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

[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."

[the_rebel_son]

"You may want to ask Belial. He has worked with wards for a long time." She smiles "I would like to visit, though not as relaxing as a trip to England but we have found the wards that allow others to visit my domain."

Lucifer can't resist the huge smile at the idea that Aziraphale befriending Moloch. "This sounds like a good gift. I can help you choose and then you can use your own judgement to buy accessories though not too many. Moloch has chosen to stay in the wilds and has no stable home."

[sohoangel]

"I'll talk to him about it." Aziraphale's warding has gotten about as good as it can based on the knowledge in his world. Hopefully Belial's wisdom can elevate his skill further.

Aziraphale is smiling, too, excited over the prospect of giving Moloch a proper gift for the holidays. "I'll keep it simple, I don't want to overwhelm him. Is he all right in the Wilds, then? At least he can hunt to his heart's content there."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer is intrigued by this whole situation. While she knew Moloch and Aziraphale spoke she didn't know there was this much of a friendship. "He is better suited to the wilds than the plaza. I wish it satiated him but his curse is toward sentient life. It is a temporary bandage until I can find something more permanent for his health."

She reaches out and takes Aziraphale's hand, or touches his forearm if he is holding drinks. "It is good for him to have someone else around who will see past his abrasiveness."

[sohoangel]

In some ways, Aziraphale is just as surprised by this turn of events. But somehow his unflagging cordial nature has paid off, even if he doubts Moloch would ever admit it. Having the angel bunny curled up asleep in his waistcoat earlier is proof enough for him.

His drinks are untouched on the bar top, so he's able to hold Lucifer's hand unencumbered. "Do you think you'll ever break his curse?" he asks quietly. "He told me once that if his curse is broken, he'll ask you to return him to the Void. I'm hoping that he'll change his mind if he genuinely feels as though he's no longer alone."

[the_rebel_son]

"He has always been at a disadvantage and knew he was created differently." Lucifer sighs because she has thought of he ideas that must be running through the other angel's mind. "Even without his curse, Moloch is still the angel of sorrow. Unlike the rest of us, he was created in such a way that he cannot know joy or happiness. I consider it one of the most offensive things God did to us and that happened before the fall."

She lays her head down on the bar feeling the weight of the other angel's burden. "I cannot fault him for wanting those feelings to end. Like you, I want there to be a way to help him, but I have yet to find one."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale purses his lips together in silent agreement. Learning about Moloch's creation was quite the blow to his opinion of Lucifer's God, which was already rather low. How could He be so cruel? One does not need to be denied happiness and joy to tend to another's sorrow.

When Lucifer lays her head upon the bar, Aziraphale gives her hand a squeeze and gently pats her shoulder. "There, there, dear. I'm here to assist you in any way I can. I'm certain that between the two of us, we can change Moloch's fate." All the hope that Moloch was denied, Aziraphale has in spades, and he's happy to share it.

[the_rebel_son]

She smiles a little and squeezes his hand. "Perhaps a pet is the step in the right direction. I know he is fond of animals but he has never had to care for another. There is joy there, even for someone who scoffs at it as much as he does."

Lucifer is definitely plotting against her fellow angel in the best possible way.

[sohoangel]

"It will give him something positive to focus on, certainly. And a reason to keep going."

Aziraphale is quite happy to be included in this plotting. He gives Lucifer another pat on the shoulder before letting go of her hand. "I ought to deliver Crowley's drink as promised or he'll get stroppy. You'll contact me when it's time to go shopping, yes? I look forward to it."

[the_rebel_son]

"I will contact you soon about shopping." She pats his arm once more and lets him go to his lover. Besides Lucifer needs to find her own partner in this madness.