Welcome to Gaia! ::

Locations: Manor Gates - > Manor Grounds.

Ellandra slowed for a minute for Faolan to catch up, and caught his hand with her own. She shot the half-demon with a smile that was both excited and terribly nervous, and waved to Banning when she saw him. Walking was still awkward in these shoes, and she wonderd idly if she could find a place inside to kick off the silly heels - the skirts of her gown were more than long enough for anyon to notice her suddenly going around barefoot, after all.

"Goodness... so many people already," she murmured as she glanced around the manor grounds, squeezing her husband's hand just a little tighter. She was frightened a bit, yes, but Faolan and Ziazan were with her, and Misha was here somewhere... Lee and lauss would likely be around as well, perhaps even the Damonts if little Sera could handle a "grown-up's" party... the thought of seeing her friends and acquaintances - Essentic and human - along with the presence of her husband and Zia, were enough to take off the edge of her panic.

Good thing, too, stress was the last thing she or the baby needed right now.

Eli sidled along quietly behind the others as they passed Banning and headed towards the massive manor. Of all these people he recognized only Faolan and the man seemed already engaged in conversation with the woman he was escorting not to mention trying to get another's attention. He'd find time to talk to the amusing horned man later, now he was content to simply listen to the other conversations going on around him as they walked.

Kell's head swung back and forth a bit as he took in the scents of all these strangers, some were worth investigating if he got the chance. However, right now the dark furred dog had been ordered to stick close to Eli's side and no matter how strong and inciting the scents of some of the strangers were training overrode instinct.

___( Location ) Outside the Manor -> Manor Gates -> Manor Grounds.

No one could tell that night, whether he was performing or not.

Black sclera eyes flashed in the dim light, and the fluid movement left onlookers wondering. A soft thrum fell off of the lips of an charcoal haired man, dressed in a style that screamed of elegance, and of danger. The smile that played on those lips were coy and cunning, though at the same time, refined and controlled. Purring as he reached his destination, the stranger came to a stop and tilted his head back, glimmering blue eyes reflecting the nature within them. Oh yes, this man had attended such frivolous parties before, mostly hosted by family connections. Though this was... subtle compared to the black tie events presented by overly eager men and women from across the upper district levels. The demon flashed his eyes in a manner that could only mean danger.

At least he wasn't showing up uninvited this time.

Trystan Bishop Chevalier smiled. This would be a night to remember. If he wasn't drunk by the end of it, pray tell. The half demon was dressed to impress - in a manner close to being subtle but not far from making a statement that he was, in fact, a wealthy b*****d. The black dress pants were quite suitable on his lanky appearance, not accompanied by the regular cowboy boot Trystan enjoyed wearing. Instead his shoes were black and shined, stolen directly out of his own Family Manor. After all, the world of crime held itself up in both cruelty and fashion. His torso was covered in a tight pinstriped vest, underneath which was a puffy sleeved, white dress shirt. Designed to look like someone from the ages in which elegance and grace were commonly found among the halls and estates of every average manor, Trystan dressed to kill. However, for once... not literally. Surprisingly, Trystan was without any sort of weapon. Guns, knives, bombs, anything poisonous.... It had all been left in the penthouse apartment. The man had found no need for such things - and he was also quite keen on the idea of taking a leap of faith - or stupidity perhaps. Honestly, he was pretty much harmless now....

Well, save for the Proto perched precariously on his shoulder like some sort of guard dog. At first, it had been hell trying to balance Crux on one shoulder, and deal with walking at the same time. But the Proto had shifted into a position that was easy to maintain. Easy, but looking rather strange. To the public eye at least. Thankfully, however, there was no one around. Trystan had made sure to use the car for this particular trip. And by the car, he meant the car. Trystan loved that thing more then quite a lot of... other things, and had resorted to calling it his baby..... quite sometime ago. Even Crux had noticed, and that was saying something one in itself. Of course, the sleek sports car was a bit of a show off one in itself. Trystan had a right to be proud of it. He had parked quite a few blocks away - after all, drawing attention to himself would only cause trouble, especially in the Upper Districts. The brisk walk towards the Manor was easy enough for the hit man, though as he got closer and closer, he could only sense an entanglement of fear and amusement filling his gut.

Crux thrummed into his ear as the gates came into view, their sight littered with figured outlines. As the demon narrowed his black sclera eyes, he grinned devilishly. He could make out a few of those forms. Banning was first on that list - the man was as aristocratic as ever, and perfectly suited for his job. Stopping for a moment, Trystan clicked his tongue, Crux leaning forward ever so slightly on his shoulder. "A problem?" He suggested lazily, but Trystan chose not to respond. Faolan and a woman he'd yet to encounter were sillouhetted against the Manor Gates, and the hit man wasn't sure whether to be increasingly entertained, or slightly fearing for his life. So that was the woman that Faolan couldn't get his mind of off. Love, love, love. That was the only thing that came in the same sentence with the mention of his darling-dearest. Moving on, Trystan caught sight of another familiar face - Dreamer Eversong, in person herself. Once again, the obsidian haired man couldn't decide whether or not that was a good thing. He had the upper hand against such a girl at that point in time, but he was less then inclined to be friendly with her once more. He'd gotten a sore beating from both his angered family members and his clients for letting her go. So much for winging it. It also seemed that Lee and her proto, Lauss had arrived in a manner that suited them as well. Moving on from Ellandra, the curious thing had quickly gone to the dog and his boy. The rest of them were mostly strangers - a man and a seven year old - and oh, was that Elst? Trystan narrowed his eyes slightly. At least this time he wasn't blowing the others head off. The hitman leaned back a bit and rubbed his head. Quite a few people, more or less potential - if not already - other essentic owners. Two of them were missions he had failed to complete and the rest were either strangers or the sort of best friend you'd go out and get drunk with and then get in trouble with the wife the next day when you're both found with hang overs the size of Drente in her backyard. Metaphorically at least.

"As they say, threes a party and four's just a crowd." Trystan said through a hiss, contemplating getting closer or waiting for less people. "I believe the term is two's a party, threes a crowd." The Proto acknowledged, twisting his head to view the other. "Same concept, different numbers." Trystan growled, flicking Crux a bit, before putting his hands on his hips and letting out a low rumble of a growl. If he held off diving in for any longer, he would probably just be asking for trouble. Now, this wasn't to be mistaken as a fear for crowds. Hardly. Trystan simply didn't like the type of crowd that was small enough so that other people actually noticed him. The aristoctatic man finally took a step forward, and decided his fate. Crux sat still like a statue on his shoulder, its macabre appearance almost the devils work among the protos that came into view. With a lithe, almost predatory stalk, he carefully slid up behind Faolan, the first of many he would greet that night. After the other was done calling out to Elst - someone he hadn't taken much interest in yet - he decided on a quick hello.

"All dressed up with somewhere to go, Faolan?" He chided in a thrum of a teasing tone, side stepping the other with a trademark grin. Setting his black sclera eyes on the woman next to Faolan for a moment, he tilted his head in the slightest of manners. A curious creature, so vulnerable it seemed. He turned his head to avoid being rude and let Crux greet them as well. "A pleasure to see you again." He rumbled to Faolan, nodding his macabre head in the others direction before his scanner glimmered a bit, finding Ellandra. Shifting on Trystans shoulder, he simply nodded some sort of strange, elongated nod, before turning back to listen for its masters words. Stepping through the Manor Gates, Trystan took time to pause near Banning as soon as he finished his polite inquiries towards others. "Banning." He greeted with a dangerous sharp glance. Cocking a slight grin, he put his hands on his hips for a moment. The two were even in looking like aristocratic bastards now, weren't they? "I have to applaud you for not spamming my computer this time to invite me somewhere." He teased in a dry manner, as if he were just sharing boring, plain information with another. Crux's scanner shimmered again, the passionate red lingering over Bannings figure as he took in the information provided by the man and locked it into his memory. Dipping his head forward, he purred. "Good evening." The sharp tone of Crux's was soft and disciplined, though that was only because he'd been ordered to behave by Trystan earlier that night.

How well he would be able to comply with such orders.... well that was up to chance itself now, wasn't it?

Locations: Manor gates ((Banning)); Vestiaire => Entrance Hall ((Misha & Longway))

...this was becoming quite the crowd indeed. Didn't they know it was rude to linger on the 'doorstep'?

Banning greeted them all calmly, with a quite welcoming smile if he could manage. It was.. oddly pleasant to see them all again, and finally meet the 'new ones'. Not to mention the sight of the emerged Sparks, in any stage of growth.

Mister Galvao and his companion, whom he'd heard of via Misha, yes. Not at all someone who 'belonged' up here but he would do just fine, he knew. With or without dog slobber.

Miss Ellandra, so close with mister Grady, how twee. They looked quite fantastic, still visibly enamored. Their companion's appearance was quite a surprise as well. Ohoho, Misha would shoot through the roof for sure.

And who have we he-... aaah yes, miss Eversong. He hadn't met her before, but there was no doubting this ravishing female's identity.

Young miss Katan, and.... what a curious thing her Proto was. When he greeted her, Bane had quite some trouble suppressing an amused smirk at his antics.

Moving on, moving on. Mister Chevalier, always a pleasure. In much too good a mood to go with any sort of authority-game, the duke welcomed him as he had the other guests, stealing a pleased glance at Crux. Fascinating buggers they were, all of them. No matter what you expected, they never failed to impress. Apparently Trystan had some connection to Faolan already? About his ties with Dreamer he knew of, but Farstep he didn't keep under surveillance.

Maybe he should.

"Taking the risk to sound rude, but you all should move on." he again ushered the new arrivals on to pass onto the gravel driveway that lead to the mansion's entrance gates. Don't be wary, the inner sanctum's safer than a military station at this point.

~

At the other end of said driveway, Misha had bounced out of the Lobby, and was currently pacing circles in the entrance hall so fast he was giving Longway yet another headache. They were coming, he could feel it from his feet all the way to the tips of his ears! Hold me back, Timka, before I decide it's more fun to just go out and say hi! xD

[[Location]] Manor Gates.

Being fashionably late was one thing, but it was something entirely different to be this late! Honestly, it shouldn't have taken Verdant that long to decide on an outfit. It was just a ball, not a freakin' wedding or funeral! Still... it had been a tough choice. It was either a white negligee top get-up or a suit made out of his amaranth's petals. He'd finally decided on the latter.

He stopped at the gates of the stately manor to brush off some dust from his coat. He had to admit, this was a beautiful outfit he'd made. His black and red coat was adorned by shiny red buttons and silver chains to hold it closed, though he had it unclasped for the time being. Under his coat was a red corset that he'd only laced up to below his chest; he'd been hitting the gym lately and wanted to show a little skin. The black ribbons he'd used to lace up the corset were hemmed in red lace and a red skirt was attached to the corset as well; girly, but still pretty masculine. His pants, black as the night and adorned by a blood-red vine pattern, were tucked into knee-high boots with short heels and red laces. And, the final touch, a lacy, black and red mini top hat that he had pinned in his hair so that it was tipped to the side. It wouldn't stop him from blooming, of course, but he couldn't quite help that. He felt like checking himself out in a mirror or something, but that was too narcissistic!

He walked up towards the door and stopped when he saw a few familiar faces, including Elst and Ellandra! It'd been ages since he had last seen her! Alas, she was too far away, so he headed straight for the closest one.

"Shade? Shade, is that you?"

Ellandra edged a little closer to Faolan, just a bit intimidated by all of the people showing up - though she had to smile at Lauss' excitement and abrupt stop over that dog. He was as enthusiastic as ever, it seemed. She blushed and ducked her head a little at the compliment from.... Elst, was it? How very kind of him to say that of her. . . She nodded politely to the other man who had addressed Faolan - his name she hadn't picked up on, and did the same to the eerie, rather intimidating-looking proto on his shoulder. So many Essentics were here! So very many. . . but she didn't see Misha anywhere.

Maybe he was inside? Inside sounded like a good place to be right now, where she didn't feel quite so surrounded by the people dropping in - was that really Verdant, back at the gates? She didn't recognize any of the other guests, though she supposed she'd know them better before the ball was over. Even though she was starting to feel like she wanted to go home and hide in the vardo. she clung just a little tighter to Faolan's hand and said nothing to anyone, fearful that her stutter would show up again and make anything she said completely unintelligible.