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

Entry tags:

(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

[ 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. ]

[ They lost hours when they had dinner together. It amazes Vax that they always seem to have more to say. More to share. He's certainly not used to having conversations that last this long with anyone.

Is Dion concerned for him? How relentless does he think Vax's family can be? The answer is pretty relentless, but his smile does not communicate any worry.

He gives Dion's hand a gentle squeeze. ]

Nothing I can't handle. And, I don't want to stop dancing.

[ Vax is enjoying himself, so he's not going to let any future teasing get in the way of that. ]

[ Given the experience Dion has with family isn't close or caring, he relies on what he observes. Vax's family cares deeply, and if he is any indication, teasing seems something one might readily expect. But if Vax is unconcerned, he supposes he shouldn't be either.

So his shoulders relax by small degrees, because of course he worried a little. He'd not realized he was monopolizing his friend's time, but their talks are so often long without feeling that way. ]

Very well... But shall we try a dance from your world?

[ They'd agreed on that, and Dion wouldn't want to forget something they'd discussed a second time in such short order. ]

[ Vax is close with his friends. They've been teasing each other for years. Some lighthearted jabbing is all part of the relationship, so Vax can't help but poke fun at Dion every now and again. He's a lot gentler with Dion than he would be with his friends from home, though. ]

Sure. They're simple by comparison. You just kind of.. move.

[ But they'll have to rearrange their hands so Vax can lead. They won't need to do any counting, though.

Vax releases Dion's hand so he can hold his other one, instead. Dion's left hand is guided to rest on Vax's shoulder, and then Vax takes a step in to place his right arm around Dion's waist, so his hand rests against the small of Dion's back. It's a near embrace with just enough space between them for some movement. ]

Now we just step together. I think it’s less about the dance and more about the company, so you can’t really mess it up.

[ Dion goes along with the rearrangement, listening to what Vax has to say about it. It does sound quite simple, and doesn't seem to require any particular sort of music to accompany. But when he says that it can't be messed up— ]

You ought not make it sound like a challenge.

[ He tries to make it sound like some form of warning, but he fails. Dion couldn't pretend to have taken the words that way no matter how hard he might try. ]

[ Vax chuckles softly, taking steps for a small turn. It's easier not to bump into others, at least, since dancing close doesn't require a big area. ]

I guess you could step all over my feet until they're black and blue.

[ Would Dion do that to him? He has never struck Vax as the clumsy type.

Vax is the one who is fighting to keep a handle on his confidence while looking into Dion's pretty eyes. ]

[ Considering how he immediately frowns at the mental image like he'd bitten into something unexpectedly sour, no, Dion most certainly wouldn't do that to him. His face says it all.

Vax's poor hypothetical feet in that scenario. He knows it's just a joke, but still... ]

That is the worst.

[ Just so Vax knows. Terrible. ]

[ Vax looks suddenly amused again. This close, it's easy to see the little frown on Dion's face or the line in his brow over the mental image. ]

Speaking from experience? A bad diplomatic dance, maybe?

[ Though Dion had put the memory well out of mind, or he'd believed as much, the question reminds him... ]

Have you any experience with a woman stomping about like a soldier in pointed little heels?

[ Dion cares about diplomacy. He does. He'd rather do that than fight one war after another, but among the few occasions he'd had any part in such matters, Greagor had tested him mightily in this way. ]

[ Vax can't help but laugh at the mental image that brings. The suffering of a prince. Poor Dion. ]

Not quite, but once everyone is drunk enough, there's always some mishaps on the dance floor.

[ Vax neglects to mention if that mishap would be his own or someone else's. ]

You're a very good dancer, though.

[ Dion endured at the time, as one might expect. Of course, it was very obvious because his face hides absolutely nothing. ]

She was entirely sober. [ Somehow this makes it worse. At least had she been tipsy he might've understood. Who'd taught that woman to dance and why did the answer seem to be no one? ] But she never did notice.

[ That part impressed him, given...she was looking at him the whole time. ]

I'm not so light on my feet as you, but I was instructed as a child.

I guess not every noble received a proper education.

[ And some people are just born with two left feet. Vax doesn't entirely blame the woman, given who her dance partner was. ]

You are kind of distracting.

[ If Vax were made to attend some diplomatic snoozefest and ended up dancing with Dion, he wouldn't be able to take his eyes off the prince, either.

The series of slower songs ends and the music shifts into one with a thumping beat like what Dion might have heard on Earth. ]

Do you know how to dance to this?

[ Dion would agree he's distracting, but only when he channels his aether. Light has a way of drawing attention. As it is, he can only shake his head at the thought. ]

I'm not so distracting as to make one forget their own feet.

[ The music, on the other hand, gives him pause. He tips his head, recognizing the sound as reminiscent of what thrummed through certain buildings in passing, but that's as far as his knowledge of it extends. ]

This I am unfamiliar with.

Dion, you could make someone forget their own name.

[ He can mull over that for a while.

Vax gently releases Dion from their hold and steps back to make some space between them. ]

It's easy. You just move your body however you want to the music. The only point is to have fun doing it.

[ Vax easily begins to move just like the rest of the crowd, lifting his elbows and moving his hands or his hips and catching the beat. ]

But if it's not your thing, we can get a drink, instead.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject