H A L L ☠ W E E N {open}

Oogie was excited. Exuberant. He didn’t think there was ever a single other day of the year when the skeleton man was filled with such a sense of childish enjoyment. He was careful, of course, to keep it contained when around his agents, but anyone who had met him could guess that Halloween was his favorite holiday. It put him in a very nice mood indeed, and he had to keep himself from humming his favorite songs underneath his breath has he walked about doing his daily business. This was all very serious stuff they were dealing with: missions and murders and the usual sort of thing, but his mind was always elsewhere. He was counting down the hours, the minutes until he could hang up his boss clothing and just enjoy his favorite night of the year with his favorite siren.

The All Hallow’s Eve party at the Devil’s Den had quickly gained something of a reputation in the last few years. Sometimes people just wanted to stay in and hand out candy to the little muggle children, and sometimes the more adventurous witches and wizards were looking to eschew and escape the suffocating reality of normalcy and step outside of their minds for a bit. Those people ended up here. It was only eleven at night and the party was already in full swing, the space filled with strangly effective music and light shows that illuminated the blissful expressions of the party-goers on the dance floor.

Tonight was the only night of the year that the Devil’s Den was open to the public, when anyone with an invitation could enter the sacred space. And for tonight only, their humble little tavern was transformed into a dance club. All it took was a couple of Oogie’s best enchanters and a few carefully placed taps of the wand to make it as if the whole room had been stretched to five or six times its original size, adding a plush seating area against the wall and second floor complete with a long balcony overlooking the dance floor. The chairs and tables were moved out, and the wooden floor was significantly elongated to accommodate a couple hundred dancing party-goers. The bar was widened and spruced up a bit, then squeezed beside the stage where a group of musicians were playing a fast-paced song.

Tonight was a night for fun—a few hours of hedonistic, chaotic, loud fun. And as the skeleton looked out over the balcony at the mass of dancing leathers, feathers, and glitter filling up the dance floor, moving and shimmying to the beat, he could tell it was working. It probably didn’t hurt that a good number of them were magicked out of their minds at the moment. Upon their arrival, all the partygoers were offered a little something to make their night like no other, the sort of thing that could not be found outside of Nightmare League. Oogie’s potioneers had been working around the clock to develop Star Euphoria, an elixir that heightened human emotions tenfold. Those who chose to partake received a small drop of the gold liquid on their tongue that glittered for a second before spreading throughout their bodies, making them feel warm and powerful. After that, they became particularly susceptible to the hypnotist’s musical sway.

Oogie glanced over at the long haired figure on the piano, his fingers flying across the keys so fast and so hard, the bone man realized he would definitely need to send it away for repairs after Alioth was finished with it.  All of the people dancing to the hypnotist’s fast syncopation seemed to be glowing and smiling and losing themselves in a lively dance that seemed to come inhibited from somewhere deep inside them. Around the edges of the dance floor were seating areas. Half of the plush couches looked out at the dance floor or bar, while the others were tucked snugly into the walls, behind curtains, for a little bit more privacy.

Across the dance floor, his bartenders were working hard. They had a special drink selection just for Halloween, and everything was a great deal stronger and a great deal more magical. They might as well be handing out potions and elixirs in those glass tumblers and champagne flutes. The party-goers didn’t seem to mind and were taking great advantage of this space disconnected from reality. Everyone needed some time in the darkness, away from the prying, judgmental eyes of society.

The guests  seemed to be enjoying themselves and Oogie was quite pleased. He himself had not taken any Star Euphoria and was therefore immune to Lio’s musical magic, but he was still having a wonderful time. People had really gone all out this year with their costumes. Oogie himself wore only a black mask over his eyes (not that it hid his identity in the slightest), which some often found surprising considering how he went all-out in every other manner of celebration. No, to Oogie this night was something different. While many people saw it as a chance to don a scary costume and hide their identity for a night, Oogie felt it was quite the opposite. It was an unmasking. In his line of work, he had come to learn that the most dangerous type of person was one who looked like everyone else. His agents all were forced to wear masks in their everyday lives, because the people he hired didn’t usually belong in normal society. Tonight, while other witches and wizards celebrated the existence of imaginary monsters, the real ones could move freely around them.

Tonight, some wore masks and other took them off. That was why he loved Halloween.



(OOC: Okay, just to keep things simple, the party is open to anyone and everyone, dark or light. In order to enter the costume contest, all you have to do is post to this thread and be clear about what exactly your character is dressed up as. There will be shiny shiny gfx prizes for the winners based on post quality and costume awesomeness. And if you want to start your own threads at the party with other people, go ahead! Let’s get our characters wasted.)

Something was off about this day. Dante’s mind was fuzzy and needed to be taken care of. No he wasn’t sick or anything. No his mind was all a flutter of his love life with Ruari. He could remember each date clearly and every meal he cooked for her. He was so good to her and now she was gone forever. What did he do to deserve such heart break? He even proposed to her and she said yes. Was she playing him like a fiddle? Was she just using him? He was so down in the dumps he needed to do something. He needed to drink and heavily. He needed to relax somehow and forget about his woes. He had received information about a party going on at a bar in Knockturn Alley. Though Dante would not normally go there he figured a party might just be what he needed.

The invitation said there was a costume party involved with the part, but since Dante wasn’t in the mood he just decided to go in some normal formal wear. His suit was so suffocating though and with his mind plagues with dark thoughts right now he just didn’t want to deal with his outfit right now. When he arrived at the party he found the place beautifully decorated. It raised his mood a bit as he was in awe at his surroundings. If this is what places looked in Knockturn Alley maybe he would visit more often. He was then offered a drink by one of the wait staff. Now normally Dante wouldn’t accept strange drinks from a stranger, but he still had the dark clouds looming in his head and he took a drink. When he did he felt his insides become bit warmer and this made him feel slightly better. Maybe drinking was the right thing to do. So Dante looked around and found the bar. He headed over and heralded the bartender and asked, “Get me the hardest drink you got.”

Ivy Markham's publicist thought it would be a great idea to make a social scene at the All Hallow's Eve Halloween Party located at the Devil's Den. Ivy just thought the idea to party with like minded people was a great idea. These would be the best people who would actually get along with her and connect with her books. Horror Romance novels at a Halloween party. How perfect would they be. Ivy decided to wear a beautiful sweetheart chested dress that was red velvet. It had the red velvet til about her calf and then changes to a tulle fabric. At the end of the fabric was some black ruffled fabric that looked like smoke. When she walked it looked like a red dress was smoking as she walked. Around her shoulders was a red cloak that rested just upon her platinum hair. Her makeup was done so that it looked like three scratches were gauged upon her face with a white eye like she was blind in the one eye. It was off putting with her white eye, but she loved looking creepy. She was meant to be little red riding hood who didn't make a good end. Ivy thought it fit her novels so well. A person who did not meet a good end in a supposed to be happy book.

Ivy stepped in the party and looked around to see if anybody she knew was there yet, even her publicist. She yet did not see anybody. The first place she went was to get drinks. She needed some whiskey in her lip. She wished she had some coffee with it but she knew that was probably be impossible.

She needed someone to socialize with here, she needed to find someone who would catch her eye and maybe be the next victim in her stories. She studied the crowds trying to figure out the next person. Who was going to be the next death in her book or just someone to keep her company? Someone caught her eye, but she waited. It was best to just let them come to her.

Julietta Ouellet wasn't really sure what exactly she was doing here, but she didn't voice these thoughts to anyone. 'Here' was the Halloween party run by the man who seemed to be the Crime Lord of Knockturn Alley and a man that the Parisian had once run into at the circus - Oogie Boogie. The circus worker wasn't here for any dark dealing though, no, she was just tagging along behind her boss, Alioth Rasalas, who was in charge of the music.

Now it hadn't been until last minute that the former Bellefeuille had remembered that it was a costume party, and so her outfit was just thrown together quickly. It wasn't very original, to be honest: she was a cat. The young woman had charmed a long sleeved t-shirt so that it was black and sequined and was wearing it with a pair of black trousers and high heeled boots. She'd drawn some whiskers and a nose onto her face in pen (which she would clean off using magic later) and had stuck a pair of cat ears (not real ones, the muggle head band things you could get) into her mousy, hair, which had been left down for once. The circus worker tugged gently at the slightly-too-long sleeves of her shirt and pulled the ends down over her hands, wrapping her arms around herself as she leant against the end of the bar, watching what was going on. Jules had never been very good at social interaction, while she wasn't shy she just didn't like talking to people, so at parties like this (not that she was invited to many) the young woman tended to stay on her own. She'd declined whatever that drink was that had been handed out at the beginning of the party and so was completely sober in in control of herself, having not bought anything else either. In the Parisian's opinion, alcohol was disgusting.

A woman who looked slightly older than Julie came into her vision, and the Parisian scrutinised her slightly, hopefully without her noticing. She seemed to be dressed up at Little Red Riding Hood, but with a twist. One of her eyes looked blind and she had some large scratched down one cheek. Either that was how the woman normally looked, or she was Little Red Riding Hood with no happy ending. The former Bellefeuille smiled wryly at the thought: while she had enjoyed the muggle fairy tale as a young child, now that she was older she appreciated the dry sense of humour.

Alain St. Clare did not want to be there.

The young air elemental had been content to spend all hallows eve curled up on the couch watching movies with his boyfriend Ether. However, the ward master had been insistent on the two of the spending Halloween in a more decadent manner, and as such, he practically begged Alain to attend Oogie Boogie's Halloween party with him. While the French man could have thought of more appealing options in Italy, attendance at this party had seemed important to Ether, and being the good boyfriend that he was, he complied in spite of himself.

The Runes aficionado had suggested that they meet at the party. The vain air elemental wanted to enjoy the moment when Ether first saw him in his costume under the glittering lights of the disco ball. Tonight Alain had opted to dress up as a vampire. The blond had applied a light layer of make up to create the image of someone who was pale from a lack of day light. His blond locks dyed a ebony colour that contrasted with his seemingly pale features and was slightly grown out so it hung around his face. The costume itself was exquisite. It consisted of a frilly white shirt, which was nicely matched with a black Gothic vest with golden buttons. His bottoms were black as were the shoes. The entire look given its finishing touches by a vampire cape with a red inner coating, the edge of which was wrapped around his neck.

All in all, Alain looked rather dashing and that was exactly what he had intended. Not just from vanity (although that certainly was apart of it), but it matched the theme the French man was going for. Unlike many others present the elemental was not interested in exploring the in your face darkness associated with the pagan holiday. No, Alain wished to take a more nuanced approach to things. He wanted to approach the subtle darkness of seduction and passion. To explore the allure held by the dark. The power temptation held over those unfortunate enough to fall into it's grasp. The temptation that led men to cheat on their wives and risk losing everything precious to them. The temptation that led an addict time and time again to the substance ruining their life. Darkness was not just about scaring people. It was so much more than that!

It was just before midnight, the witching hour itself purposely chosen, when Alain first stepped into The Devil's Den. The currently dark haired male critically surveying the scene before him. He had to hand it to him; this Oogie Boogie sure knew how to throw a party. The air elemental waved off the offer of Star Euphoria. The former potion devotee rarely took potions that he had not personally brewed. His intimate knowledge of the craft making him more aware than most of the damage a malignant potion could cause.

With confident movements the French man made his way to the bar. The man ignoring the occasional longing look from male and female guests a like. He was only interested in the company of one person that evening namely a handsome devil named Ether Vandross. “Whiskey, please” he ordered of the bar tender before surveying the room for signs of the handsome wardmaster. There was nothing yet, although he did have to resist the urge to shudder as he noted the parties skeletal host watching them all from the balcony. 

Halloween was easily Ether's favorite holiday.

When he was younger, before the magical world had entered his life, Halloween was a source of bitterness. After his mum passed he never went out, his father either too drunk or too selfish to take him. Ether would, however, curl up on the couch and watch whatever violent and scary horror films Rodger fell asleep to on the T.V. Looking back, it wasn't healthy, to be so obsessed with the villains and the dark creatures that brought terror to the screen. But Ether always admired their power. He knew they did wicked things, terrible things, but they had to have their reasons. Being misunderstood could drive a person to dark places.

When he was older though, when he finally found his person and grew into the semi-well-adjusted man he was today, Halloween became a time to party with Satan himself. He winced as he finished dressing before his mirror, reminiscing on the times he'd had. He'd always been a risky person, but as a younger man he was really quite reckless. Halloween became the night to wear provocative costumes, get attention at bars, and, well, indulge. There were a few years in a row a person was lucky to even hear from him again until November third or fourth. It was different this year, though. He wasn't spending Halloween as an attention-seeking bachelor, but as a partner. A boyfriend. The word still hitched a bit on his tongue.

He'd had to convince Alain to go, which was unfortunate. He was somewhat surprised that the man wanted a quiet night in rather than to go to the big party. Ether, himself, had never actually been, but by Merlin he'd heard. For once, he was more focused on enjoying the holiday than finding someone (or two) to bring home with him. He wanted to share that with Alain, and even if he'd been a bit whiny, he was glad he'd gotten him to agree. He was nervous, excited, anxious all around. He grinned as he pulled his tie taut around his neck and smoothed out his jacket. He was ready, nearly so, grabbing his final accessory and heading towards the grate. With a flash and a whirl, he arrived by floo.

Ether checked his pocketwatch and frowned. He was just a few minutes late. He and Alain had agreed to meet here at midnight, to surprise one another with their costumes. He was eager to see what Alain had cooked up, and hopeful the other man would like his style in return. Ether had embraced his roots, honoring the memory of his classically lustful and wicked Halloween's past. Before, he'd partied with Satan, and tonight, he was Satan himself. Dressed in a sinful crimson suit, he wanted to look masculine and commanding. His vest and tie were ornately detailed, his jacket sitting nicely on his firm shoulders. His pants were tailored tight enough to turn heads, after all, old habits die hard. Coupled with his scarlet leather devil mask and the slight sheen of his suit, the man caught the light and a bit of attention.

He passed on the Star Euphoria, though were he not meeting the other man he certainly would've taken it. He didn't want to be inhibited tonight, not when Alain had been accommodating in joining him. He was searching for him, his eyes catching a glimpse of the skeletal man who was behind all of this grandeur. He was frightening and alluring all at once, and Ether was careful not to stare for too long lest he fall into some subtle form of hypnosis. Where were those blonde locks, that handsome face? He knew Alain was waiting, he was never late like Ether. He couldn't spot him, and decided to head over to the bar.

As he made his way towards the bartender, he caught them: two piercing blue eyes. A slow, careful grin spread across his face as he moved towards him, taking him in from head to toe. "Mr. St. Clare," he said cordially, reaching for his hand and kissing it gently. "You astonish me," he said, grinning brightly, moving his body even closer to his beau's. His hazel eyes watched him from behind the devil's mask, his hands moving to Alain's long, dark hair. "You really went all out," he said, suddenly feeling a bit nervous about his own costume. Was he too simple next to this transformed creature of the night?

"You look beyond," he finished, planting a kiss on his lips, "beyond it all." He nodded as the bartender set down a whiskey. "Make it two," he added, his eyes meeting Alain's. He could spot those icy eyes anywhere. They were like lightning in a dark sky. "I have to ask, though," he purred, "are to going to bite me?" he whispered, leaning close to his ear. "Cause honestly? I could probably get into that," he teased flirtatiously as he reached for Alain's waist. Yes, Halloween was definitely his favorite holiday. And tonight, dressed as sin itself, he wasn't planning on holding back much. He wanted to dance, and drink, and show off how handsome Alain was. And, like any good lover, he wanted to be accommodating too. He hoped to be able to give Alain that alone time he'd wanted, back home on the couch, a few hours into the night. He doubted they'd be watching any scary movies, though.

Ether was confident he could find a better way to fill Alain's time.

Slinky music played in the background as Grisha applied the rest of the bronze shimmer on his bare skin. Khol lined pale eyes and intensified the colour, as well as the gold eyeshadow. If there was one thing Grigoriy liked to do on Halloween, it was stun. It would be his third Halloween in the Den, and the first one that he would actually be off for. Working in the League usually meant one was always on, always prepared to do battle. Grigoriy was on the red list, of those still under the doctor’s care, and unable to do regular tasks. So Grigoriy was just here to entertain, which he did rather well.

His full red lips pursed as he eyed himself in the full length mirror. Last year, he’d been a dark angel, which had been nice. All smoke and cloaked, and mysterious. It’d been rather forbidding, and people had avoided him because of how menacing his bloody mouth had been. It’d been illusions to portray a deteriorated zombie face, and it’d tickled him to see how scared the plebeians had been. This time, it was different. This time he’d wanted to be easier to approach, and he wanted to shock. He'd approached one of his favourite designers to make his costume, and after initial balking, and failed attempts, they'd made something special. Something exciting. Something...different.

He’d forgone the harem pants that’d accompanied the belly dancers outfit, choosing to wear only the skirts low on his hips, magic keeping him from revealing all but his muscular elegant legs through the splits. The red cloth was sheer and iridescent, giving off sneak peeks of flesh. Jewels draped from the belt, gleaming low in the light. The bronzer emphasized all of the curves and lines, making him seem almost otherworldly. The last bit of embellishment were the chains that draped all over his chest, and arms. Delicate and gold, they formed an elegant harness that wrapped around his wrists up his arms, around his abdomen, to finish at a thick gold collar at his throat. His thought had been, young nubile slave, but this had far exceeded his expectations. He'd felt his heartbeat speeding up in anticipation as he'd put on the finishing touches of his costume, but he could also blame that on the euphoria of the drug mixture in his system.

Minutes later, when it was a bit more of a crush, Grisha glided into the crowd, hips swaying sensually, his bare feet padding across the floor as he lurked for a place to rest. Finding a settee empty, Grisha laid along it, unashamed in his near nudity, leg propped up as he waited for his date. The woman was always late, but he’d be okay with it tonight. She’d said she’s surprise him, and this surprise she was sure he'd like. Even with as secretive as she was with her costume, but no matter what, he'd let her lead him by the chain. He lowly chuckled at his corny thought, rolling his shoulders. Nessa would get a kick out of this, and he was ready to see her reaction. Sipping a white wine, he just watched the crowded, lying in wait.

Halloween: it was quite the affair in the wizarding world and Nessa looked forward to it each season. There was a certain weight in the air in autumn that made her feel like anything was possible. The air was crisp, the days were short, the nights long, and it all did wonders for her hair. She'd spent weeks getting all of the pieces for her costume together and exploring all of the options. She had pulled out all of the stops for this night, but it was mostly for Grisha. She'd ignored his floo because she was trying to find a very important part of her costume and she was planning on making it up to him tonight. It took her more time than she was willing to admit to get dressed this afternoon but she was more than pleased with the outcome of her costume.

Using complex magic she had enchanted her own skin to become a dark forest green color. All over her body were magically etched runes that glowed orange like burning embers in a stark contrast to the green. The fiery markings on her face gave off the impression of some kind of warrior and her eyes were charmed to turn entirely black. Her long silky hair was cascading down her back in slight waves and the ends smoldered with enchanted fire to match the way the twisted and gnarled horns on top of her head glowed. Long pointed fingernails and painted lips were minor charms compared to the imposing dark wings that jutted out of her back. The translucent skeletal wings were an illusion, having no weight of their own but that didn't make them any less sinister looking.

With the help of her unsuspecting armor crafting uncle and Etain's skill with enchanting Nessa had put together the perfect outfit to up her demonic presence. Dark metal with a plum undertone mixed in perfect harmony with her dark skin. Corrupted pauldrons jutted out to points where her shoulders angled. The threatening ebony shoulder armor connected over her breast bone and reached up her neck sensually. A sizable gap of inhumanly green skin and cleavage was visible beneath the pauldrons. The ebony plated chest piece, somewhat resembling a corset was shaped expertly with her body, showing off every curve. It came to a edged end at her belly button, leaving her inner hips exposed.

Fiery rune lined upper arms were followed by baneful obsidian colored gauntlets that stopped just short of her wrists. The plated tasset that hung precariously on her waist and hips was part metal part dark plum colored cloth that cascaded down to her knees in split segments, leaving her upper thighs exposed when she walked. Her succubus outfit was finished by the show stopper pointed boots she planned to keep even after this. They reached up past her knees with the same ebony plated metal and malevolent edges. The sheer height of the heals should have had her falling down the stairs but she was practiced when it came to healed boots. She had stared at herself in the mirror for a good twenty minutes, admiring all of the hard work that had turned out this way. There wasn't even a part of her mind that wondered if she had over done it, maybe she had, but this was Halloween, it was the one time of the year she was allowed to.

She and Etain had gotten ready together, like they often did for events, and Nessa was excited to get to the party and see Grisha. They apparated to the alley, looking like fierce apparitions of a world long lost and made their way to the event. Normally Nessa stayed away from drugs, especially magical ones because she'd seen first hand the lasting effects they had. Tonight however, everything was different and she was willing to try just about anything. Parting dark lips she let the gold drop fall on her tongue and almost instantly the effects seeped into her consciousness. As she moved through the room looking for him the ends of her hair continued to smolder and her wings contracted as they would naturally, charms still very much intact. She could feel the music pumping in her veins as she swam through the harem of wizards that more closely resembled other worldly creatures by now. As the beat dropped she felt the crowd around her surge with the music and she couldn't help but sway to it as her all black eyes searched for him.

It took a while but after a minute of standing still in the middle of the pulsing party it seemed like the witches and wizards around her parted at just the right time and in their wake her eyes laid on what she thought might be a golden idol. It was sheer perfection, just the right amount of masculinity wrapped in gold and glimmer. She felt drawn to it as the tempo picked up and as she moved closer she realized it wasn't a statue it was Grigoriy. Normally seeing him this way in public she would of had to take a double take. He was always a classy dresser but never had she seen him so... exposed. There was a certain frailty in the lack of clothing and the collar strapped around his neck but she found it oddly intriguing. She felt herself being pulled toward him, connected to the world in a way she normally wasn't because of the euphoric drug pumping in her veins. As she approached him she tilted her head to the side, wings flexing as she placed a hand on her hip.

Her dark eyes followed the lines of his body as she stood there and stared, she was already a detail oriented witch and now everything was heightened. It was clear on her face as she studied him that she was utterly shocked by what he was wearing. She thought she would have the most revealing costume between the two of them but he had shown her. She leaned over at the waist and trailed her pointed finger along a chain that fell down the center of his chest before she offered him a coquettish smile. "These chains suit you." She whispered in a low voice before tugging gently on them, wishing for him to stand up and greet her properly. She was in costume now, the bossy side out in full force and she was delighted by the costume he had chosen. "Is that drink for me?"

Alain was just finished his second sip of the whiskey when the Vandross appeared at his side. The dark haired French man had to resist the urge to drool as he took in the ward master’s appearance. The scarlet, a bold choice of colour, matched the man’s features nicely creating a commanding and utterly masculine aura. The tightness of the clothing teasingly offered a preview of the rippled physique beneath. Damn, that man knew how to drive him wild!

As Ether complimented the lengths he had gone to for his costume the French man offered the Briton his characteristic smirk. “I am pleased to hear that you approve of my work ethic, master”. The last word was spoken with a slight husk to it as his icy blue eyes gazed intently into the older man’s amber orbs. If pressed on the topic Alain would claim that the title was an allusion to the mythology that believed Satan to be the source of vampires, demons and all things dark. In truth, he hoped it would it would be enough to drive Ether just a little bit wild.

It was then that their lips met the twenty two year allowing a low sensual moan to escape before grinning as Ether pulled back, to order a drink, before it could go too far. “Good choice” he offered cheekily in response to the man’s decision to order an additional whiskey. It was then that Ether asked the obvious question accompanying his choice of costume. Alain said nothing. Instead the blond simply leant closer to him until his lips were just short of the man’s neck. The dark haired ward master able to feel the natural blonde’s breath on his neck. “Not now, but if you play your cards right who knows…”

With a pleased smirk Alain then moved back from Ether. The French man’s actions perfect timing as the bar tender had returned with Ether’s whiskey. “So you insisted on dragging me to this party in particular… Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” Since Ether had been insistent they attend this party, as opposed to the ones in Italy Alain had suggested, the Typh assumed there were other guests Ether wanted to spend some of the night with.

((And Tye is out! Feel free though to have your character approach Ether and Alain as I give @Ether Vandross permission to NPC Alain as needed))

Maia giggled as one of the street girls poked at her wings. They fluttered happily around her, as if they were her own and not enchanted. She didn’t know where Oogie had found the artisan to craft these beauties, but she’d been in awe since they’d been delivered to her. Her Hezurdura had tried to get her to reveal her costume, but Maia was sneaky. He’d see it when he was meant to see it, and not one moment later. She aimed to awe, and it would be no secret if he decided to peek. He'd almost walked into her admiring her gown, but she'd ended up taking it to her cabin, so he couldn't even get a chance. She knew if he really wanted to, he could find out what she was wearing, but she appreciated him not prying.

Her hair was loose, flowing wavy to her waist, shining with a sandalwood oil that perfumed all around her, mixing into the natural scent that emnated from her gown. It was the opposite from what her usual go to of glamour and shine was. It was earthy, natural. The branches of the tree were sprinkled with a light coating of a gold glitter, making her gleam in the light. Her scales were visible and gleaming as well, as if her freedom from the enchanted shackles she usually wore to hide her siren-ness gave them an extra gleam. She’d forgone the charms for tonight, using the night to be the night that she’d walk through the crowds without hiding herself.

It took her a few moments to make it through the crush. People were all over each other, like flies and honey. It was carnal, it was beautiful. It made a white toothed smile appear on Maia’s face as she let loose the allure that  danced tightly against her skin. Eyes glowing blue as if they were lit from within, Maia’s allure danced in the hypnotism that Alioth was playing into his music, enhancing it. She picked up her skirts, revealing golden heels as she made her way through the crowd.

The crowd around Oogie was quiet, as if everyone around him was afraid to talk too loudly and gain his attention. She laughed silently, darting her way behind him. Small hands trailed from his waist to his sides, and along his arms. Raising herself on her heels, she pressed a berry coloured lipstain against his jaw, smirking at the sign of possession that stood out with the magic lipcolour.  Moving to his side, so she could admire him, she let her eyes make a slow trail up his frame, before meeting his eyes. He was beautiful to her most of the times, but he was especially beautiful when he was simply adorned.

“Do you like it? It’s my Persephone gown…” She laughed low and huskily, before staring out to the crowd as he’d been. “It’s such a lovely party…Will you dance with me?” Her fingers twined in his, and she made sure to bat her eyelashes at him. Maybe if she was really good, she would be rewarded with the press of his body against hers, a teasing taste, and something she could look forward to after the party.

Ether smirked as he noticed Alain noticing his costume. He perked up a bit, feeling much better knowing his beau seemed to approve of it. He shook his head and let out a little groan as Alain teased him. "Easy, tiger," he commented, "that's a phrase I could get all too used to," he joked before they kissed. He loved kissing Alain. The Frenchman had this sound he made, sometimes, when their lips met. It sent a little jolt of passion down Ether's spine.

He beamed at the man as he flirted back at him. They had a chemistry between them, and Ether couldn't help but feel like more and more they were moving towards something quite serious. That made him nervous and excited all at once. "Count St. Clare," he said lightly, "it's been less than ten minutes and I'm already hypnotized by you," he teased as the bartender set his whiskey down. He knew there were actual vampires, though the information on them was scarce. It was more fun, for him, to tease about all the stereotypes he'd heard growing up as a muggle kid.

He drank his whiskey and shook his head as Alain spoke to him. "No no, you've made a mistake," he teased, "you're assuming that I have friends," he offered with a wicked smile. He downed the rest of his liquor, which burned hot in his throat, and blinked away the stinging sensation. Suddenly, he had the urge to move. "I didn't bring you here to meet anyone," he said, grabbing his waist once more. "I brought you here to show you off to all of wizarding London," he purred before pulling him forward suddenly. He let out a little laugh, watching him as he looked surprised.

Ether pulled him towards the dance floor and was relentless in his flirtation. "I want to be seen, you and me, together" he offered, pulling the man close and slowly moving to the music. "Just for a while, at least," he clarified. His eyes were intense as they peeked out through his devil mask, watching the man before him. "Then I figured we could get out of here," he suggested, lightly, "you know, unwind on the couch like you suggested..." he said with a cheeky grin. He spun him then, quickly, keeping him on his toes. "I hope you're not too disappointed," he said with a smirk, "but if you are, I'll find a way to make it up to you," he promised before giving him a quick kiss. And then they were dancing, twirling around and moving to the music. And Ether was having a marvelous time.

((If anybody wants a spin off thread for this lemme know ~))

[mer]Hey guys, these entries so far are amazing!
The costume contest will be closing in about a week, so get your entries in if you want to compete.
(this doesn't apply to spin-off threads, only for contest eligibility)[/mer]

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