Connie and Nyra's Halloween Party - 29A (Connie's Loft)
The usually naked steel of 29A's sliding door has been covered with a Jolly Roger-style black pirate flag. Standing open, the door allows entrance into the loft proper. A small table stands at the center of the landing between the two apartments, and a burly security guard sits behind it. He wears the patch of Nachton Security. A sign reads: Pumpkin Contest, Judging 12AM. Costume Contest, Judging 1AM.
Flags of several countries - notably Spain, France, Portugal, England, and Italy - are hanging at equidistant points on the walls around the loft. Old Glory hides the bed, which has been moved adjacent to the bathroom, and any coats or extra paper plates or similar supplies upon it. Artistically false swords dangle above head-height, some eight or ten feet to the lowest from the ceiling. Some small sailing ship models hang above the dancing area. Skulls and rolls of parchment are perched on some tables throughout the space. Flickering candles and brass oil lamps have replaced the light fixtures in the room. The bathroom door has two "masts" to either side, complete with partial "sails".
The corner where the bed stood, at the northeast side of the apartment, is cordoned off partially with a sign that reads, "Fer Dems that Wants to Dance." Soft music is playing at the moment, but a music selection including a Halloween-themed CD, as well as the soundtracks for Pirates of the Caribbean, The Goonies, Beetlejuice, and other similar scary or pirate movies has been queued for playing. Other contemporary dance music has been mixed in as well.
The stairs to the "office" have been blocked with a sign reading, "Here Ye Find Death, Should Ye Pass." A table constructed specifically to stand upon the stairs holds a rather intricate Ship in a Bottle - painted with the name Black Pearl - and is denoted with the sign, Door Prize #2. A tiny machine sits at the corner of the "office;" every ten minutes or so it sprays a concoction which is hypoallergenic, but has a scent not unlike that of a sea breeze.
One path around the island is blocked off, and the counter to one side has been stocked with all manner of booze. A bartender stands ready to serve; she is dressed in a plain - but revealing - tavern wench outfit. An ice tray stands next to her, shaped like the hull of a sailing ship.
The blue corduroy couch and loveseat have been moved just to the side of the entrance, facing the "dance area." They have been covered by black sheets and plastic - for safety's sake. Soft chairs are piled in the right-hand corner for folks to sit upon.
An attractive, medium-height woman, almost unrecognizable in her costume, mingles among the guests. A deep red bandana with a tiny sun icon at the front is tied tightly about her head, and her right eye is covered with a velvet red eyepatch. Two "scars" stretch from each of her ears to her jaw very close to her blood-red lips. Burgundy jacket hanging from her shoulders, sleeves extending to mid-forearm with wide cuffs. The jacket is unbuttoned and displaying copious amounts of flesh and cleavage, her breasts pushed up and together by a white leather corset. Baggy black pantaloons are held up by a wide leather belt, from which hangs an old-style single-shot pistol, a compass, a rapier, and a three-point black hat. The hat has a pewter sun medallion on it; the peace-tied hilt of the sword has half of a sun profile built into it. Pantaloons are hanging just above the edge of calf-high black leather boots, whose heels seem to be holding the wearer three inches higher than usual.
Connie's loft is awash with colors of navy and sea blue, deep black, blood red and pure white. A light shines on each and every flag, but the atmosphere is lit mostly by candles and lamps.
Shaking her head, Connie smiled. "No, I'm not an artist, I just enjoy history. I'm actually an accountant for one of the companies in town."
(( Hectic day at work, sorry for the cheap reply ))
"Wait till we get home, you will roar my dear kitty."
Thankful the others were conversing amongst themselves, Shay turned in his arms, and looked at Mathias, one eyebrow raised, and a small smirk on her face.
'God it was great to have someone so...yummy...interested in her.' She thought, and she did a short imitation of a 'purr'...just for his ears.
"And you my great knight...we will find something for you to do with your lance, yes?"
It was too bad his costume was metal, though Shay managed to find a way through it on the sides, with her hands, and now rested her hands on his hips. She swayed back and forth, half to the music playing, and half to the rhythm in her head.
And just as quickly, a thought popped into her head.
"Mathias...what is your last name?"
For the most part people only seemed to introduce themselves with their first names...at least here in Nachton. Which Shay had found odd initially, but was quickly becoming accustomed to. However, never had she been intimate with someone who's last name she had no knowledge of. And while it really didn't matter in the long run, nor would not knowing it alter her immediate course with Mathias...it seemed proper that she should know.
Pulling a card from his pocket as he had yet to slip one back up his sleeve. He handed it to the distinguished looking man, Cyrus he said his name was. "We have a wide variety of Art for sale should you be looking to add just the right touch to your new place here."
Taking a polite sip and looking around, Bertrand continued on. "Lovely party these ladies are throwing, simply lovely. And I have it on good authority that the prizes are fabulous. Created by Nyra, our host."
At the mention of pumpkin painting, Cyrus was glad to have a quick out to evade the droning of Mr. Hirsch. Though his smile was polite, he kept plotting on how to dispose of the larger man's body.
Giggling, she smiled at him and Connie. Sorry to interrupt, I couldn't help myself.
"Mathias...what is your last name?"
And of course it was too good to last. "Well she does deserve it,Old Man..since you love her and all" his internal monologue mocked.
"I can't believe I haven't told you that dear...you must think me a cad." And to be honest he HAD forgotten..he had gone so long simply by Mathias it hadn't occurred to share it.
"My name is Mathias Piortyvich Alexandrei,and I am completely yours"
"Mentioned you are a bloodsucking creature of the night who is also a contract killer?" "Ok,so I haven't been completely open..it's not like I have lied to her" "Well that will be a comfort when she finds out...and you KNOW she will..." "Can we not have this conversation?" For an internal monologue,the voice was damned pushy
Dipping Shay before pulling her into a soft kiss,Mathias smiled softly at Shay "Having a good time dearheart?"
"I can't believe I haven't told you that dear...you must think me a cad.
My name is Mathias Piortyvich Alexandrei, and I am completely yours."
Listening to his name, as it rolled off his tongue, she noticed just a hint of his accent. Normally she didn't hear it at all, but as he spoke names more common to where he was born, it became more pronounced.
She liked his name...and was glad it was one she could pronounce herself, without murdering it. Hearing him say it also reminded her that he hadn't grown up in the states...and she assumed this accounted for his slightly more formal mannerisms. Shay adored them...him, his name, the whole package.
And again he intimated his feelings when he committed himself to her. Though she knew it to be a figure of speech, she believed it of him. She didn't see Mathias as being that cavalier with those kinds of words.
"Mathias Piortyvich Alexandrei..."
She stumbled just a tiny bit, over his middle name...slowing down to make sure she enunciated it properly...and blushed a little because of it. She said his last name strongly, and then kissed him...soundly...just because she wanted to.
"No...not a cad...we've just been somewhat preoccupied with other matters, since meeting. But, it seemed appropriate...with as close as we've grown...that I know...who was sharing my bed."
And, as much of their conversation was proceeding, the last bit she spoke, was for him, alone. And she turned from him, before she kissed him again, and forgot they were in a room full of other people. She took hold of his hand though, and began tugging him towards the bar.
"I am having a most wonderful time, but now I think I will have something to drink. I'm sorry, but I find mead isn't really my preference, unless I'm sipping it from your lips."
She glanced back up at him touched the tip of her tongue to her top lip, and winked.
"Well we can't all be artists and we can't all be accountants, I suppose, certainly not me anyway. I can count my own money but that's about it and I hear it isn't difficult to count what you don't have much of."
He wasn't entirely broke but far from rolling in excess. Jan didn't make a whole lot doing gigs at the club. It was barely enough to eat on and continue keeping up the equipment and wardrobe but this was easily supplimented by his other skills and living at the Domicile made the cost of room and board yet another thing he didn't have to worry about.
Jan turned and eyed the gothic vision that walked up next to them. She knocked back her vodka shot with a satisfied sound and then turned their way. Grinning at her greeting, he tipped his hat to her.
"And a good hello to you too, ma'am. I must say you look a might dangerous in that dress."
He tilted his head to the side and eyed her from under the edge of the brim.
"I always did enjoy danger."
Leaning back to Connie, he added in a whisper.
"You'll bail me out if she bites, won't you, Cap'n?"
Dread Pirate Connie picked up a pair of white cloth napkins and held one each to Jan and Serena. "If either of ye be tirin' of the other's company, or at least need a break of somethin' or need somethin' to be broken, jus' be holdin' up one of these here flags and, battle or love notwithstandin' I'll come arunnin' to address ya needs. An' if either of ye be usin' the flag, the other canna take offense!"
"So,what kind of art does Shay like? Talking to Bertrand has got me thinking." Perhaps he should talk to Nyra a bit more, see what media she works in. Cost wasn't prohibitive - the selected jobs he took usually paid quite well and Mathias wasn't one to fritter away money on luxuries. Maintain his weapons,keep a decent wardrobe and fund his research - that was all he required.
We could track down Nyra,see if she would be interested in a commission..or should we talk to Bertrand about that?"
We...how odd. Two letters that meant so much more.
"I can't believe you remembered."
But she gladly accepted the scotch, and sipped.
"Shaaaaay....likes a lot of styles..."
She teased him, for speaking as if about someone else.
"Pollack, O'Keefe, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas...art to me, is something you feel. When I see something I like...I just know it...I feel it. Instead of asking Nyra about a commission, why don't we make a point of visiting the gallery soon, and seeing some of the things she's already done."
Shay hoped Mathias would consider her suggestion. She thought the sculpture in the apartment next door was very interesting, but until she saw Nyra's style with painting, she didn't want to commit to anything.
"What kind of art do you prefer?"
She also didn't miss the reference to 'we'...it was the way she was beginning to think, as well. In fact...well...a part of her wondered if Mathias really needed to find a place of his own...or...
"Do you think you might be able to get some time off in the next day or so?"
No...it was too soon to think about things that seriously.
Mathias sighed,her next question was harder to answer and led down a road he was unsure he was ready for. How do you explain not having 'days' off? How do you explain that daylight period would kill you?
"Sadly no, in fact I'm going to be very busy the next couple of weeks. I'm sorry dear - I wish I could get away." He kissed Shay gently,holding her close. He WAS sorry - Mathias could think of nothing better than spending all his time with Shay,but it was not practical or wise right now. Especially as she didn't know what he was.
"Oh well...I know how work can be. I guess I'll just have to fill my time with the book...And I really should make a trip to New York...I've things to work out with my publisher once the next book is released...to get prepared for this new book."
Beginning to question the brilliance of becoming so involved with Mathias so fast, was now becoming a valid concern. She should be able to enjoy his company as it was given, and not fall apart in between times. So she pretended it wasn't as big a deal as it really felt.
'Do not choke him, Shay...give the man some breathing room, before you send him off for good.' Words of wisdom filtered through her head, and she knew they were wise words. She just hoped they weren't so difficult to adhere to.
She sipped her scotch again, and then had another idea...
"On the off chance you are able to tear yourself away for even a little bit, maybe I'll ask Bertrand if he'll keep the gallery open a little later some night...and we can have a private showing?"
She looked up at him hopefully.
"I will make the time dear - Nights may be easier to work anyhow"
No more running Mathias,you promised
"So..shall we mix and mingle,or do we let the adoring hordes come to us?"
Taking the napkin from Connie, Serena grinned at the piratess. I think I can accept those terms. I don't want to be keel hauled or something equally dreadful now, Captain.
By the way, my name's Serena. Holding out her hand to Jan, Rena gave him a dazzling smile. So tell me stranger.. what's your name?
Waiving over the bartender as she waited, she ordered up another shot.
"So..shall we mix and mingle,or do we let the adoring hordes come to us?"
Shay giggled softly at his question.
"You are the only adoring horde I'm interested in...but I would like to greet that well dressed man in the double breasted suit. I want to let him know I enjoyed watching him dance at the House of Pain. It was quite a show, I assure you."
And though she hadn't voiced it, Shay got odd vibes from this guy...she had the night at the club, and was getting them again tonight. She assumed her imagination was working overtime, and had she been alone she never would have approached the man. But with Mathias beside her, she felt the need. Not all the people she met and spoke with were going to be carbon cutouts of friendliness and accommodation. But she needed different types of personalities in her book. It was research...pure and simple.
Her hand in his, she squeezed, and pulled him along slowly.
"Hello, this is Mathias, and my name is Shay...I wanted to tell you both how distinguished you look in your costumes."
She smiled at the girl with the man, and then at the man, himself.
"And to also let you know, I saw you dancing at the House of Pain the other night...you looked like you were having a very enjoyable evening."
"Yer a mighty fine Captain Connie. I see you have ways of settlin the disputs on the ship before the ruckus breaks out."
Regarding Serena, he grinned sheepishly and shook her hand.
"Well, ah, actually its not very western I'm afraid. Johannes but everyone around here calls me Jan."
He took another sip of his wine and looked around. Turning back to Serena, Jan asked.
"Well, Little Lady, care to dance?"
The little lady looked to be about the same height as him normally so the term hardly qualified in that respect but he had a part to play at the moment.
Glancing at the dance floor and at Jan, Serena bit her lip. Sure, but I have to admit.. I am a seriously sucky dancer. Your feet have been warned!
((OOC permission to move her to the dance floor, or stay at the bar if you prefer ))
"I am Cyrus and my lovely companion is Suki. She picked out our costumes so all praise goes to her. The House of Pain is an enjoyable place. Did you enjoy your evening there?"
Since he generally found the place a veritable smorgasbord it was a good bet he enjoyed himself completely. Suki helped him out immensely.
He offered his hand to Cyrus. "I find that it is the female of the species with taste and decorum. Left to our own,we men are lucky to dress ourselves. Eh Cyrus?"
Bowing to Suki, he smiled "Your taste in clothing is to be admired,and accentuates you and your compatriot" His thumb rubbed the inside of Shay's hand. While Suki was pretty,no woman could compare to the vision standing next to him.