the both of you. This is wonderful, and whoever did the decorations did a fan-fucking-tastic job."
At that statement from Evan, Fiona jerks her thumb toward Sophie. "Decorations."
"Up to you. I could use a sugar boost though, so I might grab a little slice for myself at least," Savannah says to Euphemia as she leans heavily into the woman's back now, waving to Lilian and watching her as well when she spins, "You are looking beautiful, Lily. The dress is doing work for sure."
Evan nods at Fiona, "It's all great, music, decorations, food," he begins to make his way out, tossing a wave over his shoulder. "Have a great night people." And with that he's a just a purple flash as the door closes behind him.
Sophie's eyes widen just a little bit as she takes in the entire cake, blink-blinking the once and then again from top to bottom. "You've definitely outdone yourself," she tells Novel with approval, reaching out to poke at the sugar with the delicate tip of one gloved finger. "You're all welcome to a slice of it as soon as someone manages how to cut into it without feeling too bad." There's a laugh, because it's definitely not going to be Sophie.
"Thanks for coming, Evan!" she flashes Evan a smile when he comes by, eyes warm and cheeks a little flushed from all the 'nog she's had.
Eliana blinks at Lochana's fingers on her lip, then giggles softly, applying a soft kiss to them as they pass by. She reaches forward then to brush her hand along Lochana's cheek and back to the back of Lochana's jaw, "Not as pretty as Lochana." she counters warmly before she leans in to speak more quietly.
Harriet accepts the homemade egg nog from the bartender and takes her 'Samantha' in her hands.
Flashing Savannah a grin as the other woman compliments her Lilian gives a dip of her head again, "I agree. The dress is doing work." The woman's dark purple eyeshadow glitters in the bar light as she turns her head, "I wouldn't mind a slice of the dark chocolate cake. If you're going over there to fetch cake." She tells Savannah before turning to lean up, brushing a kiss agains the jaw of the man behind her. "Did you want a different flavor?" She asks Alexi with just a hint of adoration in her voice.
There's a strange, relieved slump of the man's shoulders as Fiona takes over with cutting into reasonable slices, the man directing, "One slice from each tier and give everyone a single sugar sculpture." And then a deep sigh. Novel straightens up, his gaze focusing on Sophie, nodding. "I had a few months. It was basically this, work, and - stuff." He gestures around at it and rubbing the side of his face.
If someone wants to emulate getting a slice of cake, just 'eat cake'.
Lilian turns to glance at Harriet afterwards, "You could take some home to give to her when she wakes up." Lilian murmurs softly, "Did she like the plushie too?"
Lochana slides off her stool at the table, taking Eliana by the hand and drawing her back towards the north gently with an impish smile on her lips.
With a small smile, Alexi just shakes his head lightly. "Nyet, chocolate is just fine. It looks very good!" He says, his jaw lifting just so almost as if to expose the softer spaces there to Lilian when she brushes that kiss against his jawline. "Besides, who can say no to cake when it has booze in it? Impossible. "
Harriet is peering down into her 'date' and as Lilian speaks, her attention slowly shifts over to the woman. "Mm," gets hummed out in a confirming sound. "She did, thank you. You are very thoughtful. I, on the other hand, am terrible with gifts. I took one of those 'love language' tests once, and I scored a zero on gift giving. My apologies."
with that, Sam swipes a plate, and grins as he starts eating. "Fuck. Yes." He grins wide to Novel, and grins wide. "Okay, people, later!" A grin is shot to Sophie and Fiona. "Fucking epic party, you all. PEACE!" He heads out, egg-nogg in hand.
Euphemia pushes herself up with a bit of a tremble in her legs, stepping around to lean into Savannah's side... grasping at the woman's arm with both hands, and leading her over towards the cake. "Let's get some together, then. The last time I refused to try Novel's cooking he threatened to kill my firstborn."
Lochana leads Eliana from the other room by the hand, making there way towards the bathroom.
"Is it a russian thing?" Lilian asks Alexi teasingly as she turns back to him, leaning up to brush another soft kiss on the jawline he exposes before she simply rests against his chest, letting him cradle her against him, "Oh I definately scored high on gift gifting and acts of service I think." Her soft west coast accented voice tells Harriet with amusement.
Slowly, Rashid rises from his stool, dipping his head politely towards Sophie and Fiona, curving his full lips into a faint smile. "It was nice viewing this feast, your culture is interesting," his phone chirps. "I shall be leaving though. Thank you for allowing me to attend." Then softly, he utters, without the help of his phone, "Fi Aminallah."
That brings an easy smile to Alexi's lips. "Must have" he murmurs, squeezing the woman a little as she nestles in against him.
"Noted," Harriet says after Lilian shares her love languages. "I tied on words of affirmation and quality time. Everything else was... non existent."
"That is.. other people's acts of service towards me." Lilian tells Harriet with a hand on her chest and another grin flashed at Alexi, "I'm not very good at service."
Harriet produces a gentle laugh in response to what Lilian says next.
Iseul waits patiently for her turn, and once there is a plate prepared and she steps up, she lifts it and bends at her waist to give a light, short bow to Sophie, Novel and Fiona. "Thank you." She says softly, straightening back up. Looking for a spot again she goes to sit at the end of the bar, poking the cake slices on her plate. She marvels at the sculpture and decides to either eat that last or not at all. She takes a bite first from the lowest layer, taking a piece off the corner with her fork and lifting it to her lips to taste.
Madeline looks over at Colton, with a look on her face that may be recognition, before looking back to Lilian and Harriet, sipping her egg nog.
With a soft raise of his eyebrow, Alexi just smiles at Lilian and smiles at the woman as she continues to chit-chat with the others that surround them .
Lilian waggles her fingers at Rashid, "Oh I have your Christmas present. Let me know when you're free sometime hmm?"
"You must have fallen for me after getting that dress, then." Euphemia jokes over to Lilian, squeezing Savannah's arm between her own. "No wonder you keep trying to visit. Obviously it has NOTHING to do with my company."
Rashid dips his chin towards Lilian, admitting via his phone, "I do not know much about this Christmas, but I shall let you know."
"No absolutely nothing to do with your company or the fact that I abandoned poor devastated Lucien to go work for you as eyecandy instead. You are clearly the prettier option." Lilian tells Euphemia with a similar joking tone and a grin on her face. Turning to Rashid, she attempts to say it back, "Fi amina lah."
Lochana drags Eliana through the room, looking flushed and a little giddy. There is, however, something that stops her dead in her tracks. And that this is the cake. "Oooh..." she coos softly, looking over the thing in awe.
"Oh before you go, did you want to meet some other people Rashid? Or are you dashing off?" Lilian asks, keeping her words slow for Rashid's phone translator.
Savannah leans in to kiss Euphemia on the shoulder before saying to Lilian and the woman, "I'll be right back, getting a little bit of cake and bringing it back, I'll bring you a slice, Lily."
Eliana follows along with Lochana with an unusually giggly demeanor, hand in hand with the other woman. She seems momentarily confused when they stop moving, but then she also takes in the cake, "Oh my." is her very eloquent addition to the festivities.
"Thanks Savie!" Lilian calls out after Savannah as the woman walks off as the sacrificial food deliverer.
"Thank you for coming, Rashid," Sophie tells Rashid when he announces his intentions to leave, stepping over closer to him so her phone can pick up the translation of her voice amidst all the other noise. "I hope you enjoyed yourself - and I didn't get to say this earlier, but you look nice. Eat some cake before you go!"
Madeline gives Lilian a curious look, "What did you do for Lucien before?" She asks.
"Thank you for coming, Rashid," Sophie tells Rashid when he announces his intentions to leave, stepping over closer to him so her phone can pick up the translation of her voice amidst all the other noise. "I hope you enjoyed yourself - and I didn't get to say this earlier, but you look nice. Eat some cake before you go!"
"I only threatened YOU. Not your firstborn. I don't go after kids," Novel sneers at Euphemia's words, taking another step back from the cake and the crowd. And then he adds, belatedly to Iseul, "You're welcome." The man retreats to lurking, letting everyone else line up in favor of moving to the edge of the crowd and taking in another deep breath as he rubs the sides of his neck.
"I may meet those you seek to introduce me to, before I am off," Rashid tells Lilian, scrawling into his phone.
Spotting Eliana and Lochana, humor glints in Fiona's eyes as she returns back to near the cake, and without a word, puts a plate into each of their hands. She seems to have fallen mostly silent now, just playing the part of cake server and observer as she shakes her head with a smile.
Savannah walks over to grab a slice of cake for herself, and another one for someone else. She looks around the cake and smiles at some of those nearby, taking a bite to taste the cake herself before she waves and heads back over to the bar itself again.
A perfectly manicured finger is put against Lilian's lip as she looks over at Madeline, "I.. may have convinced his manager here to hire me on as.... 'eyecandy'. While my fake ID still said I was nineteen." Her mascara'd sapphire eyes widen innocently, "I got a very angry text from Lucien the next day asking me how on earth I managed to convince his manager to let me work at his bar while underage." Putting a hand on her chest in fake sincerity, Lilian flutters her lashes a few times. "But Euphie convinced me to go be eyecandy for her store instead... and I get her company instead of dealing with drunks ogling me so... Win win."
Lurching away from the crowded bar, Colton traipses his way over to Sophie and Fiona, circling around to approach them from behind and drape his arms over either of their shoulders. "Good party, you two," he murmurs. "Sorry I missed the start of things. I'm very impressed. I don't know if Rashid can have the cake, though - if it's got booze in it, that's haram, right? Pretty sure he's Muslim."
Lochana takes a plate from Fiona with a silly grin on her face, plucking one of the little sugar sculptures from it and offering it up to Eliana's lips with a smirk. "Eliana want eat, hmm?" It's much harder to make double entendres in a language one's not familiar with.
Finishing her story, Lilian smiles as she beckons Rashid over, laying her hand out towards people in turn, "Rashid this is Madeline. Or Maddy." She starts slowly, gesturing towards the man's phone which is held out in translation. "Savie." The hand moves over to Savannah, "Euphie." Euphemia is gestured at next and it seems like everyone Lilian introduces ends in 'ee'. "Alexi." Alexi is no exception either as she nods towards the man behind her with his arms around her and she turns to give him another soft peck on the chin.
"Rashid is ...not from this time." Lilian mentions by way of introduction to the ring of people around her including Harriet, "And he doesn't know English very well yet. But he's learning. Cat?" She tells the man amusedly.
Madeline nods with some understanding, "You're just full of mischief, aren't you?" She giggles at Lilian, as she then looks to Rashid offering him a smile and nod.
Sophie pauses while she watches people eat their cakes, and thinks Colton's words over for a few moments. "It's only the top tier," she decides finally, as the Islamic scholar she definitely is not. "I'm sure it's fine to have the non-boozy part. Plus, he said he has ways to repent for... stuff." And speaking of, she does tell Rashid, brightening briefly, "I'll text you later to finish that conversation from earlier, Rashid."
Harriet is sipping her egg nog, lifting both brows as she listens to Lilian. Swallowing politely, she then nods to Lilian. "His translator does wonders, though," the woman mentions of Rashid's phone. "Although it has had some unfortunate mishaps here and there, but I do suppose that simply makes it amusing."
Waving a hand, Victoria slips off her seat. "Afraid I need to run," she says apologetically. "Sophie, it's always a pleasure. I'll try to pop back in."
"I didn't exactly CONVINCE you." Euphemia murmurs, reaching out to offer Savannah a gentle, affectionate hug as the woman slips past to pass the cakes around. She shakes her head at Lilian, smiling a little as she introduces Rashid to everyone. "You came to work for me entirely of your own volition. Though you're definitely playing the 'eyecandy' role well, wearing a dress that gorgeous."
"I'll probably be around! You still owe me that dance," Sophie reminds Victoria, lifting her hand and twiddling her fingers in a wave at her, flashing her a bright smile. "It was nice having you here, Vic."
Eliana is observing cake with wide eyes, and then she's being given cake, too! "I should try and attend more parties." she reasons as she surveys the plate, attention then turning to Lochana as she's offered a sculpture to chew on, which she happily does, possibly completely missing the double entendre, really. "I'm sure I'll be full after this!" she laughs out.
"Don't listen to her, I was convinced with bribes of free clothes and lingerie." Lilian tells those around her with fake sincerety, her eyeshadow framed sapphires full of fake sincerity. "Even after Lucien begged me not to go until I actually met him.. I just .." Her hand is splayed against her chest again, the dark purple nailpolish glittering, "Couldn't resist the allure of free clothes from Euphie I'm afraid." Grinning widely, she accepts a slice of cake from the semestress she's bantering with.
"I do!" Victoria agrees, nodding her head. "Lovely seeing everyone!" Careful steps are taken toward the door and before she pulls it open, she glances over her shoulder, smiling fondly for a moment, then ducking outside.
Savannah waves towards Rashid and leans into Euphemia briefly before offering a slice of cake on a small plate to Lilian. She takes the one she brought back and places it on the bar near Euphemia, "We're all really sexy tonight, dashing, beautiful, hot..." She giggles softly and takes a bit of her cake now, "The cake is pretty good.... and Lucien wasn't around all that much for a while, so this place, well, it uh, holds big parties and still brings in customers, but working for Euphemia is probably more fun anyway."
Iseul picks at the cake, and tries the middle tier next. Smiling faintly at the taste of it. Following is the upper, and she seems to not like that one as much. Maybe it's too boozy for her and she leaves that slice alone, opting to just happily eat the other two slices. She sips on her hot chocolate and pulls out her phone to send off a text after.
"I agree." Lilian tells Savannah as she accepts the cake with a greatful smile. Picking up a fork, she offers the first mouthful of chocolate to Alexi behind her, hopefully not stabbing the man with the inplement given he's behind her. "I agree. I take it as part of my job as eyecandy to make sure Euphie is fed and watered." She tells Savannah with a small smile. "So you don't need to worry tooo much about her."
Fiona watches Eliana and Lochana, shaking her head, and then suddenly there's a Colton on her shoulder. Her own head turns slowly to look at him, but she doesn't rip herself away as she might on another occasion, instead tilting her head curiously. "I'm very happy with how it turned out," she admits. "I do think I should get back on the dance floor, soon, but we'll see. At least I got a few people out there earlier."
Leaning forward, Alexi takes the bite of cake without being stabbed and he moves back so he can relax and eat the bite! "Mmmmm" he murmurs wordlessly, through pursed lips as he chews and looks for some fresh egg nog to help wash it down.
After another sip of her fake Samantha, Harriet gives a nod to Savannah, expressing, "You look quite lovely, Deputy. That's a beautiful emerald green," as she gestures with a free hand towards the mermaid style ball gown.
Lochana attempts to eat the rest of her cake slice with as little mess as she possibly can. Still, she ends up having to suck her fingers clean afterwards. She gives Eliana an impish little smirk when she remembers that she did have a plan until the pair were waylaid by that gorgeous and most delicious cake. "Good job!" she tells Fiona and Sophie with an enthusiastic thumbs up and not realizing that the cake is someone else's creation. But that is not important now. With flushed cheeks and takes Eliana's hand again, intent on leading her off towards the bathrooms.
"I watched Euphie sow that mermaid gown last minute." Lilian admits to Savannah as she takes a forkful of the dark chocolate part of the cake. A soft sigh escapes her as she sucks on her fork for a moment although she seems slightly distracted looking over at Savannah as if trying to determine what exactly a nipple chain necklace is hung from...
Eliana is taking her time eating her bit, assuring the hosts, "It is quite good." before Lochana has finished and is suddenly on a mission, causing her to scarf the rest in a much less ladylike fashion so that she can deposit the plate on a surface as she's pulled past it, "Excellent work!" she agrees over her shoulder.
Rashid smiles a little at Sophie, shaking his head. "I fear it would not settle with me, but thank you for the offer." (via phone of course). Then his eyes scatter to those people Lilian introduces him to, Savannah, Euphemia, Alexi, and Madeline, and with a bright smile, he lifts his phone up and tells them, "It is a pleasure to meet you, those I have not met yet. And for those I have met, it is a pleasure to see you once more." Then back towards Sophie, his attention returns. "Speak with me when you desire to do so, and I shall speak too."
"You're better off at Vow, anyways. Free clothes or not." Euphemia teases with a snicker, reaching over to take a small bite of Savannah's cake, squaring her shoulders to provide better support for the larger woman as her palm brazenly snakes around the Deputy's hips... perching itself squarely upon the curve of her hips. "Lucien is SUCH a creep." Euphemia murmurs, exaggerating each and every word for comedic effect. "Remember when he was peeping on us in the sauna, Savannah? Opened and closed the door in an instant -- like we WEREN'T going to catch him snooping while we undressed." Euphemia snickers... her eyes softening as Lilian and someone compliment Savannah's dress. "...Oh yeah, I was a monster this morning. Green is Savannah's favorite colour -- I wanted to make something stunning, for her to come home to."
"You're better off at Vow, anyways. Free clothes or not." Euphemia teases with a snicker, reaching over to take a small bite of Savannah's cake, squaring her shoulders to provide better support for the larger woman as her palm brazenly snakes around the Deputy's hips... perching itself squarely upon the curve of her hips. "Lucien is SUCH a creep." Euphemia murmurs, exaggerating each and every word for comedic effect. "Remember when he was peeping on us in the sauna, Savannah? Opened and closed the door in an instant -- like we WEREN'T going to catch him snooping while we undressed." Euphemia snickers... her eyes softening as Lilian and Harriet compliment Savannah's dress. "...Oh yeah, I was a monster this morning. Green is Savannah's favorite colour -- I wanted to make something stunning, for her to come home to."
"Thank you, Harry, you're looking lovely as always," Savannah says to someone as she reaches up to touch her neckline, the necklace she is wearing dangling down between breasts and vanishing beneath the dress itself. She smiles at Lilian and says, "Thank you. It can be difficult to get by with her so busy and myself so busy sometimes, watering and feeding her is a good idea." She chuckles at Euphemia's comment and says, "He at least made some conversation briefly to cover it up afterwards and then ran off."
Sophie grabs a stacked slice of cake herself, taking a tentative bite of each tier one by one, and blinking at the devilry within. "This is really good," she tells Novel, refusing to let the man hide away in his corner in piece. "The spice is interesting. Good way." Lochana gets a flash of a smile, and she tells her, "All him," with a gesture over at Novel, before glancing askance at Fiona, "Dance with me, Mademoiselle Bismarck?" Colton gets a little sniff. "Maybe if you ask without trying to compare with Mister Arkwright."
"Thank you, Harry, you're looking lovely as always," Savannah says to Harriet as she reaches up to touch her neckline, the necklace she is wearing dangling down between breasts and vanishing beneath the dress itself. She smiles at Lilian and says, "Thank you. It can be difficult to get by with her so busy and myself so busy sometimes, watering and feeding her is a good idea." She chuckles at Euphemia's comment and says, "He at least made some conversation briefly to cover it up afterwards and then ran off."
"I agree although I want to get my hands on some of those shoes." Lilian points at Euphemia's feet with her fork, "Do you have a pair my size lying around? They're absolutely gorgeous. I was considering mugging you and stealing them after the ball." She tells the semestress in all seriousness as she forks up the next part of the cake. Balancing the sugar sculpture ontop, her hand is verrryyy steady as she ferries it towards Alexi behind her.
Alexi grins, taking another bite. "Ammm, thank you" he says to Lilian quietly as he enjoys another piece of the cake as they all relax and hang out. The crowd is starting to thin out a bit of course, and that just makes it easier to focus on the people immediately around him.
Squinting Rashid throws his gaze towards Euphemia again, tilting his head.
"You're welcome. I wanted to make that contrast of darkness and sweetness. The alcohol is another part of it." Novel laughs, slowly, rubbing at the side of his face and producing a lengthy sigh. And then he leers at Colton, clearly amused by some idea that penetrates his thought. "I'll dance with you Colton, if you want. We could throw each other around." He offers with a lazy smirk and straightening up from his lurking, stepping forwards.
Lilian glances over at Rashid before gesturing at Euphemia, "Euphie is the semestress that made all our dresses." She gestures to what she, Euphemia and Savannah are all wearing. "So you could ask her to design things for you if you want more robes. Instead of going to Africa."
"Excellent work," Harriet comments to Euphemia about Savannah's outfit. She offers up a gentle smile to Savannah, although this woman's eyes never stray away from faces to follow jewelry that might be attached to more intimate areas. Her gaze is ever polite and never roams. "Thank you," is said to the deputy in response. "A trip to Paris resulted in this dress. Next, I have to start going wedding dress shopping. I suppose I should really start working on that..." A glance is afforded Lilian. "But then he doesn't get to go to Africa... although, it likely is more affordable to stay in town..." The she adds, "I'm a sucker for travel."
"When we go to that deserted island so Alexi can climb coconut trees and get us all fresh coconuts while we stargaze and eat from the ocean I'll invite you." Lilian promises Harriet with a warm smile towards the other woman, reaching out to touch Harriet's arm lightly, "You can bring the Sam blow up doll then."
"Heart beats really fast," Rashid remarks via his phone towards Euphemia, blinking a few times. "I have never noticed others do that."
"Of course, Miss Wilson, though a warning -- I've never had formal ballet lessons, unlike some." A glint of teasing in Fiona's eyes, btu she offers her arm out toward Sophie to take, then looks over at Colton. "Maybe if Mister Arkwright comes back, you could dance with him. I think you two would make a stunning couple on the dance floor."
Iseul puts her phone down, running a hand over the skirt of her dress and leans in to make sure anything that does fall off her cake, lands on her plate in case, not on her. She hears something of travel and perks up, looking over to Harriet, "Traveling is always fun, where are places you like to go.. Or places that you went to, what one was your favourite?" Settling her fork down onto her plate.
Lilian leans back against Alexi and gets up on her tip toes to whisper in his ear.
Euphemia's eyes somber somewhat as Savannah explains the nature of her work, and the effect it elicits between them. She covers the wavering of her smile with another chipper bite of cake, casting a bit of an anxious look in the direction of the 'threats' Lilian throws her way. "R-right. I don't have another pair, but... please don't rob me? I can try... I can try to make you something similar." She returns to clutching her cocoa with both shaky hands, raising it up to her lips, cheeks painted crimson as Harriet compliments her work. "I could make a wedding dress for you, Miss Harriet. It would... be my honor, honestly. I heard you were getting married -- I must admit I envy your circumstances a little." A wispy laugh drifts over her lips, her eyes turning down to regard the liquid in her palms. "...Marriage is such a beautiful thing. It would truly be my honor."
Leaning down to whisper, something gives a faint vibration in the man's pocket and he's letting a hand slip absently into it so he can pull out the phone and give it a look. A small squint is given at the screen, some expression indicating he doesn't REALLY like he's reading though it doesn't seem to be anything serious since Alexi's not jumping up or running off without explanation. "Mm .. I think I have to go get yelled at about paperwork. Nothing too problematic but, it could be an excuse to take leave" he offers to Lilian a little more normally as he forgets to lean down and murmur at her.
Lifting his hands in placation, Colton says to Fiona, "No, no, Miss Bismarck. I'll give Novel that dance if he wants it." And then the two ladies elope off to the south, and he just lets out a little sigh, instead moving to Novel's side and offering the taller, ganglier man a worn, calloused hand. "We going to go knock their socks off, then?"
Lilian gives Euphemia a 'look' at the anxiety and cocoa clutching as if she definately wasn't being serious but seeing the girl being actually anxious, she sighs as she reaches out to touch Euphemia's arm lightly, "You're fine. You can lose them one at a time while I'm chasing you cinderella." She tells Euphemia before her sapphire eyes light up with amusement at Alexi's excuse to go. "Well. I'm sorry Ladies." She murmurs to the other pretty women around her, "It seems like duty calls for our dear officer here and he's my ride. I'm sure you can catch a ride with Savie right Euph?" She adds with a wink.
"I do hope I am allowed to bring the real Samantha," Harriet expresses to Lilian with a smirk. "But I suppose the blow up doll version can work if need be..." As Iseul questions her, she looks back at the woman and then replies, "I travel with my fiancee quite regularly, but I think ony of my most favourite trips was taking her to the Valley of Chamonix-Mon-Blanc in France last year for Christmas. We went snowboarding and then stayed in a chalet for a few days, and it was absolutely perfect." Soft lips form a genuine smile. "I'm Harry," is offered, along with the extension of her slender right hand, offering up a handshake.
Her arm linked in Fiona's, Sophie makes her way in from the lounge, shooting out a quick text with gloved fingers - it's a little impressive - before putting the phone away in her clutch. "You're a quick learner, I'm sure," she tells Fiona reassuringly, "But we won't make you do any pirouettes today."
"It's only going to be an hour or so, stay and enjoy your friends hrm?" Alexi says to Lilian with a slight smile, a look of appreciation in his eyes. "You don't need to suffer the boredom of this. Believe me on this. "
Alexi says "I can swing back and pick you up?"
"Oh." Lilian nods her head as she turns back to Alexi, getting on her tip toes to steal a soft chaste kiss that doesn't smear lipstick everywhere. "Sure. See you when you're actually done with duty then officer."
Euphemia nods, a warm smile dawning upon her lips as Lilian moves to follow Alexi. "I can ride with Savannah, of course. Or just -- jog home. I do like walking after the sun goes down."
Alexi smiles, and with a peck on Lilian's lips he's slipping off.
"What about plies, or however you pronounce it?" Fiona asks Sophie, twisting to turn and look at her. A quick evaluation of relative heights, and Fiona decides that her outside hand should go high, resting it on Sophie's shoulder, a single finger coming up to lightly brush the choker as she does so. The music for the night has been largely on the house side, easily danceable but with an attempt to keep a lighter and ethereal nature to it. "Alright, you're going to have to walk me through this."
Turning back to the rest of the girls as she's apparently not leaving, Lilian comments, "You are absolutely welcome to bring the real Samantha." Towards Harriet, "However I have never met the woman and I only plan to go stargazing when it's dark sooooo. I do hope I get to meet her and not a blow up doll. But I can't say I'm overtly optimistic?" She slides into a bar seat now that the bar is much more empty and her manrest has walked off, sitting next to Harriet with her legs dangling.
Novel produces an easy smirk over to Colton, taking his own in an equally scarred hand. "Fuck yeah. I bet we can do some crazy shit to show off. You wanna take the lead or should I?" Seems like it doesn't bother him in the slightest as he falls into step, glancing off towards the southern dancefloor.
"I think I parked somewhere else and didn't drive over, just walked, by the apartment is close anyway," Savannah says to Euphemia and Lilian, watching the other woman come back. She leans into a seat now, crossing one leg over the other one, yawning softly, "Which I might have to do in a little bit, had a long night."
Lilian beckons Madeline over to her now that she doesn't have an officer to lean against. "Maddyyy." She calls out towards the other woman.
Madeline walks over to Lilian, standing close to her, "Lilyyyyyy...." She playfully mimics.
Emmelline reenters the bar area, and she glances at the cake, before letting loose a low whistle. "Novel sure does know how to make a piece of art. I wouldn't touch it," she says to no one in particular, laughing, "given my experiences with his food the last time, but it does look lovely." Shrugging, she grabs a few canapes, and walks back to the bar.
Euphemia nods, reaching over to rest a hand assuringly upon Savannah's thigh, stepping closer to settle down next to her and lean her head against the larger Deputy's shoulder. "I'm sure you are." Euphemia murmurs, smiling up at her. "...Travelling took a lot out of you, hmm? Do you want me to head home with you? I'm just happy to have you back."
"I'll be honest with you," Colton murmurs aside to Novel as the pair step in together. "I know how to move, but I don't know any dances, so it doesn't matter who's leading who." He sights down the dance floor, eyeing Sophie and Fiona, then says, "You want to try that one where they take you by the hand and then spin you all the way into the center of the room?"
"You know I don't do well without hugging someone or being hugged." Lilian tells Madeline with a grin, using her hand on Madeline's shoulder to guide the other woman until Madeline is infront of Lilian and Lilian can drape herself over Madeline's shoulders from where she sits high up on the stool. "You tried some of the cake yet?"
She looks to the hand, and lightly takes Harriet's fingers and gives it a shaker. All the while she lowers her head in a greetings. "Very nice to meet Harry. I'm Iseul." She introduces herself. "That sounds very nice, never been to France yet, but would like to go. Being in a chalet sounds very peaceful, and cozy, always want to go to one, seems like really fun time to spend with family or loved, on a mountain snowing.... But... Have to learn how to snowboard or ski first." Iseul pulls back her hand and giggles into it.
Madeline embraces Lilian, wrapping her arms around her, before slipping into a more casual position. "I don't think I have, but by the sound of it, Novel really knocked it out of the park."
Jayanth leads someone back over from the dance floor and pulls out a stool for her, settling in between her and Janette. He reaches out to touch the latter's shoulder to indicate his return, then turns to murmur his drink order to the bartender.
Jayanth leads Emmelline back over from the dance floor and pulls out a stool for her, settling in between her and Janette. He reaches out to touch the latter's shoulder to indicate his return, then turns to murmur his drink order to the bartender.
Novel calls back to Colton as he strides with confidence to the dance floor, "I know how to do SOME dancing, but there's no fucking pole here unless you wanna hold real still for me," a degenerate, as always. "That sounds fucking good. How's that go?" And the taller man straightens up to try exactly that. An expert dancer he is not, but he has muscles and energy to spare, and he at least knows how to hurt people as he reaches to clasp Colton and then send him in a TWIRL across the floor. Or, well. More attempts to throw him.
"If I head home I'll probably just get to sleep," Savannah says to Euphemia as she leans into the woman and gives her a squeeze now, arms wrapping around her, "So let me go walk home real quick and do that, but we can spend some time catching up tomorrow, okay?"
"Have you really never met Sam?" Harriet asks Lilian, sounding a bit surprised. "I suppose we do tend to spend time together alone," she utters out, giving the egg nog a curious glance as she rotates her wrist a little to swirl the contents of the cup. After Lilian claims she doesn't do well without being hugged, the tall brunette is saying, "Lord knows I am not very cuddly," as if to stress to Madeline it certainly will not be her providing the hugging. Once Iseul is accepting the offered hand, her grip is gentle and she provides a professional, twice up-and-down sort of a handshake. "A pleasure, Iseul," comes out respectfully. "Yes, I highly recommend it. It's quite cosy and romantic, and my fiancee had never snowboarded before. I took her out to the slopes and we had so much fun as she learned. Plus, I had the honour of watching her face plant quite a few times... which we'll pretend never happened... but that I will secretly always treasure..." Then she asks Iseul, "May I ask how long you've been in town for?"
"Ta mate," Emmelline says with a smile, as she takes a sip of her wine. Something Harriet catches her attention, and she chimes in at random, "I've never met her either mate. Your Sam I mean. I know she exists, I know she's real, but that's about it. And I've been in town about three months now."
Harriet tilts her head as Emmelline reveals she has never met Samantha either. "Oh? Were you not at my birthday party that she threw for me?" She pauses. "You've at least spoken to her, though, yes?"
"I'll look after Euphie if she stays." Lilian promises towards Savannah as she smiles at the other deputy, giving her a waggle of her fingers over Madeline's shoulders. It seems like she's getting a bit tired too from the way her chin rests on Madeline's, "And no, never met Sam. Your Sam anyways. Met the man Sam who Euphie is going to deck out in a french maid outfit. That'll be the cover of Vogue Jan 2025 edition." She tells someone and Harriet with a serious nod and then a giggle before she offers the plate of halfeaten cake towards Madeline along with her fork. "You want some?"
"I'll look after Euphie if she stays." Lilian promises towards Savannah as she smiles at the other deputy, giving her a waggle of her fingers over Madeline's shoulders. It seems like she's getting a bit tired too from the way her chin rests on Madeline's, "And no, never met Sam. Your Sam anyways. Met the man Sam who Euphie is going to deck out in a french maid outfit. That'll be the cover of Vogue Jan 2025 edition." She tells Euphemia and Harriet with a serious nod and then a giggle before she offers the plate of halfeaten cake towards Madeline along with her fork. "You want some?"
Harriet murmurs something about introverts.
Euphemia nods, turning her attention to Savannah directly, a solemn smile spreading across her lips as she leans in to offer a tender kiss to Savannah's cheek. "Okay." She murmurs, squeezing the Deputy back. "I'll see you in the morning, okay? I'll make breakfast for us. You deserve to relax."
"That sounds good to me, pretty lady," Savannah says to Euphemia afterwards, waving to Lilian and the rest of the group still here, "Goodnight!" She begins to walk out into the cold night, tugging her coat around herself.
"When was your birthday?," Emmelline asks conversationally of Harriet. "If it was before the middle of September, then I wasn't in town. If it was after then..." she pouts cutely. "I didn't get an invite. So no, I've never met her. Speak to her? I mean... maybe? Super briefly in passing? Like for two seconds? I don't count it as a proper conversation though."
"Oh goodness, that'll be a cover!" Madeline lets out a laugh, and looking over to Lilian, "Yeah, cake sounds good. It'll soak up some of this alcohol."
Even if Novel and Colton are a pair of uncultured louts who may not have attended even a single ballroom dance class between the two of them, there's something to be appreciated in their dynamism. He makes a good show of that twirl being discussed, even if a lot of it comes from him spinning on the spot while the force of Novel's bodily chucking him around provides all the momentum for him to find his way into the center of the dance floor. He holds his hands out wide as he regains his footing from this one singular trick, bowing for whichever audience might be watching - he knows people should bow during ballroom dance, if the movies are right about anything - and then sets his hands in a rough approximation of a formal stance, one hand out for Novel to take, and one ready to rest on his hip.
"Great." Lilian offers Madeline some alcohol soaked cake to help soak up her alcohol on a fork, bringing it to the other woman's lips. "Maybe Euphie will make french maid Sam the centerfold.." She doubles down, grinning over at Euphemia.
Euphemia's attention seems centered upon the entrance to the howl... entirely deaf to the words of amusement that Lilian offers her. She purses her lips a bit, pulling out her phone... and shooting off a quick text. Stopping to stare down at the screen in silence.
Madeline takes a bite of the offered cake, letting her eyes roll up into the back of her head for a moment as she enjoys the rich combination of flavors. "Now that cake does live up to the hype, bravo Novel!" She claps, clearly satisfied.
"Hmm... That is always funny. And yes, good to pretend it never happen." Iseul giggles at Harriet's comment of watching her love face plant several times. "Oh... I have been here for now... I think six weeks. Middle of November I come here." She says to Harriet. "Been mostly at the college and studying, then when I am not busy with that, I am in dorm room playing video games, or working at Vow and Vogue." Explaining, "How about you? What do you do for work or are you in school too?"
Lilian blinks a few times as she looks over at the entrance than back at Euphemia, "Euph?" She ask softly, "Are you alright?"
"Don't feel bad," Jayanth tells someone trying to sound comforting. "I don't think I've ever met her either and I've been here and known Harry a lot longer than since September. If I promise to taste test the cake will you have some then?"
"Don't feel bad," Jayanth tells Emmelline trying to sound comforting. "I don't think I've ever met her either and I've been here and known Harry a lot longer than since September. If I promise to taste test the cake will you have some then?"
Harriet laughs softly at Janette's words and she says, "Fair, but I bet it was brief." A smile forms once again across soft lips. "Yes, that was a good day. Sam had a really good time at your party," she tells Janette. She hums out a thoughtful sound and tells Emmelline, "My birthday was an open invitiation and it was at the end of September. We did a whole roleplay theme of nineteen forties gangsters. Everyone dressed up and we played a game where we had to try and find the loot, or blackmail each other and the like. It was quite fun. Ashen ended up winning." After this, she smiles at Iseul. "Oh, well, welcome Iseul. My fiancee also attends White Oak. I own the Succubus Club, actually."
Turning her cheek against Madeline's shoulder, Lilian watches Euphemia curiously as her hand comes up to gently comb through Madeline's locks. The plate is thrust at Madeline's hands so that the woman can gorge herself on cake if she likes.
Harriet peers at Jayanth. "Jay," she stresses. "You absolutely have met Sam several times."
Harriet insists to Jayanth, "You went to one of her game nights at Siren, too."
Euphemia nods, tearing her eyes away from the screen to offer a reassuring smile to Lilian and Iseul both. "I'm okay." She says quietly, curling her arms around herself and wearing that practiced smile with all the finesse of a true professional. She turns her attention to the conversations exchanged between Harriet and Iseul, picking softly at the bandages swathed around her wrists.
Jayanth looks back at Harriet with a furrowed brow. "Wait I have? Maybe the solstice thing if she was there and... wait." He pauses uncertainly. "Wait if that's the other ball then it doesn't count, everyone was in masks. How was I supposed to know who was who?"
Lilian beckons Euphemia towards her with couple of fingers, "Come here and let me hug you too?" She asks Euphemia softly as she watches the bandage picking.
Emmelline makes a face at Jayanth. "I don't know mate," she says laughing. "After last time, and after some of the stories I've been told, though whether they are true or not remains to be seen, I don't trust Novel's food anymore. The last time," she goes on to explain, her tone light and jocular, "it was at the crafts fair that was held by Lilah. Novel brought these chocolate sweets, he was selling for fifty cents or something. And I thought lovely, chocolate. I bought just one to taste." here, she can't help but to blanch at the mere memory of it. "it was dark chocolate, which all right, I know it's to some people's taste. But the man added chilli to it of all things! And that shite burned like hell, and it just like kept burning. I could feel it at the back of my throat for hours afterwards. After that," she shakes her head. "I don't trust his food. And that's just the one story I know is true. Let alone the one I don't know if it is true or not." Back to Harriet she replies, "Oh well if it was the end of September, we hadn't met yet I don't think. I don't think we met till like mid October. So it's no wonder I wasn't invited."
Novel definitely has some kind of experience in physical activity. Just not in this sort of dancing as he charges directly after Colton like a he's just about to punch him in the face, then he seems to remember where he is and what he's doing, his legs scrambling across the floor as he skids to a halt, his shiny oxfords managing to just barely find purchase in the floor as he screeches into a slightly violent introduction into his 'partner' for this dance. That's a low center of gravity. Wait, no. That's not a proper dancing form at all. What the fuck is he doing? At least he has his hand on Colton's hip and taking his arm now even if he nearly bowled them over. It's fine, Colton can take it.
Madeline awkwardly struggles to hold the plate of cake, taking extra care not to drop any of it on herself or Lilian.
"Jay, remember the Tarot card reading at Janette's?" Harriet questions Jayanth, head tilting to the right. "That was my Sam."
"Oh I felt like caramel was clinging to my throat for hours after." Lilian agrees with Emmelline softly, "But this cake seems juuuustt fine."
"He has the collective memory of a school of goldfish," Janette shares helpfully with Harriet over the rim of her cup.
Harriet goes on to inform Jayanth, "And I know you attended one of those game nights downstairs at Siren, in the Emerald room, I think? She was doing a card game and you were most definitely there." Looking to Emmelline, she says, "Oh, yes, I suppose we did meet a bit later, but the birthday party was advertised as being an open invitation to anyone who wanted to come. It was actually quite a party. Far more people than I ever would have imagined came, which made the game fairly wild and complicated, but also quite hilarious." Given the comment Janette makes, she starts to laugh softly, but helplessly.
"That was a year ago," Jayanth protests. "You people expect me to remember someone from something that happened at a party with alcohol involved? You're crazy," he broods over his drink. "Anyway yeah I remember the cards. Vaguely. A little."
Harriet murmurs, "Jay, you've met her so many times... I cannot even count..." to Jayanth.
"You don't have to hug me, Lily." Euphemia quietly assures, offering the warmth of her smile in the direction of a woman who seeks to offer comfort. She pats down the folds of her dress, reaching out to retrieve her cocoa and settle back down in her seat. "I'm feeling great, honestly! I rarely get to get out of the apartment like this. And honestly I feel more comfortable here than I did when we visited the... What was that Tavern called, Lily?"
Janette puckers her lips at Jayanth and makes little bubble noises, giving the man a wide-eyed stare.
Colton can take it. He's a big, strong lad, and there are ladies to impress in the room. Of course, this doesn't make him any better at actually dancing, which is immediately visible as the taller man sets a hand on his hip and assumes the leading position, and the Moore immediately tries to lead the pair into a sweeping waltz from the traditionally feminine position. There's little arguing with him, either, and if the dance ends up looking something like a tug-of-war with their arms serving as the rope, well, that's simply the consequence of getting two of the town's more physical creatures to work with each other.
"It is called /dance/, Miss Bismarck," he murmurs primly as the two men force and/or drag each other past the ladies on the dance floor.
Madeline takes a bite of the delicious, liquor soaked cake, silently observing the conversation as she eats.
"But I like hugging you." Lilian insists to Euphemia, still wagging her fingers as if trying to summon the other woman via the accuio spell or something. "The... hometown diner... Tavern?" Lilian asks with a squint at Euphemia's later words despite the diner not being a tavern at all, "The one where everyone else tried to pile in on our booth?"
Iseul smiles at Harriet, "Succubus Club... I never think I've been there before, sounds like very... Um... Very nice place to be! Maybe not for me though." She bows her head apologetically towards Harriet, smiling faintly. "White Oak is very nice school to be at, and other programs are good, music portion is really fun to be at. I wish there was a school program where I could just play video games though.. That would be so much more fun. But music and arts is good too." She looks to Euphemia and gets off her stool to go give a hug but sees that Lilian did so she sits back down. "No problem Euphie, but here in case you need." Sitting down at the end of the bar again in her own little space.
Janette puckers her lips at Jayanth and makes little bubble noises, giving the man a wide-eyed stare. (repos for Harry)
Emmelline chuckles as she listens to the ongoing conversation between Jayanth, Harriet and Janette. To Harriet she replies, "yeah, but I probably either didn't know, or... I don't know. Things were weird for me back then. I had probably only just arrived in town," she says easily. "But yes, I've never met her. We did toss around the idea of a double date, but with Brian gone awol..." she shrugs and sighs. Back to Jayanth she says, "You can be the guinea pig though, try the cake. Tell me what it's like. I think it'll be a minute though, before I can trust Novel's food."
Euphemia shakes her head at Lilian, the validity of her smile remaining firm as she raises her cocoa to her lips, one leg appearing from within the slitted folds of her skirt to fold delicately over her opposing thigh, head tilting slightly to one side. "...Not the tavern, no. I mean that place out in the woods... where we all sat around the fire with E- with Rose, Alexi, Savannah, Bill, and the other guy."
"It is not /that/ kind of a club," the prude responds to Iseul in the gentlest of tones, even with the stressed -that- in the sentence produced. "It has karaoke and a dance floor," she assures and takes in what the White Oak student is sharing. "I suppose being able to play video games all day would be far more fun, yes. One of my housemates streams for a living -- so, I suppose you could do that...?" is guessed by Harriet before she nods to Emmelline in understanding. "Well, now that Sam has joined the neighbourhood watch group..." She really does try to sound like that's what that group actually is. "I am sure you'll see more of her."
Euphemia says "Though yes, this feels more comfortable than the Diner too.""
"Oooh. The moonguard." Lilian sighs, slumping against Madeline's shoulder as her wizard spell fails to summon Euphemia to her for a cuddle and she gives Iseul a helpless shrug as she gestures towards Euphemia as if sending Iseul on hugging duty. Wrapping her arms around Madeline's shoulders instead, she sighs softly as she turns back to Euphemia, "They did something with it. It no longer serves food or drink. But there is a charming pool in the back yard so it's not... terrible? But it's kindof terrible for a inn."
"Oh stop it." Jayanth flicks a finger against Janette's side, scowling. He nods aside to Emmelline and hands her his drink, then makes his way over to the centre of the room to fetch a serving for both ladies and himself.
Emmelline watches as Jayanth slices the cake. "Oh no mate, didn't say I'd trust it. One for you, one for Janette if she likes. But I've got to watch you eat it first. Make sure your tongue doesn't burst into flames or something. You don't understand, I've been traumatized!," she exclaims laughing.
"The slice he gets you might be the russian roulette one too. Better make him chew it for you too first." Lilian tells Emmelline with a wide grin before glancing over at Janette, "Hey Janette. I said hi earlier but you might've missed me in the ruckus. I'm Lily."
Madeline sets the plate of cake down on the bar, wrapping her arms around Lilian's waist, casually standing there holding the woman.
"A charming pool?" Euphemia asks, clearly confused by the mention of this. "I've... never heard of anything like that. But it sounds interesting. I guess I just -- hmm." She shrugs her shoulders a bit, casting the shimmering sapphires of hers down to the mug below. "...It's nice. I feel like I can think so clearly. Maybe it's the change in company. Everything feels more... genuine."
Jayanth slows when he hears Harriet's comment about the watch and some of his jovial expression falters, but he only redoubles his concentration on the task of cutting neat slices for the trio, pointedly pretending not to have heard the correction. "I almost feel bad for contributing to the destruction of, at least a visual masterpiece," he muses. "But it is chocolate so. Never stood a chance."
"Like a pool. Of water. Fed by a stream. But it's kindof charming because it's all foresty and you can hear the animals while you bath off all the blood off your armor you know? That kindof stuff." Turning back to Euphemia after she introduces herself to the blind woman, she gives Euphemia a smile, "I'm glad you're enjoying it." She murmurs quietly before snugging her cheek against Madeline's shoulder. "When's bed time for you Maddie?" Lilian asks curiously.
Even with the make up blush on, she blushes even more... "I am so sorry. I not realize that. I thought it was adult club because of the name..." She turns in her seat and bows her head, bringing her hands together, "Very sorry." She does perk up at the sound of karaoke though, "Wa... That sounds like lots of fun, maybe I should visit sometime?" Saying to Harriet and scratching her nose. "I stream yeah, and want to stream more for a living. That is my dream job. I really not able to do full time job... But I am model, so I take work when companies ask, mostly though, I work for Euphie at the store. But it is very cool that you own a place. Will for sue stop by when I can." Iseul says with a bright smile.
"I've seen the kind of shit you're reading, Wilson," Colton accuses, who indeed had heard - and pictured, despite himself - Sophie's florid description. "And I have to say, as an Alpha Male, that no, our dicks don't turn into funny shapes when we're presented with the right woman. Or right man." He glances back to Novel's face, then says, "Unless it turns out I am not, in fact, the Alpha Male, and you've got something to tell me, Novel. I don't know how this omegaverse shit works."
"I, probably did, sorry." Janette offers Lilian an apologetic smile and holds out her hand. "Yeah we... probably haven't met? I think? I'm not great with faces," she jests, swirling her drink carefully.
"I saw you briefly at the Vow." Lilian admits softly, turning back to take Janette's with her corsagged hand, the lilies probably brushing Janette's hand for a moment. "Nice to meet you Janette."
Madeline shrugs her shoulders slightly, "Eh, Whenever, I suppose. You need a ride home anyway, right?" She replies, her tone non-chalant.
"It's an easy mistake," Harriet replies to Iseul in a soft spoken way, waving her free hand dismissively while the other gives the cup of egg nog another quick swirl via the rotation of a wrist. "Perhaps I will have to hold another karaoke night soon. It's always fun to see people drink too much, get full of liquid courage, and then sing their little hearts out off key with the confidence of a superstar." She looks genuinely impressed when Iseul mentions some of the things she does. "It sounds like you have quite the exciting life, with all kinds of opportunities."
Euphemia casts her eyes around the room, before quietly pushing herself to her feet and clutching her mug with both hands. "Thank you for coming out with me." She murmurs to Iseul as she passes, reaching down to brush her palm over the smaller woman's arm. With one gentle pat of the shoulder, she slinks towards the entrance without another word, carrying her cocoa along with her.
"Probably spending too much time on the fucking internet. Who does that? Plays video games all day in their free time or looks up porn?" Novel seems to have settled into some sort of tempo with the ambient music. His foot-stomping is now on point and not landing on Colton's feet anymore. But it's still slightly arrhythmic, just enough to be aggravating. His forehead pinches in forehead. "The fuck is an Omegaverse? Gay dudes give anal and blowjobs just like anyone else. And I'm not getting anything jabbed into my dick again. Twice was enough." What an... /interesting/ life he's led. He's the one in the dark, though, at the reference, though in spite of everything - he genuinely seems to be enjoying the dance?
"Yeah..." Lilian's eyes follow Euphemia out of the door and she sighs before turning to give Janette, Jayanth, Iseul and Harriet a small waggle of her fingers. "I'm gonna let Maddie take me home. You guys have fun okay?" She murmurs as she slips from her stool, offering her arm to Madeline.
Emmelline waves to all those leaving. "Get home safely!," she calls in a friendly manner.
"Hey Soph and Fi. Thanks for hosting!" Lilian calls out across the bar.
Madeline takes Lilian by the arm, giving a light good-bye wave to the rest of the remaining party-goers. "It's been fun, I'll see you all later!"
Eliana emerges from the bathroom, of all places, with Lochana in tow and hair a mess. The first order of business is to make her way to the bar to order a drink. She smiles down at Lochana, wondering, "Tea?" as they arrive.
"Oh I've seen some stuff go down at the succubus," Jayanth chuckles on his way back to the bar, handing Janette a plate and then another to Emmelline. "You can watch both of us first then try if you're feeling brave. If not, that's more chocolate for me without having to get back up for it. It's a win win."
Emmelline chortles at Jayanth's words, as she takes the plate, and trades it for his drink which she hands back to him. 'Fine, but if there are weird side effects, I warned you," she tells the man. "Since you're feeling so brave, even after my story.""
Lochana wanders back out of the bathroom folding hand-in-hand with Eliana. Her pale skin is a little flushed but there's also a mild edge of frustration in her too-blue eyes and a sullen pout set on her lips. Still, she settles down at the bar obediently, tucking her chin into her palms and glancing at Eliana. "Tea, please."
"You're just making me hope it has chilly," Jayanth snickers.
Iseul admits to Harriet, "I not able drink yet.. Soon. I never realize America's age for drinking is so high! Back home we are able to go buy drinks the year we turn nineteen. So if my birthday was December, twenty twenty five, I can still buy drinks in January. But here.. I have to be twenty one!" She give a light puff and pout. "Soon is my birthday though, I born on January first... Pardon..." When Euphemia comes past her, she stops talking and gets up from her spot to chase her down, giving a light hug, "Thank you for making the dress and coming with me too. When you get home, text me okay? I will have my phone with me and talk with you all you want." She lets the woman go not to spill her tea, showing of her white teeth in a bright smile then goes to sit down again, finishing up her thought. "Yes. That would be so fun though, if you can host another night, if able to, I will so come."
"You mock my pain," Emmelline says making a face at Jayanth's words. "I don't know how I feel about being friends with someone who mocks me. I am questioning all life decisions," she says, her tone definitely teasing and overdramatic to make it clear she isn't serious in the least.
Eliana wrinkles her nose mirthfully at Lochana, leaning in to whisper something as she passes the smaller woman her tea once the order has been met.
Jayanth's eyes widen in surprise and a smile spreads over his face. "Well what'll you know. It actually does have spiced... something in it, don't eat the devil bit," he tells Emmelline. "The rest is fine I swear."
Janette accepts the plate with a suddenly sceptical look at Jayanth, but carefully forks up a bit of the treat regardless. "If he's lying I'll kick him for you," she promisses the other woman as she brings the fork up to her lips and takes a tentative bite.
Euphemia nods, momentarily turning around to embrace the other woman as Iseul's arms curl around her slender figure. Her smile softens, and she sets her cocoa aside, pulling Iseul close, and resting her head on the woman's shoulder. "...I'll be out for a while." Euphemia admits, turning to press her lips to Iseul's forehead in a moment of affectionate thanks. "You have fun, okay? It is good to get out. Open yourself up to people. Just be careful, like I mentioned. Okay?"
Harriet takes in all that Iseul has to say and she nods along. "Yes, the states have quite different rules, unfortunately," she sympathizes. "But happy upcoming birthday to you, Iseul. Will you be holding a party?" gets wondered next of the Korean. Next, she's asking Janette, "How do we ever know if he's lying? What if it is simply his bad memory, and he doesn't know?" She smirks.
Lochana straightens up when her tea arrives, leaning to listen to Eliana's whisper then returning one back to her, seeming a touch confused. But she satiates herself with her favourite of Haven drinks, sipping from the straw as she glances around at the others at the bar then over to the dance floor.
"In fairness," Colton says, lifting Novel's hand up high and then twirling himself beneath it like a princess, "There's a good chance those books were left behind by the old owner of your place, I guess. But still. You knew what I was talking about. Worse, I knew what /you/ were talking about." He lifts his hand up high again and steps back, lifting his eyebrows at Novel. Twirl, Novel, twirl.
And then Fiona's just gotta go opening her mean girl mouth, and Colton lets out an unimpressed grunt.
Emmelline chortles at Jayanth's words. "Yeah see? Painful!," she exclaims, stretching out the word painful, into two separate syllables. "Full of pain!," she says laughing at her own antics.
Eliana can't suppress a soft giggle at Lochana's reaction, shaking her head, "I will make it clear later." she promises Lochana with a hint of mischief. She follows Lochana's gaze toward the dance floor then, tilting her head, "Do you want to go for a bit more dancing?" she wonders.
"You people are horrible," Jayanth declares in a deadpan tone between bites.
Sophie also refuses to acknowledge whatever Colton just said about her reading material, notably.
Sophie showstat'd the wrong ability.
"Oh... Text me anyways! That way I know you are safe!" Iseul calls out to Euphemia, lifting her phone as she wiggles it at Euphemia, "I will be safe, the only thing I can get drunk off is of sugar! So it is okay." She gives a sure and firm nod towards Euphemia giggling softly into her hand. She looks back to Harriet, once more, "Hmm. Not sure, not really sure if I want to. I not really know anyone here, too well besides Euphie and Kim." Saying in a softer tone. "Maybe do something on that day and go out with them?" She shrugs, "So right now no, no party for me right now. Just maybe have fun time sleeping in." Her blue eyes travel towards the others in the bar, as they talk.