It's a Party, People! (Open!!!!)

[Aidara]

Time stamp: 5th of Fall, 511 AV Where: The Courtyard of the Sky, Wind Reach Who: Sira, Open There was just too much to do. Why do I keep doing this to myself? Sira was on the other side of the city, procuring the supplies they needed and yet she still had to deal with Whiny Aidara. These reverts back into an eight year old happened when the little healer jumped into something over her head; in this case, it was the party. For months, Sira and Addy had kept the news of their baby relatively quiet. People knew of course, since Wind Reach was a rumor factory, though no one really spoke of it openly or to the couple directly. Addy was claiming the baby was hers, and even the village idiot would know that it was just not possibly true. But both women stuck to their guns, refusing to deviate from what they were claiming as the truth; the unborn child’s ‘sperm donor’ didn’t even know that he was technically a daddy. Needless to say, this party was a huge deal. It was both of the women’s way of officially spreading the news and making it into a huge celebration. It was the Endal pair’s way of daring the rest of the population to deny them this truth: That they were having a baby. Don’t forget to get enough to drink and eat. Especially enough to eat. Soon enough, everyone is going to be eating blue mold. I want them to remember this with both fondness and envy. Even her mental voice sounded out of breath. Currently, the woman was lugging furniture around the Courtyard of the Sky. Along with a team of Deks, Addy had procured a few of the unused Market stalls, and were having them set up along the far edge of the Courtyard, where Addy had envisioned putting the food. At either end of the row of stalls were long, wide tables. These…were for gifts. Yes, gifts. You go to a baby shower, you bring gifts. The women weren’t expecting extravagant or expensive things, no. They were hoping for clothing, toys and the baby necessities; the things that both full-time working women didn’t have time to make themselves. Addy thought it was a fair trade: gifts for food and fun. Since food was unusually hard to come by during the winter, Addy had brainstormed with Sira and the idea they came up with was amazing. The party favors to be handed out to the attendees would be salted meats and preserved fruits. Granted, Addy had to pay for the fruits herself while Sira had to hunt for extra meat to have salted, but there was enough for everyone to take home and store for the more desperate times during the winter. Currently, the said favors were sitting in a jumble along one of the columns that encircled the yard. Addy was waiting for Sira to return so they could work together on getting them ready to give away. “Please be gentle with that. Put it right in the center. Yes, right there is fine.” Shooing away the dek that had carried the circular table into the center, Addy walked around the piece a few times; pulling it this way and that until she was satisfied that it would be the center of attention. By now she was sweating profusely, as their luck had failed them and the day had turned out to be unbearably hot. “At least it’s not raining.” She mumbled, by way of comforting herself. Balancing her hands on her hips, Addy took the moment for a breather, simply standing and watching those she had enlisted scurry around the yard following out her orders. It was times like these that Addy really appreciated being an Endal. Everyone listened to what you said when you were on top. That, and being rather beautiful, made Addy’s life easier than most. It was an unfortunate truth that the healer was well aware of, and while was unashamed of this fact, she also used it to her advantage but she never took advantage of anyone. And that’s what makes the difference. Addy was just about to dive back into the work when a familiar shadow passed overhead. Setting down the box of decorations she carried, Addy turned her eyes skyward to follow Siras flight path. The tilt of her wings gave away her direction and when Addy saw the great birds tail feathers flare, she started to walk over where Sira was intending to land. First to hit the ground were the bags that Sira carried; Addy avoided the bigger bags, but stopped at the smallest one. From within, she pulled out bryda , vinati and a pair of sandals and stood waiting as Sira wafted to the ground. Feathers, beak and claw disappeared and a beautiful, lithe woman straightened where the eagle once was. Smiling, Addy handed her Love the clothes, having to go up onto tip-toe to place a kiss on the taller woman’s cheek. “It’s about time you got here. We’ve still got most everything to do! I hope that’s the food, because I am officially recruiting you to help with the decorations!” Sira didn’t even have time to reorient herself now that she was grounded before Addy had her hand in hand, pulling her into the midst of the preparations.

[Sira]

Timestamp: 3rd of Fall, 511 AV Location: Thunder Bay Sira floated through the sky over Thunder Bay, her keen eyes watching the water's surface for signs of movement. She had been out for most of the day, searching, and so far she had had no luck whatsoever. Sira was out further than she would normally have liked, also, but she was hunting for something specific, and dangerous. Something Sira usually avoided, not being the largest of wind eagles, but it was still something she could handle. She just.. preferred not to. There were so much easier things to hunt for than killer whale. She was starting to give up. The sun was beginning to set in the east and she knew once night fell there was no way she'd spot the black creatures in the dark. Just as she was about to turn back, though, she spotted them. It was the spout that drew her attention, followed by several more. A pod of killer whales, swimming together. Sira had to be quick, she had to catch one before they dove down again, otherwise she might loose track of them and have to go home empty handed, or taloned as it were. Sira quickly sorted out the smallest one, a juvenile, but still very large in comparison to the tuna Sira would normally hunt out in the bay. Steeling her nerves she prepared for the dive. Her tactic was the same as any sea bird, a sudden corkscrew that sent her plummeting straight for the choppy water and the whale below. The whale never saw her coming. Rarely did such large creatures worry about things from above. The few predators that usually hunted whale most often came from below, so as the water raced up at her and the whale grew bigger and bigger Sira felt the satisfaction of knowing she was about to succeed. She hit the water with a splash, her talons digging into the whales back. It took all her strength to lift the small whale out of the water and into the air. The animal writhed in her talons and Sira screeched, clamping down harder. It was hard to fly straight with the whale flailing around in her clutches, but Sira knew she needed to get back to shore as quickly as possible. She turned for land and flew as quickly as she could, but the whale wouldn't go down with out a fight. It flailed it's black and white torso until Sira could hold on no longer, and the injured beast fell back into the ocean. Not that it mattered, Sira was right behind it. Before it even had a chance to realize what had happened Sira was upon it again, her talons digging in deeper than before, and again she lifted into the sky. The whale died on the flight home, and when Sira landed she immediately set the Deks to work prepping the carcass for the party to come. Timestamp: 4th of Fall, 511 AV Location: Courtyard of the Sky The Deks had done a good job, as they usually did, and the following morning the whale was chopped up and ready to go. A good portion was stored for the winter, but there was more than enough meat for the party. They also had the fruit she had requested, and everything was loaded up into bags which Sira flew to the Courtyard of the Sky. Addy was waiting for her when she arrived, and she didn't even have a chance to put on her clothes before the healer was already dragging her away. Stumbling to put her clothes on, Sira tried to process everything Aidara was saying. "Yes, that's the food. Fruit and whale, and more than enough for everyone. What? The decorations aren't ready yet? Addy, you gotta be more firm with these dek." Sira shouted at a pair of dek to begin setting up the food, then pointed at another pair to follow herself and the healer to the decorations. The next hour or so was quite hectic. Sira and Addy were running about, shouting orders and doing a lot of hands on work themselves. But soon enough everything began to fall into place. The table's were loaded with food, except of course for the ones reserved for presents, chairs and decorations were placed, and Addy was constantly fixing this or that tiny detail that Sira herself would have, and usually did, miss. A big banner had been made to announce the occasion, Sira and Aidara's Baby Shower. Everything was almost ready, but Sira wanted to do something before the guest started arriving. "Addy.. calm down for a minute. I want to show you something." Sira dragged Aidara away from the table she was fussing over and pulled her aside. There was one bag Aidara had missed, probably because it was so small and also because Sira had snatched it up before Addy had ever gotten a chance to see it. "I have something for you. I made this a long time ago.. and I've been waiting for a chance to give it to you." Sira reached into the pocket of her bryda and pulled out a small fur pouch made from some exotic animal. "I had Vala engrave it, but I did all the rest. I.. I hope you like it." Sira handed the pouch over and watched as Aidara opened it. Inside was a seashell necklace which Sira had crafted her self over the summer, though the shell itself she had had since that day back on the beach where everything had almost fallen apart. On the inside of the shell was an engraving, filled in with waterproof black ink. It read: "For the girl who saved my life in more ways than she knows. Love, Sira." OOC : Of course.. the necklace isn't actually on a manikin. But that's the only pic I had of it. It was made back in this thread and the shell was acquired here.

[Taln]

Fresh from the Tisuma baths and wearing his best custom lontev, Taln moved with swift strides. The man had been up since before dawn, setting up tables, lifting heavy supplies, bringing in chairs and all the other tasks that seemed to need urgent doing at what ever moment the woman chose. The copper haired man knew Addy briefly from the Infirmary, and she'd been kind. The other woman however... Taln didn't finish that thought, not even a little. You just didn't mess with Endals--especially the females. Like the eagles they rode and other birds of prey, the female was always meaner and tougher than the males. Yet another enormous load of food trays needed to be brought to the tables. His vivid emerald eyes glittered with hunger as he fetched tray after tray of delectable goodies, pastries, aromatic meats and gourmet dishes for the fussiest of palates. The dek had never seen so much food in one place at one time in his entire life! He was hard put not to drool over it, when the Endal started yelling again and pointed at him imperiously. He obeyed promptly, wincing at Sira's loud voice as she scolded Addy not to be so 'nice' to his caste. Hauling twelve trays of food you can't have while you're literally starving to death was 'nice?!' With bold, efficient gestures, she shooed him and another dek off to set up the various colored decorations. Satin ribbons, fine linens and beautifully crafted table pieces needed placement and there were more tables around than Taln wanted to count. Everything looked festive, high class and ready for the party of the century. Incredibly delicious food scents drifted temptingly through the cool air, drawing every Inarta with a nose. Each chair and table were finely made in and of themselves, but each was graced with a plethora of flowers, ribbons and satins to add that perfect touch. Even the breeze seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation of the big event.

[Sarye]

Getting ready for a party was something that Sarye intensely looked forward to after being invited. It meant time to focus completely on beautifying herself and she liked the undivided attention to her skin, face, and hair. Sarye liked any chance to celebrate and a baby was probably her favorite. She had adored shopping for the little one or ones that were on the way. She finally decided on several brydas in different shades and a beautifully blown glass fountain her father had given to her for the ladies. Who said the parents couldn't get something nice as well as the babies?

Sarye made her way to the courtyard feeling the hot sun beating down on her neck and her back. She was glad to have light colored clothes on today as she could tell this was going to be a hot one since sweat was already starting to fall down her back. Fall was unpredictable along with all of the other seasons in Wind Reach but some days you needed your Katinu more than others with the winter wind starting to come in. Today was not one of those days.

Looking around she saw all the lavish decorations and food. Oh the food was wonderful she could already tell! She was glad to be off yesterday now that she saw this food. She would have been the one preparing it if she wasn't and now she could just enjoy the food and the fun of the day. Noticing the empty table she assumed these were for the gifts and walked over there to place her gifts on the table. Turning around she noticed the happy couple busy with each other and Taln looking around at the decorations. She could feel her heart rate increasing at the sight of this man. She hadn't seen him since he helped her talk to her sister even though that hadn't gone well she was still thankful for his help. She knew she couldn't go over and talk to him or she would end up getting him in trouble but she could go admire the table he was standing by. Making her way over to the table she took deep several deep breaths and tried to calm her fast beating heart.

"Beautiful tables, decorations, and amazing food. This is going to be a great party," Sarye said once she made it to a seat at the table trying to make it sound like she was just talking to herself. She couldn't help but smile at Taln.

[Rista]

A party... It wasn't something she was accustomed to. Aside from the musical events that were free for all to go to, Rista wasn't usually very involved when it came to socializing or dressing up. The whole thing with this baby celebration made her a bit nervous; she was rather glad to have been invited not as a guest, but as someone to help with the food. A strange choice since she hadn't spent all that much time in the kitchens, but she supposed she would be able to at least make sure the plates were filled, and carry around a tray of food for people to take while talking and mingling about.

Allowing herself to look up briefly as the Eagle swooped in over the Courtyard, Rista straightened her back a bit and glanced around the open space. There were things to do still, arrangements to be made and tables to move to their rightful places. Over a distance she watched Taln work hard, the man looking decidedly pained; no wonder really, considering how he fed all his rations to the fledgling he was raising. She was tempted by the amounts of food as well, especially when displayed in this kind of quantity. It seemed to be a weakness of hers; while she wasn't gluttonous in any way, it was a slight charm about savoring the taste of something deliciously cooked... She had been spoiled lately. Fed both by the gatekeeper and Kikue, she better start cutting down on the treats, if she wasn't to get fat.

As if trying to forget her temptations, the black-eyed yasi emerged herself in work, and didn't realize that people were starting to arrive until she looked up and noticed an unknown woman standing by one of the tables. Taking a deep breath and straightening up from the tray she had been struggling to decorate, the girl licked her lips nervously and tried to straighten out a few wrinkles on her dark bryda. She wished she'd had something to bring as a gift for the hosting couple. She wished even more that she owned some clothing that looked a bit better than these; it was just her normal every day wear, albeit slightly better taken care of than usual. Mostly it was because of the effort she had made to look herself good for the hunt with Fois Endal - something that still annoyed her a bit since it made her feel silly - but she actually had tried to shape up a bit for this thing. The hair had been washed and combed and braided neatly into a rather strict looking knot at the back of her head, and while the leather vinati that covered her chest was clean and oiled until it gleamed softly and felt smooth to the touch, it still felt like she was a bit plainer and filthier than the rest...

Ah well, it wasn't her party, she didn't really need to look the part. Trying to make the best of the situation, the short yasi picked up a plate filled with something that looked like slices of soft bread, a creamy white paste of some sort and thin slices of marinated fish placed neatly on top. It smelled delicious, and it was with only the strongest of self-restraint that she managed not to sneak a bite for herself. It was best that she simply focused on the things she had been set to do; arming herself with a brief smile, the yasi took the tray and began to stroll over the courtyard, not sure what to do with herself. She felt a bit awkward; not only was this a celebration over a very private thing, the ones holding the party were Endal both of them. She knew Taln enough to have things to talk to him about, but in a company like this she wasn't sure if it was good for either of them; he'd draw unwanted attention, and someone might get the idea that she felt comfortable around the drudges, enough to talk to them so casually. It might be true with Taln, but when it came down to it, he didn't really act like a dek all the time... at least she knew he didn't. As for the rest of the guests.. She didn't think there'd be too many that she knew. How much could a girl like her have in common with a pair of very successful Endal, after all? The thought almost made her chuckle, and the smile grew a wider on her lips.

[Sairque]

Sira’s not the only one bringing home the bacon for this shindig : Timestamp: Third of Fall, 511 AV Location: The Unforgiving Catabasis deliberately allowed his shadow to cross over a herd of elk and spooked them in a dead gallop toward the North where his Endal waited. He, meanwhile, winged back East toward a river where it was a sure bet he would find bear. Sai shouldered the long bow, secured the quiver, and took a tentative hold on the cliff face looming over the diminutive Inarta. From the images Catabasis transmitted, if she could get high enough, the elk would run through this chute and she could take several shots to make up for the baby-related activities that had lately overshadowed hunting. She had to make up for the missed work, and frankly, had been quite anxious that they wouldn’t find anything or she’d be unsuccessful. The odds had inclined toward her at least a little bit with the discovery of the herd. Calloused fingers digging into the slight depressions of the stone fifteen feet above the ground, the flight leader clung to the wall with desperate strength while searching for an acceptable foothold. Finally, the toe of her boot skidded to a stop on something that while unable to hold her complete weight, she could balance enough of it on to make a reach for a nice bowl-like pocket just over her head. A few smoother flat surfaces that left her stymied later, and she heard her Eagle’s warning cry. He’d spooked them and she still wasn’t in position. Anxiety forcing a sheen of sweat onto the pale surface of her skin, the last few rushed feet to the designated ledge were a dangerous and slippery finale to the climb. Letting out a shaky breath, the Endal set her quiver to the side on the table-sized ledge and fitted one arrow onto the string. The ungulates would run single file through this narrow ravine, and hopefully, if all went as theorized, three or four elk would fall. The thundering of their hooves alerting the predator, Sai crouched to blend better in with the rock behind her and drew. The first deadly shaft aimed for the second elk in line missed, shooting through the gap between it and the elk in front of it. Startled, but unable to stop with the animals behind it pushing or change directions, it ignored the unsettling occurrence and continued. Deftly, another arrow found itself on string and then hurling toward another target. This one hit and the elk fell solid. The ones behind it jumped over, but a minor bottle necking occured, and, fearful that they would turn around and seek another route, Sai hurried with another arrow. It took all her concentration and fear of not pulling in enough meat to earn her keep to bring down another two beasts. A bell later, with still no sign of Catabasis and no hint as to what he was doing, the second elk was being bled to preserve the meat. The small, viciously curved blade whisked through the flesh and hide along the back of the creature’s leg, severing an artery of some sort. The third animal didn’t need it, as the arrow hadn’t pierced enough vital area to kill the thing on its own. Disappointed at the messy kill, and unnecessary knowledge the thing was privy to, Sai had slit its throat and let it bleed out that way. One of these days she would need to get a lesson from Aidara on the inner workings of the creatures she hunted. Much to her own astonishment, and the Deks at the processing center, the duo dropped off not only three large elk but two male bears. The Eagle had been silent on the trip back, and Sai refrained from asking. It hadn’t been a smooth hunt, but he’d been determined to bring back a wedding gift for the couple. A few scratches, as he would call them, but what his healer would call gashes, later, and some chew marks, and something that made him favor his left leg, and he’d secured his gift. Coming in hot on Sira’s tail, her larger roommate, the big black one, landed not in the Courtyard proper, where he would undoubtedly be in the way, but one of the many perches designed for Eagle’s inclusion into the activities. He balanced precariously, subtle brushings of his wings helping, with one foot clenched around a perch. Sharp golden eyes scanned through the crowd until alighting on the very dek he’d heard had prepared the wrapping of the meat, and, appreciating the luck, the chef that had smoked it, turned it into jerky, sausage, and similar things. Taln and Sarye, respectively. Come, he beckoned both, not unkindly, for though it was their job, they’d both done well at something he simply couldn’t do being a bird. Set these satchels on the gift table, he requested, waiting until they’d arrived to drop the two large chest sized bags for them. One and a half bears had gone to the larder, and just half were going to the couple. It wasn’t really a baby present in the traditional sense, but it needed its mothers fed, didn’t it? Thank you for the speed with which you accomplished your tasks, the Eagle intoned soberly to the two before releasing them to enjoy themselves. Sairque, meanwhile, popped into the Courtyard, a thin leather casing for protecting parchment tucked under one arm. Clad in a clean set of white bryda and an orange vinati, the garments had the opposite colored embroidered in in the shapes of birds. In the myriad of braids her dark, lustrous hair had been done up in twinkled an array of sparkling glass beads. Unsurprised at the amount of people showing up for the celebration thrown by and in honor of the two much loved women, the short Endal zig zagged through the crowd in search of the lovely couple. Instead she tripped over a dark haired mongrel and nearly sent the girl flying with her platter. Clutching the gift to her chest, Sai eyed Rista for a frightening second with a cold glare before abruptly breaking into a grin and clapping her on the shoulder. “Don’t look so miserable! It’s not every day that my sisters have a baby! And for goodness sake, eat some of this, you look half starved!” the flight leader ordered, yellow eyes dancing with affection for the half-blood. “Whenever you manage to pawn that job off on someone else, come find us.” Leaving the girl to her task, which she really wasn’t suited for at all, parties should be waited on by happy bubbly obnoxious people! Sai meandered away through the crowd once more on her quest. Yet again, she didn’t find the women but did find the gift table. After a hard moment scrutinizing it for the absolute best most safest place, the meticulous woman finally settled it in the center, beneath some light weight gifts, probably cloth. Those shouldn’t smudge anything. The package was unadorned, with no way to tell who it had come from, but Sai knew that the gift would eventually bring the couple to her. And so the search began anew! Gift : The gift was prepared here. You can skip to the last few posts, where Raptor comes in, if you'd like.

[Aidara]

"Oh!" Almost instantly upon being presented with the necklace, Addy had burst into tears. If it wasn't for the fact that Sira was bulging beneath her clothes, onlookers might have thought that the little woman was the pregnant one. "Oh Sira! Put it on, put it on!" Turning around and lifting the ridiculous mass of auburn curls from the nape of her neck, Addy patiently waited as she felt Sira slip the necklace around her neck and clasp it deftly. "Its beautiful" She breathed, tilting her chin down into her chest as she tried to view the jewerly where it hung. "When did you do this?! How did you do this?! Where did you get the shell?" It was the perfect length, clearly Sira had put a lot of thought into it; the twisted white shell hung so that it's tip barely dangled between her breasts. With Sira's prompting, Addy read the engraving. This produced more tears as she clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from wailing. Flinging herself into Sira's arms, Addy wrapped her legs around the Kelvic's waist, kissing her deeply and seemingly unconcerned by the onlookers. "But... I didn't have a... I don't... I didn't make you anything!" Looking purely distraught as she pulled back from the kiss, Addy fiddled with her new necklace. "I mean, I had planned on it...but... Oh, Sira! I'm sorry!" And there were more tears. It was true, Addy was planning a present for Sira but with all of the work that the party had presented, as well as her double duties... it had simply slipped her mind. The healer knew that Sira wouldn't be upset with her, and it would only take moments for the kelvic to calm Addy down, and only a few moments longer than that for her to be back to her bubbly self. Stress really did send the woman through a roller coaster of emotions. By the time she had regained her composure, the Deks, Yasi and various other Chiet and Avora she had enlisted to help had finished setting up. "Thank you! Thank you all! This looks fabulous!" Clapping her hands together in appreciation of the work done, Addy swung her gaze wide to encompass them all. "I now officially invite you all to attend. Yes, all of you." She had been ready for the skeptic looks and the utter confusion on the faces of the lower castes; they were never invited. They only served and disappeared. But not this time. "Please, enjoy. The food shall be here shortly." A few of the Avora who were in charge of the kitchens hadn't yet arrived with the main dishes, most of the food that was displayed was finger treats. With all the preperations complete, Addy took a moment off her feet. Perching on the stone wall that encompassed the Courtyard, the little woman plucked a few fruits from a tray and sat nibbling as she watched the guests arrive. She needed a few moments to herself, to sit and recoop, before throwing herself into the fray of Hostessing. OOCMingle! Talk to each other, introduce yourself etc. Talk to a caste your PC normally wouldn't, approach the opposite sex if your PC normally wouldn't etc. This wont work and it won't be fun if we don't socialize Sira and I have plans for the party, but we need to get some action going first! Eoin, I also left you an opening so that you may jump in whenever you show your pretty face back in miz!

[Krysanthe]

The volcano was swarming with excitement. Much like bees, the Inarta were absolutely buzzing with anticipation for what was to be one of the biggest parties in Inarta history. A baby shower for two well loved Endals. How wonderful. All the workers fluttered about with preparations, and soon enough, everything would be ready, and next thing you know, the party was started. Yes, she had gotten the invitation, but for the longest time, Krysanthe had no intention of going. She absolutely hated social events, and the very thought of so many people put her on edge. The woman had every intention of not going. Still, it appeared that the wish was not going to be granted in her case, for she soon found herself staring in the mirror once again, trying to fix her old, worn Vinati. She desperately wanted to buy a new one, for if she was going to go to such a wonderful event, then she would feel incredibly ashamed to wear such a garment. Still, the party was today. It was a little last minute to go clothes shopping. The golden eyed girl ran a brush through her hair. She thanked the gods that it was not entirely insane today. It only had a bit of a wave to it, instead of the wool-like curl it occasionally sprung up. The humidity was not terrible, just her luck. Krysanthe recalled the day before, as she heard everyone talk about the party to come. It seemed even the deks were excited. Everyone who was anybody and then some were going to be at the event. Every hall she walked down, every room she went in, every voice she heard was talking about the party. What they would wear. What they would give the couple. Whether they would be ‘fashionably late’ or if that was rude. Every time she heard some talk of the party, they mentioned something about the people who didn’t come. How if they didn’t come to this huge event, that they would never come to anything. One comment stuck in her mind. ‘I hope those people who don’t even talk don’t show up at the party tomorrow.’ Krysanthe made a point at not being noticed when she listened to this conversation. ‘I mean, no one wants them there. Nothing is worse than a party crasher.’ Purely for the reason of proving to that random citizen, (of whom she will likely never see again), Krysanthe made up her mind to go to the party. Well, she would like to think it was because of pride, but she also heard they were giving out food for party favors. She was always worried during the winter. She still had a bit of dried fruit hiding away in her top dresser drawer. The food was just a bonus, she told herself. She would like to think she had a bit more purpose than that, that her life meant a little more. Pride. It was about pride. She had to salvage whatever it is she had left, and this was her chance. She took one last look in the mirror. She was only moderately satisfied with her appearance, but she knew that no matter how many times she fussed with herself, she wasn’t going to look any better. She tore her gaze from the reflective glass, looking over to a gift wrapped on top of her bed. Krys hated the fact that she had to spend any money what so ever, but she figured it would be rude to show up empty handed. Beneath a pale, pastel blue wrapping and a thin purple ribbon with matching bow, was a box. This little square box contained a toy, wrapped with plain white tissue paper. The toy was a little purple bunny rabbit, with eyes made of blue, crystal-like glass. Krys figured that whether the baby was going to be a boy or girl, purple would be a satisfactory color. And she always loved the fluffy creatures. Hopefully the couple would as well. The gift was simple and rather inexpensive, but she hoped they would like it. She held onto this hope almost as tightly as her hands clenched around the package, and she made her way out of her room and towards the courtyard of the sky. Once there, Krysanthe took a moment to admire the amazing decorations. She saw that a few guests had arrived, and more were coming. She did envy many of their magnificent dress, although she did notice that there were several deks here. She didn’t understand. The decorations were done and the food (not including main dishes) was already out. It was as if they were here to attend the party. When they said everyone, I had no idea they really meant everyone. Krysanthe made her way to the gifts table, and set down her little purple present. She felt like it seemed so mediocre compared to the magnificently wrapped gifts that were accompanying hers. She sighed, wondering what it is that was in those boxes that deserved such large containers, or who placed them there that used such glorious wrapping. Still feeling rather on edge at the notion of socializing, Krysanthe kept her focus on this particular table, hoping that no one would approach her.

[Taln]

'Gods, more food!' he thought when he saw that yet more trays were being brought in. A short, dark haired figure was mixed in the crowd and she seemed familiar. It was too hard to tell for sure with the all of the people moving around. 'Was that Rista?' In the growing crush of arriving guests and gifts it was nearly impossible to tell. Taln stood at the table for a moment and just listened. The voices were getting numerous, the crowd thicker, and it sounded like the party was just starting. He set down some frilly thing under the center piece and turned at the sound of a familiar gentle voice. Just to his right, the crimson haired beauty he'd met earlier that summer was sitting right next him! He didn't think it was possible, but she managed to look even lovelier than the last time Taln had seen her. When she smiled up at him, he forgot to breathe for a moment and suddenly didn't know what to do with his hands. 'She's even prettier than last time. I wonder if she actually remembers me? As a chiet she must see fifty dek a day. It's probably best not to assume anything--we all look the same at our caste.' Before he could react to Sarye's presence a -Wind Eagle- actually called to him-just a dek! Hurriedly, he pulled out the chair for Sarye and rushed toward the waiting creature. The majestic bird had clear, piercing yellow eyes like topaz in sunlight and Taln was awed to be so very close. The large and gleaming plumage was so glossy, it reflected the light with startling brilliance. The tall man saw spots and realized he'd been holding his breath while staring at the incredibly gorgeous bird of prey. With swift hands, he rushed to take the satchels, leaving the lightest one for Sarye to carry. At the expression of gratitude, Taln bobbed his head in nervous acknowledgement, simply unable to speak to the magnificent Wind Eagle that actually deigned to communicate with him. His emerald gaze took one last amazed look and rushed off to get the presents to the gift table. Accomplishing the task of bringing over the several large packages, he heard the flight leader speaking to someone. She was the black eyed yasi--Rista, and she was being offered food. 'Good, she needs it, the tiny little thing!' he thought. Again the dek was distracted by so much going on and the crowd growing thicker. When he saw Addy's 'enthusiastic' thank you, he clamped down on the obvious thoughts. Then she...she cried. Taln winced and looked nervous at the waterworks. What was it with women and tears?! They cry when they're sad, cry when they're happy--what gives? It was like trying to explain flying to a turtle-it just didn't make sense. The dek's jaw literally dropped and he fidgeted with the ring on his lip. Did she invite -everyone- to the party now? The tall copper haired man just stood there, looking dumbstruck and completely overwhelmed at so much going on at once.

[Drusilla]

Drusilla hadn't wanted to go to the party... But she forced herself to go anyway. Clad in her best black dress, the Symenestra slowly made her way to the commotion. She sat at a table far from the Inarta, watching plate after plate of food. Almost all of it inedable to her. She was regretting comming here. Oh, well. Maybe I'll stay invisable to all of them. She cleared her mind, thinking of her work.

It was her mental scapegoat, working. Tuning out the party she thought of the items needed for her current projects. She would need to go to the glassblowers to see if they could make her some buttons. Oh, and she'd need some more glass beads... and her supply of painted feathers was running low... Would red silk or gold work better? The Inarta always prefered gold, but red would work for this part as well.. Drusilla happily had lost herself in her own little world. She hummed happily a Symenos tune, as she often did while at work.