Spooky Scary Skeletons!

[magpiemythos]

Loki had no idea if any other places were having Halloween bashes, but that wasn't gonna stop him from having his fun! Pub-crawls were a thing if that were the case! The Viper's Pit had been decked out in the spirit of the season, the drinks, boozy and non were themed for the holiday, and aside from the magically drugged glitter one could play with down in the club, there were all manner of edibles.

While the changes were mild inside the building itself, the field had undergone the most changes, from the disappearance of the arena and bathhouse to the forests normally vaguely in the middle distance having been drawn in much closer, ringing a large open field where several bonfires were crackling merrily, each stocked with comfortable places to sit, as well as marshmallows, skewers, and several options for meats to be grilled over an open flame. To the east of the clearing was an expansive-looking corn maze, and standing vigil over it from somewhere in the vague center was a large Victorian-looking house. Anyone who wanted to go snooping would find the maze and home both charmingly haunted by costumed staff looking forward to the chance to scare the pants off some unsuspecting partygoers.

Nothing about the place seems off, or strange. Bats fly about overhead, the moon is large and positioned quite perfectly to make the haunted house look charmingly spooky, and the woods that spread around the clearing are just begging for people to dare to creep down it's paths, jumping at the shrieks that echo from the maze, or just their own imaginations running away with them. Not that there seems to be anything scarier than some mild-mannered wild-life like the owls hooting in the trees- it seems the woods are more designed for a nice nighttime stroll for folks who might want a bit of quiet than anything.

Of course everyone wore costumes. They did right? It's a costume party after all! And if anyone didn't have one, the staff of the bar were quite happy to furnish some of the spares they had on hand, even if it might be something so simple as an animal headband, a pair of wings, or a sheriff's badge and toy gun.

No one was quite certain when things started becoming weirder. Not specifically, and no one was sure why it had happened, given the first sign of things going wrong? Was one of the poor unsuspecting waiters who'd been wearing a cute little bear headband? Was suddenly now a very large, and very confused grizzly bear in a darling little vest trying to balance the tray he'd been carrying on one paw, and attempting to sort out how to get all the drinks off without tipping them onto the customers, who were now a table of animals of varying sizes and shapes, as well as one very bewildered knight, whose plastic armor was suddenly much more realistic and cumbersome.

And from the yelps of surprise and alarm echoing quickly through the Pit and the yard, it was clear this was not an isolated incident.



((ooc: Costume bash! OOC info is here leave any questions in there! Feel free to tag either pre or post-costume realism! For toplevels please use the Trick Or Treat system! If you're just wanting cute fluff or maybe minor spooky stuff, just leave 'Treat' in your toplevel's subject line. If you're here for scary chases and angst, or being a monster to hunt folks for fun (keeping in mind the AVF is in effect!) just post 'Trick'! If you're open to both just put both in! Hopefully this'll make it easier to match up what folks are hoping to play with here even if you're going in otherwise blind. The costumes will revert come sunrise with no ill effects- happy hauntings!))

Comments

Treat

[sohoangel]

Performing magic for other party guests has been great fun, but Aziraphale needs a little break. Heading to the bar to fetch a drink for himself and Crowley, he smiles brightly at the sight of Lucifer.

"A sphinx! How appropriate for you. How's your evening been so far, dear? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."

[the_rebel_son]

She is lounging now, not quite as regal after chasing a few people for wrong answers. Tail flicking and relaxed. Aziraphale is one that she won't harass, there aren't many who earn that distinction tonight.

"I was Hatsheput but the Nexus had other plans tonight." Briefly her head comes up to spot the flying squirrel before she relaxes again."It has been far too long. I have been very busy with politics and personal matters. I hope you and Crowley have had more time to relax than we have."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale takes a seat the bar, noting how relaxed Lucifer appears. "Hatsheput! Oh, I remember her. Brilliant woman. Everyone likes to talk about Cleopatra, but they always forget that Hatsheput did it first."

His expression sobers a little at the mention of politics. "Yes, I imagine you have been. I hope it isn't insensitive to say that Crowley and have been having a lovely year? No trouble from Above or Below. It's why we decided to join the costume party. I dusted off my old magician costume and Crowley is dressed as my assistant. There seems to be some sort of Nexus magic afoot, but it hasn't affected either of us, thankfully."

[the_rebel_son]

"I have always preferred Sobekneferu but no one would recognize the name." Lucifer tells the other angel. "I like that she took up the sword of her fallen house guards and rallied her people to drive away the invaders when the pharaoh fell."

Lucifer may have been in Greece at the time but he kept track of the goings on in Egypt too.

"It is good to hear that your lives have been calm. I suspect much of mine will soon calm, for the most part. Unfortunately, there are always individuals harassing my peace."

[sohoangel]

"Yes, that was very brave of her," Aziraphale agrees. "Unfortunately, mortal memory is quite short. Even spottier the farther back one goes."

He catches the bartender's attention and orders champagne for himself and a cosmopolitan for Crowley (to coordinate with his smashing red dress, of course).

"Is it Michael again?" he half-whispers in a worried tone, as if the archangel will suddenly appear.

[the_rebel_son]

"It is unfortunate."

The drink choices cause her to smile. It is the kind of thing she would expect them to order.

"In directly, yes, but there are other matters as well." Lucifer sighs wearily. "Some will resolve themselves with time or foolhardiness. I try to focus on the better things that are coming to pass in this place. The growth of family and those we may consider kin."

[sohoangel]

Champagne feels appropriate to Aziraphale, who has done such an excellent job with his magic tricks tonight. All that practice has obviously paid off and has nothing to do with Nexus shenanigans.

"Foolhardiness on their part, I hope." Lucifer sounds tired, but not furious, which is a good sign. "Who have you drawn into the fold lately, my dear? Anyone I should try to meet?" For better or for worse, Aziraphale considers himself part of Lucifer's extended family and likes to keep up with the social connections in that ever expanding circle.

[the_rebel_son]

"On theirs, I hope." It wasn't that Lucifer lacked fury, but more that other things he found more important were taking his time and energy.

"I have been socializing with others more lately." Lucifer considers this angel among his brothers. "It will be within the next week the Celestials from my creation will be arriving. I am sure they would like to know there are others of their kind here, beyond Balthazar. Speaking of that, Levi has spent more time free to his own life. I think you would find him personable. I know at least one of my angels do."

There is something in how he says those last words that suggest something other or more than friendship.

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale wiggles his shoulders at the prospect of more Celestials, excitement winning out over any potential nervousness. "I'd be delighted to meet them, Lucifer, you can call on me for any sort of socializing, especially in the Nexus. And I've already met Levi, he is certainly personable... pray tell, who in your court has taken a shine to him?"

He knows what Lucifer is implying. What a curious thing, to have a vessel with their own romantic partner. It makes Aziraphale grateful that his possession of Madame Tracy was brief, not wanting to be a third wheel in her relationship with Shadwell any longer than necessary.

[the_rebel_son]

"The other three that are coming; one served Astaroth, and the other two Jophiel the angel of beauty and nature. I think you will get along with them." Lucifer shakes her head smiling. "The expected one to want to court a human artist, Phenex. I believe they have or are planning to go to dinner together. I am glad for him. Phenex is kind and compassionate. I think Levi needs more of that in his life."

[sohoangel]

"Oh, I do hope so," Aziraphale replies, a bit of that nervousness sneaking through. He has always considered himself well-mannered and easy to get along with, but apparently that meant very little to the angels on his own world. He's anxious not to go through that again, although Crowley would be quick to note that it was the fault of his stuck-up superiors and nothing he did personally to create such a chilly relationship.

The fact that it is Phenex is of little surprise to Aziraphale, who smiles at the reveal. "How lovely. I think it will be good for both of them. I've noticed that Phenex tends to get wrapped up in their creative endeavors. Having someone to pull them out into the real world now and again can be beneficial."

[the_rebel_son]

She touches his shoulder in gentle comfort. "I cannot imagine you being disagreeable with the angel who protects biodiversity nor the angel of flowers and natural beauty. At least two of the four will be easy with your own interests." She's confident that Rota and Ariel, at least, will be very amiable to the angel.

She laughs, high and musical. "No, I expect them both to get lost in creativity together. It is very different to get lost in something with someone close, rather than alone."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale appreciates the reassurance. "Well, when you describe them like that, then it's likely I'll get along with them, yes." Although the angel's main interests are food and literature, he is also very fond of nature, and besides, any angel willing to join Lucifer's side will hopefully not judge him for loving a demon.

"Ah... yes, that's true as well... I was thinking about how Crowley often has to come find me if I've overstayed my welcome at the Grand Library."

[the_rebel_son]

"Rota, the protector of biodiversity, may have a bit too much flash for you, but as an ophan I invited them here so Balthazar would have something of his own kind among us." It was, in a way, a gift from Lucifer to his partner to call to this specific angel. She's pleased that they agreed to come because the angel had always been a pleasant one.

She chuckles, smiling with mischief. "You should overstay in my library. It may be the only way the demon will visit again."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale raises an eyebrow at this. "What's flashy about him?" he asks curiously. Aside from Gabriel's penchant for nice clothes, one couldn't really describe any of the angels he knows as 'flashy'. "Oh, I'm sure Balthazar will like that."

As for Lucifer's mischievous suggestion, Aziraphale can't help but laugh. "That's clever of you, my dear, but I'd rather get Crowley to visit again without false pretense."

[the_rebel_son]

"Everything?" Lucifer giggles. "If angels had rockstars Rota would be one. He's every bit the tropical birds he loves so much."

She reaches out and puts a hand on the other angel's forearm. "I know. It feels awkward for family to be so complete unnerved around us. If there is something we can do, let me know."

[sohoangel]

Ah. Bebop. It does paint an interesting picture of Rota, one that has Aziraphale intrigued. "As long as he doesn't mind the company of the opposite of a 'rockstar' angel, then I think we'll be able to get along."

Lucifer's heartfelt reply has Aziraphale a little taken aback. He places his hand over hers and pats it consolingly. "It's hard for him. Where we're from, he doesn't have a family. I mean, I didn't have much of one, either, but Heaven at least liked to pretend that we cared about one another. Showing any sort of emotion like affection or compassion as a demon made you weak and a target. It will take Crowley a while to accept that from other fallen angels. I think just being yourself will be enough in good time."

[the_rebel_son]

"He is very gregarious. Do not worry so much." Lucifer encourages.

Lucifer can't help herself but smile. "Very well. I will be patient, but perhaps I will send him a gift next time I feel in the mood for such things."

[sohoangel]

That is reassuring, that Rota will hold up his end of the conversation. As much as Aziraphale likes to chatter on at times, sometimes it's nice to simply listen and not feel quite so put upon the spot.

"He's enjoyed the contents of your liquor cabinet," Aziraphale says with some amusement. "In case you're looking for suggestions. Or you could make it apple-themed. He likes to tease me about, too, you know. Perhaps you can bond over a shared inside joke."

[the_rebel_son]

"Are you suggesting I send an apple themed basket for the holidays?" Lucifer couldn't stop the smirk. This was certainly right in line with her humor and affection for the two angels.

[sohoangel]

"At the very least, he'd appreciate the humor," Aziraphale replies, wanting to foster good will between the two. "And what shall I get you and Balthazar in return? It's never too early to shop for the holidays."

Not that Aziraphale doesn't enjoy Halloween, but the second October flips over to November 1st, it's time for the holly and tinsel to make their annual appearance.

[the_rebel_son]

"I will keep that in mind." She smiles at the permission to cause a little mischief. She pauses a moment to think about what Balthazar might want and then shrugs. "Would it be too much to ask for a double date? I feel like we see each other so infrequently. Otherwise, I would have to think on it. I have not yet figured out anything for Balthazar either."

[sohoangel]

"No, that's not too much to ask. Perhaps we can have it somewhere other than the villa? I think Crowley would be more comfortable." Aziraphale personally enjoys spending time at the villa, but he knows how hard it can be for his partner to truly relax there.

"Otherwise, you can send me some ideas. And for your family, as well. Er..." He looks around for a moment before leaning in and adding quietly, "I'd also like to get something for Moloch, but he truly has me stumped. I feel like the sorts of things he'd want, I'm not comfortable purchasing for him."

[the_rebel_son]

"I found a very romantic restaurant that just opened here. It has a lot of quiet seating." She offers as an alternative. "I would suggest going to your world for his comfort but unlike Balthazar I am a beacon."

"I will think on it and let you know." Lucifer's eyes widened and her brows shoot up at the request about Moloch. "He is not one for material possessions and I am not sure weapons are a gift you would want to provide." She pauses and then smiles brightly. "I have been considering browsing the Nexus to get him a pet. I think he would benefit from something to care for. Would you like to come with me?"

[sohoangel]

"That sounds perfect," Aziraphale says with a smile, before sighing and tapping a finger against the bar top. "I know, dear. I've been looking into more effective warding because I would like to have you visit." The last thing he wants to do is throw his world's angels and demons into a tizzy, especially since it's only been a year since the failed Armageddon.

The angel is nothing but earnest in his desire to get Moloch a present, although Lucifer is right, weapons are out of the question. At the suggestion of a pet, he blinks in surprise. "Oh... do you think so? I know he likes hellhounds..." After a moment's thought, he nods agreeably. "Yes, I would. And I can purchase whatever accessories this pet needs so that Moloch can care for it properly."