Love Abounds at Ger Kogji

Ysabel beamed at Fallon, including Cyrus as well. "I would love to have you come over," she agreed. "Just let me know when so I can arrange to meet you. Any time is fine."

She was looking forward to testing the level of her horses' training and trust. They were supposedly accustomed to all manner of creatures, but never before had she had the chance to test that against the scent of a large predatory cat. It would be exciting, at the very least.

Leaving the couple to greet the rest of their guests, Ysabel noticed the majority of the crowd thus far seemed to beheading in toward the bar and the music.

"Shall we?"

She indicated the room with a tip of her head, smiling over at her sister and her lover, hoping they were in as cheery a mood as she was.

((ooc: Ambrose and harem *cough* out to Lanai))

Alexander felt considerably cheered at receiving a smile from the blonde haired woman with the red hibiscus flower in her hair.

He had lost sight of Ambrose amidst the flow the people constantly coming in, and the sight of a woman in a swimsuit on a night like this added another distraction.

Ah well, Alexander thought to himself, there would be plenty of time to catch up with Mr. Townsend.

Heading towards the two burly guards, Alexander stepped into the Lanai.

((OOC - and off to the Lanai I go))

It was decidedly too much of a distraction to keep opening gifts, while guests arrived, and then moved off into the house, so Fallon stopped with the acceptance of Amberelle's. Thanking the pretty blond she explained that she and Cyrus were very appreciative for the thought, and would happily open them after dinner when things calmed down a little. Otherwise she was afraid they wouldn't be able to truly appreciate them in the manner they deserved. The packages, though tempting, were placed with the other gifts, and Fallon quickly made tracks back to Cyrus. Funny how she seemed to grow more tense when away from him for any length of time.

"It looks like we have a lull in the arrivals, shall we go get something to drink and mingle a little?" She took his arm in her's and grinned. All it took was one look into his eyes, and she was again relaxed.

"It looks like most everyone is moving to the lanai. I'm sure Dave will be able to greet and introduce the rest of our friends when they arrive..."

Fallon had studied the propriety of such galas when the idea of this party had first crossed her mind, and knew it would be perfectly fine if they attended to the guests who had already arrived. She hoped Cyrus would agree.

"And just to let you know, you don't need to worry about me. If you want to speak to any of your associates, or even clan members, and need privacy, I'll be able to find something to do without you...as long as it's not a terribly long absence."

Fallon refused to turn into a clingy woman who couldn't live without her man constantly supporting her, no matter how attractive that might have sounded. She could be very happy doing so, but understood that even the two of them would blossom together better with a little separation every now and then. She felt desire welling up, and laid her head on his shoulder only briefly, while she waited for him to move with her to the bar.

Placing her hands above her head to imitate fox ears, Dawn cocked her head in Amberelle's direction. Sniffing the air, she made wide eyes at her, giving a sharp nod.

"Bar? Hm? Liquor? Did Ambygirl say liquor? And man flesh?"

Suddenly snapping into an immitation of a bloodhound pointing, Dawn shouted

"TO THE BAR! WAY!"

...and charged off in hopefully the correct direction. The one Amberelly had indicated, anyway. Luckily she knew the host since she didn't have any ID in her swimsuit.

((ooc: Dawn and Amberelle out to the bar, unless Amberelle reconsiders... ))

Suki blushed heavily as Ana was whisked away before she could answer Wesley's question. Smiling at the gentleman in question she hoped to smooth over the situation.

"Would you like to head into the den? Its quite lovely and has a good view of the lanai. I am sure once the initial crush is over we can resume introductions around."

Noting that Dave was doing an amazing job of manning the door she felt it was ok for her to wander through the house chatting with a guest. Waving the direction of the large family room that lay beyond the kitchen she hoped he would follow her.

((Suki out to the House thread))

Wesley laughed, thinking Ana had totally missed his question. Probably in love or something.

"Show me on. This is some house," he said as Suki lead him away.

{ { to house thread with Suki}}

Cyrus watched as people migrated from the foyer to other various parts of the house. Hopefully this party would be all his mate wanted it to be. A brow arched as his familiar wandered further into the house with a young man in tow. Not that he was against Suki enjoying herself, he knew that there were some serious secrets in her life that would probably make relationships with regular people very difficult. She was young and would find that out soon enough so he did not move to disuade her.

All thoughts were derailed by Fallon taking his arm. With a loving smile he kissed her lightly. "Whatever you wish tonight, is yours."

Since the foyer had cleared out and Dave was studiously rearranging leis and the gifts neatly while he ignored them pointedly. Cyrus took advantage of the moment and caressed Fallon's lower lip with his thumb gently, just a brief brush of skin against skin.

"While I would love nothing other than to spend all my time with you, I feel responsible for staying here at the door. At least until an elder arrives or at the very least Calum. Why dont you head to the lanai and I shall join you as soon as possible?"

There was never a need for reminders that his kitten was a capable woman. Still he would rather keep her close and safely within reach even if she did want to spread her wings. It would only be a brief time, at most half an hour possibly, before he felt comfortable leaving. This era was different, more casual with no servants to formally welcome the guests and take them to the room. Should any of the elders arrive he wished to be on hand even if that meant being away from his lady for half an hour.

Tracing his hand down her neck to the diamonds lighting up the flowers across her shoulders he could only smolder. "You look beautiful, Kitten."

Cyrus' soft caress did worlds to assure Fallon she could leave him for a short while, and yet make her want to remain at his side. Contradictory feelings swam before her, but the need to spend time with her best friends won out, as she decided a better time might not present itself again tonight.

Playfully pouting, Fallon then lightly bit Cyrus' thumb, and turned her head into his warm hand.

"Alright, I will go find Ana and Aishe, and then maybe Suki's new friend. When you can join me, I think she'd like us to greet him. Until then I'll find a way to make do." She grinned and rubbed her nose against his. The foyer was nearly empty now, except for the two of them, and Dave, and Fallon didn't think a bit of affection would be out of place. Yet she knew better than to let his loving looks linger too long as well, so she gave his hand a squeeze, and walked off towards the lanai, and the direction she thought she'd last seen her friends travel.

(Fallon out to the lanai)

Ginnie was fairly certain they would be the last to arrive at the party, but she didn't mind all that much. In her hands were two small bags one for the couple and one for the house. She was never that great at host gifts, but she thought these would do nicely. She reached up and pressed the bell, while Alec slid his arm around her waist. It would be interesting to see Cyrus outside of The Hunt, she didn't know what to expect of the feral Anantya, and she was rather eager to meet this Fallon Alec had talked about.

The door opened ad they bustled inside and gave their coats over, after being asked for them. Ginnie kept her purse, as it was clipped to the only belt loop on her skirt and the two bags.

Alec would wager cold, hard cash, his or someone else's, that his enjoyment of the party started before any of the other arrivals. The lines along the outer wall where they joined the gate and moved to an oblique frame of the multi-tiered fountain was just lovely. The way that the gentle curves of the water counterpointed the rigid arcs of the iron which counterpointed the immutable lines of the masonry...it was well put together, certainly. There were some major security concerns, but Alec thought Cyrus more the kind of individual to invite intrusion simply to handle it himself than the type to create a fortress.

The ecology of the house was interesting, too. The choice of limestone over other walk materials, the roofing...it spoke to the occupant's concern about the living world. Interesting trait in a relic, to be sure. It appeared the location was situated in a natural clearing as well - the treeline tapered off before where Alec guessed the property line was, though he could be mistaken. Perhaps the zoning line.

Either way, it was a lovely setup. Mentally jarring himself from his musings, realized they'd made it to the entry. Realizing for the first time that he wasn't nervous, Alec grinned. That...that might be a first.

"This should be fun."

As the door swung open, Alec immediately evaluated the man in the way he had been training. It was strange to consciously think about things of that sort, but he imagined that a lot of people actively viewed the world in that way...that constant threat assessment. In some ways, as a thief he'd been very sheltered. Odd to think of it that way, yes...but all things considered.

Slipping off his fedora as they entered the foyer, Alec managed to hold himself from distraction. Mobile before immobile assessment. But the house was so damned lovely. It seemed the bulk of the party had moved off to the Lanai and deck, though it sounded like there were other folk about, some in the next room, a study or workspace if his assessment of the architecture had been correct. Either way, the Lanai seemed the most likely next step. Slipping his coat off for the doorman, Alec smiled and passed it off freely. Against all odds, it contained absolutely nothing. The only toys Alec had brought this evening would be completely invisible, written off as fresheners, and utterly unnecessary. Still, a boy scout was always prepared.

Bowing slightly to Cyrus, he smiled at the strange man. Alec found himself becoming intrigued by the facets of his character. Still, one didn't get to be centuries old without developing a few quirks...but some of Cyrus' came from an older time when things were not viewed as contradictory in the way they were in the modern world. It was refreshing, in a way. Smiling at the dangerous man, Alec extended his hand.

"You have a magnificent home, Cyrus. We thank you for the invitation."

Mai considered the idea of tropical dress and talked to Rupert about what that would entail. He had said that it was indeed meant to be the clothing that one would find in tropical climates. She understood this concept then though she was not certain why they were dressing for a climate that Nachton was not a part of. Perhaps it was in honor of something.

The butler had sent her the aid of one of the maids who used the big magic box that so many seemed to stare into in order to show her things that might be appropriate. Mai had to admit that the oracle box was useful and it was a shame that she did not know how to talk to it. It seemed easy enough to understand the board with the little lettered buttons but she was not sure where to begin.

At any rate, the maid, Vicky, helped her pick out a red sarong with white flowers. She added a white shell anklet, necklace and bracelets. The girl in the image had on no shoes walking on the beach so Mai also went barefooted. She left her hair loose under a garland of white flowers.

She brought with her a few gifts for the hosts and their new home. Balancing the Maneki Neko on top of the other two gifts, Mai entered the house. Bowing, She said.

"Konbanwa"Â?

((OOC: Maneki Neko is the white beckoning cat that is considered good fortune to have in your home. The other two things she is carrying are folded up cloth. ))

Cyrus stood back and let Dave do his job, which was to allow people entrance while getting a feel for them. The security company boasted employees from each clan and had promised to find someone able to detect emotions to cover the door for him. He found it a bit ironic to have an Evenhet guarding this Anantya home.

Once coats were taken and leis given, the security guard moved onto the next arrival, letting the couple move forward. Cyrus almost did not recognize Ginnie without a weapon in her hand. Still he bowed formally to the dangerous woman and offered Alec a respectful nod and shook his hand.

"Welcome. Thank you both for coming." With a bow of acknowledgement of the compliment, Cyrus smiled. While he did pay for it, he really did not do much of the work so it was difficult for him to take all the credit for the houses' magnificence. Still he felt a well of pride at Alec's comment.

"You are looking exceptionally lovely this evening Ginnie. Alec should be pleased to know that there are very few single men in attendance this evening. Fallon is on the lanai and Suki is in the front room. Please make yourselves at home."

His slight chuckle at his first comment quickly vanished as he pointed to his familiar with the young man in the room straight ahead. Dave's movements caught his eye as the elder of the Hunt entered. With a quick smile to the Tacharan couple he excused himself quickly.

"Enjoy yourselves, Fallon had informed me that dinner is in 45 minutes."

Moving towards his Elder, he bowed deeply after tapping Dave to move him aside. Slipping into Mai's prefered language he greeted her respectfully. "Greetings Honored Elder. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. May I gift you with these flowers?"

Holding a stunning purple orchid lei he hoped she would not mind the theme of the party.

Mai smiled faintly at the man who was watching her, turning her head slightly to the side and waiting. Would he be a threat here? Further consideration and she decided that he was no threat at all.

Tilting her head up to Cyrus, she smiled more broadly. Nodding in answer to his question, Mai bowed forward slightly to accept the lei.

"Hai, domo arigato, Cyrus-san."Â?

Straightening again, She proffered the gifts in her hands, presenting the Maneki Neko and both silk fabrics. They were, in fact, two kimonos folded carefully into two neat bundles. The bottom was a black kimono for Cyrus with a mountain scene painted in beautiful strokes along the bottom edge in a charcoal grey. The other was light pink with red roses climbing along the bottom hemline and trailing away towards the middle only to return on the sleeves. She figured that it was fairly obvious which belonged to which and therefore made no comment. Switching to English, Mai said.

"Your home is already very lovely and the laughter of friends makes it warm. May you both find peace and happiness here."Â?

When Fallon left Aishe and Ana, she went looking for Suki and her friend. However, it occurred to her to touch bases with Cyrus on her way.

As she entered the foyer, she could see more people were arriving. Running into Alec, and the woman who appeared to be accompanying him, Fallon bussed him lightly on the cheek, and introduced herself to the pretty lady.

"Hello Alec! It's been so long since I saw you last...been busy have you?" She teased him with a quick smile, letting him decide if she was referring to his work or lady friend. Since he had come to her little cottage party alone, Fallon had no idea if this woman was new to his life or not.

Holding a hand to the woman, Fallon graciously greeted her as well, rather than wait for an introduction.

"And welcome to Ger Kogji, my name is Fallon. I take it you both saw Cyrus on your way in?"

The arrival of another guest briefly captured Fallon's attention, and she smiled to see the Anantya elder, Mai, had arrived. Still holding the tiny woman in slight reverence, Fallon felt herself tense up a little with nerves. She longed for the support and comfort of Cyrus' arm then, but braved the moment with Alec, and his friend.

"Please make yourself at home, and expect dinner in about a half hour. There are food and drinks out there on the lanai, and in the living room as well. Please...enjoy."

Meeting new people was one of the best parts about having a party, and Fallon was meeting her share tonight. She could only hope in the future she would have the opportunity to get to know them all well. And considering her future looked long, and happy, she saw no reason to think it wouldn't happen.

Coming up behind Cyrus, but remaining quiet as he spoke to the elder, Fallon put a soft hand on his shoulder to let him know of her presence. She had seen Suki and her friend in the living room as she passed by, and would seek them out next. But she needed just a few moments with her man, before she traveled on. Paying respect to the elder wouldn't hurt either, she surmised.

Cyrus was honored to place the lei upon Mai's neck. He bowed before taking her offering in thanks. The statue of Maneki Neko brought a smile to his face, he would find a niche to display it properly tonight if possible. While the Elder always made him feel like an embarassed youth her warm wishes touched him greatly.

"Thank you, we hope all that visit here find the same joy we have as well."

Hearing Fallon speak behind him to Alec and Ginne made him smile warmly in anticipation of her joining him and Elder Mai. Bowing once more he held the gifts lightly.

"Please make yourself at home, we have refreshments available inside and also outside on the lanai."

Sorin found the idea of a tropical party in the middle of October interesting. The Romans had a habit of doing things with themes from warmer far off lands in the winter in the hopes of capturing a moment of some more pleasant season. It was for this reason that he was willing to indulge such whimsy, besides it was a social faux pas to come unprepared to fit in.

He came dressed in a light weight dove grey suit with a white high collared shirt made of a light natural fabric; it was the type of business clothing that he wore in warmer climates. Perhaps it was not what they had in mind but it was tropical enough for his tastes besides in what world did a former Emperor of Rome wear a garish tropical print shirt?

Stepping out of the limo, he made his way up to the entrance of the party. It seemed to already be in full swing and that meant that he had come at just the right moment. He carried a silver wrapped package casually tucked under one arm.

Sorin came to stand behind Mai noting her gift of a ceramic painted cat that looked like a Japanese cookie jar. He wondered idly whether they would promptly hide that in the closet but figured no one with good sense would put that thing on display.

“I cannot let my fellow elder horde all the attention. You've got quite the house full here, Cyrus.”

He turned a calm grin on one of Anantya's newest members and the Huntsman adopted child.

“It is good to see you again, Fair Fallon. How are you this evening?”

He held the package out to her with a private smile.

((OOC: For further reference later, Sorin's present is a digital video camera because every home needs home movies. ))

Mai nodded to Cyrus and stepped out of the way. She could sense Sorin approaching and knew him by his cologne before he even reached the door. It was, Mai had been told, an expensive fragrance made especially for the Elder of the Night by a prominent perfumer. Though he wore it in a lighter touch than many, She found it a beacon, much like a cow's bell, to announce his arrival within her vicinity. So before she felt his steps or heard his voice, Mai knew who had arrived.

“Your hospitality is most gracious.”

Bowing a more informal greeting to the now occupied Fallon, Mai gave her a smile that might have held a touch of sympathy. Turning to the Elder of the Night, she lifted one delicate black eyebrow.

“Good evening, Sorin-san. It is most polite of you to come offer your blessing to the new home.”

Giving the man a slight bow that might have been little more than a curt nod, Mai turned to leave. She gave Cyrus a grin in parting before schooling her face back to impassive calm.

((OOC: Mai out to somewhere! And Sorin-san is just jealous that he was never given a Maneki Neko of his very own.))

Smiling what she hoped was a warm welcome, Fallon refrained from greeting Mai with a hug. Maybe some day, after getting to know the elite Anantya better, Fallon would feel less intimidated. For now she more formally returned the bow, and slid her hand into Cyrus'.

Surprised to see Mai knew Sorin had come up behind her without even looking, Fallon's opinion of the woman's abilities grew, and her sense of intimidation did as well, in proportion. However, it was Sorin who caused Fallon's hands to grow moist, with nervousness. Watching the petite woman move to join the other guests, Fallon felt free to direct her gaze to the arrival of the other elder, without slighting either.

"Please do enjoy yourself, and thank you again for gracing our home with your presence."

Maybe Fallon was going overboard a little, but she was new to such 'royalty', and would have felt terrible had she slighted Mai in any way. Best to go overboard, then have an elder look down on Cyrus' mate.

Though Sorin wasn't dressed in quite the manner Fallon expected, his suit was much more relaxed than the tux he wore the last time she had encountered him. Tonight he seemed much less imposing, and when he called her 'Fair Fallon, and gave her a smile she could only describe as somewhat personal, Fallon blushed feverishly.

Because Sorin addressed Cyrus first, Fallon waited until he returned the greeting, and then accepted the gift the elder handed her.

"Hello Sorin. It is good to see you again, and I'm doing well, thank you. We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to visit with us tonight."

Realizing her hands were even more moist now, Fallon gave the Anantya a slight curtsey, instead of extending her hand. Once she had done so she felt somewhat silly, but decided it was better to feel silly for a curtsey, than for having Sorin shake her sweaty hand.

"I hope to speak with you a little more later tonight Sorin. Cyrus."

Hating to desert him, but feeling the need to be away from the foyer just then, Fallon placed the gift on the table, and gently relieved Cyrus of the one's he held. Once the fine silks and lovely cat were placed on the table as well, Fallon gave Cyrus' cheek a quick kiss, excused herself, and went into the living room.

(ooc - out to livingroom)

Cyrus felt honored that two elders showed up to the event. Especially when both were more than polite to his Fallon. Returning Mai's smile before turning his attention to the Elder of the Night, Cyrus wondered what that was about briefly. Dave was standing to the side pretending to be invisible and doing a damn fine job of studied servant behavior and looked deaf to all but instructions. Cyrus knew the man deserved a healthy tip for manning this post and doing such a fine job. Distractions aside, he bowed deeply and welcomed Sorin into his home.

"Welcome Sorin. Thank you for coming, we are honored." With a less formal smile, Cyrus slipped a glance at his kitten. "Fallon is quite talented at making friends and I am lucky to be able to enjoy the experience."

As his woman welcomed the elder he felt such a well of pride. She was beautiful, smart, social and so polite he could never possibly find fault with her. It made him intensely aware of the small box nestled against his skin under his belt. He could only smile bestotedly as she relieved him of the gifts in his hands and kiss his cheek. Try as he might he could not help but glance at her as she walked away. Still it was only a moment before he returned his attention to the elder. Picking up a green leaf and kukui nut lei he held it in one hand.

"Might I interest you in a party favor?" Since the tropical nut was traditionaly reserved for the king, Cyrus felt it appropriate that an elder wear it. Though unlike his own leis which had the natural nut, these were painted black.

Once Sorin made his decision to wear or decline the lei, Cyrus bowed and waved him further into the house. "Please be welcome. There is a bar set up off the kitchen to your left or out on the lanai. And if I am correct, dinner shall be served in half an hour."

After making a brief inspection of the entry and watching not one but two Anantya elders grace the home, Alec decided that the foyer was a bit tapped out. Smiling, he nodded his thanks again to Cyrus before heading with Ginnie into the Lanai - it sounded like there was more activity out there. With the mix of Cyrus and Fallon, he would be interested to see who all was in attendance.

((Alec and Ginnie out))