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Connie and Nyra's Halloween Party - 29B (Nyra's Loft)

A burly security guard from Nachton Security sits behind a table at the top of the stairs. His table has signs announcing events planned at specific times as well as explanations of other events. The door prizes are described except for a closely guarded secret Grand Prize. Behind his table sits three pumpkins that can be won by putting your name into the bowl upon the table. These ceramic works of art are painted by the resident artist and are roughly the size of a volleyball. One depicts a graveyard with ghosts and zombies, another shows a spooky mansion complete with gargoyles and Gothic architecture, and the last has intricate dragons terrorizing knights in armor.

The door to 29B is obscured by a curtain made up of a multitude of thin strips of material. The torn and frayed edges are soft, most are braided together, making an illusion of a solid wall. Once through, the guest discovers they have entered a gypsy enclave.

Colorful lengths of fabric meet in the center of the ceiling and then spread out to the walls, giving the impression of the inside of a tent. Large pillows are scattered around the floor in conversation pieces, though there are two fabric draped couches for extra seating. There is an island covered in succulent dishes, edible arrangements of appetizers, fruit, vegetables and desserts. The attendant behind the island proffers water and sodas with your snack.

The bathroom is disguised by trees that almost reach the top of the glass brick wall. Atop the wall sit an array of colorful candles burning brightly.

There is a circle of cushions around a short table. Here you find the Pumpkin Painting contest in full swing. Each participant can paint their very own 5" diameter pumpkin with the array of items, from oils to watercolors with wide brushes to tiny. There are glitters, glue, googly eyes, pompoms and pipe cleaners in a wide assortment of colors. The small sign at the table reads: Door Prize #3 to the Winner of the Best Pumpkin Contest. Judging to be held at midnight.

The bronze sculpture in the middle of the table is labeled Door Prize #3. It is a dark piece, suitable for Halloween of a female figure floating upward as if her soul is rising to heaven, while beneath the figure is a broken skeleton. The piece is small for the artist, only twelve inches tall by eight inches long and five inches wide.

Another circle is a lovely gypsy woman applying Henna or paint upon any willing guests. Either to accent an outfit, help one that came uncostumed or to allow the guest to take home a fleeting reminder of their fun.

Nyra the host of 29B is standing near the circle of couches, greeting guests and chatting with friends. Her gypsy costume is so amazing it takes friends a moment to recognize her. Her head is covered by a bronze scarf which trails down her back. Her undershirt is a warm cream off the shoulder creation with long sleeves that are split open from the top of the shoulder to the wrist, but tied closed at the elbow. A deep burgundy waist cincher accents her curves and draws ones attention to the double skirts in honey underneath black. The tiara around her forehead jingles with gold coins, matching the bronze scarf similarly adorned around her waist. Her bare feet display burgundy toenails and gold bell anklets that jingle with her every step. Kohl makeup complete the effect, making her the perfect gypsy wench.

The loft is a spray of colors from bright yellow, warm gold, heady maroon, luscious burgundy, royal blue, emerald green and pitch black. The lighting is sufficient for each area to see clearly but dim for candles and the scattered brass lamps to look flickeringly atmospheric. The scent of sandalwood incense is noticeable but not overpowering.

Connie 19 years ago
Connie straightened her eyepatch - she was glad she got one that was mostly transparent, and she reminded herself to switch it during the course of the night - but when she saw her alarm clock blink over to 6:30 she wandered over to Nyra's harem.

Giggling as she passed the security guard - whose name, he said, was Jack - she leaned into the open portal.


"Arrr, matey, me brain be thinkin' yer harem be empty for not much longer!"
Nyra 19 years ago
Jingling as she walked over to her Pirate love, Nyra had to smile.

"Be careful wench, else ye will get caught up in the life and join me."

Eying her lover's corset with an appreciative eye, she inspected the outfit. Such small but vital touches made it frighteningly realistic. The sword and antique gun for one, but the pants seemed to make it all just click together. Amazing.

Though the artist could live without seeing fake scars upon her goddess, but some people could not let the holiday pass without some gore. With a laugh she leaned up and brushed a kiss just above each of those marks.


"Silly pirate, don't ye know how to duck a blow?"
Connie 19 years ago
"I did duck! Them sharpies were aimed fer me jugaller!"

Clearing her throat and grinning, she winked and said in her normal accent, "Where do you think I got the one on my lip from?"

Taking Nyra's hand, Connie whirled the gypsy around. "You look stunning, Nyra. I'll be hard pressed to keep from removing your costume from you, this is for sure."

Clearing her throat again, "Fer a pirate's wench, ye sure be havin' some mighty powerful lip! And tongue, for that matter!" Wiggling her eyebrow at Nyra, she looked around, her hand slipping to the shorter woman's waist, pistol smushed between them.

"Let's keep your place decorated like this, it's an interesting diversion."
Nyra 19 years ago
Nyra laughed at Connie's outrageous behavior. Silly woman! She did happily snuggle up to the pirate anyways. Though she was not keen on giving the staff a show.

"Its amazing isn't it? They will have to take most of it down unfortunately. Though I may keep the ceiling decorations. I like the tent illusion."

A brief squeeze of her love, then the artist released her and stepped back.

"Just where did you find all those old flags? I have never seen anything like the collection on display over there. Its amazing!"
Connie 19 years ago
"Most of them are originals," Connie stated offhandedly. Keeping the Old Glory maintained over the years had been difficult, though with the air-tight case she'd built a few decades ago, it had gotten easier.

The "I-lived-it" historian in her popped out briefly.
"There never was an actual Jolly Roger flag. Some pirate flags were similar, yes. Icons of bones and skulls were common, for as common as pirates were. But none had the actual commercialized, Hollywood-engendered skull and crossbones. If a pirate was caught, their captors branded a P on their foreheads, to indicate their piracy. Although, usually, getting caught meant a quick trip to the gallows, firing line, or a chest placed upon the cannon. Ouch."

Shaking her head out of her reverie, she smiled. "Just glad we're not living in those times, hmm?"
Nyra 19 years ago
"Wow, I am definitely happier in this day and age, even if I don't take full advantage of it!"

Nyra shuddered at the images Connie's words evoked. She firmly pushed her thoughts away from hangings.

"What time do you think people will start showing up? The caterer is trying to wait till the last minute to put the cold items out."

Nibbling her lower lip, Nyra looked around her loft. It was very transformed. Almost like an entirely different place. But she knew this was all talented decorating and mood lighting. The vibrant cloth hung from the ceiling was amazing. The curve from center to wall made your eye follow it to the peak, where one saw a different color to follow. It was beautiful. Hopefully the guests felt transported, like the artist did.
Connie 19 years ago
"I imagine putting the cold items out at five til seven will be sufficient. After all, I'm sure some of your friends are the early-punctual type!"

Connie's thoughts, however, were unsure. The number of responses to the invitations had been rather low. And the lead-time on the mailing of the invitations - as well as the few phone calls Nyra had made for the friends she didn't have addresses for - had been amazingly short, especially for a Halloween weekend party.

She just hoped she hadn't hyped up their first party and expected a decent turnout, only to have it fall flat.

Well, at least they'd have all this good food!

"Please, if that's all you can look forward to if no one shows up, you're insane."
"You're right, Nyra does look amazing in her outfit."

She turned back to Nyra, and slipped back into character.
"So, Madam, what be your name, that I might tattoo it on me arse and proclaim your virtues as I slay enemies and sink British ships?"
Nyra 19 years ago
Punctual Types... Yeah, she would qualify some of her invitees like that. The timing was exactly what her server suggested so that seemed like everything was in alignment. Perfect.

Resisting the urge to giggle at her pirate love, the gypsy tried valiantly to project a vaguely Romanian accent.
"Ye best call me Sunshine. Though why ye need it tattooed on yer bum when it be proclaimed all along yer body already, I dinna know."

She briefly touched all of the various sun motifs adorning Connie. Though she wished she had some way to honor her partner too.

"Might ye have a spare kerchief so I might wear your favor to proclaim to the world ye be my champion?"

Nyra was completely sure the accent was mangled but hoped no one minded. After all, this was a party, not a reenactment!
Connie 19 years ago
"A spare kerchief?"

Connie bowed deeply to Nyra, her smile and eyes locked on the gypsy's. "Why, tis the magic of our meeting that has bedecked me with your likeness, m'Lady, and I shall give you my own very special kerchief, and keep the 'spare' for myself."

As the pirate stood, a hand reached into her bosom and pulled out an almost blood-red kerchief. Whipping it into the air, her hands flicked out almost faster than visible and caught two corners. Holding it in the air before the gypsy, she wiggled it and peeked over the edge. The side facing Nyra had a curved silver sword embroidered on it, with a golden sun behind part of the blade.

"For you, m'Lady Sunshine."
Nyra 19 years ago
Arching a brow at the location of the kerchief, Nyra grinned. With a deep curtsy, she took the favor. Before placing it in what she approximated was the same location Connie had stored it, she delicately brought the cloth to her nose. Savoring the aroma of her lover brought heat to her eyes.

Unfortunately someone arrived at that very moment, treading up the stairs was their first guest. With bright smiles the two women started toward the landing to greet the arrivals.
Bertrand 19 years ago
Bertrand loved parties. Especially when he could network with his artists and her patrons. He walked up the steps heavily, blasted metal monstrosity was steep!

His costume was simple, black tuxedo with tails, snowy white shirt, dapper bow tie, monocle and top hat. Now he wished he had found a cane. Though he feared he looked more like the Monopoly man than anything else.

Finally he reached the pinnacle, a table and guard sat atop it, looking tough and bored.
"My good man! Here is not the place to look so grim. You are at the top of the mountain, share your wisdom happily with the world."

Bertrand laughed as the guard simply handed him a small list of happenings and took his invitation. Interestingly the man checked his name off the list then dropped the card into a large bowl. Curiouser and curiouser. Perhaps his list would explain all. But he wanted to say hello to his hostess, so in he walked through a cloth curtain.

"Nyra m'dear! Thank you for having me." Bertrand blustered happily. "Lovely night and decorations, especially you two lovely ladies."

Light hugs and air kisses on the lovely ladies cheek's made the gallery manager a happy man. Though not like a glass of fine port and some snacks would.
Connie 19 years ago
Connie couldn't help but feel marginally disappointed that Bertrand - of all people - was the first of their guests to arrive.

She smiled hospitably as Nyra escorted him around her apartment. Of course, the things she was telling him - "Oh, here's where I paint" and so forth - were kind of hard to visualize with the humungous pile of pillows and gauzy curtains...

Giggling, she wandered over to the island in the kitchen and picked up some cheesy poofy thing to nibble on. When they returned, she said,
"Food's over here, and drinks and such are over across the hall. Feel free to help yourself, Bertrand. You're the first person to arrive."
Serena 19 years ago
Looking up at the loft entrance and back down at her invitation, Serena took a deep breath. She was a little nervous, and for about the millionth time kicked herself for her costume choice. Looking at her reflection in a darkened window she wondered what had possessed her to buy the dress. Looking at the catalog it had looked so good but on her with her dark tresses slicked back she just wanted to find some sunglasses and introduce herself as "Trinity, the vampire load-set." At least the opera length latex gloves she'd added could be taken off if it was too over the top.

"No fixing it now," she sighed to herself. "Maybe next year I'll actually pick something new to be.." It was a lie, she knew it. Ever since her Mom had insisted she be a vampire for every Halloween when she was younger it seemed to be stuck, like a record skipping in perpetuity.

A quick glance into her compact's mirror assured her the pale foundation she'd applied wasn't smeared, and neither was the heavy kohl, her dark crimson lips or the small puncture marks she'd carefully created with stage makeup on her neck.

Taking the stairs slowly in her spiked heel boots, she wondered how Nyra had been. The portrait she'd received had been beautiful, and made her feel horrible for not making it to her Gallery showing opening night to thank her. But fancy parties weren't Serena's style, so she'd made an afternoon of it after letting the crowds die down from the first couple days.

"Time to try and make some friends, you've been in the city for how long now, and other than drinking buddies you know.. no one. Just try to be nice, and normal.." Her pep talk wasn't working, but she pressed on until she reached the landing.

The security guard at the table made her eyebrow raise but she presented her invitation and watched him mark her name down. "Curious..."


Umm.. where can I find Nyra..?
Nyra 19 years ago
Nyra showed a chipper Bertrand around as he expressed his delight at the decor. Perhaps she should keep some of it. They stopped at the buffet where the young waitress was setting out dips for the veggies, crackers and cheeses. Bertrand stopped to chat with her, since he recognized her from his own events.

At the sounds of heels on the stairs Nyra went towards the door. The jingle from her costume was loud to her own ears but she was sure it simply added to the atmosphere. The vision that came through the curtain was both awe inspiring and sexy. Who knew one could come to a party looking dead but fabulous.

Smiling widely, Nyra welcomed her to the party.
"Welcome Serena, I'm so glad you could make it! Thanks for coming. How have you been? You look absolutely fabulous by the way. That is an amazing dress."

Nyra stopped rambling on to give the elegant woman a chance to speak.
Serena 19 years ago
The security guard had motioned his head towards one door, so she stepped through the curtain cautiously and stopped. "Holy moly..! This is so cool.." The brunette took in the transformed loft and couldn't help a small smile. While her brain said this was obviously an apartment, the decorations were definitely convincing, giving it a real harem feel.

At the jingle-jingle approaching her she turned and grinned even wider at what was obviously a scarf swathed Nyra. Chuckling a little she dropped her eyes demurely a second and thanked her hostess softly for the compliment. Looking a bit surprised she glanced around at the loft admiringly.


Thanks for inviting me, this place looks really gorgeous.. I've been OK, busy working a lot, they keep changing my schedule on me. But I did manage to go by and see that exhibit you did. There were some really beautiful pieces there!

But, how have you been? Not climbing into any more displays are you? She gave the artist a little wink to show she was only teasing.
Nyra 19 years ago
"Thank you so much. It turned out great, I just may keep some of it like this permanently."

Nyra nodded sympathetically about work schedules. She wasn't too happy herself about Connie's wacky hours.

"I'm glad you liked the exhibit but don't say that too loudly, Mr. Hirsch is here and he may talk your ear off about it if you get him started." She whispered the last tidbit a bit conspiratorially.

Remembering the glass and slash incident made her shake her head sadly. She wished she wasn't such an absentminded artist sometimes.
"I have been behaving myself quite well thank you!"

"Come meet my dear friend Connie Stone. She has been keeping me out of trouble, even with her odd hours work subjects her too."

A few steps towards the island, Nyra put her hand upon her lovers forearm and motioned for her to follow. Helping her escape from Bertrand's jovial wake.

"Connie, this is my friend Serena whom helped me greatly one day in the mall."
Connie 19 years ago
Very very thankful that Nyra would rescue her from Bertrand (his joke about Indian golfers putting around cows was udderly horrible) Connie turned to the leather-clad woman before her. The suit fit her extremely well and seemed tailored to her body. She almost felt her face drop into a disappointing frown as Nyra introduced her as her "dear friend."

Extending her hand, she smiled, saying without either pirate or southern accent,
"Oh, so you're the wonderful woman who helped save her life!" With a wink at Nyra, she continued, "She can be a bit on the distracted side when pursuing art, but she's a wonderful person and I'm glad to have her as my neighbor." She decided to let Nyra be the one to make the "this is my lover" distinction when introducing people... Especially since Connie didn't have any friends whom she expected to arrive.
Serena 19 years ago
Shaking Connie's hand, she returned her smile. Shrugging lightly, she glanced at Nyra fondly as she said, It was nothing, I was glad to help really. Our friend here didn't seem aware of the unsavory sorts a pretty woman bleeding in public can attract.. especially someone half distracted by a piece of art. She gave Nyra a teasing smile, but there was a hint of seriousness in her eyes as she glanced at Connie.

'And sure enough, she did.." Serena remembered Aron distinctly. He was one of the few people she'd met who she could confirm was a vampire, 'And you don't forget them, that's for certain.' The whole night seemed so long ago. She wondered how Rachyl was doing. Life had been hectic and she'd lost touch, hopefully Nyra hadn't. Maybe she could get her number from her before she left..


Speaking of that night, did you keep in touch with Rachyl or Aron? I've been wondering how she was doing, I lost her number.
Nyra 19 years ago
Blushing at being called pretty by such an elegant woman, Nyra brushed the compliment off. "You wonderful people were so helpful, I am happy to have met you, no matter what the circumstances."

Thinking of her personalized invitation to Rachyl. "I expect Rachyl here tonight actually, but if she doesn't make it, I can get you her information."

Absently she stroked her hand up and down Connie's back, along the laces of the corset. Every time her fingers chanced upon warm skin she felt flushed and happy just having her lover close.

"If you go to Connie's loft there will be dancing and a full bar. Here you can find fun things to participate in as well as the food. I really hope you enjoy your evening. And, don't talk too loudly about my work in front of Mr. Hirsch, you might not escape till dawn once he gets to talking."
Mathias 19 years ago
The night air was crisp,and Mathias was thankful for the close parking spot. His armor was padded,but Shay's cat costume was lovely to look at but not created for warmth. He wrapped his cloak around Shay, and they made their way to the loft. "You look wonderful Shay...I still think we should have stayed at..your place." He had almost said home. Keeping some clothes over does not make it a home,he reminded himself. But being with Shay felt so comfortable that he couldn't help but think that.

The guard out front took their invitations and directed them to the correct lofts. Arm in arm,Mathias and Shay headed upstairs. "Well,you wanted to meet and greet Nachton Milady,here is your chance" Hearing voices coming from 29B,Mathias stepped up and knocked on the door.

"Hello? Is this the Halloween party?"