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.
"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?"
"Yes, I did enjoy my evening there...it was then I met Mathias."
She smiled up at the handsome man at her side.
"You do have extraordinary tastes Suki. I must find out from you later, where you happened to find that beautiful dress. The two of you exude such glamor...I feel a little more than silly, by comparison."
And though she was normally quite secure in herself, knowing her outfit was last minute, and possibly a little too revealing, Shay was hit with a slight case of the doubts. She hoped Mathias didn't see her insecurities though. She was glad to be here with him, and would have come nude if that had been her only option.
And now that Shay was able to actually look at Suki, she noticed the girl seemed familiar.
"Did I see you at the House of Pain that night as well?"
Had she been one to offer her a drink?
Feeling just a teeny bit off, Shay leaned closer into Mathias's side, seeking the strength she seemed to gather from his presence.
Mathias wrapped his arm around Shay's waist,feeling her warmth. "My dear Shay is far too modest. I am the lucky one to have such a beauty in my life."
Looking at the smaller man,Mathias gave him a smile. "The House of Pain is an interesting place. Almost like a mirror image of nature. Predators and Prey - it's important to know your place,eh?"
Suki watched Cyrus shake hands with Mathias politely. Since they were standing side to side, with her left hand upon his back, she but could feel the tension that tightened his muscles. Wondering why she almost missed the conversation.
"Oh, Thank you. I found a lovely vintage shop it was quite fun picking out just the right outfit without being too fancy." She admired the guts it took to wear nothing but what appeared to be a teddy and hose to a party where you don't know anyone. Suki herself was much too reserved around strangers to do so.
"I am a waitress at the HoP, I think I recall you. Did you have on a feather boa?" Resolving not to giggle, she strove to smile serenely. Most people wearing boas to the House of Pain were effeminate males looking for a good time. Shay certainly was a daring woman.
"Really? Well Germany is almost as good as being from Austria so we might have been neighbors."
He still had pride in his homeland but it was funny how being so far away from home that any mention of anything close to it sounded so pleasant. Looking down at his feet and then back up and Serena, Jan raised his eyebrows and grinned.
"Well its a good thing I have on the right footware then. They aren't steel toed boots but close. I just hope I don't step on yours!"
Keeping his hands appropriate, Jan pulled Serena a little closer, finding the rhythm of the music and then beginning to move to it.
"I tend to muddle through clothing choices well enough on my own. Though Suki does have excellent taste." Being rather fond of hand tailored clothing seemed to keep him well dressed. At least that's what the ladies always told him they liked about him, his penchant for soft leather pants and silk shirts had the ladies petting him often.
Thinking of the similarities between hunting and the HoP gave the leopard quite a chuckle. "Similar but not exact. Predators have no need to pick off the old or slow in a pack. Seems some have the ability to go straight for the prime and have their fill."
Cyrus did not begrudge the other man picking up a woman on the night he was prowling for some. Since if he recalled the night correctly, he got to eat his fill on young sweet flesh. Plus he did not get entangled in what appeared to be a budding relationship. Meals should be kept as such in his opinion.
Keeping step pretty well, in her opinion, Serena laughed softly. Miss Germany? Well yes and no. I grew up on the US military base there which I do *not* miss, but we did get to go into town some. It was beautiful, and the people were very friendly really. Most Europeans are, I've found. She nodded, motioning she was including Jan in that statement and grinned.
Feeling a little better now that she'd managed not to fall on her face (or his) Rena began to relax. 'See you can do this, a civil conversation and not break anyone's foot!' She cocked her head and studied him a moment.
So, what brought you to Nachton all the way from Austria?
Jan enjoyed the music and the dancing; Serena was under estimating her skill by a long shot and he decided he had no reason to fear for his feet. Pondering her question, he answered truthfully enough.
"My father decided to come here. It was the way business was headed and so here we are. I'm glad you think we're friendly. I think most people like foreigners despite whatever current political opinion is going on at the time. We are less friendly to each other but put on our best act for strangers."
He grinned at her. In truth his childhood long ago had been over run with not so friendly people but he didn't feel ill will towards his country, it was the same story of poor people everywhere.
"As far as Nachton... that's where his boss wanted him to go. How bout you?"
"I like dressing slightly unique...wearing that one thing that people wouldn't expect of me. I know...I like the attention...what can I say. Though that night will always be a special one, and I may have that boa to thank for it."
She listened as Mathias and Cyrus spoke and she continued to smile, though it was a result more of feeling Mathias's arm around her, then the things he and Cyrus were talking about. A lot of innuendos seemed to be flying by, but Shay gave up trying to follow them. There were too many things going on, and she was still getting a slightly uneasy feeling from Cyrus.
She slipped her own arm through the side of the chain mail Mathias wore, and rubbed her hand across his back. She watched the cowboy and the woman in the shiny hot black number dance, and wanted to be out there with them.
"I'll get back with you later then, on the whereabouts of that store?"
She reiterated to Suki.
"But for now I'm going to steal my man away, and dance some more."
And with that she smiled up at Mathias, and hoped he didn't mind.
Mathias gave Shay a smart ass grin. "It's a burden I must bear...not easy being this desirable" Amazing how comfortable he felt around Shay. It was like they covered for the others weaknesses and complimented one another. "Cyrus,Suki - it was a pleasure" Mathias did not enjoying speaking falsely..well it wasn't entirely false - Suki seemed nice enough,if overly smitten with Cyrus. Mathias wished he could pinpoint what about Cyrus bothered him..he did not like vague threats. They made their way over to the dance area and Mathias acknowledged the couple dancing there.The music was somewhat more fast paced than he was accustomed to,but Mathias kept up nicely with Shay. "Thank you hon,I'd had my fill of Cyrus' charm. My man eh? I think I rather like the idea of being a kept man" He smiled lightly at Shay as his eyes roamed over her cat suited body hungrily.
"It's a burden I must bear...not easy being this desirable"
"That might be funny, it it wasn't so true."
She said under her breath, as she waited. He was far and above desirous. If she didn't know better, she might think she was bewitched. It was just so very different for her...to feel so many things, for a man she'd basically just met, and yet felt as if she'd known forever - almost.
The faster music was fun, and in the outfit she wore, Shay had complete freedom to move...and she did. But once she got the fact across that she did dance well, she went back to concentrating on Mathias. He was the reason she wanted to dance...not to show of her skills. And as if on cue, the music slowed, and she melted against him. The chain mail was still annoying, but she found if she moved 'with' him, and not against him, it was a lot less so.
Mathias
"Thank you hon,I'd had my fill of Cyrus' charm. My man eh? I think I rather like the idea of being a kept man"
"And I like the idea of keeping you..." She put out a very exagerated purr, as she snuggled into his shoulder, and spoke softly into his ear. She still didn't feel right about asking him to move in with her though, or her statement might have continued on. It was an inner war that she didn't believe she'd resolve tonight.
"Yes, Cyrus effects me a little strangely as well...and that's not in a good way, either. I had felt that the night at the House of Pain, and wanted to see tonight if it had been just some strange, but fleeting intuition. Still strange, but not fleeting. I think I'll keep a wide berth of him."
And that was enough talking about another man. The only man she wanted any thoughts of, was the one she was now teasing with her lips upon his ear.
Mathias growled softly as Shay continued her delicious torment of him. "Keep that up dear and we may have to make an early exit from the party" He placed her hand so Shay could know exactly the effect she was having.
"I wonder where our hosts are,we really didn't get a chance to meet them"
Nyra stood inspecting the Ship in a Bottle, happily sipping the fruity drink Connie had gotten for her. She was quite taken with the ship and its beautiful construction. She could almost imagine it larger, wind blowing it upon a storm tossed sea, sails billowing. She wanted to take it out of the bottle and see if the sails did blow but she knew that was not possible. Maybe Connie could tell her where to get one not inside the glass.
Knowing she should return to her own loft and hostess, Nyra promised herself just another minute inspecting the door prize.
Connie looked around for Nyra as she was left alone near the island with Suki and Cyrus. To the couple she said, "Feel free to wander over to the Gypsy Tent if either of you get hungry. There's a restroom over there as well in case this one becomes occupied. Though it's not soundproof."
With a wink at Suki and an appraising glance at Cyrus, she requested, "Excuse me for a few moments, please, I need to check on the Gypsy Queen." As she watched Nyra with the ship-in-the-bottle, an idea percolated its way into her head. An idea for another great date... And was subsequently quashed by the very simple fact that Connie - as a vampire - couldn't be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time.
She prevented herself from sighing aloud and instead watched Nyra for a few moments, revelling in her lover's appreciation of art.
Quietly she came up behind Nyra and gently placed her hands a finger's width away from the artist's, and whispered, "We still have a couple guests to whom we haven't been introduced, and over four hours left in the party. As much as I'd love to take you over to your tent, Sunshine, we do have jobs to do as hostesses."
"Thanks Captain. I shall keep that in mind." Grinning wolfishly at the pirate before turning to Suki.
"Food?" Cyrus looked at his familiar questioningly. He highly doubted Connie meant the kind of food he was most happy with but he could hope. Some of the things displayed here spoke of either a fanatic collecter or vampire with a penchant for keeping souviners. Since he did not recognize her he would rather not reveal himself at this juncture.
After getting refreshed drinks the coupled walked over to the other loft in search of food.
Her breath caught in her throat when she felt Mathias under his costume. She was delighted she had that effect on him, but was still getting used to him having that effect on her.
Afraid her face would betray her desires, Shay kept turned in towards Mathias as she spoke again.
"I believe Connie and Nyra must be in the other apartment, shall we go join them there?"
It was terrible of Shay to think, but she really was quite content to remain where she was. Though she also recognized that if she did, it would just become more difficult to remain chaste.
Taking a deep breath, once her heart had stopped pounding, she moved ever so slightly away from Mathias.
"Sounds excellent love, shall we then?" Although he liked the idea of Shay touching him,he understood how..inconvient it could be. Perhaps she would be ready to leave soon. As fun as the party has been,Mathias definitely wanted to be alone with her..soon. Letting Shay lead him on he enjoyed the view of her backside swaying. ((Mathias out,waiting on Shay))
Taking his hand in hers, she walked out of the 'pirate' decorated flat, and into the one next door. She could feel his eyes on her, but resisted doing anything to tease. There would be plenty of time for that later.
However, once they got to the other apartment, there was no sign of Connie and Nyra.
Serena watched Jan as he spoke. He really was quite cute, she decided. And he danced really well. She felt comfortable and relaxed and knew his skill was a big contribution to that fact. 'This is nice.. see, you can jump from moving planes and off bridges so you shouldn't be afraid of a little dancing!'
At his question, Serena paused before answering. I think.. well the largest reason is I got a sweet job offer from Dubine Industries here. Plus this was one of the few parts of the country I hadn't lived in, and I like new places. And the nightlife here is infamous! 'You can say that again,' she smirked to herself. So many reasons, I couldn't say no.
Jan raised his eyebrows at Serena's place of business. Duibne, hmm? Well she could be human and not know but that was interesting. He could be talking to one of his own kind. Smiling, he tilted and laughed.
"Funny you should mention Duibne. That is the company my father works for. Simon Huntington, know him?"
He smirked at the comment on the nightlife, figuring she was a vampire as well. It might explain the costume, it seemed to be a thing with some of them to dress as the Hollywood versions of themselves and halloween would be the perfect time to play that sort of internal joke getting a chuckle out of looking like the vampires humans expected to see..
"Yes, the shops and things being open 24 hours is very convenient to some. I find myself up at all kinds of crazy times of the day while working on a piece of music so I'm likely to wander out at off hours looking for something to eat."
Jan moved one hand away from Serena long enough to tip his hat back to hang behind him on the leather thongs. Shaking his head slightly to loosen the pressed feeling that hair got after being under a hat, he replaced his hand and leaned closer now that he didn't have to worry about the brim being in the way.
"So, I'm curious, what do you do for Duibne, if you don't mind me askin?"
Yeah.. I've heard of him. She didn't think anything of it since Simon's name had been mentioned a time or two in passing and she'd seen his IDs in the database. Just another higher level executive she figured. 'Probably a familiar, it seems like all the muckety-mucks around there are. Especially if he came here from Europe for the job.. hmm.. If his Dad is a familiar..I wonder just how much Jan here knows about D.I.'s other.. interests.' Smiling, she filed that thought away to pursue if the chance came while she listened to him continue.
I'm in the IT department. I usually work in network and database admin but with a couple guys being out for vacation and 'maternity' leave, we've all been jumbled around and some how I ended up working support desk. And I really don't see why a guy needs to take off when his wife's the one who spit out a kid but since no one asked me, She shrugged and rolled her eyes. Sucks. The new hours seriously cut into my nightlife enjoyment..
Wait.. you're a musician? What kind of music do you do.. compose or perform?
