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.