A Fangtastic Evening (semi-open)

[ninjavampire]

Who: Jaskier, Miguel, a dark lair of vampires.... and YOU?
What: Looking for leads among the Night Denizens (and general mingling)
Where: El Dorado
When: At the break of night, on a cool day in January
Warnings/Notes: vampire related things (blood-drinking, possible violence, being haughty assholes, general debauchery, etc.)

✧☽◯☾✧

You are cordially invited to a

Vampire Soiree

Congratulations! You’ve managed to snag an invitation (or perhaps another backway entry) to an elusive formal gathering of blood-sucking night creatures in El Dorado. Far and away from the visitor-friendly squares and boulevards of the supernatural city, venturing here is almost certainly leaping into the proverbial lion’s den.

Nothing worth pursuing is without its danger, of course. The secrets and gossip among the vampire kin will naturally incline itself to topics surrounding Pitch Black himself, and the assorted myths in his orbit. Or maybe your intentions are a little more altruistic - vampires have thralls, familiars, and other minions that aren’t always there under the best of circumstances. Maybe they could use a hand?

The Hosts of the Night are Countesses Carmilla and Laura, with their party tastes befitting their classic Victorian origins. The decor of the locale’s interior is magically transformed into tall, gothic stonework featuring many feline gargoyles and sea serpent motifs, complete with wax candle ambience and a low pulse of syncretic music. Lavish blood drinks and magically-crafted “foods” line the table. How they keep it fresh is a mystery - but the guests seem to find it of high quality.


Festivities and Etiquette

➺ Myths will need to ✧disguise themselves✧ to trick the guards at the door and/or receive some form of invitation. If they stand out too much, they may be captured (or worse) and crash the party before any useful info can be gathered.

➺ The main menu is the juicy lifeblood of all manner of supernatural creatures (in addition to humans) to tickle eclectic vampire tastes. Blood of a magical origin tends to come with extra effects. Some of it has been magicked into sanguine panna cotta, tartlets, and other hors d'oeuvres to snack on. How bad can a glass of the 1475 Wyvern’s Blood really be?

➺ All manner of vampires are welcomed in as long as they play nice. Have fun with the characters they might bump into, be it in the flavor of Lost Boys or Lady Dimitrescu or Lazlo Cravenworth, or maybe something else unexpected.

➺ There is a snack bar somewhere in a dark part of the hall to keep non-vampire minions fed. The charcuterie board isn’t inedible, but the food is clearly more of an afterthought. At least there’s a cheap red wine included with the crackers and pineapple.


NPC Gossip

➺ Octavian, a vampire low on the totem pole, is Carmilla’s servant and point-person left with the task of party organizing with the ghouls and thralls. Although his reputation is of being calm and diligent, there is a healthy amount of resentment for his lot in life.

➺ Carmilla is known for her ambitious personality and clear interest in expanding her own influence. She has a reputation for being utterly ruthless, but prefers ruling over live (or undead) subjects to wasteful, mindless killing. A little torment, though? That just makes the day interesting.

➺ Laura seems to have the repute of being the more relaxed one, happy to ride the coattails of her partner while pursuing her own flights of fancy in the Arts. She didn’t get to her rank without having her calculating, dangerous side, though.

Comments

[castlekarnstein]

[ Once the last guests wander into the crowd of the party, the two of them meet face-to-face with the Hosts of the Night.

Sitting at the center of the elaborate entablature, Carmilla looks to be in a good mood in her 19th-century style upholstery. It was large enough and luxurious enough to easily fit them both, replete with plush cushions and drinks within easy reach. The overall mood seemed to lean more towards a lounge than a throne room. This was a party, after all, and they were meant to have a good time with their guests (as long as all invitees behaved, of course).

The felines appear to be Carmilla's fancy, as her red and black dress had embroidered motifs of them, and the wrapped feather boa seemed to perfectly echo the curves of a long tail. Her hair fell down beyond her shoulders in a rich mane of black waves, making the gold jewelry stand out all the more. Despite her relaxed attitude, her overview of them from the elevated seat looked all too similar to a cat perusing its prey from a favorite tree branch.

Laura, as her reputation suggested, seemed content to observe at the other vampire's side, dressed in cooler blue and scale patterns. Across her face was only sweet curiosity at the two strangers striding up to greet them, the corners of her mouth turned up into a smile. That meant the sharp points of her fangs were bared first. ]

Oh, some novelty. Seeing a new face seems to be a once-a-decade event around here.

[ Carmilla begins, her voice measured but jovial. She leans forward to indicate her rapt attention fixed on the two of them, but notably addresses Miguel: ]

Your heart is still beating in your chest.

[ninjavampire]

...Right.

[ Miguel is used to being the object of clinging and hugging. It comes with the whole Rescuing People territory. Might even admit that he doesn't hate it, if pressed. The remark from Carmilla leaves him hoping her ears weren't sharp enough to catch their earlier comments.

Once the two of them approach, he forces himself to do the shallow dip of his head, which is about as close to a bow as someone with Miguel's pride allows for. ]

Not being bitten the traditional way comes with its side effects, your ladyship.

[ He decides that if asked, he'll pin the slimy bloodsucker title on his father. Seems fitting for a dhampir story. With the lie practiced well enough, he continues on without stumbling. ]

We come from the keep on Dragonera Isle. My name is Mateo, and as for him -

[ Well. He's not much of an actor, so he doesn't really look tender. But he at least manages a little eye contact with Jaskier while being all nestled close together. ]

I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to bring along, Viscount or otherwise.

[ It's... something of a cue. ]

[composinghistory]

[Julian makes the valiant effort to hold back an eye roll. Anyone with half a brain could tell that Miguel's unused to courtly manners-- the question is, will they chock it up to typical antisocial broody-ness, or will they find it suspicious? He's hoping his own familiarity will lend some credibility to his partner.

He gives a nod to each Countess, at an appropriate depth for someone a rank above his own.]

Viscount Julian Alfred Pankratz, Your Ladyships. If I may say, you have put together an impressive event, and look as stunning as when the evening sun kisses the horizon and turns the sky gold.

[His compliment is genuine-- the two women look (terrifyingly) beautiful-- but he's not actually trying to flirt. He doesn't move from his spot at Miguel's side so that no matter how many pretty words he may use, his allegiance is clear.]

[castlekarnstein]

That old dog Dracula would be positively scandalized.

[ Laura says it with genuine amusement to her partner, and the two Countesses exchange a knowing look between each other that must have whispered a hundred unspoken words. How long has it been since they've basked in sunlight? The former continues to look warm, the other a calm enigma. Carmilla leans forward and rests a chin in her hand, addressing Miguel - but really, it was for both of them. ]

You should leave your isle more often, Viscount. It's not often we get Dhampyr and their partners as guests. They tend to have knives at our hearts more often than they take seats at our dinner tables.

[ Some courtly awkwardness can be forgiven among vampires, it seems, but they've definitely garnered some attention from their hosts and from a few wayward eyes. ]

Of course, those particular daywalkers don't get to see any more pretty sunrises after that.

[ninjavampire]

[ Miguel's face remains expressionless as he comes to quickly understand why Blade's choice of interaction with Vampires often involve copious amounts of silver ammunition. He doesn't like vague threatening.

But he is also extremely aware of the fact that his surliness and general appearance made it hard to argue he was just here for a peaceful chat... Unfortunately for him, that's what he'll have to try to sell. Dryly, he adds: ]

I'd rather not tear up the coat, my Lady.

[ Something clever to diffuse the tension. He hopes. Miguel doesn't forget the polite(ish) addition to the end. ]

[composinghistory]

[Julian takes the vague threatening in stride.]

I should hope not, it suits you so well.

[He reaches up and fusses with the shoulders of said coat. It's a subtle show of possession more than anything.

He hooks his arm back around Miguel's and leans his weight against him.]

I've been telling him we need to get out more for ages. After spending all that time indoors my skin has been suffering, darling.

[There's value in being seen as vapid and frivolous-- people tend not to pay as much attention. They don't watch what they say around you the same way.

Julian turns his full attention back to the Countesses and flashes a large, if a tad mischievous, grin.]

We promise to be on our best behavior. We wouldn't want to ruin our chances of getting another invitation, would we my dear?

[That last part is directed at Miguel.]

[ninjavampire]

[ His attention flits to Jaskier's hands in a very convincing display of non-plussed familiarity. He doesn't retreat from the new intrusion on his space at all. ]

After all the trouble in making the trip?

[ Miguel allows a little eye contact to linger between them after responding to Jaskier. That's what couples do, right? Enjoying each other's proximity and other such silly things. ]

At that point I'd deserve the earful.

[castlekarnstein]

[ Their reaction to the test seems satisfactory enough. Above all, what mattered to Carmilla appears to be some appropriate deference and an indication that they were interested in playing ball. Vampires could be a haughty bunch at times, so a little bend was allowed before striking down rude individuals for their faux pas.

Between their banter and 'Julian' playing a bit of the fool, they are deemed acceptable enough to be allowed to enter without being mauled for interrupting the vampires' groove. ]

It's still a party, dears, do try to enjoy it. Just be mindful of the delectable flush of your cheeks.

[ Delicate fingers draw a swirl in the air over towards Jaskier's general direction - more theatrical than threatening. Laura is in a good enough mood to chuckle, which was great news for them. Carmilla seems to respond to the energy of the other vampire and allows a smile across her sharp features when she and Miguel catch each others' focus. ]

Even Dhampyr should be able to taste the difference of our vintage. I encourage you to try it, and see what you've been missing.

[composinghistory]

[Julian gives an only slightly nervous chuckle at the joke. He doesn't fail to notice the Countess' polite dismissal.]

Well, the refreshments are always my second stop at any party, so we will gladly take your recommendation. We thank you, Your Ladyships.

[This time he bows to them properly-- they have more than earned his respect (and an appropriate amount of fear, and a likely inappropriate amount of lust).

He leans back against Miguel, giving him a sly look and a bit of a smirk. He speaks low enough to seem like he thinks he's being quiet, but loud enough the likely enhanced ears of the Countesses will be able to catch it.]

You'll have to let me know how it compares to my own... blend, darling.

[He takes a moment to see if his companion's cheeks flush. He's decided that that is his own personal goal for the evening: make Miguel blush as many times as possible.]

[ninjavampire]

[ Oh, they didn’t fuck it up? Great! ]

I look forward to it, your Ladyships.

[ and following Jaskier’s example, his head dips again and even manages to forego his ego to do it a little deeper, this time.

But he is caught slightly off guard at the implication of the whisper, taking a second to realize Jaskier was referring to blood, his blood compared to that of the party-provided delicatessen. Oh.

He blinks at the source of extra weight on his body, definitely a little flustered but not enough to ruddy his cheeks much. Maybe it was his complexion. Maybe Jaskier simply needs to go at it a little harder. ]

Hm. Careful what you wish for.

[ also at a low note, playing into the little back-and-forth of their act. ]

[castlekarnstein]

Octavian can guide you lovebirds to the lounges. Go on.

[ Carmilla rests her face in her hand and gestures for them to be very gingerly shooed away from the throne and into the crowd. She's not offended by the display, but she is not letting PDA take over her vampire court. Not when there's a line behind them.

The two of them banter lightly as the next group of vampires walks up. ]

Ah, don't you feel nostalgic at all...? It's been almost two hundred years.

Hmm. Perhaps a touch.

[ Laura seems to be the romantic, maybe because she had once been the human lover to her Countess before she was turned. And so, in a way, Julian has most certainly managed to endear himself more than he might expect. ]

[composinghistory]

Never, darling.

[Julian feels much better now that the introductions are over. That went very well.

Charming the hosts is half the battle-- there's a lot one can get away with when you have put yourself in a favorable position. Other guests will have observed that interaction and be eager to socialize. The desire to impress and manipulate the newcomers is likely to loosen their tongues. He can practically feel the envious gazes following him and his partner as they move.]

But such wishes will have to wait, I was promised refreshments.

[He begins to look around for this Octavian fellow the Countess referred to.]

[ninjavampire]

[ Miguel does not miss the few stares in the dim light of the hall, which is to be expected. Getting along with the heads of any party granted them some legitimacy and tended to draw attention. Nothing immediately dangerous, so he doesn't let his own eyes linger for too long.

He wastes no time pacing away from the center of the crowd, preferring his place blended somewhat among the other groups of nocturnal denizens of the court. Dryly, he adds: ]

Not a bad start to the evening.

[ As for their guide, there appears to be some kind of vampire butler floating in a less populated corner of the hall. Framed against the large stones of the old castle, his fussy, dandy-like appearance was far less threatening than the Countesses. He was occupied with an undead thrall that had tripped over a discarded, empty bottle and was having trouble coordinating its limbs. ]

Calen, you're in no condition to be working on the main floor. Return to the catacombs with the others and see if there's something that requires a bit less balance for you to do.

[ Octavian's voice is a crisp and well-articulated sing-song. Calen releases a zombie groan in response. ]

[composinghistory]

I'd call it a rather excellent one.

[Julian? Feeling confident and cocky from the first success of the evening? Never! This is a normal amount of smugness-- an appropriate amount of satisfaction for a job very well done.]

That seems to be the fellow.

[He starts moving toward the levitating gentleman. His steps stutter a little when he sees the undead creature. All of his instincts (and an annoyed, raspy voice in his head) are yelling at him to run very quickly in the opposite direction. It takes a second to realize that the thing seems to be somewhat tame.

He keeps walking, mostly because he's unsure that Miguel would accommodate a minor freakout in the middle of the hall, but he has a distinct air of nervousness about him.]

Can you fly? I've seen you climbing walls and such, but if you've been capable of levitation this whole time and haven't informed me, I'm warning you now that I'll be rather cross.

[Unfortunately, Julian's nervousness tends to manifest in a high volume of words.]