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Tweak says, "Crazy is as crazy does."

Tristan Nott (nottimpressed) wrote in incipimusiterum,
@ 2023-07-15 14:54:00

Entry tags:

character: charlotte higgs, character: evander borgin, character: fanny goyle, character: rodolphus lestrange, character: tristan nott, inactive: pucey

Sebastian's Cocktail Party

For those who were invited here and their guests.

WARNINGS: Label as you go. | Join In!

As the imposing front door swung open, and the guests began to trickle into the house, they would have found themselves greeted initially with a tastefully decorated foyer, adorned with cascading floral arrangements and sparkling chandeliers. Each guest would have found themselves greeted with a warm smile, before being handed a signature cocktail, a glass of champagne, or a tumbler of single malt scotch, depending on their tastes.

Inside, the sprawling house unfolded into an expanse of luxurious rooms, each transformed into a haven of indulgence. In particular, the dining room had been emptied to make room for people to dance to a small band playing in the corner, live jazz music filling the air, and casting an aura of timeless charm. A number of guests were already starting to mingle and exchange animated conversations, their laughter harmonising with the clinking of crystal glasses. All while expertly attired waitstaff effortlessly glide through the crowd, offering delectable canapés that tantalize the taste buds with their exquisite presentation and delicate flavours. For those that prefer a little quieter, the lush garden had been transformed into a moonlit oasis, resplendent with softly glowing lanterns and fragrant blooms.

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Rodolphus Lestrange (Bella and open to more!)

rodisstrange
2023-07-15 11:38 pm UTC (link)

There were many things Rodolphus disliked about pureblood society, but parties were not among them. They were always so lavish and over the top, it was easy to get lost in a crowd and then fun could happen. He and Bellatrix were of one mind when it came to that-why just have a cocktail when you could amuse yourself? Subtle, always, but fun none the less.

Rod had arrived solo, earlier than his wife so that he could get the lay of the land. Find weaknesses, see who was there and what would be amusing to do. He liked the fine food and the wine, for once, was exceptional. He was dressed more conservatively than he might normally have dressed. He even wore a shirt, which wasn't his preference under normal circumstances. He floated with ease from room to room, sizing it up, thinking about the kind of fun he could have.

And the night was so young.

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Rodolphus Lestrange & Evander Borgin

frigoris
2023-07-23 04:00 am UTC (link)

To say Evander lived for these events would have been the understatement of the century. After all, he used to host a number of parties such as these. But for all that he had to give it to his old friend, Tristan: the man certainly knew his way around a celebration, which Evander made note to mention before the night was out.

That being said—this particular Borgin had his eyes peeled. On what, one could not say. But for Evander, desperate times called for desperate measures, and tonight was a fair opportunity to exploit Tristan's network of youthful, unmarried women. At the time of the first dance, his smiles had been freely given. By the fifth, he was quite forceful with them, and as he bowed his head in retreat from his dancing partner, he also searched his periphery for the nearest drink tray before bidding adieu—and hopefully, for forever, he prayed as he wiped the residual sweat from his partner's hands upon his coat. Disgusting.

Gliding a hand over a passing tray, he drank with gusto from his glass as he fell into company with a lone familiar face. "I must have done something truly horrendous in my former life to warrant meeting decrepit divorcees and clammy debutantes. Consider yourself lucky, Rodolphus, for having found your own rose when you did."

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Rodolphus Lestrange & Evander Borgin

rodisstrange
2023-07-25 07:06 am UTC (link)

Rodolphus didn't turn his head from the dance floor as he heard Evander seamlessly fall in next to him. As it happened, he had caught quite a bit of the other man's partner work, and simply shrugged his shoulders and smirked, before turning at last to address Evander. "Too many married witches when young?" he asked, eyebrow raised. "But, I suppose you're right. I did manage to find her when she was still budding." He couldn't help the pun, and it was true. His wife was seven years his junior, though she mentally was developed well beyond her years. There was a reason the Dark Lord had singled her out, and he was very delighted that they had been matched. They were well suited in so many ways, not the least of which because they both loved to play with others at parties just such as this. But, it was early yet. Bellatrix hadn't even met up with him yet, not that he minded. The night, as they say, was young.

"Why do you bother, I wonder? Your best bet is to go very old and rich. Easy to woo, very little effort on your part, and before you know it, she's six feet under and the manor and elves and prestige are all yours. Isn't that Winifred Blishwick over there? She's 93 if she's a day and her husband died in 1941 and left her an absolute fortune. Much more your speed, wouldn't you say?"

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Stamford Jorkins - Open

_magicwords_
2023-07-16 02:31 am UTC (link)

Stamford arrived alone. Quite honestly, he wasn't sure he was going to attend at all and had given it a great deal of thought before responding. He did know for certain that he had no intention of bringing a plus one. Though his decision not to do so was made easier by knowing that his brother was invited also. After some discussion about the party, the brothers assured each other that should one go, the other would follow.

Unaware if his brother was here yet or not, Stamford casually made his way through each lavish room with a glass of scotch in hand, making note of the others in attendance thus far. Coming from one of many well-established and known pureblood families, it didn't surprise him that he and his brother would have their attendance requested. It was a celebration for the recent graduates of Hogwarts after all. And if there was one thing former Ravenclaws appreciated, it was the value of an education.

It seemed rather interesting to him. But nonetheless, he indulged himself in his drink and delectable food offerings, of which he maintained some sort of decorum when taking from the trays of waitstaff as they passed. Because he was a man with a healthy appetite and could easily devour everything from each shared platter.

He stood alone, for the time being, engaging in the occasional cordial greeting before being left to himself again, keeping an eye out for his brother in the meantime.

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Stamford Jorkins/Fanny Goyle

girlgoyle
2023-07-23 01:27 am UTC (link)

Fanny never got over the delight of being invited to events like this. Pure as the Goyles were, these didn't yet feel fully her people -- she half expected to be cut dead any minute. Even after 27 years her family's position still seemed precarious to her, and every invitation, every order of jewelry made specifically to her and not just the boutique, was another sign of solidity, of respectability, of success.

Someday, this success would feel comfortable on her. Someday she'd be able to take invitations for granted instead of gripping them tightly as she danced through her flat. But she hoped she'd always have the sense to make the most of them, like when she saw a familiar customer standing apart from the crowd. Algie was talking to someone, so she squeezed his hand before slipping her hand away, her typical I'll be back in a moment gesture, and made her way toward Stamford.

"All alone, Mr. Jorkins? That's not what I've come to expect of you."

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Stamford Jorkins/Fanny Goyle

_magicwords_
2023-07-28 02:54 am UTC (link)

Stamford hadn't noticed Fanny approach him. Not right away at least. He was preoccupied with accepting his drink from one of the waitstaff when he heard a rather familiar voice pose his name into a question. With a polite nod to the waiter and an appreciative thank you, he then turned his attention to the young woman who had greeted him.

"Ms. Goyle," he welcomed with expert charm and a small warm smile. "I'm not alone," he added. "Not at the moment. You are here with me," he teased lightheartedly. "But what have you come to expect of me?" He asked her curiously, though he likely knew what her answer might be.

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Stamford Jorkins/Fanny Goyle

girlgoyle
2023-07-28 05:48 am UTC (link)

At a full foot shorter than Stamford she couldn't be really conspiratorial without standing on her toes, but Fanny was well-versed in looking meaningfully at people much taller, and she gave him an oh you smile with her head tilted just so. "Charmer as you are, you'd never be without a partner unless it was on purpose," she said. "I hope the next time we meet you'll have company. Maybe it's the lover in me, but I do enjoy seeing you paired up."

Really, she'd defy anyone to dislike it from an aesthetic standpoint alone - he had exquisite taste, and magnificent features himself. She'd wished from time to time that she could pair him with one of her sisters - imagine having that chin in the family! Pam would be as slim as a birch next to him. But Pam was not to be trusted.

Fanny leaned forward and dropped her voice. "Or maybe I just don't want to lose my best customer!"

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Stamford Jorkins/Fanny Goyle

_magicwords_
2023-07-29 02:25 am UTC (link)

"I appreciate the confidence you have in me to think I would arrive at an event alone on purpose," he responded with the same tone of confidence he was referring to. Stamford had, in fact, come here alone on purpose. He was not so blind to see what may be the reasons, beneficial in some way or another, for his invitation to such a gathering. Considering those in attendance, he was beginning to have his suspicions and suddenly he was glad for his decision. While being without someone on his arm for the evening made him vulnerable to interactions such as these, subjected to the same repeated offers of, you should meet my daughter, or, I know the perfect woman for you, or, I think the two of you would look so handsome together.

"You must have someone in mind," he countered with an amused grin. "Who is the lady you would enjoy seeing me paired up with, Ms. Goyle?" It came as no surprise to Stamford that Fanny would mention her enjoyment of seeing him paired up with someone. He was well aware his relationship status was a consistent point of contention and one that he learned to handle gracefully when inquired about it.

"Ah," he let out with a gentle laugh. "Of course. Then again, who says you would lose me as a customer if I were to be paired up with someone? I can't imagine going to anyone else for finer pieces to gift the woman in my life, whether she is my girlfriend, fiance, or wife." He paused a moment, about to bring his drink to his lips, but stopping as his glass reached chest level. "But speaking of relationships. How is your engagement?"

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Alora & Tristan

nottimpressed
2023-07-17 06:28 pm UTC (link)

Stood looking at his appearance in the mirror, Tristan adjusted his shirt slightly and how it sat underneath his jacket. Even though he had done plenty of these events before, and he would likely do plenty after today, there was always something somewhat more nerve-wracking when you were the host. In his world, appearances were everything and one false step, one faux pas with any part of the evening and would not be forgotten. And if there was one thing that Tristan always desperately wanted, it was to be remembered for only the right reasons.

Giving his appearance a satisfied nod, his eyes flickered up towards the clock. It was almost approaching when he had arranged with the lovely Miss Alora Carrow for her to arrive. Perhaps it was a little selfish of him, but knowing that he would likely spend the evening on host duty, he had wanted to carve out a little time for the pair of them, alone. As much as he had hoped and intended to see her more in the past few months, barring a few social engagements, life had somehow managed to get in the way and had delayed many of his plans.

Hearing a bell signalling that his guest had arrived, he moved at speed from his bedroom, walking fast across the landing, down the stairs and the foyer to the door. Pausing for a moment, he composed himself as if to make it seem like he had effortlessly made his way to the door, before opening it.

“Miss Carrow, may I say how radiant you look this evening? And in my favourite colour too” he smiled, his eyes appreciatively moving over the dress she had chosen to wear that evening.

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Caleb Higgs & Charlotte Higgs

weighty
2023-07-19 04:39 am UTC (link)

Charlie stood at the entrance of the garden and willed herself to breathe. Hyperventilating would simply not do in this sort of company, where others were perpetually watching, planning. Judging. While Charlie was old enough to endure the censure of others—the thought of reflecting poorly on her family was always less tolerable. Instead, she left it to propriety to keep her back straight as she ventured toward the lush greenery. If she was discomfited in any way, she silently prayed no one was any the wiser.

It was always like this. Her attempts to ingratiate herself into the world. When she was younger, Charlie had often avoided these gatherings; because what should have been a grand array of people in beautiful dress always became a headache of illuminating laughter and a din of music and voices beneath her skin. Time had allowed her to accept it for what it was. It did not, however, make Charlie any less self-conscious or exhausted when it came to her synesthesia.

Finding a secluded bench, Charlie sat and shut her eyes. Years of practice made her focus on the cool breeze against her skin—the brush of wood against her fingertips. It was a ritual at this point. Not sacred by any means, but no less important. Soon her mind gradually began to settle as the colors and sounds of the celebration were replaced by the gentle windchime of nature. And the snap of a twig.

Startled, Charlie angled toward the source of the noise. "Who's there?" she demanded, refusing to be cowed by the dark.

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Cassian, Eliza, and Open

clpucey
2023-07-20 11:04 pm UTC (link)

Cassian, with Eliza on his arm, arrived slightly later than the others, being one who preferred to slip in during a party rather than at the beginning when one might be 'properly greeted'. She looked lovely, not a hair out of place, as always. They were handed a sickly-sweet smelling concoction and Cassian gave the server a tight thank you before directing Eliza to set both of their drinks on a nearby floating silver platter. "We never drink something we don't know the origin of," he whispered in her ear with a congenial smile, simply looking like a man whispering sweet nothings in the ear of his betrothed.

He then guided her to the bar where they could order a proper drink. Some may call Cassian paranoid, but he was a potionsmasters after all, and knew better than anyone how easy that sort of sabotage could be.

With a glass of champagne for Eliza and two-fingers of ages whiskey for himself, they found themselves a corner of the dining room in order to be seen but not actually have to deal with too much of the mingling that went on these things. One of Cassian's least favorite things in the world, but a necessary evil of their status in the world.

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Cassian, Eliza, Fanny and Algie

girlgoyle
2023-07-23 02:12 am UTC (link)

Fanny was very punctual when it came to exclusive social events. Being 'properly greeted' was just one of the perks that came with being an early arriver. Greeting others who came after you as if you'd been there all along was another.

She was always on the lookout for Cassian and Eliza, as she loved to chat with the "fellow lovebirds" every party she saw them. But she'd missed their arrival again, and here they were hiding in the corner of the magnificent dining room when she and Algie strolled in arm in arm, following the sounds of the band. Fanny steered her fiance in that direction, and before long was able to call out to them without shouting.

"There you are, you sly things! How long have you two been here? We," she said, smiling up at Algie, "were some of the first to get here, and we were starting to wonder if we'd see you at all."

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Re: Cassian, Eliza, Fanny and Algie

alwayseliza
2023-07-27 07:15 pm UTC (link)

Eliza nodded tightly at her husband-to-be as they glided across the room towards the bar. It might of been a bit of overkill, but Cassian knew Tristan much better than her. Paranoid or not, he did listen to her. The smell of her favorite scent rested on his neck and she inhaled it deeply. They moved swiftly to the bar opposite the door, a flute of champagne replacing the drink he had placed back on the silver tray.

"This is better." She whispered into his ear as they found their way into a corner of the dining room. He never was one for socializing, they balanced each that way. She could dominate the conversation and remind him to interject where appropriate.

"Sly? Fanny, I think you give us too much credit." She replied, the bubbles from her champagne dancing on her tongue. "We've only just arrived. Fashionably late, of course." Eliza twirled showing off her dress.

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Cassian, Eliza, Fanny and Algie

girlgoyle
2023-07-28 06:47 am UTC (link)

"So fashionable," Fanny cooed. "The belt draws attention beautifully. And look!" She posed, arm raised high above her head. "We match!" Black was not her favourite colour by any means, but for cocktail dress? Classic. Unimpeachable. This was no time to stand out unnecessarily; it was a time to come together, to mingle, to celebrate something other than yourself. A shame in some ways. Fanny did like at times to stand out just a smidge. But if you did it at a soiree of this caliber, it looked... well, like everything she tried so hard not to be. Vulgar. Low-class. Desperate.

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Re: Cassian, Eliza, Fanny and Algie

clpucey
2023-08-03 11:16 pm UTC (link)

"And you both look beautiful, as always," Cassian interjected at just the right moment between the two cooing women. He shook his Algie's hand and added, "It's good to see you both, I feel like it's been too long," Fanny Goyle was Cassian's opposite, but he'd known her nearly his entire life and never found her to be anything but a darling. Algernon was a good man, though older than them all. He wondered sometimes if Fanny's engagement had been arranged as his had been - though both women seemed happy enough with their matches, so what did it matter.

Small talk may not be Cassian's favorite thing in the world, but a small part of him was proud that he could do it with the best of them. "You know Eliza would never let me miss this, now Lucius though - he's someone you may really have to keep an eye out for tonight. Last I heard he hadn't decided if he'd be joining us." Lucius was, probably whom Cassian would consider his best friend - if he considered himself to have anything of the sort, anyway. He could always count on some gentle ribbing of Lucius to land well.

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Re: Cassian, Eliza, Fanny and Algie

alwayseliza
2023-08-06 02:32 pm UTC (link)

The brunette rolled her eyes, "Lucius rarely misses an opportunity to be seen." Eliza had no doubt the Malfoy would turn up sooner or later. She had heard of some of the more unsavory character that even she would avoid, but Tristan's parties were always top notch and as such allowed Lucius to rub elbows with the type of people she'd heard him go on about for years. "If he doesn't then I will have to send him a strongly worded owl."

Lucius tended to relax Cassian more than her presence did. And if it meant having to listen to another review of the Ministry's practices just to seen him enjoy a night out then she'd suffer through it.

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