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The Stardust jazz club has been hired out for a private venue for the Changeling Freehold to celebrate the turning of the seasons from Winter to Spring and for the passing of the Crown. To that end, the room has been adjusted greatly. The stage and dance floor beckon, music tracks playing throughout, with room on the stage for people to play instruments and sing as they desire, a karaoke machine also in place and waiting use. Tables and chairs are set up next to the dance floor with paper and pens about for various icebreakers, activities and maybe a quiz or two.
Boxes of paper flowers sit on a table by the entrance at PETRA’S suggestion, colour coded so people can show their current preferences as the party goes on, with lists next to them and on all the other tables so people can see which each colour represents. Red for full involvement, white for those who want to step back and take a breather and blue for relaxing in a quieter corner, where various board games, puzzle books and adult colouring books are set up. Drinks are provided courtesy of ANNELIESE’S efforts and the lighting managed by JACK offers atmosphere to the coming celebration.
There's no dress code, save that everyone is free to wear the clothing they're comfortable with. (And actually wears clothing!)
Chelle and MICHAEL are already there at the door, ready to greet people. Chelle is dressed in a skirt and top combo--not her usual stage wear, but comfortable and springy clothing, a knee-length pencil skirt in white with large flowers splashed on it and a petal pink blouse in a soft cotton blend. Her shoes are comfortable tan pumps that are somehow fashionable? Springs. Who knows. She smiles and greets everyone who walks through the door.
MICHAEL is beaming next to CHELLE, bouncing a little on his feet and tail and ears fluffed up, a black feather woven into the former. His own clothing for this is a tan suit to colour coordinate with CHELLE, and a bright floral tie. Like the other Joyeux, he greets everyone warmly as they enter.
While she might be pledged to the Winter Court, finding their attitudes and outlooks closer to her liking, that didn't mean Adela particularly liked the season itself. Cold was not her friend. Therefore, she was happy to welcome in the presence of Spring, both Court and season. The scent of incoming snow and pine accompanied her as she entered - a bit out of place in the celebration of warmer weather, but she could hardly control her Mantle. She was dressed nice, though not overly formal, something comfortable so she could enjoy herself.
"This looks lovely!" she said to MICHAEL and CHELLE as she entered. Then she looked around and the internal light of her mien flickered with uncertainty. "Oh gods, am I early? I hope I'm not early"
Chelle smiles at ADELA. "You're not too early." There are NPCs mingling, after all. "I'm happy you came! How have you been?" she asks, bright and cheerful.
"Good to see you!" Michael smiles widely at ADELA, his own mantle stirred by his good spirits. "And, no." A nod of agreement to CHELLE. "Parties always get busier over time, there'll be a few more of us around soon."
Another scion of the Silent Arrow made their entrance not longer after Adela, dressed neatly if casually in dark grey dress slacks, a white dress-shirt with the sleeves neatly rolled up to the elbow and a lighter grey vest to round out the ensemble. Pale eyes scanned the room before Asbolus gave a nod and a polite smile to the hosts and his courtmate. "Quite the set up..."
ASBOLUS gets a smile and a nod from Chelle. "How are you? Glad you made it!" she asks of the other Winter, her eyes bright.
(Ref pic for zee outfit: https://www.fromdusktilljawn.com/w/images/thumb/1/1c/Asbolus3.jpg/240px-Asbolus3.jpg )
"Doing rather well, all told." He replied to CHELLE. "Yourself?"
Chelle smiles at ASBOLUS. "Quite well, thank you. Things are going swimmingly so far!" She gestures widely. "I'm quite pleased."
"Welcome ASBOLUS." Michael smiles himself. "And thanks. We had a lot of help, a lot of good suggestions. It's gonna be a good time for all."
Adela gives Chelle a grateful smile "I used to be good at social events. Now, not so much." That said, she does drift over to the paper flower and pins a red one to her sweater. Though she does pocket a white one in case she needs it.
Chelle smiles at ADELA. "You do what you need," she says, warmly and with sincerity. "If you need to take time in the quiet corner, do that. I may just join you at some point--this is a lot!" The smile turns encouraging.
"Enjoy yourself as you find best." Michael nods at ADELA with a smile. "That spot's good for just relaxing and quiet chatter." A nod to CHELLE.
"Know how that goes." He nodded to ADELA with a small smirk, following her lead and claiming a red and white flower for himself. The red was attached to the vest for the moment while the other was pocketed for later as needed.
Chelle smiles at the two Winters. "There's karaoke, and ice breakers will start up soonish." Grinning, she inclines her head. "I hope you enjoy the party."
"Mm. For those who want to do that." He smiles. "No pressure, but, we'll see who takes the plunge. Feel free to nab drinks in the meantime if you want."
Rosalyn made her way into the club, dressed in jeans and a leather jacket. She was brand new to the freehold, and Summer's heat curled around her. She was lovely with marble pale skin, red lips, and literal gold hair. Climbing rose vines grew from and around her, wrapping around her arms and weaving through her hair. She stopped in the entry, frowning a bit at the paper flowers and then grabbed a bright blue one and stuck it in her hair before heading on in.
Chelle spots ROSALYN and is about to greet her when she grabs a blue flower. Instead, she just smiles and waves, warmth on her face, before letting the beauty walk by.
Asbolus turned to look ROSALYN over as she entered, giving the Spear a polite nod when he noticed her flower of choice.
Ros crooked a finger inviting CHELLE over as she settled in a quieter area of the club. She didn't want to jump straight in, but she was clearly open to smaller groups.
Michael beams as he sees ROSALYN, likewise waving as she makes her way in. "Welcome." He offers simply after she's collected a blue flower.
Anneliese has been behind the bar for some time, mixing and serving drinks to various NPCs as requested. The Spring is dressed down from her usual standards, considering that this is technically a job for her: light green tshirt bearing the legend "I Support Women and Cis Women" over black jeans, paired with fairly low heels.
Chelle accepts ROS'S invitation, smiling as she walks over. "Hello, miss. I'm Michelle Hawthorne--my friends call me Chelle, though. May I sit?" she asks politely. "You're the first to take a blue flower so I'm glad you invited me over."
"Rosalyn. Blue for relaxing seemed more fun than..." She waved her hands vaguely. "It's my first party like this."
"So." Michael offers to ADELA and ASBOLUS, smiling to both. "What are you in the mood for? ANNELIESE has drinks to go if you want any, and, when more are in we'll hopefully have a few ice breakers to get to know each other a bit more."
Chelle nods at ROSALYN. "That's fair," the redhead says with sympathy. "not all of us are made for parties, but we still crave connection. I get that, believe it or not. This will wear me out for days." Her grin is infectious, eyes bright. "I haven't seen you before. Are you new to the area?" she asks, changing tacks after a moment.
"Not opposed to getting a drink." He nodded to MICHAEL, glancing towards the bar and giving ANNIE a nod and a smile when he spotted her behind it.
A nod to ASBOLUS at that, turning to amble him over towards the counter while keeping an eye on ADELA for her own preferences. "I'll get one myself a little later, after more people have flowed in. Hey ANNELIESE How's it going so far? You know ASBOLUS?"
Ros nodded slowly. "I've only been here about a week." She absently pinched off a deep red rose bud, and tried to untangle the vine from her hair. "I was told that coming to the party was pretty much mandatory."
"Good, thank you." She smiles softly at MICHAEL, before glancing at ASBOLUS. "We have met briefly, I believe. Can I get either of you anything to drink?"
Chelle blinks at ROSALYN. "Oh," she says. "It... I... oh. It was more of a 'please come' than a mandatory thing, but.... Maybe I misunderstood, and I organized the thing." She looks embarrassed.
"Once or twice, I believe. Don't believe I ever properly introduced myself, though. Mea culpa." He started to request his usual but paused, smiling a touch after a moment. "You know what...surprise me."
She waved a hand. "Naw, it's ok. It's not a bad thing. It's a nice party, honestly. I'm just... not used to all this yet. "
"I'll start with just a tonic water if you're getting drinks" Adela says with a smile at MICHAEL. "Right now I think I'll just take a look around"
The fox hums in thought, before nodding at ANNELIESE. "Just a lemonade for me for now? I'll dip into the good stuff a little later on, when it's less critical for me to stand up." A small grin. He nods to ADELA. "By all means! We've got a quieter corner for board gaming and puzzle books, ice breakers in a bit, and a karaoke machine. Enjoy yourself, and feel free to check with me and Chelle if you need anything."
Chelle nods at ROS. "I understand." She grins crookedly. "I was so scared when I first came out. I totally get it."
Ros smiled, an incredibly sweet expression that probably made birds sing and the clouds part. "So I'm just going to chill and watch for a bit. Go enjoy your party and thanks for the invite. "
Chelle nods at ROS. "Let me know if you want company at any point." She smiles again, stands, and heads out to the party, walking over to MICHAEL. "Hey, did I miss anything?" she asks warmly.
"Coming right up." The lemonade MICHAEL requested gets poured first, followed by the tonic water for ADELA, both being simpler than the mixed drink ASBOLUS is getting.
"Hey you." He smiles softly at CHELLE, reaching out to squeeze her hand lightly. "We were just grabbing drinks, and saying hi. ADELA'S gonna take a look around, see what's what." A warm smile at ADELA there. "Do you want a drink too?" He asks CHELLE as he takes the offered lemonade happily. "Mm. Thanks ANNELIESE. Just what I need."
Chelle considers. "I think I'd just like some tonic water and lime for now," the redhead says to ANNELIESE with a smile. "If that's okay."
"I've been well, thank you, ANNELIESE, and yourself?" Chelle asks of the bartender with a smile. She'll continue chatting with ANNIE between customers for a bit.
Asbolus took the drink from ANNIE once it was ready, taking a test sip before lifting it in a small salute. "Very nice. Been trying to branch out from my usual gin and tonic lately."
"What is it?" Michael asks curiously, looking between ANNIE and ASBOLOUS. "And, can be fun to experiment with new options from time to time." A warm smile. "I may invite red flowers for a conga line when more folk are about."
"Trade secret," Anneliese says, tapping her nose with a grin. "Do you remember when I asked if you were willing to taste my experiments, MICHAEL?"
"Sounds like me.." He answers wryly with a grin, tail twitching.
"My thought as well. Fallen into a bit of pattern of familiarity that I've been trying to break lest I get too caught up in it." He nodded to MICHAEL, taking another small sip of his drink. "So far so good, though."
Petra snuck into the party, snatched a red rose to hold, and then jumped up onto a chair to survey the attendees with a speculative eye.
"Well, it is the same as that. Whiskey, lime cordial, and sambuca." Anneliese smiles at ASBOLUS. "I am glad to hear that you like it." Catching PETRA'S eye, she nods at the diminutive fellow Spring.
Asbolus looked towards PETRA as she found a perch for herself, giving a polite nod. "Afternoon."
"Mm. A change in routine, even a small one can be refreshing." He smiles at ASBOLOUS in agreement. "And glad to hear it." A wink at ANNELIESE. "Is that when I passed out and Sigrun had to cart me home?" He chuckles, sipping his drink and leaning back to catch sight of PETRA. He beams and his tail fluffs up, displaying the dark feather woven into it as he waves to her.
Lux makes their way inside, dressed in a slinky sequined rainbow top that hangs down very low in the back, their light reflecting off of it in colorful glimmers. Paired with boots and tights, with some neon blue make up spread around their eyes. They head over to the table of flowers to peer over the labels, then pick up a red flower to pin to their chest.
She jumped down, wings spread, and flashed a grin to ANNIE and ASBOLUS "Happy Spring! Oh hey, MICHAEL!"
"Welcome." He smiles widely at LUX, giving them a wave as they grab a red flower. "Want to come join us? How are you tonight?" He looks PETRA's way, eyes bright. "And you? Are you doing good?"
"No, that was a few days earlier. ...Did you ever get around to thanking her for that, by the way?" She returns PETRA'S grin. "Also, do you want anything to drink?"
Asbolus gave LUX a smile and a nod as they arrived, lifting his vaguely-green drink in a small salute.
Lux makes their way over, coming to stand beside ASBOLUS while flashing MICHAEL a grin. "Doing well, thanks. Nice party." They give Asbolus a quick up and down. "Looking nice, Bobo."
"You're my hero!" She told Annie. "I definitely need a drink." Petra smiled to LUX. "Hi there. I'm Petra, nice to meet you."
His ears lower in a hint of shame. "No." He admits to ANNELIESE. "And I need to. I hope she's here tonight, because that would give the chance to." He smiles at LUX, nodding. "Thanks! But a lot of the credit goes to Chelle too. Plus, all of you for being here. Parties need guests to work, after all." He glances over to PETRA. "Can I buy you that drink?" He asks. "As a thank you."
"Well I'm not going to say no, but for what?" She asked.
He gestures at his tail in answer, one of PETRA'S own feathers woven into it.
"Why thank you." Asbolus replied to LUX with a smirk, "I do tidy up decently when the need arises. You're looking very nice as well."
"Asbolus." He nodded to PETRA. "Nice to meet you, Petra."
Lux smirks at Michael. "Yeah, guess so." Then blinks down at PETRA as they notice her, staring for a moment. "I think you just might be the cutest person I have ever met. Hi--I'm Lux." The bump shoulders against ASBOLUS after the compliment, smirking smugly. "Thanks. Am I going to be able to con you into dancing with me again today?"
"Oh yeah! Just wait until I molt," she teased, then blushed at LUX'S complement. "Th-thanks."
"I do need to know what you want to drink before I can serve it," Anneliese reminds PETRA with a wry grin. "How have you been, by the way?"
"Something liquid? Do something fancy! I'm doing great, ran into a guy named ARTIE last night, and he was fun. Seen him yet?"
"Dancing?" Michael claps his hands together, grinning from ear to ear as LUX suggests that to ASBOLUS. "Dancing would be an excellent idea! I'm up for that with whoever else might be." He winks at PETRA. "That's a scary thought. Me shedding fur when Summer hits." A warm smile. "And I know ARTIE. He's pretty damn great. Sweet and cute too."
"Most likely, yes." Asbolus chuckled, giving LUX a light bump-back in return. "The other night was rather enjoyable."
"You're welcome," Lux replies to PETRA with a grin and a wink. "Nice to meet you." The glance over to ANNIE at the mention of drinks. "Can I have something sweet and colorful, please? And I'm glad, BOBO. I had fun too. We should go out together more often." A grin to MICHAEL. I'm happy to dance with you too, if you want? More the merrier."
"Coming right up." PETRA gets the most complicated cocktail Anneliese is proficient in, while LUX gets a strawberry daiquiri - sweet and colourful, just like they asked for.
Petra whistled in admiration, then hopped up on a stool to just admire it for a bit. "Artwork always inspires the soul. I'm just going to sit here and drink it in for a bit. You all go dance."
"I'll never say no." He smiles widely to LUX with a nod, shifting to his feet. "The dance floor's pretty clear right now, so room aplenty." A glance to PETRA and ANNELIESE. "You two are gonna get the fun of seeing me make a fool of myself, I think." A wink.
"As I heard it put recently, the only way you'll look like a fool is if you look like you give a damn what people think." He looked to LUX with a small smile at that, taking a sip of his drink before setting the glass down. "Shall we?"
"Thanks! You're great." They accept the cocktail, sipping at it happily. The Bright One glances at ASBOLUS, smirking approvingly. "Damn right! Let's go." They quickly gulp down more daquiri before setting it aside, hooking an arm around one of each of theirs to pull them to the designated dance floor.
The Fox grins like a loon, letting LUX lead the way onto the dance floor and already bouncing a little on his feet, eagerness all over him.
Chelle returns from the bathroom (and they're marked gender neutral for the event, no fear!) with fresh lipstick and a spring in her step. She nods to ANNIE and then moves to watch the dance floor, smiling brightly.
Lux is clearly a good dancer--all natural grace, practiced skill, but mostly plenty of confidence. Their lights glow brighter as they get into the groove, letting the music guide them. Nothing very fancy right now moves wise, but definitely energetic, and they're not shy about getting close to either of them, or light touches here and there to make sure neither feels like they're dancing alone. Though notably a little more so with ASBOLUS, with being more familiar with him. But MICHAEL gets his share of flirty looks and touches as well.
Michael is a capable dancer, not an outstanding one, but he can hold his own. He sinks into it, eyes and smile bright as he simply lets him enjoy the experience, the contact and the mild flirting, laughing in delight as he simply expresses himself.
The door opens, pushed ajar by someone's behind it seems. That pert little butt it turns out, belongs to none other than Artie as he slides into the club, his hands full of a sizeable carrying case.
The smith appears to have taken the spring theme to heart, dressed in a cherry blossom sort of baseball jersey and pale yellow pants he's a breath of fresh air.
With a stereotypical bright grin he looks around at all the changelings. "Hullo."
Chelle tosses ARTIE a wave, even though he's unfamiliar to her for the most part. She's over by the dance floor.
Asbolus kept his own dancing simple but moved with the beat, appearing to be enjoying himself by all appearances.
Lux will dance with the boys for a few songs, grinning widely and clearly enjoying themself. But after a while they disengage after a quick playful peck to each of their cheeks. "Thanks for the dance. Need to make a call--I'll be back." Then they slip away off to the side of the party.
"We'll be here." Asbolus replied with a smirk, reclaiming his spot at the bar and his drink with a slow breath.
"Yups." Michael grins in agreement, waving to LUX before ambling back to the bar, beaming at CHELLE and giving her a warm hug. "How is?" He smiles widely, looking to ANNIE. "Can I nab some water?"
Chelle hugs MICHAEL warmly, her laughter cheery. "Have fun out there?" she asks, smiling, as she leans against him.
"Sure thing." Anneliese grins at the pair's display of affection, pouring MICHAEL'S water and sliding it across to him. "Enjoying not making a fool of yourself?"
Chelle looks inquisitively at ARTHUR from across the room, beckoning him into the party more fully with a smile. "Come on, don't stand there. If you wanna be quiet there's a whole corner for it!" She gestures to the area with the coloring books, magazines, and books.
"Deeply." He grins hugely at ANNIE and CHELLE, answering both questions at once before kissing her cheek in the case of the latter and settling against her. "Yes." He smiles at ARTHUR in agreement. "Whatever you're happy with for tonight, we'll help you out."
At her beckoning, Artie moves over to CHELLE "Uhm... Well I brought this dessert and uh... I... Where do I put them?" He asks nervously.
Asbolus looked over to ARTHUR as he approached, giving him a nod. "Afternoon."
Chelle smiles kindly. "You're really sweet, hon!" she says to ARTIE. "There's room on the counter right over here." She walks over and gestures to an empty space near the bar that won't impede with people ordering or ANNIE working.
"Hi. I'm Arthur, I don't think I've met you before." He notes to ASBOLUS "Uh hang on just a sec..." He remarks, taking CHELLE'S advise.
He darts over to the counter and puts his carrier down. It only takes a second for him to open it and reveal the several dozen strawberry lemonade bars before hee hurries back over and offers a blackened hand to ASBOLUS
"Believe it may have been briefly at the freehold." He took the offered hand and shook it firmly. "Asbolus, pleasure."
"Those look cool ARTIE." Michael smiles warmly at him. "Thanks for bringing them by. And how are you doing today?"
"Those look scrumptious," Chelle agrees with MICHAEL about ARTIE'S strawberry lemonade bars. "May I?"
To the touch, Artie's skin is just south of being too hot to touch but his hand shake is friendly enough.
"I'm ok I think so far. I've not been to a lot of parties so I've been excited about this," he admits, looking around.
"Of course! I didn't know what to bring so I looked up Springy desserts. Apparently it's a lot of berry and lemon things for some reason so I made those!"
Chelle smiles at ARTIE as she grabs one of the bars. She takes a small bite, and her eyes widen. "This is really good," she says. "Better than I thought, and they look amazing. Thank you!" She pauses, and leans into him quietly, though. "Next time you don't need to bring anything--although this contribution is REALLY appreciated!"
Michael hugs ARTIE himself after CHELLE, nodding keenly. "It's really welcomed, yes. You didn't have to, but, thank you." A beaming smile. "And welcome to the party. I hope you like it. Winter to Spring, seasons moving. Always good to really celebrate, mm!"
Anneliese glances at ARTIE after finishing serving an NPC customer. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
Artie blushes a little after finding out he hadn't needed to bring something. "Oh..." He mutters.
Then he looks at ANNELISSE "Uhm... Oh. Can I have a uh.... Vir-virgin pina colada?"
Chelle smiles at ARTHUR with kindness. "Though," she says, "I'm sure Ari will appreciate your thoughtfulness." She smiles.
"I certainly do." Michael pipes up with a broad smile.
After mulling it over a moment Asbolus claimed half of one of the bars for himself, giving a nod after taking a bite and looking to ARTHUR with a quick thumbs up. "Rather good."
"Sure thing." If Anneliese is surprised by the request for a non-alcoholic drink from someone who's not here in a professional capacity, she doesn't let it show. "Here you go." She slides it across the bar to ARTHUR.
"So." Michael settles himself by the bar once more, resting comfortably. "What sort of thing are you hoping to get out of tonight ARTIE? Got a couple of options after all." A smile, tail flicking in thought.
"I dunno. What am I supposed to be doing? I've never been to a big party."
"Not too big, not yet." Michael admits with a smile. "Dancing's an option, karaoke too. There's a quieter corner if you need some time to unwind. Would anyone like to take the plunge and try some karaoke? I might give it a go."
"That's all you, Michael." Asbolus replied with a smirk. "Singing and I don't go particularly well together."
"Alright then." He grins, standing and stretching. "Someone pick me out a good song to horribly mangle?"
"How about Tegan & Sara's Boyfriend?" Anneliese suggests, grinning evilly.
"Hm." He produces his phone, checks the lyrics and then grins widely at ANNELIESE. "Deal. I like it. Alright then." He ambles over to the karaoke machine to set it up. "But I invite at least some of you to dance in exchange!" He calls out, laughing.
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