Xiu got off the bus close to Lab 305 and made his way down to the beach. As usual, the party seemed to be well underway by the time he had arrived. Loud music coupled with the delicious smells of barbecued meat interspersed with laughter from the guests gave this year’s summer event a very jovial feel indeed.
And Xiu felt good. The skies were clear and best of all…
Tossing his sandals discreetly beside a couple of deck chairs, Xiu dug his bare feet into the warm sand, wiggled his toes and was delighted by the sensation he felt. There were some plus points to having legs after all. And then there was Lazarus.
The raevan’s face beamed when he located his boyfriend amongst the grill. Trust Lazarus to be manning the pit. Along with the affable Zeke apparently. Walking barefooted up to the duo, Xiu gave them a friendly wave. “Need any help?”
Xiu then gave the two an impish grin, enjoying the look of horror on Lazarus’s face and motioned to his gaudy flamingo print Hawaiian shirt. “What do you think? I got this just for the occasion,“
Ravina Loki
kyoupi
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:31 am
((Zeke --> BBQ Stand))
He'd been here since this morning, helping to set up everything and get the food started. When Kyou had approached him about cooking he had been a little hesitant, given his history over the years, but had relented after talking himself up about it. He was FAR better at cooking than he had been when he was eighteen, or twenty, or twenty-four and he had picked up a thing or three from Brad over the years they had been together. He barely burned anything anymore and his family were always complimenting him when he brought something to the table he made himself.
Alright, he would do it.
And so here he was now, helping Laz man the BBQ stand. Most of the food had been set out already - shaded from the sun and either cooled or kept warm depending - but they were expecting a grand turn out and he was sure plenty of folks were going to want stuff hot from the grill. He wiped his brow with his forearm as he moved a rack of ribs away from a flare up, hungry as hell thanks to everything smelling so good.
"How're things down there?" He passed a glance to Lazarus nearby, grinning from ear to ear. He was glad for the Incubi's company - not only to have someone to chat to between people but also because Laz could cook and was sure to save him from any mishaps if any were to occur. He would have said more but before he could he heard his name and turned around to see who was calling.
His face lit up all the more at the sight of Vesna and he dipped out from the stand to greet her with his arms wide open.
"Vesna!!! Of course I remember you!" His hug would be brief but fond if she chose to accept it. Although a floral-print tank top kept his skin safe from splatters it sure wouldn't protect anyone else from what had already splashed there. And the last person he wanted to accidentally cover in BBQ sauce was the Rusalka. "How have you been sweetheart? I'm glad to see you've come on down to the party!"
He hadn't seen folks start to filter in with his front to the grill but looking over the Frei's head he could see a bunch of familiar faces already. He squinted at the sight of Lorenzo, trying hard not to laugh, but he couldn't help but wink at Vesna and comment all the same.
"Lorenzo rocking the Addams Family look eh?" A chuckle slipped out but luckily Xiu was on the scene and provided an escape from dissolving into something more. "Hey there Xiu! Oh!" His eyes went wide at the sight of the GARISH top the Pi Yao was wearing. Zeke LOVED it!
"GREAT top! Where'd you get it?!" By the tone of his voice it was painfully obvious Zeke wanted one just like it. Of course he wasn't about to forget Vesna and before he could even put a doubt in her mind, the vet looped an arm around the girl's clammy shoulders and squeezed her to his side.
"Wait! Don't tell me yet! I've forgotten my manners!" He tipped his hand to the Rusalka, before extending it out to point at each of the two older Raevans in turn. "Guys this is Vesna! Vesna, meet Xiu and Lazarus!"
kyoupi
kotaline
Rapidashtrainer
Ravina Loki Crew
Incredible Flatterer
Offline
Smerdle
Scamp
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Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 9:03 am
(( Fisher & Pohl -> Chimera Playpen ))
Pohl was floating fairly slowly for a change, mostly because his fists were full of sand and the sensation was quite distracting. He might have been barely smiling as he approached the growing crowd, but his eyes were full of curious wonder when he scanned the people and raevans present, unsurprised to find that he only knew Zeke. Though he had met many Gaians in his short time as a conscious being, only two of them had been associated with the Lab. He wanted to introduce himself to everybody, though he couldn't decide who to approach first. Luckily, that decision was more easily made when he saw the chimeras. Pohl dropped his sand and darted forward, reaching for the octopuss first. It didn't look pleased.
"Pohl." Fisher trotted up behind the raevan, plopping his bags at his feet before reaching out and resting his hand on his charge's shoulder.
"Fisher." Pohl's tone matched his guardian's perfectly, though Fish was trying for 'authoritative parent' while Pohl was clearly just amusing himself. Still, he straightened and hovered away from the half-cat creature, the breeze generated by his fluttering wings ruffling Fisher's hair. Pohl knew that cat things didn't like him much, but that didn't mean he wanted to touch them any less.
"Do you want to find a spot to put the umbrella?" Fisher asked, bending to pick up the bags again.
"Can I say hello?" Pohl asked, not waiting for an answer before he offered a measured wave and a soft, "Hello. Hello. Hello." to those nearby. Introductions. He had mastered them. Wide eyes lingered on Ryder for another second, then darted back to the chimeras.
Shaking his head slightly at the raevan's antics and tentative understanding of, well, everything, Fisher grinned at those Pohl had hello'd and added, "I'm Fisher and this is Pohl. He's new. It's nice to meet you all."
brolis
yushika
bouquet of diamonds
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 9:35 am
(( Isobel -> Chimera Playpen. Axel -> On her way to the BBQ table. ))
“It’s been a while hasn’t it?” Axel said as she glanced over to Isobel as she drove.
“It has,” she said softly keeping her eyes out on the water. Isobel was nervous to see other raevans again but mostly she didn’t do very well with water. So the idea of a whole ocean didn’t exactly make her feel good.
Axel glanced at Isobel one more time before leaning on her hand. They really out to be doing more of these things, it would be good for her to meet others. Axel felt partially responsible since Iso couldn’t exactly go anywhere without her and Axel had been a lot more preoccupied than usual. Her mood did lighten when she turned into the parking lot and parked the car, Axel grabbed her hat and put it on her head before heading out.
Axel was wearing a navy blue v-neck maxi dress with floral print and her bathing suit under it. Isobel wore a cute light pink top which exposed her shoulders and her hair was down in soft waves.
Isobel floated out and followed after Axel, her eyes moved around to the people already here and briefly wondered if they were late. Still, there were a couple of people she did not know and lots of new raevans. Still she wished there was at least one that she knew, it would have made introductions to the others a lot easier. Axel bumped Isobel forward a bit.
“Don’t be shy,” she whispered quietly. "I’m going to go say hi to Zeke.”
“Oh wait I’ll come with,” Isobel turned to follow Axel but the guardian pushed her towards the pens.
“Isobel, go make friends.” And with that the guardian left headed towards the food tables.
Seeing a group next to the Chimera pens Isobel floated over to those there. Who didn’t want to see the cute animals right? So Isobel slowly floated over arriving just in time to hear the introduction of Pohl. This was a good time right?
"Hi Pohl, Fisher. Nice to meet you too.” Isobel briefly wondered how old the other raevans were. “I’m Isobel, nice to meet all of you.”
While LuLu had a good answer for Diana's question, Laurel could only tilt his head. This seemed like something you'd ask a guardian, not one of the Raevans, but he couldn't not answer, right? His brows furrowed as he mulled over his response and gave a shrug.
"Give them a lot of hugs and make sure they're comfortable?" He said, raising a hand to tap his chin. "That's really all I want from my dad, but I don't know about other Raevans."
His folded his arms and glanced about, a flush of anxiety creeping over his chest, and suddenly paused with his ears sticking up. He heard a very familiar voice, but where were they? He glanced about, eyes wide and focused, and caught a glimpse of blonde hair hovering across the sands. There he was, Yuri was here! He beamed and turned back to LuLu and Diana.
"I'll be right back! I just saw someone I need to say hi to!" He chirped, before zipping off into the crowds. "Yuri! Yuri! Yuri!"
He dodged people and tables as best he could and firmly wrapped Yuri in a big bear hug.
"I'm SO glad you came!" He squealed, purring like a motor. "What's up?"
---
Well, if that's what Sven was hoping for, it could be a while before he found anyone that knew. Oliver arched his brow, but seemed to resign to ignorance after a moment of thought and turned to pick up the umbrellas again. However, just as he turned, more people arrived.
"Hello! Gorgeous weather isn't it?" He greeted, his gaze moving between Fisher, Pohl, and Isobel. He wasn't entirely sure who to address first, but a second look at Isobel made him pause. "I think I've met you before, with your guardian! It was quite a few years ago, do you recognize me?"
"I promise you, you will not have to eat that entire thing alone. It smells good enough to justify an extra hour at the gym." For most people, the statement would have been a joke, but Dani was perfectly serious.
For one, she wasn't all that good at joking to begin with - too blunt and direct, and most jokes went over her head - but also, Dani took food very seriously. She did her best to eat healthy most of the time, but life wouldn't be worth living without indulgences now and again, and she was firmly of the belief that you worked hard to play hard.
Today was a play day, definitely.
As Dair drifted off, Dani reached up to adjust the strap of her bikini, expression brightening as her gaze swept over the beach. People were setting up under umbrellas (someone in a cape, even? at the beach? well, she wasn't here to judge.) and she couldn't wait to get out there and splash around.
"I love the beach, and I've been meaning to come all summer, I just haven't made time for it. Swimming, definitely," she added, and then reached over to pat at the oversized bag at her hip. "And I brought an inflatable beach ball, just in case anyone wants to play volleyball or something."
Speaking of which --
"I think I'm going to grab a spot on the beach and blow it up, actually. Want to join me?"
"I know it's been a while, Aadhira, so when you need to leave, come get me. We will make our excuses and leave. I'm certain I can fabricate from pressing work." The car was stopped, but neither had gotten out yet and she glanced at Aadhira out of the corner of her eye. Aadhira was... vaguely uncomfortable that she'd read him so well, but merely nodded as they both got out of the car - he in swim gear, she in a light, long dress. Jannisari was not made for summer. There definitely was a floppy hat involved.
She waved him off. "I know you want to swim." They'd already had the 'be careful you don't have any legs to swim with' discussion. Jannisari headed over to the tables. "Excuse me," she said to Yves and Lorenzo, one of whom looked at least familiar... Either she had a horrible memory or the sun was already addling her brain. "Do you know where we should drop off food - just.. on the tables?" It was safe to say that Jannisari did not really do the potluck thing. Her dish certainly wasn't home-made; she'd asked the cook to make something extra, and she had no idea what exactly it was, not even checking before taking the dish out.
------------------------
Aadi took a rolled up towel and drifted off. Maybe he could sunbathe. He'd only been to the beach once before - Justin said the sea made him anxious, but the raevan liked how the horizon seemed to stretch forever and how the sun beat down and how everything seemed... clean. He pulled at his sheer top. While he supposed he could have technically gone sans any clothing at all (since he didn't yet possess anything needing to be covered), Jannisari had insisted on something. Oh well. He was, however, decked out in random silver jewelry of his own choice, fastened securely in the event the sea become greedy.
Humming, he spread out his bright orange towel. As he jerked the corners just into place, a shadow moved nearby. Aadhira looked up, pushing his sunglasses higher on the bridge of his nose. He remember Jannisari's admonishment to just be himself, to be social, and smiled.
"Hello - are you going to sunbathe?"
kotaline
sorry to
logue
bother
subobo
y'all
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 12:51 pm
(( Sven Beyer // Chimera Playpen ))
Sven internally felt a tiny twitch in his chest when the original man he spoke to lifted his umbrella's to leave. 'This is why you don't talk, it irritates people', the anxious part of him hissed. Luckily, something drew his attention from the conversation and his own worries, head snapping to see two new introductions, Fisher and Pohl. His eyes locked on Pohl, eyes briefly widening. Another Raevan.
Would he have a child like this, too?
The thought wasn't a nervous one this time, not when he could see people who were successfully raising such magical children. Instead, it illuminated a tired but warm smile as he greeted the two with a gentle head nod.
"I'm Sven, hello." He returned their greeting, turning his body from the playpen. Fisher had said the younger Pohl was new, did that mean newly formed? Plenty of questions buzzed in his head, instantly smothered by the need to not be rude. Damn. Another figure joined - another Raevan - and Sven felt that nervous flicker in his stomach. He wasn't always an anxious sort, but when it came to this? This world that he had been so interested in but yet hesitant to truly trust himself to join? This was nerve wracking. Luckily, he had a good face to play off his nerves.
"Sven, pleasure to meet everyone, too." He repeated his name for the new guest, shoulders relaxing slowly. "I must admit, this is my first time at a Lab event." He admitted softly, curling a loose lock around his finger as he bit back the almost desperate urge to grab his notebook and start jotting down notes. Writers block be damned, all he needed was one of these parties it seemed to devour the demon that had seized his work.
Brolis
Bouquet of Diamonds
Smerdle
Tasinei
NymiiNym
Shy Wife
Offline
Ebony Shade
Romantic Seeker
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Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 1:20 pm
((Adrian - Beach // Cordelia - Beach >Dair and Aadhira))
Once their little piece of the beach had been claimed and their parasol stood proud in the sand, Cordelia finally took a look around, trying to pick out anyone she knew. The more she looked around, the more her silver eyes dulled. Sure there were tons of people as was always the case with Lab events, but most of whom she didn't know. So many new faces among her own kind only cemented more in her mind how long it had really been. Two years...this was the result of two years trapped in stone. The idea of having to start all over again was daunting and she felt a shyness in herself she hadn't ever really felt when it came to the people in the Lab.
Noticing his granddaughter stuck in indecision, Adrian gave her a light shove out from under the parasol. "It's not like you to hesitate when faced with the opportunity to make new friends." Giving her a broad smile and a one-armed hug, the Brit pointed out two other Freis not far from where they were. "There are two right over there. Why not go introduce yourself?" Again he playfully shoved her before taking to his own towel and looking to perhaps take a nap. It was hard to tell with his dark glasses on.
Giving a light chuckle at the shoves, "All right, all right. Message received." Floating down to give him a quick peck on the cheek, "Thanks Granddad. I'll bring you back an iced tea later, okay?"
Adrian's answer came in the form of a dismissive wave, his way of saying 'get going, you're burning day light.'
Another chuckle before she was floating off towards the two new Freis. They both seemed to be male, one arguably more flamboyant than the other. The snake gave a wave as she approached, "Hey! How's it going? I'm Cordelia. Delia for short is fine. What's your names?"
Ryder continued to float there, when so many people began to arrive at the play pen, all he could do was quietly continue to float. He didn't feel comfortable really being apart of a huge group of people. But he knew that he needed to be more social. Reuben would kill him if he just walked away from such an opportunity.
"H-hello everyone. My name is Ryder," he stated quickly and rather quietly. "It's nice to meet you all."
His face began to turn beat red, and he could sense Alice creeping up. But he kept her hidden for now. He had to deal with social situations on his own; Reuben and him had talked about working on being more outgoing. Oh how he hated it.
"Isobel!" Pohl said, holding out a hand for the raevan to shake, but wibbling and retracting it when the first weather human addressed her. He floated closer to the other human, still holding out his hand. "Sven. I have been to the Lab before, but I have never been to the beach. Is it fun?"
Fisher looked as though he wanted to stop Pohl from making a nuisance of himself, but the man appeared to come to terms with it after a thought, shrugging slightly and smiling at those gathered nearby. "I'll be right back. Yell if he wanders off." And then he ducked away with his bag, hurrying over to bring a box of cookies to the food table.
brolis
yushika
bouquet of diamonds
tasinei
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 3:10 pm
(( Eden : BBQ Stand -> Vesna, etc. || Ian : Beach -> Food Tables -> Lorenzo, etc. ))
Ian pulled the small sedan into a parking spot at Lab 305, barely having enough time to put the car in 'park' before his charge was bolting out into the sun. "Eden, wait-- Sunscreen!"
The Nymph let out a dramatic, overblown sigh and folded her arms over her chest as she hovered impatiently near the front of the car. "C'mon, I wanna see Vesna!" She watched Ian dig around in the large beach tote they'd packed and pull out the can of spray-on sunscreen. She closed her eyes and wrinkled her nose against the coconut-y mist as he coated any exposed skin, then raised her brows expectantly.
"Okay, you're good to go. I'll meet you down there, okay?" Ian sighed and resolved himself to be responsible for any and all things they'd brought with them.
"'`Kay!" The pink Raevan fluttered down over the hill toward the sand, her kimono wrap trailing behind like a flowing cape. She had left her hair mostly loose for ease, but had pinned her bangs atop her head to keep them out of her face due to the wind. Soft white and gold flowers were sprinkled throughout her hair as well, the occasional petal drifting away with the wind.
Eden made a beeline for the crowd, easily spotting her best friend among them with her porcelain-white skin in the sunlight. "Vesna!" She squealed softly and hugged the Rusalka's arm tightly, her wings fluttering in excitement. "It's so beautiful out here! How are you?" Only after pulling back from their semi-hug did the Nymph notice the others gathered around the grill, only one of which she recognized. Zeke was there, she remembered his brightly colored hair and clothes immediately. But the others--two humans and two.... Valsaros?! They had to be; they were entirely too fantastical to be guardians.
Her lips curled into a bright smile and she tilted her head slightly as a large peony bloomed behind her ear. "Oh, hello! I don't think we've met-- I'm Eden!"
Meanwhile Ian lagged behind, having slathered himself in twice as much sunscreen as Eden and gathered their things to haul to the beach. He dumped them only gently enough not to break anything once he reached a good spot, which appeared to be next to Lorenzo's items. They had to be his; no one else would bring such exotic items with them. He straightened up and looked around at the crowd that had already gathered, flashing back to the last beach gathering he'd gone to through the Lab. He could see Aadhira clearly, talking with another Raevan near the water, but the smell of food beckoned his hungry stomach like a lighthouse. He would wait a bit before checking on the peacock Raevan; he didn't want to be smothering, after all.
So Ian made his way to the food tables, slowly building himself a small plate before noticing Lorenzo. He smiled and took a breath, pushing himself to join the small group of other guardians and raevans. "Oh, hello. Lorenzo, Yuri, Yves-- how are you? Long time no see," he chuckled softly. "And Jannisari!" There were a few others that he didn't recognize, but was certain he would by the end of this party. At least for now he could stick close to Lorenzo, whom he probably knew the best of all the guests.
Just quoting anyone and everyone Eden and Ian are close to lmfao, feel free to ignore if you're busy!
kotaline
kyoupi
Rapidashtrainer
Ravina Loki
Bouquet of Diamonds
The Semblance of Unity
Smerdle
Byagane319
Logue
Brolis
Cynnybun
Anxious Kitten
Offline
kotaline
Deathly Darling
Offline
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 3:43 pm
((Vesna - BBQ Stand -> Eden, Zeke, Xiu, Lazarus | Lorenzo - Food Tables -> Dr. J, Ian, Yves))
Vesna accepted Zeke's hug readily, laughing as she hugged him back. "I'm so good!!" she gushed. "I made, like, a million friends, you know?? Oh! And I got into anime! And I can draw way better now, and I can play the ukelele, and I can speak Russian, but Russian is actually pretty boring, so that's, like, whatever. I found so many fel essences with Cesc and stuff, too! So I think I'm a pretty good detective?? Plus, I'm practicing cooking! I brought food! But, uh, I messed up, so I haven't put it out yet." She laughed nervously. "Lorenzo ate one last night and he didn't die or anything, so I know it's edible, it's just, like, not very pretty. How are you?? How's Anastascia?? Is she here? Can I meet her?"
She stuck her tongue out when he mentioned Lorenzo's ensemble. "Can you believe he still orders clothes from mail-in catalogues?? Like, my soul died hundreds of years ago, but I still know that's way behind the times."
Turning around when Xiu showed up, she grinned. "I met Xiu!! He gave my 3DS to some kind of god or something, but he bought me a new one, so I graciously chose to forgive him. I haven't met Lazarus, though! I'm Vesna, it's nice to meetcha!"
"Eden!" she squealed, letting go of Zeke and squeezing Eden's arm back. "I'm good! I can't believe that Dad actually took time off today. What's up with you? Did you guys bring something cool? Dad just brought books."
She turned to Zeke again. "Zeke! You've met Eden, right? You have to meet everyone for your job. Well, did you know, she's my best friend?? Pretty cool, right?"
______________________________
Lorenzo turned to see two familiar faces heading towards him, and felt a wave of relief. If it wasn't just Yves here, it would be considerably less stressful to participate, especially since one of the familiar faces was not just a friend, but a Colleague.
"Doctor Jannisari!" he greeted crisply, extending his hand in a professional handshake. "What an extremely pleasant surprise. Do you remember me, perchance? We briefly met at the last Symposium On Magical Medicine a couple of months ago, although I believe our paths cross from time to time on cov.en. I always enjoy your insights. Are you here as an observer, or an attendee?"
He greeted Ian in turn. "I see you were left in the dust as well, my friend." he said, flashing a sympathetic smile. "Vesna left to talk to Zeke, but I'm sure-- Ah, yes, there's Eden with her now. How have the two of you been?"
He remembered Yves was with him, and gestured at him. "This is Yves Lecuyer, I've been teaching his raevan, Yuri, some necromancy, since his raevan's powers are inclined towards it. He's kindly agreed to groom Buddy, and thanks to him, I've learned quite a bit about the, ah, other ways that one can keep an undead pet feeling fresh and chipper. Did you know they make pet shampoo? Really remarkable."
Cynnybun
Ravina Loki
Rapidashtrainer
kyoupi
Logue
The Semblance Of Unity
Cynnybun
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 4:10 pm
[[Jannisari -> food tables | yves, ian, lorenzo]]
"Ah, Mr. Fisch." She took his hand and briskly shook it, a smile crossing her face. "I'm afraid I did not recognize you, given the setting change. I'm here as an attendee, as unlikely as that may seem. This is quite out of my normal scope of medical research - and Aadhira is sunbathing, I believe." She turned to the other two men.
"Mr. Flynn, nice to see you again - have you been well? Mr. Lecuyer, a pleasure. Is the pet shampoo specially formulated for the undead? I'd been thinking about getting Aadhira a pet as a companion, but there's too much to consider as of yet. I haven't even begun to consider a type." The corners of her lips tightened briefly. Raising a raevan, especially one with a history, was proving to toss all kind of odd hurdles at her.
(( Isobel -> Chimera Playpen. Axel -> BBQ table stuffinf face ))
“Oh yes! The hedge!” Isobel paused briefly trying to recall his name. “Oliver right? It’s good to see you again.” She gave him a small smile before pointing at Axel. “Axel is over there, I’m sure she’ll say hello later on.”
“Are you enjoying yourself Sven?” So this was a possible guardian or a soon to be guardian! She’d have to wait a bit to ask him. They were quite the little group now and she didn’t want to miss anybody.
She gave Ryder a smile and a small wave before taking the extended hand from Pohl and shaking it lightly. He looked like a young Raevan and her thoughts were correct when his guardian went off and spoke about him wandering off.
“So Sven, are you a guardian to be or are you perhaps waiting on your raevan to be born?” She was quite curious indeed about future guardians who came to events to meet the others. Axel had been one of them at some point after all.
