Who: Dante and Hayate
When: Late night
Where: The Wine Bar
What: A not so usual encounter

The cold shadows of the night were the places that Dante normally roamed. They were his own haven, his home away from home, whenever he needed to stalk his prey. He could function in the daylight - he could seem perfectly normal in the light of day. But looks, as the saying went, could be deceiving, and deception was the name of Dante's game. He played the roles that other people wanted to see in order to ensure his survival. He was an expert at hiding in plain sight; after all, who suspected the man who acted like he had nothing to hide?

Dante found himself 'hiding' at the Wine Bar once more, sipping on ale and eying the women in the bar. Eliza was missing, and her absence reminded him of the times they spent together indulging in their carnal desires. Despite the fact that it was the day after the full moon, and Dante normally found himself calm after its wake, he was unusually jittery. The voice in his head hadn't stopped whispering to him, playing upon the urges that could no longer remain dormant. They needed to be released, and though he had done plenty of hunting the night before, his claws and fangs still thirsted for blood.

He dismissed the impulses for now, submitting to the ache in his bones and muscles that told him he still needed rest. Lycanthropic healing did little for the nights where he was especially rough. He had slept from the moment he returned to his cottage that morning, until the very late evening. It didn't do a damn thing for him. He still hurt, and he was still tired. So why was he even out at the Wine Bar when he should have been at home resting? It was the voice from the dark abyss of his soul that aggravated the itch to do more than just lie around.

The lycanthrope nursed his ale, and ordered a double shot of whiskey to wash it down. The woman sitting at the bar next to Dante kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eyes. Even if he was half-way to being drunk he could still tell when a woman was giving him a once-over. He smiled at her, "You keep staring at me, and you'll burn a hole in my head." The woman giggled, and turned in her seat to face him. Maybe the night wouldn't be a waste if he could go home with this girl and get lucky.

Who: Dione Castel and Dante Donovan
When: Wednesday 24 Oct Evening
Where: The Wine Bar
What: Dione and Dante meet again.

This was her first trip back to the wine bar really since she had gone into hiding back toward the beginning of October. So really, it was like she was starting all over again, trying to find a space where she was comfortable. Truthfully, she was terrified of doing this again, but making herself go through the motions since she had to at least try to get a real life.

( Fake it til you make it )

Who: Zach, Adrienne, Simon, and Danté
When: Evening, before Nathaniel's Dinner Party
Where: On the path toward Nathaniel and Voe's cottage
What: We're not telling! You have to read it to find out ;)

There was plenty of time before Nathaniel's dinner party for Zach and Adrienne to take a leisurely stroll on their way to the forest cottages. The sun was just about to sink below the horizon, the colors in the sky turning into brilliant shades that were reminiscent of an oil painting. The skies were clear, and there was still a warm breeze blowing in from the South. And Zach was looking as handsome as ever in the ensemble he had chosen from Kazuki's shop.

"You look very dapper tonight," she said, her arm wrapping his to pull herself closer to his body. She smoothed one of her hand over the front of the jacket before she slid her arm around his middle for an impromptu hug. Adrienne moved to stand in front of Zach, her action forcing them to stop in the middle of the road. "You know," she began in a mischievous voice. "We could always leave the dinner party early for a little party of our own, later." The werewolf couldn't help that seeing Zach all dressed up had gotten her a little frisky; it also didn't help that Kazuki had put the idea in her head ever since he basically said that her dress was 'easy access'.

The dark-haired girl leaned in to kiss him softly, lips pressed against lips for longer than a second. When she finally pulled away, she smiled in a way that wrinkled her nose, and a small giggle cleared her lips. "It'll be nice to see Nate, though," she said afterward. "I wonder who else he invited?" Adrienne thought that she'd probably see Duncan there at the dinner party since he had mentioned being invited to one; after all, how many dinner parties were being held in Elysium at that exact same moment? The chances were good that they were going to the same one.

The last rays of sunlight were shooting across the darkening sky, and Adrienne squinted her eyes as she looked out toward the western horizon. Her arms loosened from her boyfriend's body, choosing instead to interlace her fingers with him for the rest of their walk. "C'mon," she said with a small tug. "We better go." They still had a way to go, having not left Helicharis yet at all. It would take them at least 30 minutes to get to the forest cottages, and if luck was on their side they would be right on time for the party.

Who: Jia and OPEN
When: Morning
Where: Helicharis
What: Jia has a run in!


Jia let her pillow smack against the massive bump that was her sister sleeping still in bed. For thirty minutes she had been trying various techniques to try and get Daiyu to wake up. So far, all her sister was doing was making grunts of annoyance and was trying to slide away from her sister. Jia made a soft whining noise and gave Daiyu the hardest smack yet to be delivered. “Daiyu.” She whispered. There was a whine still in her voice. “I’m hungry. There is nothing to eat here.” Her sister made an angered noise when she actually woke from the hit. She sprung up and threw her sisters pillow in her face. “Then go get something yourself. You have feet!” Daiyu gave her sister a seething look, raising her lip before she turned away from her. Jia stood there for a moment, turning towards the door. “ But, I don’t know what to get.” Daiyu grunted, her voice muffled in her pillow when she spoke. “You have a brain. When you see food and your brain thinks it’s a wise choice, bingo.” Jia nodded, swallowing the want to ask Daiyu to do it instead.

She threw on a jacket and then headed towards the town with a pout on her face. Her hair mostly covered up the evident displeased nature in her face, but the slow stride in her walking proved she was in no hurry to head towards the town. Jia also was walking slowly because she had her eyes set in a book. Though she had read All the King’s Men many times, she was especially into the novel this day and eventually disregarded the fact that she was walking. This caused misfortune on her end when she bumped into someone. She dropped her book, feeling it slip from her fingers. Hastily, she bent down to get it not looking at who she bumped into. “I-I’m sorry.” She whispered, dusting her book off.

*italics denote mandarin

Who: Adrienne and Danté
When: Before sunset
Where: On a park bench in the middle of the market place
What: A casual meeting?

The changing of the leaves beckoned Adrienne forth from her cottage. If there was ever a time of the year that Adrienne loved the most, it was autumn. The weather wasn't too hot, nor was it too cold. A person could cuddle up in a cozy, cashmere sweater and go for a long walk without getting too tired. Jumping in a pile of leaves was a favorite of Adrienne's as well, and though there wasn't exactly enough of them on the ground yet Adrienne knew that there would be in a few weeks.

Dressed in a pair of brown, corduroy pants, a long-sleeved shirt and jacket, and a light scarf, Adrienne headed out for a walk around the town. She wasn't in any sort of rush, and she wasn't going anywhere in particular. She was just walking, breathing in the brisk air, and letting it fill her lungs to the brim before she let it out slowly. It had been a while since Adrienne allowed herself to enjoy these sorts of comforts all alone. Usually she was with Zach, or her family; other times she would spend with her friends Sanura, Adair, or Mitsuko. But today Adrienne felt like being alone. It wasn't that she was in a bad mood or anything, but she just needed a little bit of 'me' time.

( Adrienne shoved her hand into her pockets. )

Who: Dione Castel OT Dante (Others if they're interested)
Where: Somewhere near Silme Lagoon
When: Morning, Friday Sept 28th
What: Dione has managed to get herself lost.

( We're lost )

*italics mean French

Who: Dante and Chris
When: Around Noon
Where: Abandoned shack
What: Dante likes to play with his toys

The day after the full moon was one of the most relaxing, at least in Dante's opinion. He enjoyed the hot shower he took once he returned to his cottage. The sight of the water turning red from the blood on his skin brought a smile to the werewolf's face. The feel of the soft pillow beneath his head, and the feel of the blankets around his form was as comforting as a mother's embrace. Not that Dante could remember what that felt like, but he assumed that it was something warm and cozy. Sleep was the most welcome thing after the full moon. Though he was an experienced lycanthrope and needed less recovery time than newer Weres, Dante still liked to get at least a few hours of rest after the transformations.

He awoke a little before noon. His mouth gaped open in a yawn that almost sounded like a lion's roar, and he stretched his arms overhead. He had had a good night of hunting, and killing. Caught and ate a few delectable animals while in the enclosure. Got into a scuffle with another male or two. Tried to find Adrienne that night, too, but he didn't have any luck in that department. Pity, he was going to make up for being such a jerk to her that day at the wedding reception. He had found a nice rabbit to give as a peace offering, but when he couldn't find her he ended up eating the fluffy creature himself.

Dante had a few things to do that day. Most notably he had to go and check up on the girl, Chris. He hadn't harmed her, and he didn't leave her to fend for herself for two days. There was plenty of food and water left in the shack for her to survive. The only thing that might have befallen the girl was that she became the victim of a bug bite or two. Nothing serious since she wasn't his real target to begin with. What he had done to Chris was all a part of the game he was playing with Hayate. He hadn't played any such games in far too long, and he wanted to so badly. Taking the vampire's prized possession was just to push buttons and to have fun. Really, it was far too amusing seeing the vampire run around town and the forests in a panic. Hayate should have been more aware of his environment, but his focus was solely on the girl and that allowed the wolf to watch him to his heart's content.

( The girl had made quite the fuss the first night... )

Who: Chris and Danté
Where: Near the forest cottages
When: Afternoon
What: Something wicked this way comes

When had Chris become such a good liar?

She had talked with Emily earlier that day asking for permission to spend the night at a friend's house. Of course, Chris didn't mention which friend it was in particular knowing that Emily would have said 'no' if she knew that Chris's friend was Hayate. But the older woman didn't ask anything beyond whether the friend was a boy or a girl, and without a second thought Chris answered that it was a girl. Emily seemed okay with the answer, though, and allowed Chris to go.

Chris couldn't hide her excitement as she packed her overnight bag for her sleepover at Hayate's. She had been over to the vampire's house plenty of times during the day, spending the entire day with him. But overnight? For more than ONE night?? Alone?! Chris was practically jumping out of her skin with happiness as she shoved her pink slipper boots into her bag and zipped it close. Chris couldn't remember a time when she had ever lied to an adult, and she most certainly had never lied to her parents when they were together. But this was an entirely different situation, one that required a small, white lie. That was okay, wasn't it? Of course it was! They were lucky that she even asked in the first place!

She bounded down the steps two at a time and jumped the last two stairs for good measure. "Hey I'm leaving!" She called out to no one in particular. She didn't see anyone in the kitchen or living room, and assumed that they were up in their rooms or out somewhere. She shrugged her bag off her shoulders, letting it drop to the floor with a muffled 'thud'. Chris reached into the back pocket of her jeans and pulled out a folded note she had written while she was up in her room.

"Just a reminder that I won't be back until after the full moon! Thanks again for letting me spend the next few days with my friend. Don't get into any trouble without me! - Love, Chris"

It was a simple note, one that reminded Emily that she wouldn't be home and that she had been given permission to leave. Adults had the tendency to forget little things like that at times, and kids always got in trouble for it. It was crazy really, but that's how parents were.

The young girl lifted up her bag and let it rest upon her right shoulder. Thankfully it wasn't too heavy so the trek to town wouldn't be so bad. Chris left the forest cottage with a bright smile on her face, and without a care in the world.

Who: Everyone!
Where: Just outside of Helicharis at the Festival Grounds
When: 6 PM till ??
What: Autumnal Equinox Festival - It's the first day of Autumn!

ooc: To join in on the festivities, simply comment to the main post. Your entry can be a narrative or open to others. If you are replying to someone else reply to their comment and not to the main post. All activities are open for participation, it is up to your discretion what your character will do.

The past week had been nothing but preparations for the coming equinox that would herald the new season. It was a happy time for the forest creatures as they were the ones that spent hours on end setting up the grounds for the joyous celebration. Wooden lamp posts lit with orange flames bordered the area as well as throughout the entire festival grounds. Each attendee was greeted with a flower garland for their head, neck, or wrist if they desired one.

Fairies had decided to attend this festival as well because of the bright colors that had attracted their attention. There were bonfires all throughout the festival as well and they added warmth to the cool night air. The fiery glow that came from each pyre added a comforting feel to the entire atmosphere, and there were many fauns and fae dancing around each one in a happy manner. They were singing songs and laughing joyously as they pulled passers-by into their happy circle.

Musical fauns played their instruments as they marched through the festival. Fae and fairies flew around the traveling group, singing and humming to the music that resonated in the air. A large stage was set up for those who wished to perform in front of a large crowd be it with singing or acting or any other sort of talent they possessed. There were shows held as well, particularly by those who possessed magic and wished to entertain the crowd for an hour or tow.

Food and drink tables were set up nearby to feed the many attendees with whatever they could think to eat. And wine, they couldn't forget about the wine! There were scantily clad fae handing out the intoxicating liquid to everyone with a free hand. The wine this year was extremely potent and anyone with a weak constitution would no doubt get inebriated with just one cup.

The southern part of the festival held the games geared toward the young or simply the young at heart. Barrels were available for those who wished to roll down hills, piles of leaves were created for those who wanted nothing more than to jump and play in them. Colored sparklers were handed out freely and there were even pegasus rides for anyone who wanted to soar through the skies. There were contests here as well, simple ones that had participants bobbing for apples and fruits and curious prizes, searching for toys in piles of hay, and even pinning horns on a wooden faun.

Contests were set up again as they were just a month earlier. Archery contests and wrestling matches, potato sack and three-legged races. There were various game booths set up as well, such as knife throwing and ring tossing. There was even an area set up for pie eating contests and a Dwarven ale contest where participants could try to out-drink a dwarf.

Fireworks exploded periodically throughout the night and the gleeful sounds of the festival echoed all around. Elysium was a joyful place tonight as citizens celebrated the equinox beneath the near-full moon.

Who: Everyone!
When: 6:30 PM
Where: The Beach, by The Tiki Hut
What: Zane and Amada's Wedding Reception!

OOC: Everyone is welcome to join the party! Start a new sub-thread to interact with others, or keep an eye out for open sub-threads for you to join! Or if you don't feel like interacting, type up a narrative for your character.

The sun's rays shining out from below the horizon signaled the start of the wedding reception to celebrate Zane and Amada's happy nuptials. The area around Loki's Tiki Hut was set up with festive tiki torches that illuminated the entire area all the way down to the rim of the lake. Each lamp was entwined in green vines and white flowers, and the sand here was also 'planted' with green grass to add to the tropical theme. The tables were decorated with floating candle and flower centerpieces and around each centerpiece were several glass blown wedding favors in the shape of sail boats. Each table also had small boxes of clamshell shaped chocolate for everyone to enjoy.

Soft music lingered in the air and though the night sky was filled with stars some of the fae-folk had enticed lightning bugs to come out and provide romantic lighting above the tables and dance floor. Dinner for the guests was set up buffet style with a variety of foods provided by the restaurant in town. Drinks — alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike — were provided by Loki and his Tiki Hut served as the bar. The ever enchanting Faye Capricia had agreed to the last minute request of providing live singing entertainment for the reception. The dance floor was nothing but the soft sand beneath their feet and, as much as it may have dismayed the bride, even the lake monsters joined in on the festivities as they sang their song and splashed around in the water.

All in all it was a beautiful reception with a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy, and it was the perfect way to spend the evening in the company of friends or with a special someone.

WHO: Hayate & Danté, and then Hayate & Irei
WHEN: 1:25 PM
WHERE: The Café
WHAT: Hayate's got questions for Danté, and Irei's got questions for Hayate.

In order to track down the person he was looking for, Hayate's first choice of visitation would have been the wine bar. Although, he knew how this early in the day few people would have even been there. In fact, it was probably closed right now. The second best guess of where he might find Danté lied at the café, a commonplace hangout for many people whenever they wanted to just relax or enjoy the outdoor setting with a cup of coffee or a small snack from the café's selection. Considering he believed he wouldn't find his answers at the man's residence, he preferred approaching the person himself and asking some much more direct questions.

Hayate took his own seat at one of the tables, remaining vigilant of his surroundings until something caught his attention. At first, there had not been a single sight of the man he sought, only the usual crowds of heads around him. Families enjoying time together, or couples basking out in the sunlight and nice breeze. Time began to pass, and he grew tired of the sights. It wasn't until around one in the afternoon when he spotted the man with fiery red hair. Perhaps it was a shade of brown mixed in with red, but with the way it appeared to Hayate, it was red. For once, Hayate noticed how it gave the man a sinister look. A look other people might not have noticed, if only because they didn't understand Danté as he did from their one meeting together. It was only one meeting, and yet Hayate could tell a lot about him from it alone.

Excusing himself from his table, he made his way through the array of people with his own coffee cup in his hand until he reached Danté's table. Hayate sat down easily at a chair across from the other man, who was currently reading a book. There was a coffee in front of Danté, and sunglasses shielded his eyes from the sun. Hayate acted like he had simply been invited over and was joining the other man for lunch. The vampire didn't need a real invitation. He had made his own invitation, a gesture that Danté would understand without explanation.

With his cup full of blood instead of coffee, Hayate easily took a sip of it and placed it upon the tabletop. "Not intruding, am I?" he asked lazily, calmly surveying the other man across from him. It was only an assumption, but it seemed like an assumption with weight, and so Hayate stood his ground and did not leave. If Danté was responsible for this particular . . . incident, then Hayate wanted to know and deliver the man a fair warning himself. Stay away from the girl, but even saying something as plainly as that could have repercussions. He shouldn't let Danté know about the girl. A more careful plan would be to warn him about something else, make it seem like he was helping the other man out instead of hindering him.

After all, Hayate understood how men like Danté worked on the inside. He should know. He was one of them.

Who: Dante and Open
When: Night
Where: The wine bar
What: People watching, being sociable, and drinking

Dante could blend into a crowd like a master of disguise. He didn't need to change his appearance or the clothe he wore, he simply had to act like others around him. No one would take notice of him if he acted like he was having a good time, drinking and being rambunctious even if it was a Sunday night. It wasn't like he had to go to work the morning after, all responsibility of having to wake up early gone ever since the world destroyed itself. Dante had responsibilities to himself though, goals that he had set his mind to long ago and was determined to see through until completion.

But not tonight. Tonight he was going to cut loose and relax. There were a few groups of people there that night, all of which were having a grand time. He had ingratiated himself into one group (though he had seen someone he knew in another group) and had practically made himself into their best friend in a little over an hour.

"And then!" Dante said in a loud voice with his hand wrapped around a large mug of ale. He was recounting a story — a made up one — to his new friends and they were all listening to him attentively. They were leaning forward as if that would make the story progress faster, though Dante didn't mind the view of ample bosoms from a few of the ladies. "And then I said to her 'I can think of something better for you to do with your mouth other than talk.'" The lycanthrope let out a riotous laugh as did the people around him. One of the more drunk girl stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Dante's arm.

"Mmm," she said as she licked her lips. "Maybe I can show you what I can do with my mouth later." The blonde woman was obviously interested in Dante, but the feeling wasn't reciprocated. He didn't like blondes, never had ever since he was old enough to start noticing girls. They were nice enough, but only for a good lay. With mock reluctance he pulled away from the clingy woman and cupped her cheek with his hand.

"Not tonight lovely, you're drunk." He could be a nice guy when he wanted to be, and he didn't feel like taking advantage of her just yet. Excusing himself from the crowd Dante moved over toward the bar where the lovely Eliza was serving customers. Dante eyed her hungrily and licked his lips. She was exquisite and her dark hair made her that much lovelier. He could imagine the things he would do to her, how her supple flesh would feel caught in his hands and in his mouth. His teeth could drag slowly across her skin, and he could pretend — for a little bit anyway — that she was someone else.

"Hey babe," she said with a wicked smirk. "More ale?"

Dante handed her his now empty mug and nodded. There were no words to speak to her as his mind was preoccupied with his fantasies. Dante was aware of his surroundings though and noticed a few things that everyone else most likely didn't notice. He shook his head and chuckled under his breath — the things people did when they thought no one was watching was interesting. Eliza returned with his ale and leaned forward on the bar, her arms crossed beneath her breasts in a way that accentuated the pink flesh even more. Dante made no attempt to hide the fact that he was staring and raised his gaze to her dark eyes.

"When are you going to let me take you out," he asked slyly wanting so badly to just sink his face in between her fleshy mounds. Eliza let out a lilting laugh and smirked. "When you are willing to take out me and my girlfriend." She nodded toward the red head at the end of the bar and Dante smiled over at her before he returned his gaze to Eliza (and her chest).

"Whenever you want. I think I can handle the both of you."

Eliza let out a lilting laugh and then shook her head. She was summoned to the other end of the bar before Dante could say anything and quickly left the werewolf's side. Dante was left alone to nurse his ale — which he didn't mind — and began to sip it slowly as thoughts of another dark-haired woman entered his mind and filled him with demented happiness.

Who: Hayate and Irei . . . with a special appearance by Danté.
When: 11:00 PM
Where: Wine Bar
What: The vampire comes out to play. With a bit of glamour magic.
WARNING: *cough* Mature sexual content. Between two men.

He could not say what possessed him to do so on this particular night, but the vampire gazed forward into the reflective glass in the washroom at the wine bar. Outside of the door, he could hear the rambunctious laughter and going ons of the drunken people beyond. Yes, it was a Sunday night, and yet still the party raged on just as it had the night before. Having just been a part of it as his normal blond self, the vampire had a bit too much to drink and excused himself to the washroom. This was not regular wine he had been drinking, though. No, there was something special about this wine, something stronger about it; it coursed through his veins like liquid fire, and he felt like he was burning . . . burning exquisitely all over in a fire that engulfed all of his flesh and caused a thin sheen of sweat to gleam on his skin.

What made this wine so special? Hayate did not know, but they were trying to get him drunk and he laughed and said it was not possible. They asked why, and he told one of the men he was vampire. One of the women laughed then, and she removed a pouch from her dress. She said nothing of the substance, offering a coy smile to Hayate and announcing she would retrieve a special pitcher of wine just for him. When she came back, Hayate drank of the new wine without asking. The taste . . . different. Flavor like lava, like robust tenderness, spiced up with . . . with what? Hayate laughed and did not know, nor did he care. He drank of the wine and allowed himself to become intoxicated by the liquid, the first time in a long time that it had such an effect on him.

Staring into the mirror now, Hayate closed his eyes and tilted his head back. The magic tingled beneath his skin, slowly altering his appearance as he imagined a new look for himself. The blond hair grew longer, falling over his shoulders, and darkening itself to a soft brown color. His skin smoothed out, giving him the false appearance of youth. Youthful color flushed his face. Opening his eyes, they too had taken on a new color. Brown, as they had once been in his earlier years. Their true tone.

Hayate grinned slowly. No, he did not look like anyone in particular, although there was a strong resemblance to another in the town — but he was still just a boy, not a man, and would not be in here on this night. All that mattered was that he no longer looked like himself, or they might refuse to offer him anymore drinks. He touched his cheek, watching the hand in the mirror raise fingers to graze them over the reddened skin. His tongue ran over his teeth, and he left the washroom, moving back into the bustling crowds beyond. Somewhere there was music playing, and his body swayed slowly with the tune, seeing colors that even as a vampire he had never seen before. Reaching out a hand, he took another glass of wine — wine that belonged to somebody else, not that he cared. A white grin flashed at the person as he took it and turned away, gulping down the drink and allowing it to flow over his tongue and down his throat.

Wine had never tasted so sweet as it had in that moment. What had that woman given him? Hayate wanted to know; it was a new substance, begging for his addiction. Turning back around, the vampire returned the glass he had taken. There was a look of pure pleasure on his face as his head rolled back, exposing a fine neck. If only he was still mortal . . . he would make a perfect snack.

Who: Faye & OPEN to others for viewing and/or interaction or dining!
Where: The Restaurant
When: Beginning around 7:00 PM.
What: A few songs and dancing for the crowds.

OOC Note: Anyone may join the thread, either as a "Narrative" if they are just watching the performance OR leave it open if they would like to interact with Faye or others!

After the rainfall from earlier, the sunset provided a fiery pink and violet glow. The grounds were still damp, but the rains were not coming back. Glowing lanterns illuminated the scene of outdoor tables with their umbrellas to shield daytime visitors from the sun and the many seats of chairs occupied by people enjoying their dinner with some fine wine or other refreshing beverages. Tonight, the umbrellas did not shield from sun but they provided an aesthetic appeal for the restaurant’s setting. There was a section set up amidst the tables, all of which had been moved outward in each direction for the platform, that served as a stage for the performance. Tables surrounded it all around, save for at the back. To prevent distractions from the street beyond, a dark backdrop was provided, alight with tame but sparkly decorations.

Instrumental music had been played for a while as the people ate their meals until an announcer came out. The empty microphone stand onstage was connected to no wires, but a witch had bewitched its microphone to amplify the voice of whoever spoke close enough to it. The spell would only last the night before it would fade out, though. Faye was going to make the most of it tonight. A young man from the restaurant came up to the stage, speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!” he began, drawing the attention of the crowd towards himself. “Tonight, we will be having a special performance by a wonderful vocalist. She has been in love with music all of her life, a child of the forest growing up in the concrete jungles of the world. She also resides right here in our very town, over at the Helicharis cottages. Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to present to you . . . Faye Capricia!”

The crowd clapped in a tamely manner, curious to see the vocalist mentioned by the young man and looking around on stage for her. However, Faye emerged from the back of the crowd, the bewitched microphone in her hand. The petite fae wore a little black dress, her hair done up in a modern and interesting fashion, with black strappy high heels on her feet. The band began to play live music, a song that began slow and soft. It held an old quality to it, definitely not from a recent time period. The song itself was “Fever” by Peggy Lee, and Faye began to make her way slowly through the crowd towards the stage.

“Never know how much I love you,” Faye began to sing in a sultry and deep voice, “Never know how much I care . . . when you put your arms around me . . .” Here, she had approached a man in the crowd, reaching out and putting her hand on his shoulder. “I get a fever that's so hard to bear,” she sang lowly to him, giving him a coy look with her eyes.

Who: Alicia and Danté
When: Afternoon
Where: Remote forest lake and waterfall! Near Silmé Lagoon.
What: Prince Charming (or not? :O) to the reeesscuuue!

It was a beautiful day, in Alicia's opinion, and the only thing she wanted to do was to find a space away from everyone else for a little while and swim. Swimming was one of Alicia's favorite pastimes. Luckily for the young girl, she had a healthy mix of oudoorsy, sporty pastimes and girly pastimes. She'd run rugged through the forest one day, acting all Tarzan and Jane, and then be all dressed up for a mall outing the next! Oh, if only they had malls here. So not fair.

At the moment, she had been swimming in the lake for a short while, splashing about and laughing and warning the fishes to watch out for her killer kickin' feet, when an idea struck her. Alicia quickly swam towards the muddy shore and padded onto the grass, running over and around towards the wall of earth that held the waterfall. This particular forest lake had a gorgeous waterfall pouring into it! It was specifically her reason for choosing it.

And so, Alicia looked closely at the earthen wall for a way to climb it. There were many vines, but vines weren't always trusty, so Alicia grabbed for the crevices, for rock, and began to climb her way up. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, and she'd probably be pooped by the time she reached the top. But, for a sweet high dive, Alicia was going to do it.

Thankfully, it wasn't a very tall waterfall. She actually made it to the top fairly quickly. Once she hauled her way over the ledge to the small stream of water that poured down into the waterfall, she hopped onto her feet and bounced up and down, cheering herself. Alicia raised her arms in the air and clapped her hands together. "I am the queen!" she shouted, turning to face the edge. "BEAT THAT, WALL! Nyah nyah nyah," Alicia taunted it. She aimed her back towards the edge and wiggled her butt in another taunting motion at the inanimate object that was the waterfall cliff she had just climbed.

Alicia, in simple terms, wasn't very mature.

WHO: Open to All (more than one character invited to join!)
WHEN: Just after sunrise
WHERE: On the road to Helicharis
WHAT: Finding dead things

Sunrise brought many things to the land, but one did not expect that death would be amongst them. And yet it was there in the middle of the gravel road that led straight into town. The scent of blood and dead flesh attracted flies and carrion crows alike. They hovered over the dead animal, buzzing around frantically as they searched for a place to land. Occasionally they would scatter when the dark birds would swoop in, picking through the ashen fur to get to the meat, while others simply went for remains of the organs that were spilled upon the ground. They cawed loudly at one another, fighting over the animal that lay there with passive, grey eyes that still looked out upon the world.

It was not a pretty sight. One could tell that this animal used to be a beautiful creature when it was filled with life. The reddish-grey fur held dark, black spots all over its body. The lifeless eyes peered out from what seemed to be a sweet face. The same reddish-grey color here was marked with black lines instead of spots streaking outward from the nose. Black tufts decorated the tips of its ears while the fur around its neck ruffed out like a collar. The animal's paws were huge and heavily padded and one could imagine that this animal was a stealthy hunter, one that could tread the forests without being seen or heard.

And yet somehow it was lying in the middle of the road. Dead, the victim of something that was either much bigger, or much stronger than it was. It had no chance of survival though it was obvious that it had put up quite a fight. The claws of the predatory cat were covered in blood and there were slight remnants of fur — or was it fabric? — still clinging to them. The cat itself had suffered from slashes from its opponent as well before it had fallen. A victim of a broken neck, obvious by the position of the head, or perhaps it had bled to death from the puncture wounds in its neck? Even more likely was the large slice across its belly that spilled its innards. Most of the larger organs were gone now, scattered along the way as it was dragged across the land, but for the most part the sinewy remains of the intestines, both large and small, were hanging limply from its body.

Nevertheless it was dead and out in the open for all to see. The question was whether or not anyone would take notice before the carrion carried away the body one piece at a time.

WHO: Werewolves and anyone who wants to linger around the barrier ^_^
WHERE: North East of Helicharis (just beyond the Abandoned Elven Palace)
WHEN: Approximately 5:30 PM (1.5 hours before sunset)
WHAT: Werewolf playtime

Important OOC notes: 1) Start sub-threads in this post by posting the name of all characters involved in the subject and the approximate time of night that particular scene is happening. 2) You can choose how your character arrived at the enclosure. 3) Don't forget to describe the character shifting and what they look like while shifted. 4) Don't forget that the transformation hurts unless you are used to it. 5) Lastly, have fun and go wild with it!

There was an ominous feel to the evening as the sun began to descend in the sky. The forest was quiet, eerily so, as the animals that lived there burrowed themselves deep into their homes. They knew what was on its way by instinct, knew what the full moon meant and the terror it would soon bring. They could feel it in the same way that the lycanthropes felt the ache in their bones.

The wind howled, a long and lonely cry that told of the foreboding moon. The werewolves would be out tonight, their howls echoing among the trees and carried on the breeze. The North Eastern part of the forest would be their home tonight; the entire area would be blocked off by a barrier. Orc shamans and their powerful totems lined the perimeter of the forested area and waited for the Weres to occupy the designated space. One by one they would come, some on foot, others in wagons pulled by only the bravest of Elven steeds and handlers. The lycans' bodies would pulse with the power that was ready to be set free as their beasts clawed just beneath the surface waiting impatiently for the sun to sink below the horizon.

Ten shaman surrounded the area on all sides, and those moments before the sun's rays slept for the night they would focus their energy into their totems to cast the invisible barrier. The power of the wise orcs was more than enough to hold the lycanthropes inside. It kept the citizens of Elysium safe from their hungry teeth and sharp claws, while still giving the wild beasts enough space to hunt and run free under the light of the full moon.

WHO: Hayate and Danté
WHERE: The Wine Bar
WHEN: Late Evening
WHAT: Wouldn't you like to know.

Time seemed to tick by in measurements of fractions, digging miniscule nails of unbearable weight into his skull — that, or increments of dosages, which gave both color and monument to the passing fluidity of each scene, continued to build onto one another until life flowed once more in his veins. Now, in this scene of livelihood and cheer, with various bodies becoming inebriated around him and falling to the floor in drunken stupor, Hayate derived comfort from the familiar actions surrounding him. Smoke and the smell of alcohol reminded him of his freedom — that was, at the current moment, not so free. Yet, a part of it still lingered beneath the surface, enjoying itself in what ways it could manage throughout the days. All of which rang of the same, dull tone of bell.

However, boredom succeeded only so far in its attempts. For the past week, Hayate tracked the steps of a certain boy. The boy who looked like him, the odd resemblance between their faces driving the vampire further insane, as if it were even possible, though it was unlikely he would even admit this to himself. Such an uncanny resemblance, the boy’s black locks and dark eyes echoing of Hayate’s past. Where were the kimonos, the face powder, and the quiet clap of applause from the audience of adoring patrons? Greece was not Japan. The year was not 1629, though who would guess otherwise with the horses, the taverns, and the simplistic panorama. Fit for am emperor, if Hayate could say so himself.

One singular voice in particular rose up inside of him, asking for a return to the old ways. One stream of glamour to bring the black locks of his natural shade back to him, to darken the hue of his eyes from the sky to the depths of the lowest summit in the ocean. He could be his old self again, a young boy looking for his home. Perhaps this time he would find his way.

Opening his eyes at the silence, the rush of clamor reverberated back to life inside of his ears. Chairs skidded across the wooden planks of the floor as drunken men pushed back their seats to stand up and holler for more wine. Of course, the end of the so-called ‘working’ week would herald in those more rambunctious of men. Tonight, hunting one of them might be easy. Hayate thought to lure one out whenever he developed boredom with his wine, but the sashay of the waitress’s hips as she walked over to some rowdy bastard to pour him another glass of wine distracted Hayate from abandoning his seat at the bar. The curls of her hair, dark as a midnight sky, flowed down her back as if a river all their own. Delectable, whispered a voice in his head.

His slid his tongue over his lips as he watched her carefully, lifting his glass to his mouth and partaking in the wine as all of the others here. Her blood would taste sweeter than any man in this establishment tonight, but the woman needed alcohol in her veins to not remember him. She had none. Hayate wondered what it would take for the lady to have a few drinks with him, if perhaps the charm of his voice could lull her to join him — lull her to forget. A wicked grin spread across his face and gleamed in his eyes as he observed her and drank of his wine.