The incredibly shy Ionia didn't know how she was going to manage to grow a thicker skin, but she gave her brother another look of reproach. However, it was clear that she loved her sibling, no matter how troublesome he might be. "It's easy for you to say - you have scales. I didn't even get Mom's bark." Although whether that was a marking or actual bark was hard to say. Narcise certainly seemed to have a thicker skin. Ionia didn't know where she'd inherited her thin one from.
Don't worry about it or him, Io, Sir Hiss said supportively, and gave Kaiser another glare. But Ionia felt comforted, even if Sir Hiss didn't need to fuss about her like this. She appreciated it all the same.
"Ah... I suppose we're having fun," Io said shyly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "Um. I think I've seen her before, but I don't think we've properly met." Adoette was, after all, a Lhiannan. They shared a clan, close enough that Nyoka had fallen in love with Adoette. Sir Hiss watched Adoette with a curious gaze. Perhaps he hadn't noticed her before, but Ionia certainly had.
Ruriska
ziennia_zen
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 1:45 pm
How long had it been since he had gotten lost in his studies? A blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things but Lazarus knew that time had swept along for mortals. He vaguely recalled making a bit of a showing at a similar party but had that really been his last social outing? Someone had found a new tome and Lazarus had promptly locked himself in his private study to pull out the secrets. Yet he had been advised, a certain blue-haired fae had shown up to nearly yell at him about needing to be present at this party, that he needed to be here. So he was. Dressed in all black with his hair tied back from his face. Laz felt a little naked without his hood but that likely made him less known than the mask he was wearing. Very few saw him out of his robes and accessories in this manner.
He held a drink in one hand and currently stood off to the side of... well, he couldn't remember what part of the place this was either. Half his thoughts were still back with his tome. Laz took a sip and slowly eyed the room, wondering how long he had to be here before it would be considered acceptable to return to said tome.
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[Estelle]
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Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 2:20 pm
Noir Songbird
Isidora intended to impress. She might have joined the Clan of Kings on her mother's name, but that didn't mean she didn't intend to demonstrate she belonged there. And that meant networking. Meant getting to know people. Meant attending the party of the year, and celebrating the turn of the seasons surrounded by other vampires, with Astrophel by her side.
"It's too bad we can't get into the VIP room," she said, a little wistfully. All of the most interesting and powerful people would be there--far above the heads of two young vampires, of course, but that couldn't stop an ambitious girl from wanting.
"My mother is here, for certain," she said, though it was hard to guess in the crowd where she might be. "We'd probably avoid her if we headed to the East Wing. Clubs like that aren't her style. Which could be a good or a bad choice."
[Estelle]
From behind a black leather mask adorned with red and gold accents, Astrophel watched the party unfold about him. The Toreador mansion was certainly something to take in. While he had no problem fitting into these luxurious events these days, there were still times he felt out of place. A remnant of the time when he was a nobody with nothing to his name but his name. Before he had met the beauty by his side. He brushed the thought away with a toss of his head, his white hair falling with an unnatural grace around his mask.
With a familiar ease, he wrapped a long arm around his mate’s waist, pulling her close so he could place a gentle kiss to her the top of her head, smiling against her silky locks.
“You know I don’t have any problems with your mother.” The young vampire let out a soft chuckle as he dropped his voice, intending his next words for Isiadora only. “Though she may not be my biggest fan if she saw how I’d dance with you on the club floor…” With a squeeze to her hip, Astrophel put on his polished smile, the one he’d learned to present when rubbing elbows with the elite.
Just because he could manage in society, he couldn’t pretend he hadn’t grown up more wild than most of his now clan members. He had spent his fair time amongst the carefree masses in the clubs that catered to the Kindred.
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 3:31 pm
When Adoette had first met Nyoka, she had not expected to fall in love. He was after all a male, regardless of his lineage, and they’d never attracted her much. But Nyoka was different. His personality had rolled right over her, his beauty, his care. She was still a little bit mad about it.
She delicately placed her hand in his, her thumb swiping in an extra gentle caress. Her other arm came up instinctively to welcome Kaiser, giving him the softest of pets as she cooed, “Oh hello, I missed you so much.” Her gaze flicked teasingly to her mate and then back to the snake. “My life just isn’t the same without you there.”
And once Kaiser had been fussed over sufficiently, she turned her attention back to Ionia. Of course, they moved in the same circles but Adoette had never had the chance to meet her personally and it was quite important to her that Nyoka’s family thought well of her.
“It’s a pleasure to finally speak to you, even if the surroundings are,” she waved her hand dismissively to the party, “hardly ideal.” They’d be better off in a puddle of mud with the frogs for company. “Ionia and, I believe Nyoka has mentioned the esteemed Sir Hiss.” She nodded her head to the snake as well.
“You should both stop by my grove sometime. You would be most welcome there.”
ziennia_zen
Cheri
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Ruriska
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genovianprince
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Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 4:09 pm
Zao-xue really didn't want to be at this party, but he knew to turn the invitation down would be an insult, and he didn't wish to start any fights. He had to be a good Disciple, lead the clan in good directions. Starting petty fights because he'd rather read his books at home would be a rather stupid thing to do.
He opted to wear a lace-work mask, dyed purple, that seemed deceptively simple, with intricacies that only revealed themselves as one got up close. Purple was so far from his usual colors he wore—green, blue, white. Hopefully it would throw off anyone who tried to recognize him, tried to place his face, his body, the way it moved. He didn't want to talk to anyone if he could help it.
Unfortunately, the lounge he had prayed would be a refuge seemed to teem with life. Not a single table or bench was a completely empty space for him to slide into and pull out one of the books he'd brought with him under his costume. Sighing, he looked around the VIP area and tried to find the least populated table he could—ah. There. Someone completely alone. He could do that. If they were completely alone, they likely wouldn't be offended by him sitting by them and reading.
He approached the stranger with a slight nod of greeting, long tail curling around his leg. "May I sit with you?" he asked politely. If the person before him didn't desire any company at all, he could figure something else out.
Noir Songbird
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 4:48 pm
Wisteria sauntered into the mansion, a floral lavender mask affixed to her face, nearly blending with the shades of her irises as the lights of the party fell across her. The dress she wore tonight was even more salacious than usual. A pale champagne silk clung to her curves, tying loosely at the nape of her neck, the back plunging dangerously low. Her typical bangles had been swapped out for strings of black diamonds and pearls.
There was no way the Daeva elder was going to miss the biggest party of the year, and there was certainly no way she would show up looking anything less than flawless. She had even taken extra time to put glamorous waves into her hair so it cascaded down her bare back just so. The signature scent of her namesake flower floated off her as she took in the scene before her. She was familiar enough with the manor, but it seemed the Toreador had done some upgrades. New art. New decor. What must it be to feel so deeply for the art they hoarded?
Wisteria knew well enough that many of her age and rank would be heading to the West wing. Socializing with as much civility as they could. Usually trying to decipher each others secrets and plans. The Daeva had no interest in that. Her nearly imperceptible heart beat was already quickening as she headed boldly towards the East wing, planning to make her home in the more modern setting. Something about the music played in the clubs these days stirred something within her. The way all those bodies pressed together, sharing heat and friction. It almost made her feel alive. The strangers and the bass often filled that clawing emptiness that ate away inside her in the moments she couldn’t outrun.
Maybe luck would be on her side. Maybe someone would be interesting enough to capture her attention for the evening. If not, there were enough unaware mortals that one missing would likely go without notice if she took them to her bed. And by the morning, they would be dead and she would be left alone with the hallow again.
“Uta”
[Estelle]
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Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 7:13 pm
Espen grunted in response to her apology. Not likely to return one of his own, even if he had almost tromped all over her. The politeness in her voice seemed unnecessary but even then the Noiad Disciple wasn't all that polite himself with outsiders anyhow. And this one was definitely one of the outsiders.
Her accent was thick but he easily understood her as spoke, answering his question and then posing the same to him. While she may be from the Highlands, she certainly had the look and smell of a city dweller. Young ones these days didn’t seem to understand the joys of things outside of the city.
“The snowy mountains much farther North than you have probably traveled.” He eyed her and her companion bird for a few more brief seconds before stepping around her without another word and, drink in hand, continued on his way. Skirting around the edge of the party goers who seemed to part quickly before him as he moved through the crowd.
SpaceDadDisapproves
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 8:42 pm
Paris had heard about the masquarade thanks to his elder half brother, Avignon, who was a member of the hosting clan. He'd been here over a year ago, at least he thought it had been over a year ago, with his brother. Back then neither of them had been part of a clan, they'd both been living out in the woods together, but than Avignon had gone and joined clan Toreador. He had a feeling it was, in part, done to keep him safe as his brother knew some of what went on now. Paris though wasn't sure he'd fit in with a clan, certianly not Toreador, unlike his elder brother.
Speaking of Avignon they were the reason for the outfit, fancy and detailed as it was, that Paris was wearing. Avignon had made him a custom outfit, and mask to go with it, everything done in heavy velvet and brocade. It wasn't just fancy, though it most certainly was over the top, it was also nice and warm and that Paris could more than appreciate. Now if he could just find his brother to check in with him, let him know he was here, he prefered spending time at his brothers side - because he was safe.
Sleet Tempest Snape
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Sleet Tempest Snape
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Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 9:16 pm
"Am I really such poor company Finvarra?" The pale vampire questioned, almost sounding hurt by the others words, a hint of a smile playing across what features his mask allowed to be seen. Despite the costume he wore it was very hard to hide just what he was, just what clan he was a member of, and he was more than alright with such.
"Really? Even if it's whatever they would serve here? Nothing as good as what I've got back home, and I'm sure similar goes for yourself, but it would be nothing unsafe...just lacking." Since his own stock of blood was a mix of variouis sorts of blood, blended to perfection, he took his time in making the best blends for himself to partake. He was certain Finvarra did the same. Sadly, he was certain their hosts did no such thing, or at least not to the degree of which they did, at least the drinks were served in proper glasses....rather than from the neck.
"It wouldn't be rude of me to leave you to yourself this evening?" He questioned, though he certainly knew the answer. He knew very well how much Finvarra would like him gone from his pressence, he knew the other would infact prefer him eternally dead and gone, but he might as well ask just to be certain...and perhaps to have another go at the other as it were. He was enjoying this so very much but he really should get something to drink, and perhaps see if any more of his childe were here and not at their havens buried in their work.
Cheri
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 9:52 pm
Artis listened as the larger male spoke again, then blinks and watches as without another word, Espen stepped around her and continued further into the crowd of partygoers. "Well.... That was interesting, I suppose..." She looks around once again, then shrugs and decides she should maybe head back home since there didn't really seem to be much else that caught her attention. She came, she saw, she had an interesting encounter, and it was time to go. So, go she would, as she turns right around and heads back for the door she entered from.
* Fleur blinks at question, she never thought she asked that question. She smiles at this fae noticing how socially awkward she was. She gives her a sweet smile*" Yes I'm a quarter fairy or nymph. My grandma called her self a Veela. Are you fairy? Your beautiful. Have you been to this mansion before? Do you know my husband? He is hosting this party. I apologize for all the questions." * She takes a drink of her water and blushes. It was unusual that she met any that entered the mansion. She explored the ground but left her husbands business to him.*
foxbunni
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2024 9:11 am
Sleet Tempest Snape
Erato had arrived earlier in the evening, too excited about getting out to a formal event to worry about being "fashionably late." It was so rare that she actually pulled her nose out of a book to go and socialize, but she had to admit, it was nice to be out from under her father's watchful eye in the Cemetery. The black filigree mask rested carefully on her face, accenting the bright blue eyes that peered out from behind it. Nathan had said he would meet her here, but now she had concerns over having not arrived together. While she had been certain earlier in the night that she would recognize her mate anywhere, now that she was amongst the sea of finery and masks, she was worried.
Absentmindedly, she chewed her lip, smoothing her dress before realizing she was showing her nerves, quickly snagging a drink from a passing waiter, desperate for something to keep her hands occupied as she scanned the masses. She hadn't dared to head too deep into the mansion for fear Nathan wouldn't know where to find her.
It was as she relaxed in her spot by the staircase that she noticed a stark wave of black hair against white fur turn the corner into the manor and smiled. It wasn't Nathan, but it was certainly someone she would recognize anywhere.
"Orius! You didn't tell me you were coming tonight!" She called out to her eldest son, weaving her way through the newcomers and those lingering in the foyer to make her way to the other. Maybe it was louder than she thought, since he didn't seem to hear her call to him. Perhaps he wasn't expecting his mother to be here either.
For a moment, she wondered how much of her family might be here tonight. Certainly her father wouldn't be. This wasn't particularly his scene, and he didn't hold much stock in needing to associate with the other clans. That's why he'd had so many children. They could handle that. As one of his eldest children, Erato knew all too well how Ashur made use of his children. Clan alliances through arranged pairings. Strength through connections. She had initially been furious at her father for arranging with Baron Samedi, but he had been rather interesting after all, and had brought their clans into better standing with each other. Plus, after that, he had let her free to follow her heart.
Finally, she had made her way across the foyer, reaching a gloved hand out to tap a pale white shoulder gently. "Orius, did you not hear me?"
[Estelle]
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[Estelle]
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Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2024 9:25 am
When Dante had proposed coming to the Toreador Masquerade party, Recluse had initially scoffed and rolled his eyes. He had no interest in being crammed among the masses just to have a few drinks. But then his mate had pointed out that these kinds of events typically came with secrets slipping, which meant all kinds of intel. There was no arguing that point. Dante was right. So he had allowed him to procure a mask and a formal outfit for him to come to the party. Recluse didn't like it, the formal wear made it hard to move as quickly or easily, and the mask impaired his vision to much.
Why had he allowed Dante to convince him this was a good idea?
He tugged at the small skull shaped button at his throat, popping the top button. It made him feel a little better. Not as stuffy. While the masks did give them some anonymity, he was already itching to get it off of his face. Flexing his fingers, he shifted his weight before looking down at his mate.
"Well, this was your idea. Where to?" He asked, disinterestedly. Typically he preferred his assignments one on one. In dark spaces. This was more people than he preffered to be around.
Noir Songbird
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2024 9:43 am
In a sparkling neon-pink sequin gown, Selena stepped thru the doors of the mansion. She looked forward to this event every year, but this one was more exciting than any before - she was to meet her darling mate here. Behind her glitzy pink and black masquerade mask, her pale blue eyes danced and a smile tugged at the corners of her fanged lips. Not seeing Hwa anywhere yet, she seated herself elegantly upon a red-velvet chair and settled in to crowd watch for the time being as she eagerly awaited his arrival. Selena felt so at home in this manse, and unlike many other attendees, it always put her at ease to return each year. No matter what insanity took place in her life, or that of her long-grown sons', there was always one constant she could count on - the Toreador Party. And absolutely nobody threw a party like a Toreador. Sel grinned at the thought, wondering if Hwa had ever experienced it. She adored him and wanted to show him the world, including all of the finer things in life she was used to - he deserved that and more.
[Estelle]
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Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2024 9:48 am
nekoFayre
Faedra blushes, pleasantly surprised that this fae was willing to engage in conversation with a stranger, but, she supposed that was the point of parties was it not? "You are?" she tried to contain her excitement. "I am faeblooded yes - and I've not met many at all like myself so far beyond my 'family' and mate. This is my first time at this party," she giggled, still slightly intoxicated, "and no, who is your husband? He must be awfully important to be able to throw such an amazing party - and I heard it happens every year?" She looked around in amazement.
![[Estelle]'s avatar](https://a1cdn.gaiaonline.com/dress-up/avatar/ava/54/2f/21296b72122f54_flip.png?t=1726880146_6_11)
