InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "A duck!"

Jareth (goblin_king) wrote in labyrinth_rpg,
@ 2009-08-02 17:27:00

Entry tags:

active, armand, day seventeen, der tod, elphaba thropp, faith lehane, james t kirk, jareth, leonard mccoy, rudolf habsburg, shiloh wallace, the unicorn/amalthea

Who: Jareth and everyone!
When: Day Seventeen, evening
What: The King 'invites' everyone to his Halloween ball.
Where: Jareth's castle
Rating: Anywhere from G to R, I suppose
Status: Incomplete

Once previously, the King of the Goblins had dispelled the Labyrinth and opened his castle to the inhabitants of his new Underground. It had been a highly amusing and successful occasion, and though he'd gotten bored of most of the people who had been there at that time, there where still a few that would remember. That was okay, though. It would put them off guard. They would assume they knew what was going to happen, but there was no way any of them could be prepared for what he had planned.

With satisfaction, the King looked around the room. It was done up to look like a haunted castle, with spider webs hanging everywhere, low, spooky, dim lighting, the whole nine yards. Several large black cats wandered around, ready to pounce playfully on the unwary passerby, and there were any number of nooks and crannies, dark and scary, with all sorts of places for things to be hiding. The atmosphere was very Halloween, in the way that only the King of Illusions could really pull off, or so he flattered himself.

But that wasn't even close to all he had planned. Each and every person, as they entered the enormous hall, would find a change had come over them. They would all begin to change. Costumes, he figured, where all very well and good, but wouldn't it be so much more entertaining if they became the very thing they dressed as? He thought so. So, with everything in place, draped artisically over his stone throne, he waited for his 'guests' to arrive...

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dark_slayer
2009-08-04 07:47 pm UTC (link)

This was something that even Faith couldn't help but be excited about. She loved Halloween, and had ever since she was a child. She'd never quite outgrown it. The thrill of going to complete strangers houses and getting candy from them just never got old. She'd always gone to the nicer areas of town and peered in over their shoulders at another way of life, without an alcoholic evangelist mother and an abusive father. A life with enough to eat and proper clothing. Halloween was the one time in the year when she could catch a glimpse of that life. Of course, the candy didn't hurt, either.

For a long time after getting her invitation, she mulled over what she wanted to dress as. It had been a couple of years since she last dressed up, and she wanted something that was sexy, like she'd told Schuldig, but not generic. No french maids, witches, or cat girls for her. She wanted something that no one would expect, and everyone would expect her to wear something sultry. So she'd go the other way, do bouncy and fun, which was something that she never did. Oh, she was sure people would make fun of her, but that didn't bother her too much.

Bouncy and fun... well, one costume came to mind. She spoke out loud to the ceiling, telling Jareth what she wanted, and it all convienantly appeared in the closet. It didn't take long at all to slip on the red, black, and white short skirt and sleeveless, cropped top, nor to slip her feet into white running shoes. Then all she had to do was pull her hair into a pony tail on the crown of her head, apply make up that was much lighter than what she usually wore, and she was set. The perfect replica of a Valley Girl Cheerleader.

She was one of the first to arrive. The Labyrinth had disappeared, and the castle had shifted so that it was right outside the Illusion City. Pompoms in hand, she walked in, through the open doors that led to the ballroom. A strange tingle passed over her as she walked through those doors, but she shrugged it off. Though she did feel a little weird, suddenly. Walking wasn't good enough for her, no, she wanted to skip everywhere. And when a goblin went up to the loaded buffet table and dropped off some more appetizers, she actually giggled and broke out into a spontaneous cheer.

"Give me a C! Give me an A! Give me a K! Give me a E! What does that spell? CAKE! WOOOOO!" She jumped up and down, waving her pompoms in the air, a wide smile on her face. To say that this was out of character for Faith had to be just about the understatement of the year.

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touto_kaka
2009-08-16 07:40 pm UTC (link)

Der Tod had no intention of going to the ball. He was not one to bow to the whims of anyone, even one as powerful as this king seemed to be. But then the goblins showed up at the door, and seemed ready to dress him themselves if need be.

So he'd opened the closet and pulled out the costume he found there. The color he approved of, though the styling was quite odd. Not too offensive though. He dressed, and waved off the goblin's offer of escort. The castle was impossible to miss in all it's kitsch glory. This was what humans found frightening? Der Tod laughed as he adjusted his costume's mask and prepared to make his entrance.

No sooner had he crossed the threshold than something strange came over him. The other people were no longer mere toys to be played with, they were people, some innocent and some, he was sure, cruel. And he, as a masked warrior must protect the innocent, especially the women.

He found an exceptionally enthusiastic young girl and bowed her, offering his hand.
"Young lady, may I have this dance?" he asked in his most suave and dashing tone

[[OOC: Yep, Der Tod's at the ball as Zorro. And yes, it's the same actress for my PB. I love the Takarazuka ;)]]

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dark_slayer
2009-08-19 01:59 am UTC (link)

Faith, or as she now thought of herself, Candi, was brought out of her cheering about the cake by someone talking to her. But it wasn't just anyone. As a cheerleader, she remembered having many guys interested in her, but this guy was different than any of the high school boys she'd met. Her jaw literally dropped open as she looked at the dashing man, and then her eyes began to sparkle. She'd already been having a good time at the ball, but things were looking like they were about to get even more fun.

"Like, oh my God. Of course we totally can dance!" All trances of a Boston accent had faded from her voice. She was every inch the valley girl now, down to the tiniest inflection of her words. Grinning at him, her eyes lit up with delight, she actually giggled in a way that had never been heard on those lips before, and fixed her hair to make sure it looked alright.

"I hope you're, like, a good leader or whatever. Cause I don't really, like, know fancy dancing, you know? Just cheering." For him, though, she'd try. He really was dreamy, she decided. Glancing quickly around the room, she saw nothing else as interesting as this guy. So she giggled again and took his offered hand in hers, practically sparkling at him with good cheer.

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touto_kaka
2009-08-19 12:26 pm UTC (link)

Behind his mask, Zorro raised a single eyebrow at the young lady's strange speech. But she was enthusiastic at least. He gently put her hand on his shoulder, and slipped a hand around her waist.

"Dancing is easy" he said, taking her other hand in his. "Just follow my lead"

He was a very talented dancer, and as long as his partner had any grace whatsoever, should be able to make up for her lack of skill. "See?" He asked as they danced. "It is not that hard. May I inquire after your name?

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dark_slayer
2009-08-20 06:22 am UTC (link)

With another one of her giggles, Candi allowed him to take the lead. He danced just as well as she'd assumed he would, and she found herself gazing up into his eyes, at least, as well as she could through the mask he wore. She rested her hand lightly on his shoulder, where he'd placed it, and moved easily enough with the music.

"...Okay..." She breathed, slightly lost in his gaze, in the effortless way he moved her through the dance. She would definitely have no problem following his lead.

As a Slayer, Faith had excellent reflexes and grace. Though she had changed, those basic physical things hadn't. So she picked the dance up easily, and beamed, pleased with herself. "This is easy!" She looked into his eyes once more, having glanced down at her feet to make sure she didn't trip over them, and giggled once more. "I'm Candi, who are you?"

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the_unicorn
2009-08-05 05:10 am UTC (link)

Amalthea had been wandering in the Goblin City for some time. She didn't enjoy being near the dorms and around the other humans, and while most of the Goblins pointed and laughed at her condition she felt a bit more at home with the magical creatures.

When the city took on a much darker tone, Amalthea had no idea what holiday the King was attempting to emulate around the town. There was however, a row of lights and the unicorn noticed that they lead straight up towards the Castle.

She became determined to follow them, part of her knew she would have to face this King sometime. She was afraid, much more so after her failed encountered with the Red Bull. Steadily she stepped up the road and closer. It seemed to be some kind of gathering, Amalthea could see goblins and others inside in various shades of dress.

She entered slowly and felt magic all around her begin to creep along her skin. She was about to turn and run away, when she collapsed to her knees with a cry of pain. She could feel her entire body changing, and before she could stop it the Unicorn was a Unicorn once more.

The creature was beside herself, could it be that easy? Her horn glowed in frustration for a brief second and then died away. The Unicorn was left to cry out again, this time in despair. She hadn't be returned to her true form, this was some meager fairy magick ... a simple glamour. Her long head fell towards the floor in defeat. She had thought being stuck as a human was humiliating, this was possibly worse.

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vagabond_child
2009-08-15 10:24 am UTC (link)

Armand wasn't in his room, and if he hadn't been reading other people's entries in their journals, he would have had no idea what to expect. As it was, he resigned himself to the fact that he would have no choice over what he was to wear to this party. If he could choose for himself, it would be something grand. An angel, perhaps, though he quaked at his own daring. How could he dress as something so sacred, when he was, himself, undoubtedly evil? Being with Schuldig, he was growing to understand, had made him bolder. He never even would have considered an angel before, as much as he looked like one to start with.

But he knew he had no choice, so he just waited with his lover. If Jareth wanted them there, he would bring them. Otherwise, Armand didn't see how they were expected to get there. He was, after all, still in the middle of the Labyrinth. And then, all of a sudden, the Labyrinth was gone, simply vanished, as if it had never existed. On top of which, he was standing at the front steps that led into the castle, he was dressed in strange clothing, and his lover wasn't anywhere that he could see. He was nearby, Armand could read that much from his thoughts. But not in eyesight.

That could wait for a moment. He turned to his outfit. It could have been worse, much worse. He was a noble night in shining armor, a paladin, a fighter for truth and justice. Not in full plate armor, just strategic pieces here and there to keep mobility and still be protected. And he had a sword, shiny, sharp, holstered at his hip. What fun this was, though, of course, the weapon couldn't compare to his natural vampire abilities. But it was gorgeous, he had to give Jareth that much. He'd been half expecting something worse.

Of course, the second he crossed into the castle, everything changed. He was still Armand, but he was a vampire no longer. Instead, he was mortal, and devoted to God, the King, and his country, France. He would rid the world of evil and injustice. So when he saw a strange horse that somehow looked sad, his heart was touched. Plus, it was by far the most beautiful beast he'd ever seen. So he walked over and reached out to touch its soft nose. "Fair beast, what ails you? Are you, perhaps, ill? If so, I vow here and now that I shall restore you to health." It seemed like a good quest to him.

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jimtkirk
2009-08-14 10:52 pm UTC (link)

No, he really hadn't felt like going to the party but after everything that had happened during the day Jim really felt as if he needed to get out and interact with people. Maybe he wouldn't be so damn lonely if he found a few more friends in this place. Wherever the hell it was. He hadn't seen faith since he'd been pulled here and maybe, just maybe, he could find her among the crowd and the two of them could talk again. They'd hit it off so well when they first met. She was like a female version of himself and he quite liked that. If nothing else it meant she understood him and his motives.

Of course... as eager as he was to see if Faith would be there the minute he opened his closet to see if he'd had something appropriate to wear he almost wished he hadn't. Hanging up neatly in his closet was a long light-colored dress resembling something the ancient civilizations of Terrans inhabiting the American southwest might've worn. There was even a sunhat made of, what appeared to be, some straw-like materian and a pink ribbon to keep it in place on his head. Kirk had decided that he wasn't going to go through the hell of attempting to put it on and had left for the ball with his invitation in his golden Captain's jersey and black trousers. Unfortunately, as if by some magic, by the time he'd reached the palace he found himself wearing the dress and carrying the sunhat. He didn't know how it had happened. He didn't remember putting it on but somewhere between leaving his room and showing up at the castle his outfit had been changed. He felt ridiculous. He was sure he looked it but, hell, if Halloween was everything the people around him were saying it was then he was pretty sure he wouldn't be the only one made to look like a fool.

Taking a deep breath Jim reached entered the room and looked around... but the minute he crossed the thresh hold he felt odd. Something was happening. For starters he lost a few inches, then a few pounds, then a majority of his muscle mass. His legs became longer, his limbs thin and lithe. There was a small increase in fat on his chest and his hair had changed from the short cut beneath a wig to longer lighter blond hair which was, thankfully, tied up in some array. His facial features became softer and his eyes wider. Blinking once he looked himself over in the mirror and frowned at the face staring back at him. He didn't recognize her but she moved her arm and spread her fingers when he did. He was... female. How the hell did this happen? He had to find Bones. Obviously he was in need of some sort of medical check up!

Unfortunately for Jim, this mental clarity only laster a moment before the costume and the lady he'd been transformed into took over. With a look around the room the woman who had once been James Tiberius Kirk smiled shyly before walking down the steps and into the ball room. It wasn't normal to be out at one of these gatherings without an escort. Folding her hands daintily in front of herself she moved off to a corner to observe the goings on around her spotting the most unusual of horses and a young woman who didn't appear to be completely dressed. Just what had she walked into?

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-15 10:10 am UTC (link)

It seemed that, over the last few days, being confused was becoming the norm. He was always saying or doing the wrong thing without knowing why or how it was wrong, only that it was all too obvious that it was. So he hadn't felt much like going to the party in the first place, and that was before he'd been kissed, and then pushed away, by his best friend. He was still trying to figure out what had happened there, and had not gotten any closer by the time he and Jim had gone their separate ways. The party would be a waste of time, something frivilous. He was sure of it. So why bother?

Instead, he set out for the Planetarium. Who knew when he'd get the chance to see it again? He should take advantage of it, and since most people would probably be at the party, he'd likely not have any company. The way he was feeling right now, he might take their heads off if anyone talked to him. Better to check out the stars, safely from the ground, the way he liked it best. Let the other people have their stupid 'costume party'. None of that for him. What sort of costume would he have come up with, anyway? He could hardly see himself dressed up as a ghost or something. Not his style. Parties in general, except the alcohol? Also not his style. He gave the castle a scornful look, and set off for the trio of educational buildings. He was pretty sure that, of all the looks he'd seen for this place, he liked this one best.

He'd certainly had no intention to go toward the castle. Which made it seem very odd to him when he ended up at the ball anyway. He'd been walking over the lawn toward the Planetarium, and then he was in front of Jareth's castle. That was weird enough. But he'd also noticed something in his hand. He glanced down, swore viciously, and dropped the old fashioned gun on the ground. "Barbaric..." He growled, and then took in the rest of his outfit. Black leather gloves, buckskin chaps, and a ridiculous hat on his head. There was no doubt what he was supposed to be, although the look was pretty much antique, it was also somewhat timeless in that everyone had still heard of it in his time. He had another gun holstered at his side, and he dropped it disdainfully on the ground with the rifle. He was a doctor, he didn't shoot people with anything other than hyposprays. Certainly not barbaric, antiquated guns with bullets, of all things. He didn't know if the things were real, didn't care to check. He didn't want to be carrying them around.

None of this made the slightest bit of sense to him. He swore again, and then walked toward the castle. Even he could tell there was no point in fighting this, and maybe, in there, he could find someone who knew just how Jareth had done this, brought him here. The truth was, he didn't believe in magic. There had to be some other explanation. But it was all over for the evening for Doctor Leonard McCoy as he stepped through the doorway to the castle. He was no longer the same person, but a cowboy with the same face. The last thing that he really noticed was that his rifle was back in his hand, the handgun holstered at his hip.

Then, the cowboy took over. Swaggering into the hall, he glanced around. There were some odd things. Did that horse have a horn on it's head? What was that dark-haired girl wearing? But that all faded into the background as he saw the pretty blond girl standing alone, looking uncomfortable. What was she doing unescorted? This wasn't safe. So he walked over to her, tipped his hat, and smiled at her. "Well howdy there, ma'am. Everything alright?" His voice had changed a bit too. Not in tone, really, or pitch. It was just that the Southern flavor that was already there had deepened, becoming more of a drawl. It fit very well with his 'costume'. "Can I offer some assistance?"

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jimtkirk
2009-08-15 07:36 pm UTC (link)

Turning away from the odd spectacle around her (mostly taking note of the dark haired girl who seemed a little overly excited by whatever was going on) Jane looked up at the sound of a voice. The man standing before her was a little more what she was used to. Maybe he was a little more rough around the edges than the other men who'd accompanied her to these gatherings but she couldn't deny that there was a certain amount of attraction to this man with the dark hair and eyes. Her smile softened as she turned towards him completely, hands folded in front of her.

"I seem to have found myself at this party unescorted and... there are the strangest things going on and the oddest little creatures..." She frowned and moved closer to the older man as a Goblin passed by carrying a tray of food. What were those things and why were there so many running around the room, carrying trays of food. Speaking of which... she'd never seen so much food in her life. Had she somehow found herself invited to the party of someone of importance? She may have been lucky enough to end up at a party of some sort with an occasional doctor but the parties were never like this. She was, afterall, just the daughter of a farmer.

"I'm Jane Kirk." She said softly, offering her hand to the older man. Even if he was the only person in the room she felt safe around it wasn't proper to keep his company without being properly introduced first. As the only daughter of the Kirk family and at her age it was important that she married well and soon before she was considered too old to wed and undesirable. She was all ready having a problem finding a man interested in her. Her brother had all ready married a suitable woman, started a family, and was taking over the family farm.

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-19 01:47 am UTC (link)

She really was pretty, he decided. And so obviously alone, which wasn't okay. What was wrong with the other men in the world that they would be alright with leaving her to her own devices? It wasn't proper, not at all. Well, if they wouldn't, maybe that was his good luck. It wasn't polite to have your hat on around a lady, he knew that much, so he pushed it backward so that it rested on his shoulders and upper back, held in place by a leather cord around his neck. It was a relief to find someone more like what he was used to. More people had trickled in, and there were some very odd people around. Better for them both if they stuck together, he figured. So when she smiled, he smiled back.

"Dam- Darn, those are some strange looking critters." He glanced around, hoping that she hadn't noticed how close he'd come to swearing. She was far too gentle a being, he could tell, to approve of that sort of language in a man. He eyed the passing goblin suspiciously, with one capable hand readying the rifle he carried, but it made no hosile move so he didn't shoot it. Instead, he turned his attention back to the girl as she introduced herself.

"Well howdy, there, Jane." He took her hand, considered briefly, and then pressed a quick kiss to the back of it. "My name's McCoy, Leonard McCoy. I'm the law around these here parts." Or.... he had been on the police force back home while still helping on his father's cattle ranch. "If you need an escort, I'd be happy to oblige such a pretty girl." He would protect her, he decided. It was practically his duty, so far as he could see.

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jimtkirk
2009-08-20 03:52 am UTC (link)

She smiled just a little at the near curse that left his lips. She may have been a lady but she was also a Kirk and, as such, had heard more than her fair share of curses during her older brother's wilder days. Still... it was nice to be around someone who saw her as a lady and not just "George Kirk's girl" or "Sam's kid sister". When McCoy looked at her all he saw was Jane and the young woman was finding that she quite liked that. When the goblin came a little closer she instinctively reached out and placed a hand on his arm, gripping gently onto his sleeve. It seemed to move on without being a threat and he lowered his gun but... she didn't release her grip upon his sleeve. There was a comforting warmth eminating from him and a smell that reminded her of home. He was as close as she would get to home in this odd place and it didn't hurt that he was attractive and strong and made her heart beat a little faster in her chest... especially when he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

Blushing lightly she turned away in an attempt to hide her smile. So... he wasn't quite as rough around the edges as she'd first assumed. He was a law man. "Forgive me, Mr. McCoy, when we first met I had assumed you were an outlaw. I'm quite glad I was mistaken." It may have been interesting to meet an outlaw... not that her father would ever approve or allow her to see more of him. That is, if McCoy decided he wanted to see her or court her. Why did her mind automatically turn to courtship when introduced to a young man she was attracted to? For all she knew he was all ready married. There was no way a gentleman like him could've remained single. She was letting the things her parents had said get to her. She'd find a husband who wanted her as she was eventually... it just might take a little time.

"I'd be quite pleased if you would escort me but... are you sure that would be all right with Mrs. McCoy?" There, the question was out there. She'd know whether or not he was married depending on how he answered. She just hoped he didn't think to ask if she were married.

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-21 03:34 am UTC (link)

When the young lady put her hand on the back of his arm, he put his own hand over it with a light, but reassuring, sort of pressure. He wasn't about to let her get into any trouble, not while he was around, and that hand on hers was meant to show that much. He kept his hand on hers for now, even while he turned to look at her so that they were face to face rather than side by side. "Well, now, what do you suppose those things are?" He wondered out loud, tracking the goblin as it left the area. If it posed a threat, his gun was still in his free hand, and he was an excellent shot. It was odd, there was something so familiar about this Jane, something that reminded him... but he wasn't exactly sure what he was reminded of. It was strange, one of those deja vu sort of things.

"Nah, it's okay. I can see how you'd think that." He laughed and squeezed her hand a bit. "I'm just in off the ranges, so I reckon I could use some cleaning up. I was going to do that when I saw this party..." But that wasn't quite right. Though he couldn't say just why it wasn't right, so he shrugged it off. What did it matter, really? He was here and she was pretty and obviously needed him. He'd always been a bit of a sucker for that, for being needed.

He laughed once more at her question. "Well, now, that would be a trick, wouldn't it? There isn't a Mrs McCoy." He stopped and considered for a moment. "Well, there probably is somewhere, but I have nothing to do with that." For the first time, spurred on by her question, it occured to him that she might be married. He frowned slightly and glanced down at her ring finger. If she was married, or engaged, she'd be wearing a ring, right?

"We could dance, if you like." There was music in the air, and, though it wasn't the sort he was used to, it was pleasant enough, and suitable for dancing. He wasn't the best dancer in the world, but he could manage without completely embarassing himself.

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jimtkirk
2009-08-23 05:05 am UTC (link)

There was something so calming, so familiar about his presence that Jane couldn't help but smile whenever he looked at her. It seemed, however, that his eyes were focused upon her hands... her fingers. It was probably only fair that he was curious as to her status. "Checkin for a wedding band, I reckon." She murmured. "Don't you worry none. I ain't married. There is a Mrs. Kirk out there but it ain't me. She's my brother's wife. I ain't engaged neither." It really wasn't her fault Amanda Grayson's boy couldn't handle her. He needed to loosen up and live a little. He'd been too stiff, too proper, too... boring. She may have been a woman and as delicate and fraile and whatever else as the rest of her gender but she'd be damned if anyone treated her like one or if they denied her her own damn opinion in what was to happen to her. She may have been a little too outspoken for a woman.

Her smile brightened just a little as she all but dragged him towards the dance floor. How often was it that she got the chance to dance with someone like Leonard? "Len... you're sure we don't know each other, right?" That feeling of familiarity was so hard to shake, especially the minute the stepped out onto the dance floor. If she closed her eyes she could just see him telling her that she'd never get him to dance. He'd suggested it though... so why did she have images of him arguing this with her. Shaking the thought from her mind she moved closer to him, probably a little too close to be considered proper, and offered him a soft smile. "If you can't tell, I'd love to dance with you."

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-24 08:19 pm UTC (link)

The cowboy gave her a wide, easy grin as she spoke. "Well, ain't that good news for me, then." He really was far too happy about this. He realized he was a little bit older than the average bachelor, but with his two jobs, he'd rarely had time for socializing. It wasn't really the sort of thing that led to meeting women. And, well, lately he'd been missing it. His parents had been, and were still, very happy together. He'd seen that example his whole life. Of course, it didn't help that his mother liked to ask him about if he was engaged yet every single time he saw her, which was far too often for that sort of thing. And she seemed spirited, much more than most of the girls he did manage to meet...

He laughed softly, genuinely amused, as she took off toward the dance floor with him in tow. "I'll take that as a yes." He murmured as he took her hand and put a hand on her waist, pleased beyond measure when she shifted close to him. But those dark eyes took on a thoughtful cast as she spoke, and he frowned just a tiny bit. "I don't rightly know. When I first talked to ya, I could swear that I knew you, and sometimes when you smile, I think..." He shrugged, and then grinned the whole thing off.

"Well, anyway, we know each other now." He began to move with the music, not expertly by any means, but at least he wasn't trampling all over her feet. It was a song unlike any he'd heard before, played on instruments he wasn't sure he recognized entirely, but it had a beat suited for dancing. "Maybe it's destiny... do you believe in destiny, Miss Jane?"

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jimtkirk
2009-08-25 06:58 am UTC (link)

He made her heart flutter in a way she was sure was familiar... almost as if he'd always had this sort of affect on her. "You know, I feel the same way about you sometimes. 'Course... is ain't always when you smile." She liked the smile well enough. Something inside of her was saying that Leonard smiled entirely too rarely, that those few smiles he cast her way were something she should commit to memory and hold onto. It wasn't a normal expression for him. "It's when you smirk... or narrow your eyes at them creatures." Or when he unknowingly lifted that eyebrow of his... that damn judgemental eyebrow. She really was going to get someone to... well, she didn't quite know. She didn't even know where that jab at his eyebrows came from. There was no way in hell they could ever be judgemental. They were simply eyebrows, no more and no less. It was all very odd indeed.

Shrugging it off she moved along the dance floor with Leonard. He wasn't really the best of dancers. His movements were a little rusty sort of clumsy but it was forgiveable. Hell, she'd forgive him if he did manage to step on her toes. She wasn't the type of girl to get offended over an accident and run off. Sometimes you just had to laugh at yourself and shake it off. Besides... there was something so endearing about Leonard that made her feel as if she were capable of forgiving him of just about anything. Which was, once again, odd. She hardly knew Leonard. She didn't know what he was capable of or what kind of past he had. All she really knew was that he was deputy who's presence brought a comforting warmth with it. Maybe she didn't really need to know much else.

"Until I met you I can't say I did..." What else could this be if not destiny? They were meant to meet. Why else would Leonard have been single for so long? Why else had she been born a rather lively and unruly girl instead of the meek, humble lady her sister-in-law was? How else could she explain stumbling on this party when she'd only been meant to take a walk to the Grayson farm and apologize to Amanda's son for embarassing him at the last party he'd escorted her to? Something about that didn't seem right either but she let it go in favor of staring up into Leonard's dark eyes and allowing herself to naturally move closer to him as they danced to the odd music. "I believe you and I were brought here for a reason, that we found each other for a reason. Maybe we were meant to."

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-28 08:53 pm UTC (link)

Leonard nodded slightly. It was strange, no doubt about it, that they would have this sort of instant connection. He'd never felt like this about anyone else before, that much he was certain on. "Yeah, and something about the way you look at me..." Had she looked at him like that before? Or was it more like... he wished she would look at him like that, like she wanted nothing more in this exact moment then to be with him? But how could he wish something like that when they'd only met a very short time ago? It was puzzling, no doubt about it. And the way she spoke about his smirk, or him narrowing his eyes at the goblins, confused him as well. Had she made comments like that before?

But he wasn't going to figure this out, he realized. This whole sense of deja vu confused the hell out of him, he'd never felt anything like this so strongly. And there wasn't anything else in the world he could imagine wanting to do than dance with this girl. So maybe that was all that mattered, at least, the way he looked at it. He led her through the steps of a dance that they both seemed to know fairly well, at least to the point where they could do it without hurting each other. Some other couples around were dancing differently, but that was okay. It wasn't like he'd ever been afraid to be different.

"I ain't never believed in nothing like that before, but darlin', I think I'm startin' to." As she shifted closer, he did the same, to the point where people back home would definitely be whispering about it. But he didn't care much about that, as long as her reputation was okay. But she was unmarried, not engaged, so there was really no problem there. No one to be outraged. And it wasn't like any of the people around were paying much attention. "I think we might be onto something here, don't you?"

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jimtkirk
2009-08-29 06:10 pm UTC (link)

No one was staring, no one was looking, they weren't the center of attention and there was no one around who recognized them. Here she felt as if they were far removed from home but it didn't matter because Leonard was close, he was here and that was all the reminder of home she needed. It made no sense. Shortly before wandering into the party she'd just been on her way to the Grayson home. It wasn't even that far. Surely if she stepped outside of this grand mansion she'd be able to see the dirt road leading back to her father's farm from here. So... why didn't she recognize anyone here? Why did she feel as if home was so far away? As if she may never see her brother again and why... why couldn't she remember her father? Why did thoughts of him bring a pang of heartache to her chest? Why did thoughts of her mother fill her with such anger and hatred? She loved her mother, loved her family... didn't she? It was funny just how little she remembered. She knew what she told him was correct but once she moved this close to him everything became so... confusing.

More importanly, however, was the way Leonard smelled. He didn't smell like warth and dusty trails, leather and the great outdoors. He smelled like... well she couldn't quite place it. It was a clean smell she wasn't quite familiar with but knew. His hands were so soft too, especially for someone who worked the ranges and protected the town. Skilled fingers, but soft fingers and for some reason that just seemed right. Like it was normal. Like everything about him was normal and comforting to her when it should've been odd or out of place. It all just tied in with the feeling that she'd met him before, that she knew him. Instead of worrying him with these thoughts or questions she simply closed her eyes and leaned her head against him. "I do believe so, Leonard."

Maybe it wasn't a sense of deja vu. Maybe this was, as they'd said, fate. They were meant to meet, destined to fall in love, and that was why everything felt so perfect, so right. He was familiar because he was meant for her and nothing about that was odd. What didn't make sense, however, was how quickly and easily the word 'love' bubbled to the front of her mind whenever he looked at her a certain way. How desperately she wanted to tell him that she loved him and only him and how fearful she was that he'd draw away from her. That the words would ruin things between them and she'd be left alone. She hated being alone. The prospect chilled her to the very core. "You won't leave me behind, will you Len?" Maybe she was just as delicate and fraile as the other women she tried so hard to set herself apart from.

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-29 08:18 pm UTC (link)

He wished that everything would just make sense. Which was an odd thing to think for him. Nothing on the ranges made sense, not really. He was good at improvising. So where did this desire to understand what was going on come from? He was usually easy going, the type of person who just took life as it came to him. Wasn't he? Yes, of course he was. All of this was just nerves because he was dancing with a pretty girl who seemed to actually like him, and who seemed to have a brain in her head and some spirit. Who wouldn't have some nerves at a time like this? The problem though, was that it didn't feel like nerves. He was really incredibly comfortable around her, considering that they'd just met.

As she drew closer to him, it all seemed to become stronger, but about a million times more confusing. Acting on instinct, but in a way that was most definitely not acceptable for two people who weren't married, he wrapped his arms around her as she put her head on his chest. One hand rested almost possessively on the small of her back, the other arm encircled her shoulders. She was small, but she'd always been smaller than him, anyway... which, again, was an odd thought to have. Of course she'd always been smaller than him, at least, as far as he knew. He had to keep reminding himself that he barely knew her. How could he know any details about her past? It was bizarre, and he tried not to think about it.

When she spoke, though, he stopped dancing and looked down at her. For a moment, his eyes just made contact with hers, but he soon cupped her face in his hands as he gazed down at her. He wanted to kiss her suddenly, but hadn't he already taken enough liberties with her for a near stranger? So he just looked, and then laughed softly. "Darlin', I don't think you're gonna be gettin' rid of me anytime soon." He frowned slightly and looked thoughtful. "Sugar, I know it's too soon, but..." He shook his head. No, it was far, far too soon to be saying that to her. Even if, inexplicably, after many, many years of being a bachelor, it felt true to him to say that he loved her. "Do you think I could see you again? Maybe meet your folks?"

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jimtkirk
2009-08-30 07:00 pm UTC (link)

He was warm and strong and familiar and he just felt so right. The way his arms encircled her, the hand that settled upon the small of her back possesively... it felt as if she'd been waiting for him to be this way with her for years. Like she'd always felt so strongly for him, always loved him from a distance and had hoped he'd one day look at her the way he was looking at her now... with all that love. He was looking at her as if he loved her. As if she were his entire world and he'd never let anything happen to her, he'd never leave her behind or forget her. He was comfort, warmth, safety, and everything she'd always wanted. In spite of all of that, however, he scared her. There was something inside of her that was noisily protesting against letting anyone this close. It made no sense. If she knew he'd never hurt her why would her instincts warn about letting him too close? About letting anyone that close?

And yet... she wanted him that close. She wished he'd kissed her, that he had been the one to initiate the contact because it meant she'd have to no matter how unlady-like it ended up being, no matter who saw them or what they thought. They were so far away from everyone they knew, so far from home. No one here knew who she was, no one here cared. She thought she could get away with it and when had she ever really worried about what people thought of her. If she worried about things like that she wouldn't have accidentally run off all of her suitors by being so outspoken .

Just before she could move in, however, Leonard began talking again and her heart began to race... only to slow once again in slight disappointment. She should've been happy about this. He wanted to see her. He wanted to meet her family. That was the proper way to go about this and Leonard seemed like a proper, respectable man. And yet... she had sort of hoped he meant to tell her that he loved her. She'd only been waiting on those words for a few years and... no, that wasn't right. She'd just met him. There was no way she could expect him to just instantly love her. They hadn't even had time to form a friendship let alone a romance. Smiling up at him she nodded. "You can. I'd love to see you again." Her folks, however... well there was the problem of conflicting barely there memories. "I'm sure my family would love to meet you." Family could be taken in different ways. She could mean her folks and her brother or just her brother and his family. Until she figured her past out she couldn't be too sure of who he'd be meeting.

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bones_mccoy
2009-08-31 05:13 am UTC (link)

There was no doubt that this was all happening way too fast. Decent people didn't go up to others and start telling them they loved them, or, worse yet, asking for permission to court them. Yet he had come very close to both of these things. It felt both completely right and utterly wrong at the same time. What was he doing? Yes, he'd loved her for years, but he couldn't tell her, no way, she'd just laugh at him, and it was too scary to love again after everything that had happened with his ex wife... hold on, though, he didn't have an ex wife. He was a life long bachelor. Where were these other thoughts coming from? He was sure he wasn't drunk, at least not right now, though he did drink and probably too much... so confusing, he barely ever drank. What was going on?

But then, he'd always been one to act on impulse. That was what made him a good (doctor) sheriff and cowboy. So when she moved closer, his grip on her tightened. He looked down into her eyes, which were just as beautiful as ever, and hadn't he always noticed? When she agreed, he smiled and nodded. "I hope so." What if her family didn't like him? Her family... he knew nothing much about them, except that her father was killed, famous... no. He didn't know anything of the sort. Clearly, his imagination was running away with him again.

His eyes darkened slightly as he looked down at her, and then, suddenly, he leaned down and kissed her. Oh, it wasn't at all appropriate. What would happen to her reputation, being kissed right there in front of everyone? But it was like he couldn't help but kiss her, like he'd wanted to kiss her for a long time and just never had the courage, even though none of that made any sense. He kissed her anyway, and then pulled back almost uncertainly, wondering if she were going to slap him across the face and run off. Surely she would, he shouldn't have done it. He looked at her anxiously, but tried to keep it light. "I ain't sure your folks would approve of that at all."

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jimtkirk
2009-08-31 05:41 am UTC (link)

He was kissing her. Kissing her. And his lips were so soft and it felt so good, so right, like a kiss was meant to feel like. He wasn't anything like those girls who'd been too soft, too gentle when it came to kisses or those other men who'd been too sloppy and too eager, who'd been all hands and forceful demands and... wait, no that was wrong. She was a respectable woman. She'd never allowed any of her suitors to kiss her let alone paw at her. Sam would've killed them. And there was no way in hell she would've ever been kissing another woman. That just wasn't right. It didn't happen! Before she could think to react, to kiss back or push him away he'd broken the kiss and had pulled back with a certain degree of uncertainty in his eyes. No, her folks wouldn't approve of this but... she honestly didn't know if she could say her mother cared about her one way or another. Sam, however, would be angry.

"No..." she murmured. "They wouldn't..." And before he could say anything more or wonder whether or not she'd slap him or run away, Jane did a very unladylike and possibly uncharacteristic thing. She pulled him close and pressed her lips to his in a heated kiss. She'd wanted him to kiss her for so long. Wanted him to be the one to initiate this kind of contact because it was the only way she could truly be sure that he wanted her. Blushing deeply she finally ended the kiss and pulled away. Her reputation was going to suffer for this but what could she do? She'd allowed him to kiss her and then she'd kissed him back and her's had been so much more heated, so needy. What would he think of her now? What would she do now?

Pulling away from him she folded her hands over her heart and looked away. "Fix it..." she said softly, unsure if she was talking to him or herself. "There has to be something..." Some way to save her reputation, to save him from the wrath of her older brother. She couldn't think of any. Turning back towards him she frowned. "Sorry, Leonard."

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bones_mccoy
2009-09-01 03:54 am UTC (link)

Well, at least she didn't slap him or remove herself from his presence. It could have been much worse. Though she did seem slightly shellshocked by the whole thing, and who could blame her? The seconds that passed by without and bad reaction from her helped him relax a bit. Maybe she would forgive him for what he'd done. If only he hadn't so badly wanted to kiss her for so long, he would have been able to control himself. But it had been like years of pressure, years of self restraint, had finally broken down. And what the hell was he thinking, about a woman he'd literally met about half an hour ago? None of this made any sense, only, the thing about that was that it somehow seemed to make perfect sense at the same time.

And then, just when he was wondering if he should politely excuse himself and remove them both from the uncomfortable situation, she was launching herself at him and kissing him with the sort of passion that he was fairly sure he'd never, ever been on the recieving end of. This time, though, there was no reason to hold back, she'd started it, she really seemed to like him, maybe even love... and there had been a time before when she'd (he'd) kissed him but it hadn't been okay then, because he'd been worried that it was just a sexual thing, but now, knowing the kind of woman Jane was, it was all okay. All of this passed through his mind in about a split second, but in the end, all that mattered was that he gave himself permission to do this, in a way he never had before.

"Don't be sorry." When the kiss was over, he looked at her intently, and then placed a gentle finger under her chin so that she was encouraged to look up at him, to meet his eyes. "I know this ain't at all proper, but, Jane Kirk, I'm gonna go ahead and ask you to marry me." He stopped for a moment, and then continued on. "It's okay if you don't want to. That would make sense. But I had to ask."

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jimtkirk
2009-09-01 05:01 am UTC (link)

There was so much to apologize for. So much she'd done to him over the years, so much she'd taken for granted... like the way he always bandaged her knuckles when she got back in from a bar brawl or the way (s)he'd purposefully pressed himself up against another man while dancing just to get some kind of rise out of Leonard. She had so much to apologize for that she shouldn't be so willing to hush and so eager to look up at him once he tilted her face towards him. If she were a more respectable woman she would've avoided his gaze but... she loved his eyes. His dark eyes. She had to see the look in those eyes even if they were full of hatred or disgust. Surprisingly, she found neither. Instead she saw what she was pretty sure was love.

Hadn't he always loved her? She'd noticed it before. Somewhere between doctor mode and normal mode, when the clothing came off and he was caught momentarily off guard. When he simply stared with such longing and love that it made her heart race. At first she'd been sure it was purely sexual, that if she'd welcomed him into her bed he'd lose interest. As time went by, however, she learned that Leonard wasn't that kind of man. He wasn't the 'love'em and leave'em' type. When he loved you, he loved you and there was never any question.

As if to prove her slightly confusing point Leonard immediately proposed marriage. It would save their reputations but it made no sense. Then again, nothing about this night made sense. Not the memories or the creatures or the way she found herself inexplicably drawn to this man. The best thing to come out of this night was him, the best part of her life was him. She didn't want to lose that. "No, Leonard..." she murmured softly as he moved forward and took ahold of his hand. "I want to marry you. I want to be your wife. I don't care that it's so soon, that it makes no sense. I just want to be with you forever. Don't you think Jane T. McCoy has a nice sound to it?"

If they were going to be married then it was proper for them to be close. Proper for them to kiss. "You'll take care of me. I know you will... and I've never been happier than I am when I'm with you."

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bones_mccoy
2009-09-02 08:09 am UTC (link)

Leonard had known from the first moment that a marriage proposal came up in his mind that it was insane. Oddly enough, it wasn't because he's just met her, or, rather, it was, but that wasn't the main thing. It felt also like he'd been married before, and it hadn't gone well. Like it had made him a little wary of the whole subject altogether. Why even consider marriage when it was doomed to failure? But with this girl, well, it just seemed like it was possible. Sudden, yes, no doubt about that. But it seemed to him like there were worse things. Not having her in his life would be much, much worse.

So he waited anxiously for her to respond, knowing that chances were good she was going to laugh at him or just leave. And maybe that was why he'd never tried with Jim before this, because of that fear. Not that that made any sense. Who was Jim, and what could that have to do with what was going on in front of him? But it seemed to make sense, if anything in this strange night could be considered to make any sense.

When she accepted, he grinned helplessly and wrapped his arms around her small, slender frame. "Well, then, darlin', I'd say we're gettin' married." It sounded surreal to say, and a flash came of a young man for some reason, of kissing him... but he was newly engaged, and that was no time to think about kissing another man. Which, really, was a weird enough thought to have in the first place. "Yeah, I reckon Jane T McCoy sounds just about perfect, don't you?"

He held her hand gently in his, smiling, unable to believe this had all happened. "You know, it's the damnedest thing, but I feel like I've been waiting to ask you to be mine for years now. Don't make a bit of sense, I know."

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repodaughter
2009-08-16 05:47 pm UTC (link)

Shiloh was still a little sick but nothing nearly as bad as before. She was grateful to know that it was just withdrawls from being without the medicine she practically lived on.

Hearing about the Halloween party Shiloh was thrilled. She had often heard of things like this before but never actually experienced it. When trying to think of a costume she could only think of one thing that frightened her.

Amber Sweet.

She layed back on her white bed and laughed to herself at the idea. Though it was odd she couldn't get the thought from her mind. Opening her closet door she found an outfit that only Amber would wear. A black dress that landed just in her mid-thighs and had a plunging neck line that fastened behind her neck. There was also a new wig for her that was simlar to the black one she was wearing but shorter.

Shiloh shook her head as she pulled on the dress and walked in the heels to the party. However when she opened the door she was surprised to find herself get taller and fuller. She was a grown woman now and her mentality changed. She could feel herself more...different in terms of looking at the world.

She glanced around and rubbed the back of her neck as she smiled at the others in the room.

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elphabalives
2009-08-17 11:28 pm UTC (link)

The Witch had not relished the thought of going to this little costume gala. She'd avoided social engagements whenever possible, especially when they involved dressing up; however, she opened her closet to see if there was another dress to replace her burnt one and found instead a maunt's habit. She would have preferred to go as she was, perhaps terrify a few of the little people while she was there--if she bared her teeth and growled, she found it had an interesting dragonlike effect--but no, the maunt's habit beckoned, so she had to wear it.

The broom was unwilling to leave her gasp, for all its earlier fuss about coming to the place at all, but she put it away all the same; when it tried to leap back into her hand she narrowed her eyes at it and said sharply, "None of that, or I'll snap you in two," and it settled sulkily against the back wall of the closet. At least the maunt's habit, that of a superior sister, covered her face somewhat so that no one would stare. It was a strange place she had come to, but not one accustomed to green people, it seemed.

On went the habit, and she pulled its hood low over her face, folding her hand in the robe's voluminous sleeves, as she'd seen the sisters do when she stayed in the mauntery. She hadn't been entirely sure where to go for this obnoxious, grand event, but her feet seemed to know where they were going and soon brought her into the hall. Her back suddenly hunched over a little, and she felt instinctively for the prayer beads that had come with the outfit. A den of such pagan revelry she'd never seen--strange outfits, and a horse with a horn, and these decorations! Lurlinist, obviously, there was no other explanation.

Then she saw out from under her hood a woman dressed--dressed like a common street whore, voluptuous flesh exposed to every hungry eye, her makeup applied so thickly it was hard to see the real skin beneath it. As a servant of the Unnamed God, she could not stand by and let this disgusting display of sinfulness pass. "Shame!" she hissed as she approached this woman. "What pagan costumery is this? Cover yourself!"

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rudorufu
2009-08-17 12:27 am UTC (link)

Rudolf had been quite excited about the masked ball, once he'd had this Halloween explained to him. The only part of the ball that was in any was disappointing was that his friend had said he wouldn't go. Still, perhaps he could convince the other man when the time actually came. So, he spent the day exploring the city's educational buildings - he finally got a proper look at the aquarium, and was delighted with all the specimens of fish therein.

When it came time to prepare, Rudolf opened the little closet in his room and pulled out the only clothing that didn't look like anything he would normally wear - a three piece pin-striped suit. He could see no mask upon its hangar. It looked rather plain to him, but he pulled it out and changed into it dutifully. The King must consider it a costume, or it would not be here for him. And it was not as silly as some of the costumes worn to the masked balls his father had thrown. After a quick knock on his friend's door - to which there was no reply - Rudolf headed out and made his way to the palace.

As he walked into the grand building (though not as grand as his father's palace, he had to say), Rudolf felt an odd sensation overtake him. His normally bright and innocent eyes narrowed as he walked into the main ballroom, scanning the faces of the others in case he should find someone who wished him harm. He slid his hands into the pockets of his trousers, and his lip curled into a very unfriendly sneer. And for the first time since he'd been in this odd place, he found himself very annoyed that he had no bodyguards to back him up.

His eyes still roving over the assembled crowd, Rudolf stalked over toward the refreshment table, finding himself with a strange and yet perfectly natural craving for lasanga and some moonshine - strange because he'd never had either one before.

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