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

[pun_king]

"Fair Lady Belle!" Graham greeted her back, not one to be stopped by awkward costumes when hugs were involved, either, and when it was over, he stepped back for a better look at her costume, too.

"Zounds," he said, "you look like you'd be just great for curling up with on a chilly autumn day!"

....and then he realized how that might have sounded out of context of her being a very lovely looking book and here came the awkward chuckle, the rubbing of the back of his neck, and so, so much blushing.

"Err...I mean...great costume. I see you've really taken quite the page out of excellence, if you don't spine me saying so!"

Puns! Puns will save the day!

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Belle's cheeks flushed a little at that.

"And you look delicious, Sir Knight. Perhaps with chocolate and a marshmallow?"

She grinned at him, just a little wickedly. "I'd be pleased to curl up with you any time."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[pun_king]

Oh no! The puns were not saving the day! And the red that had claimed his ears and nose were now making very quick work of the rest of his face.

"....heh," he said. Eloquently. Then blinked, shook his head, and realized that maybe he should try words, actually.

"That does sound pretty nice," he admitted. "Especially since I know you're pretty full of all sorts of good stories..."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Perhaps the puns had saved the night?

"We haven't shared a good story in some time," Belle pointed out. "Perhaps we could...read together?"

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[pun_king]

"...tonight?" Graham asked, eyes gone a little wide again as he gulped down a little nervous hopefulness.

He hadn't thought about them saving the night, no.

You'd think by now, he might have, but...

Then he couldn't help grinning.

"I think that sounds really great, Belle. It's like we're already on the same..."

Wait for it.

"Page!"

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[noonedecidesmyfate]

"Reading between the lines?" Belle suggested, fighting back a giggle.

"Unless you've other plans I was hoping to find a tale with a happy ending tonight..."