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 Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 1:49 pm
(( Fisher -> Entrance -> Food Table ))
Fisher was rarely nervous, though he was starting to suspect that was because he'd always had surprisingly little to lose. For most of his adult life, all he'd truly held dear had been his job and his dad. The former was secure for as long as he wished it to be, and the latter, well... losing Shawn Gridell was not an option he even considered.
Several months ago, however, Fisher's life had taken an unexpected turn. Now there was a glass jar and a bottle sitting in a proper spy's briefcase at home, and that briefcase was surrounded by as many old, tie-dyed shirts and colorful scarves as Fish could find. He'd paid special attention to make sure none of them bore a trace of brown or white and that they enclosed the items entirely. He didn't want his future floating friend to end up fifty percent carpet stain or underwear or... soup.
He had lavished the items with daily attention since they had arrived—talking to them, polishing them, thinking about them near constantly—but he still hadn't decided what to do with them. Frankly, the threat of this tea party hadn't helped. No matter how thoroughly he'd memorized the names on those lists, he still wasn't a true part of this mystical playgroup until he made a choice. Brown and white.
On the designated date, Fisher made his way back to the Lab for the first time since he'd filled out his application. It was a sunny day, but he opted for a suit jacket over a spring green button-down shirt and his nicest pair of jeans, the ones that only had a little bit of wear near the heels. Instead of entering through the door like he had the last time, he went straight around to the party, looking everything over with a wide-eyed grin he quickly had to tone down. It was like a theme park around here, and who better to know a theme park than him?
Nerves numbed by childish awe, Fisher ventured farther into the civilized soirée. He paused at the snack table, his approval increasing with every item he laid eyes on. Mmm, sliders. And to think he hadn't even noticed the Raevans yet.
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 2:55 pm
((Tatiana - Tea Tasting - Nell, Jeremy, Noah -- I'm so sorry! D; ))
Tatiana ruffled her feathers, smelling the sweet tea and glancing her violet eyes. She admired Nell's enthusiasm, smiling behind her cup as she complimented the Lab. It was a comfortable environment, a good place to be born into. There were warm and welcoming people and this beautiful garden made things less sterile and scary. She tilted her head and considered the thought for a moment. Her brother was born where humans tend to be hatched- she supposed. Hospitals. She'd been in the building for hours and it did nothing to endear her to the place. The lights made everyone look green and it smelled like alcohol and sick. Not to mention there were so many souls. It was like a tidal wave of presences. New ones awakening, and some glimmering out.
She hoped she'd never have to visit again. The lab on the other hand was far more cheerful and while it seemed full of bustling bodies- there was a distinct lack of the tidal pulls. Except from the Raevans... But that was something she was getting used to. The Frei grinned, sipping the tea and gently placing the cup down on the table, searching for where the empty ones went.
"Jeremy, was it?" She glanced up at him smiling sheepishly, "Where do the used cups go?" She fluttered her azure wings, tilted a head and letting some of the curled locks fall over her shoulder, still heaped on her head.
She startled slightly and looked over at Noah approaching, pursing her lips in curiosity. She opened her mouth to answer, and had it been winter time, she would. Instead she snapped it shut, looking over and letting the older human explain her selection for her.
"Ooh," Tatiana coo'd rolling her shoulders back and bowing her head like a swan approaching a fish, "Ginger is one of my favorite smells. May I try that one too?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 5:31 am
[[Rivener - Entrance || Lazarus and Anya ]] Rivener smirked at Anya's comment, nodding in agreement. "Well alright, Sigel is fine. But I mean all the way to that." He pointed at Laz's legs. The Scorpion was glad his friend enjoyed it, but if it was a matter of choice and will, Riv was quite decided never to reach that stage. Laz explained about his powers and Rivener cocked his head in curiosity. So far there seemed nothing much to boast about Valsaros, apart maybe for the strength and toughness and the ability to eat food. If nothing else, that seemed fun! ...Apart for the woefully disgusting consequences that usually followed for the people with working digestive systems. Still, the dark Sigel grinned happily and clapped Laz on the shoulder. "Well regardless of my own opinion, congratulations, Lazarus. I can tell you're enjoying this. And I wonder if it means you'll be MORE or LESS able to drink now. We should go to the pub more often." The grin turned mischievous and Riv's ruby eyes glittered. [[OOC: Sorry it took so long! Had to get a hospital treatment that took a few days to prep for XD]]
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 9:55 am
((Zeke --> With Claire in his Office
Anya --> With Riv and Laz by the Entrance))
When she finally smiled in that genuine way, Zeke couldn't help but return it with the same soft touches. She had undergone a hard trial to capture her soul but even after such a thing, she was still looking forward to her Raevan and everything he or she would bring. He knew she was A+ material and this only proved his feelings about Claire.
"I think your garden will be beautiful and that they will love it just as much as any forest." Mentally he made a note to get Claire a plant for said garden. He and Brad had a small one in the backyard - condo living boards put a damper on anything grander - maybe something cultivated from there would be a fitting gift. Maybe for when the Raevan was born.
He would have to consider it later, however. Business, as they say, was business. When Claire picked up the pen, Zeke laughed and took another pen from his cup for himself.
"I'm the one doing the signing!" He winked at her and pulled the papers she had procured for him across the desk. "Remember how I had you sign a couple forms before I left when I dropped these off? That was the first set of papers. These ones you brought with you are the second. I just have to add my name to them to make them all official-like."
As he spoke he went through the few scant pages, pen poised and ready. He started with the word 'Leshy' on the soul line then dipped down into signing here and dating there. He got to the last page with everything intact when he paused and slid the papers back at Claire again.
"Missed a spot!" His tone was goodnatured and cheery as ever as he tapped a small line with a tiny print beneath it asking for the Guardian's initials. "Other than this though, everything's in order! You have the soul bottle and the Essence vial with you, paperwork is signed...once we have this set of papers in your folder again, we're all set here! Well...unless you have any questions?"
---
Lazarus explained his ability and she had to admit to herself that what he had to say was relieving to hear. Lazarus was not a ticking timebomb waiting to go off...good news! Even still, in another way it was interesting to know on principle.
"It seems we all have our own unique powers and talents." Her words were mused, eyes going to the Sigel she was still arm-in-arm with. Looking at him with this topic in mind, that odd kinship they shared was only amplified. They were similar after all, perhaps it wasn't a stretch to think that some of their own abilities had similarities too.
"I'm glad you agree with me on that, Rivener." She could maybe agree with him about the Valsaros part. Maybe. And only that halfway mark because she did want hips. She liked them and the way they held a dress like she had seen so many times over since her birth. Rivener had the beginnings of them but Anastacia wasn't sure that would be enough to satisfy her.
She also wasn't about to ask the Scorpion to throw on a dress for her to make a judgment call on that. She had nothing in his size and she was sure he wouldn't be up for it anyway.
"Talk aside...yes. Congratulations, Lazarus."
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 6:27 pm
(( Aina -> Teapot Planter Table ))
It seemed like most everyone that was planning to arrive to the tea party had settled by the time Aina left the Lab faculty. Duncan was still sorting through some of the evening's chores before he could join the rest of the party, and with how restless the Frei was getting, he thought it cruel to keep her indoors any longer. One glance outside told him that they were surrounded in people he could trust, and the idea of letting Aina loose for a while didn't seem like a risky idea. With his permission, Aina floated outside to the remainder of the tea party, adjusted a sun hat to her head, and watched quietly as people wandered about.
She had never really been left alone to her own devices, and the idea of greeting anyone felt like a daunting affair-- especially when so many of them were strangers, and the others she knew were already occupied, speaking to those unfamiliar faces. One more glance, though, and she noticed one unaccompanied Cruz at the teapot crafts table. The pomegranate wandered toward him, wrangling her hands together.
Of all the faces here, Cruz's was among the most familiar, but the crowd around her brought Aina to an absolute loss at words. Floating lower than normal-- perhaps to the true height of what she might be like, if she had legs-- she floated quietly behind Cruz and tugged at his blouse.
"Cruz," she piped out, clearly weary-- she glanced over at the rest of the party, "Is Nita an' Mo here?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 8:24 pm
(( Cruz – Teapot Planting Table | Aina )) It had been such a quiet greeting and everyone seemed pretty involved with their conversations. In all honesty, it was a relief to Cruz that he hadn't spoken loud enough to bring attention to himself. A happy accident. His eyes found the available teapots to choose from (and oh, how many there were!) which occupied the croc for several moments of relative silence. The conversations around him, tickling teacups, and cars drifting down the not-so-distant street were enough white noise to keep himself from overthinking things. Iorek wasn't here yet but he would be, eventually. Not now. So, Cruz resolved, he didn't have to worry about that now.
That was what he told himself until a small hand tugged at the back of his shirt and sent him startling several inches higher. Cruz looked over his shoulder for the culprit, still feeling weight at the hem of his haltar, but he saw no one. When the soft voice spoke again, he lowered his gaze to a distinct bed of white hair.
"Hi, Aina," he said, drawing out that first 'h' as though he had gotten stuck on it. "No, they stayed home."
That probably wasn't the answer Aina was looking for. Cruz grimaced. It seemed like they could both use a distraction; poor Aina was looking a little out of her element with all these people around and Cruz certainly felt out of his own. With some effort, he gave the rain child a smile. "Wanna make a plant with me?"
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:05 pm
(( Claire -> with Zeke in his office | Ivy - > at the planter table with Melanie and Josh ))
Claire had a few minutes to muse to herself while Zeke's pen scratched over the papers. The thought of working on that garden was gaining massive appeal with her, and she mentally began ticking off a list of needed supplies, things she would be asking her mother about, planning out how she would want it to look. There was so little time and so much of it at once before the Raevan would arrive, and she would make sure that the garden was ready for them by then, or at least had a good enough start. She wanted it to be a place not just for the Raevan, but for everyone, and for the first time in a long time, she was feeling a sense of purpose again with her new goal in mind.
She was startled out of her reverie by Zeke reminding her of a missed initial. "Oh, sorry," she replied, and scribbled 'CRH' on the indicated line with a sigh and smile. Leaning back into the chair, she glanced over at the suitcase as Zeke confirmed that everything was in order. The deal was sealed now, and all that remained was the wait for the Raevan.
"No, no questions," she said, but paused momentarily. She reached her hand over to the bottle in its case and touching the glass one final time, and gathered her skirts and stood, smoothing out the creases. It was goodbye for a little while. "Although... if you could keep me posted on how things are going, Zeke, that would be wonderful."
More than wonderful.
-----
"Oh well, y'knowww." Ivy pressed a hand to her cheek and waved the free one at her two younger companions. "I've just had a little more time than y'all, it's fine. I'm a firm believer that anyone can pick it up if they want to, as long as they don't neglect the poor things." She took the hands as they were offered, and glanced over her shoulder when Josh nodded towards the rabbit Raevan who looked so animated. "She looks like the life of the party! I'll bet she keeps home pretty lively for ya." There were quite a few Raevans hanging around the party and Ivy was surprised by how different they all were from each other, and she found herself wondering what Claire's would come out looking like. Seeing as she had never met the Leshy herself and only had Arina and Claire's stories to go on, she could only picture one with a long, mossy beard and looking quite a bit more elderly than most of those currently in attendance. But her daughter so wanted a child, and she secretly hoped that he erred a bit more on the younger side.
"It's lovely," Ivy replied to Melanie with a smile, returning part of her attention towards the table to construct her pot. "Not that I can say that retired livin' is too rough on me, but the Lab does throw some good parties from what I've seen, but I've only been to a couple since Claire joined up with the program here. And you two?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:37 pm
(( Aina -> Teapot Planter Table with Cruz ))
Cruz was, in fact, correct-- that was exactly what Aina didn't want to hear. At the news, she sank a little more until her ribbon touched the ground, and she gripped her little cardigan with the hand that wasn't clinging to Cruz. Why didn't they want to stay? Feeling somewhat tired and a little lost, the Frei sniffed while staring below her.
Then the crocodile spoke to her again. Aina looked up, a little flushed around her nose and cheeks, but she floated closer to the planters to see what they had in store, still-- a lot of what they had set up was still there. Upon reaching for a little teapot at the corner of the table, which was just out of her reach, she nodded; "Uhuh... I helped set 'em up today. Um-- we have air plants..."
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:15 pm
((Zeke --> With Claire in his office))
She passed back the papers and Zeke gave them a last glance and one final scrawl of his signature. Satisfied, the vet took those stapled sheets and tucked them into the manila folder before placing said folder back into the drawer from whence it came. His eyes went to the open case then and right to the green that swirled within the glass bulb of the Soul Glass. He smiled at it and turned that smile onto the woman who had been taking such good care of it.
"I'd be more than happy to, Claire." She would get photos, text messages, and even emails if need be. No detail would go unknown, he would make sure of that. When the blonde woman stood, so did Zeke. However he did not immediately move to escort her out. He closed the case - the locks snapping loudly in the otherwise quiet room - and lifted it up and away so he could begin the next phase of the soul and Essence's journey.
"Shall we?" He gestured with his free hand toward the door. "I'll see you as far as the cafeteria. I want to get these two into the lab before I head back out myself."
He could start the process, no need to wait or interrupt the other staff from their mingling.
"If you do have any questions before he or she is born, though, you're more than welcome to ask. You know how to contact me!"
When they reached the cafeteria, Zeke didn't hesitate to wrap Claire up in another gentle hug. For all she had been through to capture a soul to everything that was to come with a Raevan in the home, he was overjoyed she was going to be along for the ride.
"Congrats again, Claire. I'll see you out there soon, okay?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:52 am
(( Jeremy - Tatiana // Lazarus - Entrance | Anya & Rivener ))
Jeremy looked over at Tatiana when she called his name. "Oh just give that to me, I'll get rid of it for you." He chuckled as he accepted the empty cup from the Frei. Then reaching down under the table, he placed the dirty cup in a well concealed tray under the table cloth, holding the other cups that had been used. Good thing he prepared a lot of mini tea cups for the party, so he don't need to wash them yet.
When she requested to try the lemon and ginger tea, he smiled. "Okay. This one will taste a little stronger than a jasmine tea though." Picking up the teapot, he poured the warm yellowish liquid into a new tea cup before offering it to Tatiana. "Interesting fact, this is not technically 'tea'." He explained as he lifted the teapot lid, showing the slices of ginger and lemon infused inside. "I also added some raw honey for taste."
"Thanks." Lazarus laughed sheepishly with a touch of blush to his cheeks. It is still weird even to receive congratulations now, after a few months had already passed since he had grown. He should have expected this though, as this was a Lab social event, and he had not seen many Raevans in a long time.
"Well enough about me. How had you been lately Rivener?" The Valsaros tried to changed the attention to the Sigel. "It's been a while since I last saw you. What mischief had you been up to huh?" He elbowed the scorpion playfully. "Speaking of pubs, we haven't had a drinking session in a while. We should definitely catch up some time, usual place? When will you be free?"
Then red eyes glanced towards Anya. "Had you drank alcohol before?" He asked curiously.
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:54 am
[[ Melanie → Planting Table || Josh, Ivy, Cruz, Aina ]]
Melanie listened to the woman as she spoke. One thing Mel always kept in mind was the fact that older people had the most wisdom to share. She, too, glanced over at Lulu once again and back to Josh and Ivy. Finally, the woman spoke of the lab's parties. "Yes, I've been to a few gatherings myself. It's always so peaceful." she said.
The woman's mind wandered with what could be as she thought of the possibility of, one day, being apart of this wonderful place. Being apart of that "program" as Ivy called it, that would be quite an accomplishment.
It wasn't long before two new Raevan's joined the table. Cruz and Aina. Melanie turned her attention to them for a moment. Eavesdropping in on their conversation, she couldn't help but speak up.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I just have to say, you did a great job setting this up. It's really beautiful. And look," she said, turning her pot towards them so they could see a finished product. "already completed mine." she finished, a grand smile appearing on her face.
"I'm Melanie, by the way. A pleasure to meet you both."
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 4:41 pm
(( Claire -> heading towards the planters, touching base with Ivy -> Cruz and Aina ))
"Sure thing. You'll be the first person I call." Claire felt an immense amount of relief when he promised to keep her updated. She was not quite sure if that would ease her anxiety about the Raevan growing up healthy and properly or just increase her anticipation, but she wanted to bank on the first option. For a moment, she was surprised when Zeke wrapped her in such a whole-hearted hug that it took her a moment to respond, but when she did, she returned it as best she could. "Thanks, Zeke. See you in a few," she added as they parted ways, and she gave one glance back at the case and mouthed, "see you soon" as she went.
The sunlight was bright compared to the relatively darkness of the much quieter Lab building, and she raised a hand, squinting against it. Once readjusted, she noticed her mother was still at the planter table, a red teapot in her hands, talking jovially to two younger companions, a girl and boy. Claire smiled; she knew she never had to worry about Ivy in a social setting, as she was quite often the life of the party, especially when plants were involved. A flash of green caught her attention, and with a start she recognized Cruz standing behind her mother. She wondered if that meant that Anita was around somewhere, as she was not sure she touched base with her yet about her acceptance into the program. Ivy turned around as Claire began her approach and raised a hand in greeting, which Claire returned with a smile and wave of her own, and as she came closer, the young woman at the table turned her attention to Cruz. Claire stalled when she finally made her way over, not wishing to interrupt, but she offered a wave and smile to Cruz, when her gaze drifted downward.
It was with another start that she realized there was another presence there, and her heart seemed to take a moment to restart. A tiny Raevan floated close to Cruz, hands reaching for the table's contents. 'There are children Raevans,' she thought, and her mouth went dry. The little dear was trying so hard to reach for a teapot, looking so flushed in the face and perfectly adorable. Her thoughts went racing, and her face broke into the broadest smile at the sight.
"Did you need some help, honey?" she prompted, gently, making sure the young Raevan saw her. She reached up for the tiny teapot at the corner and held it between both hands to give to her. "This one, right?"
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 4:56 pm
(( Cruz – Teapot Planting Table | Aina, Melanie, Claire )) His shoulders went slack when Aina sniffled. The poor little rain child certainly seemed to have her heart set on seeing them, though Cruz figured she must have seen Mordekai earlier in the day when they all traveled out here in the first place. Talk of plants seemed to distract her enough and Cruz nodded.
"All the stuff looks really nice," he said while scanning the table. There was quite a large selection but Cruz immediately honed in on one of the available succulents. "What are air plants?"
The voice of someone new drew Cruz's attention away; he looked up, almost like a deer in the headlights at first, but as the woman spoke Cruz did his best to even himself out into a more natural state. It was difficult but it wasn't this person's fault -- there was just so much rattling around in his mind. In his heart. It was strange, not feeling prepared for interactions. Very strange indeed.
"Hello, Miss Melanie," Cruz offered her with a hesitant smile. His hand rested lazily upon Aina's back, just above her wings. The croc opened his mouth to introduce himself, and perhaps his small friend too, but was immediately distracted by the entrance of another familiar face. "Oh-- Hi, Miss Claire." It felt like quite a while since he had seen her, come to think of it.
With a slight delay, Cruz fumbled with what to do or say next -- then realized he hadn't returned the introduction to Melanie. "Ah-- Cruz--" he smiled sheepishly, "Nice to meet you, too."
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 5:09 pm
((LuLu - Food table l Eth, Cesc, Ian // Josh - Teapot planting l Mel, Ivy, Cruz, Aina )) LuLu wore a shocked expression upon Eth's declaration. "No! Really?" She looked to Cesc once more for confirmation of what she had just heard. "That is horrible. Cesc makes great tea!" The rabbit could not fathom how the frei had yet to partake in the wonder of tea.The sigel had practically grown up on tea parties! "We must change that darling Eth." She placed her hand squarely on the other's back fully prepare to guide her towards the tea tasting table. LuLu looked to the human, "Will you join us Ian?" Josh began to busy himself with filing his pot with soil and adjusting the two plants he selected into the perfect position. "The Lab certainly throws some amazing parties. It is great that you can always unwind at them." He also confirmed Ivy's observation with a nod of his head, "Yep! Lu is a lively one."The young man then caught sight of a familiar green frei out of the corner of his eye. He craned his neck in an attempt to spot Anita next, but the girl was nowhere to be found. It was hard to believe that the croc was already old enough to be attending an event unsupervised. However, after some thought, Josh was a bit embarrassed to recall how long it had past since their last meeting. It is shocking how time flies! Josh waved at the raevan, "Afternoon! Nice to see you again Cruz. And who is your lovely friend here?" The young man had never met the pomegranate frei before, but her timid nature was nostalgic to Josh. In a way, she reminded him of LuLu when the rabbit had first been born. He was sure this raevan would blossom over time just like his own. He leaned towards Aina, lowering his height a bit, and offered a warm smile as he tried to catch her name. "Do you have a favorite plant?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 6:10 pm
((Iorek - Entrance - Teapot Planting Table - Cruz, Aina, Melanie, Claire )) Iorek was running late. And the reason for his tardiness was a little unusual: he had been picking out a nice outfit to wear. Normally he would of thrown on a goofy t-shirt/hoodie combo and call it a day. But this was not a normal day,oh no, because today he was going on a date with Cruz! They were even doing it at a lab event! Where all their friends could see them together. The thought of everyone seeing them together, hand-in-hand, made him giddy. Now, for his date, he had to look charming but rugged. To match a dashing look Iorek wore a crisp button down shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up, a slim tie, and suspenders. He didn't have any pants to hold up with his suspenders though so he just clipped them on his shirt. What a fancy guy he was. The gargoyle raevan was a glow as he drifted into the event. Now...where was Cruz? Iorek glanced over the crowd to find his pretty green friend but it was actually kind of difficult to find him. Was there always so many people at these things? It seemed a little more crowded this year... After enough staring and squinting at the faces and figures he found the one he was looking for. Quickly Reks moved to meet Cruz but as he got closer he noticed his date was preoccupied with a gaggle of women and a frei he had never met before. He was a little nervous to approach with Cruz's attention spread out...but that shouldn't matter! Couples were always happy to see each other. Brimming with confidence that he and Cruz were together, Reks drifted up and reached for Cruz's hand, "Hey there, Cruz. I made it!" He crooned. Oh yeah, suave to the max. "And who are these lovely ladies?" Iorek asked turning his attention and a radiant smile to the girls around them. So suave.
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