Welcome to Gaia! ::

((Zeke -- Middle of the floor
Anya -- Middle of the floor to Dunk Tank vicinity ))

Anastacia came to a stand still near the middle of the fog-covered floor and was in the process of peeling off her gloves and coat when Zeke caught up to her. So far, for a party, it wasn't exactly lively, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing in her opinion. Less people meant less chitchat or attempts to talk to her, and the Frei liked that just fine.

"Anya, you okay?"

She'd like it even more if she could lose the vet at some point sooner rather than later, but she knew patience was a virtue and that she could leave her coat with him. She could wait that long at least.

Zeke came to a stop at Anastacia's side, trying to get a peek of the Frei's face through the fluff that was her chosen costume. What he saw was a Raevan pouting her lips in concentration as she fiddled with the buttons on her coat and that expression alone made him smile some at her. What's more, her face didn't seem any paler than usual and she did look fine to him. They had gotten from the car to the barn in record time. Perfect.

"Here, let me take your coat," the vet said as the Frei removed the article from her shoulders and gave her oversized wings a stretch. He wasn't looked at or even spoken to, but the coat was held out and dropped into his outstretched arms all the same and it wasn't long after that Anastacia was on the move again. "I'll put this in the coat room!" He called, neatly folding the pea coat over his arm and watching the Frei go. Before he could start to move toward said coat room, however, an arm was looped over his shoulders, a kiss was planted to his cheek, and an all too familiar voice resounded in his ears.

"Alex!" He tittered, unable to hide his delight even under his suave appearance. His free arm looped about the older woman's back and pulled her in close, returning the sideways hug and the kiss before Zeke did one better and pulled her into his chest - allowing him to give her a proper bear hug and momentarily lift her off her feet. By the time he set her down again, he was laughing. "I look pretty suave eh?" He released his big sister from his hold in order to tug on the lapel of his tuxedo's jacket, giving her a flirty grin that was as innocent as anything newly born. A waggle of his unpierced brows was added and topped off with a playful wink as Alex ran her knuckle over his lovingly maintained beard, the vet very easily sliding into his element; especially around the woman he called sister.

"I wasn't going for scary," he admitted, dropping his hands in order to take one of hers in a gloved one of his own, "but I guess if you put me side by side with a picture of what I normally look like, it'd make a person's head explode. And...Yeah that IS pretty scary huh?" Him having the passive power to make heads erupt into matter and gore? Perish the thought! He chuckled all the same though and had to wonder if any of that would honestly happen tonight, casting his eyes toward the door as he heard voices and footsteps. People were a bit too far away and a bit too dressed up so far for him to recognize at the moment, but he'd make his rounds soon enough. For the moment though he was content to hang with his big sister and shoot the breeze before the party really started. No better way to start such an evening in his books and he took in her costume for a long moment before complimenting it.

"You look great, sis." He hadn't played the game she was dressed as a character from, but he knew who she was and from what game all the same. Shifting Anya's pea coat, he reached out and lightly tapped the gun she held. "Where did you get this Portal Gun?"

Anastacia hadn't floated far before Zeke's cry of a familiar name made her turn to look over her shoulder at the pair. Alex was always identifiable, even at a distance, and she was only aided this night by that garish orange...whatever it was she was wearing. The Frei's nose crinkled in distaste at the overly bright jumpsuit, quickly diverting her attention from the human woman's waist to the blur that lay beyond Alex and Zeke. Shapes of various sizes and colors were moving inward, some to the left, others to the right, and one even passed through the Frei's cloudy vision, past her entirely, and strolled to a table manned by a suited man waiting patiently for said newcomer to arrive. She would have turned right around without a care toward the man who had passed her if not for what he had been wearing. In that moment she believed she had been a bit too hasty to call Alex's orange waist-thing garish. Whatever it was that man was wearing - THAT was garish.

Animal print. Honestly... How unsightly! Her gaze lingered on the fashion disaster for a few moments longer before she turned back again. If one had walked up and past her like that already, then more were sure to follow. Zeke was in a conversation with Alex, so he would fail as a deterrent. This wouldn't do. It seemed she'd have to move to find a place to keep out of the eye of the newly arriving public...and fast. Despite her horrible vision, she knew well enough to avoid the food area and the entrance of course. The former was already attracting bodies like flies to a carcass and she counted three hovering in that vicinity while the latter would be a pit of in and out all evening. To the right it was and so Anya flicked her wings and carried herself toward the dunk tank.

(( Anita & Cruz -- Food Table ))

As Anita was turned to watch the alien-looking Zeke dolled up in his suit, she easily caught the presence of Alex who sauntered up and greeted her friend with all the familiarity of a family member or more. The corners of her mouth perked into a grin as she determined what the Italian woman was dressed up as without a second guess and beamed with some pride. A woman after her own heart, it seemed.

She wanted to greet the both of them, but there would be enough time. No reason to crowd them, especially when it almost certainly meant a particularly smoky Frei was wandering around. Or, at least, that was the assumption but the familiar visage of the Baphomet Raevan was not spotted among the small but steadily growing crowd within the barn and this caused Anita's grin to become a pout. They had spoken on the phone very late last month, she and Alex, and the Lab employee had mentioned this place in particular to have she and Zul meet the new Frei at, so why would he not be present with her? If that were the case she would be thoroughly disappointed, but it could just be that he was still outside somewhere so the brunette tried not to take it to heart and turned to give a smile to her charge.

After seeing the spider femme float off without so much as a glance, his attentions were drawn to a cloaked and masked enigmatic figure that seemed to give off an aura of caution and mystery. Cruz's fingers tightened around his basket's handle, green eyes locked onto the figure as he reached the table, drew his fingers along the cloth, touched their plate of cookies and... plucked one to eat. The crocodile's tense expression eased instantly into something of relieved confusion and when the figure took a bite a very small smile graced his lips.

Anita pointed Thoth's way, though she did not guess what he was dressed as with such ease as Alex, and offered him a friendly word. "Hope you enjoy those," she grinned before turning away once more, not thinking twice about the figure's presence or identity, and was then met with a surprisingly familiar face in a completely surprising bit of attire. David Nao was one she would normally categorize as well groomed, suited to wear the outfit that Zeke was currently dressed in. The irony was that the both of them were veterinarians residing in Durem and briefly she wondered if they had ever met or even worked at the same practice. As he was now, however, with a wine glass in hand, he seemed completely out of character from the very little she knew of him.

"Is this Tango's little mommy dressed like some big hunter?"

Cruz's ears were immediately drawn to the man's voice, his quarter-body swiveling to peer at the caveman from beneath his hood. For a moment his eyes were wide, surprised by the man's tone in regards to his Anita and his brow furrowed with a slight pout upon his lips as he caught sight of the grin tugging at his features. Briefly, his gaze flickered to Anita who had quirked a brow and was looking rather unimpressed. The Frei could not tell if it was an act or genuine, but he knew her emotions to be very easily drawn out upon her face and body language.

What he said next alleviated some of the Frei's confusion, but then more of his sly tone poured out with the strong scent of alcohol fresh on his breath (however, it was lightly graced with a hint of apples and that made it more bearable). Had he mistreated Tango in some way? This thought nearly turned Cruz's knuckles white around the handle of his wicker basket, though his expression remained largely unchanged.

"Is there a reason I should be unhappy with how you treated him?" she asked, a minor dead pan tone to her voice but it was difficult for Anita to keep up. Anita was about to offer another response, but only a quiet gasp in her throat was offered as David pulled her in for a hug and her chest bumped against his a bit more roughly than she had braced for.

If there was anything the crocodile knew about his Anita, it was that she very much did not like to be touched without permission. He had learned that much when he fed from her during their first meeting. Unless it were a certain person, or she was in the right mood, then all attempts at physical interaction were to be initiated by her or at least agreed to. This hug that the man suddenly drew her into was neither of these things, and his eyes narrowed, a light frown pulling at his cheeks.

A low growl, quiet but rumbling, emanated from his throat and the Frei hovered over staring David dead in the eye. His hand reached out, taking the man's wrist and pulling it back enough for Anita to duck out of the hug. The grip on David's hand wasn't intended to be hurtful, just enough to make him release his grip, and once that was done he straightened out his fingers and dropped the contact just like that. Cruz's eyes, however, did not leave David's and his expression did not falter. After a brief second or two longer of pointed staring, he grumbled out a solid "No," as a warning to the man.

Anita, on the other hand, looked a bit flustered and blew a dangling piece of hair out of her face. "Uh..." was all she could sensibly retort with before she seemed to realize what was going on. If Cruz hadn't interjected, then she would likely have remained pressed awkwardly against David for any amount of time. Even if she didn't like unwarned contact, she would prefer that to awkward confrontation. It was true, however, that she could usually not tell one way or the other with David. During their last meeting, he had seemed to stop flirting entirely and she wasn't exactly sure if it was because it was a professional scenario. He was very hard for her to read, and at the moment so was her Raevan.

"It's okay, Cruz," was her first response, holding a hand out to gently persuade him to stand down, as it were. The next was an apologetic look to David, her brows upturned in concern and confusion. She couldn't know how many glasses of wine he had had since he'd gotten there, let alone when he had arrived, but it didn't really matter did it? "Sorry. I think he's a little on edge. It's his first time in a big group."

As true as that statement was, it caused the mistletoe Frei to double take at Anita and offer a deflated sigh. Had she not appreciated his assistance? Their eyes met briefly and his gaze dropped to the floor; they would discuss it later, her glance seemed to say. That was fine by him as long as this man didn't try anything else.

((Genie: Buffet
Basil: Buffet --> Dunk Tank ))

As they came through the large barn doors, Genie had Basil do one more turnaround to make sure she had gotten all the thorns. When she was satisfied, she gave him a good pat-down, then immersed herself entirely into a festive cavalcade of food and fun. Her eyes widened. She hadn't been to a party in such a long time. From a cursory glance, there were a lot of people here she didn't recognize... Other guardians presumably, and Lab staff too. What with Basil's propensity to sneak out from under her nose, he had become familiar with a small handful of raevans in his time, but neither of them had been exposed to very many owners. She had never really known Basil to be shy... She hoped he would be able to adapt.

There were a lot of cute costumes, and she was beginning to regret not putting as much thought into her own as the others. She had only grabbed a random assortment of things to slip into, because there wasn't any other time of the year in which they'd be appropriate. She zeroed in on the food, Basil following two steps behind her as she took in a buffet of extraordinary delights. In short time, she had found her precious cider, pouring herself a piping hot dixie-cup, which she knocked back like a shot and savored all the way down. Basil, having very little interest for human food, was often repulsed by the smell of it. He wrinkled his nose at her, looking around warily. She patted his cheek, then mussed his hair a bit to encourage his savage appearance, "You don't have to be strapped to my hip all night, bub. You can roam around... There might be somebody you know here." She then touched his sleeve, gasping somewhat when she found it to be empty inside. She could only assume that at some point, Basil had pulled both of his arms inside of the mountain of furs to wrap around his body. She had to imagine it would be terribly difficult to move in that thing. "Aren't you burning up?" She asked quietly. She hadn't expected the barn to be so well-heated. Basil only shook his head, grunting.

His eyes being especially poor, most of the party guests were a variety of multi-colored blurs. It was difficult to make out specific identities, but it was always easy to spot movement, and one half-body seemed intent on migrating away from the others. Call him curious, call him crazy, but he believed he had found something of interest.

The bottom of the coat billowed and hollowed around his absence of a body, but being floor-length, it had accumulated a small pile of crunchy leaves and dust which he trailed behind him from the outdoors, in. The closer he got, the more crisp and clean the shapes had become, until he realized he was in pursuit of a female. A Frei, with an unbelievable shade of lavender hair, almost floral, and such piercing eyes that he might have rethought his decision. But, if Basil had even so much as once made a good decision, he would not have the reputation he did. He came up cautiously behind her, giving her hair a sniff. Women's hair often smelled nice. Genie's neighbor Lola used an especially alluring shampoo. However, this one's hair didn't smell like much of anything. Nonetheless, he smiled his best smile, eyes unblinking as he touched her shoulder.

((David, Prajna & Namini: Food Table))

David’s feline like grin widened as he caught a glimmer of Cruz’s new expression; no longer was there distrust or irritation, but all that was left was admiration, captivation, that ensnared expression David recognized all too well, having been around clients who had come to adore him so. Perfect, the man thought. Less trouble for himself. The older Nao was prepared to reproach his sister and fiery companion when he realized he was still holding the glass of apple wine. He frowned but knew, if he didn’t get rid of it, Namini was going to push him away, for she hated the smell of alcohol; the small amount he had already consumed lingered lightly on his breath, and, to most people, it would not be anything but a tiny annoyance or perfume, depending on the individual, but to his sister, it would be like throwing tear gas directly into her face. In attempts to not further push his luck, David placed the remaining wine on the nearest table beside the cakes, ignorant of what such an irresponsible action could lead to later in the night… and then rejoined his companions, a warmth rising to his cheeks as he felt the alcohol slowly kick in. Hmmm, and what a nice buzz it had allowed to settle in!

“So Anita, this is my baby sister, Namini. Nursing student at Durem University and total klutz. The redhead you and your little friend see is also Prajna. We got it a little while ago and Prajna’s just been a handful since,” David informed his plaid-clad acquaintance as they made their way over to the buffet tables. Namini had put down her plate this point and wiped her hands as clean as possible, to ready herself for a decent handshake before breaking out into a welcoming smile. When Anita arrived, the gentle cavewoman presented the woodsman with a small bow and then extended her delicate hand, still beaming genuinely, like a warm ray of sunshine, “I apologize if my brother has caused you any trouble. He means well, I promise. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can become good friends.”

From behind Anita’s back, David rolled his grey eyes at his sister, sometimes surprised that she could be so… naturally… sweet. Ugh. It was cavity inducing at times. David then turned to see if Prajna would make a proper introduction but it seemed the dinosaur was disinterested. In the humans at least. The caveman followed Prajna’s piercing stare back to Cruz and wondered how bad THIS encounter was going to go; if Prajna’s past experiences with the other Raevans had been of any forewarning of the future, then perhaps this meeting was a mistake? A disaster in the making? But David noted the slight affection in Cruz’s eyes and decided to let it play out a little further. Perhaps this Frei could get Prajna to stay calm and restrained, in both words and actions. The last thing David wanted Namini to see was Prajna pinning another Raevan against a table or a wall, its tongue down the other’s throat. The thought of Varun made David shiver in disgust. These creatures could be so terrifying at times, truly like spoiled, unrestrained kids…

Prajna had watched Anita and Cruz approach with mild interest. It seemed like the crocodilian Frei also followed Namini’s rules, whether it knew them or not: If Prajna wasn’t allowed to pummel David, even in its worst of tempers, then no one else was either. Though the thought of David getting a good beating did make the Star smirk a bit, but the soft grin quickly died as Cruz approached closer. What was that expression on his face? Prajna felt its cheeks color a bit as the thought of this stranger being instantly attracted the Frei overwhelmed it. Prajna’s pride was a bit uncontrollable, especially now. Yes. Dressed as magnificently as it was, who could NOT be enamored by the Star’s newfound appearance? Prajna closed its eyes and inhaled deeply, preparing for its first encounter with a new soul, and then exhaled slowly, its eyelids fluttering open delicately like a butterfly escaping its cocoon. The Star turned its startling blues back to Cruz and allowed a soft smile to cross its androgynous features, “Am Prajna. You like what you see?”

Anyone else would think this sounded like a terrible pick up line, but Prajna believed it was a simple way of figuring out just what the other thought of it. Should the word “ugly” escape the reptile’s lips, Prajna would make sure he could never use them again.

[[Arriving >> (Aphi/Riv)Wine tasting table]]

Another Halloween, another party. Rivener had been ready to ditch Aphismet at home and come by himself, but the human had finally stopped flip-flopping in his decision to accompany or not. Riv tried to pretend he didn't know Aphismet's reasons for hesitating, but it was quite clear: the chef didn't quite know yet if he was comfortable being at a party Alex would be attending. The Scorpion had done his best to convince the white-haired man that it'd be a big party, with lots of people, and Aphi wouldn't need to face Alex at all if he was careful.

Aphismet's costume was unfortunately a constant reminder of his first date with Alex, though no one would tell at a glance. The human was dressed in loose black trousers and a tight black sleeveless shirt, long fingerless black gloves that extended to mid-bicep, and a stretchy mask of fabric covered the lower half of his face. With his white hair completing the look, Aphismet pulled off "Rikimaru" from the video game Tenchu perfectly. He'd been tricked into trying this outfit when he had been trying to find something to wear to his first date with the Italian. There'd been picture evidence, and it had been Rivener's insistent idea that he wear this tonight. Since it works so well with your hair, had been the excuse.

Rivener, on the other hand, had been agonizing over what to wear for a long time. Weeks! Nothing seemed right. Eventually, and the Scorpion didn't even recall where he got the idea, he'd decided to come as a voodoo priest! A sexy one, if he said so himself. The red-and-black hair had seen the addition of a multitude white clip-on strands, and they stuck out ferociously in black-red-white braids all over his head, fake dreadlocks. He'd shed his usual shirt to go bare-chested instead, though he'd painted his face and the upper portion of his chest in black paint, copiously decorated with white swirls and whorls and dots that somehow ended up giving the impression of a stylized skeleton. Around both biceps, the usual sharp and spiky adornments had been replaced with hoarse rope bindings from which dangled bones and feathers and claws. From his wrists, wrapped with the same coarse-rope binding, smaller bones rattled together whenever he moved. Around his waist, a string of morbid tiny skulls held up a long trailing black split skirt, upon which Rivener had painted random symbols in crusty white paint. His wings, the only part he hadn't bothered hiding much, simply displayed more strings of bones along the serrated edges. Every time he preened and rustled his wings, a very wonderful rattle would sound, just as with his wrists. Rivener quite liked the final product: he felt scary yet alluring. And when he grinned, the white fanged smile seemed perfectly threatening.

The two men's grand entrance was more than ruined by the fact that they needed to wear coats. Once those were stripped and handed over to the faithful coat room attendant, Aphismet let out a sigh. Of course, his eyes would have spotted the one person he'd hoped not to see. Alex was dressed as Chell, and she looked so adorable in it that the chef smiled sadly, angling his eyes down. "...I need a drink, I think," he groaned, heading for the wine tasting table.

"I'll go with you. No better way to start a party then with a drink," Rivener agreed with a grin.

...If Alex was here, then that meant-... as they headed to the wine, Rivener scoured the assembled people, looking for a familiar silhouette. Hm, there was more than one person here Rivener had never seen, he realized. Every year the Lab just got bigger and bigger! Red eyes scanned carefully, considering. That fur-clad person, definitely not Zul. Red riding hood? ...Maybe, but too short. Eventually the mysterious figure of an Egyptian God stood out, and Riv's eyes roved that golden skin, that handsomely muscled torso... A smirk twisted his lips. That HAD to be his Flower. Snickering in amusement, Riv sent a nod of greeting to the masked Raevan, unsure if he was even seen, then turned back to the wine. He could see Zul later, they had all the time they wanted. Others would surely want to have the Demon's attention tonight.

Aphismet with a Pinot Noir in hand, Rivener with a Blueberry wine, the pair of Delarans wandered just a little to make room for other parched party-goers, discussing under their breaths who everyone was, considering where they might go for conversation.

(Aphi as Rikimaru, Rivener as Voodoo Priest!)

((Zeke -- Moving toward the coat room
Anya -- Dunk Tank ))

Around the woman he called sister, Zeke could not help but laugh out loud. They were a terrible twosome and utter playmates when together and now was no exception. Her ribs tickled him greatly and as Alex stamped her assurance that the once-colorful vet was indeed terrifying, he laughed all over again.

"If you really think I'm that terrifying then maybe later you can help me give your big brother a fright." The idea was one that had been in his head since he saw himself in the mirror after getting dressed. Brad had seen him in such a get up before, but it had been awhile since the last time. Was it a trick? Was it a treat? He didn't rightly know at this point, but his idea involved a couple cellphone pictures and an equal number of image text messages. What's more, he had his partner in crime at his chest, touching over his nicely pressed suit and he knew how she liked to ruffle her brother's feathers.

"You would laugh if it happened though, don't deny." The raver gave his sister a knowing look with one brow raised, smile fading for all of two seconds in order for him to attempt a stern look. It didn't hold and he was smiling again in an instant, especially toward the latter part of what Alex had said. "Are you telling me I look dapper in a neon orange fishnet shirt, lime green gloves that come up to my shoulders, blue high tops, as many accessories as I can handle, and jeans that are so torn up, patched, and markered up that there's no real denim showing anymore?" His other brow raised as he listed off clothing, making him look quite surprised when he was done. As his question was posed, the vet released his sister's hand and tapped her gently on the nose. "You have very odd tastes, Monkey. Very odd."

He nodded to affirm that this statement was true, crossing his arms over his chest as he did so, and expecting a retort. Oh yes, she was an oddball, but that was one of the reasons why he loved her so much. Opposites attracted, as the saying went, but those with similar personalities got along just as well. Alex and himself were the very testament to that. When she took a step back from him to show him her costume, the vet raised one hand to his bearded chin as though he were studying her.

"If you want shocking, you have full access to my drawers sis, even my underwear drawer. If there isn't something shocking in there then I'll have to reconsider my sense of style." He smiled again as his eyes ticked over the costume for the second time, nodding in approval before she directed him to the gun and told him that she had made it. "Really? It looks great!" He paused his complimenting to look to where Alex was indicating, making an 'o' shape with his mouth as he realized she was indicating 'where' and not 'who'. With a nod he took up her hand again and led them off toward the coatroom.

"I like crafts, what can I say?"

"Gotta admit, I'm jealous of you artsy types." The vet chuckled and as they walked, he let his eyes drift over who was arriving and who was milling about. Like Alex, he easily recognized Rivener thanks to the Sigel's red and black hair color and wings, and noticed Cruz and Anita as they meandered into their vicinity. The vet was happy to see both, but in his gut there was a touch of worry as he laid eyes on the green Frei. Cruz was here and so was Anya. He was sure Cruz wouldn't attempt to kiss the spider queen after what had happened last time, but Anya was not going to be forgiving to anyone, let alone one she claimed had assaulted her and had caused her to react so violently toward. As Alex looped him in and whispered to him, he gave the couple a wave, hoping that if the two Raevans happened to cross paths that nothing bad would come of it, especially on Anya's side.

"Yeah," came the equally low return, Zeke looping his arm around Alex's waist and giving her a squeeze, "bigger and with more to come in the future." Vivi and Doucette were waiting for their bundles of joy, Axel had recently gotten her bottle and vial, and just last week Zeke had given the two keys to the kingdom to a nice elderly gentleman as well. That made four. For now. Who knew what the future would hold. But speaking of family members...

"Is Zul here, Alex?" He knew that Zul was working with both Brad and Neil and he too hadn't seen the demon in quite some time. Regardless, he had something for the Sigel and it was the sort of something he hoped he could pass off in person before it was time for him to get dunked.

More people were arriving. Voices started to filter the spacious barn over the music and in time with footsteps both heavy and light. As she moved, Anastacia looked toward the door in order to keep her attention on who could possibly be coming toward her that way. As such, she was unaware she had been spotted from behind. The music and voices helped to drown out the sound against her ears, and as she neared the dunk tank she raised her hands to her covered ears in order to block out the sound from the nearby speaker.

It was loud, sure, but at least it was private. The Frei felt assured she could relax here without being too bothered and thus let her wings relax, their sabre-like tips dipping downward. Her crown did a similar motion but rested against her scalp, and the spider queen took a slow, deep breath. The air smelled heavily of straw, food, artificial fog, autumn, and heat. Not unpleasant, but it would have been better without the stale, artificial scent of the small machines pushing water out as a thick vapor. It would have to do though. Going outside for fresh air was an option, but not one she wanted to pull off without her coat. Besides, in the closed area, if someone or something came in that was sick, she would easily know with one little sniff.

In fact... She was feeling a little peckish. Heat from the food would be a snack but why go for such a thing if a meal could stroll in at any time? She hadn't smelled anything sick in the air, but people were still and would still be making their way in the entire night. She decided, for what would have been laughs for any other Raevan, to try again. She took another deep breath and caught the same smell, but with a new addition this time.

Something musty and overpoweringly so. Musty, definitely old, and with a touch of something that could have been mothballs - something the Frei didn't yet know of. Her brows knit together as her mind tried to place it. She had smelled something similar before, but where? It wasn't a horrible smell, that musty whatever-it-was and before she would search it out she had to know what that underlying scent was first. It was something...

A hand touched her shoulder and the thoughts the Frei had in her head, vanished. She froze, body locking up and subtly trembling from the point of contact, outward. Ever since the Cruz incident, the mere sight of contact made her feel nauseous, but being on the end of it now was a whole different matter. Repulsion flooded her veins and as always when she was touched, her mind sounded the alarm, breaking the freeze and sending the Frei into motion. She wrenched herself free of the hand on her shoulder and whipped around - wings rising upward and flaring out to show their size before folding over and crossing her chest like an x-shaped shield. Her crown did similar but remained upward even as Anastacia backed away from this new possible assailant instead of holding her ground. When she came to a stop, all six eyes focused on the one who had touched her - finding the source of the musky smell in a male Raevan whom she had never seen before.

"Do not touch me!" She hissed, glaring the male down with lips slightly parted to show a peek of her teeth with her fangs not present. It was her standard greeting to those who did not know any better, but unlike all the times prior Anastacia's voice trembled ever so slightly.

((Josh: Center of the room -> Wine tasting; LuLu: Pot luck buffet ))


A decidedly masculine hand wrapped a light and soothing tempo on the frei’s back. The rabbit made no protest. If anything, she seemed rather comatose as she floated in place, as though her mind was still trying to catch up with her surroundings. LuLu’s eyelids drooped to half-mast. Her heavy lashes somewhat obscuring her eyes. She tried to focused her attention but found the task just a tad harder than it should have been. Her hearing was a bit duller and even the pungent perfume of carrot cake seemed to be less harsh and demanding. The liquid heat pooled in her chest was still making a sluggish move towards the rest of her body. The warmth snaking around her was relaxing and only served to deaden her senses more.

LuLu tittered out loud despite the fact there was nothing to laugh about.

Lavender eyes flicked upwards. They opened large and bright when they finally acknowledged Zul. It was certain that he was now the girl’s soul focus and was the only thing securing her to cognizance. LuLu’s lips pursed in thought as she took in her elder’s form. Her gaze followed the gold intricacies of his costume fondly but seemed to falter as they returned to the sigel’s face, or rather, his mask. The small frei ignored the offered cider. Instead, a petite hand was lifted and came to rest upon Zul’s chest. It seemed even tinier compared to the large swatch of exposed flesh. Lithe fingers barely touched his skin as they trailed lower to take a dipping path towards the male’s hips. Her palm came to a stop at the sash bound loosely around him. LuLu hummed softly to the baphomet, “Parts of you are familiar. Parts of you are not.” A small smile tugged at her lips. She locked eyes with Zul once more staring past the birdlike façade he wore to look into the faint blue glow of his irises. Her free hand poked at his long beak and her brows knitted together. She leaned forward to speak low and candid as if her words were meant just for Zul, “I feel bad for you though. You have such a silly face Mister.”

The rabbit had to fight back a fit of giggles.

On the other side of the room, Josh was still meandering about and taking his time acclimating to the party. It was exciting seeing both old and new faces around him. He was eager to catch up with his friends and was glad to have the chance to make new ones. It had been a long while since the boy had attended a Lab sponsored function. He had to admit, he was in desperate need of the socializing. Josh shuddered to think just how behind he was of the Lab’s current events!

The Santa suit clad boy grinned ear to ear as he caught sight of a familiar head of hair. Josh trundled leisurely over to the wine tasting booth. He grabbed a glass of chardonnay before he approached Aphismet. He called out merrily as though embodying the spirit of Christmas itself, “How have you been Aphi?!” He clasped a hand around the man’s shoulder before he took a sip of his wine. He made sure to give a nod of his hat at the sigel in their company, “Great costume Rivener.”