The Creepy And Now Holiday-Appropriate Mansion, Thursday Evening

[deathsmajesty]

Once again, the gate that blocked off the bottom end of Phoenix Way was opened, inviting everyone to the creepy (though much less abandoned) mansion. This time, however, instead of being guided around to the gardens, the lit path led them to the front door, where the a tall figure in a tattered robe and deep cowl gestured for them to step inside the door and get onto a...boat? Once people had climbed in settled themselves, the ferryman began to guide the ship down the River Styx. Or, okay, their long entrance hallway, with blue lights to either side of their boat to mimic water and bathing everyone in an eerie blue glow. (Yes, okay, the boat perhaps wheeled down the hallway rather than floated, but they had not refinished this house just to flood the hallway for verisimilitude. Even if Liliana had considered it for a few minutes.)

The double doors leading to the ballroom were opened, with thick fog rolling out of the doorway. And through that doorway, people could descend the stairs into the Underworld proper. Black and gold were the prevailing color, with deep red nods to a pomegranate motif. Gold coins and loose gemstones added to the decor, a nod to Hades' wealth - but even amidst all the dark opulence, touches of other colors could be seen: tucked away in various corners and small niches were flowering plants, a surprise kiss of springtime to be found in the least likely places. Rather than one large chandelier, they had several, creating areas of both light and shadow around the ballroom.

Welcome to the Underworld, dear friends.

Comments

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[moreofaponchoguy]

The kissing was definitely encouragement that he was on the right track, and Cal kissed Arden back happily. "Oh good, because I want to go with you too," he said. "Partly because I don't want to go by myself and look weird, but I also want to do things with you all the time. As much as you want, I mean."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[afraid_of_marshmallows]

"All the time," she agreed. "I mean, that was true before, too. That's why we're...kissing, right?" She still wasn't sure what to call it. "Everything we were before and now more."

And then she grinned and reached for his hand. "Let's get you some candy so you can have the energy to keep up with me on the dancefloor."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[moreofaponchoguy]

The noise Cal made at the mention of candy was probably a little embarrassing, but if anyone would understand his inner child getting its moment, it would be Arden.

"You know just what to say to me," he said, taking her hand.