Ger Kogji Party - Lanai

With a serious and concerned look on her face, she nodded.

"Y'know...I noticed that. Mebbe that's th'big prob that s'many peeps 'ave when meetin ya. They've their clothes on. MAYbe it should 'come tradition th'anyone meetin ya fer th'firs'time needsta b'naked. I mean, only t'help'em a'just t'later social scenes, what!"

Dawn thought it was a smashing idea. That way she wouldn't be the only one who'd had that lucky occurance. Y'know, spread the love, share the wealth, all that hippie shit. And Sorin'd get to check out all the hot shelf Anantya hotties as they were getting recruited. Bonus.



"Sure thing! We're guaranteed t'git th'best seats inna'ouse! An' iffin' w'scare everyone off, more for us! If jus' bein' there dun work, I can swipe that guy's skirt'n sing 'Danke Schoen' an' that'll do it."

Waving goodbye to the room without looking to see who was paying attention (but secretly glancing out of the corner of her eye as she went to see if anyone waved back), Dawn skipped off in the direction that she assumed the dining room was in. Sorin left as well, though he neither waved, nor skipped. He just wasn't that kind of man. The wavy type. Or the skippy type. Dawn was pretty sure he left all regally and shit. That was more his scene.

((ooc: Dawn and Sorin out, what! Wit' permission, foo!))

Several sips of the smooth citrus flavored tequila later, Amberelle was feeling a lot more relaxed. Her hasty retreat from the Elder made her want to cringe, but she reasoned with herself that it would take a long time for all her past insecurities to fade. And who knew if they even should. After all.. being wary around authority figures was a good thing, the blonde believed.

Dawn made her way back and seeing her return to Sorin made the Creole feel quite guilty. Who know if Sorin was likey to go off and strangle her for being chatty? She would like to think of Dawn as a friend, and that was no way to be one. Amby sighed quietly. The discreete wave from the Californian as she exited wasn't missed, and was returned. Hopefully she'd see it and know Amberelle hadn't run away from *her*, but the situation.

"Bah.. no reason to hide over here all night," she muttered to herself. Knocking back the last of her drink, she motioned for a refill and walked over to join the larger gathering that contained Alec and his lady. The fact that Sorin was out of the room had nothing to do with her timing for leaving the bar, she told herself firmly.

Coming up slowly, she paused a moment so as not to interrupt anyone. She gave Ginnie and Alec warm smiles, as well as Aishe, wondering if the girl would remember her.

Brooding was definitely something that Alexander did not enjoy. He had flitted around the Lanai with a drink in hand observing people and listening in on conversations. But all the while he had fixated on Dayle. Watching her, studying her mannerisms and movements, making mental note of who she looked at, spoke to and ignored.

Okay so he was good at it, he had been trained to do it. But it was a waste of his time. Let it be. Alexander snorted in derision and headed back towards the bar. The tender had alread laid his drink out.

"Very nice. Very nice indeed."

He slipped the man a $20 and pushed all thoughts of Dayle from his mind. It was hard to maintain an aggrieved facade when you were wearing a glorified skirt and thick leather sandles.

Downing his drink, Alexander thanked the bartender, gently dried his lips with a paper napkin and headed out to where dinner would be served.

((ooc - Alex out))

After getting his partner's drink request, Alfarinn headed towards the bar. He moved past a couple in the hallway and seeing the unfamiliar blue haired girl, he almost paid the man no attention what so ever. It was, despite the man's somewhat shocking companion, hard to miss someone you've known for several thousand years.

[Sorin is here, Beloved, and appears to be headed your way.]

Alfarinn decided that he should make this trip quick and get back. Not that he expected Sorin to run off with Thaddeus in the middle of a party but he did not want his companion to have to face the man alone. Thaddeus had learned so much since he had last had to deal with his Elder and the least he could do was be there to stand beside him.

There were quite a few people here and several he recognized. Giving a few nods of greeting, Alfarinn gathered up a scotch for himself and club soda for his partner. He hoped that with dinner being soon his friends would forgive him for not staying to chat.

((OOC: In...and out!))

Shay really felt comfy and in her element now...meeting and making friends. And what made the experience that much nicer, was having Alexi there too. She was immensely proud of her man, and aside from just being together, Shay liked it when her friends were able to meet and get to know him too.

Though she had never been a real 'half' of a couple before, she didn't mind it at all now. In fact it seemed to help make her who she was, and she didn't suffer any feminist issues because of it. She was still the same woman she was without him, but together it made her feel more complete inside.

Once Aishe had introduced herself and Kem, Shay looked for a couple chairs to 'pull over' but decided to remain standing instead. She assumed dinner was just about ready to be served and it wouldn't do to go to the trouble of figuring how to maneuver chairs in between the people around them, just to abandon them seconds or minutes later.

"It's nice to meet you, Aishe...Kem. And Alec...Ginnie..." Shay smiled at the other couple. She often wished she and Alexi might spend more time with the Tacharan duo, but as with most everything else, trying to get the time organized was difficult.

"My neck of the woods is great, Ginnie, in fact the trees are gorgeous this time of the year!"

And though Shay knew full well that Ginnie hadn't been questioning the changing foliage, the statement happened to fit. The trees really were awesome bouquets of reds, oranges, and yellows, and the condo Shay shared with Alexi happened to be surrounded by them. Unfortunately, Alexi never really got a chance to see or enjoy them, with his hours. Shay did though, often going out to the porch to sit and admire them in the early evening before the sun fully set. Grinning she brought her mind back to the place at hand.

She winked at Ana, when the girl greeted Alexi, again thankful that her friends welcomed her lover with as much warmth as they had welcomed her.

And just as she suspected, it looked like more and more of the guests were moving towards the dining room. Standing on tiptoes, Shay neared Alexi's ear, and whispered.

"We might want to go into dinner. It looks like that's where the party seems to be headed."

She could have just as easily made her comment among those in their group, but didn't want to presume everyone was ready.

(ooc - Shay and Mathias to dinner table)

Sniffing the air, Alec nodded.

"Mmm. Smells like shrimp. And a N'awlins nose is never wrong when shrimp is concerned. Let's get ourselves arranged before all the tasty is gone..."

Placing his drink on a serving platter, Alec and Ginnie headed for the Dining Area. With a quick glance over his shoulder, Alec smiled, not quite licking his chops already from the smells he'd allowed himself to awaken to.

"We'll meet y'all in there..."

((ooc = alec and ginnie out to house!))

'Now that he mentions it..' sniffing slightly, she caught a faint whiff of something and it made her mouth water. Giving a grin to the party gathered around, she nodded and commented, "Oui, we do know, and love, our shrimps! Best get in there before Alec eats them all." Amberelle took a long sip of her drink and drained the last of the citrus tequila, then turned to follow Alec and Ginnie into the dining room. The glass was deposited on a tray as she passed by.

Knowing Sorin would be there she wanted to get in and settled before the rest of the crowd. Then there was no choice left but to sit beside the Elder. And, there would be no running if that happened.

((OOC Amby out to the house thread!))

There was such an influx of people that it almost made no sense to sit back down again, so Aishe simply ended up standing and beaming over and over, particularly when Amberelle swung by. Then she grinned all the wider, remembering her meeting with the woman and their shared laughter at poor Alec's expense.

He seemed to have rebounded nicely all the same, though the rememberance was foremost on her mind as she gave Amberelle a wave.

"It seems like we won't exactly have a whole lot of time to catch up for now," she said with a little shrug of apology, including Amberelle in the statement with a glance, as well as Kem and Ana. "I don't want to keep our host and hostess waiting."

Turning back to Ana she held out one hand to her friend, the other tucked into Kem's. "Shall we?"

((ooc: Aishe and Kem out, pending response from Ana))

Ysabel followed Ambrose's gaze over to the couple he'd pointed out, recognizing Dawn and...

"Oh. That's Elder Sorin," she said softly with surprise, out loud for Dayle's benefit. "I haven't greeted him since I've been here in America. We should pay our respects."

The two in question, however, were on their way out of the room, heading in to dinner. "Perhaps later... although it seems like the majority of the guests are heading into the house for now."

Swinging her feet just a bit she hopped off of her bar stool. With a slightly furtive glance around she did the horrifically inappropriate and stood on her toes for a moment to brush her lips lightly against Ambrose's cheek. "Let's follow. I'm eager to see who else is here."

((ooc: Ysabel out to the house))

Ana reserved her witty retort to Aishe for a later time...

Time. It seemed a lot of her friends were going to have an awful lot of it... very much more than herself.

Sighing somewhat wistfully, she wrapped her hand around the exotic coconut girl's and bumped hips. "We shall."

(( out to house ))

It was a good thing one of them had manners, Ambrose probably would have left well enough alone and not bothered the Elder. He was about to make that observation when Bell surprised him. Such a little thing but very unexpected from her, like he wouldn’t follow her after that.

“Lead the way.”

((OOC… Amber out to the house as well.))

Dayle sincerely hoped the remainder of her evening would go along without too many more hitches. It was one thing to worry about being ostracized because of who she happened to be; it was quite another to be ostracized for requesting...

'Stop dwelling, you nit.'

Shaking her head, she saw surprise suddenly etched on Ambrose's features before she wrapped her arm back in his.

(( out to house ))

Petting the kittens before leaving the dining room, Fallon giggled at Cyrus' fatherly advice to Suki, then turned and hugged her man again. She found herself looking at him with every free moment, as if to reassure herself that what had just happened, had really happened. When his eyes met hers, all she could do was blush, and smile. The smile from happiness, naturally, and the blush from the thoughts of how she would properly show her love to him later.

Directing him to the piano bar, just off the lanai, Fallon sat down on the bench, and tugged him down beside her.
Whispering that she had something she wanted to do for him, Fallon was mildly relieved not many of the guests had joined them yet. She wouldn't have minded terribly...singing in front of the entire house, but having a little intimacy was preferable, at least until she got started.

Fallon played piano well, though certainly not concert worthy. The skill had come easy to her when she took lessons in school, and coupled with a good ear for music, she had always received compliments for her ability. Singing was also something she did well, but never having a desire to pursue a career in anything beyond teaching, her interest in it had always remained as more of a hobby. But tonight she had such an overwhelming desire to show Cyrus how much she loved him, and obviously couldn't do so in her usual way, that this seemed a perfect method.

Playing a short introduction, as she had several times over the past few days, she began the song softly, with her eyes on his alone.

"For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
Ill be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith coz you believed
Im everything I am
Because you loved me..."

By now her voice had found a nice level, and the emotion she felt could be heard throughout the lower portion of the house. She continued singing, still unaware of anyone in the room but Cyrus.

"You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
Im grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you."

Lost in his eyes, Fallon played a small instrumental part, to allow a few minutes to regroup her thoughts, before she finished the song.

"You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith coz you believed
Im everything I am
Because you loved me

Im everything I am
Because you loved me."

Thrilled she had finished the song without incident, Fallon nearly collapsed against Cyrus. So wound up in the moment was she, that now with it over, she literally felt a little weak. But she managed to just lean against him for a few seconds, until she remembered there were other people in the room. At that she sat up straight, and blushed yet again, for having been so far removed from their guests for that period of time.

"I love you." She mouthed, and then grinned, before she looked about the room to make sure none of their friends were falling asleep.

Cyrus walked with his beautiful Fallon, happy to go where she indicated. The mood was currently as affectionate as the crowd allowed, so her hugs were more than welcome. Nor did he mind sitting on the bench with her. Throughout the song he sat still, watching and listening to her perform so well, just for him. He was humbled and honored at the same time. Once the song ended and she rested against him slightly he hugged her. Silent words of love had no room in his mind this evening, so he declaired his love in a husky but strong voice.

"I love you, Kitten."

If their guests had come in to listen he did not care, except to be proud of Fallon's performance. In his mind, the song was only for him but she deserved the praise should anyone else have ventured into the room. His hand rested lightly on her lower back because he had the need to touch her, even casually if he could not sequester them away in their suite and make love to her with all the emotion he had inside him. Soon they could celebrate for real.

Briefly he hoped Suki heeded his advice and almost had to roll his eyes at that thought. As his familiar she would take it for gospel until he said otherwise. The basket of kittens could fall to her until he and Fallon had time to deal with them. Apparently the person who got them said they had names, but if Fallon wished to change them he was happy with that.

The future befor them loomed happily in his mind. With his mate at his side he was more than happy to enjoy its arrival.

Ana had followed Fallon and Cyrus to the little area that housed the piano. Staying just outside, as the teacher sat on the bench and readied to play, Ana leaned against the door jamb, just enough to look in and listen.

As the song progressed, Ana quietly marvelled at her friend's talents, displayed so selflessly, demonstrating the love she felt for her partner. Tears of empathy streamed slowly from her eyes as the song came to a close.

How fortunate that Kem's ears were keen enough to hear the sounds of the piano from the hallway outside the lanai, because Aishe's kiss, however light, however innocent, and the undoubtedly muted sentiment, were enough to throw his balance off, quite literally. He was still unused to such displays, not that they were unwelcome... not a bit. He loved them. He couldn't get enough of them. Would she still turn around, a hundred years from now, and bounce into his arms for a quick kiss?

That thought alone was enough that he knew as they entered the piano bar that his face was red. They didn't move far into the room; not wanting disturb any of the people already there, Kem simply stood at the back, leaning against a wall, smiling slightly when Aishe simply leaned against him, her back to his chest.

As simply and as naturally as he'd held her just outside, he draped his arms around her as they listened to Fallon's song, crossing them over Aishe's chest. She brought hers up in response, and they stood there, rocking gently to the music in a half-embrace. It was such an open show of affection, something else he was totally unused to, but he didn't care a bit at the moment. Kem simply rested his head against the top of hers and closed his eyes.

When the song was finished, applause didn't seem appropriate. It would have been far too loud, too rough for such a heartfelt performance. In the peacefulness that followed though, he did realize he'd never responded to her.

[I'm doubly glad we're here together.]

With an inner sigh, he wished he could think of something appropriately romantic to say. There was another moment gone by, yet another one of those times when you could do something completely right, or like now, you could watch it just fly past your eyes as you stand there unable to grasp it. Annoyance settled in, not with Aishe of course, but with himself, for being unable to say what he wanted to. It very nearly soured the mood altogether, but nothing, really, could have done that.

Opening his eyes and looking up, he managed to catch Fallon as she glanced over at the two of them. He offered his soft half-smile to her from across the room, nodded slightly, and mouthed the words, "thank you."

((ooc: permission from Fallon))

Cyrus seemed to really enjoy the song, and Fallon was glad she had spent the extra time practicing. It was difficult to let go of him for now, but this was their party, after all, and she still had friends and guests to attend to. Seeing Kem's response was further confirmation that she had done well enough, and not scared off anyone.

Planting a quick, but firm kiss against his lips, and smiling with eyes that help promises for later, Fallon again scanned the room. NOticing Kem and Aishe looking quite comfy together, she knew where she was headed.

"I think we need to mingle a bit love...and maybe move this party up a notch? I've always wanted to limbo, and I plan to at least get things started there...come watch?"

Rubbing the back of Cyrus' neck, Fallon slid off the piano bench, and stood. Walking to the little band, she made some requests for music befitting the game, and then continued over to where Aishe stood wrapped in her lover's arms.

"Okay friend...I need your help now, and I'm going to grab Ana as well. Please come limbo? Both of you? It will be fun once we start, I promise!"

At least it certainly seemed like something that would be fun, and with Aishe, Ana, and Fallon participating, how could it be otherwise...even if only comedic relief?

One of the Hawaiian waiters, on cue, began walking under the bamboo rod, moving along with the music. He had graciously agreed to play along for a few minutes, at Fallon's request, and was laughing sincerely, as he seemed to be enjoying himself. Finding Ana, Fallon nodded and mouthed..."You too!" and then grinned.

Even with the bond they shared it was almost impossible for Aishe to determine what was going through Kem's head as they listened to Fallon's beautiful song. He was so moody sometimes, shifting from light to dark, sun to shadow, faster than she could follow. She was used to it though. Even before they had this odd tie to each other she grew used to it. She would even go so far as to say she liked it in him. She had just closed her eyes and snuggled back into his embrace when she heard Fallon's approach.

Beaming at her friend's request she disentangled herself from Kem's arms, hiding her reluctance to do so. Kem had predictably flattened himself against the wall at the suggestion of a limbo contest, and Aishe chuckled at Fallon.

"I think that's a 'please not me' from Kem. I'm sure he hasn't had enough to drink yet," she said, making light of his shyness. "I'll join you though. We may as well see how well these coconuts stay in place, hmm?"

Ignoring Kem's exclamation of surprise ("They had better stay in place or I'm going to break that limbo stick..."), she flashed him a little wink and grabbed hold of Fallon's hand to follow her out.

The kiss was too short but he let her scamper off to her friends. Limbo was not something he was familiar with but from the reaction of Kem he decided he was better off not knowing. Standing behind his mate he could only shake his head. With a brief nod towards the bar he arched a brow at the tall man.

"There is at least a bar near to the Limbo area, I think we can safely sit and watch."

As the band began to play, and the help demonstrated, Cyrus was at once horrified and intrigued. There was no way he would participate without serious persuasion but he would not mind watching Fallon. Aishe's fear for her costume made him chuckle though. With the quantity of vampires in the room he was sure that someone could keep them in place.

Cyrus shook his head and made his way to the bar. Once he had a drink in hand watching the preceedings did not sound like too bad a prospect.

Even though she was caught up in the excitement of the game that was to begin, Fallon's eyes and heart were never far from Cyrus. And when she grabbed Ana on her way to the limbo bar, she shot her mate a quick glance, and grinned. Then casting a curious look at her friend, she noticed she had been crying. Leaning over, Fallon kissed the younger girl on the cheek and whispered into her ear.

"I do hope those were tears of joy...for this night truly is joyous, and even more so having you share it with us."

Afraid if she spent too much time thinking along those lines, she'd probably start crying again too, Fallon shifted her attention back to the game. Following behind the waiter, who had come around again to go under the now slightly lowered bar, Fallon leaned back, and moved her body beneath the bar, on the waiter's heels. The bar wasn't so low as to make her struggle yet, but she knew it was only a matter of time before she would really need to concentrate fully on her movements.

Seeing there were now legitimate participants, the waiter winked at Fallon and went back to resume his duties. She smiled, and made a mental note to make sure Cyrus was generous with a tip to the young man. And then her eyes went to her two best friends, and how they were doing.