ic Deck the Halls! [Open]

[Thevshi]

Freedom Hall
City Center Freedom City, New Jersey
Friday, December 13, 2024. 5:37 PM

 

The holiday season had fully settled over Freedom City, with much of the city covered with lights and other decorations. The City Center was no exception, with dazzling light and holiday decorations covering the surrounding buildings and the massive Christmas tree that stood in the heart of the park at the center of Centennial Circle, just out in front of City Hall. One section of the park was not an open-air ice-skating rink, filled with people enjoying the clear (if cold) evening.

 

Freedom Hall, the world-famous headquarters of the Freedom League, was no less festive. The multi-story, tiered building was covered in lights, as were many of the pine trees on the grounds. The high walls that surrounded the property were also festively decorated, with lights and other decorations spaced around the entire perimeter. 

 

Tonight, the building was hosting the Freedom League’s annual holiday party, open to heroes from across the city (and far beyond). Unsurprisingly, the larger lobby and reception area had been virtually transformed for the event. A fifteen-foot-tall Christmas tree had been set up to the right side of the lobby next to the grand staircase to the second level balcony that led to hallways to other areas of the floor. It was covered in shining silver ornaments and multicolored lights.

 

Near the tree were several gathered sofas and chairs, arranged in small groups to provide comfortable seating for guests. On the opposite side of the lobby were more sofas and chairs, this time set up near a working fireplace (which had been put in place for the event by Dr. Metropolis). Along the wall was a long bar (where Protectron was again serving as bartender), next to an open door to a large conference room which had been set up tables covered with refreshments.

 

Megan Howell-Harrow stood near the entrance to Freedom Hall, looking back in at the decorations, making one last check to ensure everything was in place and ready for the guests to start arriving. The blonde woman was wearing the iconic yellow costume (with the checkered flag patterned stripe down the sides) that she wore as Velocity. However, she did not have her mask, goggles or wig on, having revealed her identity at last year’s holiday party.

 

Satisfied that everything was ready, the Freedom League member let herself relax a bit as she waited for guests to start to arrive. Similar to last year, Megan found herself filled with some mixed emotions. On one hand, Christmas time had always been one of her favorite times of year and she was looking forward to celebrating the season with her friends, teammates and other heroes. However, she was also cognizant that this could be a difficult time for the teenage girl she had adopted, Lynn Conners, the daughter of an alternate timeline version of Megan. This would be the girl’s first holiday season since she had lost everything in the destruction of her timeline. While Lynn was making new friends and Claremont, she still was dealing with a lot of trauma and depression, so Megan was planning to keep an eye on her tonight to make sure she did not get overwhelmed.

Letting out a deep breath, the speedster turned away and prepared to start greeting guests as they arrived until some of her other teammates arrived. Holding up her phone, she activated the Christmas themed playlist she had put together, with Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree being the first song to play through the Hall’s sound system.
 

[RocketLord]

GHOST

 

Time flies, doesn't it? Felt like it was just yesterday that Casper had attended the last Christmas party, and now he was helping to host it. Not the place he likes to be the most, but hey, at least Grim's there with him too, and Velocity's always good company. He still can't really get him to call her Megan. Sounds off to him. Especially since it isn't like his own identity is common knowledge in the hero community, which is the reason that he is, like last year, wearing his mask, but with a red christmas sweater with green christmas trees over it.

 

Standing near Velocity, ready to step into his role as co-host (he still had no idea why he had been chosen for it, but hey), he feels much more at ease about this whole situation than he ever thought he would. Velocity seems to be more troubled than him, for once.

 

"Relax, Speedy. Everything'll be fine. People will eat, drink, dance, kiss under mistletoes and maybe get into some fights. Business as usual."

[Thevshi]

Velocity (in the lobby near the main entrance with Ghost)

 

Megan looked over to Casper, giving her teammate a small smile as he tried to reassure her, clearly picking up on some of what was going on with her. "Oh, I would be more than happy than to just have to worry about some fights breaking out." She replied, knowing he would understand the implications.

 

The blonde woman then broadened her smile, managing to push her concerns more into the back of her mind and called back up her time as cheerleader and having to put on a positive attitude, even as your team was getting routed. "But you are right, time to put on our game faces, so to speak." She paused a moment, focusing briefly on his over-the-top Christmas sweater. "Which reminds me…."

 

The speedster was then gone in a blur of yellow, but only for a split second, before she reappeared next to Ghost, now wearing a red Santa hat.

 

"There we go, all ready to start greeting our guests."
 

[Thevshi]

Slipstream (in a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Bounce, Arctus, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim and other Claremont students)

 

It had been a couple weeks ago that the invitations to the Freedom League's holiday party had arrived at Claremont. Lynn Conners had been expecting it (after all, she had been attending the event her entire life in her timeline), but at the same time somewhat dreading going. While it was a fun and casual event, the blonde teen was very much concerned how much it might remind her of her timeline and everyone she had lost there. But she knew it would be difficult to avoid going, and several of the friends she had been making were excited (having never been before), so she had resided herself to going and arranged for a limousine to transport her, Mattie, Jack, Sarah, Iris, Harper and some others to the party.

 

The sixteen-year-old was wearing a red evening gown, and it was readily apparent this was not the first time she had ridden in a limousine. But while at ease with the group’s mode of transportation, she had seemed a bit distant, distracted, and while she had engaged in some conversation, at times, she would stay silent and look out the window at the city lights, seemingly lost in thought.

 

Lynn was starting to feel some anxiety building about the event, much of it related to the concerns she had been having the last couple of weeks. But adding to those worries was the added complication of her conflicted emotions regarding Jack, who was sitting across from her in the back of the limousine. The blonde teen had taken her rescue anxiety medication a short while before they had departed Claremont, hoping it would stave off any panic attacks and otherwise help to keep her anxiety under control.

 

Taking a deep breath as Freedom Hall came into view, she turned away from the window and towards the others in the back of the limousine, managing a slight smile. "Well, we're here."
 

[Heritage]

GRIMALKIN

 

"We should definitely be celebrating," a very festive-looking Grimalkin stated as she appeared abruptly at Casper's side. "We made it through another Gregorian calendar year alive and more or less sane." She offered her boyfriend a flute of champagne as she took a sip of her own. Lynn never bothered to wear a mask at heroic functions; she played around with her height, build and features so often that no two published images of her ever properly matched up. Tonight she was a bit on the tall side, maybe five foot eight, and her outfit was more playful than formal, with curly-toed elf shoes.

 

"Happy holidays, Megan," she said as she gave her good friend an enthusiastic one-armed hug.

Edited November 30 by Heritage

[Dracostern]

Cerebral

 

Iris wasn't really one to dress up, mostly because she didn't have many clothes to pick from, so she mostly wore her regular outfit, just with red shorts, wool underlining, and a red and green sweater that had a picture of a Christmas tree on it. He also wore a red beanie, not the most fancy outfit, but hey it was Christmas themed! She would have been picked up by Lyn and the others riding with her. She knew that she would meet Daniel at the event as she knew he was with a different group. Their mental connection was stronger now so they could keep tabs on each other at all times. 

 

Iris could pick up on Lyn's mood however, she knew something was on the other's mind. Though like normal she stayed quiet, only speaking when spoken to. When they got to the event, she would be the first out to help everyone else. When she got to Lyn, she would reach out and speak in her mind. "Lyn, take a deep breath. You will be fine." She tried to be as comforting as possible. Sure she was not too much older then the other girl, yet she still felt the need to look out for her juniors. 

[Poncho]

(Golden Star, arriving on the second floor balcony with La Puma Negra)

 

Michael Adon was always extra.

 

He had barely been an established superhero when he had first attended this party last year, star struck by yhe people there. Now, he was as confident on the inside as he was on the outside, most of the time. He'd defeated an Alien Invasion with the Praetorians, tangled with creautres from another dimension and a godlike being from outside time. He'd trained until he bled and fought sharkmen, giant brains, croconadas, lost his body. A lot had happened. He'd even faced down his girlfriend's mentor, The Patriot, and come away not sent to a federal blacksite for interrogation. He had gained confidence in his abilities. 

 

And he loved making a scene.

 

He and his parents had paid for outfits for him and Carmen; anything they thought would fit, to make sure that, as much as possible, they would shine. His parents liked Carmen- his mother especially appreciated that he'd gotten a girlfriend that was a good, religious girl, and wouldn't let Michael get away with too much.-, so she was gleefully included by them in planning.

 

So as the party began, a skylight opened above the secomd floor balcony and a pair of living stars descended. Michael was very formal, a white tux, gold accents, and a red vest and pocket square. His matching cape was significantly longer than his usual ones, flapping in the wind as he descended carrying Carmen like she was a goft from the heavens. He had made sure the skylight would close after he entered so he didn't get yelled at, but he didn't hide his glow, covering Carmen and himself in a deep rose gold glow as they descended before his feet touched the ground and he put her down with a grin as he offered her his arm, lookimg out from the second floor balcony.p

 

Michael loved making people talk about him.

[Poncho]

(King Cole III, arriving with Harlequin at the entrance with plenty of cameras)

 

The sound of ringing bells drew attention to the oncoming procession. 

 

Of horses pulling a carriage that seemed to be constantly under a snowfall, not a heavy one but instead a magical, light one that only enhanced ghe fairytale aspect of the red, green, and white carriage. Driven by a cloaked figure, it moved over ground smoothly, almost ghostlike, pulling to a stop difectly in front of the biggest selection of reporters taking pictures.

 

Renee had only one person she had ever even considered asking for an escort to this event, because only one person could match her. She had spent weeks concocting and creating, begging and cajoling Alden for help. King Cole was more forceful, but Renee could bribe with the best of them. A combination of her grandfather's spell book and potions and the Harlequin's magic had created this entire entrance, and if this was her Cinderella Moment, King Cole III was going to show it.

 

The doorman opened the carriage door and rolled out a red carpet. King Cole III exited, a transparent glass slipper first, then her actual ensemble as a queen of winter, a long trailing dress in snow white and silver, glitter apploed to her skin, flushes of color on her lips and cheek, wrapped in her fur mantle, holding her staff, and with a gleaming crown on her head. The amount of time she spent preparing for this could be measured in days, not hours, and she was absolutely giddy at getting to show this off. But she played the regal queen, lifting a hand and offering a gentle wave with fingers that had nails painted with gold, then silver designs of snowflakes on top, offering a regal smile. 

 

She turned back to the carriage and raised her staff, awaiting her escort's own fantastical appearance. It was maybe the quietest the Tyrant King of Freedom had ever been, and when she wasn't constantly jabbering, she had an aura of true regalness about her.

[Kaede Kimura]

Harlequin

 

Eòghann smiled to himself as the carriage approached the Freedom Hall, dressed to the nines, even by his standards. He wore a doublet made entirely of cloth of silver, embossed with darkly glittering black harlequin opals down the sleeves and around the collar. He wore pitch black silk breeches and riding shoes, embossed with beads of pure silver. About his shoulders was draped a mantle of peacock tail feathers, lined with fur that was white as the purest snow. Horns framed his blonde locks, wrapped in a braid of gold and with golden bells and bangles hanging from them and his elfin, pointed ears. If forced to admit it, he would say that Renee hadn't needed to badger him as hard as she had to get him on board. He had been willing to join from the first ask, but his instinct had told him that he could get more out of this. Something his upbringing amongst the Unseelie Courts would not let him let go of, for a reason that his upbringing did not normally allow him to indulge.

 

Renee fascinated him. Reserved and shy as the human Renee, but loud, vivacious, borderline obnoxious as the hero King Cole the Third. It reminded him of his masks. The human Alden, the Trickster Harlequin... The Prince Eòghann.

 

These masks were him, each deeper to the real Prince, like the internal facets of a gem. He wanted to see the deeper facets of this Hero King. An echo of guilt at his own guile panged through him, that he was keeping that same deeper self from those he cared for. Lynn and Jack knew Harlequin and Alden. Renee knew the same. But he was neither and both. He was more. And he could not let them closer. Perhaps a part of him wanted to let this girl close enough that they could both see more than their surface. Which was why tonight he needed to be more. He needed to be all the things he was. The kindness and humanity of Alden, the heroism and trickery of Harlequin, and the Prince of Goblins and Ogres Eòghann.

 

At his lady's invitation the Prince of the Shadowed Places stepped forth from the carriage with an indulgent smile. "<Come my lady, let us show the world the grace of King Cole the Third and her Harlequin.>"

[RocketLord]

BOUNCE! (in a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Slipstream, Arctus, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim and other Claremont students)

 

"Wow, I've never been in a limo before. This sure is fancy!" Mattie's eyes are almost literal stars as she looks around the inside of the luxury vehicle. Even with what she's seen since coming to Claremont, spending time with Lynn and her mom and everything, something like this is still enough to give her pause. "This is amazin'!"

 

Like Iris, she's dressed much more modestly than Lynn. A big green christmas sweater with a snow crystal motif and a red and white santa hat, and a pair of nice red dress that goes just below her knees. Her red shoes were shiny, looking almost like the kind that you'd expect would get you back to Kansas if you clicked your heels together and wished for it. 

 

Iris isn't the only one that's noticing that Lynn is feeling uncomfortable. Reaching over, her arm stretching slightly to reach, Mattie gives her friend's hand a squeeze.

 

"C'mon, don't ya worry. It'll be fine! We'll have some fun an' get to eat some good food! An' if ya need a breather, then we can go explorin'! I'm sure there's a bunch of places we didn't get to see when you and your mom brought me here."

[RocketLord]

GHOST (in the lobby near the main entrance with Velocity and Grimalkin)

 

"That's why I wear the mask," Casper says, pointing at his masked face. Anyone that knows him well enough to recognize it would see that he is smiling underneath it.

 

"Oh thank god, you're a life saver," he responds to Lynn when she shows up with the flute of champagne. Now, he doesn't drink a lot, but he does appreciate a good champagne, especially in this situation. 

 

And then, the first guests start arriving. Above, there's a glowing light as some Claremont kids float down from above. Golden something and La Puma Negra, Patriot's apprentice or sidekick or whatever you want to call it... and outside, a horsedrawn carriage with some more Claremont kids, all dressed up like freaking royalty.

 

Casper stares at them for a moment, then the champagne in his hand, then lifts his mask to reveal his mouth and beard before he downs the drink.

 

"Did we ever try that hard? What are they teaching these kids?" he looks at Megan and Lynn, before putting his glass to the side and pulling his mask down, beginning to approach the newcomers instead. "Dibs on the glowing kids."

 

Approaching Michael and Carmen, he holds his hands out to the sides in a greeting.

 

"Hey, welcome to the party, I'm Ghost, your host with the most. There's food and... I guess you guys can have some soda or something. Sorry, the bar's 21+ only, and I heard that Protectron is pretty good at guessing age. Anyway, welcome, have fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do and so on."

[Lone_Star]

Prime Mover 

 

(In the limo with Slipstream, Arctus, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim, and other Claremont students) 

 

Owen was ecstatic! The young man did his best to look relaxed and comfortable, but he couldn't wait to be at the Freedom League Christmas Party. Even thinking about it was making his heart race. He recognized a few of the teens in the limo from his dorm or from training in the Danger Room. He also couldn't help but feel underdressed, especially compared Lynn. He blushed as he briefly glanced over at her. She was dressed to the nines, while Owen was dressed in a pair of plain khaki slacks, nice brown loafers, and a red-and-green plaid fleece-lined shirt to keep nice and warm. He brought a heavy jacket too, which was quickly abandoned on his bed when he realized the winters in Freedom City weren't nearly as cold as Wisconsin. 

 

2 hours ago, RocketLord said:

BOUNCE! (in a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Slipstream, Arctus, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim and other Claremont students)

 

"Wow, I've never been in a limo before. This sure is fancy!" Mattie's eyes are almost literal stars as she looks around the inside of the luxury vehicle. Even with what she's seen since coming to Claremont, spending time with Lynn and her mom and everything, something like this is still enough to give her pause. "This is amazin'!"

 

Like Iris, she's dressed much more modestly than Lynn. A big green christmas sweater with a snow crystal motif and a red and white santa hat, and a pair of nice red dress that goes just below her knees. Her red shoes were shiny, looking almost like the kind that you'd expect would get you back to Kansas if you clicked your heels together and wished for it. 

 

Iris isn't the only one that's noticing that Lynn is feeling uncomfortable. Reaching over, her arm stretching slightly to reach, Mattie gives her friend's hand a squeeze.

 

"C'mon, don't ya worry. It'll be fine! We'll have some fun an' get to eat some good food! An' if ya need a breather, then we can go explorin'! I'm sure there's a bunch of places we didn't get to see when you and your mom brought me here."

 

Owen grinned. He shared Mattie's enthusiasm for sure. "Me neither! I was just gonna fly here but dis right here is way more stylish. Really somethin', huh?" 

 

Truth be told, Owen felt much more at ease with his new heroic friends, but he was nervous to meet the major players in the Freedom City superhero scene. It helped that his fellow Claremonters were there with him, and he intended to stay close to them for as long as possible. "Oh yah, I did hear there was some good food at these sorta shindigs. You two have been here before?" 

 

 

 

[Thevshi]

Velocity (in the lobby near the main entrance with Ghost and Grimalkin; moving over to the front entrance near King Cole III and Harlequin)

 

Megan's smile widened as Grimalkin approached. "Happy Holidays to you as well Lynn!" She replied as she returned the hug from her oldest and closest friend in the superhero community. 

 

The blonde woman kept an arm around Grim's shoulders as she also turned slightly to regard the arrival of the two Claremont students through the skylight and then looked out at the arrival of the horsedrawn carriage. She let out a light laugh at Casper's comment about trying too hard. "Oh, I expect Lynn might have a few things to say about how I was as a teenager." Megan replied, squeezing Lynn's shoulders before letting her go as she prepared to greet one group of arrivals.

 

She paused a moment, her face becoming more serious as she looked over to Grimalkin. "Oh, wanted to give you the heads up, my adopted daughter from another timeline will be here, don't be surprised if she looks for you."

 

Then the speedster had a dazzling smile back in place before she became a blur of yellow and a split second later was out to where Renee and Alden were exiting the horse draw carriage. "Welcome to Freedom Hall, I am Velocity." She said as she gave a slight curtsy, recalling the first time she had an audience with the late Queen Elizabeth during a trip back to England with her husband. 

 

"The League is always honored to have royal guests grace our halls." She added as she gave the two teens a warm smile. Although in her unmistakable costume, Velocity was not wearing the goggles and mask (and attached wig) she normally had on. Her resemblance to Lynn was rather unmistakable, perhaps most emphasized by the same bright blue eyes that seemed to burst with energy.
 

[Supercape]

Spore

 

(in a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Slipstream, Arctus, Cerebral, Bounce, Seraphim and other Claremont students)

 

As always, Harper Hale had a camera in her hand, and was snapping away. She had originally taken the art up as part of her nature-lovin' personality, but she had so much to snap in Claremont! Maybe she should be a photojournalist...

 

She was not one for fashion. She usually, nay almost always, dressed like a tomboy with grazed knees and muddied shoes would. A green t shirt, black jeans, sneakers. Her mirrored sunglasses, due to her tendency to photophobia. 

 

But she had made a bit of a festive effort. 

 

Bright red skin. Bright white hair. 

 

She had spent the day sending pigments to her skin and hair to give her a festive complexion. 

 

Green clothes, white hair, red skin. 

 

It might not be a ball dress or sharp suit, but she had at least got the colours right. 

 

She was excited, and couldn't stop foot tapping. "Food? I'm to nervous to eat, not matter how good it smells. This doesn't feel real, you know? Like, I imagined something like this when I was a kid pretending to be Velocity or Doctor Metropolis. And now its here... it all feels like its not actually happening. Sheesh. If I pass out, just make sure you wake me up, ok? Its like that old song... how does it go? Don't want to close my eyes, don't want to fall asleep. Blah blah something and I don't want to miss a thing!"

 

In her hand she had a bottle of her families best wine from the vineyards. It was good, but not world class. Still, she thought it would be a good gift. 

Edited November 30 by Supercape

[Thevshi]

Timeout (in the lobby near the main entrance and Grimalkin with Torpedo Lass II, Spaceman, Blue Bolt, Gamma Buzz, and Cerebellum)

 

Lawrence Harrow had opted for a more direct approach to getting to the holiday party along with several of his friends. After Ghost and Velocity had stepped away to greet arriving guest, Grimalkin was only alone for a few moments before there was a ripple in the air nearby as a time distortion appeared and spread out some before vanishing, with Lawrence and group of other teenagers appearing from within.

 

The seventeen-year-old boy was dressed in a finely tailored blue suit very similar to the one he had worn at last year’s party. He quickly reoriented himself, smiling as he saw Lynn standing nearby, Lawrence stepped over to give her a hug. "Happy Holidays Aunt Grim!"

 

Stepping back, he turned slightly to indicate the others. "I believe you met several of my classmates last year, but just in case, my girlfriend Mizuki and my friends Parker, Vueriz, Baz and Daniel." The blond teen said, indicating each of the others in turn.
 

[Dracostern]

Cerebellum 

 

Daniel should have known better then to go through another portal, but it was such a better entrance than a stuffy limousine. 
 

The young man stepped out with Lawrence and bowed his head to Grimalkin. “Happy Holidays!” He greeted politely. Unlike Lawrence, Daniel was not dressed to fancy but more cozy. Long sweatpants, and a sweater that matched his sister Iris’ sweater, even a matching beanie. Though the twins were not together currently, their connection was quite clear. 
 

The young man then looked around and whistled. “Getting crowded eh?”

[RocketLord]

Spaceman (in the lobby near the main entrance and Grimalkin with Torpedo Lass II, Timeout, Blue Bolt, Gamma Buzz, and Cerebellum)

 

Parker steps through the time portal, adjusting his white tie. He didn't exactly dress up last year, and it's not like he is looking to make a name for himself, unlike Michael probably will, but he still decided to go for something a bit nicer this year. A nice suit from his parents' tailor, in the same color scheme as his uniform. White dress pants, black dress shirt, a white jacket and a white tie, with a few gold details. His short blonde hair is swept back, and his unshaved chin is slowly starting to turn into a proper beard, even if it isn't quite there yet. 

 

He looks around. There's a lot of people starting to gather. The group that he arrived with. Michael and Carmen. Others coming in from the outside. He can see Velocity and Ghost, and near them, Grimalkin, who Lawrence obviously knows well, as he seems to do with everyone in the wider super hero community.

 

"Hello again, Miss Grimalkin" He extends a hand towards Grimalkin. She probably doesn't remember him. "I'm Parker Powers, the Spaceman."

[Poncho]

(King Cole III, from sidewalks to entrance to meet Velocity)

 

As her escort exited, King Cole dropped her staff to her side and it collapsed into a scepter that she held in the crook of her free arm as she entwined her other one with tue Harlequin. Her response to him was a smile, not a grin, and not words, like she herself realized her spell as royalty would collapse if her voice opened at this moment. But in her head she was doing backflips that the prettiest boy in school was supporting her excursions. But it didn't break her character, even if Alden could feel how fast the blood was pumping through her arm.

 

She dawdled at the cameras, making sure to let then take several pictures of each of them. She was tongue tied on the inside, but on the outside it just looked like she was letting Alden and their outfits speak for her. She eventually managed to get ahold of herself just enough to speak.

 

"The Third King Cole and her escort, the noble Harlequin wish each and every citizen of our wonderful city a wonderful holiday season. Please enjoy the day, but stay warm as well." Then she waved at the cameras and the continued on. 

 

They had just gotten to the door, away from cameras and to the Superheroes and the building when Velocity came up to meet them, and she stumbled slightly but kept her footing; The King could share the stage. Her voice had just a bit of that King Cole flair- the high pitched and from the diaphragm announcement like she was talking on a stage-, but she kept it mostly contained.

 

"Thank you, Lady Velocity. You honor us with your invitations." This was absolutely true. Renee knew she was playing with fire by embracing King Cole, and the Freedom League being accepting would mean a lot to her desires. Plus, she liked Lynn, and this lady looked a lot like Lynn, so best to be on your best behavior. She would never be so gauche as to ask aloud about any relationship though. "The Third King Cole." She gestured to herself. "And her Noble Harlequin, extend our greetings to you and yours."

 

She hopped she wasn't overstepping for Alden.

[EternalPhoenix]

Queenie and Serendipity (in the back of the main hall)

 

Captain Riel Estime was not having a good evening. The holiday cheer only served to remind him that he was not from here, and in truth had the opposite effect on him. And then there was the upcoming winter break from school. He had a good long sail planned to shake the malaise from his and his crew's bones. But supplies were not free, and the five finger discount would only be tolerated to a point. Or to put it better, in a city full of superheroes, one was bound to notice massive theft. That would cause problems he would rather avoid. So! The Luckstorm Pirates had been reduced to, ugh, honest work. Most of his crew was serving this or that to tonight's guests. His few musicians were playing some lovely shanties. And his cooking staff were aiding one Maybelle McQueen. She had been kind enough to hire the Pirates for this occasion, and pay well enough that this would be the only big job the crew would need to afford the aforementioned supplies. So, everyone was busy out there, leaving their Captain alone and nursing an infuriatingly non alcoholic drink. Damn that infernal robot. If ever there was a night to get completely annihilated, this would be it. And could he? No, because of this world and its thrice dammed rules.

 

Everyone, except Ms. McQueen herself, apparently. She approached him without a lick of wariness, as life for her was good. She was 100 percent in her element, and all was well. "Hey there, sunshine. Brooding, is it? It's a party. I thought pirates liked to party." Her smile was gentle and warm like the summer sun. 

 

Riel just looked at her. "Is there something you need? The crew has orders to do as you decree for tonight." His voice was as listless as he felt. 

 

Queenie shook her head. "Just making sure you're not lonely back here by yourself. Your crew all has something to do, but I noticed you didn't." No judgment in her voice.

 

Riel sighed. "No. Loneliness is not my problem. Your world is."

 

The world's finest chef nodded. "Chafes, huh? Not being able to do whatever you want whenever you want."

 

The pirate Captain looked at her sharply, a little surprised. "Like you wouldn't believe. But a Captain must protect his crew. If I did as I pleased, they would come to grief. Your world's authorities are much more powerful than mine. They see further and there is no where to run to or hide for very long. Not without because the other, more wicked type of pirate."

 

Queenie shrugged. "Well, I can't fix it for you. Hell, I can't even get you a drink without getting in trouble myself. But I can tell you that sitting here moping about it won't solve anything either. Go see your friends. Have some fun. Works almost like liquor, if you try hard enough."

 

Riel chuckled. "Perhaps in a minute. I want to finish my drink first."

 

Maybelle shrugged again. "Suit yourself, Captain." She flashed an insouciant grin and walked back towards rest of the main hall. There was probably something that needed her attention by now. There usually was.

[Tiffany Korta]

Valkyrja

 

The spotlights over the building picked out a shape flying through the air towards the entrance of the League's Headquarters, it grew larger until with a flurry of feathered wings a massive six-legged horse gracefully landed in a free spot. From the back of Frárvængr gracefully slid Sanngriðr, the Asgardian hero and infrequent visitor to Freedom City. Instead of her armour, she wore an Asgardian Apron Dress, in green and red with (fake) fur trim, after all this was a party, not a battle! The only concession to the possibility of the latter was her massive sword, though it was carefully and obviously bound in cord, peace tied so as not to be quickly drawn in anger.

 

"I will not be giving any statements, other than to wish you all a Merry Winter Festival!" she declared to the assembled press, remembering as Bobbi reminded her, to use her "indoor" voice "Frárvængr however will be happy to inform you of today's exploits..."

 

"Valkyrja one of Canada's finest heroes is hereafter helping Maritime authorities capture the notorious villain Polar Bear..." She spoke smooth words that would put Loki to shame 

 

Her media duties done she made her way to one of the Valets for this event, who by now must have seen all kinds of weird and unusual arrivals.

 

"Once she is bored of such things can you please make sure she has a quiet place with some water and some vegetables, carrots are her favourite. Whatever she claims do not give her any sugar, it is despite her claims not good for her in the slightest. I do not have any currency of this region of Miðgarðr* but I offer you this instead..." It was an old-looking coin, the type you saw recovered by metal detectorists, stamped with the face of a bearded king "Tis Asgardian currency, it will bring you good luck but do not give it away or the good luck will go with it..." And that might be true, but it was easier than trying to tip in Canadian dollars!

 

With all her business here sorted out, she strode confidently into the party proper!

 

* Earth

[Spacefurry]

Seraphim (arriving in limo with Claremonters)

 

Like several of her classmates, Sarah had never been in a limo before. She watched through the window as the vehicle slid down the streets towards Freedom Hall.

 

Sarah didn’t feel overdressed compared to some of the others that had chosen a much more casual attire. But next to Lynn’s evening dress; a blue, hooded sweater-dress with faux lacing her mother had helped her pick out had her worried others might think she was ‘trying too hard’. Her blonde hair was puled back and pinned with a light blue hair comb.

 

9 hours ago, RocketLord said:

BOUNCE! (in a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Slipstream, Arctus, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim and other Claremont students)

 

"Wow, I've never been in a limo before. This sure is fancy!" Mattie's eyes are almost literal stars as she looks around the inside of the luxury vehicle. Even with what she's seen since coming to Claremont, spending time with Lynn and her mom and everything, something like this is still enough to give her pause. "This is amazin'!"

 

She couldn’t help but smile at Mattie’s excitement.

“Agreed. This is really something I never would have imagined doing before. It still feels a little surreal.”

Across the interior, Lynn was radiating nervousness, despite her attempts to not appear so. She wasn’t alone in noticing as Mattie tried to ease the other girl’s concerns.

 

9 hours ago, Lone_Star said:

Prime Mover

 

Truth be told, Owen felt much more at ease with his new heroic friends, but he was nervous to meet the major players in the Freedom City superhero scene. It helped that his fellow Claremonters were there with him, and he intended to stay close to them for as long as possible. "Oh yah, I did hear there was some good food at these sorta shindigs. You two have been here before?"

 

“I would imagine so. The world’s mightiest have a reputation after all.”

Sarah joked and glanced over at Harper and gave a small laugh.

“I know what you mean.”

 

8 hours ago, Supercape said:

Spore

 

She was excited, and couldn't stop foot tapping. "Food? I'm to nervous to eat, not matter how good it smells. This doesn't feel real, you know? Like, I imagined something like this when I was a kid pretending to be Velocity or Doctor Metropolis. And now its here... it all feels like its not actually happening. Sheesh. If I pass out, just make sure you wake me up, ok? Its like that old song... how does it go? Don't want to close my eyes, don't want to fall asleep. Blah blah something and I don't want to miss a thing!"

 

“Oh ya, I’ve heard that song. My mother really loves it.”

She nodded.

 

On 11/29/2024 at 6:56 PM, Thevshi said:

Slipstream

 

Taking a deep breath as Freedom Hall came into view, she turned away from the window and towards the others in the back of the limousine, managing a slight smile. "Well, we're here."

 

Sarah suddenly became very nervous as Lynn announced their arrival.

“Well, here goes everything.”

She whispered under her breath.

Edited December 1 by Spacefurry

[Spacefurry]

Blackstaff and Lark (arriving at entrance, approaching Ghost)

 

As well lit as Freedom Hall was lit for the festivities, there are always shadows. From one such shadow near the Hall’s main entrance, two figures stepped out. Dusting off bits of fine ice that were already melting the duo had different reactions to arriving.

 

Christopher dusted bits of ice off the sleeves of his nice trench coat. His shirt was long-sleeved charcoal grey with appropriately green festive trim with a nice green and grey vest. As usual, he forgoed any tie.

“I told you we’d be here on time.”

He said as he checked his watch.

 

Lark dusted ice from the hem of her dress, green with festive plaid. She wore white leggings and matching green flats. Her brown hair was tied back with a matching plaid bow.

“And I told you to close the Emerald City office early so I could get ready without having to rush. But no, you just had to take one more client.”

 

“It was fine.”

Christopher insisted.

 

“She tried to eat you.”

Lark glared at him.

 

“And you stopped her.”

He countered.

 

“And she ruined my dress.”

Lark glared.

 

“And I fixed it.”

Christopher smiled, to which Lark could only sigh.

“Come on, the evening is young.”

He offered his elbow, to which Lark exhaled and took the offered arm.

She couldn’t help but start to grin as they approached the co-hosts.

 

The two approached Ghost.

“Good evening, I am Christopher Daye and this is my partner Lark Williams. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Christopher smiled and nodded to the hosts. 

 

Lark, on the other hand, was nearly bouncing as she was introduced.

“Ohmygod, it is so incredible to actually be here. My mother made me watch that Freedom City Mysteries episode they did about you a while back.”

She grinned at Ghost.

“I mean that’s not to say she had to force me to watch it. But I know that a lot of it was purely speculation on the show’s part, but my mo-”

Lark found herself cut off as Christopher’s hand covered her mouth.

 

“She’s excited to be here too.”

Christopher smiled and Lark suddenly looked very embarrassed as he removed his hand.

 

“Ya, sorry about that.”

She managed and gave the two a little embarrassed curtsy.

Edited December 4 by Spacefurry

[Fox]

Gaian Knight (moving from the entrance to the main lobby)

 

The Gaian Knight had once more traded his dusty overcoat for something fur-trimmed and festive - or, at least, faux-fur-trimmed, for which his best friend had given him no end of grief - and a proper floppy Santa hat, which sat askew on his head as he rubbed his chin at all the arrivals. The limo, fine, cars and portals they'd known were coming and were well prepared for. A giant flying horse....

 

He laced his fingers together and cracked his knuckles, golden light shimmering behind his goggles as part of the lawn flexed apart. Off to the side, of course - away from all the comings and goings, but within line of sight of them - clean white stone grew out of the ground like a thing alive to shape itself into a rounded, grass-floored half-shelter of smooth, sweeping shapes and a storm-grey plaque of a rather majestic steed rampant.

 

Tarrant would have liked to do better with more time, but maybe they should have guests RSVP their mounts and beastly companions next time.... "Well!" he said, clapping his hands together and turning toward those still arriving and milling around the entrance, "We won't stop you all from socializing but if you feel like coming out of the cold and the cameras, there's plenty of everything for everyone inside. Best to get it before the dragon shows up and eats it all!"

[The Sailor]

Torpedo Lass II (With Lawrence and Grimalkin and company.)

 

Mizuki was here prior... but didn't have many connections at the time to the Claremont roster as it stood so she didn't make too many waves. But now Claremont's stand-out aquatic talent was starting to make waves. Her summer internships were a whirlwind which seemed to get a lot of attention in the hero community. But she wasn't here to get an over-inflated head. She wanted to enjoy the holidays with someone. Although it was a bit early.

 

"Hi there. I've not had long conversation with any of the established heroes here..." She said, looking around curiously to see if there was anyone she recognized. "But I am glad I'm here with Lawrence this go-around."

 

She smiled. Straightening out her very nautical ensemble. Looking more naval than schoolgirl, thankfully. She would have wore the one uniform her father gave her a couple years ago, but two years of heroics has caused her body to not be as thin as it was being just the daughter of a Naval Pilot and a Oceanographic Scientist. "Been looking at places for a long-delayed vacation... I've been wanting to find someplace nice, but not tropical. Lots of scenery. Was gonna try last summer buuut... duty called and the internships took the rest of my summer free-time."

 

She sighed. "So Lawrence... tell me how you got to know Grimalkin here as Auntie..." She said with a slight chuckle. Didn't sound mean, more a curiosity.

[Kaede Kimura]

Harlequin (Near front entrance with King Cole III and Velocity)

 

Eòghann smiled and waved to the cameras with all the poise of a prince waving to his adoring people, taking to the action so naturally that one would think he had done it before. He held back a chuckle at his own personal joke, instead focusing his attention on the crowd and his fellow Royal. He could sense her mixture of nervousness and excitement so easily he could almost taste it as they walked, but he would not comment on it. For this moment he would be the perfect Prince Charming.

 

He stayed a single step behind her as she addressed the crowd, silent and regal. It was not lost on him that this party would be a return to a more familiar setting for him in an amusing twist. Surrounded by beings who were one and all powerful, more than capable of spelling his doom if he misstepped. Only instead of a ball amongst the Unseelie Court (With occasional guests from beyond) it was a party amongst some of the mightiest heroes of the Human world.

 

The Goblin Prince in disguise refocused as Velocity (Who he recognized from his excursion to the art gallery with Lynn and Jack) appeared before them. Again he allowed his King to introduce them, as was only proper for the role he was playing. He bowed at the hip upon introduction. "<It is an honour to be here, Lady Velocity. My compliments upon your hallowed hall, this place befits the fine people who made it.>"

Edited December 3 by Kaede Kimura