(MINGLE) 🦇🎃 the halloween party 🦇🎃

[sophielicious]

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.

Comments

[twin_blade]

[ Vax tries to remember correctly. They've spoken about so much, sometimes it gets a bit jumbled. ]

Your country is at war, right? Luckily, nations are at peace in Exandria, though they all keep an army prepared. Why do they fight in your world?

[ He's heard of Bearers and what they've suffered through, but Vax doesn't know many details about the war itself. ]

[oblige]

It had been, for quite some time. The continental wars occurred early in my military career.

[ So...back when he was a teenager. All of that tends to blur together for Dion. Bahamut was his nation's greatest weapon, whether in its defense or otherwise. ]

Resources and territory, mostly. The curse afflicts men, but blight afflicts the land. As it encroaches, conflict intensifies for what lands remain... Then of course there were the machinations of Ultima.

[ He never can keep the sharpened edge of disdain from his voice when speaking of the god. ]

[twin_blade]

[ Vax doesn't mean to bring down Dion's mood at the party, but he still has many questions about Dion's world. ]

What did Ultima want, exactly? Rule the world?

[ He wonders if Ultima's objectives were similar to the dragons terrorizing Vax's home, but it seems as though a god might have bigger ideas. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion doesn't mind Vax asking. He'd inquired about Vax's world as well. ]

Remake the world for him and his ilk, as I understand. Including the eradication of mankind for spite.

[ For once in his formal life, Dion actually sounds a touch flippant. He has no respect for Ultima. 0/10 would destroy one of his bodies again. ]

[twin_blade]

Sounds all too familiar.

[ The tone Dion takes is noted with a touch of amusement. Maybe the alcohol is helping a little? Or perhaps Dion is just sick of giving Ultima any time whatsoever.

A friendly pat is set atop Dion's shoulder. ]

[oblige]

[ The truth may be a measure of both. Dion may not get drunk easily, but the ale doesn't do nothing at all for him. ]

Would that it were otherwise. Our worlds deserve peace.

[ He feels that strongly. The violence and strife inflicted on their people is wrong, regardless of the form it comes in. ]

[twin_blade]

They do deserve peace.

[ Vax will drink to that. ]

And we deserve a night off. And maybe another dance.

[oblige]

[ That makes both of them.

The suggestion earns Vax a sidelong glance. ]

Maybe?

[ Vax must really enjoy dancing. ]

[twin_blade]

[ Vax laughs a little and shrugs. ]

Or another drink. Or one of those games.

[ Anything that might be fun. Vax does like to dance, though. Especially with the right partner. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion finishes his ale. Of those options, he'd have no objections. He's in good company regardless. ]

What would you prefer?

[ He reasons Vax would have a preference. ]

[twin_blade]

[ Vax thinks about it. He really enjoyed dancing with Dion. They danced quite a bit, though, and somehow, it feels like asking for more would be wanting too much. Since Dion asks what he prefers, one option must be just the same as the other to him. ]

Well, I'd say you're not anywhere near drunk yet, so let's have one more, then maybe see what those games are. Unless I'm monopolizing your time, of course.

[ Dion probably has other people he wants to spend time with at the party, as well. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion weighs that thought, then turns to refill his cup. Since Vax has put forth the notion, it seems appropriate to ask: ]

Am I monopolizing yours?

[ It hadn't been his intention, but it is entirely possible that Vax would like to spend time with others. Dion wouldn't wish to keep him from that if it were the case. ]

[twin_blade]

[ Vax is sure there's plenty of evening left for catching up with others, and he's happier spending his time with Dion than watching Vex and Percy flirt all night. ]

Of course not. And if you are, it's by my choice.

[ With their mugs refilled, Vax enjoys his next drink. ]

[oblige]

Willingly imposed upon?

[ Does that even work, Vax? Can one consent to imposing?

Dion wonders that as he has some of his ale. ]

...You are not imposing either.

[ In case he can use that confirmation. ]

[twin_blade]

[ If one can consent to imposing, Vax is doing so. He's always a little happier when he's got Dion's company.

Dion's confirmation gets a small smile as Vax's face warms a little. ]

Good.

[ With a content sigh, he stands next to his friend, shoulder to shoulder with the lightest hint of contact between their arms. ]

[oblige]

[ It's a comfortable quiet. Or rather, between them it is. Music still floods their surroundings, so that quiet is incredibly relative. But it's companionable, and Dion appreciates that.

He finds it something of a luxury, still yet.

Though a thought does occur to him after a short while. ]

Would you mind if I took a picture of you in your finery? [ Dion could have taken one at any time, he supposes, but it seems proper instead to ask. ] For posterity.

[ Who knows when fancy Vax will make another appearance, if ever? ]

[twin_blade]

[ Some might find silence awkward, but Vax isn't bothered by it. He's soaking in the surroundings, observing the liveliness of the party. And even if they're quiet for a time, Vax is happy just to be in Dion's company.

The question is unexpected, and Vax turns his head to blink at his friend. ]

You want a picture of me?

[ No one's asked that of him before. His smile is a tad bashful. ]

Sure. Should I just.. stand here?

[ Vax sets his mug of ale down, since that's probably not the look Dion is hoping to capture. ]

[oblige]

Whatever you might prefer will do.

[ Dion had learned from Cloud how to capture images. In his time on Earth, he'd made good use of it. The ability to capture a moment was something of a marvel. Photographs held a clarity that memory might not retain, or that one might lose entirely, given the nature of this place.

And he'd like to remember Vax dressed up like a raven prince, one way or another. It truly does suit him. ]

[twin_blade]

[ Vax isn't sure how the whole image capture thing works, but if Dion wants a picture of him, he sees no reason to refuse his friend.

He's seen pictures of people before, so he knows he's supposed to look at the one taking the photo, at least.

Feeling a tad awkward, Vax fixes that by leaning slightly against the bar behind him, setting one of his elbows there, which makes him feel more relaxed. There's a small tilt of his head, curious, but expectant as he waits for the image taking moment. A hint of a smile touches his lips.

He might be dressed as a prince, but there's still something undeniably 'Vax' about the pose. ]

[oblige]

[ If Vax tried to comport himself in what one might call a princely manner, he wouldn't seem like himself. Dion much prefers him the way he is, rather than attempting to conform himself to a role. His version of a prince suits him.

He takes a half-step back and pulls up his HUD, knowing well enough by now how to navigate to the camera feature. Once he has it ready, he assesses the viewfinder and— ]

It takes but a moment.

[ And then he taps the icon to snap a picture, the HUD sounding with a crisp little snick for reasons Dion has never understood. Sure enough, the result is a picture of Vax, and Dion turns to give his friend a better look. ]

Dashing, as I told you.

[ He's even got evidence, now. ]

[twin_blade]

[ It feels a little odd just standing still and waiting, but Vax doesn't have to wait long. Soon, the photo is finished, and Vax approaches Dion to have a look at the image of himself. The technology is kind of amazing, since it would take significantly longer to have a proper portrait done in his world.

There's a little smile at Dion's words. ]

I'm glad you think so. It's for you, after all.

[ The costume is to fulfill his half of their bargain, but Vax's version of a prince is on his own terms. ]

[oblige]

[ As it should be, so far as Dion is concerned.

He closes the HUD after a few moments longer. ]

Of course I do. You should consider being fancy more often.

[ Vax wears it well, though Dion doubts he prefers such apparel over his usual. ]

[twin_blade]

[ Vax may be more comfortable in his usual clothing and armor, but he doesn't hate this, either. Were it a stuffier outfit, he might have more complaints, but he got to choose this with some help from his sister. ]

I'll need more opportunities for that.

[ In the year he's been here, it's the only time he's had a reason to dress like this. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion folds his arms across his chest, giving the matter more serious consideration than might be expected. ]

I suppose it does want for appropriate occasions.

[ Not that Dion often attended many such events in his world, his role being what it was. Still, he doesn't lack imagination. ]

One might make a case for the year's end. It must be an occasion for most worlds.

[twin_blade]

True. It feels like the sort of thing most people would celebrate. Not that our captivity is worth celebrating, but...

[ There are some good things about this place. ]

The people deserve more chances like these.