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(( Aina & co. -> Lounge ))

Seabiscuit trotted closer to Shepard in curiosity in some attempt to give Shep yet another sloppy kiss, but on the cheek - when the last of the snow was off of his paws, Mordekai let the great dane be and stood upright; "Thinks he's size of a purse dog, by the way," he laughed, noting to Shep; he glanced over at the stag when he drew closer.

"'Ey man! Good seein' you too," he pat the Sigel's back in return, smiling; his expression calmed somewhat at the question, "Ah, they're doin' okay, but not gonna make it. Cruz is havin' a rough winter. But we're doin' peachy," he raised his brows, smile widening, "You?"

Aina giggled with Vivi so close and hugged her tightly - she was reluctant to let go, holding onto the baker's side as she drew closer into the cabin. The Frei's eyes wandered around the various stations, but the blankets and hot cocoa caught her attention in particular; a small gasp escaped her. "Can, um--" she looked up at Vivi, "Vivi, can we go make hot cocoa?"

((Ethiriel -> Entrance –> bar - Cesc, Aina & co))

All Ethiriel could do was stare in awe.

The wonderful log cabin before her glowed and gleamed in her sensitive vision. The Frei hovered close to the car with Henry as he pulled himself out of his own side – though he was pleasantly surprised that Ethiriel had gotten out of the car by herself. A large puff of breath escaped her lips, easily shown in the cold of night. She had found that retracting her silver helped with the harsh cold as it was harder for them to suck in the temperature that way; not to mention it was easier to put on clothes that way, she had discovered what felt so long ago.

Her hair was down and lightly curled thanks to Clementine, and she wore a soft cardigan and a fluffy, tan dress beneath – as well as a certain, familiar silver branch necklace from her last birthday. She didn’t consider this “party” to be about her; not at all. This was so the other Raevans could celebrate another year with each other and make new friends, as well as meet with old. Her last birthday had gone without a hitch, but she didn’t want the attention on her this year.

”I’m sorry I can’t stay with you; it’s a mess at the hospital. So many sick kidlets, so little time,” Henry said, straightening Ethiriel’s jacket out of habit as they made their way to the door. Ethiriel didn’t fight it, but merely lifted her chin so that the nurse could do his work.

”It is quite alright, Henry. I will be fine; I already see Rhede and Miss Aina inside,” Ethiriel offered back, glancing to him with a gentle smile. Nedhudir shifted beside the two of them, his leash still on – his paws must have been cold in the snow, and the Frei gave him a sympathetic glance. ”All will be well.”

With a reluctant smile, Henry nodded and opened the door. However, he couldn’t go any more past as he’d likely get lost in conversation. Once Ethiriel seemed content, he turned back to his car and walked away. He did really want to stay, but for the most part – at least for now – work was more important than play.

Once inside, Ethiriel made a quick passing glance at those around; she caught a couple of familiar scents, mostly Ian’s, but as she hadn’t actually seen him, she glanced right over until she saw Aina and Cesc, and her smile grew. She hovered near, not wanting to interrupt, though Nedhudir’s presence was less than hidden with another dog around.

((Zurine - Entrance --> Cocoa bar, bothering Ethiriel))

Phiel hated driving in the snow. And with Zurine and Nara both in the car, this left him a nervous wreck. But as soon as they arrived, Zuri eagerly slipped out of the warmth of the car and out into the slow-swirling snow, excited. She loved winter, and she was in high spirits, vibrating with vitality in the cold winter night despite her usual reserve. A winter party, and it had even deigned to snow -- it couldn't be more perfect. Closing the car door behind herself to leave the men in the car, she breezed toward the door of the cabin. Her belly was filled with butterflies of excitement -- she hadn't been to a party since Cruz's birthday, and that one had been a wild ride, emotionally. This one she rather hoped would be better, but then again, it wouldn't especially be hard to beat that one for happy times.

She'd dressed up for the party, and though Zurine knew it was just something cozy with friends and family, she wanted to look lovely -- she'd dressed in a pretty cream-colored sundress edged in soft, lush white lace, enjoying the cold. Even as she opened the door and breezed in, the snowflakes in her loose, glossy hair and on her bare, silver-braceleted arms not melting. For the first moment, she paused, first looking around, momentarily unsure of herself. Still, she wanted something sweet, and it was best not to rush anyone, wasn't it?

However, before she got to the cocoa bar, Zuri saw someone she recognized who wasn't immediately busy with someone. She put on her most brilliant smile, and approached Ethiriel with one extended hand. "Oh! Ethiriel!" Zuri was a cloud of snowy chill and enthusiasm, her dark eyes shining and her cheeks flushed soft blue. She didn't think to be self-conscious about her genuine delight, assuming that the lovely tea frei couldn't see her. "I was hoping I'd see you here!" There was time to greet everyone -- besides, they had left off on a bad note last time they'd been in person together. She'd felt bad about that. It certainly hadn't been Eth's fault, after all.

((Zurine -- Cocoa bar - Ethiriel))

She brightened with delight as she noticed Ethiriel's happiness -- and Zuri nearly glowed when she realized that Ethiriel could actually see her. What an amazing thing! "I'm glad you think so," she said, laughing, "and I think you look... absolutely radiant." She didn't mind being circled and looked at. Something about having more of a torso made her feel a little bit like showing off, maybe just a little bit vain, and she fluffed up her wings slightly, dislodging a soft fall of snowflakes to the floor. "You can see me, now?" It was a little bit insensitive, but how did one bring up a seemingly-disappeared disability delicately? And the fact that Ethiriel's smile was wider than she'd seen it before -- that warmed her heart, and her own smile softened. Good. Eth deserved happiness.

(( Ian -> Cocoa Bar - Lorenzo, Vivi, & Aina - A few others indirectly ))

"Oh, really? Wow, that was quick! Congratulations, then!" He chuckled and rubbed his hands together, still trying to get rid of the last bit of chill left in his fingers. At the mention of a souvenir from Lorenzo's trip, Ian balked and shook his head. "Oh no, you really don't have to get me anything! I appreciate the offer, though." He wasn't quite sure how to respond to the offer of discounted necromancy, but smiled nonetheless. "Well, I hope your trip goes well. I'm not an expert by any means, but um, if you have any other questions you can ask me if you like."

There were a few moments of awkward silence as their conversation lulled, and Ian glanced around. People were arriving with more frequency now; Ethiriel and her dog, Nell, a distinctly snowy-looking Raevan he hadn't met before, and Claire. Everyone was milling about happily, and he got distracted watching them for a minute or two before Lorenzo spoke up again. "Oh? Sure, that sounds great."

As they approached the table and he picked up a mug, a lively woman called his name. "Oh, Vivi- Nice to see you, too." He glanced to Aina and couldn't help but smile. He'd seen her at the tea party a few months ago, but hadn't had the chance to interact with her at all. Her distinctly childlike appearance compared to other raevans was very interesting, and quite cute. "Hello Aina, it's nice to meet you. Do you, um, have a favorite flavor of chocolate?"

(( Kyou - Lounge // Laz - Hot cocoa bar, snapping pics ))

A door clicked open and close in the deeper parts of the cabin, in a private room near the kitchen. Kyou emerged with his crutches, looking cozy in a light brown knitted sweater over a white collared shirt underneath. The look was completed with a little red checkered bow tie. He wore a cheerful expression as he spotted guests arriving already, and gathering at the hot chocolate bar no less.

Almost effortlessly, Kyou used the crutches to walk towards the lounge area. He had been on these crutches for nearly six months now, and not only was he very used to them, he had made great improvements with his physical therapy as well. His legs are strong enough to support some of his weight now, so he don't need to put so much weight onto the crutches. His doctor said that he could maybe get off the crutches in a few more months.

Lazarus on the other hand, appeared from upstairs, dressed in a casual grey hoodie with fleece lining and holding a digital camera. He has a room on the second floor, as he and Kyou are staying in the cabin overnight as hosts. The party was actually organized by Jeremy, although Lazarus helped a bunch as well. But something came up and Jeremy couldn't make it. It's a shame really, as he had put in so much effort into planning it. So to make up for it, Lazarus will be taking pictures of the party for him.

As he stepped down from the stairs, he picked up his pace as he saw Kyou walked in. He hurried over to his guardian. "Do you need any help?" He had to refrain himself from helping Kyou with moving around, but perhaps he could help some other way?

"Help me get a cup of hot cocoa will you? You know what I like." For once, Kyou had a request for Lazarus. Maybe this will make Lazarus feel more useful and less awkward around him. Also, the couches near the fireplace just looked so inviting. "I'll be near the fireplace." He motioned before going over, noting the dog in the area as well.

"Okay." Lazarus beamed at the request. But when he turned around to head to the hot cocoa bar, he was surprised at how many people gathered there, even a few Raevans too. Turning the camera on, he took a few photos of the people. Then moving over to the edge of the table, he took a few more of all the happy faces gathered there. The warm lighting casting such a lovely glow on them.

((Cesc -> Lounge, Shep -> Lounge, Vivi-> Hot cocoa bar))

"Yeah," said Cesc with a sigh, lifting one hand and absent-mindedness rubbing the shell of his ear. He noted, out of the corner of his eye, the comings of Ethiriel and Zurine, but he was too invested in this conversations about Cruz now. If Cruz was really upset about the breakup, maybe he should reach out… "Reks is a gargoyle Raevan, he's a great guy and they've been friends for a couple of years now. But I think what happened is Iorek always confused Cruz's kissing for them being a romantic couple, and I think Cruz inadvertently kept that going for quite a while. It was a mess, but basically Iorek thought they were dating for, what, a year? Maybe more? They broke up a little while ago and Iorek was a mess about it. Such a shame."

At the couches, Shepard flopped down into one comfortable space and resumed his attentions toward the Great Dane. He saw that Ethiriel had walked in with her own dog, and he kept his head up while flip-flopping Seabiscuit's ears and scratching the pup's jaw, hoping to see Henry come in. Instead, he saw a vaguely familiar man hobbling pretty efficiently on crutches coming toward the couches. As he sat, Shepard spoke up.

"Hey, aren't you Dr. Kyou?" He asked, eyebrows up. "I don't know if we've met. Shepard Ryan-- one 'a Rhede's guardians."

"Ah, how lovely for Anita! She is a lucky one indeed, with her mistletoe charm. But can you not have a touch of whipped cream?" Vivi asked Aina, her lips parting. "What a shame! When Rhedefre was quite young, that was his favorite treat, just a touch." She looked at the two Guardians-in-waiting. "Such a trial, is their eating! You wish to give them the entire world to try, but you must wait."

She smiled brightly at Lazarus as he snapped pictures and called out. "Why, Lazarus! How tremendously handsome you look!"

(( Amity -> Cocoa Bar (Cadi, Claire, Nell), Kris -> Snowball fight sign up, Ronan -> Food table ))

The door to the cabin opened once again, a puff of snow chasing in behind the three new attendees and one in particular throwing off her coat with gusto, flapping her wings now that they were free of the warm but cumbersome parka. Her first winter was turning out to be beautiful, especially with the snow, but Amity had discovered that her wings did not handle the cold well and as a result ended up more cooped up than she liked. Coming to the party and actually getting out and about was going to be good for her spirits.

The frei was done up in the holiday standard, wearing a cozy red sweater and a holiday pin in her hair, a red ribbon also having been woven through her silver locks. She hadn't been able to decide on a style before it was time to go, and so the ribbon had been left there as a back up - and Amity had to admit, it didn't look bad on it's own.

As usual, the crowd at the event had already starting to grow, almost leaving her at a loss as to where to go first. To her luck, however, she caught sight of someone from a recent meeting.

Dumping her coat coat on Ronan in a rather unceremonious fashion Amity winged over to cocoa bar, approaching the familiar face and giving a jaunty wave.

"Cadi, hello!"

Ronan was left standing there somewhat dumbfounded, Kris having to muffle her giggles at the man's expression.

He looked over to her, face deadpan. "... do you think that disappearing act is going to stop anytime soon?"

"Nope." Kris went ahead and took off her own coat, picking up Amity's parka a moment later to free up Ronan's arms. "Not tonight at least."

Ronan gave an exasperated sigh. "Well, glad that's cleared up." Even so, he was smiling as he passed over his own coat to Kris and she took them to the coat check. It was hard to remain grumpy in this kind of festive atmosphere.

Heading over to the relatively calm food table Ronan began to pile a few treats onto his plate, a few not even making it that far and ending up in his mouth instead. As usual, the lab had outdone itself in the food department and he was more than happy to enjoy the results.

Coats successfully deposited Kris began to make her way to the food table too, but partway there a book by the mantle caught her eye. She slowed, taking a detour to stop in front of the book and read the words on the page. A snowball fight? Now that was a good way to bring in the new year. Kris wrote down her own name in the sign up, and after a moment of hesitation, put down Amity and Ronan's names too. She didn't think they'd mind joining in on the fun.