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(( Zul → Entrance to Food Table with LuLu and Melanie ))

If he was going to bolt, the sensation was quickly squashed by the happily bouncing form of his dear beloved rabbit. Zul's misgivings quickly melted away for the time being, an easy grin resting crookedly on his features as he floated over to the blonde, her human friend and -- Cesc.

Cesc -- he'd talk to in a moment. Given that he was preoccupied with a man he wasn't entirely keen to talk to at the moment - no fault of Kyou's, of course - it was easier to focus on the two ladies.

Zul picked up speed as the glee within emerged, happy to see his Lu and that she had not lost her enthusiasm. If she didn't put the plate down, she might lose it entirely: the Sigel very suddenly and tightly embraced the other (wait -- had he known she was a Sigel!? How much time has passed?), giving her a little spin in place before setting her down, pressing a kiss to her dark cheek. "Lu! Beautiful Lu, how are you? It's been...so long. Far too long! You look radiant!" Keeping an arm steady against her back, his bright blue eyes turned to the brunette she'd been talking to. The woman had two plates, and with a handicap Kyou at the table near by, he could easily put two and two together.

Bowing his head more politely to her, his hand against his chest, he greeted Melanie, "Good afternoon, m'lady. I see you've found the good company, I hope your time is being spent in an equally good fashion?" He smiled with a gentle nod, eyes flickering between the women. He could do this...even if for a while, he could do this. "I am Zul. Please, don't let me keep you if you're busy."

(( Ian - Food Table | Lulu, Cesc, Melanie, Dr. Kyou ))

As he was sorting through the offered morsels and trying to decide, Ian caught a flash of blond hair out of the corner of his eye. Oh... The rabbit Raevan! He remembered her vaguely, having talked to her briefly at last summer's event at the beach. But he hadn't seen her since then and...crap, he couldn't remember her name!

"Oh, ah, hello... You probably don't remember me but, um, I think we met last year at the beach?" He started, knowing he must sound like an idiot. It was highly unlikely that she remembered him, after all. "I-I'm Ian, Ian Flynn. I'm so sorry, but I'm terrible with names... Is it..Lu...Lucy?" He made an apologetic face and waited to be corrected; he knew that probably wasn't right.

But suddenly another Raevan had arrived at the table. In fact, people were really starting to come out of the woodwork now. Ian took a few breaths to stay calm, smiling when he realized he recognized the other Raevan. "Oh, Cesc! It's been a long time, hasn't it?" He asked, secretly thankful for the correction on Lulu's name. He diverted back to her quickly. "Lulu, of course. I'm sorry, really..." He laughed softly, hoping she wouldn't be upset with him. But it had been a long time, after all!

And then another; two, actually. Both human, or at least not Raevans. The woman looked vaguely familiar, and Ian balked a little when she addressed him right away. "O-oh, right! Yes, I remember now." He gave a polite nod to Dr. Kyou before backing up slightly to give them room. "You must be Dr. Kyou. I've heard a lot about you, and how you were unwell for a while. I'm relieved you seem to be doing better." He smiled, before turning his attention to the food again. His heart was beating a bit faster from trying to keep track of all these people, and more were arriving by the minute! He needed some food or he was going to drop soon.

[[ Melanie → Food Tables || Kyou, Ian, Cesc, Lulu, Zul ]]

'So many people.' Melanie thought to herself as she glanced around the party quickly. It was really beginning to pick up and her heart began to race. If she was to get any sort of story from this at all, she would definitely have to take the time to sit down with one or two of these party goers for an interview, just long enough to get some good feedback.

Melanie's work always loomed in the back of her mind. Her job was to write stories on current social happenings around Gaia: parties, socialites, that sort of thing. However, she couldn't help but wish to be a more serious writer. Politics, world events, bigger things than what the paparazzi cared for. Hell, she would even go for a story on global warming at this point if her editors would accept it. But, since her sister was an actor and model, she was stuck writing puff pieces and her editors wouldn't really allow her to break into what she truly cared for. Thus, she took to her blog under her own name for the more serious and creative matters that were brought to mind. Melanie just couldn't wait for the day her editors gave her the go ahead to write about whatever she wished.

It was then that her mind snapped back to what was happening. 'Pay attention, Mel...pay attention.' she thought to herself.

Melanie took a look down at the macarons, as prompted to by the rabbit sigel. She then looked back up at Lulu and Cesc with a kind smile. "Ah, they look delicious, Lulu. I'll definitely try them." she stated, picking up a couple and placing them on her plate. She then turned her attention to the stag. "Definitely a pleasure to see you again, Cesc." she began, "I'm doing quite fine, thank you. And yourselves?" she questioned, being sure to incorporate both the Raevan's at the table.

The man, Ian, had been rather quiet during this time, rather shy in fact. But he finally spoke up, remembering who she was. She nodded with a smile and continued to grab a few treats for herself until Kyou mentioned the things he wanted. "Got it." she said, determined to get just what Kyou wished, placing each treat delicately onto the plates. Just then, Lulu called for yet another Raevan to come join the group. With a deep breath, she kept to her task at hand until he had arrived and the introductions began.

With a slight giggle, Melanie agreed with a pleasant nod and smile at Zul. "Well, Zul, thank you for your kind pleasantries. It's very good company, I agree. And I have no plans, save for eating these beautiful treats here." she said, glancing back at the plates she had left on the table prior to addressing the demon. "I'm Melanie Devereux, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you, Zul." she said, bowing her head slightly in return.

Glancing back at Kyou, a smile crept upon her features and she quickly interjected, trying her best to be polite and not interrupt. "Whenever you're ready, sir." she said, raising both plates a bit when she spoke to get the point across that she had gathered all the treats requested.

At this point, however, in her mind Melanie was just trying to keep track of all the new names and faces. Her mind probably looked like crime board at this point, trying to place all the faces and names together, make connections where possible. Who knew who, and trying to overhear the other's conversations about what they had been up to. Anything that could be used to befriend them further in the future. Her mind always wandered with ideas of stories she could write with the Lab as the main cast.

((Ethiriel & Henry > entrance | Oiver))

Henry laughed, offering a small wave and smile as Nell moved on. She seemed nice enough; he didn’t know her at all but it hadn’t been an unpleasant time. Once she was gone, the nurse finally turned his attention to Oliver entirely, offing a hand to shake. ”We’ve been doing pretty well! It’s good to see you out and about, to be sure!”

Nodding, Ethiriel crossed her arms just below her chest. ”The party is young. Perhaps you shall make friends today.”

The nurse nodded along with Ethiriel. After shaking, Henry placed both hands in his pockets before taking a brief look around; there were plenty of Raevans he recognized here – Cesc, Tati, Zul and Laz to be sure, as well as some he had never seen before. A perfect chance to get more friends for the ever blooming Ethiriel. It was quite, exciting; at least in the nurse’s mind.

There were a few people the silvery Raevan wished to see, but that would come soon.

((LuLu - Food table l Cesc, Mel, Zul, and Ian ))

LuLu had trouble placing Ian as well so she did not take offense to the botching of her name. She was actually glad he had reemphasized his own name. Otherwise, she would have been doomed to the same embarrassment. returned both human's comments with a smile and a nod of her head. "It is fine. I am well.The party is wonderful."

The rabbit gobbled up the stag's bribe like one of Vermillion's carrot cakes, "I cannot say no to your offer." With her head swollen from Cesc's compliments, LuLu took the offer of a being a personal stylist to heart. She mulled over what outfits might lurk in the stag's closet from the bits and pieces she had seen of his wardrobe. He had yet to be branded as a fashion faux pas. On the contrary, Cesc always had a polished finish even in his casual attire.

Lu doubted she would be underwhelmed by Cesc's collection of apparel, but it never hurt to be prepared. "I can bring something of Josh's. He dresses well enough. But..." The girl trailed off and motioned vaguely to the breadth of the other sigel's shoulders. "You are wider. Josh is... noodly."

The only other males she lived with were Sevilin and We'rika. Both of those choices posed their own problems, too. Getting any article of clothing away from Sevvie would be like pulling teeth. On the other hand, she shivered at the thought of stuffing any poor soul into one of Rika's sweat stained henleys.

LuLu made her decision with a firm nod, "I will manage with what you have." She mimed a phone call with her hand. "Call me. I will come to make you look amazing. Or text me for suggestions. Okay?" She recalled the stag had her number from their last meeting.

Though she had called for him, LuLu could not help the squeal that escaped her as she was snatched up by Zul. Her balance went a bit catawampus from being drawn off the ground so quickly so she clung to the other sigel tightly for some stability and to return his hug. Despite the rocky start to their embrace, the rabbit quickly burst into a fit of uncontrolled giggles. It was certainly not the most ladylike display, but she could care less. It was Zul! Manners be damned. As she was spun around by her brother in a short loop she had to fight the urge to say 'Again!'

LuLu placed an affectionate peck to the baphomet's forehead before she settled back down. She straightened out the hem of her dress and puffed up with pride. "It has been. I have been well. Better than well. Things have been great." She looked to Zul hopefully, "How has my brother been?"

((Ethiriel & Henry > entrance | Oliver))

As Oliver gripped his hand, Henry cupped the man’s hand with his other with a solid shake and pulled away. ”Glad to be of service!” he joked, gently placing a hand between the blond’s shoulder blades and began to lead him to the food table – Ethiriel on his other arm. ”Not a problem! It looks great, my man! You guys did a great job!”

The Frei followed silently, darting her eyes across the party to see if anyone held any silver. So far it seemed to just be Henry, but that was expected. So many scents filled the air; friends, strangers, foods and drinks, the warmth of the day and all the wind carried – it was a bit too much for the Frei, who reserved herself further.

There were many people at the table, all busy with their own conversations, so Henry merely led Oliver to the table with a grin. ”I’m sure you’ll make many more friends here, especially if you’re trying to get in! Everyone I’ve met is beyond friendly!”

((Anya and Zeke --> Arriving
Zeke --> LOOKIN FOR U CLAIRE
Anya --> Entrance ))

They were late, but only by a little. In truth it was Anya's fault; the spider queen was loathe to let Zeke go to a tea party in beat up but brightly colored cargo shorts and a tank top better suited for a surfer and she refused to let him leave until he changed. The vet had pouted and protested in his own way but Anya made sure he relented. She even went so far as to pick out his shirt and slacks for him. Granted, she couldn't get him to tame his hair - begrudging little 'agree to disagrees' to make things easier - but he looked far better than before. His attire suited the occasion at least.

She was, of course, dressed for such a thing, even if she had been wholly uncertain about attending at all in the beginning. The party was at the Lab and Anastacia hadn't gone near the place for just shy of two years now. The closest she had been up until now was the backseat of Zeke's Aston and even that had been uncomfortably so.

But like Zeke said it would be, the party was outside.

"Wow, look at this!"

Despite the dapper get up he was as bouncy and boyishly excited as always. The vet's head was hardly still for a moment as he surveyed the scene that had once been the cafeteria's outdoor patio and the Lab's backyard. He seemed to light up even more as he spotted several individuals in particular, ending with a barked laugh and his biggest grin yet when he saw a familiar and most familial face.

"Holy s**t! Zul's here!"

Anya couldn't really see the demon but she didn't have to to know that he would, at some point, be body slammed and bear hugged by the man at her side. If she reached Zul first she would make sure to warn him. That was what 'family' did after all, right?

"He'll be happy to see you." She turned to look at her Guardian, the long plait she had made of her lavender hair shifting from her shoulder to hang down her back as she did so. "Going to get him first?"

Zeke shook his head. "Nah, I can wait! He's with a few folks and besides, I've got to find Claire!"

As he said the new Guardian's name he pulled his cellphone out and sent a rapidly typed text off to alert the blonde woman of his arrival. He kept the phone in hand, ready and waiting for the reply.

"I'll have to go inside though...Will you be okay out here?" His eyes asked an unspoken question. She shook her head to that one and then inclined her chin to respond to the first.

"I'll be fine. I'm sure Cesc will be here." Maybe Revon and Ethiriel. Iorek was a possibility as well. And Zul, of course, should she happen across him along the way. She was still...uncertain about the location but good company could make uncertainty disappear in an instant, as she had come to find out in recent years. "You go do your thing."

[[ Melanie → Dining Table || Kyou ]]

Melanie looked about the area, trying her best to remember all the faces that she had met here at this gathering. The three Raevan, Ian, and even Dr. Kyou himself. She wanted to make sure she got the names right. As she glanced at each one, she double checked in her head which were which. 'Zul, Lulu, Ian, Kyou, Rhe-?' she questioned a moment. Oh, what on earth did the stag say his name was? 'Red? No no, he had a nickname, what was it? Cek, Cesar? Ah, ******** it.' she couldn't think. And that was the one she had met the year before as well. She was quite terrible with names sometimes, especially if they weren't "normal" names; but it would likely come to her in the middle of the night.

"It was quite a pleasure to see you all. Excuse me." she trailed off with a smile, making her way past Cesc with Dr. Kyou towards the nearest dining table; setting the plates down for the two of them across from one another.

As the man thanked her, all she could do is nod with a smile. "You're quite welcome. When I saw you standing there," she gestured towards the spot they first met, "I just figured you'd probably like a helping hand, since both of yours are busy. All in all, it was my pleasure."

Melanie sat in silence a moment, taking in the sights of this delicious, albeit fattening, meal she was about to partake in. With a small smile, she grabbed the macaron and took a bite. Oh the rabbit was right! It was delicious! She hadn't eaten a macaron before, but this was quite good.

Whilst doing this, her mind wasn't solely on the food and the party. Looking around at all the other party goers, she still hadn't seen Thanatos, Domo, or Lala. Maybe he wasn't able to make this party. She felt both relieved and saddened at the same time. Half of her wanted to meet with Xan, hoping the two could talk again. The other half felt as though it may be awkward considering the two hadn't really kept contact after their last date; not because it was bad, but because they both were just terribly busy.

Shaking those thoughts from her head, she spoke up. "So, sir, I don't think I ever caught your name."