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 Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 2:24 pm
( Zurine --> Cesc, Ethiriel and Laz )
The cozy, casual little hug made Zuri feel warm, and she snuggled in against his side, comfortable and familiar, more than agreeing with the sentiment. She hoped that the year to come held many more good things, since the passing year had been so rough for many of the people she knew. "Parties are for everyone," Zuri declared. "And everyone includes you!"
She was last to pull away, wanting to be close, but after Ethiriel had gone it seemed too familiar for a public party. She laughed softly as she looked up at Laz, shrugging gracefully at the suggestion. "I think our Eth did fantastically, and I had my fair share of failures." She hadn't really met Laz, or if she had, she didn't remember it, and she smiled a little, hanging back slightly.
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 3:10 pm
((Ethiriel > Laz, Cesc and Zurine))
The silvery Frei raised a delicate hand up to lightly touch her cheek where Laz had struck, having nearly forgot about it now through all of the fun. Shaking her head, Ethiriel gently placed her hand on the Valsaros' shoulder. "It is quite alright, Lazarus. I hit you a couple times, just as hard, I think." she said, smiling warmly. "Though you have body heat to care for you."
Ethiriel met Laz's furrowed brows with her stare, unsure of what caused them until he spoke. She gave him a quick nod and a dashing, toothy smile. "Yes, I can see. In October, I had a procedure done -- I am no longer blind!" she cheered, though her voice barely rose over a personal level. The hand on the incubus' shoulder gave a small squeeze before she pulled away and felt along the soft faux fur around her neck. "Though, even without, I would have been able to tell it was you. It's good to see you at last, Lazarus."]
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 3:27 pm
((Nell -> Xiu, Vivi, briefly Gabe and whoever else is at the lounge))
She perked up slightly when she was waved over to a couch, by someone she hadn't met, sure, but still, a space near the fireplace and a potential new friend wasn't something to turn your nose up at. She had just begun to walk over when she was approached by someone else.
"Oh! Hello! I'm Nell!" It took a minor effort of will not to blatantly stare at the Raevan, and instead extended her hand for a shake with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Xiu! I was just about to head over to the fireplace and warm up, if you wanna join me?" she tilted her head towards the lounge where warm and cozy things awaited, and after a moment continued walking over.
Gabe was given a thankful smile as he stood up, her protests about taking his seat disappearing as he mentioned going to get a drink. With a grateful sigh she collapsed into the chair, closing her eyes for a long moment as she soaked in the warmth from the fireplace. "Having something warm to come back to always makes going out in the snow a bit more bearable, thankfully," she said to no one in particular.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 3:28 am
(( Aina, Mordekai, Seabiscuit --> Lounge, with Claire and Cadi ))
With Claire and Cadi now comfortably settled into the couch, Aina tugged the blanket up from around Seabiscuit's back to cover the remaining three of them - herself, the great dane, and Mordekai, who was too busy keeping Seabiscuit close. Humming, Aina grinned at Cadi. "Mhm!"
"We're gettin' cozy," Mordekai laughed, wiggling a little - Seabiscuit was taking up a lot of the couch space, with the way he was splayed out, but he saw no reason to budge. "Here, Aina," Mordekai helped Aina cozy into the space between him and Claire, then hugged Seabiscuit between his arms and lifted him up - with a huff - and set him on top of his lap. With a yawn, Seabiscuit settled into a slouched sit, content as he was before.
"Jesus - those snowballs got poo in 'em, Seab?" Mordekai laughed, patting Seabiscuit's side. He rested his head against the great dane's back; he was a perfect pillow, even if he did obscure most of his vision. He poked his head out from around Seabiscuit and waved toward Cadi was she left, smiling; "Thanks, Cadi!"
Aina burrowed into the blankets as Claire drew her close; the pomegranate smiled wide up at her, nodding dutifully, then burst into a fit of giggles as Claire nuzzled into her hair. "Thank you! I missed you," Aina reached out to hug her, face buried against Claire's side. Mordekai smiled sleepily at the sight, face still leaned against Seabiscuit.
"Ah, nah, no Duncan... had somethin' with his in-laws, ran fast as I could the hell away from that - ye'know," Mordekai let out a dry laugh, scratching the top of his head; the Bellamys were never too fond of him, he knew, and he didn't want to ruin their good streak of avoiding drama this holiday season with the new year. "Mais, he told me to say hi to Ivy an' y'all for him, too. Your holidays been okay?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:28 am
(( Laz - Cesc, Eth & Zurine ))
"Oh!! That's great news!" Lazarus exclaimed in excitement, wrapping his arms around Ethiriel and gave her a brief hug. "I didn't know, if I knew earlier I would've came to visit you at the hospital or something." He said as he pulled away. He was so happy for her, he knew that being blind gave her a lot of grief and misery. But now that is all over. It was very nice to see her smiling and looking so happy too.
The Valsaros smiled at her comment, about being able to tell it was him even if she was still blind. It touched him. "It's good to see you every time."
Red eyes divert towards Zurine, as he didn't want anyone to feel left out in the group. Plus, he don't think they've actually met. "Hello Zurine! I don't think we're properly acquainted. My name is Lazarus." He said as he extended a hand to the ice Raevan.
It still feels weird sometimes. He know all the Raevans by name and looks because he worked at the Lab. However most of them don't know about him.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:35 am
((Ethiriel > Laz, Cesc and Zurine | Ethiriel --> lounge > Claire, Cadi, Mordekai and Aina))
Ethiriel smiled wider as she was hugged, wrapping her own arms around Lazarus in response before pulling away, giving a gentle squeeze as they parted. "It is quite alright; I was discharged the very same day and was home, relaxing," she said, rubbing the older Raevan's shoulder. "I should have thought to call you, however. At least we have each other's presence currently!"
Lazarus' comment made Ethiriel smile brighter. "You flatter me," she said, retracting her arm.
Once everyone's attention was no longer on her, the silvery Frei took a quick glance around at the rest of the party. She still hadn't met everyone since gaining her vision, so it was hard to necessarily recognize anyone, but Ethiriel managed to spot Claire speaking to some others in the lounge area, and her smile softened. She turned to Cesc and gently rested a hand on his arm and whispered "I shall return," before leisurely floating over.
By the time she had arrived, everyone was nestled onto the couch with each other's company. Nedhudir had been by the Frei's side as she moved about, and while Seabiscuit had managed to grab the Collie's attention, the loyal pup didn't move.
"Lady Claire, it is lovely to see you again!" Ethiriel exclaimed, though her voice didn't raise above casual level. "And friends, it is a pleasure to meet you--" she started, trailing off as her gaze went from Claire, to Cadi who had just walked away, then to Mordekai and Aina, who happened to be who the Frei's stare landed on. She had caught her speaking lightly, as well as her scent finally registering, Ethiriel finally managed to recognize her, though she had never seen her prior.
"My little one..." she said, trailing off as her smile grew. She would greet Mordekai properly in time, as she was stuck on finally seeing the little raindrop. Raising a hand to her mouth, Ethiriel thought she could cry.
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 4:38 pm
(( Claire & Cadi -> with Mordekai, Aina, Seabiscuit, & Ethiriel in the lounge ))
"I missed you too, sweetpea," Claire cooed back to Aina as tiny arms wrapped around her, face tucked into her side, her own arm wrapped around the Frei's shoulders before she turned to look at Mordekai. The man was buried underneath his huge dog and she nodded sympathetically to his gentle sidestep of talk of his in-laws; that was a feeling she was very familiar with, and she laughed softly, squeezing Aina's shoulder. "I must say I know the feeling. But I'll pass along the well wishes, Ivy and Aaron told me to say hello to everyone. Aaron really wanted to come but business comes first." She shrugged, remembering Aaron's multiple-message frowny face parade, and a smile bloomed on her lips again. She was about to fish out the phone and show Mordekai when she felt someone stop behind them and a familiar voice addressed her by name. Turning, the smile bloomed more fully. "Ethiriel! It's good to see you, in peacetime anyway; I did see you in the midst of the Great Snowball War." Her gentle laugh and returned greeting trailed off as she noticed the tea Raevan's attention wander down to the pomegranate Frei in Claire's arms, and taking her cue, she gently disengaged her arm from around Aina's shoulders - by the familiarity in Ethiriel's voice, it was clear that this was a very important moment and far be it from her to stand in the way of that. She did, however, continue to watch, hands linked on her lap.
Cadi, meanwhile, was busy at work at the hot chocolate bar. As welcoming as the two on the couch had been (and the voice of a third stranger caught her ear just as she had walked away), her crowd anxiety was as strong as ever. She tightened the blanket around her shoulders, given to her so kindly by Aina, and she slowed her stirring. From her vantage point at the table, she could hear that the conversation had shifted with the new addition, and she took a moment to mentally prepare for another meeting (using the bargaining chip of getting Aina and Mordekai situated with something to drink should she feel overwhelmed again), scooping up the mugs with a sigh and returning to the couch. "Here," she said quietly, holding the mug out to Claire, who took it gratefully between both hands.
"Thank you," Claire replied softly, so as not to interrupt the others present on the couch, leaning her face over the top of the cup to soak up the heat. At last, Cadi let her gaze fall on the new face, and she nearly took a step back. There were quite a few lovely faces at this party (the friendly French woman who had addressed her a short while ago included) but the look of tenderness on Ethiriel's face as she looked at Aina gave Cadi pause. Clearly a Raevan like little Aina, and very stunningly pretty to her eyes - she did not quite understand the Lab, but they were certainly not short on aesthetically-pleasing faces. She glanced to Claire momentarily then back again - waiting, too, for the right moment for introductions, fingers clenched on her hot chocolate mug as though her life depended on it.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:23 pm
((Xiu ->Nell, briefly to ViVi || meeting -> Laz, Cesc and Zurine )) “The pleasure’s all mine,” replied Xiu in an easygoing manner. “It is pleasant to make new acquaintances," The offer to join Nell at the fireplace and talk with other raevan guardians was tempting but Xiu shook his head politely. Besides, the seats surrounding the fireplace had already been taken up and Xiu did not want anyone to move on his account. “I apologise but I have someone else I would like to meet before the countdown begins,” said Xiu. “But I am sure you will find ViVi a pleasant company,” Giving ViVi a wave, Xiu floated tentatively over to where the other raevans were. He knew the two Sigels;- Cesc and Lazarus but was unfamiliar with the third. Slender and graceful with a tint of blue to her features, the Sigel gave Xiu the impression f ice and snow. “Hello, I hope that I am not...intruding?” asked Xiu with a sheepish smile as he approached the group. “Cesc, who is this lovely lady before us? I have not had the pleasure of meeting her before”
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:27 pm
( Zurine - with Cesc, Laz, Xiu )
Zurine's gaze slid over Lazarus appraisingly, her head tilting slightly, and her smile widened a little, pleased to meet someone new despite her snow-rumpled state. "Hello, Lazarus," she said, and put her cool hand in his, her fingers still quite cold from the snowball fight, though they were dry now. "It's good to meet you! I've heard about you and seen you at events before, but I haven't met you in person." Her smile warmed, eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's good to finally do so!"
When Xiu approached, her brows rose and she laughed softly. "Never intruding. You're welcome to join us, too. The more the merrier, I think they say?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:22 pm
((Cesc-->> Xiu, Lazarus, Zurine; Vivi--> lounge with Nell)) Cesc smiled at Ethiriel as she floated away, and his smile lingered a moment longer as he realized to whom she was chatting. Then, a white figure captured his attention, and he lifted his eyebrows and a hand in pleased surprise. "Xiu! How good to see you! This is Zurine--Zurine, this is Xiu. I'm glad you guys have a chance to meet!" At the lounge, Vivi waved a pretty little hello to Xiu before he left, and she leaned in to Nell as the Sigel went to his own friends. "Ah! He has spied his friends, he will not give us time, no matter how sweet and polite Xiu is. But no matter! I suppose he must find someone pleasing to kiss at midnight!" Her eyes twinkled as she spoke, and she relaxed for a few moments longer while engaging Nell, telling her about how impressed she was at Nell's performance in the snowball fight, and showing her some of the photos she'd taken of it on the Lab camera. After a little while, her phone buzzed, and Vivi peeked down at it, only to exclaim brightly. "Oh, my! It is time for the champagne! Come, come--have a glass!" Standing up, she called Shepard to her and the two went over to the champagne station and popped two corks, the drink overflowing as Shepard poured it into the glasses. Each glass had in it a long slender stick with twelve grapes upon it, the sweetness of each one meant to herald each month of the new year. "Everyone, come, quickly!" yelled Vivi, standing on a chair. "Come get your champagne and prepare yourself for the new year! Find yourself someone to kiss! It is time for the countdown now!" She hopped down, taking glasses from Shepard and passing them around to as many as she could. "TEN... NINE..."
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 10:17 pm
(( Ian - Cocoa table -> Lounge with Nell and Vivi ))
Ian let out a huff of breath as he stumbled back into the cabin after the snowball fight. He had managed to brush most of the snow off his head and out of his scarf outside, but he still trailed a few little chunks behind him. Thankfully it was really just water. He hadn't contributed much to the warfare, having unfortunately terrible aim, but he'd certainly received his share of blows. That one from Mordekai had been particularly effective. But he had no hard feelings; he knew Mordekai was a nice guy and it was all in fun.
He had barely made it back to the cocoa table when the countdown began. Ian started owlishly as Vivi and Shepard began to pass out glasses of champagne, one being thrust into his hand as the baker made her rounds. Glancing around, Ian panicked a little. Tradition required him to find someone to kiss at midnight, but... who? The very idea was so embarrassing! He knew it was all in fun and wasn't anything serious, but he had never been overly comfortable with public affection. Not to mention he really had... very little experience with it.
Anxious green eyes settled on a familiar head of dark, braided hair: Nell! Ian approached cautiously, feeling his face already beginning to warm at the thought of even asking her. H-hello Nell--" his voice caught and he cleared his throat, his flush only becoming a brighter shade of red. He could feel his ears burning now, too! "Um, if... If you don't already have someone in mind, did you-- I mean, it's tradition and..." He clamped his mouth shut, staring down at the bubbling golden champagne in his glass. This was so embarrassing!! But the thought of being the only one without someone to kiss at midnight was even more nerve-wracking.
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 12:51 am
(( Aina, Mordekai, Seabiscuit --> Lounge, Claire and Cadi, Ethiriel ))
With Aina hugging Claire so closely, Mordekai - without thinking - mimicked the little one's actions by hugging Seabiscuit closer. Ever the patient one, Seabiscuit huffed and lifted a paw as he looked back to see the blond as he moved, then rested his head on top of his guardian's. "Never can win with in-laws, huh? Aw, thank you - an' poor Aaron," he laughed; as Ethiriel drew near, he glanced over, waving. "'Ey, Eth!"
Aina poked her head out from burrowing against Claire's side at the mention of the tea Frei, eyes wide. As Claire addressed her, she bounced a little, but remembered to wait her turn - it had been months since they were able to see each other since Ethiriel announced her surgery. "Hi Ethiriel...!" Aina reached out toward her, brightening; she giggled, seeming relieved. "Your cataracts are all gone! An' you're not hurt?"
Mordekai, like Claire and Cadi, kept quiet so as not to interrupt the moment between the two Raevans - but as Vivi and Shepard paraded to the champagne station, glasses in tow, he leaned back past Aina to whisper toward them. "Got your hot cocoa ready for new years?"
"Ah! Miss Vivi started countin'," she urged Ethiriel closer so she could sit on the already crowded couch, not so worried about the space.
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 6:01 am
((Nell -> lounge with Vivi and Ian)) Xiu was given a cheery farewell as he left, she hoped to get to talk to him more eventually, but the warmth of the fireplace was calling her too much to turn away from it. But not all was lost, as she spent the remaining time chatting with Vivi as the feeling returned to her fingers and toes. But the time for idle chatting was coming to an end as Vivi called out the time and began passing out champagne. She had been perfectly content with the glass of champagne and the knowledge that she was in the company of so many new and potential friends, and certainly wasn't expecting any to come forward to ask for a kiss, but the lab was full of surprises as always. She greeted Ian with a smile and a wave, head tilting to the side slightly as she waited for him to finish his sentence. His stammering caught her by surprise, and the blushing was a bit confusing until she put two and two together. "Oh!" A slight slush slowly crept along her own cheeks, but thankfully it was a bit harder to notice on her darker skin. "Well, I would be honored, Ian," she said with a laugh. This year was certainly off to a much better start already than she would have guessed a few months ago!
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:33 am
(( Kyou - Right next to ViVi // Laz - Xiu, counting down ))
Oh, it's a good thing Kyou had not made his hot cocoa yet as ViVi announced the start of the countdown. Hobbling over immediately, he realized a problem with his current set up. He can't drink the champagne with his arms in his crutches.
He cursed under his breath, but with some quick thinking, he leaned his a** against the edge of the table next to ViVi, and removed the crutches, leaning them against the table edge next to him. His legs should be strong enough to keep him propped up. Smiling, he took a glass from ViVi and stole a quick sip of the delicious bubbly liquid as he waited for the countdown.
Lazarus's smile brighten even more when Xiu approached, happily surprised to see Xiu made it. "You're so late." He joked as he elbowed the Sigel playfully.
Just as Cesc finished with the introductions between Xiu and Zurine, ViVi called out to the room for the countdown. It's that time already? Time sure fly past in a blink of an eye tonight. He had to find someone to kiss eh? Red eyes turn to look at Xiu knowingly, smiling as he headed towards the champagne station, grabbing a glass for himself from ViVi. This is an interesting tradition, he normally stayed at home for New Year's Eve, so this is a new experience for him.
"EIGHT, SEVEN." He joined into the chanting for the count down.
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:23 am
((Vivi --> champagne table with Shep and Kyou, Cesc --> Zuri, counting down))
As she handed out champagne glasses to all who came near enough, Vivi saw Dr. Kyou come closer. She shifted to the side to allow him some space to prop himself, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Shepard move to bring a chair near the doctor.
"Here," said Shep with a nod. "In case y'need it in a bit."
"I think he's come closer to make sure he also gets a kiss, n'est pas?" said Vivi with a wide smile at the doctor, and she held up her glass at him and Shepard as the countdown continued. "SIX, FIVE..."
Cesc took two glasses, offering one to Zurine as he moved closer. He looked up and over at the couch, where Ethiriel was with Aina and Mordekai and Claire, and he motioned for them to come get champagne, should they like it. An electricity was coiling in his stomach. Everyone was mentioning kisses, requesting kisses. That was...
... he smiled at Zurine, color in his cheeks. It wasn't... improper or anything, for the friendship, was it? Everyone would be kissing.
"FOUR, THREE..."
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