Happy Birthday, Viatorus!

[westfallcorndog]

Invitations to this party have been written in neatly legible, semi-calligraphic font, hand-crafted with care and talent by Amelia Ronsam. Harrowheart has asked that she create a few more than necessary on the off-chance anyone lost theirs and was liberal in handing them out.

The room mentioned on the card is easy to find with a map of the aquarium: In the Earth wing, past a long series of exhibits, and through a glass hallway over which the water rests and the fish are free to swim. The corridor ends in a dome-shaped room spacious enough for a party of a few dozen. 

The meeting space, like the hallway, is composed entirely of glass walls around which a vibrant array of Earth’s tropical fish drift through bright blue waters. Now and then they dart in odd directions, flashing their gem-like scales as their school is disturbed by the passing of a sea turtle or the flowing wings of a manta ray. Far, far in the distance are the silhouettes of whales that, on rare occasion, shadow the dome as they pass between the party and the far-off source of light above the water. Simpler creatures crawl through the coral just on the other side of the glass: crabs and minnows tease at algae, grinning eels poke shyly from their dark crevices, and anemones dance with the motion of the flowing seawater. The only thing to break the immersion of the scene are the mermaid attendants, glimpses of whom can be caught as they feed the fish while trying their best to stay professionally unnoticed. 

Outside the glass is the beauty, but inside is the party! There are bubbly balloon letters hung from the ceiling reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Green streamers dangle from the ceiling like kelp, and someone's even set up a motorized shark balloon to swim through the air. Set up against one rounded wall are two buffet tables of food laid out. Stacks of cheese-stuffed fried peppers, fried chicken, grilled corn cobs, a kind of savory pork stew, something resembling black crab legs that’s been labeled ‘Duskwood Land Crab,’ a fruit and vegetable platter, a single pizza for the guests to fight over, and for the English Birthday Boy, cucumber sandwiches. Drinks are a bowl of punch and a keg of water. Looks like this aquarium party is a dry one. The sweets are cookies and hard candies laid atop a pile of pink candy floss. Then, of course, there is the cake: One large sheet cake of marbled chocolate and vanilla iced with buttercream frosting. On top there rests a little gingerbread man with black icing hair sleeping soundly atop a little frosted bed, a red smile on his face. Four tall candles make the posts of the bed. An unsteady hand has piped along the side ‘Happy Birthday Viatorus!’

Two people beat the crowd to enjoy this quiet afternoon retreat. Harrowheart, who sits at one of the tables in the middle and watches the passing of the fish, is dressed for the tropics. He’s bought himself a Hawaiian shirt to go over a pink tank with a pair of palm trees on the front, and of course he’s wearing his usual cargo shorts and tan work boots. Any rumors of pajama dress code were greatly exaggerated. With him is Amelia, whose garb for the evening is much more demure than her usual. The first sign is her lack of visible weapons. The second is the combination of dark navy jeans and black blouse. Her hair is tied back in a simple braid and the hair pin she's always been so fond of is nowhere to be seen. 

((If you'd like to greet the host and/or hostess or remark on your character's entry, feel free to tag this post. Otherwise, try the Gift-Giving or Free Mingle subsections: Viatorus will accept gifts and well-wishings in the Gift-Giving section, and threadhopping will be with OOC permission. Free Mingle will be a threadhopping-encouraged area for party-goers to interact with each other. Meet new characters, talk about fish, fight about who gets to eat the pizza.))

Comments

Gift Giving

[westfallcorndog]

[juststeverogers]

Steve's gift is wrapped in brown craft paper and tied with twine, a simple decorum from a simple man who knows that someone like Viatorus doesn't truly need things.

So he gives Viatorus one of his leather sketchbooks, with the first three pages filled in. He has drawn the birthday boy himself in several postures on one page, Harrowheart on the second, and himself on the third. And finally at the back of that third page is a single word.

Memories

He hopes the gift means as much to V as it did for him to make it.

[heirtothearcane]

The simple wrapping is so indicative of Steve and his values. Especially when it contains something of such quality and importance to them both. Their time together is something the three of them share and will not be something Viatorus will ever forget.

Once he sees the pages, his curious expression blooms into a smile and he beams at the other man. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Steve. It's beautiful."

[juststeverogers]

"I'm glad you like it."

Steve's voice is quiet, but he breaks out into a grin when he sees Viatorus smiling like that.

"A..and..I really am sorry for upsetting your family."

[smartass_captain]

Jim's not really the sort for grand and lavish presents usually, but he does have a good eye for things that are unique. There is a small tin set aside on the gifts table, with a small card tied to it in silver ribbon.

This blend of spiced tea is a favorite from the late planet Vulcan. My first officer, Vulcan himself, has assured me that while the transplanted variety is not quite as good as the original it is quite satisfactory to Vulcan tastes.

It's his way of saying the tea is good. I hope you enjoy it!

- J. Kirk

[workthroughit]

While he otherwise always seems to relish in his presence causing a stir, this time, Dr. Hill seems intent to simply come and go. No need to upset anyone on a day Viatorus should be enjoying.

His arrival is marked only by the appearance of a package perched on the corner of a table someplace in the party area. It's wrapped in simple burgundy paper and a golden ribbon. Whenever it's unwrapped, Viatorus will find a polished bronze hypnosis pendulum and a leather-bound book on the history of its uses in therapy. A card tucked into the cover depicting a curious rural scene has written on the back in red ink:

Mr. Durant,

Best regards and may you have many more. My office and my counsel are always open to you.

Dr. Alan J. Hill

[rogueinladysclothing]

As the party begins to wind down, a small box appears on the table, wrapped in a matte blue paper and with Viatorus' name written in the same lovely script as appeared on the invitations. Inside are a set of intricate cuff links with a nautical compass etched into them. They're something small she managed to bring home from her world before coming back, but they seem more fitting as a gift than as a keepsake. When the cuff links are removed from the box, a small card is found underneath with a note inside.

A small gift from my home for my closest friend. May they remind you of your best memories and guide you to new ones. -Amelia

He can find her and thank her later if he really wants to, but she'll be trying to avoid it. Gifts are meant to be given and enjoyed - there's no need for anything more than that.

Free Mingle

[westfallcorndog]

Cue one very uneasy host...

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia's trying really hard to be calm about all of this, but she's never organized a birthday party like this, or attended one, let alone hosted one. Harrow's assured her that everything will be fine and that all of their planning won't be for naught.

She is ten kinds of distracted when everyone starts mingling as she tries to make sure everything goes smoothly. Viatorus didn't want something too big or overwhelming, so everyone can expect her to be breaking up any and all arguments swiftly and without remorse.

...hopefully Viatorus will like what they've done.

[juststeverogers]

On the one hand, he was told to dress casually. On the other, this is Viatorus we're talking about. Steve decided to play it safe and wear his 1940s suit. Too old fashioned to be formal anymore. Too Sunday School to be casual.

He gives Amelia and Harrow a tiny wave when he finds the right place.

"I hope I'm not late..."

[rogueinladysclothing]

Steve's appearance earns a smile from Amelia. A friendly face is always good to see.

"Of course not - you're right on time." Hopefully he doesn't think her tense muscles have anything to do with him. "It's good to see you again, Steve. Sorry I haven't called recently. Things have been... busy." Her smile only flickers for a moment, so she hopes he won't notice it. This is a celebration and there will be no talk of sad things today. Not if she can help it, anyway.

[westfallcorndog]

"Steve, you're super late. The party already happened, that's why nobody's here but us and all this uneaten food." Harrow winks at Steve and pats him on the shoulder. A shoulder that, strangely, his mind almost calls his own. Quite some time has passed since that body swap, but certain instant, subconscious thoughts are hard to move past.

"You wore a suit? Man, do you want my tank top or somethin'? It'll be a little big on you, but you can say that's the style." He plucks at his own Hawaiian overshirt. "I got this, I won't be shirtless."

[smartass_captain]

Well look who's here and who decided to take Harrowheart up on the whole Plus One offer. Jim's here with Felix in tow, dressed down in his jeans and leather jacket and he heads over toward Harrow as soon as he makes it.

"Look at the two of you." He grins Amelia's way too. "Setting up a party and everything. I'm impressed." Jim's all about celebrating birthdays that aren't his own. And he's been meaning to give Viatorus a gift anyway. "By the way Harrow, this is Felix. You uh, said I could bring someone with so..."

[rogueinladysclothing]

The grin causes Amelia's cheeks to flush ever so slightly. Really, she should expect such things from Jim, but that doesn't make it any less difficult to cope with when she's this stressed out. Anything remotely close to a compliment will usually get that sort of reaction, too.

She does manage a smile for both of the newcomers after a moment, though. "I don't think anyone will mind. We're not exactly expecting a big crowd today." Hopefully Viatorus won't mind, though... "It's nice to see you both again. It's been a while. Been up to anything fun recently?"

[westfallcorndog]

"Jim, my man!" Harrow's quick on his feet at the sight of his friend, smiling broadly between him and his plus one.

"Jacket looks nice, Jim! Last time I saw you, someone had you wearin' a cape. Now c'mere!" He hooks one arm around Jim's neck and pulls him in for a half-hug whether he likes it or not. Luckily Jim is freed in short order and Harrow quickly extends an eager (floating) handshake and a friendly smile to Felix.

"Felix! Nice to meetcha, man. You Starfleet too?"

[heirtothearcane]

Viatorus gets more than a little caught up pressing his nose against the glass to stare out at the mermaids and fishes, peering in as far as he can. Then nearly tripping over as he watches the manta rays closer than where he's going. In a grey-blue tweed suit and light blue shirt, he's not exactly as casual as a Hawaiian shirt, but he managed to forego a tie or waistcoat.

As soon as he steps into the room, he stops and admires, eyes wide as he takes everything in. The balloons, the streamers, the perfectly wonderful surroundings... and then the people. Friends and... a few new faces, but not enough to make him worry much.

He fidgets and, provided he doesn't get distracted by the fish again, makes his way over to whoever catches his eye.

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia won't leave the guest of honor fidgeting alone for long. She smiles softly as she approaches and then motions to all the decorations set up in front of the aquarium glass. "What do you think? It's not too much, is it?"

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow approaches with a little cone-shaped paper hat in his hands. He stretches the band that's meant to go under the chin, but doesn't yet put it on him or even offer. His eyes are on the sights outside the room.

"I thought you might like it, since you said you like the ocean and swimmin' and all. Figured it'd be peaceful."

He looks down at V with a slight smile. "Have you picked a favorite fish yet?"

[juststeverogers]

Steve is in his old suit he arrived in the Nexus with, fingers pressed against the glass almost as eagerly as Viatorus had been only moments ago.

He doesn't catch sight of the birthday boy until he's ripped himself away from the view, and can't help but grin as he heads the other's way.

"Happy Birthday Viatorus!"

[smartass_captain]

Jim has a way of catching everyone's eye even when he doesn't mean to. The captain is dressed down for the gathering in a leather jacket and jeans. It's so different form his Captain's uniform, but somehow still suits him.

"Hey, the guest of honor." Jim makes his way over to meet Viatorus and claps him on the shoulder. "Good to see you! Pretty nice place you've got going for a party."

There should be a dark haired man hovering somewhere near Jim but Felix isn't a pet and if he's wandered off Jim's certain he'll be back before long.

[ixis]

Who's fashionably late? Ixis Naugus is fashionably late! Always.

The wizard bursts into the room with a flourish of his cape and his staff held high, announcing his appearance with a loud, "Ixis Naugus has arrived!" You know, in case you missed him kicking in the door like he just did. Fish surely scattered nearby. "The festivities may begin in earnest." Because it clearly wouldn't have begun without him. Now, about that food buffet...

[westfallcorndog]

"Naug!"

Who else would be shouting across the bubble but Harry O'Heart? It's him, of course, and he's striding over on those long Overlander legs. When he arrives at the food he sweeps his arms out: look at my entire buffet.

"It's all good and it's all free, my man. Pick your poison."

[heirtothearcane]

The fish aren't the only ones who are startled. Viatorus jumps when Naugus appears, bold and loud. It takes him a minute to recover and then he smiles as he approaches the other mage.

"Naugus! It's good to see you!"

[conjuredskies]

It would be pretty remiss of Felix not to sneak over to greet Naugus. Always important to pay your respects.

It's also hard not to take note when a grand entrance is followed by the disappearance of a whole pizza. Right in the blink of an eye! Naugus's powers become more fearsome and dangerous to society every time Felix meets him!

Obviously that explains the smile and the bow he gives. Felix probably isn't very good for society either, anyway. "Naugus! I didn't realize we'd have the pleasure of your company."

[smartass_captain]

Jim looks up from his drink, an eyebrow raised. Surely trouble cannot be far behind this meeting....

Or, not. The captain raises his glass in way of greeting before going back chatting up the other guests. Felix is welcome to go hang out with Ixis. Jim's content to not be doing that.