1st Annual Halloween Block Party!

[iam_senpai]

Perhaps it's the leaves of fiery golds and oranges drifting on the breeze, or the sight of various hard squash being mangled into festive ornaments, or even still the bowls of candy left out simply everywhere in the Nexus that signifies the import of today. Regardless of when you take heed, Halloween has come to the Nexus.

Neat little handmade signs and fliers of all kinds lead to a particularly festive sectioned off block with the Crossroads Cafe at the center. The brick building has more than its fair share of decorations hung from every available windowsill and door. Hanging skeletons, jolly Jack-O-Lanterns, orange and black streamers cascading down and blowing to and fro in the crisp breeze.

The doors are propped open just waiting to beckon you inside. What are you waiting for?

((See the OOC post if you have any questions! Backtagging and threadhopping are fine. Come on in and have a blast :D ))



Coats and Costumes
The Cafe
Bonfire
Dance Floor
Haunted House
Side Halls and Storage

Comments

[shardofwinter]

The convenience of the music isn't something he questions. Moments are too fleeting to waste time doing anything other than revelling in them. This is not what he expected to find tonight at all... and what a delightful surprise it is.

His bemused fascination leaves him at a slight disadvantage, but once he snaps back into the moment he's determined to be more than a match for her. Traditional music he can do and though he lets her keep the lead, he'll throw in a few surprising flourishes here and there that are entirely his and entirely within the rhythm of the music. Not that he's showing off or anything...

[courtofmurk]

She doesn't laugh, doesn't even give him another unambiguous smile, and yet there's a sense that she's quite satisfied by his performance. Certainly she expresses no displeasure, and this doesn't seem like a woman who's afraid to do so.

"You're in good form," she remarks, eyes glinting as their steps bring them closer a moment. "The night air must suit you." The ever-chillier night...

[shardofwinter]

A woman who takes the lead in dancing is unlikely to shy away from taking the lead in other areas. Certainly not in setting her boundaries. Reynard is happy to allow her to set the tone of their conversation.

"It always has, my lady," he responds easily and then grins, tilting his head. "The night itself suits you, mysterious beauty of the shadows."

[courtofmurk]

"True." She breaks the dance to add a sudden twirl, still keeping time with the music. When she steps back, she sweeps a glance over him. "Does that charm win you many friends?"

[shardofwinter]

He chuckles deeply as he circles around her, one hand on his heart and the other stretched out to her in admiration. "As many as my daring earns me enemies. Does your grace bewitch many admirers?"

[courtofmurk]

"More than I can say." She seems rather uncaring of the fact. Not contemptuous or disdainful, just... unmoved. "And what of those enemies? You seem untroubled for one with such numerous opposition."

[shardofwinter]

Clearly he will have to be more than 'an admirer' to get her attention then. Don't worry, he's taking notes.

"I keep my mind, my tongue and my blade sharp," he tells her proudly. His eyes twinkle as he leans closer, "Besides, how could anyone be anything but intoxicated and giddy on the eve of Winter?"

[courtofmurk]

"Ah, your star is rising. I see. There are few delights to match it." Her next whirl brings a rustle of silken skirts and takes her close enough to murmur (almost in his ear, it seems), "And when Winter wanes?"

[shardofwinter]

His smile fades almost instantly. This must be a trap, a trick, and he's not happy about it. He'd expected the rest of the Nexus to be keeping an eye on him after last year, but sending a pretty woman to spy on him… That's just cruel.

When his mouth pulls again it's into a thin, forced smile. "Then I'll be a mourner with a bite to match my bark."

[courtofmurk]

She doesn't smile, certainly doesn't laugh as she pivots to face him, but her dark eyes glitter like a bird's under that vulpine mask. She extends a hand.

"But why must you be a mourner, yet again?"

[shardofwinter]

The corners of his mouth waver until any sign of cheer is dropped like a hot iron. He hesitates before taking her hand and drawing closer, lowering his voice. "There are cycles, rules to be observed."

If he doesn't sound convinced by his own words it's because he knows that the second Winter hits he won't want it to end. Winter won't want to end until its power is wrestled from it.

[courtofmurk]

"Indeed. And some mourn and hide by the fire when the darkness falls for them - and some find opportunity."

[shardofwinter]

"A known thief is a watched one," he points out. After last Winter he knows that he will certainly have eyes kept on him. "The darkness may be tempting, but he must choose his opportunities carefully, he must be clever."

[courtofmurk]

"Might a good thief not have accomplices?" she suggests. "Opportunities are multiplied for those with many eyes, and hands - and faces."

[shardofwinter]

"He might." He takes her hand and draws close so that he can lower his voice. "Is there something you desire, my lady?"

[courtofmurk]

"Always." Those dark eyes are very intense as they meet his, her mouth curving for a minute. "Your fortunes are changing, champion of Winter. As are the fortunes of others. You may chance across your natural allies yet."

[shardofwinter]

He stops dead in his tracks, scanning her masked face as if it might give him any answers, curiosity and uncertainty suddenly overwhelming. "Who are you?"

[courtofmurk]

She doesn't tsk, but the silence between them seems to say it for her. She lifts her chin, something between stern reproach and amusement in her eyes.

"Just try not to miss a door when it opens for you," she chides, stepping back. When did she slip free of his hand? "I look forward to our next dance."

And with that she turns, steps past a clumsy couple that just happen to blunder in between them. If Reynard tries to follow, every time he thinks he's glimpsed her ahead she vanishes again, until the lady is thoroughly lost in the shadows and lights of the party.