etrayalogs | (MINGLE) 🦇🎃 the halloween party 🦇🎃

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(MINGLE) 🦇🎃 the halloween party 🦇🎃

WHO: all of etraya are welcome!
WHEN: the 31st of october
WHERE: the mutant school.
WHAT: it's the halloween party mentioned here.
NOTES\WARNINGS: there is going to be drinking and partying in this post. please be mindful of your cws in your subject lines. also, since it's a mingle, i think it's nice to add whether your threads are threadjackable/stop being so for maximum mingling, but that's optional!

On the evening of the 31st, the Institute for Mutant Education and Outreach opens its doors for its neighbors. Orange and purple lights glow on the gates to mark the spot, and jack-o-lanterns illuminate the path to the back of the mansion, where the fun starts.

Everyone who offered to help had their work cut out for them, considering a certain host is extremely perfectionist, decorations perhaps over-the-top with the spider-webs that cover the furniture and stairways, uncanny lightning with white, purple, and neon green in the darkness, and the ever-so-present fog that seems to be everywhere inside and outside the house. Every hallway on the main floor has been methodically organized to give out the most liminal space sensation as possible. The inside has been turned into a dancefloor and a bar, with a selection that ranges from the finest wine to the nastiest tequila — for all tastes, not to mention a few jars of cocktails! Some of the finger food (included in that post) is also available here.

Outside, where the pool and the baseball field are, one can find the more dinner-like options, plates, utensils, and whatever they need for a spooky dinner experience. The alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks also have a space outside, near where the couches had been moved to, along with tables and chairs for a relaxed time.

Games can also be found outside, with or without alcohol, with beer pong, good witch bad witch, bobbing for apples, trick or treat (which, in this case, is basically truth or dare), and Jenga. Other games might be added, and the baseball field and the pool are up for use, so feel free to take a swim in these chilly times or to play to your heart's content.

Music inspiration, only the fun ones, can be found here: 1, 2, 3.

Last, but not least, the rules of the house will be in all points of interest, including the first thing after the main gate:

HOUSE RULES.

1. Respect the space. Damage to the property not caused, encouraged, or participated in by the residents is liable to physical, telekinetic, demonic, or telepathic retaliation.
2. Regarding fights. Fights are fine, but must be done outside the main building. Fighters will not receive any compensation that might come from potential betting rings.
3. No murder. This behavior brings unnecessary work for the residents that we would rather not have. Illyana Rasputina will turn the survivor (if any) into a frog should this rule be broken; therefore, there are no winners, only losers. Avoid at all costs.
4. Do not go sneaking around outside the bounds of the party. Consequences for breaking this rule are Sophie Cuckoo triggering the perpetrator's brain to adverse effects in reaction to everyday words, and she will not tell you which. Effects include, but are not limited to: nausea, unwanted erections, headaches, tinnitus, intermittent hearing volume changes, and so forth. She kindly counts on the understanding and vigorous collaboration of party-goers in keeping her parole intact.
5. Regarding drinking. Due to the nature of Etraya and its lack of a drinking age, the mutants will not be carding at this event. We are, after all, not your real dads. Just don't be fucking dumb.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Forgetting is an impossible challenge for Dion, so it seems he's consigned to eternal teasing. He doesn't mind the prospect when it comes to Vax.

As to whether it's revenge, who can say? But really, Dion's appreciating fancy Vax while he can. A little glow to one of those feathers surely isn't amiss, though he does note that blush. ]

She does favor feathers herself, doesn't she? They complement your ensemble well.

[ Their first conversation had come about because of a certain blue feather. That adornment suits her, much as the black feathers do Vax. ]

I'll look forward to your tutelage.

[ Dion doesn't hold high expectations for himself in the realm of Vax's expertise, but he's always been an earnest student. Time will tell, but for now he's a very fictional thief. ]

You raise a point though. Perhaps if I preempt being given something, it counts on technicality?

[ What are the rules? Vax is the expert in that department.

But for symmetry's sake, he brushes fingers along another feather and leaves it exuding a soft light as well. ]

[ Vax certainly doesn't mind teasing in return when it comes from Dion. It's nice to see his friend feel comfortable enough to do so. ]

She does. And.. thank you.

[ Ahem. A little flustered by the additional compliment, Vax tries to think about how he might teach Dion some thief skills. It could be useful to know how to pick a locked door, so he thinks they'll start there. ]

Hm, if you were to take it first, then yes, you've stolen it after all. I can't vouch for its value.

[ Vax jokes. Is his time a worthy prize for the gentleman thief?

He didn't expect Dion to light a second feather. This time, knowing the intention when Dion brushes his fingers over it, Vax briefly lids his eyes, his head tilting ever-so slightly in the direction of the touch. The pair of feathers create a lovely glow against his dark hair. ]

[ The compliments are deserved, and over the course of their conversation, Dion is only more convinced that Vax needed to hear it. This may be the only time he occasions to dress this way, so he should know that it looks good on him and he wears it well.

Likewise, he deserves some light for his night sky. The silver accents already have that starry quality about them.

What he doesn't expect is for Vax to lean into it. Small as that change is, Dion couldn't fail to observe it, along with the change in expression. In truth, he'd hesitated to reach out both times, but it seems there was no need. ]

Valuable enough to steal, is that not obvious?

[ Why else would one steal it? His logic is infallible here. Dion realizes his hand had lingered there a few moments longer than strictly necessary and allows it to fall away after that. The glow will remain, at least for the evening. ]

So, what is on your agenda for this party?

[ Surely something here has his interest. ]

[ It's true that Vax does not dress like this often. It's a rare thing to go to a party that requires fine attire, though his costume could have been something less charming. It may be more about where the compliment is coming from than the need for compliments in general.

When he feels Dion's hand move away, Vax opens his eyes with a fond and appreciative look. Now his costume is a touch more magical. ]

Value is a matter of perspective, sometimes.

[ And Vax is honored that Dion would value his company. As for his plans, Vax takes a breath, as if gathering some strength, and looks out over the dancing crowd. ]

I'm not the thief tonight, but I was hoping to steal a dance.

[ He turns his eyes back to Dion. The music has slowed down for now. ]

If you're interested.

[ There isn't any denying that value is subjective. Even what is commonly held as being of considerable worth is owed to perception. Dion is aware of that. Even so, it seems only natural to him that he should value Vax's company as he does.

He follows Vax's line of sight, if only for a moment. The dance floor is alive with colorful, varied costumes. It's a sight he doesn't linger on for long, returning his attention to Vax when his answer comes.

Their talk of thievery continues. ]

Is it stealing if I've agreed beforehand?

[ Said with an easy smile. Vax would be the expert, so Dion will have to defer to his judgement on the matter. ]

I know not how different the dances we know may be, but so long as you don't mind that.

[ Seeing all those people having fun makes Vax want to join in, even if the dancing is done differently and at their own pace. The important thing is that they have a good time. With inhabitants from so many universes, the costumes and the dancing are bound to ehibit some variety.

The question gets a happy chuckle, since that sounds like a 'yes' to him. ]

I don't mind at all. Maybe you can show me how they dance in Sanbreque.

[ Surely, they must dance, right? With a tilt of his head toward the dance floor, Vax slips his hand into Dion's and leads the way to a spot where they can be among the crowd but still have the room to dance as they please. ]

[ They do indeed dance. Dion comes from upper nobility, even before his father was elected Emperor, so he suspects the dances with which he's familiar may seem overly austere. He knows them well enough, for it would be unseemly if he lacked in social graces of any sort, so he's certain he can explain the steps.

Though, in the spirit of sharing dances only one of them is familiar with— ]

Perhaps you will show me a dance you know in return.

[ It strikes him as a fair and even exchange that way. That wod also mean more than one dance is in order, but Dion suspects Vax won't mind that terribly.

He spares a few moments to listen to the rhythm of the music, slow and measured as it is. One of the dances he knows should match up with it. With that in mind, he lifts his free hand. ]

If I may...

[ They've agreed to dance, but his manners persist. ]

One for one? Sounds fair.

[ They were always balancing each other out. A debt for a debt. A costume for a costume. And now a dance for a dance. If there's more than one dance or even more than two, Vax is not going to mind at all.

Dancing in Exandria runs a wide gamut from tavern jigs to modern movements and everything in between. Vax will have to pick something Dion might be comfortable with. For now, he's ready to experience dancing from another world. ]

By all means.

[ Vax is ready to begin and lets Dion show him the correct position for them to start. ]

[ Dion arranges hands accordingly. Vax's free hand goes to his shoulder, Dion's settles lightly on Vax's back. He hasn't much concern for who leads in formal dances, but in this cases it makes better sense that he do so. ]

This one uses a five-count meter with sliding steps. It isn't difficult by any means, and does not require additional parties, as other court dances incline toward.

[ While it can be a sight to see a whole group move in a certain coordinated unison, that requires everyone know those steps. He had also tended to observe such festivities from a distance, for his father preferred a certain austerity to his presence.

Such is not the case here, so he takes up count and guides their way along, steps moving in something of a circle by the time they've hit five. Easily learned, and it aligns well with the current song being played. ]

[ Vax sets his hand onto Dion's shoulder and nods at the instructions. Five counts. Okay. He can count to five, so this should be easy.

As Dion begins to move and keeps the count, Vax follows his lead, glancing down at his own feet and Dion's positioning from time to time. Once they've gone the circuit a few rounds, it's becoming easier. Enough that he can stop glancing down and just step with Dion's guidance and the music playing. ]

This isn't so hard.

[ He thinks he's getting the hang of it, and Vax is pretty light on his feet, being a rogue. ]

Did you do much dancing back home? Between taming wyrms and leveling mountains, I mean.

[ Dion huffs out an amused breath and shakes his head. Vax is never going to forget that ballad either. He has long since accepted this was his fate, at least.

The memory of "fuck you very much" will ever be funny to him anyway. ]

That mountain business will never cease to be absurd. [ As to the question, well... ] Typically I was required for religious observances, if anything. Austere occasions, during which I was to stand as decor, like as not.

[ As much like a statue as possible, that. There were times he was to participate in some small, minimalistic way, for Bahamut was Greagor's divine weapon and yet another symbol of his nation's faith, but that never involved dancing. ]

State functions were often similar, but I was to know how, regardless. [ Being the son of someone in the upper strata of society meant he needed to be competent, whether the skill was useful or not. ] What of yourself? You learn quickly.

[ If Vax ever thinks he can somehow get Dion to sing again for him, he absolutely will. How dare Dion have the voice of an angel on top of everything else! He might as well have stepped out of one of those romantic books he's always reading. ]

But that's my favorite part.

[ He notes regarding the mountain, obviously teasing Dion a bit more. He doesn't like the idea of Dion being groomed for various functions and purposes, but that was how it was. And still, Dion never complains. ]

Elves are naturally agile. Throw in my background as a rogue, and I'm usually pretty light on my feet.

You would favor the most outlandish detail...

[ Dion imagines that's simply because of how absurd it truly is. There is some humor to it, and the fact that some bard out there came up with such an audacious claim and it spread across Storm. Perhaps as Bahamut he would be capable of such a feat, but he'd be far too concerned with collateral damage to try. For what purpose would he level a mountain?

But getting him to sing might just be as simple as asking, provided he needn't worry about an audience. Dion hasn't had to sing for a crowd outside of a choir and he isn't exactly inclined to start. ]

Perhaps you missed a calling as a dancer.

[ Look, two of them can tease, though Dion's is the mildest case. ]

[ Vax might like the outlandish part because he knows Dion thinks it's ridiculous. ]

Well, the song neglected to mention how handsome you are, so I had to pick that, instead.

[ As much as Vax might enjoy hearing Dion's voice, he doesn't think he can just ask Dion to sing for no reason. Wouldn't that be awkward? For both of them? Or maybe he just thinks so because Vax doubts he'd please an audience with his voice, even if Dion approved of his previous attempt.

The teasing gets an amused look. ]

And you as an instructor. Or a singer. I can already imagine us touring Tal'Dorei.

[ So his favorite part would be that, if the song extoled his looks...? On the one hand, he understands the compliment. On the other, he's sure Vax is teasing him because it's his sport of choice. ]

You'd choose that, would you?

[ Dion can never tell him about the images of his likeness plastered about Sanbreque. Ever. He'd surely never hear the end of that either.

But that hypothetical scenario gets a quiet hum. It's no more serious suggestion than his own, but... ]

I have wondered what your world looks like, but I think I'd rather a smaller audience.

[ Vax is teasing Dion, but it's not a lie, either. Although he would have a bit of fun if he knew about Dion's face adorning the city, just because he's certain Dion did not approve the idea. ]

A private performance? Just the two of us?

[ Dion's shoulder is given a gentle squeeze with a playful look still in his eyes. As much as Vax might tease Dion, at least he won't be telling anyone about that song or Dion's previous costume attempt. Vax likes having those things to himself. ]

Tal'Dorei is beautiful, and it's just one of many diverse kingdoms in Exandria. If I could show it to you, I would.

[ He'd be absolutely right that Dion's likeness being all over the place wasn't his idea. While he doesn't begrudge his people, he cares deeply for their welfare and is grateful for their regard, it seems more than is deserved.

But for now his secret is safe. ]

Provided you not ask me to reprise that ballad.

[ Though he doubts Vax was serious, Dion doesn't mind singing. Just preferably not about himself.

He can well imagine Vax's world has a great deal to appreciate. Though he doesn't know that he'd ever have a means by which to see it himself, he has imagination enough, and so— ]

Would you tell me about it?

[ Vax wouldn't go so far as to ask Dion to sing the ballad again. That might feel like he's taking the joke too far. Dion might catch Vax humming it sometime, though. ]

I'd listen if you sang a different song.

[ Any song, really. Dion has such a lovely voice. Although he wasn't serious, he'll take an opportunity if it presents itself.

There's a sudden blink, followed by a smile. ]

Of course. Maybe over dinner.

[ It occurs to him that he never did pick anything out of that cookbook, did heh? They talked about so many things, it slipped his mind, but Vax would like anything Dion prepared. ]

[ Humming would give Dion pause, if only because he'd never expect it. Still, he doesn't mind that Vax gets such a kick out of it. He'd simply not expected it back when they had compared songs they featured in. ]

You may be shocked to learn I know others.

[ The hint of humor is there in his voice, knowing full well that it's a given he knows other songs. On the subject of dinner though, Dion's eyebrows pinch together as he thinks back on their previous meal together. ]

...You didn't choose a recipe last time, did you?

[ By now, Vax has fallen so easily into their usual manner of conversation lasting, that he isn't even listening to the music anymore. He's just repeating the steps on autopilot with Dion as his lead, holding the (real) prince's hand. It's possible they've danced through a couple of songs already without realizing it. He kind of hopes they never do. ]

I.. think we were more worried about getting me down the stairs.

[ So he doesn't remember choosing a recipe, but he does remember that cake Dion promised him. ]

How about... fish? I saw a few of those recipes in there.

Edited 2025-11-02 03:41 (UTC)

[ One song may have lapsed into another, or another after that. Dion couldn't rightly say, since their conversation is what has his attention. He does spare enough focus to keep from steering them into anyone or anything, at least. ]

Yes, I believe so.

[ The stairs hadn't proven much of an obstacle in the end, but he does distintly recall being concerned about them.

He mulls the suggestion over, mentally reviewing what he remembers from that particular book. None were overly complex that he can recall. ]

I have prepared fish before, so that should be no issue.

[ Dion's concern was touching, even though Vax was mostly certain he'd make it back to his own apartment without falling down a couple flights of stairs.

Thinking back on the cookbook, Vax didn't think the fish recipes were too complicated, which is why he picked it. Not that Dion couldn't manage if Vax chose a more complex dish, but he doesn't want his friend to go through too much trouble to make a meal for him, either. A baked fish or something similar should be simple. ]

Great. I'll look forward to it. And that cake.

[ Vax throws the last one in with a smile. ]

[ Dion smiles at the reminder. He'd thought it would be a good selection, and it will be nice to share something he had always liked with his friend. Also, he'd been curious how it might compare to what he remembers, having access to different resources.

Not curious enough to make a cake just for himself, though. ]

I've not so soon forgotten the cake.

[ Worry not, Vax. ]

Do you suppose your family would get odd ideas if I made one for them as well?

[ Vax said it wouldn't do for him to share a cake Dion made for him, and he only knows the others enjoy wine, but surely no harm done if it was made for the married couple?

...It's almost entirely a jest, it's there in his eyes. ]

[ The cake is another reason for them to see each other, so Vax isn't going to let Dion forget about it. Or dinner. Or sharing stories about his world. Vax always looks forward to their time together, even just to chat about the last book Dion loaned him.

When Dion reminds him of a remark Vax made the last time cake came up, he laughs softly. His amused eyes glance briefly around the room. Just because he can't spot Vex and Percy doesn't mean they don't have eyes on him.

His voice dips, as if sharing a secret. ]

We've been dancing for a while. I'm sure they've got some odd ideas, already.

[ He's used to being teased over less. ]

[ It's at this point that Dion's eyes actually seek out a clock. He doesn't land on it right away, amid all the lights and false cobwebs and artificial fog, but he does after a few moments of vigilant effort, partially obscured as it is behind ornamentation. Just as Vax had observed, it has indeed been a while.

Time flies when he's talking with Vax, so he ought not be surprised, he'd not suspected that much had passed. ]

...So it has. [ It's a quiet acknowledgement, his volume partially consumed with thought. ] Will that be troublesome for you?

[ Vax hadn't said anything before he'd asked, which hadn't even been a serious inquiry, but Dion finds himself compelled to pose the question regardless. ]

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