Goin' to the Chapel! (open: partygoers)

Vaughn looked down at Fritz and wondered if he was a peaceful ruler of sheep. Sorcha seemed to have her attention caught by something in the crowd. He tried to figure out who or what she was looking at but he didn't see it.

She turned back to the conversation and then started writing on the pad again. He waited patiently to see what she had to say only Sorcha didn't show it to him. Apparently it wasn't meant for his perusal and that was fine.

He watched Therese wondering what she had to say in response to the private message. At first she seemed confused and then he saw her shiver. Whatever it was on the paper appeared to have struck a nerve.

She was handling it well though. Vaughn wrapped his other arm around her in silent support. According to her response, the note seemed to be about a person. Interesting. Perhaps she would be willing to tell him more about it later.

Leaning down to her, he asked quietly.

"Is everything okay?"

Looking between the both of them, Vaughn felt compelled to say something to break the suddenly somber mood.

"Would either of you care for a glass of wine." He smiled and winked at Therese. "I can even see if they have the cheap stuff."

Amir acted the part of the interested but satisfied dog. He happily thumped his tail when Sorcha mentioned his name, looking up at her with his mouth full of stuffed sheep just like a loyal companion dog would. Interesting choice of title, but anything went. He wasn't going to complain. He just stored it in memory so if he heard the name again he would be able to respond. It wasn't unheard of for him to play multiple roles at a time.

The conversation was cumbersome; it was a shame they weren't aware of the newcomers' identities. Sorcha's abilities at communicating were far more practical than having to write everything down.

As she hadn't said anything to him in the last few minutes, he couldn't respond. Instead he played the diligent guardian role to the hilt, stretching out his nose to sniff whoever passed by including the waitstaff.

Still no sign of the person bearing the tangy scent. But it was still wafting. It made him want to sneeze.

Mara stuck tight to Jin's arm since he didn't seem to mind; although she loosened her hold a bit so as not to constrict anything, she remained glued to him as if he were Amir. Now that Pak was also present she was warming up, and she knew Amir wasn't far. She couldn't see him through the crowd but he was certain not to be far.

"It is the thought that counts," she said regarding Artemis' thwarted wine expedition, agreeing with Pak's sentiment. "it's not your fault your chivalrous gesture was prematurely halted."

Then to Jin she added, "Thank you. Maybe... something sweet?" She didn't drink often, alcoholic or not. She wasn't opposed to it, but she also wasn't very familiar with modern drinking trends. Wine wasn't usually to her taste; too dry, too acidic. If she was going to drink something here, she'd rather it be pleasant. She was tempted to leave it up to her companion and the waiter at hand to make suggestions but she realized neither of them would know her preferences; not that there was anything to add as she currently didn't have any aside from "not wine."

"That looks interesting," she said, not wanting to cause trouble, pointing at someone holding a drink that looked fruity and creamy at the same time; something with a little parasol in it. She would enjoy a drink with a parasol in it. The cat in her found endless amusement with little toys of that nature.

She arched her brows at Pakpao's statement about her fish, too, understanding the unspoken message. "I would not eat your fish," she said tritely, turning her nose up slightly, her eyes twinkling playfully. "I would just toy with it for a while."

Maybe she should show Mongkut how to really catch a fish. Hmm... but then, she was certain Pak would stop letting her in.

Why did spirits follow her around? They had for years. Thérèse was convinced of it. This was one of the more normal experiences she'd had, well perhaps with the exception of the red headed amazon acting as a medium. But oddly enough that only made it more real.

She would have managed on her own, but feeling Vaughn wrap an arm around her helped. It kept her grounded and from jumping at even more shadows. She was slightly embarrassed to be caught in such a moment of weakness and smiled brightly, trying to dismiss it, but her eyes were still a bit worried.

"Oui. It is nothing. Really... memories. Nothing more."Â?

Just very powerful memories. If Thérèse had ever been inclined to challenge an alpha that would have changed her mind permanently. That her grandfather could do that to his own brother... She shook her head laughing at his joke. Grateful that he was breaking the mood.

"I think since it is their dime we should splurge on something with slightly more class. But yes, please I should love a glass."Â?

The woman was predictably upset. Not for the first time she wished there was some way to take "Time Off" from seeing dead people. Sorcha sighed inwardly and smiled at the gentleman for changing the subject. She nodded her head and signed again a thank you. He had understood that sign the first time and she was thankful for one less thing to have to write.

Reaching down, she pulled the little sheep away from Amir with a loving stroke of her hand down his back. Tucking it under one arm, she gave him a small smile.

[Not exactly getting very far around the room, are we?]

She thought about taking off the leash and letting him roam about on his own. Most of the party goers wouldn't think twice about him in his present form but she knew that some people were afraid of dogs, even a medium sized one like Amir. She didn't understand it personally but then she had a better understanding of canines than most. Rarely were they out to cause anyone problems and when they were a problem more often than not they had been provoked.

Sorcha cast a glance at her creator and noticed that as usual he was surrounded by a large group of people. He was smiling and laughing with complete ease.

[It seems the Cats are doing a better job of mingling. Who would have figured on that?

Not exactly the animal known for its social behavior. Sorcha wasn't sure what Amir would think of her humor but since he was one of two people here that she felt comfortable sending to that made him a likely target for her inner conversation.

[I will excuse us in a few minutes. I don't feel good about shocking the poor woman and then leaving immediately and it would seem odd. I am sure she already considers me completely barmy.]

Though claiming to have seen her dead relative was pretty damn odd all on its own.

Jin followed Mara's gaze to the fruity drink being held by one of the crowd. Nodding his understanding, he made his way through the milling people. It was much easier when not being towed along and he only had to ask half a dozen unobservant people to move.

On second thought, perhaps being pulled after someone had its advantages.

After arriving at the bar, Jin pointed out the lady with the drink and made his request. He came back to his group, drink in hand and a quizzical expression on his face.

Handing the drink to Mara, he said.

"I am told it is called Sex under the sun."

The man had then winked at him and suggested they try such a thing later if he was interested. Jin was not upset with the offer, though roasting while being intimate did not sound pleasant, he was just surprised at the man's forward nature while on duty.

"I hope the drink is more enjoyable than that."

((OOC: Using the handy dandy Mixology app on my itouch this one came up while I was spinning the little rolodex thing and I couldn't pass it up. ))

Amir dutifully wagged his tail when Sorcha retrieved the sheep, relinquishing the toy and trying to ignore the fact that he had bits of wool on his tongue. Delightful. Good Fritz.

[Speed is as speed does,] Amir returned philosophically to Sorcha. [Perhaps we'll gather more information without being surrounded by a crowd of admirers. The irony is not lost on me, however.]

In fact it was particularly interesting as Mara was known for her ability to mingle and socialize well. She appeared to be holding up just fine. Jin stepped away for a moment and returned shortly with a colorful drink which he handed to Mara. Amir had to wonder what was in the glass... but he had a feeling the paper parasol in it was the primary motivation.

Another tangy whiff of scent slipped its way up his nostrils and he sneezed suddenly, four times, in rapid succession. It was an unpleasant sensation and left him slightly disoriented for a few moments.

[Maybe when we're free we can figure out what that smell is,] he grumbled. [And then I can napalm it.]

((ooc: Boy is he going to be embarrassed when he finds out.))

Mara smiled softly when Jin opted to go search out the drink in question rather than task it to the waiter. A man of action, apparently. She thanked him when he returned with the colorful beverage and sipped at it experimentally, regaining her position close to her escort's side.

She gave it a moment while the taste sank in, closed her eyes, and said, "Hmm." Swallowing, she added, "It doesn't burn as much as I would have thought."

The paper parasol was the most interesting part of the drink, mostly because it was tiny and colorful and fun. Mara plucked it from the drink, sucked on the end for a moment, and then poked it into her hair to sit against one of her little black kitty-ears.

"What do you think?" She asked the group. "Is it halloween enough?"

Artemis watched as Jin made his way to the bar for Mara's drink. Leaning done to Pak, he whispered in her ear, so that only she would hear.

"Is it too wrong of me wish for a little bit of mischief? After all, I only promised that I wouldn't start it."

He gave his Alice a wink to let her know that he was mostly joking. Mostly. Jin returned without incident, and Artemis did his best not too look too disappointed. Although, if he had accidentally knocked someone into the punch bowl on the way back, that wouldn't have been so bad. Smiling at Mara as she placed the little umbrella behind one of cat ears, he nodded his approval.

"Its lovely. You can be a Harajuku Kitty"

He truly hoped she didn't ask for more clarification. Aside being familiar enough with the term to recognize the look, he really didn't know much about fashion. Just enough to stay current and moderately comfortable. Present attire excluded of course.

Artemis glanced toward the stage. It looked as if the band might start playing again soon. Or at least that the singer had survived his run in with the groupie. The earlier music had been intriguing, and he wouldn't mind moving a little closer to hear more.

"Would you all like to move closer to the stage? The band is actually quite good."

Turning mostly toward Pak, he continued.

"Perhaps we can get them to play at Meridian's next Christmas party."

(ooc: Sorry it took so long. The stubborn pain in the butt wasn't cooperating.)

Vaughn smiled at Therese and approved of her wine tasting strategy. It was much better to enjoy good wine that someone else paid for. He would look around for something he had not tried and hopefully it will be a new experience for everyone and a good one.

Nodding to Sorcha, he acknowledged her wish for a glass. Vaughn found himself reluctant to let Therese go but he was the one who suggested the distraction. Slowly pulling his arms away, he turned and looked for the bar.

Vaughn returned with three glass stacked in a triangle so that he could carry them all. He supposed he could have enlisted the aid of a waiter but he was still accustomed to doing things himself.

Presenting the first one to Therese, he said.

"It was a white wine that the bartender swore on his reputation as a provider of alcohol was very good."



((OOC: The Wine)

Pak giggled and grinned a little. She could sympathize, stuffy events were not her style and so far this was a little too stayed.

"You may wish for, encourage and even promote. If it is mild instigating might not even go totally awry. Or you could ask me to dance and take your mind off it."Â?

All joking aside Pak didn't think any one could be -that- bad a dancer. And it wasn't like she didn't want to spend time with Mara, but it might be better to avoid too much of an association with her, at least in public. Although she was probably being paranoid.

She laughed a bit at Mara's umbrella.

"It is cute. If I wind up with an umbrella in my drink tonight I'll save it for you. Then you'll have a pair."Â?

Not being overly musical she hadn't even really noticed the band. Well at meant they weren't horrible at any rate.

She smiled wryly. IT had a party of sorts but it happened in spite of her rather than because of her.

"You figuring on planing a big shin dig?"Â?

It was a touch awkward that Sorcha couldn't speak. It wasn't that the woman appeared any less than intelligent, but to make her write everything out...

Still. She took advantage of Vaughn's brief disappearance, to ask.

"He is still here? He did not... continue on?"Â?

She worried that her uncle hadn't completed his journey. Thérèse didn't expect Sorcha to know -why- he hadn't but it would be nice if she did. The idea that any of her family was lingering bothered Thérèse. And that her great uncle would have followed her this far, it must mean something. But she had learned long ago that the spirits told you things in their own time.

Vaughn's return was a welcome reprieve. She didn't have to think about dead relatives any longer. She happily accepted the glass.

"Merci."Â?

She lifted the glass to the light to study it before delicately and deliberately sniffing at it. The nose was excellent, the jasmine notes were particularly engaging.

"We may have to assume his reputation is a good one."Â?

Thérèse said with a bright smile.

Jin smiled at Mara and dramatically wiped a hand across his forehead in relief over the lack of trouble from the ill named drink.

Raising his eyebrows at the placement of the little umbrella, he said.

"It is very pretty and at least one ear will be protected from the rain!"

Jin gestured with both hands at Pak's suggestion.

"Ooh and there you are, both ears will be safely dry."

He looked at Mara for her input on moving towards the band. They sounded very goth which he supposed made sense for the party. Jin thought the lead singer was wasting his talents with the rest of them and could have a decent solo career in a heartbeat. The kid's voice was unreal in its clarity and emotional range.

Perhaps getting closer to the stage wasn't a bad idea.

"What do you think, Mara? Sound interesting enough to take a closer look or shall we nose around elsewhere?"

((OOC: I am all for either. We can be nosy where ever! I will also come back and tag again after I get through the maze in eq2 ))

Mara smiled at Artemis. "It wouldn't be too far a stretch," she said with a soft laugh. Perhaps later she would demonstrate, but for now she'd just have to remain a halloween kitty.

Listening to the band play, Mara was already nodding her head along with the music. While she adored traditional dances, she had a dance for pretty much every occasion and could be tempted to do them at the drop of a hat.

There was definitely enough room here to be dancing, and the band had shown plenty of talent, particularly the singer. Mara wondered if they would play something good for dancing to if enough people showed interest.

Taking another sip of her drink she nodded to Jin. "I would love to listen." She almost added, 'and dance,' but Jin hadn't offered to partner her for that and she didn't want to assume. She wasn't sure her escort's company extended to dancing. Besides, one should have a willing dance partner after all and if Jin wasn't, she wouldn't force him into it. She simply kept silent on the topic and went along in the same direction as everyone else.

Well, that was a surprise. Pak asking him to dance? The party must be a snoozer if she was already willing to brave the dance floor.

"Dancing? Are you willing to risk it? What about the shoes?"

Artemis bent down to give Pak a quick peck on the cheek before taking her hand again. He wasn't too worried about the dancing. Had years of practice. He should be ok so long as he didn't ham it up, and remembered that the shoes were sacred. Still, he couldn't resist pushing that button just a little bit.

"Perhaps the band will play a Goth version of the funky chicken. What do you think?"

He gave her a wicked grin before turning his attention to the others. It was unlikely that they would understand the inside joke between he and Pak, but it was likely that Jin might have a few suspicions. Artemis smiled as he gestured toward the stage.

"Shall we?"

Looking through the crowd to determine the best path, he spotted a tall redhead with a dog. Pointing discreetly in that direction, he chuckled.

"Look, someone brought their pet dog with them. That is the way to travel through a crowd. I am sure people move quite efficiently when they fear a bite to the rear. The tall redhead reminds me a bit of my friend Morrigan. The shade of red is off a bit though. What do you think Jin?"

Having chosen the best route to take, he didn't give the partygoers who were not in his direct path another thought. Those who were, were another matter. With Pak's hand in his, he led the way toward the stage. He was very careful to make sure he didn't run her into anyone or accidentally step on any toes. Though, once or twice, it had been tempting. Humans these days could be so rude and inconsiderate.

Sorcha considered for a moment the best way to explain the things she had learned over centuries of conversing with the dead. Frowning in concentration, she wrote carefully hoping to convey clearly a subject that tended to be surrounded in mystery.

He has moved on but he watches from that place. Sometimes they come closer to observe something as it happens or to try to communicate when they feel it is important.

Or they know they have a receptive audience, Sorcha added to herself.

I believe your uncle felt it important enough to let you know that family was looking after you.

She shrugged again. Sorcha did not know Therese so she could not say why such a message would be necessary enough to come back towards the living in order to send it. Sorcha did not feel it necessary to pick one religion or another to explain the after life. She was amused to know, from reliable sources, that many beliefs have it so turned around that it was almost backwards. No one religion was really wrong but neither were they all perfectly right.

A notepad was no place to go into such a discussion though.

She accepted the glass from Vaughn and took a delicate sip. It was very tasty, crisp but not too dry. She happily took another sip and nodded her head in thanks.

"There are no zombies and we aren't running over roof tops so as long as you're careful the shoes should be safe. But I've only gotten to wear these a few times so..."Â?

It had taken Pak a few months but she'd eventually forgiven Kem for those shoes. Funny old world she'd been less concerned about schlepping barefoot through the sewers than losing those shoes. Ah well.

She raised an almost menacing eyebrow at that suggestion. It wasn't at all convincing. It also seemed like a very bad idea to mention she hadn't really danced in ages and wasn't at all certain she remembered how. Besides, the only dances she knew were probably at least a hundred years out of date. But there was no time like the present to learn.

"I think I need some chains and more eyeliner for that."Â?

The dog did seem totally out of place. If it hadn't been so small and so clearly not one Pak would have suspected one of the wolves had come ... er... in costume? Not much on the subject had been said lately, but she knew the data base she'd put together was being used. But no official news was good news.

"Jin remind him he has a mouse in his pocket."Â?

Pak said with a grin.

Fortunately Artemis was a much better driver than she was. Of course Pak was used to weaving through large crowds that would mostly taller than she was. And she wasn't above giving a mental shove when she needed, but there was no need. Now, if he just did this well while they danced they'd be golden.

Well it seemed like the bartender could keep his job without any complaints from this group. Vaughn took a sip of the wine and found it worthy of the praise it had been given.

He slid one arm back around Therese; finding it almost natural to do so. Not so much so though that he wasn't immediately worried that she might find it too much. Vaughn turned and found her gaze, silently asking that question of propriety. All the while he tried to convince himself the gesture was innocent; so far he wasn't quite succeeding.

Vaughn realized that Sorcha had gotten up to go somewhere and it was quite probable that he had interrupted her from that task.

"I'm sorry. You had somewhere you are going. Are we keeping you from someone?"

Not wanting her to feel that he was tiring of her company, Vaughn gestured to the tables that Sorcha had left.

"We can take a seat and you can join us whenever you like."

He gave her a smile that he hoped conveyed genuine appreciation of her company. It must be hard to find people who weren't made uncomfortable by something outside what was normal for them.

It all made sense to Thérèse and somewhat reassuring.

"Ah, bon. I should hate to think he was ..."Â?

She shook her head not really wanting to try and explain it any further. While it seemed almost natural to explain thinks to Sorcha, who she barley knew, she didn't want to appear to odd or weak to Vaughn. Thérèse told herself that it was because he was the Alpha, and didn't want to think about it further than that.

"If you... see him again do extend my thanks."Â?

It was surprisingly natural that he would again place his arm around her and it was not at all unwelcome. Catching the small question in his look she only smiled an affirmative.

"Ah oui, I am sorry it was rude of me to hold you hostage."Â?

Certainly she must have come with some one. She had no call on Sorcha's time no matter how much she wondered why her great uncle would chose to speak to this woman.

Jin hardly needed to look where Artemis was pointing but did so any way With supreme calm he nodded his head in affirmation of what the Evenhet had suggested.

"Yes, but as a friend of mine once said, all redheads are related. Apparently, it is much like all Asians are Japanese."

He gave Sorcha a thoughtful look and shrugged slightly.

"Though I agree she is rather tall. Morrigan must be quite pleased that her height is becoming more common."

He smiled at Mara and gave her a small bow, extending the crook of his arm in invitation.

They followed behind Pak and Artemis towards the stage, enjoying the wake of clear space the othercouple created. His eyes casually scanned the crowd and he was pleased to note that his companion'sgait was as smooth and graceful as his own.

Leaning towards, Mara as they moved through the forest of people, he asked.

"Would you also care to dance? I can honestly say that I believe your shoes will be perfectly safe. I vow that I have never accidentally trod on a pair of footwear in my life."